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Welcome to the lonely arts club

Laura Thistlethwaite
24/ 4/2008

TRADITIONALLY famed for soggy sandwiches and pensioners’ outings – coach day trips are being reclaimed by the young and creative.

The Lonely Arts Club – set up by two former Manchester University design students – is a new venture for creative city slickers yearning a bit of country air.

Heading out to discover the ‘green and pleasant land’ of the English countryside, with art, afternoon tea and pub grub, Jenny Cole and Sophie Allen believe they have stumbled on the perfect Sunday activity.

Sophie, of Church Road, Northenden, said: "I’m originally from the Peak District, so I’m used to the greenery and countryside. Manchester is great, but it can be so grey; sometimes I just want fresh air and to get away from dirt and rain.

"When we were at uni we used to go out drawing on different trips, when we finished our degrees we missed that. When we got jobs we just never seemed to have the time to do that kind of creative thing anymore."

On the first Sunday of every month, the duo will hire a coach and take a group out on country-style outings to paint, take photos, write or just take in the fresh air.

They will also complete a group art project, made from natural materials, to leave for future ramblers to discover.

In the afternoons, they plan to take their groups to country pubs for a traditional Sunday lunch.

Co-organiser, former Chorlton resident, Jenny Cole, 32, said: "We are reclaiming day trips back from old people!

"We discussed the idea with our friends and everyone seemed to be saying the same thing – we want to go places on the weekend just for the day and do something creative."

"It’ll be a social event too, getting out and about with like-minded people. Plus, you can only get a really good Sunday lunch in country pubs!"

Sophie said: "The weekends get really predicable, the options always seem to be shopping, going to the cinema or going for a drink. I’ve only just learnt to drive, so before that I was really limited about where I could go on the weekend.

The 28-year-old architect’s assistant added: "My job sounds quite creative, but the actual amount of design involved is quite limited. I always intend to paint or draw on the weekend, but never seem to get around to motivating myself. It will be far easier in a group situation, then people can be as involved as they like – we expect to have everything from knitting to photography,"

If it proves popular, The Lonely Arts Club will invite guest talks from artists and have in-field cookery sessions.

Jenny said: "We have all sorts of plans. We’ll set off from the city centre in the morning, have a great day out, and be back at home in time for the Antiques Roadshow!"

The first Lonely Arts Club trip will take place on Sunday, June 1, for more information visit www.thelonelyartsclub. co.uk