100 Years Ago.

CALNE: Two suspicious individuals were seen loitering in the vicinity of the Calstone reservoir on Tuesday, and the rumour quickly spread that their object was to poison the water supply. To avoid all risks, Calne Water Company has arranged for the reservoir to be guarded day and night.

CORSHAM: A well-attended meeting was held in the Riding School of Corsham Court to form a committee to deal with distress occasioned by the war. They already had in Corsham branches of the Red Cross and the Soldiers and Sailors Families’ Association, but in addition to the cases which those organisations provided for there must be many others which the proposed committee would consider, as well as unemployment, etc.

50 Years Ago.

BURBAGE: A horsebox, containing two horses, was pierced by a broken telegraph pole when it crashed at Ram Alley crossroads on Saturday. The horses were not seriously injured. A Land Rover towing the horsebox overturned and the driver and passenger were taken to Savernake Hospital with facial injuries and minor cuts and bruises.

CALNE: Irresponsible people who disfigure Calne’s ancient churchyard are worrying the authorities. On one occasion recently, when it rained at noon, dozens of factory workers chose to picnic in one of the porches, leaving behind litter galore. More worrying still is that damage has been done to a section of the churchyard wall in Church Street, the top of which has been disfigured.

25 Years Ago.

CHIPPENHAM: A pilot scheme to release more policemen to patrol Chippenham has been started. The four-strong operation support unit’s main task will be to take some of the pressure off the frontline officers on the beat. The backroom boys in blue will be carrying out some of the more time-consuming duties of follow-up inquiries and paperwork. The result, it is hoped, will be more uniformed officers seen out and about in towns and villages.

DEVIZES: Late-night discos can continue at the Corn Exchange – thanks to a petition signed by 350 young people. Last week the town clerk imposed a restriction requiring entertainers to finish by 11.30pm following complaints from residents. The usual time for events to finish is midnight, but because of the hot weather, windows and doors at the Corn Exchange have been opened and some residents have complained. But on Tuesday the town council overturned the 11.30pm ban.