Malmesbury Launches Visitor Guide. The Malmesbury Town Team has launched the new official visitor guide to the town. It includes a fold-out map featuring local attractions and landmarks such as the Abbey, Market Cross and the scenic river walk.
As well as places to stay, eat and shop, the guide lists key 2026 festivals and events by season. So that’s such things as:
The Thomas Hobbes Festival
EAT:Malmesbury this Spring
The new Malmesbury River Festival and Carnival in the Summer,
Wessex Week and the Flying Monk Art Trail in the Autumn.
Malmesbury Launches Visitor Guide – the malmesbury visitor guide
About the guide
history
culture
nature
independent shops and plenty of interesting places to eat and drink.
We needed an appealing companion print guide to supplement online promotion of the town through the Discover Malmesbury and Visit Wiltshire websites and associated social media. Together, the print and online resources provide everything you need know to have a wonderful time here. Whether as a day visitor or on a longer-stay – for which Malmesbury provides the perfect base to explore the local area on foot, by bike or by car.’
The new visitor guide is now available from 80 tourism information outlets across the region. Counted in their number are Malmesbury’s Tourist Information Centre. And it’ll will be on the Great West Way stand at the British Tourism and Travel Show at the NEC Birmingham later this month.
n 2025, the town received the Sunday Times title of best place to live in Wiltshire, along with one of the best places to live in the UK. So the town team intends to build on that success in 2026 and attract more visitors from near and far. As David comments:
‘We love our town and its beautiful setting, unique history and vibrant community. The future prosperity of the town, its businesses and its leisure and cultural offer, depends on encouraging both visitors and residents to spend locally. We can’t afford to remain a best-kept secret.’
An aerial of Malmesbury Abbey and the market cross.
A wonder …
Having uploaded this post about Malmesbury, I can’t help but think if only we had a visitor guide – and a spot on the Great West Way stand at the NEC for the British tourism and travel show.
Anyway, on the topic of tourism and culture in Swindon please see:
Also – did you know that I’ve written a Born Again Swindonian’s guide book? I guess it’s an alternative guide book …
The central thrust of this book is that of opening eyes, heart and mind to what’s around you. If I want to convey ONE thing with the book it’s this:
That EVEN IF a building, a piece of sculpture, a street, a park bench – whatever it might happen to be – is neglected etc – that doesn’t mean you can’t find beauty, or at least interest, in it. That doesn’t mean it’s not worthy of your attention and consideration. It’s about finding joy in the everyday rather than seeking the big and the spectacular.
In the wake of lengthy and persistent issues with a Swindon pharmacy, it’s now reopened with new management. And a new name: Okus Pharmacy and Health Clinic.
Patients of Okus Pharmacy and Health Clinic on Curie Avenue noticed issues with staffing and stock supply last year in the weeks before Jhoots closed the premises in November. But, in good news for patients and residents, former locum pharmacist Tanvir Ali has now taken charge. He’s sorted out the issues and welcomed visitors back into the health hub.
New Pharmacy at Okus – the official opening ceremony
The 28-year-old invited friends, family, and local dignitaries to mark the occasion with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Monday, February 23. He said: ‘It feels great that everyone has come out to support us.
‘People are welcome to call or come in if they have any questions. Also we’re open to suggestions for what they’d like to see here.’ I want to:
Provide a good continuity of care for the community
Let the public know we’re open …
… and work with the surgery to ensure everyone gets looked after as they should be.
If you live in that area you’ll find the chemist next door to Old Town surgery. As the practice manager, Hayley Slatter observed: ‘This is such a positive development for our patients. Towards the end, the pharmacy offered a service pared to the bone. There were several issues but it’s now all as it should be.
What the pharmacy offers
Here you’ll find:
Blood pressure tests
Contraception
Pharmacy First services
Mayor Fay Howard performed the ribbon cutting ceremony to an accompaniment of cheers and applause from the gathered crowd. She said: It’s fantastic to have a well-stocked pharmacy like this on-site and to celebrate new things in Swindon.’
Mayor Fay Howard, Cllr Abdul Ali and MP for Swindon South, Heidi Alexander
A vital service
It’s great all round that the good people of Okus now have a a decent pharmacy. Your pharmacist offers much more than dispensing prescriptions and selling packets of Paracetamol.
Grandfather Clocks at Auction. Tick, tock, tick, tock! A private collection of antique grandfather clocks and clock parts by Wiltshire clock makers will go on sale next week at RWB Auctions.
The clocks come from makers who lived and worked in Devizes, Royal Wootton Bassett and Calne. And, as a collection, could make more than £1,000.
Selling the time pieces are local collectors and experts Paul Succony and his wife Jan, who live in a village near Devizes. Their sale marks a rare opportunity for buyers to get hold of pieces rooted in local history.
Grandfather Clocks at Auction – one of the Wiltshire-made grandfather clocks from the collection going under the hammer at RWB Auctions with junior auctioneer and valuer Will Walter
Made in Wiltshire
Focusing exclusively on antique clocks made in Wiltshire, the couple have assembled their collection over 35 years. It’s almost certainly the biggest in the world within this specialist field. What began as a personal purchase grew into a lifelong passion for sourcing, restoring and researching timepieces created by local craftsmen. Each clock reflects the heritage and identity of its maker and place of origin.
‘My wife had a vision of sitting beside a log fire, reading Thomas Hardy novels with the reassuring tick of a grandfather clock in the room. So, 35 years ago I bought her a grandfather clock. That was the start of it. We embraced the challenge of finding clocks made by local makers. And then restoring them as we both love local history, and each clock has its own identity,’ Paul said.
‘Over time we began to sell some to serious collectors where the name of the maker was important to them. For us, it’s always been more of a hobby. The joy has been in the challenge of finding the clocks and discovering the story of each clockmaker. Today we have well over 60 clocks. We’ve sold several to buyers across the globe who want to reconnect with their own history or heritage.’
An authority
As a result, Paul has also become recognised as an authority on Wiltshire clockmakers and has contributed to specialist articles and books on the subject. Further, Paul has helped to document this niche area of regional craftsmanship.
Now in his 70s and still working as a consultant in the food industry, Paul and Jan have decided it’s time to release part of the collection. In particular clocks they’ve yet to restore.
‘We do have to consider the future and it’s not practical for us to keep all that we have. It was this that’s prompted us to part with some of our collection,’ he said.
It’s expected that the sale on Wednesday March 4 at RWB Auctions will attract strong interest from collectors, historians and enthusiasts. All eager to secure a rare example of a Wiltshire-made grandfather clock, many of which seldom come to market.
‘These are interesting local pieces. They’ll attract local collectors or those with local ties who may live overseas or who have a connection with these places. Two items come from very small hamlets – Lydeway and Horton – so these are truly niche,’ said junior auctioneer and valuer Will Walter.
RWB Auctions hosts regular sales that attract buyers from across the UK and the world. For more information visit https://rwbauctions.com/
Budding scientists flocked to Brunel Centre for Festival of Tomorrow activities.
Children flocked to The Brunel Shopping Centre during half-term week as Swindon’s annual Festival of Tomorrow brought science, technology and the arts to life.
The week-long ‘Living in the Future’ event offered families free, interactive workshops. All transforming the shopping centre into a hub of discovery.
Budding scientists flocked to Brunel Centre for the Festival of Tomorrow 2026
Throughout the February half-term, The Brunel hosted a diverse range of hands-on activities covering:
engineering and space
sound and music
nature and climate
and chemistry.
In total more than 1,000 children, plus their parents/guardians, took part in the fun. While many more enjoyed a Robot Trail, that led them around The Brunel.
It’s been wonderful to see so many families enjoying these free activities together in the heart of the town,’ said Louise Halliday. Louise isHead of Programming and Outreach for the Festival of Tomorrow. ‘The turnout at The Brunel was fantastic. It proved once again what a vital space this is for bringing our local community together through discovery and play.’
Tim Knowles, Founder and Managing Director at FI Real Estate Management, which manages The Brunel, added: ‘Offering these activities for free, gives parents a hands-on option and helps inspire curiosity in the next generation.’
BLUE LIGHTS TO BRIGHT IDEAS. EX-POLICE OFFICER TURNED LOCAL BUSINESSMAN LAUNCHES VINTAGE BRAND WITH A CAUSE.
Entrepreneur Mike Rees has launched a new venture: Reesycle Revival. It combines a passion for business and sustainability with a commitment to supporting people in need.
His recycled furniture and vintage wares business will officially open its warehouse showroom at Unit 3, Little Smithcott Farm, Brinkworth Road, Dauntsey, for browsing on Sunday March 1 from 10am to 2pm. And will continue to welcome customers every Sunday thereafter.
BLUE LIGHTS TO BRIGHT IDEAS – Mike Rees inside his shop warehouse
What’s on offer
Reesycle Revival offers:
vintage furniture
reclaimed household items
and a range of vintage pieces for the home from ceramics, to toys, vinyl records to CDs.
The initiative reflects a growing demand for sustainable shopping options.
‘The idea has been evolving for some time,’ Mike said. ‘I wanted to create a sustainable business with a social conscience. One where we buy and sell goods. And alongside that we can offer support to individuals or families who are in dire need in our community. By selling furniture and vintage wares we can fund support for those in need who may only be able to pay a little or, on occasion, nothing at all. We also want to ensure that as little as possible goes to landfill.’
Mike said his inspiration for the new business came from what he’s seen within the community over many years. He retired as a Detective Inspector in 2014. He then set up his extreme cleaning business, Forensiclean. It helps organisations and individuals with hazardous, deep cleans – this includes supporting loved ones who wish to help family members with issues around hoarding.
‘Throughout my career I’ve seen first-hand how soon circumstances can change for families,’ he said. ‘With our cleaning business we saw how some people can find life a struggle. We also saw how much waste can material goods can generate. Waste that others can use and have a new life. For the last 12 years, we’ve voluntarily taken furniture from beds to tables, chairs and wardrobes to families in need or in crisis, sometimes due to serious domestic abuse.
A business with a social conscience
‘The time has come to turn that into a business with a strong social conscience. One where we can employ a small team, fetch and carry items, conduct house clearances and the sort out goods for sale or for gifting to those in need. This is not just about giving furniture a second chance. It’s also about giving people a second chance. If we can provide basic items at very low cost or even free to those in genuine need, then we’re making a real difference.’
The design of the warehouse showroom makes for a relaxed browsing space. One where customers can explore a changing collection of tables, chairs, storage units, soft furnishings and decorative vintage finds.
Alongside retail sales, the business will set aside essential items of furniture for families referred through local support networks such as the NHS and Social Services.
Mike believes the model strikes a balance between commercial sustainability and community responsibility.
‘I want this to be more than a mere shop,’ he said. ‘We all have a responsibility to look out for each other and to think about waste. By restoring and rehoming furniture, we are reducing landfill while also helping people create safe, comfortable homes. That feels like the right way to do business.’
