June AGM Weekend 2008

Today, June 6, begins the June Annual General Weekend of the Brontë Society. This is the programme that contains, as usual, very interesting talks:

Friday 6 June

3.30 PM Dame Beryl Bainbridge.
One of the nation's most prolific and best-loved authors will read from and discuss her work.
West Lane Baptist Centre, Haworth.

7.00 PM A performance by the theatre company 'Through the Window' of the earlier dramatic version of Jane Eyre.

The play was originally performed at the theatre which became the Old Vic and has been adapted for the modern audience by Catherine McDonald (who also plays the role of Jane Eyre, in the picture, Rob Savage) from Patsy Stoneman's edited version. Cheese and wine included.

West Lane Baptist Centre, Haworth.

Saturday 7 June

9.30 AM to 10.30 AM: Calling all Angrians: your chance to act, sing or write.
An Angrians workshop in the creative arts culminating in a display of achievement at the end of the session (10.20 am).
West Lane Baptist Centre, Haworth.

11.00 AM Annual Lecture: Professor Heather J. Glen, Professor of English in the University of Cambridge.

02:00 PM: Annual Service in The Parish Church of St Michael and All Angels, Haworth.
This year we commemorate the gift of the Parsonage to the Society by Sir James Roberts.

04:30 PM: 113th Annual General Meeting of the Brontë Society.
West Lane Baptist Centre, Haworth.

7:30 PM: 'Baby God' - Emily Brontë and Wuthering Heights.
To coincide with the Parsonage Museum's 2008 special exhibition on Emily Brontë No Coward Soul, a panel discussion bringing together a number of established authors who have acknowledged the influence of Wuthering Heights in their own writing. They will explore their personal responses to the novel. The panel will consist of Toby Litt, Helen Dunmore, Sally Beauman and Stevie Davies, chaired by Patsy Stoneman.

Sunday 8 June

10:30 AM Walks
Walking boots or strong walking shoes are strongly recommended. The organizers of the walks will take every care to ensure the safety of the groups. However, individuals are responsible for ensuring that their insurance fully covers these activities
Alternative 1: Long walk - the Worth valley, led by Alf East
Alternative 2: Short walk - around Penistone Hill and its environs, led by Hedley Hickling

3:00 PM: A performance of The Well-Dressed Governess by The History Wardrobe, in a costume-in-context presentation with lively readings and beautiful original costume items.

Monday 9 June

9:00 AM: A full day excursion to the Shirley country.
The coach will depart West Lane Baptist Centre at 9.00am. Our first stop will be at Oakwell Hall for a guided tour followed by morning coffee. There will then be a photo-stop at Rydings (former home of Ellen Nussey), before travelling on to Roe Head School for an escorted tour of the garden. Facilities will be available nearby for a choice of light lunch (not included in the price of the excursion). Following lunch, we shall visit St Peter's Church, Hartshead after which we shall make our way to Christ Church, Liversedge passing Clough House (home of Patrick and Maria) and Shears Inn (meeting place of the Luddites). The excursion will end at Healds Hall (home of Reverend Roberson, the Rector 'Mr Helstone' in Shirley) with a three course dinner, arriving back in Haworth between 8.00pm and 8.30pm. A detailed guide of the places we will visit will be issued on the day.

Tuesday 10 June

10:30 AM - 12:30 PM: St. James Church Hall, Thornton
This event, which has been organised separately by Angela Crow-Woods for the benefit of Bronte Society members attending the annual AGM weekend, is to be held at the historically-important St James Church, Thornton. Here, the original font and dove carving commissioned by Patrick Bronte may still be examined. Hosted by Angela, she and Bob Barnard will read and discuss Charlotte's correspondence with her publisher. After questions, coffee and cakes, Catherine and Ian Emberson will read poems by the three Bronte sisters. Finally, Helen Broadhead offers an optional Thornton heritage walk around the village.

Categories: Brontë Society, Talks