Since the beginning of the pandemic, Kidlington Parish Council has been supporting the work of Cherwell Collective, including use of Exeter Hall and the Barn in Exeter Close.

Cherwell Collective is a not-for-profit community interest company which comprises:

• Cherwell Larder, operating from Exeter Hall to distribute surplus food to local residents by delivering parcels to those shielding or allowing local residents to shop for free at its weekly market.
• Climatarian Kitchen, providing a café and teaching people how to cook nourishing meals using surplus and seasonal food.
• Harvest @ Home, helping people to grow their own fruit and vegetables at home or to get involved with community gardening projects. Any surplus from Harvest @ Home is given to Cherwell Larder.

Cherwell Collective is hosting a Winter Warm Space in partnership with Kidlington Parish Council at Exeter Hall Thursdays-Saturdays 9 am - 5pm. Refreshments, games, books, blankets, and good conversation will be available on site for anyone struggling to heat their home.

Cherwell Collective volunteers and staff will also be available during those hours to signpost individuals to services that might help with the cost of living crisis, including our own groups such as Oxford Party Library where you can borrow items and equipment of a wide range rather than buy them, and Waste Innovation Station which will hold regular demonstrations of how to make things to help keep heating costs down out of items you may be throwing away.

This service starts November 17th and continues through February, with hours extending to include Wednesdays 21st of December through 8th February in the coldest months.

Cherwell Collective is also running a Lunch Club every Thursday at 12 pm in Exeter Hall: all welcome. All catering supplied by the Council in Exeter Hall is now provided by Cherwell Collective. 

We were delighted that the European Economic and Social Committee awarded Cherwell Collective its Civil Solidarity Prize for 2021.

See Cherwell Collective's website for more information on the wide range of activities that it promotes and supports. See also the Collective's Carbon Footprint Guide.