The Friends of St Mary’s Church – the support group for the 12th century parish church in Long Wittenham – has a new chairman and secretary. Dominic Jarman replaces Jeremy Croxson who has been the chairman for 11 years and a member of the group since its inception in 1994. Martin Elliff takes over as secretary from Ruth McCreight who leaves the position also after 11 years.
At the Friends annual general meeting in June both Mr Croxson and Mrs McCreight were praised for their hard work and contributions in helping to establish the group which plays a vital role in supporting the church in the community.
Mr Croxson said the original aim of the Friends was to help the church by providing the Continue reading
Residents will be pleased to hear that the Village Map which hangs outside the Village Hall has been updated. The 1.18 mtr x .84 mtr laminated map details street and property names to aid visitors and delivery companies and has an index with grid references.
LEADER is a scheme that delivers European funding for rural development using a community-led approach. The LEADER scheme is part of the Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE). It is managed nationally by the Rural Payments Agency (RPA) on behalf of Defra.
The Environment Agency are asking for feedback on features of the Oxford Flood Alleviation Scheme design including bridges, footpath furniture i.e. benches, and information boards, as well as asking for information to help with construction plans and getting general feedback on the scheme.
Long Wittenham Parish Council has laid out its opposition to plans for 36 homes on land off Fieldside known locally as Challis farm. Kler – the company behind the plans – has appealed against South Oxfordshire District Council’s delay in making a decision and there will be a public inquiry later this year.
The consultation period for the proposed delivery plan for Didcot Garden Town will run from 19th June 2017 to 31st July 2017. The Delivery Plan document and a link to the consultation can be accessed here: 
Biffa, the company that collects waste and recycling in Long Wittenham has launched a new bin washing service. Residents can pay a monthly fee to have their bins – refuse, recycling, green and food – washed on a regular basis.
This is the 18th Year of the Wittfest three day Music Festival at The Plough. The event, as usual, will be free. There will be lots of great local bands playing a varied selection of musical genres. This year instead of raising money for local charities the event is fundraising for much needed new play equipment for the children’s playground at Bodkins. There are some amazing raffle prizes, including four tickets to see Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers in London in July. As usual, the daytime will be a family oriented with Peppa Pig and Spiderman, face painting, bouncy castle and lots more. Raffle tickets will be on sale on the day and programmes will be available at the pub from Monday 19th June. Programmes and Raffle tickets are £1 each.
Thursday 7th September 2017 is the likely date when villagers in Long Wittenham will vote in a referendum on the parish council’s Neighbourhood Plan (NP).
The Parish Council will hold its monthly meeting this coming Thursday evening (15th June) at 7:30pm in the Village Hall.