Somerset Archaeological and Natural History Society

19/06/2026

Back in March, Laura Beckwith, Finds Liaison Officer for Somerset gave a talk on recent finds made in Somerset which have been recorded through the Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS).

Don't worry if you weren't able to join the webinar - you can watch at your own leisure on the SANHS YouTube channel!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JyxZh2Pcgr4&t=204s

You can also find out more about the PAS here: https://finds.org.uk/

17/06/2026

📣 SANHS CIO 📣
Annual General Meeting

The 2026 AGM will be held on Saturday 11 July
Wyndham Hall, Castle Green, Taunton TA1 4AD

The meeting will start at 10.30am with tea and coffee available from 10am.

The AGM papers will be posted on the website in due course.

Our retiring President, Mary Siraut, will give the presidential address.

Lunch can be booked - see below - and there will be an afternoon event, if you wish to stay, of a social nature!

Lunch will cost £6.25 a head, and will be sandwiches, a savoury selection and a packet of crisps (tea, coffee & water also available). Payment will be taken on the day.
Please book for lunch via [email protected] and let us know your dietary requirements.

16/06/2026

13/06/2026

**TALK**

Hannah More (1745 - 1833)
John Page will give a talk on the Bristol-based educator and philanthropist

7.30pm - Tuesday 16th June
Wyndham Hall, Taunton, TA4 4AD

John writes: “Numerous books have been written about Hannah More and her life, but most of what is known about her charitable activities and schools around Mendip has been taken from information sourced from Hannah and her sister Martha. This fresh interpretation uses local sources to offer a somewhat different view of events.”

No need to book, just turn up!
This is free event, but donations to SANHS are always gratefully received.

10/06/2026

📚📖 SANHS LIBRARY BOOK CLUB 📖📚

A chance to explore the wealth of SANHS' Library and Archive collections.

Thursday 11 June
10am - 12pm
Somerset Heritage Centre, Brunel Way, Norton Fitzwarren, TA2 6SF

Following our very successful inaugural meeting in November 2025, we now offer you a chance to explore SANHS' collections - old and new - on Natural History subjects.
We'll be including several items from the New Naturalist series, as well as historic volumes and illustrations.

You can also find out how to join SANHS - if not already a member - how to use our Library and how to borrow books.

Please book by emailing [email protected]

09/06/2026

SANHS Local History Section

Visit to the Hydrographic Office
Wednesday 1st July

A chance to visit the recently rebuilt facility. We will be given a guided tour and an opportunity to view some of its archive treasures.

Meet 2.30 pm at the Hydrographic Office
Admiralty Way, Taunton TA1 2DN

Numbers will be limited for security and early booking is essential as details must be provided to the Hydrographic Office well in advance.
Only people on the booking list can be admitted. Visitors will be required to show photo ID on arrival at the Hydrographic office.

To book please email [email protected] or call 01823 272429 before 10 June with address and nationality.

Suggested donation to SANHS £5