Calne Town Mayor Update: June 2026 - A Look Back at June

Welcome to my mayoral update for July, looking back at a busy and productive month of June across Calne. It has been a privilege to represent our community at various events, civic ceremonies, and crucial council meetings. Below is a look at what has been happening in our town.

Youth Sport, Community Groups, and Pride

The month began with a focus on local youth and community groups. On 2nd June, I attended a website update meeting with Mark and Romilly, followed by the Calne Lions general meeting at Beversbrook to learn about their ongoing community projects. I attended the Wiltshire Flag Raising ceremony on 5th June.

With some of the many volunteers that make Calne Town Youth FC a success.

The weekend of 6th and 7th June was active. I spent time with the Calne Town Youth Football Club at their tournament, presenting medals and trophies to the young players. That same weekend, I sent a twinning letter to the Caln Township Board of Commissioners to mark the joint celebration of America250, and attended the 200th junior parkrun event. As a regular volunteer at parkrun, it was a pleasure to support the milestone event and hand out some well-earned Haribo to the young runners. I was also pleased to present a Mayor's Certificate of Recognition to the parkrun team to mark the milestone and thank them for their ongoing contribution to the community.

Myself and fellow councillors at Calne Pride 2026.

On 6th June, I led the Calne Pride March alongside my consort and children. While the weather was wet, the atmosphere remained positive as we recognised the wonderful diversity of our town. I was joined by the Deputy Town Mayor, Cllr Declan Boore, as well as Councillors King, Sankey, and Stevens. To support their fundraising, I supplied the group with Progress Pride flag pin badges.

To round off the youth football events, I attended the Calne Town Youth Football Club presentation evening on 12th June to hand out trophies to the cup-winning teams and mini kickers.

Council Business and Strategic Decisions

Behind the scenes, a significant amount of council business was progressed. On 10th and 11th June, I chaired the interview panels for Stage 1 and Stage 2 of the Director of Council Services recruitment, followed by a Personnel Sub-Committee meeting to finalise our recommendation. On 12th June, I also held a strategic economic plan exploratory meeting with project manager, Helen Bojaniewska.

At the Full Council meeting on 15th June, several decisions were reached. We formally appointed Sally Thurston as our new Director of Council Services, and I signed the formal job offer on 19th June. We also approved and signed the Annual Governance and Accountability Return (AGAR) on behalf of the council, and presented a Past Mayor pin to Roy Golding to thank him for his service.

For our high street, we signed a funding agreement on 15th June to secure free parking in the Church Street car park, ensuring continued access for residents.

Historic Milestones and Armed Forces Day

The latter half of the month brought a focus on history, community gratitude, and
international friendship. On 18th June, I attended the REME Beating Retreat event.

On 19th June, we marked our transatlantic ties with a Pennsylvania Flag Raising and Declaration Reading at the Town Gardens, noting the 250th anniversary of American Independence alongside our twinned community in Caln Township. I prepared a formal declaration that was officially ratified by Full Council, and our Town Crier, Mark Wylie, provided the proclamation. To coincide with this, Sue Boddington at the Calne Heritage Centre put together an exhibition which runs until 25th July, so please do pop in to see it.

@calnepastandpresent Yesterday I delivered the declaration of friendship to our twin town, Caln Township, to coincide with their weekend of America250 celebrations. Directly afterwards, the Pennsylvania State flag was raised to fly with the Calne Town flag. #friendship #international #america250 #flag ♬ Fading Windowpanes - Twin Cycles

On 22nd June, I stood with Janet Alexander, the Chair of the Calne Royal British Legion, to raise the flag for Armed Forces Day. This duty serves as a visible thank you from Calne to our Armed Forces network. We have deep military connections here, and it is notable how many personnel from the REME in Lyneham live in Calne, settling down with their families and becoming a part of our community.

Later that evening, Full Council met to discuss the Twinning Visit Report and the Phelps Parade Project regarding Towns Funding. 

With some of the Priestley250 committee

23rd June, marked the Priestley250 celebrations, where I gave a speech at the unveiling of the new Joseph Priestley Memorial, celebrating Calne's link to the discovery of oxygen. To mark this historic local milestone, I also presented a Mayor's Certificate of Recognition to the Priestley250 team for their work. 

I wrapped up the day by attending the Calne Men’s Shed AGM and seeing the transformation of the shed, which includes an accessible toilet, renovated recreation area, and a sliding patio door to bring in much needed light into the building.

Community Support and Fundraiser Launch

On 27th June, following the cancellation of Calneval due to the weather, the LoveCalne market went ahead. I spent time there in both the morning and afternoon to hear your views and support our local stallholders. On a more solemn note that day, I laid flowers at the Castlefields Bench during a memorial for Mackenzie Scobie.

The afternoon of the 27th also took me to St Mary’s Church for the Teddy Bear Parachute event, which saw nearly 90 bears take part. This served as the backdrop to launch our Name the Bear Fundraiser, which will run throughout my mayoral year to support the Calne Heritage Centre and the Calne Men's Shed.

How to join the fundraiser: For £2 you can choose a name for the ‘Mayor Bear’ from 200 options for a chance to win him. Names can be bought at the Heritage Centre, online via PayPal by emailing me at cllrhavenith@cllr.calne.gov.uk, or at the Men’s Shed town stalls. The winning name will be drawn on Thursday 15 April 2027 at Bank House.

Finally, on 30th June, I met with Sally Thurston on her first day as our new Director of Council Services, officially welcoming her to the team as we work on the year ahead.

Thank you all for your continued support and community engagement throughout June.

Place names of Calne: Dixon Way

Dixon Way

Dixon Way is a 1950s development by the Calne borough council and named for 4 time Calne mayor, Bernard Ivan Dixon. The street is made up of semi-detached housing with pebble dash and render to create an interesting effect.

Bernard Ivan Dixon, who had declined the honour of major previously, then became Calne mayor four consecutive times, elected between 1938 and 1941. By 1938, when he was unanimously elected as mayor, Cllr Dixon had been a member of the council for 19 years, along with work for the YMCA as well as the Band of Hope and was known for his good work as chairman of the Housing Committee[1].

Outside of council, Alderman Dixon had three sons, who were all in the RAF and was an outfitter at Dixon and Sons, a firm that was established by his father, W. C. Dixon.


References:
[1] 'Calne, New Mayor Takes Office'  Wiltshire Times and Trowbridge Advertiser, Saturday 12 November 1938 [ONLINE] Available at:  https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0001557/19381112/118/0007 [Accessed on 15 October 2019]

Place names of Calne: Newcroft Road, Newcroft Close

Newcroft Road and Newcroft Close are part of a 1950s development built on the northern extent of what was Newcroft Farm. The housing is primarily terraced and on the Lickhill Road end, a set of terraces are run as businesses, with the longest running being the Dolphin Fish Bar.

Newcroft Road

The farm was built in the late 1800s with around 90 acres and used for dairy farming[1]. While many of the fields in this area were called New Croft in the 1840s, the field that Newcroft Road and Close was actually called Ridge Mead and may refer to a long hill or ridge, alternatively it may refer to a strip in a common fiel.

Shops at Newcroft Road.

The major development in the 1950s and 1960s was achieved by the borough council purchasing Newcroft Farm in two lots from C & T Harris, who had aquired the farm in 1918 from the marquess of Crewe.



References:
[1] British-history.ac.uk. (2019). Calne: Calne outside the town | British History Online. [online] Available at: https://www.british-history.ac.uk/vch/wilts/vol17/pp51-64 [Accessed 15 Oct. 2019].

Calne Town Mayor Update: May 2026 - Community, Celebration and Civic Pride

At the recent Mayor Making, I was honoured to be elected as the new Mayor of Calne. My thanks go to Cllr Fisher for nominating me and to Cllr Percy for seconding the proposal. I am genuinely grateful to my fellow councillors for their trust and support, and to the residents of Calne for the confidence they continue to place in us as a council. It is a privilege to serve our town, and I will approach the year ahead with a calm, steady focus on community and practical progress.

With that in mind, it’s been another busy and uplifting few weeks in Calne, with so many moments that show exactly what makes our town such a special place.

 

Rotary Classic Car and Bike Run

The Rotary’s Annual Classic Car and Bike Run at the Calne Community Campus was a fantastic success, with nearly 100 classic cars and motorbikes — including one entrant who travelled all the way from Guernsey.

Thanks to the support of local businesses, the Calne Lions, and the Marden Belles WI, the event raised just under £4,500 for The RISE Trust and local Rotary charities. Over the years, this run has now raised more than £34,000 since it began in 2016. A huge thank you to The Rotary Club of Chippenham for having me.

 

Calne Lions Duck Race

I had the pleasure of judging the best dressed ducks at this year’s Calne Lions Duck Race. The imagination and care that went into every entry were wonderful to see. My children certainly had their own favourites, but I chose the designs that stood out to me on the day — and every entrant should feel proud of what they created.

What I love most about this event is how the Lions turn a simple race into a whole‑town celebration. It brings families, schools, businesses and community groups together, filling the town with a brilliant buzz. My thanks go to the Calne Lions for organising such a joyful event and for their continued dedication to our town.

Congratulations to the winners and runners‑up:

Best Dressed Duckling
🥇 Cherhill CE Primary School
🥈 Priestley Primary School

Best Dressed Duck
🥇 Calne Crochet & Needlecraft Club
🥈 Heddington Amateur Dramatic Society

Thank you to everyone who entered a duck or came along to cheer them on.

 

Local Groups Supporting Local Groups

I was pleased to help facilitate the donation of a petrol strimmer from Castlefields CARP to a very appreciative River Warriors Calne. A simple act, but one that helps keep our town looking beautiful. Thank you to everyone involved.

 

Past Mayor’s Badge Presentation

I recently had the honour of presenting a Past Mayor’s Badge to Miriam Trotman, recognising the commitment and contribution that Tony Trotman made during his final term as Town Mayor in 2022–2023, before his sad passing in November 2023.

At this year’s Mayor Making, we reinstated the tradition of the Past Mayor’s Badge — a simple and dignified way to acknowledge the service of those who have carried the role before us. I was pleased to present badges to:

• Robert MacNaughton
• Jon Fisher
• Cllr Ian Thorn

It was especially meaningful to recognise Tony’s service. I spent a great deal of time with him, particularly during our shared shifts at Calne Heritage Centre. He was the first person to suggest I should stand as a councillor — something I didn’t see in myself at the time, and something I remain deeply grateful for. His decades of service and leadership have left a lasting legacy on our town.

My thanks to everyone who supports and upholds our civic traditions, and to all who continue to give their time and energy to Calne.

Calne Methodist Church 150th Anniversary Service

It was an honour to attend the Calne Methodist Church’s 150th anniversary service. The celebration was truly beautiful, and the vibrant sense of community within the church was evident throughout the afternoon. Milestones like this remind us how deeply rooted our local institutions are in the life of the town, and how much they contribute to Calne’s shared story.

The service, expertly led by Reverend Craig Manley and his team, included the blessing of a specially commissioned anniversary banner, a thoughtful drama performed by the Silver Street Players, and a closing piece of music written and played by Gerald Hird EDOA titled We Stand on Holy Ground. The choir was one of the finest I’ve heard, and the service concluded with an exceptional buffet that brought everyone together in true Methodist hospitality.

 

Emergency Map Update

I’ve updated the community map to include the three Emergency Contact Hubs, now listed alongside the AEDs and bleed kits.

Newly added Emergency Contact Hubs:
• Beversbrook Sports and Community Facility
• Calne Community Campus
• Calne Town Hall

Bleed kits have also been added at:
• Calne Town Hall
• Bremhill View Clubhouse
• Beversbrook Sports & Community Facility
• Phelps Parade
• The Recreation Ground

You can explore the full interactive map here:
🔗 https://bit.ly/CalneEmergencyMap
Download the kit finder graphic:
🔗 https://bit.ly/CalneAEDs

Knowing where these resources are could make all the difference in an emergency.

 

Calne Fairtrade AGM

It was a pleasure to attend the Calne Community Area Fairtrade Group’s AGM and look back on a year of impressive community action. Highlights included the visit from Kenyan Fairtrade tea farmer Patrick Kaberia Muthaura, the brilliant Fairtrade float at the Calneval, and the group’s ongoing presence across the town.

After nine years of dedicated leadership, Stan Woods is stepping down as Chairman — though happily he will remain part of the group. To ensure their achievements are preserved for future generations, I will be adding the full presentation to the Calne Heritage Centre archives.

If you’d like to support global farmers and ethical shopping, the group can be reached at: chairman@calnefairtrade.org.uk

 

Town Mayor’s Appeal

This year, my Mayor’s charities are Calne Heritage Centre and Calne Men’s Shed - two volunteer‑led organisations that reflect the very best of our town.

The Heritage Centre preserves our shared story and provides a welcoming space for community events.
The Men’s Shed strengthens wellbeing, skills and friendships.

Both exist because the people of Calne care deeply about their community.

If you’re able, please consider supporting the Mayor’s Appeal by donating or sharing the fundraiser:
🔗 Support the Annual Town Mayor’s Appeal

Place names of Calne: 1950s and 1960s Development

The major development in the 1950s and 1960s was achieved by the borough council purchasing Newcroft Farm in two lots from C & T Harris, who had acquired the farm in 1918 from the marquess of Crewe.

William Street looking towards Porte Marsh Road

In 1954 the borough council purchased 21 acres and continued their development north of Bryans Close Road. This first extension included around 230 houses in the roads that became Bishop Road, Dixon Way, Stokes Croft, and The Wynd, and extended up towards Ridgemead and the aptly named Newcroft Road. This stages of development were completed by 1960.

Hungerford Road

The 1960s period of development began after the borough council purchased the remaining 38 acres of Newcroft farm. This released land along the west side of Oxford Road, on which another 230 houses were built along with two schools and the industrial estate at Porte Marsh Road. The streets developed include Hungerford Road and Rochdale Road, which connected Bryans Close Road all the way up to Newcroft Road. All the roads off this were also built, including Warren Crescent, Luckett Way, Duncan Street, Dunnet Close, Baydon Grove, Swaddon Street, and William Street etc.

Dunnet Close, Baydon Grove, Swaddon Street, were built for letting by the South West Co-operative Housing Association. Part of Hungerford Road, Rochdale Avenue, Luckett Way and William Street was built by Permanent Home Builders, the Co-operative organisation involved with houses for sale[2].
References:
British-history.ac.uk. (2019). Calne: The town in the 20th century | British History Online. [online] Available at: https://www.british-history.ac.uk/vch/wilts/vol17/pp44-51 [Accessed 15 Oct. 2019].
[2] John, W., 1996. At Local Level. 1st ed. Chippenham: Antony Rowe Ltd.