News
The History of Charlbury through ... Sir Henry Lee
Sir Henry Lee was born in Kent in 1533. At the age of 14, he began serving Henry VIII and continued under three more Tudor monarchs and the first Stuart king. He managed to survive those turbulent years of political and religious upheaval without ever being imprisoned in the Tower of London – no mean achievement. He was one of Queen Elizabeth’s leading courtiers and favourites and undertook tasks of state at home and abroad. His role was often to provide entertainment. For many years from 1570 he was Elizabeth's jousting Champion, and devised and oversaw the Accession Day tilts which became a huge public spectacle and the most important court festival of the 1580s. The last one was held in 1602, the year before her death.
In 1580, Sir Henry Lee bought the Ditchley estate following his appointment as Ranger of Woodstock, one of several Rangers who looked after the royal hunting forest of Wychwood. He enlarged the existing house though no trace of it now remains: it was demolished in 1720 and replaced by the fine 18th century mansion we see today. It is not even known exactly where his house stood.
In 1592 Sir Henry played host to Queen Elizabeth when she visited Ditchley for a two-day masque. These were the days when the monarch would ‘progress’ round the country in the summer, staying with her titled subjects at their expense. It was a great honour but came at enormous cost to her hosts. She travelled with a huge retinue of courtiers and servants, all of whom required accommodation and food, as well as entertainment. The Queen’s visit in 1592 marked reconciliation between her and Sir Henry after a cooling in their relations but cost him dearly. In 1602 he was horrified when it was proposed that the Queen stay again with him again on her summer progress. It is said he immediately wrote to Robert Cecil, the Queen’s Councillor, saying that if she came, he would be bankrupted. There are limits to a subject’s devotion.
After his wife’s death in 1590, Sir Henry lived openly with his mistress, Anne Vavasour who was nearly 30 years his junior. It seems to have been a true love match. He left her a generous annual income in his will when he died in 1611.
Charlbury Society talk: Thursday 4th February via Zoom 7.45 for 8pm
Dr Janet Dickinson: ‘Courting Elizabeth: The Ditchley Portrait and the Cult of the virgin Queen in late Elizabethan England’
See the Events page for details. To join the Society contact Susan Merry at sec.charlsoc@gmail.com
Subscription £8.50 Under 18s free
Judy Dod ·
Fri 29 Jan 2021, 18:23 · Link
Thank you to Charlbury Garden Society
Many thanks to the Charlbury Garden Society for their donation to the running costs of the Charlbury website this year.
The website is intentionally run on a small budget but we do have a few things to pay for – particularly domain name fees and web hosting. The Garden Society’s kind donation helps to defray these costs and is much appreciated!
Richard Fairhurst ·
Fri 29 Jan 2021, 17:10 · Link
Thank you Charlbury !
A huge thank you to the Sports and Social Club for letting the Covid vaccinations take place there today. And also of course to the Medical Centre staff for their tremendous efforts to vaccinate the first 4 groups , now nearly complete, with the possibility of a further session at the end of next week or early the following one.
Many thanks to all our volunteers , we’ve had such a great response from all of you, if you haven’t been asked to help yet, don’t worry, you will be ; to the Co Op for their understanding of parking difficulties this morning , and to all those who allowed patients receiving their vaccinations to have priority in the Spendlove today.
Nikki Rycroft ·
Fri 29 Jan 2021, 16:24 · Link
The Great Big Art Exhibition
Some of British art’s biggest names, including Anthony Gormley, Sonia Boyce and Anish Kapoor, are encouraging Britons to turn their front windows into a gallery as part of a nationwide initiative to create a “magical patchwork of creativity”.
Let's build on our previous popular art in windows events to make Charlbury a lively street art gallery over the coming months.
The Great Big Art Exhibition has been launched by Gormley, who is the first artist to choose a theme for people at home to be inspired by as they create work to contribute to what organisers are calling the nation’s largest ever exhibition.
Gormley chose the theme of animals for participants to riff on, and people are encouraged to make their artworks out of what they have at hand.
The results – be they paintings, sculptures or something less traditional – are to be placed on a front porch, balcony or window.
Download an inspirational information package at:
https://firstsite.uk/the-great-big-art-exhibition/pack/
Tony Lloyd ·
Fri 29 Jan 2021, 10:30 · Link
Charlbury Beer Festival - virtual tasting event on Friday 26 February
Witney Radio has just broadcast a couple of interviews on the Beer Festival and our forthcoming "virtual" tasting event next month.
To listen, go to: https://www.mixcloud.com/witneyradio/witney-radio-community-matters-charlbury-virtual-beer-festival/ ;
Cheers!
Nick Millea ·
Fri 29 Jan 2021, 09:54 · Link
Refuse Collection
WODC have said that waste collections are currently running a day late due to adverse road conditions earlier in the week.
Angus B ·
Tue 26 Jan 2021, 14:24 · Link
Thinking About Spring - A Zoom Dinner Party with Special Guest
Make plans to join us on Saturday, 6th Feb at 7.30pm to support St Mary's and its Cornerstone initiative (located in the Cornerhouse).
Enjoy an interactive session with local garden photographer, Andrew Lawson, who will share pictures and reminiscences of his favourite gardens in the area.
Leave the cooking to COOK (www.cookfood.net) Select from Beef Bourguignon, Salmon & Asparagus Gratin or Vegetable and Chickpea Tagine.
Tickets are £10 per person (Payment to Charlbury PCC, 40-52-40, 00032374, Ref: Cornerstone
Email Dine Glasgow (dglasgow@theridgegroup.com) by Tuesday, 2nd Feb to select a meal, get your Zoom link or ask a question.
daniela jenkins ·
Tue 26 Jan 2021, 11:42 · Link
No fishmonger Tuesday (26th)
More van bad luck for Jane, I'm afraid. In the garage but the parts didn't arrive today so she can't make it to Charlbury tuesday (26th). She sends apologies for inconvenience.
Richard Broughton ·
Mon 25 Jan 2021, 19:54 · Link
St Marys Church and All Saints Church
St Mary’s & All Saints are now only open for private prayer.
No public services are taking place.
A service will be live streamed at 9am each Sunday.
The live stream link for all services has changed and is now https://bit.ly/charlbury
When on the site you may need to click on Library in the left hand column.
If you have any problems please email Paddy on paddygallagher@hotmail.co.uk
Jo Paton ·
Mon 25 Jan 2021, 09:38 · 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 25 Jan 2021, 06:15 · Link
Keep Charlbury Active is on Radio Oxford this weekend
Radio Oxford have contacted us because they came across the Community Centre's "Keep Charlbury Active" and "Charlbury's Spring Clean" on social media and thought it sounded interesting. So do tune in at 3.35pm on Sunday, but in the meantime, make sure you send in your information about the miles you have walked, cycled or run, so I can make it sound impressive! We've already clocked up 500 miles, which is brilliant, but there's a long way to go to reach our target of getting round the coast of mainland Brtitain. More details and the form to log your distances can be found at this link.
Tanya Stevenson ·
Fri 22 Jan 2021, 18:06 · Link
Neighbourhood Plan Inspection recommends plan should proceed to referendum
The submitted draft Charlbury Neighbourhood Plan 2031 has now been independently examined and the examiner has concluded that, subject to a series of recommended modifications, the submitted plan meets all the necessary legal requirements and should proceed to referendum.
WODC must now formally agree to accept the modifications and then arrange a referendum at which all registered electors within the parish of Charlbury will be eligible to vote for the adoption of the plan. If a majority of those voting agree, the plan will become a "made plan" and will inform the determination of planning applications within the parish.
The examiner's report can be viewed or downloaded, along with the submitted plan and other information about the examination on the Charlbury Neighbourhood Plan page of the WODC website at https://www.westoxon.gov.uk/planning-and-building/planning-policy/neighbourhood-planning/charlbury-neighbourhood-plan/
Peter Kenrick ·
Fri 22 Jan 2021, 12:13 · Link
Getting to Carterton Friday - Charlbury to Burford road closed on Dyers Hill
For those aiming for Carterton for a COVID vaccine on Friday morning (22nd) - please note that the road from Charlbury to Burford is temporarily closed on Dyers Hill for Thames Water repairs.
Alternative routes are: are:
To get onto the Burford road further along - go to Spelsbury, turn left to Chadlington - go through Chadlington and then turn left by the Cafe de la Post to get back onto the Burford Road; or
Go to Carterton via Crawley - after Crawley turn right onto the Witney to Burford road and then take a left turn by a pub to go through Minster Lovell into Carterton. Go through the town centre to Alvescot Road and the Health Centre next to the Library.
Meryl Smith ·
Fri 22 Jan 2021, 08:01 · Link
Keep Charlbury Active - and tidy!
The Charlbury Community Centre is launching a challenge to see if we can collectively make it around the coast of Britain by the end of lockdown – that’s 11,000 miles!
Run, walk or cycle around our local area then log your miles on our website here. We are also busy creating resources to make it more interesting – suggested routes, quizzes and wildlife to spot. You can see all our updates on the community centre website.
While you are out and about we’d love your help to give Charlbury a big spring clean. So the next time you head out for a walk don’t forget your litter bags and gloves!
What we need you to do:
• Collect the litter you find when out on a walk and place it in a bag.
• The bags you use will need to be tied and left at the community centre (so please don’t use your favourite one!).
• If possible, please can you split the litter you find into recyclable and non-recyclable waste.
• Please leave all litter bags next to the big bins at the community centre, ensuring they’re tied in a knot at the top (pop the bags the other side of the fence so they’re not blocking the walkway).
*Litter pickers are available to borrow from the Community centre during opening hours*
Top tips to remember
• Always wear gloves when picking up litter
• Do not collect any hazardous waste such as dog poo or sharp objects
• You are still only allowed to go out once a day for exercise, so make this part of your daily walk – do not make a special trip
Our youth team will be weighing the litter collected and we will announce the total at the end of lockdown
Thank you all for your continued help and support,
The Charlbury Community Centre Team
C Hansford ·
Mon 18 Jan 2021, 09:33 · Link
Getting to Carterton Health Centre for a COVID vaccine
All Together In Charlbury (ATIC) wants to help Charlbury residents who have been called for a COVID vaccine at Carterton and need transport. If you are in this position and cannot call on a family member or friend to get you to your vaccine, call our usual call centre number 01993 776277 (9.00 to 1.00 Mon-Fri or leave an answerphone message) and we will see what we can do. Please give us as much notice of a request, as you can (but we know that you can only do this when you have been contacted yourself!).
For others who are driving - ATIC suggests that the best route to Carterton Health Centre is to go via Burford. Go through Burford across the bridge from the A361 and up to the main road roundabout. Turn Left onto the A40 towards Witney and Oxford. Then almost immediately turn Right onto the B4020 signposted Carterton, RAF Brize Norton and Burford Garden Company.
On the B4020 go past the Burford Garden Company and carry on down the B4020 into Carterton. Carry straight along the road towards Carterton town centre. You will come to traffic lights – go straight across towards the town centre (crossing Upavon Way). Continue straight down the road to the next set of traffic lights in the town centre. Turn Right into Alvescot Road. The Health Centre is on the right just past the Library. (The second Original Factory Shop building is opposite.)
If you would like an annotated map of the town centre (containing these directions) to complement the map provided by the Charlbury Medical Centre, you can download one from the ATIC page in the Community section of this website (Charity and World) or email charlburyalltogether@gmail.com. There are also copies at Cornerstone at the Corner House.
Meryl Smith ·
Mon 18 Jan 2021, 09:16 · 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.
- 57 Ticknell Piece Road Charlbury
Erection of a two storey side extension and a single storey rear extension
WODC reference: 20/03528/HHD - Mon 21 Dec 2020 - Under consideration
- Cuckoo Cottage Church Street Charlbury
Single storey rear extension & alterations including replacement windows to bay, new stone facing to front elevation and internal works.
WODC reference: 20/03452/HHD - Mon 14 Dec 2020 - Under consideration
- 4 Thames Gardens Charlbury
Demolition of existing garage and the erection of a new garden room
WODC reference: 20/03307/HHD - Mon 30 Nov 2020 - Under consideration
Mon 18 Jan 2021, 06:15 · Link
Roads to Carterton via Burford are OK this morning (Saturday)
For those preparing to drive to their COVID vaccination in Carterton today - the roads to Carterton via Burford and B4020 are OK this morning (Saturday) apart from some patches of lying rainwater. (Trial run carried out 7.00 - 8.00 a.m.!)
Meryl Smith ·
Sat 16 Jan 2021, 09:08 · Link
The History of Charlbury through .... Churchill's visits to Ditchley
When Winston Churchill became Prime Minister in 1940, the security forces became concerned for his safety as air raids increased over Britain. When not in London, he spent time either at Chartwell, his country house south of London, or at his official retreat at Chequers. Both were vulnerable to air raids. Already very familiar with the area around Blenheim where he was born, Churchill had become friendly with the Conservative MP Ronald Tree who, with his wife Nancy, had bought Ditchley Park in 1933. Ditchley, with its heavy tree cover and lack of visible roads, was an ideal bolthole for the Prime Minister. Churchill asked the Trees if he could stay at the house on certain weekends “when the moon is high” i.e. favourable for air raids.
His first visit was 9-11 November 1940 and he found the house and grounds ideal both for relaxation and also for conducting the business of war and diplomacy. Afterwards Ronald Tree wrote to him: “we hope so much that you will come to Ditchley as often as it may suit your convenience . . . We have kept it running until such time as needed for some war purpose, so that it is at your entire disposal. ….. use the house as your own”. Many visitors joined the PM on these weekend visits including Sir Anthony Eden and Harry Hopkins, President Roosevelt’s envoy, who was key to Churchill’s efforts to win American support for the war.
Enter Gordon Woodyatt, a Welshman who had moved to Oxfordshire in the early 1930s and then settled in Charlbury, working for the Southern Electricity Board. He became a manager and his duties included making repairs when the lines came down or the supply was interrupted. One weekend he received a call to repair a fault at Ditchley while Churchill was in residence. The Board drafted in German prisoners of war to fill the gaps left by the men away fighting and at one time in the war he had 200 working under him. The prisoners dug trenches for the cables and he found them very willing workers. Other prisoners of war were employed on the farms around Charlbury, helping to keep the country supplied with food.
By late 1942, the security at Chequers had been greatly improved and Churchill no longer needed to stay at Ditchley. His last visit was for lunch in 1943. A bronze bust of Churchill on the estate marks the role Ditchley played at a critical stage of the war.
Charlbury Society talk Monday 18th January
A very secret war: bugging the Nazis in WWII
Dr Helen Fry explores how British Intelligence bugged the conversations of high-ranking German PoWs and discovered some of Hitler’s most closely guarded secrets.
Zoom meeting 7.45 for 8pm for Society members
To join contact Susan Merry at sec.charlsoc@gmail.com
Subscription £8.50 Under 18s free
Judy Dod ·
Fri 15 Jan 2021, 19:40 · 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.
Wed 13 Jan 2021, 11:38 · Link
Suspension of public services at St Marys and All Saints Churches
The Church Committee (PCC) have agreed to suspend public worship at St Marys and All Saints, due to the infectious nature of the current Covid strain.
The churches will remain open for private prayer daily and funerals will take place following current restrictions.
Parish Communion will be livestreamed at 9am each Sunday on Youtube.
We have a new Youtube channel: please note the new address: bit.ly/charlbury ;
A number of online talks are being planned and will be advertised soon.
Should you need pastoral support please do get in touch.
parishoffice@stmaryscharlbury.co.uk or vicar@charlburychurch.uk
Jo Paton ·
Wed 13 Jan 2021, 09:28 · Link
Getting to Carterton Health Centre - know Burford Garden Centre? – you’re well on the way!
ATIC suggests that the best way to drive to Carterton Health Centre is to go via Burford. Go through Burford across the bridge from the A361 and up to the main road roundabout. Turn Left onto the A40 towards Witney and Oxford. Then almost immediately turn Right onto the B4020 signposted Carterton, RAF Brize Norton and Burford Garden Company.
On the B4020 go past the Burford Garden Company and carry on down the B4020 into Carterton. Carry straight along the road towards Carterton town centre. You will come to traffic lights – go straight across towards the town centre (crossing Upavon Way). Continue straight down the road to the next set of traffic lights in the town centre. Turn Right into Alvescot Road. The Health Centre is on the right just past the Library. (The second Original Factory Shop building is opposite.)
If you would like an annotated map of the town centre (containing these directions) to complement the map provided by the Charlbury Medical Centre, you can download one from the ATIC page in the Community section of this website (Charity and World) or email charlburyalltogether@gmail.com.
Meryl Smith ·
Tue 12 Jan 2021, 15:19 · Link
Charlbury Community Centre; food traders update Jan 2021
With the last remnants of the Xmas larder finally finished off, it might be time to check out the food traders located at Charlbury Community Centre.
The Bread Shed is back every Tuesday & Thursday between 2.30 & 3.30. See thebreadsheddeepbaked on Facebook.
Copperpot catering returns each Tuesday evening, 5-8pm, see their Facebook page for details.
The Codfather returns on Saturday 16th January from 5-10 pm. They are on site both Saturday & Sunday each weekend.
Pitstop Catering (the Friday fish van) is busy completing work on the new van and plans to return on the 5th February. If it's sooner I'll let you know.
Nutmeg & Thyme is here every Saturday morning from 8.30 to 2pm serving wholesome fresh gluten free & vegetarian meals, bakes treats & snacks. See their Facebook page for more details or emilyweir44.wixsite.com/nutmegthyme
All traders are complying with social distancing & other covid requirements and we ask you to respect their efforts by doing the same.
Please support them, they're doing a great job in feeding Charlbury
Jim Holah ·
Tue 12 Jan 2021, 14:27 · Link
Charlbury Community Centre - Pop up Veg Patches
As part of the Charlbury Veg Bed project from last year the community centre has three final raised veg boxes made and ready to be delivered. The boxes measure as follows (L:W:D) :
Two raised beds: x 5ft by 2ft by 1ft
One raised bed: x 6ft by 2ft by 1ft
The boxes will be delivered and installed with a lining and soil. The project was started during the first lockdown to help those isolating get outside whilst staying safe. However the beds proved very popular and we quickly opened the project wider to encompass the whole of the Charlbury community, accepting a £50 donation per veg box from those able to give it.
If you would be interested in one of the boxes please get in touch with Charlotte via email at charlotte@charlburycommunitycentre.org.uk or call the community centre on 01608 811878
daniela jenkins ·
Mon 11 Jan 2021, 10:03 · Link
Christmas Treasure Hunt Winners
Well done to everyone who entered the Christmas Treasure Hunt and a huge thank-you for helping us to raise £106 for Cancer Research UK!
Everyone who entered found all the clues and so got a prize. Judging the winners in each age group proved to be impossible due to the excellent pictures drawn by all the entrants - so we've had to award family prizes rather than individual ones! The winners are:
Freyja Baldwin
Cleo and Oona Peterson
Theo and Ella Baker
Gill Begnor ·
Sun 10 Jan 2021, 19:35 · Link
Cornerstone at the Corner House
We will continue to be open Monday - Saturday 10am - 1pm. Please respect social distancing. We continue to give food to those who need help. We also have a Give and Take shelf where you can donate food or pick up items that you need. You can also make a financial donation to the Cornerstone.
cornerstone@stmaryscharlbury.co.uk
07510 772764 during opening hours.
Jo Paton ·
Fri 8 Jan 2021, 13:35 · Link
Transport to COVID 19 vaccine locations
All Together In Charlbury (ATIC) is looking at how it can help Charlbury residents who have been called for a COVID vaccine at a location to which they need private transport. If you are in this position and cannot call on a family member or friend to get you to your vaccine, call our usual call centre number 01993 776277 (9.00 to 1.00 Mon-Fri or leave an answerphone message) and we will see what we can do. Please give us as much notice of a request, as you can (but we know that you can only do this when you have been contacted yourself!).
We have worked hard to set up appropriate COVID19-safe (Hands, Face, Space) systems and procedures which we need drivers and passengers to follow and there is a reasonable mileage charge of 45p per mile (hardship funding available).
Our call centre number again is 01993 776277 – this will get you to Volunteer Link-Up staff who kindly help us deal with requests. We will try to help as far as we can with our small team of drivers (more volunteers very welcome!! - email charlburyalltogether@gmail.com).
Meryl Smith ·
Fri 8 Jan 2021, 12:01 · Link
Possible support/help for self employed as a result of the pandemic
Have you/your business been unable to get support from the various govt schemes and feel you have been left out and need a helping hand. We may be able to help at WODC but need you to furnish me with details of your business and circumstances. All confidential but I am conscious there are a large number of self employed people like artists, technicians and some in the hospitality business who did not qualify are suffering.
(If you have not been furloughed, or received any govt grants or loans this could be a help)
Contact me within the next 7 days if possible.
Keep safe and well
Cllr Andy Graham 01608 659462
Contact me : andy.graham@westoxon.gov.uk
Andy Graham ·
Thu 7 Jan 2021, 18:15 · Link
St Teresa’s
Due to the increasing infection-rate, Sunday Masses will be suspended for the time being. Weekday Masses continue as per the calendar, Monday-Friday, and there is no need for booking as these are always quieter.Apologies but we want to get to the end of this above the ground!
Father Clive Dytor ·
Wed 6 Jan 2021, 16:56 · Link
Self Isolating? We are ready to help again.
Charlbury Community Centre has a large team volunteers who can
deliver items from local shops to people who need to stay at home. If you, or someone you know,
is self-isolating and needs food, medicines or other items, please contact us on
01608 811878, between 10am and 1pm or email Daniela Jenkins at info@charlburycommunitycentre.org.uk. Whatever help you need, just ask and we will do our best.
We can keep a tab for people who need the service and settle up later.
Items will be left outside your door, together with a receipt, so there
is no contact.
If you would like to volunteer, please contact Daniela.
This leaflet has details about this and other voluntary services in Charlbury such as the Cornerstone project and ATIC's offer to phone people for a friendly chat.
Tanya Stevenson ·
Wed 6 Jan 2021, 14:32 · Link
Covid Vaccinations. : No further information
Following the previous post, there is no further information on when the vaccine will be available for CMC patients, so please refrain from phoning the Practice to ask, they have not yet been told, and we shall let you know as soon as they have heard anything.
Nikki Rycroft ·
Tue 5 Jan 2021, 13:49 · Link
lawson_garden_tour_6_feb_2021.docx
uk_map.pdf
