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Young actor lands another principal role

May 8, 2019
in Latest news
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Young Melksham actor, Zachary Green, has been chosen to play a principal role of Jeremy Potts in the upcoming Frome Musical Theatre production of Ian Fleming’s Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. 

Last year, Zach won the  lead role of Oliver Twist at the ARC Theatre in Trowbridge. Following that performance, he received great reviews from both the National Operatic & Dramatic Association (NODA) and Rose Bowl, which stated that he has a great future in musical theatre.

Zach was 1 of 4 children selected for principal roles from an audition of over 50 children in January, and has been rehearsing at least twice a week for the past 3 months.  In that time he’s also been supporting the production with leafleting, photoshoots, and even took a trip to Beaulieu to visit the Chitty exhibit on display.

Zach said, “At the start of the auditions I was quite nervous but once I started singing, it all just became fun. When it was announced that I’d been cast as Jeremy I was amazed, there were so many other talented children and I wasn’t expecting to get another principal role.

“Rehearsals have been fun, especially the song and dance routines.  There have been a lot of changes along the way, so I’ve been kept very busy trying out different ideas.

“My favourite thing so far with this production was the promotion day. Being able to see the Chitty car, dressing up, taking photos and meeting the public. I also helped with the adult auditions which was great too.

“My favourite part of the show is ‘Truly Scrumptious’. I love the song and it’s my chance to properly get up and sing.

“I’m feeling confident this close to the show. We’ve rehearsed so much so I’m excited for people to see the show. Everyone involved is amazing and so friendly, I’ve really enjoyed working with the cast and crew.”

When asked what is next for Zach, he said, “Have a small break!  Since Oliver last May, I’ve done two summer schools, performed in ‘The Nutcracker’ and I’m also performing in ‘Matilda’ with my musical theatre school.  That said, if another show comes along which I’d really like to try out for, you’ll see me at auditions because I just love being on the stage!”

Based on the beloved 1968 film, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is the family friendly blockbuster that audiences will find “Truly Scrumptious”.  Including a fabulous set, clever effects, energetic dance routines and a wonderful score with memorable musical numbers “Toot Sweets”, “Hushabye Mountain”, “Me Ol’ Bamboo” and its Oscar-nominated title song, “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang”.

The show has already begun, but tickets are still on sale from the Frome Memorial Theatre box office open 9.30am – 1pm Monday to Saturday, call 01373 462795 or book online at www.fmt.website. The show runs until May 12th. 

 

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  • Melksham club relaunches with ABBA tribute and Rock & Roll weekend 

A well-known community venue in Melksham is undergoing a revival, with an exciting programme of events kicking things off this month.

Spencer Sports and Social Club is offering a mix of live entertainment and social events which they hope will appeal to the whole community.

First up is a Rock and Roll Weekend on Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th May, followed by an ABBA tribute night on Saturday 23rd May and a family fun day on Saturday 11th July.

Regular events are also being organised including quiz nights, karaoke and live entertainment.

“The club is experiencing an exciting revival, bringing fresh energy, new entertainment and a welcoming atmosphere,” said committee member Tony Webb. “With a growing calendar of events and renewed enthusiasm, the club is quickly re-establishing itself as a lively social hub for residents and visitors alike.” 

Read more on our website, the link is in our bio.
  • Melksham driver secures top-10 finish in season opener 

Melksham driver Owen Hillman has begun his latest campaign in the Mini Challenge JCW Championship.

The championship, which features identical Mini F56 JCW three-door hatchbacks and is regarded as a key feeder series to the British Touring Car Championship, consists of six rounds across the season.

The opening round took place at Donington Park’s 1.97-mile National Circuit on 18th and 19th April, where Owen competed in three races for the Bowerhill-based Pro Alloys Racing. 

Read more on our website, the link is in our bio.

Photos of the race by Tim Crisp
  • Older people’s social group helps form friendships

A social club for older people in Melksham is helping residents be part of their community through outings and weekly meetings.

Melksham 60 Plus Club has 52 members who meet at Queensway Chapel every Tuesday.

The club was formed in 1949 and is in its 77th year, providing a space for Melksham’s older residents to make friends and social connections.

Chair of the club Rosemary Nash said, “It really is a lovely friendly club and I am really proud of it. We do really try to keep our members as active as possible. The youngest member we have is 60 and our oldest member is 94. Our very oldest member has left for a care home but she would have been 105 this year.”

Every Tuesday, members pay £2 a week for refreshments and enjoy a game of bingo and a raffle. “It really is a lovely, friendly social club,” said Rosemary. “It enables people to meet their friends. We believe that socialising is the most important aspect of our club, which is why we try to get our members out as much as we can. We don’t charge people for their first time because we want to make sure the club is right for them.” 

Read more on our website, the link is in our bio.
  • Blue Pool plans stall as ‘no money’ in budget 

Plans to redevelop the Blue Pool site have stalled after Melksham Town Council confir-med no funding has been allocated in this year’s budget.

The council took over the site from Wiltshire Council, which previously housed the Blue Pool until its closure in 2022, for a nominal £1 in April 2025. At the time, councillors described it as a “once-in-a-lifetime” opportunity and said they wanted to make it a priority for creating a long-term community asset.

Architects were invited to visit the site last year to create a plan for transforming the space. Options included integrating it with the adjacent Assembly Hall, which is also owned by the town council. Ideas included combining the sites into an entertainment and museum centre.

However, the council has now confirmed there is no money allocated for the project in the 2026/27 budget, meaning it is unlikely to progress before 2027/28 at the earliest. 

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  • Movement to music for residents with dementia

Residents living with dementia are invited to join a local group which provides gentle movement to music and social connection.

The Movement Group, run by local charity Beyond Dementia, meets on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month at Bowerhill Village Hall.

Two trained instructors alternate each session and lead gentle movement to music. The sessions include refreshments, usually tea or coffee with homemade cake, and a chance to chat. 

Groups coordinator Sarah Tyler said, “It’s great fun and a comfortable environment for everyone.”

The group is for people living with dementia to attend, accompanied by a companion, who may be a family member, friend or support worker. It costs £5 per person for each session, but the first session is free of charge to give people a chance to see if it is an activity they would like to join.

The sessions run from 10.30am to 12pm. There is free parking and the hall is accessible for all. 

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  • Mayoral team voted in

Melksham’s mayoral team for the coming year has been confirmed following a vote at the Annual Town Meeting today, Monday 11th May.

Cllr Saffi Rabey will return as Mayor for a second year and will be joined by Cllr Gillian Elson as Deputy Mayor. 

Cllr Rabey said, “I am absolutely delighted to be serving a second year as Mayor and to continue building on the progress we have made together over the last year. It has certainly been a year of learning, and while we may not have got everything right, we have worked hard to listen, improve and move forward positively for our town.

“I am looking forward to working alongside my new Deputy Mayor, Cllr Elson, and thanks Cllr Westbrook for her year of service as the previous deputy mayor. With the support of councillors, officers and residents, I am confident we can deliver another year of stability, growth and positive outcomes for our community.

“I am excited to continue putting the Council Plan into action and helping our town continue to grow and improve. I would also like to sincerely thank everyone, councillors, officers and members of the public, for their support, encouragement and commitment over the past year. Together, I believe we can make the coming year an even more positive and successful one for our town.”

Cllr Rabey joined the council in 2021 and has also served as Deputy Mayor. Cllr Elson joined the council in 2025.

Full story in the next issue of the Melksham News, out next week.
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By Local Democracy Reporter Peter Davison

Fire concerns have prompted developers to make design changes at an 80-bed care home in Melksham, which is currently under construction.

Developer Aspire has contacted Wiltshire Council asking to make a number of changes to conditions placed on it when permission was granted for the state-of-the-art care home in August 2024.

The developer wants to make the changes to make it easier for emergency and service vehicles to manoeuvre around the site and to provide an extra car parking space, bringing the total number to 28.

Aspire also wants to move an EV charging point in the car park.

The council wanted it in an accessible bay, but the developer says “following detailed design development and advice from the project’s energy and fire consultants, the preferred and safest location for rapid EV charging infrastructure is within the parking bays furthest from the building and substation.

“This is necessary to address operational safety, power supply constraints, fire risk considerations and cable routing requirements."

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The Semington Slog returns for its ninth year this month, raising funds for St George’s School in the village.

The event, on Saturday 16th May, covers a course through the village and along the surrounding bridalways, canal and countryside over a 2km or 10km route.

“The family event offers entertainment for those who take part and those who wish to spectate, with a BBQ, bouncy castle, ice cream van and more at the school,” said one of the organisers, Lucy Harlow. “The event raises funds for the primary school and couldn’t be done without our amazing sponsors; Meads of Melksham, Goughs Solicitors, Gompels, Melksham Tyre Supplies, Kingstons and Lovejoys.” 

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A packed programme of entertainment is on the way to Melksham, with a variety of shows, live music and community events lined up at the Assembly Hall over the coming weeks.

A nostalgic trip down memory lane will take place on Tuesday 12th May when Neil Sands brings his ‘Remember When’ show to town. Celebrating its 20th anniversary tour, the performance will feature classic hits from the 40s through to the 70s, performed by a West End cast in what organisers describe as a “heartwarming afternoon of golden nostalgia.”

Just two days later, on Thursday 14th May, fans of chart-topping hits will enjoy the Olly Murs Tribute Show with Ryan Elliott, widely regarded as one of the UK’s leading tribute acts, will take to the stage with a high-energy performance featuring all of Olly Murs’ biggest songs.

Psychic medium Nikki Kitt will host an Evening of Mediumship on Friday 15th May. 

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