Points of interest from the meetings held in December 2019.
VE DAY Friday 8th May 2020 Update
The Parish Council are organising a community event on the Recreation field for the 75th Anniversary of VE Day.
We have so much booked for this fantastic event. Musicians, stalls & games, food and drink; plus the boring yet necessary marquees, porta loos and St Johns ambulance etc.
We have a local photographer who is going to take photos of the day, and we will put some of these in the time capsule we will be burying. We will also be planting a tree in remembrance. Tea, coffee and cake will be available in the Rec Hall along with a memory wall and timeline of Chiseldon during the war to today.
We will be needing lots of volunteers on the week leading up to Friday 8th May and also on the day itself. If you can help please do get in contact. Thanks
We need volunteers to run stalls, event set up and clear down, litter picking, marshalling and stewarding, information tent, program sellers.
We will look to hold an evening session in Feb time so that volunteers can find out more and sign up.
To raise funds to support the event there is a Fundraising Quiz night on Friday 17th Jan 2020. 7.30pm Rec Hall.
Tickets are £15 per person and include a fish and chip supper supplied by the Bakers Arms. At the time of going to press 31 tickets have been sold so do get in contact with the parish office or at the Spar shop to purchase your tickets.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New year
Everyone at the Parish Council would like to wish all Parishioners an enjoyable Christmas and Happy New year. 2019 has been a year full of challenges, but with many successes along the way. We are looking forward to a prosperous 2020.
BT Phone box consultation.
A consultation was released by BT which was publicised for residents with regards to the removal of the old red BT box at Castle View Road. The box had been used for 6 calls over a 12 month period and BT wanted to remove it.
After some deliberation the view of Chiseldon PC was to have the box removed. This will be reported back to BT for consideration.
Badbury planning application
The Parish Council voted to OBJECT to application S/19/1755 for 15 new dwellings at land near Berricot Lane in Badbury. Full comments will be compiled and sent back to SBC planning department.
New wifi in the Recreation Hall
User of the hall will now be able to connect to the internet thanks to CCE in Badbury who have provided free 4G wifi for 12 months. Our thanks to them.
Planning permission for Esso Station on A346.
The recent application for extra drive-thru units on the land next to the Esso Station has since been withdrawn by the applicant.
Emergency Plan contacts
We are compiling a list of emergency contacts across the Parish for situations such as heavy snow. This list is held centrally by SBC and also by CPC. We do have a contact for each area but more volunteers are always useful. Please contact the Clerk if you would like to be a contact. The role is to liaise with the main controller (The Clerk) to ensure people are safe in an emergency situation and that reports can be gathered such as power outages, roads unpassable, anyone needing food or blankets, whether pubs are open and offering a safe warm place to go to.
Strouds Hill tree removal
An Ash tree was removed from Strouds Hill after SBC found it to be leaning at an unacceptable angle. Other trees in the area were assessed by SBC and will remain.
New play equipment at Castle View Play area
3 new pieces of equipment have been ordered for the Castle View Play area for younger children. There is a 10 week lead time for delivery so hopefully at the start of Spring these will be in place. We are also looking to start a longer term project for equipment for older children to enjoy.
Dog Bin for Badbury
After resident’s request a new dog bin will be ordered and placed in Badbury.
New leaf blower for our Handyman
A leaf blower will shortly be collected for our handyman to use to keep pavements clear. If you spot an area that needs doing – please contact the Clerk with details.
Ward Cllr Jenny Jefferies report
Being elected as a Borough Councillor for Chiseldon Lawns and Badbury in May 2020 was an honour.
I understood Parish work, as I had been a Parish Councillor for 5 years, but the responsibility of being a Borough Councillor was an eye opener.
We serve the public, but we have to weigh up the best use of public money , and I soon realised that you can’t please all of the people all of the time.
The training I have been given is very welcome; as is the assistance of the officers employed by Swindon Borough Council.
Swindon is a great place to live and work and I have always been proud to say I live here but we have our challenges.
My job is to make the very best argument for my cause Sometimes the answers I get to my questions are frustrating.
Sometimes I have to agree to compromise.
But I live to fight another day! And will always work on behalf of the residents of Chiseldon.
I am always pleased to see you on the first Saturday morning of the month at my surgeries in the Memorial Hall, and although sometimes it can take a while I can normally get answers to your questions.
Please ask if you need my help.
Councillor Jenny Jefferies.
jjefferies@swindon.gov.uk
If you’d like to hear a report from any other Ward Cllrs or Parish Cllrs then please let the Clerk know.
Christmas tree and lights – update
We had a successful and merry evening on 4th Dec when the lights were switched on. Someone from Year 2 at the Primary School was chosen by raffle to switch on the lights.
We had mince pies donated by Waitrose and the fabulous “10 in a Bar” choir led the singing with all the well-known carols. 3 happy children received prizes for the Best Christmas jumper competition.
Afterwards we walked to the Sports and Social club who provided mulled wine and hot chocolate to everyone. Our raffle raised £58 for Brighter Futures fundraiser for new incubators at the Special Care baby unit.
Thanks to everyone who came along, contributed and made it such an excellent event.
Memory Café
The next memory café is Friday 31st Jan 2020 at the Church Hall from 10.30am and is the one year anniversary of this volunteer scheme. Everyone who has Dementia, and those caring for someone with Dementia is welcome to attend. There is a relaxed atmosphere with singing, and music from local musicians. There is complimentary tea, coffee, cake and biscuits. You can contact 07920 798824 for more details.
Community Speed Watch
The group are looking for more volunteers to be trained to do speed watch activities on roads in the parish. Full training is provided and results are given to the police, letters and a police visit can then be triggered when a threshold is met. This is not a Parish Council led initiative but one of our Cllrs heads-up the local group. Please contact the Clerk if you wish to discuss this further and I can put you in touch.
M4 J15 Works
The latest update from Highways England is that work will not start until early 2020. Once work starts DayHouse Lane will close for around a year to allow bridge widening work to be carried out.
Local artist and writer donates towards the fund for a third parish defibrillator.
Joy Woodhams has kindly donated some of her royalties to the provision of a defibrillator to go on the Chiseldon Recreation field to be used by anyone accessing this space. If you would like to donate towards this fund please contact the Parish Clerk.
Neighbourhood Watch meeting
Date to be confirmed – we will report this on Facebook and on the Parish Council website.
We are currently Co-opting for New Parish Councillors
Want to help make the parish a better place?
Want to work with like-minded people?
Want to be involved more in local matters and give your time and expertise?
Perhaps being a Parish Councillor is the perfect match for you….?
As the election in May was uncontested this leaves the Parish Council with a number of vacant seats that need to be co-opted. This date for this will be Monday 11th November at the next full council meeting at the Old Chapel on Butts Road at 7.30pm. The Co-option notice is at the end of this article. Our website will also have a copy and also further information on the attributes and duties of a Parish Councillor. Please do contact us if you are interested as we will need to have a covering letter and some information from you on why you believe you could be a Parish Councillor.
We are hoping to do a leaflet drop shortly so if you are able to deliver some leaflets to encourage new Councillors, we’d love to hear from you.
What is Co-option?
Co-option is a method whereby a Parish Council can elect new Councillors by majority vote. This can happen after an election if not all seats are filled (an un-contested election), or upon the resignation or death of a Cllr between election periods.
Candidates would present themselves to the existing council members at an applicable council meeting who would then vote on the successful applicant.
Local grants and funds available
The Parish Council have set up a short term sub-committee to look into grants and funds that are available to benefit the parish. The committee will look to set up a “wish list” of what the parish needs and can then look at what funds are out there. There is the scope to add residents to this committee so please contact the Clerk in the first instance if you think you can spend some time to help investigate this.
Defibrillators – a reminder
A reminder that the Parish has 2 defibrillators – one outside Cameo Hairdressers on High Street, and one outside the Calley Memorial Hall on Draycott Road. Both units are accessed by calling 999 to gain the code for the box. You cannot use these defibrillators on someone who doesn’t need it as the machine will not work. It also provides audible instructions on how to use them
Recreation Hall on Norris Close & Chapel on Butts Road
The Hall is available to hire on an hourly/morning/afternoon/evening basis. We can also arrange pitch hire for Football or Softball games– please ask us for details.
The hall has undergone a tidy up and now has new carpet and cleaned/painted walls. It makes an excellent space for a gathering/party/occasion. We can now offer free 4G wifi in the hall for all users.
After its refurbishment summer 2017 the Chapel on Butts Road is now a fully functioning meeting space, as well as being the Clerk’s office.
There is table space for 10 people with extra seating available. There is access to a projector and screen, large flat screen monitor and free wi-fi. Tea and coffee making facilities are provided; you just need to bring your own milk.
This useful local space is available for hire for only £35 per morning/afternoon or evening session subject to availability. Discounts are available for registered charities.
Please contact the Clerk for more information.
Parish Council Grants and Donations fund & Calley Memorial Hall fund
The Parish Council have an annual fund that we can donate to worthy causes within the Parish. If you are a group, charity or society that believe you could benefit from this fund then please contact the Parish Clerk for further details.
The trustees of the Calley Memorial Hall fund are also able to approve grants and donations to worthy causes within the Parish. (This doesn’t have to be connected to users of the Memorial Hall). Please contact the Parish Clerk in the first instance who can provide you with an application form.
(It should be noted that this fund is not connected to the Parish Council)
Home Library Service
There is a home Library service for Chiseldon Parish. It is run by volunteers and covers all areas of the parish and can deliver books based on your preferences. Call 01793 465 495 for more details.
Next meetings
The monthly Borough Councillors Surgery for Chiseldon Ward which will have a Parish and Borough Councillor in attendance will take place on Saturday 4th Jan 2020 11.30 to 12.30 in the Calley Memorial Hall on Draycott Road.
This is an opportunity for residents to discuss any concerns with both Parish and Borough Councillors so do come along and say hello. These sessions can be attended by residents of Chiseldon and Badbury Ward.
The next surgery for Ridgeway Ward is December 14th 9-11 at Wanborough Village Hall. (2020 dates to follow)
The next Full Council meeting of the Parish Council will be on Monday 13th January 2020. This will start at 7.30pm and will be held in the Recreation Hall, Off Norris Close. Residents are welcome to attend and there is a public recess at the start of proceedings, after which residents can choose to leave.
PARISH COUNCIL OF CHISELDON (Chiseldon and Lawn WARD) VACANCY FOR COUNCILLORS
Notice is hereby given that by reason of an uncontested election on 2nd May 2019, a number of vacancies has occurred among the members of the Parish Council.
Any person willing to fill this vacancy should apply to the Clerk in writing (email is acceptable) on or before Friday 10th January 2020.
Applicants should be free the evening of Monday 13th January 2020 to attend the Parish Council meeting at 7.30pm for the co-option voting procedure.
Being a Parish Councillor is an opportunity to provide time and knowledge to the area where you live in order to help make it a better place.
You will be working with like-minded people who come together as volunteers for the good of the parish.
The applicants name must appear on the current register of the Voters List or the applicant should during the whole of the 12 months preceding the relevant date have resided in or within 3 miles of the parish or the applicants only place of work during the whole of the 12 months preceding the relevant date is in the parish.
The applicant must not be disbarred from standing as a councillor. Applicants living in Badbury Ward meeting the above criteria are also welcome.
Candidates (if successful) should be able to attend Parish Council meetings which can be seen here: https://www.chiseldon-pc.gov.uk/committees/parish-council/
Dated 11th December 2019
Signed: Clair Wilkinson, Parish Clerk
The Old Chapel
Butts Road
Chiseldon Wilts SN4 0NW