## **LANGPORT & DISTRICT HISTORY SOCIETY** _Registered Charity No. 1179718_ ## **Trustees’ Report to Members 2024-2025** ## **Membership** At the end of August 2025 we had 58 members (in 2024 we had 60, in 2023 we had 62). ## **Strategic plan 2024-25** At our AGM on 2 October 2024, members approved a strategic plan for 2024-25. Progress towards the objectives during the year was as follows: - a. Install an information board about Bagehot at Great Bow Wharf (in production; installation expected before the end of the year) - b. Arrange an exhibition including Walter Bagehot’s briefcase at Hurds Hill (postponed until 2026) - c. Respond to the call to nominate assets to the Local Heritage List (achieved) - d. Arrange for the transcription of Eliza Bagehot’s diaries (not achieved) ## **Future Bagehot Action** The digitised copies of the _Collected works of Walter Bagehot_ were made available on our website. We invited expressions of interest in transcribing Eliza Bagehot’s diaries, but the responses we received showed that the cost would be prohibitive. Reluctantly, therefore, we have shelved that project until perhaps AI makes it possible to decipher handwriting more cheaply. ## **Afternoon meetings** We held three afternoon meetings in January, February and March 2025. A total of 112 people attended the afternoon meetings, including 18 visitors. The average number attending evening meetings was 30 and the average attending afternoon meetings was 37. ## **Visits** We have discussed the possibility of joint coach trips with the South Petherton History Group and with the Somerton History Group, and may take them forward with the latter. ## **Publications** We reprinted the Graham Edwards pamphlet on the Battle of Langport in time for the battle anniversary on 10 July. It’s now available to purchase for £5. During this period 8 e-newsletters were sent to members to keep them up to date with meetings and local history developments. _Level Talk_ was published in March 2025, thanks to Rob Cherry and Sandy. ## **Other activities** The Christmas Social was again held at the Drayton Crown, and was a very enjoyable occasion. The Somerton History Group are keen to co-operate with us on a number of fronts. In addition to exploring the possibility of joint coach trips, we have agreed that each other’s members can attend talks for half of the normal visitors’ cost. To that end we will circulate each other’s newsletters to our members, so that we will all know what is available. We had a stall at Muchelney’s Medieval Day on 26 July, and sold publications to the value of £35. As the stall was free, it was a useful occasion and may lead to more co-operation with English Heritage. In the financial year 2024-25 two quizzes made a total net profit of £726. Our projector finally decided to retire, and we have purchased a new one. ## **Thanks** I am, as always, very grateful to the Officers and Committee (Trustees) of the Society for all their efforts and support, and to you, our members, for your interest and understanding. ## **Feedback** Feedback of any kind from members, or indeed anyone else, is very welcome. _Janet Seaton, Chair._ _September 2025_ Mrs E Bemstein 26 Thornton Road Yeovil Somerset BA213LD 151h January 2026 CIO Mrs J Seaton Acting Treasurer Langport & District History Society Greenoaks The Hill TA109QN I have completed the annual audit for the Langport and D(strict Hislory Society. I have reviewed both bank account statements held with Nat West banL along with the cashbook entries and a sample of invoices and receipts. In myopinion the financial statements: 11 ve a true and fair view of the state of the Langport and District History Societychartyaffairs asof 31$1August 2025, also of tts incomingresources and application of resources {profiUioss) for the year then ended; and have been properly prepared in accordance wilh United Kingdom Gen8raiiy Accepted Accounting Practice. I can confirm on this occasion. there 18 no fee associated with this audit I have undertaken. Yours sincerely Elaine Bernstein LANGPORT & DISTRicf HISTORY SOCIETY -ACCOUNTS FOR YEAR ENDING 315t Au8USt 2025 CURRENT ACCOUNT 30536561 OPENING BALANCE 3607.34. INCOME 202415 EXPENDITURE 202415 MEMBERSHIP 896.00. ROOM HIRE Iso.00. VISITORS 204.00. SPEAKERS FEES 379.00. QUIZZES 770.00. QUIZ PRIZE 60.00. SALE OF BOOKS 16,20. SUNORIES 159.74. DRAYTON FAIR 39.00. WEBsrrE 669.60. ROYALTIES 27.23. WELLS 40.00. XMAS SOCIAL 512,00. XMAS SOCIAL 468.00, St. MARYS 250.00. DONATION 50.00. PROJEcfoR/LIGHT 954.28. INSURANCE 90.00. CLOSING BALANCE 3301.15. BAGEHOT ACCOU￿$ FOR YEAR ENDING 31" Au8llSt 2025 CURRENT ACCOUNT37130706 OPENING BALANCE 1537.52. INCOME EXPENDITURE LOVE LETTERS 27.80. CLOSING BALANCE 1509.72. 35 DAY ACCOUNT 37124390 OPENING BALANCE 23372.25. INCOME EXPENDITURE I￿EREsT 664.70. CLOSING BALANCE 24016.95. PETER MorrRAM TREASURER SEPT. 2025