The National Trust Quantock Centre is a voluntary association of National Trust members and volunteers who live in Taunton, Bridgwater, Ilminster, Wellington, Williton and their surrounding areas.
It is one of the leading supporters' groups of the National Trust. It exists to promote and support the work of the Trust and to enhance the benefits of Trust membership through a year-long programme of activities.
There are about 200 similar centres and associations in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The Quantock Centre is the most active centre in Wessex and takes a special interest in Barrington Court, near Ilminster.
The Quantock Centre is at the heart of an area rich with National Trust properties and other fine houses and estates. Nearby are three remarkable National Trust "firsts": Barrington Court, the first large house to be purchased by the Trust; Coleridge Cottage, Nether Stowey, the first Trust-owned house associated with a famous person; and Montacute House, near Yeovil, the first large house given to the Trust.
But members of the Quantock Centre go much further afield, visiting great houses and gardens in other parts of the country -- properties belonging not only to the National Trust but to other public and private owners. Some of the properties are rarely opened to the public.
Members have as many as 40 events a year to choose from, not just in the Spring and Summer but throughout the year. In addition to visits, they participate in a wide variety of other activities, including talks, study days, music, art and social events. Some people like being in the Quantock Centre because they can continue to enjoy the benefits of National Trust membership when they are less mobile. The Centre enables them to visit places they might otherwise miss.
The current programme is typical of the kind of events happening throughout the year.
If you are already a member of the Trust and would like to join the Centre, write to:
The National Trust Quantock Centre,
FREEPOST SWB10236,
Taunton TA2 6BR.
Alternatively, go to the contact form, enter your name, address and National Trust membership number and we'll send you an application form.
The annual subscription is £8.00 per member and is due on 1 December each year. If you join between 1 June and 30 November, your subscription will last until 1 December of the following year.
Please note: The Quantock Centre is open only to members of the National Trust. If you are not already a member of the Trust, go to the National Trust application page to find out how to join.