Malmesbury Secondary School has saved the day after a search for a missing piece of civic history drew a blank.
During Carnival Week, the Mayor of Malmesbury, Cllr Robert Hastings, noticed a piece of gold had gone missing from his Mayoral chain, which dates back a hundred years. Extensive searches were made, including enlisting the help of a metal detector, but all drew a blank.
Now Malmesbury School has stepped in to craft a bespoke replacement made of pewter. High Street jeweller, Paul Newton, will paint the piece gold and set it in the chain.
Cllr Hastings will wear his chain, complete with the temporary pewter addition, during upcoming civic duties until a permanent gold replacement can be commissioned.
“I am very grateful to Malmesbury Secondary School, especially Leigh Wiles the Design and Technology technician for his hard work and quick thinking,” said Cllr Hastings. “Losing a piece of gold from the town’s historic chain was disappointing, but their pewter replacement allows the chain to be worn in full while a new part is made.”
Headteacher Brett Jouny commented: “Malmesbury School is a proud part of the brilliant wider community. The town does so much to enable us to be a thriving school and we were delighted to be able to help. So much kudos must go to Mr Wiles for his dedication above and beyond the call of duty.”
Malmesbury Town Council extended its thanks to the students, staff, and members of the community who assisted during the search.
