Social Events
These are an important part of our activities and our regular Spring AGM and Autumn Meeting are designed to be social occasions as well. In alternate years, we organise a Widcombe Festival, packing a variety of activities into June, such as we presented in 2007. Some of our more popular events are for members and their guests only, so if you are not a member, you should consider joining (see 'How to Join' above).
In 2008, an intervening year, we are holding a few events including a Widcombe Art Trail and a Bath Opera presentation of Verdi’s Falstaff at Crowe Hall. Details and booking arrangements below.
We hope out social programme will make people aware of the beauty and history of the area, and will help to bring residents together to meet their neighbours and make new friends.
This year, too, we look forward to the Widcombe Rising Street Party on Sunday 15th June, run by The Natural Theatre Company. For information on this and other Widcombe events, check out Widcombe.net.
Summer 2008 Events
Saturday and Sunday 7th & 8th June
Widcombe Art Trail Weekend. A rare occasion to view and support the work of local artists – some in their own studios. Refreshments will be on sale in different locations. Open 11am - 5.30 pm both days. Admission free. See map below for venues, or view full colour brochure here:
Page one with map
Page two with details of artists taking part
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Saturday 14 June
Palladian Bridge Picnic with the fabulous...
Stocking Tops
Bath's own answer to the Handbags! – ‘They are a fabulous troupe who look as good as they sound….these glamorous glitzy, golden girls'
With assistance from the Widcombe Wobblers and The Pramophone
Entrance at the Church Lane gate only, Note there is only parking for disabled by arrangement (please phone 315491). THERE IS NO ACCESS POSSIBLE FOR OTHER CARS IN CHURCH LANE – so picnics will have to be carried. Parking is available at Prior Park Garden Centre.
From 6pm. Please pay at the gate, adults £3 children 50p
All monies collected go to Widcombe Rising , so all donations welcome!
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Sunday 15 June
Widcombe Rising!
1.30 to 7.30 pm in Claverton St. Full details here
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Tuesday 17 June
Garden Party at Widcombe Manor 6.30-8.30pm
Enjoy a glass of wine and musical diversion while exploring this stunning garden.
The church of St Thomas a Becket will also be open.
Tickets £5 WA members and their guests only.
In aid of Widcombe Rising.
Now Sold Out!
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Friday and Saturday 20th & 21st June
Opera at Crowe Hall: Bath Opera presents Verdi's Falstaff
This is Bath Opera's 6th season at Crowe Hall. As usual the garden will be open for picnics from 6pm and the performance will start at 8pm in the magnificent Entrance Hall. Please advise (tel 315491) of mobility problems to reserve parking. Otherwise, picnics may be dropped off at the gate, but please park on Widcombe Hill (or in the field if necessary)
Tickets £25 to include an interval drink .
Black tie preferred (as befits your elegant surroundings) but by no means essential.
Stop Press: Saturday night sold out - some tickets available for Friday night only!
To book any of the above events, print out the booking form here.
All enquiries to Sarah Lewis 01225-315491
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Saturday July 5th
A celebration at the Abbey Cemetery of the fine work done by all the volunteers who have cleared the gravestones and painstakingly deceiphered and recorded the inscriptions. There will be a tour of the monuments and Phil Bendall will reveal some amazing facts that have been unearthed. Some light refreshments, but bring your own drinks.
(No facilities at the Cemetery.)
Music will be provided by the Widcombe Wobblers
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Past Events
In 2007, the WA inaugurated a special new venture, Beating the Bounds of Widcombe, taking our inspiration from the last time the ceremony was enacted in 1865. We produced a quality leaflet including a map of Widcombe, together with directions and historical notes, and some 200 people enjoyed one of the best Summer days of the year. We hope to repeat the tradition perhaps after four years.
The procession of local dignitaries and followers, accompanied by our Police Community Support Officer, David Hall, toured the Parish, stopping for a lunchtime picnic at the Paragon School, and returning, some by boat, to Widcombe Junior School for tea. Music was provided by the Widcombe Wobblers and finally by the school Blues Band. The Natural Theatre Company were magnificent; lady Margaret surpassed herself, appearing in five different frocks during the course of the day. (More pictures here )
At Christmas 2007, we presented a concert by “A Handful of Singers” in St Matthew’s Church, after The Natural Theatre Company switched on the Widcombe Christmas lights.
We should like feedback on all events and suggestions for new ventures. Considerable organisation is involved, so if any members can help, for instance in stewarding or distributing posters, please contact sarahAlewis@btinternet.com or (01225) 315491.
A Record of Widcombe Summer Festival, 2007
- 2nd June: Artists painting and sketching at Abbey Cemetery
- 4th June: Illustrated talk about Beating the Bounds of Widcombe
- 9th June: Beating the Bounds of Widcombe
- 15th-16th June: Opera at Crowe Hall – The Barber of Seville
- 20th June: Lyncombe Hill Gardens Evening
- 22nd June: An evening in an 18th Century Pleasure Garden at Lyncombe Court (Pictures)
- 26th June: Walk seven of Widcombe’s Hidden Burial Grounds, in support of Abbey Cemetery
- 28th June: Architectural Model Making
- 29th June: ‘Private Views’ of Open Studios
- 30th June: Widcombe People who Made a Mark
- 30th June - 1st July: Widcombe Art Trail Weekend
Widcombe Mummers
The Widcombe Mummers rode again on New Year’s Day 2008 with a new script, with the Widcombe Wobblers providing the music. The Mummers processed through the streets and performed at Widcombe Manor, Prior Park Garden Centre and Widcombe Crescent. The charity collection was donated to St Matthew’s to help with their repairs.
Pictures of the Widcombe Mummers’ performance can be seen here.