The Passing Of Chris Bell

Friday 29th August 2025

A message from Warminster Rugby Club:

It is with great sadness that the Club has to announce the passing of Chris Bell, ex-chairman of both sections of the Club and up until recently Club President.

Chris was instrumental in the founding of the Club back in 1977 and after that was the driving force behind establishing, maintaining and developing Minis and Youth rugby within the Club.

Over the years nobody has worked harder to promote rugby and the Warminster Rugby Club in the town and he will be sorely missed. Our sincere condolences go out to his family. His funeral will take place at the Minster Church at 2pm on Thursday 11th Sept 2025, with the wake afterwards at the Rugby Club.

John Nicholas Woolley, Deceased

Thursday 28th August 2025

John Nicholas Woolley, deceased.

Pursuant to the Trustee Act 1925 anyone having a claim against or an interest in the Estate of the deceased, late of 8 Bread Street, Warminster, BA12 8DE, who died on 14/07/2025, must send written particulars to the address below by 29/10/2025, after which date the Estate will be distributed having regard only to claims and interests notified.

Bethan Creasey,
c/o Farnfields Solicitors,
37 High Street, Warminster, BA12 9AJ.

Colette Honor Clark, Deceased

Thursday 28th August 2025

Colette Honor Clark, deceased.

Pursuant to the Trustee Act 1925 anyone having a claim against or an interest in the Estate of the deceased, late of 29 The Downlands, Warminster, BA12 0BD, who died on 11/03/2025, must send written particulars to the address below by 29/10/2025, after which date the Estate will be distributed having regard only to claims and interests notified.

Tamasine Hankey,
c/o Farnfields Solicitors,
37 High Street, Warminster, BA12 9AJ.

Ref: Clark/90769-1.

Andrew Wickham, MBE

Saturday 16th August 2025

From The Imberbus Event Guide 2025:

Andrew Wickham, MBE.
Andrew was a legendary bus manager, who sadly passed away in May 2025. Despite a long illness, he was working right up to his death; he wouldn’t have done anything else. Other obituaries have described his illustrious career, latterly as Managing Director of Go-Ahead South Coast, but Andrew was also an enthusiast, for buses, bus services, the people who staffed them, and the people and communities that they served.

And he was a great supporter of Imberbus, both through the companies he ran, and personally. Nothing was too much trouble, and everything was done willingly and with a smile, both from him and the people he led. Last year he was driving the Wilts & Dorset VR, with Paul Clifton as his conductor, at Imberbus, as normal; but that was the last bus he drove in service.

We send our condolences to his family, Alison, Sam and Emma, and to his wider family, friends and colleagues as well. We will miss him; he was a great friend, a local hero, a legend. RIP Andrew.

Funeral For Edna Bodman

Wednesday 13th August 2025

Edna Bodman (Channing) passed away on 24th July 2025, aged 98 years. Formerly of Cherry Orchard, Codford; Kyngeston Court, Warminster; and Watersmead, Westbury. She will be very sadly missed by all who knew her. The funeral will be held at St. George’s Church, Boreham Road, Warminster, on Monday 18th August 2025 at 2.00 pm. Family flowers only. Donations, if desired, can be made to the Wessex Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Centre, Warminster. Cheques made payable to the charity can be sent c/o Iles & Vincent Funeral Services, 14 The Cornmarket, Warminster, BA12 9BX.

Warminster Man Jailed For Two Years For Burglary And Harassment Of A Woman

Wednesday 30th July 2025

From the Facebook page of Warminster Police:

A man has been jailed and imposed with a 10-year restraining order for harassing and breaking into the home of a woman in Warminster.

Kane Thomas, 36, of Corner Ground, Warminster, appeared at Winchester Crown Court on Monday (28/07) after pleading guilty to burglary and harassment against the victim, a woman in her 30s.

He was jailed for two years.

On April 15 this year, following gradually escalating behaviour, Thomas turned up at the victim’s address in Warminster and tried to force entry by repeatedly kicking the front door and back gate.

Four days later, at around 5am on April 19, Thomas broke into the victim’s home through a small window while she was asleep and then smashed a TV, broke glasses in the kitchen and pulled doors off their hinges.

He has then threatened the victim, leaving her in fear for her safety.

Thomas was reported to police and following proactive enquiries, was arrested that evening. He was charged and remanded into custody.

Local Crime Investigator Sophie Vowles said: “Thomas is a dangerous individual who subjected the victim to an escalating level of violence and harassment.

“I would like to commend and thank the victim for her bravery and her co-operation throughout the process. She has shown immense bravery and her statements and support for the investigation has led to Thomas being put behind bars.

“I hope this will provide her with a degree of closure, reassurance and will allow her to move on with her life.

“Violence against women and girls is a priority for the Force and there is a significant amount of work going on across Wiltshire to tackle it in all its forms. No one should suffer abuse.”

If you think you have been the victim of domestic abuse, there is help and support available. You can find more information on how to report on our website: https://orlo.uk/v5gpe

There is more information of local support agencies which include:

Swindon Paragon Integrated Domestic Abuse Services

Swindon Domestic Abuse Support Service

FearFree in Wiltshire

Alistair Garrett Was A Great Drummer, A Good Friend And A Lovely Man

13th June 2025

Sad news from the Crash Gears:

It is with great sadness that the Crash Gears mourn of the passing of our original drummer Alistair Garrett. When the band formed in 2015 Al was the vital link that brought Tom Hiscocks and Pat Kirwan together with James Leighton and Martin and Tom Noke in the Organ Inn for what was to be the band’s first meeting. He arranged our first rehearsal. From the beginning Al (some called him Ally) brought his decades of experience to make the band swing in a way that only years of playing can make possible. He was able to play tight but allow that element of swing that makes a band come alive. He had such a feel for his kit that he played with his eyes closed for most of the time. For Al it was all about feel and he played with smile on his face. We played many great gigs together and those gigs with Al in the engine room will live long in the memory for us. Here he is playing tight and loose at the same time back in 2016. Farewell Al, a great drummer, a good friend and a lovely man.

For those that wish to attend Alistair’s funeral, it will be held at The Chapel in Horningsham at 13:30 on Monday 23rd June and afterwards at Horningsham Hall.

In Loving Memory Of Bob Peaty

Tuesday 3rd June 2025

A message from Bob Peaty’s family:

In Loving Memory of Bob Peaty

We are heartbroken to share the news of the passing of our beloved Dad, Bob Peaty.

Bob was well known around Warminster since the 1970s — a familiar face to many through his long-standing building company, Peaty & Smith Builders. He was a passionate supporter of local sport, especially during his years at Warminster Town Football Club in the 1980s and 90s. Many will also remember him enjoying a round at Thoulstone Golf Club, where he was a keen and regular golfer.

We warmly invite all who knew Bob to join us in saying goodbye and celebrating his life.

Funeral Details

Wednesday 25th June at 12:00

The Minster Church, Church Street, Warminster

Following the service, you are welcome to join us at The Prince Leopold, Upton Lovell, to raise a glass in his memory and share stories of a life well lived.

He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.

Funeral Arrangements For Jill Goodenough

Saturday 31st May 2025

Funeral details for Jill Goodenough.

The church service will be on Friday 11th July 2025, 11.45 a.m., at Saint Mary’s Church, Saint Mary Street, Bridgwater, TA6 3EQ. Dress code: formal black with a hint of red, i.e. a tie, pocket tie, jewellery pieces, hair slide, etc.

The service will be followed by a cremation attended by family only. The wake afterwards will be at Bar 27 in Bridgwater. The family would like a rough estimate of how many are likely to attend the wake, to make sure everyone is catered for. If you will be attending the wake, please respond here to Stephen Culverwell.

The Passing Of Jill Goodenough

Monday 26th May 2025

Sam Ryall, of Warminster Carnival Committee, writes:

Warminster Carnival Committee are deeply saddened to report the passing of Jill Goodenough. This year she was celebrating 40 years on our committee doing every part of organising our Carnival over the years. We are so thankful for everything she has done for us and the legacy she has left. We send all our love to Stephen Culverwell, Paul Goodenough and Jason Goodenough and all her wider family and friends. We have lost a true Carnivalite. RIP.