A new chair has been appointed to join Cogges Heritage Trust, which oversees Cogges Manor Farm in Witney, Oxfordshire, as the farm opens for a new season starting Saturday 15th February. Suzanne Williams de la Rosa was appointed Chair of Trustees at the end of last year. Suzanne has been a Trustee at Cogges since 2021 and has 30 years of experience in the heritage and museums sector, having worked at museum services in both England and Scotland. She is currently Head of Marketing and Communications for the Gardens, Libraries and Museums at the University of Oxford. 

Paul Evans has stepped down as Chair of Trustees as of November 2024 but remains as Vice-Chair until the end of 2025.  Paul has led the Trust since 2021 and, along with his wife Rosie, has been an active volunteer at Cogges since 2017.  

Cogges Heritage Trust was set up as a charity in July 2011 to run Cogges Manor Farm as a heritage attraction after the Farm was closed in 2009 by Oxfordshire County Council. 

Cogges is now in its 14th year with the site an award-winning attraction comprised of a beautiful Manor house with interpretation, heritage farmstead with animals, walled garden, orchard and meadow, adventure playground and café, across 18 acres. Cogges is also a popular venue for weddings, private parties and corporate hire.

Cogges has strong support from its annual pass holders and the local community. It is supported by a cohort of over 160 dedicated volunteers who contribute hugely to Cogges’ success. In 2024 Cogges won the OCVA ‘Volunteer Organisation of the Year’ Award, which recognises the achievements of volunteers across the County. In 2022 Cogges volunteers won the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service (QAVS) in recognition of their outstanding work. 

Following a successful 2024, Cogges Manor Farm has announced its exciting Events programme for 2025: 

• Macbeth with Truth Told Theatre in the Barn – 28 & 29 March
• Easter holiday family activities
• Spring Fair 10 May, celebrating farming and the countryside
• Summer Fete on Father’s Day 15 June
• Pride & Prejudice 24 June: outdoor summer theatre from Illyria, in recognition of Jane Austen’s 250th birthday 
• Cogges Beer & Cider Festival 9 August: return of the sell-out event in 2024, with over 40 craft brews, live music and more
• Boogie in the Barn 13 September – live music and DJs
• Harvest Fayre 4 October - with artisan food stalls, craft & produce show, and barn dance
• The Witch’s House 25 Oct – 2 Nov & ‘After Dark’ evening Halloween 31 October 
• Seasonal events from 29 November: Christmas Market & Christmas at Cogges with Santa’s Grotto and Light Trail  

Commenting on his role as Chair, Paul Evans says: ‘It’s been an absolute privilege to play a part in supporting Cogges over the last three years. Seeing the completion of the National Lottery Heritage Fund investment and further enhancements that have been made in improving the attractiveness of Cogges to visitors has been hugely rewarding. This wouldn’t have been possible without the hard work and dedication of General Manager, Guy Reed, all the staff, volunteers and my fellow trustees. I am delighted to be handing over the reins to a new chair as we embark on the next phase for Cogges.’

Commenting on her appointment as Chair of the Board of Trustees, Suzanne de la Rosa says: ‘I am delighted to be taking on the role of Chair at such an exciting time for the Trust. I feel incredibly lucky to be part of Cogges, which is such a unique heritage attraction and an incredible asset for Witney. I am keen to work with the Cogges team to develop our site and programme and to introduce more of our local community and visitors to the magic of Cogges.’

Pictured: Suzanne Williams de la Rosa, General Manager Guy Reed and new trustees, Paul Sapwell and Bernice Walker.