Today’s Art and Portrait Drawing session turned into one of those afternoons that reminds you why community activities matter.
We set up in the garden, made the most of the good weather, and before long people were drawing, painting, chatting and simply enjoying each other’s company. Children got stuck into their artwork, adults had a go at portrait drawing, and conversations started naturally around the tables.
What stood out most wasn’t just the art. It was the atmosphere.
Neighbours who may normally only pass each other with a quick hello had time to sit, talk and get to know one another properly. We shared ideas, talked about future activities and, without forcing anything, new connections started to form.
That is exactly what we want from these sessions.
You don’t need to be good at art. You don’t even need to come with a plan. Sometimes just turning up, sitting down with a cup of tea and talking to the person next to you is enough.
I would really love to see more residents getting involved. These sessions belong to the community, and they become better when more people take part. There are so many good people, skills and ideas across the estate, but we only discover them when we come out and spend time together.
Thank you, Sarah
A massive thank you to Sarah Lunblad for coming along and creating such a warm and relaxed atmosphere.
Sarah made everyone feel comfortable enough to have a go, whether they were experienced artists or picking up a pencil simply for fun. The portraits, paintings and children’s artwork were lovely, but what Sarah brought to the afternoon went beyond the art itself.
She helped create a space where people could slow down, talk and enjoy being together.
Thank you, Sarah, for giving your time and creativity to our community.
David – keep going
I also want to say a genuine thank you to David for everything he continues to put into the Over the Fence project.
Ideas are easy to talk about. Bringing them to life takes time, patience and someone who keeps believing they are worth doing.
David has done that.
He has taken ideas and helped turn them into real activities where neighbours can meet, talk, laugh and build relationships.
So David, keep going and keep that positive energy.
You are making a difference.
Every time someone comes out of their home and joins one of these sessions, every new conversation between neighbours, every child who gets involved and every new idea that comes from sitting together is part of that difference.
You are helping people see something that has always been here: kindness, warmth and a real sense of community.
Sometimes it only takes a few tables, some chairs, tea, pencils and people willing to talk to each other to create something meaningful.
Supporting one of our neighbours
We were also pleased to give Andrea, one of our neighbours, a little space to showcase her small business and some of the beauty and personal-care products she offers.
For me, that is another important part of community life.
We should create opportunities for residents not only to meet each other, but also to support each other’s talents, ideas and small businesses.
If you would like to find out more about Andrea’s products, you can contact her directly:
Andrea Domiciano de Souza
📱 +44 7448 754352
📧 abginaldo@gmail.com
Thank you to everyone who joined us today, whether you came to draw, paint, have a chat, support a neighbour or simply see what was happening.
Hopefully next time we will see even more faces.
This is how community grows — one conversation, one idea and one neighbour at a time.