Issue 61 Winter 2009 Grapevine Appeal Content & Editorial Policy

The Ascott Grapevine is provided If you have an article, story or po- FREE to every household in As- em you would like to submit for cott and we wish this to continue publication the Grapevine editorial for a long time to come. team would love to hear from you. Although ‘The Grapevine’ does Material for publication is grate- receive support from the Parish fully accepted. Due to space con- Council and the PCC, it only raises siderations material may not be a limited amount of revenue from used immediately but may be held advertising. ‘The Ascott Grape- over to be included in a later issue. vine’ survives mainly on do- nations. If you would like to help The Grapevine editorial team re- The Grapevine continue, any do- serve the right to shorten, amend or nation large or small would be reject any material submitted for appreciated. You can give a dona- publication. tion to any member of the editorial team. Opinions expressed in contributions If there is an aspect of village are not necessarily those of the Edito- life not already covered in the rial Team. Grapevine please contact a mem- ber of the team to discuss your ideas. Advertising Rates

Articles for the Spring issue of £15.00 for full page The Grapevine should be sub- £10.00 for half page mitted by 5th April 2009. £5.00 for quarter page

Call 01993 831023 or email: wendypearse@ BOOK AND PAY IN ADVANCE honeydale.freeserve.co.uk FOR FOUR ISSUES AND YOU ONLY HAVE TO PAY FOR Stuart Fox, Elaine Byles, THREE. Wendy Pearse, Maggie Lyon.

Page 2 Don’t forget about the Ascott website: Exciting changes to Church services in Ascott and beyond! Mark Abrey explains a radical new belting out hymns with gusto, backed by look for forthcoming Sunday services in an organ accompaniment. the area: The downside is you may have to From February 2009 there’s going travel to whichever Benefice church is to be quite a big change to the way hosting that week’s service (lifts will be church services are organised in the gladly provided to those who don’t have Chase Benefice – and Ascott will be transport), but the upside is you get to playing an important part. worship as part of a larger thriving com- Up until now every village in our munity. area has hosted a small local service on We are also making a few changes three Sundays each month. On the other to the services to make them more inclu- Sunday, everyone in the surrounding sive for children and families. So al- villages has been getting together for a though there will always be a traditional larger Benefice Service where the con- Holy Communion from the Book of gregations from the Churches of the Common Prayer (BCP) which lasts Benefice (comprising the churches of about 40 minutes, at one of the churches Chadlington, Heythrop, Ascott, Spels- every Sunday at 8am, the 10am service bury and Enstone) meet altogether for will become more varied and will use worship at one of these churches. contemporary language. But after much discussion and We plan to vary the format through- thought, the Parochial Church Councils out the month, offering perhaps a Com- of Chadlington, Ascott, Spelsbury and munion Service with sermon and hymns Enstone (who work with the Clergy to one week, with Altogether Worship an- organise church life) have decided to other (a service without Communion trial a new system, whereby every Sun- which will have something for adults day service becomes a Benefice Service and children), we might add in a less which moves around the villages in rota- formal and shorter Altogether Commu- tion. In other words, instead of there nion Service (where children take a being sometimes four services in differ- more active part in the service), with an ent churches in the area at 10am each occasional “Liquid Worship” which en- week, there will now only be one. courages everyone to respond to the Bi- So instead of going along to your ble readings in a more creative way than village church and sitting in a congrega- simply listening to a sermon. tion of perhaps 15-20 people, you’ll be A small team will meet regularly to joining the 50-70 worshippers in the discuss the themes for worship and the Benefice at one of the local churches, www.ascott-under-wychwood.org.uk Page 3 aim is to develop a continuity of worship nity, which is so much healthier than from one week to the next. self-conscious hymn singing in a declin- There will also be a once-a-month ing congregation whose sustainability “Quiet Communion Service” at 6.30 on may be challenged. a Sunday evening for people who might This isn’t a necessarily a permanent appreciate a little silent contemplation. It arrangement. We just thought we could will be a simple Communion Service for trial the new system for a nine-month the end of the day, with few words and period, then get together in November to plenty of silence. There will be music, a see what everyone thinks. During this short talk, but no hymn singing – it’s time the parishioners of Heythrop will going to be “ space to breath, time to continue to have a monthly traditional think, room to be ”. service of Holy Communion. The idea behind varying the servic- We’ll make sure that each church es like this is to provide the reassurance notice board clearly states where the of tradition and convention to those who Benefice Service is going to be held want it, but to open things out a bit to each week, what type of service it is, and make worship more appealing to all ages who it is likely to be aimed at. The and especially to families and young services will move around the Benefice people. It is often said that ‘children are in rotation, with each church having a the church of the future’. They are not: service once a fortnight: one at 8am and they are the church of the present and if two weeks later one at 10am. For Ascott we don’t find a way to encourage and this will mean 8am on the 2nd Sunday of engage with them now, the popularity the month and 10 am on the 4th. and relevance of the church will really The plan is for Christmas, Easter and dwindle. Remembrance Sunday to continue as it Why are we doing this? Perhaps always has, with each village having its surprisingly in the current economic cli- own smaller individual services. But for mate, this is not a cost-cutting exercise. the first time this year, Mothering Sun- In fact it’s not about money at all. We day (on March 22nd) and Harvest Festi- just want everyone even from the small- val (on September 20th) will be great big est villages with few regular attendees to Benefice affairs held at one of the Bene- enjoy the feeling of a being part of a big fice Churches, but to which everyone is group of worshipers. It gives us the op- welcome. portunity for the Chase Benefice to be- You will find a full list of all the come more inclusive, to cater for as services printed elsewhere in the maga- many people as possible whilst maxi- zine. We’ve also put together a leaflet at mising our resources. Worshiping regu- the back of the church which we hope larly in a larger group helps build a sense will answer specific questions that peo- of a thriving, confident church commu- ple might have – please do take one! Page 4 Don’t forget about the Ascott website: Mary and I are really excited about these new plans, and we hope you will approach the changes with an open mind and a willingness to give things a try.

Mark Abrey

Pattern of Worship across the Benefice for February and March 2009

Below you will find a list of all our services and where they will be held. If you would like to attend but need transport please contact Anne Braithwaite [01993 831282] who will put you in touch with someone who is organising lifts.

(note: BCP = Book of Common Prayer [traditional]; CW = Common Worship [contemporary])

Date Time Where Type of Service 01 Feb 0800 Enstone Communion Service [BCP] 1000 Chadlington Communion Service with sermon [CW] 08 Feb 0800 Ascott Communion Service [BCP] 1000 Spelsbury Altogether Worship [CW] 1000 Heythrop Communion Service with hymns [CW] 1830 Chadlington Quiet Communion Service [CW] 15 Feb 0800 Chadlington Communion Service [BCP] 1000 Enstone Altogether Communion Service [CW] 22 Feb 0800 Spelsbury Communion Service [BCP] 1000 Ascott CW Communion Service with sermon [CW] 01 Mar 0800 Enstone Communion Service [BCP] 1000 Chadlington Altogether Communion with Youth Band [CW] 08 Mar 0800 Ascott Communion Service [BCP] 1000 Spelsbury Communion Service with sermon [CW] 1000 Heythrop Communion Service with hymns [CW] 15 Mar 0800 Chadlington Communion Service [BCP] 1000 Enstone All Age Worship with Baptism [CW] 1830 Ascott Quiet Communion Service [CW] 22 Mar 0800 Spelsbury Communion Service [BCP] 1000 Ascott Altogether Communion Service [CW] 29 Mar 1000 Spelsbury Liquid Worship [CW]

www.ascott-under-wychwood.org.uk Page 5 Ascott Village Shop

Did you miss our late night opening and product launch in December? If so don’t worry as we are now stocking a range of products from the Upton Smokery near Burford. The products are available including trout, salm- on, duck, chicken, pheasant, partridge and many others. If we don’t have it in stock we will be happy to place an order for you. Don’t forget we stock a wide range of products at competitive prices and can order newspapers and meat from local suppliers for you to collect from the shop. We look forward to serving you in 2009.

Page 6 Don’t forget about the Ascott website: ASCOTT VILLAGE SHOP SURVEY ANALYSIS NARRATIVE

1. Number of Surveys Returned and we will be looking to try and find The average of 53% is much higher the reasons why. than expected. Some respondents did Not unexpectedly, the main use of not answer all the questions. the shop is for top-up or emergency, Encouragingly, the response from with only 9% buying their main shop. all the streets was pretty evenly matched. Do the 44 who ticked ‘Newspapers’ Overall, it is an excellent return and buy other things too? Watching the a tribute to all the volunteers who traffic in the shop, the answer in most worked so hard. cases seems to be ‘Yes’, but it is a point to debate. Are some customers newspa- 2. Demographics pers only? It is perhaps no surprise that we are a predominantly older population, with 4. Value for Money 66% aged 50 plus, and of those, 30% In terms of value for money, 75% aged 65 or over. Only 10% are 21-39 rate us as ‘Excellent’ or ‘Good’, but and 19% 40-49. 21% as ‘Fair’ or ‘Poor’. Fifty nine percent of houses have two adults and 62% of houses have no 5. Range of Products children, which accords with a rump of Opinion is pretty evenly split be- population of 50 plus whose children tween ‘Excellent’ and ‘Good’, 40% and have grown up and moved away. 42%. Nonetheless, the responses showed Those 15% who view the range as 60 children in 108 houses, so we are not ‘Fair’ come from all over the village. totally an aged village! 6. Opening Hours 3. Use of the Shop These seem to suit 83%, although The good news is that 71% use the there are a couple of comments. One shop regularly and many actually wrote suggests opening to 7pm weekdays, an- ‘Daily’ or ‘Several times a week’ in their other would like opening on Sunday comments. earlier than 9am. But, 32% report fairly frequently, not We are open long hours, far longer much or never. than many similar establishments, and Twenty four respondents consider with a mainly volunteer staff, extending the shop fair or poor value for money those hours would be extremely difficult. www.ascott-under-wychwood.org.uk Page 7 7. What if the Shop were not there? Don’t forget that in many surveys, Good that 42% would really miss it, respondents named more than one su- but to 48%, the shop not being there permarket as a source of main shopping. would make only a little difference. Five percent would not miss it at all. 9. Likes and Dislikes We examined the figures for the The surveys confirm that the really 48% who said that the shop not being warm welcome and friendly service there would make only a little differ- from all the staff, combined with the ence, because the question was framed ambience, make it a really great place to ‘A little difference – I find the shop shop. We have several specific com- handy’. ments in favour of our range and being Of regular users, 32 would miss the at the heart of the community. shop a little; fairly frequent users, 9; On the minus side, some find it too those who do not use the shop much, 1. expensive, there are a couple of requests Of those who do not use the shop for more whole and organic milk and much, 1 would miss it a lot and 10 said two people would like to use their cards they would miss it a little. Four said for sums of less than £10. they would not really miss it at all. Given that the shop is invariably 10. Information and Ordering by used as top-up or emergency shopping, Email the responses of the 48% seem to reflect Not a popular idea, it would seem. that. They regard the shop as a handy place, but do have other sources outside 11. Summary the village as well, so are not wholly Overall, the surveys would appear dependent on the shop. to largely confirm what we already Nonetheless, we will be discussing know or at least suspect. usage of the shop and the villagers’ reli- We are delighted that our warm ance on it during the coming year. welcome and ambience please so many and likewise, that our range of products 8. Main Grocery Shop find general favour and that we offer A tie between Waitrose and excellent or good value for money. Sainsbury’s, no surprises there. More We will be addressing the question significant is 34% for Co-op, with some as to why 48% would only miss the shop answers stating it is the Co-op in Milton. a little to see if the figure reflects top-up Locally, is our main rival the Milton or emergency shopping, or whether Co-op? there are other reasons and any changes that can be made to increase our attrac- tiveness.

Page 8 Don’t forget about the Ascott website: The Ascott Pantomime

Ah, the magic of Pantomime! I can have the author himself launch the pro- still remember the thrill. As a child visit- ceedings by reading a couple of his always ing grandparents in Bristol for Christmas, entertaining poems. The poetry was fol- the trip to the Hippodrome was lowed by haunting music all part of the and song that sounded as ritual. Going though it had come from out when it was a time long ago. already dark; And so the scene anxiously find- was set for the players ing somewhere to perform; part folk to park; walking story, part mummers through cold, play, part panto. All busy streets; the our favourite charac- brightness of the ters were there; the foyer; the unique goodies, the baddies, smell of the the- the sillies, the fairies, atre; climbing ste the witches, the lovelies, the ugly sisters ep stairs to the balcony; finding flippy up and magically they were all very, very seats; begging for sixpence to release the funny. The plot twisted and turned and little red opera glasses. Then there was then just when all seemed lost, brave St the cacophony of noise from the orchestra George came to the rescue (as we rather pit as they tuned up, the safety cur- thought he might), the dragon was van- tain (what could possibly quished and once again good triumphed lie behind that had to be over evil, the baddies contained by safety cur- got their just rewards tain?), then brilliant and the good folk lived colours and music and happily ever after. dancing and two hours It would be wrong to lost in world of magic. pick out any one of the Oh yes it was. Pantos players and praise them starring George Form- for this skill or that. Rath- by, Cliff and the er let us thank them all, the Shadows, yodelling Frank players, the singers, the Ifield. musicians and all who How fantastic then that all that fun helped and lent themselves to an evening was offered to us at the Tiddy Hall. The of entertainment the like of which could script was another great Fred Russell pro- not be bettered for sheer fun and neigh- duction and how privileged we were to bourliness, not on the West End stage, or www.ascott-under-wychwood.org.uk Page 9 even the Bristol Hippodrome. What thrills and excitements await us in 2009? I for one can’t wait.

Tim Lyon

ASCOTT DISCUSSION GROUP

The Editors of the Grapevine would like to congratulate the Ascott Discussion Group for producing an entertaining and original pantomime. We also extend our grateful thanks for the £60 donation that was made to the Grapevine. Generous donations like this, plus the support that we receive from the Parish Council and the PCC enable us to continue to produce the magazine and deliver it free-of-charge to every household in the Parish. Page 10 Don’t forget about the Ascott website: Births Deaths

On 30th December 2008 to Kerri and On 25th December 2008, Mikio Abe, Christopher Morgan, a daughter, aged 68 years. Cathryn Anne. On 27th December 2008, Robert Peter Goodchild (formerly of Shipton Road), aged 71 years.

On 18th January 2009, Vera May Pum- frey, aged 87 years. Mikio Abe (1940 – 2008) At the turn of the 20 th century, Mikio was born in Tokyo and edu- Mikio’s paternal grandfather came to cated through to university, studying London to learn about the banking sys- law. He travelled extensively worldwide tem of the West. He remained in London accompanying the president of his phar- for seven years after which he returned maceutical company, acting as transla- to Japan. He had studied the way of life tor and smoothing the way, wherever and many aspects of Western culture, needed. He was a big man, carried him- and, of course, the business of banking. self with pride and elegance, never ap- He impressed upon Mikio’s father that peared fazed by any event and always he “should feed his sons plenty of red had a few words for any situation. meat as well as fish, so that they would In the hot summer of 1976 he met grow strong and tall, and they should Daphne. She was acting as “chauffeur” learn at least two languages so as to be (taxi driver) for “two important Japa- able to communicate fully”. nese businessmen who were visiting It was obvious that these lessons London for the purpose of setting up a were taken on by his family. They led to new Anglo-Japanese venture”. Daphne life-long ambitions for Mikio – to travel had been advised that she should be and become the international man that “polite and deferential” and just concen- he was. trate on the driving. She did not expect Mikio had sisters, Kazuko and Mr Mikio Abe to elect to sit in the pas- Keiko and a younger brother Masao. His senger seat and advise her on the best mother Fumiko was a delightful, talent- route to take! By the end of the long day ed artist. of many visits, the two presidents in the rear of the car were observing an easy www.ascott-under-wychwood.org.uk Page 11 flow of conversation between Mikio and tionately known as Grandpa Mikio; he “the driver” – totally instigated by Mikio was always ready for a game of “hide – the man from Tokyo! It was the begin- and seek”. He followed their lives with ning of many letters and telephone calls keen interest. Mikio was totally dis- between Japan and England. traught when dear Sallyann was taken Between the early 70’s and up to the from us all last year. He did his level early 80’s, Mikio travelled throughout best to help the family through this trag- the States, Europe and the Far East. In edy. Japan, in one particular year, he was He also delighted in getting to know voted ‘International Businessman of the Daphne’s younger son Tim, and later, Year’ by a leading TV station N.H.K. his partner Pepa. He loved them both He was recruited to work for Rhone Pou- and always shared a laugh or two with lenc in the late 70’s and was travelling to them, and would support them in any and from Paris every 6 months or so for way he could. business. This was a chance for Daphne To Daphne, he was her soulmate, her and Mikio to meet, to explore the chanc- champion, her loving, sentimental “Mik es of living in either Japan or Europe in Chan” and she was so proud and felt their future life together. Daphne decided honoured to be his wife. to travel to Japan to see if she could live there and continue her work in music. Daphne Abe Her biggest worry was leaving her sons Nick and Tim behind. There followed many trips back and forth and finally in 1980, Mikio was granted his life-long ambition to live and work in the United Kingdom. He was, as the chief partner of Knight Frank de- scribed him, “the exotic Japanese setting up the Japan desk in the city office”. In due course he moved to various compet- itors in the property industry, but always maintained good relations with previous firms. Daphne and Mikio married in 1981 and settled in Sevenoaks. Mikio so en- joyed getting to know Daphne’s eldest son Nick and daughter-in-law Sallyann. In due course, their daughters Hayley and Gemma were born and he was affec- Page 12 Don’t forget about the Ascott website: www.ascott-under-wychwood.org.uk Page 13 FROM SMALL BEGINNINGS – A FULL CIRCLE

For five years the Editorial Team Leafield. In January 1878 the first issue has very much enjoyed producing the of the Leafield and Ascott under Wych- Grapevine magazine for the village and wood Parish Magazine was published, hope that you also enjoy the fruits of our price 2d. This would be equivalent to efforts. Most of you will remember that 92p today and at that time when for ten years previously, Anne Braith- labourer’s wages were only around 12s waite made a sterling job solely on her per week, the subscribers must all have own, of producing the first forty issues. come from the middle class. It was print- But something of which you will be ed in Witney by J. Knight, Printer, High totally unaware is that the Grapevine has Street. a much longer pedigree and for the be- Whilst Anne was editing the Grape- ginning of the story we have to go back vine I wrote three articles covering the 130 years to 1878. ensuing three years of this production. I The Rev. Samuel Yorke preached had found part copies of the magazines his first sermon in Ascott in May 1876. in the Parish cupboard whilst acting as We know the exact date because John Parish Clerk. The copies had been made Simpson Calvertt who farmed up at Fair- by Harry Mortimer, a previous Clerk, speare at the time, made the following from originals held by Doris Warner entry in his diary. ‘May 28. Miss M who lived in Centuries House for many Fowler & Elizabeth Anne accd. me to years in the middle of the twentieth cen- Ascott Church, the new Minister Revd. tury. Presumably the originals had been York preached, it being only his second handed down through her family since Sunday’s Duty.’ The diary was pub- their original publication. lished in 1973, edited by Celia Miller It had always puzzled me why the and entitled Rain and Ruin, The Diary of copies only covered the three years an Oxfordshire Farmer, John Simpson 1878-1880, but now I know why and so Calvertt 1875 – 1900.You will remem- we can move up another step of the ber Tim Lyon’s article about the book in Grapevine’s pedigree. the last issue. Several entries in the Dia- A few months ago, John Rawlins, a ry mention Rev. S. Yorke and Rev. T. fellow member of the Wychwoods His- Lee of Leafield attending all manner of tory Society Committee, asked me if I meetings and occasions, so presumably would like to look through some copies they became fast friends and sometime of the initial editions of the Chipping during 1877, they must have discussed Norton Deanery Magazine. And therein the possibility of producing a combined I found the answer to my puzzle. parish magazine covering Ascott and In the inaugural copy of the Chip- ping Norton Deanery Magazine, under Page 14 Don’t forget about the Ascott website: Parochial Notes, Ascott under Wych- but rather to have increased. It’s publi- wood, is the following, presumably writ- cation involves no little trouble, it is ten by Rev. Samuel Yorke. ‘It will be very ably edited and it’s circulation seen that, with the New Year, our Parish should be encouraged: grand illustra- Magazine has assumed a new aspect, and tions and very many pages of matter formed a new alliance. After having cannot be reasonably looked for at so been united very happily with Leafield small a cost: the ‘Penny Reading’ exhor- during three years past, it has been tation seems suitable for our Magazine’s wooed and won by the Rural Deanery plea:- Combination, and, though our readers must not look for three pages connected “Think of our modest charge, and solely with Ascott matters, as heretofore, then yet it is to be hoped that the records of Relax your critic clutch, the doings of our neighbours will be Only a penny! Gentlemen found of much interest, and that our So don’t expect too much.” Magazine will obtain no less or even an increased support from our former sixty These Deanery copies which I bor- subscribers.’ rowed from John Rawlins covered the The Chipping Norton Deanery Mag- years 1881-March 1883, and the final azine included the villages of Ascott, edition reads under Ascott under Wych- Chipping Norton, Charlbury and Short- wood, ‘ The present Vicar announced in hampton, Chastleton, Chadlington, his sermon that he was about to leave for Churchill and Sarsden, Cornwell, Day- the living of Fifield, to which he has lesford, Enstone, Fifield and Idbury, Fin- been presented by the Bishop.’ Again stock and Fawler, Great Tew, Great confirmed in ‘Rain and Ruin’ by Rollright. Hook Norton, Kingham, Leaf- J.S.Calvertt. ‘June 3 Rode down to hear ield, Little Compton, Little Rollright, Mr Yorke, preach the last time at Ascott, Little Tew, Milton and Lyneham, Rams- before he enters upon Fifield,’ den, Salford, Shipton and Langley, And so the instigator of the Parish Spelsbury, and Swerford. So a very Magazine left Ascott, but the Deanery much larger distribution area and it magazine carried on undaunted for over seems that the vicar of Milton, the Rev. 100 years, recording various happenings A.W.N. Deacon took over compiling the and events, and births, deaths and mar- magazine. The price it appears was also riages throughout the Chipping Norton reduced to 1d, for in the January 1882 Deanery. When it’s publishing finally issue, Rev Yorke records:- ceased, Anne Braithwaite took on the ‘This is the fifth year of our Maga- task of keeping the village informed by zine and the interest taken therein seems the production of the Grapevine, until by no means to have abated in our parish, www.ascott-under-wychwood.org.uk Page 15 finally handing over the task to the members of the Editorial Team. So Ascott’s parish magazine has a great deal more provenance than anyone would ever imagine and like so many people today, researching their family history, it has come back to it’s roots. But with one enormous bonus. Today the Grapevine is delivered for FREE. Perhaps I should just add. If you do enjoy our magazine which we lovingly produce for you every three months, and want production to continue for another century.

REMEMBER To ensure the Grapevine’s continuing survival, we are always truly grateful for all donations.

Wendy Pearse

Page 16 Don’t forget about the Ascott website: OUT AND ABOUT Some time ago, not long after mov- along with what seemed most of the ing into the village four years ago, population, had a car – how I now regret Wendy Pearse asked me whether I that parting. would be willing to write an article about About 9 years ago I had a total hip a pastime I had resurrected from my replacement on my right hip and the childhood since moving into this beauti- surgeon advised that physical activity ful rural county of Oxfordshire. I had was to be encouraged but it was best to been relating to her my enjoyment of avoid joint impact sports, basically any- cycling but I was somewhat sceptical thing involving running and horse rid- that my enjoyment would be seen in the ing, because of the danger of dislocation same light by others. with the legs spread so wide. ‘What Since that discussion, the general about cycling?’ I asked, that’s fine he economic and environmental atmos- said. I bought a cheap cycle and starting phere has changed and I have found cycling to and from work in Southamp- myself cycling to work in Long Hanbor- ton, a 20 mile round trip, for two rea- ough as often as is practicable. The lack sons, city traffic was diabolical and the of facilities at work has exercise was essential for my well made the weather a con- being. trolling factor, do I or When my wife and I moved don’t I? Arriving at here we walked a great deal to work wet and bedrag- soak in the rural outdoors and we gled is no fun. found that very rewarding. How- As a child in the ever, some of my colleagues at 50’s my only means of work were keen off road cyclists transport was a bicycle, and I as an engineer was im- although my father had pressed with the technicality of a car, it was for work modern cycles and soon I bought only and its use as the a mountain bike and joined them children’s taxi, as is on riding the bridleways in the common today, was out local area, the Chilterns and also of the question. My first trips to the Welsh mountain trails. bike was a Dawes, cost- I became hooked. My cycle has ing about, if I remember become like the old garden correctly £26, for which I paid the bike broom, several changes and additions shop 10s a week from my paper round but it is still the same bike! money with my father as guarantor. I Cycling off road is a real joy, parted with that bike in the 60’s when I, with a good cycle you can tackle most www.ascott-under-wychwood.org.uk Page 17 terrains, it’s quiet so the wild life is not way through Rights of Way north of frightened any more than it would be by Chadlington and then dropping into walkers, horse riders or general farm Chadlington passing the fishing pond work. You can clearly see, smell and and then making way to Pudlicote and feel the countryside, observe what is thence across the fields reaching the going on around you and slow or stop bridge over the Evenlode at Manor Farm without worrying about following and then home. The more adventurous ‘traffic’. The countryside is full of bri- can ride through Charlbury towards the dleways allowing many miles of road Woodstock road and then branch off free riding and with careful planning a towards Stonesfield and then join the old circular route can be followed giving a Salt Road eventually joining to the pre- variety of views. vious route. The majority of these routes With the state of the roads and the are off road and although a stretch of the density of vehi- Salt Road has been cles throughout ruined with deep ruts the area it is diffi- by four wheel drive cult for families vehicles, it is still to plan a cycle very rewarding to ride where the complete the circuit. children can ride I have on, several oc- with a degree of casions, stopped on safety. From this the ride between village families Kingstanding Farm can very quickly and Leafield and access suitable watched the antics of bridleways that cater for different skill Hares, particularly in Spring and ob- levels. Nothing around here is served deer looking at me trying to de- ‘technically’ difficult but there are some cide whether I am a threat to them. The bridleways that require some effort but silence is broken at times by the calls are easy enough for the rider to dismount from circling Buzzards as they commu- and push until reaching a level stretch. nicate with one another. As riders get fitter and more confident For thrills and adrenaline rushes they can range further and take routes there are trails in the Affan forest in that take them from the village to Chil- South Wales where long climbs through son, some road work through Charlbury evergreen forests reward you with stun- from where there are two main interim ning views across the Welsh valleys, detinations out of Charlbury. Starting on prior to rock and tree-root strewn single the Enstone road but branching off to tracks taking you back down the moun- meet with the old Salt Road and making tain side at speeds such that you emerge Page 18 Don’t forget about the Ascott website: at the end totally shaken, stiff armed Helping others to help from hanging on and braking hard as you themselves negotiate tight corners and one metre drop off over boulders, wondering why Happy New Year on earth you even considered going down the track; but then you start to grin An update from the Village Charity and realise how incredibly exciting it really was and you are ready for the next Although there has been a charity for trails after a bite to eat and a long re- many years in the village, it was really as freshing drink. There are two types of a follow-on from fundraising for the vil- trails in the mountains, some are exclu- lage shop, back in 2003, that the modern sively for bikes whilst the walkers are day Village Charity was formed. This given their own pathways so that there is Charity has now been merged with the no danger of the two pastimes clashing. Poors and Lower Green charities to form My riding colleagues are all young- a single entity. er than me but I can maintain contact The charity is managed by the follow- with them up hill but down hill I must ing trustees; Rev. Mark Abrey 01608 admit to being more cautious than they. 676572, Elaine Byles 01993 831427, John I suppose that at 62, reaction times have Cull 01993 831621, Mark Dawbarn lengthened a little and the fear factor is 01993,831632, Stuart Fox 01993 832004. stronger. I could probably go faster but I The aims of the charity are quite still get a thrill at the end and get down broad; it is there to help those who need in one piece! some help in the areas of education, recre- Keith Ravenhill ation and general need. Last year, for example, we were able to pledge funds to help the pre-school make their play area saf- er, purchase a marquee for gen- eral hire and pro- vide a grant to the Wychwood Day Centre. In order to help others, we do need a flow of funds. To date we www.ascott-under-wychwood.org.uk Page 19 have organised two fun runs (in conjunc- BANG, YOU’RE NOT DEAD tion with the Sports Club) and plan to organise a third this October. In addition, we are planning to hold an outdoor musi- This is not about my flying trips, but cal evening in June - details to follow a collection of anecdotes based around when we have it finalised. We meet regu- the ejector seat, an invention that has larly to consider requests for support and saved many lives. would be pleased to hear from individuals The ejector seat was born post or organisations that need a little extra WWII, when fighters changed from pis- funding for specific projects. ton engines to jets. With speeds rising If you would like to discuss your idea from 400 mph to 1000 mph and more, further, please contact one of the trustees. aircrew simply could not get out of the We would love to hear from you. cockpit in such high-speed airstreams and even if they did, were likely to strike Best wishes some part of the aircraft and be killed. Besides, at higher speeds, things hap- John Cull pened so fast that sometimes it was only Chairman the ejector seat that gave the split-second separation from the aircraft that was the difference between life and death. Known as the ‘bang-seat’ in RAF jargon, the original design improved over the years. The first seats only worked if the aircraft was in the air. Many emergencies happened during takeoff, so the next version was the 0/90, which worked at ground level, but need- ed 90 knots of speed. Then came the 0/0 or rocket seat, which even from a sta- tionary aircraft, would send its occupant soaring into the air to a sufficient height to separate from his seat and deploy his parachute. These days, I should say his/her, but aircrew were exclusively male in my time. I am told the rocket is also kinder to the spine of its occupant, as the acceleration is less abrupt than the previous models, which used an explo- sive charge.

Page 20 Don’t forget about the Ascott website: A key factor in any ejection is the hood dropped over the occupant’s head cockpit canopy. If you have never seen during ejection as protection and the one, the plexiglass of a jet fighter canopy pan, a handle between the knees. For is frighteningly thick, especially the pilots especially, dropping your hands windscreen. Despite this, I have seen from the control column to the pan was many photos of windscreens shattered a matter of inches rather than feet and by a birdstrike at several hundred miles often proved a life-saver. per hour. Canopies weigh a ton and were Ejector seats are enormously power- craned off for major servicing of the ful and care had to be taken not to set aircraft. During an ejection, the canopy one off during servicing on the ground. separated first, blown off by explosive To prevent this, safety pins were placed bolts, then the pilot/navigator et al fol- in the fuse or sear and removed as part lowed. Occasionally, the canopy did not of start-up procedure. Some pilots died blow completely clear or was caught in because they forgot to remove the the airstream and would kill or maim the pins….. I heard of one aircraft mechanic crew. I have a friend who lost his right who was working in the cockpit of a forearm in just this way. fighter when he I always thought the heard the pan Vulcan bomber and its sear go. In that cousin, the Victor tanker, fraction of time rather unfair, as only the he realised, too pilot and co-pilot had ejec- late, that he had tor seats. The rest of the not inserted the crew had to dive out the rear sear pin. Fear of door as in olden times and death does in- take their chances. Some credible things aircraft with multiple crew and he managed were fitted with command to stuff himself eject – if the captain ejected, it automat- into the minute space of the rudder-pedal ically ejected the rest of the crew. Com- well. Miraculously, the seat missed him. mand eject was not popular for a number When his mates came to investigate he of reasons and was stopped. It was not was jammed so tightly, they had to lever liked on one type of American plane him out. because the radio operator ejected down- John, a fellow kart racer in Germa- wards. If the captain ejected during ny, was an Air Traffic Control officer takeoff, the radio op got splattered all and recounted the tale of a Harrier on the over the tarmac. runway at Wildenrath that was well Ejector seats have two handles, one alight. The radio was still working, but overhead called the hood, because a the pilot ignored orders to eject and con- www.ascott-under-wychwood.org.uk Page 21 tinued to try to quench the fire. At last he having ‘fluence at just the right level, he did eject and the sight of him soaring into wangled himself a follow-on tour just the air to land safely on his parachute down the road to RAF Bruggen, flying was something John said he would never Phantoms. Unfortunately for Dick, the forget. When looked at objectively after- Bruggen aircraft complement included wards, it was actually only 20 seconds some ex-Royal Navy Phantoms. Be- between being ordered to eject and doing cause of limited space on aircraft carri- so, but John said it felt like a lifetime. ers, these Phantoms were fitted with The early Harriers were not fitted wings that folded part way along. One of with a relight system for the engine. If the pre-flight checks was to ensure the the engine suffered a birdstrike, it would wing locks were in place and secure. flame out and a Dick and his Harrier glides verti- navigator took cally rather fast. off and at about Standing orders 500 feet, dis- were for pilots to covered two eject on flameout. things. The first One pilot was flying was that they over Germany, had not checked flamed out after a the wing locks birdstrike and eject- and the second ed. To his horror, was that a the engine recov- Phantom with ered and descend- part of its wings ing slowly on his parachute, he watched vertical flies like a housebrick. They the now drone flying serenely on to- ejected to face a spell in hospital and for wards the East German border. The Cold Dick, the wrath of his former boss. War was still very icy, so the German Air And finally, the flight safety maga- Force had to scramble and shoot it down. zine of the Royal Saudi Air Force (in Whoops! English) reported an accident to one of My last tale shows the old saying, the its Lightnings, but that the ‘the pilot higher you go, the harder you fall, is oft ejaculated safely’. Must have been really too accurate. exciting! Dick was the Aide de Camp to the Commander in Chief of RAF Germany. Nigel Wild This was a very good thing for a young pilot to do, because if you did a fine job, it would help your career no end. Dick was, shall we say, ebullient. No doubt Page 22 Don’t forget about the Ascott website: Then and now!

www.ascott-under-wychwood.org.uk Page 23 DEVELOPMENT OF 2A SHIPTON ROAD

No one in Ascott can have failed to notice the bri ght red hoardings around the development site that was formerly occupied by the bungalow, 2a Shipton Road. Indeed many have complained both to the Parish Council and Hills, the developers. The Parish Council have been in discussion with th e District Council and Hills to see what can be done. We had hoped that as Ascott was part of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, that there might be planning issues, but so far this has not been confirmed. We contacted the developers to see what changes cou ld be made so this was less of an eyesore and also to find out when the land might be developed. There is no timetable for the development and give n the present problems in the housing market I suspect that the hoardings may be part of our landscape for some time to come. Hills have offered to repaint the hoardings, but s till wish to retain their corporate colours, which are red and silver grey. If we accepted their offer they would repaint the boards silver grey and the posts would be painted red. We thought that it would be useful to consult with the village to ascertain the majority view and so we are asking you to complete the following brief questionnaire and return it to the Parish Council.

2A SHIPTON ROAD – Village Survey

I’m happy with the hoardings surrounding the development site. Yes/No

I would prefer the hoardings repainted silver/grey and the posts red. Yes/No

I’m not happy with either of the above and my suggestion is:

……………………………………………………………………………………....

...... …

Name………………………………… Date…………………………….

Please return your survey forms to Stuart Fox. Forms may be left in the Village Shop Page 24 Don’t forget about the Ascott website: The Swan at Ascott

Following a very busy Christmas and New Year at the Swan we are now facing the bleaker times of January and February. If you are looking for a bar - gain, and most people are, we have a good one! On T uesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays throughout January and February we are of fering two main courses for the price of one. (And you don’t need to buy a pape r or collect tokens!). Please spread the word and a Happy New Year to everyone.

P.S. Our next Quiz Night is on Tuesday February 24th an d is a Quiz and Curry Night at £6.50 per head starting at 7.30pm. Booking is essential : 01993 832332.

Teams can be from two to five people, half time re freshments will be served and there will be a prize for the winners.

Richard Lait

WYCHWOODS LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY The History Society speaker in February will be Richard Lethbridge. His talk will be about the Historic Churches of Oxfordshire and the meeting will be held at Shipton Village Hall at 7.30.p.m. on Thursday 19 th February.

Then on Thursday 19 th March at Milton Village Hall at 7.30.p.m. Jane Cavell will give a talk about The Witney Madhouse.

On Thursday 16 th April, Russell Cherry’s talk is entitled Oxford On Foot, at Shipton Village Hall at 7.30.p.m.

Old and new members are welcome. Subscriptions are £6 for an individual and £9 for a couple which includes a copy of Wychwoods History when published. Visitors are welcome at any meeting at £2 per head.

More information about the Society can be obtained from Wendy Pearse on 831023 or see www.wychwoodshistory.org www.ascott-under-wychwood.org.uk Page 25 Page 26 Don’t forget about the Ascott website: HISTORY IS BUNK (HENRY FORD) When the Romans left these islands, WORK. Harold told them, ’We’ve got to it plunged Britain into the Dark Ages. It go to Stamford Bridge and beat Chelsea was called the Dark Ages because when and drive all those foreigners out. De- the Romans went home, they took their fence is strong so we will open degate matches with them. and get in that way. In those days they 1066 soon came, while over the Channel spoke what is known as Middle English. it was already 12 noon. This was unfair. It was called Middle English because the It gave the Normans an hour’s start at words on the outside were over an inch the Battle of Hastings. In Spain it was long and difficult to spell. already mid afternoon and time to siesta, Later the Renaissance began to flow- but Esther being a good Jewish girl, er in Europe. Marco Polo had discovered would not come out. While in Holland, a mint with a hole in China. Galileo a little boy stuck his finger in the Dyke raised his glass eye to look at the stars. and blocked all the drains. Michelangelo had painted the Sistine William the Conqueror called his Chapel on his back. Shakespeare had men to order. ‘Get to attention and get in written Hamlet. Many great actors have single file.’ he shouted. So they all got played Hamlet, most of them lost. This up and stood behind each other. Thus is a very old joke which can still be seen began the long line of Normans. today, stuffed and on show at the British ‘Although I’m William I am going to be Museum. Frank and Ernest with you. We are go- Meanwhile Leonardo with a fine ing to invade Albion.’ One of his sol- paintbrush was touching up the Mona diers shouted, ’I hope it will be Brighton Lisa, and putting a smile on her face. and Hove. West Brom play in a higher I am proud of my heritage. My roots are division.’ They then spent hours in train- in the rich, well manured soil of old ing, marching on the right hand side of England. I can prove this by the smell the road to face oncoming traffic, and when I take my shoes and socks off. making sure they did not go round a If you want to know more of history. roundabout the wrong way. On a very wet day, confront Professor Back in Old Blighty, Harold was Richard Crampton when he is soaking calling his men to arms, the Butcher’s wet on his bike and ask him if Walter Arms, the Mason’s Arms and the Raleigh rolled his own or smoked a pipe. Bricklayer’s Arms. In fact they were in I’m sure the Professor would love to fill pubs everywhere, all using foul four you in. letter Anglo/Saxon words. The most dis- gusting of these words was the word Fred Russell www.ascott-under-wychwood.org.uk Page 27 THINGS AIN’T WHAT THEY USED TO BE...... Alright I admit it, I have now reached stricted and you were only allowed to that time in life when the world of my take £50 worth of currency abroad each youth seems to have been more desirable year (about £280 today). I had to record than the world of today, but was it real- the amount taken in customer’s pass- ly? There is no doubt that things were ports and then note any that they brought simpler, just because there was so much back. less technology. It was not until about Chipping Sodbury was not a large 1976 that I could afford my first pocket office but at that time there were some calculator which cost the equivalent of 22 of us working there and the camara- £140. I would take it to parties to im- derie was splendid. There were some press my friends! So do I look back with real characters; my pal Tony who never rose tinted specs? Perhaps, but the 70’s started work until he had read his Racing were fun (and very warm & sunny!). Post and laid his bets for the day. Chris, Way, way back in the mid 1970’s I the Manager’s Assistant (who was also worked at the National Westminster a Baptist minister) who smoked some Bank in Chipping Sodbury as ‘Safe Cus- evil herbal concoction in his pipe and tody and Foreign Clerk’. Basically that meant that if you wanted to lodge your valuables in the bank safe, buy or sell shares, invest or with- draw from your Building Society or buy or sell foreign currency, I was your man. Of course times were tough then. We were suffering the secondary banking cri- sis, there was recession, inflation was rife, inter- est rates were high and there was shortage of mortgage funds. Hmm… sounds a bit fa- miliar. Foreign currency for holidays was very re- Page 28 Don’t forget about the Ascott website: Les, the Administration Manager who noon came and went with no sign of a restored antique clocks (the safe was full funeral. Now, being an alert young of them) and who played the electric man, it occurred to me that all was not organ in The Oak public house on Satur- well and I decided it best to trot along day nights for charity. to The Oak to find Les and report my There always seemed to be some- apparent failure. thing slightly off the wall going on but The news was not received well one day in particular sticks in my mem- with Les expressing the opinion, in ory. It was about 11.30am on a glorious fairly robust language, that Dick, the summer’s day. We had summers then. manager, would be less than pleased All was quiet in the bank; flies buzzed with us. I seem to remember ‘guts’ lazily in the window, the secretary’s and ‘garters’ being mentioned. typewriter clacked steadily and bored “What’s the matter Les?” enquired a staff cupped their chins and dreamed of chap at the bar and the sorry tale was holidays spent or to come. told. “Now, where you’ve gone The calm of the morning was dis- wrong,” he said, “is that the funeral rupted when the aforementioned Les was at the Congregational Church and emerged briskly from the manager’s you’ve missed it. But, as luck would office and summoned me into his pres- have it, I was the reporter on duty, so ence. “Right” he said, “It is Mrs all we have to do is to add Tim to the Peterson’s funeral at 12.00 and the man- list of mourners and keep him out of ager wants the Bank to be represented. Dick’s way for a couple of hours.” So He asked me to go but I am going to the that plan was decided upon and calm pub so he’s said that you can go instead. returned. Beer was poured in to me at Just make sure that reporter from the regular intervals until 2.00pm (it may paper gets your name as a mourner.” have been later) and I was smuggled Now at that time (even as a bank out of the back of the pub so that I clerk) I was a dedicated follower of could approach the bank (rather un- fashion and no one had wider lapels, steadily) from the correct direction. flarier flares or livelier floral kipper ties My name duly appeared in the than young Tim. “Oh no Les!”I cried, newspaper and, when the manager “I can’t go to a funeral with a tie like asked me later if all had gone well, I this! Ask Tony, he will go.” Tony then was able to answer, with almost com- made it very clear that he would not go plete honesty, that it was the finest and, since none of my entreaties would funeral I had ever attended! And that dissuade Les, it was with a heavy heart is how to be in two places at once. and my jacket buttoned, I trudged down Our relationship with authority also to the C of E as instructed. Upon arrival seemed to be more relaxed. In those it all seemed suspiciously quiet and days the Bank held an annual Area www.ascott-under-wychwood.org.uk Page 29 Dinner in Cheltenham and all staff were reset it and to stop the “blessed” noise. expected to attend. One year Les hired He then remembered where I lived. a dodgy old coach to get us all there. “Here, you know that if you have the Upon our return at about 1.00am it re- keys you are supposed to live within 15 fused to start and I well remember us all minutes of the bank, don’t you? You pushing it along Chipping Sodbury High will never get through the lanes and be Street to ‘bump’ start it. With the coach here in 15 minutes”. “I bet I can” said I. gone and just Les and I standing in the “Bet you can’t” said he. “Right, I’ll give street he announced that we were going you 5 minutes to put your trousers on for a drink. and you had better be outside that bank Now Chipping Sodbury was famous in 20 minutes”. I had a Mini Cooper, I for its pubs but I pointed out that it could and did. would be highly unlikely that any would So come on, please share your stories be serving at that time of night. “Right” or I might have to dig back into my said Les, “we will go down to the Police memory and find some more. You have Station and ask if they have left any been warned! open”. So off to the Police Station we went and Les explained our quest. Tim Lyon “Sorry Les” said the sergeant, “we closed the last pub about half an hour ago but come in and have a cup of tea”. So we did. Tea and biscuits consumed and gossip swapped, I actually had a twelve mile drive home and so had been reasonably careful with how much I had had to drink but I need not have worried too much. The ser- geant reassured me that I was al- right if I was stopped on his side of the A38 but then to be careful be- cause he couldn’t help me on the other side! About three weeks later I was woken up in the middle of the night by a phone call from the same sergeant. The bank alarm had gone off and, since I had the keys that night, he wanted me to come and Page 30 Don’t forget about the Ascott website: Gardening Notes

Spr ing is r ound the cor ner , what a from the warmth of the house. On the delightf ul thought. Winter has been a downside, I fear a number of plants may mixed bag s o f ar . Lots of r ain in Novem- have been lost to the low temperatures. ber , f ollowed by dr y weather up to Of course they weren`t so very low Chr is tmas and then s ome cold har d compared to say 20 or so years ago but f r os ty but s unny days us her ing in and recent mild winters have lulled some f ollowing New Year . Now towar ds mid gardeners, including me, into a false – J anuar y the r ain is back. I have never sense of security encouraging us to liked J anuar y becaus e of the weather leave vulnerable plants outside the which makes it nigh on impos s ible to get whole time. I`ve left dahlias and French out in the gar den and do anything us ef ul. tarragon outside for a couple of years. I For as long as I can r emember I have got away with it last year but I don`t vowed to go away to s omewher e war m think I shall be so lucky this time. Other and dr y to avoid it. For var ious dif f er ent plants may have been badly affected by r eas ons this has never happened - per - the constant wetness of the soil. Despite haps next year …….. the fairly long period without rain in This year I can s ay I am glad to have December the earth seemed not to dry at been at home dur ing the f r os ty days . The gar den and the countr ys ide wer e s o beautif ul with hoar f r os t glis tening on the tr ees and on the or namental gr as s es in the gar den. A couple of s pr ings ago I added a tall or namental gr as s , about 6 f eet high, with f luf f y s eed heads waving away like s mall f lags at the tops of the s tems . I t r eached its f ull height las t Autumn and I didn` t cut it back becaus e I r eally liked the look of it and it could be s een clear ly f r om indoor s . I n its f r os ted s tate it looked at its ver y bes t, s uch a pictur e to view www.ascott-under-wychwood.org.uk Page 31 all. There may be quite a number of gaps plants to purchase but only as seeds to fill later in the year. which a lot of people do not have the Coming back to Spring, there will be time or confidence to grow. small daffodils coming up through the So what is being planned for the grass for the first time under some of the coming year. Well, firstly winter jobs trees in the garden. Planted last Autumn, need to be finished off. The front garden they will make another part of the gar- has got as far as being cleared of weeds den attractive in Spring. I`ve rather tak- so needs replanting when the weather en against growing large daffodils like permits. In the back garden cutting back King Alfred because they look so tatty of shrubs and trees has yet to be started when the leaves are dying back and I and has greater priority than the front have to resist the temptation to lop them garden because if it is not done before off too soon and miss out on flowers the everything else starts to grow we`ll nev- following year. I love to see bold daffo- er be able to fight our way into the chaos dils on roadsides and happily their dying that will ensue. Once we get going it leaves always seem to get hidden by should not take too long but again the other vegetation sprouting up. Part of me weather dictates when it can be done. says it`s a bit dangerous to want ‘tidy’ We have almost finished removal of the plants because such attitudes if adopted last gravel path and we have a skip out- wholesale could lead to the demise of side again so all is right with the world! some beautiful Then we will be ready to lay grass in its and majestic stead when April comes around. plants which need I am pleased to report that garlic and more care and ef- onions planted in the Autumn are doing fort like clever well, seemingly unphased by the cold staking to keep and wet but what other vegetables them looking at- should be grown this year? Very much tractive, and could the same as last year as I have a lot of lead to the breed- last year’s seeds left. I am going to be ing of innocuous plants which don`t pro- satisfied with those and not try to grow vide the ‘wow’ factor. Some plants, for something different and unusual. I feel example, nicotiana – tobacco plants, the climate is too unsettled at the mo- could be on the slippery slope. Short ment to grow something untested and varieties have been bred which cause no I`d rather fall back on vegetables that trouble but have no perfume. They are have given success in the past. Last year easily available at garden centres and by in the greenhouse I tried a different vari- mail order as plantlets for growing on. ety of tomato Italian ‘Costoluto Fiorenti- The tall varieties which have the most na’ because I loved the name which delicious scent can never be found as conjured up for me Tuscany and the sun Page 32 Don’t forget about the Ascott website: and scents of the Mediterranean. And the move the pigeons on - neighbours be- tomatoes looked big and delicious from ware! the photograph on the seed packet. The Seed catalogues are coming in the experiment was not a success only very post thick and fast now and despite my few, smallish tomatoes grew which were resolve to grow nothing new I cannot in no way succulent. But was the failure resist browsing through them, may be due to how I looked after the plants or just one new packet would not be so bad. was it the climate? By chance the maga- I think I`ll just go off and take a look. zine ‘Gardening Which’ grew the same variety as a trial last year and had bad results too. Since Yvette Keauffling their plants would certainly have been looked after prop- erly I can let myself off the hook and definitely blame rain and lack of sun. On the other hand, I do resolve this year to give better care to the brassicas I grow. Virtually all my cabbages, broccoli and sprouts were wiped out by the six to eight pigeons which invad- ed the garden last year. I can only blame myself for not protecting the young plants imme- diately after they had been planted out. The pigeons are still making their presence felt by hoovering up seed put out for more genteel birds therefore this sum- mer I will protect the brassica plants properly and try to www.ascott-under-wychwood.org.uk Page 33 ASCOTT-UNDER-WYCHWOOD FLOOD REPORT Grapevine Article: Parish Council Flood Sub-Committee (FSC) Nick Leadbetter, member Parish Council ( [email protected] Tel: 831571)

The Parish Council wrote to WODC on 29 July 2008 recommending that six of the options identified in the Parish Flood Report, released in May 2008, for flood alleviation work should be given priority. This is to inform the Parish about the current status of work on these and also on one further initiative identified by OCC Highways in Nov 08 and one request for action by the PC to Cornbury Estate.

PRIORITY WORK π SITUATION ON 12 January 2009 Area 1 Options A and C: Status: Work completed week 12 Jan 09 Re-route the spring fed The riparian owner has dredged the brook and stream at Ascott-Earl into returned it to its original course and the culvert Coldwell Brook. under the drive to Coldstone House has been en- larged by OCC (Highways). The spring has been fed into the brook by OCC Highways as planned.

Area 1 Options G and H: Status: Work due to start Feb 09 Repair the railway bridge There have been many delays in this work, which and improve the river’s flow will be carried out by NR and is now linked to the by smoothing the banks on EA’s recommendation (made following a detailed approach and removing the survey in Sep 08) to create a swale and bund across old farm track. the field to the southwest of the bridge to improve the flow of the river when in spate and thereby reduce the risk of flooding along Shipton Road to the Green and London Lane. NR is due to give a presentation on the plan in Tiddy Hall on 29 Jan (time to be confirmed by EA). Action: PC’s FSC to monitor progress

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Page 34 Don’t forget about the Ascott website: Area 1 Option J: Status: Work largely completed Remove choke points on EA carried out some work clearing debris from the the river between Gypsy river during October and Mr Walker, the riparian Lane and CN Road Bridge owner of the north bank, carried out extensive including stone banks 40m clearing of dead trees, overhanging branches and north of rail bridge, fallen riverbank debris and also cleared the entrance to the trees, trailing branches and north arch of the Chipping Norton road bridge, thus riverbank debris and clear improving flow, between 17 – 21 Nov 08. the entrance to the third NR will clear the stone bank in the river when arch of the road bridge. repairing the rail bridge in Feb 09. OCC Highways will dredge under the bridge arches once the entrance to the south arch and exits from the north and south arches have been cleared (agreed between EA and Mr Izod, the riparian owner on 9 Jan) – Note: Mr Izod very kindly volun- teered to clear the south arch exit for the Village Charity) Action: PC’s FSC to monitor progress Area 3 Options I and J: Status: Work largely completed Clear the drainage ditch That part of the ditch next to London Lane remains and return to a positive gra- partly blocked and still has a negative gradient. dient and jet blast culverts OCC Highways agreed (12 Jan) to investigate. under the road and rail em- Cornbury Estate, the riparian owner, has completed bankment at the level extensive clearing of the important drainage ditch crossing in the centre of the to the north of the embankment. village. Action: PC’s FSC to monitor progress Area 3 Options K and L: Status: Investigation is complete. Work to up- Investigate foul water net- grade is currently programmed for funding pe- work capacity and upgrade riod 2010 – 2015 as necessary. TW is responsible for this work. A delay in under- taking this work for at least another year is unac- ceptable. Problems associated with the sewer capacity and ingress of surface water overloading the system have been reported to TW by home owners for up to 20 years (evidence from Mr and Mrs Smith and Mr Collins). Action: PC to write to TW, copy to WODC, OCC and MP, to expedite this essential work www.ascott-under-wychwood.org.uk Page 35 Area 4 Option N: Status: Work completed Sep 08 Enlarge capacity of the This work was completed by OCC (Highways). The culvert under the High brook to the south of the High Street has been cleared Street at Easter Cottage. by Cornbury Estate, the riparian owner, which has also laid a porous pipe to the south of Easter Cottage to drain the field into the brook. Additional Work: Status: Work to be done Priory Lane drainage OCC Highways (footpaths) has accepted responsibil- ity for piping the surface water run-off in Priory Lane. It appears the existing pipe is severely blocked. There has been no action since an inspec- tion was made in Nov 08. Action: PC to speak to OCC Highways for a situation report

Slurry blockage at em- Cornbury Estate, the riparian owner, agreed at the bankment east of the level PC’s Dec meeting to investigate the drainage prob- crossing lem in this area east of Wychwood Court. Action: PC to monitor progress

WODC Operations Team will supply sand in a large sand bin and bags at the Village (Tiddy) Hall early in 2009 for use by residents to protect property in the event of further flooding. It has been agreed the bin will be in the NE corner of the car park (telephone conversation with WODC Operations 12 Jan 09). The bags will be stored in Tiddy Hall, which can be accessed by members of the Parish Council and members of the Tiddy Hall Committee.

The Parish Council is investigating the possibility of placing a flood depth gauge on the Chipping Norton Road north of the level crossing to warn motorists about the danger in times of flood. The flood signs will continue to be put out on approaches to flooded roads when appropriate.

The emergency plan for dealing with future severe flooding and other emergencies will benefit from named individuals who are willing to help in a crisis. We have some names, but could do with more. If you are prepared to volunteer, please let me know by email or telephone.

Nick Leadbetter

Page 36 Don’t forget about the Ascott website: The following list of “Who Does What” is extracted from the WODC Final Report released in December 2008 Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) www.defra.gov.uk • Planning for national flood emergency • Funding Environment Agency flood management activities • Grant aid for land drainage works • Established a task group to look at the resilence of key infrastructre such as electricity sub stations

Environment Agency (EA) [email protected] Enquiries: 0845 9881188 Incident Hotline: 0800 807060 (24 hours) • Assess Flood Risk • Maintain and operate flood defences on main river and structures at lock sites on the River Thames • Monitor water levels and flows • Issue flood warnings • Respond to pollution incidents and advise on waste disposal issues • Clear trash screens on main river culverts and remove obstructions/debris from main river channels • Keep emergency services and local authorities up to date with local facts • Provide an emergency response during flooding • Support joint response Thames Water (TW) www.thameswater.co.uk Enquiries: 0845 9200 800 • Emergency over-pumping at pumping stations • Clearing blockages in public sewers and outfall grills • Repairing burst sewage and water pumping mains • May take action to protect property from flooding by water from the public water mains or discharges from the public sewerage systems

Thames Valley Police www.thamesvalley.police.uk 0845 8 505 505 - non-emergencies 999 - emergencies • Report an incident which is not an emergency or give information to Thames Valley Police on this number • It is an emergency if a crime is being committed, there is a risk of injury or a risk of serious damage to property. www.ascott-under-wychwood.org.uk Page 37 Fire Service www.fireservice.co.uk/safety/flooding.php In an emergency, always dial 999 Oxfordshire County Council www.oxfordshire.gov.uk Enquiries 0845 3101111 • Maintain safe conditions on the roads • Put flood warning signs on the highway • Organise road closures and traffic diversions • Clear blockages on highway drainage systems including watercourses in culverts beneath the highway • May take action to protect property from flooding by water from the highway where there is a failure of the highway drainage system • Maintain safety of road bridges over culverts • Lead in major civil emergency arrangements

West Oxfordshire District Council www.westoxon.gov.uk/flooding Enquiries: 01993 861000 • Coordinating role for the district council area • Activating the council’s emergency plan if necessary • Emergency assistance (Local Government Act 1972, s.138 sandbag provi- sion) • Clear blocked watercourses etc. (Land Drainage Act 1991 enforcement powers) • Environmental health issues - pollution • Blocked road channels - street cleaning • Emergency planning support groups

Town & Parish Councils • Assist in identifying riparian owners and passing on information regarding riparian duties in relation to watercourses • Flood warning dissemination (by local agreement with EA) • Parish Emergency Plans

Private householders and land owners • Move to a safe area if life is at risk • Prevent water from entering property if possible • Switch off electricity and gas supplies at mains • Move valuable possessions above areas liable to be flooded Page 38 Don’t forget about the Ascott website: A snowy February in Ascott-under-Wychwood

www.ascott-under-wychwood.org.uk Page 39 A SUMMER DATE FOR YOUR DIARY

ASCOTT VILLAGE FETE

Ascott Village Fete in aid of Church funds will take place on Saturday 13th June 2009

Page 40 Don’t forget about the Ascott website: BUSINESS NETWORKING – IT’S THE BIS

If you are out and about in your car at 6.30 of a morning, you may wonder where everyone else is going. Chances are they are on their way to a business networking club. They will be getting together with other business people to have some breakfast, exchange news and views and find ways in which to support and trade with each other. Networking is the BIS because it should be about Business and also Information and Support. That is, it is about recommending and referring people with whom you like doing business, it is about being prepared to help others by sharing your expertise and it is about being there to offer help and advice when the going gets tough. Local networking means that local people trade with each other and this keeps the cash local too. It is a great way to promote your business and to find suppliers you can trust. There are many networking clubs in the area but a good start would be the 729 Club which meets on the 2 nd Wednesday of the month in Chipping Norton. Book through the website www.729club.com .

See you there!

Tim Lyon

www.ascott-under-wychwood.org.uk Page 41 The Ascott Mothers

The Ascott mothers, and some fathers too When that attractive father is trying to Don’t live in Ascott (well, some of them greet her. do) Say hello to your friends and be kind to They drive to our village in cars so big the teacher They could carry an elephant and still fit Rather her, mummy thinks, than me, a pig poor creature. But it’s not elephants they daily cart to All day, with those children, without our village respite It’s children (“our kids”) that are causing But it’s as hard for nanny, who takes the spillage care of the night.” And spill out they do, from all sides of the car The Ascott mothers drive off in their Like drunks kicked out of an underage tractors bar. And while I’m sure there are mitigating factors “Mummy will drop you in front of the I’m thinking of building some nuclear gate reactors It’s not really allowed, but I know how In the back of my garden, instead of a you hate shed, To use your own feet, and why should It’ll pose a challenge, might be seen as a you, my lamb, threat Life is for living, it’s not an exam, But mostly it’ll show them how up I’m And thank goodness for that, is all mum- fed! my can say You don’t want to be tested, it’s just not H Kappen our way. Just go on, get out, ignore the traffic Live your own world, the real one’s too graphic” DEADLINE FOR SPRING 2009 EDITION “Mummy should not park the car on this corner APRIL 5TH And she’ll ignore the villager trying to warn her, PLEASE DON’T BE LATE But it’s just such a hassle to walk more than a metre

Page 42 Don’t forget about the Ascott website: Fabulous Cheeseboard, best of British Artisan producers and a strong local line-up! Free range butchery from Foxbury Farm and Kelmscott Cold meats, Parma ham, Salamis, Pies, Olives and Pates Freshly made sandwiches, baguettes, soup and coffees Parfaits, Terrines and Truffles from local Michelin-rated chef Local sticky puddings, cheesecakes and ice-cream Fresh Huffkins Bread and Cakes Daily Organic Fruit and Veg

Not forgetting chocolates, naughty nibbles and much, much more!

Food for comfort, picnic or pleasure – you know where to come…

[email protected] www.wychwooddeli.co.uk

Open Monday-Saturday 8am-6pm www.ascott-under-wychwood.org.uk Page 43 Ascott-under-Wychwood Parish Council

Happy New Year to one and all and November minutes and are now dis- on behalf of the Parish Council I would played on the Community Website. like to report as follows; Indeed all recorded minutes, once ap- One question that the Parish Council proved are displayed on the Website for were asked at the end of 2008 was if a you to view. Christmas Tree could be erected on the I am pleased to report that Lord Village Green and a community carol Rotherwick, Cornbury Estate, attended service conducted. Unfortunately this the December meeting and presented a was a little too late to organise for 2008, report to the Parish Council of the re- however they are hopeful this is some- pairs and ongoing maintenance within thing that can be done for December the Village that the Estate are carrying 2009. out. This includes works with riparian Planning has been and is still partic- owners to improve the numerous water ularly quiet, with the exception of 2A courses within the Village. The Parish Shipton Road and a proposed develop- Council would like to thank Lord ment in High Street. The Parish Council Rotherwick very much for this and the continue to do what they can supporting time taken to attend the meeting. the Village. Bridgette Crundwell has Peter Greening has been looking into attended a course "How Local Councils the possibilities of a new play/sports fit in to the Planning System”. Bridgette area for the older children of the Village. has reported that this was a very interest- This is still very much in the early stages ing and viable course, which should help and there are lots of issues to address, the Parish Council considerably when however with local fundraising and discussing and replying to planning ap- grants from West Oxfordshire District plications within the Village. Council it is hopeful that this will be an achievable project. Should anybody The Flood Sub-Committee and have any ideas or input to this please do Flooding not hesitate to contact Peter or indeed The sub-committee continue their any of the Parish Council members. hard work and have continued to meet Finally, just to remind you all that regularly to discuss progress within the the Parish Council meet every second Village. Nick Leadbetter has now pro- Monday of the month in the Tiddy Hall duced several reports on progress in- at 8pm, with the exception of August. It cluding that of the relevant agencies. is good to see so many parishioners at- The most local report and summary has tending the meetings to have their say been attached to the approved, recorded and to listen to how issues are being Page 44 Don’t forget about the Ascott website: dealt with by their Parish Council. Should anybody wish to contact the Council, the contact details are noted below and of course on the Village Website.

Parish Council:

Stuart Fox 832004 Elaine Byles 831427 Bridgette Crundwell 830671 Nick Leadbetter 831571 Peter Greening 831757 Angela Barnes (Parish Clerk) 01608 641045

www.ascott-under-wychwood.org.uk Page 45 Page 46 Don’t forget about the Ascott website: EVERY PICTURE TELLS A STORY

Following Tim Lyon’s insight into knock the soil from the roots, and the the diary of John Simpson Calvertt in job was finished by men with four grains the last Grapevine, the picture on the left forking up the loose squitch and weeds shows a workforce which would have into rows of small heaps about six me- been typical on farms at that time in the tres apart. These were then all set on fire 19 th century. The photograph which was and although they only smoked and taken by Frank Packer of Chipping Nor- smouldered, all that would be left was a ton, is almost certainly a local view and small heap of burnt red soil. perhaps in the Evenlode Valley. It is interesting to see that the older Two pairs of horses are harnessed men took charge of the forks whilst the with trace chains to pull sets of harrows younger men in caps had to walk in the and the other pair is attached to a roll. dust over the loose uneven ground be- The scene was obviously staged for the hind the harrows. As the harrows filled occasion, as the farmer with his bowler up with squitch, they would pick them hat, watch chain, jodhpurs and terrier up to empty them, while on the move. A dog, is shown with his favourite horses, tiring job and not that easy especially whilst the young chap who works with when going downhill! these horses stands empty handed in the The men with forks would work at centre of the line. their own pace and discuss the local The three older men each have a gossip at the same time. The roll has four grain fork (forks with four tines). some soil sticking onto it so it is likely These were not pitchforks or hay forks, that they used it to crush the lumps, four grains were used for heavy work before harrowing out the squitch. like manure carting or muck spreading, or handling short material which would fall through a two tine fork. Jim Pearse The picture tells me that these workmen were going squitching, a task often carried out in dry spring weather. In those days there were no chemical sprays to kill squitch grass and other weeds so when a field was badly infest- ed, they would often try to ‘clean’ it before sowing the seed. Heavy harrows were used first to pull the grass out of the soil, then light harrows followed to www.ascott-under-wychwood.org.uk Page 47 WYCHWOOD LIBRARY

A very happy new year to you all es. Also some Playstation games, videos and celebrations at Wychwood Library and CD-Roms but these items are gradu- with news of an MBE for services to ally being withdrawn from service. You local government to Beryl Brown, re- will not be charged for overdue items or tired, library manager here for more than reservations. 30 years. If you have mobility, sight or hear- Following on from the success of ing problems or find reading a book our adult book group we have started a difficult, you can borrow free of charge junior one called Wychwood Word- as above, however DVDs and Music peckers . The first monthly meeting was CDs will only be issued for the usual in November when 21 young people seven days and premium rate (blue spot) aged from 8 – 11 brought along their items are excluded. You will not be favourite books and discussed them with charged on overdue items but will need enthusiasm with Liz. to pay a concessionary charge (currently The December author chosen was 40p) when reserving books. To take ad- Michael Morpurgo with a number of the vantage of these benefits to your mem- group reading The War Horse , the bership you need to tell us so that we can moving tale of Joey the farm horse who update your records. is conscripted into the army in 1914. The Our special thanks to the Wych- next meetings are : January 21 and woods Local History Society for their February 25, from3.45 until 4.15pm. kind gift of the Oxfordshire Parish Reg- Come along and join in. ister Transcripts for our locality. These The adult book group also wel- are on CD and cover Baptisms, Marriag- comes new members. We meet on the es and Burials variably from 1569 to the first Monday of each month at 7.30pm. present time. We also hold a copy of the The book to be discussed on Feb 2 nd will archives of the Local History Society, be Diary of a Provincial Lady by E.M. the Shipton-u-Wychwood old church- Delafield. Come and join us for lively yard survey and Milton-u-Wychwood discussion, nibbles and drinks. monumental inscriptions. Use this re- This month we are highlighting li- search material along with the Ancestry brary facilities for Disabled Borrowers online database, free of charge and and Borrowers unable to leave their available at all Oxfordshire Libraries, homes. If you are unable to leave your for all your family history research. home unaided you can borrow free of Join us as usual on Wednesday charge: Books, DVDs (for 21 days), mornings for coffee and brownies. Audio books on cassette and CD, Music CDs( for 21 days) and Language cours- Ruth and Liz Page 48 Don’t forget about the Ascott website: HEROES FOR ASCOTT

For the first time the Wychwood Players visit Tiddy Hall on Saturday 14 March at 7.30pm for a special performance of “Heroes” by Gerald Sibleyras and Tom Stoppard. “Heroes” won the Olivier award for Best New Comedy in 2006 and is a wistful and witty piece about three veterans from the first world war who dream of escaping from their soldiers’ home. Alice Burns directs “Heroes”, which is her first play for the Players since her highly successful production of “Oh, what a lovely war” in 2003, and she is delighted to be working again with Dudley Thompson, Mark Jessey and John Drew who are now all ex-soldiers! During the evening there will be a raffle with proceeds in aid of Ascott Pre-School.

Ascott-under-Wychwood

How it may look again with the two track system !

www.ascott-under-wychwood.org.uk Page 49 A HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM ALL AT LEAFIELD PRIMARY SCHOOL 2008 ended with the usual flurry of such a great place in which to grow and Christmas activity. In the Church, we had learn. Nativity performances from Key Stage 1 The children are settling in to the New children and Carol Concerts from the old- Year well, with plenty of extra-curricular er children – in both cases the children activities on offer; Forest School for Class delighted us both in the afternoon and in 1 and a range of after-sc hool clubs, includ- the evening, giving working parents a ing Music Club, Dance Club, Construction chance to join in the fun too. There was Club and Breakfast Club on a Friday also a beautiful Christingle Service and a morning. Nativity Performance from the Foundation class in the school. At all events, the chil- Carole Bartlett dren made a fantastic effort and got everyone into the Fes- tive spirit. The Friends of Leafield School once again organised a Christmas disco, to which Santa paid an early visit, and a raffle for the children - these treats were very much enjoyed by all the children and many thanks go to the volunteers who give up their time to ar- range these events and make sure they run so well. To round off the year, the school received some fantastic news. The Local Authority, having taken into account evi- dence from the last year, has put Leafield Primary School into the ‘outstanding’ catego- ry. This is a wonderful result which recognises the hard work and dedication of all the staff at the school. Our chil- dren are very lucky to have

Page 50 Don’t forget about the Ascott website: www.ascott-under-wychwood.org.uk Page 51 CHIPPING NORTON MUSIC FESTIVAL

There are classes in Chipping Norton Town Hall Chipping Norton Viviane Ronchetti with a group of young, Town Hall most days local musicians. between these dates, Tickets £2.00 available on the door

anyone is welcome to th come and listen to Friday 13 March at 7.30 the performances and PIANO M ASTER C LASS the adjudications. Chipping Norton Town Hall Some of the Festival highlights are fea- Graeme Humphrey with a group of young, local musicians tured below Tickets £2.00 available on the door

Friday March 6 th Sunday 15 th March at 4.00pm YOUTH JAZZ BAND CHAL- GUY JOHNSTON (cello) & LENGE! TOM POSTER (piano) Chipping Norton School Hall 7.00pm Chipping Norton Town Hall A new event for 2009, this promises to be A wonderful opportunity to hear the high- an evening of foot tapping music as talent- ly acclaimed playing of these superb musi- ed young jazz bands compete for a prize of cians in concert designed to inspire young £250 donated by The Rotary Club of Chip- and old alike. The programme includes ping Norton. music by Mendelssohn, Prokofiev, Jan- Tickets £2.00 available on the door acek as well as the Martinu Rossini Varia- Sunday March 8 th March at 2.30 tions and will be introduced by Tom & Guy. MIKE BARDSLEY - HARPSI- Tickets £10 adult and £5 under 18 CHORD Chastleton House A perfect way to spend a Sunday after- Saturday 21st March 7:30pm noon: the dulcet tones of the harpsichord FESTIVAL CONCERT with music from the first hundred years of Chipping Norton Town Hall Chastleton House’s history, from Byrd to A celebration of Festival entries featuring Purcell and continental contemporaries, in items from various classes. this magnificent setting with log fire and pleasant company. Tickets for all events available from Tickets £15.00 (price includes a glass of !"##% &% '(")( (01608 641033 or for wine or fruit punch and canapés) further information email Wednesday 11 th March at 7.30 [email protected] STRINGS M ASTER C LASS Page 52 Don’t forget about the Ascott website: SWYCH (SUSTAINABLE WYCHWOODS)

SWYCH is a new community group, We are also hoping to have a ‘free cloth set up in October 2008. Our aim is to bag giveaway’ at some point over the make sustainability much more of an next couple months.....so please keep an issue within the community, this may eye out for details! cover areas such as recycling, a local exchange trading scheme, transport, TETRAPAK & BATTERY RECY- food, composting, green energy, etc. and CLING we hope in time to set up a wide variety These things, if put in your black of projects which we can continue to recycling box, will very likely not be expand on. If you are interested in any of recycled. We are providing a battery box these projects, or indeed any others that at the Co-op and a Tetrapak collection come under the umbrella of point outside 1 The Sands. We will then ‘sustainability’ please feel free to come take them to the Recycling Centre at along to one of our meetings. Dean where they will definitely go for We are planning to run regular Swap recycling! Shops in the Wychwoods, probably two a year . The general idea of a Swap Shop PRINTER CARTRIDGE is to bring along things that you don’t Printer Cartridges can be taken to want anymore and Swap them for some- Groves office (door opposite their shop) thing else, there is no money involved, it to be put in the collection box there. is simply a case of giving homes to un- You can take most original and refill wanted or unused items and saving them cartridges, but NOT toner cartridges, from going into landfill. Our first lazer cartridges, Epson or WHSmith car- (Christmas) Swap Shop went very well, tridges. Every cartridge recycled and the quality of the items brought was through this scheme raises money for extremely high. Our next will be held Hearing Dogs for the Deaf. Thank you on the 7 th March at the New Beacons- very much to Groves for supporting this field Hall and will be alongside a ‘Green scheme! Fayre’. DATES FOR YOUR DIARY NO MORE PLASTIC BAGS We are trying to encourage the local FEBRUARY Wed 25 th - February shops to stop giving out plastic bags. meeting – please contact Jenna for ven- Please ask your local shop if they would ue details. consider not giving out new plastic bags. www.ascott-under-wychwood.org.uk Page 53 MARCH Sat 7th - Countywide Swap something that you would want to find Shop and ‘Green Fayre’ – New Bea- by your local pond! consfield Hall. The modern dragonfly family, sci- entifically named Odonata, which MARCH Tues 24th - film showing ‘ means toothed mandible, is divided into The Inconvenient Truth’ – Milton Bap- two families; the true dragonflies tist Church Hall. (Anisoptera, unequal winged) and the damsel flies (Zygoptera, paired winged). If you would like to join SWYCH or Both have similar life styles and share a would like to know more about our common ancestor, and it is easy to dis- projects, please contact Jenna on tinguish one from the other. 831338 or Heather 831909. Alterna- Dragonflies hold their wings flat tively you can go to our website when at rest, have very large eyes, which www.swych.org.uk almost meet at the top of their head, are very strong and fast flyers and will travel NATURE NOTES far from the pond or stream where they hatched, whereas damsel flies usually I usually try to be topical in these hold their wings closed when at rest, articles, but looking out on a grey De- have much smaller widely spaced eyes cember day, I’ve decided to break with and a weak fluttering flight, rarely stray- tradition and look back to the warmer, ing far from their watery birth-place. sunnier days of late summer and to a They both have a similar life cycle, close encounter with a creature that can which like other primitive insects, such trace its ancestry back at as grasshoppers, is an incom- least 320 million years. plete metamorphosis. That is Dragonflies first left their to say that the young larval mark in the fossil record nymphs grow by shedding during the carboniferous their skin several times until era, when the coal seams the complete adult emerges at were being created from the last moult, unlike butter- decaying plant remains. flies which have a complete The oldest known fossil metamorphosis, which in- was found in an English volves a chrysalis where the coal mine. It’s quite amazing that they larval stage undergoes a complete bodily arrived long before and survived long change. after the disappearance of the dinosaurs. Dragonflies spend most of their The prehistoric insects were somewhat lives underwater as nymphs, living larger than their modern counterparts, mainly in ponds, slow moving streams with wingspans of up to 24 inches; not and canals. They can only breed in un- Page 54 Don’t forget about the Ascott website: polluted water that is rich in oxygen. they cannot be used by the adults to Depending on water temperature and the walk. availability of food the larva (nymphs) Dragonflies fall into two groups; will spend 2-5 years un- the hawkers and the chasers. derwater in the case of Hawkers have long slim bodies dragonflies and 1year and will regularly patrol a territo- for damselflies. They ry searching for food, whereas are carnivorous hunters, chasers have fatter bodies and laying in wait and am- will rest on a vantage point only bushing passing insects, taking to the wing when a flying tadpoles and small fish insect passes by. Both types are with their extraordinary, strong flyers reaching speeds of extending lower jaws, impaling their up to 20 miles per hour and with all four prey with the sharp hook-like mandibles wings being able to move independent- on the end of the jaw. This lower jaw is ly of each other they can change direc- called a mask. tion at high speed and hover like a Once the nymphs have undergone helicopter. They catch butterflies, mos- the requisite number of moults they quitoes, midges, flies and bees, con- leave the water, climbing a plant stem, suming up to 20% of their body weight usually at night. Early the following day, each day. Their eyesight is remarkable; after their final moult, they emerge as dragonflies’ enormous eyes contain as fully formed adults. When they first many as 30,000 individual facets and emerge their wings are crumpled and they are able to detect a small flying their colours dull. Fluid is insect’s movement up pumped into the veins of the to15m away. It has been es- wings to expand them, but timated that up to 80% of a their final brilliant adult dragonflies brain is devoted colours may take several days to processing signals from to appear. their eyes. After their long period Both dragonflies and under water their adult life damsel flies have interesting span can be quite short, per- mating habits. Before pair- haps just a few weeks, but they still ing the male transfers sperm from the remain effective hunters catching flying genital opening at the end of his body to insects, using their legs to form a basket a special organ on the second and third and scooping-up their prey in mid-flight. segment just behind his thorax. The Their meal is usually consumed whilst female is then grasped by the male, just they are in flight. The position of their behind her head, using claspers at the legs is so much modified for hunting that end of the male’s body. The female then www.ascott-under-wychwood.org.uk Page 55 bends her body forward to collect the 4 April - 26 April sperm and they then fly off in tandem, Display of Paintings, Drawings and with the male still clasping the female, Video looking for an area of water to lay her Local Museums : eggs. The eggs of some species are scat- Witney Town: tered on the water, whilst others will fix Will re-open in April 2009 Wednesday their eggs to the stems of plants, either to Saturday 10am to 4pm, Sunday 2pm just above or just below water level. to 4pm Today, 27 species of dragonfly and Chipping Norton: 16 species of damsel fly can be found in Will re-open at the end of March Britain, but some are very rare or geo- 2009 graphically restricted. Will they still ex- Concerts : ist in another 300 million years? Who Wood Green School: can say? They are un- 13 February der pressure in many Bobby Chen, Pianist areas because of pollu- 13 March tion and the run-off of Inventus String Quartet agricultural chemicals Burford Parish Church: into rivers and streams 5 April 2009 at 7.30pm as well as the loss of Handel’s Messiah ponds, drainage of Cotswold AONB Walks: farmland and increas- 14 February 2009 ing urbanisation. Coombe: Start 10.30am - meet Village Finally a couple more facts: despite Green their common name “horse stingers” 7 March 2009 they don’t possess a sting and although Kingham: Start 10am - meet Village they are called flies, they are not true Hall flies as they only have one pair of wings! 29 March 2009 Charlbury: Start 10am meet Spendlove Stuart Fox Car Park Woodstock Museum : West Oxon Field Club 14 March 2009 To 1st June 2009 Meet at Fox Inn 2.30pm Soldiers of Oxfordshire “Bugles to Bus- Coombe Mill: bies” 15 March and 19 April 2009 1 February - 29 March In Steam Days Display of Amazing Russian Kinetic Please check with the organisers to ensure that Sculptures these details remain unchanged. Page 56 Don’t forget about the Ascott website: www.ascott-under-wychwood.org.uk Page 57 Page 58 Don’t forget about the Ascott website: COOK’S CORNER: ASCOTT’S FAVOURITE RECIPES

Harvard Beets

Harvard beets are cooked beets in a sweet and sour sauce of vinegar, sugar and spices. This is also an ideal way of freezing beetroot. Goes well with roast or cold meats or use as a side-dish.

Ingredients (serves six):

 3 cups freshly cooked beetroot, diced into centimetre cubes

 Half a cup of sugar

 One tablespoon of cornflour (cornstarch)

 Half a teaspoon of salt

 2 whole cloves

 Half a cup of mild cider vinegar or dry white wine

Harvard beets are cooked in a double boiler. I use a Pyrex bowl that rests inside a saucepan that is about a quarter-full of water; you’ll need to keep an eye on the water level as the beets will be cooking for about thirty minutes and adjust the heat to keep the water just simmering. Place the Pyrex bowl over the saucepan and bring the water to boil. Combine all the ingredients, bar the beetroot, into the bowl and stir until they are clear. Add the diced beetroot to the bowl and combine with the sauce. Place a lid over the bowl and leave over the simmering hot water for about thirty minutes.

Just before serving, bring the temperature of the double boiler up, or put the bowl in a microwave for a minute or so, but don’t allow the sauce to boil. Optionally, stir in two tablespoons of butter or a tablespoon of orange marmalade.

An alternative method is to cook raw diced beetroot in the sauce. This will take about two hours or so for the beetroot to become tender, but all the beetroot juice will be in the sauce. Just keep an eye on the water level in the double boiler!

Paul Cunningham www.ascott-under-wychwood.org.uk Page 59 Tiddy Hall

Regular Activities: Special Events:

Monday – Friday Flix in the Stix (Programme TBC) on Mornings Saturday 21st February Pre-school Contact: Mrs Pauline Plant Play by the Wychwood Players on 07968006451 Saturday 14th March Wednesday Afternoons Piano Lessons Contact: Pauline Carter To book the Tiddy Hall contact: 01993 774568 Ingrid Ridley: Wednesday Evenings 01993 830612 Badminton Contact: Chris Morgan 01993 831958

Page 60 Don’t forget about the Ascott website: www.ascott-under-wychwood.org.uk Page 61 Printed by Information Press Tel.No: 01865 882588