Osney in poetry (and history)
Osney Island is immortalised in an 1893 poem by Hilaire Belloc. This has been placed in our new ‘History’ section – other contributions to this section are welcome (please send to alan@hilcot.demon.co.uk.
Musicians of Osney – Come Play!
Anyone fancy forming a group to play original/familiar compositions? Pros or amateur. A tenor myself, singers welcome. Meet on Wednesday evenings at 15 South Street. Call John on (01865) 721223 or 07963 680035.
About Osney Island
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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