Exhibitions
We are delighted to welcome Ken Dagger back to the Arts Centre for an exhibition of his paintings from Tues.25th Aug to Thurs. 17th Sept. Not only will Ken be exhibiting new work, he will also be performing with his group the Marton Singers at 1 pm on Thursday 27th Aug. A double treat this month.

Paint Garstang 2026
The 5th annual en plain air event will be held on Saturday 5th Sept when artists from near and far will set up their easels in Garstang to produce stunning scenes of the town.
Their work will be judged at the Arts Centre by Simon Blackley, the winner of the first en plein air event, and prizes awarded at 5-00 pm. A fun day not to be missed.
Sheila Tearle Tel: 01995 603816

Sept 10th Thursday 1pm – 2pm: ‘Sounds Right’ FREE Lunchtime Concert, a seven piece swing band that Sounds Right for every occasion. At Garstang Arts Centre

The Talking Cafe
The cafe is back for the Autumn session – we hope you all enjoyed your summer vacation
We will commence on Wednesday 2nd at the Arts Centre at 1.30 pm our first guest of the season is Professor Ruth Lamont who will be discussing her work in Family law and may include some of her experiences as a Government Advisor on the subject.
Our second meeting of the month will be on the 3rd Wednesday of September [16th ] we are going to make that one a meeting where people can bring a favourite thing and discuss it’s merits, there may also be a little Geoffrey quiz !!
We will be asking for a small donation towards the room hire this season .

Garstang Wine Circle – Monday 21st September @ 7.30pm. A short AGM then a presentation from Preet Sahota of Edgmond Wines showcasing South African and New Zealand wines. Visitors welcome. Anne Marie Whitehead 01995 603311

Garstang Poetry Appreciation Group
The Poetry Appreciation Group’s September meeting will be held on Friday 25th at 2.00 pm in The Garstang Arts Centre. The theme this month will be ‘Love Poems’ The meeting will be led by Anne Parry.
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. Who knows, you may rekindle an old interest or discover a new one.
There is a cover charge of £1, refreshments are provided at the end of each meeting.
If you require further information contact Gary Walmsley on 07375657474.

Garstang Ukulele Group
Simply the Best
On Thursday 6th August our Ukulele Group performed our Summer Concert as part of the Art Centre’s Summer Festival and what a show it was.
The playlist contained singers and bands who could all justifiably, stand confidently under the “Simply the Best” umbrella. A host of soloists, duos and threesomes showcased the strength and depth of the members of our group; ably assisted by the versatility and virtuosity of the rest of the group. Rabble rousers like “Blue Suede Shoes and Great Balls of Fire” were tempered by the gentleness of “ Fields of Gold and Wonderful Tonight”. But one of the high spots of the show was a Blues instrumental played by Kathy, showcasing just how versatile and lyrical a ukulele can sound when played by such a talented lady. However it was our version of “Is this the way to Amarillo?” that brought the house down. It also included surprise appearances by Garstang’s Mayor, Cllr Sandra Perkins, as well as, Alan Pearson, the Chairman of the Art Centre, both leading the dancing in the aisle aka Peter Kay. Queen, Tina Turner, The Beatles, The Monkees, Billie Ocean, Boy George, Elvis, Steve Harley and many others, ensured that it was a high octane experience for players and audience alike.
We would very much like to thank everybody who has supported us, whether as an audience, the wonderful staff of the Art Centre, or our long suffering families who understand that ukulele lads and lasses just love to play.
Ruth McBride

The Book Club
Our last book, The Trader of Saigon, was a very disturbing book but all thought it was very well written. Our next choice is The Pavilion in the Clouds by Alexander McCall Smith, it is set in 1938 in Ceylon, in the last days of the British Empire. The Ferguson family live on a tea plantation in the hills. A governess arrives for Bella, the daughter, and results in confrontation. Years later Bella is in Scotland and is faced with what happened in the past.
We are a full group at the moment and so have a waiting list
Linda 07795 064266 or Sandra 07823 501716

Bridge Club
Mondays 7pm: We welcome any intermediate members with a partner.
Tuesday afternoon 1.30pm
We welcome any new members to our friendly club. There is a host so you do not need a partner. You need a little experience of Bridge and help is at hand if you need it
Contact: Jenny Gower on 07910046651

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
Who can believe we have arrived in September already where did the year go. As the winter months beckon we turn our thoughts to passing the days with various hobbies etc. A very relaxing and enjoyable afternoon could be spent with the SONGBIRDS on Monday afternoons 1.30 until 3.30 at the Art Centre. No auditions, not a choir just the therapeutic joy of singing for pleasure. Do come along and meet new friends in a very friendly, warm atmosphere you will be made most welcome. We start on Monday 14th September.
Avril Bevan

Wednesday Painting Group: The group meets at the Arts centre every Wednesday 1:00 -4:00pm and costs £5 annually on top of the Arts Centre subscription. Please come and see what we are up to, have a chat and a cup of tea. Carolyn- 01253812270/Sandra- 07823501716

The John Towers Big Band
Having had two gigs in August we also have two opportunities for you to see the Band in September.
Firstly at St Helens Church, Churchtown on Friday 11th starting at 7.30pm where you can enjoy interval refreshments including delicious homemade cakes.
The following week on Friday 18th we will be at Winmarleigh Village Hall where the bar opens at 6.30pm and the concert will commence at 8pm Hot food will also be available at this multi award winning venue. On both occasions we will be joined by our vocalist Lynn Kennedy.
We hope that you can get to one of those gigs but don’t forget you are welcome to attend our Friday night rehearsals at The Garstang Arts Centre.
Just to forewarn you there won’t be a concert at Winmarleigh Village Hall in October.
Contact: Tony Berry (07850 061659)

Friday Night Creative Art Group 7pm – 9pm
Whether you’re a seasoned painter, or occasional sketcher, you’re welcome here! No pressure – just a relaxed evening to work on your projects, share ideas, and meet like-minded people who share your passion for art.

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: Tuesdays 7.00 – 9.30pm & Thurs 1:30pm – 3:30pm
Paint & Chatter: Fri 10.00am – 12noon
Creative Art Group: Fri 7.00pm – 9.00pm
Tai Chi – see website for details
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: www.garstangartssociety.org.uk
facebook: artcentre.garstang
twitter: ArtsGarstang
Judy Osborne (07581 078888)