Once again, we were delighted to welcome Gillian Stapleton as guest speaker at this meeting. She presented her now famous "Undressing Mr Darcy" presentation, (and YES! she did almost undress him!!). Returning from a stroll a bout town, the well dressed dandy Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy, an impressive sight in his Regency costume, prepared to undress... Is he a Rake, a Beau or a 'Pink of the Ton'?  (Nearly) all was revealed as costume expert Gillian Stapleton took off the layers before our very eyes in this hugely popular presentation.

She brought with her minutely researched and fabulous reproduction garments hand made by herself.  These were accompanied by accessories and hisorical items from her collection and the whole presentation was levened with detailed facts  , figures and readings from contemporary literature.

We had a record audience for this event and all those who attended expressed delight in what they had seen.

Lunch had been booked for those who wanted it in nearby The Leeds University Cafeteria and the day was completed by a visit to the Marks and Spencer Exhibition, "Marks in Time: 125 years of Marks & Spencer"  which was adjacent to the Cafeteria-area within the Parkinson Building of the University.  There was an unexpected bonus in that the University Brotherton Library was also hosting an Open Day.