We have had lots of wonderful and heartfelt feedback about Cogges and we know many people love it as an important part of the community in Witney and further afield. We know people have lots of questions about what is happening at the moment. Here are the answers to many of them:
When are you planning to open to the public?
We hope that part of the site will open in 2011. Meanwhile there will be some activities for schools and families during 2010.
What is the new Trust involved in Cogges?
At the moment the new Trust does not formally exist. It is being created specifically to take over management of Cogges with the primary aim of making the site viable and retaining public access for the long term. An application to formalize the Trust's charitable status has been made to the Charity Commission.
What are the negotiations about that need to be finalised before the new Trust takes over?
The new Trust will sign a contract to assume operational responsibility for the site. The Trustees of the new Trust and Oxfordshire County Council are working to ensure that the terms of the contract provide Cogges with the best possible chance of success.
What sort of events do you have planned so far for 2010?
We are organising a small programme of events aimed at educational and small family groups. All details will be published on www.cogges.org.uk and must be booked in advance. We hope the programme will include at least one ‘Open Day’ for the local community although only part of the site will be accessible.
What is the plan for 2011?
The new Trust will be able to talk about this later in the year.
What are you planning in the longer term? Is it going to be a museum or is there going to be a completely different use of the site?
Once fully established and registered with the Charity Commission, and when the contract with Oxfordshire County Council has been signed, the new Trust will be able to say more about its exciting plans for the future.
Are you planning to make big changes to the way the site looks?
No.
What are you doing to get the money for the capital development?
Once established, the new Trust will be a registered charity. This means it will be able to apply for funding from a range of grant-making organisations and benefit from Gift Aid on donations. Oxfordshire County Council is providing a capital sum to launch the fundraising campaign and contribute to the matching funds required by funders such as the Heritage Lottery Fund.
Will the new Trust `lease’ Cogges and all its assets or is the Council handing over ownership?
The new Trust will lease Cogges and its assets. Ownership will remain with the Council
Will the Council take back ownership of Cogges Farm if the new Trust is not able to make a success of running Cogges?
Yes.
Can the new Trust sell part or all of Cogges if they wish? Does the public have any say in this?
The new Trust cannot sell part or all of Cogges because the site is owned by Oxfordshire County Council
Would anyone other than the Trustees be responsible for running and maintaining the site?
Oxfordshire County Council will retain some responsibility for maintenance of the property. The operational management of the site will rest with the Trustees.
What can the public do to help with this project?
Once plans are a little more developed there will be plenty the public can do to help this project. At the moment we ask for patience and support.
Will your focus be more on local community, visitors from farther afield, or try and cater to both?
The new Trust is determined to ensure that Cogges continues to be a resource for the local community but, in order to be viable, will cater for both.
How can schools contact you? How will you maintain links with schools whilst the site is closed?
Schools can contact us at future@cogges.org.uk. Schools have been invited to take part in pilot educational activities in 2010. We will continue to inform
.
I want to be kept up to date with all major changes. What should I do?
Register for the Cogges e-newsletter on the home page.
