THE DELTA KAPPA GAMMA SOCIETY INTERNATIONAL :: GREAT BRITAIN
State News
GB News in Brief:
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2023 Summer 1, Autumn 2, Winter 3,
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GB State Conference follow - up.Reflections on the meeting. |
There’s nothing more engaging than a good discussion about education and our Zoom meeting about our AGM showed just that. Our trip to Dulwich Hamlet Junior school, which is Ofsted Outstanding, got us talking about what makes a school shine out from the rest. A history of excellence helps, so heads can build on high standards. Headteacher Claire’s enthusiasm and vision should be bottled and sold to others. We talked about the crisis in teacher training. Should we put teachers straight into the classroom to learn? There were concerns that primary Maths really suffered, with new teachers lacking confidence, unclear about how to develop the building blocks of children’s learning. Teachers trained within the classroom where they have, for example, worked as a support assistant, may find it hard to develop their own style. Teachers are being scouted from countries such as Jamaica, Nigeria and Zimbabwe. Although this diversity is positive, it also has an impact on the quality of learning in the teachers’ poorer home countries. There can be differences in teaching styles from overseas teachers, although this may encourage pupils’ flexibility. A new Labour government promises to recruit 6500 new teachers, although where they will come from is not yet clarified. London schools are suffering from a fall in the birth rate and families are moving out from the centre due to high property prices and gentrification. Empty seats in the classroom means less funding. Meanwhile, schools in Kent, benefitting from the post-Covid flight from urban areas, are full to bursting. Multi-academy trusts are not regulated, apart from visits from Ofsted. Advisors are no more. Whole curriculum areas – such as Religious Education – can be completely neglected and justified by an academy chain. Other themes included the importance of the headteacher, weak and strong leadership, the importance of teamwork and Ofsted anxiety. We certainly didn’t hold back in our views. Anne Goldstein, Gamma Chapter.
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Alpha Chapter’s Liz Day, gave us an interesting and thought provoking presentation on 'Have our Schools Seen Better Days?' Liz led us from thinking about our own school days to the challenges faced by schools today. The public’s high expectations, social media (think what the school parents’ WhatsApp group might say!) ‘ghost’ children and more children being home schooled since covid, childcare, very disadvantaged children, gender identity issues and the different expectations of different groups of people in behaviour and cultural development. The list was long. There are also 21st Century challenges such as teachers having technical expertise, Artificial Intelligence, meeting the mental welfare and physical, as well as the intellectual needs of children in mixed ability settings, high expectations of teachers and, of course, money. Liz covered concerns in the news such as the Raac concrete problem and Ofsted Inspections and 14% of primary schools having no libraries, councils going broke and schools taking on SEN and disabilities for pupils up to the age of 21, with no extra funding. She gave some good examples of how schools are coping by grouping together to provide economies of scale, some having ‘people’ resources such as HR, legal and IT that can support others. She also asked what happens to schools that are left out of these groups. There is hope. The National Schooling Framework Commission has ideas for the future and there is a ‘39 Steps’ to make the system fairer. Both main political parties have ideas for improvement. Liz finished with some good ways that our schools are thriving today. There is certainly hope for the future. Liz had ‘done her homework’ and she packed a great deal into 50 minutes. We appreciated hearing about so many different aspects of modern education, the talk was really well thought out. There were some interesting comments and questions before Anne brought the session to a close. Diana Bell, Alpha Chapter.
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Pictured below: Sheila Roberts introducing Prof. Tourish on Zoom.
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Professor Dennis Tourish on Cults Professor Dennis Tourish from the University of Sussex is an expert on Cults. He had even felt part of one when involved with the Militant Tendency in the 1970s. A “dawning awareness” made him feel this wasn’t quite right. His engrossing talk took us on a journey through what a cult was, including the myths – is a cult just an alternative religion that allows freedom once you join? He explained the role of charismatic, privileged leaders, the all-knowing compelling gurus who demanded excessive devotion from followers. They create an authoritarian regime where nothing can be questioned. A cult, Dennis told us, was about the subordination of the individual to the collective. Unsurprisingly, a cult will expect extreme time commitment, particularly while members try to draw in other vulnerable people. Students away from home for the first time can be fragile and open to these groups in Freshers’ Week. A large amount of money is usually donated by the devotee. We also heard how people caught up can be highly susceptible, often adjusting their perception of reality to fit their cult’s world view. Seemingly bizarre beliefs are promoted, such as the arrival of spaceships to take the adherents to the ‘next level’ – a view held by the Heaven’s Gate group, who were eventually to commit mass suicide. Dennis’ talk made me reflect on over-charismatic head teachers I’ve witnessed over the years, who fly high for a while, delight Ofsted, but who later crash down to earth. They lead worn-out teachers who feel duty bound to do more and more, working even longer hours, unless otherwise they aren’t seen to be devoted to the cause. Perhaps this isn’t truly cultish behaviour but it’s certainly unhealthy. Anne Goldstein
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Jess – An Inclusive Artist Jess Levine, an abstract collage artist and art tutor, spoke to DKG about her life, work and philosophy. “Being an artist is almost the only thing I could be. It feels so natural to me and gives me a freedom that no other job can or has done. Its fundamental to who I am.” Jess lives in Ulverston, surrounded by alternative and creative people, where she feels true to herself and accepted. Her workshops mainly centre on printmaking but she also runs short abstract art courses, exploring drawing, painting and mixed media. Her parents were huge champions of the arts and supported her in following her creative dreams. She talked about her wonderful art teacher when she was in her first year of secondary school, “he rated me highly as a sensitive creative soul” and they still are good friends. Jess spoke honestly about the impact of art on mental health. Her experiences give her an additional layer of understanding when she teaches in mental health services. She felt that psychiatric care can be controlling to the vulnerable and creativity can be stamped upon. This is why she always tries to create a “supportive, freeing, safe, open and encouraging” atmosphere in all her workshops so that everyone can grow together. Jess mentioned the “art baggage” that people can carry and this was confirmed in our discussion afterwards. Several of us had been affected by negative comments made by art teachers or even our own classmates. This is why Jess always ends her workshops with praise and appreciation for the work produced. As Jess said, “Art is for everyone, and part of making it as accessible as possible is to understand and respond to the real and or perceived barriers. For me the ‘having a go’ part of art cannot be underestimated.” Anne Goldstein, Gamma Chapter
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Kings Cross visit – The Greening of Kings CrossOn 22nd August 8 of us (7 Alpha and 1 intrepid Gamma member trekked forth from King’s Cross station northwards, to Camley Street Natural Park – a LWT densely wooded strip between the road and the Regent’s Canal Fuelled by coffee, and led by Barbara, we then strolled through this bosky wood, watching coots and a moorhen on the little lake, and observing the narrow-boats moored on the canal – some had little gardens planted on the deck. We then detoured to St Pancras Church Garden, a pocket park, the churchyard of St Pancras Old Church. Beautiful old trees. Memorial to Sir John Soane, and to Mary Wallstonecraft. Also a plaque to Johann Christian Bach who lived in London. We crossed over the canal to what had once been a 67acre area industrial site, gasometers, major rail yards, granary area, and coal drop yard – coal brought by train unloaded to canal transport. Now it’s an interestingly laid out area of shops, offices and residential, enhanced by open spaces and greenery. We enjoyed lunch (in the sun) at an Italian Deli, and strolled to the Jellicoe Garden , which has a Persian influence – greery and trickling water ills, and then to the gasometer garden green lawn (mother and baby group) which has a mirrored surround. Back to Kings Cross via the towpath. A good day enjoyed by all., with plenty to see. Next time – perhaps the Christmas lights and market? Barbara Kern, Alpha Chapter |
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International Conference in Tampere, Finland.July 26th-29th 2023
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The lecture theatre was bright and airy. The background view was of beautiful trees. We had registered earlier, received our DKG information booklet, lanyard with our name and informing us of the meals we had ordered and been given our special recycled water bottles. The Regional Director Marie-Antoinette Hubers de Wolf then welcomed us and after that the trio started to play the most wonderful tango music. At that moment I wished for a dance partner and the right shoes! Debbie LeBlanc, International President, pictured left, with Nita Scott our Executive Director, then welcomed us and spoke about the conference. There were 36 members from Finland, 6 from GB, 20 from Norway, 15 from Sweden, 12 from Estonia, 6 from Iceland, 13 from the Netherlands, 6 from Germany, 12 from Canada and 52 from the USA. Tampere is the city of equality. Finland was the second country to give voting rights to women. it is the most wanted city in Finland to move to because of the culture and education system. When the applied science and technology universities merged it became the largest university in Finland. After the opening ceremony we took coaches to a reception given by the deputy mayor of Tampere, who greeted us all individually. It was all very organised with the most gorgeous little snacks, beautifully presented. The next two days were very full with some well chosen, interesting lectures. The conference theme was sustainability and the main speakers spoke confidently taking different aspects. There were also many interesting workshops to attend, these given by our own members. One on working with refugees was of particular interest. There were also a number of special meals and some wonderful entertainment. The conference finished on Saturday with some of our own members speaking on the conference theme. We finished with an excellent lunch. Diana Bell, Alpha Chapter, August 2023
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GB's Europe Education Presentation:
"My best teachers had faith in me" LGBTQ+. Speaker, Duncan Lustig-Prean.
Photograph by Chris Jepson |
European Education PresentationI was very impressed by Duncan’s powerful presentation for Europe’s Education Hour on 20th May. What did strike me very forcibly was the impact that certain teachers on him, some in a positive way but others in a negative and damaging way. I think if we all looked back at our own educational experience, or asked our children and grandchildren about theirs, every one of us could name a teacher whose impact on us was powerful in one way or another. Teachers do have great power, even now when they are so restricted by SATS, Key stages and all the accompanying mind numbing administration they have to deal with these days. It is a power that can affect pupils for the rest of their lives, for better or for worse. Joan Carroll Our European Contribution I was very impressed by Duncan Lustig-Prean, and the talk he gave us. Interesting story about his education, which shapes us all one way and another. Making his way steadily up the promotion ladder in the Royal Navy was not easy, but he did it successfully, making many useful contributions. He was eventually called to account for his sexuality and thrown out. Suddenly he had to find other ways of making a living, and was successful at doing so. He then carried out a steadfast campaign to change what had been the law up to then, that homosexuals could not serve in any of our armed forces. And he made it happen. I was reminded of Alan Turing, who had been so badly treated after the war for the same reason, whose mathematical contribution at Bletchley Park had shortened WW11 by at least a year, saving many lives here and abroad. I know what toll the work must have had on his mental health, as it did for my father, who also worked there for three years. I also thought the subsequent discussion showed how thoughtful our members are in their questions! Diane Billam, Gamma Chapter
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Grenville Hancox MBE (Pictures from Zoom)
Grenville with Di Billam
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Grenville Hancox MBE – A Life in Music Grenville Hancox gave a presentation that was both engaging and inspiring as he told of his life’s journey in music and music education. His earliest influences came via singing in the Methodist chapel and choral festivals with his family and the local community. His next experiences were from primary school assemblies, schools radio music programmes and Mr. Linley’s recorder group. Further development came when Grenville went to grammar school where peripatetic music teachers encouraged instrumental music, which led to free access to clarinet lessons thanks to Derbyshire County Council and opportunities to join the Staffordshire Youth orchestra County Youth Orchestra and take part in trips abroad to meet music students and perform in concerts. After school Grenville studied for a music degree at Aberystwyth where the department had a professional string quartet and held weekly chamber concerts. This environment gave Grenville access to study in a cohort of fifteen students, widening his knowledge of classical music. After completing his degree he thought of taking up post graduate study in Wales but his lack of the Welsh language precluded this move so Grenville became a secondary school music teacher. His first post in a challenging school in Berkshire where there was little music tradition meant devising creative approaches, especially when teaching fifteen year olds on Friday afternoons. His description of the experience reminded me of D H Lawrence’s poem “Last Lesson of the Afternoon” written when teaching in Davidson Road School, Croydon. After a year Grenville moved to a child centred school where he was able to devise a curriculum that involved creativity in the classroom. All pupils had free access to instrumental tuition in percussion, guitars etc., which was a key to success. Pupils were very responsive and his work became well regarded in the area. Music in the school developed to involve the community and older people, joining choirs and instrumental groups. These new approaches in the classroom were a different context for music teaching and learning and were acclaimed. Grenville is still in touch with some of his pupils from this time who maintained their musical interests, some becoming professional musicians, one the Deputy Head of Chetham’s School Manchester. Grenville’s next move in music education was to York to start up projects in music teaching and this was followed by an opportunity to found a course at Canterbury Christ Church to give a teaching qualification to peripatetic professionals. He joined experienced instrumental teachers and introduced whole class teaching, not just one to one, a challenging experience for them and for Grenville as a younger staff member. To assist his work he volunteered to teach in a primary school in Canterbury every Friday to learn the best approaches to use. He enjoyed being part of a team, learning alongside trainee teachers to teach singing, write music suitable for classroom use and develop an Advanced Certificate in Music Education Eventually Grenville became Head of Music and Christ Church Canterbury, enabling him to develop his methods. Students had to engage in vocal and instrumental groups as well as participate in free community lunchtime concerts. During this time he worked with other departments in the university to research the benefits of singing. This triggered the examination of international research in this field and established the idea of a research centre for Arts and Health with community choirs going into care homes to sing with residents. The findings of these activities were that the impact of singing on mental health was better than other activities and could also alleviate physical problems such as emphysema. A “Music, Arts and Health” course had music students out on placements to view and learn from these activities. Grenville’s original rationale that musical ability and interest is not necessarily inherited genetically, everyone is sensitive to musical influences and the interest and ability will develop if the right environment is there to allow it. We need to have opportunities to have access for musical engagement for musical education can take place at any time in life. For older people singing can be vital to understanding., We are hard wired to sing, we are all musical. Humans can laugh, dance and sing. This is what separates us from all other creatures on the planet. I was silently cheering when I heard Grenville say that. I found it inspirational. What saddened me is that, unlike Grenville’s own experience of music in his education and those of so many of his former students, access to music in the state education system has been marginalised almost to non-existence in many areas, and it is certainly no longer free. We seem to be valuing only Dickens “Gradgrind” approach to education and that will certainly not improve our children’s health, mental or physical. Music in one form or another is a vital part of human existence. Joan Carroll, Alpha Chapter. |
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Retirement Rebel – we meet Siobhan Daniels The phrase ‘life journey’ is familiar but Siobhan Daniels, former BBC reporter, presenter and producer did it literally. Approaching retirement, after various tough challenges and job frustrations, she decided to turn her life around, sell up and live in a motorhome called Dora the Explora. DKG GB, along with our European friends, were delighted to hear about Siobhan’s new book ‘Retirement Rebel’. It tells her story of determination and pluck – she even ran the London Marathon and took on the demanding Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge. Her message of coming out of your comfort zone to take on new challenges touched us all. “She was fascinating and inspirational,” said one of our members. The talk was accompanied by pictures of her adventures. including one at Glastonbury rock festival, when she and friends dressed as sparkling ‘Menopausal Mermaids.’ Siobhan talked from the heart about her life lessons learnt, the importance of facing fears and the need for positive ageing. “When you age, you do not beige” she stated, saying that retirement should be replaced by “refirement.” We felt uplifted seeing Siobhan’s pictures of her motorhome Dora in serene vistas in the Outer Hebrides and experienced some of the joy she felt, totally free, witnessing the beautiful Northern Lights. Siobhan’s book ‘Retirement Rebel’ can be ordered on Amazon https://www.amazon.co.uk/Retirement-Rebel-Siobhan-Daniels/dp/183981179X and her website is www.shuvonshuvoff.co.uk Anne Goldstein |
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Caroline Aukland
Caroline left - Tunbridge Wells Safety Panel VAWG. |
Women’s Safety Caroline Auckland, the current president of the Tunbridge Wells Soroptimists spoke at our March meeting about their ongoing campaign to improve safety for women and girls in both public and domestic situations in this country. She introduced her topic by explaining a little about the origins of the Soroptimists and their community and charitable work and aims. The Tunbridge Wells branch was founded in 1947 and Caroline became a member 5 years ago. As president she showed us her impressive chain of office and described some of the activities with which her branch is involved. An important campaign both nationally and locally in Tunbridge Wells concerns the increase in violence against women and girls and what Soroptimists are doing to raise awareness and to improve the situation. Caroline described some of these activities including taking part in a Safety Panel on International Women’s Day with representatives from local police, a youth organisation and the local council to identify local areas and situations of risk and concern for safety for women and girls. These included parks, streets, public transport services, unmanned railway stations, multi storey car parks, poor or inadequate street lighting. All these situations posed greater risks after dark. Another effective awareness raising event was the Soroptimists’ organisation of a candle lit vigil with speakers. This was held in November 2021 as part of the U.N’s worldwide vigil to highlight the issue of violence against females. The Tunbridge Wells branch have also produced a survey in a wide range of media forms to reach a greater demographic. Their aim is to produce the evidence needed not only to raise awareness but to achieve greater support from government, public bodies and the general public for their campaign. Caroline asked DKG members for their comments and views on this issue and this produced interesting further discussion. Unity commented that bright, overhead lighting often created large areas of deep shadow between each light and where appropriate ground level lighting would be safer and clearer in public places. Joan said she believed that the increase in sexual objectification in recent decades in all forms of media, in TV programmes such as Love Island, Naked Attraction, the widespread use of pornographic material in social media and the normalisation of pornography generally have led to a lack of respect for women. For young girls in particular this has led to a lack of self-respect to the point that they willingly engage in such objectification. Di pointed out that, as a secondary school governor, she was aware that this lack of respect has raised the problem that young men do see this sexual objectification as normal now. This was in contrast to Evie’s comment that, growing up in the East End of London as a young girl in the 1950s she had no fear about walking home alone, even after dark. Sandra said she believed that low self-esteem particularly in younger women accounts for the growth of cosmetic surgery in recent years, that physical sexual attractiveness is their most important asset. Margarita said that in Estonia the percentage of violent incidents against females in public areas was lower than that of domestic violence incidents, particularly in poorer sections of the community and was a much more serious issue. British members agreed that this aspect of violence was also serious here. It had increased during the pandemic across all levels of society. Unity commented that an increasingly negative attitude towards men has been developing in society generally in recent years and that this is particularly evidenced in divorce cases where decisions regarding custody of/access to children. The bias is strongly against fathers. Could men today be experiencing confusion and frustration about their role in society and its expectations of them which is affecting their attitudes and behaviour? Finally the crisis in the Ukraine was touched on. Caroline described the work Soroptimists are doing fundraising, overseas as well as here in Great Britain. Soroptimists are in contact with their members in the Ukraine and in the countries bordering it. The response to appeals in Tunbridge Wells has been amazing in both money and provisions, 100% of which is going to give support. Caroline’s group are currently involved in packing, mostly medical supplies, at the Masonic Hall with the Ukraine Relief group (West Kent). Tesco recently donated £5,000 of nappies at this centre. Caroline is also in contact with a Ukrainian neighbour and has linked her with other neighbours offering homes to refugees to take advantage of the government scheme. At present they are still stuck in the slow and disorganised visa system. Margarita said that Estonia has already welcomed many thousands of refugees. Their major concerns are finding enough suitable accommodation and dealing with language problems, particularly in education for refugee children when many of their schools are in Russian speaking areas. Caroline gave us a thought provoking and inspiring presentation. I am sure our members will be happy to take part in the Soroptimists survey to assist in their campaign against violence towards women. Joan Carroll, Alpha Chapter. |
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Anne above and the Beacon Hotel below in Tunbridge Wells
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A talk by Anne Goldstein on:- Kindertransport The story of the Kindertransport is now generally well known; the life-saving rescue of 10,000 Jewish children from Germany, Austria, Poland and Czechoslovakia organised by those considered true heroes of the Holocaust. Following the November Pogroms (Kristallnacht) on 9th/10th November 1938, Jewish families who had withstood the gradual imposition of harsher, restrictive laws in Nazi Germany, realised their safety and security had ended. Their homes were destroyed, their possessions confiscated and their livelihoods lost. They could not escape as the letter J was written in their passports. Synagogues were burnt down, and Jewish businesses were destroyed. 30000 Jewish men were arrested on that night. The hope was for Jewish children to be sent away until life returned to normal. This was before the horror of mass extermination and the Final Solution. It was a frightening time for Jewish children. For example, during the November pogroms, a Jewish orphanage in Dinslaken was destroyed. The boys were homeless and uncared for and vulnerable to Nazi attack. The orphans were among the first to disembark the ship to safety in Britain. Under pressure from refugee organisations and the British public, many of whom agreed to sponsor the Jewish children, the authorities agreed to allow minors under the age of seventeen to enter Great Britain on temporary visas. Many, mostly women, worked together to rescue them. Bertha Bracey, a Quaker German speaker, was one of the first people who initiated the rescue. Together with Lola Hahn Warburg, a German refugee herself, they convinced the British Home Secretary, Samuel Hoare – himself a Quaker - to speedily accept Jewish children as refugees. The organisation of the Kindertransport rescue could not have happened within just 22 days of this meeting, without Bertha Bracey, Lola Hahn Warburg and other dynamic women. Helen Bentwich CBE was a social worker and lead educationalist for the London County Council. It was her idea to use Dovercourt holiday camp as a reception centre for the children. Elaine Blond, youngest daughter of Michael Marks, a founder of Marks and Spencer’s, was among the main organisers. Stella Isaacs, Marchioness of Reading, the first woman peer in the House of Lords, was also involved. She had experience in child social work and later established the WVS. Grete Exiner-Westman was a German travel agent who worked with P and O and Thomas Cook. She was skilled in organising travel arrangements. Rosa Rachel Schwartz was connected with the Jewish Welfare Organisation in Vienna. She later told of the massive organisational task to get the children to safety, with people working day and night in a fight against time. These women were associated with the Central British Fund, based with other similar refugee support organisations at Bloomsbury House in London. They combined forces to work together to get the children out. A Dutch resistance fighter, Geertrude Wijsmuller, known as the Steamroller, confronted a Doctor Eichner, who turned out to be Adolf Eichmann, after travelling to Vienna. Amazingly, he gave her permission to let 600 children leave there for The Netherlands and then to travel on to Great Britain. Each child was allowed to travel with a small suitcase only, with no valuables and without any accompanying adult. At Liverpool Street Station there is a poignant statue by Frank Meisler called The Arrival showing five children in a state of bewilderment after their journey. Many children, after travelling to Harwich, went to Dovercourt reception camp, a requisitioned Warner’s holiday camp (used in the Hi de-Hi TV sitcom), some boys went to Windermere and some girls were received at hostals such as The Beacon Hotel in Tunbridge Wells. Others were sent to live with benefactors. Records, letters and photos show how happy many of the Beacon girls were. Despite some unhappy placements, the refugee children found safety and security in Great Britain and went on to become model citizens. Some of the Beacon girls moved to live with family in America. Later, some of the Kindertransport girls caught up with their missed education and became teachers. They never returned to a 'normal life' in the countries they left. Sandra Blacker, Gamma Chapter. |
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Stewarding at The Globe Theatre Anne introduced her friend Sue Rosner, who told us about her experiences acting as a steward at The Globe Theatre. She told us how she got into volunteering, following her retirement in 2015. She originally trained as an English teacher, and specialised in Drama. She had realised early on that a career as an actor was not for her: at her all girls school she had played Colonel Pickering in Pygmalion! She had very much enjoyed working as Head of Arts in a school in East Ham. The Globe Theatre ran a Shakespeare for Schools project, offering free tickets for students in London Schools during February and March. She spoke to a steward at one of the performances about becoming a steward herself, and was directed to the website. She applied, was accepted, and went through an extensive induction process. It takes 600 stewards to run the whole programme, 35 for each performance. There are a number of duties, such as showing people to their seats, making sure nobody uses their phone to take photographs, and does not sit down if they are `groundlings` standing around the perimeter of the stage. There are up to 700 groundlings at any one time. Stewards are well looked after: there is a room with refreshments. The season runs from April to October, and there is a social occasion for stewards at the beginning. `The show must go on` regardless of the weather. While some children on trips can misbehave, especially if not monitored by their teachers, there are many who find the whole experience wonderful and magical. This makes it all worthwhile. The actors also take plays into schools as part of the educational programme. Sue very much appreciated the work of Emma Rice as Artistic Director, but some stewards hankered after the days of Mark Rylance, and disapproved of the changes she made. There is a range of performances for different audiences: some with sign language, some `relaxed` performances for those with special needs, such as autism. There is a special performance on April 25th, Shakespeare`s birthday, when actors take a `sonnet walk’ around the streets of Southwark. As a steward Sue has seen Shakespeare plays she did not know before. Ms Rice introduced speakers and lights, sacrilege to some, themed events such as `women in power’, and role reversal with women playing male parts and vice versa. The Globe is also used for concerts. The commitment for stewards is 12 sessions per season, and Sue tends to do a matinee and evening performance on the same day, so that she does not end up at St Pauls underground station in the rush hour! She has met some really interesting people, and volunteers are always passionate about what they do. The Sam Wanamaker theatre, indoors and candle lit, is used in the winter. Sue remembers one performance which concerned the partition of India, and got talking to an Indian couple, who told her their daughter was on stage, in what turned out to be a main part. They did not want her to see them in case it put her off, and later Sue found out that they had come all the way from Hong Kong specially to see her performance, and were going back the next day. Like many theatres, the Globe was streaming performances during the lockdowns. Sue said she had thoroughly enjoyed her experience there, and made some very good friends. Margarita had one question at the end. She said she had visited twice with students and wondered what happened if it rained? Sue said performances proceeded: no umbrellas allowed in the audience, but they did sell waterproof ponchos! The cast also got wet of course. Sue said the names of stewards are listed in small print on the back of the programmes. Stewards are invited to the final dress rehearsal of each performance. Anne thanked Sue for her talk. Diane Billam, Gamma Chapter. |
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A career in the arts Philip Philmar (his stage name) told us about the various roles he had played in film, TV, radio, but not much theatre. He never intended to be an actor, and was an artist at school. He had a great friend called Mark, 2 years younger, but very talented. At Philip`s house they would play art games – his Dad had a shoe shop so there was plenty of cardboard to make things. At Mark`s house they did acting. Mark was sent to stage school, whereas Philip went to art school, and became a professional illustrator. He met a professional photographer, who asked him if he would like to be an alien, whereupon he was painted green! He was congratulated on his range of expressions, and joined a character modelling agency, specifically the Ugly Modelling Agency. Most people in fact looked quite ordinary. He had expected still photography, but his first job was a TV advertisement. When he continued to work in TV advertisements, despite having had no training for it, he found that he could keep up with those who had. He then got a theatrical agent, and worked in film and TV also. He has done over 100 TV commercials, including the one for Levi jeans, where he was folding laundry in the background as the handsome young man took off his jeans! He has acted on a number of Tim Burton films, for instance as Slugworth in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. As a character actor he has played numerous delightful and disparate roles. He was recently in `No Time to Die`, the latest James Bond film. Anyone who saw the film would have recognised him. In this line of work you tend to stay in the area you start in. It is difficult to climb the ladder. So Philip thought he would have a go at stand-up comedy, using this as a back door way to gaining an Equity card. He tried cabaret, and comedy, got a provisional Equity card, then finally a full Equity card. He was then able to get an agent, leading to roles in film and TV. He gave up stand-up when he got his card. Performance poetry was coming into vogue, so he had a go at that. He wrote poems and scripts, and produced a book, `Warm and Wet`, working with a writers’ group. His book is full of short amusing plays, one about a mermaid. His latest job is in Hungary, for Amazon. A sort of prequel to an American action series. Joan Carroll asked a question: what happened to his lovely friend Mark? Philip explained that it was a very sad story; Mark died aged 23, of leukaemia. He had not told his family about it. Philip saw him shortly before he died: he was painfully thin and pale. He stayed for 30 minutes, chatting away, then went. He had told Philip he had done a touring version of `Cabaret`, which pushed Philip to do more. He also spoke of his friend John, the photographer. Evelyn said she was interested in amateur dramatics, and could he please read one of his poems. He explained some of the technical terms involved in shooting for TV, then read his poem, a parody, called `The Shoot`. Anne thanked Philip on our behalf for a very entertaining afternoon. Diane Billam (Gamma Chapter) |
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Dyslexia Breakthrough On Saturday, 23 October, we met at Diana Bell`s house in Streatham, and first serenaded Barbara in the usual way for her birthday! We were then treated to a most interesting talk by Sally Anne Olivier. She explained that visual stress caused many problems for people, the first being that it is often not recognised early enough, causing children to fall behind with their studies. This leads to a loss of confidence, making it very difficult to live with. The root cause is visual stress, due to an imbalance in the eye, which leads to difficulties in reading, and also affects other areas in life, such as writing, spelling, maths symbols, and measuring, and causes considerable computer stress, exacerbated of course during the last 18 months or so, with more time being spent looking at computer screens. The root cause is problems with vision, particularly peripheral vision. When reading, letters or whole words may move, or disappear from the page completely. If you can`t see it, you can`t process it. The stress caused by this difficulty, with so much of modern life requiring reading, means that people become discouraged. A high proportion of offenders are dyslexic. It can also cause problems in socialising: people with prosopagnosia (face blindness) often don`t look at you, they can`t interpret what is happening, and all too often don`t get friends. They can come across as `odd`. Looking at brain scans during attempts at reading, it became obvious that some parts of the brain were not being activated. In maths, for instance, the reader sees black blobs on the page, so they get the wrong answers, but do not know why. How should teachers tackle all this? What are the dyslexia indicators? Pupils who are bright and alert, can express good ideas orally but are unable to write them down. They may be unable to remember instructions, or be generally forgetful. Secondary pupils may be unable to find particular rooms, when they have to move for lessons. Written work may be untidy, with reversals, badly formed letters, erratic spelling mistakes, inability to space words or place them on lines. Reversals in maths are another problem, and they will often be unable to extract information from a passage for comprehension. A visual perception questionnaire may be helpful in establishing the root cause of difficulties, and suggesting a strategy to improve the situation. Coloured overlays are often used to correct any imbalance, making correct diagnosis very important. A better alternative has been found to be coloured lenses for glasses, and again accurate testing is needed. The `Read Eye` instrument used by Sally Anne is the one to enable use under three different lighting conditions. Children reported great improvement from getting suitably tinted lenses for glasses. Teachers reported on the many benefits for children, a reduction in negative effects such as headaches, feeling stupid, or not feeling comfortable in social situations. Improvements in reading skills lead to great improvement in their lives. Penny thanked Sally Anne for giving us such food for thought. We had all learned so much from what she had to say. Diane Billam (Gamma Chapter) |
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Post Olympics and Pre Paralympics Meeting.Zoom 2.00pm.
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Our DKG Zoom celebrating the Olympics and Paralympics in Japan was a treat. We must say ‘arigato gozaimasu’ to Dorcas, who gave us a chance to learn some surprising and fascinating facts about Japan with her tremendous quiz. We all shared some wonderful objects from around the world that we treasure in our homes. We were treated to memories of the Twin Towers, a London Paralympics volunteer lanyard, Estonian craft, Native American art, a Maltese bus, Viking designs and much more more. We were all intrigued and enchanted by each other’s treasured possessions and the story behind them. Thi looked splendid in her Burmese costume. Anne Goldstein Left are two of the items: Di's Bus and Penny's pieces of the Berlin Wall.
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Impact of the Covid 19 pandemic on U.K. education A panel of contributors involved in many aspects of education - as students and teachers from primary to tertiary levels - tell their experiences of the last year. There was an opportunity for discussion and questions as a picture was built of what has happened and what will need to be done as we try to move into some sort of normality. |
Education in the time of Covid For the outline of this session click here. This session was recorded. To view the recording email Dorcas Rogers at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Speakers included - top left: Denis, Nuala, and Patrick Garvey. Bottom left: Claire Nadaf, Anna Garvey and Eirinn Carroll. ,
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Emily Chalke speaking via Zoom
Pip Doran speaking via Zoom |
Women Making a Difference Anne Goldstein Our combined DKG groups are making the most of the freedom offered by video conferencing. The first meeting of 2021 began with 26 participants attending our Inspiring Women In the Community session. We were delighted to greet our German friends Gitta, Monika, Thi, Marika and Jeanie. Carole introduced her remarkable friend Emily Chalke, who runs ‘Ella’s’ – safe houses for trafficked women and women who are victims of sexual exploitation. Ella was a sex worker Emily originally met from Bangkok’s red light district. She helped her when she came to London to work in a brothel and became seriously ill. Emily became aware of the lack of resources to support women in her position. We were touched to hear the story of Halimot, who was trafficked from Africa when she was just nine years old. She was made to work on the streets of a busy European city. When she was trafficked to London, when she got to Kings Cross she just ran. When she eventually was referred to Ella’s by a GP, her life began to change. You can read her story here https://www.ellas.org.uk/stories-and-news/heard-and-strong We also met Pip Doran, an enthusiastic volunteer for Tunbridge Wells Welcomes Refugees, who spoke about her support for Syrian local refugees. Many of these have been traumatised or physically injured by war. For those who have experienced war zones in Aleppo, Damascus and chemical warfare in Homs, lockdown has had a darker meaning. The charity does a great job in befriending, supporting with housing, fundraising and educating. Pip made us smile when she said she was about to have an English conversation class with a refugee who loved the Queen and that would be their theme for the session. We were also pleased to hear our German friends’ experience of supporting refugees, whether it was bike repairs, sorting out internet connections for home-schooling and holding monthly supportive meetings. Our session left us feeling warm and hopeful. Both these British women and our German chapter members were doing powerful work in creating a positive future for vulnerable and damaged people. Also Emily and Pip expressed such joy at what they do. “What they give me is more than I give them,” said Pip about the refugee families she works with. Here are some helpful links Ella’s https://justiceandcoffeep0dcast.podbean.com/e/trafficked-at-19-a-survivors-story-part-1/ s Tunbridge Wells Welcomes Refugees https://www.tw-welcomesrefugees.org/ Some charming cards can be bought here https://www.tonbridgewelcomesrefugees.co.uk/shop/ The cookbook Pip mentioned – A Taste of Home – can be obtained here |
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Well-Being – Great Britain State Conference The theme of the Great Britain State Conference certainly linked with the difficult time we are living through. We would not have expected our 2020 conference to have taken place during a pandemic. Our hearts go out to our DKG members who have had challenging times in their personal lives this year. A white rose symbolised the memory of Gloria Redston, who is much missed. Lucy Adams from West Kent Mind gave an overview of the mental health charity and the services it offers. She gave an introduction to understanding our mental health and how to implement coping strategies to promote positive well-being. Joe Mendell, a Dementia Friends Champion, taught us about the key messages of dementia, using some colourful examples. Dementia is not a natural part of ageing and is caused by brain disease. It isn’t just about losing your memory, but can affect thinking, communicating and doing everyday tasks. You can live well with dementia and there is more to a person than this disease. We welcomed Pat Robson, who shared a powerful story from her own life. She helped us reflect on how we bring our own life experiences to a story and how story-telling can be therapeutic. We all enjoyed sharing our stories and repeating a partner’s story to another person, adding our own touches to the original tale. Thanks to the tenacity and vision of our Evie Goodsell, Alpha and Gamma managed to meet together and gain strength from some amazing speakers. As the Jewish saying goes, “Be strong, be strong and let us strengthen each other”. Anne Goldstein
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Canterbury Award recipients:Anne Goldstein and Kate York
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Elizabeth and her committee have received applications for the Canterbury Award and have decided to make two awards this year as there were no applicants last year. The two recipients are Kate York and Anne Goldstein. Kate is spending hers on books and a computer for her local primary school, where she is a Governor. They are setting up a new library and need reference books which will be a much needed asset for pupils and teaching staff. They will know the funding came from DKG and that will give us some much-needed publicity. Anne is going to make a video resource for schools which explores the area of education and gender issues, with particular reference to challenges faced by young people with autism. This will connect well with DKG’s focus on Diversity, and also issues with mental health and wellbeing of young people. I think you will agree that both awards are well deserved. As there is no point in waiting any longer, both applicants have received the money so that they can make a start on their projects. Evelyn Goodsell, State Organisation President, June 2020 |
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The best laid plans as they say..... Originally, Alpha's Christmas Outing was - to meet up for coffee in the cafe at the Docklands Museum, then on to Lunch at The Ledger Room nearby, followed by a walk around the annual Christmas Lights display at Canary Wharf once it got dark. Unfortunately, close to the date it was discovered that the Lights would not be happening until the middle of January. Undaunted, Plan B would be a visit to watch activity on the Ice Rink. Oh dear! They are not operative this year as they are undergoing renovations. However, a coffee, cake and a chat turned out to be a great opportunity to catch up with a couple of Alpha members who aren't able to make it regularly to our meetings. Diana and Lavinia took the opportunity to have a quick tour around the Museum whilst we were there. Fully repleted and sated after our meal which went ahead without a hitch, it was finally time to wend our various ways home. Penny Kinnear |
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Inspirational Stories Anne Goldstein’s presentation ranged far more widely that I think any of us expected, involving active participation from us answering questions, discussion and self-examination when we were asked to make lists of statements about ourselves, true, false and impossible. I think a psychiatrist listening to our responses and explanations about our statements would have found them very interesting and revealing. Anne began by explaining that her interest in the importance of stories and story-telling in human cultures had been triggered by finding a book of Old Testament stories that had belonged to her mother and had inspired her during the time she was evacuated to Hassocks in Sussex during World War Two. What had been inspirational were not the facts or the events in the tales but the emotions and the values that were expressed. As evidence of her argument Anne read us a story from the Islamic tradition “The Rusty Plate” on the subject of giving. The moral of the story was that it is not the monetary value of a gift that is important but the thought and emotion of the giver that is a gift’s greatest value. All human faiths and cultures have similar stories, “The Widow’s Mite” in the New Testament” is an example. It is the thought that counts, giving is better than receiving and giving without any expectation of praise or gain are the sentiments expressed in these stories. Anne certainly demonstrated her skills of engaging an audience in her subject and involving us actively. I think it made us all consider our own family histories and life experiences, even perhaps some personal inspirational stories. One such touching story that Anne told was of a branch of her own family that emigrated to America and set up a business in New Orleans. One of their employees was a young boy who in his spare moments loved to play music on a little tin horn. They discovered that he longed to buy a proper instrument on sale in a local music store but could not afford it. The family bought the instrument for him and he gradually repaid them from his wages. Dorcas then told Anne how a few years’ ago she and husband Ray had taken a holiday trip following the course of the Mississippi from its source near the Canadian border to the mouth at New Orleans. While in that city they visited a museum where one exhibit had a card explaining that it was the first instrument owned by a young musician who had later become world famous and that he had been helped to buy it by the local family who employed him. That musician was Louis Armstrong. Truly inspirational stories. What a thought provoking and entertaining afternoon – thank you Anne. Joan Carroll
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Brixton Chocolate DelightAlpha's first visit of the new year on Saturday 14th September was to a little chocolate paradise in the heart of Brixton. We decided to explore the Chocolate Museum just a few minutes away from the station,and to take part in a Chocolate Making Workshop. The Museum is open to the public Wednesday to Sunday and includes Exhibitions detailing the history of chocolate production, tools, packaging and advertising. You can just turn up and make your own chocolates following instructions – no booking! There is also a range of delicious chocolate from British, worldwide artisans and Melange Chocolate to buy. This was a chocolate lover's heaven where, given our choice of chocolate (milk or dark), fillings and decorations, we could indulge in a wonderfully messy session creating our own chocolates which were made up into little gift bags for us to take home (if they lasted that long!). Definitely worth a return visit or two! Penny Kinnear |
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Members went to the STIR Cafe, Woolwich Arsenal, in August for a lovely lunch. Raymond Sheehey, pictured on the far right, from Bridge Support, who runs the cafe with his wife arrived and we were delighted when he recognised some of us from the DKG state conference. At our conference he had spoken to us about the work being done at the Recovery College to help people take back control of their lives. (See GB News, Summer 2019 page 11 for the full article). His wife kindly took us on a tour of the facilities and we are pictured in the garden courtyard, right. |
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Judith Sutton - A member for 40 years and moreJudith Sutton received her 40 years pin a short while ago, but in fact she has been a member of DKG for 42 years. She was Initiated in November 1977 at the founding of GB State. There were 10 founding members and eight additional Alpha Chapter Charter members, these included Judith. She was then Second Vice President and became Alpha Chapter President 1980 – 1984. DKG was not new to Judith. In the summer of 2001 Judith wrote an article in GB News about her visit to an International meeting in Georgia and a re-visit to Florida to see her friend Callie Brown whom she knew from her 1957 teaching exchange in Florida. In the 2002, 25th Anniversary Edition of GB News, we were reminded that both Judith and her friend Ellen had been very enthusiastic, loyal, friendly and active members in Alpha Chapter for 25 years. They had attended many state conferences and the Regional Conference in Malmo Judith has become a reserve member, but still keeps her interest in DKG. She wrote to Barbara Kern about our revitalisation, ‘I was thinking back over the years and all the things we have done. Although we have always been low in numbers members have achieved so much, particularly internationally. I do hope the new revitalisation initiative is beginning to bear fruit’. Judith moved to the Isle of Wight around 2005 where she still resides. Diana Bell, Alpha Chapter, August 2019 |
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Kathy Hodgson thanks Sue Walton |
Future Plans for the Pestalozzi International Foundation.
Gamma Chapter has for many years been interested and supported the Foundation. The students have always impressed us for their maturity, ambition to improve their home communities and the great and cheerful way that they take on our British Educational system. The Pestalozzi village has long been settled in a grand site near Sedlescombe, East Sussex but as Sue Walton. the CEO told us that is all about to change. Sue's enthusiastic talk left us feeling that the aims of the Pestalozzi Foundation were in safe hands and, although some of the community feeling at the Village could be lost, every effort will be made to ensure that future students have all the benefits of a Pestalozzi experience. www.pestaozzi.org.uk
Gloria Redston. Gamma Chapter, June 2019 |
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Mary ready to go!
Mary meets Prince Michael of Kent
Kathrin Hodgson Gamma Chapter |
Mary Wardrop mixes with RoyaltyOn Wednesday, 29th May, Mary was invited to a Buckingham Palace Garden Party.
The invitation was received while she was in Sevenoaks Hospital following a fall. However, nothing was going to prevent Mary from attending if Alison, her daughter, had anything to do with it! A new dress was ordered (see photo of Mary looking very glamorous), a wheelchair arranged, and off they set – Alison driving all of the way to Buckingham Palace. Thanks must be given to Alison for providing the photos and captions and, of course, being the instigator of the entire day. What a daughter! Update: Mary is now home and walking very well, aided by her zimmer frame. She attended church on Sunday. Mary hopes soon for her stair lift to be installed – do these require a pilot’s licence?
Mary amused by Prince Harry |
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Pat, Sue Arnold, Doreen
Penny Kinnear Alpha Chapter 18 May 2019 |
BREATH OF LIFESinging for Better HealthBreath of Life is practical, therapeutic and creative, to help better breath management for people with breathing problems. Our session with Sue, Pat and Doreen started with us going through a number of exercises and stretches to loosen and relax the body, ranging from shoulder shrugs to pulling silly faces. This then progressed to placing our hands on our stomachs and feeling how the diaphragm works as we breath in different ways. Finally, we sang a variety of phrases led by Sue, which we copied. We were complimented by Sue on our wonderful singing. In fact she agreed that as we were so good we could have a go at a “Canon”, splitting us into two groups. A great session, great fun and most of all extremely informative. The sessions run by this group would be a bonus to anyone not just those with breathing problems. |
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Anne Goldstein
18th May, 2019 |
Going Round in CirclesSue Constance is an inspiring Circle Dance teacher. She leads two local groups – one at St James church in Tunbridge Wells and one in Paddock Wood. She gave us a history of Circle Dance. The founder, Bernard Wosien, learnt traditional dances from around the world, created his own and took them to the Findhorn Foundation in Scotland. Thanks to Robina Scahill for her filming of the video and help with photography. |
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Diana Bell, right, receives her award certificate
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The Great Britain Achievement Award 2019This award is given to a member who has given outstanding service over a number of years and is presented biannually at our Annual General Meeting. Following Evelyn Goodsell, the last recipient, and other worthy members who have raised the profile of DKG GB is a hard act to follow. However it was decided unanimously by the votes cast that Diana Bell should receive this prestigious award. Diana has raised our profile in numerous ways during the last twenty plus years that she has been a member. Diana acted as Alpha Chapter President several times and GB State President twice. She has edited the GB News for two years, is our Parliamentarian and now Webmaster and has chaired the European Forum. Diana is a great ambassador for GB, attending European Regional and International Conferences, organising and running the workshop to set up the European Website and playing a leading role as Treasurer on the steering committee for the European Regional Conference held in Britain in 2007. It was a privilege to have the opportunity to thank Diana for all she does with generosity and humility, and to present her with a certificate and a rose brooch in silver and amber, as well as one of our symbolic red roses. Liz Malik Gamma Chapter |
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Anne Goldstein |
Aiming High -Tracy Harvey – Portage Lead for KentWe experienced a very positive session from our speaker Tracy Harvey, the manager of Portage provision for Kent. This is an invaluable home-visiting educational service for pre-school children with special educational needs and disabilities and their families. The name Portage comes from a town in Wisconsin, USA where the first home teaching scheme began. Portage has been established in the UK since 1976. |
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RevitalisationWe have now started to make progress in DKG’s Revitalisation in Britain. Phyllis Hickey attended our last State Conference in London, and inspired us to begin our process of ‘new beginnings’ by her enthusiasm. Carolyn Pittman, again in London, led a brain storming session which kick started our journey. We decided to work on making contact with local schools. We had two purposes in mind: to continue the impetus of the International Year of the Woman (2018) by donating books about women in history to local schools; secondly, to raise our profile by introducing ourselves to these schools and leaving contact details with headteachers and librarians, asking them to display our literature within their staff rooms. Both chapters chose the same two books, with Gamma Chapter adding a third. Ten schools were chosen in each of the local areas. Already several packs of books have been donated. Our newest member (since September 2018) Anne Goldstein, has really made progress. She was the first to make successful contact with two schools near to her in Tunbridge Wells, and then wrote an article for a local newspaper,viewed here. She has really blown us away with her endeavour and passion. Elisha Hogart, our youngest member, also enjoyed a great reception when she donated a pack of books to the librarian of a big Tonbridge school. Other packs are in the process of being distributed and we hope that as a result, DKG will begin to be known in our areas. (Contact details, dates and venues of meetings including details of speakers and their topics, are all included in the cards for teachers which accompany the packs of books). Sheila Roberts. Revitalisation Chair. |
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Jean Brushfield, Rosalind Day, Pat Johnson
Anne Goldstein. Gamma |
Body LanguageJean Brushfield returned to Gamma chapter to give an engaging talk on ‘Body Language.’ She told us that recently she had muted the television while watching Brexit debates. This gave her the perfect opportunity to scrutinise the telling body language used by politicians. PS A review in the Daily Telegraph mentions the "American " circular gesture, which apparently means "OK" in the USA and parts of Europe, but is considered rather obscene in the Arab world. |
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Rebekan Domer
Carole Stirling, Rebekah Domer, Kathrin Hodgson |
Another Way of Life – a talk by Rebekah DomerRebekah Domer from the Darvell Bruderhof community, based only seventeen miles from us in Robertsbridge, Kent, came to speak to us. Rebekah was a gentle and clear speaker who epitomised love in action and the message of Jesus. Her simple headscarf and long dress, sewn within her community, exuded modesty. Rebekah’s story of dedicating her life to others, which included personal sacrifice and loss, touched us all. As she explained, she took a vow of obedience and availability when committing to Bruderhof. Anne Goldstein Gamma Chapter |
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Carol Dawson, Gamma.
For the second time Carol has co-produced a musical for the village children in Mallorca, Spain, where she now lives. Some forty children took part aged 6-16 and the performances took place at 10.00pm. It was all home grown talent. Fredi Claus wrote the lyrics, arranged the music for all comers and directed the orchestra. Carol trained the choir and directed them in the performances. Carol thought the children were marvellous and it was great fun. |
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Herstmonceaux Castle
Nine members of Gamma plus two husbands had a lovely meeting at Herstmonceaux Castle . Although the castle is most appealing we spent our time, outside. in the attractive themed gardens. The castle was built in the 15th century and was unique at the time because it is built of bricks. It was a most impressive backdrop to our wanderings. Gloria Redston. Gamma Chapter |
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Elizabeth Malik |
On behalf of all Gamma members I am thanking Liz Malik for all she has done these past 4 years (2 concurrent biennia!) Many thanks Liz. Gloria Redston on behalf of Gamma Chapter. |
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Diana BellWebmaster 2018 ----------- |
THE GREAT BRITAIN STATE WEBSITEBack in 2003 it was decided we needed a website. We didn’t really know what we were talking about because no-one had any idea how one was built! There were few around. So. I took a couple of web-design courses, bought a program, ‘Front Page’, and the GB website had a very tentative beginning with very few members visiting it. But it is really time for a change with new ideas. I definitely have enjoyed being the webmaster. It has kept me in touch with many members so thank you to everyone who has helped me over the years |
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The Brunei Gallery, SOAS A set of serendipitous circumstances led some members of Alpha to visit a fascinating exhibition at the Brunei Gallery, part of SOAS. ‘China and Siam, through the lens of John Thomson’ is the first London exhibition devoted to photographs of Asia, by the legendary Scottish photographer. He set off for Asia in 1862 and over the next 10 years travelled to Siam, Cambodia, and various parts of China, and his pictures give an extensive record of life in these regions. He was the first person to photograph Angkor Wat. He had to transport all the bulky camera equipment, glass slides, and the developing materials on these journeys. We were lucky enough (by another serendipitous chance) to hear a fascinating talk by Betty Yao, the co-curator of the exhibition. Altogether the visit transported us to another world. Barbara Kern |
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Anne Goldstein, visitor to Gamma meeting |
Works of Feeling,
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Selfie taken in the cafe, Museum of Brands. Diana Bell Alpha Chapter
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Museum of BrandsFounded in 1984 by consumer historian Robert Opie, the display began with some very old artifacts from the 1800s and then progressed decade by decade up to the present day. We saw the beginnings of advertising through looking at everyday objects: food, washing, hygiene, TV – those tiny screens, Radios, bikes, cigarettes, alcohol, games such as Monopoly, toys – yes the Barbie Doll and much more. Some items, such as Rimmel make up from the 1890’s, started out much earlier than I expected. It was interesting how often Royalty was used to sell products and I hadn’t realised how many patriotic wartime games were made. It was all quite nostalgic and there was lots of chat on what we remembered, for me Virol and Reckitt’s Blue brought back memories of childhood. We then visited a new display, Pack the Future, focusing on sustainable packaging. Packaging protects, preserves, helps transport goods and provides information, then it is usually thrown away after use. There is much debate now on its use. Brands are continually evaluating their choice of material, making refillable packs, improving recyclability and sometimes concentrating the product to use less resources, all helpings to reduce energy, waste and carbon footprint. The display showed innovations by brands and packaging technologists to limit packaging. It was interesting to see that some, for example Cussons Talcum Powder, was now in much larger plastic containers, others such as Roses Lime Juice Cordial I felt had lost their brand image by re-designing the bottle shape. We wondered what would happen in the future with use of plastic, would they go back to metal, cardboard or find something new. We watched the film ‘Women’s Representation in Advertising’ which showcased 10 well-known TV Ads and looked at the gender stereotypes. It was interesting to see the change from the Fairy Liquid advert “for hands that do dishes”, to BT’s Beattie and the ‘ologies’ through to Sport England’s (2015) ‘This Girl Can’ campaign which showed women of all shapes and sizes exercising and playing sport. |
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JOANNA MARIA CORDEN 1947—2017: AN OBITUARY Diana Bell (Alpha Chapter) |
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The Remarkable Story of C W Steel: Japanese POW
Margaret Sargent kept us all rapt as she told the story of her father's experience as a Japanese POW during the Second World War. |
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Nine Alpha members and one brother braved the chilly weather to enjoy a guided tour of The Charterhouse, entrance pictured left. It is situated near the Barbican. Since the dissolution of this Carthusian monastery in the 16th Century, it has been a private residence, a boys' school and an almshouse, which it still is today. Our guide was enthusiastic and gave us many interesting facts. The residents are called brothers, although there is now no religious connection, they must be over 60 and in need of financial and social support. The latest resident is the first female and her real surname is brother! Diana Bell, Alpha Chapter |
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Alpha Chapter had their meeting in the open on the 14th October. There had been a change of plan due to illness and our school tour had to be cancelled. We informed members - some of whom decided to come along anyway. After a delicious lunch we walked along to Dulwich Picture Gallery. The Gallery garden was an ideal spot for our meeting, the sun shone as we organised our programme for the next year. We then had an interesting visit to the Gallery. A good day out after all. Diana Bell, Alpha chapter
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Woodberry Wetlands
Diana Bell Alpha Chapter |
It was a perfect sunny day when Alpha members arrived at There are many species of birds to observe and a café in the refurbished Coal House. We found it an ideal place for a pleasant walk. |
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I went to the historic Granavolden Guesthouse, which I recommend for its beautiful setting and superb food. The Norwegian State President, Anne Marie Solstad, welcomed me to the Conference that was held there. There were about fifty people present. It felt good to chat to friends I had met several times before and to meet new ones as the conference progressed. The conference was well organized with “Generosity” as its theme. The speakers, including the Dean Kirsten E.Almås who talked about generosity and how to belong to a community, were much appreciated; so were the musicians, particularly the singer and the violinist. I enjoyed too, the report from Headquarters given by Hannah Fowler, Member at Large. Participants were also able to visit the local museum, the church and walk around a nearby primary school. |
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State Conference 2017 Highlights |
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Dorothy Haley
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For Memories of Dorothyplease follow this link |
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Anne Goldstein, pictured above, with junior librarians from Bishops Down Primary School.
Manor Place Tube Station near Finsbury Park. Just down the road are the wetlands, opened in 2016 by Sir David Attenborough. This wetlands project was conceived by the London Wildlife Trust in partnership with Thames Water, entry is free. It spans 11 hectares of Stoke Newington’s East Reservoir and there is a reed-fringed lake and woodlands with the New River, built to bring water from Hertfordshire, running by.
