No. 41, May, 1998 Published by the Jericho Community Association Across the 1bridge to nowhere' ~~~~~~~~~

Residential boat dweller Given national housing demands this munity. They have given the hire boats a Mark Davies invites you to frenzy of building was probably inevitable. smart new blue and yellow livery and have But its nature and location were not. To plans to open a chandlery and craft shop. visit the Jericho Riviera. many, the plan to squeeze 50 of the Rew­ To their credit, British Waterways are ley Park dwellings into the wedge of land genuinely interested in consultation. Re­ n 1973 the Mail called the bordered by the railway is ill-conceived. gional Manager Simon Ainley has estab­ Oxford Canal ·a half-mile of muddy And the construction of a new road bridge lished the Oxford Canal Forum, a group of slum', with the brand new footbridge I to provide access from Rewley Road, is local representatives - including boat­ from Jericho dubbed a 'bridge to no­ surely a bridge too far. A petition in 1995 dwellers, leisure-boat owners, anglers. where'. In 197 4 the Thames Star called it a signed by 900 people, following a huge landowners, and councillors. The "local 'stinking ditch full of weeds, rubbish and canal-side demonstration organized by distinctiveness' sub-group, which is cur­ empty bottles thrown in by local layabout Friends of the Earth, argued that a de­ rently biased towards and alcoholics'. A decade later an Inland Wa­ velopment so close to both the railway and Walton Manor, would like to include a terways Association spokesperson said bus stations should be pioneeringly car­ Jericho resident. If you can spare a little 'people tell us that they never walk along free . Future generations will surely be time to offer a Jericho perspective please there because it's so nasty'. puzzled by our lack of transport foresight. contact Catherine Robinson (tel. 511307). Nowadays that is no longer true. With A similar lack of vision may be ap­ For now though, the stretch of towpath obvious exceptions, the Canal is an at­ parent in British Waterways' sacrificing of either side of the "bridge to nowhere· tractive, vibrant place - a green corridor the last remnants of Jericho's canal heri­ remains a reminder of the bad old days - attracting hundreds of visitors each week. tage - an old forge building, dry dock and muddy, dark and often a minefield of dog Many organizations and individuals can stable block on the Orchard Cruisers site. faeces - for which, dear dog walker. you take the credit, but an important catalyst On the plus side, this development, with may now face a maximum fine of £2,000. (though I say it myself) was the reassuring more housing and a restaurant, will allow Last year the Council acceded to the re­ presence of the residential boats. In 1989 new public access to the canal, and also quest of the Hythe Bridge Ann moorers for their owners won a well publicized provide the highly rated cruising restau­ a dogmess bin, but another one closer to struggle for the right to pursue their chosen rant, Rosamund The Fair, with the per­ Jericho would not go runiss. However lifestyle with the establishment of the manent base that proprietor Tim Matthews don "t let that put you off. The Canal is still Hythe Bridge moorings. In a letter to the has long sought. In addition, a new pe­ a wonder of benign neglect. Inspect it. Oxford Times the Jericho Residents' As­ destrian and cycle bridge will provide respect it, and protect it. sociation said that the presence of the boats easier access to the railway station. ·positively increases the amenity value and Another change concerns the new security of the canal bank in our area. They ownership of College Cruisers. British have turned an often dangerous towpath Waterways eventually intend to build Jude the into an area integrated with Jericho.' houses on this site too, though not until a Today the public face of the canal is new location can be found for the yard. Obscure changing apace. The Oxford Waterside This lack of security led Allen Strong to development is almost complete, and work sell the business earlier this year. Un­ A pub in Jericho has started on the northern Rewley Park daunted, new owners Charlie and Carys development alongside Castle Mill Bruns have arrived with fresh ideas and Food served dai y Stream. And towards the end of the year enthusiasm and want the yard to be con­ 54 . Tel 557309 building will start on the Orchard Cruisers sidered much more a part of the com- site at the end of St. Barnabas Street.

May 1998 - Jericho Echo ~ 1 loin tile fun of tile Fair his year's Street Fair will be held on Saturday, 27 June. There will be Teven more for children this year: Uncle Brian will be there with his hilarious Punch and Judy, a team of recreational coaches will organize games, and Mat­ thews Amusements will offer rides . Stalls will be £8.00 for charities and £10.00 for commercial ventures (though Robyn New and Beth Vechionne - early learners surrounded by books in the Jericho only £5.00 if you bring your own table). Playgroup at the Community Centre. This parent-run group provides a safe and We hope these bargain prices will en­ stimulating environment with lots of toys and books. It is registered for 16 children and courage people to help us fill Canal is linked with the St. Barnabas School Nursery. Sessions cost iust £2.50 each and run Street with interesting stalls and tables. Monday to Friday from 9.00 a.m. to 1 1.30 a.m. in term time- including biscuits and Entertainment will be provided by the iuice. The group is now looking for new members for next term. Details from 552001. Oxford City Silver Band, the Oxford City Morris Dancers, the Force 18 Jazz Big Band, and an Afri­ can rhythm and percussion band, A Jericho childhood the Four Gs. Again Jo Elvidge, now living in ished with No. 57 - the site where the we need lots of semis existed lying forlorn still, and rather helping hands. At Frome, Somerset, recently a tiny space. least 1 0 people are revisited Jericho, and has I went early to St. Barnabas Infant required to do odd jobs School at the age of three, and can re­ ---~--~·-...1 help sell food in the written these recollections. Community Centre. We also need peo­ member being put to sleep in a hammock. ple to sell raffle tickets for the Prize Draw, ently my husband and I came Another memory is of walking to the for which we again have some very nice nee more to Jericho, so that I Junior School on duckboards in Albert prizes. Hopefully, we can raise enough uld feel the stones beneath my Street raised above the floods. Did this money to buy new chairs for the cafe, feet, and visit St. Sepulchre's cemetery to problem with the drains contribute to my and new cupboards for the playgroup. find the grave of an uncle, a musician, who Gran's scarlet fever at the age of nine? The We hope as many people as possible will died very young from T.B. Since the operation saved her life but left her deaf join in this our main community event of cemetery has been closed for 50 years, it and dumb. the year. Please call on 55 7902, or pop presented a scene of rural charm, with My days at school were punctuated by into the cafe on a Saturday morning after sheets of snowdrops, and, sadly, over­ school crocodiles marching to church and 11 .00 a.m. for a chat and to see what's turned gravestones. 'Our' grave luckily children kneeling with the smell of in­ happening. Carolyn Dutton, was still upright, and has a distinctive cense, and taking the ferry from the bottom Community Centre Administrator. violin carved there. of Ferry Road (now Combe Road) to We called at Walton Street Post Office, Tumbling Bay for swimming lessons. and spotted A Jericho Sketchbook which During the long summer holidays, I read Our community copper proved very exciting and filled me with beneath the trees of Worcester College Jericho's new Community Policeman is glee - and some nostalgia. When I lived gardens, whose back gate could be entered PC Billy Linton (below) who has been in here the area was a cosy enclave of from Canal Street. St. Paul's, the Syna­ the force for 7 years and whom we hope working-class artisans - not of course that gogue, and the Methodist Chapel, all fea­ to see regularly patrolling our streets- 40 I recognized this at the time, I was a child. tured in my life, and with St. Barnabas and hours per week. My great-grandparents moved from Ruskin College, seem like points on a The police re­ Wyatt's Yard, St. Aldates to No. 3 Wel­ compass. ported at the lington Street early in 1874, and my Area Committee Just before the Second World War, we meeting in March grandmother, the youngest of four chil­ were moved by to the that the number dren, was christened at St. Barnabas new Rose Hill estate. My grandmother who of burglaries Church. Her father was a coachman, and lived at 57, followed us a few weeks later. seem to be the horse and carriage were kept in the Gran's sister at No. 53 died during this dropping though garden which was entered through large period. The sisters had made a pact that if theft from cars gates opposite 56 and 57. The houses on heaven existed Gerty would 'move a star', remains a major that side of the street (now demolished) so each night Gran ascended to the roof to problem. were owned by the University Press and gaze. Alas, nothing happened. In case you thought it was not worth life in Wellington Street when I lived there There must be many former residents reporting crimes, Simon Dickens from was regulated by the hooter sounding and Threshers reports that when he recently with similar memories of the place where saw thieves jemmying a car in Worcester the workforce pouring in and out. they grew up, and the families, friends and Place his 999 call produced a swift re­ My home for the first 15 years of my life neighbours who moulded them. Where are sponse and three arrests. was at 56 Wellington Street, since demol- you all?

2 - Jericho Echo - Moy 1998 Activities for Jericho's youth IT3C?B@00w 000 Dilwar Ali, 17, responds to Some of the kids go in to town, but they don't have the money to go places. And it Bus goes commercial the article about vandalism can be worse there since they might get Jericho's valuable bus service, used daily in the last Jericho Echo. together with others who are robbing stu­ by 1 00 to 200 people, has since April dents or foreigners. been run on a fully commercial basis eople complain about the young­ The Community Centre has a youth club rather than relying on a County Council sters in Jericho - that they cause for the younger kids but not for the older subsidy. The Oxford Bus Company have trouble, that they do graffiti. Why is managed this by cutting out the Bainton P ones- say, 10-17. What we need are things that? Because young people don't have Road extension and reducing the service to keep us busy here - activities like a much else to do. The public don't want the to half-hourly so that it can be maintained multigym, as well as decks that the kids can kids to go out and cause trouble, and the with just one bus. Prices are unchanged use to make their own music. If they can youngsters don't want that either. But and, as before, the service runs Monday work together they won't be thinking about when they meet up there is not much more to Saturday from 7 .10 a .m . to 6 .1 0 p.m . anything else, they'll be keeping fit and The evening and Sunday 60A service to do than hang around the streets and thinking about music. along Walton Street is unchanged. smoke- and when they are older they risk But we do need someone to help us buy getting mixed up in drugs. some equipment and organize activities at Carol Mahony leaves Also we get hassled by the police. One the Community Centre in Jericho. So if any Carol Mahony, who taught at St. day I got stopped three times. The police of the adults can come forward with a way Barnabas for 22 years and was recently come up to you and say that there has been to help us set something up we'd like to Deputy Head, has left to become a head a burglary and that you match the de­ hear from them. teacher in Norfolk. She produced many scription. We don't need that. school plays and has been an inspiring and much loved teacher. Three years ago Two youth initiatives Canal Street closure Carol suffered the death of her husband Two youth activity initiatives have recently Because of the Street Fair on 27 June Canol Michael, who was Vice-Principal of been established. The first is that every Street will be closed from Vidor Street to Great Mansfield College and a well known Wednesday at 6.15 p.m. there will be a Clarendon Street from 7.00 a.m. until 6.00 p.m. historian. Carol coped very bravely with The Cardigan Street and St. Barnabas Street the trauma of his death, supported by minibus to take young people to the youth junctions with Conal Street will therefore be club in Wolvercote. The second is that on closed . All cars should be removed from Canol many loyal friends. Now she has found Saturday mornings it is hoped to organize Street during this period and also from the Canol happiness with a new partner who is a football coaching in Jericho. One person Street end of Cardigan Street - you may use the consultant surgeon in Norfolk and they has volunteered to help with this but he school cor pork on this day. Emergency vehicles hope to marry before too long. She will would welcome some assistance. Anyone will hove access to Conal Street from Victor Street be much missed at St. Barnabas. interested should contact Councillor Su­ and Cronhom Street and the Jericho bus will use Albert Street. If the Fair causes you major access sanna Pressel on 554001. problems, please contact 557902. Poppy Day results Ted Harris reports that the 1997 Poppy Day collection for the St. Giles Branch of School gets top marks from Ofsted the British Legion raised £ 14,77 5 . arents will be pleased (but probably not attainment was above national expectations Thanks to everyone who contributed. Psurprised) to know that St. Barnabas in English, mathematics, art, geography, First School received a glowing testimonial history and music. And by the time pupils Church celebration from the Ofsted inspector. 'The head­ leave, around 40 per cent achieve higher On Thursday, 21 May St. Barnabas teacher, staff and governers work very hard than average standards in mathematics. Church celebrates the successful fund­ as a team and are committed and successful Pupils' attendance and behaviour were raising for the restoration of the tower. in providing a warm, happy, calm and found good and there were strong links Lord Runcie, former Archbishop of Can­ stimulating learning environment for all with parents and the community. 'In the terbury, will preach at the 7 .00 p.m . children'. light of the standards achieved and the Eucharist and afterwards there will be a Teaching was judged satsifactory or good progress made by the pupils, St. reception at OUP by invitation only for better in 93 per cent of lessons. By the end Barnabas First School is providing good those who have especially contributed to ofKey Stage 1 of the National Curriculum, value for money' . the appeal. Thanks to OUP for hosting this . Before long it should be possible to level the very uneven Church floor. WALTOI\I STREET PO!iT OFFICE Open for your convenience for:- Eeho Online The J"icho Edlo is now on • 'POST OffiCE - CARDS & STATIONERY the Internet. More tho n 40 SANDWICHES - CHILLED & FRESH FOOD artides and a special 'Jericho TOBACCO - SOFT DRINI(S - FRUIT & VEG. Guide' ore available at: • CONFECTIONARY - GROCERY - NATIONAL LOTTERY www.pstalker.demon.co.uk/echo Mon-Sat: 8 a.m.-1 0 p.m. - Sun: 9 a.m.-1 0 p.m. Our thanks again to Post Office: Mo!Tu!Th!Fr: 9 a.m.-1 p.m., 2p.m.-5.30 p.m.- Wed: 9a.m.-1 p.m. - Sat: 9a.m.-12.30 p.m. for printing this issue of the Jericho Echo

May 1998 - Jericho Echo - 3 A 1 Plumbing & Heating Bathrooms Community Centre Cafe - Open Satur­ Police contact numbers - Jericho's Showers Community Beat Officer is PC Billy Lin­ day mornings, for coffee, tea, and pastries. Central Heating Day trips by coach - We will advertise ton. He can be contacted on 266191. a?~::.JI SERVICES these in the cafe window. Anyone inter­ General Enquiries, 266000; Confidential ested please ring 557902. Crime Line, 791066. Neighbourhood Do you remember the Oxford Canal - Watch: 266237. when working boats used it? Did you work Silver Screen - Shows for senior citizens on it, or live near it, or fish in it, or walk at the Phoenix Cinema, Thursday after­ Mutton Yard, 46 Richmond Road, along it? We are researching a booklet and noons - £3 .00 including complementary Oxford OX1 2JT. Tel : 556688 would like to talk to anyone with memories tea and coffee. to share, or photographs or other memo­ Jericho Community Association - We rabilia. Please contact Catherine Robinson meet on the second Monday of each month at 12 (Tel. 511307) or Mark in the Community Centre at 7.30 p.m. All Davies on the 'Bill the Lizard' narrowboat Jericho residents are welcome. Next next to Isis Lock (Tel. 798254) meetings: 11 May, 8 June. Jericho Youth Group - This weekly club, Wanted - Builders' quotes for kitchen which has about 20 members, offers a renovation at the Community Centre. We variety of activities for 8-12 year-olds. also need a commercial double frier and a All the property Tuesdays, 7.00 p.m.-9.00 p.m. Contact sink unit/cupboard for the playgroup expertise you will Denise or Neil Townsend, Tel. 559648. room. Tel. 577902. Bingo Sessions - Wednesdays, 7 p.m.-9 Wanted- Any new unneeded items that ever need is ... p.m. Community Centre. we can use for the Street Fair prize draw Parents and Toddlers Group - Thursday on 27 June. Tel. 577902. on your doorstep. in the school library, 9 a.m.-10 a.m. How about a short canal cruise? The Contacting CounciUors - West Ward Narrowboat Trust vessel Councillors' surgeries, first Saturday of Venturer caters for groups of disabled or each month from 11 .00 a.m. to 12.00 noon disadvantaged people, but also takes at the Community Centre. Or call your City commercial bookings. If you would like Councillors: Will Cavendish, 271956; to hire it contact Karen Ives (tel. 711907). Susanna Pressel, 554001. Our County General assistant needed - College Councillor is Fiona Campbell, 790936. Cruisers need someone to help prepare Assistant Caretaker Free Legal Advice- Clinics are held at the holiday craft on tum-around days. Con­ (part-time) Community Centre, sponsored by Bower tact Carys or Charlie Bruns on 554343 . and Bailey Solicitors, Summertown. If you Jericho Jazz Club - Every Monday The Synagogue and Jewish Centre want to attend, first arrange with Philip night at the Bookbinders Arms in Canal in Richmond Road has a vacancy Boardman, Tel: 31113 3. Street at 8.30 p.m. for an assistant in general caretaking duties. Variable hours '?W!.'??.&#firf@:?W£Wff$MWP..Jfff.ifffffffifff#W??f@WffZ#&PffY~.&fY§JffJ#&Pff.JP;Y&PffJ#.JP;J#~~ (approx. 10-18 hours per week), ~ eU de ~--~ ~ Guitar School - Group classes for be- including Saturdays, most Sundays -·-.-n;o;o;·~;--n;...... ,. ... ,;r~; .... ;r.,._ .. .,. ... ,;q ... _.._..., ...... ;F. .... ;.._...,._,;.-.r.. .. ,_ .. ,.,., ... .--,.,...... ,. ... .r. .. n;r...., ... .,.,F_.:r,,,,-.,- ...... ,.. ginners. Mon. Contact Carolyn Dutton, and some evening work. £5.50 per Bums and Turns - Aerobics and toning Tel. 557902. hour. Suit retired but active person. class. Mon 7.30 p.m.-8.30 p.m. Contact Improvization - Anyone interested Tel. Mr Blumenfeld Odette, 252646 or 252655. should contact Deirdre, Tel. 558721. on Oxford 558105. Ballet- Tues. 6.30 p.m.-8.30 p.m. Contact Life Drawing - Sat. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Karen Sellick., Tel. 248497. Thurs. 4 Contact Chris Nirrenski, Tel. 559004. p.rn.-6 p.m. Contact Jill Saint, Tel.(01869) Mediaeval Latin- If you are interested, 350535. contact Beth Baker, Tel. 310198. Children's Drama- 8-12 year-olds. Sun. Wing Chun -Mon. and Wed. 7 p.m.-9 Walton Street 4 p.m.-5.30 p.m. Contact Claire Nelson, p.m. Contact Ed Yuen, Tel. 862518. Tel. 552764. Yoga- Tues. 8.15 p.m.-9.15 p.m. Contact Egyptian Dance- Wed. 6.15 p.m.-9.00 Joe Burn, Tel. 715147. Wed. 9.15 .a.m. Books p.m. Contact: Katrina Robinson, Tel. Contact Mariella Di Martini, Tel. 245893 . We buy and sell 777462. Thurs. 6.00 p.m.-7.15 p.m. Contact Becky books in most subjects ESOL (English) - Thurs. 10.00 a.m.-12 Ward, Tel. 726808. Sun. 11 a.m.-12 noon Children s-Dramatrnearre noon Contact Helen Adams, Tel. 728689. Contact Joe Burn, Tel. 715147. Ait/Architecture-Biograpny Fiction-Hisrory-Poetry The Jericho Echo is published three or four times each year by the Jericho SF!Fa ntasy-Theology-etc Community Association, Jericho Community Centre, Canal Street, Oxford. Editor: IBooksearc/7 available! Peter Stalker, 51 Cranham St. Tel. 552794 or 514922. If you can help with delivery, please contact Philippa Foot, Tel. 557130. This edition printed ~ourtesy of Oxford Open 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Um vers1ty Press, Great Clarendon Street, from artwork supplied by the editor. Mon.-Sat & occasionally Sunday Previous issues are also available on-line at www.pstalker.demon.co.uk/ echo. 48 Walton Street Tel:511992.

4 - Jericho Echo - May 1998