Horton-cum- July 2014 Studley newsletter

Inside this issue: Parish Council News • The Barn Dance • Group Reports • Country Column • and much more

The 35th Otmoor Challenge!

THE 35th OTMOOR CHALLENGE

So, the weather forecasters were race. Apart nearly right. All week they were from the promising fantastic weather right up humidity, we until Saturday, and then the day of seemed to the Challenge would be dominated by have a lot of heavy rain and thunderstorms through happy runners. until the afternoon. Well, the only thing that was missing was the thunder and Meanwhile, lightning. From 9am walkers started the fete had out through torrential downpours, been set up under the direction of Sara while the committee and all the helpers Mander, and the stalls started to sell sheltered in tents and marquee, telling their wares. All stallholders and game each other, unconvincingly, that the sky organisers contributed to the success was getting brighter. But then, by noon, and the fun of the day. Prominent as the skies cleared, the sun shone and the usual were Richard Hawes’ Gardening ground steamed. Everything was going Club stall, Pat Sharpe’s book stall, to be OK! Jackie Chipperfield’s toys, the cakes sold by Jill Baker and Lisa Mynheer, Sadly, the terrible weather had already and Anneke Lyster’s White Elephant. taken a toll on the walkers, with Queues formed at Pauline Cox’s only half of our usual hardy souls amazing bottle stall, and, of course, braving the conditions. However, the W. I. teas in the Millennium the runners started checking in from Hall were a resounding success. The midday, and by the mass start at excellent Bletchingdon Silver Band 2pm, 341 were ready to go, only added that quintessential village fete marginally under last year’s total. atmosphere, and energetic children Jill Meyjes and her excellent team climbed all over the bouncy castle checked the runners in, issuing race and drove the go-karts like Tyro numbers and listing 18 teams under racing drivers. Needless to say, the bar the new scheme that avoided changing attracted many thirsty runners, while numbers, much to the relief of the Mr Finn’s BBQ did good business with runners. After comments last year, the the hungry masses. The playing field W. I. introduced a method by which managed to withstand the impact of runners could reserve sandwiches to many wheels, apart from odd cars and satisfy their hunger at the end of the one camper van that managed to get

3 bogged-in in two different places, and in the build-up to the event. Basil which was rescued by many willing should have been celebrating the 70th pushers and heavers. anniversary of D-Day in Normandy, in which he took an active part as By 3.15pm, the families and supporters a Royal Marine, but, instead, he of the runners were gathered at the supervised yet another successful race finish to see the winners arrive. event in Horton-cum-Studley. As the For the second year in succession, last runners came home, followed David Bruce of Oxford AC came first, by Zoe Dixon and Kate Pugh on although in a slower time of 1:15:24, bicycles, the “Last Men” sweeping up beating his old rival and previous any lost or injured competitors, the winner Paul Fernandez of Abingdon prize giving marked the end of the AC into second place in 1:15:40. event. The Evening Bash/Pig Roast Keeping it in the family, Jessica Bruce was enlivened by local live band of Headington Road Runners won “Puppet”. Our thanks go to all the the Ladies’ race in 1:32:18, with villagers who assisted, to the Otmoor Karmen Pardoe second in 1:34:23. Challenge Association committee, There was an excellent turnout from to the runners and walkers, and to village runners, with George Badger all those who just came to enjoy finishing a creditable 103rd in 1:46:55, themselves and meet their friends and Sam Jenkins 127th in 1:51:50. and neighbours. Particular thanks go Paddy Gardiner, Justin Davey, Jonny to Keith Stacey and his team from Hill, Ed Chipperfield, Helen Shaw, Breckon & Breckon, who gave us Chloe Johnson and Ruth Landreth all outstanding support again, to Mr completed the course successfully, and Finn for his generous contribution Mark Welch established his credentials of the pig, and to Peter Redfern for the Rio de Janeiro Olympics for continuing to allow us to store with an outstanding performance in all the event equipment. Jon and 2:41:08. One amazing performance Chris Squire very kindly loaned came from 14-year-old Isaac Bourne, their camper van for the scoring running for Abingdon AC with his team to work out the winners of the father, Martin. Isaac finished in 45th race. We must also record our great place in 1:36:42, beating his father thanks to John Wright, who has now into 72nd place in 1:40:55. handed over responsibility as Course Director, and to Sara Mander for her Needless to say, Basil Lyster and sterling work over the years running John Diamond worked tirelessly the fete.

4 The 36th Otmoor Challenge will be am sure that all villagers – as well as on 6th June 2015 – make sure you all the participants in the Challenge have it clearly marked in your diaries. – would wish to add their grateful See you there! thanks to Basil.

Late News. At the Parish Council This does mean that we are seeking meeting on 12 June, Basil Lyster volunteers to join the organising announced that this year would be committee to replace those who are his last as chairman of the Otmoor leaving. If you are keen to keep this Challenge Association. Basil has excellent event going, please speak been involved in all aspects of the to Basil or to any other committee Challenge throughout its 35 year member to discuss your involvement. history, and there is no doubt that Without a without his knowledge, guidance committee, and active participation in the there will organisation, Horton-cum-Studley be no more would not still have this outstanding Otmoor village event. Basil will be reducing his Challenges! workload, but we hope that we will still be able to count on his advice and Andrew guidance for years to come. A vote Pennington of thanks was proposed and passed at the Parish Council meeting, but I

Otmoor Challenge Fete – Thank you! I would just like to say a big thank you to everyone who helped at the fete. The W. I. for refreshments, Mr Finn for a great BBQ and for donating the pig to the evening bash, and all the people who kindly did stalls. Charlie, Chris and Tom for all their hard work collecting bales of straw and helping with the tents prior to the event. Everyone who helped take the tents down and to all the bar staff. This was my last year and I have enjoyed the last 9, so much fun, lots of laughs! Collecting bottles with Pauline! But time to hand it over to the younger generation in the village! Best Wishes, Sara Mander

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THE OTMOOR CHALLENGE www.otmoorchallenge.co.uk

A Challenge Too Far

The 36th Otmoor Challenge will take place on 6th June 2015 and will be one too far for me – having already been involved since 1980 when the event started 35 years ago.

It seems almost impossible that in our first year all we had on the field was a one inch water pipe and an old shack of pavilion – no toilets or electricity and only around 80 participants in the half-marathon.

Just look what the event has become – a real village occasion attracting many runners and walkers and others to the fete itself – it has certainly embellished the name of Horton-cum-Studley and Otmoor.

In my 90th year it is time for me to stand down and let others in younger years take the event forward – new ideas and a new approach and perhaps a new style – all of this is possible.

I am persuaded that the event is in good fettle with money in the bank and most of its own equipment. Its popularity is evident and it now needs the will to carry it forward. I would like to believe that we have developed the event and the event has developed us.

I wish it every success in the future and I shall miss it a lot!

Very Best Regards

B. S. Lyster Titos Brill Road H-c-S

6 PARISH COUNCIL REPORT As nobody put their name forward to Questionnaire data onto spreadsheets serve on the Parish Council no election and analysed the results in presentable was called. The councillors serving on form. This was an enormous task, the Parish Council for the following 4 dealing with 139 questionnaires and years will be as follows: 20,444 answers. We extend our sincere thanks to the team that very kindly Chair Sarah Foxcroft gave up time to transfer the answers Vice-chair Barbara Jewell onto spreadsheets – Will Lee, Kate David Prosser MacFarlane, Barbara and Derek Jewell, Colin Badger Lucy Walker, Katherine James, Justin Andrew Payne Davy, Emma Teasdale, Bex Hopkins Parish clerk Alexia Lewis and David Turner. It was a formidable The Parish Council has many functions. task and we are so grateful to them It responds to planning applications for carrying it out. Then we also give a (supporting neighbours where applicable), great amount of thanks to William Lee facilitates parishioners’ requests and who gave up an enormous amount of deals with disputes between neighbours. his time to analyse the results, which Anonymous letters have recently been he so beautifully displayed in a booklet sent in the village and we would strongly that was given out at the Annual Parish discourage this sort of behaviour and Meeting on 12th June. prefer residents to speak to a Parish It is now the job of the Parish Council Councillor to solve a problem. The to look at an Action Plan to support the Council also arranges grass cutting, results of the Village Plan. Two possible emptying of dog waste bins and reports actions have already come to light. One road damage. We also encourage on the Road Safety aspect and we have residents to trim back hedges if they are asked Thames Valley Police to help. encroaching footpaths and roads. It is PCSO Michael Roberts will be setting cheaper to do it yourself than incur a bill up speed measuring devices in the from Oxfordshire County Council! village at various times to check on the The Otmoor Challenge was again a speed of vehicles. Secondly there was a great success, and warm thanks go to wish to have a pub/shop in the village. If the organising committee and all those you are interested in a scheme like this, involved in making it such a great event please let us know. of the year. We wish you all a very enjoyable Since the last Newsletter, we have summer in Horton-cum-Studley. transferred all the Village Plan Barbara Jewell 7 Village Photography Competition 2014

Photos Please! Don’t forget – the 2014 village photography competition is now open!

Villagers young and old are invited to send in their photos of life in Horton-cum- Studley.

Entries close 31 December 2014 – but why wait!

Separate prizes for adult and junior sections. Multiple entries permitted. Send your entries to: [email protected]

Good advice! It stops livestock, pet dogs and toddlers escaping onto roads and being involved in fatal accidents! So don’t forget to close the gate!

8 HORTON-CUM-STUDLEY TENNIS CLUB

The Tennis Club start of the season BBQ was a great success. Fantastic weather, great BBQ, plus Bex’s cafe Saturday. Very well attended, as always lovely cakes and delicious coffee – thank you Bex! Sara Mander (Chairman)

Ann Stearns with husband Bryan – Ann started the club 26 years ago

BBQ fun!

9 NOTE FROM THE RETIRING MILLENNIUM HALL CHAIR

Due to poor health I had to resign volunteer to join the committee and from the Millennium Hall Committee carry on the work that all previous back in February. It had been my members have done over the last 14 intention to give it up at the next years since the hall opened. A.G.M., but circumstances pushed this forward. I have been involved Thanks again for all the support with the Millennium Hall since its and come on you younger people conception back in the late 1990s and (and I mean under 60 because I am held various posts, including setting well into my 60s, so younger than up of the funding for the new hall. I me) keep our hall going and I am therefore felt it was time to cut the sure you can make it even better. apron strings in the hope that new Contact the Parish Council Chair, members (younger people) would take Sarah Foxcroft, who is also our up the reins and inject new ideas into treasurer, for more information, or this marvellous facility we have. any committee member. I must just say if you are over 60 you would still be I have so many people to thank for all welcomed, we are not ageist, we just the support they have given so I don’t want enthusiastic people who value intend to mention individuals, but you their community and want to give know who you are and I thank you something back to it. all. I don’t want recognition for my input, the only thing I want and hope Marilyn Newbury for is that villagers come forward and

Your village website! www.horton-cum-studley.org.uk Please contact the clerk to the parish council at [email protected] to request a login

10 Ultrafast, future-proofed fibre broadband rolls out across Horton-cum-Studley

Gigaclear is now very much “Go” significantly faster, more robust, more with Horton-cum-Studley just a few stable and more consistent than ‘fibre weeks away from the fibre optic to the cabinet’ (FTTC) solutions, broadband switch on. which still utilise the existing copper telephone network from a fibre- Fibre installation works across enabled cabinet. Residents and Horton-cum-Studley are very much business owners can choose speeds up underway with completion expected to 1000 Mbps (megabits per second), by the end of July. roughly 500 times faster than what is currently available to the community, Gigaclear hope that residents have and those speeds will be consistent, found the civil work bearable and our no matter how far you are from a contractors polite, accommodating cabinet. and tidy. Some grass areas will take a little while to recover, but once the If you’ve yet to join the broadband rubble and spoil have been removed revolution happening on your grounds will be reinstated, reseeded doorstep, and would like to find out and repaired, and hopefully in a few more about Gigaclear’s broadband weeks all you’ll be left with is the services, and the significant benefits knowledge that you now have the fibre-to-the-home can bring visit world’s fastest broadband! This is no www.gigaclear.com or sign up at exaggeration: any world city you that www.gigaclear.com/order you care to name – London, Paris, New York, Sydney, etc. – all have Contact us on [email protected] for general broadband speeds significantly more information. slower than those that will soon be available to every resident in the The Gigaclear Team community.

Gigaclear networks are ‘fibre to the premises’ (FTTP), which as its name suggests means it’s fibre all the way from the property to the heart of the Internet in London. FTTP is

11 SUNDAY 13th JULY FAMILY 12.30 PM LUNCH IN THE MILLENNIUM HALL ADULTS £13 SECONDARY SCHOOL CHILDREN £8 PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN £5 TICKETS AVAILABLE FROM: RUTH 351444 RACHEL 351540

G.T.s NEWS We kicked off our summer reassure them it is not a formal programme of events with a circular occasion that children couldn’t enjoy. walk from Sandford Lock. It was a Tickets available through Rachel and most enjoyable evening and there was Ruth. much wildlife to observe, if not any Anna has kindly offered to take us rowers in training. We then met up around some of the Oxford Colleges with other G.T. members at the pub on August 27th and we shall be in Sandford, which was an ideal venue having lunch at Jesus College. A for a large group. The B.M.W. Mini Beatles Tribute Night at the Spread tour in May was very successful but Eagle in Thame is booked for oversubscribed, so Jane Pennington September 19th, so if you are feeling is trying to organise another visit to nostalgic and fancy singing along with cater for those who missed out. the Fab Four get in touch with Lyn Linda Dingle is hosting a croquet Croft to book a place. Finally, the next evening at Gardener’s Barn in June. planning meeting will be held at Rose We will be holding a Village Lunch Cottage, hosted by Margaret Smith, again this year on July 13th. We on October 16th. would love to see some more young For further details contact Ruth David families attend and would like to on 351444. 12 13 NEWS FROM ST BARNABAS CHURCH

Barn Dance carried water a long distance to their It seems a long time ago when nearly homes uphill and over rough terrain, 90 people of all ages crammed into whereas two tough Olympic rowers, who the Millennium Village Hall (MVH) visited them, found it very difficult to for the Barn Dance in March when manage this chore. the evenings were dark and chilly. Many of all ages joined actively in Afterwards we hosted a soup and dancing to the Mouse in Trousers cheese lunch in the MVH to which Barn Dance Band, which gave an about 40 people came. Our thanks excellent accompaniment with to Lynn for organising this. As a very good calling, but some were result we were able to give over content to watch and listen and chat £300 to Tearfund, which is an (take a look at the pictures on the interdenominational charity for relief back cover). Everyone enjoyed the and development that works through ploughman’s, with a good variety of local partners in many needy areas of cheeses, and pudding. Our thanks to the world. those who worked hard to organise the event and prepare the hall for a The Annual Parochial Church Meeting very enjoyable evening, especially to was held in April in the MVH, part of Carol Welch. About £300 was raised the meeting, the Vicar’s report, being for St Barnabas Church, so we want shared with the other three parishes to thank all those who supported the in our benefice. Andrew Payne and event for their contributions. Lynn Whitaker were re-elected as churchwardens and we are extremely Tearfund Sunday – Service and grateful to them for their willingness Lunch on Sunday 9th March. to go on serving in this capacity. The congregation at the service included PCC members were re-elected and two young families, and the youngsters the elected PCC members are Lisa were interested in the video and helped Mynheer, Colin Jenkins, Carol Welch, the speaker by holding up posters that Rita Turner and David Turner. The showed the headings of his talk. As a vicar and churchwardens are ex- retired primary school teacher the speaker officio members. was able to relate well to the children and general congregation. We saw the way in The process of finalising the new which young girls in Uganda routinely benefice as the four parishes, which

14 have been a cluster for a long time, is this occasion the service also followed now well under way and the “Pastoral two days after the 70th Anniversary Measure” as it is called, should go before of the D-Day landings. Many of the the Privy Council before much longer. hymns chosen reflected emotions from both the Otmoor Challenge and the Otmoor Challenge – Sponsored D-Day landings. Walk Our very sincere thanks and Lisa Mynheer chose ‘Eternal Father, congratulations go to Natalie and Strong to Save’ and explained that Layla Whitaker who raised over Nick’s grandfather was trapped in the £1100 by their sponsored walk. We Poseidon Submarine disaster in 1931, admire the family’s perseverance in along with eight others. Three died finding sponsors and obviously we and Nick’s grandfather continued to also thank the sponsors! suffer throughout his life from the effect of the ‘bends’. Songs of Praise-Pentecost – Otmoor Challenge ‘I the Lord of Sea and Sky’ was chosen For some years now, we at St by Lynn Whitaker to remind us of Barnabas have had a Songs of Isaiah 6:8, the challenge to be willing Praise service on the Sunday evening to serve and to stop making excuses following the Otmoor Challenge. and always take the comfortable We realised many parishioners had road. Natalie and Leila Whitaker worked hard on Saturday and weren’t had certainly not taken the easy road ready for a morning service, and – they had raised over £1100 for the others would still be involved with church by walking the Challenge in tidying up. The Songs of Praise format the absolutely torrential pouring rain. is also more informal and fits with the Saturday atmosphere, and gives the Basil Lyster chose ‘Lead us Heavenly congregation an opportunity to share Father Lead Us o’er the World’s some of their feelings and experiences. Tempestuous Seas’ and described how, at less than 18 years of age, he Carol Welch writes: ‘beached’ several times during the I was among the thirty or so members D-Day landings and subsequently of the congregation, accompanied spent several weeks afterwards by Derek Jewell on the organ, who protecting the beaches. These gathered on 8th June for the annual St memories must have been with Basil Barnabas Songs of Praise Service. On during the previous few days as he

15 missed the Anniversary gatherings to week for 1 month. Flower arrangers organise his 35th Otmoor Challenge. usually do at least one large arrangement for each Sunday for a month, but the Chris Pugh chose ‘Lord of all same flowers often last for more than Hopefulness’ and noted that when 1 week. If you could contribute some he was on his Challenge ‘checkpoint’ time to either or both of these please at Charlton-on-Otmoor he had contact Annie Payne (351018). overheard runners speaking in German, which offered significant Coming Events hopefulness and joy that could not On 4th August there will be an have been imagined 70 years ago. evening Prayer Vigil for Peace & Remembrance in commemoration I am sorry not have space here to of the outbreak of the First World describe the hymns, chosen by Tracey War. The Autumn Fair will be on the Stapley, Laura Mermet-Burnet and 27th September and we hope to have Colin Jenkins, all of which had the Friends Reception in September, equally significant meaning for those but the dates are not yet finalised. who chose them, and all of which we The Harvest Service will be on 5th enjoyed singing with equal enthusiasm October and we hope to hold a (once we were all singing from the Harvest Supper on 11th October, but same hymn sheet!). The service this is subject to confirmation. We was led by our vicar, Rev Andrew hope it will be at least as popular as Pritchard-Keens, who explained his the Barn Dance in March. There will own choice of hymn as well. NOT be a Thanksgiving for Animals service this year. Thank you to everyone who chose a hymn and shared its special Contact significance with the Congregation. It Rev Andrew Pritchard-Keens was a very enjoyable service. (07944 522098), our vicar, and the churchwardens, Lynn Whitaker Rotas (358838) and Andrew Payne The church survives on rotas for nearly (351018), would be pleased to talk everything, from preaching through to anyone who wants to know more reading to cleaning. Currently we are about the Christian faith or the short of people to contribute to the church, or who would appreciate Cleaning Rota and the Flowers Rota. support from church members. Cleaning usually requires a visit each David Turner (351460)

16 Volunteers crucially support Sobell House in providing high quality, personal and compassionate care to the Oxfordshire community – Will You Join Us?

Sobell House is a hospice that provides expert care and support to those suffering with an advanced, progressive disease for whom prognosis is limited. We work with patients, their families and close friends to enable the patient to minimize the effects of their disease, maximise their quality of life, and where possible, to prepare for their death. Sobell House commits to listen and work in partnership with each patient so that their unique situation and individual preferences can be understood.

There are many volunteering roles across Sobell that are undertaken by individuals who can offer varying skills, experience or time. Could you be a volunteer driver, ensuring that patients can access the hospice services and relieve the pressure of organising transport? Mileage incurred throughout this role is financially reimbursed. Are you green-fingered and wiling to join our team of volunteers to keep the gardens vibrant and welcoming? Are you able to listen sensitively to patients and families, or organise activities for the Day Services?

Sobell House are looking to recruit new volunteers for roles across the hospice. We provide a structured induction programme, including communication skills training alongside the shadowing of experienced volunteers, and ask that each volunteer commit for at least 12 months. Travel expenses are available. Support your local hospice, develop new skills, join our friendly team.

To express your interest please call Rebecca Norris on 01865 225868 or email [email protected]. You can find out more about Sobell House on our website: www.sobell-house.org.uk

17 HORTON-CUM-STUDLEY W. I. In March we held our A. G. M. the the crowds along to the event and the existing committee was re-elected and refreshment trade was brisk throughout Mrs Jane Pennington was also voted the afternoon. onto the committee. In July we will be holding a members’ On June 6th 2014 the Annual Meeting garden party and an outing to Windsor of the Women’s Institute was to be held has been arranged in August. Our in Leeds. Our secretary, Susan Cope, meetings on the second Tuesday of was elected to represent the Otmoor each month will recommence in the Group at this meeting. Each year Millennium Hall in September. members have a chance to put forward We are always pleased to welcome new an issue they want to become a national members, please contact me for details campaign. This year the focus was on of our programme. the need to increase Organ Donation. At Beryl Fleming (President) 35880 our meeting prior to Susan’s attendance in Leeds, our members discussed the issues – changing attitudes key to increasing the number of donors – Toddler and raising awareness and encouraging people to discuss their wishes with their families. Baby Group At the Otmoor Challenge and Fete the Enquiries to Angela W. I. were once again responsible for 07929-015044 or the refreshments. In past years Mrs Judy Wright organised the preparation and [email protected] managed the team of helpers on the day. Judy has now resigned from this role as she will be leaving the village. We very much appreciate her help and support over the years, and wish her every happiness for the future. Mrs Annie Anderson, who for many years assisted Judy, has taken over the leader’s role. The W. I is again most grateful to its members and many other ladies of the village for their generous gifts of cakes, help on the day with food preparation and serving the many customers. Despite the dismal start to June 6th, sunshine broke through at midday bringing The place to be seen for the under-fives! 18 AGE UK OXFORDSHIRE

My life, my way – Paul Cann, the Free health and wellbeing Chief Executive for Age UK, has courses – Generation Games, launched two new enterprises to in partnership with Oxfordshire help us live later life to the full. Skills & Learning Service (OSLS), Beacon (Ethical Legal Services) has are offering anyone over the age been launched – it is a new company of 65 and carers the opportunity set up to help people bewildered by to access a health and wellbeing the care system to pursue any rights course completely free of charge. they may have to NHS Continuing To find out more and claim your Healthcare. Care law is dense and free voucher for a course contact complex. The rules around NHS Generation Games on 01235 Continuing Healthcare – care you 849403. get free, this is – makes that care law look simple. Age UK will be My care my home – a new care extending the respected advocacy service has been launched in service that has helped several Oxfordshire offering advice, support hundred of the frailest and most and funding to help people find poorly older people over the last 10 the right type of care they need, years to reach many more. and help them make sure they are getting the most from their savings. The second enterprise was the In addition to the website, My launch in March of ‘Four Rivers Care My Home also offers a free, (Independent Living Services)’, face-to-face advice service through which will help you live comfortably home visits aimed at helping you and securely at home. This service find a suitable home-care provider running in Oxford and Banbury can or care in sheltered or Extra Care help you find a trusted trader to fix schemes and care homes. For more plumbing or mend the computer, or information contact Freephone check out the state of your house. 0800 731 8470 or visit http://www. They will do your cleaning or mycaremyhome.co.uk/ cooking, or whatever household task you need. For more details contact Find us online – www.ageuk.org.uk/ 01865 987393. oxfordshire. Ann Stearns – Parish Link for Age UK Oxfordshire

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Across 20 Each vie to accomplish (7) 1 Gregory is slightly hungry (7) 21 Return games contain nothing for 7 Frightened by Air Force raid (6) soldiers (6) 8 Delivery outside nightclub ? 22 Mark in ship runs quickly (7) 9 Rain heavily for French (4) 10 First person in debt initially to Down Athenian character (4) 1 Put in the middle of 22 (7) 12 Coffee shop serves a latte by the sea 2 On which a tennis player may woo (7) (5) 14 Hub tail gets tangled on fish (7) 3 Nip top off length (4) 16 Behold! Short length inside roof! (4) 4 Bean chariot fell apart (7) 18 Closed in posh utility room (4) 5 Poor pals make offer of marriage (8) 20 6 Bone we found in flab jiggling about HORTON-CUM-STUDLEY (6) GARDENING CLUB 11 Flight (8) 12 Chop girl with sword (7) SUMMER 2014 13 Let terse missives spell it out (7) We finished our winter programme 15 Detests drab horse when Dr Ellingham with two excellent meetings, goes away (6) particularly John Branham on 17 A cone at sea (5) vegetables all the year round, when 19 Scorch daily (4) we were given many useful tips on growing vegetables. We had our Please send your completed crosswords to first outdoor meeting on May 14th, Pauline Cox at Grove House, Horton Hill, by 31st July 2014. The first correct entry visiting Springhill House, Hethe, drawn will win a bottle of wine. near Bicester. A large garden with much to see, and tea and cakes to sustain us. Our coach trip this year is to visit two gardens in Hampshire, which will have taken place by the time you read this. construction & landscaping On July 23rd at 2.00pm we have a guided tour round the Oxford Domestic, Industrial Botanic Gardens. The members’ evening is at Shotover House, and Commercial Wheatley, by kind invitation of Mr and Mrs Alexander Stanier, on New Builds Drainage August 5th at 7.00pm. Extensions Patios For further information please contact Richard Hawes on Porches Fencing 01865 351540 Structural Alterations Driveways

Hard Landscaping Brickwork

t. 01869 249424 m. 07801 380 681 e. [email protected] www.mattwestconstruction.co.uk

21 COUNTRY COLUMN – SUMMER 2014

Since I last wrote we have had various extremes in our weather. Most notably the continuation of large amounts of rain in February, 71 mm, and May, 89 mm. With the ground being so waterlogged it looked as though planting of spring arable crops and vegetables in the garden was going to be very difficult. However, both March and April were somewhat drier, allowing planting to go ahead. Although some seedbeds were not ideal, crops generally look quite good. The one thing that has enjoyed the moist conditions is grass, which has been growing very quickly, meaning plenty of grass for grazing, hay and silage, but also more frequent lawn mowing. Crops of silage so far have been very good. Although we have had a lot of rain it has also been relatively frost free, with the frost only penetrating 2/3 inches, on 3 or 4 days, and very few icy roads. Overwintered vegetables are growing well, and broad beans sown on the 1st of November were ready to eat by the end of May, likewise an abundance of cauliflowers, and container-grown new potatoes, ready to eat in the last week of May. Another thing I have noticed is how many leaves there appear to be on the trees, with very thick canopies, and how much growth there is on the hedges. Again there has been plenty of blossom, and a good show of flowers relatively unspoilt by the weather, except for some windy days. Our wildlife seems to have had a good breeding season judging by the groups of starlings now flying about, the swallows and house martins busy feeding young, and quite a lot of young lapwings and other waders on Otmoor. Having had a nice warm week, and some heavy but varied thunderstorms, we will now have a more normal settled summer as we still have plenty of moisture in the ground. Richard Hawes

22 CURRIED PORK CHOP BAKE

Method: Season the pork chops, place them in a casserole and brown them in the oil. Lift the chops out of the casserole and cook the onions in the oil until they are softened. Mix the curry paste in with the onions and cook for 1 minute. Serves: 4 Pour in 150 ml (¼ pint) apple juice, stir Oven: 180 °C, 350 °F, gas mark 4 well and loosen any brown bits from the Cooking time: 1 hour 45 minutes casserole. Layer the potatoes over the onions. Ingredients: Mix the cabbage, carrots and grated 4 pork loin chops lime together and sprinkle them over the 2 tbs vegetable oil potatoes. 2 medium onions peeled and sliced Season if necessary. 2 level teaspoons of medium hot curry paste Arrange the pork chops on top of the vegetables. 285 ml (½ pint) unsweetened apple juice 675 g (1½ lbs) potatoes peeled and Pour in the rest of the apple juice. sliced Cook in the centre of the oven. 4 medium carrots peeled and coarsely Sprinkle with coriander before serving. grated 225 g (8 oz) finely shredded cabbage Cartoon V10013b019 courtesy of Fresh coriander fotosearch.com Freshly grated lime Elizabeth Kenworthy-Browne Seasoning

23 Village Classifieds

Live in Horton-cum-Studley? Have Send your short text advert to the something for sale? Or a service/business editor at claudettedoe@yahoo. you want to promote? Free of charge? co.uk by October 17th 2014 for Yes? Then this section is for you! inclusion in the November issue.

J C GARDEN MAINTENANCE Planting, weeding, pruning small trees & shrubs. Fence repairs, painting wooden garden buildings. Power washing paving, paths, decking and much more. Contact Jim Caple 07958 459876 or 01865 351257 for an informal chat. Email – [email protected] Experienced, Qualified, Insured.

HORTON PETCARE SERVICES Now offers DOG GROOMING. From bath and tidy to full groom, clipping to hand stripping, in addition to our other services in caring for your pets. Fully insured, City & Guilds qualified. Contact Lynn Whitaker 01865 358838 or 07795 550851. E-mail – [email protected]

PILATES FOR MEN Every Tuesday 7.30pm – 8.30pm Grove House, Horton Hill Spaces limited – booking essential For more information or to reserve a place, ring Pauline: 01865 351367 or 07710 588367

Mobile library The Mobile Library stops at The Forge from 13:50 to 14:05, and at Mill Lane from 14:10 to 14:25, on the following Thursdays: July: 10, 24 August: 7, 21 September: 4, 18 October: 2, 16, 30 November: 13, 27

24 NEWS FROM OXFORDSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL AND CHERWELL DISTRICT COUNCIL

FROM COUNTY COUNCILLOR Oxfordshire residents in the Dexter and DISTRICT COUNCILLOR for Room at the Registry Office. Other OTMOOR Tim Hallchurch highlights of the last month included the presentation of a cheque from Oxfordshire County Council my Charity Dinner to Jayne Many of Earth Trust at Shillingford. I now On 22nd May, I handed over the hope to find more time for local County Council Chairmanship to matters. I have resumed committee Cllr Anne Purse who will now be work and am now a member of the Chairman of Oxfordshire County Health Overview Scrutiny Committee Council for a year. Anne is the County and the Audit Committee of Councillor for Wheatley Division. Oxfordshire CC. My last events as Chairman included receiving the SABRE award from My diary can be viewed at www. the South East Reserve Forces and otmoor.co.uk Cadets Association (SERFCA) for the contribution OCC had made to the forces. The presentation was by HRH

Connecting Oxfordshire The Leader of the Council, Ian The Earl of Wessex. Hudspeth, launched Connecting Oxfordshire in April. This outlined I then escorted HRH The Duke the strategic transport schemes of Gloucester to a Citizenship that the County Council and our Ceremony in County Hall and partners, such as Network Rail, the presentation of BEMs to eight will deliver between now and 2020.

25 Over the coming months he will be prepares for these regular inspections, travelling around Oxfordshire giving OFSTED will only give 24 hours’ presentations to residents, with notice to see schools performing as particular focus to those local areas. they would on an everyday basis. Each meeting takes place at 7.00pm: The results will be known at the end of June and give a clear indicator Mon 30 June Bicester Littlebury of performance (either inadequate, Hotel Mon 7 July Witney Henry Box requires improvement, good or School outstanding). Schools will strive to Tue 15 July Didcot Cornerstone continuously improve themselves and Wed 16 July Henley Town Hall the recommendations from inspectors We are starting the process for the should help us to advance. next Local Transport Plan (LTP4) and discussions from these events will CLA Game Fair also feed into that plan. It is vital that The CLA Game Fair is returning to we have a transport system that will Blenheim Palace on 18th, 19th and enable residents to move around the 20th July. This national event is billed county efficiently. as the largest countryside event in the world and expects to attract 150,000 Adult Social Care grant visitors that weekend. This will Thanks to a successful bid by the inevitably add to traffic, particularly County Council, we have been on the Friday. The County Council granted £459k to expand and develop will put in place a similar traffic social care in Oxfordshire. It will be management plan to that used in spent on a range of initiatives designed 2011, with all organisations working to enhance social care delivery locally, to reduce the impact on the area. including the establishment of a behaviour-based recruitment pilot District and European elections and training on assistive technology On 22nd May, Oxfordshire residents that will allow people to be cared for had the opportunity to vote for their in their own homes for longer rather Members of the European Parliament. than being admitted to a care home. Our county elects as part of the South East of England Constituency that OFSTED inspections returns 10 MEPs to the 751-strong A 4-week inspection of Oxfordshire Parliament. There are now 4 UKIP schools took place in May. While and 3 Conservatives alongside 1 the Children’s Services Directorate each for Labour, Green and Liberal

26 Democrat. There were also district amount of pain to get the project elections in a third of the seats in finished quickly. I will keep you Cherwell and West Oxfordshire, and informed when I get a reply. I am also for half the seats in Oxford City. West pressing for the roads to be repaired Oxfordshire and Cherwell remain once work is completed. under Conservative control; Oxford is held by Labour. Cherwell District Council

Dementia Friends campaign Local Plan Oxfordshire County Council is The Local Plan has been taking up backing this important Alzheimer’s the time and efforts of the Cherwell Society Campaign. By becoming officers and members of the Executive a Dementia Friend, you can find over the last few months. It has been out more about how you can held up for various reasons and help someone in your family or latterly by a move of Oxford City neighbourhood. More information Council who want a delay so housing is available at: https://www. for the city can be built on Cherwell dementiafriends.org.uk/ DC land. The City have said: “The Plan was submitted in advance of Oxford–Marylebone rail link the publication of a new Oxfordshire Work on the new line from Oxford Strategic Housing Market Assessment to Marylebone via Water Eaton and (SHMA). Working through SPIP, the Bicester is well under way. The work Oxfordshire Districts and County has resulted in extra heavy goods Council jointly commissioned vehicle traffic on the country lanes consultants to prepare a new SHMA that is causing disruption and road to supersede the previous SHMA damage. Although the work will take published in 2007. Work on the new up to 2 years I understand that the SHMA has been taking place over the earth-moving phase will only last a last few months and a summary of few weeks before actual construction key findings was published on Friday will progress using the railway to 7th March 2014. The final SHMA bring in new track and infrastructure. report was due to be published later I have asked for an estimate of how in March. However this has now long it will take before we can see the been delayed”. The Districts believe back of the HGVs on the lanes and there is a big difference between I am waiting for a reply. I am afraid theory of the SHMA numbers and that we will have to accept a certain what is realistically deliverable, and

27 this difference will be assessed by the to adopt a healthier lifestyle and Inspector at the Cherwell Examination improve their fitness levels as part of this month. Cherwell District Council’s Go Active, Get Healthy and its Active Women Nominate causes for initiatives. The vouchers will be community compost giveaway available to over 18s only on a first- Organisations that help or benefit come-first-served basis and are only the community are being invited to redeemable during public swimming apply for free bags of compost and sessions. The initiative will run from wildflower seeds from Cherwell 1 June until 31 August inclusive and District Council. Residents are will not include Woodgreen Open being encouraged to put forward Air Pool. The cost of the vouchers is suggestions for local groups, schools being offset by Go Active, Get Healthy and charities to receive either 20 or 40 and Active Women, which is funded bags of compost and the seeds to help by Sport England and delivered by grow gardens within the community. Cherwell. To sign up visit http://www. Starting with the sentence “I would getoxfordshireactive.org/cherwell- like to nominate (add name of swimming. For more information organisation) to receive the compost contact Christina.higgs@cherwell-dc. because...” residents must sum up the gov.uk or call 01295 221803. reasons for their nomination in just 50 words Forum to focus on disability Sport development and transport Splash out on unlimited will top the agenda Cherwell District swimming Council’s next disability forum. People looking to increase their Cherwell organises disability forums physical activity are being invited to to ensure that people with disabilities enjoy 1 month of unlimited swimming have their voices heard when it for just £5. Between June and August, comes to influencing and improving adults are being offered the chance the council’s services. The forums to swim at Spiceball Leisure Centre raise the profile and awareness of in Banbury, Bicester Leisure Centre, disability issues in Cherwell, identify and Kidlington and Gosford Leisure gaps in service provision and promote Centre for just £5 for the month. opportunities and empowerment for The scheme has been introduced to disabled people. encourage people who do less than 3 hours’ physical activity each week

28 Barking mad if you’re not more, the tags are completely free!” registered Owners can apply for a tag online by A record number of free identity submitting a description and optional tags have been issued to dogs across photograph of their dog along with Cherwell in the same year the scheme various contact details, including was acknowledged with the RSPCA’s phone numbers, email addresses and Innovator Award. During 2013/ 2014, home addresses, to help trace them Cherwell District Council issued 865 should their pet be picked up. This identity tags to owners, up from 562 information is then cross-referenced the previous year. The tags contain a against a unique identification number unique identification number which, that is printed on the dog’s tag along when cross-referenced with Cherwell’s with a phone number for the council’s database, provide contact details and dog warden. addresses for their dog’s owner. Mark Harmon, Cherwell’s environmental Council Tax enforcement manager, said: “It is a Cherwell District Council has held the legal requirement for dogs to wear an Council Tax rates for the sixth year. identity tag in public and failure to do This has been possible due mainly to so can result in a £25 fine. While some efficiencies of working jointly with people choose to create their own South Northants and Stratford upon identity tag, the benefit of our scheme Avon Councils. is that by using a unique identification number to cross-reference contact Tim Hallchurch information, we are able to access [email protected] a lot more information than can be 01865-377099 squeezed onto a small tag. What’s

ANOTHER VILLAGE LIMERICK There was rain for the walkers then sun At two when we started the run But we raced round just fine To get back for the wine And an evening of pig roast and fun!

29 Otmoor Riding Group

The local bridleways continue to be winning a 1st and a 2nd place, and extremely waterlogged in spite of Jenna scooping 6th place. Marla the recent heatwave and many are White has also been doing well in still unusable. The rapid growth of the British Dressage teamQuest summer vegetation is also causing competition series. Local horse show problems with various paths and season is also in full swing with gateways. With the continued Wheatley and District Horse Show cutbacks affecting the Oxfordshire due to take place on 13th July at the County Council Rights of Way Thame Show Ground, Charlton-on- team, it’s never been a better time to Otmoor Horse Show on 3rd August get together with fellow riders and and the Haddenham Fun Horse Show walkers to cut back some brambles on 7th September. to keep your favourite paths open. Don’t waste half an hour complaining Otmoor Riding Group (358363) to your friends and neighbours about how overgrown a path is – put your half hours together and make a difference by getting involved in a path tidy with a British Horse Society affiliated bridleways group such as ours or with one of the walkers groups, such as the Ramblers.

Dressage has been popular with our members again this year. Dee Sharpey and Jenna Zan both had successful outings to a local dressage Kanni gets the last laugh! competition last month, with Dee Photo by Jenna Zan

Horton-cum-Studley Village Newsletter is published three times a year by the Parish Council. Would all regular contributors please submit copy on disk or e-mail. Next issue deadline is 17 October. Send your views, letters, photos to Claudette Doe at [email protected] Views expressed in this newsletter are not necessarily those of the Parish Council. Design by Jenna Zan @ Zed • Print/Produced by Parchment Published by H-c-S Parish Council 2014. For enquiries regarding delivery, please contact Richard and Rachel Hawes on 01865 351540. 30 Photos by Paul Buddin

Barn Dance 2014

31 Barn Dance 2014