Date/Time
Date(s) - 20th Jan 2026
14:00-15:30
Location
St Matthew's Church
Categories
Sir Edward Elgar (1857-1934) is not only one of England’s greatest composers (some would argue the greatest), he is also one of the most remarkable of composers. From a small businessman’s family in Worcestershire, he taught himself composition and went on to write symphonies, concertos, choral works and chamber music of enduring beauty. He received due recognition in his lifetime, being knighted, becoming a Companion of Honour and Master of the King’s Music. Yet there was an underlying insecurity in his personality, and even before his death he was considered out of step with the times. His music fell out of fashion in the 1960s and 1970s before a revival led to a rediscovery of his works and a reassertion of his position not only as a great composer, but also a popular one, with his ‘Land of Hope and Glory’ becoming almost a second national anthem. But there is so much more to the man and his music, as former chief constable and Elgar enthusiast Dr Tim Brain will explore.
After a career in policing, in which he served in several forces and was Chief Constable of Gloucestershire from 2001-10, Dr Timothy Brain has since been a prominent lecturer, broadcaster and author. He is a regular broadcaster and popular lecturer on subjects ranging from policing, history, military history, and music, and has written three major works on policing, in addition to editing his late uncle’s war memoirs, The Gloucestershire Regiment in Europe 1944-45, published by the Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum in 2019.
Cost per person including tea/coffee and cake: FoTW members £11, non-members £13
Non-members welcome.
If you have any questions about the event or booking please phone Alison on 01242 519413 or Sue Reeves on 01242 675497 or email events@friendsofthewilson.org.uk.
Please book using one of the following options:
- On-line bookings with a debit or credit card can be made using the form below.
- Bank transfer – please email events@friendsofthewilson.org.uk to let us know you have sent your transfer so that we can send you a booking confirmation. Bank transfers should be made to Friends of The Wilson Sort Code 30-91-87 Account 00005816. The reference must include your surname plus as much of the event title as will fit, for example SMITH ELGAR.
- Cheque – please complete a booking form (download here ) and post it with your cheque. Please make cheques payable to Friends of The Wilson and send with a SAE or clearly written email address to Mrs Alison Pascoe, 77 Naunton Lane, Cheltenham, GL53 7AZ.
Places are not confirmed until payment is received.
Terms & Conditions: When taking part in the talk please follow these guidelines:
- Please do not attend a talk if you have any Covid-19 symptoms
- You are undertaking this event at your own risk
If you have any problems with our booking system please email events@friendsofthewilson.org.uk and we will be happy to help.