Arthurian Termcard for Hilary 1996

Guest speakers are dined before their talks. Anyone wishing to attend the dinner should contact the Regent as soon as possible. The assembly point is the Sheldonian steps, Broad Street, at 6pm.


Wednesday 17th January (1st week), Collier Room, Regent's Park 8.20pm
WAS THERE A DARK AGE?
Dr Brian Ward-Perkins is a Dark Age historian at Trinity College and will be speaking about our perception of the period in which a historical Arthur figure would have lived.

Wednesday 24th January (2nd week), Colier Room, Regent's Park, 8pm
BOOKS ETC.
The stories of King Arthur and his knights have inspired centuries of literature of all sorts (and this society!), many of which are included in the society's "libnrary list" of books (with comments) that members are willing to lend. A selection of the best (and worst!) books will be available for inspection, and favourite excerpts read out to give a taste of the variety. Food and wine will be provided.

Wednesday 31st January (3rd week), Collier Room, Regent's Park, 8pm
THE ARTHURIAN LANDSCAPE
John Matthews has written many books about Arthur, with a special emphasis on the Celtic connection. The academic value of his work has been disputed, but everyone agrees that he is a most entertaining speaker. This will also be a good introduction to Arthurian pilgrimages, mentioning many of the sites we visit.

Wednesday 7th February (4th week) Council Room, Mansfield, 8pm
VIDEO EVENING - THE FISHER KING
This term's video is a Terry Gilliam film set in modern New York with an unusual treatment of the themes of Arthurian knigthood and the Grail Quest. Starring Robin Williams and Jeff Bridges.

Wednesday 14th February (5th week), Collier Room, Regent's Park, 8pm
ST VALENTINE'S EVENING
We will celebrate St Valentine's Day with an evening of storytelling about Chivalry and Romance, accompanied by the inevitable mulled wine (what do you think Tristan and Iseut were drinking?), home baked goodies, and dances.

Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th February (5th week)
WEEKEND PILGRIMAGE TO THE SOUTH WEST
We will spend this weekend visiting Arthurian sites in the South West of England. Places visited will include Winchester, Glastonbury and South Cadbury, the strongest candidate for Camelot. Saturday night will be spent in a Youth Hostel. The wwekend will probably cost £15 (including the hostel)

Wednesday 21st February (6th week), Collier Room, Regent's Park, 8pm
MODERN ARTHURIAN AND FANTASY WRITING
Robert Holdstock has written the Mythago series of fantasy novels, and the Arthurian Merlin's Wood. He will talk to us informally about the thriving genre of modern Arthurian novels, especially 'fantasy' ones.

Wednesday 28th February (7th week), Collier Room, Regent's Park, 8pm
THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
It comes to that time of year when we elect a committee to run the society for the next year. We will be sending out details of how to stand and what the various positions involve later in term. Nominations should be sent to the Chancellor, Matthew Kilburn at St John's, by midnight on Sunday 25th February.

Saturday 2nd March (7th week), St Giles's Hall, Woodstock Road
THE CELTIC FESTIVAL
The Celtic Festival is like a Dark Age version of the Banquet. It is a less formal occasion, but no less fun and again, costumes should be worn. Booking forms will be sent out. The cost should be around £7 for all you can eat and drink.

Wednesday 6th March(8th week), Oakeshott Room, Lincoln College, 8pm
GAWAIN
Dr John Kitely of Regent's Park College is a Middle English scholar and will be talking about the Gawain poems, the best known of which is Gawain and the Green Knight.