Concerned about threat to Charlbury events

Thu 5 May 2011, 18:33

I am utterly delighted about the outcome today! However I hope that the individual concerned will be mature enough to see the need to stand his own costs - AND those of WODC - in this matter, because I pay my Council Tax for the financing and improvement of local facilities, and NOT for the whims of individuals to challenge decisions and/or events which, as has been proved, have MASSIVE local support.

Thu 5 May 2011, 18:09

Did I hear correctly Mr Hofman did not believe the level of support from Charlbury friends and residents that Mr Crier disclosed in Court today? The letters and petitions were with me in Court but he did not ask for proof. There were 112 signed letters, 53 signatures obtained by the Beer Festival Committee at the Rose and Crown and the full Petition printed from the Charlbury website for which we should thank Richard Fairhurst. On return home a further five letters were received. If anyone is in doubt these can all be seen, by arrangement.

Thu 5 May 2011, 15:54

Unfortunately the saga of costs may not yet be over, as the judge had to reserve his decision. Mr Hoffman in his 11th hour negotiations had initially agreed to stand his own costs, but after agreement on the change to the wording of the licence had been agreed today between all parties, he then stood up in court and to the complete surprise of all concerned, said he was going to withdraw his offer to cover his own costs, so the possibility is that he could still apply to seek an award of his costs against WODC/The Rotherwicks!
Absolutely unbelievable

Thu 5 May 2011, 15:33

I agree with Richard's sentiments. In today's climate of lack of money and cuts to essential services, WODC do not have the money (our money) to fork out on an expensive legal case, only for it to be withdrawn at the eleventh hour. I hope that Mr Hofman will give a large donation to the Nine Acres Pavilion appeal, in memory of John Merriman.

Thu 5 May 2011, 15:23

Good news.

If I read the news item correctly, the conditions are effectively the same, but "the Safety Advisory Group conditions" have been put "into the wording of the licence". In other words: the events go ahead under the same conditions; this is just moving words around on a piece of paper.

Mr Hofman should be ashamed of himself for the expense he has caused WODC (it is, after all, our money he's spending) and Cornbury... for no practical change whatsoever. I hope he will be volunteering to help with Street Fair, the Spendlove project, etc. to put something back into the community in recompense.

Thu 5 May 2011, 15:19

Great News, a BIG thank you to every one who has been involed in supporting Charlbury and Cornbury in this.
Charlbury has a fantastic community, now lets enjoy it :-))

Thu 5 May 2011, 15:05

See the News item

Thu 5 May 2011, 12:59

Any news from the hearing yet? I have been keeping everything possible crossed in the hope that the social life of Charlbury will not be castrated by the action of this individual.

Mon 2 May 2011, 20:03 (last edited on Mon 30 Mar 2020, 15:53)

Further to Jenny's entry, we need to have all letters tomorrow in order to have them forwarded to Lord Rotherwicks Lawyers and served on the Court prior to Thursday.Either an electronically signed letter as attachment to;

Mon 2 May 2011, 10:29

Andrea,

For the latest information on Riverside, you can now read up on the new Riverside Community Page

Also, don't forget the Riverside Website

Mon 2 May 2011, 08:00

So what's happening with the Riverside Festival this yr? I agree that it's important to keep Charlbury events. When we moved here, we thought it was great to have such events like the Riverside & the Beer Festival. Shame that just a certain few people could jeopardise these events.

Mon 2 May 2011, 00:49

grahamW- if it hasn't already, could you perhaps use the insult to your intelligence to ignite action to counter what mr hofman is intent on doing? Because, right now what is needed is spadeloads of visible, tangible [to the magistrate in Banbury on Thursday] evidence that the majority of people in Charlbury support the granting of the licence to Cornbury. We can huff and puff on this forum but if we don't target the hearing, hofman's meticulously prepared case may significantly influence the magistrate. It would be great if you can get to the hearing in Banbury but if you can't, please get a signed letter of support to Jean Adams at Baywell Cottage before Thursday and she will present it. And exhort neighbours/friends to do the same.

Sun 1 May 2011, 17:22

You must have missed my posting of 13.56 on Monday 18th! But no matter.

Sun 1 May 2011, 17:18

Richard, I just think that things like demanding the naming and shaming of those with minority views or telling them to move away creates a nasty atmosphere and deters people from using the forum. You don't, so be it.

Sat 30 Apr 2011, 23:37

Glena and Jenny: thank you!

Mr/Ms Loch: the forum is not here to provide a "single voice" for Charlbury. It is a place where Charlbury's different voices can be heard.

You will read, in the 'Civility' posting that has been pinned to the top of the forum for three years now, the advice: "The best way to make the forum better is to start a good, civil thread about something else relevant. Forum postings complaining about others' behaviour on the forum are not helpful: they are part of the problem. Believe me, this is the case on pretty much every newsgroup and forum across the Internet: one ill thought-out posting starts an endless chain of moaning and the original is rapidly forgotten."

I would gently suggest that, if you want to make the forum better, the best way of doing so would be by adding to your tally of six forum postings. Though ideally not in the vein of the one that calls people "idiots"!

Sat 30 Apr 2011, 12:55

Absolutely agree with Jenny. It is a very difficult job and, to some extent, always going to be slightly subjective. However, the introduction of the grease pit some time ago helped a lot. When this thread went out of line (in my opinion) recently, one or two of us expressed concern to Richard but he was going to do something anyway. I think he does a grand job and, as with so many things in the community, not many people would like to do it !

Sat 30 Apr 2011, 09:59

For the record, having contributed to forum threads and watched others over the past few months, I think the site administrator does a truly excellent job. Regulation vs allowing free speech is a fine line to tread and I appreciate the sure and reasonble touch demonstrated.

Fri 29 Apr 2011, 21:11

While everyone is entitled to disagree with Mark Hofman a number of the comments in this thread do no credit to those making them and less credit to those running the site for allowing them to remain on this forum.

It is a shame that this forum presents Charlbury as the home of such people.

Thu 28 Apr 2011, 16:27

Great, thanks.

Thu 28 Apr 2011, 16:12

It's addressed to both WODC and "those hearing any appeals against... the grant of licences for events in Charlbury". I understand that Cally is working on getting a print-out made.

Thu 28 Apr 2011, 16:04

Jean can/will the online petition be used although addressed W.O.D.C ?

Thu 28 Apr 2011, 13:09

As Charlie says, please put pen to paper in support of our community and way of life. For anyone who doesn't appreciate the enormity of this threat, there is now hard evidence that if the appeal is successful, other events such as the Beer Festival, Riverside etc are next in line for the wrath of Mr Hoffman and as precedent will have then been set, it is a frightening prospect for the future of such events in Charlbury

Thu 28 Apr 2011, 12:47 (last edited on Mon 30 Mar 2020, 15:56)

Thank you Julie for your suggestion, but please, if anyone is considering sending a letter, it should be signed electronically or a signed hard copy dropped into my houseOR deliver them to Charlbury Bookshop in Market Street and I will collect them on Tuesday.

Thu 28 Apr 2011, 12:34

100% agree with Charlie, and would urge you all to write letters to Jean so that Charlbury's vibrant community can be maintained and will not be under threat by those who wish to turn Charlbury into a dormant town.

Thu 28 Apr 2011, 11:45

Well I have sent my letter off to Ms. Adams. I urge everyone else to do the same.
Also, I would like via this medium to thank Ms. Adams for what she is doing to protect Charlbury against this awful threat to our way of life.

Thu 28 Apr 2011, 09:25

The appeal launched by Mark Hofman against the Cornbury Premises Licence will be heard at Banbury Magistrates Court on 5th May. Jean Adams, who will be representing the views of the people of Charlbury at the hearing, would like any letters of support to quash this appeal to add weight to the argument. Please send all letters directly to Jean Adams. Please email your letter, signed, to jeancadams@toucansurf.com

Thu 21 Apr 2011, 19:12

Could we use the tar and feathers on Browns Lane?!

Wed 20 Apr 2011, 23:09

I don't share that 'sense of humour'. People are people and even if (especially if) they are saying something one disagrees with, the whole concept of tarring and feathering and like activities,is totally deplorable.

Wed 20 Apr 2011, 19:18

C'mon yer all taking this much to seriously what happened to the Great British sense of humour, irony, postings of detailed methods of tarring and feathering and how to make sure the running rail is as splintery as possible!

Tue 19 Apr 2011, 11:13

Exactly. I think Mr Hofman's noise limitation "concerns" are, basically, nonsense. But I don't want to see him run out of town. I just wish he'd give up this silly crusade!

Tue 19 Apr 2011, 10:28

I don't think that's quite the point. Richard is supported in his posting by myself and one or two others---all of us who totally support Charlbury events and hope the Cornbury licence is upheld on May 5th. However, calls for what is implicitly direct action against an individual are, in my opinion, going much too far.

Tue 19 Apr 2011, 07:50

I'm surprised you say that Richard having read your post from 27 March you seemed to agree entirely with my sentiments!

Mon 18 Apr 2011, 13:56

Charlbury is historically a tolerant community and I don't think we do ourselves any favours by fighting intolerance with intolerance. Play the ball, not the man.

Sun 17 Apr 2011, 22:52

Well said Nadine! Where I come from (and the areas I lived in inner city locales in the UK for decades as a community activist) this Hofman character would not have been tolerated and run out of the area ages ago.

Wed 13 Apr 2011, 19:00

I have been observing the posts re the Charlbury Noise Limitation Society affront to local events. I take it that this is a society formed by one for one - not a global project or something even worth the paper it is written on ( note to self WODC - ignore meddle -makers destroying historically sound and proven fun and well ordered traditions.) I have two things to add to the mindless debate. If this was a good socialist village,the like of which is abundant and witnessed in rural France and Spain then 1) Mr H would have the finest local carol concert right on his doorstep. 2) He would have been told to take the quickest route out of town. Charlbury - you are too MEEK for your own good!!

Sat 9 Apr 2011, 17:49

Judging by the ever increasing petition response it seems a safe bet that vast majority of Charlbury residents both young and old are either [a]for a Wilderness Festival and other longstanding musical events as currently monitored and controlled by regulatory authorities] or [b] at least are not opposed to them…

Long post - click to read full text

Thu 7 Apr 2011, 21:31

600 signatures now!

Wed 6 Apr 2011, 21:45

Returning to Jon Carpenter's post of 2 April, could someone provide an update on the discussion at the Town Council meeting last Friday, for those who could not attend?

Wed 6 Apr 2011, 19:42

I just don?t understand what Mark Hoffman is still objecting to, when it?s up to the safety advisory group who will be agreeing to the setting the noise levels for all events, within the three months? notice ? of the event. I?m sure that this SAG are very sensible. So, Mark do you not trust SAG?s judgments? And, what are your ongoing issues? Please, do yourself a favour and withdraw your objections? If you know something ? we don?t know ? then please do share this with your community, in order to redeem your creditability. It?s in your best interests!

Wed 6 Apr 2011, 19:29

Mr Hoffman

I read your post with interest along with the subsequent posting from Russell Robson. I whole-heartedly agree with Mr Robson's points and would like to add the following:

1. It is very clear to everyone that your claim is supported by very few (if any, as there has been no visible support for your cause) residents. With this in mind, your assertion that you are acting in the best interests of Charlbury is patently not the case

2. Your post earlier this week suggested that you were looking forward to Wilderness. I am therefore at a loss to understand why you intend to continue with your vindicative, self-serving and baseless appeal

3. Not only is your appeal not in the best interests of the Town, it is actually highly detrimental. As well as providing an exceptional level of enjoyment for those residents that CHOOSE to attend, it will also provide significant fund raising opportunities for local organisations such as the CSA. Additionally, the influx of visitors provides revenue opportunities for numerous local businesses in economically challenging times. Finally, there is the cost of the appeal itself, which no doubt (based on your emails) you fully expect to be funded by WODC which in term affects the level of service provision in the District and therefore the residents of Charlbury's Council Tax.

I therefore can only agree with Mr Robson's conclusion that this appeal is purely self-serving. If you truly have the best interests of Charlbury at heart, then do what is morally right and withdraw the appeal.

Wed 6 Apr 2011, 14:28

Dear Mr. Hofman

I attach the licence details as previously posted. I am sure you have a copy. I think for all concerned point 6 is relevant. The safety advisory group will set noise levels for all events, with three months notice from the estate or organiser. I feel that…

Long post - click to read full text

Wed 6 Apr 2011, 12:37

I would like briefly to reply to the postings which suggest that the current Cornbury licence imposes a restriction of only one event a year with amplified music. I think that view is mistaken; the licence is not just a continuation of the status quo, as has been suggested. The aim of the current appeal is to have adequate protections inserted into the licence to ensure that noise from an increasing number of events at Cornbury is kept within reasonable limits.

Mon 4 Apr 2011, 12:35

Forgot [63!] to mention that Jon Carpenter's piece is the 5th down in the News section of this site

Mon 4 Apr 2011, 11:55

I couldn't have put it better than Jon Carpenter did in his recent ChOC anouncement in support of Charlbury events. The only thing I would add is the question of why [according to the recent newspaper article] Chairman Hoffman would not disclose to the Oxford Times the size of his 'Group'. What is the reason for this apparent lack of transparency? This and the fact that supporters of the CNLG are not participating in the current discussions on the Forum leads many to wonder if a Group exists at all. I challenge Mr Hoffman to provide this information.

Sat 2 Apr 2011, 20:08

Drat it totally forgot the Parish meeting does anyone have a written up report they could post up on the forum for us dolts to catch up with!

Sat 2 Apr 2011, 08:18

Couldn't make the Parish Meeting last night. What was said?

Fri 1 Apr 2011, 17:09

500!!

Fri 1 Apr 2011, 14:02

Mr Hofman,
Could you possible explain/expand on your comment:-
'..Thanks to recent decisions by the WODC, we are now faced with the potential for a huge increase in the number of commercially-promoted and other events with amplified music.'
As you are well aware, Cornbury are restricted to just one large music event with amplified music - which we alll now know will be the new imaginative Wilderness Festival, which you yourself say you are looking forward to. So where exactly is the potentially huge increase in commercially promoted events that will have amplified music?
Also, am I right in thinking that if you were successful with your ill conceived appeal and the licence was revoked/withdrawn, then this would have implications for all licensible events on the estate, including things like the Special Effects Masked Ball on 21st May, which I assume might then need to seek it's own temporary events licence?
Surely now is the time to reconsider your appeal, accept the feelings of the vast majority of Charlbury and withdraw?

Fri 1 Apr 2011, 10:49

Mr Hofman - whilst I am delighted that you have finally come back to the forum and re-stated your intentions, I am still disappointed (as are many others in Charlbury) that it has taken so long for you to respond to the strength of feeling displayed by the majority of the town. Now you have publicly stated you are looking forward to the Wilderness Festival, can we assume that you will back this new-found excitement up by withdrawing the appeal, which if successful, will probably prevent the festival from taking place?

Fri 1 Apr 2011, 09:40

I couldn't agree more, Mark, that the original licensing proposal for Cornbury was quite scary. But we all know that this was a mistake (on WODC's part) and that the outcome has been a continuation of the status quo, which is what was wanted in the first place. Under the licence as granted, and supervised by the 'SAG Group' of environmental health officers, police etc., it is only possible to hold one 'music festival' a year in Cornbury Park.

Actually, from your point of view, this is an improvement on the previous situation, when people could apply for a succession of temporary licences for a succession of 'noisy weekends'.

But I understood that the noise levels you want the courts to impose would be such that not even one music festival a year could be held, and that this is what your appeal is trying to achieve. In those terms, you would welcome the Wilderness Festival in all its diversity, but without the music. Is that the situation, or do I misunderstand?

Thu 31 Mar 2011, 23:50

If members of the Noise Limitation Group were instead members of a Noise Abatement Group, they could be called NAGs. Would this sum it up?

Thu 31 Mar 2011, 22:37

Charlotte, yet again you let yourself down with the attitude you display in this evening's post. Whilst I am wholly opposed to Mr Hofman's moves to challenge the WODC licence grant and support the moves by the community to block his appeal, I think you are wrong to refer to his being gutless. He 'had the guts' to post his views on this forum, together with his name and address and you do no favours to this forum with your too frequent, ill mannered comments.

Thu 31 Mar 2011, 20:58

Well it's about time we hear from you, Mark Hofman.

You've had plenty of oppertunities to voice your concerns on this forum and you haven't had the guts to do so, whilst causing a lot of grief.

It's all about communication!

I'm delighted that you now have a voice - with the community!

Thu 31 Mar 2011, 20:50

There seems to be a certain amount of misunderstanding about what I and some other people concerned about noise would like to see happen. I have made it absolutely clear that I enjoy and support local community events. I said this both in my original post on the Forum and in my letter to the WODC about the Cornbury licence application. Thanks to recent decisions by the WODC, we are now faced with the potential for a huge increase in the number of commercially-promoted and other events with amplified music. The only concern I have expressed is that there should be reasonable limits on noise, and that is all I am trying to achieve. The petition being organised through the Forum mentions the banning of community events and turning Charlbury into a dormitory town. Like other residents, I certainly would not want that to happen, and I do not know anybody who would want it. In particular, I look forward to the new, imaginative Wilderness Festival.

Thu 31 Mar 2011, 17:46

Great article, says it all.

Now?s the time to campaign and to get 2998 of Charlbury?s folk to sign the petition! I?m free at the weekend. There are still so many folks, who will sign the petition, but don?t have access to sign online!

Let?s plan at tomorrow?s Annual Parrish meeting?

Thu 31 Mar 2011, 16:51

463 and counting!

Thu 31 Mar 2011, 09:01

From today's Oxford Mail - link. It includes the photograph taken yesterday.

Thu 31 Mar 2011, 08:20

Well the secret is now out - www.cornburypark.co.uk/musicfestival.php
and www.wildernessfestival.com
Certainly something different and surely not something that even the most ardent objector can find fault with?

Wed 30 Mar 2011, 21:59

Yes, and increasing by the hour.

I think the variety of signatories is remarkable - a couple of octogenarians in the front row for any noise from Cornbury have just signed. Someone remarked (she shall be nameless but is opposed to the extent that she will not sign) that no one from Dyers Hill had signed, meaning that Riverside and the Cricket Club are just so appalling... Well, I've spotted 8 Dyers Hill signatories, and there are probably more who haven't given their addresses and whom I don't recognise. I think this makes the whole point in a nutshell: you can live on Dyers Hill and still be pleased that people are out there enjoying themselves, makng a noise and fundraising. That's Charlbury for you, and long may it remain so.

Wed 30 Mar 2011, 19:15

Just noticed that the petition has hit the 400 mark!

Wed 30 Mar 2011, 18:37

The Oxford Mail article will be published tomorrow - Thursday, March 31.

Wed 30 Mar 2011, 12:14

Sorry, Richard, No.

Wed 30 Mar 2011, 10:48

Excellent! Did anyone here take a photo?

Wed 30 Mar 2011, 10:37

Thanks to everyone turned up for the photos this morning, especially the children and their fantastic banner!! Hopefully the article will be in the Oxford Mail this week and the Witney Gazette next week

Wed 30 Mar 2011, 00:04

I'll supply some children for the photo-shoot.

Tue 29 Mar 2011, 23:21

why dont you get in contact with ox box oxfordshire tv www.oxbox.tv

Tue 29 Mar 2011, 19:52

Thanks to Laura's great suggestion there is now a twitter page to help bump numbers. Follow here and forward: http://twitter.com/#!/SaveCharlbury

Tue 29 Mar 2011, 18:12

Just to clarify, The Witney Gazette photoshoot will be at 10am Weds 30th March outside the Bell.

The article is due to run in the paper this Friday.

Don't leave it til Friday to turn up at the Bell!

Best, Cally

Tue 29 Mar 2011, 18:07

This is great- I'll be there on Friday 10am outside the Bell and will try to bring as many Charlbury folk as I can

Tue 29 Mar 2011, 17:45

I've just posted this on the facebook page...
It would be good to have a banner of some sort, just to make our aims more self-explanatory... does anybody have any materials that I could whip one up with tonight? It would be great if parents with children could come down to as they are also affected.

Tue 29 Mar 2011, 17:34

I was due to be working Gloucester tomorrow morning, but will see if I can do some rescheduling and try to be there for the photo-shoot.
How prompt do you think it might be?

Tue 29 Mar 2011, 17:14

I'll be there - will try to bring a crowd.

Tue 29 Mar 2011, 16:36

For all of you that want to show your support for the petition and the sentiments aired on here, the Witney Gazette would like to photograph a group of residents for an article they are running on Friday at 10am outside the Bell tomorrow (Wednesday) morning. It would be great to have a dozen or more there to show the strength of feeling in the Town (although if we have lots more, it would be even more effective!)

Tue 29 Mar 2011, 10:16

Jon: seconded - that's really excellent.

Malcolm: as I understand it, we can only offer it to WODC as supporting evidence in their defence against the appeal. That's why the petition is addressed first to WODC and secondly to anyone hearing such an appeal.

Tue 29 Mar 2011, 00:21

How do we transmit a petition to a Magistrates' Court?

Tue 29 Mar 2011, 00:03

Jon, that's great!

Mon 28 Mar 2011, 21:54

I'm pleased to say that ChOC is inviting its 180 members to sign the petition. See news item I've just posted.

Mon 28 Mar 2011, 20:27

I have lived here for some time now and above average noise level/disturbance has NEVER been an issue. The events are very well run and they keep the community alive with community participation amongst all ages; the old teaching the young about all manner of things such as respect and village traditions etc, plus the money they independently raise for Charlbury can only be a good thing in this day and age. These events attract a host of visitors from far and wide, they boost the local economy, and the greatest gift of all is people enjoying the sunshine and having a lovely time engaging with one another, making new friends, and maybe new loves? but the happiest thing is to hear and see all the children laughing and having carefree fun. It's really quite simple, We all have choices in this life; If you object to a flourishing community that holds fund raising charitable events you can either plan a lovely day out of the village or you can decide that this isn't the place for you and move away. Or even better still, why not JOIN IN!? You may like this very much, make new friends or learn something new about your neighbour? These events have been running for many years, and the minority who are objecting are threatening the very existence of this healthy friendly down to earth place. It seems to be more than a little selfish and not serving the majority of the community, who have lived here for generations, undisturbed and accepting of nice local families having fun. It's not as if we are in the midst of Glastonbury or Notting Hill Carnival!? Please keep everything in perspective and be accepting of your neighbours and find generosity in your heart. Kind regards to you all.

Mon 28 Mar 2011, 13:17

Ah, yes, that makes sense now! ;-)

Mon 28 Mar 2011, 12:13

Apologise, I was not being selective, I just didn't click the longer post.

So for accuracy I include all Mr. Hoffman's post to ensure non selective use of the content.

"Fri 14 Jan, 11:34

Noise is something which affects all of us in way or another. Following the experience of…

Long post - click to read full text

Mon 28 Mar 2011, 11:39

Timely words Helen.I think the next positive step is to turn up on April 1st. I'm not sure what else can be put forward on this thread, especially as it is one sided and there is no debate. Raising public awareness and starting the petition is a great result - thanks KJarratt and Richard.

Mon 28 Mar 2011, 09:59

I fully support the many events in Charlbury including the Cornbury licence and I have signed the petition. However, I'm a bit concerned that this is thread is getting a bit personal and unbalanced. Thanks to Russell for reminding us of the original post by Mark Hoffman, but you've quoted selectively, which I think is a bit unfair. Mark does also say...

'We do not want to prevent other people from enjoying themselves, but we do not think it is fair or reasonable that they should do so at the expense of their neighbours. We do not want to create bad feeling or tensions in the community. We are happy for many of these events to take place, and many of us will wish to participate in some of them. But we think that, in setting the volume control, the organisers should take account of other people?s interests as well.'

I also think we need to be careful not to assume that the vast majority of people agree with us. As someone mentioned elsewhere, members of the older generation, without internet access, may have issues about the noise levels but be unable to comment here. My feeling is that we are all part of the community and everyone's views and preferences are valid and should be respected, even if we disagree with them and feel that we need to publicly challenge them.

Mon 28 Mar 2011, 09:36

Looking through the original objections to the Rotherwick's application, I notice that objection 24 is from Mark Hofman.

His opening sentence reads "I am writing to you as Head of Community Services at West Oxfordshire District Council"

How Ironic. He's not exactly serving this community is he?!!!

Sun 27 Mar 2011, 21:57

I'll be there with many others I'm sure.

Sun 27 Mar 2011, 21:31

Great, so pleased at the way this has progressed. I'm off to sign the petition and will be there at the 1st April at 8pm. Anyone else coming?

Sun 27 Mar 2011, 21:05

Just a brief reminder of the first post on the Charlbury Niose Limitation Group posting

Fri 14 Jan, 11:34

Noise is something which affects all of us in way or another. Following the experience of an increasing number of noisy events last summer, it is a growing concern for many residents of Charlbury. We already have the Riverside Festival and the Beer Festival. With the recent grant of licences to Cornbury Park and the Cricket Club we are now at risk of a further 18 noise-making events during the summer months, including loud music throughout the day and up to late at night.

A number of us have been discussing how we can best try to maintain the character of Charlbury as a tranquil country community. We have decided in the first place to set up a new group tentatively to be called the Charlbury Noise Limitation Group. The aim of the NLG will be to act as a focus for residents

Sun 27 Mar 2011, 20:43

The fact that a handful could assume what they are doing is in the interest of a whole town riles me. I urge everyone to sign this petition.

Sun 27 Mar 2011, 19:17

Completely agree with you Richard. There needs to be safeguards in place to protect all future events.
Not at the determination of one person, on what is best for the town,
As you have said the town's people really are showing their support.

Sun 27 Mar 2011, 18:39

A rather disingenuous reply - there have been no new applications for licences in the past couple of months so of course he hasn't.

The Cornbury event is held a fair way away on the other side of the valley. For most people in Charlbury, it is quieter than (say) Riverside or the Beer Festival, let alone town centre music such as that at the Memorial Hall or the Rose & Crown.

Refusing permission for a Cornbury event on noise grounds would therefore open the floodgates for other events to be curtailed or cancelled. We cannot afford the precedent to be set.

The past couple of months have demonstrated that the town, Cornbury, and WODC can work together to find an accommodation that is acceptable to all. That, not appeals to courts in Banbury, is how it should be.

Nor am I impressed with Mr Hofman's presumptuous earlier reply, also quoted on the Facebook page, that "the aim to promote what is good for the town and for good neighbourly relations". Who on earth is he to tell us what is good for the town? This thread, the 100 signatures on the petition, and the 126 'likes' on the Facebook page have all demonstrated that the town knows quite well what is good for it and it's not what this alleged CNLG might think.

Sun 27 Mar 2011, 18:31

Further correspondace with Mark Hofman, reads as follows, I think we can view this as a positive for other Charlbury Events

Dear Julie

The only licence which is being considered at the hearing on 5th May is the Cornbury licence. I have not raised any issues with any other licence.
Yours
Mark Hofman

Sun 27 Mar 2011, 16:29

I agree with Charlotte, time to end this stupid farce now. While the CNLG may have sincerely thought they were acting in the best interests of the town, they must now reallise they have totally misjudged how the town feel. They must do the honorable thing now and withdraw the complaint before it goes any further and then get back to normallity. Failure to do this will only cause lots of ill feeling towards them and looking at the tremendous response to the petition etc they should quit now while they can.

Sun 27 Mar 2011, 14:26

Pity we can't bring back 'Bungy' Mills to chase the NLG.
Does that really stand for 'Nasty lowdown gits' (pardon the language)

Sun 27 Mar 2011, 13:18

I really hope that this sad character whoever they are, can now clearly understand - how much pain and anguish they have caused and are causing?

I really hope that he or she has now learnt - that they have to back down NOW and withdraw the complaint NOW.

If not then he/she will be causing even more damage to this wonderful community. And they will cause much more pain and anguish, more so - to themselves.

Stop bearing this ridiculous grudge right NOW.

Sun 27 Mar 2011, 11:30

Bungy Mills, there a name from the past Ray, chased by him many a time!

Sun 27 Mar 2011, 00:26

Noise complaints are not a new thing. Back in the early 1950's when my parents kept a grocery shop in Thames Street, the White Hart held weekly dances in the top room. Someone complained about the noise and one day PC (Bungy) Mills knocked on our door and asked if he could bring a ladder in and look over our wall to spy on the White Hart. Needless to say, my parents told him where to put his ladder. LOL

Sat 26 Mar 2011, 23:44

Just signed the petition and hope for once and all these pratts get the message.
Also would like to praise Richard as when presented with the task of an online petition, he came up trumps with the goods. Good job i wasnt still doing the website or i think Charlbury would have become a ghost town while i was working out how to put an online petition up. Keep up the good work Richard as its not as easy as folks think.

Sat 26 Mar 2011, 18:38

Fifty signatures in less than a day. Good going!

Sat 26 Mar 2011, 14:17

I good to see that nearly everyone agrees here and hopefully these spoilsports are shot down in flames (I would love to put more here - I'm sure you'll agree!!!!;-) )

Sat 26 Mar 2011, 09:50

Good work Richard, thank you.

Sat 26 Mar 2011, 08:20

Thanks Richard!

Fri 25 Mar 2011, 23:46

Petition duly posted and linked from the front page.

Fri 25 Mar 2011, 11:45

Though personally I have no time for the noise-abaters, I've been slightly ambivalent about whether the website should host a petition: traditionally it's not been the role of the site to come down on one side when there are differing voices in the community.

However, in this case, the mooted "Noise Limitation Group" has been (very aptly) silent - despite many requests to explain their position. It's difficult to give a fair hearing to one side when that side is pretending you don't exist! Nor am I yet convinced that the "Group" is more than one person with an axe to (quietly) grind.

So, in this case, I think it is appropriate for the site to run a petition and I'll put one up this evening.

On the wider issue, Harriet is dead right - those of us who support continuing events need to make our voices heard beyond this forum: that probably means a joint submission to WODC in support of their defence against the licensing appeal, posters, perhaps even a "group" of our own.

Fri 25 Mar 2011, 07:43

I agree with all that's been said. I find it really sad that there are a few grumps, who want to spoil some much needed fun and good spirit - for so many folks (young and old.

May I suggest putting your efforts into something more worthwhile - like booking a holiday somewhere very quiet - on these occasions?

Please whoever you are - learn to be a bit more compassionate and
respectful.

Thu 24 Mar 2011, 12:49

I would encourage you all to both come along to the Parish Meeting on 1st April and bring this issue up then, and also to join the Facebook page which Julie has organised. Also, I am sure that Richard will set up a petition on this site, so we can all register all support for Charlbury events. I have been here for over 27 years and the one thing which I loved about Charlbury and still do is the community spirit which exists in the town - and long may it last. These events help gel us all together and give a sense of belonging.

Thu 24 Mar 2011, 11:18

Please register your support at

www.facebook.com/SupportCharlburyEvents

Wed 23 Mar 2011, 22:16

Well hear hear to all the below.

Firstly if the group concerned with the noise are so vehemently opposed to the events I would very much like to see their responses on this forum. If their arguments are clearly valid and watertight then I'm sure they would have no problem in sharing them before 1st April.

Secondly I would like to add my views as someone who has lived around Charlbury for over 12 years and hear nothing but positive opinions from anyone I have come across young and old as to the events that support Charlbury as a community.

In 'this day and age' when so many people come from so many different areas and Charlbury is in commuter distance from Oxford and London we need to do as much as possible to keep our community thriving. Charlbury events are a credit to this lively community and continue to keep the social structure that otherwise would be lost. Only recently, I discussed how the street fair has continued for over 50 years as a popular annual event. Even though it may have had to change a little over time, my neighbour (in her eighties) remarked how important this is to retaining a vibrant community.

I would be interested to hear from those moving to ban the festivals as to what exactly is acceptable in order to retain the community of Charlbury?

Wed 23 Mar 2011, 19:36

Wow... on hearing this as a possible problem to the thriving community of Charlbury, i had to look at what all the fuss was about !

As a resident of Charlbury for the last 20 years...so not a local for another 10, (and living on Dyers Hill )i have no idea why anyone would want to prevent the few excellent events that do nothing but good to both the name and local good causes of the Town.

i do not attend the music events personally and have no issues relating to the effects that this imposes on us, fantastic for the economy in the town.

Other events such as the Cricket Club Ball, a fantastic event was restricted due to a minority of people concerned with noise levels form loud music?. Due to the close proximity of this site it was interesting to see the number of local residents supporting this event , dressed smartly for an evening of fun and supporting fund raising.

I am sure the majority of Charlbury residents fully support all the efforts made to make this an active town for all age groups.Obviously there must be people with too much time on their hands as these events have been happening for quite a few years now. Must be some new trouble makers in town....not the kids this time.

A minorty of people who need to create a group and attempt legal action..........GET A LIFE. i doubt that you have an ounce of community spirit, or lived here for very long. You could always give Fairfax Estate Agents a call for a free valuation

Wed 23 Mar 2011, 19:22

www.facebook.com/pages/Support-Charlbury-Events/198764163477218

Tue 22 Mar 2011, 21:54

Could Richard be kind enough to put in place some sort of an online petition for people opposed to the blocking moves? As well as someone implement a paper partition, say, collecting outside the Co-op and Library etc. before the meeting(s) to oppose the spoilsports and show support for our handful of annual events? Who would take it on?

I call off 'cos my health is so erratic I can't be relied upon for anything unless stoked up to the brim on painkillers so it would be other people to do the petitioning unless I am up and about that day. Sorry but I can't take the risk on taking the lead on anything, not that I am trying to duck out of the work involved.

Tue 22 Mar 2011, 17:53

Since the events are at the weekends and widely advertised well in advance it'd be quite easy to go away for the weekend.

I suspect that if anyone is complaining that much about the Riverside and the Beer Festival that they live either on Dyers Hill or Thames Street, nowhere else is really affected by noise from those events.

And I can't imagine they'd actually want to close down an event which raises money for the school, ie a charitable event, which is what the Beer Festival is. Perhaps the Primary School should find out of there is any truth in these rumours and then set about doing something about it themselves. Children always go down well with the media, especially if they are being deprived of things by people with more money than the children's parents. That's the difference between the noise limitation group and everybody else - they seem to be doing things, everyone else is just talking about what they might do.

It'd be rather ironic though if the Noise Limitation Group did succeed in doing this, especially if what has been said about Mark Hofman being on the board of this charity is true, because my daughter is a musician for one of the morris dance sides which would be hoping to perform at the events.

Tue 22 Mar 2011, 15:35

"I am in shock to hear that the future of many well-loved Charlbury events may be in jeopardy (Wilderness Festival, the Beer Festival, the Riverside) due to complaints about "noise" from a small group of townspeople."

I also do not understand how a "minority of local people" can threaten the existence of a grand total of 3 summer festivals, that bring so much to Charlbury - and are all greatly anticipated by a large cross section of our community.

Seriously, if you objected so strongly to these events wouldn't you simply vacate Charlbury for the duration of them rather than try to sabotage the entire event/s? You really couldn't make it up....

Should we recommend that as many people as possible attend the Annul Parish Meeting on 1st April at the Memorial Hall to register our concern at the proposals being made by the "Noise Limitation Group"? Is this the best way to be heard, so to speak...? Are there more people out there who agree with our concern?

I am already sad about losing Cornbury to Great Tew (I know it will be fine...but I can't WALK to it!) and I really do not want to lose any more summer events...especially because of a proactive Noise Limitation Group who I really believe we should question.

Tue 22 Mar 2011, 07:48

Well said Ray.

Tue 22 Mar 2011, 07:13

Reading the previous thread re the so called "Charlbury Noise Limitation Group" it should seem obvious to the group they are outnumbered and not wanted in the town. Why not find something usefull to spend your time on instead of trying to ruin fun for the majority. No one forces you to live in Charlbury.

Mon 21 Mar 2011, 23:20

Ray, You'll find the thread about this back on Feb 4th, headed Charlbury Noise Limitation Group. As Paul Jenkins said, probably 95% of people in Charlbury disagree with the aims of this group. Unfortunately, that does not stop them taking the issue of noise to a Magistrate's Court.

Bizarrely, Mark Hofman is not only the public face of the group, he is also on the Board of a Charity called The Exuberant Trust. This has as its goal the support of young people in the creative arts. What a shame he does not support exuberance on his own doorstep. I had also wondered about a nightly vuvuzela protest against CNLG!

Mon 21 Mar 2011, 19:48

I just cant believe what i am reading. Surely no one in their right mind is going to take any notice of these faceless idiots. I thought we lived in a democratic society and if the majority want these events to take place, they take place. End of story. Maybe if we knew who they were they could be named and shamed. If they are Charlbury people my advice to them is "shut up or sell up"

Mon 21 Mar 2011, 14:34

Hi Rich, that is when the appeal will be heard at the Magistrates Court in Banbury. That is all the information I have.

Mon 21 Mar 2011, 13:03

Does anyone have further details of the 5th May meeting?

Mon 21 Mar 2011, 13:02

If you would like to come to the Annual Parish Meeting it could be discussed then - its on 1st April at 8pm in Memorial Hall and is your chance to ask questions of the Town Council and bring up matters which concern you all.

Mon 21 Mar 2011, 10:39

These events (Riverside, Cornbury and the Beer Festival) are all fantastic and Charlbury would be a poorer community without them.

It is very simple. People like them.

It is remarkable for a small town like Charlbury to have had an event like the Cornbury Festival on our doorstep.

I look forward to them each year.

It would be a great shame if these events were put in jeopardy by a small minority.

Mon 21 Mar 2011, 00:12

How can I register my support for the status quo ?

Thanks

Sun 20 Mar 2011, 22:21

The people making these complaints appear to be the Noise Limitation Group who have already posted on here. Originally I assumed it was just people who were hoping for slight alterations to Charlbury events, however now it seems that they are aiming to shut the events down completely.

John I think you're right, I believe the hearing is on 5th May.

Sun 20 Mar 2011, 21:23

I am highly sensitive to noise and a very light sleeper but anybody that wants to live in a place quieter than Charlbury should go and live elsewhere. There are occasional bouts of stupidity, and I have been known to play music rather loudly myself. But this can happen anywhere. I imagine that Charlbury is just about as quiet today as it has ever been. Can any local historians add their views ?

Let?s stop grumpy idiots from killing off what?s left of Charlbury.

Anybody want to join me on a march with some lepatata Mambus (vuvuzelas) in celebration of a free, vibrant, thriving Charlbury ? Let me know and I'll order them in.

In the meantime, come forward the people that want to spoil the town for the rest of us and let us know what your issues are.

Sun 20 Mar 2011, 21:02

Some people are not happy unless they are miserable or complaining.
If Joseph showed up in his 'coat of many colours' - it'll be the wrong shade for them!!

Sun 20 Mar 2011, 20:26

Well said. As you say it is a small group who would appear to have too much time on their hands. Your comment about the impact on WODC's finances is well made. Legal costs will no doubt be considerable and means that less money is available for council services.

I am not sure what we can actually do about this apart from waiting for the result of this appeal. I understand it is being held in early May. Perhaps if we knew where and when the case was being heard some of us could attend to show our support for the festival going ahead. If the press could get involved that would be even better. The faceless people who are trying to close Charlbury down may then have second thoughts.

Sun 20 Mar 2011, 15:14

I am in shock to hear that the future of many well-loved Charlbury events may be in jeopardy (Wilderness Festival, the Beer Festival, the Riverside) due to complaints about "noise" from a small group of townspeople.

Despite having only lived in the town for a couple of years, I have been impressed by its sense of community and its amazing capacity to pull tourism into Charlbury via the festival and events which keep our businesses running, our local charities funded and our Primary School offering excellent facilities and education for our children.

In order to save the festival I imagine that West Oxfordshire District Council (who are ultimately responsible for defending themselves against these complaints) will have to fight whoever has complained in court, at GREAT expense to the tax payer.

I do not understand how we have allowed a few light sleepers in the town to potentially ruin these opportunities for Charlbury to keep itself on the map and to maintain its much-envied reputation in the county (and the UK) as a town that is both idyllic AND a cultural hub.

Is there anybody else out there who would like to see something done about this? Surely there are more of us who love these events than loathe them?