What’s On at Chippenham Museum

Winter 19 / 20 Events Programme

Download our Museum Events Programme to see What’s On at Chippenham Museum and the Neeld Community & Arts Centre from December to April 2020.

Next Exhibition

Goldiggers

Saturday 1 February – Saturday 25 April

Following a two year project in collaboration with Wiltshire College and University Centre, this exhibition brings together memories and memorabilia to tell the story of this iconic Chippenham venue.

Look out for associated events; including a special documentary screening and Vintage & Vinyl Day.

More Events

Detectorists

18 January – 22 February

Discover some of the fascinating artefacts unearthed locally by the Chippenham & District Metal Detecting Club representing some 3000+ years of history from the Bronze Age to modern times.

Volunteer Open Day

Saturday 1 February, drop in 11am – 2pm

Drop in to find out about current volunteering opportunities with Chippenham Museum and discuss your interests over a cup of tea followed by a tour of the museum. Roles include welcoming visitors and supporting the museum’s education and collections activities.

Click here to view current volunteer opportunities at Chippenham Museum

Canal Days

Tuesday 18 and Thursday 20 February, drop in 10.30am to 3pm

Free entry

To celebrate Chippenham’s local canal, all ages are welcome to try a range of free activities in Chippenham’s medieval Yelde Hall this half term with volunteers from the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust.

Learn about the ongoing restoration of Pewsham Locks, a remarkable industrial site surrounded by beautiful Wiltshire countryside which once connected Chippenham with Bristol and London. Today the site is a hive of volunteer activity with a beautiful 1.2km section of the canal fully restored for you to enjoy, accessible by foot or bicycle on the footpath between Pewsham and Lacock.

Adult Creative Workshops

Chippenham Museum is starting a new programme of adult workshops, with a variety of skills available to try and enjoy each month from Autumn 2019 to Spring 2020. No experience is necessary. Please note tickets are non-refundable.

Soy Scented Candle Making with Hazel & Blue

Saturday 8 February 11am – 12.30pm

£35 booking essential. This workshop is now fully booked.

Make your own essential oil soy scented candle with Hazel & Blue, taking you step-by-step through the candle making process and techniques.

During this adult creative workshop you will make your own candle to take home with you, having mixed and poured the soy wax and chosen the essential oils to blend yourself. Learning the different types of fragrances, you will blend your own candle scent using Hazel & Blue’s nature inspired essential oils.

Hazel & Blue creator Becky Avery is inspired by fresh flowers, botanicals, woods and spices and creates uplifting, warm and cosy scents for the home. Made with natural, eco-friendly ingredients sourced within the UK, Corsham based Hazel & Blue’s sustainable products are ethical, vegan and eco-friendly with 100% recyclable packaging. A range of Hazel & Blue products are available to buy in the Museum Shop.

Silver & Copper Pendant Making with Barking Hen Jewellery

Saturday 7 March 10am – 3pm

£75 booking essential. This workshop is now fully booked.

Join Chippenham based designer Barking Hen Jewellery for a five hour workshop for adults teaching traditional silver smithing techniques to make your very own silver and copper pendant. You will be taught how to design, saw (pierce), file and shape, silver solder and texture or polish your pendant with the option to add a personalised initial or words.

This workshop is designed for beginners and is taught in a small group. All materials, tools and equipment are provided including a silver chain. Refreshments will be available throughout the day; please do bring a packed lunch.

Barking Hen Jewellery is a Chippenham based business developed by jewellery designer Tamara. With over 20 years of experience, Tamara uses traditional silver smith techniques partnered with a flair for the unusual to create designs inspired by the British countryside. A number of Barking Hen pieces are available in the shop at Chippenham Museum.

Lace Making with For the Love of Lace

Saturday 4 April 1.30pm – 4.30pm

£18, booking essential. Click here to book

Try your hand at the age old craft of lacemaking. During this three hour adult creative workshop  you will be taught one traditional stitch, using modern materials and patterns. You will be taking home something a little different!

Local maker Teresa Wheeler shares her enthusiasm for lace making through demonstrations and shows as ‘For the Love of Lace’ and is a member of The Lace Guild and The Lace Society. Inspired as a child watching lacemaking at the Royal Bath & West Show, Teresa enjoys using antique and vintage lace tools to keep the art of lacemaking alive and inspire others.

Printmaking with Sam Heath

Saturday 2 May, 1.30pm – 4.30pm

£20, booking essential. Click here to book

Explore the monotype printmaking process with local artist Sam Heath. This liberating medium combines painting, drawing and printmaking techniques. During this workshop you will be introduced to various approaches for capturing form, texture and atmosphere.

This session will start with a short demonstration of the monotype process. We will then experiment with various techniques including with a small press. The monotype process is a great introduction to printmaking and perfect for complete beginners. All materials provided but please bring some drawings, objects or photographs to work from.

Regular Activities

Discovery Time

Every Monday (excluding Bank Holidays), 10.15am-12.00noon, at the museum

£1.50 per child

Messy play for under 5s. Develop their creative side with crafts, paints, toys, sandpit and more!

Please note this session takes place upstairs (with lift access) in the museum’s Education Room with buggy parking downstairs in the museum.

Crafty Café

Mondays 2pm – 3.30pm, fortnightly. Upcoming dates:  2 and 16 December, 13 and 27 January. 

Free entry, no need to book just drop in

Grab your needlework or knitting and join us every other Monday for an afternoon of craft, coffee and conversation at Chippenham Museum. A chance to talk with other crafters, swap patterns, share skills and get advice if you are stuck on a stitch!  A fun and social way to share your hobby and maybe learn a new one?