Agenda and draft minutes

To receive apologies 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.

Apologies were received from Witney Town FC who were unable to send a representative.

a)    To adopt and sign as a correct record the minutes of the Witney: Past Present & Future Working Party meeting held on 13 November 2025.

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 13 November 2025  were received.

Resolved:

That, the minutes of the Witney: Past, Present & Future Working Party meeting held on 13 November 2025 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 on proposed events, facilitated by the Town Council, to mark St George’s Day 2026.

The Working Party received a report from the Communications and Community Engagement Officer outlining initial proposals for how the Town Council could mark St George’s Day 2026 following the last meeting.

Members were advised that the Corn Exchange had been booked by a third party for the period 23–26 Apriland therefore would not be unavailable for events; however, Burwell Hall was available. Additionally, Thursday 23 April would be a Market Day so activity on the Market Square would not be possible. It was agreed that the Corn Exchange should be booked in advance for 2027.

Members discussed the location, scope, and timing of potential events. It was agreed that activities should include a flag raising and official town cry at the Town Hall on St George’s Day itself, with additional events taking place in Market Square on Sunday 26 April as they provided a central focus point. As noted at the previous meeting, the programme should include a celebration of English institutions, such as the NHS and emergency front line services.

Further discussion considered which organisations and businesses could be involved, with several already having expressed interest. A representative from the Museum attended the meeting and confirmed that a colleague would be arranging a guided walk, potentially on 24 April. Witney Town FC also indicated enthusiasm to participate.

Members were presented with a range of potential activities, including themed items at the 1863 Café Bar, a dragon hunt, a community window display, a community football tournament over the weekend, involvement from twinned towns (including information about their patron saints), and possible re-enactments or Morris Dancers. There was agreement that resourcing the events would need to be considered, including both Councillors and volunteers.

The Working Party also discussed engagement with local schools, noting that St George’s Day forms part of the curriculum. It was agreed that a creative approach should be taken and that this work could be delegated to the Chair, Cllr Crouch, and officers.

The Working Party was satisfied that plans were progressing well and that the proposals would deliver a meaningful programme to mark St George’s Day for all sections of the community.

Recommended:

1.     That, the report be noted and,

2.     That, events on Thursday 23 April 2026 should consist of a St George flag-raising and official cry at the Town Hall and,

3.     That, events on Sunday 26 April 2026 should be focused on Market Square during the afternoon and include entertainment from local groups and organisations and,

4.     That, a football tournament, hosted by Witney Town FC still be supported and,

5.     That, integration from schools should be delegated to Cllrs J Treloar, Crouch alongside officers.