CRuC

The CRuC Library at Manor Farm

This is a small, specialised reference library at Manor Farm, near Banbury with nearly 300 books and pamphlets relating to rural issues and also essays and projects written by students who have completed the CRuC course in Christian Rural Studies.   We shall add new books recommended in the Course reading lists, currently being revised.

Access to the CRuC library can be arranged at any reasonable time by contacting John Neal, Manor Farm, Warmington, near Banbury OX17 1JL, Telephone   01 295 690 253, or by e-mail to chair@cruc.org.uk.

The library is classified under the following headings:

• Animal Welfare
• Church in the Countryside
• Ecology and Conservation
• Ecology and Theology
• Economic History
• English Countryside:
  • Descriptive
  • Reports
  • Historical and Reminiscence
• Food and Farming
• Plants and Wildlife
• World Development

There is working space in the library, and there are other relevant places near (including John Neal's own farm conservation project, the National Herb Centre, the Arthur Rank Centre Library and B & B's) that could be included during a day or week-end visit.   You are however advised to check in advance that the libraries are accessible on the day you intend calling, but we hope you will find this initiative helpful.

In exceptional circumstances books may be borrowed from the library on payment of a £10 returnable deposit plus £1.50 post and packing. All this is a further resource offered by CRuC to enable members to both study and experience rural issues.

Manor Farm
itself is situated on the northern border of the North Cotswolds Area of Natural Beauty and the many local footpaths offer ample walking opportunities.   Half of Manor Farm (5O acres) is given over to a 20 year MAFF funded, environmental scheme and visitors are welcome to talk over this type of scheme and general farming matters with the local farmer.
Accomodation.
The locality surrounding Manor Farm contains many features and areas of interest to the visitor and, if you wish to combine a session at the library with a more extended visit you may stay at a small flat accommodating two people at Manor Farm which is available by prior arrangement.   Alternatively, a Premier Lodge is attached to the Wobbly Wheel public house, situated a quarter of a mile from the farm, and is priced at £46 per room per day (Oct.2000) Tel.0870 7001310.

Meals and snacks
Food can be obtained locally, the following within half a mile of the library:

1. National Herb Centre - coffee shop and light meals available during the working day.
2. Millers Kitchen at Wobbly Wheel Premier Lodge - food available 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.
3. The Plough public house, Warmington.

1. The National Herb Centre (quarter of a mile)
2. Edge hill - site of the Civil War Battle 1642 (3 miles)
3. Burton Dasset Country Park (4 miles)
4. Farnborough Hall - National Trust (2 miles)
5. Upton House - National Trust (5 miles)
6. Banbury and Banbury Cross (6 miles)
7. Stratford-upon-Avon (15 miles)
8. Warwick - county town and castle (15 miles)
9. Warmington village - a picturesque village with a large village green and duckpond, overlooked by the Manor and the Church at the top of the hill (half a mile).

The Arthur Rank Centre is only 20 miles away from Manor Farm at the Royal Agricultural Showground, Stoneleigh, and their library may be used if you book beforehand.   It has a wide selection of original material and government reports relating to farming and other rural issues.
John Neal

Last revised October 2007 by Ken Wilkinson.         Copyright © 2000 to 2007 Christian Rural Concern.
Christian Rural Concern is a name used by the Christian Rural Trust, Registered Charity number 328 204.