Golborne and Lowton Art Group going from strength to strength

Forming around ten years ago, Golborne and Lowton Art Group is a community group that gets together to indulge in social and art activities.

As many of the group's 40 members have lost loved ones or struggle with disabilities or social isolation, they meet at Leigh and Lowton Sailing Club every Thursday to practice a variety of painting methods.

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Volunteers at the art groups workshop at Leigh Spinners Mill (Image: Golborne and Lowton Art Group)

Aware of the group's talents and the social benefits it creates in the community, Gena Merrett, councillor for Golborne Lowton West, arranged for their work to be showcased at Shevington Art Gallery.

The success of this exhibition led to further bookings at the gallery, as well as a permanent gallery and workshop sessions at Leigh Spinners Mill.

There have also been three years' worth of funding to secure the community group's future, thanks to the Golborne Lowton West councillors.

A watercolour design from one of the group's members, Janet Bilsbury (Image: Golborne and Lowton Art Group)

Also gaining support from Spinners Mill general manager Jo Platt, this partnership has been particularly fruitful as it has allowed the group more space to be creative, attract more volunteers, and engage with more people in the community.

As the group's artwork now features permanently on the walls of the historic Mill, which is full of creative groups, local businesses, and independent organisations, volunteers organised an event last week to thank those who have supported their project.

Cllr Merrett was gifted two paintings of Golborne Station by one of the group's volunteers, while Ms Platt was gifted flowers for her help in supporting the group.

The group have been able to flourish with more local partnerships (Image: Golborne and Lowton Art Group)