Happy New Year from everyone at the Garstang Arts Centre!

As always, we have a range of groups ready to go this January so come along to the cafe on Tuesdays and Thursday 10 – 4pm for some more information to see what we’ve got in store. From arts to performance, dancing or photography, pick up a new hobby and learn a new skill to kick off 2025!

EXHIBITIONS
Well known local wildlife photographer Andy Stewart will be showcasing his stunning studies of Brown Hares in his solo exhibition commencing Tuesday 7th January.  Andy spends hours observing their behaviour and photographing them in the local area and his exhibition is a collection of photographs taken over the last 12 months.
The exhibition closes on Thursday 6th February.

OPEN COMPETITION/EXHIBITION
Also commencing on the 7th January the popular annual Open Competition and Exhibition attracts artists from near and far.  This year the entries will be judged by well known artist Margaret Rodwell who will present the five winners with their prizes on Saturday 11th January at 11-00 am in the Arts Centre.  An opportunity to purchase an original work of art
at a reasonable price.  The exhibition will close on Thursday 6th February.

FORTHCOMING EXHIBITION
We are delighted to welcome professional artist Liam Dickinson to the Arts Centre for an exhibition commencing 11th February.  Liam appeared on the Sky Arts programme Portrait Artist of the Year 2017.  An exhibition not to be missed
Sheila Tearle
Tel 01995 603816

Come along to the Garstang Chess Group on a Thursday afternoon 1:30 – 3:30pm, all welcome from complete beginners to grandmasters. Both friendly and competitive chess available.

Our Tai Chi classes are continuing in 2025, the first begin held Friday 10th 12:15 – 1pm. Try these relaxing, beginner friendly classes this month on Fridays the 10th, 17th and 31st.

This month’s Talking Table dates are Thursday 9th and 23rd,  1:30 – 3:30pm. Come for a brew and a blether with this friendly bunch.

200 CLUB
HAPPY NEW YEAR  – I now have “the 200 Club list” open and ready for 2025.
The first 10 new names I receive by email text WhatsApp or by post to our little post box in the kitchen with get the current 10 numbers made available by non-renewing subscribers.
The cost – £13.00  will cover both the draws, in Spring and Autumn
The prizes – a minimum of  8 money prizes awarded at each draw, all guaranteeing to be at least double what you will be paying for the whole year.
If you usually pay by standing order – thank you.    If you usually pay by BACS that’s great – please put it through for any time in January.  If you usually renew by cash  or cheque – now is your moment.  In an envelope with your name and pop it into the post box in the kitchen marked for my attention. If you would prefer to pay by BACS and haven’t got the bank details please email or text me and I will send the details. 
As the Spring Draw will be around mid-April please ensure if you are a renewing subscriber that I receive your renewal before the end of February.
Thank you all for your support in 2024.  It was a sell out on both draws which meant the Arts Centre received a full 50% of the Sales income plus any additional donations.
Carolyn Worthington
worthington70@outlook.com
07504148568

Garstang Wine Circle – Monday 20th January at 7.30pm. Jennifer McNamee will be presenting a tasting of fine wines made by Women. Ring Anne Marie Whitehead, 01995 603311 for more information.

Garstang Poetry Appreciation Group
The Poetry Appreciation Group’s January meeting will be held on Friday 24th at 2.00 pm in The Garstang Arts Centre. The theme this month will be ‘ Poets With Surnames beginning G, H,I’. The meeting will be led by Gary Walmsley.
Non-members are always welcome. You can bring a poem or two to share with the group or just come along and listen to members reciting a selection of poetry around the theme of the month.
There is a cover charge of £1, refreshments are provided at the end of each meeting.
If you require further information contact Gary Walmsley 01772 785693

Garstang Ukulele Group
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas ….well it certainly is if you are a member of our ukulele group. Decked out in our Christmas best we played to an enthusiastic audience in the Art Centre during Garstang’s wonderful Victorian Christmas Festival.
One of the real high spots of the two evenings was seeing the effort so many people made to embrace the Victorian elements of the festival. Those dressed in authentic costumes added a wonderful sense of Garstang’s own historical past yet fitted smoothly alongside all the modern elements of present day Garstang.
Many thanks to the huge effort made by the organisers of this event that provided yet another opportunity for the whole of Garstang to come together and celebrate. We were very proud to play our own small part in the Victorian Christmas Festival.
Our seasonal celebration continued at Catterall Care Home who thoroughly enjoyed our unique blend of favourite Christmas songs and carols.
We hope that you all enjoy a very Merry Christmas and thank you again for the warm and wonderful support you continue to give us.
We look forward to seeing and playing for you in 2025. As ever you can contact us by email at mail@trevorphillips.co.uk or call 01995600378 .
Ruth McBride

Ukulele Soup is a 6 piece group consisting of Andy on concert ukulele, banjolele, basket kazoo, vocals and comedy; Anne on concert ukulele, shaker and vocals; Clare on concert ukulele, shaker and vocals; Peter on tenor and baritone ukuleles and vocals; Paul on baritone ukulele and vocals; Bob on u-bass, The group made their debut in 2021 and have been entertaining a variety of social groups since then.
The members of Ukulele Soup all started out in traditional ukulele groups, but have sought to develop a more orchestrated style that brings out the excellence of individual voices and particular instrumental skills. They play a mix of blues, country, rock and jazz, making an ideal accompaniment to your events. 
They describe themselves as, a blend of music to warm your evening, with a roll on the side…
If you would like to book Ukulele Soup for 2025, contact Bob Sapey on 07985 713961 or by email at bobsapey@gmail.com
Happy New Year from all at Ukulele Soup.

The Book Club
Again the club was in total agreement, this time we all thought the book was terrible! But we all enjoyed mulled wine and mince pies and good conversation.  Our next choice is “The Music Shop” by Rachel Joyce. It’s 1988 and Frank owns a music shop, selling vinyl records of every genre to his customers. Then in walks Ilse, who he is strangely drawn to, but wounds are opened up from a past he will never leave behind.
Our next meeting is on Tuesday January 7th at 10.30am
Contact:  Linda 07795 064266 or Sandra 07823 501716

Jewellery Classes in Garstang 
Wishing you a Happy New Year, try a new Hobby 
Over January from 8th we are running Beginners courses and Classes every Wednesday Evenings 7-9pm, do just pop along and see what we are about.
If you have beads to restring bring them with you if you don’t that’s fine we have plenty. 
2 part Beginners Silver Course Saturday 25th January and Saturday 15th February Ring for more info and to book on 07791146675
Run by Lizzy a Designer and a qualified Teacher 

Love Painting Lancashire of Garstang 
Wishing you a happy New Year, Pick up a brush and paint 
Over January we are running a series of Beginners and all levels classes and courses pop in on Friday 17th at 7pm we be starting our new season of Winter flowers and local Scenes. Prices start from £13 everything included, refreshments £1 with Free cake or biscuits 
Run by a local Artist of 18 years and qualified Teacher 
contact garstangartclub@gmail.com or ring 07857329805

Garstang Art Club
New Start, New Year try something new and meet new Art Friends on a Friday evening 7pm -9pm
We meet 2nd, 4th and 5th of the month 
Our first day back is Friday January 24th 7pm
Welcomes all new starters you don’t have to be an Artist or amateur just have an interest in Art. 
Take part in Art activities as a group and individually if your new we can show you how as a club. 
Take part in professional Artists workshops and demonstrations at membership reduced prices 
contact garstangartclub@gmail.com or ring 07857329805

Garstang Painting Group 
Wish you a Happy New Year and join us on Wednesday 8th Jan 1-4pm, we are looking for new members.
Members are looking forward to painting new pictures for their exhibitions. Visitors are welcome to join us on Saturday 18th January 1-5pm to take part in a Lino Workshop with Award Winning local Artist Priscilla Edward’s Members £17 and Visitors £25 contact Liz to book on a few places left, Liz 01995 606470 
All other enquires Liz 01995606470 / Carolyn 01253 812270

The John Towers Big Band
Another year has gone by which means that the John Towers Big Band has now been in existence for about 36 years…an amazing feat.
We had a great Christmas party night at Winmarleigh Village Hall with plenty of good swinging seasonal music. Once again we were pleased to have Lynn Kennedy providing some excellent vocals.
I’m pleased to say that Hilary at Winmarleigh Village Hall wants to continue with our monthly concerts so we will be kicking off the New Year on Friday 17th January at 8pm 
This really is a top class venue.  The bar opens at 7pm and hot food is available.
In addition to our concerts which, take place on the third Friday of the month, we rehearse every Friday night between 8pm & 10pm at Garstang Arts Centre and visitors are welcome.
On behalf of everybody at JTBB we hope you all have a happy and healthy 2025.
Enquiries to Tony Berry (08750 061659)

Monday Bridge
The New Year evening session starts on the 6th of January at 7pm. New playing members are welcome preferably with a partner but this is not essential.
Tuesday Bridge 
We had a great Christmas Buffet organised by Mary followed by afternoon Bridge. It was an enjoyable afternoon, thank you Mary. Our afternoon session in the New Year starts on the 7th January at 1.30pm. As there is a host of new members, you do not need to bring a partner.
Jenny Gower 07910046651

Songbirds
Wishing you all a very happy, healthy and peaceful 2025.
Songbirds will resume their weekly singing for pleasure on Monday 13 th of January. Ladies if you would like to venture into a new experience in 2025 go along to the Art Centre on Mondays at 1.30 to 3.30. You will be in good company meeting new friends and just enjoying a good sing. No auditions a relaxing atmosphere and a cuppa to give the opportunity to chat. You will be guaranteed a warm welcome so we look forward to seeing you, the group has been successful for 14 years now filling a niche for the love of singing. 

Other Groups that meet at the Arts Centre, more details on the website.
Songbirds: Singing for pleasure Monday afternoons 1.30 – 3.30pm
Creative Card Making: Fourth Mon, 10.00am -12noon
Watercolour Workshop: Monday mornings
Sounds Right: First & third Mon in the month, mornings
Scrabble Group: Tues 1.30pm – 4.00pm
Folk Dancers: Tues 7.30 to 9.30pm (September to May)
Woolcraft Group: Tues 7.00 – 9.00pm & Friday 1.30 – 3.30pm
Needlework Group: Wed 10.00am – 12 noon
Garstang Chess Club: Thurs 1:30pm – 3:30pm.
Paint & Chatter: Fri 10.00am -12noon

The Gallery Cafe is open Tuesdays and Thursday 10-4pm, Saturdays 10-12:30pm for a brew and a chat.

Curator : Vanessa Bracewell  Assistant Curator : Madeline McLean
Arts Centre Tel No: 01995 606648

w: http://www.garstangartssociety.org.uk
facebook: artcentre.garstang
twitter: ArtsGarstang
Judy Osborne (01995) 600996