New Beginnings was a concept brought to life by Anthea Wainwright, who, due to health issues of her own, found that she had to take very early retirement. Having painted for some years and found it to be a creative therapy, she wanted to take the opportunity to attend art classes, but sadly found that even though she was only able to attend some sessions because of her health, she still had to pay full price, at considerable rates.
Anthea realised that there were a number of opportunities for people to obtain subsidised classes if they were over retirement age, but none for people like herself. With amazing pluck and determination, notwithstanding the enormous amount of effort, time and energy required, she set up New Beginnings to cater to the needs of people in a similar situation.
For health reasons, Anthea has had to step down from being the Treasurer, as well as carrying out numerous other roles necessary to make the group viable, and so others have stepped in to take over her workload - a very tall order!
Caroline Balfour is the chairperson of the small team that run the group. She has been an artist for over 20 years and is a networking genius! I have never seen anyone work a room like she can. She has such a great personality, and plenty of drive - although this is heavily counter-balanced by her own health issues. It doesn't stop her from thinking about New Beginnings even while she's on holiday though!
Alli Bennett is the group co-ordinator and has been painting for about three years and two months and 14 days! She does get frustrated that knowing what to do and actually doing it are two different things, but recognises that practise is the best way to hone those drawing and painting skills. She adds humour and a certain je ne c'est quoi to the group. "My approach is to paint so badly that others will realise that their own pieces of work are actually very good!" she says, tongue-in-cheek.
Nicky Treagus is using her experience at college, and her natural craft-y talent to introduce some new themes and ideas to the group. Her love of felting, and knitting, painting and crafting gives her ideas for all sorts of projects that both she and the group can explore. She's a key member of the team which runs the group, and is a joyful part of the mix that makes the group so successful. She has a wise head on young shoulders.
Janet Treagus is our Treasurer, and mother of Nicky Treagus who is on the team that leads the group. Janet has worked in banking for a long time and is a really welcome member of New Beginnings. She's bringing us into the 21st century too! Without her, our books would look a bit like our impressionist paintings - open to interpretation! Many thanks, Janet :)
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