News

Have Your Say on an extension to Charlbury Skatepark!

Charlbury Town Council is consulting on extending Charlbury skate park.

This would:

Make the skatepark more suitable for younger children and beginners, by adding smaller and easier features (including a ramp and quarter pipe that are half the height of those we have in the park at present).

Make the skatepark more interesting and enjoyable by adding new features

Make the skatepark safer and more accessible for everyone by lowering and thinning hedges and cutting a second entrance

Attract more people to the skatepark, encourage more people into skateboarding (especially girls) and discourage anti-social behaviour

Please note funding still needs to be sought.

Please send in your responses by 15th November 2023.

Find the survey here: https://forms.gle/zTTXqhVzn8MdnP799

Lisa Wilkinson · Fri 29 Sep 2023, 12:31 · Link

News from Charlbury Museum & Heritage Centre: Last weekend of season!

A last chance to see the displays and this season's special exhibit 'Hidden Treasures - Hidden Histories in the museum before we close for this year.

Rather like a 17th century 'cabinet of curiosities' the current exhibit features a diverse mix of objects from Saxon, Roman, medieval times and from across the centuries. Inspired by the finds of local detectorists, either given or loaned for this display, plus pieces from the museum's collection such as the Bronze Age torque bracelet, and an Anglo-Saxon spearhead found in 1981 . 

See the miniscule coins from the reigns of Henry III and Elizabeth I dug up in fields close to Charlbury; a second Elizabeth  I silver penny was found hidden in the mud of the owner's  wellington boot following a walk near Cornbury!

View the very latest 21st century object donated to the museum's collection from a high speed train celebrating the life of Sir Peter Parker, gifted by the Cotswold Line Promotion Group.

Lots to intrigue and discover in our unique museum. We look forward to welcoming you.

Open Saturday 30th September 10.30 -12.30 and Sunday 1st October 2.30 -4.30.                

Sue Rangeley · Thu 28 Sep 2023, 20:03 · Link

Do you have a property you could rent to a Ukrainian family?

Oxfordshire has a new scheme to encourage people with empty properties to consider letting them to Ukrainian refugees. We have around 2,000 Ukrainians in the county, of which half have now found permanent accommodation, but we still need more!

People with suitable properties will receive one month's rent in advance, a security deposit and a £1,000 Thank You payment. If you would like to offer a property or would like more information,  please contact oxfordshirehousingcapacity@southandvale.gov.uk. 

Liz Leffman · Thu 28 Sep 2023, 09:28 · Link

MILL FIELD MEADOW SOWING - COME AND HELP!

Come and help the Town Council with the the first stage of restoring the species-rich meadow on the Mill Field.

On Saturday 7 October, 2pm-3.30pm, we will be sowing yellow rattle seed on an area at the far end of the Mill Field. Yellow rattle is an annual wildflower which weakens vigorous grasses, reducing competition for a wide range of meadow plants. By sowing yellow rattle this Autumn, we aim to prepare the ground for species-rich meadow seed to be sown next Summer. This is all part of our Mill Field Meadow Restoration Project 2023-25 - and we'd love your help!

Please come along on Saturday 7 October at 2pm; if possible, bring a paper bag to hold your portion of the seed and wear sturdy footwear as we'll be trampling down the soil afterwards.

RSVP to Lisa to help us plan for numbers

Thank you

--

Lisa Wilkinson · Tue 26 Sep 2023, 16:22 · Link

Reply from GWR about the state of the station

Following several complaints to GWR from the Town Council and residents, about the state of the station I have received the following email:

Thank you for your emails and apologies for the delay in coming back to you.

We are currently recruiting for a new member of staff at Charlbury, we have been operating the station without a member of staff in recent months due to long-term sickness, and due to potential vandalism the station building cannot be opened when the station is unstaffed. Our North Cotswold station manager will open up the station facilities (inc toilet and waiting room) when he is based at the station, this will be on ad-hoc basis until we have a permanent member of staff in place.

On the building itself, both the external painting and timber works are due to start by the end of October (and hopefully sooner!). The damage caused by the burst pipe last winter was extensive, but we do now have the plans in place to bring it back up to the standard we expect. We do appreciate the frustration and concern this has caused; we should now be on the home straight of getting things back to what both we and the local community want to see.

Apologies again for the slow reply – if you have any further questions please do shout.

Best wishes

Tom

Thomas Lydon | Public Affairs Manager | Great Western Railway

Lisa Wilkinson · Tue 26 Sep 2023, 16:04 · Link

West Oxfordshire Local Plan 2041 – Your Place Your Plan

The Local Plan is being updated by the District Council. The Town Council is working on a response and would like your views to shape it. Please see letter which explains this at the link below:

WODC Local Plan: Your Place Your Plan

Lisa Wilkinson · Tue 26 Sep 2023, 14:18 · Link

Bands line up and timings for Oktoberfest

The band line up has been confirmed for this Saturdays Oktoberfest. German beer., bratwurst and guaranteed fun!!

1pm Gates open

2pm Mingus Tree

3.30pm Jubilee Brass Band

5pm The Inflatables

7pm Jubilee Brass Band 

9pm The Village Idiots

Tickets available online and on the door. Remember under 16s go free!! 
www.charlburyoktoberfest.live

Paul D Jenkins · Tue 26 Sep 2023, 12:28 · Link

Bands line up and timings for Oktoberfest

The band line up has been confirmed for this Saturdays Oktoberfest. German beer., bratwurst and guaranteed fun!!

1pm Gates open

2pm Mingus Tree

3.30pm Jubilee Brass Band

5pm The Inflatables

7pm Jubilee Brass Band 

9pm The Village Idiots

Tickets available online and on the door. Remember under 16s go free!! 
www.charlburyoktoberfest.live

Paul D Jenkins · Tue 26 Sep 2023, 08:41 · 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.

• Land North Of Woodstock Road Charlbury Oxfordshire
  Erection of a residential development comprising of 28 dwellings (inc. 50% affordable housing), the provision of public open space and landscaping, demolition of existing garages and provision of new garaging, a vehicular access via Woodstock Road and pedestrian access to Hughes Close together with associated works.
  WODC reference: 23/02399/FUL - Mon 18 Sep 2023 - Under consideration

Mon 25 Sep 2023, 06:15 · Link

Planning application for Land north of Woodstock Road, Charlbury

This planning application has just been received and will be discussed at the planning meeting on Monday 25th September, 8pm in the Memorial Hall:

Erection of a residential development comprising of 28 dwellings (inc. 50% affordable housing), the provision of public open space and landscaping, demolition of existing garages and provision of new garaging, a vehicular access via Woodstock Road and pedestrian access to Hughes Close together with associated works.

Lisa Wilkinson · Wed 20 Sep 2023, 15:54 · Link

COVID and flu vaccine clinics at the Charlbury Medical Centre

The Charlbury Medical Centre will be having COVID and flu injection clinics on Tuesday, 3 October, Thursday, 12 October and Tuesday, 17 October 2023 at the Charlbury Football and Sports Club.

All eligible patients will be sent a text message on their phones, which will have a link to enable them to book a timed appointment. Please do use the link to make your booking, so that you do not need to call the Surgery.

Patients without a mobile phone will be sent a letter and will be able to make a timed appointment by ringing the Surgery.

Patients who have booked an appointment will need to obtain a copy of the COVID vaccine consent form to take with them. This is available for downloading on the Home page of the CMC website (www.thecharlburymedicalcentre.nhs.uk/) or can be obtained in hard copy from Reception at the Surgery.

As a result of a Government decision the following will be eligible for the vaccine nationally:

• Residents in care homes for older adults

• All adults aged 65 years and over

• People aged 6 months to 64 years in a clinical risk group

• Frontline health and social care workers.

• People aged 12 to 64 years who are household contacts of people with immunosuppression

• People aged 16 to 64 years who are carers and staff working in care homes for older adults

Meryl Smith · Wed 20 Sep 2023, 14:50 · Link

Talk to Town Councillors

NEW: Town Council Surgery on Saturday 23rd September 9.30-10.30 at Charlbury market

If you want to ask councillors questions about the work the town council is doing or if you have any issues that the town council may be able to resolve then come and have a chat.

The first one will be held at Charlbury market (or inside the community centre if the weather is bad).

Lisa Wilkinson · Wed 20 Sep 2023, 13:33 · Link

Come and meet St. Mary's future Vicar

Fergus Butler-Gallie will celebrate the Harvest Service this Sunday (24th) at 945am. He will also take the 8am service if you are an early bird.

We will be collecting money and items for CRAG (clothes, shoes, sleeping bags) and The Cornerstone (pasta, rice, tinned food). More information about what is needed and how to donate can be found on St. Mary's church website.

daniela jenkins · Tue 19 Sep 2023, 10:06 · 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.

• 13 Hill Close Charlbury
  Discharge of conditions 4 (arboricultural method statement) and 5 (details of the proposed foundations) of Planning Permission 22/03025/HHD
  WODC reference: 23/02430/CND - Tue 12 Sep 2023 - Under consideration
• Bell Hotel Church Street Charlbury
  Erection of lettering wall signage, internally illuminated sign pole with bell attached, flag pole and commemorative stone
  WODC reference: 23/02411/ADV - Fri 08 Sep 2023 - Under consideration

Mon 18 Sep 2023, 06:15 · Link

Charlbury Street Fair

Just to say a big THANK YOU to all who came along to our 2023 Street Fair which seemed buzzing with people all afternoon. Also to our Sponsors, Entertainers and Volunteers who are vital to its continuing success, and of course to the Lord Lieutenant of Oxfordshire, Mrs Marjorie Neasham Glasgow BEM who opened the Fair for us.
It was an enjoyable day for us and a memorable day for me as I will be passing the Chair’s mantle on.

Prof. John Dora,

Former Chair, 

Charlbury Street Fair Committee

John Dora · Sun 17 Sep 2023, 16:12 · Link

News from Charlbury Museum & Heritage Centre for Street Fair Weekend

Come and see the latest donation from the Cotswold Line Promotion Group. An important piece of railway history is now in Charlbury Museum: the Sir Peter Parker nameplate from a high speed train. On show for Street Fair.

Take a look at Charlbury artist Jodie O'Reilly's lino print of the egg throwing at Street Fair. purchased by the museum in 2022.

See the current exhibition Hidden Treasures - Hidden Histories, discover what local metal detectors have found in and around Charlbury.

A museum filled with curiosities and unique items from Charlbury's past.

We look forward to welcoming you

Open all day on Street Fair from 10.30am - 5pm & Sunday 17 2.30 - 4.30

Sue Rangeley · Fri 15 Sep 2023, 19:21 · Link

CHARLBURY TENNIS COURTS RESURFACED

Some of you may have noticed the recent activity on Nine Acres playing field as the front two tennis courts have had a major modernization. The asphalt playing surface has been covered by a modern astroturf surface called “ Savannah”. This a top quality surface which brings our main courts in line with others in the Banbury League in which the club teams play. The modernization has been made possible by a very generous anonymous donation as well from tennis club funds and a sinking fund established by the Town Council for this purpose. The courts are now open for play.

The new surface is much easier on the knees and ankles so we hope those who were put off by the hard asphalt will now join us on court!

From now on the front courts will be locked front and back. When you have booked on line with the Community Centre, pick up the code at the front desk when you arrive and don’t forget to relock the courts when you leave.

Charlbury Tennis Club

Nick Johnson · Fri 15 Sep 2023, 16:29 · Link

Friday Night Egg Throwing starts at 6.15pm

The Egg Throwing on Friday night will start at 6.15pm which is a little earlier than advertised as we need to finish before it gets too dark.

Registration will start at 6pm outside the Rose and Crown.
Entries will be limited to 80 pairs (again to finish before it gets too dark).
Each person can only enter once in order to allow as many people as possible to take part.

Look forward to seeing you there.

Teresa Duester · Thu 14 Sep 2023, 14:04 · Link

Charlbury Street Fair Stalls Assembly Volunteers

Just to remind people, that the Street Fair is running this coming Saturday 16th, and as always, we are in need of volunteers to put up the stalls in the morning and, just as important, take them down shortly after the raffle draw.

So, if you fancy a little bit of a workout, then please turn up in Church Street at 8am on Saturday, ready to get a little physical. There will be training, sticky gloves and refreshments (including the all important bacon sandwiches) being provided by Lisa Hadfield-Law.

Just as important, is volunteers to pack the stalls away at the end of the day, which will be after the main raffle draw at 5 pm.

Steve Jones · Tue 12 Sep 2023, 13:25 · 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.

• 22 Elm Crescent Charlbury
  Erection of single storey rear extension and garage conversion to create additional living space.
  WODC reference: 23/02274/HHD - Fri 08 Sep 2023 - Under consideration
• Former Wayhill Spelsbury Road Charlbury
  Discharge of Condition 9 (the provision of integrated nesting opportunities) from permission 22/03536/FUL
  WODC reference: 23/02247/CND - Tue 05 Sep 2023 - Under consideration

Mon 11 Sep 2023, 06:15 · Link

The Rugby World Cup at The Bull

We’re showing this weekend’s games in the garden bar.

Friday 8 September 20:15 France vs New Zealand

Saturday 9 September

12:00 Italy vs Namibia14:30 Ireland vs Romania
17:00 Australia vs Georgia
20:00 England vs Argentina

Sunday 10 September
12:00 Japan vs Chile

Kamil Swiderek · Fri 8 Sep 2023, 13:46 · Link

Charlbury Street Fair Bottle Tombola and Raffle Tickets

Charlbury Street Fair will be selling raffle tickets at the Farmers Market on Saturday 9th. Cornerstone are also selling raffle tickets on our behalf. First prize is £400 with a second prize of £100 and numerous others, such as bottles of wine, whisky.

Secondly, Charlbury Street Fair will be holding a bottle tombola during the fair, and we are looking for donations of bottles of wine. Last year it was very popular and raised a considerable sum.

Your support in buying raffle tickets, donations and volunteering is critical to the success of the event and all proceeds go towards the maintenance and renovations of the Corner House and War Memorial Hall.

Steve Jones · Thu 7 Sep 2023, 10:32 · Link

St MARY'S CHURCH 5th CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL 8-28 DECEMBER

We are excited about holding the 5th Christmas Tree Festival this year, and hope that many organisations, groups and families from Charlbury will participate by sponsoring a tree.

We will be having 2 competitions, one for children’s trees, which will all be placed inside the church, and the other for the adult’s trees which will be outside on the churchyard path.

On Friday 8th December we will be ‘Lighting up the Trees’ with free food and drink for all, from 5.00pm – 6.00pm. We will also be hosting a Christmas Quiz on Saturday 9th December from 7.00pm.

Ways of helping include

• Sponsoring a tree to be decorated by your organisation, school, charity or family. Booking forms will be available from Hilli Waller or by downloading below.

• Providing help in setting up or catering support for the Festival

• Sponsoring the publicity, the ‘lighting up’ celebration, the quiz or the set up of the festival

More details of all the events will follow but, if you or your organisation want to be part of the festival this year, would like to support us, or have any queries, please get in touch with Hilli Waller or the Parish Office.

The money raised will be donated to the St Mary’s appeal.

Hilli Waller  charlburyctf@gmail.com

St Mary’s Church Office  parishoffice@charlburychurch.uk

Maureen Sparling · Thu 7 Sep 2023, 10:15 · 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.

• 8 Elm Crescent Charlbury
  Erection of single storey front and rear extensions.
  WODC reference: 23/02148/HHD - Mon 21 Aug 2023 - Under consideration

Mon 4 Sep 2023, 06:15 · Link

Do you have any spare warm clothing, blankets, tents etc to help refugees?

CRAG is collecting again. You can see a full list of needed items and where to drop them off here. 

The generosity of donors in the Charlbury area is enormously appreciated. You will be making a real difference to people living in horrible conditions, on both sides of the Channel. Your kindness brings hope and solace in the midst of their suffering and uncertainty.

Vicky Buser · Sun 3 Sep 2023, 12:54 · Link

Hedge Fund update

Boris wants to say a massive thank you for everyone who has donated this week towards his vet bill and the cost or his care at the hegspital, and that of his spikey friends MARILYN (the blonde one), Heggie (the one with the leg), thatch (the baby girl from swerford), Cecil from Ramsden and Kenya from leafield. 

Boris after spending a very sad week with lots of pain management and hand feeding is on the mend and spent his first morning out in the garden. The large wound on his tummy has healed over and he is managing to move and walk in his shoulder/leg. It always amazes me how fast HH can heal and from such bad injuries. They are truly remarkable when given the chance and right care. Pics below of Boris explorations yesterday. 

Please continue to look out for HH out in the day or activity weirdly. Lots of little ones need help as their mums send them off. The wet weather and cooler nights seems to be affecting them at the moment, with lots struggling with illness and coming in hungry/dehydrated (oddly??).
Financial donations towards care are very welcome and can be made referenced ‘Hedge Fund’ to the ‘Charlbury Wildlife Society’ account number 77328260 and sort code 30-91-92.

Hedge Fund · Sun 3 Sep 2023, 10:07 · Link

Charlbury Street Fair CHILDREN'S ART COMPETITION WINNERS

Here are the winners of the Children's Art Competition, judged by Maureen Sparling and sponsored by Charlbury Art Society and Cotswold Frames.

1st. Adelaide Eustace aged 9

2nd Sophie Moss aged 11

3rd Oliver Steptoe aged 8

Congratulations to you all!

Christine Pearce · Sat 2 Sep 2023, 14:55 · Link