Happy New Year to all.

While we have our program for the year well advanced, our Winter Seminar largely organised, and the selection process for our 2026 scholarship winner under way, the Circle is still facing an existential challenge. Despite approaching many, we have not yet been able to secure a new treasurer to replace our wonderful incumbent, Merilyn, who is retiring at the AGM in March.

As I have mentioned previously, the treasurer position is crucial to the Circle’s existence. We must have it filled to comply with our Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) obligations. Without a treasurer, the Circle cannot legally function.

Merilyn has agreed to stay on the committee for another year to support the transition. She assures us that the work is not onerous and is most happy to support the next incumbent. Therefore I am asking again for one fantastic Circle member to nominate to the position, even if only for one year.

We have a firm rule on the committee that no-one is compelled to continue and anyone can move on whenever they wish; so please consider putting your toe in the water, so to speak, and joining us. Please reach out to me or Merilyn, or any committee member.

2025 ended with a delightful Christmas supper and a truly international Show & Tell on the theme of ‘Joy’. We saw a charming Japanese ‘Koala’ tea-set, Lalique glass with a moving WWII provenance, 20th century Della Robbia glazed terracotta, a pair of much loved French gilt glass candlesticks, a ‘Persian’ influenced Russian mug and saucer, magnificent 18th century Chelsea figures, an elegant Venini glass nude, whimsical Australian works by Sylvia Halpern, a 19th century Chinese butterfly bowl, an 18th century Delft monkey jug and much, much more. The beautiful pieces and the personal stories made for a lovely end to the year.

Our first speaker for 2026, in February, will be Matthew Martin, Senior Lecturer in Art History and Curatorship at the University of Melbourne. Matthew will speak to us on ‘Sacred Ceramics: Meissen devotional sculptures for the Saxon court’. Matthew is a gifted, original researcher and a most entertaining speaker, so this will be an excellent start to the year’s program.

In March, along with our AGM, we’ll have another Show & Tell on the theme of ‘Sacred and Profane’. Perhaps you will draw inspiration from Matthew’s presentation, perhaps you have a pagan secret you’d like to share, perhaps you have something that defies explanation. Please bring it along.

Looking forward, and trusting that we do secure a new treasurer, our Winter Seminar, which is usually held at the end of May, will this year be held on Saturday 27th June, once again at the Johnston Collection. Please put this in your diary.

I look forward to seeing you all in February.

Genine Wallinga

President, January 2026