News

Dudley Bateman

It is with much sadness that we have learned of the loss of WNAA member Dudley Bateman, who died in January after a prolonged illness. Dudley specialised in Blazonry, the art of heraldic motifs, and will be remembered by members who met him as a kind and gentle man. Our sympathy goes to his family and particularly his wife Margaret.

Exhibitions Questionnaire

The results of the recent exhibition questionnaire have now been collated, thanks to Julie Spriggs. From the reaction of WNAA members it's obvious that exhibition opportunities are popular. Plenty of people ticked boxes for a Christmas show, an exhibition in London and a possible event at King's Lynn's twin town, Emmerich.

A funding application is in the works to hopefully provide finance for these events. However, finance is only part of the problem. We need people who can commit to doing some work in organising, publicising, and setting-up these exhibitions. So far, the response has been disappointing, with only around four people from the WNAA's 100 plus membership volunteering to lend a hand.

There are many essential jobs in preparing for any exhibition, but most of those jobs are in themselves quite small and would occupy someone only for a few hours. If you can possibly help, please contact Stephen Martyn on 01485 571523, or email wnaa@m4art.com. We are particularly looking for people who can help with paperwork, posters, press releases etc. Otherwise, these plans that we are all dreaming of will remain just that . . . dreams.

Arts Council Funding Cuts

Many arts organisations, including the King's Lynn Arts Centre, are under threat due to cuts in funding by the Arts Council. It is hoped that funding from the King's Lynn Borough council may replace at least part of the lost grant.

If you would like to lend your support to the Arts Centre, please write to the council leader, Councillor Nick Daubney, King's Court, Chapel Street, King's Lynn, PE30 1EX, or email cllr.nick.daubney@west-norfolk.gov.uk

Annual General Meeting Report

The Annual General Meeting of the West Norfolk Artists Association was held on the evening of Tuesday 16 October 2007, at the NORA Project Office near King’s Lynn South Gates.

Before the meeting formally opened, there was an address by Liz Falconbridge from King’s Lynn Arts Centre, and Sheena Carmen, Arts Officer of King’s Lynn Borough Council (BCKLWN). Both Liz and Sheena talked about the Norfolk Open Studios scheme, and there was a lively discussion between them and some of the Association’s members. They also told the membership of plans for a new exhibition venue in Hunstanton, and a number of other arts related matters were also discussed.

Our thanks to Liz and Sheena for taking the trouble to talk to the membership, and for keeping us updated with arts events in the Borough.

The formal proceedings of the AGM began rather belatedly at around 8.45pm. There was a good attendance from members, with over thirty artists present. The minutes of the previous AGM were adopted unanimously. Matters arising out of the minutes included a discussion about the format of the WNAA Summer Exhibition, and whether it should continue to have an annual theme, and how closely that theme should be adhered to by participating artists. After a vote, the majority decided to continue with a theme and leave it up to individual artists to interpret it.

The current Chairman Sheila Hine presented her annual report, outlining the activities of the Association over the past twelve months. A number of committee members have retired from their posts during the year, due to other commitments. This has made it a rather difficult period for the Association, with a lack of resources to carry out as many projects as usual. Sheila herself is standing down due to health problems, and she hoped that a new and rejuvenated committee would take the Association on into the future.

The Treasurer, Stephen Martyn, gave a report of the financial standing of the Association, which showed the current situation to be healthy, with around £1600 being held in the WNAA account with Barclay’s Bank.

Linda Roast outlined some of the proposals for future WNAA activities, including further development of the website, possible master-class workshops, coach outings etc.

The final item of the evening was the election of the committee. There was a vote of thanks to those members standing down, and bouquets of flowers were presented to Sheila Hine, Linda Roast, Helen Breach and Patricia Stewart (in her absence) to thank them for their efforts over the years. After a lively session of both volunteering and cajoling, the new WNAA committee will consist of current members Sally Hale, Joan Wooll and Stephen Martyn. These three will be joined by new members Yvonne Autie, Kit Price Moss, Tod Evans, Mervyn Whiffin, Tom Sharp, Lucy McGann, and Julie Spriggs.

The meeting closed shortly after 10pm when the membership departed into a very rainy evening! Our thanks to NORA and particularly the caretaker of the building for making the WNAA so welcome.

Report by Stephen Martyn