Jodrell Decorative and Fine Arts Society - a New Society

Hello and welcome to Jodrell Decorative and Fine Arts Society Blog (JoDFAS). We are a branch of NADFAS, the national association, nadfas.org.uk

We are a new society covering a large area in South Cheshire and North Staffordshire. We are based in Holmes Chapel where we hold monthly lectures on all topics related to the art world. Our lectures start in September 2012 at Holmes Chapel Comprehensive School. Click here for directions. My name is Chris and this blog is about how we are setting up the society.  

Why are we doing this?

Last year, at a lecture on Wine In Art,  I found myself, by coincidence, sitting next to Helen Sugden, the chair of the area, and  the new societies support team.

I told her how much I enjoyed my NADFAS lectures in Wilmslow, but mentioned that it would be nice if we had a society nearer to home, in Holmes Chapel, Cheshire.  

“Why not start one?”  she said. I thought about this for some weeks and having newly retired, got in touch with Helen again. 

So began the exhilarating and fascinating journey towards setting up Jodrell DFAS. Our society takes its name from the area around Jodrell Bank, 3 miles from Holmes Chapel. I’m sure you will have heard of the Jodrell Bank Observatory with its iconic telescope. Take a look at it here http://www.jb.man.ac.uk/

Our programme of lectures will start in September 2012 in Holmes Chapel.  So far, 110 people in the local area, have expressed an interest in our venture! 

We’re thrilled to be so far ahead with our planning but we still have a lot to do. This short blog might help others who are setting up and new societies might be able to offer each other a bit of moral support. However, we have had some fantastic support from the new societies support team, especially Andrew, who has come to all our meetings, looked at our venue, been busy arranging a couple of speakers for us as well as fielding lots of email queries as we go along. 

How we formed the committee   click here  -   committee page 

What support is available?

If you are thinking of setting up a society I would strongly recommend it -  but make sure you have enough time to devote to the venture. There is so much of interest to do. For example, training at NADFAS House , advertising, looking for suitable lecturers, themes and subjects. But, whatever the activity be assured that you will be supported personally and also administratively with lots of useful organisational pointers, checklists and ideas etc.