Time for an update!
Hello Camden!!
It’s been awhile since our last newsletter! With a million things happening, this year has just flown past! Huge apologies for the radio silence! But we have a lot to share with you so without further ado:
1) Halloween
In what has become a tradition, residents came out in force and brought true community spirit to Camden on October 31st! We had 48 houses take part, well over 200 children trick-or-treating, the Claremont pub was exceptionally decorated and had great specials (mmmm pumpkin pizza and bloody prosecco) and even the weather cooperated with us – the rain stopped at 5pm on the dot!Â
We do love to see so many people out and about in the community, so it was a thrill that Camden was so busy! Next year we are aiming to get up to 55 or 60 houses, so we will be back in touch around that time with some ideas…
2) St Stephens Steps
Our friend and Camdener Tracey has organised a group to work on cutting back and maintaining the greenery around St Stephen’s Steps. For those of you who use the steps regularly, you will have undoubtedly struggled with the bramble branches or wet leaves recently.
We joined Tracey a few weeks ago, along with a handful of others, for the inaugural meet-up to start the work on getting it all cleaned up! There has been a second session already and the next one is Dec 7th. (Where we will be trimming back the overhanging bramble over St Stephen’s road!) If anyone would like to join, please send us a message and we will put you in touch with Tracey!Â
3) Camden’s own Little Library
Back in May we installed this Free Little Library, with the blessing of The Claremont, and it has been very popular! Every time we go past there are different books in there. We could not be happier that people are using it.
The idea is simple: bring a book you no longer want, and feel free to take a book that looks good to you!
Now, to put one up near the Crescent… Perhaps near St Stephen’s Steps?
As with all of our endeavours, this project was a lovely joint effort with one of the CRA team building it and another painting it! A huge thank you to our talented team!
4) The Claremont’s new Landlady
If you haven’t had a chance yet to say hello to Kelly (below as Elphaba on Halloween!) please do! The Claremont is a much loved institution in Camden and Kelly has some lovely plans for events and socials!Â
- Tonight, November 28th, Elevator will be playing live!
- Kelly is now taking bookings for Christmas Parties (work or social) and there are some great Christmas Pizza specials!!
- There is a wreath making workshop on 30th Nov at 12pm. At £40 this is far less expensive than other places around Bath and everything is supplied! 10 people only, so contact Cali on 07792 460610 or callie@carolynmarks.co.uk to secure your space.
- There will also be a “meet Santas elf” on the 7th Dec between 12-4. Booking essential. Includes letter writing to Santa and activities/treats. Age range 3-8 years old.
- The Claremont is also looking for players for the Punch Darts Classic competition – deadline to join is Dec 4th.
You can find out more about what’s happening on their socials where these events are announced.Â
5) Save the Dates
It’s hard to believe but we are already looking forward to our next Progressive Supper – date TBC but will likely be end of Feb/beginning of March. It’s not too early to register your interest in cooking/hosting so do drop us a line!
We will also be booking in an AGM soon – date TBC but likely to be end of January.
6) News from others
We often get emails asking us to let Camden Residents know about things that are happening around Bath that you might be interested in. We don’t always have time to share them all, but here are some of the ones that have come in recently!
Assembly Rooms Refit – There will be a presentation event at the BRLSI on the evening of 1st December to explain the plans for the Assembly Rooms, and answering questions. The presentation will be run by Tom Boden, General Manager for NT in Bath. This will be a free event for members of local residents’ associations.
They say: “Join us in BRLSI on 1st December at 7pm to soak in the Christmas market ambiance, and hear from Tom Boden about:
What exactly are the National Trust doing with Bath Assembly Rooms?
How will it benefit local residents?
What will be the building be when it reopens?
How could you get involved?Peek behind the scenes of the building site and get a sneak preview of what’s to come! What have our archaeologists on site found so far? What does it look like inside? What are the architect’s plans? When will we reopen? We will endeavour to answer all your burning questions. This gathering will also be a chance to learn more about our recently launched giving circle, the Luminaries, and find out how you can play an integral role in the restoration journey.
This event will last an hour. BRLSI can be found at 16-18 Queen Square. If you have any questions, please contact Lily Wonham at lily.wonham@nationaltrust.org.uk.”
Zebra Crossing suggested for Lansdown – https://www.instagram.com/p/DQ8yM2PjUKm/ The council have asked for feedback before December 12th. You can email design&projects@bathnes.gov.uk to find out more.
Energy Retrofits of Listed Buildings – a PhD student at Bath Uni has gotten in touch asking if anyone would like to take part in their research on energy retrofits.
They say: “I’m Tianyu Xiang, a PhD student at the University of Bath. I am researching the experiences and intentions of homeowners of listed buildings regarding energy retrofits. This topic matters not only to researchers like me but also to everyone who cares about our homes and heritage.
As you would imagine, it isn’t easy to reach homeowners; therefore, I would be grateful if you could help share my research’s survey questionnaire to the Camden residents’ group. Please, see the link below:
Participation is entirely voluntary and confidential; full details are provided in the information sheet at the beginning of the survey. I can also provide paper copies of the survey on request.
Your support would mean a great deal to this research and to me as a PhD student. I have reached the stage where I need real voices from people who live in and care for listed buildings. Without homeowners’ input, I cannot provide the insights that researchers and policymakers need to understand what truly helps overcome the barriers to making listed homes more efficient and affordable to run.
As a token of appreciation, everyone who completes the survey will be entered into a draw for a £20 Love2Shop e-gift card.”
And as always, please do check in on our friends at Camden Meadow and Friends of Hedgemead Park to find out what they are doing and/or learn about how you can help out.
Thanks everyone for reading this very long newsletter and hope to see you soon!!
Johanna
Camden Residents Association