News
CBF Culture programme announced
We are pleased to announce the Culture programme at the Charlbury Beer Festival on Saturday 28 June. As usual there will be a family-friendly printmaking workshop from midday, followed by a series of talks: Rupert Ponsonby on nature, the environment, and beer (2.15) – the Bodleian Library’s Debbie Hall on ‘Adventures in Maps’ (3.00) – Rachel Morris on her book ‘The Years of the Wizard: The Strange History and Home Life of Renaissance Magicians’ (3.45) – then James Clarke of Hook Norton Brewery will mark Ukraine’s Constitution Day by talking about the charity that he pioneered, NOXAIDUK, which delivers life-saving support to victims of the war in Ukraine (4.30) – and anti-corruption campaigner and poet Athol Williams will talk about life and politics in South Africa (5.15). The Charlbury Ukulele Group will be on from 6.00 – come and join in!
Go to https://www.charlburybeerfestival.org/live-music-and-entertainment/ for full details.
Edward Fenton ·
Fri 27 Jun, 15:34 · Link
Charlbury Beer Festival: Get Ready for a Glorious Day!
The Charlbury Beer Festival committee and its amazing volunteers are buzzing with activity at the Cricket Ground putting the final touches on what promises to be a fantastic day for everyone in the community tomorrow, Saturday, June 28.
The fun kicks off from noon until 9 pm, and we can't wait to welcome you! The weather forecast is looking glorious, for which we are very thankful. Please do wear sunscreen and feel welcome to bring a small gazebo to pitch near the central fencing for some shade.
Get ready for a jam-packed schedule! The Culture Tent will host a range of engaging talks and workshops, while live music acts are set to entertain throughout the day. Families will find plenty to do with lots of activities in the Kids Tent, and the popular Kevin's Community Circus is making a welcome return.
Thirsty festival-goers will be pleased to hear there are 5,500 pints of beer ready to be served! If beer isn't your preference, there's also wine, gin, Pimm's, and a wide selection of non-alcoholic and soft drinks, plus tea and cake. Three food vendors will be on hand to satisfy your hunger, and the Kids Tent will even have ice lollies.
Don't miss the exciting World Aunt Sally Competition for some unique local fun!
Please note: Unfortunately, we cannot allow parking on site, and for everyone's safety, we are restricting vehicles. There is parking at the train station (for a fee).
A huge thank you in advance to all the volunteers who have so freely given their time to make this wonderful community event possible. Remember, it's all for charity, so please do come along and have a great time!
www.charlburybeerfestival.org
Tickets available on the gate. Cash or card.
Sean Hosking ·
Fri 27 Jun, 15:06 · Link
Local Governance in Oxfordshire
Proposals for Governance in Oxfordshire
The UK government's White Paper, released in December 2024, sets out the Government’s intention to create a number of Strategic Authorities across the country. These will sit above the current councils and either be designated as a Foundation Strategic Authority or Mayoral Strategic Authority. The latter will be led by an elected mayor.
In the areas – like Oxfordshire – where a two-tier system for principal authorities remains, this must be abolished for a single unitary authority. The two-tier system is when two different councils handle different services, as is the case in Oxfordshire (i.e. we have a District Council and a County Council, both handling different responsibilities.)
The various Councils that operate in Oxfordshire have been discussing options and are preparing proposals for what the single unitary authority could be and how areas/populations can be divided. Proposals must be submitted by November.
What are the proposals?
There are currently three options being developed for local government in Oxfordshire. It is likely that all three proposals will be submitted to the Government, which will ultimately make the decision for our area.
Option 1: One authority
Oxfordshire County Council is proposing a single unitary authority for the county of Oxfordshire. More details about the rationale and potential benefits of this approach are available here: County council continues to endorse one council as best option for future local government in Oxfordshire
Option 2: Two authorities
Five councils in Oxfordshire and West Berkshire have collaborated on the proposal for two authorities. The proposal would divide the five existing councils into two new authorities: Oxford & Shires Council and Ridgeway Council.
Oxford & Shires Council would include Cherwell, Oxford City and West Oxfordshire. Ridegway Council would include South Oxfordshire, Vale of White Horse and West Berkshire.
More details are available on this proposal on the website: Home - Two Councils
There is a public consultation open until 16 July on this proposal and a number of public engagement sessions are happening across the area. The details are available on the website. Once the consultation closes, a revised proposal will be produced.
Option 3: Three authorities
Oxford City Council is proposing three unitary authorities be created to cover Oxfordshire and West Berkshire:
Oxford Council - comprising Oxford on expanded boundaries
Northern Oxfordshire Council - comprising much of the existing West Oxfordshire and Cherwell districts
Ridgeway Council - comprising much of the existing South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse districts combined with the existing West Berkshire unitary
More information about the proposal and its potential benefits is available on this website: A greater Oxford | Oxford City Council
When will all this happen?
The proposals are currently being developed and will be submitted by 28 November 2025, with decisions expected to be made during 2026. Shadow councils will be established during 2027 to start the transition process, with the new councils being formally created (or vested) in 2028.
Option 2 - two councils, supported by West Oxfordshire District Council, is currently being consulted on. To complete the survey please go to Home- the Two Councils
Option 1 - one council, supported by Oxfordshire County Council, will be consulted on later this month
Lisa Wilkinson ·
Thu 26 Jun, 10:31 · Link
Questions for the Wilderness organisers?
It's nearly time for Wilderness Festival in Cornbury Park. In advance, the event team are holding two Local Forum meetings to answer any queries you have and respond to feedback. Here are the details of the meetings:
Online Forum: 3rd July 17:30 - 19:00
They will present traffic plans and noise measures, in addition to discussing pedestrian access routes and any ticket or other questions you have.
Join using this link
In person: 22nd July 17:30-19:00
They will be at Charlbury Community Centre to answer any queries and respond to feedback. There will be biscuits!
The Wilderness Team look forward to meeting you on Zoom or in person. A reminder that you can join their Local Mailing List to be the first to hear Wilderness news. You can visit their Resident's Information Webpage or email residents@wildernessfestival.com if you have any queries.
Lisa Wilkinson ·
Tue 24 Jun, 10:27 · Link
Talk to the Town Councillors
👋 Pop along to the Town Councillor Surgery this Saturday for a quick chat and a friendly hello!
Our councillors will be at the Saturday Market this week, so you can catch up with them while picking up your usual bits and bobs. 🛍️
Got a question or something on your mind? Just stop by – no appointment needed! 😊
Lisa Wilkinson ·
Mon 23 Jun, 10:46 · 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.
Mon 23 Jun, 06:15 · Link
Street lighting consultation
Oxfordshire County Council is consulting on a proposed Part-Night Lighting Implementation Framework. You can find the consultation on ‘Let’s Talk Oxfordshire’
https://letstalk.oxfordshire.gov.uk/pnl
The Consultation is running until midnight on Sunday 6th July.
What this consultation is about:
This framework is about how part-night lighting could be implemented in Oxfordshire. It is not about whether part-night lighting is right for specific areas. In September 2025, the council's cabinet will decide whether or not to move forward with part-night lighting. If the decision is to proceed, OCC is proposing that towns, parishes or Oxford city wards apply for part-night lighting schemes in their areas and that a public consultation is carried out for each scheme.
About the framework:
The draft part night lighting framework proposes to introduce part night lighting in Oxfordshire locations where:
- it is requested by the local town or parish council/meeting, or local governance authorities
- the part night lighting exemption criteria does not apply
- local residents have been consulted via a public consultation, as well as stakeholders like the police, night economy employers and community groups
- the part night lighting scheme is approved at Oxfordshire Council Council's Delegated Decision by Cabinet Member for Transport Management
Highways Maintenance and Road Safety Team
Oxfordshire County Council
Lisa Wilkinson ·
Tue 17 Jun, 09:42 · Link
Panto Auditions & read through.....
Can you see yourself on stage ? or prefer to be behind the scenes ?
Go on you know you want too.
Darlings it's that time of year again, ( Oh no it's not ) Oh yes it is it's that time when the lovely people from CADS are reaching out for your help for both on and off stage, there's always lots to do behind the scenes when it comes to putting on their forthcoming Pantomime
" Alice in Cuckoo Land "
The performance dates are on the 20th -22nd November
Why not come along to the read through and auditions it's not as daunting as it seems and you get to make some great friends all at the same time.
So the important part ! The dates are Tuesday 24th & Thursday 26th of June at 7.30pm at the Methodist church, Fishers Lane, Charlbury, OX7 3RX
Come and have a chat about how you could help.
Can't make these dates ? then in the 1st instance email hjowright@gmail.com and let Helen know you could be interested to help in someway, otherwise we will see you all there.
Tim Widdows ·
Mon 16 Jun, 14:06 · 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.
- Charlbury House Woodstock Road Charlbury
Non-material amendment to planning permission 24/02965/S73 to allow minor design changes to the buildings, namely garage, yard buildings and office.
WODC reference: 25/01409/NMA - Tue 10 Jun 2025 - Under consideration
Mon 16 Jun, 06:15 · 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.
- 20 Elm Crescent Charlbury
Felling of Monterey Cypress to ground level.
WODC reference: 25/01345/TCA - Mon 02 Jun 2025 - Under consideration
- 12 Rochester Place Charlbury
Certificate of lawfulness (garage conversion including removal of door and replacement with window)
WODC reference: 25/01322/CLP - Thu 29 May 2025 - Under consideration
- The Bull Inn Sheep Street Charlbury
Retention of 2no. chimney fans on main pub building (retrospective).
WODC reference: 25/01263/LBC - Thu 05 Jun 2025 - Under consideration
- The Bull Inn Sheep Street Charlbury
Formation of storage area and retention of 2no. chimney fans on main pub building (part retrospective).
WODC reference: 25/01262/FUL - Thu 05 Jun 2025 - Under consideration
Mon 9 Jun, 06:15 · Link
