The town’s historical association recently took residents on a walk and talk themed on one of Melksham’s largest benefactors, Rachel Fowler.
Around 37 people turned out for the walk, with a few staying in the Rachel Fowler Centre to read about the walk. The group was divided into two, with chair Paul Carter and secretary Peter Maslen aiming to entertain and inform the crowd.
The walking route included several historical sites:
• The Friends Garden, the final resting place of Rachel Fowler;
• 1 Bank Street (now Gompels), Rachel Fowler’s former home, inviting imaginations of an orchard where a car park now stands;
• The Almshouses, demonstrating Rachel’s lasting charitable impact, with her charity still operational after 160 years;
• Leaze Cottage, the 350-year-old former Quaker meeting house, whose sale funded another charity established by Rachel, now merged with the above charity, and;
• The New Hall, Rachel’s final gift to the town, intended to house a library to divert young men from public houses and tobacco use.
“On return to the centre, participants view a portrait of Rachel Fowler painted in 1879 and learned about her will of £57,000, equivalent to £8.5 million today, which included further gifts to Melksham charities and the Cottage Hospital,” explained chair Paul Carter.
Tea, coffee and biscuits were provided by the committee.
“Thanks to all who turned out. July will be our club outing to Tiverton, with a break for the summer in August,” says Paul.
“When we return on Thursday 26th September, at Melksham Assembly Hall, we will hold an ‘Evening Remembering the Avon Rubber Company’ with talks from former employees, artefacts, video footage and a chance to share memories. As usual, members can come along for free with visitors £3.”
Pictured right, Rachel Fowler; below, the walkers.
