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< Back Witham Open Gardens Saturday, 20 June 2026 Previous Next

Become a Town Councillor MAKE A CHANGE BECOME A WITHAM TOWN COUNCILLOR Witham Town Council is made up of 16 Councillors across 5 wards. Full Town Council elections take place every 4 years, the most recent being May 2023 and the next May 2027. There are 3 ways to become a Town Councillor: Ordinary Election Ordinary elections are held every 4 years, and all 16 seats become subject to election. Elected Councillors serve a term of 4 years, taking office 4 days after the election. The next ordinary election will be May 2027. By-Election If a vacancy arises between ordinary elections a by-election may be held for that one seat. The elected councillor will serve the remainder of the term and retire with other councillors at the next ordinary election. Co-Option If an insufficient number of candidates stand for an ordinary election leaving seats vacant, or a by-election is not triggered when a casual vacancy arises, the existing councillors may vote to co-opt a councillor to serve the term. What Does a Town Councillor Do? Town Councillors work together to set the policy direction of the Town Council. Councillors attend regular meetings of the council and its committees to make decisions on a range of matters deciding what services should be delivered, where money should be spent and what policies should be implemented. Councillors represent the local community, both residents of their ward and the town as a whole. Councillors will be contacted by residents who have problems they need assistance with and some councillors can be appointed to serve on outside bodies. Frequently Asked Questions ARE COUNCILLORS PAID? No, our councillors do not receive an allowance. The exception to this is the Town Mayor who receives an allowance to meet the expenses of that office. We do reimburse some expenses such as mileage but we are unable (by law) to reimburse childcare costs. WHO DECIDES IF THERE WILL BE A BY-ELECTION? A casual vacancy arises when a councillor leaves office between ordinary elections. This could be through resignation, death, disqualification or by failing to attend meetings. When a casual vacancy arises, the Town Clerk will publish a notice giving the electors living in the ward 14 working days the opportunity to demand an election. If 10 electors write to the Returning Officer at Braintree District Council to request an election a by-election is triggered. If fewer than 10 request an election, the town council must instead co-opt a councillor to fill the vacancy. If the vacancy occurs within the 6 months before an ordinary election no by-election will be held even if demanded. If a by-election is not demanded the council can choose to leave the vacancy unfilled until the election. WHAT SUPPORT IS PROVIDED? The Town Clerk provides an induction for all new councillors and part of her role is provide advice and support to all councillors. Experienced councillors are often happy to support new councillors ‘find their feet’. We encourage councillors to undertake training relevant to their roles and the needs of the council. WHERE DO THE WARDS COME INTO IT? Witham is divided into five wards (see ward map ): Witham North, Witham South, Witham West, Central Ward and Hatfield Ward. It is the electors of the ward who vote in any given election, a councillor does not have to live in the ward they stand in. In any election, you can only stand once i.e. in one ward. If you stand for more than one you will be not be validly nominated in either. However, you are not tied to a ward, so if you stand for election in Central ward in one election, you could stand in Witham West ward at the next. CAN I BE A MEMBER OF A POLTICAL PARTY / DO I HAVE TO BE? Councillors can stand for election (or co-option) as candidates for a political party, to do so they must have permission from the party, usually through the local branch. Councillors can also be independent of political parties. WHO CAN BE A WITHAM TOWN COUNCILLOR? Anyone aged 18 or over can stand for election (or co-option) if they meet certain qualification criteria. The first is that you are a British citizen, a citizen of either an eligible commonwealth nation or a qualifying EU citizen or EU citizen with retained rights. The second qualification criteria is your connection to Witham; there are four different criteria you could meet and you only need to meet one of them to be able to stand. Registered Elector: You are on the electoral register for Witham at the time of nomination and will remain on it throughout your term of office. Occupied Land in Witham You have occupied land or premises in Witham as owner/tenant for the 12 months preceding nomination (and election) Work in Witham Your main/only place of work is in Witham or has been during the past 12 months – this includes voluntary work if it is the main/only work you undertake. Live in Witham You have lived in Witham (or within 3 miles of the boundary) for the 12 months preceding nomination (and election) You are disqualified from being a Town Councillor if any of the following apply: you are an employee/paid officer of Witham Town Council, you are subject to bankruptcy restrictions order/interim order, you have been sentenced (including suspended sentences) to a term of imprisonment of three months or more within the 5 years prior to polling day or you have been disqualified under the Representation of the People Act 1983 e.g. for corrupt or illegal electoral practices. Detailed guidance on qualification and disqualification can be found on the Electoral Commission website.

< Back Engraving of the River Walk Engraving of Roman Station at Chipping Hill We have this engraving entitled 'Roman Station at Chipping Hill, Witham, Essex'. The drawing is by W. Bartlett and the engraving by Tombleson. The drawing shows St Nicolas Church and Chipping Hill in the background. The artist appears to be standing around where the viaduct now stands in Armond Road. The engraving is featured on Witham historian Janet Gyford's website. You can find more information here: https://www.janetgyford.com/engraving-of-chipping-hill-and-river-brain-3/

< Back Stoneware Jug Part glazed stoneware jug This stoneware jug is inscribed on the top with the words: 'Rum Nash Wine & Spirit Merchant Witham' Our investigations have not provided any further information, so we would be interested to know if anyone can shed any light on this company.

Allotments Witham Town Council manage over 100 plots over 2 sites: Cut Throat Lane and Wrights Grove. Both sites are regularly maintained and inspected by our Open Spaces team. Having an allotment is good exercise and does wonders for your mental wellbeing as well as providing healthy fruit and vegetables. However, please bear in mind that, while it is enjoyable, having your own allotment is very time consuming and a year-round commitment. A new plot often requires a lot of hard work to get it ready for planting. Your plot will then require daily watering, weeding and maintenance in the growing season while clearing, digging and preparation will be needed over the autumn and winter period. We ask that you give this serious consideration before thinking of becoming an allotment tenant. When a plot becomes available, the person at the top of the waiting list is invited to view the plot in its current state. If they wish to take it on they will be asked to read and sign the Allotment Tenancy Agreement and to pay a deposit of 1 years rent plus the pro rata amount to the end of the current tenancy year, which renews on 1st April. Fees vary according to the size of the plot. Currently we charge 48p per square metre. Tenancy Agreements typically include obligations to keep the plot clean, free from weeds and for paths to be kept tidy and free of detritus. We also require that at least 75% of the plot be cultivated during the growing season. Our Allotment Management Policy is available to read here: Allotment Site Management Policy We currently have no plots available, but if you would like to join our allotment community we have a waiting list for plots. If you would like to be added to the list and are a Witham resident, you can contact us in person by visiting Witham Information Centre, by calling our offices on 01376 520627 or by emailing us on openspacesadmin@witham.gov.uk Alternatively, you can fill in our online form below: Allotment Application Form Please complete all sections of the form paying particular care to your email address and telephone number First name* Last name* Email Phone* Full Address including postcode* Select an allotment site Cut Throat Lane Allotments Wright Grove Allotments No preference I have read and agree with the Privacy Notice * Submit Allotment Application

< Back Town Guides Witham Town Guides 1983/4-2013 In our archives, we have 13 copies of the Witham Town Guide. The oldest one is undated, but we can pin it down to either 1983 or 1984 from the foreward by the then Mayor, Councillor W.A. Marsh. This was possibly the first to be published after Witham Town Council was formed in 1982. We also have in our archives the Town Guides issued in 1986, 1992, 1994, 1996, 1999, 2001, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2009, 2011 and 2013. The final Witham Town Guide which was dated 2013-15. Today Witham Town Council publishes The Witham Voice. The Witham Voice is a quarterly parish magazine that started in 2016 and is still published and delivered to every household in Witham today. The Town Guide traditionally included a map of the town, an introduction from the Mayor at the time, a history of the town and a list of clubs and amenities. In the older versions, the map is a fold out version at the back of the guide. The guides contain paid-for adverts from local businesses, giving us a nostalgic view into the Witham of the last 40 years

Call for Gardeners - Witham Open Gardens < Back Witham Open Garden Scheme 11 Jun 2025 Call for Gardeners - Witham Open Gardens Do you have a garden you're proud of? Big or small, wild or wonderful? We're looking for local residents to take part in our Open Gardens 2026 event! Whether it's a hidden courtyard, a flower-filled haven, or a quirky green space, we'd love for you share it with the community. This is a great way to meet fellow garden lovers, support a good cause and celebrate the beauty right on our doorstep. If you are interested, please contact openspacesadmin@witham.gov.uk or call 01376 520627 Let's make 2026 bloom with community spirit! Previous Next

< Back Summer Fayre Saturday, 22 August 2026 A day of food, drink and craft stalls along the River Walk between Bridge Street and Maldon Road. More details to follow. Join us on 22 August as we bring a brand‑new Summer Fair to the River Walk. We’re inviting all Witham bakers, beginners and experts alike, to take part in our traditional cake competition. With expanded categories this year, there’s plenty of opportunity to create something truly special for the judges. For the entry form please see the link below which must be dropped in to the Information Centre by 1st August 2026 - Good Luck! Cakes entry form .docx Download DOCX • 16KB Vegetables entry form .docx Download DOCX • 16KB Previous Next

Agenda & Minutes from Civic Year 2022-23 Full Town Council Agenda for meeting 2 May 2023 Minutes for meeting 2 May 2023 Agenda for meeting 17 April 2023 Minutes for meeting 17 April 2023 Agenda for meeting 20 March 2023 Minutes for meeting 20 March 2023 Agenda for meeting 21 February 2023 Minutes for meeting 21 February 2023 Agenda for meeting 23 January 2023 Minutes for meeting 23 January 2023 Agenda for meeting 19 December 2022 Minutes for meeting 19 December 2022 Agenda for extraordinary meeting 12 Dec 2022 Minutes for meeting 12 December 2022 Agenda for meeting 21 November 2022 Minutes for meeting 21 November 2022 Agenda for meeting 24 October 2022 Minutes for meeting 24 October 2022 Agenda for meeting 26 September 2022 Minutes for meeting 26 September 2022 Agenda for meeting 30 August 2022 Minutes for meeting 30 August 2022 Agenda for meeting 1 August 2022 Minutes for meeting 1 August 2022 Agenda for meeting 4th July 2022 Minutes for meeting 4th July 2022 Agenda for meeting 7th June 2022 Minutes for meeting 7th June 2022 Agenda for Annual Meeting 16th May 2022 Minutes for Annual Meeting 16th May Community Committee Agenda for Meeting 6 February 2023 Minutes for Meeting 6 February 2023 Agenda for Meeting 7 November 22 Minutes for Meeting 7 November 22 Agenda for Meeting 15 August 22 Minutes for Meeting 15 August 22 Agenda for Meeting 23 May 22 Minutes for Meeting 23 May 22 Planning Applications & Transport Committee Agenda for 2nd May 2023 Minutes for 2nd May 2023 Agenda for 17th April 2023 Minutes for 17th April 2023 Agenda for 3rd April 2023 - Note 6.45pm start time Minutes for 3rd April 2023 Agenda for 20 March 2023 Minutes for 20 March 2023 Agenda for 6 March 2023 Minutes for 6 March 2023 Agenda for 21 February 2023 Minutes for 21 February 2023 Agenda for 6 February 2023 - Please note 6pm start time Minutes for 6 February 2023 Agenda for 23 January 2023 Minutes for 23 January 2023 Agenda for 9 January 2023 Minutes for 9 January 2023 Agenda for 19 December 2022 Minutes for 19 December 22 Agenda for 5 December 2022 Minutes for 5 December 22 Agenda for 21 November 22- Note 6pm start Minutes for 21 November 22 Agenda for 7 November 22 Minutes for 7 November 22 Agenda for 24 October 22 Minutes for 24 October 22 Agenda for 10 October 22 - Note 6pm start Minutes for 10 October 22 Agenda for 26 September 22 Minutes for 26 September 22 Agenda for 12 September 22-Meeting postponed Minutes for 12 September 22-Meeting Postponed Agenda for 30 August 22 Minutes for 30 August 22 Agenda for Meeting 15 August 22 Minutes for Meeting 15 August 22 Agenda for Meeting 1 August 22 Minutes for Meeting 1 August 22 Agenda for Meeting 18 July 22 Minutes for Meeting 18 July 22 Agenda for Meeting 4 July 22 Minutes for Meeting 4 July 22 Agenda for Meeting 20 June 22 Minutes for Meeting 20 June 22 Agenda for Meeting 7 June 22 Minutes for Meeting 7 June 22 Agenda for Meeting 23 May 22 Minutes for Meeting 23 May 22 Estimates Committee Agenda for Meeting 12 December 2022 Minutes for 12 Dec 2022 Staffing & Accomodation Sub-Committee Agenda for Meeting 20 February 2023 Minutes for 20 February 2023 Agenda for Meeting 29 November 2022 Minutes for 29 November 2022 Agenda for Meeting 14 October 2022 Minutes for 14 October 2022 Policy & Resources Committee Agenda for 6th March 2023 Minutes for 6th March 2023 Agenda for 5th December 2022 Minutes for 5th December 2022 Agenda for 3rd October 2022 Minutes for 3rd October 2022 Agenda for 12th Sept 2022 - Meeting Postponed Minutes for 12th Sept 2022 -Meeting Postponed Agenda for 20th June 2022 Minutes for 20th June 2022 Environment Committee Agenda for Meeting 3 April 2023 Minutes for 3 April 2023 Agenda for Meeting 9 January 2023 Minutes for 9 January 2023 Agenda for Meeting 10 October 2022 Minutes for 10 October 2022 Agenda for Meeting 18 July 2022 Minutes for Meeting 18 July 2022 Open Space Management Sub-Committee Agenda for Meeting 14 March 2023 Minutes for Meeting 14 March 2023 Agenda for Meeting 6 December 2022 Minutes for Meeting 6 December 2022 Agenda for Meeting 6 September 2022 Minutes for Meeting 6 September 2022 Agenda for Meeting 24 May 2022 Minutes for Meeting 24 May 2022

< Back Collection of Greetings Telegrams Collection of five telegrams addressed to members of the Croxall family As part of a bigger donation, we have this collection of five GPO Greetings telegrams sent to various members of the Croxall family. The Croxalls were a prominent family in Witham, with daughter Lucy becoming Head Teacher of Bramston Secondary School. More information on the family can be found on Janet Gyford's website using this link: https://www.janetgyford.com/people/croxall-family/ Greetings telegrams were introduced by the GPO (the Post Office) in July 1935. In the days before telephones were commonplace, telegrams were used to pass on news in a hurry and were often used to notify of the death of a loved one. To improve the image of telegrams, the GPO introduced the Greetings Telegram, running the scheme until 1982. This collection of telegrams are in their original gold envelopes and are dated in the late 1930's. They have been sent from Chelmsford, Epping and Epworth

Social Isolation Everybody should have somebody by their side in society, but now more than ever there are many complex reasons that lead to people becoming socially isolated. Have you been feeling isolated? We're here for you. But so are many others too! Witham's local community has much more to offer than what might just appear at its surface. Witham's bustling society of groups, societies, charities and local interest networks form the heart of our town, and whose many members contribute to the continued development of Witham's progress. Getting involved with your local council and Witham's local groups is a fantastic way to try out something new, meet new people and contribute even more to your local community all the while you do. It can be extremely difficult when faced with social isolation to take the plunge and step outside of your comfort zone, but with a little help from your friends and local councillors - anything is possible. Seeking help You don't have to feel alone any longer. Witham Town Council isn't just your local authority, it's also a safe space for all citizens, whatever the weather. If you are feeling lonely and need some company, why not pop into the Information Centre for a chat and some ideas of what is going on in our local area? We have information on local clubs and groups, as well as ideas for places to volunteer. On a Thursday, we run a Chatty Cafe between 10am-12 noon where you can join the Mayor for tea, coffee and company. Feeling anxious, depressed or suicidal? Help is at hand: www.samaritans.org Witham Town Council also runs a Sunday Cinema Club on a Sunday which is free to attend. It is held at the Royal British Legion Hall once a month. Visit our Cinema Club page Meet your local councillor Witham Town Council has sixteen town councillors and getting in touch with your local councillor is easier than you might think, and there are no barriers or process involved. Simply get in touch with them! But it doesn't just stop with correspondence - it's where it starts, because you can get directly involved with the Town Council's numerous committees, projects and volunteering opportunities today. Why not start by finding out who your local councillors are today? Find my Councillor Keeping warm

< Back Pamphlet on Witham Schools Pamphlet on Witham Schools by M.L.Smith This Pamphlet about Witham Schools was written in 1971. The pamphlet considers education in general and specifically in Witham back to the 1600's. There is information on the establishment of the National School in Witham, originally at the End of the Avenue near Easton Road in January 1814. The New National School was built in Guithavon Street, next to All Saints Church, with the first stone being laid by Lord Rayleigh in 1841. The British School is also covered in the pamphlet, opening in Maldon Road in 1837, for the education of 'both male and female' children. Information on population, attendance and attitudes to education are all considered, rounding off with the opening of many of the schools that we recognise now.