Obituary

FRANCIS MINTER

Francis Minter, resident in the village for some 35 years, died at his home Tithe Barn House on 27 September. Frustrated by illness during the latter part of his life he overcame his disability with the dedication of his wife Barbara and a remarkable display of courage and determination. With scooter and walking aids he became an object lesson in what could be achieved.

An architect by profession he ranged internationally and was a specialist in the field of hospitals and hotels.

Locally he designed the Foscote Hospital and residential accommodation at the CAD Kineton. On retirement he travelled widely and played a major part in promoting Music in Adderbury to international level. Hence the oft quoted "living in Adderbury must be like living in Saltsburg" is a well deserved tribute. In earlier years he was a keen motorcycle rallyist and took a leading place in the British Experts Trial of 1949 and never lost his love for fast cars. A proud family man he was supported by his wife, children and grandchildren until the end.

News, Reports and Events

a sex-mad spinster, Humbert, a beetle keeping neighbour, beautiful but dim Julia, the ex-girlfriend, ravishing neighbour Angela and Henry, Mike's henpecked father.

What can Mike do to avoid being in contravention of clauses 3 and 6a of his lease? Will the dun cow help? And what will Julia do when she finally discovers whose girlfriend Gloria really is?

The next Adderbury Theatre Workshop production is The Continental Quilt by Joan Greening. This year we've joined forces with Launton Village Players so that we can reach a wider audience. With actors from both groups, we'll be performing in Launton on October 27 and 28, and Adderbury on November 2 and 3.

Tickets for the Launton performance are available from Simon Turner on 01869 245352. Tickets for Adderbury are available from Taste Buds Shop. All tickets are priced at £6.00 and there will be a licensed bar in Adderbury. Doors open 7:30pm, curtain up at 8:00pm.

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCH ON

Our Christmas Lights at 28 St Mary’s Road will be switched on at 6pm on Saturday December 2. Our regular group "Telling Tales" will be singing carols. There will be a visit from Father Christmas, Mince Pies and a Gift Stall selling new items. All monies raised will again be for Katharine House Hospice. Come and join in the fun.

Jenny & Stewart West

ADDERBURY THEATRE WORKSHOP

The Continental Quilt

Mike is looking forward to a pleasant evening with his new girlfriend, Gloria, when a ring at the doorbell shatters his plans. His brother Dick turns up, having been thrown out by his wife, Marion, who found him showing Angela, their neighbour, the continental quilt. He is soon followed by Marion herself and then Elizabeth, Mike's formidable mother. While Mike's trying to keep them all apart, they are followed in rapid succession by Priscilla,

OVER 60’S CLUB

We were pleased to welcome Graham Soden once again on September 13 with his wonderful collection of slides. This time we were taken on a wonderful tour of Scotland keeping us all spellbound.

Our final Autumn outing took place on the 27th when we visited one of our old favourites, Millets farm centre. The weather kept fine but the wind was cool. There was the usual garden centre shops and Cafe, with a walk to the lakes and farm animals for the more active members.

Lucy Plackett Activity Centre

Fish and Chip Quiz Night

on Friday 17th November. Tickets £8 per person to include fish and chip meal.

Bring your own wine etc.

Doors open at 7pm for a prompt 7.30pm start. Dinner at approx 9pm.

Teams of 4 or join one on the night.

Tickets available from TasteBuds.

ADDERBURY GREEN ASSOCIATION

The Green Association Committee are very appreciative of the extremely generous support of the village in response to their appeal.

To date we have received donations of over £1600 which will help to ensure that at least one small area of England will retain its traditional identity.

We regret that we are unable to write to thank everybody individually. However, any queries or further donations can be addressed to David Miller, Orchard House, Sir Georges Lane.

Ken Wright

(Hon. Sec.)

ADDERBURY SCOUTS

Jet Skiing, a hike up Snowdon in North Wales and a prison break out - just three of many activities enjoyed by Adderbury Scouts in the last month or so.

A group of Scouts spent a Sunday afternoon at Lagoona Park near Reading learning how to ride a jet ski before taking a speedy trip around the lake. For once everyone managed to stay standing for at least a couple of laps!

A week later and the whole Troop was held captive at Youlbury Camp Site in Oxford. Against the skills of the determined guards they had to stealthily escape the prison confines and make it to one of the three local churches that were acting as safe houses. On what was one of the wettest Sunday afternoons in ages everyone managed it with some good cross country navigation.

Navigation was the skill that guided Matt Phanichattra, James Farrell, Lewis Mahony and David Phanichattra to the highest point in England and Wales at the start of October - Mount Snowdon. Following the difficult Pyg Track, the day started out warm and sunny until we went into the clouds and experienced extreme winds, and cold wet conditions. You can see some fantastic photos from the trip on-line at our website:

www.adderburyscouts.com.

In the next few weeks we've got our autumn camp coming up, ice skating and several Christmas activities.

Andy Green

Scout Leader

Come to the

Sunday 3rd December 11am - 4pm

see page six

NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH

Despite torrential rain there was a good representation of Co-ordinators, including five newcomers, and public at the October 11 meeting in Chapel Hall. The Chairman thanked all for their loyal support and raised the matter of succession. He had been asked by the Chairman of the Parish Council to initiate a Watch Scheme some 20 years ago and with ready response it has been given much commendation, a tribute to co-ordinators and the village of Adderbury. So if readers at large have any suggestion please let me know, with some emphasis on the younger generation or someone newly retired. No queue anticipated!

D/Sgt Ian Hunter began with an insight into the workings of the Priority Crime Team. He stressed the importance of a vigilant public and the need to pass on suspicions however seemingly trivial (0845 8 505 505 ask for D/Sgt Hunter). Sgt Dave Hibbert followed with a description of his responsibility for rural areas represented at the Deddington Office by PC Phil Morris. Of special interest was the plan to recruit Police Community Support Officers (PCSO's) to bridge the gap between police and public and to some extent to replace the village bobby. The Chairman's ideal of a PCSO for Adderbury was possible but there would be financial problems to overcome.

The evening concluded with a wide survey of her task as Crime Reduction Officer by our old friend Jayne Taylor. Having started the Watch Office in Banbury some 14 years ago she could claim to be the most experienced of all and there were many questions. She also covered for Debbie Tonks who had to decline for the first time in many years.

BEWARE of roofers, burglar alarm installers, also of a couple who attempt to gain entry by pleading a bleeding dog bite requiring attention. An astute survey showed that the blood was in fact red ink! Useful police tips were in the September and October issues. Please refer back.

Dick Stuckey, Co-ordinator

ADDERBURY GARDENING CLUB

On Tuesday October 3 our speaker was Brian Laney, a zealous botanist who was involved with seed collection for the Millenium Seed Bank at Wakehurst Place.

Members were entertained by Brian’s vivid stories of his travels around Britain searching for rare and unrecorded plants.

Our Chairman, Mike Adams, thanked Brian for his enthusiastic and informative talk.

We look forward to welcoming our long time friend Janet Cropley on Tuesday, November 7 at 7.30pm who will speak about summer flowering bulbs. Next year we will go and visit her wonderful garden in Evenley.

A club membership card entitles the holder to 10% discount at several plant centres. I have to send lists to some in order to get their discount card for you so I need to know numbers by November 8 please.

Barbara Talbot

Secretary

Adderbury History Association

Members and guests welcomed Barry Davies to present Banbury of Yesterday during the September meeting. An excellent selection of pictures both old and new was shown with enthusiasm.

The 16th October meeting will present Martin Way, "Highway Men and Local Turnpike Roads "

Other events include:

Saturday 18th November the launch of a new CD-ROM showing Adderbury Then and Now. This will take place in the Library from 11.00am till 2.00pm and you will be able to view some of the content prior to purchase. This will be in place of the November meeting

The History Association will present books and the CD-ROM at the Christmas Market to be held on Sunday December 3.

Singalong to Sondheim - with a touch of the folk brush to liven up proceedings.

Many of Adderbury's local talent play professionally and semi-professionally so the musical standard will be amongst the very best. The evening will be informal with seating arranged "cabaret" style and there will be bar service and free nibbles for each table. The event is on Saturday, December 2 at 7.30pm and tickets are available from Taste Buds and The Bell priced at £6 for adults and £4 for Under 16's. Please come along to support the Institute and have a rollicking good time on us.

Davey McCormack

on behalf of The Bell Folk.

ROBIN WILLIAMSON - CONCERT

Saturday November 25.

Robin Williamson, one of the most influential musicians and songwriters on the British folk scene over the last 40 years, plays a concert at Adderbury Village Institute. Robin Williamson is one of the founder members of the Incredible String Band, who during the 1960's and 70's, dominated the folk rock world alongside Fairport Convention. Robin sings traditional and contemporary folk songs from the Celtic, British and other folk traditions. Since the Incredibles disbanded in the 1970's Robin has continued to play concerts all over Britain, the USA and the rest of the world.

He also performs concerts with his wife Bina as well as other folk legends. Robin accompanies himself on Irish harp, guitar and fiddle. The concert will be a wonderful mixture of songs , tunes and stories containing seasonal celebrations of the turning year, embracing legend, visionary and spiritual material with folk music from many roots.

The concert starts at 8pm.Tickets are £8.00 in advance and £10.00 on the door. Tickets and further information from Jim Plester 01295 275706

The Christmas Party for members and guests will be held on Monday 11 December

This will be in the Institute A buffet supper and entertainment will be provided. Tickets obtainable from the Treasurer (810777) at £10.00 each (you are invited to bring your own drink).

A reminder that the History Association meetings are held on the 3rd Monday of the month at the Chapel Hall in Chapel Lane. We begin at 7 30pm and all are welcome.

Sarah Clayson

Chairperson

The Oxfordshire Befriending Network

Could you offer a helping hand to someone living near you isolated by a life-threatening or terminal illness? We are looking for mature reliable people able to give 2 to 3 hours a week to offer emotional and/or practical support in the home, hospice or hospital. Full training given and on-going support. All expenses reimbursed. We are also looking for counsellors in training for a recognised qualification and those willing to undergo training as an advocate. For more information contact The Oxfordshire Befriending Network on 01865 791781.

CHRISTMAS CONCERT

Saturday, December 2

The Bell Folk Club are staging a concert at the Institute in aid of the Institute Restoration Fund and other local charities. This jolly bunch of people meet every fortnight in the back room of The Bell where there is very little room for an audience, but now's your chance to see what we get up to -and support local charities into the bargain!

Don't worry - this won't be all finger in the ear, beards and sandals. The Bell Folk are an eclectic bunch (They can't touch you for it…) who have put together an entertaining evening of music; from Carols to Cajun,

News from Katharine House Hospice Fundraising Office

Two big thank-yous!

Our thanks go this month to two more local supporters who have recently achieved great things. John Bellinger, landlord of the Bell, cycled 150 miles visiting 30 pubs and raising over £3,000 for Katharine House. Sheila Norton, our Lottery Administrator from Twyford, ran the Great North Run in a very impressive time of just over two hours raising a total of around £600 to share between Katharine House and the Anthony Nolan Trust. Our congratulations to both.

Christmas Card Sales

We are delighted to report that our cards are selling fast with over 400 mail orders to date and many being sold in our shops. If you haven't yet bought yours, we will be delighted to send you a catalogue and don't forget that you can take some, sale or return, to sell at coffee mornings or in your workplace. Every little helps us to achieve our target of selling all our cards before Christmas! .

Lights of Love

Just a reminder about our Lights of Love event on Thursday 30 November, 7pm at St Mary's Church, Banbury and Sunday 3 December, 6pm at St Peter's Church, Brackley

December is a poignant time for those who face Christmas without loved ones. Our annual services provide an opportunity to remember those close to us and in this connection, we produce a unique dedication form which can be completed with a special message to a loved one. We transfer the message to a Keepsake card which we post to the sender and we also create Books of Remembrance containing a Certificate for each dedication, with the Books being blessed at our Services. Christmas trees with lights are placed in Horsefair and Brackley Church and are dedicated to those being remembered. If you would like to complete a dedication form in memory of a loved one and are not presently on our mailing list, please contact Sue Lane in the Fundraising Office on 01295 812161 and we will be pleased to send you details.

Lottery brochure

We recently mailed you, via Royal Mail, with a hospice Lottery flyer inviting you to join. If you are already a member, thank you for your support and we would ask that you pass the leaflet on to a friend. If you are not already a member then please consider joining. The Lottery raised over £130,000 last year and is one of our principal income generators.

Quilt Raffle

We have two beautiful quilts sewn by a keen supporter for a Christmas Raffle. Tickets are £1 each available from all our shops and reception. Each ticket entitles you to two chances!

Volunteers for Christmas Shop (and after)

News flash! We are delighted to announce that we are having our own Christmas Shop (just across from our main store in Banbury) which will be open during November and December selling Christmas decorations and cards, etc. If anyone would like to help for a few hours, whether you are a current volunteer or not, please get in touch with either Maureen (Banbury Shop manager) on 273611 or Scott (Retail Manager) at the hospice on 811866. We will also be delighted to see you in the shop buying your Christmas goodies!

After Christmas this will become our furniture shop. Again volunteers will be needed to man it, and we will be pleased to hear from anyone who has furniture they would like to donate. If it can be delivered to us we would be grateful, but if not, then we will try and arrange collection. Again your contact is Scott.

Events

There are always new events appearing on our calendar which will be detailed in our column in Around the Cross in the Banbury Guardian. We hope you find one or more that interests you! As always, our grateful thanks to all in the village who continually support Katharine House. Thank you for helping us to help others.

VILLAGE WEBSITE AN INSTANT HIT

Nearly 700 people visited the new Adderbury village website

www.adderbury.org

in its first week. Statistics supplied by independent web monitor OneStat showed that 675 'unique visitors' logged on in the week ending 8 October. Not surprisingly, most of the 'hits' came from the UK but we also had visitors from as far afield as the USA and Norway.

If you haven't clicked on to www.adderbury.org yet, then what are you waiting for? Even if you haven't got personal access to the worldwide web, you can always use the computers in the library at Church House.

The site is being updated all the time, so if you want to keep up with all that's happening make sure you 'bookmark' www.adderbury.org and return to it on a regular basis.

Above all, remember it is your site. Keep sending us your news, views, pictures and ideas. And don't forget, you can also place free advertisements in our online classified section.

The site was officially launched at Church House on Saturday, September 30 by 10-year-olds Alistair McClelland and Bethan Taylor-Evans, both pupils of Christopher Rawlins School, who flicked a giant switch helped by Ms Dot Org, the site's cartoon campaigner, brought to life by villager Elizabeth Holmes.

NOSTALGIA NOTE: The official launch reminded parish councillor Rhoda Woodward of another hi-tech village occasion. Rhoda turned back the clock to a time when Church House was still a school and took delivery of a new-fangled wireless. The wireless was shared by three schools in the village and was transported from one to the other in a wheelbarrow!

Mal Bromhall

www.adderbury.org steering group

The Parish Survey

(Parish Poll)

Further to our article in the October issue of CONTACT we see that commonsense has prevailed in that the voting choices proposed in the original "A Message from the Chairman" have now been altered so that you can vote for "A New Community Centre and a Football Facility" or "A Football Facility", or "No Development", all on the Milton Road.

Why is there is no point in re-visiting any scheme on the Lucy Plackett Playing Field? Yes, the last scheme was rejected some years ago. This was because the scheme appeared to grow to a point where it was considered unviable. However ideas were floated at the public meeting in July for a more modest scheme that would accommodate the needs of many organizations in the Village. The decision by the Parish Council to "keep the Centre running and to provide for meeting the landlord's cost year on year" is to be welcomed. The building does belong to the P.C anyway!

The Institute needs rejuvenating. It seems, however, that it is being written off as not "fit-for-purpose" without obtaining a wide spectrum of experienced advice and a full investigation of the alternatives. How many quotes have been obtained and for what? Whilst we do not suggest anything untoward it is unfortunate that the main proponents of the "development" are also those who have the future of the Institute in their hands. It is difficult to understand how, at this stage, the Management Committee is asking for donations for repairs when it appears that the intention of the Trustees is to sell off the building - perhaps a system of pledges might be more appropriate?

The current plan can only come to fruition by the development of the most sensitive piece of land in the village. Every development that has been proposed over the past thirty years has been opposed and turned down..

Once this land has been built upon it can never be retrieved.

It is your choice!

ACAG

Parish Council Notices

The Parish Council met on 26th September.

Those present were Messrs Harper, Atkinson, Burgess, Harris, Verdon and Mitchell, Mrs Rhoda Woodward, Mrs Joyce Cox and Miss Lisa Smith and Clerk Helena Scott.

There were apologies from Mrs Diane Bratt (Chairman). In her absence Mr Harper took the Chair.

AFFORDABLE HOUSING SURVEY: It was agreed to arrange for this to be delivered to households in the village at the same time as the magazine 'Round and About'.

KEMPS ROAD STREETLIGHT: A meeting had been arranged for 2 p.m. on 27th September between OCC and Mr Harper. Local residents who had commented on the subject had also been invited to attend to discuss where to potentially place it. The cost would be in the region of £600 (column and light) plus costs.

THAMES VALLEY POLICE MEETING: There had been a misunderstanding as to the venue for this meeting. Another date will be planned.

OPEN FORUM: Items discussed included flooding in Round Close Road and Neighbourhood Watch.

PLANNING: No observations had been made by the Planning Committee in respect of the following applications:

Mr and Mrs Robey - 1 Stud Farm Cottages, East End

Mr Jason Tagg - 12 The Rise

Mr K Hardy - 6 Rochester Way

Mr and Mrs Fennell - Archway Cottage, Tanners Lane

Observations had been made in respect of:

John G Mandle - 22 Griffin Close

Mr J Walker - 2 The Crescent, Twyford

Under consideration were:

Mr R Cooke - Unit 2, Croft Farm, Croft Lane

Mr P. Wingrove - Nickleby House, Twyford Grove, Twyford

Mr J A Morgan - The Old Barn, High Street

J B Stevens and Sons - Manor Farm, Twyford

An update from CDC regarding the TwyfordMill/Fired Earth Site was awaited.

PLAY AREA INSPECTIONS: At The Rise there was some damage to the climbing frame and the fence. Both would be repaired.

At the Lucy Plackett site the mini slide needed to be replaced with the remnants of the old one needing to be removed. A quotation would be obtained, also for new swing chains. It was also agreed to obtain a quotation for a security camera to be installed as a possible deterrent to the continued vandalism.

Confirmation of the removal of The Rise Ball Games area was awaited. The equipment would be placed in storage for the time being.

COMMUNITY CENTRE: The PC was in favour of proceeding with the village survey, which would not be legally binding. It would be conducted under proper scrutineers and would hopefully be ready for printing within the next few days.

Mr Noel Towe had been appointed by the two Churchwardens as the new Institute Trustee.

VERGE MARKERS CHURCH LANE: There was a general feeling that there was no real need for these to be installed and it was agreed that no further action would be taken.

continued on page 26

continued from page 25

At the Oak Tree Corner the County Council would be asked to remove the residue of the tree 'tidy up' that had been recently carried out and it was agreed to ask for 6 or 7 additional posts to be installed around the edge of the area to protect it further.

WALLED GARDEN ALLOTMENTS: It was agreed to set the annual rent for 2007/2008 at £17.50 - a rise of 50p.

LITTER BINS: Lisa Smith agreed to check all the litterbins in the village for damage.

MEMORIAL INSPECTIONS: Mr Verdon gave a report indication that there were two unsafe graves. Attempts would be made to find out who was responsible for their upkeep and ask them to make them safe.

PARISH 'CLUSTER' MEETING: The Chairman and Clerk had been invited to this meeting, which it was agreed was a useful opportunity for information sharing and networking. There are going to be regular meetings, with the next one probably in January, with issues relating to highways as a possible subject.

ANNUAL PARISH LIAISON MEETING: Mr Atkinson agreed to attend this meeting on 9th November.

PARISH PLAN: A meeting had been arranged for 16th October at Lucy Plackett Activity Centre.

COUNTRYSIDE ALLIANCE: It was agreed to put 'Tastebuds' forward for entry into the Best Rural Retailer Competition.

RED LION: It was agreed to write to the Greene King Brewery complaining about the new pub sign that has been erected outside the Red Lion.

NEXT MEETING: Tuesday 31st October 7.30 p.m. Church House.

PARISH SURVEY

By now all villagers on the electoral roll should have received the survey the Parish Council is undertaking of the views of residents on a proposed community centre at Milton Road. The return date is 31 October and the Parish Council urges everyone to express their view. The Parish Council wishes to find out the village's opinion of the proposal in question on the Milton Road and have drafted the questions accordingly.

As stated in last month's Contact, the questions for the survey were changed from those drafted at the meeting in July attended by various interested people. The Parish Council apologises to those who came to the meeting for not using that version, which was due to be agreed by the Council. Upon reflection Councillors felt those questions would not lead to meaningful answers. They also widened the issue to include the Lucy Plackett Activity Centre (LPAC) and the Institute. The Parish Council has no control over the latter and has made its commitment clear to maintaining the LPAC, even if a new community centre is built. The Parish Council are listening to the LPAC committee about revamping that building, but it would not provide for use by many other groups. There was considerable opposition to a larger building on LP when this was suggested, only about 6 years ago. The Parish Council refutes the notion that Milton Road is the most sensitive site in the village, It recognises that all sites are sensitive to those who live near them. The Milton Road site is not in the Conservation area and will not impact as much as some sites might.

If there is anyone under the age if 18 who would like to make their views known please contact the Clerk on adderburypc@hotmail.com.or on 810708

Finally, if you have not received a copy of the Adderbury housing survey, please contact the Clerk as above.