THE Stratton St Margaret Parish Council has commissioned a group of local artists to produce an exciting new calendar for 2017.

The parish council wanted to celebrate the diverse and extraordinary buildings and attractions in the area and over the past year, members of the Swindon Artists Forum, many of whom live in the parish, have been sketching some of Stratton’s best known landmarks.

Marilyn Trew, of the Swindon Artists Forum, said: “We are very proud to be associated with the first ever Stratton St Margaret Parish Council calendar.

“The artists have really enjoyed painting the buildings and places of interest, and although it has taken a long time to come to fruition it will be worth it.

“It is lovely to see our art in print and we will probably be looking at it for many years to come.”

Members of the public can buy the unique, limited-edition calendar from Grange Leisure, Stratton St Margaret, for a modest price of £8.50.

People will also be able to view some of the original works and talk to some of the artists during the Swindon Open Studios project that takes place across the town this September.

Ruth Wintle, also of the Artists Forum, said: “About 18 months ago, members of the parish council asked about doing a calendar with pictures of local landmarks drawn by local artists.

“We had around 15 people come forward, who then went around the parish looking at places of interest and came back with some really good work.

“The artists really enjoyed creating the pictures. A few were a bit apprehensive at first, but when they got into it they were really keen.

“The parish council was really impressed with the finished pieces and they suggested doing it again.

“The calendars are selling like hot cakes at the moment, which is great news.”

Some of the landmarks depicted in the calendar include Arkell’s Brewery, the Stratton allotments and the Methodist Church in Ermin Street.

“It is absolutely amazing,” said Ruth. “When I first saw it I was nearly in tears.”

Tracy Predeth, clerk to the council, said: “The parish council is proud to support local arts and is committed to working in partnership with local community groups.

“The project has been nurtured for several months, following a series of competitions and councilors shortlisting their favourite prints”.

The parish council’s own leisure centre, Grange Leisure, is also home to a permanent exhibition of the Forum’s work.

Exhibitions are rotated every couple of months and members of the public are welcome to view the artwork seven days a week.

Marilyn and Ruth will be available at Willows Counselling Service, Prospect Place, on 3rd/4th/10th and 11th September from 11.00am – 5.00pm for Swindon Open Studios.