News index

News

Platinum Jubilee Yarn Bomb

Charlbury WI and Charlbury’s Yack & Yarn group are celebrating the Platinum Jubilee weekend with some yarn bombing around the town. Look out for the ‘flower garden’ on The Playing Close opposite the Co-op entrance and the decorated WI bench on Dyers Hill!

Louise Cashman · Tue 31 May 2022, 21:17 · Link


Graeme Widdows

The family are sad to announce the passing of Graeme Widdows of Banbury Hill Farm, Charlbury. 

A service will be held at St Mary's Church, Charlbury at 3pm Friday 10th June.

Family flowers only

Mrs A Widdows · Tue 31 May 2022, 18:55 · Link


Charlbury Station planned closures in June 2022

For your information, Charlbury Station will only be open on the following days in June:

Tuesday 7th June

Friday 24th June

However the trains continue to run and this doesn't stop Café de la Gare from operating at the station on those days.

Hugo Pickering · Tue 31 May 2022, 10:25 · Link


Charlbury Pre-School is Hiring - Management and EY Practitioners

We are pleased to announce that we are expanding our management team. Consider joining us!

https://charlburypreschool.org.uk

Jill Petersen · Mon 30 May 2022, 15:33 · 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.

  • Yew Dell Hixet Wood Charlbury
    Variation of condition 2 of planing permission 20/02343/FUL to allow design changes to garaging.
    WODC reference: 22/01366/S73 - Tue 17 May 2022 - Under consideration
  • 21 Woodstock Road Charlbury
    Internal changes to the garage into a living space. Demolition of existing internal walls on ground floor to open space for lounge and utility. Additional one and a half storey rear extension from master bedroom (amendments to previous application 21/03910/HHD)
    WODC reference: 22/01319/HHD - Thu 12 May 2022 - Under consideration

Mon 30 May 2022, 06:15 · Link


New Community Workshop

We plan to set up a Community Workshop adjacent to the Community Centre and need people to help get this going and/or expressions of interest in using it. Please contact info@charlburycommunitycentre.org.uk if you think you might be interested.

Charlbury Community Centre · Sat 28 May 2022, 20:09 · Link


Charlbury Street Fair Open Gardens Tea

Sunday 19th June

Cakes are needed for Open Gardens Teas.  If you can make a cake or cakes please email rachrow@hotmail.com or bring on the day to the Memorial Hall.

Also if you can volunteer for an hour in the Afternoon that would also great please email rachrow@hotmail.com

Open Gardens raises money for the upkeep of our two community buildings in Charlbury, the Corner House and the Memorial Hall.

Rachael Lunney · Fri 27 May 2022, 07:12 · Link


Bell Hotel listed as Asset of Community Value

Following a nomination by Charlbury Town Council, The Bell Hotel has been listed as an Asset of Community Value by West Oxfordshire District Council.

Please see this link for more about what this means.

The listing lasts for five years; it carries weight in planning terms and extends the opportunity for a community bid should the Bell be put up for sale.

Gareth Epps · Thu 26 May 2022, 17:16 · Link


Charlbury Proposed 30mph Speed Limit & Parking Restrictions

Oxfordshire County Council is seeking your views on the proposal to make amendments to speed limits & parking restrictions in Charlbury.  The existing 30mph speed limit on the B4026 Pound Hill / Charlbury Road will be extended northwards by approx. 530 metres, replacing the existing 40mph speed limit in the process. New and existing ‘No Waiting at Any Time’ (double yellow lines) will be introduced or amended at various locations, including: Grammar School Hill, B4437 Thames Street, B4437 Nine Acres Lane, Church Street, and Browns Lane. Two new 1-hour parking bays will be introduced on Market Street replacing the existing double yellow lines in the process. See full details here:

https://charlbury-tc.gov.uk/news/charlbury-proposed-30mph-speed-limit-parking-restrictions/

If you would like to comment please see this link:

https://letstalk.oxfordshire.gov.uk/charlbury_30mphparking2022

Lisa Wilkinson · Thu 26 May 2022, 13:22 · Link


Charlbury Pre-School Thanks You!

Thank you to everyone who attended and donated to Big Boom this past weekend - you have been amazing and helped us raise over £1200!! Charlbury Pre-School is so grateful for your help and support right now, particularly when we are undergoing a lot of change extending our hours to 8.45am-5.00pm Monday to Friday. 

And whilst the cap is still in hand we're also in need of new committee members to support the changes ahead, we're looking for volunteers of all ages; you could be a parent, grand parent, shop owner? We want a variety of experiences on our team! We have an AGM coming up on June 8th at 7.30pm so if you want to find out more why not come along?

Jill Petersen · Thu 26 May 2022, 11:35 · Link


Staffing at Charlbury station

In the wake of the illness and death of John, the staffing issues at Charlbury station do not appear to be being resolved.

The ticket hall is open around two days a week at present, the next day being Saturday.

Unfortunately the station’s operator isn’t posting updates here or on the National Rail website - a piece of paper in the ticket office window or a word while picking up your coffee from Cafe de la Gare are your best bets.  The ticket office was also out of order this morning.

Gareth Epps · Thu 26 May 2022, 09:03 · Link


Charlbury Beer Festival climbs "Everest"

Charlbury Beer Festival is celebrating pouring its 10,000th gallon of beer this year. To celebrate this milestone, committee members and friends of the festival decided to climb 10,000 m (32,800 ft) collectively on their bikes. That's Everest plus Snowdon plus a few trips up and down from the station!

The event was captured by Witney TV. You can see some of us struggling up the hill in Chadlington, plus an interview with Nick Millea about the festival, here: http://www.witneytv.co.uk/video/charlbury-beer-festival-10000m/

The festival is taking place on Saturday 25th June this year. Tickets can be bought online and, for a limited time, are 10% off. We can’t wait to see everyone back on the cricket club field and helping us raise more money for good causes in Charlbury (£250,000 and counting!).

Tickets can be found here: https://www.charlburybeerfestival.org/tickets/

Michael Peake · Wed 25 May 2022, 09:36 · Link


The Women's Cycle Tour is coming through Charlbury

The Women's Cycle Tour is passing through Charlbury on Saturday 11th June.

Check out this website for more details:

https://www.womenstour.co.uk/stages/stage-6

The route comes in from Enstone, around Nine Acres, down Dyers Hill and out along Forest Road towards Burford. It would be great to see people lining the route and cheering the cyclists on.

The Football and Social Club will also be showing the event on its screen.

There will be a rolling roadblock during the time the race passes through Charlbury as below:

.* 12:03hrs Charlbury: B4022 Banbury Hill, B4022 Enstone Road, B4437 Nine Acres Lane, B4437 Thames Street, B4437 Dyers Hill, B4437 Forest Road to B4437 junction with A361

Click on this link for important event information:

https://charlbury-tc.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/WT_2022_AdvanceWarningLeaf_STAGE6_WEB17764.pdf

Lisa Wilkinson · Wed 25 May 2022, 08:52 · Link


Annual Flower and Produce Show 2022

Following on from the success of the Spring Show 2022 with wonderful new entries, the Garden Society would like to encourage all gardeners, including children, to have a go at entering flowers, vegetables and produce for a bumper Annual Show in the Memorial Hall this autumn.

Shows are open to everyone, members and non-members!

The children's classes (4-7 years and 8-12 years) include at least one aspect of 'growing', plus some craft or cookery. Some entries will need to be planned for or prepared well in advance!

Please see the Event entry below for more information:

https://www.charlbury.info/events/8017

Geneviève Hug · Tue 24 May 2022, 17:24 · Link


Parish Boundary Walk 2022

Some pictures of the walk

Tony Graeme · Mon 23 May 2022, 12:05 · Link


Royal visit to Cornerstone

One she had enjoyed the Community Centre and tree planting with the Primary School HRH Countess of Wessex continued on to visit the Cornerstone project at the Corner House. She was able to see our produce and surplus food sharing, food parcels for households needing some support, and hear about our learning cafe running after school for primary school children. 

Jo Paton · Mon 23 May 2022, 08:40 · 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.

  • Stonewalls Sturt Road Charlbury
    Alterations and single storey extension to existing garden room to create a studio.
    WODC reference: 22/01123/HHD - Thu 21 Apr 2022 - Under consideration

Mon 23 May 2022, 06:15 · Link


Charlbury Festival tickets are now on sale

Tickets for these five events are now on sale in Charlbury Deli & Café where you can also enjoy probably the best coffee in Oxfordshire. Please remember to bring cash only.

Music from Jarisel on Friday 11th June at 7.30 with four musicians playing music from six countries on ten instruments

An Evening of Poetry and Music on Sunday 12th June at 7.00. An evening of nourishment for the soul in the form of poetry and music in beautiful surroundings

Friday Night is Music Night on Friday 17th June at 7.30. A cabaret style event showcasing some of our local musical talent

Iolanthe – Shoestring Opera on Saturday 18th June at 3.30. “Once a fairy / light and airy / married with a mortal…”. From this intriguing seed, sown by W.S.Gilbert in one of his humorous Bab Ballads, grew the plot of the operetta Iolanthe, Gilbert’s seventh collaboration with composer Arthur Sullivan

Good, Occasionally Rhyming on Saturday 18th June at 8.00. Join Kathy Clugston, Rob Stepney and others for a celebration of the Shipping Forecast in poems, prose and music.

Tony Lloyd · Sun 22 May 2022, 19:36 · Link


Royal Visit

A big thank you to everyone involved with the visit of The Countess of Wessex to Charlbury earlier this week. The Countess spent time visiting the Community Centre, chatting with people from our coffee club, singing with children from Charlbury Pre-school and watching Pickleball and Line Dancing. The Countess was met by enthusiastic children on the Playing Close, where she planted a tree for the Queen's Green Canopy, before making her way to The Cornerstone to find out about its community initiatives. 

We would especially like to thank Oxfordshire Lieutenancy for organsing this special visit.

daniela jenkins · Fri 20 May 2022, 16:34 · Link


New administration formed at West Oxfordshire District Council

Following the recent elections, a new administration has formally taken power at West Oxfordshire District Council.

Andy Graham, one of Charlbury’s two district councillors, is Leader of the Council – meaning that both the District and County councils are led by Charlbury councillors.

The administration is made up of Liberal Democrat, Labour and Green councillors, under the name of the West Oxfordshire Alliance. Full details of the new cabinet are on the WODC website.

Richard Fairhurst · Fri 20 May 2022, 14:45 · Link


An important message for women aged 71 and over from Oxford Breast Screening Centre

An important message for women aged 71 and over from Oxford Breast Screening Centre

All women aged 50 up to their 71st birthday are invited for breast screening every three years. The first invitation to screening will be some time between their 50th and 53rd birthday. Women who are patients of the Charlbury Medical Centre and The Wychwood Medical Practice are invited to the mobile screening unit at the Charlbury Medical Centre.

If you are aged 71 or over, you are still at risk of breast cancer. Although you will no longer receive screening invitations after your 71st birthday, you can still request a breast screening appointment every three years.

If you wish to be screened, please contact Oxford Breast Imaging Centre on 01865 235621 or e-mail ouh-tr.oxfordbreast.screening@nhs.net to arrange an appointment.

The mobile unit is currently screening in Charlbury with an expected leaving date of 17th June 2022. Due to the short notice of this communication and the leaving date being in the next few weeks, appointment availability is limited. If you are unable to be offered an appointment at Charlbury, you can be offered an appointment at the breast imaging centre at the Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre in Oxford.

Please note, due to COVID there are limited appointments on the mobile units and therefore only patients registered with the above GP surgeries can be screened at Charlbury.

If you are registered with a surgery in Chipping Norton, please contact the department in July as we are planning to bring a mobile unit to that area. Similarly, the mobile unit in Chipping Norton will only be available for women registered with the Chipping Norton practice.

This information may not apply to you, but if you know someone to whom it does apply, please pass on the message.

Thank you.

Charlbury Patient Participation Group

susan smith · Mon 16 May 2022, 09:12 · 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.

  • Stable Cottage 2 Hixet Wood Charlbury
    Erection of two first floor extensions and a small lean-to ground floor extension
    WODC reference: 22/01175/HHD - Thu 28 Apr 2022 - Under consideration
  • 2A The Slade Charlbury
    Remove existing conservatory and construct new single storey rear extension. Conversion of existing garages into habitable rooms, internal alterations and coloured render applied to existing external walls.
    WODC reference: 22/01168/HHD - Wed 27 Apr 2022 - Under consideration

Mon 16 May 2022, 06:15 · Link


Royal Visit

We are excited to announce that The Countess of Wessex GCVO will be coming to Charlbury on Tuesday 17th May. The Countess will visit Charlbury Community Centre and the Cornerstone and will plant a tree on the Playing Close in honour of the Queen's Green Canopy.

You are all welcome to join us on the Playing Close at 2.20pm for the tree planting.

daniela jenkins · Fri 13 May 2022, 09:04 · Link


Litter and antisocial behaviour at skate park and Mill Field


Most people take great care of our green spaces but unfortunately a small number are causing problems.

At the skate park a few individuals are deliberately smashing bottles on the hard surface and leaving behind nitrous oxide cannisters and other signs of substance abuse. The police are aware and will be patrolling the area. Please be aware that glass is banned on and around the skatepark.

At the Mill Field, litter (including broken glass) has been left behind and piles of branches intended to provide wildlife habitats have been burned on fires. All are welcome to use the Mill Field but please ensure you take all your litter home and do not light fires.

Lisa Wilkinson · Thu 12 May 2022, 11:32 · Link


Charlbury Festival Photography Competition

As part of the Charlbury Festival in June there will be an open photography competition for adults and children. Entries will be displayed in Charlbury Deli & Cafe and in Cornerstone in the Corner House.

The four adult themes are: Holidays, Black and White, Buildings and Nature. The children's theme is Animals.

There will be prizes for each theme and an opportunity for visitors to vote for their personal favourite. Entries to be mounted on A4, 50p per entry for adults, children under 16 free.

The competition will be judged by local photography specialist, curator and mentor Anstice Oakeshott together with wildlife photographer Paddy Gallagher.

Hand-in is on Thursday 9th June between 2.00 and 4.00 and Friday 10th June between 9.30 and 11.00 in Charlbury Deli & Cafe

Further information contact Julia Reid 01993 868457 or julia_d_reid@yahoo.com

Tony Lloyd · Tue 10 May 2022, 19:39 · Link


Morris Dancing - Like to try it out?

Should you seek some lively exercise or feel the urge to be doing something really different while exercising and entertaining others with your dance or musical talent do consider joining Charlbury Morris. We are always looking for interested individuals from the local community (our dancers come from Finstock, Witney, Chipping Norton, Oxford as well as from Charlbury itself).

If you ever wondered if Morris Dancing is for you, please come along to one of our practice sessions (see website for times and locations or catch up with us at one of our events.

Formed in 1984, Charlbury Morris revived local participation in the ancient tradition of Morris dancing in Charlbury and the Cotswold villages of Leafield, Finstock and Minster Lovell--commonly known as the Fieldtown area.

Our side is made up of six or more sprightly dancers, several versatile musicians and a merry fool! We dance various local dance traditions from Fieldtown, Ascott, Hinton, Bampton and Adderbury -taking the dance steps and music from historical sources.

'Charlbury' are well known as a 'fun side'. We keep to the old dance traditions, and sometimes create our own, but always with healthy injections of fun and the occasional, equally ancient, beverage to cool our exertions! Jangling bells, wild waving hankies, whirling sticks and wild whooping are common elements of our dance. A new departure for us is singing including sea shanties; you might have seen us perform at Street Fair last year.

Our Summer dance season is from May to September. Winter activities include Barn Dances, Pub evenings and Morris Ales (gatherings of Morris sides). Practice sessions are held in Finstock Village Hall on most Friday evenings at 8:00pm from October through April. Check our website for exact dates. Newcomers are most certainly welcome to drop by.

Our all-male Cotswold Morris side invites you to free Morris dancing lessons. The two-hour session starts at 8pm and suits men of all physical abilities. Help our side keep this artistic tradition alive. As a side we get to attend many fun and interesting events during the summer season. During the winter, music and dance practice can be an enjoyable social experience. As in the old days, we learn and respect the ancient traditions of the Morris, but we try not to take ourselves too seriously. Come along, learn the dance steps, figures and music and take it to the next level.

For more information call Peter (the bagman) on 01608 811007 or visit our website.

info@charlburymorris.org.uk

www.charlburymorris.org.uk

https://www.facebook.com/charlburymorrismen

John Dora · Sun 8 May 2022, 21:38 · Link


West Oxfordshire District Council changes control

West Oxfordshire District Council, which runs services for Charlbury including refuse collection, planning, and car parks, is set for a change of administration following yesterday’s elections.

One-third of the seats were up for election, not including the Charlbury & Finstock ward this time. The results saw the governing Conservatives lose seven seats: five to the Liberal Democrats, one to Labour and one to the Green Party.

As a result, the Conservatives have lost their majority on the council. The new standings are Con 20; LD 15; Lab 9; Green 2; independents 3.

Results are listed on the WODC website.

Richard Fairhurst · Fri 6 May 2022, 09:09 · Link


St Mary's Fete, Saturday 7 May 2-5pm

Come to the fete tomorrow.

Charlbury Primary School Art Competition.

Teddy Bear Zip Line. Bring your teddy for the trip of his/her lifetime.

Plate smashing, Plants, Books, Games, Jewellery, Nearly New Gifts, Toys, Bottles, DVDs, Ice Creams, Hot Dogs, Cakes, Cream Teas.

And Much More.

Patrick Gallagher · Fri 6 May 2022, 07:54 · Link


Delays on rail services today

If you are intending travelling on the railway from Charlbury this morning, please be advised that the services are all delayed by at least an hour due to a signalling problem between Charlbury and Oxford

Hugo Pickering · Wed 4 May 2022, 08:25 · Link


Emergency Supplies for Ukraine Update

Thank you so much to everyone who has donated items that are being taken  to Ukraine shortly. Dawn has been overwhelmed with essential supplies! Thank you so much to Charlbury Nursery, The Railway Children Nursery, Charlbury Medical Centre and Cornbury Park.

As I've been repeatedly asked for the final deadline; it is Tuesday 3rd, in the evening, as Dawn's transportation crew will be dropping off in Oxford in the coming days.

vicky burton · Mon 2 May 2022, 14:20 · Link


Revd Sally Welch to move on to Christ Church Cathedral

Charlbury’s vicar, Revd Dr Sally Welch, will be leaving the parish this summer and moving on to a new role as Diocesan Canon of Christ Church Cathedral in Oxford.

A news item from the Diocese of Oxford says:

“The Bishop of Oxford and the Chapter of Christ Church Cathedral are delighted to announce the appointment of the Reverend Dr Sally Welch as Diocesan Canon. Sally is currently vicar of Charlbury in the Diocese of Oxford and was area dean of Chipping Norton from 2015 to 2021.

“Sub Dean Richard Peers says; ‘We are all looking forward to Sally’s arrival at Christ Church and having her as part of the team here. Sally will bring strong skills as a pastor as well as a deep passion for pilgrimage. Her knowledge of the diocese and network of relationship across the diocese will further strengthen the mission of the Cathedral. We look forward to Sally, Jeremy and their growing family being part of our community.’

“Sally Welch has been a parish priest within the Diocese of Oxford for over 20 years, in a variety of different contexts, as well as Diocesan Spirituality Adviser. She is the author of a number of books and was the editor of New Daylight Bible reading notes for seven years. Her particular interest is the spirituality and practice of pilgrimage, and she has worked with the diocese and the Cathedral on a number of different pilgrimage projects, particularly the annual St Frideswide Pilgrimage. She and her husband Jeremy have four children and five grandchildren (so far).”

Mon 2 May 2022, 12:16 · Link


Charlbury School appoints new headteacher

The governors of Charlbury Primary School and the River Learning Trust have appointed Charlie Barwell as the new headteacher of the school. She was previously head at the primary schools of Combe, Middle Barton, and the Batt School/St Mary’s in Witney.

In a letter to parents, Ms Barwell writes:

“I am delighted to have been appointed as the Headteacher of Charlbury School and am looking forward to getting to know every one of you over the coming months.

“20 years ago, I moved to West Oxfordshire with my family having taught in Oxford and London previously. I have been the Headteacher of 4 schools as well as working as a Governor and a Trustee for a MAT. My experience extends to all categories of school in both state and private. I am an empathetic leader who believes that strong relationships with everyone within the community is essential for our children.”

She will take up her position at the start of the autumn term in September.

Mon 2 May 2022, 12:10 · 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 Market Street Charlbury
    Discharge of conditions 5 (details of all external windows and doors) and condition 6 (details of hr gates) of planning permission 21/04117/FUL
    WODC reference: 22/01043/CND - Wed 13 Apr 2022 - Awaiting decision

Mon 2 May 2022, 06:15 · Link


Robin Farmer Funeral

The funeral of Robin Farmer will take place on Saturday 7 May at 11am.  At North Oxfordshire Crematorium & Memorial Park OX5 3ER. A wake will follow at Millers Cottage, Market Street, Charlbury.  All welcome.

Michelle Gillespie · Sun 1 May 2022, 18:13 · Link


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