A very warm welcome to Councillor Alan Pearson, our new elected Chairman

Councillor Pearson is a retired vet with a high profile in the town as a councillor, former Mayor and leader of the Garstang in Bloom group.
He is also current chair of the Greater Garstang Partnership Board which is channelling government money into the town and district.
Outgoing chairman Mrs Muriel Burnham-Airey, who has led the Arts Centre since before the Covid epidemic, outlined the recent challenges faced by the centre and also listed various improvements.
Coun Pearson congratulated Mrs Burnham-Airey and her team for dealing with various issues in recent years.

The new Chairman said he had become associated with the Arts Centre via “Talking Tables” sessions held at the building regularly to encourage social interaction among townsfolk.
He added he was impressed with the work of Curator Vanessa Bracewell and her assistant Madeline McLean and grateful to the various local groups which use the centre for meetings.
Reports detailing the activities of many of the groups which meet at the Arts Centre were given by various officials of the societies.
Reports were also given by centre officials including treasurer/membership officer Jean Mavin, exhibition organiser Sheila Tearle, secretary Anne-Marie Whitehead and 200 Club organiser Carolyn Worthington.

The possibility of creating a ‘town information centre’ at Garstang Arts Centre is to be discussed by officials.
The idea has been floated by new chairman Councillor Alan Pearson in an effort to boost footfall at the historic building, so it is better used by locals and visitors.
The idea, in its very early stages, received appreciative nods when he broached the proposal at the Arts Centre annual meeting on the 12st April.
Although it is not yet known how an info centre would operate, Councillor Pearson said it would make the Arts Centre building a focal point for information about the town as well as the groups based at the arts centre.
He added there was potential for funding from high street regeneration money / UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Image: Outgoing chairman Muriel Burnham-Airey is presented with flowers by secretary Anne-Marie Whitehead, while incoming chairman Alan Pearson looks on.

* Report and photo: Garstang Freelance News Agency (NUJ)