Welcome to Read This Magazine’s Charity & Community A-Z listing for north Oxfordshire, a vibrant and friendly region in Oxfordshire. North Oxfordshire is known for its community spirit, evident through numerous charity initiatives, diverse clubs, and special interest groups. We have an exciting month ahead, with a variety of events that cater to all interests and age groups. Whether you’re passionate about photography, an avid gardener, a music enthusiast, or a dance lover, there is something for everyone. Below, you will find all the events taking place, along with contact details for each group.
Adderbury Cine Club
Show films at Adderbury Institute, Adderbury. On the second Friday of each month. Doors open at 7.30 pm and the film starts at 8 pm. December film is “A Man Called Otto” starring Tom Hanks. To book visit: www.bookwhen.com/adderburycineclub or call 01295 811412.
Adderbury Ukulele Group
Welcomes players of all skill levels to join in strumming and singing at Adderbury Bowls Club. Performances take place in residential homes, concerts, garden parties and meetings. New players are welcome. Visit www.adderburyukes.co.uk.
Adderbury Village Morris Men
Are a friendly and entertaining traditional Cotswold side. For bookings or information on attending practices, Call 01869 811741.
Adderbury, Deddington and District Photographic Society
Welcome new members to attend their meetings and workshops. Visit www.addphoto.co.uk.
Age UK Scams Prevention and Support Programme
Aims 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.
All Things SEND Family SEND Support Group
Meets on Fridays at 8.45 am and 11 am. Supporting a child with additional needs can be extra fun but extra tricky too! This informal weekly group is where you can go to share freely in a non-judgemental space. At Hill View Primary School, Banbury. Email eford@hillview-school.co.uk.
ARCh Reading Helpers
Work one to one with selected children in a primary school, close to their home or workplace, sharing books, games and conversation to boost their confidence, self-esteem and impart a love of reading to enhance their lives at school and beyond. All volunteers receive initial and ongoing training and support as well as resources tailored to each child. They need more people to join. If you would like to get involved as a volunteer or supporter or if you would be interested in staff vacancies, visit www.archoxfordshire.org.uk or email info@archoxfordshire.org.uk.
Banbury & District Multiple Sclerosis Society
Meet on the first Thursday of the month from 1 pm to 3 pm. This Support & Information get-together is held at Marlborough Rd Methodist Church, Banbury. Tea/coffee along with biscuits are served for all. Email alisonaydin29@gmail.com.
Banbury & North Oxfordshire Ramblers
Offers the opportunity to enjoy fresh air, exercise, new friends and fun while exploring the countryside. Visit www.ramblers-oxon.org.uk/bno or call 01295 710143 or 07710 036598.
Banbury Alcoholics Anonymous
Holds meetings every Tuesday and Friday from 7.30 pm to 9 pm at The Beacon, St Mary’s Centre, Banbury. A women’s meeting is every Wednesday from 12.30 pm in the Brabazon Rooms, Depuis Centre, St John’s RC Church, Banbury.
Banbury and District Caledonian Society
Offer Scottish country dancing on Tuesday evenings from 7.15 pm to 9.30 pm at Hanwell Fields Community Centre, Banbury. Call 07866 465533 or email susanmyoung@hotmail.co.uk.
Banbury Bell Ringers
Welcome all ringers to join them at St Mary’s Church. Sunday Service from 9.15 am to 10 am. Practice nights are Wednesdays from 7.15 pm to 9 pm. Call 01295 258413 or email bjdbellringer@btinternet.com.
Banbury Book Group
Meets on Wednesdays at 7 pm once a month to discuss both fiction and modern/contemporary books at the White Horse in Banbury. Email banburybookgroup@gmail.com.
Banbury Breathe Easy Club
Supports people with breathing problems, their families, carers and friends. Meetings are held on the 1st Monday of each month at the Army Reserves Centre, Banbury. They welcome interested volunteers. Contact 07813 448257 or email banburybreatheeasyclub@gmail.com.
Banbury Cherwell Rotary Club
Is looking for new members, volunteers and partner organisations to support local community projects. Visit their Facebook page, email cherwellchatterrot@gmail.com 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. Call 07388 214484.
Banbury Choral Society
Presents Britten ’St Nicolas’ and Christmas music at Mary’s Church, Banbury on the 2nd of December at 7.30 pm. Led by conductor Jonathan Kingston. The audience will get their chance to participate in the congregational carols! A wonderful start to Christmas. Visit: www.banburychoralsoc.co.uk for tickets.
Banbury Community Action Group (CAG)
Works to improve the local environment by improving cycling and walking routes, biodiversity and help with growing your food. Email events.banburycag@gmail.com 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 food. Visit www.facebook.com/bridgestgarden.
Banbury Cross District Girlguiding
Is looking for volunteers to help reopen the Rainbow and Brownie units. No previous experience is needed. Visit www.go.girlguiding.org.uk/join-us/join-as-volunteer.
Banbury Cross Players
Is a local adult drama group that meets every Thursday from 7.30 pm at The Mill Arts Centre. Everyone is welcome. Visit www.banburycrossplayers.org.uk.
Banbury Fine Arts Society
Meets on the second Tuesday evening of the month from September to March (except in January) at the Chenderit Academy, Middleton Cheney from 7.15 pm. The programme consists of monthly lectures, study days and outings on a wide range of art and art history subjects. Call 01295 710326 or email secretary@bfas.online.
Banbury Floral Art
Presents The Magic of Christmas by Lorena Dyer on the 6th of November from 7 pm at the Wykham Park Theatre at Wykham Park Academy. Call 07771 258928.
Banbury Gamblers Anonymous
Meets on Mondays from 7.30 pm to 9 pm at St Francis Church, Highlands, Banbury. email Banbury.ga@hotmail.com.
Banbury Gardening Club
Speaker for November will be from Ball Colgrave sharing their knowledge of Seasonal Colours. At St. Hugh’s Church Centre, Banbury on the 20th of November at 7.30 pm. Contact 01295 271471.
Banbury Harvest@Home
Combats food insecurity. They manage community plots that give people the opportunity to be involved in growing food for the community. Can you help? Share your time, expertise, supplies or seedlings. Visit www.cherwellcollective.com or email banburyharvest@gmail.com.
Banbury Health Walks and Town Strolls
Offers a variety of walking groups with options ranging from 30 to 90 minutes in different locations. Visit www.walkingforhealth.org.uk/walkfinder/cherwell-health-walks. Email jims9056@gmail.com.
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. Visit www.banburyhistoricalsociety.org or email bemelittle@btinternet.com.
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. Visit www.banburylions.co.uk email info@banburylions.co.uk 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. Email diane77t@gmail.com.
Banbury Overeaters Anonymous
Meet on Mondays from 7.30 pm to 8.30 pm at Dupuis Centre, St. Johns Church, Banbury. Visit www.oagb.org.uk or call 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. Call 07810 063362 or email parkinsonsbanbury@gmail.com.
Banbury Reading Group
Are a small and friendly book group which meets weekly on Mondays at 7 pm during term-time. Call 07933 054236 or email lizhorn_17@hotmail.co.uk.
Banbury Rock Choir
Enjoy singing and performing pop, gospel and Motown favourites in a friendly, fun and informal group. There is no need to read music and no need to audition and everyone is welcome. Visit: www.rockchoir.com/free-taster-session
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. Email suzanne.smith@oxonscouting.org.uk 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. 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 their program can be found on the website: www.banburysocialdanceclub.co.uk.
Banbury Stamp Society
Meets 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. Visit www.banburystampsociety.co.uk, call 01295 255831 or email davies1890@btinternet.com.
Banbury u3a
Are holding their Second Book and Jigsaw Swap on the 8th of November from 2.30 pm at Longford Park Community Centre. Everyone is welcome, go and help them recycle, and enjoy tea and biscuits and a chat! More information on groups and activities at www.banburyu3a.com or email membership.banu3a@gmail.com.
Banbury Writers Café
Meets at the Old Town Café on Parson’s Street on 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. Visit www.banburywriterscafe.wordpress.com or email banburywriterscafe@gmail.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, Hanwell Fields Community Centre and RVS Cornhill Centre. Visit www.banburyshirecitizenproject.org.uk call 01295 279988 or email helpdeskbancp@yahoo.com.
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. Call 07518 658357 or email barks2010@hotmail.co.uk.
Bloxham Bridge Club
Meets every Thursday at 6.45 pm at the Bloxham Parish Rooms. New players are welcome. Call 07771 965055 or visit www.bridgewebs/bioxham or email bloxham.bridge@gmail.com.
Bloxham Flower Club
Aremholding their Christmas demonstration at BGN school on the 16th of November at 7.45 pm. Their Nafas demonstrator will be Jackie Page. There will be a raffle, buffet and sales table. Call to book your place on 01295 720154.
Bloxham Scout Group
Good News! With new volunteers, we should restart Beavers in the coming months. However, due to illness/changing circumstances, the Cub Pack has closed, and they need volunteers to help with this age group. It’s fun and rewarding, please do help support these children – no experience is needed. Please email 1stbloxhamscouts@gmail.com.
Bodicote Pleasant Hour Club
Play Whist on Monday afternoons in Dillon House, Bodicote at 1.30 pm. A cup of tea and cakes are served at the end of the games. Contact 01295 738907 or email thepaxtons@hotmail.co.uk.
Breadline Project
Offers free food redistribution. Are you or someone you know struggling to make ends meet? Visit www.breadlineproject.org email Breadlineproject@outlook.com
Cherwell Choral Society Concert
Production of Baroque Splendour will take place on the 4th of November from 7.30 pm at Deddington Parish Church. Visit www.cherwellchoral.org or call 01295 367441.
Cherwell Theatre Company
Brings thought-provoking game theatre to Oxfordshire. To stay informed about upcoming productions, opportunities, classes and holiday workshops, email workshops@cherwelltheatrecompany.co.uk.
Civil Service Retirement Fellowship
Meets on the 2nd Thursday of each month at 2.30 pm at Hanwell Fields Community Centre. All are welcome! Call 01295 252304.
Cornhill Centre Banbury
Offers a variety of fun, social activities, Mon-Fri, run by Royal Voluntary Service (RVS), Cornhill Companions and partners, particularly for the 50-plus age group. Volunteers welcome. Call 01295 264214 or email Daniel.peace@royalvoluntaryservice.or.uk.
Deddington Winter Artisan Fayre
Takes place on the 4th of November from 10 am to 1 pm at the Windmill Community Centre in Deddington. A large Hall full of local independent artisans from health, beauty, homewares, clothing, artwork, fresh bread, cakes, gifts, accessories and more.
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. Call 01295 720666.
Good Grief Café
Is a monthly bereavement group on the 1st Saturday of every month in The Bowen Room of The Dupuis Centre, Banbury. They are run by understanding volunteers who have experienced loss and welcome everyone. 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. Visit www.home-startbanbury.org.uk, their Facebook page, call on 01295 266358 or email info@home-startbanbury.org.uk.
Hook Norton Brass Band
Welcomes brass players of all ages and abilities from grade 1 upwards. A fun social band plays many genres of music. Instruments are available to borrow. Rehearsals in Banbury every Monday evening. Call 07748 305743 or visit www.hnbb.co.uk.
Hook Norton Craft Fair
Will be held in St Peter’s Church, Hook Norton on 4th November 10 am to 5 pm. There will be up to 40 stalls with a wonderful variety of superb work by artists and craftsmen from across the Cotswolds. Refreshments will be available all day and a fabulous Grand Draw. Email janhugs19@gmail.com or call 01608 737900.
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. Visit www.saintleonardsbanbury.org.
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. Call 01295 367472 or email judithlaycock0@hotmail.co.uk.
Kings Sutton 50+ Club
Meet at the Kings Sutton Millennium Memorial Hall on the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 2.30 pm. Call 07548 268733.
Kings Sutton Bridge Club
Meets on Wednesday mornings for supervised bridge and Thursday evenings for Club Night. Call Ken 07850 616069 or visit: www.bridgewebs.com/kingssutton
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. Call 01295 810131.
King’s Sutton WI
Next meet on 15th November from 7.30 pm at the Kings Sutton Memorial Millennium Hall. Call 07817303625 or email sueashdown63@hotmail.com.
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. Visit www.letsplaybanbury.org or email info@letsplaybanbury.org 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. 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. Visit www.marathonkids.co.uk download the app Marathon Kids, and then turn up.
Marlborough Road Methodist Church in Banbury
Has a Craft and Table Top sale taking place on the 11th of November from 10 am to 2 pm. Get your Christmas gifts early! Refreshments are available and entry is free.
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. 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. Call 01295 368238 or email stfrancischurchbanbury@gmail.com.
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 Philip.tree@btinternet.com or visit www.northbanburyscouts.co.uk.
Nostalgia Café
Meets on the second Monday of each month from 10.30 am to 12 pm at St Francis Church, Banbury. For those living at home with Dementia or Alzheimer’s and their unpaid carers. An additional group runs on the 4th Monday of each month from a varying location. Call 07751 929242 or email NostalgiaCafe@greenpastures.uk.com
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? Call 07801 482408 or email at elaine.ovbs@icloud.com.
Piece Together
Banbury’s jigsaw club continues to meet on the 4th of the month from 2 pm at St Hughs Church, Banbury. At the November meeting there will be Christmas puzzles available to borrow as well as the usual vast selection. In December we will meet on the 19th to avoid Boxing Day. Contact 07789 036305.
Prehab.rehab
Offers 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 and the Bodicote Village Hall from 1.15 pm and then 2.15 pm. Call 07906 323203 or email prehab.rehab@gmail.com.
Pudsey Mega Party
In aid of BBC Children in Need is taking place on the 18th of November between 2 pm and 5 pm in the Main Hall at Banbury College. For tickets visit: www.wegottickets.com/banburylions or email pudsey@banburylions.co.uk.
Radio Horton VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
Visit www.radiohorton.co.uk/get-involved/volunteer
Restore
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. Call 01865 455821 or email information@restore.org.uk.
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. Visit 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. Email alibrune5@gmail.com.
Single File North Oxon
Is a social group for single, divorced, separated and widowed people who are over 50. They meet within 15 miles of Bloxham for a variety of activities. Visit www.meetup.com/single-file-north-oxon.
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. Call 01295 369021 or email anita.smith.nbi@gmail.com.
St Mary’s Banbury
The Annual Christmas Craft Fair will take place on the 25th of November between 10 am and 4 pm. Entry is free. You can browse and buy your Christmas gifts made by local craftspeople and also enjoy looking around the beautiful Grade 1 building. There will be a Grand Draw Raffle, drawn on the day, with a first prize of a Christmas Hamper worth £100. There are tombolas with lots of prizes and you can refresh yourselves with very reasonably priced tea, coffee and homemade cake. Email office@banburystmary.org.uk or call 01294 276045.
St. John the Baptist Parish Church
Christmas Raffle will be drawn on the 11th of November between 2pm and 3.30pm there will be all the usual stalls and refreshments. Admission is free. This months bingo afternoon in Bodicote Church House is on the 25th of November. Eyes down at 2 pm. On the 1st, 3rd, and 5th Wednesdays of each month from 2.30 pm to 3.30 pm offer friendly company, homemade cakes and a hot drink while participating in a table quiz. The event is free, but donations are appreciated. Call 01295 250282 or email office.bodicotechurch@gmail.com.
Sunrise Multicultural Project Banbury
Offers a variety of activities such as ladies’ drop-ins, youth groups, football clubs, and more! Call 01295 701728 or email sunrisemcp.office@gmail.com or visit www.sunrisemulticultural.org.uk.
Tadmarton Folk Dance Club
Hold weekly sessions at the Tadmarton Village Hall every Tuesday at 7.45 pm. Call 01295 788180 or 01295 811404.
The Jolly Teapot
Serves tea, coffee, cake and biscuits in All Saints Church, Middleton Cheney every Wednesday morning from 10.45 am to 12.30 pm. No charge, donations for the church are welcome and while in the village why not browse for a bargain in the Parkinson’s Charity shop?
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. Email thepetbankbanbury@gmail.com or call 07446 895478.
Velology Club of Banbury
Is a group that collects Vehicle Tax discs from 1921 to 2014. New Members welcome. Call 01295 276856 or email poparound@gmail.com.
Warmington Heritage Group
Meets at the Village Hall on the 3rd Thursday of each month. Meetings are open to the public. Call 01295 690286.
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. Call 01295 780710 or tracylean@gmail.com.
