Each year, Chippenham Town Council present Civic Awards and Certificates of Appreciation to individuals, organisations and community groups who have made a material contribution to the wellbeing and welfare of the people of Chippenham or demonstrated outstanding citizenship. The beginning of 2021 has continued to be a difficult time for so many, we thank and congratulate our 2021 Civic Award winners who have continued their essential work and made this challenging period easier for the local community.

Chief Executive of Chippenham Town Council, Mark Smith praised this year’s winners “Each individual and group has positively contributed to the wellbeing of the local community, and I would like to congratulate and offer thanks to each Civic Award winner as they continue to work and assist those in need in such a challenging time.”

Congratulations to the 5 2021 Civic Award Winners and one of those is Dan Townson.

Recognised for making a material difference to the wellbeing and welfare of local children prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Dan has volunteered at Chippenham Rugby Club for 7 years and is currently the Head Coach of the under 9s team. Recognising that children’s sport is about so much more than learning a game, Dan has ensured that all his training sessions aim to develop his young players’ fitness, physical ability, social skills, and maturity. Due to the pandemic, Dan moved the training sessions from the pitch to online Zoom meetings each week. Dan has also recently started to mentor a Duke of Edinburgh scheme student from a local secondary school, encouraging them to help coach and given responsibility alongside the other under 9 coaches.

As an example, Dan and the U9 Coaches put together the brilliant video showing all the great activities they put on during Lockdown . What an excellent example of engagement

Well done Dan from a very proud Chippenham RFC