Heritage Open Days

 News 

BSU community comes together for the University’s first Heritage Open Days

This weekend Bath Spa University will open the doors of its Newton Park campus to the public as part of Heritage Open Days, giving visitors an opportunity to explore the University’s rich history and vibrant culture through a variety of engaging activities and displays. 

BSU staff have been busy preparing for the two-day event and are ready to welcome visitors eager to learn more about the University's past, and how we live and work at BSU in the present. 

For those who have their own link to the University’s past, the Alumni and Organisational Partners Team will be running an Alumni Drop-In area, allowing for alumni to reconnect with the University and to share their memories.  

Alumni Engagement Assistant Katie Wroe-Beacon said: 

“We'd love to hear about their experiences at BSU and see any photos they have from their time here. We're really excited to be taking part and look forward to this chance to share a campus full of memories with those who have been here before and those who are visiting Newton Park for the first time.”

The team will also have a few items for sale, with funds raised going to the University’s Student Opportunity Fund to benefit current and future students. 

Bibliophiles will enjoy a visit to the University Library, where they’ll find items on display from BSU’s Special Collections including: a King James Bible, John Ogilby’s Britannia, photos of the Library through the ages, as well as more contemporary items and signed first-edition copies of books written by BSU staff and alumni.  

Collections Librarian Katie Rickard said:  

“You may see some familiar names that you didn’t realise have a connection to our university! We also want visitors to explore the diverse range of resources and study spaces available to our students and the wider community. It feels exciting to be taking part!”

Guests can also explore and discover the many corners and wonders of the Library via the Library Artworks Treasure Hunt, created especially for the Heritage Open Days by Art and Design Subject Librarian Helen Rayner.  

On the Saturday at 2pm, poetry lovers can gain an in-depth understanding of the Romantic poet William Wordsworth as they take in the tranquil surroundings of the lake at Newton Park, with Pro-Vice-Chancellor Research and Enterprise (and a poet himself) John Strachan. 

Talking about the day, John said: 

“I am delighted to be involved in the Heritage Open Days. This event is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate and share our rich history and cultural heritage with our communities. I'm particularly looking forward to talking about understanding poetry and writing poetry in Bath Spa's magnificent grounds, 'beside the lake' and 'beneath the trees', as William Wordsworth once wrote.”

Other events planned include self-guided audio tours of the University's Main House, relaxing in the Walled Garden with games, bean bags and picnic tables, guided campus tours and activities for young people and children including Story Detectives writing workshop, i-Spy activities and an interactive treasure hunt, Lego and puzzles. 

In addition to running events and activities, many BSU staff are looking forward to welcoming visitors in various support roles – being a friendly face to greet and guide guests as they explore the campus. 

Rebecca di Corpo, Centre Manager, Centre for Applied Humanities, said: 

“Bath Spa University is a wonderful mix of heritage, education and community with an approach to learning that is welcoming to all. I would love for visitors to leave Newton Park with a spark of an idea to study the Humanities with us, for a degree, a short course, or otherwise. 

“It simply feels right to be part of this community-led festival of history and culture. It's curious and pleasing to take a deep dive into our own history and culture with others for a weekend. I will be volunteering to offer support where it's needed, as well as enjoying the overall event for myself, of course.”

Digital Learning Developer Victoria Walters is looking forward to experiencing BSU from others’ perspectives. She said:  

“This feels like a really nice way of helping support Heritage Days. I am also interested to get a sense of how the campus is experienced by those who have not visited before. I’m particularly looking forward to watching how people interact with the site. Some of my academic interests lie in our relationship to space and place and I am interested in how people respond to our beautiful campus.”

Chancelry Administrator Sarah Jones added: 

“I’m looking forward to meeting the people who will be coming for the day and I’m also keen to learn more about the campus myself. Hopefully, the guests will leave with a much better idea of the diverse and eclectic culture that forms the basis of the Bath Spa University community. I am #BathspaProud and cannot wait to share this with the guests!”

Heritage Open Days at BSU will take place on 7-8 September at Newton Park campus from 11am to 5pm each day.  Some events require booking. For more information about Heritage Open Days you can visit their website.