Artists in Normanton-on-Trent to host charity art exhibition to save church from closure

Village artists are coming together to help save their church and community hall.

Kate Dixon, a resident of Normanton on Trent and active member of the community, is organising an arts and crafts fair on March 15 at Saint Matthew’s Church.

The 13th-century church has been without a vicar for over six months, and the number of monthly bills has led the village to join forces and raise funds to keep the church open.

Kate said: “The church owns our village hall where we run community events and exercise classes.

“We fear that lots of churches have closed recently, and with that, a sense of community is lost.

“We don't want a derelict church to be sat unused by future generations — these small events go a long way to raise money for the church's upkeep. “

Kate, who lives next to the church hall, said that she believes that she has a responsibility to the community and that if no one organises community events, then the community will grow apart.

The church often organises annual charity events, however it wasn’t until this year that the community saw the urgency to save their church and hall from closure.

“If we don’t fight for our church and hall then it will disappear,” added Kate.

The charity exhibition will see a number of talents from the village displayed, including work from Ziz Dziedzan, a Ukrainian oil painter; Rebecca Seddon, an illustrator and Isabelle Kelly, an acrylic painting artist.

Photographer Gerry Murray will be exhibiting span his career, in which the eagle-eyed observer might spot a photograph of actress Jane Seymour, who starred in James Bond movie Live and Let Die.

The Ossington Art group, taught by Graham Norton, will also be exhibiting their work at the church.

There will be refreshments available at the event.