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The Mayor and Mayoress of Stafford joined some 270 members of Stafford DFAS at the Society’s new home – the Gatehouse Theatre in Stafford. The Society is now in its 14th year, but its future was threatened when Staffordshire University announced it would be closing its Stafford campus, the Society’s previous base. The move to the theatre means that the Society can now accommodate 500 people rather than 150, eliminating the Three talented A-level students have each been awarded a £400 bursary as part of Cotswold DFAS Young Arts activity – a total of £1,200 from this small Society. Callum Harvey, a student at Burford School who wishes to be a portrait painter, exhibited four stunning portraits. Callum will study Fine Art at Falmouth University and his bursary was used to open a pre-paid account at a local art shop. Rosie Caldwell, who will study Fashion & Design at the University of Winchester, brought along a dress and jacket she created. She had not only designed the clothing, but had also made them and woven the textiles. Tegan Saunders was the third winner. She is to study Book Illustration at the University of Lincoln and will use the money to purchase a camera.Below: Bursary winners Callum Harvey and Rosie CaldwellStafford DFAS fi nds a new home – and wants more membersCotswold bursaries let winners provide for artistic futurewaiting list and also leaving room for more. Society Chairman Lisa Henderson would love to add further members: “It is a great way to learn, have fun and make new friends. Our brand new website will tell you all you need to know, www.stafforddfas.org.uk. Please get in touch. We should love to meet you!” Above: The Mayor and Mayoress of Stafford with Society Chairman Lisa Henderson and David BrassOBITUARIESMICHAEL JOBYNorth Powys DFAS is sad to record the death of Michael Joby MBE, BSc, FRAS. Michael was a major force in the Society for 14 years and it is no exaggeration to state that without his tireless work it would have become extinct many years ago. Over the years he acted as Secretary, Vice Chairman and Chairman, and often doubled up as Programme Secretary.DAVID MEALINGEaling DFAS is very sad to report the untimely death of its President, David Mealing, on March 18. David was an intrepid traveller, even undertaking a cruise up the Amazon in January when he was not in good health. He was an art lover in the best sense, having a deep knowledge and appreciation of the creative and performing arts, as well as the decorative. His loss will be deeply felt in the community. MARGARET DERRETT Margaret Derrett, who died in February 2016, was a founder member of Blockley DFAS in 1984. She retained her lively interest, and was an active participant, in musical, artistic, literary, conservation and community affairs both in the Cotswolds and further afi eld. PAT EVERITT Pat Everitt, who died in May 2016, was also a founder member of Blockley DFAS. She remained a loyal supporter of the Society and attended lectures well into her 90+ years. At her farewell, the church was packed, showing the high regard in which she was held.Mendip DFAS members make Trail for 15th-century St Peter’sThe Church Trail of 15th-century St Peter’s in Evercreech, Somerset was launched by 28 pupils from a local primary school. Developed by four members of Mendip DFAS who are also members of the congregation, the Trail came to fruition after some much appreciated help from South Devon DFAS, and many months of research and refi nement. Rev Rosemary Lunn was presented with the fi nished Trail. One overheard comment cast an interesting light on how young people may view a church: “the quiz told us where we were allowed to go”!Below: Rev Rosemary Lunn and Jane Neill, who led the Trail team72 NADFAS REVIEW / AUTUMN 2016 www.nadfas.org.ukSOCIETIES NEWS