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Girls pledge to help the homeless this Christmas

December 4, 2019
in Uncategorized
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TWO young girls have pledged to make 50 gift bags for the homeless this Christmas, but need your help.

Gracie Vince and Alex Burke, both 10 years old who go by their nicknames Greg and Al, are wanting to give back to the homeless people in the area by giving them a bag full of necessities and gifts. 

They have set up ‘donation stations’ and are asking people to give what they can to help them fill the gift bags.

The stations can be found at The Foresters Arms in Melksham, Bromham School and Bromham Church.

On their Facebook page the girls said, “We have been thinking about the homeless and how many people live on the streets. It makes us sad that, when we go shopping, we see homeless people with nowhere to go.

“We want to spread a little happiness, we want to tell them they are special and they deserve a gift.

“We thought we could give homeless people a gift bag for Christmas filled with nice things. We are trying to make 50 bags but we need lots and lots of donations to do this. 

“Please can you help us? There is a post on our Facebook page with a list of everything we need.

“One of the things we want to do is put a nice, kind note in each of the bags and we were wondering if the public could write some kind notes and message us through our Facebook page.”

They are asking for donations of: Lip balm, plasters, tooth brushes, toothpaste, hand gel, pads, tissues, deodorant, soap and flannel, male/female products, wet wipes, energy snacks/drinks, torches with batteries, hat, scarf, gloves, small blanket, socks, sleeping bag, chocolate, teddy, pens/pencils, colouring book, puzzles, sudoku, pens, envelopes, stamps, hairbrush, chewing gum, dog treats/toys, lollipops.

Any questions, you can  call 07880 364069.

Picture: Gracie and Alex   presenting their donation station box to Hannah at The Foresters Arms, Melksham.

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Follow Social Media

  • Children get active with school’s mini marathon

Pupils at a Melksham primary school took part in a mini marathon recently by running laps of the school’s astroturf.

Forest and Sandridge CE Primary School recently hosted the challenge, endorsed by Joe Wicks, also known as The Body Coach. 

The initiative saw children complete a distance in a way that suited them, whether by running, jogging, or walking. The focus was on participation, personal achievement and wellbeing rather than competition.

The children took part on the school’s new astroturf, with some running 18 laps, roughly three miles.

Teacher Sophie Overton said, “We believe that this was an enjoyable experience for all involved and we are proud to be part of a nationwide effort to inspire children to stay active.” 

Read more on our website, the link is in our bio.
  • Questions raised over future of Bowerhill open space

Residents have raised concerns about a parcel of land for sale in a residential area in Bowerhill.

The green space, measuring 520 square metres, is located at Bader Park. It was advertised for sale by Auction House with a guide price of £3,500 but failed to sell at the auction on 27th April.

Residents have raised concerns about potential development of the land if it is sold, including the loss of four informal parking spaces, a well-used footpath and green space.

In March, 19 residents contacted Melksham Without Parish Council (MWPC) to ask whether the council would consider purchasing the space as an Asset of Community Value. At the parish council’s Full Council meeting on 20th April, 15 residents attended to ask questions and take part in the discussion.

One resident asked whether the land could be saved as a ‘village green’. Wiltshire councillor Nick Holder, who has been supporting residents on the matter, said it could instead be designated as a ‘Local Green Space’ in the next version of the Melksham Neighbourhood Plan, which would require input from local residents. 

Read more on our website, the link is in our bio.
  • Melksham club relaunches with ABBA tribute and Rock & Roll weekend 

A well-known community venue in Melksham is undergoing a revival, with an exciting programme of events kicking things off this month.

Spencer Sports and Social Club is offering a mix of live entertainment and social events which they hope will appeal to the whole community.

First up is a Rock and Roll Weekend on Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th May, followed by an ABBA tribute night on Saturday 23rd May and a family fun day on Saturday 11th July.

Regular events are also being organised including quiz nights, karaoke and live entertainment.

“The club is experiencing an exciting revival, bringing fresh energy, new entertainment and a welcoming atmosphere,” said committee member Tony Webb. “With a growing calendar of events and renewed enthusiasm, the club is quickly re-establishing itself as a lively social hub for residents and visitors alike.” 

Read more on our website, the link is in our bio.
  • Melksham driver secures top-10 finish in season opener 

Melksham driver Owen Hillman has begun his latest campaign in the Mini Challenge JCW Championship.

The championship, which features identical Mini F56 JCW three-door hatchbacks and is regarded as a key feeder series to the British Touring Car Championship, consists of six rounds across the season.

The opening round took place at Donington Park’s 1.97-mile National Circuit on 18th and 19th April, where Owen competed in three races for the Bowerhill-based Pro Alloys Racing. 

Read more on our website, the link is in our bio.

Photos of the race by Tim Crisp
  • Older people’s social group helps form friendships

A social club for older people in Melksham is helping residents be part of their community through outings and weekly meetings.

Melksham 60 Plus Club has 52 members who meet at Queensway Chapel every Tuesday.

The club was formed in 1949 and is in its 77th year, providing a space for Melksham’s older residents to make friends and social connections.

Chair of the club Rosemary Nash said, “It really is a lovely friendly club and I am really proud of it. We do really try to keep our members as active as possible. The youngest member we have is 60 and our oldest member is 94. Our very oldest member has left for a care home but she would have been 105 this year.”

Every Tuesday, members pay £2 a week for refreshments and enjoy a game of bingo and a raffle. “It really is a lovely, friendly social club,” said Rosemary. “It enables people to meet their friends. We believe that socialising is the most important aspect of our club, which is why we try to get our members out as much as we can. We don’t charge people for their first time because we want to make sure the club is right for them.” 

Read more on our website, the link is in our bio.
  • Blue Pool plans stall as ‘no money’ in budget 

Plans to redevelop the Blue Pool site have stalled after Melksham Town Council confir-med no funding has been allocated in this year’s budget.

The council took over the site from Wiltshire Council, which previously housed the Blue Pool until its closure in 2022, for a nominal £1 in April 2025. At the time, councillors described it as a “once-in-a-lifetime” opportunity and said they wanted to make it a priority for creating a long-term community asset.

Architects were invited to visit the site last year to create a plan for transforming the space. Options included integrating it with the adjacent Assembly Hall, which is also owned by the town council. Ideas included combining the sites into an entertainment and museum centre.

However, the council has now confirmed there is no money allocated for the project in the 2026/27 budget, meaning it is unlikely to progress before 2027/28 at the earliest. 

Read more on our website, the link is in our bio.
  • Movement to music for residents with dementia

Residents living with dementia are invited to join a local group which provides gentle movement to music and social connection.

The Movement Group, run by local charity Beyond Dementia, meets on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month at Bowerhill Village Hall.

Two trained instructors alternate each session and lead gentle movement to music. The sessions include refreshments, usually tea or coffee with homemade cake, and a chance to chat. 

Groups coordinator Sarah Tyler said, “It’s great fun and a comfortable environment for everyone.”

The group is for people living with dementia to attend, accompanied by a companion, who may be a family member, friend or support worker. It costs £5 per person for each session, but the first session is free of charge to give people a chance to see if it is an activity they would like to join.

The sessions run from 10.30am to 12pm. There is free parking and the hall is accessible for all. 

Read more on our website, the link is in our bio.
  • Mayoral team voted in

Melksham’s mayoral team for the coming year has been confirmed following a vote at the Annual Town Meeting today, Monday 11th May.

Cllr Saffi Rabey will return as Mayor for a second year and will be joined by Cllr Gillian Elson as Deputy Mayor. 

Cllr Rabey said, “I am absolutely delighted to be serving a second year as Mayor and to continue building on the progress we have made together over the last year. It has certainly been a year of learning, and while we may not have got everything right, we have worked hard to listen, improve and move forward positively for our town.

“I am looking forward to working alongside my new Deputy Mayor, Cllr Elson, and thanks Cllr Westbrook for her year of service as the previous deputy mayor. With the support of councillors, officers and residents, I am confident we can deliver another year of stability, growth and positive outcomes for our community.

“I am excited to continue putting the Council Plan into action and helping our town continue to grow and improve. I would also like to sincerely thank everyone, councillors, officers and members of the public, for their support, encouragement and commitment over the past year. Together, I believe we can make the coming year an even more positive and successful one for our town.”

Cllr Rabey joined the council in 2021 and has also served as Deputy Mayor. Cllr Elson joined the council in 2025.

Full story in the next issue of the Melksham News, out next week.
  • Fire risk leads to design changes at 80-bed care home

By Local Democracy Reporter Peter Davison

Fire concerns have prompted developers to make design changes at an 80-bed care home in Melksham, which is currently under construction.

Developer Aspire has contacted Wiltshire Council asking to make a number of changes to conditions placed on it when permission was granted for the state-of-the-art care home in August 2024.

The developer wants to make the changes to make it easier for emergency and service vehicles to manoeuvre around the site and to provide an extra car parking space, bringing the total number to 28.

Aspire also wants to move an EV charging point in the car park.

The council wanted it in an accessible bay, but the developer says “following detailed design development and advice from the project’s energy and fire consultants, the preferred and safest location for rapid EV charging infrastructure is within the parking bays furthest from the building and substation.

“This is necessary to address operational safety, power supply constraints, fire risk considerations and cable routing requirements."

Read more on our website, the link is in our bio.
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