Did you know Bath-born Arnold Ridley – best known as Private Godfrey in the tv hit comedy Dad’s Army – was also the Fixtures Secretary for Bath Rugby Club – back in 1928 – and latterly Club President.
It’s one of the fascinating facts about the riverside club you’ll discover in a special month-long exhibition – opening on Saturday, April 2nd, at Bath Central Library – which helps celebrate 150 years of Bath Rugby.
It’s free to enter and it allows visitors to explore the history of the club through display panels, artefacts and memorabilia.
There’s a glimpse into the events and people who have helped shape the club and it’s also a taster – pointing supporters and visitors to a new, dedicated website just launched at www.bathrugbyheritage.org.
This interactive website, developed and updated by the Bath Rugby Heritage Group, contains a wealth of information regarding the history of Bath Rugby, including little known facts and detailed records.
It also allows interested parties to contribute by adding their own memories or anecdotes of how Bath Rugby has factored in their life.
Tarquin McDonald, Managing Director of Bath Rugby, said: “We wanted to make sure that all our supporters and the residents of Bath were able to join us as we celebrate our 150th anniversary. The exhibition is the perfect way to highlight the achievements and colourful personalities of the Club, from 1865 to today. There is such a huge amount of fascinating information included in this exhibition that will really serve to celebrate the role Bath Rugby has played at the heart of the city over the years.”
Councillor Martin Veal (Conservative, Bathavon North), Cabinet Member for Community Services, added: “150 years of continual history is an amazing achievement for a sports club and Bath & North East Somerset Council is proud to support and provide a city centre location for this exhibition at Bath Library.
“So many players and supporters have grown up in our community, so we’d like to encourage as many residents as possible to visit and help celebrate this incredible milestone. Rugby in Bath has always, and continues to be, an important part of the city’s sporting heritage.”
Bath Central Library is located on the First Floor of the Podium Centre. For full location details and opening hours click here.
‘Celebrating 150 years of Bath Rugby’ will run from Saturday 2nd April to Thursday 28th April and will be open to view when the Bath Central Library is open. Entry is free.
