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.

Deputy Mayor Update: April - 11 May 2026 - Celebrating Our Community, Looking to the Future

During April, I undertook a number of background tasks as we moved through the transition for several posts at the Town Council and the run‑up to Mayor Making.

It is with sincere thanks for their service and warmest wishes for the future that we say goodbye to Alison Robinson, our Director of Council Services, and Dan Martin, our Beversbrook Sports and Facilities Manager.

With the advertisement now live for the Director of Council Services role, we are pleased to confirm the internal promotion of Callum Barrett as Sports and Leisure Facilities Manager. Supporting Callum will be James Cox and Emma Garnett, who have been appointed as Sports and Leisure Facilities Assistants.

We also welcome Romilly Townend as our new Communications Officer.

Eningen to Calne Twinning Visit

On 8 May, we welcomed a delegation from our German twin town, Eningen. This visit was Calne‑focused and showcased many of our local places and spaces, including Marden Vale Academy, the new ninja play area at the Recreation Ground, a tour of the Calne Men’s Shed, and an introductory session at Calne Bowls Club. The programme also included visits to Bowood, Kingsbury Green Academy, Calne Heritage Centre, and the Atwell Wilson Motor Museum.

A visit to Calne Heritage Centre, hosted by Sue Boddington.

Presentation of art print to Eningen’s Mayor, Bürgermeister Eric Sindek

It was lovely to hear from one of our long‑standing twinners that he was experiencing places in Calne he had never seen before.

At Mayor Making, I was very pleased to present a framed art print by Sonia Hill to Eningen’s Mayor, Bürgermeister Eric Sindek, along with individual keepsake prints for Eric and for the members of the delegation: Ute and Rolf, and Lucia and Klaus. It was a small token of our thanks for the friendship between our two towns and for the time we’ve shared together here in Calne.

My thanks go to Jon Fisher, Rob Mercer, and Cllr Ian Thorn for doing the heavy lifting with this visit. Your time and generosity were appreciated by all.

Mayor Making

Mayor Making 2026. L-R:
Town Crier, Mark Wylie - Deputy Town Mayor, Cllr Declan Boore - Town Mayor, Cllr Tim Havenith - Mace Bearer, Kevin O'Daly

It was during Mayor Making that I had the honour of being elected as Calne Town Mayor for 2026–2027.

It has been an honour to represent our town as Deputy Mayor of Calne over the past year. The role has given me the privilege of meeting so many dedicated residents, volunteers, and community groups whose work strengthens the fabric of our town. As I look ahead to the coming year, I will continue to shine a light on the organisations, projects, and people who give so much to Calne, ensuring their contributions are recognised and celebrated.

I welcome Cllr Declan Boore as my Deputy Town Mayor and thank Cllr Ian Thorn for his dedicated service during his term as Calne Town Mayor.

Many thanks to all that attended and to the wonderful council staff that managed the event. A special thank you to Mark Wylie and Kevin O'Daly for the continued service to the town.

Town Mayor's Appeal

During this year, my Mayor’s charities will be Calne Heritage Centre and Calne Men’s Shed: two organisations that represent the very best of our town.

The Calne Heritage Centre preserves our shared story and provides a welcoming space for the community to come together for events and exhibitions.

The Calne Men’s Shed strengthens the wellbeing, skills, and friendships that hold our community together. They may serve different needs, but they are united by something powerful: both are run entirely by volunteers, and both exist because the people of Calne care deeply about their community.

Please consider supporting these organisations with me by donating to or sharing this fundraiser:

Fundraiser by Calne Town Council - Mayors Appeal : Support the Annual Town Mayors Appeal