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Visual art

Lynda Taylor: provides a regular virtual walk in the countryside, via her beautiful paintings of Coquetdale. https://www.facebook.com/rothburyartgallery/

Mary Ann Rogers: Based in Redesdale, her many fans in Coquetdale have been enjoying watching her free ‘lock-down’ videos of painting demonstrations and having a go themselves. “It’s just me doing a bit of painting, chatting and having a laugh. People are finding it inspiring; I love them sending me photos of their own efforts.” – https://www.facebook.com/hamish4

Pam Stevenson: Originating in 2008 in Coquetdale, the Longframlingon Art Group has been meeting every other Tuesday. Since the lockdown, the meetings continued via Facebook.

Pam tells me: “It was suggested that we each take a turn in proposing a theme then we all attempt a new drawing or painting. This has been a great success and it has been lovely for us all to see each other’s creations, make comments, stay in touch and have some fun with it all too.”

If you would like to join, contact Pam at https://www.facebook.com/Pam-Stevenson-ART-240325516007176/

The Coquetvale Hotel plans to hold an exhibition of artwork produced during lock-down.

Keeping in touch

The potter, Sarah Taylor, has set up a communication group – https://www.facebook.com/groups/connetionclub/ - for people to talk online, share worries, fun and enlightening experiences

Sarah says: “I set the group up for our online customers, friends and family. Some were self-isolating for their health or because they had to care for elderly/vulnerable family members. So, I created the group to ensure that people had somebody to communicate with and somewhere that they could go to chat if they felt lonely. We do regular posts, to check how everybody is.

“I encourage people to message me if they're feeling lonely. Every Friday at 3pm we have an online chat for an hour where we share our news. We're so used to seeing friends in the street or talking to somebody when we drop off our kids at school or at work. I want to ensure that people are seeing a range of faces every week and chatting to variety of people. I think it's important to maintain our wider community; not just close friends and family.”

The monthly Rothbury Poetry, Writing and Music Event has been online since lockdown. Here the guest poets and musicians have recorded themselves, and a marvellous night of poetry and music by local people is available to watch from the comfort of home.

I’m stunned by the amount of individual creativity taking place. People are learning many new skills.

Fantastic photographs are being shared of our beautiful countryside, flora and fauna.

Ingenious Facebook groups have formed. One began almost immediately – encouraging members to dress up in their finery to do household tasks, posting photos which cheer everyone up.

I can’t wait to see what pops up next!

Katie ScottCreative Coquetdale Folk