AN illustrated presentation will be given by Les Davies MBE at the Somer Centre, Midsomer Norton, titled ‘Follow the Plough’, recounting his lifetime working on the Mendip Hills and reflecting on changes in farming and rural life.

He will share stories from his early years, including a 1956 photograph of him with the last working horse on the farm, and discuss his lifelong connection to the land.

Les was awarded an MBE in 2005 for services to the environment and is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society. He also writes a monthly column, Westcountryman’s Diary.

Les said: “The photo was taken by my mother in June 1956. I was four years old, and although the Suez Crisis was in full swing and the Cold War was ongoing, none of that mattered to me. I was holding the last working horse on the farm, Flower.”

Les has spent his entire life working on the Mendips, in orchards and on the land, through a period of significant change in the countryside and in farming practices. He was awarded an MBE for services to the environment in 2005 and is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society. He is also known locally for his monthly column, Westcountryman’s Diary.

For Radstock Museum’s Bygone Days final presentation of this year, Les will give an illustrated presentation about his lifetime, full of colourful stories, and wise words as he reflects on how he has managed to endure the tougher times and embrace change.

The presentation will take place on Tuesday, November 4 at the Somer Centre, Midsomer Norton. Doors open at 7pm, with the talk running from 7.30pm to 8.30pm.

No booking is required, and free parking is available outside the hall. All funds raised will support Radstock Museum (charity no. 1151573).