A NEW society is being cooked up for fans of everything Italian.

The Italian Society - Il Circolo Italiano – will be the first in Wiltshire and is set to be launched on Sunday by former naval officer, Bill Nimmo-Scott, OBE.

The launch coincides with the 100th anniversary of Italy joining the Alliance in the First World War.

Circolo Italiano is an association for like-minded people living in Wiltshire who share an interest in all things Italian – its rich culture and language, history, art, travel, music, food, wine, fashion and more.

The group's planned programme of events will be an eclectic mix of talks and visits ranging from exhibitions focusing on the great Italian artists, film screenings and language classes, through to cookery demonstrations, and encompassing everything in between.

Founder member Barbara Rayner, from Swindon, joined the Circolo Italiano to find out more about the country.

"I fell in love with Italy on my first visit to Florence several years ago and the love affair has not waned," she said.

"It is impossible not to smile when speaking the musical language – even my vain attempts in the beginners class. I am looking forward to engaging with people with a mutual passion for its culture."

One of the highlights of the year will be a five-day language and cookery course at The Leonardo da Vinci School in Siena, the charming medieval town situated in the heart of Tuscany.

Meanwhile, closer to home, events in May and June will include a wine tasting and a talk on The White War, Italy’s involvement in the First World War, so named as it mostly took place on Italy’s mountainous borders.

Mr Nimmo-Scott, who lives in the Pewsey Vale, has had a passion for the country, its people and history for more than 15 years, and enjoys introducing people to the language.

He and his wife, Karen, have clocked up 30 visits and have been to every region and the three main islands - Sicily, Sardinia and Elba - mostly in their trusty camper van.

“You do not need to have Italian roots or speak the language to join the group,” he said.

“You simply need to share a love of its rich culture. Through my language classes, I have met people keen to learn more about this diverse country which, combined with witnessing the growth of this type of Italian network in other countries, has inspired me to fill the gap in Wiltshire."

People interested in joining the group can find out more and register and interest at www.circoloitaliano.co.uk.