OCTOBER’S programme began on Sunday, October 6, when 25 members travelled to London to see the Lowry Exhibition at the Tate Britain Gallery. The weather was very sunny!

There were several other exhibitions to see and views of London to enjoy. A most pleasant day.

On Tuesday, October 15, Brian Lowe presented a slide show of the stained and painted glass of Oxford colleges and churches, of which there are several hundred.

The first stained glass began in the 12th and 13th centuries with few colours (blue and green) available and involving long and arduous work.

The craftsmen were English and Breton, fitting each shape with its lead surround piece by piece.

When war with France stopped the import of skilled craftsmen, the painted glass became the norm. Each section of window was placed, then painted in situ with no leading used.

It was not until the 18th century that true stained glass revived.

The glass of Oxford has survived, first the Civil War – either by whitewashing the windows to hide them or because the Roundhead colonel was sympathetic!

During the Second World War, the oldest and most valuable glass was removed and hidden. Mr Lowe is an expert on Oxford and often holds guided tours. His talk may be a prelude to such an outing.

There is no meeting in December and we meet again on Tuesday, January 21, when members will entertain each other.

On February 19 Juliet Heslewood will tell us about the Artists on the Cote d’Azur. Visitors most welcome.