Charlbury - Then and Now: or When we Arrived and Now

by Geoffrey Walton

In his book Dr Walton refers to numerous earlier and current images to illustrate the extent to which things have changed in the last 40 to 50 years in Charlbury since he arrived to live and work in the town.  It is a personal record and exploration of what has changed since the mid-1970s.  In particular it looks at businesses and shops and how this fits into ongoing developments in a town which comprises a large conservation area with a medieval road layout at its core.  In the past councils have paid little detailed attention to employment opportunities and even less to commercial and business development.  No Business Park or Business Development Area has ever been considered and recent plans do little other than attempt to preserve what remains in aspic and pretend it is a Rural Service Centre.  By some it is seen as a Cotswold Gateway Town which is encouraging the growth of Airbnb, second homes and the evolution of geriatric community.

Key amongst the author's early impressions was a dance organized by SPARC - the Swimming Pool Asset raising Committee for a pool at the primary school.  Since a licence had not been organized all who attended were asked to bring their home brewed beverages.  The dervish-like dancing was an eye opener to Charlbury life.  Clearly this was a rare and singular place and one we were not going to leave without good reason.  Unfortunately, by the end of the century both swimming pools in the town had been backfilled.

Changes, both good and unfortunate, have occurred everywhere in Britain over those 45 years and Charlbury is no exception.  We have lost much as is detailed in this polemic; 50% of the shops have closed and 20% of the businesses have gone and we have gained too many million pound homes.  What remains is still a pleasant place in which to live, but more needs to be done to improve its assets and ensure its stays that way.

 'The book offers a detailed and fascinating exploration of the fabric and buildings of Charlbury from the early 1970s to the present day. … Of particular interest to the Local History enthusiast are the two sections that make up the substance of the author’s detailed research.  The first of these sections is a chapter which presents a logical tour of the town, sector-by sector, with recent photographs of its many and various buildings. … shops, offices, pubs, or residential properties …with its current use and the changes of use…  The second of these sections of Local History interest is in a substantial appendix, which contains over 70 historic photographs which further illustrate the changes which have happened in the town. …readers can expect some forthright views … which are part of the debate around the benefits and drawbacks around national and local decision-making processes.'  David Betterton - Wychwoods Local History Group

£15 + £3 post & packing (UK)