Last year’s Old Town Party was such a success that organisers have decided to do it all again for 2011.

 The event will take place in Banbury’s Old Town on Saturday, 16 July, from 11am to 3pm and coincide with the St Mary’s Church fete.

 Businesses in Parsons Street, Church Walk, Church Lane and White Lion Walk pulled out all the stops last July to celebrate Cherwell District Council’s £1.5 million revamp of the area.

 And in the wake of the event an Old Town Association was created to continue promoting everything the area has to offer.

 June Irani of Café 6 in Church Lane, who chairs the Old Town Association, said: “New businesses have started up since last years Old Town Party such as the Artery, Fancy That and the Old Auctioneer which all add value to the old town, so the party should be even better!”

 There are more than 126 shops in Banbury’s Old Town area and many of them will be enticing people in with samples of food and drink.

 Like last year, a wealth of street entertainment is being laid on including the enormously popular Rimski Bicycle Piano, Sue Greenway and her Dixie Strollers and Martin Green on classical guitar.

 There will also be dance displays and a turn from Cherwell Theatre Company’s Liam Nooney and Jim Snee as Holmes and Watson.

 And with plenty to keep youngsters busy including balloon modelling and face painting it is an event for the whole family.

 This year Cherwell is helping organise the event and while there is a little money left from last year to help plans along, the traders are providing most of the funding.

 Councillor Norman Bolster, the council's lead member for economic development, said: “We are delighted with how well the redevelopment has been received by traders and the public.

 “I hope next month’s event will prove as popular as last year’s, encouraging people down to see what the area has to offer.

 “It’s not often you get the chance of a free afternoon out and with so much going on I’d defy anyone not to find something they enjoy.”

 

 

Two sports clubs have just got underway in the area, offering the chance for more people to take up a new, fun activity.

Banbury has a new basketball club. So if you're between 7 and 16 years old and want to have a go come along on Saturday mornings. It all takes place on Saturdays at Blessed George Napier School, Addison Road, Banbury. Cherwell District Council is supporting the club by providing expert advice and equipment.

The sessions are delivered by qualified, England Basketball coaches. It's a great opportunity to get involved in basketball in Banbury as there is currently no club. Times: 9am to 10am for age group 7 to 12 years, 10am to 11am for age group 13 to 16 years. The cost is £3 a session. Contact Alice Walton on 07753 814678 for more information.

And there's also a new netball session in Banbury. It's called Return 2 Netball and is aimed at ladies who played netball at school and would like to play again in a social, fun and friendly environment. It's an ideal opportunity for a group of friends to come along together to play sport for an hour.

The session, at Banbury School, Ruskin Rd on Tuesdays from 8pm to 9pm, is for players aged 16 years and over. It costs £2.50. Bicester already has a thriving netball session at the leisure centre on Thursdays from 8.30pm to 9.30pm. For more information on either, contact Cherwell's senior sports development officer Sue Pearson on 01295 221718, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Cllr George Reynolds, Cherwell District Council portfolio holder for environment, recreation and health, said: "With the addition of these two new clubs to an already extensive list of opportunities to get involved in sport, Cherwell continues to offer excellent chances to give a new activity a go. What could be better than to learn a new skill, have fun, make friends, and get fit at the same time?"

The Four Shires show has been and gone and it was a fantastic success. The sun shone on Banbury market place as food and drink and arts and crafts vendors alike took to their stands. With estmated foot fall of well over 7,000 people, the town centre was buzzing with families enjoying the entertainment on offer. Music was supplied, in the Market Place by Banbury Sound, whilst dancing came from both Adderbury Morris Men and OCVC Salsa group.

The largest Banbury cake proved a popular exhibit, with many attendees pledging a £1 to guess the amount of currants in the mix. The final amount of currants came to a fruity 2,337! All proceeds from the competition will be donated to Katherine House Hospice.

The beer, wine and cider festival in the town hall was also succesful, with everyone able to enjoy a pint of Hook Norton beer, Hogans cider, or wine from SH Jones or Vitis.

The star attraction of this year's event were three award winning Limousine Cattle (pictured above). These were proudly supplied by the Smiths of Bloxham and proved a wonderful addition to the show.

 

From everyone at the Four Shires I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who supported this year's event and we look forward to seeing you all next year for an even bigger Four Shires Show.