Welcome to the July 2025 edition of the Town Council’s newsletter.
Story Garden – Summer Reading Challenge
Explore nature and discover the outdoors with a FREE children’s reading challenge at your local Oxfordshire library!
From 5 July to 6 September, children across Oxfordshire can collect stickers as they enjoy reading library books. The Summer Reading Challenge encourages children to carry on reading over the holidays and have fun at the same time.
Chipping Norton Town Hall
A Town Hall Transformed by Local Voices – Reflecting Chippy
What does the Fastest Shed in The World, an imagined Skate-park, Mr Snips and the Mop Fair have in common? They all made their way into Reflecting Chippy—the stunning new mural now proudly installed in the windows of Chipping Norton Town Hall.
Designed by international artist Luke Embden and brought to life with the support of Section 106 funding from West Oxfordshire District Council, this joyful artwork celebrates the town through the eyes and hands of the people who live here.
Over the summer of 2024, we asked residents: “What makes Chippy, Chippy?” The artistic answers were funny, touching and brilliantly specific. Among the 100+ drawings submitted were:
- Mr Snips, winner of the Mayor’s Community Award for Civic Pride, always seen out trimming hedgerows and keeping the town looking sharp.
- Pinky, a much-loved local character known by just about everyone.
- Terry the Town Hall Keeper, whose 18 years of dedicated service were honoured with more than one drawing.
- Locally famous cats, lovingly immortalised by their owners.
- The Chippy Mop Fair, complete with its colourful lights and spinning rides.
- Bliss Mill, standing proud in sketched silhouette.
- And even favourite snacks, local trees, beloved buildings, and imaginary creatures!
The drawings were gathered and re-imagined in Luke’s distinctive linework style, forming a mural now installed by Hobs Reprographics across the upper Town Hall windows.
To celebrate, we hosted a launch event filled with laughter, a live DJ(including a guest turn by Mayor Sandra Coleman!), and a walk-through “gallery” of the original drawings displayed indoors. Many were delighted to find their own personal reflection of what Chippy means to them inside the mural, as well as enjoying all of the moments drawn by others, and captured by Luke in his ultra-cool design!
The original artwork display, created as an interactive space for the community to wander around and enjoy, showed over 200 pieces drawn in the summer of 2024. People attending were invited to find their favourite pictures, and a copy was printed off for them to colour in and add their own touches to the original black and white line drawings. The big Town Hall Chalkboard was well used throughout the day with colourful scratchings and scrawlings, for our interactive drawing activity – the Snap Chat Board – where the art could disappear ready for the next creative person to enjoy.
This isn’t just an artwork—it’s a collective portrait of our town. And if you look closely, you just might spot yourself in it.
Come view the mural upstairs at the Town Hall during opening hours—give Tania a call on 07561 707 238, to make sure that it is available to view, and there is someone onsite to show you around safely, just bring your curiosity and enjoy the art.
Choose our Venues for all your Fundraising Needs!
Supporting Charities in Our Community — Fundraising at the Town Hall and Glyme Hall
The Town Hall and Glyme Hall are proud to support the incredible charitable work happening across our community, with excellent rates for registered charities who wish to hire either venue to raise awareness or vital funds.
Last weekend saw two fantastic events hosted at the Town Hall – the Findlay and Friends Fundraiser and the always fantastic, ChippyFest.
On Saturday, Findlay & Friends ran a Summer Fete during the day, followed by a lively charity bingo in the evening. Thanks to incredible community spirit, they raised a massive £3,000 for The Branch Trust Chipping Norton and Blood Cancer UK.
The organisers shared: “In spite of soaring temperatures and reduced car parking available in the town, a massive £3,000 was raised for The Branch Trust Chipping Norton and Blood Cancer UK. The organising team of friends and family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the stall holders, charity speakers, bingo caller Keith, Town Hall team and all who attended, donated, or supported in any way.”
Fundraising for these charities continues and will culminate with a final event at the Cotswold Golf Club in Chipping Norton on Friday, 29th August — do join them if you can!
On Sunday, ChippyFest returned with a fantastic programme of music, stalls, and activities, including the ever-popular Pick the Number Box game. ChippyFest are still offering £5 tickets for a chance to win a VIP ticket to the Pete Tong Ibiza night this November — a prize worth £450! If you are interested in getting in with a chance please call Maz on 07507535466
These events are a brilliant example of how our community spaces can help charities achieve their goals. If you are interested in hosting your charity’s event or fundraiser at the Town Hall or Glyme Hall, please get in touch — we would be delighted to help.
Bra Bank Launches at Town Hall to Support Against Breast Cancer
Chipping Norton Town Hall is proud to announce the launch of a new Bra Bank in support of Against Breast Cancer, giving local people the opportunity to donate their unwanted bras to a good cause.
The Bra Bank, now available in the Town Hall, collects pre-loved bras to be recycled or reused, raising vital funds to help breast cancer research while also reducing waste. Every bra collected is either given a second life through reuse or recycled, with proceeds going directly to Against Breast Cancer to help support their work in research and prevention.
Excitingly, the Bra Bank has already received its very first donation, marking a positive start to the campaign. Locals are encouraged to have a clear-out and bring along any bras they no longer need — every single one makes a difference.
Whether you’ve outgrown them, changed style, or just want to declutter, pop your unwanted bras in the Bra Bank next time you visit the Town Hall. Together, we can support research, save landfill space, and make a real impact.
For more information on the work of Against Breast Cancer, visit www.againstbreastcancer.org.uk.
What’s On In Our Town Venues
Have Your Say with Thames Valley Police Neighbourhood Team
‘Have Your Say’
The Chipping Norton Neighbourhood Police team will be holding a ‘Have Your Say’ event on Monday 14th July from 10 am to 11 am, at the Town Hall, Chipping Norton.
Please come along for crime prevention advice and to let your local officers know about your concerns in the area.
Chipping Norton Pride is Back for the 3rd Year – with lots to get involved with!
Saturday 26th July 2025
Daytime: 11:30 – 16:30
Evening: 19:00 ’til Late
All welcome for a day and evening full of plenty of entertainment, music, food & drinks, laughter and 
For tickets to the evening event – which will be an evening of fantastic performances – please check out: https://www.chippingnortonpride.org.uk/
The Pride Team have grabbed a Late License for the event too – so you can party ’til late, celebrating the Diversity and Equality of our wonderful town.
Artwork created by @lukeembden
You can see What’s On at the Online Calendars for Glyme Hall and Town Hall below – catch up on what’s happening and the groups you could be joining in and having fun with . Check them out below, or follow the Town Hall Facebook Page to see public events that have been listed:
Check out the activities from kid’s dance sessions and exercise for our more mature friends to support groups and more, all happening in Glyme Hall.
Choirs, singing groups, fairs, events, religious groups and so much more – it’s all happening in Town hall – as well as your Banking Hub for Town with Barclays and T.S.B. – take a look to see what you could be joining in with or getting support from.
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.
Rusty Riders – Every Second Saturday of the Month
The Rusty Riders meeting at the Chipping Norton Leisure Centre
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 second 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:
YouMove
YouMove is here to shine a spotlight on activities that everyone in the community can get involved in. Whether it’s sports, arts, social events, or family-friendly fun, we’re dedicated to connecting people and encouraging participation in all the exciting opportunities our community has to offer.
They offer free and low-cost activities for eligible children and their families, including those on benefits related free school meals or Universal Credit, refugee children, and children supported by early help services in Oxfordshire, enabling residents to continue to stay active and have fun along the way.
You can read more about it here and to sign-up:
Local Plan Consultation
West Oxfordshire District Council has launched its latest public consultation on its emerging Local Plan, inviting residents, businesses, community groups and stakeholders to help shape the policies that will guide how the district grows and develops up to 2041.
The consultation will run from 26 June to 8 August and can be accessed online at: https://yourvoice.westoxon.gov.uk/…/your-plan-for-the…
There will also be a drop-in session for residents in Chipping Norton on:
Glyme Hall – Monday 7 July, 2pm – 8pm
Flag-flying at the Millennium Garden
In June we flew:
- The Refugee Nation Flag, Thursday 20th June, The Armed Forces Day flag, Wednesday 25th June, in recognition of Reserves Day and Saturday 28th June, in celebration of Armed Forces Day:
In July we will be flying the NHS flag to mark the 77th anniversary of the founding of the National Health Service:
Introducing our new Responsible Finance Officer and Deputy Clerk, Louise Warren
We’re pleased to welcome Louise Warren as the new Responsible Financial Officer and Deputy Clerk at Chipping Norton Town Council.
Louise has a strong background in finance and operations, with experience in utilities, local government and education. She’s passionate about improving services and supporting communities, and is looking forward to contributing to the town’s future.
Outside of work, Louise volunteers for a dog rescue charity, enjoys walking and being outdoors with her own dog, is happily married with two grown-up children, and wishing one of them will produce some grandchildren soon!
You can contact staff and Councillors here:
Dates for your diary
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