EDITORIAL
.
Quite unashamedly, I use this billboard to advertise the first
showing by the new Filkins & District Film Club which has evolved
from the regular monthly mainstream showings (June's is `The
Constant Gardener : See page 17.) An inaugural meeting of the
new club was held in the Five Alls Inn at Filkins on 4` April, and
since then numerous people have been in contact to give their
support, and asked to be involved.
Film counts in a way that television does not. Television
programmes are generally repeated because it is a
cheap way of filling air-time, whereas good films, like
good books, improve on every visit. I have seen
Casablanca dozens of times, and look forward to seeing
it again. The way Ugarte squeezes snake-like past Rick
Blaine into the gambling saloon establishes him as a
cheap hood even before he opens his mouth, and can
anyone hear Victor Laszlo urge the band to play the
Marseillaise without cheering him on?
Lenin said that film is `the most powerful tool ever
invented to influence the mind of man.' And Roger
Corman said Motion pictures are the art form of the 20`h century,
and one of the reasons is that they are a corrupted art form. They
fit the century for they combine art and business!' Since Corman's
autobiography was snappily titled `How I Made a Hundred Movies in
Hollywood and Never Lost a Dime', it seems the importance of film
is recognized at both ends of the political spectrum.
FILKINS & DISTRICT FILM CLUB
.
And so, the first showing of the Filkins & District Film club will be on
Wednesday 28`'' June at 7.30pm in Filkins Village Hall. We have a
double Bill:
Lawless Heart: one of the few recent British films which is not about
gangsters, and does have a good script. It is a blackly comic look at
how three men reassess their lives after the death of the boyfriend
of one of them..
(Starring Douglas Henshall, Tom Hollander and Bill Nighy. Released
2002, 100m) What's your name 41? A true art-house look at an
artist heading for a breakdown as he sets out on a commission in
Venice. (Released 2005, 48m)
I urge everyone in the fifteen villages in the benefice (or beyond)
who likes film to come to this first evening, when we will also elect
some club officers, and discuss the future programme of club
showings. Wine will be available.
Richard Martin
PARISH & BENEFICE SERVICES
.
4th June - Whit Sunday
10.30am Holwell Benefice Eucharist Service HM, EJ, NUW
6.00pm Broadwell Evensong EJ
6.00pm Shilton Youth Service HM 11`h June - Trinity Sunday
9.00am Alvescot Parish Communion EJ
9.00am Broadwell Holy Communion HM
9.00am Westwell/Holwell Combined Holy Communion NUW
10.30am Filkins Parish Communion HM
10.30am Shilton Parish Communion & Children's Church NUW
11.00am L Faringdon Matins EJ
6.00pm B Bourton Evensong NUW
6.00pm Kencot Evensong EJ
18`h June - Trinity I
9.00am B Bourton/Alvescot Combined Holy Communion HM
9.00am Holwell Holy Communion NUW
10.30am Broadwell Matins AP
10.30am Kencot Parish Communion & Baptism HM
10.30am Kelmscott Family Communion NUW
10.30am Langford Parish Communion RB
12 noon Filkins Feast Service NUW
6.00pm Westwell Evensong HM
25th June - Trinity II
9.00am Kencot Holy Communion (BCP, no sermon) NUW
9.00am Shilton Holy Communion HM
10.30am Alvescot/B Bourton Combined Family Communion NUW
10.30am Filkins Family Communion EJ
11.00am L Faringdon Parish Communion HM
6.00pm Holwell/Westwell Evensong HM
6.00pm Langford Evensong NUW
2nd July - Trinity III
10.30am Alvescot Benefice Eucharist Service HM, EJ, NUW
6.00pm Filkins Evensong NUW
6.00pm Shilton Youth Service HM
There is. also a Communion Service at Black Bourton every
Wednesday at 10.00am
CELEBRANTS
AP Arthur Pont
EJ Liz Johnson
HM Harry MacInnes
NUW Neville Usher-Wilson
RB Roger Billings
BENEFICE SERVICES
All services are at 10.30am unless otherwise stated
2nd July Alvescot
6th August B Bourton
3rd September Westwell
5th November Kelmscott
3rd December Langford
THE LECTIONARY
4th June -Whit Sunday (R)
Acts 2.1-21 Psalm 104.26-36, 37b [or 104.26-end]
Romans 8.22-27 John 15.26-27; 16.4b-15
11th June - Trinity Sunday (W)
Isaiah 6.1-8 Psalm 29
Romans 8.12-17 John 3.1-17
18th June - Trinity I ( G)
1 Samuel 15.34 - 16.13 Psalm 20
2 Corinthians 5.6-10 [11-13] 14-17 Mark 4.26-34
25th June - Trinity II (G)
1 Samuel 17. [la, 4-11, 19-23] 32119 ` Psalm 9.9-end
2 Corinthians 6.1-13 Mark 4.35-end
29th June - Peter and Paul, Apostles
Zechariah 4.1-6a, l0b-end Psalm 125
Acts 12.1-11 Matthew 16.13-19
2°a July - Trinity III (G)
2 Samuel 1.1, 17-end Psalm 130
2 Corinthians 8.7-end Mark 5.21-end
CHILDREN'S CHURCH
Children's Church dates for remainder of 2006
All activities start at 10.15 in Shilton Old School. Some of these
dates might be subject to change. Watch this space.
9" July October (No service)
August (No service) 12`h November
10`h September 10`h December (Christingle)
Thank you for supporting our Children's Church and we hope that
many more of you would like to join. For more information or any
queries please contact Harry McInnes (01993 845954) or me on
01993 847039.
Debs Price
THE RECTOR'S LETTER
.
Dear Friends
There are all kinds of different reactions to birthdays. Small children
can't wait for them to come round, and a year seems like eternity to
them. Those approaching middle age often express a longing to get
into some kind of time-warp, and wish that somehow their 20's
could have lasted for the rest of their lives. Birthdays, for them,
need to be cast into oblivion.
Then strangely enough, once people have passed their 70th, there
comes a growing pride in every year that can be added to the tally.
Perhaps that is part of the reason why the Queen's 80th birthday,
which is being celebrated officially this month, is a source of
particular delight. There is a sense of triumph about the way she
has carried the huge weight of responsibility that monarchy brings,
in such an exemplary way, without complaint, right into old age.
As a society, we have not shown the kind of respect for the elderly
which is taken for granted in many other cultures. Perhaps the
celebrations this month will herald a change. A friend suggested
that rather than having beauty competitions for those in the bloom
of youth, they would be more appropriately held for those at the
end of their lives. A young person simply displays what nature has
given. But in an old person you see what sort of character they
have acquired.
When the Queen came to the throne at the age of 25, it was her
youthful beauty that captivatcd the nation. It seemed
to symbolise the ushering ill of a fresh era after all the
horrors of World War II. There was enormous
enthusiasm for her, as she took up the sceptre and
crown, with the sense that this was the stuff of which fairy tales are
made and they all lived happily ever after'!
But life is not like that, and there have been ups and downs, heartbreaks and tragedies in her life. She has seen the break up of
marriages in her own family, and she has been mauled by the
Press. Few of us can know the pressures she has been under in a
public life of the kind she has had to live. Yet the truth of the saying
`It's not what life does to you that matters, it is what you do with
what life does to you that counts' has been the mark of her life.
For over 50 years on the throne she has lived a life of
love and service to others, of strong personal integrity
and self-discipline, of high moral standards, of absolute
loyalty, and above all of unashamed faith in Christ. She
is a model, not in the sense of someone who wears
fashionable clothes on the catwalk, but as someone
who is clothed with the kind of character that can only
come through a life that is consistent with truth.
In the end what is going to matter for all of us is the kind of
character that we have built for ourselves over the years. Is it one
of truth and honesty and love and self-sacrifice following Christ, or
is it one of following the ephemeral fashions of the day and
essentially self-serving?
We are fed all kinds of advice on sex and money and success and
popularity, as if these things were of ultimate importance in the
scheme of things. In the last analysis it is the character that you
build that will count.
That doesn't come easily. St Paul writes `We rejoice in the hope of
the glory of God' and then goes on `not only so, but we also rejoice
in our sufferings, because suffering produces perseverance,
perseverance character; and character hope. And hope doesn't
disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts
by the Holy Spirit he has given us' As we celebrate the Queen's
birthday, we celebrate a person who has proved this in her life.
Harry MacInnes
PRAYER AND BIBLE STUDY GROUP
.
People often say to me after a service that they found the Epistle
reading difficult to understand, usually because we just read a
passage out of context. So we have decided to use our next four
meetings to take a more leisurely look at one of St. Paul's Epistles,
the letter to the Philippians.
We meet on Monday evenings at 7.30pm, at Filkins Vicarage. The
dates we have planned are:
26th June
24th July
21st August
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
.
O ur next meeting is on Wednesday 7"' June in Filkins Methodist
Chapel Schoolroom at 2.45pm. The speaker will be The Rev Paul
Winchester of Faringdon, who has taken one or two services in the
Benefice recently, and he will tell us how he was drawn to be in this
part of the country.
As usual, all are welcome to join us! Marjorie Barstow
YOUTH WORSHIP
.
Youth Worship generally runs on the first Sunday of each month
from 6.00 to 7.30pm at Shilton Church and Old School House.
Please see the list of monthly services for details of any Youth
Services.
If anyone would like further information, do please telephone
(01993 822479) email me (jane.b@btinternet.com).
Jane Brylewski
SHILTON BAPTIST CHAPEL
.
What a splendid service we had at Shilton Baptist Chapel on Easter
Sunday. The speaker, Sue Barnes, was excellent; the chapel was
full, and wonderful hymns were sung. We nearly lifted the roof off?
After the service we went to the village hall for tea and cakes.
Thank you to all who prepared the food, and helped with the
arrangement. Our offering went to `Helping Hands', to buy
mosquito nets and injections for the children of Kamuli in Uganda. I
look forward to our next Sunday service. 'Thine be the glory'.
Joy Ralph
Services in June:
4`h June Informal
11`'' June Graham Sparrowhawk (Communion) 18`h June Barry
Shepherd
25`' June Steve Jones
Our services all begin at 6.00pm and everyone would be very
welcome. Elizabeth Harfield
THE HUNTER & THE BEAR
.
A hunter came face to face with a very hungry, very angry looking
bear. He fell on his knees and prayed `Dear Lord, please help me.
Make this bear a Christian.' At which point the bear looked
heavenward and said, `Thank you, God, for the food I am about to
receive
FIRST `THAT BOOK', AND NOW `THAT FILM'!
.
AAs `The Da Vinci Code' hits the big screen, there will be over
250,000 scratchcards in cinemas across the country so
that people 4n scratch away at ten
controversial claims made in the story about the
Christian faith, to see if they are fact or fiction.
So often we accept fictional media stories as truth
because they move us emotionally and we forget which
is which. So we end up mixing fact with fiction in our minds. But the
scratchcards are designed to help people think about the real story
of Jesus for themselves. Here are the questions given on the
scratchcards, are these
claims true or false?
Claim 1
Mary Magdalene had a place of significance in the group that
followed Jesus of Nazareth.
Claim 2
The marriage of Jesus and Mary Magdalene is a matter of historical
record.
Claim 3
The church knew from the earliest days that Jesus and Mary
Magdalene had had a child.
Claim 4
Other `Gospels' (accounts of Jesus' life) besides those in the New
Testament have been discovered in Egypt.
Claim 5
The `secret' Gospel of Philip tells us that Mary Magdalene used to
kiss Jesu.s.
Claim 6
The Roman Emperor Constantine was responsible for deciding the
Bible as we know it
Claim 7
The bishops of the early church met at the Council of Nicaea in 325
AD to discuss Jesus' divinity.
Claim 8
The church believed, prior to the Council of Nicaea, that Jesus of
Nazareth was just a mortal prophet.
Claim 9
Leonardo was a member of the Priory of Sion, a secret society
which knew about Jesus' child.
Claim 10
Leonardo’s painting of the last supper shows Mary
Magdalene next to Jesus
These claims offer a challenge. How well do we know our Bibles? Do
we read them? As Rector's wife perhaps I can ask these questions.
Either Jesus is who He said He was - or He isn't. Have you made
your mind up yet? True or false?
For more on The Da Vinci Code go to: www.rejesus.co.uk/davinci
Merisa MacInnes
SERVICE FOR THE BISHOP OF OXFORD
.
The Celebration of the Eucharist with the blessing of Oils and the
renewal of ministerial commitment was held at Christ Church
Cathedral, Oxford on the Tuesday of Holy Week with the Bishop of
Oxford presiding and preaching the Sermon.
It was, too, an opportunity for the gathering of Clergy, including the
Bishop of Dorchester, Bishop Colin, to say their farewells to Bishop
Richard before he retires in June.
It also gave several members of the Benefice choir the unexpected
privilege of not only attending, but also singing in the Cathedral for
the occasion. When the Bishop came to Carterton in March on a
valedictory visit to the Witney Deanery, Wanda Adams had
assembled a small choir to sing there and, as a consequence,
Bishop Richard asked her if she would do the same for the
Cathedral service.
Wanda gathered together some two dozen or so singers from
various groups in the area which she had conducted to fashion a
humble choir for the occasion. As we could only have two practices,
once in the Cathedral on the preceding evening and then a short
rehearsal before the Service, it was quite an undertaking.
The morning meeting added to the atmosphere of the occasion as
we met to
sing in the seventeenth century panelled Parlour of the Cloisters
where the choristers practise each day - no chairs, a rail to lean
against (at your peril!), and a sloping shelf for the music - a real
schoolroom!
It was a moving and impressive service, the magnificent Cathedral
was filled with over a thousand people including several hundred
robed clergy. Following his sermon, Bishop Richard called in turn on
the lay ministers, Deacons and priests to reaffirm their commitment
to the ministry while the chairman of the Diocesan Synod's house of
laity called similarly upon the Bishop to reaffirm.
Following the reaffirmation the oils used in the ministry
of healing, Baptism and for ordination and consecration
were blessed to be taken back for use in the Parishes.
The Eucharist was celebrated la logistical fear with so
great a
congregation), and during the Distribution the choir
sang the anthems `Let all moral flesh keep Silence'
(Bell), and `On Eagle's Wings' (Joncas).
Then came the time for thanks and farewells. Representing the
clergy and laity the Rev'd Canon Vincent Strudwick and Mrs Penny
Keens gave appreciations of Bishop Richard and his wife Jo,
reflecting the respect and affection in which they are held. Hugo
Brunner, the Lord Lieutenant, followed this by inviting Bishop
Richard to unveil the portrait of himself by Charlotte Harris (shown
right with the bishop and his portrait.)
The choir sang a closing anthem, `The Lord Bless You and keep
You' by John Rutter before the Bishop pronounced the final blessing
to close this impressive service in which it had been so inspiring, as
members of Wanda's choir, to have had a small part.
Corinna Rock
THE VICAR'S WIFE
.
On Sunday evening the Vicar's wife flopped into her armchair
saying, `What a tiring day!' Her husband looked over at her and
said, `I was the one who conducted four services, complete with
sermons, today. So why are you tired?"
`Because,' she replied, `I had to listen to all of them.'
FILKINS & DISTRICT ROYAL BRITISH LEGION
.
Remembrance Travel
The Legion organises a number of Pilgrimages to war graves and
memorials worldwide and Battlefield Tours to battles or campaigns
to European battlefields of Portugal and Spain, both World Wars and
the Zulu/Boer War sites in South Africa. It is not
necessary to be a Legion member to take advantage of
what for many turns out to be the `visit of a lifetime'.
Details may be obtained from the website:
www.remembrancetravel.com or from me. (Tel: 01367252205).
Defence Discount Directory 2006
A wide range of discounts from commercial companies
are available to serving and former members of the services and
their families. The Defence Discount Directory lists these companies
and the possible savings that can be achieved. The directory may
be downloaded free of charge (www.forcesdiscounts-mod.co.uk), if
you have broadband access.
Festival of Remembrance 2006
This year's Legion Festival of Remembrance in the Albert Hall will
take place on Saturday 11`h November at 2.00pm and 7.00pm.
Applications may be made by Legion members from lst July. Full
details may be obtained from me.
Next Committee Meeting
Please note the next Committee Meeting has been changed from
4`h July to Tuesday 5`h September at the 5 Alls, Filkins.
Jeremy Taylor
FROM THE REGISTERS
.
HOLY BURIAL
4th May Holwell Thanksgiving service for the life of Basil Flower
aged 64years
6th May Langford Burial if Ashes, Frank Robert Pitkin..
ROUND OUR VILLAGES
The 15 villages that make up the I1 parishes in the Sbill &
Broadshire Benefice are lively places! Every month there are dozens
of events organized by the many local organizations that flourish
here. We are pleased to report on every event that has happened,
and to publicise all those that are to come. We try to incorporate all
the many contributions we receive, but please accept that we can
not always advertise your particular event in the way you would
like.
But do keep sending us all your Village News.
ALVESCOT
.
St Peter's
THREE FIRSTS FOR ST PETER'S
The Easter morning service is always special but this year it was
even more so. The church was decorated beautifully with lilies given
in memory of loved ones. Thank you to those who decorated and
also cleaned.
soon welcomed Harry's father, David MacInnes who was taking his
first service for us at St Peter's. A little wary of audience
participation, the congregation soon warmed to his encouragement
supported enthusiastically by the younger members. The church
bells rang out that morning with one of our novices, Joanna Lewin
ringing for the first time at a service. Her boyfriend, a bellringer at
Rochester Cathedral also rang. Our third `first' was for Annabel
Rowntree who played the clavinola during communion, well done.
For one family, the Eustaces, it was their last service before their
move to Devon. We wish them well in their new home and are
assured that they will visit often.
Jayne Lewin
JUMBLE SALE
A big thank you all of you who gave, came and helped at our jumble
on 6`h May. We made £203 for School funds.
Sandie Morris
QUIZ
The Quiz on 22nd April made the grand sum of £626 for Fete funds.
A big thanks to Liz Savage for getting the questions and for being a
brilliant quiz master, keeping us all under control, and for making
all the delicious bread.
Also big thanks to all those who came (especially all those who
helped to wash up and clear away.) In fact, thank you everyone!
Sandie Morris & Wendy Phipps
VILLAGE BUS SERVICE
See the letter from Alma Tumilowicz on page 40 about the bus
service.
ST PETER'S INFANT SCHOOL
The term began with our Easter celebrations. The
children created the most wonderful array of bonnets
over the holiday and paraded around the village
wearing them for all to see. We do hope that those of
you who were home, enjoyed our parade and that all those parents
and toddlers who took part in the parade enjoyed
the walk in the spring sunshine.
Once again, all the children decorated eggs and took part in the
Easter tradition of egg rolling and, at the end of the week the Easter
Bunny himself visited school to lead the annual Easter egg hunt.
Our Easter service took place in St Peter's Church. Many thanks to
Mrs Morrison whose pony led the procession up the lane. It was an
idyllic afternoon and the church looked beautiful, adorned with all
the wonderful spring flowers. As always, the service was well
attended and a total of £35.48 was collected after the service which
will be shared between the church and the Oxford Children's
Hospital.
Class 2 took part in an Ultra Olympics at Burford School at the end
of April, along with the other schools in the Burford partnership. The
students from Burford School organised a range of activities
including, javelin, shot put, triple jump and sprinting. The children
all enjoyed, for many, their first experience of these sports and
made great progress under the guidance of the students,
throughout the afternoon.
Alan Elbourne is coaching the children in tennis this term and the
school is once again benefiting greatly from the Multi-Use Games
Area. This is a wonderful resource for the whole village to use
however it is all our responsibility to take care of it. There have
been some incidents reported of children climbing the cricket net
and the wooden surround of the MUGA. If you do see anyone
misusing these facilities please do remind them of how fortunate we
are to have them and what a great shame it would be if the MUGA
had to be kept locked.
As many of you know, Mrs Morris has kept our school wonderfully
clean for many years, however, the time came when she felt that
she would like to hand the job over! She will always love the school
and cares deeply that we provide a clean, well cared for
environment for our children however, it has been a big job on top
of working, full-time in the Foundation Stage Classroom.
Therefore, in May, we welcomed Mrs Lyndsy Wood to our team. She
is, initially working alongside Sandie Morris, cleaning the school and
will take on the position of cleaner in June. She has made an
excellent start and I am sure will continue to maintain Mrs Morris's
extremely high standards of cleanliness.
We are all practising the song for the Partnership Music Event in
June with Mr Newlands and hope to perform some of the songs from
the musical, H2O, at the Village Fete on Saturday 17`h June.
June is looking to be a very exciting month at St Peter's with the
completion of our building work and its official opening by the
Bishop, the village fete, our St Peter's Service at the church on
Sunday 25`h June and our Sports' Day. Our annual family barbecue
will be held on Friday 14`h July. This has become a very popular
event and we welcome anyone who would like to join us.
It is a wonderful opportunity for staff, governors, children and their
families to meet our new families who will be joining the school in
September as well as members of the local community. Tickets will
be available from the school office after we return from the Whitsun
break in June.
Sam King
THE VILLAGE FETE
Our Fete is but a couple of weeks away now, we're all hoping for a
fine, sunny day (perhaps not quite as hot as last year!). Don't miss
the fun, come along with your friends to help raise money for the
worthy village causes this year...
... St. Peter's School, St. Peter's Church, the Playing Field, the
Village Hall, the WI and the Youth Club.
Look out for the Fete posters for details. They were designed for us
this year by the children of St. Peter's School, who are also busy
learning their dances to open the Fete.
In addition to the traditional stalls, competitions and raffle; there
will be:
• MUGA Opening... A display of tennis coaching, then free coaching
for all
`Climbing Wall' bringing Everest to your doorstep!
• Tennis shirt signed by Tim Henman (in a silent auction)
• Jewellery stall (donations still needed!)
• World Cup Penalty Shoot Out
The Fete Committee will coming round the village soon to collect
your donations (garden plants/veg/cakes/bottles/bric-abrac/books/toys/jewellery
etc), you'll get a note through the door to give you a few days'
notice. If you have anything to donate, and think you might be
away for the collections - please call me on 01993 841522.
A big thank you in advance to all those who have offered to help
with stalls/parking etc., we'd really appreciate some strong helpers
on the morning to set up the stalls and gazebos - come up to the
Playing Field at l0am for as long as you can!
Ann Cadogan.
IN THE PINK COFFEE MORNING
We will be hosting a Coffee Morning on 14`h October, from
10.00am to 12 noon, in the Village Hall in aid of Breast Cancer
research.
There will be various stalls and a raffle. If you wish to help or
contribute in anyway please ring either Sandi Morris (01993
842135) or me (01993 844124).
We look forward to seeing you in October. Doreen Hart
SHILL VALLEY WI
We meet on the first Wednesday of each month in the Village Hall
at 7.30pm. Visitors are always very welcome (£1.50 includes
refreshments, raffle 20p).
Shill Valley W.I. will again be hosting the cake stall at Alvescot fete.
Any donations of goodies to sell will be very welcome on the day.
In June we shall be examining the contents of large silver boxes on
loan to us from the cultural loan service and July brings a speaker
and demonstration from member of the Straw-weavers Guild. All
are welcome to join us.
In August we have our outing to Friars Court in Clanfield. we are all
looking forward to the trailer ride!! For a copy of this year's WI
programme or your September show schedule please contact me,
the secretary, on 01993 214107.
Melanie Brvant
BLACK BOURTON
.St
Mary's
GRAND PLANT SALE
Please make a date in your diary for Saturday 20th May, when I will
be hosting a Grand Plant Sale for the NCCPG (National Council for
the Conservation of Plants and Gardens).
The Sale will be from 10.00am to 1.00pm at Bridge House, and is
an excellent way to preserve our plant heritage, by encouraging the
conservation of our plants in different parts of the country.
Liz Welch
IN THE PINK COFFEE MORNING
See entry under Alvescot
BROADWELL
.
St Peter & St Paul's
WINDING THE CHURCH CLOCK
Andrew Augur has wound the clock for twenty years (and we are
very grateful), but would like to hand over this task. It needs doing
once a week, and involves going up the steps to above the vestry to
wind up three rather heavy weights. The clock is going well just
now, thanks to Andrew, and the Molyneaux family skills, and it is a
feature of the village scene. Any offers?
OPEN FARM SUNDAY
On 11th June the public are invited to visit farms to see what goes
on, and ask about the new environmental suggestions and
regulations. Lower Manor Farm will be part of this scheme, and
shortly posters will appear to with details of what we can arrange.
Would you like to see what goes on, and ask questions?
We try very hard to encourage the wildlife on the farm, and there
are many ways this can be done, at the same time as making a
living.
June Goodenough
[For more information about this scheme, see David Mew's article
on page xe Ed/
FILKINS & BROUGHTON POGGS
.
St Peter's
FLOWER ROTA
14th June Mrs Greenwood
11`h, 18 `h & 25`h June Mrs Cross
ART EXHIBITION
See back cover for details of new exhibition at Cotswold Woollen
Weavers.
ART 0 FILKINS
We are orgainsing a summer club for 7- 14 year olds, with painting
and drawing sessions exploring village landscapes. All art materials
will be included, and also drinks, mid-morning snacks and a picnic
lunch!
The sessions will run from 9.00am to 1.30pm in the Village Hall on
3rd, 4`h, 24`h and 25`h August. The cost is £20 per session. For
more information, email
Diana.lock@btinternet.com or apply to us at: Pogle Cottage, Filkins,
GL7 3JQ Diana Lock &John Cooper
CINEMA
The next film to be shown in the Village Hall is `The Constant
Gardener' on Tuesday 13`h June at 7.30. Admission on the door:
£2.50
ROSTER FOR VOLUNTARY CAR SERVICE TO SURGERIES
Covering Filkins, Broughton Poggs, Broadwell, Kencot, Langford and
Little Faringdon
30th May Mrs J Geake 860534
1st June Mr A Woodford 860319
6th June Mr J Moir 860031
8th June Mrs V Godfrey 860498
13th June Mrs J Higham 860197
15th June, Mr A Woodford 860319
20`h June Mr A Woodford 860319
22nd June Mrs J Higham 860197
27th June Mrs K Morley 860420
29th June Lt Col J Barstow 860312
4th July Mr J Moir 860031 (All codes 01367
For hospital runs, or with any problems, contact me on 01367
860319.
The charges are: Local surgery runs £2.00
Hospitals: Fairford & Witney £6.00
Swindon & Cirencester £8.00
Oxford £10.00
At the JR parking charges have to be paid under the new parking
arrangements, and these may have to be added to the bill. New
volunteers are always welcome, particularly for hospital runs. ,
Tony Woodford
WI NEWS
We are now into the new programme for 2006/7 and are looking
forward an interesting year. At our April meeting we welcomed PC
Roy Hamilton, a Wildlife Officer for West Oxfordshire Police Force. A
report on this meeting will be at the end of this summary, written
by Allison.
On 21S` June Mr Jim Ludlow will tell us `How to display homegrown produce for a show'. We would like to invite any one
interested (all you gardeners who will be entering the Annual Village
show later in the year) to join us in the Village Hall, to hear advise
from an expert produce judge.
By the time this goes to print, we will have enjoyed our first walk of
the season to the Bluebell woods, finishing of course with supper in
a local pub. These walks will continue throughout the summer and
always prove great fun (getting lost is not unknown) as well as
keeping us fit.
Last month 12 members enjoyed a lovely evening at the area
meeting in Clanfield where we were entertained by Mr Lawrence
Washington (born in early 1500, the great-great-great-great-great
grandfather of George Washington) who gave us a fascinating story
about his life and how he came to be the owner of Sulgrave Manor,
near Banbury, in 1539. Dressed in his expensive Tudor clothes he
also brought with him his maid/cook who told us all about her life in
the Manor. We were not sorry that the medical profession has
moved on, as her stories of spiders curing coughs if swallowed with
butter made us shudder. We had to wait 24 hours to find out if one
of our members had the plague, because we did not have a dead,
squashed mouse to hang round her neck after she had sneezed.
Sulgrave Manor looks a lovely place to visit; I only wish history was
as entertaining in my days at school.
Finally the members of Broughton and Filkins WI would like to invite
you to a delicious, traditional afternoon tea in the Village Hall on
Sunday 2"d July. As part of Filkins Festival, tea will be available
between 3.00 and 5.30 pm. This will be on the same day as the
Village Museum will be open so why not invite your friends to visit
our beautiful village and make a day out. Please watch for notices
around the village advertising these events.
On 19th April, PC Hamilton gave us an extremely interesting talk
about his job as a wildlife specialist. (due to retire in ten days). He
showed us a box of confiscated items including bird's eggs, a loft
long cobra skin, lizard skins and turtle shells. He explained the
concern over some Chinese medicines on the market as some
contained endangered species and these were difficult and very
time consuming for the Police to decipher on the packaging.
We were shown a beautifully soft shawl which was so fine it passed
through a wedding ring - six antelopes had been killed to make this
one shawl. The talk ended with some of the reports made by the
public to the police, including numerous sightings of `Black Cats' (
Burford is currently at the centre of mapped references to these). At
the moment, of course, the reports are generally something like:
`There is a dead magpie in the road, I was wondering if it had bird
flu'
Hilary Ward
ST FILICA
Treasure hunt
Come and find out how much you know about the area you live in.
Join the Car Treasure Hunt on 4`'' June at S.OOpm. It starts and
finishes at the Five Alls Inn. £5 per car.
David Clifton
Feast
Once again its Feast time! Come and join the village for a pig roast
on the Paddock opposite the Village Hall. There's story-telling, the
village's very own Mummers' Play and children's entertainment.
Fun for all at £8.50 a head (£4 per child). Tickets are available from
Cotswold Woollen Weavers, Filkins Village Shop, The Five Alls and
Filkins Post Office. For more information, telephone me on 860161
Mary Bobm
Festival
There are all sorts of exciting events taking place in the village as
part of the Festival organized by the Q* U;1; S' During 1•
Saturday 1st`
Duck Race at Broughton Mill - Buy a duck or two and see who
swims the fastest. 2.30pm start
BBQ and Aunt Sally Competition at The Five Alls. Teams of four at
£1 per person. 3.00pm BBQ
Saturday lst` & Sunday 2nd
Flower Festival in St Peter's Church Sunday 2nd
Traditional English Afternoon Tea 3.00-5.30pm
Friday 7th
Pie and Mash night at The Five Alls Saturday 8`h
Children's Cinema Afternoon
3.00pm-5.00pm. Younger children's film (U cert) with tea.
ca Society during July:
7.00pm. Older children's film (12 Cert) with Hot Dogs
Sunday 9th
Swimming Gala and BBQ at 2.00pm. Bring your own team or join
one on the day. £1 per person. 2.00pm start
Friday 14th & Saturday 15th Filkins Theatre production. Sunday
16`h
Harp Concert at Goodfellows 4.00pm Saturday 22nd
Street Party dancing to Deep Water. 60's party time. Come dressed
in 60's gear if you dare! 8.00pm onwards
Sunday 23`a
Festival Service. 6.00pm.
For more information, telephone me , on 01367 860161
Mary Bohm
PARISH COUNCIL
The agenda of forthcoming meetings and minutes of the previous
meeting are available in Filkins Bus shelter, Broughton Poggs
noticeboard, Filkins Shop and Filkins Post Office. The main
information file is located in the Coffee shop at the Cotswold
Woollen Weavers but if you have any questions please contact me
(the Parish Clerk) on 01367 860388.
Cris Hoad
SWIMMING CLUB
A new bottom to the swimming pool was laid during May, so the
pool should be open at the beginning of June. Both changing rooms
have had a much needed face lift and the Committee are sure you
will be impressed.
19
Membership is now on sale from the following points in and around
Filkins:
Cotswold Woollen Weavers
3, Saxons Close
Wynwood :
Cottage by the Church
2, The Gassons
Village Shop & Post Office (by pool)
Also at Southrop
The Paddock, Quarry View
Due to a change in the Insurance conditions please make all
cheques payable
to Filkins and Broughton Poggs Parish Council.
Membership this year will be:
Resident in Parish: Family £25 (£15 before 10th June)
Single £15 (£8 before 10th June) Non Resident: Family £40 (£30
before 10th June)
Single £25 (£15 before 10th June)
We will also be holding a swimming Gala on Sunday 9`h July at
2.00pm. Teams should be of six people, but if you don't have a
team come on the day and we will arrange a team for you. Entrance
fee £1 per person. BBQ tea, coffee, soft drinks. Join us for a fun
day. For more information, please telephone me on 01367 860027.
Ian Grey
PUBLIC MEETING
The New Party is hosting a Public Meeting in the Village Hall on 8`h
June at 7.00pm. To find out more see Sandy Saunders' letter on
page 41.
HOLWELL
.
St Mary's
No news this month
KELMSCOTT
.
St George's
CHURCH BRASS & FLOWERS Fenella Nicholas
THE SUMMER BALL
The Village Fundraising Committee requests the pleasure of your
company at the Summer Ball on Saturday 10`h June. We start with
a Champagne Reception at 7.30pm, then a Buffet at 8.15pm, and
music (The Unbelievables') from 9.30pm. Carriages at 2.00am.
Black Tie. Tickets are £50. For more information, telephone me on
01367 252423
Karen Spittle
KENCOT
.
St George's
CHURCH FLOWERS
3rd & 10`h June Sally Bayliss
17`h & 24`h June Lizzie James
1" July Stella Chapman
GARDENS OPEN
On Easter Monday six Gardens and the allotments were open and
419 paying visitors came. Slightly down on last year, but a good
day nevertheless. It had been so cold on previous days. It is always
interesting to hear how far some of our visitors have traveled...
from London, Bristol, Portsmouth, Solihull, even Derbyshire!
Our thanks are due to the gardeners who worked so hard to get
their gardens ready after the ravages of last winter, to Susan
Portergill and her band of helpers, who served the teas, to the
many people who made cakes, John Coxeter who made his paddock
available as a car park, the car park attendants and all who helped
to make the village look its best for the day.
The total sent to The National Gardens Scheme was £1366,
including a donation from Springhill Nurseries from the sale of
plants. The teas raised £447, which was divided between the Village
Hall and the Church. The sale of maps raised £20 for the Village Hall
Fabric Fund.
The National Gardens Scheme raised over £1,750,000 last year, all
from the thousands of people who opened their gardens. This was
distributed mainly
to Macmillan Cancer Nurses and Marie Curie Cancer Relief, but also
to other nursing and gardening charities. ,
RIDE OR STRIDE ;'
The Oxfordshire Historic Churches Trust twentieth sponsored Ride
or Stride will take place on Saturday 9`f' September. Last year
nearly £110,000 was raised, enabling grants to be made towards
the repair of some of the County's historic churches.
This can be quite a fun event if you join a party and bike round the
villages, seeing how many churches you can visit in a day, stopping
for a pub lunch on the way. In the past one or two members have
visited over 50 churches in one day. How about some of our
younger members taking part? Start thinking about it now! Entry
forms are available from Bill Gasson.
John Barstow
NOTICE BOARDS
Residents will have no doubt have noticed that we have a new
notice board at the lower end of the village and new doors on the
one by the Village Green. Our sincere thanks are due to David
Chapman for voluntarily giving his time, energy and expertise to
construct them. I am sure we are all most grateful to him.
John Barstow
LANGFORD
.
1 St Matthew's
CHURCH FLOWERS
4th June Mrs C Appeley
11`h & 18`h June Mr. D Lowden
25th June Mrs C Johnston
CHURCH CLEANING
Chancel & Porch Mr & Mrs David Range Nave Mrs K Lane & Mr K
Bilton
Brass Mrs J Pitkin
GARDENS OPEN DAY
The day, 11`h June, takes place under the auspices of The National
Gardens Scheme with gardens open from 2.00 to 6.00pm.
Gardens Open Day is on Sunday 11`h June. We have been holding
Gardens Open Day since 1985 with increasing success. This year 24
gardens will be open some of which have not opened previously.
Cream Teas will be served in two locations and a large free car park
is available.
As on all previous occasions, proceeds from the openings goes to
the N.G.S. who donate to several charities, the principal ones being
Macmillan Cancer Relief, Marie Curie Cancer Care and Help the
Hospices.
The local charity nominated is St. Matthew's Church. Please come
along and support the day. A Flower Festival will be held in the
Church, and the six bells will be rung at intervals during the
afternoon.
LANGFORD LADIES
For our April meeting we welcomed Alan Woodward and Peter
Aldous from Abbey Wills. Alan (the proprietor), gave a very
informative talk on wills and the reasons as to why a will should be
made, it is not only for your peace of
mind, but it brings security and reassurance not just for you but for
all those who depend on you, either now or in the future. There are
many kinds of wills, which include property trust, inheritance tax,
living wills etc.
Our next meeting is on Thursday 8`h June in the Village Hall, we
will be welcoming Gillian Higgins who will be talking about Sports
massage and muscle manipulation therapy with some interactive
sessions. Should be fun! Visitors most welcome £1.50. For more
details contact me on 01367 860514.
Chrissy Tinson
WHIST
Come and join us for an evening playing Whist on Tuesday 6`h
June. Start time is 7.30pm, and the entrance fee of £1 includes tea
and biscuits. We play for fun with small prizes, everyone is
welcome. For further information, do telephone 01993 852378.
ST CHRISTOPHER'S NEWS
The annual SATs are upon as at St Christopher's both in
Key Stage One and Two. The children have been
working hard all year and hopefully all their efforts and
achievements will be reflected in their results. Last year
our standards were fantastic, being well above both the National
and Counry
averages. I am sure that the children will do us, and themselves,
proud once more.
As usual things have been busy despite the tests. All staff have
ensured that these do not take over and that the children continue
to experience a full, broad and rounded education. Class Three have
been visited by `Save the Children' as part of their project on
Africa. They have decided through their studies to help those in
need and are holding a Family Treasure Hunt to raise
money for this worthwhile charity. Not to be outdone, Classes Four
and Five have been studying Water and have become inspired by
the work of `Water Aid,' a charity that supports third world
countries by helping them resource and sustain life saving water
projects. The children have been very busy planning ways of raising
money for this much needed charity and we are all really looking
forward to seeing the plays, concerts and other sponsored events
that have been planned and organised by the children.
Our children are taking their citizenship responsibilities very
seriously indeed and we are all really proud of them for taking the
initiative in helping those less fortunate. Class Two had a wildlife
adventure of their own going to visit Chrissy Tinson's newts. Chrissy
kindly invited the children to go and look at
this endangered species in her fantastic pond in her garden. The
children really enjoyed the visit and I would like to thank Chrissy for
her hospitality and continued support of our school.
We are looking forward to welcoming back Marie Wargent into Class
2 after the mid-term break. Marie has, I'm sure, enjoyed being at
home with her lovely baby boy Theo, and is ready for the challenges
and excitement of being back with us. Lorraine Seligmann is moving
on to pastures new and we all wish her all the best and will miss her
calm manner and wonderful teaching.
The new Foundation Outside Area is now officially open and we
would like to thank David Cameron for spending the morning with
us and talking with children, Governors, staff and parents both new
and old. It was a fantastic morning, much enjoyed by everyone who
attended and luckily the fine weather did our beautiful new area
justice. Class 1 have worked really hard to get the area looking its
best for the official opening and I would like to thank Lucinda
McFarlane, Nicky Hambidge, Lisa Cole and Carol Scott for all their
hard work. Thank you to all the parents who baked cakes for our
`Produce for Ponds' sale to raise money to stock the lovely new
pond. The sale raised over £90 which means that not only have we
fully stocked the pond but had enough left over to make a start on
the growing area. If you have not had an opportunity to visit this
wonderful new resource please do come along and have a look.
To complement our Healthy Schools' Status and our beliefs that
children should take responsibility for themselves and their actions
as future citizens, we took part in `Stand up to Bullying' day in May.
The whole school joined hands in a circle on the field and held a
minute's silence to reflect on bullying, what it really means and how
they can support each other and stand up for themselves. It was an
incredibly moving and empowering experience and I'm sure the
children all felt this too.
The staff and children are busy planning our summer fete at the
moment which is to take place on Friday 7th July. Our School
Council are taking charge of this event but they would welcome
support from any parents or friends of the school to make this
event a really fun afternoon for everyone. These events really do
make a difference to the resources we can provide for the children
to support their education. Look out for further details shortly and
please do come along on the day and enjoy the sunshine! If you are
interested in helping with a stall or have any exciting ideas for the
afternoon please do contact us.
As always, please do come and see us with any queries, or visit our
website on www.st-christophers.oxon.sch.uk.
Sarah Nisbett
LITTLE FARINGDON
.
St Margaret's
FREDA ALLEN 1919 - 2006
It was with great sadness that we heard of Freda's death on 23"
March. She had lived in Little Faringdon for 18 years after retiring
from her life's work as a nanny. Her love of children made this more
a vocation than a job. It was most fitting that the Reverend Andrew
Meynell, one of her earliest charges, should give the tribute at her
funeral at St Peter's Church in Filkins on 30`h March.
Her heart was very much in this area of the Cotswolds. Born in
Filkins in 1919, she grew up there with her two sisters, Pam
(Stevens) and Dulcie. Many of her interests developed during her
time there. These included music, knitting, travel, Girl Guides and
birdwatching.
Her other love was the church. She was sacristan for much of her
time in Little Faringdon. It was always a joy for clergy to know that
Freda was behind the scenes. Her careful preparation for services,
and quiet support in all aspects of the day-to-day running of the
church, reflected her practical Christianity that touched so many
from within the village and beyond.
Her failing health in the late 1990s resulted in her move to the
Robert and Doris Watts Home in Carterton, where she was
wonderfully cared for during her final years. We give thanks, with
countless others with whom she came in contact, for Freda's life of
unstinting service to young and old alike.
Barbara Johnson-Browne
CHURCH FLOWERS
June Barbara Browne
July Sylvia Griffiths `
SUMMER LUNCH 2O06
The summer church lunch will take place at 12.30pm on Sunday
18`h June and, as always, promises to be a wonderful affair in the
lush grounds of Langford House. This event raises much-needed
funds for the fabric of St Margaret's Church, therefore we are most
grateful to all those who attend and to this year's hosts, Jamie and
Emma Abdy Collins.
800TH ANNIVERSARY EVENTS
To celebrate the 800th anniversary of St Margaret's Church, the
village will hold a series of events that will begin with an autumn
soiree and culminate in a special church service and village party in
the summer.
The events planned so far include:
Sparkling Soiree Saturday 30`h September
A mixture of music, song and humour will be performed in the
church by both local and far-ranging talents, followed by a little
bubbly top off the evening! A bar with win-d and champagne will be
available. So put this date in your diary now and book your tickets
early!
Bonfire Party Friday 3rd November
This year's bonfire party will celebrate both the demise of Guy
Fawkes and the dawn of our beautiful church!
Wine and Words During the winter
Throughout the winter months, a series of scintillating speakers will
talk in the church on a variety of subjects to be announced. After
each evening's talk, all are invited to stay for a happy hour of winetasting ...strictly educational, of course!
Special Service & Village Party June 2007
A church service commemorating the 800th anniversary will be
followed by a grand village party, with special events for young and
old alike!
SHILTON
.
1 Holy Rood
EASTER FESTIVITIES
We were again very lucky with the weather and had a most
enjoyable day on 15th April. Lots of people turned up and we
quickly sold out of everything as far as entries for the egg, boat and
duck races were concerned.
Harry McInnes bravely judged the Easter Bonnet competition. We
raced more than 150 beautifully painted eggs down the hill, in three
heats followed by a finale - and this year Noah didn't manage to eat
any of them! We then had several boat and duck races on the pond
and the afternoon was rounded off by an egg hunt back up the hill
to the Old School for an Easter tea and the drawing of the raffle.
Thank you to everyone who participated in any way and helped
raise £249.36 for Old School funds.
Shirley Cuthbertson
Ps: If there's a Mrs Saville out there who bought a raffle ticket at
our Easter event please would she contact me (tel: 01993 842404)
as I have a small prize 4:'-, ho.
OPEN GARDENS
Open Gardens Day is Sunday 18`h June. This is the highlight of our
fundraising season and a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon out when,
between 1.00 and 6.00pm and for £3 per person (children free),
you can visit many of our village's pretty gardens.
As well as visiting the gardens you can treat yourself to a delicious
home-made tea, the like of which you may not have seen for years,
in the Old School. There will also be plants and books for sale, a
raffle etc.
DIARY EVENTS
Other events planned for 2006, and for which details will follow
later, include:
• 15`h July Pig roast and picnic by the pond
• 12`h August Fete
• 9`h September Ride & Stride
• 1S` October Harvest Supper
• 31" October Halloween: organised trick & treating for the children
at 6.00pm, followed by party/race night/supper
• November Quiz night (date to be confirmed)
Shirley Cuthbertson (Tel: 01993 842404)
PARISH COUNCIL
The Council meeting dates for 2006 are as follows:
Wednesday 28`h June Bradwell Village
Wednesday 9th August Shilton Old School Wednesday 11`h October
Bradwell Village Wednesday 13`h December Shilton
KEEP FIT
Sandie holds classes every Thursday at 7.00pm in the Old School.
It's only £3.00 per session, and all ages and abilities welcome.
HISTORY GROUP
At the May meeting we had a most fascinating talk about Swinbrook
by Mr Peter Harris which has whetted our appetites for the next
meeting on Friday 9th June when Mr Harris will take us on a guided
walk around Swinbrook. We meet outside Swinbrook Village Hall at
7.00 pm. Do join us. This will be the last meeting until Friday 8`''
September.
Lorna Walker
BRADWELL VILLAGE
.
MOVIES ON THE MOVE
Apologies for the cancellation of `Chronicles of Narnia' The next film
will be Mrs. Henderson Presents on Thursday 6`h July at 7:30pm in
Bradwell Village Hall. Entrance is £3, and bar and refreshments will
be available.
GRAND PIG ROAST & BARBEQUE
This is on 15`h July from S.OOpm... and there will be a vegetarian
option!
COFFEE, ANYONE?
Bradwell Village Coffee Shop is open every Friday from 10:30am 12:30pm in the Village Hall selling.,-.hot and cold drinks and homemade cakes and savouries. This a splendid social focus for everyone
with an hour to spare.
A STITCH IN TIME...
Bradwell Village Stitchers meet on the second Tuesday of the month
from 10.30am to 2.30pm in the Village Hall and welcome members
from the surrounding area. If you are interested in needlecraft of
any kind - embroidery, applique, lacemaking, beadwork, crochet,
knitting, tatting, patchwork, quilting, needlepoint, goldwork, then
you will be most welcome.
If you don't know what some of those things are, then come along
and find out. Drinks and biscuits are provided, but please bring a
packed lunch. The half-annual subscription is £10.
WESTWELL
.
st Mary's
EASTER SERVICE
We were most grateful that David MacInnes was able to step in at
the last moment to take the Easter Service, and he certainly treated
us to a memorable sermon. Our dedicated band of flower arrangers
again made the occasion more joyful, and altogether it was
wonderful to be part of such an occasion.
Chris Fox
MANOR GARDEN OPEN
Mr and Mrs Gibson are opening their lovely garden under the
National Gardens Scheme on Sunday 11`h June, a most pleasant
and peaceful place to visit. At the same time the Church is serving
teas over the road at Barnstorm, delicious and good value, an
unmissable part of your visit. Also at Barnstorm will be a plant and
food stall and one for books and miscellaneous items.
VILLAGE PARTY
We are having a party in celebration of the official 80`h Birthday of
Queen Elizabeth II at The Pond on Saturday 24`h June at 7.00pm.
Everyone is welcome. (Ideas and help also welcome!). Contact me
at Pond Cottage (01993 822984) for tickets.
David Blondel
NEWS FROM OUR DISTRICT COUNCILLOR
West Oxfordshire District Council has been awarded £498,000
Planning Delivery Grant by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister
in recognition of its high standards in planning work. This is second
highest award for any district council and will be used to improve
access to planning information through the internet, among other
projects. We will be introducing a document imaging system that
will allow applications and plans to be viewed via our Website.
The Cabinet have awarded a grant to the Oxfordshire Rural
Community Council for the continued employment of a Village Shop
Development Worker. Filkins Village Shop has benefited from advice
from this service.
The Shopmobility service is now available in Witney on Mondays,
Wednesdays and Thursdays from the Langdale Gate carpark..
If you would like to discuss these or any other West Oxfordshire
District Council matters, do telephone me on 01993 846033
Mary Neale
WALK OR WHIZ... AS YOU LIKE
.
I f you are looking for some family fun this summer come along to
the Helen & Douglas House Sponsored Walk or Wheelchair Whizz at
the Cotswold Wildlife Park, Burford on Saturday 151 July. By doing
so you will be supporting a local registered charity that provides
respite and end of life care for children and young adults in the
region, as well as support and friendship for their families.
Sponsored walkers and whizzers who raise a
guaranteed minimum of £25 will gain free entrance and
will be able to enjoy a full day of animal spotting
whilst completing their circuit of the Park and getting their Animal
Passport stamped along the way. Non-sponsored walkers pay usual
Park admission prices. The start time is 11.30am, but walkers will
be admitted until 4.00pm.
Feel free to bring along a picnic and make the most of this fabulous
location. Sponsorship forms can be downloaded from our website
www.helenanddouglas.org.uk or from
www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk. Bring the completed form along
with you on the day to gain your free entry.
Disabled parking and toilets are available. For queries, please
contact the fundraising team at Helen & Douglas House on 01865
794749.
Nikki; Barber
THE TRACTOR MAD POPE
.
Tractor mad Terry Pope from Black Bourton is planning a tractor
marathon from John O'Groats to Lands End. Terry says he is not a
`troglodyte' but a,`traclodyte'... an eccentric person who travels
long distances on historic tractors. Anyone who thinks that tractors
are only useful on the farm are missing a trick according to Terry
but then he has moved home, done his household And gone to his
Wedding all by tractor
His latest mission involves driving a 1960 Fordson Dexta tractor the
1000 miles from one end of the country to the other.
He will be joining fellow traclodyte Graham Dell in this
great adventure and together, on identical tractors,
they will attempt the long journey south in aid of their
respective charities. Travelling at a
speed of 12 mph, the journey should take about twelve days. That's
twelve long days perched atop an unforgiving piece of moulded
steel masquerading as a seat. Ouch!
The intention is to raise lots of money to support the work of Mind
and highlight the issue of mental health in both urban, rural and
farming communities. Terry's family is all too familiar with the
impact mental illness can have on both the sufferer and relatives
and he is concerned about mental health services being under
funded. The tractor event, he believes, will be a good opportunity to
raise the profile of mental health and improve awareness of the
issues involved.
The highlight (apart from reaching Lands End) will be a weekend
break at Hullavington in Wiltshire for `The Great Tractor Challenge'
on 25`h June which will involve the greatest number of tractors
ever ploughing simultaneously in one field. The record of 1901
tractors is currently held by Australia, Terry says `we must not fail
in this quest!'
If you would like to sponsor Terry please telephone Mind in Oxford
on 01865 721458. Major sponsors may like to display their logo on
the trailer that Terry will be towing. Cheques should be made
payable to Oxfordshire Mind and sent to The Mill, 46, Cowley Road,
Oxford OX4 1HZ. You can also sponsor Terry on line at
www.justgiving.com/terrypope
Kimberly Pope
FILKINS VILLAGE SHOP
.
Opening Hours
Monday 3.00 to S.OOpm
Tuesday 10.00am to 12 noon & 3.00 to S.OOpm Wednesday Closed
Thursday 10.00am to 12.00 noon & 3.00 to 6.00pm
Friday 3.00 to 6.00pm
Saturday 9.00am to 1.00pm & 3.00 to 6.00pm
Sunday 3.00 to S.OOpm
Ice creams are back!
As the sun finally starts to shine in Filkins you may feel the need for
a refreshing, cooling treat. You don't have to wait for the jingle of
the ice cream van, just pop into the shop and you will find a tasty
range of ice creams and ice-lollies on sale.
Supporting the swimming pool
We will be supporting visitors to the swimming pool with tea, coffee,
soft drinks, crisps fruit, ice creams and other tasty snacks, and you
will also be able to buy season memberships and day memberships
from the shop this year, as well as from the other outlets. [Seepage
20. Ed]
Helen Holden
£600,000, BUT ONLY FOR THE YOUNG!
.
Do you know a group of young people that have an idea but no
money to make it a reality? Are you aged 13 to 19 and want to do
something fun with your mates in your village but have no idea
where you can get the money?
Well today is your lucky day! The Government has given
Oxfordshire Youth Service £600,000 to spend in grants this year to
make sure that there are more "places to go and things to do, in
your neighbourhood" for young people.
Best of all you have to be aged 13 to 19 to apply (that means no
applications from adults are allowed) and all the people who decide
if you get the money are aged between 13 and 19 too!
You can get an application form from www.spired.com or just phone
the youth service on 01865 815166 and ask for the Youth
Opportunities Fund application form. The deadline for applications is
30th August
FILKINS & DISTRICT FILM CLUB
.
The inaugural meeting was held, the Film Club is now formed! See
page 2 in this issue of Parish Pump for details of the first club
showing. Telephone 01367 860660 or email
Richard@naturalbest.co.uk for more information.
Richard Martin
POTTERING IN THE POTTING SHED
.
`What is one to say about June? The time of perfect young
summer, the fulfilment of the promise of the earlier months and
with, as yet, no sign to remind one that its fresh young beauty will
ever fade'.
That is how Gertrude Jekyll describes June. Here's Anne advice...
Tune is about adding colour, pruning, controlling slugs, dividing
perennials, planting vegetables and eliminating weeds -.to name
but a handful of the jobs that should be taking precedence in your
summer garden!
Now is the time to move spring bulbs to make room for bedding
plants. Place the bulbs in a temporary plot and let them die back
naturally. After flowering, spring bulbs carry on growing for up to 8
weeks.
Once the bulbs are dealt with the irises are often the next group of
plants to be tidied up. When flowering is complete they can be split
and divided (if they are overcrowded). Cut leaves back to about
nine inches in length to prevent the roots being loosened by the
wind. Any tall growing plants such as delphiniums, lupins, peonies,
poppies or climbers need a framework so that they avoid wind
damage.
Deadhead perennials such as astrantia, delphiniums
and lupins to improve their appearance and promote a
second flush of flowers later in the season.
Summer bedding plants such as busy lizzies, lobelia,
marigolds, pansies and petunias should be established
in patio pots and hanging baskets to produce a riot of
colour near to the house. (See last month for how to
manage hanging baskets). Berberis, chaenomeles,
choisya, forsythia, philadelphus (mock orange), pieris, pyracantha,
ribes and weigela, should all be pruned when flowering is over. Any
shoots that have carried flowers can be cut back. Prune deciduous
magnolias (left) when the plant is in full leaf. If it is done when fully
dormant it can lead to dieback problems, while pruning in late
winter or spring can result in bleeding. Evergreens such as
viburnum tinus can also be trimmed at this time of year. Prune back
the flowering stems of hellebores as soon as blooms are past their
best. Cut back to their base to make room for new shoots. If
seedlings are required, leave a stem to set seed, then collect and
sow :it when ripe.
Mow lawns regularly to keep a good shape. Little and often is the
key. If there wasn't time to fertilise last month then apply a
summer fertiliser now. Move garden furniture regularly to allow
grass to recover and prevent yellow
patches.
If you have decided to have a go at growing soft fruit, spread nets
over bushes such as currants and over strawberries growing in rows
or in containers. Once blackbirds and other birds find fruits to their
taste they will return again and again and will quickly strip plants of
unprotected fruit. One final tip for this time of year - shade
greenhouses to keep them cool and prevent scorching and damp
them down on hot days to increase humidity. Open windows daily to
increase ventilation, but remember to close them up at night.
Anne Greenwood
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.
11 th June - 16th July
George Fox -`Moments in Time': A solo show of exceptional work
by experienced Wantage based professional artist working mostly in
oil and acrylic. George's current work reflects his recurring interest
in the concept of time, the relationship between man
and nature, the seasons and the process of continuous
change. Informal talk as an introduction to the
exhibition by George Fox at 11.30am Saturday 17`h June.
ART EXHIBITION IN FILKINS
.
See back cover for details of the exhibition of Textile collage by
Barbara Shaw at Cotswold Woollen Weavers in Filkins from 3rd
June.
NATURE NOTES
.
David notes that the Swallows come earlier this year, and the son
comes before the father! Curious? Read on...
The end of April and the start of May was taken up with an eight
day organised birding trip to Spain. Flying out to Seville
our party of eight were met by John Butler and taken to
the Coto Donana region (right), an internationally
famous wetland area for birds, south west of Seville.
Our first bird was a Cetti's Warbler which says "Listen! .... What's
my name? Cetti, Cetti, Cetti - that's it!
We watched a large group of Greater Flamingos out on a shallow
lagoon and listened to nightingales in abundance, singing
everywhere. It is difficult to believe that such a beautiful song
comes from a plain little brown bird when you see it perched on a
branch.
Another plain little brown bird was the Savi's Warbler perched in tall
reeds and noticeable by its endless reeling buzzing whirr, like a
fishing reel being turned. A third little brown bird perched in tall
reeds was the great Reed Warbler with its extraordinary raucus frog
like croaking voice. This was quite deceptive at times as there were
lots of genuine frogs croaking in the reeds.
Some of the stars of the reed beds were the large
Purple Heron (left), almost as large as the Grey Heron
but with a beautiful dark purple cast to the wings and
reddish brownyneck. The smaller Squacco Heron which
in flight looks almost white but has black and pale
ochre elongated nape feathers and bluish bill with black
tip.
The Little Bitterns which could be seen flying with smart black
crown and upperparts with distinctive buff white contrasting wing
patch and landing on tall reeds which bent over with their weight.
Several different white Egrets were in abundance, the Cattle Egret
with beautiful orangy yellow crown breast and mantle and the all
white Little and Great Egrets.
Quails could be heard but not seen in the long grass. They have a
distrinctive call issued at frequent intervals "Wet my lips". There is a
large greenish lizard in the area which we caught a fleeting glimpse
of and this is the ocelated lizard up to almost a metre in length.
Later in the week when we drove 250 miles up to the Extremadura
area we had good views of Rohlers, a summer visitor from South
Africa, the size of a jackdaw and mostly a beautiful ultramarein-blue
colour; perched on telegraph wires. Also perched on wires in great
abundance were the beautiful Bee-eaters with exotic colours of
yellow, green, red brown and blue.
The wild flowers were an endless sea of colour stretching _ across
rolling plains, the best I have seen in four years of visiting due to a
wet season followed by warm sunshine. Purple vipers bugloss filled
the fields. Butterflies were making the most of the harvest,
particularly the Clouded Yellow, a bright yellow butterfly with black
wing edges.
In the Monfrague National Park area we saw large numbers of
Griffon Vultures (right) soaring on the M thermals together with all
five Southern European Eagles, the Golden, Spanish Imperial,
Booted, Bonelli's and Short-toed.
We had excellent views of a Spanish Imperial Eagle on a nest with
one eaglet. Bonelli's Eagles on nest together with Egyptian and
Griffin Vultures at nests. A beautiful pair of large fluffy Eagle Owl
chicks looked back at us with large orange eyes. Black Storks with
bright red legs and long red beaks sat on nests in cliffside caves and
overhead flew the massive Black Vulture with wing span up to
almost three metres, a flying barn door.
Altogether over 150 species of birds in a most memorable week.
Back home the Swifts have arrived in Shilton and are issuing that
wonderful scream as they swoop low over the roofs. Its nice to be
back to see the trees adopting that fresh green mantle and
everything bursting forth.
David Roberts
ST MARK'S FLIES
.
0 n our Rogation Walk to Broadwell Church on Sunday 7`h May we
noticed a quantity of medium sized black flies bouncing about in the
air, rather lazily, about head height. These are
known as St Mark's flies for they hatch out about 24`h , April (St
Mark's Day) and disappear after a fortnight.
David Roberts
WESTWELL LAMBING: A MIDDLE EASTERN VIEW
.
Lambing at Freelands is over for another year. 14 this year, with
nine ewe and five ram lambs. Just what this amateur shepherdess
wished for in order to build up her flock of Castlemilk Moorit
breeding ewes. But, as in life the process of caring for a flock of
sheep does not always go according to plan. We all ask ourselves
from time to time why we are doing something.
I found myself answering this question at a recent
dinner in Amman with a gaggle of affable politicians
and their elegant wives. As first the talk was as you
would expect. Arab/Israel, Iraq/America, Bush/Blair.
More listening on my part than talking, and Middle
Eastern politics are certainly not boring.
It was when the talk turned to domestic things that the differences
between us became sharper.
-- --' `What do you do Lady Hurd?' was the cry. Hesitation. `I am
surviving' is my usual stonewall answer to this question, but
somehow it didn't seem appropriate in the cavernous ballroom of
the Regent Hotel in Amman amongst this group of Jordanian
worthies.
So I launched into a colourful description of my 11 Castlemilk ewes,
my curly horned ram, and the highlight of the year in April at
lambing time. Hugh Fearnley Whittingstall couldn't have done it
better. But I sensed that my new friends did not understand the
pleasure of this rather eccentric peasant activity. An
Englishwoman's return to her roots - perhaps after a period of high
life with her peripatetic husband - is not unusual. There are many
examples. But it did not ring any familiar bells with the ladies of
Amman, who would find far greater pleasure in the boutiques of
Beirut or Paris.
They of course see their less educated countrymen sitting on the
barren slopes above Petra tending their flocks. It is very far from an
aspirational activity in that part of the world, so why on earth would
dotty English ladies want to do it? Well some of us do. Not sitting on
the bare earth for days on end - but rising early to be greeted by
expectant ewes bleating for their morning nuts - or in this last
month looking anxiously each morning to see if one ewe had
separated herself from the group to find a private place for birthing.
There is nothing like it. No alarm clock needed. An amateur
shepherdess, as if by osmosis, wakes early in anticipation. Indeed
she has probably been awake half the night wondering whether
anything is afoot. She ventures out in her nightdress, accessorised
with Wellington boots and scruffy padded jacket, and in my case
rings her friend Donald, the professional, to lend a hand if a hand is
required. It often is. Ringing a wriggling ram lamb is not a job for
the fainthearted.
At the risk of sounding like one of the more sentimental
characters in the Archers, I could have told my
Jordanian friends about last year's orphan Talullah
(exotic and horribly wilful) or this year's difficult feeder
Tara (very skinny and a bit slow on the uptake). I could have
described the headless corpse found by
Arthur Hemming one morning last week - a three week old lamb
which the day before had been larking about with the others. I
could have questioned them about the ethics of dealing with a lamb
born without the ability to pee or to poo. What, in their terms,
would have been the right course of action in this case?
In days gone by a shepherd would probably have put the animal out
of its misery very quickly; now I suspect we are prevented from
doing that by some Defra dictat. I of course set off on an expensive
visit to the vet in Lechlade to see if the poor thing could be saved.
On the slopes above Petra I guess there is no choice. The lamb died
anyway - so what price well-meaning intervention?
But all this would have sounded very trivial to a Jordanian living as
they do in a part of the world that is beset by all sorts of terrible
human tragedies. Middle Eastern politics make the dilemmas of a
Westwell shepherdess very small indeed.
Judy Hurd
COME AND VISIT OUR FARM'
.
Linking Environment and '" Farming (LEAF) has coordinated many
farms across the country to open their gates to the
public, to explain the ' role of Farming in food
production, the economy, and the environment.
Glebe Farm will be open from
12 noon to 4.00pm on 11th June.
It is a relatively small organic farm in Black Bourton, with traditional
breed pigs and beef cattle (Gloucester cow, above), and some
arable crops. We are inviting people to bring a picnic and join us on
a guided tour (walk) around the farm, starting at 2.00pm. The walk
will last about 2 hours as we will stop and discuss various aspects of
the farm as we go around.
There will be a BBQ selling Hot Dogs made from our own sausages.
If it rains, there is enough area in the barn for people to
gather/picnic inside. We would suggest that you bring suitable
outside clothes for the day.
If any one is interested in joining us, or would like more
information, please ring on me on 01993 841807 or 07850 064775,
or email us on david@glebourton.fsnet.co.uk just to give us an idea
of numbers to expect on the day. Entry is Free.
David New
KLEVER KATIE!
.
Those who knew Katie Slader, as she grew up at Langford School
will remember the breath-taking ease with which she could flick
herself through the air. Here, we all thought, is somebody special.
So it has proved, and Katie has gone to represent her country with
such distinction.
Alvescot gymnast Katie Slader has returned from Volos, Greece,
and the 2006 Woman's Artistic Gymnastic Championships.
Competing for Ireland against the top 115 gymnasts
from 24 European countries Katie achieved a terrific
29`h place. Katie performed clean routines on vault,
floor and uneven bars and an outstanding routine on
beam which was full of high difficulty moves.
Before flying out to Greece Katie just had time to
compete in the Irish Gymnastic Team Championships in
Dublin where she lead her team to 1st place and achieved the top
score of the day to confirm her status as Ireland's number one.
Having taken a year out of college to train full time Katie now plans
to get back to her studies at Oxford College. It has been a fantastic
year of competition which has included a 40`h place in the 2005
World Championships in Australia, 12`'' place in the 2006
Commonwealth Games and 29th place in the 2006 European
Championships.
Katie is now going to concentrate on one gymnastic discipline, the
beam, and has set her sights on winning gold at the 2006 British
Championships in July.
COOKING WITH KATE
.
L et us hope that with June we will be having fine weather and it's
time for summer picnics. This excellent pie travels well, particularly
if you keep it in the tin it is baked in.
Chicken spinach and apricot pie Serves 6-8
For the pastry 225g sausage meat
450g plain flour 1 bunch spring onions chopped
1 tbsp dried Italian herbs 250g fresh parsley chopped
150g butter 4 fresh or dried apricots stoned and
beaten egg to glaze chopped
For the filling 1 tsp grated lemon rind
450g spinach 1 beaten egg
freshly grated nutmeg Seasoning
450g boneless skinned chicken breasts
Pre heat the oven to 200C (400F Gas 6). Grease a 23cm (9") round
loosebottomed cake tin. Mix the flour, herbs and seasoning. Melt
the butter with 250m1 of water, then bring to the boil. Quickly stir
into the flour mixing to a soft dough. Cool, then turn out and knead
briefly on a lightly-floured surface. Wrap in plastic film and leave to
cool.
Meanwhile make the filling. Wash the spinach in several changes of
water, place in a large pan with no extra water and cook covered for
4-5 minutes until wilted and tender. Drain well, chop and season
with nutmeg, salt and pepper. Chop the chicken into small cubes
and mix with the sausage meat spring onions parsley, apricots
lemon rind and egg. Mix well with your hands, add the spinach and
seasoning. Roll out 2/3rds of the pastry and line the greased cake
tin, taking care to press the pastry into the corners, fill the case
with the chicken mixture press down and smooth over.
Dampen the pastry edges then roll out the remaining pastry to
cover the pie , trim off any excess and pinch the edges to seal.
Decorate with pastry trimmings and brush the top with the beaten
egg. Cook for 50 - 60 minutes.
Kate Morley
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
Alvescot Bus service
Sir: Some may be aware that on the 7th June at 2.30 and 7.00pm
the Transport department Oxfordshire County Council are holding
public meetings at the Corn Exchange in Witney, to discuss a
revision of services in West Oxfordshire. I am concerned about
some lack of connections between the Stagecoach No 18 and 19
services to Alvescot, so I shall be attending one of the meetings to
put my point across.
Alvescot Parish Council would be very interested in hearing from
anyone who has concerns or comments regarding the public
transport services. Please contact me, especially if you are not
planning to attend one of the public meetings, as I will be more
than happy to take your concerns and comments with me to the
meeting. Telephone me on 01993 846230.
Alma Tumilowicz Alvescot
The Five Alls
Sir: The Latin word 'olla' [contraction of 'aulula' (dim. of aula, jar,
pot)] is apparently the source for the French 'oille', a jar, pot. This,
of course, raises the question of whether this is the source of the
Engling `all' (as in Five Alls), but I cannot for the life of me find any
confirmation of this. `All' (in this restricted sense, of course) does
not appear in any dictionary I have consulted - including the OED.
What does anyone know of the etymology of Five Alls?
Patrick Colman Langford
The great Brewer in his Phrase & Fable' gives the basis for the
various Alls' (three, five and six) as people, and cites the example
of the Five Alls public house sign thus:
`A king in his regalia. (I govern all), A bishop, in his pontificals (I
pray for all), A lawyer, in his gown (I plead for all), A soldier in
regimentals (I fight for all), A labourer, with his tools (I pay for all)'
Paul Corballis (in `Pub Signs) cites a SIX Alls, with The Devil (I take
all) added to the Five Alls. Oddly, the Five Alls in Filkins has
replaced the King with the Devil.
However, Patrick's idea of 'all' deriving from `olla' is an interesting
possibility, and could mean that the elaborate Brewer story is a
later embroidery.
Intriguingly, Brewer also separately cites for Alls'.- 'Tap-droppings.
The refuse of all sorts of spirits drained from the glasses, or spilt in
drawing. The mixture is sold in gin-houses at a cheap rate.' Brewer
implys a derivation from 'all sorts; but it
might well be this is in fact from Patrick's 'the little pots' left over...
Does anyone else have thoughts on this? Ed
The New Party
Sir: When I voted at the last election I knew that the Labour and
Conservative parties had nothing to offer me. The constant dumbing
down of politics, the media spin and the convergence of the two
main parties have left me wondering whether our political leaders
will ever reverse our country's decline.
That is why I have joined the New Party, and we are about to
establish a branch in this area. We believe that traditional political
parties run by professional politicians and spin-doctors have had
their day and peoplee are now looking for something better. The
New Party believes in greater individual freedom matched by
greater personal responsibility.
This philosophy is reflected throughout the party's policies. The New
Party stands for low, simple and fair taxation, first class education,
local autonomy and rewarding families who stay together. The party
also sees the EU as an obstacle to progress and believes that our
relationship with it must be reformed. I am upbeat about the task
ahead, because the feedback so far has all been positive and it
would appear that most people now realise that we simply cannot
carry on as before.
Sandy Saunders Filkins
[See notice of public meeting on page xx. Ed/
Mass dial in Broadwell
Sir: We have had pointed out to us that there are two Mass Dials on
the outside walls of Broadwell church. These are engraved circles
with a hole in the centre, about eight feet above ground level. One
is beside a little old door into the choir, and the other on the south
face of the tower.
There seem to be two theories as to what they were for. The first is
that the central hole was for a pointer, set by the priest to show the
times for the Mass. The second is that they were a sort of sundial,
useful when people did not have clocks, so the verger would know
when to ring the bell for Mass.
Does anyone have any knowledge about Mass Dials? All information
would be received with gratitude.
June Goodenough Broadwell
ANCESTOR WORSHIP
.
A quick look at our religious genealogy
0 ur village webmasters are regularly contacted by people from all
over the world asking for help in researching their ancestral roots.
In the case of Filkins, it is surprising how many Americans named
Filkins have suddenly and delightedly found that there is actually a
place called Filkins, and they are determined that, going way back,
this must be their true home from home. It seems that Filkins is the
12,428th most common surname in the United States, although in
England it is a relative rarity: certainly no-one of that name has
lived in the village for a very long time.
The huge interest in genealogy that has developed over the last few
years, no doubt helped along by the internet and successive
publications of the official ten-year censuses going back now to the
mid-nineteenth century, has given rise to an industry of quite
considerable value. Commercial publishers as well as the National
Archives have rushed to meet demand, and one of the busiest
sections of the Central Library in Oxford now is the Family History
Centre.
The Oxfordshire Family History Society has contributed to this
fascinating pool of information by working its way gradually through
all of our parish registers, putting all of the local baptisms,
marriages and burials in order and publishing them on CD-ROMs.
Available so far for our benefice are Alvescot, Filkins, Holwell,
Westwell, Kelmscott, Langford, Kencot and Little Faringdon.
Details from the 1851 Census were opened up recently, and the
year reminded us not just of the Great Exhibition in Hyde Park in
London but also of an almost forgotten but nevertheless unique
event in British census-taking.
On Mothers Day in 1851, which in that year fell on 30th March, the
authorities decided to count the number of people attending places
of worship in England and Wales, either in the morning, afternoon
or evening.
Out of a total population of about 18 million, it was discovered that
6.4 million (35%) people went to church or chapel. This discovery
not only caused some dismay - for the first time it was realized that
nearly two thirds of the populace did not attend a service and were
therefore judged to be `habitual neglecters of the public ordnances
of religion' - but when the figures were analysed there was
consternation within the establishment.
The Nonconformist church and chapel-goers actually outnumbered
those attending Church of England services.
The general picture looked like this:
Church of England 2,971,258 Nonconformist 3,110,782
Roman Catholic 249,389 S ectarian 24,793
Presumably, members of the Jewish and Islamic faiths did not get
counted because their special days were not Sundays. But in
nineteenth century Britain their numbers were relatively few and
would not have made anything like the difference that would occur
if we were able to carry out a similar exercise now.
However, even within the broad categorization of people's
attachment to one church or another there were several important
sub-groups. The Church of England had its High, Broad and Low
persuasions, of course, but it was the distribution of Nonconformists
which presented the most interesting geographical patchwork.
In 1851, it should be remembered, half of all Nonconformists were
Methodists of some kind, a quarter were Congregationalists and
about twenty percent were Baptists. The rest were mostly Quakers,
Unitarians and Plymouth Brethren. The Latter Day Saints and the
Seventh Day Adventists had only just been founded and various
other sects (such as Jehovah's Witnesses and Christian Scientists)
came much later.
Nonconformism, especially Wesleyan Methodism, was dominant in
Wales, Cornwall and in many Midlands industrial towns but only
weakly supported in London, where the old time religions still held
sway. Primitive Methodism was strongest in the East, particularly in
Yorkshire, Lincolnshire and Norfolk.
Lancashire was most influenced by Roman Catholicism (Liverpool
was the main entry port for many Irish immigrants), but further
north, approaching Scotland, the historical strength of the Scottish
adaptation of Calvinism became more and more evident.
But what makes the 185:1 religious census doubly fascinating is a
comparison with the results of the full civil census, which allowed
for the" first time a breakdown of the population by occupation. It
seems that there were then 18,587 Clergymen of the Established
Church and 9,644 Protestant Dissenting Ministers. This gives a ratio
of one Establishment clergyman for every 160 churchgoers but one
Nonconformist minister for every 323 souls attending Sunday
service.
Whether this statistic is simply a reflection of the size of their
respective congregations or a comment on how organizationally
efficient they were in deploying scarce preaching resources is
neither known nor judged.
Today, sadly, of the 16,000 parish churches in Britain, more than
half have less than fifty members. Their average weekly attendance
in 2003 was 1,187,000, which, divided by the 9,400 Church of
England clergy, gives us a ratio of 1:126. The ratios are broadly
comparable, although the totals on which they are based have
clearly declined catastrophically over the past hundred and fifty
years.
But in 1851 at the coal face, as it were, the early Victorians were
already aware of the growing challenge and popular appeal of
Nonconformism; it was abroad in rural areas as well as amongst the
urban poor. Some scholars have noted a remarkable social class
divide appear and widen through the preaching of the Wesleys and
their followers.
Whilst the lords of the manor, the squires, the yeoman farmers and
the newly prosperous middle classes sat in their reserved pews in
the parish churches, small unassuming places of worship were being
built nearby, dedicated and filled with a resurgent devotion that was
itself remarkable.
In the Oxfordshire benefice of Broadshire & the Shill Valley, there
had been a Quaker hall in Alvescot since 1708, and the Methodists
had built a chapel there in 1823. But the Baptists established
chapels in Filkins in 1832, in Alvescot in 1833, and in Shilton not
long afterwards, whilst the Congregationalists established one in
Langford in 1848. Demand was evidently such that they were soon
followed by the Methodists in Filkins (1853) and eventually at
Langford (1877). In between times, the Methodists also built a
handsome and very visible chapel at Black Bourton in 1861.
Indeed, it is said that one of the factors in the decision to build St
Peter's Church at Filkins (leading eventually to the creation of
Filkins as a separate parish in 1864) was the competition to the
established churches posed by the new chapels, which seemed to
be springing up everywhere, two of them actually in Filkins. It is
just conceivable that the walking distance for Filkins folk who did
not own carriages to take them to church at Broadwell or Broughton
Poggs on a cold wet Sunday morning in the bitter winters of the
1840's and 1850's might have had something to do with it as well.
But there is no doubt that the social as well as the theological
messages that were preached from the pulpits of the
Nonconformists resonated with their new congregations just as
powerfully as the parish church bells had done for hundreds of
years for the Establishment.
Mike Clark
We would welcome contributions about aspects of botb local
genealogy, and the changing pattern of worship (including the
growth of non-conformity) specific to any of the villages. We would
like to publish more about this in future issues of Parish Pump. Ed
.