News

Cornerstone Christmas closing

Cornerstone is now closed until Monday 5th January. Thank you for all your support this year. 

See you in January

The Cornerstone team

St Marys and All Saints · Tue 23 Dec, 14:46 · Link

Residents’ Parking Scheme – Request for Feedback

Charlbury Town Council has recently delivered a letter to all households about the Residents’ Parking Scheme and the upcoming review by Oxfordshire County Council.

In case you missed it, the full wording of the letter is included below. The Town Council is inviting residents to share any serious, recurring or safety-related parking or access issues that have arisen since the scheme was introduced.

Letter to households

Charlbury Town Council

Residents’ Parking Scheme – Request for Feedback

Dear Resident,

The Charlbury Residents’ Parking Scheme was introduced by Oxfordshire County Council (OCC) in March 2025 to help residents park nearer to their homes and to manage long-stay commuter parking.

The scheme is due for its formal 12-month review in February 2026, and the Town Council will shortly be submitting its own report and recommendations to OCC.

We have already received a great deal of feedback from residents and local businesses, and a number of issues have been agreed by the Town Council to be passed on to OCC (see list below).

At this stage, we are inviting residents to let us know of any serious, recurring or safety-related parking or access issues that have arisen as a result of the scheme and which are not already included in the list below.

Please note that minor inconveniences or one-off incidents are unlikely to be suitable for inclusion in the review.

If you would like to raise an issue, please email clerk@charlbury-tc.gov.uk by 31 December 2025 so that councillors can discuss your comments in January before the final report is submitted.

When responding, please include your street name or area of the town, to help the Town Council understand where issues are being experienced.

Matters already raised with OCC:

Enstone Road: Ongoing concerns about higher traffic speeds due to continuous parking narrowing the road. No further actions currently available.

Dyers Hill: Daytime spare capacity reported. OCC’s six-month walking survey is complete and findings are awaited.

Sheep Street: Potential for a small number of additional bays near Fishers Lane. Recommendation: ask OCC to assess feasibility.

Businesses: Requests for some dual-use bays (permit + up to 3 hours) on Sheep Street to support local businesses without causing displacement.

Parking near the cemetery (Thames Street): Request for a 1-hour parking slot at the end of Thames Street.

Church Lane – Sunday parking: Ask OCC to consider how Sunday parking could be accommodated.

Note: Blue Badge holders can already park in residents’ bays, and Church Lane restrictions do not apply on Sundays.

Park Street (outside pre-school): Bays appear rarely used – proposal to remove them from the scheme or make them residents-only except 8am–6pm.

Additional suggestions near the pre-school: Covered by the above recommendation.

Browns Lane (near the Co-op): Bays underused – ask OCC to review and consider more flexibility for short-term shopping while prioritising residents.

Hixet Wood: Request for bays to be re-lined and for OCC to consider whether displaced parking justifies inclusion in the scheme.

Overnight visitor parking on Thames Street: Already possible through the visitor permit system.

Parking for visiting professionals: Not considered directly relevant to the residents’ scheme.

Park Street residents’ bays: Request for OCC to reconsider the layout, particularly the removal of one bay that juts into the road and forces buses or larger vehicles to mount the pavement.

Thank you

Lisa Wilkinson · Mon 22 Dec, 15:35 · Link

New booking system at the Household Waste Recycling Centres

From Wednesday 14 January 2026, you’ll need to book a time slot before visiting any Household Waste Recycling Centre in Oxfordshire.

✔️ Book up to two weeks ahead

✔️ Or as little as 30 minutes before you go (subject to availability)

✔️ Designed to make visits quicker and easier and reduce queues

To help recycle even more, Oxfordshire County Council is also asking everyone to sort recycling from general waste before arriving – or you can use the sorting areas on site.

You can find helpful FAQs in this toolkit.

Thanks for supporting recycling across Oxfordshire.

Lisa Wilkinson · Mon 22 Dec, 09:54 · 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.

• Land North Of Woodstock Road Charlbury Oxfordshire
  Discharge of conditions 4 (pedestrian and vehicular means of access), 16 (water capacity), 20 (Secured by Design accreditation), and 22 (archaeological evaluation) of planning permission 24/02171/FUL
  WODC reference: 25/03068/CND - Mon 15 Dec 2025 - Under consideration
• Frankswell House Fishers Lane Charlbury
  Beech x 4 (G1): fell - Trees will be replaced. Willow (T1): repollard
  WODC reference: 25/02976/TCA - Thu 04 Dec 2025 - Under consideration

Mon 22 Dec, 06:15 · Link

Food Trucks and Traders at Christmas Time

The poster attached lists the times when food trucks and traders will be at Charlbury Community Centre carpark over the Christmas period.

daniela jenkins · Thu 18 Dec, 15:29 · Link

Temporary Emergency Road Closure – at Charlbury, Sheep Street

Oxfordshire County Council has been informed of a temporary emergency road closure on Sheep Street whilst sewer repair works are carried out for public safety reasons.

A temporary Emergency Notice is being made to implement the temporary closure and will operate from 17 December 2025.

The anticipated completion date is 1 January 2026, 08:00 to 17:00 each day.

Access will be maintained for emergency service vehicles and for those frontages within the closure area, subject to the progress of the works and liaison with the works supervisor.

Further information regarding the emergency works may be obtained by contacting Shelley Mackie at Cappagh on email smackie@cappagh.co.uk

Lisa Wilkinson · Wed 17 Dec, 11:13 · Link

Late Night Christmas Shopping this Friday

Banish those Baa Humbugs feelings and get into the festive mood, come along and shop to you drop this Friday 19th December with the shops open till 8pm, go on you know you want to.... 

See you all there...

Tim Widdows · Mon 15 Dec, 10:21 · 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.

• Waylands 19 Wychwood Paddocks Charlbury
  T2 - Ash - Reduce back to boundary. T3 - Field Maple - Prune back to boundary.
  WODC reference: 25/03004/TCA - Mon 08 Dec 2025 - Under consideration
• Minster Cottage Church Street Charlbury
  Discharge of condition 5 (archaeological findings) of planning permission 24/00346/HHD
  WODC reference: 25/02971/CND - Thu 04 Dec 2025 - Under consideration
• 1 Thames Gardens Charlbury
  Walnut - Crown reduction by up to approx. 4m all round, pruning back to previous reduction points to maintain the established management regime. Works to include a sympathetic crown reduction and removal of minor deadwood.
  WODC reference: 25/02963/TCA - Wed 03 Dec 2025 - Under consideration
• 1 Crawborough Terrace Crawborough Charlbury
  T1 - Sycamore - Fell ground level
  WODC reference: 25/02945/TCA - Mon 01 Dec 2025 - Under consideration

Mon 15 Dec, 06:15 · Link

Garden Society Membership 2026 Renewal Sessions

Renew your Garden Society Membership for 2026!

Get ready for the 2026 gardening season by joining or renewing your membership with the Garden Society in person at the Community Centre, on any of these dates: 

• Sat 13th Dec 10am-12pm
• Weds 17th Dec 10am-12pm
• Weds 14th Jan 10am-12pm
• Sat 17th Jan 10am-12pm

Cash preferred, but card and cheque accepted, and you will immediately get your Membership Card(s).

Please note that new prices for 2026 have been agreed at our latest AGM:

• £10 for an individual adult
• £15 for two adults in the same household

You can also join or renew your membership at our first talk of the year on Thursday 15th January, or by following the instructions online at http://www.charlburygardensociety.org.uk/membership/

Members also get free admission to our talks and priority for other events.
The Membership Card also enables discounts at various local Garden Centres.

Membership cards for 2026 will be delivered automatically to members who renew online from December 2026. They will also be available at our 2026 talks.

Geneviève Hug · Thu 11 Dec, 17:50 · Link

CHARLBURY MEDICAL CENTRE

Repeat Prescriptions

As we hurry towards Christmas and New Year, please remember to order your repeat prescriptions in good time.  The quickest and most efficient way to re-order prescriptions and have them approved promptly is by using the NHS App.  Alternatively drop off the repeat slip at the medical centre. 

The medical centre will be closed on the bank holidays: Thursday 25 December and Friday 26 December; Thursday 1 January 2026.  Averose Pharmacy will be closed on the same days.

A list of local pharmacies open on the bank holidays can be found here:

https://livewell.oxfordshire.gov.uk/NewsItems/Details/4476

Thank you.

Charlbury Patient Participation Group · Wed 10 Dec, 13:57 · Link

Charlbury Museum Open on December 12th 5 - 7pm

Charlbury Museum opens its doors for  visitors on  the Late Night Shopping evening, come browse our collections, and the Vintage & Bric-a-Brac Sale 

A festive 'Pop-up' sale in the museum within the special setting of our lovely museum.

An array of goodies to buy: Sparkly jewellery; antique silver; fashion accessories, party shoes by LK. Bennett; glam evening attire; winter woollies, a festive red coat; & lots, lots more, including box of Cath Kidston crackers..........ceramic cheese dish , perfect for Stilton.......

Free entry to the museum for Late Night Shopping on December 12th

We look forward to welcoming you for this special Christmas opening

Sue Rangeley · Wed 10 Dec, 12:09 · Link

Disruption To Train Services Due To Storm Bram

GWR have asked CLPG to notify intending travellers that services across their network today Tuesday 9th, are expected to be affected by flooding due to Storm Bram. If you are planning to make a non-essential journey tomorrow you are asked to re-consider your plans and any ticket for 9th December will be good for Wednesday 10th.  Customers who no longer wish to travel can claim a full refund at www.gwr.com/help-and-support/refunds-and-compensation/train-ticket-refunds.

No Charlbury services have yet been cancelled but you should check by visiting gwr.com/check

Brian Murray · Mon 8 Dec, 22:21 · Link

Late Night Christmas Shopping

This Friday 12th  & Next Friday 19th December

Shops open till 8pm

Tim Widdows · Mon 8 Dec, 10:09 · Link

Reading Room opens at the Corner House

With just a few more improvements to come (new curtains, a lick of paint) the new Reading Room is now officially open at the Corner House.

It doubles as the main part of the Community Bookshop, and there are hundreds of books for sale there (the attached picture shows just half of them).  But you don't need to buy a book -- you can buy a coffee & cake instead at the delicatessen downstairs (ask for a takeaway mug), and sit upstairs reading any of our books or periodicals, or one of your own.  Or feel free to work on your laptop in the warmth, quiet & comfort -- it will leave more room for others in the, rather cosy, café downstairs.

John Partington · Fri 5 Dec, 15:58 · Link

Thank you for our Christmas Tree

Our wonderful Christmas tree has gone up at the Charlbury Community Centre, lighting up these dark evenings. A huge thank you to Charlbury Christmas Trees and House & Carriage for supplying and sponsoring the magnificent tree, and to our own dedicated building committee volunteers for erecting it and arranging the lights on a wet and windy afternoon. Why not come down to see it and pop in for a cuppa while you're there - or join us for our annual Community Carol singing around the tree on Friday 19th December at 7.30. We'd love to see you.

daniela jenkins · Fri 5 Dec, 09:35 · Link

Charlbury Christmas Tree Festival - Last Chance to Sponsor a Tree!

The countdown is on for Charlbury’s much-loved 7th Annual Christmas Tree Festival (CTF), taking place from 12 December to 2 January 2026!

With only a few trees left to sponsor, this is the final opportunity for schools, charities, neighbourhood groups, families, and local organisations to secure their place in this year’s festival.

Booking forms are available at this link:

https://forms.gle/Ab3eS6GheoCMY49P6

Interested groups are encouraged to sign up as soon as possible.

Festival Launch: Turning on the Lights – 12th of December

The festival opens with the traditional Turning on the Lights celebration on Friday, 12 December, from 5:30–6:30 pm. Visitors can enjoy walking tacos, music from the children’s choir, and the beautiful trees decorated by our community.

Wychwood Chorale Performance – 13th of December

The festivities continue with a special performance by the Wychwood Chorale at St Mary’s on Saturday, 13 December at 7:30 pm. All are warmly invited to attend.

Supporting Local Families Through the Giving Tree

This year, the festival once again partners with Cornerstone to support families who may be struggling to afford Christmas gifts for their children. The Giving Tree initiative invites residents to pick up a gift tag from the Community Centre, Cornerstone, or St Mary’s and help make Christmas brighter for a local child.

Contact:

Anna Boardwell – charlburyctf@gmail.com

St Mary’s Church Office – parishoffice@charlburychurch.uk

Anna Boardwell · Thu 4 Dec, 12:10 · Link

CRAG CONCERT - a definite 'sellout' this SUNDAY

Tickets for CRAG's Christmas Choral Concert have now almost sold out-  so please hurry to the website if you would like to be there yourself to enjoy it!

https://www.charlburyrefugee.org.uk/events/somervillecollegechoir2025/

Nick Parker · Thu 4 Dec, 11:30 · Link

Giving Tree Initiative - support a local child with Christmas gifts

Cornerstone and the Christmas Tree Festival are running the Giving Tree Initiative and it is now open! Trees are up in Cornerstone, the Community Centre and St Mary's Church. 

To participate, you choose a child you would like to sponsor by taking an angel decoration. Please write the code from the angel e.g. GT01 and your details on the sign up form. Some angels are for items to go in a Christmas hamper rather than presents for children. Once you have purchased your items please bring them to Cornerstone before Wednesday 17th December so we can get them to families. 

If you would prefer to give a financial donation that we can use to buy Christmas items please make a donation in Cornerstone or make a donation online - here are the details of how to do that -  https://www.charlburychurch.co.uk/cornerstone/

Any queries, please pop into Cornerstone and speak to the volunteers or email cornerstone@charlburychurch.uk 

Thank you for helping us to support local families in need. 

The Cornerstone team 

St Marys and All Saints · Mon 1 Dec, 13:44 · 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.

• 1 Graces Court The Slade Charlbury
  Field maple group x4 - Remove group and grind out the remaining stumps
  WODC reference: 25/02897/TCA - Wed 26 Nov 2025 - Under consideration
• 1 Thames Gardens Charlbury
  Erection of front porch, addition of dormer window to front first floor bedroom, and associated works
  WODC reference: 25/02851/HHD - Thu 27 Nov 2025 - Under consideration

Mon 1 Dec, 06:15 · Link