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Melksham Independent News is a fortnightly newspaper distributed to over 13,000 homes in Melksham

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19/09/2024

Help rebuild and maintain the locks of Wilts & Berks Canal

THE local branch of the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust is looking for volunteers from Melksham to fill a variety of roles.

The volunteering roles include: civil engineers, project managers, work party organisers, bricklayers, builders, chainsaw operators, tree surgeons mechanics and fundraisers
Work parties are primarily focused on the stretch north of Lacock where volunteers are rebuilding the locks, dry dock, carpenter’s workshop and other structures, as well as creating a new wildflower meadow and woodland.

For further information please email: [email protected]

19/09/2024

Councillors’ corner - Cllr John Glover

HELLO, being chair of the Melksham Without Parish Council brings with it tasks and responsibilities to ensure that the parish which I represent, is fit for purpose.
In this regard and in the face of many government legal and fences to negotiate, I am also one of the parish representatives on the Melksham Neighbourhood Plan steering group.
I have been undertaking this task since 2014 when your council initiated its first foray into Neighbourhood Planning. Basically, what we have been seeking is plan-led development where you want it (for targets set initially by government), rather than developer-led.
In this regard, although we had lobbied the last government for changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) to give more weight to our “made” plan, we were constantly overruled and developer-led. It is only since December 2023, that changes to the NPPF have given full support to our Neighbourhood Plan and there have been significant refusals of speculative developer planning submissions.

However, we can’t stand still. Myself and vice chair David Pafford together with representatives of Melksham Town Council and local stakeholder organisations, in the form of a steering group, have been working on the second iteration of the Melksham Neighbourhood Plan which covers all of Melksham Without Parish and the whole town.
This iteration has been accepted by both councils with the latest round of consultations ending on 22nd August. The steering group will now consider how to update the plan, in the light of the comments received, before it is submitted to Wiltshire Council, a planning examiner and then you, the residents of Melksham Without and Melksham Town, in a referendum.

This plan sets the criteria for development of the Neighbourhood Plan area up to 2038. It is most important that you engage with the process and support the plan, for without an approved, up to date plan, all development (specifically housing) will be developer-led.
Without this support proposed changes to the NPPF could undermine all the work undertaken over the last three years and immediately alter the requirements placed upon this council, especially with current government proposals suggest an 81% increase in the number of houses to be built in Wiltshire. With your support our NHP should provide protection to our plan-led development for up to five years.

18/09/2024

Dorothy House nature trail helping to destigmatise death.

A free interactive nature trail at the Dorothy House hospice grounds in Winsley is open to anyone wishing to find a well-being space for reflection and to explore the natural cycles of life and death. The trail recently featured as part of a Sky News film filmed at the hospice grounds, which highlights the experience of 15-year-old Lucy, whose father died at the hospice’s Inpatient Unit in February 2023. The film explores how the hospice cared for her family during a challenging time.

Read more here: https://buff.ly/3XGgjpX

18/09/2024

Bowerhill Primary opens its gates for summer fayre

Bowerhill Primary School is opening its gates to the local community on Saturday 21st September for its annual summer fayre.

Taking place from 2pm to 5pm, the fayre will feature a BBQ and bar, inflatables, games and activities, face painting, emergency service guests, ice creams, and much more.

Entry is 50p per person. All monies raised will go towards enriching and enhancing the school environment for all children.

The fayre is being organised by the Bowerhill Buddies PTA.

Bowerhill Buddies chair Lisa Fudgell said, “Come and have a family fun day out, catch up with friends after the summer holidays and find out more about the school if your little one is starting in 2025.

“Our annual summer fayre is a wonderful day out; the children have a great time, and we raise much-needed funds to support our projects. Our next big project is the ScrapStore Play Pod.”

18/09/2024

Local law firm expands support for domestic violence victims.

LOCAL law firm, Goughs solicitors, is stepping up its efforts to support victims of domestic violence.
The family law team with an office in Bath Road, Melksham, is expanding its services to better serve those affected by domestic abuse.
“Goughs has been a part of the Wiltshire landscape for over 140 years. Its long-standing success is undoubtedly in part due to the commitment it shows to the people and communities in which it operates,” said Laura Cole, the firm’s marketing director.
“The family team have, for a long time, worked with victims of domestic abuse but more recently have committed to further the levels of support and excellence offered. One of the most emotional and difficult situations lawyers deal with are those where someone is trying to leave an abusive relationship; the Goughs team become the victim’s support network and safety net.

Read more here: https://buff.ly/3B1htU3

17/09/2024

Sixth annual family fun day raises nearly £2,000 for Wiltshire Mind.

Community spirit was alive and well on Saturday as locals flocked to The Pilot for the sixth annual fundraiser and family fun day, raising £1,890 for Wiltshire Mind. And with money still to come in from auctions, it is hoped the final amount raised will reach £3,000. Organised by Tracie Winslow, the fun-filled day featured live music, an array of stalls, games, crafts and children’s entertainment, including visits from television favourite Bluey, Darth Vader and a princess.
“It was all about bringing family and friends together and raising money for a wonderful cause,” said Tracie, who was the Melksham News Person of the Year last year. “We had some amazing entertainment and lots for the whole family to enjoy, from a dance fit class to a performance by HD Dance Studios, glitter tattoos, a magic show, balloon animals, bubbles, and puppetry courtesy of Rachael from Froggle Parties, and even Dig a Duck, where people could sit in a mini digger and hook ducks out of a paddling pool which was brilliant fun!”
In addition to the games and performances, the day included a raffle and what Tracie described as “the biggest tombola we’ve ever had” in memory of her close friend Karen Kerry, who passed away earlier this year.
“Karen was by my side for every fundraiser I’ve done, so we had to make it the best yet to remember her,” Tracie explained.

Read more here: https://buff.ly/3zfEaTS

17/09/2024

Town Hall glows purple in support of Overdose Awareness Day.

THE Town Hall was lit up in purple alongside a projected logo as part of International Overdose Awareness Day on 31st August. An information stall run by Turning Point Connect was also in the Market Place during the day to help raise awareness about drug and alcohol issues and offer advice and support. Anna Weymouth from Turning Point Connect said, “Overdose is preventable, and through recognition of the signs, and knowledge of what to do in the event of an overdose we can save lives.

Read more here: https://buff.ly/3Tos7dV

16/09/2024

Melksham walking rugby invites new members to join the fun.

After celebrating their first anniversary in April, the Melksham RFC Walking Rugby Team are looking for new members to join their growing club. The club is open to men and women of all abilities, aged 18 and over.
“Walking rugby helps with physical health, wellbeing and social inclusion,” said coach Richard Grieshaber. “It’s a good opportunity to meet and make new friends.”
Training takes place on Monday nights from 6pm to 7pm, and matches take place once a month. The club also participates in festivals and tournaments throughout the season.
“We currently have around 20 members, but we are always on the lookout - we would love some more women to join us,” said Richard.
“As for tournaments and festivals, we came third in the latest Dorset and Wilts Walking Rugby tournament, but mainly enter festivals as they are just friendlies and we go to have fun.”
For more information, visit https://buff.ly/3ZhitgH.

Read more here: https://buff.ly/47iL7Ah

16/09/2024

Community enjoys iconic Last Night of the Proms in Melksham Park

The community came together to enjoy one of the nation’s most iconic events, as the town hosted its first-ever screening of the BBC’s Last Night of the Proms.

Residents gathered at King George V Park on Saturday, 14th September, for the free event, bringing their picnics, camping chairs and Union Jack flags to enjoy the concert and join in the final song, Auld Lang Syne.

Melksham’s mayor, Cllr Tom Price, said, “The Proms in the Park event was brilliant. It was wonderful to see another free event laid on by Melksham Town Council so well attended. I would like to thank Cllr Jennie Westbrook for all her work alongside the council officers to make this event happen! I am very much looking forward to doing this again next year.”

The Last Night of the Proms is the final concert of the BBC Proms, an annual classical music festival held at the Royal Albert Hall in London. It is known for its audience participation and features a mix of classical music and traditional British patriotic pieces, including ‘Jerusalem’ and ‘Land of Hope and Glory.’

16/09/2024

A local pharmacy is offering health checks to help local residents stay on top of their well-being.

The ‘health MOTs’ by Gompels include checks for blood pressure and cholesterol, blood glucose monitoring, a weight management and BMI check and a cardiovascular risk assessment.

“The checks are designed to provide a thorough overview of an individual’s health, identifying potential risks before they develop into more serious conditions,” said pharmacy manager Patrick Gompels.

“The checks cost £30 and include a range of important health assessments.

“Regular health checks are crucial in maintaining overall health and detecting early signs of potential health issues. With cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and other lifestyle-related conditions on the rise, being proactive about health has never been more important.

“Blood pressure and blood glucose levels are key indicators of heart health and diabetes risk. High cholesterol is another risk factor for heart disease, and monitoring these levels can help prevent the onset of serious conditions. Weight management, including checking your BMI, is essential for maintaining a healthy lifestyle and reducing the risk of various health issues.

https://buff.ly/4elybvt

15/09/2024

Melksham boy makes top 15 Pokémon players in the UK.

A boy from Melksham has become one of the top 15 Pokémon players in the UK after he competed in the exclusive Pokémon World Championships in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Ten-year-old Tommy Davis, who attends Aloeric Primary School, travelled to Hawaii with his mum Holly last month to take part in the competition alongside 400 other children from across the world. Explaining how the competition works, Tommy’s dad, James, said, “Everybody builds a deck with cards that you buy from the shop, you can design your own deck and include any card you like, there is a list of legal and non-legal cards. You play against your opponent and by knocking their Pokémon out with yours, you then take prizes.”

In the championship, Holly said day one consisted of eight rounds, of which the competitors needed 18 points to secure a place in day two. “Tommy reached round five of eight but was knocked out of the running by a strong competitor from Japan and Tommy had the added complication of playing against Japanese-written cards too.”
Only 18 British children attended the World Championships this year. “Despite being unable to gain the number of required points, Tommy continued to finish all eight rounds and has come away in the top 15 Pokémon players in the UK and in the top 300 in the world,” says Holly.
“We hope that Tommy’s journey will continue next year and end with another world championship in Anaheim, California, in August.”

Read more here: https://buff.ly/3ZlyzWL

15/09/2024

Melksham Flag Team call for new members.

Melksham Flag Team is calling for more people to join the group, as they start to plan next year’s flag designs. The team is responsible for designing and making the flags that adorn the town centre at key points throughout the year, including the flags which were displayed for Melksham’s entry into the South West in Bloom competition.
“You do not have to be a brilliant sewer or designer; it is ideas that are needed. We all contribute something to the group,” says one of the organisers, Terri Welch.
“So, if you have enjoyed the Market Place flags in the past, come along and join us.

Read more here: https://buff.ly/3XOOBHH

14/09/2024

Friends create ‘Calendar Girls’-inspired gift to celebrate diamond wedding anniversary.

A group of friends has come together to create a ‘Calendar Girls’-style calendar to celebrate the diamond wedding anniversary of local residents Carol and Fred Imrie. Inspired by the hit film Calendar Girls, in which a group of women pose n**e for a charity calendar, the friends— all aged 60 plus — decided to create their own version to mark Carol and Fred’s 60th wedding anniversary. Ten friends participated in the project, each contributing photos for the special gift.

Read more here: https://buff.ly/4dZEGEB

14/09/2024

End of an era as A&I Jaffray Antiques’ stock to be auctioned.

This month sees the final chapter in the story of one of Melksham’s oldest businesses.
A&I Jaffray Antiques, which closed in July after trading for more than 70 years, will see its remaining stock auctioned as it says farewell to the town. Renowned auctioneers Gardiner Houlgate are bringing the hammer down on the iconic antiques shop, which has been part of Melksham’s heritage since it was founded by Alan and Iris Jaffray in 1954. "Gardiner Houlgate are privileged to present the Alan & Iris Jaffray Collection (Part I) to include the remaining trading stock of A&I Jaffray Antiques,” said auctioneer David Hare.
“The sale will run over two days and consists of 834 lots containing thousands of antique and decorative items.” The story of Alan and Iris Jaffray is one deeply intertwined with Melksham’s past. Alan, originally from Birmingham, was evacuated to Melksham during the blitz in 1940, and he stayed in the Labour Club, Melksham where his auntie worked, now the Market Tavern public house. Iris lived next door in the antiques shop and being just 11 and 9 years old they became friends and played together as the two families became close and spent a lot of time together.

Read more here: https://buff.ly/3MGzkCe

13/09/2024

Young bowls stars shine at national finals.

Two young players from Avon Bowls Club represented Wiltshire recently, when they competed in the Bowls England National Championships at Leamington Spa. Alfie Holland, 16, represented Wiltshire in the Junior Pairs and the Middleton Cup, which is the top trophy that all counties play for and strive to win. Georgina Newman, 23, represented Wiltshire in the Junior Pairs and Junior Singles.

Read more here: https://buff.ly/4cYPIsu

13/09/2024

Forest and Sandridge School to celebrate 150th anniversary.

Local primary school, Forest and Sandridge, is celebrating its 150th anniversary with a special community event on Saturday 14th September. The school will host a range of activities including children’s games, fairground rides, live music and a showcase of ‘Forest and Sandridge Through the Years’ from 2pm to 5pm. The school’s vice principal, James Mead, said, “We are very excited to be holding our PTA celebration as our school turns 150 years old this year!
“We will be celebrating with our local community offering hot food, live music, stalls, rides, hair braiding, tombola and much more.

Read more here: https://buff.ly/3XBh43p

12/09/2024

Celebrate with music, rides and more at Melksham Lions’ picnic!.

This weekend, join the Melksham Lions for a fun-filled Picnic in the Park as part of their 50th anniversary celebrations. Head over to King George V Park on Saturday 14th September, for a free community event where you can bring your own picnic or enjoy refreshments from Evie’s Kitchen, which will be open throughout the day. The event promises entertainment for all ages, including a disco, donkey rides, fairground attractions, a dog show and a baby show.

Read more here: https://buff.ly/4d1vJJy

12/09/2024

Super Saturday in Melksham Park.

The first-ever live screening of BBC’s Last Night at the Proms in Melksham will be shown at King George V Park this Saturday, hosted by Melksham Town Council.

The free event will start at 7pm and run until approximately 10.30pm, with one interval and the concert will be broadcast live on a big screen direct from London’s Albert Hall.

It is open to all and free to attend, with donations welcomed towards the mayor’s charity, Julia’s House.

Read more here: https://buff.ly/3MCiC75

11/09/2024

Melksham scheme wins BBC ‘Make a Difference’ award.

A Melksham-based initiative that recycles and reuses technology has won a BBC Radio Wiltshire Make a Difference Award for its efforts to tackle the UK’s growing e-waste problem. Wiltshire Digital Drive, a community interest company, took home The Green Award at this year’s ceremony for its significant push to reduce technology waste and provide refurbished laptops to families in need. Director Natalie Luckham expressed her delight at the recognition, “We’re over the moon to have won. It really feels like recognition for all the hard work we’ve put in.

Read more here: https://buff.ly/3XkMKc7

11/09/2024

Melksham powerlifter prepares for Commonwealth Championships.

A POWERLIFTER from Melksham is due to compete in the Commonwealth Bench Press Championships in South Africa this October. Annabel Moloney, who has only been powerlifting for about a year and a half, will travel to Sun City, where she is aiming to lift 100kg in the championship. “The best weight I can lift at the moment is 90kg but I am aiming to lift 100kg,” she said. “I have that goal in mind. Currently, the winner of last year’s competition lifted around 110-115kg.”

Annabel was selected to represent England in this year’s championships after competing in the English Women’s Bench Press Championships earlier this year. “I have been strength training ever since I was about 17 years old and gave powerlifting a go, as a way to manage issues with my back,” says Annabel, who works as a nurse at the Royal United Hospital in Bath. “My husband is a powerlifter too, and his coach had back issues, so he suggested I go along.

Read more here: https://buff.ly/47lj2bk

10/09/2024

Footpath to Melksham Oak School delayed again as frustration grows.

The long-awaited footpath to Melksham Oak School, which was hoped to be completed in time for the new school year, has been delayed yet again. For nearly seven years, Wiltshire Council has been under pressure from parents and local councillors to build the 450-metre pathway, which will connect new housing developments in Melksham East to the rear of Melksham Oak Community School. The new path will provide safer access for the school’s 1,300 students, reducing the number of pupils using the busy A365 and replacing the current route across a field that students are currently using.

Read more here: https://buff.ly/3zlAEar

07/09/2024

Anti-social hotspot patrols.

Sadly, the summer is coming to an end, with a little more rain than a lot of us would like!
For us, we have had a successful summer with the introduction of government-funded anti-social behaviour (ASB) hotspot patrol initiatives. This funding has allowed us to put additional resources into patrolling the top ASB areas in our town. As a result, looking at what the public tells us during our consultations, crime reports and monthly statistics, we have not seen the usual ASB flare-ups we commonly do over the summer months.

Read more here: https://buff.ly/4cK1AhY

06/09/2024

An investigation is underway following an armed robbery at Gompels Pharmacy on Bank Street on Thursday 5th September.

Shortly after 9am, a man entered Gompels Pharmacy and threatened staff before making off with a number of perfumes. Customers reported seeing a knife in the man’s hand at the time.

Sgt Gemma Rutter said, “Fortunately, nobody was hurt during this incident but those in the store at the time were understandably shaken up as a result of this man’s actions.

“Enquiries have been ongoing since the incident was reported and we are really keen to hear from anyone who saw or heard anything suspicious.

"Gompels is right in the centre of Melksham town and this incident happened at what would have been a busy time of day with people doing the school runs, or heading off to work. Please check your dash cams or CCTV to assist us with our enquiries.”

If you can help, please call 101 and quote crime reference number 54240105000. Alternatively, call CrimeStoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

06/09/2024

Melksham News is looking for deliverers for fortnightly newspaper rounds in Whitley.

Deliverers must be aged 13 or over.

For more information please email [email protected] or call 01225 704761.

05/09/2024

Care home hosts Bridgerton bash for charity.

A care home in Melksham hosted a Bridgerton-themed high tea event in support of Huntington’s Disease Association, raising £240 through family donations. Blenheim House hosted over 100 residents, families and friends for the event which was held in the home’s gardens. Guests enjoyed a selection of food prepared by the in-house catering team, including smoked salmon sandwiches, fondant fancies, macaroons, and classic scones with Dorset clotted cream and strawberry jam.

Read more here: https://buff.ly/3T8Ac6m

04/09/2024

Revitalise your Autumn with Qi Gong: New course starting in Melksham.

This autumn, Melksham residents have a unique opportunity to explore the ancient practice of Qi Gong with a new course designed to boost well-being and energy levels.
The course, led by local Tai Chi and Qi Gong teacher Mary-Ann Pickett, will take place at the Riverside Centre and is for both experienced practitioners and complete beginners.
“Qi Gong is a gentle form of martial art which focuses on breath control and energy flow - unlike more widely recognised martial arts such as karate, taekwondo or judo - often seen in films and now in the Olympics,” said Mary-Ann.
“While Tai Chi might conjure images of groups of seniors moving gracefully in unison in parks, Qi Gong is more elusive to the Western eye, as it involves the mastery of breath, known as ‘Qi’ (pronounced ‘chi’), and gentle, controlled movements. ‘Gong’ refers to the skill acquired through steady practice. Together, Qi Gong is about harnessing and directing the life energy that flows within us all, improving both physical and mental well-being.
“Qi Gong is suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels. Whether you are sitting, standing still or moving through a sequence, the practice can be tailored to your individual needs.

Read more here: https://buff.ly/3ARznbu

04/09/2024

‘Bowerhill from above’ – local man shares photo from helicopter ride.

To celebrate his 80th birthday a local man, John Phillips, was treated to a helicopter ride from Kemble to the Helicopter Museum at Weston-super-Mare and back again. During his journey, he took some aerial photos of Bowerhill from above. “We took our two grandsons as well and as they had never flown in a helicopter before, they both really enjoyed it. Simon the pilot said that he would fly us back via Melksham so we could get some photos of the area,” explained John.
“The photo (on the opposite page) shows the industrial site and housing estate, Bowerhill School and village hall, Melksham Oak Community School and the Eastern Bypass.”

Pictured above, the Phillips family with Simon the pilot (by Steve Sullivan from the Helicopter Museum) and Bowerhill from above.

Read more here: https://buff.ly/4dHqct4

03/09/2024

New critical care car for Wiltshire Air Ambulance.

A new critical care car has been unveiled by Wiltshire Air Ambulance, partly funded by a grant from the HELP Appeal. The Volvo XC90 has arrived at the airbase in Semington and is ready to take the charity’s critical care paramedics to emergencies across Wiltshire. The new Volvo replaces the older model, which was involved in an accident in March while en route to an incident.

Read more here: https://buff.ly/4dYqStH

03/09/2024

Community space provides local people a place to ‘thrive’

A COMMUNITY space in the heart of the town, which has become a hub for local people, is open for more groups to meet in the facility.

Located in the Market Place, ‘that meeting space’ is home to some of the town’s much-loved groups, including the Red Door Singers, Nature and Art Friends, Melksham Book Club, Melksham Women’s Institute and The Secret Crocheter.

Read more here; https://buff.ly/3T5b6Fw

02/09/2024

What a fantastic weekend at the Food and River Festival! The community came together for two days of fun, food and river adventures at King George V Park.

From boat trips on the River Avon to paddleboarding, kayaking, live music and stalls offering food and unique crafts, there was something for everyone!

Look out for the full article and photo spread in the next issue of the Melksham News, out next week!

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Videos

Newly-elected MP Brian Mathew

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Melksham explorer discovers hidden Mayan city A Melksham man has helped to discover an ancient unrecorded Mayan city in a jungle in Central America. Whilst on an expedition through the Petén jungle in Guatemala in February, Matt Hill – who runs his own expedition company and a local martial arts school – and a team of 20 people found artefacts inside what is believed to be a royal burial chamber. A Mayan pot and a royal burial plate, which are estimated to date back around 1,500 years, were found inside the chamber. It has been proposed that the Mayan city be named ‘The City of System-Maya’ – a nod to Matt’s martial arts school here in Melksham, The Systema Academy. The video below captured the moment that the Mayan bowl was brought out of the chamber. Full story: https://bit.ly/3tS2zJv

Melksham News' exclusive interview with Michelle Donelan MP where she answers our readers' questions about her views on 'Partygate', the cost of living crisis and local issues such as the lack of doctors and dentists and the Melksham bypass. 00.01 - National issues (Partygate, voting against the government, cost of living and brexit busses). 17.55 - Local issues (Access to healthcare, A350 Bypass, infrastructure changes in Melksham, Westbury incinerator and WASPI. You can also read the full interview in this week's issue of the Melksham News.

New video shows route of proposed A350 Melksham bypass Wiltshire Council has released a new video that depicts the emerging proposed route of the A350 Melksham bypass, along with three different variations at the north of the proposed scheme. Full story: https://bit.ly/3hoGiNw Watch the full video below 👇 👇 👇 👇