A community history group on the southern edge of Bath is going from strength to strength two years after it first launched at Odd Down Sports Ground.
Celebrating Laurie Coombs’ birthday at the group | Photo © Odd Down History Group
Odd Down History Group began in 2023, meeting at the sports ground café on the third Thursday of each month at 2pm. The very first session drew an overwhelming turnout, and it quickly became clear there were two distinct interests among those who came along.
One group of residents wanted an informal space to reminisce and share memories of Odd Down’s recent past – from colourful carnivals in the 1950s to life in the post-war prefabs. That nostalgic strand has not only sparked lively conversations but also helped forge new friendships and rekindle old ones.
At the same time, many attendees were keen to record local history for future generations. From that ambition, a dedicated website was created by volunteer Trudi Mayo, with funding for the domain provided by Odd Down Community Association (ODCA).
Two years on, the group now offers both – a space for memory-sharing and a platform for preserving Odd Down’s stories. In 2025 members were invited to Odd Down Football Club, where they have since been hosting regular talks and film screenings.
Attendance typically ranges from 10 to 40 people. The group is informal and inclusive, with no expectation of regular commitment. Residents are encouraged to simply drop in when they can and enjoy the sessions.
It is run entirely by volunteers and is free to attend; organisers only ask that, if possible, people buy a drink or snack at the venues that kindly host the meetings to help keep the group accessible to all.
One regular is former Mayor of Bath, Laurie Coombs, whose 99th birthday coincided with one of the group’s events, a milestone that was duly celebrated alongside his 90-year-old nephew.
With interest continuing to grow, members say Odd Down History Group is set for an even busier year ahead, including an appearance at the Museum of Bath at Work this summer. More information is available at www.odddownhistorygroup.org.
