01/11/2025

Deputy Mayor Update: October 2025 - Policy, Priestley250, and Play

While still hectic with meetings, it has been a quiet month with regard to civic events, which has given me time to begin conversations regarding IT-related policies and take part in drafting policies that will come to Council in the near future.

Sue Peskett describing the community quilt project.

Priestley250 Community Quilt
A standout moment of the month was introducing Sue Peskett before her inspiring presentation on the Priestley250 community quilt—a stunning testament to intergenerational collaboration. Crafted by more than 100 community members, the quilt beautifully weaves together stories, ages (from 11 to 91), and artistry from across Calne.

In support of Priestley250, I’ve gathered the project’s highlights on a dedicated page at the Calne Heritage Centre website. It includes reflections, resources, and a commemorative brochure that captures the heart of this community-led celebration.

You can visit the page and download the brochure here:



Ninja Trail
In exciting news, the Council achieved the necessary planning permission to enable the construction of the ninja trail that I originally suggested back in April 2025.


This was in reaction to the devastating response and lack of support from the water company regarding the splash pad that was desperately wanted by the community. The idea was received well at the Outdoor Spaces Working Group, which I have chaired since 2021 and progressed relatively quickly with a couple of different design concepts considered before we went to tender and the subsequent processes involved.

Thanks and much appreciation goes to the councillors, past and present, who supported the vision for a ‘destination’ play area in Calne, and who dedicated long hours in meetings to help shape the design, along with the staff and officers that worked tirelessly behind the scenes to bring this project to the point of construction. It will be exciting to see the development of this play area as it progresses through construction to opening.