The Arts Society is celebrating its Golden Jubilee with a lecture ‘Who Says? Can We Trust the Experts on Good and Bad Art?’ given by David Phillips. The lecture will be preceded by a Reception in the Jekyll Garden with drinks and canapés. A programme of music – from Baroque to Jazz – will be performed during the Reception by celebrated harpist Pervin Shahin. All are welcome.

Art critics and experts are often hilariously lampooned. David Phillips considers the bafflingly mysterious Polish Rider in the Frick Collection, New York, and the scrupulous scholarship involved over decades to settle just which paintings are genuine Rembrandts. World Leonardo authority, Martin Kemp, is utterly convinced he has discovered a new work by the master (but many specialists beg to differ) and a blazing dispute is underway (with millions of dollars at stake) about what is authentic, and what is not, in the work of  Andy Warhol. Sometimes experts may not have been acting in good faith – or are just plain bent.  Finally, Phillips asks, who is to say that Picasso is a greater artist than Edward Seago?

18.30 – 19.30 - Reception in the Jekyll Garden

19.30 – 20.30 - Lecture in the Amey Theatre

Tickets are £12.50 available from info@theartssocietyabingdon.org.uk

Richard Parks spent thirteen years as a professional rugby player, representing Wales at international level, before his career was cut short by injury in 2009.  With no prospect of a return to rugby Richard has described how he struggled in “one of the darkest places I’d been to”.

Gradually – and with a bit of inspiration from Ranulph Fiennes - Richard began to find that adventure and exploration, and all the challenges that come with it, could offer him a new focus.  Richard is now a well-known TV presenter and sports ambassador having completed a range of endurance challenges around the world – from adventures close to home in his popular BBC series “Extreme Wales” to reaching all 7 Summits and both poles in just 7 months during his “737 Challenge”.

Join us as Richard takes us on his personal journey, from his challenging lows to the summits of peaks around the world.

To book tickets, please visit the Horizon Lectures website.

The story of the apocalyptic final year of the Great War, as the British and German armies are tested like never before. A lecture by BBC historical advisor Gareth Howell, accompanied by a comprehensive ordnance display by collector Rick Stevens.

No age restriction, but recommended for ages 10+.