News
The History of Charlbury through .....child evacuees in WWII
Judy Dod for Charlbury Museum
The Charlbury Society talk on Thursday 5th November will be about the experiences of children in Oxfordshire in WWII – both those already resident and evacuees who arrived in the county. With war imminent in late August 1939, over two million civilians, most of them children, set off in trains and buses on long journeys from towns into the countryside.
The first evacuees arrived here on September 2nd 1939. A group of mothers with infants and expectant mothers arrived in Chipping Norton and 170 were bussed to Charlbury. They arrived, exhausted, at 7 o’clock on a cold and rainy night. The billeting staff struggled to find accommodation for them, especially as they had been promised that families would not be separated.
How did they fare in what was, for many, a very different environment?
Within ten days 23 mothers and 34 children had returned to London. Some were horrified by earth closets and dismayed by the lack of gas cookers and electricity. Some hosts struggled too: one man said that more damage had been done to his house in twelve hours than in the previous eighteen years of his married life! One party had been put up in the Vicarage and every day called on the Billeting Officers and begged to be taken ‘somewhere not so posh’.
In June 1940 a party of 47 children and 2 teachers from Shoreditch Central School arrived. Many made lasting friendships with their Charlbury hosts. In September they were joined by 50 children from Ashford in Kent. A club was started for them which met in the Parish Room once a week and continued until 1945.
More arrived when the air raids on London started. Over 200 came between September and December 1940. The large room in the Corner House was prepared as a Refuge until accommodation could be found. Evacuees were housed with many families all over Charlbury. Some houses were requisitioned at different times, including Evenlode Villa, Lee Place Lodge and the Gardener’s bungalow, rooms over Mr. Glasgow’s garage in Hixet Wood and 2 Dyer’s Hill. Towards the end of the war, flying bombs and rockets brought another influx of refugees. By 1946 most evacuees had returned home but some decided to stay and make Charlbury their permanent home
Charlbury Society talk: Children’s Experiences of WWII in Oxfordshire
Thursday 5th November 8pm by Liz Woolley
Not yet a member of the Society? Please contact Susan Merry at susanmerry2@gmail.com to join and attend the meeting. Annual sub £8.50/£17 single/joint membership
Judy Dod ·
Fri 30 Oct 2020, 18:44 · Link
Please Shop Local
This Christmas more than ever could we ask the good people of Charlbury and the surrounding villages to shop local where possible, you have some great shops in town that can supply a vast array of food, drink, cards, gifts, Christmas decorations the list goes on and on, so why not Start Early, Shop Local, Eat Local, Drink Local and lets all try and forget online shopping where possible.
Thank you for supporting your local businesses we really do appreciate your custom.
Tim Widdows ·
Fri 30 Oct 2020, 10:58 · Link
Shelter from the Rain. Thank you Charlbury Beer Festival
Charlbury Medical Centre, and the Patient Group are
very grateful to Charlbury Beer Festival for providing, and erecting a marquee
on the medical centre site. Covid-19
infection control measures mean that a limited number of patients is able to wait in reception. The marquee provides
shelter from wind and rain while patients wait to enter the building.
The Medical Practice is following national guidance
on remote consultations to avoid any potentially infected people coming into
the building. The Practice would have to close down completely for 2 weeks if
such an event were to occur. The majority of patients don’t need a face to face
meeting with the GP. However, the
Practice always offers face to face consultations whenever the GP considers it necessary.
But please, if you have any symptoms that you are
worried about, do not hesitate to get in touch with the medical centre. The attached PDF shows a list of some
symptoms which should not be ignored. The
doctors and nurses are here to care for us.
Charlbury Beer Festival six man team who erected the
marquee with great efficiency and good humour on Sunday morning.
susan smith ·
Wed 28 Oct 2020, 10:02 · Link
CRAG collection for Calais - can you help?
CRAG (Charlbury Refugee Action Group) is collecting items for refugees in northern France this winter: https://helprefugees.org/news/november-collection/
Items needed are:
- Men’s (sizes small and medium): snoods, scarves, beanie hats, gloves, socks, boxer shorts, new or good quality winter coats/jackets and trainers/boots in sizes up to 44.
- We also need tents, sleeping bags, blankets and roll mats.
If you can donate any of these items please bring them round to:
Alice, White Hart, Market Street, OX7 3PH, Tel 01608 238274
We need donations by Sat 21st November. Thank you so much for your support.
Vicky Buser ·
Tue 27 Oct 2020, 09:41 · Link
No fishmonger today (or next week)
Jane Fisher has just texted to say that she has tested positive for Covid-19 and has to isolate for 10 days. She hopes to be back in two weeks, but in any case only after she tests negative.
Richard Broughton ·
Mon 26 Oct 2020, 15:19 · Link
Cornerstone at the Corner House - Update and request for support
The Cornerstone started in August 2020 having been run as a number of separate projects before this. We are open at the Corner House in Charlbury Monday – Saturday 10am – 1pm.
The Cornerstone now encompasses:
• Free produce for all – with the help of Christine Elliott and other producers we are able to offer all residents spare free produce to take away. We have also had plants, chutneys and jams, and lavender all for sale. We have a community fridge and freezer – a place for all of Charlbury to use for excess local produce.
• Give and Take store cupboard shelf – this contains donated foods that anyone can take if they need them.
• Food Bank – a number of families in Charlbury are supported with weekly food bags costing £200 in total. Support has been given to ensure families have cookers etc. using specific donations.
• A Place to Talk – so far we have been able to link with Citizens Advise and can directly refer families. We have met with the new Family Support worker at Charlbury Primary School and set up lines of communication to support school families.
• Learning Café and Events – conversations are taking place with both Charlbury school and Chipping Norton school on supporting young people. We aim also to run learning events to support lifelong learning.
• Refreshments and Coffee Mornings
• Second hand books – from the Corner House store are for sale along with DVDs, jigsaws and children’s games, and the money is shared with the Corner House.
We have also run a successful uniform exchange for Charlbury Primary School.
A great team of helpers and volunteers enable the running of this project. Many people have expressed how much they enjoy being able to come to the Cornerstone for a chat, free produce and the feeling of being in a safe space during the current challenging times.
The Cornerstone is hosted by St Marys Church and we are funded by donations and by grants to the project. So far we have applied for 10 grants. Many people donated to the food bank during lockdown and since then – we are very grateful for all the funds we have received.
To run the project covering the rent of the Corner House, staffing and food bank, costs over £2000 each month. Extra support such as providing equipment like cookers is on top of this cost.
If you would like to support this work, we would be very grateful to receive a one off or regular donation. Could you sponsor a weeks food costs, £200? Or fund us to buy pasta, rice or couscous for a month - £40. Or another idea? Please get in touch for more ideas. You can donate in a number of ways:
• Pop into the Cornerstone and donate in to the donation box as often as you want to – do take and enjoy some fresh produce
• Give us a cheque – made out to Charlbury PCC with a note attached saying for the Cornerstone
• Donate online – details are:
Payee: Charlbury PCC Sort Code: 40-52-40
Account No: 00032374 Reference: Cornerstone
If you are able to gift aid your donation, please let us know so that we are able to claim this. Many thanks and do get in touch if you have any questions or suggestions. Hope to see you at the Cornerstone.
Jo Paton, Cornerstone Manager.
cornerstone@stmaryscharlbury.co.uk
Jo Paton ·
Mon 26 Oct 2020, 12:50 · 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.
- 54 The Green Charlbury
Erection of single storey front extension.
WODC reference: 20/02777/HHD - Tue 22 Sep 2020 - Under consideration
Mon 26 Oct 2020, 06:15 · Link
Christmas Tree Festival Application Form
We want to celebrate the diversity of our town all the more in these strange times and so there will be 40 trees for local organisations to sponsor. Please download your application form here. For more details contact hilli.waller@gmail.com. All proceeds in aid of St Mary's Church.
Maureen Sparling ·
Sat 24 Oct 2020, 20:02 · Link
Nutmeg + Thyme PLANT BASED GLUTEN FREE FOOD PRE ORDERS AND DATES (CHARLBURY AND HARCOURT ARBORETUM)
Nutmeg + Thyme PLANT BASED GLUTEN FREE FOOD PRE ORDERS AND DATES (CHARLBURY AND HARCOURT ARBORETUM)
We will be at our weekly vendor spot besides CHARLBURY COMMUNITY CENTRE this Saturday from 8.30am till 2.30pm, serving several hot dishes, a variety of bakes and treats, and any pre orders made throughout this week. Make sure to let us know of any pre orders from seasonal menus and any hot dishes you would like made to order, by the end of today so we can have it ready for your collection!
We will also be pitched at HARCOURT ARBORETUM for their Celebration of autumn colours from Sunday 25th October- 1st November (31st Oct excluded whilst pitched in Charlbury!), during the half term week, 10-4pm and the same applies with regards to pre orders whether that be of seasonal menu dishes or any bakes, savouries and treats we will be offering. Have a look below at some of the products and Octobers seasonal menu, which can be ready for you to collect during a day out with little ones and family at the Arboretum.
Emily Weir ·
Fri 23 Oct 2020, 11:21 · Link
Job opportunities at Ditchley Park
Ditchley is looking for energetic and enthusiastic cleaners to join its Domestic Services team, to play a crucial role in maintaining a safe, clean and comfortable environment in the Ditchley mansion and offices.
The tasks will include all the usual cleaning duties with particular emphasis on providing a Covid-safe environment for staff and visitors through the regular sanitisation of surfaces.
Additionally, the roles will involve more specialist care for the house and guests, such as cleaning marble, antique china and furniture, cleaning metal fixtures and fittings including brassware, making up guest bedrooms, changing linens and generally ensuring all rooms of the mansion are guest-ready before each event.
Due to a change in business requirements, we have a number of part- or full-time opportunities available with hours by negotiation and an immediate start available for the right candidate.
For more information, please review the attached further details or speak to Hope Jones on hope@ditchley.com or 01608 690282.
Katie Williams ·
Thu 22 Oct 2020, 15:42 · Link
Return or renew your library loans!
All items borrowed before 22 March 2020 must be returned or renewed by 2 November to avoid fines
Library loans due during lockdown were extended to avoid customers incurring overdue fines. This extension will end in the first week of November, and so items must be returned or renewed. You can safely return your items by dropping them off in our red returns boxes at the door of any library during opening hours.
If there are exceptional circumstances that prevent you from returning or renewing your loans, please contact your nearest open library https://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/residents/leisure-and-culture/libraries/find-library
To check your current loans please log on to our website or the Library App (search Oxfordshire Libraries in the Apple App Store or Google Play).
What should I expect from a visit to an Oxfordshire library?
Your library visit may feel different from those in the past – you will see social distancing measures and we ask that you limit your visit to 30 minutes. You must wear a face covering (unless exempt) and we will ask you to fill in a Track & Trace form, or scan a QR code with the NHS Covid-19 app.
We still provide a lending service and limited access to computers and some libraries offer a validating service for bus passes and parking permits. Our face-to-face activities and events will be re-established when government advice informs us it is safe to do so. What you can count on is a warm welcome from our staff and volunteers!
If you would like more information, please visit our website:
https://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/residents/leisure-and-culture/libraries/reopening-libraries
Please stay connected with us on Facebook @OxfordshireLibraries and Twitter @oxonlibraries and sign up to our newsletter https://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/librariesnewsletter
Wed 21 Oct 2020, 11:19 · Link
"Town Proud" - Charlbury Volunteers
I have been the coordinator for the Volunteers for few years now - just holding an email group list and alerting people to group action on particular dates/times/locations.
As the title "Town Proud" suggests, it's all about keeping the place reasonably tidy, safe and attractive. The majority of the original Volunteers are retired people who can offer a couple of hours to community service. Some of us are visibly ageing - my knees are not what they were!
It strikes me that there must be lots of younger, fitter families out there who might enjoy spending a couple of hours in the fresh air on a Sunday morning helping to keep Charlbury looking cared for.
We are backed by the Town Council (insurance) and WODC (debris bags + collection).
As autumn progresses and leaf-fall increases, the need for group action will increase too.
If somebody is prepared to take up the baton of my role as coordinator and engage new volunteers, please get in touch.
Contact me at philmorgan717@hotmail.com
Phil Morgan ·
Tue 20 Oct 2020, 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.
- Linwall Sturt Road Charlbury
Loft conversion with front and rear dormers
WODC reference: 20/02483/HHD - Thu 17 Sep 2020 - Under consideration
- Yew Dell Hixet Wood Charlbury
Demolition of existing bungalow. Construction of two dwellings.
WODC reference: 20/02343/FUL - Fri 09 Oct 2020 - Under consideration
Mon 19 Oct 2020, 06:15 · Link
New discount for Charlbury Garden Society members!
A new discount for Charlbury Garden Society members, announced at the Society's AGM on Thursday 15h.
"Members are entitled to 10% off purchases at Charlbury Garden Centre*, every day, with the following exclusions:
Society members will need to show their Club Membership card at the time of purchase to qualify for the discount."
If you are not a member of the Garden Society yet, now is a good time as you will automatically get membership for the whole of 2021 as well!
For more info, see: http://www.charlburygardensociety.org.uk/membership/
Applegarth, Burford, Freeland and Yarnton garden centres also offer discounts to Charlbury Garden Society members.
* Formely known as "Hilltop", on the Witney Road, opposite the turn to Ramsden.
Geneviève Hug ·
Sat 17 Oct 2020, 09:52 · Link
Christmas Tree Deadline!
Next Friday 23rd October, is the last day that 'bracket' Christmas tree orders can be accepted. Houses in the town should have received a hand-delivered order form a few weeks ago. The trees cost £20 and will be delivered on Saturday 28th November, in the morning. Stephen Andrews 811212
Stephen Andrews ·
Sat 17 Oct 2020, 08:57 · Link
Mentoring programme for young people
One of the most important and treasured things in life is having advice from those around us. If you ask successful people later in life about the 'secret' of their success, they will not point to a single event, but they will often point to a single person who took the time to talk to them and provide them with advice, support and encouragement when they most needed it.
The Thomas Gifford Trust is working with Chipping Norton School to develop a mentoring programme, which will create a diverse network of trained mentors who can be linked directly with young people, between the ages of 15 and 18, who are asking themselves some of the most important questions about their future studies and careers. Mentors will be expected to volunteer a few hours per student to listen, to share advice and, where required, to make further introductions to connections related to their career choices.
The preparation for becoming a mentor includes a one-hour online mentor training module, an online safeguarding programme and DBS certification. If you are interested please email info@charlburycommunitycentre.org.uk.
daniela jenkins ·
Tue 13 Oct 2020, 16:27 · Link
Ditchley is recruiting!
News item
An opportunity has arisen with The Ditchley Foundation taking forward its work developing networks and regional engagement across the UK.
Based within Ditchley’s Programme Team, the role of the Education and Democracy Networks Lead, a six-month full-time contract, is central to the delivery of a programme which combines technology, research and person to person engagement in order to help bring about democratic renewal. The position will require someone with an exceptional set of skills, a keen interest in people and a desire to make a difference in society.
During the current pandemic, all members of the team are supported to work remotely whilst encouraged to spend some time at the offices at Ditchley Park.
Further information about the post can be found here: Education and Democracy Networks Lead
Applications should be sent in writing to Emerson Csorba, Chief of Staff, by email to: emerson@ditchley.com and should include a current CV and a covering letter.
The deadline for receiving applications is Friday 23rd October 2020.
By applying for this vacancy, you are giving permission for The Ditchley Foundation to contact you and retain your details. For more information, please contact Katie Williams, Major Events and Projects Lead, (info@ditchley.com) for a copy of The Foundation’s Candidate Privacy Notice.
Katie Williams ·
Tue 13 Oct 2020, 09:06 · 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.
- Shadbolts Hixet Wood Charlbury
Erection of single and two storey side extension and addition of new roof lights to rear elevation.
WODC reference: 20/02374/HHD - Tue 08 Sep 2020 - Under consideration
Mon 12 Oct 2020, 06:15 · Link
Charlbury Town Football and Sports Club.
We are now open we open Monday to Thursday 7pm till 10pm
Friday 4pm till10pm
Saturday 3pm till 10pm
Sunday 12pm till 10pm
We have live sports on tv.
Mandy cooper ·
Sun 11 Oct 2020, 23:22 · Link
Charlbury Garden Society - Plants available
Left-over plants from the Garden Society Plant Bring & Take
event on the Playing Close on Saturday 10th are now at the Corner House ... small ones inside and larger ones in the Museum
garden just inside the gate. Help yourselves!
The event generated just over £148 in donations for the Corner House and Memorial Hall, so thanks to
everyone who came and happy growing.
Geneviève Hug ·
Sun 11 Oct 2020, 09:54 · Link
NUTMEG + THYME PLANT BASED GLUTEN FREE FOOD VENDOR SATURDAYS
Nutmeg + Thyme are a plant based food company based in Burford who are now a vendor beside the Co oP on alternate Saturdays each month, 2nd and 4th. They sell a wide variety of seasonal plant based gluten free hot dishes, chilled meals, bakes, treats and salad boxes from 8:30-2.30pm. Contact them to make your pre orders for collection on Saturdays or for free delivery to Charlbury and surrounding areas throughout the week! Come down to say hello, see what they have to offer, try some of their hot dishes, chilled meals or some cakes, and collect any pre orders. Contact Emily via the website emilyweir44.wixsite.com/nutmegthyme, email emilyweir44@gmail.com or via Facebook @Nutmeg+Thyme
Emily Weir ·
Sat 10 Oct 2020, 17:39 · Link
The History of Charlbury .... to be continued
Judy Dod for Charlbury Museum
We have so enjoyed researching and sharing our weekly postings - there have been 30 since we started at the end of March. We have been really pleased with the very positive feedback we have had and are preparing them for publication. The booklet should be ready to buy well in time for Christmas, an ideal stocking filler!
Over the next few months the articles will not appear quite so regularly. We felt it best to take a break and restart the series in the spring. But we are not going away and will post occasional short articles on topical subjects. For example the next Charlbury Society talk is on WW2 evacuees in Oxfordshire and we will be writing about children who were evacuated to Charlbury – some of whom stayed and still live here. So please continue to keep an eye out on Saturday mornings for these.
But so you are not disappointed this week, here is one of the most amusing exhibits in the museum – rubber boots for sheep! These were donated by the late Jennifer Bartlett whose aunt kept them on the counter of Price’s shoe shop to amuse children. Made by Dunlop, who patented the design in 1936, they protected sheep’s feet from foot rot in the era before antibiotics. They were produced in 5 sizes and came with a set of veterinary instructions. They can’t have been easy to put on the sheep so may not have been a best seller!
Did you know of the local connection to Dunlop? In 1897 the whole Cornbury estate was bought by Harvey Du Cros, Chairman of Dunlop. He had co-founded the Dunlop Pneumatic Tyre Company in 1889 with John Dunlop, the inventor of the pneumatic tyre, and the company had recently been sold for three million pounds. He energetically set about improving the estate, clearing ponds and streams, repairing and altering the house, but didn’t stay long. His fraudster business associate went bankrupt and he had to put the estate back on the market. Its next owner was Vernon Watney who bought it in 1901.
The big question is: why only two boots? Surely the sheep would need four…….
Judy Dod ·
Fri 9 Oct 2020, 21:58 · Link
Flu vaccination—Charlbury Medical Centre
There will be a catch up clinic for the 65s and over on the 20th October in the Sports and Social club for those unable to attend last week.
There is a limited number of vaccine left, so this will be on a first come first served basis. The clinic will run from 8-11am.
There is a National shortage of flu vaccine for the 18-64 age group, added to which, the order placed last year for this year’s flu season as priority delivery by the beginning of September has not been honoured by the company who supply the vaccine.
The Practice ordered vaccine for the various age groups at the end of last year based on the numbers attending in autumn /winter 2019. There was plenty of vaccine available then but unfortunately the take up was very low, and much, which was paid for by the Practice, had to be destroyed. Obviously the pandemic has raised the profile of vaccination, and many more people have attended than expected when the ordering was placed. There are currently no further stocks available to order from any of the vaccine suppliers countrywide.
As with all practices, Charlbury Medical Centre would like to assure you that they are doing their best to obtain further supplies from the centre through the Oxford Clinical Commissioning group and ask for your understanding at this time of considerable pressure for health staff within the practice.
Nikki Rycroft ·
Wed 7 Oct 2020, 16:45 · Link
Charlbury Library - Opening on Wednesday 7th October
Exciting news…Charlbury Library is re-opening Wednesday
7th October!!!
The Library's new weekly opening hours are:
Mondays 10am-1pm
Wednesdays 2pm-5pm
Fridays 2pm-5pm
The Community Centre is open as usual, but at all other
times the Library will be cordoned off and the self-service machine switched
off. The Library opening hours will be
under regular review as the Covid-19 situation changes.
As you might expect, things will be very different for the
time being, with hand sanitising for all and mask wearing for the over 11’s
mandatory (with some health exceptions).
In line with all other Oxfordshire libraries, and in conjunction with
the Community Centre, we also require visitors to complete the paper Test &
Trace form or scan the NHS Covid-19 app with their smartphone on arrival.
In order to keep everyone safe, there will be a limited
number of customers allowed into the library space at any one time and the
toilets and all touchpoints around the Community Centre/Library are sanitised
regularly throughout the day. Sanitising
wipes will also be available next to the computer/photocopier/self-service
machine for customers to use if required.
All items to be returned must be put into our red quarantine
crates, which are placed just inside both of the Community Centre doors. These crates will be sealed for a minimum of
72 hours and the contents then removed from the customer’s account by
staff. You can return your items into
the crates at any time while the Community Centre is open.
During the Library opening hours…
- The self-service machine will be available for borrowing and renewing items, and for viewing your account (please remember your Library card!)
- 1 public computer will be available, with usage
limited to 30 minutes per visit
- Printing and photocopying facilities will be
available
- Books can be browsed and borrowed as usual and
Reservations can be collected
- Staff will be available at the counter to assist
with your queries
Please note that the self-service machine will not accept
cash or card payments for the time being and that cash is the only payment
option at the counter till. Alternatively,
you can now pay your charges online by logging into your Library account with
your Library card and PIN number.
We look forward to seeing our customers again very soon!!!
Charlbury Library ·
Mon 5 Oct 2020, 10:52 · 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.
- Priory Cottage Park Street Charlbury
Alterations to property to include erection of single storey rear extension to replace existing conservatory, close existing and formation of new, larger pedestrian access in revised position, changes to fenestration and construction of front entrance porch together with associated landscaping works.
WODC reference: 20/02548/HHD - Fri 25 Sep 2020 - Under consideration
- 23 Sturt Close Charlbury
Erection of a two storey side and single storey rear extension along with a front porch
WODC reference: 20/02290/HHD - Mon 28 Sep 2020 - Under consideration
- Cornbury House Cornbury Park Charlbury
Internal alterations and refurbishment to the second floor to include changes to floor layout and floor levels
WODC reference: 20/02241/LBC - Tue 25 Aug 2020 - Under consideration
- The Bull Inn Sheep Street Charlbury
Alterations to re-locate extractor unit. (Retrospective).
WODC reference: 20/01862/FUL - Fri 18 Sep 2020 - Under consideration
Mon 5 Oct 2020, 06:15 · Link
The History of Charlbury through ... the Youth Hostel
Ann Lovett for Charlbury Museum
The Youth Hostel Association or YHA was formed in 1930, with the aim to ‘help all, especially young people of limited means, to a greater knowledge, love and care of the countryside and appreciation of cultural values of towns and cities , thus promoting health, recreation and education.’
Charlbury YH opened in 1946 on the Slade in what had been a glove factory. Mssrs Fownes of Worcester had opened a glove factory at Rock Villa in 1896. The house was occupied by the manager and a factory was built at the rear. It closed in 1939 and was occupied by the military during WW2.
At Easter, April 1946 the Hostel was opened, with the house having been converted into 5 small dormitories, with washing facilities and toilets. Work on the factory building was completed in 1947, and became the men’s dorms and facilities, self-catering area, and Field Study facilities.
All hostels provided accommodation in single sex dorms, usually with bunk beds. Pillows and blankets were provided, with sheet sleeping bags either brought by the hosteller or hired at the hostel. There were self-catering facilities and/or a meals service. The hostel was run by a warden, who lived on site, and a duty (washing up, tidying the dorm, chopping logs, for example) was done by each hosteller. Membership of the YHA was required.
In 1947 one hosteller wrote of her stay “…. Charlbury YH was clean, commodious and well run, with bare floors and bare tables but all mod cons. I was in the attic with 2 other girls. The fire escape was one knotted rope coiled on the windowsill and fixed with a stout staple on an overhead beam. Far below, at the receiving end, was a mound of straw…”
At the end of 1970 there was a decision made to close the hostel, but this was rescinded and the hostel remained open. More work was carried out and family/leader rooms were created in 1984. Then in 1990 it again faced closure. The YHA had put Charlbury hostel, and 18 others, up for sale in order to finance upgrading of other hostels and to pay off some of its debts. The Charlbury Youth Hostel Support Group was formed, with Miles Hardie a key figure in the fund- raising campaign. They were unable to raise enough to buy the property. However, a local couple Glena and Ross Horne bought it and ran it as an affiliated hostel, with YHA rules and prices, for a number of years before it closed finally as a hostel in 2001. Its last use under the ‘Rent a Hostel’ scheme ….. a YHA scheme where a group could rent the whole hostel…. was in January 2001. It was then converted into residential houses.
Judy Dod ·
Fri 2 Oct 2020, 20:04 · Link
Charlbury Community Centre - Pop up Veg Patches - Update
Since we launched the Pop Up Veg Patch project in June this year our youth team have successfully built and installed 22 raised beds for the residents of Charlbury. Funded by the Thomas Gifford Trust and generous private donors, this project has provided work for our young people during this covid-19 crisis and at the same time offers practical support for people in our community.
Initially targeted at those in self-isolation, the project quickly attracted attention from a broad range of Charlbury residents; families wanted a home-based project that would encourage their children outside; those less mobile were grateful for the chance to get back out into their gardens; others had wanted to grow vegetables or flowers for years and the project gave them the start they needed.
This project successfully achieved our aim of:
- building something positive for those in self-isolation, and those having to keep socially distanced for a long period of time
· providing employment for Charlbury youth (approx. 100 hours of building, delivering and planting) as well as
· building enduring relationships between all generations in our community
The Thomas Gifford Trust is thankful for the support of local donors, the work commitment of our young people, the leadership of our youth worker and the engagement from our community.
daniela jenkins ·
Fri 2 Oct 2020, 14:30 · Link
Christmas Tree Festival - St Mary's
Following the success of last year’s Christmas Tree Festival we have decided to run the event again this year. The dates will be Thursday 3rd – Sunday 6th December and we will have 40 trees available to sponsor.
Obviously things will have to be a bit different this year owing to Covid-19 but we are keen to celebrate the diversity and enterprise of our wonderful town even more in these strange times. We will make sure that you and your organisation can set up safely and we will use all the correct safety measures so the general public can enjoy the festival.
Click here to get your application form!
Maureen Sparling ·
Thu 1 Oct 2020, 19:03 · Link
when_to_talk_to_the_doctor_oct_2020.pdf
