The December meeting of The Arts Society Dukeries, on Wednesday 5th December, will be a lecture by Rupert Willoughby on ‘Basingstoke and its contribution to world culture — post war development in a typical English town’.
One of the most derided towns in England, renowned for its dullness, Basingstoke is distinguished only by its numerous roundabouts and absurd Modernist architecture. Rupert explains that the post-war planners, who inflicted such features as ‘the Great Wall of Basingstoke’ on the town, were politically-motivated and bent on destroying all traces of its past. He reveals the nobler Basingstoke that is buried beneath the concrete, and the few historic gems that have survived the holocaust. Hilariously told, it is a story that neatly illustrates the ugliest episode in England’s architectural history. As Betjeman wrote prophetically, ‘What goes for Basingstoke goes for most English towns’.
The group meets at the Civic Centre, Long Lane, Carlton-in-Lindrick S81 9AP. Doors open at 10.00am for coffee and the lecture is 11.00am to 12.00pm. Visitors are very welcome to come to meetings at a cost of £6.00 per lecture. There is a free car park at the centre. For further details of the lecture programme and about the Society, please speak to Anthony on 01909 731415 or Gill on 01909 540506 or see www.theartssociety.org.uk/dukeries.
