On Wednesday 14th January we were honoured to have Derby Mayor Ajit Singh Atwal sit for our Portrait group. Painting the Mayor’s portrait has been an annual tradition at Derby Sketching Club for as long as anyone can remember. Some impressive portraits were produced and the Mayor was an excellent sitter, regal in his chain of office. Afterwards he chatted to artists and was very complimentary about their portraits. 

The Mayor donated his fee to Derby Toc H Children’s Camp a local charity providing free holidays for disadvantaged children. The Mayor’s office contacted DSC after the session to thank us. https://www.derbytochcamp.org.uk

All Derby Sketching Clubs and plus ones are invited to our annual club lunch. The venue is Mickleover Golf Club, Uttoxeter Road, Mickleover DE3 9AF. Price is £26.50 for 3 courses or £22.50 for 2 courses. Please select your menu choice when you book (at any session or contact us on email). Payment in advance please.

Menu options as follows:

Starters:

A    Leek and Potato Soup topped with crispy onions served with a freshly baked roll (v) (gf)

B    Smooth Chicken Liver Pate, Melba toast and Caramelised Onion Chutney (gf)

C    Duo of Melon, Parma Ham and Balsamic dressing (gf)

Main Course:

D    Slow cooked Blade of Beef with Red Wine Bourguignon (gf)

E     Grilled Fillet of Seabass, Baked Ratatouille finished with a Tomato and Chive Sauce (gf)

F     Oven Baked Chicken Supreme with a Wild Mushroom, Madeira and Cream Sauce (gf)

G    Baked Stuffed Pepper with Roast Vegetables and Red Pepper Sauce (gf) (v)

All served with a selection of fresh vegetables and potatoes

Desserts:

H   Mixed Fruit Crumble with Creamy Custard (gf)

I    Citrus Tart with mixed Berry Compote and Cherry Sauce

J   White Chocolate and Raspberry Cheesecake with Fruit Sauce and Chocolate Shavings (gf)

Tea, coffee or de-caff coffee with after-dinner mints

(gf) denotes that this can be made gluten-free on request.

The National Gallery is currently celebrating the work of Derby’s answer to Caravaggio: Joseph Wright.

All Wright’s best known pieces are included. This is a rare chance to see the master’s work shown in one place. Wonderful to see this Derby artist’s work at the National Gallery in London.

Wright of Derby – From the Shadows is on display until 10 May. Tickets are £12.

https://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/exhibitions/wright-of-derby-from-the-shadows