THE COOKHAM ARTS CLUB HOLIDAY
2027 Monk Coniston in the Lake District
With a desirable address overlooking Coniston Water (the inspiration for Arthur Ransome’s 1930 novel, Swallows and Amazons), this characterful Grade II-listed house delights with lakeside and woodland walks from the doorstep, décor that stays true to the period feel, and plenty of Beatrix Potter references.
While the children’s author and illustrator did not live at the Monk Coniston estate (her beloved home was Hill Top, bought in 1905 with the royalties from The Tale of Peter Rabbit), she campaigned with the National Trust to save it from development. She then purchased the entire estate in 1930 and as the new owner she immediately sold half to the organisation, bequeathing them the other half in her will.
2026 Shropshire Hills National Landscape
The club had a great time in Church Stretton, although the weather was rather hot. However, the members all found nice shady places with a view to paint. Locations included Ludlow Acton Scott Heritage Farm. Dudmaston Hall, David Austin Gardens, Stokesay Castle, Attingham Park and Church Stretton.
During the week the club had a small exhibition raising money for the HF Pathways fund of which £33.00 was raised. This was followed by another exhibition on the last night whereby £84.00 was raised for the Air Ambulance.
2025 Harrington House in the Cotswolds
For most of the holiday the club were really lucky with the weather and had some glorious days visiting and painting which included Hidcote Gardens, Broadway tower and Stanway house grounds (which has the tallest fountain in Europe) and Upper and Lower Slaughter.
The club also had a painting exhibition of their pictures over the holiday. The voting was to raise funds towards the Pathways fund and £60.65 was raised.
2024 Eryri National Park
A great time was had on the recent club holiday to Eryri National Park (previously known as Snowdonia). We enjoyed good weather and many interesting trips to lovely locations such as Penmaenpool, Barmouth, Port Merion, Harlech Castle and the Torrent Walk along Afon Clywedog.
Hard hats were required for our visit to the Llanfair Slate Caverns which inspired Ruth Daniel’s winning entry for the Pathways Fund Exhibition.
For more pictures see our August 2024 newsletter.
2023 Brecon, South Wales
2022 Selworthy
Based around the village of Selworthy in the beautiful countryside of the Exmoor National Park, this year’s holiday was greatly enjoyed. Unfortunately, Covid appeared at the holiday centre and one of the party had to return home early. The vaccination seems to have been effective as, thankfully, no one has become seriously ill, although many of the group have now tested positive. As well as the painting trips, the evening events were fun, and quite a few paintings were sold to raise £63 for the Pathways charity.