Events in May 2025

Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat	Sun
			1	2	3	4
5	6 9:30 am: Artweeks Exhibition 9:30 am - 3:45 pm Read more Artweeks Exhibition	7 9:30 am: Artweeks Exhibition 9:30 am - 3:45 pm Read more Artweeks Exhibition, 1:30 pm: Memories of War - Talk 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm Read more Memories of War - Talk	8 9:30 am: Artweeks Exhibition 9:30 am - 3:45 pm Read more Artweeks Exhibition	9 9:30 am: Artweeks Exhibition 9:30 am - 3:45 pm Read more Artweeks Exhibition, 2:00 pm: Book Group 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm Read more Book Group	10 9:30 am: Artweeks Exhibition 9:30 am - 3:45 pm Read more Artweeks Exhibition	11
12 9:30 am: Artweeks Exhibition 9:30 am - 3:45 pm Read more Artweeks Exhibition	13 9:30 am: Artweeks Exhibition 9:30 am - 3:45 pm Read more Artweeks Exhibition	14 9:30 am: Artweeks Exhibition 9:30 am - 3:45 pm Read more Artweeks Exhibition, 1:30 pm: Swindon Mountain Book Talk 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm Read more Swindon Mountain Book Talk	15 9:30 am: Artweeks Exhibition 9:30 am - 3:45 pm Read more Artweeks Exhibition	16 9:30 am: Artweeks Exhibition 9:30 am - 3:45 pm Read more Artweeks Exhibition	17 9:30 am: Artweeks Exhibition 9:30 am - 3:45 pm Read more Artweeks Exhibition	18
19 9:30 am: Artweeks Exhibition 9:30 am - 3:45 pm Read more Artweeks Exhibition	20 9:00 am: Friends of VDM Trip to Salisbury City 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Read more Friends of VDM Trip to Salisbury City, 9:30 am: Artweeks Exhibition 9:30 am - 3:45 pm Read more Artweeks Exhibition	21 9:30 am: Artweeks Exhibition 9:30 am - 3:45 pm Read more Artweeks Exhibition	22 9:30 am: Artweeks Exhibition 9:30 am - 3:45 pm Read more Artweeks Exhibition	23 9:30 am: Artweeks Exhibition 9:30 am - 3:45 pm Read more Artweeks Exhibition	24 9:30 am: Artweeks Exhibition 9:30 am - 3:45 pm Read more Artweeks Exhibition	25
26	27 10:00 am: Make and Take Craft Session 10:00 am - 12:00 pm Read more Make and Take Craft Session	28 10:30 am: Children's Art Workshop 10:30 am - 11:33 am Read more Children's Art Workshop	29 10:00 am: Get Crafty 10:00 am - 12:00 pm Read more Get Crafty	30 12:30 pm: Live Music - Greengage 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm Read more Live Music - Greengage	31

9:00 am: Friends of VDM Trip to Salisbury City

9:00 am – 5:00 pm
20th May 2025

Join the Friends of the Vale & Downland Museum for a day trip to Salisbury City.
Here are just some of the places you can visit in the city on the day.

Salisbury Cathedral
Home to Britain’s tallest spire and largest cathedral close and cloisters. An original 1215 Magna Carta is the best-preserved copy in existence and the oldest working mechanical clock in the world.
Salisbury Museum
The award-winning institution tells the story of a unique landscape which has been the cradle of continuous human achievement for over half a million years. It has archaeological collections with prehistoric material from South Wiltshire, including Stonehenge; the Pitt Rivers’ Wessex collection; and a fine medieval collection including finds from Old Sarum, Clarendon Palace and the city itself.
National Trust Mompesson
Queen Anne town house The main features are the plasterwork, graceful oak staircase and fine period furniture. and has one of the finest displays of English 18th century drinking glasses in existence.The garden, with traditional herbaceous borders and pergola, is an oasis of calm.
Military Museum
The historic collections of Berkshire and Wiltshire's infantry regiments. Housed in a beautiful medieval building in Salisbury Cathedral Close, it is the home of the local military heritage.
Fisherton Mill
Explore a treasure trove of amazing artwork in the largest independent art gallery in the South West. The relaxed and friendly café is a slice of foodie heaven in the heart of Salisbury.

Pick-up from Seesen Way, Wantage (OX12 7DY)at 9am and returning by 5pm.

Tickets for members of the Friends are £30* each or £35 for non-members.

Spaces on the coach are limited so tickets must be booked in advance online here

This day trip is not suitable for children.

*to purchase tickets at the reduced Friends rate requires a password, members should have received this password from the Friends committee. If you believe you are a member but have not received the password, please email Hazel

Find out more about joining the Friends of the Museum here

What’s On

Events in May 2025

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Vale & Downland Museum

Events

Events in May 2025

9:30 am: Artweeks Exhibition

9:30 am: Artweeks Exhibition

1:30 pm: Memories of War - Talk

9:30 am: Artweeks Exhibition

9:30 am: Artweeks Exhibition

2:00 pm: Book Group

9:30 am: Artweeks Exhibition

9:30 am: Artweeks Exhibition

9:30 am: Artweeks Exhibition

9:30 am: Artweeks Exhibition

1:30 pm: Swindon Mountain Book Talk

9:30 am: Artweeks Exhibition

9:30 am: Artweeks Exhibition

9:30 am: Artweeks Exhibition

9:30 am: Artweeks Exhibition

9:00 am: Friends of VDM Trip to Salisbury City

9:30 am: Artweeks Exhibition

9:30 am: Artweeks Exhibition

9:30 am: Artweeks Exhibition

9:30 am: Artweeks Exhibition

9:30 am: Artweeks Exhibition

10:00 am: Make and Take Craft Session

10:30 am: Children's Art Workshop

10:00 am: Get Crafty

12:30 pm: Live Music - Greengage

Awards

M	T	W	T	F	S	S
			1	2	3	4
5	6 9:30 am: Artweeks Exhibition 9:30 am – 3:45 pm 6th May 2025 Rendering Light is the latest Artweeks exhibition from Jill Smith and Patsy Jones at the museum. Come along and see some of their recent work and maybe even grab yourself an original piece for your own home! Meet the artists on Saturday 17th May 11am - 1.30pm. Tuesday 6th - Saturday 31st May Jill Smith Artwork	7 9:30 am: Artweeks Exhibition 9:30 am – 3:45 pm 7th May 2025 Rendering Light is the latest Artweeks exhibition from Jill Smith and Patsy Jones at the museum. Come along and see some of their recent work and maybe even grab yourself an original piece for your own home! Meet the artists on Saturday 17th May 11am - 1.30pm. Tuesday 6th - Saturday 31st May Jill Smith Artwork, 1:30 pm: Memories of War - Talk 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm 7th May 2025 In this poignant talk for the 80th anniversary of VE Day, we'll be hearing stories of several people from Wantage who served in World War II. Including Sgt Ted Wiggins, Chief Officer Douglas Clegg and Joan & Bernard Tingley. Presented by local historian Trevor Hancock. Wednesday 7th May 2025 at 1.30pm £7.50 per person. Must be booked in advance online here or at the museum. This event is suitable for people aged 16+ The Museum Café will be open before and after this talk, where refreshments will be available to purchase. Last food orders at 3pm. Please note food and drink are not permitted in the museum galleries, where the talks are held, so please allow enough time to visit the café.	8 9:30 am: Artweeks Exhibition 9:30 am – 3:45 pm 8th May 2025 Rendering Light is the latest Artweeks exhibition from Jill Smith and Patsy Jones at the museum. Come along and see some of their recent work and maybe even grab yourself an original piece for your own home! Meet the artists on Saturday 17th May 11am - 1.30pm. Tuesday 6th - Saturday 31st May Jill Smith Artwork	9 9:30 am: Artweeks Exhibition 9:30 am – 3:45 pm 9th May 2025 Rendering Light is the latest Artweeks exhibition from Jill Smith and Patsy Jones at the museum. Come along and see some of their recent work and maybe even grab yourself an original piece for your own home! Meet the artists on Saturday 17th May 11am - 1.30pm. Tuesday 6th - Saturday 31st May Jill Smith Artwork, 2:00 pm: Book Group 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm 9th May 2025 The museum book group meet in the museum café every second Friday of the month at 2pm. The friendly group read a wide range of books, chosen by members and enjoy an insightful discussion about each book. It is completely free to join and attend but we do ask you support the museum café. If you would like more information about joining, please speak to our reception team at the museum or email info@valeanddownlandmuseum.org.uk Suitable for adults only.	10 9:30 am: Artweeks Exhibition 9:30 am – 3:45 pm 10th May 2025 Rendering Light is the latest Artweeks exhibition from Jill Smith and Patsy Jones at the museum. Come along and see some of their recent work and maybe even grab yourself an original piece for your own home! Meet the artists on Saturday 17th May 11am - 1.30pm. Tuesday 6th - Saturday 31st May Jill Smith Artwork	11
12 9:30 am: Artweeks Exhibition 9:30 am – 3:45 pm 12th May 2025 Rendering Light is the latest Artweeks exhibition from Jill Smith and Patsy Jones at the museum. Come along and see some of their recent work and maybe even grab yourself an original piece for your own home! Meet the artists on Saturday 17th May 11am - 1.30pm. Tuesday 6th - Saturday 31st May Jill Smith Artwork	13 9:30 am: Artweeks Exhibition 9:30 am – 3:45 pm 13th May 2025 Rendering Light is the latest Artweeks exhibition from Jill Smith and Patsy Jones at the museum. Come along and see some of their recent work and maybe even grab yourself an original piece for your own home! Meet the artists on Saturday 17th May 11am - 1.30pm. Tuesday 6th - Saturday 31st May Jill Smith Artwork	14 9:30 am: Artweeks Exhibition 9:30 am – 3:45 pm 14th May 2025 Rendering Light is the latest Artweeks exhibition from Jill Smith and Patsy Jones at the museum. Come along and see some of their recent work and maybe even grab yourself an original piece for your own home! Meet the artists on Saturday 17th May 11am - 1.30pm. Tuesday 6th - Saturday 31st May Jill Smith Artwork, 1:30 pm: Swindon Mountain Book Talk 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm 14th May 2025 In this talk author Harriet Hitchen will take a closer look at her long former career as an archaeological illustrator and the landscape and archaeology of the Marlborough and Lambourn Downs, in particular the prehistoric monuments such as Wayland's Smithy. She'll also share the surprising journey which inspired the book, and how embracing the idea of the impossible in a familiar landscape can reshape our perception of the past. Copies of Harriet's book Swindon Mountain will be available to purchase on the day from Wantage Bookshop. Wednesday 14th May 1.30pm Tickets: £7.50 Please book in advance online here or pop into the museum. This event is in partnership with Wantage Bookshop.	15 9:30 am: Artweeks Exhibition 9:30 am – 3:45 pm 15th May 2025 Rendering Light is the latest Artweeks exhibition from Jill Smith and Patsy Jones at the museum. Come along and see some of their recent work and maybe even grab yourself an original piece for your own home! Meet the artists on Saturday 17th May 11am - 1.30pm. Tuesday 6th - Saturday 31st May Jill Smith Artwork	16 9:30 am: Artweeks Exhibition 9:30 am – 3:45 pm 16th May 2025 Rendering Light is the latest Artweeks exhibition from Jill Smith and Patsy Jones at the museum. Come along and see some of their recent work and maybe even grab yourself an original piece for your own home! Meet the artists on Saturday 17th May 11am - 1.30pm. Tuesday 6th - Saturday 31st May Jill Smith Artwork	17 9:30 am: Artweeks Exhibition 9:30 am – 3:45 pm 17th May 2025 Rendering Light is the latest Artweeks exhibition from Jill Smith and Patsy Jones at the museum. Come along and see some of their recent work and maybe even grab yourself an original piece for your own home! Meet the artists on Saturday 17th May 11am - 1.30pm. Tuesday 6th - Saturday 31st May Jill Smith Artwork	18
19 9:30 am: Artweeks Exhibition 9:30 am – 3:45 pm 19th May 2025 Rendering Light is the latest Artweeks exhibition from Jill Smith and Patsy Jones at the museum. Come along and see some of their recent work and maybe even grab yourself an original piece for your own home! Meet the artists on Saturday 17th May 11am - 1.30pm. Tuesday 6th - Saturday 31st May Jill Smith Artwork	20 9:00 am: Friends of VDM Trip to Salisbury City 9:00 am – 5:00 pm 20th May 2025 Join the Friends of the Vale & Downland Museum for a day trip to Salisbury City. Here are just some of the places you can visit in the city on the day. Salisbury Cathedral Home to Britain’s tallest spire and largest cathedral close and cloisters. An original 1215 Magna Carta is the best-preserved copy in existence and the oldest working mechanical clock in the world. Salisbury Museum The award-winning institution tells the story of a unique landscape which has been the cradle of continuous human achievement for over half a million years. It has archaeological collections with prehistoric material from South Wiltshire, including Stonehenge; the Pitt Rivers’ Wessex collection; and a fine medieval collection including finds from Old Sarum, Clarendon Palace and the city itself. National Trust Mompesson Queen Anne town house The main features are the plasterwork, graceful oak staircase and fine period furniture. and has one of the finest displays of English 18th century drinking glasses in existence.The garden, with traditional herbaceous borders and pergola, is an oasis of calm. Military Museum The historic collections of Berkshire and Wiltshire's infantry regiments. Housed in a beautiful medieval building in Salisbury Cathedral Close, it is the home of the local military heritage. Fisherton Mill Explore a treasure trove of amazing artwork in the largest independent art gallery in the South West. The relaxed and friendly café is a slice of foodie heaven in the heart of Salisbury. Pick-up from Seesen Way, Wantage (OX12 7DY)at 9am and returning by 5pm. Tickets for members of the Friends are £30* each or £35 for non-members. Spaces on the coach are limited so tickets must be booked in advance online here This day trip is not suitable for children. *to purchase tickets at the reduced Friends rate requires a password, members should have received this password from the Friends committee. If you believe you are a member but have not received the password, please email Hazel Find out more about joining the Friends of the Museum here, 9:30 am: Artweeks Exhibition 9:30 am – 3:45 pm 20th May 2025 Rendering Light is the latest Artweeks exhibition from Jill Smith and Patsy Jones at the museum. Come along and see some of their recent work and maybe even grab yourself an original piece for your own home! Meet the artists on Saturday 17th May 11am - 1.30pm. Tuesday 6th - Saturday 31st May Jill Smith Artwork	21 9:30 am: Artweeks Exhibition 9:30 am – 3:45 pm 21st May 2025 Rendering Light is the latest Artweeks exhibition from Jill Smith and Patsy Jones at the museum. Come along and see some of their recent work and maybe even grab yourself an original piece for your own home! Meet the artists on Saturday 17th May 11am - 1.30pm. Tuesday 6th - Saturday 31st May Jill Smith Artwork	22 9:30 am: Artweeks Exhibition 9:30 am – 3:45 pm 22nd May 2025 Rendering Light is the latest Artweeks exhibition from Jill Smith and Patsy Jones at the museum. Come along and see some of their recent work and maybe even grab yourself an original piece for your own home! Meet the artists on Saturday 17th May 11am - 1.30pm. Tuesday 6th - Saturday 31st May Jill Smith Artwork	23 9:30 am: Artweeks Exhibition 9:30 am – 3:45 pm 23rd May 2025 Rendering Light is the latest Artweeks exhibition from Jill Smith and Patsy Jones at the museum. Come along and see some of their recent work and maybe even grab yourself an original piece for your own home! Meet the artists on Saturday 17th May 11am - 1.30pm. Tuesday 6th - Saturday 31st May Jill Smith Artwork	24 9:30 am: Artweeks Exhibition 9:30 am – 3:45 pm 24th May 2025 Rendering Light is the latest Artweeks exhibition from Jill Smith and Patsy Jones at the museum. Come along and see some of their recent work and maybe even grab yourself an original piece for your own home! Meet the artists on Saturday 17th May 11am - 1.30pm. Tuesday 6th - Saturday 31st May Jill Smith Artwork	25
26	27 10:00 am: Make and Take Craft Session 10:00 am – 12:00 pm 27th May 2025 This May half term join us at the Vale & Downland Museum for another fun craft session! During this session we will be using cardboard, recycled milk bottle tops, craft paper and other craft materials to make aeroplanes. Tuesday 27th May 10am - 12pm (split into four 30-minute sessions) £3 per child. We advise pre-booking to avoid disappointment. Book online here or pop into the museum. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.	28 10:30 am: Children's Art Workshop 10:30 am – 11:33 am 28th May 2025 At this taught art session we'll be making a Union Flag cushion. Children will learn how to sew to create their unique cushion to take home. £10 per child Must be booked in advance. Book online here or pop into the museum. This workshop is strictly for children aged 7 years and upwards. Any bookings for children aged below 7 years will be cancelled. This is a taught workshop, so please arrive promptly. Our Learning Officer is a fully qualified teacher and DBS checked. Parents/guardians please drop off your children at the beginning of the session and then return to the museum to collect your child(ren) at the end of the session. You will not be able to stay in the room with the children because there is limited space available. You are welcome to stay in the museum/café or go home, but please make sure you are here to collect your child at the end of the session. A contact telephone number for the adult that will be dropping off/collecting the child is required.	29 10:00 am: Get Crafty 10:00 am – 12:00 pm 29th May 2025 Join us for a fun-filled creative session where children can explore their imagination through hands-on crafts! Thursday 29th May 10am - 12pm No need to book just drop-in and get creative! £2 per child, payable at reception on the day. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.	30 12:30 pm: Live Music - Greengage 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm 30th May 2025 Wantage folk band Greengage will be in the museum cafe for a lunchtime performance. Enjoy lunch from the cafe with some lovely live music. Free admission but donations to the museum welcome. Please support the cafe.	31