Category: Days During 2014

John Bosley Has The Honour Of Receiving The Warminster Civic Award For A Second Time

Tuesday 21st October 2014

Councillor Andrew Davis, wearing his mayoral chain, 
presents the Warminster Civic Award for 2014
to John Bosley.

Civic Award presented at Mayor’s Civic Reception

From several nominations that were put forward for the Civic Award, the Mayor and members of Warminster Town Council were unanimous in their choice of John Bosley for his enduring service to the town. 

The Mayor of Warminster, Councillor Andrew Davis, presented the award at his Civic Reception on Friday 10th October 2014. “We had a difficult choice to make, but the Councillors were unanimous in choosing John, who has the honour of being the first person to receive the Civic Award for a second time” said the Mayor.

The citation submitted to the Council was as follows: 

‘John Bosley has served the people of Warminster and the surrounding area selflessly for many years. Despite nearing his 90th  birthday he continues to go out in all weathers to collect monies on behalf of the British Legion Poppy Appeal, a commitment he has undertaken for the past 42 years. He makes house-to-house and street collections despite being incapacitated by a piece of shrapnel lodged in his knee since being wounded and taken prisoner at the battle of Arnhem in 1944 during his service in the Parachute Regiment. The fact that he managed to escape twice from a German POW camp in 1945 is a testament to his strength of character.

John served the community in an official capacity as a member of the Wiltshire Police from 1947 until 1973, attaining the rank of Sergeant in 1965. Following his retirement from the police he was Deputy Superintendent at Warminster Sports Centre, acting as a swimming instructor.

In addition to his work for the British Legion John also fundraises for Macmillan Cancer Support and for the Arnhem Widows and Veterans, and leads an annual pilgrimage of veterans to Arnhem. He was a member of the Salisbury ex-POW Association until it disbanded in 2009, having been both Chair and welfare officer. He is still active on a variety of committees, including Warminster Park Community Centre and Neighbourhood Watch.

As well as his fundraising and committee work, John has always been willing to help members of the community in whatever way he can. He used to regularly take people to hospital in his car at his own expense and wait with them for as long as they needed before taking them home. He is very vigilant about the health and safety of his elderly neighbours, and offers assistance and advice when needed. No request for his help is ever refused, and he has never taken payment for the assistance he has provided to others. He undertakes his work on behalf of the community with thoughtfulness and care, and always with unfailing good humour.’

Upward Trend Revealed By Warminster Survey Is A Real Good Factor For The Town Says Mayor Andrew Davis

Friday 10th October 2014

“Warminster is on the up,” according to Warminster Town Council. In a Town User’s Survey undertaken by the Economy and Tourism Group of the Council in July 2014, shoppers in Warminster rated the town highly and it would appear that people’s perceptions of Warminster are changing for the better. 

The survey is undertaken each year with the help of volunteers from Warminster School. Over 200 people were interviewed. Councillors at the Town Development Committee meeting on 6th October 2014 were delighted to see the positive results. Although there were some areas of criticism – such as unsightly scaffolding – the retail offer, markets and leisure facilities were all rated 64% positive. In addition the town centre was rated 97% positive for ease of walking around the town, 94% positive for customer service and 92% positive for access to services, safety and convenience to home. 

“This upward trend is a real feel good factor for the town,” said the Mayor of Warminster, Councillor Andrew Davis. “Let’s hope we can continue to build on this.”

John O’Groats To Lands End JCB Marathon Calls In At Waitrose, Warminster

Thursday 21st August 2014

The scene outside the Waitrose supermarket,
Station Road, Warminster, on the morning of
Thursday 21st August 2014.

This brand new JCB is being driven from 
John O’Groats to Lands End by Esmor Davies.
The route, nearly 2,000 miles
is on A roads, and will take six weeks.
The journey started on 26th July.

Esmor is raising funds 
for visually impaired people,
supporting Blind Veterans UK, 
and the Guide Dogs Training School 
in Forfar, Scotland.
The target is £500,000.

The Waitrose company have donated to
Esmor’s fundraising.

A cheque for the JCB Marathon from Waitrose
for the sum of £346.

Esmor pictured with the cheque.

An illustration on the bucket of the JCB.

Three of Esmor’s helpers with their collecting buckets.

Shoppers going in and out of Waitrose, 
Warminster, were very generous.

The Welsh red dragon painted on the JCB.

Esmor said that of all the towns he had stopped at
en route, Royal Wootton Bassett and Warminster
had shown the friendliest response from people.

A dragon on the JCB.

Esmor, aged 68, a Welshman
through and through, lives in Buckley,
Cheshire. He has worked in the building trade
and is no stranger to charity fundraising.

11 years ago Esmor stepped in to help 
Ian Hunt, from Buckley, who had been 
left paralysed after a motorcycle accident.

Since then, Esmor has made countless trips 
to the Balkans transporting equipment 
to help war orphans. He helped rebuild 
an orphanage, and travelled to Sri Lanka 
to help tsunami victims rebuild their communities.

Part of the proceeds from the JCB Marathon
will go towards the provision of a sensory
garden for the blind in Llandudno.
£50,000 is needed to fund the garden project.

Decked with bunting, the JCB caused
quite stir outside Waitrose in Warminster.
Esmor said he couldn’t thank enough
Waitrose for all their help, and that he
was truly grateful for everyone who had
assisted or donated to the fundraising.

The registration of the JCB which is making 
the trip. It has a top speed of 27 mph.

Warminster resident Debbie Martin
and her two sons Archie and Finn
stopped on the way into Waitrose
to see and hear about the JCB Marathon.

Archie, aged 7, and Finn, aged 2,
like lots of other young children,
were granted the chance to explore
the cab of the JCB.

Mum Debbie takes a photo of the boys.

The route Esmor is taking and what’s happening
along the way can be followed on Facebook:
www.facebook.com/esmorsmarathon

Archie and Finn put their donation 
to the charity fundraising 
into one of the collection buckets.

Warminster resident Angela Adam
was happy to make a donation.

All smiles!

The sign on the rear of the JCB.
Contact telephone number
07877 292394.
 You can donate online via Just Giving.
To see the JCB Marathon donations page
click here.

You can also find out more about 
the JCB marathon
from its own dedicated website. Click here.

www.esmorsjcbmarathon.com/

Photographs taken by Danny Howell.

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.

Stocks The Greengrocer Shuts Up Shop In The Three Horseshoes Walk, Warminster

Thursday 20th March 2014

The scene outside Stocks, the greengrocers,
in the Three Horseshoes Walk, Warminster,
just before 10 o’clock on the morning of
Thursday 20th March 2014.

The shop is in darkness, no staff are there, and no produce has been put on display outside, leaving would-be-customers wondering what is the reason why.

It seems the business has closed down
without any prior notice to customers.

 Photographs taken by Danny Howell.

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.

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

 

“Only A Few People Care Passionately About Warminster”

Tuesday 4th February 2014

On the Spotted In Warminster Town Facebook page someone has anonymously posted the following comment:

“Really think the ‘powers that be’ in Warminster need a good shake. Nothing much ever happens, anything out of the comfort zone is refused, everything is stagnant. There are only a few people who care passionately about Warminster, Danny Howell springs to mind, that could make a difference to our lovely town. It needs a little bit of TLC and to be dragged into this era!!”