When Pamela sees a problem she doesn’t walk on by – she tries to fix it.
Forget the fact that she’s 80, Pamela Barnard gets stuck in with such determination she makes a real difference to her community and the wider world.
Earlier this month, she raised nearly £200 for a charity, Compassion in World Farming, inspired by her late husband’s care for dairy and beef cattle. The sale of her own paintings was on Sunday, July 23, at the St Nicholas Church Room in Hurst.
Now she’s driving forward her next project. Pamela noticed a need for an afternoon social meeting spot in the village – and came up with a plan.
Working with Emily Carney from the Green Man pub in Hinton Road, she is launching Come and Play at the pub on the first and third Wednesday of each month, from 2-4.30pm.
The start date is to be announced. It’s for all ages, though not children at the moment.
“I do know people who are lonely or a bit fed up. This is the chance for everyone to meet other people for a chat and a cup of tea or coffee, in a social situation like a pub, where you can come and go as you like,” she said.
“They can relax and know they will be welcome. There will be games like dominoes, draughts, board games and crib for those who’d like them. I was inspired by something similar at Wargrave.”
Tea or coffee and a snack will cost £5. Other drinks will be on sale.
Pamela, a former teacher, is delighted with her art sale’s success, 30 people buying paintings of animals, flowers and scenery. Among the pictures, she put up written notices about her concerns relating to some farming practices.
“A lot of people asked me about the charity. Many don’t know what the issues are,” she said.
“For instance, in my opinion, a calf should not be taken from its mother when it’s newborn. A bottle of powdered milk fixed to a rack is no substitute for the nuzzling, licking and warm care of a cow.
“In Spain, they want permission to farm octopuses. They’re highly intelligent and solitary and would suffer extreme stress being with lots of others. I ask: please make informed choices when you do your shopping.”
She is also concerned about salmon farming where the fish cannot travel long distances like wild ones do.
For more about Pamela’s art and inspiration visit: https://wokingham.today/widows-art-show-features-amazing-animal-paintings-inspired-by-her-late-husbands-compassionate-care-for-his-cattle/
