When Eileen finally joined Bramhall Arts Society, Nora had moved away and Brenda, the other co-founder had been joined by Sybil Swan and Dorothy Butterworth as an associate. Run without a committee on different lines than it is today. They hired the main hall from 10am until 4pm, with different sessions running morning and afternoon.
Members met and were kept in touch with the needs of running the club through discussions round the table and members volunteering for jobs. Eileen initiated the start of a 'Library' of books and video tapes of all things related to art, which she ran for several years.
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There was a strong attitude towards original work and no member could exhibit if there was a suspicion that it was a copy of another artists work. To encourage originality, members attended the many workshops that were organised by Sybil and other club members, run either by visiting artists of the members themselves.
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There was no Christmas meal organised at a specific venue as BAS does today, but a 'Bring & Share' was organised for a day close to Christmas, held in the hall. Members would play interesting games and participate in competitions, for example:- the Best Original Christmas Hat, the Best Christmas Card Design or as the photograph shows, the Best Christmas Mask. Reading poetry, or any other entertainment offered by the members was also enjoyed and the food was very good as well.
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Eileen is still painting and exhibiting with BAS, some 36 years on. Her enthusiasm hasn't waned by the passing of the years and she still attends various demonstrations and workshops whenever her health allows.
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Always keen to learn, Eileen is an amazing example to us all and it has been a real pleasure to write this very condensed version of her art adventures.