Art group gets Tate exhibition

PENSIONERS in a Valley community art group will exhibit their work at the Tate Liverpool.

Darren Horsnell, the arts and crafts coordinator at Veterans in Communities (VIC), a group for former service men and women, won funding to allow him to work with local people and groups.

He has been working with members of the community at the art club at the VIC Centre and with residents of the sheltered housing and retirement home at Anchor Homes Jubilee Court, both in Haslingden.

Now their work will form part of a major VIC exhibition which will be shown locally and then head to the Tate Liverpool gallery next year.

Jubilee Court resident Janet Leigh, 87, is living with dementia.

She said: “I don’t remember doing any art before, but I like being able to do things and I like what I have done.”

Barbara Holden, 77, had never picked up a paintbrush before she joined Darren’s class, but now has a portfolio of pictures and also attends a second class at Oswaldtwistle Mills.

She said: “I used to do hand made cards, cross stitch and make jewellery and I have arthritis so painting helps to keep my fingers moving. To see my pictures when they have been mounted and framed makes them look so good.”

Darren said: “Anyone from the wider community is welcome to come and join us and they will get free art materials and free advice.”

Sheltered housing officer Debbie Colligan said: “We realise the big difference this makes, not just for our residents, but also people in the community who can come in and enjoy free art classes.”

To join the art classes, contact VIC on 01706 833180. ●● Nora Yeomans, 79, with Veterans in Communities arts and crafts coordinator Darren Horsnell