VISITORS from a town named Wellington in the USA were joined for a conversation by the MP for Wellington (UK).

MP Gideon Amos (Liberal Democrats, Taunton and Wellington) met with Jean Stark and June Vaughn, who live near Wellington, Florida and were meeting up with Lisa Hunt, who moved to the UK town from that same village.

Ms Hunt has lived in Somerset’s Wellington for the past 29 years, and has been very involved in the local area in that time, such as helping out at schools and running a scrap shop in Taunton.

However, she still makes sure to visit her old home every winter, which is found on the east coast of Florida, just on the outskirts of Miami’s metropolitan area.

Ms Stark and Ms Vaughn had been visiting for nearly three weeks, and enjoyed plenty of what the town has to offer, such as local businesses like Tim Potter Family Butchers and Ruxstons.

One big difference that was noted between the two Wellingtons is the size of the roads, with the countryside bends being a significant contrast to the straight American highway.

They also expressed a great appreciation for the beauty of the countryside around the South East of England.

They mentioned that they would also explore other parts of England, such going to Lyme Regis to do some fossilising, and they were also excited to explore the sights in London.

The conversation between Mr Amos and Ms Vaughn, Ms Stark and Ms Hunt involved cultural differences, particularly regarding lawmakers, with Mr Amos learning about the various levels at which laws are made in the US, and how it can be difficult to meet particular representatives.

Overall, the group spoke very positively of their experience in Somerset’s Wellington, adding that they would be very happy to return once more.