Love Melksham – A resident’s love letters to her town

A column celebrating all things Melksham from local resident Miriam Zaccarelli

Of all the travels and adventures I’ve had in my life, I always come back to where my heart feels happy and at home, in Melksham. 

Our friendly and vibrant little town is full of incredible people and places and so many ways to feel enriched, connected, joyful and inspired. I will be celebrating Melksham with a little love letter every edition, highlighting something wonderful that makes me Love Melksham.

This week – because I actually took part! – features the remarkable Melksham parkrun. It is such a gift to Melksham that a team of enthusiastic volunteers show up every week in all weathers to make the event possible. It’s a free friendly 5k event, starting in King George Playing Field at 9am every Saturday, and everyone is welcome to run, jog or walk along with around 150 others. Volunteers and spectators are also always welcome! The route is currently gorgeous with cherry blossom and spring flowers and includes a beautiful stretch along the river and up to Murray Walk. Encouraged by cheerful marshals, lots of safety measures and a simple method of timekeeping, you can race up front with the super athletic runners or walk and chat leisurely with the friendly Tail Walkers at your own pace.

I’m so grateful that our town has this weekly source of happiness for everyone. It is a uniquely joyful event because you get a healthy heart full of connection and community simply by being part of the crowd; there’s the obvious endorphins of physical exercise (so much easier with others); the natural benefit of being outdoors surrounded by beautiful nature; and the brilliant boost of dopamine to start your weekend with a great achievement. It’s no wonder doctors prescribe parkrun for mental as well as physical health – it definitely helps reduce anxiety.

The aching legs, exhausted lungs and (occasionally) muddy feet are easily worth it for the beaming buzzing high of taking part, plus the calm and settled sense of stability in your heart for the rest of the day.

If all that is not enough of a reward, there’s coffee and homemade cakes from Terri and Pat in the Adventure Centre (bring a couple of quid), plus the full menu of delicious café options at Evie’s Kitchen, where community connection and cheerful camaraderie continue over cake.

Search Melksham parkrun to register and enjoy another great reason to Love Melksham!

Miriam Zaccarelli