Two books this month, both non-fiction, share tenuous links with each other, from The Old Hall Bookshop, Brackley.   The first is “The Natural History of Crime” by Patricia Wiltshire, the UK’s leading forensic ecologist.

World War 1 is Brackley Community Museum’s new exhibition that will be on display from the end of July until the middle of November. If you have any items of interest relating to the history of Brackley that you would be willing for the museum to exhibit, they would love to hear from you.

With summer in full swing, it’s the perfect time to get out and enjoy the great outdoors with a picnic, particularly as we are so lucky to be surrounded by some beautiful countryside to explore. Westbury Community Shop and Café is your one stop shop for either freshly made sandwiches to take away or eat in.

Lewis Hamilton has finally had his moment again at the British Grand Prix at Silverstone and returned to the top of a Formula 1 podium.  Two and half years after he last won.  He broke the record for wins at a single track, and did it in front of the best British crowd.

Brackley Community Museum is a small volunteer run museum based in Brackley Library.  The two cabinets have an exhibition about the history of the town with items on display from local residents which changes three times a year.

Foxlight by Katya Balen is about twin sisters Fen and Rey who were found curled up small with a family of  foxes at the very edge of the wildlands. Against the Odds Against the Odds, The incredible struggles of 20 Great Adventurers is written by Alastair Humphreys, himself an adventurer.

We are keeping all our fingers and toes crossed for a hot and sunny summer here at Westbury Community Shop and Café, and one key ingredient of a summer evening is a bbq.  Check out the recipes in the article.

Get ‘IN THE MOOD’ and join Brackley Jubilee Choir for a concert of light music, including ‘Captain Noah and his Floating Zoo’ by Joseph Horovitz and Michael Flanders, together with classic songs from the Great American Songbook and other concert show-stoppers – which will appeal to all the family. 

With the 80th anniversary of D Day, Brackley Community Museum is looking back at the event and remembering the soldiers on Brackley War Memorial that were lost during World War 2 with an exhibition that will run throughout June and July.

“Dog” by Rob Perry intricately weaves the tale of Benjamin, an 18-year-old lad from the UK, whose life is riddled with anxieties, particularly about illnesses and germs, dictating his daily routines. Egged on by a mate from the local supermarket where they both clock in, Benjamin tentatively agrees to venture out to observe a stranded whale on the coastline, hoping to challenge his own boundaries.

Nothing says summer quite like the sweet, juicy taste of a freshly picked strawberry. A beloved British staple, strawberries are a sure sign that the warmer weather has arrived, along with the crack of a cricket bat and the scent of freshly cut grass. 

Many of us know just how much dogs can make a difference, bringing joy and companionship to our lives.  But for some people, dogs actually make life possible. Dogs for Good is a charity that expertly trains dogs to enable people living with disability, autism, dementia and other challenges to live happier, healthier, more independent lives. 

Morris dancing is a form of English folk dance. It is based on rhythmic stepping and the execution of choreographed figures by a group of dancers in costume, usually wearing bell pads on their shins and/or shoes. A band or single musician, also costumed, will accompany them. Sticks, swords, handkerchiefs, and a variety of other implements may be wielded by the dancers. 

Joseph O’Connor’s “My Father’s House” immerses readers in the harrowing realities of wartime Rome, a city gripped by Nazi occupation while the Vatican maintains a precarious neutrality.  Against this backdrop, Father Hugh O’Flaherty emerges as a defiant figure, whose clandestine activities transcend the confines of spiritual matters. Inspired by the true exploits of Father O’Flaherty and his underground network, known as the Choir, O’Connor paints a vivid portrait of courage and camaraderie in the face of unimaginable peril.

At Westbury Community Shop and Café, we are proud to source the majority of our stock from local suppliers.  Our asparagus comes directly from Rupert and Clare Smith at Westbury Asparagus Farm, located right here in our village. This means next to no food miles and the freshest produce possible. 

Brackley Squash Club win their Premier Title decider 4-1 against Abingdon, crowning them the 2023/24 Oxfordshire region Premier Division 1 champions for the 3rd season in a row!

HS2 helping the local community – Throughout 2023, EKFB have been heavily involved in supporting community initiatives in and around Brackley and are continuing their collaboration with communities in 2024.

Brackley Round Table Summer Festival – Following the success over many years of the Brackley Beer Festival, the Brackley Round Table have listened to the changing demand and reviewed the fantastic feedback from the amazing Brackley community and decided to change the name. 

Brackley High Street Survey – UK High streets have been facing a variety of challenges and people are also now using High Streets differently and at different times. Brackley is no exception and to help us to better understand local changes we now need your help to shape ideas for improvements.

The closure of Brackley’s last remaining bank branch is causing concern for many of our residents and visitors, this might make accessing in person banking advice and assistance very difficult or inconvenient.  Brackley Town Council understands these concerns and that not everyone can access banking online or wishes to do so, or that they may have complex transactions or needs where an in-person appointment is necessary.