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Newsletter – December 2015

Contents

Page

Chairman’s Report

2

Young Arts Report 2015

Church Recorders Report 2015

Planned Visits for 2016

4

Day of Special Interest – 20th

Century Sculpture

The Baker White Memorial Hall, Lower Hardres, Thursday 25th

February

2016. Information and application form enclosed. Final date for

applications – 12th

February 2016.

5

Lecture Programme for 2016/2017

6

Agenda for Annual General Meeting on 18th

January 2016 at 7.00 p.m.

(Lecture at 7.30 p.m. to follow the AGM)

Registration in the Old Sessions House atrium from 6.00 p.m.

8

Minutes of the Annual General Meeting held on Monday 19th

January

2015

9

Election of Officers and Committee for 2016

10

SCDFAS Profile 2015

11

Subscription Renewal Form for 2016 – Reminder

12

NB: This newsletter includes papers for the Annual General Meeting in 18th

January 2016 at 7.00 pm. Please remember to bring them with you.

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SOUTH CANTERBURY DECORATIVE &

FINE ARTS SOCIETY

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT

DECEMBER 2015

Dear Member,

At the end of my first year as Chairman, diffident as I was about undertaking the role and

in the absence of any other “willing volunteer”, I can now say it has certainly been a steep learning

curve!

Thanks to the freely given advice and information from experienced committee members

and former Chairmen, the show has not only stayed on the road, but, with the addition of two other

brand new appointments, consolidated its strengths and upgraded elements of technology.

Central NADFAS is a very exacting leader with high standards required, not only from its

panel of accredited lecturers, but also from our individual societies. It supports performance with a

steady stream of teaching sessions on all aspects of the skills required for the various committee

roles – so please do not hesitate to offer your skills - and maintains contact and enthusiasm by

National and Area conferences.

The lecturers, too, are funds of information on national trends and developments. We

breathe a sigh of relief each month at the safe arrival, on time and fully equipped with their lecture

notes and computer memory stick – ‘old fashioned’ slides are already dinosaurs, but we do still

have a projector and carousel, just in case! They are deeply versed in their subjects and respected

in their fields and merit due courtesy and generosity in our welcome – a chance to relax and refuel

their energies before lecturing - to our advantage and theirs. Some travel from great distance and I

can thoroughly recommend the pleasure of hosting them for an evening meal and overnight stay.

Volunteers?

We are very fortunate to have safe and sufficient parking close by so comfortable and well

appointed a lecture theatre with space to meet each other for coffee/tea and biscuits before the

meeting. This year, as ever, we have enjoyed a high calibre of lectures on a wide variety of

subjects, with the highest votes of appraisal from committee – and remember, we do like to hear

members opinions as well - for Oliver Everett on “Indian Mughals”, David Phillips on “Trusting,

or not, the Experts in Art” and Nicola Moorby, who fascinated us with the “Mysteries of Sickert

and the Camden Town Group”.

I think it is accurate to say that all our many different visits were popular and successful,

including to the stained glass studio at the Cathedral; a guided tour of the brilliantly refurbished

Wallace Collection and to the environs of Spitalfields, both in London; a coach trip to

Hertfordshire for Henry Moore’s house, studios and monumental statuary, perfectly displayed in

their garden setting. More locally, most enjoyable and enlightening tours - around Saltwood

Castle, and a walk led by Sandwich Guides around their glorious, ancient streets. Ann, Heather

and Philippa are bursting with ideas for the coming year, too. So, ‘Watch this space!’

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We have embraced new technology with enthusiasm, not only the excellent, user-friendly

website www.southcanterburydfas.org.uk under Robin Hendy’s care - which I earnestly invite

everyone to explore for its fund of information of our activities and for access to forms for every

purpose - but also by increasing use of email for all contacts, limiting prohibitive postal charges

(will everyone with email please ensure we have your address!) and this year, thanks to Maggi

Wilson’s newly acquired skill, we will make increasing use of “mail chimp” to send out

newsletters, advertising outings, subscription forms, etc.

Lecturers, premises and affiliation fees to National and Area NADFAS are expensive and

continue to rise. For the first time in a number of years we have been forced to make a modest

increase in subscriptions (to £39pp and £75 joint) and attendance fee (to £4). Having broached the

question of finance, I must mention the national situation of falling member rolls, which we share.

We depend for successful continuation on recruitment of new members to replace the inevitable,

steadily depleting numbers resigning through age and reluctance to come out in the evening, or for

other commitments – this is the only way, other than going down market in our venue, to control

our subscription charges. Within the last ten years, our numbers have fallen from the three

hundreds to below two hundred, which is not viable, if it continues in the long term. Our formula is

sound, our committee strong, skill and enthusiasm abound. Think, do you have friends you can

invite? We are producing a leaflet with full details for members with additional copies to hand

round to friends and to be displayed perhaps at other societies, to which you may belong.

This year, three very long serving, experienced committee members are retiring – although

still available with good advice – John Harris, Johanna Haynes and Sue Evans and we are most

grateful for all their past service. We do not, as yet, have a “Young Arts” replacement for Sue.

We have had very strong reinforcement from Maggi Wilson as our brilliant new Programme

Secretary and Membership Administration; Jon Mays, with John Hickling to assist, has tackled the

unenviable task of ensuring clarity and accuracy in our finances with laudable diligence. We are

hugely grateful to our solid and dependable rocks, Peter Hodges, our balanced and meticulous

Secretary, Robin Hendy, our creative Webmaster, Ian Craig-Mair, on whom we depend to keep the

whole audio-visual show on the road – an understudy would be most welcome, Ann Barnwell,

Heather Scott and our irrepressible Social Secretary, Philippa Davies, in organizing outings and

functions, Margaret Anderson, beavering away in Church Recording, with Jim Gibbons keeping us

posted with a stream of information of Arts Events at every meeting - everyone plays their part.

On Wednesday, 11th

November, our “Magical Supper” proved to be as enjoyable as we

hoped, friendly, relaxed and highly entertaining. The home cooked menu provided by the committee

and many other members was scrumptious and satisfying, washed down by wine ad libitum. From

the start, table by table through the meal and for half an hour afterwards, we were beguiled and

bewitched by the amazing skill and sleight of hand of Bertie Pearce, regularly voted as one of

NADFAS outstanding lecturers.

We look forward to seeing you all in 2016 at the AGM and lecture on 18th

January – please

note the slightly earlier start at 7.00pm.

Sue Pratt (Chairman).

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Young Arts Report 2015

Once again this year we have encouraged young people to participate in the Art in

Bridge Exhibition. Gift tokens, generously donated by Cowling and Wilcox

Canterbury, were awarded in a non-competitive draw to 6-year old George Stanley

and 16-year old Mollie Bryant. Pictures of the presentations and winners’ art works

can be viewed on our website. Cowling and Wilcox have kindly agreed to continue

their support of the Society in 2016.

As a footnote to last year’s Investigating Beaney Portraits project, Sue Pratt’s grand-

daughter prepared a French translation of the guide book. However publication has

been delayed by staff changes at the Beaney. The society will consider further

collaboration with the Beaney once this project is complete and dependent on the

availability of funds.

For the first time this year we took part in a NADFAS Young Art/ RBA (The Royal

Society of British Artists) initiative. Four photographs of exhibits in the A level Art

exhibition at the Community College Whitstable were submitted for consideration to

be shown at the RBA annual exhibition. Unfortunately, none were chosen for

exhibition. However, the RBA president and his fellow council members had a

difficult task to select 22 pieces, as 55 Societies submitted 348 art works from 89

schools. The submitted pictures may be viewed on our website.

Church Recorders Report 2015

A small hard-working group has continued to meet on the 2nd

and 4th

Wednesday

afternoons for the past year and has been making steady progress in recording St

Stephen’s Church. Most of the basic data collection has been done, just leaving some

of the more specialised objects to be tackled such as the bells, the clock and the organ

plus delving in the various ecclesiastical archives for further information. We hope to

have just about everything in first draft by the turn of the year, however, then it has all

to be checked! For this, we are seeking further volunteers. Anyone who is interested

should please contact Margaret Anderson for further information. Email:

mlba@kentforlife.net

Events Planning for 2016 Your events team are busy planning activities for 2016, including those below, and

are considering a number of other possibilities. Full details and booking forms for all

the events will follow in due course.

Dickens Museum, Broadstairs & Afternoon Tea at the Albion Hotel – Feb/March

Kew Gardens – April

Restoration House and the Cathedral, Rochester – 26th

May

Great Dixter and Pashley Manor Gardens –15th

June

Stained Glass in the City, London – 13th

July

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SOUTH CANTERBURY DFAS

DAY OF SPECIAL INTEREST 2016

Date: Thursday February 25th 2016

Subject: Twentieth Century Sculpture

Speaker: Linda Smith

Place: Lower Hardres Village Hall

Coat: £35 per person (includes coffee & lunch)

Time: 9.45 Registration and Coffee

The critical influence of Rodin is discussed followed by a study of Cubism and the

forward looking ideas of the Futurists and Russian Constructivists. The hugely

important figure of Giacometti introduces surrealism, set against developments in

abstraction and the rise of totalitarian art in the thirties.

The work of Henry Moore, Barbara Hepworth and the pre-eminent American

sculptor, David Smith, is described. Sculpture since 1960 is then considered, some

thought-provoking and challenging, others simply spectacular and beautiful.

The Programme:

10.30 Welcome and Introduction; Session 1

11.30 Comfort break

11.45 Session 2

13.00 Lunch

14.00 Session 3

Please complete and return the booking form below, together with a cheque for the

full cost and a stamped addressed envelope for confirmation and any final details.

Closing date is 11th

February 2016

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SCDFAS Day of Special Interest – Thursday 25th

February 2016

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

Address:………………………………………………………………………………..

…………………………………………………………………………………………..

Telephone number:……………………………………………………………………

I/We have enclosed a cheque payable to South Canterbury DFAS for £35 per person

together with a stamped addressed envelope.

Please return this booking form to:

Maggi Wilson, 22 Fitzroy Road, Whitstable, Kent, CT5 2LG

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Lecture Programme 2016/2017

21st March 2016

Kevin Karney - Life & Times of the Sundial - A Perspective on Civilisation's Most Enduring

Timekeeper

The history of the sundial outstrips that of the clock by at least two thousand years. The lecture examines

how time has been told down the ages from the perspective of both the Sundial and its competitors. It

compares what philosophers and poets thought about time. It looks at various aspects of the sundial as i)

a teller of time, ii) a marker for religious observance, iii) a memento mori, iv) a vehicle for exquisite

craftsmanship, v) a sign of elegance, sophistication and civic pride.

18th

April 2016

Magdalen Evans - Creativity in British Prisons

This will highlight the myriad projects going on around the country which attempt to harness people’s

potential, often in a place where they are able to concentrate for the first time. Fine Cell Work teaches

inmates to sew, most of whom are men, as women only make up about 8% of the prison estate. Those on

long sentences often prove both the best students and in due course the best stitchers and their work is

sold through the charity’s events and pop-up shops. There is now a waiting list of prisons wanting the

charity to come and train behind bars.

16th

May 2016

Dr Paula Nuttall - Treasures of the V&As Renaissance Galleries

Paula, Director of the V&A Medieval and Renaissance Year Course, looks at the challenges facing the

curators of the outstanding collection of renaissance art opened at the V&A to critical acclaim in

December 2009. She introduces some of the many treasures on display.

20th

June 2016

Alexandra Epps - Art of Light – Stained Glass in the City of London

The magical qualities of stained glass windows in the historic churches of the City of London – windows

both old and modern created by a series of remarkable artists and craftsmen in a variety of styles.

Discover their symbolism, spiritual dimensions and above all radiant visual beauty.

18th

July 2016

Yasha Beresiner - The Fascinating World of Playing Cards

Surprisingly today’s playing cards date back to 1377. Decks from 1475 still survive. The English deck is

of French origin and the Company of Makers of Playing Cards was founded in 1628 to protect English

makers from French importations. Cards were used as a medium of communication, propaganda or

education: the 1678 Titus Oates plot is illustrated on a 52 card deck published at the time and known as

The Horrid Popish Plot. Francis Barlow illustrated the cards depicting Marlborough's Victories in 1707.

Modern cards follow in these old traditions with some wonderful collectors’ decks of today.

19th

September 2016

Anthea Streeter - Thomas Heatherwick – the Leonardo da Vinci of our times

Thomas Heatherwick has won many awards and honours: in 2004 he was the youngest practitioner to be

appointed a Royal Designer for Industry; he won a Gold Medal for his British Pavilion at the Shanghai

Expo in 2010, and in the same year he was designer of the year in Japan. Heatherwick’s work received

world-wide coverage in 2012 when with his studio team he designed the Olympic Cauldron at the London

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Olympics. Heatherwick’s innovative approach is now in demand all over the world, and the lecture will

highlight the broad range of his designs

17th

October 2016

Hilary Guise - Wine and The Vine in Art

Since Noah, vineyards & wine-making have been at the heart of civilised living. Wine was so important it

even came to represent the blood of God. Convivial wine drinking from Ancient Athens to French

Impressionist picnics has been illustrated in many forms; and the journey of the grape spreading up

through Europe with the Medieval monasteries, royal kings, knights & pilgrims, thus also takes us

through the history of our finest European art. The story of wine is full of surprises including the expose

that Champagne was invented by an Englishman! This lecture unites a love of fine wine with a love of art

in both their sacred & secular roles down the ages

21st November 2016

Brian Stater - Great Photographs of the Twentieth Century – How the camera has conveyed optimism

and compassion

The camera has given us some of the most vivid images of modern times. This lecture examines a series

of brilliant photographs and explains what makes these images so special. In particular we look at

photographs which explore the depth of human experience in a spirit of optimism and compassion. The

photographers involved range from the pioneers to some mid-century masters and include exponents from

the 21st century

16th

January 2017

Jo Walton Eric Ravilious and the Lure of the Everyday

Ravilious has been described as the greatest English watercolourist of the 20th century and his images of

the landscape and of everyday objects attract passionate devotees. A prolific painter, printmaker and

designer, he became an Official War Artist in 1939, and was killed in 1942 but his legacy is a body of

work reflecting deep delight in the world in which he lived. This talk looks at his work and that of some

of his contemporaries working on the Home Front in the Second World War

20th

February 2017

Colin Davies - High Tech Architecture

High Tech in architecture has nothing to do with high technology as we now know it – computers, the

internet, mobile phones, social media and so on. The term refers to a style developed in the 1970s and 80s

by a group of British architects including Norman Foster and Richard Rogers. High Tech architects

preferred synthetic materials like metal and glass rather than natural materials like brick or wood. They

also liked the idea of a building as a ‘kit of parts’ that could be dismantled and re-arranged to suit

changing requirements. High Tech might have ended up as a mere foot note in architectural history had

not its founders gone on to become, as the title of a recent television series put it, The Brits that Built the

Modern World’.

16th

February 2017 – Day of Special Interest

Catherine Wallace - Cornish Art -1900 to the present day

Featuring marine art, St Ives Modernism, contemporary and historic naïve art, sculpture and plein air

painting. Artists include (but are by no means limited to) Julius Olsson, Alfred Wallis, Barbara

Hepworth, Ben Nicholson, Naum Gabo, Neil Pinkett. A day when you can visually wet your feet, feel the

sand and sea air and be stimulated with a range of images as well as some challenging ideas.

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South Canterbury Decorative and Fine Arts Society

Annual General Meeting 2016

Notice is hereby given that the twenty-sixth Annual General Meeting

of the Society will be held on Monday 18th

January 2016 at The Old

Sessions House, Canterbury Christchurch University, at 7.00 p.m.

AGENDA

1. Apologies for Absence

2. To approve the Minutes of the 25th

AGM held on Monday 19th January

2015 A copy of the minutes is attached hereto.

3. To receive the Chairman’s Report for the year A copy of the report is attached hereto.

4. To receive and approve the Society Accounts for the year ending 30th

November 2015 The accounts will be available at the meeting.

5. To Elect the Officers for 2016 The Committee’s nominations are attached.

6. To Elect the Committee for 2016 Paper attached.

7. To Elect the Honorary Supervisor for 2016

8. Any other business

By order of the Committee

December 2015

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SOUTH CANTERBURY DECORATIVE & FINE ARTS SOCIETY

MINUTES OF THE 25th ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

HELD ON MONDAY 19TH

JANUARY 2015

AT THE OLD SESSIONS HOUSE, CANTERBURY CHRIST CHURCH UNIVERSITY

The Chairman welcomed members and visitors to the Annual General Meeting. She

noted that the reference to “Honorary Supervisor” in Item 7 of the agenda should

read “Honorary Examiner” and that “Messrs Larkings” should read “Messrs MHA

MacIntyre Hudson”. She then introduced members of the committee.

1. Apologies for Absence Apologies were received from 8 members.

2. Minutes of the 24th

AGM held on 20th

January 2014 The minutes had been circulated prior to the meeting. Approval was proposed by Tricia Shepard,

seconded by Leslie Stephenson and agreed without dissent.

3. Matters Arising None.

4. Chairman’s Report The Chairman reported how much she had enjoyed her period of tenure highlighting in particular the

achievements of Young Arts, the 25th

Anniversary, the resumption of Church Recorders and the

successful transfer to the present venue. She particularly noted Mike Townsend’s work as

Programme Secretary, his promotion of the move to the new venue and his outstanding choices of

lectures and lecturers, which brought appreciative applause from the members. The Chairman’s

written report was circulated in advance of the meeting. Acceptance was proposed by Jenny Yonge,

seconded by Christel Moor and agreed without dissent.

5. Treasurer’s Report Mr. Garside noted that the surplus of income shown in the accounts was due to outings and events.

The “core” income and expenditure were almost in balance. However maintenance of membership

was important and in the last year new members had balanced members leaving.

The Statement of Accounts was made available at the meeting. Acceptance was proposed by

Alastair Scott, seconded by John Harris and agreed without dissent.

Several members noted that they had not received renewal forms, although there were no obvious

reasons for this.

6. Election of Committee Members 6.1 Election of Officers: Sue Pratt (Chairman) – proposed by Johanna Haynes, seconded by

Imogen Sayer; Jon Mays (Treasurer) – proposed by Michael Garside, seconded by John Hickling;

Peter Hodges (Secretary) to continue. Agreed without dissent.

6.2 Other Committee Members: Maggi Wilson (Programme), Johanna Haynes (New Members),

Ann Barnwell (Outings), Sue Evans (Young Arts), Margaret Anderson (Membership Amin/Church

Recorders), Robin Hendy (Webmaster), John Hickling (Assistant Treasurer), Ian Craig-Mair

(Projection), Heather Scott (Outings), Philippa Davies (Social Secretary), Mike Garside, Jim

Gibbons and John Harris – proposed by Pat Gibbons, seconded by Maureen Ingram and agreed

without dissent.

7. Appointment of the Independent Examiner

Mr. Richard Kreffer of Messrs MHA MacIntyre Hudson confirmed his willingness to continue as

the Independent Examiner.

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8. Any Other Business 8.1 Philippa Davies presented Richard Kreffer with a bottle of wine in appreciation of his work

as Independent Examiner.

8.2 Philippa Davies noted the Association’s appreciation of Mike and Aldwyth Garside’s work

for the Association firstly on outings and latterly as Treasurer. She presented them with roses for

the garden, Roses to eat and a comb to “ease the parting”.

8.3 To mark her retirement as Chairman, Sue Pratt presented Philippa Davies (“charismatic,

energetic, hardworking and fun”) with a framed print of a painting of “Discovery”, framed

pictures of her term in office and coffee mugs and a penguin pendant from the Polar Institute.

8.4 There were no other items of Other Business.

**********************

South Canterbury Decorative and Fine Arts Society

Election of Officers and Committee for 2016

1. In accordance with Rule 7 of the Society, Committee nominates the

following:

Chairman

Vice-chairman

Secretary

Treasurer

Sue Pratt

Jim Gibbons

Peter Hodges

Jon Mays

2.1 In accordance with Rule 8, those elected to hold the Offices listed at 1.

above will be members of the Committee for 2016

2.2 The remaining members of the Committee fall to be elected at the AGM

2.3 The following are proposed by the Chairman

Maggi Wilson (Programme & Membership Administration)

Ann Barnwell (Outings)

Heather Scott (Outings)

Philippa Davies (Social Secretary)

Vacancy (Young NADFAS)

Robin Hendy (Webmaster)

John Hickling (Assistant Treasurer)

Ian Craig-Mair (Projection)

Clare Elliott (Committee)

2.4 Any other member may be proposed and seconded to become a member of the Committee as long as that person’s consent to act has been obtained.

All such nominations must be notified to the Chairman by 1st January 2016.

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South Canterbury Decorative and Fine Arts Society

2015 Profile

1. The Society is an unincorporated Members Association and a member of the

National Association of Decorative and Fine Arts Societies.

2. The Society’s objects are the promotion and advancement of aesthetic education,

the cultivation and study of decorative and fine arts and all other things

incidental thereto.

3. The Society was inaugurated at a meeting held at the St. Lawrence Ground,

Canterbury on 16th

October 1989 when the rules of the Society were approved

and adopted.

4. The Officers during 2015 were:

Chairman

Vice-chairman

Hon. Secretary

Hon. Treasurer

Sue Pratt

Vacancy

Peter Hodges

Jon Mays

The other Committee members were:

Programme Secretary

Membership Secretary

Outings

Young NADFAS

Church Recorders

Society Webmaster

Projection

Assistant Treasurer

Social Secretary

Maggi Wilson

Johanna Haynes

Ann Barnwell, Heather Scott

Sue Evans

Margaret Anderson

Robin Hendy

Ian Craig-Mair

John Hickling

Philippa Davies

Jim Gibbons

John Harris

5. During the year, 10 evening lectures were held at which the average attendance

was:

Members:

Guests:

90

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SOUTH CANTERBURY DFAS

New Member/Subscription Renewal Form for 2016

Subscriptions are due on 1st January 2016. Please complete this form and return by post to

Maggi Wilson, 22 Fitzroy Road, Whitstable CT5 2LG (01227 263589)

or email to maggiwilson@gmail.com

I/We wish to apply for membership for 2016

or

I /We do/do not wish to renew my/our membership for 2016 (please delete as appropriate).

Please note that payment for subscriptions can only be accepted by cheque or BACS. Cheques

should be made payable to ‘SCDFAS’for £39(Single) or £75 (Double). Proportionate reductions

made for those joining later in the year.

If you wish to pay by BACS the Society Sort Code is 30-91-60, Account Number 01219108.

Please put your surname and initials in the Reference section when making the payment.

I/We have paid by cheque/BACS (please delete as appropriate).

In renewing the Membership I/We confirm that it is in order to keep my/our name(s), telephone

number and address on the computer systems operated by SCDFAS and NADFAS House; it being

understood the information will be used solely for Administration and Mailing purposes.

Signature ……………………………………………………………………….……….

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

Address …..……………………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………..

………………………………………………………………………………..

Telephone Number ……………………………………………..…………………………………

Email address …………………………………………………………………………..……

We have previously signed a Gift Aid Declaration Form and confirm that we are still eligible

to be included in the scheme. (Please delete if not appropriate)

Signature ……………………………………………………………………….……….

If you would like information about the Gift Aid Scheme please contact John Hickling

(01227 721503).