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Garsington is a village some 5 miles south east of Oxford. There are many hills and magnificent views in all directions: Shotover to the north, the Chilterns in the east, Oxford to the west and the Berkshire Downs with Wittenham Clumps to the south. The centre of the village is a Conservation Area.
The population is just over 2,000 and people follow a wide variety of occupations. There are still some farmers but many work at the Cowley car factory and at Unipart, both just outside the Parish boundary. There are also a number of doctors, teachers, social workers, drivers, health workers, construction workers and, of course, people connected with the universities and other establishments of higher education in Oxford. There is also a growing group of retired people.
Garsington has all the advantages of living within easy reach of a major city but still retains a village identity and has a fair share of amenities. There is an ancient church set on a high point overlooking the Berkshire Downs with a friendly welcome for all visitors. The Church of England Primary School was founded in 1840 but is now in a fine modern building and has a very good reputation.
There is a flourishing playgroup, three public houses, a farm shop with plant nursery, a hairdresser, car repair garage, an equestrian centre and a village shop and post office. There is a delightful 'Memorial' playing field with a children's play area and a very active sports and social club. The Village Hall, given to the village in 1905 by the Morrell family, has served the village well but is now in need of replacement.
The Parish Council has up to nine members and has been chaired since 2003 by Godfrey Eden with Paul Bolam as Vice-Chairman. The village is represented on South Oxfordshire District Council by Ann Tomline and on Oxfordshire County Council by David Turner. Boris Johnson is the Member of Parliament.
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