A NEW Italian Society, the only one of its kind in the county, launches in Wiltshire on Sunday to coincide with the 100th anniversary of Italy joining the Alliance in the First World War.

Circolo Italiano, an association for people who share an interest in all things Italian, has been founded by former naval officer Bill Nimmo-Scott OBE, of Easton Royal.

The society is planning a mix of talks and visits ranging from exhibitions focusing on Italian artists, film screenings and language classes, through to cookery demonstrations.

Events in May and June will include 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.

In the autumn, the society is planning a five-day language and cookery course at The Leonardo da Vinci School in Siena.

Mr Nimmo-Scott said: “You do not need to have Italian roots or speak the language to join the group; 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.”

Italy is the fifth most visited country in the world and contains more World Heritage Sites than any other country.

Society member, Paul Narizzano, joined to find out more about the country where his great grandfather was born.

He said: “Even though my roots stem from Italy, my connection with the country is limited. I am learning the language and am eager to engage with people with a mutual passion for its culture.”

To find out more about the new society visit www.circoloitaliano.co.uk