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Events at Daunt Books in January [13 December 2024]

You can read more about the books & speakers featured at the events on the Daunt Books website.
All tickets can be bought in the shop or online and cost £5 (for the book events) including a glass of wine or a soft drink.
The first event will be on Monday 6 January at 7pm when Hisham Matar talks about his Booker Prize longlisted novel, My Friends, described by the Judges as a 'complex and unsentimental meditation on what friendship means and a searingly moving exploration of how exile impacts those who are forced to live in this state of loss'. Tickets can be bought using this link.
This is followed on Wednesday 22 January at 7pm when Simon Mason is in conversation with Lucy Atkins about his latest Ryan Wilkins murder mystery, A Voice in the Night. Tickets can be bought using this link.

 

Shipping Container Shop [12 December 2024]

Lucy Riveiros has applied for planning permission to install a shipping container with a 'green' roof in a car park in Summertown, and convert it into a jewellery shop called The Jewellery Box Studio. The car park in question is a narrow gravelled strip of land next to The Cluster and the Meet Point café in Middle Way.

 

Summertown Library Talk [3 December 2024]

The next Summertown Library Talk, "50 Years On: The Revolution in Portugal", will be held on Thursday 12 December at 6pm. In his talk, journalist and author Marcus Ferrar, will recount the thrills of reporting a revolution which went on for 18 months. The overthrow of the right-wing dictatorship in April 1974 was followed by mayhem which changed the country forever. The talk is free but all donations in aid of Friends of Summertown Library will be gratefully received.

 

Advent Haiku Book Launch [26 November 2024]

Erica Ison's new book, Advent Haiku, inspired by the spirit of Advent, will be launched at the United Reformed Church, OX2 7ED on Saturday 30 November at 4-5pm. Meet the author, buy a signed copy if you wish, and 'immerse yourself in the magic of poetic storytelling'. The event is free but please reserve a space by clicking this link.

 

Oakthorpe Open Studios [24 November 2024]

View an amazing selection of Jewellery, Ceramics, Paintings and Prints at the Oakthorpe Open Studios, and find great Christmas presents! Open Saturday 30 November and Sunday 1 December 10am to 6pm.

Summertown Christmas Lights [21 November 2024]

The Summertown Christmas Lights have now been put up, and a switching-on ceremony will be held by the Christmas tree outside Savills from 5pm on Thursday 5 December. The St Edward's School brass band will play carols, and a choir from Cherwell School will sing, before the countdown to the lights being switched on. There might also be mince pies. Please come and join in this annual celebration.

 

Follow-the-Stars Christmas Concert [21 November 2024]

A reminder that the 28th Follow the Stars Christmas Carol Concert in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support will be held at Christ Church Cathedral on Friday 6 December at 8pm. A star-studded cast of celebrities will be enchanting us with their literary readings, interspersed with breathtaking musical performances and gloriously uplifting carols. The music will be performed by Oxford's pre-eminent vocal ensemble, the Oxford Bach Soloists, conducted by Stephen Grahl. This concert raises much needed funds for Macmillan Cancer Support and is a major part of Oxford's Christmas Calendar. Please don't hesitate: BOOK YOUR TICKETS Online now or in person at The Oxford Playhouse. The Concert will also be live-streamed and free to view online via our JustGiving fundraising page, where you can also donate, if you are unable to attend the event.

 

Sydney Denton [20 November 2024]

We are sorry to learn that Sydney Denton, owner of Dentons Cycles, has died at the age of 90. Sydney was a very influential figure in Summertown for several decades. Despite coming from very humble beginnings, his keen business sense meant he ended up owning cycle shops across the county, as well as property in Oxford. He worked in the Summertown shop every day with a badge on his overalls reading simply 'Mr D' - leading to him being known as 'Mr D' to generations of customers.

 

Superhumans Centre for War Injuries [19 November 2024]

St Edward's School is hosting a talk by Andrey Stavnitser, founder of the Superhumans Center for War Injuries in Ukraine.
The first Superhumans Center, a state-of-the-art national medical centre for combatants and civilians traumatized by war, opened in April 2023 in Lviv, Western Ukraine. Today, this philanthropically-funded specialist medical campus focuses on prosthetics, reconstruction surgery, PTSD healing, and rehabilitation. It provides these services free of charge, as well as providing free training for medical professionals and rehabilitation specialists.
This enlightening talk will be held on Wednesday 27 November at 6pm at The Olivier Hall, St Edward's School, Woodstock Road, OX2 7NN. Tickets, which are free of charge, are available from this link.

 

Summer Field's Fireworks display [7 November 2024]

There will be the annual fireworks display at Summer Fields School at 7pm on Friday 8 November. The closed display will be held on the school grounds. Summer Fields hope that local residents enjoy the display which will last approximately 20 minutes. If local residents have pets that will be disturbed by fireworks, you may wish to keep them indoors during the display.

 

Summertown Library Talk POSTPONED [7 November 2024]

The Summertown Library Talk, "Cello - The Lives of Four Cellists and their Instruments", has sadly had to be postponed as a result of illness. It is hoped the talk will take place in January or February 2025.

 

Summertown Library Talk [4 November 2024]

The next Summertown Library Talk, "Cello - The Lives of Four Cellists and their Instruments", will be held on Thursday 14 November at 6pm. In her talk, writer, Radio 3 broadcaster, and cellist Kate Kennedy, will explore her love of the cello and each player's intense and personal relationship with their instrument. Copies of Kate's most recent book, Cello - A Journey Through Silence to Sound, was published by Bloomsbury in August and will be on sale after the talk. The talk is free but all donations in aid of Friends of Summertown Library will be gratefully received.

 

Private Healthcare Centre [30 October 2024]

Welbeck Health Partners has announced that it will be opening a new centre, called Welbeck Oxford, just north of Summertown. Based at Jordan Hill, the new private healthcare centre will offer a range of medical services, including heart health, lung health, digestive health, ENT, endoscopy, and neurology. It will be opening at some point in 2025.

 

Events at Daunt Books in November [22 October 2024]

You can read more about the books & speakers featured at the events on the Daunt Books website.
All tickets can be bought in the shop or online and cost £5 (for the book events) including a glass of wine or a soft drink.
The first event will be on Wednesday 6 November at 7pm when Adrian Tinniswood talks about his new book, The Power & the Glory: The Country House Before the Great War. Tickets can be bought online using this link.
This is followed on Thursday 14 November at 7pm when Andrew Miller will be conversation with Kate Collins about his new novel, The Land in Winter, 'a masterclass in storytelling'. Tickets can be bought online using this link.

This will be the final event for 2024.

 

Golden carpets [20 October 2024]

A non-selling exhibition, a retrospective celebrating Christopher Legge's 50 years in the business, has opened at Legge Carpets in Oakthorpe Road. The exhibition will be open daily from 9.30am to 5pm until Sunday 27 October when it will be open 10am-4pm. Do call in to see a wonderful collection of woven objects..

 

New Café opens [11 October 2024]

A new café, The Meet Point, has opened at 3-5 Middle Way (just past Wild Honey) in the courtyard in front of The Cluster. Offering coffee and 'delicious baked goods' in the open but sheltered and heated paved area, they also provide authentic homemade Indian street food which is prepared daily.

 

Follow-the-Stars Christmas Concert [10 October 2024]

The 28th Follow the Stars Christmas Carol Concert in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support will be held at Christ Church Cathedral on Friday 6 December at 8pm. The star-studded cast of celebrities this year will include Toby Jones, Shaun Evans, Jason Isaacs and Gugu Mbatha-Raw (pictured by Michael Wharley) who will be enchanting us with their literary readings, interspersed as always with breathtaking musical performances and gloriously uplifting carols. The music will be performed by Oxford's pre-eminent vocal ensemble, the Oxford Bach Soloists, conducted by Stephen Grahl, the Director of Music at Trinity College, Cambridge. This concert raises much needed funds for Macmillan Cancer Support and is a major part of Oxford's Christmas Calendar. Please don't hesitate: BOOK YOUR TICKETS Online now or in person at The Oxford Playhouse. The Concert will also be live-streamed and free to view online via our JustGiving fundraising page, where you can also donate, if you are unable to attend the event.

 

JoJo Maman Bébé site update [9 October 2024]

We now see, as had been suggested by one of our readers, that Crew Clothing will be moving into this shop.

 

Bia to be replaced by Oxford Wine Tavern [1 October 2024]

Bia, the café/restaurant on the corner of South Parade and Stratfield Road, has closed and will be replaced by a new bar from the Oxford Wine Company. The Oxford Tavern will join the Oxford Wine Café in Jericho and the Oxford Wine Cellar in the High Street, "three bars in great sites". The Tavern will be open from noon to 11pm, 7 days a week, serving simple food along with wine and beer. It is hoped that it will open in mid-November.

 

JoJo Maman Bébé site [1 October 2024]

It appears that work may be underway to refurbish the unit recently vacated by JoJo Maman Bébé. There is no indication of what might be replacing it, but the windows have been shrouded and the shop sign removed.

 

Summertown Library Talk [1 October 2024]

The next Summertown Library Talk, "How to Remake Britain - This Time No Mistakes", will be held on Thursday 10 October at 6pm. In his talk, the journalist, author and academic Will Hutton will discuss the 'strong intellectual, historical and political themes' he identified in his book of the same title, examine how Labour is doing compared to his blueprint, and suggesst what we can expect in the time ahead. The talk is free but all donations in aid of Friends of Summertown Library will be gratefully received.

 

Events at Daunt Books in October [19 September 2024]

You can read more about the books & speakers featured at the events on the Daunt Books website.
All tickets can be bought in the shop or online and cost £5 (for the book events) including a glass of wine or a soft drink.
The first event will be on Tuesday 8 October at 7pm when Annabel Abbs is in conversation with Lucy Atkins about her new book, Sleepless: Discovering the Power of the Night Self. Tickets can be bought online using this link.
This is followed on Wednesday 16 October at 7pm when Abi Daré will be discussing her new new novel, And So I Roar, with Ada Barumé. Tickets can be bought online using this link.

The final event on Thursday 31 October at 7pm, is Ghost Stories Night One, a special Halloween event as Daunt's hosts a performance of three classic ghost stories from the Victorian and Edwardian eras, performed by their own actor and bookseller Andy Murton, with direction, sound design and lighting by award winning film director Leon Chambers. Tickets, which cost £10 for this event, can be bought online using this link.

 

Ladbrokes site [16 September 2024]

Following our last report, it seems that one half of the old Ladbrokes building is going to be another men's hairdresser. We wonder how many barbers Summertown can support, as this will be the fourth, and it is hard to imagine them all getting enough custom.

 

Art Late Summertown [6 September 2024]

The next Art Late will take place in South Parade on Tuesday 17 September at 5.30-7.30pm. The North Wall, Turrill Sculpture Garden, and Sarah Wiseman Gallery are collaborating once again to bring you an evening of exhibitions, wine tastings with Grape Minds, and Art Late talks in each venue. White Coco will also be launching their Autumn/Winter collection. Do join in this evening of art, wine and conversation. Free to attend - all welcome.

 

Oxford Canal Festival 2024 [2 September 2024]

The Oxford Canal Festival, a community day of festival fun on the Aristotle Lane Recreation Ground OX2 6UA, will be held on Saturday 21 September from 11am to 6pm. The festival will include live music, spoken word, arts and crafts, market stalls, children's entertainment, food and drink, and more. Visit this link and scroll down for full details of all the events.

 

Neighbourhood Forum Survey [2 September 2024]

The Summertown & St Margaret's Neighbourhood Forum has launched a survey to find out what residents and businesses think are the priorities for looking after our neighbourhood, and to give everyone a chance to say how they would like to see the Summertown area develop, over the next few years. The survey can be reached by clicking this link.

 

JoJo Maman Bébé closes [26 August 2024]

In a surprise move over the weekend, baby and toddler clothing shop JoJo Maman Bébé closed its doors. A message in the window simply says, 'The time has come to say goodbye' and directs customers to stores in Witney and Didcot.

 

Saturday ART CLASSES in Summertown [21 August 2024]

Children aged 5 to 12 are invited to join friendly Saturday Art Classes at the North Oxford Association Community Centre in Diamond Place. On Saturdays in term time from 10:30-13:00, children can discover the exciting skills of drawing and painting, and create their own unique artworks. Absolutely no previous experience is required. In recent years students have won or been placed in the Young Art Oxford competition. The courses have been running for 15 years. All materials supplied. PGCE qualified tutor with recent DBS. The first lesson is free. Please contact Tatiana by email to book a place for your child.

 

Wood Engravngs at North Wall [20 August 2024]

The 86th annual exhibition of the Society of Wood Engravers will be on show at the The North Wall gallery from Tuesday 3 September - Saturday 28 September. The exhibition presents over 120 selected prints by British and overseas artists that display a broad diversity of style and subject matter. Entry is free and no booking is required.

 

Events at Daunt Books in September [19 August 2024]

You can read more about the books & speakers featured at the events on the Daunt Books website.
All tickets can be bought in the shop or online and cost £5 including a glass of wine or a soft drink.
The first event will be on Tuesday 3 September at 7pm when Jerry Brotton talks about his new book, Four Points of the Compass: The Unexpected History of Direction. Tickets can be bought online using this link.
This is followed on Thursday 12 September at 7pm when Mark Haddon will be in conversation about his new new short story collection Dogs and Monsters with Francis Spufford. Tickets can be bought online using this link

The final event on Wednesday 25 September at 7pm sees poet & writer Vanessa Kisuule talking about her new book Neverland: The Pleasures and Perils of Fandom, an ardent love letter to the music we love and an unflinching look at the costs of hero worship. Tickets can be bought online using this link.

 

Woodstock Road closures [19 August 2024]

UPDATE - following our report on 6 August on road closures affecting Summertown, Oxfordshire County Council has now issued a new schedule showing that the work to change the bus lane on the Woodstock Road will now begin on 2 September and last for approximately six weeks, and the closure of South Parade (and suspension of the one-way system) from 9 January to 7 February. There is now no mention of the Banbury Road being closed.

 

Feldenkrais Method workshops at the URC [15 August 2024]

Accredited Feldenkrais practitioner Sally de Melo leads a series of three workshops in the hall of the United Reformed Church, on Saturdays 17, 24 and 31 August from 10am to 12 noon about learning to reclaim control in the midst of chronic pain and illness. In these workshops she shares her experience of how an understanding of the Feldenkrais Method can help alleviate symptoms of Long Covid. The workshops cost £25 per session or £60 for three sessions. Please email Sally de Melo to book your place. More details can be found using this link.

 

Summer Sound Bath at the URC [13 August 2024]

Enjoy a deeply relaxing, immersive 'Sound Bath' in the hall of the United Reformed Church on Friday 16 August at 7pm provided by Naturopath Dr Amy Thakurdas. Participants relax while listening to calm music and healing vibrations. Sit or lie down to experience the calming effect; if lying down, please bring your own yoga mat/pillow. The session costs £20 and you can book your place via this link.

 

Steely Dan tribute [8 August 2024]

A reminder that the Malvern-based tribute band, Do It Again Dan, will be playing the music of Steely Dan at the United Reformed Church on the Banbury Road on Saturday 10 August. The concert begins at 7.30. Tickets can be bought on the door and cost £10 (under 18s £5). Do come along for an evening of great music.

 

Woodstock Road closures [6 August 2024]

The work to change the bus lane on the Woodstock Road and to raise the entrances to various roads coming off the Woodstock Road, amongst other things, is scheduled to begin on 12 August. At least that is according to an Oxfordshire County Council notice published on publicnoticeportal.uk. There is no mention of this Temporary Traffic Regulation Order (T1141/AC) on the County Council’s own webpage of Traffic Regulation Orders. The notice shows works starting on the Woodstock Road and lasting 9 weeks (until 14 October) and closure of South Parade (and suspension of the one-way system) from 16 September to 11 November. Some part of the Banbury Road will also apparently be closed from 25 November to 23 December. Full details from the Public Notice Portal can be found on the above link.

 

Events at Daunt Books in August [23 July 2024]

You can read more about the books & speakers featured at the events on the Daunt Books website.
All tickets can be bought in the shop or online and cost £5 including a glass of wine or a soft drink.
The first event will be on Wednesday 7 August at 7pm when Charlotte Mendelson discusses her new 'heart-breaking and funny, profound and gripping' novel, Wife, with Beatrice Hitchman. Tickets can be bought online using this link.
This is followed on Tuesday 13 August at 7pm when Amy Twigg will talk about her book Spoilt Creatures, 'an intoxicating debut about transgression, sisterhood and the seductive nature of obsession' with Tom de Freston. Tickets can be bought online using this link.

 

New Openings [17 July 2024]

Pizza Express opened its new restaurant in one half of the old Co-op site on Saturday and, across the road, Strutt & Parker has completed its move to the recently renovated Lloyd's Bank building.

 

Do It Again Dan [28 June 2024]

The Malvern-based 13-piece tribute band, Do It Again Dan, will be playing the music of Steely Dan at the United Reformed Church on the Banbury Road on Saturday 10 August. The concert begins at 7.30. Tickets can be bought on the door and cost £10 (under 18s £5). Do come along for an evening of great music.

 

St Edward's Fireworks [26 June 2024]

St Edward's will be holding its Leavers' Ball on Saturday 29 June. There will be a brief fireworks display at 10.30pm. Anyone with pets who dislike fireworks might like to keep them indoors during the display.

 

The Cluster - opening soon in Summertown [25 June 2024]

A new and distinctive co-working and community event space is opening in the heart of Summertown on Monday 1 July. The Cluster is based at 3-5 Middle Way, one of the interesting older buildings in the area. Email Kevin Jessup if you would like to know more about using the co-working facilities or booking the event space. Become a Clustomer today.

 

Events at Daunt Books in July [18 June 2024]

You can read more about the books & speakers featured at the events on the Daunt Books website.
All tickets can be bought in the shop or online and cost £5 including a glass of wine or a soft drink.
The first event will be on Tuesday 2 July at 7pm when Rufi Thorpe & Ruth Ivo discuss their respective books, Margo's Got Money Troubles and Performance, with Octavia Bright. Tickets can be bought online using this link.
The next event on Tuesday 9 July at 7pm sees Dan Richards talking to Nancy Campbell about Dorothy Pilley's remarkable book Climbing Days, first published in 1935 and now reissued, about her adventures as a climber and the particular challenges of being a woman in a sport seen as the province of men. Tickets can be bought online using this link.
This is followed on Wednesday 17 July at 7pm when Andrew North will talk about his book War & Peace & War: Twenty Years in Afghanistan, which details his experiences in Afghanistan up to and including being kidnapped by the Taliban in 2022. Tickets can be bought online using this link.
In the final event for July, Jennifer Lucy Allan discusses her new book Clay: A Human History, 'a book of wonder and insight', with James Attlee on Tuesday 30 July at 7pm. Tickets can be bought online using this link.

 

Ladbrokes site and Gail's [14 June 2024]

Work is continuing on the unit last occupied by Ladbrokes at 261 Banbury Road. It appears to be being converted into two offices but strangely there is no planning application for the site.

While on planning applications there is a current one to install an illuminated fascia sign at Gail's, and also to erect a non-illuminated hanging sign there.

 

Independent Bookshops [6 June 2024]

Daunt Books is celebrating its second Independent Bookshop Week from the 15th to the 22nd of June.
They are supporting the Children's Book Project again this year and, with the 40 bookshops taking part, are hoping to collect as many as 10,000 pre-loved books. Pop in and drop off any books in good condition for children aged 0-14, all week.
Other events include An Evening with Mick Herron on the 17th which has already sold out; an Open Throat Book Club from 6-7pm on Wednesday 19 June, celebrating the brilliant Open Throat by Henry Hoke, which is free of charge but do reserve your place by phone, email or in person; and lastly Will Tosh discusses his new book Straight Acting: The Many Queer Lives of William Shakespeare, in conversation with Simon Savidge on Thursday 20 June at 7:00pm. Tickets at £5 can be bought in the shop or online using this link.

 

Second Summer Music Festival [29 May 2024]

The Friends of the Turrill Sculpture Garden are delighted to present their second Summer Music Festival on the 1st , 8th, 15th and 22nd of June at 2 - 4pm.
First up is Mambo Tropical with a concert of salsa tunes. Tickets cost £10 (£5 concs) and can be bought via Eventbrite.
Next, on 8 June, is Austentation playing period music from the late 18th Century.This event is free but donations to the Turrill Sculpture Garden will be welcome.
On 15 June The Exuberant Showcase celebrates the 21st year of the Exuberant Trust, a local arts charity which supports young people with an interest in the performing and fine arts. Some recent award-winners will perform. Tickets are free but should be booked via Eventbrite.
The final event on 22 June is by the 17th-century costume band The Oxford Waits, who will present a vibrant portrait of Oxfordshire in the age of the English Civil War and Restoration. Tickets cost £10 (£5 concs) via Eventbrite.

 

River water quality [28 May 2024]

Heading to the Thames or Cherwell for a swim or a paddle this summer? Check out the new online Oxford Rivers Portal. River pollution is all over the news, but it's hard to get clear, up-to-date information about river water quality and conditions locally. This is why environmental charity Thames21 and research institute UKCEH have developed a one-stop shop for local river information. On a single map you can discover the current river level, flood alerts, and whether there has been a recent sewage spill in your local river or stream. You can check the most recent bacteria water quality at Port Meadow (between 15 May and 30 September, and use the 'detailed view' to look back in time at river water quality near you, tested by both the Environment Agency and citizen scientists. There is also information about local river action groups, reporting pollution and campaigning for change. The team behind the portal will also be releasing case studies each month to help people use the data to push for river improvements in and around Oxford, so check back for updates.

 

Woodstock Road changes [20 May 2024]

Under something called the Woodstock Road Sustainable Travel Improvements Scheme the County Council is proposing to make various changes to the Woodstock Road. In the first phase, part of the southbound bus lane between Wolvercote and Squitchey Lane will be replaced by a northbound bus lane. The second phase includes changes to side road crossings for various roads from Little Clarendon Street to South Parade, an extension of the pavement cycle path, and a new zebra crossing between Observatory Street and Bevington Road. Those interested in commenting on the scheme can do so via an online survey link on Let's talk Oxfordshire. The consultation window closes on Sunday 5 June. The scheme will go ahead subject only to approval by the Council's cabinet. The proposed works could start this summer.

 

Events at Daunt Books in June [18 May 2024]

You can read more about the books & speakers featured at the events on the Daunt Books website.

All tickets cost £5 including a glass of wine or a soft drink.
The first event will be on Tuesday 4 June at 7pm when Anna Funder will be in conversation about her book Wifedom: Mrs Orwell's Invisible Life, with Lucy Atkins. Tickets can be bought in the shop or online using this link.
The next event on Thursday 13 June at 7pm sees Alex Hay talking about his 'brilliant Edwardian heist novel', The Housekeepers, with Anbara Salam. Tickets can be bought in the shop or online using this link.
In the final event for June, Will Tosh discusses his new book Straight Acting: The Many Queer Lives of William Shakespeare, in conversation with Simon Savidge on Thursday 20 June at 7:00pm. Tickets can be bought in the shop or online using this link.

 

Summertown Artweeks 2024 [2 May 2024]

Artists across Summertown are putting the finishing touches to their exhibitions, which are part of the annual Oxfordshire Artweeks Festival. The Summertown exhibitions will be open from 11 to 19 May, although not all are open every day. Take a look at the art and crafts on offer in our neighbourhood by clicking this link to our online catalogue.

 

Pizza Express coming to Summertown [29 April 2024]

Notice of a planning application confirms that the pizza shop opening in the second half of the old Co-op store will be Pizza Express.

 

Dry Cleaners Closes [29 April 2024]

In a surprise move, Excel Dry Cleaners closed over the weekend. There is no notice on the door, but most of the machinery has been removed and a single rack of clothes remains. We wonder if this is connected to the fact that two tailoring shops now offer dry cleaning. It is a sad end after so many years in Summertown.

 

Lloyds Bank site [29 April 2024]

We have now learnt that the old LLoyd's Bank site won't be occupied by a new estate agent, but by Strutt & Parker who are moving down the road from their existing office.

 

Summertown Library Talk [25 April 2024]

The next Summertown Library Talk, "Adam von Trott", will be held on Thursday 16 May at 6pm. Adam von Trott zu Solz was a Rhodes Scholar in 1931 and later played a key role in the failed July Plot to kill Hitler. Paul Flather will explore how Adam's time in Oxford influenced his future thinking and his attempts to broker peace. The talk is free but all donations in aid of Friends of Summertown Library will be gratefully received.

 

Events at Daunt Books [25 April 2024]

You can read more about the books & speakers featured at the events on the Daunt Books website.
The next event will be on Wednesday 1 May at 7pm when Emmeline Clein will be in conversation about her book Dead Weight: On Hunger, Harm and Disordered Eating with Alice Slater. Tickets cost £5 including a glass of wine or a soft drink and can be booked in the shop or online by using this link.
The following event on Wednesday 8 May at 7pm sees Tom de Freston talking about his 'beautiful new book' Strange Bodies, with Nell Frizzell. Tickets cost £5 including a glass of wine or a soft drink and can be booked in the shop or online by using this link.
In the final event for May, Matilda Leyser discusses her retelling of the Persephone myth, No Season but the Summer, split between Oxfordshire and the Underworld, in conversation with Elizabeth Garner on Thursday 30 May 2024 at 7:00pm. Tickets cost £5 including a glass of wine or a soft drink and can be booked in the shop or online by using this link.

 

Book launch at Daunt Books [25 April 2024]

Angela Bettoni's new book Cameron's Choice will be launched at Daunt's on Monday 29 April at 6.30-8pm.

 

New Oxford United stadium [17 April 2024]

A planning application has been submitted to Cherwell District Council for the new Oxford United stadium. It proposes building the stadium on green belt land known as the 'Triangle' near Oxford Parkway station, which will effectively join Kidlington to Oxford. There are a large number of issues associated with this. The impact on local traffic, including buses, on the A40, A34 and routes into Oxford and Kidlington on the two match days each week will be severe, with road closures being proposed to cope with the thousands of fans. It is anticipated that all nearby Park & Rides will be filled with fans' cars on these days, as well as other nearby parking. There are also concerns over the effect on adjacent woodland and green spaces. There is more information here, including that Oxford United could continue to occupy their existing stadium. You can comment on or object to this development on the Cherwell Council planning site or email your comments to the planning officer. The deadline for comments is Monday 22 April.

 

White Coco opening [16 April 2024]

White Coco, the new shop that will be replacing Vanilla, is planning to open for the first time on Tuesday 23 April.

 

Events at Daunt Books [10 April 2024]

You can read more about the books & speakers featured at the events on the Daunt Books website.
The next event at Daunt Books will be on Wednesday 24 April at 7pm when Jo Hamya will be talking to Natasha Brown about The Hypocrite, her 'thrilling account of a nightmarish afternoon in a hot theatre'. Tickets cost £5 including a glass of wine or a soft drink and can be booked in the shop or online by using this link.

 

Bus Gates update [5 April 2024]

The implementation of the bus gates is planned for October this year. This is being carried out under an ETRO (Experimental Traffic Regulation Order). The Marston Ferry Road bus gate will be in operation from 7am until 9am and then from 3pm until 6pm Monday to Saturday. The only other bus gate with reduced times is Holloway. The County Council say that 'This is to confirm whether part-time filters at these locations achieve the aims of the scheme. The times of operation will be extended to 7am to 7pm only if considered necessary after monitoring'. There will be several exemptions, including for health care providers. Non-professional carers can get exemption for one bus gate.

 

Kidlington Roundabout closure [3 April 2024]

The Kidlington roundabout will be closed from 8pm to 5am for five nights from Monday 22 April.

 

Events at Daunt Books [25 March 2024]

You can read more about the books & speakers on their website.
The next event at Daunt Books will be on Wednesday 27 March at 7pm when Bethany Rutter will be talking to Calla Henkel & Phoebe Stuckes about their 'darkly funny novels' Scrap and Dead Animals. Tickets cost £5 including a glass of wine or a soft drink, and can be booked in the shop or online by using this link.

 

On Thursday 4 April at 7pm, Sally Huband will be in conversation with Nancy Campbell about her new book Sea Bean, 'a beautiful memoir of nature and chronic illness'. Tickets cost £5 including a glass of wine or a soft drink, and can be booked in the shop or online by using this link.

 

Pompette Breakfasts [20 March 2024]

Pompette is now serving breakfast every Tuesday to Saturday from 10.00 to 11.30am. There will be freshly baked baguettes with butter and jam or ham, delicious madeleines, and freshly brewed coffee.

 

Kitchen Food Company wins Awards [11 March 2024]

The Kitchen Food Company has won a Gold and two Silver Awards for its own-brand jams, chutneys, marmalade and Clemoncello, including a seasonal Blood Orange Marmalade.

 

Ladbrokes [6 March 2024]

The shop that used to be occupied by Ladbrokes has been cleared of most of the debris that was left. We assumed that work might soon start on fitting it out but there is currently no planning application for the site. It is possible the work is connected with the end of the lease or preparing the building for sale.

 

Vanilla Closing [2 March 2024]

Vanilla, the much-loved fashion shop which has been run by Renate Beaumont for over 20 years, is finally closing at the end of this month. It will, however, be replaced by White Coco which started on the King’s Road in Chelsea and has another shop in Hungerford.

 

tops:health [15 February 2024]

In the year when it celebrates 40 years in Summertown, tops:health has now fully moved its Summertown clinic to the Summertown Pavilion in Middle Way. Physiotherapy, Sports Massage & Clinical Rehab for Injury and Performance, including Private Pilates and Yoga, together with Online Matwork Pilates, have all transfered to the new site. Reformer Pilates, Studio Matwork Pilates, and Bertie's Yoga have all moved to FitLife. Details for Iyengar Yoga can be found using this link, and Catherine's Clinical Yoga by clicking here.

 

Summertown Library Talk [10 February 2024]

The next Summertown Library Talk, "The Middle East - What can we hope for?", will be held on Thursday 22 February at 6pm. Tom Fletcher will consider potential scenarios for the Middle East in the light of the current crisis and today's geopolitical context. He will go on to consider leadership generally in the 21st century and what the essential survival skills are for those tasked with setting the aims of countries, companies and cultures. The talk is free but all donations in aid of Friends of Summertown Library will be gratefully received.

 

Shop news [9 February 2024]

Hidden Hearing is now fully open. The Rowlands Pharmacy on the Banbury Road has become a Medipill Pharmacy. It is rumoured that the old Lloyd's Bank site will be taken over by another estate agent; it will be interesting to see which one is currently missing from our high street.

 

New Pizza Restaurant [12 January 2024]

We learn that the pizza chain that will occupy the other half of the old Co-op, next to Oliver Bonas, will be Pizza Express. It has applied for a premises licence to sell and serve alcohol both indoors and at outdoor seating, and to play music indoors, during opening hours of 10.30am to 11.00pm. The restaurant is scheduled to open in late spring this year.

 

Mamma Mia Christmas Appeal [10 January 2024]

Mamma Mia Pizzeria has thanked its customers for their generous donations to Helen & Douglas House over the festive period, which amounted to £2440. Mamma Mia has matched this sum and sent a donation of £4880 to the charity.

 

Smoke Control Areas [8 January 2024]

Further to our item on 6 December about the proposed extension of Oxford's Smoke Control Area, here is a link to Defra's guidance on authorised woodburners and fuels in an SCA. Details of the restrictions proposed by Oxford City Council can be found here, where there is also a link to the consultation which closes on 31 January 2024.

 

Summertown Library Talk [8 January 2024]

The next Summertown Library Talk, " Homelands - A Personal History of Europe ", will be held on Thursday 11 January at 6pm. Timothy Garton-Ash will talk about his latest book, which is a personal account of European history from 1945 to the present day. There is hardly a major European event at which he has not been present and he is on first-name terms with most of those on the front line. His account is therefore first-hand, and he gives an analysis of events that is second to none. The talk is free but all donations in aid of Friends of Summertown Library will be gratefully received.

 

South Parade Contraflow Cycle Lane [22 December 2023]

Oxfordshire County Council has launched a consultation on a proposal to replace the single yellow lines on South Parade with double yellow lines, and to allow two-way cycling along the whole length of the road in a demarcated contraflow cycle lane on the north side. This obviously has implications for any business which relies on customers being able to park outside or has deliveries by van or lorry.
It is a difficult road on which to have a cycle contraflow. Cars turn in fast from the Banbury Road expecting a one-way street. There are four turnings off and into South Parade, before the staggered junction with Stratfield Road and Middle Way. The various entrances into St Edward's School and its maintenance yard present further hazards. There is also the matter of the taxis that congregate to drop off and collect from Northern House School. A risk assessments for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers would be extensive.
Please click this link for information from OCC, and a consultation survey. You can also email Christian Mauz who is the responsible Technical Officer (Traffic & Road Safety) at OCC. The deadline for responses is 12 January 2024.

 

tops:health to Move [21 December 2023]

Having moved to the Co-Op building in 2021, tops:health is moving again - this time to Summertown Pavilion on Middle Way - which will be the new location for Physiotherapy, Sports Massage & Rehabilitation including Private Pilates and Yoga. The move will take place at the end of January and we hope to provide details of other courses in the new year.

 

Viavi:be to Close [21 December 2023]

Viavi:be, which has provided an innovative and expertly-led fitness studio since 2017, is to close at the end of this month. This will be a great blow for the many residents that rely on the smart machines and tailored exercise plans for their fitness.

 

More Roadworks Planned [13 December 2023]

Major roadworks will begin on the Kidlington Roundabout, north of Oxford Parkway, on 8 January and will last until June 2024. This will obviously have a significant impact on traffic to the north of Oxford.

 

Summertown Library Talk [8 December 2023]

Despite what we said at the end of October, the next Summertown Library Talk, "What is Truth? - The Challenge of Providing Context to News", will be held on Thursday 14 December at 6pm. Martin Wainwright, a Guardian reporter for 37 years, will examine the effect of fake news on the value we ascribe to the freedom of the press and consider if the mainstream media are themselves to blame for the growing unease. The talk is free but all donations in aid of Friends of Summertown Library will be gratefully received.

 

Bus Services [7 December 2023]

Stagecoach has announced that they will be increasing the frequency of the 2 and 2A services to cope with increased demand. They plan to run buses every 7-8 minutes Monday to Saturday and every 10 minutes on Sundays.

 

Smoke Control Areas [6 December 2023]

Oxford City Council has opened a consultation into adding Summertown and other areas in north Oxford, as well as other parts of Oxford, to the existing areas of the city covered by regulations governing open fires. The aim is to have a single Smoke Control Area covering the whole of Oxford, which will have the effect of banning open chimney fires. Details of the proposed restrictions can be found here, where there is also a link to the consultation which closes on 31 January 2024.

 

Lloyds Bank [5 December 2023]

The Lloyds bank site on the corner of Oakthorpe Road and Banbury Road has been sold, and is being converted by local developer LiveinOxford Ltd into a combination of downstairs offices and accommodation upstairs.

 

Hearing Aids [30 November 2023]

The shop on the Banbury Road formally occupied by Oliver Bonas, is being fitted out for Hidden Hearing who will be welcoming us soon for all our hearing care needs.

 

Bassissimo! at the URC [27 November 2023]

Come and experience Bassissimo! at 7.30pm on Sunday 3 December at the United Reformed Church. Double bass players, the experienced David Heyes and the immensely talented young musician Holly Reinhardt, will be joined by soprano Sarah Poole for a sizzling selection of classical, jazz and contemporary music for this intriguing line-up. Entrance is free but to ensure you have a seat please book here. You can also just turn up on the night. This is another great concert arranged by the Exuberant Trust (see 3 July 2023). There will be a retiring collection in aid of the Exuberant Trust and the Summertown Arts Community.

 

Summertown Library Mark Holland lecture [24 November 2023]

The Mark Holland Memorial Lecture will take place in the Summertown Library on Tuesday 5 December at 6pm. In "15 Years in Gaza", Dr Nick Maynard will describe his visits to Gaza with a world-class medical team from Oxford helping all communities, and talk about the current humanitarian catastrophe that is unfolding. Nick is a Consultant Surgeon who, since 2010, has led a group of Consultants specialising in surgery, medicine, paediatrics, and obstetrics to Gaza to teach medical students and practising surgeons. Nick has also visited and taught in Israeli hospitals in Jerusalem.

This special talk is arranged by Tom Silk, son-in-law of Mark Holland and trustee of Friends of Summertown Library, on behalf of the Holland family. The talk is free but voluntary donations made on the night will be shared between The International Medical Education Trust and Medical Aid for Palestinians, two charities of which Nick is a trustee. For those unable to attend, but who would like to donate, please click the links for these charities.

 

Summertown Christmas Lights [21 November 2023]

The Summertown Christmas Lights have now been put up, and a switching-on ceremony will be held by the Christmas tree outside Savills from 5pm on Tuesday 5 December. The St Edward's School brass band will play carols, and a choir from Oxford High School will sing, before the countdown to the lights being switched on. Please come and join in this annual celebration.

 

A Christmas Carol at The North Wall [17 November 2023]

Creation Theatre return to The North Wall from 2 December 2023 - 6 January 2024 with their usual brand of joyful, anarchic, heartwarming festive theatre. Creation's Rep Company will present a new spin on their 2017 production of A Christmas Carol which is among the the most perfect Christmas tales of redemption. Times vary; running time: 2hr 30m including an interval. Tickets £13.50 - £32.00.

 

Festive Feasts at Pompette [16 November 2023]

Pompette is offering two Winter Feasting Menus which will be served from 28 November to 23 December. A 'sumptuous' Festive Prix Fixe, available in the restaurant throughout the season and a 'rather special' Gourmand Christmas Feast, which must be pre-ordered three days in advance. Click on the links for more details.

 

Christmas Sale at the URC [15 November 2023]

A Christmas Sale of cards, gifts, crafts, cakes and Fair Trade goods, to raise funds for local and national charities, will be held outside the United Reformed Church on the Banbury Road on Saturday 25 November from 10am to 12 noon.

 

S&SMNF AGM [12 November 2023]

This year's AGM of the Summertown & St Margaret's Neighbourhood Forum will be held at the Cutteslowe Community Centre in Wren Road OX2 7SX at 7.30pm on Wednesday 22 November. The guest speaker is Councillor Louise Upton who will be talking about the Oxford City Local Plan 2040 and what that means for our neighbourhood. Following the meeting there will be refreshments and a chance to meet the Committee. All are welcome but only registered members are eligible to vote at the AGM. If you are not already registered there will be forms available at the meeting.

 

Follow-the-Stars Christmas Concert [9 November 2023]

A reminder that the 27th Follow the Stars Christmas Carol Concert in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support will be held at Christ Church Cathedral on Friday 8 December at 8pm. There will be a stellar cast of actors, poets and singers including 'Greg Wise, Jason Isaacs, Mel Giedroyc and Toby Jones entertaining us with enthralling literary readings. These will be interspersed by breathtaking musical performances and gloriously uplifting Christmas carols. This year we are thrilled and honoured to have the highly acclaimed, classical trumpeter Alison Balsom (pictured by Lizzie Patterson) joining us'. Follow the Stars is very much part of Oxford's Christmas Calendar and is an event not to be missed. Please click this link to BOOK YOUR TICKETS online NOW. The concert will be live-streamed free to view at justgiving.com/fundraising/follow-the-stars, where you can also donate, if you are unable to attend the event.

 

Bia opens [6 November 2023]

Bia, the new café restaurant on the corner of South parade and Stratfield Road is now fully open and serving drinks and meals from 5pm-11pm on Tuesdays and 12 noon-11pm on Wednesday to Saturday. There is also a Pannekoek pop-up café offering 'Great coffee and delicious cakes and pastries' from 9.30am to 12 noon on Tuesday to Saturday.

 

Summer Field's Fireworks display [31 October 2023]

There will be the annual fireworks display at Summer Fields School at 7pm on Friday 3 November. The closed display will be held on the school grounds. Summer Fields hope that local residents enjoy the display which will last approximately 20 minutes. If local residents have pets that will be disturbed by fireworks, you may wish to keep them indoors during the display.

 

Summertown Library Talk [29 October 2023]

The next Summertown Library Talk, "Kino and Kinder - A Family's Journey in the Shadow of the Holocaust", will be held on Thursday 9 November at 6pm. In 1915 Vivien Sieber's grandmother Paula bought a cinema in Vienna. The cinema was a success but was 'Aryanized' by the Nazis in 1938. Vivien tells her family's story from their pre-war life in Vienna, to the trauma that was suffered at the hands of the Nazis, to their wartime life in England. Copies of Vivien's book will be available to buy after the talk. The talk is free but all donations in aid of Friends of Summertown Library will be gratefully received. There will be no talk in December, but watch this space for some fascinating talks coming up in the New Year.

 

St Edward's Fireworks display [27 October 2023]

The annual fireworks display at St Edward's School will this year be held at 7pm on Friday 3 November on the fields to the west of the Woodstock Road. The school is keen for local residents to enjoy the display from their houses, but would also like to warn anyone with pets who dislike fireworks to keep them indoors during the display which will last about 15 minutes. This year the school has worked with a local firework company with a commitment to reducing noise, plastic, chemical and pollutant levels in their fireworks.

 

Liz Gascoigne: Becoming [24 October 2023]

The North Wall in South Parade is currently showing the work of abstract expressionist painter Liz Gascoigne. As the North Wall says, 'Liz Gascoigne . . . creates dynamic and complex artwork which is an expression of her life and innermost feelings'. The exhibition is open daily until Saturday 4 November, from 10am-4pm on weekdays and 12-4pm at weekends. There will be a chance to meet the artist on Sunday 29 October from 2-3pm to find out more about her inspiration and technique. Entry is free.

 

Follow-the-Stars Christmas Concert [10 October 2023]

The 27th Follow the Stars Christmas Carol Concert in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support will be held at Christ Church Cathedral on Friday 8 December at 8pm. There will be a stellar cast of actors, poets and singers including 'Greg Wise, Jason Isaacs, Mel Giedroyc and Toby Jones entertaining us with enthralling literary readings. These will be interspersed by breathtaking musical performances and gloriously uplifting Christmas carols. This year we are thrilled and honoured to have the highly acclaimed, classical trumpeter Alison Balsom (pictured by Lizzie Patterson) joining us'. Follow the Stars is very much part of Oxford's Christmas Calendar and is an event not to be missed. Please click this link to BOOK YOUR TICKETS online NOW. The concert will be live-streamed free to view at justgiving.com/fundraising/follow-the-stars, where you can also donate, if you are unable to attend the event.

 

New cafe/restaurant for South Parade [5 October 2023]

Following our item about El Rincon's closure on 19 September, we were pleased to see a sign announcing that the venue was 'under new management' and that bia. will be opening in mid-October with an 'exciting new offering'. We look forward to seeing what that offering is.

 

Summertown Library Talk [4 October 2023]

The next Summertown Library Talk, "Planetary Systems: A Beginner's Guide", will be held on Thursday 19 October at 6pm. Not long ago the Solar System was the only example of a planetary system that we knew. Now we know thousands of planetary systems, and have even been able to observe them at the moment of their birth. Raymond Pierrehumbert, a Professor of Physics at Oxford University and a member of the Royal Society, will explore this topic from the moment galaxies began to form after the Big Bang to trillions of years into the future. Copies of Raymond's book will be available to buy after the talk. The talk is free but all donations in aid of Friends of Summertown Library will be gratefully received.

 

Recycling bins to go [26 September 2023]

During October Oxford City Council will be removing all the recycling 'bring banks' currently located around the city. This includes the bins in the car park at the Ferry Leisure Centre. Bring banks operated by the Council and independent charity-run banks that are also on City Council land will be removed. The Council says this decision has been made because of the comprehensive kerbside recycling services provided to all residents. Their removal will also resolve issues with contamination, misuse of the banks, and fly-tipping.

 

Cake sale at URC [22 September 2023]

Cutteslowe Community Centre will be hosting a bake sale at the United Reformed Church in Summertown this Saturday (23 September) from 10am-12pm to raise money for Sunnymead Minnows. Do go along and buy some cakes or other produce. Sunnymead Minnows is a joint venture between Cutteslowe Community Centre and Cutteslowe Primary School. It is the only local organisation providing free, open access provision of activities and support for children under 5 and their families.

 

El Rincon closes [19 September 2023]

El Rincon, the much-loved Spanish bar and restaurant on the corner of South Parade and Stratfield Road, closed quite suddenly on Sunday 17 September. It has been suggested that the building's owners, Cantay Estates, have repossessed the building. Cantay Estates are well known to local residents as they are the developers behind the flats that will be built, despite strong local opposition, on Stratfield Road (see 29 May below).

 

Mindfulness Music [11 September 2023]

You are invited to a series of reflective piano improvisations, played by Rosemary Jefford, who has designed the sessions to facilitate stillness. Each week's theme will act as a focus, often drawing on the poems of Emily Dickinson, Mary Oliver, Rumi and others, to create an atmosphere of reflection as the music is played. The sessions are on the following Thursdays from 1pm to 1.20pm at the United Reform Church at 294a Banbury Road: 14, 21, 28 September and 5, 12, 19 October. Visit this site for more information. Donations are welcome.

 

From Banking to Teeth [8 August 2023]

There are suggestions that Beyond Dental, a 'high-end' private and cosmetic dental clinic is interested in taking over the old HSBC bank site on the Banbury Road. Beyond Dental currently has clinics in Leamington Spa, Solihull, Cheltenham and Milton Keynes.

 

Oliver Bonas moving across the Banbury Road [26 July 2023]

Oliver Bonas has closed its shop on the west side of the Banbury Road, and the new shop in one half of the old Co-op store will open in the morning of Saturday the 29th.

 

Neighbourhood Forum Coffee and Cakes [24 July 2023]

The committee of the Summertown and St Margaret's Neighbourhood Forum will be running a stall outside the United Reformed Church in Summertown from 10am to midday on Saturday 29 July. There will be coffee, cakes and other produce for sale to help raise funds for their work, and you will be able to hear about the Forum projects, and say what your priorities are for the review of the Neighbourhood Plan.

 

Pompette a 'Best Local Restaurant' [23 July 2023]

Pompette on South Parade has been listed in the Good Food Guide's 100 Best Local Restaurants, which lists great restaurants with a strong community base.

 

Woodstock Road Resurfacing [22 July 2023]

Work will begin on 10 August to resurface the Woodstock Road between the Wolvercote Roundabout and St Margaret's Road. The work will be done in sections between 8pm and 5am to minimise disruption. Roads leading to each section will also be closed to through traffic during these hours.

 

Pavlova Winds free concert at URC [3 July 2023]

Pavlova Winds, a local ensemble, will be playing trios and quintets by Mozart, Taffanel, Ibert and Zemlinsky at a free concert at the United Reformed Church in Summertown on Sunday 16 July at 7pm. Drinks and nibbles will be provided in the Church after the performance. To ensure you have a seat please book your place via this Eventbrite link. You can also just turn up on the night.

The concert has been arranged by the Exuberant Trust, a charity which supports creative young people in Oxfordshire through small grants for individual projects in any of the arts. Entry to Exuberant events is free, but donations to the charity at the event by cash or card are welcome. Visit the Exuberant website for more information.

 

MGroup to move [30 June 2023]

The MGroup firm of accountants will be leaving Cranbrook House on the Banbury Road at the end of the year, after 40 years in Summertown, as their landlord wishes to take back the building; presumably for redevelopment. They are considering relocating to a site outside the ring road in view of the forthcoming access and parking restrictions being imposed by the Council.

 

Law firm coming to the high street [25 June 2023]

The shop on the Banbury Road previously occupied by Cara is being fitted out for Hedges, an employee-owned law firm which specialises in family law and has the slogan 'Advice for Life'. Founded in Wallingfod in 1789 and still based there, the firm's current Summertown location is Prama House.

 

Car parks to go cashless [25 June 2023]

The Council is changing the pay stations in the Summertown car parks in July to remove the option of paying for parking using cash.

 

Shaw Gibbs Cycling for Maggie's [1 June 2023]

Shaw Gibbs will be staging a Bike-a-thon at FitLife on the Banbury Road on Friday 9 June in aid of their charity of the year Maggie's Oxford. The Shaw Gibbs team will be using the gym's spinning studio to cycle virtually between their four offices (Oxford, London, Farnham & Basingstoke); a total of 174 miles. Gemma Lanning of Shaw Gibbs says, "We would welcome your support at the event, or you can give a donation via our JustGiving page, to help us raise money for this amazing charity. Maggie's provides free cancer support and information in centres across the UK and online. The charity has been a great help to our employees and their families".

 

Turrill Summer Music Festival [30 May 2023]

The Friends of the Turrill Garden are delighted to present their first Summer Music Festival. Performances will take place in the Turrill Sculpture Garden behind the Summertown Library from 2-4pm every Saturday in June. Tickets are available from different places for each performance:
June 3rd – Jazz by Kool Skool – Tickets: https://bit.ly/44b1Aof
June 10th – Jazz by Mambo Tropical – Tickets: https://bit.ly/41QbGIY
June 17th – Opera Anywhere present Mozart's 'The Magic Flute' – Tickets: operaanywhere.com or 0333 666 3366
June 24th – Jarisel Folk Group – Tickets: info@oxfordconcertparty.org 07788 174785.

 

Stratfield Road Flats Development Approved [29 May 2023]

A new, but virtually unchanged, planning application for this incongruous flat-roofed development built of pale brick which, in its various iterations, was rejected by councillors on 24 May 2022, again by the Chief Planning Officer on 10 October and then by the Planning Inspector in November, was approved by the Planning Committee on 23 May. The Planning Inspector's report was described in the meeting as 'inconsistent and of poor quality' partly because it rejected the development on two grounds in the report but only one in the conclusion. Many members of the Committee said they would have voted against the application had the Planning Officer not told them to vote in favour, so as to avoid a potential financial liability for the Council. It seems very strange that a planning application was decided on something that is not a planning consideration.

 

Summertown Artweeks [18 May 2023]

Artists across Summertown are putting the finishing touches to their exhibitions, which are part of the annual Oxfordshire Artweeks Festival. Take a look at the art and crafts on offer in our neighbourhood by clicking this link to our online catalogue.

 

Art Late Summertown [10 May 2023]

On Thursday 18 May from 5.30-8.00pm South Parade will be hosting another Art Late event. The North Wall, the Turrill Sculpture Garden, Sarah Wiseman Gallery and Grape Minds are all involved, offering the chance to visit exhibitions, listen to an Art Late led by Lizzy Rowe and sample art-inspired wines at each venue. There is also a prize draw with prizes including a £100 voucher to spend at Pompette and two tickets to a North Wall performance. Get updates by following #artlatesummertown.

 

Wychwood School to go co-ed [8 May 2023]

Wychwood School, the independent school on the Banbury Road, will be opening its doors to both boys and girls from September 2023. Boys will be able to join across all year groups at the beginning of the next academic year, with a boys' boarding house with its own entrance. The move forms part of Wychwood's plans to become an outstanding co-educational day and boarding school providing 'a warm, caring, positive and meaningful learning environment'. Head of Wychwood, Jane Evans, says: "Moving from a single sex to a co-educational school will help enhance the experience and personal growth of pupils in a positive environment which will prepare them for university and life beyond education". In addition to this change, Wychwood will also be developing a new Wychwood Sixth hub, a fitness suite and medical and wellbeing centre.

 

Coronation bunting [20 April 2023]

We will be putting up bunting in the Banbury Road on Monday 24 April in celebration of the coronation of King Charles III.

 

Shaw Gibbs expansion [19 April 2023]

Shaw Gibbs, the accountants on the Banbury Road who received private equity funding in November 2022, are expanding rapidly. Over the past month they have aquired Wise & Co in Farnham and RSM in Basingstoke.

 

Turrill gazebo [18 April 2023]

A new permanent gazebo has been erected in the Turrill Sculpture Garden for the use of visitors to both the garden and the library. It was funded by a generous donation from the Venables family, and funds from the Friends of Summertown Library.

 

New occupants for the Co-op [18 April 2023]

We hear that the works being carried out at the old Co-op site are to convert it for occupation by Oliver Bonas, moving across the road, and an as-yet-unnamed pizza chain. We, along with others, had hoped for a supermarket of some kind as, when Suffolk House is redeveloped from 2027, there will be no general supermarket in Summertown.

 

Easy hotel shop [17 April 2023]

The last free unit under the Easy hotel is to be occupied by Magnet Kitchens. They say the shop will be opening in mid May.

 

Ladbrokes closed [17 April 2023]

The Ladbrokes betting shop on the main drag has closed suddenly, leaving both a shop and upstairs flat available by lease.

 

Cutteslowe Community Larder [23 March 2023]

The Cutteslowe Community Larder is held on Wednesday afternoon from 14:00-16:00 every week in the Cutteslowe Community Centre, 31 Wren Road, Oxford, OX2 7SX. For a small £10 joining fee the Larder provides food and other items at a very low cost or free of charge. Details of what's available each week is usually posted on their Facebook page on Tuesday evenings. For more details visit their Page and, if you are able to make a donation to support this valuable work, please email: cutteslowecommunitylarder@gmail.com.

 

Making Endeavour crew Happy [21 March 2023]

In a documentary to mark the end of filming the last series of Endeavour, the actors thanked Julia Atkinson of Happy Cakes for providing cakes to the cast and crew over the past 10 years. Julia runs Happy Cakes from her kitchen in Middle Way.

 

Summertown Wine Bar [20 March 2023]

The Grand Opening of the Summertown Wine Bar will be at 6pm on Friday 31 March.

 

Summertown Library Talk [14 March 2023]

The next Summertown Library Talk, "In my Grandfather's Shadow", will be held on Thursday 23 March at 6pm. In an attempt to discover the truth about her German grandfather, first a proud Wehrmacht General and then a broken POW on trial for Nazi war crimes, Anglo-German artist and art teacher, Angela Findlay, has been researching her German roots. Her talk will describe her quest, and explore the intergenerational consequences of unresolved trauma, guilt and shame as well as the need for postwar remembrance, resolution and reconciliation. Copies of Angela's book will be available for sale after the talk using a credit or debit card.. The talk is free but all donations in aid of Friends of Summertown Library will be gratefully received.

 

Shop news [12 March 2023]

The Magazin Traditional Romanesc la Cumatru has now opened; the Letting board on the front of the old Co-op store has been removed, which may signal that a deal has been done; and fitting out continues for the new Summertown Wine Bar so that opening will be delayed.

 

Summertown Library Talk [20 February 2023]

The next Summertown Library Talk, "Russia's Disaster", will be held on Thursday 2 March at 6pm. Former Reuters correspondent Marcus Ferrar will be talking about the war in Ukraine and the impact this will have on Russia; topics covered in his forthcoming book. The talk is free but all donations in aid of Friends of Summertown Library will be gratefully received.

 

Ukraine Rally [18 February 2023]

An Oxford Ukraine Peace Rally will be held in Radcliffe Square at 1pm on 24 February to mark the anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine and to show solidarity with the Ukrainian people.

 

Summertown Wine Bar [18 February 2023]

The refurbishment of the old Laura Ashley site to transform it into the Summertown Wine Bar is proceeding apace and we understand it will open in the middle of March.

 

More on New shop coming [15 February 2023]

There is now an application for a Premises Licence for the retail sale of alcohol on the old Revital shop. The application has been made by Magazin Traditional Romanesc la Cumatru whose Banbury shop sells traditional Romanian food. We assume the same will be true of their Summertown shop.

 

Diamond Place Redevelopment [9 February 2023]

Things are moving forward on the redevelopment of Diamond Place. The Summertown & St Margaret's Neighbourhood Forum is looking for around 40 community representatives to help design the site vision that will form the backbone of the development brief. Representatives from the Oxford University Development team and Oxford City Council, who each own a part of the site, will also be a part of this group. The group will meet at six workshops which will be held by consultants and designers from BDP, a major architectural and city planning company.
A 45-minute introductory online Teams meeting will take place at 6pm on Wednesday 15 February. BDP will provide a briefing on the workshop process, provide examples of similar projects and answer any questions. Click here for the Teams meeting link or use Meeting ID: 344 474 008 943 and Passcode: w5X8e3.
Further details can be found here.

 

New shop coming [7 February 2023]

The site which was occupied by Revital is being fitted out for a new shop. We are trying to find out what it will be but it is good news that another of the empty spaces in Summertown will be filled.

 

Mamma Mia Settles in [2 February 2023]

Summertown's favourite pizzeria seems well settled into its new site at 9 South Parade 'Any move after 42 years in the same location is a little nerve-racking', owner Jon Ellse tells us. 'Children we were serving many years ago are now bringing along their children, so keeping things reassuringly familiar in our new location was all important. I’m delighted to say that we have had nothing but great feedback, with our guests enjoying the same quality of food, service and atmosphere that they’ve come to trust over the years' . The full tables and atmosphere inside certainly bear this out, and there is a sense of relief that this well-loved institution will continue in Summertown for many years to come..

 

South Parade closure [31 January 2023]

South Parade is partially closed from today (31 January) for 14 days for essential main sewer works. It should be open again on 15 February.

 

Pompette celebrations [20 January 2023]

From 7 February Pompette will again been open on Tuesdays, having been closed on that day throughout January because of staff shortages. This provides even more opportunity to sample Pascal's award-winning (1st Prize) paté en croute and is just in time for serving the special Valentine's menu on Tuesday the 14th.

 

New Flexible office space [19 January 2023]

The large redbrick office building on the Banbury Road north of the shops has been converted, and now offers 'Flexible Workspace' with parking, including offices, meeting rooms and day passes.

 

Mamma Mia closing and opening [6 January 2023]

The last meal at Mamma Mia Pizzeria in its old home will be served on Sunday evening, and it will open in its new location next door at 9 South Parade at some point next week. We will, along with many people in Summertown, be very keen to experience the new restaurant.

 

New fitness studio opens [5 January 2023]

The Fitlife studio, in the old Barclays Bank site, has now opened. Described as a 'boutique gym' it offers, amongst other things, yoga, pilates, spin and a juice bar which are available through flexible pay-as-you-go fees as well as memberships.

 

New openings [23 December 2022]

Mamma Mia Pizzeria hopes to open in its new location, next door to the old one, early in January.
Work on the FitLife gym in the old Barclays Bank unit is nearing completion and a January opening seems likely.
Refurbishment has begun on the Laura Ashley site to transform it into the Summertown Wine Bar. It is expected to open in February or March.

 

Local Oxford TV closes [16 December 2022]

BBC Oxford TV closed today, and most of the staff have been made redundant. Our 'local' TV news will now come from Southampton. BBC Radio Oxford will continue for the time being, but a lot of the programming will be content 'shared across the network'.

 

Cara clothes shop closed[6 December 2022]

Following a final Black Friday sale, Cara closed its doors for the last time. A sign on the door reveals that the whole group has closed, blaming the pandemic lockdowns, the 'astronomical rise in running costs', the ever-increasing rates, and current business conditions. It is sad to see them go, expecially as they supported many small local manufacturers.

 

Summertown Christmas Lights [16 November 2022]

The Christmas lights will be going up in Summertown again this year but, in view of the energy crisis, we have decided that they should be on for a much shorter time than usual: from 4pm to 10pm each day. There will not be a switch-on ceremony this year but we hope to hold one again in 2023.

 

Follow-the-Stars Christmas Concert [14 November 2022]

Follow-the-Stars, the Christmas Carol Concert in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support, is being held at Christ Church Cathedral on Friday 9 December at 8pm. There will, as usual, be a 'stellar cast of actors, poets and singers giving scintillating literary readings. These will be interspersed by breathtaking musical performances and gloriously uplifting Christmas carols.' Follow-the-Stars is very much part of Oxford's Christmas Calendar and is an event not to be missed. 'Please DO join us and let's sing and celebrate together.' You can still buy tickets from Tickets Oxford. If you are unable to attend the event it will be livestreamed free of charge and the video will be available until the end of the year. Click this link for the livestream.

Shaw Gibbs gets £10 million finance [8 November 2022]

Apiary Capital has invested £10m in Summertown accountant Shaw Gibbs, a provider of essential accounting, tax, payroll and other services. The investment will enable substantial growth through mergers and acquisions. The company has over 100 staff and is led by Peter O'Connell, who has been Managing Partner since 2016, and who said "In order to achieve our ambitious growth plans, we recognised that we needed a like-minded partner to support the next chapter of our growth and I am delighted to have found that in Apiary".

 

Art at Christmas fair [7 November 2022]

Art at Christmas, the long-running local art and craft fair, returns to Summertown on 12 and 13 November. 15 local makers will be showing and selling their prints, jewellery, ceramics, textiles and more, and Korky Paul will be signing and selling his Winnie the Witch children’s books. Do go along to the North Oxford Association, next to the car park and Sports Centre, 10am-5pm. Free entry.

 

Summer Field's Fireworks display [2 November 2022]

There will be the annual fireworks display at Summer Fields School at 7pm on Friday 4 November. The closed display will be held on the school grounds. Summer Fields hope that local residents enjoy the display which will last approximately 20 minutes. If local residents have pets that will be disturbed by fireworks, you may wish to keep them indoors during the display.

 

Shaw Gibbs cake sale for Maggie's [23 October 2022]

On Friday 28 October from 12-1pm Shaw Gibbs will be hosting a Halloween-inspired cake sale for their charity of the year, Maggie's, a great charity which provides free cancer support and information in centres across the UK and online. Gemma Lanning of Shaw Gibbs writes, "We are inviting our Summertown friends to join us for a cake or savoury bake to raise money for those with cancer". Do go along and indulge yourself for a good cause.

 

Summertown Library Talk [23 October 2022]

As we have previously mentioned, the next Summertown Library Talk will be held on Thursday 27 October at 6pm. Award-winning author Rebecca Abrams will be talking about the subject of her latest book, Licoricia of Winchester. It is a fascinating story about one of the most successful financiers in 13th century England who, as a Jewish woman, was also vulnerable to religious persecution and violent attack. The talk is free but all donations in aid of Friends of Summertown Library will be gratefully received.

 

St Edward's Fireworks display [22 October 2022]

The annual fireworks display at St Edward's School will this year be held at 7pm on Sunday 6 November on the west side of the Woodstock Road. The school is keen for local residents to enjoy the display from their houses, but would also like to warn anyone with pets who dislike fireworks to keep them indoors during the display which will last about 12 minutes.

 

SSTM Forum AGM [21 October 2022]

This year's AGM of the Summertown & St Margaret's Neighbourhood Forum will be held actually at the North Oxford Association Community Centre (NOA) in Diamond Place on Tuesday 8 November at 7pm. Following the meeting there will be refreshments and a chance to meet the Committee. The guest speaker is Councillor Andrew Gant who will give an update on the latest traffic management proposals from the County Council. All are welcome but only registered members are able to vote at the AGM. If you are not already registered there will be forms available at the meeting.

 

Stratfield Road Flats Development [19 October 2022]

A revised planning application for this unlikely flat-roofed development built of pale brick, was rejected by the Chief Planning Officer on 10 October partly on the grounds that the revised design was even worse than the one rejected by councillors at the committee meeting on the 24th of May. The developers have now lodged an appeal against this decision with the Planning Inspector. All comments made about both the previous applications will be considered by the Inspector, but if anyone would like to make new or revised comments they are free to do so. Visit the Planning Portal at http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/planning/appeals/online/comment, and use the appeal reference APP/G3110/W/22/3304247. All representations must be received by the Planning Inspectorate by 15 November 2022.

 

New occupant for the Co-op? [18 October 2022]

There is uncertainty about what business will move into the building recently vacated by the Co-op. The people working to clear the unit say it will either be Lidl or Aldi but there are also rumours that a nightclub is going to open there. We are attempting to discover which it is most likely to be.

 

Franco Manca not coming [15 October 2022]

The signs advertising that the Franco Manca pizza chain would be taking the last available unit in the Easy Hotel building have been removed, and replaced by signs advertising the unit as available. We have not been able to discover why they have decided not to come to Summertown.

 

Bus Gates Consultation [22 September 2022]

The consultation on the Bus Gates the County Council is proposing to install is now open and closes on Thursday 13 October.
The controversial bus gates, or ‘traffic filters’, which are planned for Marston Ferry Road, St Cross Road, St Clements, Hythe Bridge Street, Thames Street and Hollow Way, will have the effect of cutting areas of Oxford off from each other. The gates will be closed to most traffic between 7am and 7pm each day.
The effect on Summertown residents will be that any journey by car to the hospitals (including the JR), the main railway station, Headington, St Clements, Cowley and the Botley Road will involve using the Ring Road. That creates longer journeys and mans extra traffic on the most dangerous road, and two of the busiest roads, in the county. The effect on businesses across Oxford will be even more serious. You can read about this on the front page of today's Oxford Times..
You can give your views on this proposal by completing the Survey; the link which can be found here. There is no option to oppose the bus gates, so the only way to do that is to use the comment boxes in the consultation. Question 10 is the last opportunity to respond. A reminder that the consultation ends on 13 October.

Pret comes to Summertown [21 September 2022]

The sandwich chain Pret a Manger has opened, with little warning, in the unit recently occupied by Majestic during the building of Easy Hotel and the pandemic. We have now lost count of the number of coffee outlets in Summertown but will update that soon.

 

St Edward's Oxford Movement conference [20 September 2022]

St Edward's School is hosting an academic conference on The Oxford Movement on Friday 23 September from 9am to 6pm. Anyone from the local community with an interest in the history of the Church, education or architectural history is very welcome to attend. Please see this page for more details.

 

Pompette Coffee loyalty card [15 September 2022]

Pompette is introducing a loyalty card for anyone who has morning coffee at the restaurant. After buying 8 coffees you will get your 9th coffee, plus a cake of your choosing, free of charge. A mouth-watering offer.

 

Art Late Summertown [10 September 2022]

On Thursday 29 September from 5.30-8.00pm South Parade will be hosting another Art Late event. The North Wall, the Turrill Sculpture Garden, Sarah Wiseman Gallery, Art-K and Grape Minds are all involved, offering the chance to visit exhibitions, listen to Art Late Talks led by Lizzy Rowe and taste art-inspired wines.

 

Summertown Library Talks [8 September 2022]

Advance notice of the autumn/winter season of talks at the Summertown Library which will include:
27th October: REBECCA ABRAMS: 'Licoricia of Winchester - Power and Prejudice in Medieval England'
17th November: GARETH WINROW: 'The Butcher, The Tailor, The Picture-Frame Maker - Stories of Middle Way'
8th December: MARGARET BULLARD: 'Endangered species: Diplomacy from the Passenger Seat'
More details will follow later.

 

Summertown Co-op and Post Office [4 September 2022]

The closure of the Co-op at 5pm on Monday 12 September (a sad day for Summertown) will also bring about the closure of the Post Office counter. The Post Office is calling this a 'temporary closure' and is actively looking for another business to take on postal services. You can comment on the closure to the National Consultation Team by emailing them on comments@postoffice.co.uk; there is a link to this on this page, which also has a letter from the Post Office about the closure and details of our nearest Post Offices. If you know of a business that would be interested in taking this on you can use the email address to tell the Post Office.

 

Bubble Rush at Cutteslowe Park [17 August 2022]

Helen & Douglas House has organised a 'Bubble Rush' at Cutteslowe Park. Take part to get the chance to 'burst through a rainbow of bubbles up to four feet high during this frothy 5k fun run'. The run is on Sunday 18 September and entry costs £20 for adults and £15 for children. The 11am 'wave' is sold out, but there are still tickets available for the 12pm 'wave'. More details here.

 

Oxford North park approved [17 August 2022]

Plans for Oxford North's new canalside public park and residential street has been approved by Oxford City Council’s planning committee. The park will have predominantly native trees and shrubs with a mixed native hedge to form a soft boundary to the new houses along the street.

 

New wine bar for Summertown [12 August 2022]

Michael and Graeme of Grape Minds have announced the intention of opening the Summertown Wine Bar in the old Laura Ashley unit. There is a lot of planning to be done but they hope it will open in February 2023. To find out more, or get involved, check out the Crowdfunder page after it opens on 9 September.

 

Malay street food available soon [11 August 2022]

Kopitiam, the Malay street food café on South Parade, is planning to open at the end of August or beginning of September depending on how the fitting-out progresses.

 

Neighbourhood Forum 'meet and greet'[8 August 2022]

The Summertown & St Margaret's Neighbourhood Forum will be setting up a publicity stall outside the United Reformed Church from 10am to midday on Saturday 13 August. Do go along to hear from the Committee about the work of the Forum and to buy delicious cakes and other local produce, and maybe pick up a coffee to go with them.

 

New housing development north of Cutteslowe [7 August 2022]

An Oxford college will be submitting a planning application this autumn for another large housing development north of Summertown. This plan by Christ Church will see 690 homes and a new primary school built south of Oxford Parkway station. It will run down to Cutteslowe Park and continue the process of removing the green belt between Oxford and Kidlington. If approved, construction will begin in 2024 and the project will be completed in 2031. We wonder if the traffic planners at the County Council have factored this new development, and the further impact it will have on the A40 and A34, into their plans for traffic restrictions in Oxford.

 

Housewarming Guides from LCON [7 August 2022]

Are you considering upgrading your house to use less energy, to be warmer in winter and cooler in summer, and to be ready to install heat pumps as gas boilers are phased out? If so, the new Housewarning Guides produced by Low Carbon Oxford North are just what you need. The Guides give you all the information on where to start, how to talk to contractors and what the priorities should be. All the Guides are available on the LCON website.
LCON are also planning to print hard copies of the Guides later this year. If you would like to buy a set please let them know by the end of August, and they will be in touch in September to confirm the price.
As well as producing the Guides, they are offering a support programme for anyone in North Oxford who is interested in this kind of eco-renovation. The programme will consist of monthly meetings starting later this year. To register your interest and receive further details, just complete this form.

 

Coffee at Pompette re-starts [2 August 2022]

The Pompette is once again open from 10:00-11:30 for coffee and Madeleines (and other baked treats).

 

Malaysian addition to café scene [25 July 2022]

The Hong Kong House on South Parade, which was briefly KC Kitchen, will soon re-open as Kopitiam; a Malaysian street food café.

 

Low Traffic Neighbourhoods in north Oxford [21 July 2022]

Given the intense debates, and direct action, caused by the Cowley LTNs, we were relieved when, at a recent meeting, Oxfordshire County Councillor Andrew Gant confirmed that no LTNs were planned for Summertown or North Oxford.

 

Fitlife coming to Summertown [20 July 2022]

The old Barclays Bank site is currently being fitted out as a Fitlife studio which is due to open in August. Described as a 'boutique gym' it will also offer, amongst other things, yoga, pilates, spin and a juice bar which are available through flexible pay-as-you-go fees as well as memberships. Fitlife has one other gym in Haddenham.

 

Hot weather bin collections [15 July 2022]

Because of the extreme heat forecast for next week, Oxford City Council say that household and business recycling and waste collections will be taking place earlier for the safety of their crews. Please leave your bins out the night before collection, where safe to do so.

 

Oxford Philhamonic at St Edward's [14 July 2022]

In July the Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra will present a series of three concerts in the Olivier Hall at St Edward's School. The first, on Friday 15 July, features Baroque pieces by Bach, Pachelbel and others. The second, on Friday 22 July, is a programme of 'seasons' by Piazzolla and Vivaldi , and the final concert on Friday 29 July is dedicated to Mozart's masterpieces. Tickets can be obtained from the OPO website.

 

Lloyd's branch closure [13 July 2022]

A reminder that the Lloyd's Bank branch on the Banbury Road will be closing on 21 July.

 

Colombian Coffee Roasters wins award [7 July 2022]

One of Summertown's favourite venues has been voted the second best café in Oxford in the Oxford Mail Best Café 2022 competition. The company's café in the Covered Market came first. Congratulations to Milly Barr and all her team.

 

Franco Manca [28 June 2022]

The Franco Manca chain of sourdough pizza shops is taking the last empty unit below Easy Hotel. We wait with interest to see if KFG does join the Easy Hotel feeding team at another location in Summertown.

 

New Tailor [28 June 2022]

A new tailor is opening at 194 Banbury Road. Velvet Tailoring will offer bespoke tailoring, alterations and dry cleaning.

 

Kitchen Food Company award [22 June 2022]

Congratulations to the Kitchen Food Company on the Banbury Road, which has won the Best Farmshop/Deli category for Bucks and Oxon in this year's Muddy Stilettos Awards.

 

Co-op replacement [20 June 2022]

Rumours that Lidl is interested in taking over the site when the Co-op store closes have been denied by a Lidl spokesperson who said the site was 'not suitable'.

 

Popham Hairdressing closed for building works [20 June 2022]

Hair salon Popham's on South Parade has had to close for some essential building repairs. They hope to reopen at the end of August.

 

Oxford's TV local news in jeopardy [18 June 2022]

The BBC has announced that it is planning to abolish Summertown-based BBC Oxford's local news service on TV. What plans are in place for the BBC Oxford radio service is unknown.

 

Car sharing webinar [17 June 2022]

Summertown Councillor Katherine Miles has organised a webinar is to provide residents with information on car sharing solutions and learn from the experience of Oxford residents who are already sharing their cars and e-cars. Speakers include Emily Kerr, founder of Share Our Cars; local resident Joanne Bowlt who is currently involved in an e-car sharing pilot; and Charlotte Laing who will report on a recent street review process on Hayfield Road. The webinar is on Wednesday 22 June from 8-9pm. To sign up, residents can register here to get the Zoom login details.

 

Forces Support charity shop [7 June 2022]

A new charity shop has opened in what was Laura Ashley. Forces Support provides support to veterans and their families, especially those left behind. They are seeking donations of furniture, books, clothes and decorative objects, and hope eventually to be able to accept electric goods.

 

Jubilee weekend [6 June 2022]

Summertown was festooned in bunting for the Jubilee, including the shops, and there were parties in many of the local streets.

The festive atmosphere in Summertown was helped on Saturday by live music outside Colombian Coffee Roasters provided by musicians including Charlotte Campbell.

 

Restaurant news [6 June 2022]

Burnout BBQ has finally opened on the site previously occupied for many years by Unique Creations. They serve breakfast from 8 until 12 and then their full menu for the rest of the day.
We congratulate Temptations, the newly opened ‘dessert lounge’ further down the Banbury Road, for being awarded a 5 star rating by the Food Standards Agency.

 

Diamond Place Community Plan [31 May 2022]

Following three Zoom meetings about the development of Diamond Place, the Neighbourhood Forum is now holding an in-person public meeting about the formation of a Diamond Place Community Plan. The Plan will be developed in conjunction with the City Council and the University. The meeting is on Tuesday 21 June at 7.15pm at the NOA Community Centre (next to Ferry Sports Centre).

 

Summertown Jubilee [26 May 2022]

Shoppers in Summertown this morning were happy to see the Jubilee bunting going up on both sides of the Banbury Road. The bunting has been funded by the Neighbourhood Forum.

 

Summertown Cycles [26 May 2022]

The cycle shop on the Banbury Road has new owners. The business has been bought by Scott Garrett and Penny Afton and we look forward to discovering their plans for the future of the business.

 

Stratfield Road flats development [25 May 2022]

UPDATE: At the Planning meeting yesterday the application to build the block of flats was rejected by the committee. We understand the developers will be able to present a revised application.

 

Stratfield Road flats development [23 May 2022]

The Planning meeting to consider the application to build a block of flats at the northern end of Stratfield Road (see 25 March) is at 6pm tomorrow, Tuesday 24 May, in Oxford Town Hall. The Planning Officer's report, which recommends acceptance, can be found by following this link and then clicking the first link under item 7. It is noteworthy that they consider this flat-roofed design, using uniform pale brick, to be a successful transition between one red-tiled Oxford yellow brick building and another red-tiled Oxford yellow brick building. The Save Our Street organisers would appreciate as much support as possible at the meeting as they attempt to have the application thrown out.

 

Summertown Library Talk [22 May 2022]

The first live Summertown Library Talk since the pandemic will be held on Wednesday 1 June at 6pm. Christopher Danziger will be giving a talk entitled 882 A.D. - the Origin of Putin's Ukrainian War?. The talk is free but all donations in aid of the Friends of Summertown Library will be gratefully received.

 

Barclays to be let? [21 May 2022]

The sign above the previous Barclays Bank building still says 'To Let' but, as work is being carried out to repair the walls and cables are being run through the building, it is possible that a new tenant has at last been found.

 

KC Kitchen closed? [20 May 2022]

The successor to Hong Kong House on South Parade, KC Kitchen, appears to have closed. It never seemed to be fully open, but all the notices in the windows have been removed.

 

United Reform Church [17 May 2022]

We are sad to learn that the United Reform Church on the Banbury Road is indeed going to close. It is to be hoped that whatever takes its place respects the fine Victorian building and is of value to the community.

 

Boots rumour unfounded [17 May 2022]

A rumour has been circulating that the Boots in Summertown is to close but we are assured that this is fake news. One of the senior staff said this would never happen after a major re-fit.

 

Revital has closed [16 May 2022]

The Revital health shop on the Banbury Road closed suddenly yesterday with all the stock and fittings being removed in one day. It leaves yet another empty space in Summertown.

 

Summertown Artweeks [6 May 2022]

Artists across Summertown are putting the finishing touches to their exhibitions which are part of the annual Oxfordshire Artweeks Festival. Take a look at the art and crafts on offer in our neighbourhood by clicking this link to our online catalogue.

 

Summertown Post Office [30 April 2022]

The fact that the Summertown Post Office is in need of a new home will soon be advertised  on runapostoffice.co.uk, and a team from the Post Office will visit to spend time with local retailers to see if anyone is interested in taking this on.

 

Shaw Gibbs in Twin Town Challenge [25 April 2022]

A team from Shaw Gibbs is taking part in SpecialEffect's Twin Town Challenge. Managing partner Peter O'Connell and Nik Ioannidis, associate director of audit, are cycling 200 miles from Oxford to Le Touquet in France to raise funds for SpecialEffect, which transforms the lives of physically disabled people across the world through the innovative use of technology. The pair will be leaving the Shaw Gibbs office on the Banbury Road at 7am this Wednesday 27 April. Maya's Coffee, which is based outside the Galaxie Hotel, has kindly agreed to donate its proceeds for the day to the Charlbury-based charity. Donations are also welcomed via the Shaw Gibbs Just Giving page.

 

City Council candidates [12 April 2022]

The following are standing for election to the City Council in the Summertown ward on 5 May:

Mark Gregory Beer, Local Conservatives
Christopher Mark Dobell Hull, Labour Party
Katherine Sarah Miles, Liberal Democrat
Indrani Sigamany, Green Party

Unlike in other areas of the city, no Independent candidates are standing.

 

Summertown Co-op to close [11 April 2022]

We are sorry to say that we now have official confirmation that the Summertown Co-op will close in about six months. It will continue to trade normally up to that point but it will be a sad day when it closes. Midcounties Co-operative say they are trying to find another store to take over the Post Office counter, which was installed after a long campaign led by our then local Councillor Jeane Fookes. This store is said to have more visits that any other store in the group, but has apparently been making a loss for some time as a result of extremely high rents.

It might also be significant that the owner of the Co-op building also owned Suffolk House which has recently been bought by another landlord and is going to be demolished [see report 27 January].

 

Children's art classes [5 April 2022]

Art-K, a franchise providing weekly classes and holiday art workshops for ages 6-18, is opening in Summertown. The shop, in the unit previously occupied by the launderette on South Parade, is planned to open next Monday You can visit their site to see what they have to offer.

 

Lloyd's Bank [4 April 2022]

The last bank in Summertown is to close. As part of a nationwide closure programme, Lloyd's has announced that the Summertown branch will close on 21 July. A few years ago there were five banks on the Banbury Road.

 

Oxford North [2 April 2022]

A planning application, with details of reserved matters (appearance, landscaping, layout and scale) has been made to the Council for 317 housing units to be built as part of the Oxford North development The mix of houses and five-storey blocks of flats will occupy a site in the Green Belt south of the A40 and north of Port Meadow. Given the visual impact of the University's accommodation blocks to the south-east of the Meadow, it will be interesting to see what mitigation measures are provided for this development. You can use this link to comment on the proposal, then search using the application number 22/00675/RES.

 

Greengrocer closes [2 April 2022]

The Summertown Greengrocer on the Banbury Road which opened in November 2020 has closed without notice, leaving another empty unit.

 

Legge Carpets exhibition [27 March 2022]

A themed exhibition titled 'Tribal Weavings. Bags, Rugs and Carpets from Iran and Central Asia' will open at Legge Carpets in Oakthorpe Road on Saturday 2 April. The exhibition, which is part of an exhibition week organised by the Cotswolds Art & Antiques Dealers' Association (CADA), will run through to 9 April, 9.30 am – 5 pm on weekdays, 11 am – 4 pm on Sunday.

Unwelcome development [25 March 2022]

There is a lot of concern in Stratfield Road and South Parade over a planning application to demolish one part of the fine Victorian building on the corner of these streets, formerly occupied by Bonners Greengrocers, and build in its place a three-story apartment block. While there may be differing views on the design of the block in isolation, its mass, design and style are certainly not in keeping with the local architectural style or appropriate for this location. You can use this link to comment on the proposal, then search using the application number 22/00393/FUL. Comments have to be made by 30 March.

 

M&S café to close [25 March 2022]

We learn that the café in the M&S is to close. It has been a popular destination but the increasing number of cafés in the area may have prompted this decision.

 

Diamond Place development update [23 March 2022]

We learnt yesterday, at the Summertown & St Margaret’s Neighbourhood Forum update on the plans for Diamond Place, that there had effectively been no new developments although a three-way discussion group had been set up between the Forum, Council and University. However, as the Council is unwilling to proceed until the University is ready, and the University has mentioned that it may be five or more years before it is, there were suggestions that the Council should be persuaded to begin the work alone, particularly so that the new Summertown Health Centre could be built.

 

Summertown Post Office conviction scandal [22 March 2022]

A former Summertown postmistress, Margaret Sowinska, has gone to the Court of Appeal today in a bid to overturn a conviction for allegedly taking £50,000. The case is one of a number of Post Office cases being dealt with at the Royal Courts of Justice. Ms Sowinska, who ran the Post Office Counter at Martin's newsagent (on the site currently occupied by Costa), was given a 12 month suspended sentence for false accounting in 2007. More than 70 postmasters and postmistresses have had their convictions overturned after the Post Office accepted that 'missing' funds were down to problems with the Horizon accounting software. We wish her well in her appeal.

 

Diamond Place development update [21 March 2022]

Summertown & St Margaret’s Neighbourhood Forum will be hosting a Zoom meeting tomorrow, Tuesday 22 March, at 7pm to update the community on the plans for Diamond Place. The Zoom link will be available at this address.

 

Finders Keepers 50th [18 March 2022]

Finders Keepers is celebrating 50 years of lettings management in north Oxford. Originally started in North Parade by Mary Channer, the business soon moved to Summertown and has been a valued part of our community ever since.

 

Shaw Gibbs cake sale for Maggies [21 February 2022]

A reminder that on Friday 25 March Shaw Gibbs will be hosting a Kitchen Table Day for their charity of the year, Maggies. You can 'grab a delicious homemade cake' in their reception area between 1pm and 2pm and help raise money to support people living with cancer.

 

Sunday Lunch returns at Pompette [14 March 2022]

Pompette has re-opened for Sunday lunches. To celebrate they are offering a glass of Crémant d'Alsace for each guest when customers pre-book for any Sunday in March including Mothering Sunday. They are open from 12pm and the final booking for lunch is 3pm. You can book online, on the phone (01865 311166) or by email.

 

Bus gate proposed for Marston Ferry Road [25 February 2022]

Oxfordshire County Council has announced that it will go ahead with plans to install bus gates on the Marston Ferry Road and Hythe Bridge Street to stop all vehicles except buses, emergency vehicles, taxis and blue badge holders from using the road. This will mean that people in Summertown will have to use the A40 to visit Marston or Headington, and that Summertown patients can't access the John Radcliffe or other hospitals except via the ring road. Going to Oxford Station, or the Botley Road shops, will involve a journey on the A34 followed by the Botley Road. A frequent, efficient, widespread and cheap bus service would obviously mitigate the impact, but this appears not to be part of the plan. The current plan, including operating the gates 24/7, will go for public consultation in June. We have approached our local Lib Dem County Councillor, Andrew Gant, for comment. If you would like to contact him you can email him using this address. You can see the outline details of the plan on this page.

 

Unique Creations moves [24 February 2022]

Unique Creations has now closed its shop on the Banbury Road but you can still continue to paint your own pottery by making a booking for 1-16 people. Visit their website for details or email Priscilla.

 

Shaw Gibbs cake sale for Maggies [21 February 2022]

On Friday 25 March Shaw Gibbs will be hosting a Kitchen Table Day for their charity of the year, Maggies. The Maggies charity provides free cancer support and information in centres across the UK and online. Why not visit Shaw Gibbs and 'grab a delicious homemade cake' in their reception area between 1pm and 2pm to raise money for those with cancer.

 

Gees Secret Garden [18 February 2022]

Gees has closed temporarily 'for a full, top to bottom makeover'. It will be reopening in mid-May 2022. The restaurant will be combined with the property next door, which has been remodelled over the past six months, to create Gees Gallery & Secret Garden.

 

215 to Kitchen Food Company [16 February 2022]

The Oxford Kitchen restaurant, which was rebranded in the pandemic as '215', will be opening in March as the Kitchen Food Company bistro & deli. They will be offering brunch and lunch from 10am to 2.30pm, and the deli will be open until 6pm.

 

Staff Temptations [14 February 2022]

Work is continuing on fitting out the new Temptations Dessert Lounge on the Banbury Road, and they are looking for staff. Email Kate if you are interested.

 

Oxford North - further developments [7 February 2022]

Thomas White Oxford has submitted an application for construction of Canalside Park, the first of three public parks planned for Oxford North, and a new street to provide access to the first phase of Oxford North's new homes at Canalside, around 318 new houses and apartments, on land south of the A40. Comments are invited on the Oxford City Council planning site using reference: 22/00081/RES. Oxford North's new website has details of the project.

 

Men's outfitters [4 February 2022]

We hear that the shop on the corner of Oakthorpe and Stratfield Road, last occupied by Righton, is to be a men's clothes shop. It is said to be an offshoot of Clements & Church from Little Clarendon Street.

 

Mamma Mia moving [4 February 2022]

Work is proceeding apace to transform the South Parade shop that has been variously The Paint Pot, The Guitar Gallery, Hastings Drummond and Liscious, into the new site for Mamma Mia Pizzeria.

 

Unique Creations closing [27 January 2022]

We are very sorry to hear that Unique Creations will be closing soon. A long-established Summertown business, beloved by everyone from small children to grandparents, the closure is the result of an extremely high rent demand from the new owners of Suffolk House (see below). We understand that the premises will be taken on by Burnout BBQ; well known to festival goers, and currently based in Islip Road.

 

Suffolk House facing redevelopment [27 January 2022]

Suffolk House, on the southern corner of South Parade and Banbury Road, has been bought by a developer. We hear they plan to demolish the building when the longest current lease expires in 2027. Built as a garage, the building was last threatened with demolition when Oxfam sought to build a new four-storey HQ on the site. There is said to be a Roman cemetery under the foundations.

 

From Mountains to Puddings [26 January 2022]

The old Mountain Warehouse shop on the Banbury Road is currently being transformed into a Temptations Dessert Lounge. In an ad for a Floor Manager it is described as 'an Exciting New High End Desserts and Cocktail Venue opening in Summertown, Oxford'. They have understandably applied for a liquor licence. The closing date for objections is the 1st of February.

 

Grape Minds opening later [26 January 2022]

The popular wine shop on South Parade is getting the decorators in next week and so, from the 31st to the 4th, will be opening at 12 noon.

 

New Shops in Summertown [18 January 2022]

Two new shops will be opening soon in Summertown. The first is Summertown Tailoring which is opening in Prama House on South Parade and will offer, amongst other things, tailoring and repairs & alterations. The second is Terzettto which is part of a small chain of shops selling stone and porcelain tiles, and is the penultimate unit to be filled under the new Easy Hotel. There are also signs that the old Launderette on South Parade is also being prepared for a new occupant.

 

Mamma Mia charity collection [18 January 2022]

Customers at Mamma Mia Pizzeria, along with those at the Perch Inn and Mamma Mia in Jericho, raised over £2700 during the festive period in aid of Helen & Douglas House. These donations were matched by Full City Ltd, which runs the restaurants, leading to a total donation of £5424.

 

Pompette in latest Michelin Guide [18 December 2021]

Kudos to Pompette for having been listed in the new Michelin Guide. It is one of 6 restaurants in Oxford to be so honoured, one of which is 215, which as we reported earlier is sadly closing down.

 

Easy Hotel finally opens [9 December 2021]

The extra large red-brick building on the Banbury Road has finally opened its doors to guests.

 

215 to close [6 December 2021]

We were greatly surprised to hear that 215, the restaurant on the Banbury Road, is closing its doors on 1 January 2022 after the New Year's Eve service. Paul Welburn, the 215 chef who gained and retained a Michelin Star, has decided to take on a fresh challenge. However, the business that owns the restaurant says that they love Summertown, want to continue to be a vibrant part of our community, and are are 'putting the finishing touches to a new concept' which will launch in the same venue 'in place of 215 Kitchen and Drinks in February 2022'.

 

Summertown Christmas Lights [30 November 2021]

The Summertown Christmas Lights will be going up soon and will be switched on  on 3 December. Sadly we have decided again this year, as have many other town centres, that it would probably not be a good idea to have a switching-on ceremony. However, we hope you enjoy the lights.

 

Christmas at Gatineau [29 November 2021]

Gatineau are taking Christmas orders for collection on December 23rd and 24th. You can place your order on their website and choose collection at checkout. They are sorry but there will be no home deliveries this year. They will also have a wide range of delicious things in the shop in the lead up to Christmas.

 

Art at Christmas [10 November 2021]

Art at Christmas, the annual Summertown community art fair, is back again but in a new location: the North Oxford Association Community Centre in Diamond Place. The event will run from 10am to 5pm this weekend 13-14 November. This great event gives you the chance to buy Christmas gifts of ceramics, jewellery, glass, prints and textiles from local makers.

 

S&StMNF AGM [9 November 2021]

The 2021 AGM of the Summertown & St Margaret’s Neighbourhood Forum will take place tomorrow, Wednesday 10 November, at 7pm. The meeting will be on Zoom and not at Cherwell School as previously advertised. Papers for the meeting are available on this web page where the zoom link will be available at 5pm on the 10th. Following the AGM Anna Strongman, CEO of Oxford University Development, will talk about her latest thinking regarding the plans for Diamond Place, and receive an update on the ‘Diamond Place Community Plan’ being drafted by the Forum.

 

Majestic and Crepe Affaire [1 November 2021]

Majestic has moved back into its old location, leaving its temporary premises next to the Co-op empty, but now under the new Easy Hotel. A new business, Crepe Affaire, has also opened next to it, presumably with a view to providing breakfast to any guests at the hotel. There are now two empty uints waiting to be filled.

 

New Italian in South Parade? [15 October 2021]

We hear rumours that a new Italian restaurant is to open in the fine but now dilapidated Victorian building on South Parade last occupied by Cibo. This would be very welcome, particularly if it means that the landlord has abandoned his plan knock down a range of buildings on the street to build speculative student accommodation.

 

K C Kitchen [12 October 2021]

The new Chinese takeaway on South Parade is now open, but only from 12-4 each day (closed Monday and open 10.30-3.30 Saturday) and serving a limited menu with payment by cash only.

 

Launderette closes [25 September 2021]

The Launderette on South Parade has closed. There has been a 'To Let' sign up for some weeks but the managers said that it would be continuing in business. We can only suppose that negotiations over a new lease failed, as it was very well used. The nearest launderette is now on Windmill Road in Headington.

 

New Chinese takeaway [16 September 2021]

The old Hong Kong House on South Parade is to be re-born as K C Kitchen. The new business, whose owners come from Hong Kong, will certainly offer a takeaway service and may also have tables. We are told that it will be open by the end of this month.

 

Mamma Mia at 40 [15 September 2021]

The well-loved Mamma Mia Pizzeria first opened its doors in 1981. To celebrate the 40th anniversary of this significant event they are planning some special 40th Birthday celebrations to be held in the restaurant over the coming months. These will be announced on social media. In the meantime they would like customers to share their Mamma Mia memories by tagging them on social media and sharing the hashtag #mammamia40.

 

Low Carbon Oxford North AGM and discussion [14 September 2021]

LCON will be holding a public meeting on the evening of Tuesday 28 September from 6:45 to 9:00. As well as holding their Annual General Meeting, there will also be a discussion about their priorities for the upcoming year. The meeting provides a chance for everyone to express their views. The meeting is planned to be at the Woodstock Road Baptist Church, 198 Woodstock Road, OX2 7NQ, but may have to be on Zoom if the situation demands it.

 

Oxford North Canalside new homes consultation [13 September 2021]

Thomas White Oxford, the development company of St John’s College, and its residential partner Hill Group have launched an online public consultation about the proposed 318 new homes, public park and streets at Oxford North’s Canalside development prior to the submission of Reserved Matters Applications to Oxford City Council later in the year. Canalside forms part of the overall Oxford North project. It sits along the south-western boundary, to the south of the A40. The overall plan is for 480 new homes, the balance of which will be in Central and Eastside. The plans can be viewed on this site . The consultation closes on Monday 27 September 2021 at 9am.

 

Shaw Gibbs Celebration of Cycling [1 September 2021]

Shaw Gibbs is supporting Oxford’s first county-wide ‘Celebration of Cycling’. This inaugural event is being run by Cyclox, the charity which promotes cycling throughout the city and county. There will be five weeks of events, ending on Monday 4 October, across Oxfordshire to inspire more people to cycle for fun, health and everyday journeys. Shaw Gibbs have partnered with the charity as they run a social-cycling networking group with weekday rides every couple of months. The final day of the Celebration will coincide with stage one of the Women’s Tour of Britain that will race from Bicester to Banbury via Oxford.

 

Pompette opens again [25 August 2021]

All Pompette's customers will be delighted to hear that the restaurant is opening again tomorrow, Thursday 26 August. Following what Laura Wiedermann described as a 'rough 18 months' let us hope this is the last unplanned closure for a very long time.

 

Mamma Mia 40th [24 August 2021]

The much-loved Mamma Mia Pizzeria in South Parade will be celebrating its 40th Anniversary with various events over the next few months. Owner Jon Ellse says, 'When we first took over at Mamma Mia in 2001 we already knew we had 20 years of tradition to protect, and it's amazing to now see the restaurant reach such a significant milestone. We're incredibly proud of the fact that we have remained a firm restaurant favourite for so many years. It’s very rewarding to see guests who enjoyed Mamma Mia as children now bringing in their own children.' To help celebrate, the Mamma Mia team are asking customers to share their memories and photos of the restaurant from the last 40 years by tagging them across social media and using the hashtag #mammamia40.

 

Gatineau home delivery changes [23 August 2021]

Having started its very successful home delivery service soon after the beginning of the pandemic, Gatineau has decided to change the terms for deliveries because so many more people are now able to shop in person. From last Saturday a minimum order of £35 will apply to all orders placed for home delivery; a set delivery fee of £4.50 will apply to all orders up to £100 (orders above £100 will continue to be free of charges); and the delivery area will change to a 6.5 km radius from the Summertown Shop.

 

Hong Kong House to re-open? [22 August 2021]

Hong Kong House, which has been closed since part-way through the third lockdown may be set to re-open. The windows have been papered over and there has been a noticable increase in activity. We certainly hope that the very popular restaurant and takeaway will re-appear.

 

Pompette closed by Covid [19 August 2021]

Some members of staff at Pompette are having to self-isolate and the restaurant has been forced to close. It will be re-opening at the 'end of next week', possibly on Friday 27th or at the weekend.

 

Expanding Grape Minds [19 August 2021]

Grape Minds tell us that they will be opening a new shop in Wallingford on 17 September. We are delighted that the Summertown shop has obviously been such a success and wish them well with their new venture.

 

Coffee pods [12 August 2021]

The Oxford Mail reports that the City Council is to begin accepting coffee pods for recycling through the kerbside collection. We gather this will happen later this year.

 

Community Plan for Diamond Place [25 June 2021]

We have just been told that there will be a launch event to introduce the Community Plan for the Diamond Place re-development to the community outside the Co-op from 10am to 2pm tomorrow, Saturday 26 June. You are invited to go along and find out more about how Diamond Place can become a beautiful area that meets the needs of the community. More information is available at the neighbourhood forum website.

 

Majestic to move [20 June 2021]

We have heard that Majestic are planning to return to their old pitch, and occupy one of the retail units in the overbearing Easy Hotel. This had been in doubt because the non-stockholding store proved to be very succesful. Wwe understand that, once there,they will be joined by a KFC fast food joint so that the occupants of the hotel have somewhere to eat.

 

Turrill Sculpture Garden Summer Exhibition [4 June 2021]

The first Turrill exhibition of summer 2021, Heads and Tales, showcases the work of sculptors Louise Allison and David Williams. The exhibition will run from Saturday 6 June to Saturday 24 July. Opening times are on this page.

 

Alexandra Park [31 May 2021]

The Alexandra Park Working Group has formulated its Vision 2025, which marks the centenary of the Parks acquisition by Oxford City Council in 1925. The Vision includes the creation of a 'Boundary Avenue' on the west side with additional planting and seating and, to the north of the Avenue, a pergola leading into a 'Sensory Garden'. It is hoped that this garden will incorporate a tribute to Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials trilogy. Philip Pullman taught in Summertown for many years, and important parts of the trilogy take place in north Oxford. They also intend to establish a 'Friends of Alexandra Park' in line with the practice of other local parks.

 

Oxford North Development [28 May 2021]

Oxford City Council has granted planning permission for the Oxford North developers to create a life sciences district including new laboratories for biomedical science, between the A40 and A44, as proposed by Thomas White Oxford, the development company of St John's College.

The planning approval is for outline consent for the overall 64-acre plan which will provide 4,500 new jobs in laboratories and offices and 480 housing units for around 1,500 people, as well as small shops, bars and restaurants, a hotel, and 23 acres of open spaces. Detailed consent has been granted for the first phase of development in the Central area, which will provide laboratories and office space in three buildings along with the first phase of a new public park.

Work has now begun on widening part of the A40 which may be linked to the application for various enabling works for the first phase, which included earthworks, sustainable drainage ponds, landscaping and 'related initial infrastructure required for the new link road construction between the A40 and A44 for the first phase of development'.

 

Diamond Place Development [28 May 2021]

Following the well attended meeting on Tuesday 18 May the Neighbourhood Forum is seeking meetings with the City Council and with Oxford University (co-owners of the Diamond Place site) to establish their plans for redevelopment and to ensure there is full public consultation over any development proposals. The Forum wants the provisions in existing plans, for affordable housing, a health centre, a leisure centre, a new community centre, and public space, adhered to in any redevelopment. The Forum is also undertaking its own analysis of the potential of the site to meet the needs of the community and city.

 

Diamond Place Development [12 May 2021]

The City Council is working on plans for the redevelopment of Diamond Place in Summertown. These include the provision of a new Community Centre. You are invited to a Community Zoom Event to hear about the current plans for the Community Centre and to share your views. Hosted by Summertown & St Margaret’s Neighbourhood Forum, the Zoom meeting will begin at 7pm on Tuesday 18 May. Please contact sstmnf.secretary@gmail.com for the Zoom link.

 

North Wall Alchymy Festival [22 April 2021]

The Alchymy Festival is the North Wall's annual celebration of new work. In 2021 the festival goes online for the first time, and will feature performances created for digital platforms as well as a series of live-streamed talks. Events will be available to stream on demand from 3 to 31 May.

 

Summertown Library Talk [20 April 2021]

The next Summertown Library Zoom talk will be on Thursday 13 May at 6pm. Major Nicola Wetherill, MBE will be talking about Expedition Ice Maiden, the first all-female team to cross Antarctica. To join the event please click on this link and then click the RSVP button. The talk is free but all donations in aid of the Friends of Summertown Library will be gratefully received.

 

Summertown opens [14 April 2021]

It's great to see Summertown buzzing again, with almost all the shops open, the hair salons doing a roaring trade and the restaurants serving al fresco meals. We note, however, that Hong Kong House has not yet re-opened.

 

Tutor Impact [14 April 2021]

A new business has moved into the unit last occupied by The Bridal Box. Tutor Impact describes itself as 'an international Ed-Tech provider' which delivers a 'science-backed curriculum that is proven to facilitate the development of IQ and emotional intelligence, helping students to flourish'.

 

Library and Sculpture Garden [13 April 2021]

As the Summertown Library has reopened, so has the Turrill Sculpture garden, where you can enjoy the fine sculptures in the extended Winter/Spring Selling Exhibition until Saturday 29 May.

 

Summertown Library Talk [5 April 2021]

The next Summertown Library Zoom talk will be on Thursday 15 April at 6pm. Lord Jay of Ewelme will be talking about the history of the House of Lords, its rôle today, and how it might be reformed. To join the event please click on this link and then click the RSVP button. The talk is free but all donations in aid of the Friends of Summertown Library will be gratefully received.

 

Vicky Arms to reopen [1 April 2021]

The Victoria Arms on the River Cherwell in Old Marston is re-opening for outdoor service on Wednesday 14 April. The lease on the pub has been acquired from Wadworth’s by the Bristol-based Butcombe Brewing Company who have been brewing craft beers for over 40 years. The pub was refurbished over the winter by the new leaseholder.

 

An electric future [1 April 2021]

St Margaret’s Hotel is getting ready to welcome guests again by installing a charging point for electric cars. With the expected dearth of international travellers for the next year their focus is on domestic visitors.

 

New hair and beauty salon [1 April 2021]

The site on South Parade previously occupied by Renaissance Beauty is being refurbished. The new business will be a unisex hair and beauty salon called Sheyda.

 

Daunt Books open for click and collect [30 March 2021]

Daunt Books is open once again for click (call or email) and collect as they get ready to re-open fully later in April.

 

Easy Hotel [26 March 2021]

The scaffolding is coming down on the massive bulk of the Easy Hotel development. Unless it is going to be repurposed to house families who have lost their homes in the pandemic, the developers obviously see, as Oxford City Councillors did, a bright future for a 'car-free' 180-bed hotel in a small district shopping centre.

 

Diamond Place Development [25 March 2021]

The community Zoom meeting on the development of Diamond Place heard strong representations that the opportunity to build a health care centre, combining the two existing GP practices on the Banbury Road, should not be missed. Oxford City Council confirmed that this has been included in a study of the viability of the business case for a mixed-use development, which is being conducted by Carter Jonas for the Regeneration Team. The report is expected by the end of May. The redevelopment plan has changed markedly since it was first proposed as an extension to shopping facilities, and is now concerned mostly with increasing housing.

 

Pompette's route out of lockdown [11 March 2021]

Pompette has unveiled its plans for coming out of lockdown, following the reopening of the Deli. Pompette Ready Meals are available to pre-order for collection Friday & Saturday every week from the terrace, where the Deli is open 10am - 3pm Thursday to Saturday.
From Wednesday 21 April, they will be serving simple bites, coffees & drinks alongside the Deli on the terrace. The café and deli will be open 10am-5pm Wednesday to Saturday.
From Tuesday 18 May they will be reopening the restaurant and bar. Social distancing will still be in place and Covid restrictions will apply. The Restaurant will be open Tuesday to Saturday 10am-11pm and Sunday 10am-4pm. Online booking is now open. Visit their website, email them, or phone 01865 311166 to book a table.

 

Diamond Place Development Community Meeting [9 March 2021]

The Summertown & St Margaret's Neighbourhood Forum is holding a Community Zoom meeting on Tuesday 23 March at 7.00pm to discuss the proposed new Health Centre in Summertown. They understand that there is now a reasonable prospect of a purpose-built Health Centre at the re-developed Diamond Place. The meeting will focus on health services for our community, replacing the Banbury Road GP surgeries. The speakers will include Matthew Cheetham, a GP from Summertown Health Centre, Trudy Godfrey, Regeneration Manager at Oxford City Council, and a representative of the Oxfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG). For further details and links please visit their website.

 

Wine café to become Spanish bar [8 March 2021]

Thirty Eight on South Parade, better known to most people as the Wine Café, is being transformed into the El Rincón bar. Currently serving paella and burgers as takeaways from outside the bar, the plan is to serve these as light meals to accompany a selection of wines and other drinks.

 

Summertown Library Talk [7 March 2021]

The next in the series of Summertown Library Zoom talks will be on Thursday 18 March at 6pm. Paul Craig, Emeritus Professor of English Law at St John's, will be talking about UK - EU Relations post-Brexit. To join the event please click on this link and then click the RSVP button. The talk is free but all donations in aid of the Friends of Summertown Library will be gratefully received.

 

Makespace making spaces available [25 February 2021]

Makespace Oxford and partners have teamed up with local councils to launch a new £1.7m programme, 'Meanwhile in Oxfordshire...', to breathe life back into high streets and urban centres across Oxfordshire. Over the next year, along with six local partners, Makespace Oxford will bring back into use 50 vacant buildings and provide support to those occupying and reanimating each space. They are seeking businesses and community organisations in urgent need of space. For more details please visit this page.

 

tops:health moves in with Viavi:be [28 January 2021]

After a delay in 2020 due to COVID, tops:health will be moving in with Viavi:be, above the Co-op, from Wednesday 10 February. The clinical exercise gym will unfortunately be limited until the national restrictions ease, but tops:health continues to deliver essential face-to-face, as well as virtual, Physiotherapy appointments and online Yoga, Pilates and Tai-Chi appointments and classes.

 

Pizzeria raises thousands for charity [27 January 2021]

Independent Oxford restaurant group Full City Ltd, which runs the Mamma Mia Pizzerias in Summertown & Jericho and then Perch Inn in Binsey, has thanked its customers for their generosity following its annual festive charity collection, which is matched by the company. This year a total of £3756 was raised in December, which will be split equally between the Oxford Food Bank and Helen & Douglas House.

 

Shaw Gibbs Accountant wins global prize [26 January 2021]

Alec Thompson, an accoutant with Shaw Gibbs, has received global recognition for getting the highest mark worldwide in the ACCA Strategic Professional Level examination in December 2020.

 

HSBC to close [21 January 2021]

We have heard that HSBC is to close its Summertown branch on 21 May. This is the fourth bank to close its branch and will leave Lloyd's as the only bank in Summertown.

 

Summertown Library talks [21 January 2021]

The Friends of Summertown Library continue their Zoom talks programme on Thursday 18 February at 6pm. World-renowned geneticist and cell biologist Sir Paul Nurse will be give a talk entitled 'What is Life?'. Please register on the FOSL site in order to get the Zoom link. Talks are free but contributions to help the work of the Friends are very welcome.

 

Pompette Ready Meals and Deli [11 January 2021]

Starting on Thursday 14 January, Pompette is bringing back its deli and ready meals. Pre-orders for ready meals will start from Wednesday the 13th. To pre-order either ring 01685 311166 or email info@pompetterestaurant.co.uk.

 

Daunt Books ordering [10 January 2021]

Daunt Books is not operating its call and collect service at the moment, but a mail order service from their Marlebone shop will be operating. Either go online to dauntbooks.co.uk, email enquiries@dauntbooks.co.uk ,or ring 020 7224 2295.

 

Mountain Warehouse closed [8 January 2021]

Mountain Warehouse has, following numerous clearance sales over the past two years, finally closed its doors for the last time.

 

Oxford Christmas Trees open again [11 December 2020]

Oxford Christmas Trees are selling their high quality non-drop Nordmann Fir Christmas trees every Saturday and Sunday in Oakthorpe Place. If you are self-isolating or are unable to collect a tree, you can order one for delivery to any house in OX2. To place an order please ring 07846 633957 or email them.

 

Summertown Christmas Lights [24 November 2020]

The Christmas Lights in Summertown will be switched on on Friday 7 December providing, we hope, some festive cheer for this strange Christmas season. Sadly it isn't possible to have a switching-on ceremony this year but we look forward to welcoming the school choirs and bands back in 2021.

Macmillan Celebration of Christmas [20 November 2020]

The annual carol concert at Christ Church Cathedral, in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support, has moved online this year with a film, Follow the Stars, featuring readings by celebrities such as Joanna Lumley, Stephen Fry and Alexander Armstrong, and music from the Cathedral. You can watch the film free of charge at 8pm on Friday 11 December by following this link, and it will be available until 31 December. Donations to this very worthy cause can be made via JustGiving.

 

Wolvercote Paper Mill development [20 November 2020]

Wolvercote Neighbourhood Forum has alerted us to a planning proposal not to continue with providing a health centre at the Wolvercote Papermill development. It seems that the developers had two years to find a tenant before the obligation could be rescinded. Their application to do so has been lodged and comments on the application have to be made by 25 November. We gather that the original planning consent was not clear about the rents that could be charged and Wolvercote NF think that more time should be given to decide on a clear strategy. If you would like to comment on this application (ref. 20/02303/FUL) please click this link and choose the ‘Comments’ tab.

 

Daunt's Click & Collect [18 November 2020]

Daunt Books have had a very enthusiastic response to their click & collect scheme, although in this case the ‘clicking’ involves either ringing the shop on 01865 511056 or emailing them at summertown@dauntbooks.co.uk to place your order. Get your Christmas books here!

 

LB's Celebrates Anniversary [16 November 2020]

There were celebrations this weekend to mark the 25th Anniversary of the opening of LB's Lebanese deli on the Banbury Road. Mr Harb opened the shop, the first Lebanese deli in Oxford, in November 1995 and it has been a much loved destination for Summertown residents ever since.

 

Shop Closure [14 November 2020]

John Lewis of Hungerford, the kitchen shop on South Parade, has closed for good; a victim, we gather, of the difficulties caused by the pandemic.

 

KFC [14 November 2020]

We learn from the Oxford Mail that although KFC has reduced its expansion plans for Oxfordshire, Summertown is still on the list for a new KFC restaurant. As we have said before, we assume that this will be in the new Easy Hotel, on which work continues.

 

Pompette Deli and Shop [11 November 2020]

Pompette has set up a deli and shop at the front of the restaurant for this lockdown. The shop, where you can collect cooked meals, get delicious treats or simply get a coffee, will be open on Thursday and Friday from 10.30-4.00 and 10.30-3.00 on Saturdays. A new menu will be uploaded to their website each week and the dishes can also be ordered by emailing info@pompetterestaurant.co.uk or phoning 01865 311166. Orders must be placed by 5pm Wednesday for collection on Thursday, Friday or Saturday.

 

New Greengrocer for Summertown [6 November 2020]

A new greengrocer has opened on the Banbury Road, with a wealth of colourful produce, in the shop last occupied by Bulthaup. We understand that has been set up by Peter Durham who for many years had a fruit and veg shop on the Botley Road.

Winter Lockdown [3 November 2020]

It is a great shame for all the cafés, restaurants and small shops, which have made such efforts to provide Covid-secure spaces, to have to close for the lockdown beginning on Thursday. Aside from the supermarkets and pharmacies, we have heard that Majestic will be open; Gatineau will be open from 7am to 3pm Monday to Saturday, 8am to 3pm Sundays and will be doing deliveries every day; and Daunts will be doing click & collect and local deliveries - more details to follow.

 

Pompette Wine Shop & Deli [22 October 2020]

Since Pompette's Wine Shop and Deli was so well received during lockdown, they have opened up an expanded Wine Shop and Deli area in the restaurant where you can pop in and purchase bottles of wine from the Pompette Deli selection, as well as some Pompette classics and some carefully chosen store cupboard items from small producers.

 

Ramsey Crause opens at Pompette [22 October 2020]

Design studio Ramsey Krause has opened a pop-up concept store in the conference space above the Pompette restaurant. A variety of fine antique, art, homeware and fashion items are for sale.

 

New food shop for Summertown [21 October 2020]

We see that a new food shop will be opening in the old Bulthaup premises on the Banbury Road. The new shop is scheduled to open on 28 October and they are advertsing for staff.

 

New Academic Centre at St Edward’s [29 September 2020]

Pupils returning to St Edward's have had their first sight of the recently-completed Academic Centre in the School Quad. Designed with modern educational practices in mind, the Centre's "light, contemporary spaces in bold, bright colours are set to further fuel the forward-looking academic culture at St. Edward's, providing a whole new range of learning environments to inspire pupils of all ages". The library, reading room and academic centre are now open, and the café and hall will be complete by half term. Alongside a range of Covid measures, Summertown will be out of bounds for pupils for the first few weeks of term, although this measure will be kept under review. Overseas pupils arriving from countries requiring quarantine spent two weeks leading up to the start of term on a special quarantine programme at St Edward's.

 

Boathouse Grocers [16 September 2020]

The Cherwell Boathouse's grocery service is to continue on a twice-weekly basis with groceries available for collection or delivery from 3pm to 5pm on Tuesdays and Fridays. Orders must be placed by 8pm on Sunday or Wednesday at the latest, for collection or delivery the next day. Visit the shop to see the full range of available items.

 

Covid-19 recovery advice [15 September 2020]

The Government/NHS has recently launched this website with some very useful advice for people recovering from Covid-19, including long-term Covid problems, and for family and friends.

 

North Wall begins to re-open [4 September 2020]

North Wall will be welcoming visitors to the gallery from Tuesday 29 September to view their autumn exhibition programme. This is part of a phased reopening of the arts centre. The first exhibition, Contemplation: Snow Into Water curated by Jenny Blyth, is a celebration of nature and its calming effect on the mind. In the coming weeks they also have some exciting socially-distanced events in the theatre, as well as an outdoor show for families in Cutteslowe Park.

 

Fairfield Zoom coffee mornings [2 September 2020]

There are lots of people living independently, or caring for loved ones, who are feeling rather lonely and in need of company. The Fairfield residential home has come up with the excellent idea of  holding virtual coffee mornings for carers and elderly people in the community who can join Fairfield residents for a chat and companionship over Zoom. The coffee mornings are held every Thursday at 11.15am. To register, simply email care@fairfieldhome.co.uk or phone Laura on 01865 558413. They will send you details of how to join them on the Zoom call from your iPad or computer. Fairfield may extend these mornings to include musical entertainment or easy seated exercise during the coffee morning.

 

Mamma Mia opens at lunchtime [1 September 2020]

Mamma Mia Pizzeria is now open on weekday lunchtimes. The opening hours are midday to 3pm  and 5pm to 10pm Monday – Friday, and midday to 10pm on Saturday and Sunday.

 

Turrill exhibition opens [13 August 2020]

The new exhibition at the Turrill Sculpture Garden, 'Contemporary Classics' by Christine Baxter, is now open and can be visited during Summertown Library opening hours.

 

Vicky Arms re-opens [13 August 2020]

We have just learnt that Wadworths have changed their mind (see item on 24 June 2020) and will be retaining the licence for the Vicky Arms and opening the pub tomorrow (Friday 14 August).

 

tops:health starts to re-open [5 August 2020]

tops:health practice is now open for both Physiotherapy and Sports & Remedial Massage appointments in Summertown, Bicester and Woodstock. Specialist MSK, Sports, Women's Health, and Hand Physiotherapy are also available. tops:health is also hosting Tai-Chi in the park classes and studio-based Reformer Pilates classes. All other group classes are available online, although they hope to restart more face-to-face group Pilates and Yoga classes soon. Please contact them by email or on 01865 311686. You can get details of how to book, and the schedule of online Zoom classes for Pilates and Yoga, by following this link. To access online classes, you will need to be booked into a class, and they will send you a link to join that class. They are still offering online Zoom and Skype Physiotherapy consultations which can be booked here.

 

Daunt Books has opened [2 August 2020]

After a lengthy restoration, fitting out, and shelf filling, Daunt Books 'finally opened the doors on Saturday to a wonderful welcome from our new customers'. We are delighted, in turn, to welcome them.

 

Business support grants [31 July 2020]

Oxford City Council has launched a second round of government-funded business support grants. The grants aim to support small businesses, charities and social enterprises with fixed costs that are struggling due to the coronavirus shutdown, and are unable to access other grant funding. Individual grants will range from £1,000 to £10,000, though £25,000 grants are also available in certain circumstances. The closing date for applications is 16 August. Further information available on the City Council's Discretionary Grant Fund page and application page. If you would like some assistance with an application, then feel free to email Cllr Andrew Gant.

 

Summertown Library and Turrill open [17 July 2020]

The Summertown Library and Turrill Sculpture Garden are open again, although a lot of gardening needs to be done in the Garden! Once it is clear, the 'Contemporary Classics' exhibition by Christine Baxter that was due to open in June will be installed ready for the offical opening at the end of August.

 

Dentists open for emergencies [17 July 2020]

Summertown Dental and Oakthorpe Dental are both open now for emergency appointments. You need to rinng the surgeries to make an appointment.

 

Mailboxes opens of printing [16 July 2020]

Mailboxes is now once again offering printing and photocopying services. They ask that you email info@mbesummertown.co.uk to discuss your requirements. You can also get a quote for sending parcels by using the price finder on this page.

 

Daunt Books to open [9 July 2020]

The transformation of the old NatWest building into a bookshop is nearing completion. Books will be going onto the shelves from next week, and Daunt Books will be open for business by the end of July.

 

Mamma Mia re-opens [3 July 2020]

Mamma Mia Pizzeria will be re-opening its restaurant for table service tomorrow, 4 July. The restaurant will be open from midday to 10pm on Saturday and Sunday and from 4pm - 10pm during the week. Ordering for takeaways is still available as detailed below.

 

Spice Lounge re-opens [26 June 2020]

Spice Lounge is re-opening its restaurant from 4 July. It is recommended to book in advance at using this link.

 

Mamma Mia launches app [26 June 2020]

Mamma Mia Pizzeria has launched an app to help people order takeaways from the comfort of their mobile. The app is available on the App Store and Google Play. You can still also call in on ring 01865 514141 to order your meal and collection for all orders is from 4-10pm every day. Delivery is also available via Deliveroo if you live within the delivery area.

 

Laura Ashley closing [25 June 2020]

The furniture and fabric chain Laura Ashley has gone into administration and is closing half its shops while a buyer is sought. According to notices in its window, the Summertown shop, having only just reopened, is one of the ones being closed. All stock is to be sold off.

 

Vicky Arms needs new tenant [24 June 2020]

We have been told that the Victoria Arms on the Cherwell, a popular desitination for punters, will be closed until spring 2021. The pub is owned by the Oxford Preservation Trust and leased to the brewer Wadworths. It seems that Wadworths have decided to seek a tenant to take over the running of the pub.

 

Bicycle Shed closes [18 June 2020]

The Bicycle Shed, which was a welcome addition to Summertown, has closed permanently. A notice on the door says that they 'are not big enough to sustain the business in the current climate'. This is a sad loss.

 

Summertown opens up [15 June 2020]

Summertown is opening up. Apart from hairdressers, barbers and beauticians, most shops and businesses are open although with varying hours, conditions and types of service. The exceptions are Sarah Wiseman (open 16 June), Laura Ashley (open 18 June), Oxfam (open 24 June), Animal Sanctury, Christopher Legge, Curtain Shop, Farrow & Ball, Helen & Douglas House, Ideal Eyes, Joe's, John Lewis of Hungerford, Jojo Mamman Bebe, King Loose, Mark Barclay, Mathnasium, Oliver Bonas, Stevensons, Taylors, Thirty-Eight and Vanilla.

 

Dry cleaners open [13 June 2020]

Excel Dry Cleaners is now open Monday to Thursday, and Saturday, from 08:30 to 13:00.

 

Majestic has reopened [12 June 2020]

Majestic in Summertown is now open with an in-store order point. The shop isn’t open for browsing so customers have to go to the order point and ask for wine or beers that will be then be brought to them. There is spaced queuing outside and inside the shop and sanitising available.

 

Grape Minds to reopen [8 June 2020]

From Friday 12 June Grape Minds will be fully open from 10-7 Monday to Friday, 10-6 on Saturday and 10-3.30 on Sunday. Only one person can be in the shop at a time and customers are asked to sanitise their hands as they enter the shop.

 

Gas works on the Banbury Road [8 June 2020]

The road works that began last week on the Banbury Road are for replacing the gas main from Cunliffe Close to Lonsdale Road. The work is expected to take 15 weeks and the junctions with Moreton Road and Beech Croft Road will be blocked for the duration. Properties on the Banbury Road will only be connected to the new main when social distancing is no longer needed.

 

Gail's opens for takeaways [7 June 2020]

Gail's Bakery is now open for takeways from 08:00-16:00 every day. Only two customers in the shop at a time and payment by card. Home delivery and click and collect is also available from the Gail's website.

 

Mamma Mia takeaways update [7 June 2020]

Mamma Mia Pizzeria in Summertown is now open for takeway and delivery orders from 4pm-10pm every day. Phone 01865 514141, or call in on your way past, to place your order for collection. Card payments only. Delivery is also available via Deliveroo if you live within the delivery area.

 

Punting at the Cherwell Boathouse [1 June 2020 – updated 8 June]

Punting has begun again at the Cherwell Boathouse, but with some changes for the pandemic. Bookings can be made from 11am to 5pm with quarter-hour time slots, and all punts must be returned by 7pm. Punts can be pre-booked using a credit card via https://punting.tillo.co.uk for the current day and the following 6 days. The minimum hire is one and a half hours at a cost of £20 per hour per punt. Hire will be limited to families and households only.

The Boathouse says: On arrival at the Boathouse please wait in the designated area and keep your distance from any other group. Staff will ask your name and assign you a punt with equipment. All equipment and punts are cleaned after use. When returning to the Boathouse please leave the equipment in the punt. You will be charged on your credit card for the time used, and you will receive a text confirming the hire is completed and an email confirming the hire charge. For further information please email info@cherwellboathouse.co.uk or ring 01865 515978.

 

Covid-19 Update [25 May 2020]

LB's is now open for takeaway from 9-4 Tuesday to Saturday. Only two customers in the shop at a time and payment by card.

Grape Minds is open 4-7pm Monday to Saturday for customers coming to the shop. Only one customer in the shop at a time.

Pompette has started home delivery of their delicious food. All dishes are freshly prepared by Pascal, and they’ll provide instructions for you to reheat & finish your meal at home. The menu will be updated and changed every couple of weeks. You need to place your order and pay for it by phoning Laura on 01865 311166 from 12-3pm Tuesday to Saturday the week before you want to pick it up. Full details are on the home page of the Pompette site and you can see the menu here.

 

New Chair of Trustees at Fairfield [23 May 2020]

After 35 years, John Cole has stepped down as Chairman of the Fairfield Committee of Trustees and been replaced by John Guy, OBE. Mr Cole led the Trustees through the building of the new Fairfield Residential Care Home on the Banbury Road. Fairfield is owned by a charitable company overseen by a Committee of Trustees who ensure the excellent standards of care at the Home.

 

Oxford Kitchen closed [23 May 2020]

The Oxford Kitchen has closed, or is being reinvented as 215. Chef Paul Welburn will be offering a menu for collection or delivery Thursday to Saturday from 12-8:30pm.

 

Penny & Sinclair [22 May 2020]

Penny & Sinclair is open again for lettings. Properties can be viewed online or with a socially-dsitanced physical viewing.

 

St Edward's Warden to retire [11 May 2020]

Stephen Jones, the Warden of St Edward's School, is to retire in July 2021. He has been Warden since 2011 and has overseen a large expansion of the school and what it has to offer, and has made the school more outward looking and in touch with our local community.

 

Pizzeria to re-open for takeaways [7 May 2020]

Mamma Mia Pizzeria in Summertown will be open for takeway and delivery orders from today. They will be open from 5pm-9pm during the week and from 3pm-9pm at weekends.Almost the entire menu of pizzas and pasta dishes will be available. Phone 01865 514141, or call in on your way past, to place your order for collection. Card payments only. Delivery is also available via Deliveroo if you live within the delivery area.

 

Summertown Artweeks Festival [30 April 2020]

There will sadly not be the usual Artweeks exhibitions this year, but there will instead be a virtual exibition on the Artweeks site and Summertown artists are putting the finishing touches to their online displays. The virtual exhibition will run from Saturday 2 May to Monday 25 May and all the work on show will be available to buy. There will be daily themed art trails, virtual and video tours, a continually-changing selection of fresh art, and a huge selection of pieces from wall art & sculpture to homeware & jewellery in the artist galleries. Go online and have a look!

 

Covid-19 Update [30 April 2020]

If you feel like a takeaway then Xi'an and Hong Kong House are both open for takeaways. Spice Lounge, Mamma Mia and LB's are all closed. COOK is also open as mentioned below.

The Co-op is now delivering in a three-mile radius to vulnerable people who are self-isolating and can't get out to shop for food. They can call the Co-op membership team on 0800 435 902 and they will take their order from the food essentials shopping list. If they want the list in front of them when they call they can find it here.

Summertown cycles is open to buy bike spares and new bikes by appointment. There is a a no-entry sales system whereby orders are placed at the door and then picked by staff.

Mail Boxes is open from 09:00-14:00 each day for post and shipping only.

Holland & Barret is open from 09:00-16:00 every day. Only three people in the shop at one time, and there is a sign saying "No Browsing".

Jack at the Farmers Market is working on a system for re-starting the Market on Sundays with only food stalls. There will probably be a one-way system with physical distancing at each stall. We will let you know if and when this starts.

The Cherwell Boat House is now offering a Grocery service featuring restaurant-quality produce for ordering online. You will be able to create an account and pay in advance. Collections are available on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Please order by Monday 2pm for Wednesday lunchtime collection or by Thursday 2pm for Saturday lunchtime collection. Once your order is ready for collection they will send a text with details of your collection point in the Conservatory. Deliveries by taxi are also available. You can view the wide range of produce available here.

 

Easy Hotel building continues [22 April 2020]

While everything else is in lockdown, work continues apace on the Easy Hotel, with some builders in close proximity to each other. Many people might think that building a hotel is hardly a high priority at the moment, but perhaps the developers are planning to convert it into a hospital.

 

tops:health Classes and Physiotherapy online [20 April 2020]

During the lockdown all tops:health classes are now online. You can find details of how to book and the schedule of online classes for Pilates, Yoga and Tai-Chi by following this link. To access online classes, you will need to be booked into a class, and they will then send a Zoom link to join that class. They are also offering online video Physiotherapy consultations mostly via Zoom and Skype which can be booked here.

 

Summertown Library Talk Cancelled [18 April 2020]

The next Summertown Library talk which was to be on Thursday 21 May has been cancelled. The organisers hope to reschedule the cancelled talks for the autumn.

 

Covid-19 Food and Supplies update [15 April 2020]

If you need a birthday cake or something to brighten your day, Julia at Happy Cakes is baking and delivering cup cakes and other treats.

Wild Honey now has good stocks of everything except dried yeast and is getting deliveries of eggs and bread. A maximum of four customers are allowed in the shop at any one time. Contactless payments of £5 minimum only.

Grape Minds has a renewed website at the old address (www.grapemindsdrinkalike.co.uk ) with more details of the wines they carry. It is possible some ISPs are not refreshing to the new site. This is for delivery only.

Gatineau have expanded their delivery area and increased the range they are offering for delivery.

Alcocks Butchers on the Banbury Road is opening Tuesday to Saturday from 08:00 to 13:00. A delivery service for the elderly and vulnerable will be available on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday after 12:00, and also on Saturday mornings.

Cook is operating a no-entry sales system whereby orders are placed at the door and then picked by staff. Contactless payment.

If you feel like a takeaway coffee then head down to Colombian Coffee Roasters who are selling takeaway drinks and also produce from their pop-up farm shop, including some unusual South American fruit and vegetables.

Deliveries of organic meat are available from Fellers in the Covered Market (01865 251164 www.mfeller.co.uk) and vegetables from Bonners, who also offer to add in goods from other Covered Market traders www.bonnersoxford.co.uk.

 

Covid-19 Entertainment [15 April 2020]

North Wall is providing free online viewing of the shows that they would have had in the theatre, with online access to the Oxford Folk Weekend ticketed.

The Turrill Sculpture Garden has a virtual view of almost all the pieces from their current exhibition on their website. This will be followed on 2 May by a virtual 20th Anniversary exhibition.

 

Covid-19 Support [15 April 2020]

LCON (low Carbon Oxford North) has a useful list of organisations offering support in our area. See the details under Covid-19 and our community.

 

Jackets to Sundaes [3 April 2020]

Temptations Shakes & Desserts Ltd has filed a planning application (20/00577/FUL) for change of use at 231 Banbury Road, the shop currently occupied by Mountain Warehouse. The change is from A1 (retail) to A3 (cafés). They plan to open a 'desserts and milkshake café', which will serve drinks and food to eat on the premises, as well as takeaway. Fresh waffles and crépes will be made on site and they plan to open from 10.30 to 23.00. We gather from this that Mountain Warehouse failed to convince the landlord that their rent increase was unreasonable.

 

Online Psychotherapy [31 March 2020]

Davina Wellesley of Minfulness Based Psychotherapy is offering online sessions during the Covid-19 crisis. Please contact her using the details on this page.

 

Gardening deliveries [31 March 2020]

Yarnton Garden Centre is offering deliveries of plants, seeds and gardening equipment, as well as frozen food and other items. See full details here.

 

Wine Shops [28 March 2020]

Following the government announcement that wine shops can open, Majestic has decided to remain closed. Grape Minds will be closed for the time being but will reconsider their position next week.

 

Gatineau Online Shop [25 March 2020 updated 28 March 2020]

Gatineau has launched an online shop where you can place and pay for your orders and choose collection or home delivery at checkout. Home deliveries will initially be available Tuesday to Saturday between 7.30 and 10.30 am in the North Oxford area, including Summertown, Park Town, Jericho, Sunnymead and Wolvercote. Deliveries will be prioritised for those in need so if you can get to the shop please choose 'collection' at checkout. For full details plase visit the Gatineau online shop. Update: In addition to the places listed above, Gatineau will now deliver to Oxford City (non-North Oxford),Yarton, Begroke, Kidlington, Bladon, Woodstock, Eynsham and Cumnor with a £35 minimum order and £5 or £6 delivery charge. The shop will remain open but will close at 3pm or earlier each day.

 

Self-isolation advice [24 March 2020]

ElWell has created a self isolation section on their website, with articles about staying active, fit, busy etc, and will keep adding to them. If you are interested in particular topics you can let them know and they will write about them. You can see the page at www.el-well.com/self-isolation/.

 

Virus Closures [24 March 2020]

All shops except those selling food, and pharmacies, are now closed. Grape Minds is closed, but accepting email and phone orders, whilst awaiting clarification on whether wine shops are allowed to stay open as they are in the rest of Europe.

 

Virus Closures [23 March 2020]

As well as the closure of all cafes, pubs and restaurants, except those offering a takeaway service, and gyms and leisure centres, the Summertown Library and Turrill Sculpture Garden have also closed.

 

Virus Closures [20 March 2020]

Following the Government's advice on social distancing, Pompette has closed, Pophams will be closing on Saturday 21st at 5.30 pm, and Pizzeria Mamma Mia will only be providing a takeaway service and fulfilling Deliveroo orders.

 

Summertown Library Talks CANCELLED [11 March 2020]

The two Summertown Library talks on Thursday 19 March and Thursday 2 April, announced below, have been cancelled 'in line with the Government's efforts to restrict the spread of coronavirus'. The organisers hope to reschedule both talks for the autumn.

 

Summertown Library Talk [6 March 2020]

Christopher Danziger, a tutor in the Oxford University Department of Continuing Education and an expert on Romanov Russia, will be giving a talk entitled 'Putin - A New Cold War?'' on Thursday 19 March at 6pm in the Library. Putin is routinely demonised in the West, but Christopher Danziger argues that had the West treated Russia differently in the days after the fall of Communism, present day relationships might have been collaborative rather than competitive. Entry is free. Donations to the work of the Friends, to be made near the seating area, will be gratefully received.

 

tops:health and Viavi:be to join forces [5 March 2020]

We learn that tops:heallth is to relocate from its current premises in May and join forces with Viavi:be on the Banbury Road. They will be offering an extremely advanced rehabilitation and proactive health service. As well as the existing health gym, infrared saunas and lifestyle assessment service that Viavi:be offers, there will be tops:health existing health and well being services including specialist Physiotherapy, Sports & Remedial Massage, Private & Group Pilates and Yoga, and Nutritio.

 

Summertown Library Talk [4 March 2020]

Former Foreign Secretary Jack Straw will be giving a talk entitled 'Iran - Friend or Foe?' on Thursday 2 April at 6pm in the Library. The talk will cover his recent book The English Job - Understanding Iran, and why it distrusts Britain and will conclude with some acute analyses of Iran today. Entry is free. Donations, to be made near the seating area, to the work of the Friends will be gratefully received.

 

Body Hub opening [4 March 2020]

The new Body Hub which is to open in the old Barclays site has said that they anticipate opening at the end of March or early April.

 

Valentines at the Cherwell Boathouse [5 February 2020]

Valentines at the Cherwell Boathouse with a special Valentines dinner. Two courses for £31.50, or three for £38.50. Have a look at the sumptuous menu and make a reservation on 01865 552746.

 

Celebrate Valentine's Day at Cotswold Lodge Hotel [5 February 2020]

Dine out at the Cotswold Lodge Hotel on Valentine's Day to the sound of Oxford Philhamonic Orchestra's string quartet. The five-course dinner includies a cocktail on arrival To make a reservation please ring 01865 512121 or email the restaurant.

 

Summertown Library Talk [4 February 2020]

Robin Wilson, Emeritus Professor of pure mathematics at the Open University, will be giving a talk entitled 'Sir Isaac Newton - his life, labours and legacy' on Thursday 13 February at 6pm in the Library. The talk will cover his life and his mathematical and scientific labours in the context of 17th-century England. Entry is free. Donations near the seating area to the work of the Friends will be gratefully received.

 

Cherwell Boathouse Winter Tasting Menu [1 February 2020]

The Cherwell Boathouse has launched its Winter Tasting Menu, 6 courses for £38.50, or £58.00 with paired wines for each course. Available every day (except Sunday lunch). Minimum two guests and the whole table must eat from this menu. Have a look at the menu and make a reservation.

 

Daunt Books opening delayed [27 January 2020]

The opening of the new Daunt Books shop has been delayed until the end of March or early April. We hear that this is the result of ongoing issues with the renovation of the building.

 

New World vs Old World tasting dinner [23 January 2020]

The Cherwell Boathouse is holding a tasting dinner on Thursday 30 January at 7.30 for 8.00pm. The dinner will consist of six courses each accompanied by two matching wines; one from the Old World and one from the New World. Tickets cost £68.00 per person and can be booked here.

 

Mamma Mia charity donation [23 January 2020]

The Mamma Mia Pizzerias in Summertown & Jericho and the Perch Inn in Binsey, which are run by Full City Ltd, are donating over £6400 to local charities. The money was raised during December from a voluntary donation of £1 per table reservation which was matched by the group. This year the funds are being shared equally between the Oxford Food Bank and Helen & Douglas House Hospice.

 

MPDA Barre Classes [9 January 2020]

Mini Professionals Dance Academy (MPDA) has begun a new Barre Fitness class on Tuesdays at 11am in Summertown. The class is for those wishing to improve their core, technique, flexibility, coordination and fitness. Unlike other barre classes this class will be instructed by a professional dancer, ensuring all bodies are kept injury free! First class is discounted at £4.50 with all other classes costing £9.50. Block bookings at discounted rates also available. The class is likely to be very popular so contact MPDA today if this is of interest to you. Ages 18+. Sixth formers welcome.

 

Flash in the Pan [10 December 2019]

Flash in the Pan with its wide range of art, crafts, textiles, books and comestibles is back! It will be open until 15 December from 10am to 6pm at 43 Oakthorpe Road, OX2 7BD. Do go along to find the perfect presents for Christmas.

 

Flash Trees [10 December 2019]

The best Christmas trees in Summertown are here! In the shed down the alley by the side of Oxfam at 223 Banbury Road. Great trees that will last until after Christmas. Open from now until 23 December from 10am to 6pm Get in touch on 07846 633 957 or flashtrees@gmail.com.

 

Art Auction and Jazz at Thirtyeight [10 December 2019]

Thirtyeight is hosting a silent auction of works of art on Wednesday (11th) evening, beginning at 6.30, where some proceeds with be donated to a local homeless charity. There will also be live jazz throughout the evening..

 

New Year's Eve at the Cherwell Boathouse [3 December 2019]

A Gatsby-style New Year's party in the marquee with fizz and canapes from 8.30pm, bowl food & pudding with entertainment from 9.15 until 11.30 and then Champagne & Fireworks at midnight, followed by dancing into the early hours. Entertainment includes live music, fire act, DJ and a special Cyr performance by Lil Rice! Dress smart - think 1920s. £75 per person with a £15 pp deposit. For full details and booking please use this link and scroll down the page.

 

Summertown Christmas Lights switch-on [3 December 2019]

The Summertown Christmas Lights will be switched on at around 5.30pm on Friday 6 December outside Carter Jonas. There will be music from St Edward's Brass Band and choirs from local schools from 4.45, and hot mince pies will be provided by the Co-op. This is a great family and community event. Do come along and join in the singing.

 

Mountain Warehouse closing down sale [3 December 2019]

Mountain Warehouse's closing down sale is the result of a rent dispute with the landlords and it is possilbe that, if agreement is reached, the shop will be re-stocked in January.

 

Oxford North Development approved [29 November 2019]

Oxford City Council has approved the planning application for the Oxford North development submitted by Thomas White Oxford (TWO), the development company of St John's College, at its West Area Planning Committee meeting on 27 November. The plan envisages a new innovation district for Oxford providing 4,500 new jobs, 480 new housing units for around 1,500 people (of which 168 will be affordable), small shops, bars and restaurants, a hotel, around 23 acres of open space, and investment in the walking, cycling, bus and highway networks. TWO is providing up to £100 million of investment for infrastructure improvements.

 

Running for Headway [21 November 2019]

Shaw Gibbs Junior Accountant Amy Gordon, is running a 26.2 mile-long Marathon in 2020 for the first time to raise awareness and money for Headway Oxfordshire. Amy is supporting the Oxfordshire based specialist brain injury charity and is encouraging people to follow her journey through her blog 26 Miles from Brain Injury.

Amy says: I was diagnosed with a brain infection in January this year and it very nearly killed me. Since I came out of hospital in February I have been supported by Headway and they have helped me get as much of my pre-brain injury life back as possible. I am running the Marathon to thank Headway for their continued support and raise as much money as possible so they can support even more brain injury survivors.

To help raise funds, Amy is also organising a quiz and silent auction, these will be held on 19 February 2020. Please contact her via amy.gordon@shawgibbs.com if you would like to donate a lot for the auction or take part in the event.

 

Carols at St Edward's [19 November 2019]

This year, for the first time, St Edward's is inviting the public to come to one of its Advent Carol Services. Join them in their chapel on Sunday 1 December at either 3.30pm or 6.00pm for a candlelit service with traditional carols sung by their Chapel choir. Mulled wine and mince pies will be served between services in the Old Library. Tickets are free but booking is essential – email music@stedwardsoxford.org stating the number of tickets required and your preferred service time.

 

Climate Change Eco Fair [17 November 2019]

The Fairplay network is holding a Climate Change Eco Fair on Saturday 23 November from 11am to 2.30pm at St Michael & All Angels Church in Lonsdale Road. Over 25 stalls will provide advice on recycling, repair and upcycling, planting trees, solar panels, food waste and composting, house insulation, changing to green energy, reducing plastic waste and lots of other topics. The Lord Mayor, a keen Climate Change campaigner, will speak briefly at 12.30.

 

Something Else: [10 November 2019]

Christopher Legge of Legge Oriental Carpets will be exhibiting rugs he has designed along with pots made by architect Alan Berman at an exhibition entitled Something Else: at the Sewell Centre Gallery, Radley College, OX14 2HR. The Exibition runs until 17 December (closed 22-25 November) and is open Monday to Saturday 10-5.

 

Gas smell in Summertown [31 October 2019]

The strong smell of gas in Summertown over the past two days is widely known to have been caused by the Easy Hotel building works. We have now learned from Southern Gas Networks that the gas is coming not from a broken gas pipe, but from fumes from an old storage tank full of oil. This site contamination is interesting as the development company recently reported to the Council that the storage tanks had been filled with concrete and there was therefore no site contamination.

 

Phone shop opens [30 October 2019]

The new phone shop next to Gatineau opened its doors today. Repair My Phone Today not only repairs phones but also sells phones, tablets and accessories, and repairs laptops and desktops.

 

Daunt Books looking for staff [28 October 2019]

Daunt Books, who are currently renovating the old NatWest premises on the Banbury Road, are planning to open their new shop in January. They are looking to recruit staff locally to run the shop and anyone interested should email Rebecca Le Fevre. The bookshop will return independent bookselling to Summertown following the closure of the Book House last year. They intend to place the shop firmly at the heart of the local community, with excellent service and an exciting programme of events and activities. There will also be an extensive children's section.

 

Ageing Well This Winter: Free talks [22 October 2019]

Join ElWell and Oxford Aunts Care for a series of free talks about winter wellbeing. The first event concerns Staying Steady: Preventing Falls This Winter and is on Thursday 7 November at 6:00-8:00pm. The second event is about supporting a family member to stay in their home. Home Comforts: Growing Older At Home is on Thursday 21 November, also at 6:00-8:00pm. Both events are at St Andrew's Church, Linton Road, OX2 6UH. Talks are free, but please register at hello@el-well.com or ring 01865 238185.

 

Thirtyeight South Parade [17 October 2019]

Thirtyeight on South Parade will be re-launching their café at a party on Saturday 19 October between 6.00 and 10.30pm, with live music, a free entry drink and tasters of their new Lebanese menu. All welcome!.

 

Cherwell Boathouse moves into Autumn [8 October 2019]

The Cherwell Boathouse has launched its new Autumn Menu and announced an upcoming Wines of Gernmany tasting dinner on Thursday 17 October with seven German wines and food to match. Full details are here.

 

From Gelato to Haircuts [8 October 2019]

The new pizzeria and gelateria in the old Modern Baker shop, which closed soon after its soft opening in June, has been replaced by the Vintage Barber Shop.

 

Phone Repair Service [1 October 2019]

Chalford Blinds on the Banbury Road, which closed recently, is being replaced by a Repair My Phone Today shop.

 

Living Well in Older Age [20 September 2019]

Fairfield Home is holding an informal exhibition on Saturday 28 September on the theme of 'Living Well in Older Age'. The exhibitors are local Oxford providers of services that can help all of us as we age. To get more information, or to register to attend, please email Fairfield using this link.

 

Easy Hotel [20 September 2019]

Some residents will be sorry to hear that the works delay at the Easy Hotel site is probably the result of the contractors waiting for approval for their application to have the requirement to have a contamination survey discharged. The survey has, according to them, been completed and no contamination was fouund.

 

Thirtyeight South Parade [18 September 2019]

Thirtyeight on South Parade has a new manager in Alice Osofsky who will be re-launching the café over the coming weeks, starting this Thursday 19 September with live acoustic music from 7.30-8.30 by local artist Drew Atkins. Watch this space for more events.

 

Retirement planning with Shaw Gibbs [18 September 2019]

Shaw Gibbs is hosting a seminar on 'Planning for and Enjoying your Retirement' at Viavi:be on the Banbury Road from 8.15 to 10.00am on Wednesday 9 October. This seminar for business owners will cover the aspects involved in planning for and enjoying a long and healthy retirement. You can register your place here.

 

KFC planned for Summertown [18 September 2019]

The Oxford Times reports that KFC is planning to open a seated restaurant in Summertown. The likely site is in the new Easy Hotel which is due to open in 2021. As we reported earlier, one of the common results of being graced by an Easy Hotel is the emergence of fast food joints in the area. Summertown has at the moment no free spaces for restaurants under the allocation provided by the current Local Plan, but it would be no surprise if the Council's deal with Easy Hotel allows for an increase in that provision.

 

Cannelle in SmallBiz100 [18 September 2019]

Small Business Saturday has chosen Cannelle Mediaspa as one of this year's 'SmallBiz100', a selection of small businesses from across the UK that reflect the vibrancy of the UK's small business sector. France Baudet, founder of Cannelle, said that she was 'absolutely thrilled to be one of the 100 Small Biz winners'. Cannelle will be celebrating the award on Friday 22 November; do call by to join in the celebrations.

 

An Oxford Crime Evening [11 September 2019]

Cherwell Boathouse is hosting a an evening of crime in association with Penguin Books and Blackwell's. There will be canapés & drinks from 7.00 to 7:30 followed by a panel discussion with Cara Hunter, JP Delaney & Mick Herron, chaired by Peter Guttridge. Tickets cost £15.00 per person. Further details and tickets are available here.

 

New Bookshop for Summertown [10 September 2019]

We understand that the old NatWest building on Banbury Road is going to become a bookshop. The site is being renovated for Daunt Books, well known for their excellent bookshops in London. This will be exciting news for the everyone in Summertown.

 

The Story of Champagne in Seven Bottles [1 September 2019]

The Cherwell Boathouse is holding a champagne tasting dinner on Wednesday 11 September in The Marquee, at 7.00 for 7.30pm. With a longstanding passion for wine, and a DPhil on the history of champagne in Britain, Graham Harding will be sharing the remarkable myths and extraordinary realities behind this alluring wine. The tasting dinner will consist of seven courses each accompanied by a matching wine, with a 2002 Don Pérignion served with the main course. Tickets cost £120.00 per person and can be booked here.

 

Mathnasium Anniversary [20 August 2019]

Mathnasium have now been in business on South Parade for a year. To celebrate their first anniversary they are offering a 'Birthday' promotion of £50 off the first three months of membership for anyone who signs up for classes between now and the end of September.

 

Basil Wyatt in Receivership [19 August 2019]

Builders Basil Wyatt of Harpes Road, who had been building houses in and around Oxford for 60 years, were put into admisistration earlier this year. We hear that they are now in receivership, which means that the assets will be sold off and the company closed. It is sad to lose such a long-standing local company.

 

Fairfield Art Exhibition [8 August 2019]

Fairfield Residential Home at 115a Banbury Road (OX2 6LA) is holding an exhibition of artworks produced by residents at the home. It will be open from Sunday 11 August to Friday 16 August, and everyone is invited to pop in and have a look.

 

Change of use for Barclays site [6 August 2019]

A planning application has been lodged to change the usage of the old Barclays Bank site to D2 Assembly & Leisure. The application has been placed on behalf of The Body Hub who intend to use the space for a Wellness Gym and Pilates Studio.

 

Popham burglary [6 August 2019]

The Popham hair salon in South Parade was broken into last night by thieves who used a cast iron road drain cover to smash the plate glass door. They got away with the till but thanks to the increased use of cards they won't get much joy from it.

 

Easy Hotel demolion work [5 July 2019]

The demolition work for the Easy Hotel construction appears to have been completed..

 

Fairfield Open Day [2 July 2019]

Fairfield Residential Care Home is holding an Open Day on Saturday 6 July from 10am – 4pm. If you are considering residential, respite or day care options for yourself or a loved one, either now or in the future, do go and have an informal look around. They would be delighted to see you.

 

Bridal Box move [30 June 2019]

We now learn that the Bridal Box will be closing on 24 August and is moving to a studio on Jack Straws Lane; their phone and email contact details will remain the same.

 

Ewert House development [28 June 2019]

Oxford University has announced a parternership with Legal & General which will provide finance to develop five sites in Oxford including the former examination board and continuing education offices in Ewert House in Summertown. The development plans would see the existing building replaced with student accommodation. This is likely to be for graduate students which would benefit the shops, cafés and restaurants in Summertown, and is the sort of development many residents hoped would be built in place of the Easy Hotel. This development would affect the intention to redevelop the Diamond Place area which was expected to include Ewert House.

 

La Pizzeria to open [27 June 2019]

The new pizzeria and gelateria, in the shop recently occupied by Modern Baker, is opening its doors for the first time this Saturday 29 June. They will be offering hand-made ice cream, tea and coffee, with pizzas following later in the week.

 

Bridal Box moving [26 June 2019]

Bridal Box on the Banbury Road currently has a 50%-off sale in preparation for moving to another location. We gather that the move is somewhere nearby.

 

Easy Hotel demolion work [25 June 2019]

The demolition work to clear the site ready for the building of the Easy Hotel on the Banbury Road has now almost completed the demolition of the second building which used to house Santander, Wallers and the animal charity shop. The impression of the new and massive building on the hoardings does not show, for some reason, the tree-lined frontage complete with tables and chairs which was on the image presented to the Planning Committee.

 

New Pizzeria for Summertown [5 June 2019]

A new pizzeria and gelateria is opening soon on the Banbury Road. La Pizzeria, which may be a takeaway, will be opening on the site recently occupied by Modern Baker.

 

Cherwell Boathouse 50th Anniversary [4 June 2019]

After over 50 years of celebrating summer, the Cherwell Boathouse is marking the occasion with a day of festivities on Sunday 9 June. The Boathouse will also be celebrating Tony Verdin’s vision of promoting the ‘importance of spending time with family & friends, the pleasurable enjoyment of good food & good wine and the importance of preserving the delightful & quintessentially Oxford punting experience’. The day begins with a BBQ from 2.30, Music from the Awesome Foursome at 3.00, a Best Dressed Punter competition at around 4.00, live Opera from Opera Anywhere at 5.00, and blues band Night Wreckers from 7.30 to 9.30pm.

 

TWIST exhibition at North Wall [3 June 2019]

The second annual TWIST exhibition, which features work by 'an incredible group of talented British artists', opens at The North Wall tomorrow (4 June) and runs until Saturday 15 June. The opening hours are Mon to Fri: 10:00-16:00, Sat: 12:00-16:00 You can view images and find out more about the artists here.

 

Wine-tasting dinner at the Cherwell Boathouse [3 June 2019]

On Monday 17 June 2019 at 7:00 for 7:30pm, Cherwell Boathouse is hosting a comparative wine-tasting dinner. Oliver Merlin will be presenting six of his fine Mâconnais wines to be tasted over three lighter courses.Tickets cost £59.50 and can be booked now using this link.

 

Car Wash appeal rejected [28 May 2019]

The car wash, which has been operating behind the ex-Cibo building on South Parade, had applied for retrospective planning permission for change of use, which was turned down by the planning committee. The owners appealed and the Inspector has now dismissed the appeal. The car wash is still operating but will no doubt close at some point.

 

Mamma Mia looks to new site [22 May 2019]

Mamma Mia Pizzeria, a favourite with everyone in Summertown, is seeking advanced permission to change the use of 9 South Parade, currently occupied by the Liscious pop-up, to A3 restaurant use. This is in readiness for the end of Mamma Mia's lease on its current location next door at number 8. The application can be viewed here and comments are invited by 1 June.

 

Easy Hotel demolion work [22 May 2019]

The demolition of the building on the Banbury Road which housed Majestic and Knight Frank has now almost been completed. While many in Summertown are appalled at the prospect of a vast Easy Hotel in our small district centre, they have applauded the care and skill used to dismantle this building. We learn that Majestic may stay in its smart new unit next to the Co-op, which will be unwelcome news to the developers who have reserved a large unit for it under the hotel.

 

NatWest site under offer [17 May 2019]

The old NatWest building on the Banbury Road is under offer and we understand that the interested party is a retailer.

 

Oxford Playwrights at the Cherwell Boathouse [8 May 2019]

On Thursday 16 May 2019 from 7:30-10:30pm Cherwell Boathouse is hosting an evening of short plays in the Lower Boathouse. Tickets cost £15.00 and include a welcome drink. You can also buy a ticket to include an interval buffet in the marquee . Book now using this link.

 

Summertown Artweeks Exhibitions [30 April 2019]

Artists throughout Summertown are putting the finishing touches to their Artweeks exhibitions which open on Saturday 4 May and, in most cases, end on Sunday 12 May. Full details of the artists and exhibitions can be found here, along with details of the Artweeks exhibitions in other parts of the city and county.

 

Easy Hotel work begins [17 April 2019]

Work has begun on the demolition of the two buildings on the Banbury Road which will be replaced by the massive brick structure of a 180-bed super-budget Easy Hotel. We are sure that everyone will recall that this development, which was inexplicably promoted by the Oxford City Council planning department and supported by a majority of the Councillors who could be bothered to attend the planning meeting, will be the largest Easy Hotel in the country.

 

Shaw Gibbs tax talk at Fairfield Residential home [9 April 2019]

Local accountants Shaw Gibbs are speaking at a coffee morning on 'Striking the Balance – Later Life Expenditure and Tax Efficiency' which will address the issues involved in managing Inheritance Tax efficiency whilst retaining wealth for care fees. The event is at 10.30-12.00 on Tuesday 30 April at Fairfield Residential Home, 115a Banbury Road OX2 6LA. If you are interested in attending, please email reception@fairfieldhome.co.uk or call 01865 558413.

 

Cherwell Boat House Tasting Dinner [19 March 2019]

Cherwell Boat House restaurant is holding a Domaine des Comtes Lafon Tasting Dinner at 7.30 for 8.00pm on Thursday 28 March. The six-course dinner, each course accompanied by wines from this producer of classic white burgundy, costs £128.00 per person and bookings can be made by following this link. And, if you feeling like some exercise, the punting season started last Saturday.

 

Majestic opens on new site [18 March 2019]

Majestic Wine has opened its new shop on the old Starbucks site next to the Co-op. Given the space constraints there is a more limited selection of wines than in their previous location.

 

Another great Pompette review [18 March 2019]

Pompette has now attracted the attention of Jay Rayner in The Observer, who writes in his review that, 'This is cooking which makes its mark not through invention and fireworks, but by pressing into service knowledge of the classics and extremely good taste'. This image by Sophia Evans is from the review.

 

Calling all Carers [16 March 2019]

Do you care for an elderly person? Fairfield Residential Home is holding a day of relaxation on Tuesday 26 March from 10am - 4pm to give those who care for elderly people a break.
Carers will spend the day at Fairfield enjoying some quality time. A hairdresser and a podiatrist will be providing treatments during the day, or carers can read newspapers and magazines, watch television or a film, or just relax!
Loved ones will be looked after by Fairfield's wonderful team. They will be able to sit with residents, join in with morning and afternoon activities, play a game or enjoy a hobby. Tea and coffee and a three-course lunch will be provided.
This event is free of charge but numbers are limited and booking is essential. To find out more, and to book, call 01865 558413 or email reception@fairfieldhome.co.uk. We look forward to seeing you there.

 

Summer Fields Stay & Play [11 March 2019]

Summerfields is holding a Pre-Prep 'Stay and Play' event this coming Friday 15 March from 9.30 to 10.30am. See below for more details.

 

Colombian Coffee Roasters [9 March 2019]

Colombian Coffee Roasters opened their doors for the first time today, revealing a very smart new interior to the unit that was once occupied by The Book House. By lunchtime it was full of shoppers sampling the special varieties of coffee.

 

Summetown Heritage [7 March 2019]

We are delighted to say that our application to have two buildings in South Parade listed on the Oxford Heritage Asset Register has been successful. The old Co-op building which latterly housed Cibo, and Prospect House which is occupied by King Loose and formally also housed Bang & Olufsen, are now on the Register. This does not give them the same protection which is provided by Listed Building status, but it does mean that they have some protection as 'under the National Planning Policy Framework the conservation and contribution of locally listed heritage assets will be a material consideration in planning decisions that directly affect them or their setting'.

 

Neighbourhood Plan Referendum [3 March 2019]

Residents of Summertown and St Margaret's wards have received polling cards for the local referendum on the Neighbourhood Plan. Voting on the referendum takes place this Thursday, March 7th. The Plan is designed to help maintain and improve the character and amenity of this part of Oxford, and contains a set of policies which will have to be considered in any future planning decisions in the area. The full Plan, and a brief summary, can be read at NOA and the Summertown Library, or online at summertownstmargaretsforum.org.uk. You can also contact your local City Councillor. The Neighbourhood Forum very much hope you will want to support the plan by voting YES.

 

Modern Baker closing [20 February 2019]

We are sad to learn that Modern Baker is to close at the end of March. This is a great loss for Summertown both as a meeting place and a source of delicious and healthy food. The owners have decided to concentrate on their operation in Kidlington which undertakes research as well as supplying supermarkets. Waitrose's gain is our loss.

 

Shop openings [15 February 2019]

The work on coverting the old Book House site into Colombian Coffee Roasters, which has taken far longer than anticipated, should now be completed by the end of February. Work will soon begin on fitting out the old Starbucks site as a temporary home for Majestic Wine.

 

Banbury Road delays [4 February 2019]

The roadworks on the Banbury Road to replace the old gas main with a new plastic pipe are causing fewer delays than had been feared. The are currently being managed so that there is always a lane open each way. From Monday 18 February the works will continue from Apsley Road to Rogers Street and the traffic will be controlled by traffic lights. It is expected this will cause delays both morning and evening.

 

Jean Fooks Memorial Service [24 January 2019]

A Service of Thanksgiving for the life of Jean Fooks, and to celebrate the work she did to improve the lot of people in Summertown and Cuttleslowe, will be held on Saturday 2 February at 2pm in St Michael & All Angels Church in Lonsdale Road. All are very welcome. To help with seating it would be appreciated is those attending could email civicoffice@oxford.gov.uk so that enough seating is provided on the day.

 

Carter Jonas Welcomes new Head of Residential Sales [24 January 2019]

Carter Jonas has appointed Simon McConnell as Head of Residential Sales in Oxford, based at the firm's offices in Summertown. Mr McConnell has more than 30 years of residential property experience in the region and his brief is to expand the residential team's geographical reach as well as the wide range of services it provides to both vendors and buyers. He succeeds Mark Charter who joined Carter Jonas in 1991 and has recently been appointed as the firm's new Head of Rural in Oxford, also in Summertown.

 

TOPS Walking Group [23 January 2019]

TOPS, which offers a range of health services including Physiotherapy, Yoga, Pilates, Sports Massage and Acupuncture, has started a walking group. It is open to all abilities and especially those who are not currently doing any exercise and would like to start in a friendly, relaxed, non-judgemental and supportive environment. The group meets every Thursday at their practice in Grove Street and then walks around the north Oxford area. The walks are from 1-2pm and cost £5 per person. Contact TOPS for more information.

 

Celebrate at Cotswold Lodge Hotel [23 January 2019]

Cotswold Lodge Hotel has recently refurbished its restaurant and drawing room and is holding a Burns Night Supper this Friday, and a special Valentine's Day dinner to showcase the new restaurant.

 

Grape Minds re-opens [18 January 2019]

Grape Minds in South Parade has completed its re-fit and is once again open for business, with lots of good wine including a new range from Greece. There will be some tasting events over the next month, and you can book your place by ringing Michael or Graeme on 01865 661749 or emailing them at info@grapemindsdrinkalike.co.uk.

 

Change to final Oxford Climate Justice event [17 January 2019]

Layla Moran is sadly unable to attend the final Climate Justice Campaign event on Friday 18 January at the North Oxford Association, Diamond Place, OX2 7DP. Her place will be taken by her Westminster spokesperson.

 

Pizzeria Mamma Mia helps raise over £6000 for charities [16 January 2019]

Oxford restaurant group Full City Ltd, which runs the Mamma Mia Pizzerias in Summertown & Jericho, and the Perch Inn in Binsey, is saying thank you to it's customers for their generosity following their annual festive charity collection. Every December the group matches voluntary donations on restaurant reservations pound for pound. This year a total of £6404 was raised which will be split equally between Oxford Food Bank and Helen & Douglas House. Full City Limited's MD, Jon Ellse, said, "Our festive donations have been a tradition in our restaurants for many years now. To date we've donated close to £30,000. We just want to say a big thank you to our customers for not only supporting us, but also our two chosen charities".

 

Pompette review by Giles Coren [9 January 2019]

Giles Coren, restaurant critic at The Times, wrote a glowing review of Pompette in the Saturday edition and concluded, 'Pompette is a thing of wonder, a perfect bistro, a brilliant restaurant, a haven of great cooking, sweet service and wondrously original wine. I love it to pieces.'  Book now!

 

The North Oxford Climate Justice Campaign [9 January 2019]

The final event for the Fairplay Climate Justice Campaign will be held on Friday 18 January from 7.30-9.00pm at the North Oxford Association, Diamond Place, OX2 7DP.

Layla Moran, MP for Oxford West & Abingdon, and Professor Myles Allen, Head of Climate Dynamics at Oxford University, will speak on "What now for Climate Justice?"
Entry is free.

 

North Oxford Tennis Club raises over £3000 for Sobell House [4 January 2019]

North Oxford Lawn Tennis Club Chairman Sarah Lacey and tournament organiser Neils Riddick handed over a cheque for £3389 to Tim Wraith of Sobell House in November. This followed a successful mixed doubles tennis tournament held in August. £1000 of this was donated by event sponsors Alberon whose MD, Tim Ault, was a runner-up in the tournament. The event attracted over 40 people who played throughout the day. The overall champions were Gail Buswell and Tom Bowden.

 

Flash in the Pan [4 December 2018]

Flash in the Pan with its wide range of art, crafts, textiles, books and comestibles is back! It will be open from 8 to 16 December from 10am to 6pm at 43 Oakthorpe Road, OX2 7BD. Do go along to find the perfect presents for Christmas.

 

Flash Trees [4 December 2018]

The best Christmas trees in Summertown are here! In the shed down the alley by the side of Oxfam at 223 Banbury Road. Great trees that will last until after Christmas. Open from now until 23 December from 10am to 6pm Get in touch on 07846 633 957 or flashtrees@gmail.com.

 

Jean Fooks [29 November 2018]

We are very sad to hear that Jean Fooks has died. As a city councillor for Summertown and a county councillor for Summertown & Wolvercote, Jean worked tirelessly for over 25 years to help the communities she served. Many of the benefits we now enjoy are the result of her dedicated work. Jean finally retired in May this year, after holding her final post as Lord Mayor, but continued to give us and others helpful advice and support. She will be greatly missed.

 

Grape Minds Opening Weekend [27 November 2018]

Having spent the summer tasting over 300 wines, Michael Jelley and Graeme Woodward will be opening Grape Minds as a pop-up from this Friday 30 November and on through December. There will be lots of wines to taste at 35 South Parade on the Opening weekend (30th, 1st & 2nd) and further tastings throughout December. They will then close for a short period in January to complete the fit-out of the shop. They are very much looking forward to meeting the local community. Further info can be found on their website.

 

Summertown Christmas Lights [27 November 2018]

The Summertown Christmas Lights will be switched on at around 5.30 on Friday 7 December outside Carter Jonas. There will be music from St Edward's Brass Band and choirs from local schools from 4.45, and hot mince pies will be provided by the Co-op. This is a great family and community event. Do come along and join in the singing. There are a complete set of new lights this year; this picture is once again in memory of the old ones.

 

Art at Christmas [26 November 2018]

This year's Art at Christmas collection will be at St Michael's Church Hall on Portland Road on Saturday 1 December and Sunday 2 December. It is open 10am to 5pm. This is a great place to find Christmas gifts for all your friends and family. Enjoy mulled wine, mince pies and gentle live music while you browse the stalls.

 

Cherwell Boat HouseTasting Dinner [26 November 2018]

Cherwell Boat House restaurant is holding a 'Christmas Before Christmas' Tasting Dinner at 7.30 for 8.00pm on Thursday 29 November. The six-course dinner costs £65.00 per person and bookings can be made by following this link.

 

Oxford North development [26 November 2018]

Oxford City Council will today decide whether to pay an initial sum of £8.85 million for new roads and infrastructure for the Oxford North development. This sum will then be recaimed from the developers but the total infrastructure cost is likely to be in excess of £100 million. A decision on the planning application is expected in the next few months.

 

Pompette Opening [14 November 2018]

Pompette, the new restaurant on South Parade, will be opening its doors on Friday 16 November. On Friday evening there is a special offer of 50% off all food. Bookings can be made by emailing info@pompetterestaurant.co.uk or via their website at www.pompetterestaurant.co.uk.

 

New Wine Shop for South Parade [13 November 2018]

Newly formed Oxford company Grape Minds has applied for a liquor licence for 35 South Parade, recently occupied by Law & Co. The licence application is for the sale of drinks, for consumption both on and off the premises, from 08:00 to 22:00. The application can be found here.

 

Asylum Welcome fundraising weekend [12 November 2018]

A weekend event of music, food and photographs from around the world in support of Asylum Welcome, Oxford's charity supporting aslyum seekers and refugees, is taking place at St Michael's church, Lonsdale Road on the evening of Friday 23 November and the morning of Saturday 24 November. Tickets for Friday cost £8 and include a drink and food. Tickets for Saturday include coffee and cake and cost £5.

 

Climate Justice Campaign event [8 November 2018]

As part of the Fairplay Climate Justice Campaign, Witney's Voice Box Choir will be giving a free concert on Sunday 18 November at 3pm at St Peter's Church, First Turn, OX2 8AQ. Children in the audience will be encouraged to participate in the singing. Donations welcome.

 

Summertown Library Talk [8 November 2018]

Rebecca Bowler, Hintze Research Fellow at Oxford University, will be giving a talk entitled 'The Universe: the First Billion Years' on Thursday 15 November at 6pm at the newly renovated Summertown Library. The talk will be an illustrated tour of the early universe. Entry is free. Donations at the door to the work of the Friends will be gratefully received.

 

Portabello Closes [16 October 2018]

Portabello restaurant in South Parade has closed its doors after 16 years of providing delicious food for the residents of Summertown. Co-owner Jon Ellse said, 'We have had a fabulous 16 years at Portabello but the time is now right for us to focus on new ventures'. The new chef owner has already moved in, and expects to open French brasserie Pompette in late November.

 

Fairfield Opening [16 October 2018]

His Royal Highness the Duke of Gloucester officially opened the new Fairfield Residential Care Home on Thursday 11 October. The Duke was welcomed by John Cole, Chair of the Trustees, and the home's manager, Debbie Hayes, who then took him on a tour of the new home. The Duke was shown one of the 38 en suite bedrooms as well as the new assisted bathroom facilities, before visiting the dining room, lounge and hub areas. The newly-built home caters the active elderly with staff providing personalised care and promoting independence whilst maintaining an appropriate level of safety and supervision.

 

Easy Hotel application [11 October 2018]

The application to build a 180-bed Easyhotel super-budget hotel in Summertown was approved last night at a meeting of the West Area Planning Committee. The councillors on the committee voted 3 to 2 in favour of the application with 4 abstentions. We learn that Majestic expect to be in the current building until at least January which suggests work will begin in the spring.

 

Creation concert [10 October 2018]

The Chapel Choirs of St Edward's School and St Edward's Singers are looking forward to taking part in the performance of Haydn's "Creation" with The Orchestra of Time and Truth and conducted by Neville Creed. The concert at the church of St Michael & All Angels, Lonsdale Road is on Sunday 14 October at 7pm. The concert is free but donations to the Climate Justice Campaign are welcome.

 

Summertown Library Talk [4 October 2018]

Deborah Gill, Professor of Gene Medicine at the JR, will be giving a talk on Thursday 11 October at 6pm at the newly renovated Summertown Library. The talk reviews some of the less-publicised advances being made in gene medicine. Entry is free. Donations of £10 at the door to the work of the Friends will be gratefully received.

 

Climate Justice Campaign events [2 October 2018]

As part of the Fairplay Climate Justice Campaign, Carol Wills (past Chair of the Oxford Fair Trade Coaliton), will be giving an illustrated lecture followed by tea and a discussion on 'How is FairTrade faring in a changing world?' The lecture is on Friday 12 October at 3.30pm at the United Reformed Church, Banbury Road, OX2 7HN. £5.00 on the door to support the URC Building Fund.

There will also be a performance of Haydn's "Creation" with the Chapel Choirs of St Edward’s School, the St Edward’s Singers, and The Orchestra of Time and Truth - Oxford's world-class period instrument ensemble - conducted by Neville Creed. The concert is on Sunday 14 October at 7pm at St Michael & All Angels Church, Lonsdale Rd OX2 7ES. Donations welcome.

 

Summertown church listed for prize [26 September 2018]

St Michael and All Angels in Lonsdale Road has been shortlisted for the President's Award in the 2018 Church Architecture Awards. The judges responded very enthusiastically to their new west end extention, or narthex, known as the Threshold. The new structure houses an entrance hall, a kitchen and an office. Winning entries will be revealed at a ceremony in London on 1 November..

 

Zakti Active 'closing down' [25 September 2018]

Zakti Active has a closing down sale, but in one way they are not leaving. Once the stock has cleared, the shop will be re-branded as Mountain Warehouse, the company which owns the Zakti Active brand. The new stock will be mostly Mountain Warehouse but there will still be an area selling Zakti Active products.

 

Cotswold Lodge launches new Sunday menu [21 September 2018]

Restaurant 66A at the Cotswold Lodge Hotel has launched a new Sunday lunch menu. With new starters and a range of roasts it promises a delicious meal to share with friends and family.

 

Book House to be replaced by Coffee House [12 September 2018]

A planning application has been submitted to convert the shop recently occupied by The Book House into a café for gourmet coffee outlet Colombia Coffee Roasters who currently have a unit at the Covered Market and often have a stall at Summertown Farmers Market. The application number is 18/01997/FUL and comments have to made by 23 September.

 

Music at the Cherwell Boathouse [12 September 2018]

On Thursday 20 September from 7:30-10:30pm KingB will be performing their electric blues at Cherwell Boathouse. Tickets cost £17.50 and include a welcome drink. Book now using this link.

 

Easy Hotel new revised application [12 September 2018]

Developers have submitted a new revised application for the proposed Easy Hotel development. The reference number: 17/02832/FUL is the same as for the previous revised application. The revised plans can be found on the planning website at: http://public.oxford.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?keyVal=OYBP0IMF10F00&activeTab=summary. Everything dated 4 September or after relates to the revised application. The consultation period ends on 27 September. If you would like to be kept in touch with this and other developments in Summertown, please send your full name and email address to info@summertown.info.

 

Mathnasium opens [7 September 2018]

Mathnasium, the new maths tutoring company, opens its doors tomorrow at 18 South Parade with information and refreshments for everyone. The company say that they make sense of maths and help children catch up or get ahead.

 

Easy Hotel application [7 September 2018]

The planning application for Easy Hotel will not be heard at the West Area Planning Committee meeting on 11 September. It is possible it may be presented to the meeting on 9 October. If you would like to be kept in touch with this and other developments in Summertown, please send your full name and email address to info@summertown.info.

 

New bar & restaurant for Summertown [6 September 2018]

The new bar and restaurant, on the Banbury Road site previously occupied by Saffron, will be called The Bicycle Shed and will be opening in October. The menu will have a large number of vegetarian and vegan dishes using local produce, and the drinks list will feature craft beers, including offerings from local breweries, as well as cocktails and wine. A brunch/lunch menu will be served from 10:00, and there will be a separate dinner menu.

 

Climate Change talk [6 September 2018]

As part of the Fairplay Climate Justice Campaign, Sarah Rowe from the Christian Aid Campaigns Office, will be giving an illustrated talk on 'Fossil Fuel and Climate Justice: what part do the banks play?' The talk is on Monday 17 September at 7pm in The Threshold at St Michael & All Angels Church in Lonsdale Road (OX2 7ES), and will be followed by a discussion.

 

New Gentle Yoga class launched [31 August 2018]

Local yoga teacher Lucy Tennyson, who has taught in Oxford and Abingdon for six years, is launching a new class in Summertown aimed at beginners and less mobile people. Unlike many regular yoga classes, which are more suited to already flexible and younger students, Lucy's approach is slower and allows people to work at a pace suited to their health needs. The first class takes place at the URC Church Hall, Banbury Road (opposite the BBC) on Tuesday 18 September from 4.15-5.15pm. The hall is bright and airy and has a lovely sprung wooden floor. All equipment is provided, just wear something comfortable. To find out more, or let her know you are coming please contact her on 07715207784 and see www.lucytennyson.com.

 

New Zumba class [31 August 2018]

Katy Cullum is starting a new Zumba class at Cherwell School (North Site) on the Marston Ferry Road on Thursdays at 7.30pm. The first class is on 6 September. Katy describes the class as a 'fun Latin inspired dance exercise class - great for the body and mind!' All levels are welcome. There is no need to book but please contact her on 07403891791 or katycullum@gmail.com for more information.

 

Planning Application 6 South Parade [28 August 2018]

A planning application has been submitted, by Edward Horn, to build a low-rise block of four two-bedroom flats behind 6 South Parade. This is the half of the Georgian house that was once occupied by Horns and latterly by Bang & Olufsen. The flats have been designed so that they are not intrusive and so that a corresponding block could be built behind 5 South Parade. There is provision for a bike shelter but not for car parking. You can view the application using this link. The consultation period ends on 10 September.

 

Modern Baker wins funding and appoints COO [20 August 2018]

Modern Baker, familiar to Summertown residents as the café on Banbury Road, has won a £100,000 funding award from the UK's Innovation Agency, Innovate UK, to explore the impact on the human digestive system of freezing their long-fermented baked products. The project, in conjunction with Campden BRI, will evaluate the effect of different freezing processes on the starches in Modern Baker's baked products, and the effect that has on blood glucose levels and nutrition. The company launched a range of sliced loaves a year ago following research, also funded by Innovate UK, to improve the quality of dietary carbohydrates.
The company has recently named Kate Voss as its new Chief Operating Officer, as it starts talks with multiple retailers to stock its brand. Ms Voss arrives at Modern Baker after 13 years at Innocent Drinks. The long-fermented, clean-label breads, cakes and biscuits are currently available mainly in independent food retailers including Planet Organic and Selfridges, as well as at their Summertown café.

Marston Ferry Road Closure [20 August 2018]

Marston Ferry Road is planned to be closed in both directions from Banbury Road to Oxford Road until Saturday 25th August for road works to take place. Reports this morning suggest that it will be closing at 10am each morning to allow commuter traffic to use the road but that may not be the case all week.

 

Carter Jonas raises funds for charity [17 August 2018]

A summer party at Rhodes House, organised by graduates at Carter Jonas in Summertown, raised £1280 for the SeeSaw charity. Jane Elliott, pictured with Mark Charter of Carter Jonas, told the assembled guests about the charity's work with bereaved children in Oxfordshire.

 

Tennis and barebeque [9 August 2018]

On Saturday 11 August from 3:00pm Thirtyeight and some Summertown 'locals' are hosting a fun and free tennis tournament at the Alexandra Courts off Middle Way. Once the tennis is over you can head down to Thirtyeight, 38 South Parade, for a BBQ for just £5 per person. If you would like to join in, ring 07305892301 to say if you would like to join in both of the events, just the free tennis, or just the BBQ.

 

Law and Co. closes [8 August 2018]

Law and Co., the clothes shop on South Parade, has closed down.

 

Sevenoaks Grand Opening [1 August 2018]

After 20 years in St Clements, Sevenoaks Sound and Vision's Oxford store is opening in Summertown on Saturday 4 August. The new shop is at 7 Prama House, 267 Banbury Road, just round the corner from South Parade. To celebrate the opening there will be demonstrations of high quality home entertainment systems from the likes of Naim, Bowers & Wilkins, NAD, Bluesound, Sony, Yamaha and Pro-Ject Audio, along with exclusive offers and a prize draw, as well as 'bubbles and nibbles' from 09:00 to 17:30. Rob Lawley, Managing Director of Sevenoaks Sound and Vision said, 'As part of our company expansion strategy we chose Summertown as a premium and relevant area. We believe it's where our local customers live, as well as being in an easy to access location for people who are travelling from the broader area around Oxford'.

 

Music at the Cherwell Boathouse [18 July 2018]

On Sunday 22 July from 5:00-7:30pm Cherwell Boathouse is presenting the third iteration of Opera on Punts with Opera Anywhere. It promises to be a magical evening with chauffered punts and a delicious picnic. Booking is essential and closes at 12 noon on 21 July. Book now using this link.

 

Easy Hotel Application [ 17 July 2018]

The application to build a super-budget Easy Hotel in Summertown will not be discussed at the July meeting of the West Area Planning Committee. It is likely that it will be presented at the next meeting on 11 September.

 

Sevenoaks to open in Summeretown [ 17 July 2018]

Audio store Sevenoaks will open it's doors, in the shop on the Banbury Road previously occupied by In Toto, on Saturday 4 August. There will be demonstrations of high quality home entertainment systems and exclusive offers, as well as 'bubbles and nibbles' from 09:00 to 17:30.

 

Summertown Library re-opens [ 17 July 2018]

After an extensive overhaul lasting six weeks, Summertown Library has re-opened with a redecorated entrance, new signage and cycle racks. Inside it has new shelving, an expanded children's section, and new work desks, carpeting, tables and décor. The Friends of Summertown Library are very keen that people make use of the splendid new facilities.

 

Residents move into new North Oxford care Home [9 July 2018]

The residents of Fairfield moved into their new care home on the Banbury Road on 3 July, at the end of a two-year building programme which they have watched take shape from the original Fairfield. After 70 years in the Victorian building on the Banbury Road, the new Fairfield is a brand new, purpose-built care home, situated just behind the original house. The new home offers residents a modern, spacious environment with quality facilities and continuing high standards of care, and has been designed with all the facilities required to provide a homely environment for its elderly residents, along with 24-hour residential and respite care. It has 38 en-suite bedrooms, some of which are suitable for couples.

Fairfield has released a number of rooms that are now available to new residents, including some that are suitable for couples. They are also offering bookable short-term respite care over the summer. For further information visit www.fairfieldhome.co.uk.

 

Revised Application for Easy Hotel [ 2 July 2018]

A revised application has been received for the development of an Easy Hotel on the Banbury Road. The reference number: 17/02832/FUL is the same as the previous application. The revised plans can be found on the planning website at: http://public.oxford.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?keyVal=OYBP0IMF10F00&activeTab=summary
Everything dated 22 June or after relates to the revised application. The consultation period ends on 19 July. Please do comment on the revised application on the planning website by the deadline of 19 July. If you would like to be kept in touch with this and other developments in Summertown, please send your full name and email address to info@summertown.info.

 

New Application for Easy Hotel [27 June 2018]

We learn that Easy Hotel will shortly be submitting a revised application for putting a hotel on the Banbury Road site now only occupied by Majestic and two families in the flats. Notices are expected to go up soon to begin the statutory consultation period. If you would like to be kept in touch with this and other developments in Summertown, please send your full name and email address to info@summertown.info.

 

North Oxford Food Festival [27 June 2018]

The first North Oxford Food Festival will be held at the Harlequin RFU Ground on the Marston Ferry Road on Saturday the 7th and Sunday the 8th of July. There will be over 75 food and drink stalls, bouncy castles, water zorbs, a visit from a fire enginne, face painting and much more. The bar will be open in the rugby club. Entry is free.

 

Oxford North consultation [26 June 2018]

Further to our item on 18 June, Thomas White Oxford (TWO), the development company behind Oxford North, is carrying out a public consultation to seek the public's views on the proposed plans for Oxford North before it applies for outline consent for the overall masterplan and detailed consent for the first phase of development. These applications will be submitted at the end of July 2018. Once the application has been submitted, Oxford City Council will carry out its own statutory consultation exercise.

TWO has launched a website where the documents can be viewed and which has a link to an online consultation to help gather people's thoughts on the proposals for Oxford North. Go to www.oxfordnorth.com and follow the link to 'Join the Conversation'. This consultation will close at 11pm on Sunday 22 July 2018.

There will also be two public exhibitions at which the plans can be viewed:
Monday 2nd July 2018 - 3pm to 7pm - Assembly Room, Town Hall, Oxford, OX1 1BX
Wednesday 4th July 2018 - 3pm to 7pm - Jury's Inn, Godstow Road, Oxford, OX2 8AL.

 

Audio shop for Summertown [26 June 2018]

We hear that the shop previously occupied by In Toto on the Banbury Road is being fitted out for an 'audio and digital' shop. We are not sure what form that will take but new shope are certainly welcome at the moment.

 

Plot Wizard launches in Summertown [19 June 2018]

Always wanted to write a novel but didn't know how to start? Plot Wizard, recently launched by Renée Holler, can give you all the help you need with structure, plot, setting, characters and more. As Renée says 'this is not a creative writing course, but I will teach you the techniques and science of writing'. There is more information here and you can email her at reneeholler@gmail.com.

 

Dambusters and Beyond [19 June 2018]

The North Wall Gallery in South Parade has just opened an extraordinary exhibition of photographs and rare archive material celebrating the 100th anniversary of the founding of the RAF. It also marks the outstanding contribution of several St Edward's pupils, including Douglas Bader, Louis Strange and Geoffrey de Havilland. The exhibition runs until the 17th of July and entry is free.

 

Northern Gateway relaunched [18 June 2018]

A new brochure entitled 'Oxford's New Urban District' has appeared, setting out the developer's vision for what was Northern Gateway and is now 'Oxford North'. The space between the railway line and the west side of the A40 will contain 500 new homes for 1,500 people ('a proportion of which will be affordable'), businesses providing 4,500 jobs, and another new hotel. There is lots of green space and a large community hall. The A40 and A44 will be converted into 30mph tree-lined avenues with lots of pedestrian crossings. We hope the traffic authority has plans in place to accomodate the extra traffic created and the slowing down of one of the busiest trunk roads in the couuntry. The over-subscribed local schools are also helpfully marked on the plan. There is an interesting mix of buildings and Oxford North could be a useful addition to Oxford, providing these problems are addressed.

 

Fairplay talk at Cherwell School [18 June 2018]

Help Low Carbon Oxford North and Fairplay launch the latter's Climate Justice Campaign at a talk given by Paul Valentin, International Director of Christian Aid, in the Dining Hall at Cherwell School (south side) on Monday 25 June at 7.45pm.

 

Winetown at the Cherwell Boathouse [16 June 2018]

On Sunday 24 June 2018 from 4:30 for 5.00pm Cherwell Boathouse presents 'Winetown', an evening of poetry and musical improvisations in the Lower Boathouse performed by Nicola Harrison and Gerard Cousins, to 'celebrate the glorious grape'. Tickets cost £35.00 and include appetisers and five featured wines. Book now using this link.

 

Bookhouse closes [16 June 2018]

The much-loved Summertown bookshop closed its doors for the last time today. It will be sadly missed.

 

Free Nutritional Advice at Wild Honey [12 June 2018]

Wild Honey's new in-store nutritionist, Daniella Luan, will now be on hand from 11.00-12.30 every Wednesday to offer free expert health advice, consultations and guidance to all of their customers.

 

Starbucks Closes [12 June 2018]

Starbucks on the Banbury Road in Summertown has closed overnight without any warning. The website still lists Summertown as a location but their Facebook page says that it has closed. No-one knows if this is normal procedure for Starbucks as it is very unusal for them to close a site. There is now another empty shop in Summertown.

 

New Funeral Directors [1 June 2018]

The old Carphone Warehouse site on the Banbury Road is being converted into an undertakers by C. S. Boswell, an independent funeral director from Kidlington, and one of the few independents remaining in the business.

 

Co-op Post Office to open [31 May 2018]

All being well, the Post Office counter is due to open on Monday 4 June at 11am.

 

Quinta de La Rosa Tasting Dinner [30 May 2018]

The Cherwell Boat House is hosting a Quinta de La Rosa Tasting Dinner on Thursday 7 June at 7.30pm. Six delicious courses will be accompanied by very special matching wines from one of Portugal's most famous producers and owner of the Estate, Sophia Bergqvist, will be there to guide you through the entire range. The dinner costs £45. Ring 01865 552746 or email this address to book.

 

New licence application for ex-Saffron restaurant [24 May 2018]

It appears that Saffron restaurant, which closed on 6 May, may be replaced by another bar or restaurant. An application to vary the licence granted to Saffron has been made by The City Pub Group Plc. Comments on the application must be made by 4 June.

 

Oxford Playwrights at the Cherwell Boathouse [22 May 2018]

On Thursday 31 May 2018 from7:30-10:30pm Cherwell Boathouse is hosting an evening of short plays in the Lower Boathouse. Tickets cost £22.50 and include a welcome drink. Book now using this link.Food can be ordered on the night.

 

Silver Robin Website [9 May 2018]

A website set up by an Oxford grandmother is proving you don't need to leave the house to feel a little less alone. Summertown resident Avril Lethbridge, 83, created her own website - Silver Robin - to communicate with the increasing number of over-65s using the internet. The site features articles on everything from arts and crafts to memories, to the explanation of modern tools such as Skype and YouTube. The website was put together with the support of Age UK Oxfordshire and other volunteers living in the area. Anyone interested in reading the stories and information, or sending in their own stories and snapshots, should visit www.silverrobin.co.uk.

 

Estate Agent Moves [8 May 2018]

We understand that, as a result of the planned demolition for the proposed Easy Hotel development, Knight Frank will be moving into 274 Banbury Road, previously occupied by Breckon & Breckon.

A casualty of the proposed development is local independent Wallers of Oxford who will be leaving their Summertown premises on 5 June.

 

Oxbotica's New Driverless Cars [7 May 2018]

Summertown-based Oxbotica are developing the next generation of autonomous vehicles, in association with the DRIVEN project, which will see a fleet of driverless cars being deployed in urban areas and on motorways, culminating in journeys between London and Oxford in 2019. DRIVEN's fleet of vehicles can currently be seen conducting urban trials around the streets of Oxford. The wide-area road testing of the fleet is due to start in late-summer 2018.

 

Friends of Summertown Library Hit Target [3 May 2018]

The FoSL have announced that they have succeeded in achieving their fundraising target of £90,000. Work can now begin in the summer on adding an expanded children's section and upgraded computers, and also installing movable bookshelves to create an event space for up to 80 people. At the same time the front of the building will be revamped and the inside decorated.

 

Music at the Cherwell Boathouse [2 May 2018]

On Sunday 6 May 2018 from 5:00-6:30pm Cherwell Boathouse is hosting alternative Folk & Blues singer Jess Bishop accompanied by Max Rafferty on guitar, live in the Lower Boathouse. Tickets cost £12 and include a welcome drink. Book now using this link.

 

Work continues on Thirty-Eight [2 May 2018]

The new restaurant at 38 South Parade has continued with its soft opening of the café part of the building, while the work on the restaurant continues. The restaurant is owned by the company behind the small chain of Bacaro Italian restaurants. A recent application to vary the licence to allow live music and late night opening every day has been withdrawn but we understand that an application to change the name, and change the use from café to restaurant, will still have to be approved before it can formally open.

 

Free Nutritional Advice at Wild Honey [1 May 2018]

Wild Honey's new in-store nutritionist, Daniella Luan, will be on hand from 12-2 every Wednesday over the coming weeks to offer free expert health advice, consultations and guidance to all of their customers.

 

Oxford Cat Clinic Feline Fund Day [1 May 2018]

The Oxford Cat Clinic is having a Feline Fun Day on 2 June 2018 from 1-4pm at their Marston Clinic. Tour behind the scenes of a cat hospital. Enjoy talks about Creating a Cat-Friendly Home. Meet the team and much much more. A fun day out for all the family, with face painting, BBQ, 'Bring and Buy' cake sale, and our colouring competition with prizes! Entry is free.

 

Carter Jonas Expands Planning Team [30 April 2018]

Carter Jonas has expanded its Planning & Development team with the appointment of Peter Canavan to its Summertown office. Mr Canavan brings a wealth of experience to the post as he was latterly principal planning officer at South Oxfordshire District Council, where he coordinated the production of the emerging South Oxfordshire Local Plan, as well as supporting several Neighbourhood Development Plan groups.

 

Majestic to remain open for a while [23 April 2018]

Wine lovers will be delighted by the announcement that Majestic will stay open until 'at least September'. The shop had been going to close by June to make way for demolition of the building and the subsequent erection of an Easy Hotel.

 

38 South Parade [23 April 2018]

The restaurant/café, 38 South Parade, which is replacing The Oxford Wine Café, has begun opening in a limited way for the sale of coffee and drinks. It is still not clear when it will be fully operational. The business has applied for extensive variation in its licence so that it has the option of extended opening with live and recorded music every day. This is causing concern to neighbouring properties including St Edward's School, and the application is also opposed by the City Council's Environment service.

 

Maths Tuition Centre [23 April 2018]

The planning application for change of use for the old Paolo Gianni premises to a maths tuition centre has received approval and the company, Mathnasium Learning Centres, has now applied to erect internal and external illuminated signs.

 

Blenheim Art & Antiques Fair [13 April 2018]

Christopher and Angela Legge of Legge Oriental Carpets will be exhibiting at the Cotswolds Art & Antiques Fair at Blenheim Place from Thursday 19th to Sunday 22nd April from 10.00am to 5.30pm. Please email Angela if you would like a free entry ticket.

 

Book House to close [9 April 2018]

We are very sorry to learn that The Book House is to close in June after many years on that site. It was a destination shop for many people in Summertown, and everyone who went there enjoyed the surprisingly comprehensive stock and the welcome from the wonderful staff. It is a victim of the increase in internet shopping and the resulting reduced footfall. It will be greatly missed.

 

Climate Justice Talk [9 April 2018]

Fairplay is organising a talk on Climate Justice on Sunday 29 April at 7.15pm at St Michael & All Angels Church, Lonsdale Road. The Rev Dr Rachel Mash will be speaking from her experience over many years as an activist at national and local levels for care and sustainability of the environment in Southern Africa. She is Environmental Coordinator for the Anglican Church of Southern Africa, which last year voted to disinvest in fossil fuels. All welcome.

 

Co-op to host other outlets [9 April 2018]

In addition to the Post Office, which is being established in the Co-op, and should be open in June, the store will also be hosting a Chozen noodle bar and a Subway counter. Noodles should be available from the beginning of May and long sandwiches from June.

 

Shop news [9 April 2018]

The site previously occupied by Carphone Warehouse will soon become a financial services provider. The signs indicate that work will begin soon to transform the interior. We gather that the shop vacated by Paolo Gianni will not become a centre for maths tuition.

 

Open days at new Fairfield care home [13 March 2018]

Fairfield is holding two open days at its new care home on Saturday 21 April and Wednesday 2 May from 10am to 4pm for prospective residents and their families as well as anyone who would like to see inside the new home. After 60 years in its current Victorian building on the Banbury Road, Fairfield is moving into a brand new, purpose-built care home in June 2018. The new residential care home is just behind the original house in North Oxford and has 40 en-suite bedrooms, some of which are suitable for couples, as well as modern, spacious living accommodation with quality facilities.

To register interest in attending an open day or request further details email care@fairfieldhome.co.uk. For further information visit www.fairfieldhome.co.uk.

Post Office for Summertown [9 March 2018]

Jean Fooks, local Lib Dem councillor and current Lord Mayor,  has announced that Summertown will once again have a Post Office, something she has been working on for many years. The Post Office counter will be set up in the Co-op although the manager of the Co-op warns that it will a while before the necessary re-fitting is complete.

 

Easy Hotel [9 March 2018]

The Easy Hotel planning application will not be heard at the 13 March meeting of the West Area Planning Committee. The application can be extended past its expiry date of 31 March but if revised plans are received by the planning officer then the revised application will again be subject to the statutory consultation process.

 

North Oxford Golf Club [8 March 2018]

Cherwell District Council has accepted the plan to build 1,180 houses between Cutteslowe and the A34 which will lead to houses covering the greens and fairways of the venerable North Oxford Golf Club. The plan will now go to a Public Enquiry where members of the Club will oppose the scheme.

 

Friends of Summertown Library Talk [8 March 2018]

Douglas Carswell, ex-Conservative and UKIP MP, will be giving a talk entitled Britain: a democracy or an oligarchy? on Thursday 15 March 2018 at 6pm at the Summertown Library. The talk considers the possibility that a new elite oligarchy is subverting our democracy and stifling our market system. Entry is free. Donations of £10 at the door to the work of the Friends will be gratefully received.

 

38 South Parade [7 March 2018]

Work has begun again on the refurbishmnet of 38 South Parade, the café/restaurant which will replace the Oxford Wine Café on the same site. No details are given in when the work will be completed but we look forward to seeing the transformation.

 

Shop News [2 March 2018]

South Parade, already suffering from the enforced closures of Cibo, Summertown Travel, the Yoga Garden and Bang & Olufsen by the landlord seeking to re-develop the site, is to suffer another blow when Hastings Drummond close for business on 31 March. However, further up South Parade the premises previously occupied by Paolo Gianni have a planning application for change of use to a Maths Tuition company. We can only hope they will add a colourful presence to the street..

 

Alexandra Courts and Park [20 February 2018]

The Summertown Neighbourhood Forum has launched a questionnaire on the future of Alexandra Park. This follows the announcement by Oxford City Council of a consultation on the current state and future of the Park. The official consultation is on the City Council website and closes on 1 March 2018. The Neighbourhood Forum questionnaire can be found by following this link .

 

Easy Hotel application [20 February 2018]

The Easy Hotel planning application will not be heard at the 21 February meeting of the West Area Planning Committee. The next WAPC meeting is on Tuesday 13 March.

 

Police seek assailant [20 February 2018]

Police are still searching for the assailant of the 17-year-old boy who was stabbed in Middle Way on Thursday evening. The boy remains in hospital and is said to be in a serious but stable condition.

 

Silent Auction at North Wall [16 February 2018]

The Art Department at St Edward’s School has announced a special exhibition at The North Wall Arts Centre on South Parade. The Secret Postcard Show will be open for just one day on Saturday 3 March. This exhibition gives people the chance to buy original postcard-sized artworks by pupils, art students, and emerging and acclaimed artists, illustrators and designers. The exhibition will open for viewing at 2pm. Purchase of these original works will be through a silent auction, starting at 5pm. The highest bidder on each item at 6pm will win their chosen artwork. The identity of the artists will only be revealed after bidding has closed. Funds raised by the auction will be donated to the teamArchie charity.

 

Estate Agents face difficult times [30 January 2018]

Mark Charter, a partner at Summertown-based estate agents Carter Jonas, has warned that a combination of factors could lead to some estate agents’ offices closing over the next 12 months. His comments were made after Countrywide, a large national chain which owns brands including John D Wood, Hamptons and Taylors estate agents, issued its second profit warning in three months.

 

North Oxford Golf course at risk of closure [24 January 2018]

North Oxford Golf Club will close if planning permission is granted to build 1,180 houses between Cutteslowe and the A34 as part of Cherwell District Council's proposals to help Oxford's unmet housing needs. Members of the club have launched a campaign to save the 110-year-old course after the Club’s management committee voted to accept a payment, reported to be £2m, from the three landlords (Oxford University, Exeter College and Merton College) not to object to plans to build homes on the land.

 

Respite Care Available [23 January 2018]

Fairfield Residential Home on the Banbury Road is offering a number of short-term respite care rooms for elderly people at its North Oxford home. With a move to its brand new residential care home imminent, they currently have some temporary stay rooms available for immediate occupation. To find out more please contact care@fairfieldhome.co.uk or ring 01865 558413.

 

St Edward's Smith Square Concert [18 January 2018]

St Edward’s School will be performing their regular London concert at St John’s Smith Square on Monday 5 February starting at 7.30pm. The programme features excerpts from Pictures at an Exhibition by Mussorgsky, Boehme's Trumpet Concerto with Head Boy Tom Powell the soloist, and Gloria by Karl Jenkins with Ella Davis and Head Girl Sassy Hammersley leading the choir.
Situated in central London, St John's is considered a gem of English Baroque architecture, and a venue boasting exceptional acoustics and atmosphere. The School would be delighted if members of the local community joined them for the concert. Tickets, which are £15 (£10 concession), including a drinks reception following the concert, can be booked here.

The School is also celebrating outstanding results in the EPQ, of more than 80% of candidates achieving an A*-B, and three offers of places for St Edward’s pupils from Oxford University.

 

Head Appointed to Summer Fields New Pre-Prep [17 January 2018]

Summer Fields School has announced the appointment of Joanna Chapman as Head of its new pre-prep school, which will open its doors to boys aged 4-8 in September 2018. Ms Chapman joins Summer Fields from Knightsbridge School in London, where she has been Head of the Junior School since 2015. David Faber, Headmaster of Summer Fields, told us that “we are absolutely thrilled that Joanna will be joining us. Joanna brings a wealth of specialist experience to Summer Fields and her work ethic and child-centred approach to education are completely in line with our own”.

Carphone Warehouse Closes [15 January 2018]

Carphone Warehouse on the Banbury Road has closed. We had heard that a regional manager had been in the shop conducting an audit and this is no doubt the result. This is probably not unconnected to the opening of the new store in the Westgate Centre. The nearest Carphone Warehouse is currently in Cornmarket.

 

Oxford Wine Café Rebranding [8 January 2018]

The Oxford Wine Café on South Parade is closed for refurbshment and rebranding as No. 38 South Parade. The site was sold to new owners last year but they were allowed to continue trading under the old name while they finalised their plans. We understand that the idea of the wine café will remain but with a stronger emphasis on food.

 

A Moving Meditation [3 January 2018]

The New Year is probably a good time for thinking about wellbeing. Andrea Stanley will be running sessions of Tai Chi Qigong for Wellbeing at the United Reformed Church hall on the Banbury Road on Saturdays from 3:00-4:00 pm. The first session will be on Saturday 6 January. Andrea describes the practice of Qigong as 'a gentle flowing sequence of movement to calm the mind and relax the body'. If you would like to join the sessions please contact Andrea at floinqigong@gmail.com.

 

Summertown Christmas Lights [6 November 2017]

The Summertown Christmas Lights will be switched on at around 5.30 on Friday 8 December outside Carter Jonas. The ceremony will be performed by the Lord Mayor. There will be music from St Edward's Brass Band and choirs from Oxford High School and Cutteslowe School from 4.45, and hot mince pies will be provided by the Co-op. This is a great family and community event. Do come along to join in the singing. There are new lights this year; this picture is in memory of the old ones.

 

Bank branch closure [5 November 2017]

NatWest is the latest bank to announce the closure of its branch in Summertown. Following on the heels of Santander and Barclays, the branch will close on 21 June 2018. The nearest branch will be on Cornmarket.

 

Flash in the Pan [5 November 2017]

Flash in the Pan with its wide range of art, crafts, textiles and comestibles is back! It will be open on 9 & 10 December and then on 16 & 17 December from 10am to 6pm at 43 Oakthorpe Road. Do go along to find the perfect presents for Christmas.

and don't forget your Flash Christmas tree from the shed down the side of Oxfam and on sale from 8-10 and 15-24 December. Email: flashtrees@gmail.com.

 

Art at Christmas [25 November 2017]

This year's Art at Christmas collection will be at St Michael's Church Hall on Portland Road on Saturday 2 December and Sunday 3 December. It is open 10am to 5pm. This is a great place to find Christmas gifts for all your friends and family. Enjoy mulled wine, mince pies and live music while you browse the stalls.

 

Easy Hotel lodges Planning Application [21 November 2017]

Easy Hotel has submitted a planning application for the Majestic/Wallers site (276-280 Banbury Road). It was lodged with the Council on 24 October. No emails were sent to those who had registered an interest, and the statutory notices have not be put up outside the site. These apparent flaws in the notification process should mean that the consultation period re-starts after the notices have been put up, but the consultation period is given as 14 November to 9 December. If you are interested in commenting on the application so that the views of local residents and businesses are taken into account by the planning officer and members of the planning committee, you should assume that you have to do so by 9 December.

The application code is 17/02832/FUL (go to http://public.oxford.gov.uk/online-applications/ and enter that code in Search). The plans show an anodyne building, which looks like an office block, with no objectionable or redeeming features. The description reads: "Demolition and redevelopment of existing retail office, and residential premises, to provide a mixed-use scheme comprising 4 x units (use classes of either A1,A2,A3 or A4) at ground floor with a 180 bed hotel over three floors above”.


If you would like to be kept informed of developments please send your name and email address to info@summertown.info.

 

Elizabeth Jennings Way closed for chemical incident [9 November 2017]

Elizabeth Jennings Way has been closed all day because of a 'chemical incident' which resulted in the hospitalization of seven police officersand seems to be related to the arrest of a man at 5.16 this morning. The man was also injured by the substance. Police and fire crews remain in attendance and a section of the is still cordoned off.

 

Poppies arrive in style [6 November 2017]

Oxfordshire’s official Poppy Appeal for 2017 was launched in the grounds of St Edward’s School last week, with two Puma helicopters delivering the first of the poppies. The Royal British Legion, various dignitaries, children from several  schools and RAF service personnel watched as the helicopters arrived.

 

North Wall Marks Russian Revolution [18 October 2017]

Lenin: Leader of the Russian Revolution is a new exhibition at The North Wall Arts Centre which will run from Wednesday the 8th to Saturday the 18th of November; admission is free. Opening 100 years after the Russian Revolution, this new exhibition brings together over 70 rare photographs and other material relating to the leader of the Revolution, Vladimir Ilyich Ulyanov, better known as Lenin. Drawn from the extensive archive of the British �Society for Cooperation in Russian and Soviet Studies�, most of the photographs are being shown publicly for the first time.

 

Summer Fields Pre-Prep Open House Events [16 October 2017]

Summer Fields School has arranged two Open House Events so that prospective parents can find out more about the new Pre-Prep, see the school's facilities and talk to members of staff. The Open House Events will be on Friday 3 November from 2-4 and on Saturday 4 November 11-1. The Pre-Prep opens in September 2018. For additional information please ring 01865 459204 or email admissions@summerfields.com.

 

New Summertown Office for Oxford Firm [4 October 2017]

Mark Barclay Wealth Management has moved into the premises last occupied by Lifestyle on the Banbury Road. Mark Barclay Wealth Management is a representative of St. James’s Place Wealth Management, one of the leading such firms in the country, and a FTSE 100 company. “Our move into these new premises in Summertown reflects recent growth in our business,” Mark Barclay, told us, “we recognise the need for a personal, face to face relationship for financial, retirement, protection and tax planning.” The practice provides advice on a wide range of aspects, including inheritance tax, investment & retirement planning and strategic business planning, to private clients and business owners throughout Oxfordshire, the South East and the Midlands.

 

Freestyle Textile Embroidery Classes [21 September 2017]

Freestyle Textiles will be running a series of machine embroidery workshops at St Margaret's Institute on Polstead Road, on the following dates:
Saturday 30th September - 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Saturday 28th October - 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Friday 17th November - 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Saturday 9th December - 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Contact Eleanor for more information or visit their website.

 

Viavi:be Formally Opened [20 September 2017]

The Viav:be Health Gym on the Banbury Road in Summertown was formally opened this week by the TV medic, writer and broadcaster Dr Christian Jessen. While open to all, the gym is primarily targeted at the 40+ age range, and has been created specifically for those who wish to address various physical aspects of ageing and feel now is the time to find a way to become more active. Viavi:be is the brain child of Dr Sabine Donnai (seen here with Dr Jessen), one of Harley Street’s leading medical practitioners in proactive health management and precision medicine.

 

d'Overbroeck's Open Morning [14 September 2017]

d’Overbroeck’s next Open Morning will be on Saturday 7 October from 10.00 to 1.00 at both the Sixth Form and Years 7-11 sites. The Sixth Form has started this term in their new purpose-built and remarkably good-looking building at 333 Banbury Road which is, by all accounts, an excellent space for studying and teaching. Years 7-11 remain at the site on Leckford Road. New Principal Emma-Kate Henry is also celebrating exceptional exam results, with 46% of A Level students achieving three or more A* or A grades.

 

St Edward's celebrates 20 years of co-education [13 September 2017]

September 2017 marks 20 years since St Edward’s became fully co-educational; the school will, in the near future, have equal numbers of boys to girls. This significant anniversary is being celebrated with an exhibition at The North Wall gallery which encompasses works from seven former female art students who have gone on to establish careers as professional artists and artisans. The wide range of styles, media and techniques on display highlight the talent of the women exhibiting their work, as well as demonstrating the exceptional state of art tuition at St Edward’s in recent years.

A further cause for celebration is the particularly strong exam results this year at GCSE, A Level and IB, resulting from the transformation of the academic life of the School over the last five years. Eleven pupils achieved 40 points or more at IB, including one who received full marks; a feat achieved by fewer than 1% of candidates worldwide. This was matched at A Level where almost half of all grades were A*/A.

 

Social Justice Fair [3 September 2017]

Fairplay is holding a Social Justice Fair at the United Reformed Church on the Banbury Road in Summertown on Saturday 16 September from 10.00 to 3.30. There will be lots of stalls from organisations working to acheive social justice and lots of activities for all the family.

Summertown schools arrange new school buses [29 August 2017]

Oxford High School and d’Overbroeck’s have joined forces with three other Oxford schools to form the Oxford Schools’ Bus Partnership. This will make it easier and safer for children to travel to school by bus and will also reduce traffic congestion in Summertown. They have announced a network of nine routes around the county that will operate from September 2017, serving all five schools. This map shows the routes: OSBP-2017-Busmap. To book your child’s seat, fill out and email this form: OSBP Booking Form 2017-18_26052017 to the OSBP Transport Co-ordinator on info@osbp.net.

 

Oxford High School's best GCSE results [24 August 2017]

This year’s GCSE results at Oxford high School show the highest number of A*s at GCSE that the school has ever achieved. Over 75% of grades were A*. More than half of the year group achieved at least 9 A* grades. 30% of girls achieved straight A*s. 94% gained A*-A grades.This is a remarkable achievement for the Year 11 girls and for the school.

 

Summer Fields School to open new Pre-Prep [24 August 2017]

Summer Fields School has announced plans to provide more places and greater accessibility for local boys. In September 2018 a new Summer Fields Pre-Prep, housed in a purpose-built extension and offering facilities for 80 boys aged four to eight, will open its doors to Reception, Year 2, and Year 3 boys, providing places for boys joining at ages four, five and seven. The existing prep school will also be expanding, offering additional places for eight year-olds wishing to join the school in Year 4. A Year 1 class will be introduced in the pre-prep in 2019.
      These changes will make the school even more accessible to boys from a range of backgrounds as the school will also be offering an increased number of bursaries to boys seeking day or boarding places in the prep school from September 2018. Headmaster, David Faber, commented “We are now enabling boys to benefit from a Summer Fields education from the very start of their schooling”.

Roadworks [15 August 2017]

Commuters and residents are facing long delays as a result of the resurfacing of Sunderland Aveneue. This comes on top of recently released figures showing that journey times have increased on many routes, including Woodstock Road, Banbury Road, Sunderland Avenue and parts of the A40, following the £10 million scheme to improve traffic flows on the Wolvercote and Cutteslowe roundabouts. These improvements were meant to be future proof so as to to deal with the increased traffic resulting from the planned new housing developments in the area.

 

Revital opens [10 August 2017]

Health food shop Revital is now open for business on the Banbury Road selling a wide selection of high quality supplements, health foods and natural beauty products.

 

Home-Start Oxford: Calling All Parents [27 July 2017]

Home-Start Oxford – a voluntary organisation committed to promoting the welfare of families with at least one child under 5 – is currently seeking volunteers interested in providing practical and emotional support for parents. Volunteers generally commit to visiting for 2-4 hours per week. No special qualifications are necessary and full training and support are provided. If you are interested in volunteering, their next course will start on 18 September. Contact Home-Start on 01865 779991 or admin@homestart-oxford.org.uk.

 

Wild Honey celebrates 1st Birthday [12 July 2017]

Wild Honey are celebrating their 1st Birthday at 12 South Parade, on Saturday, 15 July. Between 9am and 6pm on the day, they will have lots of tasters, freebies, special offers, goody bags and demonstrations from some of their favourite suppliers, so do go along and celebrate with them. During what owner Matt Sage describes as ‘an exciting, hard-working and also hugely fun 12 months for all of us in Summertown’ he says ‘it has been wonderful to meet so many new customers and friends over the course of the past year’ and thanks everyone for their 'support, encouragement, feedback and custom'.

Summertown Library gets Tesco tokens chance [12 July 2017]

During July and August, Tesco has chosen The Friends of Summertown Library as one of three Oxford community projects it is supporting in its local stores, via the 5p bag levy. Remember to ask for a token at the till in any local Tesco store, and place it in the right-hand column of the nearby stand (you don’t have to buy a bag). This could gain the Friends £4,000 towards its target of £85,000.

 

Rent rise forces café sale [6 July 2017]

The Oxford Wine Café, beloved of so many Summertown residents, has new owners. Previous owner, Ted Sandbach of the Oxford Wine Company, tells us that the sale was prompted by a "huge rent increase and 87% rates rise". The new owners will continue to offer wine from the Oxford Wine Company but will increase the emphasis on food. With such excessive rents and business rates it si no wonder that there are still so many empty shops in Summertown.

 

NOA Community Open Day [4 July 2017 ]

A reminder that the North Oxford Association is holding an Open Day on Saturday 15 July from 12 to 4. Local residents will have the opportunity to try out some of NOA's regular activities and to find out how to get involved with our local community centre and association. There will be Arts activites, Children’s craft, Dance demonstrations, a Raffle, a Cake sale, and more. There will also be free taster sessions of regular classes such as Monkey Music, Calligraphy, Zumba and Dance Aerobics. To find out more and to book sessions please email Sarah or call 01865 552295.

 

New Head for d'Overbroeck's [1 July 2017]

Emma-Kate Henry took over as Principal of d’Overbroeck’s school on 1 July,. Previously Head at a 2-18 years co-educational independent school in Hampshire, Emma-Kate has spent the Summer term at d’Overbroeck’s working alongside the outgoing Principal Sami Cohen who retires after 21 years in the role.
     These are exciting times for the school. The Sixth Form is moving to a new site at 333 Banbury Road over the summer and a new boarding house, Islip House, is opening just opposite the new Sixth Form site. The Hall at the new Sixth Form site is to be named The Cohen Hall to mark Sami Cohen’s contribution to the school. There will be an opportunity for the public to look around the new teaching buildings as part of Oxford Open Doors on Saturday 9 September as well as during the school’s next Open Day on Saturday 7 October.

 

Salsa Courses for Beginners [27 June 2017]

OnSalsa have a Salsa Beginners Course starting today. Click this link for full details.

 

Super-budget Hotel for Summertown [23 June 2017]

The Majestic and Knight Frank building (see below) is to be replaced with a "super-budget" Easy Hotel, according to chief executive Guy Parsons. The 180-bedroom hotel will form part of a mixed-use development, taking up the first and second floors of the property. A 25-year lease has apparently already been granted to Easyhotel PLC, and a contract signed with 4Urban Consulting to build the hotel which will open in 2019. There will be no car parking provided. Despite the fact that no planning application has yet been submitted, Easyhotel are obviously confident that planning permission will be granted.

    We can think of little that Summertown needs less than a super-budget hotel. There is already significant over-capacity at all price points (Jurys Inn, Holiday Inn, Travelodge, Galaxie Hotel, Cotswold Lodge Hotel, Linton Lodge Hotel, Old Parsonage Hotel, numerous smaller hotels and B&Bs, and a lot of AirBnB accomodation) for visitors to the north Oxford area. With no car parking, the impact on Summertown's very limited non-residential spaces and small carparks will be significant, and is likely to lead to a reduction in shoppers who are already put off by difficulties over parking. As budget hotels are known to spawn budget eateries, such as MacDonalds, KFC and Burger King, there will undoubtably also be pressure on the Council to increase the allocation of restaurant use in Summertown.

   If you would like to be kept informed about this development please email us.

 

Cancer Research UK - Relay for Life [15 June 2017]

This is a reminder that Cancer Research UK is encouraging people to get together and enter Relay For Life, a unique celebration of life and hope which unites communities to help beat over 200 types of cancer. Teams of between eight to 15 people, of all ages, levels of fitness and from all walks of life are needed to take part at Oxford Harlequins Rugby Club on the Marston Ferry Road, Summertown over the weekend of 1-2 July.

     Participants are asked to raise as much money as possible in the months leading up to the Relay through fundraising activities and donations from friends, families and work colleagues. During the Relay, team members take it in turns to walk round a track while everyone else enjoys a wide range of fun activities. As Relay For Life is non-stop through the night, those team members not on the track can take turns to rest, eat, or sleep in their tents which are set up close by. For more information visit the website, email  relayforlifeoxford@gmail.com or ring Event Chair, Jacquii John, on 07990 037164.

 

More Development in Summertown [15 June 2017 ]

We hear that plans to demolish and redevelop the old North Oxford Garage site, currently occupied by Majestic and Knight Frank, are at an advanced stage. The landlords are perhaps overkeen to see the departure of the two businesses even though their lease has a year to run.

 

Opera on the River [13 June 2017 ]

Cherwell Boat House is hosting the renowned Opera Anywhere for a unique performance of opera on punts on Sunday 18 June at 5:00pm. After an opening show at the Boathouse, they will punt & sing their way upstream to the Victoria Arms, arriving around 6:00pm for some refreshments and more Opera, before making their merry way back to the Boathouse. Everyone is welcome to come along and enjoy the spectacle. You can relax with a Pimms at the Boathouse or take a punt (£18 per hour; no booking needed) and follow the opera along the river.

 

Portabello Tasting Dinner [9 June 2017 ]

Portabello is hosting a seven-course Galicia & Catalunya Spanish Tasting Dinner on Thursday 29 June. The wines have been chosen by Jake Osbourne from Bibendum who will be talking about the selection. The meal costs £40 and you can ring 01865 559653 to book your place.

 

Master Baker at Wild Honey [7 June 2017 ]

Wild Honey is hosting a demonstration by Aston's Master Baker, Syd Aston, of all things baked & organic on Saturday 10 June from 10:00-18:00 at 12 South Parade. This will be a great chance to find out more about the delicious bread sold at Wild Honey.

 

NOA Community Open Day [6 June 2017 ]

The North Oxford Association is holding an Open Day on Saturday 15 July from 12 to 4. Local residents will have the opportunity to try out some of NOA's regular activities and to find out how to get involved with our local community centre and association.

     There will be Arts activites, Children’s craft, Dance demonstrations, a Raffle, a Cake sale, and more. There will also be free taster sessions of regular classes such as Monkey Music, Calligraphy, Zumba and Dance Aerobics. To find out more and to book sessions please email Sarah at development.noa@gmail.com or call 01865 552295.

 

Fairfield Residential home breaks new ground [5 June 2017 ]

Construction is underway on a major building project in North Oxford that will see a care home for the elderly constructed next to student accommodation. The new Fairfield residential home will share garden space with graduate students at University College, allowing for interaction between the residents of both institutions.

      Located on the Banbury Road and designed by Oxford Architects, the new home will accommodate 38 residents in en-suite rooms. There will be a range of communal areas and recreational rooms that have been designed to be light and airy, with views over the mature gardens. The new Fairfield residential home is expected to open in mid-2018. Once the new home is open, Univ will convert the existing Victorian building into graduate student accommodation.

Summertown Library Talk [5 June 2017 ]

Margaret MacMillan, Professor of International History and Warden of St Antony's College, will be giving a talk on Thursday 15 June 2017 at 6pm at the Summertown Library. The talk considers how, a century after the First World War, we are still coming to terms with what that prolonged conflict meant for European society and the wider world. Entry is free. Donations of £10 at the door to the work of the Friends will be gratefully received.

 

Development in Summertown [1 June 2017 ]

Oxford City Council's latest draft Local Plan contains a proposal which will affect two developments in Summertown. A change to key worker housing rules would make it easier for Oxford’s two universities, the NHS, schools and bus companies to build accommodation for staff and students on their own land, exempting them from social housing requirements.
     Oxford University’s pro vice-chancellor for planning, Professor William James, said that this potentially cleared the way for several schemes including the redevelopment of Diamond Place in Summertown.
     There are also proposals to curb a rise in 'speculative' student accommodation developments that are not backed by either of Oxford's universities which will, we hope, reduce the likelihood of the fine buildings in South Parade being demolished to make way for student flats [see news item 21 Jan 2016].
     The draft Plan does also, however, recommend that restrictions on building heights in Summertown be relaxed to increase the density of developments.

 

Shop news [31 May 2017 ]

The shop recently vacated by Moda in Pele at 229 Banbury Road is being taken by health store Revital. A regional chain with 14 other stores they sell vitamins & supplements, healthy food and drink, and other aids to a healthy lifestyle. With Wild Honey, Holland & Barrett, Boots, and two Rowland pharmacies Summertown is rapidly becoming a centre for healthy living.

 

Summertown firm wins European funding [31 May 2017 ]

Brainomix, based in Suffolk House on the Banbury Road, will be able to offer its treatment for stroke victims to many more people after being chosen for a major European project. Its medical imaging software e-ASPECTS, which automatically assesses CT scans to gauge how badly the brain has been damaged, has been selected for the Angels Initiative, which plans to improve stroke care by opening 1,500 specialist centres around Europe.

 

New Buildings and Head for d'Overbroeck's [26 May 2017 ]

We learn that d’Overbroeck’s new Sixth Form complex at 333 Banbury Road is nearing completion. Staff will move in over the summer holidays and the building will open at the beginning of September.
      The school is also welcoming a new Principal, Emma-Kate Henry, who is spending the summer term getting to know students and staff, and tells us that the new developments ‘will provide first class facilities to add another dimension to a d’Overbroeck’s education. This is a very exciting time in the school’s development and the new Sixth Form buildings are just a part of this.' Work has also been proceeding across the road at number 376, where an additional boarding house for Sixth Form students is almost completed.
      The school’s next Open Days are on Saturday 7 October; at Leckford Road for entry at year 7 or 9, and at 333 Banbury Road for direct entry to the Sixth Form. There will also be a Sixth Form Open Evening on Tuesday 14 November. Sixth Form Scholarship Exams are held in November. For more information and to arrange a visit, contact Mrs Lynne Berry on 01865 310000 or see more details here.

Colin Dexter statue for Summertown [22 May 2017 ]

Dr Antony Richards, chairman of the Inspector Morse Society, has proposed that a statue of Colin Dexter, Summertown resident and author of 13 Morse novels who died recently, be placed in Summertown. Sculptor Alex Wenham has volunteered to create the statue and it has been suggested that it could be situated in a piazza in the proposed Diamond Place redevelopment. It is possible that work will start on the redevelopment in 2020 so we may have to wait a while before we can enjoy the statue of one of Summertown's most famous residents.

 

COOK celebrates 20 years [18 May 2017 ]

COOK has been going for 20 years (5½ years in Summertown), and to celebrate the anniversary they are giving all of their customers 15% off everything in the shop on Saturday 20 May, and 15% off everything via click and collect all weekend. Go instore or online to take advantage of this great offer.

 

Summertown Artweeks Festival [17 May 2017 ]

This year's Summertown Artweek begins on Saturday 20 May. Artweeks gives you the chance to visit artists in houses, studios, workshops, exhibition spaces, shops, galleries and churches in Summertown. You can talk about their artwork and their creative lives, and buy their work if you wish to. There is so much to see – painting, drawing, photography, printmaking, ceramics, jewellery, silversmithing, glass, woodturning, sculpture, and much more. Pick up a Summertown brochure at the Library or one of the local shops, or go online to see the full Artweeks guide.

    Come along on Saturday morning to listen to Jazz outside The Dewdrop. There will be a Funk band and a French Jazz band playing from 10:30 to 13:00.

 

Zoffany Creative talk [17 May 2017 ]

Peter Gomes, head of the Zoffany creative design studio, will be giving a talk about The Alchemy of Colour at The Curtain Shop on Tuesday 23 May at 11.30. It promises to be a fascinating talk and there will also be a preview of their new paint and wallpaper collections. Ring 01865 553405 for more details and to reserve a place.

 

Honey Bees arrive at St Edward's [8 May 2017 ]

St Edward’s School (Teddies) has taken delivery of 40,000 new inhabitants of its grounds. Housed in four new purpose-built hives – made by pupils Afiq Rozhan, Guy Moss, Nikita Radkevitch and Gurinder Singh – the School is now home to honey bees for the first time.

     An apiary has been established in the School’s grounds next to the Oxford Canal. David Aldred, the teacher in charge of the project, and the pupils in the Bee Team expect the honey collected from the hives to be used by the School’s catering department, with additional produce being sold. A new Beekeeping Society will shortly be set up at the School to teach and promote the ancient art of beekeeping. A competition will also be launched for pupils to design the new Teddies Honey labels.

 

Cancer Research UK - Relay for Life [28 April 2017 ]

Cancer Research UK is encouraging people to get together and enter Relay For Life, a unique celebration of life and hope which unites communities to help beat over 200 types of cancer. Teams of between eight to 15 people, of all ages, levels of fitness and from all walks of life are needed to take part at Oxford Harlequins Rugby Club on the Marston Ferry Road, Summertown over the weekend of 1-2 July.

     Participants are asked to raise as much money as possible in the months leading up to the Relay through fundraising activities and donations from friends, families and work colleagues. During the Relay, team members take it in turns to walk round a track while everyone else enjoys a wide range of fun activities. As Relay For Life is non-stop through the night, those team members not on the track can take turns to rest, eat, or sleep in their tents which are set up close by. For more information visit the website or ring 0871 641 2602.

 

Young Art Oxford at the Ashmolean [27 April 2017 ]

The 10th Young Art Oxford children's art exhibition will take place at the Ashmolean Museum on 4, 5 and 6 May. The theme this year is 'The World We Live In' and the organisers tell us that the exhibits are "thought-provoking and exciting".

 

Modern Baker cookery book [24 April 2017 ]

The recently launched Modern Baker cookery book, entitled A New Way to Bake, is a well-designed and clearly-wriiten guide to help you make delicious cakes, biscuits and breads using natural ingredients and sourdough starters.Copies are available from Modern Baker and all good bookshops.

 

Shop News [12 April 2017 ]

Having recently lamented the number of emply shops in Summertown we are delighted to see that three are showing signs that they may be occupied again. The shop last occupied by Moda in Pele is under offer, the one recently vacated by Lifestyle has Let signs in the window, and a licence to sell alcohol has appeared on the door of what was the Paolo Giani salon.

 

A-level tuition [5 April 2017 ]

Tutorious, a new tutorial agency specialising in A-level tuition, has opened at 35b South Parade (entrance from Stratfield Road). They can be contacted on 01865 604545, 07719 108957 or enquiries@tutorious.co.uk.

 

Lifestyle closes and Cibo squatters [31 March 2017 ]

The Lifestyle shop on the Banbury Road has closed suddenly and without any notice. This could be a further sign of more difficult trading conditions and could also be linked to the imminent rise in business rates. There are now more empty retail properties in Summertown than at any any time for at least the past 15 years.

Some of those properties, in South Parade, are only empty because the landlord refused to renew leases to the existing businesses as we reported on 21 January and 10 May 2016 (see below). Last week the property once occupied by Cibo! was occupied by squatters who evidently felt that such a fine building should not be left empty. The landlord, whose business is registered in Panama, is taking legal action to get them to leave.

 

Summertown Traders concerned by fake £20s [21 March 2017 ]

Summertown traders are becoming concerned about a group of children who have been going round the Summertown shops presenting fake £20 notes. They buy small items and distract the person on the till with lots of questions while waiting for change. The police have been informed and any suspicious activity should be reported to them.

 

New Health Club in Summertown [21 March 2017 ]

Nuffield Health is the latest business to run the leisure centre in the grounds of St Edward’s School, off the Woodstock Road. The Oxfordshire Health & Racquet’s Club which opened recently “has it all”, in the words of Deputy Manager Brian Quinn, “Our members can play tennis, squash or badminton, take a dip in the indoor or outdoor pools, work out in the fully-equipped gym or join friends in one of our wide range of group exercise classes. There’s also a spa, sauna and steam room to help members unwind, and the crèche, café and free parking make it easy to stay fit as a family, or find time for yourself”, continues Mr Quinn.

Membership starts with a complimentary Health MOT, helping the Club’s staff to create a tailored fitness plan for each member. The Club is offering a free one day trial. Ring 01865 318300 to book your free trial, or visit their website for more information.

 

Cotswold Lodge Mother's Day Lunch [20 March 2017 ]

Celebrate Mother’s Day on Sunday 26 March with lunch at The Cotswold Lodge Hotel. Book now on 01865 512121 – 2 Courses for £20.00 or 3 Courses for £25.00.

 

Comtes Lafon Tasting Dinner [20 March 2017 ]

The Cherwell Boat House is hosting a Comtes Lafon Tasting Dinner on Thursday 30 March at 7.30pm. Six delicious courses will be accompanied by very special matching wines from one of Burgundy's most famous producers. The dinner costs £118. Ring 01865 552746 to book.

 

Summertown Library Talk [13 March 2017 ]

Sir Adam Roberts, Emeritus Professor of International Relations at Oxford University, will be giving a talk entitled In the Age of Brexit and Trump: a new international order? on Thursday 16 March 2017 at 6pm at the Summertown Library. He will explore key questions about these events. What caused them? What are their consequences for the EU and the rest of the world? Are they part of a wider resurgence of nationalism? Are we now in a ‘post-truth’ world? Is there now a need to re-think liberal ideas about politics? Entry is free. Donations of £10 at the door to the work of the Friends gratefully received.

 

England Rugby Team train at St Edward's [11 March 2017 ]

The England Senior Men’s Rugby squad set up camp at St Edward's School ahead of their Six Nations clash with Scotland on 11 March. Their three day training camp afforded the pupils and others the chance to observe some of their training sessions as their England idols were put through their paces on the School’s playing fields.
Pupils of all ages were able to pick up hints and training tips from the sessions, coming away inspired to strive even harder in their endeavours towards their sporting and wider goals.

 

Family Drawing Workshop at Finders Keepers [8 March 2017 ]

Draw with Korky Paul at Finders Keepers on Saturday 15 April:

Seafood tasting dinner [15 February 2017 ]

Following on from the success of their last tasting dinner, the Cherwell Boat House is hosting a Seafood Tasting Dinner on Thursday 23 February at 7.30pm. Six courses will be accompanied by matching wines. The dinner costs £68. Rring 01865 552746 to book.

Valentine's Day Offer [2 February 2017 ]

Julia at Happy Cakes is offering a gift box of 12 buttercream topped cupcakes with handcut Valentine toppers for £30 inc. delivery within Oxford on Tuesday 14 February. To order email julia@happy-cakes.co.uk or call 07814 519611.

 

 

Ken Russell Photographs [2 Febr uary 2017 ]

An exhibition of rarely-seen photographs by film director Ken Russell, of Teddy Girls and Boys taken in the 1950s, has gone on display at The North Wall Arts Centre, South Parade. The exhibition, containing 50 pieces by Ken Russell, seen here together for the first time, is open to the public until Saturday 18 February.

 

Burst water main in South Parade [31 January 2017 ]

The leaking water main outside A Cut Above in South Parade has finally be sealed, although the hole may not be filled in for another two days.

 

St Edward's new Music School [27 January 2017 ]

St Edward's School has opened the doors of its new Ogston Music School in South Parade. The brand new development provides the School with a magnificent new recital and rehearsal space able to seat up to 120 people. The new facility also features 20 practice rooms; seven ensemble rooms; a recording studio and rock room; and a new Sixth Form Music Library.

The new Music School has ambitious plans to establish itself at the heart of the local community, welcoming schools, touring musicians and community performances.

 

Summertown Neighbourhood Plan [26 January 2017 ]

The Summertown Neighbourhood Forum has produced a Plan which will influence all future local development in Summertown and St Margarets. The proposals in the Plan, once put into effect, will have a significant effect on our community. Please visit www.summertownstmargaretsforum.org.uk to comment on the proposals and also to add any ideas you would like to see incorparated into the Plan. The closing date is Sunday 26 February 2017.

 

Summertown Library talk by Sir Muir Gray [26 January 2017 ]

The Friends of Summertown Library have arranged a talk by Sir Muir Gray, CBE, MD on The NHS in 2017 - and beyond. The talk is on Thursday, 2 February from 6 - 7 pm in Summertown Library. Entry is free but donations of £10 on the door to help the work of the Friends will be gratefully received.
The Friends report that 2016 was the best ever year for fundraising and they hope to reach their initial target by the end of 2017. Then the re-modelling of Summertown Library can begin.

 

Rhône Valley tasting dinner and Winter Offers [24 January 2017 ]

Following on from the success of their last tasting dinner, the Cherwell Boat House is hosting a Rhône Valley Tasting Dinner on Thursday 26 January at 7.30pm. Six courses will be accompanied by matching wines. The dinner costs £68. Click here for the menu, or ring 01865 552746 to book.

You can also take advantage of these exclusive great Winter Offers.

 

Cherwell Boathouse offers [19 December 2016]

On Monday 19 December lunch and dinner, Tuesday 20 December for lunch or Wednesday 21 December for dinner, the Cherwell Boathouse restaurant is offering three courses with a glass of sparkling wine and a glass of recommended wine per course for £35.00 per head. You can also have two courses and a glass of sparkling for £20.00 or three courses with complimentary cheese & port for £29.75.

 

Christmas Trees on sale [15 December 2016]

Christmas trees are now on sale at 223a Banbury Road (down the side of Oxfam). These trees are very good quality and are highly recommended. A donation will be made to local charity Asylum Welcome for every tree sold. You can contact Flash Christmas Trees on 07846633957, flashtrees@gmail.com and Flash Christmas Trees on Facebook.

 

Hairdresser opens [13 December 2016]

New hairdressing salon, Bei Cappelli, has opened next to Canelle Beauty in Oakthorpe Road. They are offering new customers a 15% promotional discount until 31 January 2017.

 

Christmas Lights Switch-on [7 December 2016]

The Summertown Christmas lights will be switched on at 5.00 pm on Friday 9 December by the Christmas tree outside Savills. A brass band from St Edward's School will play carols, and the choir from Cutteslowe school will sing seasonal songs, before the Lord Mayor begins the count-down to the switch-on. Do come along and enjoy the music, the atmosphere and the mince pies kindly donated by the Co-op.

 

Paolo Giani stylists open new salon [28 November 2016]

Stylists from Paolo Gianni, which closed in October, are opening a new salon in South Parade. The salon, Pankhurst & Deane, which is opposite Renaissance Beauty will be run by Emma Pankhurst and her business partner. As Emma told us, ‘we started looking for premises and found the most beautiful shop at 34 South Parade. We hope to be up and running by 3 December and all of the staff from the old salon are relocating with us’.

 

Italy v France tasting dinner [17 November 2016]

Cherwell Boat House is hosting a Tasting Dinner on Thursday 24 November at 8.00 for 8.15pm. Six courses will be accompanied by matching wines from France and Italy, with guests being presented with score cards to determine which country has the best wine. The dinner costs £75. Click here for the menu, or ring 01865 552746 to book.

 

New hairdresser for Summertown [16 November 2016]

We learn that the premises in Oakthorpe Road, once occupied by Accent, will soon be occupied by another hairdresser. We are told that they plan to open in December.

 

Mama Mia wins award [16 November 2016]

Mamma Mia Pizzeria, has gained a Platinum Award and been named the UK’s ‘Best Independent Pizza Restaurant’ at the Pizza, Pasta & Italian Food Association (PAPA) Awards 2016. The judges said,“To be considered the best pizzeria in the country takes a combination of brilliant food, great service and ambience. Mamma Mia delivers on all levels and offers a truly great pizza experience”.

 

Game tasting dinner [18 October 2016]

Following on from the success of their last tasting dinner, the Cherwell Boat House is hosting a Game Tasting Dinner on Thursday 27 October at 7.30pm. Six courses of game dishes will be accompanied by matching wines from Germany, England, France and Portugal. The dinner costs £75. Click here for the menu, or ring 01865 552746 to book.

 

Moda in Pele closes [18 October 2016]

In another surprising and sudden closure, Moda in Pele (the fashion shoeshop on the Banbury Road) has shut up shop and removed all the stock.

 

Idlewild opens in Summertown [5 October 2016]

Oxfordshire hairdressing group Idlewild has opened at 263 Banbury Road in Summertown. This is Idlewild’s fourth salon. The Banbury Road salon will boast a seven-strong team of experienced stylists. As well as the latest professional cutting, colouring and styling services, Idlewild also offers haircare products, including Kerastase and L’Oreal Professionnel Tec Ni Art, and eco-friendly Aveda. Book your appointment now on 01865 511551 and discover what makes Idlewild special.

 

Paolo Gianni closed [5 October 2016]

Paolo Gianni, the hairdressers on South Parade, has closed overnight. There is simply a notice on the door thanking customers, saying the salon is now closed and giving contact details for the stylists.

 

Reisling tasting dinner [29 September 2016]

Cherwell Boat House is holding a Riesling Tasting Dinner at 7.30 on Thursday 6 October. Six courses of delicious food will be accompanied by matching wines from the wide range produced in the region. The dinner costs £68. Click here for the menu, and ring 01865 552746 to book.

 

Cake causes a stir [22 September 2016]

Julia Atkinson of Happy Cakes caused quite a stir on the set of Endeavour in Oxford when she presented the stars of the TV show, Roger Allam and Shaun Evans, with a large sponge cake topped with miniatures of the pair. Julia has taken cup cakes for the cast and crew in the past, but decided to do something different for last episode in the current series.

 

Wild Honey opening celebration [2 September 2016]

Wild Honey are holding an opening celebration at their organic health store at 12 South Parade on Thursday 8 September. This will be a chance to meet local organic producers, get free nutritional consultations, and explore the ever-widening range of products for sale.

 

Summertown Library talk by Harry Sidebottom [19 July 2016]

Author Harry Sidebottom will be discussing his Throne of Caesar series at Summertown Library Saturday 3 September at 11:00-12:00.
The Throne of the Caesars series is set in third century Rome; a dramatic era of murder, coup, counter-rebellions and civil war. Filled with intrigue, betrayal and bloody battle, Fire & Sword, the latest and final part of the trilogy, creates a magnificent world built on brutality and political games, where no one is safe from retribution – not even those who dare to rule.
Tickets for the event are free but limited, please contact the library directly on 01865 558290 or email the library.

 

Home-Start Oxford: Calling All Parents [19 July 2016]

Home-Start Oxford – a voluntary organisation committed to promoting the welfare of families with at least one child under 5 – is currently seeking volunteers interested in providing practical and emotional support for parents. Volunteers generally commit to visiting for 2-4 hours per week. No special qualifications are necessary and full training and support are provided. If you are interested in volunteering, their next course will start in late September. Contact Home-Start on 01865 779991 or admin@homestart-oxford.org.uk.

 

Mamma Mia 35th Anniversary [22 June 2016]

The celebration of the 35th Anniversary of Mamma Mia culminates in a prize draw this Saturday 25 June. Owner Jon Ellse says, “Thank you so much for all your support. If you live near South Parade and have a moment to pop in, we would love to raise a glass of Prosecco with you and share a slice of pizza”.

 

Wild Honey opening [22 June 2016]

Organic health store Wild Honey plan to open their new Summertown shop at 12 South Parade on Monday 11 July. Jessica Howy tells us that "the shop will be open 7 days a week. We will be replicating the Wild Honey store in East Oxford and we are very much looking forward to being in Summertown". They will be selling much of the same local, organic and ethical produce that they currently stock in Magdalen Road are "looking forward to meeting many new friends and customers in sunny North Oxford".

 

Liscious to Wild Honey [3 June 2016]

It is likely that Liscious will be closing their shop on South Parade on Saturday 11 June. Fran is planning to run a pop-up Liscious shop once a month at her shed behind Oxfam. Watch this space for more details. The South Parade shop is being taken over by organic health store Wild Honey who currently run a destination store on Magdalen Road.

 

Italian Wine & Dine at Portabello [2 June 2016]

Portabello is hosting an Italian evening on Friday 8 July with a delicious set meal complemented by a selection of wines from award-winning Italian maker Bastianich. Full details of the evening and the menu are here.

 

GAIL's owner on Summertown [20 May 2016]

Tom Molnar, co-founder of GAIL's Bakery which opened recently in Summertown, has written in The Oxford Times about the experience of opening here and the strong feeling of community that makes Summertown so special:

"I have some friends in Summertown who introduced me to the area and I was immediately bowled over by the sense of community. Local businesses and residents have welcomed us with open arms and our neighbours have really helped fill us in on the local area.

"Bread is the core of our GAIL’s story and we make sure it’s at the heart of our customer experience in our shops. The design of the bakery in Summertown centres on abundant displays of our loaves and the rest of our sweet and savoury goodies, so our customers can be tempted by the little creations our bakers have come up with that day. We like to let the beauty of the food speak for itself and keep the interior design simple.

"It’s always been part of our dream to open a bakery in a neighbourhood outside of London and we’re grateful that Summertown has received us so warmly, so far."

For our part we can say that GAIL's is a very welcome addition to our high street.

 

Bang & Olufsen closes [10 May 2016]

The Bang & Olufsen shop on South Parade has closed, having received one month's notice to quit from the landlord. They will continue to offer care and servicing to their existing customers and hope to set up in new premises in Summertown if a suitable site becomes available. This is a sad day for Summertown as there has been an audio business in that shop since Edwin Horn and his son Cecil started selling Isis wireless sets from the premises in 1923. It was, until yesterday, the oldest audio retailer in the country. The current landlords are decendents of Horn & Son.

This move is thought to be linked to the desire of the landlord of the Co-op building to replace both these buildings with a block of student flats (see 21 January 2016 below).

 

Shop News [10 May 2016]

We hear that the Twinings building, latterly occupied by Barefoot Books, is going to be leased to Breckon & Breckon estate agents. We understand that they will be amalgamating their City and Headington offices into their new Summertown premises.

Liscious Interiors, who have been trading from various addresses in Summertown for many years are finally closing their shop at 12 South Parade. Fran's collection of attractive, colourful and unusual objects has provided a welcome visual focus in Summertown.

Following the departure of Barclays, Santander is the latest bank to announce that they will be leaving Summertown. The branch will close on 11 August..

Finally, we have heard unconfirmed reports that the building vacated by Barclays is to be taken over by Waitrose for conversion into a Little Waitrose store. There have been many rumours of Waitrose's arrival in Summertown over the years; it will be interesting to see if this one is correct.

 

Oliver Bonas Holiday Collection [5 May 2016]

Oliver Bonas has launched their Holiday collection. "Fusing festival bohemianism and graphic tribal textures with the relaxed feel of a sun-kissed afternoon at Coachella, Holiday at Oliver Bonas is both spirited and refined in the same stroke". Click this link to see more.

 

Dewdrop pub reopens [4 May 2016]

The Dewdrop Inn reopened today following it's refurbishment. Now owned by Mitchell & Butler, the pub will be offering different promotions each day of the week.

 

Zakti opens [3 May 2016]

We hear that ZAKTI have had a very busy first few days of trading in their new shop in Summertown – the first store they have opened outside London. Following the launch of an activewear range for men just days before they opened, they are selling sportswear and activewear for both men and women.

 

Wallers wins UK award [21 April 2016]

Rowan Waller of Summertown-based Wallers of Oxford has won one of six 'Highly Commended People' Awards in the annual Estate Agent Of The Year Awards. The choice of winners is based entirely on feedback received from the agent's own clients, so winning this national award is a signal achievement. Rowan was presented with the award by TV's Phil Spencer at a ceremony at the Grosvenor House Hotel on Park Lane.

Zakti opening [20 April 2016]

Women's activewear brand, ZAKTI, will be opening its doors at 231 Banbury Road on Saturday 30 April. Brand manager, Jon Franklin, tells us that the brand provides 'new ranges of clothing for yoga, gym, ski, dance, swimming and cycling using carefully chosen performance fabrics that will allow you to look as good as you feel'.

 

Artweek in Summertown 7-15 May [15 April 2016]

Artists and craftspeople all over Summertown, Wolvercote and Wytham are putting the finishing touches to their work before mounting their exhibitions ready for the launch of Summertown's Artweek on Saturday 7 May. There will be information and brochures, and two jazz bands, at the Farmers Market on Sunday 8 May, and you can get a preview of the art that will be on offer by clicking this link (5mb pdf file).

 

Mamma Mia at 35 [7 April 2016]

Mamma Mia, the much-loved pizzeria on South Parade is celebrating its 35th Anniversary (or Anniversario) this year. The Anniversary coincides with Mamma Mia featuring on Trip Advisor as one of the UK's top 20 pizzerias, as well as being named the Best Italian Restaurant in the south of England at the Food Awards.

As owner Jon Ellse says, 'In the restaurant world 35 years is a very long time indeed. Over the years we’ve kept to an authentic pizza style and taste – the best and freshest ingredients need little intervention. It’s a pleasure to see customers who were regulars in the 80s bringing along their own children and continuing to enjoy Mamma Mia as a family restaurant'.

The celebrations will run from April to June, culminating in an Anniversary Prize Draw for customers. Prizes will include a weekend trip for two to Florence to stay in a 5 star hotel, tickets to see Italy play England in the 2017 Six Nations, school fund raising vouchers, cases of Italian wine from the Mamma Mia list and lots of complimentary meals at Mamma Mia. Click this link for more information on the prizes and how to enter.

 

Building news [6 April 2016]

Work has begun on renovating and fitting out the old Cargo shop on the Banbury Road as a ZaktiActive store selling a women's sportswear brand called Zakti which includes gym, cycling and yoga wear. At the same time, the Dewdrop pub on the opposite side of the road is having an extensive makeover and re-branding with a complete internal and external refurbishment. The pub is expected to reopen on 4 May. Further up the Banbury Road the old Masonic Lodge at 333 is being transformed into a new sixth form centre for d'Overbroeck's school. As well as teaching rooms the centre will include five laboratories, suites for art, music and drama, and communal and recreational space.

 

French Café conversation [11 March 2016]

Join a French group with a difference. Speak French in the convivial atmosphere of the Oxford Wine Café. The group is for all francophiles interested in discussing topical issues in France and other francophone countries, while sampling fine French wines and learning about them from the experts. Native speakers and anyone who wishes to improve their French are very welcome. The group will meet once a month on Wednesdays from 18:00-19:30. The first dates are: 6 April, 4 May, 1 June and 6 July. There is no need to book, just turn up for the first meeting.

 

Fashion Show at St Michael's [11 March 2016]

A reminder of the fashion show being held at St Michael & All Angels Church in Lonsdale Road on Saturday 19 March. Designer wear from smart casual to wedding day frocks will be being modelled, and there will be an auction and a raffle with amazing prizes. Doors open at 7pm. Tickets cost £5 and are available by ringing Leah Mattinson on 01865 311762 / 07745130956 or emailing this address.

 

Ex-care home fire [7 March 2016]

More than 40 firefighters were called to a suspected arson attack on the unoccupied former care home at the junction of Banbury Road and Hernes Road on Saturday night. Six fire engines plus incident command units from Eynsham and Woodstock and a cherry-picker were sent to the scene. Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus searched the property but did not find anyone inside. An investigation was continuing this morning into the cause of the care home fire.

 

Wallers shortlisted for prize [4 March 2016]

Wallers of Oxford have been shortlisted for ‘Best Estate Agent for the Southern Region’ in the national Estate & Letting Agent Awards. The award scheme, known as the ESTAS, measures the quality of customer service provided by agents. The awards ceremony is at the Grosvenor Hotel in London and is being hosted by TV Property Expert, Phil Spencer.

 

Fashion Show at St Michael's [17 February 2016]

St Michael & All Angels Church in Lonsdale Road is holding a fashion show on Saturday 19 March. Doors open at 7pm. Tickets cost £5 and are available by ringing 01865 311762 / 07745130956 or emailing this address.

 

Gail's Bakery opening [10 February 2016]

Gail's Bakery will be opening its doors at 251 Banbury Road on Thursday 18 February. The bakery’s beautiful displays will be made up with loaves including Gail’s French Dark Sourdough, Mixed Olive Sourdough, Quinoa Sourdough and Honey & Almond Sourdough. The bakery also specialises in morning pastries, yogurt pots and toast. A hot brunch menu will be served until 3pm, offering eggs, French Toast, shakshuka and more. Lunch includes seasonal soups, sandwiches and salads, as well as quiches and sausage and vegetarian rolls. Cakes will be served all day, with afternoon tea bakes including brioches and delicate cakes.

 

Parking space available [27 January 2016]

There is a parking space for one car available to rent in Portland Road. Please let us know either via our contact page or email if you are interested, and we will pass your details on to the householder. This has now been taken.

 

Orchestral concert at St Michael's [22 January 2016]

St Edward’s Orchestral Concert will take place on Sunday 31 January at 8pm in St Michael’s Church, Lonsdale Road featuring a formal programme of popular classical music performed by the Symphony Orchestra: Rossini’s Overture to The Barber of Seville, Haydn’s beautiful Trumpet Concerto (Tom Powell, trumpet soloist) and Schubert’s Symphony no 8 ‘Unfinished’. Entry is free and there are no tickets.

 

Cibo! to close [21 January 2016]

Cibo!, the much loved Italian restaurant on South Parade, is being forced to close after 15 years in Summertown. The landlord has exercised his right not to renew the lease, on the basis of wanting to re-develop the site. We learn that he proposes to demolish the fine Victorian building and replace it with a block of student accomodation. It is possible that the Georgian house next to it is also under threat.

 

Shop news [20 January 2016]

Cargo on the Banbury Road is to close by the end of March, at the latest, but may close earlier if all stock is sold. Various Cargo stores across the south east are being closed by owner Steinhoff UK, while others are being re-branded as Bensons for Beds.

 

Shop news [16 December 2015]

We learn that the shop recently vacated by Johnson's Cleaners at 251 Banbury Road is being fitted out to be a Gail's Bakery. This chain of artisan bakeries has a large presence in London.

 

Christmas Trees [2 December 2015]

Christmas trees are now on sale at 223a Banbury Road (down the side of Oxfam) and from 5 December outside the pop-up Flash in the Pan shop in the Studio at Oakthorpe Place. A donation wil be made to The Art Room charity for every tree sold. You can contact Flash Christmas Trees on 07846633957, flashtrees@gmail.com and Flash Christmas Trees on Facebook.

 

Barclays branch to close [2 December 2015]

Barclays Bank has announced that their branch on the Banbuy Road is to close on Friday 4 March 2016. The nearest remaining branches are in the city centre and Headington.

 

Christmas Lights Switch-on [30 November 2015]

The switch-on of the Summertown Christmas lights will take place outside Mayfield House, just by Savills on the Banbury Road, on Friday 4 December between 5:00 and 5:30pm. A St Edward's School brass band will play carols and will be joined by a choir from St Michael's. The children from Cutteslowe School will then sing some festive songs before the countdown to the switch-on begins. Do come along to this festive community treat and sample the fine mince pies provided by the Co-op.

 

Carter Jonas expands sales team [20 November 2015]

Carter Jonas, which was already the largest Carter Jonas office in the country, has just taken on a new sales negotiator to join its team. This follows the recent appointment of  four graduates who are working towards becoming chartered surveyors, and the expansion of the firm's national GIS and mapping team by the appointment of Andy Williams. Mr Williams joined the company from the Royal School of Military Survey in Thatcham where he was a senior instructor and also chief geographic officer for the MOD’s support in the 2012 Olympics. Carter Jonas's mapping team also provides direct consultancy services for developers, investors, landowners, and the professional services industry.

 

Mamma Mia Pizzeria re-opens to prize announcement [11 November 2015]

Much-loved pizzeria Mamma Mia on South Parade re-opened today after being closed for a facelift. The restaurant looks very smart with its fresh paint, 'Mamma Mia red' outside, and new floors throughout but still reassuringly familar. As the restaurant opened, owner Jon Ellse was told that it had won the Food Awards England award for Best Italian Establishment in Southern England.

 

Oxford Parkway stations opens [26 October 2015]

Commuters will be travelling from Oxford Parkway station at Water Eaton, just north of Summertown, to London Marlebone for the first time today. This is the first new rail link between a major British city and London for over 100 years The service, with a journey time of about an hour (see timetable), will make Summertown an even more attractive prospect for people who want the benefits of living in Oxford while working in London.

 

Oliver Bonas reveal Christmas range [21 October 2015]

Oliver Bonas has launched their new Christmas range of products. Click here for full details.

 

LiveSTYLE boutique coming to Summertown [20 October 2015]

A new LifeSTYLE boutique will be opening its doors on 12 November in the shop recently vacated by Eileen. The boutique is expected to offer, amongst other things, organic baby wear, a large range of household products and organic scenting and skincare products.

 

New bus service to both Oxford stations [16 October 2015]

When the new Oxford Parkway station opens at Water Eaton on 26 October, the Park-and-Ride 500 service will be extended. The revised service will run between the city centre and Water Eaton from about 5.30am to midnight on weekdays and there will also be a new Sunday service. The buses will also run from and to the main Oxford Station, providing a link between Summertown and both stations.

 

Summertown concert hall plans cancelled [9 October 2015]

St Edward’s School has announced that plans to build a new concert hall on the old Lemon Tree site on the Woodstock Road have been abandoned. A study carried out for the school found the venue would have needed a subsidy of more than £400,000 a year and would been in direct competition with places such as the New Theatre, the Sheldonian and the Oxford Playhouse. It is a pity that Summertown will not be the site of Oxford’s first purpose-built concert hall.

 

Barefoot Books to close [1 October 2015]

We are sad to hear that Barefoot Books, the colourful and lively children's book and events centre in the old Twining's Building on Banbury Road, is to close at the end of the year. We understand that a large increase in the rent demanded for the building is the reason for their departure. We wish that landlords would not raise rents to a level that is unaffordable for independent businesses.This will be a loss for Summertown and we can only hope that an equally useful and engaging shop opens in its place.

 

Riding for the Felix Byam Shaw Foundation [21 September 2015]

After a disappointing summer, the sun shone on over 200 cyclists meandering through Oxfordshire villages on Sunday 6 September. The group set off from Islip, all riding for a common cause, raising money for the Felix Byam Shaw Foundation. Rewards awaiting the cyclists on their return to the Village Hall included a fantastic barbecue with donations from local butchers, Alcocks and Fellers, and a brilliant raffle with prizes donated again from local North Oxford businesses, including Pophams, The Oxford Kitchen, The Old Parsonage, Daisies Flowers and a host of others. A substantial amount of money was raised for the causes close to Felix’s heart and the Foundation, friends and family would like to thank everyone who took part or contributed to this successful event.

 

Christie's at Strutt & Parker [18 September 2015]

Four of Christie's specialists were at Strutt & Parker last night for a valuation evening accompanied by drinks and canapés. Information and valuations were given by the specialists on Chinese Art, Books, Maps, European Furniture, Sculpture and Jewellery. Guests were also able to view details of stunning properties, including ones offered by Strutt & Parker affiliate, Christie's International Real Estate. Please contact them if you would be interested in attending a future valuation event.

 

Shaw Gibbs raises funds for NOA [17 September 2015]

Accountant Shaw Gibbs has raised over £2,500 for its chosen Charity of the Year, the North Oxford Association (NOA). The funds, which were presented to the charity by Shaw Gibbs Managing Director Peter O’Connell, have been raised over the last twelve months from an array of activities organised by Shaw Gibbs employees. NOA Chairman David Potts said on receiving the funds, “We are thrilled to receive such generous support and are deeply grateful for the time and effort everyone from Shaw Gibbs has put in to raise these funds”.

 

Summertown Neighbourhood Forum meeting [15 September 2015]

The next meeting of the Summertown Neighbourhood Forum will be at 7.30pm on Monday 21 September at the Baptist Church on Woodstock Road. Sir Muir Grey will be speaking on the links between a healthy environment, green spaces, and well-being. The organisers anticipate a lively discussion after the talk and all views and ideas will be taken into account in the compilation of the Neighbourhood Plan.

 

New Alliance Française d’Oxford Opens [3 September 2015]

The new, and officially recognised, Alliance Française d’Oxford opened its doors on 1 September. It offers French classes for all ages and abilities, and organises cultural events. The Directrice, Florence Rossignol, told us that the centre is open “for adult, teenage and children’s classes, for conversation classes or last-minute revisions, all conveniently located at our premises in North Oxford. Our friendly teachers, who are all French speakers and qualified to teach French, can also organise private classes for all ages. This term we have a selection of cultural events, from a book club to readings for children, a film showing and museum visits in French! Please visit our website for more information or send us an email”.

 

Oxford High School gains great A level results [14 August 2015]

Girls at Oxford High School in Belbroughton Road have bucked the national trend once more and achieved an increase in A* and A grades at A level with 54% of the Sixth Form achieving a clean sweep of A* or A grades. In addition, 75% of all the OHS students’ A Level grades were A* or A.

 

Oxford Wine Festival [14 August 2015]

A reminder that The Oxford Wine Festival starts a week today, on Friday 21 August, with 40 exhibitors including many of the UK's leading regional specialists, multi-award-winning English Vineyards, and hundreds of wines from the classic regions of the Old and New World. A full exhibitor line up is on their website.

 

Savills raises funds for The Gatehouse [12 August 2015]

Savills in Oxford has nominated The Oxford Gatehouse as its charity of the year. The charity, based at St Giles Parish Rooms on Woodstock Road, has been supporting Oxford's homeless and poorly housed population since 1988. The team at Savills, which covers disciplines from residential and commercial property management and sales through to planning, development and rural services, has pledged to support the charity both through fundraising and ‘in kind’ donations. Fundraising kicked off this summer with, among other events, a star baker competition, plant sales, book shop and tuck shop. A Spinathon was held where 48 staff and guests pedalled 137,000 miles over 12 hours. More than £1000 has so far been raised and lots of other events are planned.

 

Local MP Donates Pay Rise [17 July 2015]

Our local MP, Nicola Blackwood, last night criticised the 10% pay rise awarded to MPs and pledged to donate her extra income to local community causes.

 

Sculpture Demonstration [17 July 2015]

Tinei Mashaya will be demonstrating his beautiful Zimbabwean-style carving at the Turrill Sculpture Garden on Saturday afternoons from 2-4pm from tomorrow until 15 August.

 

Travel Solutions Closing [10 July 2015]

Travel Solutions, the travel agent on South Parade is closing tomorrow, Saturday 11 July. A letter from the owner explains that they have been unable to renew their lease because of development plans being pursued by the landlord. Customers with existing arrangements can still ring on 01865 310600 or email Charlotte on charlotte.m@travelsolutions.uk.com.

 

North Wall Autumn Season [6 July 2015]

Tickets for the North Wall Autumn 2015 season are now on sale covering a wide range of theatre, dance and music events that “pick controversial subjects, defy genre, mix things up and keep audiences on their toes”. Visit the North Wall site to view the programme and buy tickets.

 

Legge Oriental Carpets Summer Sale [6 July 2015]

The Legge Oriental Carpets Summer Sale has begun with generous reductions of up to 50% off current prices. The sale ends on 25 July so visit soon to take advantage of the offers.

 

Oxford Wine Festival [1 July 2015]

The second annual Oxford Wine Festival will be taking place on the 21st and 22nd of August this year. The event will be bringing together leading wine merchants and specialists, and offers a great day out with live music and artisan food stalls at the Oxford Union. Chris Bowling, the managing director, told us that it will feature “an even wider range of wines and tutored tastings” than the year before. Early bird tickets are now available; visit the festival site to find out more.

 

Northern Gateway Go-ahead [23 June 2015]

The Planning Inspector has given the City Council and St John's College the go-ahead for the development of the Northern Gateway site to the south of the A34/A40 Peartree interchange. The scheme involves building 500 homes, a science & research park and a hotel. The inspector dismissed concerns about building on the Green Belt, the increased traffic on the already over-full A40 and A34, and residents' concerns about the alteration to local amenity caused by this significant development. This decision could pave the way for the Council to pursue plans to build up to 4000 homes on land to the north-east of this site. Work on the Northern Gateway is expected to begin in 2018 and could last until 2026.

 

Shop News [22 June 2015]

We are sad to report that Eileen, the women's clothes shop on the Banbury Road, is closing down in two day's time after many years in Summertown. Further down the Banbury Road the shop which was occupied by The Powder Room is being converted into a shoe and accessories shop for the Moda in Pelle chain.

 

Writing for Business [16 June 2015]

A reminder that Robert Bullard will be passing on his tips for writing effective copy for websites, reports and press releases at a free talk at the Summertown Library on Thursday 18 June at 5.30 – 6.30pm. Donations are invited to support the fund-raising campaign of Friends of Summertown Library.

 

Disruption from roundabouts scheme [10 June 2015]

Drivers have been warned to expect more than a year of delays as roadworks begin at the end of July on both the Wolvercote and Cutteslowe roundabounts. Work on the £9m scheme could last until November 2016 according to the County Council. The scheme will see both junctions becoming controlled by traffic lights, with approaches widened and new pedestrian and cycle crossings added. This could have a severe impact on local traders and businesses.

 

Tennis Open Day [8 June 2015]

The North Oxford Lawn Tennis Club is holding an Open Day with free coaching at the Banbury Road North Sports Ground, OX2 8EG on Sunday 14 June 9.30am-2pm. Click this link to book your space .

 

Cracking Cryptics: the mysteries of cryptic crosswords [5 June 2015]

All crossword enthusiasts are invited to Cracking Cryptics – a humorous and informative show about solving cryptic crosswords presented by Tony Long to be held at the NOA Community Centre, Diamond Place, on Saturday 13 June from 7.30pm. Tickets for the show cost £7.50 (including a glass of wine) and are available on the door, or click here to buy online.

 

Climate Change Talk [4 June 2015]

As part of Low Carbon Oxford Week, LCON are organising a talk by James Painter, Director of the Journalism Fellowship Programme at the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism, who will talk about whether the upcoming climate change talks in Paris will make a difference to the future of climate change. The talk will take place at the North Oxford Association annex, Diamond Place, from 7pm on Wednesday 17 June, and will be followed by the LCON AGM.

 

Butler Sherborn move [3 June 2015]

We gather that estate agents Butler Sherborn are moving from the The Studio in Grove Street to 216 Banbury Road which was recently vacated by Hamptons.

 

Writing for Business [1 June 2015]

Robert Bullard will be passing on his tips for writing effective copy for websites, reports and press releases at a free talk at the Summertown Library on Thursday 18 June at 5.30 – 6.30pm. Donations are invited to support the fund-raising campaign of Friends of Summertown Library.

 

Oliver Bonas opens in Summertown [25 May 2015]

Oliver Bonas opened the doors of their new Summertown shop last Thursday and are now getting ready for their Celebration Weekend on the 30th and 31st of May when they will be giving away a limited edition 'OB Oxford' tote bag to every customer who spends over £25. Students can also always get a 10% discount in store with their NUS card.

 

Oxford Parkway Station opening October [19 May 2015]

Oxford Parkway, next to Water Eaton Park & Ride just off the A34, is the first new railway station to open in Oxfordshire since 1944. The first trains will run from the station to London Marylebone on Monday 26 October. The new station will have disabled access, 150 cycle spaces, 800 car parking spaces and access to buses serving the park and ride site. The launch will also see the opening of Bicester Village station, which will provide Bicester with more trains to London in addition to those currently running from Bicester North.

 

Oliver Bonas coming to Summertown [15 May 2015]

Oliver Bonas, the well-known fashion company which designs and makes its own goods, is coming to Summertown. They are moving into 219 Banbury Road, next to Boots, and will be selling their eclectic range of women's clothing & accessories, jewellery, things for the home, furniture, and unusual gifts. This is a very welcome addition to Summertown, especially following the closure of The Powder Room

They are also recruiting so, if you would like a job in the new shop, email your details to recruitment@oliverbonas.com.

 

St Edward's produces a star [12 April 2015]

St Edward's School's former student Florence Pugh has landed a major role in a new drama series to be screened on US TV. She will star next to Will & Grace star Eric McCormack in Studio City to be aired on Fox. .

 

Dry Cleaners closing [12 March 2015]

Johnson's Dry Cleaners on the Banbury Road have announced that they are closing on Monday 16 March. Any clothes uncollected at the date can be collected from their shop on the Woodstock Road.

 

Win a top-of-the range road bike [11 March 2015]

St Edward’s School has announced an amazing prize for its annual “Teddies 2-Wheeler” fundraising bike ride on 26 April. The person who raises the most sponsorship money for children's charity See Saw, will win a road bike worth £1400. Get that sponsorship rolling in!

 

Carter Jonas has "Best Woman Agent" [20 February 2015]

Country Life magazine has named Juliana Markeson of Carter Jonas as Best Woman Agent. She won the mock award following a freak event that left her blinded for a week. Just before a viewing, Juliana was hit by a stone thrown up by a lawnmower and sent crashing to the ground. Worried that her eye was bleeding, but reassured that it was simply streaming tears, she conducted the appointment and it wasn’t until the viewers had gone that she went to A&E.

 

Northern Gateway proposals [20 February 2015]

St John’s College, Worcester College and the property group Kier Ventures Ltd, are holding an exhibition at the Oxford Hotel, Godstow Road, Wolvercote, today from11am to 8pm and tomorrow from 9.30am to 6pm on the Northern Gateway proposals for 500 new homes, a hotel and 90,000sq m business park.

 

Did you 'Have Your Say'? [15 February 2015]

The Summertown Neighbourhood Forum is anxious for everyone in our area to respond to the 'Have Your Say' leaflet which was delivered to every house. You can either return the paper form (which was part of the leaflet) or answer the questions online. The results of this survey will form part of the Neighbourhood Development Plan, and that Plan will be taken into account by the Council in planning decisions - so please do Have Your Say!

 

Diamond Place Redevelopment [5 February 2015]

New plans released by Oxford City Council reveal that the Council is now proposing extra parking spaces, shops and housing for the redevelopment of the Diamond Place site. Traders and shoppers will be delighted to hear that all the current public parking spaces will be retained, using a multi-storey car park, and about 20 more spaces will be added for new shops, restaurants and cafés. See here for more details.

 

Summertown sought-after shopping location [5 February 2015]

Summertown is one of the most sought-after shopping locations in Britain according to a report by The Local Data Company. Just 1.9% of shops and cafés are vacant compared with an average of 10.9% in the south east. See this article in the Oxford Times for more details.

 

Teddies 2-Wheeler [27 January 2015]

St Edward’s School has announced its annual “Teddies 2-Wheeler”. This sponsored bike ride, on Sunday 26 April, is great for the family, as the entrance fee includes breakfast, refreshment and entertainment throughout the day. You can choose to ride 100, 50, 25 or 5 miles to raise money for See Saw, the grief counselling charity for children, which is the school’s chosen charity this year. The first 200 people to raise over £50 will win bespoke cycling jumpers, provided by the professional team Tinkoff Saxo.

 

Oxford Wine Festival [27 January 2015]

Organizers have announced that the second annual Oxford Wine Festival will be taking place on the 21st and 22nd of August this year. The event will be bringing together leading wine merchants and specialists, and offers a great day out with live music and artisan food stalls at the Oxford Union. Chris Bowling, the managing director, told us that it will feature “an even wider range of wines and tutored tastings” than the year before. Early bird tickets are now available; visit the festival site to find out more.

 

Shop News [13 January 2015]

Hamptons have closed their estate agency at 216 Banbury Road and are now concentrating all their resources at their outlet at 257 Banbury Road. Shoe shop Charles Clinkhard, which has been been closed since before Christmas as a result of fire and smoke damage, is planning to re-open on Monday 2 February.

 

Banbury Road Roundabout [12 January 2015]

Plans to convert the Cutteslowe roundabout at the top of the Banbury Road into a hamburger or donut junction, with traffic on the A40 going through the middle have been scrapped by Oxfordshire County Council. The report by The Oxford Times says that the roundabout will instead be controlled by traffic lights.

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