No. 62, June 2007 Published by the Jericho Community Association – www.jerichocentre.org.uk Farewell Fr. Michael Vicar retires vindicated after Father Michael has has played an traumatic final year important part in May 2 saw the end of an era in Jericho with community life in the retirement, on his 70th birthday, of Jericho. One of his regular tasks the Vicar of St Barnabas, Father Michael has been to draw Wright. Father Michael served in Jericho the raffle at the for 27 years, not just as a parish priest, but Jericho Street Fair. as a leader for the whole community who This year’s fair is helped establish the Jericho Community on June 9, and as Association. usual there are lots His efforts to reach out to everyone of valuable prizes. were evident from his first posting in the 1960s to a parish in Willesden Green where he worked with a large Caribbean immigrant community. ties such as badminton and some meetings. different officer launched the prosecution Intrigued by this experience, he asked But it was very run-down. They arranged that put Father Michael’s life on hold. “To for a posting by a Church missionary so- for it to be renovated by the Council and it be honest”, he says, “knowing that noth- ciety and went to the Bahamas where he was reopened in its present form in 1984 ing had happened, I previously hadn’t worked from 1968-72. He then returned – still owned by the Church but leased via taken the issue too seriously. Now I had to England to work in the parish of St. the Council to the Jericho Community As- no choice”. Stephen’s in Lewisham. sociation for a peppercorn rent. At the trial in London, the prosecu- In 1980 he arrived in Jericho as Vicar of Father Michael also became a local tion’s case soon began to fall apart. The St. Barnabas, whose living is in the gift of magistrate, though he always avoided tak- accuser regularly changed his story and Keble College. As before, he soon engaged ing on cases involving Jericho residents. wrongly described both Father Michael in community activities. One major contri- For a number of years he was chair of and the location of the alleged assault. bution was his alliance with our then local the Community Association and subse- Other altar boys from that time rallied to councillor, the redoubtable Olive Gibbs, quently remained a key member. Lately, testify in Father Michael’s defence. On to make better use of the Church Institute as one of the trustees of the Institute, he March 27, the jury took just a couple of building in Canal Street. At that point the also played a central part in the decision to hours to dismiss all the charges. It subse- building was being used for sports activi- contribute the proceeds of the sale of the quently emerged that the accuser had pre- current building towards the construction viously made allegations of assault against North Oxford of a new centre on part of the canalside several other people. PROPERTY SERVICES development site. Over the years, Father Fortunately, the case was resolved in Michael has also been involved in major time for Father Michael to return to his building works at the Church, notably the duties to conduct the Easter services for Property letting restoration of the tower and ‘bells’, and the last time. He still faces a bill of many the laying of a new floor. thousands of pounds for his defence. Al- & management After all this activity he might have though he should be compensated for most been looking forward to a peaceful tran- of this, he has yet to find out by how much. Specialising in Jericho sition to retirement. Instead in December “I would”, he says, “like to thank the very 2006, he found himself under arrest. A many Jericho residents who rallied to my Established 17 years man, now aged 40, had accused him of support at a very difficult time”. sexually assaulting him when he was an His first retirement task, he says, will be 47 Walton Street, Oxford OX2 6AD altar boy at St. Stephen’s. The accusations to refurbish the house he has now moved Tel: 311745 www.oxfordlet.com had first been made in 2000 but were not to in Headington. So far, a new vicar has pursued by the police. Then last year a yet to be appointed. June 2007 – Jericho Echo – 1 Street Fair 2007 Waiting for Spring This year’s Jericho Street Fair will be held on Saturday June 9 from 12 noon until pring Residential, the company that 4.30 p.m. There will also be bands playing Shas bought the canalside development live music outside the Bookbinders until 9 site from British Waterways has yet to put p.m. This promises to be the biggest street in a planning application. In February they fair ever with a wide variety of stalls and made an initial presentation to the people entertainment. With so much going on, the of Jericho at the Community Centre. This Community Association is usually short- gave only a very general water-colour im- handed at critical moments We would be pression of what they proposed. But even very grateful therefore if people could vol- at this level of detail few people were im- Spring’s depiction of its development unteer to help for an hour or two on the pressed by a rather unexciting offering. day. No experience needed. Please contact Spring is using the same architects who Spring conceded this demand at the outset Sue Pead at 557902 or email: prepared the ill-fated Bellway plans. and in May exchanged contracts with the [email protected] The main obstacle at present is the Community Association to sell a plot for need to replace facilities that had been £1, subject to both parties getting planning provided by the Jericho boatyard. The permission. The JCA has now started ap- Public Inquiry in 2005 made it clear that plying for grants for the additional funds it these had to be provided in an ‘equally ac- needs, including to the National Lottery. cessible and suitable location’. Jericho’s The only alternative to Spring at present land-based residents are also keen that the is being coordinated by Peter Strong, of site should have some boating character to St. Bernard’s Road. He envisages a much maintain the community’s long historical more imaginative use of the land, reflect- association with the canal. ing the Church’s associations with Venice, Spring has been discussing with the and Jericho’s with John Ruskin. He has the boaters the different options. One solu- support of the Ruskin Society and some tion could be a small repair operation in respected architects, but has yet to identify Jericho for working on boats in the water, a source of funds to buy a site for which supplemented with a larger one elsewhere, Spring reputedly paid around £4 million. Lulu Taylor, of Great Clarendon Street possibly at Yarnton, where boats could be When Spring does make a planning ap- selling food at last year’s fair. taken out of the water. plication, the Community Association will The other requirement from the Plan- organize a public meeting at the Church to ning Inspectors had been to offer some land discuss the development. At the Street Fair, Celebrity trash on the site for building a new community residents will also have an opportunity to For some reason, Jericho’s travails with the centre. This issue has now been resolved. make suggestions about the new centre. new recycling scheme have attracted the attention of the national media, with vis- its from BBC1 and the News of the World. Lively Community Association AGM Channel 4’s Dispatches programme also weighed in, asking people to put their two he Jericho Community Association held by our community beat officer PC Steve weeks-worth of non-recyclable rubbish in Tits AGM at St. Barnabas School on April Gibbens, and an update on the Canalside a yellow bin so that they could see how 19. This included a presentation on the redevelopment plans. Sue Pead reported much there was. A bin too far for some proposed redevelopment of the Radcliffe on a very successful year in running the residents. Meanwhile the Council has sent Infirmary site. On the whole, people Community Centre. The JCA president, Jan 129 warning letters to people in Jericho seemed very impressed by an attractive Needle, also paid a warm tribute to Father who are blocking the pavements all week looking, university-based development. Michael – or the ‘padre’ as she calls him. with their wheelie-bins, bags and boxes. This will also provide the site for a new George Taylor had stepped down Jericho Health Centre with much better as Chair during the year to concentrate facilities. on fundraising for the new centre, to be Capstone Councillor Jean Fooks was present with replaced by Vice-chair Charlotte Christie. a Council officer to answer questions on The meeting chose next year’s officers: Archway the new recycling scheme. Residents had a Chair, Charlotte Christie (Canal Street); Office supplies series of worries, including a resurgence of Secretary, Jenny Mann (Victor Street). The Fax-Photocopiers-Cordless Phones rats as a result of the fortnightly collection, committee members are: Phoebe Brookes the flimsiness of the purple bags and what (Cranham Street); Paul Cullen (Richmond Answerphones-Computer Accessories to do about people who park their wheelie- Road); Paul Hornby (Walton Crescent); • Friendly, helpful service bins permanently on the pavement. Liza John Keyes (Walton Bridge Mooring); • No minimum order Picard floored the council officer by Joelle Mann (Victor Street); Pandora • Large discounts asking which receptacle aerosols were Maxwell (Nelson Street) Viv Peto (Great Telephone: Bill Wilson on 558557 supposed to go in. Answer: “Er .. , we Clarendon Street); Peter Stalker (Cranham Email: [email protected] don’t know”. Street). Bill Wilson (Cardigan Street) was 106 Cardigan Street, Jericho, Oxford OX2 6BW Other matters discussed were the co-opted to the committtee at its May policing of Jericho, with a presentation meeting. 2 – Jericho Echo – June 2007 Sun sets on the Globe Open door opes that the Globe in Cranham local community. However, there is no HStreet might eventually reopen as a guarantee that under new management the pub were dashed in April. The Council pub would operate in the same way”. had refused Novello Properties planning Adrian Arbib, on behalf of the permission to turn the building into Community Association had also said that four two-bedroom houses, the previous owner, Edlridge arguing that the Globe was Pope, had made little effort still needed, and served a to find a new tenant for distinct local clientele not a what was evidently a catered to elsewhere. viable business. The Planning Inspector Adrian says there should disagreed: “I appreciate that still be an opportunity for a Pulling pints from barrels in the former The Globe pub may have ‘green’ community pub Carpenters Arms in Nelson Street provided a slightly different ambience with a micro brewery. But that does not to others and that this was its attraction appeal to Novello properties who ,when If you want to see what Jericho was like in meeting the particular requirements asked what they might sell it for, suggested 30 years ago, go to the Jericho Echo and personal tastes of a section of the around £1 million. website. In 1974, the BBC Community Programme Unit broadcast a series called Avril Harbottle – Avril died aged 43 in ‘Open Door’. The producers invited In Memoriam August last year. Avril was very much a community groups to suggest ideas for Jericho girl. Her parents Charlie and Au- programmes and then supplied them with Susan Ess – Susie, who lived in Cranham drey lived in Great Clarendon Street op- a BBC camera crew. Street, died in August last year from can- posite the old school. Her grandmother, Maggie Black and Lucy Willis, who cer aged 56. Born in Oxford, she trained Mrs. Smallbone, lived in Hart Street. Avril then shared a house in Cardigan Street, as a children’s nurse and moved to Jericho worked first in the Co-op in Walton Street decided to make a programme on Jericho. in 1983. Susie worked for many years in and later in Cornmarket. In 1984 she mar- This unique historical record, screened the crêche attached to Somerville College ried Barry and they had two sons Jason and in April 1974, is the result — a tale of where she became well known to many Andrew. Later she moved to Northampton pigeons and squatters, pub-goers and Oxford parents. Later she was a manager and subsequently to Kidlington where she shoppers, also featuring children at the of Freuds café in Walton Street and then was bringing up her young daughter Zoë. old St Barnabas school. housekeeper for a professor at Brasen- But she never forgot her roots in Jericho. ose. Her partner for many years was Ben Our sympathies to her family for her early Fitzmaurice who lived across the street. death. But our admiration too for the way Though she was ill for the last year of her she faced that death. life she never allowed it to get the better Phyllis Webster – Phyllis, who died, aged of her. Susie will be much missed by her 88, in November 2006, had a wonderful family, as well as by her many friends who smile that lit up any company. Phyllis, were evident at a well-attended funeral whose maiden name was Carr, was ‘Jeri- service at St Barnabas. The Ess name does, cho to her fingertips’. She was born in however, live on in Cranham Street, since Great Clarendon Street, and although she her nieces Caroline and Nuala now live in changed houses she never changed street. her former house. Phyllis went to the Church Girls School in The old St Barnabas school, now converted Elsie Hancox – Elsie, formerly of Juxon Cardigan Street until she was 14. She took to a row of houses as ‘School Court’. Street, died in February this year at the full part in the Church’s youth organiza- age of 92. She was born in the village of tions and was confirmed in 1930. About Bloxham and started work in service at the same time, she first got to know a boy the house of the headmaster of the pub- over the garden wall: Jack Webster who Tried and tested lic school there where she first met her was a year or two older and was a ‘for- Can you recommend someone who has husband Ron. Eventually they married eigner’ (from St. Giles) who was visiting done good, conscientious work? Please in 1937. After the war Ron got a job as a neighbour. But it was not until ten years let us know. The current list is: Car Re- a scout at St. Johns College, where he later in 1940 that they were married. Jack pairs: Autoworks (now in Cas- worked until he retired. They lived in Jux- had only a few days leave from the army sington), 880381. Carpenters: on Street, before later moving to Leckford to return to Oxford and propose to Phyl- Tony Everett, (07778) 907834; Road. Elsie worked in several large hous- lis, and they were married in St Barnabas. Ivan Sheehy, (07717) 130443. es in North Oxford. She was also a key Phyllis herself helped the war effort by re- Cleaner: Dom, (07815) 615914; member of the Mothers’ Union and Ron pairing Spitfires at Morris’s. Towards the Home maintenance, including electrics became a Church warden at St. Barnabas. end her aches and pains occasionally got and carpentry: Emmet Schlueter, 310007. In later years she had a succession of bud- her down but she never lost her sunny dis- Painter and Decorator: Tony Simpson, gies to keep her company, the last of which position. Our sympathies to Jack. 762173. Plumbers: M. Daniels, 557068; spoke with an uncanny echo of Elsie’s A1, 327732. TV, Video and Hi-Fi Repairs: voice. In 2003 Elsie moved to ‘Shrublands’ Our thanks again to Oxford University Press Oxford Powershop, 375834. Washing ma- where she was happy and well cared for. for printing this issue of the Jericho Echo chine repairs: AES Repairs, 766392. June 2007 – Jericho Echo – 3 Jericho Notice Board The Old Bookbinders Jericho Street Fair – June 9, 12 noon- 4.00 p.m. the first Wednesday of every month at the Ale House Central South and West Area Commit- Community Centre. Free. Just turn up with Tues. 9.00 p.m. Charity Quiz tee – Next meeting, 5.30 p.m. Tuesday your children or ring Rosemary on 07748 Sun. 8.00 p.m. Open mic. night June 12 at St Barnabas School. 355086. Autoworks – Martin Aldworth, who used Stay and Play group – For parents/carers Food: Mon.-Sat. 12.00 p.m.-2.00 p.m. to operate as Autoworks in Wellington and their under-5’s. Mondays from 1 p.m.- and 6.00 p.m.-9.00 p.m. Street, has reopened his business. This 2.30 p.m. from June 11 at the Community Traditional Sunday Roast time, it’s in Cassington. Tel: 880381. Centre. Just come along, or ring Helly on 12 p.m-5.00 p.m. Japanese lessons – Kayoko Mochizuki is 07919 546921 for further details. Tel: 553544 a Jericho resident and a qualified teacher of Guitar lessons in Jericho – Most contem- Canal Street, Jericho Japanese. Tel: 439856 for more details. porary guitar styles. Jericho Playgroup – The Playgroup runs www.maxmoonlight.co.uk from 9.00 a.m.–11.30 a.m. Monday to Fri- Dig in – For a plot at Cripley Meadow al- day at the Community Centre. This is a lotments call 558130. Walton small friendly group for 2–5 year-olds. For Albert Street Chapel Sunday School further details phone Louise on 429625. – Every Sunday 3.00 p.m. to 4.00 p.m. for Stationers Women’s Institute – Meets on the second ages 3 to 14 years. Tel: 245939. Tuesday of each month at 7.30 p.m. at St Contacting Councillors – City Coun- Post Office Margaret’s Institute, Polstead Road. cillors: Colin Cook (Labour) 285770, Stationery Jericho Community Association – Meets 07837 831728. Susanna Pressel (Labour), Greetings cards on the second Monday of the month at the 554001; she has a surgery at the Com- National Lottery Community Centre at 8.00 p.m. All Jeri- munity Centre on the first Saturday of the Tobacco cho residents are invited to attend these month, 11.00 a.m. to 12.00 noon. County Soft drinks meetings which discuss the Community Councillors: Alan Armitage (Lib-Dem), Lunchtime snacks Centre and current issues of local concern. 516115; Sushila Dhall (Green), 553415. Community Centre – Room hire and Police – For crimes in progress, including Open Monday to Saturday ­enquiries: Sue Pead, tel. 557902. vandalism and graffiti spraying, call 999. Babies and Toddlers Group – Thurs. 9.00 For other crimes, including anti-social be- a.m.–11.00 a.m. at the Community Centre. haviour, and for the community beat of- Parents or carers meet for coffee and cakes ficer, call 08458 505505. Radcliffe and a much needed chat, while the children Jericho Online play. Anyone with a pre-school child is wel- Jericho Echo: jerichoecho.org.uk Arms come. There is no lower age limit. Contact Community Centre: jerichocentre.org.uk Jericho’s favourite local pub Trudy Foulk on 760048, or email: Church: sbarnabas.org.uk Open all day, everyday [email protected] School: st-barnabas.oxon.sch.uk Childminder Drop-in. From June 6 on Community Boatyard: jcby.co.uk Food 11.30 am to 9 pm A wide choice at a great price - Sky PremPlus Classes at the Community Centre 6.00 p.m.–9.00 p.m. Contact: 07986 621112. - Thursday Quiz Night Antenatal classes – Mon., Tues. and Website: www.oxinar.com. - Function room Wed. 7.30 p.m. to 9.30 p.m. Contact Virgil Music for Babies – Mon. 10.30 a.m.–11.45 - Children welcome Clarke (N.C.T.) 729209. a.m. Noel Rainbird. Contact: 552539. 67 Cranham Street - Tel: 514762 Egyptian Dance – Raqs Sharqi. Wed. 6.30 p.m.– Oxford Sport and Martial Arts – Sat. www.raddy.co.uk 8.00 p.m. Contact Katrina Robinson, tel. 777462. 9.00 a.m.–10.00 a.m. Contact: 512473. Fujian White Crane Kung Fu – Tues. Oxford Tai Chi Gonfu Institute – 8.00 8.00 p.m.–9.30 p.m. Sun. 6.30 p.m.–9.30 p.m.–9.00 p.m. Contact: 422408. p.m. Contact: (07907) 545066. Oxford Tango Argentino – Thurs. 7.30 p.m.–9.30 Home LA Martial Arts – Fri. 6.30 p.m.–8.30 p.m. Contact: Antony Brown, (01869) 248459. p.m. Sat. 12.30 p.m.–3.00 p.m. Contact Pilates – Thurs. 12.15 p.m.–1.00 p.m. Maintenance Jenny Lauren 0775 4289795. Contact: Paula, tel. 07966 306633. Life Drawing – Sat. 11 a.m.–2 p.m. Con- Tai Chi – Tues. 10.30 a.m.–12.30 p.m. Over 30 years experience tact Chris Nirrenski, tel. 559004. There are Mixed class. Everyone welcome. Contact as a Skilled Craftsman and also some all-day sessions. Emma Westlake, tel. 0771 0768810. Expert Handyman Tai Chi, Qigong, Taoist Breathing & Medita- Wing Chun, Martial Arts – Mon. 6.30 p.m.– tion – Mon. 6.00 p.m.–7.30 p.m. Tues. and Wed. 9.30 p.m. Contact Ed Yuen, tel. 862518. All your DIY jobs, including electrical and carpentry, undertaken by The Jericho Echo is published several times each year by the Jericho Community Association, Jericho resident, Emmett Schlueter Jericho Community Centre, Canal Street, Oxford. Editor: Peter Stalker, 51 Cranham St., tel. 552794 or [email protected]. Please contact us if you can help with delivery. This edition has Tel: 01865 310007 Mob: 07779 985234 been printed courtesy of Oxford University Press, Great Clarendon Street, from artwork supplied [email protected] by the editor. This and previous issues are also available online at www.jerichoecho.org.uk. 4 – Jericho Echo – June 2007