Derry Hill Digest
Race night, scarecrows and festival family fun
Published Thursday 1 October 2026
Plan a Derry Hill fundraiser, follow Pewsham's scarecrow trail and enjoy Calne's free festival family day.
Top Updates
First stage of Calne bypass safety work is complete
The first major phase of the £6.98 million A3102 safety scheme is finished at the Calne bypass and Stanier Road junction. Further work at the A3102/A342 junctions in Bromham is due to start in October; read the A3102 scheme update.
Saturn reaches its brightest this Sunday
Saturn reaches opposition on Sunday 4 October, when it will be at its brightest and visible through the night. A Calne photographer has captured the planet and a supernova 40 million light-years away; see the local night-sky photographs.
Dates For Your Diary
Friday 16 October, 10am
Explore Bowood's historic parkland and arboretum
A guide leads a 90-minute walk through Capability Brown's parkland and the rare trees behind Bowood's Walled Garden. The route includes gravel paths, steps and limited seating; tickets cost £24.45 for adults and £21.85 for over-60s, and advance booking is required.
Thursday 22 October-Sunday 1 November
Bowood plans Halloween adventures for half-term
Bowood's half-term programme includes a pumpkin trail, spooky arts and crafts and selected falconry displays alongside the adventure playground. Check the Halloween programme and admission information before visiting.
What's On
Saturday 3 October
Repair café and free cycle checks in Chippenham, 10am-1pm. Take sewing, electrical and general repairs to The Cause Music and Arts Centre, where volunteers will also offer free small cycle checks and repairs. Entry is free; see the Chippenham Repair Café listing.
Free Calne festival family day, 11am-4pm. Calne Music & Arts Festival opens its public programme at Marden House with music and drama workshops, an art treasure hunt, live music, Claire's Circus, Calne Silver Band and crafts. Children must be accompanied, and refreshments are available to buy; see the festival programme.
Charity race night at Lansdowne Hall, Doors 7pm; first race 7.30pm. Cheer on big-screen horse races and place small bets at this Derry Hill fundraiser for Springboard Chippenham. Tickets cost £8; check the race-night listing for booking information.
Sunday 4 October
Follow Pewsham's Best of British scarecrow trail, 10am-4pm. Work out the scarecrow characters around Pewsham, then head to King's Lodge School for a children's trail, games and refreshments. Check the Pewsham Scarecrow Trail listing before setting out.
The Curious Club meets in Derry Hill, 10.30am-12.30pm. This relaxed Sunday gathering at Lansdowne Hall is for adults who enjoy meeting people and exploring ideas through conversation, without lectures or experts. Tickets cost £8; see the Derry Hill gathering listing.
Cartref Chamber Collective plays in Calne, 3pm. The young chamber group performs music by Bruch, Mozart, Roberts, Brahms and D'Indy at Marden House, with tea included. Tickets cost £14, £11 for festival friends and £5 for under-18s; see the Calne festival programme.
Planning Watch
New home proposed beside North End: An application proposes a new home, parking and landscaping on land beside 2 North End in Calne, with new dropped kerbs. Read application PL/2026/05739.