Local artists raise £1,000 painting miniatures for Petrus

Angela Jenkin; Martin Topham and Denis Skelton, Petrus Community; The Mayor and Mayoress of Rochdale

Chris Hamilton and Angela Jenkin, proprietors of Number Ten Gallery, organised a fund raising event in aid of the local homelessness charity the Petrus Community to help fund their work.

Local artists were invited to paint miniature canvasses which were then sold to members of the public with proceeds being donated to the Petrus Community.

The Mayor and Mayoress of Rochdale called in to Number Ten Gallery to present the cheque this week.

Angela said: “A wide range of local art groups supported the venture with particular thanks to Veronica Swinden and Lorraine Dewhurst of Rochdale Artists Group, Rose Leech and Chris Nicholson of Wardle Art Group’ Jenny Buckley of Norden Arts, Carl Jacobs and Bury Art Society, Collette Bennett and Avril Harrop of Crompton Painters.

“Also we would like to thank some of the area’s more renowned painters for their support, including Walter Kershaw, Geoff Butterworth, Paul Temple, Carl Jacobs and David Ainsworth.

“All of whom made time in their busy schedules to collect, paint, create and donate the canvas to this worthy cause.

“Just as importantly, we would like to thank all of our customers who went out of their way to come into the gallery especially to purchase a canvas to support this local charity.

“We have so far raised £1000 and there are still some canvases for sale.”

Denis Skelton, Co-ordinator of the Petrus Community said: “All the funds raised will go towards the provision of frontline services for homeless people in the area.

“We are so grateful to Chris Hamilton and Angela Jenkin for hosting another successful fund raiser for Petrus, the artists and for the continued support of the communities of Rochdale, particularly at a time when demands on our services grow.”