News
World Red Kite Fighting Championships announced for Charlbury Beer Festival
Following the success of the World Aunt Sally Championships at the Charlbury Beer Festival, organisers have announced a second, equally violent event – the World Red Kite Fighting Championships.
In an event inspired by the bull rings of Spain, Charlbury residents with Dutch courage will be invited to pit their wits, and talons, against the Evenlode valley’s population of red kites. A steak will be thrown into the centre of the 150m diameter Bull Ring, temporarily installed on the site of the cricket pitch. The would-be matador wins the round if they can retrieve the steak and run back to safety before a red kite swoops down to take it, or them.
With the Beer Festival’s customary eye for fund-raising, all retrieved steaks, as well as any felled kites, will be barbecued for sale to thirsty drinkers. The Bull Ring will be sponsored by the Bull, and the red kites by the Fiends of the Evenlode Valley.
Entry will be restricted to drinkers who have already downed five pints of ale. No under-18s will be permitted, although the organisers are considering a junior event pitting primary school children against robins. A mash-up event combining Aunt Sally and Red Kite Fighting has been shelved on legal advice.
Richard Fairhurst ·
Wed 1 Apr, 10:51 · Link
Weekly traders at Charlbury Community Centre
Attached is an updated traders listing for the Commumity Centre, including our new square pizza guy.
Jim Holah ·
Fri 27 Mar, 19:04 · Link
Charlbury Community Centre is now powered by the sun ☀️
New solar panels with battery storage units have been installed at Charlbury Community Centre - funded through a local grant made possible by Sustainable Charlbury. Grants are funded from revenues generated by the Southill Community Energy solar farm.
That means:
⚡ Lower energy bills
🌱 Lower carbon emissions
💚 More support for community activities
The panels will help cut carbon emissions and reduce energy bills for the building, meaning more resources can go back into the community centre for activities we all value.
The new installation will cover more than 60% of the Community Centre’s energy use over 12 months and up to 75% in summer. Estimated savings are a 70 percent reduction to the annual electricity bill!
A handy digital display shows the new system’s energy performance available for everyone to see, located near reception in the café and library area.
Read the full story here.sustainablecharlbury.org/news-and-views/new-solar-panels-at-charlbury-community-centre/
Kate Beaumont ·
Fri 27 Mar, 16:35 · Link
Tree works at Ticknell Piece playground
You may have noticed that a cherry tree next to the playground at Ticknell Piece has recently been felled.
This followed advice from Oxfordshire County Council’s Tree Service, who assessed the tree and found it to be in poor structural condition, with a split between its stems. Given how close it was to the playground, the recommendation was that it should be removed promptly for safety reasons.
As the site is within a conservation area, the Town Council submitted the required 5-day notice to West Oxfordshire District Council before the work was carried out.
Where possible, the timber has been left on site to provide habitat for wildlife.
At its meeting this week, the Town Council also discussed planting a replacement tree in due course.
Lisa Wilkinson ·
Fri 27 Mar, 13:59 · Link
Tree works at Ticknell Piece playground
You may have noticed that a cherry tree next to the playground at Ticknell Piece has recently been felled.
This followed advice from Oxfordshire County Council’s Tree Service, who assessed the tree and found it to be in poor structural condition, with a split between its stems. Given how close it was to the playground, the recommendation was that it should be removed promptly for safety reasons.
As the site is within a conservation area, the Town Council submitted the required 5-day notice to West Oxfordshire District Council before the work was carried out.
Where possible, the timber has been left on site to provide habitat for wildlife.
At its meeting this week, the Town Council also discussed planting a replacement tree in due course.
Lisa Wilkinson ·
Fri 27 Mar, 11:39 · Link
Latest planning applications to West Oxfordshire District Council
The following planning applications have recently been lodged. Click on the address to see full details at the WODC website.
- Zelyan Sheep Street Charlbury
Proposed extension and conversion to outbuildings and alterations including roof lights (amended plans) (non material amendment to 23/01943/HHD to allow amendments to fenestration on garden elevation, new timber cladding on elevation facing neighbour's side and retention of existing wall on boundary)
WODC reference: 26/00588/NMA - Tue 10 Mar 2026 - Under consideration
- 3 Lees Heights Charlbury
Certificate of Lawfulness (to allow erection of garden room outbuilding in rear garden to replace existing outbuilding)
WODC reference: 26/00558/CLP - Thu 05 Mar 2026 - Under consideration
- 13 Sturt Road Charlbury
Beech (T1) located at the front of the property. Prune back to previous pruning points. Ginko (T2) located at the back of the property. Prune back to previous pruning points. Yew (T3) located at the back of the property. Prune back to previous pruning points.
WODC reference: 26/00546/TCA - Thu 05 Mar 2026 - Under consideration
- 14 Hill Close Charlbury
Erection of a detached outbuilding ancillary to the dwelling for use as artist studio, to replace existing shed
WODC reference: 26/00530/HHD - Tue 17 Mar 2026 - Under consideration
- Queen Anne House Church Lane Charlbury
Alterations to include the erection of a single storey first floor extension
WODC reference: 26/00529/LBC - Mon 16 Mar 2026 - Under consideration
- Queen Anne House Church Lane Charlbury
Erection of a first floor extension and associated works
WODC reference: 26/00528/HHD - Mon 16 Mar 2026 - Under consideration
Mon 23 Mar, 06:15 · Link
One Spare Ticket
Fancy a day out in Birmingham? A coach will leave the Spendlove Centre at 9am on Friday 17 April. We will arrive Birmingham with plenty of time to visit its glorious library and Art Gallery before lunch. At 2.15pm we sit down to a concert by the Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. We aim to be back in Charlbury by 6pm (ish) depending on traffic. Cost £50 (a bargain) to include coach travel and concert ticket. First come, first served.
Patrick Gallagher ·
Sun 22 Mar, 18:21 · Link
Charlbury Children Read for 34,048 Minutes for World Book Day
📚✨ World Book Day Readathon – Community Update & Thank You! ✨📚
We're delighted to share the fantastic results from Charlbury Primary's World Book Day Readathon!
Our pupils collectively read a staggering 34,048 minutes — that’s 567 hours of reading!
They read with dedication and enthusiasm in the lead up to, and all day long on World Book Day. On WBD itself, we were lucky to welcome special guests from the wider Charlbury Community including Jason from the Community Centre and Bryanna from Youth Club who generously gave their time and shared favourite books. Our students loved hearing from them.
Thanks to this amazing effort, together with the generous support of families and you, our community, the Readathon has raised over £1,600. This will go directly towards resources and opportunities that help our children’s learning. 🌱✨
A huge thank you to everyone who encouraged, sponsored, and celebrated reading with us. Your support truly makes a difference! 💙📖
Jennifer Kidd ·
Sat 21 Mar, 16:30 · Link
Charlbury Bowler selected to captain England
A lovely article in Bowls International about 14 year old Dyllan England who has been named captain for the upcoming Short Mat Bowls match against Wales.
https://bowlsinternational.com/charlbury-bowler-selected-to-captain-england-under-21s/
Jackie Hague ·
Thu 19 Mar, 20:54 · Link
Walkers are Welcome – Forest of Wychwood Walk (Wednesday 8th April)
All are welcome to join our next Walkers are Welcome guided walk — a scenic circular route through the Evenlode Valley and Wychwood Forest.
Date: Wednesday 8th April
Time: 10am (meeting at Charlbury Station to meet visitors arriving on the 10:09 train)
Distance: 9 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
The walk takes in parts of the historic Wychwood Forest, Cornbury Estate, and the villages of Chilson and Finstock, with lovely countryside views along the way. We’ll also visit Shorthampton Church, known for its historic wall paintings.
Lunch stop: The Plough Inn, Finstock
If you would like to eat at the pub, please email
peter.kenrick@charlbury-tc.gov.uk
with your meal choice by Wednesday 1st April
Menus:
theplough-inn.co.uk/lunchtime
theplough-inn.co.uk/main-menu
Additional information:
Please wear suitable walking footwear (some sections may be muddy)
Dogs must be kept on a lead at all times
No need to book for the walk — just turn up.
Lisa Wilkinson ·
Thu 19 Mar, 15:54 · Link
