CASSINGTON & WORTON NEWS News and views from the parish of Cassington and Worton January 2012 – Issue 415 . . . visit our village website . . . www.wospweb.com/site/Cassington-Online . . .
From the team We hope you had a very enjoyable Christmas and wish you all a very Happy New Year, and look forward to sharing your news, views and events throughout 2012. As ever, we would like to thank our advertisers for making it possible to make more of CAWN, and hope they will forgive us for a small rise in our advertising rates. Our rates have remained the same since we first took advertising in April 2004, but to ensure we can meet our print costs and have something left over to support causes in our community we do need to make a small increase. The rates remain modest (see below), and those who still have time to run on an existing booking won’t see an increase until this needs to be renewed. For new bookings, renewals Thank you! and occasional ads, the increases will take effect from February 2012. A big ‘thank you’ once again to everyone for sending in their pictures for the Cassington Calendar 2012, and to everyone who has bought copies for We hope we can continue to rely on themselves, family and friends. All copies, including the few spares ordered, your support and look forward to have now been sold so if you don’t have a copy I’m afraid you will have to see informing our readers through 2012. if anyone is trying to turn a profit by touting their copy on Ebay. CAWN Thanks also to Dan Bakewell and all at Fineprint for the quality of the finished calendars. Their skills go far beyond such modest things and we would encourage anyone with a proper, paying, business print requirement to Advertising rates (from February 2012) give them a call - 01993 777450. Local ‘what’s on’ and fund-raising stuff is free. Simple local services, ‘for sales’ etc, are also free Taking into account the receipts from sales, donations, a generous deal on the on noticeboard. Suitable commercial business are invited to printing by Fineprint and a little rounding up from CAWN funds, we are support our community by buying advertising delighted to announce we have raised £400. As promised, this will be divided space ... 1/8 page, £6 (£60 per year) equally between the Sports and Social Club for the refurbishment of the 1/4 page, £10 (£100 per year) pavilion, and the Friends of St Peter’s Bell Appeal. 1/2 page, £15 (£150 per year) Full page, £25 (£250 per year) There is no fixed plan to repeat the exercise, but if you want to send in your Technical details for artwork available on photos, and let us know if you would like to see a Cassington Calendar for request. All material included at the discretion of CAWN. Profits will be passed to the Cassington 2013, we’ll see how the year develops. Parochial Charities to support our community.
Contributions should ideally be provided by email (in the body or as a Word attachment) to: [email protected]; delivered on floppy disc, or (as a last resort) typed or clearly handwritten, to Kevin Hinton, Mill Lane House, Mill Lane, Cassington, Witney OX29 4DL, by the 20th of the month. We look forward to hearing from you. THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF A Christmas ‘Cracker’ – Happy New Year 2012AD ST PETER, EYNSHAM I love the jokes and riddles in Christmas crackers and one of the best riddles I’ve had in a cracker is this one: Abbey Street, Eynsham, OX29 4HR Tel: 01865 881613 www.communigate.co.uk/oxford/rcchurch/page3 Question: “In which year did New Years Day come before Christmas?” Serving the Hanboroughs, Freeland, Cassington, South Leigh, Stanton Harcourt, Sutton and Answer at the end of the article. Northmoor. Many non-Catholics come to our Christmas wasn’t celebrated by the early church at all. The Church or get help from our Priest. You are always early Christians were much more interested in celebrating welcome. Jesus’ death and resurrection at Easter than his birthday. THE PRIEST: Fr. Martin Flatman is happy to receive So it was only much later in the 4th century that a date enquiries by phone, email or text. was set to celebrate Christ’s birth and, with no evidence in Mobile 07719 646790 [email protected]. the scriptures or elsewhere, the date of 25th December HIS WEEKLY TALK (Homily) can be sent to you by was chosen almost at random. In fact most biblical email. Just email your request. He is also on Facebook historians regard midwinter as highly unlikely for the and has a Blog : frmartinflatman.wordpress.com. actual date of Jesus birth. THE CHURCH is open for prayer every day. Our years have been numbered, since the 6th century, THE HALL (The Tolkien Room) is available for hire. from the believed birth year (or conception year) of Tel:01865 464320 Christ at that time. (However, it’s reckoned there may be a slight error here of about 4 years.) So this New Year is PRAYERS FOR HEALING can always be given for 2012AD. people on request, but twice a year we actually have a special time after our Sunday Mass when people can I remember (as a young child) thinking that BC stood for come forward one at a time so that they, or someone ‘Before Christ’ and AD stood for ‘After Dead’. The second they know who is sick, can be prayed for. This will be of these is of course completely wrong as the AD actually on Sunday 8th January after the 10.00am Mass. stands for Anno Domini which is Medieval Latin for “In the year of our Lord”. So our years have been counted CANDLEMAS is the day when we celebrate the from the believed birth year of Jesus up to this current Presentation of Jesus as a baby in the Temple. Old year of 2012AD (or AD2012). Simeon and Anna recognise that God is present in this child. May we do the same. This year it falls on Some people, not wishing to use a specifically Christian Thursday 2nd February so the Mass will be at 5.30pm connotation, use 2012”CE” (current era). Notably here and will begin with the Traditional Candlelight are the modern Chinese in their political, industrial and Procession from which we get the name Candlemas. financial areas but also many non-Christian historians and writers worldwide often use “CE” in their books and TIMES FOR SILENT PRAYER AND ADORATION articles. I was recently informed of pressure apparently are changing in 2012. We will still have the time from being placed on UK schools to use and teach “CE” and 6.30pm on Saturday evening, but the time on not “AD” so as not to cause offence – so much for being a Wednesday will be after the 9.30am Mass rather than Christian country! before, and we will have an additional time on Mondays from 4.30pm. Do join us for one of these However, in the 4th Century, when the date for Christmas times. The Blessed Sacrament is always exposed as a was selected as 25th December, that date, just before new focus for our prayer and praise. year, made (and still makes) great symbolic sense. This is because immediately after the birth of Jesus (the Christ) a THE WEEK OF PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY new era was created in human history. The first new year runs from the 18th – 25th January and during this after Jesus’ birth was the first year of this new epoch, this week we will pray for a different Christian new beginning, the beginning of God’s new kingdom and denomination every day. of its Lord – Jesus Christ. Hence the suffix (or prefix) THURSDAYS in JANUARY will see a regular Mass at “AD” - “Anno Domini”. 12 Noon. This may continue into February if Father So we have begun 2012 Anno Domini. The year of our Martin has finished as Chaplain of Oxford Brookes Lord 2012. University by this time; but on 2nd February Mass is at 5.30pm as explained above. There is no other for which, for so many, even our years have been counted – Jesus our living Lord 2012(ish) years A NUMBER OF FUND-RAISING EVENTS before young. Christmas raised sums to help pay off our Interest Free Debts. We now only owe £7000 which we should Happy New Year – 2012AD (or AD2012) be able to pay off completely next Autumn. Thanks Rev’d Roger Aston everyone. Answer: “Every year”
2 ST PETER’S CHURCH OF ENGLAND CASSINGTON The Church of St. Peter's is here as a fellowship to worship God, build people up in Christ and share his love with others
SERVICES JANUARY 2012 There is usually a service of Holy Communion on Tuesdays at 9.30am. There is a prayer meeting at 12 noon on Thursdays.
Sunday 1 January Sunday 22 January 9am Holy Communion (BCP) 10am Holy Communion Rev Roger Aston Mike Madden 10.45am Holy Communion service at 11.45am Holy Communion at St Leonard’s Church Eynsham Longlands Nursing Home Revd Roger Aston Sunday 8 January 6pm Evening Prayer (BCP) 10am Holy Communion Keith Jones Rev Hugh Atherstone Sunday 29 January Sunday 15 January 8am Holy Communion (BCP) 8am Holy Communion (BCP) Revd Andrew Atherstone 10am Morning Worship 10am Morning Worship Revd Morey Andrews Tim Cooper
Children are very welcome in St Peter's Church. There are some toys and books available at the back of church for younger children to use during the services. Teenagers are welcome to stay in church or to come to help at Sunday Club. Sunday Club is for primary and pre-school aged children. We start in church at 10am and then the children will be escorted by leaders to St Peter’s Primary School and returned to church by 11.20am. We follow current guidelines for child protection and our leaders are CRB checked.
Vicar: Revd Morey Andrews: 45 Acre End Street, Eynsham, Oxon OX29 4PF Tel: 01865 881323 Office: Mon-Thur 9am-1pm 21 High Steet, Eynsham OX29 4HE Tel:01865 883325 email: [email protected] Associate Curate: Revd Roger Aston
EYNSHAM BAPTIST CHURCH
SUNDAY MORNING SERVICE Minister: The Revd Jean Andrews with Junior Church, 10.30am Tel: 01865 - 880106 Songs of Praise usually the SECOND SUNDAY Baptist Church Telephone/answer phone of the month, 3.00pm Tel: 01865 - 882203 THURSDAY Reflective Service with Holy Church Secretary: Denise Launchbury Communion, 12.00noon Tel: 01865 – 881128 Bible Study Groups meet throughout the week, so Hall Bookings: Tel: 07900 066471 please enquire
3 parish notes
CASSINGTON PARISH COUNCIL the members of this volunteer organisation is a client of his accounting practice. It was agreed the information would be placed in the Draft Minutes of a Meeting held in the Village Hall at 7.30 p.m. on circulation folder and a decision deferred until the next meeting. Thursday 1 December 2011. c) Request for nominations –High Sheriffs Award. A letter had been Present: Cllrs C Wilkinson (Chair), O Rock, P Clague and A Thomas. received from the High Sheriff’s Office requesting nominations for Cllr L Poole WODC. In attendance, Barbara King and six members of individual service to the community. It was agreed to place this in the the public along with the Clerk, David Casey. circulation folder and defer a decision to the next meeting. APOLOGIES Cllr M Stevens and Cllr P Kelland (WODC) REPORTS FROM COUNTY, DISTRICT & PARISH COUNCILLORS DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST Cllr L Poole (WODC) reported that the council have been discussing The Chairman explained that any personal interest in an item should the Local Development Framework which is intended to replace the be declared West Oxon Local Plan. Strategic housing issues are being considered that will have an impact on Carterton and Witney but are unlikely to MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING OF THE PARISH affect Cassington. The draft budget is being discussed and further COUNCIL savings will be made with sharing a senior post with a neighbouring authority. The council is currently welcoming feedback on recycling The minutes of the meeting held on 3 November 2011 were agreed. issues. MATTERS ARISING: Eynsham Primary School is now full and parent’s moving into the new Taylor Wimpy estate on the east of Eynsham may apply to St Peter’s a) Cllr Wilkinson introduced Barbara King. It was proposed by Cllr School for a place. Wilkinson and seconded by Cllr Rock that she be co-opted as a new councillor to fill the vacant position on the council. It was Resolved Cllr Clague said that members of the Bikers Club were awaiting that Barbara King be co-opted and the necessary documentation was contact from the parish council to discuss next years Bike Night. Cllr completed and signed by the Clerk for transmission to WODC. Wilkinson said he would be arranging a meeting shortly. b) Neighbourhood Watch: The Clerk reported that there were no QUESTIONS FROM THE PUBLIC items to report from the Safer West Oxon website. A question was raised about a vehicle parked in Eynsham Rd lay-by c) Affordable Housing in Cassington. Clive Wilkinson reported that a that was projecting out into the road and causing a hazard. The Clerk revised outline plan for the development of ten housing units in said he would report this to the police. Yarnton Rd Cassington had been received from Blenheim Estates. Comments on the scheme were requested prior to the submission of a It was suggested that the farm yard site with access onto The Green planning application. The Oxfordshire Rural Council village survey might be a suitable site for Affordable Housing. had indicated that there was demand for eight units and two additional A question was raised about the increase in flights, and helicopters in units were now proposed. These units are to be sold on the commercial particular, over Cassington. Cllr Wilkinson said he attends the Oxford market and would not be available to local residents. Cllr Poole said Airport Consultative Committee where the number of training flights that the new National Planning policy was likely to ease planning has decreased against an increase of business jet and other passenger controls and he thought that Blenheim Estates had anticipated this in aircraft flights. The flight path into Oxford Airport is over Worton. their application. Cllr Wilkinson said the resident’s survey had Military Helicopters either come from Benson or Odiham. Flights into indicated that the land adjacent to Manor Farm in Eynsham Rd was and out of Brize Norton have inevitably increased due to the closure of preferable to the Yarnton Rd site. The Clerk had written to Blenheim RAF Lyneham. The Clerk was asked to provide details of aircraft noise Estates to ask why this had not been considered and the response was complaint telephone lines in CAWN. that the land would not accommodate enough housing units and in any case was let for another ten years. The council was not opposed to MAINTENANCE affordable housing but had reservations about the Yarnton Rd site and in particular the number of units proposed. The Clerk said that The Clerk reported that he had asked Richard Brown to treat the weeds Mathew Neilsen from Blenheim Estates had been invited to the council and cut back vegetation in Little Lane. A member of the public asked if meeting on 5 January so that resident’s could have their say. the cycle barriers in Little Lane could be removed as they posed a hazard in the dark. The Clerk was asked to check with Highways if it d) Update on Grit Bins: Cllr Wilkinson said that five bins had been installed although three of them were not in the position agreed with Highways. Instructions on the use of grit had been placed in CAWN and it was to be used sparingly and was not for use on private paths and drives but on public paths and roads. Concern was raised by member of the public that there might be theft of salt from the bins. DRY STONE WALLING Instruction labels on the bins were thought to be a good idea. Cllr Rock said he was still awaiting the delivery of the free ton of salt that New walls • Repairs and restorations had been requested for topping up the bins. Insurance work CORRESPONDENCE Tom Hazzledine a) WODC Electoral register requirements: The Clerk reported that WODC had asked councillors to indicate if they wish to receive copies 01993 881476 07980 564508 of the electoral register. Cllr Rock said he would copy the form and circulate it to other councillors who should contact WODC direct. www.tomhazzledine.co.uk b) Request for grant funding Volunteer Link-Up Scheme. Cllr Wilkinson said he must register an interest in this item as one of
4 was legal to have barriers without any lighting or reflectors present. It WODC Ref 11/1814/PLB was stated that the barriers may have been erected to prevent children Internal & external alterations to refurbish bathroom –Thamesmead running into the road and had existed a good many years. Farmhouse – Bell Lane Cassington. No objections subject to neighbours comments. PLAY AREA/ FIELD For Information: Cllr Wilkinson said the safety report on the Play Area had been OCC Planning appl MW.0116/11. Worton Farms Ltd, Worton Park, circulated and made a number of recommendations for replacing Worton, Cassington, Witney, Oxfordshire, OX29 4SU. Application for various parts of equipment, although none required urgent attention. planning permission for the construction of storage bays and lorry It was Resolved that an itemised quotation should be obtained from wash down area, extension of concrete pad and relocation of fuel tanks Witney Welding so the repairs could be prioritised. The Clerk was at M & M Skip Hire Ltd, Worton Farm, Yarnton, OX29 4EB asked to action. Permission granted b) Mid month Planning meeting – This was agreed for Wednesday 21 FINANCE December at Olaf Rock’s House. a) It was Resolved the following payments should be made having ANY OTHER BUSINESS reviewed the budget available: Tree survey by WODC: The Clerk reported that a tree survey carried by Clerk Salary & Expenses (October & November) £566.86 WODC of all parish council trees had been received. This indicated Payment to HMRC £123.40 that there were two Lime trees on the Village Green that need attention in the near future. One tree at the end of Conce Walk close to the Clive Wilkinson – purchase of wreath £16.50 church was showing signs of disease. The other tree near to the school required a thinning of branches and the canopy lifting. The Clerk was Richard Brown – Churchyard grass cutting £230.00 asked to obtain quotations for carrying out the work. Cllr Poole said Society of Local Authority Clerks membership subscription £83.00 that Nick Dolby at WODC could advise on when to carry out work on the diseased tree. Royal British Legion – grass cutting village green £500.00 DATE OF NEXT MEETING b) Finance report by the Clerk This was agreed for Thursday 5 January 2012 at 7.30pm to be held in The Clerk had circulated a financial statement prior to the meeting the Village Hall. showing expenditure to the 1 October of £9,593 and predicted There being no other business the meeting closed at 9.00pm expenditure at year end of £14,458. This was against a predicted year end income of £13,168. The current reserves stand at £14,966 which David Casey would reduce to £13,790 at year end. Given a precept of £11,500 for Clerk to the Council 2012/13, a reduction of £1,000, the estimated income and expenditure showed an expected deficit of about £2,000. It was Resolved to agree a Oxford Airport Kidlington Noise Issues Hotline: precept of £11,500 considering the adequate level of reserves held by Tel: 01865 290 664 the council. (will default to answer phone if busy) c) BDO auditors report on the Annual return: No updated report Fax: 01865 290 605 received. e-mail: [email protected]
PLANNING APPLICATIONS RAF Brize Norton Noise Complaints contact: a) The following applications were discussed: Media & Communications Officer WODC: Ref 11/1799/P/LB Alterations to install solar panels – Telephone 01993 896342 or Hampton House – The Green Cassington. E-mail - [email protected] No objections subject to neighbours comments. BURLEIGH FARM Traditional Farmhouse Bed and Breakfast Accommodation Contact Jane Cook – 01865 881352 Burleigh Farm, Burleigh Road, Cassington Oxfordshire OX29 4DZ Visit www.oxfordcity.co.uk/accom/burleighfarm for more information
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6 Cassington Village Hall AGM The Cassington Village Hall Committee invite you to their AGM on Wednesday 29th February at 8.15pm. in the Village Hall. Come and find out what has been happening in the Village Hall over the past year and learn about plans for the future. All Village groups / societies are encouraged to send a representative for election on to the committee and any interested individuals would also be very welcome. For further information please contact: Carolyn Hinton, Secretary, Cassington Village Hall Committee, on 01865 884458
Equality and Diversity Questionnaire Oxfordshire NHS PCT would like to know whether Health services in Oxfordshire are: • Responsive to your needs • Challenging discrimination • Treating patients as individuals, with dignity and respect • Providing a patient centred service By answering this questionnaire you will be able to tell us The next film in Cassington Village Hall will be if health services in Oxfordshire are delivering services Jane Eyre – Friday 20th January @ 7:30pm that meet the need of the local people and where they Directed by Cary Fukunaga, with Mia Wasikowska, could be improvements. Michael Fassbender and Jamie Bell – Certificate: PG To access the online question please visit: Brought up by her Aunt Sarah after losing both her http://bit.ly/uULKno parents to typhus, the young Jane is soon sent off to a The closing date is 13th January 2012 and the results of severely stark boarding school due to her perceived the report will be published by 14th February. intolerbale disobedience. Jane suffers under the control of a strict and cold administration and she longs to turn 18 so she can leave. When the day finally comes, the educated APOLOGIES ... Jane finds herself some work as a governess for the My apologies to anyone who may be affected by the wealthy Adle Varens at Thornfield House. But she soon is delayed publication of this month’s newsletter. desperate to flee as Mr Rochester's coldness and his Events, including Christmas and New Year, have shattering secret become too much to handle. unfortunately kept me from the editor’s desk. One thing you may have missed were discussions at Births, Engagements, Marriages, Anniversaries ... the Parish Council meeting on 5th January regarding If you have something to celebrate, tell us about it. affordable housing with representatives from Blenheim Estates and ORCC. Hopefully notices in the Marathon Man village will have ensured interested parties were aware of this. The notice also included the following: You may have spotted Steve Butler running around Cassington and beyond. He has a place in next years The Parish Council and its individual members London marathon, and will be running with a team called wish a Happy Christmas and Prosperous and TeamPB to raise funds for the UK Prostate Charity and Healthy New Year to the community of Breast Cancer Care. Steve lost an uncle to prostate cancer Cassington and Worton! a couple of years ago and his father is currently receiving I hope delays in the publication of CAWN will not treatment for the same thing so he really wanted to help. become a feature of 2012, but we would, as ever, recommend that events early in the month are If you would like to help too, go to: promoted in the previous issue, so please plan ahead. www.justgiving.com/Steve-Butler2 and donate any amount you can. Every little helps. KH Thank you.
7 Festive recycling PELLMANS Residents in West Oxfordshire are being encouraged to Solicitors recycle as much as possible this Christmas and New Year. Extra recycling - can be put out next to your boxes in 1 Abbey Street, Eynsham, Oxford OX29 4TB open carrier bags. Please ensure there is only one material YOUR LOCAL SOLICITORS! per bag ie plastics or paper or card. For health and safety reasons, glass must go in your recycling box. Alternatively, • Business and Employment Law take your recycling to your local recycling banks. • Divorce and Family Law – Finances, Christmas tree recycling - you can recycle your real Children & Cohabitation Disputes Christmas trees and festive greenery such as holly and ivy using the free garden waste service. Remove the pot and • Residential Conveyancing decorations and place in your garden waste bin, or cut it • Commercial Property & Agriculture up and leave it beside it. If you are not signed up for • Wills, Probate and Trusts and garden waste collections, you can still put your Christmas Inheritance Tax Planning tree out on your green collection week. • Elderly Client Advice Please ensure your bins and boxes are out from 6am on your collection day. Free Initial Interview for Divorce and Family Law Garden waste collections will not be running from 24 December until 15 January 2012 to enable the bin crews Home Visits and Evening Appointments to concentrate on picking up all the excess waste and Available recycling generated during the busy festive period. Our first green waste collection will be Wednesday 25th Tel: 01865 884400 January. Fax: 01865 884411 Our dates for January are: [email protected] Friday 6th Recycling, food waste and household rubbish Thursday 12th Care with Care Recycling and food waste only Complete Elderly Home Support Wednesday 18th Recycling, food waste and household rubbish Wednesday 25th Many people value being able to live in the comfort Recycling, food waste and green waste of their own home, however, for some, a little extra help and support may be needed. You can check for bin collection dates on your waste and Care with Care are local, based in Eynsham, and have been recycling calendar, or by visiting the ‘My West providing friendly, reliable and professional care since 2002. Oxfordshire’ section of District Councils website: www.westoxon.gov.uk/mwo We pride ourselves on the high quality of care that we deliver, and our attention to detail. All services are tailored to the individual, and can include a range of support such as: A big THANK YOU to Queenie Bird who has been - dressing and personal care delivering copies of CAWN in Eynsham Road for - light housework and laundry more years than any of us are prepared to speculate. - companionship As many of you will know, she will soon be moving. - preparing light meals - shopping and transport Although she leaves with our very best wishes, this does mean we have a vacancy for a reliable deliverer, to provide ongoing or temporary care, helping many elderly people to live or convalesce in their own homes. starting with our next issue! Queenie shares the round with Tina Perrin, delivering to about 90 houses Care with Care Limited is accredited with Social Services and between them. If you would like to help and take on registered with The Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) and the United Kingdom Home Care Association (UKCHA). All staff this invalauable role, please call Clare on 731024. are cleared by the Criminal Records Bureau and are thoroughly reference checked. For further information, a brochure and price list, It seems the short link to the village website is no longer please contact our Registered Manager, Janet Malpus working. To visit the Cassington website, please go to: by telephone on 01865 882219 or 07710 132975, or by email: [email protected] www.wospweb.com/site/Cassington-Online
8 Roys Rambiings West Oxfordshire Council Tax set to be frozen First of all I am sorry I did not wish every one a Happy West Oxfordshire District Council has announced plans Christmas. I will now wish every one A Happy and to freeze council tax for the second year running. Healthy New Year. The District Council has indicated that it will, once again, Now, what I thought was my lone stance again the take up the Government’s offer to part-fund a council tax banning of parking on the one bit of Green by The Village freeze from 2012/13. Hail. I have now had a number of people saying they wish This decision means that West Oxfordshire looks set to they had taken notice and backed me up, and agree that if continue to have the second lowest council tax of all shire something is not done soon we will destroy the one big district councils in England and the lowest of all five asset we have. We have seen two lots of chaos with people district councils in Oxfordshire. trying to park. I will repeat what I have said often, having mown the green for 40 years I have never had to complain The £81.63 annual charge at Band D equates to just over about damage in this area. £1.50 per household per week for all services provided by the District Council, from affordable housing, planning, Having got that moan off my chest, I was so pleased that waste and recycling services, to leisure centres. the Parish Council has another Councillor. Sorry I don't remember her name but wish her a very interesting time. West Oxfordshire’s current (2011/12) share of the total Council Tax bill represents only 5.5% of the total. The Now then I don’t know if our excellent editor of this bulk of the bill, 80%, is payable to Oxfordshire County newsletter [STEADY ON ROY. ED.] has a volunteer yet. If not, Council for a range of services including Education, note my warning – Help or lose another wonderful asset. Social Services and Highways Services amongst others. Also, many thanks to Olaf Rock’s business for printing the newsletter. I know they charge but if it went out to printers it would cost much more. Many years ago our Come and join the choir business printed out the news sheet on the old Gestetner. No where near the quality product we have now. Did you see the Cassington village community choir sing in church at the Carols by Candlelight Service? Another big thank you Olaf for taking on the ‘Your Turn'. As I have said, if he can't get volunteers to help with a lo Did you see the Military wives sing in the Albert Hall at of the points brought up, a lot of it will fall through. I am the Service of Remembrance, on ‘Strictly’ and many other sorry I am unable to attend the meeting. I have pointed programmes? out in my letter to him, many years ago I asked for If you thought “I could do that” or “I would like to do volunteers to help clear a lot of dandetions etc. from the that” or “I would like to be a part of something like that” village green. Two elderly ladies turned up. Daphne then read on. Russell and Diana Paterson. I said thank you ladies, we will abandon the job !!!! What is it that those two and many other choirs, have in common? They are not professional skilled & trained Enough from me sorry if I bore you. choristers. They are not skilled trained musicians. Most Roy can’t, and don’t need to, read music. What they do have in common is a joy in life, a wish to do something new or different, a wish to do something with others. What singing in a choir can offer is just that. A chance to have a go at something. A chance to meet with others. A chance to have a laugh and a joke, and occasionally perhaps a small tear when the music touches a chord. Singing refreshes the parts other forms of entertainment can’t reach. That’s what you saw at the Carol Service in Cassington and at the Albert Hall. A number of ordinary people who, with a bit of support and guidance, just got together and sang, and in singing together had a great deal of fun, and hopefully gave enjoyment to others. So why don’t you try it? Just give me a ring or come and talk to me or any other member of the choir and find out just how easy and rewarding it really is. Older children, men and women, young or old. Elspeth Ferriday, Choir Leader 01865 880100 7 The Tennis
9 Ditch clearing helps reduce flood risk in West Celebrating 19 years of Oxfordshire West Oxfordshire District Council has completed its Business in Woodstock annual ditch clearance as part of its continuing flood defence work to protect communities in the district. The Council’s engineers and ditch clearing contractor have cleared over 3000 metres of ditches that fall under the Council’s responsibility in 15 locations across the district. Toys, games, Work to reduce potential flood risk to the area included clothing for babies the removal of fallen trees, branches and vegetation. and children, gifts, Overgrown brambles and shrubbery on the banks have handbags etc ... also been cut back to reduce blockages in streams. Since 2007, when West Oxfordshire was hit by devastating Cath Kidston, floods, the Council has been working continuously on Heyland & Whittle, flood prevention work along with partner agencies and Orla Kiely, Toby Tiger local communities. Grant funding of around £700,000 for and lots more ... specific projects has been secured from DEFRA and the Environment Agency. A bid has also been made for a further £235,000 to enable further works to be carried out. Cassington benefited from the construction of a new flood defence bund on the sports field, a re-grading of the ditch Perspective system and enhancement of the existing flood storage pond thanks to a £20,000 grant from the Environment 18 High Street, Woodstock, Oxon OX20 1TF Agency in May 2010. 01993 813770 West Oxfordshire District Council is advising private www.perspectivewoodstock.com landowners to keep their ditches, brooks and streams clear to keep the risk of flooding to a minimum in the district.
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10 9 out of 10 but could do even better Yarnton' still announced on a prominent plaque? Paths can be closed, it seems, at the whim of a tractor driver or bricklayer, ‘I Like It Here’ is a Kingsley Amis title – an accolade I wish to diversions at best offered without apology. award Cassington. Another, greater writer than Amis began his ‘Divine Comedy’ with the line ‘Halfway along the course of life Within the village, pavements are all too readily taken over by (my translation), since at the age of 35 he assumed he had run dog walkers, forcing others onto the roadway, sometimes even half the course of 3 score years and ten. I have lived in the into puddles (eg by Hollow Furlong). A satirical work in Soviet village for 35 years. Doubtless, we can all think of Russia began “the majority of citizens are pedestrians and what improvements: two easy-to-achieve suggestions are below but, is more (they are) the better half” (my free translation). staying with the positive start, may I mention the general feeling Sufferers from dog allergy are prepared to walk on the other of living in a vibrant, community? Others will have their side, if there is a pavement, a luxury that does not exist on Eynsham Road. And when it comes to the abuse of footpaths, favourites but I think of the splendid Cassington Café; the then one’s credibility is stretched to the limit as owners who occasional film, also in the fine Village Hall; and 'bookworms'. have released their dog say, “(S)he is only being friendly” or I have enormous admiration - and gratitude too - for the “(S)he won't bite". No thought of offering the laundry cost of manner in which my daughter, tragically struck with clothes on which the pet has slobbered; no apology for the quadriplegia after her massive stroke at the age of 25, has been detour one has made to avoid contact or the shattering of the welcomed back in the village on various occasions. peace which the walker seeks. I accept that the majority of One of the occupations I enjoy is walking, and here we have not people like or are indifferent to dogs, but I guess at least 10% done so well over the years. Nobody can deny that there are would rather not encounter such incidents. fewer permitted paths than in the mid-1970s, and my memories A few years ago I attempted a piece to try to bring a sense of go back beyond that to the freedom to roam from the base of responsibility to dog-owners with whom we have to co-exist but the village only 3 miles away where I grew up. This year we have the response made no allowance for the hyperbole of satire and lost the assumed bridle path parallel with Slade Brook, when a claimed that owners were on the whole responsible. Would that stark notice was put up in September. A more community- that were so. The regular reference to dog poo in CAWN was minded landowner might have made a concession for local evidence enough that it is not so. people, perhaps with a permit like Wytham Woods, surely also A happy New Year to all peace-loving, community-minded ‘a nature reserve’; or oven followed the example of such local fellow villagers! May we all in 2012 emphasise the positive and estates as Glympton or Kiddington where there is a positive reduce the negative aspects of life in Cassington! encouragement to walk? I know of no abusing of that permission. And whatever happened to the ‘Scenic Path to David Chamberlain
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11 Cassington Women’s Institute
Glenda Appleton our president welcomed members guests Mary Ann had tried to have this boy taken in to the and speaker to our open Christmas meeting on the 15th workhouse the superintendent of which reported her and December. Mulled wine fruit juices and mince pies and a chemist said he had sold her arsenic shortly before the nibbles were available at each table as we listened to our boy’s death, she said to kill bed bugs. His stomach speaker Graham Sutherland, a retired police inspector and contained arsenic so they dug up some of her late family keen historian. and found arsenic in their stomachs too. She was found guilty of murder and sentenced to hang and was hung in His talk about ‘wicked women’ was about some ladies in 1873. the mid 18th and 19th centuries. The first lady he spoke about was Elizabeth Chudleigh. Born in 1720 her father His next story was about Florence Elizabeth Chandler died when she was 6 but she and her mother had friends. born in America. She met James Maybrick on the ship she One was the Earl of Bath who got her the position of was coming to England on, they married living in Maid-of-Honour to the Princess of Wales. She had many Liverpool, a previous fiancée of James’s became a regular suitors. One was the Duke of Hamilton who she fell in visitor to him who was also a hypochondriac as well as love with but her aunt, whose care she was under, thought womanizer. He swallowed many quack medicines. She him not good enough and intercepted their letters so each told the doctor he was taking too much strychnine at that thought the other had forgotten their love. The aunt time. She became friends with Alfred Brierley they went introduced her to Lord Hervey and they secretly married away for weekend together in London. James and Florence at Lainston about midnight with only the vicar and two argued at the races much to amusement of spectators. servants as witnesses as she would lose her salary if she Florence sported a black eye next day. There was an were found to be married, and his family would not have uneasy truce between the couple. Florence began buying approved of Hervey, being grandson of the Earl of Bath – fly papers which contained arsenic. She soaked them and his brother inherited the titled and when the Earl became used the arsenic on her skin. James became ill the doctor ill. Elizabeth found it essential to be recognized as said he was overdosing his medicines but a nurse he Hervey’s wife so she tracked down the vicar, who wrote a employed for their children said a second opinion was certificate of marriage in the register but the Earl needed and this doctor said it was dyspepsia. The nurse recovered from his illness. About this time she became took an envelope from Florence to post and noticed it was mistress to Duke of Kingston. When he wanted to marry to Alfred. She dropped it and had to put it in a new her she removed the certificate from the church register. envelope and noticed that Florence called Alfred ‘darling’ She then swore she had never married so, on 8th March so felt obliged to give it to James’s brothers. Everyone 1769, she became Duchess of Kingston. He died on the believed Florence poisoned James because there was 23rd September 1773 leaving her his real estate but only arsenic everywhere in the house. There was an autopsy, for as long as she did not remarry so his family started to the arsenic was too small to weigh and couldn’t have look into her background and she was charged with caused his death but Florence was found guilty of his bigamy. The House of Lords refused to accept she had not murder. However her case changed English law and in been married before so she had the estate seized and she 1898 saw the first time a defendant was allowed to give fled the country and lived abroad and is said to have had evidence on oath at a trial and 1907 saw the birth of the many lovers and surrounded by dubious characters she Appeal Court. died at the age of 68 of a heart attack. He also had other tales to tell and answered questions. He also told us of Mary Ann Robson who marries William There were many raffle prizes won and there was lots of Mowbray, a miner. They had five children sadly all died of chat while more refreshments were served. Glenda gave gastric fever. They had another child who also died of out menus for our post Christmas meal which will be a gastric fever and so did William. Mary Ann then married lunch this year on the 26th January. George Ward who died soon after of gastric fever. Mary Ann then married James Robinson who came with five Our next meeting will be on the 19th January 2012 when children. It is surprising that no official questions were Virginia Grant will tell us about ‘Kingston Bagpuise asked when all five died in quick succession of gastric House’ fever. Her husband was not so trusting. After a row he Ann Humphris (01865) 880983 went to bed and in the morning she was gone with all his savings and valuables but he kept his life. In 1870 she bigamously married Fredrick Cotton who came with two step sons. She was five months pregnant with his child. He Don’t forget to keep sending in your contributions. died two months later of gastric fever. She then lived with News, events and village stories are always welcome. an old boyfriend William Nattrass. He and one of her step Perhaps readers would find positive reviews useful or sons died soon after of gastric fever and soon after she was interesting? Have you been somewhere or done pregnant again and living with the local excise officer Mr something others might enjoy? Tell us about it! Quick-Manning. Her other step son died of gastric fever.
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14 December is always a We also had a wonderful Christmas party with busy month in the plenty of party games and food. This was school calendar with followed on the next day by our school Christmas many exciting events dinner which was attended by some of the leading up to the end Governors of the school. We are lucky to have of term. our own kitchen and Marina our cook did us proud. The majority of the children had We started December Christmas dinner, they ate heartily and went with our school back for more. Christmas Fayre which raised over £900 for We finished our the school. A big thank you to everyone who celebrations with came, the PTA for their tireless organisation a thoughtful and the community who helped with prizes and Christingle the food. Service at St Peter’s Church. Our school play this year Every child was entitled ‘Children of received a the World’. We managed Christingle and to get nearly all of the many had children in school to say a collected money line and the youngest ones which will be sent took part in the nativity to the Children’s scene. The theme Society. The service had many elements including concentrated on how a nativity drama by the Year 6 children, prayers children celebrate Christmas in different by the Year 2s and a talk by Roger Aston. The countries such as Australia, Poland, Malawi, church was packed and it was lovely to see China, Ireland and the USA. grandparents there whose grandchildren are too far away for them to go to see their Christmas service. We are looking forward to an exciting new year with our next whole school theme being ‘Space’. There are some surprising extra- terrestrial events planned ...
––––––––– If you would like to keep up to date with what is happening at St Peter’s School then log on to our website at www.st- peters.oxon.sch.uk. Jeanette A. G. Millward MA(Ed) Tel: 01865 880443 Email: [email protected]
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16 what’s on?
Cassington Bookworms Our next meeting is on CINEMA IN CASSINGTON Monday 9 January at 8 pm. We are reading The Unquiet Bones The next Cassington Village Hall film by Melvin Starr. presentation will be: All welcome at Old Manor, Cassington (telephone 880709). The following meeting will be on 20 February when we Jane Eyre will discuss Rosamund Bartlett’s Tolstoy – A Russian Life. Friday 20th January – 7.30pm Doors open 7.00pm Mia Wasikowska shines in an intelligent, beautifully crafted version of the Charlotte Brontë classic SAVE THE Certificate PG DATE
CASSINGTON WI THURSDAY 19th JANUARY, 7.45 pm February 10th – 8.00pm THE VILLAGE HALL ‘Valentine’s Quiz’ Kingston Bagpuise House for St Peter’s School SPEAKER: VIRGINIA GRANT More details next month
Tickets already selling fast - call 884458 Advance booking essential Some Like It Hotter
By Richard Hurford Touring 21st October 2011 - 1st April 2012 Great movie stars never die – they just sparkle on forever It's September, 2010 and at long last funny man Jack Lemmon and the incomparable Marilyn Monroe are reunited with old friend, Tony Curtis. But how come Tony looks thirty again? Where exactly are they? Who is the stranger on the set? And what the hell is going on? This brand new, fast moving, fantasy comedy whisks the three screen icons back to their most beautiful, sexy and hilarious selves as they are forced once again to don heels and stockings and go backstage during the making of the best loved of all the classic Hollywood comedies. Daring dialogue and razor-sharp wisecracks, sparkling musical numbers and red hot jazz, join us for the most surprising comeback in movie history, starring Monroe, Curtis & Lemmon - dead, uncut and hotter than ever. Now that’s entertainment! A co-production with Oxfordshire Theatre Company and The Watermill on Tour. Tickets £10 or £8 (concessions) Cassington Village Hall – Saturday 18th February 7.30pm
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Cassington Bump to Bub group Village Dates for Village Hall Bookings Thursdays from 10 am your diary A relaxed baby group for expecting mums and those Unless shown, events are in the Village Hall with a little one under 1 For details contact: January Vicky 07917 403976 [email protected] Nicola 07734 308866 [email protected] Monday 9th January Cassington Bookworms For information and to book the Old Manor Village Hall, contact: Do you know there is a free Thursday 19th January 7.45pm Nicky Copelin service to Cassington Cassington WI The New House, The Green, Cassington residents that will take you to ‘Kingston Bagpuise House’ Tel: 01865 881813 the doctors’ or hospital? Speaker Virginia Grant Email: [email protected] Friday 20th January, 7.30pm FILM: Jane Eyre Want to learn to drive? I’m your local instructor. February Discount lesson price Friday 10th February, 8.00pm for village residents. Varlentine’s Quiz Roger Aston 9 Bell Close This is run by volunteers and is For St Peter’s School - look out for details 01865 880757 available by phoning: Pam Turner 880492 or Saturday 18th February, 7.30pm Pat Vereker 880693 Some Like it Hotter DO YOU NEED A BABYSITTER? Oxfordshire Theatre Company with Please give us as much The Watermill Theatre on Tour Call Maddy Bakewell, 16. Lots of experience. £4.00 per hour. notice as possible
Tickets for films and shows from: Tel: 883512 Carolyn Hinton (01865 884458) If you wish to be uplifted, link Nicky Copelin (01865 881813) into my thought for the day. HATE IRONING? Twitter @1947irene THEN TAKE IT TO ELSIE @ 15, ELMS ROAD, CASSINGTON Rev’d Irene B (Irene Buckingham) assington Tel. 01865 882168 for further details Pre-School Playgroup GETTING RID OF ANY OLD Babysitting offered: TOYS? Miranda Rogers and Frances Are you looking to clear out Small friendly playgroup Butson both aged 15, both have for ages 2 to school completed Red Cross First Aid for some toy clutter now the kids Lovely new outdoor area Babies and Children certificate are older? Cassington Pre- school playgroup are always For more information call £4 per hour looking for extra bits to add to Clare - 01865 731024 Telephone Miranda (881322) our play and learning materials. or Frances (881859) We are particularly looking for toddlers play buggies/ride-ons/ Baby and Pre-School Music trikes at the moment but any old Sessions are now being held at AVON toys in reasonable condition Cassington Playgroup on might be useful to us. If you can Tuesday afternoons from 2.15- CALLING help, please contact Maggie on 2.45pm. These fun sessions are 881114, weekdays until 1pm. Hello! My name is Julie Perrin and open to all children from I am Cassington’s Avon Lady! 6 months to school age and cost If you would like a friendly and convenient noticeboard ... £3 per session per family. door to door service for all your toiletries, make-up and luxuries, please contact me at For local services, ‘for sale’ or similar Contact Gemma Ferrier - Triwoods House, 44, Eynsham Road, [email protected] Cassington for your free catalogue. notices, please send copy (by email if possible) to the usual address. for more information, or just I will be pleased to add you to my round. turn up to one of the sessions. Julie Perrin Appropriate notices are FREE, but will only be placed at our discretion.
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