FOLLOWING the usual humorous stories told by members, the meeting on Monday, February 16 was formally opened by our Vice-Chairman, Mike Taylor.

Whilst business matters were speedily dealt with it was, with great regret, that members were informed of the death of Gillian, wife of Alan Fox. Condolences were expressed on behalf of the Club and it was noted that there will be a memorial service on Friday, February 27.

Faith and politics and their impact upon Christian Art and Architecture was the theme of the fascinating and historically detailed story told by our guest speaker Mark Watson.

From the earliest days of mixed Greek and Jewish heritage we were shown examples of Art, and how by the 4th century Christianity had become a male preserve. During Byzantine times, 7th and 8th centuries, the revolt against icons led to much destruction of figures of Christ. Ironically much Christian Art survived in Muslim areas. Centuries later, following Martin Luther, the word became more important that the art and in many churches pulpits overshadowed alters. The period from 1688 to Victoria’s accession in 1833 was described as the long dark night of the Church of England, but then spurred by the Oxford Movement, many Churches were built and an Anglo-Catholic culture emerged.

In his vote of thanks Ted Dodsworth thanked Mark for a tremendous talk that had portrayed in so many different ways the history of Christianity.

On March 2 we will welcome back Bryan Neville-Lee whose talk Poetry Pleases, does just that!

We meet in the Abbey Hotel, with refreshments available from 10am and the meeting beginning at 10.30am. Guests are very welcome.

Our programme for the first half of 2015 is available in Malvern Library, in the small cabinet on the right hand side as you enter the main library. For further information please e-mail t.batesworc@btinternet.com

TONY BATES