The Arts Society Kington Langley kicked off 2025 with local lecturer and Antique Roadshow presenter Marc Allum. This was a repeat visit as Marc also had the January slot last year and was so popular that he was invited back to talk thistime about ‘Fakes and Forgeries’
Marc brought with him a selection of his pieces and we were encouraged to look at them, work out which might be fakes, forgeries or the ‘real thing’.
Thirty-six members attended the Tour of Middle Temple followed by Christmas lunch. As we walked down Middle Temple Lane it was like entering into a different world – calm and quiet. The hubbub of Fleet Street had been left behind and could only be faintly heard as we wandered towards the main building to find our guides. It really was like being in a completely different place than London.
The Arts Society Maidenhead sponsored Activity Boxes for Young Carers which were distributed by Family Action Maidenhead to primary and secondary schools where they have already trained a Young Carer Champion from the academic year. To enable wider participation, the Champions, who are members or staff, arrange regular meetings to support identified young carers in each school with a range of fun and engaging activities to address their physical and mental well-being. The young people work on activities including craftwork, painting, drawing and soil art, with a variety of themes designe
Fifteen members went to the Commandant’s Parade at The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, a world-renowned centre of excellence training soldiers and officers to win in war and in peace. Those who visited the RMAS buildings and grounds last June may remember it was established in 1741and moved to Sandhurst in 1812. Since 1947 over 5,500 young people from 132 different countries have trained alongside British Officer Cadets. The course lasts one year and there are three intakes annually - in September, January and May.
Apsley House was bought by the Duke of Wellington as his town residence with part of the money given to him by a grateful nation after his defeat of Napoleon. A large part of the art collection was given by the King of Spain. The collection was rescued at the end of the Peninsular Wars. Wellington was aware of their value (they included works by Titian, Rubens and many more) but the King graciously let Wellington keep the paintings.
We had a truly fabulous morning at all Saints Church in village of Dunsden, viewing the stained glass window which commemorates the life and time of Wilfred Owen during his time living at Dunsden between 1911 and 1913. The weather was perfect with the sun shining through the window, showing it in all its glory. It certainly had the wow factor and many of us learnt so much about Wilfred Owen and the time he spent in and around Dunsden.
