Royal Wootton Bassett Welcomes New Multi Sport Area
Royal Wootton Bassett Town Council officially opened the town’s brand new Multi Use Sports Area at the Showfield Play Area on 15th October 2026, marking an exciting milestone for the local community. The new Sports Area was formally opened by the Mayor of Royal Wootton Bassett, Cllr Fiona Holness, with the occasion marked by a traditional cry from our Town Crier. Following the Mayor’s official opening and the Town Crier’s ceremonial cry, students from Royal Wootton Bassett Academy were the first to take to the court, enjoying a basketball match that marked the beginning of what is expected to be a well-used community sports facility.
The project has been made possible thanks to a substantial funding contribution via Community First, fromCrapper & Sons Ltd, whose support has helped deliver the town’s first ever dedicated Multi Use Sports Area.
This new, free-to-use facility has been designed to provide an inclusive space for sport, recreation and informal exercise, offering opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to stay active and enjoy outdoor activities within the community.
The Sports Area forms part of Royal Wootton Bassett Town Council’s ongoing commitment to improving leisure and recreational facilities across the town and creating spaces that promote health, wellbeing and community participation.
Royal Wootton Bassett Town Council would like to thank everyone involved in the development of the project, including contractors, partners and residents who have supported its delivery. The project has been funded through the Landfill Communities Fund (LCF) which is administered for Crapper & Sons Ltd by Community First, the Rural Community Council for Wiltshire.
For further information, please contact Royal Wootton Bassett Town Council.
Royal Wootton Bassett Town Council was delighted to welcome residents, community groups, councillors, civic dignitaries and invited guests to the annual Mayor’s Civic Service, held on Sunday 11th October at St Bartholomew and All Saints Church.
The annual service provided an opportunity to celebrate the town’s young people and the strong sense of community, recognise the contribution of local organisations and volunteers, and reflect on the values that bring the community together.
The Mayor of Royal Wootton Bassett, Councillor Fiona Holness was joined by representatives from neighbouring councils, local charities, uniformed organisations, and community organisations. Young people of Bassett spoke to the guests about their involvement with different youth groups in the town and what they enjoyed most about their group.
Following the service, guests were invited to continue conversations over light refreshments provided by local catering company, Delicias.
The Town Council would like to extend its thanks to; our Town Crier, Delicias Catering, Graham McCallian Photography, Lisa Williams and the Church Choir, St Bartholomew & All Saints Church & Church Croft, Revd Canon Jane Curtis, Mayor’s Chaplain, Richard Jones Foundation, Man Down, RWB Memorial Hall Trust, Mayor’s Choir, Wiltshire Army Cadet Force, WBLETS, Guides, RWB Youth Council and Carnival Royalty.
At an Extra Ordinary meeting of Royal Wootton Bassett Town Council on Thursday 24th September 2026, Councillors approved its response to Wiltshire Council’s Local Plan Scoping Consultation to submit by the Wednesday 30thSeptember 2026 deadline.
The Council’s submission supports sustainable growth but stresses that any future development must be supported by the timely delivery of infrastructure, including roads, healthcare, schools and community facilities. Members highlighted the importance of ensuring that growth remains proportionate and reflects the town’s capacity to accommodate further development.
The response also calls for full recognition of the emerging Royal Wootton Bassett Neighbourhood Plan, improved transport infrastructure, including consideration of future rail provision, and greater protection for the town’s heritage, landscape and green spaces.
The Town Council has emphasised the need for evidence-based planning and early engagement with local councils throughout the preparation of the Local Plan. It will continue to work constructively with Wiltshire Council to ensure the interests of Royal Wootton Bassett residents are represented as the plan progresses.
Residents can find out more about the emerging Wiltshire Council Local Plan, including consultation documents, future stages of the plan-making process and opportunities to get involved, by visiting: www.wiltshire.gov.uk/wiltshire-local-plan. The Local Plan will help shape where future development takes place across the county of Wiltshire and guide decisions on housing, employment, infrastructure and environmental protection for years to come.
Extra Full Council Meeting, 24th September 2026 – Key Decisions and Updates
ℹ️ Noted the minutes of the Local Plan Working Group
✅ Approved the Terms of Reference for the Local Plan Working Group
Wiltshire Council’s Local Plan Scoping Consultation
✅ Agreed a budget of up to £5,000 for the remainder of the 26/27 financial year to enable the Town Council to commission appropriate planning consultancy support, where required.
✅ Agreed the Scoping Consultation Representation Form prepared by DLP Planning Ltd as the formal response of the Town Council to Wiltshire Council’s Local Plan Scoping Consultation.
✅ Ratified the Future Opportunities Report, which reflects the Town Council’s position regarding potential future development opportunities within the town.
Please visit the Minutes page to view all documents and reports relating to the Town Council’s response to Wiltshire Council’s Local Plan Scoping Consultation.
✅ Date of next meeting: Thursday 15th October 2026.
Revenue & Resources Committee Meeting, 24th September 2026 – Key Decisions and Updates
✅ Approved a grant application from RWB Bowls Club for £3,700 to fund the installation of fully accessible toilet facilities.
ℹ️ Noted the Grant Funding update for the 26/27 financial year.
ℹ️ Noted the overview of sponsorship income, current sponsorship arrangements and opportunities for future sponsorship.
ℹ️ Noted the Finance Accounts and Financial Statements.
✅ Date of next meeting: Thursday 19th November 2026.
Royal Wootton Bassett Town Crier Competition Celebrates 20 Successful Years
Royal Wootton Bassett was filled with the sound of ringing bells and resounding cries on Saturday 19th September 2026 as the town proudly hosted the 20th Anniversary of the Town Crier Competition.
Organised by Royal Wootton Bassett Town Council in partnership with the town’s own Town Crier, Owen Collier, the event welcomed competitors, guests, dignitaries and supporters from across the country. Town Criers travelled from neighbouring towns including Swindon and Calne, as well as from further afield such as Dawlish and Cromer, highlighting the strong friendships, traditions and community spirit that continue to thrive within the Town Crier community.
The competition attracted spectators throughout the day, who enjoyed a colourful display of pageantry, impressive vocal performances and good-hearted competition. Participants showcased their skill, character and dedication to preserving one of the country’s most historic ceremonial traditions.
Following a closely contested competition, the Mayor of Royal Wootton Bassett, Cllr Fiona Holness presented the winning trophies to:
First Place: Mark Northway from Cromer
Second Place: Jeremy Holland from Cinderford
Third Place: Nigel Kenneison from Widecombe in the Moor
Best Dressed Town Crier: Rosalind Charlton-Chard from Hatherleigh
Best Dressed Consort: Heather Graham from Dawlish
Best Dressed Couple: Bob and Heather Graham from Dawlish
The Duncan Wolstenholm Memorial Cup: presented by the wife of the late Duncan Wolstenholm, Pat Wostenholm to the winning Town Crier – Ian Bristow from Berkhamstead
The milestone event was regarded as a great success, bringing together competitors and visitors from across the United Kingdom while celebrating two decades of Town Crier competitions in Royal Wootton Bassett.
Royal Wootton Bassett Town Council would like to thank all competitors, residents and visitors who helped make the day such a memorable occasion.
A special thank you to; Owen Collier – RWB Town Crier, RWB Camera Club, Delicias Catering, Basset Bakery, InTouch Design, Tilia Crafts, D W Radway, and ASF Creative.
And the judges for the event – Heather Wannell, Gillian Butterworth and Councillor Pat Farrow.
The Town Council looks forward to welcoming Town Criers back to Royal Wootton Bassett in 2028!
Planning Meeting, 3 September 2026 – Key Decisions and Updates
ℹ️ Noted the publication of the National Planning Policy Framework 2026 on 17 August 2026.
ℹ️ Noted councillors’ comments on improvements to bus infrastructure along Route 55, to be submitted by the 9 September 2026 deadline.
ℹ️ Noted that the addendum to the Basic Conditions Statement of the Draft Neighbourhood Plan ran for two weeks and closed on Wednesday 2 September 2026. The committee also noted the transition arrangements following publication of the NPPF 2026, which allow the plan to continue being examined under NPPF 2024, and the subsequent need to review Draft Neighbourhood Plan 2 once adopted.
💬 Chair of Planning would attend the next online Wiltshire Area Localism and Planning Alliance (WALPA) meeting on Tuesday 15 September 2026 and report to the committee.
✅ Agreed to submit comments on the Freight Action Plan Consultation, supporting greater use of rail freight, increased use of electric goods vehicles, improved enforcement of road weight limits, and installation of weigh stations in appropriate locations.
✅ PL/2026/02895 (Amended/Additional Plans) – Development of 95 dwellings, and associated infrastructure at Land West of Marlborough Road: It was agreed to request that the applicant consider providing a mains water supply to the allotments as part of the proposed development. The committee also agreed to submit comments concerning the application. Full details will be published with the minutes.
✅ Date of next meeting: Thursday 15 October 2026.
Amenities Committee Meeting, 3 September 2026 – Key Decisions and Updates
ℹ️ Noted the opening date of the new Multi Use Sports Area which is scheduled for Thursday 15th October at 2pm. Wiltshire Police will be hosting a Bike Marking event alongside the opening.
ℹ️ Noted that the replacement bridges work at Jubilee Lake will begin on Friday 11th September and should take approximately 3 weeks to complete.
ℹ️ Noted the Cemetery Headstone and Memorial Safety Inspection Report following the inspection in June.
ℹ️ Received a presentation from The Rise Trust on the youth service work they carry out in Royal Wootton Bassett. The Rise Trust host a weekly youth club on Monday nights at the Memorial Hall and well-being sessions held on Wednesday evenings in the Community Rooms. For more information on The Rise Trust please visit the Facebook page.
ℹ️ Noted the Playpark Replacement Programme Report following the Playpark Pop Up consultation events in the summer. The development of a long-term plan for the playparks will be discussed by the Amenities Working Group.
ℹ️ Future agenda items include a Dog Area proposal and interactive notice boards.
✅ Date of next meeting: Thursday 5th November 2026.
We would like to let everyone know that essential bridge replacement works at Jubilee Lake originally scheduled in early september is now planned to start on Monday 5th October 2026.
To help minimise disruption, the two bridges will be replaced one at a time. However, the bridge being worked on will be temporarily closed and unavailable for use during the construction period.
Signs will be put out to let visitors know when a bridge is closed.
Visitors may notice contractors working on site, construction vehicles, and increased noise levels while the works are taking place.
The project is expected to take no more than three weeks to complete, subject to weather and site conditions.
Thank you for your patience while we make these improvements. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to providing a safer and improved facility for everyone to enjoy.
Town Crier Competition – Saturday 19th September 2026
The Town is called to gather for a truly special occasion! Join us on Saturday 19th September 2026 as we celebrate the 20th Anniversary Town Criers Competition! 🎉
Organised by Royal Wootton Bassett Town Council, this fantastic event will welcome Town Criers from all over the country, bringing colour, tradition, and plenty of noise to our streets — a spectacle not to be missed!
Event Details:
• Parade from Boroughfields at 10:45am
• Competition begins outside the Town Hall at 11:00am
Come along, support the Criers, and enjoy a wonderful morning filled with history, fun, and entertainment.
Royal Wootton Bassett Town Council is delighted to announce that six local organisations have been awarded a share of this year’s £10,000 Community Grant Aid Fund, supporting projects that will improve the lives of residents and strengthen our community.
The Community Grant Aid scheme provides funding to local groups and organisations whose projects deliver clear benefits for people living in Royal Wootton Bassett. From improving community safety and supporting health and wellbeing to bringing people together, strengthening community connections and creating opportunities for the local community, this year’s successful projects showcase the wide range of voluntary and community work taking place across the town.
At the Grants, Revenue & Resources Committee meeting, held on Thursday 9th July, members of the committee heard first-hand about the inspiring work and the meaningful messages behind these local organisations and the positive impact this funding will have in the months ahead.
The successful applicants are as follows:
Crimestoppers Swindon and Wiltshire:
Crimestoppers were awarded £175 towards the costs of a project which will work towards raising awareness to residents of their anonymous reporting services through social media platforms. The organisation is also determined to help tackle neighbourhood crimes such as anti-social behaviour, violence, criminal damage, and burglary in Royal Wootton Bassett.
Bassett Breasties were awarded £2000 in funding to help support the ongoing running costs of their free breastfeeding support drop-in group based in Royal Wootton Bassett. The funding would allow them to continue providing a safe, welcoming and inclusive space for parents and caregivers by contributing towards venue hire costs, continued training and up-to-dates breastfeeding education, information leaflets and more.
Swindon Community First Responders were awarded £1614 towards the purchase of these bleed kits with dispensers. The project will help improve community safety by making lifesaving equipment available in areas identified through local crime data in the last two years, discussion with the police and advice from a Paramedic lead for bleed kits. While often associated with knife crime, the kits can be used for any severe bleed, helping to reduce the risk of death in a case of emergency and supporting the Council’s objective of creating a Healthy and Safe Bassett.
Wiltshire Police were awarded £360 towards the costs of these bike marking kits. This project aims to deter bike theft and provide greater peace of mind for owners by making bikes easier to identify and recover. With many people relying on bikes as an affordable and sustainable means for transport, especially during the rise of living costs, the scheme will help protect important assets that can have a significant impact on an individual or family’s daily life if lost.
Beyond Dementia has been awarded £1120 towards their Dementia Home Support project, which provides vital companionship for people living with dementia and valuable rest for their carers. Through regular home visits, trained support workers help individuals take part in activities they enjoy, maintain important routines and stay engaged with everyday life. The service also gives carers valuable time to rest, complete everyday tasks or simply take a break, while knowing their loved one is in safe and supportive hands. This project aims to transform everyday moments into meaningful experiences for individuals living with memory loss and for families who love them.
Tabula Rasa Community Kitchen was awarded £1000 towards their Recovery Course project. This project works by providing structured support for individuals experiencing addiction through an 11-step recovery programme delivered in a safe and welcoming environment. The project will help participants improve their physical and mental wellbeing, build positive relationships, and develop the tools needed to maintain long-term recovery. By supporting people to overcome addiction, the programme is aimed to reduce social isolation and anti-social behaviour, contributing to a healthier and safer Bassett for residents of all ages.
