Grimsbury

Grimsbury is a largely residential area in the north east of Banbury, Oxfordshire, England. It lies to the east of the River Cherwell, the Oxford Canal and railway line. It is also one of the town's largest residential areas and used to be a separate village. Grimsbury was the home of the town's former cattle market (at the time the largest such market in Europe), and currently houses the town's Royal Mail sorting offices, Banbury railway station, Banbury United's ground and the Victoria Place apartment development.

Grimsbury is being expanded further as the Market Quarter housing development has begun on the old cattle market site and the new Axis housing estate just to the East, which has added over 300 new homes and a primary school to replace Dashwood School. Additional expansion is also taking place towards the north of the estate.

There is also a retail and residential development under construction on the former site of Bridge Motors Vauxhall dealership. The region has traditionally been home to many Asian families and has in recent years welcomed many Eastern European newcomers.

Grimsbury is built on flood plains and the close proximity of the Oxford Canal has put the area at risk from flooding. The area was badly effected by the severe floods of 1998 and 2007.

School

*St Leonard's C.E Primary School [http://www.grimsbury-st-leonards.oxon.sch.uk St Leonard's School Website]

Parish church

Saint Leonard’s Church was built in 1891. It was originally built as a Chapel of Ease to Christ Church in Broad Street.In 1921 Grimsbury was constituted as a separate parish and Saint Leonard’s became the parish church of Saint Leonard’s Grimsbury. In 1931 a fire destroyed much of the South side of the church and as a result, the church was redecorated and a new vestry was built. In 1978 the newly created Parish of Banbury, made up of four districts, was inaugurated.In 1998 the Banbury Team Ministry was dissolved. By Royal assent the new parish of Banbury Saint Leonard was created.In 2001 a new dais was built in the nave of the church and the High Altar was placed in the centre. The font was also moved from the South Aisle and placed in the nave at the West end of the church.In 2003 the church underwent a 'makeover' with the central pillars being painted to reflect the decoration of the ceiling which is believed to have been designed in the style of a canal boat. (The canal running nearby).

The church nave seats 156 and our church hall can hold around 100 people. Both the church and hall are widely used by the congregation for social events throughout the year. The hall is let to Lenny’s Nursery during term time and is available for hire at weekends and evenings.

1st Grimsbury Brownies

In September 2005 a new Brownie pack was formed, meeting every Friday in St. Leonard’s Church Hall. The pack is currently full (24 girls) with a waiting list.

Due to the need in the community for work with children, a Rainbow pack was set up in September 2006, also now full (15 girls), with a waiting list.

Both groups come regularly to Church Parade and a number of the Brownies have become involved with the annual musical evening.

1st Grimsbury Cub Scouts

Meet in 1st Grimsbury Scout Hut on East Close [http://www.grimsburyscouts.org.uk] .