Somerset Archaeological and Natural History Society
Previous Visits and Events
ABBREVIATIONS: ARCH Archaeology, HB Historic Buildings, LH Local History, NH Natural History
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Saturday
9th March 2.30 pm
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THE DIGGERS WANT TO MOVE IN? ENVIRONMENTAL CONFLICT (NH)
Speaker: Mrs Pat Hill-Cottingham
Venue Wyndham Hall, Taunton Castle
Wednesday
13th March 7.30 pm
THE HYLTON FAMILY OF AMMERDOWN (LH)
Speaker: Mrs Janet Tall
Venue: County Record Office, Obridge Road, Taunton
Thursday
21st March, 2002, 2.30 pm
EAST COKER CHURCH and COURT (HB)
Leader: Alex Maxwell Findlater
Meet at: 2.30 pm - East Coker Church (539122)
move on to East Coker Court
Saturday
23rd March, 2002, 2.30 pm
EARLY PURBECK MARBLE SLABS (Arch)
Speakers: Brian and Moira Gittos
Venue: Wyndham Hall, Taunton Castle
Saturday
20th April, 2002, 2.30 pm
COURT FARM, WOOKEY (HB)
and other places of interest in Wookey
Tea afterwards Review
Leader: Anthony Bruce
Meet at: Entrance - Praywater Road (519457)
Saturday
27th April, 2002, 2.30 pm
SOMERSET ORCHIDS (NH)
Speaker: Mr John Keylock
Venue: Wyndham Hall, Taunton Castle
Saturday
27th April, 2002, 10.00 am - 4.30 pm
CONFERENCE: "The Archaeology of World War II" (Arch)
held jointly with Fleet Air Arm Museum and sponsored by Flypast.
Venue: Fleet Air Arm Museum (Swordfish Centre) Cost: £12
Bookings by 12th April 2002 to Mrs Sue Wilson, Fleet Air Arm Museum, Box D6,
RNAS Yeovilton, Nr Ilchester, Somerset BA22 8HT
see Newsletter for further details.
Saturday
4th-Sunday 12th May, 2002,
LOCAL HISTORY WEEK (LH)
Wednesday
8th May, 2002, 2.15 pm and 7.00 pm
GUIDED TOUR OF THE SOCIETY'S LIBRARY WITH DAVID BROMWICH (Library)
Meet at: The Library, Paul Street, Taunton
Saturday
11th May, 2002, 10.30 am
BIRDS AND PLANTS OF WIMBLEBALL LAKE (NH)
Leader: Dr Philip Radford
Meet at: Haddon Hill car park (SS 981287)
Bring packed lunch and stout boots.
Saturday
11th May, 2002, 2.30 pm
EAST LAMBROOK MANOR (HB)
Mediaeval house with 16th century additions including justice room. Renowned
Margery Fish garden. www.eastlambrook.com
£5 including tea. Review
Leader: Christopher Chanter
Meet at: Manor
Saturday
18th May, 2002, 10.30 am
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
and Presidential Address by Lord Rees Mogg
Merlin Theatre, Frome
Sunday 19th
May, 2002,
VISIT TO REDCLIFFE CAVES (Arch)
Limited places so booking essential.
Cost: £3, to be paid in advance
Final date for booking: 1st May 2002
No lighting so efficient torch essential, stout shoes advisable.
See Newsletter for more information.
Saturday
8th June, 2002, 2.30 pm
CURRY RIVEL CHURCH and MIDELNEY PLACE (HB)
Leader: Alex Maxwell Findlater
Meet at: 2.30 pm - Curry Rivel Church (392254) - move on to Midelney Place
- entrance in main road from Curry Rivel to Langport (401255)
Saturday
22nd June, 2002, 10.30 am
DRAGONFLIES ON MENDIP (NH)
Leader: Dr Philip Radford
Meet by: Waldegrave Pool. Park in roadside car park. (ST 549513)
Bring packed lunch and stout boots.
Tuesday 25th
June, 2002, 9.30 pm
NIGHTJARS AT CROYDON HILL (NH)
Leader: David Ballance
Meet at: lay-by (SS 972418) at junction of track and Dunster-Luxborough road.
Stout footwear.
Saturday
29th June, 2002, 10.00 am - 4.00 pm
SOMERSET GARDENS (LH)
Venue: Clifford Hall, Cannington College
A symposium focusing on Somerset's rich garden heritage and the people who
created it. Review.
Speakers include Philip White on West Somerset landscape gardens and Professor
Michael Tooley on Gertrude Jekyll.
Lunch available if booked in advance.
Saturday
13th July, 2002, 11.00 am
FLORA AND FAUNA OF PINKWORTHY POND, EXMOOR (NH)
Leader: John Keylock
Meet at: Lay-by (SS 725404)
Bring packed lunch and stout footwear
Sunday 14th
July, 2002,
WEALD AND DOWNLAND MUSEUM, SINGLETON, SUSSEX (HB)
A day's outing with Chris Sidaway.
Depar:t: 8 am, Bridgwater
Numbers limited.. £15 entry and fare etc. Packed lunch or restaurant.
Last date for booking and payment of fee: 14th June 2002.
Tuesday 16th
July, 2002, 2.30 pm
THE PHELIPSES AND MONTACUTE HOUSE
(LH and HB) *
Talk by Dr Rebecca Sherrill More, followed by a tour of the house
Meet at: Montacute Church
Saturday
17th August, 2002, 11.00 am to 1.30 pm approx
VISIT TO BANWELL BONE CAVES and GROTTOS (NH)
Leader: Derek Briggs
Meet at: Caves (ST 382588)
Bring lunch and stout footwear.
Saturday
7th September, 2002,
VISIT TO STEEP HOLM (Arch)
led by Stan and Joan Rendell and concentrating on the archaeological aspects.
Booking essential. £14 per head for adults, £7 for ages 5-16.
Bookings must be made directly with Mrs Rendell, Secretary of the Kenneth
Allsop Memorial Trust. (Telephone 01934-632307)
Send cheque for full fare, made payable to Kenneth Allsop Memorial Trust,
to Mrs Rendell, Stonedale, 11 Fairfield Close, Milton, Weston-super-Mare,
BS22 8EA.
Saturday
7th September, 2002, 2.00 pm
CHURCHES IN THE PAWLETT AREA (HB)
Leader: Mark McDermott
Meet at: Pawlett Church (ST 301426)
Saturday
21st September, 2002, 11.00 am
FUNGUS FORAY ON EXMOOR (NH)
Leader: John Keylock
Meet at: Webber's Post car park (SS 902439)
Bring packed lunch and stout boots.
Saturday
5th October, 2002, 2.30 pm
VISIT TO HOLCOMBE COURT, HOLCOMBE ROGUS
(HB)
Meet at Holcombe Court (ST 055191)
20 maximum. Booking essential.
Saturday
5th October, 2002, 10.30 am (doors open 10.00 am)
STANDING CONFERENCE OF ASSOCIATED SOCIETIES ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
King Alfred's School, Burnham, courtesy of Burnham-on-Sea Archaeological and
Natural History Society and North Sedgemoor Local History Group. Review
10.00 am Refreshments
10.30 am Business meeting for Society representatives
11.00 am Talks - all are welcome
Richard Brunning, SCC Levels and Moors Archaeologist - 'Roman Salt Production
in Somerset'
11.50 am Sheila Brookes - 'Slides of Old Burnham and Highbridge'
12.45 pm: Lunch
(Bring picnic or visit café/pub in Burnham - approx 1 mile from the
school)
2.00 pm: A Walk around Burnham, including visit to St Andrews's Church, led
by G Brown and J Sheppard. (Meet at Somerfields car park)
or Visit to St Michael's Church, Brent Knoll - its history including bench
ends. Leader: J Page (Meet at the church at 2.15 pm - members will need their
own transport to get to Brent Knoll)
Saturday
12th October, 2002,
CONFERENCE: EARLY CHRISTIANITY IN THE SOUTH WEST (Arch)
It is regretted that this event has had to be postponed due to a similar event
having been arranged by CBA South West - to be held in Cheltenham on 9th November
- see Newsletter for details.
Saturday
26th October, 2002, 10.30 am
SYMPOSIUM: The West Country Tradition of Earthenware Pottery-Making (Arch)
In association with Somerset County Museums Service and the Verwood &
District Potteries Trust
Join the panel for a day workshop exploring and identifying the red earthenwares
that occur commonly on archaeological sites in Somerset.
Venue: Somerset County Museum, Taunton
Ticket £3, to include tea and coffee, available from the SANHS office
or the County Museum from 1st October.
Saturday
26th October, 2002, 11.00 am
CHEW VALLEY LAKE BIRDS (NH)
Leader: Mr Roy Brearley
Meet at: Herriott's Bridge (ST 572582)
Bring lunch and stout footwear.
Saturday
9th November, 2002, 2.30 pm
YE SPEDY REPAYR OF DECAY'D BRYDGES: BRIDGE MAINTENANCE IN SOMERSET SINCE 1530
(LH)
Speaker: David Greenfield
Venue: Somerset Record Office, Obridge Road, Taunton
David Greenfield's major research project on Somerset's historic bridges makes
him the expert on this neglected aspect of the county's heritage. Illustrated
with slides and original documents.
Saturday
16th November, 2002, 2.00 pm
MEARE CHURCH AND FISH HOUSE (HB)
Leaders: Mark McDermott and Jenny Chesher
Meet at: Meare Church (ST 455417) Review
Saturday
16th November, 2002, 2.30 pm
SOCIAL MEETING (NH)
Venue: Municipal Hall, Corporation Street, Taunton
Saturday
23rd November, 2002, 10.00 am - 4.30 pm
ANNUAL ARCHAEOLOGICAL SYMPOSIUM (Arch)
Venue: Bishop Fox's School, Taunton
Morning: A series of short presentations on work in the county during the
past year.
Afternoon: Dr Harold Mytum, York University - "Churchyard Recording"
Admission: £2
Saturday
7th December, 2002, 2.30 pm
DAVID DOUGLAS, Explorer and Botanist (NH)
Speaker: Mr Roger Lines
Venue: Wyndham Hall, Taunton Castle
Saturday
18th January, 2003, 2.30 pm
"THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS" (NH)
Speaker: Mrs Pat Hill-Cottingham
Venue: Wyndham Hall, Taunton Castle
Saturday
25th January, 2003, 2.30 pm
CLERKS COTTAGE REVISITED (HB)
The renovation of a small Hall House near Spaxton, Somerset
Speaker: Jenny Chesher of English Heritage
Venue: Adam Room, Taunton Castle
Numbers limited:, Please phone SANHS office to book.
Saturday
15th February, 2003, 2.30 pm
'WILDLIFE OF A SOMERSET PARISH', Creech St Michael (NH)
Speaker: Mr Russell Gomm
Venue: Wyndham Hall, Taunton Castle
Saturday
15th March, 2003,
"BIRDS OF EXMOOR" (NH)
Speaker: Mr David Ballance
Now resheduled for 12th April
Saturday
15th March, 2003, 2.30 pm
'THE HELAMBU TREK, NEPALl' (NH)
Speaker: Mr Derek and Mrs Pat Briggs
Venue: Wyndham Hall, Taunton Castle
Please note that this was previously scheduled for 12th April.
Saturday
22nd March, 2003, 2.00 pm
CLATWORTHY AND HUISH CHAMPFLOWER CHURCHES (HB)
with tea at Westcombe Farm
Meet at: Clatworthy Church (ST 052309)
Saturday
29th March, 2003, 10.30 am to 4.00 pm
'A WAR WALK AT DONYATT' (Arch)
Discovering World War 2 Anti Invasion Defences - the Taunton Stop Line'. An
all day field trip led by David Hunt, a retired Army Officer.
Booking essential as numbers will be limited. Participation £3. Call
SANHS office to make bookings.
More details can be found in our Newsletters page, or the Archaeology Programme
Saturday
12th April, 2003, 2.30.pm
'BIRDS OFEXMOOR' (NH)
Speaker: Mr David Ballance
Venue: Wyndham Hall, Taunton Castle
Please note that this was previously scheduled for 15th March
Saturday
12th April, 2003, 2.30pm
'FROM TAUNTON TO THE PYRENEES - THE LIFE AND TRAVELS OF ARTHUR JONES' (LH)
Speaker: David Rabson.
Venue: Somerset Record office, Obridge Road, Taunton.
The Revd W A Jones (1818-1873) was a Unitarian minister in Taunton and for
many years Honorary Secretary of SANHS. David Rabson's extensive research
also reveals Jones as a remarkable traveller. This lecture, illustrated with
slides and original documents, tells his story.
Friday 24th
April, 2003, 2.30 pm
VISIT TO LANGFORD MANOR, FIVEHEAD (HB)
Leader: Alex Maxwell Findlater
Booking essential. Numbers limited to 12. Contact SANHS Office.
Saturday
3rd May, 2003, 2.30 pm
VISIT TO HILL FARM, KINGSTON ST MARY
(HB)
and also Kingston St Mary Church
Leader: Nigel Pearce
Meet at: Hill Farm
Review
Saturday
10th May, 2003, 10.30 am
Field trip - 'MIGRATING BIRDS AND COASTAL PLANTS AT KILVE' (NH)
Leader: Dr Philip Radford.
Meet at: car park (ST 1444442). Bring lunch and stout footwear.
Saturday
10th May, 2003, 10.00 am - 4.00 pm
PUBLICATIONS WORKSHOP
Venue: The Meeting Room, The Library, Paul Street, Taunton.
All welcome. Booking essential. Contact SANHS office on 01823 272429.
Saturday
17th May, 2003, 10.30 am (doors open 10 am)
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
and Presidential Address by Mrs Pat Hill-Cottingham entitled
"Extraordinary, Exotic and Enchanting - a Personal View of Wildlife"
Venue: Edington Village Hall
Optional visits in the afternoon to Catcott North Reserve or Shapwick National
Nature Reserve and the Peat Moors Centre.
Full details will be sent out with the AGM papers
Saturday
7th June, 2003, 2.00 pm
'THE WETWANG CHARIOT AND OTHER IRON AGE VEHICLES" (ARCH)
Speakers: Anthony Spence of the British Museum, and Robert Hurford, carriage
builder.
Venue: Wyndham Hall, Taunton. Photos
Admission £5.00, students £2.50
See News for details
Sunday 8th
June, 2003, 2.00 pm
Walk - 'HISTORIC BUILDINGS IN GLASTONBURY' (HB)
Leader: Chris Sidaway
Meet: outside St John's Church, High Street, Glastonbury
Saturday
21st June, 2003, 10.30 am
Field trip 'DRAGONFLIES ON MENDIP' (NH)
Leader: Dr Philip Radford.
Meet at: Roadside car park (ST 549513). Bring lunch and stout footwear.
Saturday
28th June 2003, 10.00 am - 4.00 pm
SOMERSET AND THE WEATHER
(LH)
Venue: The Town Hall, Wells
A symposium to mark the 300th anniversary of the Great Storm of 1703 in which
Bishop Kidder was killed by the fall of a chimney at the Bishop's Palace.
The symposium will bring together a range of speakers to tell the story of
Somerset weather from the Middle Ages to the present day, including its folklore
and its environmental effects.
Further details with AGM papers, or phone SANHS Office
Wednesday
9th July, 2003, 9.30 pm
Field trip 'NIGHTJARS AT CROYDON HILL, DUNSTER' (NH)
Leader: Mr David Ballance.
Meet at: angle of road, with parking (SS 972418)
Sunday 20th
July, 2003, 11.00 am
Visit to AVONCROFT MUSEUM OF HISTORIC BUILDINGS, BROMSGROVE, WORCESTERSHIRE
(HB)
A day's outing with Chris Sidaway.
Meet at: Museum car park. Take packed lunch or visit small restaurant on site.
This visit will coincide with special activities for National Archaeology
Day.
Prior Booking Essential in order to secure special group rate. Adults £4.50,
Senior Citizens £4.00. Contact SANHS office - 01823 272429.
Saturday
2nd August, 2003, 2.30 pm
BICKLEY KILN FIRING (Arch)
The Bickley Ceramics Project is dedicated to exploring the technologies used
in making pottery in the medieval and post-medieval periods. David Dawson
and Oliver Kent will give a progress report on their current work on glazes
using a kiln based on Donyatt site 13, recently published by Richard Coleman-Smith
in Post-Medieval Archaeology.
Meet at: Bickley, Main Road, Cleeve, turning off southward from just inside
the 40 mph zone at the foot of Rhodyate Hill. Please moderate your speed on
the drive and park in the field marked 'car park'. Admission free.
Saturday
16th August, 2003, 11.00 am
Field trip 'NATURAL HISTORY AT CREECH ST MICHAEL' (NH)
Leader: Mr Russell Gomm.
Meet at: Canal-side car park (ST 275256). Bring packed lunch and stout footwear.
Saturday
30th August, 2003.
VISIT TO STEEP HOLM (Arch)
Led by Stan and Joan Rendell, concentrating on the archaeological aspects.
Booking essential. £14 per head for adults, £6 for ages 5-16.
Bookings must be made directly with Mrs Rendell, Secretary of the Kenneth
Allsop Memorial Trust, Telephone 01934 632307.
Send cheque for full fare, made payable to Kenneth Allsop Memorial Trust,
to Mrs Rendell, Stonedale, 11 Fairfield Close, Milton, Weston-super-Mare,
BS22 8EA.
Early booking essential. See Newsletter for more information.
Saturday
20th September, 2003, 2.30 pm
VISIT TO EDINGTON HOUSE, EDINGTON (HB)
17th century house with later additions. Tea afterwards
Leader: Christopher Chanter
Meet at: Edington House, Broadmead Lane, Edington
Please phone SANHS office to book.
Saturday
13th September, 2003, 11.00 am - 4.00 pm
'REDISCOVERING HISTORIC NORTH CURRY' (LH)
Leader: Angela Dix.
Meet at: North Curry Church
An opportunity to hear about the history of the hundred and manor of North
Curry, and in the afternoon, to explore the church and village. Lunch available
in the village, or bring your own.
Saturday
27th September, 2003.
Field Trip 'ROCKS AND FOSSILS AT A WORLD HERITAGE SITE' Charmouth
(NH)
Leader: Mr Derek Briggs.
Full details sent out earlier in year with AGM papers. Still some seats on
minibus - or make own arrangements. Contact Derek Briggs - 01278 662537.
Saturday
4th October, 2003, 2.30 pm
VISIT TO STUCKEY AND BAGEHOT WAREHOUSE
and other sites of interest in Langport (HB)
Leader: Alex Maxwell Findlater
Please phone SANHS office for details.
Saturday
11th October, 2003, doors open 10.00 am
STANDING CONFERENCE OF ASSOCIATED SOCIETIES ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING.
hosted by Blagdon Local History Society at Blagdon Village Club
(with access also to Blagdon Local History Society's HQ and Archive)
-10.30 am Business meeting for Society representatives
-11.00 am Talk by Dr Nick Corcos 'Bourne and Burrington'
-12.45 pm Lunch (there are several local pubs)
-After lunch Andrew Addicott will show slides of earlier days in Blagdon and
surrounding villages.
-2.30 pm John Chamberlain will conduct a party around Coombe Lodge, built
by Sir George Oakley in 1931 for the Wills family.
Review.
Saturday
18th October, 2003, 10.00 am - 4.00 pm
'SIGHTS, SOUNDS AND SOGGY GROUNDS' (NH)
A symposium celebrating the diversity of Somerset Wildlife.
Venue: Edington Village Hall
Admission: £2.50 (adults) £1 (students)
Bring own lunch; drinks provided
See newsletter for more details or contact Derek Briggs (01278 662537)
Review
Saturday
18th October, 2003, 10.00 am - 4.30 pm
"EARLY CHRISTIANITY IN THE SOUTH WEST" (Arch)
A day conference, exploring new information & ideas on the origins of
Christianity in the South West chaired by Prof. Charles Thomas.
Bishop Fox's Community School, Taunton.
Admission £10.00, students £5.00. Tea, coffee & biscuits,
but not lunch, provided.
Review.
Saturday
8th November, 2003, 11.00 am
TOUR OF MEDIEVAL BUILDINGS OF AXBRIDGE (HB)
Leader: John Page
Meet at: King John's Hunting Lodge, The Square, Axbridge
Review
Saturday
15th November, 2003, 2.30 pm - 4.00 pm
NATURAL HISTORY SOCIAL AFTERNOON (NH)
Short illustrated talks and tea
Venue: Municipal Hall, Corporation Street, Taunton
Review
Saturday
22nd November, 2003, 10.00 am - 4.30 pm
ANNUAL SOMERSET ARCHAEOLOGY SYMPOSIUM (Arch)
Keynote speaker Robert Bewley, Head of Aerial Survey for English Heritage,
"Aerial Archaeology in Britain & Beyond" supported by Helen
Winton & Hazel Riley, Archaeologists working for English Heritage. This
will be preceded by the annual review of recent archaeology in Somerset. Review
Venue: Bishop Fox's Community School, Taunton
Admission: £4, students £2.
Tea, coffee & biscuits, but not lunch, included.
Saturday
6th December, 2003, 2.30 pm
ORIGIN AND EVOLUTION OF FLOWERING PLANTS (NH)
Speaker: Mr Graham Rix
Venue: Wyndham Hall, Taunton.
Review
Friday 12th
December, 2003, 7.00 pm - 9.00 pm
A SPECIAL EVENING WITH A MAGIC LANTERN PRESENTATION
OF SOMERSET'S HISTORIC BUILDINGS (HB)
£5 for wine and light buffet
Leaders: Christopher Chanter and Nigel Pearce
Venue: The Adam Room, Taunton Castle
Saturday
17th January, 2004, 2.30 pm
'GOODIES AND BADDIES IN THE GARDEN'
(NH)
Speaker: Mrs Pat Hill-Cottingham
Venue: Wyndham Hall, Taunton
Saturday
17th January, 2004, 12.00 pm - 4.00 pm
SEMINAR ON THE PHOTOGRAPHIC ARCHIVE PROJECT (HB)
An introduction, with demonstrations, to this new project, saving historic
and contemporary photographs of Somerset's historic buildings
Leaders: Anthony Bruce and John Page
Venue: SANHS Offices, Taunton Castle
Saturday
14th February, 2004, 2.30 pm
THE DORSET HEATHLANDS (NH)
Speaker: Mr R Cox
Venue: Wyndham Hall, Taunton
Saturday
21st February, 2004, 2.00 pm
VISIT TO EVERCREECH (HB)
Visit the Church and other historic buildings in Evercreech.
Leader: Chris Sidaway with the Evercreech and District Local History Society.
Meet at: The Church
Prior Booking to SANHS office essential as numbers will be limited. (Deadline
30th January)
Saturday
13th March, 2004, 2.30 pm
SOMERSET'S WARBLERS (NH)
Speaker: Dr Philip Radford
Venue: Wyndham Hall, Taunton
Sunday 14th
March, 2004, 11.00 am
VISIT TO CROWCOMBE (HB)
Visit the Church and Church House in the morning.
Lunch at Carew Arms or take packed lunch.
In the afternoon we will visit Crowcombe Court. (Withdrawing collection in
aid of the Church House).
Leader: Chris Sidaway
Meet at: The Church House at 11.00am. (ST 141366)
Prior booking to SANHS office essential as numbers will be limited. (Deadline
Friday 13th February)
Please indicate if you wish to lunch at the pub, as this requires pre-booking.
Saturday
27th March 2004, 10.00 am - 4.30pm
'ADDING TO THE ROMAN MOSAIC' - RECENT RESEARCH IN SOMERSET (Arch)
Speakers at this day conference will include Dr. David Neal FSA, Bob Croft
and others to be arranged.
Venue: Stanchester School, Stoke sub Hamdon
Admission: £5, students £2.
Tea, coffee & biscuits, but not lunch, provided.
Contact Betty Cloke in SANHS office to book.
Saturday
3rd April, 2004, 2.30 pm
THE CHANGING SCENE IN TAUNTON DEANE: THE STORY IN THE ROCKS (NH)
Speaker: Mr Derek Briggs
Venue: Wyndham Hall, Taunton
Saturday
3rd April, 2004, 12.30 pm
VISIT TO HASSAGE MANOR, FAULKLAND, RADSTOCK and The GEORGE INN, NORTON ST
PHILIP (HB)
A Jacobean Manor House with medieval antecedents, and later additions
Leader: Anthony Bruce
Meet at: The George Inn, Norton St. Philip
See Newsletter for further details, an article about
the George and its conservation
Numbers limited: prior booking essential. Please indicate when booking if
you will require lunch.
May, 2004.
A series of four mid-week talks sponsored by the Local History Committee at
the TAUNTON 1100 CELEBRATIONS throughout May 2004.
The speakers will cover all aspects of Taunton history from ancient to modern
times.
For details see Taunton 1100 programme.
Saturday
1st May, 2004.
VISIT TO SHERBORNE (HB)
Sherborne Old Castle can be visited before the main tour, but is not included.
11.00 am Sherborne Castle, home of the Wingfield-Digbys. /www.sherbornecastle.com
Arrive for tour to start at 11.00 am. Entry at the gates by ticket only, although
the sign says 'closed until 11.00'. Park in front of the castle.
12.30 pm approx. Lunch in cafeteria or bring picnic for eating in the grounds.
2.00 pm Sherborne House, built by the Portmans in the early 18th century,
for a stopping point between their estates. www.sherbornehouse.org.uk
We shall have a guided tour, seeing the upper floors which are not open to
the public because of the DDA and Health & Safety considerations.
They will provide tea afterwards for which donations should be given.
Cost for the full day is £10 per person. To book please send payment
to SANHS office by 20 April.
Saturday
15th May, 2004, 10.30 am
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING. The TAUNTON
1100 FESTIVAL May Fair will be held
in Vivary Park, and will continue all day.
The Festival Exhibition in the County Museum will be open, and will continue
until the end of August
Meet at: St James Church Rooms, St James Street, Taunton
Wednesday
19th May, 2004, 7.00 pm - 9.00 pm
THE FORTIFICATION OF CREECH ST MICHAEL IN WORLD WAR II (Arch)
A two hour walk around Creech St Michael to view some of the Taunton Stop
Line fortifications. 'I Spy' competition for children. See newsletter for
more details.
Leader: David Hunt
Meet at: The Bell, Creech St Michael (ST 272257 - car park available)
Cost: £2.50 (children free)
Saturday
12th June, 2004, 2.30 pm
VISIT TO RUGBOURNE FARM, HIGH LITTLETON (HB)
An early double pile manor house.
Leader: Anita Sims
Meet at: Rugbourne Farm (ST 652583)
Numbers limited: prior booking essential
Saturday 19th June,
2004, 10.30 am
DRAGONFLIES ON MENDIP (NH)
Leader: Dr Philip Radford
Meet at: Waldegrave Pool (ST 549513) car park
Bring lunch and stout footwear
Saturday
26th June, 2004, 10.00 am - 4.00 pm
'THE RISE AND FALL OF THE SOMERSET LANDED FAMILY' (LH)
Somerset's landed families have long played an influential rôle in the
shaping of the County. Members of such as the Portman, Phelips, Trevelyan,
Poulett and Paget families were at the centre of political, social & economic
life in the West Country. A variety of speakers will look at the development
of their positions of power & influence, their lifestyle, and their ultimate
decline in the twentieth century. Talks will be interspersed with brief vignettes
of individuals, affording a glimpse of some of Somerset's more colourful &
unusual characters. Further details with AGM Papers, or phone SANHS Office.
At St James' Church Hall, James Street, Taunton. Make own arrangements for
lunch.
Further details with AGM papers, or phone SANHS office.
Wednesday
7th July, 2004, 9.30 pm
NIGHTJARS (NH)
Leader: Mr David Ballance
Meet at: Croydon Hill (angle of road at SS 972418)
Saturday
10th July, 2004, 10.00 am to 4.30 pm
SOMERSET WETLANDS: HISTORIC PEATLAND WITH A FUTURE?
(NH)
Symposium in partnership with English Nature on all aspects of the wetlands
Venue: Richard Huish College, Taunton
£6 (Students £4) to include tea, coffee & biscuits
See News
Contact SANHS office to book.
17th July
- 1st August 2004
SOMERSET ARCHAEOLOGY FORTNIGHT
Family events & activities
For several years, the Council for British Archaeology has organised a National
Archaeology Weekend. In Somerset, we have sites for two weeks of events. Museums
were invited to stage special displays; individuals or organisations to organise
walks, site-visits or talks.
Please send detailed proposals to the Fortnight Co-ordinator: Eddie Mills,
Peat Moors Centre, Shapwick Road, Westhay, Glastonbury, BA6 9TT (Tel. 01458
86 0697).
The list of events can be seen at the Achaeology
Programme page.
Saturday
24th July, 2004, 10.30 am - 4.30 pm
THE CHURCH AND HOUSES OF COMPTON DUNDON (HB)
Leaders: John Dallimore and Mark McDermott
Meet at: Compton Dundon Village Hall (ST 485328)
Please see Newsletter for further details
The Somerset Vernacular Building Research Group has recently studied the church
& vernacular houses of the village and will shortly publish a book on
them in their `Somerset Villages' series. Please make your own arrangements
for lunch.
Numbers will be limited: booking through Betty is essential.
Saturday
24th July, 2004,
SOMERSET FLINT DAY (Arch)
Stone tools in the Stone Age
Venue: Wells & Mendip Museum, Cathedral Green
10.30am to 12.30pm Admission for morning only £4 and £2 concessions.
Speakers include Roger Jacobi, Chris Norman and Jodie Lewis discussing the
use of flint and stone in the Palaeolithic, Mesolithic, Neolithic and Bronze
Age periods in the region.
2.00pm to 4.30pm Admission free.
Flint knapping demonstration by independent archaeologist Martin Green.
Identification of flints and other finds with Elaine Howard-Jones, Finds Liaison
Assistant with the Portable Antiquities Scheme for Somerset & Dorset.
For further information please call Barry Lane, Secretary 01749 870457 or
e-mail barry.j.lane@btopenworld.com
Friday 6th
August, 2004, 2.30 pm
VISIT TO BRADFORD ON TONE CHURCH (HB)
Leader: Mark McDermott
Please see Newsletter for further details
Saturday
21st August, 2004, 11.00 am
BEER WOODS (NH)
Leader: Mr Roger Lines
Meet at: top of Turn Hill (ST 414316) roadside
Bring lunch and stout footwear
Saturday
18th September, 2004, 2.30 pm
JOHN LOCKE (LH)
Speaker: Dr Mark Goldie of Churchill College, Cambridge. Mark, the leading
expert on John Locke, will speak in the church, which has a memorial to Locke.
The eighteenth-century philosopher, described in the 1798 New and General
Biographical Dictionary as ‘one of the greatest men that England ever
produced’ was a friend and regular visitor of the Clarkes of Chipley
Park.
Due to unforeseen circumstances the visit to Chipley Park will not now take
place, but there will be a photographic exhibition in the church, covering
the site, and we have also arranged for a guided tour of the church, led by
a local parishioner.
Venue: Nynehead Church
No charge, but a collection to cover expenses
Thursday
23rd September, 2004, 2.30 pm
please note change of date from 25th
VISIT TO BARROW COURT, BARROW GURNEY (HB)
A Jacobean house and gardens with private chapel
Leader: Anita Sims
Meet and park at: Church of St Mary and St Edward (ST 517683)
A donation for the church will be requested
Numbers limited: prior booking absolutely essential. Phone SANHS office or
Email by 21 September.
Saturday
25th September, 2004, 11.00 am
FUNGUS FORAY AND WORKSHOP (NH)
Leader: Roger Lines
Meet at: Webber's Post car park (SS 902439)
Bring lunch and stout footwear
Saturday
9th October, 2004, 2.30 pm
VISIT TO SHARPHAM PARK (LH)
courtesy of Roger Saul
Speakers: Roger Saul, Spencer Dimmock, Tom Mayberry
Q. 1 Which famous novelist was born in Somerset and died 250 years ago ?
Q. 2 Which Somerset man organized the first detective force in England ?
Q. 3 Which Somerset playwright was considered by Shaw to be second only to
Shakespeare (apart from himself, that is) ?
The answer to all three questions: Henry Fielding.
To commemorate the 250th anniversary of his death, the Local History Committee
has organized an event at Sharpham Park, his birthplace. The owner, Roger
Saul, will give an introduction to and an overview of the estate. Dr Spencer
Dimmock will discuss the medieval history of Sharpham. Tom Mayberry will talk
on the life of Henry Fielding.
Numbers are strictly limited to 40, so please book early through the Office.
(Please note that no photography of any kind is allowed at this private house.)
Saturday
9th October, 2004, 10.00am
STANDING CONFERENCE OF ASSOCIATED SOCIETIES ANNUAL GENERAL
MEETING
The Bridgwater & District Archaeological Society extends a warm welcome
to all members of local societies to join them for a day exploring Bridgwater's
often under-estimated Industrial and Maritime history.
The annual meeting, AGM for society representatives
will start at 10.00am. Tea and coffee will be available from that time.
Morning: Lectures - starting at 10.45am. 'SAXONS TO
CHANDOS' by Chris Sidaway, '19TH & 20TH CENTURY
TRADE AND INDUSTRIES' by David Baker and Rod Fitzhugh, who will give
a pictorial presentation on the RIVER, DOCKS & INDUSTRIES
OF BRIDGWATER.
Lunch: Picnic or pub lunch.
Afternoon:Guided walks linking in with the lecture themes, visiting local
sites, including a special tour of the BRICK & TILE
MUSEUM
Venue: Sea Cadets Headquarters, Waverley Road, Bridgwater
For further information, phone David Baker (01278 42 4933) or Jennifer May
(01278 73 3156). If you would like a map of Bridgwater, send a s.a.e. to Jennifer
at 12 Five Lords, Nether Stowey, Bridgwater, TA5 1PD.
Saturday
16th October, 2004, 11.00am
BIRDS OF THE RIVER OTTER (NH)
Leader: Dr Philip Radford
Meet at: Kiln car park, Budleigh Salterton (SY 074820)
Bring lunch and stout footwear
Saturday
16th October, 2004, 2.30pm
VISIT TO BRYMPTON D'EVERCY and the CHURCH
OF ST ANDREW (HB)
'The ensemble of house, garden, outbuildings and church is of exquisite beauty,
one of the most perfect the county has to offer.' - Pevsner
Leader: Alex Findlater
Cost of the guided tour is £4.50, for the church windows fund.
Numbers limited. Contact SANHS office to book, Email
.
Saturday
13th November, 2004, 2.30pm - 4.30pm
NATURAL HISTORY SOCIAL AFTERNOON
Short illustrated talks and tea
Venue: Municipal Hall, Corporation Street, Taunton
Saturday
20th November, 2004, 10.00am - 4.00pm
ANNUAL ARCHAEOLOGY SYMPOSIUM
Keynote speaker: Robert Wilson-North, Archaeologist for the Exmoor National
Park 'EXMOOR ARCHAEOLOGY'
The morning session will be a review of Recent Archaeology in Somerset with
contributions from 5-6 speakers including Moira Gittos - The Curry Rivel burial
slab, Chris Carey - Geochemical surveys of hillslope enclosures, Albert Thompson
- Dark Age Priddy on Mendip, John Allen - A fresh study of the late Saxon
and Norman pottery of Somerset.
Venue: Lecture Theatre A, Somerset College of Arts and Technology, Wellington
Road, Taunton TA1 5AX
Admission:£5 (students £2) including tea and coffee
Please make own arrangements for lunch.
Please check on the SANHS web-site or with the SANHS office Email
for final details.
Saturday
27th November, 2004, 2.30pm
SOMERSET HISTORIC BUILDINGS: THE WORK OF THE SOMERSET
VERNACULAR BUILDING RESEARCH GROUP (HB)
Speakers: Tony Beresford and Fergus Dowding
Venue: Wyndham Hall, Taunton
See Newsletter
Saturday
4th December, 2004, 2.30pm
FLOWERING PLANTS (NH)
Continuation of talk on 6th December 2003
Speaker: Graham Rix
Venue: Wyndham Hall, Taunton Castle
Friday 10th
December, 2004, 7.00pm - 9.00pm
A MAGIC LANTERN EVENING (HB)
Leader: Christopher Chanter
Venue: Adam Library, Taunton Castle
£5 for wine and light buffet
Saturday
15th January, 2005, 2.30pm
LIFE ON A SILKEN THREAD - AN INTRODUCTION TO BRITISH
SPIDERS (NH)
Speaker: Francis Farr-Cox
Venue: Wyndham Hall, Taunton Castle
Saturday
22nd January, 2005, 2.30pm
INVESTIGATING THE HISTORY OF BUILDINGS (HB)
Speaker: Bob Selwood
Venue: Wyndham Hall, Taunton Castle
Friday 28th
January, 2005, 7.30pm
PREVIEW OF VICTORIA COUNTY HISTORY Volume IX (LH)
A joint event with Glastonbury Antiquarian Society
Venue: Glastonbury Library
Speakers: Dr Robert Dunning and Mary Siraut
See Newsletter for more details.
Saturday
12th February, 2005, 2.30pm
PLANTS OF ROMAN SOMERSET (NH)
Speaker: Linda Carter
Venue: Wyndham Hall, Taunton Castle
Saturday
19th February, 2005, 2.30pm
DENDRO-DATING AND EXTREME EVENTS (HB), the history
and theory of dendrochronology, and its impact on our knowledge of environmental
events.
Speaker: Professor Mike Baillie, a leading expert on Dendro-chronology from
Queen's University, Belfast
Details and tickets from the SANHS Office (01823 272429),or Email
Saturday
12th March, 2005, 2.30pm
WEATHER AND WILDLIFE - FUTURE SURVIVAL? (NH)
Speaker: Dr Pat Hill-Cottingham
Venue: Wyndham Hall, Taunton Castle
Saturday
19th March, 2005, 2.00pm
A TOUR OF WIVELISCOMBE (HB)
including the Bishop's Palace, the Monk's Walk and Bournes
Leader: Christopher Chanter
Meet at: Wiveliscombe Church
Saturday
9th April, 2005, 2.30 pm
FORESTS WORLDWIDE (NH)
Speaker: Roger Lines
Venue: Wyndham Hall, Taunton Castle
Saturday
23rd April, 2005, 11.00 am
TOUR OF BRADFORD-ON-AVON (HB)
Walking tour including the Tithe Barn, Saxon Chapel, Church House, Chantry
House and Priory Barn
Leader: Mary Ewing and Wiltshire Building Record Group
Meet at: Station car park, Bradford on Avon (ST 824613)
Pre-booking necessary. Bring packed lunch
Please see Newsletter for further details.
Saturday 23rd April 11.00 am
FLORA OF SOME BLACKDOWN WOODLANDS (NH)
Leader: Simon Leach
Limited parking at ST 246202 and 245204
Bring lunch and stout footwear.
Saturday
14th May, 2005
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Venue: Compton Martin Village Hall
Guest speaker: Professor Malcolm Todd - CHARTERHOUSE
ON MENDIP AND ITS SIGNIFICANCE FOR ROMANO-BRITISH MINING
In the afternoon Professor Todd will lead a tour
of Charterhouse.
Full details will be sent with AGM papers.
Saturday
28th May, 2005, 10.45 am
TIVERTON CASTLE, ST PETERS CHURCH, and a HISTORIC BUILDINGS
TRAIL (HB)
Leaders: Anthony Bruce and Jane Evans
Meet at: St Peters church, parking arranged at the Castle next door (SS 953
130)
£5 for a guided tour of the Castle, 2.15 pm
Please book for tea afterwards at the Castle
Saturday
4th June, 2005, 10.30 am
STREET HEATH (NH)
Leaders: Graham Rix and Pat Hill-Cottingham
Meet at: Drove at or near ST 467392
Bring lunch and stout footwear
Saturday
18th June, 2005, 10.30 am
DRAGONFLIES ON MENDIP (NH)
Leader: Dr Philip Radford
Meet at: Roadside car park by Waldegrave Pool (ST 549513)
Bring lunch and stout footwear
Saturday
9th July, 2005, 2.30 pm
Visit to THONG FARM, HELLAND, NORTH CURRY (HB)
Leader: Mr John Dallimore, Somerset Vernacular Buildings Research Group
Numbers will be limited. Please phone SANHS office to book.
Possible extra visit - details will be passed on after booking.
Saturday
16th July, 2005, 10.30 am
JURASSIC ROCKS AND FOSSILS OF THE WEST SOMERSET COAST
(NH)
Leader: Derek Briggs
Meet by: Windmill Restaurant, West Quantoxhead (ST 113418)
Bring lunch and stout footwear
Saturday
30th July, 2005, 9.30 am to 6 pm
A DORSET HEATHLAND RESERVE, HARTLAND MOOR (SY 9585)
(NH)
Leader: Tim Brodie James
Travel by minibus. Details from SANHS office.
Saturday 17th September,
2005, 2.30 pm
VISIT TO SHEPTON MALLET (HB)
Leaders: Alan Stone and Mark McDermott
Meet at the parish church for a talk on the church followed by a walkabout
in the historic town.
Saturday
24th September, 2005, 11.00 am
FUNGUS FORAY (NH)
Leaders: Roger Lines and Philip Radford
Meet at: Webber's Post car park (SS 902439)
Saturday
24th September, 2005, 10.00 am-4.00 pm
SOMERSET TOWNS (LH)
A Symposium of talks including:
Axbridge - John Page
Minehead - Hilary Binding
Street - Mary Siraut
Taunton - Tom Mayberry
and others, more details on the News page
Venue: Taunton Library Meeting Room - Members £4 - Non-members £5..
Saturday
8th October, 2005
STANDING CONFERENCE OF ASSOCIATED SOCIETIES ANNUAL GENERAL
MEETING
hosted by Wells Natural History and Archaeological Society
Venue: Wells and Mendip Museum, 8 Cathedral Green, Wells
10.00 am Doors open. Coffee and biscuits
10.30 am AGM
11.00 am Talks -
Jim Hanwell - 'The Foundations of Geology in Somerset'
Jean Imray and Frances Neale - 'Wells Old Almshouse: What is the City but
the People?'
1.00 pm - 2.30 pm Lunch break
Bring your own lunch,
or visit one of the local pubs, cafés or restaurants
2.30 pm Walk/Visit
Either
A Geological Traverse across Tor Hill led by Jim Hanwell (stout walking boots/shoes
etc)
or
Guided Visit to the Almshouses led by Jean Imray and Frances Neale
(NUMBERS STRICTLY LIMITED)
Monday 10th
October, 2005, 10.00 am
Visit to TYNTESFIELD, WRAXALL (HB)
House, garden and chapel, guided tour by NT
Leader: Anthony Bruce
Meet at: Tyntesfield, follow signs and car-share if possible.
Please book or express interest early. National Trust members free entry (£9
non members)
Saturday
15th October, 2005, 11.00 am
BIRDS OF THE RIVER OTTER AND ESTUARY (NH)
Leader: Dr Philip Radford
Meet at: Kiln car park, Budleigh Salterton (SY 074820)
Saturday
12th November, 2005, 2.30 pm
NATURAL HISTORY SOCIAL AFTERNOON WITH SHORT ILLUSTRATED
TALKS (NH)
Venue: Ruishton Village Hall (ST 268250)
Saturday
12th November, 2005, 2.30 pm
VISIT TO NORTH CADBURY COURT (HB)
A joint visit with Somerset Heraldry Society
Leader: Alex Maxwell Findlater
Meet at: North Cadbury Church
Booking essential. Contact SANHS office.
Saturday
26th November, 2005, 10.00 am-5.00 pm
LAST OF THE BRITONS - KINGS OR THUGS? (Arch)
A symposium organised jointly with the CBA SW with the theme 'Somerset &
adjoining counties AD 400-700'.
*Chaired by Professor
Mick Aston; speakers include Anthea Harris (Byzantium, Britain and the Western
trade), James Gerrard (Native BB Ware continuum), Richard Sermon (Gloucestershire),
Gillian Swanton (Wiltshire), Barbara Yorke (Dorset), Susan Pearce (Devon),
Keith Gardner (North Somerset), Chris Webster (West Somerset) & Peter
Leach (South Somerset).
Venue: Somerset College of Arts and Technology, Wellington Road, Taunton.
Admission: £10. Tickets available from SANHS office.
Saturday
3rd December, 2005, 2.30 pm
FUNGI (NH)
Speaker: Dr Philip Radford
Venue: Wyndham Hall, Taunton Castle
Tuesday 6th
December, 2005, 7.00 pm
MAGIC LANTERN EVENING (HB)
Venue: Adam Library, Taunton Castle
Saturday
14th January, 2006, 2.30 pm
BIRDS FROM A CARGO SHIP (NH)
Speaker: David Ballance
Venue: Wyndham Hall, Taunton Castle
Saturday
21st January, 2006, 2.30 pm
SOME BRIDGWATER BUILDINGS (HB)
Speaker: Chris Sidaway
Venue: Wyndham Hall, Taunton Castle
Saturday
4th February, 2006, 10.30am for 11.00am
POTTERY SYMPOSIUM (Arch)
Joint Meeting of the Medieval Pottery Research Group (South West) and SANHS
by courtesy of the Trustees and Managers of Wells Museum and Wells Archaeological
& Natural History Society
Venue: Wells and Mendip Museum, The Close, Wells
See Newsletter for details
All welcome - enquiries to David Dawson at davidp@dawsonheritage.co.uk
Saturday
11th February, 2006, 2.30 pm
CHANGING FLORA OF SOMERSET (NH)
Speaker: Stephen Parker (English Nature)
Venue: Wyndham Hall, Taunton Castle
Saturday
18th February, 2006, 2.30 pm
SYMPOSIUM ON SOMERSET VERNACULAR BUILDINGS (HB)
Speakers: Jane Penoyre, John Dallimore and John McCann
Venue: Adam Library, Taunton Castle
Saturday
11th March, 2006, 2.30 pm
PHENOLOGY: IT'S ALL A MATTER OF TIMING! (NH)
Speaker: Simon Leach
Venue: Wyndham Hall, Taunton Castle
Wednesday
8th March, 2006,
SOMERSET LIBRARY TREASURES (LH)
A talk by David Bromwich, Somerset Studies Librarian, as part of an occasional
series of talks on Somerset Treasures.
Venue: The Great Hall, Somerset County Museum, 7.30 pm
Saturday
11th March, 2006, 2.30 pm
PHENOLOGY: IT'S ALL A MATTER OF TIMING! (NH)
Speaker: Simon Leach
Venue: Wyndham Hall, Taunton Castle
Saturday
11th March, 2006, 2.00 pm
VISIT TO WOODSPRING PRIORY (HB)
Sand Bay, Weston-super-Mare
Leader: Pam Brimacombe
Meet at: ST 344663
Phone SANHS office to book.
Saturday
25 March, 2006, 10am to 4pm
ANNUAL ARCHAEOLOGY SYMPOSIUM
Venue: Somerset College of Arts & Technology, Wellington Road, Taunton
TA1 5AX
The keynote speaker at 2.00pm will be Paul Stamper on Historic Battlefields
- archaeology, management and interpretation - a view from English
Heritage. The morning review of archaeology in Somerset will include Richard
McConnell on the excavations of the Augustinian Priory of St Peter & St
Paul in Taunton, Jayne Lawes on the excavations at Upper Row, Albert Thompson
on Roman and post-Roman Priddy on Mendip, Vince Russett on Community Archaeology
in North Somerset and Charlie Hollinrake on Neolithic timber structures and
other features at the Walpole landfill site.
Admission £5 on the door. Tea & coffee provided, but bring your
own lunch.
Saturday
1st April, 2006,
BUTLEIGH AND THE NAVY (LH)
A half day of talks at Butleigh on the Hood Family
Speakers: Lady Gass & Dr Mike Duffy
and visit to Wootton House (limited numbers)
Phone SANHS office for details
Saturday
8th April, 2006, 2.30 pm
SOMERSET LANDSCAPE AND GEODIVERSITY (NH)
Speaker: Derek Briggs
Venue: Wyndham Hall
Saturday
29th April, 2006, 2 pm
VISIT TO FARLEIGH HUNGERFORD (HB)
Leader: Chris Sidaway
Visit "Castle", Church and Priest's House
Prior booking essential to gain party rates. Numbers limited.
Saturday
13th May, 2006, 2 pm
VISIT TO WAYFORD MANOR AND WAYFORD CHURCH (HB)
Manor House c.1600 with later additions by Sir Ernest George and gardens by
Harold Peto.
Leader: Nigel Pearce
Meet at Wayford Manor, Wayford, Nr Crewkerne (ST 404 066)
Booking essential: contact SANHS office
Thursday
18th May, 2006,
VISIT TO CASTLE CARY (LH)
Leader: Mary Siraut
This flexible day visit to explore the town's individual past will include
a visit to Boyd's to see horsehair weaving.
Prior booking essential for Boyd's visit as numbers strictly limited. (This
tour is not suitable for the disabled).
Contact SANHS office for more details
Saturday
20th May, 2006,
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Venue: Elworthy, Monksilver and Nettlecombe Community Hall
Full details will be sent with AGM papers
Saturday
17th June, 2006,
DRAGONFLIES ON MENDIP (NH)
Leader: Dr Philip Radford
Meet at roadside car-park by Waldegrave Pool (ST 549513) 10.30 am
Saturday
24th June, 2006,
VISIT TO ACTON COURT, IRON ACTON, SOUTH GLOS (HB)
A 16th century courtier house, grade I LB
Leader: Anita Sims
Meet at: Iron Acton parish church at 1.45 pm
3.30 pm visit to Acton Court (cost £5)
Numbers limited - for further information and to book contact SANHS office
Friday 21st July, 2006,
HALSWELL HOUSE, GOATHURST (HB)
One of the largest buildings in Somerset. original Tudor house, some parts
remaining, partly replaced by grand William and Mary front. Almost derelict
for 40 years rescued by the present owner Graham Bond and restored painstakingly,
retaining all original features. Tudor part now undergoing restoration. Fabulous
grounds including the Temple of Pan (in separate ownership) and many follies
and grottoes.
Leader: Christopher Chanter
Meet outside house, 2.00 pm
Booking essential
Saturday
22nd July, 2006,
ORGANIC FARMING (NH)
Speaker: Anne Jones
West Lyng Court Farm (ST 317281), West Lyng 10.30 am
Saturday
19th August, 2006
GEODIVERSITY: ROCK & LANDSCAPE VARIETY (NH)
Leader: Mr Derek Briggs
Start from Holford A39 layby (ST 157407) 10.30 am
Thursday
14th September, 2006, 7.30pm
JOHN HANNING SPEKE & THE SEARCH FOR THE SOURCE OF
THE NILE (LH)
An illustrated lecture on the Somerset man who solved one of the greatest
mysteries in the history of exploration.
Speaker: Tom Mayberry
Venue: The Great Hall, Somerset County
Museum
Wednesday
20th September, 2006, 1.30pm
VISIT TO COURT HOUSE, EAST QUANTOXHEAD (HB)
Leader: Chris Sidaway
Meet in car park ST136437
Booking with SANHS office essential as numbers are strictly limited.
Saturday
23rd September, 2006, 11.00am
FUNGUS FORAY (NH)
Leaders: Dr Philip Radford & Graham Rix
Meet at: Webber's Post car park (SS 902439)
Saturday
7th October, 2006, 11.00am
BIRDS OF THE OTTER ESTUARY (NH)
Leader: Dr Philip Radford
Meet at: Kiln car park, Budleigh Salterton (SY 074820)
Saturday
7th October, 2006, 11.30am
VISIT TO ST ANDREWS CHURCH & THE WALRONDS, CULLOMPTON
(HB)
Handsome early C17 town centre mansion in the course of rescue from the "At
Risk" register
Leader: Anita Sims
Meet at: The church at 11.30am
Buffet lunch at 1.00 at the Walronds provided by the Walronds Preservation
Trust, tour of house & garden at 2.00pm. Cost £6 including lunch.
Booking essential.
Saturday
14th October, 2006
STANDING CONFERENCE OF ASSOCIATED SOCIETIES ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
hosted by the Somerset Heraldry Society
Venue: Dunster Memorial Hall
17 High Street Dunster
9.30 am Doors open. Coffee
10.00 am AGM
Talks -
10.30am Ronald Gadd: The Origins of Heraldry
11.30am Stephen Slater: A Good Send-Off
12.45 pm - 2.00 pm Lunch break
Bring your own lunch, or visit one of the local pubs, cafés or restaurants
2.00 pm Tour of St George's Church, Dunster guided
by Alex Maxwell-Findlater looking at the hatchments and monuments especially
of the Luttrell family
3.30pm There will be time to visit the castle, the last open day for the year
(National Trust, entry charge)
Saturday
18th November, 2006, 2.30pm
NATURAL HISTORY SOCIAL AFTERNOON WITH SHORT ILLUSTRATED TALKS (NH)
Venue: Adam Library, Taunton Castle
Saturday
18th November, 2006, 11.00am
VISIT TO THE TITHE BARN, DUNSTER (HB)
Followed by a talk & coffee and, or, lunch at the C15 Luttrell Arms. The
Dunster Tithe Barn Group will lead us through their restoration of the C16
building that formerly served the Priory. After lunch there will a short walkabout
to see other historic parts of Dunster.
Meet at: The Tithe Barn, above the church.
Please book with the SANHS office, and enquire for further details.
Saturday
2nd December, 2006, 2.30 pm
PESTICIDES IN THE ENVIRONMENT (NH)
Speaker: Dr Karen Stead-Dexter
Venue: Wyndham Hall, Taunton Castle
Tuesday 5th
December, 2006, 7.30pm
CELEBRATING SANHS (LH)
A chance to look over the castle, see and hear about our plans for its future,
and enjoy some seasonal refreshments.
Venue: Great Hall, Somerset County Museum
Tuesday 12th
December, 2006, 7.00pm
A MAGIC LANTERN EVENING (HB)
Another selection of early C20 slides of old Somerset scenes, buildings &
customs.
Presenters: Christopher Chanter & Nigel Pearce
Cost: £6 to include seasonal buffet supper.
Venue: Adam Library, Taunton Castle
Please book with the SANHS office.
Saturday
6th January, 2007, 2.00pm
FIXTURES & FITTINGS - DATING YOUR HOUSE (HB)
A talk by Linda Hall, recorder of historic buildings in the South West and
author of "Rural Houses of North Avon and South Gloucestershire 1400-1720",
"Fixtures and Fittings in Dated Houses 1567-1763" and "Period
House Fixtures and Fittings 1300-1900".
Cost: £3 Venue: Wyndham Hall
Saturday
13th January, 2007, 2.30pm
AN OUTLINE OF INVERTEBRATE EVOLUTION (NH)
Speaker: Graham Rix
Venue: Wyndham Hall, Taunton Castle
Wednesday
17th January, 2007, 7.30pm
SOMERSET ARCHIVE TREASURES (LH)
One of an occasional series of talks on Somerset Treasures
Speaker: Dr Janet Tall, Head of Archives
Venue: Great Hall, Somerset County Museum
Wednesday
7th February, 2007, 7.30pm
SOMERSET MOSAICS - PIECING TOGETHER THE PICTURE OF ROMAN
SOMERSET (LH)
One of an occasional series of talks on Somerset Treasures
Speaker: Bob Croft, County Archaeologist
Venue: Great Hall, Somerset County Museum
Saturday
10th February, 2007, 2.30pm
THE MATING GAME - SEXUAL REPRODUCTION THROUGHOUT THE
ANIMAL KINGDOM (NH)
Speaker: Dr Pat Hill-Cottingham
Venue: Wyndham Hall, Taunton Castle
Saturday
24th February, 2007, 2.30pm
HALSWELL PARK (HB)
Speaker: Russell Lillford
Venue: Wyndham Hall, Taunton Castle
Saturday
10th March, 2007, 2.30pm
PUTTING PLANTS ON THE MAP (NH)
Speaker: Simon Leach
Venue: Wyndham Hall, Taunton Castle
Saturday
31st March, 2007, 2.00pm
ALL SAINTS CHURCH, TRULL and CHILLISWOOD (HB)
Wonderful medieval church, still with many features of note. Visit later in
the afternoon an impressive and enigmatic medieval house and range of buildings
with parts remodelled, undergoing an equally impressive restoration by its
owners, SANHS members Robin and Anne Leamon.
Leader: Mark McDermott
Meet at the church
Booking essential: please contact SANHS office
Wednesday
28th March, 2007, 7.30pm
SOMERSET AND SLAVERY (LH)
To mark the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the British slave trade
Speaker: Sue Berry, former Senior Archivist
Venue: Great Hall, Somerset County Museum
Saturday
7th April, 2007, 2.30pm
BIODIVERSITY: CAN YOU PLAN FOR WILDLIFE? (NH)
Speaker: Tony Serjeant
Venue: Wyndham Hall, Taunton Castle
Saturday
21st April, 2007, 2.00 pm
VISIT TO WHITESTAUNTON MANOR (HB)
A grand and enlarged medieval manor house with a rare and magnificent hammerbeam
roof is receiving a major ongoing restoration. Set in a beautiful context
that includes the excavated Roman Baths of the site in an earlier mysterious
life. Jo Hibbert, SPAB scholar and conservation architect, will guide us round.
Meet at: the house
ST 280105
Booking essential: please contact SANHS office
Thursday
10th May, 2007, 7.30pm
ROBERT BLAKE AND TAUNTON (LH)
A talk by Tom Mayberry, County Heritage Officer, to mark Admiral Blake's 350th
anniversary
Venue: Great Hall, Somerset County Museum
Friday 18th
May, 2007, 2.00pm
VISIT TO MAPPERTON HOUSE, CHURCH, AND GARDENS (HB)
Manor House with Elizabethan origins, enlarged in late 1670's. Italianate
garden with orangery, fountain court, grottoes and fish ponds. All Saints
Church of medieval origin remodelled in 1704. Voted the nation's finest manor
house by Country Life in 2006. Lunch and teas available in adjacent Sawmill
Café.
Leader: Nigel Pearce
Cost: £7.50 per person
Meet at Mapperton House, Beaminster, Dorset (signed from Beaminster) (ST504997)
Booking essential: please contact SANHS office
Saturday
19th May, 2007, 10.30am (doors open 10.00am)
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Presidential Address by Mark McDermott on
Sir Benjamin Hammet
Venue: Trull Memorial Hall, Taunton
In the afternoon there will be the opportunity to go on a walk round sites
in Taunton connected with Hammet, or to visit Trull Parish Church.
Full details will be sent with AGM papers
Saturday
9th June, 2007, 2.00pm
VISIT TO NETTLECOMBE COURT & ST MARYS CHURCH (HB)
C16 and C18 red sandstone mansion of the Trevelyan family with "the most
sumptuous plaster in Somerset".
Matching cream tea to follow.
Leader: Christopher Chanter
Cost: £4 per person to include tea
Meet and park in front of the house (ST057378)
Booking essential: please contact SANHS office
Saturday
16th June, 2007, 10.30 am
DRAGONFLIES ON MENDIP (NH)
Leader: Dr Philip Radford
Meet at roadside car-park by Waldegrave Pool near Priddy (ST549513)
Saturday
16th June, 2007, 2.00pm
TOUR OF WATCHET'S INDUSTRIAL PAST (LH)
Leader: Mr Ian Coleby, Archivist, West Somerset Railway
Meet at The Ancient Mariner statue on the Esplanade
Booking essential: for further information and to book please contact SANHS
office
Wednesday
20th June, 2007, 7.30pm
IN PRAISE OF HENRY FIELDING (LH)
A talk by Tom Mayberry, County Heritage Officer, to mark the 300th anniversary
of the birth in Somerset of Henry Fielding, novelist and magistrate.
Venue: Great Hall, Somerset County Museum
Saturday
7th July, 2007, 10.30am
BIRDS IN THE LANDSCAPE (NH)
Leader: Mr David Ballance
Meet at North Hill, Minehead (the car park above the campsite) SS953476
Saturday
28th July, 2007, 11.00am
VISIT TO ST DECUMAN'S CHURCH, WATCHET &
A GUIDED TOUR OF THE TOWN (HB)
Mark McDermott will explain this fine medieval church with much to interest
including the monuments of the Wyndham family. The Holy Well and the Harbour
Chapel will be seen. After lunch (the Star is recommended) Chris Sidaway will
lead a tour of Watchet town, the Museum, the burgh and other buildings and
sites.
Meet at St. Decuman's Church (ST065427)
Saturday
18th August, 2007, 10.30am
GEOLOGICAL DIVERSITY & LANDSCAPES OF NORTH SOMERSET
(NH)
Leader: Mr Derek Briggs
Meet just inside Sanders World car park (ST344501)
Saturday
15th September, 2007, 11.30am
VISIT TO ST LAWRENCE'S, EAST HARPTREE & ST MARY'S,
YATTON (HB)
Two very handsome North Somerset medieval churches and another opportunity
to join members of the Somerset Heraldry Society.
Meet at Yatton Church (ST432655)
Lunch at local pub.
Thursday
20th September, 2007, 7.30pm
FIRE INSURANCE RECORDS FOR LOCAL & FAMILY HISTORIANS
(LH)
A talk by David Hawkings on a fascinating and important set of records
Venue: Great Hall, Somerset County Museum
Saturday
22nd September, 2007, 11.00am
FUNGUS FORAY (NH)
Leaders: Dr Philip Radford and Mr Graham Rix
Meet at Webber's Post Car Park (SS902439)
Saturday
15th September, 2007, 11.30am
VISIT TO ST LAWRENCE'S, EAST HARPTREE & ST MARY'S
YATTON (HB)
Two very handsome North Somerset medieval churches and another opportunity
to join members of the Somerset Heraldry Society.
Meet at Yatton Church (ST432655)
Lunch at local pub.
Sunday 16th
September, 2007, 2.30pm
JOINT SESSION OF THE SPMA CONFERENCE ON WEST COUNTRY
HOUSEHOLDS
The study of the material culture of West Country households in Britain &
North America
Venue: Somerset College, Taunton
Cost £5. Please book with David Dawson by 6th September on 01823 274525
Thursday
20th September, 2007, 7.30pm
FIRE INSURANCE RECORDS FOR LOCAL & FAMILY HISTORIANS
(LH)
A talk by David Hawkings on a fascinating and important set of records
Venue: Great Hall, Taunton Castle
Saturday
22nd September, 2007, 11.00am
FUNGUS FORAY (NH)
Leaders: Dr Philip Radford and Mr Graham Rix
Meet at Webber's Post Car Park (SS902439)
Saturday
29th September, 2007,
SANHS OPEN DAY
Celebrating the 150th volume of Proceedings
Events start at 11.00am. Tour of museum for members at 3.00pm, followed by
presentation & tea
Venue: Taunton Castle
Saturday
6th October, 2007, 11.00am
BIRDS OF THE OTTER ESTUARY (NH)
Leader: Dr Philip Radford
Meet at Kiln Car Park Budleigh Salterton (SY074820)
Saturday
13th October, 2007,
STANDING CONFERENCE OF ASSOCIATED SOCIETIES ANNUAL GENERAL
MEETING
hosted by the South Petherton Local History Society
Venue: Methodist Church Hall South Petherton
9.30 am Doors open. Coffee
10.00 am AGM in the nearby school room
Talks -
10.30am Simon Andrew: The Splendid Churches of South
Somerset
11.30am John Poulesland: The Treasurer's House Martock
12.35 pm - 2.15 pm Lunch break
Bring your own lunch, or visit one of the local pubs, etc
2.15 pm Visit the Treasurer's House, Martock and Martock Parish Church
Or visit Victorian sheepwash at Bridge Farm South
Petherton
Or visit South Petherton Parish Church with Seymour
Blake
4.00pm Close
Saturday
27th October, 2007, 2.00 pm
VISIT TO LOWER COCKHILL FARM and HIGHER HADSPEN FARM,
CASTLE CARY (HB)
Two private medieval houses of special interest, both the subject of recent
SVBRG surveys. Repair afterwards to Castle Cary for tea.
Leader: John Dallimore
Meet at: Lower Cockhill ST 625312
Prior booking essential as numbers are strictly limited, Phone SANHS office
to book.
Saturday
17th November, 2007, 2.30pm
NATURAL HISTORY SOCIAL AFTERNOON WITH SHORT ILLUSTRATED
TALKS (NH)
Venue: Adam Library, Taunton Castle
Saturday
24th November, 2007, 10.30am to 4.30pm
THE STORY OF SOMERSET MOSAICS (ARCH)
Speakers: Dr David Neal, Stephen Cosh, Prof Tony King, Bob Croft
Venue: Wyndham Hall, Taunton Castle
Admission charge of £10 to include tea & coffee
Saturday
1st December, 2007, 2.30pm
GILBERT WHITE; THE FIRST ENQUIRING ORNITHOLOGIST?
(NH)
Speaker: Dr Philip Radford
Tuesday 11th
December, 2007, 7.00 pm
THE MAGIC LANTERN SLIDE SHOW (HB)
Some of the Society's old glass slides of Somerset, to be viewed through the
Epidiascope and selected this year from the Exmoor archive.
Presenters: Christopher Chanter and Nigel Pearce
Cost: £7.50 includes a seasonal buffet supper
Venue: The Great Hall, Taunton Castle
Please book with the SANHS Office
Thursday
13th December, 2007, 7.30pm
F T ELWORTHY & SOMERSET DIALECT (LH)
Speaker: Jim Skeggs
Venue: Baptist Church Hall, Wellington
Joint event with Wellington History Society
2008
Saturday
12th January, 2008, 2.30pm
VETERAN YEWS OF SOMERSET (NH)
Speaker: Linda Carter
Venue: Wyndham Hall, Taunton Castle
Saturday
19th January, 2008, 2.30pm
HISTORIC FARMHOUSES & TENURE (HB)
Speaker: Bob Machin, Vernacular Architecture Group
Venue: Wyndham Hall, Taunton Castle
Cost: £4
Wednesday
23rd January, 2008, 7.30pm
THE SOCIETY'S PICTURES
(LH)
Speaker: David Bromwich
Venue: Great Hall, Taunton Castle
Saturday
9th February, 2008, 2.30pm
AN INORDINATE FONDNESS FOR (WATER) BEETLES (NH)
Speaker: Tony Serjeant
Venue: Wyndham Hall, Taunton Castle
Friday 22nd
February, 2008, 2.30pm
CLIMATE CHANGE & THE FUTURE FOR HISTORIC BUILDINGS
(HB)
An afternoon of talks led by Lesley Seymour, Future Foundations
Venue: Wyndham Hall, Taunton Castle
Cost and further details to follow
Saturday
8th March, 2008, 2.30pm
MEET THE RELATIVES - A BIT OF MONKEY BUSINESS (NH)
Speaker: Graham Rix
Venue: Wyndham Hall, Taunton Castle
Saturday
1 March, 2008,10.00am
IN SEARCH OF EARLY SPRING FLOWERS (NH)
A field meeting jointly with the Wildflower Society.
Meet at Wellington Sports Centre car park (ST131208)
Saturday
8 March, 2008, 2.30pm
MEET THE RELATIVES - A BIT OF MONKEY BUSINESS
(NH)
Speaker: Graham Rix
Venue: Wyndham Hall, Taunton Castle
Saturday
15 March, 2008, 2.30pm
GEORGIAN BUILDING METHODS (HB)
Speaker: James Ayres, writer and expert
Venue: Wyndham Hall, Taunton Castle
Cost: £4
Wednesday
26 March, 2008, 7.30 pm
SOMERSET TEXTILE TREASURES (LH)
A talk by Estelle Gilbert, Keeper of Textiles and Decorative Arts, Somerset
Rural Life Museum
as part of an occasional series of talks on Somerset Treasures.
Venue: Great Hall, Taunton Castle
Saturday
29 March, 2008, 10.00am to 4.00pm
ANNUAL SOMERSET ARCHAEOLOGY SYMPOSIUM (ARCH)
Keynote speaker Dr Stephen Rippon with contributions from Dr Jodie Lewis,
Dr Naomi Payne, David Dawson, Oliver Kent, Steve Minnitt & Elaine Jamieson.
Venue: Somerset College of Arts & Technology
Wellington Road, Taunton
Cost £10 on the door, tea & coffee provided
Wednesday
9 April 2008 7.30pm
NORTON HILL COLLIERY DISASTER (LH)
A talk by Dr Charles Chilcott to mark the centenary of this disaster. A joint
event with the Midsomer Norton and Radstock Society.
Venue: Radstock Old Town Hall
Tickets £4, including tea and coffee, may be booked on 07768 632483
Saturday
12 April, 2008, 2.30pm
AROUND THE BRITISH COASTLINE
(NH)
Speaker: Dr Pat Hill-Cottingham
Venue: Wyndham Hall, Taunton Castle
Saturday
26 April, 2008, 2.00pm
VISIT TO MEARE MANOR FARMHOUSE & ST MARY'S CHURCH
(HB)
A tour of the Abbot of Glastonbury's Summer Palace,
led by John Dallimore, followed by a talk and tour of the church by Mark McDermott
and a short walk to the C14 monastic Fish House.
Tea available at the Meare Manor Hotel.
Meet at the Farmhouse (ST456418)
Booking is essential. Please contact the office.
Thursday
15 May, 2008, 7.30pm
50TH BIRTHDAY OF THE SOMERSET RECORD OFFICE & SOMERSET
COUNTY MUSEUM (LH)
A talk by Tom Mayberry on the history of the Record Office & Museum
Venue: Great Hall, Taunton Castle
Saturday
17 May, 2008, 10.30am (doors open 10.00am)
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Venue: The Warehouse, Great Bow Yard, Langport
Full details will be sent with AGM papers.
Followed at 2.30pm by
VISIT TO MUCHELNEY (HB)
The Abbey ruins will be toured with the Priest's House and other buildings.
There will be a charge.
Meet at the Abbey (ST429249)
Booking is essential. Please contact the office.
Thursday
29 May, 2008, 7.30pm
VISIT TO ST MARY MAGDALENE CHURCH & TOWER, TAUNTON
(LH)
There is no limit for the talk but visits up the tower are limited to 6 at
a time so prior booking is essential.
It is strongly emphasized that the tower has 160 very steep and very narrow
steps and is tackled at members' own risk. It is not suitable for anyone with
heart or chest conditions, mobility problems or who is overweight.
Venue: St Mary Magdalene, Church Square, Taunton
Free but the church would welcome donations.
Book with SANHS office.
Friday 6
June, 2008, 11.00am
VISIT TO THE CHURCH OF ST MARY OTTERY & CADHAY HOUSE
(HB)
Meet at the church at 11.00am. Cadhay House which will be visited after lunch
is 1 mile north of Ottery St Mary. It has a C15 roof to the Great Hall and
a C17 Long Gallery. Leader Nigel Pearce. Booking essential. Please contact
the office.
Saturday
14 June, 2008, 10.30am
DRAGONFLIES ON MENDIP (NH)
Leader: Dr Philip Radford
Meet at roadside car-park by Waldegrave Pool near Priddy (ST549513)
Saturday
21 June, 2008, 2.15pm
EXETER CATHEDRAL (HB)
A guided tour of the cathedral and its roof and other buildings.
There will be a charge. Please contact the office for further information
and to book.
Wednesday
2 July, 2008, 7.00pm
NATURAL HISTORY & ARCHAEOLOGY OF A QUANTOCK HILL
FARM (NH)
Leader: Mrs Janet White
Meet at Durborough Farm, Aisholt (ST187351)
Limited numbers - book with SANHS office
Sunday 6
July, 2008, 11.30am
VISIT TO WESTONZOYLAND & THE STEAM PUMPING STATION
(LH)
Mary Siraut will take a guided tour of the village. Meet at the church at
11.30 am. Pub nearby. Meet at the pumping station at 2pm for a tour of the
site and to see the Easton & Amos draining engine in steam.
Booking is essential for the guided pumping station visit, £3.50 admission
charge. There is no overall limit on members wishing to visit the site.
Please contact SANHS Office before Thursday 26 June to book
Saturday
19 July, 2008, 11.00am
VISIT TO NORTON SUB HAMDON & STOKE SUB HAMDON (HB)
A tour of the church of St Mary the Virgin, Norton Sub Hamdon, dovecote and
village followed, after lunch in either of the recommended local pubs, by
a talk at St Denis's Church, Stoke Sub Hamdon by Mark McDermott and a tour
of the Priory and other buildings. A visit rich with ancient features and
more Hamstone than can be imagined.
Meet at Norton Church at 11.00am (ST470160)
then at Stoke church at 2.15pm (ST473176)
Saturday
16 August, 2008, 10.30am
GEOLOGY & HISTORIC BUILDING INTEREST AT BRENT KNOLL
& AREA (NH & HB)
Leaders: Derek Briggs & John Page
Meet on the lower part of Church Lane (ST335346)
Saturday
13 September, 2008, 11.30am
VISIT TO CERNE ABBAS & MINTERNE HOUSE (HB)
Minterne House will be visited after lunch. Teas available. Details &
cost to be confirmed. Leader Nigel Pearce. Booking essential. Please contact
the office.
Saturday
20 September, 2008, 11.00am
FUNGUS FORAY (NH)
Leaders: Dr Philip Radford and Mr Graham Rix
Meet at Webber's Post Car Park (SS902439)