Malmesbury in Bloom turns over a new leaf with rejuvenated competition

The annual Malmesbury in Bloom competition is having a new look this year, with additional categories and the introduction of a sunflower growing competition for children and young people.

As well as the usual favourites, two new garden categories have been added to encourage children and budding gardeners to take part: a competition for young gardeners (aged eight to 18) and another for newer gardens under three years old.

For the first time Malmesbury in Bloom – which is being launched on May 23, in conjunction with St Aldhelm’s Fayre weekend, and the EAT festival on May 24 – will also be opened up to gardens in the surrounding area and villages. The closing date for all entries is July 1, with judging taking place during the week beginning July 20. 

The sunflower growing competition, to see whose grows the tallest, has three age categories: 5 and under, 10 and under, and 11 to 16-year-olds. It replaces the art competition, which has been run in previous years.

This competition is being launched on June 6, when seeds can be collected from Malmesbury Market Cross. Following the launch, seeds can be collected from the Town Hall. Seeds and compost are being donated by Malmesbury Garden Centre, and the closing date for entries is August 6.

Chair for Malmesbury In Bloom and St Aldhelm’s Fayre is Malmesbury Town Councillor, Helean Hughes. She said the idea behind the garden and sunflower growing competitions was to get more people involved.

“We really want to inspire and encourage the next generation of gardeners,”  said Cllr Hughes. “By introducing the sunflower challenge and new garden categories, we’re opening the door for everyone to have a go, regardless of their age, experience level or garden maturity. It’s not just about the most manicured lawn and borders; it’s about celebrating the joy of growing something from scratch and bringing a splash of colour to our beautiful town and its surrounding villages.

“We’re very grateful to everyone involved in organising Malmesbury in Bloom and the new sunflower competition, particularly our sponsors. We have two new sponsors this year: Toy Expert (Young Gardener) and The Malmesbury Wine Shop Company (New Garden).”

The full list of categories for Malmesbury in Bloom is: large garden; window boxes, hanging baskets and containers; courtyards, patios and small gardens; street, road or area; businesses; new garden (three years and under); vegetable patch/allotment; sustainable gardener; super gardener; overall winner; young gardener (eight to 18-year-olds); gardens beyond Malmesbury; and wildflower garden.

The winners of both competitions will be announced at a celebration evening on September 11 at the Town Hall. 

With news of Malmesbury being awarded ‘Sunday Times Best Place to Live in the South West 2026’, plans for an equally fantastic Malmesbury Carnival are well underway, starting with a new, family-friendly, Midsummer Garden Festival on 20 June at Abbey House Manor.

During August, there will be all the usual carnival favourites of course, Open Gardens, Silent Disco, Petticoat Lane, Jazz, Wine Tasting, Quizzes, Theatre, Talks, Workshops, the iconic Scarecrow Trail, Fun Fair and so much more – leading up to the spectacular Carnival Procession on 5 September.

As excitement builds, organisers are inviting sponsors and volunteers to be part of this much-loved community event. Sponsors benefit from wide-reaching local promotion, including being featured in the Carnival ‘What’s On’ guide delivered to over 10,000 households. Volunteers are warmly welcomed and can contribute as much or as little time as they wish across a variety of roles.

Tickets for the Midsummer Garden Festival are available at www.malmesburycarnival.co.uk. Entry is £10 for a day pass from 12 to 8pm, with live music, theatre and bar & BBQ available. Under-13s are free. 

To support with sponsorship or volunteering, please contact info@malmesburycarnival.co.uk

Malmesbury CARNIVAL is By the community for the community’

With news of Malmesbury being awarded ‘Sunday Times Best Place to Live in the South West 2026’, plans for an equally fantastic Malmesbury Carnival are well underway, starting with a new, family-friendly, Midsummer Garden Festival on 20 June at Abbey House Manor.

During August, there will be all the usual carnival favourites of course, Open Gardens, Silent Disco, Petticoat Lane, Jazz, Wine Tasting, Quizzes, Theatre, Talks, Workshops, the iconic Scarecrow Trail, Fun Fair and so much more – leading up to the spectacular Carnival Procession on 5 September.

As excitement builds, organisers are inviting sponsors and volunteers to be part of this much-loved community event. Sponsors benefit from wide-reaching local promotion, including being featured in the Carnival ‘What’s On’ guide delivered to over 10,000 households. Volunteers are warmly welcomed and can contribute as much or as little time as they wish across a variety of roles.

Tickets for the Midsummer Garden Festival are available at www.malmesburycarnival.co.uk. Entry is £10 for a day pass from 12 to 8pm, with live music, theatre and bar & BBQ available. Under-13s are free. 

To support with sponsorship or volunteering, please contact info@malmesburycarnival.co.uk

Malmesbury CARNIVAL is By the community for the community’

In February 2022, a small group gathered for a silent vigil in Malmesbury’s Market Cross, at the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.  They didn’t know each other but were united in wanting to show solidarity with the people of Ukraine.

Four years on, Malmesbury
Stands
with
Ukraine
volunteer support group continues to raise awareness and funds to support the general hospital in Cherkasy, Ukraine.  In 2024, the Town’s Mayor and the Mayor of Cherkasy signed a formal friendship agreement, both towns pledging to support each other and build connections.   Malmesbury
Stands
with
Ukraine is also a formal partner with Malmesbury & District Twinning Association.

The group is hoping the town will turnout for Ivana
Kupala, a traditional midsummer festival event, celebrating the Ukrainian summer solstice, from 6pm to 9pm on Friday 26 June 2026, forming part of Malmesbury’s inaugural Rivers Festival.  Ivana
Kupala has its roots in fertility and harvest. Guests make flower crowns and celebrate with music, dancing and food – it’s a tranquil, uplifting evening set in the stunning Cloister Gardens behind Malmesbury Abbey.  Entrance is free, with a licensed bar and raffle available.  Bring your own picnic, blanket and flowers if you would like to make a flower crown (if you don’t have flowers from the garden, there is usually plenty of greenery available).  

All proceeds from the bar and raffle will go towards the group’s latest appeal Operation
Ambulance to buy, kit out and drive a second-hand ambulance to the General Hospital in Cherkasy.

Malmesbury Town Council has a dedicated account for BACS donations, and the Town Hall is also accepting cash donations at the Tourist Information Centre desk.

Operation
Ambulance
Appeal
(please
use
ref
UkrainAmb),
Lloyds
Bank,
Sort
Code:
30-91-99,
Account:
38784360

The group wishes to express a sincere ‘thank
you
Malmesbury’ for your solid support over the last four years and hopes that in the not-too-distant future, Ukrainians can welcome us to a victorious and free Ukraine. 

Nestled down a hidden track in Malmesbury is a local club you may never have heard about, or even set eyes on: The Malmesbury Tennis Club.

A long-established club just off Tetbury Hill, it boasts five full-sized courts (4 hard, 1 carpet) as well as a mini court and practice wall. Their hard courts offer floodlights; meaning members can play all year-round. Additionally, the fifth court is open to registered community members allowing them to book the court and try out tennis for free. 

Anyone visiting can instantly notice that the club has a vibrant feel and active social element. Members range from 4 to 87 years old, all of which enjoy tennis at different levels. There are club sessions every Tuesday evening and Sunday morning plus social events, internal tournaments and competitive league teams. Their clubhouse has recently been renovated, so members and visitors can enjoy the facilities.

Malmesbury Tennis Club also supports those wanting to improve their skills through James Wescott, their professional and welcoming coach. James runs a year-round coaching programme for both junior and adult players and membership is not necessary if you wanted some dedicated coaching sessions. There are also group coaching lessons for all standards, including ladies-only coaching sessions, cardio drills and improver sessions; everyone is catered for.

So whether you are new to tennis, or are an advanced player, this club can offer so much. From social tennis sessions, friendly competitions, junior and adult coaching, plus there’s the opportunity to take part in local league matches for the more competitive players.

With the summer season approaching and the tennis season well underway, why not visit Malmesbury Tennis Club or better still why not give their membership a go. To learn more visit www.malmesburytennisclub.com 

The Last Baguette touring Pandora’s Box – open air theatre around Wiltshire this summer

The Last Baguette theatre company are bringing their riotous and ridiculous outdoor family theatre show Pandora’s Box to venues around Wiltshire and the Southwest this summer.

Written by Sunday Times award-winning playwright Tiff Woodsmith, Pandora’s Box is a gallop through Greek mythology featuring goofy gods, hilarious heroines & daft deities.  Expect a plethora of costume changes, a pantheon of Gods and a prohibited peek into a pithos, as The Last Baguette retell the preposterous and problematic story of Pandora.

Bring a blanket and some cushions and enjoy some high quality silliness. A show for anyone aged 6 to 126 who’s ever asked why.

The Last Baguette make entertaining, accessible and eccentric work for family audiences, and are company-in-residence at Pound Arts, Corsham. 

★★★★ “Funny, Charming and thought-provoking” CreativeReviewsUK on The Bird Show

The company are also leading a free Carnival Arts Workshop in partnership with Malmesbury Carnival. Children & adults are invited to have fun creating Carnival sculptures for the procession based on the theme of Our Forest World.

“Everyone is welcome” says Sidney Robb, workshop leader. “Get creative using recycled materials and willow withies to make sculptures big and small for Malmesbury Carnival Procession.”

“I grew up in Malmesbury and have always loved the Carnival, and am passionate getting people involved” continues Sidney. “This is the second year of the Carnival Arts Project. This year it’s going to be even bigger & more spectacular and we are delighted to be working with Fruitful Malmesbury again!”

This is part of The Last Baguette’s outreach programme, which includes workshops for early years, children and teenagers, and has been kindly supported by Malmesbury Local Youth Network, the Jack Lane Charitable Trust, the Dyson Foundation, Malmesbury Area Community Trust and Malmesbury Carnival.

Workshop at St Mary’s Hall on Friday 25th and Saturday 26th August, 10am – 4pm 

Preparation for the Procession on Saturday 2nd September from 4pm onwards

For everyone 5+.  Join the workshop for the whole time or drop in for an hour or two. 

Dates in & around Wiltshire

Thu 20th July, 7pm – Manor Farm, Upton Cheyney 

Fri 21st July, 4pm – Tetbury Goods Shed Arts Centre 

Sat 22nd July, 5.30pm – Sherston Village Hall Field 

Sun 23rd July, 5pm – Calne Pocket Park 

Sat 29th July, 7pm – Pound Arts, Corsham Almshouses

Fri 11th August, 6.30pm – Malmesbury Cloister Gardens

Booking and more info at thelastbaguette.com

Email thelastbaguette@gmail.com 

Social media: @thelastbaguette

Athelstan Museum Evening Talk

The Rausing Building

7pm Wednesday 9th February

MOD War Detectives – the Joint Casualty & Compassionate Centre Commemorations Team 

The Commemorations Team is responsible for undertaking work to identify and bury the remains of recently discovered British service personnel killed in historic campaigns from WW1 onwards. Tracey & Nicola will explain the work of the JCCC supported with case evidence and recovered artefacts to illustrate their work. They will reference the use of DNA and anthropology, their attempts to trace surviving relatives and arranging the final ceremonies.

This event will be live, subject to covid regulations.

Tickets £10 (fully refunded in case of cancellation) available from the Athelstan Museum shop and  athelstanmuseum.org.uk 

Athelstan Museum Teatime Talks

The Rausing Building

2:30pm Wednesday 16th February 

Malmesbury Pubs

Susan Mockler launches our teatime talks with an entertaining account of the pubs of Malmesbury.

Tea will be served from 2:30pm and the talks will begin at 3pm.

This event will be live, subject to covid regulations.

Tickets £10 to include refreshments(fully refunded in case of cancellation) available from the Athelstan Museum shop and  athelstanmuseum.org.uk

Malmesbury & District u3a 

Retired? Semi-retired? Looking for new interests? Why not join us? Many of our interest groups are now meeting once again.

We have over 450 members and 40 different interest groups including history, gardening, dancing, languages, walking, book groups etc. Check our website for an up –to-date list of groups and other information: www.malmesburyu3a.org.uk. 

For more information e-mail membership@malmesburyu3a.org.uk

Monthly meetings take place on the 4th Thursday of the month (10.00- 12.00) at Malmesbury Town Hall and/or Zoom, depending upon the Covid situation. Non -members welcome. 50p donation.  

Our February meetings are as follows:

Thursday 10th February (additional meeting) Julia Bowen will talk to us about Malmesbury’s Twinning arrangements  with Niebüll in Germany and Gien in France.

Thursday 24th February.  Alfred Williams and the Folk Songs of the Upper Thames – Martin Graebe will talk to us about Alfred Williams life and work, with particular reference to his folk songs.  The talk will be illustrated by photographs and performances of some of the songs that Williams discovered.

Wiltshire Council will be using a Government grant to help ensure as many vulnerable people as possible in the county are safe, warm and fed this winter.

The Government’s £421 million national Household Support Grant Scheme was made available in early October 2021 to support those most in need across England with the cost of food, energy (heating, cooking, lighting), water bills and other essential costs. 

The council was awarded £2,728,656 as part of the scheme and has liaised with partner agencies to agree how the money should be allocated.

The aim of the scheme is to give vulnerable households peace of mind in the run up to Christmas and over the winter months by helping to make sure they have food other essentials, such as heat and electric.

The money will be used for the following initiatives delivered by Wiltshire Council; there is no need for people to apply to Wiltshire Council for any funding from the Household Support Grant Scheme. Eligible people will be identified and contacted individually via:

• Food payments during the school holidays from last month’s half term up to and including Easter for families who are eligible for free school meals/ Better2Gether Funding (free childcare for two-year olds) and Early Years Pupil Premium (EYPP).
• Providing financial contribution to low-income households with children who are not eligible for the above food payments as well as to low-income households without children. These one-off payments will be made directly to working age low-income residents who are in receipt of Council Tax Reduction at the relevant times. Eligible people will be contacted directly.
• Support for rough sleepers with money for food, and energy set-up costs at new accommodation as well as support for those at risk of homelessness; this support will be administered by the council’s Housing Department
• Supporting Wiltshire Council tenants with fuel and food costs; this will be administered by the council’s Housing Department
• Financial support for Food Banks and linked projects to ensure they are able to purchase and provide food to those most in need

More information can be found at www.wiltshire.gov.uk/benefits/household-support-grant-winter.

In addition to this support, Wiltshire Council has also provided funding for the following initiatives, and people are asked to contact the relevant partner organisations for any more information they may need:

• Support for older and vulnerable people with underlying health conditions – Wiltshire Community Foundation’s Surviving Winter campaign provides practical and financial help for people living in fuel poverty.  From 1 November, people who are in receipt of means-tested benefit and are aged over 65 or suffer from a long-term health condition, may be eligible for assistance including fuel vouchers and a range of advice.  For more information about eligibility and help available contact Warm and Safe Wiltshire on 0800 038 5722.
• Providing financial assistance to elderly residents affected by food poverty and rural isolation who are registered for Age UK’s warm meals service; for further information contact Age UK Community Meals on 01793 279606
• Providing fuel poverty support for those most in need – for households of working age earning less than the Real Living Wage and suffering with isolation, anxiety and mental health or from a hard-to-reach community like visually impaired, hard of hearing and the Boater and Travellers. Eligible residents can contact Warm and Safe Wiltshire on 0800 038 5722 or email warmandsafe@cse.org.uk or visit www.warmandsafewiltshire.org.uk

If people do not have internet access and have no family member, friend or neighbour that can assist, they can contact the council by phone on 0300 456 0100 who will be able to view the information for them.

Cllr Richard Clewer, Leader of Wiltshire Council, said: “We welcome this extra support as we’re expecting winter to be a challenging time for some of our residents, so we hope this can ease the pressure they may be feeling

“We’re pleased to be working with local organisations to help get this money out to those who need it most, and we hope it gives those eligible a little bit of comfort and peace of mind.”

The Wellbeing Hub at Wiltshire Council remains available in order to provide support and signposting for all residents across Wiltshire, as part of the response to the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The hub can be contacted by telephoning 0300 003 4576 or via e mail at Wellbeinghub@wiltshire.gov.uk.