Category: About Warminster: Town Hall

The Chairman Of Warminster Preservation Trust Is Concerned About The Town Centre

Saturday 11th August 2018

Concerns About Warminster Town Centre
In his Chairman’s Report at the Annual General Meeting of the Warminster Preservation Trust, held at Teddington House, Church Street, on Thursday 9th August 2018, Chris March said he had concerns about Warminster town centre. He said he felt uneasy about the plight of two buildings.

Chris stated that the Old Town Hall is still very much in the hearts of Warminster people. “We have been talking about it for years.” Chris said he had the pleasure of a conversation with Sean Reid which took place in Wetherspoons (The Bath Arms), Warminster. Chris said: “It seems Sean became the new owner of the Old Town Hall last August, when he bought it from Peter Caldwell, and there’s a story how Sean came to acquire it which I won’t go into. I like Sean very much. I think he’s an astute businessman and more than that he is prepared to clamber about in the roof of the building. I know that with Sean Reid, and James Beanland (who runs the Boston Shaker cocktail bar and lounge in the basement), that the building is in safe hands, the roof won’t be leaking. Sean must be in his fifties I guess, he’s local and his family own property. They own the Transport Cafe at Nunney Catch. The whole family all live together in one large house behind the Cafe I’m told. It’s interesting. I wished Sean all the best with his ownership of the Old Town Hall. But as much as I enjoyed talking to Sean I couldn’t bring myself to ask him what he intends doing with the Old Town Hall. I didn’t think it was for me to bombard him with questions, on that occasion, as to what he is going to do with the building, but of course that’s what we all want to know – what is he going to do with the Old Town Hall?”

The other building on Chris’s mind was 3 High Street (the eyesore cladded in scaffolding). Chris said it failed to sell at auction last week. According to Chris, the asking price, over £400,000 was too much. But Chris is keen to see the site purchased and developed soon. He referred to the feoffees of the Chapel of St. Lawrence. Chris said: “I know David Pollard, the Chairman of the Feoffees, but it seems some of the feoffees are understandably worried about development of 3 High Street because they fear building work will affect the stability of the chapel. The narrow access is a problem. Some of the feoffees, it seems, will be reluctant to allow work to start without assurances the chapel will not be affected.” Chris went on to say: “But no-one must be allowed to stop development of the site. It has to be developed and the sooner the better. There are several interested parties involved – all have to agree before any work can start. The building is a mess. We want development. We want new housing. We want young people to come and live in the centre of the town.”

Last Day Of Trading For Town Treasures

Saturday 21st June 2014

Last day of trading today – Saturday 21st June 2014 – at The Old Town Hall, Market Place, Warminster, for Town Treasures, the artisan gift market. Purely Boys and Aimee’s Attic, the two shops either side of the front entrance porch of the Old Town Hall will continue in business as usual.

The Boston Shaker, Cocktail And Wine Bar And Coffee Lounge Opens In The Basement Of The Old Town Hall, Warminster, On Saturday 8th March 2014

Saturday 1st March 2014

After two years on the first floor of the Rose and Crown, at East Street, Warminster, James Beanland will be closing the doors on his cocktail bar for the last time tonight (Saturday 1st March 2014), prior to relocating to the basement of the Old Town Hall, at 6 Market Place, Warminster, BA12 9AP. 

James invites everyone to go along to the Rose and Crown tonight, to celebrate the last night there and to receive FREE tickets (terms and conditions apply) to the opening night (Saturday 8th March 2014) at THE BOSTON SHAKER, which is the name for the new cocktail and wine bar and coffee lounge in the old prison cells below the Old Town Hall on the corner of Market Place and Weymouth Street. James says he thanks everyone for their support so far and is looking forward to welcoming patrons old and new to the new venue. He says: “Come and celebrate in style!”

The description of the Boston Shaker on its Facebook page, sums up succinctly what the latest addition to Warminster’s social life has to offer:

The Boston Shaker, a fresh, modern and revolutionary cocktail bar and coffee lounge ~ Bringing a taste of the city to Warminster. Set beneath the beautiful, historic old town hall, in the old prison cells it naturally oozes an atmosphere of excitement, taking you into a secret underground world of mystery and nightlife. Stripped back to it’s natural beautiful form with exposed brick work, stone flooring, accentuated with rustic timbers and metal frame work creating an industrial vibe yet perfectly enhanced with the contrast of comfort, luxury, decadence teamed with a chic slice of opulance. Furnished beautifully with leather couches, suede chairs, fur throws and elegant wallpapers, a nod to sophistication. Complete with private rooms to take your party away from the crowds, a segregated dance floor and allocated chill out areas to relax and enjoy the vast menu of drinks available. In keeping with it’s surroundings, premium, on trend brands are served along side an array of classic and not so classic cocktails. Come to escape and enjoy our late lounge, an evening of urban fun or for a daytime leisurely coffee to enjoy the venue’s unique beauty at The Boston Shaker.”

You can read more on the Boston Shaker’s Facebook page by clicking here, and also on its dedicated website by clicking here. For all enquiries telephone 07889 188852.

Danny Howell writes ~

What with the Town Treasures artisan and gift market now in business on the ground floor on Fridays and Saturdays, and two pop-up shops (Purely Boys and Sophie’s and Aimee’s Attic) in the rooms just inside the main entrance of the building, the opening of the Boston Shaker cocktail and wine bar and coffee lounge in the basement, brings together new life in the much-loved Old Town Hall and a hope for a resurgence in good fortune for Warminster Town Centre. A big well-done to everyone who has worked hard transforming the Old Town Hall and bringing these new ventures to reality.

Two Town Treasures Shops Open Six Days A Week At The Old Town Hall, Warminster

Sunday 23rd February 2014

We forgot to mention in our photo report of the opening of the Town Treasures artisan and gift market at the Old Town Hall, Market Place, Warminster, (on Saturday 22nd February 2014) that two of the businesses will operate six days a week (the market is on Fridays and Saturdays). Purely Boys, in the room on the right as you enter the Old Town Hall, is open Monday 11.00 a.m. to 3.00 p.m., Tuesday 11.00 a.m. to 3.00 p.m., Wednesday 11.00 a.m. to 3.00 p.m., Thursday 11.00 a.m. to 3.00 p.m., Friday 9.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m., Saturday 9.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. Sophie and Aimee’s Attic, in the room on the left as you enter the Old Town Hall, is also Monday to Saturday. Not sure of the opening hours but we’ll post them here as soon as we know.

Town Treasures Opens For Business At The Old Town Hall, Warminster

Saturday 22nd February 2014

Today was a red-letter day in Warminster, as Town Treasures, the new artisan and gift market organised by Sarah-Jane Wright and Stacey Henry, opened for business on the ground-floor of the Old Town Hall, breathing new life back into the much-loved but long-neglected building and creating a friendly atmosphere that may inspire others it is hoped to re-launch new commerce into the town centre. Danny Howell went along with his camera to meet lots of lovely people and be tempted by lots of lovely things.

Town Treasures will be open every Friday and Saturday. 9.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m., at the Old Town Hall, Market Place, Warminster. 

Probably the first time in many years that the Old Town Hall steps have looked so clean! And not a pigeon in sight!

The balloons were out for the opening day.

And, as if by magic, the relentless rain of recent weeks called it a halt for the day, the sun shone and there was a beautiful blue sky over Warminster and the Old Town Hall.

Prior to 9.30 a.m. the white doors to the ground floor room were shut and hiding on the other side the colour and vibrancy of the crafts and gifts as the stallholders made last-minute preparations before the public came along en-masse to support this wonderful venture.

Sarah-Jayne Wright, one of the co-organisers gives final attention to some posters as the minutes slip by to the opening moment.

Stacey Henry, the other co-organiser puts the adverising board outside on the pavement.

“Town Treasures Open Today”

Over the shoulders of a couple in the entrance foyer, catching a glimpse of what is about to be.

These youngsters had balloons at the ready to advertise the Purely Boys stall inside.

No one was in any doubt there was going to be a fantastic family-feel about this event. 

All smiles for an historic moment: Organisers Stacey Henry and Sarah-Jayne Wright open the front doors to the Old Town Hall, inviting the waiting crowd outside to come in.

And in the public came!

It was immediately obvious the new Town Treasures artisan and gift market was going to be a big success.

Anticipation of what’s inside.

Even time for some folks to chat in the foyer, not only about the market but about the history and the grandeur of the Old Town Hall.


For many people it was the first time they had ever been inside the building ~ they told us so!
 

What else but chandeliers to illuminate the interior.

The market pictured just as the first patrons entered the main room on the ground floor.

The first minute of the first day of the Town Treasures Artisan and Gift Market.

The large windows, nearly all the way from the floor to near the ceiling, on the south side of the building, absorbing the sunshine, gave the room a very bright and airy ambience, just right for seeing in detail the wonder of all the lovely products.  If you want to know more about Town Treasures telephone 07757 418267, visit the website: www.towntreasures.co.uk or visit their Facebook page by clicking here.

A great day for Warminster as Town Treasures opens for business with twelve stallholders.

In the room on the right as you enter the building was the Purely Boys stall.

Their slogan is: “We have just about everything a boy could ever need.”

Walkie-talkies, magnetic dartboards, puzzles and games galore and more.

To find out more visit the website: www.purelyboys.co.uk

Every item sold by Purely Boys has been passed through a tough testing process, and is chosen for those with limited purses and an aversion to plastic tat!

To reserve an item or find out more details from Purely Boys, telephone 01985 220660.

The Town Treasures Market has been spendidly supported by the RACS Group whose south-west office is based at RACS Group House, Three Horseshoes Walk, Warminster. BA12 9BT. Telephone 01173 704348. Mobile: 07515 715750. email: lori.neil@racsgroup.com website: www.racsgroup.com/

 Photographs taken by Danny Howell.

The Tyro Laser Cutting and Engraving stall.

For more details about Tyro Laser Cutting and Engraving visit the website: www.tyrolaser.co.uk

Products by Tyro Laser Cutting and Engraving. To find out more telephone 0790 8253847 email: tyro.laser@gmail.com

The ground floor of the Old Town Hall was soon full of people and filled with the hub-hub of noise associated with happiness.

Decorated watering-cans at the ready on the Rich Shrimp stall.

The Rich Shrimp takes its name from the surnames of the co-owners: Ms. Shrimpton and Ms. Rich.

Mugs portraying the adventures of Tin-Tin on the Rich Shrimp stall.

This was the debut stall-selling experience for Rich Shrimp and what better event could they have chosen other than Town Treasures at the Old Town Hall.

Lots of lovely Mr. Men items on the Rich Shrimp stall. To find out more about Rich Shrimp email George on george-rich@virginmedia.com

A wonderful sight to see the Old Town Hall back in use, by the community, serving the community, and being thoroughly enjoyed by the community.

The Gorgeous Bags Purses and Accessories Stall. Handmade, new and pre-loved designer fashion and accessories. Telephone 07775 959540. To visit on Facebook, click here.

Some of those gorgeous bags.

The stall also doubled up showcasing items by Eveleigh Interiors, featuring handmade, new and restored interior decor and giftware.

To see more visit www.eveleighinteriors.co.uk

Gorgeous Bags Purses And Accessories and Eveleigh Interiors will be at Town Treasures at the Old Town Hall, Warminster, every Friday and Saturday.

email: eveleighinteriors@live.co.uk

If you want to know more about Town Treasures telephone 07757 418267, visit the website: www.towntreasures.co.uk or visit their Facebook page by clicking here.

The Ashton Lane Alpacas stall, providing items knitted or made from amazing alpaca wool.

Beautiful knitwear.

And wool for those who like to knit for themselves.

These alpaca wool teddy bears are very tactile and were priced at £25.

To discover more about Ashton Lane Alpacas, telephone Carol and Peter Watt, 01380 870603 or visit the website: www.ashtonlanealpacas.co.uk

The Town Treasures artisan and gift market in full swing.

Emily Homfray with her Em’s Crafts stall.

Hedgehogs are just a sample of Em’s unique handmade crafts.

To contact Emily email: ems_crafts@yahoo.co.uk or telephone 07729 032993

Em’s Crafts are also on Facebook, click here.

A packed Town Treasures at the Old Town Hall.

Gary Curtis and his Elegance With Attitude jewellery stall.

Gary offers many items in the £2 to £6 range as well as more bespoke jewellery items.

Plenty to choose from.

Sparkling in the sunshine beaming in through the Old Town Hall windows.

Gary can be contacted by email: garyjamescurtis@gmail.com

Everyone said how wonderful it was to see the Old Town Hall in use again and how grating it is that it was ever sold out of the public’s hands.

Greetings Cards from Simple Bluebell Publishing who are based at Great Wishford in the wonderful Wylye Valley.

The photographic cards from Simply Bluebell looked beautiful and cheered up the soul after all the wet weather we’ve been witnessing.

Simply Bluebell offer a great service letting you choose a card online and getting it posted to the recipient, for the total cost of just £2.

All Simply Bluebell’s artwork is original and exclusive, created by artists in Wiltshire, Dorset, Somerset, Devon and Hampshire.

To contact Simply Bluebell, either to purchase cards or to be a stockist (village shops welcome) telephone 01722 792695. email: info@simplybluebell.co.uk or visit the website: www.simplybluebell.co.uk

 

Warminster Preservation Trust Will Express Their Preference For Purchasing The Old Town Hall Freehold

Warminster Preservation Trust AGM 2013

The Annual General Meeting of the Warminster Preservation Trust was held in the Arn Room at Warminster Civic Centre on Tuesday 14th May 2013, commencing at 7.00 p.m.

Apologies for absence were received from trustee Lucinda Phillips. The other five trustees, namely Chris March, Diana Miller, Ian Walker, Elisabeth Collyns, and Michael Heaton were all present.

The minutes of the previous AGM were circulated and agreed. The accounts for the year past show that the Trust has financial assets of approx £29,000 and further monies bring the total to approx £37,000. There had been very little financial movement since 2011. The accounts were approved.

The trustees were all re-elected en-bloc.

A discussion, with public participation, then followed, with regard the on-going situation of the Old Town Hall in the centre of the Market Place, Warminster. It is the aim of the Warminster Preservation Trust to acquire this building for community use and, in so doing, maintain its appearance in an attractive way, to encourage local people and visitors to take more pride in Warminster as a place for living, working, shopping and doing business. 

At open days held by the Trust, money had been donated by local people towards the cost of purchasing and restoring the building. The majority of this money has since been returned to those who donated.

The Old Town Hall was purchased by Peter Caldwell or his company for £155,000 (privately after an auction failed to meet the reserve). Some work had been carried out, to begin with, cleaning the exterior of the building, at the expense of Mr. Caldwell or his assigns, and the Warminster Preservation Trust has paid for the cleaning of the clock on the north-facing side of the building.

Chris March has consulted with estate agents and was of the opinion that there has been a fall in property values of 20%. He reckoned the Old Town Hall has a current market value of between only £50,000 and £70,000.

Chris March also said it was regretable that the Old Town Hall is constantly seen as an empty eyesore in the centre of the town, with its problem with pigeons, when in the near vicinity progress is being made with other buildings. He mentioned the plans by J.D. Wetherspoon to revamp the Bath Arms, the transformation of the former military supplies stores at the High Street into the Dominos pizza take-away, and that scaffolding was up and around No.3 High Street (stopping it falling down), with a developer about to restore that building.

Chris March went on to say that good initiatives are under way in Warminster, such as Enterprise Warminster, but the Old Town Hall, if left to languish, could blight any hope of encouraging further business and outside investment into Warminster.  

It was noted that Mr. James Beanland, of Warminster, has applied to Wiltshire Council for a licence to sell alcohol and play music, in the basement of the Old Town Hall, using it as a cocktail bar. The basement has been used for this purpose in previous years.

It was also noted that the staircase, which connects the ground floor with the basement floor, has been removed, allegedly contrary to planning regulations (the Old Town Hall is a listed building and permission is needed to make alterations). Unfortunately, it seems the relevant department of Wiltshire Council is apparently showing no sign of investigating this matter or taking any action against the perpetrators.

Warminster Preservation Trust has been negotiating with Mr. Caldwell, to obtain the building, but progress has been annoyingly slow. It seems that buying the building with a tenant leasing the basement could hinder any future plans the Trust may want to consider for other use of the building, and could also prevent Heritage Lottery funding and other grant aid being obtained by the Trust. Funding would be forthcoming if the building was acquired in its entirety and fully freehold.

It was agreed that the Trust will contact Mr. Caldwell, making it known that the Trust’s preference is to purchase all of the Old Town Hall freehold.

The meeting ended at 8.15 p.m. 

Discussing the fate of the Old Town Hall,
left to right: Chris March, Diana Miller,
Ian Walker, Elisabeth Collyns
and Michael Heaton.Â