History Day – 4th March 2023

On Saturday 4th March, Wincanton will be full of wide-ranging activity as the first ever Wincanton History Society Day unfolds.
The day kicks off with the celebrity opening of the new WHS Museum at the former Parish Office building at No.5 The High Street.

Thanks to a grant from the SSDC, a Transport Parade, led by an actual Mail Coach drawn by four horses, followed by vintage cars, tractors, ambulances, knife grinders, motorbikes and other historic vehicles will travel up and down the High Street.

Additionally, families can visit and take part in Metal Detecting, a 19^th Century School Room with live actors, get involved in Artisan Craft Art, enjoy the Oral History Booth and gasp at local antiques being valued by experts at the Antique Groan Show stand.

Later, witness an unveiling by celebrity guest of a plaque on the house to commemorate where former Napoleonic soldier and Master clockmaker Alberto Bioletti lived. Followed up with a talk by expert John Baxter on Bioletti’s extraordinary life.

Lastly, a WW2 NAAFI style canteen will be open all day and staffed by volunteers to ensure visitors are watered and fed!