SPARKLING SODA

The Ickenham branch of the Society of Disabled Artists meets 36 times a year on Monday afternoons at one of the scout huts in Community Close.  The society’s aims, as expressed by member Carol Walker are simple: “To give members the chance to improve their artistic skills and integrate socially.”  SODA was started in 1979 by Sydney Nightingale, who became disabled and started the organisation at his home in Northolt.  During the eighties Gill Kelly, the wife of then St Giles’ Rector Paul Kelly, started a SODA branch in the Rectory.  Later, when numbers grew, the group moved to the scout hut where they have been meeting ever since. 

Their present leader, Vida Chalkley, (not an artist herself but now completely dedicated to the movement) first came to Ickenham in 1988.  “I didn’t know anyone in the village and was advised to get in touch with Gill”, she said.  “She suggested I join her SODA group and I thought I might stay for a few meetings.  Well, I have now been running it for the past 18 years!  I plan the programme every year, recruiting and maintaining a team of helpers, organising exhibitions and trips as well as demonstrations by artists and others.” 

SODA now has groups across the country.  There are currently 22 members at Ickenham, disabled in various ways, and five helpers including two art teachers.  The members work with pen, pencil, brush, ink and paint and for some it has been their first experience of creative art.  They look forward to the SODA annual National Exhibition which gives members a chance to show and sometimes sell their work.  It also provides an opportunity for them to meet each other and share experiences and achievements.  An annual week-long Painting Holiday Conference is also available for members.  Additionally, our group gets to display paintings and drawings elsewhere, including Ruislip’s Cow Byre.  There are other visits too - to a different cathedral every year and to other places suggested by the members themselves. 

If you, or somebody you know, is disabled and may be interested in developing artistic skills, why not contact Vida Chalkley on 01895 637063. 

AFN