Four village projects compete for £5,000

Published Thursday 15 October 2026

See the proposed split of village grants, Lower Compton concerns and five outings for the weekend.

Top Updates

Four local groups recommended for £5,000 grant pot

Four bids total £7,600 against Derry Hill and Studley Parish Council’s £5,000 grant budget. The finance committee proposes £950 for the youth club, £371 for one first-aid course, £650 for a canal-project pump and £3,029 for Lansdowne Hall’s front door. Comparing the requests with the recommended awards, the whole £2,600 shortfall falls on the hall and St John Ambulance; the proposed split would leave no budget for later bids. These are recommendations in the 12 October council papers, not confirmed awards.

Lower Compton report challenges replacement plans

A report for Derry Hill and Studley Parish Council challenges plans to replace Lower Compton recycling centre with a facility near Royal Wootton Bassett. It estimates that even using Melksham instead would add 3.7 miles to a journey from Derry Hill — 72.5% farther. The 12 October report recommends seeking cost, carbon and capacity evidence from Wiltshire Council. It describes Lower Compton’s extension as one year plus two optional years; that does not guarantee all three years of operation.

Dates For Your Diary

Thursday 22 October-Sunday 1 November

Bowood's Halloween trail returns for half-term

Bowood’s half-term pumpkin trail runs through the Arboretum from 22 October to 1 November, with an edible treat included in a House & Gardens day ticket. Arts and crafts run noon–3pm from 24 October. Falconry displays are at 11.30am, 1pm and 3pm on 25 and 28 October and 1 November. The trail can be muddy: boots or wellies are advised. See the full Halloween programme and tickets.

Friday 6 November

Calne fireworks night returns to Beversbrook

Calne Town Council’s bonfire and fireworks night returns to Beversbrook Sports and Community Facility. Gates open at 5.30pm, the bonfire is due at 6.30pm and fireworks at about 7pm. Advance tickets cost £10 for ages 17+; see the event announcement for children’s tickets and transport. There is no public parking at Beversbrook itself.

What's On

Friday 16 October

Tour Bowood's historic parkland and arboretum, Arrive 10am; tour 10.30am–noon. Explore Bowood’s designed landscape and autumn trees on a 90-minute guided walk, then visit the House, Gardens and Pleasure Grounds. Tickets cost £24.45 for adults or £21.85 for ages 60+; advance booking is required. Meet at Admissions at 10am. There is limited seating, with gravel paths and steps on the route.

Rock'in the Ruze raises money for MND, 6.30-11pm. A Bottle of Dog, Corinthian Casuals, Nick Taylor and the Lowdown, and Band on the Side play a charity night for the Motor Neurone Disease Association at The Ruze, 7 Union Road, Chippenham. Tickets cost £7; see the Rock’in the Ruze listing.

Wildlife cameraman talks at Sheldon School, Chippenham, 7.30pm. Gavin Thurston shares stories from four decades filming wildlife, followed by questions, in the Main Hall at Sheldon School, Hardenhuish Lane, Chippenham. Doors open at 7pm for the 7.30pm talk. Tickets cost £10; book with organiser Springboard. Refreshments and signed books are available to buy by card.

Saturday 17 October

Free autumn fair at St Peter’s, Chippenham, 11am-1pm. The free fair at St Peter's Church, Lords Mead, Chippenham, has toys, books, cakes, tombola, a raffle and hot-dog refreshments — plus a weather-dependent chance to soak the vicar. Check the autumn fair listing.

Sunday 18 October

Free guided cycle ride around Chippenham, 10am-12pm. This free guided ride starts at Bewley House, Dallas Road, Chippenham, and explores quieter streets and off-road links through Rowden Park. It finishes at Monkton Park with refreshments; you make your own way back to the start. Beginners and returning cyclists are welcome. Under-18s must bring a responsible adult. See the route and joining information.