Welcome to the April 2024 edition of the Town Council’s newsletter.
Duck Run and Fun at The Lido
Join Mayor Sandra Coleman’s fundraiser, the ‘Duck Run and Fun at the Lido’ as she champions a splashing good cause, 
The Lido, Chipping Norton as her charity of the year! 
On April 13th, 2024, gather your flock and prepare for a swim-filled adventure like no other!
Whether you dress as a duck, wear a duck or even bring a duck – we’d love you to embrace the theme of ‘anything ducky’ as you gear up for a 5km Fun Run (or leisurely walk) with quackitude at the Lido. 
But that’s just the beginning of the ducktastic fun! After crossing the finish line, treat yourself to a hot breakfast and take a dip in the Lido outdoor swimming pool. 
Plus, we’ve got egg-citing poolside games lined up for you to enjoy with your feathered friends!
Tickets go on sale mid-March, so mark your calendars and get ready to secure your spot. Adult tickets are ยฃ20 and children’s tickets are just ยฃ10. Don’t miss out on this quacktacular opportunity to support Mayor Sandra Coleman’s fundraiser for our gorgeous outdoor pool and make a splash in style! 
Pop up Skate Park – Sunday 12th May 2024
As part of the skatepark project, and following on from last year’s success. Chipping Norton Town Council are hosting a second pop up skatepark with Rollback World on Sunday 12th May from noon at New Street Recreation area. All welcome!
The Council have now published the procurement notice, specifications and design principles for a preferred contractor to submit designs for the Council to consider. This is a significant step forward in the project. Once a detailed design is agreed, we will be in a position to submit funding applications to support the project. The skatepark users group put together the design principles document, informed by the community consultation carried out over the winter. You can read the survey results and design principles document here:
In the summer, we will also be speaking with residents who live closest to the skatepark to ensure we share information and mitigate concerns. The proposed site is 90m away from the nearest residential property, with guidelines confirming that a skatepark should be between 30m and 100m away from residential properties, we have a site that is placed at the far end of these boundaries.
Turning Point – Drop in at the Town Hall
We are delighted that Turning Point have launched this weekly drop in session at Chipping Norton Town Hall.
Turning Point is an all purpose drug and alcohol treatment service. If you or someone close to you live with substance misuse or alcohol problems please do feel free to drop in for a chat with their friendly team in the Lower Hall of Chipping Norton Town Hall on Tuesdays between 1 and 5pm.
You can read more about Turning Point here:
More to look forward to from the Town Hall
Keep an eye on our Town Hall Facebook Events Listings to know what events, groups and activities you could be a part of that are coming up.
- Tuesday 2nd April 2024 – Oodles Precious Metals is visiting Town Hall with an Antiques and Collectibles roadshow
- Tuesday 2nd April 2024 – Our regular group talking all things Railways will be hosting their monthly meeting in Lower Hall – they would love to get more members – if you are into all things rail they would love to welcome you to the group!
- Saturday 6th March 2024 – Our friends at the Chipping Norton branch of the Royal British Legion are hosting a good old jumble sale. It’s their centenary year and its one of the ways we are supporting them for their anniversary celebrations – join in the fun and help them too by coming along and checking out the goods – you know we all love a bit of second hand sustainability in the council – and you could find yourself a little bargain!
- Sunday 7th April 2024 – Chipping Norton Community Church are hosting their community supper, and if you are looking for a warm and caring group, and new friends, this is a lovely way to find happiness together with like minded people.
- Tuesday 9th April 2024 – the great organisation that is Turning Point, will be starting a weekly drop in on Tuesday afternoons in Lower Hall. It is open for any individual with substance or alcohol abuse issues, and they will be hear with listening ears, advice and a cuppa.
- Sunday 21st April 2024 – Join the Brit Bangla Community in their celebration of Eid from 2pm
Join the Eid Celebrations in Chipping Norton Town Hall
Celebrate the joyous occasion of Eid with the Brit Bangla Community in Chipping Norton! Join us for a vibrant and inclusive celebration at the Town Hall on 21st April. Eid is a time of unity, gratitude, and reflection, marking the end of Ramadan, a month of fasting, prayer, and spiritual growth for Muslims around the world.
The Eid celebration promises to be a memorable event, bringing together people from all walks of life to share in the festivities. Experience the rich cultural heritage of Eid through music, dance, and delicious traditional cuisine. From mouthwatering biryanis to delectable sweets, there will be something to delight every palate.
At the heart of this celebration is a spirit of community and togetherness. Whether you’re a long-standing member of the Brit Bangla Community or a newcomer eager to experience the warmth of Eid celebrations, all are welcome to join in spreading joy and goodwill.
Mark your calendars for 21st April and come celebrate Eid with us at the Chipping Norton Town Hall. Let’s embrace diversity, foster friendships, and create lasting memories together. We look forward to seeing you there!
Cemetery Clean Up Day
Renovating our Street Signs
Our Maintenance Operative has almost completed the task of hand painting the traditional cast iron street signs in the town. We’re sure you’ll all agree they look like new. We will continue to maintain and restore these signs as part of our programme of works.
Elections May 2024
Notice of West Oxfordshire District Council and Police and Crime Commissioner Elections on Thursday 2nd May 2024. You can see the notices and read more about this here:
The Electoral Commission have provided a useful booklet reminding residents of the recent changes, including the Voter ID requirements. Please read the guide below:
Rusty Riders
Cycling enthusiasts, both new and returning, have a monthly meet up to look forward to at the Rusty Riders Clinic. The event will be held on the first Saturday of the month from 10 am to midday. This unique event, hosted in collaboration with Transition Chipping Norton, is designed to cater to individuals who are either new to cycling or considering a return to the saddle after a hiatus. The Rusty Riders Clinic offers a three-part workshop, combining essential elements to ensure a safe, enjoyable, and educational experience for participants.
You can read more about this here:
Green Defenders Needed
CPRE Oxfordshire is a charity that is passionate about making the countryside, its villages and market towns , better places for everyone to live, work and enjoy. We are recruiting for Green Defender volunteers.
Green Defenders will help us protect our countryside: their tasks may include investigating planning applications in their area, submitting responses, visiting development sites, and liaising with councils and conservation bodies. No specific qualifications are required, and this volunteer role is open to anyone over the age of 18. With a time commitment of just a couple of hours a week, with occasional meetings, applicants can make a difference from sitting at their computer.
More about CPRE Oxfordshire here:
Flag-flying at the Millennium Garden
We were delighted to be joined by Chipping Norton 6th Form students Abi, Lottie and Naomi, who helped Town Mayor Sandra Coleman raise the suffragette flag on 8th March to mark International Women’s Day today 
We also flew the Commonwealth flag on March 11th, and the Human Rights Flag on behalf of Chipping Norton Amnesty International, on 24th March to mark the International Day for the Right to Truth concerning Gross Human Rights Violations & for the Dignity of Victims.
In April we we will flying:
The Earth Day and Ecology Flags, Monday 22nd April 2024
and St George’s Cross, Tuesday 23rd April 2024.
An Introduction to Councillor Dom Rickard
We will use this space to introduce your new town councillors.
This month we asked Cllr Dom Rickard to tell us a bit about himself and why he decided to become a Councillor:
“Although born in London I moved to Chipping Norton when I was 7. I went to Holy Trinity and CNS before departing to university. Growing up in Chippy was in many ways idyllic. I played a lot of sport and miss the squash and football club particularly. Facilities like these are so important to the lives and livelihoods of many within the town and the loss of such places will always be to the detriment of the community. These losses without adequate replacement were things I wanted to prevent reoccurring when becoming a councillor.
After living in various parts of London and latterly Romsey in Hampshire (a town in many ways similar to Chippy) I returned 13 years ago with my wife and 2 sons. My daughter arrived a few years later the first Rickard to be born in the locality. All three went / are going to Holy trinity and CNS so things have come full circle.
I am an accountant by trade though over time have moved away from statutory accounts and the like, working in financial systems (between IT and finance) for a large US retail company. Since covid I primarily work from home and feel very lucky to have the town so close and the countryside likewise. There is nothing better than a lunchtime walking over the fields for a coffee in town and bumping into a few familiar faces.
Chippy has always been home to me and am very proud and protective of it. Much of that is down to the community and the people who live here. Whilst people change over time the community in a post covid world is still fantastic and hugely important to all of us as.
One of my primary reasons for Joining the council was to become involved and support this vibrant and welcoming community. As a council I think there is much we can do to sustain and build upon what underpins this within the town. From the environment, the look and feel of the amenities, ensuring our clubs are supported, and that there are opportunities to learn. I want us to continually encourage inclusivity and work closely with the townsfolk we serve to ensure the market, shops, pubs, clubs and groups can thrive in what are challenging times.“
You can contact staff and Councillors here:
Get involved
Do you have skills or experience that might be useful in our discussions about the ECN development? Or just feel that you would like to contribute? To join the Build Chippy Better group, please contact Katherine on: deputyclerk@chippingnorton-tc.gov.uk
As part of our work in securing a Local Cycling/Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP) for Chipping Norton, we’re very keen to hear from people with disabilities or mobility difficulties about the areas of the town that are particularly difficult for them to navigate. Again, please contact Katherine on: deputyclerk@chippingnorton-tc.gov.uk with your views.
Dates for your diary
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