Talking Points – October 2025

1. AUTUMN MEMBERS’ MEETING 2025 – WEDNESDAY 12 NOVEMBER 7.30PM – WIDCOMBE SOCIAL CLUB

The Autumn Members’ meeting will be held in the Widcombe Social Club on Wednesday 12 November, starting at 7.30pm. This will be an opportunity to meet members of the committees and to discuss the work of the Association.  All members are encouraged to attend. We are organising a speaker and will let you know once we have confirmed both the speaker and the topic. The bar will be open from 7pm.

2. THE NEW WA WEBSITE

The new website is taking shape. At present there is an overlap between the new site and the old one until the transition is completed. There will then be one website for all information about the Widcombe and WA. We anticipate that this work will be finished by the beginning of November. Meanwhile the WA Events portal remains in operation for all events bookings.

3. FREE ENERGY ASSESSMENTS

Bath & West Community Energy (BWCE) is offering free 30-minute Home Energy Assessment visits, designed for those who want to explore what is possible in their home. An expert assessor will visit the property and provide an overview of the issues and opportunities. This free service is delivered in partnership with Retrofit West and funded by the West of England Combined Authority.

To book a free visit contact https://www.bwce.coop/home-energy/book-now

Note that there is a limit on the total number of visits that can be made, so book early.

4. FUTURE EVENTS

Persephone Books – Thursday 30 October 7.30pm – Widcombe Social Club

There are still some tickets available for the talk by Nicola Beauman, founder of the Bath-based publisher, Persephone Books. Persephone Books was originally based in Clerkenwell and then Bloomsbury but moved to Bath in 2021. The original concept was to publish “lost” or out-of-print books by women authors, principally from the inter-war period.

Tickets: £7 WA members/£9 non-members
https://widcombe-association.whitefuse.net/events/persephone

Go Green Widcombe – It’s Electrifying – Wednesday 5 November 7-9pm – Widcombe Social Club

An evening of short practical talks and discussion about the use of electricity in the home covering electric heating, solar energy, electric vehicles and battery storage. The speakers will be John Rich (householder), Adrian McDonald (householder) and Gareth Eynon (Octopus Energy).

Tickets are free but places should be booked:
https://widcombe-association.whitefuse.net/events/its-electrifying

Continuing the green energy theme, members may also be interested in this film being shown as part of the Bath Film Festival:

Power Station + Q&A – Tuesday 21 October 6pm – The Little Theatre

In the face of the reality of climate change, a couple in North London decide to make their own contribution by trying to get solar panels installed on every roof of every house in their street. They record this ambitious project as it develops, with all the adventures, mishaps and discoveries along the way.  Online Q&A with filmmakers Hilary Powell and Dan Edelstyn will take place after the screening.

Information and booking: https://filmbath.org.uk/schedule/power-station-qa

The Claverton St Clearances – Wednesday 19 November 7.30pm – Widcombe Social Club

Dr. Amy Frost, historian and senior curator of the Bath Preservation Trust, will be giving a talk on the Claverton Street Clearances – Widcombe homes, communities and businesses  swept away in the name of progress.

Tickets: £10 WA members/£12 non-members.

https://widcombe-association.whitefuse.net/events/the-claverton-st-clearances-talk-by-amy-frost

The Events Committee would welcome suggestions for new events or talks, and of any speakers who you think would be entertaining and informative. If you do have any suggestions, please contact the Events Committee atevents@widcombeassociation.org.uk