Tower and Town, August 2024 (view the full edition)EditorialOne of the many remarkable aspects of Marlborough is its very long history going back to prehistoric times. The most obvious feature, the mound, dates back to about 2,400BC but evidence suggests that humans have lived in Marlborough for over 10,000 years. So I thought that it might be interesting to investigate some aspects of "Ancient" Marlborough and beyond. The cover invites us into the ancient landscape, sultry with August heat (we can hope!). Local artist, Simone Dawood, generously allowed me to use this detail from one of her paintings (along with the Hackpen White Horse - p5) and has described how the ancient landscape around us inspires her. I am very grateful to archaeologist Kim Wakeham who takes us on a walk through prehistoric Treacle Bolly and to Wiltshire Museum Director, Dr David Dawson, who reveals new information about the outstanding Marlborough Bucket. In broadening the "Ancient" theme, I am obliged to my sons who kindly agreed to share their expertise on aspects of baking and wildlife. Readers' suggestions for articles for the magazine are always welcome. I was delighted to receive A Continuous Thread about Enid Peck's upholstery classes from Elaine Quinn; she was inspired to write it by having read an article in a previous issue about Textiles and Stitch around Marlborough. I very much enjoyed researching the article on The Hancocks of Marlborough Cottage at the prompting of Bob and Margaret Toogood. Many thanks also to Peter Noble for his excellent article Marie Louise Revisited. If you have an article or an idea for one, please send it to me at chairman@towerandtown.org.uk In the meantime I wish you happy reading and some August sunshine! Sarah Bumphrey |