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< Back Chains of Office Witham Urban District Council Chains of Office Upstairs at the Town Hall, our Council Chamber is home to this piece of Witham Urban District Council history. Displayed in a glass-fronted wooden display box are the chains of office that were donated to WUDC by the directors of W. Pinkham and Son Limited in memory of their founder, William Pinkham. William Pinkham was the founder of W. Pinkham & Son Ltd, the renowned glove makers which were established in Witham. Having previously made the gloves in their home, in 1905 William Pinkham and his wife Rebecca set up in a property in Albert Road bought for the purpose of manufacturing gloves, before later building a factory in Witham in 1912. William Pinkham was a Witham Urban District Councillor from 1912-1932 and was chairman of the Council from 1930-1932. William passed away in 1938. The links of the chain are engraved with the names and terms of chairmen of WUDC from 1955 until it's dissolution in 1974. One or two of these names may be familiar to Witham residents as they have roads or buildings names after them. Also included in the display box is a matching pin for the Vice-Chairman of the Council.

< Back Catalogue of bushes and trees Catalogue of bushes & trees offered for sale at Witham Cattle Market This leaflet shows the 421 lots offered for sale at Witham Cattle Market. The vendor is Hugh Page, and the items for sale include dwarf, standard and climbing roses, currant bushes and apple trees as well as mahonia, rhododendron and wigelia. Witham Cattle Market was in Collingwood Road, where the Labour Hall now stands. It was there in the early 1900's until the late 50's/early 60's. It's possible that there was a cattle siding on the adjacent railway line, where cattle could be delivered directly by train. There are also reports of cattle being driven along the roads to reach the market. At the time, Witham also had an abattoir (in Guithavon Street) and a tannery (in Mill Lane). Once bought, the cattle would be driven from Collingwood Road to the abattoir in Guithavon Street, which stood roughly where Penhaligon Court now stands. The market dealt not only with cattle, but also with pigs and sheep, as well as plants and trees.

< Back Halloween Trail Saturday, 31 October 2026 Our popular Halloween Trail follows the River Walk from Guithavon Green to Chipping Hill Bridge with items to spot and games to play along the route. Taking place on the last Saturday of October, this free ticketed event must be booked in advance. Details of ticket releases will be advertised on our social media. This is a free event. Please do not respond to anyone trying to sell their tickets Tickets are essential for this event, but they are free, so please beware anyone trying to sell their 'unwanted' tickets. Only participating children need tickets for this event. You do not need tickets for adults. The trail will start at Guithavon Green, and follow the River Walk through to Chipping Hill. 2025 Photos by David Islip 2024 Photos by David Islip 2023 Photos by David Islip 2022 Photos by David Islip Previous Next

< Back German Carnival Medals We have three German carnival medals from 1988, 1990 and 1991/92. The first 2 are much simpler, enamel and printed with a VW Beetle and a scroll, both bearing also a picture of a jesters hat. The third is more ornate, gold coloured and bearing two crests. It also includes a jesters hat and a beer barrel. All three medals bear the letters WKG which likely refers Waldbröl Karnevalsgesellschaft, or Waldbröl Carnival Society, and are awarded in the name of different princes, Thomas, Bodo and Kenning respectively. The gold medal of 1991/2 bears a scroll showing '30 Prinz d. WKG' suggesting that this was for a special anniversary. Witham was twinned with Waldbröl in Germany for 32 years from 1986 until the Twinning Association was disbanded in 2018.

< Back Engraving of Newland Street Engraving of the top end of Newland Street We have this engraving of Newland Street entitled 'Witham, Essex'.. The drawing is by W. Bartlett and the engraving by W Watkins. The drawing shows people milling about, a horse-drawn carriage and a person on a pony. It is set up by Avenue House, where the Memorial Gardens are. The engraving is featured on Witham historian Janet Gyford's website. You can find more information here: www.janetgyford.com Engraving of top of Newland Street with coach Engraving of top end of Newland Street, entitled ‘Witham, Essex’. ‘Drawn by G.B.Campion’ [George B Campion, 1796-1870, better known as a water colour painter, see DNB]. R…

Witham Town Council launches a petition opposing the charges intended to be implemented by the North Essex Parking Partnership (NEPP) < Back Petition Against Proposed Parking Charges 21 Feb 2024 Witham Town Council launches a petition opposing the charges intended to be implemented by the North Essex Parking Partnership (NEPP) The North Essex Parking Partnership (NEPP) intend to convert current free parking spaces in Newland Street to paid ones, which Witham Town Council has taken action in actively opposing. The Town Council has argued that because the use of these spaces will be no different, converting free spaces to charged will do nothing to reduce congestion, nor will it improve air quality. They have raised concerns that access to services will be adversely affected, as will be the economic vitality and vibrancy of the Town Centre and Newland Street. As well as this, that the electronic payment system will have an adverse impact on those who do not have electronic payment abilities. The Council has therefore opposed the NEPP’s proposed new charges, as they fail to meet the Partnership’s Policy framework. There has been no evidence shown, particularly with regard to the economic vitality and vibrancy of Witham’s Town Centre and Newland Street that any research has been undertaken to demonstrate that the net income increase in charges will not be adversely offset by the reduction in economic activity from the Town Centre and High Street traders. As well as writing to the Braintree District Council Financial Scrutiny Panel querying their agreement with the North Essex Parking Partnership, having heard residents concerns the Town Council has launched a petition which can be signed online at: https://www.witham.gov.uk/parking-petition or in the Information Centre at the Town Hall before March 22nd 2024. Councillor Phil Barlow, Leader of Witham Town Council said “Together with many of our residents the Council were horrified by this proposal. Our response is to hold the Partnership to account and the petition is launched to enable our residents to reinforce our decision”. Previous Next

Witham Street Entertainment Festival – Saturday 21 September 2024 < Back Witham Street Entertainment Festival 2024 28 Aug 2024 Witham Street Entertainment Festival – Saturday 21 September 2024 Formerly known as the Puppet Festival, Witham Street Entertainment Festival has become a main fixture in Witham's calendar. Held in the centre of town, the event regularly draws large numbers of visitors into the town to enjoy this free festival. The festival, which is organised by Witham Town Council, has taken place since 1999. Always held on the third Saturday of September, this year it takes place on Saturday 21st September between 10am-3pm. A number of acts perform in the Newlands Shopping Centre, the Grove Shopping Centre, the United Reformed Church and in Newland Street itself, where Witham Town Council closes the road between Collingwood Road and Maldon Road. Make sure you don't miss this great day out. The acts for 2024 include: · Juicy Titbits · Ballonatic Duo · The Wonder Woman Street Show · Fortune Telling Booth · Spring-A-Lings · Humanoid Robot Walkabout · Mobile Comedy Kitchen · Fairly Fish Co · Mystic Mirror Globe · Giant Tortoise · Mime Act · Granny Turismo · James Arnott Punch and Judy Show · Titan · UK Caricaturist Paul · Doris Drake · Rebel Legion · Frostie · The Woolly Wonder · Dapper Chaps · Steven The Magical Music Bubble Bike · Princesses · The Cloud Travellers · Jolly Holiday Take a look back at last year’s festival: Previous Next

< Back Remembrance Parade 2025 9 Nov 2025 Previous Next

Popular Dog Show returns in 2024 < Back Witham Dog Show 2024 1 Jul 2024 Popular Dog Show returns in 2024 Witham Town Council is delighted to announce the successful return of the much-loved Witham Town Council Dog Show, held on Saturday, 29th June 2024. The event took place along Witham's River Walk from 10am to 3pm, offering a day full of fun and excitement for dogs and their owners alike. The Dog Show featured a variety of dog-related stalls, providing everything from pet accessories to essential care items. Human attendees also enjoyed a selection of delicious food and drink stalls, ensuring that everyone had a wonderful day out. There was also a fly ball and dog agility circuit, which attendees could take part in with their dogs. At the heart of the event were the dog show categories, where dogs could be entered to compete in various fun and entertaining contests with an opportunity to win a rosette and a prize donated by the judge. The categories included: · Precious Puppy · Best Trick · Best Rescue · Fastest Recall · Dog The Judge Would Most Like To Take Home · Waggiest Tail · Best Paw Shaker · Best Junior Handler · Looks Most Like The Owner · Cutest Eyes Each category showcased the unique talents and charming personalities of the participating dogs. Witham Town Council extends its thanks to all the participants, volunteers, and local businesses that contributed to making this event a memorable success, as well as a special thanks to its sponsor, Holmes & Hills Solicitors. For more information about the Witham Town Council Dog Show or future events, please contact: Witham Town Council Email: events@witham.gov.uk Previous Next

< Back Dorothy Sayers Statue Unveiling programme Programme of events for the unveiling of the statue of Dorothy L Sayer in 1994 The statue of Dorothy L Sayers stands in Newland Street, opposite the library and next to the Job Centre, opposite the house where she lived. It was unveiled on 16th September 1994 to much fanfare. The project was led by Witham Town Council with the support of Braintree District Council, and sponsorship and contributions from the Dorothy L Sayers Society, businesses and individuals within the town. The statue was sculpted by local sculptor, John Doubleday, and includes her cat, Blitz. Dorothy L Sayers is arguably the most famous resident of Witham, living in her Newland Street house between 1930 and her death in 1957. Dorothy wrote 16 novels, as well as numerous poems, plays and short stories. Her most famous character is Lord Peter Wimsey.

Council-Managed Sites The River Walk Witham’s River Walk was conceived as a way of bringing a touch of the countryside through the middle of the town as it began its expansion in the early 1970’s. It meanders for about 3.3km along the River Brain, and covers an area of 36 hectares, from Ebenezer Close in the north, to the Whetmead Nature Reserve in the south-east. The River Walk is managed to encourage wildlife, and as such some areas are left untended. As you walk through, you may be lucky enough to glimse heron, kingfishers, muntjac deer and even otters. Whetmead Nature Reserve Whetmead is an area of meadow, woodland and open water. The site is rich in wildlife and covers around 10 hectares. The site was passed into the care of Witham Town Council in 2005, and is today home to many species of plants and animals. The rivers Blackwater and Brain merge on the reserve, and a path follows both river banks. You may be lucky enough to glimpse a basking lizard on a sunny day, or a water vole on the riverbank. James Cooke Woods The woodland is planted with British trees local to the area. The main tree species are Wild Cherry, Oak, Silver Birch, Alder and Ash. Some further areas are planted with smaller, shrubby species such as Hazel, Field Maple, Guelder Rose and Spindle. This variety of trees provide the maximum benefit for wildlife. The woodland is surrounded by hedgerows that originally acted as the boundary to the former arable field. The hedges are especially important for threatened farmland birds, such as the yellowhammer, providing them with a food source and a place to nest. The Closed Churchyard On 20th March 1991, the All Saint’s Churchyard was closed. In accordance with the Local Authority Act, the Town Council, in conjunction originally with the PCC of St Nicolas Church, took over responsibility for its management. The Church was dedicated in 1842 as a Church of Easement, and was made redundant in 1969. It was later sold to the Roman Catholic Church to become, after extensive renovation, the Holy Family and All Saint’s Church in 1989

Community Special Constables Scheme Essex Police Community Beat Surgery Essex Police hold a regular Community Beat Surgery at Witham Information Centre in the Town Hall where you can pop along and chat to an officer about any concerns you may have: Tuesday 12th May 11-11.45am Tuesday 19th May 11-11.45am Tuesday 2nd June 11-11.45am Tuesday 9th June 11-11.45am Tuesday 23rd June 11-11.45am Tuesday 30th June 11-11.45am Tuesday 7th July 11-11.45am The Community Special Constable scheme was launched in June 2018, with a media event at Witham Town Hall, to celebrate the occasion. This also formed part of Essex Police’s National Volunteers Week, which was part of a big media campaign for Essex Police to recruit more volunteers. Each Special will volunteer a minimum of 16 hours each month in Witham to target and disrupt anti-social behaviour, respond to community concerns and carry out high visibility foot patrols in the town. The Specials have the same full policing powers and uniform as regular police officers. We are really pleased that Witham Town Council was the first local council to ‘go live’ with the Community Special Constables Scheme. This was the first such scheme in Essex (and possibly the first of its kind in the country). This was the result of close co-operation between Essex Police and Witham Town Council over a long period of time and sees the Council funding any expenses for our volunteer police officers to be based in the town. The development forms part of the Town Council’s 4-point attack on crime and Anti-Social Behaviour Recruitment of local special constables Extending and link up of CCTV throughout Witham Help residents to self-help with advice and information Promotion of resident’s associations across the town alongside existing Neighbourhood Watch scheme. In June 2023 we celebrated five years since the launch of the Police Specials Scheme. We currently have four fully qualified Police Specials in Witham, and funding available for a further one. Should you be interested in being a part of the Community Special Constable Scheme, please visit: www.essex.police.uk/join-the-police/special-constabulary/ or email: les.hawkins1@essex.pnn.police.uk Essex Police Recognition Awards On Wednesday 18th January, Essex Police held their first Recognition evening for the Braintree & Uttlesford Special Constable team. It was a great evening with most of the team there celebrating the achievements of 2022. The district's special constables volunteered 14,573 hours in 2022. Winner of the officer who has made the biggest contribution to the Specials team in 2022 as voted for by his regular colleagues was SC Charlie Watts. Charlie volunteered the largest number of hours in the team last year as well. Winner of the Community Special Constable award was Sp Sgt Simon Jesse. Simon has made a real impact in Witham since 2018 when the CSC Role began and is very well known by the residents of Witham. Sp Sgt Jesse also won the Community Contribution Award. Congratulations Simon. Acting Sp Chief Insp Lorne Campbell and Sp Sgt Simon Jesse received their 5 year service awards and recognised for all the hours they contributed during 2022. Special Constables are volunteer Police Officers. They have the same police powers, uniforms and equipment as regular Police Officers but sacrifice their free time on a voluntary basis. To learn more visit https://www.essex.police.uk/police-forces/essex-police/areas/essex-police/ca/careers/special-constabulary/ Witham Town Council currently fund three Community Special Constables. Since November 2020, they have provided us with a monthly report of their activities for the month. These are in PDF format 2026 April 26 PDF March 26 PDF February 26 PDF January 26 PDF 2025 Dec 25 PDF Nov 25 PDF October 25 PDF Sept 25 PDF August 25 PDF July 25 PDF June 25 PDF May 25 PDF April 25 PDF March 25 PDF February 25 PDF January 25 PDF 2024 Dec 24 PDF Nov 24 PDF October 24 PDF Sept 24 PDF August 24 PDF July 24 PDF June 24 PDF May 24 PDF April 24 PDF March 24 PDF February 24 PDF January 24 PDF 2023 Dec 23 PDF Nov 23 PDF October 23 PDF Sept 23 PDF August 23 PDF July 23 PDF June 23 PDF May 23 PDF April 23 PDF March 23 PDF February 23 PDF January 23 PDF 2022 Dec 22 PDF Nov 22 PDF October 22 PDF Sept 22 PDF August 22 PDF July 23 PDF June 22 PDF May 22 PDF April 22 PDF March 22 PDF February 22 PDF January 22 PDF 2021/20 Dec 21 PDF Nov 21 PDF October 21 PDF Sept 21 PDF August 21 PDF July 21 PDF June 21 PDF May 21 PDF April 21 PDF March 21 PDF February 21 PDF January 21 PDF Dec 20 PDF Nov 20 PDF