Our plans to return to the King’s Orchard, the private gardens behind Rochester Cathedral, were thwarted by the very heavy rain that fell for hours on Saturday. A huge thank you to Kay who got permission for us to draw in the cathedral instead, where we were based on tables in the north transept right by the stone rood screen. Some members used their folding chairs to sit by the tall columns in the nave.

Nine members came along and we were also joined by Ron’s two very polite and well behaved granddaughters aged 7 and his son-in-law. A whip round collected £40 and this was gift aided so £50 will be received by the cathedral.

We were initially disappointed not to paint outside but we all thoroughly enjoyed our day inside being creative. Annoyingly it finally stopped raining as the last two members left the cathedral at 2.45pm!

We couldn’t use any paint or water inside the cathedral so everyone sketched using dry mediums of pencils, coloured pencils, charcoal and pens. Most members drew the architecture and views around them but as usual we don’t mind at all if you come along to a session and ‘do your own thing’, so a giraffe and highland cow join the gallery. We start off with the girls’ pictures, including a super picture of Grandad Ron…

A few months ago some members embossed metal scales for a project at the cathedral. 12500 scales now adorn the Draco Roffensis dragon sculpture that is hanging above the nave. Here are photos of the sculpture and views in and around the cathedral.

The cathedral’s website with lots of info if you want to visit… www.rochestercathedral.org

Thank you to everyone who braved the weather, we had a good day!

The next session is back at Chalk Parish Hall on Wednesday 11th September from 7-9pm.