We arrange a series of events throughout the year. We invite guest speakers to give talks on a wide range of subjects.
Our normal meetings are at the Rotary Hall, Station Hill, Chippenham and the programme for the rest of the year is as follows, doors open 7.00 pm for a 7.30pm start.
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2026
17th February 2026 – Living and working in Tanzania 1961 to 1964. Speaker John Scragg. John will illustrate his talk with personal photographs taken at the time.
17th March 2026 – The Manor of Lackham through time. Speaker by Dr Tony Pratt
21st April 2026 – AGM followed by a talk entitled ‘Green and Pleasant Land – the influence of nature on architecture. Speaker Jack Konynenburg
19th May 2026 - An update on the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust by Dave Maloney.
9th June 2026 - Annual Heritage lecture at St Andrew’s Church ‘The Colossal Inheritance of Joseph Neeld, MP for Chippenham’ by Julian Orbach.
July and August – No meetings
15th September – ‘A History of Pewsham Forest’ by Nick Baxter
SPECIAL EVENT
30th May 2026 CHIPPENHAM: OUR HISTORY DAY A Journey from Prehistory to the Future
The Civic Society, in conjunction with Chippenham Museum and Victoria County History, Wiltshire have put together a Day School in the Town Hall, Chippenham on Saturday, 30th May 2026 from 10.00 am to 4.30 pm. Tickets cost £6 per person and are available online, see attached booking sheet, and can also be obtained in person at the office in the Town Hall, High Street during opening hours.
A panel of experts will be covering the following subjects with 20 minute presentations:
- Geology & Archaeology,
- Markets & Fairs,
- Chippenham Manors,
- Agriculture, Turnpikes & Coaching Inns,
- Langley Burrell & Kellaways,
- Canals & Railways,
- The Kingtons,
- Post-Georgian Architecture,
- Hardenhuish,
- Non-Conformist Chapels,
- Made in Chippenham,
- Chippenham Public Houses,
- Chippenham Street Names.
The Day School is part of the ongoing celebrations for the publication later this year of the ‘Big Red Book’ on the History of Chippenham and its Parishes.
Please note that these details are subject to amendment. Any last minute changes will be published in the Buttercross Bulletin, on this website and on our facebook page.
Where We Meet
Our Social Meetings are normally held in the Rotary Club Hall, Station Hill, Chippenham. SN15 1EG at 7.30 pm.
Philip, our Treasurer, will be organising tea/coffee & biscuits at the Rotary Hall meetings – do join us. Donations welcome.