The NSW Branch of the Richard III Society met on 21 April 2012 at our current venue, the Sydney Mechanics’ Institute, but in her welcoming comments our Chairperson Judith explained that at this venue we would now need to take out public liability insurance. Secretary Julia is investigating quotes from several sources for reasonable insurance costs, however, we may need to find an alternative venue if necessary. Carol suggested a hall in The Rocks area that could be considered.
The mini-conference in Mittagong on Saturday 12 May 2012 was discussed, and thanks offered to the committee members who had worked so hard to put together a fascinating program. With about 35 registrants, including many members from outside Sydney, who usually do not get to attend Ricardian events, it is going to be a great day of learning and socialising.
Minutes from the February meeting were taken as read. Julia presented the Secretary’s report, as well as a report on behalf of Treasurer Judy who is in the UK. Dorothea presented the Webmaster and Librarian’s report. The branch is financially sound and the branch website at www.richard-III.nsw.org.au continues to receive many visitors. Just a reminder that it could always use more creative input from members, such as Ricardian book reviews, comments on articles posted, etc. It is the addition of interesting new items that brings in new visitors and makes the website come in second in world-wide Google searches, which is excellent.
The Librarian reminded us that the library books would be offered for sale at the mini-conference, along with the various Ricardian items we have available. Sales Officer Lynne reported that new stock of attractive Ricardian items should be available by then, as well.
Other happy news was that former members Xavier and Jane had recently had a baby boy, and members expressed their joy (and the wish that we could have him at meetings so that we could all hold and admire him in turn.)
Members were invited to the Australian Heraldry Society book launch for Professor Stephanie Triggs’ Shame and Honor: A Vulgar History of the Order of the Garter, on Friday 8 June at 6:00 for 6:30 pm start at the Mitchell Theatre, here at the Sydney Mechanics Institute. The featured guest will be Dr Paul Giles, Challis Professor of English at the University of Sydney. A gold coin donation is requested. Guests are requested to RSVP by 5 June 2012 to secretary@heraldryaustralia.org. For more information visit http://www.heraldryaustralia.org/
It was also noted that the University of Sydney has several medieval themed courses on offer in the next few months in the Centre for Continuing Studies with member Isolde Martyn as one of the presenters. For more information visit http://cce.usyd.edu.au/courses/Humanities/Medieval+History
Our speaker was our own Dorothea Preis who presented a well-researched program about Richard III and Learning, which covered in fascinating detail the colleges he founded and funded, and the learned men he surrounded himself with (and yes in that era they were all men, usually Archbishops and other very accomplished clergy educated at Cambridge or Oxford). Hopefully Dorothea will be posting her very worthwhile presentation on the branch website for online visitors to enjoy.
The next meeting will be on Saturday, 9 June 2012, and the program will be Myths of the Middle Ages presented by Daniel Hill.
Tags: Cambridge, Church, NSW Branch, Oxford, Richard III
BBC Radio 4 will feature a discussion on The Battle of Bosworth Field today (9h00 British time – that is 18h00 EST).
