EYNSHAM
Council & Community Issue 1 – April 2013
NEWS
We made it! Roundabout, to save time and effort all round. Getting the balance right may not always be easy but we have already been commended for trying, as you’ll see. Prime Minister and local MP David Cameron was “delighted to be asked to contribute to the launch issue of Eynsham News.” He said: “Newsletters like this are so important. Such publications give a much-needed voice to our local communities which make our area such a special, proactive and inclusive place to live. “Sometimes I point to West Oxfordshire as a classic place where people are already involved in what I call the Big Society.” The Big Society, Mr Cameron explained, is not just about volunteering. There are two more key aspects – giving people much more power and responsibility at a local level; and opening up public services to greater diversity. He added: “The third part is indeed social action and volunteering, asking people to think of doing more for themselves, their families and their communities. Here, I am always surprised by the incredible range of organisations in West Oxfordshire and now we have the Eynsham News to add to the impressive list. “I look forward to seeing this community publishing venture go from strength to strength.”
Resounding cheers and hearty thanks to everyone involved in getting this new community newsletter off the ground – from the scores who filled in survey forms, outlining what you wanted – loud and clear – to the local businesses who lined up to fund printing costs and the many willing volunteers on the home delivery round. Eynsham News emerges in response to the recent contraction of The Roundabout, produced by local churches, so we’re grateful to all three churches for supporting this new venture. Thanks also to the Parish Council for a grant that smoothed the way towards an issue every other month until this time next year. Some readers may have wanted news more often. We promise to work on it, though the quest for donations and sponsorship is very time-consuming. Meanwhile, please welcome these early steps and continue to send in your news and comment. Our contact details are on page 2. As our banner heading indicates, Eynsham News has been set up to cover both public services and community activities – combining Eynsham Echo and
In this issue • • • • • • • 1
Shape of things to come: page 2 Operation Isis, Census 2011: 3 Contact sheets: 4 – 5 Public Services: 6 – 9 Home Front: 10 – 11 Recreation: 12 – 14 What’s On: 15 – 16