Christmas message from Mayor of Melksham Saffi Rabey

As Christmas approa-ches, I’ve been reflecting on what an incredible start it has been to my time as mayor. 

Melksham truly is a town full of heart and this year has shown just how much we can achieve when we come together.

We’ve shared so many wonderful moments from the Food and River Festival, which brought families and friends together along our beautiful riverside, to the inspiring Baum Challenge tree planting, the magical Last Night of the Proms screening in KGV Park and the spectacular Melksham Carnival. We also came together for important commemorations, including VE Day, VJ Day and Remembrance, moments that remind us of the strength and sacrifice that underpin our freedoms today.

A heartfelt thank you goes to all the volunteers, community groups and local businesses who gave their time and energy to make these events possible. Your hard work and enthusiasm are the heartbeat of Melksham. I’m also deeply grateful to our town council employees and officers, who work tirelessly behind the scenes to keep everything running smoothly and make these achievements possible.

Special thanks must go to Paul Weymouth and the incredible Christmas lights team, whose dedication and creativity have made our town sparkle and brought so much festive cheer to Melksham.

This year also marked a major milestone with the Neighbourhood Plan passing its referendum—a joint effort with Melksham Without Parish Council. It’s fantastic to see our two councils working so closely together for the good of our community. This plan gives us a stronger voice in shaping future development and ensures that growth reflects the needs and character of our area. It’s a real achievement that will help protect what we love about Melksham while planning for a sustainable future.

Looking ahead to 2026, I’m excited about building on this year’s successes with even more fantastic events, community projects and opportunities to make Melksham thrive. I’d love to hear your ideas for what you’d like to see happen next year let’s make it a year to remember, together.

Thank you for your support and enthusiasm throughout the year. Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful Christmas and a happy, healthy New Year!

Mayor Cllr Saffi Rabey