An array of artistic talent from the Granby and Barnstone area has been showcased and celebrated as part of events to commemorate 100 years since the end of the First World War.
The Royal British Legion (Granby Barnstone and District Branch) held a Grand Art Competition with the theme of ‘The Poppy’. Entrants’ work was on display at Granby Village Hall at the end of September, with judging taking place on 30th on the final day of the event.
Among the exhibition judges were retired senior Royal Air Force Commander, Sir Andrew Pulford, and Steve Odell, Plant Manager at Barnstone Cement Plant which is operated by Tarmac, the main sponsor of the project.
The competition was open to all local residents, uniformed youth groups, art groups and school groups in three age ranges – 11 and under; 12-18; and adult. Over 100 entries were received across the three art categories – Drawing & Painting; Photography & Graphic Design; Textiles & Sculpture.
Eileen Harrison’s textile picture of a field of poppies has been chosen as the ‘People’s Choice’ winner; Margaret Sibley won the Painting category and dedicated her win to her uncle James Carr, who died in the Great War on 21st. March 1918, at the age of 32; Jim Bettles was the Photography winner; and Geraldine King won the Textiles and Sculpture category and was also chosen to receive the ‘best in show’ award.
Organiser Julie Powell of the Granby Barnstone and District Royal British Legion said: “We were delighted with the response from local artists and the high standard and huge variety of entries.
“All of the funds raised through this competition are going towards the work of the Royal British Legion, bringing hope and support to serving individuals, veterans, and their families across the UK and beyond.”
Steve Odell, Barnstone Cement Plant Manager adds: “We are proud to be part of our local community, so it was a real pleasure to be able to support this competition and be involved in the judging. The standard of entry was very high, and it was a difficult job to single out winners. This competition has helped ensure many local people have been involved in commemorating this important WW1 milestone.”
Andrew Charlett, also of the Granby Barnstone & District Branch of the Royal British Legion added: “The next event to raise funds for the 2018 Poppy Appeal will be a Quarter Peal bell ringing, also being sponsored by Tarmac. This is a rare occurrence and the last one recorded in Granby All Saints church was for the Queen’s Silver Jubilee in 1977.
“The event is to honour the 1400 bell ringers who lost their lives in World War One, and to keep this traditional British art alive. It will involve bands of ringers going through a series of ‘changes’ which follow mathematical permutations on tuned bells and must include 1260 changes, which is both arduous and beautiful.”
David Powell is organising this event, which will take place in Saint Giles’s church, Cropwell Bishop at 3.00pm on Saturday October 27th and in All Saints church, Granby on Saturday November 3rd, also at 3.00pm.
For more information or if you wish to sponsor these events, please contact David on [email protected]
FULL LIST OF WINNERS:
Under 11
Winner -Ben Lucas (Langar Primary School)
Runner up- Lily Owen-Jones Cotgrave C of E school
Sculpture & Textiles
Winner – Geraldine King
Runner up – Carole Rainbow
Photography
Winner – Jim Bettles
Runner up – David Powell
Painting & Drawing
Winner – Margaret Sibley
Runner up – Carole Rainbow
Public Vote Winner
Eileen Harrison
Best in Show Winner
Geraldine King
Picture caption – back row: judges – left, Sir Andrew Pulford ; right Steve Odell, Tarmac’s Barnstone Cement Plant Manager; front row: winners – left, Margaret Sibley (Painting) and Eileen Harrison (People’s Choice – textile)