Tenterden

"Ancient and Modern" Study Morning

In 2017, we held our own Study Morning, which asked What is a Portrait? This year, our fellow U3As, from Hawkhurst, Goudhurst, the Weald and Cranbrook joined us to present a morning on Ancient and Modern: the Churches and Art of Romney Marsh. On Saturday 18 November we welcomed 168 ticket holders to the Sinden Theatre to listen to two excellent speakers: John Vigar, an ecclesiologist with particular knowledge of the Marsh Churches, and Tom Evans, photographer, lecturer and researcher with a special love of the Marshes.

To say the morning was a success is an understatement. The audience appeared to be blown away by both presentations. John Vigar opened our eyes to see the churches within their natural, historical and social setting and I am sure he awakened an interest and desire to visit the churches he so vividly explained. With superb projection of five artists’ work on the screen, Tom Evans drew us into the world of the Marsh—a place for contemplation and healing but also a place where the artist is drawn into the working lives of its people. We had the extra privilege of having one of the multi-talented artists, Terry Hulf, with us in the audience and in the foyer selling his books. Many of us went home to visit YouTube and replay Terry’s video of sheep shearing, accompanied by his own violin music.

The only problem is: how do we follow that?

Lindy Bates, Chairman