AROUND 170 people packed out the Charter Hall on February 8 for the inaugural meeting of the Dartmoor Decorative and Fine Arts Society.

Gri Harrison, chairman of the National Association of Decorative and Fine Art Societies, welcomed the society to membership of NADFAS as its 365th member.

The guest speaker was author and broadcaster Rupert Willoughby, who gave an engaging talk on the events leading up to the creation of the Bayeux Tapestry, and how despite the tapestry being commissioned by William the Conqueror's half-brother, the English embroiderers who made it managed to ensure that proper respect was shown for the slain Harold and his vanquished army.

At the group's next meeting on Wednesday March 14, Dr Geri Parlby will talk about the hidden meanings contained within the art of the Da Vinci Code. On Wednesday, April 11, Ann Sweeney will be delving behind the scenes of Samuel Pepys' London.

Each meeting will be held in the Charter Hall on the second Wednesday of each month. Doors open at 10am for refreshments, with talks starting at 10.30am. All are welcome to attend. The price for non members is £5, with membership costing £45 per year, or £85 for a couple.

To join the group, e-mail membership secretary Alex Crosthwaite Eyre on [email protected]">[email protected]

For more information on the groups call John Milton on 01647 432510.