thewindowforwallingfordthewindowforwallingford Editorial ith the General Election on 7th May, the Window for Wallingford has offered each of the candidates we knew about at the time of printing the opportunity to speak directly to residents of Wallingford. What Wthey have sent us is printed on the centre pages of this month’s magazine, in the order in which it was received and with no changes or amendments: what you see is what we got, and we’re grateful to the candidates for working with us in this way, and meeting our special deadlines.

It would have been good to have comments from candidates for the District Council too, but sadly space didn’t allow us to do that. For the Town Council, we have 15 candidates nominated for the 16 seats, so we won’t have a contested election and we know who will be on our new Town Council from May onwards. See page 8 for their names.

I very much hope that you’ll find the Parliamentary candidates’ comments interesting and that you’ll bear it in mind on 7th May. By the time you read this, it will be too late to register to vote, but please do go out on the day and have your say

Editor [email protected]

Experience a ‘Night at the Museum’ Mayoral Information Needed!

xperience a special am trying to put a face to the past Mayors of ‘Night at the Museum’ Wallingford. If anyone has any old photographs of Eat Wallingford Museum Ithe Past Mayors, or relevant paperwork, that they anytime from 6pm – curfew would allow me to copy, I would be most grateful. (9pm) on Friday 15th May! Following the great success of Any information or photographs could be brought last year’s World War II event, into the Town Information Office. this year the clock is turning back to The Middle Ages! Lynne Thorpe Be sure to bring your torch so you can explore the museum’s medieval secrets at night and seek answers to our special quiz. If you are brave enough, you can find the man in the dungeon, the hooded monk, the wicked robber on the pillory... and much more. You can even dig for ‘treasure’. And even if this isn’t your thing ... it’s a great opportunity to see the Museum in an evening, instead of our normal opening daytime opening hours! There’s plenty to see – not only can you read original letters from Agatha Christie, you can find out more about her life in Wallingford during the 42 years she lived at Winterbrook House. You can also discover the fascinating story of Wallingford’s Royal and learn about the Town’s place in Magna Carta. All this for the price of the entry ticket – just £4 for an adult, and free for children – but if you’ve already visited this season, of course you can use your ticket again, and again and again…. Stu Darby

www.wallingford.co.uk

please mention window for wallingford if you respond to any of our advertisements 1 thewindowforwallingfordthewindowforwallingford Eccentric : a History of ages! Apart from joining in with the coaching and match play sessions, visitors can join in on a fitness- Mischief & Mayhem based cardio tennis session. Light refreshments are available. Anyone wishing to attend the Open Day ay’s talk to The can just turn up on the day or go to clubspark.lta.org. Wallingford Historical and uk/OpenDay search for Wallingford and register for MArchaeological Society your free place online. (TWHAS) will be by Richard O. Smith. He will present ‘Eccentric Oxford: a Portcullis Tennis Club has over 270 members drawn History of Mischief & Mayhem’. from a wide area of South . For more details see www.Portcullistennis.net This entertaining talk will present an amusing, yet historically accurate, trawl through Oxford’s alternative Membership packages are extremely reasonable and lesser known eccentric history (covering the writer compared with all major gym chains. A family of 4 can expelled from Oxford on his second day for fighting a play all year for the equivalent of just 71 pence a day! duel in a college quad, the University’s official advice An individual aged from 5 to 25 can play for only £50 on ‘How to tell if an Oxford woman is a prostitute’ and per year. how Oliver Cromwell discovered you should never Steve Gothard mess with an Oxfordshire Librarian!). Club Chairman Richard O Smith lives in Oxford and is a tour guide, running the Eccentric Oxford Tour. He is also a comedy writer and contributes material to Radio 4’s The Now Show and The News Quiz. This talk will be held on Friday 8th May, 7.45 for 8pm at Wallingford Town Hall. Visitors (£3) are most welcome.

Stu Darby ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ Open Day (and prize draw) at Local Wallingford Tennis Club Sunday 17 May 2015

he doors of one of Oxfordshire’s best tennis clubs will be thrown open to the public on Sunday 17 TMay from 2-5, as part of a national Great British Tennis Weekend campaign organised by the LTA. Portcullis Tennis Club (at Wallingford Sports Park in Hithercroft Road) is inviting everyone to come along for free fun at its annual Open Day and the chance for under 11 age pupils of six local schools to win prizes.

Our open day is not only about encouraging people to consider becoming members. We want everyone to try out tennis, see our facilities and have a fun day. We are a very sociable club with 4 well-attended club sessions each week, a full competition programme, professional coaching for adults and juniors alike and an array of evening social events.

To encourage children to attend and try out tennis, we are running a competition in six local schools to win two main prizes of 6 months’ coaching (a total of 24 one hour sessions valued at £132), plus 12 smaller prizes (two per school) of either 2 months’ coaching (8 one hour sessions) or a 2 day tennis camp, plus for any non member of PTC, a free membership worth £15 for our 2015/2016 season.

Coaches and league players will lead sessions of free tennis for children aged 5 and over, to adults of all www.wallingford.co.uk

2 please mention window for wallingford if you respond to any of our advertisements thewindowforwallingfordthewindowforwallingford Wallingford Town Council Update The planning application P15/S0191/FUL (Wates) was discussed and rejected by the Town Council as it is uring March there were meetings of the contrary to the local plan, it will exceed the maximum Finance & Properties and Plans and General number of houses included in the Core Strategy and DPurposes committees and the Town Meeting. that the Town council has concerns over infrastructure The Councillors welcomed four participants to speak. and access. Jerry Unsworth, a Winterbrook resident, presented a Grants report produced by the Save Winterbrook Group which discussed the Wates application for 85 unit housing The Sports Park – Wallingford Town Football Club estate and why we must resist their attempt to wear has been awarded £250 towards updating the locker down the local community and ignore local plans. doors. This was followed by Asher Ross of Boyer Planning who defended the application. A grant of £300 has been made to ENRYCH to support one physically disabled member. Kate Rayner,the Market Town Coordinator, and Iain Nicholson of Flashop Ltd, came with a proposal Wallingford Partnership has received £400 to help with regarding a pop-up shop project for Wallingford. They the costs of St George’s Day. were rewarded with a council strongly supportive of this proposal and it was decided to fund 50% of the An award of £500 has been made to help with the project (the remainder funded by SODC) to start from inauguration of Wallingford Festival of Cycling. the middle of March until the end of October. Rachel Rae, who has been employed to help with the Wallingford Volunteer Centre is to receive £750 to help organisation, promotion and administration of the Civil with the running costs of this valuable service. War Re-enactment, gave a summary of the expected sponsorship and support. Oxfordshire Play Association are to be given £250 to sponsor an activity at the Wallingford Play and Activity Day. SODC are planning to move from its temporary homes to Milton Park, starting at the end of May. St Leonards Churchyard Conservation Group will receive £100 to help with the removal of overgrowth Any disturbances caused by the Pettits renovations will in the Churchyard. be monitored and kept to a minimum. The format of the Remembrance Sunday Service was The Wallingford Regatta – Annual sponsorship of The discussed. The organisation will be different this year Borough Vase Cup will receive a grant of £120. because the Wallingford branch of the British Legion is closing. Moving the Remembrance service into OCVA request for £200 to fund a third of the the Market Place had proved very successful and community ambassador’s expenses was awarded. the numbers increase each year. Suggestions for improvements included seating for those in need, an Future Meetings improved PA system, the positioning of the choir and being increasingly inclusive to those of any faith and 18 Annual Meeting (Mayor Making) Town Hall those of none. This will be discussed with as many as 7.30pm possible of the others involved in organising and running the Remembrance event in the coming months. Agendas and past copies of minutes are available from our website www.wallingford.co.uk or from the Town Our response to the OCC traffic consultation concluded Offices. We always welcome any public participation that as the targets of lower carbon emissions, increased and invite the public to suggest any future agenda economic activity and health benefits would not be items over matters that they find important. met, there would be a negative impact on Wallingford and urged OCC to review its plan. Councillor Teresa Harrison

please mention window for wallingford if you respond to any of our advertisements 3 thewindowforwallingfordthewindowforwallingford and Wallingford Railway New Zealand and Singapore

holsey and Wallingford Railway are running two t the May meeting of the events in May. On Saturday 2nd - Monday 4th Wallingford Gardening CMay - we are having a double headed steam AClub, Gwen Barton will event featuring two steam engines at Wallingford. talk about plants from New One of the engines - Northern Gas Board No1- is on Zealand and Singapore. Gwen loan from the Darlington Railway Society. Then on is the vice chair of East Reading Sunday 24 and Monday 25 May we are running Trains Horticulture Society and has lived on a Spring Weekend. in many third world countries. She has a passion for her subject with talks that always For both events trains will be leaving Wallingford on illustrate a variety of plant life. Gwen has been a speaker an hourly basis from 11.05 hrs till 16.05 hrs and from for more than 15 years, and all her talks include ‘plants Cholsey between 110.35 hrs and 16.35 hrs. Further & humour’. details can be found on our website www.cholsey- wallingford-railway.com or on our pre-recorded phone This is the final talk of our Spring season, but talks line 835067. will recommence on 8th October in the Ridgeway Community Church. The talk will be held at Ridgeway Carolyn Fitzmaurice Community Church at 7.30pm on Thursday 14th May. Further details from 836867 ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ Visitors very welcome £2. Isabelle Darby Music at St Peter’s ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ usic at St Peter’s celebrates its 30th season this year - 30 years of bringing first-class Mclassical chamber music to St Peter’s Church, Wallingford & District Art Club Wallingford, with its splendid acoustics for this kind of music. To get the season off to a good start, the and District Art Club meets on first concert on Saturday 16th May is an all-Mozart allingford Tuesdays, 7.30-9.30 at Centre 70, Goldsmiths programme given by DeNote, a period-instrument Lane. On Tuesday 19 May, Sharon Hurst ensemble consisting of clarinet, violin, cello, viola and W will demonstrate fantasy painting using Shin Han fortepiano - the kind of instrument Mozart himself watercolour glazes and you are most welcome to join would have played. They perform a trio for clarinet, us for what is always an entertaining and interesting viola and piano, a violin sonata, and the Gran Partita - evening (visitors £5, members free). And why not come featured in the film Amadeus. Then on Saturday 30th along to a free taster session at one of the untutored May the internationally renowned tenor, John Mark painting evenings on all other Tuesdays? Just bring Ainsley, will be giving a recital of songs by Purcell, your own materials and ideas or simply come to have Schubert, Fauré and a group of British composers. a look round and a friendly chat. Do ring or e-mail me if you would like more information on this or the Tickets are £12 in advance or £14 on the door - you other exciting demonstrations we shall be having each can get them in advance from Just Trading in St Mary’s month. Street, or by post. For a fully detailed brochure with a ticket order form, and to be on our mailing list for next Stephanie Toole 825042 year, please send your name and full postal address to [email protected] [email protected] or phone Laurence on 01865 343336. All concerts start at 8.00 pm.

Glynne Stackhouse

www.wallingford.co.uk

4 please mention window for wallingford if you respond to any of our advertisements thewindowforwallingfordthewindowforwallingford Didcot and Wallingford Ramblers News from Nuffield Place

un 3rd 11:00 SU567923 Leisurely 4 miles. Meet ur fourth season at Wittenham Clumps car park on south side at Nuffield Place, Sof clumps on Little Wittenham Road. This is Othe National a Ramblers 80th anniversary walk via Castle Hill, Trust property on your Brightwell Barrow and Little Wittenham Wood doorstep is now in full finishing with ascent of Round Hill up to view point. swing. Our gardeners All welcome. Dogs on short leads please. Contact have been very busy over the winter, clearing and Nick Morley 07843 006704 pruning and replanting, as well as reinstating our Mon 4th 14:00 SU648912 Moderate 5 miles. Meet at purple plum avenue. Our Ewelme at Cow Common car park. This is a popularity has grown to circular walk including Swan’s Way. Registered such an extent since our Assistance Dogs only. Contact Kate Hart 07966 opening in 2012 that 756770 we are now open seven days a week, from March till November. This season’s Sun 10th 14:00 SU526882 Moderate 7 miles. Meet sewing project is ‘Make your own needle case’ in Lady at East Hagbourne at Upper Cross near the church. Nuffield’s sewing room. To coincide with the 75th This is a monthly village ramble that varies from 5 to anniversary of the end of the Second World War, we 9 miles at a quick pace. Dogs on short leads please. have a display in the house about Lord Nuffield and Contact Paul Chambers 01235 816365 the war effort, which is running until 31 May. If you have never been, why not come along for a visit? Tues 12th 10:00 SU590839 Moderate 9 miles. Meet at Moulsford recreation ground car park. The walk We are still looking for volunteer room guides, shop assistants and visitor reception assistants. Opportunities takes in Ridgeway, Lardon Chase and Streatley. Please are available weekly or fortnightly. If you fancy bring packed lunch. Registered Assistance Dogs only. embarking on something a little bit different and are Contact Barry Cowlard 838707 interested in volunteering for the National Trust, please contact us on 642857 or on nuffieldvolunteers@ Thur 21st 10:00 SU578940 Moderate 8 miles. Meet nationaltrust.org.uk. at Dorchester, Bridge End car park. Walk the Thames path to Shillingford returning via Little Wittenham Claudia Bolling wood and Wittenham Clumps. Please bring picnic Assistant House Steward lunch. Contact Richard Birch 07719 692355

Fri 29th 10:00 SU695902 Moderate 6.5 miles. Meet at Cookley Green war memorial on south side of green. Walk via Ridgeway path and Icknield Way through . Registered Assistance Dogs only. Contact Nuala Clements 835387

Sue White

www.wallingford.co.uk

please mention window for wallingford if you respond to any of our advertisements 5 thewindowforwallingfordthewindowforwallingford The Friends of St Mary’s and St Town Information Centre

Leonard’s Churches is in the air and the bluebells will be showing pring their beautiful colours soon. Should you wish to he Friends of St Mary’s and St Leonard’s Churches see some there is always a display on the Ridgeway will be holding a Quiz Night on Saturday 16th S leading from Mongewell going towards Nettlebed may in the Masonic Hall, Wallingford. T which is only about one and half miles walk from

Mongewell (crossing two minor roads). Alternatively, Please come and enjoy another evening of lively to go by car take the A4130 towards Henley and turn questions with Bob Elliott as our Quiz Master. right onto Swan Way (first right) which will take you Tables of 6 for each team. We can find friends to make closer to them. up tables if you are unable to make up a table of 6 so please come and enjoy the fun. Doors open at 7 pm. Wallingford Town Information Office has been donated Bar available. Tickets £10. Supper will be served at five Watercolours, which are for sale to raise funds 7.15 at the tables. towards the next defibrillator for Wallingford. Do come in to see them. The Quiz will start at 8 o’clock with a short interval when desserts will be served and glasses can be This year’s Remembrance pins have been issued, and refreshed. All are welcome. Tickets are on sale now we now have them in stock, dated 1915-2015, at a from the committee...Sheila 836517, Pat 836813, cost of £2.50 each, which is the minimum donation. Sarah Streets 832331 Ken Lester 836066 and other members of the committee. We would like to take this opportunity to welcome Jackie, who is our new recruit, to the Town Information Centre. We look forward to seeing you there. Lynne, Penny and Wendy Belinda Lee-Jones 826972 836223 [email protected] ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ The Royal British Legion

irstly I have to apologise as I put kilometers instead of miles in the Fpiece about the sponsored Poppy Appeal walk on May 10th.

At the May meeting we will be having a talk about a local gentleman who was one of the people who started the Royal British Legion after the first World War. It will include slides and photos.

The new Poppy Appeal lapel pins are now available from the Town Information Office. This year they state “1915 – 2015”. We have already sold many of them, so please do support us, even though it is a long time till November.

Linda Shoebridge 598479

6 please mention window for wallingford if you respond to any of our advertisements thewindowforwallingfordthewindowforwallingford Wallingford School of Art “Everyday First Aid” course

allingford School of Art will be visiting - Now Free the new Sonia Delaunay exhibition at Tate Modern, and we offer a talk on Tuesday i P, the Wallingford W Patient Group is morning, 12th May, from 11-1, and then a visit the following Tuesday (or at a date convenient for all in the Porganising a one-hour class). The talk will be “Colour, Abstraction and Sonia First Aid course to brush- and Robert Delaunay” and will cost £7. up patients’ everyday skills in first aid. Jill Organ from British Red Cross will be Sonia Delaunay (1885–1979) was a key figure in talking on many topics and taking questions. The talk the Parisian avant-garde and became the European starts at 2.30 pm in St Mary’s Church on Tuesday, doyenne of abstract art. Throughout the first half of the 19th May. Doors open 2.10 pm. Tea / Coffee and twentieth century, she celebrated the modern world of biscuits will be served after the talk. You will be movement, technology and urban life, exploring new invited to make a voluntary donation to Red Cross ideas about colour theory together with her husband at the end of the afternoon. Enquiries to 836820 or Robert Delaunay. [email protected] .

This will be the first UK retrospective to assess the Don’t miss this valuable opportunity! breadth of her vibrant artistic practice across a wide range of media. It will feature the groundbreaking Val Wolsey paintings, textiles and clothes she made across a sixty- year career, as well as the results of her innovative collaborations with poets, choreographers and manufacturers, from Diaghilev to Liberty.

Please email us if you would like to attend - [email protected] Ann Stieglitz ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ Science Exchange Wallingford What is so special about groundwater?

roundwater is a vital source of fresh water in the UK. On average, it supplies almost Gone-third of public water, but in some areas, including south-east , groundwater makes up nearly 90% of public supply. The British Geological Survey (BGS) undertakes research on environmental issues related to groundwater. This includes security of supply, in terms of quantity and quality, through to the effects of pollution, flooding and, more recently, shale gas extraction.

But what is groundwater, where can it be found, and why should you care?

Our speaker, Katya Manamsa is a hydrogeologist with BGS, having previously worked for the Environment Agency. Her current job involves research into the types of compounds found in groundwater, groundwater flooding and the national methane baseline.

Science Exchange Wallingford is at 7.30pm on Wednesday 20th May in Wallingford School Library – doors open from 7pm. Light refreshments are available and each event is free to attend. We are privileged to be a Café Scientifique: www.cafescientifique.org

Amanda Holland Science Exchange Wallingford

please mention window for wallingford if you respond to any of our advertisements 7 thewindowforwallingfordthewindowforwallingford What’s On at the Corn Exchange Massive Second Hand Bike Sale

CINEMA As part of the Wallingford Vintage Car Rally on Sunday (performances start at 7.30pm unless otherwise stated) May 10th we shall be holding a secondhand bike sale on the Kinecroft between 11am and 4pm. You drop Friday 1st: Suite Française (15) off your unwanted bikes between 10 and 11am, leave Saturday 2nd: Home (PG) at 10.30am us your details and a price. We sell your bike for you Saturday 2nd: Phantom of the Opera (classic and you take home 75% of the sale price, or your black and white 1925 version with quartet bike if it doesn’t sell. We can also take donations of accompaniment) bikes, and bikes that need attention. Also included Tuesday 5th: Royal Ballet’s production of La Fille Mal are scooters, helmets, tag-alongs, child bike seats etc. Gardée, satellite recording from Royal Opera House So have a clear out of your unwanted bikes, or come at 7.15pm along and grab a bargain. We shall be including both Wednesday 6th, Thursday 7th: A Little Chaos (12A) children’s and adult bikes in the sale. Please register Saturday 9th: Cinderella (U) at 10.30am your interest at [email protected] Saturday 9th: The Rocky Horror Picture Show (12A). Fundraiser for Wallingford School pupils to make a For more information please call Sally on 07837 charity visit to Kenya to work with HIV orphans 009774 Sunday 10th, Monday 11th: While We’re Young (15) Tuesday 12th, Wednesday 13th: A Pigeon Sat on a Sally Eccleston Branch Reflecting on Existence (12A) Swedish comedy ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ Thursday 14th: Man and Superman (12A). NT Live direct from National Theatre, with Ralph Fiennes Friday 15th: Elle L’Adore (15) Stop Press! New Town Council Friday 29th: San Francisco Opera’s stunning, highly- ominations for the new Town Council, which acclaimed production of Jerome Kern’s Showboat. will be in place from 11th May, arrived just after Huge cast with tremendous operatic ensemble our deadline, but have been sneaked in. singing and rollicking dance numbers. Tickets £10, £8 N seniors and under-15s. 7.30pm There were 15 nominations for 16 seats on the Council, Saturday 30th, Sunday 31st, Monday 1st June: A so there won’t be a contested election and our Town Royal Night Out (12A) Councillors are: Tuesday June 2nd and Wednesday 3rd: Far From the Madding Crowd (12A) Betty Atkins Lynda Atkins LIVE Dee Cripps Mike Crook Friday 8th: Comedy Night. 8pm Jim Smallman Rebekah Davidson presents his knockout Edinburgh Fringe shows, Colin Dolton Tattooligan and Let’s Be Friends. Tickets £10, seniors £8 Kevin Harvey Alec Hayton Wednesday 20th to Saturday 23rd: Sinodun Players Amanda Holland present The Birthday Party by Harold Pinter. Stanley Nigel Hughes Webber’s birthday turns into a nightmare when two Mick Kidley strangers turn up at the boarding house where he Ros Lester lodges. Sparked by the men’s unusual interest in Adrian Lloyd Stanley, events take a disturbing turn for the worse. Maureen Norton Funny, awkward, tense and thought-provoking. Who Jane Titchener are these people and why are they there? 7.45pm. Tickets £10. Lynda Atkins Thursday 28th, Friday 29th, Saturday 30th: Scaramouche Jones by Justin Butcher in The Studio at the Corn Exchange at 8pm. Mike Long of Blown Sand Productions plays Jones, an aged circus clown, preparing to meet his destiny by recounting his extraordinary life story.

For tickets, call into the box office or phone 01491 825000 during opening hours, 7-8pm daily and 10am-2pm Fridays and Saturdays. Also available online at www.cornexchange.org.uk. Please check website pending any programme alterations. Carol Evans

8 please mention window for wallingford if you respond to any of our advertisements thewindowforwallingfordthewindowforwallingford ‘Bring ‘n Buy’ for Tearfund and Henley Philatelic Society

Rosebank ‘Deltiologists’ i.e. Postcard Collectors may like to come and see our friendly dealers Tony and Rosa Lawrence at We will be holding a ‘Bring ‘n Buy’ for Tearfund and Bix on May 27th you might fill a gap in your collection! Rosebank, at Moulsford Pavilion on Saturday 2nd May We are always delighted to welcome visitors whether from 9am – 12noon. These are two very effective or not they are collectors or just interested in the charities working in challenging conditions, specifically subject. Rosebank is a school in Mathare, Nairobi. Tearfund is an international charity of Christians, part of the May 13 – Competition Evening and Fun Quiz DEC; this year the proceeds will be directed to help displaced families due to the continuing conflict in May 27 – AGM and Postcard Evening with our friendly Syria. Each year we run four of these sales; thanks to dealers Tony and Rosa Lawrence. There will be plenty the generosity of our local supporters, in 2014 we of time to do some deals before and after the AGM. raised £2073. Our meetings are held on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays There’ll be a chance to buy spring bedding plants, of the month at Bix Village Hall at 7.45 p.m. from flowers, organic vegetables, fruit, delicious homemade September to June inclusive. Visitors and new bread and cakes, preserves, high quality nearly new members are welcome. Details 01491 681739 or on summer clothes and finely produced Kenyan bone and our website: - www.henleyphilatelic.co.uk woodware, jewellery and baskets. Or just enjoy fresh coffee and cake with your friends overlooking the green. Penny Black ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ All the funds raised will be shared equally between Rosebank and Tearfund. With your support we can Wallingford U3A help transform lives through skills and education, improved water and sanitation … Can you afford to ur May speaker, on May 6th, is Dr. Gillian miss it? White who will tell us about Chatsworth and the Cavendish Family (1550-1850). On June Twinks Kerr and Julia Howard O 3rd Tony Strafford will speak on “ The Ladies of the Tower”. Our meetings are held at 2pm in Crowmarsh Village Hall. Visitors are always welcome.

On Thursday, May 7th we are going to Chenies Manor. This is a 15th and 16th Century fortified Manor house. It has 5 acres of gardens with a famous tulip display. Importantly, it also serves home-made teas. On Wednesday, June 10th we go to Syon Park, the home of the Dukes of Northumberland, where the family has lived for 400 years. World famous Capability Brown Gardens, Conservatory, Garden Centre and excellent cafe. For details of outings phone Eileen on 825156. For more general information phone Hermione on 01865 858 024 or check our website: www.u3asites.org.uk/wallingford

Deirdre Willis

please mention window for wallingford if you respond to any of our advertisements 9 thewindowforwallingfordthewindowforwallingford United Kingdom Independence Party (UKIP) As with the other market towns in the Wantage and Lee Upcraft Didcot constituency, one of the major concerns for residents is protecting the unique nature of Wallingford aving lived in Wallingford for the past 12 years, I against inappropriate development. We all know that am especially proud to be given the opportunity nationally we need more homes but I have supported Hto represent my home town as a Parliamentary local residents’ efforts to avoid excessive developments. candidate. I see first-hand the pressures upon our Most recently I opposed the plans for new housing in town and I share many of your concerns. My principal Winterbrook, which contradict the current Local Plan. priorities as your MP would be to work to end escalating demands for ever more housing, and to push for greater I am keen that where development is appropriate, infrastructure investment. infrastructure to support it is put in place, I am very I will challenge the sham-SHMA – the deeply flawed report aware of the issues with Wallingford’s antiquated demanding another 106,000 homes for Oxfordshire by sewage system, especially around site B. This along 2031 (and perhaps with a reduction in forecast needs, with road improvements, school places and a better the gravel pit in Cholsey will not be required). I also public transport network are issues that developers want to work with the councils to encourage more must fund when they build new homes. I am innovative use of brown-field resources – and in a determined to hold them to account to fulfil their way which provides housing for a broad cross section obligations in full and on time. of society, not simply starter and family homes. The former Habitat site is a missed opportunity to provide I have also received a huge amount of correspondence higher density housing (perhaps a new generation of in support of the Morrisons application and agree that town houses) in an area with minimal overlooking on the arrival of this supermarket would be welcome. I neighbours. We must not repeat the mistake with rare will encourage SODC to make sure that any further windfall sites like Didcot A – it must be used wisely problems with the planning application are resolved and not given over to new urban sprawl. UKIP has a as soon as possible. number of policies aimed at encouraging brown-field development and I will promote them. I will continue to do all that I can to try to prevent the digging of gravel pits between Wallingford and I will work for greater infrastructure investment in Cholsey and will continue to support local councillors Wallingford. I find it wholly unacceptable that the in opposing inappropriate mineral working. needs of smaller towns are largely ignored by the District Councils in favour of Didcot. As your MP I On a national note this year’s election is the most will work with all tiers of government to ensure that important in a generation. With Britain on the cusp situations like the failure of SODC to carry out its own of locking in recovery, growth, more jobs and better recommendations into infrastructure feasibility studies wages, economic clouds are gathering elsewhere. So do not occur again. We’re now committed to taking the choice facing Britain couldn’t be clearer. We can stick on 800 new homes (with many more in the pipeline), with the competence of a strong Conservative team and with increasing demands upon on our roads, our that is working to a long-term economic plan to secure schools and GP surgery, SODC needs to consider the a better future for you, your family and Britain. Or we broader needs of our town. All towns in the Wantage can put it all at risk with Ed Miliband as Prime Minister, constituency must be treated fairly. propped up by Alex Salmond or some other minor party, and the instability and economic chaos that would I will of course promote key UKIP policies such as basic result – more spending, more borrowing and higher control of our national borders, the abolition of income taxes. Now more than ever Britain needs strong and tax on the minimum wage, and additional funding of competent leadership, not chaos and instability. £3bn per year to front line NHS services – not middle management.

I look forward to representing this constituency in an Green Party open and fair way in Parliament. UKIP does not “whip” our MPs and I will vote with my conscience in your best Kate Prendergast interests, not those of the Westminster establishment. hy are Oxfordshire politicians agreeing to 100,000 new residential units, equivalent to Conservative Party W31 new Wallingfords - an industrial belt from Ed Vaizey Harwell to Bicester - more roads and river crossings - and building in the Oxford Green Belt, in Areas of t has been an honour and a privilege to represent Outstanding Natural Beauty, and on our high-grade, the wonderful town of Wallingford as part of my productive farming land? constituency over the past 10 years. I love visiting I This will not give us homes for our young people. the town especially on Market days when the sense of community is palpable. Global investors have ready cash to take up our most

10 please mention window for wallingford if you respond to any of our advertisements thewindowforwallingfordthewindowforwallingford of. It will be a vote to make our economy stronger General Election Addresses by building on the international trading relationships that helped make our nation great. And it will also precious resource, the land under our feet, as they be a vote for a central course between the divisive do in Oxford, Reading and London. Their appetite is storms of nationalism on the right and the wrecking insatiable and keeps prices high. cliffs of socialism on the left.

Industrialising South Oxfordshire will make our lives The Liberal Democrats are the clear challengers in hard: our roads are congested; the centre of Wallingford Wallingford. By voting Liberal Democrat you can has dangerous levels of nitrous oxide pollution which help us deliver a stronger economy with a firm causes lung disease; our schools are full. We suffer commitment to protect the NHS. Above all you can from floods and drought, and we are importing more help maintain and strengthen a Britain built on the and more of our food whilst losing our farming land. liberal values of openness, fairness and opportunity Our natural world is disappearing (we have a fifth of for all. the animals we had 40 years ago). But a general election is also a choice about an 1/4 million people would be needed to fill these individual. Our imperfect electoral system allows only homes. If they do not come we will be left with the one representative to speak for Wallingford. What empty buildings of Spain or Ireland when their housing sort of MP do you want for the next five years? bubbles burst - or with the Ghost Cities of China. The Fairmile development still has unsold houses after 3 I am offering you the choice of a dedicated local years. campaigner. I am passionate about listening to our community and delivering on local issues. So, where can our young people live? The Green Party That means reforming planning laws to put local will provide affordable, high quality low-carbon homes, people back in control; fighting for investment in through renovation, rebuilding, use of brownfield sites, transport and schools before more housing; and and better management of existing homes (almost 1 in ending the ridiculous obsession with destroying our 20 Oxfordshire homes are empty, and a stunning 3/4 countryside for gravel that could be more efficiently are under-used). dug elsewhere.

The Green Party will end the expensive, complex I will be a committed, campaigning, local MP who benefits system, with an adequate Citizens’ Income will stand up for our community’s interests. for every adult, a National Living Wage, an end My particular focus is environmental protection and to austerity, and Green Jobs: refurbishing homes the fight against climate change. I see climate change and businesses for energy efficiency, developing as the major risk threatening our country and our renewable energy, farming for local food, and world. I have dedicated my career as a solicitor to enhancing public transport. delivering renewable energy projects and supporting the low carbon economy to fight climate change. For a secure low-carbon future, we need control With your backing, I will continue to champion over our services. With the Green Party, we will once environmental issues as your MP. again own our railways, our NHS, our schools. Care would be properly supported. We want a fairer tax So for a green liberal voice, vote Liberal Democrat system, a fairer voting system, AND we will abolish on May 7th. I will not be deviated by the ruinous student fees. ideology of left or right. I will dedicate myself to strengthening our local economy while protecting Vote for me, Dr Kate Prendergast as your first Green our countryside, and steering Wallingford on a central MP for Wantage. course towards a bright, sustainable future. alex@ alexmeredith4wantage.com Keep up-to-date with our activities at www. wallingfordgreens.org

Liberal Democrats Alex Meredith

n May 7th you will finally get your hands on the country’s rudder. There will be a lot of Ocalls to yank it to the right or to the left. I want to encourage you to keep us on course by voting Liberal Democrat.

A vote for the Liberal Democrats will be a vote for a fairer society with public services we can be proud

please mention window for wallingford if you respond to any of our advertisements 11 thewindowforwallingfordthewindowforwallingford General Election Addresses Why did a cigarette packet fill me with despair?

n Saturday 21st March a party of volunteers Labour Party strode boldly through cold winds to carry out Stephen Webb OWallingford’s Annual Litter pick. We covered a large area filling about 45 bags and also collected a flat- he Labour Party is standing up for ordinary screen television, hot-plate, part of a bicycle and broken people. We want everyone to share in economic glass. Much of the litter could have been recycled if growth, not just millionaires. Too many of disposed of sensibly. Some of the litter can be blamed T on the dispersal of rubbish from litter bins due to strong the jobs being created are paying very low wages, because they are zero-hour contracts, part-time or winds throughout the winter, but a large amount is due self-employment. There are so many parents who I to laziness and an irresponsible attitude. Again, dog- have come across who want to work, but aren’t doing poo bags along many of the paths, especially the river so because childcare would cost more than the wages paths, bring shame to our town – if no bin is available then take your bags home with you! This year there they are getting. This doesn’t make sense to me and were more plastic bottles filled with urine – no doubt so I am pleased that Labour will support parents by thrown from passing vehicles. increasing free childcare to 25 hours per week for 3 and 4 year olds and by ensuring primary schools are I would like to thank all the volunteers including some open from 8 am to 6 pm. of the Wallingford School Form Representatives, the Town Council for arranging the use of equipment and I want people to look to the future with confidence, facilities, and the Comrades Club for their welcome and knowing that the NHS will look after them when they free lunch afterwards. need it. Many young people are worried about their The answer to the above question is this. Many of the future because they can’t see how they will ever buy volunteers back-tracked their route home only to find, a house and they are worried that the country will within minutes, fresh litter including the cigarette packet be saddled with too much tuition fee debt. I want to along Wood Street where I had just covered. Whoever change that by building affordable homes in the places disposed of this packet did so without any sense of they are needed and cutting university fees. responsibility and has an obvious disrespect for the environment. I don’t know how Kevin, our wonderful I’ve spoken to nurses at Wallingford Hospital and I know street cleaner, manages to keep smiling day after day that morale in our NHS is awful. They are providing cleaning after such lazy people. The costs of clearing excellent care, but nurses are leaving the NHS because up rubbish in our country could be better used to help they’ve had enough of the Tories, who wasted money fund the NHS, education and Social Services. on a reorganisation that no-one wanted. Patients are blocking beds in our hospitals because the Tory county Theresa Jordan council has cut down on social care. But the NHS could be much better. If you elect me as your MP, I will fight for an NHS that has more doctors and nurses, paid for by a tax on houses worth more than £2 million. An NHS that, quite simply, has time to care.

I live in the constituency in East Hendred and work as a scientist at Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, so I know this area. I want to see the shops and businesses in Wallingford thrive, some of which are suffering from the effects of the council fire, and that is why I am pleased that Labour is prioritising small businesses in its economic strategy. We will reduce business rates, tackle late payments, increase lending through a British Investment Bank and reduce unnecessary regulation.

Vote Labour for a better future for Wallingford. sed. [email protected] 01235 833395

12 please mention window for wallingford if you respond to any of our advertisements thewindowforwallingfordthewindowforwallingford RNLI Annual Collection Wallingford Detachment, Oxfordshire (The Rifles) Army Cadet Force he Wallingford branch of the RNLI will be holding its annual collections on Friday and Saturday hree months down the line, T26th and 27th June . We will be street collecting and the excitement hasn’t fully in Wallingford, Benson and Cholsey between 9am and started! 2.pm. If you could collect for an hour in any of these T locations we would be very glad of your help. While everyone relaxed at home on the dark Wednesday nights, our Please contact me on 839474 Cadets went to our training area the Castle Grounds to carry out Exercise Janet Evans “Operation Cromwell” Mission to locate & arrest the enemy Code name the Jackal (played with ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ great character-acting by our new Adult Instructor). Then back to the unit for debrief. The exercise was a success and everyone enjoyed it. Events at the Earth Trust We wouldn’t be called Oxfordshire (The Rifles) Army Cadet Force, without Rifle shooting. So the following ittle Explorers Tuesday 26th May, 10am-11.30am week we transported the whole Detachment to our Sensory buggy walk for babies and toddlers. We sister unit, Henley on Thames Detachment to use their Lwill use our senses to learn about the natural .22 indoor 25 yard Range to fire the Cadet No 8 Bolt world around us – stopping to smell, touch, taste, Action Rifle. Seems we have some very good shots at listen and look! £4 donation per child, accompanying Wallingford, their names will go forward to shoot at adult(s) free. No need to book. Company level.

Heritage Skills Taster Session: Woodland Plants Tuesday New recruits this week have had the opportunity to go to Junior Camp held at Bicester Garrison. Activities 26th May, 7pm-9pm A guided walk to discover the will include Archery, Clay Pigeon Shooting, Air Rifle, traditional uses of the trees and wild plants growing Paint Ball just to name a few. in our arboretum. This is a free taster session as part of our Stepping into our Natural Heritage project. Feel your missing out? Have a look at our website www.oxonacf.org.uk or pop in, we are open every Woodland Adventure Wednesday 27th May, 10am- Wednesday at 1930 to 2130 at the Old TA Centre 12pm An expedition for 5-8 year olds. Use your Thames Street Wallingford detective skills to discover our site, where we’ll explore, For more information contact Sgt Hupe, 9818hup@ build and play. £4 donation per child, accompanying armymail.mod.uk or 07730 475448 adult(s) free. No need to book. Sgt James Hupe Discover and Play Friday 29th May, 10am-12pm Forest School for pre-school children. Come and join us for a morning of play and discovery in our woodlands. Forest School offers hands on learning experiences in a natural environment. £4 donation per child, free for accompanying adults(s). No need to book.

For more information or to book, contact admin@ earthtrust.org.uk or 01865 407792.

Lucy Benyon

please mention window for wallingford if you respond to any of our advertisements 13 thewindowforwallingfordthewindowforwallingford Wallingford Air Cadets … since 1941 the Air Training Organisation run two residential Adventure Training Centres, at Llanbedr in Wales and he Air Cadets in Wallingford were formed in Windermere in Cumbria. In addition, the air cadets 1941, the same year as the Air Training Corps are the UK’s largest participant at all levels in the Duke Titself was founded, since then they have had an of Edinburgh Award scheme which is aimed at cadets almost continuous presence in the town. In the early who like a challenge and an experience that should years the squadron was based at what was then the leave them more confident, motivated and capable as Grammar School, but eventually moved to its present a person. building in Thames Street. At the same time as moving to what was originally an 18th century public house Since their formation the air cadets in Wallingford have the squadron was reformed as a detached flight of a always been part of the community and wherever larger squadron in Didcot. However, in 1980 with possible support local civic and charitable events such a rising number of cadets, probably due to the fact as Remembrance Day, RBL Poppy Collections, Armed girls were allowed to join for the first time that year, Forces Day, Mayor’s Parade, etc. Every two years the Wallingford cadets regained their squadron status squadron also nominates a cadet to act as ‘Mayor’s using its original number to once again become 966 Cadet’ whose duties for the forthcoming year is to (Wallingford) Squadron Air Training Corps. support the Mayor in a variety of civic duties.

Wallingford squadron is one of the 26 squadrons which combine to form the Thames Valley Wing, which in itself is part of a youth organisation of nearly 60,000 cadets in over 1,000 squadrons across the UK and overseas. These cadets are supported by over 15,000 fully vetted adult staff both on the squadrons and as members of fundraising committees. In fact, overall the air cadets are the world’s largest youth air training organisation.

Although still mainly sponsored by Ministry of Defence and wearing uniform similar to that issued to the RAF, the organisation no longer serves its original purpose of acting as its recruiting agent for the RAF; although some cadets do go on to join the various services every year. However, close association with the RAF is still retained with every squadron having a ‘parent’ station, which in the case of Wallingford is nearby RAF The squadron Commanding Officer, Sqn Ldr Chris Benson. Johnson said, “One of the aims of the Air Cadets is to develop qualities of leadership and good citizenship. Although many things have changed over the years We aim to encourage the growth of cadet leadership the original core values of Respect, Integrity, Service skills in order for them to take on a greater role in and Excellence have been maintained with the ethos running their Squadron which could lead to promotion being made up of the distinctive character and attitude which recognises the effort and enthusiasm they have which inspire young people to pursue the spirit of shown so far in their cadet career.” adventure and eventually to take and accept their place in society. Indeed from its conception the motto Wallingford squadron maintains its membership, of the ATC has been ‘Venture Adventure.’ which is currently 40 cadets, by holding intake nights every four months where potential recruits and their Air cadets have the chance to enter into a varied parents can see what goes on at the squadron and ask range of activities such as power flying, gliding, target any questions of the cadets or staff. The next intake shooting, adventure training, first aid, drill competitions nights are on 19 and 21 May 2015 and in addition, it and a variety of sports. Besides these activities the is possible by prior arrangement to visit the squadron organisation provides training and qualifications on one of its two weekly parade nights. Recruits can which can be useful in later life. This academic training join anytime between their 12th and 17th birthday (12 varies greatly from what is learnt at school. Typically year olds must be in year 8 at school). junior cadets are taught basic subjects such as the history of the RAF and flight through to map reading For further information on what Wallingford air cadets and expedition training, while more senior cadets can have to offer please visit our website at www.966atc. learn amongst other things about jet engines, aircraft org.uk or telephone the squadron on 01491-201968 handling and communications. (Tuesday and Thursday evenings). Every year Wallingford air cadets have the opportunity to go on summer camps which are usually held at Sally Evans RAF stations in the UK, but there are some overseas 966 (Wallingford) Sqn ATC opportunities. For those more venturesome cadets

14 please mention window for wallingford if you respond to any of our advertisements thewindowforwallingfordthewindowforwallingford Guiding Update Wanted: Home for Amazing Collection of Costumes and Period ll units are busy planning activities for the summer term, Pack Holidays for Brownies Outfits , camps for Guides outings for Rangers and A Drama Wardrobe Collection has also for Trefoil Guild . xfordshire been cared for by 89 year old costumier Alex On the 4th May the annual May Fayre will be held OGraham for 50 years, though the Collection at Didcot Civic Hall where all branches of Guiding originated just after the First World War. It consists will have stalls together with other stall holders. This of 6,500 costumes plus accessories many original and dating from the 1930’s onwards. Sadly this amazing is always an excellent fund raiser and a fun day with resource is at risk because it desperately needs a new fun activities for adults and children in the grounds home. of the hall. Trefoil guild will be selling raffle tickets , helping with refreshments and taking the admissions on the doors.

4th Wallingford Brownies are working towards their Fire Safety badge and planning a trip to the Fire Station and Trefoil Guild are visiting other Guilds in Oxfordshire and having a Beetle Drive in May. There will be many planning meetings about Oxfordshire’s Big Camp which takes place in July a s many of Ridgeways Guiders and Trefoil are involved.

The Anglia Trefoil Guild AGM is being held in Aylesbury and our Ridgeway Guild will have members attending. Although the Collection currently occupies 3,000 Ann Goddard square feet we accept downsizing is inevitable. Do Div. Pres. you or anybody you know have barns, stable-buildings, light commercial space or unused shop space available for free or low rent? The Oxfordshire Drama Wardrobe Collection is a not for profit organisation loaning our amazing costumes to local amateur dramatic societies and vintage events.

If you can help please contact me on 01455 884838 (7-3) or [email protected]

Emma O’Driscoll

www.wallingford.co.uk

please mention window for wallingford if you respond to any of our advertisements 15 thewindowforwallingfordthewindowforwallingford Christminster Singers visit Wallingford Wallingford Flower Club

n Sunday May 17th the renowned Christminster allingford Flower Club has 2 events in Singers from Oxford will present a workshop May. A Floral Demonstration “An Artist’s Ofor singers and a concert of West-gallery music WPalette” by Alison Mount (BB&O Area of in St Mary-le-More church in Wallingford. NAFAS Demonstrator and Tutor) will be held on Wednesday 13th May at 7.15pm for 7.45pm. Visitors The workshop, at 2.30 in the afternoon will allow are welcome £4 singers from all backgrounds to experience the delights of “West-gallery” under the leadership of Then on Saturday 16th May 2015 – 10am to 3pm Dave Townsend (of Mellstock Band fame), and, in the there will be a Day School on “”Making Structures evening at 7.45, The Christminster Singers will present with Cornus/Willow and Sisal” by Nadira Burkii a varied concert of music of the genre. (BB&O Area of NAFAS Demonstrator/Tutor). Coffee on Arrival and lunch, all materials and flowers will be “West Gallery Music” is the name given to the harmony provided. Visitors welcome - £20. Come and join us singing tradition that flourished in rural English parish for a fun day. Using a versatile technique learn how churches from the early 1700s until the mid-nineteenth to design and create modern structures with Willow/ century before the widespread introduction of organs Cornus and Sisal. to country churches. A gallery at the west end of the church was usually the location for the choir in rural Both will be held at Crowmarsh Village Hall parishes in this period, and the singers were often accompanied on string and wind instruments of the For more information phone Fay on 834303 or Anne period.. (01491) 200728

The workshop and concert will be led by Dave Fay Crabbe Townsend , Director of The Christminster Singers, who Programme Secretary is a full time musician and singer, performing solo and ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ with various groups including the Mellstock Band. He is an acknowledged master of the concertina, composer, researcher and collector of musical traditions, who has Children’s Nearly New Sale provided music for film, television and radio, published here will be a Children’s Nearly New Sale on books, produced albums, and taught and lectured on Saturday May 16th, 10.30am – 12 at the Regal many aspects of traditional music. He is an experienced Centre. A Nearly new Sale for all children’s workshop leader, and is director of “Hands on Music T clothes, toys, books, games, equipment, age 2-16 Weekends”. years. We are now also accepting good quality adult clothing. Either come along and pick up a bargain, Further information about the Singers can be found at or have a clearout and let us sell your things for you. www.christminster-singers.org.uk Now is a good time to sell your summer clothes and Between the workshop and the concert, the outdoor games. If you would like to register as a seller Wallingford Parish Church Choir will sing full Choral (you keep 75% of your takings) please email info@ Evensong in St Mary’s; another fine musical tradition thetreehouseschool.org.uk being maintained in Wallingford. Tickets for the workshop, priced at £6 (concessions For more information please call Sally on 07837 £5) and for the concert, £9(£7) are available from the 009774 Town Information Centre, from me (07747 041515) or

through members of Wallingford Parish Church Choir Sally Eccleston David Simmons

16 please mention window for wallingford if you respond to any of our advertisements thewindowforwallingfordthewindowforwallingford Search for a District Commissioner Wood Festival

very year Scouting helps young people in the ood festival, founded in 2008, is a weekend UK enjoy new adventures; to experience the of music & nature held at beautiful Braziers Eoutdoors, interact with others, gain confidence WPark, Ipsden, on May 15th, 16th & 17th. and have the opportunity to reach their full potential. The festival runs on renewable energy and features We’re looking for an adult volunteer with leadership live music (on a stage made of wood of course!), plus and management skills who can provide motivation workshops and activities for all ages. and inspiration to volunteers. As District Commissioner for Thames Chiltern District you will lead the District, This year’s anticipated highlights include north-african manage and guide adults through their Scouting exiles Songhoy Blues (recently featured on Later with journey and ensure that young people locally can Jools Holland), cult experimental folk band Tunng, and access the best possible Scouting. To find out more, country-soul rockers Treetop Flyers. Joining them will please contact me, Search Group and District Chairman be CC Smugglers, Spiro, Josienne Clarke & Ben Walker, [email protected] The Dreaming Spires, Jali Fily Cissokho, Thomas Truax Jane Titchener and many more great artists. Wood welcomes people of all ages (children under 13 are free with an adult) and there’s loads for kids to do, whether it’s watching Oxford superstar singer Nick Cope, building a woodland den, hula hooping or making a flute out of a carrot!

With workshops in everything from thatching to jewelry making, musical improvisation to bicycle maintenance, Qigong to printmaking, there’s something for everyone to try.

Each year Wood celebrates one of nature’s creatures and 2015 will be the Year of the Bee, so why not indulge in some black and yellow stripes! Oxford’s ground-breaking Flash of Splendour Arts will present Christopher Wren’s Transparent Bee-Hive and Other Unbelievable 17th Century Bee Stories; the Mural Painting Workshop will be making a bee mural, naturally.

Wood has won a Greener Festival award for the last 4 years, and features (now famous!) composting loos-with-a-view, nominated for best toilets at the UK festival awards - no portaloos! - though there are showers heated by wood burning stove.

If that sounds like fun then head to www.woodfestival. com to find out more.

Joe Bennett

www.wallingford.co.uk

please mention window for wallingford if you respond to any of our advertisements 17 thewindowforwallingfordthewindowforwallingford Oxfordshire Artweeks 2015 Events at the Earth Trust

xfordshire Artweeks takes place this year ‘ row Your Own’ Workshops Saturday 2nd May, from 2nd – 25th May 2015 and you will 11am-4pm A series of talks and workshops Ohave the opportunity to meet artists in South Gall about producing your own food. Topics Oxfordshire in many different places and visit their include creating a kitchen garden, chicken keeping Open Studios and Exhibitions from 16th -25th May. and permaculture. Please get in touch for prices and booking. Over 40 artists in fifteen venues in and around Wallingford are displaying a wide range of creative ‘Grow Your Own’ Family Fun Day Sunday 3rd May, activity from painting and mixed media, photography, 10am-2pm. Drop in for a fun-filled – and dirt-filled! – textiles, ceramics, wood, printmaking, jewellery, day. You’re never to young to start finding out where sculpture, mosaic and digital art. food comes from so join us for a range of planting and growing themed activities, such as cress-heads, Look out for your free Trail Maps that can be picked scarecrow making and a vegetable hunt. £4 donation up in local libraries, Waitrose, the Town Information per child, accompanying adult(s) free. Centre and other local retailers. Dawn Chorus Walk Sunday 10th May, 4.30am- Group exhibitions can be seen in the Village Hall in 6.30am Set your alarm clocks and join us to listen to Brightwell-cum -Sotwell and St Mary’s Church in the birds celebrating spring at the Clumps. Expert Ben Chalgrove; the Barn in Little Wittenham and at the Carpenter will be on hand to help you learn more Pottery in Ewelme and solo exhibitions can be seen about birdsong and identification. £5 adult, £2 child; in Benson, Burcot, Dorchester, Goring, Tokers Green, booking essential. Toot Baldon, Crowmarsh, Wallingford, Watlington and Long Wittenham. Bats at Wallingford Castle Meadows Sunday 10th May, 9pm-11pm Join local bat expert Dominic Lamb on a Established in 1981, Oxfordshire Artweeks is the walk at dusk to find out more about these winged country’s oldest and largest Open Studio event and mammals. Learn how to use a detector and recognise is an opportunity for a wonderful day out in this part different species. Meet at the Cemetery Lane entrance of the county. (OX10 8DL). £5 adult, £2 child; booking essential. Marion Hill For more information or to book, contact admin@ earthtrust.org.uk or 01865 407792.

Lucy Benyon

18 please mention window for wallingford if you respond to any of our advertisements thewindowforwallingfordthewindowforwallingford The Siege of Wallingford Re-enacted their leisure, in order to watch artisans, craftsmen and traders, such as carpenters and cheesemakers, at work n Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 June, Wallingford and take in the 17th century cooking smells from the will see history repeat itself when over 300 camp’s ‘kitchen’. Omembers the Society (ECWS) will descend on the town to re-enact the Siege of From its Anglo-Saxon origins and the arrival of William Wallingford. The ECWS will recreate the Siege of the Conqueror, to the granting of the Charter in 1155 Wallingford along with a 17th century Living History by Henry II, to being one of only four towns specifically Display, cavalry marches and military displays as well mentioned in Magna Carta in 1215, as most readers as educational visits to two Wallingford schools. will know, Wallingford has a varied and extensive Wallingford Castle Meadows will play host to the history. ECWS battle re-enactment, whilst the Castle Gardens will be transported back to 17th century England to With Wallingford Castle recognised as one of the form the Living History Display. most impressive and powerful in 12th century England, the town has witnessed frequent royal The Castle Gardens will be open from 11am – 5pm visitors and residents, including King John and Edward daily, with a variety of food and drink available on the the Black Prince. Ravaged by the Black Death and the Castle Meadows, with plenty of space available for English Civil War, which saw the siege of the town’s picnicking. royalist castle and its demolition ordered by Oliver Cromwell, the people of Wallingford have witnessed The Wallingford battle re-enactment, or ‘Major Muster’ some turbulent times. However, after the castle’s as they it is also known, will see hundreds of ECWS destruction, Wallingford settled down to its role as members transformed into foot soldiers, fully supported an ordinary market town. It has since been home to by cavalry and artillery. The battle will commence world renowned names such as Judge, Sir William with a cannonade from large artillery pieces. Infantry Blackstone, whose work was used by the founding bodies (Foote) armed with sixteen foot long pikes fathers of America when they drew up the Constitution and muzzle-loading, gunpowder-firing, muskets will and crime writer Dame Agatha Christie who lived in demonstrate hand-to-hand fighting, as it might have the town for more than 40 years. happened. The Foote of each Army will be challenged by the cavalry, as they attempt to destroy the complex Please do come along to see a spectacular show, military formation against the backdrop of the remains but do remember too that battles are noisy and that of Wallingford Castle. They will be portraying how an everyone needs to follow safety instructions so that engagement may have progressed during this bloody all the spectators can see but not be tangled up in the conflict, which affected the entire population of our action. country and more specifically how Wallingford and its Rachel Rae Castle fared.

A Living History display has been devised to demonstrate a combination of both military and domestic life in the 17th century. Over 100 ECWS participants, dressed in 17th century civilian and military clothing, will be encamped in the Castle Gardens as part of the civilian Living History display and on the Castle Meadows as part of the siege encampment. The displays give visitors the opportunity to inspect artefacts such as clothing and weapons in close detail and talk to soldiers and other members of the camp to find out what the civil war was really like.

Visitors will be able to browse the encampments at

please mention window for wallingford if you respond to any of our advertisements 19 thewindowforwallingfordthewindowforwallingford

hat’s on May 2015 Every Monday, Friday and Saturday Coffee at St Mary’s 2nd Toy Library for Children with Special Needs Church 10 – 12 and their families. Contact Pamela First Monday The Music Club for children with disabilities on 07717280995 and additional needs call Sophia Nicholls 07768 298 297 5th Friendship Group Celebration of Spring or Julie Hinton 01189 722322 tel 835074 Every Monday Optimists over 50 Badminton, Regal Centre 2.15 – 4 6th Wallingford WI Tea tasting with Stephen Kitching. Every Monday Table Tennis at the Regal Centre, 7.15 - 10.00pm Ridgeway Community Center 7-30pm Every 3rd Monday NCT sling library at Bean and 7th General Election – Please Vote! Brew, 10 – 11 Every Tuesday Lunches at Methodist Church Centre 12.30 pm 8th TWHAS talk: Eccentric Oxford Every Tuesday Wallingford and District Art Club, 9th Deadline for copy for the Window for Centre 70 at 7.30 Wallingford Every Tuesday 2 – 4 Age UK Games Afternoon at 9th WAGS plant sale, Centre 70 Millington House Second Tuesday PiP’s Carers’ Support Group, St Mary’s 9th Gardening Club plant sale in the Market Place Church, 2pm 10th Classic Car Rally Every 2nd and 4th Tuesday Young at Heart Club 2 - 4 at the Masonic Centre. 14th Gardening Club talk on New Zealand and 2nd/4th Wednesdays Henley Philatelic Society Bix Village Singapore Hall at 7.45 (not July/August) 15th Night at the Museum Every Wednesday 6pm at The Methodist Church - Boys’ Brigade ages 5 to 18 16th Children’s Nearly New Sale Every Thursday Coffee Morning, Methodist Church 16th Friends of St Mary’s and St Leonards Centre 10.30 to 12 Quiz Night Every Thursday Wallingford Photographic Club 7.45 16th Music at St Peter’s Crowmarsh Pavilion (not July/August) Every Friday Wallingford Country Market 8.30 – 11.15 17th Open Day at the Portcullis Tennis Club in the Regal Centre. 17th Christminster Singers workshop Every Friday and Saturday Coffee at the Corn Exchange, 10 – 2 with soup from 11am 19th Farmers’ Market Every Friday and Saturday Coffee at St Mary’s Church 10 – 12 19th Friendship Group From Treacle Tracey to BIshop Every Friday - Charter Market in the Market Place talk tel 835074 Every Saturday WAGS Store open at Centre 70, 10-12 19th Everyday First Aid Course Most Saturdays Local Producers’ Market, Regal Centre 10 – 1 Every Sunday Wallingford Runners meet for a run. Contact 20th Science Exchange Wallingford number is now 07720 204783 or 07919 692532 18th Mayor Making in the Town Hall at 7.30 1st Sunday 1.30, Market Place, cyclists relaxed road ride, all welcome 28th Collection and Distribution day for The Second Sunday Wallingford Model Club meet at the Fire Window for Wallingford Station 10 till 5. All welcome. Tel George Clark 200841 28th RBL Branch Meeting, 7pm at the Masonic 3rd Sunday 1.30, Market Place, cyclists longer road ride, Centre experienced riders.

INDOW FOR WALLINGFORD is published Editor: Lynda Atkins on a non-profit making basis and is compiled 39 Station Road, Wallingford, Oxon, OX10 0JX and distributed entirely by volunteers. Telephone: 01491 839120 [email protected] All material published is copyright and may not be copied, stored, reproduced or transmitted in whole Distribution Manager: Andrew Blackwell, or in part by any means whatsoever without the 7 Chalmore Gardens, Wallingford, OX10 9EP written consent of the Editor. Telephone: 01491 - 825991 For adverts/inserts, contact Albry Printing Co. Ltd. The opinions expressed in this magazine are not Telephone: 01491 - 836282 necessarily those of the Editor. The Editor is pleased to receive material for publication, but reserves the Publication Date: 1st of the month right to amend or reject it at her discretion.

201 please mention window for wallingford if you respond to any of our advertisements