I hope everyone is surviving the difficulties the Pandemic has placed upon us. Your Chairman, David Anderson has an update on the future plans at Blackwater.

In these difficult times The Arts Society centrally is mounting a number of virtual lectures and initiatives. Jennifer and I watched:

Sarah Dunant on Venice: Dressed and Undressed

The next film in our Lectures at Home series – Venice: Dressed and Undressed with Arts Society Accredited Lecturer, Sarah Dunant – is now available to view at connected.theartssociety.org. 

UPDATE ON HEMINGFORD GREY & WADDESTON MANOR

Due to the Covid 19 situation we have sadly had to cancel our visit to Hemingford Grey in June this year.  The visit has been postponed until next year, date to follow in due course. Members and guests currently on the list will have priority for future bookings.  None of your cheques have been cashed and will be destroyed.

Re the October visit, we were making arrangements to visit Waddeston Manor, but it will not be possible for us to complete the arrangements for this year; hopefully next year!!!

Meanwhile, more importantly, we hope that you stay safe and well during these difficult times
Best wishes to you all – Carole Tibballs & Jill Luxton

In the exceptional circumstance in which we find ourselves and after consulting with members booked to go to Devon in June, the decision has been made to cancel this trip. Tailored Travel will issue refunds in due course to the participants. We hope to re-book at a later date.
Please keep safe and all the best
David Anderson – AS Blackwater Chairman

The well-being and safety of our members, volunteers and lecturers, many of whom fall within the high-risk category, is likely to benefit from The Arts Society Blackwater reducing its activity before the pandemic reaches its peak. Therefore, the following alterations to our scheduled dates have been made by the Committee:-

Day of Special Interest 23rd March CANCELLED    ~ Provisional new date 7th September 2020 ~

Lecture 2nd April CANCELLED
~ Provisional new date 10th September 2020 ~

Lectures from May onwards will be reviewed nearer the date of each lecture.

This information is also on our website and I will keep you informed of  any future developments. Look after yourself during these challenging times.
    
David Anderson Chairman

Following a Committee Meeting on the 12^th March and the latest Government Guidance, the Arts Society Blackwater have decided to continue with its scheduled programme including its Day of Special Interest on Monday 23rd March.

Members who feel particularly vulnerable should sensibly stay at home

Should the Government issue new guidance we may need to reconsider our position

Best wishes        David Anderson Chairman

Central Arts Society has produced the following guidance on the current Coronavirus problem. As many members will realise we held a very successful March lecture. The April meeting is going ahead as planned.

As Announced at the March Meeting our upper limit on members is now 210. We have 200 current members. Once the upper limit is reached a Waiting List will operate, a limited number of waiting-list members can be accepted on payment of £5 (non-returnable). Such members are able to attend up to three lectures during a season at a cost of £7 per lecture 

Blackwater Golden Anniversary

In 2021 The Arts Society Blackwater celebrates the 5oth Anniversary of its foundation. The Golden Jubilee Lecture will be celebrated on July 1st 2021 at 10.00am followed by a finger buffet and speeches. Among celebrities will be the Lord Lieutenant of Essex who has already accepted our invitation.

Details of the day will follow nearer the date. I hope you will remember to put this date in your future diaries. Former Chairmen of the Society will be invited along with local Mayors , MPs and the Arts Society  Essex Area Chairman; also the chairmen of the other 10 Essex Societies.

To reassure everyone that our lecture this morning is going ahead as usual. Hand washing will of course be available!!!!!