More than half of those attending are from the Parish, joined by a number of keen artists from outside, so there is an ecumenical aspect which all are happy to encourage.

The teaching is traditional with an emphasis on encouraging drawing skills, which we are assured all can learn, and improve with practice; the group can accommodate complete beginners as well as experienced painters, to the mutual benefit of all. The preferred medium is pastel, which though new to many is very suitable for beginners, as well as being capable of expressing a great range of effects, clearly seen in the annual exhibition in the Cathedral. The atmosphere is friendly and co-operative and newcomers are always welcome.

We attack a variety of subjects: still life, flower paintings, and models for portraits; in the summer, weather permitting, we paint out of doors. The annual exhibition of paintings from the group, each June for the last five years, coincides with the patronal feast of SS Peter and Paul, and is the best evidence of the group's activities; this gives a good idea of the scope and variety both of the type of paintings we do, and the very different styles of the various members.