As in recent years, the Midland Region started it’s annual programme of meetings with a social event incorporating art themed activities and a lunch together.
This year’s event was held in the pleasant surroundings of Shifnal Golf Club near Telford on Saturday 7th February. Thanks go to Steve Clayton, who is a member of the Club, and Nigel Morris for the arrangements with the Club.
Fifteen artists gathered at the venue, starting around 10am with chat and catch up over tea & coffee.
The morning saw a demonstration of pastel techniques by Steve Clayton. After describing the materials he uses including Faber-Castell soft pastel sticks and Clairefontaine Pastelmat paper, Steve showed some of the methods he uses for painting sky and clouds.
After a short break, Steve then went on to paint reflections in the sea on a painting he had prepared earlier. Steve showed some examples of completed works he brought in for the day (alongside two of his paintings on display in the bar area of the Club).
A delicious two course lunch was followed in the afternoon by a review and informal critique of works brought in by participants, of non-aviation subjects. This session was ably run by David and Robert Calow.
Thank you to Nigel, Steve and the staff at the Golf Club for the very successful organisation and running of the day. Thanks as well to all the participants who helped make this a great start to the Midlands’ 2026 meeting programme.

Richard Thorne AGAvA
Secretary