Agenda and draft minutes

To receive and consider apologies for absence.

Working Party Members who are unable to attend the meeting should notify the Town Hall prior to the meeting, stating the reason for absence.

Apologies for absence were received from Cllrs Bolger and King.

Members are reminded to declare any disclosable pecuniary interests in any of the items under consideration at this meeting in accordance with the Town Council’s code of conduct.

There were no pecuniary interests declared at the meeting.

To receive and consider the minutes of the VE Day 75 Working Party meeting held on 6^th November 2019 and any matters not covered on the agenda.

a)       RESOLVED:

that the minutes of the meeting held on 4 November 2019 be agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

b)      MATTERS ARISING: 

5.2          A press release will be issued concerning the Bring and Share lunch and offering free community use of the Corn Exchange and Burwell Hall will be issued at the end of January.

5.3          Witney Voice Box Choir had agreed to be involved with a Big Sing event during the afternoon of Friday 8^th May.

5.5          Witney 2120 Squadron Air Cadets had been approached to see if they would be involved with the events.

5.6          The local RAF Brize Norton Piper had been contacted regarding the Battles O’er on Friday 8^th May but was not in a position to reply to the invitation at the present time.

To receive and consider the report of the Office Manager concerning the commemorative events to be held on the weekend of 8 – 10^th May 2020.

Members received and considered the report and draft running order provided by the Office Manager.

The Working Party were delighted that Witney Voice Box had agreed to attend and join in the commemorations and a representative of Guideposts was welcomed to the meeting.  There was discussion on further entertainment which could be provided in Market Square and it was agreed that the Corn Exchange would only be used if there was inclement weather. Members were enthusiastic about inviting further local groups to perform, including dance groups who could dance with members of the crowd and Witney Day Centre, ICE Centre and the Royal British Legion should also be invited to take part should they wish to do so. The Working Party was keen to promote this as a ‘bring and share’ event where people could bring their own food and share their VE Day memories. A risk assessment would also be required

Members also wanted to ensure that other businesses were informed of the event and this may negate the need for drinks to be produced with associated wastage. It may also tie in with another possible event taking place in the town.

There was also discussion on catering for the event and it was the Working Party’s vision that this should be a picnic/street party rather than something more formal. There was a budget available which could go towards the cost of basic catering but local company’s/organisations may like to donate.

Regarding a Cry for Peace which would be taking place at the culmination of events, members were keen on extending bell ringing from the Methodist Church to St Mary’s for anyone with any bell.

RECOMMENDED:

1.       that the Working Party notes the report; and recommends,

2.       that the Town Council approaches Dance Creative to perform at the VE Day 75 Commemorations;

3.       that the Town Council approaches the Royal British Legion, Witney Day Centre and the ICE Centre to be involved with the commemorations;

4.       that confirmation on dates is sought regarding another possible event in the town in May;

5.       that a line of bells is organised for a Cry for Peace from the Methodist Church to St Mary’s Church.