Bridgnorth, which is divided into High Town and Low Town, is named after a bridge over the River Severn which was built further north than an earlier bridge at Quatford. The earliest historical reference to Bridgnorth is in 895 and it has a long and interesting history. During the Civil War it was one of the Royalist strongholds and Charles II visited it before continuing his journey to Boscobel and Moseley Old Hall.

We will start our walk in High Town looking at the view over the River Severn, which was described by Charles II as ‘the finest view in all my kingdom’ and then continue walking through the town. The tour will only cover High Town, therefore avoiding the steep walk up the hill.

We will be accompanied by Dorothy Nicholle a Blue Badge Guide, and the walk will last approximately 1 ½ hours. We will finish near St Leonard’s Church and go to Apley on the High Street cafe for refreshments. (included)

The visit is limited to 20 people only, but if there is enough interest we will add another visit.

At present the visit is open to members only.

Cost £20 to include refreshments

Please email Barbara Noble nobleb@doctors.org.uk or telephone 07932726127 to reserve a place.

After the place is confirmed please transfer money by BACS (preferred) to THE ARTS SOCIETY WREKIN – number two Account, sort code 20-97-90, A/C number 03857654. with Bridgnorth as the reference or send a cheque payable to ‘The Arts Society Wrekin’ to Barbara Noble, 1 Rowley Park Farmhouse, Worfield, Bridgnorth, Shropshire. WV15 5NT or give her a cheque at a Monday lecture.

Please also inform us when booking if you have any food allergies or intolerances.

For insurance purposes we also require a mobile phone number in case we need to contact you on the day and name and contact details of your next of kin.

 1.30 - 4:30pm
by kind permission of Mr and Mrs R. Bland
 

Join us for our Summer Picnic on the lawns of The Leasowes and take the opportunity to explore this remarkable private arboretum established by Robert and Tricia Bland over the past 20 years. With views overlooking the Severn Valley and The Wrekin, the super structure of mature larches contains a wide range of rhododendrons and azaleas as well as shade appreciating trees and shrubs. Throughout the formal gardens there is a large offering of roses of all descriptions. Within this wooded valley there are  interconnected ponds  and a wide selection of unusual trees including over 140 maples from around the world.
 
BRING -  As well as your picnic bring your chairs, table or rug 

DIRECTIONS  -  The Leasowes is on the A458 between Shrewsbury and Cressage   SY5 6AE.
The postcode takes you to the entrance on the south side of the  A458
Look for an Arts Society sign.
Turn off the A458 and immediately fork left.  Car parking is on the left side of the drive.

BOOKING -  Please email Tim Roberts robertsquay@gmail.com or phone 01743 761257 to book a place so we know of likely numbers

We suggest donations of £10 per adult on the day (no pre-payment needed)  This  will be divided between a charity of our hosts choice and the Wrekin Arts Award

PLEASE NOTE - Due to the nature of this arboretum  and the naturally steep terrain the ground in some areas, could create limitations of access across some of the gardens for visitors who use a wheelchair or are less mobile.
Any queries or to join us please contact : Tim Roberts robertsquay@gmail.com    or    01743 761257

A visit has been arranged to Snowshill Manor a National Trust property in the Cotswolds and Sezincote House a neo-Mughal designed house by coach. 

Snowshill Manor is an arts and crafts house containing a treasure trove of quirky and unusual objects including hand crafted musical instruments and various costumes. The garden is a riot of colour in the summer and contains a wide range of flowers including old and new roses and a collection of clematis. 

We will hopefully have an introductory talk on arrival and then will be free to wander in the house and garden.

There is a café there where it will be possible to have some lunch. (Not included.)

In the afternoon we will visit Sezincote House, which was built by the grandson of Samuel Pepys after he returned to England after having amassed a fortune with the East India Company. We will spend the afternoon there during which time we will have a guided tour of the house, an opportunity to visit the gardens and to have refreshments in the Orangery. (Not included) 

The cost for the day is £47 for members and £50 for non-members.

Non-National Trust members will have to pay the entrance fee to Snowshill at present £13.00.

Numbers will be strictly limited so please apply early.

Booking is open for members only until February 27th.

Please email Barbara Noble nobleb@doctors.org.uk or telephone 07932726127 to reserve a place.

 After the place is confirmed please transfer money by BACS (preferred) to THE ARTS SOCIETY WREKIN – number two Account, sort code 20-97-90, A/C number 03857654. with Cotswolds as the reference or send a cheque payable to ‘The Arts Society Wrekin’ 

Compton Hall is a grade II listed building built c1845 and has been home to Compton Care the hospice serving Wolverhampton area since 1982.

Our heritage tour will concentrate primarily on one owner Laurence Hodson who inherited Compton Hall from his father in 1890. As a great patron of the Arts especially the then contemporary Arts & Crafts Laurence Hodson invited William Morris to visit Compton Hall in 1894 to redesign its interior.  One of the last designs produced by Morris & Co before William Morris died is a design called ‘Compton’. 

We shall visit the ground floor with its elegant hallway and the trio of rooms overlooking the gardens.  The former Drawing Room is a well-preserved Morris & Co interior with a beautiful painted ceiling.  For this room Hodson commissioned three of the Holy Grail tapestries designed by Edward Burne-Jones - now at Birmingham Art Gallery. The library has its own story to tell and once housed a series of ten painting by William Strang on Adam & Eve commissioned by Laurence Hodson - the title ‘Temptation’ is now at The Tate Gallery, London. There are Morris & Co features throughout the hall including William de Morgan tiles in the fireplaces and Morris & Co glass in the front door.

We shall finish by visiting ‘the heritage corridor’ in the new building to view the Heritage Information Boards, the 2020 project aided by the Art Societies of Wolverhampton and Wrekin.  

There will also be an opportunity to wander in the gardens.

There will also be a presentation on the work of Compton Care. 

 Price £20 to include drinks and nibbles.

All proceeds to go towards the funding of some more Heritage Information Boards.

There will also be an opportunity to donate to the work of Compton Care.

Numbers will be strictly limited, but if oversubscribed there will be another visit in the autumn.

This visit is only open to members.

Please email Barbara Noble nobleb@doctors.org.uk or telephone 07932726127 to reserve a place.

 Once your the place is confirmed please transfer money by BACS (preferred) to THE ARTS SOCIETY WREKIN – number two Account, sort code 20-97-90, A/C number 03857654. with Compton as the reference or send a cheque payable to ‘The Arts Society Wrekin’ to Barbara Noble, 1 Rowley Park Farmhouse, Worfield, Bridgnorth, Shropshire. WV15 5NT or give it to her at a Monday lecture.

The ancient market town of Bridgnorth dates from the 10th century and is divided into Low town and the High town, which is situated on giant sandstone rocks. The two are linked by the Cliff railway, the meandering Cartway and a series of steps. 

Our tour will be of the High town, but will start in the Town Park which will enable us to see the view described by Charles II as 'the finest in England' and will last approximately one and a half hours. We will finish by St Leonards Church. Afterwards we will have tea and cake in one of the local cafes.

Cost £20 to include refreshments

NOW FULLY BOOKED BUT NEW DATE 16th JULY 

Please contact Barbara Noble to book a place.

Monday 30th March 2026 12:30 - 2:15pm

At the heart of Victoria Square stands Birmingham Council House, one of the city’s finest Victorian buildings and still the seat of local government today. Built during the era of Joseph Chamberlain and opened in 1879, it remains a powerful symbol of Birmingham’s public life.

This NEW private guided tour with Dr Jonathan Berg reveals the stories behind the Council House’s architecture, artwork and civic role. Starting outside the main entrance sets the scene with tales of Victorian confidence, architectural rivalry and public art. Inside, the grand staircase rises past statues of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, beneath a striking double dome that once housed an innovative gas-powered ventilation system.

Upstairs, the elegant Banqueting Suite overlooks Victoria Square, its chandeliers and gallery recalling generations of civic ceremony. Nearby, the Council Chamber is where Birmingham’s councillors meet to debate city policy, surrounded by original oak carvings and historic seating. Here, the workings of local democracy are brought to life.
 
The tour also explores rooms that reflect Birmingham’s social progress, from the Names Room, recording past Mayors and Lord Mayors, to the Ellen Pinsent Room, celebrating women in local politics. A final descent to the courtyard reveals the building’s wartime role.
 
Join us to step behind the grand façade of this working civic building and discover where Birmingham’s past and present meet. The tour allows us to explore rooms rarely open to the public and gain a clear insight into how local government works today.
 

Independent travel – meet outside the Council House at 12:20pm - note later time 
Early booking advised as numbers are limited
Please email Nicky Lipscombe tlipscombe@aol.com or 
phone 01746 783591 for any queries or to reserve a place 
Payment please by BACS or cheque when your place is confirmed – see below

 
Cost : £18 members, £20 for non-members
Can you please include your mobile telephone number and an emergency contact number in your email. We hope not to need them of course
 
Payment: BACS (preferred) to THE ARTS SOCIETY WREKIN – number two Account, sort code 20-97-90, A/C number 03857654. with BERG as the reference or send a cheque made payable to ‘The Arts Society Wrekin’ to Nicky Lipscombe, Sawmill Cottage, Badger, Shropshire WV6 7JP or by hand at Cosford - February lecture.

At the heart of Victoria Square stands Birmingham Council House, one of the city’s finest Victorian buildings and still the seat of local government today. Built during the era of Joseph Chamberlain and opened in 1879, it remains a powerful symbol of Birmingham’s public life.

This NEW private guided tour with Dr Jonathan Berg reveals the stories behind the Council House’s architecture, artwork and civic role. Starting outside the main entrance sets the scene with tales of Victorian confidence, architectural rivalry and public art. Inside, the grand staircase rises past statues of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, beneath a striking double dome that once housed an innovative gas-powered ventilation system.

Upstairs, the elegant Banqueting Suite overlooks Victoria Square, its chandeliers and gallery recalling generations of civic ceremony. Nearby, the Council Chamber is where Birmingham’s councillors meet to debate city policy, surrounded by original oak carvings and historic seating. Here, the workings of local democracy are brought to life.
 
The tour also explores rooms that reflect Birmingham’s social progress, from the Names Room, recording past Mayors and Lord Mayors, to the Ellen Pinsent Room, celebrating women in local politics. A final descent to the courtyard reveals the building’s wartime role.
 
Join us to step behind the grand façade of this working civic building and discover where Birmingham’s past and present meet. The tour allows us to explore rooms rarely open to the public and gain a clear insight into how local government works today.
 

Independent travel – meet outside the Council House at 11.50am 
Early booking advised as numbers are limited
Priority for members until 7th February
Please email Nicky Lipscombe tlipscombe@aol.com or 
phone 01746 783591 for any queries or to reserve a place 
Payment please by BACS or cheque when your place is confirmed – see below

 
Cost : £18 members, £20 for non-members
Can you please include your mobile telephone number and an emergency contact number in your email. We hope not to need them of course
 
Payment: BACS (preferred) to THE ARTS SOCIETY WREKIN – number two Account, sort code 20-97-90, A/C number 03857654. with BERG as the reference or send a cheque made payable to ‘The Arts Society Wrekin’ to Nicky Lipscombe, Sawmill Cottage, Badger, Shropshire WV6 7JP or by hand at Cosford - February lecture.

Did you know that Wolverhampton Art Gallery has the largest Pop Art Collection outside London, including works by Andy Warhol, Richard Hamilton Pauline Boty and Roy Lichtenstein?

Therefore, we have arranged a guided tour of the Pop Art Gallery on Tuesday13th January at 11 am

On the same day it will also be possible to visit the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition on loan from the Natural History Museum, London, as well as Grayson Perry’s The Anunciation of the Virgin Deal a 4 metre long tapestry telling the story of Tim Rakewell  a fictional 21st century  software developer who climbs the social ladder from his working class roots. 

Numbers are strictly limited so please apply early.

Cost of guided tour £15 per person.

If you want to see the Wildlife Photographer exhibition, this is £8 (£4 Art Pass members) to be paid on the day to the Art Gallery.

Visit to the Grayson Perry Tapestry is free.

Please email Barbara Noble nobleb@doctors.org.uk or telephone 07932726127 to reserve a place.

After the place is confirmed please transfer £15 by BACS (preferred) to THE ARTS SOCIETY WREKIN – number two Account, sort code 20-97-90, A/C number 03857654. with POP ART as the reference or send a cheque payable to ‘The Arts Society Wrekin’ to Barbara Noble, 1 Rowley Park Farmhouse, Worfield, Bridgnorth, Shropshire. WV15 5NT 

Join us for a Festive Afternoon Tea 
2.30 at the Red House, Albrighton WV7 3LU
 
We are delighted to welcome back the charismatic Simon Whitehouse, Arts Society Lecturer, to entertain us.
 
Dick Whittington: International Man of Myth and Myster(ie)

Step into the Time-Traveling Shoes of Dick Whittington: Unveiling the Real London Legend! 2023 marked the 600th anniversary of the death of the fabled Dick Whittington (c1354-1423). For many of us, Dick is simply a fictional character from a Ladybird book or the Christmas pantomime. In fact, Dick was very real, indeed one of the major movers and shakers of medieval London. In this lecture we separate the man from the myth as we follow in his footsteps through the streets that were not exactly ‘paved with gold…’. Apprenticed to a master mercer, Whittington went on to become one of the wealthiest and most successful textile merchants in the City, bankrolled no fewer than three medieval kings and as a result held the office of Lord Mayor of London no fewer than four times. And what of that famous feline companion; his cat? Well, the church that he built might just provide the answer but the lecture reveals all.
 
Simon Whitehouse, Arts Society Lecturer, is also an actor, Blue Badge Guide in London, Tour Guide at the National Gallery and an Art Historian.

Now fully booked

Please email Nicky Lipscombe tlipscombe@aol.com or 
phone 01746 783591 to go on the waiting list 
Payment please by BACS or cheque when your place is confirmed
 
Cost: £25 members.  £30 non-members
Please advise of any dietary preferences, intolerances or food allergies at booking
 
The surplus from this event will be used to support 
The Albrighton Trust (Moat and Gardens)
 
Please note that photographs of members and guests may be taken at this event. If you do not wish to be photographed, please let a member of the Committee know

Nickly Ilsley AT

Rose Paterson Art Gallery

MONDAY November 3rd - 10am

The Canary and the Parrot - A story of coal mining, hardship and toil and its legacy in our lives and landscapes

Join us for a private viewing of this mining themed exhibition with contemporary textile and media artist Nicky Ilsley. Hear first-hand about how the exhibition was created and why mining was the inspiration (pre-booking essential).

Nicky uses her creativity to tell powerful and compelling stories from the past. Fascinated by social history, loss of knowledge, skills and communities, there are few industries and occupations that challenge in the way coal mining does. This unique exhibition of art explores the reality of working deep into the earth beneath us with its inherent dangers and lasting legacy. She includes all those working underground (men, ponies and birds) together with landowners and the environmental issues from burning fossil fuels.

Weston Park’s historic connection to coal mining makes it the perfect venue. Minerals and coal in particular, provided the Bradford family with a valuable source of income from their mines in Bolton, Wigan and Walsall. The family also provided support for the mining communities with the creation of public parks, sports facilities, churches, hospitals and schools.

In keeping with today’s emphasis on sustainability, Nicky creates using pre-worn and vintage fabric, found objects and ephemera. This body of work was inspired by a handful of miners ‘tallies’ purchased at a vintage fair in Staffordshire and their symbolism is often repeated throughout the collection.  Her processes include burning, burying, distressing, eco and rust dye, earth pigments, mark making, hand and machine stitching to create interesting varied surfaces and textures. Visitors will enjoy the range of art on display which have both visual impact and meaningful strong narratives. 

COST: £15 to include refreshments. This will be given as a donation to the Weston Park Foundation who are hosting the exhibition.

The tour will last about an hour. Coffee/tea and homemade biscuits will be provided on arrival in the Gallery

Places will be limited to 25 - early application advised

Contact Nicky Lipscombe to book a place:

email tlipscombe@aol.com or tel 01746  783591

Whereas we all might be familiar with Wightwick Manor, a visit has been arranged there to take a look at the newly refurbished De Morgan Art Gallery as well as a talk in the Great Parlour. 

The day will start at 10.00am with tea, coffee and refreshments and will also include a buffet lunch. During lunch, Marcia Street, a member of TASW will tell us about her experience living in Wightwick Manor.

Cost is £24.00 for members of TASW, and £27.00 for non-members. (To include refreshments and lunch). Priority will be given to members.

(A donation will be given to Wightwick Manor on behalf of the Society.)

Non-members of the National Trust will also have to pay an admission fee of £16.50 on the day.

Numbers will be strictly limited so please apply early.

Please email Barbara Noble nobleb@doctors.org.uk or telephone 07932726127 to reserve a place.

After the place is confirmed please transfer money by BACS (preferred) to THE ARTS SOCIETY WREKIN – number two Account, sort code 20-97-90, A/C number 03857654. with Wightwick as the reference or send a cheque payable to ‘The Arts Society Wrekin’ to Barbara Noble, 1 Rowley Park Farmhouse, Worfield, Bridgnorth, Shropshire. WV15 5NT 

Please also inform us when booking if you have any food allergies or intolerances.

Due to cancellation, one place remains. Please contact Barbara to go on the waiting list.

The history of the Drapers or individual wool merchants in Shrewsbury dates back to 1204 and over the years came to dominate the wool and woollen cloth trade in the town. From 1485 the Drapers met in a guildhall near St Marys Church, but in 1576 the current hall was built. After more than four centuries the guildhall has essentially the same appearance from the outside with a stout timber frame and decorations from the Shrewsbury school of carpentry. Inside the main hall has changed very little with panelling, oak furniture and paintings from the seventeenth century.

The day will include a talk by Nigel Hinton MA FCA FRHistS , a qualified Green Badge guide on the ‘History of the Shrewsbury Drapers from Charlemagne to Charles III. This will be followed by lunch in the Rhubarb Restaurant in Drapers Hall. 

After lunch there will be a tour of the hall and a visit to St Mary’s Church and St Alkmund led by Bridget Hinton, who is also a Green Badge guide.

The cost for the day is £46 for members of TASW and £50 for non-members, including a set 2 course lunch. (Priority will be given to TASW members.)

 There will be a vegetarian option and food allergies and intolerances will be catered for.

The hall is situated about a 10-15minutes (steep) walk from Shrewsbury train station and there are car parks nearby in Shrewsbury town centre. There is very limited on-street parking outside the hall.

A few places remaining

To book a place please contact Nicky Lipscombe  by email tlipscombe@aol.com

After the place is confirmed please transfer money by BACS (preferred) to THE ARTS SOCIETY WREKIN – number two Account, sort code 20-97-90, A/C number 03857654. with Drapers as the reference or send a cheque payable to ‘The Arts Society Wrekin’ to Nicky Lipscombe  Sawmill Cottage, Badger, Shropshire WV6 7JP

LONGER VISIT TO GLASGOW

Monday 29th September - Thursday 2nd/Friday 3rd October

Independent travel and accomodation

Tuesday 30th September

With the coach, you will be picked up from your hotel and you will be guided through Glasgow places of interest on the way to Kelvingrove Art Gallery. Linda our guide will carry out a tour of some main features of the galleries and then give the group free time to explore. There is a coffee shop for sandwiches/cake/coffee as well as a restaurant for soup/hot meals/and more light bites also. At 1pm each day there is a half hour public organ recital in the main atrium which should not be missed. 
Once we leave, we will complete the city tour to take in a visit to Glasgow Cathedral, Glasgow Green with the spectacular Doulton fountain and nearby buildings, as well as some of the further afield murals too. By the time we return to the hotel you will have seen inside the largest art gallery and the major architecture of the city.

 Wednesday 1st October

Again, on the coach from the hotel we will travel to the south side of Glasgow, south of the river Clyde, to spend the morning in the Burrell Collection. Linda is an accredited guide for the Burrell Collection and will give the group a tour of the collection’s main features and then give them time to explore further. The building is very accessible and has a coffee/cake shop and a restaurant with more cake/sandwiches and meals. After lunch we take a short trip to Holmwood House, a National Trust for Scotland property and once a family home designed by one of Glasgow’s lesser-known architects Alexander Thompson. He studied Greek designs and had never been there! We will have a private tour of the building telling us about the amazing conservation work done to bring it back to its former glory. There a tea and cake shop too! The coach will return you to your hotel. (Entry is free for English NT members)

Thursday 2nd October

Linda will meet us at our hotel to take us on a walk to explore the famous Glasgow Street Art and its early developments which will add to the further afield pieces you have seen on the first day tour. We can take in some of the city centre buildings of George Square, the Gallery of Modern Art and eventually arriving at the Mackintosh Willow Tea Rooms. As you will have walked off all the previous day’s cake no doubt a top up in delightful surroundings. This is known as the pinnacle of the commercial buildings Mackintosh did for Miss Cranston who was a member of Glasgow's Temperance Movement at the time and asked for this tearoom to be designed. It has undergone painstaking restoration and is now a fully functioning business.   You can return at your leisure to the hotel along the river.

We will return to the hotel in time to catch the 3.57pm train to Wolverhampton.

 Friday 3rd October

Travel home.

This day has nothing planned but will give you the opportunity to visit any sights we were unable to include in the itinerary.

Suggestions include the Hunterian Museum or the Botanical Gardens.

Direct train from Glasgow to Wolverhampton 15.57 arrive Wolverhampton 19.41 (or 11.56 depart arrives 15.41)

Numbers will be strictly limited.
Please contact Barbara Noble to register your interest. 
nobleb@doctors.org.uk or telephone 01746 716584/ 07932726127

The history of the Drapers or individual wool merchants in Shrewsbury dates back to 1204 and over the years came to dominate the wool and woollen cloth trade in the town. From 1485 the Drapers met in a guildhall near St Marys Church, but in 1576 the current hall was built. After more than four centuries the guildhall has essentially the same appearance from the outside with a stout timber frame and decorations from the Shrewsbury school of carpentry. Inside the main hall has changed very little with panelling, oak furniture and paintings from the seventeenth century.

The day will include a talk by Nigel Hinton MA FCA FRHistS , a qualified Green Badge guide on the ‘History of the Shrewsbury Drapers from Charlemagne to Charles III. This will be followed by lunch in the Rhubarb Restaurant in Drapers Hall. 

After lunch there will be a tour of the hall and a visit to St Mary’s Church and St Alkmund led by Bridget Hinton, who is also a Green Badge guide.

The cost for the day is £46 for members of TASW and £50 for non-members, including a set 2 course lunch. (Priority will be given to TASW members.)

 There will be a vegetarian option and food allergies and intolerances will be catered for.

The hall is situated about a 10-15minutes (steep) walk from Shrewsbury train station and there are car parks nearby in Shrewsbury town centre. There is very limited on-street parking outside the hall.

Please email Barbara Noble nobleb@doctors.org.uk or telephone 07932726127 to reserve a place.

This date is now fully booked, but a few places remain for the second date, Thursday 9th October. Please contact Nicky Lipscombe to book for this date

After the place is confirmed please transfer money by BACS (preferred) to THE ARTS SOCIETY WREKIN – number two Account, sort code 20-97-90, A/C number 03857654. with Drapers as the reference or send a cheque payable to ‘The Arts Society Wrekin’ to Barbara Noble, 1 Rowley Park Farmhouse, Worfield, Bridgnorth, Shropshire. WV15 5NT 

Join us at St Peter’s Church, Cound (SY5 6EW) on Wednesday 10th September 2025 at 2.30pm

for an afternoon of “MURDER, SEX and MAYHEM ……… in ENGLISH CHURCHES” with John Vigar, Arts Society lecturer and Trustee of Friends of Friendless Churches.

The entertaining talk will be followed by tea and home-made cakes in the village hall adjacent.

This Grade I listed sandstone church in Gothic revival style, has a nave dating from the 13th century and an impressive Doom painting. Sadly, only heaven remains and it is in need of conservation. Your attendance will help to raise much needed funds for restoration/ conservation and improved lighting. External work is already well underway to repair the roof and stop water ingress.

Cost £15pp to include refreshments

This is a joint event between The Arts Societies Shrewsbury and Wrekin & St Peter’s PCC. Places are limited; early application is advised.

Contact Nicky Lipscombe – tlipscombe@aol.com to reserve a place.

Payment by BACS preferred to THE ARTS SOCIETY WREKIN – number two Account, sort code 20-97-90, A/C number 03857654 with COUND as the reference or send a cheque payable to ‘The Arts Society Wrekin’ to Nicky Lipscombe, Sawmill Cottage, Badger, Shropshire WV6 7JP. Please reserve your place before making payment.
All proceeds to the St Peter’s DOOM appeal

FULLY BOOKED

Please contact Nicky to join the waiting list

Summer Picnic at Stanley Hall

  Astley Abbotts near Bridgnorth 

WV16 4SP
 2.30 - 5:30pm

Join us with your own picnic and enjoy a private visit to this historic garden, by kind invitation of the owners, Clare and Michael Thompson. Michael will offer a guided walking tour around the exterior of the house and outbuildings. There may be an opportunity to visit the restored ice house nearby. 

Stanley Hall is a Grade II listed building dating from the early 17th century. It was for a time the family seat of the Tyrwhitt baronets and home to MPs and High Sheriffs. It was considerably enlarged in Tudor Gothic style by John Smalman of Quatford, a local builder-cum-architect in 1816-20. This wing was sadly demolished in 1923. It has been the home of the Thompson family for 100 years.

The landscaped gardens date from the Regency and later with rhododendrons, woodland walks, fish ponds and fine trees in a parkland setting.

·       Plentiful parking on site

·       Non-member friends welcome

·       Well behaved grandchildren also very welcome

·       Raffle for Young Arts Project

·       Home-made preserves and a few plants for sale

·       Classic cars welcome to park in front of the Hall

·       WC available in the house

 Entry by donation, £10 per adult suggested. Donations will be split between TAS Wrekin’s Highley Primary School Young Arts project and a charity chosen by the Thompsons. There will be a bucket collection on the day.

 Further information:

 The weather forecast looks promising for Wednesday’s summer picnic. If you haven’t booked in yet, it’s not too late.
 Directions – note Hall postcode takes you to the wrong entrance!!
 Take the Broseley Road from Bridgnorth high town (B4373), turn right into Stanley Lane (200yds beyond a footbridge you will pass under), follow this road past the Bridgnorth Golf clubhouse on your left. Bear left at a lodge house soon after – there will be an Arts Society sign out. Follow the estate road as it weaves uphill past pools and mature trees. Please drive slowly – there are unmarked speed humps and there may be sheep in the fields. Keep going until you see the hall on your right. Parking will be just before the hall in the field. Please let me know if you have mobility problems and need to drop off closer to the house.
Classic cars will be directed to the courtyard.
 
Please bring chairs/ table/rug with you as well as your picnic and cash for your entry donation (no pre-payment needed)
 
I hope we will enjoy a lovely afternoon in beautiful surroundings.

 
Funds are to support Highley Primary School Young Arts project at Jackfield and a charity of our host’s choosing.

 Note: In the event of bad weather we may need to cancel at short notice as there is no suitable alternative close by for our large group

Any queries or to join us please contact Nicky Lipscombe
tlipscombe@aol.com or tel: 01746 783591

No pre-payment required but numbers will be helpful for planning and also if you plan to come in a Classic Car.

Wentworth Woodhouse is a magnificent stately home and its restoration is arguably the most ambitious project of its kind of recent times. The house has over 300 rooms with architecture from the 1720s to 1890s including several state rooms. 

There are also over 300 acres of landscaped gardens to explore including a beautifully restored camellia glasshouse.

We plan to leave early (8.30am) to arrive at about 10.30 and after a refreshment and comfort break, we will have a guided tour (in two groups) of part of the first two floors of the house. This will include the Marble Saloon, the Whistlejacket and the Painted Drawing Room. 

After lunch (independent) there will be an opportunity to explore the rest of the house and the grounds at leisure.

We hope to arrive back at Cosford at approximately 5.30pm (traffic depending)

More information is available on their website.

https://wentworthwoodhouse.org.uk

The cost will be approximately £50 which includes the coach trip , entrance to Wentworth Woodhouse and the guided tour.

Contact Barbara Noble nobleb@doctors.org.uk or telephone 01746716584/ 07932726127

. 

‘Talk and Tea’ - 2.30pm-5pm

St Andrews’s Church, Shifnal

SAVING BRITAIN’S FRIENDLESS CHURCHES

Speaker - Rachel Morley

Director of Friends of Friendless Churches

Discover the fascinating link between the remarkable watercolour artist The Rev JS Petit (1801-68) of Shifnal and St Phillip’s Church, Caerdeon; learn about exotic Mediterranean inspired Brithdir, sgraffito at Llanfair Kilgeddin, spectacular woodcarving at Llananno, and some of the specialist heritage conservation work undertaken by this small charity.

A celebration of

Wrekin’s Arts Award 2024/5

We are delighted to welcome the finalists to join us:

Gayle Fitzpatrick, Collage Artist, winner of the 2024 Award

Other finalists will perform/exhibit:

·       Hugh Walker, organist, who will give a short recital

·       Andrew Lloyd, acoustic guitarist will play during tea

·       Laura Hadland, printmaker

·       Natalie Furness, ink drawings

·       Emily Zaadstra, costume designer

Cost £15 pp to include tea/coffee and cakes – all welcome

Please come and support us to boost art education in local schools

The proceeds from this event will be used to support 5 more schools to attend Creative Arts sessions with EKO (Educating Kids Outdoors) at Weston Park later this year.

Priorslee school will exhibit their ‘goldfish’ entries (including the junior prize winner) for the Halls Young Artist competition 2024. They were inspired by their school visit to Weston Park with EKO.

Refreshments will be served by the EKO team

RAFFLE        PLANTS        PRESERVES ON SALE

Parking: available on street and at Youth Club 5 mins walk away

Pre-booking is essential for catering – no tickets will be issued

Please email Nicky Lipscombe tlipscombe@aol.com or telephone to book a place 01746 783591

Payment by BACS preferred to THE ARTS SOCIETY WREKIN – number two Account, sort code 20-97-90, A/C number 03857654. with Shifnal as the reference or send a cheque payable to ‘The Arts Society Wrekin’ to Nicky Lipscombe, Sawmill Cottage, Badger, Shropshire WV6 7JP

Thursday 08 May 2025

BOOKING NOT YET OPEN

Guided tour by kind permission of Mrs de Wet (Gabrielle Drake). The tour of the house, led by Vivien Bellamy, local historian, includes the 12thC Infirmary and the 15thC Prior’s Lodging. The architectural splendours are enhanced by the extraordinary interiors created by gifted artist, the late Louis de Wet, with unique wood carvings by Ludlow woodcarver Andrew Pearson. This private visit includes the Chapel, Cabinet of Curiosities (Wunderkammer), Library and 1425 Great Hall with its magnificent timber roof and concludes with tea and cake.

Access: There is a staircase and also some steep steps within the building – handrails are present.

Parking: Available nearby on Wenlock Priory car park

Wednesday 9th April

10.45-12.45

Independent travel to Birmingham 

Digbeth is continually reinventing itself and is now a major media centre with the old Typhoo Tea factory being converted into the new BBC Headquarters and the Banana Warehouse into the Master Chef studio. It is also the home pf the production company behind the Peaky Blinders film. This two hour walk  will take us along canals and historic roads while looking at the street art and murals in the area.

After stopping for refeshments at the Crown, Birmingham's only timber framed pub you might wish to make an independent visit to the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery. At present it is hosting two special exhibitions, The Wildlife Photographer of the Year and Rembrandt: Masterpieces in Black and White.

(Please note there is a charge for the special museums and it is advisable to pre-book tickets to guarantee entry.)

Cost £22 for TAS Wrekin members, £25 for non-members.Limited places.

Please email Nicky Lipscombe tlipscombe@aol.com or phone 01746783591 to reserve a place.

After the place is confirmed please transfer money by BACS (preferred) to THE ARTS SOCIETY WREKIN – number two Account, sort code 20-97-90, A/C number 03857654. with Digbeth as the reference or send a cheque payable to ‘The Arts Society Wrekin’ to Nicky Lipscombe, Sawmill Cottage, Badger, Shropshire WV6 7JP.

Bantock House is a hidden gem situated in 43 acres of parkland in the outskirts of Wolverhampton, which has been restored to its Edwardian splendour.The ground floor includes the Arts and Craft room containing Pre-Raphaelite paintings and examples of English porcelain and ceramics including Royal Worcester and local Japanned ware. The Billiard Room was the setting for Baldwin Bantock to conduct business and this now provides the opportunity to explore the lives of prominent Wolverhampton men.At present there is also new exhibition showcasing the marionettes of Waldo Lanchester who was described by George Bernard Shaw as ‘the chief living puppet master.’

 We will have a guided tour of the house and then will have the opportunity to explore the gardens and sample tea and cakes at the Courtyard Café. (not included in the price.)

Cost of tour £12 (members) non-members £14.

To register your interest please speak with Nicky Lipscombe at Cosford or contact Barbara Noble nobleb@doctors.org.uk or telephone 01746716584/ 07932726127

 After the place is confirmed please transfer money by BACS (preferred) to THE ARTS SOCIETY WREKIN – number two Account, sort code 20-97-90, A/C number 03857654. with Bantock as the reference or send a cheque payable to ‘The Arts Society Wrekin’ to Barbara Noble, 1 Rowley Park Farmhouse, Worfield, Bridgnorth, Shropshire. WV15 5NT (or give the cheque to Nicky Lipscombe or Barbara at a Monday lecture.

This full day coach trip to Worcester will include a guided tour of Worcester Cathedral, an organ recital and a guided tour of the Porcelain works at the Museum of Royal Worcester entitled "Behind the Scenes," an insight into the porcelain work's history. 

The coach will leave Cosford at 8.45am and return hopefully before 5.00pm.

Please note that because of parking restrictions in Worcester it will be necessary to walk from the Cathedral to the Porcelain Works, so a reasonable level of fitness is required (0.3 miles 6-10 minute walk)

Cost including Travel and Entry Fees £46.00 for members of TASW and £49 for non-members.

For further information please contact Marcia who is organising the visit at 

marciastreet11@gmail.com 

Please email Barbara Noble nobleb@doctors.org.uk or telephone 07932726127 to reserve a place.

After the place is confirmed please transfer money by BACS (preferred) to THE ARTS SOCIETY WREKIN – number two Account, sort code 20-97-90, A/C number 03857654. with Worcester as the reference or send a cheque payable to ‘The Arts Society Wrekin’ to Barbara Noble, 1 Rowley Park Farmhouse, Worfield, Bridgnorth, Shropshire. WV15 5NT (or give the cheque to Nicky Lipscombe or Barbara at Monday’s lecture.

PLEASE NOTE BOOKINGS FOR THIS VISIT ARE NOW CLOSED

The Arts Society Shrewsbury in association withThe Arts Society Wrekin

 Visit to The Soldiers of Shropshire Museum at Shrewsbury Castle

Thursday 23rd January 2025

10am -1pm

Richard Gough, Director, has very generously offered us a "behind the scenes" private visit  of the Soldiers of Shropshire Museum and Shrewsbury Castle when they are closed to the public in January. This promises to be a fascinating visit and will give us an insight into how the Castle and Museum work. It will also give us a chance to see what volunteer opportunities are available.  

There will be a short introductory overview, followed by a guided tour, and complimentary refreshments. A sit-down session will give the opportunity to handle various historical artefacts bringing history to life. Members can then explore the museum at their own pace, with Richard on hand to answer any questions

We have invited members from The Arts Society, Wrekin to join us. There will be no charge for the visit, however voluntary donations are welcome

HARPS AND HOLLY

Join us for a Festive Performance and Afternoon Tea
at the Red House, Albrighton.

2.30pm
We are delighted to welcome back Margaret Watson, Arts Society Lecturer and Concert Harpist for this special event

Margaret will bring her beautiful harps for a very informal talk and recital with a seasonal theme. Her selection of music through the ages includes old Christmas Carols and festive favourites to entertain us and demonstrate the incredible pedal mechanism and versatility of the harp.
Fully booked with a short waiting list.

Please email Nicky Lipscombe tlipscombe@aol.com or telephone 01746 783591 to reserve a place.

Payment please by BACS or cheque when your place is confirmed.
Cost: £24 - members.    £28 - Non-members

•  BACS to THE ARTS SOCIETY WREKIN – number two Account, sort code 20-97-90, A/C number 03857654. Please put Holly in the reference.
• Or cheques made payable to 'The Arts Society Wrekin' sent to Nicky Lipscombe, Sawmill Cottage, Badger, Shropshire WV6 7JP

Please advise of any dietary preferences, intolerances or food allergies at booking

SECOND DATE

From October to March, Wolverhampton Art Gallery is recreating its Evelyn de Morgan exhibition from 1907. The original exhibition was ahead of its time as it was unusual for an art gallery to dedicate a single exhibition to one female artist. It will explore her art in a chronological order and so show her progression as an artist and her artistic response to the social and political issues of the day.

The exhibition will be of especial interest to members of TASW who are familiar with the De Morgan Gallery at Wightwick Manor, one of Wrekin’s Fifty Treasures.

The day will start with a guided tour of the exhibition, then after a break for lunch and an opportunity to explore the Museum’s permanent collection, we will then have a guided tour of St Peters Church.

We will meet at 10.30 for 11 am in the Art Gallery and we will have a guided tour of the Evelyn De Morgan exhibition. (the art Gallery and café open at 1030) After a break for lunch and a chance to look at the permanent exhibition, we will move to St Peters at 1.00pm. The tour will finish at 2.00pm.

Places are strictly limited

The cost for the day (excluding lunch and refreshments) is £12

Please email Barbara Noble nobleb@doctors.org.uk or telephone 07932726127 to reserve a place.

After the place is confirmed please transfer money by BACS (preferred) to THE ARTS SOCIETY WREKIN – number two Account, sort code 20-97-90, A/C number 03857654. with De Morgan2 as the reference or send a cheque payable to ‘The Arts Society Wrekin’ to Barbara Noble, 1 Rowley Park Farmhouse, Worfield, Bridgnorth, Shropshire. WV15 5NT

Can you also email Barbara with your phone number and details of your next of kin.

Visit to St Peters Wolverhampton and guided tour of the Evelyn De Morgan exhibition 
Painted Dreams at  Wolverhampton Art Gallery

In October Wolverhampton Art Gallery is recreating its Evelyn de Morgan exhibition from 1907. The original exhibition was ahead of its time as it was unusual for an art gallery to dedicate a single exhibition to one female artist. It will explore her art in a chronological order and so show her progression as an artist and her artistic response to the social and political issues of the day. 

The exhibition will be of especial interest to members of TASW who are familiar with the De Morgan Gallery at Wightwick Manor, one of Wrekin’s Fifty Treasures.
The day will start with a guided tour of the exhibition, then after a break for lunch and an opportunity to explore the Museum’s permanent collection, we will then have a guided tour of St Peters Church.

Places are strictly limited (but it may be possible to arrange another visit if there is sufficient demand.)
The cost for the day (excluding lunch) is £15
Please email Barbara Noble nobleb@doctors.org.uk or telephone 07932726127 to reserve a place.
 
After the place is confirmed please transfer money by BACS (preferred) to THE ARTS SOCIETY WREKIN – number two Account, sort code 20-97-90, A/C number 03857654 with De Morgan as the reference or send a cheque payable to ‘The Arts Society Wrekin’ to Barbara Noble, 1 Rowley Park Farmhouse, Worfield, Bridgnorth, Shropshire. WV15 5NT
 
Can you also email Barbara with your phone number and details of your next of kin.

Guided tour of the 1830’s Greek revivalist style house and an opportunity to explore the extensive gardens and beautifully landscaped grounds with lakes, rills and specimen trees - autumn colours are often spectacular. Visit the George Steuart Rotunda, one of Wrekin’s 50 Treasures. 
If you have enjoyed the Scagliola demonstration at Acton Round you will be fascinated to see more of Tom, Louisa and Hew Kennedy’s craftsmanship at Millichope, now beautifully restored by the Bury family. Further details and booking will be released in August.
 
Contact Nicky Lipscombe for further information 
tlipscombe@aol.com or tel 01746 783591

Wellington Orbit.  Tuesday 1st October 2.30 pm
You may recall the lecture that we had from Antony Penrose  about his mother Elisabeth Lee Miller. Antony Penrose gave us a moving account of her varied and extraordinary life. He has devoted himself to her archive and memory. This is a biographical film about Lee Miller who was a Vogue fashion model who became an acclaimed War Photographer. The film stars Kate Winslet as Lee and Jude Law as Penrose. Antony Penrose himself makes an appearance as an extra and was involved in the production.  Kate Winslet gives a seductive and steely performance with great acting by the entire cast. Duration 1hour 57 minutes.

This showing is being held (at present) exclusively for members of the Arts Society Wrekin. Wellington Orbit is a very comfortable 60 seat cinema in the centre of the town. It is very close to the station. There is parking in Market Street Car Park and at the Station Car Park. There are a number of disabled parking places in the station approach immediately outside the Orbit.

Do come and join us for this event. There will be tea available after the showing.
Please book promptly and in any case before 8th September. 
To book please email David Milledge dtmilledge@outlook.com
Payment (about £8) is payable at the event but please register your interest so that we know how many people to expect.

Two visits have been arranged:

Wednesday 11th September

Thursday, 12th September

A FEW PLACES REMAIN ON BOTH DAYS

Dudmaston Hall is a 17th century country house situated in the Severn Valley.           The working estate stretches across 3000 acres of ancient woodland and park. The hall contains an outstanding art collection, including sculptures by Henry Moore and Barbara Hepworth and an extensive collection of mid-20th-century Spanish paintings and pottery.

The plan is to have a guided tour of the gallery in the morning and then after a break for lunch and a chance to walk around the grounds, a guided tour of the house in the afternoon. The cost is £5 for TASW members and £8 for non-members. Non National Trust members will also have to pay £14 entrance fee, which we will need to collect in advance. 

 Please could you confirm that you are still able to go and transfer the money by BACS (preferred) either £5 or £19 to THE ARTS SOCIETY WREKIN – number two Account, sort code 20-97-90, A/C number 03857654 with Dudmaston as the reference or send a cheque payable to ‘The Arts Society Wrekin’ to Barbara Noble, 1 Rowley Park Farmhouse, Worfield, Bridgnorth, Shropshire. WV15 5NT.

Can you also let me know whether you are NT members and your contact details, including mobile phone numbers and emergency contact details.

We will be sending out exact timings nearer the date, but please let Barbara know if you have any queries.

Barbara

nobleb@doctors.org.uk

079327 26127

01746716584

We are planning a four day guided visit to Durham and Bishop Auckland.         

Monday 19th to Thursday 22nd August 2024

The ancient and historic Durham City is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The attractive city is sited on a peninsular above the River Wear. There are extensive riverside walks and interesting streets to explore. The majestic Cathedral is most impressive and holds the shrine of St. Cuthbert. Durham Castle was the ancient seat of the Prince Bishops of Durham. For many centuries they combined temporal and spiritual power as the monarch’s ruler in the North. The Castle is now part of Durham University and is open to conducted tours. There are a number of interesting places to visit independently in the vicinity. A note of these is below.

Bishop Auckland is home to The Auckland Project. This venture has developed two galleries, The Faith Museum, restored the Castle, Walled Garden and town centre. There is a visitor centre and Tower.  The intimate Mining Art Gallery houses a fascinating collection of art which movingly records the mining heritage of the region. The newly developed Spanish Gallery has the greatest display of  Spanish Golden Age art outside London. We hope to have curator explanations of the highlight works. A light Tapas lunch is planned, to be provided at the Spanish Gallery by the adjacent Tapas Bar. There will be a tour of the highlights of Auckland Castle. This was the country palace of the Bishops of Durham and now belongs to a trust. The Castle was extensively restored in 2019 to the original style of the architect James Wyatt. The Throne Room and Chapel are remarkable. Most notable of all is the Long Dining Room which houses the 13 life size paintings of Jacob and his twelve sons by Francisco Zurbaran (1598 – 1664). They were bought by Bishop Trevor in 1756. Also at Bishop Auckland and worth an independent visit is the Faith Museum. This opened in October 2023 and traces 6000 years of Faith in our nation. It is in a restored wing of the Castle. There is a newly restored Walled Garden and open Deer Park also to visit independently. There is too much to see in Bishop Auckland in one day and members may wish to return on their way south on Thursday. 

Provisional Itinerary 
Travel independently. 

Monday evening, Group Dinner. This will be an opportunity for the party to become acquainted.

Tuesday. There will be a walking tour of the historic centre of the city and after coffee a conducted tour of the Cathedral. We have a Blue Badge Guide (two if the party is big enough to split) arranged for these. Lunch will be independent and then after 3pm there will be a conducted tour of Durham Castle by the castle guides.
Wednesday Travel to Bishop Auckland.(13 miles)  Brief talk by Bob McManners. He is an Arts Society lecturer who has been at the centre of the development of The Auckland Project.  A day of visits to The  Mining Art Gallery, The Spanish Gallery, Highlights tour of Auckland Castle including a Tapas lunch at The Spanish Gallery.
Thursday At present no group event has been planned for Thursday. Members may wish to travel independently to any of the following places.
Return to see the Faith Museum, Walled Garden and Deer Park at Bishop Auckland. It is expected that tickets from Wednesday will still be valid.

Ushaw Historic House, Chapel and Gardens situated four miles from Durham City Centre. This former Roman Catholic Seminary has architectural gems by Augustus Pugin and his followers.
The Oriental Museum Free entry. It is very well reviewed and covers the Orient from Ancient Egypt to present day China. It is a moderate walk from the city centre.
Crook Hall Gardens. Owned by the National Trust this garden contains an interesting medieval hall. It is a short walk from the city centre.
 

At this stage the itinerary is provisional and will depend on the size of the party as will the cost. 

If you are interested and would like to be kept informed of the programme as it develops please email dtmilledge@outlook.com. If email is a problem phone 07900885053.

David Milledge   Liz Allan

Summer Picnic at Eyton Hall, Eyton on the Weald Moors TF6 6ET  
Wednesday 31st July 2.30-5:30pm 

Join us with your picnic and enjoy an exclusive visit to this historic garden, by kind invitation of the owners, Kathy Moynes and Mark Pollard. The gardens have been undergoing restoration and improvement over the last 6 years. Eyton Hall was the home of Thomas Campbell Eyton, well known ornithologist and friend of Charles Darwin. T C Eyton established extensive pleasure grounds with woodland walks, ponds and notable specimen trees.  The large Victorian walled garden is now replanted to be both colourful and productive. 
St Catherine’s Church with its striking stained-glass window by David Evans (one of Wrekin’s 50 Treasures) is just a short walk away - it will be open for us to visit.
The owners have requested that we support Friends of Friendless Churches with our donations for this event. There will be a bucket collection on the day. All donations will be matched £ for £ by an anonymous donor.
Please email Nicky Lipscombe or phone to register interest or for more information:

tlipscombe@aol.com or tel 01746 783591


 

Join us for a private guided walk with Dr Jonathan Berg looking at

Public Art on the Streets of Birmingham

Independent travel, the 2 hour walk will start from New St Station at 10.45am.
This is a new tour looking at Birmingham’s Public Art in the city centre. 

The tour starts in New Street Station where we are confronted by one of the newest pieces of public art, in the unmissable Ozzie the Bull. Jonathan makes public art inspiring and fun and you will end the tour simply wanting more! He will explore the concept and during the course of the tour you will gain an understanding of the importance of public art.

The route may include: Grand Central >Holloway Circus >Gas Street Basin >Broad Street >Brindley Place >ICC Public Art >Centenary Square >Chamberlain Square >Victoria Square >Waterloo St.

The walk will last around 2 hours and will finish at a suitable venue for lunch for those that wish to stay on.

Personal audio sets are included, suitable for those with hearing devices. Please bring earphones if you have them (old style wired with 3.5mm jack) – Jonathan will provide new pairs otherwise.

At the end of the tour Jonathan’s latest book, Birmingham’s Public Art, will be available to purchase at the special price of just £15 (RRP £20), with profits going to Sifa Fireside, a charity that works among Birmingham’s street dwellers.

Independent travel

Cost £22 for TAS Wrekin members, £25 for non-members

Places are limited ( priority for members)

A reasonable level of fitness is required for this walk

Email Nicky Lipscombe tlipscombe@aol.com or phone 01746 783591 to reserve a place. Details for payment will be provided on confirmation.

In 2024 the Society will celebrate its Golden Anniversary. We are planning a special event at Weston Park and hope you may join us. 

We will enjoy the elegant surroundings at Weston Park which is very appropriate - it is where the Society met for its monthly meetings from its inception in 1974 until 1990. 

There will be wine and canapes and entertainment by the magician and Arts Society lecturer, Bertie Pearce. Bertie’s talk is titled “All aboard” and features his experiences entertaining on cruise ships. There will be some magic too!

If you are interested in attending, please contact Nicky Lipscombe:

tlipscombe@aol.com

01746 783591

Please do not make any payment until Nicky has confirmed that a place is available.

Payment details
 

Cheques for £26 payable to The Arts Society Wrekin by hand at Cosford  or sent to: 

Nicky Lipscombe at Sawmill Cottage, Badger, Shropshire WV6 7JP

BACS payment to ‘The Arts Society Wrekin number two account’

Sort code 20-97-90    Account Number 03857654  - reference WESTON

Afew places are still available

Following Chris Aslan’s excellent lecture on the Silk Road last November and the  Day of Special interest, The Arts Society Wrekin would like to offer a coach visit to the Silk Museum in Macclesfield.

We will have chance to explore how silk shaped Macclesfield over 300 years and its intriguing connection with Ancient Egypt; get a taste of 19th and 20th century fashions with their unique pattern book and costume collection and discover the crucial role that the silk industry played during the Second World War maintaining a vital supply of parachute silk.

We will discover why silk first came to Macclesfield and how it ultimately shaped the town; find out about the lives of the children, women and men who worked in the silk mills and discover how central a role the mills played in their lives in both work and leisure.

We will learn about Jacquard weaving and screen printing through the work of Cyrus Newton Fytton and Edith Buxton, textile designers who trained at Macclesfield School of Art, the building which now houses the Silk Museum.

At the recently reopened Paradise Mill nearby (now with a lift for access), 26 iconic Jacquard Hand Weaving Looms are uniquely housed in their original positions, while the Silk Museum houses the more modern mechanised Smith Loom, Rapier Loom and Ribbon Loom, which made tags for Dr Martens boots.

We will split into 3 groups for the tours which will rotate to make the most of our visit.

The visit will cost approx £50-54 depending on numbers (priority booking for members until March 7th) and will include: 

• executive coach transport – Hills from Cosford departing at 8.45am
• refreshments on arrival – (tea/coffee and cake) (lunch will be an extra cost)
• small group tours of the Silk Museum, pattern archive and Paradise Mill in rotation 
• time to visit the shop and an exhibition - (not sure what it will be yet) and also to see some works by Charles Tunnicliffe the acclaimed artist.
• departing Macclesfield by 3.30pm to return to Cosford  

NB Coach transport costs have gone up by 30% but I have put comfort first - the journey will hopefully take about 1hr 30m each way

Please email Nicky Lipscombe tlipscombe@aol.com or phone 01746 783591 asap to reserve a place  - one place remaining on the coach
please do not reply to the newsletter as the mailbox is not monitored

 

 Independent travel, meeting at the Cathedral for 10.30am tour 

An opportunity to participate in a guided tour of both the interior and exterior of this beautiful and ancient Cathedral and to see the amazing textile panels display “Threads through Creation” by Jacqui Parkinson. This exhibition will only be shown in the Cathedral until the 1st June 2024.

The tour will be divided into a maximum of 4 groups of fifteen. The internal tour will start at 10.30 am and last approximately 1 1/2 hours. 
There will be a short comfort break followed by a further 1-hour tour of the external features of the Cathedral.  We will be able to view the textile display, at no extra charge at any time before or after the tours.

Erasmus Darwin’s House is very near to the Cathedral if you would like to visit independently later in the day.

Transport to Lichfield is not included with the tour but details of parking nearby and cafes and restaurants will be available nearer the time.
Cost of the visit will be £15 for The Art Society Wrekin members and £18 for non-members.

We do hope you and your friends will be able to join us.
Please email or contact Barbara (see below) with any queries or to reserve a place and arrange payment no later than April 6th in order for us to finalise the number of guides required from the Cathedral. It should be a fascinating insight into the history of this historical city.

We do hope you will be able to join us.
Best wishes
Marcia Street and Barbara Noble
 

Booking forms available at the March lecture

See Barbara Noble or Marcia Street to reserve a place: nobleb@doctors.org.uk

St Andrew’s Church, Shifnal

2.30pm

In these days of post codes, satnav and now What3Words we must not forget about the value and importance of maps.
 
Join us for an informative talk on the origin of maps in the county from 1577-1751 and discover how they evolved over time. Who first needed a map, how was the county surveyed, who paid for and published the maps and why were there no roads? Join us to find out more and to see some stunning examples from Pat’s personal collection.
 
Dr Patricia de Haan is a Shropshire lass, born in Dawley; she went to school in Coalbrookdale. She started collecting maps at the age of 7 or 8 and it became a life long interest. She amassed a large collection particularly those showing the development of the Industrial Revolution in its birthplace. When she exhausted her wall space, she decided to donate the relevant maps to Ironbridge Gorge Museum in 1995 where they are now accessible to researchers in the archives.
Pat taught, trained teachers, inspected schools and finally became Director of Educational Services for a London Borough. On retirement, Pat returned to her Shropshire roots and became involved at the Coalport China Museum as a guide.
She describes herself as a life scientist, with a BA in Zoology, a Master’s degree in History of Technology and a Doctorate in the History of Medicine.

 
The talk will be followed by tea/coffee and cake
 
The proceeds of this event will be donated to St Andrew’s Church and EKO – Educating Kids Outdoors
 
Cost £12 per person to include refreshments, visitors welcome
Pre-booking essential to assist with catering arrangements.

Contact Nicky Lipscombe by email - tlipscombe@aol.com or telephone 01746 783591to book a place.
 
Payment: please pay by BACS (preferred) to THE ARTS SOCIETY WREKIN – number two Account, sort code 20-97-90, A/C number 03857654. with SHIFNAL as the reference or send a cheque payable to ‘The Arts Society Wrekin’ to Nicky Lipscombe, Sawmill Cottage, Badger, Shropshire WV6 7JP 

Some places still available.

This will be the third year that The Arts Society Wrekin has supported sessions of Creative Art with EKO at Weston Park for young children from Telford schools. We were delighted that the youngest winner of the 2023 Halls Young Artist Competition (the theme was Coronation) is from a school that TAS Wrekin sponsored in 2022 – Wrockwardine Wood. The Wynn Foundation also gave a generous grant to cover the cost of coach transport from the various schools to Weston Park.
 
We are very grateful to Rev Preb Chris Thorpe and the PCC for allowing us to use the church.

Please read Protocol for additional events including Day Visits and Days of Special Interest when booking.

A very ceremonial Christmas  

Graham Jones

Find out, in this very light-hearted lecture, about the various ceremonial events that take place around Christmas time. Carol services, concerts and even Changing the Guard at Buckingham Palace and Windsor all play their part. How do the Chelsea Pensioners prepare and celebrate the festive season? All will be revealed so, come along and feel wrapped in a blanket of Christmas loveliness.

Dr Graham Jones started his professional life as a musician in the British Army and over a glittering career spanning nearly forty years he retired as the Senior Director of Music, Household Division and Director of Music, Coldstream Guards a position unequaled throughout military music in Great Britain. During his illustrious career he has recorded over 40 albums and been responsible for the largest commissioning programme of wind band music in recent history commissioning over 30 new works for wind band. He pioneered a music education programme with the University of Salford for military musicians resulting in a new Master of Music in performance degree. Graham was made a Member of the British Empire by Her Majesty the Queen at Buckingham Palace for outstanding service to military music in 1993.

Having retired, at the start of 2012, from military service Graham is enjoying a second career as a guest conductor, adjudicator, guest speaker, lecturer, clinician, recording consultant and educator. He is also the Artist Director of London International Band Week, music consultant to Henley Music Festival, resident conductor of the British Imperial Orchestra, visiting conductor in residence at Troy University, Alabama, USA and guest lecturer on cruise ships. 

Graham’s charitable work includes event planning in support of the Royal British Legion and sitting on the London fundraising committee of the Army Benevolent Fund - the Soldiers Charity.

Protocol for additional events including Day Visits and Days of Special Interest

Events will be advertised to the membership by Newsletter

• MailChimp newsletter to those with internet access
• By post to members without

Bookings will be taken by email (preferably) or phone if no email access. Priority will usually be given to members for a fixed time.

Places will not be pre-booked or reserved except for the Chairman, organiser and essential helpers.

The date of an Event may be advised in advance - TASW programme, PP, website or 'Events' board at lectures.

Places will be allocated in order of application with a few held for a brief time for those not on email. If necessary, a waiting list will be started.

Payment by BACS (preferred) or cheque will be acceptable but not until  the place is confirmed

If a place is cancelled after payment is made, £5 will be retained for TASW to cover the cost of issuing refund cheques/ postage/setting up a BACS, phone calls etc and only if the place is filled except in exceptional circumstances.

Cancellations will be filled from the waiting list and offered in order.

If there is additional capacity, non members will be welcome.

Information can be found on the Website http://www.theartssocietywrekin.org.uk if you wish to check details of the timing, venue etc prior to the event.

Departing Cosford at 9am, leaving Warwick at 3.30pm

You may remember Adam Busiakiewicz’s fascinating Zoom lecture on Warwick Castle and its forgotten collection in September 2020. From 1604 the medieval castle was transformed into a luxurious home. It still has a very fine collection of paintings, furniture, arms and armour. We have the opportunity to visit the castle for a private tour of the Great Hall and State rooms with an expert castle historian and to explore independently the chapel and apartments above as well as the Conquerors Fortress with its panoramic views and the beautiful Capability Brown landscaped grounds in front of the conservatory with a café and terrace.

We are also able to visit the Lord Leycester Hospital nearby for a guided tour with the brethren. The Lord Leycester Hospital has been closed for over 2 years for major capital works and improvements (£4.5m). It is one of the best-preserved examples of medieval courtyard architecture in England and is a charity supporting ex-servicemen. It started life as a chapel in 1126. From the 1300s it was expanded by Warwick’s wealthy guilds to include two great halls, living quarters and public buildings surrounding a courtyard. The almshouse still provides accommodation for ex-soldiers. It reopens in August and will have an independent café.

You can join one or both guided tours or if you wish, opt for some independent time to visit St Mary’s church and the amazing Beauchamp chapel with the tombs of Lord and Lady Beauchamp, Robert and Ambrose Dudley; the Chapter House and Norman Crypt and/or the Museum on the Square (both free entry), Mill Street gardens or the compact town centre with its independent shops. A guided tour of St Mary’s church is possible if there is sufficient interest.

Castle, hospital and church are all within a 5 minute walk of the coach park.

Option A – coach plus morning tour of Castle plus afternoon tour of Lord Leycester    £54pp

Option B - coach plus morning tour of Castle, afternoon at leisure                                £44

Option C – coach plus Lord Leycester am tour with brethren, afternoon at leisure        £33

Option D – coach travel only – independent day                                                            £22

I haven’t included any refreshments, there are plenty of cafes in Warwick and hot drinks and cake/sandwiches can be purchased in the castle. (picnics welcome too)

Coach travel costs have gone up significantly but comfort for a longer journey is still a priority. The journey takes about 1hr 20minutes by executive coach with WC.

BOOKING

Priority for members until 1st August

Non-members – please add £3pp to the advertised cost.

Contact Nicky Lipscombe to reserve places - tlipscombe@aol.com or phone 01746 783591 and specify which option you would like to book.

Early booking advised as group sizes may be limited.

PAYMENT should be made by:

• BACS (preferred) to The Arts Society Wrekin - number two account: sort code: 20-97-90 account no: 03857654 Reference WARWICK
• or by cheque to The Arts Society Wrekin and sent to Nicky Lipscombe – Sawmill Cottage, Badger, Shropshire WV6 7JP

Hodnet Hall, Hodnet

TF9 3NN

2.30 - 5.30 pm

Sir Algernon and Ladt Heber-Percy have kindly offered us the exclusive use of their beautiful garden and grounds for our summer picnic,

Please bring your own picnic and drinks. 

Garden tables and chairs (and WC's) are available for us to use and indoor seating if the weather is inclement.

Artists are welcome to bring their easels and sketchbooks and photographers their cameras to take advantage of this stunning 60 acre landscapewhich includes lakes, terraces, a walled garden. a 17th century dovecote and a tithe barn, woodland paths, rare shrubs and specimen trees.

We are suggesting a donation of £10 per adult on the day which will be divided between a charity of Sir Algernon's choice  and the Wrekin Arts Award.

Family members are welcome but grandchildren must be closely supervised as there is open water!

Please email or phone Nicky Lipscombe to book a place so that we know likely numbers:

tlipscombe@aol.com

01746 783591

Please note that due to the historic nature of the gardens and the naturally terrain there are some unavoidable limitations to access to some areas of the gardens for less mobile visitors.

A visit to Darwin House in Frankwell, Shrewsbury
5th July at 10.30am

The Georgian Mansion house was built by Robert Darwin in 1797/8 and occupied by the Darwin family for 67 years. When Charles’ sister Susan died in 1866 all the contents were sold. It changed hands several times before being leased by the government in 1920’s and used as Council Offices. It was recently purchased by Glyn Jones and is undergoing renovation. Some of the rooms are quite opulent, others are not yet restored. It is planned to develop a dedicated Darwin Museum and visitor centre on site.
 
This is a chance to see behind the scenes, to see renovation in action, hear about plans for the future and to visit some of the small businesses using the principal rooms. The tour will take about an hour. There will also be an opportunity to visit the garden and extensive grounds (weather permitting) where the young Darwin first acquired his interest in botany and geology.
 

Refreshments will be included and served in the grand dining room. Any surplus from the visit will be donated to the Darwin Birthplace Trust.
 
Cost  £12.00 Priority for members and those who attend the lecture until 18.05.2023
 
Early booking advised - max 30 places
Contact Nicky Lipscombe to reserve places or with any queries tlipscombe@aol.com 
 or phone 01746 783591

Payment should be made by:

• BACS (preferred) to The Arts Society Wrekin - number two account: sort code: 20-97-90 account no: 03857654 Reference DARWIN HOUSE 
• or by cheque to The Arts Society Wrekin and sent to Nicky Lipscombe – Sawmill Cottage, Badger, Shropshire WV6 7JP

Fully booked, but only a very short waiting list

Organ recital with Claudia Grinnell
Sub-organist Winchester Cathedral

2.30  - 5.30 pm

We are excited to welcome back Claudia Grinnell to give a recital for our members and guests. 
Claudia grew up in Albrighton and had sponsorship from Wrekin DFAS (as we were then) for her organ lessons before gaining a scholarship to Cambridge.

Claudia will play the historic organ which was installed at St Andrews church in 1811 and has recently been restored at a cost of £60,000. The Arts Society Wrekin made a contribution to the appeal. 

Other beneficiaries from the Frank Hartill Arts Award (2020) and the Wrekin Arts Award (2022) will also participate so that we can see and hear how our financial support has made a real difference. We will finish the afternoon with a celebratory glass of bubbles.

Any surplus from the event will go towards the next Arts Award in 2024. We are grateful to Rev Chris Thorpe and the church wardens for allowing us to use the beautiful Grade 1 listed church.
Cost - £16 to include a glass of wine and nibbles
All welcome
Car parking will be available at the Shifnal Youth Club, Bridgnorth road 
- a 5 minute walk from the church
 
Contact Nicky Lipscombe to reserve places - tlipscombe@aol.com or phone 01746 783591
 

Payment should be made by:

• BACS (preferred) to The Arts Society Wrekin - number two account: sort code: 20-97-90 account no: 03857654 Reference CONCERT 
• or by cheque to The Arts Society Wrekin and sent to Nicky Lipscombe – Sawmill Cottage, Badger, Shropshire WV6 7JP

Places still available

Charles Darwin and his Shropshire Evolution
Gareth Williams
Curator and Head of Learning at Weston Park
 Venue - Music Room at Weston Park
10.30am for 11am lecture
Tea/Coffee on arrival



Charles Darwin became Shrewsbury’s most famous son after the publication of his ground breaking evolutionary theories, but how many people know about his early beetle hunting, his fossil and geology expeditions or his Shropshire friends? Discover the Shropshire roots and inspirations of the great naturalist including some of the contacts that he retained or made when he left the county following his monumental voyage on The Beagle.
 
Cost: £25 for members, £27 for non-members to include group admission to the house and grounds, morning refreshments and the lecture. The house will be open to the public from 1pm and complimentary admission to the house is included. Self-guided tours will be available.

The Granary Restaurant will be open for lunch – pre-booking advised

Gareth has kindly agreed to waive his lecture fee to help us to raise funds to enable more children from areas of deprivation in Telford to benefit from outdoor creative learning in Weston Park’s historic grounds.

The Arts Society Wrekin facilitated several subsidised days in 2022 with EKO (Educating Kids Outdoors) an educational charity. Nearly 300 children attended from 5 schools. This was a great success and for many children their first ever school trip following lockdown and major disruption to the curriculum. 
 
Booking
Contact Nicky Lipscombe to reserve places or with any queries tlipscombe@aol.com  
or phone 01746 783591
 

Payment should be made by:

• BACS (preferred) to The Arts Society Wrekin - number two account: sort code: 20-97-90 account no: 03857654 Reference DARWIN 
• or by cheque to The Arts Society Wrekin and sent to Nicky Lipscombe – Sawmill Cottage, Badger, Shropshire WV6 7JP

 
************ 
  
 
 
Early booking advised - max 30 places
Contact Nicky Lipscombe to reserve places or with any queries tlipscombe@aol.com 
 or phone 01746 783591

Payment should be made by:

• BACS (preferred) to The Arts Society Wrekin - number two account: sort code: 20-97-90 account no: 03857654 Reference DARWIN HOUSE 
• or by cheque to The Arts Society Wrekin and sent to Nicky Lipscombe – Sawmill Cottage, Badger, Shropshire WV6 7JP

A visit to Darwin's House in Shrewsbury has been arranged for Wednesday, 5th July

STOP PRESS

2 places available for visit to Wenlock Abbey, home of Gabrielle de Wet

31st May at 2.30pm. £23pp (members)

contact Nicky Lipscombe asap:

 tlipscombe@aol.com  01746 783591

THESE PLACES HAVE NOW BEEN FILLED

The Arts Society Wrekin Events update

Guided Birmingham walk with Dr Jonathan Berg

Thursday May 11th – University of Birmingham campus

Due to bad weather this visit is now rescheduled for Thursday May 11th

Join Jonathan Berg on a walking tour of The University of Birmingham and learn about the architecture, the public art and the history of this area which includes a Roman fort. Those who have been with Jonathan on previous walking tours of Birmingham City Centre and the Jewellery Quarter will know how informative and amusing these walks can be.

Duration and Grading of the Walk
The walk will last around 2 hours and will cover about 2.5km (1½ miles) of fairly easy walking
Directions and Meeting Up
Instruction for meeting, timing etc will be sent out closer to the time but the meeting point is the Faraday Statue close to the University Station and the tour finishes at the same place. The University Station is about 8 minutes on the train from Birmingham Central on the Cross City line.

Booking
There is a maximum of 26 places available for each tour. The cost per person is £22 (Non-members £24). A live audio system with earphones is used so that everyone can hear well.
If you would like to book for this tour please email Howard Broadbent jameshbr24@talktalk.net or ring 01952 677050, with your name and the number of places required. 

Payment should be made by BACS (preferred) to The Arts Society Wrekin - number two account: sort code: 20-97-90 account no: 03857654 Reference RED BRICK or/and DIGBETH as appropriate or by cheque to The Arts Society Wrekin and sent to Howard Broadbent at 24 Church Meadow, Lilleshall, Newport TF10 9HD
Please do not make any payment until Howard has confirmed your place(s) on the tour

Jonathan gives a percentage of the fee for all of his walks to SIFA Fireside, a Birmingham Charity that supports the homeless

THIS VISIT IS NOW FULLY BOOKED , WITH A LONG WAITING LIST. 

10.30 am
Lord and Lady Forester have kindly agreed to host a private visit to their home for up to 30 TAS Wrekin members.

You may remember that Gareth Williams described Willey as undoubtedly the finest early 19th century classical house in Shropshire. The estate has been in the same family since the 12th century and is not open to the public.

Our visit will include the house tour and light refreshments - coffee/tea and biscuits. The event will be for the benefit of Willey church as requested by Lady Catherine Forester.

COST £23pp – sorry, members only
Early booking advised.

Please email or phone to book a place before making a payment by BACS or cheque. Directions and a postcode will be sent out to you by email nearer the time.
Booking / enquiries – tlipscombe@aol.com  01746 783591
Payment should be made by BACS (preferred) to The Arts Society Wrekin - number two account: sort code: 20-97-90 account no: 03857654 Reference WILLEY or by cheque to The Arts Society Wrekin and sent to Nicky Lipscombe – Sawmill Cottage, Badger, Shropshire WV6 7JP
 

Longer visit to London April 25-27th

Includes Guided walks:  Soho to Covent Garden and a guided day at Greenwich with Simon Whitehouse and Katie Alcock (Blue Badge Guides)

Tour of the Medieval Guildhall and an optional guided walk of the City of London

Independent travel and accommodation

There are two places available – approx. tour cost £95pp to include guiding, entry fees, Live audio system and one lunch ( £20 extra for non-members)

Please contact Nicky Lipscombe for more information or to reserve a place
tlipscombe@aol.com – Tel 01746 783591             

Join Jonathan Berg on a walking tour of Digbeth and learn about the public art, architecture and street art that makes Digbeth such a vibrant place.  Apparently, a number of the graffiti and street artists have fine art degrees! We will also see what’s happening as HS2 progresses in the City.

Duration and Grading of the Walk
The walk will last between 2 and 2¼ hours and will cover about 4.2 km (2½ miles) so it requires a reasonable level of fitness.
Directions and Meeting Up
Instruction for meeting, timing etc will be sent out closer to the time but the meeting point will be the Bull statue (a short walk from Birmingham Central station) and the tour finishes at Great Western Arcade where Jonathan tells us there is a great pub that lets you bring your own sandwiches and even Greggs pies from the shop next door.
Booking
There is a maximum of 26 places available for each tour. The cost per person is £22 (Non-members £24). A live audio system with earphones is used so that everyone can hear well.
If you would like to book for either/both tours please email Howard Broadbent jameshbr24@talktalk.net or ring 01952 677050, with your name and the number of places required and specify which tour. 
Payment should be made by BACS (preferred) to The Arts Society Wrekin - number two account: sort code: 20-97-90 account no: 03857654 Reference RED BRICK or/and DIGBETH as appropriate or by cheque to The Arts Society Wrekin and sent to Howard Broadbent at 24 Church Meadow, Lilleshall, Newport TF10 9HD
Please do not make any payment until Howard has confirmed your place(s) on the tour

Jonathan gives a percentage of the fee for all of his walks to SIFA Fireside, a Birmingham Charity that supports the homeless

 ‘From Tchaikovsky to Tin Pan Alley’
Uplifting Music for Christmas with Sandy Burnett

2.30-5pm

Venue: The Red House, Albrighton – WV7 3LU

To kick off our seasonal celebrations, musician and broadcaster Sandy Burnett is on hand to share his selection of much-loved Christmas tunes.

Expect an hour of the finest festive music from across the globe – his selections include sparking moments from Tchaikovsky’s ballet The Nutcracker, a heart-warming ballad from Mel Tormé, something from Soweto, a heavenly chorus from Johann Sebastian Bach’s Leipzig, an illustration of the English carol tradition at its finest - and something more cynical from Eartha Kitt…

Sandy is one of the UK’s most versatile music commentators, enjoying a career that combines broadcasting, performing and lecturing. After studying at St Catharine’s College, Cambridge and working as music director for the RSC, National Theatre and in London’s West End, Sandy Burnett spent a decade as one of the core team of presenters on BBC Radio 3. He is a highly sought after double bassist on the London jazz scene, and was appointed the Academy of Ancient Music’s Hogwood Fellow for the 2018-19 season.
 

Cost: £22 members, £25 non-members to include a full afternoon tea
Numbers limited; early booking advised – priority for members until 21st September
 

Dietary requirements: Please advise when booking of any dietary preferences (eg vegetarian), food intolerances or true allergies which could cause anaphylaxis. This is important for the caterers in the light of Natasha’s Law.

Please contact Nicky Lipscombe to book a place by email tlipscombe@aol.com or phone 01746 783591 before arranging payment.

Please send a cheque payable to ‘The Arts Society Wrekin’ to Nicky Lipscombe, Sawmill Cottage Badger, Shropshire WV6 7JP or pay by BACS to THE ARTS SOCIETY WREKIN – number two Account, sort code 20-97-90, A/C number 03857654. Please put SANDY in the reference.
 

Visit to York Tuesday 11-Thursday 13 October 2022

A visit to the historic walled city of York is being planned to take place from Tuesday 11 to Thursday 13 October 2022.

The provisional programme includes the following during our stay in York:

·        Two hour walking tour and overview of the City of York with our Blue Badge Guide Sarah Cowling  We will stroll through 2000 years of  history from the remains of the Roman fort at Eboracum to the stories of Viking invasion. Winding through the medieval streets we will uncover recent history when York was known as the Chocolate City – home to KitKat.

·        Tour of the 18th century Fairfax House, one of the finest Georgian townhouses in England. The richly decorated interior and ceilings make it a masterpiece in design and architecture.

·        Tour of York Minster which has the largest collection of medieval glass.  We will explore the Undercroft Museum with some of the treasures of the Minster and also the “Light, Glass and Stone” conserving St Cuthbert Window.

·        Visit York Art Gallery and ruins of St Mary’s Abbey.

·        A stroll along the walls including viewing the “Pricke of Conscience” window at All Saints Church.

·        Visit the Jorvik Viking Centre.

·        An early evening historic pub walk to include a refreshment break of course.

·        Cocoa House and Chocolate City tour, including chocolate tasting.

·        The Yorkshire Museum

We are arranging a group evening meal on Tuesday 11 October at Bedern Hall.

Anticipated costs for visits, including evening meal on October 11 and one lunch estimated at £135 (£155 non-members). 

This is exclusive of accommodation, travel and evening meals.

There is a lot or accommodation in York, we will give some information on this later.

 Please download booking form from the website for further information.  Numbers are limited to 25, early booking advised.

 From 1st June 2022 until 14th June 2022 booking will be open for members only. 

From 15th June 2022 onwards booking open for members and non-members. 

Deposit of £25 per person is required to reserve your place.

Remainder of payment will be required early August.

Please complete and send in booking forms at the time of making your deposit payment.

Please contact Suzy Keeley at suzykeeley22@gmail.com (preferred) or telephone 01952 475262

The first visit was fully booked in less than 24 hours so a second date has been reserved.

This visit is also now fully booked. It is hoped to offer a third visit in the spring if there is sufficie.nt interest

All places are now reserved and a waiting list has been started

Coventry Cathedral
Join a guided tour to explore the remains of Coventry’s second cathedral and the modernist third with its ‘Casket of Jewels’.Learn about the history and see some of the fine artworks within as highlighted by Alexandra Epps (March 2021)
Optional lunchtime organ recital (Harrison and Harrison organ) – with retiring collection. Whitlock, Dupré, Lindberg and Cocker (Tuba Tune) Kai Krakenberg (Germany)

Tour of St Mary’s Guildhall, built in 1352, one of the only remaining medieval buildings in the city and one of the finest medieval guildhalls surviving in the country. It escaped the bombing raids during the second world war. It stands as a testament to Coventry’s power and wealth. It was a place of lavish hospitality, royal encounters and civic life. It has spectacular interiors and houses the magnificent recently restored Coventry tapestry (early 16th C)

The Guildhall has undergone 5.6 million pounds of investment and redevelopment and will reopen shortly. It is hoped that the café will also be open but that is not yet confirmed

Cost is anticipated at £37-40 for members, (£2 extra for non-members) to include the tours and hopefully refreshments on arrival but not lunch.

The Herbert Art Gallery nearby has a café and exhibitions. https://www.theherbert.org/whats-on/

Please reserve a place now if you are interested so I know what size of coach may be needed. Cost to be confirmed when numbers and refreshment availability known.
Coach will leave Coventry by 3.30pm and return planned via the M6 toll road.

Contact Nicky Lipscombe ASAP for more information or to reserve a place and for more details.

Visit to Pitchford Hall – SY5 7DP 2.30pm

Pitchford Hall is a Grade 1 listed Tudor country house in the village of Pitchford, 6 miles south of Shrewsbury. The timber framed building was built in 1560 and has been extensively restored, remodelled and extended.  Within the grounds is a tree-house in a large lime tree. This tree-house is believed to be oldest in the world; in 1760 it was restored by Thomas Farnolls Pritchard.

The house has an illustrious history. Prince Rupert hid from the Roundheads in the priest hole. In more recent times it was visited by Princess Victoria (1832) and the Duke and Duchess of York (1935).

The house has been owned by the Colthurst family for 500 years but was sold in 1992. Placed on the ‘at risk’ register, it was bought back by Rowena Colthurst and her husband James Nason in 2016 and restoration is ongoing.

Join us on a private tour of Pitchford Hall and explore the main rooms on the ground floor, including the Great Hall, Drawing Room, Bedroom with Priest Hole and the Princess Victoria Room.

About half the tour takes place outside, so please bring suitable outdoor clothing and footwear in case of wet weather. The ‘pitch well’ and treehouse are some distance from the house.

The cost for this visit will be £27 for members (£29 for non-members) to include tea and homemade cake in the restored Orangery (Gluten free option will be available). Please email Jilly (jillybr@talktalk.net) or Howard Broadbent (jameshbr24@talktalk.net) or ring 01952 677050 to book your place(s).

Only one place remaining, a waiting list is in operation

Payment should be made by cheque to The Arts Society Wrekin and sent to Jilly Broadbent at:-      24 Church Meadow, Lilleshall, Newport, Shropshire, TF10 9HD
or by BACS to The Arts Society Wrekin - number two account: sort code: 20-97-90 account no: 03857654 Reference PITCHFORD

A reminder and detailed directions will be sent out nearer the time of the visit. If there is sufficient demand, a second visit will be arranged

Who Spilt the Beans? How the Enigma secret was revealed

Join us for a talk by Dr Mark Baldwin – “Dr Enigma”

and find out more about the achievements of the Bletchley Park Codebreakers.

3.30pm for Enigma talk and demonstration

5.50 for picnic

‘The Ultra Secret’ by Frederick Winterbotham caused a sensation with its revelations when it was published 30 years after the end of WW2. His assertion that the city of Coventry was deliberately left undefended on 14 Nov 1940, because Churchill feared that defending it against a coming German bombing raid might have led the Germans to deduce that we were breaking Enigma-enciphered messages. Detailed analysis of surviving documents (not made available to Winterbotham) shows this to be completely untrue.

Dr Mark Baldwin sets the book in its proper context, and examines some of the effects it produced. He also explains why serious historians should be aware of the pitfalls and problems in identifying ‘First Editions’, and why this is worth undertaking.
Mark will also bring along a real Enigma machine for us all to have a look, try it out and photograph.

The Ironbridge Gorge Museum have kindly offered us the use of the Glass Classroom and the area in front of The Abraham Darby Furnace for our BYO picnic or the covered bays if the weather is inclement.

Join us for the talk at 3.30 pm or for the picnic from 5pm. We will have a bucket collection for the museum on the day, as last year.

Please pre-book the talk and/ or picnic so we know how many to expect.

Places still available for both, but please book asap.

Cost £10pp for the talk for TASW members and friends

BACS payment reference ENIGMA.
 

BOOKING INFORMATION FOR ALL EVENTS

Please contact Nicky Lipscombe to reserve a place for any of these events - see contact details below.
 

PAYMENT

by cheque to The Arts Society Wrekin sent to Nicky Lipscombe at Sawmill Cottage, Badger, Shropshire, WV6 7JP

or by BACS to The Arts Society Wrekin - number two account: sort code: 20-97-90 account no: 03857654. Please include event reference

                 Nicky (Lipscombe)
                     Day Visits and Events Organiser
                     tlipscombe@aol.com
                     Tel: 01746 783591

SELF-DRIVE: 10.00am ARRIVAL

Following Mark Hill’s excellent day on ‘Cracking Glass’, I have organised a second visit to the NEW Stourbridge Glass Museum and the Red House Glass Cone opposite.
The visit will include:

• A short introductory talk by the curator
• A guided tour of the new museum to see highlights of the historical collection, the contemporary studio glass and also the exhibition·
• The hot glass studio with the glass blowers at work 
• A 40 min guided tour of the Red House site to see the huge glass cone, one of only four surviving in the UK and the most complete and the now unique ‘lehr’ where glass was cooled
• Refreshments on arrival.

Independent lunch (pub, café, fish and chips or picnic by the canal)
There are shops on both sites and also artisan craft studios at Red House. It is all easily accessible with ramps and a lift in the museum. There is also a small exhibition about the Black Country Geopark at Red House.

Cost £12.50pp (£14 for non-members)

There is just 1 place available – please reserve asap

Currently, there is one spare place, so if you have a friend who may wish to join the group, please let Nicky know.

There is no waiting list so if you find you cannot go you are welcome to find your own replacement but please let Liz know. Liz's mobile number if you need to get in contact on the day is 07973 618179.


BACS payment reference GLASS
BACS payment reference GLASS

BOOKING INFORMATION FOR ALL EVENTS

Please contact Nicky Lipscombe to reserve a place for any of these events - see contact details below.
 

PAYMENT

by cheque to The Arts Society Wrekin sent to Nicky Lipscombe at Sawmill Cottage, Badger, Shropshire, WV6 7JP

or by BACS to The Arts Society Wrekin - number two account: sort code: 20-97-90 account no: 03857654. Please include event reference

                 Nicky (Lipscombe)
                     Day Visits and Events Organiser
                     tlipscombe@aol.com
                     Tel: 01746 783591

Following Mark Hill’s excellent DSI ‘Cracking Glass’, a visit to the NEW Stourbridge Glass Museum and the Red House Glass Cone opposite.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        The visit will include:

• A short introductory talk by the curator
• A guided tour of the new museum to see highlights of the historical collection, the contemporary studio glass and also the exhibition·
• The hot glass studio with the glass blowers at work 
• A 40 min guided tour of the Red House site to see the huge glass cone, one of only four surviving in the UK and the most complete and the now unique ‘lehr’ where glass was cooled
• Morning refreshments at the museum and a buffet lunch and hot drink in the Red Cone Café.

There are shops on both sites and also artisan craft studios at Red House. It is all easily accessible with ramps and a lift in the museum. There is also a small exhibition about the Black Country Geopark at Red House.

Cost £25pp (£27 for non-members)

Priority for members booking until 29th May. Please email to confirm your booking before transferring payment. Please also advise any dietary requirements when you book.

Numbers limited to 30

A second date may be arranged for those preferring coach travel if there is sufficient demand.
BACS payment reference GLASS

BOOKING INFORMATION FOR ALL EVENTS

Please contact Nicky Lipscombe to reserve a place for any of these events - see contact details below.
 

PAYMENT

by cheque to The Arts Society Wrekin sent to Nicky Lipscombe at Sawmill Cottage, Badger, Shropshire, WV6 7JP

or by BACS to The Arts Society Wrekin - number two account: sort code: 20-97-90 account no: 03857654. Please include event reference

                 Nicky (Lipscombe)
                     Day Visits and Events Organiser
                     tlipscombe@aol.com
                     Tel: 01746 783591

Self-drive visit (10.30am - 3.15pm)  - a few places still available.

The visit includes a tour of the ballet school, a rehearsal in the theatre, excellent buffet lunch and the opportunity to visit the nearby Serbian Orthodox church. The first group found this visit fascinating.
(Elmhurst Ballet School is near the Priory Hospital on the A38).

Contact Nicky Lipscombe ASAP for more information or to reserve a place and for more details.

Cost : £27 TASW members, £28 non members including buffet lunch
BACS payment reference BALLET

BOOKING INFORMATION FOR ALL EVENTS

Please contact Nicky Lipscombe to reserve a place for any of these events - see contact details below.
 

PAYMENT

by cheque to The Arts Society Wrekin sent to Nicky Lipscombe at Sawmill Cottage, Badger, Shropshire, WV6 7JP

or by BACS to The Arts Society Wrekin - number two account: sort code: 20-97-90 account no: 03857654. Please include event reference

                 Nicky (Lipscombe)
                     Day Visits and Events Organiser
                     tlipscombe@aol.com
                     Tel: 01746 783591

Philip Modiano will be giving an illustrated talk on watercolours by the artist Reverend John Louis Petit (1801-1868), a leading writer  and speaker on church architecture. None of his paintings were ever sold; he painted many views of Tong.

It will be an opportunity to see some of the original watercolours and also the conserved Pulpit Fall and new interpretation boards that TAS Wrekin have contributed to. Paul Joseland, lead for Wrekin's Heritage Volunteers will be organising this event which will be followed by a delicious 'Tong’ tea. Watch for further information re booking this event.

Any queries, do please get in touch.

                  Nicky (Lipscombe)
                     Day Visits and Events Organiser
                     tlipscombe@aol.com
                     Tel: 01746 783591

Thursady, 26th May 10am - 1.00/2.30pm

Chillington Hall, Codsall Wood (WV8 1RE), is the home of the Giffard family and has been since 1178. The Hall was last remodelled by Sir John Soane in the 1780s It is a private home with limited access to the public.

The visit includes a guided tour of the house and a tour of the Park and Woodlands, designed by Capability Brown, in a covered trailer (timely for bluebells and rhododendrons); a visit to the vast lake 3/4 mile away from the Hall to see the beautiful James Paine bridge which was designed to hide the dam used to create the lake. You will also take in views of the ‘canal’ and Grecian Temple, one of several follies. There will be the option to stay on for a 'locally sourced' ploughman's lunch at round tables in the Grand Saloon (pictured above) subject to a minimum number of bookings.

Cost:

House Tour with Trailer Ride and morning refreshments is £17 TASW members, £19 non-members

House Tour with Trailer Ride, morning refreshments plus buffet lunch - £29 TASW members, £31 non-members
(Lunch includes water /fruit juice. Wine available to purchase by the glass on the day if desired)

Contact Jenny Bickley - jen.bickley@btinternet.com or 01952 586822 to reserve a place. Please advise of any speci.al dietary requirements when you book.

PAYMENT by cheque to The Arts Society Wrekin,                                                                                         sent sent to Nicky Lipscombe at Sawmill Cottage, Badger WV6 7JP
or by BACS to The Arts Society Wrekin - number two account: 

sort code: 20-97-90 account no: 03857654. 

Please include event reference CHILLINGTON

This viist is now fully booked, with a waiting list in operation.

By Coach: 9.15am from Cosford - 4.30pm approx 

This visit is now fully booked. It may be possible to arrange a second visit in July.

Elmhurst Ballet School is an independent school  for professional classical ballet founded in Surrey in 1923. It moved to purpose built premises in Birmingham in 2004 and takes students aged 11–19. It has a close association with Birmingham Royal Ballet. https://www.elmhurstballetschool.org/

The visit includes travel by executive coach, tea/coffee on arrival, a tour of the school. We will have the opportunity to watch a ballet class in the theatre followed by a buffet lunch served in the foyer.

In the afternoon, it is hoped to visit the Serbian Orthodox Church nearby at Bournville. This was the first purpose built Serbian church in the UK and is known for its richly decorated frescoes, copied from some of the oldest Serbian monasteries in Kosovo. It also features in Fifty Treasures of the West Midlands.

Cost : £42 includes refreshments on arrival, buffet lunch and a donation to the Serbian church.

Numbers limited to 25 – early booking advised with priority for TASW members
 

PAYMENT by cheque to The Arts Society Wrekin,

sent to Nicky Lipscombe at Sawmill Cottage, Badger WV6 7JP

or by BACS to The Arts Society Wrekin - number two account: sort code: 20-97-90 account no: 03857654. Please include event reference BALLET

Wednesday, 27th April at 10.30am  

Fully booked

Rev Garry Ward, vicar of Claverley and Tuck Hill, will give a talk on Frank Foley – The Black Country Schindler.

Frank Foley was an intelligence officer who saved thousands of Jews from the Nazi Camps. An unassuming man who you would never think was a top intelligence operative – he wasn’t your typical James Bond. A fascinating tale full of faith, devotion and the desire to do the right thing for his fellow human beings.

Frank Foley’s birth is commemorated in Highbridge, Somerset where he was born, and his life in Stourbridge where he died at the age of 72. Both sculptures were unveiled by the Duke of Cambridge in 2018 and both feature in their respective area’s Fifty Treasures.

Garry Ward is no ordinary vicar. He was the first male midwife in the West Midlands and also worked as a prison officer before becoming ordained. He is an excellent and amusing public speaker.

Claverley Church, (Grade I listed) is famous for its spectacular C13th wall paintings and has many other interesting features. Sir Simon Jenkins likened the church to an ecclesiastical antique shop. The recently completed church record undertaken by volunteers from The Arts Society Wrekin and The Arts Society Wolverhampton will be available to view.

Cost £10 per person to include coffee/tea and home made cake. All proceeds to be donated to Claverley Church

Contact Nicky Lipscombe – tlipscombe@aol.com or 01746 783591 to reserve a place

PAYMENT 
by cheque to The Arts Society Wrekin sent to Nicky Lipscombe at Sawmill Cottage, Badger WV6 7JP

or by BACS to The Arts Society Wrekin - number two account: sort code: 20-97-90 account no: 03857654. Please include event reference CLAVERLEY

Two dates:

Thursday March 17th  

Wednesday April 6th 10.30-12.30

BOTH DATES NOW FULLY BOOKED

Join us for another fun and informative walk with author and photographer Dr Jonathan Berg. Discover the ‘secret canal’ to the Jewellery Quarter; learn how the Birmingham ‘toy’ making workshops grew, then with the Industrial Revolution about the explosion of activity in the town and the problems it caused; hear how two cousins brought together new inventions and changed the world with their hugely successful industrial activities. Discover how the success of manufacturing included a foundation of artistic input. Learn about today’s Jewellery Quarter, and how it contributes to the modern city; visit the film locations for ‘Line of Duty’ and discover more contemporary public art.

 Practical Details:

• Independent travel to / from Birmingham
• Tour start & finish: Entrance to the Library of Birmingham in Centenary Square, a 10-minute walk from New Street Station.
• The circular route is around 3km and includes uneven surfaces so do wear appropriate footwear.

Cost: TAS Wrekin members £22, non-members £24

 Included:

• Innovative ‘live audio’ system on tour so that you can hear every word. Ideal for social distancing and for those who are hearing impaired.
• Please bring a pair of earphones with 3.5mm jack (new pair can be provided for £1 donation to SIFA Fireside - a charity supporting the homeless in Birmingham).
• A free copy of the newly published hardback book ‘ Invention & Design; Elkington of Birmingham’ by our guide Jonathan – one per coffee table, at the end of the tour. Additional copies at £12.50 instead of £15.
• Acme whistle, made in Birmingham £10.

Suggestions:

• Afterwards why not have lunch at The Exchange, the former Birmingham Municipal Bank in Centenary Square, and now part of the University of Birmingham
• Visit Millennium Point to see Luke Jerram’s amazing touring art work – Gaia - https://my-earth.org/about/ (1st February - 28th March) 
• NB: Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery remains closed until 28th April

Booking: Please email David Oxtoby - david.oxtoby@icloud.com to reserve a place, or Tel 01746 766053. Please provide a mobile telephone number too for contact on the day.

Group size will be limited, early booking advised.

Please pay by BACS to The Arts Society Wrekin number two account, sort code 20-97-90, A/C number 03857654 - please put ‘Walk March’ (or April) in the reference or by cheque made payable to The Arts Society Wrekin sent to David Oxtoby, Flat 2, Tower House, 23 West Castle Street, Bridgnorth, WV16 4AD

No tickets will be issued for the walk, sorry no refund if you cancel unless there is a waiting list. An email will be sent out to all participants to reconfirm arrangements nearer the time.

There is one place left for this special study day at Weston Park.
Please contact Nicky Lipscombe ASAP if you may be interested as numbers have to be confirmed by 24th January. 

Join Gareth Williams, Curator and Head of Learning at Weston Park for a fascinating day at Weston Park, historic former home of the Earls of Bradford. Gareth will introduce us to Coade stone and its relevance at Weston Park and elsewhere. Learn more about the discovery and The Arts Society Wrekin-supported restoration of this rare sundial plinth, which vanished from the terraces of Weston in 1939 only to be rediscovered, in a sad state of repair, in 2017.

The day will also consider work being undertaken on the inner roofs where Historic England is currently supporting a project to conserve and protect the house. Water ingress had been threatening the fabric of the building and the display of some of the extensive collection. A presentation and walkabout will give us a unique opportunity to see some of this work from the inside.

At 12.30pm a two-course lunch will be served in the Dining Room with coffee to follow, surrounded by the world-class painting collection.

In the afternoon, there will be a tour of the ground floor of the house with a focus on the sculpture collection where recent discoveries have encouraged a re-display of this previously marginalised part of the important indigenous collection.

10am – coffee and registration, with departure at approximately 4pm.

Cost: £58 TAS Wrekin members, non-members £62
 

Contact Nicky Lipscombe tlipscombe@aol.com or Tel 01746 783591 to reserve a place.

Price includes lectures, expert led tour, morning tea/coffee & biscuits and 2 course lunch in the Dining Room. Any surplus will be donated by TAS Wrekin to benefit the conservation and educational work of the Weston Park Foundation.

Please send a cheque payable to ‘The Arts Society Wrekin’ to Nicky Lipscombe, Sawmill Cottage, Badger, Shropshire WV6 7JP or pay by BACS to THE ARTS SOCIETY WREKIN – number two Account, sort code 20-97-90, A/C number 03857654. Please put Weston in the reference.

Venue: The Red House, Albrighton

Even though ‘work’ was the bedrock of Victorian progress and improvement, Queen Victoria’s reign saw the greatest upsurge in leisure pursuits ever witnessed.

People earned more money and worked shorter hours than ever before and with the birth of the Railways and a desire to be health conscious it was a golden age for the art of entertaining oneself and being an amateur in the true sense of the word.

This talk celebrates a pre-television age when the ability to amuse and entertain was paramount.

Bertie Pearce has a BA (Hons) in Drama from Manchester University, and a Diploma Internationale from the École Internationale du Théatre, Jacques Lecoq.

He is a member of the Inner Magic Circle, with Gold Star.

Past experience includes lecturing and performing on cruise ships, and to U3A, historical societies, festivals, schools and colleges. 

In addition, he has toured the world with a magic cabaret show and a one man show entitled All Aboard and has written articles for newspapers and magazines on entertainment and theatre.

'New Members' - ie those who have joined since September 2020 - should have already received a 'save the date'.

Further information will be sent out in the near future. If you think you should be eligible for this event but have not been contacted please alert Nicky Lipscombe:

tlipscombe@aol.com
tel: 01746 783591

Grinling Gibbons Tercentenary Exhibition at Compton Verney

• Independent travel
•  Guided tour of exhibition with curator.  (Groups of 10-15).
• Courtesy transport is available from the car park to the house. 
• Cost £18 Wrekin members, £20 non-members.
• ArtFund members reduced cost - £14 (cost includes entrance to the galleries and the private tour)

Following on from our trip to Oxford in 2019 a visit to Cambridge is being planned to take place from

11 October to 13 October 2021.

The programme is only provisional at the moment but we are hoping our three day programme will include the following visits:

• Two hour walking tour with Guides to include visit to Pembroke College
• A talk on the Restoration Work carried out at David Parr’s House
• Magdalene College hopefully to include a talk and walk around the Pepys Library
• Kettles Yard to view modern art
• Kings College with Guides
• One hour themed tour entitled: Cambridge Spies
• Corpus Christi Parker Library to view medieval and renaissance manuscripts
• Queens College with Guides
• Fitzwilliam Museum with one hour introductory tour followed by free time at the museum

Anticipated costs for visits and two lunches should not exceed £130 (£140 non-members).  This is exclusive of accommodation, travel and evening meals.

2 PLACES HAVE RECENTLY BECOME AVAVILABLE

Birmingham’s Artsy Bits Goes East-      

another Guided Walk in Birmingham looking at

Public Art, Graffiti and Architecture

With Dr Jonathan Berg

 10.30 – 12.30 

Only one place remaining

We will see some incredible public art from artists renowned on the world stage. From the amazing survivor  Hebe (pictured above) by Robert Thomas of the ‘Rhondda Group’ and Inside Tempus Fugit by Ray Lonsdale to the latest in Graffiti art in Bohemian Digbeth. As well as public art we will see some fine architecture, from Victorian terracotta splendour to the modernism of Selfridges. The tour will set off from the Grand Central concourse (above New Street Station) at 10:30am with a route of around 3 km lasting around two hours. It will finish on Corporation Street close to some great places for lunch and a short hop to New Street Station for the journey home

Included: Use of live audio - earphones will be provided for those that do not have their own. A copy of Jonathan’s well illustrated book Positively Birmingham will be available at the end of the tour for a minimum donation of £5 (usual offer price £10). Donations will go to SIFA Fireside, a charity supporting the homeless in Birmingham.

Cost: TAS Wrekin Members £20, Non-members £22 (independent travel arrangements)

Please email David Oxtoby - david.oxtoby@icloud.com to reserve a place, or Tel 01746 766053. Please provide a mobile telephone number too for contact on the day. Group size will be limited, early booking advised.

Please send a cheque payable to ‘The Arts Society Wrekin’ to David Oxtoby, Flat 2, Tower House, 23 West Castle Street, Bridgnorth, WV16 4AD or pay by BACS to THE ARTS SOCIETY WREKIN – number two Account, sort code 20-97-90, A/C number 03857654. Please put Birmingham walk in the reference.

In this one-hour virtual tour of the beautiful city of Cambridge, we will hear all about the origins of city and university, visit some spectacular colleges, and learn all about the varied and fascinating people who have made Cambridge their home over the centuries. Physicists and poets, spies and scandals, and not to mention some beautiful architecture.  This tour with a Queens’ College alumna has a little bit of everything! 

Cost: £6 per viewer

Payment can be made by BACS to THE ARTS SOCIETY WREKIN - NUMBER 2 ACCOUNT, sort code 20-97-90, a/c number 03857654

or by cheque to The Arts Society Wrekin and sent to Nicky Lipscombe:

Sawmill Cottage, Badger, WV6 7JP

Please make sure you email/phone to confirm your booking.

PLEASE NOTE, THE NUMBER 2 ACCOUNT IS NOT THE SAME AS THE ONE USED TO PAY YOUR SUBSCRIPTION

Future dates for your diary

WENLOCK ABBEY HOUSE – Much Wenlock

Thursday 16th September

Forther dates available: Wednesday 29th September & Wednesday 6th October

All the above dates are now fully booked. 

With 30 people on the waiting list, two further dates have been requested for Spring 2022. Contact Nicky Lipscombe to reserve a place - 

tlipscombe@aol.com 

Real Guided Walks in Birmingham looking at

Modern Architecture with Jonathan Berg

(author of ‘Positively Birmingham’)

Tuesday 22nd June

SECOND DATE AVAILABLE: Thursday 1st July 2021

10.30 – 12.30  

We will meet in Grand Central (above New St Station) for a two hour private tour which will include the station, major squares and canals and a mix of architecture, an understanding of toy making, industrial revolution and the work of Chamberlain. A look at the very modern city including a detailed look at the new Centenary Square (pictured on 6 Feb 2020) and key design elements. The tour will finish at the New Library where we will also see the recently completed frontage of the Symphony Hall.

Included: Use of live audio - earphones will be provided for those that do not have their own. A free copy of Discovering Birmingham guide book at end of tour (RRP £5). You will also have chance to win a free copy of Colin Davies’ book - A New History of Modern Architecture.

 Cost: TAS Wrekin Members £20, Non-members £22 (independent travel arrangements)

 Please email/telephone to reserve a place and indicate your preferred date. tlipscombe@aol.com or Tel 01746 783591. Please provide a telephone number too for contact on the day. Group size will be limited, early booking will be appreciated.

 Please send a cheque payable to ‘The Arts Society Wrekin’ to Nicky Lipscombe, Sawmill Cottage, Badger, Shropshire WV6 7JP. or pay by BACS to THE ARTS SOCIETY WREKIN – Number Two Account, sort code 20-97-90, A/C number 03857654. Please put Birmingham walk and date (June/July) in the reference.

2.00pm

Justin Reay, Arts Society speaker, will introduce us to Grinling Gibbons, the King’s Carver in the tercentenary year of his death

Justin describes Gibbons’s life and career, and discusses the techniques he used to create a convincing illusion of reality. Illustrated with overmantels, picture frames, sculpture and architectural mouldings from many private and state collections, including examples not accessible to the public, this talk makes a case for identifying Grinling Gibbons as a major artist, fittingly in this tercentenary year of his death.

Payment details

These events are in addition to the lecture programme which your membership fee covers so we hope you will be willing to pay at least the small amount suggested to cover the guide / lecturer’s fee.

Early Bird Wrekin Members' Offer - Book all 3 events for £17pp

BACS to: THE ARTS SOCIETY WREKIN – number two account, sort code 20-97-90, A/C number 03857654 - don’t forget to put your surname and initial as the reference, and please email Nicky to let her know that you are making a BACS payment and for which event(s) or: by cheque to The Arts Society Wrekin and sent to Nicky Lipscombe at Sawmill Cottage, Badger, Shropshire WV6 7JP.

Please make a note in your diary of your booking(s) and donation so that you don't book twice - it's easily done!

The links for Zoom will be sent to all members by MailChimp a day or two before each event as for the monthly lectures. If you have queries about any of these events please contact Nicky – see below

Any surplus from these events will go towards purchasing equipment for woodcrafts at The Albrighton Trust.

Friends and members of other Arts Societies are welcome to join us – there is plenty of room on Zoom! See the Wrekin website for more details about the tours/lecture and speakers http://www.theartssocietywrekin.org.uk

Nicky
Day Visits and Events organizer
tlipscombe@aol.com
tel: 01746 783591

2.00PM

Simon Whitehouse - ‘At Sixes and Sevens’: The Great Twelve Livery Companies of the City of London

Was Dick Whittington a real person?

Why do we have a baker’s dozen?

Who is responsible for marking the Queen’s swans?

And of course, where does the expression ‘At Sixes and Sevens’ originate?

The answers to these questions and more are revealed on a fascinating, informative and fun ‘virtual’ tour of some of the magnificent Livery Halls of the City of London with actor and award-winning Blue Badge Guide, Simon Whitehouse.

We will discover the history and origins of the Great 12 Livery Companies, take a ‘virtual’ look at the exteriors and interiors of many of the halls and discover some of the unexpected and unusual stories, paintings & treasures inside.

 Suggested minimum donation - £6 per viewer
 
Please note the April lecture advertised in the programme on this topic has been changed as Fenella Billington does not offer Zoom lectures and has retired from the Arts Society Directory

Payment details

These events are in addition to the lecture programme which your membership fee covers so we hope you will be willing to pay at least the small amount suggested to cover the guide / lecturer’s fee.

Early Bird Wrekin Members' Offer - Book all 3 events for £17pp

BACS to: THE ARTS SOCIETY WREKIN – number two account, sort code 20-97-90, A/C number 03857654 - don’t forget to put your surname and initial as the reference, and please email Nicky to let her know that you are making a BACS payment and for which event(s) or: by cheque to The Arts Society Wrekin and sent to Nicky Lipscombe at Sawmill Cottage, Badger, Shropshire WV6 7JP.

Please make a note in your diary of your booking(s) and donation so that you don't book twice - it's easily done!

The links for Zoom will be sent to all members by MailChimp a day or two before each event as for the monthly lectures. If you have queries about any of these events please contact Nicky – see below

Any surplus from these events will go towards purchasing equipment for woodcrafts at The Albrighton Trust.

Friends and members of other Arts Societies are welcome to join us – there is plenty of room on Zoom! See the Wrekin website for more details about the tours/lecture and speakers http://www.theartssocietywrekin.org.uk

Nicky
Day Visits and Events organizer
tlipscombe@aol.com
tel: 01746 783591

2.00pm

Katherine Alcock, Actress and Blue Badge guide will take us on a Virtual Tour of the City of Bath

Join us on a stroll around one of the South of England's most beautiful cities; a place of ancient kings, coronations, high society and, of course, hot baths! Hear how this architectural diamond developed from a small shrine by a muddy spring, through an extensive Roman occupation, into the holiday destination for the rich and wealthy of Georgian England. A place of literary legends and astonishing miracles, all born from the magic of the baths.

 Suggested minimum donation –  £6 per viewer

Payment details

These events are in addition to the lecture programme which your membership fee covers so we hope you will be willing to pay at least the small amount suggested to cover the guide / lecturer’s fee.

Early Bird Wrekin Members' Offer - Book all 3 events for £17pp

BACS to: THE ARTS SOCIETY WREKIN – number two account, sort code 20-97-90, A/C number 03857654 - don’t forget to put your surname and initial as the reference, and please email Nicky to let her know that you are making a BACS payment and for which event(s) or: by cheque to The Arts Society Wrekin and sent to Nicky Lipscombe at Sawmill Cottage, Badger, Shropshire WV6 7JP.

Please make a note in your diary of your booking(s) and donation so that you don't book twice - it's easily done!

The links for Zoom will be sent to all members by MailChimp a day or two before each event as for the monthly lectures. If you have queries about any of these events please contact Nicky – see below

Any surplus from these events will go towards purchasing equipment for woodcrafts at The Albrighton Trust.

Friends and members of other Arts Societies are welcome to join us – there is plenty of room on Zoom! See the Wrekin website for more details about the tours/lecture and speakers http://www.theartssocietywrekin.org.uk
Nicky
Day Visits and Events organizer
tlipscombe@aol.com
tel: 01746 783591

2.00pm

June 2021 finally sees the publication of The Country Houses of Shropshire, a significant and long-awaited study of Shropshire’s varied country houses, which considers the history of over three hundred houses. Shropshire is the largest English inland county, and has a wide variety of important landed country houses, with owners from diverse social groups, with links to trade in Liverpool, Manchester and London as well as the local gentry. The book is not simply about the houses but also about the people who lived in them, their artistic tastes and their estates, which are considered as an integral part of the character of each house. Important sporting associations, fine and decorative art collections, and also important guests and social networks all bring the stories of the houses to life. In this talk, the book’s author Gareth Williams gives a preview of some of the houses’ histories – some familiar and others not – illustrated with just a few of the 690 illustrations which are used in the book itself.

Suggested Donation - Minimum £6 per observer for Weston Park Foundation

Payment

All donations for this event will be given to the Weston Park Foundation to assist with their educational work for local school children

This can be paid by BACS to: THE ARTS SOCIETY WREKIN – Number two Account, sort code 20-97-90, A/C number 03857654 - don’t forget to put your surname and initial as the reference, and please email Nicky to let her know that you are making a BACS payment and for which event(s) or: by cheque to The Arts Society Wrekin and sent to Nicky Lipscombe at Sawmill Cottage, Badger, Shropshire WV6 7JP.

tlipscombe@aol.com

The links for Zoom will be sent to all members by MailChimp a day or two before each event as for the monthly lectures.

2.00pm

Join Blue Badge Guide and professional actor, Katherine Alcock, on a virtual tour of Stratford-Upon-Avon. See the buildings that shaped Shakespeare's early years, and the places to which he later returned, as we explore the town that bookended his life. We'll talk about local characters and experiences that shaped his work, and delve into some of the conspiracy theories surrounding his life, as well as viewing the legacy he left behind in the town of his birth. Who were Shakespeare's parents? What was unusual about his marriage? What really goes on backstage at the RSC? And where could the poor son of a glover have learned the art, history, and poetry that fills his works? We'll discuss all this, as well as enjoying the beautiful streets and architecture of one of England's most beautiful country towns.

Suggested Donation - Minimum £6 per observer

Payment

This event is in addition to the lecture programme which your membership fee covers so we hope you will be willing to pay a small amount as suggested to cover the lecturer’s fee.

This can be paid by BACS to: THE ARTS SOCIETY WREKIN – Number two Account, sort code 20-97-90, A/C number 03857654 - don’t forget to put your surname and initial as the reference, and please email Nicky to let her know that you are making a BACS payment and for which event(s) or: by cheque to The Arts Society Wrekin and sent to Nicky Lipscombe at Sawmill Cottage, Badger, Shropshire WV6 7JP

tlipscombe@aol.com 

The links for Zoom will be sent to all members by MailChimp a day or two before each event as for the monthly lectures

Any surplus generated from this event will help to sponsor a music Masterclass for schoolchildren run by Shropshire Music Service

This ‘virtual tour’ gets up close and personal with the dynamic east London street art scene.  You’ll see art on the walls, the sides of buildings and sidewalks.

 On this walk we will see work by Banksy, quite possibly the most famous living street artist in the world, as well as street art by Ben Eine whose piece “Twenty First Century City” was presented in 2010 by Prime Minister David Cameron to Barrack Obama. We will also see work by Shepherd Fairey the most celebrated street artist working in the US today, known around the world for his Obey and Hope campaigns.  

 You will discover how the huge growth and popularity of Street Art is reflected in the astonishing transformation of Spitalfields and Shoreditch from a once seedy and deprived area into one of the most vibrant, most fashionable, most happening neighbourhoods in London.

 Suggested donation – Minimum £6 per observer

Payment

This event is in addition to the lecture programme which your membership fee covers so we hope you will be willing to pay a small amount as suggested to cover the lecturer’s fee.

This can be paid by BACS to: THE ARTS SOCIETY WREKIN – No 2 Account, sort code 20-97-90, A/C number 03857654 - don’t forget to put your surname and initial as the reference, and please email Nicky to let her know that you are making a BACS payment and for which event(s) or: by cheque to The Arts Society Wrekin and sent to Nicky Lipscombe at Sawmill Cottage, Badger, Shropshire WV6 7JP

The links for Zoom will be sent to all members by MailChimp a day or two before each event as for the monthly lectures

Any surplus generated from this event will help to sponsor a music Masterclass for schoolchildren run by Shropshire Music Service

This spectacular building was one of the most important buildings in the world. It was the forerunner of the skyscraper buildings in the US. The Friends of Flaxmill Maltings have worked together with Shropshire Council and English Heritage to secure funds from the Heritage Lottery Fund for the renovations which are now well under way. The talk will be about the general history of the site, covering the buildings themselves and why they are so important, the people involved and why the Mill is here in Shrewsbury, on to the site's use as a flax mill for 90 years and then a maltings for 90 years up to its closure in 1987.

The talk has been organised by The Arts Society Shrewsbury. TAS Wrekin will make a donation to the Friends of the Flaxmill on your behalf. It is hoped to arrange a private group visit for Wrekin Members in the future.

Join Blue Badge Guide, Katherine Alcock, on a cross-country ‘virtual tour’ exploring the most exceptional works of one of the country's most exceptional men; Sir Christopher Wren. Unconstrained by the physical limits of a normal tour, we'll dash from Oxford, to Cambridge, to London and back again, exploring some of his most ground-breaking pieces, and the genius behind them. We'll discuss the great man himself, but also the artists and innovators that he worked with as he left an indelible legacy, not just on the architecture of this nation, but on its imagination as well.

Katherine Alcock is an award-winning Premium Blue Badge Tourist Guide. She studied history at Cambridge University but turned her back on the world of academia to go and follow her theatrical dreams, and trained to be an actor at the Oxford School of Drama.  

Suggested donation – Minimum £6 per observer

Payment

This event is in addition to the lecture programme which your membership fee covers, so we hope you will be willing to pay a small amount as suggested to cover the lecturer’s fee.

This can be paid by BACS to: THE ARTS SOCIETY WREKIN – No 2 Account, sort code 20-97-90, A/C number 03857654 - don’t forget to put your surname and initial as the reference, and please email Nicky to let her know that you are making a BACS payment and for which event(s) or: by cheque to The Arts Society Wrekin and sent to Nicky Lipscombe at Sawmill Cottage, Badger, Shropshire WV6 7JP

The links for Zoom will be sent to all members by MailChimp a day or two before each event as for the monthly lectures

Any surplus generated from this event will help to sponsor a music Masterclass for schoolchildren run by Shropshire Music Service

If you enjoyed Pepe Martinez’s excellent virtual tour of the East End, why not join us for another visit with Pepe to London’s Theatreland? He is a very clear and entertaining presenter.

This virtual tour of Theatreland will take you from the modern National Theatre back to the 1660s and the place where women were first seen on the stage.  As well as seeing some of London’s most famous theatres, you will also hear some of their stories. 

The virtual tour will also introduce you to some of the most famous figures of the last 300 years, including an actress whose ashes were given to St Paul’s Church in a tea caddy, a performer who was so beautiful that women would swoon in his presence and an actress who went from selling oranges outside Drury Lane to becoming the mistress of King Charles II. 

Pepe is an award-winning London Blue Badge Tourist Guide.  He was born in the East End and has lived there all his life.

Non-members are very welcome to join this event.

Suggested donation – Minimum £5 per observer

Payment

This event is  in addition to the lecture programme which your membership fee covers so we hope you will be willing to pay a small amount as suggested to cover the lecturer’s fee.

This can be paid by BACS to:

THE ARTS SOCIETY WREKIN – No 2 Account, sort code 20-97-90, A/C number 03857654 - don’t forget to put your surname and initial as the reference, or:

by cheque to The Arts Society Wrekin and sent to Nicky Lipscombe at Sawmill Cottage, Badger, Shropshire WV6 7JP. You can pay for more than one event at a time if that is easier. Please email Nicky or Liz to let them know that you are making a BACS payment and for which event(s).

The links for Zoom will be sent to all members by MailChimp a day or two before each event as for the monthly lectures.

If these events are well supported (ie lecturer’s costs are covered) we will be pleased to arrange more in the new year up until the time we can safely meet again. If you have queries about any of these events please contact Nicky re: Pepe Martinez or Annie Gray, and Liz for Peter Medhurst’s Day of Special Interest.

Any surplus generated from these events will help to replenish our charity funds for Young Arts/Arts Volunteering/Heritage Volunteering following our donation to The Albrighton Trust and prizes for the Cosford Poster competition. Despite Lockdown and the aftermath there is still a lot going on in the Society.

Keep safe and well,

Best wishes

Nicky Lipscombe – 01746 783591 or tlipscombe@aol.com

Liz Allan – 01902 259501 or lizallan@talktalk.net

Wenlock Abbot’s House

Much Wenlock

A new date for this visit will be arranged when present restrictions end 

Tour and afternoon tea by kind permission of Mrs de Wet (Gabrielle Drake). The tour of the house, led by Vivien Bellamy, local historian, includes the 12th C Infirmary and the 15th C Prior’s Lodging. The architectural splendours are enhanced by the extraordinary interiors created by gifted artist, the late Louis de Wet with unique wood carvings by Ludlow woodcarver Andrew Pearson. This private visit includes the Chapel, Cabinet of Curiosities (Wunderkammer), Library and 1425 Great Hall with its magnificent timber roof and concludes with tea and cake.

Cost: £17 per person, non-members welcome £19

Early booking advised – numbers limited to 25

RESERVATIONS TAKEN NOW - CHEQUES WILL NOT BE CASHED UNTIL VISIT CONFIRMED

Access: There is a staircase and also some steps within the building – handrails are present.

Additional information re: where to meet will be sent by email in early June

Please send cheque payable to ‘The Arts Society Wrekin’ to Nicky Lipscombe, Sawmill Cottage, Badger, Shropshire WV6 7JP. Enquiries: tlipscombe@aol.com or Tel 01746 783591 

Any surplus from this event will go to Much Wenlock Parish Church

DUE TO THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC, THIS LECTURE IS CANCELLED. BE

IT WILL RE-ARRANGED AT A LATER DATE

As part of the Art Exhibition of members' work, a Talk and Tea event will take place in the Fusion Gallery at Jackfield, Ironbridge.

This will feature a talk given by David de Haan on

"Early Images of the Iron Bridge on Caughley and Coalport"

Proceeds will be donated to the Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust in lieu of fees.

Booking forms and further information will be available at the March meeting.

UNFORTUNATELY, DUE TO THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC, THIS VISIT IS CANCELLED

REFUNDS WILL BE ARRANGED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE

OLIVER TWIST at The REP - BIRMINGHAM

Wed 6th MAY 2020 - 7.30pm

Departing by Executive Coach from Cosford at 5.30pm
A new play by Bryony Lavery. Adapted from the novel by Charles Dickens
Born into poverty and misfortune, Oliver Twist escapes the workhouse for a life of adventure where he joins Artful Dodger, Fagin and their mischievous gang of pick pockets. But the enjoyment is short lived as he falls under the influence of the vicious Bill Sykes. This bold, brutal and beautiful new version of Oliver Twist sends you on a dark adventure through the twisted streets of London.

Ramps On The Moon is a consortium of seven major UK theatres, of which The REP is a key player, committed to putting Deaf and Disabled artists and audiences at the centre of their work.
Cost £34 TASW members, £36 non-members
£10pp deposit payable to reserve a place, balance due by 21st February 2020

DUE TO THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC, THIS VISIT IS CANCELLED

IT MAY BE POSSIBLE TO RE-ARRANGE IT IN THE AUTUMN

VICTORIA AND ALBERT: OUR LIVES IN WATERCOLOUR 
WOLVERHAMPTON ART GALLERY 
Queen Victoria and Prince Albert were enthusiastic patrons and practitioners of the art of watercolour painting. They built a collection of thousands of watercolours, many illustrating scenes of their public and private lives. They often spent happy evenings together organising their acquisitions into albums. This touring exhibition from the Royal Collection (including many works being displayed for the first time) marks the bicentenary of the births of both Victoria and Albert. These colourful watercolours capture the pomp and spectacle of the British Court, foreign travel, diplomacy, the exploration and shaping of a modern nation and the close-knit family at the heart of it all. 
 
A talk and tour of the exhibition with Oliver McCall – Art Gallery curator Time: 11.30-12.30 approx Cost: £4pp £5 for non-members. Coffee shop open from 10.30am - light lunches available Please send cheque payable to ‘The Arts Society Wrekin’ to Nicky Lipscombe, Sawmill Cottage, Badger, Shropshire WV6 7JP. Enquiries: tlipscombe@aol.com or Tel 01746 783591  

1 place remaining

DUE TO THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC, THIS EVENT IS CANCELLED.

IT IS HOPED TO RE-BOOK AT A LATER DATE

Guided Walk in Birmingham looking at Architecture       

with Jonathan Berg

(author of ‘Positively Birmingham’)

                      Monday 23rd March 2020 10.30 – 12.00                       

 Meet in Grand Central (above New St Station) - 2 hour private tour which will include the station, major squares and canals and a mix of architecture, understanding of toy making, industrial revolution and the work of Chamberlain. A look at the very modern city including detailed look at the new Centenary Square (pictured above 6 Feb 2020) and key design elements. The tour will finish at the New Library.

 Included: Use of live audio with earphones provided for those that do not bring their own. Copy of Discovering Birmingham guide book at end (RRP £5)

Please send cheque payable to ‘The Arts Society Wrekin’ to Nicky Lipscombe, Sawmill Cottage, Badger, Shropshire WV6 7JP. Enquiries: tlipscombe@aol.com or Tel 01746 783591 

March 23rd visit is now fully booked

4 places remaining for April 27th

Jasper Johns and Jazz

Date: Tuesday 11th February 2020

(please note change of date!) 

Time: 6.30pm - 9pm

Venue: The new Music school (opens Jan 2020), Wrekin College, Sutherland Avenue, Wellington

Talk: Jeremy Phillips – Head of Art

Jazz: Simon Platford MBE (Director of Music) and Wrekin College students

********

Refreshments: Wine and canapes

For a great many members of The Arts Society, the cartoonist Carl Giles was as much a part of the festive season as the Christmas tree, crackers and the Queen's Speech. So popular were the Giles annuals as Christmas presents that they helped to make him Britain's best loved, most successful and wealthiest cartoonist. The talk looks at Giles's life and work with a particular emphasis on his seasonal cartoons, particularly those featuring Grandma and the Giles family. They include some of his funniest cartoons but, as the art historian William Feaver pointed out, they also demonstrate that he had few equals when it came to representing Britain in Winter. 

 BarryVenning is an historian of British art with a particular interest in the work of JMW Turner, on whom he has published widely, including the volume on Turner in Phaidon's Art & Ideas series, and several catalogue essays for exhibitions in the UK, Germany, Italy and Poland. He was the BBC's script consultant on Turner's Fighting Temeraire and has recently taken part (2013) in a BBC documentary called The Genius of Turner: Painting the Industrial Revolution. He has also published a study of John Constable's paintings. His interests and his teaching extend from medieval architecture to contemporary British art. He is currently Associate Lecturer with the Open University and lecturing on a freelance basis for The Arts Society, Christie's Education and other organisations.

This event is now FULLY BOOKED with a waiting list in operation. If you have booked a place and find you are unable to go,please let Nicky know asap.

Tuesday 12th - Thursday 14th November

Longer Visit to Oxford

A visit to Oxford is planned to view “The Last Supper in Pompeii” exhibition at The Ashmolean Museum, following the September lecture given by Dr Paul Roberts who has curated the exhibition.                                                                                                         When Vesuvius erupted in AD79 the people of the town were going about their daily lives. Objects never before seen here in the UK will be on display including carbonised food on the table at the time of the eruption.

Our three day programme will also include visits to:

 Oxford University Press Museum to hear about the involvement

of the University in the production of the first Oxford Dictionary.

 60 minute tour of the Bodleian Libraries including the Divinity School ,

Duke Humfrey’s Library, Convocation House and Chancellor’s Court. This tour will involve a lot of stairs, there are no lifts available.

 Oxford Union Library Murals to view decorated panels painted by

William Morris, Dante Gabriel Rossetti and Edward Burne-Jones.

 The Ashmolean Museum: we will spend our third day at the Museum

to give as much time to see not only the Pompeii exhibition but other

areas of The Ashmolean.

 College visit – to be confirmed

 Independent arrangements for travel and accommodation

 Approximate cost £100-125

This visit is now fully booked

To reserve a place or for more information contact Suzy Keeley at suzykeeley22@gmail.com or 07533 147747

Tour and Tunes

Birmingham Town Hall

Due to demand, two visits have been arranged:

11th and 23rd September

10.00 -12 noon

Join us for an extended tour of Town Hall which will include an overview of the building, its history, performances and exclusive access to behind-the-scenes areas and an in-depth exploration of the organ. The organ scholar will be on hand to demonstrate how the organ works and play musical excerpts.

Cost £20pp (£22 non-members) – includes coffee on arrival

Maximum number 20 per group

10 places remain for September 11th

All places for 23rd September now taken

Independent travel arrangements to and from Birmingham

Availability of the organ scholar is to be confirmed

Please register interest now

A second date can be arranged if there is sufficient demand

Save the date

Thursday 5th September

Coach visit to Middleport Pottery

Middleport Pottery was built in 1888 by Burgess & Leigh Ltd. It is located at Middleport, Stoke-on-Trent, England. The buildings, which still house an active pottery, are protected for their historic interest. 

Middleport Pottery, the home of world-famous Burleigh, is an award-winning visitor destination. 

Learn all about Middleport Pottery and explore its new unique visitor experience. 

A factory tour shows how Burleigh is produced using traditional craftsmanship.

See pottery produced over the years and step into the iconic bottle kiln in the visitor centre.

The 'Totally Delicious' tearoom  overlooks the Trent and Mersey Canal.

Just 4 places remaining

Further details and booking forms will be available at the May meeting or to download from the website

Chatsworth is the home to the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire and has been passed down through 16 generations of the Cavendish family. It is renowned for the quality of its art, landscape and hospitality, and has evolved through the centuries to reflect the tastes passions and interests of succeeding generations. Today, Chatsworth contains works of art that span 4000 years, from ancient Rome and Egyptian sculptures to masterpieces by Rembrandt, Reynolds and Veronese and works by outstanding modern artists including Lucian Freud, Edmund de Waal and David Nash.

There are over 30 rooms to explore, from the magnificent Painted Hall, regal State Rooms, restored Sketch Galleries and beautiful Sculpture Gallery.

Special exhibition: The Dog - a celebration at Chatsworth. The exhibition explores the Cavendish families enduring love for dogs through paintings, drawings, sculpture, letters, photographs and contemporary art throughout the house.

·         8.30 depart Cosford

·         10.30 arrival – refreshments from café available to purchase

·         11.00 Two hour house tour – pre-book, additional cost (max 15 per group)

or self-guided visit - free audio guide included

·         11.30/13.30 - I hour taster tour (book and pay on arrival if places available)

·         Lunch – own arrangements (café or picnic)

·         Afternoon free to explore garden & grounds (I hr guided garden tour may be available)

·         15.30 depart Chatsworth, anticipated return time 17.30

Basic cost includes executive coach transport and group admission. Refreshments available to purchase in café. Additional cost for guided tours as below. The 2 hour guided tour gives more extensive access to the house. The 1 hour ‘Taster’ tour can be booked on the day.

Please make cheques payable to: The Arts Society Wrekin and send to:  Nicky Lipscombe Sawmill Cottage, Badger, Shropshire. WV6 7JP Enquiries: tlipscombe@aol.com or tel 01746 783591 

Booking forms available to download or at the April meeting.

2.30pm

St Mary Magdalene Church, Albrighton

Claudia Grinnell BA, ARCO

Assistant Organist - Winchester Cathedral

(Previously sponsored as St Peter’s, Wolverhampton

Organ Scholar by Wrekin DFAS)

Provisional programme to include music by

 Alain, Elgar and Mendelssohn

Tea and homemade cakes will be served in the Church Centre at 3.30pm approx

Event surplus to St Mary’s Education Resource Area

Tickets will not be issued, cashing of your cheque

will be proof of payment

Cheques payable to:  The Arts Society Wrekin. Please send with completed booking form to:

  Nicky Lipscombe - Sawmill Cottage, Badger, Shropshire. WV6 7JP   Enquiries Tel 01746 783591

Booking forms are available to download or at the April meeting

At Biddulph Grange we will visit the grade 1 listed Victorian garden, which has rare and unusual plants from aroound the world. The diverse architectural features include an Italian terrace, an Egyptian pyramid, a Cheshire cottage, a Himalayan glen  and the famous Chinese water garden.

The itinerary includes a guided tour of Biddulph Old Hall, built in 1558, which was a Royalist stronghold during the English Civil War and came under siege by Cromwell's army.

It was home to Robert Bateman, the Pre-Raphaelite artist.

Note: there are 0ver 400 steps in the garden!

Booking forms are available to download or at the April meeting.

This visit is now fully booked, but anyone wishing to go may like to add their name to the waiting list.

Forms 

Join us for a

SCAGLIOLA DEMONSTRATION by Thomas Kennedy

at  ACTON ROUND near Bridgnorth

on Thursday 9th May

Meet at 10-10.30am (time to be confirmed)

Cost £27 TASW members, £30 non members:

This includes the demonstration, visit to the gardens and Acton Round Church (monument by Thomas Farnolls Pritchard) and a 2 course lunch in the house.

Scagliola - skalˈjəʊlə: is imitation marble or other stone, made of plaster mixed with glue and dyes which is then painted or polished. It is a 17th century technique which is now only used by a few artisans. Patterns can be cut out using a dental drill to facilitate inlay. It is also used for columns in country houses. See how Thomas uses Scagliola for contemporary furniture. 

Contact Suzy Keeley to reserve a place 07533 147747

email - suzykeeley22@gmail.com

Maximum 30 – 2 places remain

  Nigel Daly

will be giving an evening talk entitled 

 'The Life and Loves of Robert Bateman'

at Tong Parish Hall 

Bateman was one of the lesser known Pre-Raphaelite artists who lived for some time at Benthall Hall.

A few places remain

 10.30-12.30

A walking tour of Birmingham’s architectural and hidden sculpture and works of art 

led by Dr Sally Hoban

 This guided walk takes place in Birmingham City Centre and traces the history of late 19th and 20th century art, design and mosaic work through sculpture and works of art that are hidden from public view, or that decorate some of the city’s landmark and commercial buildings and often go unnoticed. 

 During the walk, participants will learn about the work of artists including William Bloye (right, 'The Three Wise Men'), Richard Lockwood Boulton & Sons, The Bromsgrove Guild of Handicrafts, Gibbs and Canning, Benjamin Creswick and the Brutalist sculptor William Mitchell. 

The walk begins in the city’s Victoria Square and finishes on Broad Street but please note that the exact route taken on the walk on the day may vary due to the current redevelopment works taking place in the City Centre.

Independent arrangements for travel and lunch.

Meet 10.25am in Victoria Square – meeting point to be advised by email

This visit is now fully booked but, due to demand, a second visit has been arranged (same time theme etc) on Tuesday 30th April. 

Both visits are now fully booked

Read a member's review of this visit on the News page

Join us for a guided tour of this Hindu Temple in the heart of the West Midlands. Opened in 2000, it is built on a large site acquired from the Black Country Development Corporation. It is based on Thirupathi Venkateswara Temple in Andhra Pradesh, South India, the most visited Hindu Temple in the world. There are incredible granite sculptures above the various shrines and the main temple – the stone carving was all undertaken in Mamallapuram by specialist craftsmen. Our guide will be Ram Aithal – he has played a leading role in the development of the site and designed the recently opened Peace centre in memory of Mahatma Gandhi. We will meet in the Community Hall at the Temple, Dudley Road East, Tividale B69 3DU at 10.15am for coffee and a short introduction on the history of the site and Hindu philosophy before visiting the Gatehouse, Shrines and the Temple with its beautiful mahogany carvings. The Peace centre with information boards about Gandhi’s life and death will be available to visit in the afternoon if you have time. It includes images by Henri Cartier-Bresson who was with Gandhi the day before he was assassinated. Please note as this is a place of worship you will be asked to remove your shoes to go inside the Temple and Shrines (socks are allowed). There is ample free parking on site. Independent Travel.

Cost £10pp.

The Society will make a donation to support weekend Music and Performing Arts tuition for young people at Balaji by volunteers. A vegetarian curry lunch is available for our group on request. 

Places still available

Read a member's review of this visit on the News page

Following on from our very successful Day of Special Interest - The Art and Architecture of Liverpool, we are planning a 2 night / 3 day visit to Liverpool - 20-22 March 2019. 

The train to Liverpool from Wolverhampton takes around 1hr 20m – individuals will need to make their own travel arrangements to Liverpool and onward to their accommodation. 

Rooms have been reserved at the Crowne Plaza Hotel City Centre, Pier Head Liverpool L3 1QW for the nights of the 20 and 21 March. You will need to book by contacting the hotel directly Tel: 0151 243 8083/4 and mentioning that you are one of The Arts Society Wrekin Members to obtain the special rates of £110 per night for single occupancy, or £125 per night for double or twin occupancy including breakfast (now cheaper than Booking.com). There are alternative hotels in the area if you wish to make other arrangements. You will need to board the coach at the Crowne Plaza Hotel on days 2 & 3. Car parking (for Crowne Plaza guests) is available at £14 per day.

Adrian Sumner, lecturer for the DoSI, will be our guide. The provisional programme is:

 Wednesday 20 March 2pm: 

Meet at the Crowne Plaza, for a tour of the Museum of Liverpool and Tate Liverpool nearby.

5pm: Optional visit to George’s Dock Ventilation Shaft and Mersey Tunnel - spectacular Art Deco building with amazing engineering below ground. This visit involves a lot of climbing up and down stairs, so will not be suitable for those with walking, breathing or sight difficulties. We need a minimum of 15 to arrange this evening visit.

Thursday 21 March 9.30 am: 

  Depart by coach for One Place, Crosby to see Anthony Gormley statues, then on to Port Sunlight to visit the Village and Lady Lever Art Gallery - morning tea coffee and light lunch included.        

7pm:  Dinner at Crowne Plaza together with Adrian for all participants.

 Friday 22 March 9.30am:

coach to take us and luggage from Crowne Plaza to Walker Art Gallery.  Afternoon walking/coach tour around the centre of Liverpool looking at the architecture, including the two Cathedrals and other places of interest. 

Coach to drop off at Lime Street station if required for 4pm.  End of planned programme.

Members are responsible for their own travel / cancellation insurance.

 Places are limited to 25, so please register interest early if you wish to go.

Brampton Bryan Hall, Brampton Bryan

Nr Leintwardine

Herefordshire  SY7 0DH

 Self-drive 

Joint visit with The Arts Society Shrewsbury

‘Talk, Tour and Tea’

£17pp (£20 non-members)

27 places available

 A rare opportunity to visit this Hall built in the 1660’s, remodelled in 1740; home of the Harley family. The estate has been in the same family for over 900 years. During the Civil War the castle was defended by Lady Brilliana Harley; her letters survive and give an extraordinarily vivid picture of a castle under siege. 

Morning church visit optional (TASW on a coach)

All proceeds to Brampton Bryan church.

This event is fully booked, with a waiting list in operation

Private guided group tour

15-20 people

Self drive – tour at 11am

Independent arrangements for lunch

Visit the newly interpreted ‘Folk Art’ Collection

6 places remaining 

Contact Nicky Lipscombe if interested

Venue: The Red House, Albrighton WV7 3LU

Time: 2.30pm

Includes 'festive' afternoon tea

The celebration of the period following Christmas can be traced back several millennia, and to at least two cultures – neither of them Christian. One of them is the southern Roman feast of Kalends on the 1st January, and the other, the northern Nordic festivals of Yuletide surrounding the celebrations of the Winter solstice. However, it was Pope Julius I who decided to subvert the gluttony, drunkenness and sun worship to Christian purpose, and by choosing the 25th December to celebrate the birth of Christ, he neatly bridged these cultures and paved the way for future Christmas festivities. And so it is that many of our modern Christmas customs and carols bear references to traditions that have nothing to do with the birth of Christ. Nonetheless, each year, Christ’s birthday on 25th December signifies the beginning of twelve festive days of celebrations and music making. In this lecture-recital Peter Medhurst explores the wealth of Christmas music, traditions and curious legends that are connected with them. Music performed includes: Deck the Halls with Boughs of Holly, The Coventry Carol, The Twelve Days of Christmas, The Wassail Song, The Three Kings – Cornelius. 

Peter Medhurst appears in the UK and abroad as a musician and scholar, giving recitals and delivering illustrated lectures on music and the arts. He studied singing and early keyboard instruments at the Royal College of Music and at the Mozarteum in Salzburg.

THIS EVENT IS NOW FULLY BOOKED. tHERE IS A SHORT WAITING LIST

Born in 1833, Burne-Jones rejected the industrial world of the Victorians, looking instead for inspiration from medieval art, religion, myths and legends. He created spectacular works depicting Arthurian knights, classical heroes and Biblical angels – working across painting, stained glass, embroidery, jewellery and more. With his friend William Morris he was a pioneer of the Arts and Crafts movement, which aimed to bring beautiful design to everyone.

This exhibition – his first solo show at Tate since 1933 - charts Burne-Jones’s rise from an outsider with little formal art training to one of the most influential British artists of the late 19th century. With over 150 objects, it will bring together major works from across his career for the first time in generations. Highlights include some of his best loved works, such as his huge paintings telling the dreamlike fairy tale of Sleeping Beauty, wall-filling tapestries and his remarkable drawings.

Tickets are reserved for our group - the cost of this visit is £42.00 per TASW member to include:

·         morning refreshments on arrival at Tate Britain,

·         a private one-hour introductory lecture,

·         an inclusive buffet lunch

·         timed-entry tickets to the exhibition.

Reduced rates for Tate Members - £26.60 or Art Fund Members - £35.60 will apply.  You will need to produce your valid membership card on the day, otherwise you will be charged the full price. Non-members are welcome - £45 per person

Please note travel arrangements are not included. The 9.45am (off peak) train from Wolverhampton to Euston arrives at 11.34.  The Tate is near Pimlico station on the Victoria line. Cheaper train tickets are usually available 12 weeks before the date of travel ie from 3rd September.

Cheques payable to:  The Arts Society Wrekin. Please send with completed booking form to:    Nicky Lipscombe - Sawmill Cottage, Badger, Shropshire. WV6 7JP (enquiries 01746 783591)  

Please email tlipscombe@aol.com to reserve a place. Early booking is advised.

Millichope Park, near Munslow, is a Greek Revival House built by Shropshire architect Edward Haycock in the mid C19.  It has recently had a lot of restoration work undertaken by Frank and Antony Bury. Those of you who joined the visit to Acton Round for the Scagliola demonstration, will be interested to see some of Tom and Louisa Kennedy’s craftsmanship at Millichope. 

Tea and coffee will be served on arrival, followed by a morning tour of the house. Visitors will then have an opportunity to explore the 25 acre landscaped garden, with an optional visit to Wildegoose Nursery  in the adjacent Millichope walled garden.  It is well known for its award-winning violas. There are rare curvilinear greenhouses which have been restored. The garden has been beautifully laid out over the last few years.

Cost £20pp TAS Wrekin members £22 non-members

OPTIONAL – additional cost

Lunch at Wildegoose Nursery in Millichope walled garden – homemade soup or sandwiches, delicious home-made cake and a hot drink. Cost £12pp - also includes an introductory talk on the history of the garden. You can decide on the day whether to visit the garden depending on the weather. Please note there is a short walk from the nursery carpark to the tearoom

THERE IS A SHORT WAITING LIST FOR THIS VISIT

There are over 300 memorials in an expansive 150 acre site with around 30,000 trees. Many of the memorials have military links - tributes to the emergency services, charity
and civilian organisations also feature. New memorials are dedicated each year, which are recorded by The Arts Society Needwood.
The temporary exhibition 'Fashion and Freedom' includes designs by Vivienne Westwood, Holly Fulton, Emilia Wickstead and Sadie Williams.
Proposed itinerary
• 09.00 Coach departs from Cosford
• 10.15 Arrive at Arboretum – time for tea / coffee and biscuits
• 10.50 Millennium Chapel for Daily Act of Remembrance which includes a short service, 2 minute silence and introductory talk about the history and grounds
• 11.30 Land train tour of site (50 mins) with pre-recorded commentary (highly recommended) cost £5pp: lovely views across the landscape and an introduction to some of the memorials.
• Own arrangements for lunch – large restaurant in the new Remembrance Centre, also The Coffee Shop with tasty snacks and ‘barista-crafted’ coffees.
• Optional guided walk (45 mins) - cost £3pp at 11.30am or 2.30pm
• Time to visit the Landscapes of Life and temporary Fashion & Freedom exhibitions
• Basic cost includes executive coach transport, refreshments on arrival and entrance to the Exhibitions with Audio Guide.  
• 15.30 coach departs for Cosford
BASIC COST - £21 THE ARTS SOCIETY WREKIN MEMBERS, £24 NON-MEMBERS
Please make cheques payable to: The Arts Society Wrekin and send to: Nicky Lipscombe
Sawmill Cottage, Badger, Shropshire. WV6 7JP Enquiries: tlipscombe@aol.com or tel 01746 783591

 

Learn about Tudor and Stuart Medicine with Mistress Pat – she will cure you, whatever it takes! She will reveal the perils of 16th and 17th century medicine and surgery including excellent recipes for many ailments. All at a reasonable price, appointments available on the day (you may not want to after hearing the talk!)

Moseley Old Hall’s story is one of the most exciting and romantic in English history. The house is famous for sheltering the young King Charles II after his disastrous defeat at the Battle of Worcester in 1651.  The Elizabethan house, once home to the Whitgreave family, retains a timeless atmosphere in which visitors can lose themselves in history.  The garden is a loyal reconstruction of a 17th century garden and includes an impressive Knot Garden, Nut Walk and arbour.

Cost includes:

·         Guided tour of the house 11.00 and 11.15am (2 groups)

·         Talk and ‘cure’ with Mistress Pat

 Tea / coffee available to purchase in the tea room available from 10am

Lunch available in the Tea room (soup, sandwiches, cheese scones, cakes etc)

Cost £4 NT and TAS Wrekin members, £5  NT but non-members TAS Wrekin

Please add £7.65 to above for National Trust non-members (group rate)

Max 30 – early booking advised

Following on from the Day of Special Interest in March, 'The Country House in the 20th Century', a coach visit has been arranged to Rodmarton House, near Cirencester.

This visit is now fully booked

To go on the waiting list, please contact Nicky Lipscombe  01746 783591
email - tlipscombe@aol.com

Join us for a
SCAGLIOLA DEMONSTRATION
by Thomas Kennedy
at ACTON ROUND near Bridgnorth
on Wednesday 23rd May
Meet at 10-10.30am (time to be confirmed)
Cost £25: includes the demonstration, visit to the gardens and
Acton Round Church (monument by Thomas Farnolls Pritchard)
and a 2 course lunch in the house
Scagliola - skalˈjəʊlə: is imitation marble or other stone,
made of plaster mixed with glue and dyes which is then
painted or polished. It is a 17th century technique which
is now only used by a few artisans. Patterns can be cut
out using a dental drill to facilitate inlay. It is also used
for columns in country houses. See how Thomas uses
Scagliola for contemporary furniture.
Contact Nicky Lipscombe to reserve a place 01746 783591
email - tlipscombe@aol.com
ONLY 1 PLACE REMAINING
 

Using great storytelling, beautiful design and 21st century technology, the centre tells the fascinating and moving story of the King’s life and death, and reveals one of the greatest archaeological detective stories ever told.
Proposed itinerary
8.30 Pick up by coach from Cosford (nr railway station)
10.30 Arrival: coach drop off at Southgate – less than 5 minutes’ flat walk to the museum
10.35 Coffee / tea and biscuits in the King’s Suite
10.45 approx 30 min talk – ‘The King Under The Car Park’
11.30 Self-guided tour of the museum (allow 90 mins) and temporary exhibition
13.00 LUNCH – own arrangements – café within museum and many others nearby
Free time to discover more of King Richard III’s story and Medieval Leicester
• Leicester Cathedral – King Richard’s final resting place - optional guided tour at 14.15
Richard III focussed tour (Tomb, Pall, Book of Hours) 30mins £3pp or Full tour - 1 hr duration £5pp
• Richard III Walking Trail - Self-guided with leaflet - takes about 1 hour
• The Guildhall – dates back to Medieval times (1390)
• King Richard III bronze statue, commissioned in 1980, now in the Cathedral Gardens
• Bow Bridge (1861) replaces the Medieval bridge over which Richard rode to Bosworth
• The Magazine Gateway (c1410) gunpowder store in the English Civil War
15.30 Coach departs for Cosford (ETA 17.30 – 18.00)
Cost – TAS Wrekin Member £24.00, Non-member £27.00
 

Venue: Glass Classroom, Coalbrookdale TF8 7DQ

 At 2.30pm

Step inside the Great Exhibition of 1851 ……..

(and meet the Chief Executive of The Arts Society)

A ‘guided tour’ of the Exhibition will be given by David de Haan, retired Senior Curator and Director of Learning at Ironbridge Gorge Museum.

Tea and cakes to follow and a visit to the newly interpreted Museum of Iron 

This talk follows a 10km ‘morning run’ around the World Heritage site of the historic Ironbridge Gorge by the CEO, Florian Schweizer to publicise the Society’s support for Young Arts and other charitable activities.

Booking forms are available to download in 'Documents' or from Nicky Lipscombe:

tlipscombe@aol.com  

This event is now fully booked

Enjoy a seasonal talk by one of our favourite lecturers, Andrew Davies.

Ever since Rowland Hill introduced the penny post in 1840, the card has been a vital form of communication in England. Popular, exuberant, lovely and sometimes a little rude too - cards provide a colourful social history of the last 150 years.We will explore who designed, sent and received them as well as touching upon their twentieth-century successor the poster.

Andrew is Extra-Mural Tutor for London, Essex and The Open University. He is the author of 9 books, including The East End Nobody Knows and is a frequent contributor to radio and television. He has lectured all over the world and organises walks to complement his lectures. 

Any surplus from this event will be donated to St Mary's Church in Albrighton for their stained glass restoration appeal.

THIS EVENT IS NOW FULL. PLEASE CONTACT NICKY LIPSCOMBE IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO GO ON THE WAITING LIST

Birmingham Royal Ballet Rehearsal

THE NUTCRACKER

 22nd November 2017

7.15

Travel by Coach from Cosford

Departure time 5.30 prompt

The rehearsal runs from 7.00 - 10.00pm

Contact Nicky Lipscombe:

Sawmill Cottage, Badger, Shropshire. WV6 7JP  (Tel 07796 525122) 

THIS VISIT IS NOW FULL. THERE IS A SHORT WAITING LIST 

 10.30 am

There will be a short talk and then a visit to the De Morgan collection exhibition which opened in May this year. It includes a number of iconic works by both William and Evelyn, some of which have been little seen before.

Please contact Helen Franklin (henfranklin@me.com)

Friday 6th October 2017

6pm-8.30pm

Centenary Theatre, Sutherland Avenue, Wrekin College, Wellington TF1 3BH 

(Parking in Sutherland Avenue or Sutherland Road)

•A talk on Art in Schools by Jeremy Phillips [Head of Art]

•A viewing of students’ art work, with critical commentary

•Canapés and drinks in the new Business School with musical entertainment courtesy of Simon Platford MBE [Director of Music]

The cost is £15 per person. 

Booking forms available online or from 

henfranklin@me.com  Mobile - 07754 736306

Visit the ‘Cathedral of the Marches’ with its rich history, fine medieval stained glass, misericords, monuments, textiles and silver

St Laurence’s Church & Ludlow

Provisional programme to include: - Guided tours of the church in small groups - general tour (40 mins) plus one of the following a) stained glass b) woodwork c) monuments d) heraldry (30 mins) – please indicate first and second preference on booking form 

1764 Snetzler Organ; Demonstration and short talk by Shaun Ward, Director of Music.                                                                                      

9.00 coach departs from Cosford with additional pick up in Bridgnorth Low Town – time tbc.                                               

  14.00 Optional guided walking tour of Ludlow with ‘Thomas Farnolls Pritchard’ - Georgian architect and Inventor of cast iron bridges (approx. half a mile walk within medieval town - 90 mins).

The cost of the walking tour is £4 per person – maximum 15

Free time to visit Church tower, Castle, Museum, Art Galleries, shops, cafes etc

 16.15 Depart (return to Cosford approx. 17.15)

Cost also includes coffee and biscuits on arrival and a 2-course lunch in the church

Visit surplus to be given to St Laurence’s PCC

Booking forms available online or from Nicky Lipscombe: Sawmill Cottage, Badger, Shropshire. WV6 7JP  (Tel 01746 783591)   

 Albrighton Moat

2.30 pm - 5.00pm

Join us for an entertaining talk on the ‘History of Potting’ with John and Annette Christophers of Albrighton Pottery followed by tea or coffee and homemade cake.
We will meet in the recently extended Resource centre. There will be time to enjoy the beautiful gardens around the historic moat (13th century), which is well stocked with Carp, Roach and Rudd and to see the fine angling facilities with wheelchair accessible platforms.
Wrekin DFAS has supported summer art courses (painting and photography) for the last 2 years. The proceeds from this event will be donated to support a textile project this autumn. The cultural and creativity projects are often inspired by nature and the outdoor environment of the Albrighton Moat and Gardens.
The Albrighton Trust is a registered charity that exists to provide inclusive social, learning and recreational opportunities for people with disabilities; this includes those with significant sensory, physical impairments or learning difficulties and those with complex and challenging behavioural needs. Activities provided also include gardening and woodcraft.
Max 40 – early booking advised.
Cheques payable to:  Wrekin DFAS Please send with completed booking form to: Nicky Lipscombe - Sawmill Cottage, Badger, Shropshire. WV6 7JP   tlipscombe@aol.com  Tel: 01746 783591       
No acknowledgement will be sent, clearance of your cheque will confirm the booking. Albrighton Moat is well signed from the A41 Albrighton by-pass. Address: Blue House Lane, Albrighton WV7 3FL. Please contact Nicky Lipscombe if more information is needed. Parking is available on site or in a field opposite.

Join us to visit the Barber Institute, one of the UK’s most prestigious small European Art Collections housed in a fine Art Deco Building.  The Winterbourne House and Garden are nearby - seven acres of stunning botanical garden, created by the Nettlefolds, inspired and guided by Gertrude Jekyll’s books & the beautifully restored Edwardian Arts and Crafts suburban villa.

·         8.30am Depart by Hills coach from Cosford (free car parking near railway station)

·         10am approx - arrive Barber Institute for tea/coffee and biscuits

·         10.30am - meet the guides for one hour tour - ‘Introduction to the collections’

·         11.30am - free time to explore the galleries including Masters curation students’ show of ‘Cartes de Visites’ in Lady Barber (on loan from National Portrait Gallery); Monet’s Waterlily Pond (one of!); Coin Gallery – Excavating Empire: Gold, silver and bronze in Byzantium; Print Bay Displays.

·         12.50 Assemble at Winterbourne House – a short walk away (5 mins – 350yds)**

·         13.00 Buffet lunch in reserved area – includes tea/coffee

·         14.00 Optional guided tour of the Botanic garden{ approx 1hr 15mins. Add £4pp

·         Free time to explore the house (guided groups not available due to room size)

·         16.15 Depart for Cosford

**The coach will be available to transport anyone that prefers not to walk or if weather is inclement.

Cost: Members £33, non-members £36 (coffee on arrival, Barber tour, Winterbourne entry, lunch and hot drink)  

Please send cheques payable to Wrekin DFAS to Nicky Lipscombe - Sawmill Cottage, Badger, Shropshire WV6 7JP          Enquiries: tlipscombe@aol.com or 01746 783591

Join us for a visit to the award-winning gardens at Hodnet Hall, home of Sir Algernon Heber-Percy, Lord Lieutenant of Shropshire. May is the best time to see the Azaleas and Rhododendrons in bloom. More information see - www.hodnethallgardens.org

A short distance away we will visit Combermere Abbey, home of the Callander-Beckett family since 1919. The abbey was threatened with demolition in the 1970s but has now undergone a £2million restoration and last year won the 2016 Restoration Award presented by Historic Houses Association and sponsored by Sotheby’s. Featured in Shropshire Magazine, June 2016. www.combermereabbey.co.uk/abbey-gardens/the-abbey

·         9.30 – depart by coach from Cosford (free car park near railway station)

·         10.15 – Hodnet Hall Gardens – tea, coffee etc available to purchase in tea rooms (provided by The Severn Hospice)

·         Welcome talk, self-guided tour of gardens

·         Lunch not provided – suggest picnic. (Tables in garden or use tea room if weather inclement)

·         13.30 – depart for Combermere

·         2pm Private guided tour of Combermere Abbey (stairs to first floor)

·         Includes Tea/coffee and homemade cake ( ‘gluten-free’ not available)

·         Max 30 people for Abbey tour – early booking advised

·         16.30 approx – depart for Cosford (45 mins)

Cost WDFAS members £32; non-members £35

Priority booking for members until 23 March 2017

Booking forms can be downloaded from the website. Go to 'Documents' on the 'About Us' page

2 places are now available

Join WDFAS for Coffee, a Talk by the vicar, Rev Garry Ward and a short Organ Recital by Mr Pat Gannon. See the architecture, amazing Medieval Art, memorials and stained glass in this stunning Norman church.

·         Independent travel to and from Birmingham

·         10.30am Meet outside the Council House in Victoria Square

·         2 hour walk to include – Birmingham School of Art, Lethaby’s Eagle Star Insurance Building, BMAG and St Phillip’s Cathedral then the shops and sites of the Quarter

·         Finishes at Key Hill Cemetery in the Jewellery Quarter via an almost secret route!

·         Own arrangements for lunch

·         2pm Optional 45 min tour of Jewellery Quarter Museum (JQM)  

see www.birminghammuseums.org.uk/jewellery for more information

·         Max 20 people for walk, 15 for JQM tour – early booking advised

Cost £12, add £7 for JQ Museum ( 60+ £5)

Includes free chance to win a copy of the recently published book (cost - £15) ‘Birmingham: The Workshop of the World’. Sally Hoban has written a chapter.

Booking forms are available to download in 'Documents' on the 'About Us' page.

THIS VISIT IS NOW FULLY BOOKED.

A WAITING LIST IS IN OPERATION

Louise Schofield, NADFAS lecturer, archaeologist and former Curator at the British Museum, will give a lecture describing how archaeologists raced to rescue fabulous treasures from a newly discovered Roman city in Turkey which was being flooded at the rate of two feet each day by the nearby Birecik Dam.

Tea and Home-made cakes to follow.

THIS EVENT IS NOW FULL

Organ scholar Claudia Grinnell, (previously sponsored by Wrekin DFAS as part of our Young Arts programme) and currently senior organ scholar at Peterhouse, Cambridge will give a piano and organ recital at St Mary's Church Bridgnorth.

Claudia has just graduated with a 1st class Honours Music degree and takes up the organ scholarship at Salisbury Cathedral in September 2016.

David Oxtoby will give a short talk about the original Thomas Telford church, and the event will conclude with afternoon tea.

An introduction to RAF Cosford with a behind-the-scenes look at the conservation centre and a tour of the Cold War Hangar, followed by a cream tea. New members are particularly welcome.

Cost: £12 + £5 for optional cream tea

An award-winning art gallery housed in a Grade 1 listed mansion, set in 120 acres of ‘Capability’ Brown parkland in Warwickshire

Full day visit by coach to include exclusive guided tour of:-

• A. New exhibition – ‘Britain in the Fifties: Design and Aspiration’ or

• B. Collection Highlights – six diverse permanent art collections from around the world - ( Naples, Northern European, British portrait collections, Chinese bronzes and pottery, British Folk Art and Marx-Lambert collection ) plus optional afternoon tour of

• C. Capability Brown landscape, ice house, wildflower meadow and unique recently restored Capability Brown chapel - £3 extra

8.30 Coach departs COSFORD car park – NOTE: NOT ASTON STREET, SHIFNAL 10.15-10.30 Arrival - coffee and biscuits and an introductory talk, when you will discover how Compton Verney went from stately home to derelict estate and was then rescued and transformed into the gallery you see today 11.00 Guided tour – choose A or B above 12-2.00 Lunch (own arrangements), free time to explore, shop (group discount) and visit the other exhibitions, chapel and landscape 2.00 Optional guided tour C of restored CB chapel and landscape 3.30 Coach departs Reply to: Nicky Lipscombe, Sawmill Cottage, Badger, Shropshire WV6 7JP Email: tlipscombe@aol.com. Tel 01746 783591

In 2016, we celebrate the tercentenary of Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown, Britain’s greatest landscape gardener. Join us for a special interest day at Weston Park. Weston Park is exceptional in possessing not one but two pleasure grounds. They are remarkable survivals and have recently benefited along with the wider parkland landscape, from conservation works carried out by Weston’s independent charity owners, the Weston Park Foundation. Capability Brown worked at Weston Park for Sir Henry Bridgeman, 5th Bt. and later 1st Baron Bradford in 1765-6. Both of his contracts and his enormous map survive and we will have the opportunity of seeing a new replica of this map (The original is kept at Staffordshire Archives for conservation reasons). In the morning we will have a lecture by Gareth Williams, Curator & Head of Learning to the Weston Park Foundation. ‘Capability in Context’, will consider the significance of Capability Brown and examine the patron, Sir Henry Bridgeman, in context with his peers and other patronage made at the time. This includes the Bridgeman families’ industrial links with Ironbridge and Bolton, together with their consumption of products made by Wedgwood, Matthew Boulton and the Gobelins tapestry manufactory. In the afternoon we will see the landscape in the company of Martin Gee, Weston Park’s current Head Gardener. His family first came to Weston in the generation after Brown in 1803. As we progress up the Shrewsbury Walk, we will see an archaeological dig at Pendrill’s Cave being conducted by Shane Kelleher, Museum Archaeologist of the Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust. Pendrill’s Cave is a grotto dating from the time of Brown’s work and the archaeological works – being conducted not only in CB300 year but in ‘Festival of Archaeology week‘ – will inform future conservation works for the Weston Park Foundation. The House will also be open to visitors. Venue: Weston Park, Weston-under-Lizard, Shifnal TF11 8LE Own transport Cost: £20, includes admission, coffee and biscuits on arrival (from 10am) in the Granary Gallery with CB themed exhibition by Andrew Naylor and lecture. Optional guided afternoon walk add £5 Lunch: Own arrangements Granary Grill tel 01952 852107 early pre-booking advised Refreshments also available from Deli Cafe or Coffee Bar or own picnic Application forms can be downloaded from the website: www.wrekindfas.org.uk Please apply by 24th June 2016. After this date there will be no refunds unless there is a waiting list. If you have to cancel, please advise by email as soon as possible. Reply to: Nicky Lipscombe, Sawmill Cottage, Badger, Shropshire WV6 7JP Email: tlipscombe@aol.com. Tel 01746 783591 No tickets will be issued for this event; clearing of your cheque is proof of booking. The surplus will be divided between Weston Park Foundation and Ironbridge Gorge Museum

Shakespeare Triple Bill (2 - 5pm) Join us for a stage rehearsal and see how the entire Birmingham Royal Ballet company perfect the performance on stage ready for the opening night. A stage rehearsal is not a performance but a unique and privileged opportunity to see the creative process in action. While you will usually see the full length of the production, some dancers may not be in costume, and there may be piano accompaniment rather than an orchestra. There may be mistakes, changes, stoppages, marking or repetition as the dancers, choreographers, musicians and technical staff perfect the ballet for opening night. COST £21 WREKIN DFAS MEMBERS, £23 NON MEMBERS, includes transport Please make cheques payable to: Wrekin DFAS and send to: Nicky Lipscombe - Sawmill Cottage, Badger, Shropshire. WV6 7JP Enquiries: tlipscombe@aol.com or telephone 01746 783591 Wrekin DFAS members will be given priority until 26 March 2016 COACH TRANSPORT FROM ASTON ST CAR PARK, SHIFNAL WILL LEAVE 11.30am PROMPT The surplus from this event will be donated to Birmingham Royal Ballet Director’s appeal. Only 2 places remain on the coach. Independent travel is possible, meeting WDFAS group at the Hippodrome.

Guided afternoon Tour of The Houses of Parliament with Blue badge Guide. Optional: Tea in the Pavilion overlooking the Thames. Optional: Morning tour of Westminster Abbey PLEASE NOTE: There are two places remaining for the Houses of Parliament tour with Pavilion tea. There are several places left for HoP 'tour only' at 2.20pm. The Westminster Abbey tour is FULL, but, again, names can be placed on a waiting list.

Richard Bifield, trustee of the Shropshire Historic Churches Trust will give an illustrated talk on the history and diversity of Shropshire's beautiful Parish Churches, many over 700 years old, with emphasis on their architecture, art, carvings, sculpture and stained glass. Tong, Claverley, Worfield, Shifnal and St Mary’s, Bridgnorth all feature in the talk ****************** St Peter’s in Worfield village is an imposing 12th Century church with ornate memorials, the Bromley family tombs and colourful stained glass. It has possibly the finest spire in Shropshire. The Church recorders will shortly start to record the church’s fixtures and fittings. If you might be interested in joining this new project or finding out more about church recording have a chat with Julia Pursehouse and her team over tea. £7.50pp - to include light refreshments - no tickets will be issued for this event. THIS EVENT IS NOW FULL.

Wednesday December 2nd 2.45 - 5.30pm at The Red House, Albrighton WV7 3LU House and Hound: Dogs in the English Country House Gareth Williams, Curator & Head of Learning to the Weston Park Foundation From gaunt greyhounds shown in early English tapestries to pampered pooches whose beds have the same Colefax & Fowler chintz as their mistress' sofas, dogs in country houses command a place in history themselves. Depictions of hunting dogs and family pets are everywhere in English country house collections including sculptures, textiles, tapestries, plasterwork, and on tableware or porcelain. Canine accoutrements include splendidly wrought silver and gold collars, dog bowls, and kennels designed by architects. Some bereft owners immortalized their pets' passing with modest gravestones in pet cemeteries or sculpted garden monuments. Whether country squire's dogs at English manor houses, members of hunting packs on grand estates, or dogs from the royal households, this illustrated lecture considers the cultural influence and artistic legacy of the English country house dog. To be followed by Festive afternoon tea Places limited – early booking advised