News

Charlbury Beer Festival 2025 Grants Window Open

Following a successful festival, we are pleased to announce that our grants application process for 2025 is now open. The application window runs from September - October, with decisions made in November. We welcome applications from local organisations and initiatives that align with our funding goals. For more details and to apply, please visit our dedicated grants website at grants.charlburybeerfestival.org

This year our festival faced some unexpected challenges, including damage to equipment from the cricket club flooding and a fallen tree. We've invested in replacement equipment and new containers to ensure the festival remains sustainable and continues to thrive as a 100% charitable event. Please bear this in mind when applying as, despite raising a record amount in 2025, we have less to give away.

Gill Begnor · Thu 25 Sep, 15:52 · Link

Charlbury Museum :The Playing Close exhibition - last weekend

Featured in the small exhibition is a facsimile of a unique document of 1592, it marks the moment in time when the ownership of The Playing Close passed from Thomas Gifford, of Middle Claydon, Buckinghamshire, to the first trustees of The Gifford Trust. The original indenture in in the archives of St. John's College, Oxford, it is on display by kind permission of the President & Fellows of St. John's College (see image).

Explore the historical background of The Playing Close, the houses through time, and the events that took place during the 18th and 19th centuries. This favourite spot in central Charlbury  has a wealth of stories to tell!

During the last weekend, one of the curators of the exhibition will be welcoming visitors

Open: Saturday 27 10.30 -12.30  Sunday 28 2.30 - 4.30

Adults: £2 and  children free

Sue Rangeley · Thu 25 Sep, 15:17 · Link

Oktoberfest Tickets available on the door this Saturday Cricket Club

As in previous years, Oktoberfest tickets are available on the door at £10.00 for Charlbury residents and friends. Doors open from 5.30pm with music starting at 6.30pm with the Flashback band. Annual favourites of Jubilee Brass and and the Village Idiots to follow....

6 German beers are available. Bratwurst, burgers, chicken schnitzel and fries. Its the party of the year. You can also prepurchase online discounted tickets over the next two days using the code CCCFriend

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/charlbury-oktoberfest-2025-tickets-1542397375069?aff=oddtdtcreator

Paul D Jenkins · Wed 24 Sep, 16:24 · Link

Autumn Plant Swap

The Garden Society is holding its next Plant Swap on Sat 18th October!

Time to start thinking about any plants you may wish to divide or spare plants you might wish to share!

See here for more info:

https://www.charlburygardensociety.org.uk/events/plant-swop_autumn_2025/

Geneviève Hug · Wed 24 Sep, 09:02 · Link

CLPG Street Fair Draw Results

The lucky ticket numbers and prizes won in the CLPG draw are: 

107 - Meal for Two, with wine pairing at The Bell. Donated by The Bell.

86  -  A Magnum of Rothschild Pauillac. Donated by Goedhuis Waddesdon Wines.

80 - A signed, special edition of  his book 'For The Record', donated by David Cameron.

1 -  Family ticket to S.S. Great Britain, Bristol. Donated by the S.S. Great Britain Trust.

All winners have been notified but direct contact with 'Jeanie' the holder of ticket 80 is awaited, to arrange delivery of her prize.    

Thanks to everyone who supported the draw, to Liz Partington for drawing the winning numbers and to our generous sponsors for their support of CLPG and Street Fair.

Brian Murray · Tue 23 Sep, 14:59 · 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.

• Bridle End The Slade Charlbury
  T1 Scots Pine - fell too ground level
  WODC reference: 25/02288/TCA - Wed 17 Sep 2025 - Under consideration
• 8 Ditchley Road Charlbury
  1. Flowering cherry ? Tree in decline, Section fell tree to leave stump at approximately 2 metres high. 2. Beech - Section fell tree
  WODC reference: 25/02243/TCA - Fri 12 Sep 2025 - Under consideration
• 17 The Green Charlbury
  T1 Sycamore - Reduce by up to 4 metres in height and reduce sides by up to 3 metres to bring into line with hedge. H1 Mixed Hedge - Trim clients side to inline with wall, leaving an even plane. T2 Sycamore Tree - Reduce overhanging branches by up to 2 metres to bring in line with hedge H2 Laurel & Ash Reduce height to match adjacent privet (approximately 1 metre), including pollarding previously pollarded ash by removing up to 3 metres regrowth to match. Trim back side growth on laurel to even plane to match adjacent privet T3 & T4 Ash saplings - Fell to ground level H3 Laurel Hedge - Reduce height to just above top of neighbours window (approximately 1 metre). Trim side growth to an even plane
  WODC reference: 25/02187/TCA - Mon 08 Sep 2025 - Under consideration
• China Cottage Park Street Charlbury
  Internal and external alterations to refurbish ground floor bathroom and install roof mounted sun tunnel and creation of first floor ensuite (retrospective). Plaster remediation work to lounge and first floor ceilings.
  WODC reference: 25/02083/LBC - Wed 10 Sep 2025 - Under consideration

Mon 22 Sep, 06:15 · Link

1958 Spendlove School Desk on display for Street Fair in Museum

Charlbury Museum will be opening the lid of a 1958 Spendlove School desk for Street Fair. Graffiti covers the interior, with over thirty names of pupils and dates from 1958  to the early 1970's, it is fascinating! Were you at school during those years? Come to the museum and see if you can spot your scribbles.....were you nicknamed Frogy, Fish, Chaf.....? The museum looks forward to finding more about those whose names lie within this modest school desk.

The desk was donated by Charlbury resident Alan Jenkins. Previously it had belonged to Steve Smith, whose initials are etched inside.

The museum will be open from 10.30 until 5pm on Street Fair day .                              Adults £2 children free

Sue Rangeley · Fri 19 Sep, 15:15 · Link

Hot off the press

Just arrived at No.5 Market Street 

Charlbury now has it's own playing cards

Tim Widdows · Thu 18 Sep, 14:38 · Link

Covid and flu vaccination clinic on 7 October for patients of Charlbury Medical Centre

Charlbury Medical Centre Patients

Eligible patients are invited to book an appointment to receive either:

Covid and flu vaccinations at the same time on the morning of 7 October, or

Flu vaccination only in the afternoon of 7 October.

Patients who are eligible to receive both vaccinations but do not wish to have the covid vaccine should book an appointment in the afternoon for the flu jab.

Patients with smart phones are contacted by text message or through the NHS App.

All other eligible patients and housebound patients will be telephoned. 

Eligibility is different this year to previous years. For a covid vaccination:

• residents in a care home for older adults
• all adults aged 75 years and over
• persons aged 6 months and over who are immunosuppressed.

Flu vaccination:

• adults aged 65 years and over

• those aged 18 years to under 65 years in clinical risk groups         
• carers in receipt of carer’s allowance, or those who are the main carer of an elderly or disabled person

• close contacts of immunocompromised individuals
•  frontline workers in a social care setting
•  pregnant women

Parents and guardians will be contacted about their children’s flu immunisation.

Please help to make sure that people who may not respond to text messages or phone calls and are eligible for vaccination are aware of the clinic and how to make an appointment.

Thank you for your help.

Charlbury Patient Participation Group · Wed 17 Sep, 08:45 · Link

Vacancy on Charlbury Town Council

We have a space on the Council and would love to hear from anyone who cares about Charlbury and wants to play a part in shaping its future. Commitment, enthusiasm, and a willingness to take on an important role for the community are what matter most.

To find out more about the role, please read the job description (PDF): Town Councillor Job Description

You can also visit the Town Council website to see what we’re currently working on.

Please send a short Expression of Interest (EOI) to the Town Clerk, Lisa, by Sunday 22nd September, telling us a little about yourself and why you’d like to join. If you’d like an informal chat first, please contact one of the councillors (Lisa is on annual leave for the rest of this week).

The co-option will take place at the Town Council meeting on Tuesday 24th September.

Lisa Wilkinson · Tue 16 Sep, 09:51 · Link

Charlbury Street Fair Needs You!

It's only a week till Charlbury Street Fair and we need the help of able-bodied people to put up and take down the stalls. If you can help us, we'll be meeting by the Bell pub at 8am next Saturday 20th September and we'll reward you with a bacon butty and tea/coffee afterwards. If early mornings are not your thing, we also need people to take the stalls down about 5.30pm so we can clear the Street for dancing to the bands in the evening. The Street Fair has something for everyone so do come along to show support and have fun!  

Elisabeth Partington · Sat 13 Sep, 14:11 · Link

Could you help lead Scouts in Charlbury?

Charlbury Scout Group needs new leaders for its Scout section (10.5 - 14 years). We have a full complement of young people and a waiting list, but we are unable to restart Scouts due to a lack of leaders (Beavers and Cubs are still going as usual). If you could help young people learn new skills and have adventures please get in touch, you would be joining a supportive team and full training is provided. Email 1stcharlburyexec@gmail.com or speak to me or Cheryl.

Claire Wilding · Thu 11 Sep, 09:20 · Link

Corner House & Memorial Hall APM with Open Consultation, hosted by the trustees

7pm Friday 26th September 2025

Memorial Hall, Browns Lane

Please join us for our annual public meeting and have your say in the exciting future development of Charlbury’s Corner House and Memorial Hall. Share ideas on how these spaces might best be used for the benefit of the community and how they might become more comfortable and better enjoyed by everyone all year round.

We would like to canvas opinion on the potential move of the Charlbury Deli into the Corner House as the lease for the Deli expires in May 2027. We are making great efforts to improve the comfort of the rooms, firstly with the restoration and secondary glazing to the windows and currently with the renovation of the kitchen area and passage to the Anne Downer Room.

Is a cafe a good fit for the Corner House and if so how can we best make this work? Is there a groundswell of community support for the move of the Deli to a community space? This is your opportunity to let us know what you think. The trustees look forward to seeing you at the APM and hearing your views.

Light refreshments will be available.

Tim Crisp · Wed 10 Sep, 18:21 · Link

Time to book for Harvest Supper!

On 9th October - 7pm, the Garden Society will be holding a short AGM, following it with our Harvest Supper. We hope you will join us for a 2 course sit down meal in the Memorial Hall, with wine, beer, soft drinks and fun quiz – all for £17 per person, for society members and their guests in the first instance.

For more details and to find out how to book, please see our website:

https://www.charlburygardensociety.org.uk/events/agm-and-harvest-supper_2025/

Geneviève Hug · Wed 10 Sep, 09:02 · Link

Two ways to get involved with Wilderness 2025!

Here is a message from the Wilderness organisers asking for your input:

 Local Forum – 2025 Review

2025 has been one of our best years yet – but there’s always room to grow! We’d love to hear your thoughts at our online Local Forum.

📅 Tuesday 17th September

🕠 5.30pm

🔗 Join here: https://livenation.zoom.us/j/99848042740?from=addon

Your feedback helps us keep improving Wilderness for the local community.

🌱 Local Bursary 2025

Do you know an organisation or community group doing amazing things locally? We’re now accepting nominations for this year’s Local Bursary programme. Grants will go to groups that make a real difference in the community.

📍 Eligible postcodes: OX29 9 and OX7 3

📝 Nominate here

⏰ Deadline: 6pm, Friday 31st October

After nominations close, local residents will get to vote – and the top-voted groups will receive a share of the bursary.

💚 We can’t wait to hear your ideas and nominations!

Lisa Wilkinson · Tue 9 Sep, 13:29 · Link

Wine Tasting is Sold Out

With thanks to all who have purchased tickets for the event Saturday evening, we are now sold out.  

dine glasgow · Tue 9 Sep, 12:35 · Link

Advance Warning of Rail Replacement Buses

Network Rail has announced that buses will replace trains between Oxford and Didcot on Sundays 16 and 23 November, adding around one hour to a journey from Charlbury to Reading and London. 

This is due to the ongoing work on the bridge over Botley Road.

Trains to London Marylebone via Oxford Parkway will be unaffected.

Brian Murray/CLPG

Brian Murray · Tue 9 Sep, 08:51 · Link

Town Councillor vacancy

Cllr Arthur Sinclair has stepped down from Charlbury Town Council due to other commitments. We’d like to thank Arthur for all his contributions and wish him well.

This means we now have a vacancy on the council. If you care about Charlbury and would like to play a part in shaping its future, we’d love to hear from you!

Please send an Expression of Interest (EOI) to the Town Clerk, Lisa, in the first instance. Just let us know a little about yourself and why you’d like to join the council. Co-option will be taking place at the TC meeting on 24th September so we look forward to receiving any applications by 22nd September.

More details on the role can be found here: charlbury-tc.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/town-councillor-job-description.pdf

 Charlbury Town Council

Lisa Wilkinson · Mon 8 Sep, 10:08 · Link

🌿Fresh Air and Fascinating History 🌿

Charlbury Town Council and Walkers are Welcome have teamed up to bring you two fantastic autumn walks through our beautiful countryside:

📅 Thursday 11th September

 Discover Finstock and the Evenlode – a 6-mile walk exploring Finstock and the scenic Evenlode.

📍 Start: 10am, Victoria Fountain, Playing Close

☕ Don’t forget your coffee for the halfway break!

📅 Thursday 23rd October

 Medieval Shorthampton – a 5-mile walk with a local expert sharing the fascinating history of Shorthampton Church.

📍 Start: 10am, Victoria Fountain, Playing Close

Everyone is welcome – just bring your walking shoes and a sense of adventure!

 Scan the QR code on the poster for full details of the walks.

#Charlbury #CountrysideWalks #HistoryOnFoot #Cotswolds

Lisa Wilkinson · Mon 8 Sep, 10:03 · 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.

• 16 Sandford Park Charlbury
  1. Walnut - Reduce overall height by up to 4 metres (to previous pruning points) Reduce remaining crown circumference proportionately to maintain crown form 2. Cockspur Thorn - Reduce overall height by up to 2 metres (to previous pruning points) Reduce remaining crown symmetry by approximately 1.75 metres and prune to shape 3. Larch ? Remove major deadwood overhanging pathway
  WODC reference: 25/02158/TCA - Fri 05 Sep 2025 - Under consideration
• Charlbury Cricket Club Field Dyers Hill Charlbury Oxfordshire
  T1 Willow Large pollard on river bend. Remove failed section from river and re-pollard remaining crown. G1 Willow Line of willow pollards on right hand side of upper meadow. Pollard every other tree doing as many as possible. Reason for recommended work Health & Safety and good arboricultural practices
  WODC reference: 25/02133/TCA - Wed 03 Sep 2025 - Under consideration
• The Priory Church Lane Charlbury
  T1- A large Lime tree that is situated next to the house and alongside the graveyard. We are looking to remove the tree due to the damage it is causing to the retaining wall of the church yard, which has started to crack, as well as its close proximity to the house.
  WODC reference: 25/02118/TCA - Tue 02 Sep 2025 - Under consideration
• Old Rectory Church Lane Charlbury
  T1 - Walnut Tree - remove large snap-out in the upper crown and reduce the crown by up to 2 metres
  WODC reference: 25/02120/TCA - Tue 02 Sep 2025 - Under consideration
• 1 The Cottage Bayliss Yard Charlbury
  X2 Prunus spp. trees - Fell both trees to ground level using sectional dismantling techniques
  WODC reference: 25/02071/TCA - Thu 28 Aug 2025 - Under consideration
• Bell Hotel Church Street Charlbury
  Internal and external alterations to erect front railing and gate, single storey rear extension to the public house and new emergency access staircase together with the provision of kitchen extraction, signage and associated works.
  WODC reference: 25/02031/LBC - Thu 04 Sep 2025 - Under consideration
• Bell Hotel Church Street Charlbury
  Erection of a front railing and gate, single storey rear extension to the public house and new emergency access staircase. construction of garden bar/pizza bar and a storage outbuilding (retrospective) together with the provision of kitchen extraction, signage and associated works.
  WODC reference: 25/02030/FUL - Thu 04 Sep 2025 - Under consideration

Mon 8 Sep, 06:15 · Link

Bumper August Book Harvest

Like London buses, three books by Charlbury authors have all come at once. Unlike the  buses, they're going in intriguingly different directions. Catherine Merridale's Moscow Underground is a detective novel set in the capital of Stalin's Russia. Fergus Butler-Gallie leads us on a global tour of Twelve Churches key to Christianity. And, in Good, Occasionally Rhyming, Rob Stepney and Kathy Clugston take a voyage around the sea areas of the Shipping Forecast which have become a honey pot for poets from Seamus Heaney to Adrian Lancini. All three books are available from Jaffe and Neale. 

Rob Stepney · Thu 4 Sep, 17:26 · Link

Discount tickets for Charlbury

The Octoberfest plans are now in full flow for the event on Saturday 27th September!! Up until Friday 19th September, 25% discounted tickets are available for Charlbury residents and friends using the discount code CCCFriend. You can of course buy tickets on the day!! We are proud to announce that there will be 6 German beers on sale, burgers, bratwurst and crepes and a new exciting band line up with continuous music from 18.30!! Check out full details, timings and tickets through the link below.

Buy tickets online here https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/charlbury-oktoberfest-2025-tickets-1542397375069?aff=oddtdtcreator

Paul D Jenkins · Thu 4 Sep, 10:11 · Link

OxRail 2040: Plan For Rail - Public Consultation Is Now Open

The County Council is asking the public to read and comment on their proposals for investment in, and development of, county-wide rail services over the next fifteen years. Whether you use the railways regularly or only occasionally, please read the document at       https://letstalk.oxfordshire.gov.uk/oxrail-2040 and make your views known.

The consultation period opened yesterday and will close at 23.59 on Wednesday 1 October

Brian Murray/Cotswold Line Promotion Group

Brian Murray · Thu 4 Sep, 09:38 · Link

Charlbury Christmas Tree Festival 2025 – Bookings Now Open

The organisers of the Charlbury Christmas Tree Festival are pleased to announce that bookings are now open for this year’s event.

The festival will take place from Friday, 12 December 2025, to Thursday, 2 January 2026, with an official opening reception 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 . The organisers look forward to celebrating with the town in what promises to be another memorable celebration of community, creativity, and festive spirit.

Anna Boardwell · Wed 3 Sep, 15:59 · Link

West Oxfordshire District Council proposes to close Charlbury's public toilets

West Oxfordshire District Council is planning to close the public toilets by the Co-op. Their press release says:

“West Oxfordshire District Council will be considering proposals to speak with local town and parish councils on how to best manage public toilets, with the aim of protecting key facilities into the future.

“The Council has conducted a review of the public toilets that are owned and managed by the Council. As part of this review, the availability of other nearby public toilets was also considered. The review highlighted that some facilities are underused and the cost of running certain facilities is extremely high. In some locations, it can cost the taxpayer as much as £11.06 every time someone uses the toilet. Overall, the cost of managing the public toilets in the district amounts to around £270,000 per year despite a 20p charge for use.

“West Oxfordshire District Council operates 13 public toilets across the district, in nine towns and villages. A charge of 20p is applied at all sites.

“The proposals would see seven facilities in places like Witney, Burford, Bampton, Chipping Norton, Woodstock and Kilkenny Country Park continue to be prioritised and run by the council, unless the local town or parish councils wish to take them on.

“Two public toilets, in Charlbury and Chipping Norton, are leased and it is proposed to surrender those leases. In Chipping Norton another toilet facility will remain, and in Charlbury usage is low with alternatives available.”

Tue 2 Sep, 13:20 · 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.

• 14 Woodstock Road Charlbury
  Variation of condition 2 of permission 23/00572/FUL to allow alterations to the design of the internal layout and footprint shape together with adjustments to the position and shape of some of the glazing elements
  WODC reference: 25/01981/S73 - Thu 28 Aug 2025 - Under consideration
• Land South Of Woody Lane House Woody Lane Charlbury Oxfordshire
  Ash - Fell to ground Maple - Fell to ground
  WODC reference: 25/01931/TCA - Mon 11 Aug 2025 - Under consideration

Mon 1 Sep, 06:15 · Link