For further information please see >here<

The Art of the Newlyn School 1880 – 1940

At the Bowerman Charitable Trust, Champs Hill, Waltham Park Road, Coldwaltham, Pulborough, West Sussex RH20 1LY

Tuesday, 2nd June from 10.30am – 12.30pm.

Distance: 41 miles, approximately 1 hour by car. Entry is by a suggested donation of £12 which includes tea, coffee and biscuits. There’s plenty of free parking including Blue Badge parking.

The exhibition will take place in the Music Room. The Music Room is on the ground level, with one step at the main entrance – ramp available. Disabled toilets available.

The Bowerman Charitable trust owns and displays privately collected British Art for public enjoy through three exhibitions each year. In Summer 2026 artworks from the Newlyn School will be on display and we have a group booking for Tuesday, 2nd June from 10.30am – 12.30pm.

There will be information available about the exhibition and artists – no introduction lecture is currently planned.  Weather permitting, we may also enjoy a walk around the gardens and view their sculptures. 

There is access to the formal gardens. However, the woodland is uneven and steep in places, and not accessible.

Stratfield Saye, home of the Dukes of Wellington since 1817

Thursday, 7th May 2026 10.15am – 3.15pm, cost £34. There is a limit of 40 people for this visit.

A journey of 45 miles and 1 hour’s duration. In groups of 10 we will enjoy guided tours of 1 hour’s duration.

This visit includes refreshments on arrival and a light lunch. Please let Kate know if you have any dietary requirements that need taking into consideration. We will have access to the gardens until 3.15pm.

In the heart of the English countryside on the Hampshire/Berkshire border, you’ll find the elegant, but intimate, Stratfield Saye House, home to the Dukes of Wellington since 1818. After the Battle of Waterloo the First Duke of Wellington, or the Great Duke as he was universally known, was regarded as the saviour of his country and of Europe. A grateful nation voted a substantial sum of money to enable him to buy a house and an estate worthy of a great national hero. After considering many far grander properties, he chose Stratfield Saye.

View the fascinating collection of paintings and furniture and see the wonderful Wellington Exhibition featuring his magnificent funeral carriage and charting his military and political life.

A wonderfully atmospheric trip at the most magical time of year to see one of the UK’s finest palaces, Blenheim Palace, as it’s decorated for Christmas. A specially themed illuminated light trail in the grounds adds to the magic with beautiful displays lighting up the palace’s iconic façade. As Oxford is close by, discover the incredible heritage of the city with visits to the Bodleian Library and the Sheldonian Theatre.

Please see >here< for further information & booking details

Guided Tour and Exhibition 11.00 am on Thursday, 23rd October visit.

 Price £21.00

Discover the relationships that shaped the last 120 years of British Art in this remarkable portrait exhibition.

This major exhibition brings together over 130 works that explore artistic relationships, identity, and mutual influence in modern and contemporary British art. Spanning 125 years, it showcases paintings, prints, drawings, photography, sculpture, and installations that capture the distinctive gaze between creative peers.

Featuring over 80 artists including Lucian Freud, Lubaina Himid, David Hockney, Lee Miller, Eric Ravilious, Paula Rego and many more, the exhibition unveils friendships and emulation, as well as homages to earlier artists, through intimate portrayals.

With a wonderful new season just released at Chichester Festival Theatre, we have tickets available at  £49 for Hamlet on Thursday, 18th September, to allow us some Shakespeare close to home.  This is what is in store for us:

Hamlet

The death of his father, the king, turns Hamlet’s world upside down. Stunned by the horrifying secrets revealed, he loses all trust in the people closest to him. Amidst a maelstrom of grief, suspicion and doubt, he embarks on a profound journey of self-discovery in which the betrayal of friends and family – and the decay at the heart of the state – are laid bare.

Justin Audibert, Artistic Director of CFT, directs Chichester’s first ever production of Shakespeare’s supreme tragedy.

Giles Terera, winner of an Olivier Award for Hamilton (West End), and Critics’ Circle Best Actor Award for Blues for an Alabama Sky and the title role in Othello at the National Theatre, plays Hamlet." Reviews tell us that if you want an excellent rendition of the role of Hamlet, this Actor is the man for the job.

Self Drive

Cost: £14 

Meet in the foyer at 10.15 for a 10.30 start.  Tour lasts approx. 75minutes

Coffee should be available from 9.45 in our ‘section’ of the café.

Possible option for our own area and barista coffee and pastry for £7.50

To cancel or discuss any matters concerning this visit,

please ring Jim Dodd on 01489 574373 or  07812558339

NB. No refund can be made unless a replacement can be found. 

Please pay by BACS:-

 Sarisbury Green DFAS.

   sort code   405240,    acc    00060271

Please use CFT Tour August as part of the reference, and a name if not for you.

Please see >here< for details

Please see >here< for details

RSC Stratford on Avon – Othello

Matinee on Thursday, 24th October @ 1.15pm

Cost £71

Othello - Shakespeare's powerful tragedy about jealousy and deception

Othello is at the peak of his powers: not only Venice's greatest general, but now husband to the noble and beautiful Desdemona. What he does not realise is that in passing over his servant Iago for promotion he has created a deadly - but brilliant - enemy. What unfolds is devastating...

"O, beware my Lord, of jealousy

It is the green-eyed monster which doth mock

The meat it feeds on."

John Douglas Thompson makes his RSC debut in the title role opposite Will Keen as Iago and Juliet Rylance as Desdemona.

See more details by clicking >here<

See more details by clicking >here<

We will be visiting both Charleston Farmhouse (Bloomsbury Group), January lecture, and the Turner Gallery, Eastbourne, April lecture, which holds the Ravilious collection during this holiday.

Bookings are coming in fast for the Kent 2024 holiday. If you have expressed interest, or taken details and would like to confirm a place, please contact Vivien Rolf (royrolf6@gmail.com or 01329 662671).

Thank you to all members who have already paid their £100 booking deposit direct to Success Tours (01225 764205)  for the Kent 2024 holiday. 

I T I N E R A R Y  H I G H L I G H T S

Berwick Church

Grade 1 listed Berwick Church is best known for the extensive 20th C. murals which cover the nave walls, chancel arch, screen and pulpit, painted during the Second World War by the Bloomsbury artists.

Charleston House

The modernist home and studio of the painters Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant, Charleston was a gathering point for some of the 20th century's most radical artists, writers and thinkers known collectively as the Bloomsbury group. It is where they came together to imagine society different- ly, and has always been a place where art and experimental thinking are at the centre of every- day life. Today, they present a dynamic year-round programme of exhibitions.

Leeds Castle

Described by Lord Conway as 'the loveliest castle in the world', this magnificent 12th Century castle rises from two small islands in a lake. The interior is graced with splendid works of art in- cluding statues, carvings and tapestries. In the grounds are a secret grotto, maze and aviary.

Canterbury & Canterbury Cathedral

Canterbury has been a European pilgrimage site of major importance for over 800 years since UNESCO granted world heritage status to part of the city, including St Martin's Church, St Augustine's Abbey and the Cathedral.
Having been a place of worship for more than 1,400 years, the cathedral is one of the oldest and most famous Christian structures in England and is the seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury, and resting place of saints and royalty. There will be the chance to admire the medieval stained glass windows- including the oldest in Britain- marvel at carved tombs, looking out for the dragons and grotesques, and exploring the Cathedral's stunning Cloisters> a guide tour will help you make the most of the visit.

Sissinghurst Castle Garden (NT)

The jewel in the crown of Kent's gardens, Sissinghurst epitomises the English garden and presents an enviable colour palette throughout. Created by writer Vita Sackville-West in the 1930s, these poetic and romantic gardens provide an abundantly beautiful backdrop to the red brick build- ings, Elizabethan tower and ancient woodland beyond.

Great Dixter House & Gardens

A horticultural heaven, the gardens a t Great Dixter surround the imposing medieval manor that was the family home of the late Christopher Lloyd, celebrated British gardener. The extensive gardens surrounding the property were developed during the 20th century, and are designed to be fluid with a rich assortment of plants.

Knole (NT)

Knole, with its fascinating links with royalty as well as its literary connections with Vita Sackville- West and Virginia Woolf, make this one of the most intriguing houses in England. Highlights in- clude the Archbishop's palace, (showcasing textiles, paintings and a world class collection of Royal Stuart furniture), Gatehouse Tower, magnificent medieval barn housing the conservations studio, and Kents last medieval deer park.

On the return journey we stop in Eastbourne to visit the Towner Gallery with an opportunity to view their unique collection of work by Eric Ravilious. The return journey continues via Beachy Head and Cuckmere Haven - landscapes recorded by Ravilious.

THE EXACT ORDER OF VISITS WILL BE DETAILED IN YOUR FINAL DOCUMENTATION

Please contact Vivien Rolfe for booking at royrolf6@gmail.com​

£60

The Museum was opened on the 10th of July 1985 by the then Land Speed Record holder Richard Noble OBE. Since then, the collection’s international theme expanded as vehicles from around the globe were acquired increasing numbers from a humble 29 to nearly 400 in 30 years; an amazing feat by anyone’s standards. This really is ‘The Story So Far...’ as the Museum and its collection are continually growing, changing, and improving. We look forward to sharing the journey into the future with you, our supporters, and visitors. This display is where your journey through the collection begins and it does so with some of the oldest vehicles in our collection and with reference to motoring pioneers such as Volta, Barsanti, Matteucci, Benz, Daimler and Olds. We will have tea/coffee and Danish on arrival and have guided tours of the Museum and the Workshop.

There is a café on site. https://www.haynesmuseum.org/

See more details by clicking >here<

Christmas at Kew - £45

Wednesday, 22nd November

We have 7 seats left so get them whilst you can. Closing date for booking is Friday, 20th October. We will not be permitted to increase our numbers after this date – they are heavily booked for most dates now.

Coach leaving at 2.00pm (Sarisbury Green) or 2.15pm (Titchfield).

A botanical world brimming with seasonal cheer as twinkling lights and seasonal sounds fill the air.

Discover glittering tunnels of light, dancing lakeside reflections and trees drenched in jewel-like colour.

For a moment of reflection, pause at mesmerising flickering flames in the fire garden, wander beneath larger-than-life illuminations and don’t forget to glimpse Father Christmas along the way!

Refreshments carts on-site offering hot and cold food and drinks (Kew eateries closed).

The Beauty of Legendary Transylvania & Bucharest

6 days from £1,399 Departing 26th September 2023

FEATURES

• 4* centrally located hotels

• Three dinners & one lunch included

• All excursions, entrance fees & guided

  tours included

• Direct scheduled flights to Bucharest

• Return UK airport coach transfers

• Professional local guide

• Executive coach throughout

• Gratuities included

• Audio headsets included on Days 2 to 5

  WHAT WE WILL SEE

• Bran Castle (Dracula’s Castle)

• Brasov – guided tour

• Peles Castle

• Sinaia Monastery

• Cable car excursion at Brasov

• Domnita Ralu winery – included lunch &

  wine tasting

• Bucharest – guided tour

• Palace of Parliament – guided tour

• National Art Museum – guided tour

• Village Museum

  ACCOMMODATION

  We stay three nights at the centrally located 4* Aro Palace Hotel at Brasov (www.aro-palace.ro/en/). We then stay a further two nights at the centrally located 4* Mercure City Centre Hotel (www.mercurebucharestcenter.com) at Bucharest. Facilities at both hotels include a restaurant, bar and a gymnasium, and all rooms are ensuite and feature a hairdryer, television, mini bar, and tea & coffee making facilities. A set three course dinner without drinks is included on evenings one, three and five of our tour, and the remaining two nights are on a bed and breakfast basis.

  EXTRAS TO YOUR TOUR

  • Insurance (including Covid cover) £66 • Single room supplement £199

  Flight details may be subject to change.
  Price based on twin share. Minimum numbers required. Normal booking conditions apply.

Please contact Jim Dodd for further details.

Visit CFT – Chichester Festival Theatre – Backstage

Thursday 15th June,

10.30 for barista coffee and pastry

£15

Our 60-minute tour provides the opportunity to discover our backstage spaces (usually including the stage - where possible, scene dock, dressing rooms, wigs and wardrobe departments) and to find out more about how we create our shows. It also covers some aspects of the theatre’s history and architecture.

Drive / car share – no coach

A Virtual Tour of Khiva in Uzbekistan

Friday February 3rd.2023

11:00 – 12:15/12:30

£10 per household 1) Pay Sarisbury Green DFAS by BACS

Bank acc.no 00060271 sort code : 40-52-40

or send cheque to BB Jones at 7 Cowdray Park, Hillhead,

Hants PO14 3SA

2)Register with Barb Bromley Jones: vicechair.tassarisburygreen@gmail.com

A Virtual Tour of Khiva in Uzbekistan

with Chris Aslan Alexander

 Khiva is a museum city that impresses with its tranquility. No wonder it is considered the pearl of Uzbekistan, located in the desert. Once the caravans of the Great Silk Road passed here. Khiva was also the capital of the Khanate of Khiva. On this virtual tour of Khiva, you will find yourself in a real medieval city, where the spirit of modernity is given out only by electric wires. Cobbled streets, clay mosques, elaborate patterns and majestic fortress walls will impress even the most advanced tourist. The entire old town is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

A Virtual Tour of ROME

with Stuart Harvey

Friday, December 2nd 2022      

11:00 – 12:15/12:30

£7 per household 1) Pay Sarisbury Green Decorative and Fine Arts Society by BACS

Bank acc.no 00060271 sort code : 40-52-40

or send cheque to BB Jones at 7 Cowdray Park, Hillhead,

Hants PO14 3SA

2) Register with Barb Bromley Jones: vicechair.tassarisburygreen@gmail.com

We see the return of this very popular professional Rome tour guide. Members will remember Stuart’s stunning tours of Rome and The Sistine Chapel. Join Stuart Harvey again on Zoom for an unforgettable virtual journey along the River Tiber - 28 centuries of history told through the bridges and riverside monuments of Rome 

Stuart takes us upstream along the River Tiber as it winds through Rome from the Tiber Island to Ponte Milvio north of the city centre. Starting with the legend of Romulus and Remus and the founding of Rome, and leading us to the Unification of Italy and Rome’s new role as a modern capital city, the Tiber will take us through 28 centuries of Roman history told by the historic bridges and riverside monuments. Roman emperors, renaissance Popes, Kings of Italy and some of the most important and controversial political figures of the 19th and 20th centuries will feature along the way as we enjoy the beautiful views of "Er Biondo Tevere" ... "The Blond Tiber", as it is known in Rome.

​

Latest information on the 2022 UK holiday.

In 2019 we visited Worcester and started preliminary planning for the 2020 UK holiday. You will all be aware that the pandemic has driven a coach and horses through everyone's holiday plans. Constant changes and revisions have shaped the holiday we are now offering this Spring.

Our plan to have a day in Birmingham has had to be cancelled, due to the ongoing unexpected closure of Birmingham City Art Gallery and the Museum of the Jewellery Quarter.. Since the coach driver on a 6 day tour must have a rest day by law, this would entail hiring a substitute coach and/or driver for a 6 day trip. With this in mind, we will be returning home after 5 day on Friday 29th April, NOT Saturday 30th. The welcome news is, this should mean a reduction in the final cost.

Our final itinerary includes the Merchant's House, Marlborough, Worcester Porcelain Museum and Cathedral, Stratford on Avon, Charlecote House, Compton Verney gallery and Corsham Court, Wiltshire.

Our booking list  is still open to members,  non-members, friends and family..

Vi Richards (01489 584212) will be in touch shortly to re-arrange a time and method of deposit payment. Thank you for your ongoing patience. Vi Richards and Vivien Rolf

Visit to The National Gallery to see

Gainsborough’s Blue Boy

Gainsborough’s masterpiece returns after a 100 years absence (to the day). A young boy in a striking blue costume whose identity is uncertain.

Wednesday 16th February 2022 - cost £30

Please see here for the booking form.

Visit to the V & A Exhibition

The Field of Cloth of Gold exhibition

Names are being taken for the Visit to Hampton Court on July 22nd. Further details available at the March meeting.

Comedy Of Errors at Stratford upon Avon

This trip is back-on

Please see Jim or Sue

Cancelled due to the Corona Virus

Cancelled due to the Corona Virus

Neasden Hindu Temple/ Lords Cricket Ground

This trip is cancelled by BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir. The following was received from them:-

“In view of the current situation in the UK and Europe regarding the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, in the interest of the health of all visitors, we have stopped all public gatherings at the Mandir………The health of all our visitors is of paramount importance. We have not taken this decision lightly but feel that in the current climate this is the best course of action to take.”

British museum ‘World Tour’

Wednesday 4th March 2020

​Cancelled due to lack of numbers

Royal Opera House / Covent Garden Market

Booking opens at the December meeting

20th November 2019 We will be going to Stratford to see Shakespeare’s 'King John' .

Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon.  

The cost for this is £70 with a £35 non returnable deposit.  Three tickets remaining - 

SYNOPSIS

Shakespeare's King John is a rarely-performed history play which tells the story of John's reign from 1199 to 1216.

BECOMING KING

King Richard I, the revered 'Lionheart', is dead. His youngest brother John has become King of England.

The French argue that the throne should belong to Arthur, the young son of John's other deceased older brother Geoffrey.

As war is declared between England and France an inheritance dispute is brought before by the King by the Falconbridge family.

THE ILLEGITIMATE SON

Queen Elinor immediately recognises the elder Falconbridge (the 'Bastard') as the illegitimate son of her favourite son Richard the Lionheart.

The Bastard is welcomed to Court as a Plantagenet. French and English forces separately converge on the strategic town of Angiers in France.

The fearful citizens propose that the opponents should be united by a marriage between Lewis the Dauphin, heir to France, and John's niece, Lady Blanche.

Arthur's mother Constance is furious that the French have given up on her son's claim. At the wedding celebrations John is visited by Cardinal Pandulph and excommunicated by the Pope for failing to agree to Rome's choice for Archbishop of Canterbury.

BACK TO WAR

The papal legate Cardinal Pandulph stirs the French to resume war against the English. The two united families go to war.

Arthur is captured and John suggests to the Bastard that she execute the boy. She cannot, and lets him live.

Young Arthur dies from a fall while trying to escape. Suspecting foul play over Arthur's death King John's Noblemen defect to follow the Dauphin and fight against Englishmen on English soil.

John now needs Pandulph's intervention to stop the battle with Lewis. Lewis commands an army of both French and English Nobles.

THE BATTLE

John capitulates to the Pope's wishes. He learns that his Mother Queen Elinor is dead. Pandulph is unable to influence the battle. The Bastard wins the day on the field. The French invasion forces lose their supplies in a shipwreck and are defeated.

A NEW KING

John leaves the battlefield, falls sick and dies. His son Henry becomes king. The Bastard records how near England came to disaster

Visit to the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford  Last Supper in Pompeii  

This major exhibition will tell the story of the ancient Roman city of Pompeii's love affair with food and wine.

Located in the sunny paradise of southern Italy, Pompeii was sandwiched between lush vineyards and fertile plains to one side, and the bountiful waters of the Bay of Naples to the other. When the ash from Mount Vesuvius began raining down on Pompeii in AD 79, people were engaged in typical day to day activities: producing, buying and selling food and, most importantly, eating and drinking.

See over 400 rare objects, including fine masterpieces of Roman art which range from the luxury furnishings of Roman dining rooms to the carbonised food that was on the table when the volcano erupted. Everything from the exquisite mosaics and frescoes in the villas of the wealthy to the remains found in kitchen drains, show what the Pompeians loved to eat and drink. This remarkable exhibition provides an extraordinary insight into their everyday lives.

Royal Pavilion

Monday 23rd September

LINK to photos of Royal Pavilion, Brighton

A WONDERFUL TRIP TO AN EXTRAORDINARY PLACE!

Brighton’s Royal Pavilion, bedecked on the outside by an extravagant array of pinnacles, minarets and baubles, and on the inside full of even more extravagant and, dare I say, “over the top”, Eastern wall hangings, pots, table ware, furniture and more, is, to say the least, a wonder to behold!

A coachload of Arts Society members ventured through the doors of this extraordinary building on 23rd September to be overwhelmed not only by the extravagance of the place but also the ever so slightly eccentricities and humour of our guide.

The even more eccentric Prince of Wales, George, later to be Prince Regent,  commissioned the Pavilion which owes much of its architectural wonder to John Nash. Despite being totally “over the top” in its décor and furnishings, there is still  beauty and class all around, whether in the silver gilt table ware or the huge chandeliers. This wealth of great exhibits has recently been enhanced by the temporary loan of over 120 work of art from the Royal Collection from Buckingham Palace, though these did in fact originate in the Royal Pavilion before being removed to the Palace. Such works include some massive pagodas a well as unique clocks. We were lucky that our visit coincided with this display. 

So, another successful outing for our members and to show how good our Committee is in organising things, the rain held off until the moment we climbed into the coach to return home!   

UK Holidays -  Vivien writes "Just to say that we took 27 people to Yorkshire and brought the same 27 back. Saw some memorable art, architecture and scenery and had a very good coach driver, who looked after us pretty well. Kind regards. Vivien

UK tour to Yorkshire,  2nd - 7th September 2019

Monday   Our northbound journey included a stop at Shugborough (NT) near Stafford, home to the Anson family.  Also a herd of Highland Cattle.

Tuesday - Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Gardens (NT), and afternoon visited Harewood House (home of the Lascelles family)

Wednesday - All day spent in York Video guide to York

Thursday - Morning we visited Whitby's Ruined Abbey  and maritime old town. Afternoon we rode  the North York Moors Railway Video of North Yorkshire Railway

Friday - Castle Howard and in afternoon visited Yorkshire Lavender

Saturday    -  The journey home to Fareham  included the Arts and Crafts Garden of Hidcote, Chipping Camden.

Hughenden Manor  National Trust

Country home of the Victorian statesman Benjamin Disraeli

Hughenden offered a vivid insight into the charismatic personality and colourful private life of the most unlikely Victorian Prime Minister, Benjamin Disraeli, who lived here from 1848 to 1881. We browsed among an extraordinary collection of personal memorabilia in rooms on the ground and first floor, and there's even a Victorian playroom for younger visitors. On the top floor there was a  special exhibition space with a timeline of Hughenden's history.

>Website<

Hughenden Manor Trip             Report by Kay Kimmett  18th July 2019

We arrived on schedule, beginning in a much civilised way at Dizzy’s Tea Room.  The flapjacks, brownies and tea ran freely and it was here where we were entertained to an informative talk on Disraeli’s chequered career and how his frequent debts shaped his life.  Our guide portrayed him as a very human and colourful figure, highlighting his shaping of the Second reform Bill and his part in the Congress of Berlin.

Next we wandered around the inside of the Manor, strolling through the library and the formal rooms, taking in the chair where Queen Victoria came for lunch in 1877.  Our next talk was on Operation Hillside, a vital part of the Second World War effort - so secret is only came to light in 2004!  Our new guide outlined Hughenden’s role as a secret map making base where detailed maps starting as photos, ended up as a vital tool for Bomber Command.  At its height over 100 people were based at Hughenden working in the most secure and confidential conditions. We finished this part of the day inside the Ice House bunker, which was used as a photographic dark room.

In the afternoon members entertained themselves by taking the guided tour of the formal gardens, visiting the Church in Hughenden’s extensive grounds, or taking a leisurely strolls through the walled garden and National Trust second hand bookshop.  Our fullest thanks go to Jim and Sue for organising the trip.

KK

An extra visit was arranged to

Southampton Art Gallery on Tuesday 25th June.

An Art Conservation tour was booked for 15 people at 11am.

Participants found their own way to the Art Gallery with the cost being £7 for the tour.

Holiday to Lisbon and the Silver Coast - Portugal  

6 Day visit to Lisbon April 2019

>Lisbon Visit<

Hotel Vila Gale Cascais. About 30km west of Lisbon  with our guide, Claudia

The first day after we arrived we travelled 100km north of Lisbon to  Obidos, a perfectly photogenic jumble of cobblestone alleyways, whitewashed churches, colourful houses, dazzling tiles all embraced within the protective walls of a 12th century castle. 

On returning towards Lisbon we climbed up a very twisted road to Sintra, on a hill where cloudy wet weather meant we could not see the views. The town still retained much of its medieval layout, with labyrinthine streets, steps and  arcades. In Sintra we walked around  the  Pena Palace, a with amazing stuccos, painted walls and various tiles from the 19th century. A local Cherry brandy was appreciated when served in chocolate cups for a €1 each.  

The next visit was to Evora,  100km to the Southwest of Lisbon which is one of the country’s finest towns, boasts a large number of wonderfully preserved monuments and beautiful buildings. The most famous landmark is the Temple of Diana, dating back to the 2nd century. We also visited the Chapel of Bones and the Cathedral, which blends Romanesque and Gothic styles  and is home to a large Renaissance organ. 

Our guide Claudia took us on a full day excursion into Lisbon. Set on seven hills on the banks of the River Tagus, Lisbon has been the capital of Portugal since the 13th century. It is a city famous for its majestic architecture, old wooden trams, Moorish features and more than twenty centuries of history. We visited  Jerónimo’s Monastery, which stands at the entrance to the harbour, built in 1502.   In the afternoon we had an interesting tour of Lisbon’s National Tile Museum which is housed in the monastic buildings of the Madre de Deus Convent, one of the highlights here, is a composition of Lisbon’s cityscape made in 1738 and made out of 1300 tiles.      

We had a morning visit to Queluz Palace and Gardens, designated a National Monument in 1910, the National Palace of Queluz and its historical gardens are a remarkable example of the harmonious link between landscape and architecture. In the afternoon we had an opportunity to look around Cascais and taste samples at  a famous local ice cream parlour.  

Lisbon. A visit to the Gulbenkian Museum which is one of Europe’s unsung treasures. It houses a magnificent collection of Egyptian; Greek; Roman; Islamic; Asian and European art and is one of the world’s finest private art collections, amassed over a period of 40 years by oil magnate Calouste Gulbenkian.

We had an interesting walkabout with our wonderful guide, Claudia, who, throughout the trip, was able to give interesting information wherever we went,  going up one of the hills to overlook the capital,  seeing street sculptures to cobblestone workers and a fire damaged church after partial restoration. 

Tate Britian   -  Van Gogh Exhibition   

Thursday 4th April 2019

Tate Britain today announced that it will open a major exhibition about Vincent van Gogh (1853-1890) in March 2019. The EY Exhibition: Van Gogh and Britain will be the first exhibition to take a new look at the artist through his relationship with Britain. It will explore how Van Gogh was inspired by British art, literature and culture throughout his career and how he in turn inspired British artists, from Walter Sickert to Francis Bacon.

>Website Link<

This major exhibition brings together 45 works by Vincent van Gogh to reveal how he was inspired by Britain and how he inspired British artists

Van Gogh and Britain presents the largest collection of Van Gogh’s paintings in the UK for nearly a decade. Some of his most famous works will be brought together from around the world – including Shoes, Starry Night on the Rhône, L'Arlésienne, and two works he made while a patient at the Saint-Paul Asylum, At Eternity’s Gate and Prisoners Exercising. They will be joined by the very rarely lent Sunflowers from London’s National Gallery.

Van Gogh lived in England as a young man for several crucial years. He walked the streets alone, dreaming of the future. He fell in love with British culture, especially the novels of Charles Dickens and George Eliot. And he was inspired by the art he saw here, including paintings by Constable and Millais which are featured in the exhibition. They affected his paintings throughout his career.

The exhibition also looks at the British artists who were inspired by Van Gogh, including Francis Bacon, David Bomberg, and the young Camden Town painters. It shows how his vision set British artists on the road to modern art.

March 20th Wednesday -

  Christchurch College  Oxford Cathedral and possible Bodleian Library

Depart   Foot of Southampton Hill in Titchfield Village 8.20am the Opposite St Paul’s Church, Sarisbury Green 8.30am

11.00: Arrive at Tom Gate for a one hour guided tour of the College with one of our bowler-hatted Custodians.

12.00: Half of the group (c15) people will be dropped off at the Picture Gallery for their 30 minute tour with a Gallery staff member. The other half (c15) people will go to the Cathedral for a 30 minute guided tour with a Cathedral guide.

12.30: The groups will swap locations and do the opposite tour of Cathedral and Picture Gallery

There are planned lighting works taking place in the Cathedral between January and June 2019 which may close the Cathedral at short notice and would affect the visit.

Lunch at own leisure.

Possible to visit Bodleian or other sites of interest.

Depart for Sarisbury Green/ Titchfield 16.00 Arrive 19.00ish

Christchurch College and Cathedral Oxford with guided tours

Bodleian Library >website<  visit at leasure

Monday February 18th - Mansion House, London.  

The Lord Mayor of London’s official residence . Two guided Tours.   An art tour tour of approximately one and a half hours conducted by City Guides from the Guildhall Art Gallery of Harold Samuel 17th Century Dutch and Flemish paintings

Mansion House   >website<

Photos by James Fox

January 10th Thursday - Southampton Art Gallery and Sea City Museum.

Southampton Art Gallery a self drive visit. 

Exhibition of work by Chris le Brun with a guide and Sea City Museum

Link to Southampton Art Gallery

The painting shown is by Le Brun

ART COLLECTION

Southampton City Art Gallery is the most significant public art gallery south of London. Internationally renowned for its permanent collection, the art collection features over 3,700 works of art spanning eight centuries, which tell the story of western art from the Renaissance to the present day.

The core of the collection is twentieth century and contemporary British art. Strong clusters within this element include Post-Impressionism (notably the Camden Town Group), Surrealism, St Ives and progressive contemporary art from the mid-1970s.

Find out more at www.southampton.gov.uk/art.

Brooklands Motor and Aviation Museum

Below are James Fox's links to the recent Visit to Brooklands' photographs.
Check out this link to the full gallery:
https://jamesfox.zenfolio.com/p784036852

Vintage Cars, F1 Cars, Buses, Planes of all ages, including the rebuild of Barnes Wallis’s Wellington Bomber as well as Concorde Experience and the famous Brooklands Banking. 

Brooklands Website

Longford Castle

LINK to photos of Longford Castle

100 Year Anniversary of WW1         Lest We Forget London Walk with Andrew Davies

Below are James Fox's links to the recent Andrew Davies London Walking-Talk photographs.

Check out this link to the full gallery:
https://jamesfox.zenfolio.com/p465891243

Or watch the gallery slideshow:
https://jamesfox.zenfolio.com/p465891243/slideshow

>FLYER<

Lest We Forget: in and around Westminster and Whitehall.  From Churchill to Nelson to Mrs Fawcett in Parliament Square, from the Cenotaph to the Battle of Britain and the colourful anti-slavery monument in Victoria Tower Gardens - London is full of many striking and moving memorials, each with their own distinctive story to tell.  We  explored this extraordinary history.

“HEART of ENGLAND TOUR”  3 – 7 SEPTEMBER

The holiday was based in the modern **** Ramada Resort Hotel, Grantham

The daily visits included:   Richard 3rd Visitor Centre, Coventry Cathedral,   Belton House,   Grimsthorpe Castle   and a Cruise around Rutland Water.

The en route visits were to Althorp and 78 Durngate - the Charles Rennie Mackintosh House in Northampton.

Rousham House and Garden.    >Flyer<

Rousham House was built in 1645 by Sir Robert Dormer. Its landscape garden is the work of William Kent (1685-1748). We saw many features in the garden such as ponds and cascades in Venus’s Vale, the Cold Bath, and seven arched Praeneste. The Walled Garden was not to be missed. The house built by Sir Robert Dormer is still in the same family. The interior has some 17thcentury panelling and the original staircases, furniture, pictures and bronzes.

Rousham House website >Click Here<

Royal Holloway College,   James Fox's photos taken during the visit

Largely inspired by the Chateau Chambord in the Loire Valley, was opened by Queen Victoria in 1886. Built around two quadrangles, it  impressed our members as much by its size as by the exuberance of the roofline with its many towers and turrets. As solid as it is extravagant, it epitomises the wealth, optimism and spirit of philanthropy so characteristic of the Victorian age. It  provides a home for the Royal Holloway Collection – a Picture Gallery of Victorian paintings by Millais, Frith and Landseer among others.

Royal Holloway Collage website  >Click Here<

Art Gallery at the Royal College  >Click Here<

Loseley Park.

Built in1562 by Sir William More, is a fine example of Elizabethan architecture. The rooms contain work and furniture from the 17th century. The Walled Garden is compared favourably to gardens of national renown.

Losely Park website   >Click Here<

28 members went on the trip which worked out very well despite a mistake with coach timings.  

A Five Night - Six Day holiday  to Vienna and Bratislava.

Vivien is preparing a write up of the holiday to Vienna highlighting various places visited by the 23 members who had an enjoyable 7 days there.   James and others are selecting some photos  to put on theis website.

More details >Click Here<   Vienna highlights Brochure

This is a summary of our visit:

Wednesday 18th April

En route to the hotel from the airport we had an interesting panoramic tour of Vienna with our guide pointing out the highlights of the city, including stopping off at the artistic Hundertwasser buildings.

Thursday 19th April

With our  headphones listening to the guide’s microphone we visited the Secession Building and the Karlskirche. 

The Secession building is an art nouveau building built in 1898 by a group of artists who left the conservative Künstlerhaus and founded a new art association called the Secession.  Among these artists was Gustav Klimt and here we can see his work the “Beethoven Frieze”.  The Karlskirche is a magnificent religious building with a large cupola, the last work of the eminent baroque architect Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach. In the afternoon we visited to the Kunsthistorisches Art Museum. Kunsthistorisches is the largest art museum in the country, the inside of which is lavishly decorated with marble, stucco ornamentations and gold leaf.

During the day we saw external views and learned the history of the Burgtheater, Hundertwasser House, Opera House, Freyung and St Peters Old City Hall.

Friday 20th April

A full day excursion which began with a visit to the former residence of Empress Sisi and birthplace of Emperor Franz Joseph, the Schönbrunn Palace.  We took a  Highlights tour of the Baroque Palace which features on the UNESCO World Heritage site list and is considered to be one of the most important architectural, cultural, and historical monuments in the country. After lunch we went to the  Hofburg Palace which is today the official seat of the Austrian President but until 1918 was the centre of the Habsburg Empire. The Imperial Apartments were the state and private rooms of Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Elisabeth and contain some original 18th century fittings and furniture.  The Sisi museum, housed in the Stephen apartments – named after Archduke Stephen Viktor, offered an insight into the true personality of Elisabeth with a vast number of personal items on display.      In mid afternoon  we  walked to the Demel Café, one of Viena’s famous Coffee and Cake Houses where we will enjoyed apple strudel with cream and a hot drink. In the evening we had  a 3 hour dinner cruise on the Danube.

 Saturday 21st April

We travelled west to the town of Melk on the River Danube. The town of Melk is best known for its 11th-century Benedictine Abbey, a vast monastery built high above the town, our guided tour included the Imperial Rooms, Marble Hall with its ceiling fresco and red marble walls and the Abbey church.  At Melk pier we boarded a ship for a relaxing cruise along the River Danube to Durstein,. On arrival in Durstein we have some free time to perhaps see the blue abbey church and the renaissance yards before we return by coach to Vienna 

Sunday 22nd April

09:00    This morning  journeyed by coach over the border into Slovakia to visit Bratislava. The countries capital, the city of Bratislava, is set along the Danube River surrounded by vineyards and the Little Carpathian mountains. A local guide walked us around the historical buildings concentrated in the pedestrian-only 18th-century old town and we saw many of these building during our tour, including St Martins Cathedral, one of the oldest and largest church in Bratislava, Bratislava’s Town Hall, and the Franciscan church.  We will also learn about Bratislava Castle, the massive rectangular building which stands on an isolated rocky hill directly above the Danube river in the middle of Bratislava.

Monday 23rd April

A guide visit to the nearby Upper Belvedere Palace in Vienna.    Upper Belvedere was completed in 1723 and today showcases world famous masterpieces including works by Vincent Van Gogh, Claude Monet, and the world’s largest collection of Gustav Klimt’s paintings including “The Kiss”.  Following our visit we will have the afternoon at leisure to enjoy Vienna and maybe spend some time in the Museum Quarter with a visit to the Albertina or Leopold Museum.  

This evening had dinner in the northwest of Vienna with violin and accordian musicians playing just for us.

Tuesday 24th April (last day before returning home in the evening)

We travelled to the Vienna Woods, a peaceful area surrounding Vienna and home to the Heiligenkreuz Abbey which is famous for its singing monks.  We stopped byt the Mayerling hunting lodge, the place where Crown Prince Rudolph, son of Empress Elizabeth, was found dead along with his mistress Baroness Mary Vetsera. The mystery surrounding their deaths continues today and wall charts in the beautiful chapel depict the events of that day in 1889.

Contact us via the website if you would like to  express interest in any future holidays

​

Royal Ascot Race Course.    >Click Here< for Flyer with timings and cost details.

We were shown  around the grandstand and were told what happens behind scenes before any race. Also 2or 3 rooms not usually open where the history is on display in picture form.

Royal Ascot Race Course website  >Click Here<

This is about French Impressionists seeking refuge in Britain at the end of 19th century

link to Tate Britain website  >Click Here<

Booking opened 19th January 2018

The EY Exhibition: Impressionists in London, French Artists in Exile (1870 – 1904) is the first exhibition to map the connections between French and British artists, patrons and art dealers during a traumatic period in French history. Highlighting their engagement with British culture, traditions and social life, their art is a fascinating insight into how London was perceived by the visiting French artists and the remarkable works that came from their time here are not to be missed. 

link to Queen's Gallery website  >click here<

Queens Gallery - Charles II-ART & POWER   Thursday 11th January

About 20 members went by coach to spend some time using the detailed audio visual headphones/display.  This was preceeded by an introductory exhibition talk and slide show.

This exhibition showed the rich material world of Charles II’s court and the role of the arts in the re-establishment of the Stuart Monarchy.  

After over a decade of austere Cromwellian rule, the restoration of the monarchy in 1660 led to a resurgence of the arts in England.  The court of Charles II became the centre for the patronage of leading artists and the collecting of great works of art, which served not only as decoration for the royal apartments but also as a means of glorifying the restored monarchy and reinforcing the position of Charles II as the rightful king. 

From John Michael Wright's monumental portrait of Charles II in his coronation robes and a glittering silver-gilt plate which adorned the high-altar of Westminster Abbey during the King's coronation, to old master paintings, tapestries and spectacular silver-gilt furniture, the exhibition shows the rich material world of Charles II's court and the role of the arts in the re-establishment of the Stuart monarchy.

Visit to Wells Cathedral  (near Shepton Mallet in Somerset)

Built in the Gothic style Wells Cathedral has one of the largest collections of historic stained glass in the country. Our visit includes the services of a specialist guide and it is recommended that you bring binoculars to take full advantage of the tour.  This visit coincides with market day.

Wells Cathedral has some unique features that separate it from other English cathedrals.

The most notable are the beautiful inverted arches, more commonly called ‘scissor arches’, supporting the central tower. This structure was added in 1338 by Cathedral mason, William Joy, after the weight of a new spire on the top of the tower threatened to collapse the whole thing.

Wells Cathedral also has one of the largest collections of historic stained glass in the country. The Jesse Window, for instance, is one of the most splendid examples of 14th century stained glass in Europe, narrowly escaping destruction during the English Civil War.

Wells Cathedral

Booking opens 15th September 2017

Visit to Bath to see some of the history surrounding Jane Austin,  followed by a coach tour of the City.

We travelled to the Theatre Royal Bath with coffee on arrival, followed by a backstage tour and a talk from Jane Tapley (The Arts Society Lecturer) on the life of Jane Austin and her time in Bath.   After lunch we boarded the coach for a guided tour before returning home.

Remembering the 200th Anniversary of the death of Jane Austen and celebrating her work.

Jane Austen's Bath

Theatre Royal Bath >click here<  More info about our guide Jane Tapley >Click Here<

Andrew Davies, our popular guide and lecturer, met us on our arrival in London, for a fascinating journey round the hidden parts of the City.

We started at All Hallows Church by the Tower, the oldest church in the City of London, with a Roman floor in the Crypt from the 2nd Century AD.   It was bombed in 1940 with tower and walls remaining and rebuilt after 1948.   It is one of the few City churches standing proudly alone and not squeezed by modern edifices.

We took time to pass through the memorials to Merchant Seamen of WW1 and WW2,  and on to a giant sundial ringed by a bronze circle depicting London’s history from AD43 to 1992.

St Margaret Pattens, a traditional Wren church named after the wooden platforms ladies used to wear under their shoes to keep them out of the mud.  It also contained several very ornate sword rests which gentlemen had to use during services, and model ships hanging around the knave.

St Dunstan’s is just a shell of a church with its Scotch tower but with a secret garden and creepers climbing up the walls, is one of the most atmospheric. 

St Olave’s, a medieval church, was bombed in the war but rebuilt afterwards.  Britain was allied with Norway against the Danes in the Battle of London Bridge  so the church was dedicated to one of their saints.   Samuel Pepys is buried here along with his wife.

We had lunch at St Katherine’s dock which is now a bustling place with many more little restaurants and interesting shops.   Ivory House, one of the main warehouses for ivory and cargo from the Far East in the 19th century, was also used to store shells – Samuel and Marcus, sons of Mr Samuel, founded an oil business and called it Shell, after their father’s shell importing business. 

It was noted that Richard Rodgers and Norman Foster almost seemed to have a monopoly for designing the many new and unique buildings.   Andrew frequently stopped and asked us to look all around us to see a jumble of buildings spanning many centuries.

Andrew gave us a wonderful tour in his own inimitable enthusiastic style.  To see more pictures with this write up >click here<

HOLIDAY TO NORTH WEST WALES 4TH-8TH SEPTEMBER 2017

Itinerary

24 of our members left Fareham on Monday and had an enjoyable week visiting

– Snowdonia Mountain Railway, Llanberis Station is opposite the Hotel A nice clear day at the top of Snowden.

- Plas Newydd House NT, Anglesey. 18 miles over the Menai Bridge  .Rex Whistler mural)

- Bodelwyddan Castle,  -The Castle contained the Portrait Gallery for Wales, gardens and parkland.

- Plas Mawr, Conwy NT, “The best preserved Elizabethan town house in the UK”, -

- Packwood House NT for a  DIY lunch stop.

 Click on the underlined links to go to their webpages.

A beautiful and historic landmark with extensive, award-winning gardens, tucked away in idyllic Buckinghamshire countryside, yet minutes from the M25.

Chenies Manor is an enchanting Tudor Manor House set in award winning gardens.  It includes a medieval well, a dungeon, and a reputed priest hole.  We will stop en route at Amersham where you will be able to purchase lunch and browse the local shops.

More details to be added soon

Chanies Manor

Pictures of Chanies Manor

Booking opens 19th May 2017

48 Members went on a visit to Prince Charles' Garden at Highgrove

Click Here for details of the gardens at Highgrove

Petworth village and CHAMPS Hill Art Gallery

Wednesday 17 May

Visit to Champs Hill and the exhibition of paintings from the Newlyn School of Art sheduled for the afternoon 2.30 to 4.30pm.  In the morning we will be stopping in Petworth Village in West Sussex with an opportunity to explore and have lunch.

Opened by special arrangement.  You are invited to visit Champs Hill to view the ‘Visitors to Cornwall’ exhibition; a rare chance to view paintings from the Bowermans private collection and explore the gardens and sculptures at your leisure.  We will stop en route at Petworth Village where you will be able to purchase lunch and browse the local shops.

A visit to the lovely village of Petworth (http://www.westsussex.info/petworth.shtml) followed by a visit to the garden and sculptures at Champs Hill and a private view of paintings 'Visitors to Cornwall'. Tea and coffee included. There are some steps but easy going in most areas. The garden is not suitable for wheelchair users.

Arrive Petworth 1145, your chance to explore Petworth and lunch at your leisure. 

Leave Petworth 1.15 Arrive Champs Hill 1.30 to view the garden and sculptures Exhibition. 

2.30 ' Visitors to Cornwall' a private view containing works from the Bowerman Trust 

Cost  £32

Pick up times:  Titchfield – 10.00am   Sarisbury Green – 10.15am

Return          Depart 4.30pm  ; ETA 6- 6.30pm

Petworth Village

Art Fund page

Booking opened 17th March 2017

UMBRIA  2nd May 2017  7 days  - 6  Nights 

   James Fox's Slide Show  

Sarisbury Green DFAS Umbria Holiday   Slide Show >Click Here<

Marilyn Gibson writes:- 

At 4pm on Monday 1 May, 25 intrepid travellers set off for Umbria. First stop the Premier Inn at Gatwick. Early next morning we settled on to our plane only to be told that it was unfit for service and we would have to change to a second plane. Fortunately one was found very quickly and we arrived in Rome less than three hours later than planned. We were met by our delightful Italian guide, Isabella Belucci, who whisked us off to have our first taste of Umbrian Hill towns in Narni. Narrow streets, colourful flowers and amazing views! Isabella assured us that C.S. Lewis had had Narni in mind when he invented Narnia.

We arrived in good time at the Hotel Dei Duchi in Spoleto and were welcomed by generous pre dinner drinks and canapes. The hotel is located  in stunning scenery on the edge of the town next to the Roman theatre which was visible from some rooms. There were panoramic views across the hills from the restaurant in which excellent food was served by friendly efficient staff.

On Wednesday we drove to Assissi and parked above the town in order to walk through the beautiful streets with commentary from Isabella. Everyone enjoyed the warm colour of the stone buildings, houses decorated with flowers and frequent stops to view the hills surrounding the city. Assissi was preparing for a festival and we continually met people in medieval costume and were entertained in the main square by a jester/fire eater/ knife thrower! 

At lunchtime an orchestra was rehearsing for a concert, some in medieval dress and some in jeans. The music was lovely and greatly enhanced a lunch of pizza and beer!

We were all amazed by the size and beauty of the Basilica San Francesco. Isabella explained the art inside the various chapels we visited using the individual ‘whisper’ guides we had been given. During the week we became accustomed to seeing wonderful frescoes and paintings, but these were exceptional. As we reached the higher church we found ourselves at the end of a Key Ceremony marking the start of the festival. A massive crowd of elaborately costumed locals left the church to form a long procession back into the city with drums, trumpets and huge banners.  We returned to the peace of Spoleto. 

On Thursday we travelled to Gubbio.  We started at the imposing Palazzo Dei Consoli with great views and a coffee stop. After lunch we had the choice of going up to the sanctuary by coach or cable car. Those of us who chose the cable car found ourselves in the equivalent of a standing chair lift with a rail at waist level and an interesting ‘bucket’ shape. A very scenic ride! The coach trip was also spectacular. 

The church at the top was light bright and as always colourfully decorated. We saw the tall, heavy wooden towers that are carried up the mountain once a year for a special thanksgiving service – no coach or cable car involved!

On Friday we stayed in Spoleto and had a guided walking tour from the hotel. We gradually climbed through the town, hearing about the Roman and Medieval history and finally emerging from steep narrow streets to a wide flight of steps leading down to the magnificent cathedral. 

We climbed further up to a panoramic circular walk round the castle above and found a welcoming café with spectacular views of the town and hills. We continued our walk to the old Roman Aquaduct, then some people went for lunch and others went up to the castle. Spoleto has a wonderful system of lifts, escalators and moving pavements taking visitors from top to bottom of the town without too much effort. Great use was made of these by most of us during our free afternoon!

Back at the hotel a pre dinner reception took place on the sunny terrace, hosted by Caroline and Miller. A very enjoyable hour!

On Saturday the coach took us to Perugia, the capital of Umbria.  An impressive university city full of excited students celebrating the end of their exams. For the first time the sunshine disappeared and rain poured down, but only at lunchtime. We visited the National Gallery in the afternoon.

On Sunday we visited three very different hill towns. Spello was particularly beautiful as it is noted for its flowers. Every house had masses of flowers round the windows and above the doors which distracted us from the near vertical streets! We also visited Bevagna (in the valley) and Montefalco (the old hilltop town).

The day ended with a wine tasting at a local winery.

Our last dinner at the hotel was marked by a large cake made by the chef with “Arrivederci” written across it! It was served for dessert with a glass of prosecco. 

Before our evening flight home on Monday, we visited Orvieto. This town is spectacularly positioned on top of a sheer cliff and can be reached by funicular or road. It’s a very pretty town with superb views down to the valley. The façade of the cathedral is elaborately decorated with stone carvings, paintings and black and white horizontal stripes along both sides of the huge building. The interior has lovely frescoes and black and white striped pillars.

We had lunch at a restaurant with a network of underground caves and cellars which we explored before having a truly memorable and delicious lunch at which Orvieto wine was of course available.

The sun disappeared and the rain started just as we got into the coach taking us to Rome Airport. We said ‘arrivederci’ to our very competent and knowledgeable guide Isabella and our excellent coach driver. Thanks were also made to Colin for organising the holiday in this wonderful part of Italy and for making sure that things went smoothly during the week, and of course to Sue for her support.

This time the journey went according to plan with no delays.

Marilyn Gibson                                   May 2017

Original Colour Brochure

Sarisbury Green DFAS Umbria Holiday  - Marilyn Gibson writes:-

>Slide Show<

At 4pm on Monday 1 May, 25 intrepid travellers set off for Umbria. First stop the Premier Inn at Gatwick. Early next morning we settled on to our plane only to be told that it was unfit for service and we would have to change to a second plane. Fortunately one was found very quickly and we arrived in Rome less than three hours later than planned. We were met by our delightful Italian guide, Isabella Belucci, who whisked us off to have our first taste of Umbrian Hill towns in Narni. Narrow streets, colourful flowers and amazing views! Isabella assured us that C.S. Lewis had had Narni in mind when he invented Narnia.

We arrived in good time at the Hotel Dei Duchi in Spoleto and were welcomed by generous pre dinner drinks and canapes. The hotel is located  in stunning scenery on the edge of the town next to the Roman theatre which was visible from some rooms. There were panoramic views across the hills from the restaurant in which excellent food was served by friendly efficient staff.

On Wednesday we drove to Assissi and parked above the town in order to walk through the beautiful streets with commentary from Isabella. Everyone enjoyed the warm colour of the stone buildings, houses decorated with flowers and frequent stops to view the hills surrounding the city. Assissi was preparing for a festival and we continually met people in medieval costume and were entertained in the main square by a jester/fire eater/ knife thrower! 

At lunchtime an orchestra was rehearsing for a concert, some in medieval dress and some in jeans. The music was lovely and greatly enhanced a lunch of pizza and beer!

We were all amazed by the size and beauty of the Basilica San Francesco. Isabella explained the art inside the various chapels we visited using the individual ‘whisper’ guides we had been given. During the week we became accustomed to seeing wonderful frescoes and paintings, but these were exceptional. As we reached the higher church we found ourselves at the end of a Key Ceremony marking the start of the festival. A massive crowd of elaborately costumed locals left the church to form a long procession back into the city with drums, trumpets and huge banners.  We returned to the peace of Spoleto. 

On Thursday we travelled to Gubbio.  We started at the imposing Palazzo Dei Consoli with great views and a coffee stop. After lunch we had the choice of going up to the sanctuary by coach or cable car. Those of us who chose the cable car found ourselves in the equivalent of a standing chair lift with a rail at waist level and an interesting ‘bucket’ shape. A very scenic ride! The coach trip was also spectacular. 

The church at the top was light bright and as always colourfully decorated. We saw the tall, heavy wooden towers that are carried up the mountain once a year for a special thanksgiving service – no coach or cable car involved!

On Friday we stayed in Spoleto and had a guided walking tour from the hotel. We gradually climbed through the town, hearing about the Roman and Medieval history and finally emerging from steep narrow streets to a wide flight of steps leading down to the magnificent cathedral. 

We climbed further up to a panoramic circular walk round the castle above and found a welcoming café with spectacular views of the town and hills. We continued our walk to the old Aquaduct, then some people went for lunch and others went up to the castle. Spoleto has a wonderful system of lifts, escalators and moving pavements taking visitors from top to bottom of the town without too much effort. Great use was made of these by most of us during our free afternoon!

Back at the hotel a pre dinner reception took place on the sunny terrace, hosted by Caroline and Miller. A very enjoyable hour!

On Saturday the coach took us to Perugia. An impressive university city full of excited students celebrating the end of their exams. For the first time the sunshine disappeared and rain poured down, but only at lunchtime. We visited the National Gallery in the afternoon.

On Sunday we visited three very different hill towns. Spello was particularly beautiful as it is noted for its flowers. Every house had masses of flowers round the windows and above the doors which distracted us from the near vertical streets! We also visited Bevagna (in the plain) and Montefalco (old hilltop town). 

The day ended with a wine tasting at a local winery.

Our last dinner at the hotel was marked by a large cake made by the chef with "Arrivederci" written across it! It was served for dessert with a glass of prosecco. 

Before our evening flight home on Monday, we visited Orvieto. This town is spectacularly positioned on top of a sheer cliff and can be reached by funicular or road. It’s a very pretty town with superb views down to the valley. The façade of the cathedral is elaborately decorated with stone carvings, paintings and black and white horizontal stripes along both sides of the huge building. The interior has lovely frescoes and black and white striped pillars.

We had lunch at a restaurant with a network of underground caves and cellars which we explored before having a truly memorable and delicious lunch at which Orvieto wine was of course available.

The sun disappeared and the rain started just as we got into the coach taking us to Rome Airport. We said ‘arrivederci’ to our very competent and knowledgeable guide Isabella and our excellent coach driver. Thanks were also made to Colin for organising the holiday in this wonderful part of Italy and for making sure that things went smoothly during the week, and of course to Sue for her support.

This time the journey went according to plan with no delays.

Marilyn Gibson   May 2017  for slide show >Click Here<

44 of our members visited to the Royal Chelsea Hospital with a 90 minute guided tour.

We discovered the history behind the Royal Hospital Chelsea, a unique institution.  Our private ‘Scarlet Tour’ was led by one of the Chelsea Pensioners.  This visit  included a light sandwich lunch buffet served in the Chelsea Pensioners Club.

Royal Chelsea Hospital

A provisional booking has been made for a 5 Day (4 Night) visit to Paris 

We visit the Louvre Lens, with a guided tour on arrival 

Includes an introductory guided tour of Paris taking in sights such as the Eiffel Tower and Champs Elysees. After we visit the Louvre Museum which is one of the largest, oldest and most famous art galleries in the world. 

Includes a visit to  Chateaux Fontainbleau & de Vaux le Vicomte. Chateau Fontainbleau is one of France’s largest chateaux dating from the 12th C, 

We will visit the Musée d’Orsay with works by the great impressionists dating from 1848-1914 including famous canvases from Monet, Manet, Renoir, van Gogh and Cézanne, (guided). In the afternoon we visit the Musée de l'Orangerie containing impressionist and post-impressionist paintings by notable artists such as Monet, Picasso and Sisley, (guided) 

On the last day we depart for Giverny and Monet’s Gardens, the inspiration for many of his great works.  

Full Brochure and Booking Form

36 SGDFAS members went for a Guided Tour of  the Royal Albert Hall and then went on to the Victoriaa & Albert Museum in Kensington to see the "Underwear" Exhibition.

The visit to the V & A was planned for February but cancelled due to lack of support.   

The general concensus was that the V & A Exhibition was poor.

Royal Albert Hall - Grand Tour

The Tempest,

RSC Stratford  Click here for details

Thursday 12 January 2017

 28 SGDFAS members travelled by coach to see this highly acclaimed production with incredible staging effects.    

The Plot in 12 seconds:  Prospero was the Duke of Milan. Now he's marooned on a desert island with his daughter and sidekicks.  When his brother and usurper, Antonio, sails past, he shipwrecks him with a magical storm and reclaims his title.

A group of 21 SGDFAS members went to this N.T. Manor which features some dramatic architecture, and grand rooms, through which we took a limited tour to see it decorated for Christmas.  The Manor has significant holdings of Fine Art and Heritage Objects - a true treasure chest of History.  Many of these originate from Egypt. Greece, China and India.      There was a huge sculpture made from hundreds of magnum bottles on the front lawn.    The special  Christmas Lunch  with fabulous deserts was included.
 The famous Waddesdon Christmas Fair was also on at this time, which we were able to walk or take a mini bus just  short distance from the main house.  See Gallery Pictures 2016

Waddesdon Manor at Christmas       Christmas Fair at Waddesdon

SGDFAS members had a  wonderful opportunity to visit this unique museum to discover the history of the Bank, its buildings, and the people who have shaped it over more than 300 years.​  Highlights included: viewing the original Royal Charter, the Banknote Gallery, finding out how Financial Storms were weathered since the 17th Century, and we had a chance to hold a genuine gold bar (no samples were given out though!)

The Bank of England is the United Kingdom’s central bank. It has a unique role in our economy, promoting the good of the people of the United Kingdom by maintaining monetary and financial stability. However the Museum is about much more than money! 

Bank of England Museum

Following a short introduction we had a full 2 hour guided tour of the working factory  culminating with a visit to the museum.  Each car - 3 or 4 wheeler, was a work of art in itself.

This was a wonderful chance to have seen these iconic cars being hand built.   The majority of the tour was spent on our feet walking  to the Factory, through all of the Workshops, and back to the Visitor Centre.   Photography was permitted in the factory. A recently introduced personal audio system gave everyone a chance to hear the full description given by the wonderful and very knowledgible guides,  even in the noisiest parts of the production workshops 

38 SGDFAS members went home wondering if a Morgan car would fit into the garage.   At the very least they all knew they could be tempted to hire one for just £200 a day.  If you were not fortunate to go on this tour, it is possible to go yourself.  Click here for details

Morgan Motors Website    Pictures of Morgan Cars

SHROPSHIRE HOLIDAY 29th AUGUST – 2nd SEPTEMBER 2016

We had a wonderful 5 day holiday staying at the 4 star Abbey Hotel, Great Malvern  .  Click on the links below for more details

MONDAY 29th August  We departed Ferneham Hall, Fareham  for a 90 mile drive  to Tyntesfield (NT). The house, “a Victorian Gothic masterpiece”, is a converted Georgian house based on the proceeds of the guano trade.  The House contains a collection of some 50,000 objects.       As it was Bank Holiday they had a musical event with “local bands playing on the croquet lawn” We  departed 3.00pm,  to our Hotel. 

TUESDAY. 30th August  Visit and  lunch at  Berrington Hall (NT)  , a Neo-classical house (1778) containing notable collections of furniture and paintings. After lunch we visited at nearby Eastnor Castle, the Cocks family have owned this estate from 16th Century, they ‘married well’, accumulated and built this revival castle from 1812.             

WEDNESDAY 31st August    Visit and lunch at Boscobel (English Heritage). Originally a timber framed 1632 farmhouse Bocobel is famous for hiding King Charles II. Afternoon at Wroxeter Roman Winery, planted 25 years ago but next to the Roman city of Uniconium. 

 THURSDAY 1st September  Visit  to  Hereford Cathedral with its Mappa Mundi and the chained library,  followed by a day free to explore the City.  There was also an optional visit to Ledbury with its 1617 Market House and other timbered buildings. .

 FRIDAY. 2nd September:  A lovely lunch at the Barge Inn on the banks of the Kennet & Avon Canal.    was a spendid finale to the holiday.    

A thoroughly enjoyable 5 days

We had planned to discover the street art home of BANKSY and explore international street art and graffiti legends, Reputed to be the original and best Bristol Street Art Tour, and the only tour supported by the Bristol Street Art Community - meaning you get the insiders view of street art.  

information on Bristol Street Art

The group tour is NOW CANCELLED due to lack of support

However these tours are arranged regularly and open to all.  Contact Jim for details if you would like to arrange one for yourself or a small group. There are direct trains from Soutampton to Bristol.

30 SGDFAS members visited this beautiful National Trust Medieval Manor which sits in peaceful countryside near Bradford-on-Avon in Wiltshire.  Crossing the Upper Moat, passing barns, gatehouse and delightful Parish Church the group enjoyed the fine Oriole Windows and the Soldier, Griffons, and Monkey adorning the rooftops.  The Romantic Gardens offer Terraces, Topiary Houses,  Gazebo,  magnificent Roses, and views across the Spring-fed Lily Pond. 

Link to Chalfield Manor

After touring the Manor, the members took the  opportunity to visit nearby  Lacock Abbey and the Village.

Link to Lacock Abbey N.T.

So why are the arches to Lambeth Bridge painted red and who do the statues that adorn the supports represent?

What building is known as Babylon on the Thames?

Just why is Waterloo Bridge so wide?

These and other fascinating facts were revealed by Andrew Davies who took a group of 40 members on a River Thames Panorama tour.

From Chelsea to Woolwich we travelled on foot and by coach through Bermondsey and Rotherhithe. A lunch break at Greenwich was most welcome! The restoration of the Cutty Sark provoked a discussion as to why it is sitting in so much glass!

Norwegian and Finnish churches in Rotherhithe, a puzzle that was solved.

What went on in the Pleasure Gardens in Vauxhall and was it really true that 100,000 workers were employed in the Woolwich Arsenal during World War I?

Chat to anyone on the trip and they might share these little secrets with you!

We explored unknown London with Andrew Davies.  He showed us these -
* where the convicts left for Australia
* MI6  Pictures  and MI5
* the location of the infamous Vauxhall pleasure gardens Pictures
* the Mayflower where the emigrants left for America
* lovely Rotherhithe village  Pictures
* the remains of the Surrey Docks
* the Thames barrier  YouTube VIDEO in the distance
* Woolwich arsenal and a fabulous collection of Georgian buildings
* Bermondsey with its views of the City and Tower Bridge.Website

  Andrew Davies gave us a wonderful Panoramic Tour along part of the River Thames covering Vauxhall, Bermondsey, Rotherhithe and Woolwich. A chance to see and hear about:  Where the Convicts left for Australia,  MI6,  Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens,  The Mayflower where the Emigrants left for America,  lovely Rotherhithe Village,  the remains of the Surrey Docks,  the Thames Barrier,  Woolwich Arsenal and a fabulous collection of Georgian buildings, and  Bermondsey with its views of the City and Tower Bridge.

5 Day Coach Tour to Holland 25th to 29th April 2106

Visit to Holland by 41 members of Sarisbury Green DFAS for 5 days.   Cold winds and sleet followed us around but many bright spells allowed us to enjoy all the places that were visited. 

Monday 25th April         Leaving Locksheath by coach 41 SGDFAS members went to  Dover for  P&O ferry Spirit of Britain crossing to Calais. We drove to Ghent in Belgium, to see some of  its beautiful canals and  St. Bavos’ Cathedral, which is home to Jan van Eyck’s  famous ‘The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb’ set in a 24 panel altarpiece and heard how it survived the war.  We went on to stay at our hotel in The Hague.

Tuesday 26th April         Next morning we took guided tour of the Panorama Mesdag  and  more pictures Click Here, a cylindrical painting over 14 metres high and 120 metres in circumference. this was a magical optical illusion depicting the vista of the sea, the dunes and Scheveningen village, this is the largest painting in the Netherlands and was painted by Hendrik Willem Mesdag, the most famous painter at The Hague School. We were also taken behind the scene to see how the ‘set’ had been constructed. This proved to be a highlight of the tour.

We went on to take an excellent guided tour at the Mauritshuis in The Hague, known as the ‘Royal Gallery of Paintings’. It had recently reopened after a major expansion and renovation. The gallery is home to an outstanding collection with masterpieces by Rembrandt, Van Steen, Frans Hals, Ruysdael, Rubens, Van Dyck, and Vermeer, including his famous ‘Girl with a Pearl Earring’.

Wednesday 27th April          The cold wind and rain eased off to let us have wonderful 4 hours at  the Keukenhof Flower Festival, set in 77 acres of wooded park and one of the world's most spectacular flower gardens. Keukenhof was established in 1949 as a showcase for Dutch bulb growers and were able to see most of the seven million mainly tulip bulbs that were planted resulting in a spectacular colourful and artistic display. 

In the afternoon we  went on to  nearby Delft, one of the principal artistic centres of the Northern Netherlands. At the Royal Delft Porcelain factory, established in Delft in the 17th century,  we saw a master painter at work, visited the dining room of Vermeer and the Dutch Royal family Chamber, the museum with antique Delft pieces. 

Thursday 28th April        The recently refurbished Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, was a treat where we had a guided tour of this world renowned art collection, the most famous of which is Rembrandt’s ‘The Night Watch’, but which also included many Dutch Old Masters such as Jan Steen, Frans Hals and Vermeer. As well as paintings, the collection includes sculptures, clocks, Delft Blue, porcelain and Asian and Oriental art and Brieters' exhibition displaying Japonese kimonos and paintings. Some members moved down the road to visit the Van Gogh Museum, and others took short cruise to admire some of the city’s stunning architecture from the picturesque canals.

 We enjoyed a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

Friday 29th April              En route home we visited Rubens House at Antwerp, the former house of Peter Rubens from 1616 until his death in 1640. The house was built around an inner courtyard and the Baroque portico between the courtyard and the Flemish-Italian Renaissance garden was designed by the master himself. The guided tour of the House introduced us to the life and works of Rubens, including his self portrait, ‘Adam and Eve in Paradise’, ‘Henry IV in the battle for Paris’ and a portrait of Sir Anthony Van Dyck as a boy.  We headed back for our crossing from Calais to Dover and back home.

Click Here for Original Colour Brochure

Over 50 SGDFAS members went to Westminster for a fully guided tour of the Houses of Parliament which offered a unique combination of one thousand years of history, modern day politics, and stunning art and architecture.  Our local MP, Suella Fernandes  arranged to have us guided for this tour through the House of Lords and House of Commons. 

In addition we were able to see: Westminster Hall,  Norman Porch,  Queen’s Robing Room,  Royal Gallery,  Prince’s Chamber,   Moses Room,  Central Lobby,  Members’ Lobby,  Aye Lobby,   St Stephen’s Hall.  We were then able to visit the Jewel Tower with its unique history from the time of Henry VIII

Houses of Parliament 

Painting the Modern Garden: Monet to Matisse

A visit was made to the Royal Academy to view the block buster exhibition 'Painting the Modern Garden, Monet to Matisse'. Highlights included master pieces by Renoir, Cezanne, Pissarro, Manet, Sargent, Kandinsky, Van Gogh, Matisse, Klimt and Klee. Some of the work on display was shown for the first time together in this Country. This was a sell out event.

The  Royal Academy of Arts in London organized an innovative exhibition that examined the role of gardens in the paintings of Claude Monet and his contemporaries. Arguably the most important painter of gardens in the history of art, Monet was also an avid horticulturist who cultivated gardens wherever he lived. As early as the 1860s, a symbiotic relationship developed between his activities as a horticulturist and his paintings of gardens, a relationship that can be traced from his early years in Sainte-Adresse to his final months at Giverny. “I perhaps owe it to flowers,” he wrote, “that I became a painter.”

While Monet remains the touchstone, the exhibition also looked broadly and deeply at the garden theme in modern art through the inclusion of paintings by other Impressionists, Post-Impressionists, and avant-garde artists of the early 20th century. The exhibition lead visitors through the evolution of the garden theme, from Impressionist visions of light and atmosphere to retreats for reverie and dreams, sites for bold experimentation, sanctuaries of refuge and healing, and, ultimately, signifiers of a world restored to order—a paradise regained. Framing these paintings in the context of broad artistic movements, as well as social and political events,  offered unprecedented paths for understanding the garden as a multifaceted, universal theme in modern art.

See more Paintings by Monet and Matisse

Masters of the Everyday: Dutch Artists in the Age of Vermeer

This exhibition offered a glimpse of the 17th century featuring ordinary people doing ordinary things with meticulous detail and often alluded to a works deeper hidden meaning. The exhibition included work by Gerrit Dou, Gabriel Metsu, Pieter de Hooch and Jan Steen.   a second exhibition showed examples of the Comic Cartoon Art of Thomas Rowlandson

Image Details:
Johannes Vermeer, 'The Music Lesson'  1662
Royal Collection Trust / © Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 2015

Link to Queen's Gallery website

A full coachload of SGDFAS members enjoyed an illustrated talk by a guide pointing out fascinating and contraversial features of some of the paintings and drawings on display.  Audio sets were available for all to spend time going through the gallery.

43 SGDFAS members had a wonderful chance to see behind the scenes at Glyndebourne.  Two separate groups were booked separately and when not on the tour, took an opportunity to visit the nearby market town of Lewes in East Sussex.

We followed the guide on a 90-minute walking tour  exploring Glyndebourne and discovered more about the fascinating history behind this world-class opera house.

The guided tour included Theatre,  Backstage,  Dressing Rooms,  Rehearsal Spaces and the historic Organ Room.

"The visit to Glyndbourne was wonderful, especially for the many of us who love opera. Even in winter the gardens and the setting of the house were impressive. In the historic "Organ room", where Sir John Christie's wife Audrey Mildmay persuaded him to build the first opera house, our guide told us the story of the building of the present opera house in 1994.  None of us will ever forget stepping from the wings onto the stage.  We looked out into the beautiful wood-clad auditorium, down into the deep orchesta pit in front of us, behind us into the massive back-stage area and upward into the extraordinarily high "fly tower" from where scenery descends.  A tour of the rehearsal rooms and dressing rooms followed and we were entranced by an exhibition of wigs, hats and costumes from "Hippolyte et Aricie"by Rameau. There was time too for a very pleasant visit to Lewes. Altogether a great day out. "

Carolyn

Glyndebourne website

List opens 20th November 2015

The Christmas Lunch and Visit to Polesden Lacey on 4th December

National Trust property near Dorking, Surrey

 Click Here for information

Pictures of Polesden Lacey

On Thursday 3 December, in bright sunshine, a coach full of SGDFAS members drove to Polesden Lacey for a Christmas lunch and tour of the house. After a stop for coffee we arrived with an hour to spend looking round the gardens before having lunch. The formal gardens are pleasant to walk in even in November and from the terrace, the views over the Surrey Hills are magnificent. Father Christmas was also strolling round the grounds, so we were never far from a festive ‘Ho,Ho,Ho!’

Lunch was well served and plentiful and we were then able to look round the house and claim our glasses of mulled wine. Polesden Lacey is having a 1930’s Christmas and the volunteers were dressed accordingly - some in elegant cocktail or evening dresses with suitably sparkling jewellery.

There was at least one Christmas tree in every room and the Dining Room was decorated with masses of pink and white roses and a fireplace full of poinsettias. The highlight was the gilded Saloon with a huge and magnificent chandelier, two massive Christmas trees reflected in large mirrors and a pianist playing 1930’s dance tunes on the grand piano!

It was a very enjoyable day for all of us I think, and the journey back was quicker than anticipated with no traffic problems.

Many thanks to Diana for organising the visit and to Sandra for keeping track of us, with a bit of help from Gill and Charlie!

Marilyn Gibson

Arundells in Salisbury’s Cathedral Close was the home of Former Prime Minister, Edward Heath and reflects his time in public office and contains his collection of paintings ( Wylie, Singer Sergeant, Piper, Sickert, Augustus and Gwen John, John Nash and Lowry), sailing and music memorabilia.

For more Information click here

Mompesson House (NT)  in Cathedral Close was built in 1701 and contains magnificent plasterwork and a fine oak staircase as well as good period furniture and the Turnbull collection of 18th Century drinking glasses.

For more information click here

There was an opportunity to explore the traditional market  as Tuesday is market day in Salisbury.

14th-18th September 2015.   More details and Pictures

A wonderful holiday was enjoyed by 32 of our SGDFAS members.

Wales gave us delightful weather in spite of the awful UK weather forecasts. Vi Richards shared the organisation and, as usual, it was our intention to provide a varied selection of venues and to put fine art interests equal with general interest and having a relaxing holiday.

On the way to Cardiff we visited SS Great Britain which was fascinating, the ship had been a test bed for many technical advances and typically Isambard Kingdom Brunel was involved in many near disasters. Apart from its rig and machinery the ship gave a vivid impression of how cramped and challenging life on board was even for the 1st Class Passengers.  We had a filling and rather basic but tasty lunch on board and this proved to be the pattern of the venue lunches during the week.

Tredegar House, home of the influential Morgan family, recently adopted by the National Trust, presents them with a difficult problem in how to ‘restore’ it without spoiling its atmosphere.  I found the house and family and their history absorbing but the building is in need of care to keep it out of trouble and in some areas it presents a rather dark and uncared for look.  The Trust has taken on a difficult challenge to get it right.

The Brecon Beacon scenery was impressive and the Mountain Railway was great fun, hard slatted seats, ice creams, makeshift tearooms – a real old fashioned summer holiday experience.  We spent time and had lunch  at Craig y Nos Castle which had been the home of Adelina Patti from 1878 to her death in 1919.  Patti became extremely rich from her singing career and spent huge amounts of money developing the whole estate and enjoying her grand way of life, she was also of great benefit to the local community.  From 1921 to 1959 Craig y Nos was a TB sanatorium and since then successive owners have been struggling to find a successful role for it.  We were shown round by a committed and enthusiastic guide and saw the somewhat faded grandeur of Patti’s Theatre and the super reception rooms and conservatory. The trip upstairs using rickety stairs to see the potential bedrooms was so hazardous that we had to sign a disclaimer first!  The views are magnificent and the potential is there for a super small hotel in a glorious park– but at what cost and will their enthusiasm win through?

A visit to Cardiff Castle is, for me, always stunning but it does leave me with a feeling that the Victorians just didn’t know when to stop when they had enormous wealth to show off; the gap between rich and poor was very obvious in the 19th Century.  The photos on this website tell the story.

In conclusion I enjoyed the break and I think quite a few of our group did also.  Wales showed us places of interest and to admire and lots in need of care and attention – including a few rooms in the Hotel awaiting redecoration! The Hotel was otherwise friendly and hospitable even arranging for the Cardiff Arms Park Male Voice Choir to give us a rehearsal performance in their ball room.

It was perhaps good timing to leave on the Friday as some of the Rugby World Cup matches were to be held over the next few days.  The scenic route through the Cotswolds was enjoyable as was the final lunch in the Bear Hotel in Woodstock.

Monday 14th.           We departed Fernham Hall, Fareham and visited an had lunch  aboard SS Great Britain, Bristol Docks.                  We stayed at The Angel Hotel, Castle St, CF10 1SZ, Cardiff.    

Tuesday 15th.          A morning visit to Castell Coch, a Victorian Fantasy, followed by a short drive to Tredegar House, home of the powerful and somewhat piratical Morgan Family, for a DIY lunch and afternoon visit.

Wednesday 16th.     We drove 40 miles to the Brecon Beacons where, of course, the scenery was well worth the visit.          A tour and lunch at Craig y Nos Castle once the home of Adelina Patti and now a hotel.    We then went on  to enjoy a trip on the Brecon Mountain Railway.

Thursday 17th.          A day which included a tour of Cardiff Castle and a chance to explore Cardiff (we were given some advice on places to see). There was a reception in the Hotel before dinner.

Friday 18th.               We left the Hotel for a drive over the Severn and, using a scenic route through the Cotswolds, to The Bear at Woodstock for our booked lunch.  We arrived home by 5pm.

Over the last 36 years, Art in Action held at Waterperry Gardens, near Oxford has created a new sort of art show. The public comes to Art in Action, not just to see works of art, but to see the art of creating art. Selected artists were invited to set up their ‘studio’ and to demonstrate their talent. The range of Art on display ranged from painting, sculpture and embroidery to glass, ceramics, print making and lots more.   This year James Bowman gave a concert.

A number of our members visited the  biggest arts festival of its kind in Europe as more than two hundred artists took over the estate at Waterperry. 

We wandered through marquees jam packed with talented artists demonstrating their skills and had a go  in some of the  hugely popular practical classes. 

Some of our members's comments:-

"Not 'Art in Action', but ARTS in the very widest sense - something for everyone."

"I always see something new and really creative"

"What a wonderful well organised day with so much thought for visitors, as well as good exhibits."  "This should be an annual SGDFAS event"

"Music, theatre, Gardens, Garden Centre, Workshops, Demonstrations, Things to Buy, good Food - and Arts and Crafts - Please can we do it again next year." 

Photo shows Diane, Linda, Caroline and Howard enjoying lunch during the visit.

For more information click here

Windsor Castle is one of the official residences of Her Majesty The Queen.  The magnificent State Rooms are furnished with some of the finest works of art from the Royal Collection.  In July, our monthly lecture by Barbara Askew is entitled ‘Windsor Castle: from Medieval Fortress to Royal Palace’.  

20 of our members took the opportunity to join a group visit to Windsor Castle, with pre-booked entrance tickets to jump the queues.  Thunderstorms were threatened but thankfully did not materialise whilst we were at the Castle, which looked magnificent with immaculate gardens around the main tower.  Not too many tourists.  Some of us had not been to the Castle before but most had not been inside.

More than 50 Grenadier Guards paraded at the Changing of the Guard Ceremony with a band of Drummers  and Piccolo Players.  Whilst waiting for the ceremony to begin an American tourist was heard to complain that  “they should not have built the Castle under the flight path of planes landing at Heathrow!”  Large aircraft were constantly flying low overhead.

3-4 hours were needed to go through the State Apartments and the Queen Mary’s Dolls House.  With the help of personal Audio-Visual hand sets we were given a well presented guide to the whole castle as well as individual rooms and their contents.   The Great Hall was impressive, especially since it’s rebuilding after the fire of 1992. Every detail had been recreated as it would have been made originally.   Each block of flooring, which had been charred, had been reused by just turning the bock over.  The video on the handset showed live footage of a recent State Banquet.

Hundreds of firearms, swords,  and military armour and paraphernalia were displayed on the high walls of the reception rooms.  A special display of items relating to the Battle of Waterloo were seen to mark  its 200th anniversary. 

St. George’s Chapel was being prepared for the Garter Ceremony, and unfortunately was closed to visitors. Our ticket could, with authorised stamping, enable us to come back again within a year.  Again the Audio-Visual handset gave details of the building, with video pictures and detailed commentary.

There was a huge choice of places to have lunch in Windsor, and permits to re-enter to the Castle were available.

The 2 hour comfortable coach ride there and back was relaxing and made the trip very worthwhile.

For more information click here

No 1 Royal Crescent, Bath is a magnificently restored and authentically furnished Georgian Town House.  From the elegant drawing room to the splendidly equipped Georgian kitchen, it creates a vivid picture of fashionable life in 18th Century Bath.

For more information click here

A group of around 30 enthusiastic members of SGDFAS was collected by the Luckett’s coach from Titchfield and Sarisbury Green early in the fine morning of Wednesday 20 May.

The journey to Bath started with a frustrating major hold-up on the M27 before Southampton Airport was reached - but eventually we sped on to the West Country, stopping for a welcome coffee and comfort break at the Wilton Shopping Village on the way.

Arriving in Bath late morning, our trusty coach driver dropped us in the centre of town with strict instructions to return to the coach by 2pm so he could drive us “up the hill” to Royal Crescent.  Some elected to walk there but most of us were happy to take advantage of the coach ride !

We spent a couple of hours in Bath, exploring the Abbey, the Pump Room and other famous buildings, and doing a bit of retail therapy.  There were many excellent restaurants and cafes for lunch and the time flew by.

After the short journey up the hill, we admired the stunning sight of the Crescent of beautiful Georgian houses looking onto the large lawn and park area – really magnificent.  We were then split into 2 groups – one to enter the main house and the other to enter the adjoining smaller building which was originally the “servants’ block” and is now integral with the house as it had been a couple of hundred years ago.

We looked at a delightful exhibition of Dolls’ Houses from the 19th and 20th centuries all of which were intricate and intriguing.  After that we toured the house with its wonderfully decorated rooms full of beautiful furniture and paintings.  The house had been restored by the Bath Preservation Trust in 1968 to its former late 18th century glory when it had been occupied for 20 years by a prominent Irish gentleman called Henry Sandford.

Eventually after thoroughly exploring all the rooms, and talking to the very helpful guides, we all gathered in the “Education Room” (originally a kitchen) where we were served with cups of tea and biscuits.  We listened to an interesting short talk by one of the Bath Preservation Trust ladies telling us more about the house and its history, and how it was purchased by wealthy local resident and given to the Trust with enough money to enable its restoration.

We rushed to get back on the coach for 4.15 for the easy journey back to Hampshire through the beautiful Somerset and Wiltshire countryside and we all agreed that it had been an excellent day out.

Thanks to the good organisation team for arranging such an interesting day – this was my first outing with SGDFAS and I thoroughly enjoyed it !

Jo Ward, Hamble

Andrew Davies is an inspirational leader of walking trips around well-known and unusual areas of London.  His deep knowledge and infectious enthusiasm have delighted our groups on walks around Spitalfields and also Legal London, and now -

Soho and Bloomsbury 21 April 2015

Another Andrew Davies’ tour that did not disappoint and neither did the weather! – glorious sunshine all day.

It was ‘So! Ho!’ (the ancient hunting call that gave the area it’s name) and we were off!

A brief comfort stop at the British Museum but this was also a chance to admire the varied architecture of the building (variety being very typical of the rest of the tour). There was Edwardian at the rear, majestic Greek revival at the front with the courtyard roof by Norman Foster and the recent extension by Richard Rodgers.

During the morning we circled the controversial 1960’s Centre Point building, currently under renovation, whilst also part of the Cross Rail construction. Moving through the small streets we admired Arts and Crafts flourishes (e.g. old Dairy Supply Building) and Victorian splendours also passing St Giles in the Fields. We then walked down Denmark Street (aka Tin Pan Alley). 

We arrived at Soho Square where Andrew pointed out the cosmopolitan nature of the area with the French Huguenot and Catholic Church as examples plus place names such as Greek Street. In the centre of the Square is a half-timbered Elizabethan ‘Potting Shed’ built in 1925! The Square is now home to many companies like 20thCentury Fox connected with the media. We moved on through Frith Street, Old Compton St and Wardour St pointing out Ronnie Scotts Jazz Club and the ‘2 iis’ coffee bar (Tommy Steele fame and the birth of ‘Rock n Roll’). 

Further on at St Anne’s church (by Christopher Wren) we pondered on the 20,000 burials beneath us and whether we were standing on the ashes of Dorothy L Sayers who was cremated and then the ashes spread there. Then on to Brewer Street and the 1930’s car park which originally had rest rooms for the chauffeurs – different times!

After a stop for lunch in China Town we went into St George’s Bloomsbury by Nicholas Hawksmoor (also architect of Christ Church, Spitalfields seen on our previous visit) where Antony Trollope was baptised. This church was built as a result of the New Churches Act after the 1710 General Election when it was thought there weren’t enough churches. It was recently renovated at a cost of £9.3m! 

We moved on to Bloomsbury Square (the first London Square) – occupied at an early age by Benjamin Disraeli. On one side this is bounded by the lovely early 20th century Victoria House and on another by a row of houses by a young John Nash who later went bust before rising to fame courtesy of the Prince Regent.

Onward past Great Ormond Street hospital to Coram Fields Foundling hospital and its sad alcove where abandoned children were placed and onto Brunswick Square bounded by Brunswick Centre. Originally designed as a reaction to tower blocks and consisting of 550 apartments it has recently ‘come alive’ being an ‘in’ place to live with many fashionable shops and bars.

We then stopped to admire the beautiful Art Deco former Daimler showroom before finishing in another great London Square – Russell Square bounded on one side by the magnificient splendour of the Hotel Russell built in 1898.

There was very enthusiastic applause when Andrew left us on the coach and we all settled down to rest our weary feet for the drive home.

Soho was once a royal hunting ground.  Bloomsbury boasted duelling fields and huge mansions.  We will savour the elegant 

report by Pauline Mousley

Guides brought to life the work of the BBC’s brand new centre in the heart of London.  As it is a working building, the BBC could guarantee who or what you will see that day! The tour  lasted about 1.5 hours and  a good deal of walking was involved.  

On Wednesday March 11th 2015 Diana led a very popular outing to Broadcasting House in London.

Following tight security we met our guides who told us about the original building of 1932 and the later extensions to accommodate the BBC World Service, Radio 1, 2, 3, and 4 and other programmes. These programmes had previously been in expensive studios all around London.  Additionally, with the popularity of the televised Coronation more television space was needed.

We visited the One Show studio which was much smaller and shabbier than we expected. Never the less, we sat on the green settees and imagined we were the guests of Matt and Alex!

We saw the large theatre where live shows are filmed. We learned that stars like Rod Stewart and Elton John are paid only £66 to appear. Publicity is all ! 

Volunteers from our Society played the parts of Newscasters and one person became an excellent weather man.

In a radio studio Caroline produced sound effects for a spooky play read by five of our members.

It was a great day out. Different and good fun.  Look for more photos click here

This report was written by Carol Scott with help from June

This included a talk from the Curator as well as seeing the conservation work being undertaken.

NB This visit was  restricted to 15 people and a further visit is being considered.     

For more information click here

The exhibition traced Rubens influence on painters from Van Eyck, his pupil, to Cezanne and includes works from Turner, Klimt and Picasso.     An extremely worthwhile visit enjoyed by all.

For more information click here

Late Turner - Painting Set Free.  Mark Turner writing in the Telegraph states ‘ The artist was one of several geniuses whose style at the end of their lives challenged conventional wisdom’.

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Founded by the American actor and Director Sam Wanamaker, Shakespeare’s  Globe is a unique international resource dedicated to the exploration of Shakespeare’s work and the playhouse for which he wrote. See how the original costumes were made and watch how an Elizabethan lady dressed. www.shakespearesglobe.com  

A really enjoyable visit was made on the 13th November 2014 by a large group of SGDFAS members to the Globe Theatre  and the exhibition area.  An extremely knowledgable guide showed us around and explained the history and how this theatre came to be built.

See more pictures in our Gallery

This beautiful Palladian Mansion starred as Netherfield in the film version of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. Set in parkland in the Thames Valley, this 18th century house has rich interiors, pictures and furniture and includes an unusual Octagonal room and a Shell room.

for more information click here 

We visited the Churchill War Rooms to discover the original Cabinet War Rooms, the wartime bunker that sheltered Churchill and his government during the Blitz. We explored the historic rooms and experienced the secret history that lives on underground. We discovered the stories of those who worked there as London was being bombed above them. 

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We then went on to the Imperial War Museum which included a new WWI section.

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A spectacular late 17th Century Mansion with a historic fallow deer park and magnificent trees and views.  Inside the impressive mansion, we discovered the fascinating interiors little changed in 300 years  as well as a rich collection which included superb Dutch Art and ceramics of the period.  

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Kingston Bagpuize House and Gardens

We visited this family home, a beautiful house originally built in the 1660s was remodelled in the early 1700s in red brick and stone with a cantilevered staircase.  The garden has a significant collection of rare roses illustrating the spread of roses from China to Rome by 500BC and giving us our present day rose that smells and flowers throughout the summer.

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Buscot Park (NT)    The Neo-classical eighteenth century country mansion, family home to Lord Faringdon, has a family Art Collection which continues to change and develop – outside there is a new water feature Faux Fall by David Harber and inside contemporary  glassware by Colin Reid and Sally Fawkes.

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Cothy Manor is said to be the most perfect example of a 15th Century Medieval Manor and is one of Somerset’s finest historic houses.  A timeless atmosphere surrounds it and there are wonderful gardens surrounding the manor.  This was the location of many scenes in the TV series "Wolf Hall"

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Andrew lead us in his usual erudite way around this fascinating area  in the East End of London where the Huguenots set up their silk industry . With the decline of the silk industry, the Jewish refugees found that the large-windowed Huguenot houses were ideal for tailoring and the textile industry.  Modern Spitalfields with its Market and Brick Lane is a colourful, vibrant  and bustling place.   We  also visited a two historic churches.

The Museum was founded at the turn of the 20thCentury by Sir Merton and Lady Russell-Cotes.  It holds collections of international status and reflects the Victorian fascination with world culture.  In addition to a Behind the Scenes  tour with the Museum curator, we were able to explore the museum and visit the current exhibition – Angels, fairies and femme fatales: Dadd to Discworld.    

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All artefacts displayed are those found on the Mary Rose and displayed alongside the length of the ship which can be seen for the first time without the preserving sprays. Themed galleries told the personal stories and working lives of the crew on board. The display cases were viewed from different sides and information boards and interactive displays were easy to read, use and contain excellent information.  It is hard to believe that everything on display is over 500 years old.

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There is an article Treasures from the Deep about the exhibition in the latest Autumn 2013 NADFAS Review magazine and it has excellent reviews.  The exhibition is part of the Qatar UK 2013 Year of Culture, jointly organized by The British Council and Qatar Museum Authority.

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