THE Somerset Industrial Archaeological Society’s (SIAS ) autumn programme of fortnightly evening talks begins on Monday (September 25) with a number of fascinating subjects lined up.

Monday will see an online talk recalling the history of the Tay Railway Bridge, once the longest bridge in the world.

Its poor construction led to collapse in an 1879 storm while a train was crossing, with the loss of all the passengers, which ended the career of its famous designer, but was he made a scapegoat for other people’s failings?

The story of Minehead’s Pier will then be told on Monday, October 9, at a live meeting in Silver Street Baptist Church Hall, in Taunton.

It is difficult now to believe that during World War Two there were guns positioned on Minehead Harbour.

In order to give them a clear line of fire along the estuary, the pier had to go.

It was the only pier in the country to be demolished during the war.

Other topics will cover the Manchester Ship Canal, military mining in World War One, and, finally, on Monday, November 6, the history of the Greenwich Peninsula, now the home of the O2 Arena. 

Since Covid, SIAS meetings have been held both online and live in Silver Street Baptist Church, a mix which caters for members and speakers from further afield, as well as those who enjoy getting together.

All SIAS talks begin at 7.30 pm, and non-members are welcome for a small admission fee.

There is free parking at live meetings.

Full details about programme events, society activities, membership, and taking part can be found by visiting the society’s website.