Melksham Community Bus – days out and shopping trips

Now taking bookings at the Tourist Information Office, Melksham Community Bus has released its schedule of summer days out.

John Ruderman says, “Your local community bus would like to invite you to book up for a variety of days out over the coming weeks and months. By request, we have trips out planned for Wednesdays throughout the summer.”

Wed. 20th June: Cadbury Garden Centre.

“The garden centre has loads to do and includes a number of outlets including Costa, Fat Face, Cotton Trader, Clark’s, and Mountain Warehouse. There is a pet centre, gift shop and a cafe. In fact it takes ages to get to the plants and actual garden centre. A great place to spend a few hours.”

Wed. 11th July: Wilton Shopping Village.

“Enjoy a great day out in a relaxed riverside setting where you’ll discover a historic courtyard, shops, restaurants and an antique centre. After shopping relax and enjoy the rural conservation area which is surrounded by shallow chalk-bedded rivers. These provide a home to wildlife such as ducks, salmon, trout, water voles and a variety of insect life.”

Wed. 1st August: Cheddar Gorge.

“Explore one of Britain’s most spectacular natural landmarks. From its awe-inspiring cliffs to its extraordinary subterranean stalactite show caves. Cheddar Gorge & Caves holds many fascinating secrets about our prehistoric ancestors, and is an international centre for caving and rock climbing. Please note there is a charge to go into the attractions (not included in price of day out).

Wed. 22nd August: Marlborough Market.

“Marlborough has a reputation for being a serious place to shop. You’ll find many of the big name chains here, plus there’s an extensive choice of highly individual shops selling all kinds of things. Marlborough High Street hosts a market selling all kinds of stuff from locally produced meat and vegetables, to pots, plants, pashminas and pottery.”

Places are also still available on the following Saturday trips to: Weymouth 2nd June, Cheltenham 30th June, Poole 14th July,     Stratford upon Avon 4th August   and  Swanage 25th August.

John says, “We pick you up at a location near your home whenever possible, or at King Street car park if that is more convenient for you. Please call into the TIC to pick up a leaflet or to make a booking. You can phone 01225 707424 for more information.”

Shopper Buses

“Don’t forget that we also run our popular shopper buses on Thursday and Friday mornings. These bus services are free to people with bus passes.

“The Thursday bus picks you up at home and goes to a different town centre each week. After a couple of hours in town we take you home again. Our driver will even help you carry your shopping to your door! We will take you either to Trowbridge, Devizes or  Chippenham, details of which destination is planned for each date are available from  Melksham TIC.

“The Friday bus will also pick you up at home and then to a local supermarket, usually Sainsbury’s. The driver can take you to other supermarkets on request. When you have done your shopping, the bus will drop you off back home.

“Please call the TIC to book a place on the shopper bus. The number to call for all bookings is 707424

“We can also offer buses for hire with driver to organisations and groups.”