On Monday 7 November, the Langport & District History Society heard a talk by local Langport author, Janet Seaton, on the history of the world-famous Kelways Nursery. Janet described how, when she moved to Somerset in 2007, she discovered she was very near the famed nursery, and that nobody had published its history. 

The current owners of Kelways readily cooperated, providing her access to their extensive archive of catalogues.  She gradually pieced together the fascinating story of the Kelway family, and of the ups and downs of the business from its beginnings in the 1850s. Janet illustrated her talk with a presentation showing many items of Kelways family and business interest, such as their coat of arms; a huge local election poster for William Kelway in the 1890s; the 1930s range of peony perfumes, and a selection of the firm’s stunningly illustrated catalogues.  
She then described how publication of her book has generated much new and interesting material from those with family members who worked at Kelways.  

Janet’s book, Kelways Glorious, was launched at the Kelways gold-medal winning stand at this year’s prestigious Chelsea Flower Show.  It is available from Kelways itself; Picts Hill Publishing of Langport; Amazon and from other local outlets, priced £8.99.  An ideal Christmas or birthday present! 

The next meeting of the Society will be held on Monday 5 December at Langport Library.  It will be a picture quiz, based on photos of historical buildings/items/people in the Langport area.  The images will be displayed around the room, making it more of a social occasion as people go round to work out the answers.  Admission will be £1, to cover both the quiz and the refreshments (wine and nibbles).  All welcome.