REFERRING to last week’s coverage of 2016 in words and pictures, I have to congratulate you as most towns and many villages were portrayed. Chippenham was included four times (two of these were of events held in December). 
Sadly, however, Chippenham’s neighbouring town of Calne did not receive a mention, in spite of the fact that on December 3, 2016, a monumental feat was achieved. 
Under the auspices of Calne Town Council and the Bible Society Calne claimed a new Guinness World Record for the most living figures in a nativity scene. 
This was a mammoth effort involving 1,254 townspeople all dressed in traditional costume, breaking the previous record in Utah, USA by 215. The nativity scene was magical and brought the Bible story alive, portraying the true meaning of Christmas.
This event received great media coverage from Wiltshire Radio, BBC’s Points West, ITV’s Good Morning Britain, and the Daily Telegraph. Unfortunately, the Gazette & Herald has not deemed the event important or inspirational enough to be included in their 2016 coverage. How very sad.
ELIZABETH HITCHENS
Stockley Lane
Rookery Park
Calne