WAPOP (Widening Active Participation for Older People) - Young @ Art Awards

Drive to honour ‘Young @ Art’ starts at Pyramid

The WAPOP young at art awards took place on Saturday 22 April at Pyramid. The event celebrated the artistic achievements of the over 55's inWarrington in five categories including a special lifetime achievement award for Ken Blackstock. Ken who is now in his late eighties still works as a drummer in Warrington and has played with big bands since the 1950's.   

The event was initiated by Warrington Borough Council with partners  from  the  U3A, Older peoples engagement group, Warrington Collegiate and Age C oncern  and is part of a larger impetus to increase leisure activities for the  over  55's.   Stuart Smith, music development officer, who helped to organise the  event  said that "these awards demonstrate that some of the most interesting and  creative work in Warrington is being produced by the older community.   It  is  imperative that we continue to develop an environment that allows  this  work  to thrive"   

Young at Art was open to nominees aged 55 and above who live or produce art within Warrington. Tutors can be younger as long as they are working with people over 55. Individuals and organisations made nominations for anyone who deserved to be recognised. 

WAPOP stands for Widening Active Participation for Older Peopleand its members, as well as the members of the Cultural Development Service, shortlisted candidates and made the final decision. The panel looked at a range of criteria such as personal commitment, breaking new ground and contribution to the arts in Warrington for six award categories.  Congratulations to all of the award winners!

• Dedication for the Arts Award: Peter Henry 
• Inspirational Tutor Award: Roger Sim 
• New Artist Award: Glynn Cooke & Alan Higginson
• Art Group/Project Award: Chris Jackson & Anne Jackson 
• Lifetime Recognition Award: Ken Blackstock       

This venture was organised in conjunction with Age Concern, OPEG (Older People’s Engagement Group), U3A (University of The Third Age), Social Services, Education and Lifelong Learning, Warrington Collegiate and Museum Services. 

All of the winners and nominees are pictured here along with 

the Mayor & Mayoress of Warrington