LETTER: Community arts group closes

This group flourished for many years and received occasional funding from both Ribble Valley Borough Council and Lancashire County Council.

This funding enabled the group to mount a number of community art and craft based projects over the years. These included open art sessions during Sheepfest and Mayfest celebrations in Clitheroe where the NFA marquee was pitched at the Castle gates. Visitors were encouraged to take part in creative projects; it might be a mural depicting scenes of Clitheroe or drawing portraits on post-it notes. The group also organised some popular outdoor events such as the Bug Trail at Brungerly Park and an Activity Trail between Downham and Chatburn.

Unfortunately membership of the group has diminished to the point where it is no longer able to achieve its aims of actively promoting and celebrating the diversity of art and craft in the Ribble Valley. This diversity still exists and is fortunately being promoted by other groups.

In winding up, the group is required under its constitution to donate any assets to groups that are providing a service to the community. The outgoing members have chosen to give grants from its cash balances to the following three groups: Home-start Pendle and Ribble Valley (working to support families); Music Mates (a small Preston-based charity helping people unlock their creativity through music); Valley Gigs (the Clitheroe-based group promoting music and the performing arts).

The group wishes to thank all those who gave it support and hopes that art and craft will continue to flourish in the Ribble Valley.

NORMAN KELLY

Treasurer