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New Acquisition for Charlbury Museum & Heritage Centre

An historic timepiece arrives: an 18th century Quaker clock

The longcase clock by Thomas Gilkes of Charlbury is now on display. A splendid example of the craft of a Quaker clockmaker, from the famous Gilkes family of Oxfordshire. The beautiful engraved brass clock face shines out from its statuesque case.

This clock was in the private collection of the Late Ron Prew, a past curator and supporter of the museum. Charlbury Museum is grateful to Martin Prew and his family for the opportunity to acquire the clock. 

With thanks to the Charlbury Society for their generous donation, to enable this acquisition for the museum's collection

A unique timepiece is now on display for the Charlbury community and visitors to enjoy. Come and take a peek!

Sue Rangeley · Sun 30 Aug, 18:34 · Link


New BlaBla season from 21st September

It’s time to sharpen your pencils and your French vocabulary. The new season of French conversation groups will start on Monday 21st September, and introduces a new intermediary level. The new schedule is as follows:

Level 1: Mondays at 11am

Level 2: Mondays at 1pm

Level 3: Mondays at 3pm 

The sessions will be advertised under the Events section each week. 

The rates stay the same at £10 per hour, £45 for 5 sessions, and £25 for one-to-one sessions.

For more details, don’t hesitate to contact me by email at valeriezitoun@aol.com, or by phone on 07502086892.

Valou Pakenham-Walsh · Sat 29 Aug, 08:39 · Link


Cornerstone Manager

Following the news that current manager of Cornerstone is moving to another role after 6 remarkable years, the PCC of the Parish of Charlbury with Shorthampton are advertising for a new manager. This is a great opportunity to lead Cornerstone into the future. More details about the role can be found here https://www.charlburychurch.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Cornerstone-Manager-17-Aug-26.pdf ;

Please reply or apply by 4 September to parishoffice@charlburychurch.uk.

dine glasgow · Fri 28 Aug, 16:15 · Link


Bus service changes from 30 August and 20 September

OCC has advised us of a number of changes to local bus services operated by Thames Travel/Oxford Bus Company and Stagecoach.

X9 – important temporary timetable from Sunday 30 August

The X9 is due to improve to an hourly service, seven days a week, but the new timetable cannot operate in full until the current Charlbury road closure has finished.

A temporary diversion timetable will therefore operate from Sunday 30 August until the road reopens.

During the temporary timetable, the X9 will continue to serve Charlbury, with services towards Chipping Norton stopping at Charlbury Crossroads and services towards Witney stopping at The Bell Hotel.

The temporary timetable includes services on Sundays and Bank Holidays as well as Monday–Saturday services. The temporary X9 timetable is attached to this post.

Other changes from 30 August

Pulhams services will transfer to Thames Travel, although passengers may not see an immediate change to the vehicles being used. Changes also affect services H2, 19 and 64.

From 20 September

 S3/S3A – S3 journeys which operate via Charlbury will be renumbered S3A.

Other changes include:

a new S2 providing faster journeys from Carterton and Witney to Oxford, replacing the S2X;

the S1 returning to its previous route into Oxford;

a new S1A providing links to the Range Road and Downs Road areas of Witney;

some evening journeys to Carterton being financially supported by OCC; and

additional stops on the X52 at Witney High Street and Cassington Turn.

More information and full service details:

Changes from 30 August – H2, 19, 64 and X9:

https://www.oxfordbus.co.uk/service-changes-30th-august-2026

Changes from 20 September – X15 and X52:

https://www.oxfordbus.co.uk/service-changes-20th-september-2026

Stagecoach changes – S1/S1A, S2, S3/S3A, S7 and 233/234:

https://www.stagecoachbus.com/service-updates/serviceupdatesarticle?SituationId=ID-18/08/2026-16:24:26:873

Full details of the wider service changes can be found on the bus operators' websites.

Lisa Wilkinson · Thu 27 Aug, 09:51 · 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.

  • The Old Bank House Market Street Charlbury
    Installation of new shopfront and associated works
    WODC reference: 26/01771/FUL · Received - -
  • The Old Bank House Market Street Charlbury
    Installation of new shopfront to replace existing shopfront, and internal layout changes to shop
    WODC reference: 26/01772/LBC · Received - -
  • Land At Little Cranehill Copse Charlbury Oxfordshire
    Change of use to enable an area of woodland in the rear quadrant of Little Cranehill Copse to be used to extend the existing Little Wild Things forest school site
    WODC reference: 26/01607/FUL · Received - -
  • Bell Hotel Church Street Charlbury
    The erection of a garden bar / pizza bar (part retrospective), erection of a storage outbuilding (part retrospective), the provision of kitchen extraction (retrospective), and associated works
    WODC reference: 26/01129/FUL · Received - -

Tue 25 Aug, 09:26 · 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.

  • Wychwood House 5 Potter Close Charlbury
    Cherry - reduce crown height by 2.0m and lateral spread upto 1.5m. Remove lowest limb in direct contact with fencing back to source. Light pruning of lower laterals to allow installation of new 6ft fence.
    WODC reference: 26/01999/TCA · Received - -
  • Coneygree Farm Spelsbury Road Charlbury
    Erection of an apex extension to existing shed, to include additional space for housing livestock and feed stocks
    WODC reference: 26/01996/PDET28 · Received - -
  • 1 Tall Storeys Church Street Charlbury
    Change of use of ground floor flat (Flat 1) to a professional coworking space for up to 12 people
    WODC reference: 26/01811/FUL · Received - -

Mon 24 Aug, 22:54 · Link


Beaver Scouts

We currently have a couple of spaces in Beavers for 6 - 7 year olds. We meet on a Thursday 5pm - 6.15pm in school term at the Scout Hut. Do get in touch if your child would like to come and see what it's like or you'd like to add a younger child to the waiting list. 

Thanks 

Jo Paton,  Charlbury Beavers 

Jopaton16@gmail.com 

Jo Paton · Sun 23 Aug, 14:59 · Link


New Toilets are Coming!

We’re upgrading the toilets at the Corner House to the sort of standard you would expect in the twenty-first century – a convenience for all Charlbury residents & visitors.

The toilets, accessed from the Corner House garden, are available whenever the Corner House itself is open (generally 8.30 am - 4.00 pm Monday to Saturday).

Most of the cost is being met from our own resources, helped by the Street Fair, and by grants – from Charlbury Town Council, Charlbury Beer Festival and others. But we need a bit more, and we’re inviting Charlbury residents to help us. Can you spare a few pounds?

To donate, scan the QR code and select ‘Charlbury Corner House’. You’ll be given options for how to pay, and offered the chance to do so tax-efficiently.  To give in the same way (via the Charities Aid Foundation) you can visit www.cafonline.org/home/donate.  Alternatively you can contact any of the Trustees, or make a cash donation in the wall-mounted money boxes in the Corner House itself.

Because of the constraints of the old building, the toilets will not be fully accessible for those with mobility issues. There are wheelchair-accessible toilet facilities in the Memorial Hall next door – just ask any member of the café staff to provide access for you.

Give us a pound so that you can spend a penny!

John Partington · Wed 19 Aug, 22:22 · Link


Cornerstone Manager Opportunity

Following the news that current manager of Cornerstone  is moving to another role after 6 remarkable years, the PCC of the Parish of Charlbury with Shorthampton are advertising for a new manager. This is a great opportunity to lead Cornerstone into the future. More details about the role https://www.charlburychurch.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Cornerstone-Manager-17-Aug-26.pdf ;

dine glasgow · Wed 19 Aug, 16:27 · Link


Arson attacks in Charlbury


Police are asking residents to remain vigilant following a spate of deliberate fires in the Charlbury area over the last few weeks.

There have been incidents where wheelie bins have been deliberately set on fire in Sheep Street and Hixet Wood. These incidents were on the 10th of August. TVP crime reference number 43260416798

With the current extremely hot and dry conditions, this behaviour is incredibly dangerous. A small fire can spread rapidly to nearby fences, hedges, vehicles, homes and surrounding vegetation, potentially putting lives and property at serious risk.

We would ask residents to:

Remain vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour.

Where possible, keep wheelie bins away from buildings, fences and other combustible materials.

Check any available CCTV, doorbell or dashcam footage if an incident has occurred nearby.

If you see someone deliberately or recklessly starting a fire, call Police immediately on 999.

If you have any information about these incidents, or know who may be responsible, please contact Police on 101 or report it online.

Deliberately starting fires is not harmless behaviour. In these conditions, the consequences could be devastating.

Lisa Wilkinson · Wed 19 Aug, 10:52 · Link


Electric Blanket testing 2026

Free Checks for Electric Blankets, Throws and Heat Pads for Oxfordshire residents. Booking now open. On-site time slots available from 9:00 AM, including at Chipping Norton and Witney.

September 24th 2026– Willow Gardens, Chipping Norton, OX7 5FX 

October 8th 2026 – Council Offices, Woodgreen Witney, OX28 1NB

For appointments call: 01865 519800 or Email: duty.officer@oxfordshire.gov.uk    Online Booking: https://service.oxfordshire.gov.uk/blankettesting ;  

Christine Battersby · Tue 18 Aug, 13:06 · Link


Sam Dastor obituary

The Telegraph has printed an obituary of Sam Dastor, who lived in Charlbury and died recently. The Guardian also printed an obituary recently.

Richard Fairhurst · Mon 17 Aug, 20:08 · 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.

  • Turret House Ticknell Lane Charlbury
    Mature beech in rear garden x2 - Reduce in height and lateral spread to previous pruning points (roughly 2-3m in branch length) and remove any deadwood and thin density where needed.
    WODC reference: 26/01946/TCA · Received - -
  • Bell Hotel Church Street Charlbury
    Alterations to layout to include the removal of partition walls, internal doors, and windows, creation of doorways, relocation of rooflight, and associated works
    WODC reference: 26/01808/LBC · Received - -

Mon 17 Aug, 06:15 · Link


Changes to X9 Service from 30th August 2026

Oxfordshire County Council have negotiated a new and improved timetable with hourly buses running daily in both directions.  It will start with a new operator, Thames Travel, from Sunday 30th August. Thames Travel have taken over several other Pulhams routes as well.  Details on link below.  The X9 service is further down the page.

https://www.oxfordbus.co.uk/service-changes-30th-august-2026

Alison Prudence · Fri 14 Aug, 20:04 · Link


Beware Online Scammers Today Tuesday 11th

Please take care with any requests for online money payments or requests for gift cards. There has been an online scammer operating today with some local email addresses.

Please ignore requests or check them out in person before any payments. A reminder this can happen to anyone. Take care.

Ailsa Feenan · Tue 11 Aug, 18:24 · Link


S3 diversion (7 August - 9 September)

From 7 August to 9 September 2026, whilst Fawler Rd is closed to traffic, the S3 is missing out Fawler and part of Stonesfield, and travelling instead to and from Oxford Rail Station via Longore, Woodstock Rd and the B4437. See Stagecoach's timetable update online.

The impacted bus stops are The Stonesfield Green, Boot Street, also Fawler Main Street. A temporary bus top is being installed on Longore in Stonesfield.

Christine Battersby · Mon 10 Aug, 13:52 · 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.

Mon 10 Aug, 06:15 · Link


Planning application submitted for Evenlode Close

A planning application has been submitted for the demolition of the existing building at Evenlode Close and the construction of a replacement building comprising 15 self-contained apartments for older people, together with associated parking, cycle storage and landscaping.

Residents can view the application and, if they wish, submit comments directly to West Oxfordshire District Council via the planning portal:

https://publicaccess.westoxon.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=summary&keyVal=THDT6IRKN2O00

The application will also be considered by Charlbury Town Council's Planning Committee on Monday 24 August, before West Oxfordshire District Council makes its decision.

Lisa Wilkinson · Wed 5 Aug, 11:42 · Link


Sean Woodcock MP constituency meeting

The Peoples Emergency Briefing events in June resulted in large numbers of residents getting in touch with our local MP Sean Woodcock asking him to support a televised National Emergency Briefing on climate and nature. Following on from the amount of correspondence Sean has received on this issue he has offered to hold an event to discuss this briefing with local residents. Sean will lead a discussion and Q&A session for constituents in Charlbury on Friday August 14th, 5pm-7pm.

This meeting with MP Sean Woodcock offers a fascinating and important opportunity to help shape what changes in approach and priorities the Labour Government might take on climate change and nature loss.

Due to parliamentary security advice we cannot publicise the venue in advance so please message me directly if you would like to register for the event and be advised of the venue.

Tim Crisp · Mon 3 Aug, 13:00 · Link


Essential gas works – Fawler Road, Woodstock Road and Stonesfield Lane

SGN will be carrying out essential gas main replacement works in Charlbury from 10 August to approximately 12 October. These works are necessary to maintain a safe and reliable gas supply.

The works will be carried out in three phases:

🚧 Phase 1 (from 10 August – approximately 5 weeks)

Fawler Road will be closed between Woodstock Road and Baywell Cottage.

No through traffic will be permitted, with a signed diversion in place.

Access to properties within the closure will be maintained where possible.

Bus services may be affected.

🚦 Phase 2 (from 24 August – approximately 7 weeks)

Two-way temporary traffic lights on Woodstock Road between Fawler Road and Stonesfield Lane.

🚧 Phase 3 (from 21 September – approximately 4 weeks)

Works on Stonesfield Lane, with SGN liaising directly with affected residents.

If you have any questions about the works, please contact SGN on 0800 912 1700 or customer@sgn.co.uk

Lisa Wilkinson · Mon 3 Aug, 10:56 · 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 Grid Reference Easting 436423 Northing 219837 Ditchley Road Charlbury Oxfordshire
    1. Carry out the removal of dead elm / declining elm and dead dead / ash with Ash Die Back along boundary with Ditchley Road. 2. Clear fallen trees and ash with Ash dieback around Bag House boundary. Residential property in SW corner of site. (Ash, Sycamore, scrub) 3. Clear vegetation from gateway to allow access. (scrub, Sycamore, ash)
    WODC reference: 26/01818/TCA · Received - -
  • 16 Hughes Close Charlbury
    Ash - Fell tree
    WODC reference: 26/01802/TCA · Received - -
  • Watermans Lodge Cornbury Park Charlbury
    Discharge of conditions 4 (Construction Environmental Management Plan for Biodiversity), 6 (hard and soft landscaping) and 8 (Landscape and Ecological Management Plan) of Planning Permission 25/03069/FUL.
    WODC reference: 26/01796/CND · Received - -
  • Land North Of Woodstock Road Charlbury Oxfordshire
    Erection of a residential development comprising 26 dwellings (inc. 46% affordable housing), the provision of public open space and landscaping, demolition of existing garages and provision of new vehicular access via Woodstock Road and pedestrian access to Hughes Close and associated works (non material amendment to allow updated elevations to ensure Part O compliance, changes to internal layouts of Plots 1,14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 21 and 22 and updated retaining design to allow for road and drainage construction, resulting in updated hard and soft landscaping to ensure BNG compliance.
    WODC reference: 26/01801/NMA · Received - -
  • Watermans Lodge Cornbury Park Charlbury
    Discharge of Biodiversity Net Gain details required by Planning Permission 25/03069/FUL.
    WODC reference: 26/01800/CONBGP · Received - -
  • Charlbury House Woodstock Road Charlbury
    Discharge of condition 17 (planting and maintenance schedule) of Planning Permission 24/02965/S73
    WODC reference: 26/01768/CND · Received - -

Mon 3 Aug, 06:15 · Link


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