An exceptional work of art from Harry Baker of Lechlade has received hundreds of votes and was the runaway winner of the People’s Choice Award in the Rugby Open Gallery exhibition. The photorealistic painting, which took Harry two months to complete, amazed everyone who saw his winning masterpiece entitled Centaur, which Harry created using the trompe-l’oeil technique. Harry, who attends the University of Northampton, explained: “The technique creates an optical illusion, which has made this painting of a centaur appear as if it exists on the three-dimensional plane. People question whether it is a collage stuck on to canvas, an oil painting or a three-dimensional sculpture. They are amazed when they find out that it is a painting rather than a photo. However, when you stand close to the painting, you can clearly see the intricate brushstrokes which create the illusion.” Harry’s due to graduate this summer, and is setting his sights on becoming a full-time artist and studying a master’s degree in Fine Art.

Kelly Smith has been appointed General Manager of Fairford & Lechlade Community Friends with effect from June 7. After graduating from university, Kelly worked in the third sector for many years and is passionate about campaigning, increasing awareness and bettering the lives of others. Kelly lives in Southrop with her husband and young family and they both have become highly involved with village life through the village hall and the local school. She is really looking forward to meeting everybody involved with the Community Friends and to helping the local community. Please refer to: www.friendsoffairford.org.uk for more information about the Community Friends.

In June, July and August, David Nash from Fairford will be cycling around many of the surrounding villages in the Fairford and Lechlade area to raise fund for Friends of Fairford & Lechlade Communities (Community Friends). Both David and his wife Alison have been regular volunteers for the house-to-house collection but, as this has not been able to take place for a second year, David has chosen to support Community Friends for his cycle ride. He has set himself the challenge and target of visiting over 50 local villages and hamlets – and will take some pictures along the way. If you would like to donate, go to David’s Virgin Money Giving site: https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/DavidNash32/1.

Your support would be very much appreciated for David and for Community Friends.

The Community Friends’ team of volunteer drivers provides a lifeline to many in the community who need to get to their medical appointments at the GPs and hospitals. With appointments opening up again, the Community Friends urgently need more drivers to help with this vital community service. Volunteers are asked to complete a DBS check as this service provides much needed support and assistance to many vulnerable people in the community. Car running costs are paid for. If you think you can help, please contact Val Harvey on 07540 798226 or email Val at valharvey56@gmail.com. For more information about the Community Friends, please refer to: www.friendsoffairford.org.uk.

Wales & West Utilities have proposed road works at The Quarry, Fairford between June 15-18. For more information on the local road network, please go to https://www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/highways/roads/roadworks/

ENTRY forms and fees for the Down Ampney Front Garden Competition need to be submitted by Sunday, June 27 at the latest. Entry forms are in the June edition of The Down Ampney News and can be handed in to Karen Dangerfield, Julia Job or Helen Baillie. There is also a special class for the under 18s for an ornament made from recycled materials. Front gardens and ornaments will be available for judging from 9.30 am on Saturday, July 10 until 5 pm on Sunday, July 11.