Memorial bench dedicated to Melksham woman

A bench on Spa Road has been dedicated to a popular Melksham woman who used it for over 50 years.

A special plaque has been added the bench in memory of Olive Hayton. It was officially unveiled on Saturday 14th February at a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by friends, family and town councillors.

Olive enjoyed walking into town and used the bench daily. Her daughter, Sue Mortimer, said, “Our mum was so kind and compassionate to all she met, be they family, friends or total strangers, and it is lovely to have a bench to remember her by.

“Lisa Pearce, who throughout her childhood thought of our mum as her ‘Auntie Olive’, did the honours and cut the ribbon on the day.

“The position of mum’s bench is ideal as I feel that bench on Spa Road has always been hers. Mum used the previous bench daily as she walked into town for over 50 years.

“In the early 60s I believe that the council at that time was looking at providing residents with a flat walk into town. Mum realised it would have been an expensive project to remove the Canal Bridge and so contacted the council saying they didn’t need to remove the bridge but a seat after walking back over the hill would be useful. I believe this is when the bench was first sited there.

“Thanks to all who came, the town council for siting the bench, The Cobblers Bench for the plaque and Flowers in Focus for supplying the ribbon.”