Five years ago, the Llangarron Community Association (LCA) was set up to develop the North Aisle of St Deinst church into a 21st century community venue and develop and run a programme of activities for the community. The first task was to commission a Feasibility Study to explore design options. Once these had been agreed with the community, the LCA applied for Lottery funding but was unsuccessful. In the light of this, a decision was taken to become a charity which, it is hoped, will open up more funding opportunities. Also, it was decided to press on with essential church repairs to ensure the fabric of the church was sound. These were completed earlier this year. The LCA is currently fundraising and applying for grants to complete the Project.

h.Art @ Llangarron Church was conceived to tie in with the increasingly popular Herefordshire Art Week and show off the newly restored North Aisle. As well as showcasing the work of 17 talented local artists, 6 of whom live in Llangarron, it set out to demonstrate how the North Aisle could be developed and used as a community venue. The show, a first for Llangarron, encompassed an eclectic and colourful collection of paintings, bronzes, ceramics, fused glass, gilded pieces, metalwork, photographs, textiles and woodturning which, from the feedback, served to attract many visitors. Over the 9 days, the exhibition drew c. 935 visitors into the church and art to the value of £6,404 was sold. 10% of this has been generously donated by the artists to the North Aisle Project plus a significant amount of donations were given by visitors. It was a mammoth task but well worth it. The verdict was that the show was a great success! 

Rosie Wilson