It may not be what you expect to find among the books, but for
possibly for the first time in the UK and maybe the world, Bath
& North East Somerset Council is giving people the opportunity
to watch, or even try out for themselves, some wrestling in Bath
Central Library.
This year is the National Year of Reading, and every month there
is a different theme. The theme for August, when the wrestling
event is to be held, is sport.
Live sport in a library is not unheard of (mini Golf has
happened in many libraries throughout the World ) but library
managers in Bath think that this is probably the first live
wrestling match in any public library, at least in the UK and
possibly the World.
Councillor David Hawkins, Cabinet Member for Libraries, said:
"Wrestling in the library may raise a few eyebrows, but Bath &
North East Somerset Council hopes that the event will attract new
visitors. Libraries have such a wide range of resources, for people
of all ages and interests. The National Year of Reading is a
national campaign to encourage more people to enjoy books, and I am
pleased that this event is taking place to coincide with August’s
theme of ‘sport’."
Library business will continue as normal throughout the day on
23 August with the added attraction of taster training sessions led
by members of UCW from 12 – 4pm
Julia Ball, National Year of Reading Co-ordinator said: "It’s
the National Year of reading this year and every month we focus on
a different theme. A wrestling match ties in really well to the
theme for August which is all about using Sport to promote Reading.
Children are taking part in a reading challenge called Team Read
based on a sporting theme too. We hope that people of all ages will
want to visit the library to see what promises to be a great
spectacle."
The library will be transformed in the evening to make way for
the wrestling arena and seating. From 7.30 there will be a full
scale wrestling match featuring bouts from UCW regulars "Checkmate"
also known as Evil Inc. , "Gangster" , "Dave Moralez" and
"Hubert"
UCW Wrestlers have made previous appearances at Beacon Hall in
Peasedown St John, in Radstock and Longfield Community Centre in
Trowbridge but this is their first appearance in a public
library.
Training will start at 12pm and finish at 4pm and costs £10.00
per person
Tickets for the evening match cost £6 with family ticket
reductions also available.
For tickets to the match or to take part in the training session
contact UCW wrestling on 01225 765041.
