DONALD Jackson has lovely handwriting.

He has also been described as one of the world’s greatest calligraphers.

He will be coming to Ludlow to demonstrate his skills.

His illustrated talk is part of a programme of ‘talk and tea’ organised by the Ludlow Palmers.

“I would go further in saying that he is the greatest calligrapher in the Western World,” said Ludlow resident Juliet Diamond.

“And, as for the St. John’s Bible, it is breath-taking! The talk is one that will not be repeated, and I’d hate anyone interested in the visually beautiful to miss it.”

Mr Jackson is a former Queen’s Scribe.

Members of the medieval Ludlow Palmers Guild paid an annual membership fee (equivalent to £220 in today’s money) to help members ‘reduced to poverty by theft, fire, shipwreck or other mishap or wrongfully imprisoned anywhere in England, to provide assistance during temporary sickness or incurable disease or as a dowry for sisters of the Guild on their marriage or entry into religion.’

For nearly 300 years, until the Guild’s suppression by Edward VI, the Ludlow Palmers provided St Laurence Church with financial resources to maintain and enhance the building.

The magnificent building, beautiful ceilings, rare medieval stained-glass windows, and historic misericords are a few of the Ludlow Palmers Guild’s legacies to Ludlow and the nation.

Founded in 2006, today’s Conservation Trust for St Laurence and its fund-raising arm — the Ludlow Palmers — support the repair and conservation of St Laurence’s fabric and historical treasures.

Membership in the modern Ludlow Palmers is based on positions assigned to medieval Guild members: Palmers, Stewards and Wardens.

The Making of the St John’s Bible, a talk by Donald Jackson is at Ludlow Methodist Church on Thursday, September 19 between 3.30pm and 5pm. Tickets are £5 on the door.