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.

At the turn of the 20th Century Brackley had two brewers located near the town hall.  Blencowe Brewery and Hopcraft and Norris. Bottles from both of these breweries are quite common and there are a few examples in the Brackley Community Museum.

Birnam Wood, by Eleanor Catton, mesmerises readers with its panoramic narrative that crescendos to an electrifying climax. Nestled amidst the idyllic landscapes of New Zealand, a sprawling farm finds itself marooned in the aftermath of seismic tremors and consequential landslides, severing its ties to the outside world. Sensing an opportune moment, an enterprising activist collective seizes control of the farm, embarking on guerrilla farming endeavours to fuel their progressive aspirations and challenge the status quo.

At The Old Hall Bookshop in Brackley, we host two book groups every month on the first Tuesday and Wednesday. These groups explore recently published paperbacks, with a mix of fiction and non-fiction. Whether you’re looking for book suggestions or information on starting your own group, we’re always here to help.

Natalie Gosher is an independent Travel Agent based in Brackley. By creating entirely bespoke holidays through exclusive access to thousands of flights, hotels, and experiences from every corner of the globe, you are guaranteed exceptional service from beginning to end when planning your next adventure with Natalie.

From bespoke garden rooms and offices in Brackley, to home extensions, kitchen renovations, patios, paving, slabbing and block paved driveways, Hayward’s Carpentry & Construction can help with all your carpentry and building requirements in and around Brackley.

We’re excited to be opening our new Brackley vet surgery in September – we’ll be based in North Brackley on Top Station Road. So far we’ve registered pets from Brackley, Banbury, Bicester, Buckingham and Towcester, and even one or two from farther afield.

Looking for things to do in and around Brackley? Our monthly What’s On guide will keep you up to date with events, days out, clubs & anything else happening in and around Brackley.

Set amongst the beautiful Northamptonshire countryside, Evenley Wood Garden is a 60-acre privately owned woodland garden containing a large collection of flowers, trees, shrubs, and wildlife. Hosting a number of themed events throughout the year, Evenley Wood Garden has something for everyone to enjoy whilst in the great outdoors.

With over 50 years of collective experience, Buzzy’s Girls offers solutions to all of the latest hair and beauty trends. You won’t regret a visit to the Brackley high street to visit this very talented local business.

After originally starting his career in the Royal Air Force as a Chef, Danny Webster now uses his catering prowess to great effect as the proud owner of The Old Fire Station Cafe in Brackley.

Neighbourly, one of Britain’s largest home services organisations donated its largest ever amount of food to a nearby food bank to help local residents in need during the festive season.

With clinics based in both Brackley and Witney, clients travel from all over the country for the EK Clinics’ specialist services. Read more about EK Clinic in our interview with Emma Kelliher.