Paintings raise funds for St Catherine's Hospice

Christine Montgomery and artist Edwin Williams at The Mill, with the painting he donated to St Catherines Hospice

Leyland Market traders have donated funds to the hospice after selling prints of a much admired picture of the former Leyland Motors North Works building, where the market now stands.

An original painting on display in the market - by Leyland artist Bill Southworth - was attracting so much interest from shoppers, that traders approached Bill about getting some prints produced.

Bill requested that St Catherine’s benefited from the sales of the pictures, and along with money raised from a Christmas raffle, the market traders have handed over £300 to the Lostock Hall hospice.

Artist Bill Southworth with his painting and Leyland Market traders

St Catherine’s fund-raiser Hayley Jackson said: “It’s wonderful that Bill has given something back to the community through his talents. Not only do his paintings bring joy to the market traders and shoppers, and celebrate Leyland’s famous manufacturing heritage, the fact that he’s chosen to support his local hospice in the process is very generous, and greatly appreciated.”

Meanwhile, Edwin Williams, who holds seasonal classes at The Mill cafe and community hub in St Catherine’s Park, donated some of his work to the hospice, which was snapped up by one of his session’s regular attendees.

Edwin, who works on board cruise ships teaching art to holidaymakers, said: “I often auction off some of my work on the cruise ships to raise money for charity, so I decided to do something similar for a cause closer to home, and donated a painting depicting one of my favourite places; Ravenglass in Cumbria.”

Christine Montgomery has attended most of Edwin’s Watercolours for Beginners workshops at The Mill since shortly after it opened as a social enterprise to support the work of St Catherine’s.

She said: “Edwin used the painting as a practice exercise once, so I recognised it and it just brings back memories of all the times I’ve attended his workshops at The Mill. The painting will take pride of place in my lounge.”

Edwin’s next Watercolours for Beginners workshops at The Mill will be held on June 3 and September 30, from 10am until 4.30pm.

To book, email [email protected] or call 01772 695277.

For a previous story about fund-raising for St Catherine's Hospice click here http://www.lep.co.uk/your-lancashire/south-ribble/lostock-hall/volunteer-takes-on-st-catherine-s-cycle-challenge-in-memory-of-husband-1-8469654