Witney Town Council

16/10/2026

Witney Town Council Wins Biodiversity and Ecology Award at the Oxford Climate Awards 2026 🌿⭐

The Oxford Climate Awards are organised by the Oxford Mail and Oxford City Council to celebrate individuals, community groups, schools, and businesses taking action against climate change across Oxford and Oxfordshire. They in particular recognise efforts in emission reductions, biodiversity protection, and green initiatives.

The Council’s submission highlighted its work on improving its green spaces and supporting wildlife through new habitats, wildflower meadows, community orchards, and nature-rich verges. The UK’s first Tiny Forest and ongoing improvements to Witney Lake and Country Park have helped connect wildlife habitats, strengthen biodiversity and shown the recovering of water voles and bird species.

The award was accepted on behalf of Witney Town Council at a ceremony in Oxford on Thursday, recognising the ongoing efforts of the Council, its staff, volunteers, and everyone who has contributed to developing and enhancing these valuable green spaces.

16/10/2026

Ever wonder if you know what your teenager needs or whether you're setting the right boundaries? Hosted by The Station, SPARK is a programme of free parenting sessions available for families in Witney, where you can chat and form support networks with other parents.

Topics covered will include:
- What being a parent is really like
- Children's needs
- Feeling and listening
- Parenting styles and boundaries
- Keeping young people safe
- Building strong families

The free sessions at the Corn Exchange start on the 4th November and also includes a brunch, so make sure to book your place before they go!

Link is in the comments 👇🔗

14/10/2026

Golden autumn sunshine, crisp morning air and the beautiful sight of St Mary’s Church bathed in light. Sometimes it’s the simplest moments that make a day special. 🍂✨

12/10/2026

Corn Exchange Events, Road Verge Nature Reserves, and a chance to nominate your Witney Citizen of the Year 2026! 🌟🌱

The Autumn issue of the Witney Town Council newsletter is officially out today and it's packed with practical updates on town council developments and the latest news.

Also inside: find out what each council is responsible for in our easy to read Council Services Diagram!

Alongside our news, there's also inclusions from local organisations and charities to make sure you're filled in on what's happening locally.

Flip through the free newsletter by tapping the link in the comments 👇

Who would you nominate as your Citizen of the Year? 🏅

12/10/2026

🦆🌿 👣 TAKE THE NEAREST EXIT INTO NATURE
Research shows that spending at least two hours a week in nature is associated with better health and wellbeing – that’s just 17 minutes a day. It can be good news for nature, too.
Witney Town Council is working with the Eden Project and partners to encourage people to get their 17 of green by exploring Witney Lake & Country Parkhttps://www.witney-tc.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/2025-Update-Come-Explore-The-Lake-Country-Park.pdf
So, when you need a boost, take the nearest exit.
Get your 17 of green: Greentime17.com

10/10/2026

🌍 World Mental Health Day – 10 October 💚

Feeling overwhelmed by the news or stuck in a doomscrolling spiral? 📱 It’s OK to switch off, set boundaries and take a breather.

✨ Limit your scrolling
✨ Take time away from your phone
✨ Connect with others
✨ Focus on what you can control

Looking after your mental health matters. You don’t have to be plugged in to care. 💚

Find more tips at mentalhealth.org.uk and download their free tip sheets on doomscrolling:

https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/sites/default/files/2025-09/WMHD25_doomscrolling_EN_white.pdf

and overwhelm:
https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/sites/default/files/2025-09/WMHD25_overwhelm_tips_EN_white.pdf

09/10/2026

Witney Town Council has been recognised with a Silver Award in the 2026 Cemetery of the Year Awards, alongside Gold Standard certification for both of the Town’s cemeteries.

The awards, presented by the British Register of Accredited Memorial Masons (BRAMM) at the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management (ICCM) 2026 Conference in Warwickshire, recognise high standards in the care, maintenance and presentation of cemeteries.

Cemeteries are assessed on the facilities available to the bereaved, with Gold, Silver and Bronze certificates awarded according to the standards achieved.

Cemeteries achieving Gold Standard certification qualify for entry for an additional award, but only one cemetery can be entered each year. Windrush Cemetery was entered this time.

Entrants are asked to submit three photographs, with marks awarded for the maintenance and overall appeal of the cemetery. Windrush Cemetery went on to receive the Silver Award.

The award was accepted on behalf of Witney Town Council at the conference, recognising the consistent hard work of officers, the works team and everyone involved in caring for the Town’s cemeteries.

Councillor Ruth Smith, Leader of Witney Town Council, said:

“Both the Silver Award and the Gold Standards achieved by our two cemeteries are a reflection of the diligence and care that Town Council staff show day in, day out. From officers making the arrangements that matter at the hardest time of people’s lives, to the works team tending the beautiful grounds and plots themselves, everything is carried out with care and respect. Regular feedback from the Friends of the Cemeteries group has also contributed to the high standards we see today.”

The recognition reflects Witney Town Council’s ongoing commitment to maintaining its cemeteries to a high standard, while providing welcoming, well-cared-for spaces for the community.

09/10/2026

The next meeting of Witney Town Council's Full Council takes place next Monday 12 October at 7.00pm, and there are a number of important issues affecting our community on the agenda.

Topics include:

✅ West Oxfordshire Local Plan 2043
✅ Witney High Street & Market Square Works
✅ Climate Change Strategy & Action Plan
✅ 20mph Scheme Feedback
✅ Oxfordshire Road Casualty Report 2025
✅ Community Policing Update
✅ OXBus 2040 and Transport Matters
✅ Community Asset Acquisition & Management Policy
✅ Health & Safety Updates

Councillors will also receive reports from committees, discuss local issues raised by residents, and consider updates from Oxfordshire County Council and West Oxfordshire District Council.

👥 Members of the public are welcome to attend and can speak during the Public Participation item.

📄 Read the agenda and reports here: https://democracy.witney-tc.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=1144&MId=1812&Ver=4

📅 Monday 12 October 2026 🕖 7:00pm 📍 Corn Exchange, Witney

You can also view the meeting via Microsoft Teams:
https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_NTNkNWY0NmQtNjVhMi00NTI3LWI3MTgtMzBlM2ZiMmM4NmIy%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%221336d10a-139b-449d-ad61-4710c039c5c1%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%227432d0c7-c375-47fb-8084-66600c907027%22%7d

Local decisions matter. If any of these issues are important to you, we'd be pleased to see you there.

09/10/2026

Some events for National Cadets Week are coming up this weekend from the 2120 Witney Squadron!

Interested in seeing in-person what being a Cadet is like? Head to their open afternoon on Saturday at the Joint Cadet Centre with the Army Cadet Force. Then on Sunday, get any questions answered and listen to stories of how local cadets make a difference at the National Cadet Week Digital Wrap-Up 💻 ⭐

🚀 NATIONAL CADET WEEK 2026 STARTS TODAY! 🚀
Welcome to National Cadet Week 2026!

For the next seven days, we'll be showcasing the incredible opportunities, achievements, people and experiences that make the cadet movement such a special place to belong.

At 2120 (Witney) Squadron RAF Air Cadets, we're proud to be part of an organisation that develops confidence, leadership, resilience, teamwork and lifelong friendships. Whether it's flying, fieldcraft, adventure training, STEM, first aid, music, shooting, community service or leadership, cadets gain experiences that simply can't be found anywhere else.

Over the coming week we'll be shining a spotlight on:

📍 Tuesday - Cadets in the Community
🤝 Wednesday - Celebrating our Volunteers
🚑 Thursday - Cadets Save Lives
🎯 Friday - Skills for Life
🏢 Saturday - Open Afternoon at the Joint Cadet Centre with our friends from the Army Cadet Force
💻 Sunday - National Cadet Week Digital Wrap-Up
We'll be sharing stories, photographs and examples of how cadets and volunteers from Witney are making a difference locally while developing skills that will benefit them for the rest of their lives.

If you've ever wondered what the RAF Air Cadets is all about, this week is the perfect opportunity to follow along and discover why cadets call it .

Royal Air Force Air Cadets Ministry of Defence South West Region Royal Air Force Air Cadets Thames Valley Wing RAF Air Cadets Witney Town Council Charlie Maynard MP for Witney West Oxfordshire District Council

09/10/2026

Witney Remembrance Service 2026

🕯️ Lest We Forget 🕯️

Join us as we gather at the War Memorial to remember and honour all those who served, sacrificed, and gave so much for our freedom.

Witney Town Council warmly invites residents to attend the annual Remembrance Service on:

📅 Sunday 8th November 2026
🕒 10:45 AM
📍 Witney War Memorial, Church Green

Stand with us in solidarity as we remember the fallen and those who continue to serve.

Everyone welcome. Please share this post to spread the word.