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Of the village, by the village, for the village October/November 2018 112 FinstockServing Finstock, , , News Mt.Skippett and Finstock Heath Finstock Ale, Remembrance Sunday...... 1 In the Army Now ...... 7 Village Events, Toddlers ...... 2 Cnty Cllr, Girl Guides ...... 8 Village Hall events ...... 3 School, FoFS ...... 9 Letters to Ed, Council, Shop and PO...... 4 WWI, Reg obit...... 10 Sm Ads, Bike rescue...... 5 District Cllr, Surgery...... 11 Countryside Conservation ...... 6 Gardening ...... 12

ur coverage of the changes to women’s lives continues with the conclusion of Rosa’s article In the Army Now Oon page 7. We also note that it is 100 years since the end of World War 1 – ‘the war to end all wars.’ Coverage of World War 1 on page 10 includes a memorial concert with former Finstockian Ed Connolly and the funeral of Reg Howse. We have our usual reports from the Parish Council, District and County Councillors as well as a lovely story about a Roadside Rescue on page 5. There is much to read and enjoy in this issue.

Sixth Finstock Ale a Huge Hit! Was this the finest selection of wonderful array of tonics and garnishes Driffield . Enjoy your case of ales, Neil . ales ever gathered under one roof in to enhance the experience . Thanks must go to all of the sponsors Finstock? Well at times it seemed that One of the aims of The Finstock Ale of the Finstock Ale: Howse & O’Reilly, half the village was crammed into the is to challenge drinkers with some of Sonnox Ltd . from Finstock Barns, Village Hall on Saturday September 8th, the more adventurous tastes available PrintReady of , and all of those as the rain held off, the music played, on the market, brewers such as Siren, companies and individuals who so and the beer flowed all day . Over Arbor and Moor, and closer to home generously sponsored a barrel . Without £2,500 was raised, which will provide offerings from brewers you, we could not bring great beer at the Good Companions Christmas including Oxbrew, Little Ox, Tap Social affordable prices and raise money for Dinner as well as support the numerous Movement and Church Hanbrewery, good causes . Roll on Finstock Ale 2019! Village Hall charitable causes and user many of whom offer unfined beers groups . with complex hop additions . At the The event began on Friday evening same time, the traditional drinkers were with our celebrated Race Night . As also catered for with gorgeous copper ever, it was a noisy family atmosphere bitters . as you cheered on your favourite horses Everyone was invited to vote for (and pigs!) and got the first samples of their favourite beer, cider and gin . The our beers . On Saturday the first thirsty beer chosen as Champion Beer for drinkers were queuing well before 2018 was Kokomo Weekday, brewed the official noon opening . CAMRA's by Good Chemistry from Bristol . In reporter (CAMRA is the national second place was Helihopter, a hop organisation for Real Ale) described the frenzy crafted by The Finstock Ale’s selection of beers on offer as a "superb own Jim Cooper, and brewed at The range of real ale providing the full gamut Little Ox Brewery in Freeland . Jim and of flavours and subtleties from brewers Sara are about to welcome their first today at affordable prices", and with all baby, so this could be the first infant beers at just £3 a pint, he concluded ever to be crowned with Helihopter! we were "by far the best value local Best Cider was Thundering Molly, and festival" . And if beer was not to your best Gin was Bathtub . The winning © North Oxon CAMRA taste, there was the fabulous Gin voting slip was submitted by former Rod Ireland Parlour, with 16 boutique gins and a Finstock resident Neil Roberts, now of

Remembrance Sunday - November 11th There will be a service and wreath laying ceremony at Finstock and Fawler War Memorial at 12 30pm. on Sunday November 11th . This is the 100th anniversary of the end of the 1st World War . Revd . Paul Mansell will conduct the service . Mr . Len Nicholls will be officiating . Wreaths will be laid on behalf of The Royal British Legion, Finstock Parish Council, Fawler Parish Council, Girl Guides and Rainbows and the Falkland War . The public will be invited to lay crosses . 0 . VILLAGE EVENTS 0 .

and Barbara Pensom . Looking at the October Finstock Baby and full story of the women gaining the 13th Arts and Crafts Fayre Toddler Group - 13th Dominoes parliamentary vote, particularly in autumn term 14th Fun Run at Cornbury Park Oxfordshire; with a once in a lifetime 19th Oxfordshire Home Front FLHS chance to take part in the public The group returned after the summer 22nd-29th Half term meeting April 24 1914 in the Witney holidays ready to start the new term 30th Term 2 starts Corn Exchange . with all the usual fun, activities and November December 07 - A crystal vision of toys on offer . This term we'll be making 11th Remembrance Sunday Victorian Britain: The Great Exhibition the most of all things autumnal with 16th Determined Women: the of 1851, by Dr Simon Wenman . The lots of leaf crunching and conker long march to suffrage FLHS Great Exhibition excited a nation and collecting! We'll also be looking forward 24th Folk night, Rattle on the promoted Britain to the world . Six to celebrating Halloween and Bonfire Stovepipe million people visited this world fair night and a variety of other themed December in under five months and its story weeks along the way . 7th A crystal vision of Victorian impacted on the entire country . Even As well as arts and crafts on offer Britain: The Great Exhibition a pair of Finstock-made gloves was each week, there are plenty of toys for of 1851 FLHS exhibited! all ages including baby toys and mats, 8th Church and School Christmas All meetings at 8pm on Fridays ride on toys for older ones, plus role Fair unless otherwise stated, at Finstock play and dressing up, sensory table, 15th Good Companions Christmas Village Hall, OX7 3BU . Refreshments vehicles, building blocks, books and dinner available from 7 .30pm . Subscriptions tents! for 2018/19 . Annual subscription due We meet every Wednesday in term- each September, entitling free entry time from 10am-11 .30am in the Village Finstock Church and to all talks and qualifying events - £15 Hall, £2 per family which includes a School Christmas Fair single, £20 couple . Entry to single talks snack for the little ones plus hot/cold Saturday December 8th, 2 - 4 30. pm £2 50. . Entry for events may vary . drinks and cake for the adults! We look Finstock Village Hall . Tombola, wreaths, forward to seeing you there - if you books and gifts . haven't tried us out yet, come along for a free first session! We post regular History Society updates on our Facebook page - find Finstock Local October 2nd - The Ascott Martyrs. us on there too . History Society Helen Fallows Talk by Carol Anderson . October 19 - The Oxfordshire Home Front, 1914-1918, by Stephen November 6th - Friends Ambulance Unit . Talk by Sue Smith . Velcro, what a rip off! Barker . The impact of the war in the towns and countryside that will focus December 4th - A 17th century upon fundraising and charitable events, Christmas . Talk by Tim Healey . Enjoy thE finEst munitions production, recruitment, the Meetings the first Tuesday each winE bEEr & food effects upon women and children, the month at 7 30pm. in the Turner Hall, fear of invasion, the influx of Belgian Church Road, North Leigh OX29 6TX . A tradition of warm hospitality refugees and many other themes . All welcome . Visitors £4, Members since the 17th century. The talk is fully illustrated and uses free . Further details from Diana Power testimony from those who were there . 882301 . oyAL Stephen is an independent Heritage r o

Advisor who works with several heritage E A organisations including the History Ladies, give us K

your support! h Faculty, University of and t the Soldiers of Oxfordshire Museum . Give all your unwanted old bras a Stephen specialises in military history, new lease of life and help raise money rAMsdEn particularly the First World War and for breast cancer research . Bring them Mon - Fri: 11.30-3.00pm, 6.30-11.00pm British Civil Wars and is a Trustee of the to Joy Murphy at 63 High Street . Against Sat: 11.30pm Sun: 12.00-10.30pm Bucks Military Museum Trust . Breast Cancer will receive a donation Tel: 01993 868213 November 16 - Determined based on the weight of bras we collect, Women: the long march to suffrage, so every bra counts! [email protected] www.royaloakramsden.com by Dr Ros Faith, Michelle Greenwald

2 VILLAGE HALL EVENTS Dominoes - Saturday October 13th, Finstock Craft Club 7 30pm. and every second Saturday of Annual Arts and Crafts Fayre – Saturday October 13th the month . All welcome for a friendly Please put Saturday October 13th in your diary for the Finstock Arts and Crafts game and social evening . Non-domino Fayre held from 10am to 4pm . We are very pleased to be able to report that a players welcome! Bar open . good many of last year’s stallholders will be returning this year, a testament to the Saturday November 24th - Folk success of last year’s event . At our lovely village hall, we will be bringing you more Night RATTLE ON THE STOVEPIPE beautiful products and gifts to enable you to kick-start the dreaded Christmas Doors open 7:15pm, music from Shopping! Entry is £1 per adult; under 18’s free . Light snacks and refreshments 7 45pm. . Tickets in advance £10 from will be available to purchase throughout the day . www wegottickets. com. or email: Regular members recently met to celebrate the success of the craft club and villagehallfinstock@gmail com. or on to enjoy a delicious ‘High Tea’ at Hall . the door On Saturday November 3rd, we return to the NEC’s “Creative Craft Show” Pete Cooper (fiddle, mandolin, www .stitchandhobby .co .uk/birmingham/autumn) . Arrangements have been made vocals), Dave Arthur (guitar, banjo, to share a coach with a craft group in Carterton, which at the time of writing, has melodeon, percussion, vocals) and Dan a few seats still available . Cost to non-members is £20 . This includes entry and Stewart (banjo, guitar, fiddle, harmony travel . We will be picked up at Carterton at 9 30am;. leave the NEC at 3 30pm. vocals) . These masterful musicians to return to Carterton . explore the crossover between British, Craft Club Dates: We continue to meet at the village hall on Mondays at 7 .30 Irish and Appalachian songs . pm (except Bank Holidays) . Due to events taking place on Fridays leading up to “There is that same sweetness, ease, Christmas, we can only meet December 7th and 21st . A warm welcome awaits . subtlety and good humour, every song Enquiries to: rosa@finstockcraftclub co. uk. or telephone 869283 . and tune so well understood, so deftly played and so perfectly paced . They Walking football Community Centre are all master musicians, but there Walking football at the Charlbury Community Centre has Clarrie Haynes is no sense of ego, no promotion of (Charlbury resident) organising the players alongside John Munro who runs themselves as stars, although they the WhatsApp group . Everyone is invited to join the sessions, which are held certainly can dazzle’ (Shirley Collins) ”. Wednesdays 2 30. - 4pm and Thursdays 8pm-9pm . There are refreshments Support by the Boot Band: Susanna available after the session and the library is open for business . Contact: clarried@ Starling, Nick Hooper and Judith aol .com or mobile 07949765481 . (Walking football was organised by GLL Better . (Henderson) Hooper GLL is the company which runs the Leisure on behalf of WODC . It is a Social Charitable Enterprise, which does not have shareholders and was originally set Good Companions up to run Greenwich Council Leisure and has expanded since then ). Christmas Dinner Saturday December 15th at Finstock ChOC Films Village Hall . This is a free event for Sunday October 14th - Back to Burgundy, this will include, before the anyone aged 65 and over from Finstock screening, a wine tasting and talk by George Byrne of Haynes, Hanson & Clark . and Fawler . Arrive at 12 .30pm for 1pm Please note - the talk and wine tasting will begin at 7pm! Charlbury Memorial Hall . lunch, followed by entertainment and singing . Booking is essential due to limited numbers . To reserve a space Andrew A. Adams contact Eileen Peters on 868746 or contact her at 45 Hill Crescent, OX7 FCCA 3BT . The Codfather Fish & Chip van Chartered Certified is opposite Finstock Village Hall Short-Mat Bowls at Finstock every Saturday from 4 to 8pm Accountant Village Hall . Why not try a day-time pastime of indoor bowls in a warm, Thank you for your Quality personal service for your dry environment throughout the winter continued support Accounting, Taxation and with good company and a friendly Business needs atmosphere . Tea and coffee . Every The Codfather van is in Charlbury Competitive fees agreed in advance Monday and Thursday from 2pm to at Spendlove every Sunday 4 - 9pm Free initial meeting 4pm . Just turn up and you will be made The Codfather Shop in Witney’s welcome . All you need is a pair of flat Thorney Leys provides gluten free Telephone: 07790 854574 shoes (no heels) . For more information fish and chips every Thursday 01993 891280 contact morley .shaun@gmail com. . aaadams@talktalk net .

3 Finstock Parish Council Dear Editor: The PC has a holiday in August so our news deals with matters back in July . It was with much sadness that I However, issues remain that are being dealt with as they arise for the PC . learned in July that Lynn Gorton the Perhaps the most important is the flooding problems that arise outside the Secretary at Finstock C of E Primary when we experience extreme levels of rainfall . This section of the village is the School for the past 12 years, would not confluence of three hills and is thus unable to deal effectively with heavy rain . be returning in the autumn term due to The Chairman, Mike Woodfield, has been working closely with experts from the restructuring within the school. Lynn has County and WODC and plans have been formulated to mitigate the effects of been a consistently helpful and friendly heavy rain . We do hope that this will help the situation and will keep the village presence within the school, committed apprised of progress . to helping parents and children on a The installation of Broadband has caused disruption and concerns . The daily basis and I am sure there are other contractors have proved to be positive in response to concerns voiced . Inevitably, parents and members of the community when such infrastructure innovations come to a traditional village, there will be who would like to join me in thanking some hiccups . But when all are able to receive a faster speed broadband service her for all her help and hard work over perhaps we will value the benefits as the memories of the installation pains have the years. She leaves behind very big faded . Finstock marches into the 21st century . (If a little slowly ). shoes to fill and I would like to wish her We are sorry to reprise an issue that was covered earlier in the year . Worryingly, all the very best for the future. there has been an outbreak of dog fouling . Everyone is agreed in vigorously Claire Pumfrey condemning this most appalling ant-social behaviour . The PC reminds all dog Editor’s note: We too will miss the owners that the fine for this offence can be as high as £5000 . There is no hesitation smiling face and kind assistance that in prosecuting miscreants . Lynn provided to the Finstock News . Hywel Davies for the Parish Council Ready Reference note: Finstock Parish Council meeting minutes Help Wanted - Deliver finstockpc.org.uk. Church newsletters We are looking for someone to Finstock Shop and Post Office deliver the Church newsletter on Hill Please support our Three Villages Your continued support keeps this Crescent, once a month except for Shop and Post Office . You will find all village amenity open. August and January . There are about 75 those last minute products you need for Shop opening hours homes, which could be split into two meals or basic household items that you routes; it would not take too much of Weekdays 8am – 5:30pm may have forgotten during your weekly anyone’s time . For more information, shop . Fresh eggs and bread are among Saturday 8:30am – 1pm contact Jill Dyer 868994 . the many items you can find for daily Closed on Sunday use . Karen Williams and the team of Shop Tel: 869096 volunteers who stock, clean and ring A conclusion is the place where the till will welcome you and help with Post Office opening hours you got tired of thinking. your purchases . Weekdays 9am – 1pm

THE EDITORIAL COMMITTEE Lesley Dore 868280 Distribution Nicky Higgins 868425 Proofing Tony Hirtenstein 868600 Proofing Joy Murphy 868575 Editor [email protected] Ann Sullivan 868597 Advertising Photographs thanks to staff members and others. Read the Finstock News online at www.finstock. org.uk; join the Finstock Yahoo group – groups. yahoo.com/group/finstock; or write to us at 63 High Street, Finstock Oxon OX7 3DA. Plan ahead – Know the deadlines Issue Deadline Feb/Mar First of January April/May First of March June/July First of May August/September First of July October/November First of September December/January First of November Please keep articles short . As space is limited, the Editors reserve the right to shorten long pieces in the interest of balance . Finstock News does not necessarily share the views expressed in readers’ letters .

4 SMALL ADS (All numbers start with 01993 unless otherwise stated)

You can view Friendly hairstylist - Use the Village Hall Finstock News online at Haircuts in your home for your next event. finstock.org.uk/the-finstock-news FIREWOOD Any age, male or female Contact Line ads are charged at 20p per Quality Seasoned Hardwood Logs Reasonable rates. FIREWOOD villagehallfinstock@gmail. word, payment in advance Softwood also available Alison Pritchard com or 868020 Please contact: QualityKindling Seasoned & Stacking Hardwood Service Logs Tel 01608 810533 Ann Sullivan on 868597 Order Online: www.jagtimber.co.uk SoftwoodTel: 01993 also 868001 available

Kindling & Stacking Service Roadside Rescue The sun had been shining for days of sympathy tinged with amusement Order Online: on end when I judged that it was past and then a shadow vehicle heaving to www.jagtimber.co.uk time for me get my 54 year old AJS with a horse-box attached; a welcome sporty twin out from under the pile of wound down window and the words Tel: 01993 868001 odds and ends in my garage where it would I like a lift? I now know what an had been languishing serving as shelf angel looks like . and storage for a run up the road to Now the relationship between The Plough has blow any internal and external detritus horse riders and motorcyclists can be a Newsletter! out and off . somewhat fraught although I always When introduced the old bike had stop in the lanes where I get a wary You can find us on Facebook and been designed to compete with the eyeball from the nag and a small Instagram, and now via your email . higher performance Triumph Bonneville smile from a lady rider as opposed to We will send you updates about new and others of that ilk and as a result was a damned good quirting, the latter a dishes on our menu; special exclusive both hard to kick over and noisy enough possible alternative as taught at any discounts off your bill; upcoming to advertise its sporting credentials both good riding school . events; and a mini bottle of prosecco being very positive selling points to a So especially appreciative . on us, on your birthday when you typical buyer at the time . The angel mentioned doyenne of show us your birthday email . If you'd It also had alloy mudguards and Hartsop Farm Equine Training Centre like to take advantage of our birthday wheel-rims complete with tasty stainless just down the road and venue of offer, please feel free to email us your steel spokes to overcome any lingering a recent charity gathering of farm birthday day and month! doubts there might be at point of sale . tractors, a lovely lady who both gave Email: info@theplough-inn co. uk. On the day, it started first kick and a good shove to get me into the box to add your name to our mailing list . then went like a bomb for about 20 then matter of factly opened a second Book now for the popular Curry Night miles or so, earning appreciative looks door and ramp so that I could roll on October 24th. from guard-dogs of various size and out frontward at my destination as small children until it expired without witnessed by our interested neighbours . warning on the B4022 uphill stretch I would say to anyone who might be FREE about a mile before the contemplating acquiring a motorcycle WIFI junction . or a horse that I would thoroughly Nothing dramatic it just stopped recommend a trip astride either in a going, rather like a fat old labrador it just well driven horsebox where a similar sort of sat down and refused to move . technique is required of firmly applied Now if it were possible to invent a handbrake, a view of the road ahead Our Bar is open: gym machine that exercised one in the through small window provided and Mon: 6pm – close same all body asymmetric manner as an appropriate bracing of the legs to Tues – Fri: 12 noon – 3pm & 6pm – close Sat: 12 noon – close pushing an old Brit bike, such devices as counter road surface undulation and Sun: 12 noon – 6.00pm rowing machines and treadmills would changes in direction . become a thing of the past overnight . The problem with the bike now fixed Our kitchen is open: Throw in sunny day, motorcycle jacket was the only modern part fitted, an Tues – Sun Lunch: 12 noon – 2.00pm and boots for full benefit to guaranteed electronic ignition device guaranteed Dinner: 6.30pm – 9.00pm fitness and all round substantial weight to be a reliable replacement of the old Come and visit us, we’d love to see you. loss . points system . Jim Symons The Plough Inn Passing traffic was giving off waves High Street, Finstock OX7 3BY Tel: 01993 868333 www.theplough-inn.co.uk

5 Plough_ad_90x60mm_Details_2015.indd 1 29/10/2015 15:47 COUNTRYSIDE CONSERVATION The longer I live, the more beautiful life becomes. Frank L. Wright Water-Blitz Updated waste and recycling Freshwater is vital for life on earth, calendars available now and good water quality is essential Annual waste and recycling calendars can now be download from WODC’s for the many animals and plants that website . These calendars will remind you which bins to put out on what days live in and around our ponds, streams and are especially helpful to find out any changes over the Christmas period and and rivers . Wild Oxfordshire and Bank Holidays . Earthwatch joined forces to support Alternatively, sign up to receive FREE email updates about your property direct citizen scientists in Oxfordshire to carry to your inbox including: weekly bin reminders; Bank Holiday bin reminders; out biannual surveys of phosphate and nearby planning applications . For more information see: www westoxon. .gov .uk . nitrate levels away from the main river Thames . Free and simple to use test Chilterns Walking Festival kits are provided to all participants The Chilterns Walking Festival autumn event takes place October 6th-21st . The registered through Fresh Water Watch 16-day programme of over 50 themed guided walks and activities caters equally https://freshwaterwatch thewaterhub. . for experienced walkers and complete novices and is designed to encourage org/totally-thames-water-blitz and click exploration of new areas, share a love of the local landscape and provide sociable on Get Involved . opportunities for healthy outdoor activity . Led by experienced local volunteer guides, the autumn programme includes seasonal highlights like colourful beech LED bulbs woods, stories of former residents, glorious views and opportunities to learn new Halogen lightbulbs were removed skills like map-reading and Nordic walking . There are linear and circular walks from the market at the end of August involving trains, farms, landmarks and churchyards . Many will appeal to families this year . The Energy Saving Trust seeking country adventures, others are inspired by a love of history and local notes that typical halogen uses £11 of stories, and some provide the perfect excuse to try a local tipple or cream tea . electricity a year while a replacement Website www visitchilterns. co. uk/walkingfest. . LED would use only £2 . LEDs should last for around 15-20 years . Animal welfare registration laws Which LED to buy: Lumens measure The Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) () light output . A 60w bulb gave off Regulations 2018 became law on October 1st . Dog day boarders, keepers of around 700 lumens; a 100w one is exhibition animals and some dog breeders must register with WODC or they equivalent to 1300 lumens . Some stores could be guilty of an offence . still label LED lights in watts: 8 5w. People who keep exhibition animals in the course of their business for equivalent to 75w incandescent; 13 .5w educational or entertainment purposes will also need to register – this includes LED equals 100w . businesses such as falconry displays, dove releases, animal encounter experiences, or pat-a-pony days . WODC Recycling help Please call 861000 or email ers licensing@publicagroup. uk. . Anyone requiring additional free recycling containers - food caddies or a larger recycling bin should contact the Council on 861025 or see www . westoxon .gov uk/bins. . KINGS CLEANING SERVICES AND PROPERTY MAINTENANCE Major growth in garden waste recycling figures Cleaning - Windows - Gutters Fascia’s - UPVC - Office cleaning Between April 1st and July 10th this Conservatories, inc. Roofs year, a total of 31,410 garden waste licences were issued compared to Installation & Repairs to 31,192 for the whole of the 2017-18 Windows - Fascia’s - Gutters financial year . A garden waste licence New Conservatories costs Carpentry - De-mossing Roofs £30 per bin, per year and is calculated Plus wide range general repairs on the operational cost of running the Fully Insured service with the anticipated number of subscribers based on research carried Ring 01993 882727 out by the Waste and Resource Action or 07974 991269 Programme (WRAP) .

6 In the Army Now continued Once training here was completed we were deployed to wherever the Army saw fit to send us . Postings included UK, Hong Kong, Cyprus and Germany . For me, it was Aldershot for one year, to be employed in the admin office at MONS- Officer Cadet Training School . On one occasion with a handful of other WRAC ladies, we were very privileged to meet (and wait-on), Princess Margaret who attended and took the salute at one of the Commissioning Parades for the Officer Cadets who were trained there . From here, in November 1968, I was given my orders to move to Germany, where I worked at the British Army’s Headquarters in Rheindahlen, (HQ BAOR) until leaving the service in 1971 . All of this was at a time when there was no question of starting a family as women remaining in the corps signed away that right at the start of their contract and gave up any hope of continuing in their chosen career . This was typical of life for ladies in the military back then . Many worked 8 .30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, with the exception of support roles such as medics who were needed on the front line . Some light refreshment from the routine day to day life was in being encouraged to attend various sporting events and Outward Bound training courses, an opportunity not to be missed . Two such courses for me whilst in Aldershot involved climbing in Snowdonia and attending the tough annual “Ten Tors” on Dartmoor, two long lasting and happy memories . Moving on from those 50 years, and less about me, the last parade of the WRAC took place in 1992 in Guildford, after which the ladies were absorbed into the rest of the army . Restrictions continued until in 1999 when a challenge to the status quo was raised under the Sex Discrimination Act and taken to the European Court of Justice excluding women from certain roles in the military, which failed . Since 1914, the role of women in the military, especially in combat roles, has been controversial and closed to women until 2016, despite the fact women had been at the front . Nine were killed in action in Iraq and Afghanistan (2001-14) . Some female combat medics have shown extreme bravery under fire . In December 2014 the banning of women in front-line infantry and armoured corps roles ended . In December 2015 it was announced that all armed forces roles will be open to women . As an example of how far women have come, a woman who enlisted in the 1990s, who signed a waiver to say she would leave the Service if she became pregnant, through natural progression, has achieved the significant rank of Brigadier, one of the highest-ranking female officers in the Army today! This lady A tree surgery company with is now also married and has two children . The first female general was appointed the integrity you can trust. in 2015 . Proof that there are fantastic opportunities to succeed in what once Tel: 0845 458 2980 was the domain of strong men! In 2018 six British Army women were the largest Mobile: 07976 261850 all-female group to ski coast to coast across Antarctica . Email: [email protected] The need continues for strong discipline and good quality training, an essential www.townandcountrytrees.co.uk for any organisation such as this, but the British Army is now proving itself to be an inclusive organisation where gender doesn’t matter . You are welcomed and given the opportunity to thrive in your chosen career . Now, whether you agree or not, women with the necessary physical and psychological attributes can enlist and serve in close combat units . Yes, they will have to complete the same fitness tests and undergo the same training as men, so of course the numbers who achieve this may be small, but the age of equality is here, and along with equality is the need to maximise the military capability be they men or women in the twenty-first century . Today, the WRAC spirit lives on in the WRAC Association, a charity which supports all female army veterans, reservists and women still serving . A warm welcome is also offered at over 50 local branches of this association . On November 11th, you will see a substantial contingency of its members proudly parading at the cenotaph in London, in memory of all who have served, past and present, but especially the ladies! Rosa Charlesworth (Ex WRAC)

An advertising feature on the back of Women magazine in 1971. Rosa is bottom left, “with a typewriter in Cyprus” was the caption although it was taken in the HQ building in Rheindahlen.

7 County Councillor Free safety checks for The Lib Dem group on Oxfordshire are given the same level of attention as mobility scooters County Council has been lobbying for other roads in the county, as I am only Users of mobility scooters in the a couple of years for the Council to too aware of the Cinderella status of District are being urged to have them recognise that the only way to make some of our minor roads . I have been tested for safety . Free electric checks sure that our crumbling roads are assured that this will be the case . are being carried out in Witney on restored is to borrow money for this As I have mentioned before in October 4th and on purpose . At the last Budget meeting Finstock News, each County Councillor October 18th . To book an appointment in February we put this forward again has been allocated a fund of £15,000 call 861161 . Pre-booked appointments and asked the Council to consider an a year to spend on projects on their are available only on a first-come, first- immediate £10 million to ensure that wards, and I am pleased to announce served basis . the worst roads are repaired as soon that my fund has now been used to as possible . support a wide range of activities NFU and Crimestoppers The Conservatives turned down our around my ward . proposals at the time, but on June 10th Contributions I have made include New Rural Crime the Cabinet announced that not only one to the Primary School Reporting Line would an extra £10 million be spent to help pay for an all-weather play area The NFU has launched a new on our roads in the current financial for the reception class, money to allow service for farmers and the public to year, but that they plan to borrow £120 Charlbury Library to employ someone give information anonymously about million to spend on road repairs over to keep the library open on Sundays rural crime, in partnership with the the next five years . This was debated during the summer, and a donation to charity Crimestoppers . By ringing at the Cabinet meeting on September the Charlbury Day Centre for first aid 0800 783 0137 or visiting www . 18th . training . I am delighted to be able to ruralcrimereportingline uk. farmers, If this is agreed, it will be a major support so many worthwhile projects rural businesses and the public can step forward, and one that will, I am locally . My fund for next year will start anonymously give information about sure, please everyone who has watched in April, so please let me know if you crime relating to: large-scale, industrial the state of our roads deteriorate have something you would like me to fly- tipping; hare coursing; machinery massively over the past few years . I consider supporting . theft; or livestock theft . have specifically asked that rural roads Liz Leffman

Girl Guiding meeting times 500th anniversary All sections meet on Wednesdays from 6pm until 7 30pm. . Contact for of artist Tintoretto’s birth. Rainbows - for girls aged between Brownies is Amy Fox; 07495 064634 5 and 7 years . This group meets from Guides - for girls aged between 10 4 45pm. until 5 45pm. . Contact for and 14 years . This group meets from 100 anniversary of Rainbows is Amy Fox; 07495 064634 6pm until 7 30pm. . Contact for Guides Brownies - this group is for girls aged is Karen Williams – phoenixlights@ author Muriel Spark’s birth. between 7 and 10 years and meets hotmail com;. 07809 724065

NICOLA MORGAN West Oxon DC FMCA Handyman & Home Registered Chiropractor – Improvement Services McTimoney Technique Kimber Cottage, Woodstock Rd, Electrical / Plumbing / Flooring / Charlbury OX7 3ET Decorating / Tiling / Woodwork Flat pack furniture / Bathroom & Acupuncture for stress reduction, Tel: 07968-381335 kitchen installation pain relief, arthritis, migraine, fatigue, I have nearly 35 years’ experience in hormone imbalance, and more. this gentle, effective manipulative Quality finish Fully insured Appointments available at my clinic or in your own home. therapy, which is suitable for many No job too small All jobs considered To find out more or arrange an initial conditions and ages. consultation please contact me on 01993 See www.chippingnortonchiropractor.co.uk For a free quote call 01993- 898102 / 07791 278618 868725 or 07717-878323 [email protected] I am registered with most major or visit health insurance companies. Email: [email protected] www.maeveodonnellacupuncture.co.uk Registered with the @ maeveodonnellacupuncture General Chiropractic Council.

8 Finstock School Friends of Finstock I would like to introduce myself to you all; my name is Laura School (FoFS) Dodgson-Hatto and I am fortunate enough to have become FoFS finished last term with a school the new Headteacher at Finstock C E Primary School . It has social for parents, pupils and staff . We been an absolute pleasure meeting some of the children, managed to pick the first rainy evening parents, carers and the wider community during my visits in for weeks to hold our BBQ on the field, the summer term and summer holidays . but for those that were there it was a As I write this, I am watching heavy rain running down the nice way to end the year . Thanks to window on a particularly miserable August bank holiday weekend just before Karen for providing us with a rainy the new term . The new term having not yet started, I thought I would take the disco, and to everyone who took a turn opportunity to tell you a little bit about myself and what I hope to achieve as on the bar or burgers . Head of this wonderful school . School also said goodbye to Year I have been in education for the last 17 years having started as the health and 6 and some staff at the end of term . safety officer at my daughter’s playgroup . From there I became a volunteer helper FoFS would like to thank Mrs Gorton at the local primary school before becoming a midday supervisor and teaching in particular for her support with assistant, then unqualified teacher of music before returning to university to organising events . complete a PGCE to become a fully qualified teacher . I have taught every year Over the last year FoFS have funded group across the primary phase and worked extensively with Year 5 and Year a school pantomime as a Christmas 6 children . For the last five years I have been a Senior Leader, deputising for treat for the children and supported the Head, in a school in the North Cotswolds where I continue to live with my school swimming and school trips, husband, Neil . which reduces the cost parents have My vision for Finstock C E Primary School is very simple - to see it continue to to pay, and purchased reading scheme thrive and provide the very best education possible for all children who attend, books for the classes . As I write this it as well as making sure that the strong links with the community remain and are is still the school holidays, and we are strengthened . looking forward to the new school year I am thoroughly looking forward to the coming year and becoming part of and planning family events to meet the Finstock family . the new school families . We also have Laura Dodgson-Hatto Headteacher some events this term for the whole community, many of these are at the October half term Monday October 22nd – Monday October 29th Term 2 early stage of planning, so do check for starts Tuesday October 30th the latest information .

100th Anniversary of Leonard Bernstein’s birth. Fun Run at Cornbury Park He was an American composer, conductor, author, music lecturer, and pianist. - Sunday October 14th His musicals include: On the Town (1944) and West Side Story (1957). This is a joint effort with Leafield School PTA, and a good opportunity He is also noted for his operas: Trouble in Tahiti (1951); to run around paths not normally open Candide (1956, new libretto in 1973, operetta final revised version in 1989); to the public and A Quiet Place (1983). Christmas Fayre - Sat December 8th Joint school and church event held in the Village Hall roCkford uilders C B Please join our Facebook page, 35 School Rd, Finstock, as this is where we post up-to-date Oxon OX7 3DN information about our community PJR EST 1973 events . Dawn Simpkins on behalf of FoFS New builds, Extensions, Plumbing & Heating Renovations, Dry or mortar stone walling, Paul Barnett ploughing Installation, service, repair Groundwork, Hard landscaping, Mike Breakell caught this bit of Gas safety certificates history for us. There was a wonderful Natural stone slate specialists, two page photo of Finstock School Re-roofing, ex- headteacher Paul Barnett and Jo General Maintenance. Deacon ploughing with Megan and All building work undertaken Willow at the annual ploughing match Tel: 01993 881069 Domestic & Commercial at Southrop Farm, Lechlade . It is on Mob: 07515 733398 Call William on page 14 of the September Cotswold email: [email protected] Life magazine . 01993 868617 OR 07817248329

9 The Great War in Reginald Christopher Howse 1920 – 2018 Poetry and Music A very well reviewed recital Reg’s funeral took place on July 19th in commemorating 100 years since the Finstock . He was born in Witney end of WWI was held in St Martin's December 18th 1920 . When he was Church, by the duo Air and five his family moved to The Waterloo Hammers on 25th July, which raised Arms, at the top of Finstock . As a £300 for charity . teenager he joined the Territorials and Air and Hammers is Edmund was called up in 1938 as war threatened . Connolly, baritone, who was raised in He was stationed in Hemel Hempstead, Finstock and now lives in Albuquerque, (which is where he met his wife-to-be, New Mexico, and his wife Maxine Kath,) Reg served his country throughout Thevenot, piano . the whole of the war, and became an On this occasion they were joined by Charlie Lovell-Jones, violin, an Oxford Instructor for driving tanks . He was University undergraduate who has serving overseas when he was involved appeared on BBC Young Musician and in an ‘incident’ for which he was London based actor Daniel Goode as Mentioned in Despatches at the Speaker . Request of King George V1 . He was The recital featured works by British guarding a bridge in Belgium when a composers and poets whose lives lorry full of explosives was ‘shelled’ by the Germans . Because of the danger to were changed by the First World War . all his comrades and the bridge, Reg leapt into the lorry and drove it clear of Admission was free with a retiring everything, then scrambled out . The lorry exploded, but he was relatively collection for the Stroke Association, unscathed . One soldier was killed and Reg dragged another to safety . He was chosen since Edmund's father Sean died never able to talk about this until about two years ago . following a stroke last year . After being abroad for a year, Reg came home; he and Kath got a Special Kay Connolly Licence and were married a year to the day after D-Day . He was sent back abroad, so Kath didn’t see him for another year! Julie Ann Godson’s new book, Reg had a full and happy life . He was a bricklayer and general foreman, and very skilled at his job . He and Kath had four sons, one grandson and four Our Boys 1914-1918: granddaughters . He enjoyed 73 years of married life . who were the fallen of His Church service was so befitting of a man like Reg . It ended with The Last one Oxfordshire valley? Post, played by a visiting bugler, followed by two minutes silence, followed by traces the lives of 48 servicemen Reveille, again played by the bugler and Frank Schofield read The Kohima . (Reg from the Lower Windrush Valley . had read The Kohima at all Remembrance Day Services in Finstock, for many years ). This was a truly memorable service, for a remarkable man . Those who left our county were not necessarily wide-eyed ploughboys . George Bolton spent two years before the war patrolling Woodstock Dental Practice the Yangtze River in a gunboat . The

Florey family split their time between Mr Michael Habisreutinger their Oxfordshire farms and an Miss Fiona Murphy outpost in the Old Kent Road from Dr Alison Lockyer where they sold their produce to London merchants . Situated adjacent to Woodstock town car park Says the author: "I do hope I’ve Long-established dental practice brought to life just some of the names State-of-the-art modern cosmetic dentistry on our enigmatic war memorials ". Flexible payment options Crowns, veneers, bridges and dentures

Our Boys 1914-1918: who were the Implants fallen of one Oxfordshire valley? Tooth straightening and whitening By Julie Ann Godson is now available

from Amazon at £10 99. (172 pages, 17 Union Street, Woodstock, Oxon OX20 1JF ISBN-13: 978-1722055479, ISBN-10: 01993 812617 1722055472) . www.woodstock-dental.co.uk [email protected]

10 District Views Charlbury Surgery Much of my time during the summer has been spent dealing with the issue of Flu Immunisations providing appropriate housing and infrastructure for those with local connections . All patients who are eligible to We have a disgraceful shortage of social housing being built and an even greater receive the flu vaccine will be sent shortage of new starter homes . Younger people with or without families are faced a letter of invitation . which must be with exorbitant rents or having to stay in parents or even grandparents homes . brought to the clinic or you will not I have been looking at Homeseekerplus (www .homeseekerplus .co .uk/choice) . receive the immunisation on that day . The current policy for those who are not aware, is a little confusing at best, as Provisional dates for all eligible patients, the term local connection can mean local to anywhere in the district . regardless of age, are September 27th The Homeseekerplus programme effectively rates those on the housing list and October 16th, 8am-5pm . across the district into gold, silver or bronze band status based on those in greatest There is also a clinic on Saturday need across the district . However, it does not adequately recognise those on the November 3rd, 9am -12 noon for list who live in the village from those who simply want to live there . schoolchildren and those in work who In reality, those on gold band status anywhere in the district can effectively cannot attend on weekdays, or patients gazump those in our locality if they are on silver or bronze . Anyone can apply with a valid reason not to have attended for any property, but because there is a shortage of properties, those in gold the previous two clinics . always come first . I have therefore called for a review of this system to ensure recognition is given Charlbury Medical to those who want to live in the village where they were brought up or have a family connection . This should be balanced against those with acute housing need Practice Patient Group across the district . This review will happen in the autumn; I will keep you in touch . Are you a patient of Charlbury The Local Plan has flaws . It will bring to an end the property speculation that Medical Practice? Would you like has been rife when we were without an adopted Local Plan . This plan has all the to help the GPs and their staff to do guidelines and parameters for housing up until 2031 . My goal during this time is their very best for you and all their to ensure that infrastructure is given the highest priority and that developments patients? The patient group aims to: that will affect our community embed this is in their plans and that community advise the Practice on the quality and engagement is treated with respect . Only then can we feel confident that our responsiveness of the services; carry out communities are sustainable, preparing for today and living for the future . research into the experiences of those Please feel free to contact me on any matter, I am your representative and who use the Practice; and facilitate will continue to do my best to represent you . two-way communication between Cllr. Andy Graham 07908832632 Practice staff and patients . By providing your email address we Health & Wellbeing Fair can contact you by email every now Public and Participation West event will feature a host of health- and again with updates, news and a Oxfordshire (PPPWO) is hosting a related activities for people to find question or two . There are two ways health and wellbeing event in Witney out more about, including dance, to contact us: Email: patientgroup . Corn Exchange on Saturday October rambling and music, plus stalls from charlbury@nhs .net or complete one of 13th from 10am to 1 30pm. . With the a wide variety of local organisations . the short forms in the Practice waiting theme of 'How Do You Score' the healthwatchoxfordshire co. uk. . room .

PELLMANS More Enjoyable Your Local Solicitors Autumn Art Courses • Business and Employment Law We are going Drawing with Pen and Brush, Contracts, Legal Compliance and Beginners & Improvers, Disputes from strength to 6 weeks, starts Monday, 12 Nov, 1.30 – 4 pm, Stonesfield St James’ Centre • Property strength

Buying and Selling Homes, Brand new classes and a great new timetable Still Life Drawing, Commercial and Agricultural there is no requirement to commit 6 weeks, starts Tuesday, 13 Nov, to a long term contract 2 – 4.30 pm, Finstock Village Hall • Wills, Probate and Trusts We are open as follows:– Tax Planning and Lasting Powers • 6.30am to 9.30pm, during the week and Still Life Drawing, of Attorney • 7.30am to 7.30pm at the weekend. 6 weeks, starts Friday, 16 Nov, 10 – 12.30 pm, Combe Reading Room 01865 884400 full membership is available Saturday Drawing Workshops, from just £31 per month! suitable for Beginners & Improvers, www.pellmans.co.uk (figure based on full dual membership) 13 Oct, 3 Nov and 1 Dec, 10 – 1 pm, Stonesfield St James’ Centre 1 Abbey Street, Eynsham, Witney, For more details email OX29 4TB [email protected] For more information Home visits and evening appointments or call 01993 885 207 email [email protected] or ring 01993 880430 available WWW.eynshamhall.com

11 Star plants for the late summer border Countryside Champion My first encounter with the Dahlia mania" of the 17th century . The modern needed for West was at the age of 5, in my grandparents’ garden hybrids we have today are the Oxfordshire garden, where the dinner plate sized end result of these developments . The Campaign to Protect Rural golden flowers stood out from all the The types grown England is looking for a new Chairperson other plants . Living on the fringe of by enthusiasts to help co- ordinate its activities in the large badly bombed City of Bristol, are classified as , including Witney, fertilisers to feed plants were in short single-flowered, Chipping Norton, Eynsham and all the supply and so the chance of some left anemone-flowered, surrounding areas . by the milk float horse, was eagerly water lily, collerette, CPRE works to protect and promote sought by several keen gardeners, decorative, ball, pompon and cactus the countryside . Getting involved with including my grandfather with their flowered . The most fashionable for a district committee is a great way of shovels and buckets at the ready . designers is the single scarlet flowers getting to know your local area and Dahlias originated and dark bronze leaves of 'Bishop of helping to influence local decision- in Central America Llandaff’, first raised in 1924 . Recent making on issues such as planning and are inherent years have seen the appearance of six policy and affordable housing . With so from Mexico to Costa more new “Bishops” from Holland, much development scheduled in West Rica . In 1929, an including the flamboyant orange Oxfordshire over the next 20 years, Aztec herbal written flowered “Bishop of Oxford” . it is vital that someone is in place to in about 1550 was I start my tubers off in spring, after speak up for the countryside and make discovered, showing storing in dry peat . Cuttings can be sure that we can keep thriving village evidence of the use of the Dahlia for taken from spare shoots, to increase communities . treating epilepsy . The Dahlia has been numbers of a favourite variety . I use The role is voluntary and needs a in Europe for over two hundred years . them in gaps in sunny borders, to commitment of a few hours a week . No It came from Mexico to the Botanical provide extra colour from August to particular knowledge or qualifications Gardens in Madrid near the end of the October . are required, but it would suit someone eighteenth century and was named in In Mexico, the tubers are eaten as with leadership or organisational honour of a Swedish scientist Andreas a vegetable; the sweet extract of the experience and good people skills . Dahl . tuber is sprinkled on ice cream or Full details of the Chairperson role Belonging to the daisy family, combined with cold or hot milk . Dahlia are available on the CPRE Oxfordshire Asteraceae, they mostly arise from bread is eaten with cream cheese and website: www .cpreoxon .org .uk; or Tel: tubers, though not all species have this sundried tomatoes, and used in some 01491 612079 . starchy organ as its root . Two species, chilli dishes . D . coccinea and D . pinnata, were first Gifts of Dahlias, represent dignity used to breed new and interesting and elegance, and popular in wedding Economics and politics are the varieties in Europe during the late bouquets as a symbol of commitment governing powers of life today, and 18th century . By the 1840s the level of and a bond that lasts forever . that’s why everything is screwy. interest in dahlias had reached a pitch From Robert, enjoying the similar to that seen during the "tulip peace of the garden Joseph Campbell HILLTOP GARDEN STORE

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