Charity & Community A-Z listing for March 23

Our listings for March 23 follow and we invite you to volunteer, get involved or seek the support you need, we hope they are a great help to everyone in the Banbury area and beyond.

Abilene CMC

Are is hosting a Country Music event on 18th March, featuring artist Travis Logan at Middle Barton Sports & Social Club, starting at 7.30 pm. Contact Kath/John on 01295 810016 or 07831 790596 for tickets and information.

Adderbury, Deddington and District Photographic Society

Welcome new members to attend their meetings and workshops. For information, visit their website at www.addphoto.co.uk.

Adderbury Village Morris Men

Is a friendly and entertaining traditional Cotswold side. For bookings or information on attending practices, please contact John Ekers, the Squire, on 01869 811741.

Adderbury Ukulele Group

Welcomes players of all skill levels to join in strumming and singing at Adderbury Bowls Club. They perform at events such as residential homes, concerts, garden parties and meetings. New players are welcome. Visit their website at www.adderburyukes.co.uk for information.

Age UK Scams Prevention and Support Programme

Aim to protect older individuals from the devastating effects of scams, as older people fall victim to fraud every 40 seconds. Reach them on 0345 450 1276.

ARCh Reading Helpers

Offer personalised support to primary school children by working one-on-one with trained volunteers to improve confidence, self-esteem and positive attitudes towards reading. They are recruiting volunteers in the area. Visit their website at www.archoxfordshire.org.uk.

Banbury Alcoholics Anonymous

Holds meetings every Tuesday and Friday from 7.30 pm to 9 pm at The Beacon, St Mary’s Centre, Banbury.

Banbury Bell Ringers

Welcomes all ringers to join them at St Mary’s Church. They ring for Sunday Service from 9.15 am to 10 am and have practice night ringing on Wednesdays from 7.15 pm to 9 pm. Contact Barry Davis on 01295 258413 or [email protected] for information.

Banbury Book Group

Meets once a month to discuss both fiction and modern/contemporary books on Wednesdays at 7 pm at the White Horse in Banbury. Email [email protected] for information.

Banbury Breathe Easy Club

Is a support group for people with breathing problems, their families, carers and friends. Meetings are held on the 1st Monday of each month at the Army Reserves Centre, Oxford Rd, Banbury. They welcome interested volunteers. Contact Jeni on 01295 259912 or email [email protected] for information.

Banbury Buddhist Group

Holds meetings on Tuesdays at 8 pm at the Friends Meeting House, Banbury and online via Zoom. Visit their website at www.banburybuddhistgroup.wordpress.com for information.

Banbury Cherwell Rotary Club

Is looking for new members, volunteers and partner organisations to support local community projects. Visit their Facebook page, email [email protected] or phone 07771 813216.

Banbury Chess Club

Meets every Thursday from 7 pm to 10 pm at St Mary’s Centre. All skill levels are welcome. For information, contact Gary on 07388 214484.

Banbury Community Action Group (CAG)

Works to improve the local environment by improving cycling and walking routes, biodiversity and help with growing your own food. Email [email protected] or visit Facebook: www.facebook.com/BanburyCAG.

Banbury Community Garden

Is located at Bridge Street Garden and the Browning Road Orchard, teaching the community how to grow their own food. Visit www.facebook.com/bridgestgarden for information.

Banbury Cross District Girlguiding

Is looking for volunteers to help reopen Rainbow and Brownie units. No previous experience is necessary. If you are interested visit www.go.girlguiding.org.uk/join-us/join-as-volunteer for information.

Banbury and District Caledonian Society

Offers Scottish country dancing on Tuesday evenings from 7 pm to 9.30 pm at Hanwell Fields Community Centre, Rotary Way, Banbury. For information contact Sue Young at [email protected] or call 07866 465533.

Banbury Gamblers Anonymous

Meets on Mondays from 7.30 pm to 9 pm at St Francis Church, Highlands, Banbury. For information email: [email protected].

Banbury Gardening Club

Has resumed meetings at St. Hugh’s Church Centre on the 3rd Monday of each month at 7.30 pm. For information contact Barbara Henson on 01295 271471.

Banbury Health walks and Town Strolls

Offers a variety of walking groups with options ranging from 30 to 90 minutes in different locations around Banbury. For information visit: www.walkingforhealth.org.uk/walkfinder/cherwell-health-walks or email: [email protected].

Banbury Historical Society

Meets on the 2nd Thursday of each month at 7.30 pm at the Banbury Museum. Their program includes lectures and outings. The reference library is open on Thursday from 2 pm to 4 pm. For information visit: www.banburyhistoricalsociety.org or email [email protected].

Banbury Lions

Is a local service club of men and women who give back to the community. They meet on the 1st Tuesday of the month at 7.30 pm at the Wroxton House Hotel. Committees cover fundraising events, welfare requests, and social activities. New members are welcome. For information, visit www.banburylions.co.uk or email [email protected] or call 0845 833 2924.

Banbury NHS Retirement Fellowship

Meets on the 3rd Monday of each month from 2 pm to 4 pm at The Dupuis Centre, Dashwood Road, Banbury. They also hold regular coffee and lunch get-togethers, walks and seasonal outdoor activities. Open to all NHS and social care retirees, contact Diane at [email protected] for information.

Banbury & North Oxfordshire Ramblers

Offers the opportunity to enjoy fresh air, exercise, new friends and fun while exploring the countryside. For information, visit www.ramblers-oxon.org.uk/bno or call 01295 710143 & 07710 036598.

Banbury Overeaters Anonymous

Meet on Mondays from 7.30 pm to 8.30 pm at Dupuis Centre, St. Johns Church, 25 South Bar Street, Banbury. For information visit www.oagb.org.uk or call Emily on 07712 414931.

Banbury Parkinson’s Group

Meets on the 1st Wednesday of the month from 3 pm to 4.30 pm, and the 3rd Thursday of the month at 7.30 pm in the Royal Voluntary Service Hall, Cornhill Centre, Banbury. New members are always welcome. For information call 07810 063362 or email [email protected].

Banbury Scout Group

Is looking for adult volunteers with no qualifications needed. Scouting offers fun, friendship, and adventure with activities such as canoeing, climbing, and making bird boxes. If you are interested, please email [email protected] or call 07901 896257.

Banbury Shed

Is a community workshop where members come together to make things, learn from each other, and socialise. They offer woodworking, upcycling, repairs and metalwork. Everyone is welcome. They are located near the town centre, for information visit: www.facebook.com/banburyshed.

Banbury Social Dance Club

Offers ballroom, Latin and sequence dancing to music at GF Sports and Social Club in Banbury. Dances are held once a month, and the program can be found on the website: www.banburysocialdanceclub.co.uk.

Banbury Stamp Society

Meet twice a month from September to May on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays from 7.30 pm to 9.30 pm at Hanwell Fields Community Centre, Banbury. Visitors are welcome, for information visit www.banburystampsociety.co.uk or contact John Davies on 01295 255831 Email: [email protected]

Banbury u3a

Meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of every month at 2.30 pm at Longford Park Community Centre. No age limit to join as long as you are no longer in full-time work. On 8th March the ‘Blood Bikes’ rapid response service and on 22nd March the Civil War Re-enactors present ‘Lord Robartes’ Regiment of Foote’. All new members and guests are welcome. www.banburyu3a.co.uk or email [email protected] for information.

Banbury Writers Café

Meets at the Old Town Café on Parson’s Street Thursdays from 6.30 pm to 9 pm. Whether you’re a seasoned writer or just starting, you’re welcome. The first session is complimentary. For information, please email [email protected] or visit their website at www.banburywriterscafe.wordpress.com.

Banburyshire Advice Centre

Help with welfare benefits advice, blue badge applications, foodbank vouchers, general advice, education course information and career advice. Advisers cannot advise on debts or legal matters. They refer to a Wills and Power of Attorney expert. The charity runs Mental Health Awareness Courses. Locations: Cherwell Business village; Borough House, Marlborough Road and Hanwell Fields Community Centre, RVS Cornhill Centre. By appointment on 01295 279988 or email [email protected]. For information www.banburyshirecitizenproject.org.uk

BARKS

Is a charity currently facing challenges due to the cost-of-living crisis and needs your support. They are looking for individuals to foster animals, make donations, or sponsor long-term residents. Contact Ann at [email protected] or 07518 658357 for information.

Bloxham Bridge Club

Meets every Thursday at 6.45 pm at the Bloxham Parish Rooms. New players are welcome. Contact Roger on 07771 965055, visit www.bridgewebs/bioxham or email [email protected] for information.

Bloxham Scout Group

Need volunteers to help with activities, crafts, and games. No experience is needed. Email [email protected]. Boys and girls aged 6-14 from the local area are welcome.

Cherwell Choral Society

Concert on 1st April from 7.30 pm, St Mary’s Church, Bloxham. Features a new work by the acclaimed contemporary composer, Ian Venables. New members are always welcome to join the choir they rehearse on a Tuesday evening at Longford Park Community Centre.  For information, please visit www.cherwellchoral.org. Call 01295 367441 or email [email protected].

Cherwell Theatre Company

Brings thought-provoking game-theatre to Oxfordshire. To stay informed about upcoming productions, opportunities, classes and holiday workshops, email [email protected].

Civil Service Retirement Fellowship

Meets on the 2nd Thursday of each month at 2.30 pm at Hanwell Fields Community Centre. All are welcome! For information, please contact Sue Atherton on 01295 252304.

Fosseway Chamber Orchestra

Welcomes musicians of all skill levels. They meet every Tuesday morning in Stretton on Fosse. Contact Christine on 07967 423550.

GF Sequence Dance Club

Is a popular sequence dancing club that meets every Tuesday from 1.30 pm to 3.30 pm at GF Sports & Social Club in Banbury. For information, please call 01295 72066.

Good For The Sole

Is a walking group in Banbury that promotes exploring the beautiful countryside, well-being and community through supporting local charities. For information, email Richard at [email protected] or visit www.gfts.org.uk.

Good Grief Café

Is a monthly bereavement group on the 1st Saturday of every month in The Bowen Room of The Dupuis Centre, Dashwood Road, Banbury. They are run by understanding volunteers who have experienced loss and welcome everyone. For information, visit www.thegoodgrieftrust.org.

Home Start Banbury, Bicester & Chipping Norton

Is an organisation that helps families with children under the age of 5 who are feeling overwhelmed and exhausted. They offer free, non-judgmental support and help with promoting the welfare of families. For information, visit their website at www.home-startbanbury.org.uk, their Facebook page, call on 01295 266358 or email: [email protected]e-startbanbury.org.uk.

It’s Good to Talk

Meets on the 2nd Saturday of each month from 11 am to 12 pm at the Cornhill Centre on Castle Street. A discussion group with a different theme each month provides an opportunity to discuss issues in a non-judgmental environment and offer peer support. The group is facilitated by a member of St Leonard’s Church. For information, visit www.saintleonardsbanbury.org.

Kings Sutton 50+ Club

Meet at the Kings Sutton Millennium Memorial Hall on the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 2.30 pm. Membership is £8. For information, contact Keith Moses on 07548 268733.

King’s Sutton Contract Bridge Club

Meets on Tuesdays from 6.30 pm to 9 pm. To play, contact Geoffrey Bywater on 01295 750229.

Kings Sutton Duplicate Bridge Club

Try Duplicate by joining them on Wednesday mornings at 9.45 am. For information, visit www.bridgewebs.com/kingssutton or call Ken on 07850 616029.

King’s Sutton Gardening Club

Next meeting is on 29th March at 7:30 pm at the King’s Sutton Millennium Memorial Hall. featuring a talk by Stuart Louen of Ball (Colegrave) on “What’s New in Seasonal Colour.” Visitors are welcome to attend for a fee of £4.

Kings Sutton Sequence Dance Club

Meet every Thursday afternoon between 2 pm and 4 pm. Dances include the Mayfair Quickstep, the Cindy Swing and the Catherine Waltz. For information contact Tony on 01295 810131

King’s Sutton Wellbeing Walk

Takes place Friday at the Millennium Memorial Hall, from 9.45 am for a 1.5-hour walk. Shorter walks are available, and newcomers are welcome. For information, contact Judith on 01295 367472 or email [email protected].

King’s Sutton WI

Meet on 15th March at 7.30 pm at the Millennium Memorial Hall for their AGM, visitors are welcome. For information contact Sue Ashdown on 07817303625 or email [email protected]

Let’s Play Project

Aims to give young people with additional needs the freedom and confidence to have fun with their peers and increase their opportunities in the local community. For information, visit www.letsplaybanbury.org, email [email protected], or call 01295 810661.

Local Vocals Community Choir

Meets on Monday evenings during term time at Deddington Primary School from 7.30 pm to 9 pm. No prior musical experience is required. For information, visit www.localvocalscc.co.uk.

Marathon Kids

Is a free program for children that takes place on the 2nd Sunday of each month at 10 am at Spiceball Park. For information, visit www.marathonkids.co.uk and download the app Marathon Kids, then turn up.

Middleton Cheney Age Concern

Holds meetings on the 1st Wednesday of each month at the Middleton Cheney village hall from 2 pm to 4 pm. The £2.50 fee includes a speaker or entertainment and afternoon tea. Open to anyone 55 or over.

Musical Memories

Is a social activity for people with dementia and their carers on the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month from 10.30 am to 12 noon at St Francis Church, Banbury. Contact Janet on 01295 368238 or email [email protected] for information.

North Banbury Scouts

Is seeking volunteers to help at Hanwell Fields. To make a positive impact in your community get involved. Contact 01295 253194 or email [email protected] or visit www.northbanburyscouts.co.uk.

Oxfordshire Mind

Provides crisis support, peer support, and short courses for adults in Banbury who are experiencing mental health difficulties. For crisis support, contact them from Friday to Monday between 5 pm to 9.30 pm on 01295 270004. For peer support and short courses, contact them from Monday to Thursday between 9.30 am to 4.30 pm, and Fridays between 9.30 am to 4 pm on 01865 247788.

Oxfordshire Volunteer Befriending Service

Give family carers a regular break from their 24-hour care responsibilities. Can you offer 2 hours of your time? Contact Elaine Gilbert on 07801 482408 or email at [email protected].

Piece Together

Is a jigsaw club based in Banbury that meets on the 4th Tuesday of each month from 2 pm at St Hughs, Ruskin Road. New members are welcome. For information, contact Sue on 01295 270371.

Prehab.rehab

Ooffers chair-based exercise for individuals whose bodies may not function as well as they used to. At Marlborough Road Methodist Church every Thursday at 12 pm. Each session is £5.00. For information, contact Frances on 07906 323203 or via email at [email protected].

Restore

Is a UK-based organisation that supports individuals in their recovery from mental ill-health. They offer a unique shopping experience by selling items made by their service users, volunteers and staff. The Orchard Recovery Group shop is on Calthorpe Street, Banbury and is open Monday to Friday from 10 am to 3 pm. For information, call 01865 455821 or email [email protected].

The Royal Voluntary Service

Is seeking volunteers to support the local community. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please contact Penny on 07790 807319 or email [email protected].

Salt Way Activity Group

Engages in coppicing, tree and shrub planting, wildflower plugging, seeding, clearing fallen trees, laying hedges, and creating wildflower meadow areas in the area from Bodicote to Broughton Road. For information, visit their website at www.saltwayactivitygroup.org.uk.

Sing for Fun

Is a group for older individuals who meet on Mondays and Thursdays from 12.30 pm to 1.30 pm at the RVS Cornhill Centre in Banbury. The session costs £2. For information, email [email protected].

St Hugh’s Church

Offers a warm and welcoming space for those who don’t want to turn on the heating and would appreciate some company. Visitors can drop in on Tuesday and Friday mornings from 10 am to 1 pm for warmth, drinks, cake, company, puzzles, and board games. Christian Aid lunches. Until April 4th, 12.30 pm to 1.30 pm. For information call 01295 369021 or email [email protected].

Sunrise Multicultural Project Banbury

Offers a variety of activities such as ladies’ drop-ins, youth groups, football clubs, and more! For information, call Maria on 01295 701728 or email [email protected] or visit www.sunrisemulticultural.org.uk.

St. John the Baptist Parish Church

In Bodicote on the 1st, 3rd, and 5th Wednesdays of each month from 2.30 pm to 3.30 pm offers friendly company, homemade cakes and a hot drink while participating in a table quiz. The event is free, but donations are appreciated. Contact Rev. Sarah Sharp on 01295 250282 for information.

St Mary’s Church Centre

On 11th March, 2 pm to 4 pm, Block Printing & Painting Arts Workshop, 13th March, 7.30 pm a talk by Drs David and Jackquie Williams on travelling in the Brazillian Amazon, the Inca Trail, Mount Kilimanjaro and the Isle of Mull. 15, 22 & 29 March Wellbeing, Mindfulness & Relaxation with Sarah Bourne contact [email protected]

Tadmarton Folk Dance Club

Holds weekly sessions at the Tadmarton Village Hall every Tuesday at 7.45 pm. For information, contact Chris on 01295 788180 or Diane on 01295 811404.

The Pet Bank Banbury

Helps those who are struggling to provide food and supplies for their pets. They offer assistance to those in need and accept donations of food, supplies, or time from volunteers. For information, contact [email protected] or call 07446 895478.

The Jolly Teapot

Serves refreshments in All Saints Church, Middleton Cheney every Wednesday morning from 10.45 am to 12.30 pm.

Velology Club of Banbury

Is a group that collects Vehicle Tax discs from 1921 to 2014. New Members welcome. For information contact Harry Matthews on 01295 276856 or email [email protected].

Warmington Heritage Group

Meets at the Village Hall on the 3rd Thursday of each month. Meetings are open to the public. Call Jenny on 01295 690286 for information.

World Dancing Group

Sessions are held in the Swalcliffe Village Hall on the 2nd Thursday of each month from 2 pm to 4 pm, and South Newington Village Hall on the 4th Thursday of each month from 7.30 pm to 9 pm. The cost is £5 per session. For information, contact Tracy on 01295 780710 or [email protected].

Wroxton and Drayton Gardening Club

Holds meetings at the Wroxton Village Hall. The next meeting taking place on 13th March at 7.30 pm, the speaker is Phil Arbury who will be talking about Propagation. New members welcome.