News
Christmas at Chloe's!
Hello!
Here's a quick taster of what we've got coming up over the few weeks before Christmas, this time next week we'll be embarking on our Festive Wine tasting, a lovely jolly gathering with lots of recommendations plenty to try.
As ever we'll be open on Thursday and Friday nights (until 13th December) offering our delicious seasonal four course set menu, so please do join us if you can.
Also, a quick reminder that for the Chloe's lover in your life we do sell vouchers, which make great Christmas presents!
Wishing you all a great festive season. Chloe and the gang. xx
Chloe Horner ·
Fri 29 Nov, 16:32 · Link
Christmas Shoebox Appeal Update
Many thanks to all who took part in this year's Christmas Shoebox Appeal.
Sixty boxes were collected in all, which will be distributed to needy children and families across Eastern Europe. Special thanks to all the creative people who used their sewing and knitting skills to make additional gifts of blankets, teddies, scarves and mittens to accompany the boxes.
Joan Belshaw
Christine Pearce ·
Tue 26 Nov, 12:26 · Link
Emergency Temporary Road Closure, Charlbury, Woodstock Road
Immediate Road Closure Alert.
Woodstock Road - Road closure required to repair a leaking water mains pipe clamp by Thames Water expected to finish on 28 November 2024.
Lisa Wilkinson ·
Tue 26 Nov, 10:47 · Link
Keen to help Charlbury move towards net zero? We have a role for you!
Thomas Gifford Trust, which owns and manages Charlbury Community Centre, is looking for a new trustee to help us achieve our aim of net zero energy usage.
All trustees meet every 2 months (on a Wednesday at 8pm) and are responsible for both the forward-looking strategic decisions about the running of the Community Centre, and also the ongoing management of the trust.
At this time, we are looking for someone who will focus on environmental issues relating to the community centre, specifically our ambition to reach net zero. We would like to better utilize our existing solar panels and install more, and we would like to explore options for replacing our current gas boiler. Can you help?
If you want to learn more about what may be involved, please speak to Chris Potts, Chair of TG Trust (07765 242315) or Daniela Jenkins, Executive Manager (07979 706090), or just call in and speak with us.
We look forward to meeting all interested community members!
Catherine Ball ·
Sun 24 Nov, 10:59 · Link
Corner House & Memorial Hall Annual Meeting
This event, open to all (they're your buildings!) will take place in the Memorial Hall at 7.30 pm on Wednesday 4 December.
Since last year's meeting there have been significant developments in our plans for how the Corner House in particular might best serve the needs of our town. Come and hear more, and bring your comments & questions about both these significant buildings at the heart of our town.
John Partington ·
Thu 21 Nov, 19:07 · Link
Christmas Trees lighting up Charlbury - an update re change of delivery date
Thank you to all residents participating in the scheme to decorate Charlbury for Christmas.
The trees have been collected - Tuesday in the snow!! They are currently waiting for their trunks to be trimmed to fit the brackets.
But the forecast for Saturday 23rd November, the planned delivery date, is for gusty winds and heavy rain. So, having consulted our great team of volunteers who help with delivery we have decided to postpone delivery until Saturday November 30th.
Please be patient - we will deliver - and Charlbury will be lit up for Christmas for all to enjoy.
Janet Burroughs ·
Thu 21 Nov, 17:47 · Link
Christmas Trees lighting up Charlbury - an update re change of delivery date
Thank you to all residents participating in the scheme to decorate Charlbury for Christmas.
The trees have been collected - Tuesday in the snow!! They are currently waiting for their trunks to be trimmed to fit the brackets.
But the forecast for Saturday 23rd November, the planned delivery date, is for gusty winds and heavy rain. So, having consulted our great team of volunteers who help with delivery we have decided to postpone delivery until Saturday November 30th.
Please be patient - we will deliver - and Charlbury will be lit up for Christmas for all to enjoy.
Janet Burroughs ·
Thu 21 Nov, 15:31 · Link
Street Fair Committee Donation
The Street Fair Committee has raised an amazing £7,000 from its various events during this year including Open Gardens and the Street Fair itself. This is donated to the Corner House to help with renovations including insulation and secondary glazing. Street Fair treasurer, Steve Jones, is seen handing over the cheque to a very happy Corner House chairman, Roy Scott. Many, many thanks to all that made this possible.
Patrick Gallagher ·
Wed 20 Nov, 11:33 · Link
Last couple of days of the residents' parking consultation
The closing date for the residents' parking consultation is this Friday (22nd November). Please go to the link below and add your comments. This is the only way they will be considered.
https://letstalk.oxfordshire.gov.uk/charlbury_parking2024
The proposals comprise of the following aspects:
Limited time parking bay – on the western side of Browns Lane, outside the ‘Co-Op’,
Shared-use parking bays (permit holders, & also non-permit holders for various time lengths) – on both sides of Church Street, on Market Street & Sheep Street, and on the east side of Grammar School Hill/Park Street,
Residents permit holders parking bays – on Pound Hill/Thames Street, Dyers Hill, Park Street, Sheep Street, Browns Lane, and The Playing Close,
Residents permit holders parking area – within the entire length of Church Lane (removing the existing DPPP in the process), and
No Waiting at any Time (double yellow lines) parking restrictions – on parts of Pound Hill, Nine Acres Lane, Market Street, Browns Lane, Sheep Street, Park Street, Grammar School Hill/Park Street, and Dyers Hill.
Thanks
Lisa Wilkinson ·
Wed 20 Nov, 11:09 · Link
It's Panto Time...
Oh no it isn't....
Oh yes it is.
So get your tickets for Rapunzel now, whilst they are still available.
It's absolutely Hair-Larious.
Thursday 28th November @ 7.30pm
Friday 29th November @ 7.30pm
Saturday 30th November matinee @2.30pm
Saturday 30th November @7.30pm
At the War Memorial hall Charlbury,OX7 3QW
Tickets available from No.5 Market street (aka Cotswold Frames) cash only
Adults : £10.00
Children :£8.00
Hope to see you all there....
Tim Widdows ·
Fri 15 Nov, 13:20 · Link
Christmas Cards
Hi Everyone I have created some Charlbury Christmas cards this year they are available from Cotswold Frames and Charlbury Deli.
Christopher Geary ·
Fri 15 Nov, 09:09 · Link
Calling all teenagers
We are excited to announce the launch of the all-new CHARLBURY YOUTH CLUB!
For the past couple of years, there’s been a drop-in youth session running on Friday evenings at the Community Centre – the new Charlbury Youth Club continues to offer this, and so much more!
Charlbury Youth Club (CYC) is led by Bryanna Bone, our Youth Ambassador. Many of you will know Bryanna from the years she’s spent running similar child and youth activities in the town. It’s vital in a town the size of Charlbury that we have a vibrant, popular and successful youth club offering a range of activities that enrich the lives of our young people. CYC enables youth in Charlbury and surrounding areas to pursue interests and look at careers they may otherwise never see, giving people of all backgrounds the chances in life they all desperately need. CYC offers connection and mentorship, providing younger generations who are struggling, the support they need with social media, climate anxiety and lack of economic opportunity.
Following our first community-wide event led by Bryanna and 14 of our youth at the Halloween Haunt, we are proud to announce our first tranche of regular events:
Youth Badminton Club
Tuesdays 5–6 pm at Charlbury Community Centre
Challenge your mates to a badminton match! Hone your skills with training from seasoned players. No experience or equipment needed – just turn up and play!
We’re looking for two additional adult volunteers to help support this club one Tuesday a month. If you’re interested, please email Bryanna.
Pizza & Paradoxes
Tuesdays 7.30-8.30 pm – see https://www.charlbury.info/events for venue details
This new Youth Philosophy Club features free pizza and engaging discussions on critical thinking and philosophy. This is a fun opportunity for deep conversation in a relaxed setting.
Youth Art Club
Wednesdays 7–8.30 pm in the Art Room (at the back of the Corner House)
The YAC is already off to a fantastic start, and there’s still room for more young artists to join! With help from talented Charlbury Art Society volunteers, budding artists can work on their personal or GCSE art projects, be mentored by professional artists – and go on trips to art museums and galleries. No equipment needed – just bring your enthusiasm!
Charlbury Youth Club Drop-in Session
Fridays 7–9pm (school term times) at Charlbury Community Centre
For anyone and everyone in Year 7–12, come to the Friday Night Drop-In at the Community Centre! Chat with mates in the café – play table tennis, shoot hoops or practise your penalty shots – play games – take advantage of mentoring.
For all sessions, drop in on the day or email youthclub@charlburycommunitycentre.org.uk.
Keep up-to-date
Regular sessions and one-off events – see: https://www.charlbury.info/events
Web: www.charlburycommunitycentre.org.uk/charlbury-youth-club-cyc/
Insta: www.instagram.com/charlburyyouth/
Facebook: ‘Charlbury Youth Club’
Parent and guardian sign-up: https://tinyurl.com/CbyYthClubReg
Help us thrive
“Everything’s so expensive these days” – something we all say all the time – and that includes running a youth club! Could you help by contributing towards our costs? Our two main expenses are:
• administrative (scheduling, programme planning, event planning, marketing, safeguarding, networking, fundraising, etc.); and
• costs associated with running specific Youth Club programmes (venue hire, equipment and materials costs, costs of youth workers and volunteers).
A group of community volunteers under the aegis of the Thomas Gifford Trust (TGT) employ our Youth Ambassador on a part-time basis. To put on our current programme, we need £15,645 in the first year. Through donations from TGT, the Glasgow Foundation, Cottsway Homes and Cllr Liz Leffman’s discretionary grant, we’ve raised a fantastic £11,520. We need a further £4,125 to be able to complete our offer. Please visit our crowdfunding page https://www.spacehive.com/charlbury-youth-ambassador and join the generous souls who’ve already helped us towards our goal. (Note that for technical reasons – we are unable to edit parts of the Spacehive page! – we have so far been unable to reflect the fact that we are much closer to our goal than the Spacehive page suggests.)
All being well, we plan to bring even more clubs to the town soon, for example: a club specifically for girls, a club for boys’ issues, an LGBTQI+ club, a climate action group, a junior leadership programme, a cooking club – even a drone football club.
Looking forward to meeting you soon!
Bryanna Bone – Youth Ambassador – Charlbury Youth Club
youthclub@charlburycommunitycentre.org.uk
www.charlburycommunitycentre.org.uk/charlbury-youth-club-cyc/
James Styring ·
Thu 14 Nov, 11:20 · Link
London Paddington Station Closed Sunday 17 November
A quick reminder that, due to work on the Old Oak Common HS2 station, London Paddington is closed to all rail services; GWR, Elizabeth Line and Heathrow Express on Sunday 17 November. A reduced rail service will be in operation, with a limited hourly service into London Euston for some long distance customers but will not be available to passengers on the North Cotswold Line.
Customers will be able to use Elizabeth line services from Reading to Ealing Broadway to connect with the Central line.
There is also a reduced service between Reading and London Paddington on Saturday 16 November as only two out of four tracks between these stations will be available for use.
Due to crew availability on Sundays, GWR are also alerting customers to the potential for further timetable changes. They are doing their best to cover all the planned services, but are reliant on voluntary overtime.
GWR is therefore allowing customers to use tickets for Sunday 17 November on Saturday 16 or Monday 18 November if they prefer.
The revised timetable is in journey planners. GWR will also update the timetable with any further changes or cancellations early on Sunday 17, so that customers can check their journey before heading out to the station.
Further information and help available at: www.gwr.com/upgrade
Brian Murray/CLPG
Brian Murray ·
Wed 13 Nov, 17:14 · Link
Results of Town Council work on parking
The Town Council has been working hard to identify and solve parking issues in the town
Here is a summary of what we have learnt*
- station users don’t park at the Spendlove car park (it was a surprise to us too!)
- over 70% of car park users are there for less than half an hour (mostly just popping into the Co-op)
- there is high turnover in the car park: it is often full but spaces usually come up every few minutes
- the disabled and parent & child spaces are under used (legally) and we have asked the District Council if the row of spaces could be better designed
- almost 50% of car park users drive less than 2 miles.
*based on a six day survey of the Spendlove car park.
What the Town Council is trying to do:
- work with Oxfordshire County Council to consult on a possible residents’ parking scheme
- having spoken to some businesses in the town centre, identify potential alternative parking for staff
- work with the District Council to get better use out of the Spendlove car park
If you haven't sent in your comments on the residents' parking proposal then please remember the consultation closes on Friday 22nd November. Here is the link for the consultation: https://letstalk.oxfordshire.gov.uk/charlbury_parking2024
Specifically the proposals comprise of the following aspects:
- Limited time parking bay – on the western side of Browns Lane, outside the ‘Co-Op’,
- Shared-use parking bays (permit holders, & also non-permit holders for various time lengths) – on both sides of Church Street, on Market Street & Sheep Street, and on the east side of Grammar School Hill/Park Street,
- Residents permit holders parking bays – on Pound Hill/Thames Street, Dyers Hill, Park Street, Sheep Street, Browns Lane, and The Playing Close,
- Residents permit holders parking area – within the entire length of Church Lane (removing the existing DPPP in the process), and
- No Waiting at any Time (double yellow lines) parking restrictions – on parts of Pound Hill, Nine Acres Lane, Market Street, Browns Lane, Sheep Street, Park Street, Grammar School Hill/Park Street, and Dyers Hill.
There is a large map of the consultation on display at the side of the Co-op.
Lisa Wilkinson ·
Wed 13 Nov, 16:35 · Link
We Need a Little Christmas ... Quiz
Please join us for a Quiz with a Dash(er) of Christmas cheer on Saturday, 14th December at St. Mary’s Church as part of the Christmas Tree Festival.
Teams will be made up of six people each, and tickets will be £12 per person. Doors will open at 6pm, and the Quiz will start at 630pm and finish by 8pm. We will be serving festive snacks, and there will be a bar, raffle, and a silent auction (so bring cash or card). It will be a great way to kick-off your evening.
To reserve your spot, please use the link below which includes payment details. All proceeds will benefit St. Mary’s and its local initiatives.
https://forms.office.com/Pages/DesignPageV2.aspx?prevorigin=shell&origin=NeoPortalPage&subpage=design&id=uABrxVZTeEWkV-OXPrtN4bWIwPN1b-5KnPDKLpfWg6xUMTVBWlVIVkw1RjlBNkxFSFJZUUVJSFpXQS4u
Please feel free to contact me with any questions. dglasgow@theridgegroup.com
dine glasgow ·
Tue 12 Nov, 17:07 · Link
Leaf clearance continues!
There is another leaf clearing session this Saturday - 16th November. Meet on Hixet Wood at 10am and bring gloves and rakes.
Thanks to everyone who has come out to help over the last three sessions. It makes a huge difference to have lots of helping hands!
Lisa Wilkinson ·
Tue 12 Nov, 11:44 · Link
Charlbury Christmas Tree Festival - SPONSOR A TREE
We are very much looking forward to holding our 6th Christmas tree festival this year and hope you will participate by decorating a tree. The festival will run from 13th December - 2nd January 2025.
Keep an eye out on the events page for some very exciting festive events, including our Opening Party, where we will turn on the lights, a Festive Quiz and much more!
Families, businesses, streets, or anyone else who might be keen is very welcome to sponsor a tree! If you don’t have time to decorate it, our fantastic Community Centre Youth Club can decorate it for you for an additional £10!
If you or your organisation want to participate in the festival this year, support us, or have any queries, please register through the link (https://forms.gle/QJDwZR3XYeQAGtZa8), the QR Code on the poster, or contact Anna.
The money raised will be donated to the St Mary’s appeal and will contribute to the parish's outreach work. We would love to hear from you if you would like to be involved.
This year, we will collaborate with Cornerstone to support local families struggling to afford Christmas gifts for their children with the Giving Tree. Please consider stopping by the Community Centre, Cornerstone, or St Marys to help support a local kid in need!
Anna - charlburyctf@gmail.com
St Mary’s Church Office - parishoffice@charlburychurch.uk
Anna Boardwell ·
Mon 11 Nov, 16:31 · Link
Christmas trees lighting up Charlbury - a reminder
Thank you to all who have ordered the trees that will decorate the town centre this Christmas and bring some much needed Christmas spirit to Charlbury. If there is anyone who still wants a tree but has yet to order, Tim at No 5 Market Street (formerly Cotswold Frames) has agreed to accept late orders and payment up to midday on Wednesday 13th November. Many thanks.
Janet Burroughs ·
Mon 11 Nov, 14:54 · 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 11 Nov, 06:15 · Link
THIS SUNDAY: Prominent British Cellist, CAROLINE DALE to play Charlbury
Caroline is the lead-cellist of the English Chamber Orchestra; she has enjoyed a long and glittering career, collaborating with artistes such as Joan Armatrading, Peter Gabriel, David Gilmour, David Gray, Oasis, Simply Red, Sinéad O'Connor and U2. She will be accompanied by pianist Paul Turner in a programme including Bruch’s “Kol Nidrei”, Rachmaninov’s “Vocalise” and works by Bach and Chopin. SUNDAY 1500 hrs (and our usual complimentary Tea and homemade cake is included in the entrance-price.) All proceeds to CRAG.
Nick Parker ·
Sun 10 Nov, 17:31 · Link
Charity Christmas Card Sale
This Saturday offers you the opportunity to stock up on Christmas cards while at the same time supporting a worthy cause. The annual Charity Christmas Card sale will take place in the Memorial Hall between 10 and 12 on Saturday morning. Many different charities will be there, from national ones such as Oxfam, Amnesty and Save the Children, to local ones such as the Lawrence Home Nursing Trust, St Kenelm's Enstone and the Charlbury Exhibition Foundation.
There will be cakes on sale, a raffle and refreshments. All profits from these stalls are divided among the charities who attend.
Please do come along and support this event.
Judy Dod ·
Fri 8 Nov, 08:20 · Link
Parking scheme consultation
There is now an enlarged overview of the proposed scheme on display in the noticeboard outside the Co-op.
Lisa Wilkinson ·
Thu 7 Nov, 12:36 · Link
Collecting leaves again!
There will be another leaf collecting session this Saturday at 9.30. This week the session will focus on Enstone Rd, The Slade and Dancers Hill. If you can help bring gloves and a rake and meet at Enstone crossroads. Thank you
Lisa Wilkinson ·
Wed 6 Nov, 17:15 · Link
Extra dates for Charlbury comedy.
Due to a perplexing local appetite for more I'm delighted to announce an extended tour with an extra three shows in December for What's So Funny About Charlbury? Please see What's On listings for all dates and venues, further info and ticket links. Booking essential!
Adrian Lancini ·
Wed 6 Nov, 12:53 · Link
Christmas Trees lighting up Charlbury
For more than 20 years the town centre has been decorated at Christmas when more than 100 households and businesses place a Christmas tree with lights in a bracket on the front of their property. The effect is quite magical.
This community initiative was started by the Chamber of Commerce. It has continued to operate thanks to the support of a stalwart group of volunteers and is be enjoyed by all.
Order forms have been delivered to properties with brackets and orders have already been received for which we are grateful. A gentle reminder -if you have not yet placed an order, the order book remains open until Sunday 10th November so please do get your form to Tim at No 5 Market Street. If you have mislaid your form, Tim can supply one.
Let’s light up Charlbury again this Christmas.
Janet Burroughs ·
Tue 5 Nov, 12:19 · Link
Speed data for August, September and October is in!
Here is the latest data from the speed indicator device currently situated on Woodstock Road. Please see attached a graph showing the speeds vehicles are travelling at different times of the day and also the number of vehicles travelling at the different speeds. This data was collected between August and October this year.
For a clearer view of this data please go to https://charlbury-tc.gov.uk/community-speedwatch/
The Town Council is currently purchasing an additional speed indicator device and you should soon see it in different locations around town, thanks to our Community Speedwatch team.
Lisa Wilkinson ·
Mon 4 Nov, 16:42 · 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.
- Minster Cottage Church Street Charlbury
Discharge of conditions 7 (original stairwell) and 8 (details of staircase) of Listed Building Consent 24/00347/LBC
WODC reference: 24/02761/CND - Mon 28 Oct 2024 - Under consideration
- 11 Sheep Street Charlbury
Internal and external works to refurbish existing commercial ground floor unit, including replacement shop front, replacement rear extension roof and internal modifications.
WODC reference: 24/02666/LBC - Thu 17 Oct 2024 - Under consideration
- 11 Sheep Street Charlbury
Full refurbishment of existing commercial ground floor unit, including replacement shop front and rear extension roof.
WODC reference: 24/02665/FUL - Mon 28 Oct 2024 - Under consideration
Mon 4 Nov, 06:15 · Link
CHRISTMAS CARDS IN AID OF UKRAINE
Slatyne is a small town not dissimilar to Charlbury in Eastern Ukraine, close to Kharkiv and the Russian border. Over the last few months St Mary’s in Charlbury has been developing links with the Our Lady of Kazan Church in Slatyne. Due to recent extensive bombing there is a desperate shortage of transport in the region. We are hoping to raise enough to buy a van to distribute aid throughout the town.
Christmas cards are available depicting a watercolour of Our Lady of Kazan Church in Slatyne. The card is left blank inside for personal messages. Pack of 8 for £10 or contact: maureensparling@gmail.com.
Maureen Sparling ·
Sun 3 Nov, 17:49 · Link
