Witham Commemorates the 80th Anniversary of the D-Day Landings < Back D-Day 80th Anniversary 6 Jun 2024 Witham Commemorates the 80th Anniversary of the D-Day Landings On Thursday 6th June 2024, Witham Town Council held a parade, service and beacon lighting to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings. The Parade, which was led by the Caledonian Pipe Band, consisted of a variety of dignitaries, uniformed organisations and members of the public. It set off from The Avenue and finished at The River Walk, by Chipping Hill Bridge. There was a short service which included readings of testimonies of those who took part in the landings, which was led by The Mayor of Witham, Reverend Michael Child, Reverend Jonathan Pritchard, members of the Royal British Legion, 295 (Witham & Rivenhall) Sqn RAFAC and the Witham BB. The ceremonial beacon was lit at 9:15pm by the Deputy Lieutenant, Lt. Col. (Rtd) Jackie Allan QVRM TD. The Parade and Service was also attended by 101-year-old veteran, Arthur ‘Nobby’ Clark, who served during the D-Day landings and was part of a four-man crew of landing craft operators. The crowd of over 1,000 people spontaneously applauded Nobby. The Town Council would like to thank Arthur and his family for attending. The Town Council would also like to thank everyone who took part with a special thanks to the fifty 295 (Witham & Rivenhall) Sqn RAFAC cadets who marched as on the 5th June 1944, the night before the D-Day invasions, twenty-one aircraft from 295 Squadron stationed at Rivenhall Airfield, with aircraft from 570 Squadron dropped the first troops to lead the invasion force into Normandy. Previous Next

Policies and Documents Policies Local Councils are required by law to publish their policies online. Within this policy section, you can find out information on a broad range of matters including handling financial matters, tendering procedures, internal governance and appointment matters and statutory functions. Policies are regularly reviewed and amended by the Council's various committees. For further details concerning committee remits on policy, see the Council's Scheme of Delegation. If you can't find what you're looking for, it may be elsewhere on our website. If you would like further advice concerning Town Council policy or require policies in alternative formats including braille, please contact any member of staff who will be happy to assist you with your enquiries. Corporate Governance - The following policies are PDF documents that open in a new window Anonymous Communications Policy PDF Body Worn Cameras PolicyPDF CCTV Policy PDF Code of Conduct PDF Co-option Policy PDF Data & Document Retention Policy PDF Dignity at Work Policy PDF Environmental Policy PDF Equality Policy PDF External Suppliers Policy PDF Fire Safety Policy PDF Freedom of Information Policy PDF Health and Safety Policy PDF IT and Email Policy PDF Meeting Attendance Policy PDF Memorial Testing Policy PDF Menopause Policy PDF Officer, Member Relations Policy PDF Pay Policy Statement PDF Petitions Policy PDF Press & Media Policy PDF Privacy Notice PDF Public Complaints Policy PDF Publication Scheme PDF Registration of Gifts Policy PDF Risk Management Policy PDF Safeguarding Policy PDF Scheme of Delegation PDF Sexual Harassment Policy PDF Social Media Policy PDF Staff Code of Conduct PDF Standing Orders PDF Strategic Plan PDF Training Policy PDF UK GDPR Policy PDF VDU Policy PDF Whistle Blowing Policy PDF Equal/fire/foi Anon comm/body worn/CCTV Conduct/co option/train rec data ret/dignity/env H&S/mtg att/meno Press/privacy/pub complaints pub scheme/reg of gifts/safeguarding delegation/harassment/social media staff conduct/standing/training relations/pay policy/petitions strat plan/vdu/whistle freedom/grant/hire Allotment/biodivers/comm items Services & Community - The following policies are PDF documents that open in a new window Allotment Policy PDF Biodiversity Policy PDF Commemorative Items Policy PDF Community Statement PDF Councillor Grant Scheme PDF Crime and Disorder Policy PDF Freedom of Witham Policy PDF Grant Awards Policy PDF Hire of Open Spaces Policy PDF Keeping Chickens on Allotments Policy PDF Members Allowance Policy PDF Public Artefact Donation Scheme PDF River Walk Management Plan PDF Scattering of Ashes Policy PDF Snow Clearance Policy PDF Town Plan PDF Vexatious Complaints Policy PDF comm stmt/cllr grant/crime mem all/PADS/RW mgt ashes/snow/town plan vex complaints Finance - The following polices are PDF documents that open in a new window Employer's Discretions Policy PDF Extended Procurement Policy PDF Financial Regulations PDF Fixed Asset & Asset Valuation Policy PDF Reserves Policy PDF Treasury & Investment Policy PDF FInance Other Documents The following documents are PDF documents that open in a new window. Employer's Discretions Policy Council Training Record PDF Extended Procurement Policy GDPR Data Map PDF Financial Regulations Witham Corporate Strategy PDF

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 Witham Dog Show Saturday, 2 May 2026 Our popular Witham Dog Show returns in 2026. Held on the River Walk near Chipping Hill Bridge, this day promised to be a great day out. As well as our fun dog categories in the arena, we will have dog-related trade stalls, flyball and food and drink stands. Join us on Saturday 2nd May. Proceeds from competition entry fees will be donated to local dog charities. Details will be posted here once available. 2026 - Photos by David Islip 2025 Photos by David Islip 2024 Dog Show 2022 Inaugural Dog Show 2021 Previous Next

Ford RideLondon 2024 to come through Witham < Back Ford RideLondon 2024 2 Apr 2024 Ford RideLondon 2024 to come through Witham Ride London 2024 travels through Witham on Saturday May 25th as part of the Elite women's 3 day road race. There will be various points in Witham you will be able to watch the riders compete, further information can be found at www.ridelondon.co.uk/community-info Please see the below map for details of the road closures that will be enforced during the event. Previous Next

Wooden carved sculptures installed on the River Walk < Back River Walk Wooden Sculptures 13 May 2026 Wooden carved sculptures installed on the River Walk Witham Town Council is delighted to invite residents and visitors to explore a new collection of wooden sculptures installed along the town’s popular River Walk. The sculptures form part of public art project funded through developer contributions collected by Braintree District Council. These Section 106 contributions were specifically allocated to be spent on public art in the community. The sculpture trail features six totem-style carved posts located near key entrances to the River Walk, together with ten additional wooden sculptures positioned throughout the route. As visitors make their way along the route, they will discover a range of wildlife designs inspired by animals and birds round along the River Walk, including an otter, fox, rabbits and kingfisher. The sculptures have been created by Simon O’Rourke, the artist commissioned for the project, by using chainsaw techniques to carve the nature designs into wood. The sculptures have been designed to encourage people to enjoy the outdoors while discovering unique pieces of public art in natural surroundings. A dedicated sculpture trail map will be available from Witham Town Hall in the coming weeks to help visitors locate each carving and explore the full trail experience. Town Mayor, Councillor Paul Heath, said ‘We are pleased to complete this public art project utilising Section 106 funds to provide an interesting addition to our much loved River Walk. We hope that the sculptures will provide focal points for visitors of all ages and encourage more people to enjoy this important open space” Further information about Witham’s River Walk and the new sculptures can be obtained by contacting Witham Town Council on 01376 520627, or by visiting the Information Centre at the Town Hall. Previous Next

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

Community Committee The Community Committee’s remit covers monitoring those services which impact on the community as a whole, such as public transport, bus shelters and public seats, public health issues, arts and tourism and making community grants. Members of the Press and Public are welcome to attend Community Committee Meetings. Local residents are invited to address the meeting on any item on the agenda, speaking for a maximum of 3 minutes. The Community Committee will meet at 7.30 pm in the council chambers in the Town Hall. Members of the Community Committee: Cllr E Adelaja Cllr L Barlow Cllr JC Coleman (Chair) Cllr B Fleet Cllr L Headley Cllr P Heath (Vice Chair) Cllr R Playle Cllr J Robertson Cllr A Sloma Cllr E Williams Agenda for Meeting 24th August 2026 PDF Minutes for Meeting 24th August 2026 will be available here Agenda for Meeting 1st June 2026 PDF Minutes for Meeting 1st June 2026 PDF

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

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

< Back Witham Fire Brigade photos Three photos of Witham Fire Brigade in a frame These three photos show Witham Fire Brigade between 1900 and 1930. In these photos, you can see the progression of the appliances from horse drawn to steam engine to motorised engine. The last photo clearly shows the date of 1930. Over the years, the home of Witham Fire Brigade changed several times. Originally in Newland Street, it later moved to the bottom of Guithavon Street, then behind the Swan pub before finally settling in it's current home in Hatfield Road. More information can be found on each of these photos can be found on Janet Gyford's website and on the Witham Town Trail website for the Fire Station: www.janetgyford.com Fire brigade with horse drawn fire engine Witham fire brigade with its horse-drawn fire engine, c.1900. From left to right, back row: George Ottley (driver, ran cabs from near station), William Kentfield (wife was nurse), ???, ???, Charles… www.janetgyford.com Fire Brigade and new steam fire engine Fire brigade and new steam fire engine. It was purchased to celebrate the coronation of George V. This was particularly as a result of the performance of the visiting steam fire engine from Maldon … www.janetgyford.com Fire Brigade and new motor fire engine Fire brigade and new motorised fire engine, with date 1930 on it. Probably at first demonstration when new The men are, at the front left to right, George Shelley the elder (blacksmith, chief of fi… www.withamtowntrail.com Old Fire Station | withamtowntrail

< 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…