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Flags of Wessex Example activities:
Regional anthem
At Wessex Society's instigation, the internationally acclaimed Gloucestershire composer Hayley Savage has composed an anthem for Wessex, with lyrics by Dorset dialect poet Devina Symes. You can hear Joanna Xylas's MIDI arrangement of it on our home page. The anthem has also been converted into a ringtone, which you can send to your phone by clicking on the link below. Patron saint of Wessex Calling for the official recognition of St. Aldhelm as patron saint of Wessex.
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Commemorations Opportunities exist on both a one-off and a continuing basis to commemorate events in Wessex history.
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Dialect dictionary A Wessex dialect dictionary was started in the early 80's, but ill-health forced the author to abandon the project. If other specialists could be involved to lend a hand it might be moved forward and a publisher found. Other dialect activities could include an annual poetry/prose competition. Regional pride and anti-defamation
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Regional audit
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Europe of Regions
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Documentation Centre/Information Point
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Conference/Summer School Southampton University ran the Wessex International Summer Schools, which provided opportunities for scholars to study aspects of the environment, history and culture of Wessex, though this refers to their own Wessex, limited to Dorset, Hampshire and Wiltshire. Organising a conference or summer school would be well beyond the resources of the WS in its early years, and even later could only be considered in association with a larger player such as Bristol or Southampton universities. Nonetheless, it is an idea to keep on file. Walks in Wessex Building upon the Great Wessex Walks of the early 1980's, the idea would be to promote themed long-distance walks throughout the region. The Great Wessex Walk was intended to be an annual event, from Windsor to the Tamar, by a different route each year. As well as east-west there is scope for north-south routes, such as one linking sites associated with St Aldhelm and one utilising the Somerset & Dorset railway from Bath to Bournemouth, and for circular routes around the central core of Wessex. There is already a King Alfred's Way linking sites associated with England's darling. Social events
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These are just some of the possible ideas for Wessex Society activities and campaigns. Members are encouraged to come up with their own ideas. Membership is available for a minimum donation of £10/€16/$16(US) per annum. This includes 4 issues of our 12-page colour magazine, The Wessex Chronicle. Within the EU, write to the Treasurer, Jim Gunter at 5 Rickyard Cottages, Broad Hinton, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN4 9PS. In North America and the rest of the world, write to Nick Xylas, 7645 Garners Ferry Rd, Apt 1007H, Columbia, SC 29209-3828, USA. Cheques/PO's payable to 'Wessex Society'.
Wessex Society meets 4 times a year. Meetings are informal and friendly, and usually preceded by a pub lunch at which members can socialise. Our next meeting is on Saturday, 19th April 2008 at 1pm (pub lunch at noon) in the Royal George, 17 Bedwin Street, Salisbury. |
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