DAVID Hughes has stood down as chairman of the Alresford Art Society, after a busy four years in the role.

He has been replaced by Sue Gentry.

In his final AGM report he commented that the event which will have the most impact on the society is the change of meeting day and, with effect from September, it will meet on the last Wednesday of the month.

Mr Hughes said: “Last year’s Exhibition saw 133 paintings and four sculptures entered. I personally regard the Exhibition as an opportunity for members to exhibit, with sales as an added bonus. We also continue to use the Broad Street library for exhibiting, with its window providing valuable publicity and its walls giving a valuable display throughout the month of July.

“As has come to be expected, our annual programme of events has shone and meetings have been well attended. We average 49 in attendance each month with over 70 in December and January. Last year our Painting Days were augmented with two coach trips, travelling to the Watts Gallery and Chapel at Compton and to the Art in Action festival in Oxfordshire, which was so enjoyable and inspiring that another trip is planned this summer.

“Earlier this year the society benefited from the generosity of a local firm and a member. Sarah Speller entered a draw run by the Alton firm Great Art and won £250 for us, the Art Society. May I publicly thank both the firm and Sarah for their generosity,” he said.

Wendy Starforth Hill was elected as vice president, following the death of Arthur Stowell. She has been a member for over 25 years; has been a past Chairman, a regular exhibitor and still supports the Society by organising the exhibition in the Alresford surgery.

“I believe the last four years have been successful but I believe that can only be seen as the product of the efforts of many others,” said Mr Hughes. “Notably I would point to those who have served on the committee, sub-committees, special projects and a whole variety of tasks and activities which support the society.”

Mrs Gentry thanked Mr Hughes for his hard work, and presented him with a photo album of some the highlights of his term in office. “David has performed above and beyond the call of duty,” she said.