12 Nov

Town Calendar and Postcards launch Tourism Initiative

The new Bridgwater Town Postcards

As Bridgwater moves towards the sunlit uplands of increased touristic interest with six hotels, several new cafes and restaurants , various new shops  and a major new leisure facility on its way, the Town Council has launched a major initiative to promote the town to residents and incomers alike with the first Town  calendar and a brand new set of Town postcards.

Town Council Leader Cllr Brian Smedley explained “The images have been created by local artist Jim Goddard and they promote the towns heritage and history by juxtaposing old photos with new. People are proud of their history but shouldn’t be nervous of change. They should be part of it. We’ve set up a system through the town council where that can happen. This week the Town Development Forum will be looking at the plans for Northgate where a new school is already in place and a major leisure centre is planned. People are welcome to that meeting and be part of that process*. Bridgwater people also have a tremendous love for the history of their town. For the second year running the Bridgwater History Day at the town’s art centre was packed out with some people staying all day to listen to 7 different speakers  tell them about the things that have made the town special. Pride in your town is very important if you’re to have confidence in what it does next.” Continue reading “Town Calendar and Postcards launch Tourism Initiative”

11 Nov

On this day in History: May 2nd 1785 Bridgwater becomes the First Town to Petition against the Slave Trade

Bridgwater in 1785 (Binford Place in fact)

Of all the great Bridgwater firsts, the most inspiring, morally uplifting and mildly unexpected, was the claim to be the first town to petition against the evil transatlantic slave trade, referred to by some as the ‘Black Holocaust’ whereby some 12 million Africans were forcibly removed from their homes and compelled to work as slaves in the cotton fields of the Americas. So I researched it, and luckily it’s all true. I even found the date ….May 2nd 1785. So how did this all come about?

The Slave Trade reached its height in the 18th century at the same time as Britain was leading the world in terms of industrial revolutions and empire building. And the links between these factors were obvious.   Continue reading “On this day in History: May 2nd 1785 Bridgwater becomes the First Town to Petition against the Slave Trade”

17 Oct

The Russian Revolution: 100 Years On

On Tuesday October 31st, 7pm at the Engine Room, Bridgwater Trades Union Council is hosting a special public discussion to mark the October 1917 Bolshevik Revolution in Russia. The meeting is part of the Engine Room’s “Bridgwater Together” celebrations, running from Saturday October 28th to Saturday 4th November.

From Tuesday 31st to Saturday November 4th, the Russian Revolution theme continues with an Engine Room exhibition of rare and original Soviet Posters and photographic magazines, organised and curated by Bridgwater’s Irena Brezowski. Under the title ‘Ten Days that shook the world’ this Exhibition of Soviet Cinema posters from 1919-1960’s and Soviet general information posters will be ,arking the centenary of the Russian Revolution 1917-2017 and will be free for all to see from 31ST October – 4 November 2017 at the Engine Room.

Concluding the week of events on Thursday  01/11/’17 at 7.00pm the Film : The Man with a Movie Camera ‘ will be showing. This ground breaking silent Soviet film by Dziga Vertov will be followed by  a discussion .The Engine Room ,50, High St Bridgwater.TA6 3BL (Tel :01278 433187) will be open  10.00-4.00 Monday- Friday, and 10.00-3.00  on Saturday . Continue reading “The Russian Revolution: 100 Years On”

7 Oct

Bridgwater History Day 2017 will be November 11

Bridgwater people have always been proud of their town’s history whether it’s the first town to petition against the slave trade or the last battle on English soil. For the second year running the Bridgwater Arts Centre will be playing host to a day brimming with Bridgwater history.

History Day has been sponsored by Bridgwater Town Council, Bridgwater & District Civic Society and Bridgwater & Taunton College.

The event will be held on Saturday 11th November at the Bridgwater Art Centre from 10am until 4pm. There will be seven different speakers, films, photos, and displays and the event is free so people can stay for the day or drop in and out as they wish Continue reading “Bridgwater History Day 2017 will be November 11”

4 Oct

BRIDGWATER TOGETHER: Looking Back and Looking Forward

For the third year running Bridgwater organisations have come together to promote an event that celebrates the towns diversity and Internationalism. This week the main day long drop in session on Saturday 28th October will be supplemented by a series of other events during the course of the week. All events are free.

Celebrating international links and cultural diversity at the Engine Room in Bridgwater

Saturday 28th October  10am – 5pm
Bridgwater Together celebration
Music, film, food, dancing  and personal histories of the rich and diverse cultures  in the town and surrounding areas: from Bangra dancing to Bulgarian medieval architecture; face-painting to Polish films – something for all the family. Come and share the food and join in the fun! Continue reading “BRIDGWATER TOGETHER: Looking Back and Looking Forward”