Summer social – Leintwardine walk

Ludlow and Marches Humanists held their 2023 summer social event on Saturday, July 15th.

Here are some reflections on the outing from Malcolm Rochefort with photos from Malcolm and Frances Lloyd.

The sun has often shined on our Summer Socials, so we were hoping that the capricious British summer would oblige again. Well it did, but only for 50% of the time…

We planned a walk from a locally favourite inn (The Sun at Leintwardine), intending to eat fish and chips from the equally renowned Fiddlers Elbow, in the garden of The Sun (which is allowed with permission).

The forecast on the morning of the walk was not propitious – we almost cancelled, but a few stalwarts made it to the start line in time for our jaunt. We started in sunshine, but within 10 minutes the forecast storm arrived and drenched us thoroughly. Luckily, as we approached the top of Haregrove Wood, the rain eased off and we were then lucky to find spectacular views of the Clee Hills to the east, and the Teme Valley to the South, with a glorious sunny descent through flocks of sheep to Leintwardine and the Sun Inn.

As we dried out and enjoyed the excellent beer range at The Sun, other members joined us and we ate our lunch (under the balcony, as the shower clouds were still lurking), and chatted, looking out over the garden – by now in full sun.

I think all enjoyed it, and we’ll try to arrange better weather next year, but don’t bet on it. If only there was a higher power we could prevail upon…

Next meeting: Why is Pope Francis special?

An informal talk by Father Christopher Walsh

For our April meeting, we will be joined by Father Christopher Walsh of Ludlow’s St Peter’s Catholic Church. Following Father Walsh’s talk about Pope Francis, there will be questions and discussion.

Tuesday 18th April 2023
7.30 p.m.

At the Ludlow Quaker Meeting House
St. Mary’s Lane, Ludlow, SY8 1DZ

All are welcome

Read the event report

Next meeting: Music is the language of our silence

A talk by Igor Kennaway, local pianist, conductor and music teacher

How we, as listeners and performers, absorb, are affected, respond and process what we hear when performing or listening to music.

An illustrated talk by Igor Kennaway, a local pianist, conductor and music teacher. Igor is a graduate of Cambridge and the Royal Academy of Music and was mentored by Ursula Vaughan Williams. Igor has conducted, played, and taught throughout Europe and Britain, both on stage and in many broadcast performances.

Tuesday 21st March, 2023
7.30 p.m.
At the Ludlow Quaker Friends Meeting House
St. Mary’s Lane, Ludlow, SY8 1DZ

All are welcome

Read the event report

Funeral for David Flory

We wanted to share funeral details for our dear friend David Flory, a long-time committee member of the Ludlow and Marches Humanists group.

Tuesday, March 21st, 2023
2 p.m.
Westhope Green Burial Ground
near Craven Arms, SY7 9JP

The Humanist service will be conducted by Simon Nightingale from Shropshire Humanist Group.

Update posted August 2024 – We thought people might like to see some photos of David’s resting place at the Westhope Green Burial Ground. Alongside the plaque, there’s a cider apple tree planted in David’s memory. Rest in peace David.

Next meeting: An introduction to humanist ceremonies

A talk by John Leaman, a humanist ceremonies celebrant

Imagine a ceremony that marks a major life event in a way that is personal, sincere, and honest. A humanist celebrant provides an alternative to religious ceremonies for people wishing to celebrate or commemorate key life events — such as weddings, namings, and funerals — in a non-religious way.

Tuesday 21st February 2023
7.30 p.m.

At the Ludlow Quaker Meeting House
St. Mary’s Lane, Ludlow, SY8 1DZ

All are welcome

Read the event report

Remembrance Sunday

Sunday 13th November 2022

The Ludlow and Marches Humanists will be taking part in the Ludlow Remembrance Sunday Civic Service and also laying a wreath as part of the ceremony.

Participants have been asked to arrive by 10:40 a.m. at the Peace Memorial, Market Square, Ludlow.

Please join us if you are able to.

Read the event report

Next meeting: Blossom and the origins of the antivax movement

A talk by Dr Colin Kelcey, neuroscientist and Fellow of the Royal Institution

At the Ludlow Quaker Meeting House
St. Mary’s Lane, Ludlow, SY8 1DZ
Tuesday 18th October at 7:30 p.m.

Dr Kelcey’s talk will explore the origins of vaccination together with the beginning and rapid growth of the anti-vaccination movement in the early nineteenth century. Vocal opposition and disinformation towards research-driven vaccines is not new.

All are welcome.

Read the event report

Meetings resume Tuesday 20th September

Towards inclusive education – a talk by Robert Cann, Education Campaigns Manager for Humanists UK

At the Friends Meeting House, St. Mary’s Lane, Ludlow
Tuesday 20th September, 2022 at 7.30 p.m.

Humanists UK campaigns for the reform of religious education (RE) in schools to ensure that non-religious perspectives are also included. It is also campaigning to end admissions and employment discrimination in state-funded faith schools.

All are welcome.

Read the event report