Coins and the postal system talk

ATWORTH History Group has been delving into the history of the local area, and have interesting talks lined up.  

“In March the Atworth History Group enjoyed an excellent talk given by David Ayling, proprietor of Somerset Coins, who looked at the history of Atworth through coinage,” reports the group. “He brought along a huge collection of coins and catalogues to illustrate his talk, and passed several items around the audience – including a ‘touch coin’ that would have been handled by King Charles II, then sent out during the time of the plague so people would be ‘cured’ (there was a belief that the king had healing powers). 

“On Monday 4th April we will welcome Nick Lennard who is Treasurer of the Bath Postal Museum, and serves as a guide every Friday.  

“His talk will include the origin of writing, leading on to communication, and how Ralph Allen developed the postal system and had a major impact on the buildings in Bath. 

“We meet on the first Monday of the month (unless there’s a bank holiday, in which case it’ll be the second) in Atworth Village Hall at 7.30pm. Visitors are very welcome at the modest cost of £5 for the evening, or you may wish to join for an annual subscription of £15.”