Watton Millennium Mural, a hand-painted tiled panel presented to the town
by The Rotary Club of Watton & District, designed and created by Arthur Atkin. ©Arthur Atkin
The mural is now housed in the Town Museum in the Wayland Hall.
The Watton Society was formed in 1973 at what is now called The Wayland Academy. The name of the Society was then the Watton Arts Society and the aims were ‘to form a link between pupils and adults with a common interest and to develop and further an interest in the Arts’. The word ‘Arts’ was later dropped from the title as this was perceived to be paintings only, and the meetings were moved from the Academy to the Watton Methodist Centre. The aims were developed to include wider interests.
- What does the Watton Society do?
- Hold a meeting on the third Wednesday of the month, except August, covering a wide range of topics of both local and wider interest.
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- Arrange occasional visits. Sometimes these follow a talk given to the Society, or they can be to places not normally open for visits.
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- Hold the Watton in Bloom competition involving the front gardens of Watton. This is held at different times of the year and involves a tour of the front gardens of Watton and judging by an independent person, often the Town Mayor.
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- Research and provide Heritage plaques for Watton buildings and historical sites. A Heritage Trail has been produced based on this research and leaflets are available at the Watton Tourist Centre, Watton Museum, Watton Library and the Town Council Offices.
- Organise an annual art competition for local children.
- Support and take part in Watton events whenever possible.
The Watton Society also originated the Wayland Festival, formerly called the Watton Festival, which became large enough to need its own separate committee but has now been wound up.
What does it cost to belong to the Watton Society?
Subscriptions are £5 per annum, payable at the Annual General Meeting in October. There is a reduction for people joining later in the year. Meetings costs are £2.50 for members and £3.50 for non members. Non alcoholic fruit drinks are available free of charge.
Occasionally meetings may cost more but this will be notified in advance.
For more information or to join the Watton Society please contact John or Judy Kerr.
01953 882613. email: [email protected]
Current committee members are: Margaret Cator, John and Judy Kerr, Roy Challand, Wendy Collins and Liz Whitcher
VISITORS ARE WELCOME AT MEETINGS
Information on the Watton Society programme is shown in the Watton Society Notice Board in Chaston Place.