Heavenly Beverley : Finally Feeling That Christmas Vibe...

Friday, 26 December 2025

Finally Feeling That Christmas Vibe...

2025 wasn't supposed to be such a torridly challenging year. We entered January with such high hopes and great expectations. We were gradually worn down by circumstances often beyond our control. Beyond the middle of the year was coloured by my extreme side effects to Wegovy, a long and cold winter and a chronic storage of money. The ongoing crawl of the Subdivision eventually led to the collapse of Michael's mental health. As we approached the festive season, we were both exhausted from the relentless strains of the year.

Then, out of the blue, magic evolved. Family and friends rallied around us, offering love and support, practical suggestions and much needed help. Suddenly, a couple of days ago, I rediscovered the Spirit of Christmas.

So, in no particular order, I would like to mention some of the those people who have surrounded us with the love and support we were so desperately seeking.

Callum and Bron, along with Immy and Violet. Cal's weekly phone-calls never failed to lift me up. Bron is the anchor of their family and an amazing wife and mother. Their girls just add delight and happiness to our lives. We had a wonderful early Christmas with them, right here in Heavenly Beverley.
Alex, for being Alex.
Rebecca Buglass and Sue Martin who have taken on the East End Gallery as their own, alongside us, relieving me of much of the day-to-day running and for Bec taking on the 2026 Residencies and Studio Space. And Bec's husband Liam for his offers of assistance to revamp the Gallery.
Peter Ptschelinzew for his photographic endeavours in the East End Gallery, and for being one of the good guys.
Alan Pickering, for his mastery of Wordle, his Plein Air passion and his ongoing support of us, the Gallery and Beverley.
Mark Roser, for his spectacular dress sense, his stories of adventure, his artistic journey and his practical assistance.
Jan George, for being a wonderful artist, a fantastic friend and a fabulous presence in our lives.
James Rodereda, for his gentleness, his support, his skill as an impressive watercolour painter and for helping to heal Michael's soul.
Rhonda Baines-Taylor, who after the loss of her beloved KT, has also stepped up as a invaluable friend to Michael and me.
Mark and Tui Price, for their regular messages of friendship and support and providing us with fantastic paintings over many years.
Daryl and Lee Storer, for being wonderful friends and gifted artisans, never doubting us or the East End Gallery.
Narelle Higson, for being our very first Residency in late February 2026 and giving us hope for the future.
And finally, to all our friends and or/artists who have offered their support and I have forgotten to mention, know how much you all mean to us, now and into the future.

We are looking forward to 2026 with more optimism and hope. Unfortunately, the Subdivision will grind on for at least another twelve months, but we just have to survive that process. At the moment, we are just concentrating on taking one day at a time. We are so grateful for all the help we are receiving.

Thank you all.