Today, August 26, is my name day and despite this, for once, I’m not going to talk about myself. Instead I’m going to talk to you about my friend and neighbour, Geraldine I’Anson.
She has sent me an invitation, because today Geraldine is doing something she hasn’t done in two years. Not since a time when furlough was synonymous with a sabbatical, when masks were fancy dress and social distancing was an oxymoron.
We’re in the Court Hall in Winchelsea, a building which is thought to be, in parts, as old as the town itself. Since 2017, she has been the Honorary Secretary of the Winchelsea Millennium Artefacts Society. Through fundraising, the committee preserve and maintain the town sign, the beacon and the millennium tapestry which is displayed in St Thomas’ Church.
When all events stopped, so did the valuable revenue that they raised. But the onerous task of caring for these living artefacts didn’t. The beacon, one of 3500 spread throughout the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth, was at the centre of jubilee celebrations on June 2 this year. Leading up to this landmark date, the basket needed costly restoration in order for Winchelsea to be part of the coordinated lighting.
So finally Geraldine has been able to organise the launch party for the 2022 Art Exhibition. Mayors past, present and probably future are in attendance, along with many of the featured artists and town residents.
She has rallied her eight troops, fellow committee members, four of whom are accomplished and successful exhibitors and one, an artist. Together they have curated their biggest exhibition yet: 144 works by forty-two different local painters. These range from professionals like Neil Eastell, Ant Parker, Tricia Bowler and Shirley Meyer, to gifted enthusiasts, Sunday painters and even four pupils from St Thomas Primary School.
This last category makes Geraldine particularly happy. Dee Rampling, the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Coordinator, SENDCO, also finds time in her busy schedule to teach art and music to her pupils. Geraldine loves seeing the expression on the faces of parents and children as they search the walls for their pieces.
Three months in the planning, the event runs for just three days over the Bank Holiday weekend. But through the sale of paintings, it ensures the protection of historic town assets, showcases the vibrancy of the present and nurtures a future generation of talent.
“It’s such a joy, or relief, I’m not sure what expresses it best, that after two years of having to cancel the exhibitions, we are once again able to present the excellent work of so many of our regular artists and to introduce fifteen new ones,” says Geraldine above the noise of the crowd.
The Court Hall is a unique setting, a little small, a little awkward, very warm, full of charm, full of art. And on this summer’s evening, full of happy people, enjoying being able to mix again and gather together for a good cause.
Image Credits: Natasha Robinson , Natasha Robinson .