The art sale this year took place on Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th June. Saturday was a fine day but, like last year, Sunday turned into a very wet afternoon. The sun came out around 4pm, just as the artists were collecting their work! However, 279 visitors came through over the two days, 107 exhibits were displayed. The tea tent was also affected by the weather but, with the marquee shelter, was a much appreciated treat for the visitors. Altogether £1671, including £444 from the teas, was raised for Castle funds.
Many thanks are due to the large number of volunteers who helped to make this labour-intensive event possible. It takes a gang of strong backs to erect and then remove back to storage the marquee and the hanging system in the Great Hall. Many regular, and some new, helpers were needed to take in the paintings and oversee the exhibition. We even press-ganged a couple of passing strangers to help move the art works, human chain style, up the stairs in the Castle. And then the bakers and servers of the refreshments. It’s a real community effort and greatly appreciated.
This year’s raffle prize was a fine watercolour painting of Portencross Castle by the late Derek McLean, donated by Lesley Glen. 314 tickets were sold. The winning number was chosen by early visitors to the Castle when it opened on 1st July. Jane, Molly and Emily came from Clacton-on-Sea and were enjoying a holiday at Sandylands Holiday Park. Ticket 574 was the winner and belonged to Timothy Purdon from Kilmarnock (left), seen here with FOPC chairman Sinclair M olloy (right)and director Jim Craik.
