A piece of Calne’s civic history has been brought back into use, with a new handmade gavel presented to Calne Town Council at its latest Full Council meeting. Town Mayor Councillor Tim Havenith has written about the history behind the original gift and the craftsmanship involved in creating its replacement.
by Calne Town Mayor, Cllr Tim Havenith
Last night at Full Council the new gavel was formally presented, returning the set to active use for the first time in several years. Order has been restored to a small but meaningful part of Calne’s civic collection, thanks to careful local craftsmanship and a strong sense of community.
A Lasting Token of Friendship
The story begins on 3 May 1960, when a presentation box containing a gavel and soundboard was given to the Mayor of Calne, Councillor C. R. Syms, together with the Aldermen and Burgesses of the town, by Group Captain G. F. Corden and the personnel of Royal Air Force Station Compton Bassett. It was offered as a symbol of mutual respect and as a reminder of the close friendship between the station and the town.
At the top of the engraved plaque on the soundboard sits the well-known line from Ecclesiastes, “A time to keep silence and a time to speak.” It was a fitting motto for council debate, guiding those moments when leaders listen and those moments when they speak for the town.
The original gavel that accompanied the box went missing some years ago, leaving the gift incomplete. Mike Crawshaw of the Calne Men’s Shed stepped forward to create a replacement that would honour the original.
A Masterclass in Woodturning
The work required precision. The new gavel had to fit inside the presentation box, which meant Mike had to work to exact measurements. The head could be no deeper than 42 millimetres and no wider than 71 millimetres.
Mike chose the materials with care. The outer faces of the head are made from dark English walnut, a timber long associated with British craft and heritage. The handle is shaped from solid ebony, chosen for its weight, balance and deep finish. At the centre of the head sits an antique sterling silver napkin ring, now repurposed as a decorative band.
The internal construction is built to last. A brass rod and inner brass disc hold the components firmly together, and the design allows the gavel to be taken apart and repaired if ever needed. It is a thoughtful piece of engineering as well as a work of craft.
A Lasting Tribute
The silver band carries engraving on both sides. One records its presentation to Calne Town Council by Town Mayor Councillor Tim Havenith. The other credits its maker, Mike Crawshaw, and the Calne Men’s Shed.
Thanks to Mike’s skill and the dedication of Calne Men’s Shed, a piece of local history from the early 1960s is whole once more and ready for use in council meetings. It stands as a reminder of friendship, craftsmanship and the pride Calne takes in its civic traditions.
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