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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Nettlebed Fete & Party – final info

Dear Nettlebed  Nettlebed village fete is this Saturday 21st June 2-9pm.  Unfortunately, we've had to cancel the dog show due to the weather - it's a shame, but its the right thing to do!  We do have a very fun filled day for the humans.  Here’s a little info about the day. Also see poster below or our social media pages.  Kicking off the fete will be the very funny wheelbarrow race at 2:10.  If you’re taking part be on the start line at 2pm.  Fancy dress optional but expected. Over 18’s only. Bring a wheelbarrow.  Never seen before in Nettlebed, Merlin the magician will be there performing at 3:45pm and doing a walk about at 5:30pm.  New to the fete a Rodeo Bull. How long can you stay on for?  Back by popular demand The Zorbs!  Delicious selection of street food.  Stocked bar selling fine wines, local bitter, Pimm’s tent and a gin bar! Perfect on a hot day.  DJ from 5pm playing Ibiza classics, dance anthems & party hits.  All the traditional games and more....
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Nettlebed Fete – Donations and Dog Show

Dear Nettlebed,  Nettlebed village fete and party on the rec is fast approaching, only two more weeks to go.  We have a lot of fun things planned for everyone including your dog.  A great range of street food and a well stocked bar. See the posters attached below for more details.  Donations are a massive part of our village fete. We are always incredibly lucky to receive such generous donations from the villagers.  I will be at the pavilion while Nettlebed play cricket taking donations on, Sunday 8th June 2-6pm, Sunday 15th June 2-6pm and Friday 13th June 6:30 -8:30pm. I will be at the pavilion Friday 20th June 2-7pm setting up for the fete and taking cake and plant donations. Donations needed: Bric a brac Household items Toys Books Toiletries Gift sets Sweets Unwanted gifts Junk Jewellery Teddy bears Cakes Plants Thank you all in advance. We look forward to seeing you on the 21st June. Best wishes Jodi  ...
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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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