Welcome to the July 2024 edition of the Town Council’s newsletter.
Community Awards 2024
We are all thrilled to announce the launch of the new Community Awards, a revitalised initiative aimed at recognising and celebrating the individuals and organisations that make our town a thriving, connected, and supportive community. We welcome your nominations for the all-new categories of awards in 2024, and hope that you take pleasure in celebrating the people and organisations doing great work in Chipping Norton.
How to Nominate that Special Chippy Person for a Great Award
Nominations are open from Monday 1st July 2024, and the closing date will be Friday 23rd August 2024 at 5pm. Nomination forms can be completed online, downloaded and sent by email, or a paper copy can be collected from the Guild Hall. Please follow the link below.
A Huge Thank You to Mr Graham Beacham, for his years of service to the Community
Many thanks to Mr Graham Beacham, for his continued support to the community in the delivery of the Chipping Norton Sports Awards, our Town’s sporting legacy to the London 2012 Olympic Games. For many years, the focus of our local awards has been primarily on sporting achievements, however, the all-new Community Awards will honour contributions in a broader array of categories, ensuring that the hard work and dedication of our people are acknowledged and celebrated. We want to continue Graham’s legacy, and will do so in the provision of the Beacham Award for Sporting Achievement, an ongoing award that we hope will see many years of celebration for those in the community going above and beyond in the sporting arena.
Chipping Norton Town Festival 2024 – A Triumphant Return!
Chipping Norton, June 30, 2024
Our town came alive on Sunday 30th June, as we celebrated the much-anticipated return of the Chipping Norton Town Festival. After a hiatus since 2022, the festival made a grand comeback, bringing together residents and visitors for a day filled with joy, entertainment, and community spirit.
The return of the Chipping Norton Town Festival was met with overwhelming support and enthusiasm from the community. Organizers expressed their gratitude for the turnout and the collective effort that made the event a success. “It’s heartwarming to see everyone come together again,” said one of the festival organizers. “The energy and spirit of Chipping Norton are truly remarkable.”
This year, the event was given an extra boost of excitement as local celebrity Kaleb Cooper, known for his appearance on the popular TV show “Clarkson’s Farm,” officially opened the festival for the first time. Kalebs presence added a touch of star power and drew an even larger crowd, eager to catch a glimpse of the beloved local figure.
Delightful Stalls and Entertainment
From live music and dance performances to arts and crafts stalls, the festival offered something for everyone. Local bands and artists took to the stage, showcasing the rich talent within the community.
For families, there were numerous activities including art activities and fun fair rides, that kept children entertained throughout the day.
Food enthusiasts were treated to a variety of culinary delights from local vendors. From traditional British fare to international cuisine, there was an array of delicious options to satisfy every palate.
Kalebs Cider Truck was a popular spot, offering a selection of his local brews and providing a perfect place to relax and enjoy the music.
The festival also served as a platform to highlight local businesses and artisans. The market stalls featured handmade crafts, unique gifts, and local produce, allowing visitors to support the town’s entrepreneurs and take home a piece of Chipping Norton’s creativity.
A Successful Return
As the sun set on a day filled with laughter and camaraderie, it was clear that the Chipping Norton Town Festival had successfully revived a cherished tradition. The festival not only provided entertainment and enjoyment but also reinforced the strong sense of community that defines Chipping Norton
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 are coming up that you could be a part of.
Get ready for an exciting July at Chipping Norton Town Hall! We’ve packed the month with a variety of events to keep you entertained, informed, and active. Here’s what you can look forward to:
Kicking Off the Month with a Great Initiative from The Branch
The Branch Trust Outreach Presentation: Start your month by joining us on Monday 1st July from 4pm to 6pm in the Upper Hall. Dive into insightful discussions and connect with the community about Children’s Mental Health with a fantastic panel of speakers. Book your spot here: Children and Young Peoples Mental Health tickets on Eventbrite.
General Election Day – July 4th!
- General Election Voting: Make your voice heard! Thursday 4th July is the big day. Voting will take place in the Upper Hall from 7am to 10pm. This is your chance to participate in the democratic process and shape the future of our community. Every vote counts, so come down and cast your ballot – and don’t forget to bring your photo ID with you!
Some of the Weekly Favorites to Keep You Busy:
- Muay Thai Kick Boxing Class: Every Tuesday from 6pm to 8pm in the Upper Hall. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a curious beginner, Phanthudet Muay Thai offers high-energy training sessions that you won’t want to miss. Check out their Facebook page for more details.
- Youth Group Fun: Join us in the Lower Hall from 5pm to 7pm on 9th and 16th July for an exciting time with your peers. Perfect for the young and the young at heart, come join in on the fun activities and meet new friends.
- Turning Point Drop-in Support Service: Need support? Turning Point Oxfordshire is here every Tuesday from 12pm to 5pm in the Lower Hall to help you on your road to recovery from alcohol or drug misuse.
- Age UK Oxfordshire Active Fitness Class: Stay flexible and keep moving every Friday from 9:45am to 11:15am in the Upper Hall. Gentle exercises designed to keep you active and healthy.
- Banking Services at Your Convenience: Barclays Bank Pop-Up is available every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9:20am to 4:20pm in The Snug, and TSB Bank Pop-Up every Tuesday from 9:30am to 4:30pm.
- Enigma Music Class: Every Friday from 4pm to 7pm in The Snug. Perfect for music lovers looking to learn and play.
Special Events to Mark on Your Calendar:
- Chipping Norton U3A Presentation on the Oxford Canal: On Wednesday 3rd July from 2pm to 4pm in the Upper Hall. Perfect for those who love to learn and engage in stimulating discussions about our local history and waterways.
- Chipping Norton Community Church Games Night: Friday 5th July from 7:15pm to 9:45pm in the Lower Hall. Bring your game face and join us for an evening of fun and laughter!
- Amnesty Meeting: Thursday 11th July, from 7:30pm to 9pm in the Lower Hall. Get involved in meaningful discussions and support a good cause.
- Chipping Norton Town Council Full Council Meeting: Monday 22nd July, from 6:30pm to 8:30pm in the Lower Hall. Be part of the decision-making process and see how our town is run. If you would like a particular issue to be discussed, and heard by Council, please submit your request to townclerk@chippingnorton-tc.gov.uk before Thursday 18th July 2024.
A Fabulous Finish to the Month:
- Holiday Club: Back for 2024! Running from Monday 29th July to Wednesday 31st July, from 10am to 1pm in the Upper Hall. A fun-filled, action-packed club perfect for the kids to enjoy during their summer holidays. There is also an option to join them on Sunday 4th August. It’s totally free and lunch and snacks are included. We are very proud to be supporting this great group providing summer holiday activities for free to children from Reception age to Year 6.
For more details on any of the above, contact the event organisers directly, and if you need to connect with them, please do email events@chippingnorton-tc.gov.uk. We can’t wait to see you there!
Skatepark update
The Chipping Norton Skatepark project has officially moved into the next phase of planning, marking an exciting milestone for the local community. The Council is pleased to announce that Maverick Skateparks have been selected as the preferred contractor, having achieved top marks in the tender analysis.
Maverick Skateparks are renowned for their innovative and community-focused designs, bringing years of experience and a strong track record in creating exceptional skateparks across the UK. Their commitment to quality and understanding of the skateboarding culture makes them an ideal partner for this project. For more information about Maverick Skateparks, please visit their website.
As part of the next steps, Maverick will conduct a comprehensive skatepark design consultation. This will be available both online and through in-person events to ensure broad community participation. The details of these consultations will be published on our website in the coming days and weeks. This inclusive approach aims to ensure that the final design reflects the needs and desires of Chipping Norton’s skating community.
In addition to the design consultations, experts from Maverick Skateparks will hold meetings with residents to address any concerns. These in-person meetings will be scheduled after the design consultations, providing an opportunity for the community to ask specific questions about the proposed designs and receive detailed responses.
Once the design has been finalised and granted planning permission, the Council will be in a position to apply for grant funding to bring this exciting project to fruition.
Stay tuned for further updates on the consultation process and other key milestones in the development of the Chipping Norton Skatepark.
The grand opening of The Branch
Chipping Norton Town Council recently attended the opening of The Branch, a new community hub set to make a significant impact on the local area. The Mayor, Cllr Sandra Coleman, along with other Town Councillors and staff, attended to celebrate this exciting addition to Chipping Norton.
The Branch is a community-focused initiative dedicated to supporting individuals and families in Chipping Norton. The Branch offers a range of services aimed at alleviating poverty, promoting wellbeing, and fostering community spirit. Their programmes includes food support, financial advice, mental health support, and various community activities designed to bring people together and provide much-needed assistance to those in need.
The Branch is set to become a cornerstone of community support in Chipping Norton, offering a lifeline to those in need and helping to build a more resilient and connected town. The Council looks forward to seeing the positive changes The Branch will bring and encourages residents to engage with and support this fantastic initiative.
For more information about The Branch and the services they offer, please visit their website.
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 10am 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:
West Oxfordshire Business Spark
Do you want to start your own business? The West Oxfordshire SPARK Programme is here to help you develop your commercial ideas and bring them to market. To find out more about OxLEP’s business support programme and for an informal chat join Ant Parsons for coffee and cake – no need to book, just come along!
Flag-flying at the Millennium Garden
In June we flew:
- The Pride Progress Flag, Saturday 1st June
- The D-Day Flag of Peace – Thursday 6th June
- The Refugee Nation Flag, Thursday 20th June
- The Armed Forces Day flag, Saturday 29th June
In July we will be flying the NHS flag to mark the 76th anniversary of the founding of the National Health Service:
Introducing our new Admin and Customer Service Assistant Heidi
Hello, my name is Heidi. I am from the Chippy area, living close by in Chadlington where I grew up. I attended Chipping Norton School from 1990 to 1995, when I left I began my career in Administration and Customer Service. You may recognise me from Glyme Hall having worked there for the past 5 years taking bookings and managing the building. I am delighted to have joined the Chipping Norton Town Council team. Please do call into the office to say hello. I look look forward to meeting you all.
An Introduction to Councillor Sharon Wheaton
We will use this space to introduce your new town councillors.
This month we asked Cllr Sharon Wheaton to tell us a bit about herself and why she decided to become a Councillor:
“As a young actress, a member of the National Youth Theatre at 14 and a student at the Royal Welsh Academy of Music and Drama, my early years were spent on the stage and in television. A young family followed, and my late twenties and thirties were taken up with raising my three children, living locally down the road in Little Compton.
As well as being a stay home mum , married to a stone mason , I began my first mail order business selling personalised Cotswold stone bookends; my interest in retail and business began .
Getting back into the arts world was important to me and when the opportunity to join the Fosse Gallery in Stow on the Wold, helping to run and manage it, occurred in the late 1990’s ,I jumped at the chance . My life changed and I was able to embrace my artistic nature with a keen and experienced business head. In 2006 I took over the business and haven’t looked back. The gallery has enjoyed 44 continuous years of staging exhibitions, nearly every month, supporting and showcasing artists from all over the country. I am incredibly proud of its achievements and International reputation.Living in the town of Chipping Norton for the last seven years has been a privilege. I love this community of kind, supportive, intelligent, creative and free-thinking people.
Having always been interested in local and national politics, I took the plunge and stood as a Labour candidate in the Town Council by-election in May 22. I was elected with more than 900 votes – a deeply humbling and wonderful moment.
I feel my strengths lie in listening to and supporting the people of the town, especially through the cost-of-living crisis. I have taken a firm stance against the shoplifting epidemic since early on in 2023, talking to and making a positive contribution helping our shopkeepers and members of staff as well as liaising with the local police. My interest in retail is a driving force and I want to work with others to restore our High Street and Market to their former glory!
You can contact staff and Councillors here:
Get involved
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. Please contact Katherine on: deputyclerk@chippingnorton-tc.gov.uk with your views.
Dates for your diary
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