10/07/2026
Last week we celebrated the life of Anne Walton, our friend and former Chair of our Board of Trustees.
Since joining the board in July 2019 Anne has been an outstanding advocate for creative ageing and the value it can bring, having seen the benefit firsthand as a key member of the Creative Age group at Washington Arts Centre for 10 years.
A few weeks ago Anne wanted to share what the group had meant to her, she told us: “As someone who has never been very artistic or creative, the past years in the group have been fantastic. The quality of the artists sharing their skills and knowledge has meant that I and others have been able to produce wonderful pieces.
“Whilst it is not a support group, we do support one another in many ways noticeable as we have all aged. Birthdays are celebrated with candles, cards and cake, and an integral important part of the group is the break for tea and biscuits! Everyone in the group is so proud of the group and all it has achieved.”
Speaking with enthusiasm and candor, Anne’s vibrancy and conviction captured the attention of audiences, whether speaking at national conferences, with funders, group participants or King Charles during a recent garden party at Buckingham Palace.
Her support to us here on the Equal Arts team and her commitment to supporting people to age well was invaluable, as were her experiences, insights and her kindness.
Last week’s celebration in Birtley heard this song Why Walk When You Can Fly – a fitting tribute to a woman who lived large, and always with a flash of colour.
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