The Hopkins Society was formed in 1989 after the success of celebrations in North Wales of the centenary of Gerard Manley Hopkins' death. It aims to celebrate Hopkins' contribution to English Literature, keep members informed of recent news and research about Hopkins, hold Hopkins study days, an annual Hopkins lecture and produce a journal. Meetings are held in the Spring and Autumn. The society aims to have at least one meeting a year based in Wales and/or the North West where Hopkins trained as a Jesuit at St Beuno's (left) and was a Curate at St Francis Xavier's Church in Liverpool. From time to time the annual lectures given by distinguished speakers are published and available to buy. (see Resources page for further information) STOP PRESS - LATEST NEWS 1. Postponement of 27 June Hopkins Day (see forthcoming events) Because of the continuing restrictions and closure of churches with the coronavirus, the planned Hopkins Day at Haslemere on Saturday 27 June is postponed until 2021. 2. Gravestone of Hopkins’ parents We had planned to visit the churchyard in Haslemere where Gerard’s parents and sisters are buried and to invite donations on 27 June towards the upkeep of those monuments. Philip Hunt, the churchyard representative, has organised the reinstatement of the cross and restoration of the inscription on the gravestone of Kate and Manley. That work will cost £224.40 + VAT. As we are not able to visit this year, you might like to make a contribution towards that cost.... see forthcoming events page for details .... 3. A Hopkins Society member, Dudley Harrop has penned a sonnet about the Lockdown! Turn to the Serendipity section and you'll see that it's actually a palimpsest of borrowings from other Hopkins poems; there are in fact 20 quotations from 15 different poems. He wonders whether Hopkins Society members might like to see if they can identify these quotations - answers are now included with the sonnet .... 4. It was noted this week that the comedian Frank Skinner had posted an analysis of 'The Windhover' on his poetry podcasts - well worth listening to … a link has been posted in Serendipity …. For membership details and to join the Society, please print out the form downloadable on the right, fill in and then forward to the Membership Secretary: Claire Hutt 17 Victoria Road, Stockton Heath Warrington WA4 2AL enclosing a cheque made out to 'The Hopkins Society' or email alisaclaire@talktalk.net (Also if you have any general queries about the Hopkins Society) Annual membership fees: (from 01.01.2021 - adjusted if you join now) Adults £18.00 Overseas £25.00 Students £10.00 |
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