Sept & October 2019

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2 Editorial Hello and welcome to this Autumn issue, full of news from the village after what has been another busy summer. The children have returned to school and University beckons for one or two in the village! There is a lot to catch up on and we have loads of pictures sent in by Fi which help me in writing this editorial – I hope you enjoy them as much as I do. As usual we start off with Church News and we have been ticking along in the absence of the Rector. The Rev’d Joan DeVal is the nominated Minister for St Mary’s and is very experienced and a great guiding light in keeping Fi Kermack and myself on the mark. We are also assisting the Curate, the Rev’d Dr Jacky Barr, getting up to speed with Holy Communion and Evensong services, using the BCP services which differ from the CW version used elsewhere. The two Ministers are alternating venues each month enabling Jacky in her training period to master both versions, and she is doing a particularly good job in holding the fort during the vacancy. The appointment of a new Rector has a terribly old fashioned remit due to legal requirements of the Church of England and we are not allowed to advertise the post until this coming week – some four months since Maggie departed in May! However the eight Warden Representatives of the four churches in the United Parish have completed the Profile and can advertise from this weekend following the thumbs up from Bishop Colin of Dorchester. It’s still a long process with interviews not until late October, so with luck we might have a new Rector by early next year! Andrew Harper grew up in Sydenham at the family home near the Inn at Emmington. He was killed when attending a burglary near Theale on the A4 Bath road, west of Reading. A book of condolences was placed in St Mary’s and we send our condolences to his family with this Newsletter. We include a letter of thanks from the family for the support given by the village. Earlier this summer Cyndy and Tony Thomas’s daughter Scarlett married her long term sweetheart Derek Cruickshank at St Mary’s. They were a picture of happiness and it was so nice that Tony was able to give Scarlett away. The reception was held at Notley Abbey. We picture the bride and groom on our cover and wish them every happiness. Fi has written a report of the wonderful Songs of Praise in July, featuring Animals – and some great pictures – do get involved in the next SoP later this month featuring Sydenham Cricket Club, it will be great fun! Ann & John Ashfield have written reminding us of the annual Pumpkin Competition judging day in October, a very special event in the Sydenham Diary celebrating numerous growing activities, large, small, best dressed and much more! It’s a great occasion and an opportunity to meet old friends and share success.

3 The St Mary’s Choir also feature in this issue with a report and pictures following their Concert of Songs and Fun last weekend. After a month’s break, the Parish Council have met again and the report by Cheryl makes interesting reading. Do keep up to speed with the road closure dates at the end of the month. The charitable OSR 200 Club met for the monthly draw for both September and October and the lucky winners have all received their cash prizes. This is an opportunity to note the new 2019/2020, 200 Club year commences with the November Draw and included in this Newsletter is a slip inviting you to join again. This last year we sold 219 numbers at £12 each which raised over £2,500. Half of the receipts go back in prize money on a monthly basis with a special Christmas day draw of £100 and £50 to look forward to. The enclosed slip advises you of the routine – please join in raising funds for the OSR maintenance, lets try and beat last year’s numbers! The WI ladies joined four other local village Institutes to celebrate the Centenary of the Oxfordshire Federation of Women’s Institutes in Jane and Paul Rooksby’s delightful garden. Dan Bradley has written a brief report on ‘the Moles’, the Sydenham Cricket Club, and they have had a good season. There are some great pictures of the recent game at Blenheim Palace. Another successful villager is John Grosvenor who completed his Memory Mile Swim for the Alzheimer’s Society last Sunday. This is a huge achievement and John has written about his involvement with the Society and his fundraising request on pages 21/22. Both Pubs have had success over the summer months and judging by the parked vehicles, Tina & Pete at the Crown are doing a good trade bringing people in from near & far! It’s good for competition and Dave and Sharon are also doing well and have reports of events in the near future. Dave mentions his daughter Alice who is off to University in Liverpool – Alice you will be greatly missed xx. Other people who the village will greatly miss are the Ward family: Gemma, James, Annabelle and Thomas. James has written a lovely farewell – Gilly and I will miss them, they have been neighbours and good friends and we congratulate Gemma on her appointment and wish them all well. For our next issue, please send in your copy by Sunday 10th November to [email protected]. As usual we will publish a December/January Newsletter so Diary dates are particularly important over the busy seasonal period. Enjoy and keep up to date with our favourite subject – Brexit! xx Roy

4 The St Mary’s Choir also feature in this issue with a report and pictures following Church News their Concert of Songs and Fun last weekend. St Mary’s Church Services September/October After a month’s break, the Parish Council have met again and the report by Cheryl makes interesting reading. Do keep up to speed with the road closure Services from the 1662 Book of Common Prayer are marked *. dates at the end of the month. September The charitable OSR 200 Club met for the monthly draw for both September and Saturday 14th 10am Ride ‘n’ Stride – Bikes, Horses or Walking October and the lucky winners have all received their cash prizes. This is an Sunday 15th 4pm Family Harvest Festival – Rev’d Joan DeVal – opportunity to note the new 2019/2020, 200 Club year commences with the followed by refreshments in the OSR (please bring November Draw and included in this Newsletter is a slip inviting you to join along a plate of nibbles). again. This last year we sold 219 numbers at £12 each which raised over £2,500. Sunday 22nd 10am Songs of Praise – Wardens – Featuring Sydenham Half of the receipts go back in prize money on a monthly basis with a special Cricket Club. Half an Hour singing popular hymns. Christmas day draw of £100 and £50 to look forward to. The enclosed slip Sunday 29th 10am United Parish at St Andrew’s – Rev’d Dr Jacky Barr advises you of the routine – please join in raising funds for the OSR maintenance, lets try and beat last year’s numbers! October Sunday 6th 10am *Holy Communion – Rev’d Joan DeVal The WI ladies joined four other local th village Institutes to celebrate the Sunday 13 No Service Sunday 20th 6pm *Evensong – Rev’d Dr Jacky Barr Centenary of the Oxfordshire Federation th of Women’s Institutes in Jane and Paul Sunday 27 10am *Matins – Rev’d Joan DeVal Rooksby’s delightful garden. November rd Dan Bradley has written a brief report on Sunday 3 10am *Holy Communion – Rev’d Dr Jacky Barr th ‘the Moles’, the Sydenham Cricket Club, Sunday 10 10.30am Remembrance Service – Rev’d Joan DeVal and they have had a good season. There are some great pictures of the recent game PC Andrew Harper at Blenheim Palace. I would like to say thank you to the people of Another successful villager is John Sydenham for their support at this difficult time. Grosvenor who completed his Memory Mile Swim for the Alzheimer’s Society For those who didn’t know Andrew, we moved to last Sunday. This is a huge achievement and John has written about his Sydenham from Wallingford at the end of 2003 and involvement with the Society and his fundraising request on pages 21/22. Andrew was just twelve years old. Andrew went to Both Pubs have had success over the summer months and judging by the parked Icknield school in Watlington and this is where he vehicles, Tina & Pete at the Crown are doing a good trade bringing people in met his from near & far! It’s good for competition and Dave and Sharon are also doing beloved Lissie who became his wife in well and have reports of events in the near future. Dave mentions his daughter August of this year. Alice who is off to University in Liverpool – Alice you will be greatly missed xx. Andrew was always keen to earn extra Other people who the village will greatly miss are the Ward family: Gemma, pocket money so he used to wash cars James, Annabelle and Thomas. James has written a lovely farewell – Gilly and I for some of the local residents. In his will miss them, they have been neighbours and good friends and we congratulate spare time he joined the army cadets in Gemma on her appointment and wish them all well. Thame and loved this; I think it paved For our next issue, please send in your copy by Sunday 10th November to the way for him to join the police. He [email protected]. As usual we will publish a December/January Newsletter so moved in with Lissie and eventually Diary dates are particularly important over the busy seasonal period. Enjoy and they managed to buy a house back in keep up to date with our favourite subject – Brexit! xx Roy Wallingford. Even when in

5 6 Wallingford, he would still manage to pass by our village in his patrol car and keep an eagle eye on the village as I would always tell him if there had been any burglaries, whether it was during the day or at four in the morning, he was out there. Andrew worked his way up from an unpaid special constable when the police were being cut back and still managed to get in; he absolutely loved his job and when he joined the traffic department, he was over the moon. He then joined the proactive team and we all knew the risk was higher for him but he really did want to make a difference and put some of these bad people behind bars to keep us all safe. Andrew was one of many people out there who put themselves in danger to protect others; there are still many others out there (some in our village) that also do the same whether in the police, fire or ambulance service; nurses and doctors that help us when we fall. I thank you all. Sydenham is a strong and proud village, and will continue to be, thanks to the people who live here. Regards, the Harper family ‘Barking Mad’ Songs of Praise The annual Children and Pet’s ‘Songs of Praise’ service is always a hoot… or a bark or meow, neigh or squeak! Dogs definitely ruled at this year’s though, numbering 12 of all shapes and sizes. They were accompanied by 10 children and 27 adults. It’s so wonderful to see a fuller church. Jolly tunes were sung (Benson joined in with Old Macdonald had a farm!), Lucy read a poem and there were some lovely contributions to the pets picture gallery. Nick Marriner from the Chiltern Conservation Board as part of their “Churchyard Goes Wild’ initiative shared his knowledge of birds and insects and then invited us to take a stroll round the churchyard to see what we could find – great excitement on seeing some rare species was evident. If you would like to sign up for their newsletter to find out about the sterling work they do in our many areas of outstanding natural beauty, visit https://share.hsforms.com/1xxaZgMNFR2WdAdc1Jh-D-A2orgq Our informal Songs of Praise only lasts half an hour. It brings the young and more mature together and keeps St Mary’s alive. Please do come and support – it makes all the difference. See below for future dates. Songs of Praise forward dates: Sunday 22nd September – 10am – Songs of Praise with Sydenham Cricket Club Sunday 24th November – Sydenham celebrates weddings and baptisms held at St Mary’s going back as long as we can. All invited. For further info on the above, let Roy or Fi know.

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8 Parish Council News After our short summer recess in August, our September meeting covered updates on road closures, speeding, Neighbourhood Plan, Sydenham Grove and the Playing Field. Road Closure in Sydenham: 30th September to 4th October Just a reminder to residents that Sydenham Road will be closed for a week from 30th September – there is a full road closure in place from the junction of the B4445 to the junction of Stert Road. During this time there will be drainage investigation works opposite Old Byre House as well as installation of the pinch point just past Box Tree Cottages. Highways will also be undertaking general road maintenance. Access will be given to local residents where possible during working hours; however, villagers who live between the two closure points should park their cars elsewhere during the works. Dave at the Inn at Emmington has kindly offered the use of the car park during the day. During this period, we would kindly request all residents not to park on the road to ensure road maintenance can be carried out fully. Speeding We are delighted the pinch point is finally being installed from 30th September and are very much looking forward to seeing it reduce vehicle speeds! Thank you to those who attended our Speed Meeting on 23rd July at the Inn at Emmington. As discussed at the meeting, Highways have identified a suitable location for a double pinch point forming a chicane in Sydenham Road/Park View as well as opposite Plough Corner. After the feedback from the meeting, we are seeking to get drawings designed for the proposed chicane in Sydenham Road/Park View in the first instance as well as reviewing funding options. Concerns were also raised during the meeting of the speed of traffic using the B445 towards Thame and Chinnor. The Parish Council are continuing to liaise with Chinnor PC regarding this and the possibility of a pinch point near to the Emmington junction. The possibility of setting up a wider community speed watch programme has also been proposed and we are currently looking into this. Sydenham Grove SOHA are in the process of discharging the planning conditions, although there has been a delay caused by having to repeat the bat surveys. Parish councillors had a constructive meeting with SOHA during the first week in September and are hoping to get an update on progress towards the end of the year. Playing Field The RoSPA inspection has been carried out, noting a few basic points to be remedied, which have already been completed or are in hand. A big thank you to Dave Wilkins for all his hard work and efforts in maintaining the playing field.

9 Emergencies and fault reporting This list of contact details is to enable you to report any problems you have with services and highways. The Parish Council uses these contacts but please report problems yourself for a prompt resolution.

Gas Emergency: 0800 111 999 Thames Water: 0800 714 614 Online leak reporting and to view repairs, reported leaks and on-going improvement works go to www.thameswater.co.uk Power cuts Via your tablet etc, https://www.ukpowernetworks.co.uk/ and put in your postcode for contact details or call 0800 31 63 105, calls are free from a mobile or landline. If you live West of Slade Farm ring SSE on 0800 072 72 82 Road Closures: https://roadworks.org/ and pop your postcode into the search location box on the right Potholes and other highway problems: https://fixmystreet.oxfordshire.gov.uk/ Problems with vegetation affecting the highway: https://www2.oxfordshire.gov.uk/cms/content/roadside- trees-hedges-and-ditches Footpath and bridleway problems: https://publicrightsofway.oxfordshire.gov.uk/web/standar dmap.aspx

Please tear this page out and keep it near your telephone so that you can contact the relevant people when they need to be told of a problem.

10 Emergencies and fault reporting The benches in the playing field will be replaced over the coming months, with thanks to funds from the Sydenham Fayre. One of the benches will be dedicated This list of contact details is to enable you to report any to William Munday. problems you have with services and highways. The A bench will also be installed on the grass area at Plough Corner to replace the tree that SOHA removed earlier this year. The bench will be dedicated to the Parish Council uses these contacts but please report Wilsons, with John Wilson being a long-term resident of the close. problems yourself for a prompt resolution. Neighbourhood Plan Gas Emergency: 0800 111 999 The consultation for the neighbourhood plan has now finished. SODC have gone to tender for the Inspector who will examine Thames Water: 0800 714 614 the plan and provided a list of candidates. The parish council Online leak reporting and to view repairs, reported leaks agreed that Mr A. Ashcroft should be appointed. and on-going improvement works go to Footpath review and leisure survey www.thameswater.co.uk During the summer recess, some parish council members undertook a review of Power cuts the footpaths around Sydenham noting areas and stiles that may need updating. Via your tablet etc, https://www.ukpowernetworks.co.uk/ We will shortly be sending a short leisure survey to villagers to get feedback on and put in your postcode for contact details or call 0800 31 the footpaths most frequently used in order to prioritise funding to update those routes. In addition, we are seeking feedback on the potential opportunity of 63 105, calls are free from a mobile or landline. placing exercise equipment in the playing fields. If you live West of Slade Farm ring SSE on 0800 072 72 82 Thames Water Tankers Road Closures: You may have seen the Thames Water Tankers towards the Kingston Stert end of https://roadworks.org/ and pop your postcode into the Sydenham Road over the last month or so. They are draining sewage due to a search location box on the right broken sewage pipe. This will continue until the first week in December when Thames Water propose to undertake the necessary works to fix the issue. Potholes and other highway problems: Reporting fly tipping https://fixmystreet.oxfordshire.gov.uk/ Sadly, fly tipping in the local area has continued to increase. If you spot anyone Problems with vegetation affecting the highway: fly tipping or rubbish that has been left, you should report this directly to South Oxfordshire District Council. You can do this on their website at: https://www2.oxfordshire.gov.uk/cms/content/roadside- http://www.southoxon.gov.uk/services-and-advice/environment-and- trees-hedges-and-ditches neighbourhood-issues/street-cleaning-and-fly-tipping/fly-tipping Or you can call them directly on 03000 610 610. Footpath and bridleway problems: SODC request that you do not remove anything from the fly-tip site as it is vital https://publicrightsofway.oxfordshire.gov.uk/web/standar all the evidence is left at the site for council officers to investigate. dmap.aspx Village Communications If you would like to receive Sydenham Mails (our village email communications), Please tear this page out and keep it near your please email [email protected] to be added to the circulation list. telephone so that you can contact the relevant people If you have content that you would like to be included in Sydenham Mail, please when they need to be told of a problem. email the team [email protected]. Updates are typically sent weekly

11 and information is collated over the course of the week. The village Facebook Bespoke Soft Furnishings, Curtain & Blinds page is also available for any urgent updates or requests. hand finished, made to measure service includes free To get in touch with the Parish Council directly, please email measuring, quotation and assistance with choosing [email protected]. Alternatively, you can call 01844 873690 appropriate products – please leave a message and the Parish Clerk will get back to you. Our Parish Clerk works part time, but if you have any urgent issues, you can always speak to Accessories and services - Curtain poles and tracks, a parish councillor directly. wallpaper, upholstery and installation Dates for your Diary Interior Design assistance - tailored to your needs Advanced notice of SSE power cut from plan to completed design or help with finishing off Advanced notice of a power cut on Wednesday 18th September between 9am your look. and 4pm for tree trimming. Letters will be sent by SSE to affected properties a week before. Shopping - Our street level shop offers soft furnishing, Village litter pick lighting and decorative pieces Our Autumn village litter pick will take place on Sunday 6th October from 11am. We would be grateful for any volunteers to help with the village clean up. 01844 220035 www.llynilly.com

55 North Street, Thame OX9 3BH [email protected] Next meeting rd Shop Mon-Fri 10-5 Sat 10-4 Showroom & Studio Mon-Fri 9-4 Our next meeting will be on 3 October at 7.30pm in the OSR. Everyone is

welcome to attend.

Other times by appointment Cheryl Belson

Planning P19/S1401/HH The Old Bakery, Sydenham Road OX39 4NB Demolition of existing garage and part rear extension. Construction of single storey part side part front extension and single storey rear extension and altered fenestration. Amendment to planning consent P19/S10468/HH. (Amended plans received showing alterations to the design and height of the extension.) SODC decision – Planning permission granted

Oxfordshire County Council Shared Lives Scheme Sharing a life can change a life The Shared Lives scheme matches people who need additional support to be independent, with carers and their families. Sharing a family’s life means that people who need support can choose to become part of an ordinary household, instead of staying in residential care or being looked after by a team of support workers. Could you give someone the chance to learn and grow, develop new skills and gain the confidence to become as independent as possible in a family environment? Become a Shared Lives Carer in a home based, paid role oxfordshire.gov.uk/sharedlives

12 and information is collated over the course of the week. The village Facebook page is also available for any urgent updates or requests. To get in touch with the Parish Council directly, please email [email protected]. Alternatively, you can call 01844 873690 – please leave a message and the Parish Clerk will get back to you. Our Parish Clerk works part time, but if you have any urgent issues, you can always speak to a parish councillor directly. Dates for your Diary Advanced notice of SSE power cut Advanced notice of a power cut on Wednesday 18th September between 9am and 4pm for tree trimming. Letters will be sent by SSE to affected properties a week before. Village litter pick Our Autumn village litter pick will take place on Sunday 6th October from 11am. We would be grateful for any volunteers to help with the village clean up. Next meeting Our next meeting will be on 3rd October at 7.30pm in the OSR. Everyone is welcome to attend. Cheryl Belson

13 Memories of Sydenham Greetings from Jim Rose of Emmington published Sydenham Women’s Institute “Call Me Jim”, his “Recollections of a Farming Life” in 1996. He was born in your local group of friendly, active women from 1916, growing up on Village Farm, Sydenham and surrounding villages Emmington and farming there all his life, buying the farm in 1963 and later passing it on to David and Pam, his son Sydenham Swings for the OFWI centenary…. and daughter-in-law. His Sydenham memories included the Village Shop at Horseshoe Cottage and the Blacksmith as follows: Jim Rose at 80 “The Village Shop. Sydenham Village Shop sold everything the village needed from bacon to paraffin oil for the lamps. Goods were not packaged as they are today; sugar and rice were sold loose from large hessian sacks open at the top. The sugar or rice would be scooped into blue paper bags and weighed as required. I remember one night when the shop cat had her kittens on the top of the sugar in the open sack. Of course cats were very important to keep the vermin down. Mrs. King, the Shopkeeper, also had a secondhand furniture business. She would attend any household clearance sale buying up any job lot. Soon after The hosts, Sydenham WI plus invited guests put on I was married my wife and I bought a Victorian clock from Mrs. King for Five their dancing shoes as well as a glorious assortment of fancy Pounds. About 35 years later the clock was stolen but to replace the five pound hats to enjoy the annual summer garden party. clock with a similar one cost £300! As part of the 100th birthday celebrations of the Oxfordshire Her husband, Mr. Arthur King, known as “Joker”, as well as helping his father- Federation, the five WI’s within the Icknield Group in-law on his farm, ran an animal feed business buying in bulk and selling to (Sydenham, Thame, Chinnor, Holton & Waterperry, cottagers the food for their rabbits, hens and pigs. What an enterprising family! Waterstock & Tiddington) all joined in and were delighted to welcome OFWI Federation Chairman Jane Probitts who gave a Village Blacksmith. The blacksmith’s shop was just across the road from the welcome speech plus cut the large (and very delicious) cake Village Green. The shop was the meeting place for pensioners and the baked and decorated by Ann Britnell. unemployed etc, to gossip and to pass on all the village scandal. Most of the villagers had nicknames. I remember “Joker” King, “Kicker” Little, “Banker” The location was Jane and Paul Rooksby’s glorious garden Munday and “Basher” Wallington. They were all related in some way, which was which at every turn revealed a magical secret space tucked not surprising as the only transport for most of them to get away from the away behind the pond or a plethora of village was Shank’s pony! casually positioned pots bursting with hydrangea’s or a quiet spot under a sun dial. I used to lead our shire horses to the blacksmiths to have their shoes renewed. The forge held a great fascination for me with its huge fire and the hand Ken and his band entertained us and put a bellows. The horse shoes were put in the fire until they were red hot; they were spring in our steps, food was plentiful, raffle then hammered into the right shape to fit the horses’ hooves. They were put on prizes exciting to win and the Pimm’s slipped the horses’ hooves very hot and smoke and an acrid smell of burning hoof would down a treat. fill the air. Horses have no feeling in their hard hoof, but they were sometimes Hats off to everyone! very nervous of what was going on.”

14 Memories of Sydenham Greetings from Jim Rose of Emmington published Sydenham Women’s Institute “Call Me Jim”, his “Recollections of a Farming Life” in 1996. He was born in your local group of friendly, active women from 1916, growing up on Village Farm, Sydenham and surrounding villages Emmington and farming there all his life, buying the farm in 1963 and later passing it on to David and Pam, his son Sydenham Swings for the OFWI centenary…. and daughter-in-law. His Sydenham memories included the Village Shop at Horseshoe Cottage and the Blacksmith as follows: Jim Rose at 80 “The Village Shop. Sydenham Village Shop sold everything the village needed from bacon to paraffin oil for the lamps. Goods were not packaged as they are today; sugar and rice were sold loose from large hessian sacks open at the top. The sugar or rice would be scooped into blue paper bags and weighed as required. I remember one night when the shop cat had her kittens on the top of the sugar in the open sack. Of course cats were very important to keep the vermin down. Mrs. King, the Shopkeeper, also had a secondhand furniture business. She would attend any household clearance sale buying up any job lot. Soon after The hosts, Sydenham WI plus invited guests put on I was married my wife and I bought a Victorian clock from Mrs. King for Five their dancing shoes as well as a glorious assortment of fancy Pounds. About 35 years later the clock was stolen but to replace the five pound hats to enjoy the annual summer garden party. clock with a similar one cost £300! As part of the 100th birthday celebrations of the Oxfordshire Her husband, Mr. Arthur King, known as “Joker”, as well as helping his father- Federation, the five WI’s within the Icknield Group in-law on his farm, ran an animal feed business buying in bulk and selling to (Sydenham, Thame, Chinnor, Holton & Waterperry, cottagers the food for their rabbits, hens and pigs. What an enterprising family! Waterstock & Tiddington) all joined in and were delighted to welcome OFWI Federation Chairman Jane Probitts who gave a Village Blacksmith. The blacksmith’s shop was just across the road from the welcome speech plus cut the large (and very delicious) cake Village Green. The shop was the meeting place for pensioners and the baked and decorated by Ann Britnell. unemployed etc, to gossip and to pass on all the village scandal. Most of the villagers had nicknames. I remember “Joker” King, “Kicker” Little, “Banker” The location was Jane and Paul Rooksby’s glorious garden Munday and “Basher” Wallington. They were all related in some way, which was which at every turn revealed a magical secret space tucked not surprising as the only transport for most of them to get away from the away behind the pond or a plethora of village was Shank’s pony! casually positioned pots bursting with hydrangea’s or a quiet spot under a sun dial. I used to lead our shire horses to the blacksmiths to have their shoes renewed. The forge held a great fascination for me with its huge fire and the hand Ken and his band entertained us and put a bellows. The horse shoes were put in the fire until they were red hot; they were spring in our steps, food was plentiful, raffle then hammered into the right shape to fit the horses’ hooves. They were put on prizes exciting to win and the Pimm’s slipped the horses’ hooves very hot and smoke and an acrid smell of burning hoof would down a treat. fill the air. Horses have no feeling in their hard hoof, but they were sometimes Hats off to everyone! very nervous of what was going on.”

15 St Mary’s Choir Concert – An Evening of Song and Fun The evening of 7th September 2019 was billed as an “Evening of Song and Fun” which is precisely what it was. Over 100 hundred people came to listen and were not disappointed. Dr Chris Hood put together a varied and balanced programme of songs from the shows, interspersed by readings and skits and was most ably assisted by Judy Thompson who on the piano accompanied magnificently the choir and soloists. There were three compères, Toby Rowe, Mark Kermack and Lloyd Mckee telling us a little about the piece or the composer prior to introducing the next piece. The beautiful flowers in church, arranged by Jane Rooksby and Rosemary Carter, looked their best in the flickering light of the candles. The food in the OSR for the interval, provided by the choir and friends, with a glass of wine or Sydenham apple juice was simply delicious. The raffle was well organised by Little John, Sandra and Fiona Kendall so that prizes were given out before the beginning of the second half. From within the choir of seventeen members, many had solo roles which they sang with great effect in Les Miserables at the end of the first half and also at the end of the second half with Time to say Good Bye. We finished with the audience participating in Land of Hope and Glory. In all, a very happy occasion, full of fun and made over £1300 for St Mary’s fabric fund and the choir. Roy

16 St Mary’s Choir Concert – An Evening of Song and Fun The evening of 7th September 2019 was billed as an “Evening of Song and Fun” which is precisely what it was. Over 100 hundred people came to listen and were not disappointed. Dr Chris Hood put together a varied and balanced programme of songs from the shows, interspersed by readings and skits and was most ably assisted by Judy Thompson who on the piano accompanied magnificently the choir and soloists. There were three compères, Toby Rowe, Mark Kermack and Lloyd Mckee telling us a little about the piece or the composer prior to introducing the next piece. The beautiful flowers in church, arranged by Jane Rooksby and Rosemary Carter, looked their best in the flickering light of the candles. The food in the OSR for the interval, provided by the choir and friends, with a glass of wine or Sydenham apple juice was simply delicious. The raffle was well organised by Little John, Sandra and Fiona Kendall so that prizes were given out before the beginning of the second half. From within the choir of seventeen members, many had solo roles which they sang with great effect in Les Miserables at the end of the first half and also at the end of the second half with Time to say Good Bye. We finished with the audience participating in Land of Hope and Glory. In all, a very happy occasion, full of fun and made over £1300 for St Mary’s fabric fund and the choir. Roy

17 John Howell MP writes... During the summer recess I spent quite a bit of time knocking on doors in a number of streets in a range of towns and villages across the constituency. I took a random selecting of streets so Distraction burglary that I could get a spread of views and a feel for the national, We have received a couple of reports of distraction burglaries in our area. Most international and local issues that were on people’s minds. It is people who call at your home will be genuine but some may turn up good to talk to people at times other than when campaigning for an election. It unannounced, with the intention of tricking their way into your home. If gives an opportunity for me to find out what really matters to people and to someone calls at your door: discuss issues. When I knock on doors and talk to people we may not always Stop – Before you answer, stop and think if you are expecting anyone. Check agree but we can have a good conversation and try to understand each other’s that you have locked the back door and taken the key out. Look through a spy point of view. hole or window to see who it is. You can choose not to open the door. I know that many people are disenchanted with politics and that the behaviour Check – Even if they have a pre-arranged appointment, take time to check their of some politicians over the months has led to a low view of all. Let me assure identity card carefully. Close the door while you do this. If you are still unsure, you that some politicians, including me, are as fed up with colleagues as the look up the phone number and ring to verify the identity. Never call the number public are. I share many of the frustrations of recent times especially what seems on their identity card, or a number that has been given to you, as these may be to be constant jockeying for opportunities for self-promotion rather than a fake and you may be speaking to another fraudster. willingness to tackle the tasks in hand. I am also frustrated at efforts to interfere Bogus callers may claim to be from the council, police or utility companies. They with democratic process to achieve what sometimes seem to be personal views. may also pose as builders or gardeners and try and trick you into paying for And, although the choice of our new Prime Minister and the process of selection unnecessary work. You should never have work completed by someone who is were not favoured by all, now that he is in post I believe we should give him a just passing by. chance. Having hounded out one Prime Minister some seem to want to push the new one out before allowing him the opportunity to even try to do the job. We If you think that work needs to be done, you can always ask the caller to write to are in difficult times, but it is clear to me that people are fed up with the current you and get at least two quotes from trusted companies. If you suspect the caller uncertainty. I very much agree with this. Uncertainty can be very debilitating, is bogus you should report in on the Thames Valley police Website or by dialling and most situations are much easier to deal with once you know just what you 101. If they become threatening you should call 999 immediately. are dealing with. Remember – If in doubt keep them out! When Parliament returns after the recess I will be much more limited in the time Vehicle crime at beauty spot car parks I have to knock on doors, however I will continue to do so when I can. I will also In the summer months we always see an increase in thefts from vehicles continue to make time to meet with constituents who want to discuss something especially at beauty spot locations. When enjoying our countryside please think with me. Given the wide geographical area that the constituency covers I try to about your security. When leaving home don’t take anything with you that you arrange surgeries and meetings somewhere reasonably near to people who want do not need! Once parked do not leave anything visible in your vehicle and to meet. As such I do not have a schedule planned very far in advance so that I please double check your vehicle is locked. Always report suspicious behaviour can have some flexibility on locations. If you have an issue or concern relating to by calling 101. Parliament which you would like to discuss please email or phone my office. We The neighbourhood team have increased their patrols at beauty spot locations can then work out the best way to go forward. Depending on the issue or concern and have put up signs to remind owners not to leave items in their vehicles. sometimes one of my team will be able to assist more quickly than I can, especially if you have a problem that needs our help in contacting a government Please get in touch/follow us using the following: department to resolve the matter. E-mail: [email protected] You can email me at [email protected], phone on 0207 219 6676 or Twitter: @tvpsouthandvale 01491 613072 or write to me at the House of Commons (House of Commons, Facebook: www.facebook.com/tvpsouthandvale London, SW1A 0AA) or my constituency office (PO Box 84, Watlington, OX49 Phone: 101 5XD). Always phone 999 in an emergency

18 John Howell MP writes... During the summer recess I spent quite a bit of time knocking on doors in a number of streets in a range of towns and villages across the constituency. I took a random selecting of streets so Distraction burglary that I could get a spread of views and a feel for the national, We have received a couple of reports of distraction burglaries in our area. Most international and local issues that were on people’s minds. It is people who call at your home will be genuine but some may turn up good to talk to people at times other than when campaigning for an election. It unannounced, with the intention of tricking their way into your home. If gives an opportunity for me to find out what really matters to people and to someone calls at your door: discuss issues. When I knock on doors and talk to people we may not always Stop – Before you answer, stop and think if you are expecting anyone. Check agree but we can have a good conversation and try to understand each other’s that you have locked the back door and taken the key out. Look through a spy point of view. hole or window to see who it is. You can choose not to open the door. I know that many people are disenchanted with politics and that the behaviour Check – Even if they have a pre-arranged appointment, take time to check their of some politicians over the months has led to a low view of all. Let me assure identity card carefully. Close the door while you do this. If you are still unsure, you that some politicians, including me, are as fed up with colleagues as the look up the phone number and ring to verify the identity. Never call the number public are. I share many of the frustrations of recent times especially what seems on their identity card, or a number that has been given to you, as these may be to be constant jockeying for opportunities for self-promotion rather than a fake and you may be speaking to another fraudster. willingness to tackle the tasks in hand. I am also frustrated at efforts to interfere Bogus callers may claim to be from the council, police or utility companies. They with democratic process to achieve what sometimes seem to be personal views. may also pose as builders or gardeners and try and trick you into paying for And, although the choice of our new Prime Minister and the process of selection unnecessary work. You should never have work completed by someone who is were not favoured by all, now that he is in post I believe we should give him a just passing by. chance. Having hounded out one Prime Minister some seem to want to push the new one out before allowing him the opportunity to even try to do the job. We If you think that work needs to be done, you can always ask the caller to write to are in difficult times, but it is clear to me that people are fed up with the current you and get at least two quotes from trusted companies. If you suspect the caller uncertainty. I very much agree with this. Uncertainty can be very debilitating, is bogus you should report in on the Thames Valley police Website or by dialling and most situations are much easier to deal with once you know just what you 101. If they become threatening you should call 999 immediately. are dealing with. Remember – If in doubt keep them out! When Parliament returns after the recess I will be much more limited in the time Vehicle crime at beauty spot car parks I have to knock on doors, however I will continue to do so when I can. I will also In the summer months we always see an increase in thefts from vehicles continue to make time to meet with constituents who want to discuss something especially at beauty spot locations. When enjoying our countryside please think with me. Given the wide geographical area that the constituency covers I try to about your security. When leaving home don’t take anything with you that you arrange surgeries and meetings somewhere reasonably near to people who want do not need! Once parked do not leave anything visible in your vehicle and to meet. As such I do not have a schedule planned very far in advance so that I please double check your vehicle is locked. Always report suspicious behaviour can have some flexibility on locations. If you have an issue or concern relating to by calling 101. Parliament which you would like to discuss please email or phone my office. We The neighbourhood team have increased their patrols at beauty spot locations can then work out the best way to go forward. Depending on the issue or concern and have put up signs to remind owners not to leave items in their vehicles. sometimes one of my team will be able to assist more quickly than I can, especially if you have a problem that needs our help in contacting a government Please get in touch/follow us using the following: department to resolve the matter. E-mail: [email protected] You can email me at [email protected], phone on 0207 219 6676 or Twitter: @tvpsouthandvale 01491 613072 or write to me at the House of Commons (House of Commons, Facebook: www.facebook.com/tvpsouthandvale London, SW1A 0AA) or my constituency office (PO Box 84, Watlington, OX49 Phone: 101 5XD). Always phone 999 in an emergency

19 Bits & Pieces Pumpkin Sunday – October 27th 2019 OSR 200 Club Update As the bright Summer fades into the russet shades of Autumn many will look back and bemoan the onset of the dark Winter months. Others will ready their The 200 Club continues to be the biggest monthly fundraiser for the Old School sunflower, pumpkin and squash entries for the largest vegetable show in Room and following our best ever subscriptions with 219 ‘numbers’ purchased Sydenham with a sense of joy in their hearts. this year, brought in £2,628. Head Judge Mark has been working on his notes from previous seasons and After minimal expenses of £60, we increased the monthly prize money to £95 defining the categories in a strict but fair manner. Prizes have been identified; with eight prizes and including the two Christmas Day specials of £100 and £50 cakes are being discussed. prizes totalled £1,350. Come along and enjoy some fun with friends and neighbours starting around The Independent draw for the months of September and October took place at 11.00. at Cape Cottage. Drinks and nibbles. You can enter any of the categories the Inn on Monday evening 2nd September. Thank you to those around the bar with bought specimens other than the Pumpkin, Sunflower and Squash for co-operating and making it such fun including Buster who was absolutely categories. over the moon when his number was picked out. He was ably assisted in the draw by Ray, Sharon, Alice, twin David, barmaid Kelly, Bill, Fran, Baz Baker and The proceeds of the day go to St Mary’s fabric fund. You can just come along and guests Wendy & Richard and of course landlord David. meet your neighbours no need to enter the competition it would be good to meet some of your newer neighbours. The winners were as follows: Categories include: Biggest pumpkin, Tallest sunflower, Ugliest squash, Best OSR 200 Club September/October Draw Winners pair, Best dressed and Smallest entry. Several others will be made up on the day. September October Speciality prize for most imaginative use of a vegetable. £25 35 Gilly Harrison £25 214 Howard Barnes £15 193 Kate Stewart £15 109 Wendy Spence Keep growing, Ann Ashfield £10 37 Derek Randall £10 163 Sue Jones £10 195 Bodie Stewart £10 215 Matt Moister John Grosvenor of The Jays, Brookstones is raising money for the £10 211 Graham Maisey £10 187 Vince & Laura Alzheimer’s Society. £10 180 Buster Croxford £10 24 Cyndy Thomas I am undertaking to swim a mile on 8 September to raise money for the £10 172 Sasha Britton £10 115 Jon Church Alzheimer’s Society to make a contribution in the fight against dementia. This is £5 194 Ross Stewart £5 136 Michael Plested a subject close to my heart as I was treasurer and trustee of the Alzheimer’s Thank you all for your continued support for the Old School Room. Society for seven years and for the last three years I have been an elected director of Alzheimer’s Disease International which is the organisation that Included in the Newsletter is the subscription form for the new 2019/20 year coordinates the national associations around the world. which commences with the November Draw. We are asking all existing members if they would like to retain their current ‘numbers’ and for new With someone developing it every three minutes, dementia is set to be the UK’s subscribers, if you would like to join us, to complete and return the form to Roy biggest killer, affecting all our futures. It doesn’t discriminate, it devastates lives, at Fuchsia Cottage plus cash or cheque of £12 for each number purchased by and right now, there is no cure. The Alzheimer’s Society is the UK’s leading early November. dementia charity. They provide information and support, fund research and are creating a more dementia-friendly society so that people with the condition can ‘The Old School Room’ is a charitable organisation and is so beneficial to the live without fear and prejudice. village – almost everyone has some reason to use it in their lives ranging from wedding receptions to children’s parties, church activities, Parish Council A mile may not sound like a long way to swim for some... but for me (at my age!) meetings, WI events, private parties, yoga classes, quiz nights, rehearsals etc – it is a very long way. Over the last few months, I have progressed from being able please support us by purchasing numbers for the year. Roy to swim only a few lengths at a time to being able to do 3/4 mile.

20 Bits & Pieces Pumpkin Sunday – October 27th 2019 OSR 200 Club Update As the bright Summer fades into the russet shades of Autumn many will look back and bemoan the onset of the dark Winter months. Others will ready their The 200 Club continues to be the biggest monthly fundraiser for the Old School sunflower, pumpkin and squash entries for the largest vegetable show in Room and following our best ever subscriptions with 219 ‘numbers’ purchased Sydenham with a sense of joy in their hearts. this year, brought in £2,628. Head Judge Mark has been working on his notes from previous seasons and After minimal expenses of £60, we increased the monthly prize money to £95 defining the categories in a strict but fair manner. Prizes have been identified; with eight prizes and including the two Christmas Day specials of £100 and £50 cakes are being discussed. prizes totalled £1,350. Come along and enjoy some fun with friends and neighbours starting around The Independent draw for the months of September and October took place at 11.00. at Cape Cottage. Drinks and nibbles. You can enter any of the categories the Inn on Monday evening 2nd September. Thank you to those around the bar with bought specimens other than the Pumpkin, Sunflower and Squash for co-operating and making it such fun including Buster who was absolutely categories. over the moon when his number was picked out. He was ably assisted in the draw by Ray, Sharon, Alice, twin David, barmaid Kelly, Bill, Fran, Baz Baker and The proceeds of the day go to St Mary’s fabric fund. You can just come along and guests Wendy & Richard and of course landlord David. meet your neighbours no need to enter the competition it would be good to meet some of your newer neighbours. The winners were as follows: Categories include: Biggest pumpkin, Tallest sunflower, Ugliest squash, Best OSR 200 Club September/October Draw Winners pair, Best dressed and Smallest entry. Several others will be made up on the day. September October Speciality prize for most imaginative use of a vegetable. £25 35 Gilly Harrison £25 214 Howard Barnes £15 193 Kate Stewart £15 109 Wendy Spence Keep growing, Ann Ashfield £10 37 Derek Randall £10 163 Sue Jones £10 195 Bodie Stewart £10 215 Matt Moister John Grosvenor of The Jays, Brookstones is raising money for the £10 211 Graham Maisey £10 187 Vince & Laura Alzheimer’s Society. £10 180 Buster Croxford £10 24 Cyndy Thomas I am undertaking to swim a mile on 8 September to raise money for the £10 172 Sasha Britton £10 115 Jon Church Alzheimer’s Society to make a contribution in the fight against dementia. This is £5 194 Ross Stewart £5 136 Michael Plested a subject close to my heart as I was treasurer and trustee of the Alzheimer’s Thank you all for your continued support for the Old School Room. Society for seven years and for the last three years I have been an elected director of Alzheimer’s Disease International which is the organisation that Included in the Newsletter is the subscription form for the new 2019/20 year coordinates the national associations around the world. which commences with the November Draw. We are asking all existing members if they would like to retain their current ‘numbers’ and for new With someone developing it every three minutes, dementia is set to be the UK’s subscribers, if you would like to join us, to complete and return the form to Roy biggest killer, affecting all our futures. It doesn’t discriminate, it devastates lives, at Fuchsia Cottage plus cash or cheque of £12 for each number purchased by and right now, there is no cure. The Alzheimer’s Society is the UK’s leading early November. dementia charity. They provide information and support, fund research and are creating a more dementia-friendly society so that people with the condition can ‘The Old School Room’ is a charitable organisation and is so beneficial to the live without fear and prejudice. village – almost everyone has some reason to use it in their lives ranging from wedding receptions to children’s parties, church activities, Parish Council A mile may not sound like a long way to swim for some... but for me (at my age!) meetings, WI events, private parties, yoga classes, quiz nights, rehearsals etc – it is a very long way. Over the last few months, I have progressed from being able please support us by purchasing numbers for the year. Roy to swim only a few lengths at a time to being able to do 3/4 mile.

21 To help me with the training I have enlisted the help of a local personal trainer, All things must pass... Tom White, of WhiteWay Fitness to guide me through this process and keep me Sadly after 10 years, and with heavy hearts, we going. will be leaving Sydenham on the 4th October. I will be posting updates on my Just Giving site and there will be a video of the Gemma has accepted a consultant role at Bury swim to prove I have done it. St Edmunds Hospital starting in October, and Please support me in this swim to help raise money for a fantastic cause, John James is moving his business across to Liverpool Street and will travel to work Updates from John Grosvenor through East Anglia every day instead of the Roy, Please can I twist your arm to sponsor me for a swim, I am proposing to through the Chilterns! 10 years have flown by swim a mile on 8 September in aid of the Alzheimer’s Society and details are on since the day we moved in when Roy (who was then our neighbour) invited us in the Just Giving link below. for a drink – we left four hours later, worse for wear, but knowing we’d found a https://www.justgiving.com/John-Grosvenor special village to live in. I have been involved with the Alzheimer’s charities for some time and I decided We lived in Ryders Barn for the first few years, were married at St Mary’s and to do something active to raise some money but I have to say that swimming a then Annabelle arrived in the summer of 2013. We moved up to Holliers Cottage mile is quite a long way so some serious training has started! Any chance of soon after (our moving vehicle being Chris Cooper’s tractor and trailer) and then some publicity in the village Newsletter. Thomas was born, somewhat accidentally at home, so will always have Regards, John Sydenham as his birthplace! I completed my Memory Mile swim on Sunday 8 September 2019, I managed to We’ve some wonderful memories of our time here, from cricket, to the Crown, swim the mile (1600 metres) in 42 minutes and 10 seconds and I have to say it is Christmases, the Fayre, to dinner and garden parties and all the while making a long way to swim! friends for life. We also know our children (who were both christened at St Mary’s) have had an amazing first few years and we could never have asked I would not have been able to do this without the support of two people. Firstly for more in terms of help, love and friendship (and more than the occasional my wife, Amanda who encouraged me to do this event and has supported and drink) from so many villagers. We know we’ll stay in touch with Sydenham pushed me through all the training, and Tom White of WhiteWay Fitness, who forever – it’s a special place, we’ve given up trying to find another one elsewhere has coached and cajoled me and has been sworn at a lot over the last few – cherish and protect what you have! months. With love and best wishes to all, James, Gemma, Annabelle and Thomas. I have updated my Just Giving site with some photos of the event and I know that some of you will have seen some photos on Facebook. Sydenham Cricket Club Report The swim was overseen by an independent It has been a summer of astonishing cricket; nail biting finishes, scrutiniser who can confirm that I covered the great individual performances and comebacks to be remembered. required distance. So many thanks to everybody And this is the story of Sydenham’s season. Whilst the country has who has already contributed and to those people been talking about Ben Stokes the Sydenham players have created who were waiting to see if I could swim that far, their own special moments albeit none of which have made now is the time to donate and below is the link to my Just Giving site. national headlines! https://www.justgiving.com/John-Grosvenor We have had some brilliant games The Alzheimer’s Society does a great job in supporting people impacted by that have gone down to the wire; dementia, funding research and are creating a more dementia friendly society. sometimes a win and sometimes not! The closest being against Thank you for your support. Haddenham when they required ten Regards, John Mobile + 44 (0) 7515 366298 runs to win with several overs left,

22 All things must pass... Sadly after 10 years, and with heavy hearts, we will be leaving Sydenham on the 4th October. Gemma has accepted a consultant role at Bury St Edmunds Hospital starting in October, and James is moving his business across to Liverpool Street and will travel to work through East Anglia every day instead of the through the Chilterns! 10 years have flown by since the day we moved in when Roy (who was then our neighbour) invited us in for a drink – we left four hours later, worse for wear, but knowing we’d found a special village to live in. We lived in Ryders Barn for the first few years, were married at St Mary’s and then Annabelle arrived in the summer of 2013. We moved up to Holliers Cottage soon after (our moving vehicle being Chris Cooper’s tractor and trailer) and then Thomas was born, somewhat accidentally at home, so will always have Sydenham as his birthplace! We’ve some wonderful memories of our time here, from cricket, to the Crown, Christmases, the Fayre, to dinner and garden parties and all the while making friends for life. We also know our children (who were both christened at St Mary’s) have had an amazing first few years and we could never have asked for more in terms of help, love and friendship (and more than the occasional drink) from so many villagers. We know we’ll stay in touch with Sydenham forever – it’s a special place, we’ve given up trying to find another one elsewhere – cherish and protect what you have! With love and best wishes to all, James, Gemma, Annabelle and Thomas.

Sydenham Cricket Club Report It has been a summer of astonishing cricket; nail biting finishes, great individual performances and comebacks to be remembered. And this is the story of Sydenham’s season. Whilst the country has been talking about Ben Stokes the Sydenham players have created their own special moments albeit none of which have made national headlines! We have had some brilliant games that have gone down to the wire; sometimes a win and sometimes not! The closest being against Haddenham when they required ten runs to win with several overs left,

23 but we kept taking wickets and denying runs, until in the last over they needed Waterperry Gardens six runs and had two wickets remaining. Enter Chris ‘Stokes’ Jones. Taking two There is plenty of activity at Waterperry Gardens at this wonderfully mellow wickets with the last two balls of the match for it to end in a tie!! time of the year. See the famous herbaceous border in all its late summer glory Thanks to all who came to Blenheim to support us in our annual match. Another as it bursts back into life with michaelmas daisies (asters) in September. The good day out. special weekends on 14th & 15th and 21st & 22nd September see a range of quality asters on sale in the plant centre with experts on hand to give advice about these wonderful plants. This is also the time of year to start thinking about bulb planting for that glorious show of colour we all look forward to in the spring. As the season moves into autumn, apples are at the forefront of Orchard Manager Chris Lanczak’s mind. Come along to Waterperry’s Apple Weekend on 5th & 6th We have played nine games this season and will ‘close’ the season with a 10am October. A great family weekend church service in St Mary’s on September 22nd, followed by brunch in The where you will be able to sample and buy many of our different types of juices. Crown. Please keep an eye on the village facebook page for bookings for brunch Advice and information will be freely available on the day and we encourage you afterwards. We would love to see many villagers and families at both. The service to bring along any unidentified varieties of apples that you may have growing in will be suitable for children and adults (no cricketing ability required!) your garden for our experts to identify for you. Enjoy the craft and food fair with [email protected] lots of local goodies to take home including, cheeses, sausages and artisan Thanks, Dan breads to enjoy with your juice or cider! The end of October brings us Halloween and The Great Pumpkin Hunt in the Gardens for half term – 19th October to 1st November. Call us on 01844 339226 or visit www.waterperrygardens.co.uk for more information on all our events. September & October at Waterperry Waterperry Gardens. Open every day from 10 to 5.30pm.

Michaelmas Daisy Weekends: 14th/15th & 21st/22nd Sep Visit our gardens to see our famous herbaceous border in all its late summer glory as it bursts back into life with a beautiful display of Michaelmas Daisies (Asters). A selection will be on sale in the plant centre and Pub News our experts will be on hand to give advice about these wonderful plants. The Inn at Emmington The gardens are open in aid of the National Garden Scheme on Sunday 15th September.

Flowers in the Air: 21st/22nd September The kids are back at school; the nights are drawing in and The Ashes are lost – With designs by members of Thame Flower Club and the BB&O area of NAFAS enjoy a stunning array of Summer certainly appears to have come to an abrupt end over the last week. flower arrangements in the beautiful setting of Waterperry Gardens. Despite the questionable weather at times, August turned out to be a busy month Apple Weekend - Saturday 5th & Sunday 6th October A great family day out where you will be able to sample and buy many of our different types of apples. culminating in a busy Bank Holiday weekend when we looked after guests Advice and information will be freely available on the day. Buy goodies at the craft and food fair, take a free attending a large Emmington wedding reception as well as people attending the tour of the orchards & fruit sheds and take the children around the gardens to enjoy a seasonal game (garden entrance fee applies). Towersey Festival who have gone past the age of wanting to camp and been

The Great Pumpkin Hunt - 19th October to 3rd November staying with us for several years now. Next year’s festival is moving to Find the 10 pumpkins hidden in the ornamental gardens and win a prize! £2.50 per child, children must be Buckingham meaning the area will lose quite a lot of business over the Bank accompanied by an adult for whom the garden entrance fee applies. Holiday weekend which is a real shame. We also had a surprise visitor on Bank For more info please visit www.waterperrygardens.co.uk

24 but we kept taking wickets and denying runs, until in the last over they needed Waterperry Gardens six runs and had two wickets remaining. Enter Chris ‘Stokes’ Jones. Taking two There is plenty of activity at Waterperry Gardens at this wonderfully mellow wickets with the last two balls of the match for it to end in a tie!! time of the year. See the famous herbaceous border in all its late summer glory Thanks to all who came to Blenheim to support us in our annual match. Another as it bursts back into life with michaelmas daisies (asters) in September. The good day out. special weekends on 14th & 15th and 21st & 22nd September see a range of quality asters on sale in the plant centre with experts on hand to give advice about these wonderful plants. This is also the time of year to start thinking about bulb planting for that glorious show of colour we all look forward to in the spring. As the season moves into autumn, apples are at the forefront of Orchard Manager Chris Lanczak’s mind. Come along to Waterperry’s Apple Weekend on 5th & 6th We have played nine games this season and will ‘close’ the season with a 10am October. A great family weekend church service in St Mary’s on September 22nd, followed by brunch in The where you will be able to sample and buy many of our different types of juices. Crown. Please keep an eye on the village facebook page for bookings for brunch Advice and information will be freely available on the day and we encourage you afterwards. We would love to see many villagers and families at both. The service to bring along any unidentified varieties of apples that you may have growing in will be suitable for children and adults (no cricketing ability required!) your garden for our experts to identify for you. Enjoy the craft and food fair with [email protected] lots of local goodies to take home including, cheeses, sausages and artisan Thanks, Dan breads to enjoy with your juice or cider! The end of October brings us Halloween and The Great Pumpkin Hunt in the Gardens for half term – 19th October to 1st November. Call us on 01844 339226 or visit www.waterperrygardens.co.uk for more information on all our events. Waterperry Gardens. Open every day from 10 to 5.30pm. Pub News The Inn at Emmington The kids are back at school; the nights are drawing in and The Ashes are lost – Summer certainly appears to have come to an abrupt end over the last week. Despite the questionable weather at times, August turned out to be a busy month culminating in a busy Bank Holiday weekend when we looked after guests attending a large Emmington wedding reception as well as people attending the Towersey Festival who have gone past the age of wanting to camp and been staying with us for several years now. Next year’s festival is moving to Buckingham meaning the area will lose quite a lot of business over the Bank Holiday weekend which is a real shame. We also had a surprise visitor on Bank

25 Holiday Monday when none other than Jeremy Corbyn popped in for a drink!! I would love to say he downed shots of Tequila whilst singing Europe’s ‘It’s the Final Countdown’, but alas a cranberry juice with soda was his tipple of choice – dark red in colour, obviously! So onto September and October, still plenty to look forward to before the mention of Christmas and all the festivities that brings. September sees the culmination of the Aunt Sally season – at the time of going to press The Inn was clinging on to top spot with three matches remaining. Friday 27th September is a date for the diary – the last game of the season when we travel away to the Crown at Sydenham. If both pubs win their next two matches, then this last match could turn out to be a first versus second in the table clash to see who wins promotion. Throw off is 8.30pm and it would be great to show your support whichever pub takes your preference. We have just launched our new menu to take us through the next few months which includes our popular pub classics as well as some new dishes including homemade chicken curry and homemade fish cakes – we serve food every evening from 6.30pm as well as a traditional lunchtime Sunday Roast between 12.30pm and 3.00pm. If you haven’t visited us for a while, do come along and give us a try. For the beer drinkers out there, we continue to alternate our real ales every few days – the last couple of months have seen Otter Ale, Chiltern Beechwood, Loddon brewery’s Hullaballo and XT Hopkitty to name a few. We also regularly have real ciders on offer – currently Gladiator at a whopping 8.4% is on offer as well as Welsh cider Black Dragon at a tame 7.2%. We will also be restarting our live music nights over the Autumn / Winter months starting on Saturday 26th October when local band 'The Band with No Name' will play to a Halloween themed pub – fancy dress optional!! December gets off to a lively start with popular London covers band Leech playing on Friday 6th December followed by the biggest night of the year – Friday 20th December when The MFU will host The Big End of Work Christmas Party – more details to follow but tables available on each of those nights for anybody wanting to get a group of friends together to eat before the music begins. Finally, on a personal note we wanted to say thank you and good luck to our daughter Alice who starts at Liverpool University next week. Alice has helped on the bar and waitressed on Sunday Lunch over the last three years and will be missed by many of our customers as well as by all her family. She is off to read politics for three years...... watch out Jeremy Corbyn, here comes Alice...! Remember Alice: cranberry juice and soda – the politician’s cocktail! Love, Dave, Sharon, Ed, Alice and Pickles x

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26 Holiday Monday when none other than Jeremy Corbyn popped in for a drink!! The Crown Inn I would love to say he downed shots of Tequila whilst singing Europe’s ‘It’s the Well here we are at the lovely Crown Inn; we arrived on Friday March 13th and Final Countdown’, but alas a cranberry juice with soda was his tipple of choice – this week marks being in residence for six glorious months; summer has now dark red in colour, obviously! nearly departed with a very autumnal feel to the start of September, but every So onto September and October, still plenty to look forward to before the season has something special to offer we feel. mention of Christmas and all the festivities that brings. September sees the culmination of the Aunt Sally season – at the time of going to press The Inn was Pete and I would like to say a big thank you to all of our valued customers and clinging on to top spot with three matches remaining. Friday 27th September is Aunt Sally team, because you have all made us feel so very welcome in the a date for the diary – the last game of the season when we travel away to the village, this lovely cosy little pub is taking us in the direction that we had both Crown at Sydenham. If both pubs win their next two matches, then this last hoped it would; our only form of advertising being with this Newsletter you are match could turn out to be a first versus second in the table clash to see who now reading, Facebook and most importantly word of mouth, the reason being wins promotion. Throw off is 8.30pm and it would be great to show your that it is your local village pub, with very limited parking. support whichever pub takes your preference. We have had a busy summer here with the garden and restaurant buzzing with We have just launched our new menu to take us through the next few months diners (wasps too at times), and it is now becoming advisable to book a table in which includes our popular pub classics as well as some new dishes including advance rather than chancing a table being free; Christmas is also fast looming, homemade chicken curry and homemade fish cakes – we serve food every our Christmas menu will be available by Friday 13th September, whereby party evening from 6.30pm as well as a traditional lunchtime Sunday Roast between bookings can be made from the end of November, booking early may well be 12.30pm and 3.00pm. If you haven’t visited us for a while, do come along and advisable to avoid disappointment as of course we are so small. give us a try. Thursday evening on August 15th we were excited to hold a sit down supper for For the beer drinkers out there, we continue to alternate our real ales every few the village W I after their walk; we do love to hold events such as this, and thank days – the last couple of months have seen Otter Ale, Chiltern Beechwood, you kindly for your custom. Loddon brewery’s Hullaballo and XT Hopkitty to name a few. We also regularly MFU played here on Friday 6th September, as one of the Aunt Sally team members have real ciders on offer – currently Gladiator at a whopping 8.4% is on offer as had booked her special birthday party here, it was a lovely event, and was also well as Welsh cider Black Dragon at a tame 7.2%. interesting for us to see how a band worked in a small space indoors rather than We will also be restarting our live music nights over the Autumn / Winter outside. A very big thanks to Megan as it was a lovely memorable event for us. months starting on Saturday 26th October when local band 'The Band with No Let me advise you of a few Diary dates: On Saturday the 21st September we hope Name' will play to a Halloween themed pub – fancy dress optional!! December to be hosting another party with a band; the pub will remain open to all, and when gets off to a lively start with popular London covers band Leech playing on confirmed I will put it on Sydenham Mail. Friday 6th December followed by the biggest night of the year – Friday 20th December when The MFU will host The Big End of Work Christmas Party – The following day Sunday the 22nd September from approx. 11am we shall be more details to follow but tables available on each of those nights for anybody offering Breakfast before the commencement of our Sunday roasts, due to a wanting to get a group of friends together to eat before the music begins. special Songs of Praise service being held at St Mary’s for the Cricket Club, again, we shall post on Sydenham Mail. Finally, on a personal note we wanted to say thank you and good luck to our daughter Alice who starts at Liverpool University next week. Alice has helped on On Friday 27th September, we host the Oxfordshire game of Aunt Sally, being the bar and waitressed on Sunday Lunch over the last three years and will be played here against our rivals at The Inn at Emmington, and we are very excited missed by many of our customers as well as by all her family. She is off to read about this. Who will win this time? politics for three years...... watch out Jeremy Corbyn, here comes Alice...! We shall have a Halloween party of some description but nothing has been set in Remember Alice: cranberry juice and soda – the politician’s cocktail! stone just yet, we are also still deciding on whether to open for food on Love, Dave, Sharon, Ed, Alice and Pickles x Christmas Day, the bar of course will be open, and then, Boxing Day evening will be the usual Quiz night. We thank you all again for your valued custom, Tina, Pete, Sparky (the elusive black spaniel) and our lovely team.

27 Pub & RestauRant bed & bReakfast accomodation 01844 351367

Dinner, Monday - Saturday 6pm to 8.30pm Saturday and Sunday Lunch 12.30 to 3pm

CAMRA Good Beer Guide 2017 3 real ales - wines by the glass Large Beer Garden Car Parking - Dog friendly Ground floor bedrooms

[email protected]

28 The Newsletter is supported by the Parish Council and Sydenham Fayre