News

Charlbury community Centre update

On Saturday 23rd July, a large working party involving members from Charlbury Sports and Social Club, Charlbury Town Youth FC, the library, CCCA, TGT, Charlbury Cricket Club, and Charlbury Churches made huge progress in dismantling the existing stone wall and bagging up the stone for future use.

This week will seek local Charlbury contractors start the site levelling to prepare the ground for the main contractor, Beard who are due on site at the end of September. They will also be creating a new gabion retaining wall at the rear of the site.

One more major working party is required on Saturday 13th August. This party will bag the remaining stone and create the gabon baskets. if you are able to help turn up on site from 8am with sturdy shoes and some hard wearing gloves.

Paul D Jenkins · Sun 31 Jul 2016, 11:18 · Link

Holiday Club - Wastewatchers

There are still spaces for your children to attend the Charlbury Churches Holiday Club Wastewatchers - Tuesday 2nd August - Friday 5th August 10am - 12.30pm in St Mary's Church. For children aged 4-11 (Years Foundation - Year 6). Contact Christine Pearce on 810846.

Jo Paton · Fri 29 Jul 2016, 11:56 · Link

Sheep Street Traffic Issue remains unresolved but consultation is underway

The Sheep Street issue with lorries navigating the narrow street often scrapping parked cars, knocking down walls has seen no action at all from the county council. Cllr. Andy Graham recently called on residents and businesses to consult what should be done.Both he and Liz Leffman want something to be done as the road surface is in a bad state of repair and road markings are barely visible.
A report is being prepared by your district councillors to pressurise the County Council to get at least some remedial work done. If you have a view or constructive comment to make contact Andy or Liz

-- Andy Graham, District Councillor, Charlbury & Finstock

Andy Graham · Tue 26 Jul 2016, 10:58 · Link

Sturt Road 4 bunglaows and 9 2 bed houses development/Affordable housing v Play area

The Conflict between having affordable housing and the needs of the current residents in Sturt road and sturt close on the one hand and meeting the needs of young children and the retention of the play area for children has inevitably surfaced. Disctrict councillors will make a decision at either their September or October meeting and this is a chance for your views to be known. Write to West Oxfordshire District Council, Planning Department before 18th August. Your views count.
A meeting will be held, I am reliably informed very soon in order for residents and interested parties to attend. More details to follow

-- Andy Graham, District Councillor, Charlbury & Finstock

Andy Graham · Tue 26 Jul 2016, 10:50 · Link

Student grants

Are you under 25, live in Charlbury and have a guaranteed or continuing place for a University or College course or an apprenticeship? If so, you may be eligible for a grant from the Charlbury Exhibition Foundation.

If you have received a grant in a previous year, you may still be eligible, so please do apply.

Please apply by 1 October 2016 to:

kathrynfairhurst@hotmail.com

Please include the following details:

- Your name and date of birth
- Schools you have attended
- The University or College name (or your employer for apprentices)
- The course and level (e.g. BA) and your year of study (or for apprentices, the type of apprenticeship and level)
- Your home address in Charlbury
- The reason for your application for a grant

Kathryn Fairhurst · Mon 25 Jul 2016, 19:21 · Link

Latest planning applications to West Oxfordshire District Council

The following planning applications have recently been lodged. Click on the address to see full details at the WODC website.

• The Grange Woodstock Road Charlbury
  Erection of detached dwelling with detached car port and new access.
  WODC reference: 16/02407/FUL - Wed 13 Jul 2016 - Under consideration
• 10 Sandford Park Charlbury
  Erection of garage and studio with store above. (Removal of condition 2 of Planning Permission 15/01749/HHD to regularise amended design) Part retrospective.
  WODC reference: 16/02347/S73 - Fri 08 Jul 2016 - Under consideration
• 35 Sturt Close Charlbury
  Demolition of 2 semi detached properties to facilitate a new vehicular site access, development of 9, no. two bedroom houses and 4 no. two bedroom bungalows with associated car parking and landscaping.
  WODC reference: 16/02306/FUL - Mon 18 Jul 2016 - Under consideration
• Kimbell House Dyers Hill Charlbury
  Erection of single storey rear extension and canopy over existing front door.
  WODC reference: 16/02263/HHD - Mon 18 Jul 2016 - Under consideration
• Kimbell House Dyers Hill Charlbury
  General refurbishment works to include erection of single storey rear extension and canopy over front door, changes to internal layout with installation of new staircases and four rooflights, and provision of second floor bathroom.
  WODC reference: 16/02264/LBC - Mon 18 Jul 2016 - Under consideration

Mon 25 Jul 2016, 08:00 · Link

Charlbury Street Fair - please help

This is an impassioned plea to all residents of Charlbury. As you may or may not know Charlbury Street Fair was very nearly cancelled this year due to a lack of supporters prepared to join the team. In the end the event WILL happen but ONLY because a few of the people who have organised the event in the past came forward again to help for this one year only to make it happen. They are not prepared to do the same next year.

Charlbury needs YOUR help, so if you care about this fair which has been running for over 60 years please come and help us. Otherwise Street Fair 2016 will be the last!

This event, which brings the whole of our great community together, raises substantial funds towards the maintenance and improvement of the Corner House and War Memorial Hall including the recent refurbishment of the Memorial Hall kitchen and the addition of the new Green Room. Street Fair and associated events have raised well in excess of £10,000 EVERY YEAR for many years. Without this money future improvements to the town's well-loved community buildings would either not happen or have to be funded from other sources such as the Council Tax.

If you can help in any way, please contact Susie Finch at
susanna_finch@hotmail.com or Peter Kenrick at peter@kenricks.plus.com

www.charlburystreetfair.org

.
Thank you

Susie Finch · Thu 21 Jul 2016, 20:56 · Link

Household Waste Recycling Centre consultation

The County Council is implementing the Household Waste Recycling Centre strategy that was passed by cabinet on the 15th December 2015.

Part of implementing the new strategy is procuring a new management contract to operate the HWRC sites. The County Council would like to know residents' views on measures that could be implemented at sites to make savings and create income.

There is a consultation on these proposals running to 11th August 2016. This consultation is open to all Oxfordshire householders to comment on.

The consultation documents are available online at www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/waste. If residents need support to take part in this consultation they can contact the county council on 01865 816043 or email waste.management@oxfordshire.gov.uk.

Liz Leffman · Wed 20 Jul 2016, 17:10 · Link

New Timetable for X9 Bus Service from 21 July

A new timetable comes into operation from tomorrow 21 July 2016 for the X9 Chipping Norton - Charlbury - Witney bus service operated by Pulhams. You can download the timetable from the Pulhams website at www.pulhamscoaches.com

NOTE: Timetables from other sources may not be correct or up-to-date.

Graham Chamberlain · Wed 20 Jul 2016, 11:01 · Link

From Wychwood to Weymouth on the 2016 CLPG charter train

Every year the Cotswold Line Promotion Group charters an excursion train to take passengers from stations on the line between Oxford and Worcester for a day out at a special destination.

This year's excursion, on Saturday, September 24, will see a Great Western Railway High Speed Train run to the Dorset seaside resort of Weymouth.

Many tickets have been snapped up by members of the group, which represents passengers on the rail route between Oxford, Worcester and Hereford, but they are now on general sale to members of the public.

A limited number of first class tickets are still available, along with 150 seats in standard class.

The train will leave Oxford at 6.45am, calling to pick up passengers at Hanborough, Charlbury, Ascott-under-Wychwood, Shipton, Kingham, Moreton-in-Marsh, Honeybourne, Evesham and Pershore en route to Worcester Shrub Hill. It will leave Worcester at 8.15am, for a direct run to Weymouth, taking the route via Bristol, Castle Cary, Yeovil and Dorchester, and arriving at the resort at 11.35am.

The return train will depart from Weymouth at 4.55pm, running back to Castle Cary, then via Swindon and Didcot to reach Oxford at 7.25pm. The train will then make the same stops as the outward journey to drop off passengers, arriving in Worcester at 9.10pm.

This is not the first time the CLPG has run an excursion to Weymouth, but in 1997 the train was a three-car Class 166 Thames Turbo diesel unit, rather than an eight-coach HST.

Standard class tickets are £45 for adults (£35 for CLPG members) and £18 for children. First class tickets are £95, or £80 for CLPG members. Children under five can travel free of charge.

To book tickets, please send a letter stating how many tickets you want to buy, your address and a telephone number, along with a cheque for the relevant amount, made payable to the CLPG, to Brian Clayton (CLPG), Newhaven, Greenway Road, Blockley, Moreton-in-Marsh, GL56 9BQ. All applications must include a stamped addressed envelope, which will be used to send out tickets in September.

Anyone who would like confirmation of a booking is asked to provide an email address or an extra SAE.

Inquiries can be made to Mr Clayton, the CLPG's treasurer, on 01386 701528 or email bcclayton@btinternet.com. Please note that anyone requiring first class seats is advised to check availability before making a booking.

William Crossley · Tue 19 Jul 2016, 08:12 · 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.

• 9 The Green Charlbury
  Alterations and erection of single storey rear extension.
  WODC reference: 16/02388/HHD - Tue 05 Jul 2016 - Under consideration

Mon 18 Jul 2016, 08:00 · Link

Fundraising for ctfssc

ctfssc new build https://www.gofundme.com/2ee5dt7n&rcid=eb00b6244aca11e6a667bc764e065880

This is the go fund me page to help us raise money for the new build sports and social club. All donations are very much appreciated.
Look out for future fundraising events coming soon,

mandy · Sat 16 Jul 2016, 10:17 · Link

Chadlington brews its own ale!

The Chadlington Brewery Company has launched a 'crowdfunding' campaign to encourage investors (no matter how big or small) to pledge amounts from £50 towards making the Chadlington Brewery a reality.

The very popular beer was launched in 2015 by local business people but is not yet actually brewed in the village. They have the premises and access to good quality, natural Chadlington spring water but need further investment to fully convert their brewhouse in the village. They have decided to open opportunities for local residents and other supporters to invest in return for great rewards with free beers on birthdays and at Christmas for life.

The company is also committed to supporting community life in the village through sponsoring the cricket team and the Chance to Shine charity, which opens sporting access to children who might otherwise find access to sport difficult.

So why not go to their Crowdfunder site and pledge your support to developing this business and bring Chadlington Ale home www.crowdfunder.co.uk/chadlington-brewery-1

Jon Carpenter · Tue 12 Jul 2016, 15:15 · 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.

• Toll Gate Cottage The Slade Charlbury
  Erection of new hardwood boarded gates to site entrance (Retrospective).
  WODC reference: 16/02294/LBC - Tue 05 Jul 2016 - Under consideration
• Land West Of Fawler Road Charlbury Oxfordshire
  Non compliance with conditions 7,8,9 and 14 of planning condition 15/01523/FUL to allow revised timescale for planting and to use alternative support structures.
  WODC reference: 16/02309/S73 - Tue 28 Jun 2016 - Under consideration
• Toll Gate Cottage The Slade Charlbury
  Erection of new hardwood boarded gates to site entrance (Retrospective).
  WODC reference: 16/02289/HHD - Tue 05 Jul 2016 - Under consideration

Mon 11 Jul 2016, 08:00 · Link

Charlbury does more than ever for refugees

Refugees in camps in Calais are literally running out of food, at the same time as their numbers increase daily.

But the good news is that Charlbury Refugee Action Group continues to be able to help, thanks to your fundraising and contributions. One member found £30 in the street and gave it to CRAG! Another has set up a standing order to CRAG for £25 a month. While the Strings and Pipes group at Charlbury Baptist church donated the proceeds from their recent entertaining and enjoyable concert. This was given through the church, which was able to add Gift Aid, with the result that £375 came to CRAG.

All this has replenished our funds, so we have just sent £500 to Calais Kitchens, who distribute food packages to people who self-cater, in particular mothers and children, as well as supplying food to the several free kitchens in the camp where volunteers and refugees cook daily meals. Another local member has donated £500 direct to Calais Kitchens and added Gift Aid. That brings the total sent to feed refugees in Calais from Charlbury in the last few days to £1125. We have also collected more sleeping bags and blankets which local volunteers have driven to Calais themselves.

Last week local refugee support groups were asked if anyone could help arrange an emergency trip for a father and his two children to visit his wife and a third very sick child in hospital in Southampton. CRAG came up trumps. Thank you Sophie!

In August young refugees from Oxford will be coming to play cricket with members of Charlbury CC. Apparently some of the Afghans in particular are very enthusiastic!

The Adopt-a-Room scheme to furnish homes for families arriving in Witney this summer was an immense and immediate success, thanks to stalwart work by the Witney and Hooky refugee action groups, as well as to Charlbury Quakers; Liz Soar and friends; to members of three local meditation groups; and to Churches Together in Charlbury who have bought gift vouchers so families can go shopping for themselves. It is wonderful to see so many caring people contributing in so many ways to help make these families feel truly loved and welcome.

Last month we helped get money and tracksuits together for Lucinda to take to Dunkirk. She's written an account of her visit here: mumfirstdoctorsecond.blogspot.co.uk/2016/07/back-to-france.html?m=1 Thank you to all who helped.

If you would like to join the mailing list for Charlbury Refugee Action Group, please sign up at eepurl.com/bCX1bz Our newsletters will keep you informed about everything we do. And you can follow our daily news at www.facebook.com/charlburyrefugee

Some people prefer to make donations direct to charities working on the ground with volunteers helping refugees. The web pages for two that we recommend are mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/calaiskitchens and mydonate.bt.com/charities/helprefugees

Once again, thank you to Charlbury for all that you do. Contact us at charlburyrefugee@gmail.com for further information.

Jon Carpenter · Sun 10 Jul 2016, 15:53 · Link

Let's go to the Movies

Tina's dancers will be performing their show 'Let's go to the Movies' on Saturday 9th July at Charlbury Primary School. There are two shows a 3pm Matinee and a 5pm evening performance. There are some tickets still available to purchase at a cost of £3 per ticket, everyone is welcome. Tickets are available (while stocks last) from the School Office and need to be purchased in advance. More details on 01608 810354

Charlbury Primary School · Wed 6 Jul 2016, 09:29 · Link

Charlbury Community Centre Building Update

As you may have noticed the large spoil adjacent to the former Sports and Social Club has been removed.

The next phase, which commences today, will be the demolition and removal of all the buildings on the site. The demolition contractor will initially set up the site to facilitate demolition but we do anticipate main demolition works starting later this week or very early next week.

The contractor anticipates being on site for a two-week period. Inevitably, dust will be generated by the work but the contractor is very experienced and they will be doing everything to minimize the impact to users of the Spendlove centre. Please be aware that dust may occur if you are leaving your car in and around the Spendlove Centre over the demolition period.

We remain very grateful for everyones cooperation and support for this exciting development in Charlbury. If you do have any queries please email tgtenquiries@gmail.com and we will endeavor to deal with your query as soon as possible.

Paul D Jenkins · Wed 6 Jul 2016, 07:04 · Link

POSTPONED- The Charlbury Challenge!

Having realised that this event, planned for Saturday 9th July, will clash with Tina's show-stopping afternoon of dance at Charlbury Primary School, we have decided to postpone The Charlbury Challenge. Apologies for the short notice and to any disappointed challengers! A new date will be announced as soon as possible.

Jenny Chambers · Tue 5 Jul 2016, 14:26 · Link

Southill Community Energy share offer is now closed

Thanks to all those who have invested in Southill Community Energy's Southill Solar scheme. Our combination of equity and loans means that we will soon be in a position to sign contracts for construction. We'll keep you posted as we pass major milestones.

Liz Reason · Tue 5 Jul 2016, 11:26 · Link

A Very Big Thank You from Charlbury Primary School

As Chair of Governors of the school, can I on behalf of the Children, Staff and Governing Board say a big thank you to you, our community.

We recently made an appeal asking for two new Governors to fill specific vacancies arising due to the retirement of existing governors - seven people came forward and we have now succesfully recruited. We were overwhelmed by this response and the obvious love and respect our school has within our community and the willingness of people to give us their time freely. It is very much appreciated.

Our thanks also go to Willem Hackman who is retiring after 7 years service - Willem has acted as our liaison with the Town Council during his tenure, links which have been invaluable and which we will maintain.

And lastly, and most importantly, thanks to Sue Tokumine who has served for 11 years on the Governing Body, 8 of those as Chair of Governors - she is a hard act to follow and an inspiration us all in the school.

Thank You

Kaye Leggett
Chair of Governors

Kaye Leggett · Fri 1 Jul 2016, 09:54 · Link