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Charlbury Station Update

From GWR's Communication Team:

"There is no current expected time of when power to the ticket machine and departure boards will be resolved as it is in the hands of GWR's maintenance contractor. But things won’t be back to normal until the leak has been resolved, the fuse box replaced and the station re-wired.

The ticket machines and CIS screens still need to access the rail data feed which is located in part of the station building, so there is no quick fix going forward."

Emily Algar · Tue 31 Jan 2023, 13:18 · Link


Pruning at Centenary Wood


Cotswold Wardens, who manage the woodland, will be felling 41 oaks trees 🌳 in February as well as some ash trees suffering from dieback.

These 41 trees are immediately affecting the growth of 50 selected good trees and have been marked with red paint. You will have seen these on your walks 🐾👣

Due to this felling, wood will be available to the community for firewood 🔥(it will need drying for 2 summers), and some of the oak trees will be suitable for splitting for making garden gates.

Watch this space for workshops in the woodland in the summer making items from the split wood. 🪵

📸 credits: Emily Algar @emilyalgar27

Lisa Wilkinson · Tue 31 Jan 2023, 12:49 · 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 30 Jan 2023, 06:15 · Link


Planting trees on Nine Acres

Thanks to a generous bursary from Wilderness, a hardy and strong team from the CMC Patient Group, the Green Hub , the Garden Society, and Nine Acres management committee, dug and planted three trees last week; a rowan outside the medical centre and an oak and a field maple on Nine Acres. These trees were purchased as a result of applying for the Bursary to mark the late Queen’s Platinum Jubilee last summer. We also uncovered a George V 1929 sixpence while digging, reflecting the decade of her birth.

We hope they will eventually provide shade for those using the playground , having thought carefully about the site and the impact of the leaves.

Nikki Rycroft · Sat 28 Jan 2023, 16:45 · Link


Rail strikes: 1 and 3 February

Latest update from the train operator:

'You may have seen in the media, that ASLEF (train drivers) will be taking strike action on Wednesday 1st February and Friday 3rd February. RMT train drivers will also strike on the same days.

As this is train drivers, it is very likely that we will have no service whatsoever on the vast majority of our network on both dates. We are hoping that we might be able to operate a limited service from Reading to Basingstoke, Reading to Oxford and London Paddington to Bristol Temple Meads. This is not yet confirmed. We will let you know as soon as we have details.

Our dedicated strike page at www.gwr.com/strike will be kept updated including information on refunds and when journey planners will be updated. We will also be issuing traditional media, social media, on board station announcements and posters to ensure customers are aware.

If you are able to share our updates from our Twitter account at www.twitter.com/gwrhelp or update your own networks in whatever way possible that would be greatly appreciated.

We will be in touch again once we have the train plan confirmed.'

Gareth Epps · Mon 23 Jan 2023, 16:44 · 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.

  • Treetops Stonesfield Lane Charlbury
    External refurbishments including raising roof height, new solar PV panels, external wall insulation and new double glazed windows
    WODC reference: 22/03546/HHD - Thu 29 Dec 2022 - Under consideration

Mon 23 Jan 2023, 06:15 · Link


Parish business

On 6 February I will become the Catholic priest for Chipping Norton in addition to Charlbury. The Archbishop has asked me to take this on and having taken my vow of obedience in all things moral and legal, I must obey. There will be fewer weekday Masses in St Teresa’s but Sundays will remain the same. Recently there have been lots of moans and groans and sniping on the Forum, which I put down to the weather and the general gloom around in the country but my experience of people in Charlbury has been unremittingly positive, and I want to thank everyone for all the support I have received over the last few years . The banter in the “Rose” is particularly uplifting! God bless the King.

Father Clive Dytor · Fri 20 Jan 2023, 07:11 · Link


Gigaclear is back in town

Gigaclear is back in town from 1st February.

Work will take place between 1st and 3rd February on Woodstock Road, Nineacres Lane and Pound Hill.

There will be some carriageway incursion and 2 way signals will be in place.

This information will also be sent via email to all residents who have previously registered their details. Any other interested residents can also register for periodic permit updates at //Gigaclear.com/mycommunity

If residents would like to get in touch with us, please contact their dedicated Customer Operations team on the details below.

Email: networkbuildqueries@gigaclear.com

Phone: 01865 591131

Lisa Wilkinson · Thu 19 Jan 2023, 16:08 · Link


Do you have design skills and would be willing to lend a hand?

The Town Council produces posters/ flyers etc several times a year for differing reasons. It would love to have a volunteer with design skills to call on at these times. Text would be provided. If you would be happy to volunteer a small amount of time to help with this through the year we would be very grateful. Please contact Lisa at clerk@charlbury-tc.gov.uk. Thank you

This has now been filled.

Lisa Wilkinson · Wed 18 Jan 2023, 10:14 · 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.

  • Culpeppers Woodstock Road Charlbury
    Alterations to main dwelling to include revised fenestration, re cladding and re roofing works. Construction of a detached garage with a store room above.
    WODC reference: 23/00033/HHD - Fri 23 Dec 2022 - Under consideration
  • Wayhill Spelsbury Road Charlbury
    Demolition of existing dwelling. Erection of two semi-detached dwellings with shared garage and associated landscaping
    WODC reference: 22/03536/FUL - Fri 23 Dec 2022 - Under consideration

Mon 16 Jan 2023, 06:15 · Link


St Mary’s Christmas Tree Festival 2022

We would like to thank all those involved in buying and decorating a tree this year to make the festival such a success. The tree lined churchyard along with the decorated trees in the church were enjoyed by many. Along with everyone who helped and offered free services at the events, or came to support, we also want to thank our sponsors, listed below. They kindly donated funds to help set up the festival and we could not run the festival without them. Thank you all! The money raised will go towards the upkeep of the church, and the Saturday concert donations have been shared between CRAG and the church.

Mama Festivals (Wilderness)

Lycetts

House & Carriage

The Bull

Finders Keepers

Shaw & Co.

Cotswold Frames

Lipcote

Marcia at Amarelo Cuisine

Maureen Sparling · Sat 14 Jan 2023, 16:06 · Link


Try something new in 2023 - Morris Dancing!

Do you want to try something new in 2023?

Wychwayz Border Morris are looking to recruit new dancers and musicians. We are a very friendly, inclusive and welcoming group of Morris dancers, dancing the traditional Border style of dance with sticks and wearing rag/tatter jackets. We are looking for new musicians and dancers of all ages and abilities to join us.

We are holding sessions in the Memorial Hall on Tuesdays 17th, 24th and 31st January 7.30 - 8.30pm.  Please come along, have a go, have a chat and find out more about Border Morris dancing.

If you would like further information please contact Teresa Duester on 07881 963328 or email wychwayzmorris@gmail.com

Teresa Duester · Thu 12 Jan 2023, 08:41 · Link


Empire of Mars by Stephen Darnell

Are you a fan of science fiction? Do you enjoy a good adventure? If so, please read my new sci-fi novel entitled ‘Empire of Mars.’ I am a local author, and this is my first published book.

It is available to buy locally at Cotswold Frames, and if you would like to read more about the story, and me as author, please use the following link: https://stephendarnell.ampbk.com/

Steve Darnell · Wed 11 Jan 2023, 10:56 · Link


Honoured Citizen Award

Do you know of anyone whose voluntary efforts over many years have made a real positive difference to the people and community of Charlbury? 

 We are now accepting nominations for the next round of Charlbury Honoured Citizen Awards. 

 Nomination forms and other details are available here: https://charlbury-tc.gov.uk/honoured-citizen-award-scheme/ ; and nominations for this round must be received by 31st January 2023.

Lisa Wilkinson · Mon 9 Jan 2023, 13:01 · Link


Charlbury Beer Festival 2022 Grants

Work is underway planning this year’s Charlbury Beer Festival, our 25th event. Last year's festival raised around £17k for local organisations and charities. Here is a list of the beneficiaries:

Charlbury Cricket Club

Thomas Gifford Trust

Charlbury Primary School

Charlbury Station Garden Volunteers

Charlbury Youth Football Club

Charlbury Town Walking Football

Baby and Toddler Group

Charlbury Exhibition Foundation

Linda Norgrove Foundation

Chrissie's Owls

Charlbury Pre-School

Wychwood Forest Trust

None of this can be achieved without the help of an army of volunteers, and the generous sponsorship provided by local businesses. If you’re keen to help us to make our festival on 24 June 2023 the most successful yet, visit our website and get in touch. And whether you’re an established business, an individual wishing to commemorate and event or anniversary, or, say, you’ve just acquired a pub or hotel in Charlbury and wish to support your local community, then our sponsorship options ranging from individual barrels of beer to sponsorship of the whole event, and many things in between, could be just what you’re looking for!

www.charlburybeerfestival.org

Matt Bullock · Mon 9 Jan 2023, 09:07 · 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.

  • Whispership Cottage Hixet Wood Charlbury
    Renovation of existing semi-detached cottage to include two storey rear extension and adjusted ground levels, changes to fenestration and provision of front and side dormer windows.
    WODC reference: 22/03477/HHD - Mon 19 Dec 2022 - Under consideration

Mon 9 Jan 2023, 06:15 · Link


Latest on trains and the station at Charlbury

For news on the latest strike action and what is happening with the building following the flood before Christmas please go to the Town Council website: https://charlbury-tc.gov.uk/public-transport-information/

Lisa Wilkinson · Fri 6 Jan 2023, 15:46 · Link


CRAG (Charlbury Refugee Action Group) needs a new treasurer

We’re urgently seeking a volunteer with accounting experience to join our lively committee and help CRAG continue its successful fundraising work.  

CRAG started in 2015 specifically to raise awareness about, and funds for, refugees. It now has over 250 members, has raised over £110,000 to help refugees, and is currently applying for charitable status. CRAG organises regular, well attended local events such as classical concerts, Art Weeks cafes, and talks. See our webpage for more information. 

The committee of 8 usually meets for an hour every month. Other than for meetings, the work can be done remotely. You’d be assisted by our Deputy Treasurer who handles cash and bankings.

If you’d like to have a chat to find out more please phone 07952 966060 or email treasurer@charlburyrefugee.org.uk

Vicky Buser · Wed 4 Jan 2023, 18:18 · Link


Warm Spaces and Hot Soup

St Mary's Church will be open on Thursdays for Font Café from 10am and serving hot soup at lunchtime if you are looking for a 'Warm Space' and some company. Please spread the word to anyone who you feel would appreciate a hot meal at this time.

daniela jenkins · Tue 3 Jan 2023, 11:21 · Link


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