Burnham-On-Sea historian Philip Hoyland is to give a talk on the story behind local ‘friendly societies’ at the next North Sedgemoor Local History Group meeting.
The talk on Wednesday 8th May will take place at King Alfred School Lecture Theatre and starts at 7pm.
Philip says: “Friendly Societies were formed by like-minded people in order to alleviate financial hardship in times of sickness, death and old age.”
“They flourished from the 18th century into the 20th century. I will talk about the history of Friendly Societies, their organization and function, their role in village life and the significance of their brass pole-head emblems.”
“The custom of carrying brass emblems, on ‘ Walking Day ’, was virtually confined to Somerset and those parts of neighbouring counties that bordered on it. I have a large collection of Brasses and will bring a selection with me.”
Visitors are welcome to the talk, “Friendly Societies: Benefits, Brass and the Girtest Grandest Day,” at a charge of £2.
