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ARE YOU A STAR BAKER? Join our first ever Bake-off!

Our first ever Charlbury Bake - Off will not take place in a tent but at the Memorial Hall on Saturday 15 November and we’re looking for talented bakers to take part!

Do you love mixing, sieving, folding, decorating and emerging with a smile through a cloud of icing sugar? Click on this link to tell us a bit about yourself and your love of baking.

More information and short application form here: https://forms.gle/nCkErgB4JSfK3XHu5

Deadline: 10am, Tuesday 4 November

Note: The actual baking will happen in your own kitchen in advance of the event, but contestants can use the kitchen at the Memorial Hall for any finishing touches, decoration and presentation of their creations.

The challenges will be sent out to the selected bakers a week before the event.

All contestants will receive a hamper of baking ingredients as a thank you!

Prizes for the winners!

This is an event organised by the Charlbury Street Fair to raise money for the Corner House and Memorial Hall.

Stav Kounadea · Thu 23 Oct, 18:33 · Link


Temporary Road Closure and “No Waiting” restriction on Park Street & Road through Charlbury

Notice is hereby given pursuant to Section 14(2) of the Road Traffic

Regulation Act, 1984, that the Oxfordshire County Council

TEMPORARILY PROHIBITS THE USE OF AND WAITING ON THE HIGHWAY

BY ALL MOTOR VEHICLES

LOCATION: Charlbury, Park Street & Road through Charlbury (from

Shilson Lane to Hixet Wood)

REASON: To facilitate pre-surfacing dressing works

DURATION: On 11 November 2025

This will operate between 07:30 and 16:30

( Traffic Regulation Notices cover a maximum of 5

consecutive days.)

ACCESS: Limited access will be maintained for emergency service

vehicles and for frontages within the closed section of road,

subject to the progress of the works. Access will be

maintained for cyclist and pedestrians

The “No Waiting” restriction means that wherever there are in place yellow

“No Waiting” cones, you will not be able to park vehicles on the highway.

SUGGESTED ALTERNATIVE ROUTE: via Market Street - Thames Street - Nine

Acre Lane - B4022and vice versa

Lisa Wilkinson · Thu 23 Oct, 10:44 · Link


Three Hedgehog Fatalities Hill Close/The Slide

Three juvenile hedgehogs have been killed by traffic at the junction of Hill Close and The Slade the past few weeks. Hedgehogs are IUCN Red Listed, they are in danger of extinction.  There is a sign on the verge which can be seen clearly from the road. Please drive carefully. 

Hedgehogs are out and about for another couple of months until just before Christmas (depending on the weather), looking for food and hibernation sites.  The juvenile hedgehogs especially need to put on weight for hibernation (500g).

Thank you everyone who is supporting our community of hedgehogs by having porous boundaries; providing food, water, dry shelter and leaves/bedding. They need warm dry shelter to get through the winter months

Flora Gregory · Wed 22 Oct, 17:47 · Link


Public Consultation – Changes to Spendlove Car Park

West Oxfordshire District Council is consulting on proposed changes to the layout and maximum stay times in several of its car parks — including Spendlove Car Park, Charlbury.

The aim is to improve access, increase turnover in short-stay areas, and continue to provide flexibility for longer visits where needed.

For Spendlove Car Park, the proposal is for:

• 24 three-hour bays

  • 10 eight-hour bays

• 3 Blue Badge bays

• Adult and child bays to be retained

Parking will remain free of charge.


You can view the full details and have your say by 26 November 2025:

📧 Email: parking@westoxon.gov.uk

🌐 Online: www.westoxon.gov.uk/parking-travel-and-visitors/parking-orders

Proposed stay times 

Lisa Wilkinson · Wed 22 Oct, 15:27 · Link


Calling all artists in Charlbury

Are there any artists who would like to take part in an open studio weekend prior to Christmas?  A dozen or so artists are busy planning for the weekend of Saturday-Sunday 22-23 November.  If you'd like to join us please contact me so that we might collaborate on publicity.  

Maureen Sparling · Wed 22 Oct, 14:13 · Link


Panto tickets now on sale

Oh no their not Oh yes they are.....

Yes it's that time of year again where you get to see yours's truly dress up in a dress and act a complete fool  ( and NO it's not just another normal Friday night out for me in the Rosie ! )

Cads are proud to present their latest offering  "Alice in Cuckooland " by Peter Nuttall

Follow Alice, The Mad Hatter, Floppy the giant white rabbit, Chester the cat & Old mother Wobbly as they try & rescue Christmas from the wicked Queen of Hearts. 

So don't delay get your tickets booked whist you can, dust off your favourite Christmas Jumpers and practise shouting the statuary " It's behind you " & " Oh yes it is " responses & get set for a rib tickling panto.

Tickets are now on Sale from No5 Market Street, Charlbury - CASH Only.

Prices Adult £12 Child £6 : Group discount in advance only 8+ £10 Adult £4 Child

Performances in Memorial Hall : Doors open Half Hour before each performance starts.

Tickets can be purchased both Cash & Online at Door before each performance subject to availability.


Thursday 2Oth November, 7.30pm. Friday 21st November, 7.30pm. Saturday 22nd November Matinee 2.30pm & 7.30pm

Tim Widdows · Wed 22 Oct, 12:21 · Link


Shorthampton Walk Postponed

With regret the History Walk to Shorthampton Church planned for Thursday 23rd October has been cancelled due to forecast adverse weather conditions.  The walk will be rescheduled in the near future - watch this space!

Sorry for the short notice.

Peter Kenrick · Wed 22 Oct, 10:44 · Link


You're Invite to Sponsor a Tree!

Organisers of the Christmas Tree Festival are excited to welcome businesses, streets, clubs or families to sponsor a Christmas Tree this year!

The festival will take place from Friday, 12 December 2025, to Thursday, 2 January 2026, with an official opening celebration scheduled for Friday, 12 December, from 6:00 to 7:00 pm.

Tree Sponsorship Individuals, community groups, and organisations are invited to participate by sponsoring a Christmas tree:

Outdoor trees: £40

Indoor trees (inside the church): £45 (indoor spaces are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis for an additional £5)

Outdoor trees will be decorated with lights, and non-breakable decorations may also be used if desired. Competitions will be held for both adult- and child-decorated trees, offering an opportunity for creativity and community spirit to shine.

Supporting the Festival and the Church through tree sponsorship plays a vital role in the continuation of this much-loved Charlbury tradition. Additional donations to the church are also greatly appreciated and will be received with gratitude.

Booking and Contact Information Booking for the 2025 Charlbury Christmas Tree Festival is available online: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSehRktNnnLbO5tLQ7K3gaCaRXY_EGwdYnfcB7JARSFvdQhO7A/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=112802403958658262410

For further information, please contact the organisers at charlburyctf@gmail.com.

Anna Boardwell · Tue 21 Oct, 17:46 · Link


Charlbury Market – End of Season Update

The Charlbury Market season has now finished for the year – a huge thank you to everyone who visited, shopped, and supported our wonderful local producers throughout the season. 💚

We’re already looking forward to our special Christmas Market on Saturday 6th December in the Memorial Hall, which will be full of festive cheer and local treats – not to be missed! 🎄✨

A very special thank you goes to all our amazing volunteers, who give up their Saturday mornings to help run the market and especially the Gatineau bread stall. Thanks to their hard work, local organisations have benefited from generous donations raised through the sale of bread and pastries each week.

Thank you for supporting Charlbury Market this year – we can’t wait to see you again in the spring when the market returns! 🌸

Lisa Wilkinson · Mon 20 Oct, 14:50 · Link


Walking on Fire for Charlbury Girl Guides

On 15 November 2025, Charlbury Girl Guide Leaders Michele and Eric are walking BAREFOOT over 20 feet of fire to raise funds for the Charlbury Girl Guides unit. Please donate to help us blaze a trail to success!

Girl Guides is open to all girls between the ages of 10 and 14, and there's so much to do and learn!

In the past we've learned how to make sushi, gone SCUBA diving, been camping, visited the F1 factory, Zoomed with an astronaut, learned CPR, tackled Go Ape!, been geocaching, and more.

Any donation you make (whether large or small) will go directly to our unit to help us fund all these activities, and more!

Why not make a donation today!? https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/charlbury-girl-guides-unit

michele marietta · Mon 20 Oct, 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.

  • Woody Lane House Woody Lane Charlbury
    Discharge of condition 4 (soft landscaping scheme) of Planning Permission 25/01026/HHD.
    WODC reference: 25/02539/CND - Tue 14 Oct 2025 - Under consideration
  • St Benets Church Lane Charlbury
    T1- Yew - Reduce height by 1 metre and trim side T2 - Hawthorn -Crown raise to 2.5 metres reduce spread by 1.5 metres ,reduce height by 0.5 metres. T3 - Box Elder -Remove x2 low limbs growing into neighbours side,remove dead branches .reduce client side by 1 metre
    WODC reference: 25/02521/TCA - Mon 13 Oct 2025 - Under consideration

Mon 20 Oct, 06:15 · Link


History Walk to Shorthampton Church

Join the Walkers are Welcome team this Thursday 23rd October for a 5 mile walk along the Evenlode Valley visiting the medieval All Saints Church at Shorthampton.  Meet on the Playing Close by the Victoria Fountain at 10am.

A local expert will be on hand to share the fascinating history of the church and its wall paintings.

If you don’t feel able to do the walk, you can still join us at the church to hear about its history. Please arrange to arrive at Shorthampton Church by 12 noon at the latest. The car park at the church will be open.

If you are walking with us, please wear good walking footwear - some sections could be muddy after rain. Dogs MUST be kept on a lead at all times.

Peter Kenrick · Sat 18 Oct, 17:46 · Link


Street Fair 2025

I am delighted to report that the Charlbury Street Fair have just given the Corner House £7,000 towards their ongoing improvements! There will be a further £1,000 to come once all the money has been received.

Thanks to everyone who helped in any way to make it such a success.

Elisabeth Partington · Thu 16 Oct, 11:49 · 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.

  • Peartree Cottage Dancers Hill Charlbury
    Walnut (1), oak (2) and a silver birch (3) - cutting back to boundry
    WODC reference: 25/02477/TCA - Wed 08 Oct 2025 - Under consideration
  • 75 The Green Charlbury
    Japanese maple ? Remove tree to facilitate renovation of driveway for 2 vehicle parking
    WODC reference: 25/02480/TCA - Wed 08 Oct 2025 - Under consideration
  • Melody House Hixet Wood Charlbury
    Field maple - Remove tree
    WODC reference: 25/02427/TCA - Wed 01 Oct 2025 - Under consideration
  • 36 Little Lees Charlbury
    T1 Ash tree -reduce over extended branches and to remove major deadwood Outside of TPO area
    WODC reference: 25/02397/TPO - Mon 29 Sep 2025 - Under consideration

Mon 13 Oct, 06:15 · Link


Stalls for the Scout Hut Xmas fair - Sat 29 Nov

The Xmas craft fair will return to the Scout Hut on Saturday 29 November (10 - 12). We are taking bookings from anyone who would like to sell crafts, cards, gifts or food items. Stalls are £10, the stallholder keeps all takings. Half the stalls are already reserved, so please get in touch soon if you would like to reserve your place by emailing 1stcharlburyexec@gmail.com

Many thanks!

Claire Wilding · Thu 9 Oct, 15:44 · Link


Invitation to Tender – Grass Cutting Contract

Charlbury Town Council is inviting tenders for the Grass Cutting of Highway Verges, Recreation Areas, Mill Field and the Town Cemetery for a three-year contract starting 1 April 2026.

Contractors may tender for:

✅ Nine Acres only (grass and headlands)

✅ All other areas (excluding Nine Acres)

✅ Or both

Tender documents are available now from the clerk on clerk@charlbury-tc.gov.uk

📅 Deadline for submissions: 12 midday on 31 December 2025

This contract will help maintain our much-loved open spaces to a high standard while supporting biodiversity across Charlbury. 

 #Charlbury #TownCouncil #Tender #GroundsMaintenance #Biodiversity #CommunitySpaces

Lisa Wilkinson · Thu 9 Oct, 11:19 · Link


Community Grants – Closing Soon!

Do you have a project or idea that could make a difference in Charlbury? 🌿🎭🏏

Our Town Council Community Grants help local groups that support Charlbury Town Council's community objectives:

  •  Improving health, wellbeing, inclusivity and resilience
  • Keeping our town pleasant, safe and well looked-after
  • Creating opportunities to exercise, socialise and enjoy green spaces
  • Supporting and working with our strong, active community

🗓️ Applications close at 12 noon on Friday 31st October – so don’t miss out!

Find out how to apply and read the full details here: charlbury-tc.gov.uk/apply-for-a-grant

 Supporting the people and projects that make Charlbury shine.

Lisa Wilkinson · Wed 8 Oct, 15:53 · Link


Noye's Fludde Film Premiere

Sunday afternoon saw the world premiere of the film made to show the story of the making of Noye's Fludde. This community opera by Benjamin Britten was performed in April to a large and enthusiastic audience in St Mary's Church.

Over the course of its development, a small team of photographers, trained by television producer and video journalist Michael Rosenblum, filmed behind the scenes. They recorded the rehearsals, set building, mask and costume making. This has all been edited into a short film to capture the story of this ambitious project and is followed by a full recording of the performance.

The film will be shown again at the Charlbury Art Society meeting on Wednesday 8th October at 7.30 in the Memorial Hall. 

Everyone is welcome. Entry is £5 payable on the door. Free for Art Society members and members of the cast.

Tony Lloyd · Mon 6 Oct, 15:44 · 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.

  • 7 Hughes Close Charlbury
    Discharge of conditions 4 (materials), 6 (access details), 11 (Construction Method Statement) and 12 (provision for bats, birds and hedgehogs) of planning permission 23/01493/FUL.
    WODC reference: 25/02406/CND - Tue 30 Sep 2025 - Under consideration

Mon 6 Oct, 06:15 · Link


The Victoria Fountain is shining again!

The scaffolding has now come down and the fountain at the Playing Close is looking fantastic after its careful clean and maintenance works.

The gentle DOFF steam cleaning has brought out the details of the stone carvings beautifully, and the long-safeguarded carvings kept safe by a local resident have now been reattached to the top of the fountain.

Thank you to everyone for your patience while the scaffolding was in place — we hope you agree the results have been worth it! 🌿

 Here it is, freshly restored and looking wonderful in its autumn setting.

Lisa Wilkinson · Fri 3 Oct, 11:13 · Link


Free trees for your garden

Trees are brilliant for people, wildlife and our planet and we urgently need to plant more. So the International Tree Foundation is giving away free garden trees to people in our area. Claim yours from TODAY 3 October 2025. To find out more and claim your trees visit internationaltreefoundation.org/garden-tree-giveaway

Christine Elliott · Fri 3 Oct, 08:46 · Link


WALKS WITH THE COTSWOLD WARDENS IN October & November

Full details can be found on www.cotswolds-nl.org.uk

Thursday 2nd October – Delightful Ditchley 

Moderate, 7.5 miles, 4hours 45m Start 10:00am, The Old Shed, Banbury Hill Farm, Enstone Rd, Charlbury OX7 3JH Walk around Ditchley Park Estate with classic parkland and views of Churchill’s wartime retreat.

Thursday 23rd October – In the Footsteps of the Romans 

Moderate, 9 miles, 5 hours Start 10:00am, Stonesfield Village Hall OX29 8HA Circular route with glimpses of Roman life in the Evenlode Valley.

Saturday 25th October – Autumn in the Evenlode Valley 

Easy, 4.5 miles, 3 hours Start 10:00am, Bruern Farm Shop OX7 6QE Circular walk via two villages and woodland on good paths

Thursday 6th November – Chadlington, Spelsbury & Beyond 

Moderate, 8.5 miles, 4hours 30m Start 10:00am, Chadlington Memorial Hall OX7 3NA Through villages, fields and woodland with great views. Please bring £1 for hall parking.

Tuesday 10th November – Tysoe & the Vale of the Red Horse 

Moderate, 10 miles, 5 hours 30m Start 10:00am, Tysoe Methodist Church (closed), Main St, CV35 0SE Two lengthy climbs with sweeping views across the Vale of the Red Horse

Monday 17th November – More Blenheim for Free 

Moderate, 10.5 miles, 6 hours Start 10:00am, Stonesfield Village Hall/Library Car Park OX29 8EF A walk using Rights of Way through the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Saturday 22nd November – Nice for November 

Moderate, 5.5 miles, 3 hours Start 10:00am, Salford (near Chipping Norton) A perfect late autumn walk.

Thursday 27th November - Frescos, a Palace and Water Meadows

Moderate: 10.5 miles, 5 hours

Start: 9:30am The Green, Combe OX29 8NT

A walk to take you beyond Woodstock to the attractive village of Wootton

.

Lisa Wilkinson · Thu 2 Oct, 10:38 · Link


Charlbury Town Council - Invitation to Tender

Charlbury Town Council is inviting tenders for two contracts commencing in April 2026:

General Maintenance & Landscaping Works (as and when required) – Tender documents are now available.

Grass Cutting of Highway Verges, Recreation Areas, Mill Field and the Cemetery – Tender documents will be published next week.

Tender packs set out the specifications, conditions of contract, and forms of tender.

The deadline for submissions is 12 midday on Wednesday 31 December 2025.

Tender documents are available on request from Lisa: clerk@charlbury-tc.gov.uk

Lisa Wilkinson · Wed 1 Oct, 14:49 · Link


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