Local news and events Congratulations to Fourways Stores Fourways Stores, owned by Rohit Babbar has just won the Wiltshire Village Store of the Year competition. Together with his staff of Kay, Pam and Simon the shop has triumphed in the annual event. The competition was run in partnership between Wessex Water, the Salisbury Journal, Wiltshire Times and Gazette & Herald (all owned by Newsquest publications). The nomination, written by Meriel Griffiths, read: “We nominate the Fourways Stores and Post Office in Great Somerford, which is run by Rohit Babbar. Since taking over the shop and post office just over a year ago, Rohit has ensured that it has continued to be a vital resource and community hub. This has been especially so during the last few months of Lockdown, when Rohit, together with his team – including Kay, Simon and Pam, have ensured that not only is the shop fully stocked with as many as possible of the items required by Gt Somerford and its neighbouring villages, but that also an efficient ordering system was put in place so that food and essential supplies could be delivered by a team of volunteers to those in the community who are vulnerable and/or selfisolating. Rohit and his team have been a fabulous asset to our village, and we would all like to express our gratitude.” Fourways Stores was shortlisted along with Whiteparish Village Stores and Avebury Community Shop and our collective vote tipped the balance in favour of Rohit’s shop and team. Congratulations for a well-deserved win and thank you again for the service that you provide to the local community. 4
Signpost November 2020
Malmesbury & District U3A Malmesbury & District U3A is keeping in touch with members with regular editions of the Lockdown News. Some groups are meeting virtually while others are beginning to meet in other ways within government guidelines. Over the winter we plan to have 2 speakers a month via zoom. The November talks are as follows: November 5 Slum School and Safari Janette and Jonathan Barstow will describe their visit to Kenya where they volunteered in a slum school for a week and also went on safari in the Masai Mara. Their talk will include information about how, with volunteer help and charitable donations, the children are fed and clothed and a new school has been built. November 26 The History of the Village Blacksmith Hector Cole MBE is a highly experienced blacksmith with exceptional expertise in traditional smithing skills and the history of the craft. He specialises in the reconstruction of archaeological objects using the same materials and techniques as ancient smiths. Hector has established a worldwide reputation for the forging of high-quality historic arrowheads. He has carried out extensive research on arrowheads and is a leading authority on Saxon sword smith techniques. However much Hector loves the past and the joy of emulating traditional craftsmen, he also uses his knowledge and creativity to design artefacts that integrate modern technical skills and equipment. Malmesbury U3A is now 5 years old and we look forward to being able to celebrate this milestone when life returns to normal. If you are retired or semi-retired do join us. We have more than 500 members and 40 different interest groups including book group, history, gardening, dancing, theatre trips, languages, walking etc. Check our website for an up –to-date list of groups and other information: www.malmesburyu3a.org.uk. Please contact Elaine Sharp for more information on 01666 823568 or e-mail membership@malmesburyu3a.org.uk
MALMESBURY & DISTRICT LINK Registered Charity No 1043099
LINK is a local charity which enables patients without access to transport to attend medical appointments. We are continuing to operate during the current Covid-19 pandemic. If you need help to get to a medical appointment or to collect a prescription, please contact us on 01666 840861 between 09:00 and 13:00 Monday to Friday or send an email to: coordinators@malmesburylink.co.uk
