The Massacre of the Innocents and The Flight into Egypt

After coffee and biscuits, hospitably provided by his wife, Terry showed slides of how the paintings appeared on the walls thirty years ago, but emphasised if something is not done soon (and English Heritage, Lottery Funds, Historic Churches Funds, et al, have not responded to appeals) they will gradually fade for ever. The paintings, obliterated centuries ago and then long forgotten, were rediscovered in 1933 when layers of Cromwellian whitewash of the intervening years was removed during a restoration. Unfortunately the methods chosen to bring them back to life were the wrong ones, and the damp English winters, combined with the fragility of plaster and pigment, and the presence of bats in the church, mean that this time the loss may be permanent.

So it was with great interest that we looked at the slide pictures of what used to be, and stared at the walls, to see what remains. One lasting impression is that the women in the pictures were graceful, with the virgin appearing as a slim blonde girl with her hair in page-boy style. Jesus, too, is shown as youthful, and this may mean that although the age in general was nasty, brutish and short, the artists who worked on them were young,

It was a great privilege to learn about the wall paintings from Terry, and we do hope that something can be done in the not too distant future to preserve them for posterity.

It was an excellent outing. Thank you, Carol, for arranging it.

Guided Tour of the Ashmolean Museum - 30th October 2004

Following our autumn 2004 course "Looking at Pictures", tutor Judith Hodgkinson arranged a guided tour of the Ashmolean museum in Oxford to see some fascinating art works. Here it was very interesting to see how some pictures can affect the viewer and also how some are held in particular esteem by those that live with them on a daily basis.

A Green Man At The Old Glebe - 25th June 2004

Dr. Peter Hill

Members enjoy a guided tour of the cathedral.

On Saturday, May 22nd, WEA members and friends enjoyed a trip to Winchester, England's ancient capital, today an unspoiled cathedral city.

The day stayed fine and after a tour of the cathedral (particularly memorable for its chantry chapels), expertly led by two volunteer guides, everyone chose their own activity. Some went on the walking tour with a town guide and others went to see the legendary King Arthur's table in the Great Hall, the only surviving part of Winchester castle. A few of us meandered down to the city mill, and many went to the various museums. All enjoyed the attractions of the French market, and various boxes and bags full of goodies appeared on the homeward bound coach - although the frogs legs one member boasted that he carried in a box turned out to be gooey pastries!

As ever with WEA trips, a "bit of education" was combined with a good lunch, adding up to an enjoyable, instructive and happy day out.

Audrey Forgham and David Powell draw the raffle at the AGM.

The branch has had another good year, and the financial report was a very healthy one. The 2003/4 courses had been excellent, and both the courses and the social events had been very well attended. There are three more events to look forward to in the near future.

The real change for the branch will come because of the fact that Northamptonshire will transfer to from the Eastern district to the East Midlands district at the beginning of August, 2004, but Dr Bob Chapman felt that, as far as the branch is concerned, things will alter slowly.

He retires in the summer, and the branch wished him well. They also wished well the retiring secretary who in her annual report said how much she had enjoyed her eleven years in the post. She was very pleased to receive book tokens in recognition of her hard work.

David Powell remains as chairman and Kate Moody as treasurer. Richard Farquharson takes over as course secretary, supported by Judith Cairns, Jan and Cec Harrold and Ann Mackness.