7 Years, and I’m Finally Finding My People!

I'm a bit buzzing, as I worked at Union Street Gallery and Creative Hub in Grantham today as a volunteer. I bloody loved it!

Oi Wally, What's that?!

Well … It's as its name suggests, a gallery and creative hub, run by Grantham Creates C.I.C, and it is an artist and disability led, voluntary organisation whose primary objective is to carry out activities that benefit the wider community of Grantham and surrounding areas by providing a creative hub, activities, and art gallery. Through this, they are able to foster support for individuals and groups, with particular focus (but not limited to) adults who are neurodivergent, suffer mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety, and the long-term unemployed. (taken from the website).

As a creative person who has also struggled with depression and anxiety, their ideology really appealed to me, and I was super excited the first time I visited. So much so that I took away a Volunteer form to fill in.

I’ve resided in Grantham for over seven years now and I may not have been looking properly, or not been open-minded enough, I don’t know … but I had often felt that the creative culture in Grantham was lacking and perhaps overlooked. My better half lives in a small town in Suffolk, and her creative scene is in abundance, which made me feel a bit sad for Grantham … and me!

However, finding a home for my book in the new independent bookshop, The Reading Room, and now finding Union Street, I can now see that Grantham is emerging, and I want to be part of this (almost rogue) movement that has shown itself to me.

So what did I do today? I’m so glad you asked!

I worked at the desk, greeting visitors, and I even sold a few pieces. I talked about the Margaret Thatcher exhibition with viewers, marking 100 years of Mags’, took some photographs, and discussed plans for future stuff. I was also asked if I wanted to buy a rocking horse, but I declined. 

“What would I do with it?!” I asked, 

“You could put clothes on it” came the response. 

“But I have a floor for that!” 

Ooh … and I ate the arse of a Colin the caterpillar cake! As we all know, that's where all the best chocolate is!

If you want to find out more about Union Street Gallery and Hub, check out their website, or come down and see it for yourself. There is so much varied and interesting work to view and buy. Also, early 2026 will see it host a Who’s Wally Photography exhibition. More on that later.

Image © Andy Wallis