Volunteer story: Renee

“Hi my name is Renee and I volunteer for Living Paintings.

I first heard of Living Paintings while singing in a concert at the Anvil with Basingstoke Rock Choir. I was intrigued by what I had heard and spoke to Maggy Webb, a choir member who already volunteered as a painter. I decided to go along to find out more. I met Sasha, who is in charge of the production room, and she explained what is involved in painting the tactile images for Living Picture Books. I was made to feel very welcome and felt that painting was something I would really like to do.

It took a little while to get the hang of the enamel paints, as I have usually worked with water colours and oils, but now I’ve mastered the techniques. I look forward to Thursday mornings, when I work with three other volunteers, painting, chatting and putting the world to rights!  It’s a very relaxed atmosphere with plenty of tea or coffee on tap.  I am always conscious of the fact that some little boy or girl will be looking forward to getting their books and begin tracing the images we have painted as the stories are read to them.”