ARTISTIC youngsters on two Farnham housing estates are being helped to create a variety of 'masterpieces' by a Farnham police community support officer (PCSO). PCSO Teresa Matthews has been working closely with staff from the Farnham Maltings to run art clubs, held at the community centre in The Chantrys and at The Hadrians Community Hall in Roman Way. "I became involved in the project after the Maltings contacted me at the end of last year. They had been running a very successful art club at The Chantrys but were looking for some assistance. "They had tried to get another club up and running in Roman Way at the same time but unfortunately had to pull the plug due to a lack of interest." She went on to say that she was keen to try and drum up some interest for the Roman Way club. "It offers a really good opportunity to build relationships between local young people and the police. Hopefully it will help to resolve some of the ongoing issues on the estate." After managing to secure a £1,500 donation from Surrey Police towards the hire of the two halls, PCSO Matthews set about working with Dale Allen from the Maltings to publicise the two clubs. The police and the Maltings worked together on the project, visiting schools in the area to hand out posters and flyers and dropping leaflets through letterboxes. "As a result, we had a brilliant turn-out at both sessions, with 15 children turning up at The Chantrys and 14 coming to the club in Roman Way," added PCSO Matthews. "Last week, I used the sessions to talk to the young people about bullying so they really do provide a valuable opportunity for me to get to know the local youth and communicate with them on a regular basis." Those who attend the clubs can enjoy a variety of activities, from making treasure maps to decorating hats with feathers and glitter and making posters and collages on a range of themes. The clubs are run by local artists, with Emma Palmer in charge of the Roman Way club and Charlie Rickett and Heidi Waywell running The Chantrys session. While aimed at youngsters aged eight to 11, all children are welcome if they enjoy learning and are keen to take part. The art club takes place at The Chantrys Community Centre on Mondays from 4pm–5.30pm and at the Hadrians Community Hall in Roman Way on Tuesdays from 4pm-5.30pm.
