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The natural history of Christmas

Apart from the pear tree in which sat the partridge, there are no plants in the 12 days of Christmas according to the folk song. Sadly, even that reference is erroneous, because partridges are ground dwelling birds. And yet at Christmas we are surrounded by plants. This talk by Accredited Lecturer Timothy Walker puts the record straight and rewrites the zoocentric song replacing partridges with poinsettias, and maids with mistletoe.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Our Societies support hundreds of local arts and heritage projects. Each day we highlight a grant given in 2021.  

The Arts Society Dukeries have recently awarded a grant for Hallcroft Infants School to run art and nature workshops with their pupils. Local artist James Brint will run the workshops outdoors, giving the children experiences and skills that they wouldn’t otherwise have access to.

All donations from the Artvent Calendar will go towards The Arts Society’s grant giving fund, which awards grants to help preserve our artistic heritage, support the skills of artists and makers, and improve access to the arts for all.

Please click here to support projects like this one by making a Donation.

 

Comments

This was a fascinating, informative and very interesting talk presented in a wonderful way. Like others, I loved the dry humour and enjoyed the smiles. I too was held from start to finish and didn`t want it to stop. Thank you.

daphne Fri, 17/12/2021 - 11:57 Permalink

fascinating talk thank you

Sylvia mccann Fri, 17/12/2021 - 11:56 Permalink

Brilliant - way ahead of previous days - amazing information presented with humour and erudition

jill Wright Fri, 17/12/2021 - 11:49 Permalink

Best talk so far

Pamela Douglas Fri, 17/12/2021 - 11:24 Permalink

Today’s talk held me from start to finish. I found it fascinating and interesting. Something to talk about over Christmas lunch! Thank you Mr Walker. Love your dry humour too. Merry Christmas.

Patricia Berry Fri, 17/12/2021 - 11:19 Permalink

Fascinating alternative but important view of Christmas traditions. Thank you. I need to research some of the more unusual plants mentioned. We'll certainly leave the ivy in the wilder parts of our garden but it does accelerate the demise of timber fences.

James Gidman Fri, 17/12/2021 - 11:18 Permalink

Entertaining and informative. I chuckled at the humorous anecdotes. Thank you Timothy and thank you Art Society for this wonderful Advent Calendar, it's better than chocolates.

Carole Singleton Fri, 17/12/2021 - 11:14 Permalink

What a fascinating talk. Witty and erudite. Thank you.

Patricia Lowe Fri, 17/12/2021 - 11:04 Permalink

What a fascinating talk. Witty and erudite. Thank you.

Patricia Lowe Fri, 17/12/2021 - 11:03 Permalink

An absolutely fascinating talk so very well presented by such a warm and smiling man. Thank you

Margaret Redford Fri, 17/12/2021 - 10:57 Permalink