REPORT FOR MARCH
In the absence of our President Elaine Gilmore, who was cruising around the Caribbean, Vice President Liz Brown chaired our March Meeting.
After welcoming 24 members to the meeting Liz introduced the speaker, Mr Frank Dawson, who talked to us about “The History of Stained Glass”. He began by showing us different examples of coloured glass and explained the difference between coloured and stained glass. He told us that from 15th Century the art of stained glass prospered but, due in part to the dissolution of the monasteries and Cromwell’s regime, the art almost disappeared. The methods of producing good stained glass were revived two centuries later during the Pre-Raphaelite period and William Morris also played an important part in its revival. Mr Dawson also showed the members how to cut the glass and how to put the pieces together with either lead strip and solder or copper foil and solder (the latter method being developed by Tiffany). He showed us examples of his work including two beautiful lampshades. Finally at the end of his talk he held a raffle for a small mirror he had made, the proceeds of which he would be donating to St Margarets Hospice. The raffle was won by Liz Brown. Vivien Cherry gave the vote of thanks.
After refreshments provided by tea hostesses Margaret Partridge and Joan Whiteman the business part of the meeting took place. Birthday posies were presented to Rosemary Richards (carried over from the February meeting), Amy Knight, Audrey Marsh, Jayne Jones, Judy Tucker and Liz Brown. During the meeting Carol Vallis our Treasurer informed the members that the Village Breakfast had made a profit of Ł638 and Jenny Dodd, who has kindly volunteered to be coordinator for the designing and making of a Wall Hanging/Banner to celebrate our 70th Anniversary, said that there would be a meeting on Wednesday 24th March to discuss ideas. Margaret Partridge thanked all the members who had given their help with her Tea Party on 6th March.
Our next meeting will be held on Wednesday 14th April. As this will be our Birthday meeting we will be having a meal out at the Helyar Arms commencing at 7.30pm. Members are asked to organise themselves with car sharing.
Kay McIver 19th March 2010