Chippenham Pickleball Club

Fridays (6.00pm - 8.00pm)

Notton House Academy, Noton, Chippenham

Pickleball is played with a solid paddle and a plastic ball with holes and is a sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis. It's played on a court similar in size to a doubles badminton court, with a slightly modified tennis net.

Pickleball is fast becoming one of the most popular racket sports in the world and if you fancy a go, come along to one of the free tasters sessions. 

All equipment is provided and you'll be taught be experienced local players.

All ages welcome but under 18's must be accompanied by an adult.

First session is free and then £6 (adults) and £3 (children).

Falls Prevention & Homecare Workshop

Thursday 10 July (2.00pm - 3.30pm)

15 Forest Gate, Chippenahm

Are you an unpaid carer or supporting a loved one at home? We’re here for YOU.

Falls continue to be one of the leading causes of injury and hospital admissions among older adults—many of which are preventable through simple adjustments and increased awareness. Join a FREE community workshops designed to give you practical skills, confidence & support in your caregiving journey.

The session covers:

Falls Prevention: Tips to reduce risks and improve safety at home
CPR Awareness: Life-saving skills everyone should know
What’s Homecare: Understanding the benefits of professional support and the journey

Refreshments included — limited seats available, so please book early!

To book a place call 01249 569569 or email chippenham@rightathome.co.uk

Walking Netball

Tuesdays (1.30pm - 2.30pm)

Lady Evangelical Church, Hungerdown Lane

Walking Netball is a low-impact version of the game where you walk instead of run. Perfect for all abilities!

• Stay active in a fun, supportive environment
• Meet new people and socialise
• Enjoy a free cuppa and chat after each session
• FREE weekly indoor sessions

No experience needed – everyone welcome!

Contact: rachael.cornish@wiltshire.gov.uk for more information

Chippenham Town Walk

Saturdays at 2pm on 12 July, 9 August & 13 September

Thursdays at 7pm on 24 July, 21 August & 25 September

Meet at The Buttercross, Market Place. Arrive 5-10 minutes before to allow for a prompt start.

Are you curious about Chippenham’s past? Chippenham Council's free guided walks are back for 2025 and bookings are now open!

Join a member of the Chippenham Museum team for a 40-minute journey through the town’s rich history, from King Alfred and the Saxons to the present day.

Perfect for residents, visitors and groups! 

Walks are free, but booking is essential. Visit the Chippenham Museum website for booking details.

Chippenham Ban Concerts

Sunday, 3.00pm in John Coles Park

The Bandstand in John Coles Park hosts a selection of Sunday afternoon concerts that are free to attend. 

So why not make up a picnic and relax with some gentle toe tapping.

29 June: Dodington Parish Band

6 July: The Cricklade Band

13 July: Chippenham Town Band

20 July: Ramsbury Silver Band

27 July: Cirencester Band

3 August: Hungerford Town Band

10 August: North Swindon Big Band

24 August: Redland Wind Band

31 August: City of Bath Brass Band

7 September: Malmesbury Concert Band

14 September: Chippenham Town Band

Concerts run from May – September and start at 3pm until 5pm.

Doorstop - Youth Sports & Social Sessions

Friday, 4.30pm - 6.00pm, Ladyfield Church, Hungerdown Lane (runs until the end of July 2025)

Looking for something fun to do on Friday afternoons? 

Try out your skills at table tennis, challenge friends to air hockey, kick a football around, or just chill out in a comfortable space – there’s something for everyone!

Suitable for 8 years and above.

Free event

No booking required – simply show up and join the fun! Bring your friends or come solo and make new ones. There friendly team is waiting to welcome you.

Primary School Sports Charity

GAME ON is a new local charity dedicated to helping primary school children in the Chippenham area get involved in team sports – regardless of financial circumstances. 

Through the GAME ON programme, they provide:

• Financial support with club membership fees for primary school children
• Free access to essential kit, gear, and sports equipment
• Connections to local sports clubs offering football, netball, hockey, rugby, and cricket

GAME ON focuses on removing financial barriers so that every child in Chippenham can enjoy the physical, emotional, and social benefits of being part of a team. We work closely with local schools and sports clubs to make this vision a reality.

Fore more information email them on hello@gameoncharity.com

Christmas Market Traders Wanted

Chippenham Town Council are looking for Christmas and festive-themed stalls for the Christmas Lights Event on Saturday 29 November.

The stalls will be located on the upper part of the High Street. Vendors will be required to bring their own stall set up (gazebo and table).

There are no electric points available. You will need to provide your own silent generator if required.

There is no cost to trade on this day, but you will be required in advance to submit a copy of your Public Liability Insurance and a full Risk Assessment for your activity.

Pitches will be allocated on a first-come first-served basis.

If you are interested in attending as a vendor, please complete the application form on the councils website, chippenham.gov.uk

Park Yoga

From Sunday 4 May 9:30am - 10:30am)

John Coles Park

Park Yoga Chippenham is back for 2025 for your free outdoor yoga session.

Open to all, regardless of age, background or ability, just bring yourself and a mat or towel.

Clic Wiltshire

The Clic online community helps you access mental health support online and connect with others in your community for conversation, peer support, information and advice, all for support with your wellbeing.

This community is brought to you jointly by the Wiltshire Mental Health Inclusion Service and the Access Community Health Service.

The site is moderated each day between 8.00am and 10.00pm and there is a flag button if you see concerning content.

To create your profile and join the online community visit wiltshire.clic-uk.org.

Digital Tech Buddy Scheme

Want to use the likes of Zoom, Instagram, Facebook, email and WhatsApp but don’t know where to begin? Then you may benefit from support from a volunteer Digital Tech Buddy.

The Digital Tech Buddies will work with you over the phone (and later via Zoom) over a 4-week period to help you to use technology so that you can be more socially included. It might be that you want to join a family WhatsApp group but that you don’t know where to begin. Or it could be that you would like to reconnect with long lost friends through Facebook but lack the confidence to do so. 

The Digital Tech Buddy will contact you at an agreed time each week for an hour’s appointment to support you to achieve your digital goals.

To access this scheme, download and complete the referral form available via the website www.rethink.org/WiltsMHIS

Alternatively, contact: the Wiltshire Mental Health Inclusion Service
Telephone: 07467 764171
Email: WiltsMHIS@rethink.org

Chippenham Allotments

Management of allotments in Chippenham on behalf of the Town Council. 

They own six allotment sites across the town offering around 300 plots. 

Allotments for growing vegetables and fruit for own consumption. Outdoor spaces, Allotment sites are open throughout the year where the tenant and family can cultivate their plot throughout the year. 

Parking available on some allotment sites. Open to all (mixed age). Anyone can apply for an allotment, whatever their experience. Allotment holders are happy to share experiences and knowledge with others. 

People with learning and physical disabilities are welcome to apply for an allotment; there is a requirement the plot be maintained and cultivated.

Please be aware the terrain is likely to be uneven.

The cost of an allotment is £42.50 (for a standard 5 lug plot), £22.00 for a half plot. Allotment bills are sent out in September.

To find out more email chippenhamallotments@googlemail.com

Chippenham Food Bank

Foghamshire, Chippenham (open 10.00am - 12.00pm on a Tuesday and 10.00am - 11.30am on a Friday)

Chippenham Foodbank is run by The Salvation Army and operates on a voucher system. 

If you need a referral to the food bank please contact Wiltshire Citizens Advice on 03444 111 444.

Several other agencies in the town are able to issue vouchers for the food bank, including:

• Social services
• Unity House Hostel for the Homeless
• Wiltshire Council
• RISE Children’s Centres
• Probation Service
• Mental health teams

For more information about the Food Bank call 01249 655458 or email chippenham@salvationarmy.org.uk

Chippenham Good Afternoon Choir

Tuesday (1.30pm - 3.30pm)

Pewsham Community Centre, Lodge Road, Chippenham

A fun and friendly, non-audition Community Choir, part of a family of 32 Good Afternoon Choirs “Singing in the Afternoon” around the South West and beyond!

There is no charge for attending your first rehearsal.   
 
Membership forms are available to collect at every rehearsal.  The choir rehearsals are in 4 terms of 10 weeks and members pay £58 per term – this covers room and piano hire, music, admin and musician fees.  You do not need to join at the start of a term, you can simply come along to any rehearsal and pick up a membership form should you wish to join the choir – your fee will then be worked out for the remainder of that term.  

If you have any questions about the Choir please contact Tracey or Karin at Grenville's office in Westfield/Midsomer Norton via e-mail gac@grenvillemusic.co.uk or telephone 01761 472468.

Silver Swans Ballet Classes for over 55’s

Wednesday (10.30am - 11.30am)

Fitzgraham Academy of Dance, Unit 3 Industrial Park, Cricketts Lane, Chippenham

Dance classes for adults that stretch, stimulate, energise and are, above all, FUN! 

Silver Swans Beginners Ballet is for people over 55 with little or no ballet experience. 

It includes barre and centre work and focuses on balance, posture, flexibility, and strength and is low impact.

For more information call 07813 182248.

Baking Club

Thursdays (fortnightly) between 2.30pm - 4.30pm at Cepen Lodge Care Home

A great opportunity for older people to bake some delicious treats including puddings and cakes as well as socialising and networking with other like minded people.

Free event. Refreshments will be available.

For more information call 01249 489233

Walking Netball

Mondays 6.30pm - 7.30pm at Chippenham Sports Club Dome

Walking netball is a slower version of the game designed so that anyone can play, regardless of age and ability.

Whether you have dropped out of sport due to injury, not played since school or want to start something new this is a great social activity.

To find out more of to join contact Selina Porter on her email selina@portershouse.co.uk

Well-being Singing Group

Tuesdays between 2.30pm and 4.00pm at the Kandu Arts S.H.O.P Emery Gate Shopping Centre, Chippenham

A relaxed group that take part in solo and group singing to improve well-being.

Music is a powerful thing – it has a unique ability to lift our mood, reduce stress and anxiety and provide an outlet for us to take control of our feelings.

The group has a strong social element and aims to provide mutual support and friendship.

New members are welcome and they cater to all singing styles and abilities from experienced singers to people who have never sang before.

Recycling School Uniforms

Chippenham Uniform Exchange are a not-for-profit community interest organisation helping Chippenham families with the cost of school uniform.

There aim is to create a single unified scheme for reusing preloved items of school uniform in Chippenham. 

They enable families to dispose of outgrown school uniform ethically for the benefit of the community instead of throwing it away into landfill.

Families can pass on to them any items of school uniform no longer needed which can then be accessed at very low cost through pop-up shops or provided for free to families who find themselves in financial hardship.

The scheme is available to all families with school-aged children in the Parish of Chippenham.

To donate or to find out more visit their website chippenhamuniformexchange.org.uk

Chippenham Harriers Beginners Running

Friday's 6.45pm until 7.45pm

Chippenham Sports Club

A fully supported journey to 5k for all levels. 

Joining the beginners running course is a great opportunity to improve your fitness, make some new friends, and achieve something you can be truly proud of. If you’re keen to give running a try, returning to it after a break, or would like some support progressing your running, this course is for you.

There are three different groups so that you can choose a level that suits you, and you’ll have the freedom to move groups at any time along the course as you wish. You'll also get lots of support from a team of leaders every step of the way, helping you progress towards your 5k goal.

No experience whatsoever necessary; just go along in comfy clothes and bring a friend or two to keep you all motivated!

The course sign-up fee is £25.00

For more information email riverrun@chippenhamharriersco.uk

Rethink Mental Illness

Every Monday, 5.30pm until 6.30pm

Stanley Road Sports Ground, Chippenham

A weekly friendly kickabout for men 18+ to team up and be part of a safe group where they can talk openly and freely without judgement.

Cost: £3.00 per session.

If you are interested in attending or have any questions contact David on 07483 913159 or email: david.scourfield@rethink.org

Would you like the Mayor of Chippenham to attend your engagement or event?

You are able to book the Mayor of Chippenham to attend your virtual or in-person event. 

Please note the Mayor and Deputy Mayor have busy schedules and it takes time to confirm availability so please give adequate notice of an engagement or event, last minute requests cannot be guaranteed.

If you would like any more information regarding booking the Mayor for an event or engagement then please contact Michael Weeks on mweeks@chippenham.gov.uk

GOGA Classes

GOGA stands for 'Get Out Get Active' and are multi-sports and fun activities.

Great for improving physical health, self-esteem, energy levels and mood.

The new sessions are coming to Chippenham Thursdays between 10am and 11.15am at the Olympiad Leisure Centre.

The sessions are free and open to all ages.

For more information and to register visit sportsdevelopment@wiltshire.gov.uk

West Wiltshire Young Archaeologists’ Club

Saturdays, once a month
10.30am – 12.00pm

West Wiltshire YAC is open to everyone aged 8–16 years. YAC clubs get involved in all sorts of activities, including visiting and investigating archaeological sites and historic places, trying out traditional crafts, taking part in excavations, and lots more.

To find out about membership, contact Chippenham Museum on 01249 446699.

Crafty Café

Mondays, fortnightly (excluding bank holidays)
2.00pm – 3.30pm
Free, drop in, no need to book

Grab your needlework or knitting for an afternoon of craft, coffee and conversation at Chippenham Museum. 

A chance to talk with other crafters, swap patterns, share skills and get advice if you are stuck on a stitch! 

A fun and social way to share your hobby and maybe learn a new one.

Photo Club

Chippenham Museum, Wednesdays, 4.30pm – 5.30pm
£3 per session
Suitable for ages 11 – 17

In association with the Photo Club, this after school club in the setting of the museum galleries runs photography projects for young people to learn new skills and be creative. The club aims to improve self-expression and motivation, focusing on activities to help mental health and wellbeing while capturing great images and having fun.

Chippenham Park Run

Saturdays at 9.00am, Monkton Park

Chippenham Park Run is a free, weekly, timed 5k run, jog or walk.

Organised by local volunteers, they encourage individuals and groups to meet their mental as well as physical health goals in a friendly community atmosphere.

The course is run on a mixture of trail paths, tarmac paths and gravel paths. Some sections of the course may accumulate mud, leaves and puddles after rain. Dependent on availability, marshals will be at key sections of the course, or signs will be in place.

Toilets are available behind the pitch and putt tea room, in the Olympiad Sports Centre and in the Emery Gate.
There is ample pay-and-display parking at the Olympiad car park (as well as Emery Gate, Bath Road and Borough Parade car parks).

For more information visit www.parkrun.org.uk/chippenham

Visit our local museum

Housed in an 18th century townhouse, Chippenham Museum tells the fascinating story of this historic market town from its prehistoric origins to the present day. Learn about the town’s development, through its connections to river, road and rail, and explore its surprising links to Alfred the Great and Isambard Kingdom Brunel.

The museum is open Monday to Saturday, 10.00am - 4.00pm and is free to enter.

You'll find the museum at 9-10 Market Place.

If you want to find out more visit their website https://www.chippenham.gov.uk/chippenham-museum

Big C Support Group

Cancer affects all of us so if you've been affected in any way and you want a friendly space to meet friends who really care, then Chippenham Community Hub invite you to pop in for a tea/coffee and a chat.

The sessions are held on the last Wednesday of the month from 4.30pm to 6.30pm we will be meeting at 23 Borough Parade for the Talk the BIG C support Group. 

The Community Hub is located at 23 Borough Parade.

Singing Cafe

The special Cafe sessions provides singing therapy to those that need it. That could be people with mental health disorders such as dementia and Alzheimer's, those with memory loss or just anybody that could use the company.

These fun sessions cost £5.00, which includes tea and biscuits.

Every Tuesday between 2.00pm and 3.00pm in the main hall at the Cause Venue, 42 The Causeway, Chippenham.

For more information call 01249 446 893.

Age UK Wiltshire is piloting a new service ‘Travel Friends’

The service aims to reduce loneliness for socially isolated older people and to help them to reconnect with their local communities, friends, and family. During Covid many older people have lost confidence in getting out and about.

Age UK Wiltshire are looking for people who will be able to work with an older person, over a short period of time, to help them gain the confidence to travel independently once again. A volunteer will support with accessing and understanding bus/train timetables, accessing community transport and Link schemes in their area and travelling with the client at first to help them feel confident to do so alone. All volunteers will receive training for this role and will be supported by a member of staff.

If you, or someone you know, would be interested in finding out more about this volunteering role or using the service please contact Ginny Cooper or Anna Angel who will be only too happy to help.

Email:  travelfriends@ageukwilthsire.org.uk  or Tel: 07500 137 135

Art Group

People living with dementia in Chippenham are invited to  join a friendly new art group.

The group, which is kindly being funded by Chippenham Borough Lands Charity, will give members the chance to explore a wide variety of art projects with professional artist Fran Young, and be creative together in a relaxed supportive atmosphere.

Family carers will also be welcome as full members of the group – and no experience of art is necessary to come along.

It will meet at King Alfred’s Hall.

For more information go to https://www.alzheimerswiltshire.org.uk/news/new-art-group

Join the Memory Shed

The Memory Shed meets on Wednesdays from 2pm and is for men and women living with dementia who like making things and working with tools. The friendly, sociable meetings allow people to work on practical projects supported by trained volunteers.

Projects include making bird boxes, memory boxes, wooden animals and outdoor planters. Members are also supported to work on their own chosen projects. Carers are welcome to join in as full members of the group. 

The shed also has a seating area where members can chat and get to know each other over refreshments.

Occasionally the group has trips out to places of interest such as Lacock Abbey or museums in Bath. 

For more information call Kerry Rose on 01380 739055.

The Memory Shed is based at Pockeridge and Potley Community Centre, Pockeridge Road, Corsham.

Bereavement Help Point Coffee Mornings

The Bereavement Help Point, Chippenham is a community based drop-in service where all people who are bereaved are welcome. 

It’s a space to meet and talk with others who may be experiencing similar thoughts and feelings, in an informal and supportive setting.

All sessions are free of charge and there’s no need to book, just come along.

The sessions takes place on the second and fourth Wednesday of the month at The Angel, 8 Market Place
Chippenham, between 10.00am and 12.00noon.
 

Mentor Volunteers

The Youth Adventure Trust is a registered youth development charity providing a programme of outdoor adventure camps and activity days for vulnerable young people from the Wiltshire area.

As a mentor you will be carefully matched with a young person and work with them on a one-to-one basis within their local community. Although individual arrangements will vary, you’ll meet for approximately 2 hours a fortnight, for up to a year, providing them with personalised support to achieve the most positive outcomes.

Although beneficial, no previous experience of working with young people is required, as full training will be provided. All they ask is that you’re enthusiastic, reliable and committed to the mentoring relationship.

There mentors are role models to the vulnerable young people we work with, and therefore should be responsible, resilient, good at communicating and have a desire to help young people.

To find out more contact Becky Brotherton-Brown on 07592 664679 or email becky@youthadventuretrust.org.uk

The Children & Families Voluntary Sector Forum

Children and Families Voluntary Sector Forum is a networking group for organisations working
with children and families in Wiltshire and wants to attract new members.

They act not only as a forum for its 80 plus member organisations to share and learn but also as a representative voice. The bi-monthly group meets virtually and gives members a chance to share what is going on in their work as
well as hear from speakers and network.

Benefits of the forum’s free membership include:

• Access to like-minded groups, reducing isolation for workers and services
• Access to free training
• Building a common voice on issues which affect the sector
• Keeping up to date with national regional and local initiatives and opportunities
• Having the ear of the Wiltshire Council
• Place to promote your organisation and events services are putting on 

To find out more about the forum and to join, contact admin@cfvsf.org

The Building Bridges Programme

The Building Bridges programme supports people across Wiltshire who are facing significant challenges in being able to develop their skills, access education or move towards the world of work. Taking part in the programme is entirely voluntary and all of our advice and support is offered free of charge.

The programme is a partnership of local organisations who are experts at supporting people and giving them the skills and confidence they need to move forward. They work with people on a one-to-one basis to help them address the challenges and barriers they are facing and develop a personalised plan to help them achieve their goals at a pace they are comfortable with.

Each participant will have someone who works with them as a mentor, helping them to access support from across the partnership. These mentors can also work with family members, carers, key workers or other people supporting you.

They understand that there are many different factors which affect whether people feel ready to take the next step forwards – this is why they also offer specialist help and support in a number of areas including developing physical and mental wellbeing, accessing debt and financial advice and help with issues such as transport and childcare.

The programme is jointly funded by The National Lottery Community Fund and the European Social Fund. 

To find out more visit https://buildingbridgessw.org.uk/  or call 01308 732821.

Support for families of addicts

Families Out Loud supports families of addicts in Wiltshire. They offer one-to-one counselling, support group meetings and bereavement support.

Addiction in the family is devastating for all concerned and can be extremely isolating.

Family members, who are trying to operate within someone else’s chaos, can find themselves cut off from friends, colleagues and extended family.

Families Out Loud offers the opportunity to talk, which can be a lifeline for people going through such trauma and distress. Their support encourages people to make positive changes, enabling them to better function in their daily lives.

If you’d like to know more visit their website http://www.familiesoutloud.org

or email familiesoutloud@gmail.com

Wiltshire's Dementia Adviser Service

If you or someone in your family has been diagnosed with dementia, make an appointment to talk to a dementia adviser.

The adviser will talk to you about help that you might need during the course of the illness, including accessing health and community services.

They will listen to your needs and help you find the support that is right for you.

The adviser can visit you in your home or if you prefer, at a surgery.

To get in touch with your local adviser call 01380 739 055.

The Coffee Connection

Dorothy House and 'We Hear You' have come together to offer a virtual support group for anyone in the local area affected by a life-limiting illness or associated bereavement.

This group is an opportunity to connect with other people in a similar situation and chat to our team from the comfort of your home.

The virtual get together is FREE every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday where you will see some familiar faces, their team and others, with a cup of coffee or tea in hand. Each session lasts around 45 minutes.

Everything you need to join is at https://www.dorothyhouse.org.uk/the-coffee-connection

Free advice and support from Wiltshire Citizens Advice

Wiltshire Citizens Advice offers free, confidential, impartial advice online, over the phone and via email. 

They give up-to-date advice on benefits, work, money and debt, consumer rights, family issues and more. 

Coronavirus has made life hard for many people there here to help. Whether you’re facing a crisis, or just considering your options; checking a quick piece of information, or not sure where to start. It doesn’t matter who you are, or what your situation is, Wiltshire Citizens Advice will always give you free, confidential and impartial advice. 

They'll give you all the facts and possible outcomes of different options. That way you can make the decision that’s right for you. They can also offer practical support such as help with filling forms, writing letters or negotiating with third parties.

Call for free (new freephone number): 0800 144 8848

Advisers are available 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. 

Textphone (if you can’t hear or speak on the phone): 18001 then 0800 144 8884

Email: visit their website and complete the short ‘Contact us’ enquiry form:

citizensadvicewiltshire.org.uk/contact-us

For more ways to get in touch, visit their website: citizensadvicewiltshire.org.uk