EYNSHAM
Council & Community Issue 7 – June - July 2014
NEWS
No holding back: new Neighbourhood Sergeant Philippa Payne threw herself into the festivities at the Community Open Day on 10 May, as Maid of the Mill for Eynsham Morris Eynsham continues to renew itself. Just when you thought there was no room in the calendar, here are two more reasons to get involved. Folk Weekend, coinciding with Open Gardens (page 5), looks set to go from strength to strength. Three weeks on, Fishponds Foray offers activities and insights – and a memorable party – for young and old (page 6). Meantime, Shirt Race and Carnival have come up with new enticements. Do get out and support them too. Several new contributors grace this issue; a warm welcome to them and thanks for sharing.
In this issue • • • • • • • • • 1
In the spotlight 2 Fred Wright 3 Celebrate! 4 – 5 Public services 6 – 9 Come outside 10 – 11 Over to you 12 – 13 Local people 14 – 15 Recreation, group updates 16 – 18 What’s On: 19 – 20
In brief
In the spotlight
Bartholomew Players raised £3,100 for Helen & Douglas House through sales of their Calendar Girls calendar and handed over a cheque on Saturday 17 May in the Village Hall, at the final performance of The Importance of Being Earnest. John Blackie (age 67) is cycling the 62 mile London Night ride on 7 June in support of Bike Safe’s B4044 community path campaign. To sponsor him please use the Fundraising tab at www.b4044path.org Josie Smith – née Halford but a 10th generation Druce – was incorrectly identified in our last issue. Our apologies to all involved. Kathie Tanner has come across a carnival programme dated 1981 and featuring live lions. She’d love any photos or memories of the occasion.
A big thank you to all our advertisers and sponsors and to the Parish Council for supporting another year of Eynsham News. We are currently operating with a small financial surplus which is our contingency fund. In keeping with our not-for-profit status, any balances from the end of financial year 2014–15 will be donated to Eynsham charities. Thanks also to our small army of delivery volunteers, including Rotary Club of Eynsham members. Here’s where we’re up to now. Access: Your local news has global reach since going online last autumn. Readers hail from Australia, Canada, Cyprus, Dominican Republic, Germany, Ghana, Netherlands, United Arab Emirates and the USA.
Lynne Brown (seen alongside) sent a further £500 to charities last year from her Thursday stall in Market Square. She especially enjoys the books, having been in the trade herself. Since setting up stall with Joan Weedon in the 1980s she has raised £30–40k.
Content • Two-thirds of Eynsham News is still reserved for reports and features, listings and snippets; we aim to strike a balance. • The colouring corner has proved an unexpected ‘draw’ to artists of all ages. • Your bright idea could be the next big thing! Please have a word at any time – or look for us on Mill Street during Open Gardens weekend. Funding • 1/16 page adverts introduced last autumn have supported smaller businesses and funded extra space. • Year two sponsors (listed on page 20) have the option of a 1/16 page advert at no extra charge. • A maximum one third of space goes to adverts/ sponsors, ensuring some exclusivity. There are just one or two slots left – contact Sandy if you’re interested. 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. Next issue will be out on 28 July – copy deadline Friday 11 July. • • •
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 News Group. Inclusion of an advertisement does not imply endorsement of the product, service or event. 2
Dr Fred Wright Fred’s direct, often combative but meticulously researched approach was not always well received in some quarters, but was driven by a strong sense of justice with no hint of self-interest – he had no time for laziness or incompetence and treated authority with respect only when it was earned. He would have been particularly gratified to see the turnout, concern and support shown at the recent open meeting in the village hall seeking views on the County Council’s consultation document on Minerals and Waste (especially local gravel extraction) plans up until 2030. We very much appreciate the sense of purpose shown for keeping the immediate environment of the village as pleasant as possible for everyone, while recognising that economic demands inevitably bring change. The Society will, however, continue to reflect Fred’s concern for the well-being of the village and its environment in its desire to foster established as well as new projects and ventures.
Memorial garden Simon Harbour, Chairman, Eynsham Garden Club. A tribute from the Eynsham Society; image © Linda Dodds
A word of thanks to volunteers from Eynsham Garden Club. For the last 2 years, each has put their name down against a month to keep an eye on the memorial garden. Having planted it up on professional advice, we endeavor to tidy, prune, add plants and remove litter. We especially want it looking good for Remembrance Sunday, and in particular this centenary year. It can be a challenging location to garden, a lot of shade and cold corners, but while we are able bodied, we will keep on top of the job. I am proud of our members who step forward, it can be so hard to find volunteers for anything in these times, they are an example to all.
It was with great sadness that we learned of the death of Fred, a long-standing member of the Society and its chairman for the last six years. Although he had not been at all well over the last few months, in his inimitable and dogged fashion he had made a number of determined efforts to fight his condition which seemed to presage a recovery at any moment. It is particularly sad that he had no chance to make the most of his new role as honorary president – a position which reflected our enormous appreciation for all that he has done for the village and the Society over the years.
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Celebrate! However, the reason for writing this is to encourage everyone to try something different – take your children for a walk, pick the elderflowers, the elderberries and blackberries, check the internet for recipes and make some wine for the grown-ups and juices and cordials for the children as well as elderflower fritters and pies and crumbles.
The foraging season is with us, says Paul Hughes – let’s make the most of it. Once again we are faced with blossom and flowers in the hedgerows and the garden. As a child my mother would take me and my siblings out at this time of year to collect elderflowers, may blossom and dandelions to make country wines. A strange thing to do as she was virtually teetotal (she once cleared a display of glassware with one swing of her hand-bag after a glass of sherry and had to be dragged out of the gift shop in a fit of giggles). She was a product of her time where as much as possible was grown at home and anything that was there for the picking invariably was – and used in as many ways as possible. This policy of nothing goes to waste was put to the test last year, when I managed to knock the freezer door open and my batch of fruits defrosted. Faced with a sloppy collection of figs, damsons and cherries I threw them all into a bucket, covered with boiling water, stirred in some sugar and later some wine yeast then covered and left in the corner of the garage. Some time later I discovered the best rosé wine that I had ever made – crystal clear with subtle flavours of the fruit – it’s been difficult to keep a few bottles back to mature.
PELLMANS Your Local Solicitors
Business and Employment Law
Elderflower cordial
Contracts, Legal Compliance and Disputes
Property
Buying and Selling Homes, Commercial and Agricultural
image © Helen Peacocke; recipe Mollie Harris of Mill Street and The Archers
You will need: • 25 elderflower heads • 4 oranges – sliced • 1 lemon – sliced • 3 lb sugar • 4 pts water • 2 oz tartaric acid
Divorce
Finances, Children and Cohabitation Disputes
Wills, Probate and Trusts
Tax Planning and Lasting Powers of Attorney
Method: • Pour the water over the heads of the elderflowers – picked free from green and preferably in the morning in an area free from traffic fumes. • Add the rest of the ingredients, stir and leave in a cool place for 48 hours, then strain and pour into sterilised bottles. • Used diluted as a summer drink and enjoy.
01865 884400 www.pellmans.co.uk 1 Abbey Street, Eynsham, Oxford OX29 4TB Home visits and evening appointments available 4
Let there be folk
in the village, the Morris are very likely to stop for a breather and spontaneous sessions indoors. There will be music workshops on both days, led by Dave Townsend and Anne L Ryan, and a Sunday afternoon session in the Red Lion.
Open gardens Fifteen village gardens will open to the public on Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 June from 14:00–16:00. Come and see we have to offer. The gardens taking part encompass a wide range of sizes and styles; there will be garden and garden-wildlife based activities for children on both afternoons too – and maybe some medieval dancing on the Saturday. Teas are available on both days. Entrance fees will go to support local charities, at £3.50 for adults covering both days, accompanied under 16 year olds free. Programmes will be on sale at all participating gardens, so buy them at the first one you visit. Visitors from outside the village are welcome to park at St Peter’s Church, Abbey Street OX29 4HR and after visiting that gardens walk round to some or all the others.
Larry Poole introduces Eynsham’s first folk weekend. Above: the Mellstock Band. For more details and bookings visit www.eynshamfolkweekend.org.uk
More details from Marie Mills: 01865 882085 email: mandcmills@tesco.net
As you will have read earlier, Eynsham has a long and proud tradition of community music. This new event, running from Friday 27 to Sunday 29 June, aims to showcase a wide range of local talent in the folk genre and encourage spontaneous public participation. It kicks off on Friday evening with a barn dance in the Village Hall led by Tumbledown Dick (tickets £10/£8, including food) but if you prefer something slightly less energetic Ian Giles, with his superb repertoire of traditional folk songs, will lead a free evening ‘session’ in the White Hart. Saturday morning sees a free open-air concert in the Square, including the Oxford Fiddle Group, Oxford Village Band, Eynsham Morris and the Community Choir, from 10:30 to 13:00. The afternoon sees popup performances in shops, pubs and open spaces all over the village. Coinciding as it does with Open Gardens, there will also be live music in some of the gardens. With the Primary School fête that afternoon, the whole village should be buzzing with activity for both residents and visitors. The highlight of the weekend will be an evening concert in the village hall featuring two much acclaimed local groups, the Mellstock Band (Dave Townsend) and Magpie Lane (Ian Giles). Tickets £12/£10, via Evenlode DIY or the website. Sunday will be largely a Morris day, with our own exuberant protagonists and at least one visiting side. As well as dancing outside the various watering holes
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Public services Fishponds revisited
Eynsham Abbey Fishponds Foray – Friday 18 July. All are welcome. It is now 11 years since the Parish Council took over responsibility for the Abbey Fishponds and 10 years since the original surveys and management plan for the area were initiated. The Parish Council plans to celebrate this decade of maintenance and improvements with a Foray Day. Experts, some revisiting the surveys they did ten years ago, will be available from 10:30–15:00 to identify specimens brought in by members of the public. They are:
Aerial view of the fishponds © Crown copyright 1992
Flora – Wychwood Project Flora Group Pond Life – Freshwater Habitats Trust Insects – Lawrence Bee, ecological consultant Birds – Ivor Porter, local ornithologist Small Mammals – Marjorie Reed, previous surveyor
this and it now seems timely to find what biodiversity changes have taken place and to plan for the next decade. We have applied for grants to fund the surveys and the Foray Day and have so far received £750 from WODC and £500 from Cottsway Housing; we await results from Trust for Oxfordshire’s Environment and Awards for All. We shall be inviting every local group to contribute in any way they wish but in the meantime if you would like to help please contact Verity Hughes: Telephone: 01865 880243 email: verity.hughes@eynsham-pc.gov.uk
Chairman’s note Eynsham Directory: Copies of this residents’ handbook, supported by Abbey Properties, were delivered to every home in the village in May. Please let us know if you spot any errors or omissions, as is continuously updated at Eynsham Online.
Clearing the overgrown sedges, September 2013 © V. Hughes We hope this will encourage you all to come and see the amazing things to be found there. The Royal Microscopical Society will also be on hand with their equipment to encourage more detailed investigation. The pond dipping platform will be in place by then so the Freshwater Habitats Trust will be operating from there. We shall have a marquee and refreshments and a local film maker on hand. In the evening (19:00–22:00) we are planning a party for the entire village. It will include moth trapping, bat echoing, worm charming, Morris dancing, Eynsham Folk Group and a film show of the day’s proceedings and of previous events. We are planning a bar, food and music too. Over the past 10 years many voluntary groups have helped to deliver the management plan. The Parish Council and various bodies have invested in
Life-Saving Kit: Working with South Central Ambulance Service, the Council has arranged for installation of an Automated External Defibrillator outside the Coop store. AEDs are designed to be used by anyone, even without training, but more information and demonstrations are to be provided. Public Toilets: the facility on Oxford Road north side continues to suffer attacks of vandalism – raising concerns about its future viability. Whilst no one wants to see it close, the ongoing costs may not be justifiable. Unfortunately, dog fouling remains a blight on the village – especially play areas. I appeal to every reader to help us stamp this out. Even a mobile camera could deter offenders. 6
Play Areas
Richard Andrews: 01865 880106 We have found that the wooden structure of old climbing frame at Old Witney Road is starting to rot and will need to be replaced very soon. At Oxford Road the zip-wire should be reopen soon as the grass on its mound is growing well. The probation service has started work on repairing the flower beds, which never recovered from the poor weather when they were first planted last year. A group of Eynsham teenagers is very keen to improve the skate park and make it better for all ages to use with skateboards and BMX bikes. They have collected 170 signatures and made an excellent presentation of their ideas to the Parish Council, who are keen to help them raise funds and make detailed plans over the next few months.
Now the search is on for three designs to signpost the new trail. The District Council has invited local artists, schools and community groups to come up with ideas. The three winning groups will each receive £250; and their designs will be carved into 5ft tall oak posts, to be installed as waymarkers at intervals along the route. The deadline for designs is 7 July. Contact Heather McCulloch: 01993 861562 email heather. mcculloch@westoxon.gov.uk
Wharf stream way Local artists Jane Tomlinson and Lorna Marrison were recently commissioned to create big, bright information panels for an emerging Eynsham Art Trail, linking east Eynsham to the Thames. Developed in discussion with the community, the panels depict the route and its fascinating history; and some of the flora and fauna to be seen along it. The trail, around one mile long, will be an asset to the village and enjoyable by all ages. Installation of the panels this summer marks the first stage in a £20k project uniting the County, District and Parish Councils – and complementing the work of volunteers who have been busy opening up the Wharf Stream since 2006. It involves gaining permissive rights for footpaths and installing a new bridge (Oxfordshire County Council); seating along the trail and features such as owl boxes to encourage wildlife. The project is being funded by money secured from the Swinford Green development and a grant from the Trust for Oxfordshire’s Environment (TOE).
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At Acre-End, we are committed to ensuring quality of opportunity for all children and their families. Qualified staff provide a safe, secure, creative and stimulating environment through a parent/carer community based pre-school. Come and visit us between 10am and 11am any day. For more information, please contact us at: enquiries@acreendpre-school.co.uk
Morning, afternoon or all day sessions offered during term time, 8:45am to 3:15pm. For more information or to arrange a visit please contact us on 01865 883893. Registered Charity No: 268409
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Fire exchange Eynsham firefighters took over the toll bridge on Easter Monday 21 April, raising a magnificent £2,174 for the Firefighters Charity whilst reminding drivers to test their smoke alarms. Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service recently attended two fires in Eynsham homes. Even the smallest fire can be a very traumatic experience for the people involved and with your help we would like to reduce the risk of its happening in your home – as all too often it does. It is a proven fact that smoke alarms save lives. You and your family are four times more likely to survive a fire in your home if you have a correctly sited and maintained smoke alarm, have an escape plan and know how to call the Fire and Rescue Service. We encourage you to visit www.365alive.co.uk for advice on smoke alarms and other fire safety precautions and to complete an online Home Fire Risk Check. You can also contact our Home & Community Safety Helpline on 08000 325999 or email community. safety@oxfordshire.gov.uk Eynsham Fire Station is open any Tuesday evening (drill night) or at other times call Retained Support Officer Jon Hardy 07831 174524 or follow us on Twitter @fireeynsham
We offer an environment to suit everyone; a quiet and comfy end, a children’s play area, plenty of seating and a brand new meeting/eating room available to book. We host Drop-In Clinics with experts on hand to answer questions on subjects including IT, Gardening, Home Styling and more. We also host local groups who support carers, business etc. Stationery and greetings cards from top British Suppliers. Contemporary, artisanal and individual gifts for you and your home. Tried and tested equipment in our new cookshop area. Children’s gifts from brands like Jelly Cat and Melissa & Doug. Great coffee, homemade cakes and food available all day. 32 Mill Street, Eynsham 01865 731717 www.eynsham-emporium.co.uk
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Image © Kevin Quinn 8
Only in Eynsham ...
PCSO Keen has set up a STARS (School Travel And Road Safety) team in the primary school, which aims to encourage considerate parking, to reduce car journeys/carbon footprints and improve air quality. There are also regular ‘walk to school’ days that the children really enjoy… even if the parents don’t! The children helped with a survey on ways to improve traffic in the area at drop-off and pickup times. There seems to be overwhelming support for a voluntary one-way system from 08:00–09:30 and from 14:30–15:30.
Above, PC Martyn McHale gets to meet the locals on 21 March. Perhaps he should have remembered the old adage, never work with animals and children… Above, Lia Stratford image © Oxford Times.
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 Business banking with Co-op – Santander –Barclays – Clydesdale – BOI 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
image © Kathie Tanner On Mother’s Day a small flock of sheep invaded a local garden and the churchyard. This was not Martyn’s first time ‘wrangling’ sheep into a trailer but the first time he had tried it in uniform! The highlight from this year’s annual review is a reduction of 48% in recorded crime: down from 198 in 2012/2013 to 103 in 2013/2014. Of these, 20 reports were for making off without payment for fuel from garages on the A40 – down from 42 the previous year. Burglaries, criminal damage incidents and antisocial behaviour are also down – in part due to careful targetting of problem areas and better communication.
Cards / Stationery / Toys / Dry Cleaning / Laundry Fax / Photocopy – Video Transfer National / Health Lottery – Free 24 hour ATM
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Get outside
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Image © Tabitha Schenk on view at Eynsham Artweeks
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In 2014 Bridewell Organic Gardens celebrates 20 years of therapeutic gardening for adults with mental illnesses. The catchment area for service users is West Oxfordshire – including Eynsham. One in three adults will suffer from a mental illness at some stage in their lives, so most of us will be affected in same way, whether personally or via family or friends. Founded in 1994 in a derelict walled garden at Wilcote near Northleigh, in the the last 20 years it has become a flourishing and imaginative walled garden and vineyard where people with mental health illnesses can rebuild their lives in a safe an supportive environment. Today’s features include a large pond in the cottage garden: an avenue of roses and apple trees; a knot garden, raised vegetable beds; a soft fruit cage and a newly-planted herb wheel. The garden provides the opportunity for our service users to undertake therapeutic activities in a social context setting goals towards which they work with the help of our team of paid staff and volunteers. Goals are reviewed regularly as they move towards the point where they are able to cope without the support that Bridewell provides. Activities include gardening, bee and poultry keeping and rural crafts. Come and see for yourself at one of our open days: Sunday 8 June, 13 July and 17 August 14:00–17:00. There will be garden tours, delicious homemade teas, plant sales and various stalls. We also open monthly in summer during the working week: Monday 2 June, Wednesday 9 July and Thursday 7 August 14:00–16:00. Admission £3. More information on the website: www.bridewellorganicgardens.co.uk
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ROBERT HUIE Robert Huie Garden Design 27 Queen Street Eynsham Witney OX29 4HH
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Tel 01865 731466 Mob 07796 145476 web: www.roberthuie.co.uk email: design@roberthuie.co.uk Twitter @robhuie
THE COTSWOLD VINTAGE TEA PARTY Celebrate in style with a delicious traditional English Afternoon Tea served on beautiful Vintage China and Table Linen Perfect for your Birthday Party, Baby Shower, Christening or Hen Celebration call Jackie on 07901 600218
ELECTRICAL HIRE & SALES Freeland Road, Eynsham OX29 4AU Tel: 01865 881851 www.ehsplanthire.co.uk
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
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Aunt sally
A team affair
There is more to this game of Aunt Sally than just being able to throw accurately; you need to be in the right place mentally as well. Mark Walker, who plays for the Queen’s Head Aunt Sally team in section 3 of the league, says that you have to be totally focused on the game – it’s no good taking out all your frustrations after a hard day at work or an argument with the wife, you need to be able to relax and concentrate.
A feature on Eynsham Garden Centre from Eynsham News sponsor Gerry Thomas In 1984 the Eynsham Garden Centre was just a small farm shop selling eggs, chicken and veg, situated just past the Evenlode Hotel on the main A40. It has gradually evolved from growing just a few plants into the fully-fledged garden centre we know today. The old pot shop has been tastefully converted to accommodate the Palm Café, a stylish alteration with mostly window seats and some diner-style high tables, which offers a full English breakfast from 9am. Baps, baguettes, toasties, salads and home-made soups follow on at competitive prices, with cakes, pastries and clotted cream teas served during the afternoon. So now this has become a thriving business, catering for all the gardeners and families who like to browse while looking for plants and garden requisites. And the pot selection has expanded to chimeneas, to extend your time outdoors. As Gerry explains, the centre is very much a team affair. They have recently established a pet care section which caters for most types of animals; and if what you require is not in stock they will order for you. Most of the plants on sale are grown in house but the more exotic ones are sourced as locally as possible. The selection of plants is considerable – from pansies, petunias and all kinds of bedding to palm trees – so do go down and have a look.
Aunt Sally is a sport growing in popularity in the area and our 5 teams distributed around the pubs and clubs of Eynsham are all active in the Bampton and District Aunt Sally League which celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2012: see www.bamptonauntsally.org The League, stretching from Lechlade to Faringdon, now has 70 teams split into 8 sections. The teams consist of 6 players and teams play home and away and are promoted or relegated according to their end of season results. The Summer League has just started so why not drop by on a Thursday around 20:30 at the Jolly Sportsman, Queens Head or Talbot. New players are always welcome and it is especially encouraging to see younger players taking an interest.
Northmoor Productions Typesetting Illustration & Graphics Coming soon Painting holidays in a traditional Cypriot village in the Troodos foothills. Professional tuition, cultural excursions and good local food and wine.
Eynsham Garden Centre is open Monday to Saturday 8.30–5.30 and Sundays 10.00–4.30. Look for them on Facebook.
telephone: 01865 880243 email: paul@eynsham.demon.co.uk
The main A40 Eynsham Mon-Sat 8.30 – 5.30 Sun 10.00 – 4.30 Home grown bedding. Selection of pots & containers. The palm café with daily specials and freshly ground coffee as well as breakfasts to afternoon teas. Plus a well-stocked pet care section & many other items Telephone: 01865 883394 11
Over to you
Whole Voice
unlock the potential of your natural voice A great way to develop yourself, your voice production and your singing ability. One-to-one – voice workshops – group work for schools – businesses – charities – therapists Web: www.annelryan.co.uk Telephone: 01865 880858 FaceBook: Anne L Ryan Twitter: @movingtone LinkedIn: Anne L Ryan
Living with an advanced, life-threatening illness is among the greatest challenges in life. Oxfordshire Befriending for Life (OxBEL) can help. In one recent situation James contacted OxBEL. He is very ill and may not have long to live but wants to keep life as normal as possible. His wife Pam is frightened but doesn’t want to upset him by talking about her fears. Friends and family were doing their best but are trying to keep cheerful. Both James and Pam decided a volunteer befriender would be someone they could talk to and that this would help them deal with the enormous changes to their old life. An OxBEL volunteer is a calm, sensitive friend with time to offer. Volunteers provide a listening ear if needed, or just visit for a friendly chat. They are trained, well supported and comfortable with difficult subjects or feelings. Volunteers are available to visit in Eynsham. To ask for a befriender just call 01235 849427 or email laura.freeth@oxbel.org.uk or visit www.oxbel.org.uk
Drop us a line! Can you draw or write or photograph; talk of days gone by or pass on news of coming events? This is your newletter – do please get in touch! Deadline for issue 8 is Friday 11 July but we’d love to hear from you at any time. Our contact details are on page 2.
You can call and leave a message at any time or you can speak to one of our co-ordinators between 10am and 2pm. Why not give us a ring if you need some practical help or just fancy a chat? Our willing team of volunteers are helping people with shopping, prescriptions, odd gardening & household jobs, reading and sewing. If you would like some assistance just get in touch! Email if it suits you better: info@egnn.org.uk
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Thanks to Bryan Duffield for this take on summer in the garden. 12
For more information please visit our website www.shaunrowlandbuilding.co.uk
Alchemy in Eynsham Anne Avery returns to the 17th century for a new recipe series.
Eynsham is a lovely village; let us all be proud of it. I’ve registered Eynsham for national litter pick 1–8 June, so come on all who live here, do your bit.
The notorious alchemist, cavalier, natural philosopher, pirate, traveller and linguist Sir Kenelm Digby (1603– 1665) knew the orchards, water meadows, woods and hedgerows of Eynsham well. His cookery book, published posthumously in 1669, is full of detailed recipes from his rich and varied life but has its roots in the bucolic countryside around Eynsham, where he spent some of the happiest passages of his youth.
You can collect the equipment from Back Lane car park on Saturday 31 May between 13:00–16:00. Take as little or as much time as you like, litter picking where it’s easy for you. It would be great to encourage children to help, as long as they are with an adult. To take part during 1–8 June: • Just pick up any litter outside where you live • Or take out a small plastic bag and an old glove when you walk the dog • Or just go around and pick up litter at any time that week. Your bags, small or large, can be left out for council collection but please let me know how many you fill and how many people took part so I can register them. Thank you. Eileen Mace: 01865 880393 email: eileenmace@hotmail.co.uk
Eynsham shirt race Find out more at www.eynsham.net A big thank you to everyone who supports Eynsham Shirt Race, by cheering as a spectator or by helping with the event. Your continued support is much appreciated and will help ensure this long-standing tradition continues to entertain the village whatever the weather. Fancy a front line view? Then why not be a marshall for the race, it doesn’t take long and there are not many spare places so hurry and email your contact details to esr@eynsham.net If you want to compete in the 57th race on Carnival Day, then visit the website, familiarise yourself with the rules, prepare your method of transport and join the fun at the start line (Bartholomew School lay-by); register your team by 11:15, pay £2.50pp and let the judges do their judging. The race starts promptly at 12:15.
His recipe for cheesecake follows – elderflower syrup can be added to make a Sambocade. Take 12 quarts of milk from the cow, turn it with a good spoonful of runnet. Break it well, and put it in a large strainer, in which rowl it up and down, that all the whey may run out into a little tub; when all that will is run out, wring out more. Then break the curds well; then wring it again, and more whey will come. Thus break and wring till no more come. Then work the curds exceedingly with your hand in a tray, till they become a short uniform paste. Then put it to the yolks of 8 new laid eggs, and two whites, and a pound of butter. Work all this long together. In the long working (at the several times) consisteth the making them good. Then season them to your taste with sugar finely beaten; and put in some cloves and mace in subtle powder. Then lay them thick in coffins of fine paste and bake them.
If you get a good photo of the Shirt Race, enter our competition and email it to esr@eynsham.net 13
People
Anne Wrapson recounts an awfully big adventure last autumn, another tick for things she has wanted to do before her 80th birthday this year. The trip over 4½ weeks was in three sections, flying in and out of the unknown country alone last year. For the first week I explored Delhi, staying in a familyowned guesthouse where I was welcomed and cared for as their favourite maiden aunt. From 6–21 October I joined 13 others on an intensely busy trek, seeing so many sights – shrines, temples, palaces, forts, including of course, the Taj Mahal, mosques and markets – we were culturally saturated. Our very patient, knowledgeable guide, Raj, shepherded us expertly on all possible types of transport (especially foot), even on and off boats on the Gangees, only once losing two bodies on a rickshaw on the unimaginably crowded main street in Delhi... We ended our adventure in Calcutta, having shared a never to be forgotten experience of past and present history, the arts in all varieties, fun, pain (physical and emotional), food and friendship. I waved the group off to the airport and thence home, at 4 am on 21 October. Later I ate a farewell breakfasfast with Raj then took a taxi to the Baptist Guest House in Calcutta, where I stayed 8 days. There I quickly became involved in practical voluntary work in the neighbourhood with four remarkable young people who had just started 6 months of VSO. This photo was taken by one of my fellow trekkers. Now I must put my energy into assembling my kit for my next adventure. I board Tall Ship Pelican at Weymouth on Monday 28 April, to sail 3 days along the Jurassic coast and back – crewing. POSTSCRIPT: Safely returned from the seas, Anne reports she climbed all the way up to the crow’s nest and has a certificate to prove it. Snaps and stories from readers are always welcome, from near or far away!
Greens Funeral Services Established 1866
An independent family owned business, with five generations of experience, offering a dignified 24 hour service, with our personal attention to detail. 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 14
Still on trend
Pat Atkins reports from Eynsham Country Market. Above, first and most famous supporter Mollie Harris. Image © Sue Chapman Eynsham Country Market started life in May 1984 as a WI Market – a tradition going back to 1919. The movement was started by a group of Women’s Institutes as an outlet for country housewives, ex-servicemen and unemployed people to provide some extra income from their kitchens, gardens and allotments; gained national recognition and co-operative status in 1932, when the Ministry of Agriculture was encouraging home produce; and continued to thrive into the 1990s when the Charity Commitssioners declared it should be a separate body. The first Eynsham market was opened by the late Mollie Harris, in St Leonard’s Church Hall, and has been held there ever since (except in January) with bakers, gardeners and craft producers taking part. The ethos of home baked, home grown and hand made is now a fashionable one and the men and women producers are delighted to be part of the trend. We celebrated our 30th birthday last month with a vintage tea party and are proud of our motto – sell the best and eat the rest and have fun doing it! Don’t miss our free tastings, 1st Thursday of the month, and stall on Carnival field on Saturday 5 July. 15
Recreation
been striving to do well over the season with our U12s winning the knock out cup this year for the second year running. We train at Eynsham Playing Fields, Oxford Road during spring and summer months, moving to Bartholomew Astro Turf and Bartholomew Sports Hall (for the very young teams) during the winter months. We currently have vacancies within the club for a Youth Secretary, a Men’s Reserve Team Manager and Managers to fill in our gaps - U7s, U9s U11s and U14s. We are also looking for two kit sponsors for the forthcoming season. If anyone is interested in getting involved now or in the future – players, potential managers, assistant managers, coaches, committee members, etc. – please do get in touch or come along to one of our AGMs to find out more. All welcome!!
Eynsham Association Football Club was founded in 1897 and spent many years playing in the Witney and District Junior League until 1983 when it moved up into Oxford Senior League, which it now plays. We have recently attained our qualification as a Charter Standard Club within The FA. This is a Kite mark which recognises and rewards high quality levels of provision in club and league football and is awarded to clubs and leagues that are well run, sustainable and which place child protection, quality coaching and safety as paramount. Every little helps so why not come along yourself next time? Quizzes start at 20:00, with entry fees of £2.50 per person and teams of up to 6. The next dates are Monday 14 April and Monday 19 May. The club now comprises both men’s and youth teams. The men’s first team have just regained promotion from Division 1 up to the Premier Division having spent 3 seasons in Division 1. The men’s reserve team have been playing in Division 2 of the same league. It is hoped that next season we will be in a position to enter a 3rd team into Witney and District Junior League. Our Youth Teams all play in the Witney and District Leagues and currently comprise U8s, U10s, U12s, U13s, U15s, U16s and U17s not to mention our very keen mini soccer teams which will lead into U7s when old enough. Matches are played on a Saturday or Sunday, depending on age. All our Youth Teams have
Youth AGM 15 June 19:00 The Jolly Sportsman Men’s AGM 22 June 10:30 The Jolly Sportsman Club Contacts: • Paul Bates Club Chairman 07808 319878 • Gary Bailey Club Secretary 01865 464162 • Julian Wiatrzyk Youth Secretary 01865 881819
Cricket Club An update from ECC Chairman Gary Cook.
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The Club had a challenging start to the 2014 season, with most of the ground under water for over 2 months. Once the floods receded it soon became evident that much of the grass (and the moss and weeds) had died, leaving a ground unfit for play. Remedial action involving breaking up the surface silt and reseeding has been done and we are hoping for speedy recovery of the outfield with better weather. No play or practice (other than in the nets) is possible until early June or later and a number of home games have been rescheduled or being played away. Despite the difficult start, our spirits are high after last year’s success on the field with the 1st XI promotion to Division 3 of the OCA, and the 2nd XI in contention to do well in Division 9. Also, a Sunday XI team has a handful of matches arranged. The Youth section currently consists of an Under 15 squad with arranged matches and weekly nets, Under 9–13 nets will start soon and we plan to run some sessions for the younger kids on the artificial pitch at the primary school on Sunday mornings, reverting to the ground once it’s usable.
Plans and funding for the new pavilion are complete and building work is scheduled to start on the 2 June. A single contractor is being tasked to build the base and the superstructure; the remaining work may well require the help of club members and the wider community. Weather permitting, we hope it may be at least partially usable by late season, or failing that fully functional by the start of next season including pavilion, groundwork and new nets. The club is friendly and welcomes new members and supporters alike. In addition, we are always on the lookout for people to get involved in supporting the club from umpires (who get paid per match to umpire) to helping with ground preparation. Keep in touch at www.eynshamcc.org
The White Hart 31 Newland Street Eynsham Under New Ownership Great Ales, Great Food, Great Company! 3 en-suite letting rooms Function room for hire Lovely pub Garden Telephone: 01865 880711 email: whiteharteynsham@gmail.com
Cornucopia
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Here be dragons
Private dining and cookery classes at 1 High Street, Eynsham Ready meals lovingly prepaired, available fresh or frozen Delicious food prepared for all occasions
It’s all happening at Eynsham Carnival and Craft Fair this coming 5 July. At 12:15 the famous Shirt Race will entertain onlookers with fancy dress and home-made ‘prams’ whilst navigating a course round local watering holes. Then the parade, led by Carnival Queen Rebecca Singleton, will travel through the streets to the playing field for an afternoon of fun and entertainment. This year’s acts, designed with the whole family in mind, include Epico the Dragon – a charming street theatre act featuring Sir Aurelious Jones and animatronic puppetry. Staying with the animal theme, the Blackrock Llamas will be showing off their skills on a testing obstacle course – a truly action-packed display. Other events include an ‘open mic’ stage for under 18s (do book your spot ahead of time), go-karts, crazy golf, old Mini and motorbike display, Charlie the Clown and many more. With a large craft marquee, fun fair, BBQ and beer tent, there really is something for everyone. Tickets for the field are £5 adults (£4 in advance), £3 seniors/children and under 5s free. For the latest news visit www.eynshamcarnival.com
Contact Sandy for more info:0751876285 /sandy@cornucopiacooks.co.uk
P Bruno Car Repairs 25 years of providing a Sterling service Oxfordshire’s friendliest Family owned and run garage. Maintaining vehicles to the highest standards since 1989. Specialists in providing MOT’S, Servicing and repairs to most makes. Holding the IMI level 3 certificate for Hybrid and electrically powered vehicles. Appointments can be arranged to fit in with your schedules. Free Local Collection & delivery Hours: 8am–5pm Monday to Friday. 8.30am–12.30pm Saturday CALL US NOW 01865 883 413 Unit 7 Bottom Yard Oakfield Ind Est, Eynsham Visit our website: www.pbruno.co.uk
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Group updates
We leave Back Lane car park at 09:00, returning 18:00. Cost: £12 for National Trust members (with card!)/£24 non-members. Philip Spencer: 01865 881025
Bartholomew Players: Next challenge is a 26 mile walk for SENSE, the charity for deaf and blind children and adults. Five Calendar Girls are walking The Ridgeway on 22 June, from Bury Hill at midnight to Barbury Castle at midday. Struggling to through the dark then seeing day break will remind us that the people we’re doing this for will never see a sunrise or hear the dawn chorus. We need to raise £1500, so please donate at www.justgiving.com/BPCalendarGirls
Rotary Club of Eynsham: President from 1 July is Pauline Lowe: telephone 01865 701017. Many thanks to Harold Jerred for supporting an action-packed year. Tai Chi for Beginners: A new class at the Village Hall Tuesday 10:30–11:30. Come and enjoy a series of graceful, flowing movements that will help you become flexible, strong and relaxed. Tai Chi will restore your energy, improve your balance and posture and reduce stress. Marie Carty: 01865 301844
British Legion Members will have a stall opposite the Talbot on 1 June, to support this year’s Ride of Respect and raise funds for the RBL and Poppy Appeal. Eve Hollis: 01865 880550
Waste Watch: Another two successful Swap Shops marked the spring cleaning season. The Eynsham event on 22 March saw 128 people bring or take reusable items at the new Sports Pavilion venue to prevent them from going to landfill. We just about break even on these events as people kindly throw their pennies or pounds into the donation jars at the exit weigh station. The next Swap Shop will be on 13 September so you have plenty of time to prepare.
Community Transport: In the last six months volunteers have driven 213 journeys to clinical appointments and the Day Centre, travelling 2951 miles. Donations of £1472.00 have been received. We were twice unable to provide transport because no driver was available. Two clients were refused as they needed ambulance transport and on 15 occasions transport was booked, arranged then cancelled... a bit annoying! David Miller: 01865 881780
Youth Centre: We are looking for volunteers to help on Thursday evenings – mainly from September, though sooner would be welcome. Relevant training will be provided. Please contact Kristie Waller: 07931 517932
History Group: There are a few places left for our visit to Tyntesfield House & Garden on Wednesday 11 June.
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 May 28 May 30
Specialising in the letting of property in the Eynsham/Witney area Professional advice Free market appraisal Competitive fees
Eynsham Society, Village Hall 20:00. Steve Lord, Lady Jane Grey. Contact Jolyon Cox: 01865 880563 Community Cinema, Village Hall 19:30. 12 Years a Slave
For individual service call Christopher Dodds - 01865 883108 cnd@abbey-rentals.co.uk
June
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Image © Suzanne Peedell, June 2013 1 Ride of Respect, over toll bridge then via by-pass to Stanton Harcourt 09:00-12:00 1 Gatehouse Volunteers: home-made food for the Oxford shelter. Contact Raymond Elliot: 01865 881346 4 Eynsham Society, Market Square 19:00. Steve Parrinder, Abbey Stones – a village walk 4 Neighbourhood Action Group, Bartholomew Room 19:00. Contact Ron Hollis: 07770 466237 5 Country Market, St Leonard’s Hall 09:00. Free tastings – breads and jams. Contact Sue Butler-Miles: 01865 880928 10 Women’s Institute, St Leonard’s Hall 19:30. Carol Bunyan, 25 years in theatre and TV. Contact Ann Wotherspoon: 01865 882011 11 History Group, visit to Tyntesfield – see page 17 11 Eynsham Garden Club, Village Hall 19:30. Stuart Mabbett, Wildlife gardening. Contact Norma Gummow 01865 882417 13 Community Cinema, Village Hall 19:30 – page 18 14 Special Service, St Leonard’s Church 14:00. Zoltan Biro, Induction as Eynsham Baptist Minister. Refreshments follow at EBC; all welcome 25 Arts Group, Bartholomew Room 19:30. John Somerscales, How to create a landscape in watercolour. Contact Eric White: 01865 722989 27 Bartholomew School Fête, 15:30. Contact Catherine Ledingham: 01993 359403 27–29 Eynsham Folk Weekend – see page 5 28 Choral Society, St Leonard’s Church 12:30/18:15. Prepare/perform Haydn Little Organ Mass. Contact Margaret Owen 01865 455492 28–29 Open Gardens – see page 5
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
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July 5 Shirt Race and Carnival – pages 13, 17 5–7 Flower Festival, St Leonard’s Church 10:00–19:00. Contact Elly Wastie (01865) 464111 5–13 Arts Group, Bartholomew Room. Summer Exhibition – various dates/times 8 Women’s Institute, Sports Pavilion: Garden party. Contact Ann Wotherspoon: 01865 882011 9 Garden Club, Village Hall 19:30. Roger Umpelby, The kitchen garden today. 13 Gatehouse Volunteers – see page 19 14 Friends of Helen & Douglas House, The Talbot 20:00. Quiz night. Contact Maureen McCreadie: 01865 883464 15 Traffic Advisory Committee, Bartholomew Room 19:30. Contact the Clerk: 07956 901622 18 Fishponds Foray, Abbey Fishponds 10:30–15:00 and 19:00–22:00 – page 6 25 Community Cinema, Village Hall 19:30 – page 18 30 Arts Group, Bartholomew Room 19:30. Paul Hughes, Michael Owen and the Lania artists.
Floral designs for every occasion Bouquets, plants, cards and accessories Local deliveries and e-florist service 37 Mill Street, Eynsham OX29 4JX 01865 881624 www.mille-fleurs.co.uk
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 28 July – copy deadline Friday 11 July.
DAVID GREEN PAINTER AND DECORATOR
Visit Eynsham Online at www.eynsham-pc.gov.uk
Over 35 years in the trade
Our sponsors Thanks to Eynsham Dental Care, Eynsham Garden Centre, Electrical Hire & Sales (Oxford) Ltd and the Eynsham Churches; relevant features will follow.
77 WITNEY ROAD EYNSHAM 01865 882126 07732 778604 daviddaisygreen@gmail.com
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