Melksham’s heritage added to the Explore Wiltshire app

Melksham has been added to the ‘Explore Wiltshire’ app, which enables residents and visitors to explore local history and cultural heritage. 

The free, easy-to-use location-aware app will now also include information about historical landmarks, cultural sites and events in Melksham. 

The app was first launched in June 2023 and was developed by Wiltshire Council. It features information and walking trails for many Wiltshire towns, plus a new events section enabling people to search for events based on location, category, date and available amenities.  

It is packed with events from around the county to help people find everything from community celebrations and family-friendly concerts to fun-filled festivals and exciting exhibitions. 

Phil Harding, from Wessex Archaeology and a popular member of the former Channel 4 Time Team programme, features on the app, providing an introduction to Melksham. 

A group of volunteers has been working diligently behind the scenes, researching and creating content. A World War I trail has already been added with plans for a public art trail, among others, to follow, so please check back regularly to see what is new. 

Chair of the Melksham and District Historical Association, Paul Carter, said, “The first aim of the Melksham and District Historical Association, when constituted 62 years ago, was ‘to preserve for posterity records of events and buildings, etc. in the town and surrounding district of Melksham.’  

“This app allows us to highlight that heritage, show how it survives with the modern town and place it all in your hands as you walk about the town.” 

Local historian Lisa Ellis said, “I was really honoured to be asked to help with this app because I am passionate about Melksham history. It’s a town often overlooked but her historic and industrial influence would amaze visitors and make residents proud. To share this with Wiltshire and beyond is our gift.”  

Manager of Melksham Tourist Information Centre (TIC), Andrea Whatley, said, “The TIC is pleased to be involved in this project, which we hope will increase interest in Melksham and improve the visitor experience.” 

Melksham community photographer, Linda De Santiz, has contributed some of her work to the app. She said, “As someone who has photographed Melksham both privately and professionally for many years this is a wonderful opportunity to showcase my passion to a wider audience.” 

Miriam Zaccarelli, resident and volunteer, said, “There is so much in Melksham to celebrate, so it’s great to have an app that makes it easy to find out what is going on in the many different venues, as well as the history of interesting buildings and the trails that take you around the town discovering, new things and keeping active.” 

The app guides you to Wiltshire’s key landmarks, historic sites and cultural and arts venues. From the home screen, you can find the sights nearest to you and discover the stories behind them, or you can follow a themed trail to explore each town’s unique heritage and uncover hidden histories. Featuring historic photos, audio and video content, see how Wiltshire has changed over time.  

Explore Wiltshire is available for free download to Apple and Android devices by searching ‘Explore Wiltshire’ on the Apple App Store or Google Play. 

If anyone has a Melksham community event that they would like to promote, please forward details to comms-events@melksham-tc.gov.uk for consideration.