Witney Talking News
Witney Talking News

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40th Anniversary Celebrations

10 April 2019

40th Anniversary Celebrations

On Friday 29th March 2019 Witney Talking News celebrated its 40th Anniversary with a party at The Pavilion, the home of Witney Town Bowls Club.

Simon Oliver from BBC Radio Oxford attended and recorded a short piece which was broadcast on the 4th April 2019 between 8-9pm as part of the “West Oxfordshire Takeover” show. With their permission, you can hear the piece above too.

Unfortunately due to a series of “Brexit” debates in the House of Commons the guest of honour, Robert Courts MP, was unable to attend at the last minute, but he was able to send a message which was read out by WTN Chairman, Peter Brading.

Around 90 past and preset volunteers, listeners, partners and carers attended and entertainment was provided by the Witney Ukes Of Hazard. In the middle of the evening the cake was cut and volunteer Alan Bailey gave a short monologue.

Photos of the event were kindly taken by volunteer Graham Diacon.

And the award for the longest travelled attendee goes to… Jane Holmes, former editor, who journeyed from her home in Devon to join the celebrations.
And the award for the longest travelled attendee goes to… Jane Holmes, former editor, who journeyed from her home in Devon to join the celebrations.
Plain white fondant covered cake depicting the WTN logo at the centre surrounded by the text “Witney Talking News 40 Years”. Yes, it tasted just as good as it looked!

Plain white fondant covered cake depicting the WTN logo at the centre surrounded by the text “Witney Talking News 40 Years”.

Yes, it tasted just as good as it looked!

The WTN 40th Anniversary Publicity Display had previously been shown in Witney Library.
The WTN 40th Anniversary Publicity Display had previously been shown in Witney Library.
Long shot of the bounteous buffet table.
Long shot of the bounteous buffet table.
What a spread!
What a spread!
Close up shot of the bounteous buffet table.
Close up shot of the bounteous buffet table.
Listeners and volunteers queue for the buffet. Let the feasting begin!
Listeners and volunteers queue for the buffet. Let the feasting begin!
Staff from Richmond Witney Retirement Complex at their stand with WTN Chairman, Peter Brading.
Staff from Richmond Witney Retirement Complex at their stand with WTN Chairman, Peter Brading.
Chairman Peter Bee cuts the cake under the watchful eye of Secretary, Peter Bee, as Radio Oxford presenter, Simon Oliver records his speech.
Chairman Peter Bee cuts the cake under the watchful eye of Secretary, Peter Bee, as Radio Oxford presenter, Simon Oliver records his speech.
Reader Alan Bailey in costume as a school master for his monologue, “Many Happy Returns”
Reader Alan Bailey in costume as a school master for his monologue, “Many Happy Returns”
Ukulele band, Witney Ukes Of Hazard, begin their performance.
Ukulele band, Witney Ukes Of Hazard, begin their performance.

Witney Talking News carried out a number of interviews on the night in addition to making a recording of Alan Bailey’s monologue. It is hoped that these will feature in the upcoming 40th Anniversary magazine, so stay tuned…

Witney Talking News would like to thank all those who helped with the event, including those organisations who kindly sponsored the occasion: