Melksham and District Historical Association

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Melksham and District Historical Association Est. 1962, Melksham and District Historical Assocation, promotes interest in the history of Melksham

02/10/2026

Now available at Melksham Tourist Information for £14.50

RAF Melksham - its beginnings, life and recreation.

A book by Rob Cu***ng in association with MelkshamRemembers

In 1940, as Britain rearmed, a sprawling camp of wooden huts and giant hangars appeared in the Wiltshire farmland on the edge of Melksham. For the next 25 years RAF Melksham was home to thousands of airmen and airwomen - at times twice the population of its host town - training the instrument repairers, electricians, armourers, cooks and raw recruits, on whom the wartime and post-war Royal Air Force depended.

Told through official records, letters and the voices of those who served, this book traces the Station's full story: its beginnings in the anxious years before and at the start of the war, its life as a working technical-training school and community, and its re-creation after the ensign was lowered for the last time in 1965.

This thoroughly researched 215 page with dozens of images is the perfect gift for anyone who passes through the camp, now lives in the site or has an interest in history or the RAF

Our next talk is on the history of Moulton Hall in Bradford on Avon🗓️Thursday 15th October⏰19:30📍Melksham Assembly Hall🗣...
01/10/2026

Our next talk is on the history of Moulton Hall in Bradford on Avon

🗓️Thursday 15th October
⏰19:30
📍Melksham Assembly Hall
🗣️David Ecob
💷Free for members £4 visitors
☕️Tea Coffee & biscuits available

“Built 1610 by John Hall a wealthy clothier, the house retains many original features including a study with wooden paneling, fireplace, windows and ceiling dating from its original construction. The hall has a fascinating history of owners as it passed through many hands. The hall is a hidden gem in the center of Bradford on Avon.”

Today we found a new home for the Mayoral chair, as you can see it hasn’t changed much in the 60+ years between these ph...
26/09/2026

Today we found a new home for the Mayoral chair, as you can see it hasn’t changed much in the 60+ years between these photos (although it’s regained its colour!!)

Thanks to Simon White of Melksham Lions Club for assisting in the move, although it’s given him visions of grandeur!!!!

Melksham Town Council Mayor Saffi Rabey perhaps it could find a home in the foyer looking at our display cabinets?

On the left is Cllr. Alan Catte in 1962

25/09/2026

From a small foundry in Melksham to a worldwide name

25/09/2026

From a small foundry in Melksham to a worldwide name. The factory is no more but its name lives on

22/09/2026

With the expansion of Spencer’s Engineering Works, housing was required for their employees

21/09/2026

With the expansion of Spencer’s Engineering Works, housing was required for their employees

18/09/2026

On 15th August 1966 at 4:43 pm a wisp of smoke was noticed by Wilfred Carter in a stack of rubber between the Stores and a row of houses on Scotland Rd. The rest is history

Address

Assembly Hall
Melksham
SN126ES

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