Crafty Bear Cafe win first prize < Back Witham Christmas Window Competition Winners 22 Dec 2023 Crafty Bear Cafe win first prize Witham Mayor, Councillor Susan Ager, has presented Crafty Bear Cafe with their prize hamper after they were voted clear winners in the Witham Christmas Window Competition. Business owners and members of the public were asked to submit their nominations for the award. We received nine entries, and the public were asked to vote on Facebook by 'liking' their favourite picture. Crafty Bear Cafe were clear winners by almost 400 clear votes with their advent calendar style painted windows. Their window clearly captured the public's imagination and lent itself perfectly to the style they had chosen, and were the perfect way to celebrate their first Christmas in the town. Congratulations also go to the runners up, Rag Tag & Bobtail and Havens Hospices, and to all the entrants for their beautiful windows and the hard work that went into them. Previous Next

Staffing Committee The Staffing Committee is responsible for staffing matters and welfare. Members of the Press and Public are welcome to attend Staffing and Accommodation Sub Committee Meetings. Local residents are invited to address the meeting on any item on the agenda, speaking for a maximum of 3 minutes. Members of the Staffing Committee: Cllr L Barlow Cllr P Barlow (Chair) Cllr B Fleet Cllr P Heath Cllr J Martin (Vice Chair) Cllr R Playle Agenda for Meeting 22 July 2026 PDF Minutes for Meeting 22nd July 2026 PDF Agenda for Meeting 18 November 2025 PDF Minutes for Meeting 18 November 2025 PDF Agenda for Meeting 24 June 2025 PDF Minutes for Meeting 24 June 2025 PDF

Braintree District Councillors Witham residents are represented at Braintree District Council by the following District Councillors Witham North: Cllr Billy Taylor cllr.b.taylor@braintree.gov.uk Cllr Ethan Williams cllr.e.williams@braintree.gov.uk Witham Central: Cllr Sindhu Rajeev cllr.s.rajeev@braintree.gov.uk Cllr Toby Williams cllr.t.williams@braintree.gov.uk Witham West: Cllr John Hayes cllr.j.hayes@braintree.gov.uk Cllr Ron Ramage cllr.r.ramage@braintree.gov.uk Witham South: Cllr Paul Heath cllr.p.heath@braintree.gov.uk Cllr Jackie Martin cllr.j.martin@braintree.gov.uk Details of your Braintree District Councillors Essex County Councillors Witham residents are represented at Essex County Council by the following County Councillors WITHAM TOWN Cllr Ross Playle Cllr.ross.playle@essex.gov.uk WITHAM WEST & RURAL Cllr John Morris cllr.john.morris@essex.gov.uk Details of your Essex County Councillors

Witham Town Councillors Which ward am I in? Cllr Paul Heath Town Mayor Chair of Policy & Resources Committee Chair of Estimates Committee Vice Chair of Community Committee Vice Chair of Estimates Committee South Ward Email cllr.p.heath@witham.gov.uk Terms of Office 1991-2015, 2022- Committees Community Committee Policy & Resources Committee Staffing Committee Estimates Committee Sub Committees Open Spaces Management Advisory Groups S106 Steering Group The Voice Editing Panel External Appointments None Register of Interests-PDF Record of Attendance Cllr Jack Coleman Deputy Town Mayor Chair of Community Committee Vice Chair of Estimates Committee West Ward Email cllr.jack.coleman@witham. gov.uk Terms of Office 2023- Committees Community Committee Environment Committee Estimates Committee Sub Committees None Advisory Groups Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group S106 Steering Group Improving Healthcare Facilities Working Group External Appointments LGBTQ+ Ambassador Register of Interests-PDF Record of Attendance Cllr Emmanuel Adeleja Hatfield Ward Email cllr.e.adelaja@witham.gov.uk Terms of Office 2023- Committees Community Committee Planning & Transport Committee Estimates Committee Sub Committees None Advisory Committees None External Appointments None Register of Interests-PDF Record of Attendance Cllr Lucy Barlow Hatfield Ward Email cllr.l.barlow@witham.gov.uk Terms of Office 2007-2015, 2023- Committees Community Committee Policy & Resources Committee Staffing Committee Sub Committees None Advisory Committees Section 106 Steering Group External Appointments Citizens Advice LGBTQ+ Ambassador Register of Interests-PDF Record of Attendance Cllr Phil Barlow Chair of Staffing Committee Chair of Planning & Transport Committee Vice Chair of Policy & Resources Committee North Ward Email cllr.p.barlow@witham.gov.uk Terms of Office 1989 - Committees Policy & Resources Committee Planning & Transport Committee Staffing Committee Estimates Committee Sub Committees None Advisory Groups Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group S106 Steering Group Finance Scrutiny Panel Improving Healthcare Facilities Working Group Allotment Appeals Panel External Appointments Witham Carnival Association Chamber of Commerce Register of Interests-PDF Record of Attendance Cllr Joan Coleman Vice Chair of Environment Committee South Ward Email cllr.joan.coleman@witham. gov.uk Terms of Office 2023 - Committees Environment Committee Planning & Transport Committee Estimates Committee Sub Committees Open Spaces Management Advisory Groups Improving Healthcare Facilities Working Group Allotment Appeals Panel External Appointments None Register of Interests-PDF Record of Attendance Cllr Barry Fleet Central Ward Email cllr.b.fleet@witham.gov.uk Terms of Office 1987-2015, 2023- Committees Environment Committee Community Committee Policy & Resources Committee Staffing Committee Estimates Committee Sub Committees Open Spaces Management Advisory Committees Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group S106 Steering Group Finance Scrutiny Panel The Voice Editing Panel Allotment Appeals Panel External Appointments None Register of Interests-PDF Record of Attendance Cllr John Goodman South Ward Email cllr.j.goodman@witham.gov.uk Terms of Office 2008-2023, 2025- Committees Environment Committee Policy & Resources Committee Sub Committees Open Spaces Management Sub Committee Advisory Committees Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group Improving Healthcare Facilities Working Group The Voice Editing Panel Finance Scrutiny Panel External Appointments None Register of Interests-PDF Record of Attendance Cllr Leonora Headley North Ward Email cllr.l.headley@witham.gov.uk Terms of Office 2023- Committees Community Committee Environment Committee Planning & Transport Committee Sub Committees None Advisory Groups Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group S106 Steering Group Improving Healthcare Facilities Working Group External Appointments Passenger Transport Panel Register of Interests-PDF Record of Attendance Cllr Jacqueline Martin Vice Chair of Staffing Committee South Ward Email cllr.j.martin@witham.gov.uk Terms of Office 1992-2007, 2023- Committees Environment Committee Policy & Resources Committee Staffing Committee Estimates Committee Sub Committees None Advisory Groups None External Appointments None Register of Interests-PDF Record of Attendance Cllr Ross Playle Central Ward Email cllr.r.playle@witham.gov.uk Terms of Office 2023- Committees Community Committee Policy & Resources Committee Planning & Transport Committee Staffing Committee Sub Committees None Advisory Committees S106 Steering Group Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group The Voice Editing Panel External Appointments None Register of Interests-PDF Record of Attendance Cllr Ron Ramage West Ward Email cllr.r.ramage@witham.gov.uk Terms of Office 2015-2019, 2023- Committees Policy & Resources Committee Planning & Transport Committee Sub Committees Open Spaces Management Advisory Groups Improving Healthcare Facilities Working Group External Appointments Chamber of Commerce Register of Interests-PDF Record of Attendance Cllr Jack Robertson Chair of Environment Committee Vice Chair of Planning & Transport Committee West Ward Email cllr.j.robertson@witham.gov.uk Terms of Office 2024- Committees Community Committee Environment Committee Policy & Resources Committee Planning & Transport Committee Estimates Committee Sub Committees None Advisory Groups None External Appointments Braintree Association of Local Councils Register of Interests-PDF Record of Attendance Cllr Artur Sloma West Ward Email cllr.a.sloma@witham.gov.uk Terms of Office 2023- Committees Community Committee Environment Committee Sub Committees None Advisory Groups None External Appointments None Register of Interests-PDF Record of Attendance Cllr Billy Taylor North Ward Email cllr.b.taylor@witham.gov.uk Terms of Office 2023- Committees Environment Committee Policy & Resources Committee Sub Committees None Advisory Groups S106 Steering Group Improving Healthcare Facilities Working Group External Appointments None Register of Interests-PDF Record of Attendance Cllr Ethan Williams North Ward Email cllr.e.williams@witham.gov.uk Terms of Office 2023- Committees Community Committee Environment Committee Planning & Transport Committee Sub Committees None Advisory Groups None External Appointments None Register of Interests-PDF Record of Attendance Members Allowance

Procurement Information Witham Town Council has a duty to comply with The Local Government Transparency Code 2015 which requires councils to publish information about any contract, commissioned activity, purchase order, framework agreement or any other legally enforceable agreement with a value that exceeds £5,000. 2025-2026 PDF 2024-2025 PDF 2023-2024 PDF 2022-2023 PDF 2021-2022 PDF 2020-2021 PDF Procurement Opportunities There are currently no open procurement opportunities The following procurement opportunities have expired: Previous Procurement Opportunities WITHAM TOWN COUNCIL CHRISTMAS LIGHTS Witham Town Council invited tenders for the supply, installation, removal, and storage of Christmas lights for a five-year period, with a total contract value not exceeding £65,000. The successful contractor will provide a complete service to ensure the town's festive lighting is installed in time for the Christmas Market (22nd November 2025), maintained during the season, removed in January, and stored securely for the following year. The d eadline for receipt of bid queries was 23rd July 2025, queries were to be sent to townclerk@witham.gov.uk marked Christmas Light Tender 2025. Bid return date was noon on 1st August 2025. Tenders were to be submitted electronically to: tenders@witham.gov.uk and marked "Christmas Lights 2025 Tender" in the subject line. Alternatively, tenders may be posted to Witham Town Council, Town Hall, 61 Newland Street, Witham, Essex, CM8 2FE. The envelope shall be marked Christmas Lights 2025 Tender and shall not otherwise be marked or contain information that could identify the tendering organisation. All companies submitting a tender will be notified by email of the respective decision within 6 weeks of the evaluation date. In accordance with Government Regulations, the total value of the successful tender will be published in due course. Full details of Christmas Lights Tender WITHAM TOWN COUNCIL SAFER STREETS CCTV EXPANSION PROJECT Witham Town Council tendered for the procurement of multiple quick-deploy cameras to be installed in various key areas in and around the town centre. These units had to be capable of connecting to lighting columns or physical structures and must be easily removable and deployed into new locations when required. Alongside the new CCTV cameras, the existing CCTV server located within the Witham Town Council offices required upgrading with a modern enterprise-style equivalent. This unit previously captured the incoming video signals from the town centre CCTV cameras. The Invitation to Bid document contained detailed information on this project. Applications had to be made using the Tender Submission Documents included in the Invitation to Bid. All Bids were to be submitted (electronic and hard copies) to the Town Clerk by noon on 6th September 2023. Full details of CCTV Expansion Tender

Witham Town Council Staff Witham Town Council is staffed by a team of 15 dedicated staff, headed by the Town Clerk To contact any member of staff, please contact the Town Hall on 01376 520627 Nikki Smith Town Clerk Responsible Financial Officer townclerk@witham.gov.uk Nikki joined Witham Town Council in May 2019 as Assistant Responsible Financial Officer, becoming Deputy Town Clerk in June 2020. In early 2022, Nikki was appointed as Town Clerk and Proper Officer and is responsible for overseeing all council matters, developing strategy across all council activity and managing the council’s staff. Nikki is also the Responsible Financial Officer with responsibility for the management of the council’s finances as well as Data Protection Officer. Nikki obtained the Certificate of Local Council Administration (CiLCA) qualification in 2020, the Certificate of Higher Education in Community Governance with merit in 2023 and a Foundation Degree in Community Governance in January 2025. Hayley Andrews Deputy Town Clerk deputytownclerk@witham.gov.uk Hayley joined the Town Council in 2019 as Assistant Proper Officer and was promoted to Deputy Town Clerk. Hayley is responsible for the Council’s outside assets which includes overseeing the River Walk, Whetmead Nature Reserve, James Cooke Wood and the Closed Churchyard and supporting the Operations Team. Hayley has also managed the allotments in Witham since June 2021 when Witham Town Council took over ownership of the site in Cut Throat Lane. Other duties include being the clerk for the Environment Committee and several different working groups relating to open spaces, town centre regeneration, climate change and healthcare, as well as running the Essex County Council Highways Devolution Scheme. Hayley obtained the Certificate of Local Council Administration (CiLCA) qualification in 2020. Sarah Puckey Open Spaces Administration Assistant openspacesadmin@witham.gov.uk Sarah joined Witham Town Council in January 2023 as the Open Spaces Administration Assistant. Sarah is responsible for the day to day running of the allotments and supports the Deputy Town Clerk in the management of Witham’s Open Spaces. Additionally, Sarah promotes initiatives to counter-act the effects of Climate Change in Witham including encouraging greater use of existing recycling schemes. Since joining the council Sarah has gained her ILCA qualification (Introduction to Local Council Administration). Finance Assistant finance@witham.gov.uk Nadia Zaviazun Nadia joined Witham Town Council in May 2025 as the Finance Assistant. Since joining the council Nadia has gained her ILCA (Introduction to Local Council Administration) and FILCA (Financial Introduction to Local Council Administration) qualifications. Geraldine Kennedy Planning & Democratic Officer comsec@witham.gov.uk Geraldine is the longest serving member of staff, originally employed as a Committee Clerk before becoming Assistant Clerk. Geraldine is now our Planning and Democratic Officer and is responsible for preparing the minutes and agenda’s for the standing committees as well as dealing with all matters related to planning. Julie Furse Information Centre Manager infocentre@witham.gov.uk Julie joined Witham Town Council as Community Officer in November 2018 in a role that combined organising events with working in the Information Centre. Julie took over as Information Centre Manager in June 2019 and has since overseen the refurbishment of the Information Centre into a welcoming, modern Centre. Julie’s other duties include maintenance of the website and our social media accounts. Simon Jesse Simon joined Witham Town Council in 2026 as a our Facilities & Community Support Officer. Simon is responsible for supporting community projects and the upkeep of the Town Hall and the new Community Centre. Simon is currently working towards his ILCA qualitfication. Facilities & Community Support Officer communitysupport@witham.gov.uk Viktoriia Goldspink Events Co-ordinator events@witham.gov.uk Viktoriia joined Witham Town Council in January 2022 as our Events Co-ordinator. Viktoriia gained her ILCA qualification in September 2022. Viktoriia has responsibility for organising Witham Town Council events such as our Halloween and Easter Trails, Christmas Fayre and Witham Street Entertainment Festival P.A to the Council admin@witham.gov.uk Jackie Brown Jackie joined Witham Town Council in June 2025 as our PA to the Council. Organising the Mayor's diary and assisting with Council meetings and events. She is working towards her ILCA qualification (Introduction to Local Council Administration). Spencer Dyer Operations Manager operations@witham.gov.uk Spencer joined Witham Town Council in July 2012, becoming manager of the Operations Team in early 2019. As manager, Spencer is responsible for implementing the River Walk Management Plan, as well as coordinating the maintenance of James Cooke Wood, Whetmead Nature Reserve, the Closed Churchyard and Cut Throat Lane Allotments. Hannah Smith Operative Operations Team Hannah joined our Operations Team in 2019 to look after and maintain the assets managed by Witham Town Council, including the River Walk, Whetmead Nature Reserve, James Cooke Wood, Cut Throat Lane Allotments and the Closed Churchyard. Rob Moore Operative Operations Team Rob joined our Operations Team in 2022 to look after and maintain the assets managed by Witham Town Council, including the River Walk, Whetmead Nature Reserve, James Cooke Wood, Cut Throat Lane Allotments and the Closed Churchyard. Katrina Drury Operative Operations Team Kat joined Witham Town Council in 2010 as a cleaner/caretaker. In 2019, she joined our Operations Team, working to look after and maintain the assets managed by Witham Town Council, including the River Walk, Whetmead Nature Reserve, James Cooke Wood, Cut Throat Lane Allotments and the Closed Churchyard. Paul Wiseman Street Warden streetwarden@witham.gov.uk Paul joined Witham Town Council in 2023 as our Street Warden and is responsible for maintaining and facilitating community safety by being a visible presence in the town. Paul has gained the Community Safety Scheme Accreditation since joining the Council.

Witham Town Council Witham Town Council is a statutory, local authority that consists of sixteen elected representatives, sitting for a four year term. The Council operates a system of standing and non-standing committees that manage local matters including management of local assets, promotion of community events, local outreach with key organisations and working closely with Essex Police on crime prevention and local safety. Local citizens can raise any concerns about an issue with their local councillors (see the Witham Town Councillors section for details of your representative), however it is important to note that different councils deal with different matters. Explore our website to learn more about what role the Town Council plays in the local community and how you can get involved. Witham Town Councillors Mayor of Witham Witham Town Council Staff Committee Structure PDF Which ward am I in? Petitions Freedom of Witham Annual Town Meeting History of the Town Hall District & County Councillors Elections Become a Town Councillor Committe structure Our Accreditations

Information Centre Our Information Centre is a welcoming place in the heart of Newland Street. As well as being the reception for the Town Council, we provide a number of services, local gifts and products. Well worth a visit, you can find a gift for someone special, or even yourself. We also sell and accept Witham Gift Vouchers. Find out more about the Witham Gift Voucher Scheme We often find that we can help people who have no access to the internet in a world increasingly reliant on the public having online access. We are happy to help volunteer-run clubs promote themselves with posters and leaflets, and we are often asked for such information by members of the public. If you run a local club or group, make sure we have the correct information to include on our information leaflets. If you find a lost wallet, glasses or other valuable items, we can provide a safe place for those items while we try to track down the owner. In our 'Heritage Room' you can see our 16th century fireplace, commemorative book and a changing display of Witham historical artefacts. If you enjoy local history, we have in the Centre the original workings from the clock outside and a water pump, thought to date back to when the building was a coaching inn called 'The George'. Contact: Tel No: 01376 520627 Email: infocentre@witham.gov.uk or simply pop in and say hello. You will find us in Newland Street, opposite Morrisons and Helen Rollason Charity Shop, next to the old Barclays Bank. Please note, there is no public parking at the Town Hall, but you can park for free in Newland Street for up to an hour. Services: Local Information Local gifts and products National Express coach bookings and enquiries Local coach trip bookings First Bus season tickets Recycling sacks Free dog waste bags Photocopying and printing Days out leaflets Self help leaflets Local clubs, groups and events posters & leaflets Public Hall event tickets Gift hampers Opening Times: Monday............9am-4.30pm Tuesday............9am-4.30pm Wednesday......10am-4.30pm Thursday...........9am-4.30pm Friday................9am-3.50pm Calendar Competition

Agenda & Minutes from Civic Year 2023-24 Full Town Council Agenda for Meeting 29th April 2024 Minutes for Meeting 29th April 2024 Agenda for Meeting 2nd April 2024 Minutes for Meeting 2nd April 2024 Agenda for Meeting 5th March 2024 Minutes for Meeting 5th March 2024 Agenda for Meeting 5th February 2024 Minutes for Meeting 5th February 2024 Agenda for Meeting 8th January 2024 Minutes for Meeting 8th January 2024 Agenda for Meeting 28th November 2023 Minutes for Meeting 28th November 2023 Agenda for Meeting 30th October 2023 Minutes for Meeting 30th October 2023 Agenda for Meeting 2nd October 2023 Minutes for Meeting 2nd October 2023 Agenda for Extraordinary Meeting 11th September 2023 Minutes for Extraordinary Meeting 11th September 2023 Agenda for Meeting 5th September 2023 Minutes for 5th September 2023 Agenda for Meeting 7th August 2023 Minutes for Meeting 7th August 2023 Agenda for Meeting 10th July 2023 Minutes for Meeting 10th July 2023 Agenda for Meeting 12th June 2023 Minutes for Meeting 12th June 2023 Agenda for Annual Meeting 15th May 2023 Minutes for Meeting 15 May 2023 Community Committee Agenda for Meeting 20th February 2024 Minutes for Meeting 20th February 2024 Agenda for Meeting 13th November 2023 Minutes for Meeting 13th November 2023 Agenda for Meeting 21st August 2023 Minutes for Meeting 21st August 2023 Agenda for Meeting 30th May 2023 Minutes for Meeting 30th May 2023 Planning & Transport Committee Agenda for 29th April 2024 Minutes for 29th April 2024 Agenda for 15th April 2024 - Please note 7pm start time Minutes for 15th April 2024 Agenda for 2nd April 2024 Minutes for 2nd April 2024 Agenda for 19th March 2024 Minutes for 19th March 2024 Agenda for 5th March 2024 Minutes for 5th March 2024 Agenda for 20th February 2024 - Please note earlier start time Minutes for 20th February 2024 Agenda for 5th February 2024 Minutes for 5th February 2024 Agenda for 22nd January 2024 Minutes for 22nd January 2024 Agenda for 8th January 2024 Minutes for 8th January 2024 The meeting on December 18th has been cancelled The meeting on December 18th has been cancelled Agenda for 12th December 2023 Minutes for 12th December 2023 Agenda for 28th November 2023 Minutes for 28th November 2023 Agenda for 13th November 2023 Minutes for 13th November 2023 Agenda for 30th October 2023 Minutes for 30th October 2023 Agenda for 16th October 2023 Minutes for 16th October 2023 Agenda for 2nd October 2023 Minutes for 2nd October 2023 Agenda for 18th September 2023 Minutes for 18th September 2023 Agenda for 5th September 2023 Minutes for 5th September 2023 Agenda for 21st August 2023 Minutes for 21st August 2023 Agenda for 7th August 2023 Minutes for 7th August 2023 Agenda for 24th July 2023 Minutes for 24th July 2023 Agenda for 10th July 2023 Minutes for 10th July 2023 Agenda for 26th June 2023 Minutes for 26th June 2023 Agenda for 12th June 2023 Minutes for 12th June 2023 Agenda for 30th May 2023 Minutes for 30th May 2023 Estimates Committee Agenda for Meeting 18th December 2023 Minutes for Meeting 18th December 2023 Staffing Committee Agenda for Meeting 9 October 2023 Minutes for 9 October 2023 Agenda for Meeting 5 June 2023 Minutes for 5 June 2023 Policy & Resources Committee Agenda for 19th March 2024 Minutes for 19th March 2024 Agenda for 12th December 2023 Minutes for 12th December 2023 Agenda for 18th September 2023 Minutes for 18th September 2023 Agenda for 26th June 2023 Minutes for 26th June 2023 Environment Committee Agenda for Meeting 15th April 2024 Minutes for 15th April 2024 Agenda for Meeting 22nd January 2024 Minutes for 22nd January 2024 Agenda for Meeting 16th October 2023 Minutes for 16th October 2023 Agenda for Meeting 24th July 2023 Minutes for 24th July 2023 Open Space Management Sub Committee Agenda for Meeting 5th March 2024 Minutes for Meeting 5th March 2024 Agenda for Meeting 5th December 2023 Minutes for Meeting 5th December 2023 Agenda for Meeting 5th September 2023 Minutes for Meeting 5th September 2023 Agenda for Meeting 30 May 2023 Minutes for Meeting 30 May 2023

< Back Witham Carnival Programmes Witham Carnival Programmes 1985-1988 These Witham Carnival programmes cover 1985-1988 and provide an interesting snapshot of the time. Whilst they mostly contain adverts for local businesses, very few of these are still in operation and so this gives a nostalgic view of the town for those that were here at the time. The programmes also contain details of the carnival court of the year, the supported charities and the programme of events in the arena in Maldon Road Park. If you look, you will see that the route in the 1980's differed from the current route. BBC Radio Essex appear in the programmes, presumably as compere, and the programme for 1987 has been signed by the DJ that hosted that year, whilst the 1988 programme has a signed colour photo tucked inside. Witham carnival has been held regularly since 1951, but the earliest recorded carnival was actually in 1929.

< Back Photo from Witham Carnival Photo from Witham Carnival 1929 This photograph shows Mrs E Wright with Vera Perry in the pram at the first recorded Witham Carnival in 1929. The date is clearly visible on the cover on the pram, which appears to be some kind of advertisement, although much of the text is not readable in this photograph.

< Back Churchwarden Long Service Award Henry Beck Peecock, Church Warden This framed calligraphy illustration celebrates and thanks Henry Beck Peecock for his 21 years of service for 'faithful service in the office of Churchwarden'. Henry Peecock was also the manager of Barclays Bank in 61 Newland Street, now the Town Hall, between 1908 and 1922. Henry can be found on Janet Gyford's website here: https://www.janetgyford.com/people/directories/p/