BLEDINGTON FOXHOLES and FOSCOT NEWS May 2021 No 446

1 BLEDINGTON FOXHOLES AND FOSCOT NEWS May 2021 No 446

Oxfordshire Arts Week is from 1 to 9 May. Many exhibitions near to Bledington are publicised on the Arts Week website. Nearest to Bledington is the Garden Sculptures Exhibition at Kingham Lodge; over 400 sculptures in the 5 acre gardens. Entry is free by pre-booked ticket from 01608 658226 or website: https://www.sculptureatkinghamlodge.com Photos are from the 2018 exhibition.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY MAY 2021 Mondays and Fridays; Post Office, Oddington Vill. Hall (p 3) 10.30 to 12.00 Tuesday 4 Foxholes/Foscot WODC Green Collection Day (p 20) 6.00am Thursday 6 ELECTION DAY IN VILLAGE HALL 7.00am to 10.00pm Thursday 6 Bledington Parish Council Meeting (ZOOM) (p 12) 6.30pm Thursday 6 Bledington Parish Council AGM (ZOOM) (p 13) 7.15pm Monday 10 Foxholes/Foscot WODC Grey Collection Day (p 17) 6.00am Tuesday 11 Bledington CDC Recycling Day (p 17) 7.00am Wednesday 12 Arts Society Cotswolds, Cathedrals (p 13) 11.00am Monday 17 Foxholes/Foscot WODC Green Collection Day (p 17) 6.00am Thursday 20 Document Shredding, Village Hall (p 10) 9.00am to 9.30am Sunday 23 BLEDINGTON NEWS COPY DEADLINE (p 2) 12.00noon Sunday 23 St Leonard, Church Annual Meeting (p 18) 11.30am Monday 24 Foxholes/Foscot WODC Grey Collection Day (p 17) 6.00am Tuesday 25 Bledington CDC Recycling Day (p 17) 7.00am

WE WELCOME NEWS CONTRIBUTIONS TO BLEDINGTON, FOXHOLES AND FOSCOT NEWS

Please send your news contributions for the next Issue at any time. Copy deadline is strictly 12.00 Noon 23rd of each month (January to November). Please send news contributions for Bledington News to the editors, Wendy and Sinclair Scott, by paper copy to 4 Old Forge Close, Bledington, Chipping Norton, OX7 6XW or email us at [email protected] Tel: 01608 658624. Bledington News is published in full colour at www.bledington.com Please ensure you have a prompt acknowledgement of your contribution sent by email; this makes it certain we have received it. News contributions may be subject to editorial adjustment and regrettably, if received after the deadline time, cannot be included.

FROM THE EDITORS Wendy and Sinclair Scott The Villager Bus Services have resumed with the intention that ALL services will be running to published timetables - see page 14 for services relevant to Bledington. Jo Shaw is leaving the Community Shop on 1 May so be quick to say your goodbyes. Jo has been the hard working manager since she was appointed in April 2020. We thank her and wish her all the best for the future in the hope she will come by and keep in touch. Steve Packman has been appointed as the new Community Shop manager. Welcome to Steve and we look forward to meeting him and hoping he can continue to take the shop forward. This month we also carry the news that Christine Allen has decided not to continue with the role of Bledington Parish Clerk as she continues with her recovery. However she will continue to give assistance to Heather Pearson who has for a number of months stepped in to keep the Council in order. The role of Parish Clerk is set out on page 9. Perhaps a chat with Robert Pearson would be helpful for anyone wishing to consider the role before filling out an application form.

Bledington News is uploaded monthly to www.bledington.com See Bledington News in full Colour Bledington.com is Bledington’s website carrying full details of every aspect of Bledington.

POST OFFICE AT ODDINGTON Angie Price Angie Price has made arrangements to open her Post Office in Oddington Village Hall at 10.30am to 12.00noon every Monday and Friday for the foreseeable future. Entrance is through the back door of Oddington Village Hall, adjacent to the hall car park by the children’s playground.

4 BLEDINGTON COMMUNITY SHOP AND CAFÉ - MAY UPDATE Jo Shaw. “It was a bright cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen.” ― George Orwell, 1984 George Orwell, I think, perfectly epitomises the month we have had - lovely sunny days promising warmth but still with a nasty bite in the air. One minute the sun is shining, the next snow is coming down in a blizzard - certainly a month of conflicting weather! We also had the pleasure of losing an hour's sleep, but it is so much nicer leaving work in daylight - and nothing symbolises that summer is coming more than having the nights drawing out. April has also brought the easing of lockdown and we are very excited to be able to have customers sitting outside again, enjoying coffee, cake etc. The sunny days, despite the cold, has meant the cafe has been really busy and bustling. Our very own Old Orchard Gin is still selling very well, with returning sales from many customers, which is such a positive endorsement! With the prospect of entertaining becoming more likely, our gin makes a perfect refreshing drink. We had a fantastic Easter, with all our chocolate offerings being sold out, as well as the flowers and other gifts we had on offer. The shop was also extremely busy, with meat, groceries and of course our fresh fruit and vegetables. Mark’s Bakery produced gorgeous Hot Cross Buns, and the most delightful “Dove Cake” or Columba di Pasqua - an Italian Dove bread, which is mainly a panettone shaped into a dove-like form. Everyone who had one, said how amazing they were! The Asparagus is now English and gorgeous, and so is the Rhubarb. Romanesco came back in season, with its vibrant green colour and the Blood Oranges are still a firm favourite. With warmer days in sight, we have added to our salad selection not only the Watercress, but also Mustard and Cress and radishes. We also have Majorcan New Potatoes, which are characterised by their fluffy skin and mild earthy fresh flavour and they're packed with vitamins. We are pleased to have been collecting for the Bledington Flood Fund through our counter collection box, and have recently handed over £47.10 to them. The awful floods affected so many of our customers, so we are delighted to do what we can for the fund. Thank you to everyone who has donated. This, sadly, will be my last piece for the Bledington News, as I am standing down as Manager at the end of the month. My replacement, Steve, has a wealth of retail knowledge, and has worked in this sector for many years. I know I am leaving the shop in very safe hands and I am sure he will have many ideas on how to drive the shop forward, after the success of this year. Continued on page 5

5 Continued from page 4 My time in the shop has certainly been eventful, and at times challenging, and I am so grateful to all the volunteers who have supported me during this time - I could not have run the place without you!! For all who have signed up, washed aprons, gardened, maintained and made me a cup of tea! - I will be forever in your debt. I will never forget the kindness, encouragement and friendship you have all given me, so thank you all. I really have appreciated all the help I have received, but special thanks to Michael for the huge support when I started, and Heather, Rosie, Louise, Camilla, Ben and Val for always going beyond! STEVE PACKMAN JOINS THE COMMUNITY SHOP Graeme Ferrero Bledington Community Shop has just completed its financial year and the preliminary results look very good. We have been able to offer an attractive service throughout lockdown thanks to the management skills of Jo Shaw and her team of volunteers. Jo is stepping down on Saturday 1 May; we wish her well and hope to see her in the café regularly. Jo will be a hard act to follow, but Steve Packman will join us, bringing a lifetime’s experience in the grocery business and also having worked in the voluntary sector. Best wishes Jo—and welcome Steve! JOIN US BEHIND THE COUNTER If you have recently arrived in the area, or are emerging from lockdown, you are welcome to help in the village shop. Please ask about volunteering when you next visit.

Community Shop Open Monday to Saturday: 9.00am to 4.00pm Sunday: 9.00am to 1.00pm

Tel: 01608 65 99 77 Email: [email protected] Send your shopping list in advance for collection

6 BLEDINGTON SHOP CHARITY GRANTS INVITATION FOR PROPOSALS Ben Ball Following a successful first year trading at Bledington Community Shop and Café, we are looking for local community projects requiring support. Last month we donated £2,000 to Bledington School, match funded by the BSA, to buy new school computers. At this stage we are looking for applications or suggestions so we can review and decide who will benefit before the shop Annual General Meeting on 26 June. The purpose of the shop charity, BaFCA, is: “to promote the benefit of the inhabitants of Bledington and Foscot and its environs ... to advance education and to provide facilities in the interests of social welfare … with the object of improving the conditions of life”. WHO CAN APPLY Any local group or organisation that meets the purpose of the charity Typical grant size: £200-£1000, but may consider others Preference is for match funding Deadline: 31 May 2021 HOW TO APPLY On a single page of paper, please outline: Who are beneficiaries and how they will benefit from the grant, Who is responsible with contact details, Details of what is to be funded, Details of other finance needed or match funding available, Timetable of needs, You can download an application form at www.bledingtonshop.com/grants

For more information, or to discuss, please contact: Ben Woodward, Michael Lear or Benjamin Ball. [email protected]

What do you call sad coffee? Depresso.

What’s it called when someone takes away your unfinished coffee? A mugging.

7 KINGHAM GUIDES Claire Gooding In the last few months, Kingham Guides has continued to meet virtually, cooking up some Easter treats and challenging ourselves with the latest Taskmaster. We have also welcomed Diana to our Kingham Guide leadership team. Diana joins us from British Guiding Overseas in Oman and brings many stories of Guiding in much hotter climes. She has many exciting plans for Kingham Guides and is a fantastic addition to our team. In line with the Government roadmap, we are now super excited to be able to meet face to face once again! This comes with the lighter nights and (hopefully!) drier and warmer weather which are welcome as we start to get back to some of our familiar fun outdoor Guiding activities. This next term we have a packed programme of outdoor cooking, walking, geocaching, raft building and many more.... We will also be joining Guides around the world for a Summer Festival - who isn’t in need of a bit of summer festival fun! If you know of any girls aged between 10 and 14 years old who would be interested in getting involved, please do get in touch - [email protected]

BLEDINGTON SCHOOL ASSOCIATION ‘100 CLUB’ WINNERS FOR APRIL 2021

The following numbers win £5 each in April’s draw:

10 Lucie Davison 21 Sam Shaw 35 Plum Brackenbury 48 Not Allocated Congratulations to all the winners! Prize money will be distributed once school re-opens for all the children. Thank you to everyone that supports the 100 Club

Registered with: Cotswold District Council under Gambling Act 2005. Registration Number: 07/01271/GASSP Promoter: Annie Hammerstein, Harwood House, The Green, Bledington, OX7 6XQ Tel: 01608 659819

8 CELEBRATE COMING OUT OF LOCKDOWN Come and visit The Old Vicarage Garden and support a Charity THE ROYAL NATIONAL LIFEBOAT INSTITUTION on SUNDAY 20th JUNE 2.00pm to 6.00pm

and / or THE NATIONAL GARDEN SCHEME on SUNDAY 4 JULY 2.00pm to 6.00pm

PEBBLY HILL NURSERY Janet Simms Tel: 01608 659851 We are open 9.00am to 5.00pm daily throughout May and June. Many cottage garden perennials and herbs ready now, bedding plants and container plants ready from mid May. Baskets made to requirements or buy ready made.

Did you hear about the new car crash repairers recently opened? They come highly wreck-o-mended.

Yesterday a clown opened a door for me? It was a nice jester.

9 COULD YOU BE OUR NEXT PARISH CLERK? Bledington Parish Council is a friendly group of 7 Parish Councillors serving the Community of Bledington and is advertising the position of Parish Clerk. 23 hours per month on average at a rate of £10.57 per hour. Duties include: Preparation of Agenda’s, notices and administration of Parish Council meetings (11 per year). Taking minutes and follow up actions as required. Financial control of income and expenditure. Production of Annual accounts and preparation of Audits. Administration experience essential and the ability to demonstrate good organisational, communication, IT and Financial skills needed. Training and advice from Gloucestershire Association Parish and Town Councils will be given along with initial training from the current Clerk. To apply please send applications (letter or CV ) via email to [email protected] or by post to Mr R A Pearson, Bledington Parish Council, Orchard Bank, Stow Road, Bledington, Chipping Norton, Oxon OX7 6XH. If you wish to discuss the role informally, please contact the Parish Council Chairman Robert Pearson. Tel: 07523 418279.

THE BLEDINGTON GARDENING SOCIETY 68TH ANNUAL SUMMER FLOWER SHOW SATURDAY, 14 AUGUST 2021 Your schedule for the 2021 Summer Flower show was included in April’s Newsletter. I hope you will find something in it which will enable you to take part in the first show for 18 months. There are classes for vegetables, flowers, cooking and handicrafts so please try and showcase one or more of your talents in friendly competition. There are children’s classes too, and children may also enter any of the adult classes FREE.

10 SHREDDING

The next community Shred-In will be at BLEDINGTON VILLAGE HALL ON THURSDAY, 20 MAY

9.00-9.30AM, £5 per black sack

Start sorting your paperwork NOW! It will be shredded on the spot by Datashredders!

Information– 01608 658669

GUIDED WALKS WITH THE COTSWOLD VOLUNTARY WARDENS Sheila Wasley Subject to lockdown restrictions we are aiming to restart the guided walks programme. Details of the walks available are on the website (below). Walkers must reserve their place through the booking system as numbers will be capped. https://www.cotswoldsaonb.org.uk/visiting-and-exploring/guided-walks/

11 BLEDINGTON VILLAGE HALL Jenny Beacham The Village Hall re-opened on 19 April but, at present, it can only be used by organised children’s groups such as Toddlers, Brownies etc. Committee meetings are possible in the Main Hall, Rosepool Room will remain out of use until social distancing is a thing of the past! The Hall is being used for the elections on 6 May. We are hoping that more activities may be possible after 17 May, watch the Village Hall door/noticeboard for more information and check with us if you are wondering about an event. There will be a Community Shred-In with Data Shredders on Thursday, 20 May outdoors as last time. The lorry will be with us from approximately 9.00am-9.30am on that morning. Please bring your black bag or equivalent to the Hall with your £5 per bag – correct money if possible please! Hand sanitiser will be available. There are still vacancies on the Village Hall Committee. We shall be asking for representatives from village organisations to come forward, as this is how the committee has been developed over the years. It gives those organisations a voice in the management of the Hall they use. Committee members must live in Bledington, Foscot or Foxholes and initially serve for a maximum of three years.

BLEDINGTON CARE COMMITTEE Bledington Care Committee is made up of volunteers living in the village. Our aim is to assist the elderly, the disabled and those in distress in the village. This includes: Transport to Hospitals, Doctors, Dentists etc – for the elderly, disabled, those unable to use or without transport. Please ring Hazel Furneaux on 658547 or Pat Jenkin on 659215. Care Line/Emergency Telephone - Sue Windsor 658525. Medical Equipment – e.g. Zimmer frames, wheel chairs, crutches etc, available on short term loan. Sue Windsor 658525. Medical Prescriptions – most pharmacies now provide a delivery service for prescriptions for the elderly, but should this not be possible a member of the Care Committee will collect. Sue Windsor 658525. Occasional catering for funeral refreshments in the village hall - Sue Windsor 658525. Further information about the Bledington Care Committee can be found in the Bledington Directory (pages 15-16).

BLEDINGTON PARISH COUNCIL Notes by the Editors from the Minutes of the Bledington Parish Council meeting held on Thursday 7 April 2021 via video conference. Present: Mr R Pearson (Chair), Mr N Jackson (Vice-chair), Mr B Ball, Mrs R Gaskell, Mrs R Pawley, with acting clerk Mrs H Pearson and Councillors N Moor (GCC) and 3 members of the public. Apologies from Mr A Tait and Dr S Rawstorne. Matters Arising. Cemetery Entrance. Bark chippings to be placed in when impassable in wet conditions. Mr R Pearson will ascertain the ownership of the land with Mr J Mash at Manor Farm. Reports from County and District Councillors. County Cllr N Moor. Report was delivered. Mrs R Gaskell questioned whether the figures showing a reduction in HGVs through the village due to HGV restrictions at Burford were a true reflection. Highways will forward the data from the last three traffic counts in the village. Flooding. The Flood Group would now continue as a separate group and report back through Mrs R Gaskell on development and actions by the group. Flood Group Report. Work to restore ponds at Gawcombe for attenuation is continuing. Hydrological modelling in Bledington had financial support. Larger bunds were under consideration but required Environment Agency approval. Village Brook maintenance will be done in the autumn. Thames Water is investigating the system at Westcote and considering additional work to sewers. Planning. Discussion took place on planning applications relating to 2 Church Villas, Old Post Office and Orchard Bank. Parish Clerk. Mrs C Allen the Parish Clerk wished to relinquish the post. Both Mrs Allen and Mrs Pearson will continue to co operate as clerk until a replacement can be found. The vacancy will be placed in Bledington News to see if there is any local interest. Items for Future Meetings. Station Road. The temporary narrowing over the stream is an eyesore and OCC to be approached. Footpath to College Place. The route is through private land and needs a diversion; signage is unclear. Feastival. Discounted tickets for local Village residents apparently are not available. Litter Pick. To take place on 24 April. Village Green Benches. The Lionel Kitchingman bench to be moved to replace a broken seat and replaced with the new Hazel Gibbs bench. Play Area Gate. Repair required. Village Green Bridge. Major repairs requiring tenders will be required in 2022. Annual Parish Meeting. 7.15pm Thursday 6 May (Zoom). Next Parish Council Meeting: 6.30pm Thursday 6 May (Zoom).

13 PARISH COUNCIL AGM THURSDAY 6 MAY AT 7.15PM Heather Pearson, Acting Clerk to the Parish Council The AGM will take place at 7.15pm following the monthly Parish Council meeting which will start at 6.30pm. Members of the public are warmly invited to attend both meetings. There will be an opportunity at the AGM for anyone to raise any concerns or queries regarding parish matters. If any village organisations would like to submit a brief written report outlining the years activities could this please be sent by email to [email protected] Please contact the clerk on the above email if you wish to attend and would like to receive the zoom link.

THE ARTS SOCIETY COTSWOLDS Frances Sparkes WEDNESDAY 12 MAY “CATHEDRALS, SAFE PLACES TO DO RISKY THINGS” With Janet Gough A ravishingly illustrated virtual tour of the Church of England’s magnificent 42 cathedrals, jewels in the crown of our built heritage, some recognised as World Heritage Sites. You will be treated with an overview of visual history and architectural evolution including some surprising stories and extraordinary treasures. The changing role of cathedrals in society both in the past and present day is also reviewed. About our Speaker: Janet was the Church of England’s Director of Church Buildings and Secretary of the Church Buildings Council and Cathedrals Fabric Commission for eight years. She has worked at Sotheby’s for nine years, was a trustee at the Churches Conservation Trust, the Museum of Fulham Palace and the Friends of the V&A and guided and lectured at the V&A. Owing to the Covid-19 pandemic, TASC lectures are now given “virtually” via Zoom. Members receive an ‘invitation’ via the newsletter and non- members are welcome to join in for a suggested donation of £5 either by cheque or by booking via the website. For more information, please contact Frances Sparkes on 01993 823943 or email [email protected] Or http://www.theartssocietycotswolds.org.uk

14 VILLAGER BUS SERVICES Timetables and information - www.villagerbus.co.uk Villager bus services are back with a full service. Masks must be worn and passenger numbers will be limited to maintain social distancing. Vaccination passports are not required. Services local to Bledington are below. Full timetables are available to see at the website above. For queries call 01608 811617 or 01658 659749.

V2 Bledington Green 09.24: Bledington School 09.25 Wednesday arrive Chipp. Norton Co-Op 9.50; Medical Centre 9.53 only Leave Co-op 11.30, Hlth. Centre 11.32 arr. Bledington 12.00

V6 Bledington School 09.39: Bledington Green 09.40 Thursday arrive Stow Square 9.49: Stow Tesco 9.53 Leave only Stow Tesco 11.04: Stow Square 11.08, arr. Bledington 11.19

V9 Bledington School 13.55: arrive Chipping Norton 14.09 Friday Leave Co-op Car Park 15.45 arr. Bledington 16.00. Goes on only to Westcote/Oddington - no return from Oddington.

Bledington Green 09.16: arr. Chipping Norton West Street V19 10.03, Health Centre/Aldi 10.06 (by request). Leave Aldi/ Monday and Health Centre 11.38, Co-op 11.40 arr. Bledington 12.27. Tuesday (This service travels to Milton-u-Wychwood, Shipton-u- only Wychwood and Ascott-u-Wychwood).

V20 Bledington School 09.05 Arr. Witney 10.06. Leave Thursday Sainsbury’s 11.55; Market Sq. 12.00, arr. Bledington 13.02 only (This service travels to Kingham, Shipton-under-Wychwood).

V25 Bledington Green and School 08.56 arr. Witney 10.13am Wednesday dropping off at Hospital, Sainsbury’s and Buttercross. only Witney Buttercross 12.08pm, arrive Bledington 1.29pm (This service travels to Churchill, Shipton, Milton, Fulbrook, Burford, Bradwell, Filkins, Carterton, Minster Lovell).

15 WEATHER RECORDS Robert Pearson 20 MARCH TO 19 APRIL 2021 2021 2020 Total rainfall 16.5mm 11mm Wettest Day 7mm on 26/3/21 8mm Highest day temperature 22°C on 29/3/21 25°C Average maximum day temperature 12°C 14.5°C Lowest night temperature -3°C on 3/4/21 -2°C Average lowest night temperature 2°C 3.3°C I cannot believe that we are in a Spring drought situation again following late Autumn and early Winter floods, just exactly as last year (the average rainfall figure for April being 45mm). To make matters worse this year have been the overnight frosts for just about every night during April so far; except one! Would it be too much to ask for some more acceptable growing conditions during May or as was the case last year, will the Spring drought continue?

AIR AMBULANCE Wendy Scott A huge thank you to everyone who has supported the Air Ambulance by donating their used stamps. However, I am very sad to have to tell you that the Air Ambulance are NO LONGER collecting them. We know not why. Angie Price, to whom I used to give them, said the village of Bledington provided more used stamps than any of the other villages around, so you can be proud of yourselves, but sadly, no more used stamps are required. I know, like me, many of you have friends and family who also collected used stamps, so please pass on this message. Perhaps someone knows of another charity who could use them, if so, let me know please.

COMMUNITY WELLBEING SERVICE Louise Fletcher, Project Manager All requests for help should be addressed to 07738 016 384 or by email [email protected] The service offers practical and financial help and advice to those who may need any help to stay safe and independent at home for as long as they wish or as long as they can.

COMMUNITY DEFIBRILLATORS In a life threatening emergency, where a defibrillator MAY be required you MUST CALL 999. Bledington Community Defibrillators are located at: 1. Bledington Village Hall on an outside wall. 2. In the telephone box outside Bledington School. The Village Hall defibrillator is locked; 999 will give you IN AN EMERGENCY the key code. The defibrillator in the telephone box is not CALL 999 locked so does not require a key or key code. DO NOT CALL 111 If Ambulance Control think the use of a defibrillator is required they will ask you to take the nearest defibrillator to the patient. You will be given instructions on how to use the defibrillator. DO NOT DIAL 111 in a life threatening emergency. A defibrillator is used to shock the heart into re-starting if the heart has arrested or is not beating properly. Please report to Sinclair Scott 01608 658624 if you have deployed the defibrillator. Defibrillators are dangerous to use unless under instruction from a 999 call operative or qualified medical practitioner.

BLEDINGTON NEWS The Editors Bledington News is usually distributed free of charge to every household in Bledington, Foscot and Foxholes. We would love to hear from you if you have any suggestions or contributions for news etc. for inclusion. [email protected] or call 01608 658624. Our printing costs are our only expense; they are around £2,000 annually. A huge thank you to those who have made donations towards the printing costs; if you wish to donate please contact our Treasurer, Michael Lear, Trinders, Main Street, Bledington Tel: 659371. Cheques should be made out to ‘Bledington News’.

17 WASTE AND RECYCLING COLLECTION DATES BLEDINGTON - COTSWOLD DC. WEEKLY: EVERY TUESDAY: Small grey food waste caddy. Uneaten or out-of-date food, eggs, egg shells, tea bags, coffee grounds, kitchen roll, paper tissues, small amounts of oil/fat, animal hair. NOT food packaging, animal faeces, pet litter/bedding/carcasses, cardboard, nappies.

FORTNIGHTLY: TUESDAYS 11 AND 25 MAY: Large green wheeled garden waste bins (licence required). Grass cuttings, leaves, bark, tree prunings and branches up 2” across, tree stumps up to 4” across, rabbit and guinea pig bedding, flowers, plants, weeds, fruit windfalls, cold wood ash. Grey wheeled bins for land fill waste. Cat/pet litter/bedding, nappies, light bulbs, crisp packets, plastic bags/wrapping. NOT fluorescent tubes. Blue bag for cardboard. Cardboard must fit into bag. Remove packaging tape. NOT card with glitter. White bags for tins, cans and rigid plastic. Plastic tubs and bottles, clean foil, aerosols, tetra paks. NOT crisp packets, plastic bags, clingfilm. Black boxes: 1. Glass bottles, jars. NOT broken glass, light bulbs. 2. Paper, catalogues, newspaper, magazines, plain wrapping paper. Also in Black boxes, wrap in separate carrier bags:- 1. Small electricals, batteries, e-readers, fairy lights, toys. 2. Shoes, clothing, hats, gloves, belts, scarves, textiles, handbags.

FOSCOT AND FOXHOLES - WEST OXON DC. FORTNIGHTLY GREEN WEEK: MONDAYS 10 AND 24 MAY: Grey food waste bins. Blue lid bins for recycling. Green lid bins for garden waste. FORTNIGHTLY GREY WEEK: TUESDAY 4 AND MONDAY 17 MAY Grey food waste bins. Grey lid bins for landfill waste.

RECYCLING CENTRES Fosse Cross, Cirencester waste centre (CDC) is open from 10.00am to 4.00pm (not Tuesdays) 18 miles from Bledington, signposted off A429 at Hare and Hounds, 6 miles north of Cirencester. All visits must be pre- booked on-line at https://forms.gloucestershire.gov.uk/HRC_CarBooking Dix Pit, Standlake waste centre (WODC) is open from 8.00am to 4.00pm every day. 21 miles from Foscot off the A415 south of Witney.

18 EVENLODE VALE CHURCHES ST LEONARD BLEDINGTON Helkias Mapimhidze Perhaps it’s the hubbub of punters at the pub. Indeed, I do wonder what proportion of the country was hungover (“working from home?”) on the second Tuesday of April. Perhaps it’s the sunny weather or perhaps it’s the roll out of the vaccination program and how most of the nation’s vulnerable have had at least one jab. We are certainly thankful that we’ve been able to meet for Sunday services following the guidelines set by the government. For all these and many other things that are resuming there seems to be an air of optimism about. The path to normality (whatever that may look like) is not immediately totally clear but from all appearances, it is getting less and less murky. My family and I are looking forward to being able to camp in the summer. May Providence sustain and guide us all. For this is the hope of Easter. The resurrection of Jesus gives us eternal hope for better things to come. It’s probably that from where we get the idea of Easter eggs. Chickens look little like the eggs from which they hatch. It’s not clear to us what the immediate future will look like, but the eternal future will be more than we can imagine. May that hope sustain us now and forever.

ST LEONARD CHURCH ANNUAL MEETINGS 2021 Jeremy Gould This year's annual meetings will be in church on Sunday 23 May at 11.30am - as part of that day's Morning Prayer. The Annual Parishioners Meeting (open to all residents) elects the two churchwardens. The Annual Parochial Church Meeting (open to all, though voting is restricted to those on the church electoral roll) hears reports on activities in 2020 and elects the members of the Parochial Church Council (PCC). All are welcome.

CHURCH NEWS MAY 2021 Kirsten Turner Church Services We are continuing to meet in person for church services following Church of England guidelines. We look forward to welcoming those who are emerging from lockdown. Of special note is the Ascension Day Service on Thursday 13 May at 7.30pm at St Edward’s, Evenlode. All are welcome as we remember the Ascension of our Lord Jesus. Pastoral Care As we approach the return of normality we are conscious that many people will still have high levels of anxiety. If you or anyone you know has any pastoral concerns please contact our Curate, Helkias Mapimhidze on 01608 659240. Appointment of New Minister Since the application deadline we have received a number of applications and short listing has begun. We would welcome your prayers for our churchwardens, patrons and parish representatives as they consider the applications.

ST LEONARD, BLEDINGTON CHURCH ROTAS FLOWERS AND BRASS TO MAIN CLEANING ALTAR AND SIDE ALTAR MAY 2021 Week Commencing: Monday Week Ending: Saturday 3rd Mrs Cooper and Mrs Jenkin 1st Mrs Rosemary Power 10th Mrs Pearson and Mrs Algar 8th Mrs Elaine Way 17th Mrs Pearson and Mrs Algar 15th Mrs Sue MacConnal-Mason 24th Mrs Warren and Tina 22nd Mrs Plum Brackenbury 31st Mrs Warren and Tina 29th Mrs Angela Lear

Evenlode Vale Churches Website: www.evenlodevalechurches.org

20 CHURCH SERVICES (subject to Government permission for public worship)

Sunday 2 May The Fifth Sunday of Easter 10.30am United Communion Service Holy Ascension, Oddington

Sunday 9 May The Sixth Sunday of Easter (Rogation Sunday) 9.30am Holy Communion (CW) St Mary, Adlestrop 11.00am Holy Communion (CW) St Paul, Broadwell 11.00am Morning Prayer (BCP) St Edward, Evenlode 11.00am Morning Prayer (BCP) St Mary, Icomb 11.00am Morning Service (CW) St Mary, Westcote 6.00pm Evening Prayer (BCP) St Leonard, Bledington

Thursday 13 May Ascension Day 7.30pm United Communion Service St Edward, Evenlode

Sunday 16 May The Sunday after Ascension Day 9.00am Holy Communion (BCP) St Leonard, Bledington 9.30am Holy Communion (BCP) St Mary, Icomb 10.30am Morning Praise Holy Ascension, Oddington 11.00am Morning Service (CW) St Mary, Westcote

Sunday 23 May Pentecost (Whit Sunday) 9.30am Morning Prayer (BCP) St Mary, Adlestrop 9.30am Morning Prayer (BCP) St Mary, Icomb 9.30am Morning Prayer (BCP) St Nicholas, Oddington 10.30am Morning Prayer (CW) St Leonard, Bledington 11,00am Morning Service (BCP) St Paul, Broadwell 11.00am Holy Communion (BCP) St Edward, Evenlode 6.00pm Holy Communion (CW) St Mary, Westcote

Sunday 30 May Trinity Sunday 9.00am Holy Communion (BCP) St Leonard, Bledington 11.00am Joint Service St Mary, Westcote

Bledington, Foxholes and Foscot News is printed by KopyRite, Worcester Trading Estate, Chipping Norton.