The Village Gossip North Newington February & March 2019
The Village Gossip
North Newington February & March 2019
A Note from the Editors
Hello and welcome to the first issue with new editors. We hope you enjoy it! For our first issue, we’ve tried to introduce some new elements (please have a look at the very challenging cinematic awards season crossword), but also still include all the old favourites. However, we really do want the village to be involved with this, so please send any articles or information with a North Newington connection to: [email protected] We aim to include everything that we receive. The deadline for the next issue, to be released in early April, is the 15th of March. Finally, a huge thanks to Karra & Cat for all their hard work in editing The Village Gossip; we’re thrilled to be taking the role. The Wild Family Welcome and Goodbye
We say goodbye to David and Paul plus lovely dogs Buster and Gracie who moved to Lincolnshire in early January from Tumbledown Cottage on Park Lane. But goodbyes often then lead to new things and sure enough a warm welcome to Ellie and Joel who moved in a few days later. We hope to meet you soon and hope you settle into life in NN. Let us know if we can help with anything regarding the village. Also a sad farewell to Tricia and David Church who moved on from North Newington to a new life, we thank them for being part of village life for many years. Love from the VIG.
Where is This? Tell us where this NN feature is located. There are three of these in the village (as far as we know) but where is this particular pump located? Email your answer and a “shout out” in the next edition to the first response. Christmas in the Village
We love the Christmas season and the editors were on hand to enjoy some memorable scenes around the village. A couple of our highlights. The Christmas Quiz at the Blinking Owl. Great questions with a splendid atmosphere at the pub. The winning team very kindly donated their prize, a fabulous hamper, to the Banbury food bank. Well done Park Road Posse (see above). The quiz itself was a great victory for the Thames Valley Air Ambulance who through everyone’s help a great sum of £176 was raised. Good work to quizmaster, Tom Jessop, and a big thanks from Tom to Dave for hosting the event and to Ros, Danny, Josie and Summer who helped on the night. It was great to see the pub full, with the next quiz to be around Easter, also at the Blinking Owl. Watch this space for more details. The other highlight was the visit of Father Christmas to the village. This year he was here the Friday before Christmas with his “sleigh” and team of wonderful Elves handing out presents to the children. Thanks Santa for your loyalty to the village and to all those helping. We hear you enjoyed your visit. A little later the same evening the school hall hosted a lovely seasonal evening with Hook Norton Brass Band as well as the NN Choral Quartet performing. It’s a privilege to have such a wonderful event. A big thank you from us to the Village Improvement Group (VIG) for organising.
Bishop Carpenter CE Primary School An update from head teacher, Nichola Stevenson. A very Happy New Year to you. We had a very busy few weeks in the run up to Christmas. Our KS1 children performed brilliantly in their nativity; learning lines and songs as well as handling a microphone! KS2 also hosted an evening of music, poetry and Christmas facts which kept us all entertained. In addition we had our usual parties, a visit from a wonderful Father Christmas and the Panto. Here’s a photo of Santa visiting BCS, but who is under the beard? This year we had a local company ‘The Panto Bus’ who performed Aladdin and they were fabulous; with ‘booing’, ‘cheering’ and lots of laughter. Our FOBCS (Friends of Bishop Carpenter School) team also organised a wonderful afternoon Christmas fayre raising a fantastic amount of money that will enable us to provide extra equipment and opportunities for the children. Our children continued to demonstrate their charitable side by taking part in the ‘Save the Children’ Christmas jumper day. Of course, amidst the excitement of the festive season we also focussed on the Christian values of Christmas time and especially in thinking of others. We had a wonderful Advent service co-ordinated and led by our pupil worship team at the start of December and then held our Christingle service at Broughton church. Since we started back to school Class 3 have visited the Warriner to take part in a science session. The specialist laboratories enabled the children to use Bunsen burners for the first time. The highlight seems to be the ‘exploding jelly baby’! This is a shorter term but still lots on. We have a big breakfast for a local charity ‘Let’s Play’ on the 1st February along with a number of sporting events too…as well as lots of learning too!! As with previous invitations, if there are any members of the community who have a free hour during the week, we are always grateful for listening ears to do reading with the children or indeed practical help with activities such as Forest School…just contact the school office for more details. Please do feel free to call in if you have any questions or queries and you are most welcome to join us for one of our family services next term on Friday 8th March (at school) or our Easter service on Friday 5th April at Broughton church. Best wishes Nichola Stevenson Headteacher
VIG Screen Programme February-April 2019
If you’ve not been before do come along to the school: we start at 7.30 prompt. No charge but bring your own refreshments. 8th February Nothing Like a Dame Dames Maggie Smith, Judi Dench, Eileen Atkins and Joan Plowright turn the camera on their long-standing friendship. Share in the moments as they discuss their careers, as they savagely take jibes at each other. There’s also a lot of discussion on the male presences in their lives, with a long section spent reminiscing on Plowright’s husband, Laurence Olivier. Described as “eighty-three minutes of bliss” by Rex Reed in The Observer, “boredom is not an option.” This “immensely entertaining, revealing and moving” (Josh Larsen) documentary directed by Roger Michell, director of Notting Hill, gives an enchanting opportunity to be entertained by some of the country’s most acclaimed entertainers. 1st March The Children Act In Ian McEwan’s adaption of his own 2014 novel, Emma Thompson stars as a conflicted high-court judge, faced with a seventeen-year- old Jehovah’s Witness and leukaemia sufferer in vital need of a blood transfusion in contradiction with his faith. At the same time, her husband (Stanley Tucci) declares that he wishes to have an affair, as her work runs ruin through her marriage. As film critic Peter Bradshaw writes: “The Children Act is concerned with love, intimacy and moral responsibility”. Directed by five time BAFTA nominated director Richard Eyre, The Children Act was described as an “unmitigated pleasure” by The Washington Post, and includes Emma Thompson’s “elegant and vulnerable” performance (The Guardian). 22nd March A Star is Born Hailed as one of the best films of 2018 by critics, Oscar-nominated A Star is Born is the third remake of William A. Wellman’s 1937 Oscar winning classic. First time director Bradley Cooper is however far more inspired by the beloved 1954 musical version starring Judy Garland, which he pays tribute to through a brief hum of one of Garland’s most iconic songs. Cooper makes a dramatic change from his previous roles as gruff musician Jackson Maine, who falls in love with inspiring singer Ally, played by six-time Grammy award winning musician Lady Gaga. Capturing the rise and fall of two musicians, along with a soundtrack of ear worming tunes including the chart-topping Shallow, A Star is Born is “electrifyingly fresh” according to The Telegraph’s Robbie Collin and in the words of Time Magazine, “a terrific melodrama for the modern age.”
12th April Can You Ever Forgive Me? Comedy star Melissa McCarthy (Spy, Bridesmaids) turns her hand to drama in this film directed by Marielle Heller. Based on the “bizarre, compelling true story” (The Hollywood Reporter) of writer Lee Israel (McCarthy) who tries to restart her career by forging and selling letters from deceased authors and playwrights. McCarthy, in a golden globe nominated performance, co-stars with “captivating” (Slant Magazine) Richard E. Grant in this “shaggy, endearingly dour portrait” (Entertainment Weekly).
North Newington Table Tennis ‘this girl can’ Group Since forming in September ~20 players consisting of singles, mothers, daughters and sisters have participated with a core group of 10-15 typically attending each week. The emphasis is on fun and games but at the same time players have actually been developing new skills. At the start nearly all the players were beginners and initially it was quite difficult for them just to bounce and control the ball on bat. Since then players have made a lot of progress and now that service technique has been learnt players can engage in all sorts of other fun game formats. It’s great to see our girls running around enjoying themselves in a relaxed atmosphere. Why not join us Wednesday (7- 8pm) at Bishop Carpenter School and join in the fun! ‘This girl can’ is a national scheme adopted by our community club aimed at building better experiences for females in sport. Through table tennis we want to help women and girls be more active, have fun while doing it, and enjoy the benefits from participation while learning a new sport • Just girls – mother & daughter combinations! • Be active, make friends, have fun, relax & enjoy the benefits from participation. If you’ve never played before learn new skills and a sport. Fun games. • Coaching and equipment provided • All ages welcome For further details contact [email protected] or tel. 738798 Eric and Geoff – The Coaching Team Colouring Corner: not just for our younger readers. Send us your coloured picture (drop in to Roebuck Inn or scan & email) and we will give a ‘shout out’ in the next edition.
FROM KATHARINE HOUSE HOSPICE, ADDERBURY
CARE FOR A COCKTAIL? Calling all cocktail connoisseurs! This new year please host a cocktail night to raise money for people facing life-limiting illness. Whether you hold it in your home or your favourite pub, pub or restaurant, there’s no better time to get together with friends and help your local hospice. Find out how to get involved at www.khh.org.uk/cocktail RESOLVE TO VOLUNTEER IN 2019 From drivers to gardeners, shop assistants to complementary therapists and receptionists to fundraisers, we’re looking for volunteers to join our fantastic team in 2019 and make a real difference to the local community. Whether you have a couple of days a week or a couple of hours a year to spare we have a role for you! We’re also excited to share details of two new opportunities to volunteer: supporting patients and carers at home as a Hospice Companion or helping people to get active as a Health Walk leader. To find out how you can get involved, or for further information email [email protected] or call 01295 816 477. DID YOU KNOW? It costs £4.5 million to provide our services every year, and three- quarters of that funding comes from people in the local community, as well as local businesses and trusts and foundations. Last year we supported more than 800 people facing life-limiting illness in our community. Without your help we simply couldn’t do that without your generosity. Thank you for everything you do for your local hospice. KEEP UP TO DATE WITH KATHARINE HOUSE HOSPICE EVENTS We’re looking forward to a busy 2019 here at Katharine House, with plenty of fundraising and hospice events throughout the year. From Midnight Walks to mountain treks, open days to volunteer opportunities, you can find out more about what’s happening at your local hospice at www.khh.org.uk. Julian’s Jokes
Adam starts his new job at the zoo and is given three tasks. The first is to clear the fishpond of weeds. As he does so, a huge fish jumps out of the water and bites him and he angrily beats it to death with a spade. Realising his employer will not be best pleased, he disposes of it by feeding it to the lions. Moving on to the second job of clearing out the Chimp House, he gets attacked by the chimps who pelt him with coconuts. He swipes at two of the chimps with his spade, killing them both. 'Feed them to the lions.' he says to himself. So, he hurls the corpses into the Lion Enclosure. He moves on to the last job, which is to collect honey from the South American Bees. As soon as he starts, he is attacked by the bees. He grabs the spade and smashes the bees to a pulp. By now Adam knows what to do and throws them into the lions' cage. Later that day a new lion arrives at the zoo. He wanders up to another lion and says "Alright mate. What's the food like here?" The lion replies, "Top class mate, today we had Fish and Chimps with Mushy Bees."
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I picked up a hitchhiker last night. He said “Thanks, but how do you know I’m not a serial killer?” I replied “The chances of two serial killers being in the same car are astronomical."
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I would walk 500 miles (Actual mileage may vary) And I would walk 500 more (Subject to status) Just to be the man that walks a thousand miles (Estimate only) To fall down at your door (Terms and conditions apply) - The Disclaimers
Philip Fine’s Theatre Corner In what we hope will be the first of a regular series, one of our resident thespian’s Philip Fine lets us know what’s happening on stage in the local area over the next couple of months. First and foremost, Philip will be channelling the famous German tenor Richard Tauber in Banbury Operatic Society’s theatrical concert An Evening in Vienna. This is on 15th (7.30pm) and 16th (2.30 and 7.30pm) February at Wykham Hall, Banbury Academy, including wonderful numbers by Strauss, Lehar and other Viennese Operetta. Tickets are £10 available from http://banburyoperaticsociety.co.uk/tickets. We are then taking it to Hennef, Banbury’s twin town in Germany - good to keep up links!
Other local shows during February and March include Alan Ayckbourn’s black comedy Gameplan (Banbury Cross Players) 13-16 February at the Mill Arts Centre, The Sound of Music (Bodicote Youth Drama Group 22-24 February) and Snow White: A Musical Pantomime (Avocet Theatre Company, 28-30 March, Wykham Theatre, Banbury Academy). Also being staged for the first time is an adaptation of Chariots of Fire (12-16 March, Oxford Playhouse) which promises to build a racetrack around the auditorium!
If you’re on Facebook, look for the group called Banbury Amateur Theatre which covers what all the local theatre groups are doing: Banbury Cross Players, Banbury Operatic Society, Odyssey, Lynden Players (Middleton Cheney), Bodicote Players and others.
And finally: advance notice of a date for your diary. Philip is playing President Juan Péron in Bicester Choral and Operatic Society’s production of Evita from 30 May to 1 June in Bicester. Tickets will be available soon. Please do come and support this exciting show, including the famous Don’t Cry for Me Argentina.
North Newington Parish Council
The Parish Council meets on first Tuesday of each month at the school, starting at 7.30. Members of the public are welcome. Feel able to council your Parish Council: [email protected]
The following are DRAFT Minutes of the Parish Council meeting on Tuesday 4th December 2018 at Bishop Carpenter School at 7.30pm. Present: Cllrs P Stocks, P Espinaisse, S Holford & G Doidge. Clerk E Boswell Apologies: Cllr Davison. Guests: None. Public: None
1. Minutes of the Previous Meetings These were agreed and signed 2. Declaration of Interest – None 3. Matters Arising Parish Precept calculation – The PC reviewed the budget for 2019-20. There is a healthy reserve account and no large projects proposed or large expenditure expected, therefore, the PC does not expect to increase the Precept. This will be reviewed again at the January meeting where a final decision will be made prior to the precept demand being sent to CDC. Proposed SH seconded PE all agreed. 4. Planning Applications 18/01918/F – Erection of a two storey, four bedroom dwelling with attached garage – variations to planning approved 16/02417/F – Pear Tree Cottage, Main St, North Newington, OX15 6AJ - The Parish Council has examined the plans and following a site visit on 28th November would like to make the following observations: The Parish Council strongly objects to the revised plans for the following reasons; I. The revised plans are too ambitious in scale and not in keeping with other properties in this conservation area and Historic Village Core, which is of archaeological interest; the new dwelling would have an overbearing and dominant impact not only on the plot but also on the street scene. II. The Eastern aspect is too close to the neighbouring property, Saddlers Cottage, with the plans showing three windows over two floors which would have a detrimental impact on the privacy of the property. III. As this would be an additional dwelling in the area and with it being a four bedroom property it would be reasonable to assume an increase in vehicular activity, however, with the revised plan there would not be sufficient space for the parking of or manoeuvering of vehicles into and out of the parking area to the front of the property causing an increase in on-street parking which is already extremely limited and it is therefore considered that it would have an impact on highway safety in the locality. IV. There is relevant planning history to this application. The original planning application 16/00685/F was withdrawn following the concerns raised by the Case Officer with regards to its sighting, scale and design. Following pre-application discussions a revised application, 16/02417/F, was approved as a suitable size of dwelling for the infill of this plot and the Parish Council ask that the variations to that application be refused.
18/01913/F – Two storey extension with flat roof ground floor ling – Pear Tree Cottage, Main St, North Newington, OX15 6AJ – The PC has reviewed the plans and wishes to raise no objections and has no other comments or observations. 18/00280/TCA – T1 x Oak – Crown thin by 10% & Crown lift by 2.0m – Main Green Main Street North Newington – Notice of decision - Granted 18/00290/TCA – T1 x Oak – Crown raise by removal of lowest cluster of limbs. Remove climber from crown (exempt) T2 x Walnut – Crown raise to 4.0m to clear both properties – Grafton, Park Lane North Newington – Notice of decision - Granted
5. Finance Review of Income and Expenditure -The monthly accounts were reviewed by the Responsible Finance Officer at this meeting, they were found to be a correct and accurate account. Bill payments – The following bill payments were presented to and approved for payment by the PC. I. Chq no: 300126 £ 379.98 – Clerks salary & expenses II. Chq no: 300127 £2951.16 – TWM Traffic Control – VAS speed sign
6. Children’s Playground – Cllr Doidge carried out the playground inspection, there were no issues to report. Defibrillator – The Clerk carried out the inspection on the 3rd December; there were no issues to report.
7. Clerks Business • Main Green Oak Tree – The Clerk has instructed Trinity Trees to carry out the necessary pruning works. • Tombla Pit – The Clerk has written to the tenant to arrange the annual inspection. • Vehicle activated speed signs – The post has now arrived. Cllrs Espinaisse & Stocks carried out a site visit to establish the best positioning for the sign. The Clerk will now instruct Mr Symmonds to erect the post. • Trees of remembrance project – Following the last meeting it was agreed that the ‘whip saplings’ provided by the Woodland Trust were not substantial enough and therefore not suitable to be planted at the school, Cllr Stocks kindly offered to donate a more robust Red Oak sapling in exchange for the ‘whip saplings’. Proposed PS seconded PE all agreed. • School Lane potholes – The Clerk noted that there were a number of potholes appearing again particularly near the School, she will report them to Highways.
The Meeting closed at 8.18 pm.
Editor’s Note: thanks Parish Council for organising the new speed sign (pictured on front cover). Don’t let the sparks fly this winter
An important message from Chris Barber, Community Safety Services, Oxfordshire County Council. Nearly 50% of all chimney fires in Oxfordshire happen during January, February and March. If you enjoy cosying up in front of a log fire, make sure the sparks don't fly at home this winter.
Have a cosy home not a fire zone; 1. Get your chimney swept at least once a year. If you regularly have log fires get it swept more frequently 2. If you have a 1st floor fireplace check that it is clear of debris 3. Store logs away from the fireplace (if open fire)
Thanks Chris for the helpful tips.
And don’t forget Will Brown’s kindling service for great kindling wood. £4.50 for a huge bag and delivered to your door. Text your order: 07572 158820
We all love an open fire or wood burning stove but for your central heating needs do make the most of “Moyle’s Oil”. Resident Richard Moyle volunteers to coordinate a bulk village order of oil and gets the best rates. Drop Richard an email if you want to help share the benefits. [email protected] Thanks Richard for taking the effort out of the ordering process for us.
Let the editors know if you’d like your small business venture advertised (baby sitting, tutoring etc). Crossword Time We’re hoping to create a topical cross word for each edition. This one all to do with the film awards season. As its tough and our first, a bottle of wine courtesy of the editors for the first correct entry through our door (Roebuck Inn). Across 2. (and 7 down) Actor who plays Gooding in Mary Poppins: Returns and also starred in the Oscar winning film Gosford Park (6,5) 8. Animated feature from Wes Anderson (4,2,4) 9. The only BAFTA nominated director this year to have a writing, directing, cinematography, editing and producing credit on their film. (7, 6) 11. Setting for Roma (6) 13. Song title, turned film title 14. (and 26 across) Director of Blackkklansman (5,3) 15. Civil right activist referenced in Blackkklansman (7,10) 17. Iconic song paid tribute to in A Star is Born (9,4,3,7) 18. Actor tipped to win in the “Best Supporting Actor” category at the BAFTAs (7,1,5) 20. (and 10 down) Song from Mary Poppins: Returns (4,1,6,5,8) 21. (and 4 down) Composer, three-time Golden Globe winner (6,7) 22. Film starring John David Washington and Adam Driver (14) 24. Adam ____ , director (5) 26. (and 14 across) Director of Blackkklansman (5,3) 27. Olivia Colman gave thanks for these during her Golden Globes acceptance speech (10) 28. Film biopic of ex-vice-president Dick Cheney (4) 29. Host of this year’s Golden Globes, who also won an award on the night (6,2)
30. Subject of The Favourite (5,4) 31. Star of The Favourite (6,6,) 32. One of the many directors to have a part in Bohemian Rhapsody (5,6) 33. Bradley Cooper’s character in A Star is Born (7,5) 34. You can watch this on the 12th of April (3,3,4,7,2) Down 1. Biggest box office hit of 2018 (5,7) 2. Real name of awards contender Lady Gaga (7,6,8) 3. A scene from A Star is Born was filmed at this music festival (11) 4. (and 21 across) Composer, three-time Golden Globe winner (6,7) 5. Symbolic flying object in Mary Poppins: Returns (4) 6. Greek director of The Favourite and previous Oscar nominated The Lobster (6,9) 7. 2. (and 2 across) Actor who plays Gooding in Mary Poppins: Returns and also starred in the previously Oscar winning film Gosford Park (6,5) 10. (and 20 across) Song from Mary Poppins: Returns (4,1,6,5,8) 12. New film from Oscar winner Barry Jenkins, director of Moonlight (2,5, 6,5,4) 16. Bradley Cooper follows in the footsteps of this Oscar winning director and writer (5,7) 19. Actor who a Golden Globe for his portrayal of Freddie Mercury (4,5) 23. Film from three-time BAFTA winner Pawel Pawlikowski (4,3) 25. Japanese film about a family of crooks (11)
Dates For Your Diary Would you like to join in the fun on a wine tasting evening? Sponsored by the VIG, an expert in wine will help us understand a few wines and explain about different grape varieties. The date is Friday 29th March, at the School at 7pm and for a £5 you can come and learn about wine and have an enjoyable evening with your NN friends. Please ring/text Luci on 0775 4016865 or Elaine on 07785 959315 to book your place.
VIG Screen: 8th Feb, Nothing Like a Dame 1st March, The Children Act 22nd March, A Star is Born Do like and use the village Facebook page
www.northnewington.wordpress.com
We hope the Gossip brings some connectivity to us as residents (or former residents) of the village. Don’t forget next edition comes out on 1st April with deadline a couple of weeks prior.
The Hat Box By appointment
Hat hire with the personal touch
Elaine Barton
Yew Tree Cottage, Broughton OX15 5ED Telephone 01295 709491 Mobile 07450 147067 [email protected]
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