The Grapevine MagazineJUNE 2005 Issue No 201 |
Festival |
A Celebration of Baptism
Sunday, 26 June 2005. 10.15am at St. Margaret's Church This is a special Sunday morning service to which we are inviting as many families as we can contact who have either been christened themselves or have had children christened at St.Margaret's Church in the past. We hope that this will be a very happy occasion when families can meet up with friends who may have moved away from the village. Personal invitations have been sent out to everyone for whom we have addresses but if anyone has not received one or who knows of families who have been missed out then I would be very grateful if you would accept my apologies and please come along. Everyone is welcome even if you may not have a family member who has been christened at the church.Tracing those who have been christened has involved searching the Register of Baptism for the parish of Lewknor which is now held at the Public Records Office at Cowley in Oxford. The staff there are very helpful and guard the valuable material they hold well. To access the records, one has to have an identity card which includes your photograph and the actual record is brought to you on a cushion and has to be handled with white gloves. The Register I searched went back to the 19th century and it was fascinating to trace the changing demography of the village. The earliest christenings were of children of agricultural workers and artisans whilst the later ones included those of lawyers and managing directors.
What does not change is the presence of the church in the village and which is why the building is worth preserving for generations to come. Those of you who have been on the church recently may have seen the leaflet describing the origins of the church which date probably from the late 12th century.
The church is open every day and is well worth a visit. The Jodrell Chapel contains a marble monument carved by Bazzanti of Florence which bears comparison in beauty with any seen in Italian churches and there are two windows in the chancel designed by William Morris in the 19 century. The children at Lewknor school are very familiar with the church having an assembly there every Friday afternoon and they are contributing to the Christening Display which will take place the same weekend as the service.
Once again I would like to thank every one who has offered to loan christening gowns and memorabilia for the exhibition "Christenings Past and Present" which is open to the public on Saturday, 25 June. I now have as many exhibits as I need and they include gowns, capes, bonnets, photographs, bibles and children's toys and furniture.
Also, a thank you to all the people on Christine Smith's Festival rota who have agreed to arrange flowers in the church before the official opening of the exhibition on Friday, 24 June, and to the many people who have made useful suggestions and have offered to help.
Elan Preston-Whyte"This subject has already been in other issues of the Grapevine, but it seems to no avail. Do the dog owners in the village who take their canine companions out for their morning and evening walks have no respect for other villagers who regularly use the pathways. There are also the owners who let their dogs out for strolls by themselves and I have witnessed these dogs relieving themselves in people's front gardens.
As a mother in the village my child and I have to regularly walk on the road to avoid dog mess. Please, if it is the smell that puts you off picking it up get some scented nappy bags to collect their poop in, and don't forget the free bags on the dog bins. Come on guys lets start looking after the village."
From: Derek Hazlewood
2A Hill Road, Lewknor
"May I through Grapevine, request that someone on the Parish Council be asked to enquire of the District council (or whoever was responsible) what did they hope to achieve by the work done recently on Lewknor cross-roads and how much did it cost?
I imagine they will say it was to improve road safety - if so can they please explain how?
As is already apparent their fancy work is just an invitation for parking cars on it.
I first raised the point in December 2000 that driving out of Hill Road was very difficult because it was impossible to see vehicles coming from the school direction a) because of cars parked outside the Old Forge and b) because, due to cars being parked outside the houses between Lewknor Close and South Weston Road, vehicles driving into the village centre had to drive almost on the right of the road. I also mentioned that with the new Rectory Homes development there would be more traffic using Hill Rd.
I envisaged a simple adjustment of extending the right hand kerb of Hill Road down to the High Street in a straight line and infilling at full kerb height the pavement behind. I admit that this would preclude the occupants of the Old Forge parking outside their front door but they could use Hill Road provided they didn't obstruct the entrance to Home Farm.
Please do not fob me off by saying that Rectory Homes are paying for the work that has been done - whoever did it, it is a gross waste of money as I think everyone in the village feels that it has not only achieved absolutely nothing but is also an unsightly bit of work.
Finally I think we all agree that there is a parking problem in the village partly due to the Oxford Tube but also due to the success of the village pub. I would hate to see the latter affected but is there no way that the brewery could rent additional parking space by the side of the pub?"
From: Jonathan Law
Postcombe
"I see from issue 200, May 2005 that SODC have successfully refused planning permission for the dirt bike track.
I celebrate this success but am reminded of a much more disruptive nuisance in the Parish which is the irritating Parachute Club.
These people do not live in the Parish but disrupt our peace and tranquility over a greater area and affect more people than the dirt bikes. The Parachute Club operated under the 28 days ruling which means they operate without permission. If we do our sums properly they fly during the best 28 days - Saturdays, Sundays asnd bank holidays when we would like to enjoy our gardens but are not allowed to due to a selfish, irritating little group of people who want to pursue their hobby in our village. The only difference between the two groups is that the parachute club has more money and influence to FLY, JUMP, DISTURB and DISRUPT.
If only we could get all these powerful organizations that object to bikes or parachutes together and issue an injunction to turn both fields back to agricultural as surely all the objections and issues are the same.
We have tolerated the Parachute Club for over 15 years, isn't it about time SODC gave us value for our money and told them to go elsewhere. Let's put pressure on these people or if SODC will not help perhaps we could get the motorbikes to ride around the parachute field at weekends and disrupt their peace and quiet and see how they like it!"
EDITORS' COMMENT:
Can we hear more of your views, via our local Newsletter? Do send us your contributions. KH/LB
The children have been busy looking at 'Creatures Great and Small'. They have studied creatures from both hot and cold climates, farm animals, big cats and Apes. The Pre-School have also been reflecting Lewknor Primary School's topic, which is 'Nature'.The children have shared the enjoyable experience of bringing in their own pets to Pre-School!
FUNDRAISING EVENTS - A big thank you to all those who supported the Ferret Racing Night. The night raised an outstanding £1000 for the pre-school. We are very grateful to all those who not only supported the night, but also to those who organized the event and ensured it was not only successful, but an enjoyable night for all.
Stephanie London
For waiting list enquiries please call Ali Griffiths on 018444 352330.
One of the complicating factors at the crossroads is the use of the highway for parking by local residents. It is technically an offence to park close to a road junction but the police usually take a relaxed attitude to parking in a village context because of the relatively low level of traffic movement. The need for 'on road' parking in villages is a reality but the new 'aprons' are intended to contribute to road safety and do not provide new designated areas for car parking. The 'aprons' are there to make the carriageway narrow so that drivers approach the crossroads more slowly but they can also be used as an overrun for larger vehicles as they make a turn into Weston road and Hill Road. It is difficult for some residents to find safe places to park close to their home but the use of the new 'aprons should be avoided where possible because parking close to the junction rduces visibility for other road users.
For many years now, the church has held a BBQ on this Sunday to give sustenance to the walkers and bike riders, who start out after a short service at St Giles, Tetsworth, and make their way to St Margaret's, Lewknor for lunch. This year Simon, our Vicar, decided to change the pattern a little. The day started with a Communion Service at Adwell, where a mixed choir sang Madrigals, followed by breakfast at Upper Farm, Wheatfield, and then a "Pet Service", which was held in the farmyard next to St Margaret's. Some 45 people joined us that day, many if whom came from St Mary's ,Thame, including the director of their choir and several choristers. After a short service, some hymns and a couple of prayers, the pets were first of all blessed and they were mostly dogs, which were extremely well behaved! Then our Team Rector, Nick Stewart Lee together with our Team Vicar, Simon Brignall, moved around the farmyard blessing the cows.
When the service was over, everybody was invited to join the BBQ outside the West Door of the church and drinks were served in the Manorial Barn. After lunch, those who were cycling or traveling by car went on to South Weston and from thence to Stoke Talmage, where they were welcomed with a sumptuous tea.
For our part of the day our thanks must go to Fran Hollywood, Jean-Paul and Lesley Van de Ven, Paul and Heather Weston and Robin Preston-Whyte who all worked so hard to ensure that the day was an outstanding success.
SODC are aiming at a 29( recycling rate this year. It is still falling short of that target so, if you are not recycling, please do start and if you are - are you sure you are recycling everything? That is to say: plastic - drinks, shampoo, milk and detergent bottles, yoghurt, ice-cream and margarine pots/tubs and carrier bags; paper - newsprint, envelopes, junk mail, telephone directories, magazines, catalogues; cardboard - cereal and tissue boxes, toilet roll tubes, greeting cards; aluminium/steel - drink and food tins/cans
But, please, NOT expanded polystyrene or glass - although the latter can be dropped off in any of the dedicated containers provided for the purpose, eg at Thame Cattle Market and Mill Lane (Chinnor)
We have planned an exciting week to introduce the topic of Christenings to the village from Monday 20th June.
At school, we shall be writing poems and making Christening invitations, thinking carefully about special ceremonies and the roles people have to play in this important event.
Mr Simon Brignall will be leading us in Circle time, focusing on the aspects of caring and belonging and sharing thoughts on ways we celebrate happiness.
We will be encouraging the children to bring in Christening shawls and presents received at their own Christenings, such as Beatrix Potter mugs and money boxes. These will make up some of the displays that will be set up at the back of St Margaret's Church. This display will be open to the public during the weekend and there will be a collection, which will go towards the repair and restoration of our village church.
The pinnacle of our Christening Topic is the Assembly planned for Friday 24 June. We have sent a personal invitation to the Bishop of Dorchester, who is very much looking forward to joining the school for Assembly.
We will involve all the children in the actual christening ceremony, where each person has a role to play: the parents (Prince Charming and Cinderella); godparents; photographers; the choir; caterers and so on...The babies to be Christened are twin dolls, a boy and a girl. Their names are: Lewis Edward William Kevin Norris Oscar Rupert and Lauren Elizabeth Waynetta Katherine Nancy Olive Rose (or, Prince and Princess Lewknor, for short!)
Our Ceremony will be recorded for the school family archives by the Henley Standard and we hope to appear on Radio Oxford and Channel 6 television, too.
Following the Ceremony, we shall keep to the tradition of hosting a school Christening Party, which all of the children, staff and , of course, the Bishop, will attend and which will be held in the school playground. There will be a ceremonial 'Cutting of the Cake' and lots of laughter as 'relatives' chat together and exchange news...between photo calls.
It should be an exciting day for all and, like most families, we're hoping for sunny weather!
If you would like to help with our preparations ( e.g. baking Christening cakes with the children, preparing sandwiches, making teas and coffees, or helping as servers) we would welcome your time and effort.
With Best wishes,Nearer to home, there will be a 2 mile stroll at the Aston Rowant nature Reserve on Sunday 3 July to see the wild flowers and butterflies. To book contact Dominic Harmer on 01844 351833. Looking further ahead there is a 'Family Fun Day' planned at Cowleaze Wood on Sunday 31 July from 1.30 - 5.00pm. Cowleaze Wood car park is just above Lewknor on the ridge of the escarpment where the Sculpture Trail is located so is very easy to get to. There will be guided walks, traditional craft demonstrations, story telling and craft and art activities so go along and enjoy the fun.
Every scrap of information that is logged is circulated to all Police Authorities, so often a 'jigsaw' of information adds up to a much larger picture. Calls are not recorded, traced and no name is ever asked for, so they guarantee complete anonymity. Our Community Police Officer, P C Lacey, commented on how the force rely on all the information that filters to them, and urges anyone with any information on crime (however small) to phone the number is 0800 551 111, and it is free.
Please take the time to let any elderly relatives or neighbours see the advert in this edition for the 22nd June. If a small group want to be picked up in Lewknor it can be arranged by Lesley Nebitt. Contact her on the number given, it is very important to make everyone aware that some bogus callers have been reported operating in Watlington recently.
Finally a Chinnor resident has recently become the Neighbourhood Watch Representative, if there is anyone who would like to be our co-ordinator here in the Parish, please contact a member of the parish council; the next meeting in Chinnor is in July.
This month's book was Anne Tyler's novel 'The Amateur Marriage'. Interestingly, this book was also the subject of a recent Radio 4 programme in which Nick Hornby confessed that Anne Tyler was the author who has inspired him to start writing. However, it was her earlier book, 'Dinner at the Home-sick Restaurant' which was the book he quoted not the one that we had read. Opinions were sharply divided-either we liked it or were bored by it. Tyler's skill is in describing fairly ordinary families living in her home town of Baltimore but this may not be a subject which appeals to everyone.
The next two books we are reading in June and July respectively are 'The Power and The Glory' by Graham Greene and 'When we were orphans' by Kashuo Ishaguro.
Elan Preston-Whyte
Perennials are so versatile that many will thrive in pots and containers on paved patios, balconies and roof gardens. Emerging every spring, they grow up quickly in the rising temperatures. By June, many are already blooming, whilst others will not flower until the late summer, bringing joyful colour to borders and containers.
For example, Aquilegias (columbines) are perfect for spring interest. These clump-forming perennials are ideal for light woodland settings or in herbaceous borders. Aquilegia 'Nora Barlow' is a border favourite, producing beautiful pink and greenish-white flowers on strong leafy stems whilst Aquilegia alpina produces attractive foliage and lovely blue flowers.
Or try Achillea (Yarrow) in the wildflower or rock garden. Their daisy-like flowers give a naturalistic feel from mid to late summer and taller varieties are perfect for borders. Achilleas offer a range of gorgeous colours, from bright reds and yellows to blush pinks and soft whites - lots of choice for any garden whatever the colour scheme.
And don't forget Crocosmia, or Monbretia, for late summer colour. These produce graceful arching sprays of yellow, deep orange or red flowers that eventually turn into lovely seedheads. Try Crocosmia Lucifer for flame-red flowers or Crocosmia John Boots for yellow flowers.
Perennials do not normally require a lot of care, though some attention will be rewarded with improved performance. Feeding in spring with bone meal will be beneficial for example. Water well in dry spells though a good mulch will minimize the need for this. Tidy up at the end of the flowering season, cut back dead or withered shoots and weed at the same time.
We are also looking for volunteers with our Hospital Aftercare Support scheme operating in the Vale of the White Horse and South Oxfordshire. The service involves both practical and emotional support for an older person who has just been discharged from hospital. Our volunteers provide help with shopping, collecting prescriptions and banking, among other things, for a period of five days.
We urgently need volunteers for this crucial service. Would you like to help give older people the confidence to make it on their own?
Age Concern needs your help. A little bit of effort can go a very long way. To find out what you can do to help with one or both of the services please contact Alex Ivey on (01235) 849400 or alexivey@ageconcernoxon.org.uk
Thank you for your support in this matter.