Magazine
Spring 2019 No. 118
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Originally established 1978. Registered Charity No. 1171582
Patrons: Lady Shepperd, Alison Lapper MBE, Mayor of Epsom & Ewell Founder: Ursula Hulme MBE, NRD, MFPS, BAAT President: Judy Sarssam Vice President: Anne Bland Botham Trustees: John Gumbel (Chairman) - Brian Tanner (Treasurer) Anne Bland Botham (Charity Secretary) - Charlotte Atkinson John Burns CBE - Rosemary Foote - Bob Jones - Lesley Lee The aims and objectives of CONQUEST ART are the relief and rehabilitation of people with disabilities, in particular by encouraging them to lead fuller and more active lives, and, wherever possible, assisting them to cope with their disability through active participation in the visual arts. This is achieved by: 1.
Providing a friendly environment where people with disabilities can develop their creative talents.
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Providing information on the special techniques which enable people with disabilities to discover new abilities and gain self-confidence.
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Organising public and private exhibitions of our members’ work, thereby increasing public awareness of the Charity’s activities.
4.
Maintaining contact with members of the Charity through the Conquest Art magazine, which is circulated to members and supporters of the Charity three times a year.
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Fundraising. The expansion of our groups means increasing calls on our financial resources and we undertake active fundraising activities.
In consultation with The Charity Commission some of the details of the aims and objectives are currently being reviewed and updated.
Conquest Art CIO
Office 92, Trident Court, One Oakcroft Road, Chessington, Surrey, KT9 1BD Tel: 020 3044 2731 Website: www.conquestart.org Email: enquiries@conquestart.org —————————————————————————————
Printed by KallKwik Centre 617, 19 Greyfriars, Bedford, Bedfordshire, MK40 1HJ Tel: 01234 406040 | Email: kk@bedford.kallkwik.co.uk
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CONTENTS ARTICLES
PAGES
From the Editor ………………………………………………… 3 Letter from our Vice-President …………………………………… 4 Membership Renewals ……………………………………….. 5 Annual Meeting Invitation ………………………………….. 5 The Lady Shepperd Awards ….................................... 7 The Gibson Award …................................................. 7 Stoneleigh's Remembrance Commemoration …......... 8 Christmas Card Chosen! …......................................... 10 & 11 2019 New Year Changes for Halesworth Group …..... 12 - 17 Bridport News …......................................................... 21 What's Happening in Dorking? …............................... 22 & 23 Stoneleigh's Christmas Lunch ….................................. 24 & 25 Malvern Member ….................................................... 27 Red, Blue and Yellow …............................................. 28 & 29 Art is for All …............................................................ 30 Sad News from the Epsom Group ….......................... 31 Worcester Group Closing …....................................... 32 Volunteers Needed for Art Groups …......................... 32 Dates for the Calendar ……………………………………….. 33 Conquest Art Groups …………………………………………..34 & 35 Membership Application and Renewal ………………….. 36
ILLUSTRATIONS ON COVERS
Terry Panter (Reigate Park group) ….......................... Front cover Aenne Hayman (Woking group) …............................. Inside front cover Nicky Cooke (Cobham group) …................................ Inside back cover Sarah Armstead (Epsom group) ….............................. Outside back cover
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Conquest Art Magazine Spring 2019
No. 118
From The Editor A very Happy New Year to all our supportive Friends, talented members and valuable volunteers! I do hope that you all have had a good start to the year. As I write this, I look outside my window and there is just grey everywhere. But at Conquest Art groups there is colour everywhere to brighten up the day! Thanks to our valuable volunteers who run the groups week after week and the members who produce such amazing artwork. As usual, we are planning our Annual Meeting this year which is on Thursday, 11th April – full details on page 5. The Epsom and Ewell Mayor and Mayoress, Councillor Neil Dallen and Mrs Ann Dallen will be attending, the artwork for the Lady Shepperd Awards will be on display and you can be assured of an excellent tea and cake. We do hope that you will be able to attend the meeting to hear more about the new things that are happening and our future plans. So, whatever the weather outside, make yourself comfortable and enjoy all the news and wonderful paintings!
Tina McJarrow
Conquest Art Magazine is published three times a year. Articles, drawings and letters are welcome by the Editor c/o Conquest Art (contact details on page 1).
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Letter from Our President ‌ Warm greetings to all Conquest members. As I write snow is forecast and it is feeling really appropriate for the end of January. I hope that by the time you are reading this there is a real sense of Spring beginning to unfold. Christmas Robins on cards seem to be fading fast but the little birds are busy in the garden singing and anticipating the renewal of Nature's colours when the first Snowdrops and then Daffodils will be dancing in the breeze. Of course, you artists do not need to wait for the blossoms to come. All the rich colours are in your pallets ready to bring an uplift of spirits as pictures unfold in vibrant colours as imaginations are set free. Scientists have proved that brain health is not only maintained but even the years rolled back, by creativity. Artistic endeavour has proved to be better than brain food, exercise or challenging puzzles. So, may I encourage you to give your brain a good work out while thoroughly enjoying yourself by dipping into those colours and painting. If the whole Nation could join in every single citizen would be happier while turning back their brain clock. So please take every opportunity you have to play with colours and you will not only be brightening the world with more delight but your own well-being will soar. Sincere good wishes to each and every one, Judy Sarssam
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Membership Renewals A gentle reminder to our Friends, group and independent members that subscriptions are due for renewal on the 1st April 2019. We appreciate everyone’s support to Conquest Art and enabling us to continue enriching the lives of people with disabilities.
You are invited to the ANNUAL MEETING On Thursday, 11th April 2019 to be held at St. Paul’s Church Centre, Northey Avenue, Cheam, Surrey, SM2 7HS Exhibition viewing from 1:30pm, meeting commences at 2:00pm
Please note that the entry to the hall is from Nonsuch Walk not Northey Avenue.
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ANGELA FULLER from the Worcester Park group
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Awards to be Won! The Lady Shepperd Awards It is another year that our generous Lady Shepperd is sponsoring these awards for our member’s artwork produced on a specific theme chosen. The theme for this year is ‘RAINBOW!’ The artwork will be displayed at our Annual Meeting. This year there will be a judging panel of three judges who will be awarding 1st, 2nd and 3rd prize. The judges are Lady Shepperd (Patron), John Gumbel (Chairman) and Bob Jones (Trustee). It will be great to see all the interesting interpretations on this year’s theme so please do come along to the Annual Meeting to see all the artwork on display.
The Gibson Awards The Gibson Awards was set up at the request of Gladys Gibson who made provision for an annual trophy to go to the member who has shown particular achievement during last year (2018). Group leaders are encouraged to nominate a member in their group who they think that Conquest Art has helped during that year. Group leaders have submitted their nominations to Head Office and the winner will be announced at our Annual Meeting.
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Stoneleigh’s Remembrance Commemoration Members of Conquest Art Stoneleigh Group have commemorated the centenary of the armistice by creating pictures of Poppies, the symbol of remembrance, including the white peace poppy and the purple poppy for the animals who died in war. The display was in church on the remembrance Parade service on 11th November 2018 and was appreciated by members of the congregation. On the opposite page is a painting done by member, Susan Beckett for the Remembrance Day. Lesley, Jeananne, Kate, Chris and Elaine – Stoneleigh volunteers
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Christmas Card Chosen! We are pleased to announce that Stephen Wagland’s Christmas card design ‘Winter is coming’ was chosen by Citywide Financial Partners as their official Christmas card. Citywide have a personal connection with Conquest Art as Stephen sister Stephanie is one of their employees. They stated they were proud to support Conquest Art and have given us a generous donation which is very much appreciated.
The Ashtead group held their last meeting of the year on 11th December 2018 celebrating the on-going success of our group with mince pies, Stollen and chocolates! Susanne Meyers – Ashtead volunteer
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2019 New Year Changes for Halesworth Group Warmest greetings from sunny/snowy Suffolk to everyone involved with Conquest Art. December 2018 was a busy time for us creating a Christmas tree for the local church - we recycled cardboard and raided our boxes of materials - everyone added beautiful handmade cards and greetings tags, little characters and wintry creatures to create a stunning display. A party followed to end the year with games of Seasonal Bingo and 'Pass the Sprout' (a football sized sprout full of art quiz questions and goodies). Well done to Kathy and Richanda for winning! We have very sadly said goodbye to two of our long serving helpers. Our leader Yvonne left in November after three years of inspiration and dedicated support. Yvonne decided to take a break from the group while she still had the strength to tear herself away (but not for long - we were pleased to see her in the New Year). We also said a tearful goodbye to our co-leader Audrey (left), who left at Christmas after four years with us keeping everything organised and arranging many beautiful displays, the last being at the local library for Remembrance Sunday. Audrey's artistic talent helped to update our own display board in December (on opposite page). Both ladies will be really missed but we will keep in touch when we see them about and they are always welcome to see what we are up to in the art group.
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To start the New Year in January 2019 we were really delighted to receive a surprise donation from the Southwold Rotary Club. It is so rewarding to be recognised by other charitable groups and our members will certainly benefit from this very welcome help which will go towards some exciting new equipment for our members to enjoy. Anne Wells, a very prolific artist in Halesworth and one of the first members joining the group when it was started has recently passed away, but we are so grateful for the art books and materials donated to us by her family - a lovely collection of some really useful art and craft items ensure that she will be fondly remembered. For 2019 we are planning to expand the range of ‘arty’ options each month - quite a challenge to achieve with lots of ideas from the group.
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We have some very talented and creative members who are willing to share their skills this year - polymer clay modelling, willow weaving, model building and pyrography are all being explored through some hands-on demonstrations, but the main emphasis will always be on everyone enjoying each week through sharing time and ideas, stories and inspiration, and having 'creative fun' amongst friends. Kathy has written her own very sensitive poem to start the first page of her 2019 art scrapbook with a family theme. Just in case the photo does not show up her poem it is reproduced below: Sparrows, sparrows everywhere Flocking round for scraps to eat Watching, waiting, taking their turn A worm, some bread with the odd little seed Surviving, thriving peacefully, as one Isn't this the way we are supposed to be?
As we were thinking of little birds in the cold weather, Nicholas (right), Lucy and Richanda took up bowls and spoons and created some arty feasts for our feathered friends.
-15Christopher remembers living in India and tried out some new watercolour pencils he had for Christmas with his exotic tiger (below). He is now preparing a study of three more animals and is always so careful and patient copying the detail from a photo. We won't worry that the giraffes are from a UK safari park!
In safari mood from Agnes we have two really sensitive and truly delightful pictures from her little sketchbook (right and on page 17).
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To round off January and fire our imagination on a cold winter's day we had a fascinating demonstration by Steve from the local 'Men’s Shed' who showed us how to make enamel jewellery using tea and a tabletop burner. Our intrepid members and helpers then tried out the technique themselves and made some very pretty pendants. We were delighted with the results and hope Steve will return.
Rabbit pendants made by Nicholas, Kathy, Jane and Lucy
The winter months have taken their toll and two of our ladies have missed the weekly meetings due to illness. We hope they can keep in touch through this magazine and know they are in our thoughts each week. Well done to all our members and volunteers for supporting each other, inspiring creativity and for your uplifting company - you are all fantastic artists! If I haven't mentioned you in person then don't worry - there is always the next issue of the magazine and you are definitely not forgotten. Davina Wilson – Halesworth group leader
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AGNES THURSTON from the Halesworth group
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LYNNE WILLIAMS from the Cheam group
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SONIA LEWIS from the Godalming group
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EL MERCURY from the Bridport group
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Bridport News On Monday, 11th February, Bridport Conquest Art group put up their first exhibition in the only medical centre in Bridport! This was thanks to the Bridport Medical Centre for enabling this to happen and to the Bridport Roundtable for their contribution to buying the frames for our members art work. Tina kindly wrote, printed and sent to us information for the patients to read about Conquest Art. This was framed and became part of the display. Thank you, Tina!
When Christine and I had completed the hanging of the paintings we were already receiving enquiries about Conquest Art and patients saying they were enjoying looking at the art work! Christine and I felt very proud and delighted for of all our members of the group. We both reflected back to Ursula Hulme and thought Ursula would be so happy that all her wishes and desires were still very much alive! From Christine and Catherine (Bridport group leaders)
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What’s Happening in Dorking? January didn’t get off to the best of starts with only three members turning up for our first session in the New Year at Dorking, which meant the volunteers ate far too much of the chocolates and Christmas cake which was left over. However, numbers returned to normal the following week with 10! It was time to settle down and start thinking about the ‘Rainbow’ theme. I have to say I’m very impressed with how some of our members take on the subject and look forward to seeing them all next to each other on our new display board which Tina kindly purchased for us. It is a great way to see what has been painted and gives us the opportunity to replace them as new ones are created by the members. We have also as a group managed to collect 16 paintings to send to Tina towards the Cheam House opening.
Sadly, the cold weather set in and that meant illness so a couple of our regulars have not been able to get to us but we hope that they will be back very soon as they are missed. However, we have been able to welcome David Townsend, our newest member, who has been for the last two weeks and has already contributed to the ‘Rainbow’ theme.
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David was happy for me to take a photo of one his non - Rainbow paintings for the magazine as our newest member.
Great news is that we were chosen by Waitrose in Dorking as one of the three charities they supported in December, shoppers pick up a green disc at the till and pop it into the charity box of their choice on their way out and subsequently we were given a cheque for £135. It seems no time at all since we returned after Christmas and yet we are already thinking about the Easter break coming up very fast, which means the Induction Day is just around the corner. Myself and three volunteers are attending and looking forward to meeting up with other volunteers from the other groups. Nicola Hughes – Dorking group leader
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Stoneleigh’s Christmas Lunch Just before breaking up for Christmas we all meet for a lovely lunch at a local Italian restaurant. As you can see by the photos right, below and on the opposite page, everyone had a very happy time, a good way to start the Christmas season. Lesley Lee – Stoneleigh group leader
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ELIZABETH PESTER from the Malvern group
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Malvern Member‌ Laurence says he has been making models ever since he was a child and has a drawer full of them. Each is individual and unique, some even have a light inside. He usually arrives at Conquest Art with an idea in his head, then he folds, cut, sticks, glues and paints with concentration and care. He made this house (opposite) on request as part of our Well Dressing project. We told him his latest creation in the photograph below would make a lovely jewellery box if it was constructed with a separate lid. Any orders? Janet Bingham – Malvern group leader
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Red, Blue and Yellow We had a great afternoon on Tuesday, 5th February when Paula Tollerton came to Ashtead to demonstrate colour mixing, using the three primary colours of red, blue and yellow. The end result was a lovely mix of paintings of lavender in terracotta pots. Our members really enjoyed the afternoon and learned new skills. Susanne Meyers – Ashtead volunteer
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Art is for All Art is for All the big, the small the short, the tall, Art is for All. Art is for those who can’t walk at all, It is for those who have had a fall, A child who’s just learning to crawl, or old folk sitting in a hall. For those who thought they’d never recall the skills they had when they were small. Ursula Hulme - Founder
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Sad News from the Epsom Group‌ We are very sad to announce the recent loss of one of our members Sai. He was a very talented artist despite being blind. Sai never let his disability stop him from living his life to the full. He was a popular member who enjoyed being a part of Conquest Art. Sai was happy to chat about his family and his love of music, he occasionally brought in his drums into Conquest Art for us all to enjoy his music. He enjoyed creating work for with his family in mind. He was a special member of the group. Sai will be sadly missed by us all at the Epsom group. Beverley Summerlin – Epsom group leader
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Worcester Group Closing Unfortunately, due to personal circumstances our Worcester group will be closing. The last group session will be held on Tuesday, 19th March 2019. We do hope that the members will be able to join our Malvern group to keep their creative spark alive.
Volunteers Needed for our Art Groups Your few hours a week/month could make a real difference to people’s lives. We are seeking volunteer helpers willing to support and help the following of our art groups: Bridport group – meets every alternate Monday from 11:00am - 12:30pm. Ewell group – meets every Monday from 1:00pm – 4:00pm. Woking group – meets 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month from 2:00pm – 4:00pm. All the venue details are on pages 34 & 35. All our art groups need a team of volunteers which have a variety of different gifts from organisational skills, artistic experience to someone dealing with the money or making the tea. But most of all we need your enthusiasm to help create a friendly welcoming environment where members feel relaxed and able to make the most of their time with us. Volunteers are the people who make Conquest Art possible. Could you join one of our teams? If you or anyone you know is interested in being part of the volunteer team, please contact us for more information (contact details on page 1). We will arrange for you to visit the group to see how our art groups are run and to meet other volunteers and members.
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Dates for the
CALENDAR 2019
8th March
Exhibition at the Cheam House Open Day at 38 Park Road, Cheam, Sutton, Surrey, SM3 8PY From 10:30am to 2:00pm.
1st April
Membership Renewal for Friends, group members and Independent members
11th April
Annual Meeting to be held at St. Paul’s Church, Northey Avenue, Cheam, Surrey, SM2 7HS
8th to 19th Oct
Annual Exhibition at Bourne Hall, Spring Street, Ewell, Surrey, KT17 1UF
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LIST OF CONQUEST ART GROUPS AND LEADERS Ashtead Group St. Michael's Catholic Church, Church Hall, The Marld Ashtead, Surrey, KT21 1RS
Leader: Colin Cheeseman Tel: 01372 272987 Alternate Tuesdays 2:00 - 4:00pm
Bridport Group Bridport Christian Fellowship Kings Square, Kings Street Bridport, Dorset, DT6 3QD
Leader: Catherine Tel: 01308 459464 Alternate Mondays 11:00am - 12:30pm
Carshalton Beeches Group Baptist Free Church Banstead Road, Carshalton Surrey, SM5 3NL
Leader: Paul Scott-Evans Tel: 020 8647 9472 Alternate Wednesdays 2:00 - 4:00pm
Cheam Group St. Paul’s Church Centre Northey Avenue, Cheam Surrey, SM2 7HS
Leader: Anne Bland Botham Tel: 020 3536 5686 Every Thursday 2:00 - 4:00pm
Cobham Group Cobham Centre Oakdene Road, Cobham Surrey, KT11 2LY
Leader: Marie Emmanuel Tel: 07591 524359 Every Friday 10:00am - 12noon
Dorking Group United Reformed Church, Main Hall 53 West Street, Dorking Surrey, RH4 1BS
Leader: Nicola Hughes Tel: 01306 259295 Every Thursday except the 3rd Thursday From 2:00 - 4:00pm
Epsom Group Epsom Methodist Church Ashley Road, Epsom Surrey, KT18 5AQ
Leader: Beverley Summerlin Tel: 020 8224 9067 Every Tuesday 2:00 - 4:00pm
Ewell Group Christ Church Ewell Cheam Road, Ewell Surrey, KT17 1AD
Leader: Steve Deal Tel: 020 8397 6113 Every Monday 1:00 - 4:00pm
-35Formby Group The Luncheon Club Brows Lane, Formby Merseyside, L37 3HA
Leader: Jeff Scott Tel: 07821 085521 Alternate Wednesdays 2:30 – 4:30pm
Godalming Group United Reformed Church 1Bridge Street, Godalming Surrey, GU7 3DU
Leader: Julie Stephens Tel: 01252 792990 Every Thursday 10:30am - 12:30pm
Halesworth Group United Reformed Church Quay Street, Halesworth Suffolk, IP19 8ER
Leader: Davina Wilson Treasurer: Marilyn Pettit Tel: 01986 874316 Every Wednesday 1:30 - 3:30pm
Malvern Group Leader: Janet Bingham Malvern Link United Reformed Church Tel: 01684 562188 Church Hall, Worcester Road, 2nd and 4th Thursdays 2:15 – 4:15pm Malvern, Worcestershire, WR14 1SS Reigate Park Group Reigate Park Church Park Lane East, Reigate Surrey, RH2 8BD
Leaders: Kathy Adams - 01737 233923 / Tara Supra-Wood - 01737 766502 Every Wednesday 10:00am - 12:00noon
Stoneleigh Group Stoneleigh Methodist Church Stoneleigh Crescent, Epsom Surrey, KT19 0RT
Leader: Lesley Lee Tel: 020 8393 4116 Every Monday 2:00 - 4:00pm
Woking Group Woking United Reformed Church White Rose Lane, Woking Surrey, GU22 7HA
Leader: Brenda Frost Contact: Tina McJarrow (Head Office) Tel: 020 3044 2731 1st and 3rd Tuesdays 2:00 - 4:00pm
Worcester Group St Mark in the Cherry Orchard Orchard Street, Worcester Worcestershire, WR5 3DW
Leader: Lisa Griffiths Tel: 01905 780035 1st and 3rd Tuesdays 1:15 - 4:15pm
Worcester Park Group St Mary's Cuddington The Avenue, Worcester Park Surrey, KT4 7HL
Leader: Carole Watts Tel: 020 8786 8534 Every Tuesday 1:30 - 3:30pm
(During School term only)
Closes on 19th March 2019
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CONQUEST ART Enriching the lives of people with disabilities Conquest Art CIO - Registered Charity No. 1171582
MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION AND RENEWAL I wish to apply for membership of CONQUEST ART in the category listed below: (Please tick the appropriate box) I wish to renew my membership of CONQUEST ART (Please tick the appropriate box) (Subscriptions are renewable on 1st April each year) I understand I shall be put on the mailing list for CONQUEST ART magazine and other information as, and when, it becomes available. 1.
Group / Individual membership We welcome people with a wide range of disabilities who would like to benefit from creative art activity in a friendly, non-competitive group. Group and individual members will receive our quarterly magazine and are entitled to exhibit their work at CONQUEST ART exhibitions.
£5 per annum
2.
Friend of Conquest Art Open to anyone interested in the work of the Charity. Friends are encouraged to participate, wherever possible, in activities of CONQUEST ART.
£20 per annum
3.
Life membership A Life Membership is available for anyone interested in supporting the work of the Charity.
£200 per annum
Cheques should be made payable to CONQUEST ART CIO and sent to: CONQUEST ART CIO, Office 92, Trident Court, One Oakcroft Road, Chessington, Surrey, KT9 1BD ALL CAPITAL LETTERS PLEASE Name (Mr/Mrs/Miss): Address:
Postcode:
Telephone:
Email Address:
Date of application / renewal: To be completed by Full Members only Disability / Long term illness:
Age:
Name of group (if applicable):
The Trustees expect the Charity Co-ordinator, volunteers and members of Conquest Art to be treated with courtesy and respect. Abusive or aggressive behavior at group meetings is unacceptable and is likely to result in exclusion from the group.