News
Charlbury Deli starts selling milk from local farm
From Friday November 29, the full-cream milk at the Charlbury Deli will be from the North Cotswold Dairy at Butlers Road Farm, Long Compton.
For the moment, the Deli will just be selling the dairy’s North Cotswold milk. But as soon as the farm’s cream-making machinery is repaired – which we think will be in time for Christmas – it will be selling their delicious cream and it will soon be selling milkshakes from their milk too.
Said Deli director and shop manager Lynne Stubbles “We’ll still be selling semi-skimmed milk from ordinary dairies for customers who prefer it in their tea or coffee. But nothing beats proper full cream on our morning porridge – or for customers who want to bake a rice pudding”.
North Cotswold Dairy’s Facebook page gives a flavour of how it operates.
Customers will be able to sample the milk till 8 pm on December 6 at the Deli’s Christmas shopping evening - along with free samples of some terrific new Cotswold drinks, local bacon, cured venison and charcuterie and some fabulous panetonne.
Michael Flanagan ·
Fri 29 Nov 2019, 06:12 · Link
Spelsbury road closure on Friday night
Temporary Traffic Regulation Notice – S14 Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984
Temporary Emergency Road Closure at Spelsbury, Charlbury Road
In the interests of public safety it will be necessary for Oxfordshire County Council to temporarily close the Charlbury Road whilst drainage investigation works are carried out for public safety reasons.
A temporary Emergency Notice is being made to implement the temporary closure and will operate on the 29 November 2019. The Closure will operate between 19:00 to 05:00 hours.
Access will be maintained for emergency service vehicles and for those frontages within the closure area, subject to the progress of the works and liaison with the works supervisor.
Further information regarding the works may be obtained by contacting Simon Marsden, Oxfordshire County Council on 0345 310 11 11.
Thu 28 Nov 2019, 10:36 · 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.
Wed 27 Nov 2019, 19:16 · Link
Election hustings
Some people will have heard that Churches Together in Charlbury and West Oxfordshire UNA were trying to organise an election hustings in Charlbury as we have done previously. This was to have taken place in the Memorial Hall tonight, 27th November. Initially all the candidates appeared to be willing to attend, but after the arrangements were made one candidate failed to reply to messages for over a week and the hustings were reluctantly cancelled. A message was then received that the candidate was not prepared to attend. Although some hustings have been arranged with 6th forms in schools, there does not appear to be a public meeting with all the candidates planned anywhere in this constituency. We are very disappointed and concerned about the lack of opportunities for voters to question candidates in what will be a crucial election for our country.
Rosalind Scott for Churches Together in Charlbury and West Oxfordshire UNA
Rosalind Scott ·
Wed 27 Nov 2019, 10:54 · Link
Charlbury Christmas Fair Fundraiser
Thank you to everyone that came and supported the Christmas Fair on Sunday put on by Charlbury Street Fair. Another successful fundraising event all in aid of the Corner House and Memorial Hall.
A huge thank you to all the volunteers and stallholders who helped make this event a great success and also a special thank you to Santa, who came to give out a few early gifts to the children. This event wouldn't run without the hard work and commitment from everyone, so thank you.
Next year's Christmas Fair will be held on Sunday 29th November 2020 so put the date in your diaries, as we'd love to see even more of you at the next one!
We hope you all have a wonderful festive season as we head into December and a very happy and prosperous 2020.
With very best wishes, the Street Fair Christmas Team!
Nikki Frankum ·
Tue 26 Nov 2019, 11:47 · Link
Tree felling in Spendlove car park
WODC’s tree officer writes: “I’m writing to let you know that WODC plan to remove a mature lime tree in the car park off Brown’s Lane later this week. This is due to detection of the decay fungus Kretzschmaria deusta on the tree.”
Mon 25 Nov 2019, 13:14 · 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.
- Cornbury House Cornbury Park Charlbury
Reconstruction of existing timber Pavilion by John Belcher together with extensions thereto to provide additional facilities associated with the existing swimming pool.
WODC reference: 19/02984/HHD - Wed 20 Nov 2019 - Under consideration
- Cornbury House Cornbury Park Charlbury
Reconstruction of existing timber Pavilion by John Belcher together with extensions thereto to provide additional facilities associated with the existing swimming pool.
WODC reference: 19/02985/LBC - Wed 20 Nov 2019 - Under consideration
- Bobwell Farm Spelsbury Road Charlbury
Variation of condition 2 of planning permission 19/01144/HHD to allow retention of first floor balcony, changes to the approved front entrance porch, alterations to fenestration and a larger conservatory to be constructed.
WODC reference: 19/03132/S73 - Thu 14 Nov 2019 - Under consideration
Mon 25 Nov 2019, 06:15 · Link
Walcot hoard of Roman coins
More than forty Roman coins were unearthed yesterday by metal detectorists digging with permission in the large field across the bridleway from the cottages at Walcot. The coins were associated with a foot-square block of flat rocks beginning 6-8 inches below the field surface. Along with coins, the excavation uncovered what looked to be part of a floor tile and fragments of mortar. Once it became clear that detectorists had found something of major archaeological significance, the dig was supervised by a county archaeologist via a video phone call. All material of interest has now been removed from the site and will be professionally assessed. But it is already clear that many of the coins are in very good condition.
Rob Stepney ·
Thu 21 Nov 2019, 16:56 · Link
Reverse Advent Calendar
Reverse Advent Calendar is a way of bringing Christmas hope to homeless people in Oxford. Every day of Advent place an item into the box. This year the Churches Together in Charlbury are coordinating reverse advent calendars in aid of the Porch, Steppin’ Stone Centre, Oxford. Wrapped boxes are available in St Mary’s Church or you can use your own. Please bring your filled box to St Mary’s between Christmas Eve and the middle of January.
Here is a list of useful items to include and this is available in the churches.
Many thanks for joining in with this initiative.
Jo Paton ·
Tue 19 Nov 2019, 09:21 · Link
The Playing Close
Many people will be unaware that the roadway at the top of the Playing Close is a private road and not part of the highways network.
It is owned by the Thomas Gifford Trust, Recent emergency gas works on Pooles Lane have resulted in it becoming a diversionary route to the Spendlove site and Coop shop.
While this is only temporary, the trustees of the TGT are aware of the difficulties being caused by some members of the public who are regularly parking on this roadway because there is no space on the Spendlove site.
The TGT trustees confirm that this is a private road and ask that people respect the rights of the residents who live along it.
Phil Morgan ·
Mon 18 Nov 2019, 13:12 · 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.
- 6 Wychwood Close Charlbury
First floor side extension
WODC reference: 19/02923/HHD - Fri 18 Oct 2019 - Under consideration
- 6 Ditchley Road Charlbury
Erection of single storey rear extension.
WODC reference: 19/02891/HHD - Wed 16 Oct 2019 - Under consideration
- The Gables 10 Enstone Road Charlbury
Demolition of the existing garage and studio flat and the construction of a new sustainable 2 bedroom cottage
WODC reference: 19/02855/FUL - Thu 14 Nov 2019 - Under consideration
Mon 18 Nov 2019, 06:15 · Link
Charlbury Angling Club
The club would like to thank Elaine, formerly Post Office and Larcums , for acting as our ticket agent for many years. We are very grateful that Tim at Cotswold Frames has kindly agreed to continue our ticket sales. For information about the club please call Jane Parsons on 01608 810822.
Jane Parsons ·
Sun 17 Nov 2019, 12:54 · Link
Rail service disrupted
Due to flooding between Moreton-in-Marsh and Worcester, Charlbury’s train service is significantly disrupted.
A shuttle service is running every two hours between Oxford and Charlbury/Moreton. There are no trains on to Worcester. GWR is advising people not to travel if at all possible.
Service update: https://www.gwr.com/travel-updates/live-network-updates
Live departure board: http://www.livedepartureboards.co.uk/fgw/summary.aspx?T=CBY
Richard Fairhurst ·
Fri 15 Nov 2019, 13:24 · Link
General Election candidates for the Witney constituency
Three candidates are standing in the Witney constituency, which includes Charlbury, in the forthcoming General Election:
- Charlotte Hoagland (Liberal Democrat)
- Robert Courts (Conservative)
- Rosa Bolger (Labour)
The election is on December 12th and Charlbury’s polling station will be the Memorial Hall as usual.
Richard Fairhurst ·
Fri 15 Nov 2019, 10:25 · Link
Little Monkeys cake sale.
The children from Little Monkeys will be out and about tomorrow (Friday) selling cakes to local businesses to raise money for children in need and team Anna. If you see us please do stop and have a chat and buy a cake! Thank you x
Karen Cox ·
Thu 14 Nov 2019, 19:45 · Link
20mph limit approved
Oxfordshire County Council has approved the proposed 20mph scheme for central Charlbury.
The new 20mph speed limit will cover all the minor roads between Park Street (starting south of the Pre-School), Hixet Wood, Dancers Hill, Enstone Road, and Market Street; plus the area around the Enstone Road crossroads, exit from Hundley Way, and Ditchley Road. The 30mph limit will be extended further along Banbury Hill to encourage drivers to slow well in time for the 20mph limit, while improving crossing safety for pedestrians following the walking route.
The public consultation saw 74 responses to the scheme, of which 70 were in favour and four against. One of the objections was from Thames Valley Police, who were opposed to a 20mph limit being applied to the area around Hundley Way, and to it being applied to the area around the Pre-School.
The OCC officers reported that “a number of responses requested that the proposed 20mph limit be extended to other roads, in particular on the Slade… while not ruling out the extension of the limit to other roads, these would require additional supporting measures on account of the current speeds on these roads, for which at present there is no funding”. Considering further options for traffic calming and reduction on roads such as the Slade and Spelsbury Road is likely to be a task for groups such as the Town Council’s traffic committee in the upcoming months and years.
Richard Fairhurst ·
Thu 14 Nov 2019, 12:49 · Link
CRAG announces a new recipe book and its annual donations
CRAG (Charlbury Refugee Action Group) has just celebrated its upcoming café in St Mary's by publishing a second recipe book.
The lunch recipes that the CRAG cooks create are so popular that they scale them down for use at home, and the first collection, The Full Mezze, has sold nearly 100 copies.
The second collection, Fantastic Five, is released on Saturday at the café in St Mary's, when you can taste the wonderful creations as well as buy the recipes. The two booklets will be on sale at £3 each, or £5 the pair. ('Think Christmas prezzies!' says their designer, Floss.)
You'll be sampling five fabulously warming one-pot plant-based dishes from around the world: South Indian Curry, Brazilian Feijoada, Russian Stroganoff, Mexican Chilli, and North African Couscous.
The café is open from 11 for coffee, cake and tea – and from 12 for lunch and teas as well. (More information on the events page at https://www.charlbury.info/events/6706)
At its recent AGM, CRAG announced total donations to refugee causes of £11,806 in the year ending August 31. £6837 of this came from the Sunday tea concerts. The group plans to increase its future income by encouraging donors to sign up for Gift Aid, for which it is now eligible.
Jon Carpenter ·
Wed 13 Nov 2019, 11:31 · Link
Charlbury's Christmas Fair, Sunday 24th November
We have some fabulous stallholders coming to the Christmas Fair next Sunday (24th November). Lots of items have been handmade by artisans using all sorts of materials, from wood and glass to resin and fabric - so do come along to support this event, put on by Street Fair, all in aid of the Corner House and Memorial Hall.
Santa will be coming from 11am until 1pm with a sack full of gifts for the little ones, and there will be refreshments including hotdogs, sausage rolls, cakes, mulled wine, tea and coffee, etc. We will also be holding a raffle which will include prizes donated by the stallholders, so definitely don't miss that either!
We look forward to welcoming you to our annual Christmas Fair.
Nikki Frankum ·
Tue 12 Nov 2019, 20:18 · Link
Leaf-fall - your help would be appreciated
Many people will be aware that there is a Volunteer Party in Charlbury. We are just folk who come out and cut back or clear up the natural debris on our pavements and pathways.
We call ourselves a "party" because it is fun when people get together and work for their own community. For a few years now, we have relied on a group e-mail to get the word out about our target areas for attention. Some of us are getting older and more creaky and lots more younger people have moved into our lovely town so our list is out of date.
We will be at the Playing Close next Sunday (17th Nov) from 10.30am and again on 8th Dec. We will be filling bulk-bags with leaves which WODC will collect to go to green compost.
If you come along as a volunteer, you are insured by the Town Council. Bring you own tools - plastic rakes, hard brooms, snow shovels and 'big-hand' scoops have proven to be most effective,
Phil Morgan ·
Mon 11 Nov 2019, 17:18 · Link
Possible Cowboy Builders 12.35 Saturday
Just visited by a young lad who offered to "clear my gutter" and "mend a leak".
It was a white van, registration (I think) was either DY**SMF or DY**SWF.
I emphasise that it was a small white VAN. NOT a car.
Please be aware.
Charlie M ·
Sat 9 Nov 2019, 12:45 · Link
Christmas Tree Festival
It is not too late to buy a tree for your organisation to decorate at the St Mary’s Christmas tree festival!
We still have some left to sell and are keen to fill the church with colour and vibrancy. It is a great way to advertise your organisation through the decorations and leaflets round the tree.
There is also a competition for the best tree!
It is going to be a magical four day event to come along to.
If you are keen to be involved baking cakes, catering, stewarding or offering donations for the Christmas Market please get in touch with
Hilli Waller - 811204 - hilli.waller@gmail.com
Maureen Sparling ·
Thu 7 Nov 2019, 08:19 · Link
Burglaries
There has been a recent spate of burglaries across the area. Two of
which occurred in Charlbury on 5/11/19. Sandford Rise and Lees Heights. The
burglars have been breaking through patio doors to gain entry to homes.
Homes with no security measures in place are five times more likely to
be burgled than those with simple security measures. Good window locks and
strong deadlocks can make a big difference.
Taking just a few steps can make a big difference in keeping your home
safe from burglary. Here are a few tips:
Lock your doors and windows every time you leave the house, even when
you're just out in the garden, remembering to double-lock UPVC doors (lift
handle and turn key)
Hide all keys, including car keys, out of sight and away from the
letterbox (remember a device could be used to hook keys through the letterbox)
Install a visual burglar alarm (as part of a suite of prevention
measures - a burglar alarm on its own will not prevent entry to your home)
Install good outside lighting
Get a trusted neighbour to keep an eye on your property
Leave radios or lights in your house on a timer to make the property
appear occupied
Make sure the fences around your garden are in good condition
Secure bikes at home by locking them to an immoveable object inside a
locked shed or garage
Keep ladders and tools stored away; don't leave them outside where they
could be used to break into your home
Ensure side gates are locked to prevent access to the rear of the
property
Ensure rear fencing is in good repair
Improve natural surveillance at the front of your property i.e. trim
high hedges
Mark your property with postcode and house number and register your
property for free.
Remove valuables from view of ground floor windows
Store any high value items (i.e. jewellery, passports) in a properly
secured safe or bank vault.
Doors and windows
In most burglaries, the criminals broke into the house or flat through
the door, either by forcing the lock or kicking it in. So make sure your doors
are strong and secure. Consider fitting a bar for extra strength; a locksmith
can advise you on how best to do it.
Glass panels on doors are particularly vulnerable. If you have one on
your door you could replace it with laminated glass, which is stronger. You can
also buy a film in a DIY store that you can stick over the glass to make it
harder to break.
Home security and DIY shops sell inexpensive, key-operated locks to fit
most kinds of windows. Fit window locks with keys to all downstairs windows and
those upstairs that are easy to reach.
Going away on holiday Make your home look like someone is living in it:
Use automatic timer-switches to turn your lights and radios on
when it goes dark
Cancel any newspaper or milk deliveries
Use the Royal Mail's 'keepsafe' service - they keep your mail for
up to 2 months while you're away. Mail sitting on your doorstep is a sign that
you are away
Trusted neighbours may be able to help you by collecting your
post, opening and closing curtains and they could park their car on your
driveway
Avoid discussing holiday plans on public social networking sites -
burglars can use any information you post on there to their advantage.
Wesley Smith ·
Wed 6 Nov 2019, 14:47 · 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 4 Nov 2019, 06:15 · Link
20 MPH consultation ENDS 8TH NOVEMBER. Respond now.
There's just a few days left......
Charlbury Community Speedwatch volunteers want to remind you to respond to the consultation exercise underway by the County Council. You can find the consultation here...https://consultations.oxfordshire.gov.uk/consult.ti/Charlbury20mph/consultation home
The CSW team continue to monitor & report speeding drivers in the town. If you're concerned about speeding & want to join us contact charlburycsw@gmail.com
Jim Holah ·
Sun 3 Nov 2019, 13:50 · Link
Cricket Club Bonfire & Firework night Saturday 2nd November - it's ON
Saturday's Bonfire & Firework display at the cricket club will go ahead as planned, despite any adverse weather that occurs!
Remember advance child tickets are available free of charge and can be obtained from Charlbury Deli, Cotswold Frames and Londis. Advance tickets will be kept in the shops a little longer than advertised until 3pm tomorrow afternoon.
Come down and enjoy a cup of warm mulled wine, coffee of hot chocolate in the pavilion before the display starts.
Gates will open at 5.30, with the bonfire lit at approximately 6.30. The firework display will start approximately 7pm.
Hope to see you there!
Richard Nash1 ·
Fri 1 Nov 2019, 19:28 · Link
