1st May 2022

 

Hello Everyone,

 

Having had a welcome return to a live AGM this year, we are planning to expand our activities to something more like our previous times. We have a trip planned which Moira Fletcher spoke about, to take place in late September to Norfolk. (All details on the website)

Also, our new Outings Secretary, Frances Street, has arranged a local visit to the Athenaeum in Liverpool, on Monday June 27th, with a guided tour of the Club and a splendid tea. These details can also be found here on the website.

 

This month we had a most informative lecture on April 25th, when Denise Heywood spoke to us about Shimmering Splendour, Silk in South East Asia

 

This was a beautifully illustrated lecture, pointing out the links between religion, dance and the art and craft of silk weaving, and pointing to the differences in Laos, Cambodia, and Thailand. An aspect we might easily have been unaware of was the difficulty the silk industries in these countries found themselves in during the 20th century, due to wars, imports and the actions of various regimes there. A number of members had clearly visited that part of the world and enjoyed their revived memories. 

 

Having written of the Athenaeum, it may be of interest to members to know that one of the projects under our Volunteering arm takes place there. For many years members, both from Wirral and Liverpool, have carried out book restoration in the splendid library. This continues, after what seemed like a long gap due to the pandemic.

 

As I have mentioned before, we are always very keen to hear from anyone who feels they would enjoy joining our committee. Please do contact any of us, either through the website or by having a chat at any of the meetings. 

 

As I write, the war in Ukraine continues. When the invasion happened on 24th February none of us could have believed that the horrors we hear of constantly could take place in Europe in 2022.  Nor should they happen anywhere. Perhaps our feeling of helplessness in the face of such things keeps Ukraine so central to our thoughts. 

 

To return however to our Programme. Our next lecture is on 16th May, when Simon Seligman will speak on the subject of From Venice to Sheffield: John Ruskin’s Passion for Art, Craft and Social Justice

 

As usual, if there is anything to report after our next committee meeting, I will put an update on the website.

 

As always, I send my very best wishes, and hope you have a good Bank Holiday

 

 

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