Chimney sweeps planting sooty kisses on blushing brides was once considered good luck, but now it is a custom of the past, as both parties are rather rare. No longer are the few remaining sweeps the grimy individuals with cloth cap and overalls but clinically white-coated operatives who vacuum away every smut. …
Thank you to those who made the trek across the road to the West Oxford Community Centre for our 2009 AGM. We had over 35 attendees, the largest number for several years. We invited some special guest stars including Lord Mayor of Oxford, Cllr Susanna Pressel.
Keith Hutchence from the Environment Agency gave an enthusiastic presentation about the flood risk prevention strategy and encouraged Islanders to respond to the consultation on the planned flood relief channel …
Sunday, May 9 -17, 12-6 pm; Thurs 12-8pm.
Several local artists will be exhibiting at the WOCC, including Louise Summers of Bridge St who makes delightful woodcuts.
Sunday, May 17. The gardens will be open from 2.30 – 4.30 and tea, squash and homemade cakes will be served in the communal garden next to 112 Bridge Street from 3.30 – 5.30. There will be a plant stall in the tea garden and a sale of surplus cakes will start at 5.31 pm.
Those of you up to your eyes in marmalade-making may like to read about Frank Cooper’s Original Oxford marmalade. From Roy Hoare:
In Sainsbury’s recently, I felt a tug at my sleeve: ‘Would you kindly pass me down a jar of Coopers Original Oxford Marmalade’ asked a gentleman in a wheelchair. As this was one of [...]
The OIBC exists to provide boating facilities for residents of the Island. Unfortunately the boat shed on the towpath can only accommodate a limited number of craft. However, one of these belongs to the Club and it is available for use by members. In addition other members are often prepared to lend their boats out.
Osney Island is one of Oxford’s best-kept secrets. Located to the west of the city only minutes from the railway station and just off the busy Botley Road, it’s a small ‘village’ of some 300 households surrounded on all sides by the Thames and the Osney Stream.
Walk over the footbridge and drop down to the Island you are immediately in another world with boats, wildlife and the tranquillity of the river. It really is an island in the centre of Oxford.
Shaped like an old-fashioned belt buckle, streets named after the points of the compass provide its frame with Bridge St the prong in the middle. Most of the houses are small terraced homes – but you’d be amazed how inventive people have been in making the most of small spaces.
The population of Osney Island is an eclectic mix of people. Some have been born and bred here, others are commuters, academics, artists. We all enjoy the very special community spirit.
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