• Wiltshire Publications
  • White Horse News
  • Frome Times
Tuesday, December 16, 2025
3 °c
Melksham
6 ° Wed
10 ° Thu
  • Login
  • Register
Melksham Independent News
Advertisement
  • Latest News
  • About Us
    • Mission Statement
    • Corrections
  • Digital Edition
  • Back Issues
  • Contact us
  • Advertise with us
  • Family Messages
  • Directory
  • More

    Search

    News

    • Latest News
    • Special Featured Stories
    • Featured Stories
    • Min News
    • Crime
    • Traffic News
    • Education
    • Health
    • Business
    • Politics

    Sport

    • Melksham FC
    • Football
    • Rugby
    • General Sport
    • Cricket
    • Golf
    • Bowls

    Best of Melksham

    • Melksham Community
    • Fundraising
    • Volunteering & Helping Out
    • Clubs Organisations

    What's on

    • Events Entertainment
    • Arts & Entertainment
    • Things to do

    Family Messages

    • Announcements
    • Death Notices
    • In Memoriam
    • Birthday
    • Engagement
    • Wedding Messages
    • Melksham Says Thank You
    • Awards

    Digital Editions

    • Digital Edition
    • Digital Archives

    Podcast Celebrate Melksham

    • Podcast
    • Subscribe to podcast
No Result
View All Result
  • Latest News
  • About Us
    • Mission Statement
    • Corrections
  • Digital Edition
  • Back Issues
  • Contact us
  • Advertise with us
  • Family Messages
  • Directory
  • More

    Search

    News

    • Latest News
    • Special Featured Stories
    • Featured Stories
    • Min News
    • Crime
    • Traffic News
    • Education
    • Health
    • Business
    • Politics

    Sport

    • Melksham FC
    • Football
    • Rugby
    • General Sport
    • Cricket
    • Golf
    • Bowls

    Best of Melksham

    • Melksham Community
    • Fundraising
    • Volunteering & Helping Out
    • Clubs Organisations

    What's on

    • Events Entertainment
    • Arts & Entertainment
    • Things to do

    Family Messages

    • Announcements
    • Death Notices
    • In Memoriam
    • Birthday
    • Engagement
    • Wedding Messages
    • Melksham Says Thank You
    • Awards

    Digital Editions

    • Digital Edition
    • Digital Archives

    Podcast Celebrate Melksham

    • Podcast
    • Subscribe to podcast
No Result
View All Result
Melksham Independent News
No Result
View All Result

Thirteen is unlucky for Izzy

December 3, 2014
in Arts and Culture
Reading Time: 2 mins read
405 21
A A
0

Thirteen really did prove to be unlucky for local singing sensation Izzy Felstead at her recent album launch at The Pilot, Bowerhill. 

The local 13 year old was promoting her debut album entitled ‘Thirteen’, which contains 13 tracks of covers and original songs, recorded over the last year with Beanacre­ based Melodious Music.

She had been suffering from a sore throat earlier in the week but was determined to carry on with the planned debut album launch as the headline of the monthly Music Night at the Melksham venue.  After three songs, promoter Mel Austin, decided that she could no longer continue without the possibility of doing real damage to her voice.  Mel said, “Izzy was trying to be really professional and carry on, but it was obvious to everyone that she was really struggling, and we did not want her to do herself any harm.”

Some of the tracks from the album were played instead and Izzy managed to return later in the evening to do just one of the originals ‘Monster’, which is featured in a video on YouTube.

Mel added, “We are really fortunate in having a really great crop of young talent who perform regularly at this mix of Open Mic and headline gig, and we still had a brilliant evening with excellent brief sets from Rioja James, Jordan Whatley, Heather and Megan, and an outstanding support slot from 16 year old Courtney Buchanan, who is Izzy’s inspiration.”

For those wishing to catch up with this current crop, those last three acts will be performing on New Year’s evening at Melksham’s Conservative Club and all of them will be appearing at the Xmas Special Music Night at The Pilot, Bowerhill, on Wednesday 17th December. Entry is free and all of the regular performers have a 10-­15 minute slot from 8.00pm, in which they must perform at least one Xmas song, plus there is a Xmas­themed music quiz and mince pies.

Mel said, “Izzy will have a chance to do a couple of her album tracks on that occasion, and we will probably relaunch the album in the new year.”

However, you can still buy Izzy’s album which costs £5, £1 of which is being donated to Save The Children, and can be bought directly from Izzy or from Melodious Music on 01225 705866 or email melaustin100@gmail.com

 

 

Support Local News

Help us keep your community connected and informed.

Local news is under pressure more than ever. For just £2 a month, you can support independent reporting that shares local stories, investigates the issues that affect you, and keeps residents up to date.

Choose a monthly subscription or a one-off donation. All donations will be reinvested into producing local journalism for Melksham.

Donate Now
Share236Tweet148Pin53

Related Stories

Over 80 artists open their doors for Peacock Art Trail

Over 80 artists open their doors for Peacock Art Trail

September 24, 2025
0

North-West Wiltshire’s free biannual open studios, the Peacock Art Trail, takes place from Saturday 4th to Sunday 12th October and...

Holt crafters plan new Poppy Cascade and 15ft Christmas tree

Holt crafters plan new Poppy Cascade and 15ft Christmas tree

September 24, 2025
0

Holt crafters are back this year with two big projects – a new Poppy Cascade for Remembrance 2025 and a...

A stroke of success as local man’s artwork selected for exhibition

A stroke of success as local man’s artwork selected for exhibition

July 16, 2025
0

A local artist who rediscovered his passion for art after 12 years as a full-time unpaid carer will have his...

Melksham’s legal art wall to serve as model for other towns

Melksham’s legal art wall to serve as model for other towns

June 3, 2025
0

The creation of Melksham’s legal art wall has led to a reduction in illegal graffiti and littering around the site....

Recommended

  • All
  • Latest news
  • Environment
  • Fundraising
  • Politics
  • Wiltshire Council
  • Clubs & Organisations
  • Volunteering and helping out
  • Whats on

Local author event at Melksham Library

January 30, 2019
Wiltshire Council forecasts £6.5m overspend but reaffirms commitment to sound financial planning

Wiltshire Council forecasts £6.5m overspend but reaffirms commitment to sound financial planning

October 8, 2025

Follow Social Media

  • Family call for inquiry after CCTV footage missing following fatal collision

The family of a Melksham woman who died following a town centre collision have called for an independent inquiry after CCTV footage from the time of the incident was found to be missing. 

Cheryl Decarteret, 79, died after being struck by a white Ford Transit van which was reversing outside Savers on Lowbourne on 27th September. Her friend, Margaret Shaw, sustained life-threatening injuries. 

One of Melksham Town Council’s taxpayer-funded CCTV cameras overlooks the Savers store, however around 30 minutes of footage from the time of the incident is unavailable. 

The family have been campaigning for answers following the collision and say the absence of CCTV footage has caused additional distress. 

Cheryl’s son Scott Thomson said, “The family is calling on the Liberal Democrats for an independent investigation into Melksham Town Council Data Control Office and CCTV system, with the outcome of the investigation to be published for the public to see. 

“This would help provide answers as to why the footage of our mum’s death is missing. Not having access to this footage has caused our family additional distress at a difficult time when we are already struggling to come to terms with our loss. 

“We hope that an investigation will bring some clarity, help us understand what happened, ensure transparency and maintain public confidence in the town’s CCTV.” 

Concerns about the reliability of the town’s CCTV system had been raised prior to the incident. 

Read more on our website. The link is in our Bio.
  • Melksham Environment Group: The Community Larder

As a member of the Melksham Environmental Group (MEG), I would like to draw your attention to the Community Larder, which is open weekdays at the Round House in Church Street. 

It was set up by Adrienne Westbrook and myself three years ago and its aims are purely environmental and completely in line with those of MEG. Anyone can come along and take their pick of the foods available at the Larder. Food is collected from local supermarkets every day by a team of dedicated volunteers; food which would otherwise have been dumped in landfill simply because a ‘best before’ date has, or is about to, expire. We rescue what would otherwise have been wasted. 

Pat Aves, Melksham Environment Group info@mkmeg.org.uk 

Read more on our website. The link is in our bio
  • Festive cheer and friendship on offer this month

A festive event aiming to bring people together and combat loneliness will take place in Melksham next month.

Abney & Baker’s Social and Skills Club is hosting a Festive Gathering on Wednesday 17th December at 1.30pm at That Meeting Space, in the Market Place, welcoming anyone who could use some extra company over the Christmas period.

Guests will be offered mince pies, tea and gentle seasonal activities, along with the chance to enjoy conversation and companionship in a relaxed setting.

The club, run by award-winning care provider Abney & Baker, supports local people to connect through regular social sessions.

Read more on our website. The link is in our bio
  • Melksham Times Past

A column about days gone by in Melksham by local historian Lisa Ellis

Wartime letters to home

Do you have any letters to home that your ancestors had written during the war? They often reveal the conditions they faced and a little insight to family and friends.

Quoting an article from Wiltshire Times, published Saturday 12th June 1915, a letter written on 23rd May 1915 by George Sheppard to his mother from probably France; timing is about halfway through World War I:

“I am writing to let you know that I am all right and well, and glad that you are all the same. I received the tobacco quite safe. We have been here about 10 days. When this battle is finished we shall shift. I have seen some sights these last few days. I don’t think this will last much longer. You ask me if we had plenty of food. We get plenty of ‘bully’ and biscuits, and that is about all. We have not seen much bread lately. My mouth is quite sore biting them. They would be all right if they were not so hard. Tell Ruthey Fred will want some good teeth when he comes out here. You said you hope we should come home safe, all of us, but I don’t think there will be many men left to finish this. I expect the women will have to finish it. I have not seen Bert or Jim or Ern yet. What Division are they in? But we chaps have not got much time to look after them. Old Charley and I have just made a tin of tea, so we are doing well. He and I were in a very bad place the other day, so I looked at him and I said: ‘Charley, we have backed the winner this time.’ He said: ‘Looks like it.’ But thank God, we have got back all right.” 

Read more on our website. The link is in our bio
  • Council to revisit plan for park six years on

A masterplan for King George V Park will be evaluated with the aim of preparing for the next phase of development.

A plan for the park was designed in 2019 and included space for a sensory garden and a dog park.

At a town council Assets and Facilities meeting on Monday 17th November, councillors heard that plans had reached a ‘stalemate’. The plans will now be revisited at a cost of £3,500, which Melksham Town Council is taking from the play parks budget.

Cllr Adrienne Westbrook said, “There’s a bit of a lack of vision of what we have got left to do, and how we can do it, and how we can move forward.” 

Read more on our website. The link is in our bio
  • Melksham racing team celebrates standout season

A family-run motorsport team based on Bowerhill has rounded off a landmark year in the JCW Mini Challenge, securing a string of podium places and finishing second in the overall team standings.

Pro Alloys Racing, who compete against some of the largest operations in the championship, say it’s their most successful season to date. The JCW Mini Challenge is one of the UK’s premier one-make championships, with all drivers racing identical Mini cars. The series runs at major UK circuits such as Donington, Brands Hatch and Silverstone, sharing weekends with the British Touring Car Championship and enjoying live coverage on ITV. 

“We are delighted to report a highly successful year in the JCW Mini Challenge,” said Nina Greenland who runs the team with her husband Neil. “As a small, family-run team competing against multi-million-pound outfits, we achieved several podium finishes, resulting in us taking second place in the overall team standings.” 

Read more on our website. The link is in our bio

Pictured: The Pro Alloys team with partners and family. Centre of the group are team drivers Owen Hillman and Max Edmondson. Nina and Neil Greenland with a representative from Goodyear Tyres
  • Care home residents help launch bespoke gin

Residents at a luxury care home in Melksham marked the launch of a new bespoke gin with a special tasting event with jazz music.

Blenheim House, part of the Berkley Care Group, held a celebration to introduce the care group’s new gin, Golden Hour.

The event was planned through a collaboration between Events Manager Chris Preston, Head Chef Linda Netherwood and Hospitality Manager Donna Shaw, who worked together to create an experience for residents, families and guests.

The evening was made memorable by the attendance of Andrew Parsons, Master Distiller at award-winning distillers Sky Wave. 

Read more on our website. The link is in our bio

Pictured: Mayor Cllr Saffi Rabey with residents enjoying the evening
  • Pupils fill Christmas shoeboxes for festive appeal

Children at a local primary school have filled 36 Christmas shoeboxes for children in need across the world.

Children and staff at St George’s CE Primary School in Semington have raised donations for the Samaritan’s Purse UK Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Appeal.

They made up boxes with donated toys, personal care items, school supplies and fun gifts.

A member of the school team, Rebecca Richens, said, “Families created their own boxes of gifts, and we even worked in our classes to create more boxes in school.

“In total, our community created over 36 boxes, which is a tremendous achievement. Our worship leaders then delivered the boxes to Specsavers in Melksham, the local drop-off point. Donating these boxes is one of the ways we are ‘letting our light shine’ during this festive season.” 

Read more on our website. The link is in our bio
  • Developers told to build social housing – because affordable housing is ‘unaffordable’

By Local Democracy Reporter Peter Davison

Developers who want to build houses in Wiltshire will be required to provide social housing rather than affordable housing.

At a meeting of Wiltshire Council’s Cabinet recently Adrian Foster, the portfolio holder for housing, confirmed, “From this point on, any planning applications that come to Wiltshire will have to include social rental houses, not affordable rental houses.”

When applying for planning permission, developers are asked to guarantee that a proportion of the houses are offered at below-market rates.

Affordable houses cost 80 per cent of market rate, while social houses are 60 per cent.

These houses can be offered for sale through shared ownership where individuals buy a share of a home with a mortgage, while paying rent for the rest, or for rent either through the council, or housing association.

Read more on our website. The link is in our bio

Pictured: Artist impression of Living Spaces’ 100% affordable development on land west of Semington Road
Podcast Celebrate Melksham Podcast Celebrate Melksham Podcast Celebrate Melksham
ADVERTISEMENT
Melksham Independent News

Get in touch

  • About Us
  • Advertising
  • Self Service Advertising
  • Issue Dates and Deadlines
  • Payment Information
  • Send Us Your News
  • Contact Us
  • Advertising Terms Conditions
  • Complaints
  • Placing a family message
  • Photos
  • Useful Information

More from Melksham News

  • Latest News
  • Sport
  • Digital Edition
  • Digital Archives
  • What's On
  • Corrections
  • Mission Statement
  • List Item

FOLLOW US

© 2023. Melksham Independent News | Wiltshire Publications Ltd, 31, Market Place, Melksham, Wiltshire, SN12 6ES Registered in England & Wales | 02627096

  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Legal Hub
  • Site Map
Melksham Independent News
Melksham Independent News
ADVERTISEMENT

Welcome Back!

OR

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password? Sign Up

Create New Account!

OR

Fill the forms below to register

All fields are required. Log In

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In
×

Support local news

Help us keep your community connected and informed.

Local news is under pressure more than ever. For just £2 a month, you can support independent reporting that shares local stories, investigates the issues that affect you, and keeps residents up to date.

Choose a monthly subscription or a one-off donation. All donations will be reinvested into producing local journalism for Melksham.

Donate Now
Melksham Independent News
Manage Cookie Consent
To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behaviour or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.
Functional Always active
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
Preferences
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
Statistics
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
Marketing
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
  • Manage options
  • Manage services
  • Manage {vendor_count} vendors
  • Read more about these purposes
View preferences
  • {title}
  • {title}
  • {title}
No Result
View All Result
  • Latest News
    • Featured Stories
    • Min News
    • Crime
    • Education
    • Health
    • Business
    • Politics
  • About Us
  • Digital Edition
    • Digital Edition Archives
  • Contact us
  • Advertising with us
  • Family Messages
    • Announcements
    • Dealth Notices
    • In Memoriam
    • Birthday
    • Engagement
    • Wedding Messages
    • Melksham Says Thank You
    • Awards
  • More
    • Newsletters
    • Jobs
    • Local Listing
    • Book An Advert
    • Sports
    • Best of Melksham
      • Melksham Community
      • Fundraising
      • Volunteering & Helping Out
      • Clubs Organisations
    • What’s on
      • Events Entertainment
      • Arts and Culture
      • Things To Do

© 2023 Melksham Independent News | Web Design & SEO by YOW Internet.

-
00:00
00:00

Queue

Update Required Flash plugin
-
00:00
00:00