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The Grapevine Magazine October 2001 Issue No 163
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HISTORIC CHURCHES TRUST - STRIDE AND RIDE SATURDAY 8th SEPTEMBER Another glorious day for the OHCT bike ride. Fired by the fun we had last year we set off from Lewknor with Wallingford as our target. (5 churches in one town) Again the welcome in each church made the hills between not seem so bad. We rang bells, saw skylarks, listened to the sheep, admired the cooling towers, saw the re-ordered St Leonard's, Watlington, had a pint of beer in Brightwell Baldwin, gatecrashed a wedding at Ewelme, watched RAF Benson buzzing, biked along the Thames past the weir at Benson and arrived at the lido in Wallingford in time for a swim. We thought however we deserved a lift home by car, after 16 churches and about the same mileage! This is an annual event to raise money for historic churches and 50% of said money goes to a church of your choice. We will put the date and details for next year's in the July Grapevine so people have some notice to make their plans!
On September 11 the mainplanning department at South Oxfordshire District Council finally approved the plans for the Town Farm development. If you have not had a chance to view any drawings and are interested in how it will look, please contact Caroline on 3522720 as she has a copy. Hopefully the dumped car outside the Leathern Bottle will have been removed by now; however, people dumping cars is becoming more and more of a problem recently. This will continue to get worse unless some much needed legislation is introduced. If you notice an abandoned car in your street you can report it to Sam Shepherd at Environmental Services, on 01491 8234555. He will then check the registration with the police, and get the notice put on the car.
......are a new initiative being sponsored by SODC. There will be five of them; Lewknor is affiliated to the Thame Forum. The aim is to provide a facility where District, Town and Parish Councillors can meet representatives of other public bodies to discuss issues of local concern. Members of the public will be welcome to attend and it is intended that time will be set aside at each meeting to permit the public to ask questions and/or raise additional matters. The first of these events will be held in Thame Town Hall at 7.00pm on 25 October. Further details may be obtained from Sally Truman at SODC: tel 01491 823046.
for Lewknor and Postcombe in St Margaret's Lewknor Saturday 17 November - Heart of England Jazz Band 8pm tickets £6 (£4 children/OAP) Saturday 8 December - The Toy Theatre 3pm Children's Christmas Show £3.50 Adults/ £2 children Friday 12 April 2002 - Parish Pump Show - comedy show 8pm £4 Adults Further details later In aid of St Margarets Tickets from: Lucy P-T 354533, Jessie Purnell 351975, Debbie Benger 351147 or Jaquie Graham 281 240
By Chris Bird, Bob's younger son Just a few words about Dad. He was born in Stokenchurch in 1924 and he had four brothers and two sisters. At 17 he was called up to fight in the 2nd World War. He served in North Africa, Italy, Germany and Belgium. He told us lots of stories about those times and while serving in the army he played football for his battalion and even played in the same stadium as the legendary Tom Finney. When he left the army he met Mum and they had been married for 46 years this year. He was a good caring husband who never lost his temper and was always there when needed. He loved playing football for Stokenchurch and even had the chance of playing for Wycombe Wanderers but he turned them down showing just what a modest man he was. As Colin and I were growing up he supported us in whatever activities we took part in - grasstrack, cricket and football. But his main passion was gardening and after he retired from Rover, at the age of 65, he worked for the Bennetts until last year. He thought a lot of them. He loved working in his own garden and worked well with his best friend and neighbour, Chuck. When he got ill a year ago he never complained and suffered mostly in silence only confiding in his grandson, Joshua. He loved all 6 of his grandchildren but he did not want to burden us all with his problem showing just what a proud man he was. In his last few months at home he tried hard to do things but became too weak. We would like to thank Barbara and Chuck for all their help in this last year. We could not have managed without them. In his last few weeks he spent most of his time in the Sue Ryder Home in Nettlebed only coming home on Saturdays. On his last Saturday at home he was proud to see England beat Germany 5-1. I would like to thank Colin and Mum for being so strong and Jackie and Matilda for their support. We will all miss him so much. One other thing I know he would like me to say is to think of all the other people suffering at this time, especially in America. Thank you all for coming to his funeral. If there is one good thing to come from his death it has brought me and Colin closer and I know he would have been proud of that."
Year 5 and 6 at Lewknor School, are going to be part of 500 children taking part in this years Music for Youth Schools' Prom at the Royal Albert Hall on the 6th November. They will be singing a collection of songs from Lin Marshes 'Footprints'. As well as singing, the Oxfordshire Schools County Band will be playing. The evening will conclude in the traditional way and will be an extremely memorable occasion for all of the children involved. If you would like to attend this special evening, then please contact the Royal Albert Hall directly on 020 7589 8212. The children will also be performing some of the songs in the church on Friday 9 November at 9.15am for those of you who are unable to attend the real thing!
This year it was Lewknor School's turn to organise the Horticultural Show on Sunday 9th September. After worries about the weather it turned out a rather windy, but dry day. As always the classes were really well supported, with some fantastic entries for the flower sections, and from the children. Shirley and Kathy spent a long morning checking-in and displaying everything in the barn. Many thanks to all the judges for their time. The trophies were awarded as follows:- THE MIDDLETON CUP: for the overall winner of the Show Mrs C Notley THE RIDONE CUP: for the runner up Mr K Witney THE GIFKINS CUP: for the best exhibit in the show - this year for a box of vegetables Mr K Witney THE SCOTT CUP: for the family with the highest combined no. of points The Smith Family THE ROSE BOWL: for the best flower arrangement in the show Mrs W Nias THE JUNIOR SHIELD: for the winner in the Junior section(under 15) Sarah Greensmith CONTAINERS COMPETITION 1st Prize - THE ROSE BOWL Mr & Mrs Woodruffe, Houndsmead, Lower Road, Postcombe HIGHLY COMMENDED Mr & Mrs Coe, Elm Cottage, Box Tree Lane, Postcombe Mr & Mrs Notley, Old Post Office, Lewknor COMMENDED: Mr & Mrs Ritchie, 21 High Street, Lewknor Mr & Mrs Bishop, 1 The Glebe, Lewknor Mr & Mrs Dulake, Wyckham House, High Street, Lewknor Mr & Mrs Scott, 34 Watlington Road, Lewknor Mr & Mrs Graham, Beech Farm, Salt Lane, Postcombe A very big thank you to everyone who helped both on the day and beforehand, it all went smoothly. With proceeds from the stalls, cream teas, raffle and the new attraction this year, target shooting with an air rifle, we raised a fantastic £850. Thank you so much to Susan Watt for allowing us to use the lovely barn and gardens, and thank you to Neil for his light hearted auction banter as usual.
The full results of the competition, with judges' comments, are as follows: 1st Prize - ALABASTER CUP - best overall garden Mr & Mrs Dulake, Wyckham House, High Street, Lewknor NEW FEATURES, MORE SURPRISES. A VERY WELL PLANNED GARDEN 2nd Prize - TROTMAN CUP Mr & Mrs Ritchie, 21 High Street, Lewknor EXCELLENT USE OF SPACE, STRIKING PLANT ASSOCIATIONS 3rd Prize - DESBOROUGH CUP Mr & Mrs Woodruffe, Houndsmead, Lower Road, Postcombe WELL MAINTAINED ALL-YEAR ROUND GARDEN HIGHLY COMMENDED: Ms Donne, The Garden House, South Weston CLEVER ALL YEAR ROUND PLANTING Mr & Mrs Coe, Elm Cottage, Box Tree Lane, Postcombe VERY WELL CARED FOR BUT SOIL STRUCTURE COULD BE IMPROVED TO GIVE EVEN BETTER RESULTS Mr & Mrs Boitout, 4 Watlington Road, Lewknor A REDISCOVERED GARDEN BEING CAREFULLY RESTORED BUT WITH NEW TOUCHES Mr & Mrs Cobb, Adwell Farm Cottage, Lower road, Postcombe STILL A BEAUTIFUL GARDEN COMMENDED: Mr & Mrs Scott, 34 Watlington Road, Lewknor SPECTACULAR SUMMER BEDDING IN THE FRONT GARDEN Mr & Mrs Hazlewood, 2A Hill Road, Lewknor EXCELLENT DAHLIAS, PLENTY OF COLOUR Mr & Mrs Scambler, Bankside, Box Tree Lane, Postcombe WE LIKED THE NEW LANDSCAPING Mr & Mrs Notley, Old Post Office, Lewknor A HUGE IMPROVEMENT ON LAST YEAR WHEN THE NOTLEY'S HAD ONLY RECENTLY MOVED IN
At last the new term has arrived and we're delighted to welcome Sean Gallen and Alison Brett and hope they really enjoy their time with us. This term will see us on the move, by land , sea and air - it's all part of transport. The children have already painted some wonderful collages and made wooden trains. You've no idea how handy they are with hammers (no bruised thumbs though!). The over-4's on Monday mornings are really enjoying the individual attention they get, and the gentle and relaxed introduction to the reception class is a lovely way to begin thinking about school. For this half term we are lucky enough to have two very committed assistants - Lucy P-T and Barbara Scott. Their continued contribution to Krakatoa is very much appreciated. After half term Heather Houndsworth will be joining us as assistant and I am sure you will join the committee in welcoming her to Krakatoa. Our AGM will be held in early November and we look forward to seeing you there. 2P FUNDRAISING UPDATE We have collected £553.92 to date. That is over 692 metres!!! A big THANK YOU to everyone who has helped collect this money and that includes the garage in Postcombe and its customers who collected a total of £179.20. We have already sent our first installment - £285 to the Belaunde School in Arequipa, Peru with Anna Pelly-Fry who is participating in the Inca Trail car rally through South America. As the car rally is stopping for three days in Arequipa (Oct 25-27), Anna has very kindly agreed to present the money to the school along with some photographs of Lewknor School and letters and pictures from some of the children. She will be bringing us back photographs and a report of how the building is progressing. As you all know, Peru suffered a major earthquake at the beginning of the year and Arequipa was greatly affected. Its Cathedral, which was considered a world treasure by the UNESCO, was destroyed along with many other buildings and the school also suffered some structural damage and a lot of the work already completed will have to be redone. I am sure all of you like me, will feel a sense of joy and achievement - this money will make a great difference to the lives of the children in Arequipa. At this present time of world uncertainty it gives me hope to think that however little, every effort does make a difference and that it is love and compassion for our neighbour whether next door or on the other side of the world that makes thia world go round. We are still collecting 2p's in the school library - remember half of this is going to the school.
From: Jill Evans, Blenheim Farm, Postcombe "As Bonfire Night is fast approaching, could I ask likely organisers of any celebrations due to take place in our parish, private or otherwise, if it would be at all possible to give prior warning. Last year in Postcombe the explosions that took place some days after November 5th, being unexpected, frightened my in-foal Shetland pony mares so much that three of them aborted their expected foals - not to mention the cats and dogs everybody has. Perhaps a notice on the notice board or even a telephone call as a courtesy would be greatly appreciated by everybody in Postcombe and the other villages." An open letter from the Editors of Grapevine To: All parents in Lewknor We have been asked by several people to bring to the notice of all parents, the acts of vandalism in our village over the last couple of months...... The school slide has had bits broken off leaving jagged edges. The school fence in Church Road has been broken. The notice board by Church Road has had its window broken and door frame broken. An abandoned car outside the pub has been vandalised. The new games table in the playground has had the protective top burnt. The bunting put up for the Open Gardens Day was torn down and broken in several places. Flowers left on the Lych Gate after a wedding were scattered around the playground. The gate at the entrance to the school playground was sheared off its hinges. The fence around corner of Church Road to the noticeboard has been broken. Curb stones at the entrance of Barley Close have been taken out of the pavement (these have been mended). These are the acts of bored children who have egged each other on to chip away at community property. They show a lack of pride in the our village and a lack of pride for our community. We hope that each and every parent in the village will take the time to sit down with their children whatever their age and talk about the consequences to the community as a whole and how very sad it is to have to write this list. STOP PRESS NEWS: The slide is now completely out of action having been vandalised at the beginning of October.
........welcomes you to these special services during Autumn and Christmas as well as to its weekly services of worship. Sunday 28th October 10.30 - especially for bereaved families and friends within the parish Friday 2nd November 09.00 - Shoebox Assembly Sunday 4th November 10.30 - Shoebox service for 'Operation Christmas Child' Friday 14th December 09.00 - Christingle Sunday 16th December 18.30 - Nine lessons and Carols Monday 24th December 17.00 - Crib Service Monday 24th December 23.30 - Midnight Communion Service
TUESDAY 16 October 9-4pm CHALGROVE WEDNESDAY 24 October 9-4pm WATLINGTON The Depatment of Health has recommended that we offer vaccination against Influenza to all our patients over the age of 65 and also to patients who suffer from a 'high risk' condition, regardless of age All our patients in these two groups will receive an invitation to attend our 'Flu Vaccination bays' in either the John Hampden Hall in Chalgrove or in the Day Room in Watlington Hospital. Due to the large numbers of patients who will be coming for vaccinations, there will be GPs, Practice Nurses, Health Visitors and District Nurses all vaccinating at the same time in order to, hopefully, eliminate waiting time. Age Concern in Chalgrove and the League of Friends in Watlington have kindly offered to provide refreshments during the course of the day. We have also invited Age Concern, Citizen's Advice Bureau, The Police and the Fire Brigade to take part by manning stands in both venues to offer advice and information on issues specifically relevant to older people such as benefits, fire precautions and personal safety. Patients are welcome to attend either venue regardless of which surgery they usually attend. Drs. Neale, Nicholson, McManus and Gregory
Advance Notice: Our 'Christmas Bazaar' this year will be held at school on Friday 30th November. Lots of handmade gifts will be on sale, as well as Christmas wreaths and decorations made by the pupils. Do come along for a mince pie and mulled wine, it's lovely to see everyone from the parish as well as parents coming to support us.
Autumn may well be on its way, but you could still be saving money and saving fuel by using the sun's energy. With a solar water system, the sun can provide up to 60% of your hot water needs in the autumn months. 'Solarsavers' is a new scheme offering solar water heating systems and other solar products for householders at discounted prices. It is a countywide scheme that is supported by all Oxfordshire Councils but led by south Oxfordshire and the Vale of White Horse District Councils. A choice of discounted solar water heating systems and installationn options is available through the scheme and all systems are covered by the warranties of the Solar Trade Association. Solar water heating works all year round, even on bright cloudy days. South Oxfordshire District Council is planning to install solar water heating for domestic purposes at its offices in Crowmarsh Gifford. This is an ideal opportunity for local residents to join us in taking action for the environment. 42,000 people can't be wrong! This is the number of households in the UK that heat their water by using the sun. For further information on Solarsavers write to Sustain Ltd at FREEPOST Bristol BS40 5NA, contact 0845 6000 337 (lo-call) or visit the Solarsavers website at www.solarsavers.co.uk.
Chilterns Commons Day 2001 will be held at Cadmore End between 10.00am and 3.30pm on 17 November. The (free) programme will comprise two morning lectures dealing with the history and industrial archaeology of the Chilterns followed by a field visit in the afternoon to examine the archaeological features of the Common including the old brick workings. Anyone requiring further details or wishing to book a place should contact Jeff Jefford on 01844 281449.
It will have been apparent for some time that the waste collection service, particularly that concerned with paper for recycling, has been unreliable. The problem is fundamentally to do with the contractor's apparent inability to recruit the workforce necessary to do the job. SODC are currently renegotiating the contract but until this process is complete, it is possible that there will be further missed collections. The planned availability of the mobile skip service during November is notified below (see Dates for Your Diary) but it is possible that this too may be disrupted.
South and Vale Carers Centre offers information, advice and support to anyone looking after another person who because of age, physical or mental illness/disability, is unable to look after themselves. IF YOU ARE A CARER WE CAN HELP YOU. The Centre is based in Didcot, but we have outreach workers throughout South Oxon and the Vale of the White Horse who will visit you at home to discuss the services and benefits needed to support you in your caring role. Carers can also drop into the Centre between 9am and 4pm Monday to Friday and talk over their concerns. Appointments can be arranged outside of these times. There are benefits and services available to support Carers and one call to our free confidential service will give you the information you need to enable you to decide the support you need. IF YOU NEED US, CALL US ON 01235 510212 5 Lydalls Road, Didcot, Oxon OX11 7HX E-mail carers@svcc.fsnet.co.uk
Good year for Apples? Keep the 'Doctor away' and tempt the children with this delicious recipe..... Apple Crunch
1 Rub in butter or margerine, add the other ingredients and beat well (2 mins) 2 Put into well-greased tin 3 Peel and slice apple and lay in overlapping rows over cake mixture 4 For topping rub in butter and then add other ingredients 5 Spread topping evenly over apples 6 Bake for 45 minutes in a moderate oven 375F, 190c or till cooked
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