As in previous years, Group’s 2026 AGM was well attended, so thank you to all who were able to come along and hear a variety of reports (short!) and news etc. plus the Annual Exhibition poster competition voting took place.

Members favourite was by Janet Blackwell, who was presented with the perpetual trophy plus a prize. Helen Daniel was runner up also presented with a prize. Congratulations to you both and thank you all who entered the competition.

AGM 2026 was my last as Group Chairman. After joining FAG in 2012 in 2013 was asked to be Publicity Secretary. In the same year Marian Lishman set up website and I introduced and produced Welcome Pack. Thank you Liz for your help in keeping pack up to date

Since joining the Committee I have held a variety of roles, often more than one at a time with one being Gallery Manager. Ah yes, memories of crawling into small window to reach a painting, especially when I donned a fracture boot and couldn’t lean on my right arm!

During Covid the additional newsletters went in some way to keep members connected, plus during this time keeping Bent Hill Gallery functioning in some way was a challenge. With the landlord deciding to sell the property closure of the Gallery in March 2023 was a sad day indeed.

Although I have stood down as Chairman and Annual Exhibition admin assistant, I will continue to write Group’s newsletters and, along with Liz D’arville, continue as Social Secretary and help generally to maintain the success of the Group.

This AGM also saw Carole Massey concluding her three year term as Group President. Carole was presented with a gift in thanks for her support of the Group and for taking up my suggestion of Group President’s Challenge. She was very pleased with the variety of works and how entries grew over time. Carole welcomed the incoming Group President Teresa Seals, who will continue with the challenge. Many thanks Teresa – we look forward to topics you choose to challenge members creativity!

The evening also saw Liz D’arville standing down as Annual Exhibition Secretary and was presented with a gift in thanks for her 10 years in this role. Jim was also presented with a gift in thanks for his years as Vice Chairman. Liz and myself hope the Chairman’s information file we had been busily working on will be of some help to him in his new role!

And finally on behalf of Committee and members Liz presented me with a gift of 4 RSPB wildlife books for my years as Chairman and Annual Exhibition Assistant. My thanks to everyone, it has been a privilage to work with Committee and who give their time and effort on behalf of members to ensure the success of the Group and to members who also help in anyway on behalf of the Group. May Group continue to thrive over many more years.

Committee roles are –

• Chairman – Jim Lait Vice Chairman – vacancy Hon.
• Treasurer – David Tennant
• Group secretary – Gillian Lait Hon. assistant secretary – Steve Smart
• Membership secretary – Agnes Ashton
• Acting Exhibition manager – Jim Lait
• Acting Exhibition administrator – Gillian Lait
• Acting Exhibition assistant – Linda Haggar *
• Publicity secretary – Janet Woodard
• Programme Secretary – Anthony Osler
• Tuesday evening technician – Graham Ellis
• Tuesday evening general assistant – Janet Woodard
• General assistances – Helen Daniel and Tracy Laudat
• Social secretaries – Yvonne Smart and Liz D’arville
• Newsletter – Yvonne Smart

*Our thanks to Linda Haggar who will be working with Gillian with view to stepping into role of Annual Exhibition Administrator. Belinda Newman will, this year, also be contributing toward assisting Gillian.

As you will see from Committee list the role of Vice Chairman remains vacant. The purpose of this role is acting as sounding board for Chairman, sharing occasional tasks with Chairman if required and deputise in times of Chairman’s absence. If required to chair a committee general key qualities are – Ensure Committee functions properly with full participation by all committee members during meeting, all relevant matters are discussed democratically and effective decisions made and carried. out.  Above all, stay on track!

Annual Exhibition at Trinity Methodist Church Hall, Orwell Road, 5th-8th August (set up Tuesday 4th August)

Reminder of deadline for sending details of entries to Exhibition Administrator is 30th June. When sending in entries please ensure you indicate stewarding slot. We will do our best to accommodate your preferred role/slot.

Please note – As explained last year, for a number of years stewarding over 5 days has presented problems so as many of you will already know, 2025 exhibition was over 4 days. Even so, despite this change we still found we had to ask members if they could do extra sittings to fill gaps. So please, as Liz D’arville said in her outgoing Exhibition Secretary presentation at AGM, even if not exhibiting your support is sought in stewarding this important event in Group’s calendar with sales contributing to keeping membership down as far as possible.

On subject of exhibiting ….

Mavis Cuthbert thanks all who supported her recent exhibition at 142 Gallery of her late husband, Ken Cuthbert, artwork, of which 8 work sold. And thank you Mavis for an enjoyable interesting afternoon stewarding with you.

I hope many members were also able to view Nigel Shaw’s work which followed Mavis’s week at 142 Gallery.

Broadway House Tuesday evening meetings 7.30-9.30pm Members £1 Visitors £2 (includes refreshments)

The new programme commenced 12th May with Ed Cooper demonstrating ‘Landscape in oils.’ He gave excellent ideas that helped members who work in oils as well as acrylics – new techniques with colour, tone and restricted palette. Plenty of questions from members which Ed answered with ease! The evening was certainly a success for all who attended.

The next meeting is ………

Tuesday, 26th May: James Power – demonstration in oils ‘How to paint horses. Evening includes ‘have a go’ . Please bring sketch pad and drawing materials suitable to work from lap rather than from easel or table.

Tuesday, 9th June – Members only: Work evening – Make progress in your current artwork. Although untutored an opportunity to share ideas.

Tuesday, 23rd June: Teresa Seals – Popular tutor and demonstrator will be presenting a demonstration in pastels.

Please note – date for March 2027 should read 9th March not 19th.

Social painting afternoons at Memorial Hall, Trimley St Martin, 1.30-4.00 pm

Sessions continue to be well supported by members, not only to work with like minded people but also catch up on news over a cuppa and biscuit (and sometimes cake!). Although not able to spend time at this pleasant afternoon, when possible I do enjoy a half hour or so catching up with friends in such a friendly relaxing atmosphere. We all need such moments in our lives that is for sure!

On 1st May was one such time and to my complete surprise, I was presented with flowers beautifully arranged in a basket by Sheila Wilson. My sincere thanks to all for such a lovely gift. I was very much touched not only for the flowers but also Helen’s kind words and words in card.

With stress growing for Helen in particular due to issues at previous venue I was thankful I was in a position to support and change things. The new venue has certainly been welcomed. My thanks to Helen, Gillian, Jim, Chris in setting up sessions each week and others who pitch in when required.

With best wishes to all

Yvonne

(Newsletter secretary)

Did you know on May 6th 1851 the Yale cylinder lock was patented?!!