WITH NEW PLANNING RULES WHAT CAN MALMESBURY EXPECT? …To the Autumn Edition of the Malmesbury So, We Hope You’Ll Now Read the Rest of the Jackdaw

Home , Minety

WITH NEW PLANNING RULES WHAT CAN MALMESBURY EXPECT? …to the Autumn edition of The Malmesbury So, we hope you’ll now read the rest of the Jackdaw. magazine before you put it into the recycling bin. May we be the among first to wish you a Very ***** We hope everyone has enjoyed the summer as far Christmas and a ***** New Year. Please insert any as possible and you’re not too down about the adjective you feel appropriate depending on Boris’s prospect of the dark nights. latest pronouncement. First, an apology to all who have tried unsuccessfully Best wishes, to contact us by email. We had a problem which prevented some messages from reaching us. We Richard, Raphe and Andy now have new email addresses – see “Contact” The Malmesbury Jackdaw Team below. Please use these for all future communication. IN REMEMBRANCE It’s obviously been a strange year with many of the At this time of year, we’d like to pay our respects to things we’d normally report on not happening, but all those who fought and died in the First and we hope you enjoy what we’ve compiled. In Second World Wars to preserve the freedom we still particular, we’re really pleased to be able to include enjoy. In particular, are thoughts are with those a message from Malmsbury (no “e”) in Victoria, who left Malmesbury to fight and didn’t come Australia which bears out that it’s not just us going home. May they rest in peace. through this weird experience. Another article asks whether our town needs a new identity to help it emerge from any coronavirus initiated economic gloom. The picture on the front cover is our suggestion- Malmesvegas. As ever, thank you to our advertisers, deliverers and contributors – there’s no way we could do this without you. If you’d like to advertise, deliver or send us an article or photo we’d love to hear from you. We’re especially keen to hear from our younger residents with your thoughts on Malmesbury and any activities you’ve been involved in for the benefit of others– with your parent or guardian’s permission, you could feature in the next edition. For this edition the word search will be on the website.

We’re always looking for stories to include so if you’re aware of something interesting or important relating to Malmesbury then please check out the editorial policy on our website (www.themalmesburyjackdaw.co.uk) and submit an article. If you would like to discuss any ideas you might have first then drop our editor an -e mail. To contribute contact Andy at [email protected] To place an advert contact Raphe at [email protected] For the website or distribution contact Richard at [email protected] Local Issues

Following on from our recent article, here’s an An application has been made to build a Gabion update on the current planning situation in Wall (a retaining wall made of wire cages filled with Malmesbury. rock), infilling, tree planting and change of use from agricultural land to family leisure woodland on the Filands Development land between Waitrose and Baskerville. As stated in the last edition, the Could this lead to further approval to build an extra 71 development of the site in the homes on Filands arose primarily future? Who knows? Our as a result of Wiltshire Council’s pictures, whilst a bit extreme, failure to maintain a 5-year show what could happen. supply of land for housing. In addition, Bloor Homes has Aldi applied to be released from the The sticking point on this obligation to provide a new Before application seems to have been primary school on Filands which the Section 106 agreement, was one of the conditions set made between the developers within the planning appeal and the planning authority decision for the first phase of (Wiltshire Council). A Section 106 building on the site. It seems that is a legal agreement between an discussions between Bloor applicant seeking planning Homes and Wiltshire Council permission and the planning regarding the transfer of land to After authority and can confer build the new primary school obligations on the developer to have not progressed, resulting in Bloor applying to withdraw. Whilst it was always possible that this condition would not be enforced, we can only hope that Wiltshire Council “ups its game” when trying to satisfy the need for primary school places in Malmesbury which will be exacerbated by the addition of more family homes. Land at Park Road Again, Wiltshire Council’s lack of a 5-year plan for the supply of land for housing has enabled Hannick Homes to submit an outline planning application to build on land at Park Road. Leaflets distributed to homes in Malmesbury by Hannick Homes quote the following, “Wiltshire Council cannot currently demonstrate a 5-year housing land supply and the Malmesbury Neighbourhood Plan was made over 5 years ago (February 2015). In these circumstances the NPFF (National Planning Policy Framework) sets out presumption in favour of developments in sustainable locations“. This emphasizes the potential impact that indiscriminate planning applications could now have on our town. Land Adjacent to Waitrose Cont’d Snippet ease the impact of the proposed development on the local community and infrastructure. It’s now resolved, but there appears to be no provision in the agreement for a financial contribution from the developers to compensate forany impact on existing local businesses caused by the development. In that respect, the planning authority doesn’t seem to have thought much about the town when compiling the agreement. Before anyone says it, we know that the Aldi site is in a different parish to most of the businesses in Malmesbury. Before

Are we downhearted? Well, probably…a bit.

After

We’re not judging whether these applications and decisions are right or wrong, we just want to make residents aware of what’s driving a lot of the current activity around land development and where the responsibility lies. With the current level of planning approvals seemingly driven by Wiltshire’s housing supply situation and the government’s proposed changes to the planning regulations, could the scene below become the norm? The vision of Malmesbury High Street shown on our front cover may be a glimpse of the future. Keep smiling! Community

An update from David Grogan, Practice Manager times of COVID was deemed too great. This has recently been reviewed and relaxed nationally and When the pandemic hit, every UK practice was we’re now holding a weekly clinic to provide limited instructed to conduct consultations in a safe, access to patients needing the procedure, but the socially distanced format, i.e. via telephone or rules are tight and restrictive. It might be worth video. For the safety of the patient and the clinician, noting that NHS Wiltshire CCG does not fund this “face to face” and home visits could only be procedure, so many practices locally don’t provide considered if remote methods were insufficient, and the service at all. of course when clinically essential (e.g. a need for a doctor or nurse to physically examine the patient). We’re aware that getting through by phone has been more difficult recently. This is because, with For this approach to work, all appointment requests these newer ways of working, the number and are passed to a GP to assess via an initial phone call length of calls has increased significantly across the and, if the matter cannot be resolved at that time or whole day. We’ve now doubled the number of lines via a follow up call or using video/photographs, then from 15 to 30 which will make contacting us easier. a face to face appointment at the surgery will be To improve access further, it would be helpful if offered. Hundreds of patients are actually seen at patients with routine or general enquiries could the surgery every week. Currently, about 20% of GP avoid contacting us during the peak time of 8 a.m. consultations at MPCC are face to face. Nurses’ to 10 a.m., allowing more urgent calls to be appointments are slightly different as our reception prioritised. staff know which treatments/procedures can be booked in, but again, if advice can be given by We’re now well into the flu vaccinations season and phone, our nurses will do so. the uptake seems to be the highest ever! We’re still awaiting national guidance (and supplies) on This new approach has been adopted by staff and vaccinating the new patient groups being offered patients alike with more success than we could have the vaccine – especially 50 plus. As soon as we get hoped for. We’re constantly looking to improve our clarity, we’ll be calling these new groups in. Our service and are gradually reintroducing some of the sessions to date have been a great success with ‘old ways’ when it’s safe. There are several ‘new many patients who were apprehensive about ways’ of working that have gone well so we’ll keep coming to the surgery commenting on how efficient those, e.g. many working patients appreciate the and safe it was for them. The staff who’ve made option of a video consultation with their GP, them run so well really appreciate the many avoiding a trip to the surgery. compliments given to them and posted on Social A service that was halted was Ear Syringing as the Media …Thank You! risk to nursing staff performing the procedure in Local Sport

Gordon Williams continues his reflections on on tour stays on tour! Malmesbury’s recent past with a look at the short- Things were going well and it was decided to join up lived but fondly remembered rugby club. with the cricket club (hence the sign) as the squad As you drive down Tetbury Hill how many have had 41 players and wanted their own pitch at The spotted a sign that reads “Rugby and Cricket Clubs”? Worthies. It was offered for a generous rent by Mr Alas, the former no longer exists, but with the help Mike Weaver and the changing rooms were of ex-player and secretary Piers Lavan, allow me to upgraded by John Williams. The cricket club tell its story. benefited with bar takings (there’s a trend developing here – Editor) and supervision of the The club was established premises out of season. in 1995 when retired RAF personnel such as Steve The “Grand Pitch Opening” was on 1st November Mason met with like- 1997 against old friends Crowborough. Local MP, minded local sportsmen James Gray, blew the whistle, Vice-President David in The Smoking Dog and “Dai” Duckham (what a great international winger thought it would be a he was in his day) took the ceremonial kick off and it great idea to form a rugby was a superb celebration. team for those of, say, But all things must pass. The Union game went mature years (or those reluctant to train seriously or professional and eventually the club had to travel far to games). Hence the nickname of the club recognize that joining a league was inevitable, even was to be “The Dogs”. As Piers commented, “it was if it meant turning away from the founding availability not capability” and when there was principles of playing the game for fun and the competition for places, even for a stalwart founder member, it meant “Bill was kept on the bench”. From the start, there would be no joining a league and sensible fixtures could be arranged with teams such as Nationwide Building Society, HMP Erlestoke (presumably only at their ground) and local rivals Minety. A colourful shirt of orange, black and red was decided upon (although the design did change) and the pitch was at Corn Gastons School with training on Wednesday evenings, ”whether it was needed or not”. Then back to The Dog until season 1996/97 when the watering hole changed to The Rose & Crown. This may have been the time when the nickname changed to “The Flying Monks”. It appears Tim Bather was President and sponsor, as was the Dyson company which provided players and, even better, washed the kit. It helped them fully test their then secret new project; a washing machine. The shirts even came back ironed! A key player was Nigel Brookes who held many important roles in the club and had played the game to a good standard for Crowborough RFC in Sussex. The Dogs maintained a close affinity with this club, even joining them on tours to Bordeaux. What goes Cont’d Rugby Football Union to meet bills for cancelled games. camaraderie. Hugh Jones coached the team with enthusiasm and ability and the side had notable Malmesbury RFC was soon wound up and the final success in winning two promotions, but, as Piers word goes to Piers. “It ended gracefully, not owing puts it, “we went too high”. money to anyone, it had run its course”. Decline was inevitable as players departed. The So, besides the sign by the Fire Station, what is its Dyson factory switched production to Malaysia. legacy? The school received the post pads and rivals RAF Lyneham (another good source of talent) was Minety acquired the posts. And somewhere in the run down and players were posted away. The club south of the county a collector bought a shirt from benefited, however, from the regiments based at Andy Somers for charity - so the club lives on. Hullavington - especially the Fijian regiment. Now, “It was a great group of friends” and, while it lasted, they really know how to play “sunshine rugby” and the game and the town were the winners. contributed to perhaps the club’s finest moment– winning the Minety Sevens. With less volunteers to do the donkey work, difficulty in fielding a full side and some losses by big scores the demise of the club was, sadly, just a matter of time. The team had reachedth 4 in the league in December 2007 but things declined. Looking through President Alan Walker’s meticulous archive, I reckon their final game was in April 2008 when the match report reads “Malmesbury completed an otherwise woeful season in Dorset and Wilts Division 2 North with an exciting victory over Chippenham Thirds.” They won 22 - 17 with a replacement winger scoring the final try for the short lived-town side. There was still money in the bank though, but for how much longer with a drop in match fees and continual expenses? Pressure was coming from the

Malmesbury Rugby Club 1996 Community our days. A Naval friend told me: “It is healthy for the human mind and soul to set their eyes upon the Rev’d Oliver Ross talks about the importance of far horizon.” Standing on a hope, that is steadfast hope in uncertain times. and certain, gives a view of possibility’s horizon. Recently our Chancellor of the Exchequer has said As we enter Autumn in all its fullness with that we must not be bound by fear as we face up to remembrance of sacrifices passed, loved ones the crisis of these COVID times. And while I entirely journeying forth and the Advent of another agree with him, I think a more positive option is Christmas celebrating Jesus’ birth, let us all look up that we need to embrace hope - even in these and see our hope in Him; the Light of the World. times of uncertainty and, to be honest… gloom. It is May God’s blessing be upon us all in Malmesbury as easy to wave the critical finger when what is we weather this storm and journey to the reality of needed is a helping hand and a hope filled heart. our hopes. Hope is an intriguing word. Its roots go back to Snippet Anglo-Saxon times when “a hope” was a noun - rather than a verb. A hope is a rise of ground in the midst of marshes. It is said that Alfred retreated to the hopes of Athelney after his initial defeat by Guthrum and the Danes. A hope is somewhere that you can be secure against the raids of your enemies, who do not know their way through the marshes. A hope is a place where you can prosper and crops will grow well. A hope is a springboard for new actions and opportunities. After King Alfred retreated to the marshes of Athelney he rethought his approach, reassembled his forces and planned ahead for the freedom of the English people ...... as well as burning the cakes! Alfred’s grandson, Athelstan, achieved this dream and united Saxon England as a free and Christian land. The truth is always a little more complicated and less romantic, but nonetheless, we all need a hope to stand on so that we may face the difficulties of Local Issues

With our High Street facing the prospect of more now moved to Winchester and Chester. Perhaps empty premises (oh, those cuddly, people-friendly Malmesbury just wasn’t capable of thinking big banks) Elmer Pudd wonders enough for that sort of event. whether Malmesbury needs to Creating an identity is not work on its identity to attract without its perils. Bruton in businesses and income to the Somerset has become a thriving town. “gastrotown” on the back of arts In the last issue of The and crafts and an interesting Malmesbury Jackdaw there was influx of affluent celebrities a quote from a Daily Telegraph abandoning city life for “the journalist describing sticks”. It has become a mini- Malmesbury as a “Georgian London in the west country and weaving town”. We can debate the accuracy of that there is some discontent amongst the locals that it statement all day long, but one thing is for sure, it has lost its identity and has become “over-priced”. hardly portrays a modern image of our lovely town. Burnham Market in Norfolk has experienced something similar. It’s wise to manage what you Many small old towns in Britain have created a create if things aren’t to get out of hand. recognizable identity, examples include Hay on Wye (books), Ludlow (food) and Arundel (castle), but it’s So, if we need to, what is it about Malmesbury that difficult to attach a particular tag to Malmesbury. could be capitalized upon to excite interest in the So, as coronavirus continues to have an impact on town and create future prosperity? Or is it just that us all and we see empty premises on our High there are 6,000 people in and around the town Street, does Malmesbury need to revisit its identity (15,000 if you include a wider local catchment) who to give it a chance of future prosperity? need to be enticed to come to the High Street and use local shops and businesses more than they Locally, Nailsworth markets itself as very currently do…or will they all be heading off to Aldi? “Cotswoldy” and has its own English Football League club, Forest Green Rovers, although it would be interesting to learn who, other than the most diehard football fan, knows that. Tetbury trumpets its connections with the would-be king and has a plethora of antique shops. From my own experience, I feel that Tetbury’s town centre has been much busier than Malmesbury’s during the pandemic. Sure, we’ve got the Abbey and I suspect, if you ask anyone from outside, that would be the one thing they associate with Malmesbury unless they’ve read the label on their vacuum cleaner very closely or have a thing about escaped pigs. We’ve also got the Abbey Gardens and, pandemics permitting, WOMAD happens nearby, but do they and could they contribute consistently to the town’s identity and prosperity? Malmesbury received some national limelight a few years ago when, along with York, it hosted BBC History Magazine’s History Weekend, but this has History

At the beginning of lockdown in March, Sharon No- load came in and I thought, “Oh lan, Chair of Athelstan Museum Council, suggested dear me! All on my own!” You that a good way of maintaining contact with Muse- used to have to fill up the teapots and do the trays, um members would be to arrange Zoom talks. I you were really going, really hard work it was, but I contributed the first three, with the title“ High did enjoy it. It was tea, coffees. If we really worked Street Voices.” These talks attracted a total of over hard, Mrs Boggart would say to us, “You can either 120 “screens” and generated donations to Museum have a cup of Ovaltine or a cup of Horlicks!” That funds. Other titles in preparation are“ Cross Hayes was really funny. It was a treat I suppose!” Voices”, “Westport Voices”, and “Voices around the By the way, if anyone reading this remembers the Abbey”. These talks will also be available via Zoom dentist Marlene mentions, please get in touch to other organizations in return for donations. Other through The Jackdaw, as Mike Lewis is researching Museum talks are here: the history of Malmesbury dentists. www.athelstanmuseum.org.uk/events/ The other eating establishment was the Connoisseur Phelps’ Café and the Connoisseur Restaurant Restaurant, where Maureen Lovett (née Wicks) used In the High Street talks I was able to include memo- to work in the 1950’s: ries of two eating establishments I had never previ- “As you go over the bridge leaving Malmesbury, at ously heard of. One was Phelps’ Café, in the High the Silk Mills, on the ground floor there’s a brown Street approximately where the (closed) Barclays door right in the middle. That was the Connoisseur Bank is. At the time a butcher’s occupied the corner Restaurant. It was very high-class. And it was owned of St Dennis Lane, now a Chinese takeaway. Mar- Colonel and Mrs Dryden, and Mrs Dryden had been lene Aylward (née Jones) worked at Phelps’ in the an actress on the London stage. I was a silver service 1950’s: waitress. For lunch service we wore red and white “I lived in Sherston so I came in on the service bus check gingham dresses with a pretty little pinny into the Cross Hayes, and that is the back of Phelps’ thing, and at night we changed and we had to wear Café. If you went around to the front, you’ve got the black and white. That was quite fascinating, because butcher’s on the corner, and next door to that came we used to get all the well-known people of the day, a cake shop, and above the cake shop used to be a film stars come in. And I remember waiting on David dentist. Phelps’ Café was next, going right through Niven. Bless his heart. What an absolute gentleman. to the Cross Hayes. But we sold antiques as well. All He was the most charming man I think I’ve ever met. these coaches used to come in visiting, and there His manners were just sublime. And, of course, the were a lot of Americans actually in these coaches, thing I remember most was as they were leaving, and they would fill up the café straight away, and with the head waiter, Mr Owers, we were stood at you really did have to work hard. One day this bus the door to say goodbye to him and his wife, who Cont’d was Swedish I believe, he put out his hand to shake our hands, and there was a ten-shilling note! He did it so quietly and without anyone… Oh, I nearly died! Charm- ing. But you never felt as though it was anything but genu- ine. Any celebrity that lived in the area, they used to come for dinner or lunch. All the plush red and gold, the furniture, chairs. And my moth- er, bless her heart, Marlene Jones at Phelps’ Café she used to do all the laundry, which meant laundering dozens of white, pristine white they would be, starched and pressed, and she would be paid to do that. Bless her, she worked so hard.” Awards I am very proud to report that the Voices project has won a national Achievement Award from the British Association for Local History, for“ creating an exceptional oral history archive that has trans- formed understanding of local history for local people and visitors to Malmesbury.” The project has also been nominated for a regional award adminis- tered by the British Museum. Enlarged collection When the Museum re-opens, and thanks to the work of volunteer Peter Holland, the Voices section will be expanded to include around 250 recordings: all local stories in local voices. This will include all the recordings made with past employees of the Linolite factory, a selection of which are in the book “Linolite - The Inside Story”, available online from the Museum Shop at www.athelstanmuseum.org.uk Museum re-opening Athelstan Museum is entirely run by volunteers. Currently they are working on arrangements for re- opening as a COVID-compliant environment. Please consult the website for further details. Arts and Crafts Local Artist Spotlight In this edition of The Malmesbury Jackdaw we are featuring local artist Mary Dodd. Mary has a studio in Lea and has been painting for over 40 years. Mainly self-taught, she likes to paint local scenes, landscapes and pet portraits. In addition to exhibiting locally, she has had exhibitions in Cairo, Bahrain and Hong Kong. Like the other artists we’ve featured, Mary has had some unusual commissions. For one 40th birthday request she was asked to paint a scene from A Royal Night Out, featuring the two spotlights used in the film. The recipient of the painting had lovingly restored both. On another occasion, Mary painted a picture of her niece’s hamster, Sparky, as a gift, following Sparky’s death. Knowing her niece was a fan of bright colours and modern art, she incorporated both into the work. If you’d like to see more of Mary’s work, or get in touch with her, she can be found at www.portraits-pets-people.co.uk. Community Community

Malmesbury Area Community Trust is a charity A message from Julie established in 1992 which currently comprises 11 Exton. trustees, one of whom is the Clerk to the Trustees. Malmesbury and villages He is looking to stand down after some 16 years will light up for Christmas involvement. The charity’s main role is to provide on December 1st at 6 p.m. awards and grants to local individuals and After all we’ve been organisations. through with lockdowns To fill the role, we are looking to recruit perhaps a and gloomy news, we recently retired person with an interest in the local thought it would be good community. for everyone to put some lights up this year, to The job holder’s main responsibilities include brighten not only our lives but for others walking dealing with applications; managing all aspects of by. It can be as big or small as you like. In your front the charity whilst ensuring it is fully compliant with gardens, on the wall or in your windows. It may just Charity Commission regulations. bring a smile to someone and then it would all be The current clerk will be happy to provide full worthwhile. People will be able to print out the training for as long as is required. roads and areas taking part and maybe walk or The job holder should be conversant with most drive around and bring a little light into their lives. aspects of Microsoft technology. A lot of people suffer depression at this time of year and it could make a difference. Please do this The charity meets on four Monday evenings a year safely and, if need be, take advice from an currently via Zoom. electrician. Created and run by community for the An honorarium is payable. community. If you’re interested or require further information We’ve had a great response so far and, if anyone please contact the chair, Carole Soden, on 01666 else would like to join in, please let me know on 577210 or [email protected]. [email protected] or 01666 825658. A full job description is available on request. So far, we have: Abbey Row; Athelstan House; Athelstan Road; Avenue de Gien; Barley Close; Bonners Close; Burnivale; Elmer Close; Foxley Road; THINKING OF BOOKING A HOLIDAY? Gilmore Road; Independent travel business 100% financial protection Gloucester Street; Based in Malmesbury and available at times to suit you Gloucester Road; Access to 1000’s of suppliers Hobbes Close (lower); 24/7 duty office support Truly personal service Hullavington; Loiret HANNAH STANTON Crescent; Michael Travel Counsellor Pym’s Road; Niebull 01666 540033 Close; Oxford Street; [email protected] Parklands; Pool https://www.facebook.com/TCHannahStanton Gastons; Tetbury Hill; White Lion Park Snippet

The refurbished public toilets on Cross Hayes, by the statue, are now open and have been hailed as working well by the Town Council (Full Council Meeting minutes 22nd September). We wonder if the chap who couldn’t work out how to unlock the door and had to ring his wife to come and help him get out thinks that? Name withheld to protect the embarrassed. Just one question…are the loos free or not as the digital display on the entry doodah didn’t match the sign on the door when we visited. So, is it free or 10p to pee? Finally, to the confused reader who asked…the words under the coloured lights do not indicate an occupant’s progress inside the facility. Anyway, the word under the red light is “shut” and not what you thought it said.

Snippet Snippet

This should prove useful if (when) we’re still social distancing after 31st December. Thanks, Linzi. International Community

We’ve been in touch with the editors of The us with excitement from time to time! Malmsbury Mail in Victoria, Australia (no, it doesn’t We have a Farmers Market and a very active Town have an “e” in it) and are absolutely delighted that Hall Nea and Tom have sent us this report on their town committee. The and how they’re coping in these strange times. Malmsbury Photos by Nea Village Fayre is Gyorffy. another large Thank you to Andy family event, and his team for which also Farmers’ Market reaching out to our showcases Botanic Gardens little community local food and wine, and our community of artists during these sad and musicians. The Fayre attracts thousands of and difficult times.’ We ve been asked to share our visitors from around the state, every year. experiences of the COVID crisis with you. These days in Australia, there is a public appetite, The Malmsbury Mail is a small band of dedicated not yet recognized by our Federal politicians, for residents who volunteer to produce and distribute reconciliation and a treaty with our First Nations our community paper. One of the first effects of people. They have an extraordinarily rich and COVID was that we were put into a lockdown peaceful culture spanning back at least 80,000 years regime which meant that community meetings, and recently discovered middens have been carbon- events and just socializing were banned. Without dated back to 120,000 years ago, suggesting it might community activity we had few uplifting topics to be even longer. The First Australians are widely write about, so we put the paper into hibernation. acknowledged as the oldest living culture in the The community was saddened by this, but the good news is we hope to produce a Christmas issue as restrictions are eased and we become a community again. For those of you who don’t know about your antipodean name sake, a few short words. Malmsbury is a small rural village of about 800 people on the banks of the Coliban river in Central Victoria. The region is also known as the Goldfields Region, after the richest alluvial gold deposits in the world were found here in the 1850’s. Castlemaine, a town at the centre of the Gold Fields, is currently seeking World Heritage status because of its well- preserved gold fields. Malmsbury has a General Store and Post Office, which is the hub of the community. It also has a pub, pharmacist, famous bakery (which is a destination for people from our state capital Melbourne) and other shops and cafes. We have many buildings and structures made from bluestone mined in our district. These include the railway viaduct, the Town Hall, and the Station. There is a primary school with about 100 pupils, a Rural Fire Brigade and a Juvenile Justice Centre which provides world and, in July last year, the engineered fish Victoria, where we live, was the exception. Mistakes traps in the Budj Bim National Park about 3 hours’ in the management of infected or quarantined drive south-west of Malmsbury have been added to people in hotel accommodation caused a the World Heritage Register. coronavirus second wave with an explosion of infections and deaths. Victoria was isolated from the In the spirit of our search for reconciliation, we rest of the country. The Melbourne Metropolitan recognize the land we live on as the land of its area is just starting to come out of severe lock- traditional custodians, the Dja Dja Wrung people of down. the Kulin Nation. In rural and regional areas, we had a significant Returning then to easing of restrictions. We can now eat out at cafes the here and now and restaurants in limited numbers. We can meet and our battle outdoors with friends and neighbours in small with COVID-19. numbers. We can have some family visits, but only th Main Street On the 15 of from family in rural or regional areas. March 2020, the When the restrictions started, we were all busy whole of Australia went into COVID lockdown. setting up home offices and learning to use Zoom to People were excluded from their workplaces and have virtual meetings with friends and relatives and effectively confined to home except for such for work. We didn’t have to travel to work so we essential activities as shopping for food, seeking had more time on our hands to do other things (and medical treatment, etc. Public Halls and buildings perhaps not bother with what was worn from the were closed. People were isolated from friends and waist down?). Pilates, Yoga, Cooking. Art and even family and meetings were not allowed. Visitors French classes are popular on Zoom. could not come to your home. We exercise more and eat healthier meals and try to This lasted for weeks and then the country beat the have some sort of routine. first wave and slowly returned towards something approaching normal life. There were still restrictions As the weeks roll by life becomes a grind. The days on meetings; bars and restaurants were shut for in- blend together and who knows what day is. There is house dining and schools were closed. Eventually, in little differentiation between the workplace and the the rest of Australia those restrictions were eased. leisure spaces of our houses. We are grumpier and State borders were closed and are only just opening not so tolerant. up in a limited way. It became a ritual to watch the 11 a.m. report from the State Premier on the numbers of infections and deaths occurring in the previous 24 hours. The numbers ruled our lives, as we were constantly told the easing of restrictions depended on the “right numbers” being reached. As we write this, there is some hope that restrictions will be eased further in the very near future. We are told that normal life will return, but it will be a “coronavirus normal”. We shall wait and see. Our hearts and thoughts are with you all. Nea and Tom Gyorffy, Co- Editors, Malmsbury Mail. Local Issues

The Malmesbury Jackdaw tried to carry out a mini survey of the High Street to better understand what impact the current coronavirus restrictions and changes were having on trade. We were not inundated with replies which could mean many things. Tom at the Wild Food Company did, however, respond and we met up with him in late September. Tom’s says that things are clearly very unusual at the moment with the shop having a limit of two customers at a time, although they do try to be flexible for family groups or if the front of the shop is empty. Snippet He feels that, in the early days, the bollards in the High Street had an adverse impact on footfall but, as customers have got used to them, things have Congratulations yet again to Ben Thornbury. Not improved; although a return to on-street parking content with being the antidote to those who think would be beneficial. Malmesbury is their own personal rubbish bin, Ben Customers shopping habits have also changed. also set up ‘Malmesbury Coronavirus Advice and Before the changes were made there was Support’, which connects local volunteers to people considerable passing trade which has reduced. in need throughout the pandemic. In recognition of Customers are not doing daily shops any more, but this, Ben received a Points of Light award from the when they do visit the shop, they are buying and Prime Minister. This is an award that recognises spending more than previously. outstanding individual volunteers - people who are making a change in their community. Well done, Tom was quick to mention how pleased he was to Ben. We know you’re a computer wizard as well – see The Fabric Shack open and Knee’s re-open, any chance you can fix “Test and Trace”? providing some good news to balance any negative feeling about the current state of the High Street. Snippet In summary, whilst life remains very different, The Wild Food Company is very pleased to be able to trade and will continue to serve its customers with the same high-quality produce as ever.

We’re not sure what the next Dyson product will be, but, judging by the size of the boxes outside their premises, it’s going to be enormous. Local Events

Here’s an update on this year’s virtual carnival from rewarding. If you are keen to help and Linzi who sits on the Carnival Committee. join our Carnival committee for 2021 or have any questions, please get in touch with us at Despite all the limitations and problems created by [email protected] COVID-19, the people of Malmesbury and surrounding district were still able to enjoy Malmesbury Carnival needs YOU! Malmesbury’s Festival and Carnival (albeit virtually) throughout the month of August. The Carnival Committee was determined that the wonderful sense of continuity and community involvement that the Carnival brings to the town each year should not be Carnival Co-Chairs lost because of the pandemic, even though the technical side of running a virtual Carnival was a huge learning curve for many of us! Thankfully, we had some technical experts amongst us to drive the program along. Via Zoom, Facebook, You Tube and our own local digital radio station (Malmesbury Community Radio) Malmesbury folk were able to enjoy listening to, or participating in, almost 30 different events and activities, all from the safety of their own homes. Each of these events was free to join and, although everyone was encouraged to donate to the Carnival’s Charity Fund in support of local organizations, participation in Carnival was the main focus of our endeavors. Snippet As well as thanking everyone for their wonderful contributions to our virtual program, we want to let you know that Carnival will be able to make grants of up to £250 to local organizations this year having raised almost £3,000 through voluntary donations. As we write, we’re approaching the closing date and we look forward to sharing the funds and the news of those we are able to help. We’d like to thank the community of Malmesbury for their support over this very difficult year and invite you to attend our AGM on nd2 December. The Spice Merchant’s Finally, we’re also looking for more people to join company vehicle doesn’t compare our committee to help us keep the much loved, well with the others in the car park. historic Carnival running. It’s a lot of fun and very Local Issues

Unfortunately, no one sent us any photos for this facial irritation for some of its victims whilst for edition. It’s probably down to the problems we’ve others it dramatically improves their appearance. had with our email addresses or maybe nature has The photo shows one of five we found abandoned been on lockdown, too. Either way, Vanessa on one walk. Please take care as they make an Atalanta, our wildlife reporter, is not happy and unsightly mess and are dangerous to other wildlife. when she’s not happy we suffer…nurse says there’ll RIGHT: Fags n’ be no Johnnie Walker’s in our Horlicks for a week. Lighter. Latin: We tried to remedy things by taking a few photos nastius coffus. ourselves, but we got distracted and disturbed by what we found. As ever, all photos are taken within Often seen together a mile of the Market Cross. and once thought to be facing extinction, LEFT: Face Mask. but stubbornly Latin:itchius refusing to die out despite a massive increase in the maximus population of their natural predator, the vaping Has become very shop. Their longevity may be, in part, down to the common since beneficial effect they have on the coffers (pun the government intended) at HM Treasury. These specimens were encouraged it to found by the river and had obviously been there wrap itself overnight as the plastic wrapper on the cigarette around any packet had condensation on it. human face it comes into contact with. It may cause LEFT: Hemp tea. Latin:nottus quiteus cannabis Quite rare in these parts and non- poisonous. Its exact contribution to the eco-system is unknown. Though more difficult to identify, the smaller re-sealable bag next to it may have contained a more toxic form of the hemp family. Found near the cricket club. There’s nothing quite like a cup of “tea” while watching the cricket. RIGHT: Stella Artois can. Latin: lagerus fizzalotatus “belgica” Very common and showing no signs of decline. The liquid it exudes must be treated with care as, in large doses, it can be poisonous. Smaller doses may cause a false sense of well-being in the recipient leading to obnoxious behaviour. Many Cont’d Snippet adjectives and idioms have become associated with excessive exposure to the liquid, some of which involve other wildlife such as rats and newts. Again, another hefty contributor to the money pile at HM Treasury. This little beauty was found on the bank in Conygre Mead – quite close to some more of those suspicious looking little re-sealable clear plastic bags. Not what we hoped to find and there were plenty more things we could have included. We don’t want to be negative and would rather show all that is good about our town…but every picture tells a story. (That would be a good name for a Rod Stewart album – Editor). Please send us some The English Civil War broke out in 1642 and, due to proper local wildlife pictures for the next edition. its location between Oxford and Bristol, Malmesbury assumed considerable strategic Community significance. It changed hands several times between the Parliamentarians and the Royalists during the war. Evidence of the conflict can still be seen on the west side of the Abbey which is Our community heroes have been at it again. peppered with musket ball holes. Some accounts On 18th February, Ben noticed the Tetbury Hill state that these were caused during the execution noticeboard was in disrepair with the wood rotting of prisoners who were lined up against the Abbey and the glass about to fall out and hurt somebody. to receive their fate. Judging by the broad spread We wanted to do something about it but, as a of the holes, it doesn’t seem that the execution volunteer organisation, we didn’t have any funds so squads were particularly good shots. We wonder we approached Malmesbury Area Community Trust with some of the lower attempts what they were and they awarded us a grant for £160. This was put actually aiming for. towards getting two brand new fencing posts and concreting them in. Protective casing was also installed to stop damage to the posts when the grass is cut. The labour costs of £50 were kindly paid by Gloucester Road Co-op. Now all the work is done, the noticeboard is much safer and has two locks. To place notices the public should leave them in the plastic wallet on the back of the noticeboard. Julie is very happy with how it looks now and can’t wait to use it for new notices. A big thanks to everyone involved in turning it round and Ben will continue to keep the board up to date. Julie & Ben. Local Events

Richard Harris was our The sculptures man at the sculpture encompassed diverse exhibition. themes and displayed a range of materials from After what seemed like traditional stone, through eons of inactivity due to glass and wood, to metals, coronavirus restrictions, all resplendent in the it was great to see the summer sunshine. Creating Spaces 2020 exhibition open on 1st A review of the Cotswold June and run until the Sculpture Associations end of October. Social website suggests that the distancing meant that the exhibition has been event title could not have successful and, with the association’s aim of staging been more appropriate. one major show and one or two smaller events annually, perhaps we The exhibition was will see another arranged by the exhibition here next Cotswolds Sculpture year – hopefully Association and coronavirus free! displayed in the gardens of Abbey In all, a very House. enjoyable morning was spent in the On the day The gardens and I look Malmesbury Jackdaw forward to more visited the exhibition, exhibitions in the the weather was future. bright and sunny which enhanced the experience. It was very encouraging to see a good number of visitors, both from the local area and other parts of the UK and abroad, enjoying a day out in the lovely grounds. Coffee and refreshments were served in the very well organised “socially distanced” café. Snippet History

After a thousand years of little change, events in the Saxony town of Wittenberg would end up having a dramatic impact on England and, in turn, Malmesbury, bringing the Middle Ages to an abrupt end. In 1517 a German monk, Martin Luther, posted 95 demands for reform on the door of his local church. His aim was to challenge corruption in the Roman Catholic Church. Although not the first to express concerns, his ideas spread rapidly thanks, in part, to People native to Malmesbury have been referred the newly invented printing press. Luther became to as Jackdaws for centuries. The name seems to the reluctant founder of the rise of Protestantism derive from the colonies of jackdaws that lived and the catalyst for decades of religious wars around the Abbey. There are still a lot here today. throughout Europe. The description of the jackdaw contained in the In England, Henry VIII took advantage of the RSPB Handbook of British Birds gives some movement. He abandoned Catholicism and interesting insights.“ The jackdaw is light and agile, appointed himself the head of the Church after the but can sometimes flap vigorously….it frequently Pope refused to annul his marriage to Catherine of hides food….it has a rapid walk and sometimes runs Aragon. or hops…it can emit a ‘kaarr’ noise when alarmed”. The Discover Wildlife website adds that jackdaws Malmesbury Abbey, already in a poor state of “are highly intelligent and social, and easily pick up repair after its impressive spire collapsed in a tricks…. once a tame jackdaw was trained by some storm, was seized by the Crown. After the jewels Italian thieves to steal money from cash machines… and other valuables had been sold off the roof was they form strong pair bonds with their mates and stripped of valuable lead. What was left was sold to are renowned for their devotion towards their a wealthy textile manufacturer, William Stumpe for partner even if they suffer from a few years of £1517-15s-2½d. unsuccessful breeding”. Does any of that sound like Stumpe later gave the nave to the town to replace someone you know? the dilapidated St Paul’s Church in Birdcage Walk (its church tower still survives to this day). The remains of the Abbey were demolished, and the stone sold for local building projects. The vast estate, acquired by the Abbey over many centuries, was also sold off to raise money for the Crown.

CROSSWORD 1 0 2 0 3 0 0 4 5 0 6 0 7 0 8

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

9 0 0 0 0 0 0 10 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 11 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

12 0 0 0 0 13 0 0 0 0 0 14 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 15 0 0 0 0 0 16 0 0 0 0

17 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 18 0 19

0 0 0 20 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

21 0 22 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

23 0 0 0 0 24 0 0 0 0 0 25 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 26 0 0 0 0 0 27 0 0 0 0

28 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 29 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

30 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 31 0 0 0 0 0

ACROSS 25. Reverse in a round orbit (4) 1. Powdered earth? (6) 28. Chesty pet coral (8) 4. But Euros are like potatoes (8) 29. Fibrous tissue sounds like seafood (6) 9. Compensation for chaps in short promotions (8) 30. Puts on a new coat (8) 10. The icing on the cake? (8) 31. Abandon due to imperfection (6) 12. Leave some (4) 13. Criticize cooking process (5) DOWN 14. Dubbed edition includes a great scholar (4) 1. Upright beneath the bar! (8) 17. Sounds like a pirate's perk in Malmesbury (6,6) 2. A despot may do this (8) 20. Weirdly nationalised the removal of salt (12) 3. Consents while dozing off (4) 23. Care about 4,840 square yards (4) 5. Reds in nature become out of control (12) 24. A cloaked man could be this (5) 6. Pleasant on the eye (4) 7. Gave views but longed after love (6) 8. Sounded on the edge (6) 11. Scary butanol forms a force (12) 15. Reverse lever for high jinks (5) 16. Mixed lager fit for a king (5) 18. Did Len panic when he reached the top? (8) 19. Naively not guilty (8) 21. Delay the picnic? (6) 22. Finds bits (6) 26. A dull sounding beast? (4) 27. Disoriented nude in the desert (4)