Wisbech artist visits Hickathrift House Care Home in Marshland St James

A local artist and retired teacher has donated over a dozen paintings to a care home in town.

Gill Repper was invited to go and talk about her artwork at Hickathrift House Care Home in Marshland St James for the opening of its first coffee morning.

Hickathrift House’s head of activities, Kat Colangelo, invited Gill to discuss her passion and artwork with residents and share tips after seeing her artwork at a local Farmers Market.

Gill kindly donated 18 pieces to residents and they will be displayed around the home and in residents’ rooms.

At the coffee morning, Gill shared her paintings which depicted local scenes as well as favourite holiday destinations including Castle Rising, Wisbech Park, and Devon.

Residents listened to Gill over hot drinks and then warmly clapped and shared appreciation for her artwork.

Elsie, a resident of Hickathrift House, said: “They are just wonderful. Gill is just amazing and ever so kind for coming to speak with us about them.

“It makes me appreciate the paintings even more.”

Gill, who taught at St Audrey’s Convent and Wisbech Grammar School for 40 years, retired from teaching and has donated around 75 of her paintings to local care homes in Wisbech.

Kat Colangelo said: “We are delighted with Gill’s generous donation to our home, and would like to say a massive thank you.

“Not only the fabulous paintings but also spending the afternoon discussing them with residents.

“Gill’s stories sparked memories for some of the residents and at the end we were reminiscing about previous holidays, our childhood homes, and trips to galleries.

“The residents each picked a favourite and our maintenance man is busy hanging them in their rooms, exactly where they’d like them.

“We can’t wait to share the artwork and its history with the whole home and new residents.

“Gill is the first of many talented locals that we’d love to visit Hickathrift House for our monthly coffee mornings.

“If you have a passion or talent and would like to share it with residents, don’t hesitate to get in contact.”

Hickathrift House coffee mornings run on the second Friday of the month from 10.30am to 12.30pm and are open to anyone who’d like to socialise or learn more about the home.