Community & Village Life
Title
Community & Village Life
Description
Oakridge is a typical Cotswold village. Its weavers' cottages, historic houses, working farms and more modern developments are scattered on a steep limestone hillside and are surrounded by fields and woodland.
While the physical environment may be that of a typical Cotswold village, however, there is something exceptional about the community spirit that has flourished here and enriched the lives of generations of inhabitants.
Older villagers remember how the closeknit community has shared joys and sorrows, has joined together in all kinds of activities and entertain- ments, and has ensured that everyone was cared for. One said 'Doors were never closed or locked when occupants went out. If anything was to spare in the way of cakes or vegetables, friends and neighbours would be asked if they would like them.'
Church, chapel, school, museum, shop, village hall and playing field are a continuing testament to a vibrant community life here. These institutions and the many thriving social, dramatic and sports groups bear witness to the strength of community life.
This web site (and the book from which is taken much of the narrative) is another product of community collaboration and records and commemorates the story of Oakridge and its hamlets, village and community life.
While the physical environment may be that of a typical Cotswold village, however, there is something exceptional about the community spirit that has flourished here and enriched the lives of generations of inhabitants.
Older villagers remember how the closeknit community has shared joys and sorrows, has joined together in all kinds of activities and entertain- ments, and has ensured that everyone was cared for. One said 'Doors were never closed or locked when occupants went out. If anything was to spare in the way of cakes or vegetables, friends and neighbours would be asked if they would like them.'
Church, chapel, school, museum, shop, village hall and playing field are a continuing testament to a vibrant community life here. These institutions and the many thriving social, dramatic and sports groups bear witness to the strength of community life.
This web site (and the book from which is taken much of the narrative) is another product of community collaboration and records and commemorates the story of Oakridge and its hamlets, village and community life.
Source
Oakridge History Society
Collection Items
Oakridge from the pages of the Gloucestershire Gazette
Pictures L - R, T - B:1. The Butchers Arms Landlord, Peter Coupe 2. Oakridge Show - Winner of flower section 3 . Butchers Arms Group 4. May Queen Gemma Weare on Headmasters Motorcycle (Bruce Burn) 5. May Revels Dancers 6. May Revels - Guessing Sweets…
Oakridge Footpath and Road Names
From District Council Records - Dec 1887 to April 1913The road from the bottom of Whiteway up to the Chapel is called 'Josephs Hill'.The path from the P Office towards the Kiosk is called 'Shadricks' (note the splelling).The footpath by Cobdens and…
What's On
'What's on' is the monthly newsletter for Oakridge residents. Today it is primarily a programme of local events but when first introduced by [ ] in [1976? ] it covered much more such as interesting articles, residents reminicences of times gone by,…
Caves and Collapses
Much of the stone for construction was taken from 'underground' quarrying which created caves in all sorts of places. Indeed, one cottage in Oakridge, is named after the cave used to quarry its stone 'Cave Cottage'.Those 'caves' are often both hidden…
Oakridge Museum
Oakridge Museum was opened in 1983 and housed in the back of the Methodist Chapel for many years. Unfortunately the space became unavailable in 2008. The contents are currently in storage c/o Oakridge History Group.
Golden Jubilee Street Party, 4th June 2002
Oakridge celebrated the 2002 Queen's Golden Jubilee in style with a very successful 'street party'.
Here is a photographic record of the good time had by all.
Here is a photographic record of the good time had by all.
