Welcome
The thriving Widcombe Association was formed in 1981 and is the largest Residents' Association in Bath. It exists in order to protect and enhance Widcombe and Lyncombe; to act as a channel for local opinion on Widcombe matters; to encourage the community spirit by promoting social events and promoting and sponsoring clubs and activities including the Garden Club and The Widcombe History Group; to monitor planning applications and to maintain a dialogue with the Council in members' interests.
Autumn Meeting 2008
At the Autumn Meeting, held on 30th October, Sarah Lewis was presented with a bouquet for many years of service on the committee and Mayveen Blackwell, Dr Phil Bendall and Dr Bob Potter (who couldn't attend) were made life members of the Association in recognition of their services.
The Natural Theatre Company's Ralph Oswick sent a message to say that the 2008 Widcombe Rising was generally agreed to be the best ever and he thanked the Widcombe Association for our £1400 contribution. There will be another event in 2010 when it will be the bi-centenary of the opening of the Kennet and Avon Canal.
The guest speaker was Peter Andrews of Transition Bath: Transition Bath is one year old, and is part of the Transition Movement which because of dwindling supplies of cheap oil and the effects of climate change advocates urgent action to reduce carbon emissions. Measures include producing goods closer to home, taking holidays in the UK, buying local, seasonal and organic food, eating less meat, growing our own food, sharing gardens, planting community orchards, keeping chickens and eating with friends. We need to accept there is a problem, believe we can make a difference, lobby politicians, and get to know and cooperate with our community. Transition Bath holds a monthly forum, talks and events and has set up special interest groups for energy, awareness raising, and food. Further details can be found at www.transitionbath.org.uk
Annual General Meeting 2008
Sadly, Mayveen Blackwell stood down as Chairman. Born in the area she has served the Association as Secretary, Vice Chairman and for the last three years as Chairman. Throughout her time on the committee she has been a fearless champion of the interests of Widcombe, pursuing issues such as the restoration of Claverton Street as the local high street by removing through traffic to Rossiter Road with immense tenacity and skill. It is hoped that her knowledge will be available to the committee for the immediate future but in the meantime residents will want to join the committee in recording their appreciation of all that Mayveen has contributed to what Bath Life correctly describes as 'Wonderful Widcombe'.
Following the AGM there was a presentation by Adrian Roper, SW Regional Director for Sustrans, on The Two Tunnels Greenway.
The recent award to Sustrans to develop cycleways throughout Britain means that the development of the two tunnels from Bath to Midford and beyond should go ahead. This is potentially an exciting project, designed to get people off their sofas and out of their cars to discover the joys of cycling and walking, not only for leisure but for commuting as well. But what will it mean for us in Widcombe and Lyncombe Vale? Those who attended the meeting had the opportunity to raise questions about security issues in and around the tunnels and how potential users could enjoy the facilities on offer safely and without causing problems for local residents and fellow-users. (For more on the Two Tunnels Greenway project, click here )