Mocktails & mingling to celebrate flood works success

Blessed by another beautiful sunny day, the community at Bridgemead gathered on the afternoon of Saturday 18th July for a special garden party to mark the completion of the flood works at the home.  

With central Bath increasingly vulnerable to flooding, Pilgrims’ Friend Society has taken action to ensure our ‘family members’ (as we call those who live with us) and staff are protected from future flooding events. The £1.4 million flood protection project began in April 2025, and has included the addition of a wrap-around glass screen on the home’s lowest level and the extension of the existing flood defence wall. (To find out more about the project, see: When the rains come down)
 
While building works were underway, the garden was out of action. The party was a wonderful way to celebrate both the completion of the works and the renewed access to a much-valued outdoor space.  
 
The afternoon began with speeches in the lounge. Geoff Weekes, a member of the local Widcombe Baptist Church and a long-standing volunteer at the home, gave a brief history of Bridgemead, sharing how the church was moved to establish the home after suitable provision for church member Gladys could not be found locally. The home eventually opened in 1992. With the need for additional flood protection becoming pressing, ownership of the care home passed to Pilgrims’ Friend Society in October 2024 on the understanding that we would implement the necessary measures. (For more details on the history of the home, see: Welcome to Bridgemead).  
 
Our Chief Executive Stephen Hammersley spoke next, paying tribute to the hard work and faithfulness of Bridgemead and its supporters over the years. Stephen highlighted Pilgrims’ Friend Society’s commitment to investing in the care for the long-term, ensuring the continued provision of Christian care in Bath and strengthening links with churches and the wider community.  

Our family members and guests were then invited into the garden to enjoy afternoon tea, mocktails and a spot of mingling, with tables and chairs set up on the patio and under the trees.

Councillor Dine Romero attended the event on behalf of the Mayor’s Office. She said, “Bridgemead is a lovely facility and it’s therefore fantastic that these flood measures are in place and that vulnerable people are protected. It’s clear that the residents get a lot of joy from being here, including spending time in the beautiful garden space.” 

Hazel, 92, was one of our ‘family members’ enjoying the garden party, along with friends Carole and Teresa, friends visiting from Englishcombe, the village where Hazel used to live. Hazel said, "Having lived out in the country, I'm used to being surrounded by nature. It's lovely being able to come out in the garden and enjoy the trees and flowers." 

Claire Walton, Business Manager at the home, helped organise the event. Claire said, “We used to be on edge every time it rained. Now that worry has gone.” 

To see the glorious garden party event in action, browse the gallery below...