Welcome to Read This Magazine’s Charity & Community A-Z Listing For March 25 covering 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, The Green, Adderbury on the second Friday of each month. March’s film is on the 13th. The film is called Good Fortune. Keanu Reeves plays a well meaning but rather inept angel who meddles in the lives of a struggling gig worker and a wealthy venture capitalist. This is a Meals and Reels night so either come along for the meal and film or come along later just to see the film. Doors open at 6.45 pm, with a meal served at 7 pm. The film starts at 8.15 pm. For full details and to book visit www.bookwhen.com/adderburycineclub or call 01295 811412.
Adderbury History Association
Meet at the Adderbury Institute, The Green, Adderbury. Talks start at 7.30 pm. The March talk is on Monday the 16th and the title is Were they the Champions? by Bill Williams. This is the fascinating story of the Chipping Norton Baseball Club and how they became ‘unofficial’ British Champions in the 1920’s. For more information visit www.historyofadderbury.co.uk.
Adderbury Village Morris Men
Practice at the Lucy Plackett Centre off Round Close Road in Adderbury on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month from 8.15 pm. It’s open to anyone, it’s free and it’s a fun way to keep fit. Email piperdrm@gmail.com or 07305 458468.
Adderbury Ukulele Group
Is based at the Adderbury Bowls Club on Monday evenings, where players of all abilities enjoy strumming and singing popular songs. They also play at many of the local care homes to entertain the residents. Ukulele players are always welcome to come and join us. Visit www.adderburyukes.co.uk.
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 Oxfordshire
Offer exercise classes for older people to help maintain health, mobility, and independence. These take place at Grimsbury Community Centre, Banbury. To book email active@ageukoxfordshire.org.uk or call 01235 849 403.
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 Saints Church, Middleton Cheney
Is open every Wednesday morning from 10.30 am to 12.30 pm, serving coffee and cake and giving an opportunity to meet friends, chat, and view this 13th-century church, including its Pre-Raphaelite stained glass windows. History tours of the church, with local guides, can be organised at this and at other times. Call 01295 712265.
ARCh Assisted Reading for Children
Places trained volunteers going into primary schools to support children with developing a love of reading and boosting their confidence and resilience. They are looking for volunteers to go into primary schools twice a week to support children with reading, confidence and self-esteem. If you are interested in volunteering, please get in touch call 01869 320380 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/bnowalks 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 Amateur Radio Society
Meet on the first four Wednesdays of each month and welcomes new members of all ages. Meetings start at 7:30 pm at 169 Bloxham Rd, Banbury. Amateur radio encompasses a wide range of activities from chatting to fellow amateurs around the world to building equipment. They are fully equipped and offer tuition to obtain an amateur transmitting licence. Visit www.banburyares.co.uk.
Banbury and District Caledonian Society
are a Scottish Country Dancing group who meet on Tuesday evenings between 7.30pm and 9.30pm at Bourton Community Hall in Great Bourton. From September through May. 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. Call 07813 448257 or email banburybreatheeasyclub@gmail.com. For volunteer enquiries call 01295 254137.
Banbury Buddhist Meditation Group
Meet on Tuesdays at 8 pm in The Quaker Friends Meeting House. Guiding sittings and discussion. Email: banburybuddhistgroup@hotmail.co.uk.
Banbury Car & Bike Meet
Takes place at Banbury Cricket Club. April to September on the 2nd Wednesday of the month from 5 pm. October to March on the 1st Sunday of the month from 10 am. Vehicles of all ages are welcome.
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
Will perform a programme for Easter that will include Stainer’s hour-long oratorio ’The Crucifixion’ alongside Handel ‘Messiah – part 3’ and Lauridsen ’Sure on this Shining Night’. On the 28th of March at 7.30 pm St Mary’s Church, Banbury. Tickets are available on the door or from 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 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 Easington’s Welcome Space Near You!
At St Hugh’s Church Hall every Tuesday and Friday from 10 am to 12.30 pm. Looking for tea, coffee, biscuits, cake, board games, papers, puzzles or just a chat? On the 10th of May from 7.30 pm they have Songs & Dances a concert by the local A Capella Choir Consensio. Call 07887 834267.
Banbury Evergreens
Is an over 50s sports club with social events. They meet at Spiceball Leisure Centre between 2 pm and 4 pm every Tuesday and Thursday. Their aim is to keep you active in a friendly environment and to enable you to meet with friends with similar interests. Visit www.banburyevergreens.co.uk email banburyevergreens@googlemail.com or call 07971 144416.
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
Next meeting is on the 16th of March with a speaker on butterflies. At St Hughes, Ruskin road. Call 07907 986268.
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
Meets on the second Thursday of each month at 7.30 pm at Banbury Museum. Their programme includes lectures and outings. The Reference Library is open on Thursdays and Saturdays from 2 pm to 4 pm. New members are most welcome. Visit www.banburyhistoricalsociety.org or email bemelittle@btinternet.com.
Banbury Inner Wheel Club
Are a group of women who enjoy fun, fellowship and working together on fundraising events serving our communities. They meet on the second Friday of each month at 2.30 pm at Banbury Cricket Club, Bodicote. In June & July additionally on the second Thursday of the month at 7 pm. Email innerwheelbanbury@gmail.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 Whateley Hall 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 Parkinson’s Group
Meet on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month between 3 pm to 4.30 pm in the Royal Voluntary Service Hall, Banbury. Call 07810 063362 or email parkinsonsbanbury@gmail.com.
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 Rotary Club
Are people of action helping our community. Take a look at www.banburyrotaryclub.org.uk and if you think you’d enjoy helping your community email secretary@banburyrotaryclub.org.uk.
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
Meet on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month from 2 pm at the Longford Park Community Centre. On the 11th of March they have a talk on ‘Passports, Assassins, Traitors and Spies’ and on the 25th of March ‘My Life and Times as a Film Extra’ Visit www.banburyu3a.co.uk or membership.banu3a@gmail.com.
Banbury Women’s Institute
Meets at St Hugh’s Church Hall, Easington. On the 2nd Monday of each month at 7.30 pm. Call 01295 252304.
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
Your local advice centre charity founded by Andy Willis BCAv. Assistance with benefit form filling, Blue badge applications, education course information and Career Counselling as well as Food bank vouchers. They cannot advise on debt or legal matters. However, they can refer clients for free initial advice on Wills and Power of Attorney to an expert. They occasionally run Mental Health Awareness Courses. Please support by giving donations. 49c Castle Street, Banbury. For other locations visit: www.banburyshirecitizenproject.org. Call 01295 279988 or Email helpdeskbancp@yahoo.com.
Banished Magicians Club
Are the only Magic Club in Banbury they meet at Hanwell Fields Community Centre on the last Tuesday of each month from 7.30 pm. If you want to go along and make magic your hobby you will be most welcome. Email banishedmagicians@gmail.com or visit www.banishedmagicians.co.uk.
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 (Duplicate)
Meet every Thursday at 6.45 pm at the Bloxham Parish Rooms. Friendly people, comfortable environment, new players are welcomed. Call 07771 965055 or visit www.bridgewebs/bloxham or email bloxham.bridge@gmail.com.
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
Have a concert on the 18th of April at 7.30 pm at Deddington Church, where they are performing Dvořák’s Mass in D and Janáček’s Lord’s Prayer. Tickets at the door or www.cherwellchoral.org.
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.
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.
Craft and Table-Top Spring Sale
Is taking place at Marlborough Road Methodist Church in Banbury on the 14th of March between 10 am and 1 pm.
Cropredy Art Group Exhibition
In Cropredy Village Hall. On the 26th of April from 11 am to 4pm.
Dachshund Meet
Takes place in The Peoples Park, Banbury. Meet at the Café and complete a circular walk from 11 am on the third Sunday of each month. All dogs must stay on leads.
Drayton Badminton Club
Meet at the NOA academy on Monday evenings between 8 pm and 9.30 pm from the 17th of March. All standards are welcome. Call 07896 819511.
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.
Green Gym
Join the Salt Way Activity Group and burn some calories. You will be helping nature and keeping the way open for numerous users. Learn about native trees, shrubs and wildflowers, carry out practical management and enhance the way for wildlife. They are located on the south side of Banbury. Email Swag.banbury17@gmail.com or visit www.saltwayactivitygroup.org.uk.
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.
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
Friendly and welcoming club meets twice a week at the Kings Sutton Millennium Memorial Hall, Astrop Rd, Kings Sutton. Wednesday from 10am to 12 or 12:30, alternating between Supervised Bridge and Duplicate. Thursday evening from 7pm to 10pm are Duplicate. Lessons for beginners start in March. Email: ksbcsecretary@gmail.com or visit www.bridgewebs.com/kingssutton.
Kings Sutton Gardening Club
Have a talk by Malcolm Moodie on Growing Orchids in the home. At Kings Sutton Millennium Memorial Hall on the 25th of March at 7.30pm. Visitors welcome.Call 01295 811635.
Kings Sutton Sequence Dance Club
Meet every Thursday afternoon between 2 pm and 4 pm. Call 01295 810131.
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.
King’s Sutton WI
Meet every 3rd Wednesday of the month at 19.30 in the King’s Sutton Millennium Memorial Hall. Call 07817303625 or email sueashdown63@hotmail.com
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.
Move Together
Is a county-wide programme supporting hundreds of Oxfordshire residents with long term health conditions. The programme offers bespoke support to help people become more physically active and improve both physical and mental health. Individuals can ask their GP or Health Care Professional to refer them to the Move Together programme. Individuals, or referring organisations, can complete an enquiry form online by visiting Move Together website or Get Oxfordshire Active website for more information. Call 01295 221575.
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 Green Pastures Christian Nursing Home, 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
Offers family carers a break from their 24-hour caring role. Can you spare 2 hours per fortnight? Call 07801 482408 or email at elaine.ovbs@icloud.com.
Oxfordshire WI
Offers members friendship, fun, education, new opportunities and experiences, and the chance to be part of an organisation that can really make a difference, locally and nationally. To find out more about Adderbury WI, Banbury WI and others in nearby villages, phone 01869 331081 email ofwi@oxfordshirewi.co.uk. Go to www.oxfordshirewi.co.uk and Facebook.com/oxfordshirewi.
Piece Together
Banburys’ own jigsaw club continues to meet on the 4th Tuesday each month at St Hughs Hall Ruskin Rd from 2 pm to 3.30 pm. They have loads of puzzles of all makes and abilities to borrow. All welcome to go along and see what they do on the 24th of March. 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 Church 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.
Renew Wellbeing
Every Tuesday between 1.30 pm to 4 pm at Bloxham Baptist Chapel. A quiet, shared space to be calm. A place where you can be creative with activities, and crafts and learn new skills or just be still. Call 07484 359108.
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.
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 Boots
Are a friendly walking club for single people. They organise day walks on most Sundays, summer evenings, weekend trips away in cottages, B&Bs and camping. As well as other social activities. Visit www.singleboots.co.uk.
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
Offers 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 07495 139079 or email sthughsbanbury@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
Provide Community Help & Information. Ladies’ drop-ins, youth groups, children’s Saturday Clubs and much 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 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.
Warmington Art and Craft Group
Get together on the 4th Saturday of each month at Warmimgton Village Hall from 10 am to 2 pm. Call 01295 690337.
Warmington Heritage Group
Meet at the Village Hall on the 3rd Thursday of each month. Call 01295 690286.
World Dancing Group
Offer a chance for you to dance to music from around the world in a friendly and inclusive setting, no experience or partner is required as we dance in a circle. Sessions are now held in Jubilee Park Hall, Bloxham on the 2nd Thursday each month from 2 pm to 4 pm and South Newington Village Hall on the 4th Thursday each month from 7.30 pm to 9 pm.. Call 01295 780710 or tracylean@gmail.com.
