Breathing Life into History
Danny Wells
Danny's talks and courses celebrate the history of the Victorian age.
There is also a strong focus on the Derbyshire Dales, Staffordshire Moorlands & London's East End.
His aim is to unlock the past, discovering, stimulating and creating a greater understanding of these areas.

Forthcoming Events


TALKS

ASHBOURNE-‘Gateway to Dovedale’
DATES: Monday 2 July 2012
TIME: 7.00-9.00pm
Venue: All Saints Church Community Hall, Belle Vue Road, Ashbourne

Discover Ashbourne’s history as a medieval market town. Hear about the town’s Georgian heyday; the days of the stagecoach and Dr Johnson. Learn about the connections with the Romantic Movement; the tragic tale of Penelope Boothby; the birthplace of Catherine Booth, ‘the Mother of the Salvation Army’; Shrovetide Football and lots more… Refreshments will be available.

Fee: £6

ART AND WORLD WAR 1
DATES: WEdnesday 4th July 2012
TIME: 7.00-9.00pm
Venue: All Saints Church Community Hall, Belle Vue Road, Ashbourne

In the First World War (1914-1918) empires vanished, thrones toppled and societies crumbled as over eight million people were killed. To this day WW1 still has a profound emotional impact. What did British artists of the time make of these world shattering experiences? We will look at some of the most powerful icons created of war and peace, featuring artists such as Paul Nash and Stanley Spencer. We will also explore the art of remembrance and World War 1 Memorials. Refreshments will be available.

Fee: £6

 

Guided Tours

IN SEARCH OF SYMBOLISM

A guided tour of St. Oswald’s Church in Ashbourne. What does the inside of this impressive church tell us of times past? Looking at the interior fittings- such as monuments, stained glass and effigies- can raise questions as to the significance of colours, flowers and numbers. From green men to lambs, from wheat sheaves to serpents-what do they all represent? What stories are being told? What meanings are there in the symbols?

St. Oswald’s ‘the finest mere parish in the kingdom’ according to George Eliot does not disappoint (and for once we don’t have to worry about a tour in the rain!)

DATE / TIME: Sunday 1 July (2.00-3.30pm) and Tuesday 3 July (11.00-12.30pm)

Meet outside the entrance to St Oswald’s Church ten minutes beforehand (if raining, just inside).

Fee: £5.

 


RESIDENTIAL COURSES

Coming soon....

 


BOOK

Catherine Booth-‘The Mother of the Salvation Army ’.

I am currently working on a book on the life and achievements of Catherine Booth. If you have relevant information of interest, I should be pleased to hear from you.