Ceilidh success for 35 year celebration!

November 20, 2019

Rowan, the Cambridge-based charity and arts centre, celebrated 35 years at the Guildhall on Friday 8 November with a celidh and mini-auction that raised £8,000. Rowan is delighted to be one of the Mayor of Cambridge’s charities of the year and as such was allowed to host this special event at the Guildhall. A thank you also to Rowan’s main sponsor ARM.

The evening was filled with great food, good fun, lots of dancing, as well as a raffle and auction. Local artist Samantha Ellis donated an amazing interpretation of London’s Oxford Street for the auction. As Sam says: ‘Nothing fills me with the Christmas spirit quite like a walk down an illuminated Oxford Street, with yuletide music coming from every doorway. A truly wonderful place for our wonderful world! For a wonderful charity.’ The piece sold for a fantastic £750.

“It was brilliant,” said Tracey, a student artist who attends Rowan three times a week working in the woodwork studio as well as attending forest school on a Friday, “I was so happy we had the chance to dance at the Guildhall with my friends and other people who support us. I have been coming to Rowan for a long time. Learning new skills and being with my friends makes me so happy.”

Operations Manager Des Trollip said: “A huge thank you to everyone who joined us. To have so many people together from students, staff, volunteers, local businesses and supporters was wonderful! Thank you to our Patron, Dame Norma Major, the Mayor of Cambridge Gerri Bird and Mrs Julie Spence OBE QPM, HM Lord-Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire, for attending. Here is to the next 35 years!”

You can visit Rowan at its annual Winter Warmer on Wednesday 4 December at their art centre based at 40 Humberstone Road, Cambridge, CB4 1JG. With unique Christmas gifts, cards, a chance to see the artwork and commissions in the making, it is not to be missed! And if that does not intice you then free entry, mulled wine and mince pies should – the perfect way to get into the Christmas spirit!

Visit Rowan’s website on www.rowanhumberstone.co.uk or call today on 01223 566027 for more information. You can also find Rowan on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram on @RowanCambridge.