No 478 MARCH 2025
Herald Contact Details
Editor � HanboroughHerald@gmail.com
Advertising Officer: Val Pankhurst
� hheraldadverts@gmail.com
☎ 07772 094819
Distribution: Sarah Nicholls
☎ 01993 881466
Management Committee: All of the previous plus:
Chairman: Nigel James ☎ 01993 881711
Treasurer: Michael Greenway
☎ 01993 357014
Committee Member: Jane Lewis
☎ 01993 883077 Where can I get a copy of theHerald?
If you do not have a copy of the Herald delivered to you, they are available from the following locations:
• The Cycle Shop
• The Co-Op
• Suzuki Garage
• Methodist Church
• Siblings Hair Dressers, or online at: issuu.com/hanboroughherald
Saturday 8th March 2025 7:00pm refreshments, talk 7:30pm
I came to England from Canada at 17 to study nursing and Freeland has been my home for 50 years. You are warmly invited as I share with you how God saved me, how He gave me life and joy, hope and peace and how He showed me his pure and unconditional love in spite of myself and my own foolish ways. His love is extended to all.
"This poor man called out Help, and the Lord heard him"
Ali Chodkowski
Hanborough Mammoth 2025
Waste & Recycling
will take place
Saturday 17th May
We need more participants for it to go ahead.
Deadline extended, register by 31st March call Nigel on 01993 881711
Your collection day is Wednesday Unless delayed by a Bank Holiday (*) Visit the website or contact us to:
• Request a food waste caddy
• Replace a damaged or broken bin
• Ask a question about recycling
� www.westoxon.gov.uk
01993 861025 BLUE lidded bins are for all recycling except glassbottles/jars. In GREEN weeks, general recycling, glass, food waste, cooking and engine oil, batteries, bagged fabrics, shoes, small electrical items and garden waste will be collected. In GREY weeks, general rubbish and food waste will becollected. Residents can now report a missed bin collection via this online form: westoxon.gov.uk/missedbin
Parish Council February Report
Hanborough Parish Councillors
Richard Devereux-Cooke (chair)
☎ 07785 391189
� rdc@hanborough-pc.gov.uk
Michael Franklin
� mikefranklin18@outlook.com
Rod Fraser
☎ 01993 880195
� rod.fraser@hanborough-pc.gov.uk
Rich Fuller
☎ 01993 880337
� rich.fuller@hanborough-pc.gov.uk
Tom Lewis
� HPCTLCH@gmail.com
Steve Nicholls
�
Steve Page
☎ 07703 545349
� steve.page@hanborough-pc.gov.uk
Jack Thorne
� jackfthornehpc@gmail.com
Lucy Tritton
☎ 01993 881597
� lucy.tritton@hanborough-pc.gov.uk
Officers of the Parish Council
Jon Gammage, Clerk
☎ 07909 514884
� clerk@hanborough-pc.gov.uk
Adrian Edwards, Finance Officer
Also with responsibility for Planning, Cemetery & Allotments matters.
✉ Fermain, East End, North Leigh, Oxfordshire, OX29 6PZ
☎ Office Hours: 01993 773532, Mobile: 0776 7020 290
� hanboroughpcfinance@outlook.com
County & District Councillors supporting Hanborough Parish Council
Liam Walker, County Councillor
☎ 07850 014350
� Liam.Walker2@oxfordshire.gov.uk
Lidia Arciszewska: District, Councillor
☎ 01993 882427
� lidia.Arciszewska@westoxon.gov.uk
Roger Faulkner: District, Councillor
☎ 07930 306114
� Roger.Faulkner@westoxon.gov.uk
Go Green Hanborough
Anew community group, Go Green Hanborough, has been established to help deliver a Community Action Plan for Zero- Carbon Energy, CAP-Zero.
Working with sister groups in Eynsham (“Green TEA”) and Freeland Energy Group, CAP-Zero is the first local energy action plan in the UK to be developed at community level. The project focuses on the catchment area served by the Cuckoo Lane Primary Substation and aims to achieve a 78% carbon reduction by 2035 and net zero by 2050.
These ambitious targets can only be achieved by involving the local community. Go Green Hanborough’s role is to work with the residents, community organisations and businesses to encourage them to reduce their energy usage and to switch to renewable energy sources.
You will see Go Green Hanborough volunteers on stalls at community events. Dedicated community sessions will be organised to provide information about how you can make your home more energy efficient, renewable energy technologies you could consider and other measures to help reduce Hanborough’s carbon footprint. Experts will be brought in to provide impartial advice and help to address individual cases. Residents who have already invested in low carbon technologies will be encouraged to share their experiences.
Go Green Hanborough will be launched on March 1st, 10:30 – 12:30. Please come and meet us in front of the Hanborough Co-op.
If you are interested in getting involved with the group, please email Cllr Lidia Arciszewska lidia.arciszewska@westoxon.gov.uk
Can You Dig It?
Hi-vis men on every street, Dig things up beneath your feet, 'Footpath closed' signs abound, So much to look for underground.
Council plans drawn up each year, Gas, water, gas again then Gigaclear, Hardly does the tarmac set, It's up again and soon you'll get,
Plastic barriers and herds of cones, Caging hi vis men on phones, Trapped outside in every weather, Doomed to dig the earth forever.
We are looking for an English tutor to tutor an 8 year old 2 or 3 times per week after 5:30pm. Call07922988888.
So if you're feeling all left out, Without a drill to moan about, Enjoy the quiet while you may, The hi-vis men are on their way.
divalde
Hanborough Rail Station Carpark update
In September a survey was conducted at Hanborough Rail Station to assess how the shortages of the Station carpark spaces can be mitigated.
The results, (which are summarised right), confirmed a number of issues not only relating to the carpark space shortages, but also some operational matters at the station.
In early February myself and my WODC planning colleagues met with Great Western Railway and Oxfordshire County Council to discuss the potential long and short term solutions for the station carpark. It was a positive meeting that laid down the possible ways forward to resolve the problem. Moreover, OCC agreed to approach Stagecoach to discuss an alignment of the train and bus schedules, while GWR has committed to address the current issues with the facilities at the station.
Hanborough Rail Station improvements are closely related to the WestOxfordshire District Council Local Plan. The discussions will continue.
Contributed by Cllr Lidia Arciszewska Lidia.arciszewska@westoxon.gov.uk
The summary of the survey results [morning trains]:
• Rail users were coming to thestation from a huge catchment area
• the majority travelled to London, 62%, and Oxford, 25%
• 80% arrived by car
• there is a huge problem with shortages of parking spaces; by8:35am the carpark was nearly full
• the bus schedule is not alignedwith train departures and arrivals
• the station facilities were shut
Public Consultation on Local Cycling and Walking
The online public consultation on Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan for the Woodstock and Surrounding Areas is now live.
The Let’s Talk Oxfordshire page includes the draft LCWIP report and supporting appendices, and a survey for the opportunity to provide feedback. The consultation will close on Wednesday 5th March at 11:59pm
Woodstock Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP) Let's Talk Oxfordshire
Follow the link below or scan the QR code above.
https://tinyurl.com/5n99nuvc
Contributed by Cllr Lidia Arciszewska Lidia.arciszewska@westoxon.gov.uk
Figure 3: Cycle Desire Lines - Woodstock and Surrounding Areas
Pinsley Wood, the future?
Pinsley Wood between Long Hanborough and Church Hanborough is the earliest surviving feature of the parish. It is an Ancient Wood and was mentioned in the Doomsday Book in 1086 and is part of the old Wychwood Forest. Over the centuries the wood has been mixed deciduous trees but in the middle of the twentieth century the management changed and about half of the central area was given over to plantations of non-native conifer trees for use in building and furniture production. Ancient Woodland is one of our richest habitats and forms a unique link to the primeval wildwood habitat that once covered Britain. Ancient Woodland sites are irreplaceable-the interactions between plants, animals, soils, climate and people are unique and have developed over hundreds of years. Ancient Woodland is the UK’s most biodiverse woodland habitat type. It is home to a wide range of forest loving plants, fungi, insects and micro-organisms.
TOP 5 FACTS ABOUT UK WOODLANDS
1. 13% OF THE UK IS WOODLAND: Ancient woodland covers only 2.5%. Sadly, up to 70% of ancient woodland in the UK have already been lost.
2. WOODLANDS ARE FANTASTIC CARBON CATCHERS: Around 4000million tonnes of carbon are stored in UK forests / 70% is in the soil.
3. OAK TREES GENERALLY LIVE FOR 600 YEARS
4. WE NEED TO PROTECT OUR WOODLAND: Only 44% of the UK’s woodland is managed sustainably
5. OUR ANCIENT WOODLANDS ARE UNDER THREAT: From development, over grazing, by felling and replanting with non-native conifers.
Pinsley Wood is important nationally because it is Ancient Woodland, but also because it has been linked to the village for centuries and is very much loved by us all as a special place we treasure. The wood needs conserving with sympathetic restoration, gradual removal of the conifers and eventually regeneration to recover from the damage caused by the conifer plantation. It is a wonderful habitat for flora and fauna which has declined over the years
Pinsley Wood is also under threat from development. Plans to build 600 houses may go into WODC’s Local Plan currently being updated. This would be in the fields adjoining the northern perimeter. If Botley West Solar Farm goes ahead the fields all along the eastern/SE perimeter would be filled with solar panels and high fences. There are about 200 broadleaved trees due for felling in September. The wood is owned by Blenheim Estates.
The time has come to raise the profile of Pinsley Wood as already discussed at the recent Neighbourhood Plan meeting. We need.to assess how we can best ensure the wood is given the protection it deserves.
All ideas welcome. Email pinsleywood07@gmail.com More on this next month Friends of Pinsley Wood
Freeland Gardening Club
We had a well attended meeting on Gardening in a Changing Climate in January. Chris Day gave us numerous suggestions, some of which many of us already undertake, so hopefully we will be able to cope whatever the weather throws at us this summer.
The meeting on Monday 24th March at 7..30pm in Freeland Hall is our Annual Raffle of Hampers containing goods that members have donated. There will also be a quiz. It is always a popular evening.
On 24th February same time and place a new speaker to the Club Vanessa Berridge will tell us about 'Gardening Heaven'. More about what this entails next month. New members and visitors very welcome. For any further information about the Club please contact me on the e mail below.
Janet Dalton daltonjanet9@gmail.com
Bladon and Woodstock Flower Club
Margaret Lang
Monday 10 February, our first meeting in the new year. It was cold, dark and raining outside but inside how different it was with Coral Gardiner a National Demonstrator with her title ‘Winters Palette’. Coral lit up the room with her humour and wonderful arrangements. The colour palette Coral used was beautiful. The quality of her flowers and foliage perfect and she did several arrangements foam free too. We are all trying to do foam free arrangements, but sometimes we must use it to be able to create a specific design. Those members who won an arrangement in the raffle were delighted including me! Yes, I won a green and white arrangement containing orchids, hydrangeas, carnations and chrysanthemums.
Our next meeting on Monday 10 March will be our Annual General Meeting. After the AGM we break for coffee/tea and then we have a speaker Simone Squire a National Speaker with her title ‘More than a slab of chocolate’. Yearly subscriptions are due on that evening of £42. This is very good value, and we have, as always, a wonderful programme for the year thanks to our Programme Secretary. Visitors are always very welcome. We meet in the Bowls and Tennis Clubhouse, Cadogan Park, Woodstock and our meetings begin at 7pm. If you would like to know anything further about our meetings, please contact me on 01865 376587
Hanborough GardenClub
March report Membership Events for 2025
After a damp and warm January, and the frosts in February, I’m looking forward to the lengthening and warming days of March, and of course, now, it’s all systems go as the growing season really gets going. There is still time to prune bush and climbing roses, to begin your dahlia tubers in pots, and to plant summer flowering bulbs like gladioli and lilies. Rob, our Treasurer, gave us an excellent talk in January about raised beds and what versatility they give to the garden, expanding plant choices. There is a report of his talk on the HGC website: www.hanboroughgardenclub.org/
If you would like to become a member or renew your membership for 2025, please go to the website for details www.hanboroughgardenclub.org/. Membership is £20 for the year. Membership entitles you to: free entry to talks, a discount card to use at local nurseries, a free talk voucher for a friend or member of your family and a free glass of wine or juice at every meeting.
All talks are at the Recreation Hall, Long Hanborough and start at 7.30 pm. The talks are open to all - we are a very friendly club and at each talk we have refreshments and a raffle. For up to date information and information about how to become a member, please visit our website www.hanboroughgardenclub.org/.
Hanborough Neighbourhood Plan: Initial Public Consultation Success
Abig thank you to everyone who came along on Saturday 8th February to the Initial Public Consultation for a Hanborough Neighbourhood Plan. Our villages really do have a great sense of community and it was fantastic to see so many of you at the event. Over 100 people attended on what was a pretty miserable day weather wise!
It was really encouraging to see genuine interest in the future of Hanborough and your views are paramount in the creation of a Neighbourhood Plan which will give our community an increased ability to influence planning and facilities within the area.
This, our first event, was led by HPC Councillor and Working Group Member Mike Franklin and Tom McCulloch from Community First Oxfordshire (who are supporting us with the creation of the plan). People joined in welcome sessions, discussed ideas and issues, and raised lots of questions to take forward.
We have dozens of your ‘post it’ notes completed at our drop-in discussion stations to keep us busy!
We’re really grateful for your ideas, suggestions and requests – but we need more! What would you like to see in Hanborough? How would you like to see our area develop?
Thursday 27th March
Swifts by Dr Andrew Lack
Dr Lack, of the Dept. of Environmental Biology at Brookes, will be giving us his expert talk about swifts.
Thursday 24th April
Gardens in Pictures by Lucy Tritton Lucy, HGC Chair, will be giving a talk about plants in paintings.
Thursday 29th May
Foraging – The Wild Side of Life by Fred Gillam
Friday 13th June at 12.30
Trip to the National Herb Centre inBanbury.
Visit to Banbury Herb Centre. Selfdrive and free entry with a good cafe. The Herb Centre has six herb display gardens and three nature trails.
You can ‘Tell Us What You Think’ by sending your comments to: mikefranklin18@outlook.com
The Working Group are now collating your input. Initial feedback suggests people want improved connectivity in terms of cycle routes and footpaths, more for young people to do e.g. permanent table tennis tables plus more green spaces for leisure and wellbeing. Over the next few months, there will be a Community Questionnaire delivered to every household to complete along with further Consultation Events. Please look out for our messages locally and online on the HPC website and social media.
As a volunteer group of residents, we are looking for help to assemble this Neighbourhood Plan. If you have any free time or any expertise you feel may be valuable to us, then please do get in touch at the email address below.
Hanborough Neighbourhood Plan Working Group Via email: mikefranklin18@outlook.com
WFreelandDistrict
e are looking forward to the new term, with new girls joining us. The rainbows and brownies are doing badges towards the ‘Be Well’ theme focussing on mindfulness and living healthy lives. We will also be celebrating Thinking Day around the 22nd February. This year’s theme is 'Our Story' and will give the chance to reflect on the symbolism and values of Girl Guiding and explore what it has meant to be a Girl Guide and Girl Scout over the years. We will also be celebrating Easter, Shrove Tuesday to name a few.
Are you looking for something new to do in 2025? Ourguide units really needs helpers on a Monday or Tuesday night for a couple of hours. Anything you can spare would be really appreciated. You don’t need any particular skills and can be any age freelanddistrictguiding@btinternet.com
Regular readers will know by now that we are always in need of extra volunteer leaders to help us to keep our groups running regularly and safely.
Last month we had to temporarily stop all our Beavers meetings because of a lack of volunteer leaders. Now that, thankfully, some parents have stepped up to take turns in a rota, we are able to keep the Beavers group running regularly.
This month we are on the look-out for more volunteers to work with our oldest group of 14-18 year olds, the Explorers, who meet on Friday evenings. With this age group there is the opportunity to get involved with some more adventurous stuff, as the young people tend to plan their own activities.
Why You Should
Become an Explorers Leader
Becoming an Explorers leader with our local group is a fantastic opportunity to make a real difference in your community while having fun and learning new skills.
Make a Lasting
Impact
Explorers (aged 14-18) are nearing the last stage of their Scouting journey. As a leader, you’ll inspire them to discover a new sense of independence, build confidence, and work as a team to plan and manage their own programme of activities. You’ll help them to grow into more mature young adults, ready to take on whatever challenges life throws at them.
Join
a Supportive Community
You’ll become part of a welcoming network of Scouts leaders, sharing ideas, laughter, and experiences. The
friendships you’ll form often last a lifetime, and you’ll enjoy being part of something bigger.
Flexible and Rewarding
Worried about time? Scouting offers flexibility to fit your schedule, with plenty of training and resources to help you succeed. You choose how much time you can commit, and every moment makes a difference.
Boost Your Skills
From leadership and organisation to communication and problem-solving, you’ll gain skills that are valued by employers - and it looks great on your CV.
Keep Oxfordshire’s Scouting Spirit Alive
By volunteering, you’ll contribute to a long-standing tradition of community spirit in Freeland and Long Hanborough, ensuring the next generation thrives. If you’re ready to inspire, grow, and have fun, becoming an Explorers leader is an incredibly rewarding choice. Your local Scouts group would love to welcome you! So, please contact us at gsl@hfscouting.org.uk to express your interest and for further details.
We are very fortunate to have such active Scouts groups serving our young people in Hanborough and Freeland: make 2025 the time for you to step forward and join our team, to help us make a real difference to our communities.
Matthew Ruddle (Publicity Rep)
Elderberries
A social group for the over 65s with company, laughsand lunch!
Combe Mill
Blenheim Palace Sawmills, Combe, Oxon. OX29 8ET
Our First ‘IN STEAM EVENT’ at Combe Mill Sun 16th March 2025 Themed ‘Change & Adapt’ supporting the British Science Week. “See how technology has changed” with a display of items from the 1950s to 2025. Do you remember? Can you keep up? Where is it going? there has been a rapid explosion in some aspects of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, examples of games, communication, electronics, music, domestic appliances, phones, medicine, and more will be on display. Bring the children along to enjoy the revamped tinkering area, lots to do and see. Browse Gift Shop, BBQ and Tea Room also open. Accompanied by Spring Market Stalls. Combe Mill is a Late 19th Century Grade 11 listed Watermill in its day was the workshop for Blenheim Palace Estate by the River Evenlode, with Steam Beam Engine, Restored Waterwheel, Line Shafting, Collection of Towers Clocks, with all machinery running as used in its day. Make a poker in our Dual Blacksmiths’ Forge and much more. Admission: - Adults £9.00, Concessions £7.50, CHILDREN now FREE. Dogs welcome. Free Parking. Ask about Gift Aid. Open: 10.30am to 4.30pm
2025 has started strong for us here at Elderberries and February is here already! We have already celebrated a 80th birthday and also a 90th birthday plus two more so we have enjoyed plenty of Dawns fabulous birthday cakes! Every birthday here at Elderberries, both members and helpers, is a reason to celebrate and we always sing Happy Birthday and candles are blown out! It’s one of the ways we like to make everyone feels their birthday is special and we are here to celebrate with them. Valentines Day is always a loved up day for us and this year was no exception We had red primulas for everyone and a big thank you to Freeland Nurseries. We also had a velvet red rose for each member to show that our love at Elderberries is everlasting! Anadverttopromoteyourbusinessinthe HanboroughHeraldwillreach 1700 readers inthevillage. Ifyouwouldliketoadvertiseasaone-offorevery month,pleasecontactouradvertisingofficerfor furtherinformationandadvertisingrates. hheraldadverts@gmail.com, orcallValon07772094819
Open Wednesdays from 19th march 2025 for selfguided tours, with volunteers on hand to talk about Combe Mill and it’s history. Tea room also open drop in for a cuppa and piece of cake. Admission: Adults £5.00 Concessions Children FREE. Open: 10.30am to 3.30pm. Contact: Combe Mill Society, 01993 358694
www.combemill.org
Wroslyn Road, Freeland, OX29 8AQ
Open Monday- Saturday 9.00am-5.00pm; Sunday 9.30am-5.00pm
Tel:-01993 881430
Website:https://freelandnurseries.wordpress.com/
• New season’s vegetable and flower seeds
• Seed potatoes, onion sets and shallots
• Spring bulbs, primroses and polyanthus for early colour
• Starter flower plugs
• Growing sundries to get your planting off to a flying start
• Comprehensive selection of wild bird products
• A good selection of greetings cards
YOUR LOCAL HANBOROUGH BASED LICENSED TAXI COMPANY. (6 SEATS) RELIABLE & REASONABLE RATES ALL AREAS AIRPORTS & SEAPORTS MOB. 07919 675150 07554 066861
Herald Cryptic Crossword No. 162: March 2025
BY DIVALDE
Across
1 3a Real Madrid reorganise and introduce flying winger (3,7)
3 see 1a
8a 19d,30a Engorged dog ran a ramshackle pub (6,3,6)
10 11 follow Biblical priest to run for medicinal potion (6)
11 Omar Sharif embraced mother (2)
12 Ottoman commander found in some kitchens (3)
13 Belief in atoms I reassemble (6)
15 I'll hit confused 19th century novel by George Macdonald (6)
18 We rang red chair without electricity, sorting out Cycle producer (7,6)
22 Air 22d mad including yellow (6)
25 Sounds like Ken will provide dog house (6)
28 Fire sack (3)
29 Satellite returns dressed in tinfoil!(2)
30 see 8a
31 Mule is excited to find healthy breakfast (6)
32 Re-designate Sir Khan as supreme being (7)
33 Homeric exclamation (3)
1 Dealt in other words (5) 2 Dynamic Duo moved inside Italian place of worship (5)
4 Visionary invoked red mare (7)
5 Perfect me dishing out cards by the sounds of it (5)
6 Spirit starts a revolution in English literature (5)
7 27d Leghorn hit badly near Roman villa (5,5)
9 Ghostly sound ahead of Rovers in Scottish football (5)
14 A grub for underground pill popper (5)
16 Look inside and sip a pint (1,1,1)
17 Motif in the means (5)
19 see 8a
20 Stir guy who played keyboards for rock band
Yes (7)
21 That is after info it may grant wishes (5)
22 Mad melody without yellow replica (5)
23 Groan about in Essex (5)
24 American jerks (5)
26 Pried into volcano sedately (5)
27 see 7d
Answers for No 161 February 2025
Across: 1 Verne: 5 Sober: 8 Ida: 9 Romulus: 11 Charles: 15 Novice: 16 Om: 17 Vladivostok: 22 Be: 24 Remain: 25 Batgirl: 29 Ocarina: 30 Gad: 31 Hardy: 32 Tenor: Down: 1 Verona: 2 Removal: 3 Enlaced: 4 Disc: 5 Saga: 6 Ball: 7 Rags: 12 Halo: 13 Rust: 14 Ewok: 17 Veda: 18 Agog: 19 Igor: 20 Stewart: 21 Ovation: 23 Unfair: 25 Bath: 26 Thor: 27 Iggy: 28 Lode:
Eynsham Country Market in Long
Hanborough in 2025
Eynsham Country Market would like to thank everyone who turned out to support us in 2024 which was our 40th Anniversary year. Our Christmas market on 7th December in Long Hanborough Recreation Hall was particularly busy and we hope that all our customers enjoyed their Christmas treats and are now ready to sample more locally made produce from ECM. Our first market of 2025 in Long Hanborough will be our Easter themed market on Saturday 12th April when we will be selling simnel cakes, Easter biscuits, iced ginger cookies, chocolate Easter treats, preserves, savouries and much more. There will also be a wide range of home-made crafts and gifts and we will be serving hot tea, coffee and bacon rolls.
Our regular Thursday markets in Eynsham Square, from 9am until 10.30am, start on Thursday 6th February. We have also organised a programme of Saturday markets for 2025 which run from 9.30am until 12pm in the Square and also the Recreation Hall Long Hanborough. We look forward to welcoming you to our special events:-
• Sat 12th April: Easter themed Market at Long Hanborough
• Sat 17th May: Plant sale, baking and craft market Eynsham Square
• Sat 20th September: World Wide Kitchen in Eynsham
• Sat 25th October: Halloween and Harvest at Long Hanborough
• Sat 29th Nov: Christmas Market Long Hanborough
• Sat 6th Dec: Christmas Market Eynsham
Please follow us on Facebook for updates on our events in Eynsham and Long Hanborough. We are always looking for new producers, so if you can bake, make preserves, make home-made crafts or even grow your own veg and fancy joining a friendly team of local people, why not get in touch for more information?
Email: eynshamcountrymarket76@ gmail.com
Looking to
Ride with a Club? Introducing Oxonian Cycling Club!
A friendly, welcoming cycling club? Oxonian Cycling Club, based in Eynsham, is the perfect place for riders of all abilities to enjoy the sport — whether you're into training, racing, sportives, or just love a good social ride.
Founded in 1927, our club has grown to 180+ members who share a passion for cycling. We primarily focus on road cycling, with weekend club runs, weekly time trials, and cyclo-cross. Many of our members also take part in road racing, touring, off-road adventures, and even track sessions. Whatever your style, you’ll find like-minded riders here!
Our club runs take you through the beautiful Oxfordshire countryside on quieter lanes—always with a café stop to refuel and chat. Rides are led by experienced members, covering around 50 miles at a pace that suits the group — no one gets left behind!
Ready to ride? Just turn up and join us, or get in touch if you have any questions. Check our diary for upcoming rides on Facebook and be part of the Oxonian Cycling Club today!
Club rides start at the Red Lion, Eynsham, every Saturday at 9:00 AM. See you there!
Not quite ready to ride? If you are new to group cycling and / or want to improve your skills to join our cycles, we are conducting a 2 Week Program to have you Cycling with confidence on March 22 and 29.
Check out our website for details on all of the above:
https://www.oxoniancc.co.uk/
Langel Probus
Langel Probus is a social club for retired and semi-retired men with a business or professional background, to meet like-minded-fellows-twice a month on the second and fourth Wednesday of the month at 9.30 for 10.00 am in the upper hall, Witney High Street Methodist Church. In addition we organise trips to places of interest and also arrange a number of social events when partners are invited.
Our forthcoming talks are :
• 12th March Stephen Barker speaking on Gandi and the FirstWorld War
• 26th March Liz Woolley speaking on From Axtell to Zacharias: TheMen who built Oxford
If you are interested or want further information please email our Secretary at: secretary@langelprobus.org.uk oralternatively look at our facebook page www.facebook.com/langelprobus and also our club calendar https://sites.google.com/view/ langelprobusinwitney/ club-calendar
Prospective members can come 3times without having to join.
Woodstock StrokeClub
Stroke survivors and their carers welcome
Come and join us for a friendly chat and a cup of tea/coffee at The Community Centre, New Road, Woodstock, OX20 1PB
We meet every other Tuesday from 10:30 to 13:00 hours.
Full programme of talks & activities. Wheelchair accessible access Contact Mike on 07432704042 or e-mail: mikeshipway71@ gmail.com for further information
Freeland Wine Club
We enjoyed a very successful first meeting on Jan 31st in Freeland Village Hall with 36 attendees. All the committee members introduced themselves and their favourite wine with suitable nibbles. These comprised 3 white 3 red and an Alsace Cremant as a welcome wine. The program will continue in March (28th) with a presentation by Tim North of Joie de Vin entitled “WINE THE FRENCH USUALLY KEEP FOR THEMSELVES” with suitable food nibbles and of course our popular Wine Raffle.
Entrance is £10 for members (Membership £10 for the year including the free event in Nov) and £14 for guests.
Contact freelandwineclub@ gmail.com
North Leigh Roman Villa Open Days
Please come along in 2025 to one of our Villa Open Days to see the site looking its best. Mosaics open 11am to 5pm on the following weekends:
• May 17 & 18
• June 21 & 22
• July 19, 20, 26 & 27
• August 2, 3, 16, 17, 30 & 31
• September 20 & 21
For more details about openings and access to the site (which can be arduous if you have mobility issues), please visit: www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/ places/north-leigh-roman-villa/ Follow us on Twitter: @villa_north
To join Friends of North Leigh Roman Villa or arrange a special opening email: nlrvvols@gmail.com
Freeland WalkingGroup
The next meeting, which is always the 3rd Wednesday of the month, will be on 19th March. Anyone new wanting to join us please contact me on the e mail below so that I can put you in contact with the person leading the walk that month.
Janet Dalton daltonjanet9@gmail .com
U3a Woodstock &District
Such a great speaker at the Woodstock & District u3a February meetup – a fascinating talk which held our audience engrossed for a full hour. A standard by which future speakers will be judged - so no pressure. William told us about his service in the Falklands war – a stark reminder of the devastation of that time and then of his furthering career amongst members of the royal family and others needing his highly professional service as butler or steward. Beautifully delivered with photos and memorabilia.
Thursday March 6th will see us listen to Robert Brewer - The Role of a TV/Film Extra and how anyone can do it. Do come along as a visitor at £2 to see what u3a can offer - or maybe what you can offer the u3a. The meet-up is 1.45 for 2pm at St Hugh’s, Hensington Road, Woodstock. On 3 April we have Janine Kilroe with her subject – A photographers Tale – 30 years in the business. We look forward to having you join us.
Apart from the monthly speaker meetings, interest groups are setup accordingly to demand and willingness of members to do this. All groups currently offered are on our website www.woodstocku3a.Uk there is a requirement for membership after an initial taster.
We would like to develop some more foreign language groups locally to add to our popular French Conversation but really need native speakers to be involved. Could you volunteer for a session once or twice a month? We must have many gifted foreign language speakers in our area. Please do make contact via the website.
Sue Blackshaw - Chair
Thank you
A huge thank you to everyone who sent cards, messages, phone calls and flowers following David's death. They have helped me through a very sad time. As a family we were overwhelmed by the number of people who came to the thanksgiving service thank you all.
Valerie, Martyn, Andrew Tee andfamily
Big Home Energy Day 22nd March 2025
Join us at our Big Home Energy Day this March to find out how to make your home warmer and cut your bills, plus your chance to sign up for a discounted home energy assessment. As part of our Community Action Plan for Zero-Carbon Energy, this event will include advice, talks and stalls for the Eynsham community, including;
• What changes people in your community have made to their homes
• Easy ways to save energy and reduce your bills
• Financial support for making upgrades to your home
• Community transport initiatives
• How you can get involved in local projects
Plus, there’ll be the opportunity to try out a thermal imaging camera which can show you where a building loses its heat, get more information about solar panels, heat pumps, batteries and other low carbon tech, and speak to energy advisors
If you’re bringing smaller members of the community, we’ll have a resident face-painter on duty, plus snacks, drinks, as well as prizes.
• Free Event
• 2-5pm, Eynsham Village Hall
• Everyone welcome!
Help us spread the word!
Mim Saxl | Net Zero Communities Manager | Low Carbon Hub Mim.Saxl@lowcarbonhub.org
Woodstock Music Society
Spring Concert 28th–29th March
Vaughan Williams:
• Toward the Unknown Region
• Fantasia on Greensleeves Elgar:
• Scenes from the BavarianHighlands
• The Wand of Youth Suit No. 1
Woodstock Music Society Choir & Chamber Orchestra
Conductor: Paul Ingram
Friday 28 and Saturday 29 March, 2025, 7.30pm
St Mary Magdalene Church, Park Street, Woodstock OX20 1SJ
Tickets:
£14 in advance or £15 at the door, full time students £5, accompanied children under 16 free, from The Woodstock Bookshop
email: concerts@woodstockmusic.info book online: www.bookwhen.com/woodstock
www.woodstockmusic.info/ next-concert/
Witney Music Society
The final Witney Music Society concert in its 2024/2025 season will be given by Trio Isimsiz, an acclaimed piano trio. Their programme features works by Haydn, Brahms and Schubert. The concert is at 7.30pm on Friday 14 March at High Street Methodist Church, Witney.
Tickets (£18, £1 for under 19s) willbe available at the door from 7pm or in advance online. For more information, please telephone 01993898020 or visit the Witney Music Society website www.witneymusicsociety.org.uk
Burford Orchestra
March concert
29th March 2025
St Mary the Virgin Church, ChurchGreen, Witney. Come and listen to Burford Orchestra playing Beethoven’s iconic 5th symphony plus melodic pieces by VonWeber and Dvorak.
Doors open at 7.30pm, tickets (£10 for adults, £1 for children) available on the door or via TIcketSource For more information see www.burfordorchestra.org.uk
Oxford Bus Museum
incorporating the Morris Motors Museum and Historic Cycle Collection
40 years old
After 1985 the de-regulation of bus services attracted new operators and some intense competition, most of which involved minibuses. Our South Midland minibus was first registered on 1 March 1985. It was one of 26 Ford Transit 190Ds allocated to South Midland in order to increase service frequencies and thereby generate more passenger journeys.
These minibuses had 16 seats for passengers and were converted by Midland Red’s Carlyle works.The current regulations governing easy access for old and disabled people did not exist in 1985. Hence there are two steep steps up to reach the passenger seats.
Some of the South Midland minibuses were branded according to the towns to which they were allocated. Our bus has
North Leigh History Society
On Tuesday 4th March Cairan Walsh will be giving a talk on the Otmoor Riots. Do come and find out more. We meet on the first Tuesday of the month in North Leigh Memorial Hall, OX29 6SA at 7.30 (doors open at 7pm). All welcome. Members £20 per year, visitors £4 per talk. Further details are available from Diana Power (01993 882301) or Robert Kyte at kyterobert@gmail.com and 01993 880368
Age UK Oxfordshire
Age UK Oxfordshire is a local independent charity supporting older people in Oxfordshire. We have a variety of services available to help you to live independently and live life to the full. Our services range from support at home to helping link you into your community, from foot care clinics to exercise classes. We offer a free information and advice helpline, as well as one-to-one support if you have been a victim of a scam. To find out more about how we can support you, please visit www.ageuk.org.uk/ oxfordshire, call 0345 450 1276 or email contactus@ageukoxforshire. org.uk
the vinyls for the Witney Blanket Bus. Other minibuses were allocated as The Bicester Bullet, The Abingdon Bizzibus and The Wantage Whizzer. In Oxford some minibuses had a white, blue and yellow livery for South Midland Orbiter buses.
By the early 1990s the withdrawal of council subsidies had spelt the end of most minibus operated routes.
We take our minibus out in the summer to events with our sales stall, which has models, books and magazines.
This year Mother’s Day is on Sunday 30 March when we shall be running free historic bus rides at 12.15 and 2.15pm. We shall also be giving free entry and a cream tea for mothers accompanied by their children under 16 with Bus Rides at 12.15 & 2.15pm.
An Inspector Woolf Two Page Mystery
St. Peter’s RC Church, Eynsham
Parish priest Father Mark Lagorio can be contacted by phone on 01865881613
oremail stpeterschurcheynsham@ gmail.com
Address: Abbey Street, Eynsham OX29 4HR
Phone: 01865 881613
Website: www.stpeterseynsham.org. uk
The church is open for Public Masses on Saturday at 5pm and Sunday at 10am. For any Weekday Masses, please see the website.
Perfume in the Breeze
from divalde
Sir James was beside himself.
'Come in come in Inspector.' Inspector Woolf smiled but stayed where he was.
'Sir James, I think it best if I start the investigation immediately. Why don't we go down to the beach and you can fill me in as we go.'
'Of course, that makes sense. I'll just get my coat.'
The walrus moustache and the wild white hair gave Sir James the look of a modern day Mark Twain. His every gesture was that of a man barely in control, as if each decision or action came as a surprise. He was though, in Inspector Woolf's experience, an exceptional human being.
Sir James wrapped in a large overcoat closed the door and the two men set off along the cliff top. The ocean provided a reflective backdrop, grey with a sunlit road from the horizon to the white sands. It was early morning.
'Missing persons said you suspected something had happened to your wife, Marion. Tell me when exactly did her absence cause you alarm?'
'On Sunday she went for a walk along the shore. It was her habit come the evening, not every evening, but when the fancy took her. She was prone to anxiety and said she needed to unwind, to commune with nature, the earth, something she called real. I can't say I completely understood but I know her twilight rambles brought her solace. She was of a melancholic disposition.'
'It was nearly midnight and she had never been out so long before. I found myself running up and down, calling her name. I must have looked quite demented except of course there was no-one there to see me.'
'Today is Thursday Sir James.'
'Oh come on Inspector I know how you boys operate. A day later and it would have been, 'she may have gone to visit a friend, she may need time away from you, did you row?' All the usual cliches. As if any ordinary woman would just go and visit a friend having gone for a walk on the beach at night. It probably says more about coppers marriages than ours. It's like the health profession isn't it? Let's assume that the pain is something trivial and then we can eliminate as we work up to something that has since become fatal!'
'Between then and now?'
'Watching and waiting.'
They approached the top of the narrow worn cliffside steps. The Inspector took the lead down.
'Do you believe in ghosts Inspector?' Sir James Rawlings asked as they set off along the shoreline.
'My belief in anything does not make them real or disprove them,' said the Inspector, 'I have what you might call an open mind.'
'So what would make you believe?' he persisted.
'A set of circumstances that I have yet to conceive,' he replied and tried to imagine Marion against the water's edge. But the sea remained resolute, after all, it didn't just lap the shore it covered half the world.
'Inspector, on that first night when I stopped running I felt the night breeze coming ashore. And suddenly I knew...I heard it.'
'Heard what Sir James?'
'Voices from the sea?'
'What did they tell you?'
'Isn't it obvious. You are the detective sir. My Marion has been taken.
An Inspector Woolf Two Page Mystery
And the sea...it knows'.
'By whom?' Inspector Woolf stopped and faced Sir James.
'She always said that the sea had a voice,' Sir James continued his reverie, a calling that was difficult to ignore. Like Lorelei or perfume on the breeze, it promised something eternal. Do you think she drowned herself? Just walked out and never came back?'
'She would have come back. The tide is too strong to leave her out there.'
Inspector Woolf did not subscribe to the romantic conceit of the eternal. But he did not have the resolve to say as much, so he walked on in silence.
The sea murmured as the tide gradually ebbed, leaving clean newly washed sand. He had worked on many such cases down the years. A disappearance was always a perplexing one. Who is the suspect? What is the crime and how reliable are the witnesses? After all does anyone know what is truly in another's mind. Are they lost or are they running? And what becomes of those left behind, whatever the outcome?'
Inspector Woolf had been acquainted with Sir James since the late nineties, ever since he had helped recover his stolen Bentley as a young PC. He was not certain whether the farming magnate was a friend or not. As his assistant PC Franklin was inclined to remind him, he needed to develop rapport, to hone his inter personal skills. To try and empathise more. The point was he distrusted emotions, inclined as they were to distort the facts. And facts could be mis-interpreted depending upon ones point of view. He did not consider himself to be completely unfeeling but he found empathy and sympathy confusing.
He wished he could feel more, or at least express it. He saw life as less a highway and more a wide plain with little in the way of social constraint or distraction to mar the view. It was a vast beautiful place into which the uninitiated could become disorientated too easily without social signposts.
On the far side of the bay, a mile or so along the beach they came to a second flight of stone steps cut into the cliffside. Atop the cliff stood a tiny weatherbeaten Norman Church
Inspector Woolf led the way through the aging gate and passed the grave stones; leaning, moss covered and worn till their inscriptions lost definition like dreams. Here and there fresh flowers had been placed in homespun vases bringing colour to even the darkest corners.
At the church door stood a young man in jeans and a thick pullover which the Inspector noted completely concealed the dog collar.
'Thanks for meeting us here,' said the Inspector.
'Always,' said the young man and walked with Sir James to an isolated part of the churchyard. Inspector Woolf didn't need to follow. He knew the inscription.
Lady Marion Rawlings: 1970 - 2010.
He could not make out Sir James's reaction but knew it would serve him well for a few more months. Then the voices would return and he would leave one road and join another. One already trodden. The one his wife never returned from. The realisation would leave him feeling foolish. But he was no fool. He just felt too much. Inspector Woolf returned to the gate and waited.
He almost envied him.
Inspector Woolf will return in The St Edward’s Sapphire
Hanborough Welfare Trust
Hanborough Welfare Trust (HWT) was set up many years ago to help the needy in the Parish. Its Trustees are Aware that this help is needed by some just as much now as in the past. Although funds are limited, any individuals or families who live in Hanborough are welcome to apply if they consider themselves and their need appropriate. Please do so by contacting either by emailing either GillBreakspear on gillbreakspear@btinternet. com, or Rev Nigel Knights Johnson on nigelknightsjohnson@ gmail.com
The Rotary Club of Eynsham
Presents Judy Dench, Maggie Smith: Ladies in Lavender
Charity Film Night
Saturday 15th March
Eynsham Village Hall Back Lane, Eynsham OX29 4QW at 7:30pm Doors open 7:00pm
Bar and Raffle
Tickets £10 (includes nibbles). Tickets available from Evenlode DIY
www.trybooking.com/uk/ ELJH
Roy Wilkinson 01856 883 917 / 07970227364
Long Hanborough Methodist Church
Long Hanborough Methodist Church. Minister: Rev. Sue Jacobs, Tel: 07949 508017
Dear Friends,
Is it just me or is it beginning to feel like it has been winter FOREVER? Opening the curtains to another cold, grey morning and wondering if I can sneak downstairs and put a bit more time on the heating seems an all too regular occurrence. Don’t get me wrong, I love a crisp winter morning, but I am really ready to see some sunshine now. All this grey is making me gloomy!
The bible tells us to ‘be joyful always, pray at all times,’ and ‘be thankful in all circumstances.’ I am using this encouragement to shift my focus and get me through the blue winter days. I am working hard to practice a gratitude attitude. Instead of looking out the window and feeling miserable, I am trying to notice the positives and be thankful for them. At the end of each day, I am capturing in my journal the three things I am most grateful for. Some days the positives are easy to notice and other days I have to dig REALLY deep. I can be such a grumpy old bag sometimes! But every day there is something to be thankful for. If I keep up this practice every day for a year that’s over a thousand blessings! The theory is, the more we look for the good, the easier it will become to notice it. In time, this gratitude attitude becomes our ‘go to’ outlook and we more readily see the joy and blessing of God in all things. It also means that when we face life’s challenges we do so with eyes open to see the best and not minds fixed on the worst.
Maybe its time for you to start practicing a gratitude attitude. It doesn’t take a huge amount of work, but it does have a huge number of benefits. I’d love to hear how you get on with it, so please call into the Methodist Church anytime and have a chat. The best day to visit is Friday because we are always well stocked with delicious cake…and that’s definitely something to be thankful for!
In the meantime, I continue to pray for the village we call home and the community within it and who knows, perhaps the sunshine will make an appearance soon.
Blessings,
Rev Sue.
We meet every first Tuesday in the Month 10am-12noon.
The next one is Tuesday 4th March at Long Hanborough Methodist Church
For people with memory loss and their carers
Contact: Judy Haynes
email: jandg@cahaynes.plus.com or Tel: 01993 882379
Methodist Church March Services
2nd 10am Mrs Penny Fowler
9th 10am Mr Grahame Faulkner
16th 10am
Scrabble Group
Rev Sue Jacobs All-Age Family Service withHoly Communion
23rd 10am Mrs Dawn Haley
30th 10am Local Arrangement Mothering Sunday
Messy Church
On 2nd Friday of every month at 3.15pm for children and their Parents/Carers. Next one March 14th. All are welcome
Long Hanborough Methodist Church Women’s Fellowship
Meet on 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month at 2.00pm. All Ladies Welcome.
March
• 13th David Sarbutts
• 27th Chris Stratta (LeprosyMission)
We would warmly welcome any ladies who would like to join our Fellowship whether regularly oroccasionally.
Long Hanborough Methodist Church is available for bookings
Our premises are disabled and dementia friendly. For enquiries and bookings please contact JudyHaynes on 01993882379
If you enjoy word games but don't have anyone to play them with why don’t you come along to our ‘Scrabble Group’ which meets on the 2nd Wednesday of the month in ‘the Milner Room’ at Long Hanborough Methodist Church, 2.00 – 4.00pm. We could offer other games as well if you would prefer.
We are a very friendly group and have a lot of fun, we are not at all competitive. The cost per session is £2.00 including tea/coffee and a biscuit. Do come and join us, you will be assured of avery warmwelcome. Contact Judy Haynes 01993 882379 or email: jandg@cahaynes.plus.com
A warm welcome to all new residents
If you have just recently moved into Hanborough/Church Hanborough and have not yet received a ‘Welcome Pack’ do please let us know so that we can give one to you.
This is a scheme run by the Hanborough Churches and the pack contains information with contact numbers about things that go on in the villages and a map to help you find your way around.
Has a new family arrived near you? We could love to welcome them and give them a ‘Welcome Pack’.
If so, please contact Judy Haynes on 01993 882379 or email: jang@cahaynes.plus.com
There is no Young church on a Sunday now but you are still very welcome to come with your children where an area has been set up for them, within the church, to do quiet activities.
We warmly welcome you to our Church and pray you will find blessing in our midst and leave with the love, joy and peace of our risen Lord Jesus Christ in your heart.
All-Age Family Services every third Sunday of the month at 10.00am
• Something for everyone
• A warm welcome guaranteed
• Come and give us a try.
• Next one 16th March
• All are welcome
The Churches in Hanborough will be focusing some of their prayers on the Community and will be praying for a part of the villages’ community each month
In March the focus of prayer will be on Riely Close, Kents Bank, Wasties Orchard, New Road and Myrtle Farm Close.
Rejoice in Hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.
Romans 12 v 12
Photo © T. Wyatt
Photo © T. Wyatt
Hanborough & Freeland Church
Christmas is barely over and at Hanborough and Freeland churches, we're already thinking about Easter and new events for the villages. Our churches are not just about services, but also about being a focus for our communities - a tradition going right back to the middle ages. Even since Christmas we've had "sell out" community events across our three churches as diverse as a great fun quiz a Christ Church Long Hanborough, "Brick Church" at St Mary's Freeland featuring an enormous Lego model of Hogwarts Castle and craft activities for all ages, and a beer festival at St Peter and St Paul with live music and great food attended by around 900 people!
We see our churches as a space for all. Coming to know the saving love of Jesus Christ is not just about teaching - as critical as that is to get right - it's also about experiencing, about friendship, about kindness and about relationship. Jesus mediates his love to us through the love and faith of his people - the church, the gathered believers in Christ. We don't always get it right - and sometimes wolves come among us and ruin much. But we're trying! None of us, me very much included, is perfect, but we'd love to share the truth and love of Jesus with you.
Come to us, and you will find love, truth, meaning, purpose, and the saving love of Jesus. We may not be perfect, but He is. We're just an ordinary bunch of people with extraordinary good news and an incredible story to share. Come to us in our 10am services, our regular groups like our First Steps baby and toddler group, or to one of our brilliant social events - we'd love to give you a warm welcome! Watch this space for news of more events to come …
With much love in Christ Jesus,
Rev Steve Stewart, Rector, Hanborough and Freeland
If you would like to learn more about church and what it means to be a Christian, simply join us at any of our churches on a Sunday morning (see hfchurch.org.uk) or contact me for a chat at rector@hfchurch.org.uk
PROBLEM FEET?!
NAIL CUTTING. CORNS. CALLOUS. HARD/DRY SKIN. FOOT MASSAGE.
TREATMENT IN THE COMFORT OF YOUR OWNHOME!
Sharon Davies MCFHP/MAFHP 01993 891132
OVER 20 YEARS EXPERIENCE
REGISTERED MEMBER OF THE BRITISH ASSOCIATION OF FOOT HEALTH PROFESSIONALS
Letter from our Rector Church, Jesus, People and Community…
Hanborough & Freeland Church Services
• Domestic electrical repairs and installations
• Commercial electrical repairs and installations
• Solar panel systems [PV]
• Battery storage installations
Unit 1, Cotswold business park, Range Road, Witney, Oxfordshire, OX29 0YB. www.greenerohms.co.uk
Thames Water, Sewage Pollution and WestOxfordshire
Year on year Thames Water has been discharging increasing amounts of raw sewage from its storm overflow tanks into West Oxfordshire waterways. Last year it was spilling for over 27 thousand hours, a 25% increase on the previous year. These spills take place following even slight rain, although TW have permits to discharge raw sewage ONLY under exceptional circumstances. Consequently, the current ecological status of West Oxfordshire rivers is catastrophic. Moreover, we have a number of perennial problem areas in the villages across West Oxfordshire, where sewage notoriously backs up the residents’ toilets, spills into their gardens, roads, public spaces and fields. All because the sewerage network is often overwhelmed following decades of underinvestment.
West Oxfordshire residents have been fighting back. Windrush Against Sewage Pollution [WASP], a small Witney based charity, have been collecting and evaluating evidence on water quality and sewage discharges. They are now recognised as the leading force in the campaign against sewage pollution nationally. WASP, Evenlode Catchment Partnership, Windrush Catchment Partnership, and other local community groups have been analysing water samples, creating records and monitoring the effects of pollution on wildlife. They have been sharing their knowledge with the residents across the District.
The District Council has held regular talks with Thames Water since summer 2022. WODC was the only Local Authority out of 99 in TW catchment area to do so. Thames Water committed to requesting a Grampian planning condition in applications for large housing developments in areas with insufficient infrastructure. This condition prevents new homes being occupied before the necessary sewer network and sewage treatment capacity are delivered. Moreover, some of the sewage spills in the villages have been resolved. However, there is a lot more work to be done.
Thames Water is on the brink of bankruptcy, and has no funds to operate beyond March. The company is seeking a £3bn loan to keep going. This loan is planned to incur an eye-watering 9.75% interest and heavy service charges. It will add to the already astronomical £19bn debt that the company has accumulated since its privatisation in 1989.
33% of the bill payments by each TW customer are funding the company debt interest repayments. This value will reach an estimated 46% if the company is allowed to take on the additional loan. OFWAT has already agreed for Thames Water to increase the customers’ bills by 35%.
The only way out of the current impasse is to put Thames Water into the Special Administration Regime [SAR]. WODC has been lobbying the government asking for Thames Water to be placed in SAR and then moved to a non-profit corporation or community benefit company.
Windrush Against Sewage Pollution (WASP) and our Witney Liberal Democrat MP, Charlie Maynard have stood up for the 16mn Thames Water customers, presenting arguments to the Judge at the High Court against sanctioning Thames Water Reconstruction Plan and allowing it to take on the £3bn loan. Neither the Government nor the OFWAT were present at the hearings.
For details please see: https://www.windrushwasp.org/blog
Dr Lidia Arciszewska
District Councillor for Hanborough and Freeland Executive Member for Environment.
A. R. COOK Windows & Doors
High quality windows & doors installed with care by your local craftsman Alistair Cook 10 The Pieces, Bampton, Oxon OX18 2JZ Tel: (01993) 210067 Mob: 07774524679 alistair_arc@yahoo.co.uk
STOP PRESS: Thames Water has won the court backing for 3bn debt package. The campaign to get West Oxfordshire rivers clean will continue.
