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A highlight of this year was the opportunity we had of holding our AGM at Stafford House, by kind permission of our President Baron Fellowes and Lady Fellowes. The inspiration for this was that 2017 marks the 130th anniversary of the publication of Hardy's short story, 'A Waiting Supper', which is set principally in Stafford House and Park.
Tony Fincham led a walk from Athelhampton House, which also features in the story, to Stafford Park. We began the day with a private tour of the Great Hall at Athelhampton and then set out on our walk, through Puddletown and across a swathe of Hardy's Egdon Heath. We stopped for lunch at Hardy's Birthplace Visitor Centre and arrived in Stafford Park with plenty of time to see the significant settings within the grounds and to enjoy the beauty of our surroundings.
Emma Fellowes had offered us a champagne tea and generously provided us with rather more than that. She had prepared a Hardy Quotations Quiz, which certainly challenged us (even Tony Fincham) but was most entertaining. We were then joined by members, who had not been walking with us and we went in to the dining room for tea. We were delighted by the wonderful cakes, which included Hardy tea cakes, adorned with quotations. After a very convivial time we turned to the business of the AGM. To our further delight our President joined me at the top of the table, presiding over the proceedings. I understand that this was a first for a Hardy Society AGM. We are most grateful to Julian and Emma for their generous and enthusiastic hospitality. We also hope they will be able to join us for some of our celebrations next year.
Our annual wreath-laying ceremony in Poets' Corner in Westminster Abbey will be a very special commemoration in 2018, as it marks 90 years since Hardy died. We are therefore moving from the Saturday midday timing which we have had in recent years to an evening ceremony, and this will be on 11 January, precisely 90 years since Hardy's death. It will follow Evensong which takes place at 5.00 pm. So, if you wish to attend the service go into the Abbey for that time; otherwise meet at the...