About Us

The Wheatley Society was formed in 1974, at a time of great change in the village. It was created by a small group of like-minded individuals who went on to form the core of the first committee, with Jon Drake as its first chairman. They wanted "to create a channel whereby residents could express their views as developments were proposed" — akin to a civic society concerned with the built environment and the history and character of the village. Alongside these objectives, the Society developed broader social interests, and these predominate today.

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The Society is managed by its Chair, Giles Darkes, and a committee who organise regular events throughout the year, culminating in an Annual General Meeting (AGM) each March. Talks are generally held in the Merry Bells, but walks and other outside events take us to various parts of the county. Every two years we hold a Wine Tasting evening, alternating with a Safari Supper. Annual events include a Quiz Night and a Desert Island Discs evening.

 

A fuller history of the Society, its activities and its members over the past 50+ years can be found in the History page, which includes a list of the Society's publications.