Chairman’ s Christmas Message
Seasons Greetings
I ' m sad to pass on news that Dawn Catmull, a long term BADFA member, lost her battle with secondary breast cancer in November.
I have known her for about 15 years, when we did teacher training together at Auscraft. Dawn was so passionate about painting and this really came across in her teaching. Because we lived so far apart, I did not get to paint with her nearly often enough. She was such a vibrant lady and full of fun, life, and laughter. She will be missed by her adored and adoring family, and her many friends.
* * * What a difference a year makes. At this stage in 2016, I was wondering if I could achieve the mammoth task of raising funds for the life changing HSCT for Kirsty ' s MS and Rheumatoid Arthritis. With your help as a group, and individually( too many to mention), we made it and she is doing really well.
Again I have broken a promise to myself not to have any work carried out in the house at this time of year; but we are revamping the studio. Wow! The things I found when clearing out, recycling, rehoming, discarding etc! But I still have too much‘ stuff’. My students kept reminding me,‘ it will be lovely when it’ s done’.
It has been extra busy for me, as now I have a regular Friday slot at Hobbycraft, where I can promote decorative painting, display my paintings, and promote my classes. If you fancy demonstrating, contact your local branch, they are glad to have people like us.
Other things I have been busy with are new Christmas designs; a little Bethlehem scene from a sheepy perspective, and a mixed media snowy scene. Seems like I’ ve been doing these for months so I have enough for craft fairs.
Looking ahead to the New Year- unfortunately we will not be doing the Farnborough Craft Show as the organisers could not get the usual dates, but we look forward to seeing as many of you as possible at BADFA Convention in May for painting fun.
Christmas can be a poignant time for some, especially those who have lost dearly loved ones and because memories are heightened. It really helps to get together with painting friends, so why not invite a few friends over during the break and have some fun!
Lastly I thank our wonderful committee who just keep working on, year after year to keep BADFA alive, well and running – think we are approaching our 24 th year this year. I really do appreciate our team for all their energetic input and commitment so a very Happy Christmas to them and to you all.
Sharon xx
Dawn’ s funeral will be held at St John ' s Church, St Johns Ave, Churchdown, Gloucester GL3 2DB at 1300hrs on Monday 11 December. After a short service you will be welcome to come back to 40 Parton Road GL3 2AF for something to drink and eat, and Dawn ' s studio will be open etc. Close family will attend a short ceremony at the Crem at 1400hrs and then join everyone. Please no flowers, I will be setting up a thanksgiving page if you wish to donate to charity for secondary breast cancer. Also please feel free not to wear black, Dawn liked colour.