GARSTANG ARTS CENTRE

Exhibitions
The name David Ansell will be familiar to many of you as he is the cover artist for the Focus magazine.
From a young age, David discovered he had a natural talent for drawing & he attended the Harris School of Art in the 1960’s.
An exhibition of David’s work will open on Tuesday 10th Feb. through to Thurs. 5th March.
Sheila Tearle Tel: 01995 603816

Talking Café: Dates for February are Thursday 5th and 19th at 1:30pm. Come along for a brew.

200 CLUB
Once again the money for the 200 Club numbers for 2026 is coming in by the bucketful. Many thanks to all who have renewed their numbers in good time.
I have sadly received a few responses from previous particpants who for one reason or another will not be renewing this year.
As mentioned in last month’s Green Book I will have several numbers for resale. If you or anyone you know would like to take a number please submit your interest either by email text WhatsApp, or post to our little post box at the Arts Centre, and you will get the choice of the numbers being 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 (usually 10 prizes if all the numbers are sold) are awarded at each draw, all guaranteeing to be at least double what you will be paying for the whole year.    
All the profits after paying the prize money goes directly to the Arts Centre
As the Spring Draw will be on 11th April please ensure if you are a renewing subscriber that I receive your renewal before the end of February.
If you do not know about the 200 Club fund raiser but would like to find out about it please text phone or whatsapp and I will send you all the details. Please note you do not have to be a member of the Arts Centre to participate.
I wish you all a happy and prosperous 2026 – and maybe you will be one of the 20 lucky prizewinners during 2026.
Carolyn Worthington worthington70@outlook.com 07504148568

Garstang Ukulele Group
As 2026 bursts into life our ukulele group begins the year revitalised and ready to take on all the challenges a new year presents. At the moment we are creating a dynamic new show to take on the road. New songs, old favourites, toe-tapping melodies and foot-stomping crowd pleasers feature prominently in our new playlist. Already January looks to be a busy month and we cannot wait to be back performing and bringing fun and music to all our audiences.
Last year we played 40 gigs in and around the area, raising money for local charities, revisiting old friends and making many new memories. We are grateful for the support and friendship we have received and hope to continue this throughout 2026.
To those of you we played for last year, thank you for your continued support. Our resolution this year is again to support our Art Centre, bring fun and enjoyment to you all and raise more money for charity.
As ever, you can contact any member of our group, message us on our Facebook page, email Trevor Philips at mail@trevorphillips.co.uk or call 01995600378 and if you have never met us before why not find out just how well we can add some fun to your celebrations?
Ruth McBride

Garstang Poetry Appreciation Group
The Poetry Appreciation Group’s February meeting will be held on Friday 27th at 2.00 pm in The Garstang Arts Centre. The theme this month will be ‘Poems About Baking: Cake, Bread, Puddings etc’. The meeting will be led by Pat Pugh.
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

The Book Club
Our next meeting is on Tuesday 3rd February.
2026 is the National Year of Reading, so now is a good time to start if you’re not already enjoying one of the best pastimes.
Our last book “The Hundred Year Old Man”etc. was generally enjoyed by the club but felt wasn’t worth reading his next book, too much the same.
Our next book is totally different “Disgrace” by JM Coetzee. This is a multi layered story set in South Africa. David, 52, is a tutor at the university and has an affair with one of his students but the story is as much to do with the politics of the country as the affair.
Contact: Linda 07795 064266 or Sandra 07823 501716

Ukulele Soup
Meet the band #5 – Bob (seeking asylum) Sapey. Born somewhere east of the Urals, Sapeovski was one of the first people to make it to this country in a small boat, when he was given a ride in a kayak by the getaway driver from the ‘Great Zimmer Frame Robbery’.
Playing bass in the band, his style was once described as ‘fusing addlement with sheer incompetence … his unique style is often mistaken for free form jazz, or some sort of white noise’.
Together, Ukulele Soup create a musical recipe laced with comedy; perfect to warm your heart, please your ear and make you smile.
Influenced by jazz, soft rock and blues classics, and frequently described as “bringing joy”.
Suitable for all your community and private events.
For bookings contact Anne Kelsall annekelsall@hotmail.com 07790 013679

Garstang Musical Productions is delighted to announce the start of its 40th anniversary celebrations with a special Anniversary Concert on Thursday 12th March at Garstang Arts Centre and Saturday 14th March 2026 at The Wyrebank, Garstang.
Now in rehearsal, the group is preparing a unique evening of musical entertainment that will bring together performers past and present to celebrate four decades of local musical theatre. The concert will feature a wide-ranging selection of songs chosen by both current and former members of the company, as well as by members of the audience.
With a set list spanning 40 years of Garstang Musical Productions’ history, the programme promises something for everyone, from much-loved show tunes to memorable numbers from productions that have helped shape the group since it was founded in 1986.
Tickets will be available shortly via the Garstang Musical Productions Facebook page, and from the group’s pop-up box office on Thursday evenings at Garstang Arts Centre.
For further information, please contact a member of the GMP Committee via Facebook or call 07803 786895.

Bridge : Mondays at 7pm. We welcome experienced players preferably with a partner.
Bridge : Tuesdays at 1.30pm. This is a very friendly group who welcome players with some experience. Help is at hand to improve play. You do not need to come with a partner as there is a host. For further information contact Jenny Gower 07910046651

Garstang Beginners Jewellery Workshops
Everyone Welcome. Contact for prices
With local Jewellery Designer and tutor
Every Wednesday evenings 7-9pm and
a Saturday afternoon 1.30-4pm
Dates:-
•Wed 4th February 7pm Felt Brooch
•Wed 11th February 7pm Silver Pendant
•Wed 18th February 7pm Wire Jewellery Making
•Wed 25th Feb 7pm Beading Jewellery making
•Sat 21st Feb 1.30pm Resin Jewellery Making
Book on to secure your place or pay on the side door
07791146675 Email lizjewellery@aol.com
Free refreshments and Wine

Love painting Lancashire Garstang
Beginners Art Workshops
Everyone Welcome• Contact for prices
With a local Artist and Tutor
•Friday 13th February 7pm
Beginners Workshop
With Floral and Seasonal Themes,
Everything is included
More info and Book on please 📞01995 606470
or pay on the side door .
Email lovepaintinglancashire@gmail.com
Free refreshments and Wine

Garstang Art Club meet on Friday evenings
New Members are welcome
Friday 6th Feb 7pm Paint and Social evening
Friday 20th Feb 7pm members and visitors welcome to professional artist Christine’s
mixed media workshop
We welcome all levels of art.
Your most welcome to borrow our art materials or bring your own
Cafe serving Fresh beans coffees and hot chocolates £3, Pot of Tea and cakes Free
Contact garstangartclub@gmail.com or
📞01995606470

Wednesday Painting Group.
We meet every Wednesday, 1pm to 4pm, all new members very welcome. After joining the Art centre it is only £5 for the year to join us.
Our first workshop is with Graham Lowe painting in acrylics on 4th February, then on 11th March a demonstration by Liam Dickinson, a finalist on Sky Arts. These are open to non members at a cost of £5. Many congratulations to our members, Clive and John, who won 2nd and 3rd place in the Open Competition.
For more information contact Carolyn 01253 812270 or Sandra 07823 501716

The John Towers Big Band will be back at Winmarleigh Village Hall on Friday 20th February. I hope we can play to another full house like we did at our December Christmas concert which was enjoyed by all who attended. Don’t forget there is a bar with hot food being available and the concert which is free to enter starts at 8pm.
We still rehearse every Friday (apart from concert days) at Garstang Arts Centre starting at 8pm and you are very welcome to attend.We hope to see you at one of these venues
Contact:- Tony Berry (07850 061659

Garstang Wine Circle – Monday 16th February @ 7.30pm. We have a welcome return visit from Chapel Street Wines of Lancaster. Visitors welcome. Anne Marie Whitehead 01995 603311
Tai Chi – Dates for February
Fridays 6th, 13th & 20th 1pm – 1:50pm and 2pm – 2:50pm
Taught by amateur practitioner Qimei Li, classes are aimed at beginners so everyone is welcome to come along and improve circulation, flexibility and de-stress. There’s a £3 teachers fee per session.

Songbirds
We sing for pleasure (no auditions), meet new friends in a relaxing environment, you will be made very welcome. We meet on Mondays 1.30 – 3.15pm
Avril Bevan

Other Groups that meet at the Arts Centre, more details on the website.
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 + 2nd & 4th Mondays 7-9pm
Paint & Chatter: Fri 10.00am – 12noon
The 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