DUCKLINGTON VILLAGE NEWSLETTER
+ June/July 2012 ISSUE 166
Annual Parish Meeting 2012 Around 40 residents attended the Annual Parish Meeting on 10 May. The meeting included presentations from Thames Valley Police, RAF Brize Norton, Smiths of Bletchington, the Headteacher of Ducklington Primary School and Ruth Edy as Chair of the Jubilee celebrations co-ordinating committee as well as the usual presentations from the Parish, District and County Councils. The draft minutes of the meeting, which will be approved at the meeting next year will soon be available on the Parish Council website to view. The Parish Council would like to thank everyone who spoke and attended the meeting for making it so informative and interesting. Vacant allotment plot The Parish Council is responsible for the management of the allotments bordering the A415 near the petrol station. There is currently one vacant allotment plot and the Parish Council would like to find a tenant from Ducklington before offering it to someone outside the parish. If you, or anyone you know, would like an allotment please contact the Parish Clerk via the contact details given below.
Village pond The installation of the swale has been delayed to later in June or July so that the centre of the village looks smart for the Diamond Jubilee celebrations.
New zipwire The order for the new zipwire has been placed and it should be installed in advance of the school summer holidays.
Work on Trees in the Ducklington Conservation Area Part of the centre of Ducklington was designated a Conservation Area by West Oxfordshire District Council in October 1988. The area covered starts from Witney Road near Chalcroft recreation ground, extends to the Old Rectory on Standlake Road, and includes Bartholomew Close, Church Street, Back Lane and The Square. You can check whether your house is included in the Conservation Area using the District Council’s online service, entering your postcode at “My West Oxfordshire” on their homepage www.westoxon.gov.uk.
Conservation Areas are places identified as having special architectural character or historic interest, which deserve preservation or enhancement. One of the ways in which the character of the area is preserved is by having additional controls over work to privately and publicly owned trees growing within it. Anyone proposing to cut down or carry out works (pruning/reduction) to a tree which has a diameter above 75mm when measured at 1.5m above ground level in a Conservation Area is required to contact the District Council six weeks prior to the proposed work. The District Council will then assess the impact of the work in relation to the contribution the tree makes to the Conservation Area and decide whether to make a Tree Preservation Order in respect of the tree if necessary. It is an offence to prune, fell or damage a tree in a Conservation Area without giving prior notice to the District Council and fines can be severe.
The Forestry and Landscape Officer at the District Council can be contacted on 01993 861662
New Oxfordshire Dial-a-Ride Service The County Council has made changes to the Dial-a-Ride transport service it provides for disabled and mobility- impaired people who are unable to use or do not have access to conventional public transport. Concessionary bus pass holders are able to travel on dial-a-ride free of charge. The door-to-door service can be used for any purpose of journey, except for journeys to hospital appointments and to County Council funded day centres. You have to become a member of the scheme (at a cost of £5 for a year) to use the service. People who were members of the previous service will need to reapply to join the new service. Application forms are available by contacting the County Council on 0845 310 11 11, by email at [email protected] or on the County Council website at www.oxfordshire.gov.uk.
If your travel needs are more complex or you want to know about other door-to-door services that might be able to help you can call OxTAIL (the Oxfordshire Travel Advice and Information Line) on 01865 323738.
Ducklington Village Newsletter No.166 1 Free electric blanket testing by West Oxfordshire District Council Free electric blanket testing in Witney organised by West Oxfordshire District Council in partnership with Oxfordshire County Council will be carried out on 12 October 2012. Testing is by appointment only and was fully booked in advance of the date last year. To make an appointment please telephone the District Council on 01993 861060.
Reporting anti-social behaviour The Parish Council welcomes local residents helping to keep Ducklington a safe and happy place to live by being aware of what is happening in their local area and reporting any concerns to the Parish Council and Thames Valley Police if necessary. Any reports of anti-social behaviour (graffiti, property damage, inappropriate behaviour in a public place) should always be reported to the police on their non-emergency number which is 101.
How to Contact your Parish Council The Parish Council meets on the first Wednesday of the month at 7.30pm in the Lilac Room at the Village Hall. Everyone is welcome to attend and observe the meeting.
The Parish Clerk, Mrs Helen Sandhu, can be contacted on: Postal address: 1 Manor Close Aston BAMPTON OX18 2DD Email: [email protected] Telephone: 01993 851774 Website: www.ducklingtonparishcouncil.org.uk
Gill Mill Quarry Update From Martin Layer, Planning & Estates Manager, Smith & Sons Bletchington
I was very pleased to give a presentation to a large audience at the Annual Parish Meeting on 10th May. This was the third successive year that I had spoken at the meeting about the proposed extension to Gill Mill quarry and reflects the time it takes to prepare a major planning application. The work involved has been detailed and comprehensive and the process has been truly interactive with the proposal changing in response to technical information from the consultancy team and to feedback from the local community and a wide range of other organisations. Most recently, further changes have been made to the proposed footpath network in direct response to suggestions from your Parish Council. I hope the planning application will be submitted before the next issue of this newsletter when all the information will be posted on our website. At the Annual Parish Meeting there was a complaint made that Smiths lorries sometimes speed along the Ducklington Bypass. All of our lorries are fitted with satellite tracking which allows us to monitor their movements in real time on a screen in our head office. This was installed to improve the management and efficiency of our lorry fleet but it also allows us to check on driver behaviour. So if you believe that one of our lorries is speeding or contravening our routeing agreement then let us have the time and place or if possible the registration and we will investigate. Please contact our fleet manager Paul Needle on 01869 331281. If you have any questions about what we do email me at [email protected] or write to Smiths Bletchington, Enslow, Kidlington OX5 3AY. May 2012
Day-trippers invited to explore national heritage sites
History lovers can visit the country’s top heritage sites at discounted prices as part of a drive to encourage domestic holidays. Visitor Information Centres in West Oxfordshire are stocking ‘The Hudson’s Explorer Pass’, which offers the chance to choose from around 200 iconic heritage sites to visit in the UK. Prices start from £29 for a two-day pass.
“Heritage attractions are very popular and there are many great places to visit in the UK including Blenheim Palace and Cogges here in West Oxfordshire as well as national venues such as the Eden Project and the Roman Baths.”
Each pass comes complete with a free souvenir colour illustrated guidebook and map. Pass holders can gain entry without paying more on-the-door and they will have the opportunity to get priority entrance, where possible. In addition to these benefits, they will also have access to any associated promotions and events.
For more information visit: www.oxfordshirecotswolds.org/vics
Ducklington Parish Newsletter No. 165 2
All sessions are open to 2 1/2 - 5 year olds and run from 9 am until 12 noon. We accept nursery vouchers and there is no minimum number of days required by new starters Places are currently available. For further information please contact; Cheryl Alcock, 709872 or [email protected].
Check out our brand new website www.ducklingtonpreschool.org.uk
COULD THIS BE YOU?
We are looking for someone new to take on the CHILDRENS role of Chairperson formerly from September, but if you can join the committee before then it NEARLY NEW SALE would enable a smoother handover from our
retiring Chairperson Gary Clarkson. From Birth to 11 years . Clothes, Toys, Equipment, School Uniform The Chairperson’s job falls into 4 main parts:
and Maternity Wear 1. Chairing committee meetings. 2. Representing the Pre-School where necessary at public events or at meetings of other organizations. 3. Line managing Pre-School staff. 4. Supporting and authorizing the work of the treasurer.
If you, or someone you know, think you might be
interested in supporting Ducklington Pre-School The Langdale Hall, Witney OX28 6AB in this way then please contact the Pre-School secretary, Kathryn Keeping for more details Admission £1 (01993 899073).
Raising funds for Ducklington Pre-School, Our Pre-School can’t run without parents, staff, friends Registered Charity No.1026033 and the community all working together… your support is VERY much appreciated. New sellers welcome email us on: Thank-you [email protected]
Village Cafe
Second Wednesday in the month from 2.30 – 3.30pm at Jo’s, 5 Moors Close
Do come, perhaps bring a friend and have a chat over a cup of tea & biscuit or a coffee & cake. We chat, ”put the world to rights” and have a laugh.
Wed 13th June & Wed 11th July
All of the users in the church to benefit by the provision of:-
A TOILET WITH DISABLED ACCESS AND NAPPY CHANGING NEW VESTRY SCREEN WITH SECURE LOBBY ENLARGED BELFRY WITH EASIER ACCESS PROVISION OF A GALLERY ARCHITECTURAL IMPROVEMENTS REINSTATEMENT OF THE WEST END GALLERY
FUND RAISING EVENTS COMING UP!
PLEASE SUPPORT THE PROJECT
FULL INFORMATION – www.ducklingtonchurch.org.uk
Ducklington Parish Newsletter No. 165 3
St. Bartholomew’s Church
Everyone is warmly welcome to all services and events.
Sunday Services Every Sunday, at 9.30am, there is a service in our church. On most Sundays, this includes Communion and there is a
crèche and separate groups for children and young people. On the first Sunday in the month, June 3rd and July 1st, at 9.30am, we have a Family Service. This lasts about 40 minutes and is for all ages. It is a very good ‘introduction to church.’ On these first Sundays, there is a Communion Service at 6pm. Special Services June 3rd - The 9.30am service will be focused on the Diamond Jubilee
June 24th - The Rev’d David Winter will be the preacher at 9.30am
July 1st - The Family Service at 9.30am will include input from Dr Paul Whitaker (Paul was born profoundly deaf and was awarded the OBE for his work in teaching music to deaf people)
Website
Do have a look at our church website which has full Flower Festival details of services, events, The West End Appeal, the As part of the Diamond Jubilee Celebrations facility to listen to sermons, plus a whole host of other there will be a Flower Festival information. You can also subscribe your email address in the church on June 2nd and 3rd. so that you are automatically informed of forthcoming events. www.ducklingtonchurch.org.uk Do come along and enjoy it.
Fritillary Sunday rd Many thanks to all who supported Fritillary Harvest Festival – September 23 at 9.30am nd
Sunday. Despite the cold wind, many people Christingle – December 2 at 5pm
came and enjoyed the presence of Roly Bain, Carol Service – December 16th at 6pm as well as the exquisite beauty of the flowers, the refreshments and other Fritillary Sunday 2013 – April 14th attractions.
Church Opening The church is open every Wednesday from 10am until 1pm. We hope that people will appreciate the opportunity to go in and look around – or to just sit and enjoy the beauty and the peace. There is a box for prayer requests just inside the north door.
Concerts Please come along to two concerts planned in aid of The West End Appeal:
On Saturday June 2nd at 7.30pm, a classical guitar concert featuring Ray Burley
On Thursday July 5th at 7.30pm a keyboard concert featuring Paul Herrington
Details of tickets are on the church website or contact the Rectory or Marian Pitman.
Enquiries about Weddings and Funerals
Contact The Parish Administrator, Mrs. Marian Pitman - tel. 703374 (not after 7.30pm please!) Enquiries about Baptisms Contact Sarah Temple by e-mail, please, to [email protected]
Vicar: The Revd Bob Edy, Witney 776625 Ducklington Parish Newsletter No. 165 4
We started our new whole school topic of Colours with another WOW day on Monday 30th April. Luckily, having postponed this once due to the unseasonal weather, our second attempt was really successful. We asked all the children at school to bring a coloured t-shirt into school for the day. During the morning all classes planned a piece of live art by plotting out how they could create a piece of art using their coloured tops. We had booked a Cherry Picker for the afternoon and a photographer to take photos of the art works. There was, as there always is on WOW days, a buzz of excitement across the school as children started imagining how their plans were going to look from 60 feet up! There was also plenty of learning going on while the children were planning – team work, co-operation, maths, speaking and listening and of course art! Children researched similar projects using the school laptops and were staggered about the quantity and variety of amazing creations. The afternoon, and the Cherry Picker, arrived and we started off with a whole school rainbow using all the children. It was fantastic!
We went on to have each class recreating their pictures, ranging from the Rainbow Fish to a Union Jack!
Both the Oxford Mail and Witney Gazette were intrigued by our day and we were thrilled to have great articles in both of these publications. We are swiftly moving onto our next venture which is a Jubilee Celebration Service at St Bartholomew’s. We will be holding a 1950s day where we all dress up in clothes of that era and process down to the Church to have our very own coronation. After a Street Party style lunch on our field we will be enjoying the afternoon with traditional games, Maypole dancing and tea. Everyone is welcome to join us from 1.30pm and volunteers for the tea tent (either baking or helping on the day) are much appreciated – please contact the school office if you can help. We hope to see you all there.
Sarah Nisbett, Headteacher
Ducklington School
Summer Fayre Saturday 23rd June 2012 12:00pm – 3:00pm
Pig Roast Tombola
Tea Tent Aunt Sally Raffles Face Painting Bouncy Castle Inflatable Assault Course Driving School Punch & Judy Archery
Ducklington Parish Newsletter No. 165 5
Fun family day for all
21st and 22nd July 2012 - 10am till 5pm
Adults £5, Senior/child £3, Family £15, Under 5's Free
Huge variety of steam engines & motor vehicles both full size & models.
Lots for children! Bouncy slide, kite workshop & Professor Crump around all weekend to entertain, to name a few.
Saturday Arena: Reading Scottish Pipe Band Sunday Arena: David Seamark and his sheepdogs
Real Ale Tent, Ferret Racing, Morris Dancers, Food Bars and lots of great Stalls
If you wish to have a stall contact Anne on 01367 810415 If you wish to exhibit an engine or vehicle contact Eamon on 07977546699 or Gary on 01993 700716
DUCKLINGTON MORRIS
Drink & Socialise at The Bell Inn from 10.00pm on Tuesdays. To work up a thirst, we practise in the The Village Hall from 8.30pm
Our June/July Local Public Dance Programme
Sat June 16th
Witney Town Centre. From 10am, we will be demonstrating our unique Ducklington dances. Sat July 14th Witney Town Centre. We will be repeating our demonstrations (see June 16th above) Tues July 17th Together with our guests, Cry Havoc Morris of Botley, Oxford we will be dancing in the yard of The Bell from 8pm. Sat July 21st Our Day of Dance with 9 other sides starting at The Square, Stow-on-the-Wold, touring six other Cotswold villages and finishing in Ducklington; 6pm (approx) at the Strickland Arms and 7.30 pm (approx) at The Bell with an informal session of music and song
For more details, contact: Pete (Badger) West T: 01869 601451 E: [email protected] www.ducklingtonmorris.org.uk
Tombola Donations The Tombola still need your help with donations: tinned fruit, scented candles, Books, jigsaws etc. (tinned goods must still be in date for Aug‘12 & toiletries to be unused) The donation box is outside 30 Fielden Close, Ducklington which you can leave your donations in. Please wrap items in a carrier bag, with the weather being damp at the moment it will help preserve quality. Schedules The schedule has had a bit of a shake up; it will be dropping through your letter boxes during July. Keep a eye out for the changes to the rules, there are now recipes to follow for some of the cookery classes as well as a shake up with the classes, to keep up with the times some of the unpopular classes have been removed and hopefully replaced with some that will be more popular. Photography themes are “VILLAGE LIFE, SPOOKY, SPEED, ARCHITECTURE, FLORAL, A KODAK MOMENT & PORTRAIT”, with “WINTER” as the Children’s Photo class. Arena If you are in a band, dance group etc and you would like to perform in our arena, contact us through our website. Photos Images from last years show are uploading on to the website in the next month, have a look, did we catch you on camera.
Facebook, Twitter & our website are all great sources for information and updates about past & future shows. Check them out! www.dhpa.co.uk The next Flower Show meeting Tuesday 3 rd July at The Strickland Arms at 8pm
Ducklington Parish Newsletter No. 165 6
Saturday June 2nd Sunday June 3rd
Monday June 4th Tuesday June 5th
Ducklington Parish Newsletter No. 165 7
VILLAGE HALL
Ducklington Village Hall can be hired for private functions – children’s parties, anniversaries, one-off meetings, etc. and for regular groups – dance and exercise classes, groups for education or pleasure for young and not-so-young. The main hall has a maximum capacity of 100 and an additional room (the Lilac Room, upstairs) is available for smaller groups and meetings.
To book the hall or for information about booking fees. Please contact Sarah Temple: Phone 01993 709886 or E-mail:[email protected] Monday - Friday - 9.00am - 2.30pm
DUCKLINGTON WOMEN’S INSTITUTE
Meet on the 1st Thursday of the month in Ducklington Baptist Church at 7.30 - 9.30pm.
New members are very welcome. Why not come along to one of our meetings & bring a friend.
June 7th Visit to the Old Rectory Garden with a talk on plants 7pm (Meet at Baptist Chapel if weather is bad)
July 5th Annual BBQ & Quiz at 5 moors close, Ducklington
For more information please contact Jo on 702897
NEWSLETTER DEADLINE FOR THE AUGUST/SEPTEMBER ISSUE
th Items to be received by end of play Thursday 9 July at the latest.
The Editor, Helen Strainge, can be contacted on: Postal Address: 9 Church Street, Ducklington, OX29 7UA
Email: [email protected] Telephone: 01993 709356
40 Witney Road, Ducklington, Witney, Oxon, OX29 7TX
Millhouse Construction Ltd is based in Ducklington, we carry out work in and
around Oxfordshire. Our work includes extensions, loft conversions, renovations, new builds and general building (smaller work also undertaken).
For a full list of our services, photo gallery of previous projects and customer references please visit our website: www.millhouseconstruction.co.uk
Millhouse Construction Ltd is registered with The Guild of Master Craftsmen,
The Federation of Master Builders and Oxfordshire County Council's Buy with Confidence Scheme.
We give free estimates & detailed quotations which always come with a guarantee.
For enquires and further information please contact Matthew Shirley on 01993 774872 or 0780 3249264 or via email at [email protected]
Ducklington Parish Newsletter No. 165 8
Ofsted Registered Childminder
Based in Ducklington Early Years Paediatric First Aid Certified
OFSTED Inspected & Registered Full Days & Holiday Care School Drop-off & Pick-up at Ducklington CE Primary Spaces available from August/September 2012
If you have any questions or would like more information please feel free to contact me on 01993 772 652
Abigail’s Kitchen Catering for all your special occasions...
Tel: 07771616415 [email protected]
Dinner parties, buffets, working lunches, childrens parties, weddings, funerals, christenings, tea parties, bbq and pig roasts, we are happy to cater any type of event, large or small.
Please call Abigail on 07771 616415 to discuss your requirements and for free help and advice on planning your event.
Ducklington Parish Newsletter No. 165 9
Good food, Good ales, Good Company!
1st Thursday of Wednesdays
every month, by popular demand Sirloin steak night
Curry 2 courses with all the trimmings night £12.00
Thursdays Monday Sunday roasts £7.95 Specials Evenings 2 main children under 5 eat win cash meals free with every prizes with paying adult £15.00 killer pool
Friday night Senior citizens menu
meat draw Served Monday - Saturday (meat from denshams butchers) 12.30pm - 2.30pm
tickets on sale One course £4.95 throughout 2 Courses £7.50 the week Three courses £10.00
Ducklington Parish Newsletter No. 165 10
Newly refurbished letting rooms Available from 1st June 2012
Single rooms Double rooms £40.00 per night £55.00 per night Includes full English breakfast
Newly decorated function room available
free of charge for celebrations and parties Children’s parties also welcome.
Telephone 01993 700341
Ducklington Parish Newsletter No. 165 11 The Strickland Arms Ducklington Summer at The Strickland Arms
Jubilee Weekend At The Strickland Arms The Friday 1st June Strickland Arms ‘Decades’ Quiz Nights nd Saturday 2 June Raising Money for the 70’s fun and games West Oxfordshire ‘PIG ROAST’ Food Bank Glam rock music with Steve Monty and Pat Wednesday 20th June
Sunday 3rd June Wednesday 18th July A night of Fund Raising in aid of West Oxfordshire Food Bank with fantastic Rock n Roll Band IKE AND THE ICONICS So get your dancing feet on and come and rock n roll the night away !
Live Music Weekly Meal Deals
th Monday to Saturday Lunchtime Saturday 16 June Senior Meal Deal 2 courses £7.00 The beautiful
Tuesday Night Steak Night voice of 1 course £9.95, 2 course £11.95 3 courses 13.95 Katrina A complementary bottle of wine with 3 courses! 9pm Wednesday Night Enjoy 2 courses for £10.00 Saturday 23rd June
Thursday Night The New Haw Buy 1 get 1 free on Beer Battered Fish, Leans Jug Band Chips and Peas (2 for £9.95) 9pm Friday Night Free Pudding Friday; Saturday 14th July a free pudding with every main meal. Pete Fryer Band Sunday Roast 9pm 1 course £8.95 & 2 courses £10.95
The Richard Dunston Memorial Day Saturday 30th June 2012
Aunt Sally, Darts, Pig roast and Music from 3pm. Raising money for Alzheimer’s
Ducklington Parish Newsletter No. 165 12