EYNSHAM
Council & Community Issue 5 – February - March 2014
NEWS
New directions
Above: Harry and Paddy Hogan, Toby Berrett, Tom Humphrey, Ethan Philips-Richardson, Laurie Sutcliffe, Philip Methley, Ollie Thomas and Emma Fisher. Story on page 9.
In this issue
You’ll be amazed how often teamwork crops up in this issue. It’s a cheering thought at any time of year – but especially perhaps as resolutions falter. The stories range from help at home to support for the homeless (pages 10 and 12) – from work behind the scenes inspiring youngsters to wider opportunities for making this a better place to live in (pages 13, 14). Our leisure section features music at every level and almost endless ways of getting fit or having fun. Whatever you choose, enjoy it! 1
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Calmness on the pond 2 Reasons to be cheerful 3 Contact sheets 4 – 5 Public services 6 – 9 Home front 10 – 11 Over to you 12 – 13 Local people 14 – 15 Community music 16 – 17 Cinema, group updates 18 What’s On: 19 – 20
Calmness on the pond
Remembering some way of bringing calm to the waters helps to restore our more natural balance. There are many ways people choose to do this – meditation, prayer, walks with or without a dog, tai chi, massage, watching nature among many others. I think we’re rather lucky here in Eynsham: we have some beautiful areas to enjoy. Our Fishponds area being high amongst them – with us for many years and more recently restored and improved for us to enjoy. Walking gently round, sitting near the open water for a few minutes breathing the fresh air and enjoying the variety of trees and wildlife around you, you may be fortunate enough to see the barn owl that glides across at dusk. This can allow you to feel more calm and still inside, relaxed and at ease. Allowing you to carry on, enjoying the life you lead, and often finding it somehow less turbulent and easier than it did before.
Alan Craft offers a seasonal reflection. Image © Moth Clark
The Fishponds Volunteers have two more days planned this winter, if you’d like to get involved – page 13.
It’s not uncommon for us to feel stressed or over stretched by our daily lives. Pulled between our family and work commitments and the things we like to do. There’s nothing wrong with aiming to manage all of these things in our lives, so long as we can keep a balanced perspective as we go. Like a pond, we can sometimes find the turbulence of stresses ruffling our surfaces, causing choppiness and ripples and maybe leading to undercurrents beneath the surface.
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/ Local contributions are always welcome. Issue #6 will be out on 31 March – copy deadline Friday 14 March.
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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 (see box below).
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.
EYNSHAM NEWS will be one year old on 31 March. We’d like to thank all advertisers and sponsors who will have helped us reach 2,000 homes six times in that year, with comprehensive coverage of local activities and events. Looking towards year two, we aim to keep the mix of adverts/features, news and comment as before, so advertising space is limited (31%). If you are a current advertiser, or would like to advertise in future, we’d love to hear from you. For sizes, costs and deadlines go to our web page http://eynshamnews.org.uk Sandy Hellig: 07551 876285 / sandy.hellig@gmail.com 2
Reasons to be cheerful
Looking back
BARTHOLOMEW SPORTING SUCCESS: It’s quite a rarity for 3 students from the same school to be selected to train for the England Hockey Squad – and, in a sport where most successful students hail from private schooling, quite an accolade. The skill, passion and determination (not to mention the parental taxi service) of Lucy Millington (Year 11), Callum Chapman (Year 10) and Ethan Chapman (Year 12) have seen the students training once a month with the England coaches: Lucy and Callum for the under 16s (girls and boys respectively) and Ethan the under 18s. Whether the students are selected for positions in the squad will be confirmed after the last of a series of hockey camps in February half term. Good luck to them all and we’ll keep you posted! EYNSHAM CRICKET PAVILION: Late in 2013 Sport England confirmed that our grant application was successful. We now have all funding in place with further major awards confirmed from WODC and the Parish Council. We are extremely grateful to these organisations and to the many supporters who have enabled the club to reach this very favourable, fully funded position. The base will be laid as soon as drier weather arrives … Allen Stevens
A possible cover image for Eynsham Directory 2014?
EYNSHAM NEWS DELIVERIES:
A Countie ... graced with most princely Palaces ... whereof Woodstocke is the most ancient and magnificent ... enlarged with a Labyrinth of many windings by K. Henry the second, to hide from ... his intirely beloved Concubine Rosamond Clifford, a Damosell of surpassing beautie; where ... shee was surprised and poysoned by Q. Eleanor his wife, and was first buryed at Godstowe Nunnery ... whom Hugh Bishop of Lincoln (thinking it an unfit object for Virgins devotion) caused to be removed into the Church-yard:
Oxfordshire, but not as we know it: this 17th century map by John Speed provides a fascinating snapshot of an age when the ‘Roll-rich Stones’ were thought to stand mid-way between ‘Longhanboro’ and ‘Enesham’. Yet the following scrap of scandal is as fresh as yesterday.
It takes more than 3 dozen people to deliver the News to your door in rain, wind or snow. We don’t want to bang on about it but a team like this deserves a word of thanks. We invited them to a new year “drop in” – and again they turned up trumps. Encouraged by their enthusiasm, we have lots of ideas bubbling for the coming year. Please throw in your suggestions too – see contact details opposite.
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Eynsham churches
Contacts
ST LEONARD’S CHURCH OF ENGLAND
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
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 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!
Crimestoppers is available 24 hours a day, all year round. You can give information on 0800 555 111 or use the online form at https://crimestoppers-uk.org/
We are delighted to support this community venture. 4
BOTH contact routes are completely anonymous.
Halls for hire
Winter gritting
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 Village Hall: Back Lane 01865 881624 White Hart Function Room 01865 880711
Local councils 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
For details and interactive maps visit Eynsham Online
abbeyproperties
independent estate agents
Your local Independent Agent established in the village since 1983
PARISH CLERK Malcolm Anderson 13 Bailey Road Oxford OX4 3HU: 01865 716943 email clerk@eynsham-pc.gov.uk
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.
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
Offices in Eynsham, Witney and Bampton Telephone 01865 880697
Abbreviations
www.abbeyproperties.tv
OCC = Oxfordshire County Council WODC = West Oxfordshire District Council 5
Public services Grants for groups to apply for a DMMO (Definitive Map Modification Order). This means we must provide evidence from walkers that the path is, and has been, used. We can provide some evidence straight away. The OS maps are obvious and we have a copy of the circular walks leaflet, plus a good photograph of the path which shows it is well used; but what we need is witness statements from walkers. The ultimate prize would be to get the circular walk from Eynsham – Church Hanborough – Freeland reinstated. This section is the weakest link. We’d like as many people as possible to write in, reporting when they started walking the path, how often they have walked it, and any recollections of parents, grandparents etc who have walked it too. This, plus any photos or other evidence, can be submitted to show that the footpath has been in public use for at least 20 years. Many thanks to those who have helped already.
The Parish Council has allocated a total of £2,200 to 7 local groups for the coming financial year: • • • • • • •
Eynsham Good Neighbour Network: £200 in the first instance Eynsham Neighbourhood Care Scheme: £400 Eynsham News Group: £370 Oasis for Senior Citizens: £300 Royal British Legion: £100 St Leonard’s Church, Project 2: £250 West Oxfordshire CAB: £400.
Lost walk Sue Osborne – Chair, Footpaths Committee Can you restore a circular walk by simply sharing memories? FP 206/10, just north of the A40, has a section (23–24) which is described on the County Council’s Definitive Map and Statement. Unfortunately, it is not actually mapped there, but noted as an anomaly …
Planning Dennis Stukenbroeker – Chair, Planning Committee A solar farm is under construction in Eynsham parish. Renewable energy company Solarcentury has received planning permission to install almost 54,000 solar panels on a 63-acre site north of Salutation Farm, off the A40 between Barnard Gate and Witney. The company held a public information day about the project at the Village Hall last August. Although the planning officer recommended refusal of the development on arable farmland as “harmful to the rural character of the area” West Oxfordshire District Council, the local planning authority, granted permission on 4 December 2013. This is, however, limited to a maximum of 25 years, which is the projected life of the solar farm. When completed, it will be connected to Scottish and Southern Energy’s grid. Solarcentury say they will plant additional hedgerows to screen the site and maintain a wild-flower meadow beneath the solar panels. Details on the WODC website, application 13/1277/P/FP.
The section is shown as a public right of way on the Ordnance Survey Explorer map and and is clearly marked as part of Oxfordshire Circular Walks on the 1992 map as well. It is also part of a circular walk in a leaflet published by OCC in 1998 (North Walk: point 23–24) and therefore has been walked regularly for many years. It seems from Gillian Ghosh, the Rights of Way Officer at OCC’s Countryside Service, that we need
Sandy Hellig has received consent for Eynsham’s first wine bar, which will be run at 1 High Street (Cornucopia Cooks) on a monthly basis in conjunction with local off-licence Eynsham Cellars. Application 13/1531/P/S73. 6
In 2011 she was given permission to turn her former Cornucopia delicatessen into a private dining club, cooking school and outside caterers.
have to accept there is nothing positive we can offer teenagers to divert them from less desirable activities, though we will keep looking.
JG Pimm & Sons Ltd has been given planning permission to demolish its garages on Abbey Street and build a new garage block with a computer recovery suite and two flats above, one of which is intended to be occupied by a skilled computer operative to manage the recovery suite. Application 13/1463/P/FP.
Road safety After another near miss for Bartholomew students crossing Witney Road from the S1 bus stop, this issue has been prioritised in every forum. Two timed 20 mph signs, north and south of the school main entrance, have been installed by OCC, though one needs moving closer to be more effective and both need software to be active (imminent!). School hopes for a zebra crossing near the bus stop are supported by Cllr Charles Mathew, who has identified some 106 funding (developer contributions) from Star Close. With a £5000 contribution from the school, a little over £15,000 may be available towards an estimated cost of £20,000. Eynsham Parish Council has been approached for a contribution to the cost. At the time of writing the Council awaits a fully worked scheme and is looking to neighbouring parishes for contributions too. The majority of students crossing the road are from Farmoor, Botley and Oxford but the effects of a serious injury or fatality will be felt by all.
Play areas Richard Andrews – Chair, Play Area Committee We have ordered replacement swings for Old Witney Road along with a trampoline, as these have proved very popular at the other areas. We will also consider installing an outdoor table-tennis table later in the year. Otherwise our main focus is on maintenance: we are considering employing someone for an hour or two each week to maintain the grounds and equipment on a regular basis at all three areas.
Northmoor Productions Typesetting from leaflets to ebook publishing Illustration & Graphics telephone: 01865 880243 email: paul@eynsham.demon.co.uk
We had hoped to install a shelter near the skate park, as a natural place for teenagers to gather away from houses but close to Oxford Road. This is strongly supported by the police, as it meets the need for a place teenagers can make their own yet with sufficient oversight to help prevent the type of anti-social behaviour that has occurred at Oxford Road toilets and the Sports Pavilion. Unfortunately the Oxford college which owns the field wants nothing that will encourage teenagers to use the area in the evenings, so they have refused permission for the shelter. This leaves the Parish Council with a dilemma as we can’t think of another natural gathering place to encourage youngsters to behave responsibly while minimising risk to property. For the moment we
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
Be safe, be seen Local police, fire and road safety teams spent much of November visiting primary schools in the Eynsham area (including Cassington, Stanton Harcourt, Standlake and North Leigh) to launch this road safety competition. Children were invited to dress up an image of a cycle and a rider in suitable clothing / equipment, to enable them to ‘Be Safe, Be Seen’. PCSO Helen Keen says, “By the closing date 29 November we received lots of entries, of a very high standard, which were judged by the Rotary Club of Eynsham on 10 December. “It’s a big well done to Bess Schofield, who is in class 5 at Eynsham Primary School and overall winner of the competition. Bess will be the lucky owner of a shiny new bike and helmet donated by West Oxfordshire District Council. “The Rotary Club also chose 10 runner-up prizes. One entry from each of the 5 local schools will receive reflective arm bands, bike lights and a bike lock –
kindly donated by Rotary – and one entry from each school will receive a package of goodies donated by the County Council Road Safety team. “There was one prize of special commendation for a model made by Dorian Pulham from Standlake.”
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
Orchard centre
Teamwork pays off
The Beech Road Centre runs free activities for children under 5 accompanied by an adult. Here is this term’s timetable: enquiries 01865 880686. MONDAYS 10:00–11:15 Baby & Me. 5 week bookable course to include baby massage, understanding your baby’s cues, sleeping and feeding. 13:00–14:30 Messy Mondays. Paint, create and have lots of fun while parents & carers access support and advice. TUESDAYS 09:30–11:00 Apple Jacks. Drop in for music and dance, then play for children while parents & carers access support and advice. 13:00–14:45 Eynsham Babies, Bumps & Bouncers. For expectant parents / parents with babies up to one year; includes a health visitor clinic.
Image © Matt Barker http://flickr.com/photos/querth/ Bartholomew School achieved their best result yet at the recent Greenpower electric car race final at Goodwood. Their two cars finished 57th and 58th, from a starting grid of 177, continuing the school’s racing journey. The Greenpower team, made up of various years from the school, built their first kit car in 2011: a basic steel and corrugated plastic-board structure. The second, developed in 2012, had more focus on speed and energy management, with an aluminium structure, speed controllers and radio communication. Improved race procedures and practice repair drills have also helped the team to reduce track breakdowns and shave off precious time. With the next Greenpower season already underway, the focus is now on making the cars as lightweight and aerodynamic as possible to improve on last year’s success. The Greenpower Education Trust is a nationwide project that asks young people aged 9–25 to take on the challenge of designing, building and racing an electric car against other teams all over the UK, while giving participants an insight into the real, tangible world of engineering. The top 75 cars from regional heats take part in a national final. Siemens supports Greenpower with funding, including matching bursaries to encourage schools’ involvement. The company is also providing information and engineering expertise to local schools and projects.
WEDNESDAYS 10:30–12:30 Feel Good Wednesdays. 5 week bookable course with cooking, exploring healthy lifestyles. THURSDAYS 09:30–11:30 Family Links nurturing programme. 8 week bookable course: 16 January–27 March. 13:00–14:30 Stepping Stones well-being course. 8 week bookable course: 23 January–20 March. FRIDAYS 10:00–11:00 Baby Weaning Group. Find out how and when to start solid foods: 21 February, 21 March. 10:00–12:00 Money Matters. One-stop shop with free crèche: Wednesday 5 February.
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
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 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
Please call us on 07443 564516 or email support@ egnn.org.uk
Kavanaghs CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS
Local grants
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
Need, hardship or distress? Eynsham Consolidated Charity can make money grants, help to provide items or services, or back up help from other quarters. Educational grants – do you qualify? Bartholomew Educational Foundation makes money grants to people under 25 – for books, equipment, travel, etc. You can apply for yourself or for someone else who may need help. Write to the Clerk, Robin Mitchell, at 20 High Street, Eynsham OX29 4HB, or email robinmitchell255@gmail.com All enquiries are dealt with in absolute confidence. For more information go to Eynsham Online – Local Groups – Charities.
t: 01865 594955 m: 07917 716004
Affordable home makeovers for living & selling Find out more at clarifyinteriors.co.uk
Cut & Dried Pet Services Mobile Dog Grooming
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
Typhoon Haiyan Thanks to everyone who turned out from Eynsham to support the fundraising lunch on 17 November. A magnificent total of £1570.12 has been handed over to Justin Byworth of the charity World Vision. And shoppers at Eynsham Co-op swelled the village total by a further £425.91.
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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The olive harvest
Oxford organic group
Jane le Galloudec reports from Spain
Ian Gourlay and Sally Hunt
The harvest officially began the second week of December. Because we weren’t ready we started our harvest a week later. The olives are massive this year. They hang like plums, big fat and juicy, with just as many lying on the ground having been blown off the tree by the wind. There is no skill in harvesting – just brute strength. We have some nylon nets (useful if the ground under the trees is set about with long grass or rocks), the nets are laid under the trees and then you whack the trees with big sticks until the olives fall to the nets below. Sounds easy, and I assumed that because they are so ripe it would only take a whack or two to dislodge them. Not so. You really need to bash the tree very hard indeed and even then there are always a few that just stubbornly refuse to come down. Once all the olives are on the ground you have to separate them from the leaves and twigs that inevitably come down with them. Then they are taken down to the co-operative for weighing. The only containers we had large enough were some plant pots that used to contain trees – so we filled them to the brim and loaded them into the car, much to the amusement of the local farmers who all turn up with their trailers. Two weeks in and we are exhausted. We don’t know how much we will be paid for the olives yet but the price is always very low; sadly, no one makes a living out of growing olives these days and I marvel at the fact that they keep at it. But then there is something magical about the whole thing: nature, sunshine, birds and the satisfaction when your flower pot runneth over! Visit Jane’s blog at http://www.technobillies.net – or come for a working holiday, you’ll be very welcome!
OOG exists to promote organic gardening as part of a sustainable lifestyle. We meet once a month in St Leonard’s Hall from September to April and organise visits to places of interest in the summer. We welcome new members – organic or not – there are usually items of interest for all. In September we learned exactly where our food waste ends up: just over the way near Cassington, under those strange green domes just visible from the A40. While we queue in traffic, millions of microbes are gobbling up the food we throw away and turning it to electricity and fertiliser! Give us a try on Thursday 30 January, when Martin Stott from Garden Organic introduces a project for growing exotic vegetables in the Midlands. Just the thing to inspire us after wet and stormy weather! Below, OOG member Ian Gourlay offers tips from Bridewell Organic Gardens. He says, “We always aim for a natural approach to planting, rotation and management of the garden.” • • • • •
Avoid chemical treatments or artificial fertilizers Mix plants with different smells and physical structures in a bed, to make it harder for pests like slugs to detect their favourites. Strong-smelling flowers like marigolds, nasturtiums, poppies and the onion family attract the insects we want but deter those we don’t. Grow plants closer in raised beds, to shade the soil, deter weed germination and slow up pests. Don’t relax your brassica protection: the cabbage whites may be gone but pigeons, other birds and rabbits are even hungrier now!
More information from Ray Borrett: 01993 850523 or Christine Briner: 01993 868693.
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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
Whole Voice Communications 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.
The Talbot Inn:
on the Wharf Stream, Oxford Road, Eynsham OX29 4BT Tel: 01865 881348 Email:enquiries@talbot-oxford.co.uk
Oxford City’s homeless and ‘poorly housed’ are encouraged to visit The Gatehouse, a café open Monday to Friday from 5–7pm and 3–5pm on Sunday. Gatehouse is housed in St Giles’ parish rooms, 10 Woodstock Road. Here visitors get free, warming food, shelter for a couple of hours, and companionship. The food on offer from November to the end of March includes home-made soup which is locally made and supplied by many faiths and non-religious organisations. Eynsham, also a supplier of sandwiches and cakes, shoulders the responsibility of delivering some 40 litres of frozen, home-made soup for the week 17–23 February 2014. The soup (to the maker’s own favourite recipe) must be made from nourishing, fresh ingredients which are carefully listed (just because you are homeless doesn’t mean you are immune from allergies), taste utterly scrumptious, be thick enough for the café’s volunteers to dilute if necessary and smooth enough to serve in a plastic cup. Some 75 people a night visit the café. We each freeze 2 litres of home-made soup in plastic-bag lined containers so that it can be easily collected on the morning of 17 February, delivered and stored, brick shaped, in Gatehouse’s freezer. It will be thawed and put to use immediately from 17–23 February. If you would like to be part of the team or even help on delivery day, Monday 17 February, please contact Jennifer Harland: 01865 880872.
Colouring Corner
Graham Rice has conjured up some winter magic for artists of all ages. Festoon this tree with fruit or flowers, birds and beasties, then brighten it with all the colours of the rainbow, if you please. Pick up a sheet at Eynsham Library to begin. Well done to all who tackled Alice Walker’s lion. We hope to find a gallery space for entries soon. 12
Fishponds volunteers
Time for change
Verity Hughes – Chair, Fishponds Committee
• •
We have two more volunteer days scheduled this winter, Saturday 22 February and Sunday 9 March. If you would like to help us manage this area for the benefit of the village and the wildlife, please contact me on 01865 880243/verity.hughes@eynsham-pc.gov.uk We usually meet at 10:30 in the car park off Station Road, wearing tough clothes and bringing whatever tools we have available. It is amazing what can be done in couple of hours with just a few people. This winter we aim not only to maintain the paths and open areas but to create two new short pathways to enable wheel chair users access Monk’s Green.
Dog fouling: Oxford Road playing fields now have the unwelcome status of second w o r s t in the district. Feel free to report offenders to the Parish Council – details on page 5. Pavement parking: It may be only for minutes but anyone forced onto the road is put at risk – including pushchair and wheelchair users. Are drivers really ready to face the consequences?
Winterwise Don’t be put off clearing snow and ice from paths by fear someone may fall: walkers have a responsibility to take care themselves. Some useful tips: • • • • • •
Early in the day is easiest and most effective Don’t use water – it may refreeze Scatter salt on the area you’ve cleared If you’re short of salt, use ash or sand Pay extra attention to steps and steep pathways Spare a thought for frailer neighbours too – it could be you one day.
Eynsham Litter Pickers are back in action on Sunday 23 February and 23 March. They meet in the Baptist hall to register at 13:45 and return for tea at 15:30. Please join us if you can spare a hour or two. Contact Eileen Mace: 01865 880393. Meanwhile, “Anonymous of Eynsham” writes… “Yesterday morning I picked up 15 items of litter on the field path between Swinford Lock and the Talbot Inn.
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“Is it too late to make a New Year resolution?” 13
Local people energy suppliers, and generating energy in natural ways, for instance from the sun. If you have taken part in swap shops; noticed the solar panels on the Village Hall; seen Eynsham apple trees growing in new places; dropped in on an autumn fruit festival; picked herbs from tubs in the village square; seen shared allotments in private gardens; gathered information from energy-assessment or thermal-imaging days or from the GreenTEA website; joined a campaign for cycle-paths, better buses, a car club, 20 mph speed signs; noticed ‘the environment’ on the school curriculum … if you have wished any of these things well, please join in! National politicians and global corporations seem to think it’s not our business to look after the world we live in. We write to them regularly asserting our presence. Full of community spirit as Eynsham is, GreenTEA thinks that it’s up to all of us, for our children and grand-children’s sake, to delay and at the same time to prepare for climate change. Here’s to the next five years and to the fifty after that. If you’d like to receive the monthly GreenTEA news or ‘brew’ that Ros mails out, or if you would like to take part in what we do, or have ideas about things we might do – or stop doing – please contact Ros Kent: 01865 884119 / roskent@phonecoop.coop
Above, Yolanda and Darren Cattell help plant young apple trees at Hazeldene Close with Beth, Sophie and Keir – image © Adrian Moyes. Below, Stephen Yeo, GreenTEA Chairman 2009-2013, reviews the group’s activities. Are the first five years the hardest? They have certainly been busy! Transition Eynsham was brought together by Ros Kent in 2009. The transition we have worked to predict, prepare for and even celebrate, is towards a time when we have to look after ourselves – and the ‘nature’ we take for granted – more, as well as wasting less, than we do now. By sharing films, books and newspapers we have learned that, if ever more numerous and hungry humans use all the oil, gas, coal, etc. as we use them now, large parts of the world will become uninhabitable to us and to friendly animals and plants. So we have tried to help people with measuring energy consumption, insulating homes, wasting less and paying less for heat and light, finding eco-friendly
Brian Atkins Pat and the family would like to thank everyone for their kind cards, letters and telephone calls following Brian’s death on Boxing Day.
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Miss January
Few can wield a needle as effectively as Lesley Riding. Banished to the side of the stage and a minor speaking part in Calendar Girls, she pulled out a ball of wool and a pair of knitting needles… and had the audience in stitches. Possibly the day job, as creator of curtains, blinds and cushions for countless homes in Eynsham and beyond, prepared Lesley for that particular role – though she seems to have the theatre in her blood. If she wasn’t in the work-room (all night at busy times) she was sure to be found with the Players at the Village Hall. But after 25 years behind a sewing machine (including 4 years teaching at a local evening class) Lesley is handing over the trade to daughter Amanda and heading off to spend more time at North Oxford Golf Club – never mind her gammy legs. She has recently been elected vice-captain of the ladies’ team, so will be busy arranging matches as well as giving practical and moral support to the captain. What else? Lots more sewing! Vinyl bags of every shape and size, all fully lined, under a smart new eLaR label (LR – Lesley Riding) have “simply happened” and are flying off the rack. Remnants are being converted to gym bags; and ‘proper’ cushions, shaped and piped, remain a labour of love. So Lesley is giving up her day job but seems to have her work cut out for many years ahead. Acting – golf – did I mention Rotary? – and lots more sewing – will be balanced only by a determination to travel: she says there’s so much of Britain to explore without digging out a passport. And somewhere along the way a wedding to Tony Robinson, who is (almost) as busy too.
15
Recreation A ‘smorgasbord’ of community music in Eynsham, served up by Larry Poole, with more to follow shortly. Eynsham’s active music scene began with Eynsham Morris and our equally long-established Choral Society. Several other groups having set up recently, we now enjoy a highly varied range of community music, including Eynsham Folk Club, the Ukulele Band and most recently the Community Choir. Differ as they may, they all really want to see new people join their ranks and no experience is necessary – just enthusiasm for music. You may not know it, but after their energetic dancing days around the local pubs, the Morris end up at the White Hart and sing their hearts out until closing time (or beyond). At Christmas they pitch up with their instruments and sing carols with great gusto. The side goes back to the 19th century, though even Dave Russell hasn’t been round that long! They still have a reputation as one of the most colourful and flamboyant (and noisy!) sides in existence. Singing with them, accompanied by melodeons and concertinas until late in the evening, is a heart-warming and entertaining experience. More at http://eynshammorris.org.uk
ROBERT HUIE GARDEN DESIGN • • • • •
Eynsham Choral Society, founded in 1980, now has around 100 members. It has a ‘no auditions’ policy and everyone is welcome to come along and try it out. There is always a lot of laughter involved in preparing wonderful and satisfying music; and those who want to dip a toe in are as welcome as experienced singers. There are usually two concerts a year in St Leonard’s Church, often accompanied by some of the top musicians in the country. Look out for Brahms Requiem (4-handed piano version) and Britten Ballad for Heroes on Saturday 12 April in St Leonard’s Church. Conductor Stuart Dunlop, pianists Ikuko Inoguchi and Sally Goodworth. Tickets will be available in March from Evenlode DIY. ECS also organises occasional workshops and a bringand-sing open to all. Rehearsals are held at Eynsham Primary School on Tuesday evenings, 19:30–21:30. In recent years, performances have been very favourably reviewed. Contact Margaret Owen: 01865 455492 or meowen@ntlworld.com If that’s not your cup of tea, there’s Eynsham Folk Club, founded some four years ago by Andy Lamb and Chris Roles. If, like me, you have a paranoid fear of a whole evening listening to a finger-in-the-ear, droning
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male voice, fear not. You couldn’t come up with a more varied set of talents in the X-Factor. A typical evening might contain a few lilting, traditional folk songs, but just as likely some raucous scrumpy and western, a whiff of smoke-filled-jazz club, the delicate tones of a dulcimer or the haunting Northumbrian pipes. There are also more familiar concertinas, fiddles, recorders, banjos, ukes and kazoos. Humour and fun are the keynote of this club, which is open to all. Contact Chris Roles on 01865 880674 or just turn up around 20:00 on the first Sunday of the month in the back room of the White Hart. No charge! The eleven-member Strange Folk band, an offshoot of the Folk Club, has been performing locally for some six months now: image © Mel Leggett.
Another recent addition is the Ukulele Band, now in its second year. They have baseline numbers of 6 or 7, but have enjoyed as many as 10 of these brilliant little instruments playing together. The group meets fortnightly, alternating between the White Hart and the Queens Head, from 19:30– ish. No previous experience is necessary – you don’t even have to own a uke but as it is still the fastest-selling instrument in UK, and you can pick up a new one for as little as £20, you may not be able to resist getting one and joining in. While the miniature, four-string model is the most often seen, there is a tenor more like a half-size guitar, and even a bass, surprisingly small, which gets its deep tones from very thick nylon strings and a little amplifier. The band prides itself on giving newcomers encouragement and informal tuition. Contact John Richards: 01865 880640. There are still more musical activities going on, so in a future issue I hope to tell you about the Northumbrian Pipers and Community Choir, music in pubs and music for younger people – and a village music festival coming up in June. Please get in touch with more suggestions via the Eynsham News.
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Group updates Dance & Stretch for over 50s: well-known, lively music to inspire you – a great way to keep fit and meet new friends. Wednesday 13:30-14:30 in St Leonard’s Hall; £3.50 pp. Contact Coralie Green: 07767 360854. Eynsham Women Entrepreneurs: Jan Kavanagh is taking a well-earned break so contact Anne for details: 01865 880858 / eynshamwomensenterprise@gmail. com Friends of Eynsham Scouting: The reunion for past & present members of Eynsham Scout Group will be at Eynsham Scout HQ on Friday 4 April. Contact Mark Watson: mark@eynshamscoutsarchive.org.uk Friends of St Leonard’s: Following the recent death of our Secretary, Brian Atkins, Chairman Mike Stephens is happy to respond to enquiries for the time being: 01865 881340 / mike.stephens@oriel.ox.ac.uk Keep Fit – older adults: mainly over 60s. We move to music, seated and standing, to promote muscle strength & balance. Thursday 11.30-12:30 in St Leonard’s Hall, £3.50 pp. Olwen Radburn: 01993 773432. Rotary Club of Eynsham has been busy again with Bartholomew Players and Santa escort duties. All proceeds will help our efforts for charities in 2014. Thanks to residents of Eynsham and Cassington for supporting the ‘Santa tour’ which enabled us bring some Christmas magic to local children. Wanted: more men! Image © Cereta Drewett. With the success of Calendar Girls behind us, Bartholomew Players are planning another production (14–17 May) but a bit ham-strung by lack of men in the group. So if you fancy acting or helping out backstage – props, costume, set design / construction, lighting, sound – come along to the Village Hall any Wednesday night and find out more. Denise Santilli: 0772 744020.
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What’s on January
29 Neighbourhood Action Group, Bartholomew Room 19:30. Contact Ron Hollis: 07770 466237 30 Organic Group, St Leonard’s Hall 19:30. Martin Stott, Sowing New Seeds. Light refreshments; gardening news; plant & produce sale. Members £1, non members £2. Contact Christine Briner: 01993 868693 31 Community Cinema, Village Hall 19:30 – page 18
February 1 GreenTEA, Village Hall 19:00. Bike Safe Barn Dance. Contact Richard Sonley: 01865 880307 5 Money Matters, Orchard Centre 10:00–12:00. Enquiries/bookings 01865 880686 – page 9 6 Country Market, St Leonard’s Hall 09:00. Free tastings – new season’s marmalade 6 History Group, St Leonard’s Hall 19:30. Alastair Lack, Oxford in film and television. Contact Pamela Richards: 01865 881396 10 Friends of Helen & Douglas House, The Talbot 19:30. Quiz night. Contact Maureen McCreadie: 01865 883464 11 Women’s Institute, St Leonard’s Hall 19:30. Carol Banks, Work of the Blue Cross. Enquiries: 01865 882011 12 Theatre Club, visit to Bath, The Full Monty open to non-members if space allows. Contact Maureen Davis: 01865 880586 12 Garden Club, Village Hall 19:30. Michael Brown, A Monastery Garden. Contact Norma Gummow: 01865 882417 14/15 History Group, St Leonard’s Church 10:00–16:00. Exhibition, Eynsham Weddings Contact Pamela Richards: 01865 881396 17 Gatehouse Soup Run – page 12. Contact Jennifer Harland: 01865 880872 19 Eynsham Society, Village Hall 20:00. AGM – contact Jolyon Cox: 01865 880563. 20 History Group, St Leonard’s Hall 19:30. Roger Barnes, A walk around historic Ducklington. 22 Fishponds Volunteers, contact Verity Hughes: 01865 880243 – page 13. 23 Litter Pickers, Baptist Church Hall 13:45. Contact Eileen Mace: 01865 880393 26 Arts Group, Bartholomew Room 19:30. Barry Whitehouse, The art of colour mixing. Contact Diana Homer: 01993 822224 27 Organic Group, St Leonard’s Hall 19:30. Robert Longstaff, Experimental tomato growing & small space gardening. Contact Christine Briner: 01993 868693 19
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March 6 History Group, St Leonard’s Hall 19:30. Nigel Swietalski, Secondhand book collecting. 7 Women’s World Day of Prayer, St Peter’s Church 14:00. Bring-and-share lunch at 13:00. 9 Fishponds Volunteers – page 13. 9 Gatehouse Volunteers: home-made food/warm clothing for the Oxford shelter. Enquiries: 01865 881346 11 Women’s Institute, St Leonard’s Hall 19:30. 91st birthday party, Eynsham Folk Group. 10 Friends of Helen & Douglas House, The Talbot 19:30. Quiz night. 12 Garden Club, Village Hall 19:30. Duncan Coombes, The Shaded Garden. 15 Rotary Club of Eynsham, Village Hall 19:30. Barn Dance to Jack’s Maggot. Contact Harold Jerred: 01865 881869 20 History Group, St Leonard’s Hall 19:30. George Smith, Eynsham western development plan. 23 Litter Pickers, Baptist Church Hall 13:45. Contact Eileen Mace: 01865 880393 26 Arts Group, Bartholomew Room 19:30. Graham Rice, Framing. Contact Diana Homer: 01993 822224 27 Organic Group, St Leonard’s Hall 19:30. Eden Research (S Leigh), Essential plant oils for natural protection. Contact Christine Briner: 01993 868693 29 Carnival Committee, Social & Sports Club 19:00. Carnival Queen Disco. Contact Julie Jordan: 01865 880042
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These listings are open to all community groups and we welcome photos too – see page 2 for contact details. Next issue will be out on 31 March – copy deadline Friday 14 March.
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Visit Eynsham Online at www.eynsham-pc.gov.uk
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