The Shrewsbury Arts Society Summer Event 2026

Cwm Weeg Gardens & House, Dolfor, Newtown, Powys, SY16 4AT

Wednesday 01 July 2026

 1.00pm to 6.00pm

We have great pleasure in inviting you to Cwm Weeg House & Gardens, a luxuriously landscaped Welsh garden with extensive borders covering 3 acres and set in over 37 acres of wonderful woodland and glorious wildflower meadows. The gardens include sculptures, fountains, moss garden and so much more.

You will have a unique opportunity to explore the 15th Century Farmhouse which is generously open to view by the owners, Wolfgang and Kingsley. This will include their extensive art collection of local artists consisting of sculpture and paintings by: Jane Hazelwood, Lucy Kinsella, Andrew Logan and Gill Tweed, Angus Eickoff, Colin See Paynton, Sarah Philpot, David Smith, Jenny Jones, Frances Carlile, Frieda Hughes, Victoria Gilliard, Angela Thorpe, Tim Phillips, Andrew Howe, Simon Dorrell, Anne Jenvy, Kaye Hodges to name but a few!!! Cwm Weeg is amongst the oldest inhabited dwellings in the Kerry/Dolfor area and stems from the late 15th Century, possibly built between 1460 - 1480.

Details of the Afternoon

Date: Wednesday 01 July 2026
Time: 1:00pm - 6:00pm
Venue: Cwm Weeg Gardens, Dolfor, Newtown, Powys, SY16 4AT
Coach: Departs Abbey Foregate Carpark at 1:00pm
Cost: £39 per head (Members)   £42 per head (Non-Members)

The afternoon starts with the coach leaving Abbey Foregate Car Park at 1:00pm, arriving at Cwm Weeg Gardens at approximately 1:45pm. Members are invited to explore the gardens and house before afternoon tea is served at 3:00pm in the garden pavilion. Afternoon tea will start with a glass of fizz, followed by sandwiches, savouries and homemade cake from our hosts. All served with tea / coffee. The coach will depart back to Shrewsbury at 5:30pm.

If you would like to attend, please contact Deborah Hyde via email on tassevents1@gmail.com with the information and payment as indicated below. Please contact her directly on her mobile, 07909 555 244, if you wish to send information or payment by post. Confirmation on receipt of payment will be sent by email.

The Closing Date to book your place is Saturday 20 June 2026. Please also advise of any food allergies or intolerances. Acknowledgement of your attendance will be via email. We regret that a refund is not possible after Monday 22 June 2026

We look forward to welcoming you and hope you can join us.

Please reserve ____________place(s) at £39.00 per head (members) or _________place(s) at £42.00 per head (non-members)

Please pay direct using an online banking to:- The Arts Society Shrewsbury

Account No: 00803405

Sort code: 20-77-85

Please state Summer Event alongside your surname as reference (so we can track your booking) OR Alternatively enclose a cheque made payable to The Arts Society, Shrewsbury and send to the address below.

Please remember to include a stamped self-addressed envelope, if you wish to receive written confirmation. Otherwise, confirmation will be sent by email.

Please give your name and guest’s names, and state any special dietary requirements. The Principal name will be responsible for all guests.

Name..............………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

Address…………………………………………………………………..............................................................................................................................................................................................................  Post Code ………………………

Telephone ...........................................   Email……………………………………………………………………………….

Dietary Requirements/Allergies ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Names of Guests (Capitals Please)............................................................................................................................................................

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Guests Dietary Requirements/Allergies.…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

We regret that a refund is not possible after Monday 22 June 2026.

Please complete all your details and return this form to:

Mrs Deborah Hyde

Email: tassevents1@gmail.com

Mobile: 07909 555 244

Or by post:

 Pentre Cefn Hall, Craigllwyn, Nr. Oswestry, SY10 9BJ

The Shrewsbury High School Pavilion, Crescent Lane, Shrewsbury SY1 1TN

12 - 3pm

As part of our Young Arts Programme we are pleased to announce, in conjunction with Shrewsbury High School, a GCSE Art Competition and Exhibition. The aim is to celebrate and encourage young artists of Shropshire. It is open to all secondary schools in Shropshire and teachers have been asked to pick 5 pieces of Art Work from their Year 10 GCSE students who are School Winners. First place & Two Highly Commeneded pieces of work will be chosen from the schools' winners.  Prizes will be awarded on Saturday 16th May at 1pm. All School Winners will receive a certificate. 

Judging will take place on Friday 15 May - the panel is made up of three members of The Arts Society Shrewsbury and we would like to thank Nell Motley, Jessica Rose and Karen Whittingham for giving their time and sharing their expertise!

The Exhibition will be open to all on Saturday 16 May, 12-3pm and we would be delighted if members are able to join us at this event. The Lord Lieutenant will be attending the prize giving and there will be drinks and nibbles - it promises to be a lovely afternoon so do come along.

Many thanks to Lucy Harvey-Scholes, Deb Yates and Mike Douch for orgaising this as well as James Millichamp, Head of the Creative Technologies Faculty at Shrewsbury High School, who has been key in involving other schools in addition to providing the facilities and curating the exhibition.

Shrewsbury High School Pavilion can be accessed from an entrance adjacent to St Julian's Friars car park, or if walking then you can approach via Crescent Lane, walking past both Shrewsbury Lawn Tennis Club & Town Walls Tennis Club. The Pavilion is on the left hand side opposite the Shrewsbury High School courts. 

For more information please follow this link to "My Shrewsbury" 

www.myshrewsbury.co.uk/blog/young-shropshire-artists-compete-in-new-exhibition/

Tour of Suffolk 19th-24th April 2026

The sun had yet to burn through the early morning mists hanging low over the River Severn when our coach headed out to Suffolk for five days of beautiful April sunshine.

It wasn’t long before clutched Sunday newspapers were switched for guide books as we made our first stop at Ely cathedral. We admired the beautiful painted ceilings and learnt from the tour guides that the central wooden tower was erected after the original collapsed following building of the Lady Chapel.

Lucy had thoughtfully pre-arranged a hearty roast dinner for our party in the 13th century Undercroft, following which we were able to stroll around the walled garden and delight in the spring planting which included the first purple irises. We then returned to our coach for more chat (and post-prandial slumber) before heading on to the four star Angel Hotel in Bury St Edmunds for fine dining (and more slumber).

Monday found us split into three small groups for an intimate tour of Gainsborough’s House in Sudbury to learn more of Thomas. The youngest of nine children, his love of painting landscapes was cultivated from an early age but portraiture was more lucrative; he became a favourite painter with King George III but his real passion for capturing lighting effects within landscape was evident in the House tour. We admired the crinkle-crankle wall, medlar, quince, pear and mulberry trees in the garden, Thomas would almost certainly have known the latter.

Our driver, Chris, then took us the short distance to the glorious red-bricked Tudor Kentwell Hall where we enjoyed seeing the spring lambs, pigs and peacocks, all frolicking, basking and strutting around the stable yard environs as we took lunch. Displaying a unique blend of energy, optimism and enthusiasm, the owner Patrick Phillips explained he had bought the house semi-derelict with his wife Judith when he fell in love with it in 1970 and they have been renovating and maintaining it themselves ever since. Patrick took us on a fascinating personal tour around their moat (unusually brick-lined), dairy, bakery and brewhouse and adjacent gardens. He regaled us with many interesting historical facts as well as amusing anecdotes such as recently asking his wife to refrain from climbing ladders to clip the enormous topiary ‘Pied Piper’ yew hedge which she created and has clipped since its inception over 50 years ago. We were then generously allowed free roam of the interior rooms before it was time to head over to the neighbouring Holy Trinity church of Long Melford. This church was rebuilt in the 15th century at the height of Suffolk’s wool trade; the main benefactor was John Clopton (who also built early parts of Kentwell Hall) and was fortunate to have his life spared following his capture supporting the Lancastrian cause against King Edward IV. We saw fine medieval stained glass windows (including the Rabbit/Hare window symbolising the Trinity) and stumbled over the ancient Clopton brasses in crossing the threshold to cram into the Clopton Chantry containing the tomb of John and his family before heading out into the sunshine to enter the ancient Lady Chapel.

Tuesday started with fresh Easterly breezes and a short walking tour of the fine architecture to be seen in Bury St Edmunds including the smallest British pub (The Nutshell). Then through the Abbey gardens to a tour of St Edmundsbury Cathedral and a close encounter with a few of the ancient books (and their telltale woodworm) in the library which had initially been brought to Bury by Norfolk monks in 1020 and the collection amassed thereafter to further local instruction and intellect. We then visited Ickworth House for a walk around the grounds, its church with 14th century wall painting of Angel Gabriel and an excellent guided tour providing much insight into some of the paintings and their artists adorning the walls. The tour culminated at the splendid marble sculpture ‘The Fury of Athamas’ by John Flaxman (and for some of us, an irreverent peek at the mythical king’s endowment beneath an incongruous marble ‘modesty drape’ that the French had later added!). We returned to Bury just in time for a beautiful Evensong at the Cathedral which the choristers thoroughly appreciated.

After an early morning dash on Wednesday to view and sample wares and produce displayed along Bury’s Buttermarket, late morning was spent roaming the streets of tiny Lavenham nearby, with over 300 timber- framed houses; in the Guildhall the guide explained that it was both the rapid rise in prosperity through the wool trade and then a decline in fortunes that has led to the unique survival of these buildings. We luxuriated in the sunshine of the walled courtyard with clematis and scented lilac and perused the herb garden where we were shown rose madder and woad plants used in the wool-dyeing process. Then onto Ipswich’s Christchurch Mansion for a further history tour and where a member of our group, Richard, was able to meet his 23 times Great Grandmother’s oil portrait, one Mary Gooding (1600-1640) wearing Puritanical black robes and sporting symbolic jewellery. And yes, there was a likeness! The Wolsey Art Gallery yielded up an exhibition devoted to John Constable and some contemporary works by his descendant sculptor Sasha Constable.

Our trip was not yet over as Thursday saw us stopping off at the grand stately home, Boughton House (known as ‘The English Versailles’) near Kettering on the return leg, which was very kindly opened especially for our group and reparation works were even swept away the night before our visit. Delicious cooked lunch in the stables followed a thoroughly comprehensive (but chilly) tour of the house, the building of which was started by Ralph Montagu, English ambassador to France, extended by his son and re-invigorated two centuries later by the Duke of Buccleuch and Queensbury; numerous treasures were on offer including Sevres porcelain, rare pieces of furniture, tapestries and beautiful paintings of the aristocracy wearing sumptuous silks. We even had time to freely roam the gardens to see the lake and the woodland area before returning to Abbey Foregate.

There were many firsts for me on this trip as somehow Suffolk had bypassed me. I loved the flat landscape, the waterways, thatch and timber-framed buildings alike and the Suffolk welcome - one local couple in Lavenham with whom we shared a lunch table, told us not to worry if we missed the coach as they would happily drive us themselves back to the Angel!

This was also the first time for me on an Arts Society holiday trip and it was lovely to meet and chat to like-minded individuals, everyone was so kind and made an effort to be inclusive.

But overwhelmingly it was also a time for re-awakening appreciation of arts and history through the excellent guided tours and thoughtful itinerary; the day after we returned from Suffolk I had cause to travel to London and felt inspired to book an extra night at the hotel in order to visit the Courtauld Gallery (taking in the two Cassoni covered by 2025 TASS talk while I was there!) and on my way back home it felt fitting to return to Waddesdon Manor.

We are all so very grateful to Lucy for her time and efforts in curating and organising this trip and also to Nichola and Deborah for their support too. I very much look forward to next year’s trip.

The Arts Society Shrewsbury

Sunday 22nd March 2026

Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury

at 7:30pm

Ukrainian National Opera presents

MADAMA BUTTERFLY

This event is now fully booked 

One of the most colourful and exotic operas, performed by the Dnipro Opera from Ukraine.

Featuring an impressive cast and accompanied by a live orchestra numbering over 30 musicians, no opera can match the tragedy and sorrow of Puccini's Madama Butterflly.

Set in Japan at the turn of the last century, it is the story of a doomed love affair between an American naval officer and his young Japanese bride whose self-sacrifice and defiance of her family leads to tragedy. This touching tale of innocent love crushed between two utterly different cultures resonates as strongly as ever in today's world.

We have reserved 20 seats in the stalls, for members and their guests, at a discounted price of £41 per person (full price £48.40).

Tickets will be allocated on a first come basis. Due to limited availability individual members will only be able to book for one guest. We regret refunds can only be made if your place can be filled from our waiting list or the ticket returned to the box office for resale subject to Theatre Severn terms and conditions.

To reserve your seats, please contact me by email before 7th January 2026

christine.lunt@gmail.com

I do hope that you will be able to join us at what promises to be a spectacular evening.

Christine

Christine Lunt
christine.lunt@gmail.com
Visits Secretary
The Arts Society Shrewsbury
07795 342 245

Silk Museum and Paradise Mill – Macclesfield Cheshire

Meet time 8:15 am at Abbey Foregate Car Park 

Please join us on a day trip to visit the Silk Museum and Paradise Mill in Macclesfield on Thursday 25th September 2025.  

The visit will include a guided tour of the Silk Museum which contains an internationally significant collection of silk textiles and machinery with a pattern book archive of nearly 1,000 volumes.  

The visit will also include a guide tour of Paradise Mill home to the largest collection of silk Jacquard handlooms in Europe.  It is a beautifully preserved working silk mill built in 1860 and was operated by tie manufacturers Cartwright and Sheldon until it closed in 1981.

Tea/coffee and cake will be provided on arrival at the Museum

The cost for the tour is: 

£49.00 for members and £52.00 for non-members          

Cost includes:

• Small coach transportation to/from Macclesfield
• Tea/coffee/cake on arrival
• Guided tour of Paradise Mill
• Guided tour of Macclesfield Silk Museum
• Private viewing of selected historic “Pattern Books” 

 Note:   Lunch costs not included

TO RESERVE YOUR PLACE(S) 

Either: 

Email lindakferg@gmail.com with Your name followed by “Silk” in the subject line of the email, stating how many Member / Non-Member places you wish to reserve and then pay by BACS  

Account Name (Business):     The Arts Society Shrewsbury

Sort code:                               20-77-85

Account number:                    00803405

Reference:                              Your Surname, followed by SILK

Or, alternatively:

Email lindakferg@gmail.com with Your name followed by “Silk” in the subject line of the email, stating how many Member / Non-Member places you wish to reserve

Complete the Application form below and post together with your cheque, to

Helen Mardell, TASS, Woodfield House, Ebrey Wood, Astley, Shrewsbury  SY4 4DE

Deadline for bookings – Friday 29th August

TASS  - Silk Museum Tour on Thursday 25 Sept 2025

 Please reserve ……… places at £49.00, for the following named Members: 

……………………………………………………………………………………………….……

……………………………………………………………………………………………..…...…

Please reserve ……… places at £52.00, for the following named Non-Members:

…………………………………………………………………………………………………..…

………………………………………………………………………………………………….…..

Cheque enclosed for total £...................      made payable to The Arts Society Shrewsbury

Name …………………………………………………………………………………………………

Address ..................................................................................................................................

................................................................................................................................................

Postcode........................................   Email…………………………..……………………………

Telephone number ………………………………………………………………………………….

Please Note:

Your booking will be confirmed by email; if you prefer confirmation by post, please remember to include a stamped addressed envelope.

Spaces are limited for this tour; please ensure you make payment once you receive confirmation of your booking.

Refunds will be available only if we are able to fill your spot.

The Arts Society Shrewsbury
&
The Arts Society Wrekin 

Would like to invite you to 

"MURDER, SEX and MAYHEM in ENGLISH CHURCHES”

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

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. 

"MURDER, SEX and MAYHEM in ENGLISH CHURCHES”
 The peaceful setting of most of our medieval churches cannot cover up the fact that they contain images and references to less savoury aspects of life. Medieval murals and stained glass depict the martyrdom of saints from home and abroad, and the grisliest of dooms. Underneath misericords are images of whippings, wife beatings, and brawls whilst stone carvings depict sexual imagery rarely associated with religious buildings. Finally there are many monuments and memorials that show scenes of murder and mayhem in goodly measure including stagecoach crashes, bridge collapses, falling trees, falling bridges, falling chimneys, shootings, stabbings, mine collapses, shipwrecks and explosions. 

John Vigar I am certain, has visited more churches in England and Wales than anyone now living; more, probably, than anyone who has ever lived; and more, there is a fair chance, than anyone ever will." Peter Ross, Steeplechasing, Headline Publishing, 2023.  Professional ecclesiastical historian, author and broadcaster for over 40 years, John has visited and recorded over 13,000 churches in England and Wales. He is a trustee of the oldest church conservation body in Britain - The Friends of Friendless Churches. Formerly an employee of The Churches Conservation Trust, John has also served as Photographic Curator of The Kempe Trust and Hon. Secretary of The Ledgerstone Survey of England and Wales. For many years John taught at the University of Kent as well as at other academic institutions. He is a member of the Advisory Council of the Norfolk Churches Trust and is the author of 16 books. In addition to his lecturing and writing, John leads specialist church tours, including many as follow-ups to his lectures.Audiences enjoy John`s casual manner and humour - he has now presented over 3,500 lectures.

Cost £15pp to include refreshments

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

This is a joint event between

The Arts Societies Shrewsbury and Wrekin &  St Peter’s PCC.

Places are limited; early application is advised.

If you would like to attend, please print and complete the application form below or for a more printer friendly version go to Documents Store  and return it  by email to  LOMSLondon@btconnect.com
 
or by post to  Mrs Deborah Hyde, Pentre Cefn Hall, Craigllwyn, Nr. Oswestry, SY10 9BJ  before making payment.

All proceeds to the St Peter’s DOOM appeal

The Arts Society Shrewsbury

Summer Event

Tuesday 01 July 2025

3.00pm to 6.00pm

Vaynor Park, Berriew, Montgomery, Powys, SY21 8QE

We have great pleasure in inviting you to Vaynor Park which is a private country house in a landscaped park, standing on high ground to the south-west of Berriew village in Powys. The origins of the red  brick house date from the mid-15th century, although the house was  extensively remodelled in  a Jacobean style in the 17th century and extended significantly in the 1850s. 

The house has belonged to the Corbett-Winder family since 1720  and is   currently occupied by William and Kate who have generously allowed us an exclusive visit to this very private country house. The afternoon will consist of a talk by Jeremy Rye who is an accomplished   architectural and fine art  historian  who has an  extensive knowledge  of the house’s history. As the garden will be at its summer peak, there will also be a garden tour and   opportunity to explore the beautiful herbaceous borders and rose parterre.

Following this,  we will be allowed limited access to the house to view the private collection  of modern British  art , including works by  Ceri Richards, Ivon Hitchens, Patrick Heron, and  Christopher Wood .

Kate Corbett -Winder is a passionate gardener and artist whose work is inspired by the changing colour and pattern in the gardens and surrounding landscape.  There are several pieces by her   displayed within the private collection and she will be happy to discuss her process and artwork.

During the afternoon you will be served a glass of sparkling wine and canapés. The cost of the afternoon will be £50 for members and £52 for non-members with all fees for the tour of the house and garden being donated to Marie Curie and a cancer research charity.

If you would like to attend, please print and complete the application form you will find Documents Store  and return it to by email LOMSLondon@btconnect.com or post to: Mrs Deborah Hyde, Pentre Cefn Hall, Craigllwyn, Nr. Owestry, I can be contacted on 07909 555 244. ?

Please advise if you have any food allergies. There is plenty of parking available, we are happy to coordinate car shares if you would like, please let us know if you have any spare places in your car or would like to arrange a lift. We will do our best to accommodate where possible.

Please find the booking form in the Documents Store 

Private Tour of Combermere Abbey

Tuesday 13th May 2025

Meet time 9.50am at Combermere Abbey, Whitchurch

Combermere Abbey has had many lives throughout the centuries.  It was founded as a Cistercian Monastery by Hugh de Malbank in the 12th century.  In 1536 during the dissolution of the Monasteries it was given to Sir George Cotton and was converted into a Tudor Manor House.  In 1814 the Tudor house was remodeled by Sir Stapleton Cotton, the 1st Viscount of Combermere, to create the grand Gothic Revival style Manor house surrounded by lush gardens and parkland that you see today.

Over the years many of the outlying buildings were removed, the “meres” surrounding the site were modified and new rooms and buildings were added including the grand ballroom, a large stable block, the Stone Lodge and new entrance drive.  And yet the original 12th century Abbots Hall remains at the heart of the main house. 

In 1919 the estate was sold to Sir Kenneth Crossly of Crossley Motors.  By this time the house had begun to show its age.  In 1957 the estate was inherited by Penelope Bostock, Sir Kenneth’s granddaughter.  In 1992, Sarah Callander Beckett, Penelope’s eldest daughter inherited the property, who started a major restoration project across the estate.  

It has been a long hard road with a lot of love and care expended, however today the estate is again flourishing with many of the historic building restored to their former glory.  It is still a privately owned property; we are privileged to have the opportunity of a private tour.

We will meet at the entrance to the main building at 9.50am.  Our tour will last about 2 hours and include a coffee/tea and cake and a short introduction by the house tour leader.  Most of the tour is inside the main building, however it will require some walking outdoors.  Please dress appropriately and bring an umbrella if it is raining.  

There is an optional lunch at the Combermere Arms, a local pub about 5 minutes away. Please let me know if you would like to join us for lunch and I will make the reservation.

The Combermere Abbey has an Open Garden Day on 13th May.  For those of you who would like to stay on, please let me know on the day.  There is an extra charge for this at a discounted rate for members of our tour.  

The cost for the tour is
£20.00 for members and £23.00 for non-members          

 Cost includes: 
·      Entrance to the House
·      Private tour led by the House historian
·      Welcome tea/coffee/cake

The cost for the Optional lunch is not included, it will be “pay as you go”.  

The cost for the Garden Open Day is also not included in the price of the tour.  Tickets can be purchased on the day.

________________________________________________

TO RESERVE YOUR PLACE(S)

Either: 

Email lindakferg@gmail.com with Your name followed by “Combermere” in the subject line of the email, stating how many Member / Non-Member places you wish to reserve

 and then pay by BACS  

Account Name (Business):     The Arts Society Shrewsbury
Sort code:                               20-77-85
Account number:                    00803405
Reference:                              Your Surname, followed by COMBERMERE 

Or, alternatively:

Email lindakferg@gmail.com with Your name followed by “Combermere” in the subject line of the email, stating how many Member / Non-Member places you wish to reserve

 Complete the Application form below and post together with your cheque, to

Helen Mardell, TASS, Woodfield House, Ebrey Wood, Astley, Shrewsbury  SY4 4DE 

 TASS  - Combermere Abbey on Tuesday 13 May 2025

 Please reserve ……… places at £20.00, for the following named Members:

…………………………………………………………………………………………………… 

Please reserve ……… places at £23.00, for the following named Non-Members:

……………………………………………………………………………………………………

Cheque enclosed for total £...................      made payable to The Arts Society Shrewsbury

Name …………………………………………………………………………………………………

Address ..................................................................................................................................
 ...................................................................................................................................

Postcode........................................   Email…………………………..……………………………

 Telephone number …………………………………………………………………………………..

Your booking will be confirmed by email; if you prefer confirmation by post, please remember to include a stamped addressed envelope.

 Spaces are limited for this tour, please ensure you make payment once you receive confirmation of your booking.

Refunds will be available only if we are able to fill your spot.

Bookings are now open for our 4 day tour to Kent & Sussex from 28th April -2nd May 2025. 

For full details please email lucy@harveyscholes.co.uk. We will be staying in Royal Tunbridge Wells and just to whet your appetite, visits will include Charleston, Penshurst Place &  Brighton Pavillion.

We generally have two visits a day mostly with private tours, we also intend to incorporate a visit on our way to and from Tunbridge Wells. 

Half board is included in the price and single rooms are availbale for a supplemnet. 

DRAPERS HALL SHREWSBURY

Talk, Tour and Lunch

Thursday 10th April 2025 at 11:30am

Please join us for a visit to Drapers Hall, St Mary’s Place Shrewsbury.  

The visit will include a two-course set lunch at Rhubarb, the fine dining restaurant at Drapers Hall, a talk by Nigel Hinton on the importance of the Drapers Guild in the development of Shrewsbury and walking tours of St Mary’s Church, St Alkmund’s Church and Drapers Hall.

Drapers are first mentioned in Shrewsbury in 1204. By the late fourteenth century, the Drapers had achieved independent Guild Status. The Guild’s position was further strengthened by the foundation of their alms houses adjacent to St Mary’s Church in 1444, and by the Company’s incorporation by Royal Charter in 1462. For the next 150 years, the guild dominated the political oligarchy which ruled the town.

The first “hall” or meeting place for the Guild is not known, but in 1485 a new guildhall was built close to St Mary’s Church. In 1576, the heyday of the Drapers’ prosperity, the current hall was built. Today, even after more than four centuries, the guildhall presents essentially the same appearance and serves the same purpose.

 The day will include a talk by Nigel Hinton, “The Shrewsbury Drapers’ role in the Marches Wool Trade from Charlemagne to Charles III”.  This will be followed by a tour of the hall and a visit to St Mary’s and St Alkmund’s Churches assisted by Bridget Hinton, a town guide with thirty years experience. 

Shrewsbury Drapers Guild has a long association with St Mary’s beginning in 1444 when the guild’s first alms houses were built in the churchyard. The chantry chapel in St Mary’s Church contains part of an altar erected by the Shrewsbury Drapers in 1501.

Nigel Hinton MA, FCA, FRHistS, has a passion for local history and is the author of The Shrewsbury Drapers’ Company 1462-2017, and six other local history books. He and his wife Bridget are both qualified guides in Shrewsbury. Nigel is a past master of the Shrewsbury Drapers Company, a director/trustee of Shrewsbury Drapers Hall Preservation Trust and a trustee director of Victoria County History (Shropshire).

A hot drink will be included with the two-course lunch and a cash bar will also be available.

The cost for the day is:
  Arts Society Members £42    Non-Members £45

___________________________

TO RESERVE YOUR PLACE(S)

Either: 

Email christine.lunt@gmail.com with Your name followed by “Drapers Visit” in the subject line of the email, stating how many Member / Non-Member places you wish to reserve and then pay by BACS   

Account Name (Business):     The Arts Society Shrewsbury
Sort code:                               20-77-85
Account number:                    00803405

Reference:                              Your Surname, followed by DRAPERS

Or, alternatively:

Complete the Application form below and post together with your cheque, to
Helen Mardell, TASS, Woodfield House, Ebrey Wood, Astley, Shrewsbury  SY4 4DE  

TASS  - Drapers Hall Visit on Thursday 10 April 2025

Please reserve ……… places at £42.00, for the following named Members:
………………………………………………………………………………………....

Please reserve ……… places at £45.00, for the following named Non-Members
………………………………………………………………………………………….. 

Cheque enclosed for total £...................      made payable to The Arts Society Shrewsbury

Name ……………………………………………………………………………………
Address ..................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................ 

Postcode........................................   Email…………………………..……………
Telephone number ………………………………………………………………………

Your booking will be confirmed by email; if you prefer confirmation by post, please remember to include a stamped addressed envelope.

We regret refunds can only be made after Monday March 31st 2025 if your place can be filled from the waiting list

The Arts Society Shrewsbury

Re-arranged Visit to The Soldiers of Shropshire Museum

at

Shrewsbury Castle

Thursday 23rd January 2025

10am -1pm

 PLEASE NOTE THIS VISIT IS MEMBERS ONLY

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.

Please look at the link, https://www.soldiersofshropshire.co.uk/plan-your-visit/getting-here/ for travel details, especially the section ‘Getting Here,’ for information about travel and parking. The Park and Ride has been suggested as the best option, as buses drop off and collect from a stop about a hundred yards from the museum entrance.

We have been asked to arrive by 9.50am to ensure a prompt start at 10 o’clock. 

 If you are interested contact Ann Furness, Heritage Volunteer Co-ordinator, at atfurness@googlemail.com no later than Friday 17th January, including a contact ‘phone number in your reply.    

Please join us for a “Behind the Scenes Tour” of the Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings, the first multi storey iron frame building constructed in the world!  

The original design for the building and the cast iron used were created in Shrewsbury.  It has been called the “Grandfather” of the modern high-rise building and Shrewsbury was the world leader in the design and construction of this type of building at that time. 

Shrewsbury’s pioneering new flax mill was opened in 1797 and operated as a state-of-the-art steam powered mill producing linen thread from flax for over a century.  It was Shrewsbury’s largest employer at that time.  As fashion changed and linen became less popular, the mill was forced to close.  It was then converted into a Maltings works that produced malt from barley for the brewing industry.  The Maltings works closed its doors in 1987.  It is now owned by Historic England and after many years of restoration is open to the public.

Our visit to the site will include a “Behind the Scenes” tour of these historic building led by Michael Douch and one of his fellow guides.  Michael is one of our own Arts Society Shrewsbury members and has been a volunteer guide at the Shrewsbury Flaxmills Maltings since it opened to the public.  The visit will also include entry to The Mill Exhibition which focuses on the people and stories behind this iconic landmark of the industrial revolution.  

We will meet at the entrance to the Mill Building at 10:45am.  We will be divided into 2 groups and the guided tour will be approximately 90 minutes.  

Lunch is available at the Turned Wood Café located on site.  After lunch you are free to explore The Mill Exhibition at your leisure.

The cost for the tour is

Art Society Members Adult Tickets - £13

Art Society Concessionary Tickets (over 65) £11 

Non-Members - £15          

Cost includes:
     Behind the Scenes Tour
     Entrance to Mill Exhibition

The cost for the lunch is not included in the ticket price 

            ________________________________________________

To Reserve a Place:

Either 

Email:    lindakferg@gmail.com and pay by BACs  

Account name: The Arts Society Shrewsbury

Sort code 20-77-85 ac no 00803405  

Please Enter Your name followed by ‘Name of Tour” in the subject line of the email.

Or 

Call Linda Ferguson directly at 07903 921425  

Or

Donwload and complete the Application form from our Documents Store and post to Linda Ferguson, together with your cheque.  

TASS  - Name and date to tour

Linda Ferguson, Meole Cottage, Mill Road, Meole Brace, Shrewsbury SY3 9JT

I will be confirming your booking by email, if you prefer confirmation by post, please remember to include a stamped addressed envelope.

Traditional Afternoon Tea 2.30 for 3pm
 

We have great pleasure in inviting you to join us at this year’s  Summer Event  at Hawkstone Park. We have secured the ballroom for traditional afternoon tea and will then have time to explore the gardens. 

This will be a wonderful chance for us all to get together and relax in a really wonderful setting. 

Afternoon Tea
A selection of delicate finger sandwiches, Cakes, Freshly Baked Plain & Fruit Scones, Specially Selected Teas & Coffees  
£32.95 per person. 
 

If you would like to attend, please print and complete the application form you will find Documents Store  and return it to  by email or post to:
Mrs Deborah Hyde, Pentre Cefn Hall, Craigllwyn, Nr. Owestry, SY10 9BJ. Email: LOMSLondon@btconnect.com. / Mobile 07909 555 244

Visit to two Artists Studios in Mid Wales

Frieda Hughes & William O'Brien
Berriew
Tuesday 20th August 2024 

Meet at:
Lower Luggy Berriew Welshpool SY21 8AB at 10.15am (Directions will be issued with the joining instructions.)

Please Note:  Frieda's gallery is spread over two floors there is no lift so we will need to negotiate stairs.  William's workshop is an old canal wharf depending on the weather please bring warm clothing. 

We have the opportunity to visit two contrasting artist’s studios in Berriew. We will meet at Lucy Harvey-Scholes' house for coffee first and then share cars to travel on, as both studios have limited parking. 
A light buffet lunch will be served at Frieda Hughes' gallery.

William O'Brien

William has been working as a blacksmith for 44 years, initially apprenticed in London.  He moved to Berriew in 1991, setting up his forge firstly at Glansevern Hall and later at his own premises The Wharf Berriew. 
He has always been creative and artistic and has a passion for his craft. Primarily his work is commissioned by clients, each piece bespoke and can be found in many notable estates, as such, is not always visible to the public. However if you look closely round Glansevern Hall, Powys Castle & Shrewsbury you will find his signature tree gates and sculptures, one of which is at a house by the library in Shrewsbury.  
He has collaborated with other artists including Frieda Hughes  &  Andrew Logan . As his prestige has increased in the last 10 years he has been able to concentrate more on his passions, sculpture & art in metal. He loves a challenge, his latest and probably largest has been the design of a full sized tree balcony, which is so realistic a pigeon was found nesting in it. 
William will give us a talk about his work and also a demonstration of his craft. 

Frieda Hughes

Born in London in 1960 Frieda Hughes is a painter and poet.  She has written several children’s books, eight collections of poetry, articles for magazines and newspapers, and was the Times Poetry columnist from 2006 – 2008. 

 Frieda’s most recent poetry collections are Out of the Ashes, and Alternative Values in which there are sections for Love, Life, Death and more and the poems are illustrated by her full-colour abstract images.

Her poems have appeared in many leading publications, including among others, The New Yorker, The Paris Review, The London Magazine, The Guardian, The Telegraph, The Times (London), The Spectator (London), Tatler, Thumbscrew, and Agenda.
 
As a painter, Frieda regularly exhibits in London.  One notable exhibition was a gigantic wall of 400 daily diary oil paintings finishing on 31st December 2016, which was first shown at Chichester Cathedral during 2017. 

Frieda’s latest book is autobiographical: George – A Magpie Memoir is published both in the UK and the US and details a period in her life in which she hand-reared an orphaned magpie chick who trashed her house, stole her heart and left her bereft when he departed for his own happy ending, against the backdrop of a maritally challenging year.  George was listed as one of the six best autobiographies of 2023 on the Oprah Winfrey books list

She resides in Mid-Wales with 15 owls, two rescue huskies, five chinchillas, two ferrets, a Royal python called Shirley, and several motorbikes, where she currently writes a weekly poem about her week for The Independent online newspaper, which she has been doing since August 2023.
 
Frieda will give us a talk about her life and work and a tour of her gallery and studios. Art and books will be available to purchase. 

Trip Costs:
 
£36.00 for members and £38.00 for non-members.       
 

            ________________________________________________

To Reserve a Place:
Either
Email your requests to   lindakferg@gmail.com and pay by Bacs 
Account Name: The Arts Society Shrewsbury, Sort code 20-77-85 a/c no 00803405  reference your name followed by Artist’s Studios
 
Please Enter Your name followed by ‘Artist’s Studios in the subject line of the email.
 
Or
 
Call Linda Ferguson directly at 07903 921425 
 
Alternatively
Complete the Application form below you will find it in the Documents Store

Please let me know if you have any special dietary needs when you book.
 

Tour of The Mount - Darwin's Childhood Home

Saturday 27th July 2024 - Meet time 2pm

Come join us for a “behind the scenes” tour of the birth place of Charles Darwin on Saturday 27thJuly.   

The Mount was a 7 acre estate containing a 3 story Georgian Mansion house and extensive gardens located on a promontory overlooking the Severn River.  Built in 1880 it was the Darwin family home for over 60 years.  It was sold by the Darwin family in 1867 but continued as a family home until the 1920s.   The property was then divided with the Mansion and Stable blocks going to the Post Master General to be used as government offices and the gardens sold to James Morris for urban development. 

In 2018 the Shrewsbury Town Council acquired The Mount with the intention developing it into a visitor destination.  Our “behind the scenes” tour, led by John Hughes the Darwin House Project Manager, will include coffee/tea and light refreshments on arrival followed by a lecture on Darwin’s life and legacy and a tour of the house as it exists today.  

Not much remains of the original furnishings and interior decorations in the house or of its lovely gardens.  However, the tour does provide you with an opportunity to see a heritage project in its very early development phase.  John Hughes knowledge, vision and passion for this project brings the story of this house to life!

After the tour John Hughes has offered to lead a short walk through the Home Farm fields and along the Severn River walkway back to Frankwell for those interested, weather permitting of course.   

The cost for the tour is

 £13 for members and £15 for non-members          

Cost includes:

• Light refreshment on arrival
• Entrance to the House and private lecture 
• Walking Tour with John Hughes 

I do hope you will be able to join us

Linda Ferguson

Visits Coordinator

The Arts Society Shrewsbury

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

To Reserve a Place:

 Either 

Email:    lindakferg@gmail.com and pay by Bacs  

Sort code 20-77-85; ac no 00803405; reference your name followed by The Mount

Please Enter Your name followed by ‘The Mount’ in the subject line of the email.

Or 

Call Linda Ferguson directly at 07903 921425  

Or 

Complete the Application form in the Documents Store and post to

Linda Ferguson, Meole Cottage, Mill Road, Meole Brace, Shrewsbury SY3 9JT, together with your cheque. 

We left Shrewsbury at 8 o’clock on a clear Monday morning in excited anticipation of our few days to be spent in Somerset. On our way we stopped at Berkeley Castle, one of the Marche castles built to keep out the Welsh. After a coffee we split into two groups and had a fascinating private tour. One of the oldest families in Britain, dating back from Saxon times, The Berkeleys, still reside here today. It was so interesting to learn both about the history and also to understand how they were managing to keep the castle under private ownership by utilising the space for weddings and other private functions.

We motored on to the beautiful town of Wells arriving early evening at The Swan Hotel which was situated right opposite the cathedral where we settled in for a few days.

The next morning, we made our way to the cathedral for an extremely enjoyable and informative tour. The Cathedral is seen by some, as Europe’s first truly gothic structure. Unusually for a building of monastic foundation many secular buildings still remain allowing us to follow on with a further private guided tour of the Bishop’s Palace and gardens. This remains today the seat of the Bishop of Bath & Wells. I think all of us there will agree that Wells is one of the most beautiful cathedral cities in England and we felt lucky to be staying so close to the Cathedral.

After lunch we headed to Shepton Mallet to visit a fascinating private family home Old Bowlish House. Of Jacobean origin the house and its’ owners have had a chequered history from being fined in the English civil war to periods of both bankruptcy and sustained wealth. The present owners have carefully renovated both the house and gardens researching its history, we benefitted from both their knowledge and love it all.  They also have an amazing contemporary collection of art, ceramics and glass and antique furniture. If that wasn’t enough the afternoon was rounded off with the most wonderful tea with scrumptious home-made biscuits. We returned to Wells just in time to regroup where many of us returned to Wells cathedral evensong, for me, there is nothing more mesmerising than letting the music of evensong waft across the quire. So ethereal and contemplative.

The next morning, we headed to Forde Abbey a former monastery turned into a family home in the 17th century. It was a privilege to be allowed into the house prior to opening for a fascinating tour including some of the family’s private apartments and the famous Mortlake tapestries. We delayed our departure by half an hour to allow us to wander round the garden or relax in the café with a well-earned coffee and homemade cake. I think most of us managed to view the highest-powered fountain in the country which erupted at 12.30.

Our next stop was at Stourhead, where we spent over 3 hours leisurely exploring the house and gardens. The entrance hall of the house housed the Hoare family portraits, one of the guides took some of us through the family history giving us a structure to understand the rest of the house. The gardens, the brainchild of Henry Hoare “The Magnificent”, a visionary 18th century gentleman gardener, were incredible. As you walked around the lake you moved from panorama to panorama each one designed precisely for the viewers’ enjoyment. Jane (one of our group) had produced a potted history of the gardens prior to our visit which greatly enhanced our experience.   

On our way home we stopped  in Bath for a blue badge guided tour, followed by a couple of hours of free time to lunch, shop or visit galleries.

We returned to Shrewsbury both inspired and exhausted, there is so much to see and so little time on these trips, but many of us I know, are planning a return trip to revisit favourites at a more leisurely pace!

Tuesday 25th June 2024 – meet at 8:15 am Abbey Foregate Car Park, Shrewsbury

Please join us for a full day trip to Warwickshire on Tuesday 25th June. We will be visiting Arbury Hall, a lovely Elizabethan mansion house that has been the home of the Newdigate family for over 400 years.The interior was transformed by Sir Roger Newdigate during the second half of the 18th century and is an excellent example of early Gothic Revival architecture and yet many aspects of the original Elizabethan building still shines through.

The coach will depart from Abbey Foregate carpak at 8:30am. Our first stop is The Astley Book Farm, the largest second hand bookshop in the Midlands. They have a lovely coffee shop with fresh pastries, a courtyard garden and you can browse through their collection of over 10,000 used books. We will be stopping for approximately 60 minutes for tea/coffee and a comfort break before travelling on to Astley Church, a few minutes down the road.

Church of St Mary the Virgin in Astley, once known as the Lantern of Arden for the beacon lit every night in the Spire to guide people through the Aden Forest, is a Grade I listed building with interiors dating back to medieval times. It was a Collegiate Church built in 1343 for the glory of the Astley family. The Grey family (Lady Jane Grey) owned the adjacent Astley Castle and their effigies are located in the church. What remains today is a smaller but still very impressive building used as a Parish Church.

 It is a 15 minute drive from the Church to Arbury Hall. Lunch, consisting of a selection of sndwiches, rolls and fresh pastries, will be served in the banquet room on the first floor of the Stable Block building, the ability to ascend and descend staors is required. After lunch we will break into two groups for a guided tour of the Hall with free time to explore the extensive gardens.

Meet at:
ABBEY FOREGATE Carpark at 8:15am, bus leaves at 8:30
Expected return time – 6:30pm
Please Note:  This trip is not suitable for people with significant mobility issues. The ability to ascend and descend at least one flight of stairs is required. 

 The cost for the tour is

 £56.00 for members and £57.00 for non-members          

 Cost includes:

Transportation by Coach

Entrance Fee and Lunch at Arbury Hall

Not included is coffe/tea/snack at Astley Book Farm

 Spaces are limited and will be offered on a first come basis, please book early so you won’t be disappointed.  

To Reserve a Place:

 Either

Email your requests to   lindakferg@gmail.com and pay by BACS

Sort code 20-77-85 ac no 00803405  reference your name followed by Arbury Hall

 Please Enter Your name followed by "Arbury Hall" in the subject line of the email.

 Or

 Call Linda Ferguson directly at 07903 921425 

 Alternatively

Complete the Application form in the Documents Store and post to Linda Ferguson, Meole Cottage, Mill Road, Meole Brace, Shrewsbury SY3 9JT, together with your cheque. 

We are heading to Somerset on 3rd June for a 3 day tour. 

 Private Tour of the Art Collection

at Weston Park

Thursday 4th April 2024 – meet at 10am

We have been offered the exciting opportunity to have a Private Tour of the Weston Park Collection, hosted by Gareth Williams. I do hope you will be able to join us experiencing this private collection through Gareth’s eyes. Many of you know Gareth, but for those who don’t, he is curator at Weston Park a renowned author, and is also widely regarded as an authority on the English Country House.

After the tour we will be treated to an exclusive light lunch served in the celebrated Music Room.

 Weston Park’s collection is one of the most important country house collections in Britain. It comprises outstanding fine and decorative works of art amassed by generations of the Earls of Bradford and their ancestors.

 The core of the Fine Art collection is a group of works – including paintings by van Dyck, Lely, Bassano, and other old masters – that were assembled by Francis Newport, 1st Earl of Bradford and his son, Thomas, Lord Torrington. This was one of the great London art collections which was brought to Weston Park in 1735 where it has remained ever since.  Decorative arts we see during the tour include furniture by Thomas Chippendale, Morel & Hughes, Gillows and other renowned makers; silver, porcelain, tapestries and textiles, books, and sculptures.  The Weston Park collection represents a roll-call of the world’s finest makers.

 Our guide will be Gareth Williams, the Weston Park Curator & Head of Learning, overseeing the curation and conservation of the property’s collection of over 30,000 objects. His work also includes consultancy work for other collections around the UK. He is the author of Masterpieces from the Ford Collection (2011), The Country Houses of Shropshire (2021), and Weston Park: The House, The Families and The Influence (2022), He is a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries and sits on the regional committee of Historic Houses.

 We will meet in the car park at Weston Park from 10am.  Gareth will join us in the entrance hall of the main house at 10:30am.  Following the tour we will have a private lunch in the beautiful Music Room located on the ground floor.  Please let me know if you have any special dietary needs when you book.

 After the lunch we will be free to explore the House and Gardens at our leisure.  The Rose Patterson Gallery is located on the 1st floor and has its own lift for access, it is well worth a visit while you are there.  Weston Park is open to the public from 1 to 4pm on that day and we are welcome to join in as we wish after our lunch.

 The cost for the tour is

 £51.00 for members and £52.00 for non-members          

 Cost includes:

Entrance to the House, Park & Gardens

Private Tour with Gareth Williams

Private Lunch in the Music Room (soup, sandwiches, tea/coffee)

Exploration of the House, Park & Gardens at your leisure following the lunch

If any of you are unable to join us for lunch, we would be able to offer the tour only at a cost of

 £28.50 for members and £29.50 for non-members       

 Spaces are limited and will be offered on a first come basis, please book early so you won’t be disappointed.  

To Reserve a Place:

 Either

Email your requests to   lindakferg@gmail.com and pay by Bacs 

Sort code 20-77-85 ac no 00803405  reference your name followed by WP

 Please Enter Your name followed by ‘Weston Park’ in the subject line of the email.

 Or

 Call Linda Ferguson directly at 07903 921425 

 Alternatively

Complete the Application form in the Documents Store and post to Linda Ferguson, Meole Cottage, Mill Road, Meole Brace, Shrewsbury SY3 9JT, together with your cheque. 

A Visit to The New Art Gallery, Walsall. 

This is a bus trip and places MUST be applied for in advance. 

The New Art Gallery, Walsall is a world class building designed by Peter St John and Adam Caruso. It was opened by the late Queen in February 2000.

The Gallery houses The Garman Ryan Collection of sculptures and paintings which includes work by Jacob Epstein, Van Gogh, Turner and Monet.

The collection was gifted to Walsall 50 years ago by Kathleen Garman, widow of Jacob Epstein, and her friend, Sally Ryan who was an American artist and sculptor.

Any queries to Corinne Russell 01939 261544 / Mob 07970 585782 

Report on Summer Event to Bryngwyn Hall

It was a sultry summer afternoon when 58 of us had the pleasure of a private tour of Bryngwyn Hall and gardens followed by a drinks and canapés reception.

Auriol The Marchioness of Linlithgow welcomed us to her family home and gave us  an introductory talk about the history of her family and Bryngwyn going back 200 years. We then divided into 2 groups for a more detailed tour of the house and garden.

Auriol enthralled us as we were shown around the house with amusing stories of her ancestors' antics and origins of much of the furniture and pictures.

 Ruth, the head gardener, gave us an inspirational tour of the large landscaped garden with its beautiful borders, historic trees, and views of the glorious 9 acre lake. 

The visit was rounded off with a wonderful drinks and canape reception in the main hall.

A delightful afternoon in a stunning and historic landscape.

SUMMER EVENT AT

BRYNGWYN HALL

 LLANFYLLIN POWYS SY22 5LJ

SUNDAY 11TH June 2023

House and Garden Tours start at 3pm

We have great pleasure in inviting you to join us at this year’s  Summer Event  at Bryngwyn Hall, the home of Auriol Marchioness of Linlithgow.

The historic privately owned Bryngwyn Hall listed grade II* has been in Lady Linlithgow’s family for over 200 years. The house and garden fell into dereliction from the 1930's until the restoration programme started in 1989. Wonderful mature trees and shrubs remain from earlier planting.

Located on the Shropshire/Powys border, Bryngwyn Hall stands in nine acres of award-winning gardens complete with an eight acre lake, surrounded by sixty acres of oak studded parkland designed in the manner of William Emes (1730 - 1803) in the late 18c.

We will be able to enjoy private tours of both the house and garden followed by a drinks and canapé reception in the historic surroundings. Tea, coffee and soft drinks will also be available if preferred.

The tours will start promptly at 3pm so please arrive in good time. The address is Bryngwyn Hall Bwlch-y-Ciabau. Llanfyllin. Powys SY22 5LJ

Car parking is available in the park with disabled parking close to the house. Please let me know on booking if you require a disabled space. The Hall is approximately 30 minutes’ drive from the centre of Shrewsbury.

For more information about Bryngwyn and Lady Linlithgow do visit their website.

Visit https://www.bryngwyn.com/

If you would like to attend, please print and complete the application form in the Documents Store  and return it to Nichola Dapling by email or post.

Payment can be made either by cheque, or bank transfer. Alternatively printed forms will be available at our March meeting for you to complete and hand in on the spot, together with your cheque.

An email with application form has been sent out or can be accessed via the Documents Store 

Places MUST be applied for.

Any queries to Corinne Russell 01939 261544 / Mob 07970 585782 

Participants are to make their own way to the Hall 

Described by English Heritage as one of the finest remaining Victorian country houses, the Hall was built in 1845. Much of the Victorian furniture and decor still remains. 

The property was sold from private ownership in 1916 to become an independent school which it still is to this day. The clock tower (1880) which is in the grounds can be seen from miles around and on a clear day it is possible to see 7 counties from the top. There is a steep climb to the tower with 160 steps to access the view - optional! 

Tea and cakes to follow.     

We met the bus at 07.00hrs at Abbey Foregate, making good progress to Dumfries House. The house and it’s precious contents were saved for the nation with much help from the Prince of Wales - now King Charles. As one would expect, there were shortbread biscuits and the tea was served in china cups and saucers. The guides to the house were superb as were the gardens - time was limited but one could spend a whole day there and still not see everything. 

Next stop was our hotel near Helensburgh which is on the shores of the Firth of Clyde. We were looked after  very well. Our dinner choices were noted on the previous evening so remembering what we had ordered the next evening was quite a challenge - for some of us!

We learned quite a lot about the architect Rennie Mackintosh and his artistic wife, Margaret. 

We visited The House of an Art Lover which they had designed but had never seen finished. This Art Nouveau house was designed for a competition in 1901 but not built until more than 80 years later. The same day we visited Hill House, the family home of Walter Blackie of publishing fame, who, in 1902, had commissioned Rennie and Margaret to design the house, furniture and textiles. 

The following day we visited the amazing Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in Glasgow and the Hunterian Museum - we self guided around both and some made their way to the Mackintosh House which is a reassemblage of their own house and tells the story of their lives. 

On our last full day in Glasgow, we visited the Burrell Collection with its 9000 works of art and one of the greatest collections created by one person and gifted to the city. 

On our way back to Shrewsbury, we stopped off at Levens Hall near Kendal for a guided tour round the house after which the head gardener, took us for a comprehensive and entertaining tour around the wonderful garden with its famous topiary. 

This second visit is to cater for those who weren't able to join the visit in November 2022

Emails for applications to join this visit will be sent out soon. Booking is essential. 

Participants are to make their own way to the Hall which is just off the A49, 

Enquiries or anyone requiring help with transport, please let Corinne Russell know.

Tel 01939 261544     mob 07970 585782     email  corinne.russell50@me.com

Set in the heart of the Shropshire countryside, Acton Scott Hall is a grade 2 listed Elizabethan Manor dating from 1580 built for the Acton family which still remains as their residence today. 

We will have a guided tour in the house so that we can admire the exquisite oak panelling and Jacobean carvings that are just part of what makes the Hall unique.

The tour will start at 10.30am after which we will have a buffet style light lunch with some warm dishes.  Tea/coffee and cakes to follow. 

Emails for applications to join this visit have been sent out. Booking is essential. 

Participants are to make their own way to the Hall which is just off the A49, 

Enquiries or anyone requiring help with transport, please let Corinne Russell know.

Tel 01939 261544     mob 07970 585782     email  corinne.russell50@me.com

Set in the heart of the Shropshire countryside, Acton Scott Hall is a grade 2 listed Elizabethan Manor dating from 1580 built for the Acton family which still remains as their residence today. 

We will have a guided tour in the house so that we can admire the exquisite oak panelling and Jacobean carvings that are just part of what makes the Hall unique.

The tour will start at 10.30am after which we will have a buffet style light lunch with some warm dishes.  Tea/coffee and cakes to follow.     

Looking forward to joining The Arts Society Worcester on Wednesday 3rd February at 2 pm for a virtual walking tour ‘Royal London; from Banqueting House to Buckingham Palace, which will be streamed live by a Blue Badge Guide. 

Hope the weather is fine! 

Log-in details will be sent out by MailChimp email in due course.

On 27 February forty members set out to visit Aston Hall, a magnificent seventeenth century red-brick mansion situated on the north side of Birmingham. Built between 1618 and 1635 for Sir Thomas Holte, and home to James Watt Junior from 1817-1848, the recently restored Jacobean Grade-I listed house is surrounded by well-kept picturesque gardens set within Aston Park.  Following an introductory talk we were given a fascinating tour of the interior, led by two excellent guides who bought the history of the hall to life. There is evidence of the English Civil War, including a hole in the staircase made by a cannonball when the house was under siege and  attacked in December 1643 by a Parliamentarian force from Coventry.  In October 1642 Sir Thomas Holte was honoured with a visit by King Charles I as he made his way south from Shrewsbury where he had been raising troops to serve the Royalist cause.  

We then moved on for lunch at Soho House, the elegant home of industrial pioneer Matthew Boulton, who moved there in 1766 so he could be near his business.  Here he hosted fellow members of the Lunar Society* for their monthly meetings attended by like-minded individuals such as Erasmus Darwin, James Watt and Josiah Wedgwood.  Matthew Boulton’s interest in new inventions resulted in Soho House being probably the first building in England to have a central heating system installed since Roman times. In addition he had a vast steam-heated bath installed and indoor flushing toilets.  All this, and more, was expounded by our two very enthusiastic and knowledgeable guides.  The day was rounded off, as all good visits should be, by tea, cake and much lively discussion.

See a further seven images in Gallery 5

* To find out more about the Lunar Society read Jenny Uglow’s excellent book The Lunar Men published by Faber and Faber: ISBN 978-0-571-26667-8

We shall leave the Abbey Foregate at 8.30am. On arrival at the Barber Institute in Birmingham we will have coffee and biscuits followed by a tour of the gallery, including a small exhibition of Jan de Beer paintings. 

We will then transfer to the Birmingham Hippodrome for a matinee performance by Acosta Danza dance company, which was formed by Carlos Acosta. The company is made up of the best dancers Cuba has to offer who are trained in both ballet and contemporary dance. Carlos Acosta will make a guest appearance. 

Lunch is not included. There is a cafe opposite the theatre and in the Hippordrome itself. People may choose to bring their own lunch. 

We should be back in Shrewsbury around 6pm.

The Art of Spain: A private escorted tour with Travel Editions
from 25th September – 4th October 2019
Itinerary
? Day 1 ? Economy flights from Birmingham to Amsterdam/Madrid with KLM departing 25th September 2019 at 06.00;
Check in to the 4*Hotel Emperador for 1 night inc breakfast. Free time to refresh and have lunch before a City Sightseeing
Tour by coach including The Royal Chapel of Ermita de San Antonio de la Florida and Plaza Mayor followed by
Welcome Drink and a group Dinner in a local restaurant (included). Overnight Madrid.
? Day 2 – Guided visit to the Lazaro Galdiano Museum. Depart Madrid and transfer to Alcalá de Henares. Lunch on arrival
at the Parador (included) followed by guided tour of the University, Colegio Mayor de San Ildefonso, Miguel de
Cervantes Museum, Antezana chapel and Oldor chapel. Continue to Segovia and check in to 4* Hotel Eurostars
Acueducto. Evening & Dinner at leisure. Overnight Segovia.
? Day 3 – Transfer to El Escorial for a guided visit of the San Lorenzo de El Escorial. Return to Segovia for free time and
lunch. Afternoon guided City Sightseeing Tour including the Alcazar and Aqueduct. Evening & Dinner at leisure in
Segovia. Overnight Segovia.
? Day 4 –Transfer to Avila for guided City Sightseeing Tour including the City Walls of Avila. Free time for lunch. Transfer
to Salamanca and check into 4* Hotel Vincci Ciudad de Salamanca. Evening & Dinner at leisure. Overnight Salamanca.
? Day 5 –Full day guided tour of Salamanca including the Cathedral, University, churches, Plaza, Roman Bridge and
Museum of Art Nouveau Collection. Evening & Dinner at leisure. Overnight Salamanca.
? Day 6 – Transfer to Toledo with guided visits of the Cathedral, Alcazar and El Greco Museum. Transfer to 4* Parador de
Toledo. Check in followed by Dinner at the Parador (included). Overnight Toledo.
? Day 7 – Transfer to Chinchón for guided visit and group Traditional Lunch (included). Transfer to Aranjuez for guided
tour of the Royal Palace & Gardens. Return to Toledo for Dinner at the Parador (included). Overnight Toledo.
? Day 8 – Transfer to Madrid and check in to 4* Hotel Emperador. Guided visit of the Monasterio de las Descales Reales.
Free time for lunch. Afternoon guided visit at the Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando and guided visit at the
Thyssen Bornemisza Museum. Evening & Dinner at leisure. Overnight Madrid.
? Day 9 – Morning guided visit at the Prado Museum. Free time for lunch. Afternoon guided visit of the Royal Palace and the
Almudena Cathedral. Farewell group Dinner at local restaurant (included). Overnight Madrid.
? Day 10 – Morning guided visit at the Reina Sofia Museum. Free time for lunch before transfer to Madrid Airport for flight
to Birmingham via Amsterdam departing at 17.00hrs arriving Birmingham at 21.20hrs.
? This would mean a great mix of scheduled tours and visits with free time to enjoy fully all they have to offer.
To include
? 9 nights’ accommodation, all breakfasts and 6 meals as specified
? Executive coach for transfers and excursions where necessary
? Fully escorted throughout by an experienced Travel Editions UK Tour Manager
? Whisper/audio guide sets throughout the tour
? City tax for the duration
? All gratuities included (Cheque to The Arts Society Shrewsbury)
? Long Mynd Travel coach from Shrewsbury to Birmingham and back (cheque as above)
Not included
Porterage, Travel Insurance, Free Places
Travel Editions UK can offer the above as a bespoke private escorted tour for The Arts Society Shrewsbury at a price of
£2375pp for a minimum of 26 guests; a limited number of single rooms would be available at a supplement of £620pp per
single room.
A cheque for £56.00pp to cover the cost of the coach to & from Birmingham Airport, all gratuities, & admin will be payable by
1st September 2019.
To confirm places, Travel Editions will require a deposit of £300pp by 7th February 2019. The balance will be due on/before 8 weeks
prior to travel (28th August 2019) as usual.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….……
The Arts Society Shrewsbury trip to The Art of Spain 25th September – 4th October 2019
Register of Interest (Please do not send any money at this stage. A booking form will be emailed to you.)
To: Mrs Yvonne Bridgeland, Orchard House, Harley, Shrewsbury, SY5 6LP or ybridgeland@btinternet.com with details as below
Please reserve …....… place(s) at £2375pp twin/double room ……….. place(s) at £2995pp single room (inc single supplement)
Name(s) ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………....
Address ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Telephone number ……..….…………………..…..… Mobile ……………………………………. E-mail …………………………………………………………………….…
Please nominate someone to receive emails on your behalf if you are not on email yourself

The Sidney Nolan Trust is a centre for creative work, exploration and learning in art.

Our visit to will start with refreshments after which we will have an introductory talk about Sir Sidney Nolan, the groundbreaking Australian artist who relocated to the UK in the 50’s and moved to Rodd Court in 1983. We will have a tour of the house, the studio and gallery. 

We will then transfer to Stockton Bury Gardens for lunch after which there will be a talk on the gardens created by Raymond Treasure and Gordon Fenn. The gardens have been in the Treasure family for several generations and are now managed by Tasmin Westhorpe, a successful garden journalist in her own right and great great granddaughter of the original owner of the farm who bought it in 1886. There will be free time to explore the site. 

Our day starts with a visit to Morton Hall Gardens near Redditch. Worcs www.mortonhallgardens.co.uk/  

Rated by The Times to be in the top 20 gardens in the country. We shall have an introductory talk and free time to explore. Unfortunately, there are no tea and coffee facilities for groups but feel free to bring your own Thermos  - to have on the bus. 

We then make the 15 min transfer to The Throckmorton Arms for a light lunch.

Then onto nearby Coughton Court where we will have a tour of the North Wing which is not generally open to the public and we can visit the ‘breathtaking’ gardens. We will be served afternoon tea. 

Monday 20th May to Thursday 23rd May 2019

3 nights/4 days

HOTEL: Jesmond Dene House, Newcastle upon Tyne.  https://jesmonddenehouse.co.uk/

MEALS:  Breakfast & dinner at hotel daily         

Programme:         

DAY 1

Travel by private coach to Newcastle with a stop at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park en route.

On arrival there will be an introductory talk followed by tea & coffee and an Art & Landscape tour.

Light lunch included at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park before transferring to the hotel.

Welcome drink and dinner at the hotel.

DAY 2

Morning visit to Durham Cathedral with tour.

Lunch in Durham (not included). 

Return to Newcastle for afternoon visit to Trinity House on The Quayside with guided tour.

Free time to independently visit the Baltic Centre for Modern Art and The Sage Concert Hall (Foster partners)

Dinner at the hotel.

DAY 3

Morning visit to the Woodhorn Colliery Museum- home to the Pitman Painters.Tea/coffee on arrival+guided tour. 

Transfer to Belsay Hall for lunch.

Afternoon volunteer-led tour of Belsay Hall & guided tour of the Grade 1 listed gardens. 

Dinner at the hotel.

DAY 4

Check out of hotel and transfer to the Bowes Museum at Barnard Castle with guided tour and lunch.

Arrive back in Shrewsbury early evening.

On arrival at Manchester, we will start with refreshments at The Midland Hotel, built in 1903, in the Edwardian Baroque style. We will meet our tour guides here. 

Please note that walking distances are not great but suitable footwear is advised. 

The tour will visit some of Manchester’s iconic buildings starting with the hotel itself. The itinerary will include the Central Library, the Town Hall and John Ryland’s library and will conclude at Manchester Art Gallery.

There will then be free time to have lunch (not included) and to explore the gallery - or go shopping! The bus will be leaving Manchester at about 16.00hrs.

Further details and application form from Corinne Russell on mob 07970 585782

corinne.russell50@gmail.com

Visit to Brampton Bryan Hall nr Knighton.

Depart Abbey Foregate Car Park at 10.15 prompt. 

Approximate return time  18.00hrs 

Contact -

Corinne Russell 01939 261544 mob 07970 585782    corinne.russell50@gmail.com     

On arrival, we will visit the church of St Barnabas.The church is Puritan in style which is very different from most medieval churches and is remarkable in that it was one of only 6 churches built during The Commonwealth (1649-1660) which was the period between  the death of Charles I and the Restoration of the Monarchy under Charles II. The nave and chancel are unusually combined under a single roof; a good example of double-hammerbeam construction.

After a pre-booked inclusive lunch at nearby Aardvarks Books, we will listen to an introductory talk on the history of Brampton Bryan delivered by Edward Harley, who's family have lived in the Hall for over nine centuries. A guided tour will follow. 

Tea will be served in the Hall. 

Birmingham Royal Ballet.  Beauty and the Beast. 

21st Feb 2019   Matinee Performance.  Bus leaves Abbey Foregate at 2pm. 

Cursed to be a beast until a beautiful maiden loves him, the beast lives in a lonely castle with only his enchanted servants to look after him. Belle, a young village girl arrives the castle …………!

With David Bintley’s choreography, witness transformations, wild waltzes, soaring birds - the relationship between Belle and the Beast is, at times, terrifying but ultimately all is serene and beautiful. 

A Visit to Coventry.

Following the successful visit to Tate Liverpool last year to see the works of John Piper, a visit to Coventry has been arranged so we can also see Piper’s work in the baptistry window in the New Cathedral. There will be tea and coffee on arrival and then we will have a guided tour of the cathedral. Designed by architect Sir Basil Spence and consecrated in 1962, the cathedral is particularly noted for it’s modernist design. It stands alongside the ruins of the C14 Gothic cathedral which was severely bombed in 1940. Along with the window by Piper, the interior has the huge tapestry ‘Christ in Glory” by Graham Sutherland and the sculpture ‘Mater Dolorosa' by John Bridgeman. The sculpture of St Michael on the exterior is by Jacob Epstein. 

We will have time to visit the nearby Herbert Gallery and have lunch (not provided)  after which we will have a talk and a tour of the incredibly well preserved Mediaeval Guildhall.

This visit is now fully booked - BUT places are still available for the visit to Great Witley and Hanbury Hall on June 28th - enquiries to Corinne Russell

on 01939 261544

Hatton Grange was built in 1764 for Plowden Slaney by the Shrewsbury architect Thomas Farnolls Pritchard. It is one of his most complete existing works and a good example of a provincial Georgian country house set its own grounds. 

There will be a talk about the house and garden after which there will be a guided tour. 

Surrounded by beautiful gardens, the house remains very much a family home. 

Places are still available for this trip.

Contact Corinne Russell on 01939 261544

At Great Witley, there will be tea/coffee on arrival followed by a guided tour of what Simon Jenkins describes as Britain’s finest baroque church with it’s wonderful ceiling (Belluci) glass windows and carved woodwork. There should time to explore the ruins of Witley Court (English Heritage) with it’s spectacular fountain and recently restored gardens. 

We will have lunch in the Witley tea rooms. 

We rejoin the bus for a 30 minute transfer to Hanbury Hall (National Trust), which is an impressive William and Mary country house acquired by the Vernon family in 17C. 

THIS TOUR IS NOW FULLY BOOKED

Sun 6th-Wed 9th May 2018

This 3 night trip by coach will give a glimpse of what Norfolk has to offer. 

We will be based at Sprowston Manor Marriott Hotel in Norwich for 3 nights/4 days on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis. 

A lunch will also be provided on each day. 

Day1. Depart Shrewsbury by private coach to East Anglia with a stop at Burghley House en route. Refreshments and introductory talk followed by free-flow visit. A light lunch will also be provided. 

Proceed to Sprowston Manor Marriott Hotel in Norwich.

Welcome drink and dinner at the hotel. 

Day2. Morning visit to Sandringham Estate - free flow visit around house and gardens. Lunch at the house. 

Afternoon visit to Houghton Hall - free flow visit. 

Dinner at the hotel. 

Day3. Morning visit to East Ruston Old Vicarage Gardens with refreshments on arrival followed by a guided tour and 2 course lunch. Return to Norwich to visit The Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts housed in Norman Foster's first public building which is celebrating it's 40th anniversary. There may be time to explore the town independently. 

Dinner at the hotel.

Day4. Leave the hotel to return to Shrewsbury with *visit to Boughton Hall en route. Guided tour of the house and time to explore the gardens before a light lunch.

*NB please note that we will visit Boughton Hall on our way back to Shrewsbury - not Deene Park as originally stated. 

contact Corinne Russell on - 

tel 01939 261544        email corinne.russell50@gmail.com

 Venice & Beyond: A private escorted tour for SDFAS from 22nd-30th September 2017

To include

? Direct economy flights from Birmingham to Venice with Monarch departing 22nd September 2017 at 6.10am.

? Executive coach for transfers and excursions

? 8 nights inc breakfast in the 4* Hotel Sant’Elena, a former convent on Venice Island in the green park-like area near the Giardini, 150m away from the S. Elena vaporetto stop, with welcome drink & evening meal on the first night

http://www.hotelsantelena.com/

? Walking orientation tour of Venice with local guide

? Entrances included at:

? Palazzo Ducale (Doge’s Palace) with guided tour including entrance to the Museo Correr, National Archaeological Museum and Mariciana Library; and visit to St Mark’s Basilica

? The Peggy Guggenheim collection and the Galleria dell’Accademia with guided tours

? Full day visit to Padua with local guide, with Palladian Villa Foscari en route, to include Scrovegni Chapel and entrance to the Eremitani Museum and Zuckermann Palace Chapel, the Duomo di Santa Maria Assunta and Baptistery, and the Oratorio di

San Giorgio

? Guided visit to Venice Biennale-Giardini (40 pavilions) and the Arsenale exhibition with possible reception at the Welsh Pavilion where former Turner Prize nominee, James Richards, will develop a suite of new work for a large scale, ambitious and original exhibition

? Visits to Scuola di San Rocco and San Rocco Church with local guide

? Guided walking tour of the Rialto Bridge, Santa Maria di Miracoli, Santa Maria dei Frari, San Giovanni and Paolo, and Verrocchio’s Colleoni equestrian monument

? Full day at leisure when possible independent visits may be made to some of the following: San Giorgio Maggiore, Santa Maria di Salute, SS Redenture, Murano glass Museum, San Michele cemetery island; the Jewish Quarter; and the Palazzo Grassi

Early farewell dinner; Optional but not included evening opera/concert at La Fernice Opera House or the Interpreti Veneziani

? Fully escorted throughout by an experienced Travel Editions UK tour manager

? Whisper/audio guide sets throughout tour

? City tax for the duration

? All gratuities included (Cheque to SDFAS)

? Long Mynd Travel coach from Shrewsbury to Birmingham and back (cheque as above)

Not included

? Porterage, Travel insurance or Free places

The basic outline would be as follows:

Day 1 – Arrival into Venice and guided walking tour, evening meal at hotel

Day 2 – Palazzo Ducale and St Mark’s Basilica

Day 3 – The Peggy Guggenheim Collection and the Galleria dell’ Accademia

Day 4 – Visit to Padua with Palladian Villa Foscari en route

Day 5 – Visit to Venice Biennale - Giardini & Arsenale with possible reception at the Welsh Pavilion

Day 6 – Scuola di S Rocco & S Rocco Church

Day 7 – Rialto Bridge, S Maria di Miracoli, SS Giovanni & Paolo, Verrochio’s Colleoni equestrian monument, S Maria dei Frari

Day 8 – Day at leisure; early evening farewell dinner at a local restaurant; optional evening concert

Day 9 – Return flight 11.00am to Birmingham arriving 12.30pm

This would mean a great mix of scheduled tours and visits with free time to enjoy fully all they have to offer.

Travel Editions UK can offer the above as a bespoke private escorted tour for SDFAS at a price of £1985pp for a group of 35 passengers; a limited number of single rooms would be available at a supplement of £820pp per single room.

A cheque for £42pp to cover the cost of the coach to and from Birmingham Airport, all gratuities, and admin will be payable by

1st September 2017.

To confirm places, Travel Editions will require a deposit of £200pp by 5th February 2017. The balance will be due on/before 8 weeks prior to travel (July 28th 2017) as usual.

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SDFAS trip to Venice & Beyond 22nd - 30th September 2017

Register of Interest (Please do not send any money at this stage.)

To: Mrs Yvonne Bridgeland, Orchard House, Harley, Shrewsbury, SY5 6LP

Please reserve …..… place(s) at £1985pp twin/double room (delete as appropriate) …….. place(s) at £820pp single room

Name(s) ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Address ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Post Code ………..…..… Telephone number ……………………………………. E-mail ………………………………………………………………………………………