Summer Newsletter 2026
Summer Newsletter 2026
Dear Members
I am writing this in the heat of summer! I expect many of you are feeling the same as I am? It’s wonderful to have reliable sun but exhausting too and it hasn’t been good for the garden!
Looking back over this year, there have been excellent lectures organised by Sara and there are interesting ones to come in the Autumn. We had a popular and successful day of special interest in February, organised by Georgie, with the title ‘New York, New York’. This was well attended and the lunch was delicious. These days have a friendly atmosphere and give members a chance to broaden their friendships at the Arts Society too. I would like to remind you of the changed date and title of the next day of special interest in October. This will be held on Thursday, October 22nd instead of October 15th as advertised in the programme. Sue Rollin will talk on “Mughals and Rajputs, Courts and Palaces of India’. This will be a popular subject, so book in early when the forms go out on the website.
Wendy said that the day at the American museum in April had been a success. She reported that “the house tour was led by very knowledgeable guides and the attractive garden with lovely views and special quilt exhibition were enjoyed by all who came”.
The visit to Brockworth Court in June was very interesting too. It’s difficult to believe in this weather that most of us took umbrellas because rain was forecast! Fortunately, the rain was minimal and we had a mainly bright and sunny afternoon. Brockworth Court was a fascinating house with an extraordinary history going back to the thirteenth century, beginning as the Prior’s residence until the dissolution of the monasteries in 1540. Alterations were made over subsequent centuries. Tea was provided in the historic pre-Tudor Tithe barn which had been almost destroyed by fire in1996 but carefully restored using traditional materials. The dedication of the current owners was impressive considering the renovation that they have had to do over the years. The cottage style gardens were lovely and contained a pond with a Monet bridge! (see the attached picture). It was an early summer afternoon enjoyed by all who came. Thank you Anna for organising it.
I wish the members who are booked on the Kent tour in September a good trip. I am sure you will be pleased not to have to deal with airports!
Once again, I would like to thank my team for their support and hard work. I hope you all have a happy summer break and I look forward to seeing you at the next lecture in September.
Best wishes
Nickie Clarke (chairman)