Watlington • Pyrton • Shirburn December/January 2013

Home , Britwell Salome, Dorchester Abbey, Swyncombe

December/January 2013

1 CHRISTMAS WREATH MAKING WORKSHOPS B

2 Contents Dates for St.Leonards p.26-27 your diary Pyrton p.13 Advent Service of readings and Methodists p.14-15 music 4pm Sunday 2nd December Church services p.6-7 Christmas childrens services p.28 News from Registers p.33 Christmas Carol Services p.29 Ministry Team p.5 4 All Services p.19 Watlington Christmas Fair 1st Dec p.18 Christmas Tree Festival 8th-23rd December p.56 From the Editor A note about our Cover Page - Our grateful thanks to Emily Cooling for allowing us to use a photo of one of her extraordinary and enchanting Lanterns featured in the Local schools and community groups’ magical Oxford Lantern Parade. We look forward to writing more about Emily, a professional Shirburn artist; her creative children’s workshops and much more – Her website is: www.kidsarts.co.uk

THE EDITORIAL TEAM WISH ALL OUR READERS A PEACEFUL CHRISTMAS AND A HEALTHY AND HAPPY NEW YEAR Editorial Team Date for copy- Feb/March 2013 edition is 8th January 2013 Editor…Pauline Verbe [email protected] 01491 614350 Sub Editor...Ozanna Duffy [email protected] 01491 612859 St.Leonard’s Church News [email protected] 01491 614543 Val Kearney Advertising Manager [email protected] 01491 614989 Helen Wiedemann Front Cover Designer www.aplusbstudio.com Benji Wiedemann Printer Simon Williams [email protected] 07919 891121

3 The Minister Writes “It’s the lights that get me in the end. The candlelight bouncing off the oh-so-carefully polished glasses on the table; the dim amber glow from the oven that silhouettes the golden skin of the roasting bird; the shimmering string of lanterns I weave through the branches of the tree. That, and the carols that float from the radio or those I catch as I pass by the open doors of St Saviours.” So begins Nigel Slater’s Kitchen Diary entry for Dec 1st. In which he paints an evocative picture about the forthcoming season, about what’s to unfold and the delights ahead. Food is a hugely important part of our Christmas festivities, whether you’re a Goose or Turkey fan, even down to the smallest details of the stuffing – we want it to be perfect. That is only Human. But I know we have all had those Christmas’ that have been anything but perfect for one reason or another – please spare a thought for those that will struggle this Christmas and please support local food banks. This year I am staying at home, and my parents are coming down for a few days. Being a Minister means the traditions long held simply have to change to fit around services etc. And that is no bad thing – but it is different. And I have noticed that there is a whole group of my friends whose traditions are changing too. No longer are they continuing to do the Christmas things that they did as a child. Instead they are creating new traditions, new patterns, and new ways of being – as family circumstances change. At the Methodist Church in this year, we too have seen some change, amid the celebrations of our 200 years of worshipping history. But as we have looked back and celebrated what has been, we have been careful also to look forward, and to celebrate what God is unfolding now as well. And I would like to thank everyone, for being a part of our celebrations, and especially to the Congregation who have worked immensely hard at making it all happen. So I want to leave you with a question as you prepare for Christmas – what traditions are changing in your life? And what does that say about where you are in your walk with God? For in the midst of change the message of a small child who crept into the world begins to unfold, but in that birth, came the constancy of the love of God, that is our past, our present, and our future hope. May God bless you this Christmas. Adam

Financial or health problems ? We may be able to help.

We offer support to residents of the Parish of Watlington Registered Charity No. 241730 suffering from ﬁ nancial hardship, sickness or disability. Contact us on 01491 613366, or via the Community Ofﬁ ce at 1 Old School Place, Watlington OX49 5QH, or email [email protected] www.watlingtonsupportfund.org.uk

parish_news_36x125_PRESS.indd 1 4 5/3/12 15:26

Church of St Leonards Watlington How to Contact England St Mary’s Pyrton Church of AllSt LeonardsSaints Shirburn MINISTRY TEAM Watlington How to Contact

England St Mary’s Pyrton The Rector TheStAll LeonardsSaints Rev Christopher Shirburn (Day off Monday) Church of Watlington MINISTRY TEAM IdrisWatlington Evans. The Rectory, How 01491 to 612494 Contact How to Contact England HillSt Mary’s Road, PyrtonWatlington [email protected] The Rector OX49AllThe Saints Rev 5AF Christopher Shirburn (Day off Monday) MINISTRY TEAM Idris Evans. The Rectory, 01491 612494 Associate Priest The Hill Road,Rev Angie Watlington Paterson 01491 [email protected] 614033 The Rector TheOX49 Rev 5AF Christopher [email protected] (Day off Monday) Idris Evans. The Rectory, 01491 612494 Associate Priest TheHill Road,Rev AdamAngie Watlington ClaytonPaterson 01491 01491 [email protected] 612210614033 OX49 5AF [email protected] [email protected]

AssistantAssociate PriestPriest CanonThe Rev Tony AngieAdam Williamson PatersonClayton 01491 01491 612210614033612143 [email protected] [email protected][email protected]

AssistantAssociate PriestPriest RevdTheCanon Rev Lucy Tony Adam Austin Williamson Clayton 01491 0790601491 612210 612143684987 [email protected] [email protected][email protected] Church Wardens Assistant St. Leonard’sPriest MikeCanonRevd GardnerLucy Tony Austin Williamson 0149107906 612111612143684987 [email protected]@[email protected] Church Wardens Assistant St. Leonard’sPriest ValRevdMike Kearney GardnerLucy Austin 079060149101491 612111684987614543 [email protected]@[email protected] Church Wardens St. St. Mary’s Leonard’s JennyMikeVal Kearney Gardner Lockwood 0149101491 612111613240614543 [email protected]@[email protected]

St. St. Mary’s Leonard’s ValJenny Kearney Lockwood 01491 614543613240 [email protected]@aol.com Methodist Church [email protected]

St. Mary’s Jenny Lockwood 01491 613240 St. Mary’s Rev’d Adam J Stevenson (Day off Friday) Methodist Church [email protected] 01865 714163 [email protected]

Rev’d Adam J Stevenson (Day off Friday) Methodist Church Methodist Church Mr Phil Crockett 0149101865 612801714163 Littlefield, Christmas [email protected] Common,Rev’d Adam OX49 J Stevenson 4HR (Day off Friday) Mr Phil Crockett 0186501491 714163612801 Mrs Littlefield, Ann Caffari Christmas [email protected] 353732 16Ashridge, Common, OX49 Chinnor, 4HR OX39Mr Phil 4JU Crockett 01491 612801 Littlefield,Mrs Ann Caffari Christmas 01844 353732 WEDDINGS IN THE METHODISTCommon,16Ashridge, CHURCH OX49 Chinnor, 4HR If you wish to be married in OX39 the Methodist 4JU Church, please contact the Revd. Adam Stevenson Mrs Ann Caffari 01844 353732 WEDDINGS IN THE METHODIST16Ashridge, CHURCH Chinnor, If you wish to be married inOX39 the Methodist 4JU Church, please contact the Revd. Adam Stevenson

WEDDINGS IN THE METHODIST CHURCH If you wish to be married in the Methodist Church, 5please contact the Revd. Adam Stevenson

Services in St Leonard’s Watlington, St Mary’s Pyrton, The Methodist

December 2nd (Advent Sunday) 10.0am Eucharist with Hymns St Mary`s Church, Pyrton 10.0am Sung Eucharist St Botolph`s Church, Swyncombe 11.00am Morning Worship The Methodist Church, Watlington 4.00pm “A Service for The Beginning of Advent” St Leonard’s Church, Watlington

December 9th (Advent 2) 8.30am Said Eucharist St Botolph`s Church, Swyncombe 10.0am Eucharist with Baptism St Botolph`s Church, Swyncombe 10.0am Village Service St Mary’s Church, Pyrton 10.00am Sung Eucharist St Leonard`s Church, Watlington 11.00am Morning Worship The Methodist Church, Watlington 7.0pm Evening Praise St Leonard`s Church, Watlington

December 16th (Advent 3) 10.0am Eucharist with Baptism St Leonard`s Church, Watlington 10.0am Sung Eucharist St Botolph`s Church, Swyncombe 11.00am Morning Worship The Methodist Church, Watlington 4.00pm Carol Service St Mary’s Church, Pyrton 6.00pm Carol Service St Botolph’s Church, Swyncombe 6.00pm Carol Service St Nicholas` Church, Britwell Salome

December 20th (Thursday) 7.00pm TOWN Carol Service The Methodist Church, Watlington

December 23rd (Advent 4) 10.0am Mattins St Mary`s Church, Pyrton 10.0am Crib Service St Botolph`s Church, Swyncombe 11.0am “4 ALL” - CHRISTINGLE Service St Leonard`s Church, Watlington 11.00am Morning Worship The Methodist Church, Watlington 4.00pm Pub Carol Service The Chequers, Watlington

December 24th (Christmas Eve) 5.00pm Children’s Carol Service St Mary’s Church, Pyrton 11.30pm Midnight Mass St Botolph’s Church, Swyncombe 11.30pm Midnight Mass St Leonard’s Church, Watlington

6 ServicesServices inin StSt Leonard’sLeonard’s Watlington,Watlington, StSt Mary’sMary’s Pyrton,Pyrton, TheThe MethodistMethodist ChurchChurch Church, St Botolph’s Swyncombe & St Nicholas’ Britwell Salome

December 25th (Christmas Day) 8.30am Said Eucharist St Botolph’s Church, Swyncombe 9.30am Eucharist with Carols St Nicholas Church, Britwell Salome 10.00am Eucharist with Carols St Mary’s Church, Pyrton 10.00am Eucharist with Carols St Botolph’s Church, Swyncombe 10.30am Eucharist with Carols St Leonard’s Church, Watlington 11.00am Morning Worship The Methodist Church, Watlington

December 30th (Christmas 1) 10.00am BENEFICE Sung Eucharist St Leonard`s Church, Watlington 11.00am Morning Worship The Methodist Church, Watlington

January 6th (The Epiphany) 10.0am Eucharist with Hymns St Mary`s Church, Pyrton 10.0am Sung Eucharist St Botolph`s Church, Swyncombe 11.0am Covenant Service JOINT Anglican and Methodist Congregations The Methodist Church, Watlington

January 13th (Baptism of Christ) 8.30am Said Eucharist St Botolph`s Church, Swyncombe 10.0am Sung Eucharist St Botolph`s Church, Swyncombe 10.0am Village Service St Mary`s Church, Pyrton 10.0am Sung Eucharist St Leonard`s Church, Watlington 11.00am Morning Worship The Methodist Church, Watlington 7.0pm Evening Praise St Leonard`s Church, Watlington

January 20th (Epiphany 3) 8.30am Said Eucharist St Mary`s Church, Pyrton 10.0am Sung Eucharist St Leonard`s Church, Watlington 10.0am Village Service St Nicholas` Church, Britwell Salome 10.0am Sung Eucharist St Botolph`s Church, Swyncombe 11.00am Morning Worship The Methodist Church, Watlington

January 27th (Epiphany 4) 10.0am Mattins St Mary`s Church, Pyrton 10.0am Sung Eucharist St Botolph`s Church, Swyncombe 11.0am “4 ALL” - The NEW All Age Service St Leonard`s Church, Watlington 11.00am Morning Worship The Methodist Church, Watlington 7.00pm Evening Praise St Leonard`s Church, Watlington

7 CONGRATULATIONS TO STANLEY & SARAH FARR – DIAMOND WEDDING CELEBRATIONS On 9th Dec 1952 Stanley Farr and Sarah Buckland were married at St.Leonard’s Church and some 60 years later they are still living a mere stones throw from that same church! After their marriage they lived in aptly named Love Lane with their next move to Webb’s Yard (now situated along the Cuxham Road) where they live comfortably and happily today. They have a Son (also named Stanley) and daughter Anita, four Grandchildren and a Great Grandson and although not quite sure what celebrations have been planned to mark this landmark occasion, I am positive they will enjoy every minute of their special Day. We wish Stanley and Sarah many more happy years together. Jane Ordish Progress of Water Feature in Memory of Anna Thomas Pete Hemmins responsible for the wonderful gardens at Watlington’s Sanctuary Care Home together with his colleague Doug (electrics) first of all constructed the foundations for the water feature. This then enabled our good friend and neighbour Paul Mercott to form the stone structure which brings us nearing completion of this lovely memorial to Anna Thomas. Thank you to everyone who contributed to the collection to make this feature possible and especially to Pete, Doug and Paul for all your hardwork in its construction. The Thomas family are so grateful to everyone and come Spring they hope to let you all know when the official opening will take place. Pauline Verbe on behalf of the Thomas family

8 WATLINGTON SURVEYED IN NATIONAL REPORT WATLINGTON is amongst the least deprived communities in the country ranking 612th out of 12,706 parishes surveyed by the Church Urban Fund. According to the report “Pensioner poverty and lone parenthood in Watlington are lower than average compared with other parishes in the country. Male life expectancy and qualification levels in this parish are higher than average compared with other parishes nationally. Child poverty and working age poverty in this parish are among the lowest in the country. Female life expectancy in this parish is among the highest nationally”. I don’t imagine many of us will be surprised by these findings. Most of us know how fortunate we are to live in Watlington. However within this encouraging assessment there are statistics that at the very least should start us thinking in more depth about the community that we live in. For instance the percentage of working age adults (aged 16-74) with no academic, vocational or professional qualifications came out at 21%, which is a much higher figure than I would have expected. Child poverty in Watlington while very small compared with some parishes in the country comes out at 6% which reminds us that within our community there are children and families that are finding life very tough. Watlington is very fortunate in having some excellent organisations and charities that work very hard to assist those who are going through difficult times. The Church Urban Fund report gives us an opportunity to think again about the needs of Watlington and to give thought to whether there are people who are slipping through the net and who are suffering in silence behind closed doors. The report can also help us to look at other communities in Oxfordshire and throughout the country where the problems are substantially greater than they are in Watlington. Child poverty rises to a maximum of 65% in the country and people are literally dying a decade earlier in some areas than they are in Watlington. When our own lives are comfortable, it is easy to forget those whose lives are hard beyond our imagination. But are there things that we could be doing to lessen the hardship both in Watlington and elsewhere? Are there things that we can do to fulfil the Church Urban Fund’s aim of Tackling Poverty Together? The Church Urban Fund website: www.cuf.org.uk Information about Watlington can be found at: www.cuf.org.uk/270025-0 Christopher Idris Evans

9 FILIPINO COMMUNITY CELEBRATE SPORTING SUCCESS Watlington’s thirty strong Filipino community and friends celebrated a recent sporting triumph with a victory party at the Town Hall. In their second anniversary year, Watlington’s basketball team “Top Gun” won the 2012 Filcom Oxford Basketball Tournament. Top Gun team members include: Marco Lapuz, Richard Reyes, Resty Ciria, Rodel Deocera, Roger Deocadez, Reggie Ramos, Patric Castro. The Rector, The Revd Christopher Evans, went to the party to congratulate the team players and enjoyed the wonderful hospitality and delicious food of the Filipinos. Some Friday’s are a special day for Neil and Rita McLaughlan Many of you may know Neil and Rita as regulars at the Methodist Church. Rita is one of their church’s Friday Lunch Club team who once a month provide a delicious lunch for approx. 30 people- which is then followed by an epilogue. Rita has also written some delightful devotional booklets for older people. They offer a month’s supply of daily readings at a time. The front covers are inviting and the addition of large print most helpful. There is a Bible passage in full and then some thoughts by Rita for contemplation. Neil, around 11.00pm on Friday evenings, you’ll find him in Oxford city center. You might ask what is an 83 year old doing out at that time of night? Well, he is a Street Pastor. He started as a Street Angel in Watford some years ago and when he moved to Watlington he made enquiries and found the Oxford Street Pastors. He attended a 12-week evening course and then a Saturday course on ‘Conflict Management’ excellently presented by a retired police officer. For 2 years now, he has worked in a team of four helping young people often drunk or into drugs, revellers, as well as down and outs. He feels concern for 17/18 year olds who go to clubs and become very merry. Working in pairs, the Pastors stay with these people until they are sober enough to go back into a club, onto a bus or into a taxi or in the case of the young girls wait with them until their parents pick them up. With down and outs the shelters are full by 11.30pm so they offer aluminium blankets and conversation, if requested. The Street Pastors have a professional camaraderie with the police, ambulance service and Shelter and their team leader knows all the contacts. Often the police officer

10 TRAIDCRAFT - Fighting poverty through Trade

A Traidcraft stall selling Christmas Cards and Delightful small handmade Christmas Gifts will be in the High Street on Saturday 1st December the day of the Watlington Traders Christmas Celebrations All Traidcraft good s are available at the Drop In Centre 26B High Street Watlington on Monday -Friday mornings.

11 present, known as a Bronze Sergeant, will call on them to go and stand with someone. Neil comments, ‘Frequently we are seen picking up glass from broken bottles – to avoid temptation for use as a weapon’. ‘People do query what the church is doing our there?’ says Neil. ‘and ask why we are doing this? I reply it is the work of Christ on the streets. Sometimes people want more of an answer so I invite them to take a seat’. Neil says that with a little drink inside them, some of them are able to talk more freely about their worries or perplexities and get into a deep conversation but will only do this is they ask and offer any prayers if asked for that too. However one passer-by, a Catholic, fell to his knees and insisted on giving a confession to the group leader. It takes all sorts! Because these Pastors are from all walks of life and across the breadth of Christian belief, they enjoy meeting others and get to know them without preaching at each other. Neil claims that one girl walked out of a nightclub some years ago and disappeared. This was the catalyst for his interest. ‘We do get our hands dirty; we are not just sitting in pews! We are the practical side of Christianity as well as carrying water bottles, lollipops and flip flops as girls can’t walk in high heels and the threat of broken glass.’ On one night two chaps were in conversation with Neil and his partner on theological arguments near a car. An immaculately, well-dressed, but drunk woman, came out of the shadows of a door. The chaps and this lady walked with them back to her club. At some point there was a change in attitude from the young men as they became aggressive and abusive. He says ‘my partner and I were concerned she didn’t know what she was doing and that they might take advantage of her. We stayed with her to protect her until she got back to the club’. Unfortunately, she was not allowed back into the club so they continued to stay with her until she was sober enough to get home. Asked how he’d like to see the Street Pastor service enhanced, he commented an opportunity to extend to a Saturday as well, and some cover for Christmas and New Year. But it needs enough people to help. There are plenty of opportunities for younger people to join in but he thinks they need the qualities of patience, endurance, and ability to be out in all weathers, understanding, and commitment as well as the ability to work in mixed aged teams. Just a breeze then! He does get a break in the middle, but at the end of the night the team meet up, discuss any issues and the team leader writes up a report to include their comments. At about 4am Neil heads home. His last comment is that ‘Sometimes everything happens at once, ‘God’s in charge and these people go on to the next link. We are not dealing with people who are the finished article, so we don’t want to be the weak link’. Ozanna Duffy

12 News from Pyrton As the first frosts of winter are approaching, we are relieved and pleased that the Stage 1 repairs on St Mary’s church have been completed. All of the external flintwork on the West wall has been reset and repointed and the internal wall replastered and painted. Whilst the scaffolding has been in place, close examination of the condition of the leaded West window showed that it too was in need of restoration, which is taking place as I write. Our thanks go to our architect, John Radice, and the contractors, Owlsworth IJP, for their excellent work. Plans are now being made for Stage 2 – restoration of the other walls during 2013. We are now looking forward to Advent and Christmas. The Carol service takes place on Sunday December 16th at the earlier time of 4pm and will be followed by refreshments. The ever popular Children’s Candlelit Carols on Christmas Eve will take place at 5pm and Christmas Day Eucharist at 10am. Improvements at the Village Hall are continuing. New sound insulation panels have been fitted to improve the acoustics – the wooden floor had increased the amount of reverberation making it difficult for some people to hear clearly. Plans are being made to replace the curtains to reduce the reverberation even further. Hope fully this will allow everyone to enjoy functions in the Hall. After the extremely successful social events this summer and autumn – BBQ, Aunt Sally evening, Bingo Night and Harvest supper – plans have been drawn up for the next 12 months. There is a Quiz Night on November 2nd, Pub Nights with food on December 7th and February 1st. We are delighted that the Watlington Band will once again be playing carols in the Village Hall on Monday December 17th at 7pm. Mulled wine, mince pies and sausage rolls provided. In January, following the success of last year’s Annual Dinner, this year’s will take place on Saturday 11th. Tickets cost £15 for a 2 course meal with drinks. Invitations will be sent out before Christmas. Places are limited to 54 so please book early – payment with reservation please. Pyrton PCC and the Village Hall committee wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year and look forward to seeing you at some of the events. Jenny Lockwood

13 News from the Methodists September was Watlington Pre-school go to the Porch a busy month for Steppin’ Stones Centre in Oxford. The us. First there Centre helps those in need by providing were the Heritage meals, advice, training and support and Open days, and these are even more necessary at the the Ride & Stride present time. to raise money for historic churches in Oxfordshire. Since On the last Sunday of November our it was our 200th Anniversary we thought Bicentenary guest preacher will be Mrs. it would be appropriate if John Wesley Ruby Beech, past Vice-President of the could greet people when they visited Methodist Conference and previously the church, so we produced a full-size Assistant Serjeant at Arms in the House model of him preaching. We enquired of Commons. We start on the run-up to as to how tall he was but nobody knew! Christmas with our Advent Studies on In the end his height was decided by 4,11 & 18 December. Then we shall be the size of the piece of plywood we had welcoming the churches in Watlington available! The first group he welcomed when they join us for the Watlington Town were from St.Leonard’ s Church, Chrissie Carol Service at 7.30pm on 20 December. and Jeremy Bell with friends Hazel & Flis. Meanwhile we shall be preparing our entry Later our Minister, Rev.Adam Stevenson, for the Christmas Tree Festival, this year’s arrived having cycled from Wesley theme “Celebrations & Jubilations” is very Memorial Church, Oxford visiting a dozen appropriate for our Bicentenary. churches on the way. To finish off our Bicentenary Year we As a historical note John Wesley preached shall be welcoming Rev. Peter Hancock, at least twice in Watlington in 1766 and Chair of the Northampton District. as our 1775, well before the present church was guest preacher on 23 December. We built in 1812. then look forward to 2013 and welcoming St.Leonard’s to our Covenant Service on A fortnight later a past minister, Rev. 6 January when we renew our covenant Andy Bryer, and his wife Janet came to with God for the coming year. celebrate Harvest Festival with us. Andy is now very much in a rural area and Our Lunch Clubs continue at 12.30 on the farming and harvest and the problems of first Friday of each month to which all are rural communities are very real to him. welcome. As of Sunday 13 January we Many friends from the other churches in shall hold our services in our Community his old circuit joined us for the service Room while we insulate the ceiling of the and for the harvest lunch afterwards. As church and redecorate it: a challenging usual the centre of our harvest display start for 2013 and the third century of our was a cake made and decorated by Pat church! Bird. The cake, our gifts and the gifts from Phil Crockett

14 Forthcoming Methodist Services 2 Dec 11am Mrs. Jennifer Thompson 9 Dec 11am Rev. Adam Stevenson incl. Holy Communion 16 Dec 11am Mr. Peter Honeyball 23 Dec 11am Rev. Peter Hancock, Bicentenary Service 25 Dec 11am Rev. Adam Stevenson, Christmas Day Family Service 30 Dec 11am Dr. Neville Shepherd 6 Jan 11am Rev. Adam Stevenson, Covenant Service incl. Holy Communion 13 Jan 11am Mr. Paul Spray 20 Jan 11am Dr. Julie Todd 27 Jan 11am Dr. Alan Turner-Smith RIDGEWAY Venue: The Sports Pavilion, Watlington Recreation Ground Date: the 3rd Tuesday of every month Time: 2.30pm. Tea & biscuits served. We welcome all retired and semi-retired visitors who come to our monthly talks and encourage you to join us. Membership is £18.50 p.a. which also allows you to participate in our Group activities that include Walking, Reading, Outings, Antiques & collectibles, Heritage, Patchwork & quilting and our Lunch group

Non-members can come to our monthly talks by paying £4.00 entrance.. For more details contact Jacky Wagstaff Email [email protected] or phone 01491 613175 PROGRAMME – 2013 18th December at 2.30 pm Tony Brown will give A Victorian Magic Lantern Show to be followed by Christmas drinks and snacks. 15th January 2013 Tim Horton will give an illustrated talk about Victorian Watlington its growth and decline, a subject close to all our hearts. 19th February 2013 Francine Blake will be talking about Crop Circles. How do they get here? Is it aliens or tractors? Or something completely different.

15 “Coming together is a beginning, keeping together is progress: working together is success”. Henry Ford

Once in a while, there is a photo that stops you in your tracks. This picture shows four people who have influenced many lives. From left to right: Henry Ford (1863-1947) was an engineer with the Edison Illuminating Company in Detroit experimented on internal combustion engines By 1908, Henry Ford realised his dream with the production of the Model T: reasonably price, reliable and efficient. By 1918, half of all cars in America were Model T’s. Ford’s continuous moving conveyor belt and mass production scheme reduced his costs undercutting his competitors. Ford’s became the largest automobile manufacturer in the world. By 1925, Ford was producing 10,000 every 24 hours and by 1927 he had sold over 15 million Model T’s. Thomas Edison His first invention was the ‘tin foil phonograph’ that recorded and reproduced a telephone message using a stylus on a tinfoil cylinder, and brought Edison to international fame. In 1913 he introduced the Kinetophone. It attempted to synchronize motion pictures with the phonograph cylinder sound. But Thomas Edison’s greatest challenge was the incandescant electric light. He didn’t invent it, but he improved a 50 year-old idea. In 1879, he was able to produce a reliable, long-lasting source of light. He made it safe, practical and economic. His vision brought us: light bulbs, fuses, insulating materials, on-off switches and once tested, Edison created the electric industry and made his millions. Street lighting and power stations followed and by l890 power demand was worldwide. His company Edison General Electric, later dropped his name and in1892 became General Electric.

Warren G Harding was born in Ohio in 1865. As a young man, he brought a nearly bankrupt newspaper, the ‘Marion Star’ back to life. His even-handed reporting made him popular with Ohio politicians, important businesses and charitable enterprises. Harding went from a seat in the Ohio State Senate, to a US Republican senator and then in 1920, he became the 29th President and the first President to ride in a car to his inauguration (a Ford of course!).

Once in office, Harding admitted to his close friends that the job was beyond him. But during his time, homes were built, car and radio ownership escalated, businesses offered antiunion drives e.g. paid holidays, cheap lunch, pensions - if they left, or did not join, ‘Labor’; and oil markets were secured in Iraq and Iran. Ignoring prohibition, Harding’s lifestyle came into question although he was never linked to any crooked deals.

16 In 1923 while touring America, suffered ptomaine poisoning and died from a heart attack. His wife was rumoured to have poisoned him to save him from any charges of corruption. Historians regard Harding as the worst president.

Harvey Samuel Firestone born in 1868, in Ohio, started work in a buggy company. It folded, so he set up his own business selling rubber tyres. In 1896 he gave a set of rubber tyres to Henry Ford who was experimenting with horseless carriages. By 1900, Firestone realised cars were the future and his tyre business must grow with it. At 31, he founded the Firestone Tire and Rubber Company. He pioneered the manufacture of pneumatic tyres for the Ford Model T. and by 1906 his sales reached $1million propelling Firestone to the top of the American tyre industry. He developed new treads, promoted the use of trucks for hauling freight and lobbied for the construction of vast highway systems. In 1926, in protest over the British-held monopoly over production of raw rubber held by Far East rubber growers, Firestone started his own rubber plantations in Liberia, West Africa. He was president of the Firestone Tire & Rubber Company until 1932, with sales of over $100 million at the time of his death in 1938. Without all four of these men’s visions we might not have had paid holidays, driven to collect the turkey hopefully without a puncture or lit up the Christmas tree. Seasonal Greetings Ozanna

NewsWATCH The Watlington & Chalgrove GP Practice Newsletter News from Your Surgeries!

Email us at: [email protected] Oct 2012 In the latest full version of our Newsletter the following topics are covered. The Patient Survey 2012, Flu Jab Campaign 2012, On-line appointment booking, Missed doctors appointments!, The new 111 telephone number, Gluten free products prescribing. If you would like to find out more about any or all of the above, the full version of the newsletter is available on our website at www.watlington-surgeries.nhs.uk/patient-group/newsletters Alternatively, hard copies are available at the two surgeries and in many local outlets.

17 Watlington Town Christmas Fair 1st December A great way to kick off the Christmas season festivities The Watlington Business Association is pleased to announce that once again we will be running the highly popular Watlington Town Christmas Fair. There will be something for all the family with stalls along the High Street, sleigh rides, craft fair, music from local groups, Calnan’s famous BBQ, community group stalls, and of course, Father Christmas will be arriving on his sleigh! New for this year is a fabulous food fair, chuck the turkey and pupils from Watlington Primary School and Ickneild College will be performing. As in previous years we will be running a Grand prize Draw with some fabulous prizes that are worth winning. Look out for tickets that will be posted through your door at the beginning of November. Stubs and money can be dropped off at the Post Office. Final arrangements are still being made so watch out for further announcements and put the date in your diary for what promises to be a great day out, and a chance to get the Christmas shopping off to a flying start. And don’t forget to like us on Facebook: www. facebook.com/WatlingtonTownChristmasFair Anyone wishing to take a stall either on the High Street or in the Craft Fair please contact Linda Morriss on 01491 613396 or email: [email protected] CONGRATULATIONS TO BARBARA WILLIAMSON Barbara Williamson’s sterling contribution to St Leonard’s Church, Watlington and to Watlington itself was recognized at a service at Dorchester Abbey on September 30th. The Bishop of Dorchester, The Rt Revd. Colin Fletcher OBE, admitted Barbara into the Fellowship of St Birinus. Bishop Colin founded the Fellowship in 2009 as a way of acknowledging exceptional service at a parochial or benefice or deanery level including outstanding service as a church member in the wider community. The ceremony took place in the abbey after a wonderful tea reception and a beautiful service of Evensong. Barbara and other recipients were then welcomed into the Fellowship and presented with certificates by the Bishop. Barbara was accompanied at the ceremony by her husband Tony and also by her guests, Doreen Hobbs, Janice Measures and myself. We all watched with pleasure as Bishop Colin presented Barbara with her certificate. Christopher Idris Evans - Rector

18 WATLINGTON WI Have you thought about joining the 21st century WI and if not, why not? 2013 is Watlington’s 80th Anniversary Year And we would love to welcome more New Members on Board • What do we do? • What are our Ideas for getting women’s voices heard? • How can we make this Your kind of WI ? Why not come along and see what we have to offer? Allow us to evolve around your ideas and input The WI is made up of young working girls, mothers, professional women, and retired ladies from all walks of life, which makes for diversity and covers a broad spectrum of interests. Meanwhile, as we come to the end of our varied and interesting 2012 programme we are looking forward to our party and would like to wish a Happy Christmas to one and all. Next Meetings: Dec 12th Christmas meeting with carols, finger food and glass of wine Jan 9th 2013 Speaker: Joanna Cary Work & History of The ACWW (Associated Country Women of the World) -Water Project in 3rd world countries Venue : Watlington Town Hall Date : second Wednesday of the month Time: 7.30-9.30pm Contact Ronnie Roper: 01491 612675 Please leave your details on her answaphone so she can return your call.

The morning service at st.Leonard’s on the 4th Sunday of each month is rather different from other Sundays. How different? Why don’t you come and find out? 11.00am at St. Leonard’s Church on What is special about the Dec 23rd – Christingle 4th Sunday of the month? Jan 27th The NEW ALL AGE service

19 Adam Clayton in Shropshire The bells pealed, the congregation gathered from surrounding parishes and the clergy flocked, headed by the Bishop of Lichfield, to celebrate the new Ministry and the Licensing and Installation of The Reverend Adam Clayton as Priest-in-Charge of the parishes of Myddle, Broughton, Newton and Loppington with Burlton.

As will be known, Adam has recently left our local Benefice of Icknield to take up his first stipendiary post in Shropshire, about a dozen miles from Shrewsbury. The parishes within his benefice are about as close as you can get to Wales without actually leaving England. A move from one beautiful part of the English countryside to another, albeit, a good deal wetter!

20 The service was held at St Michael and All Angels Church, Loppington, a building which pre-dates our St Botolph’s by about 50 years. Amongst those gathered were our Rector, Christopher, and three others from Watlington and three more from Swyncombe - all there to wish Adam and Jo well in their new domain. The Bible Reading was the story of Jesus showing to his disciples how they could become “fishers of men” and it was upon this theme that the Bishop of Lichfield based his sermon in a straightforward and amusing way. Nobody fluffed their lines and the service was a great success. Afterwards, we all trooped to the nearby village hall to attack the spread of home-made sandwiches, biscuits and cakes.

Oxfordshire’s loss is Shropshire’s gain. We wish Adam and his family success in their new challenge. John Bayford

21 The Picnic Hamper’s New Cafe

Christmas Menu 10th -14th December 12.00pm - 1.30pm Homemade Carrot & Coriander Soup Homemade Chicken liver pate served with side salad & Melba toast. xxxx Traditional Roast Turkey served with the trimmings. Sliced Roasted Rib of Beef served Yorkshire pudding. Cranberry & chestnut Stuffed Mushroom wellington. Brussel Spouts Sliced Carrots peas & Roast potatoes & gravy. xxxx Traditional Christmas pudding with custard Homemade lemon Cheesecake with cream. £15.95 per person

22 FUNDRAISING IN MEMORY OF PHILLIP BOWDEN

The death of Phillip Bowden from Watlington on September 30th 2012 at the age of only 29 has brought it home forcibly that cancer is no respecter of age. Cancer is the major cause of death in the UK and most people will know someone – perhaps a close relative or friend -who is suffering or has suffered from the illness. Friends and relatives of Phillip have been fundraising for Cancer Research UK whose vision statement is for “leading pioneering, life-saving research to bring forward the day when all cancers are cured”

Just a few days after Phillip died. Michael Spicer, from Watlington, a very good friend of Phillip, raised £1000 for Cancer Research UK by doing a sponsored parachute jump at Chiltern Park Aerodrome.

Then on October 20th Dawn Marriott, Phillip’s sister, together with other friends stood outside Watlington Town Hall in fancy dress as part of Cancer Research’s Stand Up To Cancer campaign. They raised £1400.

Michael and Dawn, like all of us, have other relatives and friends who have died or are suffering from cancer. They want their fund-raising to be dedicated to them as well as to Phillip. They would also like to thank the very kind people of Watlington and beyond for their generosity.

23 Message from PCSO Diane Greenwood C9840

Christmas is a busy time of the year for everyone, including criminals. A large portion of crime is opportunist, so this Christmas we are seeking your help to stop thieves in their tracks. Reduce the risk of your home being burgled by making sure you take some simple and inexpensive precautions. Take action now and don’t become a victim of burglary over the coming days.

Anything on view in your car or in your house is a target for thieves and I would like to offer the following advice to residents:

• Keep your car locked whenever it is unoccupied, even when paying for petrol. • Don’t leave any valuables including Christmas presents in your vehicle. • Make the house looks occupied after dark by leaving a lamp on a timer. • Don’t leave Christmas presents where they can be seen though the ground floor windows of your house. • Ensure that front and back doors and windows are locked when you are out and at night. • Lock valuable or sentimental jewellery away in a large lockable cabinet or in a safe bolted to the wall or floor. • When putting out your rubbish, break up and dispose of packaging with care so thieves don’t target your house for your new purchases.

Home security advice leaflets, property marking pens and security labels to go onto bicycles are available from your local police station or contact me via email on diane. [email protected] or through the parish council

If you have see any suspicious activity call us on the emergency number 999 or have any information to help the police with their inquiries contact the police non emergency number 101, if you do not want to talk to the police you can call the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111 and remain anonymous.

24 POP IN CAFE Name: Pop in Cafe Venue: Watlington Sports Pavilion Shirburn Road, Watlington, OX49 5BZ Meet: 2nd Tuesday every Month. Next meeting: 13th November & 11th December Time: 2pm – 4pm Contact details: Shirley Brown, Doreen Hobbs & Beryl Parkinson Telephone: 07977 605443 Email: [email protected]

Did you know that the Pop-in Cafe has been running for just over a year? We are a group of local volunteers who give a few hours of their time to seniors in our community irrespective of their ability, to meet and have fun once per month in an afternoon. The focus is on fun, laughter and the Feel Good Factor! Why not come and join us for tea and cakes and a chat and have some fun and see what you think. You can help us to make it what you want. You can be a Friend of the Pop-in as we need people to help us fundraise or be a helper. There is no charge except for donations. Everyone is welcome. Thank You. See you There.

Watlington Gardening Club 2012/13 Watlington Gardening Club Venue : Watlington Sports Pavillion Time : 7.45pm

Our Christmas Social will be on 5 December:

Christmas Social Time to chat and enjoy a glass of mulled wine and nibbles and a quiz. There will be a charge for guests.

Wednesday 2 January : Weather Lore – Fact or Fiction. Speaker: Ian Currie As always, we look forward to seeing members, new members and guests. Please get in touch with any member of the committee if you need a lift and for more information, please contact Cheryl Barnes, 01491 614928.

25 Churchwarden’s bit 2013! Where do we fit in? Where are we headed?

Its a funny old world isn’t it, one bunch of folk tell me we are being too new and revolutionary...... and another will accuse us of being part of the Traditional Church set up! Well what to answer? Where is St. Leonards going.

Our fervent prayer is that wherever we are headed, we are going there together. I remember a couple of years ago rather grumpily removing myself from a Matins Service, childishly complaining that it wasn’t at all my type of Service!

A Humbling moment came later during prayer when I strongly felt told that God had wanted to send me a special word during the Service. The very one from which I had so arrogantly removed myself! Not only that, but that I had hurt folk God loved, who had practised hard to give our Lord a special Service of worship. Who was I to judge it? Did I ever finally receive that special message? I don’t know. But I do know that I then realised that our Lord wants us to enjoy any expression of love and worship for Him. He does: so why shouldn’t we. I felt Him tell me that he wanted me to enjoy Heaven and the many rooms in His house. That in our future, with Him its much more fulfilling to be able to wander around at home, in his home, rather than constrained to just one part of His wonderful creation.

Since then I have shared this with other Christians who have admitted to having a similar experience when grumpily removing themselves from a ‘Happy Clappy’ Service. I think sometimes our Father feels he can best approach us when we have humbled ourselves to a form of worship that spiritually stretches us. When we are stretched....we actually find we grow!

How does this reflect in St. Leonards? Well this year we have started up a Mustard Seeds Group, combining practical and spiritual enrichment for Mums and their little ones ( and the bouncy castle goes down well). And we also have a monthly 4ALL Service which is a fresh expression of our Sunday afternoons Messy Church.

We are having more bring and share lunches than ever and our coffee and delicious cakes (thanks Heather!) after every Service are drawing all together in a true Church fellowship. We have found these Services are influencing us all. We are learning as

26 much from our younger generation, as we hope they are learning from us. We are learning that we don’t need a Messy Church Service. Our congregation is full of us messy folk. “There but for the Grace of God” is muttered between us all regularly. St. Leonards isn’t a place to come to see Christians who have all the answers and are smugly living our lives. Most of us aren’t sure how we fit in or where we are headed. But, we are learning to trust in God, to lead us there, to lay our hopes, fears and prayers at His feet, and love and support each other. When we say all are welcome, we mean it. The more the messier....oops, I meant merrier, either which way we know that Church isn’t a place where you are judged, just a place where you are loved. Merry Christmas and do come to see us. Val Kearney GOOD NEIGHBOUR SCHEME. Being a good neighbour comes naturally in a community such as Watlington – but remember this is not restricted to the older generation - Are you over 18yrs old? Young people can equally be a great asset to the community! ‘Getting to know’ next door is common ground to a lot of us - a friendly gesture of help now and again is not regarded as a task but a genuine act of kindness. However not all are so fortunate, which is why we are Setting up a “Good Neighbour Scheme” to benefit people who need help with simple tasks but don’t know anyone to ask. Things we take for granted, which can be a daily challenge for others. • Changing a light bulb • Doing a weekly supermarket shop • Bringing Fruit/veg back from the Undercroft • Pruning a rose • Taking the dog for a walk when the owner is unwell • Collecting a prescription • Helping with simple computer problems etc. Good Neighbours allow everyone to be independent and not suffer in silence, but it is not an every week commitment and there are no driving jobs. What we are trying to do is compile a register of volunteers – so anyone in need can ring a central operator who in turn contacts a volunteer. If you are interested in sharing your kindness and expertise in please ring 01491 614187.

27 CHRISTMAS SERVICES FOR CHILDREN OF ALL AGES

The much loved Crib Service Sunday 23rd December 10.00am St. Botolph’s Church Swyncombe

St. Leonard’s Christingle Service 11.00am Sunday 23rd December You and your family are warmly invited to St. Leonard’s Christingle Service with refreshments afterwards

Children’s Candlelit Carol Service 5.00pm December 24th Christmas Eve St. Mary’s Church Pyrton

Family Eucharist with Carols Christmass Day 10.30am St. Leonard’s Church

28 Christmas Carol Services Throughout the Benefice

Sunday 16th Dec 6.00pm CAROL SERVICE St Nicholas Church Britwell Salome

Thursday 20th Dec 7.00pm TOWN CAROL SERVICE The Methodist Church Watlington

Sunday 16th Dec 6.00pm CAROL SERVICE St. Botolph’s Church Swyncombe

Sunday 16th Dec 4.00pm CAROL SERVICE St. Mary’s Church Pyrton

Sunday 23rd Dec 4.00pm PUB CAROL SERVICE The Chequers Watlington

29 RUNNING THE MARATHONS

Paula and Nick say: Nick and I have recently taken part in two half Marathons to raise funds for Valley of Hope (UK) Charity www.valleyofhopecharity.org Our first was in May when we ran in Helsinki, Finland, my home city. Followed by the October run in Henley-on-Thames near Watlington (Nick’s hometown). Valley of Hope is chaired by Nick’s Dad and local Rector, Christopher. We’re really excited to be running both for the people of Mothibistad, to whose lives your donations will be of such direct benefit, and, on a personal level, for Nick’s Dad, whose tireless efforts in leading Valley of Hope continue to bring real hope to people whose lives are afflicted by HIV/AIDS. Your donation will make a really valuable difference. Thank you all for your fantastic level of support! Paula Ahvonen & Nick Evans www.charitygiving.co.uk/valleyofhope2012b Jeremy & Chrissie say: We live in Watlington, and our way of helping the Valley of Hope Charity to fundraise for monthly Grocery parcels has been by running the Henley Half Marathon in 2011 and more recently the Dublin Marathon on 29th October 2012, to raise sponsorship money.

We can at least run, albeit slowly, but some of those who benefit from the Valley of Hope parcels are too ill to run. It seemed when we

30 moved outside our comfort zone, and had to just keep going for 5 hours, we would have to rely on God, just like many in Mothibistad. Amazingly, we just kept going, and it was God who kept us going. We are in our 60’s and we have not run a marathon before. However we did it, and it was fun. There were 14,300 runners in all, and there were over 4000 behind us! The whole route was lined with people cheering us on, reading our names on our running tops and shouting “Come on, Jeremy, Come on Chrissie.” There were five from Watlington, and one from Cholsey.

Many of those who benefit from the Valley of Hope have far bigger challenges than running a marathon. They have crises every day, and not only do they need God, but they know they need God. Many in the richer nations like the UK have not had the experience of being poor and having to rely on their faith. Faith is having an active and living relationship with God. Jeremy & Chrissie Bell www.charitygiving.co.uk/valleyofhopedublin

WATLINGTON MEMORY CAFE Support local people with dementia and their carers and volunteer at our new friendly Memory Café. Memory Cafes provide an opportunity for people with dementia and their carers to meet informally and receive information & support. Volunteers are needed to welcome guests, help plan activities and make & serve refreshments. The Memory Café is held on the last Tuesday of each month from 10.30 to 12.30 at Watlington Sports Pavilion, Shirburn Road, Watlington, OX49 5BZ If you are interested or would like to find out more please contact Volunteer Officer, Sara Uren on 07713390713 or Dementia Support Worker Gilly Fishleigh on 07889604599. Alzheimer’s Society. Registered charity no 296645 A company limited by guarantee and registered in England no 2115499. Registered office: Devon House, 58 St Katharine’s Way, London E1W 1LB

31 Do you Need a new direction in your life?? Inspirational stories of Watlington People and how their lives took on a different direction from the year of their 80th Birthdays!! Neil and Rita McLaughlan Read about their wonderful work (Pages 10-12) Below - ‘excerpts’ from Not one but TWO remarkable ‘Gutsy’ Ladies who in their different ways embarked on a whole new approach to their lives following their 80th Birthdays. Eve Diett At her book signing on Nov 10th 2012 in Watlington Library – DIARY OF A NAAFI GIRL. Now 86 this is Eve’s second book – the first ‘Here Come the Land Girls’ was published in the year of her 80th birthday. Meanwhile, she is well into writing her third!! Many congratulations Eve! Dorothy Ackerman A hands-on former Dinner Lady – has helped transform the lives of people in a small village 5,000 miles away. In her 80th year she made her first visit to our Link Parish of Mothibistad on the edge of the Kalahari. At 86 embarking on her 9th trip with me - this will see the Official Opening of the installation of a Wind powered irrigation system for the Garden Project she and I helped initiate 5 years ago. Young film-maker Michael Demetriou will be there to record this momentous occasion! Pauline Verbe

32 NEWS FROM THE REGISTERS

Holy Baptism We extend all good wishes to the following who were baptised at

St. Leonard’s Church Watlington Archie Patrick Smith and Jenson James Hookey who were baptised on September 16th 2012 Joseph William Wood; Paige Nicole Wood and William Robert Wood who were baptised on October 18th 2012 Sophie Maureen Newman who was baptised on October 21st 2012

St. Mary’s Pyrton Emma Tara Sophia Brittain who was baptised on September 16th 2012 Arthur Francis Holdship who was baptised on October 14th 2012

WEDDINGS Our congratulations to Elizabeth (Zee) Gilmore and Nameer Kanderian who were married at St.Mary’s Church, Pyrton on September 22nd 2012

WEDDINGS AND BAPTISMS IN THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND If you wish to arrange a baptism or get married in either St Leonard’s, Watlington or St Mary’s, Pyrton please contact The Revd Christopher Evans: 01491 612494

BAPTSIMS AND WEDDINGS IN THE METHODIST CHURCH If you wish to be baptised or married in the Methodist Church, please contact the Revd. Adam Stevenson: 01865 714163 e-mail: [email protected]

Rest in Peace We offer our sympathy and the assurance of our thoughts and prayers to the families and friends of the following people who died recently:

Christopher Gee who died on August 31st 2012 Margaret Mitchell who died on September 1st 2012 Phillip Bowden who died on September 30th 2012 David Wyndham Smith who died on October 7th 2012 June Knowles who died on 14th October 2012 Doreen Vincent who died on October 19th 2012

33 Hambledon / Watlingon Parish News 91x122mm

DRAPES DESIGN CO.

Fabrics by: Colefax and Fowler, Osborne & Little, Jane Churchill, Designers Guild, Arthur Sanderson, Zoffany, Malabar, Andrew Martin, and Nina Campbell. Plus: Greengate Upholstery and Vaughan Lighting.

PRODUCING FINE CURTAINS & FURNISHINGS, UPHOLSTERY & LOOSECOVERS, RE-UPHOLSTERY, FABRICS, CARPETS, WALLPAPER, LIGHTING & PAINTS Colefax and Fowler

Please call in or phone for more information: 40 Couching St, Watlington, Oxon ox49 5qq Phone: 01491 612273 Email: [email protected]

12042_ham_wat_91x122.indd 1 16/10/12 12:43 MUSTARD SEEDS

Teresa Jayne Catering Local Catering for your Special Events Weddings & Christenings Mums and Toddlers Coffee Morning with toddlers snacks Parties 1st & 3rd Monday of the Month Lunches & Teas St.Leonard’s Church – starts at 9.45am Pig Roasts & BBQ’s Next dates are: 3rd and the 17th Dec. t: 07770 828339 and for January 2013 the 7th and the e: [email protected] 21st. Mums/dads/grandparents/friends – all are welcome!! Contact Val on: 614543 e-mail: [email protected]

Untitled-6 1 5/12/11 10:15:4534 ABIN EN C ETRY CH G IT UA K RA ID N G T I E R E •

• Contemporary & Traditional Kitchens R E E I G T I

N D

A K We are an independent family run home, kitchen living design studio R

I T

C U

H & retailer. We tailor our projects to any budget range to get the best

Y N

complete package we can offer you. C T

A E

N B

A YEARS

T C

R • Complimentary CAD Design Service • Kitchen Appliances

N Y

A T

N D • Replacement Kitchen Doors I T G • Steam Oven Cooking Demos E I E R • Worktop & Granite Replacement • Over 30 Years Experience • Electrical / Plumbing / Installation • Trade & Contract Kitchens

Ladies and Gents New hair colour range Personalised All La Biosthetique Hair and skincare products t. 01491 612644 www.hairbyjames.com 9 Shirburn Street, Watlington, Oxon OX49 5BU

hampden house business centre serviced offices | virtual offices | meeting rooms How was your journey into work this morning? ...or easy Come and see our greatt range off Serviiced Offiices and Meetiing Rooms,, away ffrom tthe Ciitty and yett Jammy... so easy tto reach..

To book a viewing: E-mail to us: Talk to us: Visit us online: Jennings [email protected] 01865 893 200 www.hampden-house.co.uk a home for your business

35 TO PLACE AN ADVERT IN THIS

Multiple Sclerosis Society MAGAZINE Which is delivered free – 1,280 houses in Henley MS Watlington, Pyrton & Shirburn areas Please contact our Advertising Manager Support Group for details The Henley Support Group in association Helen Wiedemann with the Berkshire MS Therapy Centre 01491 614989 [email protected] has now been running for 2 years. It is based at the Brunner Hall, Greys Road, Examples of SIZES & rates Henley, RG9 1QR and is open every Thursday from 10.00am until 1.00pm. ⅛ £10 (£6.50 for 3+issues) ¼ £17 (£13 for 3+ issues) Various services are provided which ½ £30 (£26 for 3+ issues) Full £56 (£52 for 3+ issues) include group therapy sessions, individual physiotherapy sessions, footcare and SPECIAL REDUCTION informal lunches with the MS Specialist FOR COLOUR Nurse. We are also very pleased to see people who just ‘drop in’ for a cup of coffee to to find out what it is all about.

So – if you have Multiple Sclerosis or are a carer for someone with MS, do come and see us. You will be very welcome.

tel: 01628 825773 e-mail [email protected] Chairman Maddie Ames

Contact during office hours www.chinnorwebdesign.co.uk Community office 01491 613867

36 John Howell MP writes... A look back at recent key issues from Westminster and in the constituency

IN WESTMINSTER Over the summer months although parliament does not sit much goes on behind the scenes and the work of different Government departments hits the news from time to time. Between the summer recess and the break for the conferences of the main political parties Parliament sat for a short time. Now that everything is back in full swing we have seen a number of Ministerial Statement to the House. Among these perhaps the most notable have been:

A Statement by the Secretary of State for Local Government on Housing and Planning which set out how the Government is planning to tackle the problem of affordable housing, the difficulties over delays in the planning system and the Green Belt. With regard to the latter, the protections contained in the National Planning Policy Framework remain firmly in place. The Statement merely brought forward the possibility of using previously developed land within the Green Belt.

A statement by the Home Secretary on European justice and home affairs powers which set out how the Government is withdrawing from the powers in the EU agreement on European Justice.

There were also Statements from the Secretary of State for Transport on the West Coast Main Line; the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Scotland on the Referendum on independence for Scotland and the Home Secretary on Extradition.

IN THE CONSTITUENCY During the Conference Recess I used the time to undertake another Village Tour around the constituency. During the course of the two weeks over we travelled some 350 miles and met just over 200 people. There were a number of consistent themes which came up. By far the biggest of these was Broadband. Another area which came up frequently was the economy. This is particularly relevant in a week which has seen the latest unemployment figures issued. Nationally the number of people out of work fell by 50,000 in the three months to August. The number of people in employment has not been higher since records began in 1971. Whilst not under-estimating the difficulties faced for those who are unemployed, overall this is good news.

For more information, my website is regularly updated and offers information on my work both in Westminster and in the constituency. Its address is www.johnhowellmp.com In addition, if you would like to subscribe to my free e-newsletter please e mail me at: [email protected]

37 38 39 GARDEN MAINTENENCE

GRASS CUTTING LAWNS, PADDOCKS, SPORTS FIELDS OVERGROWN AREAS

TURF CARE SCARIFY AIRATE, OVERSEED, FERTILISE TOP DRESS, VERTI DRAIN, ROLL

HEDGE TRIMMING, REDUCTION REMOVAL, PLANTING

LANDSCAPING PATIOS, DRIVES, FENCING, TURFING HEDGE/TREE PLANTING

Local References 01491 826925 or 07977 237798 www.groundworx.org.uk 2 Mays Cottages, Ewelme

Aerobics & Pilates Watlington Town Hall

Drop-in classes: Aerobics Monday 8-9pm Tuesday 9.30am – 10.30am Pilates Thursday 8-9 pm

Pre-booked Pilates classes (spaces available) :

Monday 6.30-7.30pm Thursday 9.15-10.15am, 6.30-7.30pm Friday 9.15-10.15am

For further information please email Katy Riddell [email protected] or call 0770 999 1623

40 WATLINGTON

OPEN FOR YOU! Opening Hours Monday - Friday 0900 - 1730 Saturday 0900 - 1230 Use your local Post Office for: • Bureau de Change • Car Tax • Banking / Moneygram • Mobile Top-Ups • Insurance • Bill Payments And for sending your post! Watlington Post Office 8 High Street, Watlington, OX49 5PS 01491 614424 [email protected]

NEED A BARBER? Amber’s Barber Shop - 07929 337015 Thursday - 9 – 5.30 visit Hair by James 9 Shirburn Street

41 BRITWELL SALOME FARM SHOP Our own free- range Pork and properly hung M. J. GEE beef. Lots more local foods including bread, MARKET GARDENER milk, cheese and beer. 01491 612070 READY NOW just off the B4009 behind The Goose at Britwell Salome PANSIES BRITWELLOpening hours SALOME POLYS VIOLAS FARM SHOP VIOLASPERENNIALS Tuesdayour own free-range- Friday pork PRIMROSES & HERBS 8.30and properlya.m. - 6 p.mhung beef WINTER BASKETS lots more local foods including Hyacinth Baskets bread, milk, interesting jars TUBS AND PLANTS Saturdayand sweet things Cyclamen 9 a.m.Tuesday—Friday, - 5 p.m. CYCLAMENS & WALL FLOWERS 8.30Sunday a.m.—6 p.m. CABBAGES Saturday, 9 a.m.—5 p.m. COMPOST & CANES 9 a.m. - 12 noon. PERENNIALS & HERBS 01491 612070 plentyplenty of parking of parking just off the B4009 behind Tel: 01491 612479 The Goose at Britwell Salome

WINDMILL LANDSCAPES (Thame based) Your Local Landscaping Company Established 1989 Landscaping • Grass Cutting • Turfing/Seeding • Hedge Cutting • Fencing – All Types • Tree work Construction • Patios • Drives/Paths • Gates – Wood/Metal • Groundwork Tel: 01844 279519 Freephone: 0800 783 7194 www.windmill-landscapes.com

42 43 01844 354744 www.chinnorwebdesign.co.uk

44 ST. LEONARD’S CHURCH HALL Large hall with ample parking Available to hire for classes, parties,etc For details and bookings contact Judy Keen 01491 612422 Circle Dancing / World Dancing in Watlington

7-9 pm every Tuesday No partners necessary - Beginners most welcome. Enjoy the gentle exercise & the fun of learning a dance together. Relaxing & therapeutic.

Tel: Margot Peters or phone 0118-984 1559 e-mail: [email protected]

45 Watlington & District Nursing Home Dedicated to care Afraid to talk about care? Let us help you We know from experience considering care options can be overwhelming. This is why we get to know you and your family and make sure your experience is tailored especially to your specific needs.

With our dedicated teams on hand 24 hours a day, Watlington & District Nursing Home offers the highest standards of care for all its residents including those needing re-ablement care following a hospital stay, nursing, respite, dementia and palliative care.

To discuss your plans for now and the Watlington & District Nursing Home future, please call 01491 613400 Hill Road, Watlington, Oxfordshire OX49 5AE www.sanctuary-care.co.uk Email: [email protected] Sanctuary Care Limited is a subsidiary of Sanctuary Housing Association, an exempt charity

LEE BECKETT LEE BECKETT

0149101491 614233614233 07773 168120 07773 168120 Is the man to call for Is the man to call for ALL PLUMBING & HEATING Microsoft textbox, size 8.89cm x 5.83cm (sameALL sizePLUMBING as previous & HEATING advert.) ++ GASGAS FIRE/BOILERFIRE/BOILER NEEDSNEEDS Place your Christmas Orders Now RepairsRepairs && InstallationsInstallations

No call out No call out charge charge

Bottle picture inserted into text box. Peter Osborne Fine Wines

Your local family run wine merchant, established for over 30 years

Worldwide selection of exclusive quality wines

Watcombe Manor Farm, Ingham Lane, Watlington OX49 5EB.

TEL: 01491 612311

E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.peterosbornewine.co.uk

Opening hours: [email protected] Mon/Fri: 9.30am-6pm-Sat: 9.30am-5pm

47 Samantha Swanson

07712 052860 www.arborea.co.uk 01628 675535

48 49 Mail Handling Telephone Answering and Call Forwarding Meeting Room Full Reception Service Offices on Flexible Terms 41, Couching Street, Watlington, Oxfordshire 01491 613311 [email protected] www.chilternbusinesscentre.co.uk

“You take care of your business We look after your office”

50 Altom Tree Care Ltd

For a reliable, professional service 01844 339833 07958 759747 [email protected] TREE FELLING HEIGHT REDUCTIONS STUMP GRINDING LANDSCAPING - FENCING GRASS/HEDGE CUTTING PADDOCK MOWING MAINTENANCE CONTRACTS SEASONED LOGS FOR SALE

FULLY INSURED FREE QUOTATION

51 52 JP CARAVANCARE Tel. 01844 281042 Mob. 07505 772110 [email protected] Mobile Caravan & Motorhome servicing and repair in Oxfordshire &Buckinghamshire JP Caravancare is pleased to offer the following Services

Full Annual Service Habitation Service Chassis Safety Service Damp Testing Preventative Damp Oversealing Floor Delamination Repairs General Repairs Emergency Call Out Pre Purchase Checks Motor Movers supplied & Fitted Accessories Fitted Full Service, Repair and Damp reports are supplied We can tailor our services to suit You and remember “We Come To You”

Devey Tree Care Tree Surgery & Garden Maintenance Services We offer a variety of services for your trees and gardens, from hedge cutting to tree removal.

Fully insured with £5M public liability cover All jobs considered and all quotations are free of charge.

Telephone: Call Owain Devey NCH Arb on 07922736451 01844281101 or [email protected] www.deveytreecare.co.uk

53 L B Plumbing

Toilets, taps, showers, immersions, leaks, all general repairs. Free estimates, insured.

No callout charge Watlington Youth Club Meets at the Sports Pavilion in Shirburn Road every Call Lee Brook on Tuesday 7pm to 9pm 01491 834484 If you are 13 to 18 years old please come and join us to play pool; table tennis; darts and table games. Also have 07981642688 coffee on us! Enquiries Welcome - Call Roger On 613687 for a programme

54 THE CHEQUERS LOVE LANE WATLINGTON 01491 612874

Traditional Home-cooked Bar Meals Lunches: 7 days a week Evening Meals: Tuesday – Saturday Sunday Roast Lunches Monthly Charity Quizzes Christmas Menu Available Christmas Carol Service 4pm, Sunday 23rd Dec. Boxing Day Lunch 12 noon-3pm Book Now www.thechequerswatlington,co,uk

55 Friends of St Leonard’s Church

Christmas Tree Festival 2012

Celebrations and Jubilations

Saturday December 8th to Sunday December 23rd 2.00 - 5.00 daily

Grand Opening Saturday December 8th

Come and see Father Christmas switch on the lights at 3.00pm and enjoy mulled wine. seasonal refreshments and informal carol singing

Bring your friends and family to see the 36 beautifully decorated and highly imaginative Christmas Trees with titles ranging from the Diamond Jubilee, the Olympics, Mardi Gras , the Chinese New Year, Bonfire Night and many, many more joyful celebrations both at home and worldwide.

An uplifting start to Christmas for everyone