19th ANNIVERSARY EXHIBITION OF THE CRADLEY, MATHON AND STORRIDGE ART GROUP The Cradley, Mathon and Storridge Art Group (CMSAG) held its 19th Anniversary Exhibition at Cradley Village Hall on Saturday, 23rd and Sunday, 24th October 2021. We did not hold a Preview Evening for members of the Parish Hall Committee and other local dignitaries and friends because sadly the Covid restrictions made it too difficult to arrange. However, we had our exhibition despite Covid. We all painted something thanks to the encouragement of Margaret White with her monthly Lockdown challenges by e-mail and Margaret Cross managing the Art Group web site where images of paintings were posted. So notwithstanding missing last year’s Anniversary Exhibition we had enough paintings to hold this year’s exhibition. We had nearly 90 visitors over the two days coming to Cradley to see our work; not bad considering all things. There was a continuous happy buzz throughout especially on the Sunday afternoon. No bacon butties though, just tea/coffee and cakes/biscuits provided by members. The “poll” for “the picture you liked best” again aroused interest among the artists and public alike! As ever, it was not meant to be a vote for the “best picture” but rather the “favourite picture.” Visitors were given a raffle ticket and were asked to write on the back the number of their favourite picture. At the end of the exhibition the tickets were counted. The “contest” was again very close. This year David Partington’s Packhorse Bridge won. There was a three way tie for second place: Wend Britton’s Mabel, Liz Symonds Still Life and Carole MacIntyre’s Hutton-le-Hole. Great stuff! Well done, all of you! We had 50 plus pictures on display this year; down on the last exhibition but up on quality! “The standard of work is high” was a repeated comment. As I say each year, it just gets better and better! No sign of it slowing down. The average attendance at our art sessions is around 12 to 14 – a comfortable and happy roomful. We remain a very friendly and supportive group. A number of newcomers have joined us; fresh blood providing a challenge and a stimulus. Carole is one of the newcomers and is making an impact already! If you would like to join us, you will be made very welcome. Come along to a session at Storridge Village Hall on the 2nd or 4th Wednesdays of the month from 2 – 4 pm and see what fun it is! Bill Crouch