Important focus on our arts societies

In the summer of 1962, the GCE O-level examiners got at least one thing right: they decided to fail my attempts at art.

Over the past few decades however, family members and friends who are good at art have helped to broaden my understanding of the role of art in the lives of people and their communities.

Last Sunday was a good example because the Birstall and District Arts Society held a special celebration to mark 30 years since it first was established.

Syston Rugby Club proved a very good venue for it and the afternoon was so well organised, perhaps artists have had to learn the importance of preparation?

More than 70 people attended and we were able to see photos of paintings from society exhibitions since 1995, along with a number of photo books which had been made for some of those years.

Afternoon tea was served and we were entertained during this by an accomplished accordionist. Was that what happened in Parisien art galleries in the 1930s?

Some members had produced at new photo book which covers the 30-year period. It will be a reminder to many of how they have contributed and developed over time. As the chairman said in his well-judged introduction, societies like this can only survive through the hard work of many people.

I admired, as ever, the quality and range of the artwork.

There is more to it than that, however

Art has made it possible for these people to make new friends, to learn from each other and to keep their brains active, as well as to express themselves.

As for the importance of these societies in their communities, it might simply be worth asking what the communities would be like if they had never existed.

I don't know the answer but they would certainly not be better.

Les Gallop, Syston