CASSINGTON & WORTON NEWS News and views from the parish of Cassington and Worton February 2008 – Issue 368
From the team It looks as though the winter lull is over – So long, farewell ... there’s plenty going on in this issue. We’d like to add our best wishes to John It was a very full house at The Red Lion on Saturday 5th January as and Julie as they leave the Red Lion and friends old and new gathered to say a fond farewell to John and Julie settle into their new home. It will be quite a change for them, but Julie says she is Perrin who first took over the pub 13 years and 2 months ago. Carl looking forward to getting to bed on the Osgathorp spoke on behalf of everyone when he thanked the Perrins for same day she got up for the first time in 13 all of their support with the Sports and Social Club, the Post Office, the years. And of course we’d like to welcome Gill and Paul with best wishes for their various fetes, VE day celebrations and of course the many bike nights. future in the Red Lion - I’m sure they will He was able to fill us in with a few of their many adventures in his be pleased to see you. speech and also came up with a few interesting statistics: based on Until next month ... educated ‘guesstimation’ one villager has made 4, 725 visits to the Lion! 5 hats and 1 Guinness Book of Hit Singles have found their primrose Advertising rates way to the open fire, and 2 vegetarians have converted to the dark side Local ‘what’s on’ and fund-raising stuff is free. of the meat draw! Julie has served 982, 800 pints in her time behind the Simple local services, ‘for sales’ etc, are now also free on noticeboard. bar and John has enjoyed, well, that would be telling … a few of them! Suitable commercial business are invited to support our community by buying advertising More on page 2 ... space. For details please see previous issues.
Contributions should ideally be provided by email (in the body or as a Word attachment) to: [email protected]; delivered on floppy disc, or (as a last resort) typed or clearly handwritten, to Kevin Hinton, Mill Lane House, Mill Lane, Cassington, Witney OX29 4DL, by the 20th of the month. We look forward to hearing from you. THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF So Long, Farewell … continued ST PETER’S, EYNSHAM Many thanks to all those who contributed both to the buffet supper and to the collection in advance of the Abbey Street, Eynsham, OX29 4HR Tel: 01865 881613 evening. There were flowers and vouchers for Julie, John Serving the Hanboroughs, Freeland, Cassington, Stanton and Sean as they move on to the next stage of their busy Harcourt and Sutton etc. You do not have to be a Catholic lives here in Cassington. John and Julie presented further to come to our Church or talk to the Priest. bouquets to Jan, Jean and Lynn. Sean, Helen and Jan worked tirelessly behind the bar all evening; Julie THE PRIEST: Fr. Martin Flatman is happy to receive socialised on the other side of it, for once; and John enquiries by phone, email or text. grooved to the band’s ‘Johnny Be Goode ’ in a momentary Mobile 07719 646790 [email protected]. lapse from his customary allegiance to Queen and Pink HIS WEEKLY TALK (Homily) can be sent to you by Floyd. Rumour has it that there was even a spot of ‘belly email. Just email your request. banging’ thrown in for good measure! The Red Lion cake THE CHURCH is open for prayer every day. and the framed photos of the Lion brought a renewed poignancy to the early hours, but it was business as usual SUNDAY MASS 10.00am and by Sunday lunchtime, when the remains of industrial SATURDAY (for Sunday) 7.30pm strength party popper debris on the road outside was the Daily Mass as advertised. only clue to the previous night’s festivities. We would like to take this opportunity to wish John, Julie ST PETER’S FAMOUS PANCAKE FEAST is on and Sean all the best in their new homes and to thank Saturday 2nd February this year as Lent starts so early. them for making The Red Lion a focal point for many of Come and enjoy a late breakfast, a mid morning snack the good things Cassington has on offer. We look forward or have a pancake lunch. Many different sweet and to meeting the new team, Gill & Paul, and although they savoury fillings served from 10.30am till 1.30pm have a hard act to follow, we are confident that they will LENT AT ST PETER’S begins with make sure that The Red Lion continues to be a big part of ASH WEDNESDAY on February 6th the Cassington community. Mass with traditional Ashes Ceremony at 9.30am and 7.30pm. Anyone can come forward to make a special act of penitence by being marked with ash on their forehead. SPECIAL LENT EVENTS Bible Study every Thursday from 8.00-9.00pm in the Tolkien Room. Coffee/Tea served from 7.30pm. We look at the readings for the following Sunday Stations of the Cross every Monday at 5.00pm. We remember the way that Jesus took to the Cross and spend time in prayer. Mass follows as usual at 5.30pm Tolkien Sermons every Sunday at 10.00am Acknowledging our thanks to the Tolkien Trust for its financial help for our two roofs, Fr. Martin will show Julie opens a card that says it all! how the “Lord of the Rings” expresses the Catholic faith. THE NEW ROOF TO THE PRIEST’S HOUSE really looks splendid now it is finished and makes the whole area around the Church even more attractive set as it is with views across to Wytham Wood. Do come into our Car Park and have a look for yourself and remember that the Church is always open for prayer and quiet. We have now raised almost £49,000 so only about £32,000 to go! NEW MEMBERS OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH. We welcomed a few new members in December. They started by just coming along to our Sunday morning Mass. Anyone is welcome to become an enquirer, as these people did, without any commitment until we are all certain it is the right thing to do. Julie looks on as John presents Lynn, Jan and Jean with bouquets
2 ST PETER’S CHURCH OF ENGLAND, St. Peter’s Church CASSINGTON News from the Vicar The Church of St. Peter's is here as a I wonder if I am the only person who loves the first signs fellowship to worship God, build people up of spring, (of course not); spring you say, it’s still winter – in Christ and share his love with others we’re waiting for the snow and ice and … but you know what I mean, longer days, colour, warmth. Well the signs of new life are exciting and as I walk SERVICES FEBRUARY 2008 around the village I see it in some places – whether it is the bulbs pushing forth or buds on the trees. Sunday 3 February New life is also seen in other areas, not just nature. As you 8am Holy Communion(BCP) may know I regularly visit St Peter’s school and to me it is Revd John Underwood budding in the new ways. It’s building on the past and 4pm Sunday Afternoon Special reaching into the future; it is exciting watching this in Cassington Village Hall develop and please lend your support as you can. Ash Wednesday 5 February At St Peter’s church too we have new initiatives. We are 9.30am HOLY COMMUNION now running, on the first Sunday of the month at 4pm in the Village Hall a new, short gathering – aimed at all ages. Sunday 10 February An interactive approach to learning about God and Jesus. 10am Holy Communion It’s also a great chance to meet folk, drink and eat cakes – Revd Morey Andrews always a bonus. Please give it a go. As well as this, especially for children – on the fourth Sunday mornings Sunday 17 February (while church is happening) we have ‘Sunday Live’ – a fast 8am Holy Communion (BCP) paced activity for children to get together and have fun. 10am Morning Worship So new life happens naturally but also takes time to Revd Morey Andrews blossom. Let’s be inspired by nature and let’s encourage Sunday 24 February one another as we head of into this new year. 10am Holy Communion Morey Margaret Thornton “St Peter’s is here as a fellowship to worship God, to build 6pm Benefice Evening Prayer (BCP) people up in Christ and to share his love with others” Graham Elliott
Holy Communion at 9.30am on Tuesdays CHURCH FLOWERS except Tuesday 5 February. Instead there will be Holy Communion on A big thank you to everyone who has kindly helped do the flowers in the Church throughout 2007. Ash Wednesday, 6 February at 9.30am. Also thank you to the generous people that have given a Young people join our worship for the first 15 donation towards the flowers. It is all such a help. minutes of the 10am service and then go to the school for Sunday Club (3-10) and Soul Living (11+). There is now a new list on the noticeboard at the back of We now also have a crèche for the under 3s. the church, for anyone who would like to do the flowers. (Except All Age Worship when everyone stays Please sign your name against a date that is convenient. in church.) Liz Henman 881303 More information available from:
Church Office: It is with great sadness we announce the death of Michael Eynsham Village Hall, Back Lane, Eynsham Hart aged 69yrs, on the 31st of December, at home, after a Mon–Thurs 9am–1pm short illness. Michael was a familiar figure in the village Tel: 01865 883362 and could often be seen taking the dog for a walk. email: [email protected] He leaves his Wife Rosie, 5 Children and 7 Grandchildren Vicar: Revd Morey Andrews: and will be sorely missed by all who knew him. The Hart 45 Acre End Street, Eynsham, Oxon OX29 4PF family would like to take this opportunity to thank Day off: Friday everyone who’ve shown such kindness and support Tel: 01865 881323 through this difficult time.
3 parish notes
CASSINGTON PARISH COUNCIL DITCHES, DRAINAGE AND FLOODING MEETING Held on 3 January 2008 The council was monitoring flow in the ditches, pending the WODC (The draft notes below are subject to confirmation by the Parish survey in February. A Local Flood Plan had to be developed, as advised Council in February) by WODC. Councillors Iwan Hughes, Sheila Nelson and Clive Wilkinson attended. MAINTENANCE Four members of the public and the clerk Liz Bickley also attended. A40 Cassington Turn footpath. The work undertaken by OCC The Chairman Cllr. Wilkinson wished everyone a happy new year. Highways before Christmas had improved safety but did not provide a route for people walking in and out of the village! Plans of the work MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MEETING OF 6 December 2007 had not been provided in advance and Highways had been contacted Playing Field and Pavilion – a committee might manage the Playing as soon as the misunderstanding had become evident. The Council Field and Pavilion on the Parish Council’s behalf in future. A draft decided to request the footpath be extended for those walking in/out of constitution from Oxon Playing Fields Association had been sent to the village. members of the Cassington Sports and Social Club, for them to Trees - More quotes were required for an extra tree on The Green. consider. The situation needed to be sorted out by May 2008. Bus shelter on A40 – tarmac had been completed Oxon. Assoc. of Local Councils had provided advice on public participation at council meetings –adopting new Standing Orders. The The Green – Un-adopted road surface /car park markings –awaiting Council decided to update its standing orders and the clerk would quotes prepare these. A grant had been requested for a seat at the bus stop on A40 (north). WODC had confirmed that Dog Bins were on a work schedule for emptying once a week. PLAY AREA There would be a hearing at the Licensing Panel of WODC on The The fence needed repairing – quotes to be obtained. Quotes were being Chequers application for extended hours (24 January). WODC stated obtained for cutting the hedge at the playing field. The swings needed that a Premises license is not linked to the current landlord. greasing.
CORRESPONDENCE FINANCE West Oxon. Strategic Partnership were holding a Forum to help create Invoices were approved for: a sustainable community strategy. Two Councillors to attend on 22 Subscription to CPRE £27.00 January. WODC inspection of play area (ROSPA) £44.00 plus VAT OCC Minerals and Waste policy – announcement about a delay on developing new policy. Citizens Advice Bureau –donation £25.00 OCC Children’s Centres – bids for area 6 including Cassington. BDO Stoy Hayward had returned our cheque in payment for the external audit, which had been an incomplete payment due to a Anchor Staying Put – leaflets were provided highlighting this useful disputed element. The letter explaining the justification of the disputed service for older and disabled people, to help them stay in their own element (and other matters) had arrived today and could not therefore home. be considered at the meeting – deferred to next meeting. Meeting about Post Office closures (to be announced on 5 February) Council insurance could be obtained with a discount if we committed on 14 February 2 p.m., arranged by Oxon Rural Communities Council to three years with the same firm. To be considered on renewal. Other items of correspondence were circulated to Councillors. PLANNING APPLICATIONS The meeting was suspended to allow QUESTIONS FROM THE Gravel extraction at Cassington Rd, Eynsham – a decision was likely at PUBLIC an OCC committee on 14 January. Public speeches were allowed, if Aqua sacs and public participation were discussed. anyone wished to attend.
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4 A Planning consultation meeting would be held if required on 14 January at Cllr Nelson’s house. Cassington Village Hall AGM
ANY OTHER BUSINESS The Cassington Village Hall Committee invite you to their AGM on Wednesday 20 February at 7.00pm. in Tree at Little Green –a damaged tree was being replaced by Mr J the Village Hall. Hatwell. Cllr Wilkinson was attending a meeting of the Oxford Airport Come and find out what has been happening in the Consultative Committee on 23 January. Village Hall over the past year and learn about plans for the future. Newsletter advertising revenue was discussed, in the context of the parish council paying for newsletter production to the tune of over All Village groups / societies are encouraged to send a £800 per year. One of the roles of the parish council was to representative for election on to the committee and any communicate with the village. To be discussed at the next meeting with interested individuals would also be very welcome. members of the editorial team. For further information please contact: Metal containers on the verge outside at Mudie Bond – Clerk to enquire at OCC Highways Carolyn Hinton, Secretary, Cassington Village Hall Committee, on 01865 884458 DATE OF NEXT MEETING The next monthly meeting will be held on Thursday 7 February 2008 in the Village Hall, at 7.30 p.m. All welcome! Oxfordshire Green Pages 2008 Liz Bickley 01865 884496 [email protected] Green Pages is an essential guide for people wanting to use their purchasing power to buy local goods and services with an eco-friendly or ethical slant. The Green Pages 2008 directory costs £4.50 and is now on sale at bookshops and ANCHOR STAYING PUT other outlets throughout the county. It can be ordered Most people want to stay in their own homes as they get online at www.oxfordgreenpages.co.uk older and since 1978 Anchor Staying Put have been helping people to do just that. With over 50 regional agencies located across England, we offer a valuable service to older and Does your village have a future? disabled homeowners. Find out on Saturday 1 March 2008 10am - 4pm at Yarnton Village Hall Our aim is to provide you with guidance and assistance to carry out whatever repairs, improvements or adaptations are ORCC are hosting another fun-packed and exciting Parish necessary to help you to continue living in your own home. and Community-Led Plan training event. We will help you through the process of having work carried Book onto this FREE event if you want to find out more out from beginning to end. And, as a not-for-profit about how Parish and Community-Led Plans can benefit organisation, our main concern is ensuring you receive the your village - and how to involve your whole community best possible service with the minimum of worry. and motivate people to take a real interest. If you’re part of a Parish Plan group, have a completed Parish Plan, are a Parish The work we can help you with varies between our Council or interested in finding out more about Parish Plans agencies. However, typical jobs that we are often involved - this inspiring event is for you. with include: To book a place just send all your contact details to Roofing, chimneys and gutters Anton Nath at [email protected] Structural repairs This is also your last chance to access the Parish Plan Grant Extensions Fund which must be allocated by the end of Doors and windows March 2008. Damp proofing Your village has a future - Be part of it! Rewiring and electrical work Insulation Stair lifts Adaptations including showers, downstairs toilets and CASSINGTON bedrooms There has been a further incident of graffiti in Bell Lane; this Security improvements occurred between 5.45am on 30/11 and 9.30am on 2/12. The For more information, please contact :- WODC Depot, team has visited the school, discussed the issue and wished them Avenue 4, Station Lane Witney OX28 4BN Telephone 01993 all a happy Christmas. 709 524 or email [email protected] Neighbourhood Specialist Officer PC Richard Conner
5 THE CHEQUERS INN
6 the Green, Cassington 01865 882620 Valentine’s Day Menu Calabrian Style Fresh Oysters baked in garlic and olive oil with a parmesan crust OR Roasted Red Pepper and Saffron Soup with spinach crème fraîche and black pepper croutons OR A Warm Smoked Salmon and Asparagus Pillow with mature cheddar and English mustard cream OR Shredded Duck and Spring Onion Salad with sweet hearts of romaine, parsnip crisps and hoi sin dressing Rack of Lamb with Lemon and Herb Crust Served with a port redcurrant and rosemary jus, spinach and potato gratin OR Sole Hearts Desire lemon sole fillets, white wine, lemon, and prawns with spring onion mash OR 28 Day-aged Prime Fillet Steak grilled bacon, red wine and mushroom sauce with hand-cut chips OR Stuffed Field Mushroom with spinach and brie served with a Provençale sauce Banana and Chocolate Crèpe with orange liqueur syrup and vanilla ice-cream OR Lemon Tarte with raspberry coulis and crème fraîche OR Cheese and Biscuits for Two celery and grapes
£25.00
To book a table call 01865 882620
Coming Soon ~ Live Sunday Afternoon Jazz
6 Cassington Women’s Institute We were welcomed by president Jane Cook, she also welcomed new members and visitors to our meeting. The apologies were given and Margaret Partridge read the record of our December meeting. We discussed ways we might attract new members and we were asked to think of ways we might try to do this by next meeting. We are a friendly group of women and for our subscription we get a speakers at our meetings and a magazine from the National Federation, 10 times in the year delivered by the postman, and an Oxfordshire federation magazine each month too, both keep us up to date with all the W.I. news and outing etc. very good value for money, so ladies we would welcome you to any of our meetings for a small charge if you find a speaker listed you would like to hear. Jane introduced speaker Jean Bailey who with her husband Colin told us about their trip tp Antarctica and showed us some of her excellent photos they were there for Christmas and New Year period and experienced very short nights 2 hours and visited Falkland Islands, South Georgia as well. The wild life photos were fascinating penguins looking so important and looked as if the were enjoying a chat they also saw Albatross sitting on their nests, they brought the jacket they were given to wear which was so warm it was like being wrapped in a duvet Jean said, she also brought books and other souvenirs, They were thanked by Pat Evans. Refreshments were served by Barbara Collett and Sue Butler. The raffle was won by Barbara Collett. Next meeting at the village hall is on the 21st February when Alaistair Lack will give his talk titled ‘Travels with Auntie’ Ann Humphris 01865 880983
Dennis William Frank Bishop 24.10.24–19.12.07 Audrey and family would like to express their sincere thanks:- To Roger Aston, for his help and support and for such a lovely service on Monday the 7th January 2008 at St Peter’s Church, Cassington. To Debbie and Annie and staff at Greens, for all their help and professionalism. To all who came to the service and the village hall to celebrate Dennis’s life, for the many cards, floral Automotive tributes and donations – made to Care with Care and the Eynsham Medical Centre – who both looked after mobile valeting Dennis at home with such tenderness and covering oxfordshire compassion. To the members and friends of the Cassington WI Chris Fellows for a magnificent buffet and for all their hard work and organisation in the village hall. 23 St Peter’s Close, Cassington for a free quote just call My heartfelt thanks, love and hugs to you all. Audrey 07765 439 662
7 8 More than £28,000 grants to village projects An apology from Roy Partridge … Grants worth more than £28,000 have been agreed by to whoever complained to the highways authorities about West Oxfordshire District Council to help pay for new or the temporary repair to the A40 fence that I carried out for improved sports recreational or community facilities for Mudie Bond. people in Eynsham, Standlake, Woodstock, Great Tew and Little Tew. This was done in a hurry after thieves broke through the fence, breaking down several fence panels to get entry to In Eynsham, a grant of just over £18,500 will go towards the site. In fact, one of several incidents over the last year the cost of a project by the Parish Council to extend and or so. This time we were lucky as a passer-by reported to improve the Witney Road play area. Work will involve the police that someone was fly tipping. An officer came extending the basketball area, installing a youth shelter along and saw at least three men putting wheels and tyres and putting in a multi-use games area and extra play into a van. He called up for help and the thieves ran off equipment. leaving the van with several wheels and tyres in the van and several more ready to load, in fact over £10.000 worth. Arts groups need to get grant applications in These wheels and tyres had been removed from new Local arts groups and projects who’se work benefits the trucks at Mudie Bonds and the paint shop, they did a fair community have until Friday 15th February to apply for amount of damage to two of the vehicles at the paint shop, an arts grant. Grants of between £100 and £1500 are to get tools and jacks from the new vehicles. Apparently available for 2008/09. Information and application forms can be downloaded at www.westoxon.gov.uk/grants or this van was reported in Bristol having had a service and can be obtained by calling 01993 861554/861562. was driven away without paying. We have now got prices to erect a new fence all round the Time running out for sport and coaching award site at considerable cost, also in an effort to tidy up the nominations surrounding hedge, which we are going to apply for planning permission, we hope that people will be a bit Friday 15th February is the final deadline for West understanding with what we are trying to do, to secure the Oxfordshire District Council to receive completed property, and try and combat some of the thieving that nominations for West Oxfordshire Sports Person of the goes on throughout our country. Year 2007 or Sports Coach of the Year 2007. More details and a nomination forms can be downloaded by logging on to www.westoxon.gov.uk/leisure or can be obtained by calling 01993 861080. A bit late to wish every one a Happy Christmas but will wish you all a Happy and Healthy New Year. Planning applications can now be I felt I must thank every one who came to the Carol scrutinised on-line Service and the Midnight Communion, I enjoy handing out the books and carol sheets at this time of year, it is To help make the planning process more convenient, any nice to wish you all a Happy Christmas, and welcome you planning application submitted to West Oxfordshire to the service. As one lady who came to both services said, District Council since the beginning of January can now we don’t see one another much through the year, so be viewed online. wishing one another a Happy Christmas twice in a few This means that anyone, anywhere with access to the days helps make up for it. internet can simply log on to the Council’s website from work or at home and see complete details of the We have a lot to thank the Good Lord for over the year, so application, including site plans, drawings, photographs hope I will see you all again next year. If possible try and and documentation submitted in support of the make it once or twice in the year. proposed development. Roy Partridge
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9 what’s on?
SUNDAY AFTERNOON SPECIAL “LIGHT” Sunday 3rd February at 4pm Cassington Village Hall An informal all age service with a short talk, songs and activities for children. Followed by afternoon tea. Everyone welcome And next month ... Mothering Sunday Afternoon Special Sunday 2nd March at 4pm in the Village Hall Bring your Mums for afternoon tea!
CASSINGTON CAFÉ CASSINGTON VILLAGE HALL Monday February 4th from 10am to noon. We look forward to seeing you all then!
Cassington Village Hall Friday 8 February – 6.30pm A topsy-turvy, helter-skelter story of sibling rivalry and parental desperation in a world of mixed-up, musical make-believe where the Fairy Godmother's hot and bothered and the Wicked Witch is itching to make boy pie! CASSINGTON WI With a surprise round every corner and a twist in every tale PRINCESS RUBY THURSDAY 21st FEBRUARY 7.45 pm SLIPPERS is guaranteed to tickle the ribs of children, parents - and grand- parents - everywhere. THE VILLAGE HALL Refreshments - Doors open 6.00pm Travels with Auntie Tickets: £7.50 (£5.00 concessions), £20 family (2+2) from Carolyn Hinton,884458 – Nicky Copelin, 881813 SPEAKER - ALAISTAIR LACK
10 Coming to your village hall soon ... Cassington Bookworms
Join us on Monday 24th February at 8pm at ‘Ain’t Misbehavin – The Fats Waller Musical the house of Margaret Bonfiglioli Show – Oxfordshire Touring Theatre Company (The Old Manor, Bell Lane, Cassington). Friday 21st March We are reading the first two sections of Shantaram by Gregory Davies Roberts. Join the crowd who strut their stuff at Harlem’s famous Cotton Club – for an evening of singing, swinging and For further information call 01865 880709 smiles all the way – where the cats are cool and the music is hot! The sexy, sultry musical soul of 1930’s Harlem lives on in this finger-snapping toe-tapping musical revue that boasts a live jazz trio and five CINEMA IN CASSINGTON vocalists strummin’ struttin’ and singing the songs made famous by the King of Swing Thomas ‘Fats’ Waller’. – The next Cassington Village Hall film presentation will be: including Honeysuckle Rose, The Joint is Jumpin’ and And when did you last It’s a Sin to Tell a Lie. This will be a licenced event suitable for everyone 14 see your father? years and older and the ticket price of £10.00 will Friday 7th March at 7.30pm include a drink. Doors open 7.00pm Tickets available from Carolyn Hinton on 01865 884458 Colin Firth and Jim Broadbent star in this adaptation of Blake or Nicky Copelin on 01865 881813. Morrison's celebrated memoir about the death of his father Certificate 12A Tickets on sale now, £4 each Free Workshops in the Village Hall Carolyn Hinton 884458 or Nicky Copelin 881813 Chipping Norton Theatre have offered to put on a Cassington Village Hall films are provided by “Movies on the Move” workshop for Cassington/Worton residents, with an - a project run by Chipping Norton Theatre and West Oxfordshire District Council with funding from the European Community Leader Plus initiative. experienced practitioner, as part of their outreach education work. They have suggested either an art workshop during which Cassington residents of all ages would work together to create a piece of art reflecting their experiences in Cassington or a scriptwriting Based on Blake Morrison’s best selling memoir, “And workshop during which residents would create a play When Did You Last See Your Father?”, is ultimately a about Cassington life! It is hoped that whichever father son love story. From scholarly Blake’s fraught workshop was chosen the result would be an inter- and some times humiliating teenage years growing generational creation! up with a charismatic, overbearing and adulterous father; through to the ultimate grief of watching him Before accepting the offer I would be grateful for some die, as an adult and father himself, the story takes us feedback as to whether people feel they would like to be on a heart-rending and often humorous journey in involved and which workshop they would prefer. which Blake revisits his past, comes to terms with Thank you some difficult home truths and finally learns to accept that one’s parents are not always accountable Carolyn Hinton, Village Hall Committee to their children. 01865 884458 [email protected] The Times reviewer said ... ‘Loved it, completely loved it. So many moments that Events in the Village Hall and beyond were so utterly well judged i.e. the death scene (just looking at watch, instead of wailing etc). Great During the year we hope to organise some group performance by teenage Blake. And Firth too. Thought, excursions to plays/shows outside the village. The first for once, that his sense of buttoned-up emotionalism suggested outing is to Creation Theatre’s ‘Measure for was perfectly pitched for the role. Loved the seeming Measure’ at The North Wall in Summertown during looseness of the narrative too. The sense that it wasn’t March-April. We will obviously advertise in the building up to some watertight resolution, but instead newsletter but the simplest way to communicate seems to an overall portrait of the messiness of human life. to be by email. If you would like to be added to the Stunning”. email list of people interested in films/plays/shows please send your email address to: [email protected]
11 KAOS NEED MEN! The Waiting Game Are you a man with a passion for singing who has Tim is waiting for a new home. Tim, age 11, has been wondered about joining a choir or who used to sing with short-term foster carers for over a year. After it regularly and has let it lapse? KAOS (Kidlington Amateur became clear, he could not return to live with his parents Operatic Society) is a very friendly society which needs and that his Nan was too ill to care for him, the search more male voices for a better balance in the chorus. Our began to find him a long term – permanent foster home. members come from a variety of backgrounds in the local Tim needs someone to come forward who could foster area and other parts of Oxfordshire, are aged between him until he can live independently. Ideally Tim will be sixteen and eighty years old and have a variety of musical the only or youngest child in the household. Some backgrounds and skills. Some choral experience and the months have now passed since the search began but sadly ability to read music is an advantage. We rehearse on no-one has come forward. Monday evenings at Gosford Hill School, Kidlington. Emma has been living with foster carers for 3 months. She KAOS gives three performances a year: originally went to live with them on an emergency basis. Christmas Charity Concert performed over two nights in After just a few days of going to live with her emergency St Mary’s Church, Kidlington. This combines traditional foster carers, it became apparent that the problems at and modern music and orchestral pieces and is a much home would take a while to fix and that Emma would loved part of the Christmas celebrations in the community. need to remain in foster care for some months. Emma has Spring Concert usually takes the form of a choral work. In settled quite well with her current foster carers but is not 2007 we performed Elgar’s oratorio The Kingdom in a joint happy to have been placed so far from her home. She concert with Woodstock Music Society in Oxford Town finds this makes it difficult to see her family, and friends Hall. In Spring 2008 we will be performing a concert in St and she positively hates the 20-mile each way journey to Mary’s Church including hits from 100years of Broadway school each day. She is hoping that her social worker will and Porgy and Bess. move her to foster carers who live nearer to home but each time her social worker visits the news is sadly the Autumn Production in October we produce a full stage production over four nights at Gosford Hill School. Latest same, “Sorry, but there is no-one available”. productions were The Mikado (2005), Orpheus in the Local independent fostering agency, Underworld (2006), HMS Pinafore (2007) and in 2008 we familyplacement.com, is working to help Tim and Emma will be performing Brigadoon. and other children like them. The agency seeks to do this Members are welcome to participate in just one or all of by recruiting foster carers for children in or near to their these events. You may enjoy an additional skill or interest in home area and by encouraging people to consider theatre skills (set design, choreography, set building, etc.) fostering as an alternative to work outside of the home. that the society could benefit from. The social side of the As agency director, Andy Clipson says, ”Our foster carers society is much valued and we have enjoyed river trips, are paid a professional fee in addition to a child theatre outings, dinners, quiz nights, treasure hunts, maintenance allowance. This allows some people to give bowling evenings and more! up work to start a new career in fostering. Proper rewards If you are interested, or would like to find out more please do not stop foster carers from loving the kids”. “All of the contact the membership secretary, Mary Clarke: agency’s foster carers are also provided with high level 10 Stocks Tree Close, Yarnton, Kidlington OX5 1LU. 01865 support and ongoing training to help them to develop 377746 e.mail [email protected] their parenting skills to a higher level.” who can provide you with an application form or arrange If you think you might be able to help. Please call 01993 for you to come for a ‘taster’ session with us. 201514 or email: [email protected] Thank you for your interest. BURLEIGH FARM Traditional Farmhouse Bed and Breakfast Accommodation Contact Jane Cook – 01865 881352 Burleigh Farm, Bladon Road, Cassington Oxfordshire OX29 4EA Visit www.oxfordcity.co.uk/accom/burleighfarm for more information
12 The railway Dorothy Waters
Cassington Halt was opened by the GWR on 9 March 1936 nominally independent Witney Railway Company. The and was situated on the south side of the A40 with a flight line was authorised on August 1st 1859. The railway was of wooden steps going down from the top of the bridge. opened on November 18th 1861 and worked first by the However, after the war it was relocated to the north of the West Midland and then the Great Western. It was a single road to obviate the need for passengers to cross the track throughout and the terminus at Witney was on a site increasingly busy trunk road. A single pre-cast concrete later included in the goods yard. platform was provided on the up side of the line, on which The branch was extended west to Witney by another was a wooden shelter complete with miniature awning. company, the East Gloucestershire. As authorised in July Until 1936 train passengers had to go from Yarnton 1864, this line was to run from junctions with the Great Halt. Groups of young men from the village would walk Western and the Midland Railway at Cheltenham through along the Yarnton Road to the bridge and then proceed Fairford to Faringdon (30 miles) with a ten mile branch along the railway line to Yarnton Halt in order to go to “the from Lechlade near Fairford to Witney. pictures” in Oxford. Except during the Second World War, when aerodromes The access from the village to the new Halt was the A40, were established in the area West of Witney, passenger then known as the By-Pass. Residents from the lower end traffic was not heavy and the factories at Witney provided used a short cut along Horsemere Lane which was then a most of the goods traffic. Train services were drastically narrow green lane used by farmers to take cattle to reduced in the summer of 1958 and on June 18th 1961, pastures the other side of the By-Pass. In winter when this passenger trains were withdrawn from the whole line and was flooded or very muddy, Mrs. Martin of Reynolds Farm the section from Witney to Fairford closed completely. gave permission for villagers to walk over her land to the In 1854 the vicar of Cassington, Thomas Forster, stated left of the lane to reach the road and the Halt. This led to in Bishop Wilberforce’s Visitation Returns, “Our the formation of a fund to make up the lane for which Mr. Agricultural labourers have been much demoralised by the Jim Waters was Treasurer. Donations ranged from six railroad labourers who have so long resided with them, pence to two shillings and six pence and we still have the and five Public and Beer houses in so small a parish have original subscription list. A volunteer workforce of men their usual bad effects on the morals of our young men.” from the village worked hard in their spare time to clear, widen and make up the lane to make access suitable for Dorothy Waters pedestrians and cyclists. October, 2007 The following information is taken from notes made by the late E.W. Clifford from British Branch Lines by H.A. Vallance and Bishop Wilberforce Visitation Returns 1854. One of the branches of the Oxford, Worcester and Wolverhampton Railway, which (as a constituent of the West Midland Railway) was amalgamated with the Great Western in 1863, was an eight mile line from Yarnton (3 ¾ miles from Oxford) to Witney. The Oxford, Worcester and Wolverhampton Railway had obtained an Act for this line in 1846 but had been unable to raise sufficient funds to exercise its powers. When the scheme was revived more than ten years later the Bill was promoted by the
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13 noticeboard
Village Dates for AVON Village Hall Bookings your diary CALLING Unless shown, events are in the Village Hall Hello! My name is Julie Perrin and I am Cassington’s Avon Lady! February 2008 If you would like a friendly and convenient Sunday 3rd February, 4pm door to door service for all your toiletries, “Light” - Sunday Afternoon Special make-up and luxuries, please contact me any For information and to book the Monday 4th February, 10.00 to 12 noon weekday morning on 01865 881371 for your Village Hall, contact: Cassington Café free catalogue. Nicky Copelin I will be pleased to add you to my round. The New House, The Green, Cassington Friday 8th February, 6.30pm Tel: 07984 140319 or 01865 881813 The Delicious Revenge of Princess Julie Perrin, Red Lion Email: [email protected] Red Ruby Slippers An Oxford Touring Theatre Production Thursday 21st February, 7.45pm Cassington Women’s Institute WANTED Pretty hand-made Travels with Auntie Double cellular blanket, cards Speaker: Alaistair Lack Bread machine (ours has In a variety of mediums using real pressed Monday 24th February, 8.00pm worn out) in exchange for flowers, 3D images, painting on acetate, Cassington Bookworms money or low energy lightbulbs paper flowers, ribbon and glitter etc. The Old Manor, Bell Lane Tel. Eithne 880359 Cards made for all ages. Special occasions and orders can be made. March Prices vary from approximately Friday 7th March, 10.00 to 12 noon £1.80 to £4.50. Cassington Café Do you know there is a free Carol Baldwin, Silver Birches, Yarnton Road service to Cassington Cassington Oxon OX29 4DY Friday 7th March, 7.30pm Tel. No. 01865 881454 And when did you last see your father? residents that will take you to E-mail:[email protected] Film: Certificate 12A the doctors’ or hospital? Thursday 13th March, 7.30pm Global Warming - Fact or Fiction? An illustrated talk by Dr Rosalind Kent Baby and toddler group Friday 21st March, 7.30pm Join us for a drink and a chat ‘Aint Misbehavin - the Fats Waller Tuesdays Musical Show (OTTC) This is run by volunteers and is Licensed Cabaret-style evening Lisa Tyler 880619 available by phoning: for more information Pam Turner 880492 or Tickets for films and shows from: Carolyn Hinton (01865 884458) Pat Vereker 880693 Nicky Copelin (01865 881813) Amanda Fancourt (01865 880581) Please give us as much HATE IRONING? notice as possible THEN TAKE IT TO ELSIE @ 15, ELMS ROAD, CASSINGTON see ... www.cassington.info Tel. 01865 882168 for further details POLICE CONTACTS If you need the Police but it is not an BABYSITTING? emergency please ring 0845 8 505 505 ODD JOBS? You can use this number to contact the Call Johnny (17) or Lydie (15) Horgan new Police Community Support 01865 881480 Officers, Helen Keen and Robert Hopping, to let them know what’s going on. Helen and Robert will be regularly noticeboard ... patrolling in Cassington. For local services, ‘for sale’ or similar Eynsham Police Office: (Volunteer Station) notices, please send copy (by email if Mon 2 - 4pm. possible) to the usual address. Tues, Wed, Sat 9am - 12noon. Appropriate notices are FREE, but Thurs 6 - 8pm will only be placed at our discretion.
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