Coronavirus: Events & Services Update

Coronavirus: Changing Work Practices

I've been developing numerous new educational sessions and events over the last 18 months, designed for seasonal delivery, from May onward this year (some of which are, for example, listed on my teaching website, here). These events were to be made available to a range of prospective clients, for presentation at various locations (such as local & regional groups; museums & other historic sites; and at the Antiquarian Academy).

However, the recent outbreak of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, which now affects all of our lives - for many people, substantially - makes it necessary for large sectors of the population to rethink and reorganise business practices. This is particularly so where and when the work environment involves close contact: evasive action in the form of social distancing and isolation (alongside hygiene procedures) is required in order to limit the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, and so reduce the extents of severe illness and death.

Medical guidance has led to the introduction of restrictions by the UK government, requiring closure of many public venues and business premises, and where possible, transference from office- to home-based working, in order to limit travel and social contact. Reduction in services is inevitable, with these essential measures liable to significantly constrain various professions - including those within which I work. Education, research, tourism and entertainment are all affected; with closure of universities and colleges; libraries and archives; museums and other historic sites; theatres, pubs, cafes, hotels and other venues; resource retail outlets.

Services and; events unavailable during the COVID-19 restrictions

I will consequently be unable to provide events or services, or engage in community work, that involves meetings and other group gatherings or travel. Research and fieldwork opportunities are substantially reduced due to inaccessible local studies and regional public record offices; and delayed and limited access to other resources and materials. To ensure the safety of communities, clients, participants, and family, as much as possible, this will continue until the relevant authorities announce that such activities are once more considered safe, and resources and materials again become available, as required.

Duration

Exactly when this unprecedented situation might come to an end is at present unknown, although current constraints will certainly be in place for several weeks, probably several months - possibly longer; medical opinion suggests that the pandemic is likely to impact society for a year or more, although how this may impact business practices in the long-term is as yet unclear. These constraints are also likely to take a toll on the mental health of many.

Services under development for delivery during the COVID-19 restrictions

It is widely recognised that culture and heritage engagement can be of great benefit to psychological and emotional well-being, as well as being significantly beneficial for audiences' educational and professional development. It is therefore very important that, while visiting historic and other heritage sites is not possible, other forms of interaction and participation are widely available to enhance what for many are now considerably restricted environments and experiences, and stressful circumstances.

In response to these challenges, I am exploring how I might re-write some of the sessions designed for delivery at historic sites, for presentation as remote (e.g. audio / video streaming) events (potentially incorporating live home-based participation); and as audio-visual presentations and digital resource packs to view online and download. As most schools are now closed, and most parents of small children are now faced with providing for their education and occupation at home for at least several weeks, I hope to include some materials that families might do together, alongside those aimed at my principle adult audience.

In re-writing and -organising events, I aim to provide a selection of resources and events that are both 'fun' and educational, some potentially providing brief respite from current problems. Others may focus on 'learning from the past', at times approaching 'uncomfortable' topical subjects (such as death and disease). In this way, content and materials might both provide information that challenges misuse of history in 'scare-mongering', and propagating harmful 'myths'; and generate 'difficult' but necessary consideration and discussion of sensitive issues. Exploring common experiences, past and present, as well as highlighting differences, might also bring comfort, and a induce a sense of control, potentially reducing anxieties by enhancing knowledge and understanding.

While as an independent educator I do not provide accredited educational courses, I am endeavouring to incorporate (optional) assessed participation within some sessions and resources, in recognition that many find stimulation and sense of achievement through evaluated learning formats; and I am working towards providing quizzes and informal competitions through which local communities might extend social networks.

Original material for the 'Austen Age' Time 'Tec Taster Tournament: Seeking Sophie' challenge that I developed as part of the Antiquarian Academy 2018 Heritage Open Days event is still available (the resources are also collected together here), which is freely open to all. I am in the process of redeveloping this activity to more easily use online mapping resources (such as Google Maps Street Map facility), to prevent field trips. When completed, I will upload the resources to Seeking Sophie Time 'Tec Challenge page (on the Material Pasts Distance Learning & Family Activities page (permalinks to follow: password-access while under development).

I also hope to present free events for this year's HOD Festival in September, presented remotely, if restrictions are still in place; and if possible the CBA Festival of Archaeology in July, likewise delivered virtually if necessary.

Availability of modified services, events and resources

I'm aware that many are suffering loss or substantial reduction of earnings; and that charities are struggling to maintain crucial support for many already in dire need. So for the duration of this crisis, I hope to make at least some of these materials freely available, with others accessible through small donations to relevant charities by audiences / participants in a position to do so (waived to vulnerable & self-isolating persons, and those on low-incomes). I'm also looking into presenting more exclusive 'virtual visiting lectures' directed at families and households, remote-working businesses, and other groups; with all and any profits donated to relevant charities.

These revised services and resources will necessitate the acquisition of new skills; their production is therefore likely to take longer than I would wish. Although I have been exploring the provision of digital resources, such as tours, for some time; and over winter had been looking into providing digital workshops, craft packs and other resources; this has primarily been based around site visits. But I'm working as quickly as possible to get to grips with new approaches - and consequently different technology - so that I might make these available soon. Keep checking back here, and on social media, for updates (and / or join the mailing list).

Please let me know (using the contact form) if you are prospectively interested in any of these events, services and / or resources, so that I might direct my (limited) energies in the most efficient and beneficial way.

Best wishes to all at this difficult time.

Again, it's been a while. I had hoped to open the doors of the Antiquarian Academy once more back in summer 2019, after taking a trip for recuperation, but during which I took a turn for the worse, and returned home in even poorer health. This necessitated cancellation of the Heritage Open Days event I was hoping to host, and the Autumn / Winter teaching that I'd planned.

Since then I've undertaken specialist rehabilitation for the 'frail' and fatigued, and have been attempting to put into practice the guidance provided (I must now take this chance to say thanks to the fabulous staff at the RDH & LRCH - especially the two 'H's). This has enabled me to prepare for returning to teaching & some community work (though much fieldwork is now unfortunately beyond me for the foreseeable future). Frustratingly (I'm still working on the change of mindset required for the change of pace), from now on this must necessarily be less intensive & at a slower pace than previously.

Due to my prolonged 'sick leave' a large back-log of work has accumulated - especially that relating to the community projects with which I'm involved (being unavailable to train and manage volunteers to take up the slack), which will take quite a while to complete / write-up. Unable to do more than occasional teaching, I've also been without regular earnings for some time, so in preparing my occupational return I've had to prioritise professional employment.

To this aim, I've spent much time exploring and developing new approaches that easily accommodate additional disabilities in ways that wouldn't compromise either quality and content, or the enjoyment or achievements of prospective event / resource participants and audiences; and that require the absolute minimum of adjustments (principally being able to sit when required). 

This process has incorporate re-building my Material Pasts teaching website. The primary content is nearly completed, though the site still under construction while I add a little more information and fix broken links. There will be a wide range of new prospective events open for commission; and I'm just about in a position to follow-up some of the expressions of interest received last year. 

However, the current pandemic crisis means that this will all have to go on hold, and I must now focus my attention on again modifying teaching practice given the widespread restrictions that prevent many from working 'normally' (I'll discuss this more in a following post). So after nearly two years planning and preparing, it's back to the drawing board. But I have quite a few ideas that I'm starting to get excited about - so keep checking back (and / or join the mailing lists / follow the blog) here, on the Material Pasts website, and on social media, for updates.

I hope to be able to soon offer a number of free virtual events and resources (and may have some payed events & resources - the profits from which I intend to donate to relevant charities), that might go some way to keeping people entertained, thinking, and engaged with the historic environment, while confined to quarters.

More on these in a following post.

Mrs. Leach Christmastide in the ‘Age of Austen’ Regency Revels, Georgian Gambols & Festive Fare

*PLEASE NOTE EDIT: the next event is planned to take place on 20 Dec. 2017, 7 - 8.30 pm, at Mrs. Leach's establishment in Derby. 

As my most-loved time in all the year, I am exceedingly pleased to be able to provide an event that revels in the beliefs of customs Christmases past: 'Christmastide in the ‘Age of Austen’ Regency Revels, Georgian Gambols & Festive Fare'.

I hope that this seasonal offering will become an annual tradition in itself; this year's December talk  - which forms part of the series of events that I intend to hold until summer 2018, concentrating on the time in which Britain's favourite female author lived and died, as part of the Bicentenary commemorations - will focus on the 'Age of Austen'

Centring on the 1770s - 1810s, the Christmastide talk considers celebrations before those of the Victorian period, with which many today are more familiar. In order to explore continuities (some of which have evolved into modern-day practices) and change (resulting in the loss of once popular customs), I will also include information about the two decade's between Jane Austen's death, and the start of Queen Victoria's reign, thus examining the late Georgian & Regency eras more fully, and including an array of attractive and intriguing material. 

I shall approach the topic through a number of themes to over-view attitudes, beliefs, and customs of the time surrounding Christmas past and present, using Jane Austen's work, and early biographies; a range of written and audio sources and images, including diaries and letters, newspapers & magazines, literature, poetry, and music; prints & art; and - of course, from an archaeological perspective - various aspects of material culture. This array of sources will pay particular attention to Derby, Derbyshire, and the East Midlands. 

The themes begin with 'Ancient Origins & Antiquarian 'Inventions'. This will touch upon pre-Roman, Classical, Medieval and Early Modern traditions, by considering Antiquarian interest in and '(re-)envisioning' of Christmas customs in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. It will explore concerns of the 'Austen Age' that Christmas and other ancient English customs were under threat, considering how this related to war, urbanisation, and industrialisation, and  measures taken to preserve 'olde' ways. (This will integrate my own ongoing research into the effects of Antiquarianism upon ritual and belief in the past).

The second theme, 'Festive Families and Community Care', will explore Christmas trade and travel, briefly considering commerce, holidays, and transportation - notably that popular seasonal motif: coach travel; and the most significant factor of the Victorian (and subsequent) Christmas: the family. It will also touch upon faith and belief; and explore charity and gift-giving at Christmas time.

The final theme - 'Festive Food, Fun, and Games' - will look at seasonal amusements & pastimes, including the theatre, community entertainments, and domestic traditions, such as card-playing and party games. No exploration of Christmas would be complete without a foray into food and drink, which will conclude the talk, considering recipes of the day, and how food and drink was integrated with the Christmas calendar, and customs.

The event will be held in the 'common parlour' of the 'Academy', which (though limiting the number of available places)[1] enables the creation of a cosy 'atmosphere', through colour and candlelight, fabrics and furniture (& possibly firelight!),[2] and material culture and costume. I will as usual (in the guise of Mrs. Leach) be clothed in period dress - and 'Academy pupils' garbed in their own Regency- and late Georgian-style attire will be welcome!

Tickets cost £3.50 pp (purchases online accruing an additional Eventbrite fees of 87p), and may be obtained online by clicking this link; the 'Buy Tickets' button bellow; the 'Register' buttons at the top right of the webpage, or by using the form at the end of this post.

Update: Early Bird offer has now expired, but there's a discount of £1 for those who attend in Regency costume! Enter the promo code Costume_Concession

Tickets may also be obtained on request by email: antiquarianacademy@gmail.com, or text: 07903 237953 (Paypal); or by post: Lymehurst, 1 West Park Rd., Derby, DE22 1GG (cheque & SAE).

For more information, see the Eventbrite page; Facebook event page; Twitter: @LadyAntiquary; or by text, email, or post.

It would be great to know if readers are interested in this event - even if unable to attend (so that I might better plan this and future events), using website comments, Twitter, Facebook; or email. 

I hope to see some readers at the event! 

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Notes

[1] A minimum number of places need to be filled for the event to proceed.

[2] Should conditions be suitable.

Journal: January 9th. Reflections on Twelfth Night

Now that my Twelfth Night guests have departed, I might briefly reflect upon the delightful time that was had by all on the 6th – the festivities even more splendid than on Christmas Day or New Year’s Eve!

We were fortune to purchase one of Johnson’s prize Twelfth cakes – such magnificence: sweet icing, rich and juicy fruit, delicate figures decorating the top, and what a size! Perhaps I shall bake my own Twelfth cake next year?

Derby Mercury report (12th January, 1804) on Twelfth Night Masquerade Ball

Although grander households (and increasingly, commercial establishment) throw masquerade balls on this night (of which we know from newspaper reports, and only rarely from invitation!), we contented ourselves with more modest masques. We had purchased a set of Twelfth Night character cards from Johnson’s; Dr Leach (of course!) King, and I the Queen (as would only be fitting!), our guests assuming the role of other courtiers – so much gaiety! I might even create my own set of cards for next year’s party, with characters better suited to the temperaments of our guests!

My antiquarian interests inform me of majestic and noble traditions (surely following the lead of their betters, also the poor and middling sorts!) of gambling on Twelfth Night, although I see no such sports mentioned in the press in these early years of the nineteenth century. Notwithstanding, we follow old court traditions by playing at dice and cards – although our stakes were surely much more meagre than those of wealthier citizens, and more generous than those of our more humble neighbours.

We ended the evening with the forfeits contrived earlier by those forgetting to remain in the character that they had drawn. However, (as my 21st century self has noted previously) we decided to forego Ravel's suggestions and instead fulfilled less boisterous, and more seemly, penalties.

I can now look forward to what this year might bring, and hope that it will be as happy for my family and companions (and I trust, my servants and forthcoming pupils) as it has been in recent months.