The following planning applications have recently been lodged. Click on the address to see full details at the WODC website.
Mon 29 Jun 2015, 07:05 · Link
Oxfordshire County Council has announced that it is planning to remove all (or almost all) bus subsidies - putting the X9 (Witney/Chipping Norton) and Railbus services at risk.
The consultation presents two options:
In either case, the likely effect on Charlbury would be that the C1 Railbus service is axed entirely, and very possibly that the X9 service is reduced - for example, by cutting it back to a Witney-Charlbury service, or a two-hourly service, it could be run with one bus instead of two. (The S3 bus to Oxford is not subsidised.)
The changes will take effect in April 2016.
The parlous state of OCC's budget is well-known. Cutting bus subsidies would save £2.5m pa (by comparison, rebuilding Frideswide Square yet again is costing £5.5m).
Charlbury Town Council believes that the "keep off-peak services" option is nonsensical. OCC's rationale is that off-peak services can be a lifeline to the elderly and disabled in rural communities, and are also cheaper to run as the vehicles are not in demand for school services. However, this is rather naive as off-peak rural services can also be a subsidy sink with very little reward (such as the former T1) - there is little point running "lifeline" services if no-one uses them; on-demand or community-run services are usually more efficient.
A better-drafted option for reduced subsidy is possible and should include:
All of these are strong arguments for keeping Charlbury's bus service as at present.
You can respond to the consultation on the Oxfordshire County Council website.
Richard Fairhurst
(Parish Transport Representative for Charlbury)
Richard Fairhurst · Fri 26 Jun 2015, 22:35 · Link
Radio Oxford's Tim Smith, who many of you will also know from his regular appearances on the Steve Wright Show on Radio 2, will be broadcasting live from Charlbury Cricket Club on the morning of Saturday 27 June, as final preparations for the Beer Festival get under way. Tim will be accompanied by the instigator of Beer Day Britain, Jane Peyton, who will also be appearing in the Culture Club tent later in the afternoon, talking about the culture and history of the world's favourite alcoholic drink. For full details, as always, go to www.charlburybeerfestival.org - and we look forward to seeing you there.
Edward Fenton · Fri 26 Jun 2015, 13:24 · Link
Post Office have confirmed that the Post Office will be able to stay as it is for now and will be reviewed in 12 months time because circumstances can change.
Post Office believe that providing Post Office services from an alternative retailer within the community is not an option at this point in time.
Thanks to everyone for their support (may be needed again in the future )
Elaine Newbold · Fri 26 Jun 2015, 10:41 · Link
Tom Skelton has been elected to fill the vacancy on Charlbury Town Council, following today's election. (You can read his election statement here.)
The results were: Tom Skelton 251, Gordon Clemson 180. Turnout was 18.31%.
Thu 25 Jun 2015, 23:13 · Link
It's now only a week to go til the draw of the Charlbury School Summer Fair raffle. Our top prize is a weekend family ticket for Wilderness (perfect for those who missed out on the local tickets!). Other great prizes include a £50 Boden voucher, a spa day at Heythrop Park and a 2-course meal at The Bell. Tickets are available from the School office (during school hours), Maraedy Hair Company and Cotswold Frames. Good luck!
Alice Millea · Thu 25 Jun 2015, 18:03 · Link
If you are a local ticket holder for Wilderness, and are wondering where and how to exchange your ticket for a wristband, then please read on.
If you have a local discounted ticket or a ticket purchased from Charlbury Post Office, you will be able to exchange it for a wristband from 10am on Thursday 6th August at any of the three gates: Crane Hill, North Lodge and Southill.
You can request a wristband for general camping, quiet camping or family camping, or simply a 'local access' wristband if you do not wish to camp. The wristbands allow repeat entry and access via the same three gates. If you would like to drive, you can purchase a car parking pass which will be valid for the entire festival when you first enter. This pass will only be valid at the gate you initially enter.
Alison Wright · Wed 24 Jun 2015, 10:18 · Link
The following planning applications have recently been lodged. Click on the address to see full details at the WODC website.
Mon 22 Jun 2015, 07:05 · Link
Layla Claridge, resident of Park Street, Charlbury, has been selected to compete for the title of Miss Oxfordshire on 7th June 2015 at the Oxford Belfrey. If Layla wins the competition she will represent Oxfordshire in the iconic Miss England competition later on in the year.
Layla opened Charlbury Street Fair in 2013 and compered Riverside Festival under her Miss Oxfordshire Inspiration title from 2013. Since then she has been working as an Excursion's Leader on board cruise ship M/V Aegean Odyssey for Voyages to Antiquity, a company based in Summertown, Oxford. Now back on home soil Layla is keen to promote Charlbury and Oxfordshire again which has encouraged her to enter Miss Oxfordshire, to have a chance to represent the city and hopefully England in one of the most famous pageants. Layla is keen to promote the values of having beauty and intelligence and using those assets to the best means, whilst also encouraging the younger generation to follow their dreams.
Layla is looking forward to getting involved in the local community and will be happy to attend any functions or events.
You can follow Layla's progress here www.missengland.info/regionals/oxfordshire
For further information please contact Layla Claridge on 00447500017382 or Layla-claridge@sky.com
The following planning applications have recently been lodged. Click on the address to see full details at the WODC website.
Mon 15 Jun 2015, 07:05 · Link
The Charlbury Beer Festival committee are pleased to announce the programme for the Culture Club tent at this year's Beer Festival on Saturday 27 June. We're especially proud to welcome two special guests, radio announcer Kathy Clugston (also known as 'The posh Radio 4 lady' on the Radio 1's Scott Mills Show), and Jane Peyton, 2014's Beer Sommelier of the Year and instigator of Beer Day Britain. See www.charlburybeerfestival.org/the-culture-club.htm for more details. And that's all in addition to the full programme of live music and children's entertainment throughout the day.
Edward Fenton · Sun 14 Jun 2015, 22:54 · Link
The two candidates for the Town Council vacancy, for which an election will be held on 25th June, have each kindly submitted a manifesto.
"I have genuine enthusiasm for helping others and for using my skills and influence to make things better... don't ask me to put up a shelf or mend a leaky tap (I'm absolutely no good at that!) but if someone has a issue, an idea or a need for help in solving a problem I am here to listen and to act.
"Charlbury is a magical place to live and work. I have met and continue to meet the most wonderful people, people who live here and those who come to visit our town. I have a strong desire to improve certain things about Charlbury, namely our hostelries and shops, but not to change the uniqueness of this place, I also have a deep respect for tradition and history. So with this in mind I hope that you will vote for me to be a part of your council on the 25th June."
Tom is one of the co-founders of House & Carriage, based by the railway station.
"Being a member of Charlbury Town Council would enable me to help protect the wonderful historic town we all live in. There are many issues, real and potential that need careful consideration to preserve the character and charm of Charlbury.
"Having been born here and attending local schools, I have great love and affection for all things Charlbury and I am anxious to ensure that the integrity and core of the town will be here for future generations to love and enjoy.
"If I am elected on 25th June you can be sure that I will serve the people and town to the best of my ability and be a good listener and activist to any problems or suggestions that are put forward to me."
Gordon is now retired, having previously been for many years a senior manager for a global company.
Fri 12 Jun 2015, 15:37 · Link
This year's CSA Summer Fair raffle is on! Top prize is a family weekend ticket to the Wilderness Festival. Other great prizes include a £50 Boden voucher and a spa day at Heythrop Park. Tickets are £1 each and can be bought from Charlbury School office (during school hours); from Maraedy Hair Company and from Cotswold Frames. The draw will be made at the Summer Fair on 3 July. Good luck!
Charlbury Primary School · Fri 12 Jun 2015, 08:02 · Link
Rackets and balls will be provided and absolutely anyone can get involved. Whether you've never picked up a racket before or are a seasoned regular ��" there is no excuse not to come down. All ability levels are welcome!!!
John Werner · Tue 9 Jun 2015, 23:48 · Link
Layla Claridge from Park Street Charlbury, was crowned Miss Oxfordshire 2015 on Sunday 8.6.15 winning her a place in the Miss England finals held in Coventry on August 13th and 14th. Layla had to compete in an eco, dance, interview and evening dress round to secure the place and had to make the eco dress out of recycled materials. Layla is thrilled to bring the crown home to Charlbury and represent Oxfordshire at the Miss England finals and various other events throughout the year.
The following planning applications have recently been lodged. Click on the address to see full details at the WODC website.
Mon 8 Jun 2015, 07:05 · Link
Charlbury had a surprise visit last week from Boris Johnson, Mayor of London and recently elected Conservative MP for Uxbridge and South Ruislip. He popped into The Bull on his way to the station for his train back to London (too far to cycle on a Boris Bike!) and he thoroughly enjoyed the locally renowned Fish and Chips!
Alix Blumsom · Thu 4 Jun 2015, 17:44 · Link
West Oxfordshire District Council's Uplands planning committee has unanimously agreed to give planning permission for the new Community Centre on the Spendlove site.
A decision on the application for new houses at Rushy Bank, behind the railway station, was deferred.
You can read the extensive papers on the two applications on the WODC website - click on "01 June 2015".
Richard Fairhurst · Mon 1 Jun 2015, 18:55 · Link
There will be an election for the one vacant seat on Charlbury Town Council on 25th June.
The two candidates are:
(As always, the Charlbury Website would be pleased to reproduce or link to flyers/manifestos if the candidates would like to supply them.)
Richard Fairhurst · Mon 1 Jun 2015, 11:13 · Link
The Met Office has issued a warning of wind for tonight (as below and on the BBC website here http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/2635167#extra-uk-content) so please secure your bins and recycling boxes before the gales arrive tonight!
Live windspeed can be seen on my webpage: www.dora.abelgratis.com/assets/CharlburyWDL.html
Met Office Weather Warning for Oxfordshire:
Yellow warning of wind
From:
1400 on Mon 1 June
To:
1800 on Tue 2 June
Updated 2 hours ago (as at 10.55hrs 1st June)
An unseasonably windy spell is likely across many parts of the UK later on Monday, overnight and well into Tuesday, as active frontal systems sweep across the UK. An initial swathe of southerly gales accompanied by heavy rain will move east across many parts later on Monday, giving gusts of 40-50 mph widely but 60-70 mph across exposed Irish Sea and perhaps some English Channel coasts. Winds will become west or southwesterly on Tuesday, with further gusts to 40-50 mph more locally, before gradually easing later. Large waves will affect some coasts in the west and south at times.
Given the unseasonable nature of the winds, the public should be aware of the potential for disruption to transport and outdoor activities. Damage to some trees seems likely.This is an update to the warning to bring forward the start time, cover the rest of England in the yellow area and also to increase gust speeds through the Irish Sea.
The following planning applications have recently been lodged. Click on the address to see full details at the WODC website.
Mon 1 Jun 2015, 07:05 · Link