Over the past six months or so, we’ve been sharing the A to Z journey across our social media highlighting the many ways we support wellbeing across Chippenham.
We’ve been working behind the scenes and in the heart of town for decades. Although Chippenham Borough Lands Charity officially began in 1990, our story goes back much further – all the way to 1554, when land was granted to the town under Royal Charter for the benefit of local people.
More than four centuries later, we’re still guided by that original purpose: a Chippenham where everyone can thrive. Our A to Z celebrates the many ways we are working towards our mission.
We’ve nearly reached the end of the alphabet but not quite! Keep reading to discover the final two letters, and how they reflect the vibrant mix of activities and support available through the charity today.
A is for Activities, Arts and The Arc
We promote and support Chippenham-based activities through our One Chippenham website and the Chippenham Activity Finder, fund local arts like Chippenham Folk Festival, and we built The Arc climbing centre, skatepark, café and play area – a hub for movement and connection.
B is for Bank House and Baydons Meadow
Our main office, Bank House, is a beautiful Grade II listed Victorian building. Meanwhile, Baydons Meadow is a flourishing riverside wildflower meadow and natural green space thanks to careful work of a dedicated team of local volunteers.
C is for Chippenham, Community and CEO
Everything we do is for Chippenham. Under the leadership of our CEO Beth and our Board of Trustees, we’re working on a transformative three-year strategy to support local wellbeing, inclusion and stronger community networks.
D is for Dogs and their Devoted Walkers
Our green spaces – from Mortimores Wood to Westmead Open Space – are perfect for a walk. These natural areas offer peace, play and connection with nature, right in the heart of town. Responsible dog ownership ensures these spaces remain safe and welcoming for everyone.
E is for Education
We fund local learning in many forms: from laptops and tools for apprentices to school mental health counselling, outdoor classrooms and Level 3 courses. We help Chippenham’s learners at every age and stage.
F is for Flora and Fauna
Nature thrives on our land! You’ll find birds, butterflies, wildflowers and wildlife across our Borough Lands. Baydons Meadow and Mortimores Wood are bursting with biodiversity, from Bluebells and ancient Oak trees to dragonflies and red kites. We’re proud to protect these natural habitats that offer breathing room for nature and people alike.
G is for Grants
We awarded over £265,000 in grants between April 1st 2024 to 31st March 2025 providing funding for individuals/families and community groups/organisations. Find out more about how to apply for a CBLC grant here, visit our website news to read about the many and varied grants we have given out during our 3 grant rounds this last financial year together with an overview of the groups and organisations we funded during 2024.
H is for History
In 1554, a Royal Charter granted land to Chippenham, marking the beginning of centuries of charitable purpose. Over 450 years later, we’re still delivering on that vision. Read more about the history of our charity here.
I is for Individuals
Our means-tested individual grants support Chippenham residents on low incomes. We help with basics like white goods, mobility aid, course fees and more. Hundreds of households have also benefitted from our annual Christmas Voucher Scheme. Find out more about how to apply for an individual grant here.
J is for Jubilee Building
Once our head office, the Jubilee Building now houses Wiltshire Citizens Advice and other services rent-free. Built in 1887, it’s played many roles – from community library to education hub.
K is for Kingsley Road Community Hall & Knees
We supported the community-led project that built Kingsley Road Community Hall in 1998. We also partner with Knees Home & Electrical to provide essential white goods for those we support through individual grants.
L is for Land
We manage over 70 acres of ‘Borough Lands’ in central Chippenham – including Mortimores Wood, Baydons Meadow, Westmead Open Space and Westmead Playing Field. These spaces are protected and improved for public use, recreation and wellbeing. From pathway upgrades to nature-friendly planting and signage – we work with local partners and community members to keep these spaces open and accessible.
M is for Mortimores Wood
An ancient woodland, rich in biodiversity and history, cared for by dedicated local volunteers. It’s a local nature reserve and county wildlife site – and a peaceful escape just minutes from town. The wood is owned by our charity but managed by the dedicated Mortimores Wood Volunteers.
N is for Nature
Nature may not be the centre of our work, but it’s an important part of it. We support green spaces that offer calm, beauty and biodiversity – and we’ll continue working with others to keep nature in reach.
O is for One Chippenham
Our online community website lists local events, activities, news and opportunities. One Chippenham also hosts the Chippenham Activity Finder – a go-to resource for discovering what’s on.
P is for Pewsham Community Centre
Owned and managed by CBLC, Pewsham Community Centre is a lively hub for fitness classes, choir rehearsals, preschool groups, community events and more – with bookings managed by our team.
Q is for Queen Mary
In 1554, Queen Mary I granted a Royal Charter gifting land to Chippenham for the benefit of its people. That historic act laid the foundations for what would become Chippenham Borough Lands Charity. More than 450 years later, her vision lives on through our support for the town – from green spaces and grants to education, wellbeing and community connection.
R is for Recreation
We support projects that improve people’s wellbeing through fun, movement and togetherness – from our play park on Westmead Playing Field to hosting local choirs at Pewsham Community Centre and sharing local events via One Chippenham.
S is for Skatepark, Sculpture and Staff
We built the Arc Skatepark which opened in 2022 with funding from Wiltshire Council on land belonging to our charity. We commissioned the Woodland Creatures Sculpture Trail with local artist, Ollie Adams, sculpting beautiful wood animals and birds based on designs from local school children which can be visited at Westmead Open Space. Our small staff team work behind the scenes to manage land, grants, partnerships and community support.
T is for Trees & Trustees
Thousands of trees have been planted across our green spaces with help from volunteers and community members. Our trustees, all volunteers, guide the charity’s direction, making key decisions in line with our mission and values.
U is for Unique and Uniforms
We’re a unique, place-based charity with roots in Chippenham’s history and eyes on its future. Our School Social Fund helps families with costs like uniforms, PE kits, trips and enrichment activities.
V is for Volunteers
Whether they’re supporting nature reserves, helping run local events or leading community groups we fund – volunteers make a huge impact in Chippenham. We’re proud to work alongside them and love to sharing volunteering opportunities via our One Chippenham website.
W is for Wellbeing and Westmead
We support wellbeing through individual grants, group funding and open spaces. Westmead Open Space and Westmead Playing Field offer room to walk, play and enjoy time outdoors – free and accessible for all.
X is for eXercise!
Whether it’s walking through the land, climbing/skating or playing at The Arc or joining a fitness class at Pewsham Community Centre – there are lots of ways to get active and feel good through the “Great Places” that we manage. Physical activity is a huge part of maintaining wellbeing and we’re proud to support inclusive, local opportunities that help people stay healthy.
Y is for Young People
We invest in young people through educational funding, mental health support, activity/enrichment grants and mentoring. We help fund projects that improve wellbeing for young people – building confidence, self-esteem and connection at a crucial time in life.
Z is for Zones of Support/Wellbeing
From green spaces and education to mental health and welfare, we help create “zones of support and wellbeing” across Chippenham – spaces and services that help people feel safe, active, connected, and uplifted.
Working Together for a Stronger Chippenham
At CBLC, we’re proud to play a part in this town’s story – past, present and future. The A to Z above is just a snapshot of the ways we help Chippenham live well, learn, connect, and grow.
Want to find out more?
Learn about our grants: https://www.cblc.org.uk/grant-applications/
Discover local activities: www.onechippenham.org.uk
Stay updated: Follow us on Facebook and/or Instagram
Let’s keep working together – for a stronger, more connected Chippenham!
#CBLCAtoZ #ChippenhamCommunity #OneChippenham #BoroughLands