EYNSHAM
Council & Community Issue 4 – December 2013 - January 2014
NEWS
Peace on earth
image © Sue Chapman The noisy but elegant VC10, nicknamed Queen of the Skies, was finally retired last September. This iconic image, silhouetted above the Scilly Isles, provides a perfect tribute. Sue Chapman recalls the plane in its heyday on page 14. Elsewhere, once again, the news is made – and supplied – by local people. With their help too, we have Christmas all wrapped up (pages 10, 11, 18); and we’re confident you’ll find several other features to hold your interest longer.
In this issue
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• • • • • • • • • •
Man’s best friend? 2 Looking back 3 Visiting dogs and guide dogs 4 – 5 Public affairs 6 – 9 Home Front 10 – 11 Over to you 12 – 13 Local people 14 – 15 Recreation, group updates 16 – 17 Christmas services 18 What’s On: 19 – 20
Man’s best friend?
Out on the playing fields, things are still more shocking. Eynsham youth under 10s manager, Robbie Watson, has put the case most forcefully: “At the start of the season we had to remove a FULL carrier bag of dog mess before we could even warm the boys up. We are not asking for dogs to be banned as I have a dog myself ... My main concern is the health issues that may happen.” Parish Council Chairman Gordon Beach reiterates the case for Oxford Road playing fields: • • •
This toddler may lose one of her eyes after getting an infection from dog mess in a play area. A handful of careless owners can ruin lives. Complaints about dog fouling just keep on coming. It would be hard to name a street that is not affected; but children’s play areas – which are fenced and gated, with signs that dogs are not allowed at every access point – should be totally off limits.
Dogs are not permitted on the north field (the one with the new play area and toilets). On the south field (QE II Field – the one with the Pavilion) dogs are allowed only along the footpath down the western side and must be on a lead at all times. Dogs may be released in the Fishponds, but clearly owners are still responsible for removing any fouling.
Around the village we are all at risk. Perhaps more able-bodied residents can avoid the mess – though anyone of any age may be caught out in the dark, or if distracted. Let’s also spare a thought for people who are partially sighted or who have to propel themselves along in a wheelchair, by hand... What’s to be done? The Parish Council is still liaising with the police and with other councils. They spend over £2000 of our council tax on emptying dog bins. But most of all they need support from residents, to shame repeat offenders. So now you know. We’re all in this together. Dog poo bags cost only pence from Crackerjax or Evenlode DIY.
It is an offence not to clean up after your dog. The maximum fine is now £1000. West Oxfordshire District Council: 01993 861020 2
Looking back
Still on a journey The last edition of “Eynsham News” had quite an eventful ride. Volunteer distribution manager, Pam Breeze, was desperate for a way to get the bundles to her volunteer delivery team – she doesn’t drive. True, members of Eynsham Rotary make the initial run to the key 3 dozen homes, for onward carriage on foot to every home in Eynsham. But plastic wallets or bags (recycled to save the planet) aren’t the sturdiest of containers and had a nasty habit of spilling all over the car. The answer came out of the blue, in a visit to Ikea (by bus, of course). Their shiny shoppers carry 100 copies of “Eynsham News” in style and didn’t break the bank. But it took a while for Pam to persuade her team to hand them back…
Thanks to Kenneth Hicks for an intriguing image to mark the turn of the year. The mirror reflecting Mill Street shows KF & M Harris Family Butchers on the corner of Acre End Street. But who owned the premises where the mirror was mounted at that time?
EYNSHAM NEWS is published by a local, not-for-profit voluntary group, set up solely to produce a community newsletter of broad general appeal. Free delivery to every household is arranged by volunteers. Eynsham News is now also online, for family and friends around the country and overseas: visit http://issuu.com/eynsham1/
In brief
Local contributions are always welcome. Issue #5 will be out on 27 January – copy deadline Friday 10 January.
Former Oxford Mail reporter Don Chapman has gently pointed out that our recent feature on Keith Green referred to his daughter Katie Chapman as Kitty.
• • •
Though it might have been worse: “In the days when we [filed news by] telephone, mishearings were the bane of our lives. The County Surveyor once appeared as the Countess of Ayr.”
Editor Joan Stonham, 28 Beech Road Eynsham OX29 1LJ: eynsham.news@gmail.com Distribution coordinator Pam Breeze: 01865 880725 Advertising / sponsorship Sandy Hellig: 07551 876285, email sandy.hellig@gmail.com
Opinions expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the Editor or the News Group. Inclusion of an advertisement does not imply endorsement of the product, service or event.
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Eynsham churches
Canine concern
ST LEONARD’S CHURCH OF ENGLAND
It is heartbreaking when an elderly person moves into residential care and is separated from their beloved pet. It is even worse if the beloved companion is put to sleep as no-one is prepared to look after it. Canine Concern is a charity which enables volunteers to take their own dogs into care homes to allow residents to maintain contact with a dog. The dogs are independently assessed as suitable for this type of work and are then registered and insured with the charity. I have been visiting for many years now and since 1993 have paid a weekly visit to Madley Park Care Home in Witney with my two dogs. In 2012 we were honoured to receive the ‘Volunteer of the Year’ award for the Order of St John Care homes.
www.stleonardseynsham.org.uk
Vicar: The Revd Morey Andrews The Vicarage, 45 Acre End Street: 01865 881323 Curate: Revd Kath Cooke 01865 855320 Church Office & Secretary: Jan Macdonald 21 High Street 01865 883325 email stleonards_stpeters@btconnect.com SUNDAY SERVICES Holy Communion 09.00, Morning Service 10:45, Evening Service 18:00 WEEKDAYS Monday Prayer Meeting 07:00, Wednesday Communion 09:30
ST PETER’S CATHOLIC CHURCH www.stpeterseynsham.org.uk
Parish Priest: Father Martin Flatman The Presbytery, Abbey Street: 01865 881613 / 07719 646790 Parish Deacon: Rev Chris Blackman 01865 881718 SUNDAY SERVICE Sunday Mass 10:00 Saturday: Mass for Sunday 19.30, Holy Hour 18:30, Benediction 19:15 WEEKDAYS Mass on Monday 17:30, Tuesday 17.30, Wednesday 09:30, Thursday 09:30, Friday 07:00; Bible Study (in the house) Thursday 19.30.
EYNSHAM BAPTIST CHURCH www.eynshambaptistchurch.co.uk
Minister: Church telephone / answerphone: 01865 882203 Church Secretary: Denise Launchbury 82 Shakespeare Road 01865 881128 Church Treasurer: Bob Thiele 21 Greens Road 01865 426203
We meet some residents in their rooms, then visit the communal lounges where the dogs ‘make their rounds’ and greet everyone in turn. Emily and Amy are always keen to welcome newcomers with a tail wag or by offering a paw – or nose! I hear many stories about dogs the residents have owned and Emily and Amy always listen attentively with their noses placed in welcoming hands. The intuitive nature of dogs is evident when you see them taking care with the very frail, or nudging the hand of a resident with failing eyesight to indicate that they are there. Some dogs even notice when a resident has become frailer and will glance at me in a certain way to let me know that they are aware of this.
SUNDAY SERVICE with Junior Church 10:30; Songs of Praise 2nd Sunday of month 15:00; Hungarian Service 3rd Sunday of month 15:00. WEEKDAYS Reflective Service with Holy Communion Thursday 12:00; Bible Study Groups, please enquire.
THE CHURCHES TOGETHER Regular support for homeless visitors to Gatehouse – August Oasis for Senior Citizens – Women’s World Day of Prayer – ecumenical events at Easter, Christmas, Harvest – and more!
If you have a suitable dog and would like to know more please contact Sarah Ayers for details: 01865 881208.
We are delighted to support this community venture. 4
Guide dogs
Halls for hire
It wasn’t the best of mornings for a walk on Sunday 13 October. And it got worse as a dozen bedraggled dogs and their owners tackled the first ‘Go Walkies’ in Eynsham. Celia Davies reports.
Baptist Church Hall: Lombard Street 07900 066471 Bartholomew Room: Market Square 01865 716943 Berry Sports Hall: Back Lane 01993 861830 Primary School Hall: Beech Road 01865 881294 Red Lion Function Room: Market Square 01865 882903 Scout Headquarters: Back Lane 01865 881787 Social & Sports Club: Swan Street 01865 881234 Sports Pavilion: Oxford Road 01865 716943 St Leonard’s Hall: Thames Street 01865 880107 Tolkien Room: Abbey Street 07454 824234 (Jack Buss-Keating has taken over from Dani Bint) Village Hall: Back Lane 01865 881624 White Hart Function Room 01865 880711
Locals came to wish us well and drop donations in the bucket. Cristal, new mother of nine Guide Dog pups, joined in with her owner. Towards the end, drivers even stopped on Chilbridge Road to make donations. Back at the Sports Pavilion, grasping hot drinks, we met a very excited puppy. Selected to increase the gene pool, his future as a guide dog or a busy father is yet to be decided! Eynsham community spirit was much in evidence. There were dog treats from Crackerjax and chocolate for walkers from the Co-op; posters were hosted by several other shops – thanks to all of them. Tina Anderson, one of two residents waiting for a guide dog, completed the walk and picked the winner of the draw. The dogs behaved amazingly and village generosity raised over £250. And by 10 November fund-raisers at the Queen’s Head had raised a further £220. Shall we do it again (before the rain arrives)? We’ll see. As one of the first events of its kind there was lots to learn. But we could easily double our takings another time.
For details and interactive maps visit Eynsham Online
abbeyproperties
independent estate agents
Your local Independent Agent established in the village since 1983 We sell more property in Eynsham than any other agent. To benefit from our experience of the local market call us for sound, honest and reliable advice on the value of your home. Offices in Eynsham, Witney and Bampton Telephone 01865 880697 www.abbeyproperties.tv
Jane Craft and Jennie Cook image © Helen Peacocke 5
Public affairs Contacts
Local councils
Allotments: John & Sara Bannister 19 Queen Street, 01865 880324 Bartholomew School: Witney Road, 01865 881430 Carnival: Julie Jordan 22 Back Lane, 01865 880042 Chemist: Lloyds Pharmacy 64 Acre End Street, 01865 881283 Childcare: Health Visitors, 01993 881887 Chiropody: Baptist Church Hall 2nd Monday, 01865 880871 Dentists: 4 Cassington Road, 01865 880047 Electoral Services: WODC, 01993 86152 Eynsham News: see page 2 Fire Station: Station Road, 01865 881337; emergencies 999 Flooding: early warning 0845 988 1188; sandbags WODC 01993 861000 (out of hours 0845 3039706) Gas: enquiries 0845 835 1111, leaks 0800 111 999 Grass Cutting: Parish Council, 01865 716943 Library: 30 Mill Street, 01865 880525 Market: St Leonard’s Church Hall, 01865 880928 Medical Centre: Conduit Lane, 01865 881206 Pest Control: WODC, 01993 861060 Planning: applications WODC 01993 861420 Play Areas: Parish Council, 01865 716943 Playing Fields: Management Committee Ann Cross, 01865 880712 Police: Village Hall Back Lane, incident reporting 101, emergencies 999 Post Office: 39 Mill Street, 01865 881159 Primary School: Beech Road, 01865 881294 Recycling: District Council, 01993 861025 Road Repairs: Oxfordshire Highways, 0845 310 1111 Social Care (OCC): 0845 050 7666, emergencies 0800 833408 Sports Centre: Back Lane, 01993 861830 Street Cleaning: WODC Street Scene 01993 861020 Street Lights: 24 hour fault line 0800 317802 Toilets: Back Lane Car Park/Oxford Road, 01249 822063 Waste Collection: WODC, 01993 861020
EYNSHAM PARISH COUNCIL Richard Andrews 01865 880106 Gordon Beach (Chairman) 01865 880979 Andrew Bickley 01865 884496 Sue Brown 01865 464267 Peter Emery 01865 731199 Verity Hughes 01865 880243 Andy Mosson 01865 880889 Sue Osborne 01865 880285 Nick Relph 01865 464264 Olaf Rock 01865 430118 David Rossiter (Vice-Chair) 01865 881568 Dennis Stukenbroeker 01865 880609 Paul Wilding 01865 423556 Fred Wright 01865 881496 Email formula: firstname.lastname@eynsham-pc.gov.uk PARISH CLERK Malcolm Anderson 13 Bailey Road Oxford OX4 3HU: 01865 716943 email clerk@eynsham-pc.gov.uk OXFORDSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL Charles Mathew: 01865 882205 - see feature opposite County Hall: 01865 792422 WEST OXFORDSHIRE DISTRICT COUNCIL Edward James: 01865 731009 Peter Kelland: 01865 880028 Larry Poole: 01865 375130 Council Offices: 01993 861000
Abbreviations
OCC = Oxfordshire County Council WODC = West Oxfordshire District Council
Saving lives Vital treatment following cardiac arrest may soon be in the reach of Eynsham residents, thanks to a generous donation supported by South Central Ambulance Service NHS Trust. An automated external defibrillator (AED) requires no experience to operate and has a massive impact on survival rates. The Parish Council is exploring potential sites, etc.
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The annual residents’ survey has identified the top community safety issues for 2013 / 14: (1) anti-social behaviour / criminal damage, (2) speeding, (3) parking. You always welcome to come to one of our meetings – every sixth Wednesday or so in the Bartholomew Room. Contact Ron Hollis: 07770 466237 email: ron.hollis@thamesvalley.pnn.police.uk
Gravel watch
Make a difference
The Lower Evenlode and Windrush valleys have been at risk of inundation by gravel lakes for years. Some 45 per cent of the area between the A40, the A415 and the Thames has been excavated since WW2; and latterly the Charles Mathew is a area has provided over 90 per member of the OCC cent of the county’s gravel Cabinet Advisory output. Much of this gravel Group on Minerals has been exported to sites like Grove, Harwell and Didcot – which cannot be green or sensible when quantities are available along the river terraces of South Oxfordshire. The County Council’s strategy, last approved in 1996, has been under review since 2010. A draft Core Strategy for the period to 2030 was rejected by the Government Inspector because it contradicted other policies. The second draft – still focused on West Oxfordshire! – went along with SEEDA’s requirement for 2.3 million tonnes of sharp sand and gravel from the county, though actual production was under 1.0 million tonnes. This draft was withdrawn in July, when the Inspector made clear that he was unhappy with its failure to consider the 800 consultation responses, the ‘duty to cooperate’ with neighbours and the new planning laws (NPPF) – as well as several textual idiosyncrasies and lack of logical conclusions. All of which I had been highlighting at every opportunity for some time...
Following the resignation of Jess Lawson, Eynsham Parish Council has a vacancy that it would like to fill by co-option. It is intended that this will be considered at the Council meeting to be held on 7 January 2014. You may be eligible to become a councillor if you: • • •
are registered on the current voters list (electoral roll); or have lived in the parish or within 3 miles of the parish for the last 12 months; or have worked in the parish for the last 12 months.
If you are interested, please write to the Clerk (details opposite), giving some account of relevant experience and why you wish to be a councillor. Closing date for applications is 12:00 noon on 16 December.
Northmoor Productions Typesetting -
A third draft is emerging and consultation will begin in March 2014. The changes are:
from leaflets to ebook publishing
• Bit by bit, the average production figure has been cut to a rolling 811,000 tonnes p.a. – a potential saving of some 10 million tonnes of virgin gravel in the fifteen years to 2030. • Production will be equalised north and south of the Thames, with Didcot, Grove and Harwell served by local excavation and Bicester, Carterton and Oxford by West Oxfordshire. • The text is being checked for inconsistencies; and a trust fund will be included to compensate affected communities.
Illustration & Graphics
In short, the battle is not over but the signs point to a far more just and satisfactory outcome, for Oxfordshire in general and residents of the Lower Windrush and Evenlode valleys in particular. While acknowledging the need for primary and secondary gravel for the county’s economic prosperity, I will continue the fight to ensure that where excavation does take place, it is necessary.
telephone: 01865 880243 email: paul@eynsham.demon.co.uk or: hughes.trimiklini@cytanet.com.cy
We are a registered charity providing a high standard of care & education to 2 – 5 year olds. Located in the grounds of the Community Primary School we have our own permanent, wellequipped premises with a great outdoor area. We offer morning, afternoon or all day sessions, Monday to Friday, 8.45 a.m. to 3.00 p.m. and lunch club is also available. For more information or to arrange a visit, please contact 01865 883893 7
End of an era PC 4384 Richard Conner retired from Eynsham Neighbourhood Police Team in October, transferring to a civilian post in Carterton. Sergeant Liz Bell reports. Richard has spent the last 14 years with Thames Valley Police, first on the beat and more recently as Neighbourhood Officer. He has been based in Eynsham Area for the past nine years or more; and for many residents he has become the face of local police. We cannot let Richard leave without recalling one valiant effort for the RSPCA. The site was far from roads or decent footpaths, so he and his crew-mate transferred to a “four by four” to reach it. So there he was – miles from a road or other house, emerging from a 4x4 and up to his ankles in mud. Richard began to walk to the building that housed the animals, 200 metres away. But his high-visibility coat was a perfect target for a guard dog on the premises. The dog ran out and Richard could only run. Now police boots and equipment are not made for running ankle-deep in mud. The dog had its jaws around the rear of PC Conner before he reached the vehicle; and his crewmate, in hysterics, was not much help to Richard or his rear. Luckily uniform trousers prevented more than a graze; I’m told an even thicker pair was worn next time.
News of Richard’s retirement has been met with many lovely comments from the community. Parish Council chairman Gordon Beach says, “It has been a great pleasure to work with Richard during his time in the village. His help and guidance has been very much appreciated, together with his support for many activities in Eynsham. We wish him every success in his new role”.
GOLSBY BUTCHERS
TRADITIONAL FAMILY BUTCHER Eynsham 01865 881219 Reliable and friendly service Locally sourced meats where available Martin and Paul will be happy to serve you
Carcass based butcher Traditional ways in a modern world
Local free range eggs
Selected speciality cheeses
Hand raised Pies
Jams, stuffings and sauces
Home-made sausages and burgers (including gluten free)
Small selection of frozen fish FREE LOCAL DELIVERY Email golsbybutchers@hotmail.com 1A Mill Street, Eynsham, OX29 4JX
© Eynsham Online 8
Starting young
School council
Jon Hardy explains the presence of some rather junior trainees at Station Road in mid-September
Adam Bates – RE teacher & Hill End coordinator On Monday 21 October students of all ages gathered for the annual ‘brainstorming session’ at Hill End, Farmoor. Each group is overseen by a Bartholomew school staff member; but the students make the decisions and push forward actions for the year. School Council aims to work out what the student body wants our school to achieve and create action plans for five development areas. Each committee is responsible for one of them: ethos; communication; environment; charities; teaching and learning. The weather held off long enough for the traditional bonfire toasted marshmallows – and for Bartholomew’s Got Talent contestant Adam Riley to educate us with some very scientific bonfire songs to his acoustic style guitar.
The Phoenix Project is a partnership between the County Council’s Fire & Rescue Service and Early Intervention Services – working with school children who need additional support, to discourage them from anti-social behaviour. The young people gain an insight into the work of the Fire and Rescue Service through an intensive week of educational sessions in fire prevention and road safety, combined with practical hose and ladder training drills similar to those undertaken by fire fighters. At the end of each course the students take part in a pass out drill, where they demonstrate the practical skills they have acquired to invited parents and guardians, and are presented with a certificate of attendance.
Bartholomew School is looking for work experience placements, exam invigilators and volunteers to help at the youth centre – see page 12.
Friendly exchange Kevin Quinn, one of our On-Call fire-fighters, regularly travels to Germany in his primary employment and has got to know colleagues at the fire station in Langenselbold. At the beginning of October we were very happy to host a trip by three of their number to Eynsham and Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service. They had an excellent and informative visit, especially enjoying the tour of Eynsham Fire Station and the new Incident Support Unit. We were also able to arrange for them to visit our Fire Control at Kidlington and Green Watch at Rewley Road Fire Station in Oxford. On a local level, everyone was enthusiastic and interested in meeting them. They were well looked after in the Swan, and the night out at Ready Steady Spice will be legend in Langenselbold, I’m sure. The curry challenge will be repaid in full when we go to Germany!
EYNSHAM POST OFFICE – NEWS / MAGAZINES 39 Mill Street, Eynsham OX29 4JX: 01865 881159 Mon - Fri 09:00-17:30, Saturday 09:00-12:30 Free personal banking with all major banks Foreign Currency / Euros & Dollars, Travellers’ Cheques Travel Money Card Plus – 0% commission Passport and ID photos; Passport Check & Send; on the spot Travel Insurance; Motor Vehicle Licence; Rod Licence Mobile E-Top-Up & Vouchers – International Calling Cards Gift Vouchers / Postal Orders / MoneyGram – Parcel Force Cards / Stationery / Toys / Dry Cleaning / Laundry Fax / Photocopy – Video Transfer National Health Lottery – Free 24 hour ATM
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Home front
We do all types of tree work including pruning, planting and felling, as well as hedge trimming and stump removal. gregg@allseasonstrees.com www.allseasonstrees.com Call Gregg on 01865 430536 or 07823 332247
BEECH COURT NURSING HOME “a home from home” for your elderly relations
37 Newland Street, Eynsham OX29 4LB Tel: 01865 883611
COMPUTER PROBLEM? NEED HELP BUT CONFUSED BY THE CHOICE? WE CAN DO EVERYTHING FOR YOU AND HAVE 30 YEARS OF WORKING WITH PEOPLE AND THEIR COMPUTERS. FRIENDLY ADVICE AND A DISCOUNT FOR EYNSHAM RESIDENTS BROADBAND & PHONE PROBLEMS SORTED AND WE DO MACS TOO! RING BOB ON 01865 880600 / 07768 732123
Kavanaghs CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS
Sandy Hellig’s tips on preparing for Christmas. image © Helen Peacocke
Are you looking for an award winning local firm of chartered accountants to deal with your tax, accountancy, VAT or payroll affairs? We offer free consultations, fixed fees and flexible working hours to meet your needs. Call Jan or Kevin now on 01865 883597 or check out our website www.kavanaghsaccountants.co.uk
It’s fair to say that the person responsible for feeding their household and visitors over the festive period experiences a degree of stress. I hope the few pointers below will help alleviate some of the worry. Work out:
t: 01865 594955 m: 07917 716004
• How many days are to be covered? • How many people will you be feeding each day and what meals will they expect? • Do any “eaters” have diets to be taken into consideration?
Affordable home makeovers for living & selling Find out more at clarifyinteriors.co.uk
Cut & Dried Pet Services Mobile Dog Grooming
Lists are a good way to do this – whether on good oldfashioned paper or a spreadsheet.
Take the hassle out of having your dog groomed! I will visit your home and provide a full grooming service from my comfortable, fully equipped, mobile dog grooming salon. Fully qualified and insured. Don’t Delay – Book Today! Call Wayne on 01865 423116 or 07854 504260
ELECTRICAL HIRE & SALES Freeland Road, Eynsham OX29 4AU Tel: 01865 881851 www.ehsplanthire.co.uk
Once you have itemised the “meal” requirements, decide what you are going to provide at each and add this to your list / spreadsheet. Don’t forget snacks, to keep “eaters” going between meals, and an extra freezer meal for unexpected arrivals. Next, prepare your shopping and cooking lists. Remember to schedule time for shopping and cooking. If you plan well, ensure that many of your meals are frozen (or can be frozen), and that your snacks have long use-by dates, not only will much of the stress be removed, but wastage will be kept to a minimum. Thoughtful planning will allow your “eaters” to enjoy their time with you – and you to enjoy time with them. Remember, visitors come to enjoy your company, not to judge your catering skills!
Tools and plant - garden equipment - specialist pumps Sales, repairs and servicing collection & delivery for trade and DIY A friendly, local family business with over 20 years’ experience
Knitbitz
For ALL Your Wool & Haberdashery Needs! Now in Eynsham Emporium, 32 Mill Street, Eynsham OX29 4JS 01865 731717 Loyalty Card Scheme in operation
Knitbitz Knitting Bees held in the Emporium Coffee Shop Thursday 10am-12noon, Saturday 2pm-4pm £2 per person (over 14’s only) includes a pot of tea for one or medium americano
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Take time out
tree – save space too! – by hanging simple fairy lights on a shapely spray of twigs in a tall vase. Jazz up your seasonal wardrobe with a ‘swap party’ instead of heading to the shops. That little black dress that’s just too small could fit a pal to perfection, while the heels and clutch she bought last year might transform your party wear. Children can make space for presents to come by recycling out-grown toys. Sell and hand over the proceeds for the kids to buy gifts, or donate to charity – children can be very generous if you explain that unwanted toys can help good causes like Eynsham’s West Oxford Animal Rescue shop.
Hazel Faithfull teaches yoga in Eynsham. Her friendly classes incorporate breath, movement and relaxation. Contact her on 07931 743785. Many of us find our days getting busier, longer and trying to fit our multi-tasking life into 24 hours a challenge. Learning a few easy stretches and deepening our breath can help us de-stress, avoid injuries, and enjoy our free time more. Avoid PC hunched shoulders as tightness can cause headaches: squeeze your shoulders up to your ears and sigh out as you relax them down. Undo tension by simple shoulder rolls, increase circle as you warm up. Always do both sides, and maybe your tighter side twice to balance yourself. Trickier: both circle together: one shoulder up other down, I call this ‘best Dad’s dancing’.
Santa’s visit Members of the Rotary Club of Eynsham will be escorting Santa around Eynsham and Cassington on the following dates in December:
Sitting too long can restrict the upper body so twist and loosen: keeping your spine tall, turn to the right, slowly from tailbone to neck. Unravel slowly and repeat to left. Stand up and give yourself a good shake. Then stand wide, allow your knees to be soft and check for lights or beams before you start! As you breathe in slowly, lift your hands out sideways and overhead or as high as comfortable. Breathing out a sigh through your mouth, float your hands down again x 3. Next circle your left arm in large swoops. If too intense then rest fingers on shoulder and circle elbow instead. Repeating, circle opposite direction and then right side. Try these or simpler versions a few times during your working day to avoid getting too stiff. It is recommended you take an ergonomic break every hour. These are gentle movements but please check with your GP if appropriate, especially if you have high blood pressure or any spinal discomfort.
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9 Spareacre Lane/Shakespeare Road/Stratford Drive/Greens Road/Marlborough Place/ Back Lane/Evans Road and John Lopes Road
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11 Hazeldene Close/Dovehouse Close/ Wytham View/Millmoor Crescent/Beech Road/ Hawthorn Road
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12 Cassington – Longlands Nursing Home and most streets in that village
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16 Merton Court/Merton Close/Witney Road /Old Witney Road/Fruitlands
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18 Acre End Street (before The Swan carol service begins)/Mill Street/Newlands Street/ Newlands Close/Queens Street.
Simple but special Clare Parrack shares tips for a stylish and clutter-free Christmas at a charity fund-raiser in Eynsham Emporium on Wednesday 27 November. Contact her on 07917 716004 for this and future workshops. Christmas decorations create a magical backdrop to the celebrations but there’s no need to splash out for a new look. A stroll will yield a harvest of natural decorations for free. A jug of berried boughs – it needn’t be holly – makes a colourful arrangement. A platter of pine-cones with a few sparkly baubles looks fabulously festive. Ring the changes on a Christmas
Drawn by JRR Tolkien for John, his 3-year old son. John went on to serve as priest at St Peter’s in Eynsham from November 1987 to June 1994. Image © The Trustees of the Tolkien Trust. 11
Over to you
PELLMANS Your Local Solicitors
1 Abbey Street, Eynsham, Oxford OX29 4TB www.pellmans.co.uk 01865 884400 Home visits and evening appointments available
Business links
Whole Voice Communications
Could your company offer a student a work experience placement for one week next spring? Bartholomew School is looking to establish new links with local companies, as they have a larger Year 10 group this year. If you think you may be able to provide a place from Monday 28 April to Friday 2 May 2014, please let us know. Contact Linda Williams on 01865 733334 or e-mail careers.4054@bartholomew.oxon.sch.uk
Explore your voice
A great way to develop yourself, your voice production and your singing ability. One-to-one – voice workshops – group work Web: www.annelryan.co.uk T: 01865 880858 Twitter: @movingtone LinkedIn: Anne L Ryan
“All the charm of a traditional English inn” If you like home-cooked food and real ale served from the barrel, you’ll love The Talbot.
Drivers needed
The Talbot Inn: on the Wharf Stream, Oxford Road, Eynsham OX29 4BT Tel: 01865 881348 Email:enquiries@talbot-oxford.co.uk
Contact David Miller: 01865 881780 Eynsham volunteer transport scheme, ENCS, needs more people willing to use their car to take residents for appointments at local hospitals and the village surgery. • • • • • •
All age challenge Well done to all young artists who tackled Penny Noel’s Puss moth. Can you find this lion on a door in Eynsham? How many other animals can you find on doors around the village? Pick up a sheet at Eynsham Library to begin.
You get on average, one job a fortnight, 45p per mile and coffee allowance You give a little of your time You get lots of their personal history and some quiet time for reading You give caring assistance (not physical) You get the knowledge that your help has really been appreciated. And you don’t get sent on training courses!
Exam invigilators Bartholomew School needs more invigilators for May and June 2014. The pay is £8.64 per hour, including holiday pay, and training will be given. If you have spare time in the day and would like to support our students during some of the most important weeks of their school life, please contact Hilary Peck: 01865 881430 ext 227 / hp1448@bartholomew.oxon.sch.uk
Eynsham youth club © Alice Walker 12
EYC at Bartholomew School would welcome donations such as bean bags, board games, computers, craft stuff, sofas, stereo and Xbox. If you could volunteer to help occasionally, you’d be very welcome too. Please contact Kristie Waller: 07931 517932 email kwal0280@ocnmail.net
GreenTEA car club?
Open gardens 2014
If you don’t own a car but would like to use one occasionally – or if you have a car that spends more time at home than on the road – you may be interested in helping GreenTEA to form a car club. Car clubs offer all the convenience of your own car without the hassle and cost of ownership – ‘pay as you go’ driving. You can hire a car by the hour, by the day, or by the journey; while the club takes care of road tax, MOT, servicing, repairs and insurance. So long as the sums add up … it could be worth considering. If you are interested in exploring the idea – no commitment, just a conversation! – please email stephen.yeo@phonecoop.coop
Eynsham gardeners will open their beautiful gardens to the public on the weekend 28–29 June 2014. In past years from 15 to 20 gardens have opened, providing a lovely afternoon for all who live in the village and for many visitors who find us via the internet. Your garden does not have to be perfect to be open so why not join in? Or perhaps you would like to help with administration, or act as a garden sitter? Contact Marie Mills on 01865 882085 or email mandcmills@tesco.net if you would like to be involved. Or come to our next meeting on Tuesday 21 January.
Love where you live
Slimming world
A small band of volunteers from St Leonard’s Church has been working hard to maintain the churchyard in reasonable order. Your help would be most welcome. Churchwarden Mike Sinfield says: “This is a very large area to look after and as it is very much a village amenity it may be that members of the wider Eynsham community would be willing to spare some time to help on an ongoing basis.” Please contact Mike on 01865 881171, or call round at 20 Falstaff Close, and he will be delighted to explain how your offer of help could best be used.
Ever wanted to run your own business? Slimming World has 35 local vacancies, with initial training and continual support. Eynsham consultant Adrienne Black is moving on but says you’ll be amazed what you can earn – and how good it feels to make a difference. Contact her on 07739 727628 or Slimming World on 0844 892 0434 email penny@slimming-world.com
Regular working parties are held on the last Saturday morning of each month and additional help at these would be really appreciated.
Odd jobs
Shaun Rowland Building Contractors Ltd
Eynsham Medical Centre often needs someone to carry out small repairs or installations (fit shelving, door locks or openers, etc). These are jobs that large organisations are reluctant to take on. EMC is therefore looking for someone who lives locally, charges a reasonable rate and could perform this type of work when required. It is very rare for the job to be urgent, so within a few days would be fine. Obviously this isn’t regular work, so it may suit someone who is retired. Please contact Practice Manager Teresa Young: 01865 881206 email teresayoung@nhs.net
Family run business est. 1989 Covering all aspects of construction work Small works Extensions Renovations Loft conversions New builds (NHBC registered builder) For a free quotation or advice Telephone: 07957 360516 Email: rowlands.28@btinternet.com For more information please visit our website www.shaunrowlandbuilding.co.uk 13
Local people Sue Chapman I won’t miss the noise of my pin-up plane, but I will sorely miss its iconic shape over Eynsham. My first flight as a photographer was on a VC10 to Nigeria. On the golf course in Kano the ball boys would shout ‘VC10, VC10’ as a superlative for a high shot. Coming home I was lucky not to be arrested. I arrived late and found the gates closed, the gangway removed. I scaled a boundary fence and ran onto the runway brandishing a spear I was taking home for my father. It did the trick and the steps were brought back for me to board. Over the Sahara, the pilot invited me to the flight deck. ‘I had to let you on, I thought you were going to puncture the fuselage’, he said. I was a freelance in West Oxfordshire in the 1960s when the V10s were introduced to RAF Brize Norton and received many invitations to join short flights as station officials tried to counter complaints about noise. I was also lucky enough to be included in a press party to Singapore to look at servicemen’s life in the Far East – my favourite day was spent with a jungle survival group from RAF Abingdon. My flight home was very sad. The VC10 had been reconfigured to accommodate the wounded and the bereaved families of a nasty helicopter crash the week before. My next adventure was flying around America with my future husband, Oxford Mail journalist Don Chapman, on a routine exercise with the pilots who were to take the Queen to South America. The aim was give the crew a taste of operating conditions at some of the busiest airports in the world, New York, Boston, Chicago and Washington. Suddenly, we learned that our schedule had been extended because Air Chief Marshal Sir John Davis was joining us. Our VC10 trainer became a VIP plane.
Sue Chapman, whose iconic VC10 graces our cover, recalls the plane in its heyday Seats were reshuffled to create a lounge for his party and VIP cutlery and crockery were loaded aboard. The crew could practise the split-second timing they would have to adhere to on the Queen’s tour. For us it was a chance in a million to visit Texas, California, Colorado and Canada and for our VIP to bask in the glow of admiration the VC10 attracted wherever it landed. My last thrill was being harnessed to the back of an Argosy so that I could photograph my pin-up plane silhouetted against the Scilly Isles. That picture went up in RAF messes round the country. The VC10 was finally retired in favour of much quieter, if less elegant, ‘Voyager’ planes this September.
Greens Funeral Services
Joanna Ripley Jewellery
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An independent family owned business, with five generations of experience, offering a dignified 24 hour service, with our personal attention to detail.
• Handmade Gemstone,
Pearl & Crystal Jewellery • Host a Jewellery Party & receive a commission in jewels • Jewellery Making Parties for all ages • Strung Jewellery Repairs
Private Chapels of Rest Funeral Directors: Ian Green and David Ashton 8 Bridge Street Witney Telephone 01993 776486 21 High Street Eynsham Telephone 01865 880837 Golden Charter pre-paid plans available
Visit Eynsham studio by appointment www.joannaripley.co.uk telephone 01865 731466 14
Doreen Hockedy Doreen has been the driving force behind Eynsham Enterprises since 2006 and those who follow in her footsteps have a tough act to follow. Jennifer Harland and Ruth Lockwood share their thoughts. The story begi ns with St Benedict’s Fair, a highlight of the Eynsham Abbey millennial celebrations. It was Isabelle Spencer’s script on the calligraphy stall that supplied the inspiration: transferred to other media, this beautiful lettering could preserve our memories of the event and also raise funds for the much-needed renovation of St Leonard’s Hall. Doreen picked up the project with enthusiasm – leading a small team, ordering and storing materials and constantly on the hunt for further products. From a modest tea towel, the distinctive good quality range has steadily expanded, always true to the original design and colour, whether on paper, cotton, china or wax candle. Doreen’s persistence in promoting Eynsham Enterprises (or, when health made it difficult for her, enlisting the help of others) has ensured a reliable supply at supporting outlets in the village and at many public events, sacred or secular. And subsequently of course a constant flow of funds for Church Hall needs: to date a welcome total of over £10,500 has helped renew the kitchen, storage area and toilets. Doreen stepped down from her very active role last summer but the products can still be found in Eynsham Emporium, Mille-Fleurs, Evenlode DIY, the Natural Bread Company and the Post Office. It is thanks to Doreen that shopping for ‘something local’ to represent our village has spread the name of Eynsham not only across the country but around the world.
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Recreation
The brave ladies of Bartholomew Players bare all on stage for “Calendar Girls” this month, with a charity supper show as well as regular performances. They have also produced a matching calendar in aid of Helen & Douglas House. So come for a laughter-filled night out, support these great good causes and buy the calendar to bring a smile to your face for the next 12 months. The Bartholomew Players bare all on stage for “Calendar Girls”
Venue: Eynsham Village Hall, Back Lane Dates: Wednesday-Thursday 27–28 and Saturday 30 November (the supper show is sold out) Doors open: 19:15, performance 19:45 Tickets: £8.00 / £7.00 from Evenlode DIY, Denise Santilli 07721 744020 or on the door.
Eynsham Day Centre would like to welcome new members to this Monday club for senior folk. It is a friendly environment and we have a number of activities in the morning, including seated exercises, craft and cards, or you can just relax and chat. A freshly-cooked meal is provided at lunch time. There are various forms of entertainment in the afternoon, ending with tea & cakes. Charge for the day is just £6. Please contact Ruth Gould on 707704 675396 for more information.
Eynsham Arts Group exhibition, Eynsham Past and Present, continues to 1 December in the Bartholomew Room. Expect an eclectic mix of images in oils, watercolour, acrylic and mixed media to delight all those who love the timeless appeal of Eynsham places, people and traditions – at very affordable prices. Diana Homer: 01993 822224 email: diana@homer-art.eclipse.co.uk
ROBERT HUIE GARDEN DESIGN • • • • •
Eynsham Embroidery Group meets on Thursday 13:30-15:30 in term time in the Village Hall – all abilities welcome. Contact Judith Gussin: 01608 641295 email: judithgussin@talktalk.net Junior Netball: this new club for year 9–11 students runs on Wednesday 16:30–17:45 in term time at Berry Sports Hall, charge £3 per session. Contact Andrea Langton: 07985 935574 email: eynshamnetball@gmail.com
rh
Contemporary Garden Designer Urban Courtyard to Country Estate Planting Plans, Advice & Supply Create Your Dream Garden Professional & Friendly
Robert Huie PGDip 27 Queen Street Eynsham Witney OX29 4HH
Group updates
01865 731466 07796 145476
ADHD Eynsham support group meetings offer a place to relax in the company of others who experience and understand Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder,
email: design@roberthuie.co.uk web: www.roberthuie.co.uk
DIRTY CARPETS? UPHOLSTERY?
Lesley’s Curtains & Blinds (Eynsham)
For carpet, rug & upholstery cleaning in Eynsham at the most competitive rates
Hand finished, made-to-measure Personal friendly service Over 25 years experience Fabrics, tracks, poles, blinds Fitting and design service on request Telephone: 01865 881052 email: ley.riding@gmail.com
Call
GRIMEBUSTERS 01993 868924 01865 726983
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and to learn from each other. Last Tuesday of month except December (and some Thursdays) 19:00–21:00 in St Leonard’s Hall; contact Mary Austin: 01865 731378.
Rotary Club of Eynsham members are escorting Santa’s tour again – page 10. Santa’s sleigh cannot always access every road so listen for the music. Please check Eynsham Online for any late changes. Thanks to all the community for your support in 2013.
Bartholomew School PTA contacts are now Catherine Hailes: 01993 359403 and Sarah Ledingham email: parents.4054@bartholomew.oxon.sch.uk
St Leonard’s Ladies’ Fellowship raised £90 for Maggie’s cancer charity with Michael Lynes in October; thanks to all who took part. On 4 December a carol service in church will be followed by a party in the hall with musical entertainment by local group ‘Strange Folk’. Please bring a small gift for Santa’s sack. Elizabeth Day: 01865 881428.
Cub Scout Awards: On 7 November the County Commissioner Phil Earl visited 1st Eynsham Eagle Pack to award the Jack Hill Trophy to Toby Bartlett. The trophy is awarded to Oxfordshire young people who have shown courage in the face of difficulty and remain positively involved in Scouting. The Commissioner also presented the Chief Scout Silver Award, the highest award in Cub Scouting, to Jack Cook, Sam Winstone, Max Parkinson and Christian Prior. Eynsham Country Market will hold a Christmas stall in the Square on Saturday 30 November. There will be seasonal goods to buy or order: home-made Christmas cakes, puddings, mince-pies, etc. Do note the date if you find it hard to get to regular markets. Our last event of 2013 is Thursday 19 December. ECM is closed in January and re-opens on 6 February 2014. Eynsham Croquet Club for the first time in history won the Golf Croquet section League this year. Congratulations to Brian Hitchins, Marion Hitchins, Janette Keates, Tony Newport, David Palmer and Ann Wotherspoon, who represented the Club. Tony Newport: 01993 830572 email:tonynewport@msn.com Eynsham Primary School PTA Chair is now Tracey Stevens: 07823 555307 email: stevensking@icloud.com Vice Chair Sharon Osborne: 07527 684495. Eynsham Youth Club is closed for a couple of months from 21 November, as Bartholomew School needs the space during building works. We hope to relaunch a new and exciting EYC in 2014. Kristie Waller: 07931 517932 email: kwal0280@ocnmail.net
P Bruno Car Repairs Oxfordshire’s friendliest family garage
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A home-based florist specialising in stunning bespoke flower arrangements. We have experience over a range of budgets and guarantee fresh flowers every time whatever the occasion. Call Charmaine on 07733 324369 email info@fusions.org.uk
Unit 7 Bottom Yard Oakfield Industrial Estate Eynsham OX29 4TN
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Telephone 01865 883413 www.pbruno.co.uk 17
Christmas at the Three Eynsham Churches You are warmly invited to all of the following services Good news of great joy … for all the people ST LEONARD’S CHURCH OF ENGLAND THE SQUARE
ST PETER’S CATHOLIC CHURCH ABBEY STREET
Sunday 1st December – 5pm Christingle
Christmas Eve 6pm Carols and First Mass of Christmas Especially suitable for children 11.30pm Midnight Mass
Wednesday 4th December 7pm Ladies’ Fellowship Carol Service Monday 9th December 10.15am Bump-to-One & Walkie Talkies Christmas event especially for under 3s 6.30pm Scouts and Uniformed Carol Service
Christmas Day 10.00am Christmas Morning Mass For Confession times and other details see our website www.stpeterseynsham.org.uk or telephone 01865 881613
Sunday 22nd December 6pm Carols by Candlelight Christmas Eve 5pm Crib Service 11.30pm Midnight Communion
EYNSHAM BAPTIST CHURCH LOMBARD STREET Wednesday 11th December 10.15am Nativity Play for the under 5s in the Church
Christmas Day 8.30am Holy Communion 10am All Age Christmas Service More information on our website www.stleonardseynsham.org.uk
Sunday 22nd December 10.30am Family Service led by Mrs Maureen Thompson 6.30pm Carols by Candlelight Mrs Angie Cox Christmas Eve 11.30pm Midnight Communion The Revd Dr Nick Wood Christmas Day 10.00am Family Service The Revd Zoltan Biro Sunday 29th December 10.30am Service led by our Deacons
RW CARPENTRY Over 20 years’ experience in a wide range of carpentry services for home and businesses - no job too big or small. Contact us for a free site visit and quotation. email robbie@rw-carpentry.co.uk www.rw-carpentry.co.uk call Robbie on 07980 620566 18
What’s on November 26 ADHD Support, St Leonard’s Hall 19:00. Contact Mary Austin: 01865 731378 – page 16 27 GreenTEA, Scout Hall 19:30. Film Cape Spin! – all welcome. Contact Ros Kent: 01865 884119 27–30 Bartholomew Players, Calendar Girls – page 16 28 Organic Group, St Leonard’s Hall 19:30. AGM and supper. Contact Christine Briner: 01993 868693 28–30 Arts Group, Bartholomew Room 11:00–16:30. Show, Eynsham Past and Present – page 16 30 Country Market, Market Square 09:00–12:00. Christmas stall. Enquiries: 01865 880928/435343
Specialising in the letting of property in the Eynsham/Witney area Professional advice Free market appraisal Competitive fees For individual service call Christopher Dodds
December
01865 883108
1 Arts Group, Bartholomew Room 11:00–16:30. Last day of exhibition – page 16 3 Christmas lights go up in Market Square 4 Ladies’ Fellowship, St Leonard’s Church 19:00. Carol service followed by party – page 17 5 Country Market, St Leonard’s Hall 09:00–10:30. Free mince-pies and coffee for every customer 5 History Group, St Leonard’s Hall 19:30. Alan Ledger, Theatricals at Blenheim (and refreshments). Contact Nigel Swietalski: 01865 882400 6–7 Book Sale, Eynsham Library: recycling event! 6 Day Centre, Village Hall 19:00. Christmas Bingo; everyone welcome 7 Freeland Orchestra, Village Hall 19:30. Free winter concert – all welcome 9 Day Centre, Village Hall 13:45. Carol service – all welcome. Contact Ricky Parks: 01865 882892 10 Women’s Institute, St Leonard’s Hall 19:30. Christmas Party. Enquiries: 01865 882011 11 Garden Club, Village Hall 19:30. Christmas Party. Contact Norma Gummow: 01865 882417 12 Oasis Carols and tea, Baptist Church 14:00 13 Blood donors welcome, Village Hall 13:30–15:25 and 16:15–19:30. Tel: 0300 123 23 23 15 Gatehouse Volunteers: home-made food for the Oxford shelter. Contact Raymond Elliot: 01865 881346 18 Royal British Legion, The Talbot 12:30. Christmas Lunch. Contact Eve Hollis: 01865 880550 18 Carols at The Swan 19:30. Everyone welcome 18 Eynsham Society, Village Hall 20:00. Christmas Party. Contact Jolyon Cox: 01865 880563 19 Country Market, St Leonard’s Hall 09:00–10:30. Last of 2013 and closed in January – page 17 20 Community Cinema, Village Hall 19:30 – page 17
cnd@abbey-rentals.co.uk 11b High Street Eynsham www.abbey-rentals.co.uk
For General Building of the highest quality Extensions & Conversions Renovations & Refurbishments Friendly, Conscientious & Reliable - With local references Telephone: 01865 880441 Mobile: 07976 880253 Stevecreaseybuildingservices.co.uk email: stevecreasey3@btinternet.com
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January 6 Women Entrepreneurs, Queen’s Head 08:30. Contact Jan Kavanagh: 07785 505730 8 Garden Club, Village Hall 19:30. AGM and guest speaker. Contact Norma Gummow: 01865 882417 14 Women’s Institute, St Leonard’s Hall 19:30. Cath Collett, Reflexology. Enquiries: 01865 882011 14 Traffic Advisory Committee, Bartholomew Room 19:30. Contact the Clerk: 01865 716943 16 History Group, St Leonard’s Hall 19:30. Eric Sidebottom, Medical History of Oxford. 21 Open Gardens, Tolkien Room 20:00. Contact Marie Mills: 01865 882085 – see page 13 26 Gatehouse Volunteers: home-made food/warm clothing for the Oxford shelter. Enquiries: 01865 881346 26 Litter Pickers, Baptist Church Hall 13:45. Contact Eileen Mace: 01865 880393 30 Organic Group, St Leonard’s Hall 19:30. Martin Stott, Sowing New Seeds. Enquiries: 01993 868693 31 Community Cinema, Village Hall 19:30 – page 17
Assessment Treatment Rehabilitation An integration of Western and Eastern soft tissue bodywork techniques for women of all ages; which can help relieve pain, restrictive movement, recovery from injury/surgery and symptom management of diagnosed medical conditions. Jane McDonald (BSc, MSc, ACMT) 1 Abbey Street, Eynsham, OX29 4TB jane@meridianmassage.co.uk www.meridianmassage.co.uk mobile: 07930 343156
Floral designs for every occasion Bouquets, plants, cards and accessories Local deliveries and e-florist service
Eynsham Good Neighbour Network, run entirely by volunteers, provides support for anyone in need within the village. That support could include collecting a prescription, minor household repairs, garden tidying, sewing on buttons, assisting with form-filling, local shopping, exchanging library books, reading aloud, or simply befriending a neighbour feeling isolated and in need of a little companionship. There is no charge.
37 Mill Street, Eynsham OX29 4JX 01865 881624 www.mille-fleurs.co.uk
Please call us on 07443 564516 or email support@egnn.org.uk
DAVID GREEN PAINTER AND DECORATOR
These listings are open to all community groups – see page 3 for contact details. Next issue will be out on 27 January - copy deadline Friday 10 January.
Over 35 years in the trade 77 WITNEY ROAD EYNSHAM 01865 882126 07732 778604 daviddaisygreen@gmail.com
Visit Eynsham Online at www.eynsham-pc.gov.uk
Our sponsor
Abbey Properties has helped expand this issue to 20 pages. Printed in Eynsham by Berforts Information Press
City and Guilds trained workforce 20