AN ART group which began its life with members, if they wished, working through lunch, will celebrate 40 years with a special anniversary lunch.

Baruc Art group – which started out as the Baruc Amateur Artists’ Group with 19 members – was formed on September, 20 1974 with the first meeting taking place in the All Saints mission hall on Park Crescent, Barry.

The club was aimed at those interested in visual art where members could meet weekly to enjoy the company and enthusiasm of like-minded people.

Now the 47-strong group will mark its 40th anniversary with lunch at St Andrew’s Major gold club on the same date this week.

The talented group will also commemorate their milestone birthday with a programme of events, kicking off with an art exhibition, at All Saints Church hall, on October 10.

Barry town council mayor, Cllr Jeff Evans will open the exhibition – comprising of around 100 paintings for viewing and sale – which will be open for public viewing.

Members average around 60 to 85 years of age, but all are welcome and the group regularly goes on art-themed trips and features visiting artists to give art demonstrations with members, who hail from Barry, Penarth, Llantwit, Ely and Culverhouse Cross, trying a variety of artistic techniques.

Group secretary, Irene Lewis said: “It’s a bit like a community. It’s not like an art group. It’s a very friendly group of people – we all get on well. We teach each other in a way.”

For details about the group, call club secretary Irene Lewis on 01446 413626, club chairman John Thomas on 01446 400012 or email thomaspeterprich.lewis@ntlworld.com