THE future of a WGC art gallery has been secured, with the help of a WHT appeal for new volunteers.
As the WHT reported in January, the New Maynard Gallery at Campus West was in danger of extinction, as the committee that organised the exhibitions wanted to retire after 10 years in charge.
But they had failed to find fresh blood to continue the gallery’s legacy.
And with hope fading, it was looking likely that October’s exhibition - the gallery’s 100th - was going to be it’s last.
Not any more, however.
Following a high profile search - and an appeal in the WHT - a whole new board of trustees has now been found.
The retiring committee will now officially hand over to the new board at October’s exhibition.
And it meant the gallery’s latest exhibition, opened earlier this month, was a cause for celebration.
Retiring committee chairman George Woodcraft said: “It was very depressing thinking October going to be the last exhibition.
“Now all these people have come out and they’ve formed their own committee which has already met without us, which is very good.
“I’m sure the bits in the WHT were very helpful in getting people to join.”
Trustees stepping down are George Woodcraft, Mike Goring, Doreen Ludlow, Norman Merry, Sheila Woolf and Anne Woolmington.
Fiona Chaney, Mel Henson, Beata Horecka, Val Kemp, Jill McMaster and Brigitte Trister will take over, and Ken Wright will stay on the board.
Ken McMaster, Judi Simons and George Stodulski will also be volunteering for the gallery.
The New Maynard Gallery’s current exhibition is on now until June 9.