We had a great Critique meeting with Frank Walters who is a very good watercolourist, but also paints in oils and acrylics. He gave us a very informed and encouraging critique. We had about 15 entries for the Tom Groom and about 8 for the sketchbook Award, which was very good. The Tom Groom Award - any painting framed or mounted under the subject of "Inland Waterways" was won by Liz Brown with a beautiful limited pallette rendition of a canal with longboats moored. Highly commended were Kay Gale and Margaret Cairns.

Our AGM in December 2016 was our new Patron, Di Levantine’s first visit to a Downland meeting though she has been very supportive at our exhibitions this year. This was a good opportunity for members to meet her and find out more about her amazing commitment to the Snowdrop Trust. Pictured are some of the members who received awards from Di on the day. The Tom Groom Award for a Still Life Painting was won by Ronnie Graham and Mary Hite, Chris Woodward and Rosie Williment received highly commended certificates.