Lady Chatterley’s Cover: The Book Designs of Stephen Russ
2026-05-19 10:00 - 16:00, 2026-05-20 10:00 - 16:00, 2026-05-21 10:00 - 16:00, 2026-05-22 10:00 - 16:00, 2026-05-23 10:00 - 16:00, 2026-05-25 10:00 - 16:00, 2026-05-26 10:00 - 16:00, 2026-05-27 10:00 - 16:00 (Europe/London) and 2 more dates | 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.

Improvers Art
2026-05-19 12:30 - 14:30 | The Cause Music and Arts Centre, 42 The Causeway, Chippenham, Wiltshire, SN15 3DD, United Kingdom
Uniquely designed and delivered 6 x 6 week courses for those with some experience or who want to extend their skills further.
Tuesdays at 12.30 – 2.30pm at the Cause Arts Centre, Causeway Chippenham (you can find all of our locations at the bottom of our website with maps)
Term 1: September 16th – October 21st 2025 – Still Life (drawing)
Term 2: November 4th – December 9th 2025 – Objects (interiors)
Term 3: January 6th – February 10th 2026 – Portraits (painting)
Term 4: February 24th – March 31st 2026. – Interiors (drawing)
Term 5: April 14th – May 19th 2026 – Landscape (painting)
Term 6: June 2nd – July 7th 2026 – Still Life (mixed media, collage)
Taught by local artist and designer Charlie who has over 25 years experience teaching art in a range of settings from Further and Higher Education colleges and universities and leisure courses.
Please note: courses begin with drawing, and include a talk about relevant art movements and practitioners.
£102 per term (with an optional £10 materials donation) – 6 weeks of 2 hour sessions, includes materials and tea/coffee (donations welcome to help with refreshment costs).

Allsorts Community Choir Weekly Sessions
2026-05-19 19:30 - 21:00 | Sheldon Road Methodist Church, Audley Road, Chippenham, SN14 0DU, Sheldon Road Methodist Church, Audley Road, Chippenham, Wiltshire, SN14 0DU, United Kingdom
Allsorts Community Choir meets Tuesday 7.30pm at Sheldon Road Methodist Church, Chippenham.
All sorts of styles from swing to gospel, to folk and pop with a generous helping of everything in between. All sorts of people from 18-108 welcome!
First two sessions FREE, £3 per session once joined (paid termly). Auditions, music reading, & experience NOT necessary! Enthusiasm, commitment, & a good sense of fun essential!
“Such fun having a good sing-song with such lovely happy caring folks.” Choir Member
As of August 2025 the waiting list to join is full, please reach out over the Christmas break to check it’s status.
We’d love to perform at your next event, simply contact us to check availability: allsortschippenham@hotmail.com
Wow! What an evening and thanks to Allsorts for a great performance and showing what a community choir is all about.
Organiser of local charity concert

Memory Box Reading Group
2026-05-20 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

Beyond Dementia, Art Group in Chippenham
2026-05-20 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

Capturing Chippenham’s Wild Side
2026-05-20 16:30 - 17:30 | Chippenham Museum, 9-10 Market Pl, Chippenham, SN15 3HF, United Kingdom
This spring, Chippenham Museum Photo Club will be heading out and about to explore the local wildlife. From riverscapes to wildflower meadows, there is so much to see and enjoy in and around our town, and the group will be busy on their club nights capturing the wild and wonderful with their cameras.
Led by experienced photographer Steve Jones from The Little Photo Company, Photo Club will be running two special edition sessions. Would you like to join in?
Session 1: Wednesday 8 April, 2pm – 3.30pm
The group will be heading to Westmead Open Space, a wonderful wildlife hotspot. We will spend an afternoon exploring this beautiful riverside green, space managed by Chippenham Borough Lands Charity.
Session 2: Wednesday 20 May, 4.30pm – 5.30pm
The group will be exploring Vincients Wood, a semi-natural broadleaved woodland, managed by Wiltshire Wildlife Trust.
As well as developing practical camera skills, we will investigate the areas and learn more about our local wildlife and natural environment.
These special one-off sessions are free and open to any young person aged 11-17. No photography experience is needed. All cameras are welcome, including mobile phones, and a club camera is available to borrow if required.
You will also have the opportunity to have your work celebrated in a public exhibition during Chippenham’s Eco Future Fest on Sunday 14 June. Eco Future Fest is a community festival celebrating our natural world and all things sustainable. The event will take place at Chippenham Town Hall from 11am to 4pm.
Places are limited, so booking via Eventbrite is essential.

Man Down Chippenham Group Meeting
2026-05-20 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

Thursday Craft Club
2026-05-21 16:00 - 17:00 | Chippenham Museum, 9-10 Market Pl, Chippenham, SN15 3HF, United Kingdom
Calling all 8 to 11 year olds! Join Chippenham Museum and get creative in our new Thursday Craft Club. Inspired by the history of the town and the Museum’s collection, take part and learn new skills while having lots of messy fun.
Starting on Thursday 16 April, this club runs from 4pm to 5pm every Thursday during term time. All materials are provided, and sessions cost £4 each, payable on a termly basis.
Places are limited, so booking is essential. Please see below for the scheduled sessions and termly costs.
Term 5, Thursday 16 April – Thursday 21 May
Term cost of 6 weekly sessions: £24
Term 6, Thursday 4 June – Thursday 16 July
Term cost of 7 weekly sessions: £28
Weekly Thursdays, term time only
4pm – 5pm
£4 per session, to be paid termly
To find out about membership, contact the Museum on heritage@chippenham.gov.uk

Junior Dodgeball
2026-05-21 19:00 - 20:00, 2026-05-28 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

Chippenham Walking Rugby - open to all genders and ages!
2026-05-22 00:00, 2026-05-29 00:00 | 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
2026-05-22 17:00 - 20:00, 2026-05-29 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!

No Strings Badminton
2026-05-22 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!

Walking Netball
2026-05-23 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-05-25 13:30 - 14:30 | The Springfield Community Campus Corsham, Beechfield Road, Corsham, Wiltshire, SN13 9DN, United Kingdom
Looking for a fun and gentle way to stay active? Walking Netball is a slower-paced version of the traditional game, making it perfect for anyone who wants to exercise in a relaxed, supportive, and friendly environment.
These sessions are suitable for all abilities, whether you’re completely new to netball or returning after a break. Each session includes a gentle warm-up followed by an enjoyable game at a comfortable pace.
🗓 Session Times
• Monday: 1:30pm – 2:30pm
• Friday: 10:00am – 11:00am
Cost: £3.60 (subject to change)
Come along, meet new people, and enjoy keeping active in a welcoming atmosphere!
📩 For more information: Rachel.Cornish@wiltshire.gov.uk

Pay as you go Walking Hockey
2026-05-25 18:00 - 19:00 | The Springfield Community Campus Corsham, Beechfield Road, Corsham, Wiltshire, SN13 9DN, United Kingdom
Walking Hockey is exactly as the name suggests – you play Hockey while walking – and is perfect for players who are looking for a less physically demanding version of the sport, but still enjoy participating, showing their skills and being involved in the team and social aspect of the sport.
The game is played on a smaller pitch with lighter balls and rules adapted for safety and accessibility.
We operate a weekly social mixed game at 6pm on Monday evenings all year round. Players of all ages and abilities are welcome. There’s always laughter and quite often the chance for a social drink afterwards if you feel like it!

Men Walking & Talking
2026-05-27 19:30 - 20:30
Giving men a safe space to open up about their mental health and support each other. A simple walk, a powerful conversation. Weekly walks creating a safe, relaxed space where it’s ok to talk – or just listen.

No need to book
No booking fees. Completely free
Just turn up at the time and location
Non judgemental. Peer Support

Walk Start Street: Market Place, SN15 3HT
Start Location: St Andrews Church courtyard
Find out more on our website: menandtalking.co.uk

A Big Egg
2026-05-28 14:30 - 15:30 | The Neeld
The Neeld Community and Arts Centre presents…
A Big Egg, by Steven Lee
From the Story Time series of family musicals by the creators of There Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed A Fly.
Join children’s author Steven Lee in his magical writing shed, where stories hatch before your eyes!
When Steven’s mischievous neighbour’s dog mistakes him for an egg, he takes refuge among his books and toys and soon finds himself writing a brand-new story with a little help from the audience.
Together, your children and Steven dream up a tale about two siblings, Jack and Molly, who go on a quest to find the biggest egg in the world. From quails and chickens to geese, emus and ostriches, each egg brings a new surprise – until a truly big egg hatches something beyond their wildest dreams!
Packed with laughter, puppetry, songs, gentle humour and live interaction, A Big Egg is a joyful celebration of family, curiosity and the magic of storytelling. Children help shape the story, call out ideas, and even get to be guardians of the animals!
Full of heart and imagination, A Big Egg is the perfect family treat – a story about love, wonder, and the joy of discovering life’s little miracles together.
Ideal for ages 2 to 102.
An enchanting afternoon for his existing fans and a marvellous introduction for anyone who hasn’t yet stumbled upon his brilliant books.” – The Guide
“The children were absolutely gripped throughout.”- Family Matters
‘It was just right for our young ones, a great show. We all loved it.’ – Audience member, Theatre By The Lake
‘We loved it, the children loved it, everyone loved it!’- Audience member, The Lyric Hammersmith
‘Brilliant, the actor was so good.’ – Audience member, Telford Theatre
Tickets: £11
Age Restrictions: None
Please contact the venue for any access requirements.
Tickets are also available through our Box Office on 01249 446699, from the Neeld Box Office or at the Town Hall.
Tickets are non-refundable unless this event is cancelled or postponed.
There are some amazing local spots to dine at before the performance, so why not treat yourself to a delicious pre-show meal? The Angel Hotel is offering 20% off food only* for guests attending shows at The Neeld. Simply present your ticket for that day’s performance to the staff at The Angel and they will apply the 20% discount*.
*Offer applies to the main restaurant menu, excluding drinks.

Fibre Arts Chippenham
2026-05-28 19:00 - 22:00 | The Three Crowns, 18 The Causeway, Chippenham, Wiltshire, SN15 3DB, United Kingdom
Discover creativity and community at our Fibre Arts Group – where yarn, fabric, and friendship comes together.

The last Thursday of each month | 7–10 pm | Free entry

Search for Fibre Arts Chippenham public group on Facebook.
