There was a good attendance at the AGM held on Saturday, 13 October at the Harry Jensen Centre, including Suzi who had just returned from Greece and Christena with her brand new knee.  Sadly there was a list of apologies that almost matched the attendance in length!  Two people were in culture mode and had tickets for a matinee at the Opera House and another was booked for Opera in the Vineyards in the Hunter Valley that evening.  Unfortunately our Secretary Julia was ill and unable to attend.

Chairperson Judith welcomed everyone, apologies were noted and past minutes approved and signed.  Judith summed up the past year in her report, and Treasurer Judy then presented her annual report.  Kevin read Julia’s report, thanking her fellow committee members for their work during the year, all members and friends for their support and enthusiastic attendance at the conference in Mittagong – and requesting the help of more volunteers.  Judy read Dorothea’s analysis of a very successful year with our website, thanking those who had contributed items (the usual suspects, plus welcome contributions from Sally Henshaw of the Midlands East Branch,  Annette Carson and Barbara Gaskell Denvil).

The current committee stood down and Electoral Officer Margaret Shaw declared all positions vacant, and the election proceeded.  There was discussion on finding more people to help with the many duties of the Secretary.  Rosemary offered to be Social Secretary as well as Tea Convenor and the incoming committee would discuss other positions and personnel at their next meeting.

All those nominated and seconded were elected without dissent, and Margaret was thanked for her work and presented with a small gift.
Kevin Herbert was our speaker for the afternoon and provided us all with a great collection of notes to follow his well-researched talk on the Dukes of Norfolk who have played a considerable role in English history.

This was well received and after questions and answers, a member of the South Australia Branch who was an unexpected visitor, spoke to us about the AGM in the UK.  She also wanted to let us know about the dig in Leicester in case we didn’t know about it.  She must have been quite surprised to learn that we were already well informed, thanks to the general publicity in local and international media, Dorothea’s research and the numerous messages from our UK contacts and friends.  In turn, we were quite surprised to learn that a member of another Australasian Branch with internet access hadn’t yet managed to find our increasingly popular website.

The meeting as usual ended with the raffle draw and afternoon tea and a reminder to look forward to our special December meeting when Judy was scheduled to tell us about the Triennial Conference in the UK, Isolde and Julia would entertain with something probably fairly disrespectfully Ricardian. As usual there would be a lighthearted test of our Medieval Historical knowedge  (prizes!) before our Christmas tea.

As I was unable to attend, my special thanks go to Judith and Kevin, who provided the information for the above.

Tags: John Howard, NSW Branch, Richard III

This is an urgent appeal to all our members and friends.

Someone made a cash deposit of $100 into our bank account at Chatswood.  Unfortunately there is no indication who made the deposit nor for what purpose.  Could whoever made this deposit, please contact Judy urgently to help her allocate the funds.

Thanking you for your cooperation.

Tags: NSW Branch

The New South Wales Branch celebrated King Richard’s Birthday – as it is a Must Do every year – on Sunday, 7 October.  Yes, we know the previous Sunday was nearer to the anniversary his birthday in 1452 on 2 October, but our year’s programme planning has to take into account that the first Monday in October is a public holiday in NSW and the weekend is saturated with Grand Final festivities or wakes according to which football code your family follows.  (And we always assume proudly that a NSW side will be involved in every code.)

So last Sunday saw a fine turnout of Ricardians and friends at Arthur’s in Oxford Street Mall, Bondi Junction, a pleasantly comfortable restaurant that is easy to reach (even when City Rail decides Sunday is ideal for trackwork!), has an extensive and affordable menu, is licensed and has a delightful welcoming staff.

Everyone was presented with a white rose tied with ribbons of murrey and blue and it was no surprise that the conversation concentrated on the discovery at Leicester, its implications and the wholehearted thanks of us all to those who have worked so hard with such conviction and diligence.

There was talk of friends and relations who had or have scoliosis and survive actively and with not a glimmer of a hunchback.  There was also much wondering about where the internment of the bones should be should they be proved to be what we all hope.  There was even queries about possible dates so a couple of members could plan visits to the UK to coincide.  The “where” of course brought suggestions and, although we appreciate that Leicester will have a colossal claim thanks to the support of the City, the Cathedral and the University, there was much approval for York Minster a place Richard himself had allegedly requested and in a place that, on  hearing he had been “grievously slain and murdered”, pronounced it was “to the great heaviness of this city”.

Westminster Abbey was roundly negated despite that fact that Queen Anne lies there.  Several  members visiting in recent times have been saddened by the fact that it now seems more of a tourist attraction and commercial enterprise, and the wonderful sense of its place in history can only be appreciated without accompanying crowds.

One of the pleasures of the afternoon was in meeting a new member, Dianne Herbert, for the first time.  She has brought the programme of the RSC production at Stratford that she had attended earlier this year, featuring a great Richard who was suitably slimy and menacing, but who managed to do without the aid of limps, huge hunches and metallic aids to walking!  What pleased her most  – and us too – was the fact that the programme pointed out that Shakespeare actually got it wrong, and it had an excellent family tree and features giving useful facts about the man behind the myth.

The buzz of conversation was stilled when we were reminded of the reason we were all enjoying the company of friends.   We charged our glasses and raised them to the memory of King Richard III.

Loyaulte me lie.

Tags: NSW Branch, Richard III

The September 2012 issue of the Ricardian Bulletin has just arrived in my letter-box.  As always it promises to be an interesting read.  The NSW branch is well represented with the invitation to the Australasian Convention in 2013, which will be hosted by our branch, an article on Dorothea being able to attend the Bulletin Committee meeting in London and the sad news of Harold passing.

The Bulletin has been mailed out from the UK to each member directly and we hope that all of you will receive your copies in the near future.  Should there be any problems, please let me know.

Tags: NSW Branch, Richard III Society

Saturday, 11 August, saw our first meeting at our new venue, the Harry Jensen Centre in Argyle Street, Millers Point. Despite pouring rain and wild winds, a welcome number of rugged-up and weather-proofed Ricardians arrived. It certainly helps to have the bus stop and shelter at the entrance!

Our chairperson Judith opened the proceedings. There were apologies from those laid low with winter ills, a summary of activities since our last meeting that included Rosemary’s and Julia’s visit to the ‘Richard Loves Richard’ presentation at Carriageworks. Apparently more light was needed to appreciate the format, but they managed to talk to other visitors about Richard and the Society.

Treasurer Judy reported on the Branch finances that were in good order and they would be dealt with in more detail in the annual report at the AGM in October.

Dorothea, our Webmaster, reported on her visit to Europe where, as a new member of the Bulletin committee, she had attended a meeting, had been warmly welcomed and her fellow members had sent good wishes to our Branch. She apologised for the limited number of postings while she was away, but in fact there had been plenty on the Ricardian Calendar to keep us interested. Since her return she had posted two items with a Ricardian link from her travels: a visit to Lambeth Palace Library for an exhibition on the Book of Common Prayer, including Richard’s Book of Hours. And seeing his original handwriting – compact and so legible – was an enormous thrill. The other visit was to Bosworth Battlefield Centre to visit the battlefield, the church, rest on the Paul Murray Kendall bench presented by the Society – and to indulge in the gift shop, where mementos of Richard III soundly trounced anything Tudor.

Sales Officer Lynne, who had battled trackwork closures on the rail line from Newcastle to reach us, said that sales had been slow. She was checking the price of the pewter boar brooches, in which several people showed interest. It had been suggested that requests and money should be given to Lynne for orders and she would send for them at limited intervals to ease the transfer costs.

Secretary Julia welcomed everyone to the new venue. Our next Ricardian event would be the Bosworth Service, on Sunday, 19 August at 10am at St Mary’s Church, Birrell Street, Waverley. They had given us a great welcome last year. Afterwards there would be lunch at Arthur’s Pizzeria, 139 Oxford Street Mall, Bondi Junction, and a very short bus ride from outside St Mary’s in Bronte Road. This had been tested by Kevin, Rosemary and Julia and found to be warm, welcoming and very reasonable – and licensed. More that just pizzas with many toppings, there were also mains of veal and chicken, vegetarian options, pasta dishes  with a great range of sauces, salads and plenty of tea and excellent coffee. Members were encouraged to contact Kevin to confirm attendance.

The next meeting would be the Annual General Meeting and documents regarding this would be sent at the end of August. Judy would be waiting for your membership renewals , and Julia for nominations for the committee. It was very important to have more people involved and to help an over-burdened committee with all the work for the Australasian Convention next July.

The speaker at the this meeting would be Kevin, repeating his talk on the Dukes of Norfolk that he gave in Melbourne last August.

Julia drew attendtion to a special showing of the film “Barrymore” starring Christopher Plummer, showing at selected cinemas on the weekend of August 25 – 26. It opens with Barrymore preparing for his famous role in “Richard III”. Contact www.sharmillfilms.com.au?p=1835 for more information.

David Mee, a popular speaker at Mittagong in May, had told us about an auction in the USA in September of a very rare Richard III gold angel. Opening bids were starting at US$4,750 …

Judith then introduced our first Scrabble speaker: Judy Howard who had picked the letter A and elected to speak on Anne, Duchess of Exeter, the older sister of Edward IV and Richard III. Judy’s talk has been posted separately on our website. Don’t miss it because Anne was a fascinating woman and was left for too long in the shadow of the other siblings – Elizabeth, George and Margaret.

Our next Scrabble speaker was a welcome new member, Cynthia Gregan, who had taken up the cudgels and the letter L, electing to speak on medieval London. Those of us who had been sightseeing in that city courtesy of the televised Olympic Games, were treated to a wonderful journey through the sites and buildings of a very different era, when the heart of London was so close to the area that had been the world focus for two weeks. Cynthia’s talk was well researched and there were some wonderful illustrations.

Finally, Kevin took the floor, standing in for Moya who was unable to be with us, using the letter V as the basis for his talk on the Valois queens. Family trees showed the connections of the women of the house of Valois with the English monarchy. Chief among these of course was Isabella, wife to Edward II and mother of Edward III, and more familiarly known as the She Wolf of France. Then came another French princess, Isabella, who, at the age of eight, married Richard II after the death of his beloved first wife,Anne of Bohemia.  Isabella was devoted to Richard who treated her with kindness, and it was some time after his death before she married Charles of Orleans. Her sister Catherine, married to Henry V and the mother of Henry VI, later married Owen Tudor and became grandmother of Henry Tudor.

This lively meeting finished with our usual raffle draw, followed by afternoon tea in the capable hands of Rosemary.

Tags: NSW Branch

The next meeting will be on Saturday,  11 August 2012, featuring this year’s “Scrabble Speakers”.  Judy, Moya and Cynthia have something to say about medieval matters starting with the letters M, V and L.  What are the medieval topics they will have found to illustrate their letters? All will be revealed at the meeting!

As many of you know, we have been searching for a new venue for our general meetings for quite some time.

However, thanks to Carol who suggested we look at a hall in The Rocks area, we have found a new venue. It is not the hall suggested, but the smaller place adjoining called The Harry Jensen Centre,  17 Argyle Street, Millers Point.

Those of us who have been there think it will suit us admirably. It is the right size for our meetings – and there will be no other groups meeting there, so plenty of room for afternoon tea and no excessive noise from neighbouring gatherings!

Other bonus points:
a)    Buses stop outside the door.
b)    The entry is via a ramp, a big help for those with mobility problems.
c)    The garden outside is a delightful addition (see attached).
d)    Toilets (disabled ones too) are easy to access.
e)    We can return to our second Saturday in the selected months for all our general meetings.

We hope you will enjoy our general meetings as much as ever – and the committee would ask you to help the usual suspects in clearing up afterwards. We must show we are welcome tenants who care for the area.

Tags: NSW Branch

Our postman just delivered the June 2012 Ricardian Bulletin and the 2012 Ricardian.  This was the first time with changed distribution arrangements.  In the past we received the publications for our branch members in bulk and then distributed them locally.  Now the Society is trialling direct postage to overseas members, hoping that this approach will save costs and time.

We hope that your copies arrive timely and in good condition.  If there are any problems, please let the Society know either directly (the address is on a feedback note on the back of the sheet of paper with your address) or you can let me know (webmaster@richardiii-nsw.org.au) and I will pass your message on.

Don’t forget that this issue of the Ricardian Bulletin includes the first contribution from the Australasian Correspondent.  However, this is just one of the many fascinating items.  I can’t wait to read the report on the search for Richard’s grave in Leicester.  I better go and put the kettle on for some good reading!

Tags: NSW Branch, Publications

The June branch meeting of the NSW Richard III Society was held on Saturday, 9 June 2012, at the Sydney Mechanics’ Institute. Chair Judith Hughes welcomed all attendees and began by summarising the wonderful Ricardian mini-conference that was held recently in Mittagong, with her special thanks to all of those who had worked so hard to make it the success it was.

Judith then reported on the official book launch for University of Melbourne Professor Stephanie Trigg’s Shame and Honor: A Vulgar History of the Order of the Garter, which several branch members had been able to attend the evening before, hosted by the Sydney branch of the Australian Heraldry Society. The distinguished guest speakers had been fascinating and the amply illustrated book appears very worthwhile reading.

The Treasurer’s report presented by Judy was brief but reassuring, as she reported the branch to be solvent, helped along by proceeds from the recent sale of the last remnants of the branch library at the mini-conference.

Dorothea presented the Webmaster’s report, saying that Annette Carson’s article about Edward V was a recent highlight.  She thanked those members who do contribute to the website on a regular basis, but once again reminded members that more items were needed that would be of interest to the many visitors to our popular website.

Julia presented the Secretary’s report, which included the exciting news that the committee may have found a new affordable, attractive and convenient venue in The Rocks for our branch meetings; details are yet to be finalised and will be widely reported when arrangements have been confirmed.

Julia then displayed the lovely table runner with Ricardian colours and insignia, which was a gift to our branch from the Victoria branch at the Mittagong mini-conference.

Julia introduced Yvette Debergue, who is the course leader along with member Isolde Martin, for the University of Sydney Centre for Continuing Education classes focusing on the Plantagenets. She has been able to negotiate with the university administration to offer a 10% discount for Society members who register for the courses. The next all day program is on 30 June 2012 and includes lunch. For more information go to the following link: http://cce.usyd.edu.au/course/TPLG

Kevin sent his apologies for missing the meeting due to illness. But had he been present he would have reminded us that the Winterfest Medieval Fair is coming up on the weekend of 30 June/1 July in Parramatta. Some members may once again brave the cold weather to make their way there this year, though nothing has been organized yet as a group.

As our scheduled guest speaker unfortunately had to cancel, our branch chair, Judith, came to the rescue with a very interesting presentation about the life and times of Sudeley Castle, the Gloucestershire Castle that was once the home of Katherine Parr, the last wife of King Henry VIII.

The Gatehouse of Sudeley Castle (Photograph taken by Jennifer Luther Thomas; obtained through Wikimedia Commons.)

Dorothea and Lynne also reviewed books they had read recently.  Dorothea spoke about Sumerford’s Autumn by branch member Barbara Gaskell Denvil and Lynne shared her thoughts of the classic The Betrayal of Richard III by V B Lamb with us.

The next meeting will be on Saturday, 11 August 2012, featuring this year’s ‘Scrabble Speakers’, who will be speaking on various medieval topics.

Tags: Books, NSW Branch, Richard III

Members of The NSW Branch of The Richard III Society were saddened to hear of the passing of long time member Harold Bruce Cadell.

A funeral service in thanksgiving for the life of Harold was held at Harold’s parish church, the beautiful St John‘s Anglican Church, Darlinghurst, on Tuesday, 15th May 2012, and was attended by members of the various groups with whom Harold was affiliated over the course of his long life, including several current members of the NSW Branch of the Richard III Society.

It was a beautiful service and fitting for such a quiet, generous and gentle man. The minister conducting the service spoke warmly and well of Harold, the Christian gentleman , who had been such a loyal and well loved member of the parish community for many years and one whom he obviously knew well. The eulogy was given by a long time friend and work colleague, from whom we learnt so much of the working and social life and success of Harold. It was a beautiful classical Anglican Service and was organised at the behest of the trust company, who handled Harold’s estate.

We were quite chuffed when we were talking to the representative of the trust company at the wake, after explaining who we were, and she said: “ Ah yes, Richard III. I know from Harold how badly maligned he was by those Tudors. ”

Two members of our branch, who probably had known Harold the longest were unfortunately unable to attend.  They had suggested that white roses (for the House of York) should be included as they were so close to Harold’s heart. Thus two beautiful sprays of white roses were brought into the church and placed strategically on either side of the coffin. Unfortunately they had been initially forgotten and so those two sprays of white roses were all that could be hastily collected at the last minute from a quick run around the various florists in the area. Our thanks go to the organisers for so quickly and unobtrusively rectifying this oversight. White roses were then handed out to the congregation at the close of prayers around the coffin as it lay in the hearse prior to departure.

We then went across the road to a lovely intimate little café for the wake, where we were plied with copious platters of scrumptious sandwiches, savouries, desserts and tea and coffee. It was all done so beautifully, white table cloths, silver service, white crockery, that Harold – the epitome of fine dining and good taste (those of us who were his guests at lunches can attest) – would have approved.

It was here that we learnt complementary facts concerning Harold’s very active and interesting life. Apparently he began work at the Maritime Services Board as a very junior clerk at the age of 15 in 1935 and worked his way through the ranks to become Secretary of the Board for several years prior to his retirement, which occurred over 45 years later. The words constantly used in reference to Harold were integrity, sincerity, principled, unassuming, generous, kind, unaffected, loyal, steadfast and uncomplicated – all of with which we of the RIII Society who knew him so well concur.

Until recently, he had been a full member of the Society and used to anticipate with hardly concealed impatience the arrival of his quarterly Ricardian Bulletin and the Ricardian and the Chronicles of The White Rose. He used to attend meetings and social events regularly and warmly admitted his debt of gratitude to members for their kindness in keeping him in the loop and informing him of current branch news. Many of us were the recipients of his gracious thank you notes in his beautiful copperplate script. He truly was a man for others.  It was a privilege and a pleasure to know him.

In later years he used meet up with branch members to escort them to the church services for Bosworth Memorial Service or Queen Anne’s demise before enjoying lunch with many other members at a favourite Italian restaurant nearby. Harold always used to congratulate the staff on the fine food and the service and express his gratitude for their providing us with such a good open private room for our functions and ensure we left a suitable tip.

It wasn’t long after this that we learnt that, regrettably, he had had to go into care since he’d had several bad falls in the street.

He will be sadly missed by all of us who knew him.

R.I.P.

Tags: NSW Branch