ON Friday, January 11, we were treated to a fascinating talk by Caroline Swash entitled Henry Payne, Stained Glass Artist: the Malvern connection.

A distinguished stained glass artist and author in her own right, Caroline gave a most interesting illustrated talk about her grandfather, Henry Payne.

Some of Henry’s best works are in the Malvern area, his works included the wall paintings of the chapel at Madresfield Court, the east window at St Mary’s Church, Madresfield and stained glass windows at All Saints’ Church, Malvern Wells.

We saw captivating examples of Henry’s cartoons, a full-sized drawing carried out in preparation for producing a stained glass window.

The Dream of Saint Kenelm was an example of Henry’s work, the first known stained glass panel that he did following his own studies.

She added that the Malvern Hills are always in Henry’s windows and that in 1909 his family moved to Gloucestershire.

In 1901 Henry married Edith Gere and it was their son, Edward who was Caroline’s father.

A short talk was also given by Martin Laurence, group coordinator for the Neighbourhood Watch network of Malvern town.

More coordinators are needed. For further details e-mail Martin at friends@theoctagon.org.uk Chairman Roger Sutton flagged up some of our forthcoming events which are listed on the website www.malverncivicsociety.

org.uk. This also includes information on the George Chesterton Memorial Fund.

The next talk is different to the schedule: it will be given by Sue Burn and is called Batsford Arboretum through the year. The venue and time are Friday, February 8 at 7.30pm at Christ Church in Avenue Road.

DENISE PRESTON