Community

Armed Forces Day

Today I had the privilege of attending our town Armed Forces Day commemoration. As a pacifist who has spent their entire life in domestic peacetime, I had quietly hoped that the steady decline in UK defence spending signalled a global shift away from large-scale conflict. In 2010, the UK was spending around 2.5% of GDP on defence; by 2018, that figure had dropped to just under 2%, reflecting a wider trend of post-Cold War demilitarisation. It seemed we were entering a new era—one where diplomacy, soft power and international cooperation were slowly replacing conventional warfare.

But the past few years, and 2025 in particular, have shaken that belief. Russia’s ongoing aggression, the destabilisation in the Middle East, cyberattacks on critical infrastructure, and rising global tensions have all pointed to a world far less stable than many of us hoped. While I still believe that future wars may be fought more with algorithms than ammunition, the present reality is forcing a re-evaluation.

It’s now clearer than ever that our armed forces must be supported, trained and properly resourced—not in pursuit of aggression, but as a safeguard in an increasingly uncertain world. Peace is precious, but it doesn’t sustain itself.

Photo credit: Chippenham Town Council

What do you want from a Town Market?

On Wednesday, I asked our Chippenham Town Council Officers what steps we should take in response to falling pitch occupancy at our markets. Matthew Kirby (Deputy Chief Executive) gave a very honest and constructive reflection on the situation, and proposed we consider including this issue in our upcoming corporate strategic plan.

What would you like to see in our market offering to make it relevant for 2025?

When I stood for Council, one of my key priorities was the Town Centre—especially its role in the ‘age of Amazon’. A thriving and relevant town market is an essential part of that vision.

Across the UK, market stall pitch occupancy has seen significant changes over the past decade. These have been driven by economic pressures, demographic shifts, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2009, there were approximately 46,000 market traders. By 2018, that number had fallen to around 32,000—and by 2022, it was estimated at just 17,000. Alarmingly, only 8% of current traders are under the age of 40, raising concerns about long-term sustainability as older traders retire.

Given these trends, we need to ask: what does Chippenham want from its markets? What can our community support? Do the next generation of traders even exist—and if so, how can we make Chippenham a place they want to trade?

My first meeting of the Town Council

I have always been fascinated by politics, a passion that began in my childhood as I sat watching Tony Blair on television. Even then, I was captivated not just by the theatre and drama of political life but by the power it holds to lead, inspire, and be a passionate voice among one’s peers. That early fascination has stayed with me, and on Wednesday night, I experienced a significant milestone on that journey.

Attending my first council meeting was both exciting and humbling. I’m still getting used to being formally addressed as Councillor Scott—a title that carries with it both pride and a deep sense of responsibility. Sitting in the chamber, observing the formal proceedings, and absorbing the weight of the decisions being made really brought home the importance of the role I have undertaken

I was incredibly grateful to have been appointed to all the committees and working groups I had hoped for. This will put me in the best possible position to contribute meaningfully in the areas I feel most passionate about: strengthening our community, revitalising and supporting our town centre, and championing the needs of our young people.

I have also been hugely impressed by the professionalism and dedication of the Town Council team. Their commitment to serving our town has already left a positive impression on me, and I am very much looking forward to working closely with them and my fellow councillors as we navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead.