On Tuesday 23rd September, our Chairman, Paul Share, welcomed everyone to the 2014-2015 season of the Society and said that the outing to Wightwick Manor in July was enjoyed by all.
2014 is the 300th anniversary of the birth of William Shenstone. Julian Hunt, our President, and Andrew Maund of King's School, Worcester, gave a very interesting account of the life and works of our local poet.
In 1714 William was born at 'The Leasowes', Halesowen, on the slopes of Mucklow's Hill, the son of Thomas Shenstone and Ann Penn, daughter of William Penn of Harborough Hall. He grew up surrounded by woods, fields, hills and lakes and this environment had a great influence on his life. He was well educated and went to Oxford where he met many poets and the sons of rich and important people. He is known to have visited his friends and been impressed by their large houses and fine gardens.
Although not the richest of men, if you were a poet with an eye for landscape gardening, you were set to become a success in 18th century society! His first poems were published for his friends and reflected his love of nature and the beauty of the countryside. The language of his poems was descriptive and flowery, but many had a melancholy air. 'The Schoolmistress' and 'The Judgement of Hercules' received praise from other poets.
He wrote poems about his lady friends and he wrote many letters to Lady Luxborough, but he never married, perhaps because his greatest love was landscaping the gardens and grounds of The Leasowes, with walks, pools and cascades. It was thought to be one of the most beautiful gardens in England. William died in 1763 but the grounds of the Leasowes are still open to the public, even though their glory is rather faded.
The next meeting of the Society is on Tuesday 28th October at 7.30 p.m. in the Church Hall, when Andy Shepherd will be giving a talk on 'Guiding and Scouting in Romsley and Hunnington'. The Court Rolls group will be meeting on Wednesday 12th November and Wednesday 10th December at 2.30 p.m. in the Church Hall.
Pat Evans