The Friends of The Museum of Somerset (FOTMOS) were pleased to welcome to their May meeting David Hedges, a military historian, who gave a most interesting talk on the Battle of Waterloo, examining some of the falsities that surround the battle and providing a narration of the day’s events using primary sources, archaeological evidence and a better understanding of the terrain. Unlike many historians, David has actually visited the site.

The battle took place on June 18, 1815. Napoleon was defeated by two armies of the Seventh Coalition, one with units from Britain, the Netherlands, Hanover, Brunswick and Nassau led by the Duke of Wellington, and the other comprising three corps of the Prussian army under Marshall Blücher. David outlined the various aspects of the battle, especially the attack on the British position at Hougoumont, the Grand Battery bombardment, and the arrival of the Prussians. The terrain of the battlefield had a definite impact on the outcome, as did the fact that the rain that had fallen overnight had reduced much of the site to a quagmire.

Waterloo was the decisive engagement of the Waterloo campaign, and Napoleon’s last. It was also the second bloodiest single day battle of the Napoleonic Wars with over 40,000 being killed. The site of the battlefield is today dominated by the monument of the Lion’s Mound, a large artificial hill constructed from earth taken from the battlefield itself.

The Wellington Basins Volunteer Group met on May 30. The meeting was opened by Lesley Andrews (deputy chair) who explained that the AGM could not take place as the chairperson, Jeny Vickery, was unable to attend due to a physical injury. There followed an ordinary meeting instead.

All members agreed that the May Day event in the park had been a great success and enjoyed by all who attended.

Other calendar events for the year were discussed and in particular, a Fishing Taster Day planned for Saturday, July 13, 1pm to 5pm at the Basins. This is to be an open afternoon with free refreshments served and a bric-a-brac stall. In particular, children or anyone new to fishing are particularly welcome to attend and receive advice on fishing techniques. Children who may wish to come along should be accompanied by an adult.

The meeting was informed of the Britain in Bloom judging day which is to be on July 24. It was anticipated that Darren Hill would accompany the judges to the Basins area as part of the programme for judging.

It was agreed that the date of the AGM would now be Friday 25th July.

The Big House Co was honoured to welcome the Mayor of Wellington Cllr Janet Lloyd and her husband Ian to Tone Dale House last week, one of the company’s premier holiday rental properties.

The visit provided an opportunity for the mayor to learn more about the work The Big House Co does in the region, offering large group holiday rentals in beautiful, historic homes. During the visit, the mayor and her husband were given a tour of the property and took time to meet several members of the dedicated team behind the business.

“We were absolutely delighted to host the mayor and her husband,” said Ben Fox (co-owner with his wife Victoria) at The Big House Co. Their genuine interest in our work and the time they took to speak with our colleagues meant a great deal to all of us. It felt extra special at the time the council recently acknowledged she is the longest-serving mayor!”

Tone Dale House, located in Wellington, has become a popular destination for family gatherings, special occasions, and corporate retreats. The property combines period charm with modern comforts and stands as a many proud examples of local artefacts and the heritage being put to contemporary use.

The Big House Co would like to extend sincere thanks to the mayor and her husband for their visit and their continued support of local enterprise.

The very popular Taunton Good Afternoon Choir will welcome Cellist Chris Sampson as their special guest at Temple Methodist Church, Taunton, on Saturday, July 19, at 7.30pm (doors open 7pm).

The Taunton Good Afternoon Choir is led by Chris Grabham and they are busy preparing their programme for the concert which will support the choir’s 2025 chosen charity, St Margaret’s Hospice Care.

The Good Afternoon Choirs were started by Bath-based Grenville 16 years ago and there are now 34 across the South West of England, South Wales and London, with over 1,600 members ‘Singing in the Afternoon’.

There are no auditions to join, your first rehearsal is free, and members of our Good Afternoon Choir come from in and around the area. Taunton meet every Tuesday afternoon from 2pm-4pm at Temple Methodist Church, Taunton, and is led by Chris Grabham. Everyone is welcome to come along to meet Chris and the members of the choir, where the emphasis is on singing and having fun.

The special guest for the concert will be Cellist Chris Sampson. Chris grew up in Taunton and is always in demand as a freelance cellist, conductor, composer and teacher. As a cellist he performs regularly with orchestras and chamber ensembles around the South-West.

Tickets priced £8 are on sale in advance from gac.ticketlight.co.uk or by calling 0844 888 9991 – they will also be available on the door on the evening of the concert.

Grenville said; “It is going to be a great evening of music and song and we are absolutely delighted to be welcoming Chris Sampson to Temple Methodist Church.”