THE SOCIETY

Wells Natural History & Archaeological Society (WNHAS) was founded in 1888 to encourage the practical study of natural history, archaeology and related subjects in Wells and the surrounding countryside. The society is still active, with a busy programme of lectures and summer excursions.

 

Wells Natural History & Archaeological Society

 

The history of Wells & Mendip Museum is intertwined with that of the Wells Natural History & Archaeological Society. The society was formed in 1888, and Herbert Balch, the founder of the museum, was one of its original members. 

 

The society has a programme of winter lectures and a series of summer walks and excursions to places of interest in the region. The current programme is posted below. 

 

As well as free access to the society's talks, members may use the museum and its facilities without charge. To join WNHAS, please download and complete the application form, and return it to the secretary at a meeting, drop it off at the front desk, or post as indicated on the form.

LEARN ABOUT THE HISTORY OF THE SOCIETY

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President: The Rt Revd Peter Hancock, Bishop of Bath and Wells

 
Chair: David Cottle
 
Treasurer: Terry Pearce
 
Secretary: Sue Marley

Programme

 

Meetings are held in The Lecture Hall at Wells & Mendip Museum on Friday evenings at 7.30pm or Saturday afternoons at 2.30pm.

 

Admission FREE for members. Visitors £2.00

'The Museum's Curators' and the Future of the Museum
by David Walker

1 Oct 2021

at

6:30 pm

David Walker, the Hon Curator, will talk about the former Hon Curators who have served at the museum. At the end of his talk he will talk about the new developments being planned.
An Introduction to the British Moths
by Neale Mellersh

5 Nov 2021

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7:30 pm

Neale Mellersh is the Recorder for Moths in Somerset. His talk will illustrate the fascinating number of
species you can encounter locally.
The Real Story of Cheddar Man
by Adrian Targett

3 Dec 2021

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7:30 pm

Adrian Target was the person identified as a descendant of the skeleton discovered in Cheddar by a
television programme. He will relate how the programme was made and its findings.
Bats
by Daniel Hargreaves

5 Feb 2022

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2:30 pm

Daniel is a local wildlife enthusiast who specialises in the study of bats. His enthusiasm has taken him to many localities throughout the world. Many of his photographs are used in the national press and have often been used by the television programmes Spring, Summer and Autumn Watch.
AGM followed by ‘Green Men in the Cathedral’.
by Hilary Adams and Chris Jenkins

4 Mar 2022

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7:30 pm

Hilary will explain the presence of the many Green Men found in the cathedral. Her talk will be illustrated by photographs taken by Chris. Many are not visible from the ground so the photographs may be the first opportunity for you to see them.
King Alfred in Somerset
by Chris Eldridge

8 Apr 2022

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6:30 pm

Chris is the Head of History at Wells Cathedral School. He has a particular interest in this period of history
and would like to see it more widely studied in schools.