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Of the village, by the village, for the village April /May 2021 127 FinstockServing Finstock, , , News Mt.Skippett and Finstock Heath Leader, Finstock Festival, The Plough ...... 1 More on Nature, Vicus...... 7 Benefice Item, Village Facebook page...... 2 County Cllr and Council...... 8 Village Hall, Finstock and Bowls...... 3 District Council report and details for local elections ...... 9 School News and Message of Thanks...... 4 Traveller’s Tales, Friends of Finstock School...... 10 Village Shop & Post Office, Kitchen Corner, Baby & Toddler group.5 Finstock Unplugged...... 11 Countryside Conservation ...... 6 Gardening, Indoor plants...... 12

‘There is no time like Spring, When life’s alive in everything…’ Christina Rossetti

Transitions are very topical at the moment . As we transition from late winter into spring and from complete lockdown through the various stages towards something resembling ‘normal’ there is much to look forward to . Finstock is a mixed and welcoming community and after months of social disruption there The Plough is much talk of the reopening or restarting of many of the activities that make We are excited to welcome you all Finstock special . Much of that anticipation is covered on these pages, together back into the garden starting on with some reflections on how things have been . Alongside this edition of Finstock Monday 12th April when we plan to be News there is also the summary of the latest Village Survey, published by the Parish open for lunch and dinner . Until then Council, which reflects on what is and maybe what might be . Whether you’re a we will continue to offer our takeaway long-standing resident of the village, or have only moved in more recently, here’s menu from Tuesday to Sunday with 15% a flavour of what lies ahead more locally . off all food orders Tuesday -Thursday . THANKS TO ALL OUR CONTRIBUTORS! We can’t wait to have you all back in the pub; we love you all! DURING THESE FINSTOCK FESTIVAL Guy and the Team MONTHS What a time to be living through, 8th April - Hanamatsuri – Zen while trying to keep family and life in Buddhists celebrate the birth of Buddha . some order . 15th April, 1912 - R M. S. . Titanic With a heavy heart and after much struck an iceberg and sank on her debate, the decision has been made to maiden voyage . cancel this year’s festival .A t the time 20th April, 2010 - Deepwater the decision was made, we had no idea Horizon exploded in the Gulf of Mexico . when lockdown would end for certain 5th May, 1930 - Amy Johnson was and, if we were able to go ahead, the first woman to fly solo from we weren’t sure how many people to Australia . would feel comfortable attending such 6th May, 1994 - Channel Tunnel was an event . There are upfront costs to formally opened . putting the festival together and if the 25th May, 1977 - First of the Star footfall was low it could be a financial Wars Movies opened . disaster. All we can do now is look forward to 2022 and giving our big marquees a Don’t forget you can view the good airing with a rip roaring Finstock Finstock News online at finstock. Festival . Hope you are keeping safe org.uk/the-finstock-news and happy . Colin Stringfellow. Chairman 0 . VILLAGE EVENTS 0 . I hope you are remaining safe, and Our very own Facebook page as well as can be expected, while the Finstock village has its very own Facebook page which will have been in current situation continues . Several operation for six years this year, a great achievement . It offers valuable information people have asked why Finstock on what’s going on in and around the village and the local area, sometimes Church remains closed, while other providing local residents with instant news of accidents on the roads, or poor churches, such as Ramsden and road conditions which members kindly post to warn others . Members post about , have sometimes been open . missing or lost items, including the odd runaway dog, which, with the help of Last year, in Lockdowns 1 and 2, all quick acting residents, we have then managed to locate and return to the owners churches were prevented from opening on many occasions . The village shop often posts timing information and ‘offers’ by law . that the shop has on that day, and news about kids’ clubs or fitness activities When each of these lockdowns was can also be found on the page . The page is open to anyone with an interest in eased and the country entered the our village and to avoid spam or unwanted posts there is a simple questionnaire tier system, the government permitted to complete, to prevent robots joining the site! The page is managed voluntarily local churches to open provided they by several administrators who help to ensure it stays a friendly page for all . On could do so safely . The government very rare occasions, discussion can become spirited and we are asked to bring and the National Church insisted the site back to its friendly purpose . The important thing to remember is that measures were implemented to ensure it is a village page and designed to promote the best of the village, generally people remain as safe as possible while ‘policing’ itself, if need be . attending church . If this wasn’t possible On average the page gets around 20 requests per week to join but sadly the the authorities insisted that they should majority are from spam posters who purport to live in Finstock but actually live remain closed . halfway across the world . It is time consuming on occasions keeping the page safe . Within this benefice it has been The page has attracted nearly 700 members including members from Spain, the possible to implement these measures United states, and Australia! So, if you would like to keep up-to-date more quickly in two of our churches . St Michael’s - you can find us on Facebook - www f. acebook c. om/groups/644816698873495 Church in Leafield and St James’ Marc Thompson Church in Ramsden have both been open at various times over the last Finstock Craft Club twelve months . Holy Trinity Church At time of writing, the beautiful weather over the last few days has lifted in Finstock and St Peter’s Church in everyone’s spirits . All we need now is the news we are all anxiously waiting for, Wilcote have had to remain closed . and that is the moment when it is safe to resume the life we left more than a In a change to Lockdowns 1 and year ago . We all want (and need), to return to doing the things we enjoy, which 2, during Lockdown 3 (currently) the in our case is crafting with friends . Let’s hope that is happening by the time you government has not closed churches read this edition of The Finstock News! if the measures to help keep everyone For information about craft club, please contact me at: rosacharlesworth@ as safe as possible remain properly icloud c. om . and strictly enforced . Services are Rosa Charlesworth therefore taking place, each Sunday, alternating between Ramsden and Leafield . We are looking forward to the time when all our churches are once again open . From the government’s current roadmap, this is likely to be sometime in the summer . Our website (www f. orestedgebenefice . co uk. ) is kept up to date with all the latest developments . With every blessing, Paul Acupuncture for stress reduction, Rev’d Paul Mansell, pain relief, arthritis, migraine, fatigue, hormone imbalance, and more. Vicar, Forest Edge Benefice clinic or in your own home.

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2 VILLAGE HALL www f. instock o. rg u. k/village-hall • villagehallfinstock@gmail c. om

Our Village Hall is five years old! Finstock Short- various devices to assist those with While the doors are still sadly shut, Mat Bowls physical disabilities like loss of limb or we’re giving it a birthday present . It has We suspect that we will not be able trouble with bending low . Anyone who enjoyed a full electrical inspection and to get back playing at the Village Hall joins is fully integrated into the club service, the alarms have been tested, until September, but watch out in case and can play alongside all members and we are applying some loving care we can start earlier! in casual roll-ups, club competitions to the wonderful “floating floor” (as our and competitive fixtures . From May picture shows) . we will also be holding regular sessions After five years of Charlbury Bowls Club for people with memory problems, pounding from dance Drawing players from Finstock, including mild and moderate dementia . class, disco, pilates and Hailey, Leafield, the Wychwoods, Contact us for more information . parties, the boards , and beyond . Junior Bowls needed resettling . Playing outdoors, we anticipate starting Bowls is also a game that can be When will it reopen? the season on time but with the played by people of all ages and in May At the time of writing, necessary distancing and sanitation we start our own Junior Section . We national guidelines measures in place . We have a Covid allow for some restricted opening in have obtained funding for equipment compliance certificate from our sport’s needed to get juniors playing . We will April, but for adults that is confined governing body . to a single household or “bubble” . To take any age from seven years up to Want to try out bowls? fifteen . Juniors will be divided into justify reopening financially, we need a Come along to one of our Open full array of users, including kickboxing, appropriate age groups, supported by Days and try it for free . You can come trained coaches . Our weekly Junior dance, yoga, craft club and others, six times before deciding if you wish and the government guidelines are sessions will be on Saturday mornings to join as a member . All equipment indicating May 17th is the earliest we at 11am, commencing 1 May . We will provided . can expect . Private bookings will be also run a summer school – look out Disability Bowls allowed a few weeks after that . But for details . Parents are welcome to stay, as we know too well, all things can Bowls is a game that can be enjoyed and even help out! change, so we will ensure we contact as a social and competitive game by Challenge to the Ladies of our major users and post on the village all and, as an inclusive club we have Charlbury and nearby websites as soon as we can be certain . obtained funding to purchase an We aim to recruit twelve new lady If all goes well, we can certainly look extensive range of equipment to assist players over the next two years to forward to full usage by summer, which people with disabilities to enjoy our support our experienced bowlers as means we can start planning now for sport . Whether you have physical, we aim to enter a team in the West major events such as The Finstock Ale sensory, or learning (Intellectual) Ladies League by 2023 . in September . We’ll all drink to that! disability, you are welcome to try All ages welcome . Contact us or simply Rod Ireland out bowls . We have specialist bowls turn up to one of our Open Days . wheelchairs for use on the green and Open Days Everyone is welcome to try out bowling for free – just turn up with your flat-soled shoes from 2pm on Saturday 24 April, 2pm and 6pm on Wednesday 28 April, or 2pm on Monday 31 May . email: enquiries@charlburybowls . co uk. Tel: 01993 868134 or message us on Facebook For more information see our website www charlburybowls. co. u. k Shaun Morley

3 An Update from Finstock School Many thanks 2021 may have started with Finstock Primary School in Just to say on behalf of everyone lockdown but it didn’t stop us providing a rich, challenging and exciting curriculum . who received a tub of chocolates for Our team worked incredibly hard to tailor our curriculum, factoring in a reduction Christmas, thank you to the Village in screen time for some of our foundation subjects and using research-informed Hall Trustees and to all who delivered strategies to ensure children know more, understand more and are able to do them . It was a nice surprise and much more . We responded to feedback and worked hard to provide resource packs for appreciated . Hopefully we can go all our children, ensuring they had all the equipment, books and craft materials ahead with the Christmas meal this needed to complete the wonderful learning opportunities . year . Thank you, Eileen The children began the spring term projects through remote learning online . Eileen Peters The whole school had a mini-lockdown ‘holiday to space’ in the projects ‘Stargazers’ and ‘Moon Zoom’ . Cedar class learnt about different missions that have happened over the years, the order of the planets and even tried to launch their own rockets from the comfort of their own gardens . Oak class have learnt all about the solar system . They have designed and built their own rockets, drawn aliens and created a persuasive leaflet designing a trip to a fictional planet! The Reception and Cherry class project was ‘Starry night’ . They compared all the differences between day and night; role-played a bedtime routine and learnt all THE EDITORIAL COMMITTEE about nocturnal animals. Kay Connolly 868561 Member Lesley Dore 868280 Distribution The adventures didn’t stop there, Cedar class wrapped up warm as they learnt Tony Hirtenstein 868600 Member about the Arctic Regions in their project ‘Frozen Kingdoms’, looking carefully at Nick Murphy 868575 Member the location, habitats and history of explorers . Alongside this they explored the Su Jordan 07824 567765 Advertising Barbara Wells 868776 Member story of the Titanic and investigated the properties of the icebergs that caused Pete Welply 868140 Editor it to sink . Oak class explored how life and toys were different for children in the [email protected] past, and investigated their family trees in their project ‘Childhood’ . Reception Photographs thanks to staff members and others. and Cherry class went looking for ‘Puddles and Rainbows’ . This exciting project Contact us as above, e-mail the Editor, or allowed them to spend as much time outside as possible; exploring the different write to us at 53 High Street, Finstock, Oxon types of weather and how rainbows are created . OX7 3DA. Finstock Church of England Primary School is extremely grateful to our families Plan ahead – Know the deadlines Issue Deadline for supporting us to provide high quality education remotely . We have all been Feb/Mar First of January so very impressed with the commitment, dedication and resilience our children April/May First of March have shown during this challenging time . We have seen fantastic progress across June/July First of May the curriculum and cannot wait to see what the rest of the school year has in August/September First of July October/November First of September store for us! December/January First of November If you would like to learn more about our school, please do get in touch via Please keep articles short . As space is limited, the Editors reserve the right to shorten long pieces in office 3. 040@finstock o. xon s. ch u. k to arrange a conversation . the interest of balance . Finstock News does not Leanne Dixon, Finstock Headteacher necessarily share the views expressed in readers’ letters .

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4 Easy Easter cookies You will need: 225g butter, softened 275g plain flour 110g caster sugar 75g milk chocolate chips Business for our shop and Post Office 75g mini eggs remains steady, with sales consistently meeting our goals . The shop continues Method: to receive surprise spot checks from the 1 . Heat the oven to 190C/170C fan/gas 5 . local authorities to ensure we have all 2.  Cream the butter in a large bowl with a wooden spoon or in a stand necessary Covid-related protections in mixer until it is soft . Add the sugar and keep beating until the mixture place, and I’m delighted to tell you that is light and fluffy . their feedback is highly complimentary 3.  Sift in the flour, add the chocolate chips and mini eggs and bring the – we are meeting or exceeding their mixture together into a ball using your hands . expectations! Now the challenge for 4. Roll the dough into walnut-sized balls and place them slightly apart from the directors is to look ahead and ask each other on a baking sheet . what we need to do to ensure we keep 5.  Flatten the balls a little with the palm of your hand and bake them in this level of business once lockdown the oven for around 15-20 minutes until they are golden brown . restrictions are lifted and peoples’ lives 6 . Leave to cool for 10 minutes and enjoy! change yet again . Any future extension of opening hours can only be achieved This recipe was created and submitted by Leon and Finlay Young (and the if we can identify and train new cookies are very yummy! – Ed) . volunteers who are happy and willing to commit to working behind the counter If you’ve got a recipe you’d love to share, send it to the Editor – details on on a regular basis . page 4 We also have a more pressing need . Robin Hall has been the Financial Director for the Shop for more than Finstock Baby and If you would like to advertise in twelve years, and perhaps more than Toddler Group: the Finstock News please contact any other individual has worked behind As you read this, we hope that the Su Jordan at Tel: 07824 567765 [email protected] the scenes to support the shop through first stage of the lifting of Lockdown good times and bad . As a community, is going well for you and you’re all Very reasonable rates: we owe him a great debt . But having enjoying the bright colours of spring! Display box size reached a “significant milestone” in life, We are really looking forward to re- he has finally decided it’s time to hand opening Finstock Toddler Group when 9cm x 6cm £12 0. 0 over to new blood . We are looking for we are able to safely, and will let you 13cm x 9cm £15 0. 0 know when this will be as soon as we a new director to join our team . The Circulation details upon request role is not as daunting as it may seem, can . We need to keep monitoring the because most of the real “financial” situation and liaise with the Village work is done by our bookkeeper. Hall to plan properly, once things are Our Financial Director manages our a bit more settled - we hope you can relationship with government agencies, appreciate that there will be a lot to signs cheques when required, and is take into consideration . responsible for explaining (in layman’s We will keep you updated with any terms) the progress of the shop once news on our Facebook group so please a year at our AGM . In good times, keep an eye out . We’re really excited you can expect to attend directors’ that we should soon be able to get back meetings no more than four times a to our fantastic group! year to steer the progress of the shop . Have a very Happy Easter! All the Interested? Just let Karen know at the best, shop . Helen and Tammy

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5 COUNTRYSIDE CONSERVATION If conservation of natural resources goes wrong, nothing else will go right. – M. S. Swaminathan

Buying pollinator- A Tiny Forest in Finstock? friendly flowers and What are Tiny Forests? There are so many candidates . A lot bulbs for your garden Tiny Forests are dense fast-growing of gardens have areas where nothing is There are lots of ways that you native woodlands, based on an growing or which have been forgotten can make your garden friendly for established forest management method about . The main requirement is that wildlife . Roselle Chapman from Wild developed in the 1970’s by Dr Akira the landowner is happy to have a Tiny Miyawaki . If your idea of a forest is Forest on their land . Oxfordshire shares some of her top based on local examples, such as the Can anybody do this? tips here: (listen to Penny Post from 5 , with large areas of widely- In theory, yes . But it is better to minutes 30 seconds) . spaced trees, think again . In a very small form a group to find the land and those pennypost o. rg u. k/2020/12/wildlife- area, after preparing the soil, you plant willing to have a forest on their land; friendly-gardening-tips/?fbclid=IwAR2 ten times as many saplings as you would once that has been done the group Mr_n35twGCux42gX9A7TQ7DY5X2O normally find, look after them for the can ask Earthwatch for expert help . s9ibaRbJqaOgaZ1IhguwURmp1TM0 first two seasons, and then leave nature They ‘engage with local communities to take its course . to plant, maintain and monitor their What is the point of these forests? forest over time . The forests reconnect Road building may slip The forest will develop by itself, people with nature and raise awareness down priority list attracting wildlife and absorbing of climate change . Environmental for council enormous quantities of CO2 . It has the and social data is collected for every Oxfordshire County Council’s draft capacity to absorb much of the rain that forest we plant, this helps us assess Local Transport and Connectivity Plan currently takes the soil away on steep the benefits they provide over time aims to prioritise digital infrastructure slopes and runs into the drains . and between different forests ’. See over road building . With home working Is this only for Japan? https://earthwatch o. rg u. k/get-involved/ expected to become more permanent Certainly not . On the 13th February tiny-forests . and unnecessary travel consequently 2020 Earthwatch contractors planted a I’m interested. reduced, the strategy aims to increase Tiny Forest by the A40 in . In that case contact the Editor or active travel and electric public So where could such a forest be tonyhir@gmail c. om . Tony Hirtenstein transport and reduce car journeys placed? for lone drivers . All this in an effort to address climate change . Although the route forward is still unclear, discussions are now underway and updated plans are expected to be published later this year .

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6 Rewilding morsels Village Sounds Ambitious plans to rewild Britain with I wake up most mornings to one of two sounds; either my hens wanting to lost toads, frogs and lizards are afoot in be fed or the early morning commuters on the Witney road speeding onto their Staffordshire where two teenage boys place of work . The hens are soon quietened with a scoop of feed but the cars are well on their way to creating the continue and build up until past nine o’clock . country’s largest outdoor breeding I write this as the rail bridge is closed for repair and we are enjoying the peace facility for reptiles and amphibians . In and quiet which is similar to last year when traffic ceased during the first lockdown . ponds, greenhouses and cabins in their It set me thinking about the sounds of our village in the past and what might back gardens, the two boys are working have awoken our forebears . There would have been the pleasant sound of the to breed lost species such as moor frogs horses moving through the village to the fields to reap, plough or mow or perhaps and European pond turtles as well as being ridden to market . declining native species such as the The sound of a cart being pulled by horses would have been quite singular common toad . Now with financial and easily recognized . Carts and wagons would rattle and rumble and the timber backers in place and high-profile would creak alongside the clink of the horse’s tack and chains . I doubt if the mentors, they’re just steps away from carter did much whistling . making their dream a reality . Depending on which part of the village you lived in, you would have heard How can we sequester carbon the Blacksmith’s hammer and the calls of folk walking to work and the sound of and protect biodiversity without any their hobnails crunching on any hard ground . additional land needs? Plant hedgerows The womenfolk of the village would be keen to get their daily task of gloving of course! CAG network member underway and would have used the early morning daylight in summer and would Watlington Climate Action have work on doorsteps as they sewed . Not a noisy task but a chance to look out and produced a wonderful new film on the say ‘gad mornen’ to anyone walking past . importance of hedgerows, a habitat that The sounds of birds would have been very familiar . There were hedge loads provides more ecosystem services than of birds quarrelling and singing for their own space and territory and the variety any other, as part of the Watlington and types would have meant a very tuneful dawn chorus . Today we have far Hedgerow Project . Its packed full of fewer species in our hedgerows or gardens despite our efforts to feed them . The interesting information, deep-seated fields are not the places they were and the dawn chorus today is far quieter . It knowledge and a profound love for is a huge loss to the countryside . the environment that seeps through in Those living on Gadden Hill would have heard the sound of the stream running every shot . in front of their houses as it made its way to The Bottom . No doubt they were www w. atlingtonclimateaction or. g u. k/ delighted when the stream was covered and The Bottom became drier . You can thehedgerowproject . still see the high-level route that folk would have taken to avoid the mud . The route leaves the High Street before Well Cottage and heads across to the Village Hall . This unofficial but necessary route was closed off in 1898 . Enjoy the peace and quiet whilst you can . Vicus

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7 From our News from the Parish Council County Councillor The report that has been delivered with the Finstock News summarises The closure of the rail bridge at the data collected from the village survey undertaken towards the end of Finstock station has been the cause last year . The most significant finding is that views and values that emerged of much concern over the past in previous surveys have re-surfaced again . For example, the clear support few weeks . The work obviously for a modest level of affordable housing development and the importance needed to be done, but the total of key village facilities such as the hall and the shop . closure of the road for six weeks has Overall, the village is viewed very positively as a place to live and raise a caused considerable inconvenience, family . Convenience, friendliness and natural beauty feature very strongly including to Highways, as this is in comments . Criticism centres on traffic issues, such as speeding and lack a route used by gritting lorries . of safe parking spaces . Highways officers asked Network Rail Why do we continue with this survey every 3-4 years when the results are if the closure could be postponed to similar? The major reason is to provide a solid body of up-to-date evidence the spring and also whether the road that protects the village from unwanted development as is happening in could be partially closed but were many places in the country . told this was not possible . Fawler It provides guidance to the PC in what direction our efforts and your residents have seen a significant council tax is best spent . One of the major financial commitments is paying increase in traffic, especially along off the loan from the District Council for the new village hall – one of the Lane, as people have most valued assets amongst a large majority of villagers . been using that route as a way to Ideas were put forward by a few that are simply unaffordable or avoid the official diversion through outside the specific responsibilities of the PC . This can prove a frustration Woodstock and . to respondents who feel their voice is not being heard . Please become There was particular concern that involved with the PC by joining our monthly meetings on Zoom . You will North Leigh Lane is used by Fawler be given your chance to put forward your ideas . If you wish to take a more residents as a walking route, and it is active part, the PC will be delighted to hear from those who wish to be also an official cycle route . I was able considered for standing for the council at the next election . to get pedestrian warning signs put Finally, complaints still continue about dog poo on the path by the up almost immediately, but getting pub . Frankly, the council are at their wits end of what to do next . We signs diverting traffic away from the have installed more bins but the nuisance continues . Installing cameras lane took a lot longer as we were is expensive and intrusive . Villagers noting miscreants, particularly with a dependent on Network Rail for this . photo of the offenders, can be used by prosecuting authorities . Fines are But thanks to a very persistent officer severe . we finally succeeded! Hywel Davies I reported in the last edition of Finstock News that I was working ‘To be wronged is nothing unless you continue to remember it’ with the Parish Council to improve - Confucius safety on the B4022 where the PETER SMITH & SON footpath emerges from Cornbury PETER____ FUNERAL SMITH DIRECTORS & LTD SON____ Independent Funeral Directorswith family values and I am very pleased to report that FUNERAL DIRECTORS LTD Pure Relaxation Yoga Finding Peace through Relaxation some much more visible signs have Independent Funeral Directors with family values Pre-paid funeral plans recently replaced the pedestrian FuneralPre-paid Planner funeral of theYear plans 2018 warning signs on the road . I continue Local classes in Witney, Finstock & Leafield Funeral RegionalPlanner of Winner the Year 2018 • to work with the Parish Council to Livestream Classes delivered to your own home Regional Winner • get the speed limit lowered . All typesof memorial work • Breath work, movement and meditation Cllr Liz Leffman, 07741 073088, includingAll types restoration of memorial & renovation work • Reduce stress & anxiety liz l. effman@oxfordeshire g. ov u. k including restoration & renovation • Build strength & flexibility Personal 24 hour service • Improve balance & posture 1993 • Suitable for all levels including beginners 01993 702000 ‘Beautifully relaxing classes but they’re also powerful...I come away feeling relaxed yet invigorated for the day ahead...’ LD

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8 The district and the need to invest in green not be permitted . council h a s infrastructure to ensure that ‘Twenty is plenty’ is the scheme passed the budget environmental concerns are addressed to reduce speed in and around our with all party now with timely action . We need villages and is running in Churchill and agreement in light investment in solar and wind power; Fawler as well as The Bartons . Both Liz of the pandemic retrofitting not only in new housing but Leffman and I have been supporting and the need to continue to work existing housing cannot come soon residents for this to happen as it does together to resolve the issues which we enough . The review of the district plan make a difference . If residents want are still facing . However, climate has to be progressed to ensure there signs we can supply these but please change is as important as the pandemic is a green checklist on all new let us know in advance and we will get developments, which effectively them to you . means more robust and enforceable Whilst the challenges ahead are policies and planning guidelines that do great, working in partnership to get not let developers off the hook . the best solutions irrespective of our Equally, Thames Water, subject of much political difference is the way forward criticism, must invest more in our and I will continue to represent you waterways so that flooding is not with that goal in mind . exacerbated by poor infrastructure Cllr Andy Graham and inadequate pumping stations . District Councillor Building on the floodplains should 07908 832632

Details of key dates for residents sure they apply before 20 April proxy voting need to be sent to the to be aware of for the upcoming local 2021 . They can request a postal vote District Council by no later than 5pm elections on 6 May . application form by visiting www. on Tuesday 27 April . The key pieces of information are: westoxon.gov.uk/about-the-council/ More information around the local Registering to vote elections-and-voting/register-to-vote/ elections for 2021 can be found at Anyone who wishes to vote must be We would encourage people to sign our website: www.westoxon.gov. registered on the electoral register . up to do this sooner rather than later . uk/about-the-council/elections-and- The deadline for those who are not Proxy voting voting/current-and-future-elections/ registered to make an application If a resident is unable to make it We will be sharing information via is Monday 19 April . For more to the polling station, then they our social media on Facebook and information and to register see: can nominate someone to be their Twitter . We would appreciate it if you www.gov.uk/register-to-vote proxy and cast their vote for them . could share these messages where Postal voting The proxy needs to be a registered you are able to . For anyone interested in voting by voter and able to attend the voter’s post this year they just need to make own polling station . Applications for West Oxfordshire District Council

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9 Are we about to lose SolarTRAVELLER’S Park in Ramsden TALES Friends of our footpaths? Plans are advancing for a solar park inIn Ramsden,March 2013 across I visited the Cuba, road somewhere from the Finstock School When you use a footpath, do you playground and the playing field. The seventy-acreI had always site will wanted have perimeter to visit fencing and I There’s not a lot to report from FoFS ever wonder if it is a public one? And running along and St John’sdecided Lane whichto do itis beforeover seven any feetchanges tall. this time around, other than to thank what makes it public? Solar panels will be installed up to the roadcame within about Ramsden’s because 30mph of a thawing area, and of the organisers of and participants in The law is about to change, thanks adjacent to the lane opposite the Wychwoodrelations Project with site America in Singe . OWood.ur first day the splendid Plough Quiz & Curry to the Countryside and Rights of Way This is a for-profit development with antour expected of Havana output was four enough times and to moreshow Night - which, after donations, raised that of Southill Solar, the Charlbury site. It is big. It is a lock-up-and-go project Act 2000, and the change will happen that the city’s buildings were crumbling, a brilliant total of £140 . Curry and independent of village involvement or forward biodiversity management. at the end of 2025. After that date the with what would have once been questions were excellent and much fun No opponents of Green Energy have been uncovered in Ramsden, but the historical evidence of use before 1949 beautiful houses in a terrible state of repair . size, proximity to the village and impact of this proposal are causing widespread was had by all thanks to the wonder of that can now be used to show that a We travelled around the country on the very poor, potholed roads in coaches concern amongst the residents. Anyone who walks along Akeman Street or St Zoom . To find out about the next one, right of way is public will no longer be made in North Korea with little or no suspension . We travelled west to the Vinales John’s Lane cannot but expect to be affected by such a change to the views, the please visit and ‘like’ our Facebook area and then down to the Bay of Pigs where they had a museum full of exhibits allowed. environment and the local heritage. page to be kept in the loop: Facebook . and propaganda about the failed invasion . From there we went to the colourful How does this affect Finstock? The publicly declared ambitions of the developers can be found in the WODC com/FriendsOfFinstockSchool . Take one example, the Church townplanning of Trinidad portal. and down to Santiago de Cuba via Camaguey . Here was a lot 2021 certainly looks like being a lean Allotment Field. There is only one of Finstockevidence News of the readers Castro-led who would invasion like thatmore started detailed the local Revolutionary information Warand who . On fundraising year for FoFS until we can get registered public footpath across the ourmight journey like to backexpress to Havanaan interest we or stopped concern at should Santa contactClara, where stopakemansolarpark@ the Revolutionary back out there and celebrate together field, which runs up from the graveyard, wargmail.com. officially ended and Che Guevara is buried in a massive mausoleum . We whilst fundraising . Do please remember then had a few days in Havana doing the open bus tour, at great speed, visiting and turns left to the High Street. Yet that donations to our TotalGiving page the Museum of Revolution and the Hotel Nacional de Cuba where all the great there are many other paths which have are gratefully received at any time: andGovernment good used to stay Planningin pre-revolution Reforms days . Drinking – have Mojitos your in the say! gardens been used as of right for generations, www t. otalgiving c. o u. k/charity/friends- overlookingThe Government the sea washas beena very consulting pleasant experienceon a major . Weshake were up takento the toplanning a cigar such as the one that runs along the of-finstock-school . Physical donations factorysystem thatand awould rum factorysee: - each traditional tourist stops and our guide was very outside edge of the field. Our Parish can be dropped off in the quarantine keen- The to answer introduction questions of nationally-imposed about life under the housing Castros targets (Fidel’s brother Raul was Council holds the documents collected box at the school . in charge- An increase then) . They in housing were understandablynumbers in the verysouth-east, proud ofbut their a fall literacy in other rate parts and in 2008, after the whole area was You can also donate when shopping healthof servicethe country but clearly the whole economy was suffering because of sanctions . sprayed with Round Up and used for online by using the Easyfundraising Our- Ameals significant mainly reduction consisted in of local rice, involvement. beans and chicken Community virtually engagement everywhere would but winter wheat. There are many other website or app - just search ‘Friends of examples. therebe was largely lots of restricted lovely fresh to the fruit Local . Customer Plan making service stage was more(as it stands,or less non-existentjust one six- and in general the locals not involved in the tourist trade seemed indifferent to us . Finstock School’ . If you fancy organising What can we do to protect a path? week consultation), with the public thereafter losing their ability to scrutinise It was interesting to visit a country that still used old steam tractors to harvest or suggesting a new digital or ‘meatspace’ Where the evidence has been most individual planning applications. the sugar crop and whose children and teenagers weren’t in the thrall of mobile FoFS fundraiser, we are always open to gathered, anyone can apply to the Countryside campaigners CPRE Oxfordshire are concerned about the impact phones and the internet . I wonder how much has changed in the seven years ideas from the wider community as county council to register a footpath. these changes will have on our rural county. You can read more about the issues since I visited? well as from school, staff and kids . Just You are asking the surveying authority on their website at www.cpreoxon.org.uk. Deborah Jackson send us an email: fofs2020@gmail c. om . to make a definitive map modification The Government’s White Paper – Planning for the Future – is out for Stay safe and see you soon! consultation until 29th October 2020, but the debate will continue thereafter order under section 53 of the Wildlife Su Jordan and Countryside Act 1981. The so there is still time to share your views with your local MP. procedure is described by the Open Spaces Society:- www.oss.org.uk/need-to-know- Knowledge gives nothing to you until you give everything to it. more/information-hub/applications- to-record-public-paths-after-twenty- years-use Deborah Manning BLINDS AND CURTAINS What are the obstacles? I believe that a fee is charged for School of Dance Made to Measure footpath applications; and as most Classes are held weekly in many authorities have a large backlog of applications it may take a year or villages around Oxfordshire. more for the process to be completed. Commercial Jazz Classes for 11+ If there are objectors, the order is years are held at Finstock Village submitted to the Planning Inspectorate Hall every Thursday. for determination, usually by a public inquiry. If an inquiry is held, some or One Free Trial available for all of your witnesses will have to give everyone! CALL US FOR A FREE CONSULTATION

evidence. Please contact Connie Manning More research needed? 01993 870606 on 01993 779125 The only evidence of which I am www.windowdesign.co aware relates to the Allotment Field. [email protected]

Other areas, such as those used by to arrange your C S D  Y WOOF, will need their own evidence.  H Tony Hirtenstein FREE TRIAL NOW!

10 9 Finstock Unplugged Fortunately, there was no problem changing to guitar accompaniment - Jan-Feb sessions with Zoom in February . Over a for her songs . Unfortunately, we had to do dozen performers arrived, a good From across the pond, and without Rachel in January; there number for an online ‘meet’, and one in a remarkably positive mood were problems with Zoom and which enabled everyone to perform considering that she has had to cope despite our best efforts, she couldn’t three songs during the evening if with burst pipes and no running attend . Although we missed her, we they wished . Rachel returned and water as a result of the Texas big had a good number of attendees inspired us to feel positive, since freeze, Nancy performed three who entertained us with a great fortunately, whatever else happens, of her original songs, including variety of music, traditional and ‘we cannot cancel spring’ . Mandy her haunting ‘Winter’ song . Last modern . Lara and Nancy, singer- and Patrick were in excellent form but certainly not least, we were songwriters who join us online from and performed both separately and delighted to welcome Ted B for the Texas, are now well established together, albeit in alternate verses . It first time, and I’m grateful that he in our group and add authentic was great to hear Mandy using her introduced me to the work of Chris Americana to our musical mix . This ‘squeezebox’ to good effect, while Smither through a skilful version of month’s earworm came from Lara, Patrick switched smoothly between ‘Maybe I was happier Blue ’. We hope with her ‘Set Me Free Waltz’ https:// guitar and banjo . Dave O . popped that Ted will visit us again! soundcloud c. om/l-l-straughan/10- up to give us a great new original Who knows, maybe we’ll be back set-me-free-waltz-mp3 . Somehow, song, only to disappear again before at the Plough soon! we’ll have to find a way to keep Lara I could quiz him about it . Gosh darn, Ginnie Redston and Nancy on board whenever ‘live’ he’s as elusive as ever! meetings return at The Plough . Brock and Vixen played ‘The This transatlantic enthusiasm Atholl Highlanders’, after which STOP PRESS mustn’t be misinterpreted as Brock switched from accordion to from any indication that we take our guitar to treat us to Vixen’s touching Finstock Unplugged! more local musicians for granted! ballad ‘Where is the Delighted to announce that Although Mandy Woods now only Bride?’ and ‘You’re the Only One’ . one of our core musicians, Jim visits occasionally to remind us of Jim offered his customary, versatile Driscoll, has been made Creative her thoughtful, well-crafted songs, mix of established songs and his own Director of Folk Weekend, and many of our members are too material, which this month included . Find out more here: ‘Zoomed out’ to join us online, we his philosophical ‘The River’ . Simon www f. olkweekendoxford co. u. k are fortunate in having highly skilled was in fine voice, performing songs singer-songwriters like Jim Driscoll by Christy Moore and Ewan McColl . - where further updates will be and Brock and Vixen as regulars, Claire played piano for a gentle jazz added as events are confirmed . not to mention, when able to join improvisation on ‘Michelle’, later us, Finstock’s own Rachel F . And it’s not just the songs . Brock and Vixen’s NICOLA instrumentals, such as ‘Saddle the Pony’, on accordion and guitar, are MORGANDC FMCA BLINDS always a highlight and in ‘gallery’ Registered Chiropractor – AND view it’s fun to see the rest of us McTimoney Technique swaying rhythmically to their playing, CURTAINS Kimber Cottage, Woodstock Rd, albeit slightly out of sync because of the latency! Among our number we Charlbury OX7 3ET also boast some fine voices – take a Tel: 07968-381335 WINDOW DESIGN bow, Mandy C ., Simon and Rosie C . I have nearly 35 years’ experience in SOFT FURNISHINGS The latter two also (independently) this gentle, effective manipulative Phone Consultations both compose their own songs and therapy, which is suitable for many conditions and ages. And Virtual Showroom provide original tunes to existing Appointments Now Available texts, such as Rosie’s beautiful tune See www.chippingnortonchiropractor.co.uk to Hardy’s ‘The Darkling Thrush’ I am registered with most major health www.windowdesign.co insurance companies. and Claire, besides being a multi- instrumentalist, is also beginning to Registered with the General Chiropractic Council. 01993 870606 perform her own compositions .

11 Joys of growing Clematis How to get plants In late March, Clematis alpina announces its arrival, with an explosion of in the right light hundreds of nodding flowers . I grow four varieties together on an obelisk Be aware that our eyes are not to produce a continuous display, each colour following the other in hues of very good at measuring light levels . blue, pink and white . They are strong growing, amazingly tough varieties, Use a free light meter app, and that can withstand temperatures down to minus 40 . They naturally grow you will see that the light level at a up in the mountains, hence they never need pruning, thriving on neglect! window can be double that just a They can be grown up arches, at the base of a large wall or shed and metre away from it . trained to cover it . Most houseplants are varieties Clematis jackmanii was introduced in 1862 from the Jackman Nursery that grow on the rainforest floor – in Woking, this was the first of the modern large-flowered hybrids . It is a so they are not adapted for bright, climber which produces masses of large velvety violet-purple blooms, and direct light (within about a metre of is still among the most familiar climbers seen in gardens, appearing in early a window) . Exceptions are cacti and May . It is ideal for growing in a large container, supported by trellis or garden other succulents, and some species canes; it copes well in a north-facing site . The Jackman family are one of from the Mediterranean, such as the best-known names in the history of Clematis breeding, operating over bougainvillea and pelargoniums . a huge time span from 1763-1967 . Within 1-2 metres of a window Another excellent Clematis which deserves a space is usually the sweet spot for “bright in anyone’s garden is Princess Diana with its distinctive but indirect” light that doesn’t burn deep pink flowers, resembling tulips in their shape . I leaves, which suits most houseplants, encourage it to scramble over and through other plants particularly north facing windows appearing from mid-summer to mid-autumn . I trim and east or west facing ones except this back to 6”at the end of the year as new shoots at the height of summer . will appear from below ground in spring . South facing windows (where it is In late September, Clematis tangutica usually too bright) are about right in lights up my lilac tree, with a cascade winter months . of dainty bell-shaped yellow flowers Few species are happy in low, and fern-like foliage . All clematis have indirect light (more than two metres fantastic seed heads after flowering, from a window), but aspidistras and creating additional interest for some time and make a good feature in flower zamioculcas can tolerate relatively arrangements . dark corners . The best time to plant clematis is in late spring or early autumn, when the Source – The Observer soil is moist and warm, but not too hot . Dig a hole about 12” deep, fork over the base of the hole and place the plant carefully in the hole making sure that the top of the root ball is buried about three inches (8cm) deeper than it was in its pot (this is a precaution against ‘clematis wilt’, as dormant buried buds will produce new growth), infill with a rich moisture-retentive PELLMANS soil, and cut back to six inches, to Your Local Solicitors encourage strong growth, water in • Business and Employment Law with two gallons of water . They’re Contracts, Legal Compliance and hungry feeders, so add plenty of Disputes organic material when planting and • Property feed with a high potash fertiliser in Buying and Selling Homes, summer . Commercial and Agricultural Why not try producing extra • Wills, Probate and Trusts Tax Planning and Lasting Powers plants by taking inter-nodal cuttings of Attorney in summer, or growing a new variety from seed . Happy gardening, 01865 884400 Robert Bigwood www.pellmans.co.uk

1 Abbey Street, , Witney, OX29 4TB Home visits and evening appointments available

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