The Parish Pump for December 2004
PARISH PUMP
Parish Pump is published every month except January, and should be distributed to
every household in the Shill Valley and Broadshire benefice. If you do not receive a
copy, please contact Jane Brylewski.
Advertising does not cover all our costs, and we welcome donations (suggesting
£5/year) which you can send through your Parish Pump Correspondent (see
inside back cover), the person who delivers your Parish Pump, or directly to
Ellie Maughan. If you have not already done so, please send your £5 to cover
2004’s issues. In any event please send £5 to cover 2005’s issues.
We welcome articles, letters, diary items, or just good ideas for future articles
(and criticism, whether good or bad! Ed). Please submit through your local Parish
Pump Correspondent, or directly to Richard Martin. Photographs are also
welcome. We prefer all copy to sent electronically (pump@naturalbest.co.uk),
although paper is fine too!
All copy for inclusion should reach the editorial office by the 10th of the
month preceding publication.
Advertising enquiries are welcomed, and should be directed to Lin Edgar.
We are indebted to all the Parish Correspondents, and all those in all the
parishes who make possible the publication and distribution of Parish Pump
every month.
EDITOR
Richard Martin
Cotswold Woollen Weavers, Filkins, Nr Lechlade, Glos GL7 3JJ
Tel: 01367 860491 Email: pump@naturalbest.co.uk
TREASURER
Ellie Maughan
Home Farm, Kelmscott, Lechlade, Glos GL7 3HD
Tel: 01367 252220 Email: cmaughan@supanet.com
ADVERTISING
Lin Edgar
The Cotswold Wildlife Park, Bradwell Grove, Burford, Oxon OX18 4JW
Work Tel (Tuesdays - Fridays, 10.00am - 5.00pm): 01993 823006
Home Tel: 01993 845544 Email: parishpump@cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk
DISTRIBUTION
Jane Brylewski
The Willows, Signet, Burford, Oxon OX18 4JQ
Tel: 01993 822479 Email: jane.b@btinternet.com
Any views expressed in Parish Pump are not necessarily those of the benefice
clergy, nor
of the editorial team.
EDITORIAL
An article in a recent Parish Pump outlining the Church’s position on
hunting drew several comments, and we return to the issue. From bar to
dinner table, it continues to be a sore point, both for those for and against a
ban. By the time you read this, the law might well have been settled. But will a
ban be universally accepted, and can absolutist morality justify it?
We report on a speech from The Bishop of Chelmsford, who spoke in the
House of Lords along with a surprisingly large number of anti-ban bishops,
and we have a fiery article from Richard Thomas, our diocesan Director of
Communications. The Bishop admits that ‘many Christians and people in
Essex believe that hunting is morally unacceptable’. However he himself does
not take an absolutist position, for, he continues,
‘Christians… believe that in matters of moral opinion consent is important and vital.
One should not impose something on people against their consent unless there is an
overriding reason for it.’
And there is the rub: one man’s ‘overriding reason’ often leads to another
man’s feeling of persecution. Bans on tobacco, fireworks, conkers and
hanging-baskets, zero-tolerance policing of motorists: to their projectors all
might seem laudable, but the Bishop thinks none are truly justifiable.
Dr Thomas goes further, and sees the attempt to ban hunting as an example
of ‘Government Fundamentalism’, in which the traditional evocation of
God’s will as the defence for draconian action is replaced with an absolute
belief in the power of the political will. Dr Thomas suggests the Government
has created a secular god in its own image, and goes on:
“Logically, we cannot discriminate between the different causes that
fundamentalists
espouse. Whether it is Islamic, Israeli, Christian, or [British] Government
fundamentalism, it has to be resisted.”
Strong stuff indeed! But not a party political point, for all governments are
inclined increasingly and heavy-handedly to lay down the law (watch Bush on
abortion). It is simply that any government, like any man, can believe
passionately in whatever it likes; but, even on moral issues, where there is no
disadvantage for the majority, the rights of minorities should not be curtailed.
One is reminded of that hoary old saw, emblazoned on many a banner
blowing in a revolutionary wind ‘When injustice becomes law, resistance
becomes duty.’ Post-ban, can we expect the Church to lead the charge against
the fox and the Government?
Richard Martin
BENEFICE SERVICES
28th November - Advent I
9.00am Alvescot Holy Communion HM
10.00am B Bourton Family Communion and Baptism RM
10.00am Filkins Parish Communion LJ
10.00am Langford Family Service FSG
10.00am Shilton Family Communion and Baptism NUW
11.00am Broadwell Matins LJ
6.00pm Kencot Advent Carols LJ
6.00pm Westwell Evensong HM
4th December
5.30pm Shilton Youth service HM
5th December - Advent II
10.30am B Bourton Benefice Eucharist Service HM & LJ.
6.00pm Westwell Evensong HM
12th December - Advent III
9.00am Shilton Holy Communion NUW
9.00am Westwell Holy Communion RM
10.00am B Bourton Family Service GA
10.00am Langford Carol Service HM
11.00am Broadwell Matins NUW
11.00am Kencot Parish Communion LJ
4.00pm Alvescot Christingle Service HM
6.00pm B Poggs Carol Service NUW
6.00pm Holwell Carol Service LJ
19th December - Advent IV
9.00am Langford Holy Communion NU-W
10.00am B Bourton Family Service DP
10.00am Filkins Parish Communion LJ
11.00am L Faringdon Carol Service HM
6.00pm Alvescot Carol Service RM
6.00pm Kencot Carol Service HS
6.00pm Shilton Family Carols LJ
6.00pm Westwell Carol Service NUW
20th December
6.30pm Kelmscott Carol Service NUW
24th December - Christmas Eve
4.00pm Alvescot Crib Service HM
5.00pm Filkins Crib Service LJ
11.30pm B Bourton Midnight Mass RM
11.30pm Langford Midnight Mass NUW
11.30pm Shilton Midnight Mass HM
25th December - Christmas Day
9.00am Westwell Holy Communion with Hymns NUW
10.00am Alvescot Family Communion LJ
10.00am Broadwell Family Communion RL
10.00am Filkins Family Communion HM
10.30am Holwell Parish Communion NUW
11.15am Kencot Parish Communion LJ
11.15am L.Faringdon Parish Communion RL
11.15am Kelmscott Family Communion HM
26th Decenber - St Stephen’s Day
10.00am Langford Holy Communion HM
2nd January - The Epiphany
10.30am Kencot Benefice Eucharist Service LJ & NUW
6.00pm Holwell Evensong NUW
9th January - The Baptism of Christ
8.00am Kencot Holy Communion HM
9.00 am Shilton Holy Communion RM
10.00am Alvescot/B Bourton Parish Communion NUW
10.00am Filkins Family Communion HM
11.00am Broadwell Matins NUW
11.00am L Faringdon Parish Communion LJ
4.00pm Langford Evensong LJ
6.00pm Westwell Evensong NUW
6.00pm Shitlton Youth Service HM
16th January - Epiphany II
9.00am Langford Holy Communion RM
9.00am Westwell Holy Communion HM
10.00am Alvescot Family Communion HM
10.00am Broadwell Family Communion NUW
11.00am Kelmscott Parish Communion HM
11.00am Kencot Parish Communion NUW
11.00am L Faringdon Matins AP
6.00pm B Bourton Evensong RM
6.00pm B Poggs Evensong NUW
23rd January - Epiphany III
9.00am Holwell Holy Communion RM
9.00am Shilton Holy Communion HM
10.00am Alvescot Morning Service HM
10.00am B Bourton Family Communion NUW
10.00am Filkins Parish Communion LJ
10.00am Langford Family Service FSG
6.00pm Kencot Sing for Joy HS & LJ
6.00pm Westwell Evensong NUW
30th January - Epiphany IV
10.00am Broadwell Parish Communion RM
10.00am Shilton Family Service HM
11.00am L Faringdon Family Communion NUW
6.00pm Holwell Evensong HM
There is also a Communion Service every Wednesday at B Bourton at 10.00am
SERVICE CELEBRANTS
AP Arthur Pont DP Debs Price 01993 847039
FSG Family Service Group GA Gil Allison 01367 860xxx
HM Harry MacInnes 01993 845954 HS Helen Squire 01367 860337
JM Judith Mount 01285 850242 LJ Liz Johnson 01367 860846
NUW Neville Usher-Wilson 01993 822464 RM Roland Meredith 01993 851142
THE LECTIONARY
28th November - Advent I (P)
Isaiah 2. 1-5 Psalm 122
Romans 13. 11-14 Matthew 24. 36-44
5th December - Advent II (P)
Isaiah 11. 1-10 Psalm 72. 1-7
Romans 15. 4-13 Matthew 3. 1-12
12th December - Advent III (P)
Isaiah 35. 1-10 Psalm 146. 5-10
James 5. 7-10 Matthew 11. 2-11
19th December – Advent IV (P)
Isaiah 7. 10-16 Psalm 80. 1-7
Romans 1. 1-7 Matthew 1. 18-25
25th December - Christmas Day (W)
Isaiah 9. 2-7 Psalm 96
Titus 2. 11-14 Luke 2. 1-14
26th December - St Stephen’s Day (W)
2 Chronicles 24. 20-22 Acts 7. 51-end
Psalm 119. 161-168 Matthew 10. 17-22
2nd January - The Epiphany (W)
Jeremiah 31. 7-14 Psalm 147. 12-20
Ephesians 1. 3-14 John 1. 10-18
9th January - The Baptism of Christ (W)
Isaiah 42. 1-9 Psalm 29
Acts 10. 34-43 Matthew 3. 13-17
16th January Epiphany II (W)
Isaiah 49. 1-7 Psalm 40. 1-11
1 Corinthians 1. 1-9 John 1. 29-42
23rd January Epiphany III (W)
Isaiah 9. 1-4 Psalm 27 1. (2-3) 4-9
1 Corinthians 1. 10-18 Matthew 4. 12-23
30th January Epiphany IV (W)
1 kings 17. 8-16 Psalm 36. 5-10
1 Corinthians 1. 18-31 John 2. 1-11
THE RECTOR’S LETTER
‘On coming into the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary and they bowed
down and worshipped him’ ( Matthew 2.11)
Dear Friends
have enjoyed getting to know some of you in my first few weeks in this
Benefice, both in Christian worship and in some wonderful village events.
As we approach the Christmas season we can find ourselves incredibly
busy and rushed, with shopping and parties and all the preparations that take
place.
In our busyness it is easy for us to miss out on the extraordinary Christmas
event that we mark and celebrate at this time of year.
It took a long time for the full significance of Jesus to sink into the
consciousness of his contemporaries. In some ways it was harder for them
than it is for us. To bring their hearts and minds around the reality that this
particular baby who grew up in ordinary circumstances in their first century
was the creator of everything that exists was utterly extraordinary. It is still
difficult to grasp. How on earth did Mary his mother reach that conclusion?
The experiences of visions and dreams and extraordinary visitations would
have made her realise that her child was very special; but to call him God was
another matter altogether. What about all the messy part that goes with
babies, the dirty linen and looking after a small child, could God really be in
the midst of all that?
There were three attitudes that were evident in Mary which may have opened
up her heart and understanding, and which may also open up our souls to
God if we are willing.
Firstly we see Mary waiting. Wait is a word often used in the Bible. Wait for
the Lord – says Psalm 27.14. Both Simeon and Anna, elderly people in the
Temple were waiting for God’s kingdom. The disciples were told to ‘wait for
the promise of the Father’. It suggests an attitude of open expectancy. God
will work, he will show himself, but it will be his timing and not ours.
Increasingly in today’s consumer culture we are used to getting what we want
when we want it. As we approach Christmas we could perhaps seek to chose
to wait and remain open and alert and full of anticipation for God – even in
the midst of a busy life.
Secondly we see Mary weighing. We are told that she pondered all these things
said about Jesus deeply within her ‘She kept all these things and pondered
them in her heart’. She meditated on them. That was the way that revelations
and illumination came. It is the way that Jesus has revealed himself to men
and women down the ages and continues to do so today for those who are
willing to ponder and meditate on the mystery of Christ.
Thirdly we see Mary wondering. Having young children myself, Christmas
has a renewed sense of great wonder, but as adults we too easily lose that
childlike sense of wonder. It’s a mark of humility when we allow ourselves to
be moved by the marvels that are all around us.
So during this time of advent, as we prepare for the coming of Immanuel God with us, may I invite you to join with me to wait, to weigh and to
wonder and be open for Christ to be with us this Christmas.
Harry MacInnes
LINK WITH UGANDA
Many of you will know, and have fond memories, of Canon Samuel
Mfitumukiza from Uganda who came to minister within this
Benefice. Canon Samuel has offered to host a team from this
Benefice to visit the Muhabura Diocese sometime next year, possibly around
May or June 2005.
Canon Samuel will be here in Oxford from 15th December to 20th January
and hopes to meet with a group who would like to go. If you are at all
interested in being apart of this team or knowing more details do contact me.
Harry MacInnes
CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP
At our last meeting we welcomed our new Methodist Minister, The Rev
Peter Goodall and much enjoyed getting to know him. We meet again
at 2.45pm on Wednesday 1st December in the Methodist Chapel
Schoolroom, Filkins, when we look forward to hearing from The Rev Liz
Johnson for the first time.
Our meetings are open to everyone. Please join us if you would like to do so.
MAB
WIZ JOINS THE TEAM!
Harry MacInnes is not the only new face in the benefice…
My name is Wiz Sammonds and you will be seeing me around the
benefice with Liz for the next six months or so. I am in my second
and final year at theological college, training to be a vicar. Before
coming to Oxford to study I was a children’s nurse for four years then trained
as a health visitor and worked in Southampton.
I am very much looking forward to being on placement with Liz and meeting
lots of you. I am not very good with names, so bear with me; I will try my
best!
Wiz Sammonds
FROM THE REGISTERS
Holy Baptism
10th October Alvescot Eleanor Catherine Woodcock
31st October Shilton Kieran Keith Day
7th October Shilton Charlotte Stafford
Holy Marriage
23rd October Little Faringdon Stuart Mann to Emma Louise Garratt
23rd October Black Bourton Richard John Axtell to Sandra Mary Flynn
Holy Burial
12th October Shilton Burial of Ashes, Peter Riley aged 47years
1st November Black Bourton Glyndwr Luckett aged 91 years
THE CHURCH AND HUNTING (Part 2)
Two months ago, Parish Pump carried an article about the Church’s attitude to
hunting. Although, by the time this issue is published, the matter may already be
settled
one way or the other, we return to the subject for three reasons.
Firstly, our own Bishop of Dorchester thought it worthy of mention during his sermon
at Harry MacInnes’ induction service, secondly, the Bishops generally have been
extraordinarily keen to speak on the matter in the House of Lords (and by no means
taking the line one might suppose), and thirdly because what they, and other sections
of
the church are saying often raises interesting connections between Christian
principles,
ethical behaviour, and freedom of choice.
In October, speaking in the House of Lords, Viscount Astor pointed out that;
“Eleven Bishops—the right reverend Prelates the Bishops of Chelmsford,
Hereford, Oxford, Portsmouth, St Albans, Wakefield, Bath and Wells, Bristol,
Guildford, Lincoln and Chester—have all spoken and voted in favour of
hunting.”
The Bishops of Exeter and of London, have also spoken publicly against a ban, and
there may very well have been others. In general the Bishops have taken one or more
of four lines. One, there is no moral case against hunting, two, no government should
so wilfully criminalise a hitherto legal activity without due cause, three, in an
increasingly diverse society, legislation should generally uphold minority rights, and
four, essentially urban legislators should beware of (further) embittering those who
live
in rural areas.
As an example of what the Bishops have been saying, here is the Bishop of
Chelmsford
speaking in the House of Lords recently:
If Parliament, as a whole, cannot find a way of enabling our people to live
together with difference then we are failing in our democratic duty. “Just a
few days ago, I spent a day in Bullwood Hall Prison. It was a very sobering
experience. Part of the day was spent experiencing prison education. Among a
whole range of principles, we were taught the following principles, “You ought
to be able to see the other point of view whether you agree with it or not.
Every point of view may be right for the person holding it but not right
enough to be imposed on others”. If Parliament cannot practise that, what
message are we giving out to the people?
“One of the things that Bishops can do in this House is to bring our dioceses
with us. Mine stretches from five east London boroughs all the way through
to rural north Essex. I am in no doubt that there is a real difference among
the people of the diocese of Chelmsford, as there is in the Christian Church,
on the moral principles at stake. Many Christians and people in Essex believe
that hunting is morally unacceptable. But Christians also believe that in
matters of moral opinion consent is important and vital. One should not
impose something on people against their consent unless there is an
overriding reason for it.
“I can tell the House that hunting is not a major topic for debate in the pubs
of east London, but the temperature is rising in north Essex. The concern is
not just about hunting, but about the fact that people in rural communities
feel that they are or are not being heard.
“The issue is not a narrow one. There is quite a debate on the moral issue,
even in rural areas. But rural communities feel that they are not being heard
and not being understood, but that they are being overridden by legislation of
this kind.
“There are two other reasons why I believe that we need to be very cautious. I
have always taken the view that banning things is a very bad way of
legislating. I too have rather a long list of things that I believe are undesirable
and socially corrupting. That list may include matters such as adultery,
gambling and tobacco, but we have found ways of managing them without
banning everything in sight. My tutor at Cambridge wrote an important book
on prohibition in the United States—what a disastrous process of legislation
that was. Are we really sure that a ban is the way to handle an issue like this?”
Coming closer to home, and with the author’s permission, we reproduce a forthright
article which originally appeared in The Door in September. It was written by the
Communications Director for Oxford Diocese, who says the Government is ‘pursuing
a
course of secular fundamentalism’, of which a ban on hunting is an example.
The treatment of the massed protests of the countryside alliance, coupled
with the police response to the sharper, more desperate measures taken
by otherwise law-abiding protesters on day of the vote against hunting
with dogs, surely must cause all Christians to ask serious questions about the
growth of fundamentalism in our country and our Government. It is not
religion that threatens our security and our normally tolerant way of life.
Fundamentalism is the problem, and it has infected just about all levels of
our society. Just as we need to fight religious bigotry and fundamentalism
wherever we find it, we also need to fight secular bigotry and fundamentalism
with equal vigour.
Fundamentalism requires two things to flourish: an absolute belief in the
rightness of one’s beliefs, and the justification of a higher authority for
excommunicating - literally, silencing - those with whom one disagrees.
The moral and spiritual arguments about fox hunting are divided, and
Christians can hold both sets of views with equal justification. On the one
hand, animal life is sacred, and the brutal harming of animals for pleasure is
abhorrent. Yet the natural order (at least in our present, fallen world) is a
brutal thing. There is little argument that foxes need to be controlled, and
hunting with dogs not only works with natural selection to keep the fox
population healthy: it is also the most humane method of control. Gassing
causes indiscriminate suffering to fox cubs and shooting leaves foxes (and
some humans) with permanent injury.
It is not the killing of foxes, either by shooting or hunting, that threatens our
way of life. It is Fundamentalism. And the Government has shown an
increasing tendency towards the same kind of fundamentalism that he
deplores in others. An example of the ‘soft’ end of secular fundamentalism is
the attitude of the police towards the motorist. ‘Zero Tolerance’ policies, and
the enforcement of speed cameras remove that essential element of human
compassion from the process. At the sharp end, the use of the parliament act
to enforce what is, at its heart, a ‘religious’ belief - albeit the secular religion
of the politician - is itself a fundamentalist act.
Christians have a responsibility, repeated every Sunday in our liturgy, to fight
against evil, and to seek the common good. We cannot discriminate between
the different causes that fundamentalists espouse. Whether it is Islamic
fundamentalism that creates suicide bombers, Israeli fundamentalism that
shoots innocent children, Christian fundamentalism that persecutes
homosexuals, or Government fundamentalism that persecutes whole sections
of our community, it has to be resisted. A caring, tolerant society is being
increasingly put at risk by political expediency coupled with a secular
fundamentalism that is as damaging as any caused by religious bigotry. The
tragedy is that, once we allow our society to embrace fundamentalism as a
justifiable legislative process, we are ultimately fostering the very violence we
seek to prevent.
Richard Thomas
OUR CATHEDRAL
Last year 250,000 people visited our Cathedral in Oxford. The Cathedral
has many functions. It is the principal church in our diocese, where the
Bishop of Oxford has his official seat, it serves as a chapel for members of
Christ Church College, and it is, of course, a place to visit for thousands of
people every week.
In order to help these visitors, we have a ministry of welcome. During the
summer, there is normally a priest on duty each day, and Ron Lloyd, Judith
Mount and I take our turns on this rota. There are also two ‘welcomers’,
normally members of the Mothers’ Union, who stand at the door to welcome
visitors, and give them leaflets to help them understand the building.
But all the year round there are also two Stewards on duty, working two hour
shifts between 9.30am to 5.00pm, to tell people about the building, and to
exercise general control. You may have seen them in their red sashes when you
have visited the Cathedral.
In order to maintain this tradition, we need a team of about 80 stewards, who
are prepared to do a two hour shift either weekly or fortnightly. We are
continually looking for new volunteers. The Cathedral will pay travelling
expenses, and there is some, but limited, parking. During term, Stewards on
duty can enjoy an excellent lunch in the College Hall for £2.50, which is quite
a bargain! The Stewards also arrange a Christmas Lunch, and an annual
outing (this year to Westminster Abbey).
This is a role which often suits the recently retired, and we are always looking
for those who are willing to do weekend duties. Stewards come from all over
the Dioceses, and Witney Deanery currently supplies 14, which is the largest
number from an outlying area.
If any Parish Pump readers would like more information about this very
worthwhile activity, do please get in touch with me.
Roland Meredith (tel: 01993 851142)
ROUND THE VILLAGES
ALVESCOT
St Peter’s
Touring Theatre
Noah’s Ark is coming on 10th December. Tickets are now available. Adults:
£5.00, Children: £4.00 or Family: £15.00 (2 Adults, 2 Children). Telephone
Wendy Phipps on 01993 841459
A Good Night Out
Following the success of the concert held earlier this year I have decided to do
it again, and have booked ‘Bluesy Susie’ for Saturday 8th January, as part of
the West Oxfordshire Full House Scheme..
‘Bluesy Susie’ is a vocal & guitar duo who perform Jazz, Latin, Folk, R&R etc,
including classic hits from Sinatra, Presley, Eva Cassidy, and Ella Fitzgerald.
I’m sure this will be a great evening, and there will be a Beer and Wine Bar.
Tickets are available at £6.00 from me, telephone 01993 841459. Book now!
Wendy Phipps
St Peter’s Infant School
All staff and children returned to school after the
break marking the end of Term 1. During the break
a team of colleagues from the Wantage branch of
Barclays Bank gave their time and energy to weed
and plant the bank alongside the school on Mill
Lane. As part of a National initiative in which
businesses give their time to ‘Make a Difference’,
Fay Whenray, from Faringdon, organised the day with the support of ten
colleagues who worked throughout the day on Saturday 30th October. Luckily
the weather was kind and I’m sure that everyone who has walked along the
Lane recently has noticed what a difference this has made. The children have
certainly noticed a difference and have written letters on behalf of the school
and the village to thank all those who were involved.
On Tuesday 2nd November the school held a meeting for Year 2 parents about
Drugs Education. This was led by advisers for Drugs Educations from the
LEA and all those that attended expressed how useful the evening was and the
need for a further meeting later in the year.
On 10th November the school held a Christmas Gift Evening. Many thanks to
all those who supported the event. There was a wide range of good quality
gifts to purchase and the evening was a great success.
During the week of the 11th November our assemblies about ‘Remembering’
and on the 11th the whole school gathered for a minute’s silence to remember
those that gave their lives. Many children bought poppies and many can now
explain the significance of the poppy and the importance of remembering
and learning form the events of the past how to shape the future.
We are looking forward to our Nativity, ‘Donkey for Sale’. Colin Newlands is
helping the children to learn the songs and we are all practising hard for our
performances on Thursday 9th December. If you would like to join us for our
Nativity, please do come along for the matinee at 2.00pm or the evening
performance at 6.00pm. Our Christingle Service at St Peter’s Church will be
held on Sunday 12th December at 4.00pm. This will be in aid of The
Children’s Society and everyone is welcome.
Sam King
BLACK BOURTON
St Mary’s
Dad (19th February 1924 – 27th September 2004)
Dad was Leslie Hicks, and he lived at 3 Church Close.
If you lived in Black Bourton you probably knew him, he tended the
churchyard for many years with hard work and tender loving care. He was
‘Pop’ to his children and ‘Bampy’ to his grandchildren and was at his
happiest when we were all together especially at Christmas when he was always
the last one standing wearing his party hat from a cracker.
He was also an avid ‘Boot Saler’ buying bric a brac, paintings, etc., taking
great pride in setting out his stall of wares at Bampton Street Fair, and in later
years at the village fete. He was always ready to ‘do a deal’ with potential
customers. He has left a hole in our lives and in our hearts, but we all have
lots of memories to treasure of a very special man.
Sandra Hickman
Carol Singing
The Village Association has organised this for Saturday 18th December,
starting at 6.00pm from St Mary’s Church. Everyone is very welcome, and
refreshments will be provided.
Annual General Meeting
The AGM of the Village Association will be at 8.00pm on Tuesday 22nd
February. It will be at Wellstodd’s Cottage Garden, Burford Road. This is
your chance to have your say about your village association. Refreshments
will be available. For information about any aspect of the Village Association
(or to submit copy for the Parish Pump) please contact me on 01993 843746
or email Jackie@evensaul.org.
Jackie Garrett
BROADWELL
St Peter & St Paul’s
Harvest Lunch
This has become quite a tradition, and is very popular in the village. After the
Harvest Festival finishes in the church, nearly everyone moves over to the
Molyneaux barn, which has profited from its once-yearly clear out, and is
swept and garnished. Candles glow, and flowers adorn the tables (courtesy of
Doug Jackson), and after a bit of a drink and a chat, we help ourselves to the
delicious spit-roasted pork and salads, and such-like supplied by the village
households. And the puddings afterwards? Yum!
There were the minimum of speeches, but we did want to make a presentation
to Professor Tinker, to thanks him for the dedicated and efficient service he
gave to the villages as Village Meeting chairman for over 12 years. A crate of
claret seemed to be a very acceptable gift.
We are very grateful to Francis Rockliff, who volunteered to take on the job
of co-ordinating everything, and produced such a good result. And to the
team of people who sat with the roast from the small hours, and to Hugh
Pescod, who cleaned up the roasting machinery afterwards (a horrid job!)
Everyone worked very hard to make the occasion the success it was, and the
church benefited by £225, for which we are very grateful.
Carol Service
This year it is Kencot’s turn to hold the joint service. It will be on Sunday
21st December at 6.00pm. Do come and swell the singing!
Carol Singing round the Villages
See entry under Kencot
Christmas Card
A cheerful Christmas Card, decorated by the children of Broadwell, is
available for sale. Ring 01367 860326 for details.
FILKINS & BROUGHTON POGGS
St Peter’s
Broughton Poggs Flower Rota
December Help from everyone please
Filkins Flower Rota
5th, 12th & 19th December Advent
26th December Christmas Flowers
WI News
Once again our members have had a busy month. We began with the Area
Meeting which was hosted by ourselves at Clanfield. Unfortunately our own
hall was too small for the numbers wishing to attend, however all agreed that
it was a very successful evening.
Our speaker was from the Eden Project and one of the first engineers to be
involved with the building of the project from the beginning. He illustrated
his talk with very clear slides which showed the clay pit in its original state
and all the work that was done to make it into the popular visitor centre it is
today.
As I had just visited Eden the week before I found the background
information particularly interesting and it was nice to know that all the
money spent has been well used and the project continues to generate a year
round income for the region. The project is still ongoing with another
biosphere under construction and a special education building to follow.
We completed our evening with supper of sandwiches, cakes (lots of them!)
and tea provided by our own members. A raffle and light hearted quiz
rounded off the evening, and we were thanked for our hospitality and supper.
At our regular October meeting, the ‘Two Sues’ (Portergill and Morris,
members of a local WI) talked to us about their lifelong hobby of lace making
and their interest in its origins and history. They brought many beautiful
samples with them and told us how to recognise the different types of lace
and how they differ. We were also given a potted history of lace and how it
was smuggled from country to country because of its high value, even hidden
in coffins and wrapped around dogs!
They also demonstrated lace making, and we all had a chance to ‘have a go’,
on a very simple piece. It was hard to imagine the number of hours it takes to
make some of the wonderful examples shown and we all agreed it must take a
great deal of patience but must be very rewarding.
Helen and Pat also told us about their visit to the BMW car plant in Oxford
to learn how to make a Mini (car that is, not skirt). Unfortunately there were
no free samples, but they reported that the visit was very interesting and well
worth doing.
In December we will be having our usual Christmas party and we hope all our
members will be able to attend. Please let a committee member know if you
will be bringing a guest.
Hilary Ward
Christmas Shopping with the Church!
Have you visited the Church Charity Shop in the Village Centre next to
Filkins Swimming Pool yet? If not, do hurry for we close on 18th December!
Our shop is full of Christmas gifts and goodies, so don’t struggle with queues,
parking problems and congestion in Carterton, Witney and beyond, but come
to Filkins and shop at leisure. You can even enjoy a cuppa while you decide to
what to buy! We are raffling a Christmas hamper full of lovely things – from
wine to Christmas cake. You can’t win it, if you’re not in it… so come and
buy your tickets now.
We are extending our opening hours for the last few weeks. The definite times
are Thursdays 10.30am - 12.30pm, Fridays 2.00 - 4.00pm and Saturdays
10.00am to midday. You may also catch us open on Mondays and Tuesdays
to coincide with post office opening hours, so check us out when you buy
your stamps!
Finally, I would like to thanks all those who have donated and bought things,
and helped in the shop. I hope we can all keep up the good work to help
make the money we need to refurbish our churches.
Diane Blackett
Roster For Voluntary Car Service To Surgeries
Covering Filkins, Broughton Poggs, Kencot, Broadwell, Langford, Little Faringdon
30thNovember Mrs J Higham 01367 860197
2nd December Lt Col Barstow 01367 860312
7th December Mrs P Assiter 01367 860045
9th December Lady Cripps 01367 860209
14th December Mrs L White 01367 860461
16th December Mr A Woodford 01367 860319
21st December Mr A Woodford 01367 860319
23rd December No service
28th December No service
30th December No service
4th January Mrs K Neville-Rolfe 01367 860329
6th January Mrs M Cover 01367 860302
11th January Mrs K Morley 01367 860420
13th January Dr H Squire 01367 860337
18th January Mrs P Assiter 01367 860045
20th January Mrs V Godfrey 01367 860498
Please contact the co-ordinator, Tony Woodford (Tel: 01367 860319) if
hospital runs required.
Please note that the driver should not be asked or expected to provide any
physical assistance to the person using the car service, unless that driver is
formally trained and qualified to do so.
Filkins Theatre
As well as our public performances, we also meet every month to read a play
or poetry, or have a quiz. The meetings take place on the last Friday of the
month, either in the village hall or the host’s house, and they generally start at
8.00pm.
So you do not have to act, just read! If you are interested, do please come
along. (We also welcome new actors, singers, back stage crew, scenery painters
etc.)
Tel Pat Scott (01993 846255) or Sue Ashforth-Smith (01367 860229) for
details.
Pantomime
‘After Cinders’ will be coming to Filkins on 27th, 28th & 29th Jan 2005 at
7.30pm, with a matinee on 29th Jan at 2.30pm. Keep a date free: come and see!
Bend It With Barbara!
Burford College run a yoga class on Mondays from 9.45 to 11.45 in Filkins
Village Hall. This is a wonderful way to start the week in a small and friendly
group. It doesn’t matter if you haven’t done any yoga before. Classes start
again in January, and all you need is a mat to exercise on and a blanket. Call
Barbara Bristow on 01367 860195 for more information.
Bingo
The Filkins & District Branch of The Royal British Legion are hosting a
Bingo Night in the Village Hall at 7.30pm on 9th December. Everyone will be
most welcome, and there are some excellent prizes.
The Legion will use the money raised to help pay for a new Branch Standard.
The old one is more than 50 years old, and is very worn and ragged. It is
hoped to have the new one ready in time for the 60th anniversary of the end
of WW2 next August.
HOLWELL
St Mary’s
Holwell meets Harry
Evensong on 24th October was a special day for Holwell, a chance to welcome
Harry to take his first service with us. We had a congregation of thirty, with
the happy inclusion of many from Westwell (and, unusually, no dogs!).
The atmosphere was warm, welcoming and full of expectation. The larger
numbers gave a real edge to the singing which enabled Donald Chamberlain
(organist) to pull out more, if not quite all, of the stops. Harry surpassed
himself with his beautifully sung responses and his thoughtful address, and
we very much look forward to his next services with us.
Afterwards we all had the chance to meet Harry MacInnes over a glass of
wine, kindly provided by Reggie Heyworth. Thank you to our Churchwardens
for arranging it.
Church repairs
Repairs to St Mary’s Church, highlighted in the Quinquennial inspection this
year, have all been completed on budget and on time by local contractors, A
& R Scoulding. We can thouroughly recommend them! In addition to the
unseen work, the pews now gleam, with the wood well-fed and polished!
Historic Churches Ride and Stride
Once again this year Holwell is indebted to Mr Sprawson for his tremendous
effort and success in raising funds for the Church. At a time of increasing
calls on Church funds the materialisation of such a windfall is a wonderful
and welcome surprise. Thank you on behalf of everyone in Holwell and all
those from elsewhere who enjoy visiting this lovely Church.
Jane Brylewski
Carol Service
Please come to our Carol Service at 6.00pm on 12th December, Everyone is
invited for mulled wine and mince pies afterwards, hosted by Caroline and
Paul at Holwell Manor.
Paul Gaisford’s Art
Two images define Northern India: endless plains, and people everywhere. At
his November exhibition at the Manor, Paul Gaisford brilliantly captured
them both with his pictures of the swirling dust blending land to sky, and the
intricate knots of Rajasthani villagers. In Paul’s pictures, as in India herself,
wherever you look there are people doing things: cooking, eating, talking,
washing… In our local Cotswold villages, we mostly live our lives indoors: in
India, they still live their lives on the streets.
I was particularly taken with a picture of women, caught in a dust storm
whipping their brightly coloured saris into streamers. On the surface, it’s a
circus, but look closely and you can feel the painful reality of life in a harsh
landscape.
Paul’s pictures are very a human and affectionate tribute to the vibrancy of
Rajasthan, a place he very obviously loves. The exhibition was held in aid of
Dr Graham’s Homes, which help mostly Anglo-Indian children who have
been increasingly neglected in India.
KELMSCOTT
St George’s
Church Brass and Flowers
Ellie Maughan
Carol Service
This year, the Carol Service will be at 6.30pm on Monday 20th December.
Please come and join us at this popular annual event. Light refreshments will
be served at the end of the service.
Cottage Roses
Welcome to David and Julia Rose who have recently moved into Manor
Cottages. We hope your stay in Kelmscott will be a long and happy one!
Village View
Was this photgraph taken in Kelmscott? If so, where and when was it taken? Any
ideas would be very welcome, do let us know.
Click on image for a larger version
KENCOT
St George’s
Christmas Day
The offertory will be given to Barnardos.
Church Flowers
Grateful thanks to all those who have helped with the Church flowerarranging
throughout the year. The Church has always looked beautiful,
especially at festival times. Thanks also to all those who have contributed to
the Flower Fund. If anyone else living in the village would like to join the
flower-arranging team, I would love to hear from them.
MAB
Carol Service
Broadwell join us for the Carol Service this year, which will be on Sunday
21st December at 6.00pm. It will be traditional service of lessons and carols
and we do hope many of you will come. The collection will be for Helen and
Douglas Houses in Oxford.
Carol Singers round the villages
We plan to keep up the tradition (over 50 years) of visiting most houses in
Kencot and Broadwell in the week before Christmas. More singers are badly
needed, so please come and join us. The collection, as always will go to the
Cancer Research Campaign.
Tuesday December 21st. Meet at the bridge at 7.00pm for Kencot
Thursday December 23rd. Meet at the Church for Broadwell.
In Broadwell we usually finish in a welcoming house for refreshments; in
Kencot we finish in the Village Hall. Do come and join us here for
refreshments and some more singing even if you can’t manage the walking.
John Dossett-Davies MBE
Belated congratulations to John Dossett-Davies who was awarded the MBE in
the Queen’s Birthday Honours List in June this year. John received his award
for services to children and families, and for the voluntary work he did for
the British Association of Social Workers.
The honour was presented to him by the Prince of Wales at Buckingham
Palace on 15th October.
LANGFORD
St Matthew’s
Church Flowers
Friday 24th December Christmas Festival Decoration
Church Cleaning
Chancel and Porch Mrs J Pitkin
Nave Mr K Bilton & Mrs K Lane
Brass Mrs J Pitkin
Carol Singing
Our usual carol singing round the village will take place on the evenings of
Monday 20th December and Tuesday 21st December. The meeting times and
where to meet will be posted on a notice board near the War Memorial in the
centre of Langford, nearer the time. We do hope that many of you, with
excellent voices or without, will join us in what is generally a good evening
whatever the weather.
Parish Council Clerk
We would like to thank the people who responded to our pleas for a new
Parish Clerk. We hope to have our new clerk in place shortly.
Christmas Bingo Night
This will take place in the Village Hall on Monday 6th December. Doors open
at 7.00pm, eyes down 7.30pm. Profits are in aid of Langford Village Hall. If
you would like to help with prizes etc. please contact Chrissy, Sarah or
Cherry. Do come along and have some fun.
Langford Ladies
The meeting for December is our Christmas Party which we will be holding at
the Bell Inn – Langford (Members only). We do wish our members, guests
and friends a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
We look forward to meeting you on Thursday 13th January at 7.30pm for our
Games/Social evening. Enquiries to Chrissy (Tel: 01367) 860514.
News from St Christopher’s School
Following the summer holidays, Christopher’s has been very busy. We are still
running all our after school clubs: football, net, hockey, chess, drama and
recorders being just some of them. These are really well attended and enjoyed.
Four of our Year 6’s have attended playground leadership courses, and been
armed with a cap and a whistle to support younger children’s games. We are
hoping that they can now use some of their skills to plan activities for others.
We have already entered three football competitions. One for boys, one for
girls and a mixed one. They were greatly enjoyed by the children and all the
participants played well and fairly. We have also recently played a netball
game against Brize Norton School, our first for a number of years.
Over the coming weeks we will be preparing for our Christmas performances
and raising money for Children in Need by dressing as pirates.
Class 5 have recently spent a week studying poetry including Wordsworth’s
‘Daffodils.’ They have written their own poems relating to bonfire night.
Below is a poem by Oliver Parsons,
Fires burning,
Fireworks turning,
Banging, whistling,
Hot dogs sizzling,
Guy Fawkes dying,
Sparks flying,
Reaching the moon in mighty blasts,
Scaring animals it makes them all run fast,
Bonfires flaring,
Guy Fawkes not caring,
Exploding in the air,
Going off into the night, it escaped from its lair,
The fifth of November,
Don’t get it mixed up with December.
LITTLE FARINGDON
St Margaret’s
Church Flowers
December Rachel Taylor
Bonfire Party
Our Guy Fawkes Party on 5th November was a night filled to overflowing with
buckets of mulled wine, fabulous fireworks and everything to eat from grilled
sausages and corn on the cob to popcorn and chestnuts roasting on the open
fire!
The incredible weather, lively music, huge bonfire and floodlit church were
enjoyed by over 400 people from far and wide. As a result, it has been possible
to make a generous donation to St Margaret’s Church.
Many, many thanks to all who attended and to all who worked so hard to
make this event such a success. A special thank-you goes to Jamie and Emma
Abdy Collins for their tireless efforts and willingness to host this now annual
event.
Please put next year’s Guy Fawkes Party in your diary now: Friday 4th
November 2005.
Barbara Browne
Carol Service
St Margaret’s Christmas Carol Service will take place at 11.00am on Sunday
19th December. This service is always made incredibly special by the
participation of the village children and teenagers. So to all young people who
would like to read, sing or play instruments, please ring Barbara Browne on
01367 252772.
SHILTON
Holy Rood
Bonfire Night
Shilton’s bonfire and fireworks night on 5th November was very well attended.
The fireworks certainly went with more than a bang, although the bonfire proved
reluctant and really only got going after the event. It was still enjoyed
by all. The final amount raised is, at the time of going to print, not quite
finalised but we took £366 on the night and Lisa sold 120 tickets in advance.
So we hope to have raised somewhere around £550 to £600 to divide between
Shilton Old School and Edith Moorhouse School in Carterton. Thanks to
everyone who contributed or participated in any way.
The money for the fireworks (c.£290) was raised at a Race Night and supper
held in the Old School in October. That event was also well attended and
great fun – definitely something we’ll try to do again.
Children’s Party
There will be a Children’s party in the Old School on Saturday 18th December
from 3.00 to 5.00pm. Further details can be obtained from Katherine
Robertson or Shanie Herbert.
Carol Singing
Volunteers are needed please to make up the annual Carol Singing gang to
demand money with menaces around the village on Wednesday 22nd
December. Meet at the Old School at 6.30pm. A soup and sandwich supper,
or something similar, will be available in the hall afterwards.
The last event of the year will be a lunch in the hall on Sunday, 19th
December. Booking forms will be circulated with a village newsletter.
Numbers will be limited so please book early to avoid disappointment!
… And now for next year!
The Old School Committee programme of future events:
Saturday 22nd January Burns Night Supper
Saturday 5th March Quiz Night & buffet supper
Saturday, 26th March Easter-egg rolling & tea
Sunday, 19th June Open Gardens
Some time in August BBQ & Barn Dance
Shilton History Group
Our January and February meetings are as follows:
14th January 2005. ‘The Mitford Girls’. Speaker: Muriel Pilkington.
11th February 2005. ‘Wychwood Forest’. Speaker: Ken Bettridge.
Everybody will be made very welcome.
Mervyn Whitfield
Shilton Calendar 2005
The Shilton Calendar 2005 is on sale at £5.00, and incorporates the winning
photos from the competition we held at Easter. If we sell all the copies we
have printed we will raise another £1,000 for good causes so please buy some
calendars for all your friends and relations, and anyone else you can think of.
Shirley Cuthbertson (from whom the calendar is available)
Keep fit
Get into shape on Thursday evenings in the Old School hall, from 7.00 to
8.00pm. It’s great fun and good value at £3.50 per session.
WESTWELL
St Mary’s
Carol Service
Our Carol service this year is on 19th December, please come along and look
forward to the meaning and the joy of Christmas.
Carol singing
On Wednesday 22nd December, there will be Carol Singing around the
village. Everyone is welcome to join us, or perhaps you would rather stay
home, and welcome us to your house! Either way, this is a good old village
tradition continuing.
End of year thanks
As this year closes I remember everyone who has helped the life of our
Church here in the past twelve months. Thank you all, whether you cleaned
the Church, kept it beautifully decorated with flowers, read the lessons, kept
the Churchyard tidy or anything else. We also thank those who have taken
services here.
Chris Fox
VILLAGE VIGNETTES
If you like the ‘village vignettes’ drawn for Parish Pump by Patricia
Broughton of Broadwell, why not commission her to do a pen and ink sketch
of your house? Contact Patricia on 0785 552 8023.
WESTMINSTER VIEW
David Cameron ponders on his lime-lit Bournemouth experience, considers the gulf
between conference activists and the general public, and draws up a manifesto for
the
responsible politician.
The pace in Parliament tends to quicken at this time of year, before
everyone collapses in a heap at Christmas time. As I write this the
House of Commons is, in one day, contemplating banning smoking in
most pubs and restaurants and outlawing hunting.
A country-living friend from what we are supposed to call ‘the other place’
(the House of Lords) sent me an email combining these two bans with the
Government’s plans to scrap the current House of Lords saying: ‘If all this
goes through I’ll have no job during the week, nothing to do at the weekend
and nowhere to go in the evening.’
Click on image for larger version
While all this is happening, life in the constituency is just as
busy. Last week I took the Shadow Secretary of Defence,
Nicholas Soames, for a tour of RAF Brize Norton. We met
with senior officers for a briefing, visited the parachute
training school and other facilities and then toured the forces
accommodation in Carterton. As ever, there is good news, bad
news - and some uncertainty. The good news is that the long
term position of the base is secure. It has a huge impact on the
economy of West Oxfordshire and the review of
bases undertaken by the Government had caused some uncertainty. But it is now
absolutely clear that Brize will remain a military base and the major hub for
supporting operations overseas, through transport, logistics and air-to-air refueling.
While we were there, Brize crews were out in Iraq, the Ivory Coast, the Balkans and
elsewhere, helping our servicemen and women to fulfill their very difficult roles.
The bad news is that the major private finance project to sort out the forces
housing, much of which is sub-standard and the look of which is far from
edifying, is delayed. We badly need this to get going so our forces get better
houses and Carterton is able to improve its environment. I’ll try and keep you
in touch with developments. The current estimate is that the first new homes,
under a “knock down and rebuild programme, will be available in late 2006.
The uncertainty is over the two major contracts that will ensure we have an
effective transport and refueling fleet of aircraft for the future. The VC10s are
coming to the end of their lives and need replacing, yet the Future Strategic
Tanker Aircrafts, or FSTAs to give the right acronym, are still not ordered.
And the new Transport planes, the A400m, are still under construction (don’t
start me on European collaborative projects....).
In the midst of all this, I know that residents want some assurances about
noise levels. The new planes will be quieter and simulators are now used for
almost all flight training, but, again, I will try and keep you in touch on this.
Mssrs Soames, Cameron & Barry Norton
(leader WODC) visiting Brize Norton
The other issue that has been taking up my time is the rights of mobile home
residents. We don’t have many of these in West Oxfordshire, but a small
community in Bablocke Hythe, Northmoor, live in what are now called ‘Park
Homes’ and have had some problems with the new owner of the park.
Some residents who had to sell up found it difficult to get a fair price and the
rules of the Park were changed without proper consultation. There are some
genuinely tragic cases of life savings being lost. I held a Parliamentary debate
about the state of the law in general and this case in particular. On the
morning of the debate, the owner agreed to a meeting with residents,
something which he had previously refused.
Who said talking in Parliament never achieves anything?
David Cameron
WHO’S IN THE PEW?
Some comparative figures for the Church of England in 2001 and 2002
2001 2002 % change
Full time Diocesan clergy
Male 8158 7920 -2.9
Female 1194 1262 +5.7
Total 9352 9182 -1.8
Average Sunday attendance 1,041,000 1,002,000 -3.7
Christmas attendance 2,608,000 2,600,200 -0.3
Easter attendance 1,593,000 1,469,000 -7.8
Baptisms 160,200 158,000 -1.4
Marraiges & blessings 63,000 60,700 -4.6
Funerals 228,000 224,200 -0.2
Confirmations 33,367 33,425 +1.7
Electoral rolls 1,372,000 1,206,000 -12.1
Other interesting statistics comparing 2002 with 2001:

Electoral-rolls rose by around five per cent in rural areas; but fell by around
28% in inner-city parishes.

Parish share rose by 6.3% to £238 million. By the end of the year, giving
had almost matched that, rising by 5.9% compared with 2001. Increased taxrecovery
meant that the total obtained from giving was £235 million. Other
sources of income added a further £197 million.

The figures for weekly giving show that the greatest amounts given per
subscriber are in London (£12.98), Sheffield (£11.07), Guildford (£10.34), and
Southwark (£10.33). The smallest amounts given are in Lincoln (£3.96),
Carlisle (£4.12) and Salisbury (£4.20).
 Diocesan attendance figures (average weekly) showed rises in Bradford, Ely,
Exeter, Gloucester, London, Manchester, Ripon & Leeds, Southwark and
Southwell.

More than a third of all infants were baptized in Carlisle, Hereford and Lincoln,
compared with London, Southwark and Birmingham, where the proportion was
less than one in ten.
POTTERING IN THE POTTING SHED
This month, Anne lays down her spade, and pins on her Quiz-mistress badge…
For all you gardening enthusiasts who also like an occasional indoor
challenge, do have a go at my Christmas Quiz..
Answer each of the twenty questions (in order) to reveal the generic name of
one of the most popular plants associated with this time of the year. Drop
your answers in at CWW’s shop by 6.00pm on December 12th, and there’s a
£10 Burford Garden Centre voucher to spend for the first correct answer
picked out of the hat. Answers will be included in February’s edition.
1 A plant having foliage that persists and remains green throughout the year
2 Genus of Eurasian spiny shrubs: gorse
3 First name of a well-known gardener and broadcaster (1913 – 1988)
4 These lost gardens have been found in Cornwall!
5 Fruits associated with Nell Gwyn
6 A rude sound made by sticking out the tongue and blowing
7 Well-known arboretum near Moreton-in-Marsh
8 This is a spring plant and a girl’s name
9 The Peruvian lily
10 To produce a new plant from a parent plant
11 Osmia …, the mason bee
12 Tilia europoea
13 Easy to grow acid loving plants linked to the magnolia & rhododendron
families
14 Known as the jewels of the winter months, they include foetidus, niger &
orientalis
15 Another name for ‘heath’
16 The common name for the butterfly aphantopus hyperantus
17 First name of one of ‘Gardener’s World’ newest presenters
18 Spiky evergreen shrubs associated with Christmas (… acquifolium)
19 The most used colour of emulsion paint!
20 … species; the perennial onion
We thank Burford Garden Centre for sponsoring this competition.
Next month: Winter maintenance & caring for garden wildlife..
Anne Greenwood
GARDENING IN THE PARK
At Cotswold Wildlife Park, from 12th January Roddy Llewellyn will be
introducing a series of eight enlightening fortnightly talks presented by
well-known gardening experts. The topics will include ‘Successful
Gardening in the Cotswolds’, ‘How to keep your plants happy in winter’,
‘Plants, Borders and Gardens: where plants come from and how to use them’,
and ‘Hardy summer bulbs for colour from May to September’ (bulbs will be
on sale at this particular talk). Others include advice on glamorous and exotic
planting, great survivors, advice on choosing the best plants to suit your needs
and last, but not least: ‘How to have fun in the garden’.
The speakers are Roddy Llewellyn, Chris Beardshaw (well-known as BBC’s
Flying Gardener), James Alexander-Sinclair (presenter of BBC2’s ‘Small
Town Gardens’, Lady Skelmersdale (who has run Broadleigh Gardens for
over 30 years), Timothy Walker (Director of the University of Oxford
Botanic Gardens), Robin Lane-Fox (gardening columnist of the Financial
Times), and the Park’s own Head Gardener, Tim Miles.
Each evening will commence with a glass of wine and nibbles from 7.00pm,
and the talks will commence at 7.30pm in the Drawing Room of the Manor
House at the Cotswold Wildlife Park. Tickets are £12.00 each, with discounts
available. Vouchers for one or more of these talks would make an excellent
Christmas gift. For more information telephone for a leaflet or see the Park’s
website www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk or telephone me on 01993 823006.
Maureen Clifford
NATURE NOTES
David tells us about a bird in the hand (or at any rate, a friendly robin), and relates
the sad tale of an Osprey in Spain. We are approaching the season where robins are
very topical and appear on Christmas trees and Christmas cards. A neighbour asked
me this week if a robin is territorial as she had rescued one from a cat while visiting
her daughter in a local village and brought it home where it quickly recovered and
flew around the kitchen unharmed. She was taking it back to release it where it had
come from.
Robins are fiercely territorial and use their red breast and tuneful song from
the top of a bush to proclaim their territory. Unlike most other birds it sings
throughout the year apart from during the late summer moult of feathers
when it usually sulks in bushes and undergrowth.
The defence of territory is so strong that even young birds recently fledged
and with speckled breasts not yet turned red have been observed fighting with
others in an aggressive display. Robins will also attack other birds such as
sparrows, chaffinches and dunnocks in defence of territory. During the nesting
season they can be particularly pugnacious and attack humans if
approaching too close to the nest site.
Having said that, robins can be some of our tamest birds, venturing into the
house and onto the hand to be fed a tasty morsel. They will often be very
attentive when we are gardening, waiting for us to unearth a creepy-crawly
worth eating, sometimes perching on fork or trowel. They will also nest in our
garden sheds or in discarded pots and boxes in the garden; in many ways
illustrating its confiding fearlessness. Although primarily insectivorous there
have been examples of a robin emulating a kingfisher and plunging in
shallow water for small fish. A delightful bird.
Also drawn to my attention this month was the story of the remarkable young
osprey taken to a bird conservation trust in Andover by a gamekeeper who
had found it in a distressed state with a gunshot wound in one wing. The
trust released it on 28th September complete with satellite tracking device. It
flew via the Isle of Wight on the first leg of its West African migration, across
the Bay of Biscay to North West Spain where it was recovered for the second
time. This time its luck had run out, a victim of the Spanish shooting season.
The autumn fall of leaves has been shorter this year than last but on a trip to
Westonbirt Arboretum, 6th November, there was still beautiful colour with
the splendid acers showing off with oranges, yellows and fiery reds. A bird I
do not get in my garden, the nuthatch, was calling loudly and searching the
tree bark for insects. It has the unique ability to climb down tree trunks as
well as up.
A Happy Christmas to all Parish Pump readers.
David Roberts
FIVE ALLS DAY CENTRE, FILKINS
Following the appointment of a Deputy Coordinator at the Day Centre we
have been able to offer additional places for local older people. We are
glad to report that the extra places have been taken up very quickly.
However this does mean that we urgently need to recruit more drivers, ideally
from the villages of Clanfield, Shilton, Holwell and Little Faringdon. Can you
spare an hour or two just once per month to help local people get to and/or
from the Day Centre in Filkins Village Hall on a Tuesday? Such help really
would contribute to the effective running of this local and much appreciated
Centre. Do please contact me on 01367 860319.
Chris Woodford
CHRISTMAS JOKE
Good King Wenceleslas went out to the pizza parlour and ordered a pizza.
The assistant asked ‘Do you want your usual? Deep-pan, crisp and even?’
THE LUCKY SPIDER
Last month, we learnt about Gil Baxter’s interloping spiders, this month Mike Clark
spins a yarn about a spider at the first Christmas
veryone knows the rhyme about Itsy Bitsy Spider, but here’s a story
about Itsy Bitsy Spider’s great-great-great-great grandmother. Round the
Christmas manger in pictures and paintings of the Nativity there were
always an ox and an ass, sometimes a horse, some sheep and goats and maybe
a chicken or two.
But a stable is home to lots of other little creatures who all more or less rub
along together. The life of the animals in the particular stable we think about
at this time of year, though, was disturbed once a long time ago by the arrival
of Joseph and Mary and all the fuss to do with the birth of Jesus.
One of God’s smallest and lowliest animals, a tiny spider, lived in the rafters,
but she never got her picture painted in any of the wonderful paintings that
hang in our modem art galleries. I suppose she was just too small for anyone
to take any notice of her. Her home was in a quiet nook in one of the roof
beams, and from there on Christmas Eve she had a good view of all the
comings and goings and excitement when Mary started to have her baby.
Not having seen a baby born before, the spider was a bit puzzled by all the
flap and bustle and towels and hot water, but she had the good sense to stay
out of the way and just watch.
The baby was wrapped in a shawl and laid in the manger where Joseph had
put some fresh straw, and the spider began to sense that this was something
special, not just an ordinary birth of an ordinary baby. She couldn’t say that
the lights came on or anything like that, but she became aware of a sort of
glow in the stable and it seemed to be coming from the crib. All the bigger
animals stopped feeding and shuffling about and just stood quietly watching
for themselves. The baby didn’t cry, and everything seemed sort of peaceful.
In her eagerness to see everything, though, the spider lost her balance and
slipped off the edge of her nest. Down and down she went, but the silken
thread that she spun out behind her saved her. She came to a stop just before
landing on the head of the baby Jesus. In fact, one of her legs just brushed his
forehead as she struggled to climb back up her rope — the very lightest of
light touches that you or I would never have noticed. As she scrambled back
up to the safety of the rafters, the spider looked back and was amazed to see
that the baby was watching her and smiling.
And ever since, the littlest of spiders has been known as the Lucky Spider, the
one who got the first smile. So be careful, now, when a Lucky Spider drops
onto your shoulder on the end of her silk web: she has only come to take a
closer look to see if she recognizes anyone.
Mike Clark
E
54
THE LENTHALL CONCERTS
These excellent concerts are held in the main hall at Burford School and Community
College, and are open to everyone.
Naked Voices
directed by Dee Jarlett
Wednesday, January 12th 2005 at 7.30pm
A first visit from this highly acclaimed Bristol-based acappella choir, an 18
member group performing original arrangements of a hugely diverse range of
songs, from madrigals to soul.
Sacconi Quartet
Wednesday, November 17th 2004 at 7.30pm
Quartet in G K387 Mozart
Quartet no.1 op.7 Bartok
Quartet in C op.59 no.3 (Rasumovsky) Beethoven
Tickets for each concert: £8.50 in advance, or £9.50 at the door. Students £3,
under-18’s 50p. For more information telephone me on 01367 860588
Chris Yapp
WEST OXFORDSHIRE ARTS ASSOCIATION
Alphabets at Work – 1st to 21st December
Calligraphy by Oxford Scribes and hand-printed books and posters by the Oxford
Guild
of Printers.
Skilled craftsmen at work, with an affordable show of beautifully designed
calligraphic pieces, hand-written and handmade books, plus a rare
opportunity to see some major art works by internationally known
calligraphers, and finely worked books from the best private presses. There
will be demonstrations each Saturday afternoon.
The craftsmen have drawn on the two rich traditions of type specimen posters
and the alphabet book. The posters celebrate classic typographic designs while
the books celebrate language in the exuberant fashion so characteristic of the
private press limited edition book. Exhibitors include The Alembic press,
Evergreen Press, Dennis Hall, Incline Press and The Whittington Press.
The book format provides an opportunity for calligraphers to explore an
extended text, while carefully chosen materials support an experience for the
hand as well as the eye. The shape of the page affords a natural frame in
which expressive or traditional approaches can achieve satisfying results.
Oxford Scribes have been most fortunate to have received contributions to
this exhibition from some distinguished contemporary scribes such as Ann
Hechle, Margaret Daubney, Joan Pilsbury, Sue Hufton, Hans-Joachim Burgert
and Tim Noad. There are also some exceptional pieces by Irene Wellington,
Heather Child and Dorothy Mahoney as well as current work by members of
Oxford Scribes.
The exhibition runs at West Ox Arts, Town Hall, Market Square, Bampton,
OX 182JH. Tel: 01993 850137 or Email: westoxarts@yahoo.co.uk
Opening hours: Tuesdays to Saturdays 10.30am to 12.30pm and 2.00 to
4.00pm. Sun: 2.00 to 4.00pm. Please call the WOA Administrator, Olivia
Thornton, for more Information. Olivia is in the gallery on Tuesdays to
Thursdays from 10.00 4.00pm.
COOKING WITH KATE
Apple ‘snow’ is self explanatory, but why Apple ‘Charlotte’? Mrs Beeton suggests it
is
eponymously named after a particular French cook called ‘Charlotte’. Who was
Charlotte, who was she? Does anyone know? By the by, in her Household
Management, Mrs Beeton says that Kate’s Apple Charlotte can be made for 9d (for
you young ‘uns, that’s 3.75p). Mind you, Mrs Beeton was writing in 1861!
ow that winter is setting in and the evenings are dark early it is time to
enjoy hot puddings again. These two recipes use apples which should
now all be harvested.
Apple Charlotte
3 lbs cooking apples
1 lemon
Butter
Sugar to taste
Stale bread
Peel, core and slice the apples. Cook in a saucepan over a low heat with sugar
to taste until reduced in bulk. This can be done in a micro wave. Meanwhile
slice bread and remove crusts butter thickly and dip bread butter side down
into the sugar. Line a pyrex or other casserole with the bread cut into shape to
completely line the bottom and sides. The buttered side should be against the
side facing out.
Fill with the apple and top with bread crumbs mixed with sugar and grated
lemon rind. Dot with pats of butter. Bake in a moderate oven for 45 minutes
when the bread will have caramelised . Serve with cream
Apple Snow
2lbs of cooking apples
Castor sugar to taste
Lemon (optional)
2 large eggs
Peel core and slice the apples, put in a saucepan with sugar to taste and cook
until tender. (You can use a microwave for this, but not in a saucepan of
course!) Puree the apples and flavour with lemon rind if you wish. Separate the eggs,
beat the yolks and add to the apples. Put the mixture into an oven
proof dish. Beat the egg whites until stiff add 2 oz of castor sugar, beat again
then fold in 2 further oz of sugar. Spread over apple mixture and bake in a
moderate oven for 30 –40 minutes until meringue is set.
Kate Morley
LETTERS
We welcome letters on any subject, so do pick up your pens, and let the world (well,
this benefice anyway) hear your views about Parish Pump, or anything else…
Since moving to Langford four years ago it has never ceased to amaze
me the speed with which drivers go through the villages, and I am
ashamed to say many of them are fellow LOCALS, and especially us fairer sex
on the school run!
We have dog walkers, horse riders, cyclists and ramblers meandering their way
through, looking at and enjoying the sights, when, cars or even sometimes a
tractor comes through like a bat out of hell.
Perhaps we should have a ‘Name & Shame’ column in Parish Pump, a list of
the offending cars and registration numbers. Then, maybe, by taking the
micky out of these people it might make them stop and think.
Or I, as a dog walker, will have to keep walking down the middle of the road!
Please, show you care, be aware - and SLOW DOWN.
Sharron Emery
OTHER CHRISTMAS BIRTHS
Sir Isaac Newton (1642)
Dorothy Wordsworth (1771)
Charles Pathé (1863)
Conrad Hilton (1887)
Humphrey Bogart (1899)
Sir Lew Grade (1906)
Cab Calloway (1907)
Quentin Crisp (1908)
Anwar Sadat (1918)
Little Richard (1932)
Ismail Merchant (1936)
Noel Redding (1945)
Annie Lennox (1954)
Noelle Walsh (I wouldn’t dare)
CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTS (private sales only)
Email Parish Pump for a FREE way to sell/buy whatever you like...
Pine kitchen chairs. 2 carvers and 4 standard chairs. £50.00 Tel: 01367
860420
Mamas & Papas pram & pushchair, Century baby walker plus other baby
equipment for sale. Tel: 01367 253079
Norwegian woollen jacket 2, large, black/white/red £15.00, Large pyrex
mixing bowl £2.00, Personal family file, black, £4.00. Tel: 01993 842787
DIRECTORY
Benefice Clergy
Harry MacInnes (Rector of Shill Valley and Broadshire)
The Vicarage, Church Lane, Shilton, Burford, Oxfordshire OX18 4AE
Tel: 01993 845954 Email: harry@hcmacinnes.wanadoo.co.uk
Liz Johnson
The Vicarage, Filkins, Lechlade, Gloucestershire GL7 3JQ
Tel: 01367 860846 Email: lizjohn@crecy.fsnet.co.uk
Neville Usher-Wilson
The Tallot, Westwell, Burford, Oxfordshire OX18 4JT
Tel: 01993 822464 Email: neville.uw@virgin.net
Roland Meredith
1 Deanery Court, Bampton, Oxfordshire CX18 2LY
Tel: 01993 851142
Parish Officers (1: Churchwardens, 2: Parish Pump correspondent**)
Alvescot 1 Peter Bagnall 01993 842238 & Sue Cave 01993 846696
2 Pam Barling 01993 841507 Email: sdb@ruxall.fsnet.co.uk
Black Bourton 1 Frank Stewart-Wood 01993 842397 & Marjorie Worth 01993
842477
2 Jackie Garrett Email: jackie@evensaul.org
Broadwell 1 Roger Goodenough 01367 860326 & Jack Auger 01367 860566
2 June Goodenough 01367 860326
BP & Filkins 1 Jim Cover 01367 860302 & Richard Greenwood 01367 860870
2 Barbara Bristow 01367 860195 Email: bvbristow@tinyonline.co.uk
Holwell 1 Reggie Heyworth 01993 824193 & Jane Brylewski 01993 822479
2 Corinna Rock 01993 824607 (No Email)
Kelmscott 1 Ellie Maughan 01367 252220 & Jean Dufty 01367 252270
2 Ellie Maughan 01367 252220 Email: cmaughan@supanet.com
Kencot 1 Helen Squire 01367 860337 & Jonathan Fyson 01367 860223
2 John Barstow 01367 860312 Email: email@jomonba.go-plus.net
Langford 1 David Range 01367 860314 & Richard Kirby 01367 860205
2 Rachel Range 01367 860314 Email: david@krplastics.demon.co.uk
L Faringdon 1 George Ponsonby 01367 252278 & Esme Morgan 01367 252208
2 Barbara Browne 01367 252772 Email: JohnsonBrowne@compuserve.com
Shilton 1 David Roberts 01993 841194 & John Price 01993 847039
2 Shirley Cuthbertson 01993 846009 Email: cuthbertsons@btinternet.com
Westwell 1 Annette Baldwin 01993 823432 & Chris Fox 01993 823131
2 Chris Fox 01993 823131 Email: seafox@cuckoopen.fsnet.co.uk
** Copy for inclusion in Parish Pump can be channeled though your Parish Pump
Correspondent, or emailed directly to pump@naturalbest.co.uk
Some parishes also have Parish Pump Representatives (PCC officers) who deal
valiantly with distribution and other matters. More info can be had from your PCC.