Our last outing in the West Region just as the clocks fell back for winter; a handful of hardy artists turned out for what could be a chilly day in Old Sarum’s WW1 era hangars. However BDAC has just been awarded Arts Council Accreditation, so they really do punch above their weight for the size of space they occupy.

The day’s predicted rain did not disappoint as sunlight streamed through the hangar roofs and later overcast with readjusting of tonal values in our work! The collection seems to grow every time we visit; ex ETPS Beagle Basset now has its wings attached with an impressive 50 ft span, wingless Raspberry Ripple Jaguar fresh from RAFM Cosford, and a large-scale flying replica Optica that was actually manufactured full size at Old Sarum.

A big thank you to all who attended, and those who could not, but rang me all the same to apologise and offer their support. The collection will change again I am sure before our next visit, so thank you to BDAC for hosting us and for providing endless coffee! As I write this, Storm Ciaran is doing its thing outside my studio window, so I hope that this article finds you all well and weather tight!

All the best with your A5 submissions (or purchases) and the festive time. I look forward to seeing you all again in 2024.

Rob Hames GAvA
West Region Organiser