Sibford Scene Archive

The recent school anniversary celebration, organised with care and enthusiasm by the PTA and Friends of the PTA, brought together the school community for a memorable afternoon of shared enjoyment. On what turned out to be one of the warmest days of the year, the school grounds were alive with conversation, music, and activity.

Guests of all ages—pupils, parents, staff, and alumni—gathered under the welcome shade of gazebos and trees. Cold drinks and ice creams helped keep everyone cool, while Mr Cameron entertained the crowds by bravely volunteering for a sponge-throwing game. His good humour and willingness to join in were much appreciated by children and adults alike.

The event offered something for everyone, with a lovely blend of performances, activities, and community involvement. Story Corner, led by actress and local resident Lynne Farleigh, was a highlight for many of the younger visitors. Nic Durant’s expert face painting added colour and smiles across the field, and the engaging historical display—carefully curated by Keith and Maureen Hicks— shared fascinating stories from the school’s 400-year history.

Live music and singing added to the lively and warm atmosphere. Local band Glass Half Full provided an energetic soundtrack to the afternoon, while the Sibford Belles and the school’s KS2 choir delivered charming vocal performances that were warmly received.

There were plenty of stalls and competitions to enjoy, and the raffle was especially popular, featuring a wide range of generous prizes including a sightseeing flight, theatre tickets, hampers, yoga sessions and more. The creativity of the pupils was on full display in the impressive artwork exhibited across the site.

To round off the afternoon, a beautiful anniversary cake, generously baked and decorated by parent Mrs Cringle, was shared with all attendees—a fitting end to a day that celebrated both tradition and togetherness.

Events like these remind us of the strength of our school community and the value of coming together. Sincere thanks go to everyone who helped bring the event to life—from organisers and volunteers to performers, stallholders, and all who attended.

After the completion of Barley and Sycamore Closes in the early 1970s plans were submitted for Banbury District Council to build 12 houses and six bungalows in a field on Pound Lane behind the eight existing council-owned bungalows facing onto the lane. As the name suggests, the Gower animal pound, where stockmen could safely enclose their stock overnight, was situated on the widest part of the lane just above the Bridleway now called Backside Lane. The area was enclosed by stone walling which was later used for walls in Burdrop.

The site was on Field Numbers 33 and 34, known as The Pound, plus Field Numbers 35 and 36, known as Little Oddies. They were part of the small 20-acre farm belonging to Harry West became unable to manage the farm work his friends Henry and Lewis Poulton cultivated it as a smallholding. The name of the builders is uncertain but it may have been Gilkes or Cherry’s from Banbury or Billy Hicks of Hook Norton, all of whom did building work for the District Council, providing homes for families requiring social housing.

The new homes, first occupied in 1974, had ducted hot-air electric heating to the downstairs rooms. All properties had a separate WC from the bathroom but there was no upstairs heating. The balance of bungalows and houses in the cul-de-sac ensured a close community where children could safely play and more elderly residents could rely on support from neighbours. Over time some of the houses have been bought from the council and many owners have carried out extensive improvements to update and extend their properties. Recently, those that remain in council ownership have had heat pumps and solar panels installed. Current residents, who have lived there since the houses were built in 1974 have seen many changes within the community and the number of vehicles mean it is no longer a safe place for children to play out on the street.

Maureen Hicks

We are in exciting times as the work on the “reordering” of the church begins, to enlarge the community space; to add a toilet and kitchenette and to the make the approach to the church building accessible to all including wheelchair users and prams. Opus Property Services Ltd., our local building company, has been awarded the Contract and work begins week commencing October 5th 2025. It is estimated to be completed by 12th December.

This has many implications for us as a congregation as the work is carried out, especially the closure of the church for all services which has been agreed with Bishop Gavin. We are allowed to hold all Services in the Village Hall with the exception of weddings, as the Village Hall is not licenced.

The Village Hall has been booked from October – December. Our Services are to be held in the Village Hall at the usual times of: 2nd Sunday Lay service 10 am, 3rd / 4th /5th Sundays 9.30am The first Sunday of each month will be at other churches in the Benefice. We will keep everyone informed as the work progresses, month by month.

Barbara Foster
P.C.C. Secretary