The Story So Far
February 2026. Lucinda and Maggy met at the gap in the hoardings. A planning application had just gone live and they started a campaign to oppose it. This helped spread awareness of the way the Chapel of St Lawrence had been hemmed in for centuries, unnoticed by many. The open setting was a vast improvement and they wanted it kept open as a green space.
March 2026. Over 40 objectors had written in, but It was obvious it was too late in the process and development would be approved. They decided this unique opportunity for the town centre should not wasted and looked at ways of buying the site. Initially called the Chapel Green project, because of where it was, members started to sign up.
Hilary created a beautiful watercolour to give an idea of how it might look as a green, which caught the public imagination.
Oliver, one of the younger supporters, created a first website to help spread awareness; but busy with a Masters in Wildlife Conservation, he was often flat out with fieldwork.
April 2026.
Having looked at and rejected various CIC and CIO options for the group, a customised Constitution was drawn up. This allowed Members’ donations to be returned if the site was developed before enough funds could be raised. Membership fees were set at £5, and these would help pay for necessary expenses. A Public Meeting was advertised and there was a good turn-out at The Well-Being Hub.
May 2026. The fundraising had started with a boot sale in Trowbridge; Susan sold plants for the initial £87 donation. With Kelly, Sue and Maggy, she became one of the fundraising team meeting over coffee.
The Association was launched officially, with officers soon in place. Chair Richard (R) with Membership Secretary Mike.
The site owner kindly agreed to pause his plans in the interest of community benefit.
The campaign was well-supported by the Warminster Journal, and there were interviews on air with WCR and BBC Wiltshire Radio. Their online story was picked up by Points West in a quick round-up.
Julia had created the Green Heart logo.
Kelly adapted it for the new Facebook Group.
At the first Members’ Meeting, before adopting the Constitution, the name was changed from Chapel to Community - rather than referencing the adjacent building, Warminster Community Green Association better described its people and purpose.
The planning process was started for a Change of Use application.
June 2026. The first school event took place: St John’s Primary held a Green Day, with the enthusiastic children bringing donations. The Mayor, Jack Jones, came to see round the school and meet them.
Keith took over from Oliver and started updating the website, complete with donation portal.
A lovely Sunday afternoon under a shady tree at Ashwood Care Home. We were fundraising at their Summer Party.
Ken took on the role of Treasurer and immediately got to work.
The Association’s first fundraising Quiz was fully booked and despite the heatwave was a relaxed and sociable evening. Quiz-master Dave had set more inclusive questions than in many quizzes, and had an excellent rapport with the quizzers.
Rachel (of Pixie and Pickle) spent a huge number of hours creating the artwork for the website’s top banner, the footsteps, and the banners on the hoardings around the site.