1. education
2. school

The Three Parishes
February 2015
Your Local Newsletter for Ardley-with-Fewcott, Fritwell, Souldern
and surrounding area
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
THE SMALLPRINT
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www.cherwellvalleybenefice.org.uk/news
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DEADLINES FOR CONTRIBUTIONS 2014/15
Issue
Deadline for copy
March 2015 (Mother’s day issue) 13th February 2015
April 2015 (Easter issue)
20th March 2015
May 2015 (Spring issue)
17th April 2015
June 2015
15th May 2015
July 2015
12th June 2015
Aug/Sept (summer issue)
17th July 2015
1 Feb
7 Feb
10 Feb
13 Feb
21 Feb
21 Feb
28 Feb
FEBRUARY
Restoration celebration Somertonchurch [p14]
Alchester RUFC play at home [p12]
Fritwell Forget-me-Nots meeting [p12]
Cushion Club Fritwell [p12]
Alchester RUFC play away [p12]
Souldern Community Market [p14]
Alchester RUFC play at home [p12]
1-8 Mar
3 Mar
7 Mar
7-8 Mar
14 Mar
14 Mar
28 Mar
27 Mar
15 Apr
17 Apr
22 Aug
COMING UP
Care for a Cuppa week in aid of KHH [p5]
AFECT meeting Ardley VH [p11]
Ardley Garden Club Lunch event [p10]
Ardley litter blitz [p11]
Day courses at Marlborough School [p4]
Cotswold Comedy Club Fritwell [p4]
KHH concert, 7pm [p 5]
Container Gardening event [p 10]
Viridor Liaison meeting [p11]
AwF Garden Club 3-day trip to Peak District [p10]
Souldern Horticultural Show details tba
REGULAR EVENTS
Tuesdays every other week Mobile Library Ardley [p9]
Wednesdays 9.15am Pilates Fritwell Village Hall
Wednesdays 9.30am Tiny Turtles, Ardley Village Hall [p11]
Wednesdays 10.15am Playbus Fritwell [p3]
Wednesdays 4pm Kids’ Zumba Fritwell
Wednesdays 5pm Tiny people’s ballet Fritwell
Last Wednesday of the month 7pm BINGO Fritwell VH
Thursdays 8pm ‘Thirsty Thursdays’ + quiz Fritwell VH
Thursday every other week 10am Pumpkins Ardley VH [p3]
Thursday every other week Mobile Library Fritwell [p9]
Thursday every other week Mobile Library Souldern [p9]
Fridays—monthly—Fritwell Cushion Club Movie Village Hall
[p13]
Sundays 4pm Tae Kwon Do Fritwell (booking essential)
HAPPY NEW YEAR !
Your payments are due please
Please make sure you pay your £3 for the magazine (you can give this to your deliverer, or hand in at the Post Office in
Fritwell—make sure you leave your name and address too), and please pay your invoice if you are an advertiser.
THANK YOU
COMMUNITY
WANTED
Organist or Keyboard Player
for
Souldern Church Choir
MADELEINE’S COUNTRYFILE
January
Here we are at the start of another year and the days are
steadily (if slowly) growing longer by about 3 minutes
every day. I've already seen catkins on the hazels and
alders and yesterday I saw a bank at Clifton with
primroses and cowslips. How's that for an uplift? But of
course we usually have the three coldest months ahead of
us now. Let's hope Winter 2015 will not be too severe.
Madeleine Gilpin
We sing regularly on Wednesday evenings and some Sunday mornings and
urgently need someone to play for us.
We sing for the joy of the music with
mainly church music but are very keen
to learn a variety of music types and
maybe give concerts, sing in church
festivals and celebrations.
Fritwell School
Happy New Year!
December seems like a distant memory, as the children have been back in school for a couple of weeks,
following the festive break.
The season of Advent is always such a busy time in
school, both for the children and the staff, but it is
such a lot of fun too. Apart from the day to day learning, which still had to continue, we wanted to make
December as special as possible for the children, so
we began the month with a decorating day. Nicholson’s Garden centre donated a Christmas tree to us
and the children spent the day decorating it and their
classrooms.
The children also made decorations for the large tree
in St Olave’s Church which you might have seen during the Festival of Trees. A number of children gave
up their Saturday to sing at the Festival. They looked
wonderful in their Christmas attire and sang beautifully.
We are very lucky in having a very dedicated group of
parents who help to raise money for the school. One
of their annual events is the Secret Present Room,
where children buy a surprise gift for members of their
family and have help wrapping them. The children
absolutely love it and it makes present buying more
special for them, as they are shopping independently.
Once again the Year 3 and 4 children welcomed the
older residents of our community into school and
treated them to a Christmas tea and some entertainment. This has become an annual event and people
from all of the parishes we cover are welcome. Just let
us know if you missed out on an invitation this year.
No Christmas is complete in school without a Nativity
performance and a Carol Service, and once again our
children did us proud. They were such confident performers and raised the roof with their singing in
church.
Finally, we had a very special visitor in school on the
last day of term. He brought sweets to all the children
during their Christmas party and was very well received before he set off for the busiest time of his year.
Please contact Anne Callow via email:
annecallow2008@gmail.com or
phone or text on 07796110758 ASAP.
FESTIVAL OF CHRISTMAS
FESTIVAL OF TREES & WREATHS 2014
St Olave’s would like to extend its grateful thanks
to everyone who took part in this combined
Christmas event: to those who generously
sponsored a tree or wreath; those who gave their
time before, during and after the event; and
those who came and supported the event. A
special thank you to Fritwell School for
decorating the main church tree so beautifully
and for their festive singing at the fair on 6th
December.
The combined net proceeds from the fair and the
display of trees & wreaths totalled £2000 and will
support further improvements to the church
during this year. Previous fundraising and grant
monies have made possible the new w.c. facility
and kitchen servery, both of which ’earned their
keep’ during events over the Christmas period!
We are always looking for volunteers to help with
events, and/or with church maintenance. There is
also a vacancy to administer the web page (www.st
-olaves.org).
If you can help in any way, please contact the
Churchwarden, Mike Dockrey (tel—345178, email–mike@st-olaves.org), or the PCC Secretary,
Pamela Hand (tel—345632, e-mail, pamela@stolaves.org).
Debbie McLeod, Headteacher
2
COMMUNITY
PUMPKINS
Ardley w Fewcott Toddler Group
Ardley Village Hall
10am - 12noon
Alternate Thursdays
Everyone welcome—come along for a drink & a
friendly chat. Meet other mums, dads, nannies,
granddads and carers.
Only £2.00 per family.
Please come along and support your local
toddler club.
Donations of good quality
toys would be gratefully
appreciated.
For more information contact:
Louise 01869 346708
Bernie 01869 345073
Oxfordshire Carers Forum
Home-Start in Bicester is looking for new volunteers....
Are you a Parent/Grandparent/Carer?
Are you a good listener?
Do you have skills you could share with other
parents?
Could you spare 2-4 hours per week?
We offer support, friendship and practical help
to local families in their homes. Full training and support
provided.
You can make a difference to a family!
For more information please contact:
Bicester – 01869 349990 / 07918705560
or view our website
www.home-startoxford.org.uk
Are you aware of Oxfordshire Carers’ Forum? We are a charity based
in Abingdon who provide support and services to Carers all over
Oxfordshire. If you or someone you know is a carer you can take
advantage of this information.
We provide three very special services to Carers:
1. Carers Voice
We enable carers to have their voice heard and influence services by
keeping them informed about changes, finding out what they think
about them and making sure their views are passed on to those who
can do something about them.
2. Confidence 2 Care
Aimed at improving support for carers aged 18 and over, free local
group sessions allow development of caring knowledge and skills.
Confidence 2 Care will:
Help build on strengths as a carer.
Give the opportunity to share experiences and learn from others in
similar situations.
Provide up to date information about services available to carers.
Help with decisions about changes to the caring role.
3. Telephone support and Signposting opportunities
We provide a telephone support service on 01235 520440 between
09:00 and 16:00 daily. We also work in partnership with Carers
Oxfordshire a newly established organisation in Oxfordshire who
provide support to Carers who are new to the role or established
carers when things have changed. Carers Oxfordshire can also give
benefits advice and support through home visits.
Contact: Michelle Evans,
Oxfordshire Carers Forum. Charity No. 1032918
Tel: 01235 520440 www.oxoncarersforum.org.uk
3
COMMUNITY
Police update from WPC Caroline Brown
During December we have had two vehicles broken into, one
in Ambrosden and one in Upper Arncott, this is an area
where vehicles have been broken into before and items stolen
so we are stepping up our patrols to try to prevent offences.
We are continuing to have reports of oil thefts, there was an
attempt theft just prior to Christmas in Duns Tew and a theft
of heating oil in the village the first week of January. In
Launton a van was broken into whilst parked on a private
driveway and tools stolen and a shed at another location was
forced open and tools stolen.
Please be extra vigilant and report any suspicious incidents to
Police on either 101 or 999.
As we start a new year we are looking at planning and what
events are taking place on the rural area. If you have any
events such as fetes, coffee mornings, village fund raisers or
similar and would like us to attend then please E Mail me the
details at caroline.brown@thamesvalley.pnn.police.uk and we
will do our best to ensure someone can attend.
Community Education at the Marlborough School,
Woodstock
Courier Fraud scam
We run an extensive programme of courses for adults
within the school all year round (apart from school holidays).
A new type of scam is spreading across the country, which
tricks people into handing over their bank cards and pin
numbers.
A full copy of our 2014-15 brochure is available to
download on the Marlborough School website
www.marlborough.oxon.sch.uk/community.
Courier fraud, which often targets the elderly and vulnerable,
sees the victim receive a phone call from fraudsters who say
they are from their bank or the police. They tell the victim
that they are calling because there has been suspicious activity
on their account and advice them to call the bank from the
number on the back of their card, which helps the victim
believe the call is genuine.
If you would like a free printed copy of our brochure or
to book a place please telephone 01993 813592 or email
comed.4560@marlborough.oxon.sch.uk.
It is possible to join some of our weekly classes throughout the term - if there is still availability – please ring to
check.
For up to date and comprehensive information about
availability on courses please see the school website (as
above). As courses become full they are listed for your
information.
The victim disconnects the phone and dials their bank or
police, however the fraudster has kept the telephone line open
so even though a number is dialed, it is not connected and the
victim is still on the phone to the fraudster, who then gains
their trust and asks them to either say or key in their pin,
before telling them their card will be collected and a
replacement delivered. Once the fraudster has all the
information they need, a courier is sent to collect the card
from the victim, and a replacement is delivered at the same
time, which is not a genuine bank card.
On Saturday 14 March the following workshops are
available:
Patchwork for Beginners with your sewing machine
9.30am-4.30pm £38.50 + materials
Bicycle Maintenance 10am-2.30pm £26
EFT/Tapping: An Introduction 10am-12.30pm £18
iPad/iPhone for Improvers 1-4pm £18
Italian for your Holidays 2 10am-1pm £18
Painting using special effects 10am-4pm £33+materials
Photography with your Digital Camera for Beginners
10am-3pm £27.50
Yoga for neck and shoulder pain 10am-1pm £18
Sugarcraft for Mother’s Day and Easter 1-4pm £21+materials
For more information about any of our courses or to
book a space please contact me.
The offender has obtained the person’s name, address, full
bank details, the card itself and the PIN. The bank cards are
then used fraudulently without the victim’s knowledge.
Advice to protect yourself against courier fraud
If you receive such a call end it immediately
If you think you have received one of these calls please
consider using another phone line, mobile or other method to
contact your bank or the police.
If you can only use the same phone, disconnect the call
and wait 5 minutes before you dial.
If an offender is nearby or you feel in danger dial 999.
If you have handed over any details to the fraudster,
inform your bank and cancel your cards immediately.
Mrs Jenny Bodinham, Coordinator
Marlborough C of E School, Community Education
Tel: 01993 813592
4
COMMUNITY
per week you might get a phone call on a Friday morning
from Wendy our Lottery Administrator telling you that
you’ve won £1,000- Wendy loves making that call!
For more information call the Lottery Office on 01295
812161 or email lottery@khh.org.uk
.
CARE FOR A CUPPA!
Sunday 1st– Sunday 8th March 2015
SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL
HOSPICE LOTTERY FOR
JUST £1 A WEEK!
Brighten up the dark winter months by taking part in our
Care for a Cuppa fundraiser! We would like to invite
you to organise a coffee morning or afternoon tea for
Katharine House between Sunday 1st – Sunday 8th March
2015. Invite your friends and family around for a cuppa,
cake and chat and we will provide you with a Care for a
Cuppa fundraising pack complete with invitations,
posters, balloons, recipes and top tips to make your
event a success. Simply ask for donations on the day for
coffee and cake, or hold a raffle or sweepstake for
something a little different. You can hold your Care for a
Cuppa at home, at work, at school or at your local club
or society – the possibilities are endless!
Registered Charity No. 297099
To find out more please call the fundraising team on
(01295) 812161 to order your Care for a Cuppa
fundraising pack. Every penny that you raise by
organising a Care for a Cuppa event will make a
tremendous difference to local patients and their
families. Thank you.
1ST PRIZE - £1000
2 X PRIZES - £100 2 X PRIZES - £50
5 X PRIZES - £20 10 X PRIZES - £10
EVERY
WEEK
Contact Fundraising
BLACK DYKE BRASS BAND CONCERT
Telephone : 01295 812161
Don’t miss the opportunity to see the world’s most
famous brass band in concert at St. Mary’s Church,
Horsefair, Banbury on Saturday 28th March. Doors
open at 7pm (concert start time 7.30pm) and tickets are
£20 each. Please call KHH Fundraising on (01295
812161) to purchase tickets or download an application
form from our website at www.khh.org.uk. Due to the
popularity of this event, we would urge supporters to get
their tickets early, to avoid disappointment.
or write : East End, Adderbury, Banbury, OX17 3NL
or email : lottery@khh.org.uk
or download a form from our website: www.khh.org.uk
Dogs for the Disabled Puppy Socialiser Appeal
nr Banbury
Dogs for the Disabled is appealing for volunteer puppy
socialisers living near Banbury.
Patient, dog-loving members of the public are invited to
apply to care for one of our pups for more than a year,
helping to prepare them for their future role as an assistance
dog. Volunteers help our pups grow into confident, wellbehaved young dogs, comfortable in many different
environments and ready to start formal training with Dogs
for the Disabled trainers and instructors.
P o t e n t i a l v ol u n t ee r s a r e a s k e d t o em a i l
liz.stone@dogsforthedisabled.org with full contact details so
that she can help them find out whether they meet the
criteria for the role.
Supervised and supported by the charity’s puppy coordinators, they will teach basic skills including walking on a
lead, ‘sit’, ‘down’, ‘wait’ and ‘stay’ and they will also be
required to attend regular puppy classes at the charity’s
Banbury centre. The pup’s food and vet costs are paid by
Dogs for the Disabled.
For more information visit www.dogsforthedisabled.org
FESTIVAL OF OPEN GARDENS 2015
We would love to hear from anyone who would like to
open their garden to raise money for Katharine House
this summer! Your garden would be featured, along
with all the others, in a programme that will be
distributed to all our supporters with our spring
newsletter in late March. We already have supporters
opening their gardens around Banbury and would be
delighted to hear from anyone else willing to take part in
our festival. For further information please telephone
Sarah
(01295)
812161
or
email
sarah.brennan@khh.org.uk
KATHARINE HOUSE HOSPICE LOTTERY
Our lottery is a vital income source for Katharine
House, having raised over £1 million since May 2000. If
you’re stuck for a birthday present idea, we have a
variety of Lottery Gift Membership solutions. For £1
5
CHURCH NEWS
Dear Friends,
Happy New Year!
I am writing this in the season of Epiphany, an important Christian festival which often gets overlooked as the New Year starts. At
Epiphany the church considers the wider implications of the birth of Jesus Christ. Epiphany begins with the story of the wise men or
‘Magi’ who visit Jesus. They ask, ‘Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come
to worship him.’
The wise men probably travelled from what is now Iran to visit Jesus: a journey of perhaps 500 miles. The poet TS Eliot captured the
exhaustion and discomfort of the journey well: the night-fires going out, and the lack of shelters, and the cities hostile and towns unfriendly,
and the villages dirty and charging high prices: a hard time we had of it.
Back home they had every pleasure and luxury. They were the highest ranking religious experts of the day, not so much kings
(although we assume they were wealthy from their gifts) as part of the elite governing class of their society. They lived in one of the
most sophisticated cultures of the ancient world – yet they were prepared to consider the possibility that God might reveal
something, or someone, even more valuable than what they already had. The star and the news of the Jewish king drew them.
God gave a sign for all to see and they had to make a decision. They decided to turn their backs on everything they had for the sake of
this baby: comforts, status, family, reputation, their health and strength. The journey, though hard, was worth it because they were
able to bow in worship before God himself in person. The great and unique claim of the Christian faith is that God has visited this
earth as a human being. The first title given to Jesus in Matthew’s Gospel (1:23) is ‘Immanuel’ – God with us.
God became one of us so that he might reach out to us and we might reach out to him. The wise men remind us that there is no
journey too hard to make in order to come to worship the living God in the person of Jesus Christ.
Becoming a Christian does not require us to make an arduous 500 mile journey. The Saviour and Lord of life is freely available to us
– he lives throughout the world by his Spirit and is constantly knocking on the door of our lives. He will knock but he won’t break
the door down. We must make the effort to go to the door and open it and let him in.
Some people resist making that short journey to open the door to Jesus. Perhaps the wise men felt that way at first, believing that
they had no need or space for a Saviour in their well-ordered lives. The wise men had every excuse not to make that journey, yet
they couldn’t resist the call to worship God in the person of Jesus. They stand in stark contrast to King Herod whose reaction was to
try to silence Jesus. He couldn’t tolerate the thought of Jesus interfering with his life and freedom. We are not told anything more
about the wise men who worshipped Jesus, but we can be sure that when they returned home life was never the same again.
The Epiphany reminds us that God wants the whole world, regardless of the divisions we create, to gather around the King of Love
and Prince of Peace. The Epiphany is God’s invitation to all people to know Jesus Christ, not just the shepherds, angels and holy
family who witnessed his birth.
It was so shocking to hear on the day after Epiphany of the shootings in Paris on 7th January, another sad indication that not
everybody wants the Love and Peace of Christ to rule in our world. And yet in the wake of that tragedy the Spirit of Epiphany is at
work, as countless people around the world stand in solidarity against such acts of violence and hate. This solidarity was seen in
peaceful gatherings in capital cities across the globe, heard in the ringing of cathedral bells across Europe, announced in government
statements, silently expressed in countless prayers, and digitally recorded by the million on social media sites. Our often divided
world may yet unite around the vision of hope which the birth of Jesus Christ kindles in our hearts.
Happy Epiphany!
Yours in the service of Jesus Christ,
Stephen
The Cherwell Valley Benefice in the Diocese of Oxford www.cherwellvalleybenefice.org.uk
Rev Stephen Griffiths
01869 222572
stephen@cherwellvalleybenefice.org.uk
Rev Geoff Price
01869 346262
geoffandhope@yahoo.com
Mr. John Hine (LLM)
01869 278565
Benefice Office
01869 233687
administrator@cherwellvalleybenefice.org.uk
6
CHERWELL VALLEY SERVICES
Ardley
Fritwell
St Mary
St Olave
Lower
Heyford
& Caulcott
Somerton
8.30am
1662 HC
11am
Family
Worship
8-Feb
9.30am
Communion
8.30am
1662 HC
9.30am
Morning
Prayer
7.30pm
Ashes
11:00
Family
Communion
15Feb
18Feb
11am
1662
Communion
11am
Family
Worship
11am
Morning
Prayer
9:30
Family
Worship
6:00
Evensong
11:00
Family
Communion
1-Mar
8.30am
1662 HC
11am
Family
Worship
11am
1662
Communion
8-Mar
9.30am
Communion
8.30am
1662 HC
22Mar
29Mar
30Mar
31
Mar
9:30
Ardley United
Mothering Sunday
9:30
Family
Worship
St Mary
The Chapel
9.30am
Trad lang
Communion
11am
Communion
9:30
Morning
Prayer
9.30am
Morning
Prayer
11am
Morning
Service
11am
Morning
Service
11am
Morning
Prayer
8.30am
1662 HC
11am
All Age
Service
11am
Matins
9.30am
Trad lang
Communion
11am
Communion APCM
9:30
Morning
Prayer
9:30
Morning
Prayer
11am
Morning
Service
11am
Morning
Service
8.30am
1662 HC
11am
All Age
Service
St James
6pm
Restoration
Thanksgiving
11am
Matins
9:30
Sunday Club
11am
Sung
Communion
09:30
Matins & HC
8.30am
1662 HC
10am
Ashes
22Feb
15Mar
Heyford
Park
Annun to
the BVM
St Mary
1-Feb
Upper
Heyford
Souldern
6:00
Evensong
11:00
Family
Worship
11:00
Morning
Prayer
11:00
Family
Communion
9.30
Family
Communion
9:30
Sunday Club
11am
Sung
Communion
09:30
Matins & HC
8.30am
1662 HC
9.30
Family
Communion
11:00
Morning
Prayer
PALM SUNDAY BENEFICE Communion Service - 11am Fritwell
10am
Communion
7pm
Compline
7pm
Compline
10am
Communion
7pm
Compline
1 Apr
10am
Communion
7:30pm
Communion
& foot
washing
10-12
childrens
workshop
2-Apr
3-Apr
4pm
Quiet
refelection
5-Apr
8.30am
1662 HC
9:30
Family
Communion
11am
1662
Communion
9:30
Family
Communion
6.30am
Sunrise
Service
8.30am
1662
Communion
11am
Communion
A CELEBRATION OF THE RESTORATION OF THE GRADE 1 LISTED CHURCH
OF ST JAMES THE APOSTLE SOMERTON & THE FERMOR CHAPEL
With the Rt Hon Sir Tony Baldry MP second Church Estates Commissioner
On Sunday 1st February 2015—6:00-8:00pm drinks & canapés
Adults £10, Children 15 and under free of charge—All Welcome
Pay on the door or ring Suzie Leon 01869 346814
7
CHERWELL VALLEY NEWS
Our Sympathy
CHERWELL VALLEY LENT SERIES
A series of 6 talks illustrating
how God uses our gifts to
serve Him in the world
goes to the family of the late Rodney Allan. May He rest
in peace and rise in glory
Messy Church
Thursdays at 7:30 during Lent
Sunday 8th February 4:00-5:30
At Fritwell Weslyan Chapel
19th Feb – St. Olave’s Fritwell
Rev Andrew Foran, Bullingdon Prison Chaplin
26th Feb - St. James’ Somerton
Rev Geoff and Hope Price, ‘Rowandan Challenge’
THEME: LOVE
5th March – St. Mary’s Lower Heyford
William Shepherd ‘Lost in translation?
The gospels in Greek and English’
Everyone welcome—just come along
(Admission free– Donations welcome
12th March – ABVM Souldern
Basil Eastwood ‘A life between faith and politics’
Christmas in Souldern Church
THANK YOU ALL
The Church looked beautiful for the Christmas & New Year
Services. Thank you so much for once again finding
something fresh and lovely to decorate our church. Special
thanks go to Sophia, April, Lydia, Isabella, Jo and Rob for
making the Nativity Scene, Christmas tree and porch so
wonderful. Anne, Sophia, Di, Rosie, Dawn, Diana, Lynda,
Dorothea, Barbara, and Dee created superb floral decorations
throughout the church. How very lucky we are to have such a
dedicated and talented flower arranging team in Souldern.
Anne Callow.
19th March – Upper Heyford Reading Room
Heather and Roger Burt
‘Enriching the Spirit: Poems’
26th March – St. Mary’s Ardley
Rev Stephen Griffiths
2nd April - Maundy Thursday
7.30pm Heyford Park Chapel: Communion
Women’s World Day of Prayer
(International & Interdenominational)
Jesus said to them:
‘Do you know what I have done to you?’
LENT & EASTER
Women’s World Day of Prayer is an international, interchurch,
organisation which enables us to hear the voices of women,
from a different part of the world each year, expressing their
hopes and concerns and bringing them before the rest of the
world in prayer.
On Friday 6th March an estimated 3 million people, in over 170
countries, will gather to observe the day of prayer, using an
order of service written by Christian women from the Bahamas
and translated into over 1000 different languages and dialects. In
the British Isles alone over 5,000 services will be held. The day
will begin when the sun rises over the island of Samoa, and
continue until it sets off the coast of Smerican Samoa some 35
hours later.
The theme of the service is taken from St John’s Gospel,
chapter 13 verses 1-17, ‘Jesus said to them: “Do you know what
I have done to you?” and it challenges us to demonstrate the
same radical, unconditional love for others that Jesus showed
when he washed the feet of his disciples.
Tuesday 17th February (Shrove Tuesday)
7:30 Pancakes at the Chapel
Wednesday 18th February (Ash Wednesday)
Holy Communion & Imposition of Ashes
10am ABVM Souldern
7:30pm St Mary’s Ardley
Thursdays throughout Lent
Lent Course—Faith in Action
(see below for details)
Sunday 29th March (Palm Sunday)
Benefice Service 11am St Olave’s Fritwell
Thursday 2nd April (Maundy Thursday)
Communion & Foot Washing 7:30 HPC
11am service
Friday 3rd April (Good Friday)
Children’s Easter Workshop
10-12 Heyford Park Chapel
Quiet Reflection
4pm St Mary’s Ardley
Followed by a light lunch
men, women, young people are all welcome
Friday 6th March 2015
Heyford Park Chapel
572 Brice Road Heyford Park OX25 5TE
8
CHAPEL NEWS
Fritwell Chapel
Souldern Chapel
And the band played on over 60 people enjoyed the
wonderful musical talents of the students of Brackley
Magdalen College with their Brass Band at the Chapel on
Friday 12th Dec it did our hearts good to se young people
playing great music to entertain others.
On the fourteenth of February we will be celebrating St.
Valentine’s Day. It is a day when cards and flowers, tokens
of secret and on-going love are declared. This may be an
opportunity for young people to express interest in
someone they feel they would like to get to know, and
older people to declare their ongoing love and devotion to
the one who is already a part of their life.
Our grateful thanks go to Fritwell School for inviting our
members to their party serving us with tea and delicious
cakes before entertaining us with a variety of instruments
and song, Once again many thanks looking forward to
next year.
It is very difficult to answer the question, “How do you
measure love”?
Think about it and see if you can come up with a good
answer or description. Whatever definition you come up
with will never really answer the question. We know that
love between humans has to do with attraction, chemistry,
protection, establishing family, supporting, and deep,
lasting friendship.
Our thanks to Alan for leading our Carol service.
We hope you all had an enjoyable time over Christmas
with friends and family but let us not forget this would not
have happened if it wasn't for the love of God sending his
only son JESUS CHRIST to be born in that stable at
Bethlehem to be the saviour of the World, So why not
come and give your thanks to him who gave so much for
us.
Human love has its roots in the love that God has for all
people. This we cannot deny for at the heart of God is
everlasting love.
There is a story told about an early survey ship assigned to
chart the depth of a area of the sea bed. This was long
before the days of technology. The work had to be done by
hand using measuring lines of fixed lengths. On a selected
day the team set to work; they fixed the weight on the line
and eased it overboard to begin the survey. The ocean
proved to be very deep. A second line was fastened to the
first line but it did not sound the depths, other lines were
added but the ocean floor had not been reached. The
officer in charge called for another line and was told that
there were no more lines left in the locker. He was
concerned how he would log his findings. In the end he
recorded the numbers of lines used but added the words
“and the unfathomable depths.”
We shall never fully sound the depths of God’s love or
define it but we can accept the love that He has declared
for us in the life, death and resurrection of His beloved Son
the Lord Jesus Christ.
St. John 3 :16. “For God so loved the world that He gave
His only begotten Son, so that whoever believes in Him
shall not perish but have eternal life.”
Please consider these words.
Rev. John.
A great service to start the new year was led by The Rev
Frank Ultsch reminding us we need someone to steer us
through life.
Preachers for February. All at 10-30 am
Feb 1st Mrs M Goulder
Feb 8th Mrs V Douglas
Feb 15th Mr D Gardner
Feb 22nd Mr G Pearce.
Wishing you all a very happy new year.
God’s Blessings.
Don Walker Tel 346674.
Mobile Library Timetable
Ardley Castle Fields
every other Tue 10.15am-10.30am
Dates: 3 & 17 February
Fritwell King's Head
every other Thur 2.35-3pm
Dates: 5 & 19 February
Preachers for Feb.
1st Feb @ 2.15 p.m. Rev. John Goulder. Service with
Communion
8th Feb @ 2.30 pm. Mr. David & Paul Green
15th Feb @ 2.30 p.m. Mr. Alan Peters
22th Feb @ 2.30 pm. Mr. David Teckoe
Fritwell May's Close
every other Thur 3.05pm-3.40pm
Dates: 5 & 19 February
Souldern The Pond
every other Thur 3.50pm-4.05pm
Dates: 5 & 19 February
9
ARDLEY-WITH-FEWCOTT
Ardley & Fewcott Gardening Club
A Very Happy New Year to You All
November 2014 saw club members and friends enjoy a
wonderful Christmas meal at Rigoletto Italian Restaurant.
Looking ahead
07 March Social Event 3: Home-made Soups with Table Top
Sale. To be held at Bucknell Village Hall from 11.30am to
2.30pm. To book a table £7 contact Jean McGarry 345581
27 March- Spring Colour and Container Planting to be held at
Preston Bissett Nurseries 4pm. Refreshment of homemade
cake tea/coffee is included price £3 per-person, own transport
will be required.
Derbyshire & the Peaks We still have double/twin rooms
available for this visit in April 17 -20th 2015 The proposed
itinerary is as follows a visit to Bakewell, Private Tour of
Haddon Hall and the Gardens, Height of Abrahams, Peak Rail
and afternoon Cream Tea, Chatsworth with Tea/Coffee and
Biscuits upon our arrival, and a visit to Lea Gardens. We will be
staying at the ‘Palace Hotel in Buxton. Further details can be
obtained from Jean McGarry 01869 345581 this visit is open to
non-members.
OBITUARY
It is with great sadness that we report the death of
WINIFRED MURIEL MELLERSH on 18th November 2014.
Win was born on 2nd October, 1920. She sustained a fall
resulting in a stay at the Horton Hospital. She felt it would be
advantageous to go into Cherwood House Care Centre
where she could be amongst people she met regularly at
Bicester Day Care Centre, so she happily entered the Home.
Unfortunately she contracted an infection which ended her
life.
Win led a most exciting and interesting life coming from
Australia to West Drayton, Hounslow, to live with her
husband, Fred, who was a fire Warden during World War II.
In 1965 the couple with their two sons, Peter and Richard,
built a catamaran in their garden. It took 5½ years to
complete and was launched on the day Neil Armstrong
walked on the moon (21st July 1969). It was called 'Blue
Goose' and the Mellersh Family were justly proud of this
achievement and enjoyed many wonderful trips in her.
Win and Fred were great ballroom dancers and loved to
indulge, being very active people. They brought up their sons
very diplomatically and caringly. Fred died in 1995 and Win
came to live here in Ploughley Close.
Win was staunchly Christian, with a mind as sharp as a
needle to the very end and she enjoyed the debates and
discussions held twice monthly on various biblical topics. She
regularly attended St. Mary's, at first using her 'buggy' to get
there and latterly, being collected by car. Win depended
greatly on Christine, her daughter-in-law who lived nearby
and did much of her correspondence work. Win was thrilled
by the gift of her ‘life history’ book researched by her granddaughter and by the huge TV set from her son, Peter, which
enabled her to see some entertainment when her sight
became poor. Her sight also prevented her reading the
books from which she derived such pleasure. Win has left a
gap which will be hard to fill. We send our deepest
sympathies to the Mellersh Families at this sad time.
10
NEIGHBOURS: Please continue to keep an eye on lonely, poorly or
elderly neighbours. Fewcott House always welcomes visitors to
residents. Just call ahead on 345501.
49ERS CLUB: Would YOU like to join this membership and play
this game with us? Please get in touch with Madeleine (345269) or
Ian Cato (Millen Cottage, Church Street) who will be able to tell you
more about the scheme. YOU could have a chance of winning £25
on a Saturday or Wednesday Bonus Ball Draw with the National
Lottery.
BICESTER FOOD BANK: Bicester Food Bank badly needs your
continued support, and especially at this difficult time of the year
when things are rather costly, so we are asking for your kindness
and concern by providing one or two items a week such as soup,
cereals, eggs, biscuits, cans of vegetables/meat/fish, soft drinks,
packets of rice/pasta/couscous, long life milk, tea/sugar/coffee/
chocolate and other non-perishable foods. Contact Angela
Chamberlain on 345332, Madeleine Horn on 346621 or Madeleine
Gilpin on 345269 and they will be able to tell you more about the
scheme and where you can leave your gifts. As you know access to
vouchers for Food Bank help is only through a doctor, Social
Services Departments, Citizen's Advice Bureau or a Church Vicar.
TREE PLANTATION AND QUARRY FIELD: We have not managed
to plant the whips kindly and generously donated by Nicholsons
Forestry to the group and still aim to do so, probably now in the early
Spring. Volunteers, therefore, to help us with this would be most
welcome. Please contact Madeleine Gilpin to let her know if you can
come along. The remaining young saplings are surviving and, semidormant, are facing the colder months ahead. Please remember to
leave the sleeves on the young trees so that they are protected
from predation by squirrels, rabbits and deer, especially now. As
the trees grow so they will push against the sleeves and they fall
away.
MOBILITY AIDS REMINDER: A-w-F Fuel Charity has two Village
wheelchairs and one walker available to all local residents if and
when needed. These are held at Millwood, Water Lane (Tel:
345269).
LITTER: Whilst cycling around the area (or walking as many do) it is
saddening to see the amount of litter, mostly cast out of passing
cars, which spoil our beautiful countryside. A tremendous amount
litters Fritwell Road and the Bucknell Road. If you see fly-tipped
material, you can phone CDC 01295 227001 to pick it up (which
they aim to do within 48 hours) but you could carry a bag with you
on your local travels and pick up a few small items as you go.
THE NEW STAKE AND WIRE FENCING: You may be wondering
about the hawthorn whips which appear to be blown over beside the
new fencing. I am assured that this is not detrimental to their
successful growth and that they will be OK, so do not despair that
there are no stake fixtures holding them erect.
MANY CONGRATULATIONS TO JIM AND RENEE BARBER:
Guess who received a wonderful Diamond Anniversary Card from
the Queen (requested by their daughter, Sharon) on 16th December
2014? What an achievement and how lovely that this wonderful
couple live in OUR village!
CHRISTMAS PLAY AND CAROLS SERVICES: On Sunday, 21st
December in St Mary's Church a lovely Service took place with
some wonderful Readers and Actors taking part. All were young
people from A-w-F and everyone agreed having the benefit of
Fritwell School's staging set the Tableau off splendidly. Many thanks
to Debbie McLeod and Madeleine Horn for arranging this. The
Service had a full congregation and, despite difficulties and setbacks
and a 'couple of errors' it was a great success. Thank you
EVERYONE for such magnificent reading, dressing up and acting.
We loved it!
CAROLS AT FEWCOTT HOUSE NURSING HOME: On 17th
December 2014 a happy group of folk gathered to bring some
Christmas cheer to the Residents of Fewcott House Nursing Home
by telling the Christmas Story and singing some well-known carols.
Thank you to Peter Bourton for accompanying the singers on his
keyboard and especially to Mr. Prashant Brahmbhatt for hosting us
and some lovely refreshments.
VIRIDOR LIAISON MEETING: The Meeting took place in the new
incinerator facility on the B430 at 4pm on 14/1/15. An amazing
dinosaur, created entirely from rubbish, is in the entrance and is
definitely worth seeing. Interesting to see what the development was
like with the interior decorated. It was also nice and warm! 17 people
representing Parish Councils, the Environment Agency, OCC, local
farmers and Viridor present. Rod Lerwell (Site Manager) was
Chairman, Henry Austin having sustained a skiing injury. Following
ARDLEY-WITH-FEWCOTT
Minutes and Matters Arising, the Operation Report explained
hazardous waste was using Cell F1 with asbestos using Cell F2, but
Landfill Site will be closing down end March for all domestic waste
which will come to the ERF, except for bulky items, although soils
and hardcore will continue to use Landfill Site. Amenity site will
remain open. Rod reported several 'breaches', including early build
up of waiting lorries on Highway before 7am. Most breaches
considered to be unsubstantiated. However any breaches noted by
public should be reported to Rod (or the EA on 0800 807060) when
system acts within half an hour depending on a scale (1-4) of
importance, one being most severe. Recent complaints have
included smoke, smell and light pollution. Rod explained system of
dimming lights to test public reaction and OCC Planning Committee
meeting on 19/1/15 will debate this. OCC Rep. updated meeting on
Planning issues with EA updating on Monitoring issues. Leachate
was mentioned by Bucknell PC but this will reduce in time with less
organic waste and closure of Landfill Site. Belgian Company has
placed monitors around villages to record noise and air quality. To be
reported to Liaison Meetings. Currently 20 MW of electricity being
generated to National Grid with 1200 tons being taken daily. On
8/2/15 facility will shut down to clean Plant, arriving nearer time to
final hand over to Viridor direct. Community issues covered Bottom
Ash handling with an invitation to Browns and Smiths to attend next
Liaison Meeting. AOB covered numbers of local people employed at
the ERF being 60% of current staff, availability for visits to the ERF
booking on website, and a Charity Viridor ERF has created to which
applications for small grants from local groups can be made on line
or to Victor Perez who will pass these on. Suggested this news be
circulated around locally. Meetings to be quarterly from now on with
next one on 15/4/15 at 4pm at the ERF.
A-w-F PARISH COUNCIL MEETING: A Council Meeting took place
on 12/1/15 in the Meeting Room at 7.30pm. All Councillors attended
but the County and District Councillors were absent. Before-meeting
items mentioned were Footpath and Village Hall Car Park Projects
(where Parish Council support for the 10.2% Third Party Funding was
requested), 40mph signs on B430, Litterblitz weekend (7/8 March,
litter state of Fritwell Road and finally Village Gates. Following these,
apologies from Catherine Fulljames and no declarations of interest.
Amendments to Minutes were required. Contact with Jon O'Neill to
be made. Herbley House fencing mentioned. Two planning updates.
Report on Dorchester Group at Upper Heyford and Inspector's
rejection of CDC plans causing uncertainty. Difficulties anticipated
with increases in traffic. Importance of a Neighbourhood Plan.
Dorchester/Villages Liaison Group keeping a close watch on matters.
Consultation period over now. Concerns of Stoke Lyne Parish
Council over possible commercial development at Baynards Green –
asking for A-w-F support. Willingly given. Rural Housing meeting
difficulties with those seeking this not Registering with CDC.
Essential before allocation of any housing. Further leaflet drop
proposed emphasising importance of this to be made. Finance
covered new dog bin and siting. Renovations to Parish noticeboards.
After some discussion PC agreed Precept to remain the same this
year as last. Under AOB other meetings coming up with Viridor
Liaison on Wednesday 14th January. Any results of Police monitoring
of speed on B430 to be checked. State of guttering of bus shelter – to
be repaired. Viridor's operations schedules – reports of smoke/smell
particularly late evening and at night. Advertisement for new Parish
Clerk to be circulated and finally research into 'Risk Assessment
Strategy' for the Village to be undertaken. Meeting closed at 9.05pm.
Next Meeting 9/3/15.
SENIORS' CHRISTMAS PARTY: Well and did you miss that
fabulous afternoon Seniors' Christmas Party on Sunday 11th
December? What a shame! You missed a real treat. There was an
amazing variety of hot and cold food, good company, free raffle and
bingo with wonderful prizes and entertainment from some lovely child
carol singers and Norman Stacey recounting (in broad Yorkshire)
the amazing tale of 'Albert and the Lion'. There was a great welcome
for everyone and the decorations were something else with the
twinkling lights and hanging stars. Every guest had a cracker to pull
and a beautifully wrapped Christmas Gift AND all for just £5. What
more could you ask? A group photo was taken and may well appear
in the next issue of the 3Ps. What a splendid, magnificent and
exciting time we all enjoyed. Many, many thanks to everyone who
organised, brought food, decorated and entertained. We all
thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Next year YOU must come.
NEW RESIDENTS AND SUBSCRIBERS: A very warm welcome to
STEVE and FIONA LUSH of Ardley Road and also to CAROLINE
and SHANE GODIN of Ardley Road. We do hope you are enjoying
being in this Village and will be able to take part in some of the
activities which take place here. Welcome also to new neighbours,
PAUL and JANET HODGINS, who are coming to live in Water Lane
very shortly.
A HUGE THANK YOU TO RENEE BARBER FROM MACMILLAN:
Renee received a letter from Heather Ormsby, of MacMillan's
Supporter Donations Team mid December to thank Renee and her
wonderful group of supporters for raising the magnificent sum of
£250 at her recent fund-raising event. Heather gave the example of
'Linda' who had given up her job to become a full time carer for a
close family member and who would never have managed this
without the help and support of MacMillan, so Renee's contributions
help enormously and she is really grateful for everyone's
encouragement in supporting her events. Thank you all so much
Renee and MacMillan say.
DID YOU LOSE A YOUNG CAT BY ANY CHANCE?: I was cycling
along the road towards the B4100 at Fritwell and had just passed the
Motorway bridge when I saw a lovely young black cat with a white bib
and four white paws on the verge. Clearly it had been killed by a
passing car but when I went past there again it had gone so either
the owner had found it or a wild animal had taken it. If it was yours I
am so sorry to pass on this news.
JUST A GENTLE REMINDER: Perhaps you have forgotten that it is
time to pay the £3 sub for your 10 copies of the 3Ps Newsletter now.
Many subs are still outstanding and we would really be most grateful
if you would put your £3 in the little brown envelope (left with your
December/January edition) and post it through the letterbox of the
person who usually brings you your copy or alternatively take it in to
the Fritwell Post Office. We hope we will hear from you soon.
AFECT MEETING: Held on 13/1/15 the Meeting covered the state of
the trees on Quarry Field and the planting of Nicholsons' promised
50/60 whips, progress on the Ardley/Fritwell Footpath Project now
financially supported by A-w-F Parish Council and moving steadily
forward, investigation into creating a specific Charity/Trust to
administer this Project and contacting Landowners, Public Footpaths
around the area, replanting a lost tree down Ardley Road, and the
dates of the next Meetings – 3/3/15 for the AFECT ordinary Meeting
and 12/5/15 for the AGM. This last to be held in the Village Hall
Meeting Room.
VOLUNTEEERS PLEASE: On 7th and 8th March A-w-F will be
carrying out its annual Litterblitz. At the same time volunteers are
being sought to plant on the Quarry Field some 50/60 young whips.
Please take note of Posters round the village with details. YOUR
Ardley with Fewcott Village Hall & Recreation Ground
At a recent meeting the trustees discussed the following: a
plan to revise and modernise the constitution. The improving
financial position of the hall. December social activities were
also discussed and they had been very successful, with very
many residents attending a children's party, live music event,
over 60's do and a family New Year's Eve party. Plans to
replace the current poor car park surface were also discussed.
A calendar of events for 2015 was also agreed to include a
village fete and beer festival later in the year. More details
a v a i l a b l e
o n
F a c e b o o k
o r
www.ardleywithfewcottvillagehall.com
In Search of a venue?? for your child’s birthday party that
will accommodate a bouncy castle, with a great play area
outside or celebrate a family occasion or even hold a
fundraising event, Ardley with Fewcott village hall could be
your answer. For further information visit our website (above),
email bookings@ardleywithfewcottvillagehall.com or
telephone Lynne 01869 346632.
Children’s Activities at the Hall
Tiny Turtles,Wednesdays 9.30 to 10am, every week. New fun
session for parents & toddlers aged 2 & 3 yrs. Contact
Michelle 07711080615
Pumpkins (Toddler Group) alternate Thursdays, 10am-12noon
dates on p3.
11
FRITWELL
Fritwell Forget Me Nots
Sarah and Marc Burkhalter of East Street, Fritwell
are very pleased to announce the birth of
The trip on the 9th December was to see the Pantomime Peter
Pan in Northampton. The trip was enjoyed by all 45 who
attended. The January meeting was held in Fritwell Village
Hall. 43 members and non members attended. The
entertainment, on this occasion, was William French, Butler to
Royalty. William gave an informative, witty and funny
delivery which had the audience laughing throughout. The talk
was followed by tea and cakes. The Club would like to thank
Mike Wheeler who provided the scrumptious carrot and
chocolate fudge cakes for free. Mike, they went down a treat.
William was also collecting for Leukaemia UK and £10 of the
raffle monies was donated to this good cause, plus the
proceedings from auctioning the remaining cakes and
individual donations.
Ryan Alfred.
Born 16.12.2014 at 4:10am.
Weighing 8lb 15oz.
A gorgeous little brother for Eryn Elizabeth.
ALCHESTER RUGBY CLUB NEWS
New players wanted—Interested in playing rugby? We are
looking for players of all ages and abilities.
Alchester Rugby Club wants to improve and is always looking
for new players of all ages. No experience is necessary and we
welcome players of all abilities from the beginner to the
seasoned vet.
The February 10th meeting is the annual meal and it will be
held in Fritwell Village Hall. Those who were unable to attend
in January should contact Vivienne to state their meal
preferences and to organise payment. The cost to members is
£11 and to non members, who do attend trips, £18.50. The
catering, as last year, will be provided by Cathy from
Wrightons of Fritwell.
We train Tuesdays and Thursdays starting at 7pm.
Our ground is located at: Fritwell Playing Fields, Fewcott Road,
Fritwell, Oxfordshire, OX27 7QA
The 1st XV are playing In southwest division, southern counties
north and finished 9th last year and are looking to improve this
year. The 2nd XV play in BBO north 4
If you would like further details on any of the trips and events
or if you would like to find out more about the club please ring
either Beryl on 01869 345334 or Vivienne on 01869 346771.
Here are a few communications that you may be interested in:
Community Information Network provides free advice and
support for older people. Tel: 0345 450 1276. In Bicester
meetings are held between 10.00am and 11.30am, at the
Health and Wellbeing Centre, Launton Road, OX26 6DJ.
New players are welcome to come along to Training, but if you
want to give someone a call, here's the person to talk to :Daniel kimber- 1st xv captain 07716 318173
Jamie jones - Club captain 07595 667464
SUPPORTERS’ INFO
February 2015
Sat 7th, 2:15pm At home to High Wycombe
Sat 21st, 2:30pm Away to Marlow
Sat 28th, 2:15pm At home to Milton Keynes
1st Fritwell Scout Group
We would like to thank everyone who helped in any way
with our recent jumble sale. We would especially like to
thank everyone who came along ‘looking for a bargain’ and
judging by the amount that was carried away obviously
found a few! A total of £476 was raised at the sale which
will really help our Group as funds are low at the
moment. The left over jumble will be collected by a
recycling organisation called Eco Kids who will pay us so
much a sack – nothing is wasted.
March 2015
Sat 7th, 3:00pm Away to Royal Wootton Bassett
Sat 21st, 3:00pm At home to Stow-on-the-Wold
Sat 28th, 3:00pm Away to Wallingford
FRITWELL PLAYING FIELD 100 CLUB
RESULT OF DRAW DATE NOVEMBER 2014
Drawn in the shop by A Leeke & D Todd
1st £15
103
G&D Barnhill
2nd £10
133
Andy Dayus
3rd £5
89 Polly Foster
This has been a very difficult time for our Group, especially
the leaders, as our Scout Leader Terry Benbow died very
suddenly at the age of 30. The leaders had known Terry
from a very young age and the Cubs and Scouts all thought
the world of Terry – he was fun-loving, had a great smile
and enjoyed a wonderful rapport with them. Terry leaves a
widow, Mandi, his parents Angie and Dave and three sisters
from Croughton. We would like to thank everyone who
helped the Group with the party for Terry which was held at
the Scout Hut after the funeral service. Our Scout Group
has vacancies for Beavers who can now start at age 5¾ and
Scouts who must be 10½.
RESULT OF DRAW DATE DECEMBER 2014
Drawn in the shop by J Clare & P Reeves
1st £15
55 T Cleminson
2nd £10
70 B Baker
3rd £5
6 D Reeves
Prizes awaiting collection: Helen and Steve Baker, Jane
White—Please collect and sign for your prizes at the post
office during office hours.
It’s never too late to join or renew your membership please pay
at the Post Office or contact Cath Steer on 345229. The more
members we have, the better the prizes.You are only eligible to
win a prize if you have paid your membership if you’re not sure
just ask we can soon check for you.
For further information please contact Sheila Ultsch on
01869 346665 or s.ultsch@btinternet.com
12
FRITWELL
bags in the designated bins rather than ordinary litter
bins!
FRITWELL PARISH COUNCIL
George and Dragon Site: some good news for the first
report of 2015! Permission has been granted to build on
the sites of the Pub and the present Village Hall and this
includes a spanking new Village Hall! There is still a lot of
negotiating to be done but this is huge step forward.
Thanks to the Village Hall Committee and all those who
have worked towards this outcome. The conditions
includes ones to safeguard amenities of neighbouring
properties and to promote highways safety.
Emergency Plan: the Council is in the process of
developing a plan for dealing with community
emergencies such as heavy snowfall closing us in or
lengthy utility failure. If you have any special skills to offer
in such circumstances and/or would be prepared to act
as a volunteer to help your neighbours please contact
the Clerk (details below)
Helen Metcalfe, Clerk to the Parish Council. Tel. 346697,
email metcalfe68@waitrose.com
Community Speedwatch: no one has yet volunteered
to be a part of this joint scheme between the Police and
the Parish Council. It is designed to monitor the speed of
vehicles on village roads, pass the information on to the
police and, hopefully, reduce incidences of speeding. It
cannot be run without volunteers so if no one comes
forward, the Council will be unable to pursue the
initiative. If you are interested please contact the Clerk
(details below).
Fritwell Cushion Club Dates for 2015
Fridays—8pm start
www.thecushionclub.co.uk
13th Feb
13th March
10th April
22nd May
19th June
10th July
Dog Waste Bags: there has been a significant
improvement in the condition of the paths and pavements
now that the Council provides bags and bins specially for
the purpose of clearing up mess. However, there are still
one or two owners who do not clean up after their dogs
and they need to be aware that if they are caught on
camera or by discreet surveillance they will be liable for a
significant fine. Thank you to those owners who do use
the bags – it would be even better if you could put the
Aug – TBC
18th Sept
16th Oct
13th Nov
11th Dec
SOULDERN
on the windscreens of vehicles that are parked
inconsiderately or dangerously.
SOULDERN PARISH COUNCIL
A Village Fayre will be held on Saturday 20th June
for the friends and family of residents in Souldern, SAVE
THE DATE! The proposed format for the day will be
games in the playing field from mid-day, a treasure hunt
in the heart of the village with open gardens (which will
be ticketed), and a tea party in the High Street with
games and stalls in the afternoon and live music at the
Fox in the evening.
Database: A database of residents email addresses is
being compiled so that those on it can be kept informed
of matters concerning the village. If you would like your
address to be added please contact the Clerk
Bridleway BR 351/13 – The constant use of vehicles
on the bridle path means that the track is now more like
a road than a lane causing water to run down it rather
than in the ditches. People other than the landowners do
not have vehicular right of access.
Also on 20th June ‘A VISION FOR SOULDERN
(Community Led Plan) will be launched when there will
be an opportunity for residents to let us know about your
opinions, concerns and ideas. It is important that as
many residents as possible engage with this initiative in
order to create a clear picture of the views and needs of
the village when making decisions that affect everyone.
Planning:
14/01751/PAMB – Conversion of cattle building into a
single dwelling house. Foxhill Barn, Somerton Road,
Souldern This has been refused although it appears that
an amended application has been submitted
14/01959/F – Tennis court at Hollies Farm, The Hill –
Granted
14/02119/F - Rear extension and alterations at The
Old Forge in the High Street—Current
Plans for applications can be viewed by contacting the
Clerk or online at the CDC website
Dog Litter Bins: 2 dog litter bins are being purchased
and placed at the top of Mill Lane in Wharf Lane and at
the bottom of Bates Lane at the junction of Ezra’s Ditch
and Abernethy’s lane. A box with free litter bags will be
placed at the top of the High Street and beginning of
Wharf Lane in the vicinity of the grit bin. Residents are
asked to only take one pack at a time. There are also
free bags available in the blue box at the side of Spring
Cottage near the pond. Please use them.
Next meeting will be on Thursday 19th March 7:30 in
the village hall. There will also be a pLanning meeting on
Wednesday 11th February at 7:30
Barbara McGarry (Clerk) 01869 345931
clerktosouldernparishcouncil@gmail.com
Parking: Small laminated parking notices will be placed
13
SOULDERN
Community Market
TO BOOK
SOULDERN VILLAGE HALL
Souldern Village Hall 9:00am-12:00noon
Locally sourced, grown,
produced or baked
Meat, eggs, vegetables, plants,
cakes & savouries
Please contact Kate Green: 07812 501604
for further information
souldern.villagehall@gmail.com
HIRE CHARGES
(subject to availability)
Souldern Groups
£7 per hour (up to 5 hrs.)
£40 per day (more than 5 Hours)
Deposit £50
Hand crafted
gifts, cards & jewellery etc
Sausage/ Bacon/ Egg Baps
Souldern residents
£7 per hour (up to 5 hrs.) Deposit £60
£60 per day (more than 5 Hours)
(to eat in or take out)
Come and enjoy a cup of tea/coffee and a
chat with friends
Dates for 2015
Feb 21st, Mar 21st, Apr 18th,
May 16th, June 20th
Non-Residents Hire Costs:
£13 per hour (up to 5 hrs.)
£120 per day (more than 5 Hours) includes
cleaning charge Deposit £100
Tel: 01869 345931 or email: Barbara.a.mcgarry@gmail.com
to book a stall
SOULDERN PARISH COUNCIL
WELCOME PACKS
The pack includes a book giving details of all associations
and other useful information, together with a map of
Souldern, a map of footpaths, a booklet about Souldern
Church, and four other useful leaflets about the library, bus
services, the Health Centre, and details from Cherwell
District Council about recycling. The Souldern Maps are
available to all residents on request.
THANK YOU
Thank you to everyone who took part in the Winter
Wonderland Party: The party was a great success as
a community event bringing together all ages and
new residents with villagers who have lived here for
generations in a Christmas celebration.
To receive your pack will they please contact either Ann
Prescott on 345376 or Barbara McGarry on 345931.
In fact, people so enjoyed the evening that we have
bowed to public demand and hope to make it an
annual occurrence!
SOULDERN OUR VILLAGE IN OXFORDSHIRE.
The Raffle Prizes were brilliant and over 1000 Raffle
Tickets were sold. Thank you if you sold or bought
raffle tickets! Thank you if you attended - it was
great fun.
With your help, we choir girls raised £2000 towards
our village church funds.
This new history book of Souldern is still available from Ann
Prescott at Applegarth, Bates Lane, Souldern by
arrangement tel. no. 345376. The price is £10 and all
proceeds are divided between Souldern Church, Souldern
Chapel and Souldern Village Hall.
This money will help pay for the electric, heating and
other essential running costs for the maintenance of
the building.
Carol Singing in Souldern
Thank you so much to children and adults who
joined us in singing around the village, all those
who gave us refreshments and especially those
who appreciated our singing by donations.
On behalf of the organising committee – Anna Snow,
Anne Large, Dee Hoodless, Gina Wright and myself I truly thank you for your generous support.
£188 was raised for Saint Mary’s Church, Souldern.
Anne Callow
Anne Callow.
14
COMMUNITY MATTERS
Councillor Calling
of course, but also of £180,000 in landfill charges – not to
mention fuelling the horrible incinerator at Ardley. One way
is to extend the range and convenience of bring banks: as to
range, they can collect textiles, shoes, batteries and small
electronic equipment as well as clear, green and brown glass
(it’s important to separate as this dramatically increases its
value), while the council is always keen to find new sites.
Another is to make it easier for blocks of flats, where there
obviously isn’t the same room for separate bins. Meanwhile,
expect more and more regular communication to encourage
all of us to do a little more: I hope you’ll understand the
financial and environmental incentives and do your best.
To celebrate the New Year, let’s talk rubbish! Waste
collection is being reviewed as it’s just over ten years since
Cherwell introduced our blue recycling bins (I still remember
the furore, being one of those who were sure it would never
work…), there’s a new EU Waste Framework Directive to
comply with and, most importantly, having raised recycling
from 11% then to just under 60% now, it seems to have got
stuck and needs reinvigorating if we are to reach the potential
80% that we could recycle.
I think it’s worth talking about as it affects all 60,000 homes,
not to mention all businesses, every week and costs a lot of
your money. The good news is that your satisfaction keeps
increasing and is now at an astonishing 88%, while the cost,
which was £63 per property per year in 2009/10 has been
driven down to £48 this year – less than £1 a week – and is
set to fall further in 2015/16. This matters as, with an average
council tax of £123.50 and central grant support continually
falling, efficiencies here help protect other vital services.
Joining with South Northants has helped a lot. Although, in
line with our deal on joint working where each council
preserves its different policies, they collect rubbish slightly
differently, a single management team and identical vehicles
minimise costs and, when lorries break down, there’s a lot
more flexibility for back up so you don’t get let down.
James Macnamara
FOR SALE: Small reclaimed pine dresser. Base with 2
cupboards, drawers and shelves in centre, upper section
with 2 small cupboards and plate racks/ shelves. Base is
45.5cms x 122.5cms x 79.5cms high. Upper section is
24cms x 122.5cms x 99cms high.
£150
FOR SALE: Small octagonal table (1930/40s) 60cms diameter, 69cms high.
£25
Contact: 346795 evenings.
The cost is helped enormously by your care: less than 5%
gets rejected at the recovery facility, boosting the price of
recycled materials. (An interesting sign of the times: as email
reduces the paper in the mix, online shopping has increased
the cardboard). However, all the extra homes being imposed
bring extra costs: 13,000 new homes in Bicester equate to
three extra crews costing £150,000 pa plus the capital cost of
the vehicles, so we need to be robust in ensuring the
developers pay a fair share from their building profits and the
costs don’t fall on existing residents.
SONGS FOR LOVE AND LIFE
A Concert
By local choir “Rhythm is Life”
The EU Directive now requires separate collection of
recyclables, which we currently sling all together (apart from
glass to “bring banks” and food/garden refuse in the brown
bin) into the blue bin – “commingled” in the jargon. Luckily,
there is a get-out clause if this is technically, environmentally
or economically impractical – which it clearly is:
In Deddington Church
7.45pm Saturday 14th February
In aid of Katharine House Hospice
remembering Tracey—choir
member
Technically, there’s the little issue of persuading 45,000
residents who have bought a blue bin to abandon them for
boxes plus the safety issues of lifting and handling nonwheeled bins
Environmentally, the fall in recycling is estimated at 3,000
tons as, the less easy and convenient the system, the less
people bother to recycle, not to mention the environmental
nuisance of wind blown litter from boxes
Tickets £8 / £5 concs
(Call 01869 338637)
Includes soft drink and refreshments
Wine will be available to buy
Economically, the cost would be exorbitant, not only of
writing off the current capital investment but also of
implementing an elaborate new scheme.
But, that leaves the question of how to rescue the estimated
12,000 tons of recyclables – 1,000 tons of glass, 4,000 of
paper, plastic and metal and 7,000 tons of food – which are
idly chucked in the green bins, at a cost to the environment,
15
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m: 07773 853640
e: barrett.c3@sky.com
I
01869 322514
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II
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Bicester Computer
Centre
Making I.T. work for you
Est. 1999
Providing helpful, professional and friendly advice
We stock most hardware from full computers to mice, wired and wireless
networking components.
We also repair and service all makes of desktop and laptop computer
form hardware replacement to virus removal.
PC running slow or overheating laptop DC jack socket or screen broken?
Home visits arranged
Give us a call on:
01869 600123 or mobile 07796 486508
Or pop into the shop:
50 Bucknell Road
Bicester
OX26 2DG
Email:
info@bicestercomputercentre.co.uk
Website: www.bicestercomputercentre.co.uk
Local and fully independent
Bullguard antivirus
approved reseller with
local support
The Fox & Hounds
at Ardley
Traditional Real Ales
Great Home Cooked Food
Daily Specials
Accommodation
Excellent Sunday Roasts
Function Room with Bar
available to
Hire May to September
Hand-crafted animal houses
Poultry Sheds
Dog Kennels
Hutches
Built to last
We have various models & sizes
available or we can manufacture to
your own specifications.
Opening Hours
Monday to Friday 12-3pm and 5-10:30pm
Saturday Open All Day – 12 - 11pm
Sunday Open All Day - 12 - 10pm
Contact Adrian on:
01869 345753 or
01869 345658
or visit us at:
www.foxanimalhouses.co.uk
Food Served Mon to Friday
12-3pm and 5- 9pm
All day Saturday & Sunday
Telephone 01869 346883
III
ADVERTISEMENTS
ROBERT McGARRY
YOUR LOCAL PLUMBING & HEATING
ENGINEER
Hackertys Way, Mill Lane, Souldern
Telephone: 01869 345280
ROBIN JAMES
YOUR LOCAL CARPENTER & JOINER
Telephone: 07931 661001
A L LOAKES
Oil Fired Boiler Service & Repairs
Tel: 01295 269718 / 07966 533524
ACKERMAN & NIECE
Purveyors of superior petroleum products
Finest service & keenest prices to
Three Parishes customers
We look forward to your call
Tel: 01869 340202 Fax: 01869 340074
PETER SOUTHAM
Building &
Home Maintenance Service
*
Roofing, guttering, chimney problems
Carpentry, fencing, brick/stonework,
concrete paths, drives, patios & Garage Doors
*
Insurance approved
*For a personal service
*
Ring 01869 278333 or 07721 633220
IV
ADVERTISEMENTS
Glazed and Kiln Fused
Fused Glass Workshop and other craft
classes now available in Tackley.
Classes available:
Fused Glass Jewellery Taster Half Day
Fun with Fused Glass Taster Day
Kumihimo Braiding
Cross Stitch Workshop
Introduction to Crochet
Learn to Crochet
More fun with Crochet
Introduction to Knitting
More Fun with Knitting
For more information:
Web: www.glazedandkilnfused.co.uk
Email: info@glazedandkilnfused.co.uk
Tel: Julie 01869 331927
Class gift vouchers also available
V
ADVERTISEMENTS
R.SPITTLE & Sons
Kenneth Ozog
Your local painter and decorator
PAINTERS & DECORATORS
Free quotes
Over 20 years experience
FOR ALL YOUR DECORATIVE NEEDS
The Lane, Fritwell
Tel : 01869 252494
Mobile: 07850 475730
Email: geraldspittle@talktalk.net
01869 345507 or 07941 626984
e-mail:
kenandberyl@fritwellvillage.co.uk
R.J. Wakelin
Painting And Decorating
Specialist
Private/Commercial
Interior/Exterior
01869-243264
N P SMITH
PAINTING, DECORATING &
PROPERTY MAINTENANCE
Interior & Exterior Work
Undertaken
25 Years Experience
Local & Reliable
Contact Nick on 01280 840496
or 07979 756734
VI
ADVERTISEMENTS
Mobile:
Email:
VII
07872 003149
boyceelectrical@hotmail.co.uk
ADVERTISEMENTS
A Cohen
Airport runs
Travel in comfort and style in
one of our luxury
air-conditioned cars
For the holiday maker or
business traveller we ensure your
journeys are relaxed
Call us free on 07880 734895
for a no-obligation quote
or email us at chauffersdirect@aol.com
A Cohen
VIII
ADVERTISEMENTS
TYRES
BATTERIES
BULLSHEAD GARAGE
(SOULDERN) LTD
01869 345281
MOT Testing Station
Servicing & Repairs
to most Makes of Cars
& Light Commercial Vehicles
Most Credit Cards accepted
EXHAUSTS
hga
SHOCKABSORBERS
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Architectural Consultants
from just £35.00 for 10 issues
Drawings for new build, alterations and extensions
Planning and Building Regulations
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You can reach up to 500 homes in
the Ardley,
Fritwell, Souldern
Hamilton Gould Associates Ltd
Tower Fields, Souldern, Bicester OX27 7HY
Tel: 01869 345156
email: hga@towerfields.com
IX
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For a free, no obligation chat about your project
and how CPMS can help, contact:
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Mobile: 07806 614616
Email:
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Website: www.cumminspms.co.uk
LOGS FOR SALE
A & P BLAKE
FORESTRY SERVICES
Quality seasoned hardwood split
logs for sale, various sizes logs &
loads available.
Free Local Delivery!!!
01869 277815 or 07970 258165
We have 30 years experience in
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why not try us today.
X
Full Diagnostic Hearing Tests ● Latest Digital Hearing
Aids
Troubleshooting/Reprogramming ● Servicing &
Repairs
Batteries ● Noise Protection ● Swimplugs
Up to 60 day trial period
Practice Rooms in Horton Hospital and John Radcliffe
Hospital ● Home Visits available.
Souldern based family business.
Tel. 0845 680 1227 / 07974735811
Email: info@jameshearing.com
www.jameshearing.com
ADVERTISEMENTS
DEH Payroll Services
DEH Payroll Services offer a variety of
payroll services for small companies.
We take the hassle of Tax, NIC,
Statutory payments, AE and RTI away
from your day to day business and are
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With 28 years payroll experience and
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Contact:
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Telephone: 07881 782423
Email:
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XI
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Seamstress
Kim Steventon
"A stitch in time is my line"
Sewing, Alterations, Tailoring & Re-designing.
Contact:
Evenings - 01869 345385
Mobile
- 07980 477851
XII
ADVERTISEMENTS
PAW Bookkeeping
Bookkeeping Services for SME’s
Sales & purchase ledger
VAT returns
Bank reconciliations
Cash book
Accounts to trial balance
Year-end liaison with accountants
Vicky Hibberd
Penny Cummins AICB CB.Cert
Mobile: 07703 258009
Email:
pawbookkeeping@gmail.com
SILVERSMITH
Commissions and repairs:
Cleaning
Restringing
Redesign
Personalised jewellery
Find me at Deddington
Create childcare: Offering Daily childcare throughout the year and
during the school holidays.
Based in Croughton Village offering a friendly flexible service tailored to each individual
child and their family.
We are qualified to level 3 in Early Years Childcare and Education and Forest School
trained, offering a unique opportunity for children to learn about nature through their play
in a natural outdoor environment.
The setting is located on the high street with a very large secure garden full of many interesting and challenging play opportunities including A Pirate ship, Zip wire, and Bush
crafts.
Croughton is situated within close proximity to the M40 junction 9 and is accessible to
Banbury, Buckingham, Bicester and Brackley.
Since September 2014 we have been running After School Care at Fritwell Church of
England School.
If you are interested in finding out more please call us on 07548522835 or
XIII
ADVERTISEMENTS
PORTWAY CATTERY
NOW OPEN
(formerly known as “Homecomforts”)
Customers old & new welcome
E: portwaycattery@outlook.com
T: 01869 345186
M: 07508 797224
www.portwaycattery.co.uk
XIV
Souldern Community Market
Saturday 21st February
9:00-12:00 in the Village Hall
Your local Market providing you with
locally sourced and produced
Provisions
Pork, sausages & bacon (local hand reared pigs)
Eggs (local, fresh & free range)
Fresh Organic Vegetables (sourced locally)
Home baked Cakes & savouries
Jams & Chutneys provided by Patrick’s Preserves
(All subject to availability)
Breakfasts
Sausage & Bacon & Pork Baps, Tea & Coffee
Plants
Flower & Vegetable Plants (grown & nurtured locally)
Handcrafted Gifts, Cards & Jewellery
A varying range local artists & crafters providing an
individual & unusual array of their work
COME & SEE FOR YOURSELF
3rd Saturday of the month
XV