TheA quarterlyFlying Goose newsletterIssue 60 for the June 2021 TheTheA quarterlyA FlyingFlying quarterly GooseGoose newsletterIssueIssue newsletter 6060 f foror thethe JuneJune 2021 2021 TheAA quarterlyquarterlyFlying Goose newsletterIssuenewsletter 60 for the June 2021

parish and ward of Wolvercote

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I SSUE 60 JUNE 2021 I SSUE 60 JUNE 2021 I SSUE 60 JUNE 2021

I SSUE 60 JUNE 2021 I SSUE 60 JUNE 2021 ISSUE 60 JUNE 2021

Cutteslowe's Colourful, Creative Community! Cutteslowe'sCutteslowe's Colourful,Colourful, Creative Community!

CuttesloweCutteslowe Community Orchard Cutteslowe Community Orchard (([email protected]) ([email protected]) ([email protected]) Nestled between the Allotments and the Community Woodland is a half-acre NestledNestled betweenbetween thethe AllotmentsAllotments and the Community Woodland is a half--acreacre plot Nestled of land thatbetween will become the Allotments an orchard and createdthe Community and cared Woodland for by the is locala half -acre plotplot ofof landland thatthat willwill becomebecome anan orchard created and cared for by the local plotcommunity. of land that Soon will afterbecome our originalan orchard announcement created and in cared March for this by theyear local practical community.community. SoonSoon afterafter ourour originaloriginal announcement in March this year practical community.and financial supportSoon after started our originalto flood announcement in, including from in Marchthe Cutteslowe this year practicalCommunity aandnd financialfinancial supportsupport startedstarted toto floodflood in,, includingincluding from the Cutteslowe CommunityCommunity aPartnership.nd financial Duringsupport several started work to flood afternoons in, including 40 volunteers from the Cutteslowelevelled the Community site, Partnership.Partnership. DuringDuring severalseveral workwork afternoons 40 volunteers levelled the site, Partnership.cleared rubbish During and severalplanted workover afternoons60 fruiting and 40 volunteers ornamental levelled shrubs theand site, trees clearedcleared rubbishrubbish andand plantedplanted overover 60 fruiting and ornamental shrubs and trees clearedaround therubbish perimeter and planted. over 60 fruiting and ornamental shrubs and trees aroundaround thethe perimeterperimeter.. around The theHeritage perimeter Fruit. Tree Co will lead an Orchard Design and Planning day T Thehe HeritageHeritage FruitFruit TreeTree CoCo willwill lead an Orchard Design and Planning day followed The Heritage by tree planting Fruit Tree later Co this will year. lead aInn theOrchard meantime Design we and will Planningestablish daya followedfollowed byby treetree plantingplanting laterlater thisthis year.year. InIn the meantime we will establishestablish aa followedwildflower by meadow, tree planting install later fencing this year.and a In gate. the meantimeBy the summer we will we establish hope that a the wildflowerwildflower meadow,meadow, installinstall fencingfencing and a gate. By the summer we hope that thethe wildflowersite will look meadow, colourfu installl and willfencing be buzzing and a gate.with insects.By the summer we hope that the sitesite willwill looklook colourfucolourfull andand willwill bebe buzzingbuzzing withwith insects. siteOur will lookvision colourfu is of a l‘multi and will-functional’ be buzzing orchard with withinsects. a variety of heritage fruit trees, shrubs and edible hedgerows, so that a OurOur visionvision isis ofof aa ‘multi‘multi--functional’functional’ orchardorchard with a variety of heritage fruit trees,trees, shrubsshrubs andand edibleedible hedgerowshedgerows,, soso thatthat a a wholeOur natural vision systis ofem a ‘multi with -newfunctional’ wildlife orchard habitats with can a establish variety of itself. heritage The fruitorchard trees, will shrubs educate and and edible create hedgerows communal, so learning that a wholewhole naturalnatural systsystemem withwith newnew wildlifewildlife habitats can establish itself. The orchard willwill educateeducate andand createcreate communalcommunal learning learning experienceswhole natural for syst youngem with and new old. wildlifeOne could habitats say therecan establish will be several itself. T‘yields’he orchard throughout will educate the year and. create communal Michael learning Huth experiencesexperiences forfor youngyoung andand old.old. OneOne could say there will be several ‘yields’ throughoutthroughout thethe yearyear.. MichaelMichael Huth Huth experiences for young and old. One could say there will be several ‘yields’ throughout the year. Michael Huth

Welcome back to the garden centrecentre inin CuttesloweCutteslowe ParkPark!! We’d veryWelcome much like to backwelcome ttoo you the back, garden or indeed centre for the infirst Cutteslowe time, to the Cutteslowe ParkPark!! Horticulture We’dWe’d veryveryWelcome much like to backwelcome to you the back, garden or indeed centre forfor thethe firstinfirst Cutteslowe time,time, toto thethe CuttesloweCutteslowe Park! HorticultureHorticulture Therapy Centre in beautiful Cutteslowe Park. We have actually been open a while, but we’re We’dTherapyTherapy very much Centre like in to beautiful welcome Cutteslowe you back, Park. or indeed WeWe havehavefor the actuallyactually first time, beenbeen to opentheopen Cutteslowe aa while,while, butbut Horticulture we’re we’re now swinging into full action. The plants are in bloom and the birds are singing. Therapynownow swinging Centre into in beautifulfull action. Cutteslowe The plants Park. are in inWe bloombloom have andand actually thethe birdsbirds been areare open singing.singing. a while, but we’re We’ve been very busy. It was lovely seeing the smiles on the faces of customers choosing nowWe’veWe’ve swinging been very into busy.full action. It was The lovely plants seeing are theinthe bloom smilessmiles and onon thethe birdsfacesfaces are ofof customers customerssinging. choosingchoosing their Christmas Trees at Christmastime and more recently daffodils and bedding plants were theirWe’vetheir ChristmasChristmas been very Trees busy. at ItChristmastime was lovely seeing andand moremorethe smiles recentlyrecently on daffodilsthedaffodils faces and andof customers beddingbedding plantsplants choosing werewere moving fast. We arranged home deliveries of food boxes from the Oxford Foodbank and set up movingmovingtheir Christmas fast. We Trees arranged at Christmastime home deliveries and of more foodfood recently boxesboxes fromfrom daffodils thethe OxfordOxford and bedding FoodbankFoodbank plants andand were setset up up a Community Fridge making surplus food available at our centre. We luckily acquired a new aamoving CommunityCommunity fast. WeFriFridgedge arranged making home surplus deliveries food available of food atatboxes ourour centre. centre.from the WeWe Oxford luckilyluckily Foodbank acquireacquireacquireddd aanda newnew set up allotment plot, which will soon be ready for new Community Gardening Clubs. allotmentallotmenta Community plot, whichFridge will making soon surplusbe ready food forfor availablenewnew CommunityCommunity at our centre. GardeningGardening We luckily Clubs.Clubs. acquire d a new Our allotment and vegetable growing bed contribute to the marvellous OurOurallotment allotmentallotment plot, and which vegetable will soon growing be ready bed for contribute new Community toto thethe marvellousmarvellous Gardening Clubs. Edible Cutteslowe project, linking local groups to promote communal EdibleEdibleOur CuttesloweCuttesloweallotment and project vegetable, linking growing local groupsgroups bed contribute toto promotepromote to thecommunalcommunal marvellous growing and sharing of fresh garden produce. We're establishing “pick growinggrowingEdible andand Cutteslowe sharing ofproject fresh, gardenlinking localproduce. groups We're to promote establishingestablishing communal “pick“pick your own tomatoes” and our range of plants for flower-beds and hanging-baskets is now better youryour ownown tomatoes”tomatoes” andandgrowing ourour rangerange and sharingof plants of for fresh flower garden-beds produce. and hanging We're--baskets establishing isis nownow “pickbetterbetter than ever. thanyourthan ever.ownever. tomatoes” and our range of plants for flower-beds and hanging-baskets is now better We also look forward to welcoming back our therapy clients and our wonderful than ever.WeWe alsoalso looklook forwardforward toto welcomingwelcoming backback our therapy clients and our wonderful volunteers. We’ll be restarting our social horticulture groups for local people with a range of volunteers volunteersWe also.. WW e’lllooke’ll bebe forward restartingrestarting to welcoming ourour social backhorticulture our thera groupspy clients for local and people our wonderful withwith aa rangerange ofof different needs and, by popular demand, re-opening our exciting tropical house with its array of differentvolunteersdifferent needsneeds. We’ll and,and, be restartingbyby popularpopular our demand,demand, social horticulturere-opening groupsour exciting for local tropical people house with withwith a range itsits arrayarray of ofof enchanting tropical plants, reptiles, exotic birdlife and butterflies from around the world. enchantingdifferentenchanting needs tropicaltropical and, plants,plants, by popular reptiles,reptiles, demand, exotic re birdlife-opening and our butterflies exciting from tropical around house thethe with world.world. its array of ComeCome toto seesee us,us, andand relaxrelax withwith a hot drink in our new sensory garden,garden, builtbuilt andand managedmanaged aatt enchantingCome tropicalto see us, plants, and relaxreptiles, with exotic a hot birdlifedrink in and our butterfliesnew sensory from garden, around built the andworld. managed at ourour centrecentreCome by byto thethesee lovelylovely us, and folkfolk relax fromfrom with thethe aMuseumMuseum hot drink of in Oxford. our new sensory garden, built and managed ColinColin CureCure at our centre by the lovely folk from the Museum of Oxford. Colin Cure our centre by the lovely folk from the Museum of Oxford. 1 Colin Cure 1 1 The Flying Goose Issue 60 June 2021 Our church in Cutteslowe Photos courtesy of Louise Long My article last September introduced both myself and the church I lead – Cutteslowe Connected. It has been wonderful to see our community thriving since then despite the pandemic dragging on. We have continued our Sunday services and midweek groups on Zoom (as well as the occasional picnic in the park when the rules allow!), to study the Bible, worship God and pray together. But beyond that we have also never been more active on the Cutteslowe estate. Our main focus has been launching and helping to run the Cutteslowe Community Larder every Wednesday from 2 - 4 pm, kindly hosted by the Community Association. This project, which only started during the first lockdown, has grown enormously and now over a hundred families each week take home bags and bags of surplus food which would otherwise have been thrown away, for a small weekly membership fee of just £3.50. This has not only massively reduced food waste but has been a lifeline for many on our estate who have struggled during the pandemic. Email [email protected] if you’d like to join the larder or our growing team of volunteers who make it happen each week. The biggest newsnews to share iiss that Cutteslowe Connected is returning to live in- person services from Sunday 4 July. We will meet at Cutteslowe Primary School at 3.30pm and absolutely everybody is welcome. I am hugely looking forward to worshipping God together, after such a long period of separation from our church family. Please do join us, especially if you have never been to our church before – we would love to celebrate with you. The Revd TomTom Murray

Jasmine's Coppice

If you live in Cutteslowe, or, as I do, in Sunnymead, you might well be unaware of Jasmine's Coppice. It may not be a secret in Wolvercote but it needed local expert Dr Alison Macdonald to alert me when it was at its most

beautiful, at the beginning of April - she sent me LEMARSH these photographs, and after church on Easter Day BUILDING SERVICES LTD Jasmine (Howse) told me where to find it, so, for the benefit of foreigners, this is what you do. Start from a • PLUMBING point that surely • HEATING everyone • BOILER INSTALLATION & MAINTENANCE knows: The • BATHROOM INSTALLATIONS Plough Inn. • TILING Proceed thence along Wolvercote Green, • LEADWORK pass Wolvercote Village Hall and then turn right • GUTTERING AND FASCIAS along Godstow Road. Immediately you will find, • DRAIN CLEARANCE on the right, what might variously be described as • FENCING a twitten, ginnel, snicket, alley or, indeed, path, a few steps along which brings you to a wild flower For further information area on the left. It has taken ten years, the good please contact Andy doctor tells me, for the coppice to reach this pitch 07710 390 980 / of perfection so I suggest that we all make a diary 07484274331 date to visit it next Spring, when it should be even 01865 761876189696 (Office) more beautiful. Thank you, Jasmine, for whatever it is that you have done to encourage great [email protected] creating nature so splendidly to do its stuff. CSSD

2 The Flying Goose Issue 60 June 2021

The Neighbourhood Plan referendum: YES!

As you will know by now, the Wolvercote Neighbourhood Plan was decisively embraced by the electorate. 96% of votes in the referendum on 6 May were YES. www.wolvercotenf.org.uk An approved plan is the beginning, not the end, of neighbourhood planning. We [email protected] must do our best to ensure that our policies are not ignored, and that it is always evident that they are taken into account when planning decisions are made. We drew attention previously to the concern, expressed by politicians from all parties and many other organisations, that government proposals to streamline planning and increase permitted development would reduce local democracy, and weaken protection for green spaces. We must make sure that unacceptable proposals continue to be challenged. A plan also means the neighbourhood is entitled to a larger share of the Community Infrastructure Levy from developments (25% rather than 15%) to spend on local projects. It is important that local people make the decisions, that the process is open and transparent, and that the best use is made of available resources. There is a draft proposal for making funding applications on the WNF website. We already have a list of aspirations, but please keep adding to the list. Making a plan a reality requires the involvement and help of a lot of people. We will need to engage more people in meetings and activities. The Steering Committee certainly needs more help and participation from a wider section of our community. There are continuing issues that need addressing, so please help. Finally I would like to thank all those who supported the plan in the referendum and contributed to its development over the time it has taken. Christopher Hardman

Wolvercote Local History Society The Walter tomb – the second instalment!

Sir John Walter was the founder of the family that he chose to raise on the Wolvercote estate he had bought in 1616 (he had seven others in the county). His once ornate tomb - “miserably defaced at the time of the Civill War”, we learn from the antiquary Anthony à Wood’ s account in 1681 – commemorates some of his eight children, those who made their own impact on 17th century society and who are, we learn from the same source, “painted from the life”. His eldest son William (1604-75), later created a baronet, was, like his father, a notable Royalist, for which he paid the price: though by profession a lawyer and politician, in 1646 he was fined £1,430 for taking arms against the Parliamentary party (he saw action at a battle at Thame, the king’s headquarters, in 1645). His estates were confiscated, and only returned after the Restoration in 1660. His younger brother David (1611-79), commemorated in a periwigged bust in St Peter’s, followed a similar path; he joined the king’s forces, and he too saw action at Thame. On the death of his stepmother he had inherited a handsome house in 1636, built in the ruins of Godstow abbey, which became the Royalist headquarters, and which he fired sooner than allow it to fall into enemy hands. Charles II rewarded him for “the great Valour and loyalty he had shewed … during the Civill warres” by appointments as Lieutenant–General of the Ordnance and later Groom of the Bedchamber. Their sister Mary, born 1608, is said to have married Sir Richard Fanshawe, the noted Metaphysical poet (who was indeed married in St Peter’s church on 18 May 1644, but to one Anne Harrison; Mary married Sir John Cope of Hanwell). Another younger sister, Elizabeth, married Sir Francis Burdett, moved to Derbyshire and died at an advanced age in 1701 – after nearly a century of the Walter/Wolvercote connection. Barbara Dennis

3 The Flying Goose Issue 60 June 2021 Notes from Wolvercote School

At Wolvercote Primary School we are proud of the happy start our youngest children have in Ladybirds nursery class. They have wonderful learning experiences led by our experienced NNEB Karen McNulty. Recently the outside play space has been extended to give more opportunities for learning outside. Ladybirds share outdoor space with the Reception children, separately from the rest of the school. Therefore the adults who work in Reception are very familiar to the Ladybirds children, and transition to the main school is very smooth. This year started with a focus on making new friends. As autumn arrived the Ladybirds went on a 'looking for signs of autumn' walk and came back with handfuls of beautiful leaves. Speaking and listening development is a vital part of the nursery curriculum and Mrs McNulty has introduced a weekly ‘Curiosity Box’ to promote asking questions. In the spring term Ladybirds looked at the stories of 'The Three Little Pigs' and 'Jack and the Beanstalk'. We are excited to know whether any of the beans they planted got as tall as Jack’s! All children in Ladybirds attend every morning session. If your family is entitled to 30 hours nursery provision, or if you wish to pay for the afternoon session, then children can stay for a full school day. There are still a few places available in Ladybirds class for September; to find out more contact Teresa on 558301 or [email protected]. Megan Carberry

Wolvercote Commoners’ Committee

The Wolvercote Commoners’ Committee AGM was again held online and was “informative and interesting” according to feedback from those who joined the meeting. In addition to reports from the subcommittees, we invited Julian Cooper, our Port Meadow Ranger, to speak about current issues on Wolvercote Common and Port Meadow; these included the important function of the meadow flooding, “the life blood of all flood plains”, allowing the grass to get a rest and renew. He referred to the report by the Chair, Mary Brown, which emphasized the importance of education and information, making sure that people feel they have a duty of care, and he thanked the graziers for their part in caring for the livestock for which Port Meadow and Wolvercote Common is home. Christopher Hardman from the Wolvercote Neighbourhood Forum gave us a helpful talk which included the importance of voting for the Neighbourhood Plan Referendum. Jo Malden from Wolvercote Tree Group gave us a rich picture of the history and growth of the work of the Tree Group and their current plan to find more local spaces for tree planting at this time of climate crisis. And now, at the time of writing, we have ten cows back on Wolvercote Common after the fallow months of winter, with more cows to follow once the grass has had a chance to grow following what has been a chilly spring. Eleanor Woods 4 The Flying Goose Issue 60 June 2021 The beautiful new bench on Goose Green commemorates Doug and Nora Portman. Julie Aylott, their niece, fills in the background.

Douglas was born on 28 November 1936 to Reginald (aka 'Porky') and Florence Portman. They lived at 45 Ulfgar Road. Doug attended Wolvercote School, later moving to Cutteslowe. Doug enjoyed Wolvercote Boys' Club, boxing and Doug weightlifting. He was also a keen fisherman. Doug married local girl Cynthia Edmunds; they lived in Elmthorpe Road, and they ran the Wavy Line Grocery shop. Doug also worked at the paper mill. The marriage did not last, however Doug later found love with Nora Haynes, personnel officer at the mill. They lived for many years at 143 Godstow Road, before moving north to Nora's home in Durham. Nora died in 2007, cared for by Nora Doug until he was unable to do so. When Doug was diagnosed with onset dementia his family decided to bring him back to Oxford - it had always been his wish to come back some day. Sadly, after thirteen months here Doug contracted Covid and passed away on 3 December last year. Before Covid struck I brought Doug back to Wolverote to show him where he used to live and work. This prompted many happy memories. We drank in The White Hart, his old 'regular'. He chatted with locals and then said, with a big smile, 'That was champion!'

Doug and Nora Portman

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The Flying Goose Issue 60 June 2021 SOME OF THIS MAY WELL HAPPEN - BUT PLEASE CHECK FIRST!

DIRECTORY Vinyasa Flow Yoga Classes UNDER 5s AND THEIR CARERS Please notify Nick Buckland on 557830 or Tuesdays 10:00 and Saturdays 10:30 at Oxford Jury’s Inn Dandelions Baby and Toddler Group [email protected] of any / Tuesdays 19:00 at Spirit Health Club Drop-in for 0-4 year olds and carers. Tuesdays 10:00- changes or additions. Telephone numbers [email protected] 07790790046 12:00, Baptist Church Hall. Leanne McClements Tel 511503. are local (01865) unless specified. Wolvercote & District Royal British Legion 2nd Monday in The White Hart 20:00. Ex- and non- Toddler Time servicemen and women welcome. David Humphrey For pre-school age children and their carers. Wed CHURCHES AND SERVICES 316870 or [email protected] All Saints’ Church, Wytham Sunday services mornings in term-time 10.30-12:00 at Summertown start at 0945. Kathy Day 247697 or David Wolvercote Horticultural Society United Reformed Church. Contact Mary on 554983 Humphrey 316870 Activities Ann Munro 558090; Membership: St Peter’s Parent and Toddler Group [email protected]; Shows: Clare Winterbottom Choir, St Peter’s Church For parents and carers of 0-5 year old [email protected] General info Fri 9:30–11:30 am (termtime). Fridays at 18.30 and Sundays at 09.00. www.wolvercote.org [email protected] June Williams 511770 [email protected] Wolvercote Local History Society See the note on p 7 (opposite) St Peter’s Church Barbara Dennis 554616 [email protected] Sunnymead Minnows Stay & Play Vicarage 553992 Wolvercote Morris Dancers Parish Office: (Tues/Weds/Thurs am) 236094 Drop-in for under 5s incl. affordable lunch Beginners and experienced dancers (men and women) Thursdays 09:45 - 12:30 Cutteslowe Community Centre www.stpeterswolvercote.org and new musicians welcome. Practice Wednesday evenings 20:00. For more information please contact Jo United Reformed Church, Summertown <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> Sunday Worship 10:30. Junior Church for children. Malden 556422 or Jon Price 316737 Minister Revd Pauline Main 513581 [email protected] COMMUNITY RESOURCES Cutteslowe Community Centre Secretary Beryl Knotts 510055 Wolvercote Textile Group Tuesdays 13:30-15:30 Old Cutteslowe Community Association 31 Wren Road, OX2 School Room Wolvercote Baptist Church 7SX tel: 311172 09.00 -13:00, Mondays to Fridays Sunday Services – 18.00 pm BST 15:00 in winter. Wolvercote Tree Group & Community Orchard st Friends of Cutteslowe & Sunnymead Park Communion Service 1 Sunday of the month. Val Tate 559316 Messy Church 2nd Sunday (except August) 15:30 Graham Jones 513243 www.cutteslowesunnymead.org Minister: The Revd Vivien Edwards Wolvercote W I [email protected] / Sec: John Harper Village Hall 2nd Tuesday month (exc August) 19:30 Elaine Wolvercote Commoners Committee 454526 Chaston 428398 Chair: Mary Brown 236897 Secretary: Eleanor Woods Wolvercote School and Community Choir Women’s Fellowship: Leader Jill Galloway [email protected] Learn to sing with Jenni Matthews. All abilities welcome. www.wolvercotecommoners.co.uk 5135373 Wolvercote School Hall, every 2nd Tuesday of the month Tuesdays 14:30 19:30-21:00 Wolvercote Neighbourhood Plan and Forum [email protected] Contact Ellen Hudspith [email protected] Chair: Christopher Hardman 513545 [email protected] www.wolvercotenf.org.uk <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> Gentle restorative yoga CLASSES, ACTIVITIES & MAKING FRIENDS Dru yoga for all ages and bodies, emphasizing internal Wolvercote Young People’s Club Bellringing at St Peter’s Church energy balance and back care. Classes in Lower Room or hall hire: [email protected] Wolvercote Tuesday 18:30 - 19:45 Mindful, physical and fun! All welcome. Thursdays Fridays 10:00 -11:30 (limited availability) Wolvercote Village Hall Committee Handbell ringing 19:00-20:00, Ringing Simulator email [email protected] [email protected] 19.30-21:00, Tower Bell ringing 20:00-21:00 St Peter's Rooms Jonathan Beale <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> 512317 [email protected] Bookings: Rosemary Williams 436866 or [email protected] Cutteslowe Seniors’ Group CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE Welcomes new 60+ members. Cutteslowe Scouts – 3rd Oxford Scout Group What’s on in Wolvercote, Wytham & Cutteslowe Community Centre every second Friday. Beavers (boys & girls aged 6-8) Tues 18:00-19:00 www.wolvercote.org Sylvia Barker 07531491730 For information on What’s on? or to publicise events in Cubs (boys & girls aged 8-11) Weds 18:30-20:00 and around Wolvercote, Wytham or Cutteslowe contact Gentle Yoga Classes [email protected] [email protected] Held in Wolvercote. Robin Lipsey (dipBWY) 552811. www.oxfordyoga.org.uk Wolvercote Young People’s Centre Wolvercote and Wytham Midsummer Festival Mondays 17:00-20:00 Young Women's Group (13-18 year Contact (Chairman) John Winterbottom 556120 - Monday Morning Yoga olds) [email protected] Ashtanga & Vinyasa Flow Yoga class 08:45-10:00 Wednesdays 18:00-19:00 ONLINE cooking St Peter’s Rooms (termtime) Thursday Vinyasa Thursdays 17:00-20:00 Seniors (13-18 year olds) Wolvercote Elected Representatives flow yoga 18:15-19:15 at Jury's Inn. Details: Saturdays 12:00-15:00 Walking in Nature (8-14 year olds) City: Steve Goddard 07483 011089 Emma www.emmacheong.co.uk Saturdays 15:00-18:00 The Art Café (8-12 year olds) [email protected] Lower Wolvercote Allotments (Wolvercote For more information email us at Liz Wade 07984 602723 Common) Plots available. [email protected] or visit [email protected] [email protected] www.wolvercotepyc.org.uk County: Andrew Gant 07545122560 andrew.gant@oxfordshire.gov.uk Cutteslowe Primary School Monday Lunch Club (starts on 5 July) MP: Layla Moran 01865 245635 Wren Road, Oxford OX2 7SX Sociable meal, mainly for pensioners. 12:00 at the [email protected] Baptist Church Hall, Lower Wolvercote every Head of School Lucy Phipps, Tel 558944 [email protected] Monday except Bank Holidays and August. Bus Monthly Councillors’ surgeries take place at Kendall transport available. Contact Lorna Logan 556486 North Oxford Youth Theatre Crescent or in Wolvercote. or email [email protected]. Ages 10-17 Enquiries to [email protected] <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> North Oxford Folk Dance Group Summertown Stars Youth Football Club Thursdays at Cutteslowe Pavilion from 19:45- Fun or competitive football for boys, girls or visually TRADERS 21:45 Ann 552715 / Colin 779417 impaired, ages 6-18. [email protected] St Peter’s Fair Trade Stall Goods from the Fairtrade@st. michaels shop, Open Door Coffee Mornings Wolvercote Brownies, Guides and Rangers Cornmarket. Usually the 3rd Sunday at St Peter's United Reformed Church, Summertown. All Mon: 1st Wolvercote Brownies (girls 7-10), Church Rooms 11:00 and 4th Sunday at All Saints’ welcome Wednesdays 10:30-12:00. Tues: 10th North Oxford Guides (girls 10-14) Wytham 11:00 Lorna Logan 556486 Tai chi chuan & Qigong classes Thur: 1st Wolvercote Rainbows (girls 5-7) Traidcraft Fair Traders Tuesdays 18:30-19:30 St Peter's Rooms. Isis Rangers (girls and women 14-25) David & Susan Smith 559433 [email protected] Phil 07711573750 or Emma 07710768810 Fri: 1st Wolvercote Guides (girls 10-14) [email protected] Contact: Kate Parrinder 07760 308308 Cutteslowe Park Community Garden Centre [email protected] Cutteslowe Park, Harbord Rd St Peter’s Players www.girlguiding.org.uk Oxford, OX2 8BA 511938 Clare Winterbottom 556120 [email protected] [email protected] Wolvercote Primary School www.chartervillecare.co.uk First Turn, Wolvercote OX2 8AQ Upper Wolvercote Allotments AND ON FACEBOOK Head of School Lucy Young 558301 Plant sales/Café/Butterfly house/vegetables/pick your Along canal in Upper Wolvercote. [email protected] Teresa Hall: [email protected] own/Xmas trees/community craft shop.

6 The Flying Goose Issue 60 June 2021

SOME IMPORTANT DATES FOR YOUR DIARIES

The Monday lunch club St Peter's Friday Baby and Toddler Group

We plan to reopen on July 5th. This is an informal We will open for 4 sessions on the 2nd, 9th, 16th and 23rd social gathering for elderly people at the Wolvercote July (Friday 9.30-11.30). Baptist Church Hall on Mondays at 12pm. Lunch is We will restart after the summer holiday on prepared by volunteer members. Transport may be Friday 3rd Sept 2021. available for those unable to walk. We can currently June Williams 511770 or [email protected] welcome new guests and helpers. Ring or email Lorna Logan on 556486 [email protected] Getting help from your councillors Wolvercote & Wytham Midsummer Festival 2021 Your councillors are always contactable by email: Friday 18 – Sunday 27 June [email protected], [email protected], [email protected] The Festival Programme is building all the time - We hope to have surgeries as follows: please go to www.wolvercote.org/festival for White Hart, Lower Wolvercote: 11.30-12.30, Sunday updatesto the Summary of Events and detailed 13 June, 11 July, 8 August, 12 September information Kendall Crescent shops, 10.30-12 noon, Saturday 26 June, 24 July, 28 August.

ALL WEEK Treasure Hunt ALL WEEK Colour Trail SAT 19 14:00 - 17:00 Fun on the Farm.

14:00 / 20:00 A Midsummer Night's th Dream On Saturday 19 June at the FAI farm in Wytham WHS 20:00 Virtual Music Night will hold a plant sale from noon to 5pm. This part of Fun SUN 20 10:00-14:00 Food Fest Wolvercote. on the Farm, there will also be tractor rides, live music, 10:00 Festival Service children`s games and an art and craft show in the barn. 12:00-19:00 Art and Craft Exhibition 14:00-16:30 WHS Summer Show The postcode for the farm is OX28QJ.During the festival 19:30 A Midsummer Night's Dream there is a colour trail through the villages of Wolvercote MON 21 15:00-17:00 Monday Lunch Club Tea and Wytham in front gardens and public spaces. Party(members only) THU 24 14:00 Port Meadow Walk 19:30 Poetry Evening FRI 25 16:00 Fish and Ships Sea Shanty afternoon & evening SAT 26 12:30 Morris Dancing Wolvercote Horticultural Society Summer Show 2021 13:30 Children's Parade to St Peter's Fete. as part of the 14:00-16:00 St Peter’s Fete Wolvercote and Wytham Midsummer Festival 16:00-20:00 Young People's Club Open Evening Sunday 20th June 2021 from 2 – 4:30 SUN 27 7.30pm Quiz Night at The Plough at Wolvercote Village Hall Refreshments available Details: wolvercote.org/wolvercote-horticultural-society/

March 2021 cryptic crossword winners (and answers)

Correct solutions were submitted by Sachiko Tytler, Laurence Wroe, Mike Schofield, Tomos Potter, Laurien Berkeley and Thomas Bloom. Well done to all these gifted and tenacious cruciverbalists. Mrs Troglodyte drew Mike Schofield's name out of the Hat, and so he is the lucky winner of Troglodyte's Bottle.

Answers to the quick crossword ACROSS 8 Nuthatch 9 Snouts 11 Ninja 12 Ascot 13 Roo 14 Wellington Boots 15 Five Cubed 25 Rio 27 Crocodile Dundee 26 Wilco 27 Djinn 28 Emigré 29 Gigawatt DOWN 1 Unknown 2 Stonily 3 Tamari 4 Octangle 5 Unstable 6 Gunroom 7 Espouse 10 Echo 16 Ironwork 17 Unexotic 18 Scarlet 19 Robotic 20 Admiral 21 Peanuts 23 Idle 24 Undead

More crosswords will follow later in the year.

7 1914-1918 Wolvercote

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The Flying Goose Issue 60 June 2021

NEW VICAR FOR ST PETER'S AND ALL SAINTS' It was announced in May that we will soon be welcoming the Revd Catherine (Kate) Tuckett to our benefice. Kate's current role is Vicar of St Alban's, North Harrow, although at the moment she is on maternity leave. In September's issue there will be more about Kate, with, perhaps, a photograph of the baby (I really like vicars, but I really really like babies) and the date of Kate's licensing. It's terrific news that an appointment has been made but for the immediate future it remains 'business as usual', which is to say a great deal more hard work by our depleted but heroic ministry team and all our other hard-working volunteers.

Some dates for your church diaries 'Come & Sing' Sunday 12 September JUNE St Peter's Church Sun 6 CUTTESLOWE SERVICE – 15:00 at Cutteslowe Pavilion Tues 8 JULIAN MEETING – 11.45-12.15 in St Peter’s Church – Handel Zadok the Priest / Vivaldi Gloria meeting in silence with God (also on Tuesdays 22 & 29 June, 2.00 Rehearsal / 6.00 Sing-through 13 & 27 July, 10, 24 & 31 August, 14 & 18 September) with orchestra Sun 20 WOLVERCOTE & WYTHAM FESTIVAL SERVICE – directed by Chris Fletcher-Campbell 10:00 - St Peter’s Church Sat 26 ST PETER’S CHURCH FETE – 14:00-16:00 in St Retiring collection in aid of Peter’s Church gardens NOAAH and WYPC Sun 27 ST PETER’S PATRONAL SERVICE – 11:00 in St (Covid restrictions permitting) Peter’s Church JULY Sun 4 CUTTESLOWE SERVICE – 15:00 at Cutteslowe Pavlion From St Peter’s Register AUGUST Sat 21 MEMORIAL SERVICE for Alison Adcock (time to be Marriage Vow Renewals confirmed) - St Peter’s Church Friday 30 April Daniel and Dawn Robson (St SEPTEMBER Peter’s) Sun 5 CUTTESLOWE SERVICE – 3pm at Cutteslowe Pavlion Funerals Sat 11 OXFORDSHIRE HISTORIC CHURCHES RIDE AND Mon 15 March David Burden (St Peter’s) STRIDE – all day Thurs 18 March Joan Smith (St John’s Sat 18 MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR Valerie Barnish (time to be Chapel) confirmed) - St Peter’s Church Wed 21 April John Steven (N Oxfordshire Crematorium)

Michael Stockford's death ends an era. Michael H. Stockford sundials in order to restore the 'Redeem In January he and Rita had celebrated his 17 January 1931 - 4 May 2021 the Time' sundial on the church tower. 90th birthday and, in March, their 70th During a long retirement Michael wedding anniversary. Over his long life and Rita were regular in attendance at St Michael became Wolvercote's chronicler: in Peter's, he always in a jacket and tie, she two generously illustrated books he for many years in the choir. I think of described his childhood at The Plough and Michael crossing the church to hug Rita at the village as it used to be - its vicars, its 'the peace'. I would sometimes come school, its characters, the railway, the canal, across the two of them walking their little the river - and the life that was lived here dog around their part of town, a tall, before, during and after the war, and then striking couple. "Mr Stockford! Sir!' I the gradual change of an idyllically retired would cry, wildly, from some distance, and Oxfordshire village to the noiser, busier he would look taken aback, then place we know now. His memories were remember who I was, have a think about recorded for the Oxford Canal Heritage what he might write for our next issue and Project, and in regular articles in The Flying deliver it a day or two later. His final Goose Michael reflected engagingly on article last June compared the war years Wolvercote, past and present. His great love with now, concluding that dreadful crises for the place and for St Peter's Church, his spiritual home, brought people together and reminding us of the was eloquent in all of it. incalculable value of sympathetic neighbourliness - a Michael was apprenticed as a joiner, and after National lesson for us all. Service he started work, rising in due course to be general The bright yellow car in which Michael drove Rita foreman for Kingerlee & Sons (and building a house in (and the little dog) round Oxford seemed appropriately Yarnton for the family in his spare time). The quality of his expressive of the sunny warmth which characterised them. work on a contract at St Edward's was such that the school They met as teenagers and were married soon afterwards. appointed him its Clerk of Works. For Michael, Rita was 'the keeper of my soul'. All who knew Michael's lifelong commitment to St Peter's as and admired Michael will feel for Rita in this shattering choirboy, server, sidesman, church warden and general separation after so very many happy years. Neighbourly factotum was absolute. Among many other things, Michael sympathy will not be wanting. Michael was an institution: installed the glass in the Piper window and learned about unforgettable. CSSD

8 The Flying Goose Issue 60 June 2021 News from Wolvercote Young People's Club

As Covid restrictions ease, the WYPC is offering lots of free fun. The club is opening up with a Young Woman’s group on Mondays; sports, music and food for seniors (13-18) on Thursdays, and two sessions on Saturdays: Nature Walks for 8-14 year olds and an Art Café for 8-12 year olds. Meanwhile, our online cooking club was so successful during lockdown, it looks like we’re continuing with that as well. There are always plenty of things to do at the WYPC: video-making, drumming, campfires, table football, basketball, cooking, murals, and more, but we’re different from school or other clubs. Why? There is never any pressure. Young people are always welcome just to listen to music, shoot some pool, hang out and socialise. There are always professionally trained youth workers there to listen if that’s what is needed. For more about our opening hours and sessions, check out our website. This year, there are big changes ahead for the WYPC. We’re about to hire a new Charity Manager to help with growth, community engagement and fundraising. We’re also hoping to start opening during the day for kids who want to be part of creative business start-ups. The club is always in need of volunteers, be it people good with kids and teenagers, DIY or computer experts, fundraisers and potential board members. We welcome members of the community to get in touch. Finally, a big thank you to St Peter’s Church for the nice new piano! Carol Peaker, Chair, Wolvercote Young People's Club

Replacement of the weir at the Trout Inn Nicola Shorter has sent us an update on plans for this work We are planning to start construction of the new weir in June. As you will have read in the March edition, we are replacing the weir because the current structure is in poor condition. We will be constructing the weir over six months. The new weir will move slightly further downstream and include a channel for fish and eels. There may a small amount of disruption to traffic while we set up the site and take deliveries; we believe we can manage this without any road closures. While the construction works are in progress we expect local businesses to remain open including the Trout Inn. There will be short periods of disruption to the Thames Path at Godstow Abbey, while we move materials to the island from our compound. We have permission for the compound from Historic England. You can read more here: www.gov.uk/guidance/river-thames-restrictions-and-closures. If you would like to know more, please email [email protected] or call 03708 506 506. Nicola gives no specific information for our boaters, but the following details may help (taken from the government website that Nicola refers us to): Passage through Godstow Reach will be restricted at times between June and December 2021 while we build our new weir and remove the old one. There will be a handful of navigation closures (up to 6 hours) to enable equipment to be taken to the construction site. There will also be a number of shorter closures (up to 2 hours) to allow for concrete pumping across the channel. Where possible we will time the closures to mornings before 10am, when there is less river traffic present. During these times boats will be held at Godstow and King’s Locks. Narrow and small craft may choose to use the Oxford Canal (free of charge for the stretch Isis Lock to Duke’s Cut and F vice versa, under agreement with the Canal & River Trust for the duration of the FAI IEENRICHEDLD LIVING works). Wonderful personal care in the heart of North Oxford The Flying Goose is produced by St Peter’s Church, the Anglican Parish Church of Wolvercote (www.stpeterswolvercote.org). It appears four times a year (in March, June, September and December) and is Our beautiful brand new distributed free to 3,000 homes in the parish and ward of Wolvercote. It is a resource for local community groups to home has 38 bedrooms, let others know about their news and events. It is printed on recycled paper. Articles, Diary Dates and Advertising views over the gardens, a To submit an article or amend the Directory, contact Stephen Drew at [email protected], tel 554352. busy programme of activities, To put something in Diary Dates, contact Nick Buckland at [email protected], tel 557830. To enquire about advertising, contact Sarah Pepys at [email protected], tel 07931664034 delicious freshly cooked food Disclaimer The views expressed in The Flying Goose are not those of the editing team. The Flying Goose does not and a friendly team of carers, accept liability for any loss or damage caused by any error or inaccuracy in the printing or non-appearance of any advertisement. The Flying Goose regrets that it cannot in any way guarantee the subject of any advertisements. all of which make Fairfield a Next edition The copy deadline for the next edition, to be published in early September, is 6th August, once it has been confirmed with the editor that space will be available. real home from home. What’s in a name? The Flying Goose is so called because Wolvercote has a long connection with geese being kept on Port Meadow and Goose Green; because in Celtic Christianity the goose was a symbol of the Holy Spirit; because CONTACT US TO ARRANGE A VISIT: geese flying in V formation are a good image of community co-operation (flying in a V, geese can travel up to 70% further than any single goose on its own, each goose taking a turn as the leader whilst the others honk Fairfield, 115a Banbury Road, Oxford, OX2 6LA encouragement from behind). It also made the editorial team smile! T: 01865 558413 E: care@fairfieldhome.co.uk Printed by Parchment Ltd Crescent Road Cowley Oxford OX4 2PB / Design and layout donated by Franks and Franks WWW.FAIRFIELDHOME.CO.UK

9 The Flying Goose Issue 60 June 2021

PLASTIC-FREE JULY - AND EVER AFTER!

These appalling images are all too common.

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These items can be found at: mcsuk.org/shop Part of Dignity plc. A British Company. (Marine Conservation Society); rspb.org.uk/shop (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds); shop.whales.org (Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society). Buying from these charities supports their crucial conservation work. bambooclothing.co.uk It’s best to ring or make a wide range of sustainable email first, please. 'Impact Positive' garments. milkandmore.co.uk deliver (in electric vans!) milk and juice in glass bottles organic fruit and vegetables (in compostable bags!)

Diana Clews

10 The Flying Goose Issue 60 June 2021

Share your life, change a life - Oxfordshire County Council needs help that you may be able to give!

Could you give someone the opportunity to live the fullest life they can live? Help them grow in confidence? Encourage them to become more independent and do things they never though they would be able to do? The Shared Lives scheme matches people who need additional support to be independent, with carers and their families. The opportunity to sharsharee a family’s life, as part of their household, gives them a valuable alternative to staying in residential care or being looked after by a team of support workers. Becoming a Shared Lives Carer for Oxfordshire County Council will make a big difference to someone's life. If you love people, and are looking for something that is rewarding, paid and home-based - share your life, change a life - oxfordshire.gov.uk/sharedlivescarers.

Notes from the Canal

It is the end of April as I write this, and the world is slowly starting to open up, but here on the canal we are feeling a bit, well, squeezed. The last six months have been difficult, and have highlighted - starkly - the structural barriers to engaging with local governance when you don’t live in bricks and mortar. When you don’t appear on a map, and your registered address is a box on the towpath in Summertown, it is difficult to communicate your existence to the local council, developers, decision-makers and contractors. You are easily disenfranchised. A number of initiatives are underway that directly affect our environment and our wellbeing, but our ability to constructively engage with those initiatiinitiativesves continues to be a struggle. Some of our most recent battles to be ‘heard’ include the A40 construction works, the towpath resurfacing project, the East-West Rail Project, and access to the electoral roll. Our desire to be involved in consultation and information-sharing is not rooted in NIMBY-ism, but in a desire to contribute constructively to the Wolvercote community. We love these moorings and this village, and we are trying very hard to be good neighbours and empowered citizens. There are, nonetheless, bright points of light on gloomy days. Our ‘Growpath’ project continues to flourish. The moorings are now home to Towpath Productions (www.towpathproductions.co.uk), whose ‘moving music’ uplifts us. Ducklings have been spotted. We can go the pub and talk about toilets (a favoured topic amongst boaters). It’s not all bad.

Caroline Thurston

Easter Sunday at Pink Hill Meadow 11 21

The Flying Goose Issue 60 June 2021

It takes a village ...

The old adage “it takes a village to raise a child” has never been more true, in our young peoples’ lifetimes, than during our most recent lockdown. The novelty of this strange pandemic world had worn off; remote schooling was becoming both frustrating and discouraging;discouraging; and everyone’s patience was wearing thin. Parents found themselves concerned for their children’s straining mental health, complicated educational progress, and daily well-being. At the same time, they juggled logistical and professional obligations made more challenging by a pandemic, all without any extended family or childcare support. Though we all found ourselves floundering in the same leaky boat, how invigorated and inspired, to a Christmas and Easter could we possibly help to bail each other out, with not made magical by community spirit, this village has helped enough hours or energy left after completing our our children to get through what may end up being one of impossible mission each day? Yet, true to form, the the greatest challenges of their lifetimes. As individual incomparable village of Wolvercote somehow managed parents we could not have done it on our own (at least, to find a way. With a legacy of tenured generations not nearly so well). We were set an impossible task in welcoming (and teaching) new ones; a commitment to ‘unprecedented times’. Luckily, regardless of any two celebrating good times together and supporting each metre limitations or care bubble restrictions, we have other through hardship; and of adapting to new NOT been on our own. It takes a village to raise a child, challenges while remaining true to its village spirit, one and fortunately for us, we’ve had each other, in this cannot be surprised. village of indomitable spirit, to parent in a pandemic as only Wolvercote could. Elizabeth Rozeboom

Despite having to keep distant, parents and neighbours came together to give our children things to look forward to, to keep their brains and bodies active and their spirits up. On Rosamund Road, housefronts played host to pirate treasure hunts, safari expeditions and an entire solar system, drawing (socially distanced) families from Upper and Lower Wolvercote, the new Mill site, Wytham, Cutteslowe and beyond. What passers-by may not have seen was that those housefronts were only the tip of the iceberg. Donations for materials came in from families all over the village - neighbours old and new - to make each Monday special. From clothes pegs and egg boxes, to safari stuffies and funds for astronaut ice cream, parents and neighbours drew from that seemingly bottomless well we all have when it comes to our kids. It wasn’t just Mondays on Rosamund Road, either. From a village-wide World Book Day trail that

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