AN EXCITING talk about a local beauty spot will be the highlight of the forthcoming Wem Civic Society meeting.

The group has confirmed it will be welcoming Clare Blencowe and David Smith to talk about the 'Hills & Follies of Hawkstone' when their next meeting is held in Wem Town Hall on Tuesday, March 21 from 7.30pm.

Wem Civic Society Secretary, Shelagh Richardson, said: "The story of the 'Hills & Follies of Hawkstone' is not your average everyday story of country folk as the BBC used to describe 'The Archers.'

"From Norman beginnings, their history includes a Lord Mayor of London, a momentous translation, between 38 and 40 articles, a cleric of great wealth, six entries in the National Dictionary of Biography, several MPs, a hermit, a child bride, a lion that roars and a film based on a story by C. S. Lewis.

"But what were their follies? Not necessarily what you might think.

"The talk is free to members of the society. Non-members can attend on the payment of £2.50.

"Light refreshments will be available."

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Meanwhile, the society has also announced it will be having an upcoming trip in June.

Shelagh added: "The Civic Society’s annual trip, on Saturday, June 10, will be to the National Arboretum, in Staffordshire, a 150-acre visitor site on the edge of the National Forest. 

"The arboretum aims to ensure that the contribution of those who have served and sacrificed is never forgotten with over 400 memorials nestled amongst some 25,000 trees. 

"The coach will leave Wem car park at 9.45am."

For further information about this trip, please email wemcivsoc@yahoo.co.uk