GARSTANG ARTS CENTRE
EXHIBITIONS
‘In The Frame’ team is a group of volunteers working together to raise funds for St. Catherine’s Hospice.
They will be exhibiting artwork & photography kindly provided by local artists from Tues 30th June to Thurs. 23rd July.
All proceeds from the sale of these stunning pieces of art will go to the hospice to support them in their marvellous work.
CRAFT FAIR – Saturday 18th July, 10am – 3pm at the Arts Centre with all things handcrafted. A beautiful selection of handmade wooden pieces, sewing creations, unique jewellery, stunning textile work, and more. From special gifts to one of a kind pieces for you home, come along and celebrate wonderful local makers!
PAINT GARSTANG 2026
Entry forms and information for the PAINT GARSTANG 2026 plein air competition can now be found on our website www.garstangartssociety.org.uk. Our Judge will be Simon Blackley, winner of the 2022 competition. Closing date for entry is Friday 7th August 2026 when the registration form together with £10 entry fee plus a declaration of your painting location, must be with the organisers. We very much hope you will take part in this popular event.
Sheila Tearle Tel: 01995 603816
Lunchtime Concerts – Thursdays 1.00 – 2.00pm July to September
July 2nd Dunelm Duo
July 9th The Bay Singers
July 16th Kell Wind Trio
July 23rd Drumming George
July 30th Tra La Trio
August 6th Garstang Ululele Group
200 CLUB DRAW
The Autumn Draw of the 200 Club will be in September, at the end of the Arts Festival. Many thanks to all the supporters who have already renewed their numbers. Sadly we have lost a few subscribers to this charitable draw so I still have several numbers available. If you want a chance to be “in it to win it” phone, text, email, whatsapp or call in to the Arts Centre Tuesday Thursday or Saturday £6.50 for a number for this last draw – what an amazing gift it could be for someone’s birthday or maybe just a thank you. As soon as all 200 numbers have been taken the Arts Centre will receive a cheque for £650.
Please contact Carolyn on 07504148568 or ask for details at the Arts Centre.
Garstang Ukulele Group
On reflection May has been a lovely month for us. In past years playing at Bleasdale Tower was a sun-filled pleasure. Not so much this year! The weather might have been soggy but the music was lively and very warmly received by the crowds who weren’t put off by the rain. It remains one of the highlights of our year.
We also took our nostalgic Rock and Roll show on the road to two other venues. Both gigs were very well received with audiences singing and dancing along to some well known favourites. We played at Bowerswood on a scorching day where our playing was rewarded with much appreciated ice-cream.
The gig at Catterall coincided with George Formby’s birthday. Anyone who knows us will already know we have the multi talented Ian in our band, our own GF aficionado, who was delighted to add three George Formby songs to the playlist to the delight of a very appreciative audience.
If you have never met us before why not find out just how well we can add some fun to your celebrations.
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
Ruth McBride
Garstang Poetry Appreciation Group
The July meeting of The Poetry Appreciation Group takes place on Friday the 24th at 2.00 pm at the Garstang Arts Centre.
This month we have a visiting poet, Sid Calderbank, who will be reading Lancashire dialect poetry. There will be no cover charge but donations towards the cost of the afternoon will be much appreciated.
As usual tea, coffee and biscuits will be provided on the day.
Contact Gary Walmsley on 07375657474 if you require further details.
The Book Club
Our last book “A Witch Hunt in Whitby” was generally thought of as really awful and we wouldn’t bother reading any others in the series. Our next book, “Unsettled Ground” by Claire Fuller, seems much more interesting. Twins Jeanie and Julius, at 51 years old, still live with their mother, Dot, in rural isolation, but when Dot dies their livelihood is threatened. They do everything they can to preserve their small sanctuary against the outside world, even as their mother’s secrets start to unravel putting everything they knew about their lives at stake.
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
Our last session will be on 27th July before the summer break. We resume on 14th September. 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 evening 7pm. We welcome any intermediate players with a partner.
Tuesday afternoon 1.30pm. A very friendly group who welcome players with some experience. A partner is not necessary as there is a host. Guidance is also available to those who need it.
Jenny Gower 07910046651
Wednesday Painting Group;
The group meets in the Art Centreevery Wednesday between 1:00pm-4:00pm and costs £5 annually on top of the Arts Centre Subscription. During July, as part of the Summer Art and Musical Festival the group will be painting “en plein air”, in other words outside in the courtyard. This will take place each Wednesday in July – weather permitting – and all are welcome to come and see what we are up to! Contacts: Carolyn 01253 812270/ Sandra 07823 501716
The John Towers Big Band
We had another great night at Winmarleigh Village Hall for our June 19th concert and are looking forward to another excellent night on 17th July when we hold our next concert at this multi award winning venue. As usual there will be the brilliant 16 piece Big Band wtth vocals from Lynn Kennedy and the Concert starts at 8pm. Don’t forget the bar opens at 7pm and hot snacks are available. We rehearse every Friday night (apart from Concert nights) at Garstang Arts Centre and you are welcome to attend. Hope to see you in July at one of these venues.
Contact :- Tony Berry (07850 061659)
Other Groups that meet at the Arts Centre, more details on the website.
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: Tuesdays 7.00 – 9.30pm & Thurs 1:30pm – 3:30pm
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
Garstang Arts Centre 