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Issue 43 August 2004 Grapevine Appeal Services at Holy Trinity The Ascott Grapevine is Church provided FREE to every household in Ascott and we wish this to con- tinue for a long time to come. Although ‘The Grape- vine’ does receive sup- port from the Council and the PCC, it only raises a limited amount of revenue from advertising. ‘The Ascott Grapevine’ survives mainly on donations. If you would like to help The Grapevine continue, any donation large or small would be appreci- What’s what QP = Time of Quiet ated. You can give EP = Evening Prayer/ Prayer adonation to any mem- Service BS = Benefice Service ber of the editorial team. FC = Family Commun- Bapt = Holy Baptism If there is an aspect of ion C = Contemporary Lan- village life not already HC = Holy Communion guage covered in the Grape- MP = Morning Prayer/ P = Book of Common vine please contact a Service Prayer member of the produc- tion team to discuss Content & Editorial Policy your ideas. Articles for the October issue of The If you have an article, story or poem you would Grapevine should be like to submit for publication the Grapevine edi- submitted by October torial team would love to hear from you. Mate- 4th. rial for publication is gratefully accepted. Due to Call 01993 832163 space considerations material may not be used or email: immediately but may be held over to be included [email protected] in a later issue. Stuart Fox, Kingsley, The Grapevine editorial team reserve the right Wendy Pearse, to shorten, amend or reject any material submit- Karen Purvis ted for publication.

The Ascott Grapevine - Page 2 Don’t forget about the Ascott website: Lily Edginton 1917-2004

When I was asked if I teacher, until she retired but fair teacher and it would write a few words just over twenty years made me chuckle to see about Lily, I was flat- ago. her expression when the tered, as I have only had Lily started as a pupil odd football came hurl- the privilege of knowing teacher in in ing over her wall from her for the last 7 years 1933 and worked in the school next door, of her life. But in that Hornton near Banbury closely followed by a time, our friendship de- during the war. It was small, rather apprehen- veloped from our first not until well after the sive looking young boy meeting at the Baptist war that she was encour- coming to ask for it Chapel in Milton to our aged to go to Teacher back! regular weekly cups of Training College in Her working life was coffee and chats in her Nuneaton and follow- interupted when she “Bungalow” on the ing that she took a job had to take time off to Green. Lily was still driv- in : she used to nurse her mother at ing her car then, but get the train from Ascott home during a long ill- during the last two to to Long ness, and look after her three years she became and then cycle the rest father on the farm. Af- more and more house- of the way! She eventu- ter both her parents had bound and it was dur- ally took over as Head- died, a barn next door ing that time that our mistress there until the to the house was con- friendship grew. school was amalga- verted into the bunga- We would have long mated, when she re- low that became her talks about her life here turned to in Ascott; from her time Milton at the local primary and finally school, growing up in Shipton the village, with three school. I younger brothers to have spo- contend with, on to ken to Grammar people in School (as it was known The then) having become Wychwoods the first person in the who re- village to pass the eleven member plus, through to the “Miss pursuit of her vocation Edginton” as a primary school as a strict www.ascott-under-.org.uk Page 3 - Issue 43 home for the last twenty Births Marriages or so years. The pig-sty On 5th May 2004, to On 22nd May 2004, at that her brother Cyril Anne and Richard Holy Trinity Church, built, is still in the back Smith, a son, Rupert Rupert John Taylor to garden! Francis. Judith Clare Stedeford. Lily played the organ at the Chapel in Ascott On 4th June 2004, to On 22nd May 2004, in and was secretary there Lucy Bull and Andrew Woodstock, Guy until it closed. She was Jackson, a daughter, Edwards to Synne also a founder member Maisie Jane. Diesen of the Women’s Insti- tute and took a lively Deaths On 6th June 2004, to interest in the goings-on Clare and Andrew On 21st April 2004, of the village, as she did Meaden, a daughter, Barbara Johnson, aged with the lives of her Amelie May. 71 years. brothers and their re- spective families. The On 2nd May 2004, Lily enclosed picture is one Agnes Edington, aged I took of Lily helping 87 Years. with the WI children’s Millenium party in Tiddy Hall. The Church Fete 2004 I’m sure there is If 2003 was the hottest busy throughout the af- much more to say Church Fete on record, ternoon. about Lily and her con- then the 2004 Fete must I know the Church tribution to village life have been the windiest, Wardens and members over the years but I hope however, this did not of the P.C.C would I have done her some deter so many people wish to thank those justice and I certainly coming up to the Rec- who contributed to the hold very fond memo- reation Field and mak- stalls and also those ries of her. She became ing the afternoon a suc- who gave their time in an extended part of our cess. helping out. family and as such we all In addition to the The Parochial miss her. usual stalls, there was a Church Council is Katherine Gidman car boot sale, children’s grateful for funds raised swing boats, coconut by the Fete in support shy, hoop-la, golf, an ef- of the Church although fective public address the final figure is not yet system and a barbeque, available. which was extremely

The Ascott Grapevine - Page 4 Don’t forget about the Ascott website: Introducing the Revd. Hazel Scarr Although Hazel’s post is officially part time she will be working full time during the early months. During Mark’s continuing recovery the vicarage telephone at will be diverted to Hazel every day except Fridays, which is her day off. If she is not available please leave a message. Her direct telephone number is 01295 720494. “Good heavens! A Bishop of Stepney at I admit it? – we have soman priest - in Ascott? sixteen. three grandsons. I never thought I’d see Like many others I I thought I knew ex- the day!” drifted away from the actly how my life would As you can imagine, church during my col- progress – but God had having been told a little lege days, spent as a stu- other plans. I’m of the background by dent at the Guildhall ashamed to say that I Bishop Colin, I arrived School of Music and tried desperately to with some apprehen- Drama and it wasn’t ignore his call to minis- sion! But – here I am until our two daughters try – it was inconvenient and I’ve been encouraged were taken to Sunday to say the least – but to tell you a little of my school by a neighbour here I am. I trained on history, so here goes. that my husband and I the Oxford Diocesan I was brought up in returned to the Ministry Course, serv- Hackney in the East End church. John is origi- ing as ordinand with the of London. Both par- nally from Lancashire, Deddington benefice ents were active in the went to London Uni- during this time. After local Baptist church and versity and stayed in ordination I became at fourteen I was bap- London to work. We Assistant Curate with tised by total immer- both believed in sup- Adderbury and Milton sion. I was taken by porting our local in October 2000 friends to a youth club church and the whole where I’ve served until that had a live rock band family were very happily coming here. They kept every week. It was run by settled in a thriving me very busy, especially an Anglican church and church in Muswell Hill during the middle year also boasted a busy ama- before eventually mov- when I worked alone teur drama group which ing to north Oxford- during an interregnum. produced American mu- shire in early 1982. I Life has taken me sicals under the direc- won’t pretend that ru- from east to north tion of an American ral church life didn’t London and on to Ox- priest. So began my in- come as a shock! fordshire, where we live volvement with the Now our daughters between Bloxham and Church of and are grown up and – dare Barford St John. I’ve I was confirmed by the been a music student, www.ascott-under-wychwood.org.uk Page 5 - Issue 43 during which I worked an internal management first met in that Bap- behind bars and sang accountant and com- tist church Sunday in a night club. I’ve pany secretary. Along- school has never left me. been a hosiery and side this, of course, wife Now he’s brought me to leather goods buyer, and mother and eventu- Ascott and the Chase settling finally into ac- ally priest. Throughout, benefice. Let’s see what counting and working as the faith in the God I he wants me to do! Hazel Scarr New Beginnings Can you remember how there is that same sense edge our need. This is you felt when you last of anticipation mixed the very centre of living started a new job or with trepidation and the Christian life. made a significant often a real fear of the Whatever may happen, change in direction in unknown. What will whatever we have to face, your life? Perhaps it was happen? Are we doing we can be confident that a long time ago – or per- the right thing? Will we our Lord will always be haps you’re only just be welcome – are the with us. Jesus said ‘I am leaving school and will natives friendly? At the with you always, even to be moving on to some- end of May I arrived in the end of time’ – and thing new. Are you look- the Chase benefice as As- he meant it. Young and ing forward to going sociate Priest with all old, those with great off to university or a spe- those feelings. I know faith and those with cialist college, but wor- that alongside the antici- little, we can all turn to rying about living away pation and the fears can our great God with con- from home for the first go a real sense of sad- fidence that he will not time? Or even leaving pri- ness for the loss of the only hear but will answer mary school to move to familiar that’s being left in the best way for each senior school? Lots of us behind. Together they of us individually. will be facing a new chal- can create a strange sense So next time you’re lenge before the next is- of loneliness. And how worried or unsure sue of The Grapevine. easy it is to feel we re- about the next step in Life is full of new be- ally are alone. life stop for a minute ginnings. Some we But of course we’re and have a word with choose, others seem to not! We have a living our living God. You happen to us. From and active God, ready can be sure he will be childhood to old age and waiting. He stands listening. there are new situa- at our shoulder to give With many blessings, tions to which we have help and encourage- Hazel Scarr to adjust and new chal- ment, if only we will lenges to face. Each time reach out and acknowl- The Ascott Grapevine - Page 6 Don’t forget about the Ascott website: Harvest Festival Celebrations at Holy Trinity The harvest is such an ditional Harvest Home. play a tune, tell a tale important part of life The Harvest Festival and so on. If you would for everyone one of us, Service will be held in like to join in please let although sadly for many church on Sunday 3rd either Tim Lyon people, food is just October at 4.00pm. (632531) or Fred something that comes After the service the cel- Russell know as soon as off the shelf in a shop. ebrations will be con- possible. Living in Ascott we are tinuing at the Tiddy Please put the date in blessed to be able to Hall starting at 6.00pm. your diary now. Be- watch the crops grow There will be food and cause of the catering we and be gathered and the drink and an evening of will have to sell tickets harvest is something to homemade entertain- (just £5) for the Tiddy be anticipated, prayed ment. We are compil- Hall part nearer the date for and celebrated. ing a list of people who and a letter will be drop- This year we want are willing to sing a ping through your everyone to enjoy a tra- song, recite a poem, letterbox.

Wychwood Library The Library should now be back in its perma- nent home after spend- ing much of June and July housed at The Old Bank in Milton. Opening Times Monday: 2pm to 5pm/ 6pm to 7.30pm Wednesday: 10am to noon/2pm to 5pm Friday: 2pm to 5pm/ 6pm to 7.30pm Saturday: 9.30am to noon Beryl Brown, Pack a picnic, get out into the fresh air and help Library Manager raise money for historic churches. Sponsorship forms are available from Joan Pratley, 6 London 01993 830281 Lane or from the church. www.ascott-under-wychwood.org.uk Page 7 - Issue 43 Ascott Village Shop I moved to Long right and right again to my Upper Norton Jer- Hanborough in 1998 Ramsden (avoiding the sey Cream Company but find that I have still narrow one-way track of cream is nestling on the not yet discovered all ), on to back seat. I collect it on the pretty winding lanes, Leafield, with that little a Thursday from stone-housed villages bit of topiary round a . and rural countryside left-hand bend, on the The company mainly which make Oxford- approach to the village. deals with major clients shire so distinctly Ox- Then right and right such as Marks & Spen- fordshire. again to descend to the cer but seems happy When John Cull first magical valley and village with my slightly more invited me to come over of Ascott. modest order. and meet him, and to The drive over from ‘What a lovely shop’ see the shop, I had to early is often the phrase visi- get my map out. You on a misty May morn- tors to the village use, as can imagine the pleasure ing is superb; on a they open the door and of that first journey: Friday morning taken at look round the store.. , New Yatt, quite a steady pace as .and it is. A lot of thought has gone into the design. The shop feels light and airy, al- Bluebells Florist though compact and Sheep Street, Charlbury packed with products. Lately I have introduced 01608 811414 01608 811414 new lines from a Mr PROVIDING FLOWERS FOR Holley (what a great ALL OCCASIONS: name). You may have already tried his hand- = Hand Tied bouquets made crisps and cheddar = Wedding Day flowers, Wedding Day flowers, wafers. including pedestals and table decorations We are becoming more and more busy = Funeral tributes and, although, I am sure = Corporate Events you would not wish for SPECIALISING IN COUNTRY Ascott to be over-run STYLE FLOWERS with ‘shop’ traffic from people who are not in- habitants of the village, it is good to feel the suc- The Ascott Grapevine - Page 8 Don’t forget about the Ascott website: cessful hum and to see band the other day.. course, but I’m having the rising sale figures. .first time in years. He fun and I hope your vil- The volunteers are won- said he thought I lage store continues to derful. . . some of them was dead...and I replied, provide you with what part of the management I thought you were you would like. committee, who dead’. Mary Balkwill planned and gave birth I don’t know the ins to the whole exciting and outs of the circum- Since this article was project. stances in either case written Mary has decided to resign I am beginning to get but as we laughed to- from the position as to know the regular cus- gether at this statement shop manager. We tomers quite well now I thought how much I would like to thank and enjoy our chats over admired the spirit in her for all her hard the counter. them both. work and wish her well in the future. One customer to an- It’s hard work man- other: ‘...Saw your hus- aging the shop, of Apology We have had a letter from Mr. Gripper con- cerning his article on Iraq included in the last issue of The Grapevine which we shortened prior to publication. We would sincerely like to apologise to Mr Gripper for shortening his article wihout con- sulting him. The piece omitted referred to the current Advertise Here … political situation as Advertise in The Grapevine and reach all the seen from him point of households in Ascott-under-Wychwood in one view and we felt that go! the content was too email: [email protected] contentious for what is, or phone: 832163 for details. after all, a Village maga- zine. www.ascott-under-wychwood.org.uk Page 9 - Issue 43 In touch with Hilary Biles, District Councillor

I cannot believe the offices. Obviously there unit in the evenings dur- County Council have are areas we can im- ing the summer. There yet again postponed the prove on – planning. had been no consulta- decision day for We were criticised for tion and the judge found Langston House. It will Councillors having too in favour of WODC. I now be September. This much of a ‘hands on’ went to London (I am is dreadful news for the approach in allocation the health representative residents, their relatives of housing and planning on the County joint and staff alike. We will applications (I am Health Overview and shortly be knocking on afraid I am guilty on Scrutiny Committee) your door collecting sig- both counts , to me that for the case and found natures for a petition to is part of the job!!!) the procedures and argu- keep Langston open. If If anyone needs extra ments extremely inter- anyone can help collect lids or boxes for recy- esting. This unit is es- signatures, please let me cling, call the Council, sential for the rural ar- know. It is important we or myself. You can have eas as it saves us going keep up the fight!! more than two boxes if to the John Radcliffe or West required. If your boxes the Horton and in turn District Council have or bins have not been relieves the pressure on been awarded a ‘good’ collected let the Coun- A & E at both those status in the govern- cil – or me, know. It hospitals. have ments Comprehensive always takes a while for an X-ray unit and tele Assessment, in fact we a new service to bed in. medicine so they are able are the top of the Coun- This has been a huge to diagnose fractures. cils in the County. They success and considering Should Cherwell Vale particularly commented the area and the extra Primary Care Trust de- on the efforts of recy- amount to collect and cide to close the minor cling and as some of you sort, we have had only injuries unit in Chipping may know West Oxford- a few hiccups! Norton – it will be the shire District Council In May, the Council only hospital we are able were voted into the top took South West Ox- to attend other than 10 Councils in the fordshire Primary Care Banbury or the John Country for improved Trust and The Oxford Radcliffe. We really need recycling by Friends of Radcliffe Health Trust to use the Witney facil- the Earth. If anyone to the High Court in ity as much as possible, would like to look at the London in an effort to because if we don’t they whole document, it is stop them closing could close it due to available at the Council Witney Minor Injuries lack of use.

The Ascott Grapevine - Page 10 Don’t forget about the Ascott website: Cherwell Vale Pri- We have to delegate at the planning meet- mary Care Trust has more to the officers re ing. Otherwise the offic- started the consultation planning, yes; even we ers decide!! on have targets set about I will try to do an Hospital. They need planning! It is impor- update in each edition your views on the pro- tant to contact me if of the grapevine. If you posals. They will have there are applications need assistance, please the document at the anyone is unhappy contact me, I am here to surgery. Please try and about. Should there be help!! respond as we are part good planning grounds Hilary Biles of the Cherwell Vale we are able to ask for the 01993 831822 Primary Care Trust area. application to be heard

Ascott-under-Wychwood Parish Council

Thank you to everyone We have a new sign- outside the shop so we who completed the re- post near the railway hope these measures cent transport survey. line with an extra arm will help relieve the We had an excellent pointing to Shipton problem. 42% response. The which was missing from Please don’t forget forms have now been the old sign. We are that minutes of all Par- sent to Oxfordshire Ru- awaiting a new signpost ish Council meetings are ral Community Coun- to the shop, which will posted on the web site cil for analysis and they be situated on London (http://www.ascott-un- will be sending us a re- Lane pointing down der-wychwood.org.uk) port on the findings. High Street. There has and everyone is wel- This will then be sent to been a considerable in- come to attend the Oxfordshire County crease in litter since the meetings held on the Council Public Trans- shop opened and there second Monday of each port Team who are re- is now a smart new bin month. viewing bus services in near the notice board on Margaret Ismail the county and we hope London Lane. Most of Parish Clerk they will act on the in- the litter is dropped at formation and com- the end of High Street ments in the report to not outside the shop as improve the services to you might think. There rural areas. is also a portable bin www.ascott-under-wychwood.org.uk Page 11 - Issue 43 Ascott-under-Wychwood Transport Survey

Many thanks to the197 that there were insufficient into and out of Witney in individuals who took the services to Witney and the evenings”. time and trouble to com- Chipping Norton, for “Why do Milton and plete the Ascott under shopping and leisure. This Shipton have a Stage Wychwood Transport Sur- could be improved if there Coach bus service on a vey. The results have been was a feeder service run- regular basis but Ascott al- analysed and sent to Alan ning between Ascott and ways seems to be left out?” Pope the Assistant Public Shipton and Milton under “The taxi bus cannot be Transport officer at Ox- Wychwood. used effectively because the fordshire County Council. No respondents indi- trains cannot be relied The Analysis of the sur- cated that they used the upon to meet with the vey has been produced in District ring-a-ride service (a bus”. great detail by the Rural pre bookable door to door One final point that was Community Transport ad- mini bus service for people raised by a majority of re- visor and a copy may be with mobility problems). spondents was that we obtained through your This was surprising as the should ensure that details usual Parish Council con- survey results indicate that of local bus services should tact. there is a need for this kind be better publicised. It A few interesting points of service as nine individu- was suggested that simpli- arose from the survey in- als stated that they have fied timetables be displayed cluding concern regarding mobility problems and re- on the village notice the inadequate services for lied on lifts in order to visit boards. Perhaps we should young people. 82% of all their doctors surgery. Any- try and include some infor- respondents were drivers one wishing to use the ring- mation in future issues of but only 2% didn’t have a-ride service can obtain the Grapevine. regular access to a car. information leaflets from Stuart Fox The most popular - the Oxfordshire Council lic transport service was the for Voluntary Action on Charlbury rail link that 01865 251946. was used by a number of Some general com- respondents on a regular ments about public trans- basis. However, the port were: number of users is relatively “The trains need to stop small and questions were at Ascott more fre- raised about its reliability. quently”. Almost everyone who “There is no way answered the survey felt younger people can get

The Ascott Grapevine - Page 12 Don’t forget about the Ascott website: Local Direrctory of Useful Telephone Numbers

Ascott Cricket Club Friends of Wychwood 01993 831916 01993 832004 District Fly Tipping Ascott United Football Forge Garage 01993 861000 Club 01993 883562 01993 830025 West Oxfordshire Ascott Grapevine Leafield School District Council Emer- 01993 832163 01993 878273 gency Ascott Parish Council- Oxfordshire County 01993 705056 Clerk 01993 832829 Council Office Hours Wychwood Library Ascott Pre-School 01869 241144 01993 830281 07968 006451 Oxfordshire County Wychwood Magazine Ascott Shop Council Emergency 01993 831134 01993 831240 01865 266000 Wychwood School Oxfordshire County 01993 830059 01993 823303 Council Wychwood Surgery Chipping Norton Cot- Trading Standards Emergencies tage Hospital 01865 815000 01993 830260 01608 648450 Police Non-Emergency Out of Hours Church Number 01993 365639 Vicar Mark Abrey 08458 505505 Reception 01608 676572 PC Badrick at Carterton 01993 831061 Rev Hazel Scarr 01993 893951 Wychwood Wrought 01295 720494 Swan Inn Iron Churchwardens 01993 830345 01993 832850 01993 832531 Thames Water Wychwoods Local 01993 831282 08459 200800 History Society Coldstone Angling Club Tiddy Hall 01993 831023 01993 831507 01993 831632 Windrush Valley School County Councillor Vet Charlbury 01993 831793 Rodney Rose 01608 811250 Witney Hospital Minor 01993 830584 Chipping Norton Injuries Unit District Councillor 01608 642547 01993 209457/8 01993 831822 West Oxfordshire Dis- Environmement Agency trict Council Office Floodline Hours 08459 881188 01993 861020

www.ascott-under-wychwood.org.uk Page 13 - Issue 42 West Oxfordshire Activities formation Centre or To book a place at the phone 01993 861565 or skatepark contact the online at Chipping Norton Leisure www.oxfordshirecotswolds.org Centre on 01608 643698, or www.westoxon.gov.uk/ or just turn up on the day culture. to the chosen session. Bigger, Better, West To take part you will Other summer events Oxfordshire Weekend need a WOW Pack which Sailing, canoeing and 11&12 September contains your Weekend kayaking are all on the 2004 Pass, available from Visitor menu of West Oxford- The West Oxfordshire Information Centres from shire’s 2004 Summer Weekend is a fantastic op- the 16th August. Events Programme for portunity for those living Visitor information young people. in the District to visit lo- Centres are based in The summer pro- cal attractions at free/dis- Burford (01993 823558), gramme also gives young counted rates. Chipping Norton (01608 people the chance to take Following on from last 644379), Witney (01993 part in a range of activities year’s success, the weekend 775802) and Woodstock including fencing, basket- includes attractions, lei- (01993 813276). ball, hockey, rugby, cycling, sure, sporting and craft ac- Mobile skate park tennis, golf and many oth- tivities, entertainments and The mobile skate park will ers. restaurants. Over 40 or- be at the Multi-Use Games The Sports Mobile ganisations are taking part. Area behind the Chipping Roadshow will be offering These include Norton Leisure Centre on a range of sporting activi- · Cotswold Wildlife 28th August, 11am - 4pm. ties including soccer, Park Skaters will have a rounders, kwik cricket, · Manor Farm chance to learn new tricks, parachute games, relays and Museum practice existing ones or much more. · just have fun. Experienced All courses take place · Witney Lakes Resort skaters will be on hand to between 19th July and · Wychwood Golf Club provide help and guid- 28th August but places are · Park ance. limited. For further details · AONB The first session, 11am or to book an activity, con- Guided Walks - 1.30pm is for beginners tact the Sports Develop- · Stones only and the second ses- ment Team on 01993 · Swinford Museum sion, 1.30pm - 4pm is for 861080 or email · Oxfordshire Museum all abilities. [email protected]. For more information, visit your local Visitor In-

The Ascott Grapevine - Page 14 Don’t forget about the Ascott website: A new world on your doorstep A report from the Wychwood Project

A recent event organised many ways is prettier us about the state of our by the Wychwood and speedier. That the environment as the type Project brought home Greater water boatman and abundance of spe- to me just how little we swims on its back and cies change depending know about the other is a fearsome predator upon the level of pollu- creatures with which we was also new. Black tion. It’s easy to enter share the planet. The Whirligig beetles charge this other world. A idea was simple enough around with boundless small aquarium net and – dip a net into a pond energy and fearsome an old plastic box are all and see what comes out. looking dragonfly you need. The Field With apologies to peo- nymphs and beetle lar- Studies Council pro- ple who already know vae lie in wait for the duce good beginner’s about ponds it was a rev- unwary. That some of guides to identifying elation! these nymphs were six what you find. If you Here, contained centimetres long and don’t fancy going alone, within a simple combi- bear a close resemblance then consider joining-up nation of sleepers, bin- to the creature in the with the Wychwood liner, plants and water movie Alien was quite Pond Group (Tel were the most startling unexpected. 01993 814143). array of creatures. What makes ponds Nick Motram Ramshorn and pond all the more remarkable Project Manager snails made their stately is that they can also tell way among the plants. Limpets and molluscs such as I only knew from the seashore hid in the mud. Pond-skaters bounced around the sur- face trying to escape the study tray. I knew of pond-skaters but didn’t realise they could jump, let alone so well. The Greater water boatman was familiar, but I didn’t know there was a ‘Lesser’ form that in www.ascott-under-wychwood.org.uk Page 15 - Issue 43 Wychwoods Local History Society

The new season for the The articles in the Jour- Court Journal are Society will begin on nal tell the story of the priced at £4, earlier ones Thursday 16th Septem- Court from the original at a lesser price. P&P ber 2004 at Milton Vil- builders the Lacys, £1.20 first copy, 50p for lage Hall at 7.30.p.m. through 200 years of each additional copy. The very popular speaker Reade ownership, then Cheques should be Tim Porter will talk in to the hands of the made payable to about Oxfordshire Pil- last Sir John Reade’s Wychwoods Local His- grims. As usual with butler Joseph tory Society. Tim’s interesting talks Wakefield, and finally Further information on the Medieval Period, the ownership through about the Society can he is certain to have a a number of families in be obtained from good number of beauti- the twentieth century. Wendy Pearse, 831023. ful slides to illustrate his Copies of this Journal Old and new members narrative. as well as the first eight- are welcome. Subscrip- Shipton Court Journal een can be obtained tions are £5 for an indi- The nineteenth Journal from Sue Jourdan, So- vidual and £8 for a cou- produced by the Society ciety Chairman, ple which includes a is a special edition de- 830179, or Dr Margaret copy of the Journal, voted to the history of Ware, Monks Gate, Wychwoods History, Shipton Court follow- Shipton-u-Wychwood, when published. Visi- ing the Court’s 400th OX7 6BA, 830494. tors welcome at any Anniversary last year. Copies for the Shipton meeting at £2 per head. Wendy Pearse Great idea for a children’s project? For an application Oxfordshire’s Local Net- • set up a new pre- form, call 0845 work Fund is offering school in 1130161 grants of between £250 Stadhampton For advice on filling and £7,000 for commu- • set up a junior age out your application, nity projects to widen youth club in call Wally Cox on opportunities for chil- Woodstock 01865 798666 dren or young people • involve children in For help with turning (any age from 0-19). producing a commu- a great idea into a new So far grants have nity mosaic in project contact David helped to: Fisher at ORCC on 01865 883488.

The Ascott Grapevine - Page 16 Don’t forget about the Ascott website: History of Harvest

In these days of rapid about a quarter of an at a time. The scythe change it does seem sur- acre was cut in a day. carried the cut corn to prising that at the time A later alternative to the left side leaving it in our church organ was the sickle was the fagging a continuous swathe, being built, a mere one hook, larger and heavier which made more work hundred and twenty with a smooth sharp for the sheaf tiers, as it years ago, most of the blade, it was used with had to be gathered and corn was still being har- a swinging stroke and straightened into vested by the method was aided by a hooked sheaves. The sheaves used in Roman times stick to guide the cut were usually tied by two thousand years ago, stalks. The operator women, the method and beyond. worked from left to was to stand astride the For me, the harvest right across the face of loose sheaf facing the scene of that era is pic- the crop for four or five ears, take a bond of tured by the hymn verse paces cutting into it on about twelve stalks, pass “ Fair waved the golden the way then worked the ear end of the bond corn in Canaan’s pleas- back to the left collect- under the sheaf from ant land when full of joy ing the cut corn all the right to left, pull it tight, some shining mourn way with the fagging give the ends a full twist went forth the reaper hook and stick. The clockwise and tuck the band.” amount cut would straw end downwards The sickle was the make half a sheaf. This under the bond. main harvest tool used method would clear Until the nineteen fif- in Britain until the nine- about half an acre a day. ties the old varieties of teenth century. It was a The scythe was in use corn were much lower light tool with a thin from Roman times for yielding but grew longer curved blade with a ser- mowing grass, oats and straw. Wheat would of- rated cutting edge. The barley. It was also used ten be over five feet tall. reaper held a handful of for wheat from the eight- In the eighteen hun- stalks in one hand and eenth century because it dreds a mechanical pulled the blade across saved labour, cutting an reaper was produced them just above the acre or more a day. The which cut the crop onto ground. Each handful team of mowers worked a platform and had ro- was then placed in a across the field swinging tating arms which bundle until a sheaf had the scythe from right to cleared the cut corn to been accumulated. The left, the long sharp the side in loose sheaves, drawback was that this blade slicing through but this machine did was slow work, only the stalks a narrow bite not become dominant. www.ascott-under-wychwood.org.uk Page 17 - Issue 43 The sheaves still had to the tying mechanism hand and re-tied making be tied by hand and per- into gear. The needle more work, wasting sonally, I think it would brought up the twine time and causing strong have been difficult to behind the sheaf, the language. use on any crop except knotter tied the knot Most of the weight of wheat. The ears of the and the revolving deliv- the binder was on a big other crops tend to tan- ery tines threw out the wheel which drove all gle. sheaf, all in one move- the mechanism by Most corn was cut by ment. These sheaves chains and cog wheels. hand until were easier to handle It was the inven- pulled by tion of the a three self—tying horse binder in team un- the eight- til the een eight- tractor ies. This took over cut the in the corn with nineteen a recipro- thirties. cating When knife, then tied, the rotating sheaves sails had to be tipped it stood up onto a in stooks moving of six, canvas, three on which car- each side ried it on sloping to the next canvas where than those tied by hand into the top to run the it was lifted between being tighter and flatter. rain off. Four rows of two rotating canvases up In World War Two the sheaves were collected onto a downward slope. twine was made thinner into each row of stooks. Here packer tines so that it would tie Novice helpers had to be pushed it tight against more sheaves but it of- persuaded to bang the the twine until the ten broke and the loose sheaves together hard weight of the new sheaf sheaves had to be col- enough to stand against pressed down the lected and wound the wind. If they blew pedal, which tripped through the machine by down the job had to be

The Ascott Grapevine - Page 18 Don’t forget about the Ascott website: done again. The crop keeping apart because, weigh 15 lbs so it felt was left in the field un- work wise, one boy is a quite heavy at the end of til dry enough to stack. boy, two boys together a fork. With a shout of Oat straw was still sappy equals half a boy and “Hold tight.” the horse when the grain was ripe three boys equal no would move forward so this was left until the boys at all. until he heard the com- church bells had been A wagon was pulled mand “Whoa.” The rung on three Sundays. between two rows of loader did have to hold If the sheaves were stooks and the sheaves tight too because a sud- stacked damp they were pitched by forks to den start or stop would would ferment, heat up a man building the load, throw him off his feet. and sometimes go laying the butt ends to People who have not mouldy. the outside and keeping done the job would be Boys usually helped the middle well filled. A amazed how the load with harvest but needed good wheat sheaf would would bounce and Cook’s Corner: Ascott’s Favourite Recipes New England Blueberry Muffins Preheat oven: 180C (400F) Grease muffin tins or Add the beaten liq- Fill each muffin cup line with uid ingredients to the about 2/3 full and bake Sift before measuring sifted dry ingredients at 180 for 20-25 min- 2 cups self raising flour and mix with a few swift utes (slightly less for fan Resift with: strokes (do NOT ovens). 3/4 teaspoon salt overbeat). Turn the hot muffins 1/3 cup sugar Before ingredients are out of the tins onto a 2 teaspoons baking completely moist fold cooling rack. powder into the batter 1 cup The traditional New fresh blueberries. England way is to enjoy In a separate bowl beat Expect the batter to them warm from the 2 eggs and add: have some lumps, it oven spread with a bit 3/4 cup milk shouldn’t be smooth of butter. 1/4 cup melted but- but should fall from the ter spoon in globs.

Further contributions to ‘Favourite Recipes’ would be appreciated for publication in future issues. www.ascott-under-wychwood.org.uk Page 19 - Issue 43 lurch about when the iron tyred wheels ran over rough ground. The corn was stacked either in a barn or a Rick. The builder would start the first lay- ing in the centre some- times in the form of a stook. The surrounding sheaves would be laid lapping against this with the ears highest and to the centre, until they reached the outside, the builder taking special care with the corners. Subsequent layers were all started on the outside butt ends outwards with the ears of each sheaf overlapped by the butt end of another all the way to the middle ensur- The work was helped them dry until the ing that every sheaf was along by a supply of ci- threshing time came locked into the stack. der. A story goes that a around. With the On a rick the roof was lad was sent across the rickyard full of well built formed by gradually fields for more cider ricks the harvest was drawing in the sides. A from the farm, where he brought to a satisfying load of four hundred sampled it before start- close with the tradi- small barley sheaves ing back with two jars tional harvest thanksgiv- could be laid in twenty on a sling, one each side ing service when the best minutes. A scary mo- of his neck. On the way sheaves were taken to ment for a young boy back he tripped and fell church and the large was getting off the roof and the heavy jars held congregation sang “All onto the ladder about him down until some- be safely gathered in.” twenty feet above the one found him. The threshing of the ground, before coming When the ricks were ricks will be covered in down. completed they had to the next issue. be thatched to keep Jim Pearse.

The Ascott Grapevine - Page 20 Don’t forget about the Ascott website: Jottings from the Potting Shed In my last report I men- and of a more compact from and whether they tioned the fantastic habit. Give them a try. have been sprayed for show of blossom we The Fruit Garden pests and disease. If you were having and that the should do us proud this haven’t got enough first of the roses would year, already soft fruit space in your own gar- soon be in bloom. Well - strawberries, gooseber- den then why not try an what a great show they ries, black currents etc allotment - I understand put on. I certainly have produced bushes the Ascott allotments haven’t seen the like for laden with fruit and top now have 12 tenants but many a year - my old fruit - Apples, Pears, that there are still some Shrub Roses were bent Plums etc - look like spare plots. If you are to the ground with flow- doing the same. There is interested then a phone ers. The only sad thing nothing like fresh fruit call to Margaret Ismail was the few days of just picked and eaten, the Clerk to the Parish strong wind and rain you just cannot compare Council will confirm. soon put an end to the the taste with anything The dry weather can display, however I still bought from a supermar- be great for holidays but believe they are so fan- ket. The same, or even not always what is tastic in display, colour more so, applies to veg- wanted in the vegetable and perftime that they etables. There is no garden. However it is are well worth having to doubt people are once most important to keep wait a whole year until again appreciating grow- the weeds down and the they flower again. If you ing their own vegetables. best way to do that is to are one of the people Even the tiniest patch keep the hoe moving. who can’t wait - arid I can produce valuable This will do two things, can understand that salad crops - mixed cut firstly cut off and kill es- then I would heartily and come again leaves are tablished weeds and recommend getting very popular in the those just beginning to some of the so called shops but a packet of germinate. Weeds espe- English roses bred by seed if a little is sown cially in the vegetable David Austin. They are every three or four weeks garden are bad news. If readily available in Gar- will keep one supplied left they compete for den Centres and have for most of the summer moisture and nutrients the look scent and col- and again you just can- and they harbour pests. our of the old varieties not compare the flavour So keep the hoe mov- with the added advan- of something cut and ing. The other advantage tage that many of them eaten. You also know of doing this in dry are recurrent flowerer’s where they have come weather is that it keeps www.ascott-under-wychwood.org.uk Page 21 - Issue 43 the soil loose and friable which will reduce the amount of evaporation from the soil. Water will evaporate from com- pacted soil much more quickly. Of course it is also good exercise for the health conscious among you! Happy Gardening Curly Kale

Rural Craft’s Network Autumn Programme

14 September, Hailey and the chance to make Create your own living village hall for 7.30 a small tool. Free, but sculpture for the garden. P.M.: Learn to grow places limited, so book- 10-3.30 £25 Conces- your own furniture, a ing essential. sionary £15 talk by Christopher Cat- 14 November at Tar For prices, bookings tle. Free. Wood, , 9- and any other informa- 18,19 September at 3.30: a day of tion call the Rural : a weekend woodman’s crafts in a Crafts Network Project of dry stone walling. woodland setting. Worker on 0779 503 3 October at Tar 11 December: Living 7870 or email Wood, South Leigh, 9- Willow Workshop at nwilliamson@cfbt- 3.30: a day of Oxfordshire Museum. hq.org.uk woodman’s crafts in a woodland setting. Learn to make a range of items of your choice, from your own pole-lathe or draw-horse to rustic fur- niture, fencing etc. 17 October, Fox- holes Wood, Nr , 1.30-3.30: A family afternoon of dis- covery in woodland,

The Ascott Grapevine - Page 22 Don’t forget about the Ascott website: Wychwood Forest Fair 2004 The highly popular • I-iatwell’s funfair, • Wychwood Project ‘Wychwood Forest with its family connec- exhibition, local school Fair’ will this year be at tions to the great Forest children’s painting of Lower Farm, Ramsden. Fairs of the l9thC. ‘Veteran Trees’, and ex- and will run from •Beer from Wychwood hibition by professional 12noon till 5:00pm on Brewery and teas, cakes photographer Terry Sunday 5th September. and other refreshments. Wiglcy. It is being organised by • Three Morris dancing Entrance will be £2 the The Friends of teams. for adults, SOp for chil- Wychwood in support • Farm animals from dren, with free parking. of the Wychwood Cogges Manor Farm For more information Project which aims to Museum, and locally contact Ken Betteridge, encourage local people bred cart horses. Chairman of the Friends to understand, conserve • Fundraising game of Wych wood, Tel: and restore the rich stalls. 01993 878615 mosaic of local land- • Conservation group scapes and wildlife habi- & local history displays. tats of the former Royal hunting Forest of Wychwood. Holistic Massage & Indian Head Massage Amongst the highlights by a qualified practitioner since 1993 will be: fully insured mobile practitioner • Rural craft demon- all massaging received in the comfort of your strations with the op- own home aiding to help with the following: portunity for visitors to Stress from the hectic life style of the 21st try their hand. Century • Fresh environmen- Arthritis – hands, feet and knee joints tally friendly food from giving a feeling of well being members of the Oxford- shire Food Group. For more information contact: • A wide range of craft COLIN FREEMAN o.s.m & I.T.E.C. stalls, On • Plants, trees and HOME 01993 212337 shrubs for the garden. MOBILE 07881 583191 • A story-teller with sto- or ries and songs of forest E-MAIL:- [email protected] and countryside. Or visit my web site www.holistic-practitioner.co.uk www.ascott-under-wychwood.org.uk Page 23 - Issue 43 A Thousand Year Walk to Christ Church

A major pilgrimage shameful episode in the so whether you feel like to Christ Church cathe- city’s history, which has a twenty mile hike or a dral will be taking come to be known as gentle walk to the cathe- placeon Sunday 12th the St. Brice’s Day Mas- dral, you will be wel- September to mark the sacre, is a cautionary come to join us, and one thousandth anniver- tale of how the stranger the countless number of sary of the rebuilding of in our midst is often pilgrims who, over the the original church on treated. years, have made their the cathedral site. Ethelred made some at- way to Frideswide’s According to legend, tempt at making church. St. Frideswide founded amends for his actions the church, the first in by having Frideswide’s Oxford, some time in church rebuild in 1004, the early 8 century. It and it is the anniversary was a double monastery of this event that we will used by both nuns and be remembering on Sep- monks, and presided tember 12th That day over by Frideswide her- also happens to be Ra- self. It was here that she cial Justice Sunday, and was buried, and the it offers us a chance to church then became a consider the place of the centre of pilgrimage for stranger in our midst local people in and today. The music, around Oxford. prayers and readings at Although little is Choral Evensong iii the known about cathedral, with which Frideswide’s original our pilgrimage ends, will church, one vivid pic- reflect this theme. ture of life there has If you would like more come down to us. In information about the the year 1002, on the or- pilgrimage, please con- ders of Kind Ethelred tact Jim Godfrey, Visi- the Unready, Danish set- tors’ Officer, Christ tlers in Oxford were Church Cathedral, Ox- herded into it. It was ford, OX1 1DP. The pil- then set alight, killing grimage is intended to everyone within. This suit all ages and abilities, The Ascott Grapevine - Page 24 Don’t forget about the Ascott website: Dorothy Harrison Remembers Ascott School 1927 - 1935

Dorothy’s first day at no surprise that Reading, Writing and Ascott School did not Dorothy was not a great Arithmetic. Mrs Muir get off to a good start. lover of school. Caning sternly enforced all this. Perhaps understandable also of schoolchildren About 50 — 60 children when we realise that she was a not infrequent were divided between was only three years old occurrence for various the two classrooms, the and lived in part of the misdemeanours includ- youngest in the Infants house now belonging to ing being cheeky and Class, the main criteria Anthony Wood at the answering back. One for upward movement far end of High Street. young lad on being being the ability to read. On the first morning questioned by Mrs Muir Miss Dore who taught she reached home be- answered “No.” “Are the infants is remem- fore her mother. you talking to me or the bered with affection as The school she was to bucket?” was the quick almost the opposite of attend consisted of two response. Rather bravely Mrs Muir. Dorothy even rooms plus a cloakroom the lad replied “The felt sympathy for Mrs and outside earth closet bucket.” Muir’s son John who if lavatories. The play- Following their sum- anything was treated ground was part firm mons by the hand bell even more strictly than ground, part natural the children were taught the rest of the children. soil and part grass. Once by the traditional Mid morning milk returned to school her method of the 3r’s, was provided at the price next problem was her left— handedness. Mrs Muir the teacher was very strict and insisted that Dorothy learns to write with her right hand. Most children then and later were very much in awe of their teachers and accepted their domination but with her left hand knuck- les black and blue from raps with the ruler it is www.ascott-under-wychwood.org.uk Page 25 - Issue 43 Nora Flea Explorer the local nurse, to check between the fingers for scabies, on the face for impetigo and in the hair for nits (fleas) caused a certain amount of apprehen- sion. A remedy for nits was the total shaving of a child’s head. An even greater sense of doom presaged the arrival of the dentist. Once he of one halfpenny (in old could be stung with a was settled in one of the money) per bottle, It stinging nettle by their rooms in the Churchill was Dorothy’s job to playmates. Empire Day, Arms, the children lined collect the tuppence May 24th, was cel- up for inspection. halfpenny each week ebrated at school. The Those that failed the from all the children. children gathered inspection then had a Two mornings a week armfulls of bluebells, fearful week ahead be- the vicar, at that time Mr red paeonies from the fore the dentist returned James, spent an hour old schoolhouse garden to perform the dreadful teaching the children (now no 9 The Green) deed. Arts did not fea- Scripture and at Christ- and white cow parsley to ture very much in the mas the children made decorate the school in school curriculum. decorations from strips red white and blue like The children were of coloured paper and the union jack, and in taught to knit and espe- sometimes performed a the afternoon enjoyed a cially the young ones, nativity play. Ascension half—day’s holiday. made models with grey Day the children re- Since Dorothy’s birth- plasticine. Sometimes ported to school prior day is the 24th May she plays were enacted. to a church service and naturally assumed the Dorothy remembers all then had the rest of the holiday was for her the twenty—six verses of day off. On Ash Wednes- birthday. Lord Ronald and Lady day all the children took The children were nor- Clare and can recite a piece of ash to school. mally tidily dressed and them today. Nature For non—compliance had adequate footwear studies and sport were with this tradition they but the arrival of Nitty also neglected and play-

The Ascott Grapevine - Page 26 Don’t forget about the Ascott website: ground games and on the 1st of May and ment. Perhaps part of rhymes are mostly re- other dancing events the her pleasure was the new membered from the girls wore the dresses bike, which she was children’s playtimes. and bonnets from earlier given by the County These included, in their times, which are still Council due to the dis- season, five stones, mar- kept in the village today. tance she lived from the bles, hopscotch, skip- In fact Dorothy’s niece school. The two mile ping and two balls in the 1970s wore the allowance limit reached which was played with dress inscribed with the the High Street in Ascott two tennis balls against name Kate Alden. Kate close beside our new the school wall or was her grandmother shop and there was a fair against the long wall and both Dorothy and amount of controversy outside Long House her sister Carol Hawtin in the village when a Farm before the arch- had worn the dress dur- good number of chil- way was broken ing their days at Ascott dren who lived to the through. (Upstreet School. Not long before west of the limit did (High Street) children Dorothy left, Mrs Lewis not qualify for this privi- used to play against took over from Mrs lege. Downstreet children. Muir and suddenly all Would those who at- Whip and top was not the children wanted to tended Ascott School in allowed at school in go to school. Mrs Lewis the next decade, the case the top spun up had a black Labrador l940s, like to contribute and broke the window. named Barney and every their memories in the Rhymes included “The morning and afternoon next issue? Preferably by big ship sails” and “The he went to school with writing an article, or by farmer wants a wife”. her. All the children contacting me or I may The school did however loved him and whatever even contact you! follow the Ascott tradi- else Mrs Lewis taught the Wendy Pearse. tion of English Coun- children, through love try Dancing. This had of Barney, she taught been established earlier them kindness. in the village through Eventually when the efforts of Reginald Dorothy moved to St Tiddy and was the rea- Mary’s School, Shipton, son he had the Tiddy (now houses) near to the Hall built in 1912. For church, she found it a the May Pole dancing much happier environ-

www.ascott-under-wychwood.org.uk Page 27 - Issue 43 Nature Notes The word is out; I am a period of two weeks, The numbers of soft touch for passing from a ball of fluff, no many of our songbirds waifs and strays! My bigger than my thumb- are in decline. We are greenhouse has always nail, to a fully-fledged lucky in Ascott to have been an interesting young bird. a thriving population of place for the local birds Once the young skylarks. Their melodi- to create havoc; foraging chaffinch had left I as- ous song is a joyful ac- in seed trays and turn- sumed that the green- companiment to any ing over pots when they house was, once again, walk in the countryside have been shut in over- in my sole possession, around the village. night but now it has but no, a blackbird has These are birds of the become a short stay ho- now moved in. Her nest arable fields, nesting tel. is a more “rough and and feeding among the The first to move in ready” affair. She has growing crops in spring was a chaffinch. She scraped the soil out of and early summer. It has built an exquisite nest of the top of a large pot been suggested that one moss, grass and feathers and built a rough nest reason for their decline in the branches of an of woven grasses into has been the change Australian shrub. The the depression formed. from spring-sown cere- nest was completed in Because the pot is well als to autumn sowing. May and a single egg hidden behind other Crops sown in the au- laid, which hatched af- plants I didn’t realise she tumn will have grown ter two weeks. I only was there until I gave too tall and dense for ever saw the female her a good soak with the them to find feeding chaffinch; the male took watering can. I don’t and nesting sites in the no part in raising the know who was more following spring. A re- chick. Every morning, surprised, the bird or I. cent experiment, leaving at first light, we opened Since then I’ve been small squares of bare soil the greenhouse to allow more cautious with the across arable fields, by her to leave the nest to can and she tolerates my raising the seed drill feed and we left the activities in the green- momentarily, has greenhouse open until house with almost total proved very successful dusk, checking carefully lack of concern. She has in increasing skylark to make sure that she laid two bright blue eggs numbers, without sig- had returned before and I’m waiting expect- nificantly reducing crop closing the door and antly for them to hatch. yields. windows. I was able to Like the chaffinch there For the third year run- watch the chick de- is no sign of the male. ning red kites have been velop, growing, over a

The Ascott Grapevine - Page 28 Don’t forget about the Ascott website: seen in the parish, hav- of the village. I have also the previous nine ing spread from the been told of a peregrine months as a caterpillar Chilterns, where they that regularly visits feeding and hibernating were reintroduced in Leafield. Perhaps the amongst the coarse 1989. This time I had a same bird. Unlike the grasses of the verges and close encounter, within red kite, which is essen- fields. Listen too; the 100 yards of my front tially a scavenger, the brambles will be alive door, meeting with a red peregrine is a hunter of with the buzzing of bees kite feeding on a dead live prey, catching birds and wasps, its flowers rabbit that had been hit such as pigeons, ducks proving a supply of by a car and was lying by and crows, after a stu- sweet nectar. the side of the road. I’ve pendous power-dive, You may also find also seen red kites flying killing its prey instantly grasshoppers in the long on the other side of the as they are struck by the grass by the hedgerow, Evenlode Valley at falcon’s talons. although these are not Fifield. To identify in July and August, pro- common in our parish, flight, look for long an- viding the weather is because much of the gled wings and a forked warm and dry, are the grassland is “improved” tail. I have been told butterfly months. Find rather than natural per- that a pair of Kites may any patch of bramble in manent meadowland. be nesting somewhere in flower and it will be cov- Also the practice of tak- the Wychwood Forest ered with butterflies ing a cut of silage rather on the Cornbury Es- and other insects. Look than hay, which is tate, but this is uncon- for small tortoiseshells, cropped later in the sea- firmed. peacocks, painted ladies son, would tend to re- Another raptor seen and most numerous of duce numbers. in Ascott was a peregrine all the hedge brown or Ask anyone to ex- falcon that was spotted gatekeeper, an attractive plain an insect’s life cy- in a garden in the centre orange/brown butter- cle and I’m sure most fly. The would say egg, caterpil- adult is lar, pupa and adult, but on the grasshoppers do not go wing through this process. from mid The young that hatch July to are not caterpillars but mid Au- miniature versions of gust, hav- the adult, called ing spent nymphs. As the nymphs www.ascott-under-wychwood.org.uk Page 29 - Issue 43 feed and grow they liter- grasshoppers complete table skill is the “song” ally burst out of their their life cycle in one which is produced by skins. year leaving only their rubbing one part of the This process happens eggs to survive the win- body (the file) over an- up to six times, before ter, under the ground or other part (the scraper). they become a fully in plant tissues. It’s a little like drawing formed and sexually a comb over the edge of a card. The scraper is al- ways on the wing and the file on the hind leg. Each species has a dis- tinctive song and it is sometimes easier to identify each species by their song rather than by their appearance, pro- viding you are suffi- mature adult. This proc- Apart from jumping ciently expert! ess is called incomplete using their powerful Enjoy the summer metamorphosis. Most back legs their most no- Stuart Fox

Volunteers Wanted - The Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) at HMP Grendon & Springhill The IMB is a voluntary any matter of concern for successfully reset- public service. Every that cannot be properly tling prisoners who have prison in the country resolved at a local level served medium to long- has a Board, which in a timely manner. term sentences. keeps an independent Grendon is a closed Members are men eye on the state of the prison with a regime and women from all establishment (build- based on therapy - it was walks of life. The Home ings, staff and manage- the first therapeutic Secretary appoints every ment) and the treatment community in UK and member. Anyone who is of prisoners. Boards it has a worldwide repu- interested in learning advise the Home Secre- tation for dealing with more, possibly with a tary, usually by letter very difficult prisoners view to joining, should through the Prisons’ and reducing the risk of contact Nick Leadbetter Minister and the Direc- re-offending. Springhill (01993 831571). tor General of the is an open prison with Nick Leadbetter Prison Service, about an enviable reputation

The Ascott Grapevine - Page 30 Don’t forget about the Ascott website: The Poppy Trail On the day before the That mark our place: University in Montreal recent 60th Anniversary and in the sky to take up a fellowship of the D Day Invasion, The larks, still bravely in pathology, which he thousands of artificial singing, fly had been awarded fol- poppies were dropped Scarce heard amid the lowing his graduation in from the skies on to the guns below. 1899. Subsequently shimmering waters of We are the dead. Short working as pathologist, the English Channel, to days ago lecturer and physician commemorate the dead We lived, felt dawn, saw in Montreal and Ver- of that epic campaign. sunset glow, mont, on the outbreak A symbolic use of this Loved and were loved, of war in 1914, he ap- common wild flower, and now we lie plied for and was ap- the seeds of which lie for In Flanders’ fields. pointed Surgeon in the numerous years in the Take up our quarrel First Canadian Field soil and spring into with the foe; Artillery Brigade. On growth when that soil is To you from flailing 2nd May 1915 near disturbed. This resur- hands we throw Ypres, his friend Lieu- gence was clearly dem- The torch; be yours to tenant Alexis Helmer onstrated in the Great hold it high, was killed by a shell and War when large areas of If ye break faith with us McCrae had to officiate the Western Front in who die at the burial service near Flanders and France We shall not sleep, his dressing station at glowed red in early sum- though poppies grow the Front. The next day, mer upon the battle- In Flanders’ fields. consumed with grief fields of the previous Born in 1872 John whilst looking across year. The poem “In Flan- McCrae was a Canadian the banks of poppies ders’ Fields” written by and whilst training to around the cemetery, in Doctor John McCrae is become a doctor in To- a mere 20 minutes he perhaps the best known ronto he maintained an wrote the poem, which of the Great War poems early association with was to become so re- and it was instrumental the Guelph Militia in nowned. However in the use of the poppy Ontario as well as with McCrae himself was not as the symbol of the the Toronto Militia. happy with the poem British Legion. Through these associa- and only through the In Flanders’ fields the tions he travelled to efforts of a fellow officer poppies blow South Africa to serve who sent the text to the Between the crosses, row during the Boer War London papers was it on row, with the artillery, before published in Punch on returning to McGill 8th December 1915. www.ascott-under-wychwood.org.uk Page 31 - Issue 43 nings with only five Soon after writing the And now the torch and workers in a room in poem McCrae moved Poppy red Bermondsey in 1922, to a Canadian General Wear in honour of our The British Legion Hospital near the coast dead Poppy Factory now op- and remained there un- Fear not that ye have erates in modern til 28th January 1918 died for naught; premises in Richmond, when he sadly died from We’ve learned the lesson Surrey, producing the pneumonia compli- that ye taught poppies, wreaths and cated by meningitis. In Flanders’ fields. other items needed each Later moved like so Moina worked for year for the Poppy Day many others by the the YMCA as a War Sec- Appeal. So, through poignant words of retary and at the end of John McCrae’s tribute McCrae’s poem, an the War was gravely con- arising from the tragic American Moina cerned by the needs of loss of a friend, the Michael wrote her re- ex-servicemen. With a poppy trail began which sponse entitled “The gift of money, she pur- today, nearly ninety Victory Emblem”. chased 25 red poppies years later, continues to Oh! You who sleep in and sold them, the first benefit so many men Flanders’ fields instance of the use of and women from and Sleep sweet - to rise poppies to raise funds. associated with the anew; A friend, Madame armed forces. We caught the torch you Guerin, then suggested Wendy Pearse. threw, making artificial pop- I am grateful to Mark And holding high we pies to sell for aid to ex- Marsay, the editor of kept servicemen and their The Great War The faith with those families. The magnifi- magazine for allowing who died. cent sum of £106,000 me to use this information from his We cherish too, the was raised when the first article “McCrae and the Poppy red Poppy Day was held on Poppies”. The Great War That grows on fields 11th November 1921. magazine is dedicated where valour led, An infantry officer, Ma- to the Great War and to It seems to signal to the jor George Howson des- those who perished and those who returned, and skies perate to help the disa- more information can be That blood of heroes bled from the War, obtained from Mark on never dies, formed the Disabled 01723 581329 or But lends a lustre to the Society and proposed www.greatnorthernpublishing.co.uk red to the British Legion Of the flower that that the disabled make blooms above the dead the artificial poppies. In Flanders’ fields. From it’s small begin- The Ascott Grapevine - Page 32 Don’t forget about the Ascott website: Seed-Heads and No Salary dens were nearly com- In January 1999 I went choose ‘Seed-heads in plete, the marquee was back to Art College. watercolour’ and col- filling up with blooms, The first time was in the lected dried specimens and the 15 other bo- dark ages at the Na- from friends with better tanical artists’ work tional College of Art gardens– a giant Allium, looked wonderful; there and Design, Dublin; and a Sunflower, Sweet were two Japanese, a I went on to have a ca- Corn, pinched from a Korean, a Mexican, a reer in Architectural field in France, etc. German and a Dutch Stained Glass. By January of this artist. All the rest were My second bite at year I had completed Brits except for me. the cherry was in Wash- 1½ paintings for the We were told the ington DC, at the BBC Gardeners’ World judging would take Corcoran School of Live at the NEC, June place at 7.30pm the day Art.where I became ob- 16-20th, the date I’d cho- before opening. There sessed with Botanical sen because it gave me were nine judges, in- Drawing. Back home I most time. At the begin- cluding four botanists followed this with a two ning of February I and one botanical year diploma course in handed in my notice at painter, who could give Botanical Painting in the the Hospital so as to a choice of medals: Chelsea PhysicGarden paint full time. Some- Bronze, Silver, Silver/ together with a job in time in April I phoned Gilt, Gold - or Nothing. the JR. Last summer I Sarah, our contact in That night I slept better had my first London the RHS to say that I than I had for weeks. Exhibition and later put might not get it done on On June 16th I was four paintings into the time, and would she careful to ‘dress Royal Horticultural So- hate me if I pulled out? appropriatly’ (RHS regu- ciety (RHS) selection She said she only lations) so decided committee. In Septem- needed a month’s no- against that skimpy top ber I heard that I’d done tice, so I went ahead, showing a yard of mid- well to be selected be- got exhibitor and car riff. Arriving early at the cause of a very strong passes, and stopped gar- NEC I went back to the field. I then had a choice dening and housework. car twice to postpone of dates and shows ei- The week before the the moment of truth, ther in the Westminster show opened I had ten but as I approached the Halls or Birmingham; paintings framed; two Atrium a competitor also I had to give them days before my right- came out to meet me, a subject for the re- hand man helped me gave me a hug, and said quired eight paintings. screw nine of them up ‘you’ve got a gold’. With winter ahead I on site. The show gar- Celia Crampton www.ascott-under-wychwood.org.uk Page 33 - Issue 43 Wychwood Handicraft From Ascott Society to Iraq We are a group of like 26th October we are hav- There is a gravestone on minded people who en- ing a bead workshop the West side of Ascott joy listening to other and on the 23rd Novem- churchyard which people’s experiences and ber it will be the Annual records the death of a how and why they General Meeting. Fred Smith, the son of started their particular Everybody welcome, Ascott people, “who fell craft. We meet on the £1. in the siege of Kut in fourth Tuesday of each If you need any fur- June 1916 aged 28”. month [except for July, ther information, or re- This is in fact Sergeant August and December] quire a lift, please ring Smith DCM of the in Milton Village Hall either Mrs. Joy Brooks First Battalion of the at 7.30 p.m. on 830014 or Mrs. Oxfordshire and Buck- On 28th September Anne Braithwaite on inghamshire Light In- Mrs. Eleanor Edwards 831282. fantry. Where is Kut will be talking to us Anne Braithwaite and what happened to about papier maché, on Sergeant Smith and sev- eral other members of the Regiment who are recorded on local me- Leafield Picture Framing morials? Many of us are (Tony Croft) unaware of the cam- paign that cost them Complete Picture Framing Service their lives. Mount Cutting In 1914, at the begin- Wash Lining ning of the First War, Tapestry Stretching the country of lraq did not exist; that whole Door to door delivery and collection region of the Middle Home consultation if required East which stretches from the Persian frontier Please telephone 01993 878357 or call to the Mediterranean, including Arabia to the Tony Croft South was part of the Cotswold View, Ascott Road, Leafield Ottoman (Turkish) Em- pire; the British had For Free Estimate or Further Details treaties of protection and defense with Ku-

The Ascott Grapevine - Page 34 Don’t forget about the Ascott website: From Ascott to Iraq con’t... wait and most other sheikhdoms in the Per- sian Gulf and, most im- portantly had recently begun exploiting the oil fields around Abadan under concession from the Persian government. This oil was proving es- sential for the Royal Navy. When Turkey joined the war on Germany’s side with a bombard- ment of ports of our Russian ally on the toon, with the 874 men Arab waterway which Black Sea by the cruis- of the First Battalion leads up to that port. ers Goeben and Breslau marched out of camp at The force with which accompanied by Turk- Ahmednagar in India to they sailed was a mix of ish destroyers on 29 Oc- the strains of the regi- British and Indian units tober 1914, Britain de- mental march and Tip- under the Commander clared war; we had long perary down the dusty in Chief in India, not in been suspicious of Ger- road to the railway sta- the , man aims to extend her tion at Khanbagh, leav- with the limited objec- influence through the ing behind for ever the tive, at first, of securing Balkans and Turkey to ordered lines, the bar- the oil fields in Persia Persia and even perhaps racks, the bungalows, and taking control of the India and the new rail- the mess and the polo wilayat, the administra- way now under con- ground “which they had tive district, of Basrah, struction by German perhaps not fully appre- again to protect the oil- engineers through Tur- ciated in the piping fields. At first this went key to Baghdad seemed times of peace” to quote well. to bring this economic the Regimental History. There were parallels and a new military They were then carried with recent events in threat closer. the 1500 miles by sea on Iraq. The Turkish gover- So, on the afternoon the British India Line nor and many of his of 17th November, Ser- ship Thongwa to an- civil servants fled; the geant Smith and his pla- chor in the Shatt al populace was uncertain www.ascott-under-wychwood.org.uk Page 35 - Issue 43 as to whether they might tricity. It is said that the of square miles of return or not and took Liwa of Basrah supports marshes with reeds up the opportunity to de- more date palms than to six feet high provid- stroy all the public the whole of the King- ing excellent cover for records it could lay dom of Saudi Arabia; those of ill intent. hands on; it also looted this is because dates The troops were sup- all public buildings in thrive in steaming heat. ported by a flotilla of the town, except, of The campaign soon vessels which though of course, mosques so that developed into a river shallow draught carried to quote Sir Arnold war; there was no rail- a formidable armament Wilson in his book Loy- way in the area other of up to four 4 inch alties, Mesopotamia than light track brought guns and with their help 1914 - 1917 “within by the expedition itself; Qurna at the junction forty eight hours of our there were only the of the Tigris and occupation of this town most basic harbour fa- Euphrates was taken in there was not a single cilities at Basrah and a May. Amara, further up door or window frame great ship jam devel- the latter, fell soon after: left in any government oped in the Shatt, need- however both rivers be- building within 15 ing up to six weeks to come more difficult to miles.” Bands of brig- unload. Nevertheless in navigate upstream and ands also roamed the the spring of 1915 the as the supply chain be- surrounding gardens force edged its way came more extended the and date groves; how- north against opposi- rudimentary harbour ever the situation was tion from floods, pelt- facilities at Basrah restored after the arrival ing rain, sandstorms, proved less and less ad- of a battalion of hordes of mosquitoes, equate. At the same Punjabi police who, be- looting Arabs and the time the full impact of ing Muslim and aware of Turk, becoming skilled the summer hit the the sensitivities of the in building reed huts in force, crippling it with locals, soon restored the way of the marsh heat stroke, fever dysen- order. Arabs, in flood control tery and typhoid. At Military and medical and in small boat han- this stage there were supplies, again coming dling under instruction, only 21 river steamers from India, were how- in our regiment’s case and tugs in the country ever chaotic. The cli- from Sergeant Arlett, and the evacuation of mate in southern Meso- the son of a Henley boat the sick was becoming potamia is in winter tol- keeper. This is the coun- more and more difficult. erable, in summer al- try which, until drained The medical arrange- most insupportable to by Saddam Hussain, ments, designed for Europeans without elec- consisted of hundreds small Indian frontier

The Ascott Grapevine - Page 36 Don’t forget about the Ascott website: campaigns were also the wounded lying on cient forces to remain in proving quite inad- the often unprotected an exposed position at equate. iron decks of any vessel the end of a long sup- The original plan had that was available, in an ply line and even though been to secure our posi- environment of gan- the Turks were in no tion in the Gulf and the grene, flies, blood and state to mount an im- oilfields by occupying diarrhoea, were awful. mediate counter attack, the wilayat of Basrah, The advance on Bagh- the force withdrew hut with Amarah in dad was now ordered. down river to Kut al hand there seemed to be The Turks occupied a Imara. Before this the a good case for advanc- strong position at many wounded had to ing on Baghdad in order Ctesiphon a few miles be evacuated across ten to cut the enemy’s main south of the city on miles of extremely rough route into Persia and both sides of the river ground to the boats further isolate the oil- within sight of the mag- waiting downstream at fields from him, The nificent Sassanid arch Laj, an excruciating capture of this historic which stands to this day journey in unsprung city would also be a though that empire fell carts. strong blow to Turkish to the Romans in the Kut held a good sup- prestige. Therefore the second century AD. ply of food, but none 6th Division under Gen- Here, after a freezing knew quite how much, eral Townshend, the vic- night in the open, the and plenty of ammuni- tor of a celebrated siege regiment advanced tion. It stands in a loop at Chitral in the Hindu through dense river mist formed by the Tigris Kush some twenty years to confront heavy oppo- with the open side fac- before in which the de- sition from about 1,000 ing north; it was thus fenders had survived yards and was then or- paradoxically easy to months against the re- dered to turn left with defend and easy to sur- bellious locals, was continued fire from its round and unfortu- charged with the cap- flank. In this and subse- nately the open side of ture of the next objec- quent attacks the regi- the loop faced the en- tive up the Tigris, Kut ment suffered 304 casu- emy. However at this al Amarah, not to be alties out of total time a resumption of confused with the above strength of 638 and in the attack on Baghdad mentioned Amarah. this action some Indian was still contemplated, This was achieved after Units had even more. reinforcements were ex- the battle of As Sinn The enemy took similar pected within six weeks against an enemy force losses and withdrew and it could not be fore- of two divisions on 28 from the field but this seen that the Turks September 1915. Here was a pyrrhic victory; would shortly benefit again the facilities for Townshend had insuffi- from the release of large www.ascott-under-wychwood.org.uk Page 37 - Issue 43 numbers of their troops tack was launched in British rank and file of from our evacuation of early March at As Sinn, the force taken prisoner the Dardanelles. and two more in mid at Kut more than 1,700 The town itself situ- and late April but stiff died in captivity. ated in the south west Turkish resistance from Sergeant Smith was sector of the loop of- well fortified positions one of these. A little fered few decent build- made stronger by floods book written by RSM ings; most consisted of in an extremely wet Love who survived, now mud brick shacks with spring frustrated the in the regimental mu- no sanitary system, British. seum at Slade Park in most of the loop was li- Starvation forced the Oxford, records that he able to flood and the fall of Kut at the end of was last seen at civilian population re- April. Great quantities Mamoura on 25 June mained. Further as soon of military stores were 1916; The History of as the Turks had sur- blown up or thrown the 43rd and 52nd rounded the place they into the river. It is argued Light Infantry by Capt were able to bombard it that had General J.E.H. Neville MC at leisure. Townshend not pressed records that he died on Townshend reported on for relief early in the 15 August at Yarbashi 11 December 1915 that siege, subsequent efforts and the Common- he had three months’ would have been more wealth War Graves rations; nevertheless se- concentrated and effec- Commission that he is rious attempts at relief tive. However that may buried in the Baghdad were made in January in be the net result as that North Military Cem- actions at Sheikh Saad, the entire garrison was etery. He was not to the Wadi and Hanna taken prisoner and witness General which resulted in 8,000 marched north to Bagh- Maude’s successful cam- casualties. In February a dad and then up into paign the following year, column Linder General Anatolia. This march, in the taking of Baghdad, Gorringe came within the height of summer, and, after the war, the striking distance of the (May is the hottest establishment of a Brit- garrison but by the end month of the year in ish Mandate in a new of the month no fur- Mesopotamia) was the country called Iraq, but ther progress had been cause of the most terri- he played a part in this made. Flooding was in- ble disease and depriva- achievement. creasing and rations tion although about 350 I am most grateful to were reduced; horses of the wounded were Wendy Pearse for her were being eaten. There exchanged for Turkish help in sourcing the had been nearly 3,000 prisoners by river from above. casualties. A further at- Baghdad. Thus of 2,592

The Ascott Grapevine - Page 38 Don’t forget about the Ascott website: Ascott Discussion Group

Six years ago the Ascott to the group more than read his poetry. Discussion Group rose once. Anthony Wood of out of the ashes of the We have also invited Ascott and ffiona first such group in the some excellent outside Swabey of have village, which had been speakers as well, which also spoken twice each, founded by Bishop we hope to continue to Anthony about archae- Craggs in the 1980s. do. ology in Iraq in the The idea to revive it One of our main 1950s and about came from Patrick ideas was to learn more Kosovo in 2003, ffiona Hanks, who sadly about the history of the about her book on a moved away after a village and its people, medieval lady and about time, but left this very and some of our best Jungian psychology. lively legacy behind meetings have been of Philip Vander Elst spoke him. this kind. Eric Moss, for on C.S.Lewis and Patrick involved example, who died four Rachel Vander Elst on Carole Angier and Fred years ago, and Eric the church in South Russell, who continue Pratley and Jim Pearse, Africa; Roland as organisers; and for who are very much Stedeford told us of his the last several years alive, talked to us about childhood years under Eleanor and Alan growing up in Ascott, Japanese occupation in Edwards of The Grange and Wendy Pearse told China, and Jussi Brainin have kindly taken over us about its more dis- of his experiences as a Patrick’s role as host tant history. Others refugee from Hitler in and house-provider. spoke about their work Britain and Canada. The original idea was and their lives: Patrick Nick Leadbetter de- for a forum in which Hanks about lexicogra- scribed his time in Ascott people, both phy, for instance, Peter Bosnia with the U.N. original inhabitants and Goodford about mo- and Bill Prewitt his life incomers, could tell lecular biology, Dick as a chemist in Thai- each other about their Crampton about his- land. John Campbell, interests and histories, tory (three times, once who grew up in Ascott and generally get to on Europe, once on the but now lives in know each other better. Balkans, and once on Burford, talked to us of We still stick basically diaries.) Carole Angier natural history; Mary to this idea, though spoke about both her McNeill of Shipton since Ascott is not a biographical subjects, (who died last year) large village, some of us Jean Rhys and Primo talked about supersti- have ended up speaking Levi, and Fred Russell tion, after which so www.ascott-under-wychwood.org.uk Page 39 - Issue 43 Dodgy Builders? II many of us had ghost sto- ries to tell that she “Ah Richard I won- “Where?” he said “Down couldn’t get in another der if you would do a there.” I was looking word. Ed Fenton, Judith little job for me?” down across the fields Scott and Jon Carpenter “What’s that vicar?” “I and about half a mile came from Charlbury to have just bought a shed away I could see what talk to us about the work at a farm auction, and I looked like a small of small publishers, Father would like you to col- house. I said is that it, Seraphim came from Ox- lect it and re-assemble it and he said yes. He said ford to tell us about work- in my garden.” I said I don’t worry you go on ing with detainees at would but at the mo- down and dismantle it Campsfield House, and ment I was quite busy, and in the afternoon David Harkness came all and I would do it as we’ll bring our lorry and the way from Northleach soon as we could. Any- you can load it up, and to talk to us about that way about two or three we will take it back to vexed subject, the history weeks later the vicar the vicarage in the morn- of Northern Ireland. caught me and asked me ing. So off we go down And I’ve probably for- when I was likely to do the lane to this building. gotten several sessions, for his job, and asked if we Well, it was I would which I apologise. could at least pick the think originally a large We usually have three shed up and re—assem- chicken shed but appar- meetings before Christmas ble it at a later date. I ently had been made and three after, with a won- said we would go and into living accommoda- derful Christmas party in pick it up in the morn- tion by an Italian family between, complete with a ing. So off we go over after the war. It was com- panto written by Fred to Kingston Bagpuize plete with carpets, cur- Russell, in which stalwarts and I called at the farm tains, sink, fireplace, of the discussion group office, and I said “We chimney etc, and it was take different roles each have come to pick up a as rotten as a pear. So I year. Anthony Wood is al- shed for the vicar.” The decided as we were there ways St George, however, farm manager said “Are to dismantle it and sal- and Alan Edwards always you intending to take vage all we could, load Father Christmas. Thus – this on your truck?” I up my small truck as and more seriously, with said yes as the vicar said much as possible and the discussion group in gen- it was sectional, and he the rest would go on the eral – we hope to make started to smile and I farm lorry. our small contribution to said, “Where’s the Well we got back to Ascott traditions. shed?” And he said the vicarage later in the Carole Angier down there. I said afternoon, just before

The Ascott Grapevine - Page 40 Don’t forget about the Ascott website: dark, and it was winter- some of the additional he still didn’t settle. So time, and I informed timber for one end, and off I got to the solicitors the vicar of the situa- of course new felt for and explained the situa- tion, and he asked if I the roof. The vicar was tion, and he said, “We had any ideas what pleased with the end re- will get you your could be done with it. sult and when I made up money, he will pay.” I Well the only thing I the bill it came to more said, “How do you could think of was to or less the estimate I make that out?” He said, completely dismantle all had given him, quite a “You would be sur- the timber framing and surprise considering it prised what we know.” see what sound timber was really an unknown Whatever that meant. I we would end up with. quantity. And now we got paid plus he had to The vicar asked what it get to the interestinq pay for my legal fees. I would be likely to cost. bit! I dropped off a bill used to see the shed I said it would be very into his letterbox as we from time to time as difficult to say. Anyway were only working next some years later I started I had done a rough cal- door, and I received no doinq work for the Dio- culation, how long it reply. Dropped off an- cese of Oxford, and I would take plus any new other bill, still no reply. got round most of the materials that may be So a week or so later I vicarages in west Ox- required, and the hourly knocked on the door fordshire, and I met a rate I would charge. I and presented the bill to lot of very pleasant and can’t remember the ex- the vicar personally, and very interesting vicars. act figure I gave him but I asked was there any By the way the shed by the prices of the day problem with the bill, stood for well over it was probably quite a and he informed me that thirty years! lot of money. Anyway he he had not received one A. Builder. shrugged his shoulders. as of yet. I thought here He said I’ve got the we go. Still he didn’t shed so we might as well settle. I approached him continue. So eventually about it and he in- we got to do the job formed me my hours and we managed to get didn’t tally with his so quite a large shed out of I asked him for a copy the timber we had. It of his hours. Off he goes was approximately 2Oft into his office, pops by lOft (6m by 3m). back out and said he But I had to purchase had mislaid them, and www.ascott-under-wychwood.org.uk Page 41 - Issue 43 School News Ascott Pre-school There have been a vari- gines, merry-go-rounds, be doing something ety of successful and to name just a few. similar next year. fun-filled events held or This is the second As a grand finale to supported by the pre- year that the pre-school this extremely busy school this term. The has supported the term, there is a party on children have thor- Barnados toddle at the 20 July for the pre- oughly enjoyed them Wildlife Park. Some of school children. We are all, as have parents and you may have seen our all really looking forward staff. pictures in local newspa- to this. The sports day and pers and on television. We are very commit- barbecue in June was a It is a nice way to raise ted to staff training and tremendous success, some money for Sarah and Sally will be- raising approximately Barnados and ourselves. gin studying for their £1300. Many thanks to The sponsored walk NVQ 2 in September. all those who organised, in the bluebell woods Sarah Hemsworth and supported and contrib- in May raised £250 for Lisa Munro – two new uted to this event. It the pre-school – a very supply staff and both was great to see so many enjoyable annual event qualified NNEB have familiar faces from the and a great way to en- also been helping out pre-school and the vil- sure that we don’t miss and will continue to do lage. This event contrib- the bluebells!. so to help cover ab- utes hugely to the fund- Lisa Munro and her sences. raising effort that ena- team organised a ‘Foot- We are delighted that bles the pre-school to steps week’ to help chil- the pre-school is engaged buy new equipment. dren become more in so many wonderful The Millets Farm aware of road safety is- activities throughout trip, also in June, was a sues. Lisa was able to the year. We are sure great day out. It was borrow various re- that next term, which good to have a change sources from the Road starts on 6 September, of scene and the chil- Safety Department at will be just as busy and dren were well occupied Oxfordshire County varied for the children. with the many different Council, so that the activities on offer: face children could see traf- painting, bouncy castle, fic lights in action and snake handling, rides walk across a pedestrian with clowns, fire en- crossing, etc. It was a great success and we will

The Ascott Grapevine - Page 42 Don’t forget about the Ascott website: Leafield School Since our last news, created some marvel- went on a fantastic day when the School was lous art with things they trip to RAF Brize about to have an Ofsted had found there. Recep- Norton which they all Inspection we are tion visited the farm thoroughly enjoyed as pleased to report that with Mrs. Flear to see part of their transporta- we came through with new born lambs, calves, tion work. They went far more strengths than chicks and experience inside various planes weaknesses — “Links be- lots of sounds and and all came back much tween school and par- smells! Class 4 had an the wiser about the RAF ents, the church and the interesting visit to and all the planes that local community are Woodstock Museum fly overhead. good, there is a caring with Mrs. Kenyon as Miss Reeves took 20 ethos and the school part of their study of year 3 and 4 children to sets high expectations Romans. All the chil- Cokethorpe school for for pupils’ conduct and dren took part in the art a cross country event they behave well” were competition along the with other local just some of the positive theme of “keeping the schools. Year 6 all did comments. Since our shop afloat”, Well done their best in their SATS last inspection most to Arnie Harris, the win- again achieving 100% in standards are now above ner, with her design now science followed by a average with a sound on mugs for sale in trip to Hill End where development plan in Leafield shop. Term they joined other year 6 place to address and ended with a lovely groups in the Burford monitor key issues. The Easter Service, with the Partnership to begin school was then able to children singing, playing their induction process settle back down with recorders and reading for transfer to the next Mrs. Ryde back at the prayers written by them- school. helm, the staff and chil- selves telling us all of the Some children en- dren working extremely Easter story. Back after joyed a brief spell of hard and the impending a well earned break our Netball Club which was start of the building teachers and staff were as kindly run by two year work! always busy for the last 10 Burford School stu- The children have term of this year, but dents, unfortunately been out and about having to cope with the this had to stop when quite a lot. Class 1 and added burden of less the builders moved in 2 went to the woods space due to the build- which is great news but with Mrs. Cain, then ing work. Class 1 and 2 has been rather testing www.ascott-under-wychwood.org.uk Page 43 - Issue 43 on all the staff and chil- thanks to all the parents Rugby, participation in dren. When we were and staff who helped Chipping Norton Mu- lucky with the weather with transport etc. Year sic Festival, to name but the children were able 1 and 2 had an enjoy- a few. The children are to have all their breaks able morning at a Mu- always keen and never out on the Green and at sic Festival where Mrs shy to share their out of the time of writing have Cain reported that they school experiences with so far been able to go were exceptionally well everyone during assem- out every day and have behaved and a credit to blies. Special congratu- all coped well with the our school. Sports Day lations to Callum minimal space and fa- was held at the Village Godfrey who had a trial cilities in school. The Hall and Sports Field for Oxford United un- staff have also been and despite a few show- der 9’s and to Ben amazing all adapting on ers went remarkably GeesonBrown who is a daily basis to ever well. The children all now playing cricket for changing circumstances, tried their hardest show- the County. the extra classroom and ing true sportsmanship It seems amazing space we will have will with the older children that by the time you be tremendous for the leading and looking af- read this we will be at school so it will all be ter the younger ones ad- the end of another aca- worth it in the end. mirably. Sales of refresh- demic year which con- Cycling Proficiency ments, ice creams and sidering all things has classes have again been second hand school uni- again been very produc- run with a number of form raised valuable tive and happy with all children taking their test money towards our the children doing the - many thanks to the building fund. Many very best they can in all volunteer parents who thanks to all who that they do, The Gov- run this. A number of helped on the day par- ernors are very pleased year 3 and 4 children ticularly our scorers. to report that the num- went to Charlbury Outside of school bers on the roll have in- Cricket Club to com- lots of the children have creased with 5 new chil- pete in a Kwik Cricket been involved in a dren having started in tournament and came number of activities and foundation and third in their group, and achievements including throughout the school. a group of year 5 and 6 various medals awarded Finally - Book Am- went to Wychwood for playing for Leafield nesty — Please could all Cricket Club to play in Football Club, most parents and children a tournament. They improved player, first past and present search won 2 and lost 1. Many try being scored in their homes, under beds, on book shelves homes! It goes without needed for our new etc. for any school saying that to replace classroom. For further books that you may books uses up resources information contact the have. We seem to lose that could be used else- School Secretary Mrs. quite a few so please where, and we will be Deb Brown 01993 make a concerted effort starting next year again 878273. to look and return any fundraising for our Vicky Greves, to school that you may building fund to furnish Governor find hiding in your and buy essentials

Grapevine Kids Wordsearch

HVNJSJASUCISTTH ASCOTT LOHERTRWOKOHEIS CHURCH GZLIEYATXXOIEDU COTSWOLDS URIYTRSTFYEPRDR DAWLSCLOSE APARTWGOINOTTYD GRAPEVINE SOAPORREAOCOSHN HIGHSTREET CMQLEDILHHNNHAI HOLYTRINITY LONDON LANE OLDGSVNNUTWRGLW MARTYRS TSVHUOIRIUZOILP OXFORDSHIRE TLIKDUCNQTIAHCS SCHOOL XRNNOHMQEOYDYAH SHIPTONROAD EBOPOHSEGALLIVI STATION RLDOOWHCYWCKTPC SWANINN DAWLSCLOSEYHOTN THEGREEN SWANINNLOOHCSZE TIDDYHALL VILLAGESHOP WINDRUSH WYCHWOOD Sport Ascott Utd Football Club Regrettably as a result Saturday last season and that at some point in ofour AGMheld this with several of the sen- the future the next set month, we have had to ior players not fully of budding footballers make the very difficult committed to next year will resurrect the club decision to with-draw due to reasons away and for them, we leave from the league. from football, it was behind an excellent All the persons agreed that the Football pavilion & pitch, two presents at the meeting club would with-draw football kits and money had been associated with from the Witney & Dis- in the bank. the club since it re- trict FA. Thank you to all the formed in 1990, or have I know that this news people of Ascott who been with the club for will be disappointing to have supported our 10 years or more and lots of Ascott residents, team over the last 14 therefore the decision but unfortunately the years and hope that not to enter a team club knew that it could your break from foot- wasn't taken lightly.We not continue and this ball is only brief. all knew thatit had be- was reported in my last Allister Moore come increasing diffi- couple of reviews in the Secretary to Ascott cult toraise a team each Grapevine. I am sure Utd FC

Wychwood Under 11s Football

As mentioned last is- the Year - Toby Case , U11’s and U12’s . For sue we hosted our an- Most Improved Player - both teams we are look- nual football club Ralph Cattermole . ing to strengthen and awards on May 8th. The Since then we have deepen the squads so event was a great success dispersed to re emerge would very much like to with a games afternoon, for the summer on vari- hear from players inter- bar-b-q, presentations, ous cricket pitches and ested in joining Update live music all flowing tennis courts . on the Wychwood Un- through the day . The football season der 11s Footballthe In the U11’s the win- for the youth leagues will Club . ners of special awards start again first week of (Training will resume were Coaches Player of September , when it is @ Ascott in late August) the Year - Henry Strat- likely that the Ascott Mark Stratford ford , Players Player of pitch will host the new (01993 831073) Ascott C.C. Interim Season Report Here we are in July, half- scores was against a Pe- this summer. We re- way through Ascotts’ ter Gross XI and they stricted Risinghurst to cricket season, there is lost 8 wickets in getting 142 for 7 from 41 overs, good news and bad past our total. There is some hefty blows by news, the good news a plus side to this fixture Gary Doggett & Clive being that we have only in a fund raising way as Jowett took us past lost 2 fixtures due to Peters’ team always do- Risinghursts’ total after bad weather, the bad nate funds to our club, just 22 overs! news being we have also Peter himself donated See, we can do it. lost all bar 1 fixture to very generously and Our last fixture be- our opponents!! with funds from the rest fore this report was writ- We started in mid of his team Ascott C.C. ten was in the beautiful May and in our 1st game was nigh on £300 setting of Blenheim Pal- against Windrush we pounds the richer, our ace, on the great lawn, totalled 154, which, thanks and deep appre- that however was the when you consider it ciation goes to Peter & only good part as we took us 4 games last year his team for this fantas- were bowled out for to total over 100, was tic donation. 108 chasing a target of pretty impressive, how- Moving into June 165. ever our bowling depart- and Appleton arrived As you can see the ment this year lacks a lit- with a couple of league 1st half of our season has tle firepower, mainly players, making life very been disappointing, due to Gary Doggetts in- difficult for us. Gary we’re hoping for im- jured arm which has put Doggett scored 54 in provement during the him out of action bowl- our total of 159, and 2nd half of the season. ing wise for this & next although Appleton Our thanks go out to season. Consequently, were 0 for 1 after 1 ball, those who have found we are struggling to they went on to pass their way to the playing bowl sides out and on a our total with some 10 field to support us in Sunday too force a draw overs to spare. our home fixtures & to you really need to be On to Risinghurst, those who have ven- scoring 180+. this was the day that tured out of the village Our next two fix- England made it 3-0 in on a Sunday afternoon tures saw us bowled out the test series v New Zea- for our away games. for 45!! And 90 respec- land and England played I would also like to tively, seems we’re now France in Euro 2004, take this opportunity to lacking in the batting what could Ascott heap praise on Mike department, although achieve? Well, our one Hornsby and Adrian the latter of those 2 and only victory so far Underhill, our two The “Post Office” Stores Milton-under-Wychwood

Open: Mon.-Fri. 7am - 5:30pm (Closed 1-2 for lunch) Open Saturday 7am - 1:00pm & Sunday 8am - 12 noon

Post Office Services Available at ‘The Swan’, Ascott Monday 10:30am - 12:30pm Bank Holiday Excepted

John, Edna & Staff will be please to serve you with newspapers and magazines, greeting cards, fresh bread. Fresh flowers for all occasions Agents for: Sherlocks Dry Cleaners Abbeycolor Photo Processing Link Cash Machine Tel no: Shipton-under-Wychwood 830213

Ascott CC con’t... Written July 19 1969 - Near the Thames at youngest (and by far Give me symphonies Give me that hymn of away, fittest) members, of silence stillness whose, fielding, batting Which I find in When long shadows & bowling have im- solitude cease to play proved massively from The melodies of The great composers last season. whispering trees sweet amen Our remaining With the rough wind At the closing of the Home fixtures are, blowing through day. July 18th And rippled scales of Fred Russell August 8th quiet streams August 22nd That I might listen to Sept 19th. If anyone is inter- Give me the droning ested in playing for bee and bird song Ascott please contact And the peel of Clive Jowett on distant bells 831916. The harmonies of wheatfields On summers golden hills Tiddy Hall June 2004 — Ros Shep- members and need Thursday Evenings herd stepped down some new faces on the Yoga. Contact Chris Set- from the Tiddy Hall Committee. We are in ters 01608 676236 Committee. a good financial posi- Her involvement tion and at the moment Saturday Mornings started some 16 or 17 do not need to hold Dog Training. Contact years ago with fund rais- many fund raising Sharon Wilson 01993 ing to either improve the events, but there is al- 831801. old Tiddy Hall or possi- ways need for mainte- To book the Tiddy bly to build a new one. nance and improve- Hall contact: Rosemary Over the years she has ments. We only meet Dawbarn 01993 spent countless hours in once a month for ten 831632. all weathers walking the months of the year, so village knocking on why not give our Chair- FARMERS doors collecting, money man Roger Shepherd a MARKETS 2004 when the 100 Club was call on 830227, it in existence, collecting would be much appre- Witney - 3rd Thursday jumble and bottles for ciated. of the Month Tombola stalls. Ros has Regular Activities Woodstock - 1st Satur- been Treasurer, Booking Monday to Thursday day of the Month Clerk, Secretary and Mornings Pre-School- cleaner! If it hadn’t been Contact Pauline Plant Chipping Norton - 4th for her tireless efforts 07968006451 Friday of the Month and motivation we Charlbury - Quarterly wouldn’t have the lovely Friday Mornings on Saturdays (Dates to village hall we have to- Mother and Toddler be Confirmed) day. There are not many Group. Contact people who would will- Pauline Plant Further details from ingly give so much of 07968006451. Thames Valley Farm- their time but Ros has, ers’ Market Associa- and we are sure everyone Tuesday Evenings tion on: living in Ascott will join Yoga. Contact David 0870 2414762 the Committee in Billham 01993 842061. or thanking her sincerely visit the web site at: for all she has done for Wednesday Evenings ww.tvfm.co.uk the village. Badminton. Contact PS We have many Chris Morgan 01993 other long standing 831958. Providence House, 49 High Street, Burford, Oxfordshire OX18 4QA 01993 824800

Dashwood House, Shipton Road, Milton Under Wychwood, Oxfordshire OX7 6JH Tel: 01993 832288

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