The Wharf Theatre production presents an electrifying confrontation between artistic truth and political authority, with a content warning! Howard Barker’s Scenes from an Execution is coming to the Wharf Theatre, Devizes. Gripping psychological drama; they’ve got it covered…..
Directed by Jax Brady, Howard Barker’s 1984 BBC Radio 3 drama, Scenes from an Execution will be running from 21st to the 26th September. I’ll be reviewing it here before its release, but it’s okay, I’ve been executed loads of times before, piece of cake!
What is the price of telling the truth? What happens when art refuses to serve power?
In Howard Barker’s provocative drama, audiences are transported to Renaissance Venice in the aftermath of a military victory. Celebrated painter Galactia is commissioned to create a grand work commemorating the state’s triumph. But instead of crafting a monument to glory, she paints the brutal reality of war, exposing bloodshed, suffering, and human cost.
What follows is an explosive battle between an uncompromising artist and the forces determined to control her vision.
Part political thriller, part psychological drama, Scenes from an Execution remains one of the most powerful explorations of censorship, creativity, and resistance ever written for the stage. Barker’s razor-sharp dialogue and fearless storytelling challenge audiences to ask whether art exists to comfort, to celebrate, or to confront. This production brings renewed urgency to a play whose themes resonate as strongly today as ever.
Rich with dark wit, intellectual intensity, and emotional power, Scenes from an Execution invites audiences into a world where beauty and violence collide, and where the act of creation becomes an act of rebellion.
Critically acclaimed since its premiere in 1990, Barker’s modern classic continues to captivate audiences with its bold examination of art’s role in society and the enduring tension between freedom of expression and political control. This in-house production from The Wharf brings you high-quality drama at its best. With a very adaptable and capable cast of six actors, playing 20 roles, the Wharf brings you gripping psychological drama from well-loved Wiltshire actors.
According to material from the University of Waterloo’s production archive, Barker wrote the play in part as a response to contemporary politics, particularly Margaret Thatcher’s aggressive response to Argentina during the Falklands War. The historical story allowed him to examine modern concerns about war, nationalism, and the use of art to support political agendas.
The play also reflects Barker’s wider theatrical philosophy. He was interested in creating drama that challenges audiences rather than reassuring them. Galactia’s refusal to glorify war embodies Barker’s belief that art should provoke thought and reveal difficult truths instead of reinforcing official narratives.
The Wharf advises us to, “prepare for a theatrical experience that is challenging, unforgettable, and profoundly relevant.” And it comes with a Content Warning: Recommended for ages 14+. Contains mature themes including war, violence, political oppression, misogyny, references to sexual violence, and emotional distress. Viewer discretion is advised.
Wharf Theatre, Devizes
21st – 26th September 7.30pm
Tickets £20 including booking fee (discount available for Wharf Members) Booking Link
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Newlywed, what lengths would you want your partner to go to with their wedding speech and gift? A six track EP of the most beautifully self-penned sentimental love songs?! Well, sorry, but honestly, unless you’re luckily now married to twenty-five year old Ed Sheeran-endorsed Chippenham singer-songwriter Luke Gittins, I think you’re asking a bit much!
Congratulations to the couple, wishing them all the best of health and happiness on their journey together. But, yeah, cheers Luke; thankfully I’m already happily married, but you’ve set the bar quite high with this! Will every bride-to-be now be expecting their partner to break out the acoustic guitar and deliver vocals smooth enough to charm the pants off a donkey?! Because, if so, this might not end well! Certainly nothing as breathtakingly close to For A Lifetime.
If there’s a reason why Ed Sheeran praised Luke, invited him on stage at the O2 Arena and to open his Berlin show, it’s not hidden within this EP, it’s on show in the opening bars. For all I know, his wife might prefer drum & bass, but if it was me, I’d be bowled out for six! This is David Gray losing his Roland Groovebox, this is Noah Kahan playing Vermont. It’s rich with textures, divine in delivery, but the sincerity of the prose in the song-writing is kingpin.
An honest breath of fresh air, each song is a meticulously crafted expression, simply but effectively. The pulsating yet subtle beat of the opening title track took me to I’m on Fire, and could easily cool Springsteen’s desire. It also serves as an epilogue to the EP’s narrative, talking of their first kiss and the change it made within him.
The second song concerns itself with the sensations of love and how unbelievable it can feel to find your soulmate, wrapped in a title of a wedding vow. Whereas the third is more metaphorical, using the unpredictable English weather to suggest their relationship will overcome the odds.
The fourth is akin to Billy Joel’s Just The Way You Are, whereas Home expresses the place of memories, and though perhaps a cliche theme, Luke knocks it out of the park like a delicacy savoured, and lends the listener to be far too engulfed in the beauty of the EP to be concerned about any overused subject. These are classic sentiments expressed before, but Luke revisits them with the talent to make it fresh sounding; that’s the lucidity here. It ends as smooth as the intro, with a brimful of everlasting sentiment. And with that, this is a timeless work.
Playing guitar and writing since the age of eight, Luke’s popularity blossomed during the lockdown, sharing covers on TikTok. This is his second release since his debut, Waited A Lifetime in 2023. The personal tenderness of For A Lifetime reflects, with any song on it clasping the potential to rival John Legend’s first dance song, All of Me. Now, get on and do the dishes, Luke!
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While The Hebrew Bible depicts women in composite roles, from submissive domestic positions in a patriarchal society to powerful figures of leadership excelling moral courage, and in Abigail’s case, political peace-making, there are few exceptions from the rule that, being it was written and compiled by a male scribal elite, the Hebrew Bible is narrated from a male perspective. There remains only one exception, an Egyptian slave called Hagar in the Book of Genesis, where expression of any femininity derives from a character not linked to nobility. And herein lies the genius of local author Kirsty A Wilmott…..
I’m glad to find Kirsty’s latest novel, Radiant popped through my letterbox, as we promised to review more local authors’ works. It is, essentially, a love story between Israelite Abigail and the future King David, but told through the varying point of views of her handmaidens.
Let it be known, I’m far from knowledgeable about biblical passages. Any understanding of it in this review was encouraged by this book, and I would recommend a little research before, or at least during, embarking on its complex and seemingly historically accurate narrative.
This story begins before the original texts, with Abigail as a child, and charters her life akin to classic novels like David Copperfield or The Count of Monte Cristo, rather than usual briskness of contemporary pulp fiction. Thankfully though it’s not as lengthy, as I was thoroughly locked into this realm of yore, and would never have got this review out there!
To draw you in, everything from the artefacts to the social and political tenets of the era are meticulously researched, alongside the actual biblical story, and, I suspect, characters and situations from other scriptures are ingeniously intertwined too. It creates a vivid curiosity of the world in biblical times, just with a completely alternative perspective.
It is the method which allows the reading to become somehow more modern, not just the concept of telling the tale from a female and enslaved point of view. Through the thoughts and separate lives of the handmaidens, each of them taking turns reciting a chapter, it creates alternative narratives, where their everyday occurrences and concerns might not necessarily be relevant to the actions of the men, where the story would usually be told. And, in turn, the happenings of the men, especially those of superior ranks, as they drink, fight, and treat the women as possessions, are depicted confusing or inconsequential to the lives of those telling this version of the story.
The handmaiden’s lives, though, are intricately intertwined with their mistress, and they often seem to care more for Abigail, and her relationships with Nabal and later, David, as they do their own lives and interconnections. But living under their roofs and in their employment, it’s understandable. In such, I’d compare the flow of this book with that of a soap opera, but please, that is meant as a compliment! For it can be no simple task for a writer to infuse all the lives of various soap opera characters into one combining narrative.
Yet, it is no soap opera in the modern sense, for the patriarchal context is so defined and entrenched, it’s another world. The social roles and everyday depictions so strictly ruled, with an emphasis on betrothment, the divide between the genders is distanced beyond our normal, even modern historical allowances, and none would dare question it.
Meanwhile, the lives of the men are typically common with the modern world, and biblical battles for wives or other possessions, landgrabs and kingdoms aren’t so dissimilar from blokes today, whether starting wars or punch-ups outside a Wetherspoons!
Kirsty makes no fantastical attempt to break these boundaries, leaving us with a harsh reality rather than a fairytale ending where the feminine get the upper hand or the slightest hope of their own governance. But they are not depicted as secondary in importance, as they were in most bible texts, and certainly not as intellectually inferior either. They have their own lives, and issues, aside shouldering bouts of the men’s too, Kirsty weaves them as paramount above the bravadoism of their male counter-characters.
Given the synopsis I wondered to Kirsty if I should hand this project to one of our female writers, but she assured me it was suitable and aimed also for men. Not, I’d suggest, those testosterone-driven guys whose life’s objectives is to race in fast cars, drink twenty pints and talk football, for they are the matching modern stereotype of the kings and soldiers in the book! Rather for the considerate fellow who favours walking in the shoes of others to better understand their take on a notion, yeah, I’d agree!
For I loved this fascinating and unique read. And in such, the choice of biblical story, where Abigail intervenes between her warring first husband and David, shoulders the blame, and twists David’s vengeance into peace by talking him down, through the consideration he would not want the burden of needless bloodshed, and David praised her wisdom, spared Nabal, fell in love and married Abigail, was apt for the writing style. It’s as if Kirsty used the plot to define the writing style, and that is nothing short of precision sagacity.
It is within the harsh reality the patriarchal society is ingrained, that David takes other wives, and this becomes a talking point for readers of Radiant, to consider how different the story might be if set in modern times, and if, and how much progress we’ve made on the way to gender equality. Yet it contrasts with the similarities of men’s behaviour when their grievances are not depicted as glorifying, as they are in most biblical stories.
Radiant by Kirsty A Wilmott is published through Bear Press, is available from Devizes Books, other bookshops, or from her Website HERE.
Following a stand out long weekend of blues and americana at the Hillbilly Hootenanny, Victoria and I managed to squeeze most of the Saturday of Flocksteady Bleats into a busy weekend of grown-up stuff and birthday dinners…
Neither of us would declare an informed opinion on reggae, other than knowing we like some reggae, but not educated enough to know what sort of thing it was in a very wide genre (perils of genre pigeonholes shortly!)
So, we expected some familiar themes and sounds, we have classic reggae down with some Trojan records box sets I’ve had decades, most of Bob’s original albums, and a few more here but that’s all- old school traditional reggae; mellow, principled, full of steady beats, and rhythm and love for music.
Before I waffle on a little about some wonderful bands, I want to touch on genres, briefly…
Obviously, reggae and ska have been infused in popular culture, as well as roots music for generations; original punks I know love reggae, and ska, and vice versa. That’s perhaps about identity, attitude, and lifestyle delivered from different angles.
It occurred to me immediately that the first band we caught, Technicolour Steam Train were reminiscent of The Beat (saw them a few times and love them) or The Selector.. they certainly had the brass and the skanking vibes down; yet they were rubbing shoulders with the lively presence of Da Fuchaman, perhaps a current take on a diverse scene maybe and more traditional laid back grooves of The MCAuff family and The Ligerians..
In all fairness the Baa team had been clever in all things marketing, the colours and some of the great names on the flyers gave a ready impression of reggae and beat-laden tunes to someone like myself ignorant to the detail or in fact to any of the bands other than sadly not being able to make the Friday for The Intercepteurs, who a good friend of mine was there to see, knowing them as she does very well and I was assured they played a blinder!
Other than some Google searching which had us tapping our toes, and feeling like this would be educational, we would unavoidably come away with slightly improved knowledge and likely new music to play at home!
The headline in all of this is to try something different. The line-ups here stretch across broader styles, I imagine deliberately so, and by doing so, broaden our horizons within a comfortable and fun environment. There are kids dancing, there are older couples relaxing in comfy chairs together, there are whatever we are variously dancing (especially Vickie!) or enjoying the spectacle with a cocktail! It’s a wonderful way to experience music, perhaps the best way.
Try something different and surprise yourself, at the Baa, if one band is not your thing the next one will be different enough… perhaps they will be?
We found ourselves enjoying most of it; meeting many of the musicians, chatting about their sets, and buying CD’s, which I have been listening to all week. Certainly to someone like myself for whom the soundtrack to my life provides the much needed balance to remember all that is good about humans, that life is good, even if the world can be more immediately thought of as bad or difficult..this music has a relaxing and positive impact, which is well suited to our times.
By the way, we got exactly what we envisaged, armed with the knowledge from our first visit, a different crowd, largely, I think but the same relaxed, safe, fun atmosphere, and great music.
So, here are some thoughts on the most impactful of the day’s bands for us:
Technicolour Steam Train-
A young looking band, a confident, bouncing, literally frontman delivering great songs, to long time fans of The Beat, like us, his getting the crowd skanking was great.. and they certainly did that!
Awesome musicians, hard-working brass musicians on one side were holding much of the core sound, something that is a delightful part of this kind of music for me.
Like my previous opinion stated, seeing live music is different gravy, their enjoyment, and instruments to the fore, which are not a part of, or at least so front and centre of the sound as they were here in many bands. It’s great seeing how or what they play when you are appreciating the music.
At times a sort of more modern sounding rhyming, not necessarily so much our thing but impressive none the less, as it’s certainly an amazing skill when the lyrics are delivered with such haste!
Da Fuchaman & the Fire Blaze Band-
Lyrics exploring music as a conduit to leaving your troubles behind, and positive thinking can probably resonate and lift most people who experience the huge presence of this amazing collective.
The larger than life stage presence and energy of its Jamaican born front man and singer, the awesome way he brings his singing troupe to the fore, taking the lead, and ensuring they have a strong voice.. doing their own tracks in the set too.
Not sure what an expert would call the particular sound but we loved it, uplifting and certainly updated over our limited previous knowledge of reggae, with seriously good vibes.
Dancing about in the audience, getting them lifting, bouncing, getting us singing a few songs in his set you can only respect. We had the pleasure of a brief chat with him after, and there is another thing about this sweet spot in festival or venue size, you can experience a huge range of bands with different followings, and you can often say ‘Hi’, you can talk about the music, you can share appreciation if you’ve had a great time, get your CD signed as a reminder of the first time you saw them.. none of that goodness is available outside the live experience.
The McAnuff family & the Ligerians –
This was an astounding headline set from an incredibly accomplished band, The only UK date so it would appear on this tour.
An incredible ensemble of Jamaican singers, and a French band. Taking to the internet the following day we learned Winston McAnuff visited a session recording of his daughter, Nadia and the Ligerians, who she had been working with, from a spontaneous experience that day. A family tour was envisaged, bringing his son Kush alongside them all to form something truly special from some of the leading lights of Jamaican reggae.
The band are incredible, a tightness you can readily recognise in any good band who have toured together, the experience and confidence in musicianship was evident, we were completely blown away, danced through much of this set too, and bought CD’s which have barely been off the hi-fi this week!
Whilst we learn more about reggae, this will be a baseline experience.. this is the sort of reggae we could listen to all the time, it’s so relaxing, the positivity and calmness of the overall sound is amazing.
So, there’s the verdict, music is good for you, live music is even better, live music in a field near home is a valuable and exciting addition to regular gigs in permanent venues, and get out there support the amazing humans and try new things, you will likely find if you trust your instinct you will open doors to new things and good people.
We spoke to and danced with people all over the place, with a common appreciation.
This week The Baa posted a general open statement inviting enquiries from bands, and who people who follow them and attend festivals want to see, inviting us to drop top picks to consider for next year.
They were inundated, many of us attendees were finding ourselves returning with more comments excited to see bands we love that would be a good fit for the venue considered; that’s what a community building momentum looks like, isn’t it?! It’s a big part of what makes the local scenes what they are, that respect, support, and adulation for the artists and the promoters who work so bloody hard to make our chances to make memories happen.
I covered my general favourable and appreciative thoughts on The Baa as a place and team well in my recent piece for the Hillbilly Hootenanny, but all the same I would like to say a huge thanks to all of them; you are all hard-working, but appeared very happy! You certainly know how to run a great event, we didn’t come last year, but it seems clear that the Baa has built a solid community, which is growing and we will be back next year.
When dates and details are available, we will be plotting to see some part of all three events with luck.
Apart from the one souvenir shot of the authors, all of the amazing pictures of this weekend are used with kind permission from Alice Rose Photography, check her out, the pics from all this year’s events at the Baa are next level, and as they say ‘a picture paints a thousand words.’
Thank you and ‘Happy Gigging’ from Ben & Victoria!
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Nearly September, time to sew those name tags onto school uniforms. Still, loads to entertain you throughout the month. I’ve exhausted our ever-updating event calendar, do please check it out. I promise you, you’ll have never seen so much information on things to do within a reasonable drive from Devizes, all collated and into one place!
Here’s some highlights and recommendations. Not this is conclusive, please refer to the calendar for much more!
Week 1: 1st – 6th
Step into a glittering royal world with Lucy Worsley at the Forum in Bath on Tuesday 1st, or get jazzy with Linley Hamilton & Eddie Gripper Trio at Jazz Knights, Royal Oak, Swindon (every Tuesday that one.)
End of the Road Festival starts on Thursday 3rd. Punk powerhouse Boss Cass are at the Ruze in Chippenham, or try Ribble at The Castle, Swindon, with Tamsin Quin in support.
Friday 3rd: The Strange Days Festival starts over at The Barge on HoneyStreet with Henge and Dom Jolly headlining, preview HERE. GoatFest also kicks off in Goatacre, and the Ley Lines Festival, nr Stonehenge.
Triple header at The Pump in Trowbridge with Lucky Number 7, Intrusive and Battery Acid. Saint Six at The Ruze. Neil Young ‘Harvest’ Celebration Show at Chapel Arts, Bath. Salisbury’s Fayre on the Square has The Tipsy Gypsies. And, The Leveller play Salisbury City Hall; wowzers!!
Saturday 5th: is Devizes Carnival. Midnight Hour at The Three Crowns and the new season at Long Street Blues Club opens with Lightnin’ Willie and the Poorboys: Preview HERE.
Motorbike ride-in at Wiltshire & Bath Air Ambulance Airbase. Car Park Fiesta at Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon, Ashton Barn Festival near Trowbridge too.
Blue Water Giants at The Old Town Hall, Trowbridge. The Pump has Regal Cheer & Mulch & Pebble Daisy. There’s a Charity Ball in aid of Breast Cancer Live at The Ruze in Chippenham. The Chippenham Record and Art Fair at the King Alfred Hall.
Fundraiser Base Connection at Salisbury Arts Centre with Salisbury Live City Stereo, Tides, Things Behind The Sun, Mossy Depths, Love Is Enough, CharmType, Five Nights At Adyans and Rosie Jay playing for the Thomas Thelk Fund.
Sunday 6th: erm, Kula Shaker at The Cheese & Grain, or The Amazing Bubble Man at PoundArts!
Week 2: 7th- 13th
Two words: Swindon Shuffle. Running from Monday until Sunday the 13th, the best time you will have in Swindon, ever! And helping Prospect Hospice too, we wish The Shuffle a happy 20th Birthday.
Chippenham Film Festival 2026 runs from Tuesday 8th to Sunday 13th.
Wednesday 9th, and you’ll find Devizes new town crier Capability Charlotte reading & social, Make Way for Lucia at The Churchill, West Lavington. An amateur production of Pink Mist, presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals at The Mission Theatre Bath, opens and runs until Saturday 12th.
Thursday 10th: Trowbridge Comedy Club has Milton Jones at The Civic. Swindon’s Wyvern brings you an evening with one of the world’s top rugby referees, Nigel Owens MBE, and for a complete contrast the Cheese & Grain in Frome presents Elvana, an Elvis Fronted Nirvana! But hey, I’d recommend the Bob Marley tribute Legend at Salisbury City Hall. It’s the Mucky Weekender near Winchester too.
Friday 11th: Icons of the Sky opens at Longleat, running until 13th. The Jane Austin Festival in Bath. Langford Beer Festival. The Haunting of Hill House opens at Salisbury Playhouse, running until 3rd October.
Gigs; Steve Knightley at St Peter’s Marlborough. Old Baby Mackerel at Pound Arts. Talk In Code at The Ruze, Chippenham.
Saturday 12th is Devizes Heritage Day, lots of open days across the town; until, the dinosaurs come! Jurassic Park open air cinema at Hillworth Park. Also, Devizes Bike Fest.
Minety Beer & Cider Festival, continues on Sunday. The Hammervilles are at Tuckers in Faulkland.
Sunday 13th, don’t miss Rachel Sinnetta & Jolyon Dixon at The Three Crowns, Devizes, Proms in Hilworth Park from 2pm with Devizes Town Band, and a charity football match at Devizes FC Vs Lacock FC.
Wiltshire & Bath Air Ambulance Paws Charity Dog Show, in Oare: preview HERE. Ramsbury Silver Band at Queens Park, Swindon from 15:00-16:30.
Week 3: 14th- 20th
Monday 14th, Oexmann Art Award Competition and Exhibition at Wiltshire Museum, Devizes. Tuesday and David Coulthard & Mika Häkkinen talk at The Forum, Bath; vrooom!
125 Years Of Jazz Piano at The Wyvern Theatre, Balls at The Mission Theatre, Bath, and David Essex at The Forum; options!
Thursday 17th and here we go, Pewsey! The Wheel-beero race!
Deadlight Dance & Flowers of Sacrifice at The Tuppenny, Tim Holehouse & B-Sydes at The Castle, and George Montague at The Vic, all in Swindon.
Friday 18th: Rich Hall’s Chin Music at Melksham Assembly Hall. Grassroots Band Night at The Ruze. Sam Grassie at The Old Town Hall in Trowbridge, Pityspeed, Steatopygous, Byford Dolphin Incident and Kride at The Pump. Slagerij at The Vic, Swindon, and Days in the Sun Festival opens in Gloucestershire.
Saturday 19th sees The Devizes Food & Drink Festival begin, with the free Artisan Producer’s Market at the Market Place. The festival runs until the 27th, all events are listed on our calendar. It’s also the legendary Pewsey Carnival.
Ska night with Ya Freshness & the Big Boss Band at The Lamb, Trowbridge, with Luke De-Sciscio & In Silver playing the Pump. The Koolkatz at Melksham Rock n Roll Club, a
Celestial Night at The Ruze, and The Reflections, Oscars & Golddiggers Reunion at Venom in Westbury; tidy!
Simon Brodkin at the Wyvern, Swindon, Hamlet: The Musical at The Mission Theatre, Bath.
Sunday 20th and Jazz Deloren is at The Barge, Honeystreet. Highworth Silver Band at Town Gardens, Swindon from 15:00-16:30.
Week 4: 21st- 30th
Howard Barker’s Scenes from an Execution opens on Monday 21st at The Wharf Theatre, Devizes, and runs until September 26th. An exploration of art clashing with politics and religion set in 16th-century Venice.
Wicked comedian Mike Rice brings his Cruel Little Man tour to Komedia, Bath on Monday and Swindon Arts Centre on Tuesday. While Tuesday’s offering at Jazz Knights, Royal Oak, Swindon is Brass Band Bychan, a Sousaphone.
Find internationally acclaimed cellist Steven Isserlis CBE at Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford on Avon on Wednesday 23rd. Joe McCorriston at The Pulpit, Swindon, comedian Josh Pugh at The Wyvern, Swindon, but over in Bath, Eric Idle talks at Komedia, and Alan Davies is at The Forum.
Thursday 24th and it’s the opening of Marlborough Literature Festival, with lots going on for bookworms and creatives, until Sunday 27th.
Now You See Me, Now You Don’t! at The Mission Theatre, Bath, and Amélie at The Rondo opens on Thursday, running until Saturday. Join two-time Olivier Award-winning actor Trevor Eve in conversation at Salisbury Arts Centre, Thursday, and Cloudbusting, the Kate Bush tribute is at Salisbury City Hall.
Friday 25th September, Virgil & The Accelerators return to Long Street Blues Club, Devizes after twelve years since they played there. Supported by Devizes-own Burn the Midnight Oil.
Sketchbook Records presents Fightmilk, Hark! A Shark! Spiderhoney and Shutterspeed at The Pump in Trowbridge. The Lost Trades & Ruby Darbyshire are at The Ruze in Chippenham. Martin Kemp’s “Back To The 80s Party” at King George V Playing Fields, and there’s comedy at Melksham Assembly Hall with Marcus Brigstocke, Zoe Lyons and Matt Bragg.
Saturday 26th, is the Colour Rush and Confetti Battle in Devizes, and a Thrive Sustainability Day at St Andrews. 3 Daft Monkeys are at The Barge, Honeystreet. Award-winning folk band from Quebec, Le Vent Du Nord at Wiltshire Music Centre.
Raving at The Vic in Swindon with Diversify 26, Swindon’s Multi Genre Dance Event, while rock legends Magnum play Frome’s Cheese & Grain.
Sunday 27th sees the ending of The Devizes Food & Drink Festival with the free World Food Day at the Corn Exchange. But thats also the end of our highlights for September, at least on a full stomach!
But this is just a smidgen of the stuff already listed on our event calendar, so bookmark it and check in, because more is being added all the time, well, nearly all the time!!
Featured Image: Danny Kruger, and an alien egg he’s fertilising in hope the creature will vote for him
I’d bet Cheddar Man would’ve had something to say about this. Blonde blue-eyed boyish Nightmare on Elcot Lane star Danny Kruger has gone off on one, again. The High Priest of Deform defecting, Marlborough Mackdaddy published a lengthy rant-type-proposal on his social media accounts, which, basically summarised, suggests he’ll nick Johnny Foreigner’s votes, in the name of democracy….
Oh, Danny boy, the pipes, the pipes are calling from glen to glen, and down the mountain side. The summer’s gone and all the roses are falling. It’s you, it’s you who must go, and I must bide…. for a general election. Marlborough posse, you’re not going to stand idly by and allow yourself the default Reform ramification to recklessly ruin you, are you?!
Send that Eton rifle back to Richmond like an out of date skinless sausage. Cos, he’s tabling “amendments to the Representation of the People Bill;” he began off the hip.
Reckons he’ll “end Commonwealth voting, restrict postal voting, end foreign language election materials, and crack down on coercive ‘family voting’.” Not if the vote doesn’t get you first, or better still, zippy zealot, Judgement Day.
Tiny tears off the back of Thursday’s Wandsworth by-election where the multicultural London borough crucified Reform’s Josh Stanton, nipping a mere 1.5% of the votes. Basically, 51 cockwombles out of the population of 341,000 thought stopping the boats over saving the NHS was a plan worthy of their cross in a box, which might be their last for some of them; when pigs fly!
Meanwhile, Danny Dog barks like he’s singing a reggae song, “it’s all designed to restore the principle that we are one nation, speaking a common language, taking part together in one electoral system – a system built on the principle of individual voting and the secret ballot.”
It’s not though, is it? It’s the polar opposite. It’s a destiny of draconian division at the highest order. Don’t come at me with your Orwellian Ministry of Love contradiction Danny. I used postal vote because I worked on the zero hour contract your previous party installed, and I had no idea when I’d be home.
If you think the inconvenience of my taxpaying labour was a “flagrant abuse of a system,” and propose to “restrict postal votes to members of the Armed Forces and diplomats serving away from home,” it’s likely because your hands that do dishes can feel soft as your farce, with your mild green Fairy Fantasy; you’ve never worked a day in your fucking sad little life, pal.
With xenophobia unabashed he continued, pointing out to the knuckle-draggers, “2.5 million non-British citizens from Nigeria, Pakistan, India and elsewhere – people here on temporary work visas, family visas, student visas, i.e. by definition not fully attached to our country – have the right to vote in Parliamentary and local elections because of their Commonwealth links.”
“That is wrong,” he reckoned, “and we will insist you must be British (or Irish) to vote in a British election.” When really, it’s only wrong in Reform’s eyes, because anyone with foreign blood joins the few remaining Brits with brain cells, and wouldn’t vote for racist fascists, even if they do sell football shirts. And it burps up this ongoing debate on “what it means to be British.”
These people on student visas could be our next doctors and nurses; they can empty our bedpans, but they’ll never get our democratic right!
He sulked about the Gorton and Denton by-election, blamed mass migration for the supposed lessening of implicit voting rights, and hoped “other parties will support these amendments.” And yeah, he did use the word “democracy,” without irony, as in suggesting these amendments are supportive of it; buy the boy a dictionary.
I mean I could suggest a few other amendments, such as no votes for anyone who doesn’t like cottage pie and Cliff Richard, or anyone who hasn’t painted a roundabout, but True & Fair party’s previous candidate for East Wiltshire, Peter Force Jones, has kindly provided a penny for his thoughts, and whilst clearly not as funny as mine, I think this force of nature is bang on the money.
Peter said, “Well this is utterly bonkers, and far from democratic as: We are not one single homogeneous nation, we are English, Scottish, Welsh, etc, and though English is the primary (only) language spoken by many, it is not the first language for all.”
“Those who pay their taxes here should have every right to vote in UK elections (both local and national) No taxation without representation informing this viewpoint. The inclusion of Irish citizens but exclusion of ALL others in his rather illogical ‘dream enfranchisement’ is simply bizarre.”
The Force, in the flesh!
“British politics is affected by and historically has affected world politics. Matters stretching beyond our isolated islands matter to us, and to those living here, and in the regions affected. The situations in Gaza, Ukraine, Iran, matter to British people, they affect us (as once did Nazi Germany’s systematic extermination of ethnic groups and aggression) it seems Reform would rather we remained silenced on such matters? Dare we ever bother to consider the resultant shortages of supplies raising our own cost of living, let alone the murder of civilians by warring factions.”
“Labelling so many of the UK electorate who choose to express their democratic voice by post as ‘abusing a system’ simply stinks”
“Since 1998, Electoral Commission records show there have been only nine convictions for postal vote fraud – a rate of less than one every two years. More than half of all reported cases were about campaigning offences.”
On the family voting claim, Peter said, “Kruger seems to utterly ignore the findings of Greater Manchester Police and appears to be whipping things up with zero evidence.” He quoted the GMP: “We’ve concluded our investigation into alleged ‘family voting’ at last month’s Gorton and Denton by-election, finding no evidence of any intent to influence or refrain any person from voting.”
On voting rights and ‘undue influence,’ Peter continued, “Instead of fretting about people not understanding the democracy they are a part of (and who exactly would determine whether a person understands enough of the nuances of our democracy to be ‘allowed to vote’ as to be brutally honest there are very very few who understand our archaic democratic system inside out?) maybe parties should concern themselves rather more with Article 21 of the UDHR (universal declaration of human rights) and the following: ‘Today, the right to vote faces new challenges, including disinformation campaigns, often facilitated by new technologies and particularly through social media, hate speech and negative discourse targeting marginalised and discriminated-against groups, including LGBTQI+ people, migrants and ethnic and religious minorities, have been weaponised for political gain, further polarising societies.’”
“The cheek of Reform claiming to desire electoral integrity with questions surrounding £5m (dodgy) undeclared donations from a Thai based crypto billionaire still unanswered,” he pointed out, “and possible criminal investigations into party donations from a known (convicted) fraudster does little to convince me of their commitment to British democracy.”
I thank Peter for his points. He does go on a bit, understandable when triggered by Kruger, the man from our nightmares (except with words rather than fingers for knives,) and he’s certainly not Binface, so I will invoice him for the penny.
If you’ve nothing nice to say, naughty Danny…. The only agreeable thing he did say in his rambling piffle was “we are one nation.” Although he didn’t divulge if it is under the same groove as Funkadelic, please allow me a little speculation for artistic licence!
I’m not going to tell you what town centre or venue it was in the headline; just like them. But this isn’t about good nor bad publicity. Unlike them, you’re not even finding out if you click on this badass bias baloney!
And, important point: if you do know the venue don’t be a twat and name it in the comments of this article’s Facebook share. I will only delete it.
Don’t mind me and my tricks, I’m just disappointed with Newsquest.. again! So, a bit of a rumble in an urban jungle, police swept in; it happens, often, but news of them rarely gets published. For some reason they felt the need to cover this one, and point the finger at the nearest independent music venue, only around 500 yards up the road from their featured photograph.
Would you’ve read about it if it was on the outskirts of a Wetherspoons, or a McDonalds? Unlikely they’d bite the hand which feeds them; they’ve the capital to take out a full page spread. But a newly opened independent music venue peddling over the dodgy cobblestones of the hospitality industry, why not jab a stick through their spokes?!
If it smells like clickbait it probably is. I just can’t help reading more into this; ideal real estate surrounding the place, political ballyhoo. Retail is dead, unfortunately. Here’s an area only nightlife and the arts can save, but out of the starting trap they pelt, gung-ho slandering a local trio who only wished to freely supply some live music to the area.
Would it be such a target if replaced for a Wagamamma or Greggs?!
If you call out hypocrisy because “it’s a local newspaper for local people,” you’re incorrect; it’s a national company publishing hundreds of so-called local organs across the country. Ever wonder what happened to the stories about Mrs Farnsworth’s prize-winning turnip, or the dog who went into a burning house to save his master’s war medals? All gone, replaced by national headlines, rightwing bias local politics or scoops slamming local businesses who can’t afford to advertise with them.
Elsewhere in the county a teenager was stabbed; a dispute over a bag of plants, and, unless we’re being withheld from vital intelligence in the reports published, it looks like a serious miscarriage of justice. A responsible local newspaper should focus, rally the public and councillors for an inquiry. But, one poxy report on the verdict and it’s brushed under the carpet. Where’s the “pure cold rage” response from the far right knuckle-draggers on this one? Nowhere, because while most of us see in colour, local papers concentrate on clickbait put downs of local establishments instead.
Exaggerating? Moi? Perhaps a smidgen. They didn’t directly accuse the venue, but everyone can read between the lines. Everyone could suggest, “ooh, not going there, if there’s trouble,” and tag their mates to warn them too. But only those with at least half a brain cell know a fight could potentially erupt outside a Christian Science Reading Room, or anywhere else unlikely you could care to name.
If their aim was to professionally publish a balanced piece they’d have approached the owners for a quote, but the first thing they heard about it was the article itself, and they were left to put their point across in the comments section of the Facebook share! As if anyone reads the comments.
Sure, the rag published a story about them opening, snapped a photo of the frontage when driving past, copied and pasted the press release. Whereas the milkman went down there for the opening. And, he saw a great venue, friendly faces, and door staff for safe guarding. A venue booming with potential, already booking local acts, and he saw the owners, with a mixture of excitement and dedication on their faces, and maybe a little anxiety about crossing the T’s and dotting the I’s. That’s because they reached their goal and are passionate about creating a space to showcase and fund local musicians. That’s something we’d angle positively on here at Devizine.
They certainly didn’t open it as a bare knuckle boxing venue, so to entice the public to outcry because of an unfortunate incident in the vague vicinity is unfair, and deliberately defamatory, in my honest opinion.
Formed just two years ago at Bishop Wordsworth’s School in Salisbury, award-winning four-piece youth band, 5 Nights at Adyans, look set to release their highly-anticipated debut album, The Turn for the 30th anniversary of the prominent community youth music initiative, Bass Connection, at Salisbury Arts Centre on Saturday 5th September…..
I confess I was uneasy about pressing play on the link they sent. In a chat, a little birdy compared them to Devizes’ export Nothing Rhymes with Orange, likely because said birdy knows how much I like them. While now, NRWO are producing concentrated material merging boundaries, they cut their teeth here with quick and catchy indie-punk-pop. I therefore, assumed this would be along similar lines.
The link sent was 5 Nights at Adyans’ initial takes of songs to appear on the album, in an unedited, raw format. While sometimes raw can work, with thrashy punky sounds it usually doesn’t do the band justice compared to the final masters. However, it’s far from “thrashy,” certainly not “trashy,” and I couldn’t have been more pleasantly surprised as I was.
Five tunes, conveniently one for each night at Adyans; I love them all! But the unexpected twist is this; with an incredibly expressive vocal range to make Jim Morrison blush, there’s a majority of elements more akin to classic prog rock riffs than than the punk annihilation I was expecting because of the wonky verbal comparison I received!
Throughout the tracks they sent, there’s swirly psychedelic elements of a sixties acid band, crashing bridges of The Nice, the blues rock of Cream, intense ballad moments and the unstoppable moody layer-building of Led Zeppelin, rather than anything to come out of Busted or Blink 182. The band recently posted a pastiche of the Oasis album cover for Morning Glory to their Facebook page, with themselves posing as Liam and Noel do on it. Here they joked, asking if their fans thought it would make a good cover design; I’d suggest it gives the wrong impression, as I’d not compare this to ephemeral Britpop either.
Darling You Got Me came across as a nicely flowing blues-rock introduction, with a hot step to it, and it was all go from the off. But it was the following, Final Location which especially captured my ear, as the tempo slowed to ballad; if there’s punk there it’s subtle at best, matured. It’s gorgeously expressive and emotive, but Final Location isn’t an exception; it becomes the rule.
Tear it Apart also goes there, albeit upbeat, like Rush. Title track Turn brings the dramatic to an apex. The emotional outpour is in full splendour, would appease anyone coming from an aged rock spectrum, and they’d likely assume 5 Nights at Adyans have been at it since 1976! With this thought in mind, this band could save your multi-generational festival!
At times it’s also the mood-shifting sentiment more akin to soft metal rather than grunge. I mean this as the highest compliment, because moodswing is one thing metal could do exceptionally, when it came to aiming into an eighties pop chart. Think how Guns & Roses timelessly transcend the changing trends with their power ballads, like The Doors did decades earlier, whereas the others “halfway there” and “final countdowning” failed the test of time with their commercially viable pop-rock, now only drunken party night nostalgia can save.
I hope you get what I mean?! Because you can go back to a song like Break on Through to the Other Side; it’s enduring. You can unearth Pink Floyd and listen to them again, find new solace with The Who, but often modern sounds fail to stand that test of time. If the finale of The Turn, Knots has an indie, even grunge twinkle, I’d still liken it more to something classic rock.
There’s no three-minute hero here. All the songs are thoughtfully written and composed, are full-bodied and complete odysseys, but being a debut, I predict, might not necessarily age like fine wine, because here’s a progressive band screaming with potential to produce something far greater than the sum of these current parts, cool though they are. In years to come they should reflect back proudly on this beginning, because it’s exceptionally impressive.
Surprised and impressed, with high hopes, Salisbury-based 5 Nights at Adyans certainly took me on a journey. It never fails to amaze how attuned youth can be, from a sixth form band to achieving remarkable regional recognition recently, vocalist Owen Morgan, guitarist Toby Allen, bassist Jasper Hill and drummer Thomas Clarke might spend 5 Nights at Adyans, but going on this debut, should be spending forthcoming decades concreted into rock history.
Find them on Facebook and Instagram, and await for this debut with as much patience as you can bare!
Andy Burnham has urged shops to stop selling disposable barbecues amid the increase of wildfire risk. Meanwhile, Wiltshire Hunt Saboteurs uncover horrific scenes of burnt…
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September is a week away; parents will be brushing off school uniforms, but Devizes blues fans won’t be dusting their brooms, because Long Steet Blues Club opens for the autumn/winter season on the first Saturday, the 5th with Lightnin’ Willie and the Poorboys…..
After a long absence the club welcome back one of the club favourites from California, Lightning Willie and his backing band The Poorboys. Lightnin’ Willie has a very distinctive approach to his music. He is a songwriter, singer and guitarist in that order. The sound is an irresistible blend of tradition and spontaneous creativity, with a deliciously insidious emphasis on the groove. It is a compelling, hard swinging brand of blues that, whenever he performs, packs the floor.
He has gone from the low down beer joints to become a staple on the international circuit, with wild stops along the way, from London’s Royal Albert Hall Igniter Series to Willie Nelson’s infamous 4th of July Picnic, where he appeared alongside Paula Nelson, Willie, Bob Dylan, and Leon Russell.
Touring the United States and Europe for over twenty years has given him the relaxed, confident and sometimes humorous quality of a seasoned performer. These attributes have won him stacks of enthusiastic praise from the press while landing his original tunes on numerous film and television soundtracks.
Lightnin’ Willie has the unique knack of bringing his audience into his ‘living room’ and making everyone comfortable while forgetting their problems for a couple of hours. At a recent show with legendary blues man Robert Cray they played to a packed house receiving a well deserved standing ovation. 2018 will find Willie on tour supporting his latest album No Black No White Just Blues.
Willie is backed by his superb band, The Poorboys – Giles King on harmonica, bassist Aaron McRobbie and drummer Paul ‘Nobby’ Birch. Support for the evening comes from Gordon Wood.
ON SALE NOW Advance Tickets are £18.00 from usual outlets or book online (online booking fee applies) Tickets £20.00 on the door.
I would like to apologise to Devizes Town Councillor Iain Wallis for incorrect quotes in a spoof article concerning a BBC Wiltshire video we criticised…
You know, there’s umpteen articles, studies, and even a six and half minute YouTube video explaining that Steven Spielberg’s 1993 family sci-fi movie Jurassic Park…
Whoa! What happened last night at the trusty Three Crowns?! What happened last night at the Three Crowns has clearly happened before, and happens most weekends; Devizes folk old and particularly the young come to party….
I’m aware of that much. But if the quality of the party rests in the hands of whoever is at the control tower, I’d not witnessed The Hot Juice Project boiling over the sides of this saucepan before.
All I know is one half of this duo, with the capability of sounding like they’ve doubled-up and are an exceptionally loud four-piece band, Jake Lockhart, as an acoustic singer and a short-lived frontman of local mod covers band, The Roughcut Rebels. In the few occasions I’ve met him, he usually comes across charming but mild-mannered, even slightly diffident.
The last time I met him was at the private invite opening of The Birdhouse in Trowvegas. He was entertaining acoustically solo, but being the nature of the event was to show off this fabulous new venue, participants were engrossed in conversation, rather than taking much notice of Jake. It was here we had a quick chat, as he shyly told me of The Hot Juice Project he’d created; a duo where he has creative freedom to replicate covers using loop pedals and other techy tricks.
I made a promise to him to check this out, next time he was doing it locally. So, despite my pilgrimage to the Southgate for Talk in Code, I decided to ensure I allot enough time to attend this too; glad I did, as The Three Crowns was having it.
They’d arrived via a multi-act all dayer gig in the Sham, reportedly under-attended due to insufficient advertising. Equally it can often be a slow start here, where the trend for the younger regulars, governed by economics, is to attend the local Spoons, then descend on the Three Crowns like an exodus, once they’ve acquired sufficient intoxication levels. But hey, despite a humble gathering, The Hot Juice Project were loud and proud, knocking out contemporary indie, punky covers with all the desirable force and quality of a full band.
I returned from the Gate suspecting this wonderful pub and the only one of its kind in town would be considerably fuller. I wasn’t mistaken. It was positively booming there, as The Hot Juice Project were in full flight, and their element. Knocking out beloved covers with such gusto, I was surprised to note Jake and his drummer and second vocalist Jack’s insane diversity and ability to absolutely and wholeheartedly rock out!
If, despite his earned accomplishments as a skilled singer and guitarist, Jake has been wrongly typecast in genre and style, possibly in order to cut his teeth on the local circuit, here, where singalong hard rock covers are worshipped, he shines like a beacon in an otherwise blackened seascape.
The Hot Juice Project selected a repertoire likely to be rejected from the average covers duo, for being too technical, or too hard sounding; such as their grunge finale smelling of Nirvana’s Teen Spirit, and especially those involving raps, such as The Chilli Peppers. But this duo deliver them with fired frenzy, and adroit precision.
It was indeed a sight to see, and for me, a pleasant surprise. I usually take grunge and modern harder-edged rock with a pinch, but the crowd was lapping it up. And it would be impossible for me to deny, if live music was a parcel delivery, The Hot Juice Project is not the courier to dump it in your blue wheelie bin and piss off! They’re the supermarket delivery boy eager for appraisal, who stands and waits until you’ve checked everything off and are satisfied. Perhaps even going overboard and offering to stack it in your fridge for you!
The result is a content crowd at the Three Crowns, and another success for the pub who knows exactly what buttons to press.
I must say, a few seconds delay with wandering between pubs could’ve hindered my ability to scribe both reviews for them. Two teenagers on a moped revved their hairdryer up the curb of the High Street and rallied full force through the dark walkway between the old Wilkos and redundant Four Seasons pub, only to alert two Devizes bobbies, moments before I would’ve walked through it!
Bored kids showing off I figured, ambiguously excused for their irresponsible and dangerous act, because there’s “nothing to do” in Devizes.
Whereas whatever opinion the curtain-twitchers might make of youngsters drinking in a pub, the Three Crowns strictly age check and take safeguarding as paramount. At least they are contained there, and enjoying themselves. And when they are entertained they are not impelled to cause trouble or act in such a manner.
There’s never trouble at the Three Crowns. Townsfolk of all ages respect what the team has supplied far too much, and this reflects into a positive atmosphere with every attendance made. I tell landlord Simon, “they’re actually far better behaved than my generation ever was!” Fact!
It is a testament to what can be achieved in an era of financial doubt and questionable management affecting the hospitality industry, and, as it continues to source high quality entertainment, the cover bands are welcomed by the masses. Many come and rock it, the Hot Juice Project made its mark last night to a colossal applause. The town should be proud of what a welcoming and universal establishment and a vital palace for letting your hair down the Three Crowns remains to be.
Devizes Film Club is delighted to present the acclaimed coming-of-age drama DJ Ahmet at the Wharf Theatre, Devizes, on Thursday 27 August 2026 at 7.30pm….. Fresh from…
May 1936, Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie I stood with his exiled family on Paddington Station. Before being advised to flee Ethiopia, so he could address…
I’ve got this Jetpack app on my phone which allows me to make adjustments to the site. There’s a new feature on it notifying me of articles published on this day in previous years. It revealed that on this day last year I fondly reviewed Talk in Code’s single launch gig at The Vic in Swindon. Some things never change; last night I dropped into the Southgate where Talk in Code smashed it again…
Some stage banter included drummer Jambo claiming he had a “lot to do back here,” reminded me of the year they played the Fulltone Festival where he temporarily mislaid his drumsticks!
At the Vic Talk in Code play their homeground, whereas The Southgate is usually affiliated with blues or folk aficionados, and the Fulltone is an orchestral event. Although these three gigs vastly contrast, Talk in Code look equally comfy at either. If they were a creature from the Harry Potter universe they’d surely be the Occamy, a serpentine with choranaptyxic wings, allowing it the magical ability to grow or shrink to fit the exact size of the space it is in.
Just how the Occamy doesn’t change appearance, only size, neither does Talk in Code change their strictly original set, only to fit, yet still manage to thrill any crowd no matter the diversity of their bookings.
The essence of pop is imitable and “catchy,” not to be niche, or these days of sampling, even wholly original. A factor of non-commerciality is to be a cult. Talk in Code balances this with a popular fanbase, “the Talkers” and this unique yet universal synth indie style which, with multi-era influences any age can reflect off, appeals to a wide range. That’s the secret of Talk in Code and it never fails to entertain.
If Talk in Code time travelled back to the eighties, there’s little doubt in my mind they’d be a classic band akin to Duran Duran, Level 42 or perhaps Ah-Ha, and they’d be playing a stadium by now. Such is detrimental changes to the music industry they thrive locally, only sporadically reaching further afield. Amidst their fanbase they are that accomplished, and deserved, as they chant their songs back to them as if they really were pop stars. For in which case quantumly, they are.
Goody bags and Lego sets of the band among their merch suggest prime and strategic marketing, still you’ve got to be in the club to know it’s true; Talk in Code will thrill not just you, but your whole family young and old. I looked around at the people dancing at The Gate, as I often do to settle my appraisal as more than personal opinion, and it proves it, each and every time. And that’s why, yeah, I bash on about Talk in Code a lot, but maybe not too much!
I’ve actually a mission at the popular Three Crowns to highlight an act we’ve not mentioned before; the next review I’ll work on. But I could never allow myself to miss a Talk in Code gig at my local. Live music at The Southgate has been such a staple for so long now, it risks folk taking it for granted, but nights like this prove it still has what it takes to be that squeeze box of quality, especially in hosting original acts like Talk in Code.
The guys took a first half of their earlier and more obscure tunes, still rocking the Gate, and a second half whereby they celebrate this continued dedication to creating danceable indie-pop anthems. Safe in knowledge The Southgate was appeased, and I was so familiar the guys would carry out orders uncompromisingly, I headed off early to see what was occurring at The Three Crowns. Had I not been on a promise, I’d have stayed with Talk in Code, because pop demands an affliction for the familiar, at least it does when it’s as perfected as Talk in Code.
As for the Southgate, worthy gigs abound there every weekend. Keep in the loop via our event calendar, and pop down there. I endeavour to list them as they come in, though Facebook shares of their chalkboard can be more sporadic these days, and I forget to take a snap of it when I’m there!!
In In 1981 John Sullivan created a deadpan simpleton character for his sitcom, Only Fools and Horses. Immortalised by the late Roger Lloyd-Pack, Trigger would…
Sheez, I go away for five minutes and look what happens. Devizes Facebookland turns into the Ok Corral! Seems I must interrupt my lovely mountaineering…
Swindonite and founder member of XTC Colin Moulding released a new single last week, Want It Bad (The Pep Talks and Playing Fields of Old England). It’s previewing a three-track CD single being released via Burning Shed. This is Moulding’s second single in five years, following 2021’s The Hardest Battle, but is it simply a smooth, rose-tinted specs wishful motivation, or is Colin really making plans for Nigel?!
In this single, Moulding continues to explore the distinctly English pop sensibility trademark of XTC, through qualities of melody, rhythm, variety, idiosyncratic subject matter and a bucketload of nostalgia. It began as a song of sport and camaraderie, but soon took on a broader meaning. Colin explained, “although this song started life as a sporting pep talk, it was clear that it could easily be thought of as a mantra for one’s own life ambitions whatever they may be. If you want something in this life you have to really want it. And if you really want it, you’ll get it; that was my mantra.”
And, like Paul McCartney’s Wings, it is a lovely song of motivation from a mature, experienced professional, seemingly themed ambiguously, with meaning that could be interpreted by the listener. It’s the accompanying video which unfortunately feels like a cringeworthy political allegory, and this causes any imagination the listener might have conjured, to collapse within itself.
Colin was born in Swindon in 1955 to a GWR worker and a laundrette wife and lived in Penhill. They were in every essence working class. Through jam sessions he met Andy Partridge around about 1972, introduced him to Terry Chambers and they formed the band Helium Kidz, which changed name to XTC. Through their angular guitar riffs considered pop in an era of punk and new wave, and an abrupt ending due to contractual disagreements with Virgin, they achieved only sporadic commercial success, but attracted a considerable cult following.
There’s therefore every reason for Colin to write a song about wanting it bad. But what is it he wants so bad? The video begins with Great British sporting achievements and more randomly, the Moon landing. Yet it wanders off onto some kind of patriotic kickback to an England of yore, with Colin handshaking a wealthy dummy, driving through the fields in a psychedelic dressed Morris Minor, is adorned with images of Lord Kitchener and spitfires, housewives marching village streets wearing gasmasks, and toy soldiers on a bandstand. The irony is, the video might feel like an Orphism collage influenced by Aardman’s Sledgehammer, but appears to be prompted rather than created by Thomas Walsh, who is renowned for using AI slop. This is suspiciously AI, and I cannot abide by that.
I’ve no issue with patriotism, and rose tinted spec nostalgia, provided it’s divisive and supports equality, and the content here, while glorifying war, isn’t suggesting anything more. Except, similar cringeworthy AI creations are predominately used for far-right propaganda, causing the video to feel uneasily related to such politically motivated imagery; which is a shame. Particularly due to XTC’s most known hit “Making Plans for Nigel,” recently being used, for and against, the rise of Reform and fascism in England.
You can want something bad, you could strive to reach that goal, but, I quiver, as a professional musician, should you sacrilegiously destroy any further creativity with AI? And if you do, how in the good name of England’s green and pleasant land is that nostalgic in any shape or form?!
Nice song, shame about the video! Want It Bad is available on CD from the 18th September, exclusively via Burning Shed.
By Charlotte Emily Devizes Town Crier There are some moments when history feels less like something written in books and more like something happening right in front of you…. Standing in Devizes Market Place, raising my voice with the traditional cry of “Oyez! Oyez! Oyez!”, I had the incredible honour of being nominated the first…
Images: Jess Worrow Well my friends the time has come; Park Farm Music Festival sure went from zero to hero in one swift and fantastic Saturday…… Nestled between Fulltone and the Scooter Rally, two established events on the calendar at the same Devizes site, Park Farm, the self-titled music festival’s inaugural outing last year deserved…
If both Claire and Chloe Grist jest their working and marital relationships are of “left” and “right tit,” respectively, it might explain the reason for their chosen species of bird on the logo of their popular music promotion Facebook page, Bird is the Word! However, in order to incorporate the letter B on the logo…
Despite intentionally making his tricks go wrong, Tommy Cooper was actually a skilled magician and member of The Magic Circle. SpongeBob SquarePants creator Stephen Hillenburg was a marine biologist, and Benny Hill really was a milkman. In order to deride an art effectively you must first master it. It therefore stands to reason Matthew C. Whitaker, frontman of the cosplay prog-rave outfit HENGE, also has some highly acclaimed solo material….
Matthew takes his February album Songs for the Weary on the road solo this October, opening in Belgium and the Netherlands before touring across the UK, including Frome’s Cheese & Grain’s sister venue The Tree House on Wednesday 21st October.
The one and only time I’ve seen Henge was at the Cheese, making haste for the county border after fondly reviewing their album Journey to Voltus B last year, and it was a gig I’d need to be abducted and lobotomised to forget. Matthew’s solo material can be equally as cosmic, as it drifts through gentle pieces for classical guitar, lush string arrangements, and subtle electronics, but it also contrasts vastly, and is a particularly mellower experience than Henge.
There’s cool jazz sax, whistles, fingerpicked guitar and delicate yet quirky observations in these hushed and patient patterns, taking you along with it as it drifts through space. Songs for the Weary has found a home on BBC Radio 6 Music, with singles Lucid Dreamer and Chestnut Tree championed by Mark Radcliffe and Stuart Maconie, Craig Charles, and Deb Grant.
The run follows a widely praised set of UK and European dates earlier this year, when Whitaker was joined on stage by the album’s producer and multi-instrumentalist Alan Keary. This time, he takes to the stage completely solo.
Manchester-based musician and composer Matthew sings about losing a train of thought, which is apt, it twinkles through you like Bowie at his most exquisite or Paul’s later work with The Beatles, backed by Peter, Paul and Mary, for an episode of Button Moon.
And before you say it, milkman is an art; it can take years to master the three-bottle-grip whilst being chased by an enraged Yorkshire terrier up a garden path.
January last year, The Southgate Inn Devizes announced Jamsters, a monthly Friday night platform for loose groupings and associations created at their regular jam sessions…
Earthlings and all other organic lifeforms with a taste for the occult, fortean and general weirdness are heading to The Barge at HoneyStreet the first…
by Ian Diddams images by Michael Stevens – Pharos Photography Shakespeare is credited as having introduced around 1,700 words into the English language, and several…
Wiltshire singer-songwriter Ruby Darbyshire, you’re most likely familiar with, unless you joined Devizine family reader’s circle today, has a new song on YouTube, one she’s been playing at recent gigs. Here the track has a subtle piano added, and those wonderful brush drum strokes texturing it with that smooth jazzy ambience, yet with poignant narrative too. Give God is Offline a quick whirl, and bless your ears…
Ruby mentioned working on this song when we talked in May. “It was inspired by our recent trip to Egypt,” Ruby explained, “where we narrowly escaped Dubai’s missile attack by a few hours. When we got to our apartment, we could see down on the street. There were loads of prayer mats, because the mosque was so filled, people had to spill out onto the road. And so that inspired it.”
Its deeper meaning, I presumed, was not to seek faith online, but to look either spiritually or in the real world. Ruby elucidated, “more just the fact that everyone is the same, whether they believe in a different God or they are from a different part of the world, they’re all the same. We’re all just trying to live our lives..”
It looks like fowlers have finally caught them! I mean, wildly flying around, daytime clubbing, karaoke cavorting, supporting and promoting local live music, who does…
For what it’s worth, I’m impartial to the prospect of McDonalds, Tesco too. I’ve got viewpoints to waffle endlessly with no real conclusion, if you’ve…
Our regular historian and Visiting Research Fellow of The Regional History Centre, UWE Bristol, Brian Edwards takes some time to sketch the FullTone Orchestra ahead…
The larger than life superstars from CSF PROFESSIONAL WRESTLING return to Devizes, Wiltshire on July 11th for a very special edition of SATURDAY NIGHT SLAM,…
Pleasantly surprised in July when an awesome new single from Devizes’ rootsy Americana with a gothic twist collective, Burn the Midnight Oil revealed a more carefree and commercially viable style to their previously darker themed and rawer material. It was enough for James Threlfall to pick it up for BBC Introducing. With a new single out on Friday 28th August called Blood, Sweat & Tears you might be fooled into assuming by the title they’ve turned back to the sombre moods of before. Think again…..
Though frontgirl Chrissy might’ve elucidated, least hinted something darker might be in the pipeline, for now Blood, Sweat & Tears follows neatly on from Slow Burn with an incredible upbeat driving vibe, verging on Shania Twain sassy, yet retaining the cool rock riff of Fleetwood Mac. It’s immediately compulsive, with a danceable and anthemic combo. I find myself contemplating if it’s better than Slow Burn, or not, but with a hook razor-sharpened, it’s undoubtedly on par, and proves it wasn’t pot luck in July.
With this divine product of Potterne’s Badger Set blessing my ears I also find myself reflecting back to an interview we did with the band last November. Guitarist John Lane spoke of achieving such a hook as these last two singles, and expressed the importance of the sound. “First thing people take in is rhythm,” he suggested, “then melody, last of all, lyrics. So if you hook the first bit, you don’t get the second one, then they come back for the lyrics.”
In this I sensed a healthy division between John and Chrissy’s perspectives. Knowing how much thought and creativity Chrissy loads into her writing, drawing inspiration from personal and often emotional experiences, and exporting them into relatable and poignant lyrics, there was a non-confrontational difference. I supposed of this stalemate at the time, “a good blend of opinion is surely necessary to compose the elements of a song professionally.” And that is precisely what they put in, making this song work; the dynamics of pop, a conscious composition where both arguments meet in harmony.
Chrissy taglines the song thus; “some dreams begin as little more than a whisper, an idea that refuses to let go, a vision that quietly demands more of you until ignoring it is no longer an option.” Ah, yes, I can reflect the notion; any inventive mind will tell, that’s the creative juices flowing and the desire to express them. Blood, Sweat & Tears concerns itself with the acceptance of that call, and the feeling of unlocking your potential. As Chrissy says, “breaking through self-imposed limitations and pursuing a future worth fighting for.”
An expressive tenet full of contemplation and self-analysis, it remains positively angled, like Jimmy Cliff on his hard road to travel, but with steadfast faith he can’t turn back because his mind is set. Chrissy views her theme similarly, as a meaningful journey of courage and determination against odds stacked not in your favour. Such concepts are not so uncommon in music, and an acoustic singer-songwriter will expose similar thoughts abound. But here, with Burn the Midnight Oil the prose is perfectly packaged by the sound of her exceptionally accomplished and unified band, complementing her natural vocal balance, and that harmoniousness is what makes Blood Sweat & Tears so complete and engaging.
Here’s their LinkTree, new single is out next Friday 28th August 2026, but you can pre-save it and listen to the last one. I suggest you do. Perks of the job; this one is stuck in my head already!
Midnight oil has been burning at Potterne’s Badger Set studio as Devizes’ most impressive and talked about upcoming band, Burn The Midnight Oil takes it…
by Ian Diddamsimages by Ian Diddams, Shakespeare Live “Hamlet” is arguably Shakespeare’s most widely known play, with an estimated tens of thousands of performances each…
Mantonfest, the longstanding gem on Marlborough’s event calendar, finalised for another fantastic year last night, with metal-driven mayhem, as the sounds of AC/DC ripped across…
Part environmental lecture, part live performance, and part immersive sonic journey, The Grass & Time Soundscape Lecture offers a unique way to celebrate National Meadows…
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Yes, we’ve got to praise Trowbridge’s Old Town Hall like we should, because Fatboy Slim is going to be right there, but not right now; the 5th November… bugger, it’s a Thursday!
Ian Sawyer wins the Facebook comment section on this post with “That’s my knees buggered for November then!” Which couldn’t reflect on my own predicament more perfectly.
It’s been decades since my mates and I followed Norm like little lost sheep, yelling “Brimful of Asha on the 45” across Brighton to Glastonbury. But it was an era when I was more able-bodied. Then again, if the Fatboy is still tripping, then why confine myself to my nursing home so soon?!
A great booking, Old Town Hall, whose manager whispered he had a secret when I rapped with him at next door’s opening night at The Birdhouse. I didn’t guess it’d be this groundbreaking DJ. Large it!
Surprised your mobile didn’t sound the apocalyptic alarm to notify you about Wessex Water’s hosepipe ban?! Then, you’re a gullible idiot!
But being 22,239 voters in one seaside town opted, again, for a fascist criminal ringmaster to lead them, and, similarly as stupid, a man named Bruce shoved nine Creme Eggs up his rectum, perhaps we’ve entered the satirical realm of Mike Judge and Ethan Cohen’s Idiocracy, and, therefore the alarm last week was necessary, even if you jumped so much you knocked over your barbecue.
Let’s clear this up before we rap hosepipes. If you’re subject to domestic violence and own a secret phone, yes, you should switch the alerts off on it. Otherwise you should realise any Conservatives or other climate change denying opposition party members taking to their social media encouraging us to switch the alarm off, on a system they themselves installed, are not doing it for your safety or peace of mind, rather an irresponsible and dangerous attempt to slander the current government.
It was not as the dirty Rees-Dogg yarned uninvited on my Faceache newsfeed; Burnham unnecessarily alerting us that it’s summer. While the usage of the emergency alert could be debated, wildfires are spreading on an unprecedented scale across the UK, due to the now undeniable climate change that the previous governments did absolutely zilch to address, therefore, triggered at the request of overloaded fire and rescue officers, the emergency alert was justified. Unless you, your family and friends wish to burn in hellfire whilst erecting flags on lamposts and painting rural roundabouts, apply some common sense and avoid using disposable barbecues for the time being; big ask!!
Equally, a hosepipe ban is unfortunately understandable if we are to reserve the little water we retain in reservoirs. Though this announcement is far more easily attacked, being Wessex Water has faced intense public and regulatory backlash over widespread raw sewage discharges, environmental damage, large shareholder payouts, and rising executive pay amid mounting network failures, it should be the privatisation of public services under question, rather than if you should, or shouldn’t, water your rhododendrons or wash birdshit off your Tesla.
It’s hard to take orders from a company Ofwat finalised an £11 million enforcement package against, requiring Wessex Water shareholders to fund local environmental and infrastructure upgrades after the company failed to properly maintain and upgrade its wastewater network. Even worse when the company was criminally convicted and fined £500,000 following a prolonged sewage pumping station failure at Bowerhill Lodge near Melksham, which discharged untreated waste into Clackers Brook and killed over 2,100 fish.
Or, hey there was that time when a backed-up sewer spilled into a River Yeo tributary in Somerset, resulting in a £300,000 payout by the company toward local river and habitat restoration trusts. But who are we to judge their Chief Executive Ruth Jefferson, after she received her pay rise, taking her total package to roughly £791,000?!
Even if the company itself acknowledged it risked breaching sector-wide environmental bonus restrictions on this pay rise, because they clearly cannot be trusted any further than be thrown, the responsibility remains on us, the public, to not only save water during a drought, but vote for a party with core environmental concerns and pledging to renationalise our public services.
And I say this not because of political sway, but that I consider the extinction of all life on Earth a pretty fundamental concern and “big deal.”
I therefore condemn irresponsible reporting on all environmental issues; that’s relevant, isn’t it? Rather you support your chosen party who backs companies where the utility recorded tens of thousands of sewage spills spanning hundreds of thousands of hours across the south-west of England, if you want to. Free country last time I checked, but tomfoolery on this to sway popular opinion is criminal against no one but ourselves and our future generations, of which we hand them the world in a state similar to what Wayne and Waynetta Slob might leave their council flat.
Therefore I call out reporters like Neil Shaw of Wiltshire’s gutter press Wiltshire Live, for publishing a story about a consumer expert pointing out “a little-known fact about hosepipe bans – claiming not one person has ever been prosecuted for ignoring the orders.”
How insanely irresponsible, despite evidence, it is to encourage rebellious acts against protecting our water supply, for clickbait. For if you continue to ignore the warning, it is akin to acknowledging an absence of police and speed cameras implies you can accelerate to your heart’s desire, only to rundown a child.
Oh, quick, BBC Wiltshire, the Crammer in Devizes has dried up, what should we do?
Send down a reporter who looks like Borat to interview a Conservative town councillor about the Moonrakers folklore!
This is not a novel by Frank Herbert, yet, but, like Lemmings, we strive on with the madness, councillor Maria Hoult for Devizes South complaining that the “Town Council are no longer permitted to water the floral displays and trees.” And good folk perhaps need an emergency alert as they gather online to rage at Wessex Water, throbbing the very backbone out of the water guzzling data centres spreading their message. When the real message should surely be, just because our water companies, politicians and media can’t act responsibly it doesn’t mean you have to follow their example.
The hosepipe ban comes into place on Tuesday the 18th August and lasts forty days, coincidentally the same time period Jesus fasted in the desert with the devil on his back, before they nailed him to a cross, for asking people to be nice to each other. Obviously they didn’t have Facebook back then; is this going to happen every fifty years? It’s an attack on my civil liberties!!
Turned around in just a day, a team of guitar “heir hunters” from Macclesfield called The Stray Chord have reunited Salisbury’s musician Jolyon Dixon with his childhood guitar, with a truly fascinating story…..
Jordan, Sarah, and Damian are a family team behind Stray Chord, who’ve spent years rescuing lost guitars from auctions, marketplace listings, trades and house clearances, in order to restore and rehome them. This has developed into a project reuniting the guitars with their original owners, and discovering the histories behind them.
They hope to create a music hub built around this unique idea, creating a space for people to connect through music and creativity. “Once we’ve raised enough, we would love to open a community-minded space with rehearsal rooms, a workshop, and a coffee and comics area,” Sarah explained. Sarah does aesthetic restoration, her husband Jordan handles technical restoration, and their son Damian runs their social media and is the “Mini Moshers” ambassador.
Stray Chord team; Sarah, Damian and Jordan
“We only started up six weeks ago, so it’s early days! In that time though, we’ve rehomed over twenty restored stray guitars, and we’re on our second Mini Moshers Promise giveaway, which is where we restore and set up a guitar and equipment bundle that we give to a child that may not otherwise be able to start their musical journey.”
On Thursday the team posted a picture on their Facebook page, of a rescued 1979 Hondo II HDLP-2WI custom-style guitar, dressed in a wine red finish, hereafter called Merlot! “While dismantling Merlot for his rehabilitation,” they revealed, “we discovered a little address label. Then another. Then another. Then a fourth. A label in every cavity!”
With a redundant Salisbury telephone number, their hunt began with just a name, and they requested for information, purely for the love of discovering the story behind the instrument. The following day they received a message from Jolyon, who recognised the guitar. His parents bought him the guitar second-hand in Salisbury in 1985, when he was 11. It was his second guitar, but loved and cherished it, and used it with his first band with school friends. He passed the guitar onto his bandmate, Jamie.
“It has been a really fun few weeks so far,” Sarah said, “and very rewarding. We’re looking forward to seeing what we can do in the next six months, but being able to find Jolyon, and the history of an almost 50 year old guitar has genuinely been a real highlight.”
John and Jolyon as Illingworth
Jolyon is the most modest local music legend I’ve met. You might have seen him backing singer Rachel Sinnetta, as part of the Illingworth duo with John Smith, at the control tower of CrownFest and other Stone Circle festivals, and he produces for the likes of George Wilding. He sent them a photograph of himself, his bandmates, and the same guitar sitting dismantled on the Stray Chord’s workbench. “At this point,” they expressed, “we were already emotional because we’re hugely sentimental people. It’s a large part of why The Stray Chord exists in the first place.”
Jolyon relayed his story to the team, from this school band to his professional career, in which he played in numerous bands and recordings, including The Who’s Endless Wire album. He told us he was quite emotional about the discovery, and explained how Jamie put the address labels in when he passed it to him. “Jamie has had a great music career,” he told us, “partly out in Australia, and is a brilliant guitarist.”
The other guitarist in the photo is John Wakefield, of whom Jolyon is still in touch with, and still owns his guitar! “John and I stayed band mates all the way through secondary school,” Jolyon told us, “and on through playing with Toyah Willcox, and then as backing for girl duo Scarlet in 1995, so we did get to do Top of the Pops together a few times, which was great!”
The story caused the Stray Chord to consider their Mini Moshers project, “because this photograph could almost have been taken to explain why we started it. Someone put a second-hand guitar into the hands of an 11-year-old. That kid formed a band. He kept playing, and more than four decades later, he’s still making music professionally and touring the world. We’re not suggesting that every Mini Mosher we give a guitar to is going to end up playing with The Who, that’s not the point! But, maybe they’ll become a professional musician, maybe they’ll form a clumsy teenage garage band with their best friends.”
Jolyon was “flabbergasted” to see his old guitar, and told the Stray Chord he often thought of the guitar and where it might have gone. Though he plans a trip up to Macclesfield to visit it, and the Stray Chord gang, he feels, “it’d be best for someone new to take the guitar into its next chapter; I’ve got too many now!!”
“I’m really happy to see that the guitar is still alive and well,” Jolyon stated, “and I hope the next owner enjoys it as much as 11 year old me did!”
As for the Stray Chord’s Mini Moshers, the promise is “if there’s a young person in your life who dreams about playing guitar, please go and nominate them. We rescue guitars because we’re sentimental. We restore them because we think their stories are worth continuing.We rehome them because somewhere out there is another pair of hands ready to write their next chapter.”
Featured Image: Helen Polarpix As if it’s not hot enough, Avebury’s finest musical export George Wilding is bounding back with another new single, Feed Your…
Featured Image: Gail Foster. Features extracts from reviews by Andy Fawthrop, Ian Diddams and Madelaine Blake. Does it ever stop?! The weekend is upon us…
Congratulations are due to Wiltshire’s indie-pop sensation Talk in Code, for sealing a second sync representation agreement, this time with Play Equals Sync, a music licensing company that helps place independent songs and instrumental tracks into television shows, advertisements, films, and video games. Could you be hearing Talk in Code songs on the telebox? We hope so!
The band said, “after some great, positive discussion, never before have we received such detailed and fantastic feedback for our recorded music and we feel like we are in great hands! We hope it’s the start of a long and fruitful relationship.”
The lads met the company when playing Brighton’s premier venue The Grand Central, but you can find them more locally at The Southgate, Devizes, on Saturday 22nd August, at Swindon Shuffle’s Street Food takeover on the 30th, at the Ruze in Chippenham on 11th September, and a new single launch show at The Vic, Swindon on the 17th Sept, when they also play an instore at Swindon’s HMV.
The 7th November see them at The Royal Oak in Pewsey, on the 14th they play at Wiltshire Music Awards in Melksham, and 12th December finds them at The Castle for a Christmas party. Now that’s something to Talk about!
Are you a budding musician aged between 13 and 18? Well, I tick neither box, but, as Trowbridge’s Old Town Hall is to introduce youth open mic sessions, I reckon it’s a brilliant incentive….
Of course, most open mics have no age restrictions, but you know how it can go sometimes, when there’s an aging hippy who wants to recite Dark Side of the Moon in its entirety, or slots for the youngest are shoved onto the graveyard shift!
Open mics are about networking, and making like-minded friends, where age groups tend to pair off better. Plus, the nervousness of starting off could be greatly increased if you’re in a room full of more experienced musicians.
So Oli & Stan present their first Youth Open Mic Night at The Old Town Hall on Wednesday 26th August, from 7:00 to 9:30pm.
It’s free entry, and if you’d like to perform, please contact Oli at revilomagician@outlook.com
Both ticket holders and performers must be aged 13 to 18. Performers can add an accompanying adult to their guest list. Please speak to Oli when booking your performance slot to find out more.
Hats off to The Old Town Hall, a charity run multi-purpose venue in the heart of Trowbridge, not linked to the town council. It’s become a community arts centre, with lots of regular clubs and events.
There’s lots of stuff for youngsters, especially during school holidays. They include graffiti, animation, acting and samba workshops, Lego building club, story times, even a recycling fashion workshop. While adults can enjoy family clubbercise, zumba, yoga and there’s singing groups for all ages.
With film screenings, art exhibitions, live music, and open deck nights, Trowbridge Old Town Hall has got something for everyone… except me… hold on though, there’s a Pipe & Slippers rave on the 12th September; I’d better dust off my white gloves and whistle!
Andy Burnham has urged shops to stop selling disposable barbecues amid the increase of wildfire risk. Meanwhile, Wiltshire Hunt Saboteurs uncover horrific scenes of burnt gamebirds on bonfires at the Stockton Shoot. Why isn’t anyone talking about this?
Our sabs investigated this in July, when they were alerted to illegal practises at the Stockton Shoot in Wiltshire, discovering and capturing on film an industrial sized operation of charred gamebirds. The video and more information can be found here, but be warned, the scenes are disturbing.
If proponents justify pheasant shooting for the provision of game meat, the scale of the birds which have fallen short of the dinner plate is enormous. Wiltshire Hunt Sabs said “many thousands of pheasants and partridges are held within their rearing pens.This bonfire had clearly been used for some time, possibly thousands of birds ended up here.”
Advocates also commonly cite the maintenance of hedgerows, the planting of new woods, and habitat management to benefit other wildlife. The Sabs said, “Historic Google Earth imagery indicates that these pens have been used for many years and have expanded significantly over time, with little evidence that the release areas have been moved to allow environmental recovery.”
They explain, “the environmental impacts of intensive pheasant releases are well documented. High densities of released gamebirds can alter woodland ecosystems, damage sensitive ground flora, enrich soils with excessive nutrients and cause long-term degradation around release pens.”
If the shoot and 500 metres of rearing pens bordering Stockton Wood and Down, a Site of Special Scientific Interest isn’t enough for you to digest, the Sab’s original report also showed the Stockton Shoot’s LPG gas store, dangerously situated one hedge behind the bonfire area!
I was thinking of a fun comment to lighten the mood, but there isn’t one. Let’s be clear on the law; the burial or burning of fallen birds on farms is forbidden. Fallen birds that have died other than by slaughter are classified as Category 2 animal by-products. They must be collected without undue delay, stored securely in sealed, leak-proof containers, and kept away from other animals before collection. Disposal must take place through licensed routes, such as approved rendering plants, incinerators, maggot farms or collection schemes operated through the National Fallen Stock Company.
Calling all dog-lovers, come and join the Paws Charity Dog Show! A fantastic day out for families and four-legged friends….
Paws Charity Dog Show is in aid of Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance and the Wiltshire Bobby Van Trust. Held amid the splendid grounds of Rainscombe Park at Oare, near Marlborough, on Sunday, 13th September, from 10am- 4 pm,this charity day promises something for everyone.
What’s on?
There is K9 Aqua Sports, the exciting Aqua Sport of dog diving, all about having fun with your canine friend; any breed, size and ability (over 6 months) can come and join in the fun.
Watch the incredible Paws For Thought Dog Display Team, who will be showing off their agility and intelligence with tricks and fun races. There will even be plenty of chances for the audience to get involved – if they are brave enough! There will be an opportunity to join the team in some ‘Have-a-go’ Flyball.
Wessex K9 Dancers have a variety of amazing dogs ranging from Starters to Advanced dogs. They will be dancing with their lovely owners who have demonstrated Heelwork to Music and competed at Crufts.
Every dog will have its day in the 12 Fun Family Dog Show classes that are open to all dogs six months and over. Why not show off your beloved pet in the Waggiest Tail competition or Dog The Judge Most Wants To Take Home and be in with a chance of a rosette and goodie bag?!
Entries to Paws Charity Dog Show
Entries open 10.15am, with the first class commencing at 11.00am.
Throughout the day, there is also the chance to work with your dog in this fun environment, including ‘have-a-go’ sessions in agility, heelwork to music, and perhaps the most challenging ‘Temptation Alley’.
As well as all the fun and competition for your furry friend, they will have a children’s activity section with lots to do.
Tickets:
Bought in advance = £8
Bought on the day = £10
Carer tickets receive a 50% discount: £4 in advance or £5 on the day
Owing to a hectic life, a slightly belated review and celebration of an amazing weekend….
The Music Baa, run three key events a year, a friend went to the folk one earlier in the year for one evening and gave some feedback that was shared by the team, on their socials and it was deservedly complimentary, and he goes to a great many more festivals this size and smaller than the author does!
It was music to my ears as we already had tickets! My other half and I have not been to a festival for years, for various reasons, but spurred on by familiar friends on the bill, and some new names to us that we would be assured we would enjoy!
We arrived to an already bustling campsite a couple hours into access to camping, and found a happy, well-organised team all well laid out, nice and simple.
As you can see on their page the site is limited to 500 tickets, and everything is really close to hand.
The single bar and stage under a huge tent, with gaps in the bill sufficient to get out the heat under our shade canopy, read, chat to the neighbours.. just a true chance to relax, which is what we had anticipated and chosen the event an hour away from home for.
So let’s start with the usual festival opinions I can recall being the same when in another lifetime, it feels like I was going to Glastonbury, Guilfest etc.. let’s just quickly round them up..?
Toilets and showers – eco toilets, wood shavings if you poo, apparently not for everyone but I welcomed the fresh air in those surrounding’s in such hot conditions, privacy no issue, but air movement certainly designed in. My take really simply…a portaloo in summer is deathly horrible thing, so with green credentials ensured, and them being well serviced and wash hand facilities alongside.. good solutions. the showers were spacious and similarly thoughtful of space and readily accessible. Basic but functional.
The Baa (sorry Bar) – I heard some dissenting comments but you can’t please all the people all time.. for me and her, our opinion was happy to pay significantly less than festival prices we have heard about.. for quality choices. If people drink generic pales or lager at home or in Wetherspoons then real-world pricing will always be a bit of an uphill struggle for them. I gathered a good few people don’t go out like I do week in, week out, they prefer festivals. No criticism, good for them, but not a wider view.
So any niggles about pricing are mute, they are not the ones keeping venues open and understanding the economics of providing chilled, perfectly wonderful beverages, in this case in a field in a heatwave. To those present who regularly frequent venues and events, this place are knocking it out of the park, which is no surprise as talking to Anna briefly they are no strangers to festivals, so they choose to do what they need to do and everything they can to be fair.
It’s actually very easy to pay somewhat more for the same or similar in high street locations.
We enjoyed beer, cider, cocktails all served well, with a smile from great staff.
The offer was local across beers and ciders, the cup on a deposit first purchase, there was happy hours throughout the day.. so if like us you take in all the hard work on setup, signage, art etc.
Then you might have the sense to engage with that structure and buy a beer before the next band are on for instance, during happy hour…! Literally can’t fault them, on what is among the most common things people talk or moan about with any event.. please don’t change a thing I will hope it’s the same when I next come to a festival.
Food – sufficient offer to keep us fed, some food and catering breakfast in our van but we certainly enjoyed the amazing catering plenty too over the three days, again sensible offers of excellent quality food. Snacks and dinner for us of the kind you enjoy at a festival, mega tasty, and again hats off to black tented catering heroes, as if a kitchen wasn’t hot enough at any given moment.. you worked miracles in a heatwave.
There had been some small changes, talking to those who had been last year, well-considered changes or developments had happened this year reflective of issues across the UK owing to climate and sometimes lack of common sense, so for those concerned about fire and accidents witnessed elsewhere, there were checks politely and supportively to ensure space between pitches, safe cooking for campers, more provision of fire buckets and water .. simple but thoughtful common sense that was well received.
So there’s the site and team and environment covered? We liked it, we enjoyed staying with The Baa, we are definitely interested in the folk and blues events next year and happy to share our experience enthusiastically to the music community.
So to the bands..!
There are too many to many to mention individually.. so some special mentions from my take, in no particular order.
Jon Amor Trio-
The gateway band to investigating this event was for me, I am a committed superfan I will admit, but a chance to see them in a different setting was well rewarded, a classic set from them but with room to boogie, classic Amor material, and Trio songs mixed.
But the tent jumping to crowd pleasing anthems such as Juggernaut, as many had not experienced the band before, and that’s a big part of what a festival should be about, finding new music..?
James Oliver Band-
Rocking the blues as always, Norman Watt Roy on bass a rare treat for me.. with James irreverent banter as always making their set a joy. His band and him play so incredibly well, its bemusing to see him latch on to willing audience members as a comedian might.. all part of an ‘old skool’ raconteur style that is part of the experience alongside the excellent band and the ludicrously wide-ranging material he plays so well.
Pete Robson-
A one-man delight, real roots talent. Songs well sung and the wonderful sound of steel guitar exploited to make this a treat, the kind of focused traditional narrative and sound that makes you sit up and pay attention. A new name for me, but one I shall remember and seek out if I can.
Vince Lee and Sophie Lord-
True to my impressions.. when investigating the lineup ahead of getting tickets, I saw a press pic, and with the whole image tight and the amazing looking (50’s original in stunning original condition I later discovered) double bass, I looked no further. So, hearing them for the first time on the day, I was delighted to find the respectful and beautifully accomplished sound was reflective of my thoughts that they would not look so very much the part and play such stunning instruments of they were not the embodiment of that kind of foot stomping blues. Came away with the CD, again definitely happy to travel to see them again, composed, well-chosen songs, and superb musicianship.
Grizzly and the Grasshoppers –
I’ve seen Grizzly many times solo, we are blessed he plays our nearest venue The Southgate Inn, but I had never enjoyed a band show. I expected it would be faster, louder but every bit the driven and fun show you get if he’s on his own.
I was in for a treat, it was not so much faster for the most part, but layered and complimentary, fun in a different way, I struggle to describe adequately.. perhaps informed by his own enjoyment of playing with a band at a festival during the sunny summer season rather in his element, which is slightly different to playing a pub solo? It was a raucous riot including him adding himself as a second drummer several times! Absolutely perfect fit festival band.
DSB-
New to me and I’ve no idea why..?! Local to venue, played all over but I had not the pleasure.
Amazing band whether playing their own stuff or absolutely smashing some Hendrix for a happy audience demanding an encore mid-afternoon.. there’s a theme here but a band I will be looking out for, and bending the ear of promotor friends about.
Ian Siegal Band –
I’ve seen this amazing bluesman before many times, with different bands, solo.. guesting with Jon Amor.. always an uncompromising performer.
Ian has written and recorded with an array of artists the world over and it shows, a confidence.. a sort of self-assured ego, almost in knowing his many awards, as a result of well-travelled career meaning he can deliver his own songs and some of the hardest hitting blues from the likes of his favourites Muddy Waters , and Howling Wolf at will. Playing his own Revelator, or back door man by Wolf.. you are transfixed with his immersive delivery that demands your attention. As always, an absolute delight. As was the way he deals with anyone whose own conversations at the front distracting him or those more immersed such as myself, in his own well-known style he makes his displeasure at loud ill-considered audience members known so we can all get on with his performance, another trick learned of a bluesman’s journey well lived I guess?!
North Drive-
A more bluegrass offering here, the sound befitting the hats and stomping feet, a great sound with southern bluegrass flavour, storytelling and folk song.. another new name not too distant from the area who were exactly as described and really good.
The Duskers-
I’ve known The Duskers some little while, another name I am fortunate enough to thank my local for, as they come up to us regularly in the year. In trying to spread the word about this excellent band, I always open with ‘do you like the Byrds?’ This group of wonderful musicians and wonderful humans I am pleased to know, they have an enveloping sound, and for me at least (sorry Tim but I know you will understand?!) Melinda on pedal steel guitar is the piece de resistance.
The haunting and yet enchanting sounds of this instrument played so well adds a layer to the band’s sound that takes all the other superb musicianship to a distinctive next level for your ears.
As you may have gathered, I love them anyway, but truly that’s the best analogy I can summon, if you like the Byrds version of blues/country then you would love everything they do. Great to see them with room to reach out and stretch their legs physically as well as musically as they normally look a little crammed into our local!
The Cinelli brothers-
We have been advised by many including many of my favourite artists, which I am fortunate enough to call friends that I would love and should see this band, it was actually a part of the drive to try a festival after such a gap.
They did not disappoint! I was around whilst the soundcheck was going on, and observed a high level of detail and attention from the band, which often means they will rip through a set, they want everything spot on so they give there all.. which is what they did!
An amazing band, they certainly know how to hold a crowd…this was a superbly fitting close out band, a high note of a current blues scene, a first time for many of us, and a winning vote for me to end the weekend on.
I’ve not covered everyone, I didn’t catch everyone, we had a lot of sociable time with friends new and old, some of the musicians again those new to me and those dear to me for many years… just a really great level of it being achievable, no multiple stages miles apart, no trudge forever for the campsite, the bog etc.. all close by allowing you to relax, and feel like you have not missed anything, which is something I always suffered from in huge scale events such as Glastonbury despite that too bringing lots of music to my life. That was over twenty years ago, and this was so different.
Just as when I worked loading and hospitality for our sadly long-gone Saddleback festival, the chance to meet and chat to people, among them some of the heavy hitters in the soundtrack to my life, to learn something of the journeys of musicians or other music fans like myself is an incredible experience.
Some of these bands are totally new to my ears, and local enough that’s surprising, which does show that sometimes you don’t have to look too far for new fantastic bands to see the rest of the year?
I’ve come back and spreading the word a little in the hopes some of these musicians may play venues we frequent week in week out.
I think the only observation, and I say observation as it’s not a criticism, is if I look at last year’s bill, there are many familiar names who have now played two years. They are excellent, I know some of them extremely well ..but from a festival perspective keeping the bill refreshed each year, is I think really important.
In my efforts to help advertise a blues festival in my own town, I found I was regularly rebuffed as after the first two years (all different and some incredible timing meaning we had up and coming and very established names mixed into the lineup…) the booking changed and too much was recycled for a second or third year, and people who aren’t out every week like me simply told me ‘it’s the same bands as last year’ for me, I keenly await the announcements and hopefully some new names and well caught headliners will entice a return visit for me and the other half next year.
This a reflection or opinion the increasingly fickle nature of a society who for too long have viewed and experienced music as free. It’s the biggest thing I feel butted up against when doing every small thing I can to encourage people to get involved with live music.
There are certainly a good many local bands that would be an amazing fit for the Baa in our regular gig itinerary, who knows maybe some of them will feature in future years and we will see some more of the amazing south Wiltshire and Hampshire talent showcased at the Hootenanny in our venues keeping live music live ready for the summers fun? Overall, an amazing, and enjoyable weekend, I did make sure I caught Anna from the team but to all of you, what a cracking job. Thank you from a very happy couple in Devizes.
Editor’s Note: Next up at The Music Baa near Salisbury is dedicated to reggae, Flock Steady Bleats from 21st to 23rd August: Find out more HERE.
D-Town certainly punches above its weight when it comes to providing a vibrant and varied music scene. It seems that just about every taste is catered for, whether it be blues/ rock (regular gigs at Long Street Blues Club), covers bands (Three Crowns), indie/ blues/ rock/ prog/ folk (Southgate), to say nothing of regular singer/ songwriter gigs at The White Bear (Sunday afternoons) , and The Pelican (Saturday afternoons). New, regular gigs are promised at The Fold (in The Lamb) on Friday nights. We’ve got two opera companies (White Horse Opera and Devizes Musical Theatre), to say nothing of musical theatre productions. Whatever floats yer boat, it’s all there for you….
Well, I say everything, but I’ve moaned on here several times (don’t we know it! – Ed) before that the one thing that’s missing is something for the jazz-lovers amongst us. Apart from occasional (like once or twice a year) special concerts as part of Devizes Arts Festival (Swing From Paris was this year’s only jazz-related offering), and a one-night pop-up at The Wharf (Pete Allen’s Big Jazz Band) there’s no regular venue or club in town to feed our little musical habit.
So, as a service to Devizine readers, we set out a little further afield to see what’s on offer reasonably nearby. Welcome to our guide – All That Jazz – to lead you towards something a little different. Here’s what we found:
Bradford-on-Avon
Mount Pleasant:
Second Sunday Jazz (every second Sunday afternoon @ 2.30pm);
There’s a house band to support a range of solo and small group Jazz artists. This new approach allows them to offer a wide range of Jazz styles and performers at affordable cost by limiting the transport needs of visiting acts. Many of the players in the house band are familiar to local Jazz followers from other bands.
Bristol – too far, too hard, so go and look for yourself!
The bottom line is that if you need a regular drip-feed of jazz music, you need to look to Bradford, Bath or Swindon’s Old Town. Everywhere else it’s a matter of keeping your eyes skinned for individual bookable concerts at the various normal music venues in our region. Your other alternative is to make a weekend of it somewhere nice, and visit one of the UK’s many Jazz Festivals. I’ve been to two this year, Cheltenham in May (lots of free stuff, interspersed with individual expensive bookable concerts), and Swanage in June (weekend “stroller” ticket covers you for absolutely everything). I can highly recommend both of these, but there’s many others available throughout the year.
Get ready for an unforgettable family day out as Circus Cortex BizZzar brings its award-winning Big Top spectacular to Devizes from 9–12 July 2026….. Performing…
CrownFest at The Crown in Bishops Cannings is making a fantastic comeback this July with a stellar lineup, particularly supporting local acts, begging the question,…
Summer Solstice in Wiltshire; it’s a crowd-puller, but even forty years after the Battle of the Beanfield and decades of attempted commercialisation, it remains a…
Isoceles Theatre Company Brings a Spine-Chilling Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde to The WharfTheatre, Devizes, on Saturday 29th August…..
Devizes, Wiltshire | Saturday 29 August 2026 | 7.30pm
The door is locked.
The room is empty.
And yet, somewhere in the darkness, something is breathing.
On Saturday 29 August 2026, audiences at The Wharf Theatre, Devizes, will be invited into a world where respectability masks horror, science unleashes nightmares, and the line between man and monster disappears forever. Isoceles Theatre Company’s acclaimed production of Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde arrives for one unforgettable night, bringing Robert Louis Stevenson’s immortal tale vividly and terrifyingly to life.
Adapted by Patrick Prior and performed by Pat Abernethy and Dave Marsden, this gripping production has enthralled audiences across Britain and Ireland since its first performance in 2006, earning praise for its intensity, imagination and dramatic power.
At first, Dr Henry Jekyll appears to have everything a man could desire: wealth, reputation and the admiration of society. Yet behind closed doors he is consumed by a dangerous question.
Can good and evil be separated?
Can darkness be extracted from the human soul?
His experiment succeeds.
And that is where the nightmare begins.
From the fog-filled streets of Victorian London emerges Edward Hyde, a creature of cruelty, violence and unrestrained wickedness. As Hyde grows stronger, a city is gripped by fear. Witnesses vanish into silence. Respectable citizens lock their doors. Rumours spread through the night. And Dr Jekyll discovers that some doors, once opened, can never be closed.
Critics have hailed the production’s emotional force and atmospheric storytelling. The Scotsman called it “a good, vivid, popular version of a great story, told with notable passion,” while the Glasgow Herald praised its ability to keep audiences utterly absorbed in its dark and disturbing world.
The intimate surroundings of The Wharf Theatre will place audiences uncomfortably close to the unfolding horror. Every footstep, every whispered confession and every chilling revelation will feel just a heartbeat away.
But perhaps the most frightening aspect of Stevenson’s masterpiece is not the monster himself.
It is the possibility that Hyde is not a stranger.
That he is not a beast lurking in the shadows.
That he is waiting inside all of us.
And as the final moments approach, one question remains unanswered:
When Dr Jekyll opens the door for the last time, who will be standing on the other side?
The doctor?
The monster?
Or something far worse…
‘Impressive…fine style….the result is a good, vivid, popular version of a great story, told with notable passion…As Jekyll and Hyde adaptations go, Patrick Prior’s 70 minute two-hander is short, to the point and rewritten in brisk everyday language.’
THE SCOTSMAN
‘Stylistic…forensic examination of man’s addiction to playing the bad lad….Abernethy and Marsden make a great stab at Prior’s gradually unfolding text. Every emotional nuance is wrung out of it, and a packed audience sit rapt at such conversely dark materials.’
THE GLASGOW HERALD
Event Details
Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde Presented by: Isoceles Theatre Company Venue: The Wharf Theatre, Devizes Date: Saturday 29 August 2026 Time: 7.30pm
Hey-ho, Half-a-job-Bob here! Yeah, I’m a real Highways operative, and not just a puerile attempt at humour by a Conservative town councillor out for any old cheap shot he can aim to slander the majority opposition on our town council, despite the plain fact our roads are governed by Wiltshire Council and isn’t actually anything to do with our town council anyway; dunno why they’re squabbling about it really….
Still, every slice of misinformation and national party pointscoring works, I suppose, even if it’s a load-a tosh. If it convinces the good folk to vote Conservative again that’s alright with me; the party for working class folk, the Daily Mail told me, so it must be true.
It’s not like the Conservative-led Wiltshire Council neglected road repairs for two decades and is the entire reason they’re in the state they are; that’s technicalities, and oh, an extended teabreak for me while the Liberals play catch up. Pass me my lunchbox, I’ve got cheese and pickle sandwiches today.
Anyways, people of Devizes, how do you like your new yard of resurfaced road?! I did it all by myself with no help from my mum! Though, truth be told, she did make the sandwich, if truth comes into any of this!
Smooth as a baby’s botty that are stretch of road be, pal; just as long as the stretch of your imagination you’d require to acknowledge falsehoods in what the Conservative town councillor said on his Faceache page!
Course, everything around it is so dilapidated you risk breaking your neck getting to it, but it makes it look better than it actually is. Better than a kick in the teeth, eh? Which is, incidentally, a verbal version of what any town councillor is going to get if they dare to call it “progress!”
Apparently, right, when Devizes Guardians say in a Facebook post, “progress with the road surface repairs along Sidmouth Street and Maryport Street,” and that they’ve “passed on some feedback ahead of that meeting, including the section that is incomplete,” plus, “Sidmouth Street and Maryport Street are now significantly better than they were,” actually means those Guardians are “singing praises.” I dunno much about singing praises myself, like, but if that Conservative town councillor said it is, then that’s what it be, innit?!
Yeah, he did say this, mate; saw him on a video, sitting around the Ruth Pierce monument, making about as much sense as the others who usually loiter there. Naturally those Guardians have hit back with a few facts. Who needs facts when you’ve got good ol’ prevarication?! Much more exciting that way.
So Devizine asked me, right, to write a piece about the fiasco for them, and I was like, alright, but the guy said I had to include the facts. Apparently, they “like” facts, even if they water down the sensationalism surrounding the whole shebang and make it a bit, well boring, like!
Much as you might like the cobbles, I was asked to tarmac them. The Guardians point out that, “these works followed representations made to the Highways Officer team, on behalf of the local community, and the subsequent engagement and collaboration helped ensure that residents’ concerns were at the heart of the project, including the removal of the cobbles, as they were deemed unsafe and an obstacle for those with disabilities.”
See? I told you; boring!! Health and safety for people with disabilities, whatever next? It’s really not good enough; they should have replaced the cobblestones with diamonds, they should have paved the road with gold; Devizes, it deserves that much, dammit!!
Here’s the boring bit, then, as told by those Devizes Guardians:
1. A meeting was organised by Devizes Guardians with Highways officers in the spring to discuss the condition of Maryport and Sidmouth Street. All Devizes unitary councillors were invited.
2. Resident concerns were put directly to Highways officers.
3. A plan was agreed, including a timetable for the works.
4. Sidmouth Street and Maryport Street have now received significant repairs and improvements.
Then, right, they go on about how they “believe that residents should remain at the heart of local decisions.” And that “local representation should be about listening, working together and delivering for our communities, rather than national political point scoring or individual ambitions coming before the community.” Ha! No chance, pal!
“There is a post-works review with the Highways team tomorrow,” they said, but I thought I was having a half day, to sit around the Market Place, perhaps make a video. “We have already passed on some feedback ahead of that meeting, including the section that is incomplete,” they said.
Excuse me, I’ve got to go. I need a wet wipe. I’ve only gone and got pickle running all down my high viz vest. Know of any wet wipes around here?!!
What do you think of when you hear Dungeons & Dragons? For many, it conjures images of cramped living rooms, cluttered tabletop maps, and strange spreadsheets of numbers. But my co-founder Justin Whiting and I set out to completely change that image – as two Devizes locals, we are on a mission to transform the Wiltshire D&D scene by taking the world’s most famous roleplaying game out into the wilds, and the local response has been nothing short of legendary…
Under our banner, Chronicles and Companions, Justin and I recently hosted our inaugural independent event: D&D in the Woods. Held under the leafy canopy at Found Outdoors in Great Cheverell, our debut session completely sold out, bringing together seasoned dice-rollers and total newcomers for a unique afternoon of offline fantasy storytelling.
For anyone new to the hobby, Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) is a cooperative storytelling game – a cross between improvisational theatre, interactive fiction, and tabletop strategy. One person acts as the narrator (the Dungeon Master, or DM), setting the scene and presenting challenges, while the other players create fictional heroes, make decisions together, and roll dice to see if their daring actions succeed. Once considered a niche hobby, the game has experienced a massive global resurgence, boasting over 50 million players worldwide thanks to pop-culture hits like Stranger Things, live-streamed games like Critical Role, and a growing desire for face-to-face connection away from screens.
Instead of pulling up chairs indoors, the adventurers joining us donned cloaks and left their devices behind for a full day of storytelling and dice rolling in the fresh air.
We welcomed the group to the forest with a relaxed whittling session led by local carver Beck Stubbs. Players were then guided down a winding trail to our specially prepared outdoor gaming tables, where the natural sights, rustic atmosphere, and forest breeze provided the perfect backdrop for their quests.
Across the woodland tables, every party of adventurers was tasked with solving puzzles, defeating monsters, and, hopefully, saving the day. To add extra local flavour, I wove Wiltshire folklore directly into one of the bespoke narratives, throwing that table headfirst into a fantasy-infused Moonraker mystery inspired by one of Devizes’ most iconic stories.
Dungeons & Dragons is fundamentally about shared imagination and adventure, and we wanted to see what would happen if you used the natural atmosphere of our local Wiltshire woods as the backdrop. The response from the community has been incredible, and selling out our first fully independent event proves that people are craving immersive, offline ways to embark on a quest together – and that sentiment was certainly echoed around the gaming tables!
Beyond single events, Justin and I are building a burgeoning local network of fellow adventurers. We’ve cultivated a warm, inclusive, and rapidly growing online community hub aptly named The Tavern—because, as every fantasy fan knows, that’s where the best party members meet. It serves as a welcoming space for locals interested in tabletop roleplaying to connect, make friends, and easily find open tables to join.
For those looking to play in person, we run regular indoor D&D sessions at fabulous game cafes and locations across Wiltshire including at Game Knights in Devizes and Fun and Games in Trowbridge. We also offer a popular ‘Game Master for Hire’ service, bringing custom-run, professionally managed D&D adventures directly to private events like stag and hen dos, birthdays, and corporate team-building days.
Following the success of our sold-out woodland debut, Justin and I are absolutely buzzing! And are already planning our next moves, with even more upcoming local campaigns, community sessions, and special events currently in active development.
If you’re interested in joining future Chronicles and Companions games or want to hire us to DM your next event, connect with us on Facebook and Instagram
I would like to apologise to Devizes Town Councillor Iain Wallis for incorrect quotes in a spoof article concerning a BBC Wiltshire video we criticised earlier this week about the Crammer in Devizes drying up…
Gail was right in a comment, thank you for bringing it to my attention. Iain did not say that the water would return because the Crammer is centuries old. It was the reporter who said this. I watched the video with the sound muted and rushed a satirical spoof criticising the absurdity of the thought. It was foolish and wrong of me, and I am sorry to Iain.
I endeavour not to make mistakes in our reporting, even if it is satire, but sometimes, with the speed of social media, it is easy to misinterpretate such a post.
I stand by my notion that it was a non-story for clickbait from BBC Wiltshire, and issues of climate change should not be taken as lightly as the video in question did. But this was out of Iain’s hands, and, of course, he can not possibly be blamed.
I also continue to feel there’s a conservative bias in BBC Wiltshire reporting, which appears to favour sourcing Conservative spokespersons rather than finding alternatives who might be more suitable for the particular subject. Though Iain made the best of it, recounting the legend of the Moonrakers and mentioning the wildlife at The Crammer.
Oh, and I’m still tickled by the fact that the reporter looks like Borat!
But, seriously, the issue is a desperate affair and much bigger than the water levels in the Crammer. On issues such as this, Devizine will be willing to help publish and raise awareness of any information or schemes the public can do to help. But, I fear there’s little we can do, and that is frustrating. My coping method is to attempt to make some people laugh, as I believe laughter is the best medicine. But, if serious reporting is what it might take to get any message out there, let’s work together and do that too.
Thank you for your time, and I sincerely hope the apology will be accepted.
You know, there’s umpteen articles, studies, and even a six and half minute YouTube video explaining that Steven Spielberg’s 1993 family sci-fi movie Jurassic Park is scientifically impossible. Killjoys! Don’t waste your time on the obvious….
None of them even touches on the one vital poin; no one cares that no viable dinosaur genetic material remains on Earth because that’s entirely missing the point!
The purpose of sci-fi, fantasy, fairytales, are to entertain, and the very fact they’re illogical and impossible is what makes them so fantastic, as in fantastical, as in fantasy. All you need to know is dinosaurs are coming to Hillworth Park on Saturday, 12th September. Roar!
Don’t be a Malcolm, who said in the film, “Your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn’t stop to think if they should,” just picture this…
It’s a September evening in Hillworth Park. The sun is setting, you’re surrounded by your favourite people, wrapped up under a cosy blanket, with a crisp cold drink in hand, a hot dog or burger to enjoy, and popcorn by your side……and then the roar of dinosaurs echoes beneath the stars, as Jurassic Park comes to life on the big screen.
This is the definitive version, the original Jurassic Park, groundbreaking in CGI, premiering just months before Dolly the sheep was cloned and the world wondered of the possibilities. This film pushed those boundaries to the fantastical and did it in such a way that it thrilled all ages.
“This isn’t just a film night,” Hillworth Park says, “it’s a chance to experience the magic of cinema in the heart of Hillworth Park, under the stars.”
The first Twilight Cinema at Hillworth Park in Devizes took place in 2019, and there has been a total of five screenings to date, with the 2020 and 2025 events unfortunately being cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances.
Civic & Community Engagement Manager for Devizes Town Council, Cherry-Rosalind Cullen explained how they chose the film. “The public were invited to vote on which film they would like to see, and we had a total of 8 films to choose from. The result was neck and neck between Jurassic Park and Dirty Dancing. As it was tied, we held an additional poll to determine the winner.”
“For our Twilight Cinema events, we have always given the public the opportunity to choose the film.”
A wise choice, public! Sure, I love science, but I love dinosaurs more!! Don’t miss out – tickets are limited! Book HERE!
Spent Friday evening at The Cellar Bar in Devizes, doing what Devizine should be about; discovering talented people new to us and near to us. Sarah Tarry has been off the music scene for the best part of twelve years, raising a family I gathered by the gig. Being Devizine has only been around for nearly ten might explain why we’d yet to have touched base. But her EP launch gig told me all I needed to know, and I’m glad we now have….
Though the music was exceptionally accomplished with a full setup of cajon percussion, acoustic guitar, double bass, fiddle and piano, this revival was an intimate gig, with what appeared to be a majority of friends and family, and without any of the live music aficionados I usually rub shoulders with gigging in Devizes. Now I’ve heard Sarah and her band I’m of the opinion that should change; hence why I’m writing this!
Through the choice of the sprinkling of covers Sarah and her band delivered with precision and their own stamp, you’ll be able to interpret the mood and style. Vance Joy’s Riptide, perhaps being the questionable wildcard, the others were aptly selected. Such is the EP, Oh The Deep, released on Friday. While it opens with an upbeat indie riff praise, Florence and the Machine on fire fashion, He is on the Throne is the exception. The remaining three tracks take the downtempo ambient mood.
For Sarah’s natural euphoria, U2’s Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For was breathtaking, like Where Can I Go from the EP. Where Can I Go sounds more akin to Morcheeba, and in this soulful element brings subtle gospel into the making of the themes; something U2 would use to their advantage.
Ropes is the absolute peak of the EP, it encompasses all Sarah’s influences in a wonderful package, the folk, the ambience edge, and likened to the start of the second half, when they covered Pure Shores; William Orbit elevating girl band, All Saints. This suggested Sarah’s interest in nu-cool ambience, even if this quartet on the night were strictly analogue.
But the most aligned cover was undoubtedly a sublime version of Joni Mitchell’s Both Sides Now, for Sarah knows how to weave an emotive mood and poignant sentiment with timeless folk goodness. This reflects the title track of the EP, a gorgeous, melodious salvation to Christ, with booming theatrical drums to enforce the notion. There’s a slight return of joyous euphoria on the EP too, an epilogue which was presented at the gig as a fuller song.
With affections for cloud formations and CS Lewis’s Narnia, Sarah presented songs influenced by them and her Christian roots, but this aforesaid mood and sentiment came to its summit through original odes to her children, who were present at the gig.
Passionately describing her inner thoughts, through and after birth, was so utterly beautiful, though her young son could only subtly blush and giggle, her husband was driven to tears with the recollections evoked. That’s the power of music, and Sarah possesses that certain something, that when a subject relates to the listener it touches them, and on such a commonly occurring topic, Sarah could evoke any parent’s oxytocin levels to maximum.
If, in rock music fandom, there’s a misconception where a person needs that rawness verging on the absence of belief in the existence of God, you might take Sarah’s inspiration and the religious connotations with a pinch of salt. Even if I might question it too, I would respond with the notion, you are therefore missing out. This was a wonderful gig, to launch an EP which might yet change your viewpoint. It’s rich and embellished in goodness and adroit compositions, which chill and inspire; take a listen, see for yourself!
Devizes Film Club is delighted to present the acclaimed coming-of-age drama DJ Ahmet at the Wharf Theatre, Devizes, on Thursday 27 August 2026 at 7.30pm…..
Fresh from international festival success, DJ Ahmet has captured audiences worldwide with its heartwarming blend of music, humour, family drama and youthful rebellion. Written and directed by Georgi M. Unkovski, the film won the World Cinema Dramatic Audience Award at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival, as well as a Special Jury Award for Creative Vision.
Set in a remote rural village in North Macedonia, the film follows 15-year-old Ahmet, a shepherd with a dream of becoming a DJ. Torn between his father’s expectations, the traditions of his conservative community and the excitement of first love, Ahmet finds freedom and self-expression through electronic dance music.
With stunning landscapes, memorable characters and an infectious soundtrack, DJ Ahmet offers a moving and often funny story about finding your own voice. Critics have praised the film’s charm, emotional warmth and universal appeal, describing it as both a crowd-pleaser and an uplifting portrait of youth, music and hope.
Audiences can expect:
A feel-good, award-winning international film.
A unique glimpse into life in rural North Macedonia.
A touching story of friendship, family and first love.
Plenty of humour alongside genuine emotional depth.
A celebration of music’s power to connect generations and cultures
A spokesperson for Devizes Film Club said: “DJ Ahmet is one of those rare films that leaves audiences smiling. It is funny, moving and full of heart. Whether you’re a film enthusiast, a music lover or simply looking for an enjoyable night out, this is a film not to be missed.”
The screening will take place at The Wharf Theatre, Devizes, on Thursday 27 August 2026 at 7.30pm. Film lovers are encouraged to book early for what promises to be a memorable evening of international cinema.
What did I just watchon the BBC Wiltshire Facebook page? Our friend and Devizes Town Councillor Iain Wallis at The Crammer, talking to Borat, reassuring us against climate change?!
Move aside Thunberg; the Crammer may be drier than Gandhi’s flip flop at the moment, what with it being a pond without a natural source of water other than oil-saturated petrol-based rainwater running into it from the road, and the entire continent forgetting what rain looks like, Iain tells us not to worry about a thing, it “might take a while,” but every little thing is gonna be alright; the Crammer will fill again. The question is, how does the master of all earthly knowledge know this? Watch till the end of the video, and endure, to find out!
We know, as a definite fact, according to Iain, it will refill with water, because, and I quote, “the Crammer has been around for centuries.” Holding out for the monsoon season, then; there’s been some serious research happening here!
Popping over to the southern hemisphere, for an example, the Antarctic ice sheet began to freeze roughly 34 million years ago. Our Arctic formed much later, around 2.7 to 2.6 million years ago, but it doesn’t stop them from melting at an ever-increasing rate.
The Arctic sea ice is shrinking at a rate of about 12.2% per decade during the summer minimum. The region has lost more than half of its historic ice volume since satellite records began in 1979, according to NASA.
Now, I’m not one to panic. Who needs NASA when we’ve got this Devizes Town Councillor? I’m sure the Crammer will refill, and Iain, in his favourite sunnies, is bang on the money as well as enjoying his moment in the spotlight. And yes, finding this rather pathetic excuse to poke some fun in his direction, again, isn’t doing much for the climate emergency either. But hey, we need the hits, and I know Iain is a good sport and knows how to take a joke.
The truth is either, I’m just jealous it’s not me with a publicity stunt on your telebox, or I genuinely feel if one is intending to run an environment story in Devizes, they might fare better with a Green candidate or someone from Sustainable Devizes.
We could giggle at the moment Borat says “it’s also home to a local legend,” and our Iain suddenly appears like the shopkeeper from Mr Benn. But the real question remaining in this not-seeing-the bigger-picture non-story must surely be, will it fill back up before next year’s drought? And the year after that, and the year after that, and the year after that? Repeat until we reach the Jupiter moon of Europa.
With no solution presented in this video, likely because there isn’t any other than recycling your plastic bottles while countries are bombing other countries to kingdom come, and national political parties like Reform, Labour and the Conservatives (who Iain is backed by,) seem to support this, for the average man-about-town climate denier it’s evidence they require, else they waffle endlessly about 1976.
Unfortunately, the only evidence this video reveals is the Moonrakers either did retrieve the barrels of brandy, or it didn’t really happen. Sch, Bishop’s Cannings clerk will be on my back; but that’s another story for another time!!
New single from Swindon’s finest Americana singer-songwriter Jol Rose, the kind of artist who’ll finish a song and leave a jammed pub in such awe you can hear a pin drop. For Tomorrow might be the moment….
Packed with a country-rock band punch rather than his usual acoustic outcry, For Tomorrow still grips poignancy, a genius hook, and Jol’s Dylanesque excellence by the neck. Truth, these days, can be hard to come by, as Jol expresses, but injustices and propaganda aplenty. Yet Jol only suggests this might be the moment you take a stance against them; no pressure!
While you decide to attend or procrastinate as the theme takes, indulge yourself for a little under five minutes, because this song is the dog’s danglies; a passionately delivered fiery response from the passive wordsmith of old Swindon town. Jol isn’t as widely known south of the town. I’m determined to change this one injustice if nothing else; just, listen.
by Mick Brian images by Nic Proud and Wharf Theatre Giovanni Boccaccio in the 1330s wrote a poem, “Teseida”, principally about two knights, Arcite and…
Holidaymakers from across Swindon & Wiltshire are being invited to attend one of the region’s newest travel events this summer as Swindon Travel Hub hosts…
Dare I say it, but the nights are drawing in, apples are falling from trees, and I’m even going to say the C word. Yet, the heatwave continues at Long Street Blues Club, through their autumn-winter season, polishing off with The Blockheads, and Jon Amor as Christmas presents….
This time next month, Lightnin’ Willie and the Poorboys opens the door to our souls by kicking off the new season at Devizes’ supreme blues club, on Saturday 5th September.
Welcomingly returning after a lengthy absence, these favourites from California have a distinctive approach to music. Lightnin’ Willie is a songwriter, singer and guitarist in that order, gone from low down beer joints to become a staple on the international circuit.
Unless London’s Royal Albert Hall Igniter Series or Willie Nelson’s infamous 4th of July Picnic, where he appeared alongside Paula Nelson, Willie, Bob Dylan, and Leon Russell isn’t a big enough accolade for you?!
Should you expect a compelling, hard swinging brand of blues with a groove, on the 5th September, you can also prepare for some cult British blues-rock on Friday 25th September when Virgil and The Accelerators return, twelve years since they last played the club. Our friends, Devizes-own Burn The Midnight Oil are supporting this one; worth the ticket price alone, imho.
Note, this gig is a replacement for Skinny Molly, originally advertised for this date but which had to be cancelled. But, staying on the positives, as Long Street Blues Club will gift wrap two Christmas presents for us.
See out the year before the Brussel sprouts, on Saturday 19th December with homegrown legend Jon Amor. I made an effort last year, and this was an outstanding gig, where Jon and his Tom and Gerry backing presented a rotating door of special guests to create one of the most memorable nights I’ve ever had on Long Street.
But not before the blues members go on a field trip to the Corn Exchange, for The Blockheads tour hits Devizes with a rhythm stick… Yes, I said the Blockheads, the late great Ian Dury’s band, still rock n rolling! Friday 11th December for this Christmas showstopper which surely needs no spiel, with Devon’s AQUILLA in support.
Between Virgil and The Accelerators ending September’s offerings from the club and these yuletide presents, we’ve got two months we’ve not even mentioned yet! Edinburgh Fringe regulars, being they formed there, and recently selling out the 100 Club, The Allman’s Project, make their Devizes debut on Saturday 3rd October.
Switching back to the Corn Exchange, blues club regulars will be excited to know, five-decade strong, Wishbone Ash return via Ceres Promotion, on Friday October 16th, with a late 60’s West Coast vibe support from The Honey Pot.
Over to the East Coast, Asbury Park style, with the regular favourite Billy Walton Band on Saturday 17th October. As a longtime fan of the Boss, this New Jersey outfit rocked my world, and Andy’s, and everyone who sees them.
Two more offerings left as we head into November; forget what Andy or I might think, Curtis Salgado and Alan Hager are back by overwhelming popular demand on Friday 20th November, and John Belushi loved these guys!
With fresh Texas prodigal, Bo Diddley protégé Hamilton Loomis finishing off the month on the Saturday of the 21st November, you have to hand it to Long Street Blues Club and put your trust in their knowledge on the subject. This is a fantastic programme, and will keep Devizes as warm as it is now, throughout the autumn and winter months!
by Ian Diddams images courtesy of Devizes Arts Festival, Ian Diddams and Graham Lloyd When one considers cricketing controversies, one maybe thinks of World Series…
My Show Of The Festival Andy Fawthrop Another headliner from the Devizes Arts Festival hit town last night…. Robert Vincent came to the Corn Exchange,…
It shouldn’t be an issue. It should be good news that Wiltshire Council has voted in favour of flying the Pride flag on top of County Hall. But as Newsquest spreads the word, watch local knuckle-draggers gather on social media, competing for the most ingenious objecting comment, which least exposes their homophobia. But, is the local newspaper company encouraging this?
Controversy sells, I understand this. Get yourself a scoop “with legs,” manipulate it to your advantage. It’s what the media is about. But surely there should be someone monitoring Facebook shares and deleting offensive comments? As you can imagine, there’s a fair few on this particular story, completely and utterly uncensored. Some inciting violence, hatred, and even murder, but they seem to stay up there for all to digest and be horrified by; ironically, it’s exactly why we need the Pride they’re so against.
For example, when someone highlights the tragedy at Berlin Pride, this comment is made: “i hope there is many more heros willing to drive the car shame more didnt die.”
Surely, Newsquest, this isn’t the kind of reaction you would support? Surely you should have a smidgen of respect and be able to filter out hate this blatant? I mean, everyone is welcome to an opinion, but incitement to murder?
I’d like to think it’s something they’ve overlooked, but since the article uses an international political activist to quote an objection, Kellie-Jay Keen-Minshull, also known as Posie Parker, I have to question if their motives are as homophobic as the comments, and Newsquest are actively encouraging this hate-spreading exercise.
Kellie-Jay Keen-Minshull is not from Wiltshire. She was born in Somerset, now lives elsewhere and speaks on an international stage. She’s fiercely anti-LGBTQ, who criminal Tommy Robinson sings her praises. Why is she even invited to comment on a county issue unless to deliberately force an agenda? No renowned or celebrity names were invited to speak in favour of the decision.
It’s media bias at its finest. Encouraging all the hatred and division the Pride flag exists to raise awareness of.
In the article, Mrs Keen-Minshull is quoted as saying, “the Progress Pride flag is widely understood to represent a specific political and ideological movement.” What an absolute crock-of-shit.
The Pride flag is a global symbol of identity, visibility, and hope for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) community. It has absolutely nothing to do with politics. Last time I checked, no one of the LGBTQ+ community is expected to make any declaration to a political party.
The only time it becomes political is when hateful spokespersons like this get behind objecting to it, and that’s something Newsquest are, if not directly supporting, but certainly are deliberately stirring the pot for clickbait.
Devizes Food & Drink Festival announced their program of events last week, and the box office opens at 9am on Monday 10th August. Let’s fill up with what’s on….
As usual the festival opens with a free event, the Street Food & Artisan Market at Devizes Market Place on Saturday 19th September from 10am until 4pm. Lots of street food to snack on, and produce to take home, a Wadworth pop-up pub, and live music from Strungout Ukuleles and Painted by Numbers.
In the evening, it’s Tales and Food of the Caribbean at The Wyvern Club, Church Walk; 7.00pm. Brunch with a View at Wellington Barn on the Sunday, 20th September; a generous Wiltshire-inspired brunch, including mini filled croissants, warm frittata and lardy cake. Sunday also offers Lunch with the Afghan Ladies at The Cheese Hall, Devizes. Wiltshire has a thriving Afghan community, who love to share their cuisine. Enjoy tasty home cooking, including delicately spiced vegetarian or chicken karahi, with kabuli pilau and salad.
Or perhaps a Teddy Bears’ Picnic sounds nicer, at Hillworth Park also on Sunday 20th September at 3pm. It’s only £4 for ten years and under, and boasts games, a storyteller, colouring, songs and a delicious teddy-themed picnic. All children need an accompanying adult and a teddy!
From Monday 21st, there’s Scandinavian inspired food and drink. A Hyggee Lunch; luxurious smorgasbord style lunch in the unique and truly spectacular eco Hyggee House overlooking a beautiful lake near Wellington Barn. And the Great Foodie Quiz at The Literary and Scientific Institute.
Bonjour Bread! At the Cheese Hall, on Tuesday 22nd September at 12.30pm; exploring the realm of French artisan baking with Gaël Nicolle, Devizes’s own boulanger from Papa’s Bakery. Or Beer and Brownies at The Pour House, matching beer with chocolate, is that wise?! Ah, but brownies are coming from the Gourmet Brownie Kitchen; say no more.
Dining somewhere different begins on Wednesday 23rd September, one at the National Grid offices on Hopton! A presentation over a two course lunch, explaining the decommissioning of the pylons from Rowde to Bishops Cannings. The second, at Erlestoke Prison. A three-course dinner, with choices at each course, cooked and served in HMP Erlestoke by offenders and the prison catering team.
Or, Everything Stops for Tea, at West Lavington Village Hall, offering traditional afternoon tea, sandwiches, scones and cake in a village hall setting, and big band music, featuring Glenn Miller and the Pasadena Roof Orchestra. And Call My Wine Bluff at the Cheese Hall, finishes off Wednesday’s events.
Fresh produce legend Ken Mortimer of Heritage Fine Foods is joining forces with chef Peter Vaughan to share the truth behind your daily veg, plus tips on how to make the most of it, on Thursday 24th September at Vaughan’s Cookery School. Murder on the Dancefloor in the evening, at the Corn Exchange. The DJ is dead, the dancers are dodgy, and the alibis are weak. Spot the clues, count the hidden song titles, decide whodunnit, and win a prize.
Ready, Steady, Cook at Opendoors on Friday 25th September, at 12. Devizes Opendoors provides food and support for homeless and vulnerable people using ingredients that are usually donated or obtained at bargain price. Learn all about the charity and enjoy the dish of the day main course made by one of the Opendoors volunteer cooks, followed by a dessert YOU make in a scratch team from a stock of surprise ingredients.
Wadworth Brewery Tour, at their new Hopton site, also on Friday, the main sponsors of the event. Guests will receive special presentations from the Head Brewer and Chief Engineer. Naturally there will be a beer tasting, and there will be cake! The exclusive Come Dine with Us at homes in and around Devizes is the icing on Friday;s cake, so be quick booking this one.
Saturday 26th September, there’s a Lovely Lunch at St Andrew’s Church from 12pm. Two children from ages 2-12 are free with a paying adult for this collaboration lunch with St Andrew’s Church and Sustainable Devizes. A two-course vegetarian meal, homemade by volunteers, showcasing locally sourced ingredients. Cook Book Writer Joe Woodhouse will be at The Assembly Rooms. Quizzine, also at the Assembly Room; the last word in food quizzes.
And my personal favourite, The World Food Day at the Corn Exchange will be on Sunday 27th September at 12.30. Free entry, £1 per taster. Cooks from Taiwan and Lebanon & Syria will be there for the first time this year, as well as old favourites, many with new dishes.
A talented local performer from Devizes is set to share the stage with international star Jason Donovan this summer as part of Fulltone Festival ’26. …. Grace Sheridan,…
Pride month finds me wondering if Pride events are actually needed more in our smaller market towns where awareness and acceptance is perhaps lesser than…
Wiltshire Music Centre is launching the Make Music This Summer programme, a vibrant 19-day programme of musical activities for children, young people and families….. Designed…
Ah, here it is then, personally I think, while slightly irking, it’s not the end of the world as we know it, and I’m the most random and sporadic procrastinator I know (it’s taken me a week to get this published!)
Though, the thought of having to book at timeslot at the Recycling Centre has caused social media hysteria. They’re going bonkers about on there. Many suggesting it’s an attack on their civil liberties, others say that no one can possibly live under such draconian punishments, some say the only thing you should have to book is doctors, dentists, and prostitutes, and many suggesting moving toTel Aviv! So the trusty ol’ Gazelle & Herod splashed it as front page news, and I can’t resist a ranting bandwagon. Off we go with, what I believe is, a storm in a teacup compared with other challenges we must face.
Other county councils have had this ruling since the pandemic, some fining recyclers if they drop so much as an odd sock in the plastics bin. But we should note, this is only a trial, and is the proposal of Wiltshire Council; the town and parish councils have no say, and surprisingly I hear that few were invited to. Leader of the Devizes Guardians, Jonathan Hunter told me, “one of the key concerns is that the proposal was announced before meaningful engagement with town and parish councils, or local communities had taken place. The decision had been made several months earlier, yet local councils first became aware of it through a public press release.”
Therefore it’s Guardian team assemble time, as they welcome a constructive meeting with Ian Thorn, the leader of Wiltshire Council to discuss the proposal. The group presented a delegation pack reflecting concerns raised by residents across Devizes and the surrounding villages. While recognising the Council’s desire to improve services, Devizes Guardians believes any significant change should be supported by robust evidence before permanent decisions are made.
A central recommendation is that Wiltshire Council strengthens its pilot by introducing a control group. Rather than operating every pilot site under a booking system, a number of comparable Household Recycling Centres should continue under the current arrangements. This would enable meaningful comparisons of factors including fly tipping, recycling rates, customer satisfaction, waiting times, operational efficiency and costs.
Devizes Guardians believes this would add greater scientific rigour, credibility and integrity to the pilot process, ensuring any future decision is based on measurable evidence rather than assumption. The group says its campaign is not about resisting change, but about helping Wiltshire Council deliver the best possible outcome for residents through an evidence based, collaborative approach.
Jonathan said, “we’re not arguing against change. We’re arguing for the strongest possible evidence before change becomes permanent. A well designed control group is a straightforward way of giving the pilot greater scientific rigour and ensuring the final decision is based on measurable outcomes rather than assumption.”
“If, through smart reflection, the pilot can be strengthened along the way, that should be seen as good governance. It adds credibility, integrity and public confidence to the whole process.”
Devizes Mayor, Cllr Vanessa Turner added, “residents simply want confidence that any changes have been properly tested and that their everyday experience has been taken into account before permanent decisions are made.”
Cllr Paul Tweedle also spoke about the proposal, “a pilot only delivers its full value if you have something meaningful to compare it against. A control group would provide clearer evidence and ultimately support better decision making.”
And Cllr Graham Martin added, “our role is to represent the views of the community. Residents have told us they value the flexibility and accessibility of the current service and want their experience to be part of the decision making process. We hope this meeting marks the beginning of a more collaborative approach between Wiltshire Council, town councils and local residents whenever significant service changes are proposed.”
Aware MP Brian Matthew has also been vocal on the subject, sending a letter to the council, concerned about a possible increase in flytipping. I’m not so certain about this. I mean, flytippers will do their dirty work whether there’s a timeslot system or not, don’t they? “I think the greater risk is not necessarily increased fly tipping,” Jonathan expressed, “but that some people may simply put recyclable materials into their domestic black bins instead.”
Me? I urge you to think of the positives; you have the advantage of deflecting any nagging to “get that rubbish to the tip” directly onto Wiltshire Council, as in the example I gift to you and urge you to plagiarise, “I would, my darling, but I can’t get a timeslot! Don’t blame me, blame Ian Thorn!”
And other than Ian being the one in the doghouse, therein lies the truth, eh? Until the system is in operation, it’s impossible to know how much of an inconvenience, (or excuse in this case!) it will be. If I book a slot and there’s not one until 2032, that’s an issue I will drag out until the end of the world, but for now, let’s assume it’s going to be a minor irritation.
In another part of the world, parents are writing the name and contact details onto their children’s backs with a marker pen, so their bodies can be identified, but you’re losing your mind about the first world problem of booking a timeslot to dump your grass-cuttings? Really?
May 1936, Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie I stood with his exiled family on Paddington Station. Before being advised to flee Ethiopia, so he could address The League of Nations, he fought with his poorly equipped armies against Mussolini’s fascist regime, as the invaders launched chemical weapons at the country’s forces. Through Jerusalem to Gibraltar they trekked, but were transferred to a public liner heading for England, sparing the government the cost of a state reception…..
For the next two months, the family stayed in London, but, it is said, mustard gas wounds to the Emperor’s hands might benefit from the natural springs of Bath. In August Emperor Haile Selassie purchased Fairford House in the city, where he stayed for five years, and afterwards gave the house to the city. Fairford House remains more than a museum to the Emperor, also a bustling centre for multi-cultural events. This August they celebrate ninety years since the Emperor first arrived in the city.
It was, perhaps, Jerusalem which would have been the most symbolic place for Halie Selassie to attend on his exile. The Solomonic Dynasty were descendants of the House of David, Selassie directly descended from Makeda, the Queen of Sheba, and King Solomon of ancient Israel. It was this biblical connection which, linked to Jamaican scholar Marcus Garvey’s prophecy for his countrymen to look toward the crowning of an African king before departing for the USA to form the UNIA, would be the root to Rastafari. Citing Halie Selassie, birth-right name Ras (Ethiopian for ‘king’) Ta Fari Makonnen, as the one deity for a blossoming philosophy and religion in Jamaica.
It is crucial then, for Fairford House to, not only be a repository for Bath’s historians and Ethiopian community, but also a shrine to Rastafari. Fairfield House is open on Sundays for historical guided tours and visitor open days, and on various significant occasions, the house is open for events. From 3pm on the first Saturday of each month the house holds a Rastafari Sabbath Observance, for Rastafari worship and community gathering. And wherever there’s Rasta, you’ll also hear the sound of Nyabinghi drumming, and the most poignant soulful music, reggae.
Running from August through November, a citywide commemorative programme will mark the 90th anniversary of the Ethiopian Royal Family becoming resident in Bath, celebrating a significant chapter in the city’s history and its enduring international connections.
The programme will bring together partners from across Bath, including cultural organisations, educational institutions, community groups and heritage partners, to present a series of events reflecting on the historic relationship between Ethiopia and the City of Bath.
The commemorative programme aims not only to recognise a notable moment in the city’s past, but also to explore themes of exile and displacement, WWII, racial justice, faith, heritage, international friendship, cultural exchange and shared history that continue to resonate today.
Fairfield House chairperson, Fisseha Gizaw Combley expressed, “the Ethiopian Royal Family’s presence in Bath forms an important part of the city’s modern story. The special gift to Bath, Fairfield House, the former home of Emperor Haile Selassie I and the Ethiopian Royal Family, is a powerful symbol of resilience, community kindness and the connections that can be forged across nations and cultures.”
The launch party on 22nd August will be held at The Roman Baths, presenting an evening of reggae and Ethiopian Jazz, with Fairfield House community DJs. Part of Summer Lates at The Roman Baths. Keith Bowers offers an Imperial Exile City Tour on 29th August.
During September there will be a screening of Footsteps of The Emperor at The Little House Theatre on the 6th, and activities day for the Bath Ethnic Minority Senior Citizens Association held at Fairford House. A Kingdoms in Exile & Human Rights dinner, also at the house, and Enkutatash & Meskel celebrations on the 26th.
October brings an exhibition at The Shoemakers Museum, lantern lectures at Fairford House, banquets, and evensong at Bath Abbey. Novembers sees further lantern lectures, some on the impact of WWII, an anniversary of the Emperor’s Coronation, a Rastafari community celebration, with more announcements to come about this fascinating chapter in the history of Bath.
Tickets for the Roman Baths event HERE. For more information on the celebrations and Fairford House, HERE.
It was back in March last year when I last mentioned Devizes author Dave McKenna, reviewing his debut, The Killer & The Catalyst. He’s returned with another breakneck thriller novelette, Death Wish…
As a writer myself I can be particularly critical of books when reviewing; apologies in advance, though I’ve nothing bad to say about this particular outing! That I’m aware of the struggles of self-publishing levels out the criteria somewhat; it’s a labour of love which deserves praise for being this alone.
The Killer & The Catalyst is a gripping read, using a technical and difficult multiple point-of-view narrative, which, doubled with flashbacks can muddle the reader’s continuity. While Death Wish builds the suspense using similar flashbacks it rolls along a more convenient single timeline, making it easier to digest. Dave describes it to me as “more linear,” and it’s a major factor to why I was much more deeply engrossed in this one than the first.
No Charles Bronson in this, but the characters in Death Wish are equally better defined and rounded than The Killer & The Catalyst, you identify with them, especially in their differences, and their conversations flow well with biting reality. These coupled meant it had me hooked, and I thoroughly enjoyed this read.
Death Wish concerns a group of ex-school friends at a reunion, but as well as the natural passing of time, a terrible accident towards the end of their school years and the pact they made to keep schtum about it has caused division in their relationships.
An ex-officer on a case which resulted from said incident, returns half-heartedly under request of the police chief. But as the friends are individually picked off by an unknown serial killer in the most gruesome manner, it’s a whodunnit which will make you question each and every character.
I found myself suspecting various ones, and swapping my conclusions throughout, though I didn’t see the truth coming, as the plot thickened and the twist revealed reasoning; the very fashion of what a good mystery should do. Dave knows precisely what buttons to press to keep you wondering, and for this much if not more, can craft an exceptionally gripping read.
It’s fast-paced pulp fiction, written loosely with contemporary plain English, which again invites casual readers into its forum. Yet in the safe hands of Dave McKenna, it thrills and engages you, and if I dislike the cliche term “page-turner” it best describes the action!
Here it is on Amazon, and I believe you can pick up a copy in Devizes Books in a week or two, the faithful towards local authors bookstore. I suggest you do, then hold onto your seat, it’s a rollercoaster read.
I love reading, dammit, but not enough local authors approach us for a review. This isn’t the Amazon marketplace, mate, I don’t bite! Well, not hard. Send use your efforts, for I know it can be a harsh and often lonely world out there for authors; group hug!
After months of speculation, controversy, and local media bias, The Shindig Festival at Malmesbury’s Charton Park has been given the green light….. Despite…
devizine.com 