VILLAGERS in Cheddar have been helped by a housebuilder to get into the seasonal spirit with a sponsored Halloween-themed art competition and exhibition. 

Bellway South West, which is building new homes at its Peregrine View development in the village, donated £300 to help fund the staging of the event by Cheddar Arts Quarter.

The local group, which is a not-for-profit community interest company, organised the art competition for people of all ages, with age-group categories for children and young people.

Themes included My Favourite Halloween Monster, Haunted Houses and Ghosts, Spooky Portraits and Halloween Nights, while the theme for over-18s was Dark Fantasy and Gothic Scenes. An exhibition of the work is being staged at Cheddar Arts Quarter, in The Lippiatt, until Sunday, November 3, 2024.

The contribution from Bellway South West helped pay for the organisation of the event and also finance a number of Halloween-themed craft workshops to be held at the village centre for children during the half-term holiday.

Ellen Watson, Director at Cheddar Arts Quarter, said: “I live opposite Peregrine View, so I knew Bellway were building in the village and I decided to contact them to see if they wanted to get involved with this fun community event.

She added: “I was delighted when they got back in touch and told me that they would donate £300 to help pay for the Halloween Art Competition and Exhibition.

“We are a not-for-profit group and is it always welcome when we receive contributions like this from local companies. It’s a great chance for the whole village to come together to celebrate Halloween and we are very grateful to Bellway for its generous donation.”

Cheddar Arts Quarter offers artist studios, a shop, gallery, classes, affordable workshops and organises community arts projects.

Rachel Way, Bellway South West Senior Sales Manager, said: “When Ellen got in touch with us about helping to fund the art competition, exhibition and crafts session we were more than happy to make a contribution.

“It is great that this involved people of all ages and allowed everyone to embrace the fun. It gave local children a chance to let their imaginations run riot and share their creations with the wider community.”