Page 44 - Phonebox Magazine October 2009

A remarkable Wiltshire town
An observation by Steve Clark
At first glance, there doesn’t seem to be anything particularly unusual about the Wiltshire town of Wootton Bassett. The town is situated about 6 miles south west of Swindon and has a population of about 12,500, which is roughly double that of Olney. The town is represented by 16 town councillors and is divided into two wards, north and south. Wootton Bassett has a number of things in common with Olney. It has an A road which passes through the town, it has a weekly market and a monthly farmers market. The proximity of the M4 motorway makes it attractive to commuters. The former national school has become the town’s civic centre, following relocation of the school to new premises in the 1970’s. Just outside the town is a feature called Jubilee Lake, whereas we in Olney enjoy the
proximity of Emberton Country Park. In essence Wootton Bassett is a fine town, but recent events have indeed made it remarkable.
A near-neighbour of Wootton Bassett is the RAF Lyneham base. RAF Lyneham was constructed in 1939 and is currently the home of the RAF’s fleet of C-130K&J Hercules transport aircraft. These are the aircraft that perform the solemn task of repatriating the bodies of fallen servicemen and women who have lost their lives in the conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq. Prior to October 2007, the bodies were routinely taken to RAF Brize Norton, but the destination was changed to RAF Lyneham. On return to the UK the bodies of the fallen are normally taken to the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford in readiness for the coroner. The road journey from RAF Lyneham to Oxford just happens to pass through the town of Wootton Bassett.
In October 2007 a funeral cortege passed through Wootton Bassett carrying the body of a soldier who had died in service. A small group of veterans happened to be close to the town’s war memorial and, noticing the passage of the hearse, stood at the side of the road and saluted the vehicle as it passed. On every subsequent repatriation, the group of people has grown steadily larger and now numbers several hundred. The town literally comes to a standstill as businesses close for the passage of the vehicles. Young and old alike throng the streets in silent respect to service personnel they never knew. It was not long before the media began to notice these events. The repatriation ceremonies have been regularly featured on the BBC’s excellent south-west news programme “Spotlight” and have featured on national news as well. However, they have always been
an example of dignity and respect, rather than just another media circus. On 12th October 2008, a parade was organised by the armed forces to thank the town for their support. The Wootton Bassett branch of The Royal British Legion is now recognised nationally for highlighting the sacrifices made by British service men and women. In May this year, the branch was presented with a National Certificate of Appreciation at the Legion’s Annual Conference in Eastbourne by National President Sir John Kiszely, an honour which was without precedent for a Legion branch. On the way up to collect their award, the members received a standing ovation. Legion members in the “Phonebox Magazine” circulation area can read more about the people of Wootton Bassett in the Autumn 2009 issue of “Legion” magazine. The same content is available on the ‘Features’ page of the online version of the magazine using the link below.
The Wootton Bassett tributes were started spontaneously two years ago by Legion members pausing to salute the cortege from nearby RAF Lyneham, used to return all those killed on operations.
Links:
Email: stephen.clark89@yahoo.co.uk
Website: http://tinyurl.com/km9hdd
Steve on Facebook: http://facebook.com/tiliacus
Wootton Bassett Town Council: http://woottonbassett.gov.uk RAF Lyneham: http://raf.mod.uk/raflyneham
British Legion: http://www.britishlegion.org.uk/
Legion Magazine: http://www.legion-magazine.co.uk
Non-stop rugby at Olney
Saturday 5th September was a very busy day at Olney Rugby Club with the Non Stop Rugby event running before the first XV fixture against local rivals Bletchley. However the day was slighty saddened by the minute silence before the Senior fixture to remember David Baseley (Baz) a former first XV player who unfortunately lost his life recently. His life was celebrated at the Rugby Club on Friday 11th September after a Service was held at The Church of St Andrew, Yardley Hastings.
Olney members now look forward to enjoying their new pitches and would once again remind all town residents to remain off of the pitches, which are private property, as we are already having to clear dog mess before playing/training on these pitches.
Joan Keech officially opening 'Doffs Field' on Saturday 5th September. Joan is now 86 years and a lifelong member of Olney Rugby Club from being a girl where her brother played before moving on to Northampton Saints and Joan herself played for Olney Ladies in her youth.
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