One Chippenham

Collection Conversations: Alma Boyes & Helen Harris
2026-05-09 14:00 - 15:30 (Europe/London) | Chippenham Museum, 9-10 Market Pl, Chippenham, SN15 3HF, United Kingdom
In May’s installment of the museum’s free art talk series, they will be joined Alma Boyes and Helen Harris.
Alma Boyes studied ceramics and sculpture at the Bath Academy of Art, Corsham, and a Masters in Ceramic Design at North Staffordshire Polytechnic. Boyes worked as a sculptor and enlarger at the Morris Singer Foundry, working on sculptures for prominent artists such as Eduardo Paolozzi, as well as making her own work in bronze. Her work both in ceramics and bronze has been heavily influenced by her early days exploring ceramic techniques at the Bath Academy of Art.
Helen Harris studied visual communication at the Bath Academy of Art, Corsham, becoming a Fellow in Photography in 1981-2. She taught photography at Corsham and Central Saint Martins, continuing to teach at Bath Spa University until 2020. Her photographic practice explores the experience of time and place, with a particular focus on the weaving of cultural and natural histories within the landscape of the South West of England. Walking and collecting are an integral part of her process. In these encounters she is drawn to the poetry of the local and commonplace and its capacity to speak of other times and worlds.
Free, booking essential.
Image captions:
Left Image: Lone Magpie, undated, Alma Boyes, agateware in porcelain
Right Image: Corsham Court, Wiltshire, February 1982, 1982, Helen Harris, photographic print

Town Walk
2026-05-09 14:00 - 15:00 | Chippenham Museum, 9-10 Market Pl, Chippenham, SN15 3HF, United Kingdom
Our free guided walks are back for 2026!
Join a member of the Chippenham Museum team on select Thursdays and Saturdays from May to September for a 40-minute journey through the town’s history, from King Alfred and the Saxons to the present day.
Perfect for residents, visitors and groups! Meet at The Buttercross, Market Place. Arrive 5 to 10 minutes before to allow for a prompt start. Spaces are limited so booking is essential via Eventbrite.
Saturdays at 2pm:
9 May, 13 June, 11 July, 8 August, 22 August & 12 September
Thursdays at 7pm:
14 May, 18 June, 16 July, 13 August & 17 September

Yelde Hall Summer Opening
2026-05-09 10:30 - 13:30 | The Yelde Hall
Want to discover more about Chippenham’s history? Visit the Yelde Hall on select dates from May to September, where you can meet characters from the town’s past in the council chamber and pirates from 1709 in the lock-up!
The Yelde Hall is free to enter and will be open from 10.30am to 1.30pm.
Opening dates:
Saturday 9 May
Saturday 11 July
Saturday 8 August
Saturday 22 August
Saturday 12 September

Wartime Britain
2026-05-09 10:00 - 16:30 | REME Museum, Calne Road, MOD Lyneham, Chippenham, Wiltshire, SN15 4XX, United Kingdom
Mark your calendar for the REME Museum’s annual re-enactment and living history event Wartime Britain on 9 – 10 May 2026!
This weekend always promises to be an amazing day out exploring the equipment, military life and home front culture experienced by many during World War II. Every year the event gets bigger and better, with more re-enactment groups and exciting performances.
Visit this Victory-worthy 1940s event featuring:

1940s costume and decoration
Re-enactors and living history groups telling the stories of those who lived, served and fought in WW2
WW2-era vehicles from the museum’s Reserve Vehicle Collection, private collectors and enthusiasts around the country
‘Live’ demonstrations of WW2 equipment, including firearms, munitions and more (subject to groups attending and availability of equipment)
Wartime musical performances from Jayne Darling
1940s dance performances and opportunities to join in with White Horse Swing

Refreshments will be available to purchase from Crown’s Café, which will only be open to visitors with a ticket to the event.
Free parking will be available in the museum’s large car park, visitors are asked to please reserve a parking space if you need one in advance. Blue Badge spaces are available on a first-come-first-served basis and you must have reserved a parking space online. If you can, please consider travelling by alternative means.
Dogs are welcome on the museum grounds but are not allowed inside the building, with the exception of assistance dogs.
Please be aware that during the Wartime Britain event, there may be loud noises from ‘live’-firing of firearms which could scare dogs visiting. Check the schedule and event map on the day to make preparations for these times.

The Chippenham Creatives Spring Fair
2026-05-09 10:00 - 16:00 | King Alfred Hall, Market Place, Chippenham, SN15 3HT
Come along to the King Alfred Hall on Saturday 9th May and you will have the opportunity to see stalls filled with amazing locally made arts and crafts. You can bag yourself a bargain or buy a special gift for someone. There will also be homemade cakes and refreshments on sale to enjoy whilst you browse. Entry is completely free.

Lady Chatterley’s Cover: The Book Designs of Stephen Russ
2026-05-09 10:00 - 16:00, 2026-05-08 10:00 - 16:00, 2026-05-07 10:00 - 16:00 | Chippenham Museum, 9-10 Market Pl, Chippenham, SN15 3HF, United Kingdom
The post-war book designs of artist and teacher, Stephen Russ, are coming to life at Chippenham Museum.
From the forties to the seventies, Russ produced dozens of dust jackets, from striking first editions of Graham Greene at Bodley Head to a wide range of titles at Collins, including nature books and the famous Collins Crime Club.
He is perhaps best known for his work with Penguin, designing covers for the main orange series, the lesser-known music scores, and the highly collectible Penguin Poets series. His phoenix motif for DH Lawrence’s Lady Chatterley’s Lover became famous during the 1960 obscenity trial and featured in the marketing that helped make the book a bestseller.
The exhibition also celebrates Russ’s thirty-year career as a tutor at the renowned Bath Academy of Art in Corsham, brought together with the generous support of the Russ family and loans from the Penguin Archive and the University of Bristol.

Wilts & Berks Canal Trust Open Days at Pewsham Locks
2026-05-09 10:00 - 14:30 | Pewsham Locks
Join us at Pewsham Locks, where we will be running boat trips from 12:30 using our wheel-chair accessible trip boat ‘The Mary Archard’. Powered by a near silent electric motor, cruise down the canal and see if you can spot Kingfishers, Heron or even an Otter!
Find out about our Meadow Creation/ Habitat Management Work. with talks/ demonstrations/ tours from the ‘Green Team’, starting at Double Bridge at 11:00 and 14:30.
Interested in getting a close-up look at our restoration work? Our Work Part Organisers will be taking small groups on Work-site tours from 10:00, explaining our current work and future plans.
(NB: For the above tours, please wear suitable footwear as the ground can be uneven and possibly wet and muddy in places [e.g. no flipflops]).
And of course our popular Pop-up Café will be open from 10:00with tea, coffee, soft drinks and cakes available.
Water levels and weather permitting, we hope to run our Pewsham Locks Open days for 2026 on the second Saturday of each month, from April to October.

Elvis Tribute Act - Garry J Foley
2026-05-08 19:30 - 22:00 | The Neeld
Garry J Foley is a world-class Elvis Tribute Artist who has performed across the UK, Europe, USA, Canada, China, India, and Asia. With years of experience and multiple awards to his name, Garry brings the authentic sound, charisma, and spirit of Elvis to every stage.
There is only one Elvis Presley but Garry is one of the closest Tribute Artists you will see with the looks, costumes, voice and onstage charisma.

Chippenham Lions Club presents Elvis Tribute Act
2026-05-08 19:30 - 22:00 | The Neeld
Garry J Foley is a world-class Elvis Tribute Artist who has performed across the UK, Europe, USA, Canada, China, India, and Asia. With years of experience and multiple awards to his name, Garry brings the authentic sound, charisma, and spirit of Elvis to every stage.
In 2016, Garry proudly represented the UK in the official Elvis Presley Enterprises Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest in Memphis — one of only 20 tribute artists worldwide to reach this level. He later won 1st place in the Gospel category and placed 3rd overall at the European Elvis.
There is only one Elvis Presley but Garry is one of the closest Tribute Artists you will see with the looks, costumes, voice and onstage charisma.
So come along and get “All shook up” with your “Blue Suede Shoes” and support the Lions Club of Chippenham who are arranging this event to raise money for local causes.

No Strings Badminton
2026-05-08 19:00 - 20:00 | The Springfield Community Campus Corsham, Beechfield Road, Corsham, Wiltshire, SN13 9DN, United Kingdom
No Strings Badminton – Every Friday!
Looking for a relaxed game of badminton to kick off your weekend? Join our No Strings Badminton sessions for friendly, pressure-free play and plenty of fun.
Fridays | 7–8pm
£3.60 per person
No booking required – just turn up, bring a friend, and get playing!
Open to all ages and abilities.
Equipment Hire:
Racket hire: £1.50 per racket (subject to availability)
Shuttlecocks: From £2 each (subject to availability)
Whether you’re a seasoned player or just fancy giving it a go, everyone’s welcome!

JAZZ NIGHT
2026-05-08 18:30 - 23:00 | The Ruze, 7 Union Road, Chippenham, Chippenham, Wiltshire, SN15 1HW
Join us at The Ruze for a night of Jazz.
Doors at 18:30. Tickets are £20 in advance / £25 on the door.

Chippenham Walking Rugby - open to all genders and ages!
2026-05-08 18:30 - 19:30 | Chippenham Rugby Club, Allington Field, Sheldon Corner, Frogwell, Chippenham, SN14 0YZ
Join our welcoming, all-inclusive group of men and women for Walking Rugby, a fun, low-impact version of the sport that’s great for all ages and fitness levels.
What is Walking Rugby?
In Walking Rugby there are no scrums, lineouts, rucks or mauls. To make a tackle, simply touch the ball carrier with two hands – the ball carrier must then stop and pass the ball to another player on their team.
No-one keeps score, instead the emphasis is on enjoyable and social rugby for all.
For more information see the RFU’s video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nAdPp6FS2q4
What do I need?
All you need is sports wear, studded boots (don’t worry if you don’t have any we have some we can lend you some) as we normally play on our artificial pitch, and a bottle of water (believe us you will need it!), and remember …..we are WALKING!
When and Where?
We meet every Friday at Chippenham Rugby Club, 6.30pm until 7.30pm. We join up with other local rugby clubs on a regular basis to share enjoyable evenings of rugby and socialising, and also attend festivals hosted by other clubs which includes at least one each year where we are “on tour”
If you want to join in whether you have played before or are new to rugby and whatever your gender, please drop David Cowan an email on walkers@chippenhamrfc.co.uk and he will coordinate.
Come and give it a ‘Try’!!!

Climbing Wall Taster Sessions
2026-05-08 17:00 - 20:00 | The Springfield Community Campus Corsham, Beechfield Road, Corsham, Wiltshire, SN13 9DN, United Kingdom
🔥 Friday Night Climbing Fun! 🧗‍♀️🧗‍♂️
Kick off your weekend with an adrenaline boost! 🎉
Join us every Friday evening for our Climbing Wall Taster Sessions – a fun, high-energy experience for all ages and abilities. Whether you’re a total beginner or just up for a challenge, we’ve got you covered!
💪 What’s on:
🕒 30-minute sessions – only £5 per person (5pm–7pm)
⏰ 1-hour session – just £8.50 per person (7pm–8pm)
👧👦 Open to everyone aged 6+ – adults and non-members welcome!
Spaces are limited, so don’t hang around! Grab your friends, family or workmates and see who can reach the top first! 🏆
📲 Booking in advance is required. Contact our Reception Team today to book your spot and start your Friday the fun way!

Under 5's Coffee and Craft
2026-05-08 10:00 - 11:30, 2026-05-07 10:00 - 11:30 | Wiltshire Scrapstore, Unit 5 Griffin Estate, Lacock, Wiltshire, SN15 2PP, United Kingdom
✂️ 🧁 Under 5s Coffee & Craft at Wiltshire Scrapstore ☕🎨
Living in Wiltshire and have a little one under 5? Love coffee and getting creative? Come and join us at Wiltshire Scrapstore on 7th & 8th May for our increasingly popular Under 5s Coffee & Craft sessions!
✨This week’s theme: Cakes🍩🎂🍰🍪 🎵🎉✨
🖍️ Creative crafting fun for you and your under 5
☕ A drink included for you
💷 £9.50 per child + adult
A relaxed, friendly session to create, play, and connect.
Spaces are limited, so don’t miss out! Make sure you BOOK with the below link or the QR code on the poster.
www.wiltshirescrapstore.org.uk/product/under-5s-coffee-craft
📍 Wiltshire Scrapstore
What 3 Words: blogging.simmer.prude
#WiltshireMums #Under5s #CoffeeAndCraft #WiltshireScrapstore #ToddlerActivities #FamilyFun #CreativeKids #Animals #Homes

Sparkly Singers
2026-05-07 20:00 - 21:15 | Pewsham Community Centre, Lodge Road, Chippenham, SN5 3SY
Sparkly Singers is the award-winning Wiltshire-based choir experience, founded with the simple aim of bringing the joy and benefits of group singing to everyone, regardless of age, experience or ability.
Rather than splitting into parts and learning harmonies, we prefer instead to sing in unison, infusing songs with our own rather unique mix of humour, movement and the occasional wacky prop.
Alongside our sessions in Chippenham (Monday lunchtimes) and Royal Wootton Bassett (Tuesday evenings), the Sparkly Singers meet every Thursday evening from 8:00pm at the Lansdowne Hall in Derry Hill.
So if you simply love to sing, but have yet to find the choir that perfectly complements your sense of fun, why not enquire about one of our FREE taster sessions and come and see what we’re all about.

Junior Dodgeball
2026-05-07 19:00 - 20:00 | Chippenham Sports Dome
Chippenham Chargers are a community club hosting sessions for U11s, U15s, men & women. Come and join us, new members welcome!
Register via email to: chippenhamchargers@gmail.com

Sip and Paint
2026-05-07 19:00 | The Three Crowns, 18 The Causeway, Chippenham, Wiltshire, SN15 3DB, United Kingdom
🎨🥂 Sip and Paint 🥂🎨
We are looking forward to providing a sip and paint workshop at The Three Crowns Chippenham. A fun and creative workshop led by experienced artist Beki Wills.
No experience required and beginners welcome. Enjoy an evening of socialising and painting whilst supporting local venues.
Thur 7th May 2026 at 7pm £35pp
at the Three Crowns Chippenham
Book a place via the website 👇🏻
www.sipandpaintparties.co.uk

Sip & Paint at the Three Crowns
2026-05-07 19:00 | The Three Crowns, 18 The Causeway, Chippenham, Wiltshire, SN15 3DB, United Kingdom
Join Beki Wills and the team for a fun night of sipping and painting at The Three Crowns, Chippenham Wiltshire SN15 3DB.
Our Sip and Paint sessions offer a relaxed and creative atmosphere while unleashing your artistic side. Perfect for artists of all skill levels, our events are designed to foster creativity and community. Whether you’re looking for a unique night out or a way to unwind after a busy day, Sip and Paint provides the ideal setting for a memorable evening. Book your spot today and discover the joy of painting with a glass in hand.
In Feb we will be painting Ocean Bloom
In May we will be painting Vibrant Sunsets
In Oct we will be painting Monet Lillypads
*No drinks are included with ticket price. All drinks are purchased from the venues on site bar *

Fight Club Fitness Class
2026-05-06 20:30 - 21:30 | Dojo Community Hub – Chippenham, 18b Station Hill, Chippenham, SN15 1EG
We’re bringing something different to Wednesday nights…
A high-energy, no-nonsense Fight Club Fitness Class built to push your limits, build strength, and sharpen your mindset.
This isn’t just another gym session.
This is structure, intensity, and purpose — backed by the standards of Tora Kai Karate and the environment of the Dojo Community Hub.
Expect:
• Full-body workouts
• Strength, fitness, endurance
• Real coaching and support
• A solid group atmosphere
• All levels welcome
🗓 Wednesdays at 8:30pm
📍 Dojo Community Hub, Station Hill, Chippenham
If you’ve been thinking about getting fitter, stronger, or just getting back into a routine… this is your moment.
Message us or call (07565) 863823 to get started
Turn up. Put the work in. Get results.

Rag & Bone Youth Theatre (Re Launch)
2026-05-06 19:15 - 20:45 | St Pauls church hall, Malmesbury rd, Malmesbury Rd, Chippenham, SN15 1PW, United Kingdom
Rag & Bone Youth Theatre is BACK! And we’re going to get PHYSICAL!!
How it works and what we make will depend on your brilliant ideas and immense talent.
For ages 13-20
It’ll be led by Physical Theatre practitioners and CIC Directors Tamsin and Laura.
In the past we’ve re-worked traditional stories with our own unique twist, but we might make something original. It’s totally up to you.
Please wear loose, comfortable clothes that you can move easily in as we will be moving a lot every week.
PERFORMANCE 25th November
£55 for the whole project or £3 per week with huge thanks to the Wiltshire Community Foundation.
St Paul’s Church Hall, Malmesbury Road, Chippenham, Wiltshire, SN15 1PS

Rag & Bone Youth Theatre (Re Launch)
2026-05-06 19:15 - 20:45 | St Pauls church hall, Malmesbury rd, Malmesbury Rd, Chippenham, SN15 1PW, United Kingdom
Our Youth Theatre is BACK ! And we’re going to get PHYSICAL!!
How it works and what we make will depend on your brilliant ideas and immense talent.
For ages 13-20
It’ll be led by Physical Theatre practitioners and CIC Directors Tamsin and Laura.
In the past we’ve re-worked traditional stories with our own unique twist, but we might make something original. It’s totally up to you.
Please wear loose, comfortable clothes that you can move easily in as we will be moving a lot every week.
PERFORMANCE 25th November.
£55 for the whole project or £3 per week with huge thanks to the Wiltshire Community Foundation.
St Paul’s Church Hall, Malmesbury Road, Chippenham, Wiltshire, SN15 1PS

Man Down Chippenham Group Meeting
2026-05-06 19:00 - 21:00 | The Olympiad
Man Down is a men’s (18+) group dedicated to removing the stigma and getting men talking.
We offer peer support from lived experiences, we are respectful, safe, non-judgmental, supportive, and completely confidential.
Just turn up, it’s free to attend, no need to book, listen or join in and share, it’s up to you, no pressure.
Every city, Every town, Every man
More info:
Website: mandown.org
Man Down Wiltshire Facebook page

The Power of the Particular: Brief Lives Creative Writing Workshops
2026-05-06 19:00 - 21:00 | Chippenham Museum, 9-10 Market Pl, Chippenham, SN15 3HF, United Kingdom
Join the Chippenham Museum Creative Writing Group for a series of linked workshops celebrating the 400th anniversary of the birth of local antiquarian and famous biographer, John Aubrey. The workshops will be led by Lesley Taylor, an experienced facilitator, and will draw inspiration from Aubrey’s work and the museum’s summer exhibition.
Born in Kington St Michael in 1626, Aubrey was a biographer, archaeologist, scientist, naturalist, and oral historian. He valued the minutiae of everyday life, and his writing is rich with specific (and often witty) details that bring the past to life.
Drawing on his most well-known work, Brief Lives – written portraits of key figures of his day – the workshops will explore how to write with greater detail. Sessions will provide an opportunity to develop the skill of telling your own stories with clarity, experimenting with a range of forms including flash fiction, memoir, poetry, and creative non-fiction.
Suitable for beginners and experienced writers alike, this series of monthly workshops will culminate in An Evening with Aubrey at the museum, where participants’ work will be shared and celebrated. The date for this celebratory event is to be confirmed.
Each session costs £5 per person. Spaces are limited, so booking is essential. Please contact the museum to reserve your place.

Find out more about the Chippenham – Our History project on this website here.

Youth Acting Improvisation
2026-05-06 17:30 - 19:00 | St Paul’s Church Hall, Malmesbury Road, Chippenham, SN15 1PS
For ages 12+
You can do art and design or acting improvisation
Delivered in 10 week blocks
Term 1: September 17th – October 15th/ November 5th – Dec 3rd 2025 (Followed by Youth Club)
Term 2: January 7th – Feb 4th 2026/Feb 25th – March 25th 2026 (Followed by Youth Club)
Term 3: April 15th – May 13th / June 3rd – July 1st 2026
We won’t be doing shows in this session, but honing our improvisation skills and maybe doing a gig to a paying audience, for those who want to take this leap. If you’re keen and able, you’ll be asked to join our Saturday Theatre Company to work with the adults.
Taught by professional actor Rebecca Osborne. Come along and learn how to think on your feet, respond and listen and make up scenes using just your brilliant mind and spontaneous ideas.
Do the first session before paying if you like – just click ‘Book Now’ above and choose ‘Trial Session’.
Subsidised by Wiltshire Councils Chippenham Area board . Helping us keep our sessions well resourced and our staff to student ratio high, to fully support those attending.
With huge thanks.

Youth Art & Design
2026-05-06 17:30 - 19:00 | St Paul’s Church Hall, Malmesbury Road, Chippenham, SN15 1PS
Art & Design sessions for 13-17 year olds in 10 week blocks.
Following on from our brilliant year of designing for the Mayor’s Ball, and creating a beautiful colour wall for Chippenham Library, we’re ready to go again and create more original art work to adorn our lovely town.
Taught by experienced local artist and set designer, Charlie, supported by local seamstress, TA and artist Lottie Bywaters.
Listening to music and trying out each other’s ideas while having a cup of tea and a biscuit is all part of the experience.
Term 1: September 17th – October 15th/ November 5th – Dec 3rd 2025 (Followed by Youth Club)
Term 2: January 7th – Feb 4th 2026/Feb 25th – March 25th 2026 (Followed by Youth Club)
Term 3: April 15th – May 13th / June 3rd – July 1st 2026
Come and join us to meet other lovely creatives in the artisan quarter of Chippenham.
Subsidised by Wiltshire Council’s Chippenham Area board and Kington Langley Arts Society. Helping us keep our sessions well resourced and our staff:student ratio high, to support those attending. With huge thanks.
We look forward to meeting you.

Beyond Dementia, Art Group in Chippenham
2026-05-06 14:00 - 15:30 | SN15 1PS, St Paul's Church Hall, Greenway Lane, Malmesbury Road, Chippenham, Wiltshire, SN151PS, United Kingdom
Chippenham Art Group meets monthly on Wednesdays in St Paul’s Church Hall, Greenway Lane, Chippenham. It’s led by artist Fran Young and organised by our experienced community services coordinator Pam Ollis.
Projects ranging from painting and drawing to collage, printing, crafts, clay modelling and more. We work at a leisurely pace with plenty of time for conversation and connection. No previous experience of art is necessary and everyone works at their own pace. People can also work on their own projects and develop their own ideas.
Family carers are welcome at the group as full members and encouraged to join in to create their own pieces of art.
If you’d like to come along as a group member, or for more information, please call Pam on 01380 739055, or to register your interest please use the form below.
This group is kindly part-funded by Chippenham Borough Lands Charity. Please note, to help towards our costs and materials we ask everyone to pay £6 ‘on the door’ (or you can use our flexible Pay what you Can scheme).
Please register your interest via the Beyond Dementia website

Memory Box Reading Group
2026-05-06 14:00 - 15:30 | Wiltshire & Swindon History Centre, Wiltshire & Swindon History Centre Cocklebury Rd, Chippenham, SN15 3QN
Do you love reading and history?
Then the Memory Box Reading group might just suit you down to the ground!
In-person sessions run on the first and third Wednesday of every month, 2-3.30pm. Entry is free, and we have a free car park right outside the building; we are also situated close to the railway station. If you are unable to join us in person, there is also the option of joining online via Teams, please enquire for further details.
The Memory Box sessions are a unique opportunity for anyone who is at a loose end to come along and listen to book extracts from our Local Studies Library on a wide range of topics, take a look at a range of documents from our Archive collection and photographs from our Local Studies Collection, not to mention tea/coffee, biscuits and chatting as we go!
All are welcome! If you have any questions or queries, please feel free to contact Julie, the Local Studies Librarian at the Wiltshire & Swindon History Centre, who is the Memory Box session lead.
Email: julie.davis@wiltshire.go.uk or Tel: 01249 705534
