A STOURPORT teacher and artist is following her lifetime dream by opening a new art gallery and coffee shop in the town.

Suzanne Whinder-Cartwright officially opened The Clock Gallery and Coffee Shop, in New Street, this week alongside the mayor of Stourport, Councillor Cliff Brewer.

The gallery’s premises have been empty for more than 10 years before Suzanne and her family took over the renovations of the shop to get it ready for business.

Suzanne said: “It was something that I wanted to do for as long as I can remember.

“I have been a primary school teacher for the past 22 years but I had the opportunity to take voluntary redundancy so I took it with the intention of starting the gallery.

“When I started the work in February, the building was a bit grubby as nobody had been in it for so long. The premises had areas of damp so I had to strip it back and start again.”

The gallery will be used to promote local artists, producers and suppliers, and Suzanne has already got together 18 local artists who will be exhibiting and selling their work at the gallery.

Types of artists who will be exhibiting include painters, textile artists, wood turners, enamellers, jewellers and glass blowers, and Suzanne is keen to encourage local up and coming artists and crafts people of all ages.

Suzanne said: “At the moment I have about 18 exhibitors.

“Some of them I know already, some I have met when travelling around to fairs and markets and some from invites I sent out, asking local artists if they want to come and exhibit here.”

The coffee shop will include foods from local farmers, growers, makers and bakers.

Mr Brewer said: “After lots of trials and tribulations I am absolutely delighted that Suzanne is up and running.

“The building has been transformed by Suzanne and she has worked so hard to achieve her goal.

“From the town council and Wyre Forest District Council we wish to thank her for choosing Stourport to run her enterprising business.

“I wish Suzanne every success for the future.”

Suzanne now has plans to develop a programme of events at the gallery and coffee shop, including artist in residence, visiting artist exhibitions, workshops, demonstrations, clubs and an artists’ trail.

For more information call Suzanne Whinder-Cartwright on 07810 580347.