Our Birthday lunch was a successful, joyful and informative day with glorious spring sunshine to celebrate Mary’s birthday. The day started with an illustrated talk by chairman Gordon Dickins on The Romantic movement with its concept of “picturesque.” Gordon illustrated the talk with many examples of the picturesque in Shropshire including the spectacular ruins of Moreton Corbett castle, Wenlock Priory and Buildwas Abbey. Landscaping of the grounds of country houses was also influenced by this movement and there are many fine examples of this in Shropshire. Thanks must go to Gordon for capturing these wonderful evocative images which entice us to explore and experience these often hidden treasures.
After lunch provided by Wendy Oakley and her team from Bishop’s Castle we gathered to hear a fascinating “In conversation” between Dr Gladys Mary Coles and Lisa Blower. Lisa was Writer in Residence at our “Treasures” exhibition last year and is in the process of a modern re-imagining of Gone to Earth. The characters are very much 21st century but Lisa has kept to the basic structure of the original, even keeping the pet fox. It was interesting to see the meticulous planning that goes into novel writing and how Lisa has developed the characters to make this version her own. She also described the unique experience of writing “live” at Shrewsbury Museum last year.
What better way to end the day with birthday cake(s)!
Took place on Saturday, March 25, 2017, at Rushbury Village Hall
