Our second speaker was Jonathan Ouvry, great-great-grandson of George Henry Lewes and former president of the Fellowship

The final session consisted of two speakers, Simon Sargent and John Burton. Simon gave a fascinating talk on the Cash family from Coventry.

The day was rounded off beautifully with a selection of stimulating folk songs performed by Daisybell.

The first speaker was Dr John Rignall, president of the George Eliot Fellowship and author of several books on local history.

People gathered around the George Eliot Obelisk in glorious weather, to lay wreaths and pay tribute to George Eliot.

The final speaker was John Burton, chairman of the George Eliot Fellowship since 2006 and author of several books on local history.

The first of the afternoon speakers was Valerie Fehlbaum, an Oxford graduate and former lecturer at the University of Geneva. Her knowledge of Geneva and Durade made her talk particularly insighful.

The second speaker was Joanne Shattock, Emertius Professor of Victorian Literature at the University of Leicester. Her talk concerned Margaret Oliphant and John Blackwood.

The first speaker was Jane Robinson, Senior Associate of Somerville College, Oxford. Her talk was based on her latest book 'Trailblazer'  a biography of Barbara Bodichon.

Council members chose a selection of readings from George Eliot novels concerning marriages and relationships.