TheThe AscottAscott GrapevineGrapevine

Issue 53 Winter 2007 .

Grapevine Appeal Church Services The Ascott Grapevine is The details and times of 3rd Sunday provided FREE to every the regular services are 10.00am Benefice Serv- household in Ascott advertised on the vari- ice and we wish this to con- ous notice boards tinue for a long time to around the village and 4th Sunday come. in the church porch, 10.00 Morning Prayer Although ‘The Grape- but here are some of the vine’ does receive sup- special services that are Please check the notice port from the Parish coming up over the next boards for special serv- Council and the PCC, few months: ices over the Easter pe- it only raises a limited riod. amount of revenue from Ist Sunday of the month advertising. ‘The Ascott 10.00am Holy Com- Grapevine’ survives munion - Common We look forward to mainly on donations. If Worship welcoming you and you would like to help worshiping with you. The Grapevine continue, 2nd Sunday Tim Lyon any donation large or 8.00am Holy Com- small would be appreci- munion – Book of ated. You can give a do- Common Prayer nation to any member of 10.00am Family Service the editorial team. If there is an aspect of Chase News village life not already covered in the Grape- Further information about what’s happeing in the vine please contact a Chase Benefice is in the Chase News, included in member of the produc- the centre of this issue of the Grapevine. tion team to discuss Content & Editorial Policy your ideas. Articles for the Spring issue of The If you have an article, story or poem you would Grapevine should be like to submit for publication the Grapevine edi- submitted by April 4th. torial team would love to hear from you. Mate- Call 01993 832163 rial for publication is gratefully accepted. Due to or email: space considerations material may not be used [email protected] immediately but may be held over to be included Stuart Fox, Kingsley, in a later issue. Wendy Pearse, The Grapevine editorial team reserve the right Karen Purvis to shorten, amend or reject any material submit- ted for publication.

The Ascott Grapevine - Page 2 Don’t forget about the Ascott website: A Choir for Christmas At the beginning of Sep- As my work has been to ice, both on our own, tember I thought about train choirs (amongst and also to lead the con- forming a ‘scratch’ choir other forms of music gregation in the well - to sing a few carol - type making) I set to, and we known carols, we may anthems as part of the all worked hard to pro- go on to have further Ascott Carol Service in duce some three- part- chances to sing together our church. I got in harmony. on other occasions. touch with the Revd. It gave us a cheerful Are you a frustrated Mark Abrey to see if he atmosphere in which to singer without a choir? would allow us to take explore the newly If so, do get in touch part, and after his af- found potential! Each with me and whenever firmative reply, started session was concluded we get together again to ask around in this vil- with a glass of wine and you might ‘try your lage and adjoining vil- a chat,This was also a hand’ (or your voice!) lages for anyone inter- chance to get to know with us. It was good fun. ested. new friends too. Daphne Abe The response was We hope that having [email protected] most pleasing and we sung at the Carol Serv- began having Monday night rehearsals to pre- pare some work which I had chosen. It seems as though there were quite a few people who had never sung in a group but would like to try if given the chance.

Bellringers Like many churches stopped because of make a joyful sound Holy Trinity in Ascott other commitments rather than learning finds difficulty in re- but would now be will- complicated methods. cruiting bellringers to ing to attend the occa- If you think that you ring for Sunday services sional practice session might like to join us and special occasions. Is and Sunday service? contact: Mike on there anyone in the vil- We tend to ring 830058 or Stuart on lage who learned to ring rounds and simple call 832004. when they were younger, changes. Our aim is to Stuart Fox www.ascott-under-wychwood.org.uk Page 3 - Issue 53 Births Deaths. On 23rd June 2006 to On 16th January 2007 On 1st December 2006, Ailsa Palmer Stuart and to Helen and Philip Francis James Hawley, Sean O’Mahony, a son, Pratley, a daughter, aged 79 years. Blake Emerson Philippa Olivia Pratley. O’Mahony. On 8th December 2006, Marriages Elizabeth Constance On 11th October 2006 On 2nd December 2006 Rainbow, aged 93 years. to Sarah and Steve at St. Andrew’s Russell, a son, Thomas Church, Hatfield James Fulier. Peverel, Essex, Anthony Wood to Charlotte Ryder. A Grand Day Out Thank-God for Tesco, After that’s what I say! our On a mild and over- stop in cast morning on the 2nd Ayles- December, friends of bury we Anthony Wood, set off contin- for Hatfield Peverel, near ued Chelmsford in a twenty- with- four-seat coach hired by out too many problems Chippie and had got Rosemary Dawbarn, for with traffic in the com- into serious trouble for the wedding of Anthony petent hands of our putting ink into the and Charlotte. These are driver, Martin holy water. Our playing my recollections of the Grantham. In conversa- about kept us sane while trip to Essex. tion I discovered that working on the assem- Why, you may say Martin’s father, Horace, bly line at Smiths; but should I praise Tesco in worked with me at back to our day out. Aylesbury? Well, it Smiths Industries in By noon we stopped would be fair to say that Witney 30 years ago. at a pub just outside most of those travelling We often got into trou- Chelmsford for a meal, could be compared to ble for playing about which we all enjoyed. old houses, full of char- and not paying enough The food was good and acter, but with dubious attention to our work. the cost reasonable. I plumbing! I leave you to As a boy Horace at- have a Scrooge-like na- guess why I praise Tesco tended the Roman ture and always look to and their facilities! Catholic Church in see if I am being ripped-

The Ascott Grapevine - Page 4 Don’t forget about the Ascott website: off. After the meal it was husband and wife, to ill for most of the day. I time for the ladies to the joyous sound of do hope that by the dress for the big occa- Sortie in E flat major by time that this goes to sion; they all looked Louis Lefebure Wely. I print he will be fully re- very glamorous when do like music that lifts covered. they boarded the coach, and cheers me. I discussed with but I never understand After the usual pho- Eleanor and June why women make such tographs and greetings hymns suitable for wed- a fuss over dressing-up outside the church, we dings, but after one at- for weddings! I waited moved off to the recep- tempt at singing one it to see if one of them tion. The whole event soon petered out. The asked, “does my bum seemed very English, football songs of my look big in this?” Being but don’t ask me to ex- youth would not have ladies this question plain what I mean. been suitable for the la- wasn’t asked. Driving up a long dies of refined tastes on We arrived at drive to the house where the coach. Even for me Hatfield Peverel at 2.00 the reception was being with more genteel tastes pm, half an hour before held, we arrived outside and as a practising Chris- “kick-off” sorry, I mean what I would guess was tian the lewd and bawdy before the wedding. St. a redbrick Georgian songs of my youth Andrews was decorated mansion. I half expected should be banned and with seasonal flowers; I to be greeted by Jane those singing them had the feeling that this Eyre and Rochester, but locked-up and the key was the beginning of I wasn’t. throw away! (Fred I don’t Christmas. We entered a warm believe you. Ed.) The organist and a house full of friends of Arriving back in young man on a trum- the bride and groom; Ascott at about 9.00 pet played some fine again my ‘Scrooge-like’ pm I was greeted by my music before the mar- thoughts were with me, dog who was very riage ceremony, the how much did it cost to pleased to see me; I was rousing Toccata and heat a place like this? also in time to watch Fugue setting the scene. After plenty to eat Match of the Day. The service was simple and drink and in a merry We all agreed that it but moving, both Bride mood, we left for home had been a grand day and Groom showing at 6.30 pm. out. My thanks to Rose- their nerves. There was It was a comfortable mary for organising the more fine music, singing and sleepy ride back to coach and to Jill and poetry before Ascott, our only con- Stedeford for booking Anthony and Charlotte cern was for Jim the lunch at the pub. walked down the aisle as Beveridge who had been Fred Russell www.ascott-under-wychwood.org.uk Page 5 - Issue 53 The Long Barrow Although it is now al- project led by Dr examples of this type of most forty years since Alasdair Whittle at Car- burial mound with Don Benson completed diff University. Belas Knap and his excavation of the One of several burial Notgrove in Gloucester- Neolithic long barrow mounds in the area the shire also being worth a at Ascott-under- Ascott barrow, built visit. Wychwood this year sees around 3,700BC on The Ascott long bar- renewed interest in the open scrubby grassland, row, which was used by remains of this ancient is probably one of the several generations of burial place. The plan earliest of more than our Neolithic ancestors to return the barrow 140 barrows con- to bury their dead, ap- stones to the village co- structed in earth and pears to have been built incides with the immi- stone that are scattered in two stages, in a series nent publication (by across the Cotswold- of bays defined by lines Oxbow Books) of the Severn region. of stakes and stone, final report on the exca- Wayland’s Smithy on filled mainly with earth vations, including the the Ridgeway and the and turf, with some results of an extensive Whispering Knights at stone, and enclosed or post excavation research Rollright are two good faced by dry stone wall- ing. The barrow con- tained two opposed Leafield Picture Framing pairs of stone burial (Tony Croft) chambers or cists. The cists contained Complete Picture Framing Service the remains of at least 21 Mount Cutting people (of all ages and Wash Lining both sexes), deposited Tapestry Stretching in a variety of condi- tions from cremations Door to door delivery and collection and fleshed burials to Home consultation if required incomplete selections of bones from bodies that Please telephone had previously been ex- 01993 878357 or call posed to the elements. Tony Croft This process of Cotswold View, Ascott Road, Leafield excarnation resulted in the bones being For Free Estimate or Further Details bleached through direct exposure to sunlight.

The Ascott Grapevine - Page 6 Don’t forget about the Ascott website: Once the flesh had rot- The archaeologists tory Museum in Lon- ted the bones were then also recovered pottery, don) and the site archive transferred to the bar- flint, axe fragments, have now been depos- row for burial. stone querns for grind- ited with the Oxford- Perhaps the most ing grain, and the bones shire County Museum startling find was the ver- of both wild and do- Service and will be tebra of an adult male mesticated animals in- stored at the Museums with a flint arrowhead cluding cattle, sheep Resource Centre at embedded in it. The ar- and pigs. Standlake. Volunteers row had entered the When published the are being sought to as- body through the stom- final report on the exca- sist with the final stages ach and lodged in the vations will provide of documenting the ar- spine. Death would have more detailed informa- chive to make it more been very quick, but we tion about the life and easily accessible to the will never know whether death of some of the public. Anyone inter- this was a tragic accident earliest inhabitants of ested in helping with or evidence of a more our valley. this work should con- sinister event. But we do The finds from the ex- tact Carol Anderson on know that the arrow cavations (with the ex- 01993 814105 or email must have been released ception of the human carol.anderson@oxfordshire.gov.uk from close range to have bones which are in the Carol Anderson penetrated so deep. care of the Natural His- Have you made your resolution yet? Could you spare just two hours per week to assist in keeping this shop the success story that it has become?

We are constantly looking for volunteers who would be willing to help with the everyday running of the shop, either serving on the till or, if you prefer, behind the scenes. Absolutely no experience is required, as all training will be given until you are perfectly happy.

If you believe this shop to be of value to you then please give this idea some serious consideration.

Please contact Bridgette Crundwell at Home on: 01993-830671; at her Office on: 01993 832592 (Mon to Wed) or at the Shop on: 01993 831240 (2.30pm to 6.30pm Thur) if you are interested or would like more information. www.ascott-under-wychwood.org.uk Page 7 - Issue 53 Volunteering on the Tenteleni Project After six months attend- I had not learnt my les- ing fairly uninspiring son, and had again left weekly meetings, and things to the last struggling to fundraise minute, in the knowl- to finance my flight and edge that I had a long expenses, last July I flew night ahead of me, the out to South Africa. To poster caught my atten- be honest, I was begin- tion, and offered a ning to question why I glimpse of something had ever applied to far more exciting than Tenteleni, a small stu- issues of political phi- dent run charity that losophy! So, from this sends about 150 British evocation of sunshine students annually to and something other Southern Africa. than essays, books and I had seen posters the library, I became advertising the charity involved, and the op- one winter evening, portunity that had been Province of North East- when I was stranded late provided for me, proved ern South Africa. The one night in the library, to be quite amazing. basic accommodation slightly put out that I As part of the was more than compen- had an essay to finish Tenteleni project, I sated for by the stun- while I knew my friends stayed alongside 14 ning scenery and wild- were out, enjoying other British students in life, with zebras, Rhino themselves. More than a Game Reserve situated slightly disgruntled that in the Mpumalanga

and Giraffe regularly grazing outside our huts. The township within which we were volunteering, about a 40 minute drive away bor- ders Kruger National

The Ascott Grapevine - Page 8 Don’t forget about the Ascott website: Park, and from one of the schools elephants are regularly spotted. We were to have one week of training, before embarking upon our voluntary placements as teaching assistants in the Matsulu township for 8 weeks. In this training week, I was cheerfully told that the school that I was to be placed in, ing was crisp with si- of celebrity status. As was the poorest in the lence, as we all sat in one of the first white community. While I contemplation, aware of people to have come in was aware that it was in the very real possibility to contact with these the rural part of that we had bitten off children, there was Matsulu (people are per- far more than we could much fascination over mitted to keep animals) chew. my white ‘chicken skin’ I knew not what to At 7.30 that Mon- and ‘soft hair.’ That make of that comment, day morning, what morning, there seemed when we had all been greeted me at Benjamin to be a sense of joy exu- prepared for schools Primary school, were berating from every class- with intermittent (if rows and rows of happy room, as the youngest any) water, no electricity smiling faces, and a level children transfixed by and a lack of basic edu- cational resources, to include paper and pens. To add to this, many of those children, who we would be coming in to contact with, were or- phans from HIV/AIDS, and were themselves in- fected, and thus sick. The task ahead was daunting, and the bus ride to school the fol- lowing Monday morn- www.ascott-under-wychwood.org.uk Page 9 - Issue 53 them, and their lives are being ravaged by the HIV/AIDS virus. The figures are disturbing. It is thought that 40% of the local population have HIV/AIDS (the highest rate in the whole of South Africa) our very presence, hung Much was evidently ex- and between 80 – 90% out of windows and pected of us! of the children in my shouted as they waved The happy atmos- school are orphans; as madly, trying to gain phere could only mask one teacher explained to our attention. There for a short me, people was no doubt that our while, the are either presence was clearly ap- harsh real- infected, preciated, but then that ity of the or affected. was evident the previous situation. In the week, when we had met The fact is, knowledge the local members of these chil- of such the education circuit, dren have facts, one who had spontaneously very few re- would burst in to song to cel- sources think it ebrate our safe arrival. available to would be heart breaking to be work- ing in such company when so many of those young individu- als have such a death sen- tence around their neck, but this thought rarely occurred to me. It was an honour to be in the company of individuals, who had gone through so much, and despite everything, continued to have a smile on their

The Ascott Grapevine - Page 10 Don’t forget about the Ascott website: faces. When the chil- dren are so brave, and matter a fact about death, a reality that punctuates their life, it was impossible to be morbid. I was placed in one of the township’s larger primary schools, with 1095 pupils aging from 4-18+ (if children fail exams, which is com- mon, then they must a chalk board at the but the crowded rooms repeat the year.) There front of the room. still got very hot. were just 24 teachers, Along both sides there One of the most chal- teaching classes of be- were windows, many lenging situations that tween 50-75 children in with broken window we found ourselves in, simple brick built panes, which opened was in the promotion of rooms, with wooden just wide enough to al- awareness in issues con- desks crammed in, with low for a small breeze, cerning HIV/AIDS. As

www.ascott-under-wychwood.org.uk Page 11 - Issue 53 living posi- that sleeping with a vir- tively with gin will cure AIDS, the virus awareness is improving, felt like we and there is increasing were be- access to anti retrovirals. traying I am very grateful that these chil- I did manage to stum- dren, ac- ble upon such a fantas- cepting tic opportunity, and was that this vi- able to spend a time, rus would even if it were too short continue to in the presence of peo- control ple who are truly hum- their lives. bling. I wish to thank all those people who helped me with my part of the Life fundraising ef- Skills curriculum, forts in order to we were responsible make the whole for teaching about trip possible. the facts of the ill- To find out ness, it’s transmis- more, visit the sion, and ways of liv- Tenteleni ing positively with website at it. It was particu- www.tentelini.co.uk larly challenging fac- Leisha ing 65 – 75 faces, Braithwaite teaching about pro- tecting oneself from the virus, while the chances were that nearly half the class had already contracted it. Nevertheless while it can Somehow it felt like we not be denied that the were giving a false hope, virus has, and will shape continuing the culture the lives of these chil- of denial. Yet equally, dren, there is hope. emphasising the ways of While many still believe

The Ascott Grapevine - Page 12 Don’t forget about the Ascott website: The Vicarage Ghosts For my generation, that Doris Warner was a asked if she had ever is those born just before great collector of village seen the ghost. She said the 2nd World War, we stories; she could have “yes I did, I went to get are perhaps the last peo- filled the Grape Vine a cold drink in the early ple to know the ghost with her recollections. hours of the morning stories connected with The Reverend and saw a face looking the old vicarage. One Nicholls was the last at me through the concerned the ghostly vicar of Ascott to live in kitchen window.” She light that was supposed the vicarage. In those also said that she had to travel from the house days it was an unnerving felt a presence move along the drive to what place to visit on a dark through the kitchen to- was the old stable block. night. Most of the village wards the cellar door. It was a well-known tale, had electric light, but the Wendy Pearse tells but I never met anyone vicarage was still lit by oil me, that the Reverend who had actually seen lamps. The Reverend Shackleton, who lived it. Nicholls lived there there in the years be- The other story was alone during the 1950’s tween the two World the haunting of the and seemed uncon- Wars, had performed a house by the ghost of cerned by tales of haunt- service to rid the vicar- Miss Tweed and I do ing. He was a cheerful age of unwelcome spir- know some people who young man, who did its. It is of interest to had seen a figure of a much to bring the village note that the Reverend woman. Miss Tweed together. Shackelton was a close was the sister of the Rev- By the 1970’s part of relative of Ernest erend Tweed, who lived the vicarage was rented Shackelton the great ex- at the vicarage in the out to young families. plorer. 1860’s. Some years later I met a I have worked in the Doris Warner told young women who had vicarage grounds for over me that her Grand- lived there and I jokingly twelve years and I’m mother had seen the ghost and I know of a Bed & Breakfast young man who had In Ascott seen the figure at the bottom of the cellar Excellent independent ensuite rooms steps. He was so fright- for your friends or relatives coming to stay. ened that he ran off and Children welcome. never ventured near the Please ring Mrs. Ingrid Ridley place again. 01993 830612 www.ascott-under-wychwood.org.uk Page 13 - Issue 53 pleased to say that I’ve a treasured possession ures the poor disciple not seen any appari- that had come from ends up without a nose. tions, but on occasions Prince Charles’ estate. Now the vicarage is my old dog, Tam, I’m pleased to say that filled with electric light- would stand rigid on it survived and is now a ing the ghosts have de- the drive and I would large and flourishing parted. Perhaps the an- have to pull hard on her bush. swer to all hauntings is lead to make her move. My other concern is to fill the house with I have no such trouble to try and recreate light, music and laugh- with my present dog, Leonardo’s painting, ter, unpleasant spirits Holly, who races around the Last Supper, as a will then depart. everywhere. Her only piece of topiary from a Fred Russell concern is how many box hedge. My first at- biscuits she will be given tempt left the figures by her friends, Dr. and looking more like skit- Mrs Goodford! tles from an Aunt Sally My only frightening game. I know nothing experience was to run of topiary, so when I am the lawnmower over a trying to cut a chin or small shrub, which was neck on one of the fig-

The Ascott Grapevine - Page 14 Don’t forget about the Ascott website: Ascott-under-Wychwood Parish Council First, the Parish Coun- Horse Chestnut Tree on anybody be interested cil wish one and all a the Green needs to have in helping with this or Happy New Year. an annual inspection, would like more infor- The coming year will which is due to take mation, please contact no doubt prove to be place in January. The the Parish Council’s Re- another busy one, as project on the Pound is sponsible Financial Of- was 2006 with the Par- ongoing, more slowly ficer, Stuart Fox. ish Council dealing with than one would have Parish Council: the many issues that are hoped, but nevertheless David Wilkinson, brought before them. progress is being made. Chairman 832144 The Parish Council has I’m sure that many of the Stuart Fox carried out a Risk Assess- problems that came to Responsible Financial ment and we are pleased our attention in 2006 Officer 832004 to report there are no will still occur in 2007, Elaine Byles 831427 serious issues that need such as speeding, park- Bridgette Crundwell attention. The play area ing and petty vandalism. 830671 in the Playing Field has Finally the Parish Coun- Sally Franks 831432 now been replenished cil are in need of an In- Angela Barnes - Parish with fresh play-bark, the ternal Auditor - should Clerk: 01608 641045 Wychwoods Local History Society The next Society meet- ington Family at Milton where they will be relo- ing will be on Thursday Village Hall at cated in the restored 15th February at 7.30.p.m. Village Pound. 7.30.p.m at Shipton Then on 19th April Old and new mem- Village Hall when Alan Dr Gill Hey will talk bers are welcome. Sub- Watkins will give a talk about The Earliest scriptions are £6 for an entitled Fred Lewis of Farmers in Our Region- individual and £9 for a Chipping Norton and Ascott Barrow at couple which includes a Baseball. As a previous Shipton Village Hall at copy of Wychwoods Grapevine illustrated, 7.30.p.m. This will be History when pub- baseball was a feature of a most appropriate lished. Visitors are wel- Ascott village life in the meeting for Ascott since come at any meeting at first half of the 20th cen- the Parish Council is at £2 per head. More in- tury. present negotiating with formation about the On 15th March Mar- the Museums Services Society can be obtained tin Sirot-Smith will give about returning the from Wendy Pearse on a talk on Sulgrave large stones from the 831023. Manor and the Wash- Barrow to the parish, Wendy Pearse www.ascott-under-wychwood.org.uk Page 15 - Issue 53 Nature Notes When asked “what habitat. In spring many You won’t find all of birds visit your garden?” will return to the coun- this family of birds in the reply will always in- tryside, but Blue Tits your garden; the clude at least one mem- will take advantage of a Crested Tit is confined ber of the Tit family, suitably sited nest box to the Scottish Pine often the active Blue Tit and remain in the gar- Forests and both the or his larger cousin the den throughout the Willow and Marsh Tit Great Tit. summer. are infrequent garden These woodland There are seven Tits visitors. The Willow Tit birds and their relatives native to Britain; six prefers damp wood- have adopted our gar- belong to the family lands and the Marsh Tit, dens and will happily ‘Paridae’ and one the despite its name, lives in spend the winter, feed- Long-Tailed Tit is not a mixed woodland. ing on peanuts and true Tit but the sole rep- The largest of the Tits other food we leave out resentative of the family over wintering in our for them rather than re- ‘Aegithalidae.’ main in their natural

gardens is the Great Tit; a distinctive bird about the size of a sparrow with a black and white head and a yellow breast. It has a squeaky two or three note song, which earned it the name of Saw finch. Because of its size, it can be something of a bully, driving the smaller birds away from the bird-table. In the breeding season, it can also be very territorial, although later in the The Ascott Grapevine - Page 16 Don’t forget about the Ascott website: year it will often remain and shrubs for small in- are in the nest the par- in small family groups. sects and spiders. With ents will feed them, Its normal diet is small its blue and yellow col- throughout the daylight insects and caterpillars, ouring it cannot be mis- hours, with a variety of but it will happily take taken for any other bird. insects, and even when peanuts and other bird Of all the Tits it appre- they have fledged and treats and especially ciates man-made nest left the nest the parents likes sunflower seeds. In boxes most and a single will still continue to of- spring it has the unfor- pair will often raise two fer the occasional meal tunate habit of strip- families in one year from to a begging youngster. ping fruit-tree buds in a well-sited box and may The final regular gar- search of insects and it even return to the same den visitor is the Coal can also be a pest of bee- box the following year. Tit, similar in size to the keepers, catching bees as Blue Tit, but more so- they leave the hive. berly coloured, being When it comes to nest rather drab grey with a building they are not very choosy and will construct their nests in upturned flowerpots, post boxes, cavities in a wall, a hole in a tree trunk and any suitable Make sure the box is not sheltered place. The nest accessible to the local will be made of moss cats and don’t place it and lined with hair or in an area that has full down and 5 to 10 eggs sun throughout the day, dull yellow chest and a are laid. The female otherwise the interior of black head, set off by builds the nest and in- the box will become white cheeks and a cubates the eggs which too hot. The nest tends white spot on the back hatch in 13 to 14 days to be a rather shapeless of its neck. Although its and the young are ready mass of soft material, nest is similar to the to leave after a further moss, wool and hair Blue Tits it will rarely 15 to 21 days. Second with a cup like hollow settle in a nest box, pre- broods are uncommon. where 6 to 10 eggs are ferring to build at a The Blue Tit is the laid. Nest building com- lower level, often within garden acrobat, either mences in April and a a foot or so of the swinging from a string of second brood will be ground. It will lay 8 to peanuts or searching the completed by midsum- 12 eggs and incubate branches of nearby trees mer. When the young these for 14 to 17 days www.ascott-under-wychwood.org.uk Page 17 - Issue 53 and the young will leave the side, built in the process salt and it will the nest 20 days later. fork of a tree, hidden in poison them! Make My personal favourite the centre of a thorny sure that bird tables, is the Long-Tailed Tit, bush or amongst an ivy and feeders are kept thicket. The nest can clean to prevent the take up to 18 days to spread of disease and construct and may be stop feeding whole pea- used to raise two nuts when the breeding broods between April season starts; nestlings and June. These birds can easily choke if the tend to stay together as parent feeds them a a family group and it has whole nut. In the spring been noted that the it is better for the young perhaps because it is young of the first brood to be fed on insect food only an occasional visi- help feed the second. that is high in protein tor, passing through the Watch out for flocks of anyway. garden in a small but these birds working the Stuart Fox noisy family flock, hedgerows, never stop- searching for insects in ping in one place, always the trees and shrubs. on the move. This bird is very distinc- If you want to attract tive, with a very small any birds to your garden body, flushed pink and feed them regularly and a tail longer than the make sure there is a sup- body. They are more in- ply of fresh water avail- sectivorous than the true able for them to drink Tits and will rarely take and bathe. Peanuts, scraps from the bird ta- birdseed and cake ble. Perhaps because of crumbs, together with a this they suffer a very suspended coconut high rate of mortality in shell and a strip of suet a harsh winter; it has or one of the commer- been suggested that 10 cially available fat and out of 12 die from one seed balls will keep breeding season to the them fed during the next. Their nests are worst of the winter works of art, domed and weather. Don’t give completely enclosed them crisps or salted with an entrance hole in peanuts, birds cannot

The Ascott Grapevine - Page 18 Don’t forget about the Ascott website: Gardening Notes I am sitting writing this time and to keep the the spur you need to in early January and I weeds in check when believe that planning am beginning to feel the they were growing apace your gardening activities stirring I get every year in May. When it be- for the coming year is when I know the year came possible to garden, worth the effort. has turned, the days are the heat took your en- Having sufficient wa- beginning so infinitesi- ergy away, made plants ter is likely to be part of mally to get longer and wilt and in some cases the plan for this year. the snowdrop shoots die. The best time by far Despite the good down- are showing above the was autumn, which was pours of rain this win- soil. This is when I be- long and warm. This ter, the hosepipe ban is gin to plan for the gar- year I am banking on still in force and may dening year ahead, to good gardening weather very well continue decide what projects I from March onwards throughout the year. will undertake, which right into November. It Therefore, increasing parts of the garden will pays to be optimistic water storage capacity is need particular atten- because that gives you very important. A cou- tion and what vegetables I am going to grow. At this time of the year, I am sure everything is possible and the weather will fall in with my plans. This year I am par- ticularly anxious to get off to a good start be- cause last year seemed to be almost a non-event in my garden and I know others in the village and elsewhere felt the same. The weather was very unkind to gardeners. March and April were too cold, May was too wet and June too hot making it very difficult to sow seed at the best www.ascott-under-wychwood.org.uk Page 19 - Issue 53 ple of water butts placed A new project will need to decide how I am at strategic points in the take a lot of thought. going to deal with them garden will be a good This could be rearrang- during the winter. idea as I won’t have to ing all the plants in a Would it be better to carry heavy watering flowerbed because they plant them in pots cans a long way from the have grown tired and which I can bring in- tap. Vegetables will get past their best and some doors or shall I trust more watering and grow have died out altogether that we will have a mild well. Transplants will or it could be because winter, so plant them have more chance of sur- the colour scheme is out in the garden and viving. dull and unexciting. I’ll give them good protec- I am also making the take the opportunity to tion when summer is resolution to hoe weeds dig in plenty of compost over. down on every possible before planting up the It could be that this occasion when the bed again. It could be is the year; I finally ground is dry. It makes trying out some new work out the shape of such good sense, as plants I’ve never grown the vegetable garden. I’ve weeds seem to have the such as those being used tried various ways to ability to grow, set seed, in tropical-looking gar- make it ornamental fall to the ground and dens, for example bam- rather than just produc- germinate overnight, boos, spiky leaved tive. It is important for starting the whole proc- phormiums, large leaved it to look good because ess off all over again. Of cannas, fatsia japonica it’s an integral part of course they don’t do it or even banana plants. the garden not just overnight, it just seems If I do try cannas and tucked away at the end. they do. banana plants I will Looking at books gives

The Ascott Grapevine - Page 20 Don’t forget about the Ascott website: inspiration. Bookshops weather much better for an early crop of deli- where you can sit and than I did . Sturdy cious new potatoes. The browse keep the cost plants have more chance weather will, of course, down. of surviving drought if be ideal: you will be able What vegetable and they are watered in well to dig and ready your flower seeds to buy when planted and then ground for serious gar- need to be thought watered regularly there- dening in March and the about and ordered after. They can also fend daffodils will be well on through catalogues or off pigeon, rabbit, cat their way to burst forth bought in the garden and insect attack better. in glorious gold to tell centre. Catalogues give Also you can plant them you that spring has ar- a wider choice and by far exactly where you want rived. Let’s trust this the most exciting cata- them. Only vegetables armchair view turns out logue is from Chiltern and flowers that don’t to be reality and all our Seeds. They offer a vast like being transplanted, gardening dreams, range of flower, shrub, such as parsnips and surely I mean plans, are tree and vegetable seeds. Californian poppies, fulfilled. It is always exciting to will be sown outside. Yvette Keauffling try a flower or vegetable It’s all very exciting seed you have never thinking about the fu- grown before. Will I sow ture, how will the gar- all my seed in the green- den look at its height in house or cold frame or June or July? Will the will I sow everything colour combinations be outside that can be right or will there be sown there? Over the exciting or revolting last few years I have been clashes? Planning now thinking about sowing gives the chance to get more and more seed in- at least some of it right side and not planting and it gives a warm feel- out until they’ve grown ing of anticipation when into sturdy plants. This there is no way you can year I am going to sow get out in the middle of as much as possible in- winter and actually do side then plant out. Had gardening. When you I done this last year I read this it will be time would have been able to to buy seed potatoes offset the vagaries of the and set them sprouting

www.ascott-under-wychwood.org.uk Page 21 - Issue 53 The Ascott Grapevine - Page 22 Don’t forget about the Ascott website: Wychwood Project Wychwood’s Ancient Trees Ancient trees are a par- Looking after these trees Wychwood Project – ticular feature of the is essential if these The Wychwood Old UK, indeed our country plants and animals are Trees Project. is home to more than to survive. The Gibbet Tree, half the ancient trees of These old trees are which can be seen in the Europe. But what is an also precious to us be- distance the east of the ancient tree? It is diffi- cause of their impressive A361 near Capps cult to define precisely. beauty and for their his- Lodge, is one of the However an ancient tree tory in the landscape. more infamous old trees is one that is old, fat or There are old oaks in the of Wychwood. Do you hollow by comparison Wychwood area which know of any others that with other trees of the were alive when Eliza- have an interesting his- same type. Some an- beth I was Queen of tory? Do you know of cient trees are instantly England. Many of any really old trees hid- recognisable but others Wychwood’s oldest ing in a garden or field? can be less obvious. trees are in the If you do we would be Trunk girth size isn’t al- parklands of the big es- pleased to hear from ways a good indicator as tates. Many more are in you. there is a lot of variation the gardens of large If you know of any between tree species. houses, some are in an- old trees or you would However, an ancient tree cient hedgerows. A like to join the Old is likely to have a big handful can be found as Trees Project contact trunk girth relative to remnants of earlier land- Nick Mottram of the other trees of the same scapes in the middle of Wychwood Project on species. fields and woodlands. 01993 814143, email The former Royal Ancient trees can [email protected] Forest of Wychwood continue to live for hun- or write to the Project contains many ancient dreds of years with the at Fletcher’s House, trees. These trees are right care. Finding out Park Street, precious because they where these special trees Woodstock, Oxon are home for a fantastic are and helping tree OX20 1SN. range of wildlife. The owners understand The Wychwood Old nooks and crannies of their trees and how best Trees Project is part of a old trees provide valu- to look after them is one larger programme of able habitat for some of of the key aims of a new work that focuses upon our rarest creatures. initiative of the the ancient habitats in

www.ascott-under-wychwood.org.uk Page 23 - Issue 53 the Wychwood area Programme and the added to the national and is supported with Esmée Fairbairn Foun- database being compiled funding from Natural dation.. All the tree by the Woodland Trust. England, West Oxford- records collected for Nick Mottram shire Network’s Leader+ this project will be Wychwood Project Parish Conservation The PCC has had great local schools during on the trees around fun this autumn with a 2007. Finstock, Wilcote and Wychwood Forest Big The autumn also saw Cornbury. He enter- Draw art project. Run some very interesting tained the walkers with in collaboration with joint talks with the fascinating stories of the The Oxfordshire Mu- RSPB farmland conserva- local area, the history of seum two local artists, tion advisor Kirsty the trees and wood- Sally Howkins and Tom Meadows at Enstone lands, landowners and Ralphs Laman worked and the BBOWT Water local influences on the with 300 children in Vole Recovery Project special character of the Hailey and Kingham Officer Cath Shelswell area.. More walks and schools to create a mu- at Fulbrook. These talks talks are planned for ral of their impressions have helped to encour- 2007 and will be adver- of life in the age local people to sug- tised locally for each Wychwood Forest. The gest more conservation event as well as in For- 30 metre long mural was activities; for example est Update and on local then displayed in the there are plans for wood- websites and papers. For Brewhouse Gallery at land clearance work at more information the museum during Enstone airfield, a dry about the Parish Con- October. Over 250 visi- stone walling training servation Challenge or tors to the museum dur- course at Fulbrook on if you would like to sug- ing this time also made 21/22nd April and two gest some conservation contributions to the dis- more people have activities for Ascott play which resulted in a started to work with the please contact Jane tremendously vibrant Friends of Wychwood Bowley Project Officer and entertaining work of Bird Aid winter feeding on 01993 814131 or art. I am now looking programme for small email: for other venues to dis- farmland birds. [email protected]. play the mural and seek- Ian Gourlay from the Jane Bowley ing funding to offer a Friends of Wychwood bigger and more exten- led a delightful walk on sive art project to more 4th November focussing

The Ascott Grapevine - Page 24 Don’t forget about the Ascott website: Memories of Coldstone Part 6 When I was a small boy much bigger and were ings with a variety of we had some young let out into the yard and goods including pots, ducks penned in the the orchard, to get fat pans and paraffin. The open end of a shed just for Christmas and they equivalent of the one outside the garden gate used to squawk like driven around local vil- and when dad was dig- mad when anyone came lages by Basil Pratley ging the garden we chil- to the house. from Milton in more

dren picked up the Quite a number of recent years. On Tues- worms and took them tradesmen came at that day afternoons the lorry to the ducks who gob- time. We had Fishy collected the eggs for the bled them up eagerly Rainbow with his horse packing station at and got quite excited. drawn van on Saturday Banbury and there was They used to stand up morning and a midweek also a lorry from and quack every time we day. He brought fish Hartwells the Ironmon- went past. Each spring- and green grocery. Mr gers at Chipping time we had three Davy’s butchers van Norton which brought young fluffy goslings came from Milton. Fos- heating stoves and with a broody hen in a ters’ red van “A SHOP spares like stove wicks, coop and a run on the AT YOUR DOOR” flame spreaders and lawn. They soon grew came on Tuesday morn- mantles for lights in ad- www.ascott-under-wychwood.org.uk Page 25 - Issue 53 dition to paraffin and some loaves. After- trian island in the mid- many other goods wards, I remember see- dle of the road. which could be ordered. ing the blocks of snow Also when I was Mr Bill Lock brought piled up about six feet about five years old I re- our bread in a van from high on both sides of member the horse Peapells the bakers at London Lane. In later drawn loads of barley Leafield. Their premises years the bread was de- sheaves coming into the was the building which livered by “Dennis the yard and up inside the is now the Leafield Baker” from the Corner barn which is now the Community Shop. Café in Chipping dwelling “Coldwell However with the se- Norton. This stood on Brook”. People came vere blizzards in 1947 the corner at the top of from the village and most roads were New Street when the helped stack it inside. blocked and there were road was only about six The load went in no JCB diggers or even metres wide. It was later through the big door- front end loaders on demolished with twenty way and then the empty tractors, so the roads or more other buildings wagon was drawn out had to be dug out by so that the road could through the lower door- hand with shovels. We be made wider. On to- way at the other side and ran out of bread and day’s layout the café away through the dad took a hessian sack would have been stand- rickyard at the back. A and walked across the ing on or near the pedes- few months later the fields to Leafield to get barley was threshed. The threshing machine was pulled into the middle of the barn between the two doorways. The trac- tor providing the power stood out in the yard about where the divid- ing wall is now built with the big driving belt from the pulley reaching up to the wheel on the threshing drum. Either a baler or an elevator would have stood at the far end of the threshing machine to deliver the

The Ascott Grapevine - Page 26 Don’t forget about the Ascott website: threshed straw from the door- way towards the rickyard. It could not have been a very pleasant job threshing inside the barn. Having breathed in my own share of threshing dust over a period of ten years taking them off when any mice that ran out later on, I am sure that full and weighing them but we got bored with it must have been quite into two hundred- this after a time and dad an ordeal with the ma- weights (100 kilo- was taking the sacks of chine working between grams). The unluckiest corn into the barn so the the doorways and only person had to rake out back doors were open the wall slits for light and the chaff and the cavings and we went in to try ventilation. Dust masks (short, light bits of out some machines in and respirators were not straw) from under the there. We got on all really thought about in machine and move the right turning the win- those days. At least two chaff away and into a nowing machine, people and probably heap for cattle feed and putting dust and rub- three would have been the cavings either into a bish off the floor working on the stack of heap or more often put through it, then we had barley moving the it back in with the rest a go at the chaff cutter. sheaves onto the ma- of the straw. The men The machine was for chine where somebody, handling the straw had slicing the hay into the bond cutter, would the cleanest job outside lengths about half an have picked up each the back of the barn. inch long for cattle feed, sheaf and cut the string, Two or three years with a long narrow box then somebody else later a rick in the at the back that lined would have fed the loose rickyard was being up the hay, then two sheaves in an even flow threshed and I was with cogged rollers com- into the machine. Dad three or four other boys pressed it and forced it looked after the corn all standing by the corn through the front where sacks at the front end, rick with sticks to kill two long curved blades www.ascott-under-wychwood.org.uk Page 27 - Issue 53 on the big wheel with the handle on, sliced through the hay, guillo- tine style. We were try- ing to make it work and somehow I sliced off the skin on three finger knuckles. This is when I made my first acquaint- ance with iodine liquid and learned that if it makes it sting, then it is the lamp. The following out for a day’s shop- doing good, but I was morning the corn had ping. Grandfather said extremely lucky not to all to be shovelled back “They was some bad lose any fingers. into the sacks ready to gals!” The workforce was Also in the barn we take to the fields. But it reduced to dad, two used to dress the wheat really made your hands men who came with the seed for autumn plant- black when you levelled threshing tackle, grand- ing. In the days before the corn in the seed box father between times of seed corn was chemically on the drill. attending to cows and dressed by machine to The first chance I had other livestock and Billy protect it from soil to help with threshing Rainbow, a local charac- born diseases, we had was a 2 day Whitsun ter who used to tag some tins of black liq- half term school holi- along with one of uid called Vitrol, rather day. They had been Lainchbury’s threshing like thin tar, which we threshing some ricks sets. Smaller than aver- used as a protection. A during the week before age , wearing long boots space was swept clean but on the Tuesday af- with turned up toes and on the floor of the barn ter the Bank Holiday socks pulled outside the on the evening before Monday the four corduroy trouser legs drilling, then we went landgirls who had been nearly up to his knees. out with a hurricane lan- helping failed to arrive. This would certainly tern about eight Dad drove to the hostel have stopped any mice o’clock. Several sacks of to find out why and the running up inside wheat were tipped into forewoman there said them. He used to stack a heap, then the Vitrol that the girls had told the threshed straw was spread over the sur- her that Mr Pearse would whether it was in bales face and dad and grand- not be threshing again or a loose straw rick us- father mixed it in with until Wednesday and ing the elevator. The a shovel while we held they had all four gone threshing machine had

The Ascott Grapevine - Page 28 Don’t forget about the Ascott website: to be set horizontally three down before tea the top of the hill. This level for each corn rick time. When down, I cut meant that coming back and made secure with the branches into fence we didn’t get home un- wedge shaped wooden posts or bean sticks ac- til five o’clock. We made blocks in front and be- cording to size and the many stops on the way hind each wheel. They smaller twigs I tied into and the total number of were banged into place a faggot to dry out for us was about 50 on a 35 with a heavy iron bar fire lighting. Nothing seat bus. The worst and sometimes Bill was wasted and it was all bugbare was that for would decide to help, tidy. I had no problems most of the first year we picking up the iron bar working on my own but came home after 12.30 with a shout of “Mind one day I was helping on Tuesday afternoons your eyebrows.” So with grandfather cut out and had to go on Satur- a shorthanded crew I some fence stakes when day mornings until became part of the the axe slipped off the 12.30 as well, so that by threshing gang even if it wood and cut a three the time we got home was only raking out the inch slit in the toecap of and had a meal the af- cavings from under- my boot. A check up ternoon was half over neath the threshing ma- revealed that no toes had on both those days. Eve- chine. been touched but since ryone was glad when Dad bought me a then I have always made Saturday morning light axe when I was sure that legs and feet are school was discontin- nine so that I could pol- not in line with the cut- ued. Some of the buses lard the willow trees by ting arc of the blade. I were some poor old the orchard wall. There still use the axe for things when we started were a lot of branches sharpening fence stakes. and broke down on the growing on the crowns, Burford School was way a few times. Then all sizes up to about an improvement on the boys had to get out eight inches thick. Ascott but the worst and push to get going Other things also grew part was the travelling again. On two occasions on the crowns of those time. Starting from in hard winters when trees like blackberry bri- High Street we went there was snow and ice ars, dog roses and goose- down to Lyneham, then on the roads we started berry bushes where back to Upper Shipton, skidding going up the birds had deposited the through Swinbrook hill towards Swinbrook seeds. It was a joy to and Widford, then into from Shipton and hurry home after Burford by Witney couldn’t get up the school, sharpen my axe, Street calling at the steepest rise towards the get the light ladder from Lower School before top. With the front on the shed and cut two or going up to the one at one side of the road and www.ascott-under-wychwood.org.uk Page 29 - Issue 53 the back end sliding Coaches of Witney and we were taken to school across to the other side they also transported in luxury coaches with it was quite a while be- the mill workers from names like “Blanket fore the driver could re- the villages to the Queen” and “Corona- verse back down and Witney blanket factories tion Coach”. drive across to the A361 and something must Jim Pearse Burford Road. The vehi- have paid fairly well be- cles were run by Backs cause within three years

Ascott in Flood

The Ascott Grapevine - Page 30 Don’t forget about the Ascott website: WI Cook Book June Holmes recently book. We would like to ily recipes I would wel- gave me a copy of a collect some more reci- come some history cookbook containing pes to add to the origi- about them. recipes collected by nal book. If you would One of the recipes members of the former like to submit your from the original WI Ascott Women’s Insti- ideas drop a copy into book is published be- tute. We will be publish- the Village Shop ad- low. ing some of these reci- dressed to me or send an Stuart Fox pes in future issues of the email to Grape Vine and we [email protected]. hope to reprint the If these were old or fam- Cook’s Corner: Ascott’s Favourite Recipes Recipe from The W.I. Cook Book Reproduced by kind permission of Christopher Badger. Lemon Gateau Ingredients: Method: 1 packet of trifle Line 1 1/2lb bread Slice the sponge sponges tin with foil (to assist lift- cakes and place a layer 6oz caster sugar ing out). of sponge alternately 4oz margarine Beat together sugar with a layer of the mix- 2 lemons (rind and and margarine. Add egg ture finishing with juice) yolks, one at a time. sponge. 3 eggs, separated Add lemon juice and Cover with foil and grated rind gradually (it chill. will look curdled). Turn out and cover Beat the egg whites with whipped cream. and fold into the mix- Monica Badger ture.

Have you a favourite or seasonal recipe you would like to share? Then please jot it down and hand a copy to Stuart Fox, Wendy Pearse, Karen Purvis or Kingsley or email it to: [email protected] www.ascott-under-wychwood.org.uk Page 31 - Issue 53 Book Review The Periodic Table Primo Levi Primo Levi was one of provinces of Piedmont: Levi’s parents, wife or the great writers of the fabulously inert (one, children; some times last century. His most barred from marrying dwelt on lovingly, oth- famous book is prob- the girl he loved, went ers left out altogether. ably the first, If This Is a to bed for 25 years), and There are three chapters Man, a meditation on divided from their on his university years, his experience of neighbours by an invis- four on his war (but Auschwitz. Its fame is ible wall of mutual sus- only one on Auschwitz, deserved; indeed every- picion. about which, he ex- one should read it. But From his distant an- plains with I would like to point cestors, Levi zooms in Piedmontese modesty, you to another Primo on himself – and his sec- ‘I have written else- Levi, the delightful, ond chapter, ‘Hydro- where’); six on the im- witty author of The Peri- gen’, makes just such a mediate postwar years, odic Table, one of the leap between the vast- and only three on all the most original autobiog- ness of space and the rest, which came to raphies ever written. smallness of two boys thirty by the time of As a chemist, Levi setting out to under- writing. All have the built his book on stand the world through unique Primo Levi fla- Mendeleev’s famous ta- chemistry. The young vour, made of wry hu- ble of the elements, cre- Levi shows his friend the mour, profound reflec- ating his own personal simple process of elec- tion, and deep human- Periodic Table of the el- trolysis – which ends, ity; all are beautiful, ements of his life. It be- like several of the experi- touching, and in the gins like a traditional ments of The Periodic best sense strange. My memoir, with his ances- Table, in an explosion. favourites are ‘Iron’, tors – and instantly sub- They are shaken; but about the friend who verts the piety of that also awed to think that taught him to face dan- model with the tragic- they have released a force ger in the mountains, comedy of its element, of nature, ‘the same ele- and who died as a parti- Argon. Argon, Levi ex- ment that burns in the san at 25; ‘Phosphorus’, plains, is one of the no- sun and stars’. about a great love of his ble gases, inert and un- Nineteen chapters youth, indeed of his life; able to combine with follow, and once again ‘Gold’, the story of his any other element. Just all traditional models of arrest and capture; ‘Ni- so were his ancestors, autobiography are sub- trogen’ and ‘Chro- Jews in the Catholic verted. Nothing on mium’, about his early

The Ascott Grapevine - Page 32 Don’t forget about the Ascott website: adventures in chemistry of life and death, as the final full-stop of the and writing; and ‘Vana- atom is bound into the book: ‘this dot here, dium’, the story of his molecular chains of this one.’ In that dot re-meeting with a Ger- plants and animals, is Primo Levi reaches out man from his Auschwitz released, and bound to touch his readers, past, who craves his par- again. and reading it we reach don. This short tale is a back and touch him. Most strange, how- perfect blend of science The Periodic Table is ever, most beautiful and and literature, and at available in Penguin most Primo-Levian of the same time the most Modern Classics, price all is the last chapter, detached and the most £8.99. ‘Carbon’, which fol- personal thing Levi ever Carole Angier lows an atom of carbon wrote. There is nothing through the vast tracts human here until the Carole Angier’s biography of space and time end, when the atom en- of Primo Levi, The Double Bond, is evoked at the start, and ters the writer’s brain, available in Penguin, price through endless cycles and makes him write the £9.99. Names from the Past Recently Anne Cole (Ascott) at the east end D’Oyleys, builders of came to speak to the and Westcote at the Oxford Castle and pow- History Society about west end considered to erful landowners, were Wychwood Place represent the extremes given one of the two Names and her talk of his estate. The Ascott manors by prompted me to con- Wychwood derivation William the Con- sider some of the Ascott is generally accepted to queror. The Ascott Earl Place Names which have be the Wood of the name seems to date from survived into present Hwicc, a small scale the acquisition of the usage, their longevity Saxon Kingship based other Ascott manor by and possible deriva- in Herefordshire and the Despensers, Earls of tions. Worcestershire with Winchester, prominent To begin with the vil- Wychwood forming in the time of Edward lage - Ascott under part of the south east II. Wychwood. Prior to boundary. Although not offi- the Norman Conquest Moving on to the cially a name, Ascott this area of the two parts of the village, Great Bridge is men- Evenlode Valley was D’Oyley (spelt in many tioned in the Hundred held by King Harold ways) and Earl. D’Oyley Rolls of 1279, possibly with his main centre at dates from shortly after owing it’s existence to Shipton and Estcote the Conquest when the the D’Oyleys and cer- www.ascott-under-wychwood.org.uk Page 33 - Issue 53 tainly providing a river crossing long before a bridge was built at Shipton. Moving on to roads. Perhaps the oldest vil- lage name is that of Lon- don Lane since the ‘toppe of London’ is mentioned in a Court Book of 1592. With the river bridge established the crossing may well have constituted a ma- merly a barn belonging the parish boundary jor route to London in to the Priory before it’s running north of the past times, hence the conversion into cottages mill to Chipping name. High Street is and of course situated at Norton Road runs not an indication of the the entrance to Priory alongside a brook called High Street which we Lane. Church Close I’m Holliwell in 1591. The usually associate with afraid is a rather elegant villagers at the time be- towns. It is a derivation name for what was origi- gan a survey from the of Upper Street as op- nally called the Row or head of the brook refer- posed to Lower Street Raggs Row of Charity ring to it as Holliwell (Shipton Road) possibly cottages, their site dat- Head. A possible Holy indicating their posi- ing back at least to a Well or just a nearby tions above the river. Charity Deed of 1478. Holly Tree? Priory Lane is not a sur- Heritage Lane is listed in Andrews Yard de- viving memory of a the Census of 1891 but rives it’s name from an priory in the village but earlier in 1851 it was Edwin T. Andrews both the monastries of called Longland Lane listed in the 1891 Cen- Osney and St echoing the name of the sus as a grocer living on Frideswides in Oxford furlong which it ran the site who came from contested the ownership alongside. It would be London to set up his of land and buildings in interesting to know why business in Ascott. Ascott originally do- the name was changed. The present road to nated by the D’Oyley Mill Lane is a giveaway Leafield rising from the family. These buildings – surely always referred Burford to Charlbury included D’Oyley to in this manner. A Road was known as the House and nos 16 and mill is mentioned in Woeful Road suppos- 18 High Street, for- Doomsday Book and edly from its meander-

The Ascott Grapevine - Page 34 Don’t forget about the Ascott website: ing nature, seemingly a western side of the road later used as the village tribute to the typical is Priestgrove men- dump since it was part English drunkard but tioned in 1163 whilst of the ‘town’s allot- probably an indication Boynal Copse meaning ment’ in the Enclosure of the furlongs in the ‘Boia’s nook or corner’, of 1838. But I wonder earlier open fields of mentioned in 1278, lies who was prepared to Ascott, the ends of the to the east of the road pay 5s for it and to what furlongs forming a series on the top of the ridge. purpose? If for use as a of doglegs. Or perhaps Could Boia be the ear- stone quarry it would as someone once sug- liest named inhabitant seem that the stone was gested to me a more of Ascott parish, maybe probably of a fairly good sadly romantic explana- a surviving British local quality and I wonder tion could be that when or indeed a Saxon im- where that stone now the large parish of migrant? resides? Before the En- Shipton included Perhaps the most in- closure the quarry be- Leafield and Ramsden triguing name refers to longed to the owner of (up until the mid 19th the small copse along Coldstone Farm so pos- century) all the burials the Chipping Norton sibly the stone could would have had to take Road where Ascott’s constitute some of the place in Shipton boundary joins buildings on that site churchyard and the Chilson. This is known the earliest of which Woeful Road was the as Five Shilling Corner. date back to at least the route for the coffins. The name dates back beginning of the 17th Brazil Lane for which I beyond 1838. It be- century. have no explanation is came a quarry and was Wendy Pearse mentioned as Little Beassell as early as 1591. Community Pubs Week Coldwell (Brook), 17th-24th Feb Coldstone (House) and It’s a frightening reality community pubs - not Balls Close where the that at the moment at just village locals, but sheepwash is sited, all least 26 pubs close every urban gems too. refer to a boundary month. The majority of So why not make (Cold and Balls) and lie these pubs are not high this the week to cel- on the parish boundary street theme pubs, but ebrate the pub that we with Shipton. community pubs. A vil- have in our community Two of the oldest lage pub is an important and pay The Swan a names in use refer to community amenity. visit. copses of trees that are Community Pubs As the saying goes - sited near to the top of Week is a celebration ‘It’s your local - use it Woeful Road. On the and promotion of all or lose it.’ www.ascott-under-wychwood.org.uk Page 35 - Issue 53 Toddler Time Ascott Toddler Group, Equally, for new or ex- children are encouraged supported by Ascott Pre pectant mums or those to sit down together to School, is now well into new to the area, it offers enjoy a drink and a its second year and prov- an opportunity to meet healthy snack and there ing popular with tod- other parents and carers is usually a sing-along at dlers and their carers with shared experiences. the end. alike. A wide range of play Based at the Ascott The Group provides equipment is available Cricket Pavilion, during a safe, friendly and infor- and the children can the summer months the mal setting in which 0- take part in a variety of Toddler Group takes 4 year olds can play to- activities, such as play advantage of warm gether while their par- dough, making cards for weather by having ta- ents and carers enjoy a special occasions and bles, chairs and play cup of coffee and some other arts and crafts. equipment under the adult conversation! During the session the shade of the trees on the field. During the cooler, wetter months however, the Pavilion provides a cosy and comfortable setting. Ascott Toddler Group is held on Tues- day mornings from 9.30 - 11.30am and the cost of attending is £2.00 per family. New- comers are always wel- come and for further in- formation Pauline Plant can be contacted on 07968 006451. Pauline Plant

The Ascott Grapevine - Page 36 Don’t forget about the Ascott website: A Poem from Leafield School Year 6 at Leafield School prepared plaster casts of seashells and this gave rise to the poem below. A Description Of My Shells Out of the cupboard you appear A touch so soft, a smell so great, Something that my heart holds dear.

The burning red and brightness of yellow Mix together like bread and butter, And orange soon will follow.

For this model I took great care To make it extra special, For all of you to share.

Piece by piece I must be steady, All the time until it’s ready, Slow and steady is always best, Perfection is put to the test. By Ashley Davey. (Year 6) Leafield School News September to as a ‘Healthy Oxford- club. We have also just December 2006 shire School’ new initia- been awarded the Ac- School started the new tives include a healthy tive School Mark too. academic year welcom- tuck shop which has Harvest service in ing a number of new proved very popular and church was well sup- children and three new a breakfast club which is ported with donations members of staff includ- run by some volunteer of food and produce ing Miss. Malony who parents who we thank going to ‘The Porch’ now teaches Class 1. very much. We have vis- project in Oxford. We have been awarded its by the children’s There was also a collec- Healthy School Status mobile library and after tion with proceeds go- which every school is school clubs include cir- ing to the ‘Pearl of Af- required to have by cuit training, creative rica Foundation’ and 2009, so we are well writing, cookery club, ‘Street Child Africa’ in ahead on this one and gym club and football support of two of our www.ascott-under-wychwood.org.uk Page 37 - Issue 53 parents who were trek- hall which was enjoyed our supportive govern- king to the top of by all. ing body and the sup- Mount Etna to raise As shown in our po- port of our parents. The funds. Funds were sition in the recent children of course also raised for Breast Cancer League Tables, especially deserve praise for work- Research via a non-uni- the Value Added, which ing hard and doing their form day and our regu- shows the progress chil- best. lar 200 club raises fur- dren have made, our re- For further informa- ther valuable funds for sults were again excel- tion contact the school the school and ultimate lent and just to confirm secretary Mrs Deb benefit of the children. this in more detail at Brown on 01993 Music lessons con- Key Stage 1:- Reading, 878273. tinue with violin and Writing, Maths and Sci- Vicky Greves, recorder being learnt by ence 100% achieved the Chair of Governors. a number of children. expected level with Class 4 had a very suc- 50%, 25% 62.5% and cessful trip to Banbury 38% respectively achiev- Museum to view the ing level 3. At Key Stage Victorian Exhibition as 2:- Reading 85% part of their studies and achieved level 4 with a number of the older 62% at level 5. Writ- children are looking for- ing 85% achieved level ward to their residential 4 with 38% at level 5. trip to Yenworthy in English 85% achieved February. level 4 with 38% at The run up to Christ- level 5. Maths 100% mas was as usual very achieved level 4 with busy with performances 85% at level 5 and by all the children either 100% achieved level 4 at at school or in our Science. These results lovely church here in are above the national Leafield. The Friends of and Oxfordshire levels Leafield School helped in all subjects and levels. with the BBQ at the In Foundation our re- Church Christmas Fair sults are also above the and also ran a very well levels in all areas of learn- supported Christmas ing. This is down to raffle for the children hard work and support and a party at the village of all staff at this school,

The Ascott Grapevine - Page 38 Don’t forget about the Ascott website: Flix in the Stix Programme Thursday Feb 15th Saturday Feb 24th Saturday March 17th Ice Age 2 The Queen History Boys Milton Village Hall Tiddy Hall, Ascott Milton Village Hall 2.00 p.m. 8.00 p.m. 8.00.p.m.

Thursday Feb 22nd Saturday March 17th Saturday April 21st The Queen Monster House Over the Hedge New Beaconsfield Hall Milton Village Hall Milton Village Hall Shipton 8.00 p.m. 2.00 p.m. 2.00.p.m. Gordon Halliday Wychwood Library Opening Times Monday: Wednesday: Friday: 2pm to 7.00pm 9:30am to 1pm/ 2pm to 7pm Tuesday: 2pm to 5pm Saturday: Closed Thursday 9.30am to 1pm Closed Beryl Brown, Library Manager 01993 830281 The Post Office Stores Milton-under-Wychwood

We have moved to our new address The Post Office Shipton Road Milton-under-Wychwood OX7 6JL Tel: 01993 832243

Opening hours: Mon.-Fri. 9am - 5:30pm (Closed 1-2 for lunch) Saturday 7am - 1:00pm

Post Office Services Available at ‘The Swan’, Ascott Monday 10:30am - 12:30pm (Bank Holidays Excepted)

We have a good selection of Greeting Cards, Stationery, Agents for Sherlocks Dry Cleaners, Abbeycolor Photoprocessing, Passport Photos We will be pleased to see you. www.ascott-under-wychwood.org.uk Page 39 - Issue 53 Flower Power Quiz Why not try and solve Leave your answers at into a draw and the first our New Year’s puzzle the village shop in an en- one picked wins! Don’t and win £5. The answer velope addressed to forget to include your to each clue is the name Stuart Fox. At the end name and address on of a flower, some are of February all the cor- your answer sheet. wild and some culti- rect entries will be put vated.

1. In olden days she waited for a dance, too shy to tempt her partner with a glance. 2. First a swiftly moving thing. Second, might suggest a ring. 3. This young creature in the field one sees. Like many others he has four of these. 4. A means of transport, dangerous, alas, and human beings thought of in the mass. 5. Dainty, white and like a bell, not much harm if it fell. 6. A man’s name for the first-well known to you, to write now with the second would not do. 7. Firstly a person who is very smart, and then a symbol of courageous heart. 8. Not often does this beast inspire our terror, the second part denotes a simple error. 9. Advice like this sounds most alluring, yet to wed for this oft means regret. 10. This flower’s name means darkness and a shield, but do beware the poi- son it will yield. 11. In order thus folks often watch a game, all love this simple flower of single name. 12. A girl who might live in the dell, it also has a lovely smell. 13. An animal who swiftly steals away, the second part most of us wear some day. 14. A simple name. If ‘in it’ you are well, it could be elephants as well. 15. The first capers, jumps and runs along, the second is a herb with perfume strong. 16. Without its aid we could not see, this bloom of stately majesty. 17. A novel’s character of fame, takes on this wee red flower’s name. 18. A dainty garden blossom we have here, that love’s completely happy is not clear.

Don’t forget to include your name and address on your answer sheet! The Ascott Grapevine - Page 40 Don’t forget about the Ascott website: Call for Meeting: Chipping Norton Hospital

West Oxfordshire Dis- port for this project. trict Council’s Cabinet Personally I have been is supporting Cllr Hi- fighting on behalf of lo- lary Biles’ request for an cal people for health fa- urgent meeting because cilities in Chipping support the proposed of significant concerns Norton since 2002. meeting. Because of the that a deadline set by Closure of the care issues involved other Oxfordshire County home will impact di- agencies such as Rev- Council will jeopardise rectly on hospital serv- enues and Excise are future plans for the ices and the proposed also being asked to at- Chipping Norton Care GP surgery. This can tend. Home and Primary not be allowed to hap- At the Cabinet meet- Care Facility. pen. Sixteen beds have ing on 3rd January many Oxfordshire County already been lost in local district council- Council has stated its West Oxfordshire and lors echoed their sup- intention to withdraw we can not afford to port for the meeting from the Chipping lose any more.” and commented that Norton Care Home and David Cameron, MP, the hospital campaign Primary Care Facilities has also voiced his con- has been going on for a scheme if a number of cerns and has written to long time and people financial issues cannot all parties supporting have worked hard, de- be resolved by 31st such a meeting which he spite all the ups and March 2007. has offered to Chair. downs, to secure a new Cllr Hilary Biles, Cllr Hilary Biles and facility which might still Cabinet Member for Cath James, Strategic be in jeopardy due to Health at West Oxford- Director at West Ox- Treasury bureaucracy. shire District Council fordshire District Coun- For further informa- said: “The situation is cil, have written to the tion contact: extremely serious for Leader of Oxfordshire Carys Davies / the people of Chipping County Council, the Samantha Simpson Norton and surround- Chair and Chief Execu- Publicity Office ing areas. If the deadline tive of the Oxfordshire t: 01993 861615 to sort out the VAT and PCT and the Chair and m: 07771 965360 impairment issues is Chief Executive of the not met, then Oxford- Strategic Health Au- Cllr Hilary Biles shire County Council thority asking them to Cabinet Member will withdraw its sup- t: 01993 832426 www.ascott-under-wychwood.org.uk Page 41 - Issue 53 Neighbourhood Action Group (NAG)–Jan 2007 At the first NAG AGM officer and this has been the build progresses and held at Beaconsfield hall ‘posted’ by Dave when items of value are in late October, John Tustian, our neighbour- fitted such as ovens, Cull & Roger Shepherd hood support officer. boilers etc. For trades- were re-elected to serve You can always get local men, there are stickers a second year as Ascott’s updates from available from police sta- representatives on the www.whosmybobby.co.uk. tions that state ‘we do Chipping Norton NAG Dave writes: not leave tools in this committee. “I have researched vehicle’. The first year took a our crime systems and Motorists; please do little while to get started command and control not leave items on dis- but by the end of the logging system and since play in your vehicle year the relationship 1st of November 2006 when parking. Please do between the police there have been no not park on or partially (based at Chippy) and crimes reported in the block footpaths, or the NAG volunteers was village. There has only where there are dropped starting to pay divi- been one incident in the kerbs. It could be the dends. The communica- village and that was at access point for a wheel tion was much im- the pub when 2 indi- chair user. Parents when proved and there was a viduals tried to put pres- dropping or collecting better understanding of sure on the landlord to your child(ren)at the how best to communi- let in someone who was, school, please think of cate issues affecting the and still is, barred from other road users and community. During the the pub. park just away from the first year, the main issues So I’m afraid it is a school. centred on anti-social general message about It is not a good idea behaviour associated security. Keep items to employ people who with youth, speeding post-coded as sheds on knock at your door and and parking. These allotments are being offer to mend your roof themes have been car- broken into and tools or resurface your drive. ried forward to year two stolen. People are un- Ask your neighbour who with Roger participating likely to buy things that they can recommend; in the speeding and are clearly marked. Trail- often the cheap quote parking sub-group and ers are also being stolen. does not turn out to be John involved in youth Barn conversions and so good in the end. matters. building sites are also Anti social behaviour We have also asked having items stolen so does not have to be put for a regular update from please remember to up with; so take advice the NAG police liaison update your security as from the Police or WODC anti social be- them to the Editor or Thank You! haviour officers. We contact the ‘boys’ di- Costa Rica Coast- can’t help if we don’t rect. to-Coast Challenge know.’ They will be back re- A big ‘Thank You’ Roger and John hope porting on NAG mat- from the whole ‘Poor this update has been use- ters in the next Grape- Trait-ers’ team to every- ful and if you have any vine. one who attended the comments, please pass . John Cull Race Night for the ben- efit of the Prince’s Trust Tiddy Hall at Tiddy Hall. A very Regular Activities healthy sum of over Monday to Thursday Wednesday Evenings £690 was raised. Mornings Pre-School- Badminton. Contact Also many thanks to Contact Pauline Plant Chris Morgan 01993 those who have given 07968006451 831958. donations directly. The team has now exceeded Friday Mornings Saturday Mornings our original target of Mother and Toddler Dog Training. Contact £17,000 and everything Group. Contact Sharon Wilson 01993 we raised above this Pauline Plant 831801. sum goes 100% to the 07968006451. Prince’s Trust charity. I’d like to add a per- Wednesday Afternoons sonal ‘thank you’ to everyone who has Piano Lessons in the To book the Tiddy Committee Room. Hall contact: wished me luck and 4pm - 7:30pm Contact given me encourage- Pauline Carter 01993 Ingrid Ridley: ment when I’ve been 774568 01993 830612 out training. I only hope I’ve done enough! FARMERS MARKETS 2006 By the time you are Witney - 3rd Thursday Chipping Norton - 3rd reading this in your of the Month Saturday of the Month cosy living room, I (and the team) will be racing Woodstock - 1st Satur- Charlbury - Quarterly across Costa-Rica! day of the Month on Saturdays (Dates to We’ll let you know be Confirmed) how we got on in the Further details from Thames Valley Farmers’ next issue of the Grape- Market Association on: 0870 2414762 vine. or Thank you Ascott. visit the web site at: Gareth Evans ww.tvfm.co.uk Providence House, 49 High Street, Burford, Oxfordshire OX18 4QA 01993 824800

Dashwood House, Shipton Road, Milton Under Wychwood, Oxfordshire OX7 6JH Tel: 01993 832288

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