THE Melksham Wells Project group want the community’s ideas on how the wells in the Market Place should be commemorated.
At the inaugural meeting of the new volunteer group at the end of October, committee members discussed the future of the two wells in the Market Place unearthed during the redevelopment in the summer.
Ideas for how the wells could be marked included a reinforced glass well-head topping, with lighting to illuminate the wellhead, and a miniature replica of the original tower.
With the discovery of the wells one of the hottest topics in town this year, it was decided that the group should reach out to the community for their ideas on how they want to commemorate the wells. Committee member Derrick Weston said, “Adrienne Westbrook was very keen that we, the committee, should canvass the good people of Melksham to determine what sort of construction should be used as a memorial. A simple inscribed plaque seems to be favourite at the moment although, personally, I would prefer a replica of the original pump.”
Once a design has been chosen, the group will start fundraising to raise money to proceed.
Along with discussing ideas, the group also heard about the history of the wells from local historian Lisa Ellis, who speculated on the origins of the second well in the Market Place. “The other ‘well’ structure, closer to the entrance to the Town Hall – this remains a mystery to me,” she said. “My gut feeling is that it is part of a Victorian sewer system, but I have no proof other than the structure is not specifically mentioned in articles, yet a sewer is alluded to.
“I have also found indications there was a public urinal close to the Town Hall entrance, which has me wondering if the ‘well’ there is in fact an opening to the sewer for the purpose of disposal.”
In September it was announced by Wiltshire Council that until a permanent solution is decided upon by the committee, the site of both wells in the Market Place will be marked with engraved paving stones. The work to engrave the paving stones has gone out to tender.
To contact the group with ideas for the wells, please email info@ melkshamwell.org.uk.
You can also follow the group’s progress on their website: www.melk shamwell.org.uk
The next meeting of the Melksham Wells Project will be held in the Town Hall on Tuesday 21st November, starting at 7.00pm.
