Artist recognised in F Jones Initiative for sharing skills in community

The Initiative was set up by Wrexham Lager and F Jones Food Service to recognise those in the Wrexham community who stand out.

The F Jones Initiative said: “We have great pleasure in recognising Margaret Roberts for her artistic skills and her passion for sharing these skills with others.”

For the past 27 years she has used her artistic talents to organise and tutor watercolour painting classes.

The classes are held weekly at St Margaret’s Church Hall, Garden Village, Wrexham.

Read more: Wrexham woman's "wonderful" drawing and painting skills recognised by initiative

They are very popular and well attended by people in the community. Many have been with Margaret since the start of the group. At the age of 72, Margaret says, “we have grown old together."

Margaret was encouraged by a family member to start a watercolour painting class to bring people together, to paint and socialise. She has in the region of 55 people a week coming to these classes She says “they won’t let me retire, but I am not ready to do that”.

In 2018, the charity Dementia Friendly Art Group started up and is tutored by Margaret.

Margaret does this voluntarily and they meet each Wednesday afternoon at St Margaret’s Church Hall. The group is for anyone with dementia and their carer, also anyone who is elderly and would benefit from socialising and painting together. All subjects are tackled and Margaret says the standard of work is terrific.

Margaret and her class in a collage Margaret says they make her very proud, before Christmas, the group had about 10 people, however, it is going from strength to strength, more than doubling in number currently to about 22.

Margaret says that running this group is a joy. In 2019 they had a terrific Christmas party in the hall, with food, music, and dancing. It was such a fun happy time, that was enjoyed by all. Sadly, it couldn’t be repeated in 2020, due to the Covid pandemic, but went ahead with great success in 2021!

There are also voluntarily dedicated tea ladies that Margaret would like recognised. They make a brilliant cup of tea, supplied with a biscuit while you paint.

Read more: Wrexham's Ruby celebrated for her bravery and kindness

A statement by the F Jones initiative said: “We have been so impressed by Margaret’s warm and friendly nature, her passion for art and determination to pass that on to others. We think her Dementia Friendly Art Group is inspired, it provides stimulation and a safe place to socialise for vulnerable people.

"We have visited the dementia group and they are having great fun together! If you are elderly or have dementia why not give it a go? It is a great place to make new friends and Margaret is one of the loveliest people you could meet.

Well done Margret!”

The competition is still open, with monthly prizes to be won, of £100 plus £75 in vouchers donated by Lot 11, The Bank, and The Fat Boar.

 A grand prize for the overall winner is £1,000 plus a two-night dinner, bed, and breakfast package donated by Rossett Hall Hotel. All you must do is email or nominate someone to fjoneco@aol.com.  It can be for their talent or how they help or make a difference to you or the community.