Not a member (yet!) but you find interesting the local history that you see here? Let us put you on our “Friends of CDHS” email distribution list. That way, even as a non-member, you will get to hear about our talks and other events in good time.
To do this, simply send an email to the Membership Secretary (address is on the Contact page).
Combe Down Heritage Society is arranging a guided historical walk for the afternoon of Wednesday 8 July starting at 2pm. It is a circular walk from Coleford (near Radstock, not the Forest of Dean !) of about 3 miles along the Mells Brook visiting the Whitehole calcite springs and various remains of the ill-fated Dorset and Somerset Canal.
The cost is £5 cash payable on the day, no pre-booking required. We will meet at the bottom of Coleford by the Kings Head pub with parking along The Green and adjacent roads (Satnav BA3 5LU). The route has no steep hills but is along rough footpaths so stout footwear is required and suitable weatherproofing.
All talks are held at the Combe Down Primary School Hall in Summer Lane, BA2 5JX, except where otherwise indicated. Doors open at 7pm, events start at 7.30pm. CDHS Members £2, Visitors £4. All tickets on the door.
| Month | Date | Speaker | Topic |
|---|---|---|---|
| July | – | – | (There is no talk this month.) |
| August | – | – | (There is no talk this month.) |
| September | 16th | Professor Ronald Hutton | Europe’s Great Witch Hunt. Ronald Hutton is professor in the Department of Historical Studies, Bristol University. |
| October | 28th | Chris Absolom | (TBC) N.B. This talk is at The Hub, Mulberry Park, BA2 5BU |
| November | 18th | Gervase O’Donohoe | The Abode of Love – the story of a scandalous 19th-20th century religious community established near Bridgwater – a toxic mix of religion, money and sex – led originally by a renegade clergyman from Bath. |
| December | TBC | TBC | A musical celebration of Christmas TBC. |
The allotments comprise part of Combe Down’s heritage, having been in existence for 130 years, but they are also an important resource in the present day: our allotments generate an abundance of high-quality food locally. It was to make use of the generous surplus of this food in the Summer of 2020, that a number of residents started the CropDrop project. Fiona Bell from CropDrop relates how this all started, and how it redistributes food to the Three Ways special needs school, near to Sainsbury’s in Odd Down. She is in conversation with Charlotte, a student from Bath Spa University.
In this podcast, two wildlife and conservation students from Bath Spa University, Cara and Victoria, are interviewed by Morgan. In a lively conversation full of laughter, we hear about young people’s view of allotments and their value. The students go on to discuss the importance of allotments for wildlife, and their pros (and some cons) for the environment.
In this podcast, Jacqueline Burrows is interviewed by Tom, a student from Bath Spa University. She describes what being an allotment holder has meant for her, and the allotments’ importance to CDHS. Their role in the community is outlined, both in the past and today.
Over the next few weeks we will be releasing a series of podcasts about the Combe Down allotments. These have been created by students from Bath Spa University. First of all, we have a video trailer describing the series.
And here is the first podcast – an account of the history of the allotments related by Jacqueline Burrows, who is interviewed by Matthew from Bath Spa University.
On Wed 8th May we will have the next in our popular series of local history talks. Dr David Carr (retd.) will speak about The History of Combe Down Surgery.
Many of you will remember Dr Carr’s amusing account at our Christmas Wassail of incidents occurring during his long period as a Combe Down Doctor. One Wednesday, David will talk about the Surgery building’s heritage, and the roles of the doctors who kept our village healthy.
The talk will take place as usual in the Combe Down Primary School Hall in Summer Lane, BA2 5JX. The talk itself starts at 7.30pm, and the doors are open from 7.00pm. CDHS Members £2. Non-members are very welcome at the talk; entrance is £4. All tickets on the door.
Christmas is now only a few weeks away, and you are thinking “Oh no! What can I possibly buy XYZ this year?” Well, perhaps they would like one of our range of interesting books on local history!
We have introduced discounts right across the board, which will remain until the end of 2023. (The eShop will add £3.50 postage & packing.) Follow this link to our CDHS eShop and start browsing now! Alternatively, books will be available to buy at the reduced prices at our December 13th Quiz and Wassail event.
We will be conducting a guided walk to see the WW2 Anti-Invasion Defences at Hog Wood, Hinton Charterhouse. This will take place on 9 August.
In 1940, construction of massive defensive works was initiated across the country to hinder the anticipated Nazi attack. Hog Wood has one of the most complete sections of anti-tank ditch, slit trenches and pillbox remains still existing.
The walk is flat over about 2 miles and will take about 2 hours. Wear footwear suitable for rough footpaths, and wear or bring clothing according to the weather forecast.
We will meet on Wednesday 9th August at 2pm at Freshford Football Club, opposite the entrance to Homewood Hotel on Abbey Lane, Freshford BA2 7TB. No pre-booking required – just turn up (and bring a friend if you wish!). Parking available in the Club car park. Please contact events@combedownheritage.org.uk if you need a lift.
Price £5 per person, cash on the day.