Visit to the Globe Theatre, London
Illustrated Talk: “Hidden Gems of Slovakia”
Visit to the Jurassic Coast, West Dorset and East Devon
Visit to Lacock Abbey, Wiltshire
Illustrated Talk: “My Life as a Country Artist”
Visit to Owlpen Manor, Gloucestershire
Visit to Velazquez Exhibition, National Gallery, London
Visit to the Somerset Record Office, Taunton
Visit to the Black Country Living Museum, Dudley
Illustrated Talk: “Fading Images”
Visit to the Worcester Christmas Fayre
Visit to Westonbirt Arboretum Illuminations, near Tetbury
Christmas Lunch at Oake Manor Golf Club
Christmas Tea Party with Seasonal Entertainment
Tuesday 3 October 2006
This visit to the Globe Theatre, Bankside, London, will include a guided tour of the theatre, built as a near-replica of the original Globe Theatre of Shakespeare's day. We shall watch a matinée performance of “The Comedy of Errors”.
Saturday 7 October 2006
West Monkton Village Hall, Monkton Heathfield, 2.30pm Roger Stoakley, well-known to members for his talk on the Samburu Tribe of Kenya, will take us through towns and villages off the beaten track in Slovakia. His talk will feature the gypsies of the area, the wooden houses and the magnificent countryside.
Thursday 12 October 2006
This is a second chance for members who were not able to come on the visit to this area last October – or for those who would like to make a return visit to England's first National World Heritage Site.
We shall again be joined by Jill Cooper, a Blue Badge Tourist Guide, who will tell us all about this historic area as we travel along the coastal route through Seaton, Lyme Regis and Abbotsbury to Weymouth ( East Devon and West Dorset).
The coastline represents 185 million years of earth history and has been ranked with the Great Barrier Reef and the Grand Canyon.
Monday 16 October 2006
Lacock Abbey, near Chippenham, was founded in 1232 and converted into a country house in about 1540. Its fine medieval cloisters, sacristy, chapter house and monastic rooms have survived largely intact.
The day will include the chance to explore the Abbey's gardens, visit the Fox Talbot Photographic Museum and enjoy the village which dates from the 13th century and is much loved by film makers.
Saturday 21 October 2006
West Monkton Village Hall, Monkton Heathfield, 2.30pm
Michael Cooper will speak about his life as a country artist. He paints delightful country scenes, his aim being to record the countryside's life and character which are fast changing or vanishing. He will bring some of his work, cards and prints to sell.
Tuesday 31 October 2006
We visited Owlpen Manor, Dursley, in the Spring. This repeat is for members who missed that trip – and an opportunity for those who want to see the gardens again, this time in the autumn.
This Tudor manor is regarded as one of the most romantic early manor houses in the west of England. It has a Tudor Great Hall, a Jacobean wing with solar, and an early Georgian Little Parlour and doorcase of 1719. It contains a unique collection of wall hangings and an Arts and Crafts collection. The gardens are on seven terraces, with many topiary yews and box parterres.
Wednesday 1 November
The British and Commonwealth Museum is an award-winning museum, housed in Brunel's 19th century railway station at Temple Meads. The museum, opened in 2002, presents the 500-year history and legacy of Britain's overseas empire.
The galleries give accounts of voyages of exploration; trade including spices, silks and tobacco; transportation and war, ending with the Commonwealth and the rise of multicultural Britain.
Tuesday 7 November 2006
This is probably the most important art exhibition in London this year. It traces the career of one of the very greatest painters, Diego Rodriguez de Silva y Velazquez (1599-1660). He showed a precocious ability to observe and record reality, ultimately realising miraculous effects of illusion with an astounding abbreviated technique that inspired future realists as well as the Impressionists.
Wednesday 15 November
Sandford Orcas Manor is an example of a small Tudor manor house built in the 1550s on the site of a medieval house. It has been owned by the present Medlycott family for 250 years and is virtually unaltered.
Features include the great hall with its fine Jacobean screen, enormous fireplace and mullion windows, corkscrew staircases, parlour, great chamber and gatehouse chamber. There are items of Jacobean and Queen Anne furniture.
Saturday 18 November 2006
West Monkton Village Hall, Monkton Heathfield, 2.30pm
The speaker, Mrs Norma Huxtable, has written two books about her life on Exmoor. She will give a light-hearted account of her experiences and the people she has met in the region while travelling in a pig van.
Tuesday 21 November 2006
This evening visit will include a talk giving an introduction to the Somerset Record Office (part of the county's Archive and Record Service), a behind-the-scenes tour and a visit to the conservation and repair room. A small selection of local records will be on display.
Thursday 23 November 20062006
This amazing place in the West Midlands is an historic time capsule of Industrial Britain. It offers an opportunity for enjoyment and discovery of the interesting skills and life pursuits of a bygone era.
Electric trams trolleybuses can transport you back in time from the modern exhibition halls to the canalside village. There is much to see, both outside and inside.
Saturday 25 November 20062006
West Monkton Village Hall, Monkton Heathfield, 2.30pm
Tony Backwell's talk will be illustrated by photographic images which fade gently, one into another. They include views of the Quantock Hills, matched to the text of a 1920s GWR guide book, and “Through the Window” with a GWR commentary on the Paddington-to-Penzance express travelling through Somerset.
Friday 1 December 2006
This Christmas Fayre is the Midlands' most prestigious Victorian-themed street market, with the finest crafts, gifts, food and entertainment in the heart of historic Worcester – a chance to enjoy the sights, sounds and aromas of a traditional Christmas.
Saturday 2 December 2006
West Monkton Village Hall, Monkton Heathfield, 2.30pm Get into the Christmas spirit by learning more about the carols we love to sing. The Rev Eric Illing, a retired Anglican parish priest, will give an entertaining and informative talk on the subject.
Friday 8 December 2006
Westonbirt, in the Cotswolds, is famous for its Enchanted Wood. We will stroll among the illuminated trees and enjoy the exciting lighting effects and the magical surprises in the wood.
Thursday 14 December 2006
The Quantock Centre's annual seasonal lunch will be held at Oake Manor Golf Club, near Bradford-on-Tone. The clubhouse and restaurant have fine views of the Quantock, Brendon and Blackdown Hills.
Saturday 16 December 2006
West Monkton Village Hall, Monkton Heathfield, 2.30pm
By special request, the Minehead Handbell Ringers have broken one of their firm rules by agreeing to entertain us for the second year running. As last year, the hall will be set with tables and chairs, and the Handbell Ringers will present a selection of seasonal music and readings, with audience participation.
This will be followed by traditional Christmas afternoon tea.