MEMBERS of Menston Arts Club celebrated the club's 50th anniversary at their two-day annual exhibition.

Members gathered with invited guests on the evening of Friday May 13 in Kirklands Community Centre, Menston to share a private preview evening which was officially opened by BBC TV's Look North presenter Charlotte Leeming, herself a Menston resident.

A number of extra activities were introduced for this very special occasion.

At the entrance there was a panel of self portraits - which members dubbed their 'selfies' - accompanied by the club's own take on Across The Years , reports from The Wharfedale Observer, from the club's founding in 1966 to the present day.

This included the original rule book and catalogue from the first exhibition with photos of founder members. Menston Pre school contributed a giant '50' poster executed in the style of Jackson Pollack.

President, John Ridyard, contributed a beautiful pastel picture of The Doge's Palace in Venice to be auctioned in a 'silent' auction. This was won by Sandy Hill, her sealed bid being the highest. Her bid will be given to the nominated charity, The Psoriasis Society.

Another lovely picture, this time a watercolour, was given by member Tom Thomson as first prize in the raffle. This was won by another lucky Menston resident.

Visitors to the popular exhibition travelled from outside the area, including London, Sheffield and Hull, and visitors many other places were welcomed.

Many guests had seen a profile of Menston Arts Club in The Leisure Painter magazine.

Much interest was shown in the My Favourite Picture section. More than 500 votes were handed in, resulting in Christine Thomas' 'Two Glasses of Red' winning.

At the end of the busy weekend, chair, Anne Wade, thanked members for all their efforts over the past weeks and in particular their work over the past three days.

Bouquets were presented to Charlotte Leeming and founder member Ann Carr. Ann Wade thanked the public for their support over the years and in particular thanked special guest, Jeremy Taylor, who has inspired and taught so many members past and present.

Menston Art Club is hoping the next 50 years will prove as interesting and exciting as the last.