Tower and Town, March 2021

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Local Arts Societies

There are two wonderful local Arts Societies (previously known as NADFAS): The Arts Society Pewsey Vale (TASPV), and The Arts Society Kennet and Swindon (TASKS). They have kept going throughout all the lockdowns with zoomed lectures on a regular basis, virtual tours and visits to places far afield (see page 13), and online study days on specific topics. Through links with area (Wessex) and national organisations, members can also access a whole range of fascinating subjects.

Local societies also run projects of their own such as church recording, heritage volunteering, and promoting art in our local schools through the auspices of Young Arts, such as the recent displays in the waiting room of Pewsey Station.

These societies usually meet monthly. TASPV meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month for lectures in the Bouverie Hall, North Street, Pewsey, SN9 5ES. The doors open at 7pm (refreshment is available before the meeting), with the lecture starting at 7:30pm for an hour followed by an opportunity to ask the lecturer questions relating to the topic. Under normal circumstances TASKS meets at the Ellendune Centre in Wroughton on the third Monday morning of each month except July and August. Coffee is served from 10.30; the meeting begins at 11.00.

Both societies are renewing their memberships at this time of year, so now is an excellent opportunity to join up. Go to their websites for information. Membership of TASPV costs £35 pa, and of TASKS £45 pa. For that you get all of the above and the chance to enjoy international experts, who are quality lecturers nationally vetted, giving beautifully illustrated talks about such things as:-

TASKS: Monday March 15th: Sculpture in Steel: The Art of European Arms and Armour, given by Adam Busiakiewicz. Such arms reflect the skill of this art form during the age of chivalry, and became an embodiment of strength, power and style.

TASPV: Tuesday March 23rd: The White Mantle of Winter: Julian Halsby discusses some of the finest snow paintings in the history of art produced by the Impressionist Movement of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

TASKS: Monday April 19th: A Brief History of Wine: David Wright lectures about wine as an important element, not only of social development, but also a significant inspiration to art and architecture.

TASPV: Tuesday April 27th: Treasures of the Fan Museum: Jacob Moss tells the story of how The Fan Museum came into being, together with the fascinating biography of its founder, whose personal collection forms the basis of the museum’s holdings.

David Du Croz