News

Author Bessie Marchant’s book collection comes to the Museum

The museum is delighted to announce that we have recently acquired a wonderful collection of books, all written by Bessie Marchant who for many years lived  in Church Street. She was a prolific author, writing nearly 150 books during her long life. Her novels were primarily aimed at teenage girls.  Unusually, at a time when women were expected to be content to devote themselves to being wives and mothers, they featured intrepid lady heroines who travelled to exotic and far-off countries where they had all manner of adventures and dramatic escapades. It is a wonderful collection and a very attractive addition to the museum.

We are extremely grateful to Andrew and Briony Lawson for so generously donating the books and their bookcase to the museum.  The collection complements other items we have belonging to Bessie Marchant such as her manual typewriter and spectacles. Thank you too to House & Carriage for their very efficient and careful help in moving the archive into the museum. 

Judy Dod · Mon 13 Jan, 14:21 · Link

🚨 Good News and Bad News from Enstone Road 🚨

Good news: The Town Council has replaced the polycarbonate panels on the Enstone Road bus shelter! Combined with the fresh paintwork from last year, it’s looking great and has a whole new lease of life.  Plus, you can now see the buses coming!! 🚌✨

Bad news: Unfortunately, someone has been vandalising the shelter with graffiti using sticky labels and writing homophobic ‘jokes’. This behaviour is unacceptable and has been reported to the police.

The police have shared this statement:

"We have been made aware of homophobic ‘jokes’ that have been put up on a bus stop in Charlbury. The person responsible is committing an offence under S.4 of the Public Order Act 1986. If you have any information about this incident, please call 101 and quote reference number 43240627297."

🚨 What you can do:

Keep an eye out. 👀

If you spot anything suspicious, report it to the police or the Town Council.

Thank you for helping to keep our community safe and welcoming for everyone. 💙

(Ignore the ice on the front panels on the photo - not a great day to take a pic!!!)

Lisa Wilkinson · Mon 13 Jan, 10:56 · Link

Your 2025 Beer Festival Needs You! (on June 28th)

A short message to say a huge thank you to the heroic volunteers who helped our 2024 Festival raise over £20,000 to support so many worthy local causes! If you're potentially interested in helping out un any way at THIS years event on Saturday 28th June 2025 please contact Mick Donegan at volunteering@charlburybeerfestival.org

Michael Donegan · Sun 12 Jan, 11:07 · Link

Update on Browns Lane closure

Following a couple of days of the S3 bus not running down Browns Lane due to the planned road closure for Thames Water work, OCC has confirmed that buses are now operational again. They have also stated that signposting at bus stops (of which there was none) is the responsibility of the traffic management company working on behalf of the contractor e.g.: Thames Water.

You will have seen that Thames Water were only there for an hour on the first day. Apparently, they were unable to complete the job and have had to replan. The road closure will need to be replanned and unfortunately the road closed again in the future.

We are waiting to hear why they didn't inform the bus companies (and OCC) earlier if this was the case.

Lisa Wilkinson · Thu 9 Jan, 09:35 · Link

Breakfast at The Bull

The Bull is now open for breakfast from 8am to 10.30am. No need to book.

Olivia Bourgaux · Wed 8 Jan, 16:23 · Link

⏳ Final Call: Town Councillor Vacancy in Charlbury ⏳

There are just a couple of days left to submit your expression of interest for the Town Councillor vacancy in Charlbury!

If you’re passionate about making a difference in our community and want to learn more about the roles and responsibilities, click here: https://charlbury-tc.gov.uk/.

🗓 Closing Date: 10th January

📧 Send your expression of interest to Lisa: clerk@charlbury-tc.gov.uk

Don’t miss this opportunity to get involved and help shape the future of Charlbury. We’d love to hear from you!

Lisa Wilkinson · Wed 8 Jan, 16:13 · Link

Auditions for Noye's Fludde

Only 12 days to go before the auditions for Noye's Fludde! We are looking for ten keen young actor-singers and two dancers to take solo roles in this once-in-a-lifetime chance to be part of one of the greatest ever musical dramas ever written for young people. To apply please contact isabelknowland@gmail.com 07788 174785  Meanwhile the birds and animals are waiting to enter the ark.....

Isabel Knowland · Tue 7 Jan, 13:33 · 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.

• Pomme D Or Enstone Road Charlbury
  Installation of three dormer windows to front (east) roof slope of dwelling
  WODC reference: 24/03164/HHD - Thu 12 Dec 2024 - Under consideration
• Little Paddock 34 Elm Crescent Charlbury
  Erection of a single storey rear extension, relocation of steps to car parking, installation of pv panels to existing roof, construction of canopy and new doorway on side elevation, insertion of bullseye windows and new triple glazed first floor roof above internal staircase on rear elevation
  WODC reference: 24/03071/HHD - Wed 18 Dec 2024 - Under consideration

Mon 6 Jan, 06:15 · Link

The Cauldron Cafe Emporium Revamp.

After having a very successful first season , The Cauldron Café is delighted to announce its grand reopening on March 1st, following an enchanting revamp!. Step into a magical indoor forest, complete with a charming Cotswold stone witch’s cottage, twinkling lights, and an unforgettable witchy-themed afternoon tea experience. Relax in our cozy reading nook, nestled in a rocking chair with one of our curated books, or sip your favorite herbal tea or coffee while exploring the tarot cards on your table. Outside, unwind under the gazebo lights as the sun sets, or browse our crystal and gift shop collection. With limited seating, bookings are highly recommended. Follow us on social media to watch the magic unfold and join us every Saturday night for live music. The Cauldron Café Emporium where every sip comes with a sprinkle of witchy wonder!

Joanna scrivens · Fri 3 Jan, 21:40 · Link