Early April 2012

Dear Friends,

Even these glorious spring days have not released my writing block so I am on to brute force and the deadline mode. Last year’s programme was unintentionally full and proved highly successful until I fell at home in late October resulting in a hip replacement. My sadness was having to cancel the Young Artists’ Exhibition but we look forward to an outstanding show this year when once again the Blackmore Vale NADFAS has generously agreed to award prizes to the 25 years and under category. Thanks to Lizzie Holbrook bringing together her musical talents with those of the Connolly twins and Siska Redman we achieved a glorious Celebration of Christmas Concert and Party from the Morning Room, now named “the Music Room” at Inwood – a perfect finale to our year. Thank you so much to all those who sent Get Well cards and a profusion of beautiful Christmas Cards. Your thoughts and messages made a huge difference to my recovery.

Mark Coreth began the New Year by running a two day refresher course at Guggleton – which naturally sold out instantly. What generosity of time, thought and energy to fit us into his huge workload and we wish him every success this year. His talk, film and demonstration at Bruton School for Girls is at 3.00pm on Sunday 29th April. For reservations ring 01749 814400.

In our new programme our masterful team of regular tutors are joined by Tessa Mcintyre, Mariella Wolff and Desmond Armour (exhibition July 14th - 22nd) – well known to many of you as talented artists, their teaching is driven by innovative and enthusiastic methods of inspiration. Make sure you have a place on their courses.

There are excellent exhibitions coming up. Lucy Yarwood and Sheelagh Hunter set the ball rolling (May 6th – 13th). Dorset Art Weeks encompasses the Diamond Jubilee and Guggleton is splashing out on a flatscreen so we can all be kept in touch with the Celebrations while you visit our exhibition. Various celebratory events in Stalbridge are in our Programme. We have in the past shown George Irvine’s flamboyant and wonderfully executed landscapes at a Young Artists’ Exhibition. He has been a most successful Art Master at Stowe School for eleven years but now feels it is time for his own work to have more attention and we are very proud to be showing his West Country Debut Exhibition (June 23rd – 30th). The twins, Jo Gardner and Squish de Chair are returning with lots of exciting new work September 15th – Sunday 23rd (their birthday). Rosie Tatchell, Katharine Le Hardy and Claire Sandars have all got excitements lined up for us. Have you heard that Michelle McCullugh is soon to be installed in our newly refurbished large studio. It will be wonderful to have her as part of the set up and I look forward to our joint ventures – when she has time! Both Anthony Russell and David Evans are back with their inspiring lectures – all in the programme.

You will see the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School is making its annual visit to The Exchange with Cold Comfort Farm on Sunday 1st July at 7.30pm. There is an option to join us – Paul Rummer, Christopher Scott and some members of the cast for a pre-performance drinks reception. If you missed last year’s Tom Jones this is a chance to meet your friends and catch up on the Christopher Cazenove Memorial Bursary Fund. Tickets from the Box Office £5.

Our mailing list is over 2800 which when it comes to postage gives one a very nasty shock and forces us into the unwanted position of using email and our website more extensively. This could well be the last paper copy of our programme so please treasure it and keep it in a safe place! Check out the website for any updates or extra application forms. It is of course our sponsors who have so generously made it possible to get the programme to you. As you know this does not happen easily and certainly could not without our fantastic team of volunteers who have the gift of turning programme stuffing into a party - thank you dear friends, and for all you do from Gallery sitting, helping at private views and posting out the Gallery invitations. If there are others who would like to join us please get in touch.

Now to our Very Special Sponsors who through their great generosity have launched the programme. They are DIKE & SON, our Stalbridge Independent Superstore with its friendly and helpful staff, an ever-increasing variety of award-winning foods and shelves stocked with all our domestic needs as well as William’s Farmhouse Café – a real treat. BODEN’s uniquely spirited clothes have struck a chord in millions of fun-loving wardrobes. We are so pleased this International firm is once again supporting us. BLANCHARDS BAILEY LLP Solicitors are settling well into their Stalbridge surroundings thanks to John and David Foster-Pegg. This year we are thrilled to welcome EVANS & CO, Accountants of Stalbridge and Solicitors PORTER DODSON – thank you Andrew Comer and Robert Fox for your interest. SYMONDS & SAMPSON of Sturminster Newton – thank you Mark Lewis for supporting us again, as has Nick Lumsden of ROSECASTLE CAPITAL in a most generous way. STALBRIDGE BUILDING SUPPLIES is a pleasure to visit. Stock has increased. It is well laid
out AND you can now have your keys cut.

In all NINE wonderful sponsors with their roots firmly in Dorset. We salute you and your generosities from the bottom of our hearts.

Please write up your diaries with everything that interests you and sign up quickly so that you do not lose out. Some of you may like to know that our daughter Caroline and her family will be with us from South Africa for a month from August 10th.

We much look forward to seeing you at Guggleton. In this special year of our dear Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and the London Olympics I send you all best wishes for a happy, healthy and productive 2012.