Events and Newsletters
The Friends of King John's Hunting Lodge are a vibrant group of individuals interested in the local history and archeology, as well as our museum.
Throughout the year a series of talks and visits are arranged for Friends, guests and visitors. The programme of events currently scheduled is:
2026 Events Schedule
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Wednesday 21 January, 2.30 pm, Cross Memorial Hall (CMH):
Looking back at 75 years of archaeology, caving and the museum in Axbridge...and to the future.
Short talks by Alan Gray, David Roberts, Ian Tabrett and John Page. -
Wednesday 18 February, 2.30pm, CMH:
The end of the Turnpike roads, and what happened next.
Talk by Barrie Underwood on a little-known organisation and some of the local people who were closely involved. -
Wednesday March 18, 7.30pm, CMH:
Songs of people and places.
An evening's entertainment with professional musicians Issy and David Emeney, from Biddisham. Attendance by ticket only -- Friends £5, visitors £10, available January meeting onward or please contact Liz. Wine and nibbles available. -
Thursday March 19, 7.30pm, Westbury-sub-Mendip:
The annual Barry Lane memorial lecture: Archaeological secrets of the National Trust in the West Country by Cat Lodge.
Mini bus to pick up in Cross and Axbridge, with details to follow. - Wednesday April 15, 2.30pm, CMH: Archive films on Axbridge and surrounding areas introduced by John Page.
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Wednesday May 20, 2.30pm, CMH:
History of the Somerset Light Infantry.
Talk by Phil Thorne. -
Wednesday June 17:
Visit to ss Great Britain, Bristol, with conducted tour.
Mini bus details in due course. -
Wednesday July 15:
Meet Shute Shelve car park: Introduction by Madeleine Roberts and walk to Cross Plain to visit the historic Cross Rifle Club's sites.
Timings to follow. -
August:
Visit to local archaeological excavation.
Date and venue to be finalised. -
Wednesday September 9:
Visit to Knighthayes National Trust property as guests of King John's Hunting Lodge stewards.
Details to follow. -
Wednesday September 16, 2.30pm, CMH:
Day Out in Axbridge and Lost Mines of Mendips.
Films by local cameraman Clive North in the 1970s for BBC West. -
Wednesday October 21, 2.30pm, CMH:
Follow the Plough.
Growing up on the Mendips, talk by Les Davies, Mendip Times columnist and former Mendip Hills AONB manager and ranger. -
Wednesday November 18, 2.30pm, CMH:
Banwell Bone Caves.
Talk by John Page. -
Friday December 11:
Christmas dinner and quiz.
The Lamb, Weare.