An evening with Professor Joann Fletcher and Dr Stephen Buckley

For the fourth year running, Beverley Rotary Club was delighted to present the eminent media presenters and Egyptologists, Professor Joann Fletcher and her partner Dr Stephen Buckley, for a fabulous evening of entertainment uncovering the latest findings and developments in the land of the pharaohs. Accompanied by a fine meal conjured up by Tickton Grange head chef David Nowell, harmonising perfectly with the theme, it made for a very memorable evening.

Jo’s third excellent BBC four-part series ‘Immortal Egypt with Joann Fletcher’ screened in January, has further enhanced her reputation as both an historian and a very watchable presenter. In front of a live audience, many of whom she now counts as friends, her warmth, humour and knowledge of her subject shone through even more passionately. She described the latest studies in the Valley of the Kings and the project to restore the traditionally built house at Elkab in Upper Egypt, home of early twentieth century architect and Egyptologist Somers Clarke.

Dr Buckley took over, his softer tone contrasting with his partner’s passion, but nonetheless enthralling. He described their research into mummification and detailing scientific evidence of Egyptian diet and trade with their neighbours, amazingly mostly gleaned from dental plaque recovered from mummified remains.

Even for those who have watched Jo Fletcher’s TV presentations, it is very hard to put into words the hold she is able to exert on her audience; suffice to say she is a natural, proud of her Barnsley heritage and in the confident command of her subject. Jo and Stephen have pledged to return to Beverley once again in November 2017. Book now to be sure not to miss them.

During the afternoon, Jo and Stephen had engaged with a small group of sixth form students in an inspiring and informal discussion of how they fought against careers advice to find not only their passionate calling, but also a lifelong partnership. ‘Mummifying Alan’, their award-winning Channel 4 film, particularly fascinated these young aspiring archaeologists. It was a privileged experience that is sure to remain long in their memories.