Gary's Story

Jason – What are your hobbies that you enjoy?

Gary – I enjoy my 35ML Film Digital Camera and I have worked in freelance Photographer for 35 years.

Jason - How did you first get interested in photography?

Gary - I bought my first camera from Boots in Pontypridd.

Then I bought a second hand Enlarger and locked my self in the shed.  I then taught my self how to develop the film and never looked back.

JASON - You must be an accomplished Photographer after 35 years of experience?

Gary - I am teaching my Grandson the art of digital photography. Which I am happy to pass on all the knowledge I have learned over the years.

Jason - Do you belong to any camera club?

Gary - I am a member of the disabled Photographers society, which is a great help to members who are in wheel chairs. They also will help anyone with disabilities to enjoy photography.

Jason - What types of things do you enjoy photographing?

Gary - I have taken photos of many different things. I like to take pictures that capture the magic of the moment weather it could be somebody’s personality in a photo or the beautiful colours of a sunset. Once I was going to do a photo shoot with status quo but at the last minute it was cancelled. That would have been a dream come true, photographing my favourite band.

Wesley's Story 

Jason - What hobbies do you enjoy?

Wesley - I enjoy going for walks and writing poetry. I am also interested in nature and enjoy gardening.

Jason – What type of things do you write about in your poems?

Wesley - I love writing about nature and the different seasons.  I also like beautiful flowers with all their wonderful bright colours.

Jason - Have you written a lot of poems?

Wesley - I Have been writing poems for a number of years now and have recently had a sort out of this material.  I am currently writing material for a book of poetry. I have also had some of my poems published in the Book 'Catch My Thoughts' which members of New Horizons all contributed their poems. This book has recently sold over 2000 copies.

Jason – Do you find doing Poetry therapeutic?

Wesley - I really enjoy writing poetry and find it very relaxing.  I am inspired to write poetry by all kinds of things.  It could be after a conversation with someone or after seeing a beautiful piece of Art or even just going for a walk in the park.

Neil's Story

Jason - What hobbies do you enjoy ?

Neil - I enjoy listening to music and learning to play the Guitar. I have always loved all types of music especially the Beatles. I always wanted to play the Guitar so when I herd about the Music group on Tuesdays between 1pm and 3pm with Tutor Anne Cleaton. I decided to go along and attend the group. I brought in my Acoustic Guitar and I enjoyed it in friendly relaxed Atmosphere. I always look forward to attending the group and having a jam.

Jason - Do you find playing music relaxing ?

Neil - Yes music is important to me and makes me feel good.  I enjoy being creative and expressing my self through music.

Jason - Have you played any events with The New Horizons Music Group ?

Neil - Yes I have taken part in several events with New Horizons Music Group including 'Mad About Music Event', ST lleurigs Church Carol service and Serveral Open Days at New Horizons Centre. We are now working on some Abba songs for a Mamma Mia Tribute night that we are taken part in during October 2009.

Jason - Are there any other Hobbies you enjoy doing?

Neil - I also enjoy writing poetry and found the Creative writing group in New Horizons very encouraging.  As I can express how I am feeling through my poetry and sometimes it helps me get things off my chest.  As I can see things in a different perspective.

Liz's Story

Jason - What hobbies do you enjoy?

Liz - I have been attending an art group for about 2 years now and really enjoy it.

Jason - How did you find out

about the art group?

Liz - One day I went with my

Community Psychiatric Nurse to my local day centre at New Horizons. where I was asked if I would like to take part in the art group there.

Jason - Was it a relaxed atmosphere in the art group?

Liz - Yes it was a really friendly atmosphere.

For the first couple of weeks I attended the group I just watched what other people were working on. I thought to myself that I was not very good at art and would not be able to take part in the group. At the next class the tutor, started drawing the outline of pictures for me to paint in which I enjoyed.  From there my confidence built up and I just progressed from there.

Jason - Do you paint on to canvas?

Liz - Yes I work on canvas using acrylic paint. I enjoy painting Landscapes and Beautiful Seascapes. I have come on so much in these last 2 years since joining the art group. I really look forward to doing art each week. I have also sold 2 of my paintings and look forward to having my art exhibited in 4 exhibitions with New Horizons.