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No trains this weekend (30th/31st)

No trains will run from Charlbury station on either Saturday 30th or Sunday 31st.

Saturday is a widespread strike by train drivers and most routes nationwide will be affected.

Sunday is not a strike day, but GWR say there will be no services between Oxford and Worcester “due to a lack of staff”.

Richard Fairhurst · Fri 29 Jul 2022, 14:00 · Link


Wilderness Ticket Auction - Last Chance!

This is your last chance to bid for a pair of adult camping tickets for Wilderness Festival 2022. The auction is in aid of St Mary's Church and its community initiatives and bidding ends at 12 noon on Friday, 29th July. Please email your bid to danielajenkins@btinternet.com

daniela jenkins · Thu 28 Jul 2022, 09:21 · Link


Charlbury Primary school earn their Eco School Green Flag award with Distinction

Charlbury Primary School has been awarded the international accreditation of an Eco School Green Flag with Distinction for their work this year in making the school more environmentally friendly and raising eco-awareness in pupils. Eco-Schools is an international education programme that prompts young people to explore sustainability and climate change and take action. The school is very grateful for all the support they have received this year from the Charlbury community including those who have kindly donated plants and offered their time and expertise, in particular they would like to thank Charlbury Wildlife Society, the town council’s Land and Nature team, Charlbury Gardening Society and Sustainable Charlbury whose grant helped to fund work this year. Next year the school would like to build on their achievements and move further towards embedding sustainability within the curriculum.

Katrine Pringle · Tue 26 Jul 2022, 14:31 · Link


Charlbury Street Fair - Classic Vehicles

Dear Classic Car Owner (or friend of someone that does own one.. or more!),

Again, like 2021, this year it's 'all systems are go', we are going full on to arrange the Fair.

Like last year we aim to have more locations in the centre of town with more live music, Buskers and Morris Dancers (who will be performing sea shanties as well!), the Fire Service, Stalls some with food, Hatwell's Fun Fair and Go-karts. The fair will run from 2PM until 5.30PM on Saturday 17th September and music continues into the evening.

This year I am inviting owners of classic vehicles (they don't have to be cars!) in the Charlbury Medical Centre car park (to be confirmed) . Please also pass on the invitation to friends and acquaintances with suitable vehicles. If the latter please ask them to get in touch! 

We aim to assemble in the car park by 1.30pm on Saturday until the end of the day - 5pm or so.

STOP PRESS: We have just today been able to confirm a Spitfire fly-past on the day…!!

Looking forward to this!

John

Prof. John Dora

Chair, Charlbury Street Fair Committee

csfchairman@charlburystreetfair.org 

Funds raised go the the upkeep of the Corner House and War Memorial Hall.

John Dora · Mon 25 Jul 2022, 18:07 · 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.

  • The Cottages Church Lane Charlbury
    Ground floor single-storey rear extension and addition of 1no. conservation rooflight to rear roof slope
    WODC reference: 22/01862/HHD - Mon 04 Jul 2022 - Under consideration
  • Land South East The Slade Charlbury Oxfordshire
    Certificate of Lawfulness to allow the continued use of a building and land for storage purposes (Use Class B8) together with the associated loading and unloading space required for the use.
    WODC reference: 22/01854/CLE - Fri 01 Jul 2022 - Under consideration
  • Flat 4 Bayliss Yard Charlbury
    Replacement timber casement window and addition of 1No. external downpipe
    WODC reference: 22/01842/LBC - Wed 29 Jun 2022 - Under consideration
  • Flat 4 Bayliss Yard Charlbury
    Replacement timber casement window and addition of 1No. external downpipe
    WODC reference: 22/01841/FUL - Wed 29 Jun 2022 - Under consideration

Mon 25 Jul 2022, 06:15 · Link


Jennifer Bartlett Creative Connections

A new book with a collection of Jennifer Bartlett's art was prepared by her sons Andrew, Tom and Simon as a record of her artistic journey and a memorial to her life.

Creative Connections is available for sale at Cotswold Frames.

Tim at Cotswold Frames · Sat 23 Jul 2022, 12:32 · Link


Wilder Flower Farm Flowers

We’ll be outside the community centre today (Sat 23rd) with our locally grown, seasonal cut flowers from 9.00 till we sell out! 

Helen Pooley · Sat 23 Jul 2022, 08:14 · Link


Improvements to Enstone Road crossroads

Work at the Enstone Road crossroads is programmed to start on Wednesday 27th July and  expected to last for up to 16 shifts, subject to any bad weather conditions or unforeseen circumstances arising during construction.

The works will include footway widening, replacing damaged kerbs and ironwork, drainage improvements, sign repairs, resurfacing of the existing carriageway and the replacement of road markings.  

The work will be suspended during the Wilderness festival.

Liz Leffman · Fri 22 Jul 2022, 14:32 · Link


Charlbury parking changes approved

Oxfordshire County Council has this morning approved a set of changes to parking across the town, as drawn up by the Town Council and consulted on recently.

The changes will see:

  • Double yellow lines on Nine Acres Lane at the junction with Thames Street to improve junction safety
  • Extended double yellow lines on Browns Lane and Church Street to allow buses to pass more easily
  • Double yellow lines on Grammar School Hill to improve safety outside the Pre-School
  • Removal of double yellow lines on Market Street opposite the former Post Office
  • New 1hr daytime parking restriction (Mon-Fri) on the existing spaces outside the Pharmacy on Market Street

As well as the parking changes, there are two other improvements:

  • A ‘build-out’ approaching Charlbury from Banbury Hill to slow traffic
  • Extending the 30mph speed limit on Pound Hill for 500m to include more residential properties

The decision was taken by Charlbury’s councillor Liz Leffman in her capacity as council leader, standing in for highways cabinet member Andrew Gant.

Richard Fairhurst · Thu 21 Jul 2022, 10:41 · Link


Graffiti clean-up working party

We're organising a working party this Sunday, 10 - 12, to clean up offensive graffiti that has appeared at the skate park. If we have enough people we'll also have a go at the graffiti on utility boxes elsewhere in town. 

The Town Council has bought a non-toxic removal kit, but gloves must be worn - either bring your own or we can provide. You can drop me a line claire.wilding@charlbury-tc.gov.uk or just turn up at the skate park. There's no obligation to stay for the whole 2 hours - any help appreciated!

Claire Wilding · Tue 19 Jul 2022, 13:43 · Link


Wilderness Ticket Auction

Once again Wilderness is supporting St Mary’s Church, and have kindly donated two lots of 2 adult general camping tickets, worth £460 per pair, which we will be auctioning during the last two weeks of July to raise funds for St Mary’s church and its community initiatives.

You can place your bids by emailing danielajenkins@btinternet.com. Bidding ends at 12noon on Friday 29th July. Thank you for your support.

St Mary’s Church gratefully acknowledges the support of The 2022 Wilderness Festival.

daniela jenkins · Tue 19 Jul 2022, 12:11 · Link


Playing Close is now accessible

As the first step in the Town Council's plan to make areas of town more accessible, there is now a gap in the bollards on the Playing Close to enable buggies and wheelchairs to gain access.

Lisa Wilkinson · Mon 18 Jul 2022, 13:21 · Link


Extreme heat - please check on your neighbours

During this extreme heatwave, please check on your neighbours especially if they are elderly or vulnerable. There is useful advice on this website from Meryl Smith and on the Charlbury town council website: https://charlbury-tc.gov.uk/news/extreme-heat-advice/

Please take care

Lisa Wilkinson · Mon 18 Jul 2022, 10:04 · Link


Tips for coping in hot weather

Information from NHS and AgeUK Oxfordshire

• look out for those who may struggle to keep themselves cool and hydrated – older people, those with underlying health conditions and those who live alone are particularly at risk

• stay cool indoors – many of us will need to stay safe at home this summer so know how to keep your home cool

• close curtains on rooms that face the sun to keep indoor spaces cooler and remember it may be cooler outdoors than indoors

• if going outdoors, use cool spaces considerately

• drink plenty of fluids and avoid excess alcohol - aim to drink 6 – 8 glasses of liquid a day, and more if it’s hot.

• never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially infants, young children or animals

• try to keep out of the sun between 11am to 3pm

• walk in the shade, apply sunscreen regularly and wear a wide brimmed hat, if you have to go out in the heat

• avoid exercising in the hottest parts of the day

• make sure you take water with you, if you are travelling

Watch out for signs of heat related illness

If you or someone else feels unwell with a high temperature during hot weather, it may be heat exhaustion or heatstroke.

Symptoms of overheating

Extreme heat and dry conditions can cause you to dehydrate and your body to overheat. Watch out for certain signs – particularly for muscle cramps in your arms, legs or stomach, mild confusion, weakness or sleep problems. If you have any of these, rest in a cool place and drink plenty of fluids. Seek medical advice if your symptoms persist or worsen.

Heat exhaustion

Heat exhaustion is fatigue resulting from prolonged exposure to excessive heat. The symptoms of heat exhaustion include headaches, dizziness, nausea or vomiting, intense thirst, heavy sweating and a fast pulse.

What to do

If you have any of these symptoms you must, if at all possible:

• find a cool place and loosen tight clothes

• drink plenty of water or fruit juice

• sponge yourself with cool water or have a cool shower.

Your symptoms should improve within 30 minutes. If you're feeling better but still have any concerns, call your doctor or pharmacist or NHS 111 for advice.

Heatstroke

Heatstroke can develop if heat exhaustion is left untreated – it can also develop suddenly and without warning.

The symptoms of heatstroke include:

• confusion

• disorientation

• seizures

• loss of consciousness.

What to do

Heatstroke is a life-threatening condition. If you or someone else shows symptoms:

• call 999 immediately

• if you have a community alarm, press the button on your pendant to call for help

• while waiting for the ambulance, follow the advice given for heat exhaustion but do not try to give fluids to anyone who is unconscious.

Meryl Smith · Sun 17 Jul 2022, 10:58 · Link


Latest railway news - heatwave, engineering work, strikes

Received from First Group today:

You will have seen that further strike days have been announced by the RMT trade union (signallers, train managers, station dispatch staff amongst others) for Wednesday 27 July, Thursday 18 August and Saturday 20 August and by ASLEF (the train drivers union) for Saturday 30 July. The TSSA trade union now also has a mandate for strike action but has yet to announce any dates. As soon we have details of train plans for the affected days, which will include the days after the strikes, we will let you know. We are also keeping our dedicated webpages up to date on www.gwr.com/strike and https://www.networkrail.co.uk/industrial-action/.

In addition, you may have seen the national media release just issued by Network Rail about the impact of the very high temperatures expected this weekend and early next week https://www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk/news/rail-passengers-in-england-and-wales-warned-to-only-travel-if-necessary-ahead-of-soaring-temperatures. GWR have also released their own update https://news.gwr.com/news/travel-warning-as-heat-related-speed-restrictions-across-the-region-set-to-affect-train-services.

As temperatures soar both the railway infrastructure and trains are affected. On average, track temperature is 20C above air temperature. The extreme temperatures now expected next week, well in excess of 30C, mean the track temperature will be over 50C. This is far outside the normal operating range, and adds thousands of tonnes of additional pressure onto the track which will expand in the heat. There is a risk of the track buckling. Where possible Network Rail will try to reduce track temperature, by doings things like painting the sides of the track white which can lower the track temperature by up to 5C.

With the temperatures expected on Monday and Tuesday, even this will not be enough, so to reduce this risk and keep passengers safe, speed limits will be introduced across the country on Monday and Tuesday. This will reduce the number of trains that can travel, and there is therefore likely to be delays and cancellations. To help customers will be able to use their tickets on Wednesday or Thursday instead. Our refund and Book with Confidence policies will remain in place and we are working together to get the news out. Any help you can give us with that would be great.

It is also worth noting that journeys between Moreton-in-Marsh and Charlbury on Saturday and Sunday will be impacted by engineering works. We have found sourcing all the buses we would normally use for road replacement during this closure very difficult. Rail tickets are valid on alternative routes via Worcester so customers can travel by train instead. We are doing all we can with our contractors to try and close the gaps, but buses are proving difficult to find.

We are advising customers to check before they set out using our Journeycheck service at www.journeycheck.com/GreatWesternRailway.

Gareth Epps · Fri 15 Jul 2022, 23:10 · Link


Charlbury Scouts Fundraising Car Wash

Charlbury Scouts are offering a car washing service this Saturday 16 July.

Bring your car along between 10am and 12 noon to our area outside Charlbury Community Centre - enthusiastic Scouts supervised by Leaders will make your car shine - for only £5 !!

Cheryl Horsey · Fri 15 Jul 2022, 16:21 · Link


ESCAPE THE HEATWAVE

St Mary's Church will be open until approx. 6pm every day and will offer a safe and cool space for anyone wishing to escape from the heatwave forecast for the early part of next week.  Please look out for relatives and neighbours and pass this message to anyone at risk, especially elderly people and families with very young children.

daniela jenkins · Fri 15 Jul 2022, 15:11 · Link


Charlbury Station latest planned opening days

For your information, Charlbury Station will be OPEN on the following days in the next few weeks:

Monday 18th to Friday 22nd July

Monday 25th to Friday 29th July

And of course Cafe de la Gare will be operating at the station every weekday.

Hugo Pickering · Fri 15 Jul 2022, 08:37 · Link


Wilder Flower Farm flower stall - Charlbury Community Centre

Wilder Flower Farm will have our stall outside the Charlbury Community Centre this Saturday but come early…it’s going to be hot so we will only be there from 9.00-10.00 am.  

Helen Pooley · Thu 14 Jul 2022, 19:30 · Link


Cricket Week at Charlbury CC

As part of our build up for our 150th birthday celebrations in 2024, we are delighted to reintroduce an annual cricket week that will see a number of cricket games played every day at the CCC. All are welcome as the bar and new beer garden will be open !!

The events for the next 10 days are scheduled as follows:-

  • Friday 15th - Training and Mingus tree Jazz band
  • Saturday 16th - Charlbury CC 2nd XI v Chadlington 1st XI 13.00
  • Sunday 17th - U13 County Finals (Both pitches) 09.30
  • Monday 18th - Charlbury XI v Philippics (touring team) 14.30 
  • Tuesday 19th - Main ground - Over 60s OCB representative game
  • Tuesday 19th - Development Ground -T20 friendly v Audley Travel 18.00
  • Wednesday 20th - Parents v Children Challenge T20 18.00
  • Thursday 21st - Caribbean Night and Jenkins XI v Sinton XI 10.30 to late
  • Friday 22nd - Training and The Vodka Shots 
  • Saturday 23rd - Main ground -Charlbury 1st XI v Chipping Norton 1st XI 12.30
  • Saturday 23rd - Development Ground - Charlbury 3rd XI v Shipton 4th XI 13.00
  • Sunday 24th -  - Main ground - Charlbury CC Women v Stony Stratford 13.00
  • Sunday 24th - Development ground - Presidents XI  v Charlbury CC 11.00

Paul D Jenkins · Thu 14 Jul 2022, 11:24 · Link


Removal of bins at Narrow Lane and Cornbury

Following the removal of bins at Narrow Lane/Marlborough Place and at Cornbury by the District Council, and subsequent complaints received, the District Council will not replace the Narrow Lane bin but is installing a new bin on Grammar School Hill.

Please see this link to the Town Council website for the explanation from the District Council: https://charlbury-tc.gov.uk/news/removal-of-bins-at-narrow-lane-and-cornbury/

Lisa Wilkinson · Wed 13 Jul 2022, 11:05 · Link


Our ambulance service is under severe pressure.

"We are asking patients to help us at this time by seeking alternative treatment or advice via NHS 111 online or by calling 111, local urgent care centres or speaking to their GP or local pharmacist.

"We continue to prioritise our response to those patients with life-threatening and serious emergencies but, due to the current levels of pressure we are seeing, there will be delays in responding to other patients with less urgent needs who are assessed as requiring an ambulance response."

More information at: https://www.scas.nhs.uk/advice-for-the-public-as-scas-contends-with-significant-increase-in-pressure/

Charlbury Patient Participation Group

susan smith · Tue 12 Jul 2022, 17:18 · Link


Cornerstone - Food Bank basket in Coop and local produce

Thank you so much to the residents of Charlbury who have donated to the Food Bank basket in Coop. The basket donations are now coming to the Cornerstone project and we had our first collection last week. Do keep the donations coming. 

Cornerstone would love to have any of your excess local produce as things start to flourish in your garden - everything welcome - lavender, raspberries, fruits, vegetables. 

Do drop it in to us 10am - 1pm Monday - Saturday at the Corner House - and add your name to our donators thank you board. 

Cornerstone. 

Jo Paton · Mon 11 Jul 2022, 10:38 · 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.

  • Kuzniks Pooles Lane Charlbury
    Discharge of condition 4 (schedule of materials) of planning permission 22/00481/HHD
    WODC reference: 22/01753/CND - Wed 22 Jun 2022 - Under consideration

Mon 11 Jul 2022, 06:15 · Link


Christian Aid Week

Many thanks to all who helped with, and contributed to, Christian Aid Week. The total collected was £1817.60. A further £351.50 will be added through Gift Aid. Thus the total raised for Chrisian Aid will be £2169.10.

Gerald Draper · Sat 9 Jul 2022, 21:34 · Link


Updated Playlist at Charlbury CC

Due to a few changes the revised programme for Friday nights ia as follows

  • 8th July - No Band but bar open to all from 5.30pm
  • 15th - Mingus Tree
  • 22nd - The Vodka Shots and Charlbury School Choir
  • 29th - King B

We will also shortly update everyone regarding our new cricket weel that runs from 17th-24th July.

Paul D Jenkins · Fri 8 Jul 2022, 10:16 · Link


Town Council response to the Traffic Consultation Order

The Town Council responded to the TRO with the following statement:

Charlbury TC supports the TRO with the caveat that the parking spaces opposite the old Post Office, which are being created by the removal of the double yellow lines , are not subject to the proposed 1 hour time restriction.

We await to hear the final decision by the County Council.

Lisa Wilkinson · Thu 7 Jul 2022, 12:29 · Link


Vicar Sally Welch. Her final service in Charlbury

Sally Welch will be celebrating her last service at St Mary's in Charlbury at 9.45am on Sunday, 10th July, 2022. Immediately after the service at about 10.45am we will gather together with drinks and cake to make our final farewell. 

Everyone is most welcome.

Paddy Gallagher,  Churchwarden.

Patrick Gallagher · Wed 6 Jul 2022, 20:43 · Link


Funding approved for new play equipment at Nine Acres

Nine Acres Management Committee, working with Town Council, has successfully received funding for two new pieces of play equipment. The funding is from FCC Communities Foundation* and will cover the purchase and installation of a ground level trampoline and a rope net pyramid following consultation with parents and users of the playground.

Installation is due to take place in early October by Trevor Stewart, who installed the current playground equipment.

MASSIVE thanks go to Nick Johnson for all his form filling, chasing suppliers and contractors, reading through guidelines and bringing it all together.

*FCC Communities Foundation is a not-for-profit business that awards grants for community through the Landfill Communities Fund.

Lisa Wilkinson · Wed 6 Jul 2022, 14:43 · 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.

  • Wychwood View Stonesfield Lane Charlbury
    Proposed installation of two gable fronted dormers to the front elevation of the property.
    WODC reference: 22/01694/HHD - Fri 17 Jun 2022 - Under consideration
  • Kuzniks Pooles Lane Charlbury
    Removal of condition 2 (approved plans) of planning permission 22/00481/HHD to allow for changes to fenestration and movement of wall
    WODC reference: 22/01631/S73 - Mon 13 Jun 2022 - Under consideration

Mon 4 Jul 2022, 06:15 · Link


Charlbury -Then and Now, by Geoffrey Walton in stock at Cotswold frames

In his latest book Dr Walton refers to numerous earlier and current images to illustrate the extent to which things have changed in the last 40 to 50 years in Charlbury since he arrived to live and work in the town.

Charlbury - Then and Now or when we arrived and now by Geoffrey Walton is available to purchase at Cotswold frames @ £15.00 P+P £4.00 2nd class signed or £5.00 1st class signed 

Tim at Cotswold Frames · Fri 1 Jul 2022, 12:31 · Link


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