The Friends of Lydiard Park are delighted to announce that Swindon based professional artist Billy Beaumont has joined their Board of Trustees as the charity looks to refresh and develop its activities.
Billy has been a member of the Friends for 8 years and in that time contributed a huge amount to their work, both through his art projects and through volunteering. Lydiard has clearly been a source of inspiration for his painting for over 20 years and something he has shared with others, providing art therapy sessions to a diverse range of groups that have benefited from his tutoring in such a beautiful and tranquil environment.
Billy Beaumont said:
‘It’s an absolute pleasure to be included in developing the trustee’s vision, as the park and The Friends of Lydiard continue to shape and inspire the way that I and other artists work. The wealth of history, knowledge and opportunities that the Friends provide will continue this creative direction.’
Billy Beaumont aboard the SHAP children’s bus
Billy is a familiar figure in Swindon creative circles but his audiences are international, both through his professional and voluntary work. In a recent project he transformed the interior a former single decker coach into a magical play facility for Ukrainian children on behalf of Swindon Humanitarian Aid Partnership. The coach is now bringing a ray of sunshine to children in Western Ukraine.
Closer to home Billy has also been inspired by St. Mary’s Lydiard Tregoze, and was a key volunteer in the St. Mary’s Church Conservation Project, providing vital assistance to conservators working on the medieval wall paintings. More recently his painting of Lydiard House in 1700, commissioned by The Friends of Lydiard Park, and based on a complex understanding of the original plan, has brought the old manor house to life.
Speaking on behalf of all the trustees, Chair of the Friends, Sarah Finch-Crisp, said:
Billy with his painting that shows how Lydiard House looked in c1700
‘This is an exciting time for The Friends of Lydiard Park, and we are delighted that Billy is joining the board as we shape our future plans. The dedication, imagination and experience that he brings will be invaluable. The work of the Friends relies on the strength of the board, the support of our members and the goodwill of our partners; together we can achieve so much!’