First ever Melksham Music Festival ready to roll

admin — Wed, 09 May 2012 12:59:58 +0000

THE first ever Melksham Music Festival is set to kick off next week, with an exciting line-up poised to make this a festival to remember. Events from Friday 18th of May to Saturday 26th of May will be split across venues throughout the town. The festival will culminate in Melksham’s Party in the Park, taking place on the King George V playing field and headlined by the Bon Jovi tribute act ‘Born to be Jovi.’, a Kylie Minogue tribute show and a display by the Red Devils Freefall Team. Melksham Music Festival run down Getting the Melksham Music Festival under way on Friday 18th of May is Electric Folk with Sackful of Sovereigns at the Rachel Fowler Centre in Melksham at 7.30pm. They will be playing traditional folk songs along with their own compositions based on local subjects such as “Bound for the Promised Land” written about the Goodwin family from Melksham who died on the Titanic. Tickets are £5 or £4 concessions. Stonar School Choir will put on a concert to raise funds for the St Michael’s Church organ fund at 7.00pm on Friday 18th of May. Tickets £7. On Saturday 19th of May The Acoustic Sessions will be on at the Rachel Fowler Centre at 7.00pm with performances from The Penny Red, Killing No Murder, John Alderslade, Terry Therington, Chloe Turvey and Jordan Whatley. It will be a mix of contemporary folk, through humour to a bit of pop. Tickets are £6. Sunday Serenade with End of Track, a 12- piece male singers’ group, will begin events on Sunday 20th of May from 2.30pm at Melksham United Church in the High Street. Tickets are £5. An up close and personal gig with Beatles tribute act, Sgt Pepper’s Only Dart Board Band, is set for 7.30pm at the Rachel Fowler Centre on Sunday 20th of May. Tickets are £8 or £6 concessions. A classical evening with The Carmen Quartet and The Regency Bells Piano Trio will offer up a programme of music ranging from classical to light classical through jazz to ragtime on Tuesday 22nd of May at 7.30pm at the Rachel Fowler Centre. Tickets are £5. On Wednesday 23rd of May there will be an evening of Jazz with The Jon Green Trio at 7.30pm in the Kings Arms. Music will range from The Great American Songbook from the 1930s and 1940s jazz and pop. Tickets are £5. Hilary Clifton will be accompanied by Sarah Law on piano at a lunch time recital at 12.00noon in the Rachel Fowler Centre on Thursday 24th of May. The programme will include Bach’s Christmas Oratorio via some songs from musicals and Victoria Wood’s “Let’s Do It.” It’s your chance to sing as part of Melksham Choral Society as they invite members of the public to join in a special rehearsal session on Thursday 24th of May at 7.00pm at the Rachel Fowler Centre. The event is free. An evening with The Wessex Contraband at 9.00pm on Thursday 24th of May will be held at the Kings Arms. They will put on a night of traditional folk music ready for you to join in with some foot stamping and sing-a-long folk tunes. The event is free. On Friday 25th of May Revolution! The Musical will take centre stage at Melksham Assembly Hall at 6.45pm. A story of love, hope and freedom prevailing against the backdrop of a crumbling communist regime, described as ‘vibrant’ and ‘brilliant.’ Tickets are £11 or £8 concessions. Party in the Park 2012 Melksham Music Festival will culminate in Party in the Park on Saturday 26th of May with gates opening at 1.00pm and will run until 11.00pm. This year marks the 13th anniversary of the event, with an exciting line-up and fantastic mix of acts, activities and entertainment for all the family, culminating in a grand fireworks display. The arena will have the outrageous Dingle Fingle Crimewatch Show headlining. With cars and clowns there will be thrills and spills and absolute mayhem and slapstick! Watch out that you don’t get wet! They will perform two shows at approximately 2.00pm and 4.30pm. There will be small animals from Larkrise Farm as well as The Table Top Circus so you can practise your circus skills. More surprise acts are yet to be announced. Moles Brewery will be providing the bar with very competitive prices. The main stage this year will be hosted by local DJ Bruce and his Apollo Disco. Events for the Main Stage are as follows; • 1.30pm with a performance from X Factor contestant Jack Stuckey. • 2.30pm: Jordan and Clover, local songsters. • 4pm; The Penny Red, a local acoustic band. • 5.30pm; Port Erin. •6.30pm; Train to Skaville, local band playing covers of ska and reggae. • 7.50pm; Kylie Minogue Tribute Show. • 9.20pm; Born to be Jovi, Bon Jovi tribute act. Times are subject to change. As with last year, no alcohol is allowed to be brought on site. For more details and for tickets visit www.melkshammusicfestival.co.uk Tickets for all events are also available from Melksham Tourist Information Centre. Programmes for the Melksham Music Festival are 50p and are available from the Melksham Tourist Information Centre and outlets across the town.

Avon rubber net £14.7m deal

admin — Wed, 09 May 2012 12:59:38 +0000

AVON Rubber in Melksham has announced that it has secured a £14.7million contract, its largest ever single non-US Department of Defence order. The company said, “The order is for respiratory protection products and will be supplied to a customer in the Middle East. The majority of revenues from this contract are expected to benefit our 2013 and 2014 financial years.” Peter Slabbert, Chief Executive commented, “The receipt of this order clearly demonstrates the confidence our customers have in our world leading respiratory protection products and gives us momentum for 2013.” The group’s debt has also reduced from £13.9million in 2011 to £9.8million based on March this year. The Chief Executive added, “We are delivering our strategy. The Board remains confident that the group can continue to progress and, as last year, expects stronger revenues in the second half. “The Protection & Defence business will continue to benefit from the security of the long term DoD contract and increased market share in the US homeland security and foreign military markets. “In the short term, however, visibility and timing of filter orders from the DoD and foreign military orders remains limited. We are accelerating investment in Project Fusion’s new products and technologies which will support an expanded product range. We also expect to continue to deliver further operational efficiencies.”

Freedom of the Town awarded to 2385 Squadron

admin — Wed, 09 May 2012 12:59:19 +0000

MELKSHAM’S 2385 Air Training Corps squadron has been presented with the Freedom of the Town honorary award from Melksham Town Council, to mark the ATC’s 50th anniversary in the town. It marked the first time ever that the town council had bestowed the award on any group. To celebrate, the town centre was closed off while over 200 members of the ATC paraded through the High Street accompanied by a full marching band, before being presented with the Freedom of the Town award by Melksham’s Mayor, cllr Rod Eaton, in the Melksham Assembly Hall on Saturday 5th of May. Among the dignitaries at the parade and award ceremony was Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant for Wiltshire Sarah Rose Troughton and High Sheriff Lady Phillips, who took the salute at the Melksham parade. In a speech delivered before the ATC, the Mayor acknowledged the benefit the group has on the local community. He said, “This is the first time this honour has been bestowed by the town council and, in addition to commemorating their 50th anniversary this year; this auspicious event recognises the high esteem in which we hold 2385 Squadron. “The town council has forged strong links with the Squadron since its inception 50 years ago. As most of you here today will know, the Air Training Corps is one of the UK’s premier youth organisations, building character and self-confidence. In addition to providing a foundation for the armed services, 2385 Squadron offers a comprehensive range of rewarding and challenging activities for young people. “During the last 50 years there have been many instances of the squadron’s outstanding contribution to our community, including active participation in many civic functions and charity fund raising events. “Indeed, during my tenure as Mayor, I have been enormously proud that cadets from the squadron have been a feature at my Mayor’s receptions, at which their active participation and exemplary demeanour has brought great credit to the town, their squadron and of course themselves. “The town’s links with 2385 Squadron grow ever stronger and this year has also seen, for the first time, the creation of the honorary role of Mayor’s Cadet and I was delighted in January to be able to present Corporal Ryan Evans with the brassard recognising his appointment to this position.” Cllr Eaton presented the Freedom of the Town award to Flight Lieutenant Darren Gerrish who represented 2385 Melksham Squadron. The Royal Air Force Squadronaires performed a special concert at Melksham Assembly Hall to mark the occasion on Friday 4th of May.

Melksham coach trains GB Paralympic swim team

admin — Wed, 09 May 2012 12:58:58 +0000

A Melksham swimming coach is helping to train Great Britain’s paralympic swim team, ahead of the London Paralympic Games, which start at the end of August. Steve Fivash, who used to coach young swimmers as part of Melksham Swordfish, is the GB development coach for disability swimming. His role is to support disabled GB swimmers with home training programmes, as well as help develop future swim stars. Steve said, “To be a part of the Paralympic Games is an exciting and wonderful experience. I’ve been working with some great young talent and there are a few locally who are going to the Paralympic Games, such as Aaron Moores from Trowbridge and Chloe Davies. “I give them home training programmes, which they need to be doing outside of the pool to maintain levels of fitness. While I will not be on the sidelines as such at the Paralympic Games, I will be taking a group of swimmers to spectate. It will be a good experience for them to see the competition at this level. “I’m sure for most of the heats I’ll spend my time screaming at the TV! “I hope they do well and wish all the athletes the best of luck.” Prior to taking on this role, Steve coached at Melksham Swordfish around 10 years ago. Whilst there, he helped coach professional triathlete and Melksham man, Mark Threlfall, who was recently placed fourth in the South Africa Ironman competition. “There’s some great talent from Melksham,” said Steve. “There always has been remarkable swimmers coming through and it’s great to see many of them doing so well.”

Mayor’s term comes to an end

admin — Wed, 09 May 2012 12:58:19 +0000

WITH the new Mayor of Melksham set to be decided next week, Melksham News caught up with outgoing town Mayor, cllr Rod Eaton, as he reflects on his term in office. Cllr Eaton has served for two years as Mayor of Melksham. He says the future is bright for the town, with the delivery of the new Melksham community campus by 2014 and pays homage to the many volunteer groups in the town. He said, “It is of course with much regret that I am now standing down as Mayor this year to give more time for family life, the basis of our society in my view. As many know, this decision was not taken lightly or recently and it was already open knowledge many months ago. “Serving as Mayor has meant attending a large number of civic functions on behalf of the town council, representing Melksham and showcasing our town at my own reception in January. This featured a Winter Wonderland theme (thought-up and developed by my wife) with mulled wine, hot chestnuts, a hog roast and the fantastic ‘Get This,’ band. I also had the privilege of bestowing the honour of the first Melksham Mayor’s Cadet on Corporal Ryan Evans of 2385 Squadron ATC at my reception. “Looking back over my recent years as Mayor, I see so much that has been achieved for our wonderful town during my tenure. Many good things were started whilst I was still Deputy Mayor and it has been so pleasing to see them come to fruition during my term of office. This includes the new Asda store which I was proud to open last year and more recently the Sainsbury’s extension including a café. We have seen Waitrose arrive in the town and I was also delighted at the opening of the redeveloped and re-sited Countrywide Store. I have seen new innovative commercial offices just off King Street and a new car servicing garage on Forest Road with state-of-the-art diagnostic and servicing equipment. Poundstretcher opened here with a great new butchers shop in Avon Place and perhaps I can mention a unique new art shop I opened, called Fairies Wear Boots. It is just the ticket to see such a different style of shop in our town. Melksham has not seen the high proportion of long-term empty shops of many neighbouring towns. I put this down in part to a low precept, less interference from officialdom and less political correctness here. Also, overall crime rates are low and falling here due to the tireless efforts of our local police who continue to work closely with the town council, especially to reduce ASB. “We have been endowed with a fine new secondary school, Melksham Oak Community School opening up new opportunities to develop the potential of our young. Against all the odds we kept our postal sorting office and we now have an X-ray department back at our much loved Melksham Hospital. There is now a strong drive to build a new skateboard park for the young people of our town, which I wholeheartedly support. “We boast a showcase Assembly Hall fitted out to professional standards, which includes a high quality cinema experience. We are now also showing live national and international comedy and musical artists. The Assembly Hall initiative was started by brave councillors before my election in 2007 and I thank them for the unswerving belief that I “inherited” from them to see this project through for the benefit of the townsfolk and those in the surrounding area. A fine accolade to my tenure was being introduced to Her Majesty the Queen at Salisbury on May 1st when I visited our jousting tent at Salisbury Cathedral for her Diamond Jubilee celebrations. “Awarding the Freedom of the town to 2385 squadron ATC was preceded by the legendary Squadronaires playing at the Assembly Hall. The parade (where I was honoured to take the salute), the service and scroll presented on 5th May were unique in the history of Melksham and will become part of the heritage of this great former RAF market town. “We now look forward to a new sports, leisure and facilities campus close to the Town Hall. The Shadow Community Operations Board (SCOB) is dealing with consultations and receiving the expressed needs of the facilities for sports and leisure activities needed. I hope as many as possible, especially my silent majority, will contribute to the needs trawl. “To the future, I want to welcome all those fantastic people who have chosen to live here on the beautiful new housing developments in our town. We are above all a friendly place to live and we look to newcomers as our future neighbours and friends, providing the strength and commitment to build on the firm foundations which make so many want to build and occupy new homes, run businesses and live and shop here. “In my vision, Melksham needs to define itself by working on towards being a motorist and consumer-friendly floral town welcoming our newcomers and existing residents alike to a convenient, easy access colourful town centre filled with consumer choice, with people wanting to drive in but reluctant to drive out of our welcoming town. “The sage and highly experienced John Crook was a hard act to follow for Steve Gray, our new Town Clerk but he has ‘done the job proud,’ and I am deeply grateful to him and his staff at the town hall and assembly hall (not forgetting our dedicated caretakers and cleaners) and of course the townsfolk themselves for their support. “No reflections could be complete without ‘cherry picking,’ and praising our fantastic Christmas Lights group who have brought such illumination and colour to our town and lives. The future is bright, the future is Melksham. “It has been my honour to serve and represent my people against all the odds. It is not always popular to follow my family motto but I have not deviated from it in my Mayoral term of office: ‘Truth Overcomes All Things.’ As outgoing Mayor, I wish you all liberty, prosperity, health and happiness and the continued accelerating success for our hospitable growing town.”

Wetherspoons to open next week!

admin — Wed, 09 May 2012 12:57:34 +0000

MELKSHAM’S brand new JD Wetherspoon pub is all set to open on Tuesday 15th of May.
The pub giants have spent £1.4million on a total overhaul and revamp of The Bear, which they took over last year from previous owner Wadworths. It is understood that 50 jobs will be created with the opening of the pub. Manager of The Bear Matthew Humphries said, “Myself and my team are looking forward to welcoming customers into the pub and we are confident that it will be a great addition to Melksham’s community.” The new-look pub will feature one bar, as well as a large beer garden, where smoking will be permitted, there is also a covered shelter in the garden to the side of the premises. Photos, local history and information boards relating to the history and characters of the area, will also be displayed in the pub. The new pub will specialise in real ales, serving a wide range of beers, including those from local and regional brewers. Children, accompanied by an adult, will be welcome in the pub until 9.00pm throughout the week. As a condition on the licence, both the adult and child (babies and toddlers excepted) must order a meal, if the adult wishes to consume alcohol. The pub will also welcome 16-17 year-olds into the outlet, unsupervised, for food and soft drinks. The pub will be wheelchair accessible and have a specially-adapted toilet for people with disabilities. The Bear will be open from 8am-1am on Friday and Saturday night and 8am-midnight Sunday to Thursday. Food will be served throughout the day, until 10pm every day. It is understood that JD Wetherspoon has wanted to open a pub in Melksham for some time. The group had been linked to taking over the former Woolworths store prior to Poundstretcher opening in the premises in 2010.

Jubilee poem receives royal recognition

admin — Wed, 09 May 2012 12:57:08 +0000

A MELKSHAM poet has received a royal response from the Queen after sending Her Majesty a poem about the upcoming Diamond Jubilee. Edith Langridge, who lives at Mavern House, submitted her poem 'The Diamond Jubilee' to the Queen’s office at the end of April. Edith said she was "thrilled" when a response came her way stating how "deeply moved" the Queen had been with Edith's support. Edith has now sent the poem off to British music legend Cliff Richard, who is putting together a Jubilee anthem. Edith said, "It's something I really enjoy doing. The Queen has reigned for 60 years and that's a remarkable achievement that I wanted to write about. You sing the poem in the style of the national anthem, it's quite easy to learn." For Edith, it's the second time her poetry has received royal recognition. Edith explained, "Last year I wrote a poem about St George's Day and received a royal reply! It's great to get something back from the office of the royals. “I know the Queen is touring Wiltshire as part of her Jubilee tour, it would be great if she could come by Mavern House so we could all welcome her.” The Diamond Queen She’s the brightest jewel in the crown Her manner wins her world renown We’re very proud that she’s our own Diamond Queen. Sing; God save our Diamond Queen Long live our Diamond Queen E-liz-a-beth For 60 years she’s been our Queen The longest reign England has seen A shining example she has been God save our Queen.

Epic pool marathon raises thousands for local school

admin — Wed, 09 May 2012 12:56:48 +0000

AN epic 24-hour pool marathon has raised thousands of pounds towards a local school’s new sensory garden.
The marathon raised £2,709.89 which will all be donated to BEAMS, a charity at the Manor School which helps benefit autistic children. The cash will go towards the school’s new sensory garden, a therapeutic garden for children with autism. The pool marathon was held in September of last year at Melksham’s Labour Club, and organisers say it has taken until last month to gather all the cash in. Organiser Jason Delaney who is chairman of the Melksham pool league said, “BEAMS is a great cause, they really provide an excellent cause for children who need it the most. “I was thinking about which charity I would like to raise funds for. I really wanted to do something for children and this charity came to mind. “On the night we had 24 hours of pool, darts and skittles as well as a raffle. “A huge thank you to all the generous businesses that donated prizes for the raffle and to all of those who took part; I know the children at the Manor School are thankful too.” Jason hopes to build on the success of the marathon, by organising an annual fundraising drive for local charities. “I’m not sure what we will do next, but I do know it will be bigger and aim to raise more money for good causes.”

Melksham band recording with former Portishead member

admin — Wed, 09 May 2012 12:56:30 +0000

A MELKSHAM band is recording their latest album with a former member of British super band Portishead at a studio in Bristol.
Thought Forms from Melksham have teamed up with Jim Barr, former member of the rhythm section from Portishead, to record their second album at his studio in Bristol. Thought Forms consists of Charlie Romajin, Deej Darwhal and Guy Metcalfe. Speaking to Melksham News Charlie said, “We toured with Jim and Portishead across America last year. It’s really great to work with someone who saw us play live every night for a whole tour because he really got to know what we’re about and was into what we were doing - and of course it’s brilliant to work with someone whose music you really love. He also plays in a band called Get The Blessing who we’re massive fans of. “We’ve all been big fans of Portishead for a long time but getting to see just how hard they work and how much they put into their music and especially the live shows, it’s a huge operation and they’re there all day making sure everything is perfect - that’s definitely inspirational. “We’re working on our new album, which is due to be released in September on Invada Records. “It’s called ‘Ghost Mountain’ and has 7 tracks on it – not all the track names have been decided on yet, but it’s roughly 45 minutes long! “Right now we’re just concentrating on putting the finishing touches to the album, but there will be some touring later in the year, as well as a local album launch when the time comes!” Charlie says that the band’s American tour in October of last year, was full of interesting stories, “We travelled 15,000 miles, played in front of about 60,000 people, met Mike Patton (he played our keyboard) and a one-eyed poodle who could sing Gwen Stefani songs, saw raccoons, played a gig on the San Andreas fault line, got treated extremely well and generally had an amazing time!” You can follow the progress of Thought Forms’ new album on their website www.thoughtformsband.blogspot.co.uk

NEW MUSEUM TO EXPLORE THE STORY OF MELKSHAM

admin — Wed, 09 May 2012 12:56:07 +0000

A new and exciting museum is all set to open in Melksham. The Well House Collection will explore the story of Melksham through a series of themed exhibitions when it opens on Saturday 12th of May.
The first theme being planned concerns transport. Transport has long been a key story line in Melksham from the 18th century when the main stagecoach route between Bristol and London passed through the town, to the 19th century when the Wilts and Berks Canal was built. Also, from the opening of the Great Western Railway, to the establishment of industries linked to transport such as Avon Tyres in the latter part of the 20th century. Coaches and omni-buses, bikes, lorries and cars; all kinds of transport down through history have local connections. The Well House Collection team is now busy preparing the gallery and need the help of Melksham residents to help bring the story to life. From keepsakes from the past to trinkets of a more modern age, the team needs your assistance in finding objects. They say, “Over the coming months we will be asking for your help to locate items for a series of themed exhibitions telling the story of Melksham.” If you’re not sure whether your memorabilia is suitable for The Well House Collection then museum curator, Phil McMullen, offers the following advice, “Museum objects don’t have to be worth a lot of money, or even particularly old. What we’re really interested in are things that tell a story about Melksham and its people. For example for the transport theme we have so far collected an original sign from Melksham Railway Station and various artefacts connected to the Wilts & Berks Canal that originally ran through the town. We’re keen to borrow things that help to bring everyday Melksham to life for visitors, so objects can be as ‘ordinary’ as tickets issued to passengers using Melksham station, or a bottle stamped with the name of a Melksham business”. Museum proprietor and chief archivist Lisa Ellis said, “Since I moved to Melksham 12 years ago, I’ve heard stories about local people and events and seen photographs of buildings no longer here, or changed beyond recognition. The Well House Collection is a gathering of history before it gets lost. Although we might be helping to preserve these artefacts and memories, they really belong to the people of Melksham and the surrounding villages. I hope people who come to view the collection will be as impressed with this area’s heritage as I am.” Part of the gallery will be dedicated to an interactive display of an already extensive collection of postcards, photographs and ephemera which visitors can explore for themselves, and hopefully add to with their own stories and anecdotes. “We scan photographs and postcards that are archived for the owner in digital format. These can then be viewed by the public at the museum on a large screen. We’ll try to include as much information about the photographs as we can, but we also encourage people to add or correct this information based on their own knowledge, and also share their own stories and memories. “We can take photographs of your artefacts, or if you allow us, we’d like to display your items in a secure environment, for as short, or as long as you like. We have purchased some items too, and these will remain with us and shown on a rotating basis, depending on the theme at the time”. Future themed exhibitions include High Street Shops, Melksham People of Note, Industries of Melksham, the history of R.A.F. Melksham and a special celebration of Melksham Spa on the occasion of its bicentenary in 2015. The Well House Collection opens at 11.00am on Saturday 12th May at Well House Manor, 48 Spa Road, Melksham, Wiltshire SN12 7NY. Peter Dauncey, Melksham’s town crier, will be on hand to formally welcome people to the new attraction. The museum will be open from 2.00pm to 5.00pm daily. Admission is free, there is ample parking on site, and an added attraction is a cafe serving hot and cold drinks and cream teas. Pictured; Museum proprietor Lisa Ellis with curator Phil McMullen.