News

'Happy and Healthy' Annual Town Meeting

Charlbury Annual Town Meeting 2025 – "Happy & Healthy"

🗓 Friday 25th April 2025

War Memorial Hall, Charlbury

🕖 Starts at 7pm

Join us for an evening celebrating community, wellbeing and local voices. Everyone’s welcome!

Grab a drink and snack and take a stroll around our wellbeing showcase. Local health and wellbeing practitioners will be on hand with displays and demos—come and discover who’s helping Charlbury stay happy and healthy!

Celebrate our Honoured Citizens and talk to your councillors.

Lisa Wilkinson · Thu 24 Apr, 17:47 · Link

Beer, Blessings & a Charlbury Stroll🍺

Don’t miss out! Join us at St Mary’s Church in Charlbury tomorrow evening for a one-of-a-kind celebration to celebrate St George. Starting at 6pm, the vicar will bless a beer from each of our fantastic local pubs: The Bell, The Bull, The Rose and Crown, and The Three Horseshoes.

For just £5, you’ll get to taste them all—then follow the vicar in a joyful procession through town, stopping at each pub to cast your vote for the best blessed brew. A perfect mix of tradition, community, and good cheer!

Anna Boardwell · Tue 22 Apr, 12:59 · Link

Station bookstall now open!

The charity bookstall at Charlbury station is now open, situated in the waiting room.  It's managed by Carl with books supplied by April House Books, by Charlbury Community Bookshop .. and by your very welcome donations.  Opening Hours as for the station building itself.

Alongside cheap & cheerful fiction & non-fiction to while away a journey or to pass the time waiting for a late-running train, the stall specialises in railway-related and local-interest books. Donations of books are welcome .. just put them on the bookcase .. but please try and keep the quality (of contents and the book itself) high, and the contents suitable for the context -- no cookery books etc please!

Pay as much or as little as you choose, or take one free and pass it on.  All profits will go to local causes -- and this month's charity (in the absence of other suggestions so far!) is our very own Corner House.

John Partington · Tue 22 Apr, 09:29 · Link

Main Line Steam-hauled Train with 30% Discount Available

For those who enjoy nostalgia at a bargain price, Vintage Trains are offering a generous 30% discount next Sunday 27 April. With a lunchtime departure from Stratford upon Avon, a steam loco will haul the train through the Warwickshire countryside to Birmingham, before returning to Stratford. Adult fares start at £45 before the discount. Family fares are also available. The discount code is SE2704

For full details go to https://vintagetrains.co.uk/the-shakespeare-express/

or to https://vintagetrains.co.uk/train-rides/shakespeare-express/

Brian Murray/CLPG

Brian Murray · Sun 20 Apr, 15:03 · Link

🎉 Charlbury Saturday Market is back! 🎉

We’re kicking off the season on Saturday 3rd May, from 9.30am to 12 noon outside the Community Centre – and there’s lots to get excited about!

This year, we’re welcoming the brilliant Gatineau bakery to the market, with a fabulous range of artisan breads and pastries – think ciabatta, multigrain, baguettes, sourdough, and buttery treats that are hard to resist 🥖🥐 Check them out at www.gatineau.uk.com!

We’re also adding some tasty newcomers to the mix: 

🧀 A monthly cheese stall

🥄 Homemade chutneys

🌶️ Flavour-packed spice mixes

🫒 Top-quality olive oil

And of course, your trusty favourites are back: 

☕ Ground coffee and beans to take home

🍎 The ever-reliable and always delicious fruit & veg from Styan

So come along, bring a bag (or two!), and enjoy the buzz of market day in Charlbury. We can’t wait to see you! 💚

#CharlburyMarket #LocalLove #SupportLocal #SaturdaySorted

Lisa Wilkinson · Tue 15 Apr, 10:30 · Link

Antisocial behaviour

The Town Council has received the following alert from Thames Valley Police:

On Sunday 13th of April at approximately 6:30pm, Police received reports of three teenage boys seen trying car door handles, asking residents for money, and causing a general nuisance. The incidents occurred on Pooles Lane, Dancers Hill and The Slade. The individuals appeared to be moving from street to street, checking for unlocked vehicles and approaching people in a confrontational manner. All approximately 15 years of age, dressed in either black or grey tracksuits and had curly dark brown/black hair.

Please remain vigilant:

Lock your vehicles and don’t leave any items on display

Do not engage with the individuals

Report any suspicious behaviour immediately to the police or your local neighbourhood watch.

If you have CCTV or doorbell footage, please contact police on 101 and quote crime reference number 43250180649

Lisa Wilkinson · Tue 15 Apr, 09:20 · 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.

• Cornbury View 1 Potter Close Charlbury
  Installation of an air-source heat pump
  WODC reference: 25/00896/HHD - Fri 11 Apr 2025 - Under consideration
• Ivy House Church Lane Charlbury
  Demolition of greenhouse and erection of gym outbuilding
  WODC reference: 25/00879/LBC - Wed 09 Apr 2025 - Under consideration
• Ivy House Church Lane Charlbury
  Demolition of greenhouse and erection of gym outbuilding
  WODC reference: 25/00878/HHD - Wed 09 Apr 2025 - Under consideration
• Ivy House Church Lane Charlbury
  Demolition of garage and erection of studio, alterations to driveway including replacement of existing vehicle gate, widening of the vehicle access, replacement of existing pedestrian gate with timber gate, with associated landscaping and pergola.
  WODC reference: 25/00882/LBC - Wed 02 Apr 2025 - Under consideration
• Ivy House Church Lane Charlbury
  Demolition of garage and erection of studio, alterations to driveway including replacement of existing vehicle gate, widening of the vehicle access, replacement of existing pedestrian gate with timber gate, with associated landscaping and pergola.
  WODC reference: 25/00881/HHD - Wed 02 Apr 2025 - Under consideration
• Ivy House Church Lane Charlbury
  Internal alterations including new porch with lantern skylight, installation of AC unit and refurbishment of existing workshop/outbuilding.
  WODC reference: 25/00877/LBC - Wed 09 Apr 2025 - Under consideration
• Ivy House Church Lane Charlbury
  Internal alterations including new porch with lantern skylight, installation of AC unit and refurbishment of existing workshop/outbuilding.
  WODC reference: 25/00876/HHD - Wed 09 Apr 2025 - Under consideration
• The Lawn Market Street Charlbury
  Single storey side extension with glazed links to house and coach house.
  WODC reference: 25/00874/LBC - Mon 07 Apr 2025 - Under consideration
• The Lawn Market Street Charlbury
  Single storey side extension with glazed links to house and coach house.
  WODC reference: 25/00873/HHD - Mon 07 Apr 2025 - Under consideration

Mon 14 Apr, 06:15 · Link

Charlbury Garden Society

Congratulations to Niki Holland, worthy winner of the People’s Choice Award at yesterday’s Spring Show. Thank you to everyone who supported us. 

Alison Derham · Sun 13 Apr, 07:31 · Link

Easter Rail Services

Great Western have asked CLPG to advise those planning to travel to or from Paddington over the Easter weekend that there will be timetable changes. Track renewal around Acton and work at the new HS2 station will mean that some services will terminate at, or start from, Reading. On-line journey planners have been updated.

Brian Murray, CLPG

Brian Murray · Fri 11 Apr, 16:00 · Link

Hoppy St George's Day - A Beer Blessing

Join us on April 23rd at 6pm at St Mary’s Church, Charlbury for a one-of-a-kind celebration bringing together community, tradition, and a good pint! Our local pubs—The Bell, The Bull, The Rose and Crown, and The Three Horseshoes—have each donated a specially chosen beer to be blessed by the vicar in a special ceremony.

For just £5, attendees can enjoy a half-pint taster of each blessed brew, right there in the churchyard. After the tasting, the vicar will lead a lively processional through Charlbury, stopping at each of the participating pubs where guests can enjoy a full pour, mingle, and vote for their favourite holy hop.

This celebration, marking the spirit of St George’s Day, offers a chance to come together in good company and raise a glass to community, heritage, and the best of local brewing.

Anna Boardwell · Fri 11 Apr, 12:37 · Link

Garden Society Spring show.. this Saturday

Bring your exhibits down between 9.30 - 10.30. We will help you stage them. Come and enjoy the Art Society exhibition and wonderful display of spring flowers from 11.30.  Enjoy a coffee and a hot cross bun. 

Alison Derham · Fri 11 Apr, 09:46 · Link

Chloe's Award Nominations

Hello fellow Charlbrarians!

I am delighted to let you know that we've been nominated for four Ox In a Box Awards this year.  I am especially thrilled to be featured in 'Best Chef'  as there were no women in this category last year.  I would be so grateful if you had a few moments to vote for me (you can vote once from each device - so if you have a computer and a phone you could vote twice!)

Best Chef: VOTE HERE

Best Restaurant: VOTE HERE

Oxfordshire Hospitality Woman of the Year: VOTE HERE

Best Veggie/Vegan: VOTE HERE

We have also now been officially nominated for’The Best Local Restaurant’ in the UK by the Good Food Guide. Whether we get placed does rely on the quantity and information on these nominations do if you have a minute to fill this in that would be wonderful.  NOMINATION FORM HERE

Last year we won 'Best Newcomer' at these awards and it really helped bring in more people from the surrounding villages and towns.  Thanks so much in advance and I’ll let you know how we get on!

Chloe and the Gang.xxx

Chloe Horner · Mon 7 Apr, 17:08 · Link

Noah's Ark successfully sailed!

Charlbury's Community opera, Noye's Fludde by Benjamin Britten, was a resounding success, thanks to everyone who took part and who came along to support the three performances. It was a very memorable weekend! Almost 100 children and adults were involved in the performances, and nearly 400 hundred people came to watch. To all those people the Oxford Concert Party extends a huge thank you. But there is one person in particular without whom the whole project could not have taken place: Tony Lloyd, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. 

Isabel Knowland · Mon 7 Apr, 15:14 · 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.

• Holly House Park Street Charlbury
  Conversion of existing garage to habitable space, infill of existing external door and new windows to replace patio doors and garage door.
  WODC reference: 25/00796/HHD - Thu 27 Mar 2025 - Under consideration
• Holly House Park Street Charlbury
  Application to fell the Holly tree located on the verge directly to the front of Holly House, Park Street, Charlbury OX7 3PT. The holly tree is located on the verge close up against the boundary wall directly in front of Holly House. The tree now exceeds the height of the house and the roots have completely undermined the dry stone boundary wall and the wall is now collapsing. The wall is partially collapsed and is currently only being supported by a small shed. I am unable to make any repairs to the wall with the tree in situ and I am concerned that future growth will cause further damage to my property and increase the restriction of light to Holly House. I reported the issue via the Oxfordshire County Council "FixMyStreet" option last year on their website under Claim Reference: PLH/23/02120, and have received a positive response confirming that the County Council should contribute towards the repair of the wall. However, before I can commence any repairs to the wall the tree needs felling and I am therefore applying for permission to have the tree felled.
  WODC reference: 25/00365/TCA - Wed 12 Feb 2025 - Awaiting decision

Mon 7 Apr, 06:15 · Link

Funeral for Geoff Walton – Wednesday 16th April at 11.30am

As you may already have heard or read on Charlbury Info, Geoff died peacefully in the John Radcliffe Hospital on 25th February. His funeral service is being held at St Mary's Church on Wednesday 16th April at 11.30am. All are welcome. A wake will follow in church.

Family flowers only please. Donations if desired to The Oxford Heart Centre may be made at the service, or sent c/o A.L. Sole & Son, Bidston Close, Choicehill Road, Over Norton, Chipping Norton. OX7 5PP.

Kate Seaward · Sun 6 Apr, 14:52 · Link

Oxfordshire County Council Elections 2025

Here are our candidates for the Oxfordshire County Council election on May 1st.

Stephen Gibbons – Reform UK

Liz Leffman – Lib Dem

Emma Nell – Conservative

Robin Puttick – Labour

Mary Robertson – Green

Remember to register to vote. You have until 11:59pm on 11 April 2025.

Don't forget your voter ID on the day. You can apply for a Voter Authority Certificate as a form of ID. You have until 5pm on 23 April 2025 to do so.

Emily Algar · Fri 4 Apr, 11:54 · Link

Noye's Fludde selling fast!

Final touches and preparations for Charlbury's first ever community opera are under way. Tickets for Sunday have almost all gone now, but there are some left for the Saturday performances at 3pm and 7pm. Don't miss out - email isabel@oxfordconcertparty.org or buy them No. 5 Market Street before midday on Saturday. 

Isabel Knowland · Fri 4 Apr, 09:54 · Link

20 more volunteers required for the Beer Festival on 28th June

We’re delighted to say that we now have over 40 volunteers to help at the festival, but over 20 more are still required. If you'd like to consider helping out for an hour or two, please take a look at this volunteer form. Even if you're unable to make it yourself, please forward the link to friends, family and newcomers to Charlbury, as the Festival provides such a unique opportunity to meet a lot of happy local people all at once!

We very much hope that you're are able to volunteer to 'do your bit' to help support Charlbury's worthy local causes - and have some fun yourself, too!

Mick Donegan  <volunteering@charlburybeerfestival.org>

Michael Donegan · Thu 3 Apr, 11:03 · Link

Invitation to Showcase Your Health & Wellbeing Services – Annual Parish Meeting

Charlbury’s Annual Parish Meeting is being held on Friday 25th April, 7–9pm, where this year’s theme is ‘Happy and Healthy in Charlbury’.

We’re keen to highlight local health and wellbeing services, giving residents the chance to discover the fantastic practitioners in our community. Would you be interested in attending? You could take part in whatever way works best for you—whether that’s:

🧘‍♂️ A small display to showcase what you offer

🌿 A practical demo (e.g. a short taster session or technique demonstration)

📖 Sharing literature for people to take away

It’s a great opportunity to introduce yourself to local residents who may be interested in your services. While we aren’t able to offer payment, this is a free promotional opportunity to connect with potential clients and raise awareness of what you do.

If you’d be happy to join us, or if you’d like more details, please let me know

Lisa Wilkinson · Tue 1 Apr, 10:55 · Link

Infrastructure Update

An exciting SoHo farmhouse planning application is about to put Charlbury properly on the Instagram map. The proposal is to erect a zip wire from the top of St Mary's to the rail station, taking in sweeping views of the Evenlode valley and swooping over the river. This will also ease traffic congestion and reduce the need for parking in the town as well as generating much needed funds for the church. Runs will be timed to match the train timetable, alleviating the need for a station bus service. The 'up' service will be powered by a new electricity hydro station on the Mill field.

Stephen Andrews · Tue 1 Apr, 08:08 · Link

Nine Acres to become a car park

Charlbury's parking problems could be at an end following a decision by the Town Council to convert a little-used part of Nine Acres into a car park.

The council proposes to replace the playground with parking. Town councillor Bert Gumby explained: "We carried out a representative survey of our fellow 70-year olds and found that none of them used the playground. We're not quite sure why we've been paying for it for all these years."

By replacing the zip wire, trampoline, adventure course and swings with parking, councillors hope to accommodate as many as three SUVs. The wooden tractor will be retained to set a good example for any children who might visit the town.

The car park works will be carried out as part of the council's new Driving Infrastructure Plan. Gumby continued: "This idea was originally brought up by our strategic highways investment team, but one of our younger members [60] pointed out that this had an unfortunate acronym, so we've now renamed it the Strategic Transport Investment Committee. DIP STIC meetings are open to everyone to observe."

The change is part of a wider Town Council policy to "refocus Charlbury's tourist offering" away from walkers and cyclists and towards affluent SUV owners. The council has already earmarked a budget for the small change required to the 'Walkers Are Welcome' signs.

Richard Fairhurst · Tue 1 Apr, 07:21 · Link