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EDITORIAL
I don't have a television myself, of course, but my butler tells me that some
of the junior indoor staff enjoy a programme detailing the carefree talk of a
posse of retired chaps in the West Riding town of Holmfirth. You won't have
seen this either, but there is, apparently, a lot of chatter about keeping ferrets
in cloth caps, and larks with large-fronted women.
It's very charming, and allows these characters the bouyancy of a native wit
to make up for having to live an under-employed life among northern slag
heaps. In short, it re-affirms our prejudices about what goes on in those
faraway polar areas where houses have only recently been priced
individually.
How fitting it is that these furry folk scamper lubriciously about Holmfirth,
whose hitherto most famous son was James Bamforth, publisher of saucy
seaside-postcards. For many years Bamforth's postcards were pretty much
all you could buy in Holmfirth, apart from the obligatory tripe and onions,
big steaming unidentifiable pies, and whippet collars. Until the coming of
the TV crews, the best remembered visitor was too much water, when the
dam beyond Marsden burst one night in 1852, and Holmfirth was flooded to
a depth of eight feet.
With the coming of the cameras came the tourists. Coachloads of them to
see the actual spot where Compo's actual wellington boot actually trod in
whatever it hilariously was. And soon Compo's Cafe, and the Wrinkled
Stocking Teashop sprang into action, and a host of knickknack shops and
general tattery. The uglification of a small, inoffensive town was underway.
But here's the strange thing... Something went wrong, for twenty four years
later Holmfirth is a really great place. It still has a proper cinema (one of the
oldest in the country and refurbished) with a jazz club upstairs. It has the sort
of covered market you only see in France and say `why don't we have them
at home?' It has a theatre and a friends' restaurant and bar. It has a police
station which is open every day and manned by proper policemen. And apart
from the multiplicity of teashops, and the ubiquitous chippies and the
Indians and the Chinese, there are Italian, Thai and French restaurants. In
fact there are more than 25 places you can sit down and eat. And there's still
an antiquarian bookshop, and a proper hardware store.
And the thing that gets me every time is that this little town, whose
inhabitants have become an icon of humourous backwardness can also
support not one, but two decent tapas bars. In one of which at 11.15pm last
Saturday I had a large bowl of mussels, some home-baked bread and a half
bottle of champagne for twenty quid. Beat that sophisticated West
Oxfordshire. Oh, and you can buy a four bedroom period cottage with
garage for £200k, and in a few months you could have a loft conversion in
Bamforth's old postcard factory. And right outside the door is some of the
best unspoiled moorland countryside in Britain.
It's a funny old world, but who's having the last laugh?
Richard Martin
PARISH & BENEFICE SERVICES
lst` November - All Saints Day
7.30pm Filkins
Memorial & Remembrance Service EJ
4nd November- IV`" before Advent
10.30 am Kelmscott
Benefice Eucharist Service
HM, NUW
6.00pm Westwell Evensong NUW
11`" November - Remembrance Sunday
9.00am Kencot
Holy Communion (no sermon) EJ
10.30am Shilton Children's Church (Old School) DP
10.50am Alvescot Remembrance Service EJ
10.50am B Bourton
Remembrance Service NUW
10.50am Broadwell
Broadshire Remembrance Service
HM
10.50am Holwell Remembrance Service RL
10.50am Shilton Remembrance Service AP
18th November - 11nd before Advent
9.00am B Bourton/Alvescot Combined Holy Communion
HM
9.00am Holwell Holy Communion NUW
10.30am Broadwell
Matins
EJ
10.30am Kelmscott
Family Communion
HM
10.30am Langford Parish Communion
NUW
6.00pm B Poggs Evensong HM
6.00pm Westwell Evensong NUW
25th November - Christ the King
9.00am Kencot
Holy Communion (no sermon) NUW
9.00am Shilton
Holy Communion HM
10.30am Alvescot Family Communion
NUW
10.30am Filkins Family Communion
EJ
11.00am L Faringdon Parish Communion HM
4.00pm Langford Evensong EJ
6.00pm Holwell/Westwell Combined Evensong
HM
Combined services are in the first-named church
There is also a Communion Service at Black Bourton every Wednesday at
10.00am
CELEBRANTS & SERVICE LEADERS
AP Arthur Pont DP Debs Price
EJ Liz Johnson
HM Harry MacInnes
NUW Neville Usher-Wilson RL Ron Lloyd
BENEFICE SERVICES
During the remainder of 2007
Date Benefice service at 10.30am
Evensong at 6.00pm
2nd December Langford Kencot
THE LECTIONARY
4th November - IV`" before Advent (G/VV) Daniel 7.1-3,15-18 Psalm 149
Ephesians 1. 11-end
Luke 6. 20-31 11`" November - Remembrance
Sunday (R/G)
Job 19. 23-27a
Psalm 17. 1-9 2 Thessalonians 2. 1-5, 13-end Luke 20.
27-38 18`" November - d before Advent (R/G)
Malachi 4. 1-2a Psalm 98
2 Thessalonians 3. 6-13 Luke 21. 5-19 25`" November - Christ the King
(R/W)
Jeremiah 23. 1-6 Psalm 46
Colossians 1. 11-20
Luke 23. 33-43
PSALM 46 & WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE
As you listen to Psalm 46 during the service on 25`" November, consider the
curious happenstance cited by Anthony Burgess in his autobiography
`You've had your time'. The King James bible was compiled during
Shakespeare's lifetime, indeed the new translation was published in the year
(1611) in which Shakespeare wrote his last play. But Shakespeare is not on
the list of nearly 50 scholars who helped with the translation, and yet, and
yet...
Shakespeare was probably born in 1564 (he was certainly christened on 26th
April in that year), and was therefore 46 in 1610, the year in which the King
james bible was being revised and prepared for the printing press. In Psalm
46, not counting the `selahs' ( arbitrarily sprinkled invocations to weigh the
words you are hearing, sort of `amens' with `think' attached) 46 words from
the beginning is `shake; and 46 words from the end is `spear'.
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the
mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake
with the swelling thereof. Selah.
There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the
holy place of the tabernacles of the most High.
God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and
that right early.
The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved: he uttered his voice, the earth
melted. The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.
Come, behold the works of the Lord, what desolations he hath made in the
earth. He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the
bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; he burneth the chariot in the fire. Be
still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be
exalted in the earth.
The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.
THE RECTOR'S LETTER
Dear Friends
Remembrance Sunday
I have been fascinated recently by the
extraordinary role that memory plays in
my life. Some people have prodigious
memories. They can read a book and
remember every paragraph, store minor
details of cricket scores, recollect
countless telephone numbers, quote
sayings, recite poems and so on. Others
like myself have a great capacity for
forgetting all the things I ever learned
at school and University and much else besides. And I haven't yet reached
the grey age when such loss of memory is to be expected. You must be
familiar with the sort of thing expressed by the title of Alec Guinness's book
`My name escapes me', when people find themselves saying `I know your
face so well, but I can't remember your name.' A friend of mine has a
particular version of that which goes `I know your name so well, but I can't
remember what your face reminds me of?'
Yet the conscious act of remembering is a vital part of life. The memory of
how something went wrong can save a person from the same mistake.
Recalling an act of kindness or forgiveness can generate an attitude of
thankfulness and motivate generous behaviour. Remembering an event
which seemed terrible at the time, but proved formative for your character,
can become a continuing source of hope and encouragement.
Of course memories can be either heart-warming or destructive. It is
wonderful to bask in the reminder of sunshine, sea breezes, the smell of
wood smoke, the laughter of little children, the company of good friends and
carefree holidays. But then there are also those traumas, guilts and fears
which come back to haunt a person unless they are faced and resolved.
There are two villages in the south of England which still harbour enormous
animosity against each other because of events in the 17`" c. Civil War.
Memory can be cruel to us unless we learn to face, confess and receive
forgiveness and healing for bitter situations.
In fact the positive act of remembering is something often emphasised in the
scriptures. `Remember your Creator in the days of your youth'. It is so easy
to forget God, although the daily recollection of his presence is one of the
keys to fulfilled life. `Do this in remembrance of me' said Jesus, as he took
bread and wine as a sign of his self sacrifice. St Paul frequently urges
Christians to remember those who have benefited them.
So what an excellent institution Remembrance Sunday is. To remember the
way in which we have benefited from the many who have lost their lives in
the prime of life, and to be reminded of those who at this moment are facing
fearful danger in Afghanistan and Iraq, is important for our own health as a
nation. It is right to hate war and to pray for peace, but it is also imperative
to honour those whose calling is to serve their country in this particular way.
Harry MacInnes
The photograph is of the war memorial in Canberra, Australia
THE BISHOP, THE PRIEST, THE PARK
AND ITS RHINO John Pritchard, the new
Bishop of Oxford, visited the Benefice on
15`j' October. Here he is in consultation with
our very own Harry MacInnes and their new
friend at Cotswold Wildlife Park.
REMEMBRANCE NOVEMBER 2007
H Harry MacInnes writes in his letter this
month about the importance of remembering those who have served our
country in war. Paradoxically, as we are urged to remember those who
served, many of them have spent a lifetime trying to forget. In `Railway
Man', Eric Lomax wrote about his experiences in Burma after the fall of
Singapore, and bleakly illustrated the truth of Montaigne's maxim that
`Nothing fixes a thing so intensely in the memory as the wish to forget it.'
Here are several diverse tales about memory and remembrance...
REMEMBRANCE 1: HEARING THE NEWS
Kathleen Lowe was born in Wigan, Lancashire. Soon after the outbreak of
WWII she married Frederick Oliver who had already joined the RAF. On
23rd June 1944, Fred Oliver's Lancaster bomber was shot down over
northern France, near Calais. And Fred was killed. Kathleen remembers the
telegram boy coming to the house, and afterwards wrote a poem about it.
I was cleaning windows upstairs at Maple Grove, Beech Hill. Everyone else
was out - when I noticed a young telegram boy on his bieycle, ride around
Hazel Avenue. As I came downstairs our door knocker sounded. He looked
at me anxiously as I opened the door. I opened tbe yellow envelope he
handed to me. It was a rather large sheet. I read 'Do not communicate with
the Press...'
I thought my husband had done something outstanding, and smiled at the
boy and said 'It's alright love'. The telegram was printed on both sides. On
the other side, which I read as he got on his bicycle - tentatively returning
my smile I read `We regret to inform you...'
Telegram Boy
Lancashire, England 1944
Messenger from hell- unknowing..
Little boy with curly hair.
Streamers from your cycle flowing
As you pedal..., where?
Yellow envelope in your pocket,
Bearing tidings dread; for whom?
Who will see this day of sunshine,
Blacker that the darkest tomb?
Who your face will long remember,
Stamped indelibly on their mind
As the last face they saw smiling
In the sun they left behind?
Telegram boy, please pedal slowly!
Let them dream two minutes more –
For their dreams will die for ever
When you knock upon their door.
And he knocked upon my door
And smiled at me.
Kathleen Lowe Oliver
0 REMEMBRANCE 2: BRAVE MEN REMEMBERED AFTER 70
YEARS
On Saturday 6th October there was a dedication ceremony of a memorial in
honour of the crew of Albemarle V1782 which crashed on 27`'' August 1944
at Mill Farm, Black Bourton killing all five men on board.
The day dawned fine which bode well, since being in rather an exposed
position the thought of the alternative did not appeal. RAF Brize Norton and
the local Royal Air Force Association turned out in style as well as Air
Cadets and members of the families of two of the crew. There was a
wonderful gathering of people to pay tribute to five airmen of 297/296
Squadron (based at Brize Norton during 1944) who lost their lives on the
farm trying to land at the Base on their return from a successful mission to
drop supplies for the SOE in France.
Air Chief Marshal (Rtd) Sir John Allison, who so kindly agreed to take part,
gave a very moving address before unveiling the cairn. A prayer of
Dedication was given by Father James Caulfield, Chaplain at RAF Brize
Norton, and then a Royal Air Force trumpeter played The Last Post which
led us into a two minute silence. Four wreaths were laid, the first, very
poignantly, by Dennis Busbridge, the brother of the pilot. He was followed
by a veteran of 296 Squadron as a representative of 38 Group Association,
then Wing Commander Toner laid a wreath on behalf of RAF Brize Norton,
and Mr Bob Wise laid one on behalf of the Royal Air Force Association. It
was a very sad occasion but one which enabled the families, as well as local
residents, to pay a formal tribute to these five young men.
Thank you to everyone who attended for their support and, to those who
took part, for giving so generously of their time in order for this event to
take place. I do hope that you will spare a minute the next time you are
passing the end of the drive.
Monica Tudor
The live men who died at Mill Farm were.
F/Sgt Allan H Busbridge 1901572 Pilot
F/Sgt William (Bill) F Insley 1247337 Air bomber
F/Sgt Bernard V Mowan 1324290 Navigator
Sgt Edgar F Bonser 1819132 Air gunner
Sgt Kenneth J Shay 1681173 Wireless operator/Air gunner
REMEMBRANCE 4: `THE SMALLER BLOODINESS OF WAR'
Flight Sergeant Busbridge and his crew died in an Albemarle (below) which
was used to tow gliders (Horsas) into the sky. Before the introduction of the
Albemarle, the Whitley was used in this role. Stan Arthurs (of Great Barr,
Birmingham) remembers the dangers, and describes laconically one
experience among so many...
At Brize Norton, around April 1942, Horsas were being towed routinely by
Whitleys. Circuits and bumps were performed both day and night:
take off, glider release, land-rope drop from Whitley, and Whitley lands.
Engine failures, dodgy take offs... inevitably casualties were the order of the
day. The aircraft were flown by RAF pilots on `rest' from bombing trips.
In June 1942 I was part of the night flying scene. I'd flown in both tugs and
gliders and [at that time] chose the glider.
A dark night and `laid out' flare path, the usual signals, a jerk and we were
away. Flight Sergeant Tobias was the pilot. Although we were quickly
airborne, the tug, not unusually, seemed to lack acceleration. The amber
lights showed and then the red lights appeared to mark the end of the
runway. The tug with the full crew staggered off and gained perhaps 550
feet but then stalled, to nose dive and explode, killing all on board. We [in
the glider] had already cast off and flew down the main street of the village
Black Bourton, no light, vague shapes and then oblivion.
I can remember, fleetingly, travelling fast through the unlit lanes of
Oxfordshire headed for the Radcliffe Infirmary in Oxford. Bell jangling,
quite a lot of pain causing me to ask them to slow down.
A fleeting glimpse of my mother by my bed, tugging at her wide brimmed
hat. She'd been sent for urgently. Apparently I was in Radcliffe Infirmary for
about a fortnight but I was barely conscious of events. My skull was shaved
with two deep lacerations and fractures. Neck muscles were damaged and a
deep cut encircled my throat. My spine had suffered a compression fracture
between my shoulder blades and I had three fractures in the small of my
back. A damaged kidney, torn stomach muscles and a wound on my leg
completed the damage.
Flight Sergeant Tobias was paralyzed.
Then to a rehabilitation centre at Middleton Stoney, normally the Earl of
Jersey's estate. Wonderful treatment and food. Pity the local cemetery,
within the estate, echoed to the sound of military music as dead aircraftmen
were buried. A constant reminder of how lucky I was.
And so I returned to Brize Norton. An aircraft medical board had
pronounced me fit and I arrived for duty with my old uniform, heavily
bloodstained and torn, wrapped in brown paper. To my dismay, I was
informed that a fortnight after my crash I had been posted to a flying training
school in Canada.
Stan Arthurs
REMEMBRANCE 5: HAPPY HOMECOMING
J Just over the county border at Coln Rogers, in the porch of the Saxon St
Andrew's church, is a memorial to those 25 men and one woman of the
parish who served their country during the First World War. Under the list
of names is the wonderful line:
`All of whom by God's great mercy returned safely' Is this unique among
war memorials?
PRAYER AND BIBLE STUDY GROUP
D During the autumn we shall continue our studies of St Mark's Gospel. The
remaining dates for the autumn are 12"' November and 10`'' December. We
are a very informal group, and you are most welcome to join us. For more
details, please phone me on 01367 860846.
Liz Johnson
CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP
W e meet again at 2.45pm on Wednesday 7`h November in the Schoolroom
at Filkins Methodist Chapel. Our speaker will be Lyn Collier, who, with her
husband has been working in the Ukraine for several months, particularly
caring for widows and orphans. We shall be joined by the Carterton
Fellowship. Anyone else who would like to join us would be most welcome.
This should be a stimulating afternoon.
Marjorie Barstow
SHILTON BAPTIST CHAPEL
A week ago some of us from the Chapel were able to go to a Helping Hands
event celebrating three years since the charity started. It was a wonderful
event and about £4,500 was raised to continue the work with the children in
the Kamuli district of Uganda and also to help those in Uganda who have
recently been so badly flooded.
In her latest letter Debbie Newman who
started Helping Hands writes: `When I first
visited Kamuli District in May 2004 my heart
was broken as I encountered the happiest but
most forgotten children I had ever had the
privilege to meet. Their poverty trapped them in a state of poor health
through a lack of medicine and education. Malaria left young children
listless and often caused brain damage and even death. Everyone thought
this was normal. As a Christian I believe in a God of love who sees each
individual as precious. With this view and a developing realisation that there
were some simple steps we could take together Helping Hands was
conceived. The idea was to provide a basic level of health care for children
at school with a strong emphasis on health education and disease prevention
measures. In this way children would enjoy good health and learn that they
are worth caring for and could begin to help themselves and others too.'
Now Helping Hands is able to have a direct influence on the health of
around 5,000 adults and children. A full time nurse is employed who travels
round the schools and Debbie goes out there three times a year.
Chapel supports one of the schools mainly by praying for them but also by
sending small gifts, some of our collections to build latrines, and writing
letters to the children and joy the nurse. At the Coffee Morning on 3rd
November there will be a stall of goods sold by Helping Hands and on 2nd
December Debbie is coming to Chapel to give us an update on the work
there.
Preachers for November:
4th November
Informal
11th November Graham Sparrowhawk followed by communion
18`th November Geoff Lander
25th November Andy Robinson
All our services will now be at 3.00pm until next March, and, as usual,
visitors are always welcome.
Elizabeth Harfield
BENEFICE CHOIR
As we move inexorably towards Christmas, the choir is now turning its
attention to what is probably our busiest season. Numbers are growing
slowly but surely, with both some `younger blood' as well as some more
experienced' joining us recently. This does not mean however that I have
given up advertising for new members - far from it. The choir still needs to
expand and consolidate.
By the time that this article is published, we will be well into rehearsals for
our big Christmas Service - a Carol Service at Broadwell on Sunday evening
- the 23`d December to be precise. We have been asked by Broadwell to
help lead the service - which is shared with Kencot, and I think the hope is,
that whilst all villages have their own `Christmas thing', many people might
like to start their Christmas week by joining us for something slightly
different from the norm, but at the same time encompassing some traditional
items. Interested? Well you will either have to come along and listen, or,
come and join the choir to fully partake.
We are now fully into the swing of things after our summer break, and have
just sung a Harvest Choral evensong at Black Bourton. We are continuing to
learn new music, and I have been very gratified to find that all my members
have come back after the summer, and, they haven't forgotten much about
how to sing. It has been great to just pick up where we left off - I hope the
choir feel the same.
My numbers as always are 01993 841807 or 07850 064775, or email me on
david@glebourton.fsnet.co.uk if you think that you might like to join us.
David New
DON'T FORGET YOUR BENEFICE CALENDAR
Q Order now and get your copies of the Benefice calendar in plenty of time
to post to family and friends. It is A4 portrait format and therefore is
postable as a 'large letter'. There is space by each date for diary
appointments, birthdays, etc.
The calendar features our benefice villages, and costs a very modest £3.99.
You can pick up your copies at village events until the end of the year, from
the Filkins Village Shop and Coffee Shop at Cotswold Woollen Weavers, or
from Ian Moore (01993 842962), Jean Roberts (01993 841194) or me
(01993 842470)
Marilyn Cox
FILKINS & DISTRICT ROYAL BRITISH LEGION
Poppy Appeal
Village representatives are now braving the elements to sell poppies
throughout our villages. Please support them by buying your poppies from
them. It does make their efforts worthwhile. We hope to exceed last year';
superb total of over £2000 (including the Remembrance Service collection)
that was donated to the appeal by the Broadshire villages. Please remember
that the Legion's commitments are, if anything, more exacting as the needs
of many veterans and their families increase with age. In addition, the
younger generation of ex-servicemen are now calling for various forms of
assistance as a result of injuries or mental trauma sustained during recent
conflicts.
Remembrance Service
This year's service will be held at St Peter & St Paul's, Broadwell. Please
assemble at the Memorial, adjacent to the church gate, by 10.55am for the
Act of Remembrance. Medals should be worn.
A Field Of Remembrance will, once again, be set up by the church. This will
enable anyone who would like to remember family or friends killed in
service of their country to place a small wooden cross there. These may be
obtained from village poppy sellers or from a Branch member on the day.
Branch Dinner - 6 October 2007
Wing Commander Don Seale (RAF Retd) writes:
24 members of the Filkins and District Branch of the Royal British Legion
sat down to dinner on Saturday the 6"' October, as part of the lead in to
Remembrance Sunday. The dinner was attended by the Branch President,
Air Chief Marshal Sir John Allison and Lady Allison, and the President for
the evening was Colonel Jeremy Taylor. The Guest of Honour was
Lieutenant Colonel Justin Taylor RAMC Qeremy's son) who gave an after
dinner talk on medical services in Afghanistan, based on his personal
experiences in that theatre.
It was especially interesting to the past members of the armed forces present
who listened with keen interest to the modern aspects of treating battlefield
and other casualties in a difficult and hostile environment.
In Colonel Taylor's after dinner speech and in Sir John Allison's word of
thanks to Lt Colonel Taylor for his talk, the British Legion members and
their wives and partners commemorated the fallen and those who have been
wounded and sometimes scarred for life in the two World wars and
peacetime `minor operations.'
The dinner was held at the Burford Golf Club whose staff looked after those
sitting to dinner in a splendid fashion and served a sumptuous meal. Our
sincere thanks go to the Club and its staff for looking after us so well.
The next important occasion for the British Legion is the Remembrance
Sunday parade and service at Broadwell on the 11`h November. Please join
us and remember the members of the armed forces who have, and are,
playing their part on our behalf, in dangerous places.
Branch AGM
The AGM will be held at the Five Alls, Filkins on Tuesday 6`" November at
7.30pm. All Branch members will be most welcome to attend.
Bingo Evening
A Bingo evening in aid of the Poppy Appeal will be held on Thursday 13`'
December in Filkins Village Hall. Further details will be given in next
month's Parish Pump. If anyone has anything suitable as prizes or for the
raffle, please contact Mick Hambidge (01367 860381)
Jeremy Taylor
LAST WORD ON REMEMBRANCE
`We do not remember days; we remember moments.' Cesare Pavese
FROM THE REGISTERS
HOLY BAPTISM
16th September Langford
Edward Frank Hedley Haynes
Nataly Maria Clemons
Annie May Rose Lawton-White
16th September Kelmscott
Isla Elizabeth Mitchell
23rd September B Bourton
Shannon Rebecca Denny
23rd September Alvescot Jacob Benjamin Smith
Ned Daniel Smith
HOLY BURIAL
21st September Alvescot Charis Frances Fulton aged 84 years
Service followed by cremation
11th October
Kencot
Richard Hugh Fyson aged 89 years.
Cremation followed by service of Thanksgiving
ALVESCOT
St Peter's
QUIZ NIGHT AT THE VILLAGE HALL
The grand sum of over £500 was made at this highly entertaining evening.
Thanks to all who supported this event, to our Quiz master Nigel Williams
(who kept everyone under control), those who helped make the food
(especially Liz Savage for the delicious bread, getting the Questions, and
marking them), to Kathryn and Joanna for running the raffle and to the Bar
staff Terry and Pam for keeping us lubricated.
Sandie Morris
BONFIRE AND FIREWORKS PARTY
On Monday 5`' November the Parish Council assisted by St Peter's PCC is
once again hosting its bonfire and fireworks party on the playing field. Don't
miss the lighting of the bonfire at around 6.30pm. Tasty hot dogs and
delicious mulled wine will be served to keep you warm from 6.15pm.
This popular village party is free to everyone from the local community so
do come and enjoy however there will be a collection at the gate to help
offset the cost of the spectacular fireworks. Proceeds from the food and
drink will go towards the upkeep of St Peter's Church.
Jayne Lewin
A GIFT EVENING...
A Gift Evening at St Peter's School will be held on the 14"' November at
7.30pm. Tickets for this popular evening can be obtained from St Peter's
School (01993 842535) or from me (01993 842135.) So beat the rush, come
and get your Christmas gifts at this relaxing evening. Tickets include a glass
of Mulled wine and a mince pie.
Sandie Morris
... A CHRISTMAS BAZAAR
A Christmas Bazaar will be held on 24`h November at St Peters School. We
have heard that a very special visitor will be in school on that day. So come
along and enjoy a fun packed afternoon.
THE GREASEPAINT IS ROARING!
Oxford Touring Theatre Presents The Opening Night of The Delicious
Revenge of Princess Rubyslippers on 26`h November at 6.30pm in the
Village Hall.
Take a five year old, six year old and a seven year old; add one harassed
mum; a handful of favourite fairytale characters: mix together in a large
dressing up box and leave for five frenetic, fun-filled minutes. Result? A
topsy-turvey, helter-skelter story of sibling rivalry and parental desperation
in a world of mixed-up make-believe where the Fairy-Godmother's hot and
bothered and the Wicked Witch itching to make boy pie.
With a surprise round every corner, and a twist in every tale, The Delicious
Revenge of Princess Rubyslippers is guaranteed to tickle the ribs of children,
parents - and grandparents.
For Tickets: Adults £8, Children £ 5.50, Family 2+2 £24, call St Peter's
School (01993 842535)
Terry Morris
ST PETER'S INFANT SCHOOL
St Peter's welcomed nineteen new children and their families in September
and already, they have settled well into the life of the school.
At St Peter's we continue to embrace
opportunities to extend the curriculum that we offer the children. This term
Julia Neame continues to provide recorder lessons and Alan Elbourne has
been helping the children to improve their tennis. In addition, this term we
provide a French after-school clubs for Year Two children, a games club and
a very popular gardening club. Thanks go to all the staff and volunteers who
run and support these clubs.
The Treasure Hunt eventually took place on a glorious Sunday afternoon and
many of our children and families enjoyed a lovely stroll around the village,
even managing to answer a few of the questions on route. Many thanks to
the wonderful Sam Scarecrow who surprised us all, to the Honours who
allowed us access to their land and to all the organisers of this event.
Our new roadway was officially opened by Aaron Wisdom from
Oxfordshire's Travel Plan Development Officer, on 27`'' September. This
was followed by all the children participating in a sponsored journey. The
children rode scooters, bicycles and tricycles and even a tractor around the
track to raise money to buy more wheeled vehicles for the school. This was a
great success and the children thoroughly enjoyed the event. We look
forward to a ride on the new vehicles when they arrive.
The school's Harvest festival will take place on 16`'' October. Class 2 have
been responsible for producing some wonderful work which is displayed in
the church. If you haven't seen it yet then it is well worth a visit.
The 50/50 sale raised over two hundred pounds towards the new roadway.
Many thanks to all those who helped on the day and supported this event.
The next event is the Gift Evening on Wednesday 14"' November at the
school so don't miss the chance of doing your Christmas shopping early this
year. This is always a very enjoyable evening. If you don't already have a
ticket, then do drop into the school office.
On Saturday 24r'' November the school will be holding its annual Christmas
Bazaar. This is always a great afternoon and always highly successful in
raising money for school funds.
Finally, on a very sad note, on the evening of 9`' October, somebody entered
the school grounds and wilfully caused considerable damage. The signs on
the new roadway were broken and there was damage to the shed and the
picnic benches. We at St Peter's take great pride in our school and grounds.
Everyone works hard to provide the very best for the children who attend the
school and this act of mindless vandalism not only causes great sadness but
also enrages those who care so passionately about the school.
The children are asking us why someone would do this but this is a question
that many of us are asking. If you see anyone on the school premises, out of
school hours, who may not have a justifiable reason to be there, please
contact the police immediately.
Sam King
VILLAGE CHARITIES
The Alvescot Charities' Trustees administer funds from Charitable Bequests
and Charitable Allotments made in the last three centuries and which are
designated for the relief of hardship. The Trustees make monetary winter
grants to those who qualify.
The Trustees would welcome confidential approaches from Alvescot
residents to apply for a grant provided that they meet all the following
conditions, which have been reviewed to meet both the requirements of the
original bequests/allotments and of the Charities Act:
•
That applicants are resident in Alvescot
•
That they are 65 years of age or more
•
That they are in receipt of one or more State benefits: Council Tax
Benefit,
Housing Benefit, Pension Credit
If you or someone you know may be eligible for a grant please approach one
of the Trustees or me, the Clerk to the Trustees. All correspondence and
information will be treated in the strictest confidence unless the Trustees are
required to do otherwise by law.
Trustees: Harry McInnes, Pam Barling, Ralph Mawle, Sandy Morris, Roger
Trafford. Clerk: Nigel Williams, Rose Cottage, Lower End, Alvescot. Tel:
01993 842857
Nigel Williams
BLACK BOURTON
St Mary's
HARVEST FESTIVAL: BE THANKFUL
Harry's message in his sermon at out Harvest Festival on 30`h September
was to be thankful in all circumstances, even at those times when you think
there is no reason to be thankful.
Well, there was every reason to be thankful that evening. The Church looked
beautiful, so a big thank you to all those who worked so hard. They did not
have Christine Pope to encourage or advise them as she was enjoying herself
in Canada but they created a truly autumnal atmosphere. A big thank you
also to David New and his choir who always add so much to a service.
Thank you for giving your time and sharing with us your wonderful voices.
Doreen Hart
CHIRSTMAS TREES
By popular demand the Christmas Tree Festival will take place again in St
Mary's Church this year. Anyone wishing to sponsor or decorate a tree
please contact Doreen Hart on 01993 844124 or me on 01993 845998.
If you only want to sponsor a tree we will arrange to have it decorated. The
Church looked beautiful last year, let's see what we can do this year.
Christine Pope
PLANTS FOR FREE...
Epimedium with dainty yellow flowers which are suitable for growing in the
shade or part shade, Astrantia `Shaggy' ( white with green tips on the petals)
and Pink Japanese Anenomes.
Just give me a ring during the evening on 01367 250021 and come and dig
up the plants that appeal to you.
... AND IN RETURN
Has any got any spare White Japanese Anenomes, and pink and/or white
Sedum?
Liz Welch
BROADWELL
St Peter c'- St Paul's
ALTAR FLOWERS
4`th & 11th November June Goodenough
NEWS FROM BROADSHIRES PRE-SCHOOL
It was lovely to see the children again after the long summer break and to
welcome new children and their families to the pre-school. We are now well
into the Autumn term and all the children have been enjoying activities
based around the topics of `Harvest' and `Autumn'.
The display boards around the pre-school abound with the enthusiastic
artwork the children have produced, including painted tractors and trailers
loaded with grain, fields of crops, scarecrows and leaf collages. The children
are very fortunate to be able to see lots of those things first hand and they
often wave excitedly when working farm vehicles drive past the gates.
Our fete this year was a huge success, so thanks go to everyone who made it
such a fantastic fund raising event. We would like to say thank-you to those
who donated prizes, bought raffle tickets, hung out the bunting, helped run
stalls, and all those who came on the day and joined in the fun.
Our next event will be a Christmas Gift and Craft afternoon, to be held on
Tuesday 6`i' November. This should be a wonderful opportunity to buy
some early Christmas presents or even to treat yourself. There will be crafts,
jewellery, Usbourne books, toys, and many more, plus refreshments and
raffle.
Come and join in the fun, meet old friends and make new ones.
We are still collecting Tesco/Sainsbury/Box Top for Books, etc vouchers
and would welcome any donations of these as they allow us to order extra
play equipment and resources for the children.
Alison Rodger
HARVEST LUNCH
Our Harvest Lunch was held on Sunday 7"' October, following the Harvest
Festival. It was a most cheerful occasion, and more than half our
community, plus guests, sat down to a really delicious meal. The Molyneaux
barn had been cleared and cleaned and was exactly the right size for the
people to circulate.
We welcomed our very new Youngest Inhabitant, Charlie Greenslade, who
survived the crowd with great aplomb. The proud Parents produced many
bottles of champagne to drink his health. A lovely surprise.
There was a raffle for wines and spirits, and a chocolate lucky dip. Also, the
new Broadshire Calendar sold very well. What with all of this, a nice tidy
sum of £300 was raised for church funds.
Very many thanks to all the people who worked so hard, and especially to
Georgina Lewis, who had the whole thing going like clockwork (and she
made it look so easy!)
June Goodenough
FILKINS & BROUGHTON POGGS
€ St Peter's
SOUTHERN BELLE
As the world should now know, Filkins & Broughton added to the accolade
of Calor Village of the Year in Oxfordshire and CVotY in South England,
the grand title of National CVotY for `Community Building'. This is a pretty
ghastly phrase, but it means we are nice people who look after each other
and know how to make a village tick long and loudly.
This was certainly in evidence on 20`' October when the village hall was
packed, first for a tea party, then for live music, then for the Rugby Cup
Final, and then for more live music, dancing, food and booze into the night.
Highlights for me were the music (from the ineffable Nathan McCree, and
his mates including the hottest dentist in town), the excellent horseradish on
the mini-Yorkshire puddings (courtesy of the Five Alls), the exuberance of a
crowd of villagers of all ages, and that Ena said that when she arrived the
hall was so crowded that she could not get in. Happily, Ena managed to
squeeze through the throng, and like everyone else had a jolly Good Time.
A reminder: we now have £5000+ prize money, so do please have a think
and suggest ways to spend it. Drop your ideas into the Parish Clerk, Cris
Hoad.
NEW ARRIVALS IN FILKINS
Welcome to Sandy Wall and Peter Harvey and their children India and
Calum, who have moved into 2 Hazell's Lane from Langford.
Welcome also to Finley Andrew Keating who was born on Tuesday 18`h
September to Emma and Andy at Horseshoe House,
CHARITY BINGO NIGHT
With an amazing array of prizes (kindly donated by local businesses and
individuals) to be won, on Thursday 18`" October a`full house' had its `eyes
down' for an enjoyable and highly successful bingo session at the village
hall.
The event was organised by Mick and Margaret Hambidge, Clive Gould was
the caller, and the evening raised a magnificent £500 to be divided between
two major charities: Cancer Research UK and Macmillan Nurses. Many
thanks to everyone involved for their generous help and support - a terrific
result.
Pat Clark
FILKINS X FACTOR
As I dragged myself away from the World 20Twenty cricket semi-final I had
little idea what to expect from Filkins Theatre Club's inaugural `X Factor'.
With the adult population preferring to keep their talents well hidden it was
left to the youngsters to rise to the challenge. With no sign of Simon Cowell
or even Richard Martin (stuck at the airport), Nathan McCree, Bronwen
Mills and Michele Heath were recruited to judge the diverse range of acts
which organiser Daniel Porter had assembled.
Emily Redman bravely began the evening with a rendition of `Ironic' by
Alanis Morisette. While the judging may have lacked the cutting edge of its
TV counterpart there was plenty of good advice and encouragement for
Emily and the other acts. Next up a local rock band `Arms Against' certainly
changed the mood with their own composition, `Welcome to Hell'. While
not a strong contender for my own Desert Island Discs, the musicianship
clearly impressed the judges. With mindboggling juxtaposition the evening
continued with Bob & Bobette's `I've Got a Lovely Bunch of Coconuts'
which may not catapult them from Filkins to Broadway, or even Broadwell,
but proved that vaudeville is not dead.
More mainstream entertainment followed with Wendy and Elizabeth
Browne's interpretation of `The Way You Look Tonight' followed later by
Wendy's Jerome Kern's solo, `Can't Help Loving That Man of Mine'. The
younger age group was well represented by Stacy and jade's lively version of
`Lollipop' by Mika, and Bryony Gibb's singing an impressive,
unaccompanied version of `Green Green Grass of Home'. DoDo Miller
entered into the spirit of the event with her version of `Baby Got Back', not a
strong contender for the top prize but a challenge for the judges and
entertainment for us.
The judges then retired to consider their verdict which must have been a
daunting task given the variety of acts on show. Eventually they decided that
Emily Redman came in third place, Bryany Gibbs took the runners-up spot
and, given the age profile of the judges, it came as a wonderful surprise to
winning act, that Filkins X Factor was won by Arms Against.
The top three acts are being put forward to David Seaton for consideration
for studio time to develop their talents. The Theatre Club and Daniel Porter
are to be congratulated for providing a showcase for local talent and plan to
repeat the event in the near future. So there's no excuse, get practising, hone
your talents and be ready for Filkins X Factor 2008.
Alan Heath
ST PETER'S 150TH ANNIVERSARY: RENEWAL OF BAPTISM VOWS
On 23"' September we had a special celebration of Baptism in St Peter's
Church as part of our 150th anniversary celebrations. All residents of Filkins
who were baptised in the church were sent a personal invitation to the
service and it was good to see many old. friends, as well as new friends like
Jacob Holden whose was the most recent baptism.
The whole congregation were invited to renew their baptismal vows and
went to the font to receive the sign of the cross on their forehead, and
everyone was given a lighted candle. When I looked around the
congregation, there were smiles everywhere. Congratulations to Liz Johnson
on a most enjoyable and moving service.
Barbara Bristow
VILLAGE RESIDENTS' FIVE ALLS ROOM OFFER...
Book early for Christmas! Get rid of your unwanted guests! Avoid laundry
and washing up! All good reasons to take advantage of a great offer just for
Filkins residents, their families and friends...
Sunday to Thursday night: £39.50, and Friday to Saturday: £49.50 per room
Advance bookings only. Price includes full breakfast and up to two guests.
Valid until 31/12/07. Please telephone The Five Alls on 01367 860 306.
... AND A SPECIAL FOR NOVEMBER
Remember, remember the 5`'' November. OK, it's a Monday but all main
courses will be £5. We celebrate not blowing up Parliament. Free sparklers
for anyone that can answer why. Guys, please book early to avoid Fawking
out too much. Again, telephone The Five Alls on 01367 860 306.
WI NEWS
As the nights draw in, the committee is busy organising the programme and
events for next year. We hope there will be plenty to interest our members
and guests.
In August our chairman Elizabeth Gidman kindly hosted a Summer Picnic at
her home. Unfortunately the English weather let us down and we had to
retreat to the comfort of her house for our delicious picnic, brought to share
by all the members. We did manage to view Elizabeth's beautiful garden
during a break in the rain, and complete a quiz with answers all to be found
in the garden itself.
September was Safari Supper night, again a great success. Due to a rather
large amount of water in Broughton Poggs in July, the main meal was served
in the Village Hall. `My House' and 'Lucille's House' were `moved' to the
new venue and everyone joined in the fun whilst viewing pictures of the lane
in BP looking rather more like a river with my friend's car floating down the
middle. Starters and puddings were kindly provided in members' homes and
we finished the evening with coffee at the Vicarage.
At our September meeting we welcomed Fred Robinson who gave a very
interesting talk entitled `The History of Words'. We were surprised to learn
about the derivation of some of our language from Latin, Greek and
European languages.
Our next meeting on 215` November will be a joint venture with the
Gardening Club. We invite any non-members to join us, £2.50 on the night,
for this Christmas flower demonstration.
Hilary Ward
PRE-CHRISTMAS COFFEE MORNING
We hope to repeat the success of our coffee morning last year, so come
along to Filkins Farmhouse on Saturday, 17`' November from l0am to
12noon. There will be lots to buy, as well as a chance to catch up with
friends over a cup of coffee and home-made cakes.
All proceeds will go to church funds. For more details or to donate items for
sale please call me on 01367 860195.
Barbara Bristow
GARDENING CLUB
On Wednesday 21" November at 7.30pm the Club is combining with the WI
to enjoy a demonstration of Christmas Flower Arranging. Visitors are very
welcome for an entrance fee of £2.50, payable at the door.
If you would like further information please contact me on 01367 860282 or
Chris Woodford on 01367 860319.
Lucille Jones
LOOK BEHIND YOU
Yes folks, it's nearly Panto Time, with Filkins Theatre presenting `Babes in
the Wood' on 23"' November at 7.30pm and on 24"' November at 2.30 &
7.30pm. Tickets are available at the village post office & shop, and at
Cotswold Woollen Weavers.
ROSTER FOR VOLUNTARY CAR SERVICE TO SURGERIES Covering
Filkins, Broughton Poggs, Broadwell, Kencot, Langford and L Faringdon
lst` November Mr A Woodford 860319 20"' November Mr A Heath
860129
6"' November Mrs J Geake 860534 22"d November Mrs V Godfrey 860498
8`h November Mr P Coleman 860571 27`'' November Mrs C Lauzier
860644 13"' November Mrs J Higham 860197 29`h November Miss H
Squire 860337
15"' November Mrs M Cover 860302 (All codes 01367)
For hospital runs, or with any problems, contact me on 01367 860319 Local
surgery runs £2.00
Hospitals: Fairford & Witney £6.00 Swindon & Cirencester £8.00 Oxford
£10.00 At the JR, parking charges may have to be paid, and will be added to
the bill.
Tony Woodford
HOLWELL
St Mary's
After last months effort, Holwell relaxes... but the millers (gnomes, orcs,
fairies... whatever) of Westwell are even now grinding their corn in your
honour.
KELMSCOTT
St George's
CHURCH BRASS AND FLOWERS Lucinda and Honor McFarlane
THANKS FROM THE HATTONS
The Hatton family would like to thank everyone who supported their Jumble
Sale on Saturday 8"' September. They raised £340 for Sobell House.
DON'T FORGET
Oxfordshire Touring Theatre Company are coming to the Morris Memorial
Hall on Friday, 14`" December, with their performance of `The Delicious
Revenge of Princess Ruby Slippers'. Take a 5-year old, 6 year old and a 7
year old, add one harassed mum; a handful of favourite fairytale characters;
season well with some sensational songs; mix together in a large dressing up
box and
E
leave for five frenetic, fun-filled minutes. Result? A topsy-turvey, helterskelter story of sibling rivalry and parental desperation in a world of mixedup, musical make-believe where the Fairy Godmother is hot and bothered
and the Wicked Witch is itching to make boy pie! With a surprise round
every corner and a twist in every tale, Princess Ruby Slippers is guaranteed
to tickle the ribs of children, parents - and grandparents - everywhere.
This show is suitable for a family audience - anyone 6 years old and above and promises to be a lovely evening of pre-Christmas live entertainment to
look forward to. Tickets (price to be advised) can be obtained from either
Jake Nelson on 01367 252607 or me on 01367 253103.
Laura Roberts
PARTY TIME... FOR EVERYONE
Just to let you know that Father Christmas will be visiting the Morris
Memorial Hall on Friday 215` December and he is very keen to see all
children in the village up to 8 years old. Just so that the grown ups don't feel
left out, they are invited to a party in the Morris Memorial Hall on New
Year's Eve. More details of both of these events will follow in next months
Parish Pump.
Laura Roberts
KENCOT
St George's
CDR RICHARD H FYSON DSC 1917 - 2007
Richard Fyson died in The Cotswold Home on 30`" September, a month
short of his 90' birthday. He was born in India, where his father was a
professor of botany at Madras University. He was sent home to school and it
was while he was there that he developed an interest in working in wood in
his spare time.
On leaving school, he joined the Royal Navy and served in several ships,
including the battleship HMS Warspite at the 2°d Battle of Narvic. He once
told me that he always had some wood and a penknife in his cabin so that he
could do a bit of carving when not on duty.
In 1943 he volunteered for Special Forces and was posted to Combined
Operations Pilotage Parties which involved laying markers on the water
from canoes to guide Assault Landing Vessels when they were coming
ashore in enemy territory. After one such landing in Italy, he was awarded
the Distinguished Service Cross for gallantry, but was severely wounded,
including a fractured skull. While he was convalescing in a convent, he
managed to obtain access to a workshop and made himself a long walnut
dining table, which he later managed to bring home and which is still in use
at Manor Farm. During the War, he met and married Ella, who was an
officer in the WRNS. In 1949, he was persuaded by his great uncle, to leave
the Navy and come to Kencot to set himself up as a cabinet maker.
He decide to concentrate on church furniture. In the early years, before he
became well known, Richard had to struggle and did market gardening on
the side, particularly daffodils and strawberries, which he sent to Covent
Garden by train from Alvescot Station. Soon the quality of his work became
recognized and he got orders from all over Oxfordshire and further afield. In
addition to the magnificent altar table, pulpit base and reading desks at
Kencot, examples of his work are in five of the churches in this benefice.
Amongst his many other works, he made a pulpit for Burford Church,
library chairs for The Old Bodleian Library, dining tables and chairs for
Nuffield College, Oxford, furniture for The Bishop of London's private
chapel and a gate for an passage inside St. George's Chapel, Windsor. He
also made oak staircases for several large country houses, including
Broughton Poggs Hall.
Despite a very busy working life, Richard found time to be churchwarden
for many years, including seven years of an interregnum, when he often had
to take the services himself and was instrumental in the restoration of
Kencot Church in 1962. He was also a District Councillor for many years
and was proud of the fact that he had the Council Houses, Pinnock's Peace,
built in the village. In addition he was a magistrate for many years until he
reached retirement age.
He was a much respected figure in the village. His life was based on a true
Christian foundation. Always generous with time and money, he was a
devoted father and grandfather, and a true English gentleman. A very
memorable Thanksgiving Service was held on Thursday 11`'' October, when
St George's was packed with his extended family and friends.
We extend our deepest sympathy to Ella, sons Christopher, Jonathan and
Oliver, daughters Susan and Mandy and their families.
John Barstow
CHURCH FLOWERS November Lesley Metcalfe
HARVEST FESTIVAL
A large congregation gathered for the Harvest Festival on Sunday 23rd
September. As usual, the Church was beautifully decorated. Our thanks to
those involved and to those who donated produce. Afterwards there was an
auction of the produce and due to some most generous bidders, together with
the offertory, we were able to send £300 to PACT (Parents & Children
together), the Oxford Diocesan charity. Many thanks to all.
John Barstow
LANGFORD
St Matthew's
CHURCH FLOWERS November Mrs Doreen Lowden.
EXHIBITION AT ST. MATTHEW'S CHURCH
A wonderful display of Christening gowns and flowers was organized by
Christine Tinson. Our thanks to her for all her hard work and also to all
those who helped, sitting in the church, making tea for the visitors, and also
those who lent their gowns together with photographs and
memorabilia. Just over £120 was raised for the root repair fund.
HARVEST LUNCH
This was held in the village hall and over 40 people came along. Martin
Pierce and his wife joined the village, after celebrating Harvest Festival in
the church. The food was delicious, with beautifully cooked salmon, beef,
ham, salads and lots of lovely puddings. Doreen Lowden decorated the
tables with flowers; these were auctioned at the end of the meal along with
fruit and produce that had been used to decorate the church.
£300.50 was raised for the roof repair fund. Thank you to everybody
especially the cooks, servers, washers up and of course those who came to
join us.
IS IT A PLANE, NO! IS IT A BIRD, NO!...
... It's me taking part in a sponsored tandem parachute jump. I would like to
thank all my generous sponsors who helped raise £2,000 for the Prospect
Hospice in Wroughton.
John Eddolls
LANGFORD LADIES
This months meeting will be on Thursday 8`h November at 7.30pm in the
Village Hall. Our visitor will be Sue Madden who will be showing her
Antique quilts and explaining their history.
Visitors are most welcome at £1.50. We meet every 2°d Thursday in the
month. Raffle and refreshments are available. Enquiries to Pauline on
(01367) 860422 or me on 01367) 860514.
In September we had a wonderful talk given by Helen Squire entitled
`Memories of a Rectory Childhood'. Helen's father was Rector of Eastleach
and it was wonderful listening to the story of the `rectory zoo' with all their
array of animals and how they printed the magazines with the old printing
press (which she still has). How they made jam during the war. Helen also
brought along various gas masks, even one for a small baby.
Chrissy Tinson
WHIST
Join us for an evening of whist at the Village Hall on Tuesday 6`''
November. We start at 7.30pm; however if you would like some tuition
please arrive a little earlier than this. The entrance fee of £1 includes tea and
biscuits at half time. Profits to the Village Hall. We play for fun with small
prizes. Enquiries to me on 01993 852378
Jo Hutchins
BINGO
It's Bingo time on Thursday 29th November. Doors open 7.00pm, and eyes
down at 7.30pm in the Village Hall. Raffle and refreshments are available.
Profits will go towards painting the inside of the Village Hall. If you can
help with prizes pleas contact Tracy (01367 860721), or me on 01367
860514.
Chrissy Tinson
CHRISTMAS BAZAAR
This is on Sunday 2"d December at 2.00pm. If you have any items or can
help please contact me on 01367 860091. Profits will be split 50/50 between
the Church and the Village Hall.
Jenny Pitkin
ST CHRISTOPHER'S NEWS St Christopher's `Light' topic was off to a
flying start his term with a complete blackout of the school. This led to some
wonderful poetry writing across all age groups as children were encouraged
to think about light and dark. Overleaf are just a few of the children's poems
from Oak Class.
The room was still Darkness everywhere Darkness had crept in Slowly,
silently to its lair. Prowling the room Making things invisible.
Cautiously light came in
And grabbed at the darkness around. Darkness sprang
But made no sound.
Light had covered
Everything around
In the dark, dark street there was a dark, dark lane
In the dark, dark lane there was 'a dark, dark house In the dark, dark house
there was a dark, dark hall In the dark, dark hall there was a dark, dark door
In the dark, dark door there was a dark, dark kitchen
In the dark, dark kitchen there was a dark, dark cupboard In the dark, dark
cupboard there was a dark, dark shelf On the dark, dark shelf there was
some....
Dark, dark chocolate! Danny Chadwick
Light makes me happy I am free,
Dark makes me sad.
I am rich.
When the darkness It is war...
Comes into the room,
The light tickles the dark,
I am captured,
The dark runs off,
I am poor. The light has won,
When the light
Hooray...
Comes into the room,
Jasmine Cole
The children used our new laptops to write up their poems and then turned
them into a PowerPoint presentation. If you would like to see all the poems,
please visit our website at www.st-christophers.oxon.sch.uk.
The Eco team is already having a huge impact on the school and children.
The team meets once a week for a`working lunch' to decide how we can
move forward in this area. Already every classroom has recycling boxes and
composting bins. The team are taking charge of emptying these on a daily
basis and also helping their families to become eco-friendly. One of this
term's focuses is to use less packaging in lunch boxes. Children (and
parents)
are being encouraged to use reusable tubs and boxes rather than cling film or
foil. Julie Gibb in the kitchen is supporting this by buying in products with
less packaging too. We are having a whole school waste free lunch day on
Friday 19`" October to support the Eco team's ideas.
St Christopher's children and parents have already contributed to two
charities this year. We held our annual Macmillan coffee morning at the end
of September to raise money for this fantastic charity. It was a lovely
morning and raised nearly £70. Thank you to Julie Gibb for her delicious
cakes. Another annual favourite is jeans for Genes Day in October which
raised £40. Children really enjoyed wearing jeans to school for the day and
donating to this worthwhile cause.
We have lots of events coming up this term to support the school. Get ready
for Christmas by coming to our Christmas Craft Fair in the school Hall on
Saturday 151 December from 11.00 am till 3.00pm. This was a fantastic
event last year and this year will have a special stall of Eco friendly bags,
wrapping paper and cards made by the children. They will be supported in
this by the Northmoor Trust who are coming in November to run and ecoworkshop with the children. Other events include our dark walk to finish off
our topic, our annual visit to the Pantomime at Chipping Norton and of
course a Christmas disco.
St Christopher's children, parents and staff got on their dancing shoes this
month for our weekly family Jive lessons. These proved great fun for
everyone. Please check our website for the next sessions, we will be putting
them on regularly over the next few months to cover a variety of dances.
Everyone welcome.
As always, please do contact the school office on 01367 860318 or visit our
website at www.st-christophers.oxon.sch.uk if you can support our school in
any way or for further information.
Sarab Nisbitt
LITTLE FARINGDON
St Margaret's
BONFIRE PARTY
The annual village Bonfire Party will light up the sky on Friday 2°d
November at Langford House. Come and enjoy fabulous fireworks and an
amazing array of food and drinks. For information, please ring 01367
252155. And please note the corrected timings, as follows (overleaj):
Light was bursting through Darkness backing away. Soon the dark was
gone. Happiness spreading Over the room Like a gentle touch of A mother's
hand.
Abigail Honour
• 7.00pm Gates open
•
7.15pm Bonfire lit
•
7.45pm Fireworks start
REMEMBRANCE SERVICE
Remembrance Sunday (11`h November) in the Benefice will begin at the
war memorial in Broadwell with an Act of Remembrance. Please gather
shortly before 11.00 am. The Remembrance Service will follow at St Peter
and St Paul's Church in Broadwell. In memory of those who gave their lives
for their country, please join us in person... or in prayer.
CAROL SERVICE .
The village Carol Service at St Margaret's Church will take place on Sunday
16`' December. This service is a wonderful opportunity for participation
from all, young and oldish, great and smallish! If you would like to read,
sing and/or play a musical instrument at the Carol Service, please contact me
on 01367 252772.
Barbara Browne
BEAUTIFUL BENEFICE CALENDAR
A most attractive Benefice Calendar is now available for a donation of only
£4 per calendar. Paging through this calendar's lovely photographs is like
taking a stunning stroll through the Cotswolds. The Little Faringdon
fireworks display on a previous bonfire night is included as the November
photograph. Please contact Barbara Browne on 01367 252772 or me on
01367 252205 or to obtain copies. What a wonderful Christmas present for
friends and family.
Jeremy Taylor
CHURCH FLOWERS
November Helen de Mauley & June Grimston Christmas Day Everyone
please help
- SHILTON
Holy Rood
REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY
Our Remembrance Sunday Service on 11`h November will begin at the War
Memorial by the village pond at 10.50 am. We will then walk/drive to the
Parish Church for the remainder of the service.
HARVEST FESTIVAL SERVICE & SUPPER
It was good to have a full church for our harvest celebration and children
brought along their offerings of corn, fruit, vegetables, flowers and bread.
Following a very meaningful service we all left the church and crossed the
road into our Old School Village Hall where we all enjoyed a delicious
meal.
The Church and Old School were beautifully decorated and many thanks go
to everyone who gave produce, flowers and a lot of time to make it all
possible. Many thanks to everyone who worked so hard in the kitchen - the
cooks, waiters, and helpers. The Service and Supper resulted in a very happy
evening.
Most of the fruit and vegetables were gratefully accepted by The Cotswold
Home at Bradwell village and the profit made from the Supper which
amounted to £334 will go towards the upkeep of our lovely old church.
Jean Roberts
COFFEE FOR CANCER SUPPORT
A huge thank you to everyone who turned up for the Macmillan Cancer
Support coffee morning at the Old School on Friday 28th September. There
was a pretty good turnout from Shilton, for a weekday morning, but we also
had people from Witney, Eynsham, North Leigh, Signet, Carterton and even
further afield, who not only made generous donations in return for their
coffee and cakes but also bought lots of homemade cakes, bread and jam,
books, produce, raffle tickets and items from the Bring & Buy stall.
It was a really enjoyable morning. Many thanks too to the people who
couldn't attend in person but sent donations instead and helped us raise a
total of £459.57 for this worthy cause. Not at all bad for a first attempt!
Shirley Cuthbertson
COFFEE MORNING/BRING AND BUY
Please support this annual coffee morning at Little Viners in Church Lane on
3`d November from 10.00am to 12noon. We will be selling Christmas cards,
books, tapes and CD's from the Christian Bookshop at Highworth, lovely
toiletries and other unusual things from the charity Helping Hands,
homemade cakes, jams, chutneys and our own Benefice Calendars, notelets
and postcards.
This is a good chance to get together with friends and neighbours to have a
chat and at the same time enjoy a cup of coffee and biscuits so please do
come along. Everyone is very welcome.
Offers of jam, chutneys, home made cakes and bring and buy items will be
gratefully received by me or Elizabeth Harfield.
Jean Roberts
2007 PARISH COUNCIL DATES
The final meeting will be held on 12`'' December in Shilton at 7.30pm
Katherine Robertson
KEEP FIT
Sandie holds classes every Thursday at 7.00pm in the Old School. £3.00 per
session. All ages and abilities welcome (and we really need more people if
we are to keep this class going so please come!)
HISTORY GROUP
Our monthly meeting in the Old School will be at 7.30 pm on 9`" November,
when Muriel Pilkington will give us a talk on 'Lost Villages in our Area'. All
are welcome.
Fred Robertson
BRADWELL VILLAGE (part of Shilton Parish)
DIB THOSE DAFFODILS
Bulb planting starts on Saturday 10"' November at 10.30am. Residents are
welcome to come to the Village Hall for a cup of coffee, then take a handful
of bulbs and enjoy planting them around the village.
THINGS QUIZZICLE
The quiz nights have usually been very popular so we hope to put more of
these on - starting on Friday 23d November. If you have any prepared `quiz
questions', guessing games or pub games - anything you think may pit our
wits on a Friday night get-together, do please let us know.
CHRISTMAS IS COMING
The Christmas party has proved very popular in past years so please don't be
disappointed this year... Put the date in your diaries now: Saturday 8th
December. Entertainment will be part of the evening, as will good food and
a raffle.
Can anyone play a musical instrument? Please contact Stephen (01993
823638) who would like to hear from you!
NEW YEARS EVE
Would you be interested in a`bring-a-bottle-and-plate-to-share' party, with
perhaps some fun things to do (or not!) - just an ad hoc celebration? If yes,
please let us know on 01993 823567, and we will arrange something if there
are sufficient numbers.
Stephen &-Jane WHERE'S TOTO?
The Oxford Touring Company presents `The Delicious Revenge of Princess
Ruby Slippers' on 4th January 2008 at 7.00pm
VILLAGE COFFEE SHOP
The Coffee Shop is open on Friday in term time from 10.30am until
12.30pm in the Village Hall selling hot and cold drinks and home-made
cakes and savouries. This is a splendid social focus for anyone with an hour
or so to spare. For further details telephone me on 01993 824801 (more
volunteers are always required.)
Sharon Howat
VILLAGE STITCHERS
The next meeting is on Tuesday 13`'' November from 10.00am until 2.30pm.
Visitors are most welcome, at £2 for the day. The half-annual subscription is
£10. Please bring along your latest project to work on. Drinks and biscuits
are provided, but please bring a packed lunch. Telephone me on 01993
824475
Marion Ellis
WESTWELL
St Mary's
THERE IS A MIGHTY STIRRING IN THE WEST...
... The trumpets (or is that crumpets) sound over the glittering towers of the
city as the Westwell Scribe answers the Chronicler of Holwell...
uae sAt(ace Cbe sota c7)en ,a.i)a uionen or) cI)e Ntt OF hot(.ia.etl Zill)O
Tour County Councillor, Don Seale, looks at the implications of the
government's proposals for in its Spending Review for County Council tax
levels in 2008 he government has announced its
Comprehensive Spending Review which will determine the amount of
money available for local government over the next three years. We have
been told that the settlement for 2008 will `average a one per cent' increase
over the current amounts. We do not know how much, if any, of the £46
Million special grants to Oxfordshire will be included, or whether they will
be extra to the one per cent increase. We have been told by the Local
Government Association (LGA) that the outlook will be difficult, indeed
`quite stark'.
In the UK in the next three years alone, there will be over 400,000 more
older people, many of whom will require social care. Without additional
funding, Local Government may potentially face a situation, by as early as
2009, where it cannot afford to provide support to 370,000 people with
lower levels of need, without significant cuts in other services.
The LGA and local authorities are putting a strong case to Government
ministers to invest in preventative services provided by councils for older
people in their homes. This would save the NHS money, and consequently
provide better value for money for the taxpayer. However, the national
finances are, as we have been told, constrained.
It is important that local people understand how important an inadequate
Grant Settlement would mean in terms of possible reductions in social
services that can be provided free of charge or subsidized. The implications
of the Government slow down in investment may mean tighter criteria for
free or subsidised elderly care services, cuts in other services, or both.
Oxfordshire County Council intends to try to limit the increase in Council
Tax in 2008 to 4 per cent, and the Cabinet has to perform a difficult juggling
act of keeping down the increase in Council Tax, maintaining the vital
services for vulnerable people, including the elderly, and limiting reductions
in the other services we provide.
Don Seale
MUSIC ONE
T he Lenthall concert on Wednesday 7"' November at 7.30pm at Burford
School is an all Russian programme with the North Cotswold Chamber
Choir under director Jonathan Leonard. Tickets £10 (students £3)
35
MUSIC TWO
On Sunday 25"' November at 7.30pm in Burford Parish Church the Burford
Singers (under conductor Brian Kay) and The Cotswold Chamber Orchestra
with Elizabeth Watts (soprano), Catherine Hopper (mezzo), Sean Clayton
(tenor) and William Berger (bass) perform Mozart's Coronation Mass and
Exsultate Jubilate, and Richard Blackford's Mirror of Perfection. Tickets
unreserved £10 (students £5) 01993 822539 or at the door.
WEST OX ARTS
West Ox Arts Gallery is on the first floor of Bampton Town Hall. The
Gallery opening hours are: Tuesday - Saturday: 10.30am - 12.30pm and
2.00pm - 4.00pm & Sunday: 2.00pm - 4.00pm. Tel: 01993 850137 or email:
westoxarts@yahoo.co.uk.
Fire! Fire! (27th October to 18th November)
TWendy Fowler (Ceramics), Anne Gingell (Steel sculpture) &June
Kingsbury (Glass) his exhibition is timed to coincide with bonfire night as it
shows work which is formed by processes that use fire. Wendy Fowler
makes ceramics that can be used in the garden and she especially likes shell
and ammonite patterns and raku techniques. Anne Gingell makes large
sculpture that is also suitable for the garden. June Kingsbury's kiln formed
glass is inspired by trees and faces.
Bampton gallery used to be a fire station and there will be a display of old
photos showing the firemen who used to work here and what the gallery
used
to look like.
CLANFIELD PRE-SCHOOL CRAFT-FAYRE
T he school is holding a craft fayre at the Conference Centre Clanfield on lst'
December from 11.00 am to 4.00pm. There will be refreshments, a raffle,
storytime for the children and a chocolate fountain. Stalls include crafts,
photographs, cakes, and facepainting
For more details- contact Charlotte Schofield on 01993 841924
TABLE-TOP FOOTY
T here will be a Table-top Sale at Carterton Football Club on Sunday 18`''
November between 1.00 and 4.00pm. Tables £7.
team. Both have great experience in running pubs with recent awards for
their hospitality, as well as raising their last post from a 3* B&B pub to a S*.
Both highly qualified, Tim is from the Isle of White and his lengthy list of
qualifications includes the safety training for landing helicopters on boats!
Gemma harks from Cambridgeshire and has the knack for making places
feel welcoming and making sure that people are being looked after.
Their eye for detail and interest in Filkins, the history and the community
made them the stand out candidates.
With the destruction of so many pubs in the pursuit of the profits in flats and
houses the continuation of The Five Alls as a place to meet, to talk, to drink,
to see old friends and make new friends is now assured. I'll drink to that.
Tom Hardyment
Grant Target-Navarro, the landlord can always be reached on 0789 439178
or at grant@mustardleisure.com. See the Five Ails advertisement towards
the back.
POTTERING IN THE POTTING SHED
This month Anne concludes her fascinating foray into the world of
medicinal plants, and finds that even the notorious Belladonna has a part to
play... his is the third and final look at how it's possible to fill the medicine
cabinet with garden produce. Among others on offer this month are
treatments to reduce the inflammation and
pain from bruises, a pupil dilator and a plant
to promote wound healing.
Arnica (right) has been used extensively in
European folk medicine. The German
philosopher and poet Goethe (1749-1832),
claimed arnica eased his angina in old age.
Herbalism and homeopathy treatments use
arnica extracts, ointments and compresses to
reduce inflammation and pain from bruises,
°
sprains, tendons, dislocations and
swollen areas. Arnica improves the local
blood supply and accelerates healing. It is
antiinflammatory and increases the rate of
reabsorption of internal bleeding. The
internal use of arnica is restricted to
homeopathic doses as it is potentially toxic.
•
Belladonna or deadly nightshade is native to Europe, western Asia
and northern Africa. Herba bella dona, or `herb of the beautiful lady', so
called because women used it to make their eyes look more beautiful by
enlarging the pupils, is known primarily for its ability to increase heart rate
and can
lead to death. Like many other plants it has an important and beneficial role
when used correctly. Belladonna contains atropine, which is used in
conventional medicine to dilate the pupils for eye examinations and as an
anaesthetic agent. In herbal medicine, deadly nightshade is prescribed
mainly to relieve intestinal colic, treat peptic ulcers and relax distended
organs,
especially the stomach and intestine.
Comfrey, whose name derives from the Latin con firma, meaning `with
strength', was thought to heal broken bones. Comfrey leaves and roots
contain allantoin, a cell multiplication agent that increases the healing of
wounds. It is still highly regarded today for its healing properties. Externally
it is used to treat rashes, wounds, inflammatory conditions and skin
problems. Internally, comfrey is used to treat ulcers and colitis. It is also
used to treat a variety of respiratory problems.
Mistletoe, which is native to Europe and northern Asia, is chiefly used to
lower blood pressure and hearth rate, ease anxiety and promote sleep. In low
doses it relieves panic attacks, headaches, and improves the ability to
concentrate in addition to being prescribed for tinnitus and epilepsy. It may
be used to treat hyperactivity in children. Mistletoe contains viscotoxins that
inhibit tumours and stimulate the immune system. For this reason, research
has been carried out into its potential use as a cancer treatment.
Passiflora (left) is a native of North
America. Its name comes from its
beautiful flowers, thought to represent
Christ's crucifixion, 5 stamens for the 5
wounds, 3 styles for the 3 nails and
white and purpleblue colours for purity
and heaven. It has valuable sedative
and tranquillising properties and has
long been used as a herbal medicine in
Central and North America, being
taken in Mexico for insomnia, epilepsy and hysteria. The leaves are an
ingredient in many pharmaceutical products used to treat nervous disorders
such as heart palpitations, anxiety, convulsions and sometimes high blood
pressure. It is also used to prevent spasms from
whooping cough and asthma.
Anne Greenwood
WHAT SHALL WE HAVE FOR DINNER?
In which the Holwell Hostess loosens her stays and tucks into a decent
plateful of..
... A comforting stew for winter
Antony and I are both particularly fond of `winter food'. There is something
rather comforting about stews, mashed potato, roasted root vegetables and
old-fashioned puddings with custard. Summer cooking is all very well but
salads don't fill the house with the wonderful aromas that you get with a
stew in the oven.
This month, as we are now well and truly autumnal, I thought I would
feature a delicious venison stew with prunes, dried apricots and chestnuts. It
is easy to make and a refreshing change from the usual venison dishes which
tend to use wine, garlic, bacon and juniper berries. The first time I made it I
was agreeably surprised how tasty a stew could be when made with water,
not wine!
The recipe is from Sophie Grigson who is a no-nonsense cook who knows
her stuff and the only part on which I disagree with her concerns the
chestnuts. She insists upon using fresh chestnuts and claims that the readypeeled, tinned ones go mushy. I find cooking and peeling chestnuts an
absolute bore, and have had perfectly acceptable results using tinned, which
I add for the last 30 minutes of cooking - that way they stay whole. I have
included her guidelines here however so if you insist on doing it properly
and burning your fingers peeling the little blighters you can!
Venison, Chestnut and Fruit Stew Serves 6
100g (4 oz) dried apricots
100g (4 oz) pitted prunes
50m1 (2 fl oz) brandy
225g (8 oz) fresh chestnuts
1.25kg (2 1/2 lbs) venison
1/2 tbs coriander seeds
1 tbs flour
1 onion, sliced
2 tbs vegetable oil
1 cinnamon stick
1 strips dried orange peel
900 ml (11/2 pints) water
Salt & pepper
Put the dried fruit to soak in the brandy. It won't cover them but that doesn't
matter. Leave for about an hour, turning occasionally.
Score a cross in the curved side of each chestnut then place in a pan, cover
with water and bring to the boil. Simmer for one minute then turn off the
heat. No more than one or two at a time, take the chestnuts from the water
and strip off the tough outer skin and brown, papery inner skin. As the
chestnuts cool this becomes harder work so, if necessary, bring the water
back to the boil. Set the peeled chestnuts to one side.
Pre-heat the oven to 150'C/300'F/Gas Mark 2.
Cut the venison into 5cm (2in) square pieces, about 2.5cm (lin) thick. Dryfry the coriander seeds in a heavy-based frying pan over a high heat until
they start to pop. Tip into a bowl and, when cool, crush with a pestle or the
end of a rolling pin. Mix with the flour.
Cook the onion in the frying pan, in the oil, until lightly browned and then
scoop into a flame-proof casserole. Raise the heat and brown the venison
pieces in three batches. Transfer to the casserole and sprinkle the flour and
coriander mixture evenly over the meat. Add the cinnamon stick, the soaked
fruit, orange peel and salt.
Tip the excess fat out of the frying pan and pour in the water. Bring to the
boil, scraping in the meaty residues from frying. Pour the liquid over the
meat etc in the casserole, cover and immediately transfer to the oven. Cook
for two hours then stir in the chestnuts. After another hour or so the meat
should be very tender and the sauce should have reduced and thickened up
nicely. If necessary, however, uncover the casserole and cook for another 20
minutes or so to cook off some of the liquid. Taste, adjust the seasoning and
serve.
Angela Galione
NATURE NOTES
What a welcome late summer we are having with some dry weather at last. I
saw swallows flying locally the first few days of October but they now seem
to have departed. The autumn colours are arriving gradually and presenting
some great photo opportunities.
I have had several visits from the grey wagtail recently searching for insects
around my pond and liking the fast moving water coming over the waterfall.
In one aspect it is an aptly named bird because it certainly wags or bobs its
tail continuously as does the pied wagtail and yellow wagtail, and it is
thought to do this to disturb any insects which form a large part of its diet.
However, after the pied wagtail it looks distinctly yellow when it flies with a
bright lemon yellow undertail extending
up on to the belly. A sharp tzi-tzi call is
frequently made and often gives it awav
and attracts your attention.
A September long weekend in the New
Forest with plant expert Peter Creed was
a rich source of varied wildlife and
opened my eyes to things I would not
normally see. A visit to Matley Bog
produced one or two gems. Lesser
bladderwort has yellow flowers and beneath the water it has small hairy
bladders (right) which contain air. When the hairs are brushed by a tiny
swimming insect a trap-door is triggered and the insect is drawn into the
bladder on the in rush of water. The trap-door closes again leaving the insect
to die and decompose allowing the soluble products to be absorbed by the
plant. The bladder opens and the water is pumped out taking the remains of
the insect with it and the process starts again.
The rare large marsh grasshopper was spotted. This is the U.K.'s largest
grasshopper and is restricted to Dorset and the New Forest, growing to a
length of one and a quarter inches. A nice grey blue dragonfly, the Keeled
Skimmer was hunting backwards and forwards over the marsh and I only
went in up to my knees once!
In another boggy part of the Forest we saw round-leaved sundew, another
`carnivorous' plant. A leaf is covered with red hairs and each hair has a
glistening sticky droplet. Midges are attracted to the sticky fluid which holds
them fast. The outer hairs curl inwards to enclose them in a leaf. Glands at
the tips of the hairs then secrete juices that break down the soft parts of the
insect's body into liquids which are then absorbed by the leaf. Several days
later the leaf uncurls and the remains of the insect are discarded. The process
then starts again. What an ingenious plant and so beautiful with the sun
making rainbow colours of the droplets.
A third carnivorous plant we saw was pale butterwort, a pretty pale mauve
flower with lime green leaves, sticky on the upper surface. When an insect
lands on a sticky leaf the edges curl around and trap it, digestive enzymes
are secreted and the living insect body is broken down. Again after a few
days the leaf uncurls, the insect remains are blown away and the trap is reset.
The very rare marsh gentian was growing low on the heath in one small area
and the vivid blue long trumpets each bear a green stripe on each petal.
On a shingle bank down at Keyhaven, yellow horned-poppy (right) was
bearing beautiful bright yellow flowers. The centre of the flower is a seed
pod that continues to grow after the flower fades and can reach up to a foot
in length, hence the name. When ripe the pod splits open to cast the seed.
Returning through the Forest we stopped in a clearing to look for fungi,
which were very scarce because of the dry weather. Hearing a shrill call
overhead our attention was drawn to two hobbies interacting with rapid wing
beats. These are the best fliers of our falcons and return to South Africa for
the winter. Their flight is so agile that they easily catch dragonflies for food
as well as swallows and even swifts.
David Roberts
LETTERS
Letters are welcome on any subject. Just email them, post them or drop them
in to Parish Pump: all contact details are on the inside front cover of Parish
Pump. Ed
Don't let it happen again
Following the recent floods, here's an idea for co-ordinated action...
Sir: As you already know a number of local villages were severely affected
by the floods in July. Each village is now looking at various measures to try
and prevent it from happening again. I thought it would be quite a nice idea
to use the Parish Pump for all the villages to post their news and updates on
their experiences in getting funding and or interest from the council and the
measures being put in place to improve drainage, clear the ditches, flood
defences etc.
I live in Kencot and the villagers here are trying to get the WODC to put
some resources into pinpointing exactly what caused the floods and how to
stop it happening again. However, it is difficult to keep everybody informed
and it would be nice to draw upon other people's ideas and skills. I am sure
Filkins, Kelmscott and many of the other villages have similar action groups
in place and I think it would be useful to post their news and updates on their
experiences.
I think that this will be very useful in keeping everybody informed on a
subject which is important to everybody who lives in the area regardless of
whether they were flooded or not. I also think the sharing of information will
help each village get some action. Each parish or local group could provide
Parish Pump with updates, and people could send in their views and ideas. I
don't really see it for the purpose of discussing people's experiences of the
floods, but more of what can be done to prevent it happening again.
Rachel Leveson Gower Kencot
Anyone fancy a quince?
The golden apples of Hesperides given by Paris to Aphrodite were really
Golden Quinces, for quinces have always been a symbol of luuurve. Now
read on...
Sir: This is probably too late but our quince tree has once again produced
lots of large quinces and I wondered if anyone in the Benefice would like
some to make jellies or jams or serve with game.(free of course).
Susan Williams
Rose Cottage, Lower End, Alvescot 01993 842857
GRAVEL EXTRACTION IN LANGFORD
In view of the concern among parishioners in Langford and elsewhere,
Harry MacInnes has asked that we publish the text of the letter that be wrote
on 3rd October to Vivien Brooks in the property department of the Church
Commissoners.
Thank you very much for your letter of 26th September 2007. As you
mentioned, I have been made aware of the potential gravel extraction
scheme which would have a very serious impact on the parish of Langford. I
think it is totally unacceptable for me to hear about this proposal second
hand. You mention that you wrote to my predecessor bar one seven years
ago, but have not taken the trouble to inform me of recent developments.
And I have to say that it has already had serious repercussions on my
pastoral ministry within this benefice.
I have received a great deal of understandable concern from parishioners as
to its likely impact on the village and parish of Langford. The ground
designated for gravel extraction circles the village on two sides. Half the
families in the village will be very badly affected, with extraction occurring
within a field's width of their homes, and in some cases even closer. The
field right next to St Christopher's Church of England Primary School is
earmarked for development.
It seems likely that the whole village would be affected by the additional
traffic generated, including heavy lorries in narrow country lanes. The
environment in and around the nearby villages will also be polluted by noise
and dust.
My parishioners in Langford are almost universal in condemning this
scheme. Most of all they are shocked and appalled that it is the Church
Commissioners who have been instrumental in putting this land forward for
a development which will damage the character of the whole area. I can
fully understand their feeling.
May I also remind you of the judgements that were made following the
action of the previous Bishop of Oxford's case against the Church
Commissioners on their ethical investments. The comments made by the
judge are an important reminder that the trustees have a duty of care beyond
purely the maximisation of profit. Environmental concerns and local
consultation must be a prime responsibility.
The Church Commissioners have a duty of care as responsible land owners
to take into account ethical and other considerations beyond purely the
maximisation of profit and not simply leave such concerns to the planners.
I fully accept that gravel must come from somewhere, and of course this
scheme may never come to fruition. Nevertheless, in terms of consultation,
protocol and indifference to nonfinancial issues, this is an ill-considered and
ungracious proposal from the Commissioners which, if implemented, would
potentially have a devastating impact on the people and environment of
Langford, and on the reputation of the Church in the local area.
CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTS (free for private ads)
Home Tuition now available from Alma Tumilowicz. Cert.Ed. Ba. Hons. 4
years experience with OCC. Able to work with children from age 9-16
depending on subject and level. Can also assist with study skills. Please call
01993 846230.
Horse clothing for sale, all 5'9" including turnout rugs and stable rugs. Loads
for sale a`must see' for horse owners. Tel: Becky 01993 822112 or 07722
850509
Waste cooking oil free to collector on an ongoing basis from Cotswold
Wildlife Park Restaurant. Please contact Catering Manager Stephen Spooner
on 01993 822005.