Agenda and draft minutes

At the start of the meeting, the Chair invited everyone present to introduce themselves.

To consider apologies and reasons for absence.

Committee members who are unable to attend the meeting should notify the Committee Clerk derek.mackenzie@witney-tc.gov.uk prior to the meeting, stating the reason for absence.

Standing Order 8(e)(v) permits the appointment of substitute Councillors to a Committee whose role is to replace ordinary Councillors at a meeting of a Committee if ordinary Councillors of the Committee have confirmed to the Proper Officer before the meeting that they are unable to attend.

An apology for absence was received from Councillor R Smith.

a) To adopt and sign as a correct record the minutes of the Witney: Past Present & Future Working Party meeting held on 18 February 2026.

b) Matters arising from the minutes not covered elsewhere on the agenda (Questions on the progress of any item).

The minutes of the Witney: Past, Present & Future Working Party meeting held on 18 February 2026 were received.

Resolved:

That, the minutes of the Witney: Past, Present & Future Working Party meeting held on 18 February 2026 be approved as a correct record of the meeting and be signed by the Chair.

To receive and consider the report of the Communications & Community Engagement Officer.

The Working Party received and considered the report of the Communications & Community Engagement Officer (CCEO).

St George’s Day Event

Members received feedback on the St George’s Day events, which officers described as a simple, positive, and family-friendly occasion. Council teams and Working Party members were thanked for their support in delivering a successful, well-attended and inclusive event, with no incidents reported and positive feedback received from attendees, including a personal thank you card sent to the Council.

Suggestions for future years included expanding the performance area, improving signage and event communication, simplifying the quiz, recognising front line service crews on stage, reviewing catering arrangements, and repositioning seating away from speakers.

The Working Party welcomed the strong attendance and community involvement. The museum representative reported good participation in the dragon-making workshop and St George’s Day tours, while members also praised local businesses for supporting the window decoration initiative. Some disappointment was expressed at the low uptake from schools for the dragon competition, which members agreed should be reviewed for future events. Members also noted the successful Witney Vikings football activity despite limited space.

The CCEO confirmed the event had been delivered under the £1,000 budget and members agreed that the underspend should be used towards future Working Party events during the year.

Overall, members thanked Council staff for organising the event so successfully and agreed that a strong foundation had now been established for future annual St George’s Day celebrations. The Chair noted that the event showed an array of what Witney had to offer and felt immense pride on the day.

Armed Forces Day

The Working Party received an update on an event being organised by Witney’s joint Cadet Forces on The Leys on Saturday 27 June 2026. Members noted that the Council had agreed to subsidised use of the facility following a recommendation from this Working Party.

The event would include charity stalls and military vehicles and would be located near the Courtside Hubs building, with only a limited amount of space required. Officers had requested that the Leys WW1 Memorial be cleaned in preparation for the event. The CCEO also advised that the customary raising of the Armed Forces flag at the Town Hall would take place on the preceding Friday evening.

Members asked that once full details were confirmed that they be communicated to the wider public and Councillors.

Heritage Open Day

The Working Party received an update on Heritage Open Days 2026, with officers exploring a collaborative event with Witney Museum between 11–20 September around the theme “Everyday Histories”. Members noted the potential to highlight Witney’s blanket-making heritage and other local industries, possibly involving The Blanket Hall and Cogges Manor Farm. A craft event already planned at the Museum on 12 September may also form part of the programme, with further discussions to follow.

Members also heard about early proposals for Bishop’s Palace Community Heritage Events aimed at promoting the site through activities such as tours, exhibitions, and family events. No funding was being requested at  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.

To agree the date and time of the next Working Party meeting.

Due to the time of the year, it was suggested that a meeting or meetings be held in June and or July 2026.