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Wallingford
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Christmas
Greetings
Keri
Harvey
THE FLORIST
INSPIRATION
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TUITION
Conversions
Extensions
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Planning Drawings & Applications
1 Ayres Yard Station Road Wallingford Oxon OX10 0JZ
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Buiding Control Approvals
T 01491 825891 M 07877598431
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HOMEBASE
MANAGEMENT
Est. 1989
We specialise in Residential Lettings & Property Management
and have a strong demand for properties in the Wallingford area for
individual and corporate tenants
We have a range of services including rent guarantee insurance
As members of ARLA we provide the highest standards of letting and
management services
If you are thinking of renting your property call us now
LET WITH CONFIDENCE - 01491 824470
Ground Floor, 16b St. Mary s Street, Wallingford, Oxon. OX10 0EW
email: hpm@clara.co.uk
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BRIGHTWELL CUM SOTWELL
WALLINGFORD, OXON OX10 0PS
Resident Proprietors: M.E. & P.R. Butterfield
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(01491) 836685
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26
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EDITORIAL
his past year may not have been quite as spectacular for Wallingford as 2012 was – no Olympic Torch Relay
or Jubilee party – but it has been another very, very good year for our town.
T
There is much that is not so wonderful in our world, but as we all come together to celebrate Christmas, it reminds
me how lucky we are to live in a place where natural disasters are something far away, where if you are down on
your luck there are those around who are very willing indeed to offer a helping hand and where we do, as a
community, work or celebrate together all through each year.
We came together many times in the past year: for St George’s Day, the Carnival, BunkFest, the bonfire and
Remembrance and as I write this we are all looking forward to a fantastic Christmas Festival. As you enjoy yourself
in our town at Christmas and, later, think about New Year resolutions, why not take some time to consider what
you might do next year for others, whether that be locally or in the very broadest sense.
A very happy and peaceful Christmas and a prosperous New Year to all our readers
Lynda Atkins 839120
Editor
Lynda.atkins@ntlworld.com
A Christmas Message
from RAF Benson
Wallingford Wassail
s we approach the Christmas period I once
again write to thank you all for your unerring
support and to ask that you spare a thought
for our personnel who will be away from their
families this year.
A
As you may be aware, the Merlin Force has recently
returned from its commitment to operations in
Afghanistan. Consequently, this year will be the first
in over a decade that we have not had a RAF Benson
Squadron deployed in an operational theatre over the
Christmas period. However, this doesn’t mean that
my personnel are all at home, as many continue to be
deployed as individual experts in support of
operations in Afghanistan and detachments across
the world.
Our ties with the communities in Wallingford,
Benson, Ewelme, and indeed all our local
communities, have never been stronger and we
thank you all for your support whatever form it takes,
from attending Armed Forces Day celebrations and
Remembrance Services to simply smiling as we walk
past you in uniform.
From all at RAF Benson, we offer our heartfelt thanks
and we wish you a safe and happy Christmas and
New Year.
Group Captain Nigel Colman
Station Commander
Royal Air Force Benson
www.wallingford.co.uk
The annual Wallingford Wassail will be on Thursday
26th December (Boxing Day) from midday until 1pm
in St Mary's Church. Do come and join us for an hour
of singing West Gallery carols in a convivial setting,
with warm spiced cider to beat the winter chills.
Catherine and Will Lidbetter
833855
Wallingford Surgery Opening Hours
during Christmas and New Year
Normal Opening Times on December 23rd,
24th, 27th, 30th, 31st
CLOSED December 25th, 26th, 28th, 29th
and 1st January
We wish all our patients a very Happy Christmas
and Healthy New Year.
Janet Newman
Practice Manager
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The Mayor’s Christmas Message
s we approach Christmas one tends to reflect
on the past year and to be somewhat alarmed
by the rapid passage of time. For me, an
added marker for that passage of time is
grandchildren getting ever taller!
A
Three years ago, when I was Mayor and wrote a
Christmas message, I said we had a community of
which we could be pleased and proud. Having been
given the honour of being Mayor again I can say that
the last six months, since I was appointed in May,
have not only reinforced my view of Wallingford but
have opened my eyes to even more organisations
and groups giving their time voluntarily and freely to
the benefit of others. Also great businesses, which
support the community and are so important to the
town. I would thank them for all their efforts.
Whilst for many, Christmas is a time of great joy with
family gatherings and celebrations, there are those,
both at home and abroad, who are facing more
difficult times. We are fortunate that we have in
Wallingford voluntary groups who not only assist
those in need of help but also contribute to so many
aspects of the life of the town. As Mayor one is
invited to see first-hand the dedicated and impressive
work of these voluntary groups. This volunteering
ethos is one of the factors which makes Wallingford
such a special place.
In my Christmas message three years ago I referred to
financial cuts being imposed and further cuts are now
being made which puts added pressure on local
communities.
The Town Council and people of
Wallingford need to have a steely determination to
ensure as far as possible our town remains vibrant
and a pleasant place to live. Following earlier cuts a
youth worker was employed jointly by the Town
Council and the Ridgeway Church and is very active
with the young people of the town. A range of
initiatives have been put in place by the Town Council
to help the town to prosper and how great the town
centre has looked throughout the summer with
brilliant floral displays by the parks staff.
Wallingford is also a happy place to live with so many
entertaining events that bring visitors from far and
wide, which is good for the town. Bunkfest was a
tremendous event again and the town was alive with
music and dance. There was a succession of other
excellent events which included the Classic Car Rally,
Carnival, Armed Forces Day, Blues and Beer Festival,
Rugfest, the spectacular fireworks on Bonfire Night,
and the Christmas Festivities. In so many respects
Wallingford ‘ punches well above its weight ’.
I would also emphasise how proud we can be of our
young people. Wallingford School was the highest
achieving school in the County this year in respect of
GCSE results and students and staff are to be
congratulated. I have visited, among others, the
schools, church youth groups, scouts, guides, cadets
and the junior choir and seen young performers in
‘Uncle Tom’ at the Corn Exchange and they give one
much heart regarding our future.
I am very appreciative of the part the churches play in
the life of the town and the care, support and
ministry they bring to the community. Christmas is a
special time to reflect on the teachings of the
churches.
The ministers of the various churches
came together for the service on Remembrance
Sunday and I was very moved to see the Market Place
full, demonstrating the deep respect felt in the town
for the commitment and sacrifice made by our Armed
Forces.
So I would thank all those who contribute so much to
our town and Barbara and I wish each and every one
of you a very happy Christmas and we send our best
wishes for 2014.
Councillor Bernard Stone
Mayor of Wallingford
Bin Collections over Christmas
and New Year
aste in Wallingford will be collected as follows
over Christmas and New Year:
W
Instead of Thursday 26th December, it will be Green bins
on Saturday 28th December – garden waste (brown bins)
won’t be collected. Instead of Thursday 2nd January, it
will be black bins on Saturday 4th January, then green
bins again on Friday 10th January (with brown bin
collection) and back to normal from Thursday 16th.
Information taken from SODC website.
2
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A Christmas Message from
Churches Together
s secretary of Churches Together in
Wallingford, it is my privilege on behalf of all
the churches to wish you and your families a
very happy Christmas.
A
In wondering what to write I thought of the song
that says "All I want for Christmas is you.” Then I was
in a shop selling the signs we put outside our homes
saying “Santa please stop here.” The television
adverts fill our imagination and desires with the latest
gizmos and gadgets. All this appears to me to have
turned Christmas into a time of receiving – of getting.
Is this what Christmas is really about? Or have we
turned its meaning on its head? To my mind, the
heart of Christmas is about giving. After all, in the
Bible we read that God so loved the world that He
gave His Son. So the question to really ask at
Christmas is not 'What do I want?' or 'What can I get?'
but 'What can I give?'
Then in giving, can the gift make a difference? Many
charities have ideas for ‘alternative gifts’ and these
can be life changing for families overseas. Even the
local charities (think of the charity shops in
Wallingford or the CTWA Foodbank) will channel gifts
into making a big difference. Not quite the fun of the
office Secret Santa but something much longer
lasting.
So, with all the hustle and bustle of Christmas
preparations please take a moment to ask yourself
‘What can I give?' And as Christians celebrate
Christmas, we do so believing that this gift given
2000 years ago is still making a difference in countless
lives in this town, our country and our world. So I
hope you really enjoy celebrating Christmas - and if
you celebrate in Wallingford and see one of our Street
Pastors do say ‘Hi’. But may I finally encourage you
to step into one of our local churches (service details
printed to the right) to remember to say thank you to
God for His Indescribable Gift.
Once again may I wish you a very happy, blessed and
peaceful Christmas and New Year
Graham Atkins
Secretary CTWA
Christmas Church
Services in the
Wallingford area
Aston Tirrold URC
Sunday 22 December, 10.30 am: Service of Lessons
and Carols
Christmas Eve, 11.15 pm: Watch Night service led by
Revd Ulrike Bell
St Mary’s & St Leonard’s
Sunday 22nd December, 6.30 pm at St Mary’s:
Service of Lessons and Carols
Christmas Eve, 4 pm at St Mary’s: Crib Service – a
service for families and children
Christmas Eve, 11.30 pm at St Mary’s: Sung Midnight
Communion
Christmas Day, 8 am at St Leonard’s: Holy
Communion
Christmas Day, 10 am at St Mary’s: Christmas Family
Communion
St John’s Roman Catholic Church
Christmas Eve, 8pm: Vigil Mass
Christmas Day, 11am: Mass of Christmas Day
Wallingford Methodist Church.
15 December, 10.30am: Family Nativity Service
22 December, 6pm: Carol Service
Christmas Day, 10am: Family Service
31 December, 11.30pm: Watchnight Service
Ridgeway Community Church
Sunday 22 December, 10.30 am: There will be no
service at Ridgeway Wallingford. Instead we will join
with Ridgeway (Didcot) at Didcot Civic Hall for an allage celebration.
Sunday 22 December, 6 pm: Candlelit Carol Service
at Ridgeway Centre
Christmas Day, 10am: Celebration Service
Wallingford Baptist Church.
15 December, 10.30 am: Family Nativity Service
22 December, 5:30 pm: Family Carols by Candlelight
Christmas Day 10:30 am: Family Service - Put Christ
at the centre of your Christmas
Wallingford Quaker Meeting
22 December 10.30-11.30 Meeting, open to all,
(children's class available) followed by refreshments,
and informal small-group discussion
www.wallingford.co.uk
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thewindowforwallingfordthewindowforwallingford
Christmas Festival
DO YOU OWN A 4 WHEEL DRIVE?
SPECIALISE IN THE SERVICE & REPAIR
OF ALL MAKES OF 4WD
A PROFESSIONAL & PERSONALISED
SERVICE
AT A “VALUE FOR MONEY” PRICE
CALL/EMAIL FOR NO OBLIGATION HELP &
INFORMATION
T: 01235 832100
E: gary@frogsisland4x4.com
178a MILTON PARK ABINGDON OX14 4SE
Winterbrook
Nursing
Home
18 Winterbrook, Wallingford
Tel. 01491 833922/0118 9668845
Fax. 01491 836166/0118 9351862
WHERE CARE COMES FIRST
his years Christmas Festival was blessed not just
with dry weather – but with a host of fantastic
stalls and so much brilliant entertainment – it's
difficult to know where to begin! The variety and
sheer numbers of the stalls this year was really
impressive – and a wonderful mix of both food and
gifts was on offer. The stallholders were thrilled with
the numbers of visitors to Market Place – and all
report brisk business, and good sales. There were
over 50 stalls this year – nearly double last years total
– and led to a lovely bustle, and a fantastic
atmosphere in the Town centre. We owe Caroline
Tyler a huge debt of gratitude for organising the stalls
and stallholders so wonderfully.
T
The entertainment was non-stop on the two stages
positioned at either end of the town – and surprising
'pop up' performances that kept everyone amused
and happy. From the choral group (Ridgeway &
Baptist Group) that amazed everyone at the
beginning of the Festival (brilliant) to the marching
band Horns of Plenty (fantastic) everything was timed
to perfection and well thought out.
The entertainment on both stages was excellent –
and what a great idea interchanging the artists
between the two ends of the town?
Hannah
McKenzie of the festival committee did so well in
securing such a high calibre of performers.
We roast
High Grown Coffees
and we stock Quality Teas
together with a range of
Herbal beverages and Spices
plus a wide variety of
Tea and Coffee accessories
I feel I must mention Rushkeeper, Totie Southwell,
Rory Evans and the incredible Louise and Ella
Bodeker who thrilled us with their amazing talent –
how lucky we were to have them perform for us? It
was great to see Gay & Alan again this year too. They
are so popular and always draw a large crowd. The
entire programme was peppered with fantastic acts –
too many to mention everyone by name – but our
huge thanks to all the artists.
The children were looked after beautifully with so
much to keep them entertained. The free face
painting carried out by Karen King was really popular
- Karen hardly had time to take a breath.
Wallingford Tea & Coffee
Company Limited
6a St. Martin’s Street
Wallingford, Oxon. OX10 0AL
Telephone: 01491 836263
kitch.colchis@btinternet.com
THE WALLINGFORD BOOKSHOP
10C ST. MARTIN’S STREET
WALLINGFORD, OXFORDSHIRE OX10 0AL
We offer friendly informed assistance and an excellent
range of books, audios and fine art stationery.
Following last years huge success – the Living Nativity
held in the courtyard at Down To Earth thrilled again
– and what a perfect setting. Many a tissue was
needed. Thanks to Paula Alias and her team for all
their hard work in creating such a wonderful
spectacle.
Many titles not stocked can be obtained
within 24 hours
Santa's Grotto at the Dolphin saw hundreds of
children eager to visit Santa – and what a Grotto
Telephone / Fax: 01491 834383
Email: books@wallingfordbookshop.com
4
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Santa had this year. Our thanks goes to Jaquie, Brian
and Emma for their incredibly hard work in achieving
such a beautiful home for Santa and his helpers - it
was amazing. A million thanks Sibo for stepping in at
the very last minute to assist Santa after his first helper
was unexpectedly taken off in a white sleigh at great
speed. Instead of sleigh bells, sadly Santa had bells of
another kind ringing. Get well soon Martin.
Thank you too to the Old Post Office, the George
Hotel, the Lamb Arcade and the Comrades Club for
holding their own mini concerts. We are so, so lucky
that so many businesses have the time to get so
involved.
A huge thanks to Derek Hoare for organising – yet
again – the various charity stalls in the Regal Centre.
What a lovely collection of goodies were to be found
again this year. Such variety!
It didn't seem possible the Christmas Festival was
nearing its end – and before we knew it the
countdown to the annual lighting of the tree was
underway, and what a finale we all had in store. If
there was ever a way to end such a wonderful day
then the fantastic firework display funded by Mark
Brett and the 1155 charity has to be it! The display
was the genius of Karl Mitchell-Shead - the
pyrotechnician who engineered this years
outstanding firework night at the Kinecroft – Karl is
truly an artist - the fireworks were stunning. Thanks,
too, to Pettits – who allowed the fireworks to be
detonated from their roof!
Lofty Ladders
Loft ladders supplied and installed. Retractable aluminium
and wooden ladders complete with new loft door.
Loft floor boarding if required
Member of Guild of
Master Craftsmen
Contact Peter Whittington
Tel. 01235 848681
Mob. 07780 600818
www.loftyladders.co.uk
Wallingford seems to pull together so beautifully
when key events such as this take place. Although I
was born in Wallingford, I spent many years living in
Reading, and never could I imagine businesses and
various organisations getting together to hold such
an event. Wallingford … you do it so well!
Thanks also to the many volunteers who ensured the
day ran seamlessly. You are amazing – our unsung
heroes. I obviously have so many people to thank –
too many to mention here - I hope you know who
you are? But surely the most important people of all
are the thousands of visitors who attended this years
Wallingford Christmas Festival – as we all know, the
event is nothing without you!
Ashley Kempson
and the Festival Team
St Leonard’s Square
www.wallingfordmethodistchurch.org.uk
Thursdays 10-30-12.00
Call in for coffee and a chat
For details of other activities, including mid-week prayer & house
groups, please contact our minister, Rev. Katherine Pickering
Telephone: 01235 813242
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5
thewindowforwallingfordthewindowforwallingford
Christmas
Greetings
from all the volunteers
who work for
The Window for Wallingford
throughout the year
We wish all readers
a Happy 2014
Wallingford Art Club
n 21 January 2014 Elizabeth Baldin will be
giving a demonstration on ‘Techniques for
painting in oils’ for Wallingford and District
Art Club. This will take place at Centre 70 from 7.30
to 9.30pm. Free to members, non-members are
welcome to attend for a fee of £5. On 7, 14 and 28
January, there will be the usual untutored workshops
where non- members are very welcome to come and
join us for a fee of £3. Please bring your own
materials and a project to work on at painting
workshops. For further details about this or future
demonstrations contact either me on 01865 858463
or Gill Selby 834181.
O
Rebekah Robinson
RNLI SOS
’d just like to remind readers of the RNLI SOS Quiz
on 25th January at the Masonic Hall. Tickets from
me on 835145 or Betty Pike 835781
I
Jan Roberts
6
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E. R. GERRING
KITCHENS • BATHROOMS
SHOWERS
TILING • PLUMBING
PHONE/FAX 01491 833635
MOBILE: 07831 407337
ted@gerringm.freeserve.co.uk
Henley Philatelic Society
ake a New Year’s Resolution to ‘Start a New
Hobby’ and come and see ‘how to’!
M
We have some excellent meetings still to come next
year. As usual January is ‘do it ourselves’ so that we
do not bring speakers out in what could be bad
weather. We would be delighted to see newcomers
who are interested in collecting anything to do with
The Post – stamps, postcards etc. Do make a note in
your diary to come and see what you can do with
them, rather than hiding them away in a drawer.
Wednesday January 8 – Member’s Evening – The
Royal Family – members to display up to 9 pages on
any aspect of The Royal Family.
Wednesday January 22 – Chairman’s Evening –
‘Stamp Printing Methods’
A Date for your diaries – Wednesday March 12 Our
Annual ‘Open Auction’ which gets more popular with
each year and visitors are welcome.
Meetings are held on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of
the month at Bix Village Hall at 7.45 pm from
September to June inclusive. Visitors and new
members are welcome. Details 681739 or on our
website: www.henleyphilatelic.co.uk
Penny Black
Wallingford Town
Information Centre
We Would Like to Wish You All The Very Best for 2014.
Please drop in if you think we can help in any way
and keep those posters advertising your events
rolling in!
Lynne, Penny, Maureen and Wendy
826972
wallingfordtic@btconnect.com
ROYAL BRITISH
LEGION
e would remind you all that
there is not a Branch
meeting in December, the
next being the 30th January at midday, 12 noon.
There will be soup and rolls, as per usual.
W
We’ve been totting up the results of the Poppy
Appeal, and are, at present, up on last year’s total for
the same period, by nearly £600. Considering the
awful weather, Halloween and Bonfire night, quite a
remarkable result. Our thanks to everyone who
collected house to house and on the streets. Thanks
also to all the shops, garages, pubs and clubs who
welcome the Poppy trays on their premises. We
covered 3 days at Theale services and raised over
£3,133. Our thanks to Alan & Katie Hart plus a
member of RAF Benson, Bernie Thorington, Les
Kendall, & Aidan & myself for that!!
This year we covered Brighwell cum Sotwell, North
Moreton, as well as the usual Cholsey and town
areas. Brightwell cum Sotwell raised £407.02;
Cholsey £754.46; North Moreton £301.48;
Wallingford £13,084.21. Making a total of
£14,547.17.
Poppy Appeal Awards this year went to:
5 years: Maureen Kerdachi; Ivy Small; George
Thomas – one of our younger people who
accompany their parents/grandparents.
10 years: Nobby Charman; Barry Collett; Derrick
Hoare; Eira Hoare; Patricia Jessup; Pam Kendall; Philip
King; Joan Skinner.
20 years: Peter Atkins; Ron Calcutt; Ted Woodgate.
25 years: Betty Atkins; Mick Kidley; Derek Skinner.
A special award to Ashley Kempson of KP News. We
stress the news side as this collection was from the all
year round Poppy that they have on the counter, in
which they collected £200.80 and Edward
Shoebridge won the Home Collecting Unit – again!
The Pub and Club competition was closer than it ever
has been with 5 collections well over £50, so thank
you to everyone. First was The Comrades Club; 2nd
The Corn Exchange; 3rd The Dolphin.
May we wish you all a very Happy New Year.
Linda Shoebridge
598479
Frank Hames
01865 858393
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thewindowforwallingfordthewindowforwallingford
Thameside (Wallingford) U3A
here will be no mince pies at our coffee morning
on Friday 3rd January, as usual to be held in
Centre 70 between 10.30 and 12 noon, but
plenty of chatter. Also there is no outing this month,
instead a celebration lunch on 10th January at The
Milton Hill House Hotel, Steventon.
A New Venue for
Science Exchange Wallingford
T
For our speaker meeting on 15th January, author
Michael Walsh will give us a talk entitled “Brothers at
War” about one family’s extraordinary Great War
sacrifice, based on letters these doomed young men
wrote from the trenches.
After all the parties, food and family gatherings,
January is the time for new resolutions, and what
better one than to join some of the outdoor interest
groups we have. There are several walking groups,
the longer walking group tends to walk up to 11
miles, and moderate walkers up to 8, different
members lead, and the terrain is varied, a few gentle
hills, and occasionally mud! We aim to use public
transport to get to the walks and we take a packed
lunch. If something less strenuous is for you, then the
shorter walking groups tend to start from a good
country pub, and follow a 5 mile circular route, mainly
flat, ending up back at the pub for a drink and some
stay for lunch. In this area we are so lucky with the
variety of walks to choose from, and groups find time
to pause and enjoy the views, and watch the wildlife.
Bird Watching is also best at this time of year when the
trees are not in leaf, and we have an active group who
search for unusual birds and debate their breed. The
group meets monthly in a variety of locations.
If you’d prefer something more competitive then how
about petanque? A version of bowls, this is popular
amongst our members as it can be played by people
of all ages, levels of agility and even for those with
some forms of restricted mobility. It’s a game of
concentration, tactics and teamwork, but great
strength is not necessary, and there is endless scope
for players to improve. The group has been meeting
weekly at Wallingford Sports Park and would welcome
new players.
So come rain or snow let’s get out and enjoy the fresh air
and the wonderful countryside Oxfordshire has to offer.
The Harlequin Ladybird
and other Aliens
cience Exchange Wallingford is moving to a
LARGER venue. We know that lots of people
want to come to our FREE science events and
we hate turning anyone away. So, in 2014 our
meetings will be held in Wallingford School Library.
The newly refurbished library is on the south side of
the school, just a short walk up St George’s Road.
There is also plenty of space to park your car or lock
your bike up! We are very lucky to be able to use this
venue, so do make sure you come along to our first
event in Wallingford School Library on 21st January
2014 at 7.30pm. Doors open at 7pm.
S
All our speakers are of the highest quality, but we are
particularly excited to have a local medal winner
launch our new season in our new venue. Dr Helen
Roy leads zoological research and data collation
within the Biological Records Centre, which is part of
the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology in Crowmarsh
Gifford. Helen also co-leads the UK Ladybird Survey.
In 2013 Helen was awarded the Zoological Society of
London Silver Medal for her contributions to the
understanding and appreciation of zoology.
The harlequin ladybird, Harmonia axyridis, arrived in
the UK in 2004 and spread at more than 100km per
year. The fascinating story of this alien invader is
being revealed, through observations provided to the
UK Ladybird Survey by people across the UK. The
ecology of the harlequin ladybird provides an insight
into invasion biology. What lessons have we learnt
from the harlequin ladybird?
We are grateful that the support of local company
Triaster, Wallingford School and the generosity of our
speakers ensures that each event is free to attend.
We are also privileged to be a Café Scientifique
www.cafescientifique.org
Amanda Holland
Jan Menzies
8
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Disability football comes to
Wallingford Town
014 sees the introduction of disability football
at Wallingford Town Football Club.
2
Following the success of a Football Disability Fun Day
day held earlier in the season, when a large number
of local people enjoyed top level coaching from
Reading FC and MK Dons, the club is building on this
to have a team of its own.
The day was attended by representatives of the Berks
and Bucks FA, Oxfordshire Sports Partnership, SODC
and a number of people working within the disability
field, and the consensus was the day was a big
success.
Ed Vaizey MP who was visiting the ground to re-open
it and to see the huge improvements made recently
said “I was delighted to see that Wallingford Town FC
is introducing football training sessions for adults
with special needs, and very impressed indeed with
the session I saw when I visited the club. It was clear
just how much everyone involved was enjoying the
training, and how much everyone was getting out of
it. I congratulate Wallingford Town FC on introducing
this great initiative.”
As the club moves forwards in leaps and bounds this
as an integral part of our future development. Initially
weekly sessions will start on Friday January 24th at
3pm. They are open to all over 16 years of age at a
nominal cost. These are aimed at all skill levels, all
disabilities, and will be 1 hour sessions packed with
fun. All sessions will be run by qualified coaches, with
bags of enthusiasm.
If you would like to, or know someone who would
like to take part please get in touch.
For
more
information
please
contact
wallingfordtownfc@live.co.uk or call 07767 404670
or just come along.
Richard Prunier
Chairman
Wallingford Town FC
What’s On at The Corn Exchange
Wallingford in January
ome and beat the winter blues and
brighten the dark and icy days this
Januar y with the Sinodun Players
pantomime ‘Robinson Crusoe and The Pirates’,
directed by Gloria Wright, which is one
guarantee of a top class show to follow in the
Sinodun Players proud pantomime histor y.
You’ll sail the seas to the sunny shores of
Brazil and meet the adventurous sailor
Robinson
Cr usoe
who
alongside
the
‘gorgeous’ Margharita Juicilita and her son
Nutty Nick join the ship’s captain and his
lovely daughter Juanita and course not
forgetting the Pirates who will be tr ying to
steal the show as well as ever ything else
which isn’t nailed down. Or boo and hiss at
the dastardly Cut-Throat and the antics of
Cross-Bones and Skull-Dugger y. You’ll be
transpor ted to the beautiful tropical islands
where you’ll meet Friday and a rather
extraordinar y parrot. Davey Jones of course
will tr y and have his evil way with all mor tals
over the sea but the beautiful coral will weave
her magic to keep ever yone safe. Alongside a
highly experienced cast no pantomime would
be complete without dancers and this year we
are pleased our troupe will come from The
Angels Stage School, Didcot. Why not join in
the fun and dress up as your favourite pirate?
Make sure you get your tickets early to avoid
disappointment. Showing from Friday 17th
Januar y to Saturday 1st Februar y, 7.30pm
(e xcluding Sundays and Mondays, with
Saturday matinees at 2.30pm). Tickets for
adults on Tuesday to Thursday per formances
£10 and for Friday and Saturday per formances
£12 and £6 for children for all per formances.
C
Bookings can be made in person at the Box
Office (open 10am-2pm ever y Friday and
Saturday and 7pm-8pm ever y evening), online
at www.cornexchange.org.uk as well as by
telephone on 825000 and Post.
Jane Foster
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9
thewindowforwallingfordthewindowforwallingford
Reasons to be Pro
embers of Sinodun Inner Wheel Club have
been absolutely amazed with the response
to their appeal for mugs and bowls for the
Churches in Reading Drop in Centre – C.I.R.D.I.C.
M
huge thank you to its staff – Lynne, Penny, Wendy
and Maureen – wonderful ladies.
Eira E Hoare
Vice President
Inner Wheel Club of Sinodun
his year's Wallingford1155 Fireworks and
Explosive Bonfire was another great event for
the town, one of the best yet!? The Guy Fawkes
competition was judged by Deputy Mayor Jane
Titchener, with the winning Guy positioned on
bonfire.
T
On the 22nd November we were able to deliver to
them 668 mugs and 74 bowls. Along with this, we
had asked for volunteers to knit hats or donate wool
(or both) for those who use the Centre and we took
along 90 hats on the 22nd.
For the moment we will cease collecting mugs and
bowls but hats are desperately needed – especially
the man’s size.
The number to contact to get
involved with that project is 839415.
The Centre badly needs men’s clothing. With this in
mind, members of Sinodun Inner Wheel will be at the
Methodist Church, St Leonard’s Square on Saturday
25th January between 10am and 12 noon to receive
items of men’s clothing which are clean and in good
condition. There is a particular need for hats, gloves
and socks and also underwear (new).
Club members wish to say a huge thank you to all
who have supported this project with a special thank
you to the Town Clerk for allowing us to use the
Town Information Centre as a collecting point, and a
Wallingford 1155 organised the event and would like
to extend a huge, heartfelt thanks to everyone who
helped. This list is not exhaustive as many good souls
offered their time with no expectation of reward and
are too numerous to list. Thanks go to Grundons and
Paul Simmonds for the firewood, Blanchford building
supplies and Jim Baxter for cleaning up the ash the
following morning; Wallingford and Explorer Scouts,
Rugby Club, Wallingford and Crowmarsh Football
Clubs, Wallingford Guides, Rainbow Pre-School, St
Johns PTA, Firtree PTA, SeeSaw, and The Wallingford
Fire Service.
Special thanks go to Flash FM Oxford for their musical
input to the fireworks and evening entertainment.
The choreography of the fireworks to music was
down to Karl–Mitchell Shead from Wallingford and his
amazing team at Spyrotechnics Professional Firework
Displays, and without doubt – amazing!
The incredible amount of £8,300 was given back
to the community, so thanks to the good people
of Wallingford and the surrounding area for their
generosity. This is a huge boost to the good
causes involved and ensures the event can be
staged next year.
Without the generous donations of time, money,
firewood and goodwill from the people of
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10
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oud of Wallingford
Wallingford, businesses, charities and all
involved, events like this could not take place
and the town would be worse off. Your
continued support is important; please continue
donating and volunteering.
e are very proud to report that the Kinecroft
Academy of Dance has sent £576.64 to
Children in Need. This money was raised
from the sale of programmes at the school’s annual
dance show at the Corn Exchange Theatre.
See you again next year!
The final proceeds of the show have not yet been
calculated, but many thanks to everyone for their
support.
Mark Brett
Chair 1155
W
Virginia Chell
he Wallingford Charities Christmas Bazaar was
a great success this year, with excellent
attendance and good fun had by all. The
success was due to lots of people helping,
especially the very kind gentlemen who helped to
set up and take down the tables, the stall-holders
who turned up and worked hard all morning, and
my family who turned out to make refreshments
and generally keep it all moving. I do hope that the
charities who attended all made lots of money for
their very good causes.
T
Very special thanks, though, must go to Father
Christmas who yet again made the Bazaar his first
official appearance in Wallingford this festive season.
He was kept very busy with young residents making
festive queries and assuring him that they really had
been very good indeed.
The Bazaar will be back again on 30th November
2014 – do put the dates in your diary!
Peter Atkins
he Window for Wallingford is delighted to be able
to report that the Mayor’s Cadet, Flight Sergeant
Sally Evans of 966 Sqn ATC, has been promoted
from Flight Sergeant to Cadet Warrant Officer, which is
the top of the promotional tree in the cadets.
T
Sally has been the Mayor’s Cadet since May 2013 and
will continue in that role, assisting the Mayor and
Town Council at official functions, until May 2014. In
the picture, she is with the Mayor, Cllr Bernard Stone,
at the annual Andrew-Wilding Memorial Service in
September.
Lynda Atkins
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11
thewindowforwallingfordthewindowforwallingford
News from our MP
very year Halloween, Bonfire Night and
Remembrance Sunday seem to me to form a
seasonal boundary: as they passed, we were
well into autumn and winter is now here. Over the
summer, I wrote in a parish newsletter about
opportunities while the sun was shining to make our
homes warmer for the winter ahead. In such a rural
area as ours, many of my constituents are reliant on
oil to heat their homes.
E
A national campaign has been launched urging
people to Buy Oil Early. In past severe or prolonged
winters there has been significant increased demand
for heating oil, and weather conditions have had a
negative impact on supplies reaching customers.
Since 2010, the Government has worked with the
industry and consumer representatives to help them
co-ordinate their Buy Oil Early campaign messages,
and to provide guidance on setting up or joining
consumer buying groups. In Oxfordshire, we are
particularly lucky to have Oxfordshire Rural
Community Council’s bulk oil buying scheme, which
has been very successful indeed in getting the best
possible price for heating oil for many local residents.
You can see details at the ORCC websites,
www.oxonrcc.org.uk or call them on 01865 733214.
To help with the impact of cold weather more
generally, I am pleased that extra money is now being
given to help the NHS deal with the increased
pressure the cold weather brings, that ‘Cold Weather
Payments’ have been increased to from £8.50 to £25,
and the Warm Home Discount scheme has already
ensured that over one million of the poorest
pensioners have received £130 off their electricity bill.
If you think you might be eligible please ensure you
log onto Gov.uk and find out.
The past month has been a varied one for my
mailbag. I’ve received emails and letters about
women’s
rights
in
Afghanistan,
Scottish
independence, abandoning horses (known as fly
grazing), inheritance tax, medical marijuana,
dementia research, deafness in children and World
Toilet Day, which aims to highlight the 1 in 3 people
around the world who don’t have a safe or private
place to go to the toilet - leading to horrible disease
and even systematic sexual assault.
As the festive season approaches, may I wish
everyone a happy and peaceful Christmas and a
prosperous new year.
As ever please feel free to contact me at the House
of Commons, SW1A 0AA, 020 7219 6350 or
vaizeye@parliament.uk. Surgery details can be found
at www.vaizey.com.
Ed Vaizey MP
www.wallingford.co.uk
12
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CONTENTS
INSURANCE
ARE YOU PAYING
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CONTENTS
SUM INSURED
PREMIUM
BUILDINGS
SUM INSURED
PREMIUM
£30,000
£79.99
£250,000
£235.68
£50,000
£79.99
£400,000
£243.99
£75,000
£179.49
£250,000
£243.99
The above premiums are based on a 3 bedroom house of standard
construction located in the OX10 post code and are correct as at the
20/03/2013. Cover is on a standard basis. Other terms and conditions apply
and insurances are subject to acceptance.
For a personal quotation please contact
ARTHUR MARSH & SON
INSURANCE BROKERS
01491 877273
mpitts@am-insurance.co.uk
THE MANOR HOUSE HOWBERY PARK WALLINGFORD OX10 8BA
MALCOLM PITTS IS AN APPOINTED REPRESENTATIVE OF ARTHUR MARSH & SON
(BIRMINGHAM) LTD WHICH IS AUTHORISED AND REGULATED BY THE FINANCIAL
CONDUCT AUTHORITY
Contract and Domestic Flooring Specialists
52 St. Martin’s Street
Wallingford
Oxon. OX10 0AJ
Tel. 01491 833701
Free estimates
masterfloorswallingford.co.uk
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Local Award for Sunday
Bridge Teacher
oan Bennett is an active local Bridge player
who initiated the Bridge in Schools program
for the English Bridge Union in 2009. Initially
this was based in Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire
and Berkshire. It has since extended into
Hertfordshire and Dorset.
J
In recognition of all her hard work the EBU has
awarded her the Tom Bradley Award for 2012
(awards seem to follow a time line of their own).
Joan regularly plays at of Wallingford Bridge Club
and has recruited over a dozen of the members
to work voluntarily introducing the game
into local primary schools. This has lead to
choosing Roke and Berrick Salome Village Hall
(where WBC hold its sessions – see
www.bridgewebs.com/wallingford for details) as
the location for the next step in developing youth
Bridge locally.
From January 12th there will be a regular Sunday
afternoon session of Bridge for young people
held there. The session starts at 2.30 and is open
to to all young people regardless as to whether
they currently play at a school or not. Parents
and others are welcome to come where, if not
already Bridge players, they will get an
opportunity to learn to play. We intend that adult
Bridge on Sunday afternoons will be primarily for
fun without too much of the intensity and singlemindedness that characterises some of the more
competitive players. The young will set their own
ethos.
Children's experiences of WW2
in Oxfordshire
anuary's
talk
to
The
Wallingford Historical and
Archaeological
Society
(TWHAS) will be by Liz Woolley.
She will present 'Children and
war: Children's experiences of
WW2 in Oxfordshire'.
J
This talk looks at how the lives of Oxfordshire children
– both those born in the county and those evacuated
here – were affected by World War II. Oxfordshire
escaped major bombing during World War II but the
county’s inhabitants were, none-the-less, heavily
affected by the War. Preparations for possible attack
and invasion altered the familiar landscape and
everyday life in towns and villages was disrupted.
Thousands of evacuees found refuge here and
became part of residents’ homes and schools.
Liz Woolley lives in Oxford and has a Diploma and an
MSc in English Local History from the University’s
Department for Continuing Education. She is
particularly interested in the lives of ordinary working
people in Oxfordshire in the nineteenth and early
twentieth centuries. Since 2010 she has been helping
the Soldiers of Oxfordshire Trust with their project to
establish a new museum in Woodstock, due to open
in 2014.
This talk will be held on Friday 10th January, 8 pm at
Wallingford Town Hall.
Visitors (£3) are most welcome. www.twhas.org.uk
Stu Darby
Bridge (and its simplified introductory version
called Mini-bridge) is an excellent game across
the generations. The young learn many skills by
playing Bridge, which include important life skills
such as co-operation with other people and
courtesy towards competitors. Recent research
shows that active thought helps delay the onset
of such diseases of old age as dementia.
If you have children or grandchildren we would
love to see you and them on Sunday afternoons.
If your local primar y school is not already
providing opportunities for learning and playing
Mini-bridge and Bridge please encourage them
to contact Joan to discover what the Bridge in
Schools program can offer. More details of
bridge for schools can be found at
www.bridgewebs.com/bridge4schools.
Francis Glassborow
www.wallingford.co.uk
Tutor
Experienced tutor available for
Physics & Mathematics
Provides excellent exam preparation for
Common Entrance, GCSE, A Level, IB & Oxbridge Entrance.
Contact Dr Sean O’Leary MA (Oxon) DPhil on: 07976 283142
www.olearytutoring.co.uk
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13
thewindowforwallingfordthewindowforwallingford
966 Wallingford ATC news
ooking back over the last year there have been
many changes with WO Barker moving on and
a returning commanding officer. As well as all
the usual activities of shooting, drill, studying flight,
rocketry and field craft the cadets have also had a
Halloween party and went bowling in Oxford. In
November if you went to the Remembrance Sunday
Parade many of the Cadets marched along side other
representatives of the community in Wallingford.
2014 is the 100th Anniversary of the start of the First
World War and this will be marked no doubt.
L
A date for your diary: Tuesday 24th January is the
intake night at 7pm. Look at the website
www.966atc.org.uk and click the contact link and it
will give you further details. Anyone can join, to be a
Cadet you just need to be between 13 and 16 years
old. Adult volunteers must be at least 20 years old.
They meet on a Tuesday and Thursday night at
headquarters on Thames Street next to the car park.
Vivien Gardner
We Welcome a New Business
to Wallingford
allingford is now the home for
Thunderbird, Oxforshire’s home for 1950s
Rock’n’Roll. Thunderbird took flight in
October 2013, enhancing Wallingford’s music
calendar.
W
After exciting performances from The Speedvilles and
The Ace Trio, forthcoming gigs include on 7th
February - The MEE Kats (North East) and on 7th
March - JJ King & the Coolers (Kent).
Thunderbird’s name comes from native American
mythology, a stylish, potent symbol of vintage
Americana. We serve 1950s-style Rock’n’Roll laced
with roots Rhythm & Blues, Jump Blues and DooWop - full of fun and energy from popular music’s
decade of liberation. Rock'n'Roll is a fun, free-style
dance, simple to start with great appeal to all ages.
50 year-olds dance with partners 30 years younger,
recreating the buzz of the 1950s. For lower tempos
the floor fills with ‘Strollers’ - a form of line dancing.
When the tempo peaks some people literally ‘Bop’
around, solo dancing. Our venue is the Function
Room at Wallingford Sports Park. With a great dance
floor, comfortable seating, well-stocked bar and hot
food it is a perfect dance-club venue.
Thunderbird is organised by vintage dance
enthusiasts RockinRhythm. Our events focus on live
bands + specialist DJs and a friendly, welcoming
atmosphere. We love to greet new faces because we
know they will leave with big smiles.
Join us and enjoy the fun dance floor and irresistible
music – get up and dance or sit back and enjoy.
Debra & John
www.thunderbirdclub.co.uk
contact@rockinrhythm.org
07515 614500
www.wallingford.co.uk
14
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News from PiP – Patients in
Partnership with
Wallingford Medical Practice
lone
and
Lonely?
Call
‘The Silver Line’.
There are times when
all of us are alone for
one
reason
or
another; but when we are alone all the time it may
have a different impact on us. For some a little time
free from other members of the family can be a
blessing; but being alone all the time can cause
depression and possibly medical problems.
Depression is an illness from which many lonely
people suffer and this is often made worse by
spending hours without company or contact with the
outside world.
A
A new telephone service has been introduced by
Esther Rantzen called ‘The Silver Line’. The number to
call is 0800 4 70 80 90 - this number tells you who
it’s designed for - yes, our 70, 80 and 90 year olds!
The lines are open day and night and calls are free.
Just dial the number and someone will talk with you
and make you feel that you are not totally alone. It
doesn’t end there, because they then set up a regular
call with you every week and you now have a new
friend. Give it a go!
Our next Carers’ Group Meeting will be on 14th
January 2014, 2pm in St Mary’s Church. Come along
for advice and meet fellow carers over a cup of tea.
Val Wolsey
PiP Chair
836820
info@pipwallingford.org
Swap Shop is Back in January
hank you to everyone who supported
Sustainable Wallingford Swap Shops in 2013 by
visiting and in particular by helping. During the
year people made more than a thousand visits to Swap
Shops, nearly 3 tonnes of goods were re-homed and
nearly 150 electrical items were safety tested to permit
their re-use.
T
The next Swap Shop is to be held on Saturday 25th
January in the Regal Centre. As usual it is free to
everyone and provides the opportunity to pass on
unwanted items to a good home, and/or pick up
something useful, instead of adding to the waste
mountain no clothes, shoes or paint please. For large
items, bring a photo or description to display. You can
swap small portable electrical items after testing to
show that they work they must have a CE mark no TVs
or computers. Fluorescent light tubes, low energy light
bulbs, CDs, video and audio cassettes and mobile
phones will be collected for recycling.
There are a few differences this time: we will be open
from 10.00 to 11.30 instead of continuing to 12 noon;
items for swapping must be brought by 11am to give
more people a chance to take them; and we will be
sharing the building with the Local Producers' Market
(which will be open from 10am to 1pm as usual).
Would you like to be part of one of the most successful
sustainable events in South Oxfordshire and help us to
continue to run the Swap Shops? If you are interested
in helping, even just for half an hour, please call Lorna
on 201316, or speak to one of the helpers on January
25th.
Mark Palmer
Wallingford Camera Club
allingford camera club sees in the New Year
with a full and varied programme including
presentations in January on Architecture by
Darrell Godliman and Wildlife by Jill Packenham FRPS.
W
We are hosting a special event on Sunday March 2nd
when we welcome Paul Gallagher, a renowned fine
art landscape photographer and tickets are on sale
now. Paul has been a professional photographer for
over 25 years, has won many awards for his work
and is a very inspirational and entertaining presenter.
This event in March will be one not to be missed if
you are interested in photography. So, to book
tickets and for further information please visit our
website
at
www.wallingford-photographicclub.org.uk or email the event organiser at
wallingfordpclub.events@gmail.com
WFW ADVERTISING RATES
B/W £30 MONTHLY
£130 6 MONTHS
£220 1 YEAR
excluding VAT
supply copy in any format jpeg/pdf
Contact 836282 for more info.
Pam Sandhu-Dickens
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15
thewindowforwallingfordthewindowforwallingford
Music at St Peter’s 2014
lans are well underway for the next season of
concerts in the Music at St Peter's series in
Wallingford's own ideal chamber music venue.
Why "ideal"? Because in the opinion of many
musicians and audiences, the best acoustics for
chamber music are found in buildings of a shoe-box
shape, with a raised platform and a high ceiling. This
exactly describes the layout of St Peter's Church, by
Wallingford Bridge, and the acoustics have a
resonance and warmth (without any echo) that has
all the musicians that have ever performed there
eager to return. While it's true that the pews are less
ideal than the acoustics, the music is of such a high
standard that most people don't notice the seating there are cushions anyway and you can always bring
one of your own for added comfort!
P
The 2014 season starts in May and runs until the end
of September. There'll be two String Quartets, a solo
piano recital, a Clarinet Trio, a flute recital, and Piano
Trio, a violin recital and a concert by a singer, violaplayer and pianist; and the season will be rounded
off by the locally-based Thames Consort.
The composers you can hear include stalwarts of the
repertoire such as Schubert, Beethoven, Brahms,
Haydn, Mozart, Chopin, Delius, Grieg, Elgar and
Debussy, plus some others that are just as good if less
well-known, including the Italian film composer Nino
Rota and the Argentinian Alberto Ginastera.
If you've never been to one of our concerts, why
not try our "First-Timers Free" scheme? There are
free tickets available for those who are trying
our concerts for the first time, and so far nearly
100 people have taken advantage of it, in most
cases finding they want to come to more. And
those between 8 and 25 years of age can always
get in free.
Our 2014 brochure will be distributed in March,
and it will give you all the details of the concerts,
the free ticket schemes, and other information. To
put yourself on the free mailing list, give me your
name and postal address either by phoning me on
01491-825421,
emailing
me
at
gcstackhouse@tiscali.co.uk, or leaving a note of
your name and address at 55 The Street,
Crowmarsh Gifford.
It will be great to see you!
Glynne Stackhouse
Chairman
Music at St Peter's
THE PARISH OF WALLINGFORD
The Churches of St. Mary-le-More and St. Leonard
SUNDAY SERVICES
8 a.m. St. Leonard - Holy Communion
10 a.m. St. Mary-le-More
Parish Communion and Sunday School or All Age Worship
6.30 p.m. St. Leonard - Evensong
For details of services and other activities
see www.MaryLeMore.co.uk
Team Rector: The Revd. David Rice
Telephone: 01491 - 202188
‘NOW’ OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
MONDAY – FRIDAY
Fresh Coffee/Tea and Homemade Cakes
Available 8.30am – 4.00pm
Freshly made Baguettes/Sandwiches & Rolls
Delicious Hot Dishes
Available Lunch Time Only
Ample Parking/Free ATM Machine
Come and try our Café Restaurant, located in
the Manor House of Howbery Park
overlooking our beautiful lawns and
new patio area
For any queries, please contact
01491 822305
www.howberypark.com
16
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Another New Business to Welcome
ntroducing The Grooming Studio, now open at
Dexter's Canine Emporium!
I
We offer a wide range of grooming services,
including:
• Bathing and brushing
• Full Groom (includes bath and brush,
clipping, scissoring/styling)
• Hand stripping
• Ear cleaning/plucking (when required)
• Nail trims
All breeds are welcome, big or small! You can find us
at 21 St Mary's Street, or call us on 833882 to make
an appointment or discuss your dog's grooming
needs. Prices vary depending on coat length, coat
condition, dog's size and service required - please
contact us for a quote.
Find us on Dexter's Facebook page for more
information and a gallery of pictures
Tash Branigan
The Wallingford Mechanics' Institute
uring the first half of the
nineteenth
centur y
many towns initiated
Mechanics' Institutes, with the
aim of providing further
education for working men. An
institute started in Wallingford in the 1840s - it
was first held in a room of the house which is now
5 High Street, on the corner with Thames Street. It
seems that the institute was a modest one and
there may have been difficulty in finding a suitable
meeting place, for it soon moved along the High
Street to a place opposite the present Waitrose.
However, around 1855 a more permanent place
was found sharing present-day 23 Fish Street
(now St Mary's Street), a Corporation property
next to what was then the 'Dukes Head' inn. The
institute provided a Reading Room and a
programme of lectures, often held in the Town
Hall during the winter months November to
March. Subjects ranged from topical issues
(including 'Italy and Garibaldi') to biographical and
geographical studies. The Rev. Clutterbuck, rector
of Long Wittenham, having an interest in geology,
gave more scientific lectures involving water: 'The
Thames above Wallingford' and 'The drainage of
D
towns'. Another talk, given by the son of John
Langley, rector of St Mary's, on 'Obstacles to the
improvement of the working class of England',
attracted a small audience - one wonders why!
A committee managed the institute, including a
President, two vice-Presidents and a Treasurer (all
from among prominent residents) as well as two
Secretaries. They were elected at annual meetings
held in The Reading Room in September. The
institute seems to have prospered but with a
growing interest in the town for establishing a
Literary Institute in 1871 the two were merged.
Wallingford's Mechanics' Institute therefore lasted
some thirty years, unlike others in larger towns
and cities that evolved into Colleges still existing
today. The Literary Institute with a Free Library,
however, was housed in a new building, now
refurbished as the hall of the Methodist Church in
St Leonard's Square.
David Pedgley
[David Pedgely is a member of the Documents Group
of The Wallingford Historical and Archaeological
Society (TWHAS)]
www.wallingford.co.uk
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17
thewindowforwallingfordthewindowforwallingford
Didcot and Wallingford Ramblers
ed 1st 10:00 SU648912 Moderate 9 miles.
Meet at Ewelme at Cow Common car park.
Walk to Harcourt Hill, Ewelme Park and
Swan's Way. Please bring packed lunch. Registered
Assistance Dogs only. Contact Barry Cowlard
838707
W
Tues 7th 10:00 SU614915 Moderate 7 miles. Meet at
Benson at the junction of Church Rd/St Helen's Ave.
Walk via Warborough, the Berricks and Roke. Dogs
on short leads please. Contact Keith Tibbs 838689
/07976 302136
WFW ADVERTISING RATES
B/W £30 MONTHLY
£130 6 MONTHS
£220 1 YEAR
excluding VAT
supply copy in any format jpeg/pdf
Contact 836282 for more info.
Sun 12th 13:30 SU526882 Moderate 7 miles. Meet
at East Hagbourne at Upper Cross near the church.
This is a monthly village ramble that varies from 5 to
9 miles at a quick pace. Contact Paul Chambers
01235 816365
Tues 14th 10:00 SU702868 Moderate 7
miles.
Meet at Nettlebed at the Old Kiln. Walk to Catslip, Bix
and Lower Highmoor. Registered Assistance Dogs
only. Contact Barry Cowlard 838707
Tues 21st 10:30 SU431883 Moderate 5 miles. Meet
at Ardington at the car park in High St near Loyd
Lindsay Rooms. Walk to East and West Lockinge then
along Ginge Brook to West Hendred. Registered
Assistance Dogs only. Contact Hilary Smith 835080
Tues 28th 10:00 SU645820 Moderate 5 miles. Meet
at Woodcote at the village hall car park. This is a hilly
walk which may be muddy in places. In case of
snow, ice or heavy rain please ring leader before walk.
Pub stop at the
end. Dogs on short leads please. Contact John Rust
836563
Sue White
Gardening with Wildlife in Mind
allingford Gardening Club has a new series
of talks for the winter and spring. At our first
talk of the year, Dr Stephen Head will
present "Gardening with Wildlife in Mind".
W
This talk will describe the science and practicalities
behind enlivening our gardens with wildlife, and why
it has such conservational importance.
Steve is a well known local environmental consultant,
who is passionate about his interests. He is a popular
speaker on gardening and wildlife having made many
radio and TV appearances, and has been the national
co-ordinator for the Wildlife Gardening Forum for the
18
past eight years. Steve has led several UK
environmental charities and is currently a board
member of the Exmoor National Park Authority.
The talk will be held in Wallingford Town Hall at
7.30pm on Thursday 9th January. Visitors very
welcome, and for this month admission will be FREE!!
Isabelle Darby
Dylan Thomas Centenary
Celebration
It will be “spring, moonless night in the small town,
starless and bible-black” at Goring Village Hall for
Dylan Thomas Night on Friday 28th February. One
hundred years after his birth, Dylan’s work lives on, a
wonderfully captivating, uniquely Welsh view of life,
often hilarious and always unconventional. This
event is part of a year-long nationwide celebration,
the Dylan Thomas 100 Festival. Performed by
amateur local actors on the eve of St David’s Day, an
extravaganza of poems, stories and conviviality is
assured. Early booking essential.
Tickets from Inspiration in Goring Arcade or call
873530. www.dylanthomas100.org
Ivor Coleman
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thewindowforwallingfordthewindowforwallingford
Wallingford history walks and
Museum tours in 2014
uring 2014 there will be
an opportunity to join
one of the popular
history walks led by Judy Dewey
and
Wallingford
Museum
volunteers.
D
On Sat 26th April there will be a walk around the
Castle earthworks in the morning, followed by a
Town history walk in the afternoon. So a full day to
absorb Wallingford's history, and a super opportunity
to visit the Museum between your exercise!
Put the date in your diary now!
The special exhibition for 2014 will be 'Siege and
Strife: Wallingford and War’. It will look at the impact
war has had on the town and its people throughout
the centuries, from Viking and Norman invasions,
through two Civil Wars and two World Wars to
modern warfare and the role of RAF Benson. If you
have any specifically local items or photographs
related to Wallingford and war that you might be
willing to lend for display or allow us to copy, please
contact 837298 or 651127. We are also particularly
seeking a uniform of the First or Second World War.
Separately arranged group visits to the Museum or
history walks (or combined) are proving increasingly
popular. They can be specially tailored to your group's
requirements.....out of hours, introductory talk, etc. If
your group / society/ school would like to book for
2014 then please phone Judy Dewey as soon as
possible, tel 651127.
Whilst Wallingford Museum is closed for its winter
break, the highly successful Museum bookshop, with
its constantly changing stock of good second-hand
books (all modestly priced), will remain open during
January and February. The shop will be open on
Fridays and Saturdays from 10.30am to 1pm. Do
please continue to donate your second-hand books and particularly those with an Agatha Christie
connection!
The League of Friends of
Wallingford Hospital
Your Local Hospital
he League of Friends AGM will be held at 6pm
on Thursday 30th January in the Meeting Room
at Wallingford Hospital.
The public are
welcome to attend.
T
We support Wallingford Hospital by raising funds to
buy equipment and to improve the environment. We
have recently bought a hoist and had the quadrangle
gardens renovated. You can help us by being a
paying member, helping at fund raising events,
joining the Committee or organising fund raising
events yourself. If you are interested in doing any of
these then come along to the AGM or contact Anne
Marsden, 208500.
Stu Darby
Nigel Hessey
Installation & Repair • Free estimates
Over 25 years of quality workmanship
Phone/Fax 01491 837939
Mobile 07740981597
Email peter.witney@sky.com
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19
thewindowforwallingfordthewindowforwallingford
HAT’S ON
Every Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday
Coffee at St Mary’s Church 10 – 12
First Monday The Music Club for children with disabilities
and additional needs call Sophia Nicholls 07768 298 297
or Julie Hinton 01189 722322
Every Monday
Optimists over 50 Badminton, Regal
Centre 2.15 – 4
Every Monday Table Tennis at the Regal Centre, 7.15 - 10.00pm
Every Tuesday Lunches at Methodist Church Centre
12.30 pm
Every Tuesday Wallingford and District Art Club, Centre
70 at 7.30
Every Tuesday, 2 – 4 Age UK Games Afternoon at
Millington House
Second Tuesday PiP’s Carers’ Support Group, St
Mary’s Church, 2pm
2nd/4th Wednesdays Henley Philatelic Society Bix Village
Hall at 7.45 (not July/August)
Every Wednesday 6pm at The Methodist Church - Boys'
Brigade ages 5 to 18
Every Thursday Coffee Morning, Methodist Church
Centre 10.30 to 12
Every Thursday Wallingford Photographic Club 7.45
Crowmarsh Pavilion (not July/August)
Every Friday Wallingford Country Market 8.30 – 11.15 in
the Regal Centre.
Every Friday and Saturday, Coffee at the Corn Exchange,
10 – 2 with soup from 11am
Every Friday and Saturday Coffee at St Mary’s Church 10
– 12
Every Friday - Charter Market in the Market Place
Every Friday No Strings Drop in for young people at the
Methodist Hall, 8 – 10pm
Every Saturday WAGS Store open at Centre 70, 10-12
Most Saturdays Local Producers’ Market, Regal Centre 10 – 1
Every Sunday Wallingford Runners meet for a run. Contact
number is now 07720 204783 or 07919 692532
Second Sunday Wallingford Model Club meet at the Fire
Station 10 till 5. All welcome. Tel George Clark 200841
INDOW FOR WALLINGFORD is published on a
non-profit making basis and is compiled and
distributed entirely by volunteers.
W
All material published is copyright and may not be
copied, stored, reproduced or transmitted in whole
or in part by any means whatsoever without the
written consent of the Editor.
The opinions expressed in this magazine are not
necessarily those of the Editor. The Editor is
pleased to receive material for publication, but
reserves the right to amend or reject it at her
discretion.
20
January 2014
4th
Toy Library for Children with Special Needs and
their families.
Contact Pamela on
07717280995
8th
Wallingford WI Games, quiz and refreshments
7.30pm Ridgeway Community Centre, Kate
201273
9th
Deadline for copy for the Window for
Wallingford
9th
Wallingford Gardening Club 7.30 call 837429
for info
10th
TWHAS Talk 7.45 at the Town Hall
14th
Carers’ Group Meeting
15th
Thameside U3A: Brothers at War
21st
Farmers’ Market
21st
Science Exchange Wallingford at Wallingford
School (new venue!)
21st
Wallingford Art Club
25th
Collection of Men’s Clothing for CERDIC – 10 –
12 Methodist Hall
25th
Swap Shop at the Regal
25th
RNLI SoS Quiz
30th
RBL Branch Meeting at 12 noon, Masonic
Centre
31st
Collection and Distribution day for The
Window for Wallingford
Editor: Lynda Atkins
39 Station Road, Wallingford, Oxon, OX10 0JX
Telephone: 01491 839120
lynda.atkins@ntlworld.com
Distribution Manager: Andrew Blackwell,
7 Chalmore Gardens, Wallingford, OX10 9EP
Telephone: 01491 - 825991
For adverts/inserts, contact Albry Printing Co. Ltd.
Telephone: 01491 - 836282
Publication Date: 1st of the month
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HOWARD CHADWICK
FUNERAL SERVICE
A caring family owned and managed Funeral Service
• Dedicated Private Chapel of Rest •
• Golden Charter Pre-Paid Funeral Plans •
• Specialists in Memorial Stones and Designs •
33 Benson Lane, Crowmarsh Gifford,
Wallingford OX10 8ED
Tel: 01491 825222
Tailor-made Trips to suit at Competitive Prices
WHITES COACHES o f OXFORD
Family Run Business Est since 1984
Covering All Areas & All UK Airports
•
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33-53 Seaters Available
Corporate & Contract
Days Out, Theatre Trips, Races and more
Day Excursions
Discounts Available – Please Call for details
01865 340516
90 Colwell Road, Berinsfield, Wallingford OX10 7NU
www.chadwicksfuneralservice.co.uk
Wallingford Tyres
& Exhausts
FRIENDLY, PROFESSIONAL SERVICE
AT COMPETITIVE RATES
PHONE: (01491) 824145 FOR A QUOTE
or call in at: AYRES YARD, STATION ROAD,
WALLINGFORD, OXON.
OR BY APPOINTMENT OUTSIDE WORKING HOURS
Mon.-Fri. 8.30 a.m.-5.30 p.m. Sat. 8.30 a.m.-1.00 p.m.
(Just past the Esso Garage on the way to Didcot)
SHOE
REPAIRS
ENGRAVING
FEET FIRST
21 St. Mary’s Street, Wallingford
Contact Gary on: 01491 825224
WATCHSTRAPS
BATTERIES
STITCHING
REPAIRS
Paddocks Pre-School
Paddock Road
Wallingford
Oxon. OX10 9LT
KEY
CUTTING
TRAVEL GOODS
LUGGAGE
a small & friendly pre-school environment offering a wide range of activities
•
•
•
•
•
Flexible sessions for 2-5 yr olds
After-school care available
Pick-up from St. John’s Primary School
Government funded sessions for 3yrs+
Holiday play schemes for 2-8yr olds
For more information or to visit please call Helen:
01491 825333 / 825514
WINTERBROOK GARDEN SERVICES LTD.
Garden Design, Construction and Maintenance
Fencing • Patios • Full Pruning Service
Tel: 01491 838189 24hr Ansaphone
Mob: 0775 3636333
Outstanding Local
Pre-school Education
and Childcare
• Flexible term time hours for 2 – 5 year olds
• School holiday playschemes for children up to 9 years old
Come and join our friendly group and have fun as you learn
For more information contact The Bullcroft, High Street, Wallingford Oxon OX10 9BX
Tel: 01491 826209
info@rainbowpreschool.org.uk
www.rainbowpreschool.org.uk
Scotland’s Ash Garage
• MOT testing from 6am by appointment
• Servicing to all types of Vehicles including Vans
and new vehicles under warranty
• Air Conditioning Specialists
• Tyres, Exhausts and Clutches
• Selection of Free Courtesy Cars
• Recovery Service available
• Diagnostic Fault Finding and
rectification for any make of car
HUGE
SAVING
ON
TYRES
01235 850707
Main Street, West Hagbourne
Didcot, Oxon OX11 0NA
www.scotlandsashgarage.co.uk
The perfect setting for your wedding ceremony, reception,
private party or corporate function.
We have a fully licensed bar and provide catering at the
highest standard.
Contact: Lains Barn, Grove Park Drive, Ardington
Wantage, Oxfordshire OX12 7QG
Tel: 01235 832745 • events@lainsbarn.co.uk
• www.lainsbarn.co.uk
Patricia Newman Practice
CHARTERED BUILDING SURVEYORS
2D & 3D colour plans
of your project for
Planning, Building
Regulations & Project
Management
Call for a no obligation fee
quote
Party Wall Surveyors
Planning Appeals
Surveys
9 St. Mary’s Street, Wallingford 01491 833373
JIM PINK (WALLINGFORD) LTD
The Friendly Family Firm
Serving the Motorist since 1960
38 Sinodun Road, Wallingford
Tel: 01491 837932
Fruit & Vegetables • Newspapers • Magazines
Beers & Wines • Mobile Top-up Vouchers
In-Store Bakery with Freshly Baked Bread & Cakes
plus the National Lottery
WE ARE HERE
Didcot
WANTAGE ROAD
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NEW & USED CAR SALES • SERVICING ALL MAKES
MOT CENTRE • AIR CONDITIONING SPECIALISTS
TYRES • BATTERIES • EXHAUSTS • BODYWORK
CAR SALES • SERVICE CENTRE
Wood Street Garage,
Wood Street, Wallingford
best value locally
AD
RO
Garage
STATION ROAD
Opening hours: Mon-Sat. 6.00am-8.00pm
Sunday 6.30am-1.00pm
01491 836017
01491 836022
Retail Motor
Industry
Federation
www.jimpink.co.uk
sales@jimpink.co.uk - service@jimpink.co.uk
1960-2010
years