ADFAS celebrates an outstanding year of arts lectures

By publicity officer

Narrabri ADFAS conducted its AGM followed by a Christmas party on Sunday, November 27 at the home of John and Joan Melbourne.

ADFAS has enjoyed an outstanding year of arts lectures on topics ranging from magnificent glass sculptures, the emotive story of Vincent van Gogh, the intrigue of the seven wonders of the ancient world, a humorous look at the history of shoes, the controversy of the history of Moscow and St Petersburg, and a journey into the life of JMW Turner articulated in words and paint.

The arts lectures take place in cinema one at The Crossing Theatre, and the committee would like to convey their appreciation to staff for its support and efficiency in setting up the cinema each month to accommodate ADFAS lecturer’s illustrated presentations.

The arts lecture group was delighted to present inaugural chair and founder of ADFAS Narrabri, Mrs Rania Manchee with its first lifetime membership award on September 12.

Mrs Manchee was the inspiration behind setting up the steering committee in 1993 and launching the first ADFAS lecture in March 1994.

Earlier this year ADFAS had the pleasure of presenting our 2022 Young Arts Award to Narrabri High School’s drama room, which was in need of modifications and repair.

Narrabri High School head of drama Annie Manchee, ADFAS 2022 Young Arts recipient for the school’s drama room, Joan Longworth, Joan Burrell-Melbourne and Annie Lampe. Narrabri High School head of drama Annie Manchee, ADFAS 2022 Young Arts recipient for the school’s drama room, Joan Longworth, Joan Burrell-Melbourne and Annie Lampe.

ADFAS Membership secretary Annette Tredrea and treasurer Nanette Watson. ADFAS Membership secretary Annette Tredrea and treasurer Nanette Watson.

Young Arts Program convenor Judy Pownall, Carolyn Michell and Bill Pownall. Young Arts Program convenor Judy Pownall, Carolyn Michell and Bill Pownall.

Anne Boehm, grants officer and vice chair Fiona Groeneveld, and secretary Kay Durham. Anne Boehm, grants officer and vice chair Fiona Groeneveld, and secretary Kay Durham.

Chair Elizabeth Campbell, Dinah Walter, Jenny Grellman and Annie Lampe. Chair Elizabeth Campbell, Dinah Walter, Jenny Grellman and Annie Lampe.

Joan Burrell-Melbourne and 2022 Life Member awardee Rania Manchee with Lionel Manchee. Joan Burrell-Melbourne and 2022 Life Member awardee Rania Manchee with Lionel Manchee.

2022 Young Arts Award recipient Narrabri High School head teacher Annie Manchee, for the school’s drama room, with secretary Kay Durham. 2022 Young Arts Award recipient Narrabri High School head teacher Annie Manchee, for the school’s drama room, with secretary Kay Durham.

Head teacher Annie Manchee was thrilled to receive the award and with consultation with her drama students throughout the year, has been busy planning and carrying out improvements to the room. Ms Manchee addressed the meeting and thanked members for their support.

“We would never have been able to carry out the modifications without this donation to the drama room”, said Ms Manchee.

“The students have been excitedly putting together spotlights and sets of led lighting which can create all sorts of effects such as thunderstorms.

“We are also thrilled to have been able to purchase digital scenery boards to the stage.

“The school has matched the ADFAS donation and the improvements to the room have made a world of difference to my drama students.”

Targeting school and community arts groups, the award is presented annually and is only possible due to the generosity of members and friends of ADFAS who have made contributions to the fund.

The committee would like to convey its heartfelt thanks to all those who donated towards this year’s ADFAS Young Arts program.

Chair Elizabeth Campbell thanked the group’s Moree patrons who supported the Moree coach service during 2022.

The support of members of ADFAS and visitors to lectures was acknowledged with thanks and the committee congratulated for their and hard work throughout the year, all factors which contribute hugely to the running of a successful organisation.

The chair’s position was vacated, and temporary chair Bill Pownall conducted the election of office bearers.

Incoming executive positions for 2023 are chairperson and media Elizabeth Campbell, vice chair and grants officer Fiona Groeneveld, secretary Kay Durham, treasurer Nanette Watson, membership secretary Annette Tredrea and Young Arts Program convenor Judy Pownall. The 2023 committee members elected are Joan Longworth, Joan Burrell-Melbourne, Jenny Falkiner, Barbara Francis and Anne Boehm.