History of Nettlebed

Early history The origin of the name Nettlebed is unknown. There are various theories. One is that Roman soldiers in the 1st and 2nd centuries AD rubbed nettles on their limbs to keep warm on marches. Another well known fact is that nettles yield a thread which can be made into a linen cloth. Many homes at the end of the 18th century had sheets and table cloths made from nettles which grow in abundance around the area. Nettlebed remained part of the manor of Benson until the late 13th century hence it was not mentioned in the  Domesday Book which was a record of the ownership of manorial land. Nettlebed has been an inhabited area for centuries and many middle Stone age implements found in earthworks in a Highmoor trench are now in the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford. At Digberry farm there are little-known remains of a Roman encampment with squared ramparts reaching as high as fifteen feet in places. Grimm's...
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Annual Parish Meeting – Tuesday 20th May at 7pm

Please come along to the Annual Parish Meeting on Tuesday, 20th May at 7pm – Village Club (Small Hall) A number of local groups and organisations have been invited to share informal updates on what they’ve been working on. The Parish Council will also give a brief overview of recent activities and initiatives around the village. This is a relaxed, friendly event for everyone in Nettlebed Parish – a great chance to meet neighbours, hear what’s happening locally, and get involved in village life. Please note: this is not a Parish Council meeting. Here’s who’s been invited so far – if you notice any groups we’ve missed, or know someone who’d like to attend, please spread the word. Everyone is welcome! Age UK OxfordshireAllotmentAnnual Village Fete / Party in the RecArt & Craft ExhibitionBell RingersChiltern Society - Paths RepresentativeCitizens Advice (Henley)Community Centre Hall Hire & All Weather PitchCricket ClubFolk ClubFriends of Nettlebed SchoolGood Neighbours Scheme (Shopping Bus, Lunch Club and Volunteer Drivers)LifeMcQueensMusic & Dance...
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Nettlebed Creamery Needs You!

Part - Time Farm Milk Collection Driver: Due to staff illness, we are looking for a practical individual with an hour to spare on weekday mornings between 6.30 - 7.30am to drive our van from Nettlebed to Bix to collect the milk for the day’s cheesemaking.  Think: empty roads, early morning birds singing and the satisfaction of knowing you’re an integral cog of the daily process of turning the very best milk into some of the best cheese in the country! Competitive rates of pay and a staff discount at the cheese shed available. Would suit anyone with a full car driving license over the age of 26 (to meet our insurance requirements), who likes to be up and about before the rest of the village have got their socks on. Full training on milk collection provided.  Email patrick@nettlebedcreamery.com ...
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Nettlebed Parish Council: 4 Members. 4 Vacancies

The Parish Council is down to half strength and could really use some new faces! If you care about things like planning, the play area, the community facilities or the allotments - and want the village to have a real voice - this could be your moment. No special skills needed, just a bit of time, common sense, and a willingness to get involved. If you’ve ever thought, 'Someone should do something about that!' - maybe that someone is you. If you are interested, please contact Jo Pugh, clerk@nettlebed-pc.gov.uk The next meeting is on 6th May at 7.30pm at the Village Club (small hall). Why not come along and meet the Councillors. ...
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Nettlebed 10k Stinger – Sunday 27th April

CHARITY EVENT NOTIFICATION On behalf of the Friends of Nettlebed School (FONS), I would like to make you aware that as part of  Nettlebed Community School fundraising activities, FONS will be holding the Nettlebed Stinger 10km multi-terrain race on Sunday 27th April at 10am. This race has been approved and licensed by Runbritain (part of UK Athletics). As per previous years, the approved course will see competitors follow footpaths and bridleways around the Highmoor and Witheridge hill area, before joining the road opposite the Rising Sun. Runners will then be directed down Witheridge Hill to Newnham Hill bottom and will run along this road until joining the bridleway up to English Farm. We appreciate that for a short time on the day of the race, this may cause some inconvenience to residents. We anticipate that competitors will pass through this area within approximately one hour starting from 10.15am. As UK Athletics rules require us to provide a drinks station at approximately 5km; this...
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Parish Councillor Vacancies

VACANCIES FOR THREE NETTLEBED PARISH COUNCILLORS A chance to make a real difference in your village Two vacancies have arisen on Nettlebed Parish Council, and we’re looking for people who care about our village to step forward and get involved. This is your chance to help shape the future of our village Ask yourself: Do you want to help make Nettlebed an even better place to live? Are you passionate about supporting your local community? Do you have time, ideas or skills that could benefit the village? Do you want to make a difference to the lives of those around you? Are you concerned about local issues, from planning to play areas, footpaths, allotments, or speeding traffic coming though the village? Do you want to give residents a voice in decisions that matter? If any of this sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you. Being a parish councillor isn’t a big time commitment — just 1–2 hours a week, and meetings are held on the first Tuesday of the month...
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Fancy a Challenge? Allotment Plots Available!

Not for the faint-hearted—but perfect for those who love a bit of hard work and the rewards that come with it! If you’re up for growing your own fruit, veg, and flowers while enjoying the great outdoors, we have allotment plots available at Nettlebed Allotments.🌱 There are currently some vacant plots, but leaving them untended affects neighbouring plots—think weeds and grass seeds! The dedicated allotment tenants have worked hard to keep their plots thriving, and we need new tenants to help restore balance. So, we’re looking for keen growers ready to roll up their sleeves and bring these plots to life! As an incentive this year, new tenants can have their first 12 months FREE! The allotments are situated in a lovely setting on the edge of the Nettlebed overlooking farmland between the A4130 and B481. Interested? Contact the Clerk at clerk@nettlebed-pc.gov.uk or call 01491 614815 to claim your plot! 🌿 The allotment land is leased by Nettlebed Parish Council from the Nettlebed Estate ...
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Nettlebed’s Annual Litter Pick – Saturday, 29th March

Nettlebed's Annual Spring Clean & Litter Blitz will take place this year on Saturday 29th March. Meet at the Community Car Park at 10am. Once again, The White Hart will be offering free tea, coffee and sandwiches to volunteers after the litter pick. If you would like to go, speak to Jo Pugh, Parish Clerk on the day so numbers can be passed on to The White Hart. ...
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Garden waste scheme changes – South Oxfordshire District Council

From 1 April 2025 we will be introducing a permit scheme which will change the way that you pay for your garden waste collection. This also means that your payment date will change.You’ll be able to purchase your new permit from the end of February. What residents need to do: • From late February, visit www.southandvale.gov.uk/GardenWastePermit to make a one-off, annual payment for garden waste collections. • When you receive the permit in the post, you must to stick it to the lid of your brown bin. When we move to the new permit system we will no longer collect bins that do not display the year's permit sticker. Garden waste customers can also sign up for an online account on the SODC website to make things easier when they purchase the next permit in 2026. Anyone who cannot easily signup for a permit online can call SODC on 01235 422422 for support. Visit the New Garden Waste FAQ page for more information and PLEASE let SODC...
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