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Fayre an Overwhelming Success < Back Christmas Fayre 2024 3 Dec 2024 Fayre an Overwhelming Success Witham Town Council is thrilled to announce the overwhelming success of the Witham Christmas Fayre 2024, which took place on Saturday, 30th November 2024. This year's event was the largest to date, featuring over 80 stalls along Newland Street, within the United Reformed Church, and throughout The Grove Shopping Centre. The festivities began with a traditional Church Carol Service arranged by ‘Churches Together’ in the Grove Shopping Centre at 2 p.m., setting a festive tone for the afternoon. The event culminated in the much-anticipated Christmas light switch-on at 6 p.m. This year's Fayre offered an unprecedented variety of attractions. A main stage hosted live entertainment throughout the event, while stilt walkers delighted attendees with their towering presence. The Witham Hub transformed The Grove Centre into a magical Winter Wonderland, raising much-needed funds while adding to the festive atmosphere. Visitors could enjoy food and drink, have their faces painted, decorate biscuits, or create Christmas decorations. The Witham Christmas Fayre showcased an impressive array of stalls offering unique and locally crafted goods, alongside a selection of festive food and drink. The 'Crafters' Corner' within the United Reformed Church continued to be a popular spot for those seeking one-of-a-kind handmade gifts. Many local shops and businesses extended their opening hours, contributing to the vibrant atmosphere and benefiting from the increased footfall in the town. The Mayor of Witham, Councillor Lucy Barlow, commented: "This year's Christmas Fayre has truly exceeded our expectations. With over 80 stalls, it's been our biggest event yet. The involvement of local businesses, the Winter Wonderland at The Grove Centre, and the variety of entertainment have all contributed to making this a memorable day for our community. We're proud to continue offering this free event for the residents of Witham and look forward to building on this success in the future." Witham Town Council extends its heartfelt gratitude to all who attended and participated in the Witham Christmas Fayre 2024, including our sponsors and local businesses. Special thanks go to The Witham Hub for their fantastic Winter Wonderland and for providing equipment for the Carol Service, to Holmes and Hills and The Grove Centre for sponsoring the event, to the United Reformed Church and to all the performers and stall holders who made this event truly special. Previous Next

Commemorative Bench Scheme The purpose of this scheme is to provide members of the public a means of remembering a loved one with a lasting tribute. A commemorative bench can be dedicated to a special person or even a much loved pet and installed in one of Witham Town Council’s open spaces, while also improving the availability of public seating across the town. You can choose to have a bench in areas of The River Walk, Whetmead Nature Reserve and James Cooke Woods. Your preferred location can be chosen from a map available in the Town Hall. When your bench is installed, a ribbon cutting ceremony can be held for you, family and friends to mark the occasion, if you wish. We can also provide you with copies of photographs of the occasion for you to keep. For more information and to take part in this scheme, simply contact Witham Town Council on 01376 520627 to discuss or email openspacesadmin@witham.gov.uk Commemorative Bench Scheme Information Leaflet PDF Download Application Form Terms & Conditions

Dog Bin Adoption Scheme The Scheme Would you like to help keep our town clean? Would you like to donate to a dog charity? Would you like to see a photo of your dog on your daily walk? If so, you may wish to adopt one of Witham’s dog bins on the River Walk, James Cooke Woods or Whetmead Nature Reserve. A large photo of your dog will be placed on a selected dog bin reminding dog owners of their responsibility to clear up after their dogs. We will also arrange for a donation to go towards a dog charity of your choice What Does It Cost? The scheme is provided at a fixed cost of £50 for one year with £15 going to the dog charity of your choice. What Happens Next? To take part in this scheme, simply complete the form overleaf with your details and, together with a photo of your dog, email a copy to openspacesadmin@witham.gov.uk . You can also post or hand it in at Witham Town Hall at 61 Newland Street, Witham, CM8 2FE. For further information, please call 01376 520627 Application Form PDF

< Back Top Hat Top Hat formerly belonging to Lucy Croxall We have been donated this fabulous top hat which belonged to Lucy Croxall. Lucy was a former head teacher of Bramston School and is a prominent figure in Witham history. Lucy was a member of the Witham Operatic Society where she became their honorary pianist, and an active member of the congregation of St Nicolas Church. This top hat was owned and used by Lucy in her operatic days and is in excellent condition. This is one of a number of items kindly donated to Witham Town Council. Witham historian Janet Gyford includes the transcript of an interview with the Croxall sisters on her website: https://www.janetgyford.com/interviews/tape-29-miss-lucy-croxall-and-miss-eva-hayes-nee-croxall-sides-1-and-2/ More information on the Croxall family is also available on Janet's website here: https://www.janetgyford.com/people/croxall-family/ You can listen to the above interview on the Essex Records Office website: https://www.essexarchivesonline.co.uk/result_details.aspx?ThisRecordsOffSet=2&id=1104737

Elections Applications for the co-option vacancy have now closed. Witham Town Council is comprised of 5 Wards and 16 Councillors. Town Council elections are held every 4 years, the next full election being held in May 2027. Any vacancies that arise in the meantime will be publicised on this page. If you are interested in becoming a councillor, you can find more information on our Become a Councillor page: Become a Town Councillor

< Back Twin Pedestal Sideboard Mahogany Twin Pedestal Sideboard This sideboard was donated to us from the Gimsons House several years ago. It is a mahogany twin pedestal sideboard with 2 cupboards and 3 drawers. The house, which was demolished in 2021, was originally built for Dr Ted Gimson after whom it is named in the 1930's. Dr Gimson was a popular Witham GP, with the Gimson's being a prominent family in the town at the time. The sideboard is now used in our Heritage Room for displaying information, leaflets and posters.

Braintree District Council has agreed to transfer a new multi-use community centre in the pipeline for Witham to Witham Town Council < Back Braintree District Council set to transfer new community centre to Witham Town Council 28 Oct 2024 Braintree District Council has agreed to transfer a new multi-use community centre in the pipeline for Witham to Witham Town Council Braintree District Council has agreed to transfer a new multi-use community centre in the pipeline for Witham to Witham Town Council. The two-storey centre, set to be built on land off Haygreen Road, will include a mixed-use hall, kitchen, bar area and changing rooms to serve sports players using the adjacent football pitch. Councillors at Braintree District Council agreed the £4 million budget needed for the build of the facility at an official meeting two years ago and the Council has been finalising the design and planning for the building since then. Braintree District Council agreed at the last Cabinet meeting (Monday, 9 September) that the asset could be transferred to an owner occupier, with discussions to agree the transfer of the community centre to Witham Town Council once it is built having recently been agreed. In return, the Town Council will manage as well as own the centre. Cllr Kevin Bowers, Cabinet Member for Finance, Resources and Performance at Braintree District Council, said: “We’re very pleased that discussions with Witham Town Council have come to a positive conclusion. With significant financial investment from Braintree District Council and our joined up approach with Witham Town Council, we are supporting residents and keeping communities healthy and active as well as connected. This centre, with all its facilities, is going to be a great asset for the people of Witham.” Cllr Phil Barlow, Leader of Witham Town Council, said: “Witham Town Council is very pleased to have reached agreement to own and operate this new centre on behalf of our residents. The centre has resulted from the building of the Maltings Lane development over some 20 years. Those who bought houses contributed to the financing via the S106 funds required as part of the planning application. We're also, of course, very grateful to Braintree District Council for additional investment to complete the development. It seems appropriate therefore that the Town Council will take over operation and we will involve our residents in the development plans. It is a great example of the two authorities working together to build a substantial new community centre and sports facilities.” The communities in and around Witham will be able to use the hall to play sports, attend meetings or events and go to social clubs. Previous Next

Room & Open Spaces Hire Our Council Chamber is available to hire, as is the green in Guithavon Valley. The Council Chamber is ideal for clubs and meetings It has a video camera, three screens mounted on the walls and a whiteboard is also available if required. The room can seat 20 around the Council table. This room is the perfect venue for your professional business meeting, both in-person and hybrid. The Green on the junction of Guithavon Road, Street and Valley is available to hire for your fete or public outdoor event. Next to the River Walk and close to the Town, it is centrally located. For details on prices and availability, please contact us on 01376 520627 or admin@witham.gov.uk

< Back Remembrance 2024 Previous Next

< Back Crittall's First Aid Board Framed blackboard with first aiders name and location Many will remember the Crittall Windows factory in Braintree Road that stood where Morrison's now stands. The factory was built around 1919, trading in Witham until the factory closed in 1990. Over the years, the Crittall factory was an integral part of the town. It was used for war production during World War II, and was bombed, although thankfully there were no injuries and little damage. The building was demolished in 1992, but town historian Janet Gyford rescued many items from the building before the site was cleared. Witham Town Council are lucky to have these items in our archives. Crittall Windows later returned to Witham and continue to trade from the Freebournes Industrial Estate. This item is a First Aid board from the factory. Presumably the numbers refer to a location where the first aider could be found.

Witham Town Council Secures Unanimous Support for 2025-2026 Precept < Back Witham Town Council Precept 2025-2026 14 Jan 2025 Witham Town Council Secures Unanimous Support for 2025-2026 Precept Witham Town Council Secures Unanimous Support for 2025-2026 Precept On Monday, Witham Town Council unanimously approved the town's share of the council tax for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. The decision, supported by all parties, will see a modest increase of 15p per week for band D properties, bringing the total cost to £2.14 per week for all services provided by the Town Council. Councillor Phil Barlow, Leader of Witham Town Council, emphasised the value residents receive: "Every penny raised is spent locally, ensuring Witham remains a safe, enjoyable, and healthy place for all our residents. At just over £2 a week, we offer exceptional value for the wide range of services we provide." The precept will fund essential services and community initiatives, including:  Maintenance of the Town Hall, which houses vital services such as the Diabetic Retinopathy Clinic and a Community Banking Hub.  Operation of the Information Centre, providing assistance to residents  Management of allotments  Upkeep of Whetmead Nature Reserve, James Cooke Wood, the Closed Churchyard, and the River Walk  Witham's floral displays and Christmas light decorations  Expanded free community events calendar, including commemorations for the 80th anniversaries of VE Day and VJ Day  Continued support for community safety initiatives, including CCTV cameras, Witham Special Constabulary and the Street Warden program  Town Park toilets (the rest of the park is owned and managed by Braintree District Council)  Some 60+ streetlights that the Council own and operate  Grants to organisations such as Citizens Advice and The Witham Carnival The Council is particularly focused on supporting vulnerable residents and those less able to afford activities, reflected in the increased number of free events planned for the coming year. Residents are invited to attend the annual public meeting in April, where councillors will provide a detailed overview of the Council's activities and plans for the future. For more information, visit the Town Council website, refer to the Witham Voice, or visit the Town Hall. Previous Next

Which Ward am I in? To find your ward, you can either zoom in on the map below and click on an area to see the ward name, or search for your road on this document: Ward Directory-PDF