STORIES of Malmesbury ‘back in the day’ are being retold and past relationships rekindled, thanks to a new social media group set up by passionate members of the historic town.

Malmesbury Now and Then is a Facebook group set up to help people who lived in Malmesbury when they were young, to reconnect with old school friends and share their experiences of the town. It also serves as a window into the town’s past for people who are new to the area.

The group has only been running for a matter of weeks but already has over 1,000 online members who are updating the group with their memories on a daily basis.

The group was set up by Alison Cross-Jones, volunteer general manager at HEALS of Malmesbury.

“There is a definite interest in Malmesbury about what used to happen in the town,” she said.

“There are people wanting to find out about the past. People who used to live here want to reflect.

“I created the group so that things that happen today are going to be there in ten years time if we want to reflect on and remember them.

“I wanted to create a place that was friendly, welcoming and allows people to share their personal memories.

“People from all over the world now want to join, including those that grew up in the town and moved far away.”

The group organised a get-together in Malmesbury recently where old school friends were reunited and stories were exchanged.

“It went so well we’re going to have a Now and Then quarterly meet-up to share stories,” Alison continued.

“It was brilliant to see people chatting away. I was in awe of listening to the stories and memories people were sharing. For me, as an outsider looking in, it was fantastic.

“I was pleased I had done something to bring them all together. They may never have met up, but the group gives them the opportunity.”

Brian Sanderson was one of those at the meet; he now works as an administrator on the Facebook group.

“The meet up went very well,” he said. “It was great to see people who haven’t seen each other in 50 years reconnecting.

“We’re hoping to have a bit of a get together in December and all have a festive meal together.
“It’s a very good group which has picked up an amazing following.

“There is some lovely information and photos coming out.”

The group is looking to publish a book based on the photos and stories people send in about the town.

If you would like to help contribute photos and stories about Malmesbury for the book, you can join the group by searching ‘Malmesbury Now and Then’ on Facebook.