Ann retired from teaching maths eleven years ago. Since then she has devoted her life to family and friends, volunteering and painting.

She began to paint soon after retirement with the help and encouragement of Stephen Taylor and other mature students at the Littlegarth Painting Group. Stephen is a local artist specialising in realist landscapes, you can view his works and writing at www.stephentaylorpaintings.com.

 Ann was brought up in the country on a poultry farm and has always been interested in animal life and the wellbeing of all creatures, so when the opportunity to become membership secretary for the Catholic Concern for Animals she took it and through it has made many likeminded friends worldwide. She enjoys painting animal portraits and those of hens of course, reminding her of her own father's devotion to his flock of breeding birds. She hopes these portraits show a respect and love for the animals.

Another consuming passion for painting has been portraits of the family; the family display a record in oils and acrylics painted by their granny of all five grandchildren at different stages of their lives engrossed in the passions of the time. She hopes that these will be treasured for many years to come. Her aim now is to become more skilled in the use of oil for all her portraits and to this end has enroled in a painting group run by a local art tutor, John Theobald.

Ann has also recognised a need in all humans to be creative by starting a painting group at the local church hall, the Parish Painting Group, see PPG. Up to twelve budding artists meet with Ann every Monday morning and have produced some very attractive work in water colours. Fortunately the group has two experienced water colourists, Anne and John Chapman, to pass on their skills. It is in starting this group Ann has become aware of the enjoyment in creating still life scenes. She cannot now sit at a table without mentally creating a composition for a painting in this genre.

In volunteering to nurse the terminally ill and in coordinating twelve soup runs each year Ann manages to satisfy some of her needs to care. She misses looking after young grandchildren but greatly enjoys their company as they mature into young adults.