As a village magazine, we hold no political view and attempt to represent the diverse views that are inevitably held by our community. It is therefore to be expected that not everyone will agree with all the opinions expressed. While we understand the views expressed in the letter below, we can only print the letters we are sent. If these appear to be one sided, then we hope that more readers will write to us in order to widen the debate on whatever subject may be the current hot topic in Adderbury and Milton.
RB
Advertising Nonsenses!
Would readers please note that Anthony Worrall, Locksmith (in the Directory) left Adderbury some time ago. Regretfully he did not inform us on Contact.
The telephone number on the ‘cleaner’ ad appears to be incorrect, as several people have testified. As it is the only number we have, we too are unable to get it corrected!
Finally, somehow the last digit to the ‘Paddockwise’ ad was dropped. The mobile phone number should read 07785 916252. Our apologies to the Cherry family.
N.J.A.
Dear Editors
I feel I must strongly object to the several almost amounting to slander letters printed lately in Contact against the Adderbury Parish Council. especially as some of the statements are far from the truth. Surely this political bickering is not what our monthly magazine is all about.and the space could be put to a better and more interesting use
Rhoda Woodward
Dear Editors
The Milton Road
Councillor Atkinson makes some claims in his posting of 14th January (www.adderbury.org) that require clarification and correction.
1. Will he please provide the proof and origin of his statement "the fact that at least 120 houses will be built in Adderbury over the next 20 years"?
2. What other grounds does he need than those already put forward for turning down a proposal. Under democratic principles the Parish Council's proposal has already been turned down by the village. The continual stating of the reasons for the Parish Council supporting the scheme does not make the democratic process disappear. It just implies that the Parish Council believes that it knows better than villagers and those who actually run community/group activities what it is that they need. A survey or indeed a Parish Poll may not be legally binding but is there no sense of moral obligation felt to abide by the majority result?
3. Could he please provide the village with the accurate cost of these new facilities at the Milton Road site both in building and maintaining them? Where is the 'robust business and financial plan' that has been required by Councillor Mitchell in the past? Who will pick up the shortfall since the offer is for partial funding only? Will you be able to claim support when those who will pay find out what it will cost them and for how long?
4. The offer of the 12.5 acres of land by a local family is indeed generous and we see no reason why the Football Club should not benefit from it - presumably there would be more than enough space for the pitches they need and a pavilion? They have stated publicly that they do not need any funding from developers towards the cost of the latter.
5. The 2.5 acres and £100K on offer from the developers is neither unique nor particularly generous since it is based on a commercial decision that reflects the current way in which development proposals can be achieved. The offer of 10 affordable homes is not an offer. It is a requirement on a development of this size.
6. Your research into the planning history of the Milton Road site appears flawed. Will you please quote the planning reference under which an application for this "single dwelling" was granted? Our research shows that the planning application CHN.539/83 was refused 28.2.84.
This was the only application for a single dwelling to be used in conjunction with agricultural purposes that was made during 1983/1984. Are you sure that you have researched the right site, as to our knowledge all planning applications since 1961 for the Milton Road site have been refused? The old chestnut you refer to, is not phrased by A.C.A.G., but has been used by the planning authority and the planning inspectorate as a reason for refusal and in the dismissing of an appeal. I would suggest Cllr. Atkinson that you do little more "research" and read some of the reasons for refusal on the 10 planning applications that have been made on this site.
7. No recent planning applications have been submitted for the site because it was removed from the last Local Plan. It was included at the draft stage but was subsequently removed. Amongst the chief objectors to the development of the Milton Road site at that time, were Adderbury Parish Council and would you believe it Cllr. Mitchell and Cllr. Harper. They objected on numerous grounds amongst which was your "old chestnut".
All the reasons put forward at the time more or less reflect the arguments that are currently put forward by those who still oppose the development. Nothing has happened to this land in the meantime to alter its character, other than the Dutch barns (which are used for storage and are not derelict) have perhaps been allowed to get a bit rustier. Please could you explain what has occurred to make the Parish Council and its senior members change its mind on the character and importance of the site?
Given the very public contempt shown towards A.C.A.G., by certain members of the Adderbury Parish Council, we will expect you to ignore the above. However, do you not think the village deserves to hear the full facts, not just the "edited highlights"?
Peter Burrows
Chairman - A.C.A.G
Dear Editors,
Following on from Dick Stuckey's letter in January Contact re the Parish Councillors, he suggests that as the Parish Councillors have all been co-opted on, they should stand down en-bloc which he thinks may lead to some new and younger members being elected.
I am sure that Dick hasn't forgotten, but Lisa Smith was elected by the village in an election in June 2005 with a good majority and is currently the youngest member of the Council. I believe she is highly thought of and is doing a very worthwhile job. In fact, I know that Dick does remember as he regularly says what a good job she is doing and how he reckons her.
I am sure Dick won't mind me correcting this oversight.
Aline Griffiths
ADDERBURY THEATRE WORKSHOP 2007 PANTO: SNOOZY FLOOZY
Just when we all needed restitution from the ills of English cricket, the Home Office and the Community Centre debate, we were given a welcome elixir of the better things in life at ATW's 2007 Panto production Snoozy Floozy at The Institute
Here was wholesome traditional panto - Darren Vallier's take on Sleeping Beauty, doctored to the nines by director Gayna Lee and her team to include bags of local colour, topical ad libs, and endless highly appreciated audience participation by kids young and old, as good managed to triumph over evil yet again
Of course you are onto a winner with Gary Leonardi in your team. Masquerading magnificently as Funny Nanny Fanny Faggott, this guy is Adderbury's Tommy Cooper - he only has to walk on stage to have the audience in his hand and rolling before he says a word. Nanny Faggott was the continuity as the plot raced along from the immaculate conception of a baby daughter Beauty for the ageing king and queen (good to see Nigel Randall providing some much-needed new male talent) to 18 years later the fatal pinprick on the spinning wheel, to 100 years later and a bit of banter in The Bell before Prince William - really! - planting the curse-lifting kiss and all living happy ever after. Phew! - but Karen Dwyer, playing her 29th Prince as beautifully as ever, had seen it all before.
But it wasn't all Nanny Fanny. ATW stars Lisa Smith and Linda Leslie worked overtime as the halfwits Tickles and Pickles to crank up the rest of the team of 26 players to its full potential and enthusiasm, but having done so we saw some lovely emerging talent in the good fairies, notably the lilac fairy played by Vicky Head, and also amongst the real boy boys in the band of evil hairy fairies (including two artful third generation Eleys) It was a revelation to see the usually chipper Justin O'Toole emerge here as a baddie with a worryingly authentic pirouette.
The protagonists of good and evil brought splendid contrasting performances from the serene Molly de Dios Fisher as Beauty, and the perennial Nell Fox as Carabosse the wicked witch, typecast evil again and loving every minute of it - there was even a reference to Jade Goody!
Musical director Val Scarff's well chosen songs provided some memorable moments - the Prince serenading Nanny Fanny who responded with outrageous puckering and simpering, and best of all Fanny's brilliant metamorphosis into the thrusting minx that is Marlene Dietrich singing Falling in Love Again -marvellous!
The evening was a triumph for the whole team - great costumes (loved the stork) great set (especially Paul Darbyshire's artwork for The Bell and neighbours) and lighting and staging as professional as ever - all this and the evergreen Wendy Gardner scarcely having a line to say - what riches!
So congratulations and thank you to director Gayna Lee and the whole of ATW. After a dodgy cabaret and a difficult farce, it's great to see them back on form in this their 30th year. We look forward to the celebrations later in the year.
ADDERBURY GOLF DAY
BOOK NOW!
The annual Golf Day will take place on July 6 at Banbury Golf Centre, Adderbury
Come and challenge for some star prizes and raise funds for Katharine House.
Put the date in your diary now - and ring Nick Fennell on 811059 to book your place. More details in April Contact
BUY THE WAY
As from February 12th the premises where I currently run a fair trade outlet are no longer at my disposal. The good news is that a vet will once again have a surgery in the village, but of course the bad news is that you will no longer be able to find gifts with a difference at very reasonable prices.
It is planned, however, that you will still be able to purchase tea, coffee, sugar, drinking chocolate, cocoa and bars of chocolate when the Post Office is open. As for the other produce, I plan to sell these at Table Top sales throughout the year at various venues - so please look out for them!
I would like to thank the small number of persistent supporters of the shop, who, since Nov 2004 have regularly treated themselves and others to the goods on sale. I shall miss the chats and swapping of news with customers and the company of the Post Office ladies, Sue, Chris and Wendy. I would also like to extend a big thank you to Beth Perham who has helped me on a regular basis, and who I hope, in turn, has had some fun out of it.
Please continue to keep Fair Trade Justice high on your agenda and should you need to purchase beverages and biscuits etc for meetings and gatherings, I would be pleased to provide you with the goods.
Enid Frost 811038
KNIT IN!
Just a follow up to our Knit In held on the 27th January. A very enjoyable time was had by all who came and the bonus was lots of blanket squares and £60 for the Children's Society.
If you missed out and would like to have been there we hope to have more later in the year. Watch this space!!!
Noel Towe
noel.towe@talktalk.net
1st Adderbury Scouts
In February we invested four Scouts: Jack Howe, Charlie Wise, Robbie Dwyer and Liam Savings. A number of other new recruits has taken membership of the Troop to its highest level in four years.
After the Summer our current PLs will have reached the maximum Scout membership age and so they have begun the recruitment process to find their replacements. Interested Scouts have applied in writing and will go through a formal interview shortly. This serious exercise gives our Scouts a fantastic grounding in the all important art of interview techniques and applying for jobs.
Some of our Scouts spent a couple of weekends completing a navigation exercise to help them get to grips with a map and compass. With most people now having satellite navigation systems in their cars the art of reading a map is fast becoming a specialist skill! Fred Howe, Alex Mobbs, David Phanichattra and Will Mobbs did really well on their test and proved it's a skill they have.
Meanwhile, over the next few weeks we've got some great activities lined up including karting, winter patrol camps, an inter-Patrol games evening, and the return of the 50km Hike Oxon.
Andy Green
Scout Leader
Attention all Parents
Bookstart - Free Books for Children!!!!
Do you know that Bookstart provides 3 different gifts for 3 different age ranges containing books and other goodies and it's all free.
The Bookstart Baby pack is available for babies aged up to 12 months. Your baby will be given a pack by the health visitor at the 8 month health check
The Bookstart+ pack is available for toddlers between 18 - 30 months and can be collected from the library or the health visitor if your child has a 2 year check. So please go to the library and ask for your toddler's Bookstart+ pack.
My Bookstart Treasure Chest is available to 3 year olds and is delivered to your child's pre-school. If your child does not attend a pre-school collect your Treasure Chest from the library.
If you run a pre-school and have not given the Bookstart co-ordinator the number of 3 year olds in your setting, please contact her as soon as possible to ensure delivery by August 2007.
For more information contact the Bookstart Co-ordinator for Oxfordshire on 01865 810243. Or visit the web site at www.bookstart.org.uk
ADDERBURY WOMENS FELLOWSHIP
After the Christmas recess members enjoyed a social afternoon with lively discussion, poetry readings and a quiz.
We meet on the first Tuesday of each month in the Methodist Hall. The next meeting is the AGM on Tuesday, 6 March.
Margaret Lister
MILTON CRICKET CLUB
Milton Cricket Club is eagerly anticipating the start of another new season. The club has provided excellent, very sociable cricket for many seasons from its base The Black Boy Inn in the hamlet of Milton between Adderbury and Bloxham - both of whose cricket teams sadly folded several years ago.
After last year's double washout, the highlight of the season will be the annual needle match against Adderbury on September 2 at Warriner School - we're keeping it back to the last home game of the season, so make a note in your diary to come and see us regain the Millennium trophy against the Adderbury usurpers, with sumptuous teas, and barbecue supper.
But before then in April we embark again on our exciting 2007 pre-season tour to Slovenia, where the local ladies are apparently waiting eagerly in the slips to meet our intrepid international travellers
In all we will have a record number of fixtures this year, which means we need a large squad of players young and old, and of varied talent, but a cavalier attitude to life would be beneficial.
Pre-season nets will be held at Warriner School on Sundays March 25th, April 1st, 15th and 22nd from 12 - 1pm.
On April 1st we will lunch at The Black Boy to celebrate its grand re-opening - come and join us for some good pre-season banter
So if you fancy a game, or just to watch, please contact Nick Fennell on 811 059 for more details.
As ever we rely heavily on the generosity of our vice-presidents to keep us going, and we will work hard again this year to build on our vice-president numbers. In return we can offer our splendid MCC tie, free tickets to the barbeque on September 2nd, a warm welcome and a free tea at all home matches and acknowledgement on our fixture card - all for as little as £25!
If you would like to be an MCC vice-president, please phone 811 059
FRANCIS MINTER MEMORIAL
CONCERT
The evening of Sunday, 4 February saw St Mary's Church filled to capacity. The concert which followed comprised Elgar's Serenade for Strings, Vaughan Williams' Lark Ascending and Mozart's Symphony No.40, all selected with care. A 24 piece orchestra, led by Simon Lewis, played to perfection. The solo violinist was Andrew Haveron, of international fame, and he brought the first half to a fitting end with a solo performance of Lark Ascending which could only be described as pure magic. The concert ended with a standing ovation, a wonderful tribute to the Adderbury Ensemble, to Friends of Music in Adderbury, and to the team effort which made a dream come true. To mention names would be impossible but Chris Windass has to be the exception; he must rightly have been a proud man when he saw it all come to fruition.
Friends of Music in Adderbury
Adderbury History Association
The next regular meeting of 2007 will be held on 19 March when Barry Davis , President of the Association, will entertain us with a whimsical look at the seaside post card in a talk entitled 'I Do Like To Be Beside The Seaside!'
The following month sees our AGM which will be held on Monday 16 April. If you would like to volunteer to help run the association please talk to one of the committee before the AGM - you would be very welcome
Visitors are all welcome to attend our meetings - we were all visitors once!
Sarah Clayson Chairperson
NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH
As far as I am aware - I choose my words with care - there have been no reports of crime in the village during the New Year period. However, neighbouring villages have been targeted and it is becoming evident that increased vigilance in the towns is resulting in more attention being paid to the rural areas. Similar patterns indicate a masterminding influence from time to time. The current confidence trick stems from a phone call, or email, soliciting a visit to discuss security of the home; to be avoided at all costs! If involved ring 0845 8505 and ask for Jane Taylor, Crime Reduction Officer. Vandalism persists everywhere; locally only in a minor key. Containment depends on vigilance and determination of the public: ACT when necessary by ringing the above number or CRIMESTOPPERS for anonymity on 0800 555 111 or 999 Police if urgent. The vulnerable, old and young, are grateful for a helping hand and ask me to express their thanks. Well done and keep it up.
Dick Stuckey, Chief Co-ordinator
ADDERBURY OVER SIXTIES CLUB
This year a very successful, well cooked appetising New Year lunch was held at the Bowling Green in Overthorpe Road and much enjoyed by all members
At our first meeting for 2007 on January 24 which was held in the Chapel school room and in spite of several inches of snow and no mini bus 22 people braved the elements for an interesting talk By Moira Byast Entitled ‘Cider in the Kitchen’. Beginning with research she had done on brewing through the ages, on to how ciders made from her own apple trees have different flavours according to the variety of apples. Members were given tasters and cakes made by her in her own kitchen. We thank Moira for her visit. The fee for her talk will be donated to one of her favourite charities. We also thank the relatively new member who gave lifts. The room was very warm owing to the newly installed heaters.
Rhoda Woodward
Oxfordshire Befriending Network
The Oxfordshire Befriending Network provides trained volunteers who visit people with life-threatening or terminal illness at home throughout Oxfordshire.
Currently the organisation has in the region of fifty befriending partnerships with volunteers supporting people across Oxfordshire. Anyone with a life threatening illness can apply for a Befriender. The service is free and aims to complement existing services, not replace them. A trained volunteer can offer practical and emotional support in the home, hospital or hospice.
Befriending on a one-to-one basis offers a wonderful opportunity for trust and intimacy to develop within a safe, person-centred agreement. The person befriended will decide with the volunteer how the relationship is to develop.
The charity is funded by Macmillan Cancer Relief and The Big Lottery Fund and is looking to develop its work across the county. With a waiting list of referrals there is always a need for more volunteers. The next Befriender Training Course is planned for the early summer. Enquiries are welcome from emotionally mature individuals from all walks of life. Any OBN Befriender who successfully undertakes the recruitment process and training can be confident that they will be undertaking a profound heart-warming journey along the very edges of life itself. After all we are all 'living with dying'.
For further information about The Oxfordshire Befriending Network, please contact Catherine Gundry on (01865) 791781
Adderbury Parish Institute
As from March 1st 2007 Dr David White tel. 812 679 will be taking over as Booking Secretary for the Adderbury Parish Institute in place of Rhoda Woodward .
OXFORDSHIRE CHESHIRE HOME
MOVE TO BANBURY
The Oxfordshire Cheshire Home at Greenhill House in Twyford has been providing high quality care and support to disabled people for 37 years. It is home to 26 disabled people including one respite room. Residents' conditions include multiple sclerosis, spina bifida, stroke related impairments, cerebral palsy and acquired brain injuries. The Home's present location makes it impossible for residents to visit shops and leisure facilities without the use of adapted vehicles. Its layout is a mixture of the original 100 year old house with piecemeal additions over the past thirty years, and small rooms makes nursing support and the easy use of many modern aids (e.g. powered chairs) very difficult. The bedrooms are very small making it almost impossible for residents to socialise with their families and visitors in privacy. Whilst some rooms have en-suite facilities, there are just three full bathrooms and eighteen of the residents share just five toilets.
The aim of the move is to enhance the independence and dignity of our residents and to offer them a more individual way of living. We launched an Appeal during April last year to raise £750,000 towards the £3.6million cost of a new facility in Banbury. To date over £650,000 has been raised.
On Thursday 29th March 2007 at 7.00 p.m., Lady Agnes Humphrey, the Home's President, and Sir Frank Davies, Chairman of the Appeal, will host a Friends and Neighbours Drink Reception at Greenhill House. The purpose of the evening is to outline progress to date of the Home's move from Greenhill House to Warwick Road, Banbury, later this year; to discuss the reasons behind the move and to outline the improvements that we are all looking forward to. We will also update on the construction of the new Home and the landscaping plans. We will, of course, be happy to answer any questions or concerns.
If you would like to attend, please contact Maureen Carney c/o Greenhill House on 811 398 or by e-mail at
oxfordshire@lc-uk.org
ADDERBURY WEATHER 1875-1881
Extracted from Adderbury Parish Magazines by Vera Wood
November 1875 - THE FLOODS AT ADDERBURY. This year will have a bad character in the weather chronicle for floods. No less than three floods, more serious than any which have happened for 30 years, have occurred - one in June injuring a vast quantity of newly cut hay, the second on Saturday 9 October and the last week of the 17 October. In this Parish great quantities of water were brought down by the brooks and overflowed the meadows in all directions. Adderbury East was cut off from Adderbury West, the high road being flooded for several yards and the unfortunate inhabitants of the part of the village known by the name of the "Parish" were twice driven from their homes by the water and had it not been for the kindness of the College authorities by whom they were allowed to take refuge in the Rectory (then unoccupied) would have been houseless. We regret also to have to record the death of a little boy, Arthur Southam, who was drowned in the flood of the 9th and whose body was not found although constant search was made for it for several days.
February 1881 - THE GREAT SNOW STORM. Some notice with its effects in Adderbury of the terrific storm which raged generally throughout the county on Tuesday, 18 January, and continued through the following night should be entered in the magazine. Wednesday morning the scene was strange and startling in the extreme, heaps of snow appeared piled up in the streets and against the doors of the houses. All ordinary communication between Adderbury and the outer world was, for a whole day, abruptly interrupted. No mail arrived or was despatched on the Wednesday. The Carriers attempted to go to Banbury but found the road blocked by tremendous snow drifts. Under these circumstances communication by telegraph was the only resource open to the public and proved an immense convenience, as many as 46 messages passing through the office in the course of two days. The Banbury Road presented an appearance which in all probability will not be seen for many years to come. Drifts by the hedges as deep as 10 feet and along the road 4 or 5 feet had collected. Cuttings were dug for carriage traffic and opposite Cotefield there was a deep cutting about 50 yards long. A fine elm blown down near Grennell Barn which will be missed. In falling it cut off clean one side of another well shaped tree. A sad accident which ended fatally happened in the course of Tuesday night. A carter named Harling with a wagon and 6 horses belonging to Mr Field of Banbury lost his way in the storm after leaving Deddington. Bands of men from Adderbury and Deddington went out in search of him day after day excavating the snow along the Bloxham Borge Lane but the poor man was not found till the following Wednesday when he was discovered frozen to death in a hovel near Mr Course's Mill. Such a remarkable snow storm will not be soon forgotten by the present generation.
(Editors note: We are grateful to Vera Wood for providing this article. It will be continued in future issues)
news from Katharine House Hospice
Christmas card Sales and Christmas Illuminations
We were delighted with our Christmas card sales again this year, with 150,000 cards being sold through reception, our shops and by various local events. Such sales have raised an exceptional £30,000 which is ploughed straight back into the provision of nursing care here at the Hospice and the local community.
Another thank you to local supporters who lit up their homes for Katharine House this Christmas: Mr and Mrs Cross of Chadlington, The Marshall Family of Bloxham, The Kyte and Brown Families of North Aston, The Taylor Family of Kings Sutton, The Parsons Family of Charlbury and Mr and Mrs West of Adderbury. Jenny West said: "Stewart and I both love Christmas lights and it is a pleasure to see the enjoyment the lights bring to others, especially young children and also it's an ideal way to raise money for Katharine House" An amazing combined total of £2,800!
End of Season Sale- The Institute 10.30am Saturday 17th March
Following the success of our first sale last year, which raised £961.82 for the Hospice, Pat, Audrey, Dot and friends are holding another one in the hope of turning goods in our storeroom into pounds for the hospice. There will be an array of donated items, knitwear, books and toys all at knockdown prices, plus a raffle, cake stall, teas, coffee and lunch-time soup. Weather permitting, John Webb will bring along his barrel organ to entertain us and we hope that lots of people will support us.
Last year, our "travelling stand" raised a total of £8,439 attending various fetes and outdoor/indoor events. Therefore, if anyone is organising an event and would like an added "attraction", please get in touch with the fundraising office at the Hospice, on 812 161.
London Marathon
We are delighted to have 4 people running in the London Marathon on 22 April to raise money for the Hospice; Donna Bethell of Banbury; Roger Maddams of Twyford, Chris Thompson of Daventry, and Sheila Norton, our Fundraising Administrator, also of Twyford! Sheila is hoping to raise funds and if you would like to sponsor Sheila you can sign a form at Taste Buds or in The Bell or, to make your pledge online, go to www.khh.org.uk and click on Fundraising/Donations. For further information please contact Sheila on 812 161 (working hours) or 812 170 (evenings and weekends). Alternatively, you may wish to sponsor any of our brave runners. Please contact Sarah, in the Fundraising office at Katharine House, on
812 161. Thank you for your support!
May Ball
Tickets are selling fast for The May Ball, on 6th May. This is being held at Bloxham School, with proceeds split between Katharine House Hospice and St Mary's Church, Bloxham. Tickets are priced at £40, and this includes, canapés, a three course meal, and dancing to The Roosters and The Blue Meanies. To round off the evening, there will be an auction and a silent auction. Definitely an event not to be missed! For further information and tickets, please call Lucinda Lloyd, Katharine House Hospice, East End, Adderbury. Tel 811 866 or email: Lucinda.lloyd@khh.org.uk
Adderbury Coffee and Chat
We would like to say a big thank you to those who run and attend both Coffee and Chats, in the Library and Methodist School Room in Adderbury, particularly Iris Collier and Jean Towe. Their ongoing dedication to fundraising activities is greatly appreciated by the Hospice.
Easter Chicks
Look out for our little Easter Chicks! These fluffy golden chicks contain a Cadbury's Crème Egg- a perfect gift for Easter. These will be on sale at Katharine House Hospice reception, the Coffee and Chat mornings and The Bell from the end of February. Price £1.50
Forthcoming Events
• End of Winter Sale. Saturday 17th March 10.30-2.30pm, Adderbury Institute, Adderbury. Entry free.
• Banbury Symphony Orchestra, St Mary's Church, Banbury. Saturday 17th March 7.30pm. Tickets £7.50 on door, or £6.50 pre-booked. Schubert, Rimsky-Korsakov and Finzi. £3 from each ticket sold by us comes to KHH. Call Sarah in Fundraising on 812 161
• May Ball Sunday 6th May 7.30pm. The Great Hall, Bloxham School. Bloxham, Nr Banbury. Champagne reception and four course meal. Dancing to the Roosters and the Blue Meanies. Tickets £40. 50% proceeds to KHH. Call Lucinda in Admin on 811 866.
• Spring Fair, Tuesday 8th May 10am - 4pm. The Great Barn, Aynho, Nr Banbury. Entry £3. Plant sale and country crafts. Light lunches.
Christopher Rawlins PTA 200 Club
The draws for December and January have now taken place and the winning numbers were as follows:
December 2006
1st - No 81 - Mrs R McCready
2nd - No 125 - Mrs A Heath
3rd - No 3 - Mrs M Cox
January 2007
1st - No 141 - Mrs U McCulloch
2nd - No 77 - Mr D Fox
3rd - No 48 - Mrs A Rye
There are still plenty of numbers available. The subscription for the remaining seven draws is £7. If you would like to join or would just like more information, please contact Sarah Moller on 812 920 (evenings).
Parish Council minutes
The Parish Council met on 9th January.
Those present were Mrs Diane Bratt (Chairman) Messrs Burgess, Harper, Harris, Mitchell, Verdon, Mrs Joyce Cox, Miss Lisa Smith and Mrs Rhoda Woodward.
There were apologies from Mr Rick Atkinson.
MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES:
Cemetery Bins: CDC will not provide an additional green bin. It was agreed to ask if they would provide a larger green bin.
Litter Bins: Mrs Cox was liaising with Taste Buds about placing a new bin there. A quote of £120 to remove and relocate bins as previously agreed was accepted.
Kemps Road Footpath: OCC had informed the PC that Highways would re-tarmac the footpath between house numbers 12-24 and would re-assess the rest of the footpath for next financial year.
LUCY PLACKETT FIELD: It was agreed to ask Mr Chard to cut back the undergrowth along the embankment.
REVIEW OF CEMETERY FEES: It was agreed to increase the fees at the same percentage to the nearest 50p as previous increases. It was agreed that the reservation fee for a cremation plot should be one third of the fee for the reservation of a burial plot, on the basis that it takes up one third of the space.
SEATS IN THE VILLAGE: Potential sites and action were identified and agreed. Sites include Lake Walk, The Rise play area, The Green, Manor Road. It was agreed to accept a quote of £56 to repair the seat at the Lucy Plackett field.
OPEN FORUM: Issues raised included: footpath camber outside Post Office and Library, Stile in Church Lane, appointment of Graham Harris as an Institute Trustee, the decision made last month about a community centre on Milton Road and the results of the survey.
PLANNING: No observations had been made by the Planning Committee in respect of the following applications:
Mr and Mrs D Reynolds - 46 Walton Avenue
Mr and Mrs M McKiver - 12 Twyford Gardens
Mr A J Bruce - Long Cottage, High Street
Mr and Mrs P Gough - 2 Manor Road
Mr N Brogden - The Old Barn, Twyford Wharf
Observations had been made in respect of:
Mrs B Hutchinson - The Lodge, The Green
Mr M A Tustian - 25 Deene Close
Letters from ACAG had been received and were tabled, including their response to CDC to the Local Development Framework, a reply to the Parish Council's request for more information about ACAG, a suggestion of a joint meeting about forthcoming planning appeals and an invitation to their next annual meeting. Members welcomed the suggestion of future meetings on planning appeals and the invitation to the AGM
BUDGET AND PRECEPT: It was agreed to increase the precept by 3.7%.
Parish Council Report - continued:
PLAY AREAS: The clerk reported the new slide had been received and would be installed when the weather was clear so that the repairs to the safety surface would not be damaged. It had been difficult to contact the engineers to fix the new bolts onto the chains of the climbing equipment at The Rise and it was suggested that Roy the Handyman might be able to help.
COMMUNITY CENTRE: The working party had not yet met. A number of letters had been received from residents on the issue and were circulated. It was agreed to acknowledge them and review them in the light of any further letters received and the petition that had not yet been received.
DOG BIN: It was agreed to proceed with obtaining a dog bin for the footpath on the bridleway leading to Kemps Farm. It was agreed to check with the owners of the houses opposite the footpath post in Croft Lane that they agreed to a dog bin there, and if so to proceed.
THE LAKES: A report was circulated about the embankment dam at the Lakes. It was agreed to obtain an engineers report. The RoSPA consultant was happy with the Health and Safety at the Lakes.
CEMETERY MAINTENANCE: The Chairman and Clerk had met with representatives from the Quakers at Adderbury Friends Meeting House. There was a small leak in the roof and a window that needs repairing. Friends will be extending the gravel around the Meeting House. It was agreed to accept a quote of £200 for work on the Yew trees and also a quote of £17 to replace the sign.
NOTICEBOARDS: A quote of £140 was accepted to install the notice boards outside school and Longwall entrance to the Lakes.
ANNUAL PARISH MEETING: It was agreed to ask Astrid Blackburn at CDC to be the speaker on 2nd May at a venue to be arranged.
VERGE MARKERS: The decision made in September not to install verge markers was reconsidered. Councillors would take another look at the verges to reconsider at the next meeting. It was agreed to ask for 14 posts to be allowed on the green at Oak Tree Corner.
PARISH PLAN: A meeting was arranged at Church House for 30th January.
POT HOLES: Mrs Woodward raised the issue of the pot-holes in Croft Lane. Mr Harper agreed to look into it.
NEXT MEETING: 27th February 7.30 p.m. Church House.
The Parish Council has received a letter from Tony Baldry M.P. about a Petition to Parliament he has launched as part of a campaign to protect Post Offices, in particular in Oxfordshire. I have been asked by him and the Parish Council to publicise the petition. It urges the Government to stop action which will lead to the immediate closures of Post Offices and calls for an urgent review of funding for Post Offices and the services they offer to enable Post Offices to continue to serve as a cornerstone of the community for individuals, business and the most vulnerable in society. Full details and on-line signing of the petition are at www.ProtectOurPostOffices.com.
Helena Scott, Clerk