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Road closure - Charlbury Station- Forest Road 13th May

Temporary Road Closure and “No Waiting” restriction at Charlbury, B4437

In the interests of public safety, it will be necessary for Oxfordshire County Council to close the road and impose a ‘No Waiting’ restriction as detailed above to facilitate surface dressing works.

A temporary Notice is being made to implement the temporary closure and will operate from 13 May 2025.

The anticipated completion date is 16 May 2025, 04:00 to 18:00 hours.

Access will be maintained for emergency service vehicles and for those frontages within the closure area, subject to the progress of the works and liaison with the works supervisor.

A copy of the drawing showing the extent of the closure and restriction and also the alternative route for traffic is attached.

Lisa Wilkinson · Mon 12 May, 15:22 · Link

🚶‍♀️🌿 Annual Parish Boundary Walk is back! 🌿🚶‍♂️

We're delighted to say that the Charlbury Annual Parish Boundary Walk is returning this year on Sunday 25th May— and everyone’s welcome to join in this wonderful local tradition!

📍 Start Point: Lay-by at the top of Forest Road (Point 1 on the map)

🕙 Time: 10:00am, just turn up – no booking needed!

This is your chance to be part of a centuries-old tradition, known as “beating the bounds” — an ancient way of checking the boundaries of the parish (and a great excuse for a scenic countryside walk!). 🗺️🌼

🧭 The full walk is around 12 miles and takes roughly 6 hours, including a lunch stop. The route takes in some stunning views and paths not usually open to the public, thanks to the kind permission of local landowners.

🥪 Lunch break will be at Ditchley Model Farm, generously hosted by Rob and Maxine Hobill. Please bring:

A packed lunch

Snacks and plenty of water

Emergency contact info (just in case)

🧢🌞 What to wear/bring:

Sturdy walking boots

Long trousers (to avoid nettles and Blandford fly bites)

Insect repellent, sunhat and sunscreen

There are several points along the way where you can join in or head home if you don't fancy the full distance. See the map for details (Cornbury Bridge (4) , Layby by Solar Farm (7), Saltway/ Woodstock Road crossing (10), Ditchley Farm (11) and Enstone Road crossing (12)) and please let the walk leader know if you're leaving the group partway.

Let’s come together to celebrate local heritage, enjoy the countryside, and get a bit of fresh air and exercise too! 🥾🍃

#CharlburyWalk #BeatingTheBounds #CharlburyTraditions #GetOutside #OxfordshireEvents

Lisa Wilkinson · Mon 12 May, 11:03 · Link

Community Centre Open Day

Charlbury Community Centre is excited to welcome residents of all ages to its Open Day on Sunday, 11 May 2025, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. This free, family-friendly event is a great chance to explore the centre's facilities, try out some activities, and meet the team.

The day kicks off with a high-energy Fun Family Circuits session at 9:45 AM, followed by a variety of taster sessions, tours, and a BBQ courtesy of The Bell in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.

Charlbury’s Youth Ambassador will be present to share information about youth activities connected to the centre. It’s a great opportunity for families to learn more about what’s on offer for young people.

In addition, representatives from Charlbury Library will be attending to answer questions, talk about upcoming events, and help people register for library cards.

Highlights include:

Free Fun Family Circuits class at 9:45 AM

Taster sessions and class demos

Meet instructors and tour the centre

Chat with Charlbury’s Youth Ambassador

Enjoy a BBQ and refreshments

No booking is required—just drop in and join the fun. Whether you’re new to town or a long-time resident, the Open Day is a great way to connect with Charlbury Community Centre and see what’s happening right here.

Charlbury Community Centre · Thu 8 May, 17:09 · Link

VE Day in Charlbury 1945

After nearly six years of war, the surrender of the German armed forces to the Allies on 7th May 1945 came as a huge relief. In Britain the next day was declared a national holiday. We can get a good idea of how Charlbury marked VE Day from a detailed account published in The Leaflet. At 11.30 a spontaneous service was held in St Mary’s and the church bells were rung when the Prime Minister announced the official end of the war in Europe at 3pm that afternoon. The army put on a free dance in Victory Hall in Church Street.

The next day sports were held for children and adults organised by the Red Triangle club, with prizes donated by the town’s tradespeople. ENSA put on a concert in Church Street at 8pm and dancing continued until the early hours of the morning. Many children didn't make it to school the next day! A school service took place in St Mary’s on the Friday for children and parents.

Sunday 13th May was declared National Thanksgiving Day, marked by a service in St Mary’s at 3pm. The Leaflet records "…there were present: ROAC, ATS, Home Guard, Air Training Corps, Civil Defence, Red Cross, St John Ambulance Brigade, National Fire Service, Women’s Voluntary Service, Girl Guides and Brownies. The church was packed to the door. The collection of £12 12s was given to the Welcome Home fund.” That evening there was community singing in Church Street.

However mixed with the celebrations was grief of the loss of life. Eight Charlbury men were killed in the fighting, with others wounded or changed by their experiences. Research by Diana and Peter Bennett has discovered at least 115 Charlbury men and women who served in the forces, and many others served in organisations like the Red Cross and the Home Guard.

We have more information in the museum should you wish to visit and explore more of the history of the war years in the town. We are open on Saturday mornings 10.30-12.30, Sunday afternoons 2.30-4.30, and on Bank Holiday Monday afternoons.

Roll of Honour World War II

John Bowen: Royal Engineers d.1940

Ronald Collins: Royal Air Force d.1943

Kenneth Cooper: Royal Army Ordnance Corps d.1941

Trevor Kilby: Oxon & Bucks Light Infantry d.1943

Henry Maling: Royal Artillery d.1940

William Parsons: Oxon & Bucks Light Infantry d.1944

Alfred Sandalls: Royal Navy d.1944

Peter Ryding: Welch Regiment d.1944

Judy Dod · Wed 7 May, 22:30 · 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 Community Centre Enstone Road Charlbury
Discharge of conditions 5 (lighting design strategy for biodiversity) and 6 (details of roosting opportunities) of Planning Permission 23/00749/FUL
WODC reference: 25/01111/CND - Wed 30 Apr 2025 - Under consideration
Woody Lane House Woody Lane Charlbury
Demolition of existing extension comprising swimming pool and conservatory and erection of single storey extensions to create entrance porch, study and boot room. Alterations to fenestration and french door, Installation of first floor dormer in SE elevation and provision of additional chimney stack. Removal of existing garage/gardeners store and construction of detached outbuilding comprising garage and stores with first floor above.
WODC reference: 25/01026/HHD - Fri 25 Apr 2025 - Under consideration

Mon 5 May, 06:15 · Link

Nature Recovery Theme for this year's Open Gardens

We are delighted to announce that this year's Open Gardens follows the lead of our Town Council and is on the theme of Nature Recovery.

Elisabeth Partington · Sat 3 May, 17:55 · Link

Liz Leffman re-elected as Charlbury's county councillor

Liz Leffman has been re-elected as Liberal Democrat county councillor for Charlbury & Wychwood.

Results were:

Liberal Democrat 1828
Conservative 769
Reform UK 722
Green 255
Labour 169

Richard Fairhurst · Fri 2 May, 14:21 · Link

Cornerstone moving back into the Corner House

Just to confirm Cornerstone will be in the Green Room at the Memorial Hall till Friday 2nd May, closed Saturday 3rd May and will then open back in the Corner House rooms from Tuesday 6th May. Normal hours of Monday - Saturday 10am - 1pm. Do come and see us for surplus food, a free cup of tea or coffee and a chat.

Cornerstone team

St Marys and All Saints · Mon 28 Apr, 14:25 · Link

Charlbury Annual Town Meeting 2025 – A Wonderful Evening!

We’re delighted to say that this year’s Annual Town Meeting was a success! It was fantastic to see so many people come along to enjoy an evening of community, conversation, and celebration.

A huge thank you to all the wonderful health and wellbeing practitioners who came to showcase their work — your displays and demonstrations created such a lively and welcoming atmosphere.

Special congratulations to Christine Pearce and John Munro, who were each awarded an Honoured Citizen Award in recognition of their outstanding contributions to our town. Well done to you both!

Thank you again to everyone who came along and made the evening so memorable. Charlbury at its best!

Lisa Wilkinson · Mon 28 Apr, 11:18 · Link

Charlbury WI - change of venue

Charlbury WI meet on the third Wednesday of the month at 7.30pm. Please note that from May 2025 onwards we will be meeting at The Memorial Hall rather than the Primary School. Any enquiries please make contact on charlburywi@oxfordshirewi.co.uk. Do take a look at our page to find details of our varied programme of events to which visitors and new members are always very welcome (ladies only please).
https://www.charlbury.info/community/39

Louise Cashman · Mon 28 Apr, 08:38 · Link

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