Agenda item

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

The Committee received and considered the report of the Communications & Community Engagement Officer (C&CEO).

The Committee received updates on the successful Brass on the Grass concert held in June, preparations for Witney Carnival, Love Parks Week activities, including a Volunteer Picnic, and the procurement of Town Council bunting.

Members also received a verbal update on Heritage Open Days (11–12 September). Planned activities included opening the Chapel, heritage displays, children's activities in partnership with the Museum, and a heritage walk. The Committee agreed to allocate the remaining £200 from the St George's Day budget towards delivery costs.

The Committee considered proposals for a community "Big Lunch" event and agreed that this should not form part of future St George's Day celebrations. Members noted that alternative delivery options by third-party organisations could be explored and that interested groups could apply for Council grant funding.

With regard to Armed Forces Day, the Committee received an update on arrangements for the event at The Leys on 27 June. Organised by the Joint Cadet Forces, the event would include demonstrations, military vehicles and information stands.

Recommended:

1.          That, the report be noted and;

2.          That, the format and times for the Heritage Open Day events be approved and;

3.          That, the underspend of £200 from the St George’s Day Event be vired for this purpose and;

4.          That, the event for St George’s Day event runs along the similar lines in 2027 and;

5.          That, community groups be offered the opportunity and funding to host a ‘Big Lunch’ in June 2027 and;

6.          That, a Volunteer ‘thank you’ picnic be held at the Leys on 2 August 2026 and;

7.          That, Car Free Day 2026 be promoted digitally as in 2025 and;

8.          That, the purchase of bespoke bunting with town Council branding be approved and delegated to the C&CEO to procure from existing budgets.