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Local teacher, tutor and writer Anna Vaught has undertaken to write an original short story every day for three months.

This is in aid of the Bradford on Avon-based Elizabeth Ann Charity, which works to help villagers in Southern India. You can read Anna’s daily story and sponsor her to keep going.

Your money will go a long way! Anna has been writing since May and will continue until the end of August. Anna’s work, of which this is one strand, has so far raised over £500 and whatever she raises will be given to the school near Chennai when she teaches there in September. www.rainbowoverbengal.blogspot.com is where it’s all at and you can follow the link to the charity’s website.

(Contributed by: Anna Vaught)

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Mr Palmer’s Bears

Older residents may remember seeing a large assembly of concrete bears just inside the gate to No 14 Church Street – next to the Saxon Chapel.

These were all made by Mr Charles E Palmer, a Great West Railway Inspector, as a retirement hobby in the early 50s60s – at one time they numbered over 250! Fresh back from hospital (transplant surgery was required) are the few remaining bears now happily reunited in their original home.

If other strayed bears are lost and wish to return home they will be warmly welcomed. To find out more google “bradford on avon concrete bears” for a Pathe News archive film.

(Contributed by: Annette Seekings)

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Duncan Hames makes maiden speech

Newly elected Chippenham MP Duncan Hames made his maiden speech in the House of Commons last week (June 2nd).

In the speech, Mr Hames made reference to Bradford and put particular emphasis on improving local rail services. He said he intends to open a constituency office in Chippenham.

You can read the full text of his speech here.

To sign up for an email alert every time Mr Hames speaks in the House, click here.

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New Town Council website launched

The new Bradford on Avon Town Council website, designed by locally based eberlin Web Design, has gone live.

The website aims to help you find out about your Town Council’s activities. You can find details of all Town Council and Committee Meetings, including minutes, plus read the latest news and activities of your Council.

You can also book St. Margaret’s Hall by downloading a booking form and find out a little more about Bradford on Avon.

(Contributed by: Andrew Eberlin)

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Discussing the future for Wiltshire’s market towns

A debate is taking place at 6:30pm on Tuesday (18 May) in St Margaret’s Hall, Bradford on Avon to discuss how a thriving low carbon, well-being economy can be adapted to fit the needs of the six towns of mid-Wiltshire.

Entitled ‘Imagination, engagement and a low-carbon, well-being economy’, the free event is organised by the Mid Wiltshire Economic Partnership, in partnership with the Royal Society of Arts (RSA). The evening features world-leading experts on creativity, culture, sustainability and design.

The debate is free to attend but pre-registration is required. Click here to register and find out more. Telephone enquiries can be made to 01225 866612.

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Election result

Bradford on Avon has a new MP, Duncan Hames for the Liberal Democrats. He has a Twitter account you can follow and you can use this web page to sign up for email alerts whenever he speaks in Parliament.

The full results for the Chippenham constituency were as follows:

Duncan Hames (Liberal Democrat) – 23,970 votes.

Wilfred Emmanuel-Jones (Conservative) – 21,500.

Greg Lovell (Labour) – 3,620

Julia Reid (UKIP) – 1,783

Mick Simpkins (BNP) – 641

Samantha Fletcher (Green) – 446

John Maguire (English Democrat) – 307

Richard Sexton (Christian) – 118

(Source: The Guardian.)

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Exchange visits with BoA French Twinning Association

We run annual exchange visits between BoA and Sully-sur-Loire staying in each other’s homes.

It’s an excellent way to discover France, make friends, enjoy the lifestyle, and pick up some French.

There are also local social events during the year. New members of all ages are very welcome; contact 01225 867007 or 01225 863647.

The picture shows the Twinning stall at last year’s Westbury Gardens fete. Look out for it again on Saturday, July 3rd this year.

To find out more about Sully-sur-Loire, go to www.sully-sur-loire.fr

The Duke of Sully (1569-1614) was the First Minister of Henri 1V and together they gave France 20 years of much-needed peace following the Wars of Religion. The Duke of Sully was passionate about tree planting and he started the tradition of planting poplars alongside roads – an image which, for many, typifies France. He also planted trees for commemorative purposes. Many have died but some lime trees still remain. If you want to know more go to www.sullystrees.weebly.com

(Contributed by: Terry Brown)