Adlington artist awarded MBE (From Chorley Citizen)

Adlington artist awarded MBE

3:14pm Wednesday 7th January 2009

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Renowned Chorley artist Gerry Halpin who has raised more than £100,000 for local charities, was appointed an MBE in the New Year’s Honours List.

Mr Halpin, from Adlington, was appointed an MBE for his services to art and local charities.

He has raised cash for Pendlebury Children's Hospital, Bolton Hospice and a national children's hospital charity for 23 years through selling original Christmas cards, which depicted local scenes.

Many of his pictures displayed a love of the countryside close to Chorley, with striking paintings of Rivington Pike, the Anglesarke reservoirs and other landscapes on the West Pennine moors.

Mr Halpin, who still lives in Adlington, said: “I was thrilled to bits when I received the letter. To be honoured in this way, a British tradition, is fantastic and I was delighted.

“So many people have done good things and I feel my contribution is small in comparison.

“I would also like to thank all the people who have supported me. Without people buying the cards I would not have raised this much money.”

Mr Halpin was elected to the Manchester Academy of Fine Arts in 2001 and is a former head of art at Rivington and Blackrod school.

He taught at the school for 16 years and left in 1990 to become a full-time artist.

He also taught part-time at Bury Grammar School until last year.

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