Welcome to the Timebank Plus September Newsletter
There’s so much going on at the Timebank this month! A big welcome to new staff member, Emma, who will be taking on the Allotment project in addition to leading the Gardening Team and, later this year, setting up a new Crafts Group. Nicky will be starting work on our upcoming Community Taster Days project. And a sad goodbye to Louise, who is leaving us this month.
More than 50 people attended our Summer Social last week. It was a lovely event, with a great singalong performance from the Bath Guitar Group.
We have been nominated by Quartet Community Foundation for the Penny Johnstone Award this year and will be giving a presentation of our work at their Annual Celebration in Bristol.
A couple of our participants have been chosen to attend a Buckingham-Palace-style Garden Party next week, which celebrates the contribution of volunteers in the Somerset area and the valuable work you all do.
And finally, a reminder that our AGM will take place online next Monday 7th September, starting at 10am. Please contact us for the Zoom link.
Here are some opportunities to get involved this month:
Timebank Gardening Team, Tuesdays 10.30 to 1.00
The Gardening Team is a lovely, friendly group of people, led by Emma, the Gardening Co-ordinator. We go out each Tuesday morning from approx. 10.30 to 1pm to help Timebank people who are in need of gardening assistance. No previous experience is needed and you work at your own pace, with as much rest as you need and refreshments on hand. We aim to garden in harmony with nature, with plenty of space for wildlife.
We are looking for more people to join the gardening team, so please do consider giving it a go, you will receive a warm welcome. Training and support are on hand where needed. It’s an opportunity to work outdoors, learn new skills and meet other people whilst doing something enjoyable and worthwhile in the local community.
Timebank Community Allotment, Tuesday afternoons & other times
Our allotment at Bath City Farm is a fantastic opportunity for anyone who would like a space to grow veggies or flowers, either on your own or with others, in a beautiful location in the Twerton area. We have constructed raised beds and level paths on the site so as to open up this opportunity to people with disabilities or back problems.
We are planning to set up some group sessions on Tuesday afternoons, but you can go to the allotment at any time. Advice and guidance on food growing is available if needed. We are very keen to hear from more people who would like to get involved, so please do contact us for further details.
FeelGood Walks, Tuesdays 12:30 to 1:30
FeelGood Walks offer a chance to get out in nature, explore our local green spaces, meet other people and get a bit fitter. These walks are suitable for people of all levels of fitness and we will make sure that we go at a pace which is comfortable for you. Well behaved dogs are welcome on the walks. We leave from the Timebank centre at 86 High St, Twerton at 12.30 prompt. Contact us for further info or just turn up and join us.
Twerton Lunch Club, Wednesdays 11.30 to 2.00
Our very friendly and welcoming lunch club meets every Wednesday from 11.30 – 2.00 in Twerton. It costs just £6 for a delicious, freshly cooked 2-course meal. We have a varied programme of activities, including quizzes, games, speakers, music, raffles and more. We also celebrate seasonal festivals such as Xmas with special meals and entertainment. If you or someone you know might like to join us, just pop into the Timebank centre, give us a ring on 01225 442813 or send an email to timebankplus@gmail.com
Digital Drop-In, Thursdays 10.00 to 12.30
The Digital Drop-In sessions are a great chance to get help and advice with all sorts of digital issues on your phone, iPad or laptop. Whether it is setting up WhatsApp, bookmarking favourite websites, changing providers, setting up online payments or sorting out tricky phone problems, Nicky and our expert volunteers will be able to offer guidance and support.
If you’ve got a digital issue, pop into the Timebank any time between 10am and 12.30pm on a Thursday and we’ll do our very best to help.
‘Borrow It’ Library of Things, open Tues & Weds 10 – 4, Thurs 10 – 1
Our ‘Borrow It’ Library of Things offers a unique opportunity to access occasional-use items free of charge. We have a wide range of gardening equipment, DIY tools, home maintenance items, camping gear, equipment for events, catering utensils, musical instruments and more.
We have a good stock of strimmers, hedge trimmers and lawn mowers available, all in good working condition. Our carpet cleaners and other home maintenance items have also been in high demand. If you are planning a party or another big event, you may like to reserve our marquee, a large picnic set, a chocolate fountain or something else. You can view the full catalogue on our website at: https://timebankplus.co.uk/wp/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Spring-2026-Borrow-it-catalogue-List-A4-1.pdf
Everything has been donated by local people and can be borrowed free of charge. What better way to save money, reduce the need for storage space and help reduce waste?
Here’s an updated wish list of the things we are still looking for – please let us know if you can help: https://timebankplus.co.uk/wp/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/WISH-LIST-Spring-2026-A4-2.pdf
Creative Writing for Everyone, Thursdays 10:00 to 11:00 (online via Zoom)
The Creative Writing Group is a small, friendly group of people who meet up online each week to practise and improve our creative writing skills. Some of us have never written before and others are more experienced. Our aim is for these sessions to be fun and to unleash our creative flow. Each week we do a short writing exercise during the session and then take a look at short stories or poems which members of the group have posted up during the week.
If you are interested in joining the group, please email us for the Zoom link and the link to the Writing Forum.
Bath Guitar Group, Thursdays 10:30 to 12.00
The guitar sessions are a lot of fun, with a good size group and guidance from Nick, the facilitator. Anyone who is able to play a short list of simple chords is able to join and there are occasional opportunities to perform. Music is emailed to members via Dropbox, so that you have the opportunity to print it out and practise at home. For more information about this group, please email timebankplus@gmail.com or call the office on 01225 442813.
Community Taster Day, Saturday 21st November
The Community Taster Days will be open to everyone to come and have a go at a variety of different activities. Food will be provided and everything will be free of charge.
The types of ‘taster’ activities on offer could include crafts, relaxation, tool sharpening, cookery, digital skills, herbs and plants, gentle exercise, using a sewing machine… these are just ideas and we would love your input on the type of activity workshop you would like. Our aim is that for most of the activity workshops, there will be the option to join an ongoing group or course, run by a local community organisation such as ourselves, Bath City Farm, Share & Repair, Wellbeing Courses, etc.
We are planning to run the first Community Taster Day on Saturday 21st November so do put this date in your diaries and watch this space for further info.
Timebank Crafts Group, Tuesday afternoons, starting in November
Emma will be leading this group, which will be running on Tuesday afternoons. We will be doing a variety of simple crafts activities, depending on people’s interests and skills. There will also be opportunities for people to share their skills with others.
Please let us know if you are interested in coming along and what types of creative activity you would most like to do.
Community Sharing Space
In addition to the groups and projects listed above, we are also able to offer use of our centre free of charge to local community-based groups of up to about 8 people who would like to use our venue for a meeting or activity, when it is not already in use. Please get in touch if this is of interest, and we can discuss your needs.
Timebank Community Book Library & Plant Table
This is a reminder that we have a small library of books here at the Timebank Plus centre, which can be borrowed free of charge by anyone interested. We also have a small bring-and-take table for surplus indoor or outdoor plants or garden produce.
As a Timebank, we encourage our participants to offer their time & skills to others, as and when it’s possible for them to do so.
People are currently needed for the following projects:
- We welcome anyone who enjoys gardening to our Tuesday morning Gardening group
- Practical people and food growers to join our Allotment team
- Anyone who likes walking – please join us on our friendly Tuesday ambles
- Volunteer needed to help clean the Time Bank centre once a fortnight
- Practical person needed to do small repairs and occasional redecoration at the Timebank centre
- We would love to hear from people interested in joining the planned Crafts Group
Timebank Opening Hours
We are currently open to the public at the following times:
Tuesday 10 - 4
Wednesday 10 – 4
Thursday 10 – 1
Keeping in touch
Ring us on 01225 442813 or email us at timebankplus@gmail.com You can also find us on Facebook here or pop in to the office and say hello during our opening hours. We look forward to hearing from you.