poems, places and people
Dr Don Archer used slides and poem readings to illustrate his talk on John Betjeman. He started by explaining that the unusual surname was due to its german origin and had been anglicised at the time of the 1st World war. From a very early age John Betjeman was interested in poetry. The family lived on West Hill in Highgate and the village had a reputation as an artistic and poetic area, perhaps young John was influenced by this. One of his early poems 'Peggy Purey-Crust' describes his adoration of a a young girl on Highgate Hill.
Dr Archer illustarted his talk with slides showing the houses, locations and arcgitecture that influenced John Betjeman. He finished with Betjeman's view of Sidmouth
Sidmouth in Devon
Older and more exclusive than Torquay
Sidmouth is the town for me
Denman College
Maureen told us about the 3 day trip to Denman that Beryl and her had recently attended. The visit was arranged by Devon area which meant the cost was subsidised and coach transport was included. Maureen tried her hand at Thai cookery and brought in some Rum and Date bonbons for us to have with our refreshments. Beryl had done a computer course. The next Devon area weekend to Denman is in the summer.
Autumn Council
Beryl provided details of the area autumn council. Toyah Wilcox was the main speaker but she said that all the speakers were interesting and urged members to consider going to council meetings.
Subscriptions
The subscription fee for next year is £34.72. This is due in January. Barbara asked that you bring the money or cheque in an envelope with your name,address, email and phone number on the outside. This will enable the group's record to be updated.
Jean confirmed that the knitted farm has reached the orphange and she is now looking for more knitters to help with the next project - a knitted Noah's Ark.
Competion - A Poem about a Pet
1st - Jenny Moore
2nd - Barbara Dean
3rd - Caroline Stanley
Dr Archer illustarted his talk with slides showing the houses, locations and arcgitecture that influenced John Betjeman. He finished with Betjeman's view of Sidmouth
Sidmouth in Devon
Older and more exclusive than Torquay
Sidmouth is the town for me
Denman College
Maureen told us about the 3 day trip to Denman that Beryl and her had recently attended. The visit was arranged by Devon area which meant the cost was subsidised and coach transport was included. Maureen tried her hand at Thai cookery and brought in some Rum and Date bonbons for us to have with our refreshments. Beryl had done a computer course. The next Devon area weekend to Denman is in the summer.
Autumn Council
Beryl provided details of the area autumn council. Toyah Wilcox was the main speaker but she said that all the speakers were interesting and urged members to consider going to council meetings.
Subscriptions
The subscription fee for next year is £34.72. This is due in January. Barbara asked that you bring the money or cheque in an envelope with your name,address, email and phone number on the outside. This will enable the group's record to be updated.
Jean confirmed that the knitted farm has reached the orphange and she is now looking for more knitters to help with the next project - a knitted Noah's Ark.
Competion - A Poem about a Pet
1st - Jenny Moore
2nd - Barbara Dean
3rd - Caroline Stanley