10 The Chronicle, Thursday, 19th November, 2009. www.chronicleseries.co.uk

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Young artist brushes up on his grandfather’s skill

By Lyndsey Telford Art is certainly in young Thomas Febery’s blood.

Since the tender age of four, Thomas has been painting with his awardwinning artist grandfather Roger Febery.

He joins him in his Congleton studio at weekends and during school holidays, developing his painting skills and honing the craft. And it shows.

The nine-year-old, who lives in Congleton, is due to auction his fi rst work of art — an acrylic on canvas painting entitled “Guy Fawkes” — at Weaver Crafts in the town’s Victoria Mill.

Thomas said: “For the firework painting, I have put together all the techniques I have learned over the last five years.”

It certainly looks like something that could have been painted by a seasoned professional.

After working on it throughout the summer break, Thomas had originally intended to submit the painting to a school competition, but he was told it was too big to enter.

According to his grandfather, it was a shame that the art pieces had to be no bigger than A4.

Mr Febery said: “Children should be guided and helped when they need it, but when it comes to art they should be given free reign.”

But, the school’s loss was Pudsey Bear’s gain.

Thomas has decided to auction off his painting via Weaver Crafts, with all the proceeds going to Children in Need.

His grandfather added: “I’m very proud of Thomas, because he has won competitions in the past, including a Christmas contest last year in which he painted some toys — it was very good. He really is gifted.”

Bob Weaver, who runs Weaver Crafts in Victoria Mill where the painting is to be auctioned, has also praised Thomas for his skills.

He said: “He’s an extremely talented young boy.

“In my 25 years in the art business, I’ve seen a lot of painters come and go, but Thomas

Thomas and his grandfather with the youngster’s Guy Fawkes painting. (“Chronicle” photo. 4727/09).

really has what it takes to go a long way in the art world.”

Mr Weaver is planning to hold the auction at the top fl oor of the mill next Saturday, 28th November, at 2.30pm where there is expected to be plenty of interest.

He expects bidding to start at around £35, but it depends on

the crowd on the day.

Thomas’s grandfather is no stranger to art auctions and exhibitions himself, so he will no doubt be on hand to coach his protégé through the experience.

Mr Febery was born in Cheltenham where he studied art before winning his fi rst compe

tition in 1954 for “The Battle of Waterloo” for which he was awarded the grand prize of two shillings and six pence.

The painting hung in Cheltenham Town Hall for a number of years before M Febery settled down in Congleton where he still lives today.

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Mr Rowlands makes the pesentation to the youth orchestra.

Congleton Youth Orchestra has received a £265 grant from the BT Community Champions award scheme.

BT worker and orchestra trustee Paul Rowlands presented the cheque, which the group said it intends to spend on musical instruments.

It was chosen by BT’s corporate responsibility unit out of hun

dreds of applicants because of the orchestra’s development plans and its benefi t to the community.

Mr Rowlands said the orchestra is “very pleased” with its award.

He added: “The BT Community Champions award scheme provides a great opportunity for community groups like ours — every contribution makes

(“Chronicle” photo. 4721/09).

a difference.

“The grant will have a signifi cant impact on the orchestra. It is very positive that BT recognises the voluntary work of its people and supports the charity sector in this way.”

The £265 will enable the orchestra to expand its instrument loan scheme, which is available to members free of charge.