16.12.24: ‘Outstanding’ IYN and 2 paintings presented to the GWRSA Clubin memory of Gillie Newcombe

On Monday, members of the Exmouth in Bloom committee were joined by Steve Gazzard  Deputy Mayor, Town Crier Roger Bourgein and Rick Newcombe at the GWRSA club, to present the club with their RHS ‘Its Your Neighbourhood’ Level 5 ( Outstanding ) certificate and also for a very special presentation of two paintings by Graham Bell. 

Graham,  together with the late Gillie Newcombe has painted murals enhancing and complementing Exmouth in Bloom’s work over the years with their last mural together being on the walls of the GWRSA club in July. The mural became part of the IYN entry, just weeks before Gillie’s passing. 

 Gillie had sketched out a painting of dolphins in the sunset,  while she was in  end of life care in Exeter Hospice  and Graham had been able to show her the almost finished painting. Now completed and along with a Cezanne inspired painting of Two Card Players the paintings can be seen in the outside space shelter, in the GWRSA courtyard.

 Our thanks go to the GWRSA club,  especially Sue Dubuisson, for the warming mulled wine and hospitality  and to everyone who came to remember Gillie, who supported  and volunteered with Exmouth in Bloom for many happy years. 

Photo credits  P. Riggs, E.Lewis, M.Drew