Stannington school children drawing on local artists' expertise

Monday 07 July 2008

Artistic residents in a Northumberland village are passing on their skills to a younger generation with the support of a four-figure grant from a north east company.

And as part of efforts to involve more members of the local community, the 25-strong art group has now set up a weather-themed joint exhibition project with children at Stannington First School and Sunday School.

The grant, which has been given via the Banks Delhi Community Fund, has been used to fund a range of equipment, including display boards and hanging equipment used at the Group’s recent summer exhibition.

A projector which enhances the size of images and a new light box have also been purchased, and some of the tuition costs that the Group incurs are also being covered.

Founded 30 years ago, the Art Group meet fortnightly in Stannington village hall, and committee member Alan MacDougall is hoping that the new equipment will help encourage more local people to become members.

He says: “The Art Group has become something of a village institution, and we’re always keen to try and involve as many local people as we can - the project with the First School and Sunday School has been very enjoyable for all participants, and we’re hoping that we’ll be able to involve other local youth groups in similar joint activities in the future.

“We’re very pleased that Banks is making this investment in our local community, and the group feels very privileged to have received their support – our new equipment makes a big difference to what we can offer and will hopefully persuade more people to get involved.”

The Banks Group operates the nearby Delhi surface mine on the Blagdon Estate, and has recently unveiled proposals for a further surface mine on land at Brenkley, to the south of the Delhi site.

Mark Dowdall, environment and community director at The Banks Group, adds: "We have had a very positive relationship with the village of Stannington over many years and have provided funding to a number of community initiatives.

“The Art Group’s activities bring many local people together and we’re very pleased that our support will enable them to build on the excellent work that they already do.”

The Delhi Community Fund is administered by Northumberland County Council, and decisions on which schemes are supported are made by a committee of local community representatives.

Local projects, community groups, or organisations looking for more information on the Banks Delhi Community Fund should contact David English via denglish@northumberland.gov.uk or on 01670 533081.

Last updated: Monday 07 July 2008, 14:26 PM