Chipping Campden
Chipping Camden is another of the Cotswold wool towns. The word "Chipping" means market. The word "Campden" is thought to be an old Saxon term meaning fields.
Chipping Campden is kept in pristine condition by the Campden Trust which was set up in 1929. The trust oversees the upkeep of traditional skills of stonecarving and repair that makes Chipping Campden such a "perfect" picture of golden-coloured stone.Chipping Campden was a rich wool trading centre in the Middle Ages and many of the impressive buildings in the village were built on the proceeds of the wool trade.
Today, Chipping Campden is a popular tourist destination for visitors to the Cotswolds who come to see its fine High Street, lined with honey-coloured limestone buildings, built from locally quarried Cotswold stone. In the centre of the main street running through Chipping Campden stands the Market Hall with its splendid arches, built in 1627.
The early perpendicular wool church (Cirencester also has such an example) of St James, the Almshouses and Woolstaplers Museum are also popular with tourists.
You may not think of Chipping Campden when you think of the Olympics, but since 1610 the town has been home to a championship of rural games, which is now known as Robert Dover's Cotswold Olympick Games. The event is held every summer on Dover's Hill, near Chipping Campden (which has fantastic views over the surrounding countryside). One of the events in the Cotswold Olympiks which has yet to find its way into the more famous Olympic Games is shin-kicking!
The end of the Olympiks (Chipping Campden style) is marked by a huge bonfire and firework display, usually followed by a torch-lit procession back into Chipping Norton and Morris dancing in the square.
Chipping Campden News
New home for plastic and textile banks
7th March 2007
Recycling banks for plastic bottles and textiles have returned to Chipping Campden.
The facilities are sited at the Recreation Ground off George Lane with two plastic banks one textiles bank.
The town has been without recycling banks for three weeks since Cotswold District Council had to remove facilities from the Back Ends lay-by for safety reasons.
Now, after investigating numerous alternative locations, the Council moved the plastic and textile banks to the Recreation Ground.
Council leader Cllr Lynden Stowe said: “I know that the people of Chipping Campden are amongst the keenest recyclers in the Cotswolds and we hope that this temporary blip in facilities will not have dampened their enthusiasm.
“We are very grateful to the Recreation Ground Committee for their help in finding us this site for the plastic and textile banks. We are, however, still looking for a site for the glass, paper and can banks.”
In the meantime, residents should recycle glass, paper and cans in their black kerbside recycling boxes and they can order extra boxes free of charge by calling the Council on 01285 623000.
The nearest glass, paper and can recycling banks to Chipping Campden are currently at Weston-sub-Edge, next to the bowls club, and at Budgens supermarket in Moreton-in-Marsh.
Safer Community Team Launch New Youth Project
9th February 2007
The North Cotswolds Safer Community Team (SCT) has launched a new project to enhance relations between police and young people in the North Cotswolds.
The project, which is being run by PC Chris Skinner and PC Gary Brewer of the SCT, deals with issues of courage and respect and is designed for young people of senior school age.
It involves officers showing youngsters a hard-hitting 15-minute film focusing on different aspects of life such as friendship, bullying, respect and moral courage.
Following the film the young people have an opportunity to discuss what they have seen with officers and raise any concerns they may have locally.
Participants are given an embossed pen and wristband, along with a plastic credit type card bearing the statement: 'I will Respect the rights and beliefs of other people. I will not hurt, cause damage or steal. I will have the Courage to stand up for what is right.'
The card also carries some useful contact phone numbers and web site addresses.
PC Skinner said the presentation had already been shown to two classes of pupils from Chipping Campden School.
"Over 60 young people have already seen the presentation," he said.
"We have had some very positive feedback and, as a result, we have been asked to give the presentation to other groups locally, such as the Scouts and youth clubs.
"We know that things will go wrong and sometimes young people make the wrong choices.
"This project is designed to make youngsters think about the choices they have and show them that the police are there to work with them."
PC Skinner added, "We do not want to be seen as just being here for the bad times, when things have gone wrong. Our time and effort is being spent to prevent problems occurring in the first place, or to prevent things from getting worse."
Anyone interested in booking the presentation for their group is asked to contact PCs Skinner or Brewer on 0845 090 1234, or via the link on the Safer Community Team page of the Gloucestershire Police web site.
Chipping Campden Accommodation
Noel Arms Hotel
One of the oldest hotels in the Cotswolds, yet with every comfort you could want, Noel Arms Hotel in Chipping Campden promises you a happy and relaxing stay, and a wonderful contrast of the past and the present.
Telephone: +44 (0)1386 840317
Cotswold House
Since taking over Cotswold House Hotel in 1999, we have built on the traditions of this glorious Regency townhouse. Retaining the best of the character and architecture, we have revolutionised the accommodation, restaurants and service to make it one of the finest Cotswold hotels.
Cotswold House welcomes children and also offers two ground floor cottage rooms that are accessible for wheelchairs (though not specifically designed for them).
Telephone: +44 (0)1386 840330
Frances Cottage Bed & Breakfast
Frances Cottage is a mid nineteenth house set on the Lower High Street in Chipping Campden.
All our accommodation is non-smoking. You can book either our double bedroom or our twin-bedded room. Both rooms are spacious and have en-suite toilet/shower facilities, together with colour tvs, coffee/tea making facilities, and seating accommodation where you will be able to explore a selection of books on both the local area and it's history.
Telephone: +44 (0)1386 840894
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