April Member of the Month - Barbara Hulme

Barbara Hulme - 2025

For April, Sarah Morris, who leads our Art group and fellow trustee of All 4 Inclusion, took some time out from art and other activities to decide who our member of the month should be. It wasn't easy as you all bring so much positivity, thank you for being you xx

After great thought, Sarah chose Barbara Hulme as her member of the month!

Barbara's an incredibly caring, upbeat lady, always listening to others and responding in the chat online. Full of fun and great information, ever knowing... How many brains does an octopus have?!

She talks about her own and her family's health, raising awareness of conditions and offering information that helps her, as it may help others. She's selfless and focuses on the positive. Great fun in our online meetings, joining in with craziness that brings smiles to many, animal impressions have been mentioned to me, apparently, Mango wasn't happy... But also well-versed in up-to-date political issues that affect the disabled community and human rights.

Barbara personally stepped out and supported Scott and the All 4 Inclusion Manchester Marathon team as they ran/wheeled past where she lived. This is a tremendous effort, Barbara openly chats about her Agoraphobia. This must have been a huge boost for Scott Whitney to keep an eye out for you, Barbara, trying to spot you in the huge crowds that lined the streets! 

Awesome stripes earned, thank you for your support xx

I have to mention that Barbara is a much-loved member of our Art group. She shares fantastic art tips, and we have great conversations based on what we're working on and other life matters. 'Mango', her beautiful black cat, often makes his appearances too, saying when it's time to stop as it's his turn for attention, camera time, and the orange cushion, and deservedly so, he earns his keep living with Barbara ;)

Self-Portrait of Barbara Hulme

Many will know Barbara is a talented and exceptional fine artist who draws and paints portraits of disabled people and other subjects. She has produced awesome paintings of some of the people in our All 4 Inclusion community, sharing their stories and helping to raise awareness of disabilities and life. A great painter to collaborate with, the results are incredible, as Barbara reads and understands the story behind each person she is painting, the artworks are produced with sensitivity and empathy.

On a final serious note, Barbara enjoys fine art and artists, she's a prolific painter. Have a look at her website https://barbarahulmefineartist.com/

If you're local to the Manchester area, please go along and support Barbara, where some of her artwork is being shown;

First event: The Chorlton Arts Festival, Chorlton Golf Club, Barlow Hall,

17 & 18 May, 11 – 5 pm https://chorltonartsfestival.org/

And a second exhibition at “53two” on Saturday 24 May, 2-4 pm https://www.53two.com/ 

Thank you for raising awareness around disability and producing the amazing artworks of people in our community, Barbara. You're extremely valued and appreciated xx