A rolling round-up of news from Oxford and surroundings
Major award for White Horse in Stonesfield
A community which raised more than £450,000 to save the White Horse in Stonesfield, Oxfordshire has been recognised by CAMRA nationally as runner-up in its prestigious Pub Saving Award 2023. This recognises people who have come together to save a pub that would have otherwise been demolished or converted to another use.
Dating back to the 19th century, the White Horse shut its doors in March 2020 due to the pandemic, with the owner putting the pub on the market. As it was the last remaining pub in the village, near Woodstock, Stonesfield Community Pub Ltd was formed to keep it safe from developers intent on turning it into housing. The fundraising crusade included cake and t-shirt sales, virtual pub quizzes and Saturday morning car washing.
The campaign garnered international attention, making headlines in the New York Times, ABC News and the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, with funding coming from California and Connecticut as well as support from the local area. The campaign was a triumph, raising almost £450,000, but despite this mammoth the community still had to contend with owners and prospective buyers intent on property development, which meant the pub remained closed while the community nervously waited for news about its future.
In September 2023, it was announced that Stonesfield Community Pub Limited’s offer of £455,000 had been accepted and the pub was now property of the village. The White Horse is now operating as a “pop-up” pub on weekends while extensive work takes place to ensure it returns to its former glory, selling home-made food, select beers and other drinks.
CAMRA’s National Planning Policy Adviser, Paul Ainsworth, said: “Every year, the stories of communities saving their pubs become more incredible. We’re very proud to award these groups with recognition in the Pub Saving Award and hope it will inspire others to take up the fight and save their locals.
“These awards show the sheer determination and passion people have for their beloved pubs, a vitally important part of communities across the UK. Too many pubs are forced to close their doors against a backdrop of the cost-of-living crisis and soaring energy bills. Everyone recognised is an inspiration to others. I would encourage everyone to support their pubs, especially in the traditionally quieter post-Christmas period.”
Creation Theatre to perform at pubs soon
Oxford-based Creation Theatre Company, well-known for its new interpretations of classic plays and shows, is bringing a new show called Boatman Town to pubs in Oxford and two other venues around the county. Written by Glyn Maxwell and based on the medieval play Everyman, it is set in and English pub – albeit on an un-named Mediterranean island.
“I’ve been trying to write a modern take on Everyman for many years,” he said. “It’s hard to tell that story in a world that has largely lost its sense of God or Hell or Heaven. If there’s no punishment or reward, why be good at all? But what if you knew that an act of human-kindness was going to cost you your life?
“Yvonn, the hero of Boatman Town, sees a choice as stark as that as she shelters from the rain on a lost Mediterranean island. Meanwhile the barman, Death, starts playing tricks with their minds.”
Sounds fun! Venues include the White House by Tap Social, Oxford (February 21-23), Isis Farmhouse, Oxford (February 24-25), Lamb Inn, Bicester (February 26), Seven Stars, Marsh Baldon (February 27) and James Street Tavern, Oxford (March 8-10). Tickets are available through the Creation Theatre website.
Hook Norton celebrates 175 years of brewing
Hook Norton Brewery has launched a virtual ale trail of its pubs and brewery with the opportunity to pick up some prizes in conjunction with Cask Marque’s Cask Finder app. Upon visiting a pub, you scan the QR code on the Cask Marque certificate displayed so the more pubs visited, the more prizes are awarded.
- Prize for 10 scans – Hook Norton Brewery Bottle opener
- Prize for 20 scans – Brewery Tour & Beer Tasting Voucher for two
- Prize for 31 scans – Limited Edition 175 Anniversary Ales Three Bottle Beer & Pint Glass Pack, and entry into a prize draw to win the chance to brew your own beer hosted by Managing Director James Clarke.