News

Charlbury Primary School upgraded to 'Good' by Ofsted

We are delighted to be able to report that Charlbury Primary School has been rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted.

The national education standards body upgraded the school from ‘Inadequate’ following a visit by inspectors before Easter.

The school was found to be a “caring and vibrant” place where “pupils achieve well”.

Ofsted inspectors praised the school’s “highly astute” leadership and its aspirational culture.

They added: “Pupils feel valued. They are taught to appreciate each other’s unique qualities and treat everyone with kindness and compassion.

“Leaders are highly ambitious for pupils, leading by example on the school motto ‘to be the best we can be and do the best we can do’.

“This positive outlook influences every aspect of school life. The school is determined to give pupils the very best start to their education.

“Pupils concentrate well in lessons and behave calmly and politely around school and at social times.”

The school had been rated Inadequate in March 2019 and joined multi-academy trust River Learning Trust (RLT) later that year.

April’s inspection was the school’s first since becoming part of RLT.

Headteacher Charlie Barwell said she was delighted that Ofsted had recognised the commitment of staff to making the school a place where children flourish.

Ms Barwell said: “You cannot make the significant improvements that have been made at Charlbury without a team that fully buys into what needs to be done and what you are trying to achieve.

“The staff have worked really hard and I am so pleased for them. This has been a good school for some time and I am thrilled for the staff to have this formally recognised by Ofsted.”

Chair of governors Kim Harrison praised Ms Barwell’s work as headteacher.

Mrs Harrison said: “Charlie has communicated the highly aspirational vision brilliantly to the staff. They are on board with this and they are proud to be part of the school’s transformation.

“Inspectors were clear that changes needed to be made at the school. We are pleased that they were able to see not only that these changes have been made, but that they have been made in a considered way that has created an environment in which staff feel fully supported.”

RLT chief executive Paul James said: “Every community deserves a great school at its heart and we are thrilled to be able to deliver one for Charlbury and its surrounding villages.”

Richard Tilley · Mon 27 May, 11:33 · Link

Thank you Charlbury Workshop

Faced with a very dilapidated garden bench, I was on the verge of taking it to the tip.  Luckily I called into the Charlbury Workshop instead and we decided that it could be brought back to life with new timber.  A few hours work later, with their advice and practical help, the bench is now as good as new.  Much better in fact as I originally purchased it for £4 twenty years ago from Dean Pit in the days when you could buy items there! 

So a big thank-you to Dave, Terry and Mike who were so helpful and supportive. The workshop is such a good initiative and a great asset to Charlbury so huge thanks to everyone involved in getting it off the ground.  Am now hunting round for my next project......  

Judy Dod · Thu 23 May, 15:08 · Link

10% Off Charlbury Beer Festival Tickets

Charlbury Beer & Music Festival takes place at Charlbury Cricket Club on Saturday 29th June. Advanced tickets are currently 10% off  *for a limited time only*

https://www.charlburybeerfestival.org/tickets/

Neil Ashley · Mon 20 May, 20:37 · Link

Annual Flower & Produce Show 2024 Schedule now available!

Annual Flower & Produce Show 2024

31st August - Memorial Hall

The Schedule for this event is now available! Please see the Garden Society website:

https://www.charlburygardensociety.org.uk/events/annual-flower-and-produce-show-2024/

Geneviève Hug · Mon 20 May, 09:28 · 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.

• 14 Woodfield Drive Charlbury
  Erection of single-storey front extension to create a disabled shower room and extended front entrance.
  WODC reference: 24/01202/HHD - Wed 15 May 2024 - Under consideration
• Old Bakery Thames Street Charlbury
  Conversion of existing outhouse into a two bedroom dwelling.
  WODC reference: 24/00973/FUL - Fri 17 May 2024 - Under consideration

Mon 20 May, 06:15 · Link

Museum Plant Sale 25th May

Gaps in your garden borders?  Empty containers in need of plants?  Come along to the Museum Plant Sale this coming Saturday and you will find a wonderful selection of plants on offer.  From bedding plants to shrubs, tomatoes to herbs, there should be something for everyone. 

We have a good selection of plants already but more donations would be very welcome.  We will be in the Corner House garden on Friday evening between 5.30 and 6.30pm to collect plants so do bring along any surplus plants you can spare (ideally clearly labelled).  We would be really grateful to you.

We open at 10am for selling next Saturday and look forward to welcoming you then.

Judy Dod · Sun 19 May, 20:25 · Link

Drone City Camp at Nine Acres!

Event Date: 30th-31st May, 2024

Event Time: 8am-4pm

Event Address: Charlbury Community Centre, Enstone Rd, Charlbury, OX7 3PQ

Contact us at 07949 732272 or contact@dronecity.io

Event Description:

Ages 4 - 11 years

Drone City Camp is designed to raise aspirations, nurture dreams, and instil hope for the future in young people.

Through a carefully curated schedule of drone based activities—including drone piloting, coding, design, engineering, and team-building games—we aim to spark curiosity and encourage exploration of STEM careers. Our camp is not just about learning; it's about inspiring the next generation to envision an exciting future and empowering them in their ability to shape it.

Every student who comes into our programs leaves feeling EMPOWERED and FULL OF HOPE FOR THE FUTURE.

docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc12LwFsCVcOMXGxg6S5-dl-6KMoVjq9pySLbCiINUof5iA8A/viewform

Bryanna Bone · Fri 17 May, 09:53 · Link

Charlbury Community market returns plus get your tools sharpened whilst you are there

Not long to go now until the first market of the season. Charlbury market opens on 1st June at 9.30 in front of the community centre.

Fresh veg, bread and pastries, fresh meat, pet treats, spices and don't forget the new Charlbury sausage - as voted for by you!

Also, Charlbury Community Workshop are holding a sharpening session from 09.30 until 12.00 on 1st June, where members of the public can bring items that need sharpening.

Type of items include :-

Secateurs

Shears

Scissors (£2.00)

Knives (£2.00)

Spades

Axes

Lawn mower blades

The cost is £5.00 per item except scissors and knives that are £2.00 each.

Lisa Wilkinson · Fri 17 May, 09:50 · Link

One more Councillor .....

We've had a great response to our request for new councillors and we now have almost a full complement of councillors. New councillors are Ed Bradbury, Paul Honey, Roy Scott and Arthur Sinclair.  However, due to an applicant unfortunately having to withdraw at the last minute we have one more vacancy. If you are interested in joining the Council at the start of a new term then please send an expression of interest to Lisa at clerk@charlbury-tc.gov.uk. Details of what to include can be found here: https://charlbury-tc.gov.uk/

Closing date for applications is Friday 20th June at midday.

Lisa Wilkinson · Fri 17 May, 09:47 · Link

Summer Fete

The Summer Fete will open at St Mary's Church this Saturday at 2pm.

Don't miss it.

Bring your teddy bears for a trip of their life on the tower zip line. See the exhibition of the Charlbury Primary School art competition. A wide variety of stands will include a bottle stall, plate smashing, coconut shy, a book sale and much more. Also enjoy tea and cake or a hot dog.

Come and have loads of fun.

Paddy Gallagher.

Patrick Gallagher · Thu 16 May, 19:49 · Link

15 More Heroes/Heroines required...

... to help raise funds for local good causes at the Charlbury Beer Festival on Saturday 29th June. Please visit this form to volunteer. (*We're also seeking sponsors for barrels of beer. Your £120 donation gets your name, or message on a barrel and in our program, plus complimentary tickets. Register your sponsorship today and join the celebration!)

Michael Donegan · Thu 16 May, 15:57 · Link

Chloe’s Wins ‘Best Newcomer’ Award!

I just wanted to say a huge heartfelt thank you to everyone who voted for us in this years Ox In A Box food awards. 

Here’s a snap of myself and fellow Charlbrarians Caz and Kate shortly after picking up our award. Thanks also to everyone who has popped in for our extra opening over Artweeks and came for our first Flea Market, it’s been a wonderful couple of weeks. 

Chloe Horner · Tue 14 May, 19:01 · Link

MAKE CYCLING E-ASIER!!

Looking for an easy and reliable way to get around?

Borrow the council e-bike for a couple of weeks and see how it fits into your life. You can borrow the e-bike free of charge if you live or work in Charlbury. Please go to https://charlbury-tc.gov.uk/borrow-the-council-e-bike/ and fill in the booking form.

Lisa Wilkinson · Tue 14 May, 11:26 · Link

Londis burglary witness appeal

Thames Valley Police is appealing for witnesses to a burglary in Charlbury.

Three masked men broke into Londis in Sturt Road and stole items at 1.35am on Friday (10/5).

They were using a dark-coloured hatchback car.

Detective Sergeant Steve Bates said: “I am appealing for anyone with information about this burglary to please get in touch.

“Also, if you have any CCTV cameras in the area or if you were driving in the area around the time and have a dash-cam, I’d also ask that you check your recordings in case they have captured something that could assist our investigation.

“I urge anyone with information or footage to contact us by calling 101 or via our website, quoting reference number 43240216004.

“Alternatively, you can report information completely anonymously to the independent charity, Crimestoppers, by calling 0800 555 111 or via its website.”

Mon 13 May, 09:30 · Link

Plant and Seed Swap

Come and join us at the Memorial Hall on Saturday 10-12. Lots of plants and seeds to take away. Donations appreciated for our Charlbury greening projects. Teas and coffee and cake available. Cash event only. No need to bring something to swap!

Alison Derham · Fri 10 May, 20:26 · Link

Guest Chef Supper Club: Ben Lippett

7pm, Monday 20th May

This month at The Bull we are thrilled to welcome Ben Lippett to the second instalment of our Guest Chef Supper Club Series at The Bull.

Ben Lippett is a chef and recipe developer based in London. He has worked in restaurants all over the world, written for food magazines and even spent time as a butcher in the Sussex countryside. More recently, Ben has become a familiar face on the Mob platform and authors a weekly newsletter called How I Cook.

Join us at The Bull for one night only as Ben creates a special menu with our very own produce from the farm. A special wine pairing will also be available on the night.

Menu

Book Tickets

• 240426_guestchef_benlippett-2_2.pdf

Charlie Helm · Thu 9 May, 09:44 · Link

River Evenlode Fish Survey 2024

The Environment Agency recently carried out a fish survey on a 100m section of the Mill Leat at the Mill Field and a section by the road bridge. They did this by temporarily stunning the fish with electric anodes and then netting them for measurement. All the fish were returned safely to the river.  Measured species were Pike, Chub, Roach, Brown Trout, Gudgeon, Dace, Tench and Perch. Minor species that were found but not recorded are Minnows, Bullheads, Stone Loach, Stickleback and Lamprey.

All in all a very good result with a good mix of species and sizes.

You can see more details on the Town Council website:

charlbury-tc.gov.uk/news/river-evenlode-fish-survey/

Gary Harrison · Tue 7 May, 11:58 · Link

Museum booklet back in print

Our popular booklet The History of Charlbury through... objects, photographs and memories from Charlbury Museum is now back on sale after the last two printings sold out.

When the museum closed due to lockdown in 2020 we began posting weekly items on this website based on objects from the museum. The postings proved very popular so we brought them together in print in this booklet. 

 Each double-page spread tells the story of one object or event in Charlbury's history in words and pictures.  Topics range from a WW2 commemorative scarf to an ale warmer, from the founding of the original primary school to boots for sheep. Something for everyone! 

 Available at £8 a copy from the museum. 64pp or email info@charlburymuseum.org.uk

Judy Dod · Sat 4 May, 12:51 · Link

Liz Leffman re-elected as district councillor

Liz Leffman (Liberal Democrats) has been re-elected as one of the two district councillors for Charlbury & Finstock. Results are:

• Liz Leffman (Liberal Democrats): 785
• Gareth Dore (Conservative): 270
• Robin Puttick (Labour): 153
• Flora Gregory (Green): 124

Fri 3 May, 12:39 · Link

Your Council NeedsYou!

Are you committed to helping Charlbury’s community thrive?

Are you interested in:

• leading on our community services (such as playgrounds, allotments, cemetery)?

• promoting action on biodiversity and climate change?

• improving our engagement with the community?

Do you know how EASY it is to become a councillor?

Come and learn more.

Drop-in to see a councillor at the Rose & Crown on Sunday 5th May 17.30-19.00

or

20.00 on Zoom on Monday 6th May

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83113309838?pwd=gjLOrz4HvybNkFbQbnC7dToe4h0NsF.1

Meeting ID: 831 1330 9838 Passcode: 779290

Lisa Wilkinson · Thu 2 May, 09:32 · Link

Charlbury Sausage ......the results are in!!

And the winning entry is..........

Venison, pork, sage, rosemary and beetroot. Hook Norton Butchers is currently perfecting this sausage ready for you to buy from Charlbury market on 1st June.

Thanks for all your ideas and votes.

Lisa Wilkinson · Wed 1 May, 15:08 · Link