A Year of Celebration
It’s a year of celebrations and anniversaries next year, here are some highlights:
Britain in Bloom turns 60
Did you know that Bath was the 1st winner of Britain in Bloom?
Britain in Bloom was held in 1964, and has been organised by the Royal Horticultural Society since 2002.
850th Anniversary of the St John’s Foundation
For nearly eight and a half centuries, St John’s Foundation has been working to support the community of Bath and the surrounding area. It began, when Bishop Reginald Fitzjocelyn established a refuge to provide food and shelter for the poor and vulnerable in his parish.
BRLSI turns 200
BRLSI was established in 1824 after a devastating fire that destroyed the Lower Assembly Rooms as a Geological Museum and Natural History Museum. In 1932 they moved to their premises on Queen Square.
Bath Rugby has submitted their planning application to B&NES Council to redevelop the current facilities at the Rec
The plans include the regeneration of the riverside in the heart of the city, he creation of significant sporting and community benefits for all, whilst ensuring that the Club continues to provide a considerable contribution to the city’s economy for decades to come.
Key highlights include:
- 18,000 capacity stadium with significantly enhanced accessibility provisions
- New hybrid pitch increasing community and amateur use
- Regenerated riverside including the new Spring Gardens Walk
- Retention of mature trees
Cleveland Pools Reopened
With the exception of the river pontoon installation, restoration of the Cleveland Pools is complete for the community of Bath and beyond to enjoy.
Thousands of supporters from far and wide, many of whom have happy memories of swimming there before closure, joined the campaign. Today the Cleveland Pools Trust has many highly valued volunteers who give their time towards fundraising, local engagement, organising events and publicising progress.
Swimming hats off to the brave people that have taken the plunge in the Cleveland Pools’ for cold water swimmers.
Museums at Christmas
Bath’s history and heritage is world famous and its story is told by our museums. Over Christmas they have special exhibitions for the whole family. Don’t miss…
The Holburne Museum
Recently becoming known as Lady Danbury’s House in the series Bridgerton. The Holburne Museum in real life houses a gallery including famous works by Gainsborough and Stubbs. Over the festive period, the Holburne is hosting events including a musical performance by Dowland Youth Works and sustainable Christmas Wreath-Making.
The Herschel Museum of Astronomy
Based inside the house where William and Caroline Herschel discovered the planet Uranus, the Herschel Museum of Astronomy show what life as like for the Herschels in Bath. Over the holiday season, have some family fun by making hanging decorations or by celebrating the anniversary of Caroline Herschel’s 5th comet.
American Museum & Gardens
On the outskirts of the city, the American Museum contains the largest collection of American memorabilia outside of the USA. this festive season, you can experience a Winter Wonderland at the museum with a beautiful tree and rooms festooned with decorations.
No.1 Royal Crescent
A magnificently restored townhouse where you can explore the fashionable life of the Georgians during the 18th century. There is plenty happening for Christmas at No.1 this year. Children will love following the marvellous Mouse Trail though the museum, in the glorious setting of a Georgian Christmas as well as seeing what Christmas would have looked like in the Georgian period. There will even be a chance to meet Father Christmas this year.
Victoria Art Gallery
Named after Queen Victoria, the Victoria Art Gallery is home to over 1,500 decorative art treasures including some the works of Thomas Jones Barker and Walter Sickert. Over the festive period, you are invited to create your own surreal decoration fit for the op of our Christmas Tree!