Talking Points – September 2025

1. ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR UPDATE

There has been another surge in anti-social behaviour in and around The Parade during the summer weeks.  The problem is not just citywide in Bath, but prevalent in towns and cities across the country.  We continue to engage with the Council and other relevant agencies in Bath, and will concentrate on making changes that limit the ability of groups of drinkers and drug-takers to congregate.  The forthcoming more changeable weather may help in the short term.

Another manifestation of anti-social behaviour in Widcombe is the reported incidents of repeated plant theft and damage in a garden on Lyncombe Hill.  Please keep an eye out for suspicious behaviour and, if necessary, call the police.  Hopefully the perpetrator can be identified and apprehended.

2. SOCIAL MEDIA – VOLUNTEERS

Over the past few months, we have been updating both the WA website and our use of social media.  We are always on the lookout for volunteers to become involved in helping to organise and communicate events, both to members and non-members.  We would be particularly pleased to hear from anyone who would like to help with social media.

We would welcome either an experienced volunteer or someone new to volunteering, of any age, the role taking just 1 to 2 hours per week and at completely flexible times.  If you would like to help generally with the organisation of events or, more specifically, with social media, please contact the Widcombe Association: secretary@widcombeassociation.org.uk.

3. FUTURE EVENTS

Go Green Widcombe Talk – Heat pumps: getting off gas – Wednesday 10 September 7pm – Widcombe Social Club

It’s not too late to sign up for the next talk, coordinated by Go Green Widcombe and Bath & West Community Energy (BWCE). There will be 3 separate presentations with local case studies showing how heat pump installations have impacted their homes. For more information, contact ggwidcombe@gmail.com.

FREE entry but please register here.

Eyre Chantry Chapel Open Day, Perrymead Cemetery – Thursday 18 September 11am to 4pm

The opportunity to visit this miniature jewel of Catholic Gothic Revival architecture is not a Widcombe Association event, but part of the Heritage Open Days week.

More information: https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/eyre-chantry-chapel-4-2025.html

Visit to the Walled Garden in Newton St Loe – Tuesday 23 September 10am

‘Restoration for soil and soul’  Learn about the way in which lives can be transformed by gardening through the charity ‘Grow for Life.’  This abandoned walled garden with orchard is becoming a productive and therapeutic space, nurturing people so that they flourish.

Book tickets here.

Visit to Upton Cheney Chilli Farm – Thursday 16 October 10.30am

Come and learn about the wonderful world of chillies, from mild to wild, with our Garden Club tour of the one of the UK’s few chilli farms in Upton Cheney. Have a taste and make a purchase in the pop-up shop.

Book tickets here.

Persephone Books, a talk by founder Nicola Beauman – Thursday 30 October 7 for 7.30pm – Widcombe Social Club

We are really excited to host the celebrated founder of Persephone Books, famed independent book publisher.

Nicola Beauman, who now lives in Bath, will explain how and why she founded Persephone, about the move to Bath after 20 years in Bloomsbury, and how their books are chosen.

A selection of the books will be on sale at a reduced price.

Early bird tickets available here.