It’s started !

I asked the Design Engineer (Jamie Prangle) for some background information and he’s been really helpful ! Here’s some of his comments :

“Excavation works will begin tomorrow, starting with two days of trial holes along the replacement route. After this, we will move down to the verge adjacent to Cloatley Road to begin excavations in preparation for the initial connection onto the existing water main.”

“Regarding the duration question, I completely understand why people are asking as it does sound like a long time to complete 1.2km of replacement. Due to the number of existing utilities already within the verges and highway—and the fact that we cannot downsize the existing water main—we’ve been left with very limited options. As a result, we’ve had to use a more traditional open‑cut trenching method instead of the trenchless technologies we normally try to utilise to reduce cost and programme duration.

We are using directional drilling to install the new main under the river, but unfortunately that is the only section of the scheme where this technique is suitable.

In terms of the overall scheme duration, it’s not just the pipe‑laying that takes time. The strict testing and chlorination procedures, reinstatement works, service transfers, and planned shutdowns all contribute significantly to the length of the programme.“

From : Steve Davies

Since the Hankerton Art Group was formed at Craig McCallum’s suggestion 11 years ago, we have occasionally held an exhibition of our work, for the interest of others who hopefully enjoy what they see.

It is also a way of bringing to peoples’ notice the existence of the group, so that those of an artistic bent can possibly consider joining the group, which meets once a fortnight, and enjoy some sociable company and two hours of productive and perhaps satisfying art time.

No particular experience needed, just enthusiasm for the subject, in whatever medium they choose. Speak to any member of the group if interested.

From : Shayne Smith

Here’s a summary of the roadworks that start on 7th April and will cause the road from Hankerton to Crudwell to be closed for 5 months.

5 months !….. made me think…

2.4 km Road Repair (6–9 Hours): In December 2025, workers in Beijing repaired a 2.4-kilometer stretch of the busy Fourth Ring Road overnight. They laid 8,000 tons of asphalt in just six hours, completing the entire project within nine hours to avoid daytime traffic jams.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE BUS SERVICE

We have discovered important information about the bus service in Hankerton. Wiltshire Council have made the decision but not yet formally announced it, however when one Hankerton resident telephoned them to ask about the bus service during the 22 weeks of water main work he was told this news.  And I have checked and it was confirmed to me.  So it’s best now to get it out into the open.

The decision is that the regular timetabled bus service through Hankerton is to be discontinued, with effect from 7 April this year.  Not just during the water main work, but permanently.  Evidently the average number of passengers on our route is the deciding factor.   Instead Hankerton will be served by the Wiltshire Connect service.  And incidentally this applies to all the villages on the Route 93, including for example Charlton.

Wiltshire Connect is a flexible bus service that operates in parts of rural Wiltshire. You can book your ride in advance up to 7 days ahead and on the day with 30 minutes notice (subject to vehicle availability).  It costs the same as the scheduled bus services do – currently ?2 or ?3 per journey and free bus passes are accepted too.  To find out more look up this internet link https://www.connectingwiltshire.co.uk/royal-wootton-bassett-malmesbury/ .  Ands note that the service can take you to the Great Western Hospital, and also to Cirencester although this is not shown on the map on that website.

Note also that to advertise this new service a staffed Wilts Connect bus will be in Cross Hayes on 26 Mar, hours approx 10-3, to provide answers about the service offered.

For anyone new to the village (or who might want to give it a go) there is an amazing weekly Yin Yoga class held at the church on a Thursday morning @930 -1030 ⛪️🧘‍♀️🧘‍♂️

A calming class to release tension and improve flexibility and help you fully unwind. Slow paced, floor based poses held for longer. 

All levels welcome. We are a very friendly bunch! 😊

Term 4: (5-weeks) 
Dates: 26 Feb 
5, 12, 19, 26 March 

£9 per class (for 10 people or over)  
£13 per single class drop in
Taster sessions also available 

Contact Mark Searley for further details or to sign up
www.Mybodytrainer.co.uk
Tel/Txt: 07885 609885

From : Andrea Verdina

Pizzeria Italiana 2020 🇮🇹 is back in Hankerton serving authentic Italian stone-baked pizzas!

📅 Friday 30th
🔁 Then every last Friday of the month
⏰ 5.30pm – 8:00pm
📍 Hankerton Church

📲 Pre-order by text to avoid waiting (up to 4pm)
07809 485821
🚐 Or simply order at the van on the night

🍕 12” freshly made pizzas
💷 Cash & card accepted
⭐ 5-Star Food Hygiene Rating

Perfect for a relaxed Friday night — bring friends, family, and your appetite!