The Grapevine October 2022

Blimey...the heating just clicked on at 15 degrees and I’m sat in a shawl!! I know my house was built in the 1800’s but this is madness!

I am very late with this edition but finally, here are the list of winners for the horticultural show! (see page 6). The show was quieter this year but thank you so much to everyone that entered the show...entries were up by a huge degree compared to last year so well done Lewknor parish...some fine examples of growing, baking and making. And thank you to everyone that volunteered.

I’d like to give a special thank you to Holly who brought along a steam engine

vintage car...we’re

Right...off to start a fire! Stay warm, Lewknorians.

WATLINGTON SOLICITORS

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YOGA

&

Vicki Austin taught her first ever yoga class at Lewknor Village Hall in 2002. And, 20yrs later, she’ s still there! After the challenges of teaching during Covid she is back in her original home at the hall and would love to welcome you along to join her and a friendly group; to share her knowledge of this incredible practice and to introduce you (or help you re discover) the joys, delights and benefits of a regular yoga practice.

Covering the traditional practice of asana (postures), pranayama (breath work) and relaxation, each class is unique and offers variations and modifications to suit all levels. For more information or to find out what others have said about the classes, head to the testimonial page on her website www.yogaaylesbury.co.uk or to discuss the suitability of the class for you, call: 07947 149676 or email: yogaaylesbury@gmail.com

9.00am

HOLY COMMUNION St. Lawrence, South Weston

7.30pm

PARISH COUNCIL MEETING Jubilee Hall, Lewknor

9.00am

HOLY COMMUNION St. Margarets, Lewknor

10.30am

MORNING WORSHIP St. Lawrence, South Weston

9.00am

HOLY COMMUNION St. Lawrence, South Weston

7.30pm

PARISH COUNCIL MEETING Jubilee Hall, Lewknor

9.00am

HOLY COMMUNION St. Margarets, Lewknor

10.30am

MORNING WORSHIP St. Lawrence, South Weston

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LIFE

WESTON, ADWELL AND POSTCOMBE (SWAP)

JACK GORDON DECORATING

ALL TYPES OF DECORATING UNDERTAKEN

INTERIOR OR EXTERIOR

Ring or email for a free quote: info@jackgordondecorating.co.uk 07590 517 444

POSTCOMBE POSTINGS BRINGING THE POSTCOMBE COMMUNITY TOGETHER

Queen Elizabeth II represented the epitome of natural grace, selfless service, dedication, diplomacy, and stoicism. Her majesty represented a fixed and steady point in an ever changing and challenging world, an anchoring influence whose presence, well chosen words and sage advice could provide succor and reassurance at the most difficult of times. In spite of her age, the news of her passing still came as a shock, a second of disbelief when, one who almost seemed the most permanent of presence, was no more.

In Postcombe, Margaret Poole provided the community with an opportunity to come together and have a moment to share the memories and emotions stirred by the passing of Her Majesty. A small tribute was placed on the ‘God cake’ – a picture of the Queen, a candle, purple irises and yellow sunflowers. The candle was kept alight throughout the official period of mourning and a week before her funeral we came together to toast Queen Elizabeth II and our new King. It was a comfort to have a focal point, especially for those unable to travel to London or Windsor. There was even a message left at the tribute by a family

from New Zealand, the contents of which Margaret has very kindly copied into an official book of condolence. The spirit of connection and compassion embodied by Her Majesty has been inspired in our own small community and also helped link us with our wider global community.

We would like to reiterate the words of a favourite royal friend

LITTER PICKING

Recently there have been several very kind people in the Parish who have given up their time to voluntarily go out and endeavor to keep our villages looking neat and tidy by picking up litter.

The problem seems to have been worsening recently, therefore, the efforts of those who have taken it upon themselves to clear up after those who are so thoughtless are especially appreciated.

The main road is always a bit of an issue, but Salt Lane is becoming a more regular problem, so the work being done by these thoughtful and resourceful individuals is most welcome.

SAVE THE DATE

In the lead up to Christmas, we will again be having a festive sing along. Lights, tinsel, Xmas hats and a glass or two to raise a toast!

WATCH THIS SPACE FOR THE SPECIFIC DATE AND TIME!!

POSTCOMBE COFFEE MORNING IN AID OF MACMILLAN CANCER SUPPORT

On Friday 7th October, Margaret and John Poole are hosting the Postcombe Coffee Morning at Cotswold Villa, Lower Road, 10.30am – 12.00pm

The slight difference with this coffee morning is that there will also be a raffle and a plant sale. The proceeds of all of these will then be donated to the Macmillan Big Coffee Morning. If you have any raffle prizes or plants that you wouldn’t mind donating, please drop them off at Cotswold Villa or bring them along on the morning.

We look forward to seeing as many people as possible to help raise some much-needed funds for this very worthy cause.

“Thank you Ma’am, for everything.”

LOCALS

Victoria Balls: Owner of Harmony Alternative Education

Do you have any yet to be fulfilled dreams?

I would like to open another centre so we can help more young people. Post covid, we have been overwhelmed with referrals form schools and families and I hate saying no!

How do you balance work and family?

This is a very tricky one, especially when some days can be emotionally and physically overwhelming. I try to swap back to “mum mode” when I hit the M40 but this is tricky when I need to take calls and plan lessons out of hours. Luckily my two daughters are amazing and my husband is very supportive of what I do. I also have an fantastic team at The Centre who take lots of pressure off me.

What did you want to be when you were growing up?

At York university I chose to study a Chemistry degree, a tough course but one that fully set me up for the challenges that were to lie ahead! After the 3 year degree I then had no idea what pathway to take so decided to do a secondary science teacher training qualification!!!

The next few years saw me working in mainstream schools, special schools and then heading up a pupil referral unit and behaviour support service for the local authority…… Then I decided it was time to step back from the stress and rollercoaster of that job and focus on my family!

Why did you decide to start your own business?

After a few months of being a stay at home mum, I was up for a new challenge and teamed up with an old colleague to set up a child behaviour consultancy, helping families struggling with home life…..and one thing led to another and before long Harmony Alternative Education had been created. Harmony Alternative Education is a small educational centre that offers education and support to 5-20 year olds who cannot access “school” due to severe mental health difficulties. We offer core curriculum education to young people and also offer them a therapeutic environment to learn and thrive.

What are the most important attributes to have with your job?

Patience is most definitely the most important one! Alongside the ability to listen, advise and guide. Some of our young people have severe trauma from their past so need to feel safe and wanted in order to succeed. Helping them move forward from that traumatic time can be a very slow process, but seeing them start to thrive is unbelievably rewarding. That’s what makes my job so worthwhile.

A variety of things ranging from a nanny to an architect! My work experience placement in year 11 was as a pharmacist in Boots, which was closer to my final degree but I found that boring!!!

What advice would you give someone starting out? Do something you enjoy! There can be some real highs and lows and you need to content enough to cope with it all.

What’s next?

I would love to set up another Harmony Centre but I think that is too much for the family at the moment! But watch this space!!!

BOOK CLUB MR MAC AND ME, MIDWINTER BREAK, & THE VERSIONS OF US:

T

he latest choices of the Bookclub were Mr Mac and Me by Esther Freud (293 pages, 2014), Midwinter Break by Bernard MacLaverty (243 pages, 2017) and The Versions of Us by Laura Barnett (410 pages, 2015).

Esther Freud is the daughter of the painter Lucien Freud and so a member of the family of Sigmund Freud. She trained as an actress and appeared on television, once as an alien on Dr Who. Her first published novel was Hideous Kinky a semiautobiographical account of her travels with her mother and older sister in Morocco.

Mr Mac and Me tells two stories, describing the career of Charles Rennie Mackintosh and the fictional life of Thomas Maggs. War is about to break out and the visitors that support the economy of the seaside village in Suffolk leave. Rennie Mackintosh and his wife, Margaret, stay on renting a shed to use as a studio. Maggs is thirteen, the son of the landlord of the Blue Anchor. Maggs is drawn to the two artists. He has a lot in common with Mackintosh. They are both lame and they are both from large families. In Maggs’ case few of his siblings survive. They are both, in their own way, artists. Maggs’ disability prevents his working as a fisherman, the main occupation of the town, but he longs to travel.

The locals are used to artistic visitors and accept the Mackintoshs but their involvement in the European, particularly German, art scenes causes suspicion. Also Mackintosh has the worrying habit of wandering the coastline at night.

This is a book that gives a picture of the villagers hanging on to a hard life made harder by the onset of war. Along side is the life of Mackintosh. The author has a house next to the Blue Anchor and so knows the area. This is obvious in her descriptions of the landscape.

We enjoyed the book particularly the wonderful description of the coast but the ending is a little rushed and just a tad unbelievable.

Bernard MacLaverty was born in Belfast in 1942. He published Midwinter Break when he was 75. The characters in this novel, Gerry and Stella, have lives that echo MacLaverty’s. They come from Northern Ireland and the troubles and have settled in Glasgow. We first see them preparing foe a weekend in Amsterdam.

As we follow them through their trip we learn about their life together. About Gerry’s secret drinking and Stella’s reason for wanting to visit Amsterdam.

This was a delightful book, charting the lives of a couple who have survived decades of marriage but are beginning to wonder if they can continue their life together.

Laura Barnett studied Spanish and Italian at Clare College and journalism at City University. She has written for several papers including The Guardian and Time Out. She is the youngest of these three authors and The Versions of Us is her first novel.

Eva and Jim are students at Cambridge in the 1950’s. They meet when Eva’s bike has a puncture and Jim helps. This, however, is only one version of their lives. In the novel there are three versions charting how the relationship between the two may or may not develop. There are complications, previous girl/boyfriends, weird mothers, unplanned pregnancy (the 50’s remember). We follow their three possible lives through the decades.

This book was described in The Times as ‘stunningly crafted and constantly surprising’ but to enjoy it you have to keep the different story lines in mind. The same characters appear in the three stories so it is easy to loose track. One of the readers found it more logical to follow the tales separately. This is one of those books that needs commitment to carry you beyond the first few chapters.

If you are interested in coming along to a meeting with no obligation to join contact Luarena Durston on 07791 442209.

Jo Blenkinsop

EVENT HORTICULTURAL SHOW AND FÊTE

AND THE WINNERS ARE!

THE MIDDLETON CUP (OVERALL WINNER OF THE SHOW) AILSA BLACKMAN

THE RIDONE CUP (RUNNER UP) EPPY HODGSON

THE GIFKINS CUP (SINGLE BEST EXHIBIT) ROSEMARY ASHBY

THE SCOTT CUP (FAMILY WITH THE HIGHEST POINTS) MEATH FAMILY

THE ROSE BOWL (BEST SINGLE FLOWER) AILSA BLACKMAN

THE ANDERSON CUP (BEST BAKED GOOD) ROSEMARY ASHBY

THE JUNIOR SHIELD FRANCIS MEATH

The garden judges had the terrible chore of ambling around the village admiring the beautiful gardens of Lewknor parish in glorious sunshine! It’s a tough job...!We were hugely impressed with the quality and variety of plants present around the village, as well as the evidence of the sheer hard work that has clearly been going on. It is lovely to see so many villagers taking such pride in their gardens so well done Lewknor!

Deserving winner of our large garden category is Rachel Denham, whose garden was not only immaculately presented but also showed some real imagination when it came to planting. As well as a huge variety of flowers and vegetables, Rachel had some really exotic and unusual trees, including a beautiful Liquid Amber. The runner-up in this category was Christine Smith, with her charming cottage garden full of beautiful colour and a good variety of veg. Of particular note were the impressive dahlias and lovely pond. Highly commended was Ailsa, with great colour combinations and inviting seating. A very well-kept garden.

Our small garden category was won by Julie Gordon for her imaginative use of space and unusual water features. A real oasis and superbly designed. Runner-up was Carol Denham, who has really made a statement with a beautifully decorative front garden feature and a back garden full of interesting nooks and crannies. A special mention must go to Nigel for the wonderful patio areas.

The tubs and containers category was difficult to judge since so many Lewknorians have put real thought and effort into them this year, as is evident whilst out walking around the village. Ray May was the winner here with healthy, vibrantly-coloured tubs, baskets and even wellies! The begonias were truly amazing and Ray’s Agapanthus was covered in blooms. Runner-up was John and his wife Jan, who have transformed Rectory Court with their beautiful display. Rosemary Ashby was Highly Commended in this category for her neat containers and perfect roses.

The Wildlife garden category was won by Andrea Hamlin. Not only was her garden wonderfully neat and colourful, but was also planted with a great assortment of insect-friendly plants, as confirmed by the numbers of bees, butterflies and other creatures buzzing and fluttering about. Impressive sunflowers, hollyhocks and allium stole the show. The runner-up was Shellie Meath, whose wild bird hedge mix was of particular interest, along with the willow arch they had made. Big congratulations to Francis, Shellie’s young son, who had carefully cultivated his own patch of garden. A future winner there I feel!

The winner of our Vegetable Garden category is the talented and hard-working Alex Hinckley, who puts us all to shame with her beautifully tended fruit and veggies including cauliflower, aubergines, mulberry and medlar, as well as more cucumbers and tomatoes than Waitrose! Lisa Armstrong came a worthy runnerup in this category. The work that has gone into this garden is plain to see with aubergines, tomatoes and sweetcorn being of particular note.

THE WINNERS

THE ALABASTER CUP

(BEST LARGE GARDEN)

RACHEL DENHAM

RUNNER UP: CHRISTINE SMITH

THE TROTMAN CUP

(BEST SMALL GARDEN)

JULIE GORDON RUNNER UP: CAROL DENHAM

THE ROSE BOWL (BASKETS AND PLANTERS)

RAY MAY RUNNER UP: JAN & JOHN (RECTORY CRT) HIGHLY COMMENDED: ROSEMARY ASHBY

THE DESBOROUGH CUP (VEGETABLE GARDEN)

ALEX HINCKLEY RUNNER UP: LISA ARMSTRONG

THE BARBARA MULLINS CUP (BEST WILDLIFE GARDEN)

ANDREA HAMLIN RUNNER UP: SHELLIE MEATH

WATLINGTON GARDENING CLUB

A small friendly group, we meet in the Sports Pavilion 7.30pm, with tea and biscuits, everyone welcome, guests £5, membership for the whole year only £22.

5TH OCTOBER

Carolyn Foster talking about Flowering Grasses in the Garden

2ND NOVEMBER

Chris Day - Growing Houseplants Successfully including Orchids

7TH DECEMBER

The Tea Break Gardener Katharine

Snowdrops -What’s all the Fuss About?

Cushing’s d

CBD

LEWKNOR CHURCH OF ENGLAND PRIMARY SCHOOL

morning in Mrs Wakefield’s class to raise funds for this very worthy charity. Everyone is welcome.

BIG ME DAY

On Friday 7th October we will be holding our fun Big Me Day. Children should come to school dressed up as they want to be when they grow up. In the past we have children dressed as astronauts, police officers, doctors, scientists, chefs and even teachers! We also invite parents to come dressed in their work ‘uniform’ to talk to the children about their jobs.

KILVROUGH RESIDENTIAL

I am delighted to announce that our Year 5/6 residential will run from Monday 12th to Friday 16th June. We are off to Kilvrough Manor in the Gower Peninsula near Swansea. We will be in touch with parents soon but for now why don’t you look at their website — it looks very exciting. See oxfordshireoutdoorlearningservice.co.uk

The sun shone brightly and the crowds came out at the annual Lewknor Horticultural Show. There were displays galore, lots of fun activities including this magnificent bouncy castle, a barbecue and refreshments. The day ended with an auction and all the prized entries were snapped up quickly. More than £1,300 was raised and this will be shared among the church, Krakatoa Pre-School and Lewknor Primary. Our children took part in the art competition and we will be announcing the winners at our next celebration assembly.

Right: Henry is very pleased with his tattoo stickers and bling ring, which he won on Denise’s stall

HARVEST FESTIVAL

Our school’s Harvest Festival will take place in the church at around 9am on Friday 30th September. Please would children bring non-perishable food items to school from Monday 26th September. Harvest Hampers are made up and the children in Year 6 deliver these to the elderly in our village. After the assembly we will be holding a Macmillan tea and coffee

WHOLE SCHOOL ASSEMBLY IN THE PLAYGROUND

The weather is still warm enough (touch wood!) to hold assemblies in theplayground and our new reception children are fitting in really well with all the school procedures and routines. I have been very impressed with the behaviour of our new children. They are even joining the whole school for singing practiceassembly on Tuesdays and they seem to be enjoying themselves. Thank you to Mrs Wakefield (pictured above) for leading this assembly.

So sweet: Miss Hawkes with Jeniece and Leiland

Left: Daryna, Hattie, Mia and Thea

Let us pray: Austin, Raffi, Si-Si, Isla P and Iris (front row)

GARDENING THINGS TO DO THIS MONTH

LOOK AFTER YOUR LAWN

Make sure you care for your lawn by raking or brushing leaves off the grass. Try collecting them in a leaf bag, which will turn them into leaf mould – a useful and versatile soil conditioner. You can also cut the grass for the final time of the year at the end of Octo ber. Make sure that the last cut is slightly higher than during the summer months – this will help to protect your lawn from winter frost damage.

GIVE THE GARDEN A TIDY UP

October is definitely the time for clearing up – greenhouses, ponds, gutters and water butts may all need cleaning out. Wooden garden furniture will need covering or storing for the winter and terracotta pots will need bringing inside, so that they don’t freeze and crack. If you don’t already have a compost heap or bin Octo ber is a great time to start one, with all the leaves and cuttings to be disposed of!

SHARPEN UP YOUR HEDGES

Make sure that you trim your hedges so that they are crisp and tidy for the winter months. Sharp edges will look very impressive when coated in frost in winter.

SPLIT UP SPRING-FLOWERING PERENNIALS

Divide herbaceous perennials, which flower in the spring, to en sure healthy, vigorous plants that will continue to perform year after year. It’s best to do this on a dry day when the soil is not too wet. Plant some of the newly divided plants back in the ground and take others to pot up and give away to friends!

PLANT GARLIC

Garlic is best planted in autumn. Plant it in your vegetable patch with the pointed ends up, just below the soil surface and spaced 10cm apart.

PLANT SPRING-FLOWERING BULBS

Plant bulbs to ensure a colourful display when spring arrives. Try planting clumps of five or seven bulbs of the same variety through a border, for a really effective display sure to impress! Plant them at a depth equal to twice the height of the bulb.

START SPRING BEDDING IN BEDS AND CONTAINERS

Plant out spring bedding and biennials, such as wallflowers. Pots and hanging baskets can be planted with spring bedding and teamed with bulbs, grasses, cyclamen and violas for a colourful display, with lots of glorious texture.

GROW HYACINTHS FOR WINTER FLOWERS AND FRAGRANCE

Plant prepared hyacinths in vases to provide winter scent and a splash of colour to your home. For hyacinths that will flower around the Christmas period, make sure you buy bulbs that are labelled ‘prepared’ and plant them in early October.

HARVEST PUMPKINS

Pumpkins that were planted in April, May and June will be ready for harvesting in October. Big or small, they make fun Halloween decorations and can be added to sweet and savoury dishes. If you have any spare, why not recycle them by hollowing them out to make a new bird feeder!

PROTECT PLANTS AND STRUCTURES FROM FROST

Preparation is key before frost, snow and high winds arrive. Check any high structures such as fences, sheds and gates for signs of weakness and rot in October. Insulate any outdoor containers from frost using bubble wrap or fleece and where possible, move pots of tender or borderline hardy pots into a greenhouse!

LEWKNOR PARISH COUNCIL PLANNING APPLICATIONS

22

i) P22/S0596/HH 10 High Street, Lewknor

Single storey front extension. Single storey and first floor rear extension. New porch at front of property. Re-orientation of bathroom and bedroom 3

APPROVED

ii) P22/S0629/FUL Hill Farm Hill Road, near Lewknor

Demolition of existing house and redundant agricultural buildings and construction of new replacement house

APPROVED

iii) P22/S1308/HH Anntara House, 8 Shirburn Road, Lewknor

Erection of a front porch, extension of/alterations to the roof structure of carport/garage including 6 dormer windows,conversion of the roof space into a home office/gym & an external staircase.

REFUSED - APPEAL LODGED

iv) P22/S1403/FUL The Manor House, Weston Road, Lewknor Storage shed for garden equipment and vehicle storage DECISION AWAITED

v) P22/S1711/PDH 18 Weston Road, Lewknor

Single storey rear extension of 4m added to a previous 1970’s extension of 2m (6m in total)

APPROVED

vi) P22/S2063/HH Laundry Cottage, 3 Rectory Lane, South Weston

Single storey front extension & first floor rear extension over existing single storey APPROVED

vii) P22/S2049/FUL Primary School & Playgroup, High Street, Lewknor

Add a climbing frame to grassed area next to the playground in front of the school DECISION AWAITED

viii) P22/S3243/FUL Highfield, Lower Road, Postcombe Change of use application to create a secure dog field on part of the extensive garden/open area of the applicant’s house and a 2m high fence around the field DECISION AWAITED

ix) P22/S3040/FUL Ye Olde Leathern Bottle, 1 High Street, Lewknor Proposed wood shelter at far end of pub garden DECISION AWAITED

To view the full planning register, go to: www.southoxon.gov.uk/services-and-advice/planning-and-building/find-application/planning-application-register

(PHOTO)

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INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR DECORATOR