PETER Medhurst’s amusing and personal view of the Christmas tree, That Pretty German Toy, started with a carousel of Christmas trees, which gradually became more abstracted, commercial or weird.

A tree made of trainers raised a great laugh. A delightful talk followed, full of music, ancient and modern, interspersed with images of Christmas trees of every sort. He explained why a living tree was brought into the house and why presents hung from its branches, from both a pagan and a Christian perspective.

He enlarged on fairy lights, baubles, tinsel and the best source of lametta. An accomplished singer and musician, he sang the earliest documented carol, and wove a magical talk full of music and laughter. A wonderful start to the Christmas holidays.

Simon Morris, the engagement manager at Salisbury Arts Centre, gave a brief report on the mural at The Unit, Endless Street which received Sarum DFAS Young Arts award in 2014. More than 60 young people had been involved in its design and painting. It included illustrations of their many interests and recognisable portraits of its participants.

The next talk on Tuesday, January 13 on The Historical Use of Wall Papers in the British Interior will start promptly at 11am. Visitors are welcome, entrance costs £7. Meetings for 2015 will be held at the Methodist Church, St Edmund’s Church Street, Salisbury.