Friday, January 25, 2013

Age UK Colchester needs your help!


PLEASE TAKE TIME TO READ THIS!!!!!!!!! - affects us all 
(And if you don't think so, remember, you will be old one day!)
“Can you help us?
We are launching a public appeal to people and organisations in the Borough of Colchester for help. We have been providing services for older people in the Borough for over forty years and sadly find ourselves in a position where we have been drawing heavily on our reserves to provide these because of increasing competition for funding.
Staff and volunteers at the George Street headquarters in Colchester provide older people with services they could not obtain easily elsewhere. Clients of the Advice Service are advised on benefits and allowances and assisted to apply for them if applicable. Home visits are available. Since 2003 clients have been helped to claim over £10 million pounds in benefits, money which of course flows into the local economy benefiting small businesses such as personal care and domestic agencies, taxi companies, suppliers of disability equipment among others. Volunteer advocates assist individuals who often have no family available with complex problems. In addition to the Advice and Information services, there are the social clubs and activities, day care facilities, consumer advice sessions, computer classes and a free legal advice surgery. 
Age UK Colchester is an independent charity responsible for finding its own funding. We are now at the edge of our own fiscal cliff! We will be unable to operate as at present beyond 31 March 2013 unless new funding and donations are received. Older people within the Borough face losing our special services and staff face losing their jobs. It is hoped that the community will respond to keep these vital services alive.
Offers of support, donations and suggestions will be gratefully received by our Chief Officer, Age UK Colchester, Globe House, 6 George Street, Colchester (01206 368420).”




Monday, January 14, 2013

We would like to see more of you on Monday's so we have decided to offer a cake and a drink for £1.50. Look forward to seeing you then. If you can't make it then, explain yourself to Iron Man.   
(Iron Man drawing by Ryan Balkwill from Artco).

Thursday, January 10, 2013

‘Spring’ window boxes.





The Story


We have decided to revamp our window display boxes this year. We are growing spring bulbs in them to reference the dormant animals and plants sleeping during this time of year and to have something to look forward to.
Jane had the idea of making bulb parcels from hessian and felt filled with compost and Muscari and Tete a tete bulbs, which can be displayed outside on our cafĂ© windows. They will compliment the garden baskets that were being made in December. They have been over wintering in Jane’s garden taking advantage of the mild winter.

Process



First we cut the hessian fabric into a 16” squares, then we cut a 7” diameter circle in felt for each and put them in a bowl. Gavin then helped put the bulbs in the bottom and then we put soil on top to 5cm depth. We cut a 25” length of string and used it to weave in and out of the hessian bag we had produced to close it up like a money bag. Lastly we dunked the bag with its contents into a jug of water which soaked into the fabric and soil. With each one done we put it to one side to drain and started another. We have so far made 7 and are supporting them in wire springs, covered in raffia.
We hope they will grow and be a very impressive sight by spring.
Watch this space for future developments.

Colin, Gavin and Jane – Artco’s first project of January 2013   

Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Jane Armstrong 2013



Artist Statement

My paintings are inspired by my love of colour and plant formation. Bringing these bold, bright and striking paintings into the home really makes a statement.

Jane Armstrong.

Cockerel (papier Mache) £35

Charlotte £150

 Emily £25 

Annie £85

Florence £45 

Fiona £95

Franchesco £150

Isobel £180

Lisa £40

Marilyn £150

Madeleine £25

Milly £25

Miranda £40

Olive £25

PATRICIA £95

SHIRLEY £180

SOPHIE £70

SUMMER £150

 Cat (Papier Mache) £15 

Susie £25
Jane Armstrong's show lasts from Jan 6th - Feb 1st and we are open 9.00 - 4.00 Monday - Friday.