Exhibitions
Some of you will remember Dorothy Bicknell, a founding member of Garstang Arts Centre and a widely respected painter and calligrapher.
Now her son & daughter, twins Bic & Sue are holding an exhibition of their work commencing Tues 5th May through to Thurs. 28th May. Both Bic & Sue studied at Blackpool School of Art before going on to gain degrees in Graphic Design at Newcastle & Kingston universities respectively.
While their work is diverse & eclectic, both share a deep love of animals from cherished pets to wild creatures of all kinds – a passion that shines through in several of their artworks. Pop in to the Arts Centre on Sunday 3rd May between 2 and 4 pm for a preview of the exhibition.
Sheila Tearle Tel: 01995 603816

ANNUAL INTERGROUP QUIZ
The evening of the Intergroup Quiz competing for the recently refurbished Charles Flatt Trophy on 11th April was a great success. There were 14 tables, each with teams of up to 6. Poetry Group as the winners of last year’s Quiz set an interesting and taxing set of questions.
The “Hangers On” from Hanging Team and “Knit Wits” from the Wool Craft group led for most of the way with the Knit Wits eventually being the winners of the trophy, and Hangers On being 2nd by only 4 points. The “Bandoliers” from the John Towers Big Band and the “Connoisseurs” from the Wine Group were very close behind, tying for equal 3rd place.
Thank you to all the groups that entered teams and thank you to the Poetry Group for a very enjoyable evening.

200 CLUB DRAW
The 200 Club winning numbers were drawn during the interval at the InterGroup Quiz
The top prize went to the holder of number 38 with the rest of the 10 prizes going to numbers 139, 4, 110, 77, 130,7, 11, 52, and 184, and a cheque for £650 was handed to the Treasurer of the Arts Centre.
Many thanks to all the supporters of the 200 Club and congratulations to all the winners.
If you want a chance to enter the next draw in September there are now 7 numbers available @ £6.50. Please contact Carolyn on 07504148568 or ask for details at the Arts Centre.

Garstang Ukulele Group
The Birth of Our Band
It started in Garstang one Sunday at two,
A small group of musicians gathered anew.
They came together for reasons a plenty
To find that the Art Centre then was quite empty.
“How can we get what we need?” They enquired.
“We need some more people, maybe mostly retired.”
These are the folks with time on their hands,
With latent potential, to build something grand.
People who like challenges and learning things new,
Ably assisted by ex-professionals too.
And so they set off, this disparate gang
To create a uke group who played and sang.
The short of it is that they did indeed
Gather a group, who hoped to succeed
In playing for fun and playing for charity.
All would be welcome, all equal, all parity.
After challenges a plenty our group is all bound
To raise smiles, some money and make a fine sound.
If you meet us you’ll know us, we call ourselves GUG
We love ukuleles! How’s that for a plug?

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 May meeting will be held on Friday 22nd at 2.00 pm in The Garstang Arts Centre. The theme this month will be ‘My Favourite Poems’ 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

The Book Club
Our next meeting is on 5th May. The book we discussed at our last meeting was The Colony, and I think everyone agreed it was very thought provoking and made for a really good discussion. Our next book is “The Offing” by Benjamin Myers. This is set one summer after the Second World War, a sixteen year old boy leaves his home in a Durham mining village and reaches Robin Hoods Bay where he meets an eccentric older woman, Dulcie, she introduces him to rich food, sea swimming and poetry. They form an unlikely friendship that profoundly alters their lives.
Our membership is full at the moment and we have a waiting list.
Contact: Linda 07795 064266 or Sandra 07823 501716

Ukulele Soup
Influenced by jazz, soft rock and blues, and frequently described as “bringing joy”, Ukulele Soup are a musical treat laced with comedy – perfect to warm your heart, please your ear and make you smile.
Suitable for all your community and private events.
For bookings contact Anne Kelsall annekelsall@hotmail.com 07790 013679

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

Bridge: Monday 7pm
All experienced players welcome preferably with a partner.
Bridge: Tuesday 1.30pm
A very friendly group who welcome players with some experience. A partner is not necessary as there is a host. Also guidance is available to those who need it.
Contact Jenny Gower on 07910046651 for further details.

The John Towers Big Band
An enthusiastic audience enjoyed a night at the movies at our April concert at the excellent Winmarleigh Village Hall.
Every number we played had been featured in a movie with such contrasting tunes as “Blue Skies” from the1927 Movie “The Jazz Singer” through to the theme from Paddington (the bear not the station).
We are back at this award winning venue again on May 15th playing a range of swinging Big Band music starting at 8pm. The bar opens at 7pm and hot food is available.
We rehearse every Friday (apart from Concert nights) at Garstang Arts Centre and you are welcome to come along and listen and again it’s an 8pm start.
We hope to see you at one of these venues.
Contact:- Tony Berry (07850 061659)

Garstang Wine Circle – Monday 18th May at 7.30pm. Garstang Wine Circle will be welcoming Jonathan Cocker from Martinez Wines of Ilkley. Jonathan will be presenting a Fizz to start and a sticky, dessert wine to finish with an interesting selection from his extensive collection in between. Visitors welcome.
Anne Marie Whitehead (01995 603311)

Tai Chi – Dates for May
Fridays 1st, 8th & 15th 1pm – 1:50pm and 2pm – 2:50pm
There is a £3 teachers fee per session.

Other Groups that meet at the Arts Centre, more details on the website.
Watercolour Workshop: Monday mornings
Sounds Right: First & third Mon in the month, mornings
Scrabble Group: Tues 1.30pm – 4.00pm
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 of each month 7-9.30pm
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
w: http://www.garstangartssociety.org.uk
facebook: artcentre.garstang

Judy Osborne (07581 078888)