Mayor opens veterans’ art exhibition at Touchstones

Veteran Darren Horsnell shows the Mayor and Mayoress around the exhibition at Touchstones

1 More Image(s) In Gallery

An exhibition by amateur artists from the Creative Community Hub at Veterans in Communities (VIC) has been officially opened by the Mayor of Rochdale, Surinder Biant.

Mayor Biant thanked the veterans for the invitation and described the work as "fantastic".

He said: “You have got real hidden talent and thank you for the excellent exhibition.”

Mayoress Cecile Biant added: “There are some really top notch paintings; I especially like the ones by Liz Taylor.”

The Deputy Lieutenant of Greater Manchester Ian Sandiford and members of VIC attended the opening of the exhibition in Gallery One.

The artists were delighted to see their work on display in such a prestigious setting.

Arts and Crafts Co-ordinator Darren Horsnell was the inspiration behind the exhibition having discovered art while convalescing at Combat Stress.

The Falklands veteran said: “This is another chapter in my life. To get the chance to exhibit in Touchstones is amazing.

“The people at Touchstones have been absolutely fantastic and have supported VIC right from the start and helped to organise everything. To have the Mayor to open the exhibition is great too.

“These are all steps in my recovery. I started painting 10 years ago and then started the art group at VIC. It has helped me personally being able to encourage others to take up art.

“I would love to be able to teach art to others and that is my end goal, steps like this all help towards me reaching that goal.

“Discovering art has made such a big difference to my life; it is better than any medication.”

Many of the original works and prints are for sale and the exhibition will continue to 6 February.

VIC works to help ex-service personnel and those in the police, fire and ambulance services to return, belong and prosper in their communities.

The organisation runs a varied programme of activities throughout East Lancashire, Rochdale, Heywood and Middleton including outreach, social inclusion, a singing group and arts group.