Dear Members,

Our summer painting week was another great success. David proved to be an excellent teacher and was very happy to share his extensive knowledge with everyone who attended his workshops. He had a lot of advice particularly on drawing and found time for individual support. The Tuesday evening demonstration was well received by the 47 members and non-members who attended. An excellent supper was supplied by some of our regular members.

As we are fast approaching the beginning of September, can I remind everyone that the annual subscription will soon be due? If you wish to pay by standing order, but have not yet submitted a standing order form to our Membership Secretary, Mrs Christine Pollard, “Kensa”, Ballakilpheric, Colby, these can be obtained from Thie Ellyn. The standing orders reduce the work of the officials and also mean that you do not have to pay to post cheques every year. Standing order forms will not be sent to your bank before 1st September 2008.

The 2008-2009 Thursday evening winter programme is enclosed. Anthea has once again done a fantastic job organising a wide range of different activities. We start the winter programme on 2nd October 2008 with an evening of ‘anything goes...’.

Our Autumn Exhibition is fast approaching and will be held at Thie Ellyn this year. Handing in day will be on Tuesday 23rd September, between 1pm and 5pm. The preview evening will be held on Thursday 25th September , at 7pm. The exhibition will run from Friday 26th until Sunday 28th September, when any unsold exhibits must be collected between 3.30pm and 5.30pm.

The Rules for the Exhibition are enclosed along with the entry form. Labels will be available at handing in. Please note that the rules have been updated following some complaints received concerning exhibits in this year’s Easter Exhibition. Please ensure that you read the rules thoroughly. We will also be producing ‘Copyright Statement’ labels this year that can be affixed to the sales receipts and/or exhibits. These labels will give the purchasers clear details on how they can use the exhibits or images of the exhibits. If you have any queries please contact me.

Posters advertising the Autumn Exhibition can be collected from Thie Ellyn for distribution throughout the island. We shall once again need volunteers to help in hanging the exhibits and manning the Exhibition over the period when we are open, also at handing in and collection of paintings. Please put your name down on the rota at Thie Ellyn. This is YOUR exhibition, please offer whatever help you can – don’t leave it to the same few.

Another important date for your diaries is Thursday 6th November. This will be our AGM. We again plan to hold it in the morning, finishing with a lunch. Full details will be issued at the end of September.

So get those paintings finished, we look forward to seeing you all at the Exhibition, if not before.

Kind regards, Jackie Kelly (Hon Sec)

Tel: 407402 / 824817