Back to school, Mini Rovers and a bat walk
Published Thursday 27 August 2026
Check Derry Hill School's September dates, plan Mini Rovers and explore Lacock or a Chippenham bat walk.
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Derry Hill pupils return next Thursday
Derry Hill School has teacher-development days on Tuesday 1 and Wednesday 2 September. Years 1 to 6 return on Thursday 3 September; Reception children have home visits before starting part-time sessions on Wednesday 9 September. Check the school's September calendar.
Primary school application deadline on Monday
Families seeking a Derry Hill School place for September 2026 should apply by Monday 31 August. Applications received after that date are treated as in-year transfers; read the school admissions information.
Mini Rovers take to Bowood's obstacle track
Children aged four to ten can drive a small electric off-road vehicle at Bowood House & Gardens on Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 August. Half-hour activity slots run from 11am to 4pm and cost £10, with a day ticket also required; book a Mini Rovers slot.
Dates For Your Diary
Monday 7 September, 7.30pm
Derry Hill and Studley Parish Council meeting
The parish council returns after its August break at Lansdowne Hall. Meetings are open to the public, and the agenda will confirm the arrangements; check the 2026 meeting dates.
Saturday 5 September, 10am-2pm
Coffee and nearly-new clothes in Heddington
Browse new and nearly-new men's and women's clothes, or stop for coffee and a chat, at Heddington Village Hall. The sale raises money for the campaign to bring The Ivy into community ownership; see the Heddington coffee morning and clothes sale.
What's On
Every day this week
Martin Parr's Lacock portraits, 10am-5pm. Martin Parr's final major commission is a portrait of Lacock, its people and everyday life, shown in the Fox Talbot Museum at Lacock Abbey. The exhibition runs until Sunday 27 June 2027 and is free with normal admission; no booking is needed. Read about Lacock by Martin Parr.
Saturday 29 August
Sunset bat walk in Chippenham, 7.50-9.20pm. Learn about native bats and use a bat detector on a guided walk through Monkton Park. Places cost a suggested donation of £5 per person and booking is essential; book the Chippenham bat walk.
Sunday 30 August
Calne Recreation Ground junior parkrun, Briefing 8.50am; start 9am. Children aged four to 14 can join the free weekly 2k at the Recreation Ground on Anchor Road. Register before a first visit and bring a scannable barcode; check the junior parkrun information.
Lost pubs of Chippenham history walk, Noon-2pm. Walk about 1.5 miles through Chippenham while hearing stories of pubs and inns that have disappeared from its streets. Meet outside Cousin Norman's on Union Road; places cost £10 each or £5 each when two people book together. Book the Lost Pubs walk.
Roadworks and Transport
Stockley Lane traffic lights through Wednesday: Temporary multi-way lights are scheduled between Stockley Lane East and Blackland Crossroads through Wednesday 2 September for water-network work.
Market Hill traffic lights finish Friday: Temporary multi-way lights are scheduled on Market Hill in Calne through Friday 28 August for electricity work.
Pewsham Way work on Thursday: Council roadworks are scheduled on Pewsham Way from 8am to 4pm on Thursday 27 August, with part of the carriageway affected.
Planning Watch
Tree work proposed at Lime Tree Close: An application seeks consent to reduce two yew trees by about 30% at 4 Lime Tree Close, Calne. Read application PL/2026/05300.