Above: Claus Olesen, Chairman Gibraltar (left), with William Dawson, Area Chairman Mainland EuropeLeft: Gibraltar DFAS is active on social media sites such as Facebookcommunity and word of mouth is a very important advertising tool.JQ: How would you describe your membership and why do you think NADFAS works in Gibraltar? CO: Our target audience is very interested in the arts and quite a few artists have joined; they are delighted by the varied lecture programme that is on offer. We also have an incredible number of professional business people including some lawyers and accountants. JQ: You share your lecture programme with neighbouring DFAS de la Frontera. How does that work for both of you? CO: When we fi rst set up, we were too late to put our programme together but we were lucky that the Programme Secretary for DFAS de la Frontera was able to arrange for the lecturers to do both their morning session, and our evening session. This year, our own Programme Secretary, Sarah Beckwith, was able to join Jo Ward at the Annual Directory Meeting, to help select the lecturers and to learn more about the process. By sharing a lecturer with de la Frontera we are able to share some costs, which is really important to us. I am really pleased with our programme. Many people have contributed to the success of Gibraltar DFAS; all those early supporters who offered advice and, of course, the committee who oversee the smooth running of the Society. Thank you to them all. JQ: What do you enjoy most about being part of NADFAS?CO: Having attended lectures in Fuengirola and San Roque Golf Club for years, and now in Gibraltar, I really enjoy how the lecturers bring the topics to life and really put culture, art, history, and politics into context.JQ: What are your tips for prospective new Societies?CO:. Check the fi nances. Can you balance the books in year one? . Analyse your area. Is there a need? Are there similar local Societies?. Talk to people experienced in setting up local Societies.. Stay positive and be realistic.. Identify key people who will remain for at least the full fi rst season, such as a Chairman, Programme Secretary and Treasurer.. Volunteers are important. The small things make a big difference. . Have regular committee meetings and stay in contact by email and by phone.. Stay in close contact with NADFAS House. Find out about all the grants, fi nancial assistance, and non-fi nancial help that is available such as marketing material and training. . Speak to the Chairmen of successful Societies in your area. . Use electronic communications including email, websites and Facebook.. Build a relationship with your local press and supply material that is ready to print.. Price membership and guest entry fee carefully. ?Our European Societies are always delighted to receive visitors from the UK so if you are going on holiday why not try and include a visit. For contact details visit www.nadfas.org.ukwww.nadfas.org.uk NADFAS REVIEW / SPRING 2012 65 OVERSEAS DFAS

St Luke's School in Redbourn caters for children with learning diffi culties and draws its students from all over Hertfordshire. Harpenden Evening DFAS donated funds that enabled the school to obtain the services of sculptor Philip Melling. The plan was to make a spiral form of sculpture with animal shapes, chosen and made by the students, welded into the frame. The completed artwork is now displayed on the wall adjacent to the school entrance. The HEDFAS Young Arts representative, Diana Godden, and Chairman Colin Robinson visited the school to see the work in progress. Diana said: "The staff at the school were immensely appreciative of our donation and we could see how much the students were gaining from it. They will see the fruits of their labour every day at school."In October, National Chairman Gri Harrison came to lunch with the Vale of Aylesbury DFAS committee to meet its Founder Chairman Diana Good (pictured with Gri Harrison) and to catch up with Diana's daughter, Nicky Bancroft, with whom she had been at school. Diana was a friend of the late Patricia Fay who started Chiltern DFAS, the fi rst Fine Arts group. Some 45 years ago Diana was persuaded by her to start up the second Fine Arts group - now Vale of Aylesbury DFAS.Borders DFAS Church Recorders are celebrating after completing their latest Record - at Jedburgh Old and Trinity Parish Church on 6 November. Pictured (left-right) are: Violet Hobbs, Church Recorder, recently retired; Chairman Clova Reid; Mary Balfour, leader of the Church Recording group; Minister Graham Astles; and Joan Stafford Badger, Church Recorder.Societies NewsA snapshot of Society and Area activities across the countryAnimal magic for Harpenden Evening DFASOne for the Record at BordersA fi ne lunch in the Vale of Aylesbury After two years' work, Haslemere DFAS's fi rst Church Record was presented to the new Rector of Haslemere, the Rev Mary Bowden, at her fi rst service in St Christopher's church on 18 September. A special service was attended by the regular congregation and many visitors, including the 15 HDFAS Recorders. Also present were Dr Roger Allen, West Surrey Area Chairman; Barbara Naylor, West Surrey Area Representative for Church Recording; James Edwards, Mayor of Haslemere; Roscelin Rees, HDFAS President; and Penny Davidson, HDFAS Chairman. Refreshments and a celebration cake were provided by the church for all to enjoy afterwards. St Christopher's is a listed Arts and Crafts building, with a beautiful harmonious interior. Its architect, Charles Spooner (a disciple of William Morris), designed most of the furnishings although many of them were not put in place for some years.Haslemere fi nishes Record 66 NADFAS REVIEW / SPRING 2012 www.nadfas.org.ukSOCIETIES/AREAS NEWS