GAZETTE & HERALD: A FASCINATING exhibition of information and old photographs celebrating the 350th anniversary of Calne Baptist Church has been officially opened.

Mayor Carol O'Gorman cut the ribbon to the display at Calne Heritage Centre on Wednesday.

She spoke warmly of the church's involvement in the local community over the past 350 years.

Coun Gorman referred to the Sunday School set up by the church in 1804 as the first attempt in Calne to provide some basic education for the working children of the town.

She also mentioned the church's community service during the war.

She told those present at the opening of the exhibition: "You bring stability, cohesion and love to our precious community thank you."

The exhibition was put together by deacon John Fisher, and focuses on the themes of freedom, education, equality and service.

It also depicts four main periods of the church's history the time of the persecution from 1660-1690, the opening of the Sunday School in 1804, the provision of the nonconformist cemetery in Curzon Street in 1868 and the community service undertaken by the church during the 1939-45 war.

The exhibition, which is expected to remain open until the end of June, can be seen during the heritage centre.

The opening hours are Wednesday to Saturday from 10am to 4pm and Sunday from 1pm to 4pm.