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to successfully passtheir basic trainingalong with PrivateAshley Matthews, achef at the DefenceAcademy. Luke onlyjoined the TA in Apriland is looking forwardto learning his newtrade. “I have alwayshad an interest inthe military; it’s asort of passion ofmine hence the reason I did my MA in British History focussing onthe Army. What I like about the TA is that I get to be involved in mypassion while still having my regular job which I equally enjoy. It reallyis the best of both worlds for me.” Luke is also looking at becoming aTA commissioned officer in the future. “If I can achieve a commission inthe TA, it really would be the pinnacle.”We are always looking for new members. The commitment isn’t tooonerous and you are paid for the hours you give. If you would like tolearn more about joining the reserves, speak to any of us. We trainon Tuesday evenings from 730 – 930 pm. Alternatively, you can callCaptain Andy Lambert on 01793 523251 or email him on 162MC-280-PSAO@MOD.UK to find out more.Private LukeJohnstonearmy artists!Where will you be able to see beautiful watercolourlandscapes in the Cotman style, printmaking featuringbombs and butterflies, a bronze of an Australian Swagman,a picture of the queen produced using brushes and fingers andsketches produced whilst on operations in Afghanistan amongst manyother beautiful oils, acrylics, watercolours, sculptures, pastel and pencildrawings? The answer is at the Army Arts Society’s Annual Exhibitionand Chemring Painting Competition, which, for the first time will alsobe hosting the “Serving War Artist of the Year competition”, sponsoredby Aspire Defence. The Exhibition runs from 3-24 November 2012 inthe galleries in Salisbury Library.The Army Arts Society (AAS) consists of serving soldiers, soldiersundergoing rehabilitation, retired soldiers and officers and members oftheir immediate families. Art is not something usually associated witha combatant profession. Indeed it can be challenging to fit paintingand drawing in to such a lifestyle but our members do, even on thefront line.Last year the AAS introduced Operational Art Packs which have beengiven to soldiers in Afghanistan. 20 Armoured Brigade have recentlypublished a book “Soldiers’ Flowers: Artists in Afghanistan” containingsketches and paintings produced by professional artists and recipientsof the art packs. The book will be available to see and buy at theexhibition.The AAS is also involved with art mentoring for injured and illservicemen, both serving and veterans. We believe that learning andexperiencing art in a supportive environment can be beneficial forveterans and injured service personnel, as they have found that theycan use art as a way of expressing, discussing and finding a wayto cope with problems created by their experiences whilst serving.Many have simply found it extremely relaxing. We hope that theopportunity to do something creative and different will open doors tothe possibility of change and a new direction in a soldier’s or veteran’slife. The AAS is helping to run workshops at The Oswald Stoll VeteranCentre and at Tedworth House.Some do not have the leisure time to concentrate on art until theyhave left the army, indeed this is when some of our members firsttook up their paintbrush or clay, some have gone on to base a secondcareer on their subsequently discovered artistic talents.If you feel that you would like to joint the Army Arts Society orwould like to find out more about us please visit our website www.armyartssociety.org. If you would like to exhibit with us or enter TheServing War Artist competition (details on the website), the deadlinefor entries is Monday 15th October 2012.Please do come and see our exhibition 3-24 November 2012 inSalisbury Library’s galleries, you may even find that unique and perfectChristmas gift for someone!7