Agenda item

To receive the report of the Communications & Community Engagement Officer

The Committee received and considered the report of the Communications & Community Engagement Officer (CCEO) regarding the proposal to hold winter get together events and also to commence planning for the King’s Coronation in May 2023.

The members discussed the two proposed “Jo Cox Winter Get Together” events to be held in January and February and were pleased to hear of this initiative and were unanimously happy to support them. They asked  officers to involve individuals who could play some background music at the events, that promotional literature be provided to West Oxfordshire Community Travel (WOCT) so that they can display on the buses which are predominantly used by older members of the community.

The Committee also liked the idea of arranging one of the events in February school half term as this will allow the younger members of the community to benefit along with their families.

Members discussed ideas for the King’s coronation such as a civic service, crocheting of bunting, street entertainers, Morris dancing and local choirs in the Market Square. The programme of events for the Late Queen’s 1953 coronation in Witney was presented at the meeting and the committee were keen to recreate modern versions of those events if possible.

A Large TV projector display would be favourable if the budget allowed and an indoor venue for this would be best in case of poor weather on the day. The suggestion for bunting could be extended to fabric ‘red, white, and blue’ triangles and the community groups and schools could be invited to contribute.

Members agreed that the CCEO should proceed with the planning with a £3,000 budget plus any budget remaining from the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations. Members requested an update at the next committee meeting in January but suggested a review at the end of December with the Mayor and Chair of this Committee

Resolved:

1.            That, the report be noted and,

2.            That, the CCEO updates the programme of events from 1953 with the additional suggestions from the committee and,

3.            That, the King’s coronation planning is delegated to CCEO, Mayor and Deputy Mayor with a report of progress at the next Stronger Communities meeting on 23 January 2023.