The first of what’s hoped will be several different community arts groups has been launched at a North Yorkshire Church.
St Cuthbert’s Colburn, near Catterick, has set up ‘St Cuthbert’s Community Arts’ and the first group to meet has been a Veteran’s Art Group set up for former military personnel.
The group is being led by local artist, Lenny Szrama, (pictured centre) a former cavalryman and Royal British Legion Area Co-ordinator, who has been actively engaged in arts projects at Catterick Garrison.
Vicar of Hipswell and Colburn, the Revd Andrew Cromarty (pictured second left) said, “A significant proportion of the local residents are ex-army personnel, many of whom live in straitened circumstances or with long-term mental health issues.
“This project is aimed at providing a safe and welcoming space where they can make friends and express themselves freely, in a supportive Christian environment. ..It has the backing of the PCC and the wider church community here, and we are praying that God will really touch people’s lives through participation here.”
Andrew said he hoped that the Community Arts project would become self-supporting. “We have obtained partial funding for the first year’s operation” he said, “- a £450 grant made by the Garrison Area Partnership, under Richmondshire District Council’s jurisdiction, towards an anticipated spend of £1150. We will be approaching Colburn Town Council for a start-up grant, and North Yorkshire County Council’s ‘Stronger Communities’ for more substantial support.”
The launch, with civic and community leaders included some creative art and already one participant, Alan, has created a piece of art for Remembrance Sunday (pictured right). 
Among those at the launch were North Yorkshire County Councillor Helen Grant – herself a member of the Royal Signals Association, Gaynor Hemming, from NYCC Libraries, Lenny Szrama, Mike Hanlon (an Ex-Signaller, who designed the original poster pictured below left) , Ken Yarker (also an ex-Signaller, Andy Ryland (the Diocesan Rural officer) Jo-Anne Simpson ofRichmondshire District Council and artist Sue Dewhurst (www.suedewhurst.co.uk, who is co-ordinating the
emerging ‘Arts for Change’ programme in North Yorkshire).
(Left - Councillor Helen grant creating a 'spinny art' work at the launch)