Welcome to dannyhowell.net
We hope you will enjoy your time reading and looking at everything on this website.
You can also visit our dannyhowell.net Facebook page ~
remember to click on our "Like" button on our Facebook page~ https://www.facebook.com/pages/dannyhowellnet/233160706771918?fref=ts
and don't forget you can join the dialogue on our Twitter page: @dannyhowellnet
We are constantly adding to the contents of this website, so come back often to www.dannyhowell.net to see our progress.
Lady Akehurst Has Died, Aged 85
Thursday 7th January 2021:
Lady Akehurst - Shirley Anne - who lived at Dresden Cottage, Vicarage Street, Warminster, passed away peacefully on 31st December 2020, following a short illness. She was 85. The funeral will be a private family one. Donations in memory of Lady Akehurst to Cystic Fibrosis Trust.
Lady Akehurst was the widow of General Sir John Akehurst and much adored aunt and great aunt of Chris, Alex, Henrietta, Jack and Guy.
John and Shirley, nee Webb, married in 1955. Their two children, who both had cystic fibrosis, died in childhood.
General Sir John Akehurst was a British Army Officer and rose to the position of Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe. He was born at Chatham, Kent. He died on 20th February 2007, aged 77.
In their retirement at Warminster, Sir John and Lady Akehurst were active members of Warminster Civic Trust. At one time Sir John was patron of Warminster Civic Trust.
Warminster Branch Of Poundstretcher To Close Before End Of January 2021
Monday 21st December 2020:
The Warminster branch of Poundstretcher at the Castlemore Retail Park, Fairfield Road, is to close down before the end of January 2021.
A company spokesperson told dannyhowell.net that the closure has nothing to do with covid or financial concerns but has arisen over the lease of the building.
All stock in the shop is now reduced by 20% until the store closes in about four weeks time.
Traffic Management For Silver Street, Warminster
Wednesday 16th December 2020:
Warminster Town Council have released the following press release -
Warminster Town Council’s Town Development Committee debated the issue of traffic management on Silver Street. Councillors noted that Silver Street would be undergoing a metro count (which measures traffic speeds and volumes) in due course and that the results of the metro count would determine what, if any, measures could be introduced.
Traffic Management is a Wiltshire Council responsibility; however, the Town Council can put forward its own suggestions. These are detailed in The Town Plan, adopted in 2012, which includes a set of policies for Silver Street.
Councillors agreed that road safety measures were linked to the progress of the new housing on the Western Urban Extension.
Chairman of the Committee, Councillor Paul Macfarlane said: “Silver Street is important as the western gateway to the town centre. It gives many visitors their first impression to the town. Substantial changes to the traffic management will require the sort of funding that comes with new housing. When this starts to come on stream then we will be asking Wiltshire Council to take a holistic approach to how it manages the traffic movements in this part of Warminster.”
The policies for Silver Street set out in the Town Plan are shown below.
a. Treatment of the public realm around the obelisk and extension of footway. To create a better pedestrian environment at this important junction, simplify traffic movements and reduce the amount of public realm given over to vehicles. This approach will also enhance the setting of the obelisk and the surrounding buildings which are of historic value.
b. Promotion of the area as an Antiques Quarter. The existing cluster of antiques shops along Silver Street would benefit from a higher profile and a distinctive branding. This will help with marketing and promotion of the area as a strong asset for Warminster.
c. Retention of car parking spaces, pavement widening and tree planting where possible. Part of Silver Street has a wide carriageway. The remodelling of this to provide a combination of improved pedestrian space and dedicated parking will help to support the antiques uses. Where pavements are widened opportunities can also be sought to introduce tree planting to further soften the character of the street.
d. Preservation of existing land use. The existing mix of land uses including a predominance of housing combined with antiques shops is considered appropriate for the area, given that it is some way from the core of the town centre.
KEY MOVEMENT PROPOSAL Silver Street/Vicarage Street junction.
In order to enhance the setting of the obelisk, the simplification of the junction to create a more conventional T junction will be supported. This will allow the footway around the obelisk to be extended to connect back into the main pavement and create a more attractive public space. This change is unlikely to significantly affect the performance of the junction.
Warminster Bell Founders John Lott and Lewis Cockey
Wednesday 16th December 2020:
Warminster Bell Founders John Lott and Lewis Cockey with an addendum to Edward Cockey, Clockmaker. New web page featuring notes to clarify the history of bell founding in Warminster and to publish further research notes of Cockey clockmakers. Compiled by David Pollard. To see the page, click on the link:
Burials Register For St. John's Churchyard, Warminster, Now Available On A DVD
Friday 1st September 2020:
Do you wish to search for the burial records for members of your family buried in St John’s Churchyard, Boreham Road, Warminster? DVDs are now available, published by the PCC of Bishopstrow and Boreham. Each DVD contains a Microsoft Excel Workbook containing all the entries from the St. John's Burials Register from 1866 to May 2020 , and individual high quality photographs of each page of the Burials Register. The DVD can be purchased for £10+£1.50 postage. To order, please email bishopstrowandboreham@gmail.com
Cancer Research UK Warminster Group Open Air Table Top Sale
Monday 31st August 2020:
Cancer Research UK Warminster Group
Open Air Table Top Sale
at 159 Boreham Road, Warminster
- near Boreham Crossroads -
on
Saturday 5th September 2020
10.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m.
Please support us.
Sanitizer available at the gate.
Long Lost Family To Feature A Woman Who Was Abandoned As A Baby In Public Toilets, Warminster
Thursday 22nd August 2019:
Born without trace. Long Lost Family, ITV, Tuesday 2nd June 2020, 9.00 p.m. Nicky Campbell and Davina McCall help a woman who was found as an abandoned baby in the public toilets (long since demolished) at Emwell Street, Warminster.
Coronavirus - Statement by Warminster Town Council – 17th March 2020
Tuesday 17th March 2020:
Coronavirus - Statement by Warminster Town Council – 17/3/2020
In line with the Government advice, that it is time for everyone to stop non-essential contact with others, Warminster Town Council has taken the following decisions.
Civic Centre
The Civic Centre will be closed to the public.
Hirers are being encouraged to roll forward bookings to
future dates, take a credit note or accept a refund as appropriate.
Town Council
Staff will continue to undertake their duties, working from home where possible.
Pavilion Café
The Pavilion Cafe is to close, and boats will not be available to hire on the lake until further notice.
Play Areas and Skatepark
The Council will continue to ensure health and safety inspections take place. It would be extremely difficult to physically stop people using them, but we ask people to be mindful of Government advice.
Events
The following events are cancelled -
Monthly film shows at the civic centre –
16th March, 15th April, 20th May and 17th June.
Skatepark Jam – 4th April.
Community Litter Pick/Great British Spring Clean – 4th April.
Annual Town Meeting- 6th April.
The Civic Service – 19th April.
Spring in the Park – 3rd May.
VE Day Tea Dance 9th May.
The Council will strive to keep the public toilets open and CCTV operations going.
The Council advises people to listen to Warminster Community Radio (WCR) for the latest news updates on the situation locally and follow the official advice from the Government.
The Council will continue to closely follow Government advice. Any changes in the situation at the Council will be communicated on the Council website and Facebook pages.
https://www.warminster-tc.gov.uk/
https://www.facebook.com/warminstertowncouncil/
If you need to contact Warminster Town Council, telephone
01985 214847 or email: admin@warminster-tc.gov.uk
Coronavirus - Statement by Warminster Town Council – 17/3/2020
In line with the Government advice, that it is time for everyone to stop non-essential contact with others, Warminster Town Council has taken the following decisions.
Civic Centre
The Civic Centre will be closed to the public.
Hirers are being encouraged to roll forward bookings to
future dates, take a credit note or accept a refund as appropriate.
Town Council
Staff will continue to undertake their duties, working from home where possible.
Pavilion Café
The Pavilion Cafe is to close, and boats will not be available to hire on the lake until further notice.
Play Areas and Skatepark
The Council will continue to ensure health and safety inspections take place. It would be extremely difficult to physically stop people using them, but we ask people to be mindful of Government advice.
Events
The following events are cancelled -
Monthly film shows at the civic centre –
16th March, 15th April, 20th May and 17th June.
Skatepark Jam – 4th April.
Community Litter Pick/Great British Spring Clean – 4th April.
Annual Town Meeting- 6th April.
The Civic Service – 19th April.
Spring in the Park – 3rd May.
VE Day Tea Dance 9th May.
The Council will strive to keep the public toilets open and CCTV operations going.
The Council advises people to listen to Warminster Community Radio (WCR) for the latest news updates on the situation locally and follow the official advice from the Government.
The Council will continue to closely follow Government advice. Any changes in the situation at the Council will be communicated on the Council website and Facebook pages.
https://www.warminster-tc.gov.uk/
https://www.facebook.com/warminstertowncouncil/
If you need to contact Warminster Town Council, telephone
01985 214847 or email: admin@warminster-tc.gov.uk
30mph Speed Limit For Part Of Smallbrook Road, Warminster
Wednesday 4th March 2020:
WILTSHIRE COUNCIL
ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984
THE COUNTY OF WILTSHIRE (VARIOUS ROADS, WARMINSTER)
(30MPH SPEED LIMIT) ORDER 2020.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT Wiltshire Council proposes to make the above Order under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 the effect of which will be to revoke The County of Wiltshire (Various Roads, Warminster) (Restricted Roads) Order 2000 and re-enact it, in part, for administrative purposes only and to introduce a 30mph speed limit on the following length of road:
Smallbrook Road - from a point 40 metres east of its junction with Upper Marsh Road and Henfords Marsh to its junction with Southleigh View and Gipsy Lane.
Copies of the draft Orders, plan and Statement of the Council’s Reasons for proposing to make the Orders may be inspected at the offices of Wiltshire Council, County Hall, Bythesea Road, Trowbridge during normal office hours. Details of the proposed scheme may be seen at Warminster Library, Three Horseshoes Walk, BA12 9BT between the hours of 10am to 7pm Monday, 9.30am to 5pm Tuesday and Friday, 9.30am to 12.30pm Wednesday, 9.30am to 7pm Thursday and 9.30am to 4pm Saturday until 30th March 2020. Documents can also be viewed online at www.wiltshire.gov.uk/troconsultations.htm
Comments on the proposal together with the reasons for which they are made should be sent in writing or via the website to reach the Sustainable Transport Group by 30th March 2020 quoting reference LJB/TRO/WARM30
Sustainable Transport Group, County Hall, Bythesea Road TROWBRIDGE BA14 8JN.
6th March 2020.
WILTSHIRE COUNCIL
ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984
THE COUNTY OF WILTSHIRE (VARIOUS ROADS, WARMINSTER)
(30MPH SPEED LIMIT) ORDER 2020.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT Wiltshire Council proposes to make the above Order under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 the effect of which will be to revoke The County of Wiltshire (Various Roads, Warminster) (Restricted Roads) Order 2000 and re-enact it, in part, for administrative purposes only and to introduce a 30mph speed limit on the following length of road:
Smallbrook Road - from a point 40 metres east of its junction with Upper Marsh Road and Henfords Marsh to its junction with Southleigh View and Gipsy Lane.
Copies of the draft Orders, plan and Statement of the Council’s Reasons for proposing to make the Orders may be inspected at the offices of Wiltshire Council, County Hall, Bythesea Road, Trowbridge during normal office hours. Details of the proposed scheme may be seen at Warminster Library, Three Horseshoes Walk, BA12 9BT between the hours of 10am to 7pm Monday, 9.30am to 5pm Tuesday and Friday, 9.30am to 12.30pm Wednesday, 9.30am to 7pm Thursday and 9.30am to 4pm Saturday until 30th March 2020. Documents can also be viewed online at www.wiltshire.gov.uk/troconsultations.htm
Comments on the proposal together with the reasons for which they are made should be sent in writing or via the website to reach the Sustainable Transport Group by 30th March 2020 quoting reference LJB/TRO/WARM30
Sustainable Transport Group, County Hall, Bythesea Road TROWBRIDGE BA14 8JN.
6th March 2020.
Warminster Town Council Budget 2020/21
Thursday 30th January 2020:
Warminster Town Council Budget 2020/21
Warminster Town Councillors have unanimously voted to approve the town councils’ budget and precept for 2020/2021.
The precept request is for £1,180,666. The new Band D equivalent charge will be £191.75 per annum. The weekly Band D equivalent will increase by £1.22 per week, that is £63.79 per annum.
The main reason for the increase is the decision by town councillors to take some of the services currently provided by Wiltshire Council, as Wiltshire is unable to fund them at the level. Taking on the services will involve the town council in cutting many grassed areas, management of some hedges/shrubs/shelter belts and trees. It will also involve maintenance of some footpaths, leaf clearance, balancing ponds and litter bin emptying. Also included with be the management of Pine Lawns cemetery and the weekly market.
Town councillors concluded that it would be prudent for Warminster Town Council to increase the sum allocated in the budget for the provision for services to be devolved from Wiltshire Council from £300,000 to £350,000.
Councillor Chris Robbins, Deputy Mayor of the Council said: “The town council has carefully considered what is best for the town and we strongly believe that local control will bring with it local improvements to services. The public consultation has been strongly in favour of the action the town council is taking and we hope people bear with us through this period of transition. Although this is a significant rise in the town councils’ portion of Council Tax, this level of increase will not be repeated in future years.”
Warminster Town Council Budget 2020/21
Warminster Town Councillors have unanimously voted to approve the town councils’ budget and precept for 2020/2021.
The precept request is for £1,180,666. The new Band D equivalent charge will be £191.75 per annum. The weekly Band D equivalent will increase by £1.22 per week, that is £63.79 per annum.
The main reason for the increase is the decision by town councillors to take some of the services currently provided by Wiltshire Council, as Wiltshire is unable to fund them at the level. Taking on the services will involve the town council in cutting many grassed areas, management of some hedges/shrubs/shelter belts and trees. It will also involve maintenance of some footpaths, leaf clearance, balancing ponds and litter bin emptying. Also included with be the management of Pine Lawns cemetery and the weekly market.
Town councillors concluded that it would be prudent for Warminster Town Council to increase the sum allocated in the budget for the provision for services to be devolved from Wiltshire Council from £300,000 to £350,000.
Councillor Chris Robbins, Deputy Mayor of the Council said: “The town council has carefully considered what is best for the town and we strongly believe that local control will bring with it local improvements to services. The public consultation has been strongly in favour of the action the town council is taking and we hope people bear with us through this period of transition. Although this is a significant rise in the town councils’ portion of Council Tax, this level of increase will not be repeated in future years.”
Contrasting Weather
Tuesday 28th January 2020:
Contrasting weather. Sunshine in the foreground on the Camp Ground, Boreham Farm, and a stormy sky behind Battlesbury Hill, Warminster. Tuesday 28th January 2020. Photograph taken by Danny Howell.
Contrasting weather. Sunshine in the foreground on the Camp Ground, Boreham Farm, and a stormy sky behind Battlesbury Hill, Warminster. Tuesday 28th January 2020. Photograph taken by Danny Howell.
Warminster Town Council To Take Action To Combat Climate Change
Tuesday 28th January 2020:
Warminster Town Council To Take Action To Combat Climate Change
Warminster Town Councillors have unanimously voted to approve a series of action to help combat climate change. At a meeting of the Full Council on Monday 20th January 2020,
Councillors voted unanimously in favour of:
• Setting up a climate change working group to produce a climate change action plan. This would consist of three Councillors and be open to outside representatives. The working group will report back to the Full Council.
• Conducting a green audit of its activities.
• Taking on a leadership, education and information providing role regarding climate change action.
• Continuing to support the work of Neighbourhood Plan Review Working Group in creating “A Place for the Future”.
• Working in Partnership with the Warminster Area Board and Wiltshire Council on their climate change agenda/actions.
• Striving to become a carbon neutral organisation by 2030.
The three Town Councillors that were nominated to be part of the working group were Councillors Denis Brett, Steve Jeffries and Tony Nicklin.
Councillors also noted a report that contained other suggestions and ideas that could be discussed by the working group.
Speaking after the meeting, Councillor Brett said: “ I am delighted that there has been such a positive response to the report and the recommendations from the public and from Sustainable Warminster. I look forward to working with my fellow councillors and members of the public to turn these
ideas into positive actions. As a first step the Council has agreed (at the same meeting) to switch to a renewable
energy supplier for Council buildings.”
Warminster Town Council To Take Action To Combat Climate Change
Warminster Town Councillors have unanimously voted to approve a series of action to help combat climate change. At a meeting of the Full Council on Monday 20th January 2020,
Councillors voted unanimously in favour of:
• Setting up a climate change working group to produce a climate change action plan. This would consist of three Councillors and be open to outside representatives. The working group will report back to the Full Council.
• Conducting a green audit of its activities.
• Taking on a leadership, education and information providing role regarding climate change action.
• Continuing to support the work of Neighbourhood Plan Review Working Group in creating “A Place for the Future”.
• Working in Partnership with the Warminster Area Board and Wiltshire Council on their climate change agenda/actions.
• Striving to become a carbon neutral organisation by 2030.
The three Town Councillors that were nominated to be part of the working group were Councillors Denis Brett, Steve Jeffries and Tony Nicklin.
Councillors also noted a report that contained other suggestions and ideas that could be discussed by the working group.
Speaking after the meeting, Councillor Brett said: “ I am delighted that there has been such a positive response to the report and the recommendations from the public and from Sustainable Warminster. I look forward to working with my fellow councillors and members of the public to turn these
ideas into positive actions. As a first step the Council has agreed (at the same meeting) to switch to a renewable
energy supplier for Council buildings.”
Fowler BB1 Traction Engine At Boreham Farm, Warminster
Tuesday 28th January 2020:
The photograph above shows a Fowler BB1 steam engine in use at Arthur Bazley's Boreham Farm, Warminster, during the 1920s. It replaced a Fowler K7 ploughing engine, No.15279, and another Fowler engine, No.15278, purchased by Arthur Bazley in 1919.
Does anyone, by chance, have any pics of the Fowler K7 ploughing engine, No.15279, or the other Fowler engine, No.15278, purchased by Arthur Bazley in 1919, during the time they were at Boreham Farm, Warminster?
The photograph above shows a Fowler BB1 steam engine in use at Arthur Bazley's Boreham Farm, Warminster, during the 1920s. It replaced a Fowler K7 ploughing engine, No.15279, and another Fowler engine, No.15278, purchased by Arthur Bazley in 1919.
Does anyone, by chance, have any pics of the Fowler K7 ploughing engine, No.15279, or the other Fowler engine, No.15278, purchased by Arthur Bazley in 1919, during the time they were at Boreham Farm, Warminster?
Some Mobile Library Stops For 3rd January 2020 Are Cancelled
Thursday 2nd January 2020:
Wiltshire Library Service have apologised in advance for the South Mobile Library being cancelled on Friday 3rd January 2020, due to staffing issues. The stops affected are: Sutton Veny; Heytesbury; Chitterne; Tilshead; Codford; Upton Lovell; Wylye and Hanging Langford. Wiltshire Libraries say they are very sorry for any inconvenience this causes.
Wiltshire Library Service have apologised in advance for the South Mobile Library being cancelled on Friday 3rd January 2020, due to staffing issues. The stops affected are: Sutton Veny; Heytesbury; Chitterne; Tilshead; Codford; Upton Lovell; Wylye and Hanging Langford. Wiltshire Libraries say they are very sorry for any inconvenience this causes.