Three new members, a great turnout and many wonderful pieces of art shown by our members – a great meeting!
We met at our new, creative start time of 7:43pm (mainly to give John time to have his supper) at the White Hart on 17 November 2009.
0. Any other business
- Introductions were done around the table as there were a few new members
- Jude queried if speakers should be arranged for some of our meetings – there was general agreement that this was a good idea. Even better, a plan was agreed:
- In January 2010, Jude will make a presentation
- In February 2010, John will discuss typography (deferred until May)
- In March 2010, Graham will discuss mosaics (deferred until April)
- Graham says that some creative ideas will be needed by the Meadow committee for the ‘launch’ of their recent funding, probably sometime in July
- Andrew mentioned that Whitchurch Arts banks with HSBC, and that they have indicated that they are shutting their Whitchurch Branch. Andrew said he is a member of the Save Whitchurch Bank campaign – its completely non-political and is endorsed by the Town Council. The mayor, councillor Bradbury, is the chair of the committee. Andrew said there is a petition (online and on paper) calling on HSBC to consult with the town at the 10th December public meeting at Testbourne Community Hall. Volunteers are needed to help.
- Graham suggested that a future meeting should be conducted while wearing yellow high-visibility jackets and hard-hats. John stated that he has some he could lend people.
- Andrew was complimented on his new moustache, which he is growing in support of Movember, a charity which is raising awareness of men’s health issues, and is collecting money to help research into preventing Prostate Cancer. You can donate here.
- There is (was) an art show at the Parish Hall this weekend, run by the new Hampshire Arts (a local, professionals-only group) – some of our members will be showing their works there; please support them! A Jazz Concert is on Sunday 22nd.
- Whitchurch Arts recognises the creativity (and hard work!) by the Festival Committee that went into transforming the Parish Hall for last weekend’s ‘We Shall Remember You’ show for the town’s over-60s. It was well attended and well liked.
- Graham is negotiating the insurance cover for the winning Bollards project being managed by our member, John Buckley
1. Art
- Several members shared their latest creative works with the gathering: Chris, Emma and Sally. Andrew took photos of some, and Kevin has updated the members pages with them; If you want your art shown on your free member’s page, then contact us.
- Sally mentioned that a group called CIBAS (Creative Industry Business Advice Service) could be approached regarding their workshops on how to sell art commercially.
2. Membership and Finances
- Three new members joined us today. Welcome Emma, Steve M, and Annette. Don’t forget to contact us with your bios, if you want, so we can set up a free artist page for you!
- Eric reported that we have a healthy bank balance, including funds still to spend to support our Off The Walls project
- Members were encouraged to pay Eric their renewal fees
- Motion (Andrew, 2nd Graham): £200 shall be spent on promotional materials for the Off The Walls project. Agreed unanimously.
3. Special Recognition Awards
- Creative design and text required for these
- Should move sooner than later for first one
- Need to consider if Town Council would endorse them (update: email sent by Andrew to Town Council on 23rd Nov soliciting their thoughts)
4. Events
- Our Pumpkin and Guy competition was a great success! Thank you to all the members who contributed their time to this. And a hats-off to Julie of the White Hart for choosing all the prizes. The awards were presented at the fireworks and bonfire event run by the Whitchurch Festival on the Millennium Meadow. A great team effort.
- Several members said that next year’s pumpkin competition should include creative cooking — doing something tasty with the scooped-out parts of the pumpkins.
- Perhaps there could be a Whitchurch Harvest Festival in the offing?
- Our Family Christmas Windows Decoration Competition is about to get underway – details will be in the December Parish Magazine. Volunteers to judge the windows are required!
5. Off the Walls
- Motion (Jude, 2nd Steve M): OTW shall be moved up in the agenda so that it is discussed earlier in the evening. Agreed unanimously.
- The OTW website development is progressing well.
- Meetings about design and technical fixes are planned in the coming week.
- Graham asked if some costing could be made so he can apply for further grants to support OTW
- Visits to local venues continues, including Doctor’s Surgery. The soon-to-be-reopened Watership Down pub shall also be visited to guage their interest.
Tags: Christmas, Hallowe'en, Parish Hall, Scribbles, White Hart