STOKE ST MARY AND DISTRICT HISTORY GROUP

Stoke St Mary History Group

Events for 2024

14 May (Tuesday) - Visit to RAF Upottery (Smeatharpe) and its Heritage Centre. From this airfield 1,357 paratroopers were transported to Utah Beach on the night of 5 June 1944. A tour by Brian Lane-Smith of around two hours will begin at 10.00 am and cost £10 each. Self-drive. There is a cafe nearby at Dunkeswell airfield for those who wish to have lunch after the visit.

August - It is hoped to have a visit to the lovely village of Holcombe Rogus, including a chance to see the church and its fine Portman tomb.

17 September (Tuesday) - There will be a talk about the remarkable Somerset artist Sarah Biffin (1784-1850). She was born without arms or legs at East Quantoxhead and became one of the leading portrait miniaturists of her generation. The talk will be in Stoke Chapel at 7.30 pm. [POSTPONED]

29 October (Tuesday) - John Strickland will tell the dramatic story of the shipwreck of the SS Nornen on the coast near Burnham in 1897. The talk will be held in Stoke Village Hall at 7.30 pm.

January 2025 - There will be a talk on the history of 'Somerset and the Weather', including the tsunami of 1607, the Great Storm of 1703, and more recent events.

All events will be on the history group website www.stokestmary.org.uk, in the parish magazine, and on the notice board outside the village hall (one week before each event)

All events are free to members unless stated otherwise. Non-members pay £3 per event, plus any outside fees. Subscription for members is £10/year

Stephanie Crockett (Secretary) stepcroc@btinternet.com

20 April 2024