Art and company A local art class opens minds and brings people together Ann Corbett at work. She has been a member of the Farthinghoe art class for 18 months A WEEKLY art class at Farthinghoe is much more than lessons in creativity - it is a social event that brings like-minded people together.

The class, in Farthinghoe Village Hall, has been running for 20 years, and has become a way of life for many of its 'pupils.' Eileen Agard, 91, is a typical example. She has been a member since day one.

She said: "It's a good class and a great group of people. Coming here keeps me healthy. I laugh a lot and they say laughter is the best medicine."

The class is run by Northamptonshire County Council and 27 art lovers of all ages attend every week.

It has two sessions - morning and afternoon - and some pupils, including Eileen, enjoy it so much they stay for both.

The social side began when five of the 'girls' went out for lunch and had such a good time they began calling themselves the 'Arty Fartys'.

Then all the artists started going to lunch together once a month, and now anyone who joins the class automatically becomes an Arty Farty.

Caroline Chappell is class tutor and teaches all styles of art - water-colours, pastels, oils, and acrylics. The most popular at the moment is acrylic.

Mrs Chappell said: "They are all progressing with a varying degree of success."

Earlier this year this class was under threat of closure because of dwindling numbers, but 'pupils' Joan Bailey and Vikki Sikking started advertising with posters and flyers in shops and libaries.

Mrs Bailey said: "Thankfully we managed to save the class, and we have gone from strength to strength."

She added: "This is a special group of people and the class is important to all the pupils.

"I hope it will continue for many more years. It is an important part of the community, and members come from near and far, not just from Farthinghoe."

An exhibition of paintings produced at the class is being organised.

It will be at The Place in White Lion Walk, Banbury, from Friday, November 3 to Monday, November 13.

Paintings will be on sale, and a quarter of the takings will be donated to Age Concern, the charity that runs The Place.