Points of interest from the meetings held in Dec 2018

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

At the time of going to press, the Parish Council will not have had its December meetings. All that we’d like to say to residents is thank you for all the support and time you have put in, to making the Parish such a great place to live and work. 2019 will bring fresh struggles from a Parish Council point of view, but all the volunteer Cllrs and me, as Clerk will continue to do our best for everyone. We’d like to wish you all a peaceful and happy festive period, and our warm wishes for a prosperous New Year.

Ogbourne St George petition

The Parish Council voted in favour of assisting Ogbourne St George Parish Council with a petition for safer road conditions on the A346 near Ogbourne St George and Hallam, their details are:

Please help make the Ogbourne St George and Hallam junctions on the A346 safer for drivers, local residents, walkers, cyclists and riders by signing our petition.
We are calling on Wiltshire Council and Highways England to improve safety on this stretch of the A346 by:

  • Reducing the speed limit to 50mph;
  • Installing flashing speed limit signs;
  • Installing more prominent signs for motorists to take note of the turnings;
  • Installing signs to alert motorists that people are crossing the Ridgeway at this point of the road;
  • Reviewing the physical features of the road with a view to engineering any changes that will encourage drivers to slow down.

We hope that you all recognise the dangers of these junctions and support this petition. Only with significant support will our request result in this necessary change.

Please sign our petition to make the A346 junctions safer for our villages.
http://www.change.org/p/safera346. At this stage, we do not need any funds for our campaign, so please do not feel you need to donate.

If you know anyone who would prefer to sign a physical document please call Rachel on 01672 841999.

Chiseldon Camp Commemorative Stone

The history group, with support from the Parish Council and Swindon Borough Council are having to look for a new site for the Camp stone due to a problem with the current site.

They have had several offers of assistance to site the stone within the vicinity so we hope we can resolve this matter in the new year.

Christmas Light Switch on.

We had a brilliant turn out of parishioners on Wednesday 5th Dec at New Road, to enjoy the switching on of the Christmas tree lights. We had Beavers, Cubs and Scouts along with Rainbows and Brownies and other children who came along with their families. We held a draw for one lucky child to turn on the lights – well done Toby! We then walked to the Chiseldon Sports and Social club where mulled wine and hot chocolate were given to those who took part. We had a small raffle to raise funds for the Great Western Hospital Brighter Futures charity to raise £175000 for 5 new incubators for the special care baby unit. We raised around £35.00 for this brilliant charity.

5 year plan consultation groups

The Parish Council are keen to start work on a long term plan of what changes the Parish and residents would like/need to see. With this in mind we are hoping to set up consultation groups, made up of all demographics of residents from all areas of the parish. More information to follow on how you can get involved to shape the parish for the future.

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 Draycot 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

Norris Close new layby parking area

Progress is still pending the amended drawings from SBC and also confirmation of whether planning permission is required. We are talking to SBC and will get information out to residents of Norris Close when we know more. We will undertake a full consultation with residents before any work is agreed on.

Recreation Hall on Norris Close

The Hall is available to hire on an hourly/morning/afternoon/evening basis. Please contact the Clerk on the details above to make an enquiry about prices, or availability. 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.

Chapel meeting space hire

After its refurbishment last summer 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 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.

Grants and Donations 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.

Calley Memorial Hall fund

The trustees of this 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)

Works required within the Parish

We continue to report on any issues that need attention in the Parish, either to SBC if it is their responsibility or to our contractor to deal with.

A full list of responsibilities in being compiled and will be on the Parish Council’s website and linked to the Parish Facebook page so people can understand who is responsible for what items with the Parish.

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 which will have a Parish and Borough Councillor in attendance will take place on Saturday 5th Jan 2019 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.

The next Full Council meeting will be on Monday 14th January 2019. 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.