MENU ABOUT US


× Home Our Society
About Us Joining Us Where We Meet Activities What Is The Arts Society? Committee Documents
Lectures Visits & Tours Special Interest Days News Diary Volunteering
Arts Volunteers Heritage Volunteers Church Recorders
Gallery Web Page Links
Useful Links Culture Links Videos
Contact Us


 

Please meet our Chair, Stephen Howis

I am delighted to have been voted in as your Chair for the next three years. How fortunate that Kate Harwood has agreed to take on the role of Vice Chair, as I’m sure she will be a great support after her outstanding leadership. I must also take this opportunity to pay tribute to all of the hard working team who voluntarily give up their time to make Newbury the highly successful Society it is.

Joining The Arts Society Newbury in 2019 has greatly enriched my life. I had no idea that so many brilliant events were available almost on my doorstep. In July 2022, at a garden visit after the AGM, I was informed that the Society was looking for someone to take over management of the website. I thought this was a task for which I had the necessary skills and have thoroughly enjoyed keeping our website up-to-date and, I hope, interesting.

2025/26 is going to be an exciting year for us with the move to our new venue at Newbury Rugby Football Club (NRFC) in January 2026. Arlington Arts Centre has served us well over the past 17 years, but as many of you know, parking, especially in the winter months, has become increasingly difficult. The proposed redevelopment of the Mary Hare site during 2026 means we could only hold our lectures during school holidays or evenings, which is not a viable option. It was quite a challenge to find a new venue, but the NRFC was very welcoming and The Wickens Suite at NRFC is well equipped and offers all the facilities we need.

I’m hoping that during my tenure it will be possible to reinstate away visits, both in the UK and overseas. However, to do this we need a couple of members willing to take on the organising and to liaise with the chosen travel company. Having enjoyed a brilliant trip to Provence in April 2024, I would love to see away trips back on the agenda. If you think this is something you would enjoy doing, please come and talk to me or any member of the team.

Another role that will need filling is that of Gwynedd, our Secretary, who is standing down in July 2026. Again, if you think you can help, please come forward. There will be plenty of time to shadow Gwynedd before she “retires”. In fact, if you feel able to join the team in any capacity you will be made very welcome.

We have a great year of lectures and visits lined up, which I hope you will enjoy. Do take a look at the website for full details.

If you see me at a lecture or an event, I’ll always be pleased to chat and hear any ideas or suggestions you have that could benefit our Society. I believe we are all part of an amazing organisation and want everyone to feel welcome and valued.

Click here for a diary of this season's events

Click here for a short resumé of the lectures

Click here to see our planned visits and trips

Please meet our Chair, Stephen Howis

I am delighted to have been voted in as your Chair for the next three years. How fortunate that Kate Harwood has agreed to take on the role of Vice Chair, as I’m sure she will be a great support after her outstanding leadership. I must also take this opportunity to pay tribute to all of the hard working team who voluntarily give up their time to make Newbury the highly successful Society it is.

Joining The Arts Society Newbury in 2019 has greatly enriched my life. I had no idea that so many brilliant events were available almost on my doorstep. In July 2022, at a garden visit after the AGM, I was informed that the Society was looking for someone to take over management of the website. I thought this was a task for which I had the necessary skills and have thoroughly enjoyed keeping our website up-to-date and, I hope, interesting.

2025/26 is going to be an exciting year for us with the move to our new venue at Newbury Rugby Football Club (NRFC) in January 2026. Arlington Arts Centre has served us well over the past 17 years, but as many of you know, parking, especially in the winter months, has become increasingly difficult. The proposed redevelopment of the Mary Hare site during 2026 means we could only hold our lectures during school holidays or evenings, which is not a viable option. It was quite a challenge to find a new venue, but the NRFC was very welcoming and The Wickens Suite at NRFC is well equipped and offers all the facilities we need.

I’m hoping that during my tenure it will be possible to reinstate away visits, both in the UK and overseas. However, to do this we need a couple of members willing to take on the organising and to liaise with the chosen travel company. Having enjoyed a brilliant trip to Provence in April 2024, I would love to see away trips back on the agenda. If you think this is something you would enjoy doing, please come and talk to me or any member of the team.

Another role that will need filling is that of Gwynedd, our Secretary, who is standing down in July 2026. Again, if you think you can help, please come forward. There will be plenty of time to shadow Gwynedd before she “retires”. In fact, if you feel able to join the team in any capacity you will be made very welcome.

We have a great year of lectures and visits lined up, which I hope you will enjoy. Do take a look at the website for full details.

If you see me at a lecture or an event, I’ll always be pleased to chat and hear any ideas or suggestions you have that could benefit our Society. I believe we are all part of an amazing organisation and want everyone to feel welcome and valued.

Click here for a diary of this season's events

Click here for a short resumé of the lectures

Click here to see our planned visits and trips