The impressive output of art and creative writing sessions at The Hub in Port Erin is on display there until Christmas.

The sessions - supported by Isle of Man Arts Council - have been going for three years, resulting in a fantastically diverse range of visual and written works.

The exhibition, supported by Culture Vannin, has been curated by Hub community artist Angela Patchett and creative writing facilitator Janet Lees.

Angela said: ’In the open creativity sessions, the emphasis is very much on sharing ideas and having a joke or two.

’People come along to enjoy the company of others as they experiment with different art materials and learn new skills or develop old ones.

’Laughter is often heard as we share life’s experiences and set the world to rights while getting creative.

Janey said the people who come to the writing sessions are from all walks of life: ’We’ve had people in their 20s alongside people in their 80s, many of whom had done little or no writing before. As well as being a very buzzy hive of creativity, each session is a great bonding experience. People naturally connect with each other when they are creating together’.

Gill Stephens, who lives in Port Erin, has been coming to the writing sessions since late 2014, surprised herself. ’Creative writing? Couldn’t possibly, I thought, but I went. There I met a group of lovely friendly people and before I knew it I was finding poetry a great way to express deep thoughts and emotions.

’At the age of 76, I found new and enjoyable skills - a new lease of life.’

Janet Bridle, Hub co-ordinator, added: ’Our vision for The Hub is to bring people together, encouraging friendship, building on a strong sense of community and fostering intergenerational understanding and respect. Creativity at The Hub is certainly achieving these aims.’

For more information see www.facebook.com/HubCreativity/ or contact Janet Bridle on 838180 or [email protected]