A friendly way to explore the local area’s past together – no lectures, no stuffy rooms, just walking, talking, pub chats, and stories you won’t find in the guidebooks.
​
• Up to four sessions a month (walks repeated, one weekday, one weekend), alternating walks and pub/cafe evenings.
​
• Choose a membership, a flexi pass, or just drop in.
​
• Fascinating tales, good company, and plenty of surprises.
​
• Extensive information and/or notes received after each meeting
A friendly regular meet-up for curious locals who love stories from the past, hidden landmarks, and great company.
Next meetings​​
Tuesday 7 July 2026
Wine Monkey (Borough Parade, Chippenham), 7pm
Who were Chippenham's MPs?
Together, we’ll look at some of the various individuals who have represented Chippenham in Parliament - anyone from Thomas Gay and Robert Chandler in 1386 to Sarah Gibson in 2026, and many in between.
​
Which MP revitalised the town's woollen factory?
Who had an illegitimate daughter that annoyed his wife at marriage?
How do the Glamour Boys fit in?
What London institution did a Chippenham MP found?
​
This friendly and interactive club session will explore the characters who put Chippenham on the parliamentary map over the centuries, who have brought attention to the town through the government and institutions of the country. It's a light-hearted chance to bring your thoughts, curiosity and local outlook to the table, and explore local history together.
​
£10pp members & first time attenders (no obligation to continue attending).
£14 drop-in (if you've been before & decided not to become a member)
Booking essential.
Contact Lucy Whitfield to book your spot.
Postponed due to illness
New date 14 July, same venue
Forthcoming meetings​​​
​​​​​​​​
More to be announced over the summer.​​
Past topics include:​​​
​​​​​
-
Are there secret tunnels under Chippenham?
-
Just who were the Awdrys anyway?
-
​Why did Chippenham have two riots?
-
Chippenham myths and legends
-
How much of Chippenham did John Provis build?
-
What was life like at the steam laundry?
-
Did women's suffrage reach Chippenham?
-
Where are Chippenham's lost pubs?
-
The many faces of the Grammar School
-
What stories does Greenways have to tell?
-
What was made in Chippenham?
-
Chippenham's Greatest Hits​​
-
Who lived at Rowden Hill House?
-
What's the deal with Chippenham Clift?
-
Historical Murder Club
-
Are there tales from the workhouse?
-
What businesses were there on Factory Lane?
Prices
Taster meeting - £10pp (no obligation to continue attending).
Booking essential.
Contact Lucy Whitfield to book your spot.
1 meeting per month (walk or cafe) member - £10pp per month
Booking essential.
Contact Lucy Whitfield to book your spot.
2 meetings per month (walk or cafe) member - £20pp per month
Booking essential.
Contact Lucy Whitfield to book your spot.
3 meetings per month member - £30pp per month
Booking essential.
Contact Lucy Whitfield to book your spot.
Flexi pass member (six meetings of your choice, 6-month expiry) - £60pp
Booking essential.
Contact Lucy Whitfield to book your spot.
Drop-in meeting - £14pp (for previous attenders who have chosen not to become a member).
Booking essential.
Contact Lucy Whitfield to book your spot.
Members will also receive subject-themed materials after each meeting has concluded. It is possible to just receive the materials and not attend in person - please ask.
Lucy will provide payment information when booking is made.
It is also possible to pay in cash in person, on the day.​​
Accessibility
Walks will always go at the pace of the slowest attender. Wheelchairs and other mobility aids welcome.
Lucy is also happy to use assisted hearing devices, large and dyslexia-friendly fonts, and make other adaptions for inclusivity.
Going forward, it is hoped to offer online membership for those unable to attend in person - please stay tuned.