The winning raffle ticket!

I was privileged to take part in this year’s Smithills Christmas Market in support of Urban Outreach (Bolton). The following quote is taken from the Urban Outreach website, “Our vision is to see all the people of Bolton have the opportunity to flourish, realise their full potential and live lives which are free from poverty, abuse, neglect, crime, controlling substances and any sense of failure.”

First of all my easels had to be specially prepared. “L” brackets were screwed to the easels in order that four paintings could be secured to the easels due to the forecast of strong winds and rain.

In the above photograph four original oil paintings and the prepared easels await removal from my studio for Saturday’s Smithills Christmas Market.

The photograph below shows my stand before the rain fell and the wind rose! The signed, limited edition print that was raffled stands on the central easel.

Here is a close up of the prize… a signed, limited edition “Giclee” print on Hahnemuhle archival paper, mounted ready for framing, “The Way Back But The Mist Is Closing In” featuring an autumnal day walking away from the mast on Winter Hill towards Smithills Dean Road.

….and here is the winning ticket..this was picked out by my eldest daughter, Lucy, who celebrated her 30th birthday yesterday, so if anyone has any complaints you really ought to direct them at Lucy!

…and the prize goes to Mrs. Sybil Taylor in Smithills!

Huge thanks to all who braved the appalling weather but as Wainwright once said, “There’s no such thing as bad weather, just inappropriate clothing.” Massive thanks to everyone who spent their money at the Smithills Christmas Market to raise funds for Urban Outreach…more information on Urban Outreach (Bolton) at:

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