Malmesbury town crier november 2015 small

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TO COUN CH TD RI OW ST N MA S

♥ TownCr er Magazine Covering ROYAL WOOTTON BASSETT, MALMESBURY and villages

www.towncriermagazine.com

Your Local

FREE

NOVEMBER 2015

Late Night

Christmas Shopping SEE INSIDE FOR DETAILS

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House Clearances Deceased Estates Full Collections Single Items

Free Valuation Advice available at our Auction Rooms or Home Visits available by appointment

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The Town Crier Magazine | NOVEMBER 2015

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FOOD l HEALTH & BEAUTY l MOTORING l GARDENING l PET CARE

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The Town Crier Magazine | NOVEMBER 2015

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NOVEMBER 2015

Editor’s Letter Welcome to the November issue of your local Town Crier.

Autumn is here with a chill in the air and the leaves all falling from the trees, this can only mean one thing, Christmas is on its way!

Every year I tell myself I’ll get ahead with the Christmas preparations and every year I leave it till the last minute!! A good place to start the festive season this year is the late night shopping events in Malmesbury or Royal Wootton Bassett as there is so much to see and do for all the family. See this month’s magazine for details.

Many thanks to everyone who has contributed to this issue, especially Atwell-Wilson Museum, Greatwood, Wiltshire Air Ambulance, Wagging Tails and the many more who have sent in their What’s On items. There are many local events at this time of year raising money for good causes - please support them if you can.

Until next time ...

Annie

Your Local

TownCr er Magazine The Stables, Fishers Brook, Calne, Wilts. SN11 9HB Tel: 01249 811068 www. towncriermagazine.com Deadline for submissions for the December 2015 issue: 8th November 2015 Editor: contact@towncriermagazine.com Advertising: contact@towncriermagazine.com Artwork: production@towncriermagazine.com CONDITIONS OF ADVERTISING: The Editor reserves the right to refuse any copy which she feels may not be appropriate material for print. No responsibility will be taken for any damage or loss of material caused by inaccuracy or omission of any advertisement. Artwork prepared by us remains the property of The Town Crier Magazine and reproduction in any form is expressly forbidden without prior permission from the Editor. We provide artwork free of charge and where possible we will adhere to your request on layouts and type, but we cannot guarantee an exact copy. If you wish to produce your own artwork to a specific layout, or have any changes to an existing advert, please ensure your copy is with us by the 1st of month prior to publication at the latest. Opinions expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the The Town Crier Magazine.

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The Town Crier Magazine | NOVEMBER 2015

IN THIS NOVEMBER ISSUE 6 What’s On Local News and Events including the late night Christmas shopping.

22 Atwell-Wilson Motor Museum “The only Motor Museum in Wiltshire” 27 Puzzles 30 Bonfire Night Recipe Perfect Parkin 32 Remembrance Day 8th November 36 Gardening Garden Bonfires 36 Counselling Who’s it for?

40 Book Reviews 42 Greatwood Winter Appeal

Switch on the

Christmas Lights!

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Tel: 01666 837 580 Mob: 07815 932 197 The Town Crier Magazine | NOVEMBER 2015

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ON W NE HAT A R ’S YO U

Local Focus NOVEMBER 2015

What’s happening locally • News • Events • Charities • Clubs

Requiem for a Soldier

Warren Cass, founder of Business Scene with Kay Saunders of Volvo.

Business membership group revs up to work with Volvo

As part of the Royal Wootton Bassett Art Festival 10th Anniversary a WORLD PREMIER PERFORMANCE of A Requiem for a Soldier by the renowned local composer FRANK HARVEY will be performed by Royal Wootton Bassett Choral Society as part of a full musical evening at The Academy Royal Wootton Bassett School on SUNDAY 15TH NOVEMBER, starting at 7.00pm. Tickets available from usual local outlets.

UK Champions of small business Business Scene, has partnered with car manufacturer Volvo to host a number of events across the UK to bring SMEs together.

Business Scene is a national membership organisation for sole traders, entrepreneurs and SMEs, offering support, legal protection & growth opportunities.

Operating nationally, the company is based in Royal Wootton Bassett.

Warren Cass, founder of Business Scene, said: “It’s fantastic Volvo has recognised the power of the SME and how innovative smaller businesses can be. At each event, I’ll be taking about the future of business and how changes in society right now will impact business over the next few years.”

The partnership was brought about by Kay Saunders, of Volvo, as part of the launch of their new Co-Pilot initiative designed to help businesses stay up to date and compliant when it comes to single vehicles or fleets. She said: “Our partnership with Business Scene is a perfect fit as they also aim to protect business owners and help them understand red tape.”

Volvo will also be showcasing their latest family car, the XC90 at the events where attendees will be able to take one for a spin.

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The Town Crier Magazine | NOVEMBER 2015

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The Town Crier Magazine | NOVEMBER 2015

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What's On

Diary Dates NOVEMBER 2015

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TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRE Town Hall, Cross Hayes, Malmesbury, SN16 9BZ Tel:01666 823748 Email: tic@malmesbury.gov.uk ARTISAN & FARMERS’ MARKET every Friday in the Market Cross Malmesbury 9am-3pm LINE DANCING Cotswold House, Gloucester Road, Malmesbury Thursdays 7.30-9.00, weekly £30 for block of 7 sessions, or £5 per session All levels welcome. For further info or to book a place contact Tracey T: 07835467551, E: traceygorrod@ btinternet.com Facebook page: Malmesbury Line Dancing Group THE NORTH WILTSHIRE VILLAGE FLOWER CLUB Meets every 3rd Wednesday of the month in Crudwell Village Hall at 7.30pm – Contact Gill on 01666 824813 for details MALMESBURY MORRIS meets every Thursday at Corston Reading Room at 7.30pm New dancers and musicians very welcome LEARN TO CROCHET – DOLLY BOBBINS CLASSES & WORKSHOPS 2015 Various classes and workshops running from August 2015 For Beginner/Novice/Improver/ Intermediate Crochet/Crochet Square Joining/Bunting/Flowers/ Understanding Charts/Mandalas/ Dollies/Knitting Cost £15 for adults. £10 for children. Further information of all dates and times; Email: dollybobbins@hotmail.com Telephone: 07835467551 www. facebook.com/dollybobbins.co.uk VICTORIA ART GALLERY, BATH Tel: (01225) 477244 Kurt Jackson exhibition runs until 3rd Jan. Grayson Perry exhibition runs from 9th Jan – 10 April 2016

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KICK START YOUR WEEK WITH ZUMBA FITNESS! Salsa, Jive, Cha-Cha and much more No experience necessary Mondays 9.15 – 10.15am £5.50 per session. Contact Becky for more information 07837 930986 WILTSHIRE’S STORY IN 100 OBJECTS 12 October to 13 December 2015 Athelstan Museum. A fascinating display of objects brought together from many of the museums in Wiltshire - a major feat in itself.

They tell the story of the people of Wiltshire from Stonehenge to the modern age. Come and pick out your favourite piece of history.

MALMESBURY BONFIRE & FIREWORK DISPLAY St Aldhelm’s Mead Saturday 7th November 6.30pm MALMESBURY ABBEY MUSIC SOCIETY – WOMEN OF WORLD WAR ONE TRIO PARADIS Saturday 7th November 7.30pm at Malmesbury Abbey Tickets £15 (£5 students) from Malmesbury Abbey or call David Barton 8274924 MALMESBURY BRITISH HEART FOUNDATION BRANCH IRISH NIGHT 11th November 7pm for 7.30pm at the Town Hall, Malmesbury A 3 course Irish Supper with glass of wine £15 per ticket For more info please call Catherine Doody 01666 860565 MALMESBURY FILM SOCIETY ‘HUMAN CAPITAL’ Sunday 15th November 7.30pm at St Mary’s Hall, Malmesbury ‘THE THIN MAN’ Sunday 20th December 7.30pm at St Mary’s Hall, Malmesbury £5 per film, no need to book THE COTSWOLDS CHARITY MASKED BALL - LIVE MUSIC BY THE SCHMOOZENBERGS! Sat 14th November 2015, 7pm-11pm Hullavington Village Hall, SN14 6EB (near Malmesbury) All welcome to this fabulous event Visit www.schmusic.co.uk or contact Emma for tickets:

The Town Crier Magazine | NOVEMBER 2015

www.miss-emmas.com or 07985 381963 WORLD PREMIER PERFORMANCE OF A REQUIEM FOR A SOLDIER Sunday 15th November, starting at 7.00pm.

By the renowned local composer FRANK HARVEY will be performed

by Royal Wootton Bassett Choral Society as part of a full musical evening at The Academy Royal Wootton Bassett School. Tickets available from usual local outlets.

DECEMBER 2015

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FESTIVE FUN IN ROYAL WOOTTON BASSETT Friday 4th December 2015 Royal Wootton Bassett will be in the Christmas spirit on Friday 4th December for this year’s Christmas Lights and Shopping Event on the High Street. See page 10.

MALMESBURY LATE NIGHT CHRISTMAS SHOPPING Friday 4th December 2015.

The annual Malmesbury Late Night Christmas Shopping event. All the usual fun will be provided including Santa in his grotto. See page 14.

BASSETT WINTER EXPO Sat 5th December 2015, 11am-3pm Manor House Enterprise Centre, High Street, Royal Wootton Bassett Everyone welcome to this free event. Advice, workshops and presentations for business and pleasure: personal finance, Facebook vs. Twitter, mortgage changes in 2016, starting a new business, simple website design, adding value to your home … and more! Teas and Christmas treats for all-comers. Tel: 01793 230708 ROYAL WOOTTON BASSETT CHORAL SOCIETY CONCERT FOR CHRISTMAS Monday 7th December at The Methodist Church High Street Royal Wootton Bassett Start at 7.30pm. Programme includes music by Rutter, Gjeilo, Chilcott and many popular carols.

Free Entry Retiring collection.

Refreshments.

01793 602502 or www.rightathomeuk.com/swindon swindon@rightathomeuk.com

The Town Crier Magazine | NOVEMBER 2015

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What’s On

Bassett Winter Expo Sat 5th December 2015, 11am-3pm Manor House Enterprise Centre, High Street, Royal Wootton Bassett Everyone welcome to this free event. Advice, workshops & presentations for business & pleasure: personal finance, Facebook vs. Twitter, mortgage changes in 2016, starting a new business, simple website design, adding value to your home … and more!

Teas and Christmas treats for all-comers.

Tel: 01793 230708

Festive Fun in Royal Wootton Bassett Friday 4th December 2015 Royal Wootton Bassett will be in the Christmas spirit on Friday 4th December for this year’s Christmas Lights and Shopping Event on the High Street.

Santa will be visiting again and he will be in his grotto to see young visitors.

Switching on the Christmas Lights will be former jockey and winner of the 1981 Grand National, Bob Champion. There will be a traditional carol service, which will start the event off at 6.00 pm, a programme of free music and entertainment, street entertainment and a plentiful variety of covered stalls and late night opening High Street shops for all those treats and gift shopping.

A road closure will be in place on the High Street from 3.00 pm until 9.30 pm. Visitors can find free parking in the Sainsbury’s car park just a few hundred meters from the High Street.

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The Town Crier Magazine | NOVEMBER 2015

Royal Wootton Bassett Choral Society Concert for Christmas Monday 7th December at The Methodist Church High Street Royal Wootton Bassett Start at 7.30pm Programme includes music by Rutter, Gjeilo, Chilcott and many popular carols. Free Entry. Retiring collection. Refreshments

The Town Crier Magazine | NOVEMBER 2015

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

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SPECIAL ANTIQUES AND COLLECTABLES valuation event will be taking place soon in your area. The experts of Lockdales Auctioneers will be providing free valuations to the public on Tuesday 1st December, 10am to 2pm, at The Angel Hotel, 47 High Street, Royal Wootton Bassett, Wiltshire, SN4 7AQ. There will be experts providing valuations on the following types of collectables: Coins (including British & World, sovereigns, Krugerrands, Royal Mint commemoratives & proof sets), stamps, banknotes, medals & militaria, antiques, clocks, watches, jewellery, gold, silver, pre-1900 documents/books & maps, cigarette-cards, postcards, pre-1960 sporting programmes & tickets, scientific instruments, swords, bayonets & de-activated weapons. No appointment is necessary at this event, simply turn up with your items and the valuers will be happy to see you.

Members of the public will have the option, if they wish, to consign their goods to auction (subject to terms & conditions). Cash purchase offers are also available. Valuations will be provided free of charge, with no obligation. High quality illustrated catalogues from previous auctions will be given away on a complimentary basis in order for the public to get a better idea of the services available.

These valuation days have proven to be very popular in the past, and we have conducted hundreds of them across the UK. Some of the best items we have auctioned were brought to us at these events, such as two pieces of Russian 17th century enamelled silverware, a bowl and a lidded pot, which we later sold on behalf of the owners for over £75,000.

One of the most interesting items we have sold recently was a fragment of pennant flag believed to have been carried by the army of Richard III at the Battle of Bosworth. This was featured on television, and in newspapers nationwide. Sold for £2800 as a speculative item, the feeling was strong overall that the story behind the flag is true. It was nice to handle a topical item such as this. (Coins of Richard III do very well also!)

We will also be holding a prior event in Portishead on Monday 30th November. If you have any questions feel free to contact Lockdales’ Martlesham offices: 01473 627110, sales@lockdales.com.

For further information see our website www.lockdales.com

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The Town Crier Magazine | NOVEMBER 2015

The Town Crier Magazine | NOVEMBER 2015

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What’s On

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Friday 4th Decem

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Friday 4th Decem including Santa in will be provided n fu l ua us e th l Al full of wonderful inment and stalls d adjacent his grotto, enterta per High Street an up e Th . fts gi as Christm of the shops to traffic and lots d se clo be ll wi s road open late with gh Street will be Hi g in stl bu r ou on le for shoppers. ulled wine availab mince pies and m on his sleigh 6pm with Santa The fun starts at et the High Stre . processing though fun! enjoy the festive Come along and rmission of Robert

Photos by kind pe

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Peel photography

The Town Crier Magazine | NOVEMBER 2015

Abbeyfield School

Invitation

6th Form Open Evening 12th November 2015 | 6pm We enter to learn… we leave to achieve

01249 464544 RSVP: mps@abbeyfield.wilts.sch.uk

Ask AMS Advice for small businesses

Should I run my new business through my existing limited company?

The answer is yes - if: The customers are similar It’s simply an experiment There are no VAT implications; Admin & time is minimal (bookkeeping, insurance etc.)

There will be no unfair outcomes for shareholders.

The answer is no - if: Your current Company is VAT registered and sells to VAT registered businesses. (If your new business sells to consumers, you may want to avoid charging them VAT).

The 2 businesses have different investors/ participators - sharing the same name causes problems.

One business offers customers credit and gets credit from suppliers - risky if they fail.

If one is asset rich – its assets could be at risk by activities of the other business.

You really should seek advice!

Peter Bromiley ACA

AMS Accountancy Ltd. Swindon SN5 7XF 01793 818400 www.ams-accountancy.co.uk

The Town Crier Magazine | NOVEMBER 2015

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What’s On

BOWOOD CHRISTMAS EXTRAVAGANZA Wednesday 25 - Friday 27 November

Thursday 26 November ‘Why did you go into politics in the first place?” is a question that former Cabinet minister. William Waldegrave is often asked and one that he will set out to answer on Thursday 26 November at Wiltshire’s Bowood Hotel when he chats about his memoir, A Different Kind of Weather. Tickets to attend the English Afternoon Tea talk starting at 3.30pm - are priced at £17.50 per person and reservations should be booked in advance with Bowood Hotel’s Reception, Tel: 01249 822228 or visit: www.bowood. org/event/literaryafternoon-tea-withwilliam-waldegrave/

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The Town Crier Magazine | NOVEMBER 2015

Photo: www.insidewiltshire.co.uk

Afternoon tea talk with William Waldegrave at Bowood Hotel

Bowood House Christmas Extravaganza returns once again and, now in its fourth year, with an earlier scheduling as it’s to be held during the last week of November. The three-day event will play to the splendour of Robert Adam’s Orangery at Bowood House while also raising funds for the Wiltshire Bobby Van Trust. Shoppers will have the chance to seek out upscale items from a wealth of gift stalls spreading out from the House Restaurant, through to the Sculpture Gallery and on into the Orangery, the surrounding Robert Adam interiors (dating back to the 1760s) and impressive collection of paintings, sculptures and tapestries will bring incomparable panache to Bowood House’s colonnaded ‘pop-up’ shopping arcade.

Opening the event, Wednesday 25 November will bring a particular celebratory flourish to the Bowood House Christmas Extravaganza with carols and cocktails greeting visitors. This ticketed preview event - running from 4-8pm and priced at £15 per person - will herald a heightened sense of occasion as Carol singers perform in the private family Chapel. Thursday’s opening times are from 10am-8pm while Friday’s are from 10am-3pm.

Entrance prices on the day are £8 but if booked in advance will be £6 per person while advance bookings of four tickets are priced at £20. For full details go to www.bowood.org/event/bowood-house-christmasextravaganza-preview-evening

Bowood House Christmas Extravaganza November 25th, 26th & 27th 2015 See Bowood House decorated for a family Christmas and indulge in a fantastic shopping experience with over 50 stalls of luxury goods Wednesday 25th November : Carols & Cocktails Evening Ticketed Preview, 4-8pm ÂŁ15 per person Thursday 26th November : All Day & Late Night Shopping 10am-8pm and Friday 27th November 10am-3pm Advance tickets available via the website plus admission on the door ÂŁ8.00 per person (26th & 27th only). No pushchairs please

For information and tickets see www.bowood-house.co.uk/events Bowood House, Calne, Wiltshire, just off the A4 (Sat Nav SN11 9NF) The Town Crier Magazine | NOVEMBER 2015

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Local Focus

Some of the people who ran the Bath Half Marathon in 2015 for Wiltshire Air Ambulance.

Run for Wiltshire Air Ambulance at the Bath Half Marathon

by Jill Crooks, WAA Media Coordinator

WILTSHIRE Air Ambulance (WAA) has increased the number of places for people wishing to run the Bath Half Marathon in 2016 following the success of this year’s event.

Thanks to the efforts of 60 runners at the Bath Half Marathon in 2015, the charity raised a record amount £19,171.16.

Runners included a group of student paramedics and former patient Dylan Jones and his family and friends. Dylan, 22, of Lechlade, Gloucestershire, was airlifted by WAA in 2012 after suffering catastrophic injuries in a road traffic collision.

The charity has 75 places at the Vitality Bath Half Marathon 2016 and is now taking bookings.

Rebecca de la Bedoyere, WAA’s Fundraising Manager, said: “We are absolutely thrilled by how much our fantastic runners raised by taking part in the 2015 Bath Half Marathon. The total far exceeds what has been raised for us in previous half marathons, and it’s a credit to the hard work of our runners and the

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The Town Crier Magazine | NOVEMBER 2015

generosity of their friends and family who supported them.

“We had a really diverse team, from seasoned runners to people who had never run this distance before.

Some even struggled on despite being injured and every runner made it across the finish line. What united everyone on the team was a desire to help keep our helicopter and crew flying, and as a result they have raised enough to fund around seven potentially lifesaving missions.

“We’ve increased the number of places to 75 for 2016 and we look forward to making it our biggest and most successful Bath Half Marathon yet.”

A place costs £32.50 and each runner is asked to raise a minimum of £200 for the charity. Runners can join the charity’s Just Giving team page at https://www. justgiving.com/teams/WAABathHalf16Team For more information or to book a place email kenresa@wiltshireairambulance.co.uk or call WAA on 01380 739453.

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Local Focus

The Verdict 11-14 November 2015 at the Arts Centre in Old Town, Swindon at 7.30pm In the year that celebrates the 125 anniversary of the birth of Agatha Christie, the nation’s interest with her continues. Her stories of Tommy and Tuppence Beresford (Partners in Crime) have been the subject of a recent series on TV; re-runs of Miss Marple and Poirot appear on many TV channels and even more recently the discovery of 10 unpublished plays (5 full length and 5 short) have piqued the interest of the nation even further. In this year of Agatha Christie, the Western Players take on one of her more unusual plays.

Why is this an “unusual” play? - unlike her normal whodunnits, Agatha Christie shows the murder to the audience. They therefore know the who, why, where, how and when of the murder. The intrigue is all about what happens next. it would be unfair to say more without spoiling the plot, but suffice to say, as in all of her plays, there are twists and turns that she uses to play with the audience’s minds.

To find out more about how to see this play, The Western Players have a website at www.westernplayers. co.uk with more details. Tickets are only £10 (£9 concessions) and are available by calling 07575 711522 or emailing boxoffice@westernplayers.co.uk.

If you want to see an intriguing Agatha Christie script bought to life, then grab a ticket now while they are still available.

New Manager for Enterprise Centre in Royal Wootton Bassett Manor House Enterprise Centre in Royal Wootton Bassett has a new manager.

Jolyon Rose has just returned from Germany where he set up a number of successful businesses, and is looking forward to supporting new and developing businesses in Swindon and across Wiltshire.

“Manor House is such a great asset for helping new business – we’ve got flexible office space and meetings rooms, plus lots of networking opportunities, all within a stone’s throw of Swindon and the M4”, he said. “Our prices are hard to beat too.”

Manor House Enterprise Centre is part of The Enterprise Network, an initiative by Wiltshire Council to support new and developing businesses across the county. The Network provides training and networking opportunities, as well as serviced office space, hot-desks and co-working rooms.

Find out more at www.theenterprisenetwork. co.uk or call Jolyon on 01793 230708. The Enterprise Network is led by Wiltshire Council with Government and EU funding, aiming to nurture new and growing businesses in Swindon and Wiltshire by supporting them from the first ‘light bulb’ moment.

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The Town Crier Magazine | NOVEMBER 2015

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Atwell-Wilson

Atwell-Wilson Motor Museum “The only Motor Museum in Wiltshire”

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TWELL-WILSON is a small friendly motor museum situated in Calne.

The majority of their exhibits are cars from the 1920s onwards, including cars on special loan.

They also have a collection of motorcycles, mopeds and bicycles as well as interesting motoring memorabilia and a reconstructed 1930s style garage, complete with cars.

Richard and Hasell Atwell lived in the Calne area their entire lives, starting their original collection with the purchase of a 1937 Buick Albermarle, which still remains a part of the Museum collection.

A 1934 Vauxhall 14/6 and 1931 Singer Junior arrived shortly thereafter and the collection continued to grow. Supplying one of the cars for a cousin’s wedding provided the inspiration

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for the creation of a Wedding Car Hire fleet in 1972. Should you be looking for a vehicle to take you to your wedding there is now a range of cars from 1929 to 1978 to choose from. For more information and details of how to arrange a viewing visit the wedding hire section of the website.

Hasell the present Charitable Company was formed in 2010.

In 1981 the collection was brought together under one roof with the completion of the smallest of the three buildings. Following the construction in 1989 of what is now the Main Hall, the Museum was forged. In 1997 a Charitable Trust was formed to take over the operation of the Museum, followed by the formulation of a support group of volunteers known affectionately as “The Friends”, new members are always welcome.

After the deaths of Richard and

The contents are varied, from a number of everyday classics, to rare cars and lorries. Amongst these are a 1934 Alvis Speed 20, 1938 Daimler EL24, 1936 Rover 14hp Sports/Saloon and a 1951 Dennis Fire Engine. Richard Atwell had a strong interest in North American cars including Ford, GM, and Chrysler products which are also on display. There is a good variety of rare motorcycles, including Brough, BSA, Douglas, Indian and Velocette.

The Town Crier Magazine | NOVEMBER 2015

Effort has also been made to provide related data so that visitors can enjoy not only what is on display but also discover a wealth of knowledge, technical detail and in some cases, humorous, historical or little-known facts relating to the exhibits.

During the summer (1 April to 31 October) the museum is open Tuesday - Sunday inclusive 11am - 5pm and bank holidays. Winter opening hours (from 1 November to 31 March) are Thursday - Sunday inclusive 11am - 4pm (except Christmas Day when the museum is closed) . There is plenty of free parking available on site. For further information contact us by telephone: 01249 813119 or www.atwellwilson.org.uk.

The Town Crier Magazine | NOVEMBER 2015

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

Community Focus ...

by Richard James Estate Agents

S

INCE opening our new office in Royal Wootton Bassett in August, we want to thank you for having received such a warm welcome from the local community.

At Richard James Estate Agents we feel local knowledge is key to our success. Our staff in our Royal Wootton Bassett office all live in the town and have grown up as part of the community. They understand why it is so important to give back, which is why at Richard James we like to get involved in local community events.

We are pleased to be sponsors of the Royal Wootton Bassett Football Club in the launch of their new premises at Gerard Buxton Sports Ground, and are proud to have our name on their new football kit. The team play regularly at the new grounds and welcome support from all, so pop down on match plays and join us in getting behind our local players.

Supporting the local schools will always be something we enjoy doing and continue to do, so if you have a child who attends Wootton Bassett Infant School, be sure to look out for us at the school fate or take part in one of our school competitions we run throughout the year!

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The Town Crier Magazine | NOVEMBER 2015

To finish this year off on a high, we are delighted to be able to sponsor the Royal Wootton Bassett Christmas lights. Join us on the 4th December on the High Street for the light switch on and shopping event, come and see us on our stall and meet some of the team… Look forward to seeing you there!

If you haven’t seen us out and about, pop in to our office and say hello, we’d be delighted to see you for a cuppa.

Or if you’d like to find out how we could help you, visit richardjames.info or call 01793 855 117.

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WWW.NEWCOLLEGE.AC.UK/HE The Town Crier Magazine | NOVEMBER 2015

25

Health & Beauty Reflexology

NuReflexology

A

by Angie Jones-Moore

S FAR AS MY knowledge went, Reflexology was a treatment purely for the feet. I couldn’t have been more wrong! There is quite a variety of reflexology treatments, Maternity, Hot stone, Reproductive, Traditional and Facial reflexology and all are practiced by Gabriela Slater of NuReflexology. I was fortunate enough to experience facial reflexology combined with traditional and hot stone reflexology. Each part of the body reflected in the foot is also present in the face. I was soon to learn an awful lot more about this complementary therapy and the wealth of benefits it has to offer to each individual.

After receiving a professional and warm welcome I was shown into a treatment room with a fresh yet relaxing atmosphere. Gabriela is an experienced reflexology therapist practicing in Chippenham and Hungerford, offering flexibility with her appointment times at different locations.

Clients can expect a thorough, individual, in depth consultation from Gabriela who has a degree in Nutrition, and experience from a career in Harley Street. Gabriela has a lot to to offer than just a treatment for the feet!

Information is taken regarding the whole person, as opposed to one ailment or issue. Lifestyle, eating habits, medical history and overall wellbeing are recorded to create an individual client profile.

Post treatment the findings will also be documented as a record of the benefits received and advice given to begin to rectify any issues found.

With Gabriela’s extensive experience in nutrition, she is able to recommend diet changes, if required, to aid the overall wellbeing of the client, combined with nutritional supplement advice which may also help the client.

Gabriela uses Neal’s Yard Organic & Ethical, creams, balms and essential oils whilst carrying out the treatment, hot volcanic stones are also used to give a full comprehensive all over treatment.

The initial consultation, allows the time to comprise an individual treatment, to ensure the client obtains the best result possible from the treatment given.

Therefore no two clients will necessarily receive the same, treatment which is tailor-made to suit each client - combining the different reflexology treatments to ensure the client receives what

they require and has maximum benefits from their appointment.

A full explanation of the process is given; every part of the process described to you and discussed, before it is carried out ensuring the ultimate experience in relaxation. The more relaxed the client is the better the treatment will be received.

The heavenly scent of the selected essential oil is subtle to have the desired effect of enhancing the experience with delicate music playing to focus the mind away from the hectic life styles we all lead in the modern world.

Facial reflexology is a combination of gentle massage and light pressure being applied to specific points to release tension and toxins from the body. The results are positive and beneficial with your skin left feeling soft to the touch from the essential oils and overall tension released, anti ageing properties are also an added benefit. Gabriela places hot volcanic stones in specific points around the body whilst being covered with a warm soft blanket. The warmth of the stones, the scent of the natural oils and delicate massage the results of the combination are almost instant.

Reflexology has many benefits and methods of application. In the fast paced world we all live in Gabriela offers an alternative way to manage our overall wellbeing.

For more information about NuReflexology visit: www.nureflexology.co.uk.

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The Town Crier Magazine | NOVEMBER 2015

PUZZLE CORNER

ACROSS 1 Biblical grandson of Abraham (5) 4 Jolly outing or excursion (5) 7 Directly above (8) 8 Conservative (informal) (4) 9 Definitive (8) 11 Desert in Asia (4) 12 Silky wool (6) 14 Individual, organism (6) 16 Squabble, altercation (4) 18 Lesson, coaching session (8) 20 Indian garment (4) 21 Southern English county (8) 23 Last letter of the Greek alphabet (5) 24 Pleasant, refreshing weather (5)

DOWN 1 Spear (sporting) (7) 2 Royal breed of dog (5) 3 Farewell (informal) (3) 4 Decision, opinion (9) 5 Tense, anxious (7) 6 Spasm, pound (5) 10 Girl’s name (Russian) (9) 13 Sketch, rough plan (7) 15 Catastrophe (7) 17 Ancient Greek philosopher (5) 19 Bucolic, pastoral (5) 22 Angry group (3) Solutions to the crossword and sudoku on page 41

Call for a free, no obligation market appraisal from a professional team Chippenham 01249 447777 Calne 01249 813813 Swindon 01793 643643

The Town Crier Magazine | NOVEMBER 2015

27

Pets

Wagging Tails Raises over £2000* for Charity!

Saturday 19th September saw a number of volunteers ‘casualties’ dramatically rescued from a lake in Cirencester by trained Newfoundlands and help dog boarding company Wagging Tails raise money for Hearing Dogs for Deaf People.

Lizzie Ritz picked up a bottle of bubbly as top fundraiser having raised £290.00 in donations for

The “Take the Plunge” event was organised by Hilary Coates (pictured with Bea), owner of the Swindon dog boarding franchise of Wagging Tails, in association with Newfound Friends, a group that utilises the lifesaving skills of Newfoundland trained rescue dogs to help raise money for other charities. The day saw 30 volunteer “casualties” deposited into the lake at the Cotswold Water Park before being rescued by a 14 stone Newfoundland leaping from a boat.

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The Town Crier Magazine | NOVEMBER 2015

being a “casualty”. Hilary also received great support from local businesses such as Chiseldon House Hotel, Go Outdoors, M&S, The Body Shop, Devere Village Hotel, Pets Corner, Accessorize, Majestic Wine, Animal Prints in Silver, PetShed Ltd and Eastcott Vets who provided a number of prizes for the event.

Commenting on the day, Hilary stated: ‘Seeing the Newfoundlands in action was spectacular and I thoroughly enjoyed being rescued!

Everyone involved had a great day, thanks very much to Newfound Friends for such a fantastic show’. *As at the time of printing, the exact amount of money raised had not been confirmed, please check the Wagging Tails website for any further updates after mid October.

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www.thameswoodvets.co.uk The Town Crier Magazine | NOVEMBER 2015

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Recipe Serves 12 Preparation time: 20 minutes Cooking time: 30 minutes Ingredients 225g / 8oz Plain flour 2 level tsps Ground ginger 1 level tsp Bicarbonate of Soda ½ level tsp salt 225g /8oz Medium oatmeal 115g / 4oz Black treacle 115g / 4oz Golden syrup 115g / 4oz Soft light-brown sugar 115g /4 oz Unsalted butter 150ml / 5floz Milk 1 Egg - beaten

Method Preheat the oven to 180C / Gas mk 4. Grease and line a 30 x 25 x 5 cm (12 x 10 x 2 inch) roasting tin with grease-proof paper.

Place the treacle, golden syrup, sugar and butter into a heavybottomed saucepan and heat gently until the butter has melted.

Remove from the heat. Allow to cool a little then beat in the milk and the egg.

Sift the flour, ginger, bicarbonate of soda and salt into a large mixing bowl. Stir in the oatmeal and make a well in the centre.

Pour the liquid mixture into the well and beat thoroughly.

Pour into the roasting tin and bake in the centre of the oven until firm and springy.

Perfect Parkin A bonfire night treat!

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The Town Crier Magazine | NOVEMBER 2015

Leave to cool in the tin. When cold wrap in greaseproof paper and leave for a couple of days in an airtight tin, because the flavour of Parkin improves with keeping.

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31

Remembrance Day F

OLLOWING THE END of the First World War, my grandfather travelled to France and spent several months burying the dead. This experience affected him forever.

The Great War started in 1914, and after four years of bitter fighting the guns of Europe finally fell silent at 11am on 11th November 1918 – six hours after the armistice was signed in a railway carriage in the Forest of Compiegne, France.

The following year, King George V sent out a proclamation requesting

Sunday 8th November

that a 2 minute silence be held, so “the thoughts of everyone may be concentrated on reverent remembrance of the glorious dead”.

include those who had fallen in WWII and other conflicts. Twelve thousand British servicemen and women have been killed or injured since 1945.

Since that first Armistice Day in 1919, a two minute silence has been observed yearly at war memorials and other public places at 11am on the eleventh day of the eleventh month, and on the second Sunday of November.

In the words of the poet Robert Binyon:

After the end of the Second World War, Armistice Day became known as Remembrance Day, to

“They shall not grow old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them.”

by Debbie Singh-Bhatti

The major art installation Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red at the Tower of London, marked one hundred years since the first full day of Britain’s involvement in the First World War. Created by artists Paul Cummins and Tom Piper, 888,246 ceramic poppies progressively filled the Tower’s famous moat between 17 July and 11 November 2014. Each poppy represented a British military fatality during the war. All of the poppies that made up the installation were sold, raising millions of pounds which were shared equally amongst six service charities.

Visit: www.hrp.org.uk/TowerOfLondon/poppies/about-the-installation 32

The Town Crier Magazine | NOVEMBER 2015

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The Town Crier Magazine | NOVEMBER 2015

33

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Home Choose Carpets – one simple telephone call and you get all the advantages of a quality carpet showroom - plus extra savings – in the comfort of your own home!

We offer over 5,000 samples to choose from, professional advice, manufacturers’ guarantees and a super fast personal service - all in your own home, all from a telephone call. It’s the best way to choose your new carpets!

We come to you!

Choose your carpets in the luxury of your home.

We are a family run business with over 30 years experience in the retail and flooring installation trades.

Trevor will have up to 5,000 carpet, vinyl and laminate samples in his mobile showroom for you to choose from, in the comfort of your living room; day, evening or weekend. And he won’t rush you.

All the carpets are from well known manufacturers, which are backed by their own guarantees.

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07860 882588 www.carpetsswindon.co.uk 34

The Town Crier Magazine | NOVEMBER 2015

Kitchen Makeover Are your kitchen cabinets OK, but the doors and drawer fronts are looking a little tired?

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The Town Crier Magazine | NOVEMBER 2015

35

Gardening

Garden Bonfires

by Rachel Leverton

N

OVEMBER seems a good month to talk about bonfires.

I’m not actually a huge fan of the garden bonfire; I think that generally there are better ways of disposing of garden waste. Most green waste, such as leaves or grass can be recycled. Woody waste can be shredded and either composted or used as mulch, though it may be more cost-effective to hire a shredder rather than buy one outright if your garden is small.

But if wood is diseased a bonfire may be the best way to deal with it. So what are the rules regarding garden bonfires?

Rather surprisingly there are no specific laws against having a bonfire, or when you can have one.

There may be local by-laws though: laws made by a local authority and applicable only in a defined geographical area. Phone your council or check their website for further information. If you rent a property you’ll need to check under your tenancy agreement too, in order to find out whether bonfires are permitted.

BONFIRE SAFETY CHECK-LIST

Laws about bonfires are generally concerned with their potential nuisance value. So you can’t burn plastics, or painted household waste which may produce toxic fumes or thick smoke harmful to asthma sufferers. Also, the Highways Act states that it is an offence to light a bonfire near a road if the drifting smoke may cause a traffic hazard.

Mostly though bonfires are all about common sense. The smoke and smell from a fire might annoy your neighbours, especially if it prevents them from opening their windows or hanging out their washing. It’s polite to warn your neighbours beforehand; they may have an outdoor party planned or want to spend the afternoon pottering in 36

• Build the bonfire away from sheds, fences and trees • Don’t build it too large and make sure it’s stable, so it won’t collapse outwards or to one side.

• Check the bonfire for hibernating wildlife.

• Don’t use petrol or paraffin to start the fire as these accelerate the flames and may cause the fire to burn out of control.

• Keep a bucket of water or a hose handy — just in case • Don’t leave the fire unattended.

• Keep small children and pets out of the way.

• Once the fire has died down, pour water over the embers to stop them re-igniting. their garden. Light your bonfire at a time least likely to cause a nuisance – remember on a warm sunny day people are more likely

The Town Crier Magazine | NOVEMBER 2015

to be out in their garden, enjoying it. Only burn dry material because damp material creates a lot of smoke.

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37

Counselling – who’s it for?

by Una Cavanagh MBACP

WE all at some time or another (unless we’ve been extremely fortunate) will have experienced difficulties in our lives.

Relationship break-ups, job losses and bereavement can be very hard, but mostly we get by with supportive family and friends.

What, though, if you are still struggling and really not managing? Perhaps you’re reading this and starting to recognise that you’re feeling overwhelmed?

Maybe you’re suffering from anxiety or feeling depressed and can’t seem to move forward? The reasons why people decide to seek help through counselling are wide, varied and unique to them.

Counselling is a talking therapy where you meet with a trained professional counsellor and, with their supportive help, begin the process of unpicking these difficult and confusing feelings to help put your life back on track. It’s confidential and you can talk freely without feeling judged or having to worry about how your counsellor will react. It’s a process rather than a one-off event and the number of sessions varies depending on the counsellor or organisation.

38

Sessions will usually last for 50 minutes or an hour, again depending on the counsellor.

Carers Support Tel: 0800 181 4118 - an organisation that can offer counselling as well as other means of valuable support for carers who are often the people least likely to ask for help www. carersinwiltshire.co.uk/

Private Counselling is another option. There is a cost involved but some counsellors offer concessions or a sliding scale of payment depending on your circumstances – don’t be worried about asking.

One of the most widely recognised organisations that counsellors belong to in the UK is The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and they have rigorous checks and a register to ensure that their members are fully trained and are working ethically. To find a counsellor through BACP, visit their website, http://www.itsgoodtotalk.org.uk/ Another way to find a local counsellor is through The Counselling Directory (it will state which organisation counsellors listed with them belong to www.counselling-directory.org.uk/

Cruse Tel: 0844 477 9400 (for bereavement support) is a national charity www.cruse.org.uk/ or if you have had a relative cared for

by Dorothy House Hospice, the in-house bereavement team there offer support.

I hope this has been helpful – I, along with my counselling colleagues, really do understand that one of the hardest things in the world can be taking the first step to ask for help but when you’re ready, we’re here to listen.

Wiltshire Mind 01225 706532 is a charity that offers support across the county by way of counselling and peer support groups www.wiltshiremind.co.uk/

©Una Cavanagh MBACP is a counsellor in private practice based near Calne offering one-one counselling for adults. www.unacavanagh.com

Your GP may have ruled out underlying physical causes and then he/she may, if they feel it’s appropriate, refer you to a counsellor. Getting support through the NHS, however, may take a while and it is often limited to a fixed number of sessions and therefore you may wish to consider accessing support through other means, such as a charity or a private counsellor.

The Town Crier Magazine | NOVEMBER 2015

The Town Crier Magazine | NOVEMBER 2015

39

Books

A Good Read Reviews by Willow Coby

Me Before You

The Fault in Our Stars

..............................................................................................

..............................................................................................

by Jojo Moyes

If you prefer to read a book before seeing the film adaptation then this is your chance to discover one of next summer’s highly anticipated films.

26 year old Lou Clark still lives with her parents in the quiet market town she grew up in. Almost deserted in the winter the town’s one draw is an old castle and when we meet Lou she works in the local tea shop serving the coach loads of tourists who come to visit. With a quirky dress sense Lou never really feels as if she fits in and as a teenager longed to travel the world. However circumstances meant that she could never bring herself to leave. After losing her job she reluctantly takes a job caring for Will, a young quadriplegic man injured in a motorcycle accident several years earlier. She is told the job is just for 6 months and despite a rough start she decides to stick it out and soon an unlikely bond develops between Lou and Will.

A romantic novel this also deals with the sensitive issue of disability and the descriptions of Will’s day to day life are well written with brutal honesty and little sensationalism. Things take a darker turn when Lou learns the reason why her contract is only to be for 6 months and she sets out to bring Will new experiences and remind him of the simple joys of life: not easy for a wheelchair bound man whose ideal way to pass the time before his accident was skydiving or climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.

As a reader you are drawn into the lives of these characters and the development of their relationship is believable. In the hands of the wrong writer this plot line could turn out to be very twee and cliché but Moyes does not fall into this trap. The resulting novel is engaging, difficult to put down and will lead you to appreciate the small wonders of life.

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The Town Crier Magazine | NOVEMBER OCTOBER 2015 2015

by John Green

Continuing with the theme of personal relationships in the face of illness comes The Fault in Our Stars the hugely successful teen novel exploring the impact of teenage cancer on the lives of two individuals.

16 year old Hazel has cancer and is, reluctantly, convinced by her parents to attend a support group for others in her situation. Amongst the other patients there is Augustus, a 17 year old boy who lost a leg to cancer. The two begin talking and agree to read each other’s favourite books. Hazel’s book is a novel by a Dutch writer about a young girl with cancer: Hazel sees many parallels to her own life here. Augustus is angry after reading the book and discovering that it doesn’t have a nicely wrapped up ending. There is no conclusion, no neat package, no ending: happy or otherwise.

Of course life has an ending, but it often isn’t happy or neatly wrapped up. Hazel becomes aware of her fears about getting close to others. She is afraid that when she dies it will hurt them, and this naturally affects her relationship with Augustus.

This moving novel deals with issues that most of its teen readers won’t have yet faced in their lives. As a teenager you often feel immortal.

You feel as if life is stretching out ahead of you and death is the furthest from your mind.

Hazel and Augustus, along with the other young people at the support group view life differently.

There is no expectation that everyone will make it to the next meeting. No one is immortal.

With a huge teenage following and a successful movie adaptation this novel stays with you long after the closing paragraph.

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The Town Crier Magazine | NOVEMBER 2015

41

WINTER APPEAL 2015

One of Greatwoo d’s younger stude nts with Potentat (now 24 years ol e (USA) d) - winner of the 1997, 1998 and 19 Welsh Champion 99 Hurdle. Trained by Martin Pipe, ridde A P McCoy and ow n by ned by The Late Jim Weeden Now in its 22nd year, Greatwood is the first equine welfare organisation in the UK to use ex-racehorses to educate children and young people with Additional Educational Needs (AEN).

Greatwood is also the only ex-racehorse welfare charity that does not have criteria for entry; Greatwood will never turn away a Thoroughbred at risk; in danger of neglect; or suffering.

Greatwood Needs Your Support: Please help us to keep our equine friends warm and comfortable by sending a donation to: Greatwood Charity Rainscombe Hill Farm, Clench Common, Marlborough, Wiltshire SN8 4DT www.greatwoodcharity.org info@greatwoodcharity.org T: 01672 514535 Registered Charity No: 1117322

Donating couldn’t be easier – TEXT: GRTW20 £5 to 70070

http://campaign.justgiving.com/charity/greatwood/winterwarmup 42

The Town Crier Magazine | NOVEMBER 2015

Above: Greatwood students hard at work. Winter is here and the Thoroughbreds are all stabled in lovely warm straw beds

The Town Crier Magazine | NOVEMBER 2015

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Royal Royal Wootton Wootton Bassett Bassett office office 111 High Street 111 High Street Royal Royal Wootton Wootton Bassett Bassett Wiltshire SN4 Wiltshire SN4 7AU 7AU Opening Opening hours hours Mon-Fri: Mon-Fri: 9:00am 9:00am –– 5:30pm 5:30pm Sat: Sat: 9:00am 9:00am –– 4:00pm 4:00pm

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HOW HOW MUCH MUCH IS IS YOUR YOUR PROPERTY PROPERTY WORTH? WORTH? Contact Contact us us today: today: 01793 01793 855117 855117 || RWB@richardjames.info RWB@richardjames.info Richard Richard James James are are proud proud to to sponsor sponsor the the Royal Royal Wootton Wootton Bassett Football Club, your local community football Bassett Football Club, your local community football team. team. The The club club has has now now moved moved to to new new facilities, facilities, so so come and support your local players at: come and support your local players at: Gerard Gerard Buxton Buxton Sports Sports Ground, Ground, Brinkworth Brinkworth Road Road Royal Royal Wootton Wootton Bassett, Bassett, Swindon, Swindon, SN4 SN4 8DS 8DS Car Car parking parking and and refreshments refreshments available available on on match match days. days.

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The Town Crier Magazine | NOVEMBER 2015

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