Carterton Crier April 2023

As the mayoral year comes to an end, it remains only to say how much I have enjoyed my tenure. I have enjoyed meeting some fantastic people and seeing how they help to improve life for those in our Town, things really can change.

Whilst it has been a relatively quiet period since the last edition of the Crier, signs of spring are already in the air. Recently, work has begun on the transformation of the land adjacent to St John’s school. The Town Council has fully supported this initiative and we look forward to seeing the finished project. We are in discussion with our local schools to come up with a suitable name for the garden and it is hoped that a formal opening and presentation to the winning pupil can be organised.

We look forward to the upcoming celebrations for the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla on the 6th May and as per the jubilee celebrations last year, we plan to hold a children’s street party on the market square on Sunday 7th May. We hope to have a children’s entertainer, disco, and live music into the evening – watch out for further details over the next few weeks via our Facebook, Twitter, and notice boards.

Looking further ahead, we have the annual Save the Children May Day fair, organised and run once again by Sue James and her small team of volunteers. It is also hoped that Carterton Celebrates week will be back later in July. August brings us another exciting Carterton Carnival on the recreation ground. I hope you will feel able to take part in as many of these events as possible and that the weather is kind to both organisers and attendees.

As Mayor, and as I have commented on in previous forewords, I am surrounded by members of staff, and the wonderful volunteering members of the public who collectively deliver so much for the people of our town. A special thank you to the monthly community litter pickers who turn out, come rain or shine, to do as much as they can. You will hopefully be pleased to know that the town Council have commissioned additional litter bins to be placed in strategic areas around Carterton.

As the mayoral year comes to an end, it remains only to say how much I have enjoyed my tenure. I have enjoyed meeting some fantastic people and seeing how they help to improve life for those in our town, things really can change.

Nick Leverton

West Oxfordshire’s finest were out in force this month to celebrate the achievements of local Young People at the first ever West Oxfordshire Youth Awards (WOYAs) black tie Gala Presentation Dinner at The Langdale Hall, Witney.

Young People WOW at the WOYAs

Devised by Carterton-based Got2B, a not-for-profit community interest company, that provides youth clubs and youth services across West Oxfordshire, the Awards recognized the achievements of Young People aged 13 – 17 in six categories: Young Activist, Young Artist, Hidden Hero, Young Phoenix, Young Sportsperson and the Got2B Award. The three finalists in each category were chosen from a wealth of nominations received by Got2B proposing Young People for the awards. Nominations came in from family, friends, sports coaches, teachers and youth group leaders from across the county.

Eynsham-based Polar Technology Management was the WOYA’s over-all sponsor - also sponsoring the Got2B Award - while Witney-based companies A-plan Insurance, Olamalu and Meech International offered their support by sponsoring the Young Sportsperson, Young Artist and Hidden Hero categories respectively. The Young Activist Award was sponsored by First Source IT, while Webb Construction sponsored the Young Phoenix Award.

A panel of judges, comprising Got2B Founders Marion Harley and Julie Edwards, along with representatives from each of the Award sponsoring companies, had the difficult choice of picking the winners.

“All of the sponsors agreed what a tough time they had picking winners from each of the categories”, said Got2B co-founder Marion Harley. “All of the nominees’ entry forms were anonymized – so that none of the judges knew the names of the Young People whose’ nomination they were reading while judging.”

This Country actor Paul Cooper joined forces with BBC Radio Oxford presenter Sophie Law to host the awards. After dinner entertainment was provided by the original Got2B band – Screams of Youth, Young Artist Award nominee Freddie Summers and up and coming local band, The Kokroachez.

In the Young Activist award category, Harriet Pike of Chipping Norton School and Sadhbh Inman of Wood Green School, Witney were runners up to Sophie Walters

of Burford Secondary School, who received their award from sponsor Kerrin Harris of First Source IT.

Will Walsh of Olamalu presented Shannon Probitts of Chipping Norton Secondary School with their winner trophy in the Young Artist category, along with runners-up Freddie Summers of Carterton Community College and Kayla Tannock of Abingdon and Witney College.

In the Hidden Hero category, sponsor Iain Cameron of Meech International presented winner Benji Meeke of Carterton Community College with their winner’s trophy, along

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Camellia Tree Photography. www. camelliatreephotography.uk Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ camelliatreephotography

with runners-up Ayden Barritt of Carterton Community College and Paige Paris of Abingdon and Witney College. Burford School’s Luka McInstry was presented with the winner’s trophy in the Young Phoenix category by award sponsor Katie Webb of Webb Construction. The runners-up in this category were Brandon Keenan of Abingdon and Witney College, along with Ellie-Ivy Oakey of The Burford School.

The accolade of Young Sportsperson went to Luke Butler of Henry Box School, Witney. The runners-up were Jonathan Opalczewski of Henry Box Sxhool Sixth Form and Katie Charlton of Burford Secondary School. Their awards were presented by sponsor Ben Evans of A-Plan Insurance, Witney.

The Got2B Award winner was Daniel Lynch of Carterton Community College. They and category runners-up Grace Shayler and Kurt Davis received their trophies from Event and Award sponsor Scott Roberts of Polar Technology Management Group.

We are already planning for next year’s awards. If you and your company want to get involved, then please contact us ASAP –before all the sponsorship opportunities get snapped up!

Info@got2b.org.uk

: Scott Roberts, Chairman of Polar Technology Management Group, Julie Edwards & Marion Harley – co-founders of Got2B, along with Mike Dewhirst from Polar Technology

This Country actor Paul Cooper flanked left by Julie Edwards & right by Marion Harley – co-founders of Got2B

L-R Young Activist Award Sponsor, Kerrin Harris of First Source IT with category finalist Harriet Pike, award winner Sophie Walters & category finalist Sadhbh Inman.

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Young Artist Award Sponsor, Will Welsh of Olamalu with category finalists Freddie Summers & Kayla Tannock, along with Award winner Shannon Probitts.

The Carterton Carnival Your Town Needs You!

We are into the planning stage for this year’s event that will take place on Saturday 26th August on the Alvescot Road Recreation Ground. For this event to be a success we need your help either in the planning and/or on the day. No help is too small, just an hour of your time litter picking would help.

We hope to have both a daytime and evening event and to do that we need to raise funds to cover things such as insurance, first aid cover, as well as the music that has made this event such a success so far.

We are looking to bring back the once-a-month car boot sales on the recreation ground with all proceeds going towards the carnival. If you have some spare time your help both as stall holders and buyers as well as car parking attendants for the car boot sales or the Carnival. Any help you can give would be great and will help to provide this great free event for our town. Please email carterton.carnival@gmail.com or join Carterton Carnival group on Facebook to get in touch the carnival needs you !

On the day we will have attractions, food and beverage vendors as well as local stalls with great wares on offer. The evening will again offer a range of music, bands and singers provided by Chris Sharp of Apache stages.

So come along enjoy the day and sit back hopefully in the evening sun enjoying great music and food with a summer’s drink in hand.

Anticipation was high, as work began in late February on the ‘Garden Project’, an exciting Town Council initiative to convert a piece of waste ground situated at the back of Shilton Park Community Centre and close to St John the Evangelist Primary School, into a lovely eco-friendly space for residents to enjoy with tree planting, hedging, wildflowers and benches.

In its planning stage, the council met with some of the pupils at St John’s to discuss the project and how they might contribute. Given the task of choosing the final site plan, the pupils unanimously agreed on the garden’s design and layout.

With warmer weather just around the corner, the community will reap the benefits of this lovely little haven on their doorstep.

We look forward to the Grand Opening later this year, which we will advertise on our Facebook page.

‘To Plant a Garden is to Believe in Tomorrow’

Make your house look occupied without it costing more!

Having your home broken into can be very distressing. Here are some steps you can take to help keep your home safe:

• Close curtains and blinds

• Hide valuables

• Ask a neighbour to park on your driveway if you are away

• Make sure your post doesn’t pile up

• Empty your bins regularly

To keep those valuable items safe record the serial number and photograph your items. You can mark your larger electrical items with a permanent ultra violet marker pen, using your postcode. These can be bought online or from most hardware stores. The markings on your property can only be seen by ultra violet light.

The Carterton Neighbourhood team are there for help and advice if you want to speak to one of the team please email CartertonBamptonBurfordNHPT2@ thamesvalley.police.uk

The Community Bus

Changes to the Carterton service:

• All of the services will depart from the Carterton Crossroads stop and not the Asda stop.

• Thursday services will continue until 4pm.

• The 345 will leave the Crossroads on the hour from 9.00 to 16.00 (excluding 14.00)

• The 355 will leave the Crossroads hourly from 9.35 to 15.35

345/355 Carterton Connector Service (with effect from Tuesday 2 March 2021)

Lechlade Vintage Rally and Country show

April 29th/30th/1st May

Classic Cars, Classic Motor Cycles, Commercial Vehicles, Collections, Miniature Steam, Tractors, Model Tent, Classic Caravans, Fun Fair, Bouncy Castle, Animal Sanctuary, Bees and much more. Car Parking Free.

£6.00 Adults. £4.00 Concessions. Under 16`s Free (With paying adult.) https://lechladecollectorsclub.co.uk info@lechladecollectorsclub.co.uk

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In June of 2022 Carterton Town Council were honoured to be celebrating the Queen’s jubilee not knowing that just a few short months after we would be mourning her passing. But once again we have something to celebrate with the Coronation of King Charles III.

King Charles III Coronation

On Sunday May 7th we will again hold a free street party on the market square.

There will be a tea party with children’s entertainment of a disco, face painters, temporary tattoos, balloons, colouring competitions, and lots more. There will be 200 free tickets (seated) available for the tea party but the fun and entertainment can be enjoyed by all. The festivities will start at 2pm for the children, then go on to an evening of live music with food and beverages available for all the family to enjoy. Music & staging will all again be courtesy of G & T’s, the seating will be provided by RAF Brize Norton, balloons from The Original Factory shop and we give our thanks to all of them for their continued support to our town. Year 6 children from Carterton have been invited to take part in a competition to choose a Carterton King and Queen Consort for the day.

Keep an eye out for further details closer to the time.

Free service supports thousands of residents in Oxfordshire with their home energy.

Residents in Oxfordshire can benefit from the advice and support of Better Housing

Better Health, a service that helps those worrying about their home energy to create warmer, healthier and happier homes. Last year, through the service’s free helpline and their free home visit service (BHBH+) – their team of trained advisors helped over 2500 residents with the aim this year to help even more.

The service can help:

• Residents who are finding it hard to understand energy bills, pay for fuel or read meters

• Access funding to replace old and broken heating systems

• Access funding for insulation measures

• Reduce damp, condensation and mould by better ways of managing a home

• Understand and programme heating controls

• Making onward referrals to additional support services, such as Benefits advice and debt support

For some residents they may be eligible for additional heating support depending on their situation. To speak to the friendly team, call 0800 107 0044 or visit www.bhbh.org.uk and complete the online referral form or find our e-mail address.

RAF Brize Norton

The family of a former member of No. 47 Squadron have passed historic photo albums he put together during his time in the Royal Air Force to the Squadron’s Officer Commanding, Wing Commander James Sjoberg.

47 Squadron History Passed Down Through Generations

Annette Fox brought the photo albums, which were put together by her late father Arthur Fox, to 47 Squadron at RAF Brize Norton to add to the Squadron’s growing history collection. The albums detail Arthurs time on 47 Squadron, dating from 1939 to 1941 with photos and captions taken and written by him. Wing Commander Sjoberg said: “It was a great honour to welcome the Fox family to 47 Squadron this week to present photo albums and other documents belonging to their late father, Arthur Fox, who was a member of 47 Squadron in the Second World War. Current Squadron members and I enjoyed sharing their memories and stories about Arthur, and it was fascinating to crossreference his incredible photographs with our existing history. On behalf of 47 Squadron, I’d like to thank the Fox family for donating these special heirlooms, which will join a wealth of other precious documents in our squadron history room”.

Originals of photos which are already included in the Squadron’s official history book were found within Arthur’s albums. Annette and her family took the time to share the stories of her father’s time in the Royal Air Force with members of 47 Squadron.

Sergeant Edward Becket, who helped organise the visit for the Fox family said: “The photo albums captured Arthur’s time in the Middle East whilst serving on 47 Squadron, along with other images from his extensive Royal Air Force career. The albums

and documentation will be a treasured addition to our existing collection of historical memorabilia capturing the Squadron’s past. It has been a fascinating experience being able to use these historical albums and documents to discuss and compare life on 47 Squadron from over 80 years ago until the present day. Meeting the Fox family and hearing stories of Arthur’s time on 47 Squadron was an honour”

After the handing over of the photo albums, the Fox Family were treated to a tour of the C-130J Hercules and had the chance to speak to members of 47 Squadron about life in the RAF today.

From Buckland to Littleworth

Start from the car park at the Memorial Hall, SN7 8QT. Approx 6 miles

Turn left out of the car park and follow the road all the way back to the Bampton - A420 Road.

• At this point cross over the road and follow this pathway all the Way to St Hugh’s School.

• Cross a minor road into the next field. Walk across the field and bear right as you cross the hedge. There will be a stile to climb over. On a clear day you can see Faringdon Folly in front of you. Follow the field bearing slightly left, past a large tree and then descend down a small hill until you come to a double stile over a brook. One stile is quite high. Go up the hill, pass through a small gate and follow the path straight ahead until you come into Littleworth.There is a bench and a couple of large stones to sit on by side of the cemetery of Littleworth Church. A good place to stop for 5 minutes for a drink.

• Turn left and walk past several houses out to the A420 (a very busy road).

• Turn left for a short distance – opposite the Snooty Mehmaan cross the road with care to a footpath sign pointing straight ahead.

• Walk over 2 large fields until you see a converted barn, with a quarry behind.

• Turn left and follow the lane, past a road on the right, until you reach a corner, turn right here over a field

towards a wood. Follow the path and walk between a railed track (to the left was a golf course). Keep on this path going through the woods for approx half mile.

• At the 2nd cross way take the well-marked pathway to the left to Buckland Warren. Follow this path a short distance and then bear right. The pathway leads over a stream and then onto a driveway. Near to here you will see a Dovecot. This was turned into a holiday let for a short time but the windows are all bricked over now.

• Follow this lane/drive until you reach the A420, with care cross the road and pass through a gate by the gatehouse. Immediately go through a kissing gate on the right, pass through this and then 2 more until you reach a roadway. Almost opposite is a road called Sunninghill, cross the road and walk down the road until you reach the bottom and turn left.

• Walk up this road for approx 1/4 mile and you will be back at your cars. The walk is gently undulating, one of the drier areas to walk with views over Faringdon Folly.

Hard Times!

- by Maxine Crossland

Recently I gave a talk to my local history group. The subject was the trials and tribulations of Carterton’s early settlers. And, my goodness, they certainly had a lot to put up with.

Those coming to Carterton in the early 1900s could buy an acre of rough farm land for £20. Another £80 would get you a do-it-yourself tin hut. No water; no drains; no sewers; no building stone.

First the settlers had to find water- with the help of a diviner and his hazel twig. Then they had to sink a well. This involved digging down between 4 - 7 metres. Imagine that with Carterton’s soil – mostly stone or clay. Outside loos were taken for granted. There was no running water or electricity till the 1930s.

Families were large; squashed into one or two bedrooms, and dependent on what food their parents could grow or animals they could rear. For years there were very few shops here. If people needed to go into Witney, most had to walk. But they did what was necessary.

In 1972 my family moved here. We loved our new house and the warm welcome our neighbours gave us. But within a year a war in the Middle East turned our world upside down. Oil prices soared by 200% and the cost of heating fuel to domestic users tripled. We could no longer afford to fill our central heating tank to more than one third capacity.

What hit us hardest was the effect of the war on house prices. Mortgages went through the roof. In 1972 we were

paying 6% - all that we could afford. In 1973 the repayment rate rose to 15%. Financially crippling. Many people lost their homes

We managed to struggle through; but it was so hard. I learned how to make wholesome and filling vegetable soups. Veg were the cheapest healthy food we could buy. For tea we had bread and butter. On Sundays, for a special treat, we had bread and jam. Christmas presents were strictly do-it-yourself jobs; daddy made a wooden dolls’ house and renovated a second hand pedal car; mummy started to sew, making dresses for our rapidly growing daughters from the full skirts of recycled ladies’ dresses. Who said recycling was new? It was not easy, but we did our best and somehow we got through it.

What I learned from those very hard times is that with determination and imagination you can do more than you think. Some of us have been through it all before, and somehow we managed. Today we are lucky to have food banks, warm spaces and government subsidies on our fuel bill to help. But we are not the only generation to struggle with the cost of living. I think Churchill got it right when he told his wartime generation to “Just keep b…..ing on”. You don’t know what you can do unless you try. f

Calling all retired men... to the University of the Third Age (the

Healthwatch Oxfordshire recently chose Carterton for a research survey into men’s needs and attitudes to health care. It found that boredom and lack of purpose were causes of depression for many fully retired people. However, Carterton was singled out for praise in the number of activities available to men.

Of particular interest to us was this quote from a 75 year old man. “There is plenty going on in Carterton, so much that I ended up with too many things to do. I am busy all the time... The library is good; I go walking; there is a model club, cards, art classes, mostly all through U3A which is really active... They keep your interest up and keep you active and seeing people”. So there we have it. U3A is good for your social wellbeing and your mental health.

Graham Evans was a remarkable man. For almost 50 years he worked ceaselessly to make life better for the children of the world. In 1973 he co-founded the Carterton branch of Save The Children Fund, and together with his wife Pauline, lead a strong and enthusiastic group of volunteers. He became so deeply involved in the work of the charity that in 1990 he gave up his job as a youth worker for a much lower paid job as the area manager for SCF. Not many people would go that far for their beliefs!

Obituary Graham Evans, B.E.M The Children’s Champion

1979 was the Year of the Child and Graham had an idea to celebrate it. What started as a one-off May Day Fete has over time grown into one of the town’s favourite events, the May Day Fair. Recent May Day Fairs have raised on average between £5 – £7,000 for SCF funds.

Graham’s efforts brought him to the attention of the national charity and shortly before the end of the Balkan Wars in 1992 he was invited to visit Bosnia on a fact finding tour for SC. He was deeply moved by the suffering he witnessed. This spurred him on to work even harder for his cause. He gave away literally everything he had taken with him, even down to his clothes and alarm clock, and came back home with a totally empty suitcase.

Another overseas project involved travel to Khayelitsha, a settlement south east of Cape Town. Here he joined in SC’s efforts to provide basic essentials and improve the quality of everyday life. His photos from this period tell a story of happy smiling faces.

His fund raising projects were many and various. He gave his time volunteering in SC shops for many years. He highlighted the work of the charity in numerous schools both state and private - even Eton College. Annual fund raisers included collecting stamps and coins from around the world and redeeming them for cash; regular street collections; Christmas card sales and goods etc….. too many things to mention. He even camped out overnight

on Witney High Street to raise awareness of the homeless.

Alongside the yearly routine he also worked on a variety of larger, more ambitious schemes. These included an Antiques Road Show and auction; a Childrens’ Gala Concert that raised over £11 000; black tie dinners; a reception at the Formula 1 Williams facility at Grove; a themed 1920s Country Fair at Buscot House; a huge toy sale following a very generous donation by the poet Elizabeth Jennings. As his wife told me, “If Graham saw an opening to raise money for SC, he would go for it.”

Graham received many honours for his work including:

• 2000 Distinguished & meritorious service presented by the Princess Royal, president of SC

• 2007 Exceptional Citizen presented by the Mayor of Carterton.

• 2014 British Empire Medal presented on behalf of the Queen by LLO

Throughout his life, Graham was ably assisted and supported by his wife Pauline. Sadly, we lost Graham on 12th Nov 2022. He leaves behind a loving family and a team of truly dedicated SC volunteers who continue his good work. His drive and determination have made a difference to so many people across the world. Graham’s life was truly a life well lead. - Maxine Crossland

Wine - Robin Shuckburgh

A spring treat from our local independent Wine Merchant of the Year.

Here I am again! Your esteemed editor is clearly a glutton for punishment and he has asked me to write another piece to guide you in the complicated world of wine.

Some of you will have noticed that my original scheme was to look at the wines of the moment in the local supermarkets and give you my opinion on their merits and value for money; thus giving me the opportunity to get a little sloshed and hopefully preventing you from wasting your money while experimenting. This month I am going to write something slightly different. We have in our midst a true example of Wine Trade greatness.

Every year the august wine trade body called Harpers assess all the independent wine merchants in the country and rate them in a top 50 list. Now the Oxford Wine Company have been a regular feature in that list for some years but this year, 2023, they have been voted the Number 1 Indie Wine Merchant in the nation. It would be hard to overstate the level and importance of this achievement and my congratulations go out to Ted Sandbach and his exceptional team.

I should declare that I have been a friend of Ted’s since the day he left being a teacher at Magdalen School in Oxford to pursue a career in the wine trade. We were founder members of the Call My Wine Bluff corporate entertainment business in the 1990s. Having declared my interest I now go on to tell you that there is no doubt in my mind that we are extremely lucky to have such a brilliant independent wine merchant on our doorstep. Our nearest branch is their wine-warehouse in Standlake, on the main Witney road.

I asked John Chapman, the MD of the OWC to suggest to me half a dozen wines of particular interest in whose direction I might direct you. These are what he suggested. I have tasted them all, just to ensure we are not misleading you.

You do understand I am sure...

Domaine Gayda Grenache, Pays d’Oc £11.00

A serious and well-balanced Grenache with an elegant purity of fruit. Gayda’s varietal wines are made with the intention to reflect the typicity of both land and grape. Grenache from the south of France is renowned for developing delicious flavours of ripe strawberry and this wine has a rich and concentrated red fruit profile and a wonderful length of flavour. An excellent match with roasted beef or lamb Domaine Gayda is a family owned winery situated in the foothills of the Pyrenees.

Marques de Borba Colheita Tinto, João Portugal Ramos, Alentejo £12.50

An intensely fruity blend with smooth tannins. The brand is named after Ramos’s uncle who had the noble title Marquês de Borba. Their vineyards and winery are located in Borba sub-region. The wine is a blend of Aragonez, Trincadeira, Touriga Nacional, Alicante Bouschet, Petit Verdot and Merlot. It spends six months in second and third year French and American small oak barrels.

Thomas Stopfer, Gemischter Satz, Wagram £14.00

Fragrant Austrian white blend. Flowery fragrant fruit components on the nose with delicate scented notes and underlying citrus notes on the palate, accompanied by a long and aromatic finish.The estate is located in Ruppersthal in the Lower Austrian wine region Wagram.Try this with a summer salad, or even spicy Thai food.

Torre Zambra Poggio Salaia

Pecorino, Abruzzo £17.00

Italian white with real citrus vibrancy. Abruzzo is best known for its Montepulciano, but white wines from the region are well worth trying. Pecorino is grown across Italy’s east coast - and is starting to make waves in the UK. Notes of lemon peel, bergamot and an almost tropical tone make this a zippy palate-sharpener. A perfect partner for light pasta dishesalthough this wine is so versatile you can pair it with almost anything!

Vinos del Viento Amber, Campo de Borja £14.50

Light and easy-drinking amber wine. Moscatel de Alejandria grapes spend three months fermenting on their skins and the wine is unfiltered and unfined making it cloudy to look at. This is very unexpected and absolutely delicious.

Pair with spicy cuisine, Indian, Thai or Vietnamese. Winemaker Michael Cooper searches out high altitude, old vines and dryfarmed vineyards from which to make his extremely unusual wines.

Amie X Rosé £18.00

Light and crisp with citrus and strawberry characteristics. A pale, dry, organic rosé produced in the Languedoc, south of France from a blend of organic Grenache and Syrah. Amie was dreamt up during lockdown by Will Sandbach (a Director of The Oxford Wine Company) and Abbie Roden. At the time they were engaged, and they are now married. A perfect gift for the Provence rosé lover in your life. Is there no end to the talents of the Sandbach family?

Have a lovely spring.

Carterton Library

The Christmas window display this year received lots of lovely positive comments from people in Carterton. Thank you, to all that popped into the library to let the staff know how much the display was appreciated.

Good Reads

If you’ve read something you loved, you can share the news by recommending or reviewing it online in the Oxfordshire Library Catalogue. Or let us know in the library here in Carterton we can feature it on our Facebook page at @LibraryCarterton and share your recommendation more widely.

Reading Well

It’s free to join the library! With your library card you can borrow books and get online access to ebooks, newspapers, magazines, audio, and online services for free. If you have a smart phone or tablet you can manage your library account online by downloading the Oxfordshire Libraries App and Libby, by OverDrive App to your smart phone or tablet. You can also access online content on your PC or laptop.

Books and reading can have a great effect on your health

and wellbeing, from self-help books to health information and creative reading. Carterton Library stocks copies of recommended titles chosen for the national Reading Well programme.

All the Reading Well books are approved by health experts. You can find up-to-date book lists on our catalogue in the Good Reads, Health and Wellbeing section.

For more information visit oxfordshire.gov.uk/libraries

Keep up to date with what’s on by checking the notice board and following and liking the Carterton Library Facebook page at @LibraryCarterton.

Carterton Library, 6 Alvescot Road, Carterton, OX18 3JH 01993 841492 carterton.library@oxfordshire.gov.uk

What’s on at St Johns?

Welcome to worship! www.stjohnschurchcarterton.org.uk

APRIL SERVICES

April 4th & 5th: Holiday Club (9.30am-12 noon)

April 7th: Walk of Witness from Community Centre Shilton Park (10.30am)

April9th: Easter Fellowship Breakfast (8.30am)

April 12th & 26th: INSPIRE (2.00pm-4.00pm)

April 15th: Church Family Breakfast (8.30am)

April 19th:

Men’s Bible Study Group

April 24th: PCC Meeting (7.45pm)

REGULAR SERVICES

* Tuesday & Wednesday Kids Club @ 4.00-5.00pm in the Church Hall. Please contact Gary if you would like your primary school aged child to attend.

* DROP-IN for pre-school infants & parents Fridays (9.00—10.30am)

Messy Church: 4.00pm— 5.00pm First Sunday of the month (Not January, April, August or December)

Find a Warm Space here

Each Wednesday (10.00am—1.30pm) offering a warm place with a homemade soup lunch

Eco Tip for March

Celebrate Spring! Make sure you’re giving yourself quality time enjoying creation: smell-ing the blossom, tapping catkins, copying bird song, finding a footprint or identify-ing spring flowers with the Pl@ntNet app. Nature can boost our happiness so take time to observe nature in your gar-dens, on your balconies, and in your local green spaces.

FOR ADULTS:

INSPIRE: 2nd & 4th Wednesdays between 2.00pm and 4.00pm. A variety of things to do, or just a chance to enjoy the company of others over a cup of tea and a slice of cake.

Weddings & Baptism enquiries—Contact the church by email: office@stjohnschurchcarterton. org.uk. Look out for other activities advertised throughout the year on our website: www.stjohnschurchcarterton.org.uk or achurchnearyou.com

West Ox Arts gallery:

Celebrating 50 years of Oxfordshire’s oldest gallery

West Ox

Arts

Bampton

Imagine being a young child and seeing your work sold in a professional gallery. The Celebrations and Jubilations exhibition that took place at West Ox Arts (WOA) in January saw local school children exhibiting and selling their work for the first time, inspiring future generations in their creative careers. In doing so, WOA kicked off its 50th anniversary year confirming its status as an open and welcoming space for all artists.

Through a series of workshops with children from Bampton Primary School, run by the WOA team, work for the exhibition was based around the traditions of the village. Inspiration was taken from its long Morris Dancing history (there are no less than three teams in Bampton!) and the infamous Bampton Shirt Race (held annually on the Saturday of the Spring Bank Holiday weekend). This culminated in the community exhibition, showing work alongside members’ art celebrating Bampton and WOA, and information on the history of the Gallery.

With gallery spaces often feeling inaccessible or uninviting to those not familiar with them, WOA’s collaboration with the teachers at Bampton Primary School did more than just encourage the children into the space. Footfall increased from first-time visitors as family and friends visited the nearly month-long exhibition, reaching a much wider local community.

From local to international artists

As well as supporting talented newcomers wanting to exhibit for the first time, WOA also draws in artists from around the world. Marking another anniversary this year, the Gallery is hosting the 30th Anniversary Travelling Exhibition of the international Braid Society. The Society is making a welcome and historic return to WOA, as it had one of its first ever exhibitions when the organisation began in 1993.

Bringing the work of established, international artists to West Oxfordshire continues WOA’s long history of promoting the talents of a staggering number of artists locally, nationally, and globally. Its primary aim, however, has always been to strengthen its place as a hub for local creatives.

Its strong ethos that art is for everyone is shown in its inclusive membership policy which gives everyone, whatever their art, craft or skill level, the opportunity to participate and exhibit their work.

Looking ahead to 2023

The gallery has a regular programme of exhibitions through the year. At time of press, the current exhibition is Rock, Paper, Scissors, from 18 March to 22 April, showcasing artists working in metal, stone, wood, and glass. Other planned exhibitions:

Gallery in

marks half a century of welcoming artists and art lovers.

● Oxfordshire ArtWeeks, 29 April to 3 June: WOA is hosting a collection of artists working in a range of disciplines as part of this county-wide artist festival.

● Arts & Crafts, 10 June to 15 July: Open to members and non-members, get in touch with the Gallery if you would like to exhibit!

● Re-imagine, 22 July to 18 August: For all things re-invented, repurposed, and given new life.

● Abstracts, 26 August to 23 September: Open to members and non-members, get in touch with the Gallery if you would like to exhibit!

● Braid Society 30th Anniversary Travelling Exhibition, 3-22 October

● Christmas exhibition, 4 Nov to 23 December: Members-only exhibition of artworks perfect for Christmas gifts.

Please visit WOA’s website for all the latest dates and more information on exhibiting artists.

Get involved

West Ox Arts is a charity which relies on a community of volunteers to help keep the Gallery open. There are lots of ways to get involved if you have some time to spare, including sitting in the Gallery, joining the Trustee Board, volunteering your skills, or running art workshops.

If you are interested in volunteering, exhibiting at the gallery or becoming a member of West Ox Arts, get in touch: gallery@westoxarts.com.

Opening times: Tuesday to Saturday 11.30am4.30pm and 2-4pm on Sundays.

Lift access and dogs allowed. Town Hall, Market Square, Bampton OX18 2JH

Carterton Bowls Club

I was amazed to hear that the club is in fact 102 years old this year. It is situated in Arkell Avenue and backs on to the recreation ground. It is a quite hidden gem.

The club started life as a bowls and tennis club but is now solely a bowls club which focuses on providing a first class facility for players of all ages.

I must admit I thought bowls was an older person’s sport but how wrong was I when I saw on my second visit young people aged 8 and above all having a great time bowling, cheering each other on with encouragement. The age range is 8 – 92 years! I think there are definite champions of the future there to watch out for. Over those 102 years the club has had success in producing national finalists and county champions both male & female.

The club is family friendly with its thriving junior section and the bar area is great for after the game. Coloured bowls, and coloured clothing are just some of the new initiatives that have helped to modernise the game, you just need to watch it on tv to see how popular it is.

There are 6 outdoor greens and a national standard two rink indoor green which allows for bowling all year round.

The welcome is amazing whether you are a newcomer to the game or an experienced bowler there is a friendly atmosphere and always a game to be had.

There are matches and competitions for all abilities as well as members there to help you learn how to play with equipment provided for beginners. Whether you want to be a champion or simply want to make new friends the bowls club is the place for you.

The bowls club will be having a stall on the May day fair and at

the Carnival for people to come along and learn all about the club and the game. You don’t have to play bowls to enjoy the club there is also a social membership so you can just go along for a pint or in my case a nice gin.

They will be taking part in the England Bowls Big Weekend from 26th – 29th May when the club will be open for anyone to come along and have a go.

The bar will be open and a friendly welcome is assured.

The club is open Mon – Friday from 6pm and occasional weekends during the winter months. But during the summer season it is open every evening and at weekends. They have crib & darts teams as well as providing meeting space for organisations such as RAFA. They hold social events, quiz nights and much more so why not pop along and see for yourselves what a great place it is.

They can also be contacted by email Cartertonbowls1921@ gmail.com. Give it a try you don’t know what you’re missing!

Junior Bowls – one year on

Back in February 2022, seven young people aged between 8 and 12 turned up to Carterton Bowls Club for the first ever Junior session.

The aim was to welcome younger members of the community and highlight the family friendly aspect of this inclusive sport. The game is easy to learn and no prior experience or knowledge is needed. Bowls offers an alternative to the traditional sports usually found in schools.

On a recent visit to the Carterton bowls club I was made most welcome and I learnt a lot about it’s history and it’s future.

Since then the success of the group has gone from strength to strength, with the outdoor season featuring the first Junior Competition and members representing the county at competitions.

Our internal club fixtures have also welcomed the juniors into their teams, with one winning team featuring the youngest member in the clubs 100 year history.

Numbers increased, with 15 juniors ending the outdoor season and taking part in this year’s indoor season. Several of the juniors’ parents have also begun to play and this has seen some interesting competitions with family members having to play against each other. A team of volunteers have assisted over the past year, encouraging and guiding the juniors with their development. This support is invaluable and enables players of all abilities to receive support tailored to them.

The annual Big Bowls Weekend held in May as part of a Bowls England initiative, increased interest in the club. With parents and children all getting to have a go out on the green. A similar event is hoping to be held this year and we’d invite anyone who’s interested to come along.

We’re delighted to have had such a successful first year and look forward to this coming year with Juniors taking part in internal club competitions, as well as cross county games. The Junior team have already held friendlies against both Charlbury Bowls Club and West Wiltshire Academy, we are keen to make links with other bowls clubs across the region to further develop our junior team.

Dave Pearce-Jones, Junior Manager said – ‘I’m thrilled to see so many young people take part and enjoy this sport so much. It’s created an opportunity for friendships to develop

across the team and the wider club, with social events adding an extra bonus to the members and their families. Bowls is not a sport that most young people consider, but the club has offered this group the opportunity to play at club, county and national level.’

One parent of a Junior member commented – ‘Bowls has given him the confidence to believe in himself, he really enjoys walking in every week and feeling a sense of belonging at the club. He’s been introduced to a brand-new sport that he loves, it’s lovely to see him happy doing something that he enjoys.’

If your child (must be aged 8 or over) would like to try this very inclusive sport, our outdoor season begins in May.

Please contact Dave Pearce-Jones at cartertonbowls1921@gmail.com for further information.

The annual Big Bowls Weekend held in May as part of a Bowls England initiative, increased interest in the club. With parents and children all getting to have a go out on the green.

Regional & National Grades

After 2 years of being closed and then 2 years of starting to compete again, we were so proud of our team at the County competition on Sunday.

Ivy (aged 6) had a marvellous competition, learning all about competitions ready for next year. Kornelia ( aged 9 ) only joined us last Autumn having never done gymnastics before, passed her Regional Grade 4 and won a bronze medal and a place in the South Region finals. Lydia ( aged 12) came 1st - best piece was range and conditioning, passed her Regional Grade 2 and awarded a place in the South Region finals. Anabel (aged 13) came 1st - best piece was vault, passed her Regional Grade 1 and awarded a place in the South Regional finals

Both Baileigh and Elsie had a practice competition for their National Grades competition, both did extremely well and we wish them the best for the competition on

2 April.

A little about Carterton Gymnastics Club CIC.We are very proud of our club and the welcoming family atmosphere that exists and we are No ORDINARY gymnastics club...Carterton Gymnastic Club CIC prides itself on being able to offer inclusivity and accessibility to all adults and children alike. We offer many classes, to all abilities, 6 days a week at our state-of-the-art purpose built facility in Carterton. Not purely a gymnastics club(pre-school to adults), we also offer yoga, cheer leading, exercise classes, hosting of kids party and play gym (including a specialist SEN session)

For more info, contact Debra Courtenay Crane www.cartertongym.co.uk • 01993 870778 • FB: @CartertonGymnasticsClub

St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School

Let’s Clean Up Shill Brook!

Chestnut Class (year 3/4) from St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School went to Shill Brook on the 25th January. The students were sent to see if the river was healthy or not. They took geographical measurements, looked for wildlife and collected litter.

As the meadow surrounding Shill Brook was flooded, it was fortunate that everyone came prepared with wellies. At the river, the students took some measurements. Their favourite part was when they raced sticks to measure the speed of the river. They also wrote the width and depth of the river on their clipboards. However, it was hard to do this because it was quite slippy on the bank side. Next, the students looked for wildlife despite it being cold. They sloshed through a humongous puddle – many of them going deeper than their wellies and getting soaked in the process. The class was surprised to find a dead fish. Additionally, some found a drowning earthworm. Everyone was wet but happy.

“I almost fell in!” shouted one boy proudly.

“I tried to get the water out of one of my wellies but accidentally sent it flying!” laughed another student. Throughout their visit, the students hunted for rubbish. They found a lot of revolting rubbish like dog waste bags, beer cans, glass and a lot more. Each student had a turn picking the rubbish up with a litter picker. After squelching their way back to school bringing a pond full of water in their wellies, the children tallied all the rubbish types and put their findings on a bar chart. They realised that something should be done about Shill Brook.

“I think it needs some more bins in the beautiful, calm meadow.” reflected one child. The children have decided that we, the community of Carterton, need a rubbish collecting day. Also, please make sure you clean up your dog waste bags. Help Shill Brook be tidy. Could you give your time on a Saturday morning to help tidy Shill Brook?

To join Chestnut class in their community rubbish collection day, come to Willow Meadow Carpark at 10:00 on Saturday 22nd April. Like them, come prepared with wellies and be ready to have some fun!

Once upon a Time...

During February Acting Community Thingumybogs performed their 29th annual pantomime, ‘Once Upon A Time’.

Their performances were sold out for every show and hundreds of enthusiastic audience members came along to clap, cheer and laugh as we followed the 3 ‘identical’ princes through Fairytale Land as they tried to prove who was worthy to rule the kingdom! They were carefully guided along the right path by their every present Fairy Godmother as we met a host of Fairytale characters & creatures along the way. The audience helped freeze the evil dragon guarding Sleeping Beauty, the Wicked Queen was defeated, the Princes found their destiny and everyone lived happily ever after! All profits from their shows go

the the charity ‘Save the Children Fund’ to help disadvantaged children all over the world. Since they began in 1992 they have donated over £92,000 to the charity. Please keep an eye on their Facebook page or website for their final donation total for this year, although a collection was made at the end of every show to raise money for the Turkey-Syria Earthquake appeal which raised an incredible £338. All the cast & crew of Acting Community Thingumybogs would like to say a massive thankyou to every single person who came out to support them, they had an amazing time and hope you did too.

Useful Town Information

Art and Creativity

Acting Community Thingumybogs. Community amateur dramatics theatre group.

Wednesday 6:45 - 9:15pm. Sue James: 01993 212911

The Crocodile Club.

Music group for the under fives.

Wednesday (term time only) 10 - 11am. Carterton Methodist Church, Burford Road. Annie: 07966 105759

Knit & Natter.

Friday 4:30pm. Town Hall.

Military Wives Choir Brize Norton.

Monday 7:30 - 9:30pm. Town Hall, RAF BZN. BrizeNorton@militarywiveschoirs.org

@MilitaryWivesChoirBrizeNorton

RAF Brize Norton Theatre Club. Station Briefing Centre. Brian Cullum: 07521 725005 info@brizetheatre.co.uk Brizetheatre.co.uk

Banks

Lloyds Mobile Branch fortnightly on a Tuesday 9.30am – midday

Bus/Coach Services

• Rebound Coaches - 01993 772 202

• Stagecoach in Oxfordshire - 01865 772 250

• Tappins Coaches - 01235 819 393

• Villager Community Bus Services Ltd - 01608 658 57

• Carterton Town Service – 01993 630124

Charities

Age UK Oxfordshire.

Provides free information and advice on a wide range of subjects, and also run a range of groups and classes at various Carterton venues.

Call Us: 0345 450 1276

Email: admin@ageukoxfordshire.org.uk

British Heart Foundation. Carterton branch supporting main charity. Edith Richens: 01993 841954

Carterton Day Centre.

Monday-Wednesday 9:30am - 2pm. Schools Access Road, off Lawton Avenue. 01993 840162

Carterton Educational Trust.

Provides funds to groups and individuals living or working within the town of Carterton for educational purposes. Cartertoneducationaltrust.weebly.com

Royal Air Forces Association

Carterton and Brize Norton Branch

A registered charity that supports the RAF family. The branch meets in the Carterton Bowls Club on the second Monday of each month at 8pm. For further information see https://branch.rafa.org.uk/carterton-brize-norton/

Carterton Bowls Club.

Tel: 01993 843366

RAF Brize Norton Thrift Shop.

Opening times: Tuesdays 9.30am till 2pm

Wednesday 4.00pm till 8.30pm, Thursday 9.30am till 2pm

Saturday 9.30am till 3.00pm

13-14 Ely Close, Carterton OX18 3UJ

Royal British Legion.

A benevolent charity giving help to those most in need of the nation’s custodian of Remembrance.

First Monday of each month 7:30pm. Brownes Hall. David Wesson: 01993 200603

Save the Children, Carterton, Witney and District Branch. Supports vulnerable children both here in the UK and overseas. Pauline Evans: 01993 842983

SSAFA Forces Help, Carterton and Witney Division. Provides lifelong support for our Forces (past and present personnel) and their families. ssafa.org.uk

Childcare and Pre-School

Bright Start Pre-School, Monday - Friday 9am - 3pm.

Gateway School

Jo Laurel or Georgina Isbister: 07977 967340

Carterton Family Centre

Offers antenatal and postnatal support, and takes care of children up to the age of 19 - during term time and holidays. Jo Smith: joanneellen.smith@hotmail.com

St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School:

Little Joey’s, 3+ yrs old. Monday - Friday, 8:45 - 11:45am.

St Joseph’s Catholic Primary Academy

Lawton Avenue. Tel: 01993 841240 stjosephsprimarycarterton.co.uk/learning/nursery-little-joeys

Churches

Carterton Community Church. Shilton Park - John and Jen Bridley: 01993 842532

Carterton Methodist Church Burford Road

Rev Ian Worrall: 01993 837647 / 07599383754 ian.worrall@methodist.org.uk

Many Pathways Spiritual Centre.

Minster Lovell Scout hut. Weekly spiritualist service.

Thursday 7 - 8:45pm. Occasional Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday evenings for demonstrations, talks and workshops. Rev Deborah Blakeley: 01993 359868 07767 663555

The Church of St John the Evangelist, Church of England. 6 Burford Road

Rev Drew TweedyTeam Rector: office@stjohnschurchcarterton.org.uk

Father’s Touch Victory Christian Fellowship. Sunday 10:30am - 12:30pm.

Carterton Town Hall.

Pastor Blesson Kallimel: 07913 662763 bifcpastor@gmail.com fatherstouch.co.uk

St Joseph’s Catholic Church. Arkell Avenue.

Fr Paul Whieldon - stjoseph.carterton@rcaob.org.uk

Community

Alvescot Dog Club. Dog Training Classes. Tuesday evenings and Saturday mornings.

Judith Walker: 01993 703130 Judith.walker11@btinternet.com

ARCh (Assisted Reading for Children in Oxfordshire.) In Oxfordshire there are many children who have trouble reading. ARCh helps hundreds of these children each year by finding volunteers to work with them.

To volunteer call 01869 320380 or visit archoxfordshire.org.uk

Carterton and Broadshires Transport Group. Voluntary group campaigning for the return of a bus service to Swindon from Carterton and surrounding parishes.

Carterton Community Centre. Rooms for hire for meetings, parties etc.

Shilton Park. 01993 842807

Cotswold Flower Club.

First Wednesday of each month 7:30 - 9:30pm. WI Hall. Betty Holmes: 01993 841140

Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes. Buffaloes meet every week at lodges all over the country and raise money for charities. Every Thursday evening. Social Centre, Alvescot Road. John Quinn: 01993 846013

Carterton Over 60s and Early Retired Club.

Friday 2 - 4pm Brownes Hall.

Sadie Brown: 01993 844715

Pauline Weston: 01993 840350

Senior Lunch Club.

2nd Thursday in every month. 12 - 2pm. Town Hall. Pastor Blesson Kallimel Tel: 07913 662763 bifcpastor@gmail.com

Sing Along with Sue. For people who enjoy singing, are living with dementia, or want to make new friends.

Third Thursday of every month, 10:30am - 12pm.

Eynsham Community Centre/ Village Hall. Sue Richmond: 07827 235414 suerichmond@ageukoxfordshire.org.uk

Swinbrook Road Allotments Association. Swinbrook Road. Maxine Hall, Secretary: 01993 842443

Trefoil Guild.

Guiding for adults. Third Wednesday of the month 7:30 - 9pm. Pam Howard: 01993 844631

U3A Carterton: University of The Third Age. Fourth Tuesday of every month at 2pm. Carterton Community Centre, Shilton Park. Chairman: 07889 080134 chair@carterton-u3a.org.uk

West Oxfordshire Welcomes (WOW).

Meet at the Town Hall on the first Friday in every month from 2.00pm – 4.00pm.

Bruce Barrett: 07966 614169 wow@oxfordshirefreemasons.org

Women’s Institute, Carterton. Every second Tuesday of the month, 7:00pm. WI Hall, Brize Norton Road.

Eveline Gillians: kennethgillians@btinternet.com

Dentists

• Broadshires Dental Practice - 01993 633 491

• Tower Dental - 01993 840 117

• Burford Road Dental - 01993 842 534

• Carterton Dental Practice - 01993 845 522

Halls for hire

• Brownes Hall - 07765 502 258

• Carterton Community Centre - 01993 842 807

• Carterton Town Hall - 01993 842 156

• St John’s Church Hall - 01993 846 996

• St Joseph’s Church Hall - 07973 378746

• WI Hall - 01993 841 674

Libraries

• Carterton Library - 01993 841 492

• Witney Library - 01993 703 659

Medical

• Broadshires Health Centre - 01993 845 600

• Burford Practice - 01993 822 176

• Carterton Health Centre - 01993 841 718

• Baby Health Clinic - 01993 842 156

• Witney Hospital - Tel: 01865 904222

Member of Parliament

Robert Courts Tel: 0207 219 5638 robert.courts.mp@parliament.uk

Opticians

• Carterton Opticians – 01993 841268

• Michael Lowe & Partners – 01993 844291

Police Station

Police non essential call 101

Post Offices

• Carterton Delivery Office - 01993 841 779

• Carterton Post Office - 01993 841 636

Schools

• Carterton Primary School - 01993 842 502

• Edith Moorhouse - 01993 842 372

• Gateway Primary School - 01993 842 189

• St John the Evangelist CE Primary School - 01993 843 124

• St Joseph’s RC Primary School - 01993 841 240

• Carterton Community College - 01993 841 611

• Abingdon and Witney College - 01993 703 464

Sport and Leisure

• Carterton Football Club - 01993 842 410

• Carterton Leisure Centre - 01993 840 933

• Carterton Squash Club - 01993 842 996

• Carterton Gymnastics Club - N/A (www.carterton-gym.co.uk)

• Fit Figures - 01993 844 245

• Heroez Gym - 01993 358 080

• Kilkenny Cricket Club - hafeezkashif@hotmail.com )

Taxis

• Ace Taxis - 01993 840 055

• Charlies Taxis - 01993 845 253

• Mark One Taxis - 01993 840 405

Veterinary Surgeries

• Carterton Veterinary Surgery - 01993 764 262

• Medivet - 01993 842 717

• Tremain Veterinary Group - 01993 845 808