OVERNIGHT from March 14 to 15, 1989, a tragedy struck the village of Chilmark.

A fire at the village’s vicarage – which started due to an electrical fault under the stairs – tore through the house, prompting panic from villagers.

Inside were the Rev Malcolm Acheson, his wife Pauline and their four children – Gemma, 12, Miriam, 10, Joseph, seven, and five-year-old Delia.

Mrs Acheson’s parents, who were staying while visiting from Yorkshire, were also in the house.

Tragically, despite the heroic efforts of firefighters and neighbour Jim Betts, the three girls perished in the blaze.

Of the children, only Joseph survived, and was treated for smoke inhalation at Odstock Hospital in Salisbury.

After the horrific events of that night, a tree was planted at Chilmark Fonthill Bishop CofE Primary School to remember Delia, who was a pupil at the time.

However, in the early 2000s, the tree was lost during building work at the school site to construct a new school hall.

Chilmark Fonthill Bishop CofE Primary School is now home to Delia Hall. Picture: Google

Now, with the hall “very much the heart of the school today”, according to a school spokesperson, it has been renamed – Delia Hall.

The decision to name it in Delia’s memory was taken after consultation with her family, the wider community and the school council.

Recently, the Right Reverend Dr Andrew Rumsey, Bishop of Ramsbury, visited to lead a service of reflection and remembrance, while a new plaque was unveiled commemorating the tragic incident.

Delia’s brother, Joseph, who was also a former pupil, was among those who attended the service and played the piano, while worship leaders from Year 6, assisted Bishop Andrew.

“It was a moving occasion and comforting to know that Delia’s memory will live on in Chilmark Fonthill Bishop CofE Primary School,” the spokesperson added.