Marking 40 years with donations to Strathcarron and Macmillan cancer charities

Central Arts Network was set up 40 years ago and recently held an event to celebrate the occasion, as well as using it as an opportunity to hand over £2000.

The cash comes from the commission on paintings sold by members and which are on display in Blossoms Cafe within Torwood Garden Centre.

Cheques for £1000 were presented to representatives from Strathcarron Hospice and Macmillan Cancer Support.

The members have made a regular donation of the funds raised to both these charities since 2010 thanks to the support of the Stevenson family who own the garden centre and allow them to put their work on display.

TV presenter Kaye Adams, originally from Grangemouth, was invited along to help with the presentation and to join members in marking the 40th anniversary.

This included cutting a cake alongside the group’s remaining original member, Anne Paterson, now aged 96.

Founded in June 1986, Central Arts is a voluntary and non-profit making federation of artists in Central Scotland and seeks to provide a forum for the development of creative activities within the region, as well as acting as a channel for information and communication between artists.

Exhibitions are staged to showcase members’ artworks, to raise funds for local charities and to allow members of the public to have the enjoyment of viewing a wide variety of local art.

Over the years it has made donations to 14 charities, including its ongoing support for Strathcarron and Macmillan from the sale of paintings in Blossoms.