Visit to Madrid, October 2017
29 of us arrived in Madrid in early October sunshine, which was to last the week. Our guide, Mauricio, introduced us to the history of the city, its principal buildings & thoroughfares while the coach took us to our hotel. Hotel Liabeny proved to be ideally situated in a largely traffic-free area of the centre, meaning we could spend any free time exploring on foot. Something we noticed whilst driving from the airport were large numbers of red & yellow flags hanging from the windows of apartment blocks, a gesture of support for the Madrid government as the Catalan bid for independence had just been set in motion……..To read the full report of the Madrid Trip by Sally and Neil MacLennan please click here
Visit to Liverpool, April 2017
As a virgin DFAS traveller I approached the 4 day trip to Liverpool with a degree of trepidation. This was completely unwarranted as it was a totally fabulous adventure.
Setting off from St Giles on Sunday morning we set off in a northerly direction towards our first staging post – Wightwick Manor in the West Midlands. An unexpected treasure trove of Victorian art and design. The house, which was so obviously planned as a family home was packed to the gills with Pre-Raphaelite art and, despite the fact that William Morris never visited the house, you feel his presence in every room……. To read more of this informative report by Wendy Greenberg please click here.
Scottish Colourists, April 2017
Following requests from members, Vivien Heffernan has kindly sent a list of pictures by Scottish Colourists discussed in her lecture click here
Heritage Project
To read the report on the heritage project just completed at St Peter’s College please click here
Visit to Beauchamp Community and Madresfield, September 2016
A coach full of members set off on a beautiful late September day for Worcestershire. On arrival at our destination, we were greeted by the Community Archivist. He was a highly knowledgeable and genial guide who gave us detailed information on the history of the buildings and the characters of those who had played a part in the creation of the community. After a brief walk around the quad, the clock struck eleven, signalling the end of mass. We went into the boardroom where a delicious breakfast was laid ready for us. Suitably refreshed, our tour got underway……..To read more click here
Visit to Broughton Castle and Broughton Grange Gardens, June 2016
We had an interesting morning visit to Broughton Castle, the moated and fortified house near Banbury. It was selected by Simon Jenkins as one of only twenty to be awarded five stars in his book England’s Thousand Best Houses.It is still the home to Lord and Lady Saye and has been in the same family since 1447. To read the full report click here