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Issue 15
December 2020
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A MESSAGE FROM US Welcome to Issue 15 of the Bampton Lowdown! It's the last newsletter of what has been an unforgettable - and very forgettable - year for all of us. One rare upside of Covid-19 is that it created this publication, which has grown from a simple newsheet of essential lockdown information into a varied mixture of stories, commentaries, profiles, reporting and much more, all of which are Bampton related. We've all very much enjoyed producing The Lowdown and we really hope that you've found it a valuable source of information and entertainment throughout these difficult months. It is certainly our intention to continue for as long as funding allows. A few special thanks and mentions.... to everyone at Bampton Aid Network for their truly inspiring work during lockdown, to Abigail Groves who kindly donated so many copies of her lovely book 'Abigail's World' to many happy Bampton children, to all of our contributors - too many to name, to our wonderful delivery teams for distributing the newsletter around the village in all weathers, and finally of course to our sponsors whose generous support in very difficult times kept the newsletter going! Lastly, our thanks and seasonal greetings go to you, our readers in and around Bampton and let's all hope that 2021 will bring not just a return to 'normality' but a new and rewarding time for everyone. Happy Christmas from the Lowdown Team! Alison, Sue, Rhiannon, Amelia, Maurizio, James, and Adam.
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Emergency and Health services Bampton Surgery
!!!
Call first on 01993 850257 Monday – Friday: 8.30am - 6.30pm Saturday and Sunday: Closed
Pharmacy (Bampton Healthcare Ltd) Tel: 01993 851961 Mon-Fri 9am to 1pm, 2pm to 6pm Sat 9am to 12noon
Bampton Post Office
Mon-Fri 09.00-17.30 Wed CLOSED Sat 09.00-12.30
CONTENTS
Message from our sponsor Yvonne Lay Father Christmas story Bampton Primary school news Nature watch BSR Bampton Fire Brigade Announcements Advertisements
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Here’s our new Graphic Designer, Amelia!!
Bampton Parish Council
Tel: 01993 851870 www.bamptonoxon-parishcouncil.gov.uk
The Bampton Clinic is remaining open for osteopathy and acupuncture. We are here to help and support you. 01993 851359 www.bamptonclinic.co.uk
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Yvonne Lay – Artist & Creator. My parents moved to the Cotswold in the late 60’s and made Aston their home. I’ve moved a few times, however despite a short time abroad, I’ve always been drawn back the area and now live in the beautiful village of Shilton. There is something about the wonderful scenery, architecture and plethora of wildlife, flora and fauna in the area which fills me with joy.I studied Art & Ceramics to A level with the aim of going to art school. creativity into more practical areas such as upholstery, interior design and property Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to follow my development with my husband. dream path, so for many years downed my brushes and paints, focused on a career In recent years I’ve had a change of career to in Sales & Marketing and channelling my become a Dog Groomer, which has also now given me time to re-ignite my love of art. So, a couple of years ago I started exploring different media, have refreshed myself with some private lessons and recently taken the step of offering my works for sale. Having always had an infinity and love of animal, the outdoors and mother nature, these are often the inspiration behind my work. Rare breed and at-risk species are an area I hope to do more of, alongside more traditional subjects like Flora & Fauna. I mainly work in Watercolour & Acrylic and occasionally with Oils for land & seascapes.
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I try to add little quirks to my pieces to add extra interest, but that depends very much on if I am working to a commission or simply my own personal ideas. Most of my work is available as prints after the original is sold. This enables me to offer them larger or smaller in size to accommodate different wall spaces. I also have a range of plain notelets and cards.I hope you enjoy my work; I am very much at the beginning of my journey so please follow my path. I have a Facebook art page where some of my work can be viewed and Im always happy for people to message me to discuss a piece or a one-off commission.
Have you ever wondered how Father Christmas gets to everyone in the world all in one night? Well, obviously the answer is by magic! But in fact, he doesn’t visit everyone on Dec 24th. He spreads it out a bit over the festive period, or has other people to do it for him. In Belgium and The Netherlands, Father Christmas arrives from Spain on December 6th, on St Nicholas’ Day. He is known as “Sinterklaas”, which is where the name Santa Claus comes from. He rides a white horse and is accompanied by his helpers. He brings mostly chocolates and sweet things. Sinterklaas also visits Germany. On the night of Dec 5th, children leave their shoes by the door and in the morning, they find them filled with chocolate. Hopefully, they’ve put out CLEAN shoes! German children do get gifts on Christmas Eve but depending on where you live, its usually the Christ Child who brings them, not Father Christmas. The Christ Child isn’t the Baby Jesus, by the way! She’s more of an angel. In Italy and Russia, Father Christmas may drop in a small gift on Christmas Day, but the main presents come on January 6th on the Feast of The Epiphany (or Twelfth Night).
Father Christmas doesn’t seem to get to Iceland at all (which is odd considering its so close to The North Pole!) but the children in Iceland don’t need to worry. There’s a whole group of Elves, called The Yule Lads who take care of everything. They arrive 13 days before Dec 24th and leave little gifts for children on window cills. If you’ve been naughty, you’ll get a potato or a message telling you to behave better! Christmas presents are left under the tree and opened on Christmas Eve. Traditionally, Icelandic children get a book, a candle, a new piece of clothing and perhaps a pack of cards. And what’s more, if you don’t wear your The gifts are brought by an old lady called new clothes on Christmas Day, then the Befana in Italy or Baboushka in Russia. It’s Christmas Cat will come and eat you!! a bit of a sad story actually. The old lady had toys ready for a child she never had and So there you are, now you know a bit more when she heard about the Baby Jesus from more about how the Christmas Magic The Wise Men, she took out the toys to give happens… to Him. But when she got to Bethlehem, Baby Jesus had already gone to safety in Egypt so she missed him! So now legend has it that she roams the world leaving toys for children in the hope that one of them will be the Baby Jesus.
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Bampton C.E. Primary School and Nursery As everyone adjusts again to life in a second national lockdown I am grateful for the small sense of “normality” that we achieve at school. I am very grateful we can all still attend school. The last thing any of us want is children missing more essential learning opportunities and those equally important social interactions with their peers. I consider us to be among the fortunate ones who can continue to benefit from social interaction, the fun and laughter that is part of everyday school life- yes, even in a pandemic! We are an amazing team here at Bampton CE Primary school and Nursery. The staff are working incredibly hard to adjust to the changes in working practice, the constraints of keeping in bubbles and having staggered playtimes and lunchtimes. The additional work that comes with staggered starts and finish times, cleaning down tables and supporting children in frequently washing and/or sanitising their hands. Despite all this, learning continues and whilst our focus is to help children catch up on any core missed learning we are also ensuring our curriculum remains broad, balanced and engaging. Our usual diary of visitors, trips out and workshop sessions have had to be postponed under the current restrictions, as has much of our Burford Schools Partnership work. However please see below, in the words of the staff and children, some of the things we have engaged in and enjoyed since returning to school in September. 6
To celebrate and raise funds for Children in Need we took part in a “Get Active Day”. With support from our linked PE specialist the children ran a cross country event on our school field: (comments from Y2 children) I enjoyed the cross country even though it was hard. I liked the cross country because I like running. We also ran a sponsored skip event on the playground: (April Y2)- I enjoyed the sponsored skip because I like skipping. Last Friday we had a really busy day. To start with, we took part in a sponsored skip for Children in Need and we had to skip as many times as we could in 15 minutes. I did 271 skips and it was exhausting. Later in the morning we took part in a CrossCountry competition. We ran on a 2000m course round our field. It was tiring but fun. The class were really nice to me and ran the last little bit with me. I wrote a note to say thank you afterwards and it made a couple pf people cry! (Year 5) Each year we embrace the National AntiBullying Week focus and take this time to explore key messages and themes around anti-bullying to support our ongoing curriculum focus on this element of Personal, Social and Emotional Education. We started National Anti-Bullying Week by wearing odd socks to celebrate our differences; I liked wearing odd socks to
support anti-bullying week and my socks were cool. (Y2) On Monday we wore odd socks to school for Anti-bullying week. This was to help us remember that everyone is different. (Y5) At our school we choose to share this message with our youngest, through to our eldest children. We relish the opportunity to highlight the significance of this topic and to really focus on change and hope for our future generations coming through. We start this process of positivity in our Nursery class, where we send a clear and valuable message to all the children about the gift of kindness. We encourage every child in our school to be thoughtful and caring to each other – always. We discuss how truly special these qualities are to have in ourselves and in each other. How special it is to have friends around us that can bring out the very best in each other and to support each other daily, in achieving our own personal goals in life, which we may choose to set for ourselves. The children also make a promise that they will share any worries or sad feelings they may experience in life, with the people around them that they trust. As a problem shared is always so much easier to deal with together. We send to you, each and everyone one of our wider community members, this message of kindness, caring and thoughtfulness; knowing that together, with the support of all, we can achieve. (Words from Jo Wilson, Nursery Teacher) Comments on other learning opportunities the children have enjoyed this term (Y5): On Friday 6th November we dressed up in bright colours to represent fireworks and it was wonderful. Later that day we went out to the forest school area and toasted marshmallows on the fire and made s'mores. I enjoyed doing our art, inspired by Joan Miro, we used oil pastels and pens and used different shapes, lines and animals. (Y2)
Comments from Year 4 children: I enjoy being back and seeing my friends. I enjoy playing football and PE. I love snack and story time and playing with my friends. I loved learning my 6,4,5 times tables. I like doing science in class. My favourite thing at school was doing the cross -country and doing maths. The children in Year 1 had a Forest School morning: I liked making s’mores and having a play with the sticks. We toasted marshmallows and had hot chocolate and biscuits. We built a den. I liked jumping in the puddles. For one Year 1 child this was his first morning at our school and he said; “I liked making new friends.” Sadly, our term will not end with Christmas Nativity performances and Carol services but we have a plan to share some of the magical moments of school Christmas time with our children and families. I hope we all manage to enjoy the festivities in the best way possible during these challenging times. Stay safe and keep well everyone. Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from all the governors, staff and children at Bampton CE Primary School and Nursery. Carol Phillips, Headteacher
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Nature
Watch TREES -
I have managed to secure 200 small trees and 200 hedging plants. These are for all of the bear patches of green space on the Cala Estate. They also come with animal guards as well. I have a plan of where these can go around the estate, yes it will take time for them to be effective, but it’s a start that Cala homes never achieved. I expect delivery on the 15th December 2020. There after if any body wishes to help plant some or all of these trees/plants then please email myself Simon Fisher at JV44SF@gmail.com and we can arrange where to plant them. Keep safe Simon fisher
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HEDGEHOGS -
I am known as the Hedgehog lady to my friends as have fed them now for years. We have had our crops of babies and at times some renters in our houses at bottom of garden Last month we had 9 one night, 5 out front 4 out back, but suddenly all have vanished. Its too early for hibernation as its still warm so what has happened I ask? Anyone else still seeing them? Feed back please xx -Barbara Dickinson. Mercury Court, Bampton
When you think of winter wildlife, one of the first things that usually comes to mind is the robin, but why do robins have such a strong association with winter? This could partly be because there is an increase in robin numbers during the winter months, with migrants from Scandinavia, Russia and Europe joining our resident robins when the winters become too cold and food scarce back home. On the other hand, native UK robins generally don’t move very far during the year, only really moving between their breeding and winter territories, and although they look very cute, robins are very territorial. They will even go as far as to fight to the death to defend their territories. Robins usually are also not as shy as other birds when it comes to human contact, with many reports of people handfeeding them in their gardens.
If you have robins that visit your garden regularly, why not put out some food for them? Mealworms, seeds and suet are all firm favourites of robins, and will go a long way towards keeping them well fed and healthy during the cold winter months. In addition, if you have bird baths in your garden, keeping them ice-free and accessible would definitely help to keep any visiting birds happy this winter. - Andrew Mann (With thanks to the Scottish Wildlife Trust)
Important
Message from West Oxfordshire District Council
As the shielding programme is paused and people start to return to work, we know that many of you will be feeling anxious about the changes taking place. We want to reassure you that West Oxfordshire District Council, along with a wide range of charities and community services, are here to help. If you or someone you know is worried and needs help, please call the Council on 01993 861077 or send an email to: community.support@westoxon.gov.uk Keep up to date: www.westoxon.gov.uk Follow us on social media
Mrs Sylvia Nicholson taken in the Summer of 1968.
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St. Mary’s Church Organ Restoration
GOOD NEWS! The beautifully restored pipe organ is now back in its rightful place. NOT SUCH GOOD NEWS! We still have to pay for it.Since the original Lockdown back in the Spring, all of our fundraising activities had to be cancelled. However, we have continued to be grateful for the generosity of all those people who have sponsored organ pipes.
In addition, the name of the sponsor(s) together with the dedication will be recorded in a special Memories Book which will remain on display in the church. If you would like to sponsor a pipe or pipes, please contact Janet Newman for an application form.janet.newman81@ outlook.comphone: 01993 850755Leofric House, 81 New Road OX18 2NP
Organ pipes can be sponsored in memory of a loved one, to celebrate an anniversary, a christening, a marriage or other special occasion. It could also be an ideal Christmas gift.Pipes may be sponsored for £5, £10, £20 or £50. This includes a certificate of thanks and recognition, together with the dedication and the identification of the particular organ pipe sponsored.
CHANGE OF COMMAND AT RAF BRIZE NORTON On 31 July 2020, Group Captain Emily Flynn completed her handover week and took over as RAF Brize Norton’s new Station Commander from Group Captain Dan James.Group Captain Flynn commissioned into the RAF in 2000 and arrives after carrying out a role as the Military Assistant to the Vice Chief of Defence Staff. Group Captain Flynn said: “I am delighted to assume command of Royal Air Force Brize Norton and I am both humbled and privileged to have the opportunity. Brize Norton’s output, whether delivering air mobility across the globe or by the 10
many supported units on the Station, is phenomenal.” Group Captain Flynn is passionate about STEM opportunities and was shortlisted for the Institution of Engineering and Technology’s Young Woman Engineer of the Year award in 2008. She is a member of the Institution’s Apprentice and Technician Awards Panel and has participated in many events to promote careers in STEM, hoping to inspire the next generation.
HISTORY OF BAMPTON FIRE BRIGADE No one is certain how long a fire service has been in Bampton. The earliest record we have is in 1813 when repairs were made to a pump damaged in a fire at Lower Haddon. The damage must have been quite severe as the bill was for £2.10.0 which would have been a considerable sum in those days. Parish records began in 1896 and from then until 1947 the Parish Council ran the
Bampton became part of Oxfordshire County Fire Service (Station 4) in the Southern Division. In 1974 counties in England reformed their borders, Oxfordshire taking over part of Berkshire and, therefore, some of their fire stations. The Oxfordshire Fire Service now included the 2 stations in Oxford city and was divided into three Divisions, A, B and C. Bampton now became Station B5, but shortly after, in a divisional change, resorted back to B4. In the early 1980s Oxfordshire again reformed, now into 2 Divisions and Bampton became part of A Division as Station A 12.In
brigade. All equipment was bought by the Council from local firms where possible. This was the same all over the country, so there was no standard equipment and clothing. During the Second World War, Bampton firemen went to places like London, Coventry and Portsmouth. On many occasions they were unable to use their equipment because all the fittings were different. In 1947 individual Parish Council brigades were brought under the control of each county and fittings were all standardise throughout the country. Fire pumps were not immediately changed but modified to the new fittings.
2016 the Control Room of Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service in Kidlington was merged with Royal Berkshire FRS and Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes FRS in a new Control Centre in Calcot near Reading. This was called the Thames Valley Fire and Rescue Service. Fire appliances are now fitted with GPS tracking systems so the control operator can send the nearest fire appliance to any incident in the three counties. This also means that when requiring assistance all calls aretaken by the control centre in Calcot so exact locations are essential for correct mobilisation. 11
Fix my back Stop my headaches Ease my shoulders A technique called BSR may be able to help you.
Pain and sore joint are the result of a variety of causes. Some of my clients are recovering from serious illness and are suffering from the long-term psychological effects of years of treatment, medication and surgery. Most of my clients come to me suffering with headaches, sore shoulders, back pain and sciatica, as a result of what I call “Life Stress”. During these uncertain times many of us are suffering from the build up of stress from poor posture, physical inactivity or “driving a desk”. If this is you or someone that you know Body Stress Release (BSR) may be able to help you.
BSR? What the heck is that?As a superstressed person, spending 10-12 hours daily at my workstation, even the regular hour in the gym did very little to help me relax. One day I spotted an advert in our staff canteen for BSR sessions. I was intrigued as I had overheard conversations from other colleagues of how effective it was and how it had helped them, and I thought I’d give it a try. After the first ten minutes on the couch, my previously tense back muscles had literally melted. A further ten minutes down the treatment, I was simply floating in a happy space of my own, feeling totally relaxed and, well, just wanted to sleep really! So what is BSR? Well, according to the BSR own website this is what this side branch of chiropractice is; “Body Stress Release uses information provided by the body to determine where stored tension may be undermining the efficiency of the nervous system, disturbing the body’s ability to coordinate its functions and perform at its full potential.”
BSR is a gentle technique using light, directional pressure to structures and muscles across your spine. No specific preparation for a session is required and you are fully clothed at all times. BSR works on a physical level to relax your muscles and has benefits for your mental and emotional I am not advertising a specific practitioner, but if you are interested pop into https:// wellbeing. www.bodystressrelease.org.uk/ for more For more information and advice you can information. Who knows, it may help you find your nearest BSR practitioner on the UK too! Maurizio Fantato - The Lowdown Social website www.bodystressrelease.org.uk Media Coordinator
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Activity number 11:
Seated or standing heel taps This activity will help with your circulation and stamina – you might find it makes you feel a little warmer and breathe a little more heavily, but you should still be able to hold a conversation. That’s a good level to be working at. • • •
Sitting up towards the front of the chair, step your foot forwards to tap your heel on the floor. Return to the start position then do the same with the other foot. Continue, alternating your feet at an even pace.
Do 2 sets of 10 with each leg If you’re feeling comfortable, gradually increase the number of repetitions or add in Safety: Dizziness, sickness or excessive tiredness are signals to stop exercising and an arm curl. wait for symptoms to settle. Warning signs You can do the same exercise standing up - to stop exercising and seek urgent medical always stand next to something stable such attention include sudden onset of rapid as a work surface for support if required. If palpitations, reduction in exercise capacity, you are feeling steady add in the arm curls, dizziness, severe breathlessness or chest pain. too! Thank you to Tracey Barnett for her contributions. Tracy has now started teaching 'virtual' exercise classes for AGE UK Oxfordshire using ZOOM. You'll recognise lots of the exercises if you've been following the column in the Lowdown and you don't have to venture further than your front room! Not a 'group' person? You'll only be visible to the instructor and group facilitator if you prefer. Contact AGE UK on 01235 849 403 for more details. They have developed an excellent step-by-step guide to get you on line and joining in with the action!
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Announcements
36TTravel agents
Hello I live in Bampton and I am a home based travel agent. We are called 36TTravel agents #Bamptontravelagents We can offer exactly the same service as any high street agents. We have a large database of many well known companies such as Tui, James villas, Butlins, Holseasons to name a few, and some specialists you may not of heard of. All our holidays are ABTA, ATOL bonded. Please feel free to contact -Monique Liddiard
Hidden Gardens Sunday 13 June
2 - 6 pm
Happily we have all been enjoying our outdoor spaces this year, with many hours spent tending our gardens, with this in mind a date has been chosen for Hidden Gardens. Please put this in your diaries, go out and visit the Garden Centres which are open throughout lock down - and get ready! Further details of the Garage Sale and Hidden Gardens will be delivered to your door in the new year. In the meantime enjoy this winter sunshine and do get in touch if you have any queries. - Hidden Gardens Team, Angie - 01993 851095 Jo - 01993 850947
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MUMMERS
The Bampton Mummers will not going out this year. We had hoped the virus would have settled down enough to allow us to continue our yearly tradition, but sadly we have had to bow to the inevitable and therefore will not be entertaining folks in their homes or the public houses this year. We wish all a very merry Christmas. - Cheers Mat
**Aston Repair Depot**
We are aiming to remain open during the forthcoming lock down. We will do our best to support our customers to the best of our ability in both a commercial and social capacity during these anxious times whilst exercising all precautions necessary to keep everyone safe. Take Care Andy Ball and his team. 01993 850305
Arts & Crafts
Diddly O's
Flamingo Paperie
Let's Back Our Businesses. Is it ok to back my own business based in Bampton... I've worked so hard to build up Diddly O's whilst being a full time mama for the last 3.5 years. I hand make to order children's clothes (and some adults too) in a range of soft cotton fabrics, ages 0-10yrs.
Hiya ! My name is Laura and I work for a company called 'Flamingo Paperie'. I am based in Bampton. We sell the most beautiful items. Items such as gift wrap with tags, any occasion cards, lovely 3D paper craft kits, Christmas advent calanders, advent cards, packs of cards, chatter boxes, tissue paper and lot's lot's more. Please take a look on my Facebook page - Laura's Flamingo Paperie. I also have an online web page which you can order from, and the items will get delivered straight to your door. Otherwise, you can order via me and i can deliever to your door. You will find my web page link via my Facebook page. My email address is la.styling@talktalk.net. If you don't have access to the internet, please feel free to send me a message or give me a call and i can pop a brochure round to you. 07583643833. Thanks so much for your time reading this, take a look and enjoy all the beautiful, great quality items available ! I look forward to hearing from you. Laura x
I'm in Facebook and Insta and have some great Christmas fabrics available as well as my normal range found at: www.diddlyos.co.uk #BackOurBusinesses
Welcome to Yvonne Lay
Cotswold Artist & Creator. I hope you like looking through my work. I am now offering pieces for sale, both originals and prints, with cards available shortly. All pictures can be supplied with/without mounts plus can be printed into very large sizes. Commissions considered across all mediums & interior design. Framing can be arranged by special request.
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Food & Drink TOP NOSH ON WHEELS!!
MIDWEEK MENU Wednesday 4th & Thursday 5th November Dishes will be ready for collection each Wednesday or Thursday before midday. Deliveries to Bampton, Aston, Alvescot, Clanfield, Radcot, Faringdon and surrounding area can be arranged @ £1.50 per delivery, with free delivery for orders of £30 or more. FRIDAY CURRY NIGHT Friday 6th November from £8.95 pp Minimum delivery - 2 meals to Bampton, Aston, Alvescot, Clanfield, Radcot, Buckland & Faringdon from 6 - 8pm Orders to be placed by midday Thursday 5th November for delivery on Friday 6th November COURSE SUPPER DELIVERY Saturday 7th November £25 pp Orders to be placed by midday Friday 6th November for delivery on Saturday 7th November. Meals are freshly prepared and delivered warm. Minimum delivery - 2 meals to Bampton, Aston, Alvescot, Clanfield,Radcot, Buckland & Faringdon from 6 - 8pm If you have any dietary requirements or favourite dishes do feel free to let us know: enquiries@tailormadetopnosh.co.uk 01993 852696 16
The Romany Inn
Here we go again!! the Romany inn are taking orders for takeaway Sunday roasts starting Nov 8th. the meat choices are pork beef or turkey. if you fancy a day off from cooking then give us a ring on 01993850237 The Romany inn will be doing takeaway fish & chips starting this friday from 4pm to 8pm. if you fancy a fry up call us to order on 01993850237.
NUTMEG & THYME -
HOME DELIVERY AND CHARLBURY SATURDAY COLLECTION As we head back into another lockdown, we want to remind everyone we are a free home food delivery service within a 10 mile radius of Burford, (orders over £30) and can of course deliver outside of that with delivery charges dependant on the distance. Attached below is our November seasonal menu, however we are always happy to take orders from all our previous menus and any special requests are welcome! Any dishes with * beside them are freezer friendly in the case you'd like to stock up on some easily reheatable meals and bakes. We will be pitched at Charlbury Community Centre on Saturdays, so you can pre order and collect between 8:30-2.30pm. We are hoping local markets will continue but will update this page as soon as we are able!
Mollie's Motel & Diner
Mollie's Motel & Diner are closed until the start of December. Our Drive Thru will remain open everyday from 12pm-10pm but will temporarily be closed between Monday 9th and Friday 13th November, so you take a little piece of Mollie's home with you. We will be maintaining all of our safety measures and only accepting cashless payments. With mouthwatering burger and chicken deals, our iconic mac 'n' cheese, our classic grilled cheese sandwich and our delicious milkshakes, there is something for everyone at Mollie's. Drive Thru, Take Home, Park up, Pit Stop. Whatever reason, we’ve still got you covered.
TRANSPORT NEWS WITNEY OXFORD TRANSPORT
A railway station in Carterton? Next year will be 60 years since the closure of the Fairford branch which connected Oxford with Witney and of course Bampton and Brize. The line was axed in the infamous Beeching reorganisation of the UK rail network, and now only a few bits of track survive. But things may be changing. For several years now, a small group of people across all sectors and political parties got together under the umbrella of WOT Witney Oxford Transport. The group was founded thanks to a grant from Railfuture, the RSA and with strategic support also from the Campaign for Better Transport. WOT has been lobbying tirelessly to have a possible rail line between Carterton and Oxford reinstated. Back in 2001, the Oxford County Council had a clear transport vision for the A40 corridor, with a dualling of that road and also the addition of a rail line. This long term strategic approach got shelved, and WOT painstakingly resurrected it. It is obvious to most people living in our District that with a booming population (and increasing thanks to the large housing developments around Carterton,
Witney and Eynsham), reliance on the A40 would be unsustainable. Already at rush hour, a journey from Witney to Oxford can take up to two hours, an unacceptable situation aggravated by bad weather or accidents. An alternative is therefore urgently needed. A few weeks ago, WOT responded to the consultation on the new garden village with a firm proposal to include a rail link as part of the plan. Shortly afterwards a much overdue decision was made by the County Council to include a rail link between Oxford and Witney/Carterton as part of the county’s transport strategy. This is an important milestone since it is only with the backing of the county that the Department for Transport might consider releasing funds that have been earmarked for the reopening of old lines. There is, of course, a lot more about the possible new rail link and some exciting developments to join it to the Cowley branch and further. Read all about it yourself from the website of Witney Oxford Transport: www.witneyoxfordtransport.org.uk
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PONY TALES Memories of Abingdon RDA This book of memories has been skillfully put together by two of the RDA coaches, Angy Irvin and Amanda Graham, with the proceeds going to the Abingdon Group. Angy decided that with the lockdown of Spring/Summer 2020 and the closing of the yard she would get a book published! And what a fantastic achievement it is. 71 memories gathered from all kinds of people with a connection to RDA paint a vivid picture of the first 45 years of this Group. The tales chart the progress of the charity which Ann Barlow started in 1974, through the various premises, the antics of the ponies, the celebs, the coaches and their experiences, and the thrills of the riders! You will learn much about the beloved Speckles and gorgeous Mr Brown and fun times on the Downs as well as plans for the future.203 pages with illustrations Published and Printed by Amazon (use search words ‘Abingdon RDA’)Kindle edition £9.99, Paperback edition £12.00. Edited by Angy Irvin and Illustrated by Amanda Graham. I have been involved with the RDA (Riding for the Disabled Association) at Lower Lodge Riding Centre in Charney Road for the last 3 years as a volunteer helper. It has been a way back in for me to connect with horses, and horsey people again, and along the way to make new friends and to see life from a different perspective, not to mention meeting some awesome children too! -Lesley Chaundy
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WITNEY RADIO 99.9FM in Bampton
Listen out for Adam's show ‘Chit Chat’ every Tuesday 6-7pm! Send in your stories, news, song requests and dedications! Text or WhatsApp 07931 366999 Or visit the site: www.witney.radio Listen on Smart Speaker: “Alexa, Launch Witney Radio”
Playing Witney Radio
Now on Sale!
Inside each jar are 25 acts of kindness children can do (mostly!) by themselves - pull out one a day during December and see where it takes you. Order your jars before 30th November for kids, cousins, friends and family at www.pta-events.co.uk/friendsofbuckland The jars are £3 each and will be ready to pick up from local collection points or delivery will be available for residents of Buckland village. 19
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