.....that was the year that was.....
A few highlights picked out of a hectic Chippy 2009
 

JAN
The new MUGA quickly proves its value, Football in the frost! Dreary  miserable start to the year - lightened only by a superb Nortonians production of Old King Cole....and the opening of Wild Thyme. - a great addition to the town's restaurant scene

FEB
Snow blankets the town
and brings everything to a standstill for several days. Widescale criticism of the Council's gritting efforts and calls for more grit bins. Still the town looks super and there are lots of lovely photos.

MARCH
The Mayor resigns complaining about various goings-on, The Deputy Mayor is scandalously passed over and the leftie New Street gang vote for Mike Dixon - not apparently realising he's a lifelong Tory!! They vote for another Tory as Deputy. Chippy First - the biggest group is ignored.  Crazy and completely undemocratic..
 

APRIL
At last work begins on the London Road site. Only the Care Home so far. The Hospital is promised soon. Successful Charity Curry Night at the Town Hall. Work begins on the Town Hall steps. Geoff Gafford walks from Lands End to John o' Groats

MAY
Sue Bartholomew is congratulated by Chunky Townley after the Town Council election. Floogie and Honor are also elected. Hilary is re-elected to the County Council in a landslide. Fun Run at the Lido.  Dave justifies charging wisteria cutting to expenses at Public meeting

JUNE
The "Chain Gang" - The new Mayor and the new Deputy Leader of Oxfordshire County Council Hilary Biles - at the first celebration of Armed Forces Day on 27th June ....Brilliantly successful Beer Festival at the Rugby Club

JULY
Sainsburys opens successfully with much fanfare. Summer brings a spate of broken shop windows and minor break-ins. Hugely successful Lido Auction. Jeremy raises 14,000.  A massive crane  in the Market Square  rescues heavy equipment stuck in the tarmac!

AUG
Eve Coles is on crutches but still campaigns for the re-instatement of a Parking Warden. Since Christine's departure Topside has become Parking Chaos. WODC qsk the town what they want to see on the castle view site. That's consultation for you. Half a day in the middle of August! Any Questions comes to town

SEPT
An imaginative protest
at Mr Clarksons house highlighting his eco-unfriendly attitudes! New book "Chipping Norton through Time" goes on sale. Emma's Day returns to the Lido. Another brilliant Jazz day.

OCT
The Post office is rescued by the Co-Op who move a new manager and staff in to continue an indispensable service. That was a close one. For goodness sake show your appreciation while you can. "les Miserables" at the school is voted a hit by Ken Norman.

NOV
Memorable Remembrance Day superbly organised by the British legion with a presentation Ceremony to the ATC in the Town Hall Town Council holds an Open day and achieves lowest attendance ever for a Town Hall event. Sean Green, Alice Powell, Jack Taylor and Harry Mincer win the Sports Awards

DEC
The hunt tradition  brightens up the Town Centre. The Xmas trees  are in place. Late Night Shopping went off well with live music. There is a covering of snow. The town looks beautiful.
Happy New Year everyone