BN History

Barford News was first published as a quarterly newsletter, in March 1972 with Robert Mehta of Rock house as editor. Four pages of copy, typed on a foolscap size paper (slightly longer than the present A4). It came into existence following the formation of an “Amenities Committee”, whose first task was to “rehabilitate” the village green, which was then a mere mud patch. The Amenities Committee felt that a newsheet could help to let people know about current activities and so B.N. was “born”.

The first issue covered reports by “Barford Village Amenities Committee” under the chairmanship of Sylvia Mehta. “Barford Village Hall Management Committee” Chaired by Mrs. F. Lovell, and advertising an Easter Dance to be held in the hall with tickets priced 50p. The Women’s Institute, President Mrs. Joan Cook. Barford Cricket Club,  Chairman Geoff Castle. Barford and District Flying Club, (the feathered variety – pigeons not planes!), President Eric Townsend. The Drama Club, Chairman Helen Gilkes of “The Forge”, and last, but not least, the Barford Parish Council.

More than 40 years later, after one  or two short breaks in production and several changes of editor, the Barford News has grown to a publication of 20 or more A4 pages of news, views, photographs and local trade advertisements. The advancement of technology has meant that word processing techniques, pdf and digital photography have replaced the office typewriter.

Published monthly throughout the year, B.N. is delivered free of charge by local volunteers to every house in the two villages of Barford St. John and Barford St. Michael. Archive copies are held at the Centre for Local Studies at Oxford Central Library and by the current editor.
The newspaper is funded mainly by trade adverts, but also receives generous grants, and donations from residents and village fund-raising events.