Groups take a bow

2:30pm Saturday 11th October 2008

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The first ever Chippenham Extravaganza – aimed at promoting the town’s groups and charities – looks set to go with a bang at the end of the month.

The two-day event, organised by Chippenham Town Council, will play host to a variety of community groups, charities and local businesses.

Organiser Allison Davis said: “When I came up with the idea for the extravaganza it was about getting people out of their homes and seeing what organisations and charities are right here on their doorstep.

“It is a brilliant opportunity to raise awareness of local groups as well as providing the public with more information about the services available in Chipp-enham.

“There is nothing else like this in the town and it was an immediate hit with the groups and charities who wanted to set up stalls here.

“We now have a waiting list of companies and organisations who are desperate to have a pitch during the event. There will be something for everyone and I am confident everyone who comes will have a great time.”

One of the main attractions for the younger visitors will be a reptile display by Bristol Zoo where snakes, tarantulas, giant snails and cockroaches will be the stars of the show.

The event, which runs on October 30 and 31, will showcase a range of groups and companies including the Wiltshire Air Ambulance, the Rise Children’s Trust, the Chippenham branch of Macmillan Cancer Support, the Chippenham Museum and Heritage Centre, the RAF, MIND and the Wiltshire and Berkshire Canal Trust.

Although the event is free, organisers will be asking for a small donation to the Doorway homeless project, this year’s mayoral charity.

Ms Davis is so sure the event will be a success she is already hoping to make it an annual event. She said: “From the response I have had already, I am positive this will become a regular feature in the town’s event diary.

“I am also in the planning stages of organising an organic food festival early next year. I would urge anyone who can make the extravaganza to come along as it will be one not to miss.”

The next project for Ms Davis is securing a Heritage Lottery grant to restore the proscenium arch in the Neeld Hall.

The arch, thought to be more than 100 years old, is in need of some renovation work to bring it back to its former glory.

As well as various stalls and displays there will be several competitions for younger visitors to enter.

The extravaganza will run from 10am to 5pm on October 30 and 10am to 4pm on October 31. For more information contact Ms Davis on (01249) 446699.