Upcoming Book: Calne Curiosities

For the last couple of years, I've been working on a new book: Calne Curiosities.

Here is a draft of the cover and synopsis:

Welcome, curious reader, to a journey through the hidden corners and perplexing tales of Calne. This book invites you to explore the lesser-known incidents, remarkable lives, and enigmatic events that lie beneath the familiar surface of our town’s history.

Prepare to delve into mysteries and unravel historical puzzles: deadly dramas, scandalous trials, and legends that still echo through local folklore.

From the fatal brew in Poison in the Pot to the unexpected twist in Beyond the Arsenic, each story reveals the fragile line between fact and speculation.

You’ll meet controversial figures like Dr Pownall: The Mayor that Murdered, and revisit the haunting legacy of The Morgan’s Hill Hanging.

Tales of deception and illusion unfold in The Heiress Who Never Was, while community resilience shines through in The Flooding of Mannings Hill and the curious Dart in the Tower.

Yet this collection is more than drama and intrigue: it’s a celebration of Calne’s character. Discover the lives of those connected to Calne’s story: The King of the Gypsies, Australia’s First Postmaster, and Thomas Large Henly, whose entrepreneurial spirit rose and fell with the tides of fortune.

We’ll even journey back to Calne and St. Dunstan, where faith and power converged in Anglo-Saxon England.

Though these stories only scratch the surface of Calne’s rich heritage, they offer a glimpse into its enduring spirit—woven from resilience, eccentricity, and the quiet determination of its people. Whether you’re a lifelong resident or a

curious newcomer, this book invites you to see Calne anew, through the lens of its most captivating curiosities.

So settle in, open your mind to the unexpected, and prepare to be surprised by the local legends and true tales that continue to shape Calne’s legacy.

Deputy Mayor Update: August 2025 - Local VJ Day Commemorations, New Mural, and Chain of Office Repair

August is usually a quieter month for councillors, with only the Planning, Licensing and Highways Consultative Committee meeting. However, this year marked a solemn exception with events commemorating the 80th anniversary of Victory over Japan.

VJ Day Events

Councillors and staff assembling for the national two-minutes of silence
to honour the 80th anniversary of VJ Day.

At 12pm on 15 August, I led a two-minute silence outside Town Hall, joined by fellow councillors and council staff. Beforehand, I shared these words:

“On this VJ Day, we pause to remember those who endured unimaginable hardship in the final chapter of World War II, and we honour their resilience and sacrifice.
May our work as councillors reflect the same spirit of service and dedication to a better future for our community.”

Later that afternoon, I attended a service at St. Mary’s Church, led by Craig Manley, Padre of the RAF Association Calne. I was honoured to lay a wreath alongside the wreath of the Calne Branch of the Royal British Legion, with thanks to Chair Janet Alexander for supplying it.

VJ Day Calne Church Service filmed by church warden, Jonathan Billings can be watched in the video below:

My sincere gratitude to the Calne RBL, Padre Craig Manley, the St. Mary’s wardens, and all who gave their time to mark this important day.

While at St. Mary’s, I was invited by the Calne RAF Association to represent our town at the VJ Day service at Yatesbury the following day. It was a privilege to attend this moving event, which underscored the deep ties between Calne and its wartime legacy.

Standard bearers at Yatesbury.

Just 19 years old, 'Jim' was among the youngest
in this graveyard to fall during the
Second World War.

RAF Yatesbury played a vital role in both World Wars, with Calne offering support through housing, services, and social connection. The commemoration reflected shared sacrifice and enduring respect. Notably, German POWs from Yatesbury contributed to Calne’s post-war recovery, helping build roads and drainage for the Abberd estate—leaving a lasting imprint on our town’s infrastructure and history.

I took the opportunity to commemorate the sacrifice of so many by placing a remembrance cross in the churchyard of All Saints.

The service, again led by Padre Manley, was attended by members of the RAF Yatesbury Association and Calne RAFA. Refreshments were kindly provided at the Wiltshire Bee Centre, formerly the Malcolm Club. Thank you to all involved.

Events such as these happened all over the country and acknowledged the immense human cost of the war in the Far East, where over 90,000 British troops were casualties — including 30,000 who died and 37,500 held as prisoners of war. I found it humbling to be part of a national collective act of gratitude, remembrance, and reconciliation.

New Mural

As a long-time supporter of the Calne Clean Up Crew murals, I was delighted to be invited by Green Square Accord to share a quote from me for their latest artwork, '𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙣𝙤 𝙥𝙡𝙖𝙘𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙞𝙣 𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙧𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙨'.

You can read my thoughts within the news article from Green Square Accord: https://greensquareaccord.co.uk/news/community/weve-awarded-2-000-to-calne-clean-up-crew-in-wiltshire

Explore all of Calne’s public art via this interactive map:
https://www.calneheritageandamenities.org.uk/p/calne-public-art-trail.html

Huge thanks to Calne Clean Up Crew and their volunteers for keeping our town clean and cheerful.

Chain of Office Repair

The Deputy Mayor badge for Calne was presented to the council by T.W. Robinson on the completion of the demolition of the C&T Harris factory in May 1986.

T.W. Robinson being the company that performed the demolition of these buildings, as seen on the final image of the crane.

Initially, this was worn with a blue ribbon. The chain seen in use today was donated to Calne Town Council by 2004 Calne Mayor Carol O' Gorman.

As quoted at the time, O' Gorman stated: "We should be a professional organisation with professional standards at all times. The quality of the deputy mayor's ribbon does Calne's image a great disservice."

Over time, the adhesive securing the town pendant had deteriorated, causing the front to come loose. I extend heartfelt thanks to Gary at G & S Jewellers who generously repaired the pendant for the town at no cost.

Gary visits Eco Creations, which stock a vast array of sustainable products, at Wood Street on Thursdays.