Ron Woodward Art Prize
A Youth Art Competition in memory of one of Herne Bay's well known, generous, and well respected benefactors - Ron Woodward who died in 2022.
In 2024, Herne Bay Rotary Club in collaboration with Beach Creative Community Interest Company hosted a special art competition for young people between 15 and 19 years old in memory of one of Herne Bay's well known, generous, and well respected benefactors - Ron Woodward who died in 2022.
Ron always supported the arts - was a keen double base player, loved the jazz scene, and gained a Fine Arts degree during his retirement. He created Herne Bay's first independant little gallery - The Bay Art Gallery (often called The BAG) with the idea of supporting young up-and-coming artists and giving them an opportunity to exhibit in a beautiful gallery but with little expense.
Ron was involved in many different charities in the town including setting up the Roller Hockey Club/ Age-UK/ The Samaritans/ Strode Park Foundation/ Herne Bay Rotary Club who honoured him with the Paul Harris award/ and to celebrate his charitable work, in 2017 he was awarded an MBE. He was also the first Patron of Beach Creative.
The Theme of the 2024 competition centred on the environment and asked the question... why we must preserve the beauty of life on earth...A quote from Greta Thunburg "You must take action..You must do the Impossible...because giving up is never an option"
The Presentation evening was held at Beach Creative (Herne Bay's Community Arts Centre) on 20th April, and supported by a number of local artists. The Sheriff Cllr Tom Mellish attended with his Consort Cllr Fred Pearce, Ron's widow Carol Woodward, members of the Herne Bay Rotary Club and directors of Beach Creative, including a number of the participants.
The Winner Hannah Wraight was presented with the first prize by Carol Woodward and Olivia Snipp received second prize. Both girls attend Herne Bay High School and plan to continue their careers towards the arts at degree level.
Nigel Isom representing Herne Bay Rotary Club, spoke of Ron's involvement in the town and felt this was the Club's way of celebrating one of their well respected members by creating an Award with a trophy which will remain on display at Beach Creative. It is hoped that this Award will continue every two years and look to the young people who are our future, to provide some interesting thoughts and work.
Mandy Troughton
Director
07890065046
Beach Creative Community Interest Company
Herne Bay's arts hub
01227 687395
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'What We Do' Main Pages:
Including: The Ron Woodward Award 2024, Santa's Sleigh, SAWLA Hospital project, Silent Charity Auction Event (August2020), Telly-Go-Round News, Race Night updates, information on our Spectacles collection project for Vision Aid Overseas.
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Our club has two charitable committees that either focus on supporting local Youth and Community support or International projects. Click details to see some of the recent areas of support.
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Due to the generosity of Herne Bay community, we have been able to sponsor, help or support a number of causes, some large, some small; some local, some national or international. Click on details to see who else we have supported.
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The Telly-Go-Round which is placed on the sea front from Easter until the autumn each year has been giving pleasure to many in the 53 seasons since 1967. It also raises funds for our charities - a record of over £6,000 in both 2018 and 2019 seasons.
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A Youth Art Competition in memory of one of Herne Bay's well known, generous, and well respected benefactors - Ron Woodward who died in 2022.
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