West Midlands Branch

  • Introduction

    The Elgar Society was formed in 1951 by Spencer Noble, Frank Greatwich, A T (Bertie) and Lydia Shaw and others in Malvern, Worcestershire, where interest was naturally greater than elsewhere due to Elgar's association with the area and with the Malvern Festivals. For twenty years, members met from time to time in the town, some travelling great distances to do so. The West Midlands branch was created naturally when national membership had increased sufficiently to justify the creation of the London branch in 1971.

    Members of the West Midlands branch live mostly within a 25-mile radius of Malvern and consider themselves fortunate to live in a beautiful area of England which has so many Elgar associations, including the Birthplace Museum at Broadheath, just outside the city of Worcester. We meet six or seven times a year and enjoy a varied programme of events. The branch also issues a regular newsletter. Visitors are most welcome.

    Chairman: Dr John Harcup OBE, 17 Churchdown Road, Malvern, Worcs, WR14 3JX, e-mail: DrjwHarcup@aol.com

    Secretary: Richard Smith, Sunny Ridge, Bourne Lane, Brimscombe, Stroud, Glos, GL5 2RP e-mail: west.midlands@elgar.org

    Events co-ordinator: Ernie Kay, 76 Graham Road, Malvern, Worcs, WR14 2HU, e-mail: ekmalv@tiscali.co.uk

    Programme for 2013

    Meeting time and venue:

    Meetings are normally held at 2.30 p.m. on Saturdays at the Elgar Birthplace Museum, Lower Broadheath, Worcester, WR2 6RH. Unless otherwise stated meetings are free to Elgar Society Members but we ask for a donation from visitors.

    Friday, 31 May to Sunday, 2 June 2013. 
    National Elgar Society AGM and Birthday Weekend of Concerts and other events. 
    Full details and Booking information in Elgar Society News, April 2013.

    Saturday, 29 June 2013.
    Elgar in Snowdonia 
    The annual day jaunt’ by coach, visiting MINAFON, Bettys-y-Coed, the holiday residence of Elgar’s friend Rodewald, the dedicatee of the first Pomp & Circumstance march, whose early death devastated him.  Cost £35 inclusive of lunch, live music and scenic coach drive. Booking and further information – Timothy Day 01432 343248, email daytimothy@hotmail.co.uk

    Thursday, 1 August 2013, 11.00 am, the Guildhall Gloucester, 23 Eastgate Street, Gloucester, GL1 1NS
    "Falstaff" - Elgar Society Three Choirs Festival lecture, by Simon Rees, formerly dramaturg of the WNO
    Falstaff is to be performed at the festival the following evening.  To be followed by the Elgar Society Lunch which will be at 12.45 pm in the Marquee. Organised by Elgar Society, South Western Branch.   Booking: 3 Choirs Festival office, see www.3choirs.org  – from March – not via the Elgar Society

    Saturday, 7 September 2013, 2 30pm, Elgar Birthplace Museum 
    "Fred Gaisberg – Grandfather of the Gramophone", a talk by Andrew Dalton
    Andrew Dalton is an Elgar Society member and ex- Decca Records etc.  
    ES members free; public - £3 donation

    Friday, 27 September 2013, 7 30 pm, Bunch of Carrots, Hampton Bishop, Herefordshire, HR1 4JR
    "Secrets of Hereford Cathedral", a talk by Penny Platts
    Penny Platts is a registered Tour Guide and early member of Elgar in Hereford Group
    ES members free; public - £3 donation

    Sunday, 27 October 2013, 3 00 pm, Elgar Birthplace Museum
    "Too much of the political business" Elgar, India and Empire, a discourse by Andrew Neill
    on all three subjects with The Crown of India at the centre, illustrated with many pictures as well as music – of course! An Autumn In Malvern Festival Event in association with the Elgar Society.
    ES Members (only) 01684 567917, Public 01684 892277

    Saturday, 2 November 2013, 2.30 pm, Baptist Church Hall, Sansome Walk, Worcester.
    "Elgar on Record – by an indulgent collector" programme presented by Terry Wilkinson
    Joint event with Worcester Recorded Music Society
    Elgar Soc and  Worcester Recorded Music Soc. members free, £2.50 public

    Friday, 22 November 2013, 7.00 pm, Hereford Cathedral 
    A St Cecilia's Day Concert to mark Benjamin Britten's centenary and also includes music by Elgar, Holst and Vaughan Williams.
    Choirs of Hereford Cathedral School.
    Admission £5. Apply Timothy Day  01432 343 248;  email daytimothy@hotmail.co.uk

    Saturday, 14 December 2013, 2 30 pm, Elgar Birthplace Museum
    "Lively Wives and Lovers" by Martin and Jane Bird
    A look at Elgar and some of his colleagues from the viewpoints of the women behind the scenes; another trawl through Elgar’s Correspondence.
    ES members free; public - £3 donation




     

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