The Lawrence Society Week, entitled “Lawrence and Locality”, runs from 6-13 September 2019, marking a significant concentrated sequence in the wider 2019 Festival.

Diverse events can be enjoyed from local walks, talks, music and poetry – all linked by a
common local thread. Appreciations will also be given of Jessie, Frieda and Louie by Ruth, Annabel and Sheila respectively.

It begins with a ‘Welcome Reception’ followed by Ruth’s talk. Reference will be made to her recent stirring DVD, ‘Jessie’s Lament’.

The Lawrence Leavis Conference subjects include consideration of Leavis’s assessment of Lawrence as a great literary critic and his criticism of the treatment of Lawrence by the relevant ruling authorities and its continuing effect on his reputation.

Lawrence’s own responses to such treatment will be reviewed.  There will also be an evaluation of Lawrence as a dramatist.

The Birthday Lecture welcomes the acclaimed writer, Annabel Abbs, who has recently
published a book entitled ‘Frieda’ This book attracted very positive reviews in the Guardian and the Observer.

‘Songs of Praise’ is a chance to get together and sing rousing traditional hymns, some favoured by Lawrence., supported by local personal tributes.

The DH Lawrence text study group pursues a small group text study of DH Lawrence’s short story “Hadrian”, led by Malcolm and Andrew.

The Haggs Farm Day is led by expert local historian Carol with scenic walks and information about the Haggs farm Society and the breach House.

As part of the regular Midweek Mass at the RC Church, Alan Wilson will adorn it with
colourful organ improvisations, following the great French liturgical tradition, as explored in Notre Dame, Paris. To the theme ‘Death and Resurrection’, the organ portrays Notre Dame rising again from the ashes, and Lawrence’s ‘living’ spirit now abounds in Eastwood.

Our other ‘local historian’ Sheila will be taking us on the ‘Rainbow Walk’ with a tribute to Louie and hopefully a visit to Cossall church.

The day rounds off with a lively foot tapping celebration of ‘Songs from the Mines’, led by David Amos and his rhythmic group at the Horse and Groom pub.

The Lawrence and Theology Seminar is a first, studying Lawrence’s references to God, through his religious background, his letters, his novels and of course his poetry.

He was obviously very conversant with the contents of the Bible, but his extremely radical views on God, far too ahead of his time and totally misunderstood by his contemporaries, speak more today in an uncertain cosmopolitan and diverse world. This seminar promises to be an interesting one, exploring a little known understanding of his inner turbulent mind.

The final day takes us over to Kimberley, beginning with the expert popular veteran speaker, Roy Plumb, on the area’s history and connections with Lawrence.

After afternoon tea and talk over at Beauvale Priory, the week concludes with a follow up to Roy’s talk with a sparkling organ concert, devised by Alan, and presented in the newly restored Holy Trinity Church, playing on a fine newly purchased instrument with all the colours imaginable.

Lawrentian musical popular associations will be pursued, along with tributes paid to his great grandfather John Newton (who retired in Kimberley) and Arthur Linwood, a music entrepreneur from Eastwood, who would have supplied much music for the Lawrence family and the churches throughout the area.

A week jam packed with delights for all Laurentian and local history devotees!