News

Trouble at the Memorial Hall

The hall has suffered from blocked drains several times in recent years but this week a completely new drain is being installed. A generous company are doing the work at half price, which is extremely nice of them. But having opened up some of the earth along the front of the hall they have found the job more challenging than expected. The original terracotta drain is broken in several places and the surrounding earth contains what appears to be the main electricity and water feeds into the building. The water feed has been broken by the digger so as of this evening (Friday) there is no water in the hall. The drains firm is continuing to work through the weekend hoping to get supplies restored and the new drain installed. But right now, access to the hall can only be through the terrace entrance near the Garden Room, and there is no water, so be prepared. They feel confident progress will have been made by Sunday.

Roy Scott · Fri 31 Jan, 17:56 · Link

Vacancy for Town Councillor

Charlbury Town Council currently has a vacancy for a Town Councillor. If you are passionate about our community and would like to play an active role in shaping its future, we would love to hear from you.

To apply, please submit an expression of interest outlining your background and reasons for wanting to join the Council. The deadline for applications is Friday 21st February at 12 noon, and the co-option will take place at the Town Council meeting on 26th February.

For more information or to submit your application, please contact Lisa. Roles and responsibilities for the role can be found here:  https://charlbury-tc.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/town-councillor-job-description.pdf

Lisa Wilkinson · Fri 31 Jan, 10:23 · Link

CRAG is collecting again for Care4Calais

In particular the charity needs small and medium men's coats, jumpers, jogging bottoms or jeans. Also tents, sleeping bags and blankets. Please note: women’s and children’s clothes/toys are not needed. (You can check the lists of needed items at https://care4calais.org/get-involved/collect-donate/.)

If you can help please bring your items to White Hart, Market St, OX7 3PH by Sunday 2nd March. Come under the archway at the side of the house and through the courtyard gateway on the right. There is a garden table in the courtyard where items and bags can be left or, if it’s raining, please ring the doorbell. 

THANK YOU!

To find out more about CRAG visit https://www.charlburyrefugee.org.uk/

Vicky Buser · Thu 30 Jan, 21:31 · 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.

• 9 The Green Charlbury
  Erection of two storey and single storey rear extensions
  WODC reference: 25/00078/HHD - Wed 22 Jan 2025 - Under consideration
• 39 Woodfield Drive Charlbury
  Erection of a first-floor side extension, alterations to facade and construction of a front porch and associated works
  WODC reference: 24/03266/HHD - Mon 20 Jan 2025 - Under consideration

Mon 27 Jan, 06:15 · Link

Funeral for Liz Walton – Saturday 1st February at 11.30am

With great sadness we write to say that Liz died at home on 1st January. Her funeral service is being held at St Mary's Church on Saturday 1st February at 11.30am. All welcome. A wake will follow in church.

Family flowers only please. Donations if desired to The Children’s Society and Thames Valley Air Ambulance may be made at the service, or sent c/o A.L. Sole & Son, Bidston Close, Choicehill Road, Over Norton, Chipping Norton, OX7 5PP.

Kate Seaward · Wed 22 Jan, 19:14 · Link

Auditions for Noye's Fludde

In order to include as many people as possible we are holding another audition for Charlbury's community show, Noye's Fludde, on Sunday 2nd February 2-4pm in the Corner House. The first auditions were really good but we still need more solo singers and 2 young dancers to be part of this amazing production. A special call out for women who would like to be Mrs Noye's drunken Gossips (acting ability more important than singing!) We have a team of mask makers making beautiful headdresses for the animal chorus, and a team of set builders making the Ark and all the props. There are ten professional musicians lined up and 30 amateurs, including strings, recorders, bugles and handbell ringers. It's going to be fantastic! If you would like to be involved, either singing, dancing or making, please contact isabelknowland@gmail.com

Isabel Knowland · Tue 21 Jan, 13:16 · Link

Save the date!!

This year's CTC Holiday Club at St Mary's church Charlbury, will be Tuesday 5th August until Friday 8th August with the Holiday Club service on Sunday 10th August. More info. to follow. Watch this space and also St Mary's website.

St Marys and All Saints · Tue 21 Jan, 09:34 · 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.

• Rose Cottage Hixet Wood Charlbury
  Demolition of existing conservatory and lean-to structure. Erection of single storey extension to both Hixet Cottage and Rose Cottage.
  WODC reference: 24/03178/FUL - Wed 15 Jan 2025 - Under consideration

Mon 20 Jan, 06:15 · Link

Author Bessie Marchant’s book collection comes to the Museum

The museum is delighted to announce that we have recently acquired a wonderful collection of books, all written by Bessie Marchant who for many years lived  in Church Street. She was a prolific author, writing nearly 150 books during her long life. Her novels were primarily aimed at teenage girls.  Unusually, at a time when women were expected to be content to devote themselves to being wives and mothers, they featured intrepid lady heroines who travelled to exotic and far-off countries where they had all manner of adventures and dramatic escapades. It is a wonderful collection and a very attractive addition to the museum.

We are extremely grateful to Andrew and Briony Lawson for so generously donating the books and their bookcase to the museum.  The collection complements other items we have belonging to Bessie Marchant such as her manual typewriter and spectacles. Thank you too to House & Carriage for their very efficient and careful help in moving the archive into the museum. 

Judy Dod · Mon 13 Jan, 14:21 · Link

🚨 Good News and Bad News from Enstone Road 🚨

Good news: The Town Council has replaced the polycarbonate panels on the Enstone Road bus shelter! Combined with the fresh paintwork from last year, it’s looking great and has a whole new lease of life.  Plus, you can now see the buses coming!! 🚌✨

Bad news: Unfortunately, someone has been vandalising the shelter with graffiti using sticky labels and writing homophobic ‘jokes’. This behaviour is unacceptable and has been reported to the police.

The police have shared this statement:

"We have been made aware of homophobic ‘jokes’ that have been put up on a bus stop in Charlbury. The person responsible is committing an offence under S.4 of the Public Order Act 1986. If you have any information about this incident, please call 101 and quote reference number 43240627297."

🚨 What you can do:

Keep an eye out. 👀

If you spot anything suspicious, report it to the police or the Town Council.

Thank you for helping to keep our community safe and welcoming for everyone. 💙

(Ignore the ice on the front panels on the photo - not a great day to take a pic!!!)

Lisa Wilkinson · Mon 13 Jan, 10:56 · Link

Your 2025 Beer Festival Needs You! (on June 28th)

A short message to say a huge thank you to the heroic volunteers who helped our 2024 Festival raise over £20,000 to support so many worthy local causes! If you're potentially interested in helping out un any way at THIS years event on Saturday 28th June 2025 please contact Mick Donegan at volunteering@charlburybeerfestival.org

Michael Donegan · Sun 12 Jan, 11:07 · Link

Update on Browns Lane closure

Following a couple of days of the S3 bus not running down Browns Lane due to the planned road closure for Thames Water work, OCC has confirmed that buses are now operational again. They have also stated that signposting at bus stops (of which there was none) is the responsibility of the traffic management company working on behalf of the contractor e.g.: Thames Water.

You will have seen that Thames Water were only there for an hour on the first day. Apparently, they were unable to complete the job and have had to replan. The road closure will need to be replanned and unfortunately the road closed again in the future.

We are waiting to hear why they didn't inform the bus companies (and OCC) earlier if this was the case.

Lisa Wilkinson · Thu 9 Jan, 09:35 · Link

Breakfast at The Bull

The Bull is now open for breakfast from 8am to 10.30am. No need to book.

Olivia Bourgaux · Wed 8 Jan, 16:23 · Link

⏳ Final Call: Town Councillor Vacancy in Charlbury ⏳

There are just a couple of days left to submit your expression of interest for the Town Councillor vacancy in Charlbury!

If you’re passionate about making a difference in our community and want to learn more about the roles and responsibilities, click here: https://charlbury-tc.gov.uk/.

🗓 Closing Date: 10th January

📧 Send your expression of interest to Lisa: clerk@charlbury-tc.gov.uk

Don’t miss this opportunity to get involved and help shape the future of Charlbury. We’d love to hear from you!

Lisa Wilkinson · Wed 8 Jan, 16:13 · Link

Auditions for Noye's Fludde

Only 12 days to go before the auditions for Noye's Fludde! We are looking for ten keen young actor-singers and two dancers to take solo roles in this once-in-a-lifetime chance to be part of one of the greatest ever musical dramas ever written for young people. To apply please contact isabelknowland@gmail.com 07788 174785  Meanwhile the birds and animals are waiting to enter the ark.....

Isabel Knowland · Tue 7 Jan, 13:33 · 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.

• Pomme D Or Enstone Road Charlbury
  Installation of three dormer windows to front (east) roof slope of dwelling
  WODC reference: 24/03164/HHD - Thu 12 Dec 2024 - Under consideration
• Little Paddock 34 Elm Crescent Charlbury
  Erection of a single storey rear extension, relocation of steps to car parking, installation of pv panels to existing roof, construction of canopy and new doorway on side elevation, insertion of bullseye windows and new triple glazed first floor roof above internal staircase on rear elevation
  WODC reference: 24/03071/HHD - Wed 18 Dec 2024 - Under consideration

Mon 6 Jan, 06:15 · Link

The Cauldron Cafe Emporium Revamp.

After having a very successful first season , The Cauldron Café is delighted to announce its grand reopening on March 1st, following an enchanting revamp!. Step into a magical indoor forest, complete with a charming Cotswold stone witch’s cottage, twinkling lights, and an unforgettable witchy-themed afternoon tea experience. Relax in our cozy reading nook, nestled in a rocking chair with one of our curated books, or sip your favorite herbal tea or coffee while exploring the tarot cards on your table. Outside, unwind under the gazebo lights as the sun sets, or browse our crystal and gift shop collection. With limited seating, bookings are highly recommended. Follow us on social media to watch the magic unfold and join us every Saturday night for live music. The Cauldron Café Emporium where every sip comes with a sprinkle of witchy wonder!

Joanna scrivens · Fri 3 Jan, 21:40 · Link