My ‘The Arts Society’ Story

I was so pleased when Jean Farmbrough started a NADFAS (now The Arts Society) in Bedford over 30 years ago as my mother very much enjoyed being a member of the Harpenden Society, one of the very earliest ones.

Having been very bored by History of Art lessons at school I felt it was time I learnt some more. I was always very interested in furniture, silver and ceramics and in those days, there were more lectures on those subjects.

I was very pleased to be asked to join the committee of the North Beds Society, firstly organising Special Interest days. In those days we had to prepare the lunch as well as organising the lectures. After being Membership secretary I was asked to be Chairman and finally President. 

As the membership of the North Beds Society was about 330 and I received comments that it was too big, I suggested at the AGM that perhaps we should start a new Society.  Jean Farmbrough approached me and agreed so with Sheila Hunter and myself we set about forming a new evening Society in the north of the County.

I am so thrilled the way it has gone from strength to strength with such a fantastic committee chaired by Simon Brown QC.

Being a member of the Arts Societies has given me such pleasure and I have made so many friends.