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.

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.

On Saturday 12 May 2012 the Richard III Society NSW Branch held their eagerly anticipated biannual mini-conference in the Southern Highlands, at the Mittagong RSL.

A few of us, who had travelled to Mittagong the day before, met up for an informal dinner in the club’s bistro, being happy meeting old friends and making new ones.

The event was attended by both Sydney-based regulars (some of whom braved the long journey on buses replacing the usual trains) and other members, some coming from as far away as the ACT and Victoria.  We were especially pleased to welcome Michael, the chairman of the Victoria branch, and his wife Yvonne, as well as Gillian and Bruce from the South Australian branch.

The presentations were very diverse, with competent speakers from a wide range of backgrounds. David Mee spoke on ‘Medieval Coins’ and brought examples of types of coinage from across the centuries, including one from the era of Richard III.

Judith Hughes spoke on ‘Eleanor Talbot, the Spurned Queen’, being the hapless lady the self-serving young Edward IV secretly wed then ignored for the rest of her life, whilst making a public life with Elizabeth Woodville, with whom he had his large brood.

Karen Clark spoke on ‘John Nevill’s Feud and the Destruction of a Family’, an area of particular expertise and one on which she is writing a book. Her detailed grasp of the generations of family members and their competition was impressive. The Percy family still survives, although the Nevilles are long gone, she mentioned in conclusion.

Kevin Herbert spoke on the ‘Royal Relicts’ – the widows of the kings. His handout was chockfull of details worth knowing, and his presentation a highlight of the day.

Lynne Foley and Dorothea Preis critiqued Ricardian books they had recently read.  Lynne favourably reviewed Margaret of York: The Diabolical Duchess by Christine Weightman. Dorothea told us about the recently published Richard III by David Baldwin, which has its good points, but does not offer much new for someone well versed in the period. Her wise counsel saved us all some cash and precious time by knowing which books we could safely skip.

Doug and Leslie McCawley spoke about their favourite Ricardian books, having been invited on short notice to replace a speaker who had to cancel. They chose the ever-popular Daughter of Time by Josephine Tey, The Sunne in Splendour by Sharon Penman, and Some Touch of Pity by Rhoda Edwards.

Julia Redlich spoke about how Richard III has been presented on stage across time.

Helen Portus and Denise Rawling spoke on ‘Richard III the Posthumous Hunchback’, getting audience members to question what we accept on face value in the media, and encouraging us to be discerning consumers of received opinions and so-called histories.

Ann Chandler gave us a comprehensive (and tricky) 4-page quiz to complete during the day, then graded the results and announced the winners. The more cowed amongst us did not hand our quizzes in, admitting defeat early on!  Our congratulations went to Karen for winning by achieving 47 out of 50 possible points.

In addition to the speakers, other attractions included a Bring and Buy table, the sale of the books from the lamented dissolution of the once fine branch library, Ricardian pens, bags and brooches for sale, and best of all the opportunity to catch up with friends in a leisurely manner.

At the conclusion of the day, the representatives of the Victoria branch surprised us by presenting the NSW branch with a beautiful table runner in Yorkist murrey adorned with white roses.  We were delighted and would like to give a big ‘thank you’ to our friends from Victoria!

A number of attendees chose to stay for the weekend so the festivities continued after the conference proper with dinner out and a day to explore the attractions of the area. The weather was sparklingly clear and cool, and the venue well chosen. Thanks to the organisers for another successful and pleasurable branch event.

Leslie McCawley

Members, who decided to stay on at Mittagong, as well as several partners met up on Saturday evening for dinner with lots of interesting talk and laughter on a wide variety of topics.  We discovered that most of us were addicted to Phryne Fisher on Fridays and Miss Marple on Tuesdays – how we loved the fact that Mrs Lancaster was the baddie in a recent episode!  Other topics were the Richard III of Horrible Histories, medieval and more modern jewellery.  We wondered why so often in information for the general public there seems to be nothing of historical interest before the Tudors came along – quite contrary to what actually happened.

We all enjoyed the food and, when consulting with the delightful waitstaff, we learned that the chef was new. Yvonne from the Victoria branch immediately told them that they were never to let him go! Although it wasn’t a formal Ricardian banquet, the Man Himself was not forgotten in a loyal toast – and the three fingered salute from Horrible Histories.

Dorothea Preis and Julia Redlich

Sunday morning saw us enjoying a long leisurely breakfast. Some farewells were said to those who had to return home, then the rest of us prepared for our excursion to the small Southern Highlands town of Robertson.
One group opted for the swiftest way thanks to SatNav; the other decided on the Scenic Route – and what a reward that was: sunshine, blue skies, green fields, magnificent mansions and extensive gardens behind imposing gates – and the trees wearing their most wonderful autumn colours of red and gold.

Colour was also important in discovering the others at our destination, something made simple by spotting Kevin wearing the super-long scarf in Ricardian colours that Alex had made for our sales table!

It was the monthly market day, so wandering around the stalls was a must. Chilly winters mean the locals are knitters beyond compare! The quality of the huge choice of items from sweaters to babywear and beanies was wonderfully enticing, as were the book selections – and as for the vegetable displays …

The obvious choice for lunch was the Fantastic Robertson Pie Shop, where justice was done to piping hot pastries with a mind-boggling range of fillings. One group then went on an antiques exploration, the other chose to return to Mittagong, put their feet up with the Sunday papers and gather strength for return to the everyday life after yet another rewarding Ricardian weekend.

Julia Redlich

The two photographs from the conference © Bruce Laughton; the photograph of the table runner © Julia Redlich.

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.

Don’t forget that the April meeting this year is on Saturday, 21 April 2012 – at the usual place of course: The Sydney Mechanics School of Arts, 280 Pitt Street, Sydney.
The time: 14h00.

The speaker will be Dorothea Preis on “Richard and Learning”. Many of you will remember her talking about this in a Scrabble talk but, with those talks’  time limitations, Dorothea felt that she had barely started on the subject. So, lucky us, this time we get the extended version.  You can count on it being entertaining, well-researched and with illustrations from Dorothea’s collection.

Get ready to put up your hand to give a short Scrabble talk at our August meeting. New members should know, volunteers draw a Scrabble tile and then prepare a talk on a medieval subject beginning with that letter at a meeting later in the year. The talks should be no longer than 15 minutes.

Our first general branch meeting of 2012 was held on Saturday, 4 February 2012 at our usual venue, the Sydney Mechanics’ Institute. Welcoming remarks were offered by Chairperson Judith Hughes, who announced the recent ‘special birthday’ of Rosemary in January, and the acceptance into the University of Sydney Fine Arts program of member Judy Howard. Both members received a round of applause.

A focus on the subject of the upcoming 1-day mini-conference in Mittagong ensued with special pleas from the conference committee for people to register soon. A lot of work has already been done in planning and organising, and it would be lamentable if it had to be cancelled due to lack of support from members. Contact Julia Redlich if you need more information or another registration form sent to you. The cost is very reasonable, and the setting makes it possible for members outside of Sydney to participate. The mini-conference is open to everyone, not only Society members.

Minutes were then taken as read, and reports presented by the Treasurer, Webmaster, and Librarian. The branch treasure is safe, but the website, although it continues to receive many visitors, could use more creative input from members, such as Ricardian book reviews, comments on articles posted, etc. The librarian pointed out that no books or other items had been checked out in the last six months, and those materials along with the branch archives need to find a more suitable placement than at present. It was agreed that some of the books would be offered for sale at the mini-conference, along with the various Ricardian items we have available. Lynne reported that new stock would be available as well.

Our guest speaker was David Millar MA (Hons) Cambridge, former curator at the Art Gallery of New South Wales, and an expert in English architecture who was accompanied by his wife Susan. He opened his presentation on “Architecture in Medieval Times” by recommending a book called The Three Richards, by Nigel Saul, which he had found a very worthwhile treatment of Richards I, II and III. He added that he considered the era of Richard III ‘the gold period’ of English history.

Detail of the nave of St Albans Cathedral showing different building styles:  romanesque/norman on the right and gothic on the left (Photograph © Dorothea Preis)

The audience was deeply absorbed by David’s learned overview of the development of English architecture starting with its Roman and Norman roots, which he illustrated with wonderful slides of Roman exemplars and how their elements were mirrored and advanced in the magnificent cathedrals with their corbels, flying buttresses, pointed arches and late Gothic spires. A lively discussion took place after raffles were drawn, over afternoon tea.

The next meeting will be on Saturday, 21 April 2012, with Dorothea Preis presenting on the topic of Richard III and Learning.

Our last branch meeting of the year was held on 10 December 2011. The Sydney Mechanics’ Institute meeting room was once again filled with members and guests, as well as friends like Jenny Savage visiting from overseas, but sadly with a number of regulars missing, as well, who had given their apologies. They were missed!

Introductory remarks were made by our branch president Judith Hughes, who welcomed us to this celebratory gathering. Her words were followed by the treasurer’s, secretary’s and webmaster’s reports. Our finances are healthy, and the website has many visitors. However, the branch library holdings pose a problem, especially as they are not being utilised by members; a discussion was held about the future of the library. A number of ideas were mooted such as donating books to the Medieval Studies Department of one of the local universities, or to the Mitchell Library. People were happy to have the fiction sold at the upcoming conference in Mittagong, or elsewhere, to add to the branch’s coffers.

We also welcomed Rosemary Burgess’ personal impressions of the Society AGM in the UK, which she had attended.  Judith Hughes and Jacqui Turner told us about the Old Vic production of Shakespeare’s Richard III with Kevin Spacey, which is currently showing in Sydney.

Our full program for the day was delightful and varied, and had obviously required much imagination, work, and rehearsal by our committee, as well as the hard work of several participants from the audience.

First there was a presentation by Julia Redlich about the importance of astrology in Ricardian times, surprisingly joined and assisted in a theatrical vignette by Isolde Martyn as Henry Tudor sharing his intended policies if he were ever king. One example was equality for women, so that they too could lose their heads if they crossed him.

After which there was a Star Signs Quiz, requiring players to match the astrological character description with the right Ricardian personage offered as a multiple choice. With infamously strong characters like Henry VII, Elizabeth Woodville, and Margaret Beaufort, it was a fascinating challenge to try to match them up with the hints. It was actually quite hard but pleasurable work, with most members managing to answer at least some of them correctly, even if by sheer luck, and receiving prizes of chocolates. At the end, it appeared that everyone was munching happily, whether or not they had guessed correctly.

Isolde Martyn (in full medieval male garb), Jenny Savage, and Julia Redlich then presented several Christmas standards rewritten as Ricardian themed parodies, being Henry Tudor’s Christmas List (sung to the tune of the Twelve Days of Christmas) and We Three Kings, with the audience invited to join in on the choruses.

Raffles were drawn then, with many people going home happy with their lovely winnings, along with purchases from the Bring and Buy table which had been laden with the usual appealing fare. Afternoon tea was then provided by the Committee, who always takes such good care of us. It was a lovely ending to another excellent year of programs!

The first meeting of the New Year will be on a different time-table than usual, so please take note: the first Saturday of the month, being 4 February 2012, with an invited guest speaker discussing Medieval Architecture.

Just a short reminder that this coming Saturday, 8 October 2011, the AGM of the NSW Branch will take place.  We meet as usual at the Sydney Mechanics School of Arts, 280 Pitt St, Sydney, at 14h00.

As it is the AGM, a new committee is to be elected.  Our branch has great plans for the future and we need new faces on the committee to achieve these.  We are organising our biennial NSW convention in Mittagong next May and will be hosting the Australasian Convention in 2013 – the year of the 530th anniversary of Richard and Anne’s coronation.  In order to make this an as memorable event as possible we need your assistance.  Please, consider in which way you will be able to help your branch.

If you have not yet done so, you will be able to bring your subscription renewal and payment to the AGM.  Remember, we have to forward our subscriptions to the UK Executive by 14 October 2011.  While the branch covers the banking charges for sending the bulk renewals to the UK, for any subscriptions and renewals received after 14 October, we have to ask you for an extra $20 to cover the cost of sending individual subscriptions.

However, our AGM will not just cover the necessary administrative matters, but will of course also feature an interesting talk.  Our Chairperson Judith will talk on Hildegard of Bingen,  It should be interesting to find out more about this multi-talented 12th century lady.

Many thanks to those of you who have sent their subscription renewals to our Treasurer Judy.  If you haven’t already done so, remember they must be with us either by mail to Judy, a direct deposit to the Branch Bank account as instructed on the renewal form, or paid in person at our Annual General Meeting on 8 October 2011.  Whichever method you choose, our subscriptions have to be forwarded to the UK Executive by 14 October 2011 and after that date we have to ask you for an extra $20 to cover the cost of subsequent banking charges.  Of course, if you are renewing as a Friend, this charge is not applicable as you don’t receive the UK publications. We’d still like your payment though!

Let’s hope many of you can attend the AGM to hear what we have achieved in the last year, and what the future holds in store for the Branch.  The committee for the upcoming year will have to be elected and, while some current officers have already indicated willingness to stand again, there has been a notable reluctance elsewhere.  Please consider if you can commit yourself to helping in some capacity.  We have a good deal of work to do with the conference in Mittagong in May next year and the Australasian Branches of the Richard III Society Convention in 2013.  It would be good to see a few more hands on deck – and some ideas as to what you can contribute.  We do appreciate that the demands of family and work can limit the time you can afford to give, but any assistance, even a promise of making items for sales tables, will earn you a gold star!

And the meeting of course will feature a great presentation by Judith on ‘Hildegard of Bingen’.  This incredible woman has been the subject of several lectures around Sydney recently and you won’t want to miss hearing what Judith has to say.