Vol 30 No 8 August 2019

HATS ON FOR A TRUE GENT We did it! In last month’s Woodcote Correspondent I invited the interval between innings, a children’s match the whole village to join the picnic and over 200 attracted over fifty youngsters who we hope will one accepted the invitation! It was an unforgettable day day form the basis of the Woodcote Cricket Club! and a real village event. Not a detail was spared as The £1000 grant we received from the English families arrived on the Green to pay tribute to, and Cricket Board, as part of the Cricket World Cup celebrate the life of former Cricket Club President, Sponsorship, was put to Pete Aldridge. excellent use as our ‘state-of- The Red Lion captain, Neil the-art’ barbecue. It was McDougall, paid a unique manned by Ryan Van and fitting tribute to his great Heerden, Simon Fuller and friend by kitting out his Ken Groom who produced whole team in striking mouth-watering burgers and Panama hats; a Pete Aldridge hot dogs throughout the trademark when watching afternoon,. The ‘streaker’ was cricket! not pre-arranged, but it’s happened before at cricket The day opened with both and everyone seemed to be teams lining up for a amused! minute’s applause for Pete and then the game At the end of the match, the commenced. The glorious Pete Aldridge Trophy was weather provided extra Fine shot by Connor Mattimore presented to the winning encouragement as more and more families flocked to captain, Neil McDougall and Neil, a great Cricket the Green to join in the fun. Not surprisingly, there Club supporter, was named player-of-the-match, for was a large Aldridge family contingent led by Jonny a fine performance as wicket keeper for the Red Lion. and his three sisters, Chris, Sue and Sarah and the Of course, a lot of organisation had preceded the WADS were also there in force in recognition of Pete event and we are particularly grateful to James and Joy’s many years of service to the society. Worsfold who not only captained and selected the Woodcote team, but carried out most of the catering The cricket was entertaining throughout with some arrangements. Thanks are due too to Mark and good individual performances. Woodcote posted what Dennis Pearson for the loan of a freezer and for looked like a winning total of 163, but the Red Lion providing transport. (Continued on Page 2) finished as winners with only three balls to spare. In COMMENT FROM THE VICARAGE SERVICES at ST LEONARD’S in I’ve noticed that when speaking in church or perhaps AUGUST leading some prayers I find myself referring to the 4th August (Trinity 7) ‘interesting’ or ‘challenging’ times in which we live. As I’ve noticed this, I’ve begun to wonder what I mean; 8.00 a.m. Holy Communion what is it that I’m getting at? The task of the 9.45 a.m Parish Communion preacher is to make connections between what is 11th August (Trinity 8) happening for people in the here and now with what the scriptures or the Christian tradition have to offer, 8.00 a.m. Holy Communion and so inevitably one is always trying to pick up on 9.45 a.m Worshipping Together the mood of the people both nationally and more locally. 18th August (Trinity 9) 8.00 a.m. Holy Communion Well, I know that I am referring to the anxieties and uncertainties that assail us. The ‘fake news’ for 9.45 a.m The Open Door Service instance, that is not news at all but simply lies that 25th August (Trinity 10) seek to mislead us. There’s interference from foreign 8.00 a.m. Holy Communion governments in our national affairs, there’s the rise of ‘populism (a misnomer surely?). There’s the 9.45 a.m Parish Communion increase in hate crime, racism and homophobia, Blessings, Linda young people caught up in knife and gun crime and Revd. Linda Smith, Tel. 01491 680979 drug running. There’s the realisation that what were Email: [email protected] once considered essential services like the care of the elderly, support for families and young children and timely hospital appointments, are no longer as TEA AT MOWFORTH HOUSE available or accessible as they were. We see school budgets under intense strain, and we are waking up hosted by St Leonards to the threat to the planet from our misuse of Please come and join us for an enjoyable afternoon in resources. Sadly, the list could go on. the grounds of Mowforth House on Sunday the 11th But as someone who is trying to articulate the of August at 2pm for a tea party and help raise funds feelings of many and not just my own then I’m also for St Leonards. Tickets are priced at £10 each and aware that my perception of the world is inevitably this includes a glass of fizz, sandwiches, cakes, skewed by my background and experience. I’m trying scones and tea. A chance for you to enjoy the to avoid the political categories of left or right, liberal summer sun and dig out a summer frock! Hopefully or conservative, but my own history of public sector a good day will be had all round. work in nursing, school, voluntary service and now If you are interested in coming, please contact Gill the church must influence my perspective. My point Sykes 684257. is, how do we situate ourselves in these interesting and challenging times? Because it’s really beginning to matter. Do we choose sides? Do we become more, or less, political and engaged in what is going on HATS ON FOR A TRUE GENT around us? How informed are we when we make (continued from front page) these judgements? Is much of what we believe and It is gratifying to report that we have received so act upon based on current, reliable information, or many kind messages thanking us for the day. Most on the received wisdom of the past, or the shock importantly, the Aldridge family expressed their factor of the latest headlines that awakens our fears? delight saying, ‘Pete would have loved it!’ As I said There’s lots of questions there; questions that I’m over the PA at the end, there were lots of winners: asking myself as I write, and they seem to be getting this wonderful village and its people; the game of more difficult to answer as old certainties fall away. cricket, Woodcote Cricket Club and the whole of the But if I accept that my view is inevitably partisan Aldridge family. As ever, the Red Lion played its part then openness to conversation with people with with cooling drinks on a hot afternoon. And, I’m different views to my own, or with those I struggle to pleased to say, the Woodcote Correspondent was understand and be with seems to be important. I indeed there to report it!!! need to check out if my belief about someone or some event, is based in any kind of truth, or in my PS. Our new cricket expert David Sutton (read his assumptions, my prejudice, my bias. Because it article in the July Correspondent) was also there to seems to me that what I think, what you think, really cast a knowing eye over the proceedings! matters now as we no longer want to trust government and institutions to think and act for us. Sam Peates Proud Chairman of Woodcote CC So, I wonder if it’s not such a bad thing that I find myself living with questions and a little more Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of vulnerability. Maybe it’s ok to not be certain, to not information printed in this paper, the Editor and have all the answers. But at the same time, don’t we Committee cannot accept responsibility for the contents all need to take responsibility for caring enough to of advertisements or any errors that may occur. Opinions ask the questions? expressed are those of the contributors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Editor or Committee.

2 A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR PUBLISHER INFORMATION I am delighted to have taken over Editor: Yvette Decmar [via email] the role of Editor this month. I have lived in a neighbouring Articles for inclusion: to the editor by email to: village for nearly nine years now [email protected] — to be received by 12th of and both my children have the preceding month. benefitted from a fantastic Advertisers: To place an advertisement, please education at Langtree School. email [email protected] for details of prices and As you all know, the Woodcote Correspondent has how to produce your ad in our house style. The been a part of Woodcote life – as well as its deadline for payment and your finished advert is the surrounds – for many years now. Whilst many of us 12th of the preceding month. rely heavily on technology these days for news and Small Ads and Announcements: £5 for three lines. events updates, there is equally much comfort to be drawn from having a tangible source of information Photographs: Photos should be unedited and as at our fingertips – in the form of a book, for instance, high a resolution as possible (at least 500kB). Please or in this case, a magazine. send them as attachments to [email protected] The Woodcote Correspondent is a collective effort that Advertising: Claire Jones 07789 190463 is written, collated, printed and distributed by a Treasurer: Helen Baker 01491 682240 whole neighbourhood and read by an even larger one. Could you spare an hour or two a month to help Production: Dan Oldfield 01491 681962 the core team? Drop us an email if you think you can. Distribution: Trevor Back 01491 680617 Printer: C Z Services 07860 630865 In the meantime, do share your stories, grumbles, news and views with us, as well as your favourite Cover Design: Rob Spencer photos (check out Tina’s photo of a Red Kite in this The Woodcote Correspondent is on the Village issue). We look forward to hearing from you! website at www.woodcote-online.co.uk/facilities. Yvette Note: The Woodcote Correspondent is edited, produced and distributed by volunteers.

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4 A 90TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION was a real trip down memory lane and it was sad to see how many well-loved department stores have disappeared from our high streets. Ann showed us lots of photographs of Reading when people could just park outside the shops! The competition for an old photograph of Reading was won by Judy Williams. This was followed by a lovely tea. Thank you to Vivien Stevens, Barbara George and Jo Sutcliffe. In August we have our garden meeting and will be celebrating the Centenary of Oxford Federation WI and our own 75th Birthday year. We are having an afternoon tea at the Shillingford Bridge Hotel instead of our usual meeting. Judy Williams.

WOODCOTE FETE 14th September 2019 Plans are progressing and the team are gearing up to make sure that this year’s Fete is a June Higley had her own celebrations on the 75th success. Thank you to those anniversary of the D-Day landings as she invited of you who came forward to friends and family to join her at a party for her 90th help. It really is appreciated birthday. Looking very spritely and in excellent and means we can continue spirits, June welcomed everyone to her new home in to hold the event. It is never Towse Court, Goring. The entertainment was too late to volunteer. Please provided by a very talented singer who serenaded send an email to June and her friends with a selection of war time [email protected] or melodies which was so appropriate for the day. It was message our facebook page. We would love to hear obvious that guests of a certain age were very from you! familiar with the songs and enthusiastically joined We have finalised the Exhibit Guide and the in, demonstrating their memories of the patriotic Correspondent team have kindly printed this in the songs of the time. centrefold so that you can pull it out and start to June’s family had organised a veritable feast with make plans for your entries. You will need to keep bubbly to match, and the atmosphere was a very hold of the entry form, fill it out and bring that happy celebration for a much respected and loved together with your entries on the morning of the lady. With her family and friends around her, June Fete. One entry form is required per person so please was the toast of the afternoon and we all wished her copy as needed. Copies of the leaflet will also be a very happy birthday. available in the usual places in the next month, eg: Doctors, library, pubs and shops. Barbara Penniall All the traditional competition classes are included for those of you who grow vegetables, fruit and WOODCOTE WI NEWS flowers. There are also art, photography and June 2019 handicraft classes as well as the popular limerick challenge; can Jo Lillywhite win for a 3rd year? The Patricia Solomons gave a warm baking classes are always closely contested and this welcome to the members on what year we have included macaroons for the first time! was a very grey day! Celebrating their We have also created an 11-plus category. The birthdays this month are Gillian number of entries last year was fantastic and we Seymour and Jan Clegg. hope more of you will be encouraged to join in. The blooms of the month were lovely. Remember - there are trophies to be won so what are There were lots of lilies, roses and you waiting for?! peonies and the green fingered winner was Jenny Gough! The Homes and Gardens group will General Maintenance Gardener be going to Bournemouth and Poole in August so we’re hoping for a sunny day! Later this month the Grass cutting, Hedge cutting, lunch club will be going to the Perch and Pike in Edging, Weeding, General tidy-up. South Stoke. For a one-off or regular maintenance Call: Jason 07775564275 The speaker this month was Ann Smith who talked to us about the 100 year history of Reading shops. It

5 FAREWELL TO MARY WELLER KINGS Mary has reluctantly had to give up being a Woodcote Volunteer driver and committee member. FLOORING She has been a committee member since its CARPETS, VINYLS, LAMINATES, inception in 1983 and indeed helped to set up the ENGINEERED WOOD AND KARNDEAN group with Jackie Widdows, Elsie Taylor and Dr Wilson. FOR A FREE QUOTE AND SAMPLES DIRECT TO YOUR DOOR CALL Throughout all these years she has been a busy driver but also a guiding light to the group and she 01491 681489 07799471648 will surely be missed. Our grateful thanks and best wishes for the future go to her and her husband Michael for a long and happy retirement from the Volunteers! KJI

WE NEED YOUR HELP! From Dr Rhys Hamilton, on behalf of the Patient Participation Group (PPG) The provision of a ‘free’ or rather ‘tax based’ NHS, has become ingrained in our population’s minds, so that when an apparently minor, rather unglamorous, service such as the removal of impacted ear wax for those unlucky enough to have this problem (it is partly genetic) — was withdrawn by the local Practice, many patients were upset and even outraged at the prospect of having to pay up to £70 to have the job done privately. This is nothing to some but a lot to others. Furious and sometimes frankly abusive phone calls were made to the Practice Manager. These do not help anyone. The Practice states they were unable to cope with the demand and have had to stop providing this aspect of care. You can be referred to the ENT department but this may involve a wait of many months — hardly a service for those with a simply resolved cause of hearing loss. Some are lucky enough to be able to use softening drops and bulb syringes (see Practice Website) to resolve the problem — but not all. So what do we do? The National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (‘NICE’) recommend that this service is carried out in the Community or by GP surgeries. We, the PPG, feel that there IS a way forward and that is to urge those who commission care to provide a properly funded and staffed community based service within our local Community Hospital at Wallingford, to provide timely removal of impacted wax. We have an increasingly elderly population and the prevalence of this problem is likely to increase. We, the PPG, have asked the Practice to put pressure on Oxfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group (OCCG)

6 and their article in this magazine sets out their THE PPG OPEN MEETING thoughts on the matter. (15th June 2019) Commissioning groups seem rather distant organisations but they are legally obliged to listen to It was standing room only at this morning’s Patient the concerns of the people that effectively employ Participation (PPG) Open Meeting in the Goring them. That is YOU - the patient. Village Hall. Drs Morris and Capo-Bianco provided a candid view of the pressures of keeping the Practice So could we try a bit of ‘People Power’ and ask as running and continuing to provide the high quality of many of you that can to please write a letter or email care that we have all come to expect. Dr Morris setting out your reaction to the removal of the service presented some worrying statistics illustrating the and urging the Clinical Commissioning Group to set number of GPs nationally and noted that the UK was up a community based service in Wallingford? We near the bottom of the European league table. He hope this will not fall on deaf ears! noted that in order for the Practice to survive, it PLEASE DO IT NOW — while you are thinking about needed to be a great place to work and needed the it! You might even like to write a letter to the local or goodwill of the customers. The business had to be national press if so moved at this withdrawal of kept viable. Nationally, an alarming number of service. practices are closing and while currently, there is not a direct threat to our Practice, its survival cannot be Julie Dandridge, taken for granted. Head of Primary Care and Localities Oxfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group The audience was presented with several ideas for Email : [email protected]. helping to ease the load on the Practice, ranging from looking after themselves and taking some responsibility for their own health and well-being; RESPONSE FROM THE GORING & exercising; sensible diets and being careful with alcohol consumption. It was pointed out that the WOODCOTE MEDICAL PRACTICE number of missed appointments was staggering and Ear irrigation is not commissioned as an NHS service an appalling waste of valuable resources. Dr Morris from Primary Care and is, therefore, something that reminded patients that if they had hospital or Medical Practices have often provided without outpatient issues, they should contact hospitals reimbursement. Given the strict cleaning and direct for resolution. Asking GPs to chase up maintenance policies that we now have to adhere to hospitals takes resources away from the GPs’ for our ear irrigation kit to satisfy Care Quality primary job: looking after you. The Surgery reception Commission (CQC) regulations and the increasing teams are the front desk and work hard to help demands placed on our Healthcare Assistant (HCA) patients. They are often under great pressure but services (including all blood tests, ECGs, NHS cannot create more appointments. He thanked Health checks, cardiac event monitors, simple patients for being polite to the reception team. dressings, Vitamin B12 injections, spirometry, etc), it Dr Capo-Bianco briefed the audience on the use of is a difficult balance to provide an ear irrigation an increasing number of available methods of service at the expense of other important patient electronic communications which would further save services (i.e. something has “to give”). GP and staff time. The audience was introduced to The Practice decided, therefore, to stop our in-house the use of the e-Consult tool which was available on ear irrigation service in July of last year. This was the Practice Website at not an easy decision for our team and we realised https://goringwoodcotemedicalpractice.webgp.com/ that this may cause some patients concern but and would provide information to patients and allow, difficult decisions have to be made by the Partners to if necessary, patients to seek answers from their GP. enable us to continue to offer our patients high An answer could be expected in 48 hours or less. standard and wide ranging healthcare services and Patients were encouraged to register for systems to protect the financial viability and future of the such as Patient Access, Evergreen Life and the new Practice. NHS App all of which would provide access to health records and test result and avoid patients needing to The Patient Participation Group was involved with phone in for test results. discussions about provision of ear irrigation within Primary Care and its future within the Practice. We were very grateful for the support we received However, they did not support the decision to from the organisations who provided information suspend ear irrigation at the Practice and said they tables at the event. We were also delighted to would put pressure on the Oxfordshire Clinical welcome many new members who joined the PPG. Commissioning Group (OCCG) to fund the service in The popularity of the event means that we are Primary Care going forward. The Practice has also considering running the same topics at the next written to the OCCG in support of our PPG’s concern Open Meeting which is being planned in the and would encourage our patients to do the same Woodcote Village Hall in the Autumn. By then, we with the aim of getting this service commissioned should have more information about the new Primary within Primary Care in the future. Care Network comprising Goring and Woodcote, Wallingford and Benson Medical Practices.

7 WOODCOTE CORRESPONDENT STUARTS HOME DECORATING CHAIRMAN’S REPORT 2019 PAINTER & DECORATOR FULLY INSURED & RELIABLE This has been another good year for the Woodcote Correspondent, and for this, thanks are due very INTERIOR & EXTERIOR much to the commitment and enthusiasm of our HOME DECORATION small but conscientious and hard-working committee. The year has seen a few changes, but, in Woodcote the main, the Correspondent continues to thrive. We South Oxfordshire have known for some time that Lucy Hall needed to stand down as Editor and she edited her last edition in May. I would like to place on record our thanks to Tel. 07976431697 Lucy for the excellent job she did over two years. I am pleased to report that Yvette Decmar has agreed [email protected] to become the new editor and she will be starting her editorial career with the August edition. Dan Oldfield, our Production Manager, goes from strength to strength. He has recently, and on a number of occasions while Lucy has been unavailable, combined his role with that of editor and I think it highly likely that the Correspondent would have ceased without his input. So, a big debt of gratitude is owed to Dan. I don’t even think Dan has taken a month off in the past year, so Geoff hasn’t needed to stand in. Claire Jones has continued to work conscientiously as Advertising Manager, which is so essential if we are to keep producing the Correspondent and distributing it free of charge. Claire and Helen Baker, our Treasurer, work well as a team to deal with the advertising and advertising revenue. During the past year they have expressed growing concern about the fall in advertising revenue and the Committee is aware that this is an issue that needs to be addressed if we are to continue to publish the Correspondent monthly and free of charge. Again, I would like to place on record our thanks to Claire and Helen for the work they do. Thanks are also due to our distribution team. Ken and Joan Poyser and Bernadette Brennan have stood down from their roles during the year and we would like to thank them for their service over a number of years. We have been very fortunate to recruit Trevor Back as Distribution Manager and he has already established himself in the role. So, our thanks go to Trevor for taking on this demanding position. Thanks are also due to those dedicated souls who deliver the Correspondent in their areas of the village. There are lots of them and they do a vital job. It is a source of great satisfaction that when a deliverer retires from the role, we always seem to manage to find a replacement. Thanks are due also to Helena for organizing the monthly Diary dates. Helena is also stepping down from her role due to personal and professional pressures and we thank her for the work she has done. I am pleased to welcome Tim Huelin who has agreed to take on the role. I am also pleased to report that Jane Cole has joined the committee as Secretary and is already establishing herself in this important role. Colin Jacobs, our printer of many years, continues to provide excellent service not only with his punctuality, but also in keeping the costs of

8 production as low as possible. Colin shows a greater but the tirade of language continued. I would like to interest in the Correspondent than just as printer thank the ladies who gave their support in trying to and is always open to new ideas. It was a very put a stop to this anti-social behaviour and I would thoughtful gesture on Colin’s part to print a full welcome suggestions as to what we, as a community, colour edition as a tribute to young James Hawley. can do to stop future incidents of this type. Thank you, Colin. SP As to the future of the Correspondent, I can only say that I believe there is a collective village wish for it to WOODCOTE CRICKET CLUB continue, but there is also a need for community involvement in that process. The fall-off in The month again saw mixed results businesses buying advertising space is alarming with 2 wins and a defeat in the because we cannot continue without that revenue. Saturday Berkshire League (plus We would welcome the views of the business two matches cancelled due to bad community on what we can do to promote weather). In the South Oxon advertising. We may also have to seek financial Midweek League, we have fared support from areas other than advertising. We are better with two wins and a tie also including more and more articles from outside (again there have been a couple of matches rained the village because of insufficient copy from the off). In the Berkshire League we recorded wins over village itself. However, that may make it possible to Crowthorne & Crown Wood CC and against Woodley, attract advertising from a wider area. We might also though we lost the local derby with Goring. In the consider widening the distribution area to include South Oxon League our wins were against Cholsey surrounding villages which are increasingly providing and Goring and the tie against RAF Benson. copy for the Correspondent. Currently we hold third place on Saturdays and second place in midweek. These important issues can be successfully addressed, especially if we can recruit more people to Individual Performance the committee. We would love to hear from anyone Batting who would like to join us as permanent members or who might be willing to carry out a particular short- Paul Knox 107 not out v Woodley term project. James Wheeler 55 v Goring (midweek) Finally, we do what we do for the benefit of the community. I feel sure that many in our community Bowling value the work we do and so I hope the Simon Fitzgerald 5 for 20 v Woodley Correspondent will continue for many years to come. SP (July 2019) James Worsfold 4 for 19 v Goring; 3 for 13 v Cholsey

Pete Roberts 3 for 16 v Goring VILLAGE GREEN COMMITTEE Paul Knox 3 for 11 v RAF Benson In a month when Village Green matters were not without their difficulties, it was wonderful to see the Home Fixtures in August/September Green crowded with villagers for the Cricket Club rd event on Sunday 7th July. Saturday 3 v Welford Park 1.00 It was a glorious day, a wonderful event and made Saturday 10th Kidmore End III v Eversley 1.00 me think how lucky we are to have such a delightful th area to enjoy. The difficulties relate to the cutting of Saturday 17 Kidmore End III v Yateley 1.00 the Green and an unpleasant incident in the play Sunday 18th BBC Caversham v Theale & Tilehurst area. Readers may have noticed that there were a 1.30 couple of weeks when the Green looked pretty untidy because the grass wasn’t cut. Sunday 25th BBC Caversham v Crowthorne & Crown The first week it was left because the weather was Wood awful and it wasn’t possible to cut it. The second st week the grass contractors had staffing difficulties Saturday 31 Kidmore End III v Slough and did not have the manpower to do the job. Sunday 1st v Goring (h) 1.00 Hopefully, this set of circumstances will not occur again. SP Just two days after our brilliant cricket event, I had quite a nasty altercation with a group of teenagers in the Play Area. It was early evening and a group of ENGLISH GCSE SUMMER TUITION boys were riding their bikes up and down inside the  All GCSE Papers – Language & Literature children’s play area. There was a father with a young  Understanding Core Texts child in the area and not only were the boys showing  Structuring Written Responses & SPAG no regard for safety, they were deliberately shouting Experienced Qualified Teacher of English the most foul language. I respectfully asked them to remove their bikes from the play area which they Contact: 07799100237 failed to do. They did eventually stop riding them,

9 GORING HEATH BOWLS opponents. Though we didn't win overall, we were pleased to take two of the five rinks and earn four more league points. Finally, as a result of the SODC "Learn to Bowl" initiative, we have two new members. That may not sound like much, but for us it's an almost 9% increase! We now have 25 members and the message is that we have plenty of room for more. If you are interested, contact us on [email protected] or via our website: goringheathbowls.weebly.com. You can also phone or text David, our secretary, on 07989 402190. We'd love to hear from you.

Things are looking up! We have won three out of the WOODCOTE LIBRARY NEWS five matches we have played since the last report. What an amazing summer it is going Two of those were against sides who normally to be at the Library this year! present a challenge: a home friendly against Saturday 13th July, will see the kick- Trentham and a home league match against Didcot. off of the Summer Reading Challenge Our annual weekend bowls tour this year went to for the over fives - ‘Space Chase’ Ilfracombe. As well as a number of Goring Heath members, we also took people from Goring, Free to sign up for, the aim is to read Pangbourne and Caversham. We went from Friday six books over the summer holidays 5th July to Monday 8th and played two matches, ending on 14th September. There are losing by only 10 points against Ilfracombe on free surprises along the way and lots of fun. Saturday, but winning by 30 against Braunton on Sunday. As well as the matches, the tour was a great social success and much beer was sunk! Our latest match at the time of writing was on 10th July away at Watlington, who are always formidable

To support the Challenge, we will be running three FREE craft and activity sessions for children here in the Library on the following dates:

Friday 16th August 9.30-12am – games morning

Friday 23rd August 10-12am – ‘Space’ themed craft morning

Friday 30th August 9.30-12am – games morning

For the games mornings, children may bring along any NON-electronic old-style games to play with others. We have chess, draughts and domino sets –-

10 but can you think of others? How about ‘Pick up Now books have mysteriously started to vanish from sticks’ or ‘Snakes & Ladders? There will also be the Moon Library and the Rockets are on the case. colouring and activity sessions available every time With lots of help from children taking part in the we are open, in addition to these special events. Challenge, the Rockets will go on a mission to try For more information, please go to and find the missing books and introduce the aliens www.summerreadingchallenge.org.uk to the wonders of the library, where they can share stories together. There’s plenty of peril along the way, For the Adults, things are just as busy with from black holes and shooting stars to the murky ‘Oxfordshire Reads’. Again, aim to read six books depths of the alien ship. Let the Space Chase begin! over the summer and complete the review postcards in the Library to be entered into the draw to win some great prizes. They include tickets to Oxford Ice Rink, The Roald Dahl Museum, Cineworld and the Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens. This year’s themes are ‘Superstars’ and ‘Other Worlds’ The closing date for entries is 7th September. Check out the book displays in branches and grab a book that catches your eye! Enjoy your summer that little bit more with Oxfordshire Libraries! With everything from travel You can use this website to keep track of the books books and stories to free E-Books and E-Audio, what you read and write book reviews, enter competitions, could be better than relaxing with a book in this hot chat to other readers and much much more… weather? There is a separate mini challenge for the under 4’s. The 2019 CILIP Carnegie medal winner for 2019 has For more details, go to been announced as: https://readingagency.org.uk/children/quick- guides/summer-reading-challenge/ The next meeting of our adult book club is on Monday 19th August at the usual time of 6pm. Health Clinics run in the Library Wednesday 14th and 28th August 9.30-10.30am There will be no Rhyme time sessions during August, but they will return in September. Poet X – by Elizabeth Acevedo And finally, as you may have read elsewhere, this will Pop in and reserve your copy of this fantastic book be my last entry here for the Library Team. At the today! same time as we welcome our newest member, Nessa Jones, I am leaving the Library Service for a new And for our younger readers: challenge. It has been my pleasure to help the people Get ready for a summer of fun with The Summer of Woodcote and the surrounding area for the last seven years. I shall miss everyone terribly but am Reading Challenge ‘Space Race’, aimed at children aged 4-11. staying in the village and may even pop in to help occasionally. Thanks for all the good wishes and The Rockets are a futuristic family living in space, happy memories of my time at the Library. and they are hot on the trail of a mischievous band Have a great Summer! of aliens! The aliens have been jumping from galaxy Jo Green to galaxy, helping themselves to whatever they like.

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11 Teams before the game with One minute's applause in memory and members of the Aldridge Family appreciation of Pete Aldridge

“Who needs alarm clocks “London has the Shard but Woodcote This is how to paint… when you have vocal kites?” has the Spike!” (Photo by Ken Groom) at Woodcote Pre-School (Photo by Tina Irvin)

“Now that’s a village local” The Red Lion team, sporting their panama hats, (Photo by winners of the Pete Aldridge Memorial Trophy Graham Piper) The Pete Aldridge Memorial Match -- a day to remember!

Cabin Pre-School fun!

Proud father and daughter, Jonny and Cierah

Spectators enjoying the sun and cricket Ellie and Cierah -- what a partnership! Releasing Painted Ladies

Bowling trickery by Jonny Neil McDougall player-of-the-match, James Worsfold hits out Woodcote Pre-Schoolers collecting Aldridge for the Red Lion presented by Jonny Aldridge. for Woodcote courgettes and peas at the allotment ...and watching the world go by...

12 13

Entry Form

Name

Age (if 15 or under) Saturday 14th September 2019

Exhibitors’ Guide Address Phone / Email Entry Fees Adults - 30p per entry Children – Free Exhibitors Number

Fill in the entry form which you will find opposite. Please note ‘one entry form per person’ (if more forms are required please copy the form). Class Entered Class Entered Class Entered Please use code Bring the completed form with your payment to The Village Hall on th i.e. VG1 Saturday 14 September between 09.00 and 11.00 am. 1 11 21

Rules 2 12 22 • You may only show ONE exhibit in each category. • All Exhibits MUST be at the hall between 09.00 and 11.00 am and MUST NOT 3 13 23 be removed before 16.00. All exhibits are to be removed from the hall by 17.00 if they are not removed, they will be put up for auction or disposed of. 4 14 24 • The Hall will be closed for judging at 11.00 and will reopen once the judging has 5 15 25 finished. • ON THE DAY - Please tick the check box on the card next to your exhibit if 6 16 26 you would like to donate your exhibit to be auctioned off to raise funds for the Village Hall Charity. 7 17 27

• Sunflower Competition - you will need to take a photo of yourself standing next 8 18 28 to your sunflower. The winning entry will be judged on the overall height of stem

(ground to top of flower head). 9 19 29 • Dog ‘look alike’ Competition – you will need to take a photo of you and your dog. 10 20 30 • Send entries by email to the Fete Committee: [email protected] . Both competitions are open to all age groups. Winners to be announced at the Fete Number of Classes entered where your photos will be on display. Closing date Sunday 8th Sept. • Any exhibits entered in this fete must not have been entered in any other show. TOTAL Fees due • All exhibits are left at the owner’s risk. Adults @ 30p per entry / Children - Free • The judge’s decision must be accepted as final.

Thank you for entering your exhibits. We hope that you enjoy the experience and Keep this form safe: Bring it with you and you will be allocated an will continue to support the Woodcote Fete in future years. Good Luck exhibitor’s number. You can use this number to complete your exhibitor’s card when you display your entries at the fete. Entries must be in place for judging before 11:00am

Competition Categories Flowers FA1 Open floral Display - A single arrangement of mixed flowers and foliage Vegetables FA2 A floral arrangement in a wellington boot VG1 3 Onions under 250g - single variety FA3 A miniature floral arrangement – to measure no more than 15 cm high

VG2 5 Potatoes – single variety FA4 3 Dahlia Stems VG3 3 Carrots - single variety FA5 1 Specimen Flower VG4 6 Runner Beans with stalks - single variety FA6 House Plant VG5 Longest Runner Bean with stalk - any variety Home Grown Other VG6 6 French Beans with stalks - single variety HG1 A bunch of herbs – 3 different varieties VG7 5 Tomatoes - single variety HG2 Longest Nettle VG8 3 Beetroot - single variety HG3 3 eggs – one breed of hen or duck VG9 2 Marrows - single variety HG4 Any amusingly shaped vegetable or fruit VG10 Heaviest Marrow

VG11 3 Courgettes - maximum 15cm - single variety Home Baking VG12 1 Cucumber - any variety BA1 Victoria Sponge VG13 3 Leeks BA2 Fruit Cake – made to recipe found below VG14 3 Parsnips BA3 Lemon Drizzle cake VG15 Heaviest Pumpkin BA4 4 Macaroons (gluten free) VG16 4 Different Vegetables as gathered (unwashed & untrimmed) in a basket BA5 4 Identical Decorated Cup Cakes VG17 2 Pumpkins/Squash - any variety BA6 Apple Pie VG18 Heaviest Onion - any variety BA7 4 Bread Rolls BA8 4 Cheese Scones Fruit

FR1 3 Apples – single variety Recipe for Fruit Cake Ingredients: 100g margarine, 100g caster sugar, 2 eggs, 200g self-raising flour, 70ml milk, FR2 3 Pears – single variety 50g mixed peel, 200g dried fruit, 50g chopped cherries FR3 Mixture of any soft fruits Method: Cream margarine and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time with a little sieved flour and beat well. Stir in milk and add a little more flour; add fruit and rest of flour, stirring continuously. Bake in a lined loaf tin for 1 hr 20 mins at 160C (gas mark 3). To check when your cake is cooked it should be golden, coming away from the sides of the tin, and when skewered in the centre, the skewer should come out clean

Preserves Adult Writing PR1 Marmalade AW1 Limerick – 5 lines with the first line starting with: PR2 Soft Fruit Jam “Up at the ponds you can see all manner of things” PR3 Chutney PR4 Jelly Sunflower Competition “I went to the Woodcote Fete this year” PR5 Vegetable Pickle CHSU1 Tallest Sunflower PR6 Flavoured alcoholic beverage Photos and measurements (floor to flower top) to be emailed to the Fete committee: [email protected] no later than Sunday the 8th of September or bring along your own photo on the day. Art AR1 Landscapes

AR2 Still Life Dog ‘Look alike’ Competition AR3 Portraits - Human AR4 Portraits – Animals DG1 Owner who most looks like their Dog Photos of the Owner with their Dog to be emailed to the Fete committee: [email protected] no later than Sunday the 8th of September or bring along your own photo on the day. Photography PH1 Local Landscape PH2 Portrait (Human or Animal) Children’s Competitions PH3 Amusing with a caption

PH4 Woodcote life Pre School PS1 Vegetable animal

Handicrafts PS2 Decorated biscuits HC1 Knitting PS3 Decorated fairy cakes HC2 Crochet PS4 Woodcote Rocks – Decorate a medium sized stone HC3 Quilting PS5 Decorated paper plate HC4 Pottery PS6 Hand print animal HC5 Miniature model

Key Stage 1 Acknowledgements CHL1 Homemade decorated fairy cakes

CHL2 Biscuit tin fairy garden Woodcote Village Fete Committee gratefully acknowledges the generous support CHL3 Design and build a Lego model of those that have sponsored our annual fete. We are also very grateful to those that have given time and/or skills to help set up, during or after the fete. Thank CHL4 Animal home in a shoe box (no live animals please!) you to all our judges who also give up their time and expertise to judge the CHL6 Woodcote Rocks – Decorate a medium sized stone entries. CHL7 Junk model of a tractor If anyone has any ideas for future fetes or would like to get involved in any way, CHL8 Mixed Media Collage of Mythical creature please contact the fete committee: [email protected] - you would be made to feel very welcome. Key Stage 2 CHU1 A selection of homegrown vegetables Congratulations to the 2018 award winners CHU2 A posy of flowers in a recycled tin CHU4 Homemade decorated fairy cakes The Fete Committee would like to extend their congratulations to the winners of 2018. We look forward to passing on the awards to the winners this year. We CHU5 Design and build a Lego model also have a new trophy to award, donated by the Hawley family, in memory of CHU6 How many different things in a matchbox James Hawley.

CHU7 Junk model of the Eiffel tower Award for Best in Show Helen McAuslin CHU8 Woodcote Rocks – Decorate a medium sized stone Home Farm Trophy in memory of Yvonne Sopp CHU9 Pom Pom animal Davis Tate Award for Best Homegrown Produce Dave Lane CHU10 Mixed media collage of a mythical creature The Croft Way Award for Floral Class Champion Anna Bartlett CHU11 Poem – with the title “Harvest” - Max of 10 lines The Doug Burton Memorial Cup for Baking Helen McAuslin The Woodcote Correspondent Award for David Jennings CHU12 Photograph ‘My summer holiday’ Photography Handicrafts Ian Moss 11 Plus (Under 15) Art (sponsored by Wallingford & District Art Club) Carol Quinton SS1 Homemade cake Adult Writing Joanne Lillywhite SS2 Mixed media collage of a mythical creature The Woodcote Parish Council Junior Challenge Amelia Ochocinska SS3 Poem – with the title “Harvest” - Max of 10 lines Award SS4 Photograph ‘My summer holiday’ The Oratory Junior Challenge Award Ruairi Henderson Pre school Albie Henderson

Teams before the game with One minute's applause in memory and members of the Aldridge Family appreciation of Pete Aldridge

“Who needs alarm clocks “London has the Shard but Woodcote This is how to paint… when you have vocal kites?” has the Spike!” (Photo by Ken Groom) at Woodcote Pre-School (Photo by Tina Irvin)

“Now that’s a village local” The Red Lion team, sporting their panama hats, (Photo by winners of the Pete Aldridge Memorial Trophy Graham Piper) The Pete Aldridge Memorial Match -- a day to remember!

Cabin Pre-School fun!

Proud father and daughter, Jonny and Cierah

Spectators enjoying the sun and cricket Ellie and Cierah -- what a partnership! Releasing Painted Ladies

Bowling trickery by Jonny Neil McDougall player-of-the-match, James Worsfold hits out Woodcote Pre-Schoolers collecting Aldridge for the Red Lion presented by Jonny Aldridge. for Woodcote courgettes and peas at the allotment ...and watching the world go by...

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01491 FULL MEMBER WOODCOTE PRE-SCHOOL OF BRITISH 680216 LOCKSMITH What a very busy, exciting & INSTITUTE very sad last term we had! We Crestwell House, Beech Lane are all looking forward to a WOODCOTE, READING summer break but will be very sad having to say ‘Goodbye’ to Simon Porter & Co all our Owls who are leaving us to start ‘Big School’ in …taking the hassle out of… September. We would like to wish Rose, Nancy, Mya, Albion, Billy, Dean, Kit & Ella good luck & hope you have a lovely time at Accounts, VAT, Payroll, Taxation… school. We hope you pop back in to visit us! …business and personal The Owls have enjoyed their transition visits to their Serving South Oxfordshire prospective schools and have enjoyed telling us all about what they did whilst they were there. Thank For a free no-obligation hour’s chat, call Simon you to Miss Beesley from Woodcote Primary for letting the children come over each week for some Porter FCA on extra rhyme-time visits which the children have (o) 0118 947 8158 (m) 07873 343669 loved. The Foxes & Squirrels have spent their time playing, reading, baking and exploring with lots of 1 Prospect Street, Caversham, Reading RG4 8JB different media. Our youngest Squirrels have had so much fun with paint that they decided to paint themselves! This last term the children have spent most of their time in our new outside area. There has been lots of water play with boats, sea creatures, pouring, measuring & paddling in the pools. There has been R Hazell Recycling Waste lots of role-play, camping, picnics and lots more. The Licensed Waste Carrier – CB/QP3698MJ children have enjoyed sitting out by the fence with Waste Management Licence No. WML86315 their clipboards and tally charts counting traffic (or watching the world go by..) We had lots of 4yd skip - £145 + VAT excitement watching the steam engines and tractors 6yd skip - £200 + VAT going past on their way to the Woodcote Rally. 8yd skip - £235 + VAT 12yd skip - £310 + VAT Our annual pre-school trip to the Cotswold Wildlife Roll On/Roll Off Skips Also Available Park was fantastic. The children and families had a wonderful day! The children were so excited for Ring 01491 699101 weeks leading up to it. We saw so many animals: SELF STORAGE VARIOUS SIZED STORAGE UNITS ON A SECURE GATED YARD AT CHURCH FARM, OPPOSITE THE VILLAGE HALL FROM £60 PER MONTH INCLUDING VAT FLEXIBLE TERMS, BUBBLE WRAP & BOXES AVAILABLE PLEASE CALL 07920 401 882

14 rhinos, giraffes, wolves, zebras, a giant tortoise, caterpillars! We took turns checking off the calendar snakes, monkeys, birds, goats, ponies, rabbits & so we could get a sense of the passage of time. Once many more. We all enjoyed a picnic lunch & had an they made their chrysalides, they were less ice lolly as a treat at the end of the day. The children interesting to watch but we were very excited waiting and parents were all extremely tired by the end of the for them to emerge. We tried to predict what colour day. they might be and our guesses ranged from all the colours to pink or blue. The children excitedly We have been visiting our very own allotment to released the Painted Lady butterflies in the front water and pick our produce. The children collected garden of the Primary school. It was such an some strawberries, courgettes and peas. The incredible experience to watch the faces of the children had a little bit of a fright when they saw a children light up as the butterflies emerged from the big frog in with the vegetables! The strawberries will nets and flew away. be used to make some jam which we will be selling at Woodcote Fete. The children enjoyed shelling the Transition visits to Primary school took place over a peas which they then ate with their home-cooked few weeks. The children were able to spend time in lunch. We will be visiting the allotment in the next the reception classroom with their new teacher, two weeks to pick our potatoes, green bean & carrots getting used to the space, learning a few class rules which we will also be eating for our lunch. and meeting other children who were transitioning from other pre-schools. With 15 of our Cabin Thank you to the Co-op for providing us with some children moving on to Woodcote Primary this year, it delicious fresh food as part of their Food Share feels like we are part of the Primary already! Scheme. It has been great to use the food for their lunches & snacks. The children are very excited to On our annual trip to Bucklebury Farm, we were see what food is arriving each day. blessed with beautiful weather and fantastic company. We all loved our day trip, especially when We still have some spaces available in September so there was a little surprise waiting for us. The Cabin if you are interested in your child joining us, please children made some new (very Royal) friends on the call Wendy Powell on 01491 682300 or email slide and in the park. Thank you Prince George, [email protected] Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis: it was lovely to meet you and you made our day just that little more CABIN PRE-SCHOOL memorable! Hairy Caterpillars & a Right Royal Encounter! The children also loved meeting the red shaker and fallow deer, new piglets, baby rabbits, guinea pigs In June, we celebrated and donkeys. A picnic lunch was enjoyed by all. It Father’s day with a was great to see so many new families meeting and special lunch. This is getting on well. I had lots of lovely comments and always a lovely feedback. A huge thanks to Reading buses for your opportunity for dads or kind gesture and for an amazing driver. Also to the other special family Coop and Woodcote Rally for their donations making members to come and spend time with their child at the trip a very reasonable priced event at just £5 per Cabin. We thoroughly enjoyed pork pies, ginger beer family. and tasty cakes. The children had made lovely rocket ship cards and cute questionnaire certificates (some It has been a lovely year. We will miss our Little of the responses to the questions were very funny!) Acorns as they take their first steps in Primary for their dads, grandfathers or godfathers. School. Luckily for us, they are not too far away for a quick wave over the fence during school playtimes. We had some tiny caterpillars delivered to Cabin on the 10th June and observed the changes as they Upcoming events we are looking forward to: grew rapidly over the weeks. We were all surprised at just how quickly they grew into large hairy Sponsored bike ride and leavers party on the 19th more news to follow.

Harvest Festival at St Leonard’s Church. James Hawley chocolate biscuit day on 23rd September, Computer Problems? Woodcote festival 14th September Free quote – No fix no fee We look forward to welcoming new children in September. We have spaces available so why not pop in or call us on 01491 680854? Alternatively email Michael Harper [email protected]

Over 500 happy customers Jayne Cole in Sonning Common Manager of the Cabin Preschool, and Woodcote.

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15 CHECKENDON PRE-SCHOOL As the summer holidays draw closer, the children of Checkendon Pre-School have been very busy starting their journey of transitioning to their new Primary Schools. They have been enjoying talking to us about their exciting visits to their new Primary schools, telling us about their new classroom, what they will have to wear, their new teachers and new friends they have met. We have also enjoyed our end-of-year celebrations with Lu’s owls coming in to see us, allowing the children to interact with the owls and enjoy a story, learning about the birds and where they live. The TS.CARS & SON WOODCOTE GARAGE celebrations then finished with a picnic in the park Reading Road Woodcote (Next To Shop & Garden and the children all receiving their leavers’ certificates during their leavers’ ceremony. Centre) Phone 01491-680286 FRIENDLY FAMILY-RUN GARAGE It was lovely and quite emotional to see all the (Janet, Terry or Lee) children receiving their Leavers’ Certificates and presenting them with their Leavers’ t-shirts. The Have Been Here In Woodcote For Over 40 Years. Checkendon staff will miss them all very much. We Service & Repair All Car Makes & Small Vans The children had a brilliant sports day. Fun was had QUALITY BODY REPAIRS by all, joining in with running, hurdles, welly (Including Insurance Repairs & Paint Spraying) throwing, relay and sack races. This was followed by We Are Also a JAGUAR REPAIR CENTRE mummy and daddy races and a group picnic on the FREE LOAN CAR field. We were delighted by how many families joined WEB SITE tscars-woodcote,co.uk us for this event. We are very proud of all of them and would like to thank everyone who helped; bought EMAIL [email protected] jam; played the Tombola and supported our sports day. The turn out was incredible. Thank you for making the day very special for both the children and J & R Collier the Checkendon ladies. Special thanks to Mathew and Harry Wickens who very kindly painted our BUILDERS sports day lines for us. We are very pleased to announce that we have raised £210.00 so far from our Tombola and from sales of • Building & Property Maintenance our famous home-made Checkendon Pre-School • Listed Building Work Jam! The money we raised was put towards a ‘Sail all • Extensions weather shade’ for our outdoor area. This will enable • Roofing us to be able to let the children enjoy the outdoor • Plastering space in all weathers. We would like to thank Bill • Decorating Beeton who has installed a water butt and put up • Plumbing our brand new sail shade. Bill’s continued support of the pre-school is hugely appreciated. 01491 680779 or 0118 9451518

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16 We would also like to show our appreciation of the magical effect being almost that of stained glass, a continued support of the Village Hall Committee. cathedral canopy. We would like to say good luck and goodbye to some She is often asked how the works are made, and are of our children: Lola, Autumn, Arlo, Ted, Xandy, they photos or prints or digitally enhanced? No, she Luna, Summer, Hattie and Annnie-Rose who will be does not use photography, computer graphics, leaving pre-school and making their move up to their printing processes or tricks of any kind in creating new primary schools. We will miss them and wish her paintings. They are simply painted in the them all the best and know that they will be go on to traditional method with particular care and attention do amazing things. to subtle changes of tone and colour. Although she intends a specific reading for each painting, she We hope you all have a lovely summer and we are purposefully make the works non-prescriptive, looking forward to seeing you all - both old and new - allowing the viewer to interpret each work in their when we start back in September own way. Everyone seeing something different. On behalf of Checkendon Pre-School CIO, we would The demonstration is on 20th August at 7.30pm in like to say thank you so much for your continued Centre 70, Kinecroft, off Goldsmith Lane, support. Wallingford, OX10 0DT (entrance is free to members, To find out more about Checkendon pre-school, do visit £3 visitors). our website www.checkendonpreschool.co.uk. Saturday Outdoor Painting Day on 10th August Alternatively, call us on 01491 682589, e-mail will be on the banks of the Thames in Shillingford [email protected] or just pop in – we this year. If you are interested in joining us, please always look forward to welcoming you to Checkendon contact David on 01491 681400. It runs from 10am Pre-School CIO. to about 4pm, is very informal and costs nothing Kelly Mullins unless you finish with a cream tea! Tuesday Tutored Art Classes. If you are interested in joining us, please give us a call or come along to Centre 70 and have a chat with our tutors and have a “taster” session. Summer term, which is only for the morning class, runs from 30th July to 10th September. Tuesday morning classes, 10am to 1pm, tutored by WALLINGFORD & DISTRICT ART CLUB Liz and Claire. (WADAC) WADAC members, of all abilities, meet every Tuesday in “Centre 70” at 7.30pm for Untutored Painting This month we have a demonstration Evenings. Why not join us as a potential member or on 20th August on “Semi abstract just as a visitor? trees and woodlands in Watercolours” by Jo Louca. The Art Club and Art Classes meet at the Centre 70, Kinecroft, off Goldsmith Lane, Wallingford, OX10 Jo has a contemplative intuitive 0DT. Email [email protected] / tel approach to her work, an attempt to portray the 01494 681400. www.wallingfordartclub.org.uk essence of the land; always concentrating on the elemental power of light, atmosphere and the mood of an area, rather than a figurative representation of WALLINGFORD PHOTOGRAPHIC CLUB it and celebrating the sublime beauty of light itself. On Saturday 31st August the club will hold its Frequently the initial inspiration for paintings comes Annual Exhibition in St Mary's Church Hall, simply from gazing up at a light-filled canopy, the Wallingford. Around 100 prints will be on display showcasing the work of members, covering a broad range of subjects and photographic genres, in both colour and black and white. The exhibition will be open from 10am to 4pm and club members will be on hand to answer any questions. Entry is free so why not come along to see some great photography, and meet and chat with some of the members? Tea, coffee and home made cakes will be available for a small charge so you can also enjoy a cuppa while you are there! The club's new season will commence on Thursday September 12th with a Welcome Evening at Crowmarsh Pavilion. Full details on the website www.wallingfordphoto.club Michael Parrott

17 WHAT’S ON AT THE CORN EXCHANGE, WALLINGFORD IN AUGUST STORAGE CINEMA DRY SECURE STORAGE UNITS All regular performances normally start at 7:30pm unless stated ON GATED PREMISES IN WOODCOTE otherwise. Tickets £8 for Adults and £5 for FROM £70 PER MONTH under 15 unless otherwise stated. Please look on FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE PHONE www.cornexchange.org.uk for further updates on 01491 680919 / 07763 101393 screenings. The venue will be closed from Sunday 11th August to Sunday 18th August for annual maintenance. Friday, 2nd August 7:30pm Yesterday (12A) Saturday, 3rd August 7:30pm Yesterday (12A) Monday, 19th August 7:30pm The Current War (12A) Monday, 19th August 7:30pm The Current War (12A) Tuesday, 20th August 7:30pm The Current War (12A) Wednesday, 21st August 7:30pm The Current War (12A) Friday, 23rd August 7:30pm The Lion King (PG) Saturday, 24th August 2:30pm The Lion King (PG) Sunday, 25th August 2:30pm The Lion King (PG) Monday, 26th August 7:30pm Pond Life (15) part of the BFI World Series of films LIVE EVENTS Corn Exchange is one of the venues for Bunkfest which is held on Friday 30th August and Saturday 31st August. There will be music in the foyer and auditorium and the bar will be open all day. Come and join in the fun. COMING SOON! Thursday, 26th September 7pm NT Live: One Man, Two Guvnors TEL. 01491 680 389 / 07956 966 089 Tickets £12.50 (adults), £10 (seniors and under 18s)

18 Pre-recorded from 2011, the hit play by Richard From the Bridge Theatre in London, filmed in front of Bean, based on ‘The Servant of Two Masters’ by an audience Carlo Goldoni. The course of true love never did run smooth.’ A Featuring a Tony Award-winning performance from feuding fairy King and Queen of the forest cross host of the The Late Late Show, James Corden, the paths with four runaway lovers and a troupe of hilarious West End and Broadway hit One Man, Two actors trying to rehearse a play. As their dispute Guvnors returns to cinemas. Fired from his skiffle grows, the magical royal couple meddle with mortal band, Francis Henshall becomes minder to Roscoe lives leading to love triangles, mistaken identities and Crabbe, a small time East End hood, now in Brighton transformations… with hilarious, but dark to collect £6,000 from his fiancée’s dad. But Roscoe consequences. Directed by Nicholas Hytner, this is really his sister Rachel posing as her own dead production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream will build brother, who’s been killed by her boyfriend Stanley on the success of his immersive staging of Julius Stubbers. Holed up at The Cricketers’ Arms, the Caesar (NT Live 2018). The Bridge Theatre will permanently ravenous Francis spots the chance of become a forest – a dream world of flying fairies, an extra meal ticket and takes a second job with one contagious fogs and moonlight revels, surrounded by Stanley Stubbers, who is hiding from the police and a roving audience following the action on foot. waiting to be re-united with Rachel. To prevent discovery, Francis must keep his two guvnors apart. Simple. SUMMER HOLIDAY FAMILY FUN! Croft and Pearce Comedy Show Wallingford Museum has a series of mini-challenges during the Tickets £12 summer holidays, and a special Friday 4th October 8pm 'Mystery Day'! By popular request, these are interactive This fabulous duo is back again in Wallingford. Book family friendly events. soon to avoid disappointment. They're sure to entertain as they have the last few occasions. Our mini-challenges will be spread over five weeks, with a Wednesday, 16th October to Saturday, 19th October, new challenge each week. Just drop in during our 7:45pm usual opening hours. You will need about 30 minutes to complete the challenge. Sinodun Players present Blood Wedding by Federico Garcia Lorca Each challenge runs from Tuesday to Sunday, starting Tuesday 30 July and ending Sunday 1 The man you love passionately sweeps you off your September, with the following themes:- feet on your wedding day; unfortunately, however, he is not the groom. This is the simple premise behind 1 Hunt the Dragons Spanish dramatist Federíco Garcia Lorca’s 1932 2 Solve the Picture Puzzles tragedy Blood Wedding. What is meant to be a perfect day transforms into a deadly disaster when 3 Get the Emojis the bride absconds on her wedding night to be with 4 Solve the Word Puzzles her true love, who just happens to have killed the 5 Read the Runes groom’s father. The groom and his family give chase, Complete three challenges over 3 weeks to win a bringing events to a devastating conclusion. prize from the museum shop, (one entry per person)! Tuesday, 22nd October 7pm NT Live: A Our 'Mystery Day' is an Experiment Day on Sat 17 Midsummer Night’s Dream August! Tickets £15 (adults), £12.50 (seniors), £10 (under Have you ever wondered how things used to work? 18s) This is your chance to try writing in hieroglyphics, spinning wool, making a magnetic compass and other simple experiments and games. Just drop into the Museum any time between 11am and 4pm to have some fun experimenting! Entry is by Museum ticket at the door - £5 per adult (which gives unlimited entry until 30 November) but accompanied children are FREE. Sue Wright www.wallingfordmuseum.org.uk

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19 WALLINGFORD GARDENING CLUB August Garden Visit We are visiting Hearns House, Gallow Tree Common, RG4 9DE on Thursday 8 August at 6:30pm. The gardens are described as an inspiration for artists and gardeners with unusual hard landscaping, sculpture and indigenous and exotic planting designed to suit specific areas including dry shade under trees, a hot bank and a low maintenance courtyard. New for 2018 was a wild flower area, and a display of the National Collection of Brunnera and Omphalodes. The nursery is full of wonderful plants propagated from the garden. The cost for the visit is £7.00 this includes refreshments, (tea, coffee and cake) You are welcome to join us. For further details please contact us at [email protected] Aleck Harrison 07734 889 717 www.wallingford-gardening-club.com

GORING GAP PHOTO CLUB The new season of the Goring Gap Photo Club starts with two excellent talks! Tuesday 3th September Steven Galvin LRPS on "Judge, Jury and Executioner" www.stevengalvin.photography/ As an experienced judge as well as competitor in photographic competitions, Steven aims to inspire photographers to go out and take better photos and Located in the Village Hall overlooking the then process them into better quality images. His Village Green, we offer a relaxed and happy candid observations are intended to be thought enviroment for playful and creative learning provoking, often humorous, informative, perhaps for children from 18 months to 5 years. tongue-in-cheek, but always positive OFSTED RATING ‘GOOD’ JULY 2016 Tuesday 17th September Damon Guy on As well as a varied curriculum of activities, "Abstracts, Patterns and Art in your Eyes" children will also benefit from: www.photokonnexion.com/damon-guy/ Trips to our own allotment & around the village Large indoor and outdoor play area Two weeks later on 17 September, we are lucky to Flexible sessions see the return of writer/photographer, Damon Guy, Fresh homecooked meals prepared on the premises who will be talking about abstract art and Easter & Summer Holiday Club photography. www.woodcotepreschool.co.uk 01491 682300 He will show examples of abstract photographs and Find us on Facebook ‘Woodcote Pre School’ discuss the nature of an abstract image. Abstract art

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20 enables the artist to convey impressions and ideas Wednesday 25th September 2019 Speaker: Dr from the images that we see. He says ”Photo Helen Fry – Author, Historian abstracts take the viewer away from knowing or A Very Secret War: Bugging Hitler’s Generals in recognizing the subject. Instead they invite the viewer World War 2 to almost ‘feel’ the textures, forms and other elements of the subject. Often abstract photography makes the Wednesday 16th October 2019 Speaker: Prof John object unrecognizable as an object in its own right. Buckley, War Studies, Wolverhampton Uni. Instead it directs attention to the look and feel – the essence of the object.” British Airborne Landing at Arnhem in 1944 – Myth and Reality

The talks are held at The Free Church Hall in th Goring RG8 9HB starting at 8 pm Wednesday 13 November 2019 Speaker: Maj Gen Gordon Risius ret’ d. All welcome! Non-members £3 The sad case of Signalman Taylor – The story of a www.goringgapphoto.co.uk/ remarkable murder court-martial Wednesday 11th December 2019 Speaker David THE BRITISH MODERN MILITARY Ray - historian History Society (BMMHS) Colditz: Beyond and Behind the Myths The BMMHS, based in Woodcote, has seen plenty of Wednesday 15th January 2020 Speaker: Grp Capt activity over the last two months since its launch in David Drew ret’d,, May. Air-to-Air refuelling during the Falklands Campaign We have seen two highly successful and interesting and 1982-84 talks to capacity audiences on two very differing Wednesday 5th February 2020 Speaker: Robert subjects: Dicketts – Historian  Historian and Broadcaster Bill King spoke to the Society on ‘The Real Dad’s Army – how Britain Agent Celery – Our Man in Hamburg - a true spy planned to defeat the German armies had they story of World War 2 invaded in 1940’ PLANNED TRIPS

 Naval author Philip K. Allan spoke on ‘The th Wooden World – the life and times in Nelson’s Monday 5 August 2019 Trip to Stow Maries navy’ WW1 Air Museum rd Our day trips have included the Army Flying Tuesday 3 September 2019 Trip to Bletchley Museum at Middle Wallop, the D Day Museum at Park Portsmouth and the Chalke Valley History Festival WE HAVE A NEW HOME! near Salisbury – all excellent trips blessed by sunshine too. From September, all talks will take place at the Woodcote Village Hall, Reading Road, Woodcote, The last few weeks has seen the creation of the RG8 0QY unless separately notified, start time BMMHS Facebook and Twitter accounts, and 7.30pm. Light refreshments will be provided. A continued development of the website donation will be requested to help cover our costs. www.bmmhs.org with one particular feature of note, namely articles written by our members on the For more information on the BMMHS and the talks personal experiences and reminiscences of their own and trips above, visit our website on www.bmmhs.org family members in World War 2. Please get in touch or contact us by email on [email protected] or on if you want to share your family stories with us. Facebook or Twitter Upcoming series of BMMHS talks:- Do join us, you can be assured of a warm welcome and an interesting and informative time.

OHCT SPONSORED RIDE OR STRIDE OJS MOTORS The Oxfordshire Historic Churches Trust Ride or Stride takes place on Saturday 14th September. SERVICES – CLUTCHES Help preserve the history on your doorstep and visit some of the 500 churches and chapels that will be WELDING – BRAKES open around Oxfordshire. All funds got to OHCT and CAMBELTS – MOTS 50% can be passed on to a church of your choice. If you are interested in raising money for OCHT and St Leonard’s Church please contact Janet Casson Tel: 01491 598 570 (681483). Unit 3, Wards Farm, Woodcote, If you are interested in raising money for OCHT and Christ the King Roman Catholic Church please RG8 0RB contact Fiona Preston (680508).

21 WOODCOTE WELCOME PACK AIRPAL TAXIS Have you recently moved into the Village? Would you like to know more AIRCONDITIONED 24HR SERVICE about Woodcote in the past and what’s AIRPORTS-LONDON-ANYWHERE going on now, such as where to find a babysitter, useful important telephone BUSINESS or PLEASURE numbers, details of the Coffee Shop, the Windmill Sales, Citizen’s Advice Bureau, the local dentist, Lions’ Club, Volunteers, St Leonard’s Church 01491 260784 and more? ‘Welcome to Woodcote’ is a free information pack and has been organised by members of St Leonard’s 07862 721698 Church for those moving into the Village. We think [email protected] Woodcote is a wonderful, friendly place to live and would like to offer newcomers the opportunity to find out what is going on and provide useful information in a handy format. Copies are kept in St Leonard’s Church, the Health Aldridge’s est 1879 Centre and Woodcote Library or you can contact me on 01491 681449, email [email protected] www.aldridges.co.uk Barbara Penniall, 150 Wayside Green Samsonite Spares & Repairs – Quality Leather Goods SATURDAY COFFEE SHOP AT THE We now stock a selection of: COMMUNITY CENTRE As you know, every Saturday from Gents Leather Wallets 10.00 a.m. until 12.30 p.m. there is a Ladies Leather Purses Coffee Shop running at the Community Leather Accessories Centre, next to the Library. Handmade Leather Belts Each session is run by a different organisation; the coffee is provided by the Community Centre and is Available to purchase online and from our new reimbursed at the wholesale cost price. The group Woodcote showroom. running the morning supplies the cakes and keeps Please contact us before visiting the profits made, which is usually over £100; often, more is raised, if a raffle or tombola is organised. Jonny Aldridge – [email protected]/07980253841 If you are not already a regular user and would like Unit 7 Church Farm Woodcote RG8 0QX to book a session for next year, please contact Jacqueline Lawrence on 680058, or email [email protected] and indicate your interest in booking a space. If you would like further information about how the Coffee Shop is run, please contact Barbara Penniall on 681449 or email: [email protected]

WOODCOTE VOLUNTEERS We provide volunteers to drive those in Gardening, Grass Cutting & Lawn Care need to medical appointments, day 30 Years of Experience centres, or to local shops in Woodcote, Trained Professional Goring and Pangbourne. Fully Insured Reliable, Cost Effective Services Our area includes Woodcote, Goring Heath, Whitchurch Hill, Checkendon and Ipsden. Call: 07747 219 558 or mail: [email protected] We are not a taxi, nor a bus service, but if you have a genuine need we will always do our best to help. LYME REGIS There is a constant need for more volunteer drivers. The Jurassic Coast National Heritage Site If you would like to help please ring the office on Beautiful beaches, walks, fossil hunting, 681171 between 9.30 and 11.00 a.m. on weekdays. The Cobb and harbour. Loved by children and adults The more volunteers we have the more the work can Good restaurants, arty shops, cream teas One bedroom flat for holidays and weekend breaks be spread. In the old town 1 minute from the sea Tel: 01491 681892 or [email protected]

22 AUGUST CROSSWORD JULY CROSSWORD SOLUTIONS

1 2 3 4 5 6 B L A C K L I O N A C E A I N G A L P 7 R E D L I O N T I T L E 8 9 B T O I I E E D G E S R E V A M P 10 Q E E E E R 11 12 U N R E S T T S E T S E E M A P E P B I T T E R L A R G E 13 14 15 16 O N S O A A M I A O U M A G I C A L 17 I T M P E I E 18 19 T E E A F T E R W A R D

20 21 KNIT AND NATTER GROUP Why not join the thriving Knit and 22 23 Natter Group for good company and to make new friends? It meets every Tuesday between Across 2.30 and 4.00 p.m. at Mowforth 1 Season initially with fruit: apples, lemons, House and is a great opportunity to limes (6) get to know fellow villagers and to strengthen 4 Sounds like it was overlooked because of this bonds in the community. For more information (4) please ring Barbara Penniall Barbara on 01491 681449. 8 Applause for no tax charged bits (8) 9 It’s a backward wine (4) 11 Scot removes lawyer from princess (3) WOODCOTE VILLAGE HALL HIRE 12 Navy’s newspaper mob (5,4) CHARGES FOR 2018-2019 13 Gods tipple starts from north east Non- Resident Connecticut to Arkansas (6) Commercial resident standard 15 Hooked after it bent around (6) ChargeType rate rate hourly (Hourly) 18 Bare all in dancing from her (9) (Hourly) rate 19 Pocket space without exercise (3) Main Hall 16 18 10.50 20 Precedence supports first couple here (4) Pavilion 11.50 13 8.40 21 Matches in matches (8) Function 11.50 13 8.50 22 Achievement discussed when bat dropped (4) Room 23 Mark unknown spirit (6) Committee 9.50 10 6.30 Room Down Changing 1 Repeated profit (5) showers 9 10 6 facilities 2 Follow aircraft at their back (4, 6) 3 Meddle with money, about a thousand? (6) Kitchen 5.25 5.75 3.20 5 Short time to flog in street (7) Stage 10 15 6 Object to change of night (5) 7 Test charge movement (6) A projection screen and display boards are available for hire – rates on request. 10 Goal of viper with one portion (10) 14 Ole king takes limb at school (7) Discounted rates are available for regular users. 16 In command in nest is most enjoyable (6) To book a room in the Village Hall go to 17 It’s cold when top twin goes back to queen (6) www.woodcote-online.co.uk/Village-Hall-Rates 18 Sandwich money? (5) click ‘Book a room’, and use the online booking system, or contact the Parish Clerk on 01491 19 Run down pomegranate quality (5) 681861 or email [email protected]

23 DATES FOR THE DIARY – AUGUST SMALL ADS Sat 3rd * Coffee Shop **CLOSED** LOCAL CARER :: Insured, DBS, Own car. * Nettlebed Arts & Crafts Show. Nettlebed 10 years experience. Palliative and Dementia care. School Community Hall. 10am-5pm Contact Kerry 07966 509908 Mon 5th * British Modern Military History Society trip to Stow Maries WW1 aerodrome. (see article for details) Thur 8th* Coffee Shop **CLOSED** FORTHCOMING DATES IN SEPTEMBER Sat 10th * Cholsey Village Show. 12pm-5.30pm Sun 1st * Coffee Shop **CLOSED** (Woodcote Village Fete) * Woodcote Golden Age Meeting. Woodcote Community Centre. 2pm-4pm Tues 3rd * Goring Gap Photo Club tuition. Goring Free Church Hall. 8pm * Wallingford & District Arts Club Outdoor Painting Day. Shillingford. 10am Fri 6th * Woodcote WI Meeting. Woodcote Village Hall. 2.30pm Sun * St Leonards Tea Party. Mowforth House 11th Gardens. 2pm Tues * Coffee Shop **CLOSED** 13th COMMUNITY CENTRE BOOKINGS Wed * Health Clinic. Woodcote Library. 9.30am- The Community Centre in the 14th 10.30am Old School House, Reading Fri 16th * Summer Reading Challenge, Craft & Road, is administered as a Activity Session: Games Morning. village facility by a team of Woodcote Library. 9.30am-12pm volunteers. There are two rooms Sat 17th * Woodcote WI Meeting. Garden Meeting - available for hire: the Rally NOT VILLAGE HALL. 2.30pm Room, which can seat up to sixteen around a conference-style table, for * Coffee Shop **CLOSED** meetings, training sessions, or workshops. Mon * Adult Book Club. Woodcote Library. 6pm Downstairs for meeting and larger gatherings is 19th the Lions’ Den with an adjoining kitchen. The Tues * Wallingford & District Arts Club Lions’ Den is also ideal for parties, talks, AGMs 20th demonstration: 'Semi-abstract trees and and similar events. Both rooms can be booked for woodlands in watercolours'. Centre 70, a nominal fee. Kinecroft. 7.30pm On Saturday mornings, the downstairs room is Wed * Woodcote Film Club. Woodcote used as a coffee shop by local charitable groups 21st Community Centre. 2pm-4pm and fund raisers for fifty weeks of the year. Fri 23rd * Summer Reading Challenge Craft & For more information on the Coffee Shop or Activity Session: 'Space' themed craft bookings, email [email protected] morning. Woodcote Library. 10am-12pm Bookings can also be made by text or phone on Sat 24th * Coffee Shop in Aid of Woodcote 07581 337032, collecting a form from Woodcote Communuty Centre. 10am-12.30pm Garden Centre or by visiting www.woodcote- Wed * Woodcote Golden Age Meeting. Woodcote online.co.uk/facilities/community-centre/13, 28th Community Centre. 2pm-4pm where you can also view availability of the rooms. * Health Clinic. Woodcote Library. 9.30am- 10.30am Fri 30th * Reading RSPB Group Meeting. Pangbourne Village Hall. 8pm * Summer Reading Challenge Craft & Activity Session: Games Morning. FINAL THOUGHT Woodcote Library. 9.30am-12pm Deep summer is when laziness finds respectability (Sam Keen - American author) Please email diary entries for September, by 12th August, to [email protected]

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