Chippenham Civic Society Chairman’s Report March 2011 Owen Pennell
As I enter my fourth (and final year) as chairman I have been reflecting on my two previous reports where, during the introductions I commented on the economic downturn and its effects, as I perceived it, for Chippenham. I could not have imagined that with the incoming coalition government cuts to public services would be as severe as they are going to be. Inevitably these will impact upon Chippenham in due course. Paradoxically Wiltshire Council, according to one recent press report, is an authority that might be less swingeing in cuts to services than many others; we wait to see.
Despite the concerns expressed above, there have been some changes to the town in the past year that the Civic Society positively welcomes, not least the appointment of a new Heritage Centre manager followed shortly after by the arrival of the Town Clerk/Chief Executive. Meetings have been held with both, with the outcome being that the Society’s views and role have been aired so that we may be consulted and continue to be a valued influence regarding developments as they affect the town. A Chippenham Vision Group Director has been appointed with the Society represented at that forum, where it is anticipated that a more cohesive and strategic approach to development will benefit the town. A recent survey by the Chippenham Vision Group of a large number of local residents’ demonstrates it is taking the aspirations of town citizens very seriously concerning many aspects of the quality of life here. The Civic Society will strive to ensure that aspirations result in tangible outcomes.
Additionally welcome is the move into the town centre of Waitrose, albeit initially as a convenience store. This hopefully will have a positive effect on the future development of the Bridge Centre/Bath Road site which, as I write, rather frustratingly, is still being considered by developers. The Civic Society supports this latter development in principle as a positive outcome for the future success for Chippenham; we will endeavour to ensure that any proposed buildings are well designed and constructed in sympathy with the town centre architecture. One development that is not welcome is the vast Sainsbury’s extension which we have opposed. Similarly we are not happy about the Westinghouse sports site development due to proposed high density building. Unfortunately, experience shows this type of scheme will go ahead, although we have made representations to reduce the height of buildings.
If, as hoped, Monkton Park becomes the responsibility of the Town Council we would wish to constructively be involved in its future development. Moreover, for too long much of the riverside has been neglected as an asset to the town. It will therefore be particularly important for the Society to be fully represented with the relevant parties once the former Hygrade factory site is re-developed.
It was very heartening to be present with pupils and staff at the unveiling of the Civic Society’s blue plaque ceremony in honour of Robin Tanner, artist and educationalist at Ivy Lane School. This was the first Civic Society blue plaque award for a number of years although it precedes others that the committee have identified as worthy of merit. These will be reported in the Bulletin in due course.
I once again welcome the continued support of the society membership and to warmly thank the committee for the hard work and commitment they have shown in the past year.
Owen Pennell
Chippenham Civic Society AGM March 2011 Secretary’s Report
Committee meetings There were 9 meetings during the year.
Membership There has been a small drop in numbers and although membership numbers are still good for a town of its size, we would like to have more younger members. Around 33% of members have provided email addresses. This makes it far easier to make contact at short notice.
Website Our website www.chippenhamcivicsociety.co.uk continues to grow. It is averaging around 90 unique visitors per month, a considerable increase on the previous year.
Buttercross Bulletin This has continued to provide a high standard both in content and presentation. Feedback from members has been positive. More contributions and suggestions for articles from members would be welcome.
Social Programme There was an excellent and varied social programme organized by Mike Stone and Tony Pratt. The Christmas event was unfortunately cancelled due to the bad weather. Attendance at meetings has varied but has generally been good. The re- introduction of the membership card/events calendar has proved popular as has refreshments at meetings. We are always looking for new ideas for the programme.
Publicity Posters and newspaper entries have been produced for all of our talks. Membership forms are available in the Tourist Information Bureau and Museum. We had a successful stall at the Family Fun Day in John Coles Park in August. The website is also a useful recruiting tool.
Heritage Open Days We did not organise one this year but hope to do so in 2011.
Publications Sales of the Society’s book A History of Chippenham From Alfred to Brunel have slowed after its initial launch. It is available at the Museum, Whitehall Garden Centre, Waterstones and from the Treasurer.
Some issues and achievements in 2010
· Actively participating in regular meetings of Chippenham Vision Board and helping to plan the future of the town
· Chippenham Conservation Area Management Plan, largely produced by the Civic Society, was adopted in 2010 as Supplementary Planning Guidelines by the Council
· Tree planting in town centre in 2010 by Chippenham Town Council – initiated by the Civic Society
· Designing, funding and erecting Blue Plaque for Robin Tanner and organizing a high profile and successful unveiling ceremony at Ivy Lane School
· Monitoring and commenting on planning applications
· Seeking to eliminate eyesores in the town with some success
· Membership of Civic Voice with a number of members taking up the National Trust offer
- Carrying out a Street Pride audit in the town centre and giving presentation of findings to Chippenham Council where it was positively received (a Civic Voice initiative)
Roger Backway Secretary March 2011
