News
New Highway Code comes into force today
New Highway Code provisions come into force today, though they have not been well publicised. Among the key changes is this:
The updated code clarifies that: when people are crossing or waiting to cross at a junction, other traffic should give way; and if people have started crossing and traffic wants to turn into the road, the people crossing have priority and the traffic should give way.
(In the same way that drivers are required to stop at Bull Corner)
Details of the changes can be found here.
Gareth Epps ·
Sat 29 Jan 2022, 11:21 · Link
Cornerstone at the Corner House
At Cornerstone we have so many great puzzles and games - we have put out a new shelf full. Do come and help yourselves - children welcome to come and choose what they would like. Help yourselves too if you have the grandchildren coming to stay.
From next week we are happy to take in unwanted spectacles / glasses and cases. These will be passed on to charity by Christine Elliott.
Also we will accept new unwanted printer cartridges - seals need to be unopened - for people to come and help themselves to.
Finally we are in need of carrier bags - all types - for food parcels. Please bring any clean carrier bags in when we are open: Monday - Saturday 10am - 1pm.
If you would like to go on to regular email update for Cornerstone please let us know by sending an email to cornerstone@charlburychurch.uk
many thanks
Cornerstone Team
Jo Paton ·
Fri 28 Jan 2022, 14:35 · Link
Double yellow lines turned down for Hixet Wood
A proposal to forbid parking opposite the new Vanderbilt Homes development on Hixet Wood has been thrown out.
Oxfordshire County Council officers proposed to paint double yellow lines either side of the junction to prevent parking, ostensibly so that refuse lorries could manoeuvre in and out of the development – something that had been ruled out in the original planning application.
Cllr Tim Bearder, OCC Cabinet Member for Highways Management, considered the proposal at a meeting on Thursday morning. He described the plan as “a sledgehammer to crack a nut”, saying there was no likely safety issue, and decided not to follow the officers’ recommendation.
The meeting was addressed by Claire Wilding from Charlbury Town Council, Brian Murray, and two representatives from the consulting firm working on the development.
Richard Fairhurst ·
Thu 27 Jan 2022, 11:18 · Link
Analogue Beaver Dam project starting on Wigwell
A community project is now starting on Wigwell to create analogue beaver dams in the stream. The project is being managed by the Wychwood Forest Trust and funding has been approved through the Evenlode Catchment Partnership, You can find out more on the Wigwell Friends page of this site here, We are running work parties and if you want to get involved or if you have any questions, please contact me via this site or email wigwell.friends@gmail.com
Our hope and expectation is that the dams will help to regulate water flow, reducing flood risk and create new wetland habitats behind the dams that will attract new species of flora and fauna to increase biodiversity.
This is YOUR community project and we would love you to get involved so come and join us.
Peter Kenrick ·
Tue 25 Jan 2022, 21:37 · Link
Morning barista needed!
Do you fancy sporting this natty logo on an apron for a few hours a day at Charlbury Station, while making hot drinks for grateful travellers?
Cafe de la Gare is looking for an enthusiastic and capable person to start immediately, opening up and working at the station kiosk on weekday mornings. Full training can be provided.
Contact Hugo Pickering on 07836 689881 or hugo@charlburystation.cafe for full details.
We are an accredited Living Wage Employer.
Hugo Pickering ·
Tue 25 Jan 2022, 10:25 · Link
Covid Vaccine clinic, Exemption Certificates and Covid Pass Fraud
A Walk in Vaccine clinic is available this week Kidlington at Exeter Hall, on the Oxford Road near the shops at OX5 1AB
It will be open: Today (Monday 24th: 1 pm to 8 pm)
Tuesday 25th: 9 am to 5 pm. Sunday 30th: 10 am to 2 pm
Covid exemption certificates – please do not ring the Practice .... see below
There will be some circumstances when you will need to be able to demonstrate that you have had the Covid vaccine – or to demonstrate that you are medically exempt from having the vaccine. Please do not telephone the Practice as they cannot help you with this.
If you need an Exemption Certificate then the easiest way to get it will be to ring 119; they will work through an assessment with you and then send a form through to the Practice.
Your GP will then need to complete the form to verify that you have a medical reason for not being vaccinated. The certificate may be issued for conditions such as a potential anaphylactic reaction.
If you prefer to apply on line and get further information, then please go to
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/covid-19-medical-exemptions-proving-you-are-unable-to-get-vaccinated
Covid Pass Fraud
A recent notice from the NHS asks us to Beware of Covid Pass Fraud.
Apparently, criminals are using the NHS Covid Pass as a way to target the public by convincing them to hand over money, financial details and personal information. They are sending imitation text text messages, emails and making phone calls pretending to be from the NHS and offering fake vaccine certificates for sale online and through social media.
Remember:
The NHS App is Free
The NHS Covid Pass is Free
The NHS will Never ask for payment or for any financial details
So please don’t respond to requests for money or important personal information such as bank details or passwords. Be alert to links and attachments in unexpected text messages or emails.
More information is available at www.nhs.uk/nhscovidpass
Nikki Rycroft ·
Mon 24 Jan 2022, 17:35 · 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.
- 3 Church Close Charlbury
Single storey side extension
WODC reference: 22/00071/HHD - Thu 13 Jan 2022 - Under consideration
- Lamorna Stonesfield Lane Charlbury
Conversion of the existing detached workshop to create a studio, along with an extension to create a home office, green house with potting shed. Erection of a new workshop and plant room for a newly installed Ground Source Heat Pump (non-material amendment to 21/00162/HHD to allow the use of Cotswold stone in place of render for the West elevation of the green house and changes to the bike shed fenestration).
WODC reference: 22/00099/NMA - Thu 20 Jan 2022 - Under consideration
- Ivy House Church Lane Charlbury
Proposed pitched roof to outbuilding forming garage, garden store and amenity space
WODC reference: 22/00044/LBC - Thu 20 Jan 2022 - Under consideration
- Ivy House Church Lane Charlbury
Proposed pitched roof to outbuilding forming garage, garden store and amenity space
WODC reference: 22/00043/HHD - Thu 20 Jan 2022 - Under consideration
Mon 24 Jan 2022, 06:15 · Link
Extended Gym Opening Hours
The gym at Charlbury Community Centre is extending its opening hours to include more early mornings (from 8am) and some early evenings. The new opening hours can be found here. They are subject to change. We are sticking to a booking system for the gym as most customers seem to prefer to know that it will not be too busy at any time. Please be aware though, that, in order to accommodate the numbers of people wishing to use the gym, we are allowing four people (or households) to book any of the sessions before 11am. If you prefer a quieter time, only two bookings are taken after 11am each day. We are delighted that the gym is so popular and hope that the increased hours will mean everybody is happy. Please be respectful of other users and be aware that you have to share equipment.
You can now book online here if you prefer, so you don't have to ring to make your appointment.
If you would like a personal training appointment, please speak to Jason: jason@charlburycommunitycentre.org.uk.
Charlbury Community Centre ·
Sun 23 Jan 2022, 15:50 · Link
Books at the Cornerstone
Thank you to everyone who has donated children and young people’s books, it is really appreciated!
We just need everyone to come down and have a look - we are bursting at the seams now! Children’s books, games and puzzles are all 50p each - come and get them!
The Cornerstone is open Mon to Sat 10-1pm.
cornerstone@charlburychurch.uk
Helene Provstgaard ·
Sat 22 Jan 2022, 11:59 · Link
No united service this weekend
This is just a reminder that there is no United Service on Sunday , 23rd January 2022 . St Teresa's is sorry it wasn't possible this year and looks forward to hosting another united service , hopefully, in the not too distant future.
Louise Littledale
louise littledale ·
Wed 19 Jan 2022, 11:35 · Link
Quarter Peal
The church bells will ring out on Wednesday 26th January at 4:30 pm when friends of Ralph Collinson will attempt a quarter peal in his memory. A quarter peal is a test of skill, stamina and concentration and should last about 45 minutes. We wish them the best of luck.
Mike Summers ·
Wed 19 Jan 2022, 11:05 · Link
Save the date - Charlbury CC Fireworks
After a long wait due to covid disruptions, we are really excited to announce that we will be having the annual firework night this year on the 5th November!! Save the date and share the news with friends and family - looking forward to getting back to a bit more of normality this year!!
A Westbury ·
Tue 18 Jan 2022, 21:07 · Link
Cafe de la Gare is Open!
From tomorrow, Tuesday 18th January, the kiosk at Charlbury Station will be open, serving coffees, teas and snacks from 6am to midday Monday to Friday. Jemima will be there serving up a delicious brew, with coffee from New Ground Coffee in Oxford to see you on your way, whether on the train or just stopping by for a drink.
We look forward to welcoming you soon.
Hugo Pickering ·
Mon 17 Jan 2022, 21:27 · Link
Cornerstone - puzzles and games
Our lovely Duke of Edinburgh volunteer has sorted through the puzzles and games today and the shelves are bursting! There are puzzles and games for children and adults alike. Why not come down to the Cornerstone and pick up a game or two ?! 50p only.
The Cornerstone is open Mon-Sat 10-1.
Cornerstone@charlburychurch.uk
Cornerstone ·
Mon 17 Jan 2022, 11:52 · Link
Charlbury newspaper deliveries
If you or anyone you know is looking for up to a couple of hours work in the mornings, we are currently looking for additional newspaper deliverers in Charlbury. We drop off papers at around 7am in our electric car and our deliverers either walk, cycle or drive to reach all our customers in Charlbury and the surrounding villages.
Please do contact Tracy on 01608 676461 or email us at email@cafedelapost.com for more details. We are an accredited Living Wage Employer.
Additionally, if you would like to receive a paper delivery in the mornings, please contact us. We are always happy to add new customers.
Hugo Pickering ·
Mon 17 Jan 2022, 10:56 · Link
The History of Charlbury through ..... a year of wild flowers
If you open a copy of January’s Cotswold Life magazine, you will find a colourful 5-page spread of photographs taken by Walcot resident, Rob Stepney. Like many of us during the pandemic, Rob spent many hours walking the local footpaths. One of his favourite and most regular walks is along the bridleway between Walcot and Shorthampton. Rob found a wide variety of wildflowers growing along the bridleway despite it being just a narrow strip of limestone grassland with intensively cultivated fields on either side. Over the course of twelve months he made a photographic record of the flowers which came and went through the changing seasons. Some, such as the pyramidal orchid, made a fleeting appearance in June while others like the meadow cranesbill flowered for many months.
The year started with the early appearance of winter aconites, followed in March by white violets and celandine. Summer brought meadow cranesbill, bedstraw, woundwort and agrimony among many others. Rob was also struck by the variety of insect life feeding and finding a home along this narrow strip.
The museum is delighted that Rob has given us copies of his photographs to add to our archive. They will join earlier records of the flora of the area, including Anita Jo Dunn’s detailed work on the plants to be found at Ditchley. We have a survey done in the 1980s which recorded over 300 different plants growing wild within a mile and a half radius of St Mary’s church. And on our bookshelves you will find the work Alan Spicer undertook on local hedges, along with the invaluable walking guides which he co-authored, illustrated by Louise’s delightful drawings, and which include so much information about the wildflowers to be seen in the area.
We are fortunate to be adding Rob’s records to these, giving a snapshot of the species which are to be seen locally now. It will help draw up a picture of what is happening in the countryside around us and how modern use of the land is affecting nature, as well as making us all more aware of the plant life to be found on our doorstep. Rob writes: “Now that farmers are being encouraged to reinstate headlands and hedgerows, this narrow stretch of uncultivated land is a powerful example of the flora we could see more of – and the insect life that comes with it.”
Rob’s photographs can be seen in sequence by following this link: www.youtube.com/watch?v=HZ0Jyn95lRo
Rob’s photographs are printed in the January 2022 issue of Cotswold Life magazine.
Judy Dod ·
Mon 17 Jan 2022, 10:14 · 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.
- Post Office 8 Market Street Charlbury
Alterations to existing ground floor commercial unit to include replacement shop front and windows, and installation of new rear kitchen extraction system together with the sub-division of existing first floor flat above to create two smaller flats.
WODC reference: 21/04117/FUL - Fri 24 Dec 2021 - Under consideration
Thu 13 Jan 2022, 09:18 · Link
Electric Car Club Survey
Charlbury Town Council is exploring the possibility of setting up a car
club, allowing people from in and around Charlbury to rent electric vehicles on-demand.
The idea is to have cars parked at locations around the town which members can rent by the minute, hour or day – and at short notice. Joining a car club could mean not needing to have your own car (or perhaps, not having a second car). With a subscription to a car club you can enjoy the convenience of access to a car when you need it without the hassle of ownership and at a much lower cost.
Did you know?• On average. it costs over £3,000 a year to run a petrol or diesel car – once you include insurance, tax, maintenance and fuel.
• A typical car loses over half of its value every 5 years!
• For many people, paying only when they actually use a car would save a lot of money – as well as being greener.
• Example cost if using electric car 4 hours a week plus 1 day per month = £1,606 per year.
Lots of towns and cities around the country have car clubs where residents can book from a range of modern cars, as and when they need them. Could this work in Charlbury too?
We would like to find out if there’s enough interest amongst residents for a car club to be viable, and if so, what type of electric vehicle they might use, and when.
Please help us by completing our survey at tinyurl.com/CbyCarClubSurvey by 1 March 2022.
For residents who are not online, paper surveys will be delivered to all households in the town later this month.
Thank you.
James Styring ·
Mon 10 Jan 2022, 15:09 · 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 Jan 2022, 06:15 · Link
CRAG’s call for winter coats, urgently needed in the Calais area
In the second half of 2021, the extremely generous response to the needs of refugees that followed the tragic events in Afghanistan led to our usual distributors of donated materials being swamped and unable to accept any more.
But we have now heard from Care4Calais that there is an urgent need for men’s coats. CRAG would be *immensely* grateful for donations of medium-sized and small, men’s warm coats and jackets in good condition. They will be sent to refugees gathered in northern France in the Calais area.
Please note that Care4Calais is not at present able to accept donations of any other kinds of clothing, toys etc.
If you can help, please bring your donations of coats to Alice at White Hart, Market St., Charlbury OX7 3PH, phone 01608 238274, by Saturday 22 January.
Thank you!
If you would like to help refugees in other ways please see details of the CRAG 2022 Challenge on our webpage.
Vicky Buser ·
Sun 9 Jan 2022, 18:32 · Link
Train cancellations next week
Due to staff shortages, several services on the Cotswold Line will be cancelled between Monday 10 and Friday 14 January:
- 06.26 to Paddington will run on Monday but no other day
- 23.47 to Paddington will not run
- 22.50 from Paddington (23.59 from Oxford) will not run
Richard Fairhurst ·
Fri 7 Jan 2022, 14:04 · Link
Have your say on the future of transport in Oxfordshire
People who live, work in, or visit Oxfordshire are urged to have their say on a plan to deliver a zero carbon transport network by 2040.
Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet approved the draft Local Transport and Connectivity Plan (LTCP) last October, which – among its many ambitions – aims to cut car journeys by a quarter by 2030 and reduce them by a third by 2040. It also plans to increase the number of cycling trips from 600,000 to one million by 2031.
Now residents can have their say on the plan until 16 March. People can take part and make their voices heard at letstalk.oxfordshire.gov.uk/ltcp. Final adoption of the plan is currently scheduled for summer 2022.
The LTCP is a wide-ranging document with more than 90 policies, which aim to provide the backbone for the council’s commitment to invest in an inclusive, integrated and sustainable transport network for the county. It looks at ways of reducing the need to travel and discouraging unnecessary individual private vehicle use through making walking, cycling, public and shared transport the natural first choice. Key policy areas include:
• walking and cycling
• road safety
• digital connectivity
• public transport
• environment, carbon and air quality
• network, parking and congestion management
• freight and logistics.
The county council will be hosting a series of online webinars to introduce the LTCP in more detail and answer questions. Detail about how to sign up for these will be provided on the council’s website and social media in the coming weeks. Webinars will be hosted on the dates below for the following audiences:
• Town and parish councils: 24 January and 1 February (7pm - 8pm)
• Businesses: 26 January (8am - 9am)
• Transport stakeholders: 20 January (2pm - 3pm)
• General public: 19 January and 7 February (7pm - 8pm)
Residents can also email LTCP5@oxfordshire.gov.uk if they have any further questions or issues.
Liz Leffman ·
Thu 6 Jan 2022, 14:29 · 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.
- 39 The Green Charlbury
Convert an existing garage and conservatory to a pitched roofed rear extension
WODC reference: 21/04062/HHD - Tue 21 Dec 2021 - Under consideration
Mon 3 Jan 2022, 06:15 · Link
The History of Charlbury through ... a fatal air crash
Judy Dod for Charlbury Museum
Oxfordshire was an ideal place to build WW2 airfields, far enough inland to get warning of German raids, yet close enough to protect London and launch attacks on the continent. New airfields were built in the county in the run-up to and during the war. The skies around Charlbury were busy with air traffic passing over and near the town, both Allied and German planes. Peggy Bendle, who lived on the outskirts of town, recalled seeing bombers flying towards Coventry in November 1940: “Against the moonlit night sky, these aircraft were an awesome sight flying at low altitude, their ominous grey shapes almost wing to wing leaving shadows on the ground and parallel trailing lines of vapour…”.
One day in 1942 the war came very close to home when an Allied aircraft crashed in Fishers Lane near the bottom of Sheep Street, narrowly missing people and housing. The aircraft was a glider, of a class called Hotspur II, first designed and built in November 1940. Today we think of gliders as pleasure aircraft but in the war they were used for transporting troops and even jeeps and heavy machinery. The Hotspur was small, able to transport up to eight troops. The model fell out of favour as bigger gliders were built to transport larger groups of men and the Hotspur was relegated to training new glider pilots.
Edwin Glasgow, a well-known artist some of whose works we have in the museum, lived at the bottom of Sheep Street during the war. His grandson Martin Eagle has researched the history of the event. Martin wrote to us: “This aircraft was most probably on a training flight from the No.1 Glider Training School at RAF Croughton when it 'crashed in forced landing' into the next door garden to my grandfather's house, Deanehurst, (now known as Melody Cottage) at the lower end of Sheep Street. The date was August 17th 1942 which ties in with the fact that it narrowly missed my brother Roger in his pram in the back garden; he being born on St Swithun's Day, 33 days before.” Tragically the air crew did not survive the crash.
After the war some of Oxfordshire’s airfields became derelict (often still recognisable in the countryside by their crumbling runways), others were used for civilian traffic (Enstone) and some continued as military airfields, the most notable one locally being Brize Norton.
Charlbury Society talk: Thursday 6th January 8pm by Zoom
Trevor Jackson will speak on RAF Brize Norton: over 80 years of Flying Operations.
For full details see Events page.
Judy Dod ·
Sun 2 Jan 2022, 20:50 · Link
