What’s on
Free Exhibition open to the public, 11 - 6 pm every Friday and Saturday in April.
This group exhibition explores individual stories behind twelve female artist’s relationship with light. Included in the show is paintings by Nina Murdoch, Lisa Wright, Kelly Washbourne and Jelly Green. Prints and Photographs as well as works on paper, shown throughout the three gallery rooms alongside crafts curated by Vigour and Skills. (photography thanks to the brilliant Edmund Blok)
For further information about the extensive talks and events programme check out www.branch-arts.com/exhibitions ;
Susie Lawson ·
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Venue : Charlbury Baptist Church Church, Dyers Hill, OX7 3QD
Come & let the team help you discover the extraordinary power of God’s healing for anything affecting you either physical, mental or financial.
Believe & See
Helen Josephine Wright ·
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Few spots left for this Fridays session at Charlbury Primary School.
Book it here: https://bookwhen.com/brokenboardsclub/e/ev-sglz-20240419160000
Mario Santos ·
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Bring along your craft, enjoy a chat and laugh, coffee/tea and biscuits, socialise and make new friends. Share ideas and inspiration and swap hints, tips and skills. Everyone welcome.
The third Saturday morning of each month 10.30-12.30 at Charlbury Bowls Club. Free parking. £3.50 per session to cover costs.
Louise Cashman ·
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Following some glimpses of sunshine, we wanted to celebrate the signs of spring around the time of Earth Day with local families.
Please therefore see below a flyer for a family event (also shared on Facebook) being hosted by the Cornbury Team using materials from the Estate.
The event will consider many topics such as wildlife habitats, tree types and ages in the Wychwood Forest, and why it is such an iconic feature in the landscape - whilst also discussing why we still need to continue doing forestry operations in the spring and summer (when ground conditions allow).
The event provides an opportunity for children (with help from their grown ups) to make a home for next years’ nesting birds, whilst also just enjoying the natural environment with family and friends.
Please note at the time of booking there are staggered arrival time slots to choose from.
From the team at Cornbury
Cornbury Park Estate ·
Link
Join our expert herpetologist Neil Clennell on a spring walk around Wigwell nature reserve to learn about the habits and lifestyle of our British reptiles. There will be a good chance of seeing several native species in the wild, and Neil will bring along some reptile curiosities to look at too.
A lifelong expert, Neil was previously Curator of Herpetology at Bristol Zoological Gardens.
It is also a great opportunity to enjoy some time in the great outdoors on one of our prettiest nature reserves in the Cotswolds, when the spring wild flowers will be in bloom.
The walk starts at 10am and will finish at approximately 11.30am - 12 noon. Wigwell nature reserve is accessed on foot from Nine Acres Lane in Charlbury - there is no parking at the reserve. We will meet inside the gate at the entrance.
Please note, this is a ticketed event. To book your spot, please go to https://www.wychwoodforesttrust.co.uk/whats-on
Maeve Bradbury ·
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7.30-9.00 pm
Friends Meeting House, Charlbury
Stewart Thompson, Emeritus Professor in Biodiversity Conservation at Oxford Brookes, has a lifelong passion for wildlife conservation and training. When he’s not supporting research in the Masai Mara in Kenya, he devotes his time to working with a small team who deliver barn owl conservation in Oxfordshire – making boxes, installing and monitoring them, and under license - keeping an eye on the chicks. Stewart will talk to us about the work he does with barns owls, and how we can set up at least one barn owl box or perhaps more, around Charlbury.
Everyone is welcome.
For more information contact CharlburyWildlifeSociety@gmail.com
Flora Gregory ·
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This April, The Bull partners with ART for Autism (AfA Gallery) during Autism Awareness month. ART for Autism (AfA Gallery) is a creative-led initiative dedicated to raising awareness and providing funding for early intervention programmes.
In support of this initiative, we present to you a life drawing workshop led by renowned artist Laxmi Hussain. Experience the process and artistry of capturing the human form on paper, where you’ll delve into the intricacies of anatomy and expression as you sketch from a live model.
Guiding you through the workshop, Hussain introduces techniques using charcoal and inks to create harmonious lines and capture the form and shapes of the body. Known for her explorations of the body as it changes through life, movement, and experiences, Laxmi Hussain brings a unique perspective to her teaching, inspiring participants to explore their own interpretations of the human form.
Whether you’re a seasoned artist seeking to refine your skills or just starting out on your artistic journey, this workshop offers a supportive environment for creative exploration and skill development. All materials for the event will be provided.
Join us for an evening of artistic expression and community support, with proceeds from the ticket sales directed toward the Autism Awareness initiative.
Book tickets
Charlie Helm ·
Link
7.30-9.00, Quaker Meeting House, Market Street, Charlbury
Vicky Taylor, PhD Candidate at University of Oxford and volunteer with the Humans for Rights Network, will talk to Fran Webber of CRAG about her research showing how people arriving via 'small boats' are being arrested and sent to prison under new laws making it a crime to seek asylum in the UK.
Everyone welcome.
Vicky Buser ·
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Come and join Tina in the library for half an hour of stories and nursery rhymes. It's free and there's no need to book. See poster for details
Charlbury Library ·
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The next Digital Helper session will be on Monday 29th April, from 10.30m-12pm. See poster for details
Charlbury Library ·
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22 artists will be showing off their work around the town as part of the annual Oxfordshire Artweeks Festival. Printed trailmaps with details available during April or download one here.
Maureen Sparling ·
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Explore the beautiful Cotswold countryside on the first of our bespoke guided walks from The Bull with The Cotswolds Wardens.
Starting at The Bull, we will walk from the town and into the surrounding countryside beyond, walking along an ancient track and through a nature reserve before returning for an optional spot of lunch.
Difficulty: Easy
Duration: 2.5 HoursDistance: 5 Miles
This walk requires a small booking fee, all of which goes straight to The Cotswolds Wardens to help take care of the local eco-system.
Book walk | Book lunch
PLEASE: always remember to wear appropriate footwear, as some walks may be steep and muddy in places. Dogs are not allowed on walks, except guide dogs and hearing dogs. It is advisable to check the website or call the Cotswolds Conservation Board (07841 663607) beforehand for details of any changes, particularly during bad weather.
Charlie Helm ·
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A special service of Choral Evensong to mark the 100th anniversary of the River Evenlode tragedy.
St Mary’s Choir will be singing music including:
- ‘Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace’, Samuel Sebastian Wesley
- Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis in C major (1925), Ralph Vaughan Williams
6pm at St Mary’s Church for around one hour. All welcome.
Richard Fairhurst ·
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For the first time in Charlbury, get ready for an epic night of bluffing, strategy, and dice rolls with our Perudo Night with Orson Fry. Outsmart your friends, challenge their bids, and be the last one standing in this thrilling game of deception.
All levels and groups welcome, from novice to professional. We will play in games of six, feel free to join as a group or an individual. Food and Drink available throughout the evening. Game sets will be provided.
7pm at The Bull
Tickets here
About Perudo
Perudo is a descendent of the ancient South American game ‘Dudo’, more commonly known today as Liar’s Dice. Played by two or more people, it is quick to play—the faster the more fun! In Perudo, players take it in turns to bid on how many dice of a certain number are under everyone’s cups. They are eliminated when their bids are successfully challenged (or dudo’d) and they have no dice left. The last person standing wins.
Charlie Helm ·
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Instruments, Sounds and Images
Bruno Guastalla will share his passion for making violins and other instruments, playing the cello and bandoneon, writing music and making art
Charlbury Memorial Hall 7.30
All welcome, non-members £5
Tony Lloyd ·
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Come and join Tina in the library for half an hour of stories and nursery rhymes. It's free and there's no need to book. See poster for details
Charlbury Library ·
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This year's Garden Society Plant & Seed Swap will take place at the Memorial Hall on 11th May, from 10am to 12am. But please come early to avoid disappointment, as plants usually find new homes very quickly!
Just turn up, bringing any spare plants and seeds to add to the selection.
You
don’t have to bring anything to swap – just come along and choose
something new for your garden. Any monetary donations we receive are
"ploughed" into our gardening initiatives around the town.
If you have plants to donate, and prefer to bring them in advance, please leave them behind the lowered hedge in the Corner House Garden from the evening of Friday 10th May.
Teas, coffees and cakes will be available to enjoy as you browse.
Many
gardeners grow or take cuttings or divide plants especially for the
event, and it is always wonderful to think that little pieces of our
gardens are spreading around Charlbury and other local villages. It’s
especially good to realise that, generally, what will grow in a local
garden will also grow in yours – so success is (almost) guaranteed!
Enquiries: secretary@charlburygardensociety.org.uk
Please see our website for more information about the Garden Society events for 2024:
http://www.charlburygardensociety.org.uk/events/
Geneviève Hug ·
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Without doubt one of the finest soloists of her generation, the violinist Viktoria Mullova, who is three-quarters Ukrainian, has offered to perform a concert for CRAG with her family, all of whom are brilliant internationally-recognised performers.
Don’t miss this eclectic programme of solos, duos, trios and quartets; music by Bach, Bartok, and Mullov’Abbado, including specially-arranged compositions and improvisation.
The early evening concert will last approximately 90 minutes and will be followed by a Prosecco and canapé reception. The event will be held at the Memorial Hall. Tickets (including the reception) are priced at £30 (£12 for under 16s) and you can buy them on our website at https://www.charlburyrefugee.org.uk/events/charlbury-gala-concert-with-viktoria-mullova-family/
Tickets are selling fast so get yours now to avoid disappointment!
Since all the concert expenses are covered by a generous grant from The Evenlode Foundation, we are able to give every single penny of the ticket sales directly to our partner charities.
Find out more about Charlbury Refugee Action Group (CRAG)
Vicky Buser ·
Link
Ignite is an informal evening worship service hosted by St Mary's church, Charlbury. We bring vibrant, contemporary songs of worship to God in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, with space to reflect and meet with God.
Absolutely everyone is welcome from any church, or from no church at all, we'd love to see you there.
We meet once a month on the second Sunday of the month - our next service is Sunday 12th May. Refreshments are served from 5:45, and the service begins at 6pm and runs for about an hour.
For more information, or to get in touch, see our website - www.igniteworship.org.uk
Chris O'Shea ·
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Come and join Tina in the library for half an hour of stories and nursery rhymes. It's free and there's no need to book. See poster for details
Charlbury Library ·
Link
WHEN: 6-8pm Thursday May 16th
WHERE: The Charlbury Community Hall
WHY: To hear from Ditchley Park Estate’s five wildlife and farming experts on their 10 Year Conservation Plan.
WHAT: The Ditchley Park Estate accounts for 3500 acres of farm and woodland surrounding the seperately owned Ditchley Foundation. The estate’s farms have two purposes:
- To be the main income source to be given to charities by the HDH Wills Trust;
- To be a pioneering wildlife hub for north Oxfordshire.
The Ditchley Park Estate is now in the 8th year of a 10 year conservation plan which assesses our annual success of failure with birds, bees, butterflies, bats, newts, worms, cows and sheep – plus invasive species such as grey squirrels or muntjac deer.
Our wildlife advisers and farmers want to share with Charlbury residents their findings and give details of our recently installed QR Code Circuit on the Estate’s footpaths for walkers.
Limited places so must register here:
www.cotswoldfarmers.org/event-details/ditchley-park-an-exploration-of-ditchleys-wildlife
Anne Miller ·
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Bring along your craft, enjoy a chat and laugh, coffee/tea and biscuits, socialise and make new friends. Share ideas and inspiration and swap hints, tips and skills. Everyone welcome.
The third Saturday morning of each month 10.30-12.30 at Charlbury Bowls Club. Free parking. £3.50 per session to cover costs.
Louise Cashman ·
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at St Mary's Church 2-5pm
Fun for all the family!
Maureen Sparling ·
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Start your week with a bang at our Monday Quiz Night, hosted by comedian Lee Peart. Join alone or with a group for an evening of laughter, fun, and friendly competition at The Bull where you will test your knowledge for the chance to win exciting prizes.
Food and drink will be available throughout the evening.
7pm at The Bull
Book tickets
Charlie Helm ·
Link
The experience of drawing is a form of visual thinking that is essential for everyone, providing insights into the complexities of the three-dimensional world we inhabit. Discover the links between Rossetti and the French impressionist Georges Seurat.
Working from direct observation of the figure, learn how to create a delicate granular appearance with graphite, gradually building the image from light to dark as the definition of the form builds, with practical advice about materials and measuring proportions.
All materials provided except some A3 cartridge paper which you will need to bring.
7pm at The Bull
Book tickets
Charlie Helm ·
Link
Come and join Tina in the library for half an hour of stories and nursery rhymes. It's free and there's no need to book. See poster for details
Charlbury Library ·
Link
The ever-popular museum plant sale will take place on Saturday 25 May. Thanks to generous donations every year from green-fingered Charlbury gardeners, we offer a wide range of perennials, annuals, vegetable and herb plants. We will have trays of bedding plants at very competitive prices, and a selection of less common shrubs and specimen plants. There are always keen gardeners on hand to identify plants for you and help you make your choice.
We are always very grateful for donations of plants. You can bring them to the garden on the Friday evening between 5.30 and 6.30pm or before 10am on the morning of the sale. Any queries please contact Judy on 07530 012332.
The sale will be in the Corner House Garden, or the Memorial Hall if the weather is poor. This is a major fundraiser for the museum, and we look forward to seeing you at the sale.
Judy Dod ·
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Following on from three sold out shows, join us at The Bull for live comedy in the Secret Garden Room, making Wednesday much more hilarious.
Line-up TBC.
Doors 6:45pm | Start 7pm at The Bull
Book now
Charlie Helm ·
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We are back outside the community centre with lots of local produce and friendly faces. Hope to see you there.
Lisa Wilkinson ·
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Join us and learn the ancient craft of Indian Block Printing and be able to print your own beautiful designs using a wide range of hand carved blocks. Print either a table runner, a set of napkins or three other items including cushion covers, tea towels, tote bags and drawstring gift bags.
You will first have a demonstration and then you will practise on old fabric until you are ready to create your own designs. Please wear old clothes or bring an apron!
Tea, coffee, elderflower cordial and biscuits are provided but please feel free to bring your own drinks and snacks if you like.
There will be a few printing blocks and blank textiles available to buy at the end for anyone who is interested in pursuing this craft at home.
The morning workshop has now sold out but there are still spaces available in the afternoon (at time of writing).
To book or for more information please go to www.artofjaipur.com or email artofjaipur@aol.com
Marea Brown ·
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Thursday 6th June, 3.30-5.30 pm. CH garden and Memorial Hall
Members , friends and guests, please join us for tea and our talk
Tragedy, Bravery and Mystery: Beating the Bounds 1924
This is a tale of tragedy, since three children drowned in the Evenlode. Of bravery, since heroic efforts at rescue led to the award of two medals for gallantry. And mystery – since it is difficult to understand why the final group of boundary walkers took the punt upstream from where others had crossed safely, and with such catastrophic consequences. Using eye-witness accounts, testimony at the inquest, and contemporary photographs,
Rob Stepney will piece together the events of that fateful day.
We also hope to have the first public showing of a short film made with
Rob Jackson and Alan Snelling.
Nikki Rycroft ·
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the Charlbury branch of the royal British legion will hold a coffee Morning to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D Day, 9.45am to 11.45am. Refreshments, home made cakes and raffle. All proceeds to The Poppy Appeal
Jane parsons ·
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Bring along your craft, enjoy a chat and laugh, coffee/tea and biscuits, socialise and make new friends. Share ideas and inspiration and swap hints, tips and skills. Everyone welcome.
The third Saturday morning of each month 10.30-12.30 at Charlbury Bowls Club. Free parking. £3.50 per session to cover costs.
Louise Cashman ·
Link
The 2024 Charlbury Beer Festival will take place on Saturday 29 June at Charlbury Cricket Club, from noon till late. There will be around 60 real ales, a variety of craft beers, a range of ciders and perries, wine, gin, and Pimm’s; a great selection of food (including vegan options); tea, cake and soft drinks; live music throughout; the Culture Club tent with its varied programme of performances and talks; children’s entertainment and activities; and high-octane sport with the World Aunt Sally Singles Championships.
All money raised by the Beer Festival is given out to community projects, both in the Charlbury area and overseas. We have now taken our total of funds raised for good causes to around £300,000. There have been donations to over fifty local organisations, ranging from Charlbury Primary School and the town’s Pre-School, to local sports clubs, Charlbury’s Day Centre and Community Centre, and overseas projects in Africa, India, South America and elsewhere.
We must thank those generous sponsors who finance the beers and the entertainment tents, and of course, the beers themselves, plus the many hours that committee members and other volunteers put in. Cheers all round!
Charlbury Cricket Club provides a glorious setting, just across the road from Charlbury Station. There are excellent all-day (including late night) bus and train services to and from Charlbury to Oxford, Chipping Norton, Reading, Witney, Worcester and London, so you don’t even need to drive if you want to have a drink.
To keep up to date with the festival, please visit our website and follow our social media pages (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter)
Edward Fenton ·
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Riverside 2024
Sat 20 July - 1pm to 10pm
Sun 21 July - 11am to 8pm
Riverside Festival is back this year for two days of brilliant local music and arts and family festival fun on the Millfield. We’re so proud to (still!) be Oxfordshire’s biggest and best FREE festival.
The music
We’re looking forward to bringing you around 50 bands on our three music stages - rock, indie, folk and blues. Watch this space for the line-up!
Festival fun
- Children’s tent - lots of crafts and fun activities to keep the little Riversiders busy
- Busker’s Stage - spot the next big musical star, or step up and show us what you’ve got
- Greenfields - craft demos and have-a-go sessions, from stone masonry to blacksmithing
- Food and feasting - championing the best local food businesses
- Pints in the sunshine - from our two bars, beautifully stocked up by Hook Norton brewery
- Our fabulous gin bar - for all you discerning gin lovers
- Riverside shopping - all our lovely traders open for business
The volunteers
Riverside famously runs on generosity, goodwill, gaffer tape and 100% volunteer power. Everyone, from the bands to the bar staff, donates their time, energy and expertise. If you’d like to help out this year, we’d absolutely love to have you along - please fill in our volunteer form and we’ll be in touch. Thank you!
Angela Moore ·
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A long weekend of art, music and literature
Tony Lloyd ·
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Come and join us and . celebrate our 150th year as we play the iconic MCC. Gates open at 11am. Festivities include
Ability to have lunch and tea with the players
Morris Dancing
Jazz Band
Parade of the Hook Norton Shire Horses
Childrens games and activities
Full Details to follow
Paul D Jenkins ·
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Creativity with Children
Isabel Knowland and Tony Lloyd will share some of their experiences at primary schools in and around Oxford. This will be followed by a practical session making some of the things that the children created.
Charlbury Memorial Hall 7.30
All welcome, non-members £5
Tony Lloyd ·
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This year’s Fair will take place on Saturday 21st September.
Tilly Beaumont ·
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