From the Files

Pewsey - The adjourned application of license holders i the Pewsey Petty Sessional Division, for a relaxation of one hour in the hours of closing, viz from 8 to 9 pm, came before a special session at Pewsey on Friday. The Bench made an order extending the hour of opening to nine o'clock in the evening in the following parishes: Charlton, Everley, Enford, Netheravon, North Newnton and Upavon, to come into force when approved bt the Secretary of State. No application was made in respect of the parishes of Collingbourne Ducis, Collingbourne Kingston, Ludgershall, North Tidworth and Figheldean; the hour of closing in these parishes will remain as heretofore, viz 8pm.

Calne - At the meeting of the rural district council on Tuesday a letter was read from the President of the Board of Trade referring to the interview which took place between the officials of the council and the Board's Inspector as to the supply of labour for increasing the output of munitions. The list of men from local authorities had been sent to the War Office and Lord Kitchener had expressed his appreciation of their readiness to help in the matter. The Chairman observed that the War Office would notify when they wanted men, but he did not think they would require any from the rural district.

50 Years Ago

Marlborough - A pilot taking part in a practice flight at RAF South Cerney for the World Gliding Championships force-landed on Marlborough Golf Course a short distance from the Secondary Modern School on Tuesday. The pilot, a member of the Belgian team, landed safely and his machine was not damaged. He said he could not stay up any longer because there was no more vertical uplift and he had difficulty finding a place to land

Chippenham - The alarm was raised on Friday when workmen discovered a 1964 mini-car in the tributary of the River Avon just beyond Sutton Lane which connects Langley Burrell with Sutton Benger. The river level had been lowered 6ft in order to investigate the river bed for contractors' work to be carried on. This exposed the roof of the car, and it was feared the vehicle might contain a body. With considerably difficulty the car was dragged out and up a 15ft bank. Chippenham police investigated and discovered that the car had been stolen. To reach the river the thief had to negotiate a green track and then journey down the remote lane. It is thought the thief must have pushed the vehicle down the bank into the river.

25 Years Ago

Corsham - Corsham parish councillors plan to meet traffic managers to discuss the effects of opening a link road between Leafield and Potley. The county council has issued a compulsory purchase order on the land to be turned into the link. The county wants to relieve traffic through Neston by opening the link. But some councillors feared the extra traffic which would spill on to Valley Road would cause problems for residents, as they felt the are was already dangerous with traffic travelling at speed.

Devizes - Swimmers can take their first dip in Devizes' indoor pool where the town's brand new leisure centre opens to the public on Sunday. Apart from a pool, the leisure centre - next to Devizes School - has two squash courts, a fitness suite, a four-court hall for badminton, netball, basketball, tennis and other sports, a sauna, solarium and seminar-cum conference room. But although all these facilities are available from Sunday, the centre does not get its official opening until August 8, the day the Queen comes to perform the ceremony.

50 Years Ago

Marlborough - A pilot taking part in a practice flight at RAF South Cerney for the World Gliding Championships force-landed on Marlborough Golf Coure a short distance from the Secondary Modern School on Tuesday. The pilot, a member of the Belgian team, landed safely and his machine was not damaged. He said he could not stay up any longer because there was no more vertical uplift and he had difficulty finding a place to land

Chippenham - The alarm was raised on Friday when workmen discovered a 1964 mini-car in the tributary of the River Avon just beyond Sutton Lane which connects LAngley Burrell with Sutton Benger. The river level had been lowered 6ft in order to investigate the river bed for contractors' work to be carried on. This exposed the roof of the car, and it was feared the vehicle might contain a body. With considerably difficulty the car was dragged out and up a 15ft bank. Chippenham police investigated and discovered that the car had been stolen. To reach the river the thief had to negotiate a green track and then journey down the remote lane. It is thought the thief must have pushed the vehicle down the bank into the river.

25 Years Ago

Corsham - Corsham parish councillors plan to meet traffic managers to discuss the effects of opening a link road between Leafield and Potley. The county council has issued a compulsory purchase order on the land to be turned into the link. The county wants to relieve traffic through Neston by opening the link. But some councillors feared the extra traffic which would spill on to Valley Road would cause problems for residents, as they felt the are was already dangerous with traffic travelling at speed.

Chippenham - A compromise has been reached between Chippenham Town and Council and a the Home Office over new dog by-laws for John Coles park. The town council has spent the past year trying to persuade the Home Office that new laws should be brought in, forcing owners to keep their dogs on a lead all the time they are in the park. The Home Office said that was unreasonable, but now, a compromise has been reached. Under new laws, all owners taking their dogs into the park will have to use a poop scoop, except in the special dog run. No dogs are to be taken into the children's play area, the tennis courts or the bowling green, and dogs must be kept on a lead in the southern section of the park, between the Park Lane entrances and the bandstand.

Devizes - Swimmers can take their first dip in Devizes' indoor pool where the town's brand new leisure centre opens to the public on Sunday. Apart from a pool, the leisure centre - next to Devizes School - has two squash courts, a fitness suite, a four-court hall for badminton, netball, basketball, tennis and other sports, a sauna, solarium and seminar-cum conference room. But although all these facilities are available from Sunday, the centre does not get its official opening until August 8, the day the Queen comes to perform the ceremony.