Coldingham has been a settlement as far back as the 2nd Century, when it
was marked in Ptolemy's Roman map of Britain being shown as Colania. The
venerable Bede called in Coldana or Coludi Urbs. St Cuthbert is recorded as
visiting whilst on his missionary journeys over 1300 years ago. John
of Gaunt was here in 1381 whilst his Palace of the Savoy in London was being
destroyed by Wat Tyler. Then in 1566 Mary Queen of Scots and her retinue of
one thousand visited the village. Add to all this history the Priory. The
first Monastic house was built in A.D.635 and has a tumultous existence
until 1648 when it was besieged by Oliver Cromwell which left only two walls
of the choir standing. However a new church was built incorporating these
walls, it had major restoration in 1855 and is still in use today. During
the summer months The Friends of Coldingham Priory open it every Wednesday
2-4pm. It can be visited at other times by arrangement.
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Back to present day
life in Coldingham. There are around 600 inhabitants of all ages from all
corners of the globe. The active groups in the Village are SWRI, Church
Guild, Senior Citizens Club, Art Club, Youth Club, Carpet Bowls, Rainbows,
Brownies, Scouts, Guides, Cubs, Beavers, Sunday School, Badminton, Exercise
and Fitness, Friends of Coldingham Priory and The Garden Party who maintain
areas in village for use of all. |
Bob Thomson, a local resident who discovered in a property on the School
Road, a large collection of glass photographic plates on Victorian life in
and around Coldingham, has a wonderful photographic exhibition at The Old
Smiddy, Northfield Farm on the road to St Abbs open daily from Easter to
October.
We have a vibrant Primary School and I believe they have their own website
now. Norman Wood the headmaster's father ran one of the bakeries in
Coldingham around 60 years ago.
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| The sandy bay is
sheltered and has a life guard on duty during the summer months. Facilities
include a toilet block and a beach cafe. An increasing number of enthusiasts
enjoy wind surfing and St Vedas Hotel now runs a webcam showing sea
conditions. They provide for hire and sale, the equipment for this sport and
at present are having a shop incorporated in the Hotel which is only a short
step from the beach. There are Aqua diving schools in area who frequently
hold lessons in the bay. The large Youth Hostel overlooks the Bay. |
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In June 18-20th
this years EAST BERWICKSHIRE NATURAL HISTORY FESTIVAL is held in and
around Coldingham, packed with lots of events, sea trips, walks, talks, red
squirrels, badger & bat watches etc and.socials all run from the village
hall. See the village
website for more details or phone hotline 018907 71979 for a brochure
and booking form.
Walking and bird watching is another attraction to area.
There are three large parks for both static and touring caravans.
Scoutscroft and Crosslaw Parks are in the Village whilst Highview is on the
Moors.
Coldingham also has Hotel, B&B and self catering places for visitors.
The Community Council has 10 members and meets each third Tuesday of month
in the Primary School at 7.30pm to which all are welcome.
Current and recent projects have been financed by successful applications to
the Eyemouth East Berwickshire Partnership Regeneration Fund Community Grant
Scheme.
1. Our own website
www.coldingham.info
2.We have opened a Secondhand Bookshop in the village hall committee room
which is open each Saturday 10am 'til noon and each Wednesday 2-4pm. Coffee
and tea is on offer for our customers. Funds raised of over £3000 so far
have bought a new pool table for the Youth Club, a £1000 pledge to the
Coldingham Society Playing field Project, a donation towards the costs of
the Senior Citizens Christmas lunch, and around 40 small items of much
needed equipment for the village hall.
3. We have produced a leaflet, 'Coldingham's Heritage Trail' and the
'Walks in and Around Coldingham' booklet should go to print next
month. Both of these are free and available in the village shop or
Secondhand Bookshop when open.
4. A village information leaflet is also in the pipeline.
Other current projects are the Hall Committee's planned major refurbishment
of the Village Hall and the Coldingham Society's Playingfield Project to
provide more challenging equipment in the playing field.
Sadly we have recently seen our Post Office close but hope that the facility
will soon be re-established. |
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What's On |
| No events for this month. |
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Clubs & Societies |
| None currently registered. |
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