On Friday, 16th June at 7.30 p.m. the Mayor of Midsomer Norton, Paul Myers, will present an Illustrated Talk at St Peter’s Church, Camerton, entitled ‘The Beauchamp Family’.

Paul is an accomplished speaker and having undertaken an enormous amount of research, the talk is without question going to be of considerable local interest.

Perhaps best known as the owners of collieries, including Camerton, many residents will have had an ancestor of whom the Beauchamp family was their employer.

Of the older generation, perhaps best remembered would be Sir Frank Beauchamp of Woodborough or his brother Louis, as they seemed to be responsible for the mines and their day-to-day administration.

As Paul readily recognises, the Beauchamp family could often be regarded as somewhat controversial, with the mineworkers seemingly being exploited, earning low wages with harsh, arduous and often dangerous working conditions, and a very low standard of living. But, they did provide employment, and were typical of the industrialists or landed gentry of their time.

Ultimately, the Beauchamp family did suffer financially when their assets were nationalised by the Government after the Second World War.

The talk will explore both sides of the argument and the audience will come to their own conclusion at the end. Clearly, this will most certainly be an entertaining, enlightening and thought-provoking evening. Something not to be missed!

All are welcome on the night and seats can be reserved in advance from Kathleen on: 01761 470606. Refreshments of tea or coffee and homemade cake are included. Cyril James