This is something I have been helping promote and quoted in. Me and my family really benefitted from our stay at Paul's Place. Its a wonderful charity and run by truly inspiring people. If your in North Devon go along, if not tell people about this wonderful opportunity for young adults who need it to have a great break. Lucy x
7th September 2011
GEORGEHAM TO GO ARTY TO RAISE AWARENESS OF PAUL’S PLACE
Arts Festival will aid new charity providing breaks for young adults facing bereavement or a life-threatening illness.
Georgeham Arts Festival will raise awareness of Paul’s Fund and Paul’s Place, a charity and B&B retreat centre that opened its doors earlier this year. The festival will inspire this picturesque village just inland from Croyde, with live music and a vibrant art and photography exhibition the weekend of 16-18 September.
Paul’s Fund and Paul’s Place provide a chance for young adults, who are experiencing bereavement or a life-threatening illness, to have a much needed break on the stunning North Devon coast. The death of their 19 year old son Paul, from a brain tumour in 2008, motivated David and Pippa Morton to move to Georgeham to bring comfort to others and set up a B&B which is also used as the retreat and has self-catering facilities.
The weekend of free events will kick off with an evening of live music at the Kings Arms Pub on Friday 16th. The Polarities and Rhythms exhibition, opening on Saturday evening, features North Devon artists such as published illustrator Miriam Latimer and painter Paul Kenton. It will also profile some of Paul Morton’s own photography, and submissions from recent fine art, graphics, illustration and film graduates, as well as the local Georgeham Arts Group. Visitors can browse the collection or purchase pieces and are also invited to visit Paul’s Place for a cream tea on Sunday afternoon.
The Arts Festival is organised by some of Paul’s old school friends from Bristol to support his parents in the venture and raise funds to help other young adults in difficult life circumstances.
A close friend of Paul and co-ordinator of the exhibition, Jo Stockdale,23, spoke of her motivation for being involved and the passion she has for Paul’s Place: “My father died of a brain tumour when I was a teenager, so I really understand the value of ‘time out’ from everyday life to rebuild lost strength. This is why I wanted to organise a fundraising event. The focus on 18-30 year olds is so important. Often this age bracket is neglected among respite charities. Let’s enable more young adults to stay at Paul’s Place and get the rest and recuperation they need.”
David and Pippa Morton said: “It is a delight to host such a positive event which enables us to let people know about our facilities and the vision”
David added: “Paul was an unassuming young man, but he was musical, and had a gift for painting and photography. He loved the outdoors, whether biking, hill walking, kayaking or surfing. In our location visitors can lose themselves in peace and solitude, or enjoy the buzz of activity along the coast, it is all very fitting. We are passionate that Paul’s Place is more than just accommodation for a holiday but somewhere special that will be a source of strength, hope and positive memories for all who come, whatever their circumstances.”
Since the opening in April, Paul’s Place has seen a number of people benefit from the respite. Lucy Cooper, 28, stayed for three nights with her mum and sister: “Our Dad died last September and months before this Mum had been diagnosed with secondary bone cancer. While at Paul’s Place we celebrated her 56th birthday, which doctors had said she would not reach. The break was exactly what we needed – a chance to spend time together in a relaxed and beautiful place.”
Polarities and Rhythms will open at 7pm on the 17th September at Georgeham Baptist Chapel, EX33 1JJ, with refreshments provided. It continues on the Sunday 18th from 12-5pm with cream teas available at the Old Bakery (aka Paul’s Place). All art sales and donations will go directly to the charity. For more information about Paul’s Fund and Paul’s Place, visit www.pauls-fund.co.uk
