Our 2019-2020 Visits

We may arrange visits to local galleries, historic buildings and performances at various theatres. These trips give people a chance to get to know each other better in an informal atmosphere. Although we are restricted by our geographical situation in the south west corner of the country, we may arrange several visits a year, mainly day trips within Cornwall and Devon, but will also consider visits over several days, either to somewhere in Britain or overseas.

Some of the visits are not organised by us, in which case they would be shown as such, for example 'South West Area Event'. The Visits Secretary would be able to provide information to help you, with all events.

Future Visits

Lecture Image

Tuesday
14 - 17
July
2020


RSC Trip to Stratford

Synopsis:

Provisional Plan - Some details might change

" Comedy of Errors " and " Winter’s Tale " Optional Matinee Performance " Peer Gynt " and Tour of theatre. Visits on the way up and back to Berkeley Castle and Fursdon House.

Accommodation

As before, we will hope to stay at the Premier Inn, Central Stratford Upon Avon on a bed and breakfast basis. This is very central with easy access to the theatre (400yds).  Lunch & Dinner will be under your own arrangement.

Approximate Timetable

Tuesday 14 July

08.30    Falmouth (then Norway Inn; Playing Place; Truro) by coach

12.30    Berkley Castle

15.15    To Stratford – Premier Inn - eta 17.00

Wednesday 15 July

13.30    Peer Gynt - Swan Theatre (optional)

19.15    Comedy of Errors

Thursday16 July

 a.m.    Theatre Tour (Optional - min of 20 people required)

Details to be advised

19.15    Winter’s Tale

Friday 17 July

09.00    Leave Stratford by coach

11.00    Fursdon House

14.30    Leave for home

Cost - These are budget costs and are expected to be around those shown below for last year
Base Cost - £330 per person includes: Optional Extras
  • Travel
  • Accommodation with breakfast
  • Tickets for: Comedy of Errors and Winter’s Tale
  • Berkley Castle & Fursdon House entry & tour
  • Single Supplement - £130 for 3 nights
  • Peer Gynt - £30
  • Theatre Tour - £10

 

Organiser – Aline Turner     07703598896      rsc@theartssocietyfalmouth.org

A deposit cheque for £100 per person is required with the booking form by 14 December 2019 (Balance to be paid by 14 February 2020).

Cheques should be made out to THE ARTS SOCIETY FALMOUTH

The Optional Play - Peer Gynt by Henrik Ibsen

Hungry and restless, Peer Gynt is addicted to instant gratification and driven by an increasingly desperate search for meaning. But in a world where identity is commodity and greed is God, what really is the price we pay for individual freedom?

The Visits

Berkley Castle The Berkeley family welcome you to Berkeley Castle, their ancient fortress home where they have lived since their ancestor, Robert Fitzharding, completed the Keep in the late 12th Century. The history played out within Berkeley Castle’s walls make it one of the most remarkable buildings in Britain. Butterfly House; Walled Garden; Gertrude Jekyll gardens. Yurt Tea rooms

Fursdon House Fursdon House has evolved from a modest cob and thatch dwelling to the elegant Georgian manor house you see today. The Fursdon family has lived on this site near Exeter since 1259 and we continue to live here today! A tour of this historic house reflects the evolution and fluctuating fortunes of a family steeped in the tradition of land ownership and farming. An experienced guide will show you rooms dating from different periods in history, Our museum reflects this long history and some fine examples of 18th and 19th century family costumes are displayed. The fabrics and costumes on show are changed each year Over the last 35 years we have developed, redesigned and extended the gardens at Fursdon so that we are now able to share them with visitors. There is a mix of formal and informal planting with lots of places to sit and enjoy the extensive views and appreciate the tranquillity of the Devon countryside.

Venue: Stratford Upon Avon

Organised by: The Arts Society Falmouth

Cost: Base Cost - Expected to be around £330 per person plus Optional Extras

Book and Pay Online (Debit or Credit Card) via TicketTailor: Booking Form

Synopsis Download: Synopsis to Print

Time:

Contact: Email visits@theartssocietyfalmouth.org

Please note if you click on the email link and it does not automatically open up a new email for you, you can send an email in your usual way addressed to it@theartssocietyfalmouth.org


Previous Visits this year

Lecture Image

Monday
14
October
2019


Creative Tensions: The Penwith Society of Arts 1949-1960

Synopsis:

The Penwith Society of Arts in Cornwall was founded in 1949 by a group of artists who broke away from the St Ives Society of Artists.

Seventy years on from this seismic event, this exhibition looks at the range of work produced by its founder members, many of them the greatest names of 20th century British art, including Wilhelmina Barns-Graham, Barbara Hepworth, Bernard Leach and Ben Nicholson.

The exhibition examines the impact that the St Ives rebels made at the time and the creative tensions that existed between them.

Venue: Penlee House Gallery & Museum, Penzance

Organised by: The Arts Society Falmouth

Cost: £3 pp for the guided tour only. Members pay for their own entrance ticket to the gallery and for their own tea.


Lecture Image

Friday
18
October
2019


Creative Tensions: The Penwith Society of Arts 1949-1960

Synopsis:

Sorry - Fully Booked

The Penwith Society of Arts in Cornwall was founded in 1949 by a group of artists who broke away from the St Ives Society of Artists.

Seventy years on from this seismic event, this exhibition looks at the range of work produced by its founder members, many of them the greatest names of 20th century British art, including Wilhelmina Barns-Graham, Barbara Hepworth, Bernard Leach and Ben Nicholson.

The exhibition examines the impact that the St Ives rebels made at the time and the creative tensions that existed between them.

Venue: Penlee House Gallery & Museum, Penzance

Organised by: The Arts Society Falmouth

Cost: £3 pp for the guided tour only. Members pay for their own entrance ticket to the gallery and for their own tea.


Lecture Image

Friday
1 – 4
November
2019


Art Lovers' Weekend in London

Synopsis:

Bookings Closed

A weekend that can be enjoyed by individual members as well as those travelling with friends

Details

Travel to London by train and stay three nights at the Blackfriars Premier Inn, conveniently situated for access (mainly by bus) to all the main art galleries. Late afternoon on Friday, we'll have a familiarisation walk to the Tate Modern for a guided tour, including the Turbine Hall Installation, followed by dinner in a nearby restaurant.

On Saturday, there will be a visit to Gauguin Portraits exhibition at the National Gallery (tying in with Frank Woodgate's 12th July, Paul Gauguin Lecture) and on Sunday to William Blake: The Artist exhibition at Tate Britain. Optional theatre visit on Saturday evening and optional group meal on Sunday evening. Free time to go shopping and explore London. (We will provide a list of other exhibitions which you can visit at your leisure.)

A weekend that can be enjoyed by individual members as well as those travelling with friends. Although we won't be travelling to the exhibitions in a pack, Mary and Dave will try to make certain that no one is abandoned and you'll be welcome to join them for non-group meals and exhibitions.

Public transport

In London is usually very efficient, but can be demanding and subject to delays and cancellations. You can use black cabs or other taxis such as Uber as an alternative.

Access

The hotel and art galleries all have disabled access. Public transport tries hard to be access friendly but is not always, and the Friday afternoon/evening walk will include steps down from road level. Alternatively, you can use black cabs, which all have wheelchair access. Please let us know if you need special arrangements for the hotel or train.

Itinerary (subject to change):

  • Friday:
    • 09.41 Depart Truro station, arrive Paddington 14.01.
    • Onward travel to hotel by Circle Line (no changes) or taxi (prices not included).
    • 17.15 Familiarisation walk to Tate Modern, followed by Tour of Gallery and Turbine Hall.
    • 19.30 Meal in nearby restaurant.
  • Saturday:
    • Morning – Gaugin Portraits exhibition at National Gallery.
    • Evening – Optional theatre visit.
  • Sunday:
    • Morning – William Blake: The Artist exhibition at Tate Britain.
    • Evening – Optional group meal.
  • Monday:
    • 14.03 Depart Paddington, arrive Truro 18.47.
Deposit with booking: £100 pp.

What's included:

The prices include: 2nd class return group rail travel Truro to Paddington; 3 nights' B&B at Blackfriars Premier Inn in a single, twin or double room; tour of Tate Modern and a meal on Friday evening.

Not included:

We do not yet have prices for the exhibitions and optional theatre/restaurant on Sat/Sun and we'll inform you of these later. All other meals, drinks and travel around London are extra. Cornwall bus passes are accepted at all times (but cannot be used on the underground).

Travelling Independently:

If you wish to travel to London independent of our group rail booking, eg by first class rail or by car, let us know and we will deduct the rail fare from your price.

Download Details to Print: Download Details to Print

Venue: London

Organised by: The Arts Society Falmouth

Cost: Price per person (sharing room): £350 Price per person (single room): £510


Lecture Image

Wednesday
27
November
2019


View the Archives

Synopsis:

Falmouth Art Gallery's archives comprise an outstanding collection of over 2000 artworks. During these visits, Director Henrietta Boex will show us some highlights from their oil painting collection including works of renowned Falmouth artists Henry Scott Tuke and Charles Napier Hemy.

The guided tour is preceded by an optional group lunch at a local restaurant. (For those choosing lunch, food/drink to be paid for on the day). The Art Gallery, at The Moor Falmouth TR11 2RT, is close to bus stops and the Quarry car park and has a lift at its side entrance. .

There is no seating within the archive, but a wheelchair can be accommodated with notice.

Venue: Falmouth Art Gallery

Organised by: The Arts Society Falmouth

Cost: £3 pp


Lecture Image

Friday
29
November
2019


View the Archives

Synopsis:

Sorry Fully Booked

Falmouth Art Gallery's archives comprise an outstanding collection of over 2000 artworks. During these visits, Director Henrietta Boex will show us some highlights from their oil painting collection including works of renowned Falmouth artists Henry Scott Tuke and Charles Napier Hemy.

The guided tour is followed by an optional group lunch at a local restaurant. (For those choosing lunch, food/drink to be paid for on the day).

The Art Gallery, at The Moor Falmouth TR11 2RT, is close to bus stops and the Quarry car park and has a lift at its side entrance. .

There is no seating within the archive, but a wheelchair can be accommodated with notice. .

Venue: Falmouth Art Gallery

Organised by: The Arts Society Falmouth

Cost: £3 pp


Lecture Image

Friday
20
December
2019


Christmas Lunch

Synopsis:

Sorry Fully Booked

Join us for a festive lunch. Menu options are shown below.

Venue: St. Michael’s Hotel Falmouth

Organised by: The Arts Society Falmouth

Cost: £22 pp for a three course meal, with various options.

Festive Lunch Menu

Starters

  • Curried parsnip & apple soup - coriander- parsnip crisps
  • Smoked ham hock terrine- spiced pear chutney - sourdough
  • Cured mackerel -marinated beetroot- goat's cheese mouse-hazelnuts

Mains

  • Turkey paupiette. cranberry & orange stuffing,roast potatoes.braised red cabbage,roasted root vegetables, brussels sprouts, turkey jus
  • Wild mushroom & lentil nut roast, roast potatoes braised red cabbage, brussels sprouts, roasted root vegetables, veggie gravy
  • Whole roast plaice, new potatoes, caper & toasted almond beurre noisette, bitter leaf salad

Desserts

  • Traditional Christmas pudding, brandy sauce, port & cranberry
  • Dark chocolate crémeux. salt caramel, chocolate soil
  • Yoghurt panna cotta, mulled berries, Cornish fairing

If you have special dietary requirements not covered by this menu, please contact the Visits Secretary (details on booking form), and she will try and arrange alternatives.

For a menu to print click here


Lecture Image

Friday
21
February
2020


Celebrating Work and Play: Photographic Gems From Penlee’s Archives

Synopsis:

Amateur and professional photographers have captured the lives of people at work and play in West Cornwall for 150 years. Penlee has a collection of many 1000s of local photographs from 1870 onwards. This exhibition uses Penlee's photographic collection to show people hard at work fishing, farming, manufacturing, mining and working in the home alongside delightful images of fearless swimmers. fairs, carnivals, sport teams, tea treats and days on the beach.

There will be a guided tour starting at 10.30 am and followed by an optional group lunch (food/drink to be paid for on the day).

Please Note
You will usually need to stand for approx. 15 mins at the beginning of the tour, but after that folding chairs will be available.

The exhibition and cafe are fully wheelchair accessible. There is low-cost, long-term parking accessible from Alverton Rd/Wellington Place. For further details, see Penlee House website.

Venue: Penlee House Gallery & Museum, Penzance

Organised by: The Arts Society Falmouth

Cost: £3 pp for the guided tour only. Members pay for their own entrance ticket to the gallery and for their own refreshments.


Lecture Image

Friday
6
March
2020


'A SHARP PENCIL' - Exhibition Falmouth Gallery

Synopsis:

The super sharp pencil used by Falmouth-based artist Patrick Woodroffe (the late husband of our SIDs organiser, Jean Woodroffe) is the inspiration behind this celebration of all forms of drawing.

Patrick's highly detailed drawings will be displayed alongside those by his friend, Peter Markey, who shared Patrick's quirky sense of humour but developed his own distinctive drawing style.

These works will be displayed alongside pencil masterpieces drawn from Falmouth's collection and loans by contemporary artists.

Venue: Falmouth Gallery

Organised by: The Arts Society Falmouth

Cost: £3 pp for the guided tour only.


Lecture Image

Friday
24
April
2020


Newlyn School Interiors Archives

Synopsis:

This Meeting was cancelled because of the Coronavirus outbreak.

The Newlyn School artists are famous for painting outdoors, 'en plein air'. The Cornish light and landscape attracted painters to Newlyn, but once here, they found inspiration not just outside, but also within local homes, sail lofts and schools.

Bringing together a fine selection of Newlyn School interiors, including works by Walter Langley, Stanhope Forbes, Elizabeth Forbes and Frank Bramley, the exhibition will give an insight into the living conditions of Victorian Newlyn.

Venue: Penlee House Gallery & Museum, Penzance

Organised by: The Arts Society Falmouth

Cost: £3 pp for the guided tour only. Members pay for their own entrance ticket to the gallery and for their own refreshments.


Lecture Image

Friday
1
May
2020


Newlyn School Interiors Archives

Synopsis:

This Meeting was cancelled because of the Coronavirus outbreak.

The Newlyn School artists are famous for painting outdoors, 'en plein air'. The Cornish light and landscape attracted painters to Newlyn, but once here, they found inspiration not just outside, but also within local homes, sail lofts and schools.

Bringing together a fine selection of Newlyn School interiors, including works by Walter Langley, Stanhope Forbes, Elizabeth Forbes and Frank Bramley, the exhibition will give an insight into the living conditions of Victorian Newlyn.

Venue: Penlee House Gallery & Museum, Penzance

Organised by: The Arts Society Falmouth

Cost: £3 pp for the guided tour only. Members pay for their own entrance ticket to the gallery and for their own refreshments.