Saturday, 28 November 2009

Welcome to Castle Mill Oxford

Castle Mill is part of the University of Oxford Graduate Housing and is home to 69 students living in single accommodation and 62 couples or families. Every adult here either studies at the University of Oxford, or has a partner who studies there. We must have a lot in common. We live with trains for a start. The railway is only yards from our door. I like it, others find it too noisy, or are worried about the pollution it causes.


So what is the point of this blog? Well, I thought it would be good for the people of Castle Mill to have an online forum to get to know each other, arrange social events and talk about those things that affect everybody who lives here. In the summer, perhaps we could have a barbeque on the green in the middle of our home. Every now and then, perhaps a few of us could walk off to The Perch for a drink and a chat. Whatever we decide to do, I thought we could make a start here.


I have put a few function buttons down the side of the blog to give an idea of the things we could use this space for. Firstly, arranging social events or bringing people together. If you are looking to get to know your neighbours, why not invite them out for a drink and chat using Castle Mill People? Parents and babies, you get a special section. Would you like to meet each other for a coffee in the common room one morning? Arrange it here! There are sometimes things that everyone needs to know, so, on Castle Mill People there is a place for Malcolm to alert us to new notices, etc. Also, when people are moving in and moving out, there are often unwanted items that need a new home, or wanted items that need to be found. If you would like to sell something, or give it away; if you need something and would like it for free, why not put an advert here? To make a post on Castle Mill People, just email castlemilloxford@gmail.com. If you would like replies, then indicate how you would like them, in the comments boxes, or via your own email address (which you would need to publish).


That is the plan, I hope you like it. So, welcome to Castle Mill. If you have read this and think that it is a good idea, please make a comment. If you would like to make a post to the Castle Mill community, please email castlemilloxford@gmail.com.

Community People

If you are wondering if there are people like you living in Castle Mill, the answer is probably "Yes". Why not find out, by asking for groups of like minded people to meet and have a chat. Perhaps you are looking for people who share an interest of yours, for example, cycling. Or, maybe you would like to find out if there are people at Castle Mill who share your religious faith. Whatever you would like to know, start asking questions and organizing a time to meet people here.

Email: castlemilloxford@gmail.com

Swap Shop

In the common room there is a space for people to leave unwanted items up for adoption. This system works really well. On Castle Mill People, there is space for advertising your unwanted bits and pieces. Maybe you are moving on, or just having a clear out. If you need to get rid of something, advertise it here. If you would like to sell something, advertise it here too.

Or, perhaps there is something you really need. You can always ask for things here too.

Email: castlemilloxford@gmail.com

Malcolm's Notices

Every now and then Malcolm, our caretaker needs to tell us something important. This is the space for him to do it. Use this button to find all the notices that Malcolm leaves with vital information for Castle Mill tenants.

Parents and Babies


Use this button to look for all things parent and baby. There are quite a few of you here at Castle Mill with young children. This is a place for you to organize yourselves some activities for all the family, or for baby.

In the summer, perhaps you could name an afternoon to play on the lawn outside. Or, arrange a buggy walk across Port Meadow. Whatever it is, it starts here.

Castle Mill People really needs a proactive Mum or Dad to help suggest what parents need, and volunteer to organize a few events. Could that be you? Email: castlemilloxford@gmail.com

What's on

Use this button to find out if Castle Mill people are planning any events or activities that might be of interest to you.

Maybe you would like to organize an event? It needn't be hard. Advertise your thoughts on all things social here.

Email: castlemilloxford@gmail.com

About Me

Oxford, United Kingdom
The current editor of this blog is Elaine Hutton, a resident of Castle Mill