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. A ten-week ukulele beginners’ course will run on Tuesdays at the club, starting on the 9th of January. 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 Oxfordshire
Could you help brighten older people’s lives? 1 in 5 older people in Oxfordshire report feeling lonely, help by volunteering as a Phone Friend. Call 01295 234 850 or visit www.ageuk.org.uk/oxfordshire/get-involved/volunteer/telephone-befriending-volunteer.
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. Call 0345 450 1276.
All Things SEND Family SEND Support Group
Meet 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 volunteers
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. 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
Offer 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
Hold 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, Banbury. 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
Meet on Wednesdays at 7 pm once a month to discuss both fiction and modern/contemporary books at The White Horse, Banbury. Email banburybookgroup@gmail.com.
Banbury Breathe Easy Club
Support 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. Call 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 call 07771 813216.
Banbury Chess Club
Meet every Thursday from 7 pm to 10 pm at St Mary’s Centre, Banbury. All skill levels are welcome. Call 07388 214484.
Banbury Choral Society
Present 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.
Banbury Community Action Group (CAG)
Work 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 www.facebook.com/BanburyCAG.
Banbury Community Garden
Is located at Bridge Street Garden and the Browning Road Orchard, Banbury. 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 meet on Thursdays from 7.30 pm at The Mill Arts Centre, Banbury. Visit www.banburycrossplayers.org.uk.
Banbury Fine Arts Society
Meet on the second Tuesday evening of the month from September to May (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 Gamblers Anonymous
Meet on Mondays from 7.30 pm to 9 pm at St Francis Church, Banbury. Email Banbury.ga@hotmail.com.
Banbury Gardening Club
In January the meeting will be at St. Hugh’s Church Centre, Banbury. The Speaker will be from BBONT the local Wildlife Trust. Meetings begin at 7.30 pm on the 15th of January. Call 01295 271471.
Banbury Harvest@Home
Combat 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
Offer 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 or email jims9056@gmail.com.
Banbury Historical Society
Meet 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
Meet on the 3rd Monday of each month from 2 pm to 4 pm at The Dupuis Centre, 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
Meet 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, Banbury. Call 07810 063362 or email parkinsonsbanbury@gmail.com.
Banbury Reading Group
Are a small and friendly book group which meet 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. 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. Visit www.facebook.com/banburyshed.
Banbury Social Dance Club
Offer Ballroom, Latin and Sequence dancing to music at GF Sports and Social Club, Banbury. Dances are held once a month, and their 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. Visit www.banburystampsociety.co.uk call 01295 255831 or email davies1890@btinternet.com.
Banbury u3a
Welcome all those no longer in full time work who want to learn new things and challenge themselves. They meet on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of every month at 2.30 pm at Longford Park Community Centre. On the 13th of December Alun Edwards will tell us about an Oxford University project to collect information on memories, stories and artefacts from WWII. Visit www.banburyu3a.co.uk or membership.banu3a@gmail.com.
Banbury Writers Café
Meet at the Old Town Café, Banbury 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 need 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
Meet every Thursday at 6.45 pm at the Bloxham Parish Rooms. New players are welcome. Call 07771 965055 or visit www.bridgewebs/bloxham or email bloxham.bridge@gmail.com.
Bloxham Scout Group
Good News! With new volunteers, they 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
Offer 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
Present its Christmas concert “An English Christmas” An evening of festive music of Saturday the 16th of December, at 7.30 pm, in Bloxham Church. Tickets are available from www.cherwellchoral.org or call 01295 367441.
Cherwell Theatre Company
Bring 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
Meet on the 2nd Thursday of each month at 2.30 pm at Hanwell Fields Community Centre, Banbury. Call 01295 252304.
Cornhill Centre Banbury
Offer a variety of fun, social activities, Monday to Friday, particularly for the 50-plus age group. Volunteers welcome. Call 01295 264214 or email daniel.peace@royalvoluntaryservice.or.uk.
Deddington Festive Artisan Fayre
Is taking place on the 2nd of December from 10 am to 1 pm at the Windmill Community Centre in Deddington. A large hall full of local independent artisans with festive theme from health and beauty, homewares, clothing, Artwork, fresh breads, cakes and gifts, accessories and more. This is a perfect fayre for festive gifts or inspiration.
Friends of St Mary’s Adderbury
Is hosting a concert by the Oxford Welsh Male Voice Choir on the 16th of December at 7.30 pm at St Mary’s Church in Adderbury. Call 01295 811059.
GF Sequence Dance Club
Is a popular sequence dancing club that meet every Tuesday from 1.30 pm to 3.30 pm at GF Sports & Social Club, Banbury. Call 01295 720666.
Good Grief Café
Is a 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 help 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 01295 266358 or email info@home-startbanbury.org.uk.
Hook Norton Brass Band
Welcome 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.
It’s Good to Talk
Meet on the 2nd Saturday of each month from 11 am to 12 pm at the Cornhill Centre, Banbury. 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
Take place on Fridays at the Millennium Memorial Hall, King Sutton from 9.45 am for a 1.5-hour walk. Shorter walks are available. Call 01295 367472 or email judithlaycock0@hotmail.co.uk.
Kings Sutton Bridge Club
Meet on Wednesday mornings for supervised bridge and Thursday evenings for Club Night. Call 07850 616069 or visit www.bridgewebs.com/kingssutton.
Kings Sutton Sequence Dance Club
Meet every Thursday afternoon between 2 pm and 4 pm. Call 01295 810131.
Let’s Play Project
Aim 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
Meet 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.
Middleton Cheney Age Concern
Hold 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 careers, enabling them to sing along with others who are in a similar situation, in a stimulating and safe environment. They meet on the first and third Monday of each month between 10.30 am and 12 noon (not on Bank Holidays) at St Francis Church, Banbury. Call 01295 368238 or email stfrancischurchbanbury@gmail.com.
North Banbury Scouts
Is seeking volunteers to help at Hanwell Fields, Banbury. To make a positive impact in your community get involved. Call 01295 253194 or email philip.tree@btinternet.com or visit www.northbanburyscouts.co.uk.
Nostalgia Café
Meet 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
Provide 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 Tuesday of the month from 2 pm at St Hughs Church, Banbury. In December we will meet on the 19th to avoid Boxing Day. Call 07789 036305.
Prehab.rehab
Offer chair-based exercise for individuals whose bodies may not function as well as they used to. At Marlborough Road Methodist Church, Banbury every Thursday at 12 pm and the Bodicote Village Hall from 1.30 pm every Monday. Call 07906 323203 or email prehab.rehab@gmail.com.
Radio Horton
Volunteers needed! Visit www.radiohorton.co.uk/get-involved/volunteer.
Restore support
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, Banbury is open Monday to Friday from 10 am to 3 pm. Call 01865 455821 or email information@restore.org.uk.
Salt Way Activity Group
Engage 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 Cornhill Centre, 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 in Banbury
Offer a warm welcome to anyone who would like to drop in on Tuesday and Friday mornings from 10 am to 12.30 pm for drinks, cake, company, puzzles and board games. Call 01295 369021 or email anita.smith.nbi@gmail.com.
St. John the Baptist Parish Church in Bodicote
Welcomes you 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
Offer 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.
Swalcliffe Christmas Market
Is taking place on the 2nd of December at Swalcliffe Church from 12 noon to 3.30 pm. The highly popular German-style Christmas Market returns with an array of stalls selling locally made gifts and crafts, just in time for your Christmas. You can also pick up a beautiful Christmas wreath or a Christmas teddy bear. There is a luxury raffle with a Daylesford hamper as the star prize. Grab a cup of tea and mince pie or a German Currywurst with some mulled wine. Visit www.swalcliffe.org.
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
Serve 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
Help those who are struggling to provide food and supplies for their pets. Could you donate food, supplies, or your time? Email thepetbankbanbury@gmail.com or call 07446 895478.
Velology Club of Banbury
Is a group that collect Vehicle Tax discs from 1921 to 2014. Call 01295 276856 or email poparound@gmail.com.
Warmington Heritage Group
Meet at the Village Hall on the 3rd Thursday of each month. 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.
