Civic events 2019/20

Commonwealth Day

This is an annual celebration of the Commonwealth of nations and will be held on Monday 9th March 2020. The Commonwealth flag will be raised from the Town Hall and there will be a celebration involving local schools and Military.

Mayor’s Charity Evening

Each year the Mayor organises a ticketed event to raise money for their Mayoral charity. The Mayor of Chippenham will be holding this event on Saturday 28th March 2020 to raise money for Doorway. Please look out for further information closer to the event.

Annual Town Meeting

Each year the Mayor hosts a themed Town Meeting at the Town Hall. This meeting is for the community of Chippenham, everyone is encouraged to attend. It will be held on Wednesday 29th April 2020.

Twinning Reception

Chippenham is twinned with Friedberg, Germany and La Fleche, France. When Chippenham receives an official visit from members of their Twin Towns, the Mayor hosts a reception for them. In 2020 we will be visited by both towns.

Mayor’s Investiture

Each year a new Mayor is elected in May. The Mayor’s Investiture is an official ceremony where the incoming Mayor receives his/her Chains of Office and robes and officially becomes the Mayor of Chippenham. This will take place on Wednesday 20th May 2020.

Civic Sunday

This is an annual event which celebrates the Civic Life of Chippenham. It aims to include all Civic Organisations as well as Mayors of Wiltshire Towns and Dignitaries. There is a Church Service held at St. Andrew’s Church followed by an awards ceremony at the Neeld Community and Arts Centre where the Mayor presents Civic Awards. Civic Sunday will take place in July 2020.

Civic Awards Scheme

Each year the Town Council presents Civic Awards to individuals or local groups for services to the Town and people of Chippenham.

If you or your organisation would like to nominate an individual or local group for a Civic Award, nominations will be open in January 2020.

You must be able to demonstrate that the person(s) nominated have fulfilled at least one of the following:

• made a material contribution to the advancement, well being and welfare of the people of Chippenham
• supported charitable work carried out in the Town
• assisted the work of the Town Council in a voluntary capacity
• demonstrated outstanding citizenship.

All nominations will be received by the Civic Matters Sub Committee who will make a recommendation for Award winners to the Town Council. Civic Awards will be presented at a ceremony on Civic Sunday which will take place in July 2020.

Merchant Navy Day

On this day we remember Merchant Navy Veterans by holding a flag raising ceremony at the Town Hall. The Red Ensign Flag raises awareness of our island nation’s ongoing dependence on Merchant Navy Seafarers. Merchant Navy Day will take place on Thursday 3rd September 2020.

Remembrance Sunday

On Remembrance Sunday we remember and honour those who sacrificed themselves to protect and secure our freedom. There is a Church Service held at St. Andrew’s Church and a two minute silence held at the War Memorial in the Market Place. The two minute silence, held each year at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, marks the end of the First World War. Following the wreath laying there is a procession down the High Street, past the Town Hall. Remembrance Sunday will be held on Sunday 10th November 2019, the Town Council will mark Armistice Day with a two minute silence outside the Town Hall on Monday 11th November 2019.

Civic Awards Scheme

Each year the Town Council presents Civic Awards to individuals or local groups for services to the Town and people of Chippenham.

If you or your organisation would like to nominate an individual or local group for a Civic Award, nominations will be open in January 2020.

You must be able to demonstrate that the person(s) nominated have fulfilled at least one of the following:

• made a material contribution to the advancement, well being and welfare of the people of Chippenham
• supported charitable work carried out in the Town
• assisted the work of the Town Council in a voluntary capacity
• demonstrated outstanding citizenship.

All nominations will be received by the Civic Matters Sub Committee who will make a recommendation for Award winners to the Town Council. Civic Awards will be presented at a ceremony on Civic Sunday which will take place in July 2020.