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News

Researching Charlbury's History: Talks, Walks and Workshops in February/March

Are you interested in finding out more about Charlbury's history? Would you like to help with further research into the town's past?

The Charlbury Society Historical Research Group has undertaken a number of projects, covering 1500-1850 (give or take a decade or two). We aim to use original sources  -documents, maps, the landscape around us and more. We have now begun to look at changes in property ownership from 1733, and have ideas for further projects. There is still lots more to do.

We are planning to run a short series of talks/workshops, with a walk or two, in February/March to explain how our researches have built on the work of Lois Hey and others to increase our knowledge of Charlbury's history. If you are interested in coming to these talks/workshops, and especially if you would like to find out more about becoming involved in the researches, please do contact Barbara Allison at b.a.allison@btinternet.com for more details. 

Barbara Allison · Tue 31 Dec 2019, 10:21 · Link


Make pickleball your new year's resolution!

When the Charlbury Community Centre opened in September 2017, Charlbury Pickleball was one of several clubs that set roots at the centre. No one imagined just how much Charlbury would embrace this little known sport. So much so, that boxing day morning saw over thirty people turn up to play pickleball. The past two years or so have seen the club slowly grow with an increasing core membership playing two sessions a week attracting around twenty members per session. The appeal of the sport and the club is such that we also have members traveling in from Bicester, Brackley and as far off as Towester to join our friendly, social Pickleball "family". Plans are also afoot to start a third regular session on Friday mornings complementing the already well attended sessions on Monday and Thursday mornings. There is also a big off court social side to the club with frequent get togethers and outings. So, as we approach 2020 and people are contemplating not only making their new year's resolutions but also thinking about their health and fitness, the question to ask is, are you missing out? If you want to get more active and enjoy an activity that will improve your fitness whilst also being a lot more fun and social than many other fitness regimes, come along and try it out. You might be surprised just how much you enjoy it.  Further details are available through our website https://www.dinkanddrive.co.uk/charlbury-pickleball

Vijay Desor · Mon 30 Dec 2019, 23:44 · Link


Ditchley Foundation News

This year has been a busy one at Ditchley with progress across not only our programming but in continuing to sustain and enhance Ditchley Park and its extraordinary impact on visitors. Given the scale of the crises we face today – environmental, technological, political – we are increasing our ambition, activity and our drive to raise funds to further our work.

To effectively engage a diverse range of audiences we have significantly improved our technological capabilities which has included the completion of our long awaited ultrafast broadband connection and further progress on our digital archive project. The Bridge is the first flagship project in Ditchley’s painstakingly crafted plan to rise to meet the complex challenges of our time. We are integrating cutting edge video technology into the restoration of our historic library with the aim of fostering genuine connection between people in a traditional and intimate atmosphere. This project is due to launch in early Spring next year.

Highlights in our summer programme were the Festival of Ideas and the Annual Lecture chaired by Mark Carney, Governor of the Bank of England. Our most recent conference at the beginning of December – Trust: in leaders, experts and institutions. Where and why has it gone and what can we do to renew it? – brought together an eclectic mix of politicians, government servants, campaigners, commentators, technology innovators and business people to address these issues in support of the renewal of democratic societies, states, markets and alliances. One participant commented:

“The diversity of participants, in terms of gender, class, expertise, and background was remarkable and welcomed. The intimate Ditchley environment plays out as a microcosm for the everyday of our worlds. It is heart-warming as we acknowledge those situations and support one another to overcome them. It is by doing that the minds and hearts open to new experiences. And in that, the conference makes a difference to bridge divides.”

Expanding our work to new audiences is a key strand within our campaign - The Ditchley Project - as we seek to convene global conversations of the complex challenges and opportunities we all face and we hope you will be interested to read more about our news here: https://www.ditchley.com/news

Marjorie Glasgow · Sat 28 Dec 2019, 13:38 · Link


Police request

Police would like to speak to a female who was running with her dog On the Ditchley Road, heading towards the lodge houses, just by the old pig pens on the left as you head to the lodge houses on the 22/12/19 at approximately 10am. The female is described as about thirty, in multi coloured jogging outfit, highlighted, curly shoulder length hair that was in a ponytail, with white ear buds in. The dog was a liver coloured cocker spaniel (working type) with a curly mop top and full tail that curled slightly over its back rather than straight. If you have any further information, could you please contact police on 101 and quote reference number 43190399178.

Wesley Smith · Fri 27 Dec 2019, 09:24 · Link


Wilderness Bursary

Wilderness Festival is proposing to set up a local bursary as a thank you to Charlbury. They are looking for local causes that would benefit the community. In responding, it would be good to think outside the box and suggest a cause that would not otherwise be supported.

The link page is here: https://www.wildernessfestival.com/wilderness-local-bursary/

Christine Battersby · Mon 23 Dec 2019, 17:44 · Link


Local Pharmacy Opening Times over Christmas and New Year

Information from oxfordshireccg.nhs.uk:

Dispensing Chemist in Burford:

Robert Reavley, 124 High Street, Burford. Telephone: 01993 823 144

Christmas Day

12:00 to 16:00

Boxing Day

Closed

January 1

10:00 to 16:00

Boots the Chemist in Witney and Chipping Norton

Christmas Day

Closed

Boxing Day

10:00 to 16:00

January 1

10:00 to 16:00

Lloyds Pharmacy in Sainsbury’s, Witan Way, Witney. Tel: 01993 778 691

Christmas Day

Closed

Boxing Day

09:00 to 17:00

January 1

09:00 to 17:00

susan smith · Mon 23 Dec 2019, 17:09 · 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.

  • 14 Wychwood Close Charlbury
    Erection of single storey extensions to front and rear with the addition of front porch and first floor side extension.
    WODC reference: 19/03346/HHD - Wed 18 Dec 2019 - Under consideration
  • Broadstone Farm Ditchley Road Charlbury
    Proposed conversion and alteration of existing stables to provide ancillary accommodation. Erection of two bay garage.
    WODC reference: 19/03329/HHD - Tue 03 Dec 2019 - Under consideration

Mon 23 Dec 2019, 06:15 · Link


Add your name to a petition to improve tree cover in Oxfordshire

All councils in Oxfordshire have declared a climate emergency.  One simple way to make a difference is to plant more trees across the county, and Oxford Friends of the Earth is collecting signatures on a petiton asking councils to sign up to do this.  The petiton is 496 signatures short, so if you would like to add your name, please do so by following this link:

https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/doubling-oxfordshire-tree-cover-by-2045

Liz Leffman · Sun 22 Dec 2019, 17:47 · Link


Ben Sherwood Pharmacist

Ben's last day in the Pharmacy is 27th December. We will be giving him his card and leaving present at 1:30pm on that day. Please come and join us. So far we have collected over £300:00. Thank you for your donations and messages. 

Deborah Hofman ( Charlbury PPG) 

Deborah Hofman · Thu 19 Dec 2019, 10:00 · Link


new Charlbury anthology

Spirit of People and Place, the new collection of poems by Charlbury writers published to support the upkeep of Shorthampton Church, is now available from Rob Stepney on 07825 550670 and Anthony Landale on 0779 1564763. 

Rob Stepney · Mon 16 Dec 2019, 22:06 · Link


Town centre post box now activated and ready to use

At long last a new Post box in Market St has been commissioned for use, the postbox is situated between Cotswold Frames and the Charlbury Deli just in time to post all your Christmas Cards.

Collection times 9 am Monday - Friday or Saturday 7 am 

P.S If you don't fancy queuing at the post office for stamps then Cotswold Frames sells 1st and 2nd class stamps individually or by the book.

Tim at Cotswold Frames · Mon 16 Dec 2019, 16:36 · Link


Thames Street - Burst water main

  • There's a massive mains leak in Thames Street, which explains the low pressure in town. Traffic diverted.
  • Traffic diverted around centre of town. 2 way in Market Street. Avoid if possible.
  • Thames Water engineers in Thames Street tell me that it may be "several hours" before water is restored to the area of Thames Street and Pound Hill
  • Charlbury School is closed and pre-school/nursery providers may also be closed.
  • “They are not expecting it to be fixed until the small hours of the night (lots of us have zero water rather than low pressure) - they have been handing out bottles of water from Thames Street. Consider checking on your elderly neighbours.”

(Thanks to everyone for contributions which I’m merging into this single post. —Richard)

Mon 16 Dec 2019, 14:16 · Link


2019 General Election Results (Witney constituency)

Robert Courts (Conservative)                  33,856 votes = 55.2%

Charlotte Hoagland (Liberal Democrat)  18,679 votes = 30.5%

Rosa Bolger (Labour Co-op)                     8,770 votes = 14.3%

Congratulations to Robert Courts on winning this seat  in a very sensitive General Election.

Graham Wisker · Sun 15 Dec 2019, 10:43 · Link


Weather last night

Some of you might be interested to see the record 49Kt gust that occurred at 00.51 this morning, in a storm that was accompanied by hail. That’s 56 mph, and is the first time this gust speed has been recorded at my weather station since it was set up in 2006. 

John Dora · Sun 15 Dec 2019, 07:21 · Link


Thanks for the beautiful tree!

Thank you for the beautiful Christmas tree kindly sponsored by Halcyon Farm, House and Carriage and MySTORE. This evening (Friday 13th Dec) there will be carols, mince pies and mulled wine at the Community Centre from 7.45pm following on from the Schools carol singing tour of the town. Please join us!

Tanya Stevenson · Fri 13 Dec 2019, 09:42 · Link


Charlbury Medical Centre and Pharmacy

Take steps now to make sure you don't run out of your prescribed medication over Christmas.

susan smith · Thu 12 Dec 2019, 10:44 · Link


Ben Sherwood, Pharmacist

 Ben Sherwood, Charlbury's very popular pharmacist will be leaving Charlbury  on 27th December . He will be greatly missed. There is a collection tin at the dispensary window in the medical centre for anyone who would like to contribute to his leaving present.

Deborah Hofman · Wed 11 Dec 2019, 11:17 · 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.

  • 6 Elm Crescent Charlbury
    Certificate of lawfulness (Conversion of garage to create extra living space)
    WODC reference: 19/03305/CLP - Mon 02 Dec 2019 - Under consideration
  • Talbot Farm Thames Street Charlbury
    Internal and external alterations to include re-roofing and various works to the fabric of building.
    WODC reference: 19/03194/LBC - Mon 02 Dec 2019 - Under consideration

Mon 9 Dec 2019, 06:15 · Link


Christmas Tree Winners!

The results of the voting for the best Christmas tree sponsored and decorated by societies and organisations in the community was announced at the Songs of Praise service.

First place - The Shed, Banbury Hill Farm

Second Place - CRAG 

Third - Charlbury Tennis Club

Many thanks to everyone who took part in aid of St Mary’s Roof Fund.

Maureen Sparling · Mon 9 Dec 2019, 06:01 · Link


Joy Clark - Service of Thanksgiving, 2pm on 17 December 2019

We are sorry to announce the death of Mrs Joy Clark, on 27 November 2019.

Joy died peacefully at her home Bramley Barn, with her family around her.

There will be a private family cremation followed by a Service of Thanksgiving for a life well lived.

The Service of Thanksgiving will be at St Mary’s Church, Church Lane, Charlbury, Oxfordshire OX7 3PX at 2pm on Tuesday 17 December 2019.

Everyone is warmly invited both to the service and to meet the family afterwards at our home, Bramley House, off Market Street, Charlbury OX7 3PJ.

Enquiries to A.L.Sole & Son, Bidston Close, Over Norton Oxon OX7 5PP.

Sue Way · Sun 8 Dec 2019, 11:07 · Link


Detectorists unearth exciting new finds

A bronze axe head and Roman coins made of silver were among finds when metal detectorists returned on Wednesday to work on fields alongside Forest Road. The man who unearthed the Walcot hoard of Roman bronze confirmed that all the coins discovered two weeks ago are now being examined by the British Museum. 

Rob Stepney · Thu 5 Dec 2019, 14:06 · Link


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