Summer (2000)

This year's (Millennium) Summer School. Sat and Sunday 24/25th June was a great success. On Saturday morning we were treated to two lectures, the first from Gladys Mary entitled The Charmed Circle which gave very important insights into the life of the young Mary Meredith  in Much Wenlock. This was followed by a lecture from member, Muriel Furbank on the "Ubiquitous Dr William Penny Brooks" (Founder of the modern Olympic games). The afternoon  saw the long awaited  unveiling of the memorial plaque by Mary's two nephews, Donald and Ian Meredith. It was a proud and moving moment for both of them and indeed for everyone present. The local town crier was even on hand to announce the event to the large crowd. The plaque is now in place for all to see. Please go and see it !

1a 1b  1c

  Photos 1a: L to R, Donald Meredith, Pat Spilsbury,Gladys Mary Coles, Ian Meredith, Gordon Dickins.
   1b: Town Crier, Donald, Pat, Gladys Mary, Sue Higginbotham, Ian.  1c: Donald & Ian  with the plaque.
  Sculptor Humphrey Hallward with his masterpiece.

Saturday evening featured a truly wonderful recital of works of MW given by award winning actors Gabriel Woolf and Rosalind Shanks. Their varied programme demonstrated the wide range of Mary Webb's work.  On Sunday there was a walking tour of Silverton (Shrewsbury) led by GMC and taken from her new booklet produced in conjunction with Mythstories Museum. Members also attended 'Rejoice Rejoice' , a spectacular flower festival at St Mary's which included a flower display dedicated to Mary Webb . This display was really a floral sculpture based on the Mere in Precious Bane. It was absolutely stunning. Readings from MW were also read in church by Sue Higginbotham (Secretary)

It was then back to Much Wenlock for a buffet lunch, before reluctantly heading home. This year we were pleased to welcome three of our American members, Ellie Spence, Helen Bray and Amy Ouchley with husband Kelby. Don Meredith had travelled with his lovely wife from northern Italy. We also welcomed several new members and hope to see them all again soon.

This year also saw the launch of the official Society badge, a high quality enamelled badge specially commissioned from Shaw Munster in Birmingham. The badges are available priced £2.50 + pp from Liz Stamps.

Colin Neville           Woodbine Books  held his usual book stall with a wide range of books particularly those rare sought after titles.

The year 2000 Birthday Lunch was held at Leighton village hall on Saturday 25th March . The event included lectures by Gladys Mary Coles on "Leighton associations in the life of Mary Webb" and Gordon Dickins on "Writers lines on spring". After lunch we  visited the garden of  Leighton Lodge, Mary's birthplace. We  also  visited Leighton church where Mary was christened. This year's birthday lunch was especially memorable as it was held on Mary's actual birth day  and very aptly in the village of her birth. Leighton village hall, which has recently been refurbished was the perfect setting and grateful thanks to the hall committee for looking after us so well. It was a splendid spring day and it was a pleasure towel come old friends and new.

A Rowan whip was planted in memory of dear Peter Mastin on Bromlow Callow.The tree was planted by Mike Bradbury from Burwarton estates and was kindly donated by John Holliday of Potter's Farm Nursery, Ludlow. Peter loved this wild, windy spot and I hope you will agree is a fitting tribute to him.

Use BACK button to return to the Mary Webb Site