After a magnificent fundraising effort, this historic building was completely reroofed in the Summer of 2017.

Now thanks to lots more hard work and generous support from the landlords (Bampton Exhibition Foundation), WODC and all our visitors, sufficient funds have been raised to carry out our long-planned improvements to the interior of the Old Grammar School.

A new staircase will create access to the wonderful upstairs space which hasn’t been accessible since the early 1960’s.

This new space will be used to display information on the history of the village of Bampton and related activities. In addition, we will encourage local groups to utilize the space for community talks, workshops etc.

Upstairs we will also install the latest technology to allow individuals and groups to access and research the substantial Bampton Archive. The space and furniture will be modular and totally flexible to create a fantastic community space and we will encourage the locals to explore, use and get involved.

The space and furniture will be modular and totally flexible to create a fantastic community space and we will encourage locals to explore, use and get involved in it.

Downstairs a new door to access the Vesey Room will be created and the room itself will be sensitively refurbished and fitted out with new storage and display furniture. We will continue to sell our fantastic range of Bampton Archive books and catalogues, an excellent range of local arts, crafts, cards, prints and memorabilia. We would like to introduce an enhanced range of items for sale made or produced locally.

We will also continue to hold our main exhibitions in this room. Normally we present three exhibitions every year all with a local interest. We also host exhibitions with West Ox Arts.

The library area will also be completely refurbished with the new doorway created beyond the staircase. The latest shelving system is planned which will allow flexible use of the library space and create room for extra book stock. There will be a new counter area and the very latest in computer technology for use by the general public.

A new kitchen area will be created along with downstairs toilet facilities for both the library and Vesey Room. A stair lift is also planned to allow access for all to the upstairs space.

In addition we plan to use the space upstairs and the space in the newly designed library to hold all kinds of events.

We are putting together a regular programme of talks, workshops and small events including but not limited to: Workshops to encourage youngsters to sign up for apprenticeships for some of the historical trades – for example Dry Stone Walling, Carpentry and Joinery, Thatching and Classic Car Restoration. Alternative Medicine – Exploring the Village Herbal, Nature and the Natural World, Environment and Sustainability, Cycling & Walking, Health & Fitness, Wellbeing & Mental Health, Book readings and signings with visiting Authors, Recitals, Creative writing, Children’s events, Local History, Arts & Crafts, IT Access for all, Film Shows, and much more

Ann Shergold, Penny Daniels and Dora Townsend cooking a S.P.A.J.E.R.S. dinner

The outbreak of Coronavirus in 2020 has caused devastation to the way of life all around the world. New restrictions and advice were being given daily by the Prime Minister Boris Johnson and two specialist advisers each day at 5pm from the week beginning Monday March 16th 2020.

It was announced during this week that all schools were to close but the pupils of key workers could still go to nominated schools to allow their parent to continue with his or her essential job. Also, pupils who would normally have free school meals would be able to go in order to have at least one square meal per day.

On Friday, the list of key workers was published and this article from the on-line Witney Gazette lists those key workers.

An instruction from the Archbishops of Canterbury and York this week said there would be no services until the risk of catching coronavirus has passed. Weddings can take place with a maximum of 5 people attending but that did not say if it was the bride and groom and the clergy plus two, or those 3 plus 5. Not helpful.

Bampton Meadows, a new housing development is to be built by Taylor Wimpey at the bottom of Mount Owen Road on the Aston side. Taylor Wimpey have agreed to pay £1.4 million on local amenities.

Bampton's Primary School nursery class made use of the World Football Cup, held in Russia, to aid their learning. They learned where the countries who took part were on a map, they had food tasting specific to some of the countries

Bampton's C of E Primary School and Nursery produced this delightful leaflet to explain what the school's aims are and how they achieve them. It talks of learning together with Respect, Friendship and Perseverance. The school is an Academy and part of The Oxford Diocesan Schools Trust (ODST) as well as being being in partnership with Burford School and 9 primary schools in the area.

Bampton C of E did put on a classical Nativity play in December 2016. Some of the children taking part include Isla Cooley, Seth Hall, Amelia Day, Jack Launder, Sophia Causer, Chloe Ryan, James Bruce, Logan Buckingham, Amelia Foster and Callum Gilbert.

Simon Faulkner-Barrett from Bampton was a runner in the London Marathon and completed the course in personal record time of 4 hours 28 minutes. Simon was raising money for the Mulberry Bush School in Standlake which supplies therapy and support for traumatised children.

In December 2014, pupils from Bampton Primary School and the Ladybird Nursery planted trees to commemorate the 40th year of the Tree Council's National Tree Week.
In the picture are Lisa Lane with three year olds Ethan Walsh and Nala Hunt. The head teacher, Carol Phillips was delighted to take part and bring to children's awareness sustainability and ecological environments.

Witney Gazette article on improvement in Childrens test results across Oxfordshire