Festival fun will support canal restoration

FUNDRAISERS will be raising a glass to the restoration of a Melksham waterway next month.

The Wilts & Berks Canal Trust has organised its third annual ‘Winter Ale, Cider and Sausage Festival’, due to be held at the Assembly Hall on Saturday 11th November from 12noon-4pm.

The popular event will feature eleven ales, four ciders, a range of sizzling sausages and live music from the Burbank band.

Tickets are just £5 in advance or £6 on the day, with all profits supporting the ongoing restoration of the waterway.

The event has been organised by the Melksham, Chippenham & Calne branch of the Canal Trust.

Branch chairman Dave Maloney said, “This is only the festival’s third year but we’ve been delighted by how it has grown in popularity. Last year it raised more than £900 and this year we’re hoping to do even better.

“People really like the friendly atmosphere and it’s such a safe environment that we even provide ‘pub games’ for children, such as table skittles and shove halfpenny – the whole family can enjoy the occasion!”

The event has been sponsored by The Bell Inn at Lacock who donated commemorative glasses, while Melksham Town Council provided a grant towards the hire of the hall.

Aside from the food, drink, music and games, visitors will also be able to take a close look at several displays of maps and photographs detailing the history of the Wilts & Berks Canal, including plans for the Melksham Link, which would bring narrowboats through the town using the River Avon.

Dave added, “This is the branch’s biggest fundraising event of the year, so we hope that it will be a huge success.

“It’s a great way for people to have lots of fun with their friends and family while also supporting a local charity.”

Tickets are available from Melksham tourist information centre, The Bell Inn at Lacock or from 07809 374754.

Visit www.wbct.org.uk for further information on joining the Melksham, Chippenham & Calne branch of the Trust.