Playford Art Club at risk of closure due to low membership

Playford Art Club, formed in 1972, now consists of just 10 members, struggling to meet running costs.

Despite efforts over three years to recruit more members, the numbers have remained low since the pandemic, affecting the club’s viability.

The club, which meets on Thursdays at Playford Village Hall, was once bustling with more than 25 members and a waiting list.

It was known for its community activities, including outdoor painting sessions and an annual exhibition, with proceeds benefiting local charities.

For more than two decades, the club enjoyed the guidance of local artist Richard Cox until his retirement in 2014.

Since then, it relied for a few years on ad hoc tutorials from various artists.

With the Covid-19 pandemic causing a halt in meetings in early 2020, many members were hesitant to return, resulting in a significant decrease in membership.

The club will now deliberate on its future at its AGM on November 27, with the possibility of merging with another local club.