COMMUNITY: Gainsborough Decorative & Fine Arts' Society

Scandal, Spite and Shuttlecocks: Wentworth Woodhouse. The March meeting at the Trinity Centre was well attended by the membership and visitors who enjoyed an up-to-the minute lecture from David Winpenny on the country's most palatial back-to-back, Wentworth Woodhouse, near Rotherham in South Yorkshire.

With a facade more than twice the length of Buckingham Palace and some of the finest 18th century rooms anywhere, the seat of the marquesses of Rockingham and then of the earls Fitzwilliam is now being awoken from more than half a century of slumber and opened for visits. It was a story of the rivalry between two branches of the same family, between different political ideologies and between rival styles of architecture, including untold wealth and magnificence from black coal, political power, royal visits and enlightened social care. Mr Winpenny’s listeners also discovered the part that the shuttlecocks had to play in this dramatic and fascinating story.

The next meeting is on April 7, when Lesley Primo will speak on Joseph Wright of Derby and the Men of the Lunar Society. Always at 1.45pm in the Trinity Arts Centre, Gainsborough. Tel. 01427 676655, on the first Thursday of the month (ex Jan, July and August).

For membership call 01427 788550. Visitors are very welcome for £5 entrance.

Further information can be obtained from chairman Jillian Horberry 01427 752230. A light lunch is bookable with Rachel by the preceding Monday on 01427 838780.