A Meeting: Saturday 8 October 2022,
Shirley Village, Derbyshire
A meeting is planned at St Michael’s Parish Church Community Space, Church Lane, in Shirley village, Derbyshire, for Saturday 8 October, to celebrate, in the parish church where his father C. F. Powys was vicar between 1872 and 1879, the 150th anniversary of the birth of John Cowper Powys, at 1:15 pm on 8 October 1872 .
The Vicarage (now known as the Old vicarage), Shirley. (Photo: Paul Cheshire)
The event which includes refreshments is free except for optional lunch at the Saracen’s Head in Shirley. All are welcome. In the afternoon, following lunch, we plan to visit the grounds of The Old Vicarage, Shirley JCP’s birthplace where we have kindly been granted access to the garden by the present owners, Dave and Tanya Allsop.
Members may wish to make their own arrangements and take the opportunity of visiting nearby locations, described by JCP in Autobiography, such as Dovedale, Mount Cloud and Osmaston Park.
Chris Thomas, Hon Secretary
Programme
St Michael's Church, Shirley
(photo: Paul Cheshire)
10.00 Arrival, tea and coffee at St Michael’s Parish Church Community Space, Church Lane, Shirley
10.30 Welcome address and talk, JCP in Derbyshire, by Chair of the Powys Society, Paul Cheshire
11.00-11.20 Readings from Chapter 1 of JCP’s Autobiography and A Blank Verse Autobiography (Kevin Taylor and Chris Thomas)
11.20-11.45 Tea and Coffee break
11.45-12.45 Open discussion of Chapter 1 of JCP’s Autobiography
13.00 Pre-booked lunch at the Saracen’s Head, Shirley
14.30 Visit to Shirley Vicarage garden, including photo opportunity, and readings (selected by John Hodgson) from Autobiography (Chris Thomas and Paul Cheshire: John Hodgson’s presence being thwarted by rail strike).
15.30 Tour of Shirley village
17.00 Departure
Photos
(taken by Marcella Henderson Peale, Robin Hickey, Paul Cheshire)
Our presentation to Dave & Tanya Allsop, of the Old Vicarage, Shirley, who kindly allowed us access to their gardenVicars of Shirley — from St Michael's Church. See C.F. Powys 1872-79Discussion in St Michael's ChurchDeep reflection in St Michael's ChurchMirth in St Michael's ChurchOn left: Our guest John Fletcher (Parish Council) contributing to discussion in St Michael's Churchclosing discussion in St Michael's ChurchFly Agarics between the graves in St Michael's ChurchyardCelebratory Feast at the excellent Saracen's Head, ShirleyToasting JCP at precisely 1:15 pm -- the exact time of his birth 150 years agoMore toasting of JCPThe Old Vicarage, Shirley "The magic of literature" — Chris Thomas reads from AutobiographyThe Old Vicarage seen from the eastChris Thomas interrupts his reading to scrutinise the photographerThe group of members enjoy the perfect weather, the perfect lawn, at the end of a perfect day!