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Koalas join keeper for bedtime story

May 26, 2020
in Latest news
Reading Time: 1 min read
398 26
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0

KOALAS at Longleat Safari Park have been enjoying their very own bedtime stories courtesy of one of their keepers. 

Keeper Jon Ovens was filmed reading the children’s tale ‘Welcome to Longleat Dennis!’ from inside the Wiltshire wildlife attraction’s Koala Creek feature, which is home to the real-life Dennis.

The video featured shots of Dennis and the other koalas as well as additional footage of some of the Safari Park’s other animal residents, and was broadcast live on social media.

Longleat koala keeper Jon Ovens

“We thought it was a great way to give younger fans the chance to see the koalas for real and keep them entertained with a fun tale of Dennis’ adventures with the other animals here,” said Longleat’s James Bailey.

The bedtime story is the latest in a series of online activities which Longleat has produced during lockdown. A previous virtual safari park tour was viewed more than half-a-million times in just three days.

“The team here are always looking at novel way to keep in contact with the public even though we’re closed to visitors. I think we were all astonished at the level of interest and we hope these online events will help keep people amused and entertained,” added James.

  • To watch the video go to  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gBeWt0vBJ6o&t=18s

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  • Monthly Friday night entertainment coming to Market Place

A new monthly Friday evening gathering is launching in the Market Place, inviting residents to enjoy entertainment from local performers.

Friday Night Live will launch on 29th May, organised by Melksham Town Council. The Market Place will be transformed into a hub with tables, chairs and local traders from 6pm.

The event is set to run on the last Friday of the month and will include entertainment from local performers, including live music, dancers, poets and speakers.

The event was proposed by Cllr Jennie Westbrook at the town council’s Community Development meeting in March. She said, “Bringing more free, accessible events to Melksham is something I have long been championing, so I’m absolutely thrilled to see Friday Night Live come to life. This initiative will bring a fresh buzz to our Market Place, transforming it into a lively and welcoming space for everyone to enjoy. 

Read more on our website, the link is in our bio.
  • Plans for 48 houses and shop in Semington

An application to build 48 new homes and a village shop in Semington is being considered by Wiltshire Council.

The plans submitted by Hollins Strategic Land LLP propose to develop a mix of housing types on land west of Semington Turnpike.

The site is on 2.6 hectares of agricultural land and is known locally as the ‘auction field’ because it was previously used for livestock sales. It is allocated for development in Semington’s Neighbour-hood Plan.

In the Design and Planning Statement it says the development is intended to create a ‘well connected and sensitive extension to Semington that responds to the distinctive character of the local area.’

Semington Parish Council unanimously resolved to support the application, however it has also commented via Wiltshire Council’s planning portal raising concerns about plans to move the village shop further away from the entrance at the A361. 

Read more on our website, the link is in our bio.
  • Antiques expert returns for free valuation day

TV antiques star Paul Martin is returning to Melksham to host another free valuation day on 29th April.

The event will run from 10.30am to 3pm at ‘that meeting space’ in the Market Place.

A familiar face on shows such as Antiques Road Trip and Flog It!, Paul is urging people to take advantage of the free valuation day. He said jewellery and watches remain the most common items brought in for valuation, but people are encouraged to bring anything and everything.

He said, “Why not sell them, get some money, and plant a tree, embrace nature, go on holiday -do something for yourself and your family.”

Organisers said, “The event attracts people from all over Wiltshire, where people’s valuables can be valued and, if desired, entered into auction.”

No booking is required; people can just turn up. 

Read more on our website, the link is in our bio.
  • Inclusive rugby tournament returns to Melksham

A mixed-ability rugby tournament will be held at Melksham Rugby Club bringing together teams from across the country.

The Foundation Cup, led by Bath Rugby Foundation will take place on Saturday 2nd May, following the success of last year’s event, which was the largest mixed ability rugby event in the UK.

The day will also include a bar and a kitchen serving refreshments. There will also be a fan zone with ice cream, inflatables, soft play and a Bath Rugby Foundation club shop.

There will be two tournaments at the event – the Touch Tournament and the Mixed Ability Cup.

Organiser Jeremy Flower said, “Last year’s event brought together 18 teams from across the country for an unforgettable day of inclusive sport. Hundreds of players, families, friends and supporters travelled to Melksham to be part of a festival that showcased everything mixed ability rugby stands for: community, enjoyment, and opportunity for everyone. 

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

Pictured: Melksham Stags and Ladies
  • Family’s distress over memorial bench damage

A family say they are deeply upset after discovering their son’s memorial bench in Bowerhill had been vandalised.

The bench, located in Giles Wood, is dedicated to Ben Smith, a teenager who was killed nearly four years ago after being assaulted on a night out in Bath.

The family say the bench is the equivalent of a grave for Ben, a place where they can go to remember him.

However, they report it has recently been damaged, with the wood kicked in and panels removed.

Ben’s mum Rachel Smith said, “My husband goes down there every day to sit there; Ben’s friends go down there. I would like to know, did the vandals feel good? It’s upset a lot of people. I was angry first off, now I just want to know if that made them feel good wrecking someone’s memorial bench.” 

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

Pictured: l-r standing: Harry Kepner, Alan Pardoe, Kayleigh Pardoe, Josh Flynn and George Truman; sitting on the bench: Ben’s parents – Rachel and Arthur Smith
  • Melksham Makers’ Market returns for the 2026 season

The popular Melksham Makers’ Market returns to the Market Place this Saturday, 25th April.

Now in its eighth year, the market has become a firm favourite in the town’s calendar, bringing together a carefully curated mix of talented local makers and artists. 

Visitors can expect a vibrant atmosphere, with a blend of returning favourites alongside some exciting new traders joining for the first time this season.

The Melksham Makers’ Market is organised by local small business owners Nicola from The Secret Crocheter and Sarah from Florrie & Jean, with the support of Melksham Town Council. 

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

Picture by Linda De Santiz
  • Blues night at the Cons Club

Live music returns to Melksham Cons Club this Saturday, 25th April with the Mark Green Blues Band.

The band, based in Bradford-on-Avon, formed five years ago to perform at the Wiltshire Music Festival is fast becoming the most popular Blues band in the area. They usually perform as a five-piece, sometimes six, with a harmonica-led sound and two lead guitarists who provide vocals.

Their set features classic 1960s British blues, including covers of John Mayall, the Yardbirds, early Fleetwood Mac and Cream, alongside rock tracks by the Rolling Stones and Queen. A regular highlight is their rendition of 22 Top – La Gange, a tribute to Texas blues legend John Lee Hooker. 

Read more on our website, the link is in our bio.
  • The latest issue of the Melksham News is out now.

Read our digital edition on our website, the link is in our bio
  • Monthly Friday night entertainment coming to Market Place

A new monthly Friday evening gathering is launching in the Market Place, inviting residents to enjoy entertainment from local performers.

Friday Night Live will launch on 29th May, organised by Melksham Town Council. The Market Place will be transformed into a hub with tables, chairs and local traders from 6pm.

The event is set to run on the last Friday of the month and will include entertainment from local performers, including live music, dancers, poets and speakers.

The event was proposed by Cllr Jennie Westbrook at the town council’s Community Development meeting in March. She said, “Bringing more free, accessible events to Melksham is something I have long been championing, so I’m absolutely thrilled to see Friday Night Live come to life. This initiative will bring a fresh buzz to our Market Place, transforming it into a lively and welcoming space for everyone to enjoy. 

Read more on our website, the link is in our bio.
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Choose a monthly subscription or a one-off donation. All donations will be reinvested into producing local journalism for Melksham.

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