Missenden Abbey closure announced

[Adrian Nayler]

Now that I have worried all those attending the Society Convention in September I should say that we will likely be fine this year, though may have to find another venue for 2026. The owners of the Abbey apparently intend to close it on 30th November 2025.

Announcement here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cd6gyygz3e6o

[Ian61]

That's a real shame. It is really useful to know how a venue operates for events like ours.

[Imperial Dave]

ditto

the hunt for another venue commences

my vote goes to a location with a very handy railway station nearby 

[Nick Harbud]

I am sure that the 2026 Convention organisers would welcome helpful venue suggestions from members.

[Imperial Dave]

probably not from me as I am likely to suggest stuff in the western half of the island 

[Ian61]

probably not from me as I am likely to suggest stuff in the western half of the island 

Cardiff, as centre of the universe springs to mind.  

[Ian61]

More seriously, it is an awkward one as our requirements are a little different to similar centres main clientele. Not aware of anything near here (Taunton) that would do.

[Adrian Nayler]

Whilst my original post may be interpreted as a little alarmist, it is possible that the business will be sold to another entity willing to continue as a wedding/conference venue. We shall see.

[Imperial Dave]

very true

[Dave Knight]

The Conference of Wargamers who also used Missenden this year have a new venue booked for 2026, Cranfield University I think

[Richard Lockwood]

The Conference of Wargamers who also used Missenden this year have a new venue booked for 2026, Cranfield University I think

Indeed. I have been talking to COW organisers and am looking closely at Cranfield. It looks very promising.