We are delighted to announce that the Heritage Volunteer Group of The Arts Society Solihull have been awarded a Highly Commended Marsh Award. Congratulations and well done. The group, which began in 2007, have undertaken two projects in the local community. The first project at Knowle Parish Church created altar cloths and embroidered crosses for the side chapel and main altar, two wedding kneelers and six altar rail kneelers . 

With the exquisite work at Knowle complete, the group was approached by Packwood House (NT) about some conservation work. This second project has been ongoing since September 2013 and is only just nearing completion. Four cushions for the oriel window in the great hall were worked in a Florentine style pattern to match a tapestry hanging in the dining room. Six tapestry chair covers have also been worked and will be fitted over the originals. Two bench cushions for the Observation Room and a replica Visitors' Book cover have also been made.

Many congratulations to the small team led by Maureen Hill, Diana Walker and Julia Richardson

80 members enjoyed lunch at Copt Heath Golf Club on Wednesday 1 December.

As part of the proceedings a raffle was held. The proceeds will be used to support Young Arts Volunteering. This year we are supporting both local schools and Koestler Arts, a charity that works with prisons and Young Offenders institutions to provide arts activities for inmates.

The West Midlands Arts Societies are working with Koestler Arts on a project with Young Offenders institutions in the West Midlands.