It was decided to hold the National Bailliage’s 65th Grand Chapitre in Bath particularly because 2025 is the 250th Anniversary of the birth of the author Jane Austen. The programme gave members a chance to enjoy many aspects of Jane Austen’s time in Bath.

Trips included Brunel’s ground-breaking engineering works in Bristol and the much-admired Georgian architecture of the city of Bath. The City of Bath is exceptional in having two UNESCO World heritage designations: in 1987 for it’s Hot Springs; in 2021 as one of the Great Spa Towns of Europe.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 18TH
Dinner at Pomegranate Restaurant
The programme began with an informal dinner at Pomegranate Restaurant. Housed in a building that was previously Saint Michael’s Church House with lofty ceiling and stained glass windows. Owner Nedim Orak is from southeast Turkey having lived and worked in the United Kingdom for 30 years. We enjoyed a menu with an eastern Mediterranean slant.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19TH
SS Great Britain tour and lunch at Clifton Club
There was an early departure by bus for Bristol to arrive at SS Great Britain for a guided tour and visit to the museum. The two hours passed so quickly. Lunch followed at the Clifton Club. After lunch there was a presentation about the Clifton Suspension Bridge followed by a visit.

Guided Tour of Bath
As the above event ran concurrently it wasn’t possible to attend both events. For those who made the difficult choice it was an afternoon guided historic walk through Bath’s UNESCO World Heritage city centre hosted by a Blue Badge Guide which included the Royal Crescent.

Welcome Dinner in the City of Bath’s Guildhall
The Welcome Dinner was held in the Brunswick Room of the City of Bath’s stylish Guildhall. Everyone in their business dress with Chaîne ribbons made an impressive sight.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 20TH
On Saturday it was an honour to have International Vice-President Marie Jones present to enjoy the full programme of events.

Induction Ceremony
The Induction Ceremony was held in St Swithin’s Church - the church where Jane Austen’s father and mother were both married and buried. Bailli Delegué Philip Evins was the Inducting Officer in his capacity as a Member of the Conseil Magistral.

American Museum
For those who did not wish to attend the Induction Ceremony there was a visit to the American Museum and gardens situated in Claverton Manor, a Grade 1 listed building completed in 1820 with a superb view of the Avon Valley. The Museum was founded by two antique collectors. Opened in 1961, it is the only museum devoted to American Decorative arts outside of the USA. The gardens were developed to include a replica of George Washington’s garden at Mount Vernon.

Jane Austen walk
In the afternoon a guided walk which focused on the artistic, literary and film aspects of the city … think Jane Austen.

Gala Dinner
In the evening the participants gathered at UNESCO World Heritage Roman Baths and Pump Room (2000 years old). The reception was held in the Roman Baths after which the Gala Dinner was held in the Pump Room. Black tie and evening dresses with Chaîne ribbons made for a glittering array.

A grand raffle at the Gala Dinner supported The Clink, the National Bailliage’s chosen charity.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 21ST
The farewell lunch is always a fun event and on this occasion, it was held at The Architect - a gastro pub housed in the Empire Building on Grand Parade. Named after Charles Davis, a city architect who completed this Grade II listed building in 1901. And so in the elegant yet unpretentious main dining room, the 65th Grand Chapitre closed in style after lunch.

In the Chaîne tradition the teams in all the venues planned great menus reflecting both location and time of year. The feedback reflected that as everyone left saying ‘wow!’.

CONCLUSION
The National Bailliage was delighted to give the warmest of welcomes to everyone for a long weekend of cultural interest, culinary hppenings, vinous excellence and most of all, great camaraderie. The careful planning paid off, it was a meeting of friends both old and new sharing an exceptional collection of experiences together.

In conclusion, Bailli Délégué Philip Evins looked forward to seeing everyone in London in September 2026 for the National Bailliage’s 66th Grand Chapitre.

Prepared by a Chaîne News Online Staff Writer
Researched from various sources. E&OE