‘Maypole-r’ opposites! Councillors divided over purchase of maypole

MELKSHAM Town Council is to explore the possibility of purchasing a maypole for use at local events, supporting local ‘arts and culture’. 

At a meeting of the town council’s community development committee, councillors were asked to consider spending over £600 on a maypole – a painted pole, round which people traditionally dance on May Day, holding long ribbons that are attached to the top of the pole. 

 “I envisage groups of children and adults – including those in wheelchairs, using a maypole in displays, competitions, fundraising, or simply for fun, in any suitable location e.g. the Market Place, King George V park, playgrounds,” explained cllr Pat Aves in a report to councillors. 

“Once a traditional annual event in many communities, a maypole now finds a renewed place in our lives as a source of easy exercise. During the traditional period, the month of May, it could be sited near the Splashpad for casual use by members of the public, where it would be securely under almost constant daily supervision by both parents and on-duty amenities staff.” 

However, not all councillors were sold on the idea and asked for further research to be carried out to find out how many residents, groups, and schools would want to use the maypole all year round. 

It was agreed at the meeting that cllr Aves and cllr Sue Mortimer, who supported the idea, flesh out the proposal before coming back to the town council for further discussion.