A visit to Hutton is a remarkable journey through time. From the medieval Stone Hall to the high Victorian Drawing Room, the rooms represent a succession of historical eras and styles. The rooms contain fine period furniture sitting alongside contemporary ceramics. There are interesting collections of portraits (including – unusually – several by 17th and 18th century women artists), good examples of needlework and tapestries. 

The house is surrounded by spectacular gardens and grounds which were laid out in the 17th Century. They have evolved since then, but the basic elements as shown in engravings from 1705 can still be seen. 

Potfest in the Park  

The original Potfest flagship event showcasing the very best work from 90 selected ceramic artists, chosen from throughout the Uk, Europe and beyond. 

All with very distinctive, individual styles. Set in the magnificent backdrop of Hutton-in-the-Forest on the edge of the beautiful Lake District National Park. 

Potfest in the Park takes place under large marquees on parkland in front of this magnificent country house. The potters’ special competition pieces are displayed on the lawns in front of the house, juxtaposing ancient architecture and modern ceramics. 

Details: 

• Leave Southport 8.00a.m (leave Hutton at 16.00 tbc) 

• Pickup points  

• Outside Hillside Railway Station, Waterloo Road  7:50 am 

• National Coach stop, Lord Street/Eastbank Street   8:00 am 

• Bus Stop Preston New Road opposite Tesco Express 8:10 am 

• Travel time to Hutton 2 hours 15min (subject to traffic) 

• Short stop off top off at Tebay services and Farm shop on route 

• Cost includes entry and timed prebooked guided tour of the House (2 groups max of 15 members on each) -11.30 & 14.00 tbc.  

• Cost includes entry to the PotFest , house guided tour and entry to the ground's 

• Local food and drinks are available on site from the Potfest & House marquees although if the weather is good there are plenty of lovely places to picnic in the garden and grounds. 

• Please note that The Potfest is an outdoor event held in marquees in an uneven field 

For more information or to book please email events.southport@theartssociety.org

GUIDED TOUR OF TABLEY HOUSE AND A VISIT TO LITTLE MORETON HALL

THURSDAY 21 MAY 2026            COST  £50               N.T. MEMBERS £40 

(Cost includes entry fees, coach fare and gratuities)

Little Moreton Hall is a half-timbered Tudor Manor House, with its steep spiral staircases, uneven floors and cobbled courtyard, it has a quirky homely feel.

Tabley House houses an extensive collection of paintings including works by Turner, Lely, Reynolds, Dobson and Lawrence and furniture all on the ground floor.  There ia a convenient waitress service Tea Room. 

The programme will be as follows (timings are approximate and depend on traffic)

9.00   National Coach stop, Lord Street/Eastbank Street

9.10   Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Waterloo Road, Hillside

9.20   The Grapes Formby

Bookings by cheque or BACS will be accepted immediately after the March lecture on 17 March. No cash payments please.

BACS sort code 20 80 33 Account no 50582808 Account name: The Arts Society Southport. Ref (Tabley) Cheques payable to the Arts Society Southport.

National Trust members must bring their N.T. membership card or will be charged full admission on the day by Little Moreton Hall.

For further information email visits.Southport@theartssociety.org 

N.B.  Bookings are taken in order of payments received.  Cancellations can only be refunded if a replacement is found.  The Society cannot be held responsible for any personal accident, loss, damage or theft of belongings.  Members are covered against liability to third parties. Please check that your personal insurance covers day trips.

Pick up points:-           SOUTHPORT            HILLSIDE              FORMBY                     

Step inside Christmas at Chatsworth: The Enchanted Garden and be transported by the quiet beauty and hidden magic of the natural world in midwinter.

Created in collaboration with acclaimed British artists and animators, this immersive, multi-sensory experience invites you into a realm where the mystical spirit of the outdoors reigns. 

Explore 20 extraordinary spaces transformed with light, sound, and shadow play. Discover towering Christmas trees, a grand cluster of mistletoe, shimmering copper toadstools, and twirling oak leaf archways, each inspired by the wonders of nature.

Through animated projections, enchanted fairies are awakened, while woodland creatures crouch in secret corners, and tiny doorways hint at pathways to hidden lands. 

The experience weaves together treasures from the Devonshire Collections with new commissions by Peak District-based artists Winning Works, Everdenes, Wirksworth Pottery and Waney Grain, alongside majestic willow sculptures by internationally renowned artist Emma Stothard. 

Celebrated mixed-reality artists Studio McGuire have crafted bespoke animations, projections, and music, enriching the experience with layers of storytelling and atmosphere.  

The Enchanted Garden is the culmination of a year spent honouring the beauty and resilience of the natural world at Chatsworth. As winter settles in, we invite you to pause, explore, and celebrate the magic of the season. 

In the garden – entry included with your Christmas at Chatsworth ticket

In the garden, discover enchanting spaces where reality and magic intertwine along an immersive light trail. 

Created by Luminism, the trail transforms some of Chatsworth's best-loved garden landmarks, including the Cascade, Willow Tree Fountain, Rock Garden, Ring Pond and Maze.

Your journey concludes with a spectacular animated light and sound projection on the house, inspired by this year’s theme and brought to life by Studio McGuire. 

Chatsworth Christmas Market

There is no better way to start your Christmas shopping than at the Chatsworth Christmas market. With over 100 market stalls offering a wide range of Christmas gifts and decorations plus live music and seasonal food and drink, it's a lovely way to welcome in the festive season.

You can also explore our own exclusive ranges in the Stables shop with home, garden and fashion gifts, food and drink, decorations and thoughtful stocking fillers. Many of our collections are from local or British based makers and small sustainable suppliers.

Take a break from shopping and enjoy a mulled wine or a German beer at one of our outdoor bars, or sample some delicious food, with gourmet burgers and sausages, hot pork rolls, pancakes, churros and more. Alternatively, book a lunch, dinner or an afternoon tea in the Cavendish restaurant.

The market is held on Lodge Hill, which is located between the Stables and the house entrance.

Christmas at Chatsworth  video click here   (opens YouTube)

COACH PICK UP POINTS 

7.30 am National Coach stop, Eastbank Street Southport 

7.40 am Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Waterloo Road, Hillside, Southport PR8

7.50 am The Grapes Hotel Formby L37 7DL

Mid journey there will be a comfort break 

Arrive at Chatsworth at approximately 11am approx. 

4.30pm approx. Leave Chatsworth for the return Journey to Southport

Cost £60 which includes House entry fee, Christmas Market  coach fare and gratuities.

BOOKINGS CLOSE 15th November

You are welcome to bring your spouse or friend but sorry no children

BACs payments preferred
The Arts Society Southport Sort code 20 80 33 Account 50582808 reference 'Chatsworth' and your surname name.

Please do not make payment until you have received a request to do so.

TO BOOK 

Pease email   technical.southport@theartssociety.org

We will be visiting Arley Hall for a Perfect Yuletide Day Out. See the Hall and Chapel transformed into a Christmas Wonderland with displays of Fresh Flowers, Foliage, and magical twinkling Christmas Trees. Listen to our Choirs singing Festive Classics in the Hall at 11am and 2pm. Access to St Mary’s Chapel, the formal Gardens, Grove and Woodland Walk. Festive Food will be available from the self-service Gardener’s Kitchen Café (at your own expense). There will also be a Pop up Christmas Shop and Creative Crafts Christmas Gift Fair.

Our programme will be as follows: (timings are approximate and dependent on traffic) 

8.50   Pick up 1 National Coach Stop Lord Street/Eastbank Street 

9.00   Pick up 2 Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Waterloo Road, Hillside 

9.10   Pick up 3 The Grapes Formby 

9.30   Pick up 4 Aughton Village Hall, (only if sufficient demand) 

For further information email visits.southport@theartssociety.org 

Bookings by cheque or BACS will be accepted immediately after the lecture on 15th October. 
£33.  No cash payments please.

Join us at The Exhibition Centre Liverpool for  11:30am entry.

This is not an organised trip

You will need to:-

•Book your tickets

•Find your own way there

More details in the March newsletter

To book tickets and see trailer

https://www.exhibitioncentreliverpool.com/whats-on/beyond-van-gogh/

Tuesday 9th  April  2024
DAY TRIP TO SHAKESPEARE NORTH PLAYHOUSE AND KNOWSLEY HALL  £56 

Want to know more about why Shakespeare North Playhouse was built?
Why in Prescot? Why it won ‘Theatre Building of the Year 2023’ at The Stage Awards? Look no further!

On our Guided Tour through Shakespeare North Playhouse, you will be led through our award-winning venue, diving deep into the heritage, the rich history of Prescot and its links to Shakespeare. You’ll also be given the chance to ask any burning questions you might have.

Each tour will last around 1 hour 15 minutes and will give you the chance to explore:

• Sir Ken Dodd Performance Garden  
• The Cockpit Theatre                               
• Learning Centre
• Exhibition Gallery
• Community Space

Along the way, your tour guide will explain the inspiration behind each space, letting you in on some interesting historical facts. There will even be the chance to snap a selfie or two! Why not relax and rest at our café too? A coffee and cake goes great with a journey through time!

This is the perfect opportunity to explore our unique theatre and discover what makes us worthy of the ‘Theatre Building of the Year 2023’ award. So come along and gain a deeper insight into the town of Prescot you thought you knew…https://shakespearenorthplayhouse.co.uk/visit-us/

 

Tour one of Britain’s finest stately homes               

Home to The 19th Earl and Countess of Derby, Knowsley Hall has been in the ownership of the Stanley family since 1385. It is believed that a building of sorts has been on the current Hall’s site since the 12th century. However, today’s building dates, in part, from about 1495 with a later Georgian wing and some extremely fine Victorian and Edwardian interiors.

A guided tour of Knowsley Hall lasts approximately 1 and ½ hours and incorporates the 600-year-long history of the Stanley family and the Earls of Derby, as well as the history of the Hall, Park and Estate. Guests will be guided through all the State Rooms, including the Entrance Hall, Grand Staircase, Library, Walnut Drawing Room, Stucco Room and State Dining Room, amongst others. The rooms are furnished and decorated with items from the Derby Collection, highlights of which will be revealed along the way. From the rooms on the east side of the house, magnificent views of the surrounding gardens can be seen.  https://knowsleyhallvenue.co.uk/

Our programme will be as follows: (timings are approximate and dependent on traffic)

9.30  Pick-up 1 National Coach Stop Lord Street/Eastbank Street
9.40  Pick-up 2 Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Waterloo Road, Hillside
10.00 Pick-up 3 The Grapes Formby
10.20 Pick-up 4 Aughton Village Hall
Included are

• Return coach travel
• Tea or Coffee on arrival at Shakespeare North Playhouse
• Guided tour of Shakespeare North Playhouse
• Guided tour of Knowsley Hall.
• Tea or Coffee and cake before departure home.

Lunch is NOT provided.

Bookings by BACS or cheque will only be accepted immediately after the lecture, on the 20th February 2024. No cash payments please. Cheques made payable to ‘The Arts Society Southport Outings Account’ Bacs Sort Code 20 80 33 account number 50582808 account name ‘The Arts Society Southport Outings Account’ (ref: Shakespeare) 
For further information please email    visits.Southport@theartssociety.org     Or contact Christine Penny on  07866 593473.

N.B. Bookings are taken in the order of payments received. The Society can not be held responsible for any personal accident, loss, damage or theft of personal belongings. Members are covered for third party liabilities. Please check your personal insurance covers day trips.

 Life of PI the Lowry Manchester 
Thursday 7th December -  Matinee Performance at 2.00pm 
Cost £60 including coach travel 

*Winner of Every major Award including 5 Oliviers and 3Tonys *

Based on the best-selling book by Yann Martel, the five-star hit show comes to The Lowry. Winner of five Olivier Awards, including Best New Play! After conquering the West End and Broadway, the ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘theatrical phenomenon’ (Telegraph) embarks on its biggest adventure yet. Jaw-dropping visuals and world-class puppetry combine in a unique and ‘breath-taking’ (The Times) theatrical event that is ‘a wonder to behold’ (Daily Mail). After an epic storm in the Pacific Ocean, Pi is stranded on a lifeboat with four other survivors – a hyena, a zebra, an orangutan, and a Royal Bengal tiger .Based on the global phenomenon and winner of the Man Booker Prize, selling over fifteen million copies worldwide, Life Of Pi is the hugely popular story of an epic journey of endurance and hope. Don’t miss the West End and Broadway spectacle on its first ever UK tour.  https://thelowry.com/whats-on/life-of-pi/
Our programme will be as follows: (timings are approximate and dependent on traffic)
 
10.00 Pick up  1 National Coach Stop Lord Street/ Eastbank Street
10.10  Pick up 2 Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Waterloo Road, Hillside
10.25  Pick up 3 The Grapes Formby
10.45 Pick up  4  Aughton Village Hall
 
Bookings by cheque or BACS  will be accepted immediately after the October lecture 17th October 2023.
 
For further information please   email:   visits.Southport@theartssociety.org   
Telephone:  Doreen Roberts  07984 338389
 
 
BACS Sort Code 20 80 33 account no. 50582808 ac name  ‘The Arts Society Southport Outings Account’ ref  ( Life of Pi)      
Cheques payable to:   ‘The Arts Society Southport Outings Account’
 
N.B.  Bookings are taken in order of payments received. Cancellations can only be refunded if a replacement is found.  The Society cannot be held responsible for any personal accident, loss, damage or theft of belongings. This visit includes return coach fare and gratuities.
 

A Visit to the Renaissance & Baroque
Galleries of the Walker Art Gallery Liverpool

Exclusive Curator’s Tour
WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 18TH £10  *** CANCELLED DUE TO POWER OUTAGE ***

Discover highlights of the newly refurbished Renaissance and Baroque Galleries at
the Walker Art Gallery with Nicola Scott, Curator of Decorative Arts. Nicola has been
part of the project team for the re-development of the Renaissance Galleries,
contributing to the content, design and interpretation, with her particular emphasis on
the curating of the decorative art displays. She will focus on these but will also
include paintings, highlighting the links between the paintings and the decorative art
on display. You will discover the splendour of the medieval church treasury and
obtain a glimpse into a noblewoman's world and the splendour of the Renaissance
Court. Nicola will share insights into the making of these new galleries and reveal her
own favourite pieces.

Please note you will need to travel to Liverpool independently and meet in the foyer
of the Walker Art Gallery on William Brown St L3 8EL.

The group will be organised into two separate tours.
Please arrange to arrive just before you slot.

Group A will meet at 10.45 in the foyer.
The tour will commence at 11.00 and last for one hour.

Group B will meet at 11.45 in the foyer.
The tour will commence at 12.00 and last for one hour.

You will have ample time to explore the other exhibitions in the Walker (extra
charges may apply) and there is a coffee shop on site.

Booking forms available to collect before Tuesdays lecture at The Atkinson.
 

Email membership.southport@theartssociety.org  for more information

https://www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/whatson/walker-art-gallery/exhibition/medieval-renaissance-and-baroque-art

BLACKWELL Arts & Crafts House and HOLKER Hall Day Trip.
Thursday 6th July 2023

We will be visiting Blackwell the beautiful Arts and Crafts House built by the architect Hugh Baillie-Scott as a holiday home for the Holt family, overlooking Lake Windermere. After a guided tour and coffee, we will travel on to Holker Hall the home of the Cavendish family where you will be able to purchase lunch in the restaurant. There will be a guided tour of the house and a chance to walk around the extensive gardens before we return home. 

Our programme will be as follows: (timings are approximate & traffic dependent)  
07:45   Pick up 1 The Grapes Formby                                                                                
08:00   Pick up 2 Opposite Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Waterloo Road, Hillside                                      
08:15   Pick up 3 National Coach Stop Lord Street / Eastbank Street                  
10:00   Arrive at Blackwell for tea / coffee and a guided tour of The Arts and Crafts House 
12:45   Leave Blackwell and travel to Holker Hall for a guided tour of The Hall and time to explore  the gardens. (Refreshments/ lunch are available to purchase at the café).                              
16:45   Leave Holker Hall for the return journey – Southport – Hillside - Formby

Cost £45 this includes all admissions, guided tours, tea or coffee at Blackwell, return coach fare and gratuities.
Booking forms available to collect before Tuesdays lecture.
BOOKINGS ONLY ACCEPTED AFTER TUESDAYS LECTURE

Please see websites links for more information about the houses
Blackwell       Holker Hall

We have booked 50 seats Centre Circle at the Lowry for the BRB’s treasured production of the world’s best-loved ballet.

The greatest of all romantic ballets returns in ‘one of the world’s finest productions’(The Observer). Birmingham Royal Ballet revives Peter Wright and Galina Samsova’s glorious journey into Swan Lake – with the Royal Ballet Sinfonia performing Tchaikovsky’s superb music live alongside BRB’s spectacular dancers.

Our programme will be as follows:

Pick up points:   

2.50. National Coach Stop Lord Street/Eastbank Street

3.00 Outside Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Waterloo Road, Hillside

3.10 The Grapes Formby

3.25 Aughton Village Hall

4.30 Lowry Salford Quays

 Please be prompt as the time above is the time the coach will leave so that we can enjoy the Lowry and its exhibitions etc and have time for a pre-performance meal (to be booked independently/ not included).

Cost £55 this includes theatre ticket, return coach fare and gratuities.

Bookings by cheque or BACS will be accepted immediately after the January lecture on 17th January 2023. No cash payments.

For further information: * visits.Southport@theartssociety.org 

N.B. Bookings are taken in the order of payments received. Cancellations can only be refunded if a replacement is found. The Society cannot be held responsible for any personal accident, loss, damage or theft of belongings. Members are covered against liability to third parties. Please check that your personal insurance covers day trips.

JMW Turner with Lamin  Fofana:  Dark Waters Exhibition         

Tate Liverpool Collection

The guide will bring a fresh look at Turner’s paintings through the lens of music created by Lamin Fofana highlighting the power and politics of the ocean with the seascapes and soundscapes demonstrated in this exhibition.

Private Guided Journey through Tate Liverpool Collection of over 70 works by famous artists

We will meet at 10.45 outside Tate Liverpool (N.B. no transport provided)

11.00 entry to the Tate. We will then divide into two groups

Group A will be guided through the Turner/Fofana Exhibition, Group B will go on a guided tour of the Tate Liverpool Collection/

12.00  return to Foyer and Group A guided tour of the Tate Liverpool Collection and Group B will be guided through the Turner/Fofana  Exhibition.

Please note: We are not providing any transport on this trip.

Cost:     

Tate members £10 ** you will need to show your membership card on the day

Non Tate member £18

 Payment by cheque or BACS Sort Code 20 80 33 account number 50582808: account name ‘The Arts Society Southport Outings Account’        : reference (TATE).

No cash payments accepted.

Booking forms will be available to collect in the foyer at the Atkinson before the December lecture

Bookings taken after the December lecture in the foyer at the Atkinson. (Please note not at the Atkinson ticket office)

For further information: * visits.Southport@theartssociety.org 

N.B. Bookings are taken in the order of payments received. Cancellations can only be refunded if a replacement is found. The Society cannot be held responsible for any personal accident, loss, damage or theft of belongings. Members are covered against liability to third parties. Please check that your personal insurance covers day trips.

Christmas at Chatsworth

Wednesday 23rd of November 2022

Chatsworth House is one of the most famous landmarks in Derbyshire. It is the home of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, set in the heart of the Peak District, on the banks of the River Derwent. Home to the Cavendish family since the 1550s, it has evolved through the centuries to reflect the tastes, passion and interests of generations of the family. Over the past few years Chatsworth has been undergoing a huge restoration and conservation project. So, what better time to visit than when the house will be transformed with its annual Christmas displays.

We are planning a day visit on Wednesday 23rd November 2022 to include the grounds, shops, restaurant, cafe and annual Christmas Market, in which to soak up the festive atmosphere, will be in full swing and of course the highlight will be a tour of the house, fully dressed for Christmas, at 2:30pm.

We will be leaving Southport as 7:30am with pick up points along the way.

The House tour is booked for 2:30pm

The coach starts its return journey at 4:30pm

Arriving back in Southport around 7pm (dependent upon traffic)

The cost is £50, which includes entry fees, coach fare and gratuities.

Booking forms and full details will be available on the morning of the lecture on 20th of September

Payment by BACs or Cheque only please.

This is a YouTube link to a video of Chatsworth at Christmas.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-JYtQ1hvEms

It’s all kicking off in the woods!

Two warring fairies are willing to destroy the world after a barney over a little lad, and four chaotic kids are off on a drug induced love mission – Welcome to the party!

Join Not Too Tame for a riotous ride through the forest at night, for a tale of wild weddings, mistaken identity and a staging of Shakespeare’s best known comedy where not everything is as rosy as it seems. When dreams merge with reality it’s not always clear who’s who and what’s what – so keep your wits about you!

With more merriment than you can shake your ruff at, a big dose of bewilderment and a dash of disaster, this is a Midsummer Night’s Dream not to be watched, but experienced. Pick up your petticoat and fasten your corsets, there’s a donkey on the loose.

Written by

WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE

Produced by

SHAKESPEARE NORTH PLAYHOUSE, NORTHERN STAGE AND NOT TOO TAME

Created by

NOT TOO TAME AND MATTHEW DUNSTER

Director

MATTHEW DUNSTER

Co-Director

JIMMY FAIRHURST

Sound Designer

IAN DICKINSON FOR AUTOGRAPH

PLEASE NOTE THAT BOTH DATES ON THIS TRIP ARE NOW FULL

Because numbers are limited to 15 places, the same trip is offered on 2 separate days: Wednesday 29 June 2022  and Wednesday 20 July 2022.

The Old Medicine House Blackden is a 16th century timber framed building that was rescued, repaired and rebuilt on a prehistoric site. The Blackden Trust has been set up to promote and facilitate education, history and culture. The Trust is based around the life, work and experience of Alan Garner.

Bramall Hall, Stockport is a superb example of a Tudor mansion house with origins dating back to the Middle Ages. It is one of the most beautiful treasures of England and is of national importance.

Cost £63 to include entrance fees, light lunch, afternoon tea and cake, coach fare and gratuities. 

There will be quite a bit of walking, some involving uneven surfaces, so a good level of mobility and sensible shoes are strongly recommended.

Enquiries: southport@theartssocietysouthport.org

Image: The Old Medicine House, Blackden

PLEASE NOTE THAT BOTH DATES ON THIS TRIP ARE NOW FULL

Because numbers are limited to 15 places, the same trip is offered on 2 separate days: Wednesday 29 June 2022  and Wednesday 20 July 2022.

The Old Medicine House Blackden is a 16th century timber framed building that was rescued, repaired and rebuilt on a prehistoric site. The Blackden Trust has been set up to promote and facilitate education, history and culture. The Trust is based around the life, work and experience of Alan Garner.

Bramall Hall, Stockport is a superb example of a Tudor mansion house with origins dating back to the Middle Ages. It is one of the most beautiful treasures of England and is of national importance.

​Cost £63 to include entrance fees, light lunch, afternoon tea and cake, coach fare and gratuities. 

There will be quite a bit of walking, some involving uneven surfaces, so a good level of mobility and sensible shoes are strongly recommended.

Enquiries: southport@theartssocietysouthport.org

Image: The Old Medicine House, Blackden

ARMCHAIR TRAVEL

Members are invited to join us for a journey to

St Petersburg: a Window to the West

at 10.00 a.m on Tuesday 13th April 2021

At the beginning of the 18th century Tsar Peter the Great undertook a system of rapid Westernisation, turning his back on Moscow and Medieval Russia and creating a new capital city to reflect this forward looking spirit: St Petersburg, the Window to the West.  What Peter set in motion was a giant leap for Russia, pulling her out of obscurity and backwardness and guaranteeing a place for Russia on the European stage.  The canal city he founded in 1703 was well underway by the time of his death in 1725,  and during our visit we will look at the further evolution of the city during the 18th and 19th centuries.

The first talk will concentrate on the achievements of the succession of female rulers during the 18th century: Empresses Anna, Elisabeth and Catherine the Great.  It was during this period that not only did the empire expand and prosper but St Petersburg developed as a remarkably harmonious collection of baroque, rococo, and neoclassical buildings.

The second talk takes us to the 19th century, dominated by male rulers who continue to shape the city with squares, theatres, palaces and much redecoration of older palaces.  The general artistic idiom is Empire style, or recurring Neo-Classicism.  The style reflects Russia's new status in the wake of the Napoleonic invasion as well as the tremendous wealth of the ruling classes.  We will look closely at some of the grand buildings of the period under the Emperors.

Our guide will be Jane Angelini.

This tour will take place via Zoom in two parts with a break of 20 minutes for refreshments.

The cost of this event is £7.00 and booking instructions have been sent to members by email

ARMCHAIR TRAVEL

Members are invited to join us for a journey to

Intellectual Bloomsbury

at 10.00 a.m on Wednesday 27th January

For our next virtual day tour we wanted to do something different and as we are all missing our usual trips to London and visiting our favourite museums, exhibitions etc  what better than a tour around a part of our capital that is worthy of a visit, often  overlooked but easily accessed .  Many of us travel to London by train, arrive in Euston station, jump in a taxi, rush to our chosen destination and then back home. Maybe we have an hour or so to wait before that return journey. The area around Euston is full of fascinating places in which to while away a little time, so we are going on a taster tour.

Bloomsbury is special because of its intellectual connections, it  is a vibrant historic district made most famous by a group of turn-of-the-century writers that included Virginia Woolf and E.M. Forster (the "Bloomsbury Set"), economist John Maynard Keynes and the artist Roger Fry.

Numerous Blue Plaques mark the beautiful Georgian houses where writers, such as Virginia Woolf lived and calm garden squares give today’s academics the tranquillity to focus their minds on their latest discoveries or ideas. Bloomsbury is home to many prestigious medical institutions, such as the Wellcome Trust, London’s oldest university, University College London, The British Museum, The British Library, many small museums such as the Foundling Museum and numerous historic homes, parks and buildings. Join us for the first part of our tour to visit of many of the places that are within walking distance of Euston station.

After a suitable coffee break we set off for our final destination, the British Museum, to examine an eclectic collection of some of the most interesting but least well known treasures of world civilisations.

We will be escorted throughout the tour by Annamaria Dall’ Anese, a blue badge guide of London who specialises in Bloomsbury and its attractions.

This tour will take place via Zoom in two parts with a break of 20 minutes for refreshments.

The cost of this event is £7.00 and booking information is in the December issue of the Arts Society Southport newsletter (due to be published in mid-December).

ARMCHAIR TRAVEL

Are you missing our day trips and tours? Why not join us on our first venture, sit back and enjoy the first of our journeys without the early morning starts and arduous transport.

Members are invited to join us in

A journey from Constantinople to Istanbul

at 10.00 a.m on Wednesday 21st October

Cost £7.00

This tour will take place via Zoom in two parts with a break of 20 minutes for refreshments (Turkish coffee if you like).

Our travel guide will be Jane Angelini, an experienced tour guide.

Istanbul is exotic and exudes a unique and mesmerising mix of East and West. Situated on the shores of the Bosphorus, it straddles two continents and was the capital city of two great empires: Byzantine and Ottoman.

To secure your place, email theartssocietysouthport@outlook.com

PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS TRIP IS NOW FULL- NO PLACES REMAINING

The Church of St John the Baptist was the Cathedral and Collegiate Church of Chester from 1075 until 1541. It predates Durham Cathedral by some 13 years. Sir Nikolaus Pevsner said that visiting the church was like taking a walk back into the 12th century and that the Nave displays the finest example in Europe of the transition from Romanesque to the Gothic.

Chester Cathedral is familiar to many of us but there is constant development and improvement with new art installations and displays. Our tour will include an organ recital and a conducted tour specifically tailored to our Arts Society.

Cost £46 which includes coach trip, entry fees, lunch, all refreshments and tips.

Princes Road Synagogue is the home of the Liverpool Old Hebrew Congregation.  It was built and designed by Will James Audsley and George Ashdown Audsley in 1874.  It is widely regarded as the finest example of Moorish Revival Style in Great Britain.

The World of Glass in St Helens comprises an art centre and gallery, glass blowing deminstrations, film show, museum and the Victorian Furnace and underground tunnels.

Cost per person £40.00 which includes coach trip, entry fees, lunch, all refreshments and tips.

Please be aware that Males should bring a head covering for the visit to the synagogue.

Please complete the booking form at the booking desk at The Little Theatre on lecture days or contact Hilde Hall

at

9B Rawlinson Rd,  Southport.  PR9 9LU. 

Occupying a Mediieval building in the city centre, Chetham's Library is the oldest library in the English-speaking world and was founded in 1653. 

It is close by Manchester Cathedral and only yards away from Chethams School of Music, which organises lunchtime concerts on a regular basis.

Manchester Cathedral boasts a rich history, beginning as a small church in the Middle Ages, becoming a Cathedral in 1847.  In 1787 it hosted the first mass meeting of the campaign to abolish the slave trade. There the great speaker, Thomas Clarkson, addressed a packed congreagation.

A full programme will be available at the coffee counter, The Little theatre, on lecture days.

Cost is £45.00, which includes coach transport, all entry fees and donations, lunch and tips. 

We are pleased to confirm an excellent day visit to Chillington Hall and

Boscobel House - Codsall Wood, Wolverhampton.

Chillington has been the family home for the Giffards since 1178 !  The present house was built in the 18th century and the family have made this grand country property a unique family home.  The beautiful parkland with its follies and showpiece lake was laid out by Capability Brown in the 1760's.  After a welcome in the hall with coffee and biscuits, a guide will take us round the house and, in addition, guests are invited to a ride on a trailer to the Parkland. 

Pickups will be at 08.30  at Lord St, followed by 08.40 at Hillside and 08.50 at The Grapes, Formby.

It is estimated that we will arrive back at Formby at about 06.30 pm. 

Cost will be £57.00 per person, which includes travel, entrance fees, drinks and lunch.  Members of English Heritage can deduct £6.00 but don't forget your membership card.

Booking form and further details from Hilde Hall at the Little Theatre on lecture days and also at:-

9b Rawlinson Road,  Southport, PR9 9LU and at asna72@dsl.pipex.com.

A full day's excursion has been created to visit Hutton in the Forest, the family home of the Inglewood family since 1605. The visit will cover journeys thorugh the house, gardens and the Medieval Pele tower.  The property houses superb paintings, ceramics and tapestries.

After lunch at Hutton, we will travel to Dalemain Mansion for a guided tour of the house and gardens, followed by tea/coffee and biscuits.

The fee of £55.00 covers all of the above and full details are available from Hilde Hall in the coffee lounge prior to the monthly lectures at The Little Theatre.

During a full day visit, experience 250 years of history through one of the finest ceramic collections in the world.

Enjoy a guided tour of the museum, visit the new factory and learn about the production processes.

Shop in the breathtaking store and browse the Wedgwood bargains in the factory outlet.

Full details in the coffee lounge on our monthly lecture day.