The Browning Society

2006 Calendar of Forthcoming Events ( revised )

MONDAY 6 th MARCH 6:30-8:00 pm - The British Library

Evening Reception to celebrate The British Library's 'How Do I Love Thee?' Exhibition

To commemorate the bicentenary of the birth of Elizabeth Barrett Browning, the Poet Laureate, Professor Andrew Motion, will introduce the distinguished actress Prunella Scales who will read a collection of EBB's poetry and correspondence.    There will be a performance of the choral anthem 'How Do I Love Thee?', composed for the Society by Mrs Carolyn Gower and performed by the Choir of St Marylebone Parish Church.   The evening will provide an opportunity for members to enjoy a private viewing of this major exhibition.   Drinks and canapés will be served.   Invitations will be sent to all members with further details in late January.

SATURDAY 6 th MAY 11:00 am - Swedenborg House, 20-21 Bloomsbury Way, London WC1

Annual General Meeting, Swedenborg House    * *please note change of time and venue**

It was decided to postpone the AGM until May this year in order not to clash with the British Library reception in March. Unfortunately, St Marylebone Parish Church inadvertently double-booked the Browning Room for May 6 th . Through the kindness of one of our members, Richard Lines, the AGM will now be held at Swedenborg House, a Grade II listed building and home of the Swedenborg Society. The nearest tube stations are Russell Square, Holborn and Tottenham Court Road. We hope the sculptor, Nicholas Dimbleby, will present his work-in-progress for the bronze plaque of EBB, commissioned by the Society and St Marylebone Parish Church to accompany the bronze bas-relief of RB on display in The Browning Room.  

SATURDAY 6 th MAY 12:45 pm - Durrants Hotel, George Street, London W1

Robert Browning Birthday Luncheon, The Oak Room, Durrants Hotel

Following on from the AGM, those who wish can join us at Durrants Hotel for the popular Annual Birthday Lunch. (Transport between Swedenborg House and Durrants will be sorted out on the day.) Please note that numbers must be limited for this event, and places are allocated on a first come, first served basis. ( See separate form .)

SUNDAY 2 nd JULY, evening - Ledbury Poetry Festival, Ledbury, Herefordshire

An Evening of Wine and Poetry to honour EBB

The Observer's well-known wine critic, Tim Atkins, and the eminent scholar, Dr Margaret Reynolds of Queen Mary's College, London, will collaborate on a choice of wine and poems.   This event will be similar to last year's evening of wine and poetry which proved to be one of the highlights on the 2005 Festival.   Do keep the dates of the Festival in your diaries.   Details of The Browning Society event will be posted on the website as soon as possible.   A full festival programme is usually available in early May, and you can obtain more information on it and other useful information from www.visitledbury.co.uk.

TUESDAY 12 th SEPTEMBER, evening - St Marylebone Parish Church, Euston Road, London

Commemorative Evening Service to celebrate the Marriage of EBB and RB

A special Evening Service will be held to celebrate the 160 th anniversary of the marriage of EBB and RB in collaboration with Poet in the City , an exciting and innovative project committed to promoting poetry in the City of London . For the occasion we are commissioning three new works of art - a sort of "artistic tryptich" - of poetry, music, and sculpture (the bronze bas-relief of EBB). There will be readings from distinguished guests and a wine reception in the Church following the service.  

WEDNESDAY 13 th DECEMBER, 6:15 pm - Poets' Corner, Westminster Abbey, London

Annual Wreath Laying Ceremony and Reception in The Camden Room, Westminster School - Guest Speaker, Professor Andrew Motion

The annual commemoration of Robert Browning's death will take place at 6:15 pm on Wednesday 13 th December at Westminster Abbey. We are fortunate to have the Poet Laureate as our Guest Speaker. There will be a Reception to follow in The Camden Room of Westminster School to mark the end of this important bicentenary year. We hope that the winners of the 2005/6 Browning Society Poetry Competition will be able to join us to receive their prizes and to be congratulated. Jacqueline Wilson, the new Children's Laureate, has agreed to be one of this year's judges.

Further information on these events will be sent to all members.   However if you have any queries, please contact the Hon. Secretary, Pamela Neville-Sington, on 020 7602 3094, or ( preferably ) via e mail:pamela@tvdox.com.