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Warminster Journal, 31 Market Place, Melksham (2025)

12/10/2025

Wiltshire Lib Dems push for return of free Blue Badge parking

By Local Democracy Reporter Peter Davison

Parking for Blue Badge holders in council-run car parks in Wiltshire will be free – if the Liberal Democrat administration can get the idea past its political rivals.

In 2022 the Conservative administration ended free parking for Blue Badge holders in its car parks.

As a concession, they offered people with disabilities, or those who have a health condition that makes it difficult to walk, an extra hour to get back to their cars after the period for which they had paid expired.

In their pre-election manifesto, the Lib Dems promised a return of free parking for Blue Badge holders.

But with numbers tight they will need to rely on the backing of independents, Conservative or Reform UK councillors, or the sole Labour councillor to push the motion through.

It is anticipated that the move will cost around £40,000 a year in lost parking revenue.

There are several Wiltshire Council-run car parks in Warminster including Station Road and Weymouth Street.

Picture credit: Jakub Pabis at Pexels

Read more here: https://buff.ly/VmJYj6E

12/10/2025

Warminster Business Network Breakfast brings local businesses together

Business owners and professionals from across Warminster and the surrounding villages gathered at The Old Bell Hotel on Wednesday, 24th September, for the first Warminster Business Network Breakfast.

The event provided a relaxed setting for local business people to share ideas, make new connections and learn more about the network’s initiatives.

Amongst the topics discussed were several initiatives the group has been involved in, including the success of the Warminster Independent Markets and plans to launch the first-ever Warminster Business Awards, set to feature a gala dinner celebrating local talent and enterprise. Attendees also shared ideas on how to further improve the town, as well as raising concerns around business rates which are to be raised with local MP Andrew Murrison at a meeting planned for later this month.

Read more here: https://buff.ly/Hz6OrZ4

12/10/2025

Local branch of Your Party launches

The local branch of a new left-wing political party launched on Saturday 27th September, with more than 50 people attending its first meeting in Frome.

Your Party, co-led by Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana, was launched in July. It aims to provide an alternative to the ‘status quo’ and to ‘ensure a fair society for all.’

Organisers say they were very pleased with the turnout for the first meeting of the Frome and West Wiltshire branch. Spokesperson Pete Mellen said, “It was truly heartwarming to see so many people come forward to volunteer to help with pushing the movement forward,” despite the recent spat between Jeremy and Zarah.

“Attendees, who spanned all backgrounds and ages, addressed their local and national concerns, with many highlighting the need for electoral reform and the lack of social housing and services for young people. Other issues were responses to climate change, the NHS, regulation of big tech social media, and local river pollution.”

You can contact the branch on [email protected]

Read more here: https://buff.ly/9NBVXZ9

11/10/2025

Concert in memory of grandfathers raises over £3,000 for Dementia UK

A charity concert organised by two Warminster teenagers has raised more than £3,000 for Dementia UK.

The event, Forget Me Not – A Charity Concert for Dementia, was organised by 17-year-olds Joe Truckle and Jamie Scorgie and took place at the Memorial Theatre in Frome in August. It brought together friends, family and local performers for an emotional evening of music and memories.

Joe described the night as ‘incredible’ after weeks of nerves about ticket sales. “In the final few days, it really picked up – seeing and hearing everyone in the audience on the night was something amazing. Jamie and I are so grateful for all the support,” he said.

The pair originally set a target of £2,000 but were overwhelmed to have raised £3,066 through ticket sales, raffles and donations. “Our target was £2,000 – and we only thought we would get that if we were really lucky – so to go over by a whole £1,000 is incredible,” added Joe.

Pictured: Joe and Jamie

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11/10/2025

Masqueraders to bring smash-hit musical Rock of Ages to the Athenaeum

Warminster Masqueraders are turning up the volume this autumn with their latest production – the smash-hit jukebox musical Rock of Ages.

The company promises a spectacular show packed with “big hair, big dreams and even bigger guitar riffs” when it takes to the Athenaeum stage from Wednesday 22nd to Saturday 25th October.

Chairperson Kirstie Price said, “Our adult production this year is the smash-hit jukebox musical Rock of Ages. With a talented cast of 22 – a mix of new and returning members – it’s a loud, proud celebration of rock culture and a night of non-stop entertainment for rock fans and theatre lovers alike.”

Set on LA’s legendary Sunset Strip in the late 1980s, Rock of Ages follows the story of Drew, a barback with big dreams of rock stardom, and Sherrie, a small-town girl chasing fame. Their paths collide at the Bourbon Room, a crumbling rock club threatened by redevelopment and the march of progress. Alongside a cast of quirky characters – from washed-up rock gods to corrupt developers – Drew and Sherrie discover that fame, love and dreams come at a price.

Read more here: https://buff.ly/dx8u9AS

11/10/2025

Family host charity event in memory of father

The family of a local man who died in 2021 following a short illness with brain cancer have organised a charity coffee morning in his memory.

Nick McHale died in May 2021 just seven months after being diagnosed with stage 4 brain cancer. He is being remembered with a charity event on Saturday 18th October, from 10am to 12pm at the Lakeside Centre in the Lake Pleasure Grounds.

“Nick was an incredible husband and father, and to have him taken away so soon has been incredibly hard for us all,” said Rachel McHale, whose daughters were aged just 8 and 10 when Nick died. “I am, however, finding that helping to give back to those earlier in their bereavement journey helps incredibly.”

Read more here: https://buff.ly/pM0ac3q

10/10/2025

Community holds ‘duck walk’ in memory of local man

Warminster residents recently came together for a sponsored ‘duck walk’ in memory of a local man who took his own life earlier this year.

The event was organised in memory of Teilo How, a 22-year-old theatre technician at the Athenaeum who died in January, and has raised nearly £1,000.

Before his death, Teilo left farewell messages for friends on rubber ducks at the Athenaeum, asking that they be placed where they could watch the stage in his memory. This inspired the idea for the sponsored ‘duck walk’, raising awareness and funds for the men’s mental health charity Men’s Minds Matter.

“Although it was in memory of Teilo, it was a happy event. It was lovely,” said Penelope Christopher, who has known Teilo since he was 12 and organised the walk with his family.

Read more here: https://buff.ly/FluSarP

Pictured: Members of the community at the event. Teilo How. Vicky and Ian. Lawrence, Susi, and Wendy. Mark and Lorna

10/10/2025

Prize-winning novelist and leading scientist to headline this month’s Heywood Literary Festival

Tickets are still available for The Heywood Literary Festival on October 18th and 19th. The festival kicks off with the inaugural Youth Speaks competition, which focuses on giving confidence to young people of the area to learn vital public speaking skills.

Beyond that, the weekend features an impressive lineup including world-renowned science writer Richard Dawkins and Booker Prize-winning novelist Samantha Harvey, plus fascinating talks on corruption, prisons, women in history, handwriting analysis, and medieval churches.

“Offering intimate talks with some of the biggest names in literature, science, and journalism, the festival presents an impressive breadth of topics designed to stimulate and engage every attendee,” said organiser Ryan Child.

Read more here: https://buff.ly/SxE8FK5

09/10/2025

Councillor leads calls for breast screening unit to be reinstated in Warminster

A local councillor is campaigning for a breast screening service to be reinstated in Warminster.

A mobile screening unit was previously based in Morrisons car park, but the service was recently withdrawn from the town. Residents now have to travel to nearby towns such as Westbury and Amesbury for their appointments, which are offered to women aged 50 to 70 for routine breast cancer screening.

Cllr Liz Lee has raised concerns that limited access to services may cause women in Warminster to miss vital appointments and therefore diagnoses. An estimated 2,500 to 3,000 women in the Warminster area qualify for the screening.

The Wiltshire Breast Screening Service said the unit was removed due to antisocial behaviour, including people banging on the side of the van during treatment sessions.

Cllr Lee said, “I am particularly concerned that the change will reduce screening uptake, especially among women with limited mobility or without easy transport. We know delays in diagnosis may lead to cancers being found at later stages, leading to increased costs for the NHS and worse outcomes for patients.”

Read more here: https://buff.ly/eS7vTG7

09/10/2025

The latest issue of the Warminster Journal is out now.

Read our digital edition here: https://buff.ly/y7OBth8

09/10/2025

We’re preparing for the next issue of the Warminster Journal and welcome contributions about local people, organisations and events.

Have you got a story or photo you’d like to share with the community?

Whether it’s an achievement, upcoming event or a good piece of local news, we’d love to hear from you.

09/10/2025

Carnival fundraising events throughout October

Fundraising events in support of the upcoming Warminster Carnival will run throughout October, with profits donated to local charities.

Curry night, Monday 13th October

A raffle and curry night will take place at the Agra. Tickets cost £25 per head for a set menu, and people are invited to bring their own alcohol. Due to limited seating, organisers are asking people to book by contacting Felicity on 07870803466 or the Agra on 01985 212715.

Skittles competition, Saturday 18th October

A pairs skittles competition will take place at The Fox and Hounds, with doors opening at 7pm for a 7.30pm start. Entry will cost £8 per pair, with the winners receiving a cash prize trophy. There will also be a raffle on the evening. To take part, contact Sandra on 07752 961660

Open night at the fire station, Monday 20th October

Portway Fire Station will open for a free open night from 6.30pm. The fire crew will give a demonstration, and there will be an opportunity to sit in a fire engine and use a fire hose.

Read more here: https://buff.ly/cCWFDoI

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