My role is to prepare the monthly lecture programme which is a key aspect of  NADFAS. All NADFAS lecturers are vetted by a panel in NADFAS House in London before being added to the Directory. The Directory includes all accredited lecturers, their lecture titles and curriculum vitae and is regularly updated, thus is a great help in the selection of lecturers. This information is now also online and a recent innovation is the addition of a synopsis of many of the lectures which is a great help in the selection of topics and speakers.

In addition to the Directory, there are annual meetings in London and in the South West area which programme secretaries normally attend to meet or discuss lecturers. At the London meeting new lecturers give a two minute presentation and existing lecturers who wish to lecture on a new subject a one minute presentation. Afterwards the programme secretaries and others present visit the lecturers 'stalls'. There are usually large queues at the tables of the most popular lecturers! It is usually necessary to book the best lecturers about two years ahead.

In selecting subjects for lectures I am guided by the NADFAS definition of decorative and fine arts which is as follows:

'The study of history, social history, techniques and materials, design and manufacture and collections of: architecture, painting, prints, sculpture, textiles, furniture, furnishings, costume, glass and ceramics, enamel, metalwork, garden design and installation art; as well as the lives and influences of the artists, architects, craftsmen and patrons involved. Music, theatre and literature can play an important part in illustrating art'.

Other factors which influence my choice of lectures include requests from members of Exe DFAS, major exhibitions and artists' anniversaries. Suggestions from members for lecturers and/or topics for future programmes are always welcome, though it may be a year or two before responding to your requests as the programmes are prepared well in advance in order to book the best lecturers. In the 2011/2012 programme I am delighted to have been able to include five lectures in response to members' requests.