FOUR PARISHES ARTS SOCIETY - November 2008  

Visit To Salisbury Playhouse – Thursday 23 October 2008

A very enjoyable time was had when a group of members spent the day at Salisbury Playhouse.

We were taken “under the wing” of Louise Dancy, the Participation Co-ordinator of the theatre.  The visit started in the auditorium where we could see the set of the play “A Taste of Honey”, which we were going to attend in the afternoon matinee show. The set was a masterpiece in itself, being built on at least three levels.  Later on we “trod the boards” when we were actually taken on-stage and could appreciate the set at closer quarters.

Louise gave us an insight into the workings of the theatre and its history.  Following this we were taken back-stage to see the dressing rooms, the Green Room where the cast rest, the wardrobe room and workroom where costumes were being made for the next play.  Then followed a visit to the very big workshop where we saw the building of the large set, also for the forthcoming play. We all enjoyed the lively play, rounding off a very entertaining and interesting visit.

A talk by Marion Emery on William Morris - Tuesday 11 November

Marion gave a lively and entertaining talk, taking us through William Morris’ life, from his birth to his death in 1896 at the age of 62.

She had a wonderful photo of William in his middle fifties, and a painting of his wife which he himself had done.  He had studied painting, but this was the only picture he ever finished. There were pictures of the two of the lovely houses he lived in: the Red House in Bexley Heath, Kent, now owned by the National Trust, was designed by himself, and Kelmscott Manor near Swindon.

William was a great friend of Gabriel Rossetti whom he met at Oxford where he studied intending to go into the church!

Through his love of flowers came the well-known designs for his wallpapers and materials.  There are 500 designs also covering carpets, tapestries and textiles. But this was not his only attribute.  His achievements were enormous - writing volumes of poetry, prose and verse translations.  He had a great impact on British policies and gave 250 lectures.  He was a staunch Socialist and his greatest disappointment with his work was that it was too expensive and therefore only the rich could afford it.

Tuesday 16 December - Skittles Evening with Supper 7.00 p.m. at White Hart, Stoke.  If you have not already booked - £3 each – please send money to Mrs. E. Roberts, “Patches”, The Green, Amport, SP11 8BA