Volunteering Arts in the Community Heritage Volunteers Trail of Discovery Art in the Community Inspiring Musical Talent is a national organisation that supports young musicians from low income families with funding for instrumental lessons and other help, and supports music education through training, advocacy and research. There are currently 20 students from schools across Nottinghamshire on the programme, learning a range of instruments. Some of them living in locally in Radcliffe-on-Trent and Cotgrave. IMT has a fund that the musicians can make use of if they need additional resources, such as reeds, music books, strings, stands or music exam fees. Whilst the instrumental lesson costs have been covered, Inspiring Musical Talent doesn't have the means to support the students in this way. Our donation of £500 contributes to this fund, allowing the students to afford these resources. Two of our committee members recently attended a concert at the Janogly Recital Hall, where they were entertained by the students, aged from 7 to 15 years. Heritage Volunteers There are a number of projects running in conjunction with other local TAS societies. We are currently recruiting volunteers for a book conservation project at the National Civil War Centre in Newark, as well as a textiles project at Mansfield Museum. Long-standing book conservation projects are under way at Bromley House Library, Trent Bridge Cricket Ground and Thrumpton Hall. We are just finishing a textiles project which has created clothes for mannequins in the Tudor Kitchens at Wollaton Hall. If you would like more information about any of these projects, please contact Tessa Day at tessamday@gmail.com Create a Trail of Discovery The Arts Society’s Trails of Discovery are created by our members to provide a guide around and information about churches, other places of worship and historic buildings. They were developed for use with children but are popular with anyone with an interest in history, art, culture and architecture. There are also village, town, heritage, garden and branch line trails aimed at all ages, and memory trails for those living with dementia. Trails can also be adapted for groups with additional access needs. As well as printed sheets, many trails are now available using a QR code displayed on posters at the venue or elsewhere, so anyone with a smart phone can access them. Suggestions for new trails are always welcome, as are new Arts Society trail makers – no experience necessary, just interest and enthusiasm. It’s an opportunity to meet new people, acquire new skills and expand your knowledge. Your area representative, Gill Murphy, will give you as much guidance and support as necessary. To find out more about our Trails of Discovery, please visit theartssociety.org/volunteering or email glmurphy@btinternet.com