News

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.

• Old Church Farm 1 Park Street Charlbury
  Internal and external alterations to include conversion of existing barn to create additional living space, over two floors, in relation to the main house. Remove existing wc/utility room and construct new entrance canopy. Installation of replacement and additional windows and doors.
  WODC reference: 16/00474/LBC - Wed 24 Feb 2016 - Under consideration
• Muffities 38 The Slade Charlbury
  Erection of replacement porch and garden wall.
  WODC reference: 16/00631/HHD - Tue 23 Feb 2016 - Under consideration
• Old Church Farm 1 Park Street Charlbury
  Conversion of part of existing barn to create additional living space, over two floors, in relation to the main house. Construct new entrance canopy to south elevation.
  WODC reference: 16/00473/FUL - Wed 24 Feb 2016 - Under consideration

Mon 29 Feb 2016, 07:05 · Link

Newspapers

Charlbury Deli & Cafe will be selling newspapers from tomorrow..Monday 29th Feb. Supplied by Londis at Fiveways.Please support your local town centre shops.

Lynne Stubbles · Sun 28 Feb 2016, 19:50 · Link

Southill Community Energy achieves its first £100k!

Please go to www.ethex.org.uk to make it £250k by next week.

Liz Reason · Wed 24 Feb 2016, 15:20 · Link

Railway closure this August

GWR has announced the dates that the railway through Oxford will be closed for flood prevention and other engineering work.

• From Sat 30 July to Sun 14 August, the line from Oxford to Didcot Parkway will be closed.
• From Wed 3 to Sun 7 August, including Wilderness Festival weekend, the line from Hanborough to Oxford will also be closed.

A replacement bus service will operate - times have not yet been published.

West of Charlbury, there will be an hourly service as far as Worcester.

Passengers travelling to London might choose to catch the Chiltern service from Oxford Parkway or Bicester instead.

Full details are on the GWR website.

Wed 24 Feb 2016, 15:16 · Link

Spring Ceilidh on 19 March -- £5 tickets for under-16s

Tickets at £5 for under-16s, as well as adult tickets at £10, are now available from the Post Office and Cotswold Frames. So why not bring the whole family and have a great evening of music and dancing, all in a good cause!

Brigid Avison · Wed 24 Feb 2016, 11:05 · Link

Street Fair 2016

Street Fair 2016

Charlbury Street Fair Team held a very useful meeting last week when we welcomed a number of new and returning members to the Team. We were able to take a number of decisions towards Street Fair 2016 made possible by the very pleasing success of Street Fair 2015. Do please let us know if you are keen to help, particularly if you have experience of events management. If you've been part of this small army of volunteers in the past and are happy to carry on, or would like to volunteer as a new recruit, please get in touch.

And we need someone to help organise the Fun Run this year. Please contact Susie Finch at susanna_finch@hotmail.com if you can help in any way.

Team meetings are held on the 3rd Monday each month at the Corner House at 8pm (20.00) finishing 9.30 (21.30). Please let us know via addresses below if you wish to attend or have any questions about Street Fair 2016.

Want to know more?
Go to www.charlburystreetfair.org
Get in touch at: csfchairman@charlburystreetfair.org
Or post/drop off a note/letter addressed to:
CSF c/o Wallden House, Sheep St., Charlbury OX7 3RR (next door but one to The Bull)

John Hole
On behalf of Charlbury Street Fair Planning Team.

Charlbury Street Fair is the fund-raising organization of the Corner House and War Memorial Hall, Charlbury.
Registered Charity No. 304282 Registered address The Corner House, Market Street, Charlbury, OXON, OX7 3PN

john hole · Mon 22 Feb 2016, 18:10 · Link

Cotswold Line trains affected by engineering work

An early warning that the last train back from London (21.48) and Oxford (22.53) will be replaced by a bus between Oxford and Worcester from Monday to Thursday inclusive the week after next - February 29 to March 3 - due to overnight track engineering work.
A bus will also replace the 21.53 from Hereford to London, which forms the 23.45 from Charlbury, so the last eastbound train to Oxford and London will be the 22.06.
And due to a closure of the railway through Didcot for work connected with the Great Western electrification project, Cotswold Line trains will only run to/from Oxford every Sunday from February 28 to March 27. Beyond Oxford there will be bus links to Didcot, Reading and Slough.
There is a page on the GWR website with more information about the Sunday arrangements here https://www.gwr.com/travel-updates/planned-engineering/didcot2016

William Crossley · Sat 20 Feb 2016, 11:20 · Link

News & Things closing down sale.

We are rapidly approaching our last week before closing and are having a 50% sale on all cards. Stationary is reduced by 25%.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all our customers for their support and wish all the retailers in the centre of Charlbury the best of luck in the future.

BILL JONES · Thu 18 Feb 2016, 11:05 · Link

Southill Community Energy share offer launched today!

Today is D-day for Southill Community Energy, as it launches its bid to raise £3 million to build Southill Solar farm. Come and collect a share offer document from the Memorial Hall tonight at 8pm and share a glass of wine with us to celebrate. No presentations tonight, but a chance to ask questions and discuss our plans informally.

Liz Reason · Wed 17 Feb 2016, 12:33 · Link

It's all systems go for Southill Solar!

Our banner went up on the gate of the site this morning to celebrate the planting of 770 new hedging plants. Don't forget that the share offer launch is on Wednesday 17th February - that's next week - at 8pm in the Memorial Hall. Come and collect the rather beautiful share offer document, have a glass of wine, and ask any questions you may have.

Liz Reason · Sat 13 Feb 2016, 11:19 · Link

Door to door sellers/ Pedlars

I've had a few calls relating to door to door sellers in Charlbury and surrounding areas.

Please see the below for more information about pedlars. Some callers may be genuine and others not. The advice I would give is not to buy at your door. Most sellers never have the correct identification cards, these door sellers tend to make their own unofficial cards.

I would also suggest a door chain. This allows you to open the door only six or seven inches and also prevents the seller looking over your shoulder to see what belongings you have in your property. It also prevents them from sticking their foot in the door and using hard sales tactics.
A number of people have said that they reluctant to install a door chain just in case people need to gain entry to their property in an emergency. Door chains are to be used when you open the door to people; you don't need to have the door chain on all the time.
To be a pedlar you must:
•trade on foot
•carry your goods with you (although case law has suggested that a small means of transporting goods may be acceptable)
•generally keep on the move, pausing to make sales.

Certificates are issued by the police in the area in which you have resided for the previous month. You must be above 17 years of age, a person of good character, and in good faith intend to trade as a pedlar.

Once issued you are entitled to trade as a pedlar in any part of the UK providing the certificate remains in force.
Certificates are not required by commercial travellers, sellers of fish, fruit, or victuals or people selling at markets or fairs.
You must produce your licence on request.

If you see the pedlars operating in the area please contact police.

Wesley Smith · Wed 10 Feb 2016, 15:17 · Link

Have your say on car parking

West Oxfordshire residents and businesses are being asked for their views and opinions about car parking in its towns and villages.

The District Council has drawn up an in-depth survey to help gain a better understanding of the issues faced by people as it looks to enhance its future provision of free parking across West Oxfordshire.

Every car park managed by the District Council is included in the survey and it asks key information, such as how often each car park is used, for how long and the purpose of the visit.

To match future parking provision, the council wants to hear from as wide a cross-section of the community as possible, including families and those with disabilities.

The survey can be completed online at www.westoxon.gov.uk/parkingsurvey or is available at any of the following places: the Council's reception points, Burford Visitor Information Centre, Carterton Town Hall and Woodstock Town Hall. Entries close on February 29.

Liz Leffman · Mon 8 Feb 2016, 11:32 · 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.

• Brockwell House Spelsbury Road Charlbury
  Refurbishment of property together with erection of single storey and first floor extensions and loft conversion to include front and rear dormer windows. Construction of double garage with bedrooms above and attached single storey gym extension to the rear. Alterations to vehicular access.
  WODC reference: 16/00315/HHD - Thu 28 Jan 2016 - Under consideration
• Tulip Tree House Church Street Charlbury
  Refurbishment of property to include raising of North wing and South wing roof heights, insertion of dormer windows and rooflights with changes to internal layout, fenestration and external finish to West elevation.
  WODC reference: 16/00310/HHD - Thu 28 Jan 2016 - Under consideration
• 18 Sandford Park Charlbury
  New dwelling adjacent to 18 Sandford Park with new vehicle access
  WODC reference: 16/00233/FUL - Fri 22 Jan 2016 - Under consideration
• 4 Sandford Rise Charlbury
  Erection of single storey front and side extensions and conversion of existing garage to provide additional living space.
  WODC reference: 16/00365/HHD - Thu 21 Jan 2016 - Under consideration
• Friends Meeting House Market Street Charlbury
  The replacement of five existing windows with five double glazed windows to same profile and materials as the previous windows and the double glazing of one existing glazed fire door. (Retrospective).
  WODC reference: 16/00184/LBC - Mon 18 Jan 2016 - Under consideration

Mon 8 Feb 2016, 07:05 · Link

Wear Your Wellies Day

Southill Community Energy will be planting out the gaps in the field hedgerow on Saturday 13th of February, in conjunction with Cornbury Estate. We are looking for 8-10 volunteers to come and help, on first come, first served basis.
Anyone wishing to join in this community activity in support of Southill Community Energy please contact Guy Parker, our resident ecologist and planting advisor, on 07976 779986 and / or guy@wychwoodbiodiversity.co.uk
Many thanks, Tim

Tim crisp · Sat 6 Feb 2016, 13:32 · Link

Lost Memorial Hall tables

Two of the small folding tables in the Hall have gone AWOL.

Please return them.

Stephen Andrews, Chairman Corner House & Memorial Hall

Stephen Andrews · Sat 6 Feb 2016, 12:08 · Link

Wilderness 2016 Local Tickets News - now available from 16th Feb

Discounted Wilderness tickets for locals for 2016 will now be available from 16th February, exclusively from Charlbury Post Office.

Wilderness have doubled the number of Local Tickets available this year for those who live within the OX7 3** postcode, so please remember to bring proof of address (utility bill or similar).

Prices have risen a little to £115 in order to increase the number available, and to allow more people access to the £70 discount on full price adult tickets.

Wilderness aims to make sure as many of those as possible who live in the area have access to the discounted tickets, so those who book Local Tickets will also be asked to bring proof of address to the festival when they pick up wristbands.

Local Tickets are limited to four per household.

Child Tickets (10 and under) cost £5 and Young Person Tickets (11-17) are £80.

Please remember that although the allocation has increased, Local Tickets are very popular and they will sell out, so do book early to avoid disappointment.

Full details will be available at the Post Office.

Alison Wright · Fri 5 Feb 2016, 16:15 · Link

Crime alert.

Please be aware that there have been a number of thefts from vehicles in the Chipping Norton area. Once again offenders have targeted vehicles that contain power tools. Offenders have made off with thousands of pounds worth of power tools that were kept inside these vehicles. That's not including the damage they have caused breaking into the vehicles.

Vehicles that have been targeted are Citroen vans whereby offenders use a sharp implement to pop out the door lock.

VW transporter vans where the offenders have hacked through the side door to access the opening mechanism to release the door.

•Always remove tools from your vehicle where possible and keep them in a locked store.

•If you own a garage, always use it to secure your vehicle

•Always check that your vehicle has locked correctly if using a key fob, don't assume that it has locked- double check

•If you have to park your vehicle in a public place ensure that it is parked in a well lit location ideally covered by CCTV cameras

•Consider fitting an internal alarm system to your vehicle separate from the installed vehicle alarm, low cost alarms are readily available

•Fit internal security lockers or cages for your tools and use good quality padlocks to secure them
•Consider fitting additional external security locks and use good quality padlocks.

•Post-code or mark all tools using ultraviolet pens or engravers, forensic marking such as Selecta DNA or Smartwater can also be used
•Keep a record of all your tools including serial numbers and identifying marks.

Wesley Smith · Tue 2 Feb 2016, 16:50 · Link

A heart felt thank you and a fond farewell from News & Things

Footfall to the centre of Charlbury is constantly reducing. This together with recent changes over the last month have regrettably forced us to decide to cease trading on the 28 February.

We will be holding a closing down sale where many of our lines will be priced to clear.

We apologize for any inconvenience caused by our closure and we thank our loyal customers for their support over the last 20 years.

BILL JONES · Tue 2 Feb 2016, 12:29 · Link

Over one hundred bikes en route to Africa!

Thanks to everyone who has supported our 'Bikes for Africa' appeal over the last six weeks.The 9 and a half ton container from 'Re cycle' came to Charlbury today [Monday 1st February] and collected 112 bicycles from the Vicarage drive. The two volunteer collectors from Re cycle were assisted by Mary Humphries and Ezikiel Nenji. The loading was achieved in under an hour and the container was back on the road to the charity's base at Colchester. Sally is very relieved to have her drive back! We hope to continue bicycle collection in the coming months and arrangements are underway to store future collections at the rear of Charlbury Methodist Church in Fishers Lane so watch out for more details over the coming weeks. [Grahame Humphries]

Mary Humphries · Mon 1 Feb 2016, 19:38 · Link

Harper's to close

Chipping Norton News has just published this report on their website:

"The proprietors of Harpers Home & Garden in Chipping Norton's High St have announced that they are closing down their long-established business. In an interview with the News they said footfall has been decreasing year on year for the past eight years: market trends such as online purchasing and larger outlets selling paint, tools, DIY materials and garden supplies, mean that their in-town store is impossible to sustain.

Almaas and Pamela Yusuf praised the staff for all their hard work and loyalty as a team - many have worked there for years. In early January the staff were informed that all options to continue had been exhausted and were asked to prepare for closure. Almaas said that he would keep employees on beyond their notices as long as the store could keep going, and that he was doing whatever he could to help them find other positions. Almaas and Pamela would like to thank their loyal customers and staff for all the support they have given the business over the last fifteen years."

Jon Carpenter · Mon 1 Feb 2016, 15:18 · Link