News
Charlbury Museum News from World War I
Three men from Charlbury were killed in action in the first week of the Battle of Passchendaele in August 1917. Bertram Brookfield, son of the former station-master, was killed by a shell on the night of August 5th, aged 20, and is remembered on the Menin Gate Memorial. He was a member of the Church Lads Brigade. Herbert Robert Castle, head gardener at Sandford Mount, died of wounds on 4th August, aged 30. William Richard Lane, a journeyman carpenter at home,a Regimental Sergeant Major in the Oxon & Bucks Light Infantry, was killed on the night of August 5th. For many years he had drilled the Church Lads Brigade, was foreman of the Bell Ringers, and sang in the dhurch choir.
Janet Jeffs ·
Mon 31 Jul 2017, 16:45 · 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.
- Glyme Farm Charlbury Road
Conversion of barn to create dwelling.
WODC reference: 17/02370/PN56 - Mon 24 Jul 2017 - Under consideration
- 4 Cotswold View Charlbury
Erection of single storey rear verandah.
WODC reference: 17/02432/HHD - Tue 18 Jul 2017 - Under consideration
Mon 31 Jul 2017, 08:00 · Link
Thai To Go takeaway van
As the work continues to finish the external works to the Community Centre, the Thai Van is relocating to the top edge of the Playing Close, on the Bridleway.
This is the same spot used by the Pizza & Fish & Chip Van for recent months. As work concludes, the vendors will return to their usual trading spot between the entrance the GP Surgery & Community Centre access road.
Jim Holah ·
Tue 25 Jul 2017, 21:14 · Link
Tour of Britain - make it a great day
Would your society or group like to get involved in Charlbury's festivities for the visit of the Tour of Britain cycle race on Saturday 9th September?
I've put together a set of notes to help those who are interested in getting involved.
There's no national organising committee - it's up to us to show Charlbury at its best. Several groups have already planned activities but the more we can do, the better a day it will be for visitors from Charlbury and from further afield.
See www.charlbury.info/files/1/tour_of_britain_faq.pdf for more and please do get in touch with ideas!
Richard Fairhurst ·
Sun 23 Jul 2017, 00:22 · Link
Message from WODC regarding black boxes
Provision of recycling collections using black boxes
Following a decision from Full Council in June 2016, from 1st October the Council will be introducing fortnightly comingled recycling collections using a wheeled bin for mixed materials, with the exception of glass which will be collected in a black box for glass.
If a property has no outdoor space for a wheeled bin they will continue on a weekly black box collection. Residents cannot choose to remain on a black box collection if they are able to store a wheeled bin. The reason for this is that the vehicles collecting the recycling will be fitted with a bin lift for the mixed recycling. Where a small minority of households have black boxes these will be emptied into another wheeled bin so they can be tipped into the vehicle but this collection methodology has proven to be undeliverable to an acceptable standard on a large scale by the existing collections in West Oxfordshire. The more the crews have to do this the more inefficient the collection would be; additional vehicles, crews and fuel would be required to complete the rounds each day. This would be push the costs up to the tax payer, increase congestion due to an increased number of slow moving vehicles being used and increase the carbon foot print of the collection service due to the increased fuel usage. We therefore need to minimise the number of black box households.
We already know who most of these households are as most of them will already be on a sack collection for refuse. Any new customers requesting a black box recycling collection will be assessed to ensure their property cannot accommodate a wheeled bin -- in some cases this will be a simple check such as looking on a mapping system to .see if the property has appropriate garden space with access to the kerbside. Where this cannot be easily determined someone will go out to check whether the property could have a wheeled bin. This is simply to ensure we are fair and consistent in our approach.
It should be noted that to date we have had less than 70 requests for an assessment as the resident does not feel that their property is suitable for a comingled recycling bin.
Liz Leffman ·
Fri 21 Jul 2017, 16:08 · Link
Charlbury Community Centre news
FAREWELL TO BEARD - MISSION ACCOMPLISHED
It's hard not to notice the hive of activity in the area around the new community centre and, as always, we are grateful for your understanding with the disruption it causes. Over the next few days, there will be deliveries for the preparation and surfacing of the centre parking area and collections of equipment that is no longer needed. Then a road sweeper will be brought in to clean up the area concerned.
This is because the main construction phase of the project is drawing to a close and soon Beard will formally hand over responsibility for the site to the Thomas Gifford Trust. Beard has more than met our expectations and the quality of workmanship is outstanding. We have developed an excellent working relationship over the 10 months and we are grateful for the support they have given us in our role as trustees of this project.
The site will remain off-limits for a little longer, however, as subcontractors continue with the hard landscaping and completing the fixtures and fittings inside the building. All this work is progressing well and is on track for the opening in September. The main task after that will be soft landscaping - planting will only take place when the conditions are right in the autumn.
BE PART OF THE ACTION
Find out more about some exciting opportunities to help with the running of the centre and be one of the first to see it before the official opening. Whether for a couple of hours a week, or to provide holiday cover, there will be a number of different roles available for volunteers to help with this not-for-profit community project. To discuss these opportunities and have an exclusive visit during August, centre manager Jenny Chambers would like to hear from you at jenny@charlburycommunitycentre.org.uk
Progress is rapid now so please keep checking here for news about how to book courts and classes, the new website and helping us with testing the new facilities in advance of the official opening.
We really appreciate your patience with the inconvenience caused during the building work, especially the parking shortage produced by contractors' vehicles. At last, the end is in sight.
Marjorie Glasgow
Chairman, The Thomas Gifford Trust
Email: mglasgow@theridgegroup.com
daniela jenkins ·
Fri 21 Jul 2017, 09:47 · Link
New trains run through Charlbury for the first time
The last two nights have seen test runs for the Intercity Express trains that will be providing Charlbury's train service from this winter.
The new 125mph trains, which can run on both electric and diesel power, will become the mainstay of the whole Great Western Railway once the fleet is complete. But with the Cotswold Line's existing Adelante trains having been reallocated to the North-East of England, the first new trains off the assembly line will be pressed into service to replace them.
As the test train arrived on Thursday night, GWR staff were measuring the clearance between the train doors and Charlbury station's platforms to determine whether remedial works would be needed.
(Thanks to Steven Fairhurst Jones for the picture and William Crossley for the tip-off.)
Richard Fairhurst ·
Fri 21 Jul 2017, 00:35 · Link
Pickleball coming to Charlbury
It was towards the latter part of last year that I first heard about Pickleball. What was this strange sounding game? Google as always came to the rescue. My first reaction I dare say was probably one that a lot of people might have - it's tennis for geriatrics! But wait,indeed, a lot of the players are of the older genre and yes, it's not entirely as fast and aggressive as tennis but I could see pickleball also had an element of finesse and a tactical game of patience to outwit your opponents. So all in all a mix of tennis, badminton, table tennis and ... erm chess - ok maybe not chess! But it's also a game that can pit a 16 year old against a 60 year old and there's no saying who'll have the advantage. It is truly a game for all ages and abilities.
Having recently started a club in Witney at the leisure centre, I knew my club would need a new home after August when I would lose my slot due to prior long standing booking by another club. I was very much looking forward to the opening of the new community centre in the hopes of setting up here and am now pleased to have confirmed a few session times. We'll be there on Friday nights from 8 to 10pm. In addition to this, I am also looking into the possibility of starting a beginners club, a couple of kid's sessions (under 12 and a teens club) as well as a less competitive, fun session for those over 60 wishing to get a little more active whilst having fun.
I have created a little questionnaire to gauge interest and would welcome any and all interest so I can decide on how best to proceed. Just follow the link below and submit your preferences.
goo.gl/forms/CJeEdxhYMrRzwbhW2 .
If you need any further information, wish to discuss anything related or even wish to give it a try before September, please feel free to contact me on 01993891043 or email vijaysmobile@gmail.com
Vijay Desor ·
Thu 20 Jul 2017, 16:40 · Link
Fabric doorstop & cushion workshop - places available
Charlbury WI's craft committee are organising a workshop to make doorstops and cushion covers on Saturday 23rd September at North Leigh. There are some spare places if anyone is interested. The cost is £25 for the day. You would need to bring your sewing machine, basic sewing kit, cushion fabric and threads. The doorstop kits will be provided as part of the course fee. So, if your machine has been in a cupboard or loft for a while, why not dust it off and join us for a day of fun, friendship and cake! Contact Sue Summerfield for more details or to book your place (sue.summerfield62@gmail.com).
Louise Cashman ·
Mon 17 Jul 2017, 13:25 · Link
CLPG's 2017 charter train links the Cotswolds with the Somerset coast
This year's Cotswold Line Promotion Group charter train combines fast running on the Great Western main line with a trip through the Somerset countryside on the West Somerset Railway heritage line to the seaside resort of Minehead,
The excursion on Saturday, September 23, is only the second time a CLPG charter has reached Minehead. The first Cotswold-Quantock Express ran in 2010.
Many seats on board the Great Western Railway (GWR) High Speed Train have been snapped up already by members of the group, which represents passengers on the rail route between Oxford, Worcester and Hereford, but tickets are now on sale to the general public as well.
A limited number of first class tickets are still available, along with plenty of seats in standard class.
The train will leave Oxford at 7.45am, 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 9.20am, running via Bristol and Taunton, and arriving at Minehead at 1pm.
The return train will depart from Minehead at 5.20pm, running via Swindon and Didcot to reach Oxford at 8.25pm. The train will then make the same stops as the outward journey to drop off passengers, arriving in Worcester just before 10pm.
Standard class tickets are £50 for adults (£40 for CLPG members) and £20 for children aged 5+. Children aged under five can travel free of charge. First class tickets are £90, or £85 for CLPG members, but there are no child discounts in first class.
Booking forms can be downloaded from the group's website at clpg.org.uk.
Completed booking forms, along with a cheque for the relevant amount, made payable to the CLPG, should be posted 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 about tickets can be made by phone to Mr Clayton on 01386 701528 or by email to bcclayton@btinternet.com, or to the group's chairman, John Ellis, on 01386 841253. Please note that anyone requiring first class seats is advised to check availability before making a booking.
Photograph of the 2010 Cotswold-Quantock Express at Minehead station alongside Class A1 steam locomotive Tornado taken by Steve Widdowson
William Crossley ·
Mon 17 Jul 2017, 09:40 · 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.
Mon 17 Jul 2017, 08:00 · Link
Knights in Action Holiday Club
Booking forms are now available for the Churches Together in Charlbury Holiday Club Knights in Action, 1st - 4th August, 10am - 12.30pm at St Mary's Church, Charlbury. For children 4 - 11 years old. £10 for the four mornings. A week full of fun, song, craft and games. Booking forms will be given to all Charlbury School children. Others can contact the Parish Office on parishoffice@stmaryscharlbury.co.uk See you there!
Jo Paton ·
Fri 14 Jul 2017, 10:51 · Link
Tour of Britain timings announced - and get involved!
The Tour of Britain cycle race organisers have announced the expected timings for the race coming through Charlbury on Saturday 9th September. Projected times are:
- Woodstock Road entrance: 13.04
- Five Ways: 13.06
- Bull Corner: 13.07
- Station roundabout: 13.08
Obviously the times will vary depending how fast the cyclists race, and the organisers expect 15 minutes' leeway either side. The full route sheet and timings can be downloaded at www.tourofbritain.co.uk/stages/stage-seven/ .
There will be a meeting tonight (Thursday) for people interested in helping Charlbury to look great and welcome spectators on the race day - come along to the Corner House at 8pm.
Richard Fairhurst ·
Thu 13 Jul 2017, 12:51 · Link
Charlbury's new Deli - opens Monday 24 July
Charlbury's new Deli & Cafe in Old Bank House, Market Street, will be open for business from Monday 24 July. It will be open seven days a week, with new, family-friendly menus, high quality coffee and new products, with selected wines and beers coming soon. Shareholders will be invited to a preview.
The Sheep Street shop will run reduced services from Saturday 15 July until Wednesday 19 July inclusive, primarily takeaway food and drink, plus newspapers.
Further details in the newsletter at www.tinyletter.com/charlburydeli/letters/your-new-deli-is-opening-very-soon-here-are-the-details and on the Deli's new Facebook page, www.facebook.com/charlburydeli
Andrew Chapman ·
Wed 12 Jul 2017, 18:04 · Link
Silent auction for Charlbury Pre-school
The pre-school turns 40 this year. As part of the celebrations a silent auction has been organised with three family tickets to Wilderness up for grabs to the highest bidders. Those interested should email silentauctioncharlbury@outlook.com for more information. Come along to the 40th celebrations at the pre-school on 15 July for a fun day and the chance to win a selection of great raffle prizes, including a £40 voucher to spend at the new Charlbury deli!
Hannah WIlliams ·
Mon 10 Jul 2017, 21:55 · Link
Stagecoach Charlbury bus timetable changes
From August 13 2017, there are a few important changes to the no 7, N7 and S3 routes to and from Oxford on weekdays and Saturdays. There will be one early morning, one evening and one late night journey between Oxford Parkway and Charlbury, Spelsbury and Chipping Norton.
Stagecoach summarises the changes here: https://www.stagecoachbus.com/service-updates/serviceupdatesarticle?SituationId=ID-29/06/2017-11:46:40:119
This means that it should be possible - at least in principle - to leave Marylebone at 23.10 and still get home to Charlbury by public transport by 01.07. The timing is, however, tight, given that the no 7 bus does not drive up to Oxford Parkway Station, but stops nearby on Oxford Road. Leaving Marylebone on the 22.40 would be more comfortable.
Christine Battersby ·
Mon 10 Jul 2017, 19:45 · 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.
Mon 10 Jul 2017, 08:00 · Link
Refugee funds top £35k
Charlbury Refugee Action Group celebrated the opening of its stall at the Corner House today with the news that since October 2015 the group has raised a total of £35,000 for groups supporting refugees, mainly in Greece and in the Calais area.
That's in addition to collecting countless bags and boxes of medical requirements, clothing, sleeping bags etc. which have gone direct to people is desperate need, all too many of them under 18.
If you would like to join the mailing list for Charlbury Refugee Action Group, please sign up at eepurl.com/bCX1bz and we will keep you in touch with all our events and activities, including our next series of Sunday Tea Concerts.
Donations to our new appeal fund for the group Help Refugees, who support countless groups mostly across Europe who are working with the neediest refugees on the ground, can be made at mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/charlburyrefugee where you can add Gift Aid, bumping up the value of your donation by 25%.
"Thank you so much to all you amazing Charlbury people who make all this work possible."
Jon Carpenter ·
Sat 8 Jul 2017, 11:10 · Link
CHARLBURY DEBATING SOCIETY
The illustrious Charlbury Debating Society met in the Corner House on sultry Wednesday evening to wrestle over the issue of housing...
The highly topical motion, "WE NEED MORE HOUSING EVERYWHERE", proposed by Andy Graham and opposed by Liz Reason, was carried by 40 percent to 30 percent, with 30 percent abstentions.
For the first time in living memory, everyone present made floor interventions. Congratulations are due to both sides for their wisdom and expertise!
Jonathan Luxmoore ·
Thu 6 Jul 2017, 00:09 · Link
Charlbury Primary School – Open Mornings
Do you have a child who will be starting Primary School in September 2018? If you would like to find out more about Charlbury Primary School, then please come along to one of the Open Mornings planned this Autumn.
The sessions will take place on the following dates:
• Wednesday 20th September 2017
• Wednesday 18th October 2017
• Thursday 9th November 2017
The timings for each session will be at 9.20am for a 9.30am start and they will run for about an hour. You will be given a tour of the school, find out how our school works and have a chance to ask any questions you may have.
Please ring or email to book onto one of the above sessions. The School Office can be contacted on 01608 810354 or office.2100@charlbury.oxon.sch.uk
Charlbury Primary School ·
Wed 5 Jul 2017, 14:03 · Link
Another milestone: manager appointed for Charlbury Community Centre
We are delighted to report that Charlbury resident, Jenny Chambers, will soon take up the position of centre manager, having beaten off strong opposition from a very high calibre of other applicants.
Many of you may know Jenny as a professional horticulturalist, lecturer at the Abingdon & Witney College, co-coach of the U13s girls' football team and an active supporter of the Charlbury Community Centre Appeal. Less well known is how eminently qualified she is to take up this new and exciting position.
Jenny has previously had a successful management career at leisure centres in West London and Dorset, where she led teams of 40+ staff to ensure the effective preparation, supervision, safety and cleanliness of the leisure and sports facilities. With particular responsibility for, amongst other things, the development of activity programmes for all user groups, staging events and maximising centre usage, she brings ideal skills and experience to this new role.
Jenny says: 'I'm looking forward to working with people of all ages and interests, seeing existing friends, making new friends and supporting everyone in their sporting, leisure and academic pursuits .'
In addition to her management and organisational pedigree, Jenny is a life-long sportswoman, an ex-international athlete and a widely qualified performance & sports coach. She has also been an Army officer, a youth leader and a corporate outdoor activities trainer. Her wealth of experience from these roles is especially welcome.
She represented the Army at hockey, tennis, athletics and skiing and went on to become a member of the first England Women's Rugby squad, leading the team to victory in the 1994 Women's World Rugby Championship. These days, still passionate about sport, she particularly enjoys helping youngsters to get into sport too and can be spotted coaching cricket and football around the town!
With her leadership skills, her business knowledge and her experience of top level sport, Jenny is the ideal appointee. And she lives in Charlbury!
Charlbury library will have its own manager who will work closely with Jenny at an operational level. More staff announcements will be made during the next couple of months.
daniela jenkins ·
Tue 4 Jul 2017, 12:11 · Link
Calling all Parents......
Calling all parents…
Could you make a difference to young families?
Many parents need help, friendship, advice or support during those early years when children are young. Your experience as a parent can help other parents. Do you have 2-3 hours to spare each week? Could you befriend a local family?
Home-Start Banbury & Chipping Norton will be running our next Volunteer Preparation Course starting in September 2017
Interested? Then come and join us!!!
Contact Jane, Diane, Karen or Angela to find out more
Tel 01295 266358
Or email: info@home-startbanbury.org.uk
Applicants will be subject to a DBS check
karen mullins ·
Tue 4 Jul 2017, 11:22 · Link
A 'Buzz' around the Corner House
The Corner House was buzzing yesterday with visitors from far and wide for Charlbury's first 'Sewing Bee' organised by Sue Rangely.
Spinning, weaving, quilting, patchwork, dressmaking and, of course Sue's speciality: machine embroidery. Whether they came to compare notes, to get advice, just to look or (like the young visitor pictured) to try their hand, the day was judged a great success.
The Sewing Bee continues today, Sunday, from 1.30 to 4.30 when there will also be a pop-up vintage tea room in the Anne Downer Room. Why not come along?
Tony Graeme ·
Sun 2 Jul 2017, 11:40 · Link
tour_of_britain_faq.pdf