George Herbert in Bemerton Group - Events
George Herbert’s life and work is rich and varied. Since 2002, the George Herbert in Bemerton Group has produced a range of events to appeal to a wide audience, and there is a seemingly inexhaustible fund of ideas to pursue in future years.
2011 Season
2011 is the Group's tenth active year, and as usual we arranged a varied programme of events over the summer months:
Conducted Walk: a repeat of last year’s much acclaimed walk across the Water Meadows from Salisbury Cathedral to St. Andrew’s Church, Lower Bemerton. With Canon Edward Probert, Jason Battle and members of the Group. Followed by refreshments in a local riverside garden.‘Who Was George Herbert?’: an evening for those knowing little about George Herbert and his writings. An opportunity to hear more about his story and why he matters to Bemerton. With members of the Group. Followed by wine in a local garden.
'A Day in Herbert’s Temple’: members of the Group and other guest contributors spent a whole day reading Herbert’s poems. Light refreshments were available throughout the day.
‘George Herbert – A Writer in his Time’: a look at the work of George Herbert and his contemporaries in English literature. With Professor Helen Wilcox (School of English, Bangor University). Followed by wine in a local garden.
A transcript of the speaker's notes is available for download.2010 Season
The Group's very successful 2010 programme included the following events:
George Herbert Walk. A conducted walk from Salisbury Cathedral to Lower Bemerton across the water meadows, in the footsteps of George Herbert, with readings from his poetry by Profesor Helen Wilcox and music in St. Andrew's church from composer Alec Roth and international soprano Sally Bradshaw. This was a collaborative event with Salisbury International Arts Festival.
'A Mark to Aim At?' Exploring visions of the rural church - its myths and realities. The main speaker was Justin Lewis-Anthony, author of 'If You Meet George Herbert on the Road, Kill Him'.
'Let All the World in Every Corner Sing'. Talking about and singing the best-known hymn settings of Herbert's poems, with Sonia Woolley, Clare Eagle, Arthur Harris and Peter Webster.
'Inspired by Herbert'. What is it about Herbert's poetry that inspires musicians and poets? With Barry Ferguson, Michael Holyoake, David King and Jean Lunnon.
A Poetry Morning. An exploration of four of George Herbert's shorter poems with David Durston.