March 10–12, 2023 JB weekend and AGM, Oxford
More than 70 members got together for a fantastic weekend in Oxford.
The weekend in Oxford started with an entertaining talk on JB’s early poetry, illustrated with song performances by Prof Kevin Hutchings of Prince George University, British Columbia, on the Friday. A bonus set of Buchan-related tunes on fiddle and accordion from Ann Stonehouse (JBJ editor) and Chris Oxtoby (our JB website designer) rounded off a cracking evening.
On Saturday we headed in to the Weston Library for a fascinating talk by Dr Michael Redley (former editor of the JBJ) on JB’s return to Oxford, followed by a private viewing of manuscripts, letters and other documents relating to JB from the Bodleian’s archives (including JB’s extraordinarily neat if barely legible hand-written manuscript of The Massacre of Glencoe). Many of us then followed JB’s trail around the city, visiting Brasenose by special arrangement. After the AGM, we were treated to a talk by Lord Tweedsmuir on ‘John Macnab and the Great War’, before an excellent dinner.
On Sunday members attended a special service at Elsfield Church, with a reading by Ursula Buchan and a sermon given by Charles Wide on the theme of redemption in Sick Heart River. We then walked along the road for tea and coffee at Elsfield Manor, courtesy of David and Lisa Buchan, where we could explore the newly restored temple in the garden, before going our separate ways. It was a wonderful way to end our visit to Oxford, and we are grateful to all the individuals who helped make it such a special one.
Look out for follow-ups here, including a recording of Dr Redley’s talk, and links to Prof Hutchings’ new recordings of songs.
Members can view more photos from the weekend here.
