1st October 2022

 

 

Hello Everyone,

 

Well, a complete change to the letter which I wrote for 1st September, looking forward to our first meeting on 19th September when Toby Faber, a frequent visitor to Wirral Arts Society, was to have spoken to us on

Indians, Buffalo and Storms: The American West in 19th Century Art

 

After the very sad news of the death of Her Late Majesty on Thursday 8th September we, in common with so many other organisations were faced with the decision as to cancelling meetings. We had, as a committee, discussed the matter as I’m sure you can imagine. In fact, when we met on 12th September, Heswall Hall had contacted us early in the morning to say that they would not be open on the day of the State Funeral. 

 

Many thanks go to our Programme Secretary for sending Mail Chimp messages to all members for whom we have an e-mail address, and also to our Young Arts Co-ordinator  Siobhan McCormick who telephoned other members who are not online. 

 

Toby Faber was contacted as soon as we knew for sure the date of the State Funeral. Given the fact that his lecture had been postponed, I think, in the early days of the pandemic, he was very gracious about it all. We do hope that it will be a case of third time lucky, when he next comes to us.

 

The New Members’ Lunch on 15th September, was held at our President, Fenella’s house. It was decided to go ahead, as it was a function which was being held at a private house, by invitation, and the Committee decided we should continue with the arrangements. Many thanks to everyone who helped with all the arrangements, from food to gazebos. On the day, despite a very drizzly grey morning, the sun came out to greet the first guests, and continued throughout the afternoon. It was a real pleasure to have such a normal gathering once again, and to welcome our new members. Thanks to all concerned.

 

The trip to Norfolk from Monday 26th to Thursday 29th September has taken place, very successfully, thanks to Moira Fletcher who arranged it and the excellent Simply Groups our tour operator. Moira was very pleased with the arrangements, hotel, meals and driver and reports a happy and most interesting trip. Luckily the weather co-operated as well.  From Sandringham and the Sainsbury Art Centre, a cruise on a Mississippi Paddle Boat, dinner at the Assembly House and much, much more, a busy and highly enjoyable tour.

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​I should, once again, draw your attention to the Day of Special Interest which will take place on November 7th. In our second Mail Chimp, details were sent, as we would of course have been advertising the Day on 19th September.

 

Artists and The Theatre, by Joanna Mabbutt.

 

Details are under the Special Events tab on our website, and of course you can reserve a place by using the Contact Us button, or indeed in person at our next meeting.

 

On October 3rd, four members of the Committee will be attending the North West Area meeting which will be held at Brockholes Visitor Centre, near Junction 31 on the M6. These meetings are held twice a year, and are an excellent opportunity to meet many other members from our area, and to bring problems and concerns to the attention of Trustees of the Society, representatives of whom also attend.

 

As has been the case in every letter since March, the war in Ukraine continues. Words fail me, given the current situation. 

 

Our next lecture will be on 17th October, when Matthew Williams will be talking to us about  Portmeirion

 

I know that many of us know Portmeirion well and will be eager to hear more.

 

With all very best wishes,

​

Yvonne Woodhead 

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The Arts Society Wirral members meet monthly to hear, from a varied programme of inspiring lectures given by top experts in their fields. Regular tours, outings and visits throughout the year complement the lectures.

In addition, the Volunteer programme, open to all members of our society, includes Church Recording, involvement with local young people by way of the Young Arts Group, Archiving for a number of organisations together with the development of Church Trails for children