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CASSINGTON & WORTON NEWS News and views from the parish of and Worton September 2007 – Issue 363

Despite predictions of a damp, grey summer to follow the July rainstorms, Advertising rates Local ‘what’s on’ and fund-raising stuff is free. August turned out pretty well. The lightly tanned team here at CAWN hope Simple local services, ‘for sales’ etc, are now also you all had an enjoyable summer. Fingers crossed for a sunny September, but free on noticeboard. these geese, getting in some practice for their migration (snapped here over a Suitable commercial business are invited to Cassington rooftop by Clare Want), are a reminder that summer is nearly over. support our community by buying advertising space ... Further evidence can be found inside as St Peter’s Church prepares for Harvest 1/8 page, £5 (£50 per year) Supper at the end of the month; Cinema in Cassington returns to the Village 1/4 page, £8 (£80 per year) Hall for the new season, staring on Friday 7th with The History Boys; the 1/2 page, £12 (£120 per year) children of St Peter’s School return to welcome Sara Lawrence, their new head Full page, £20 (£200 per year) teacher; and the Parish Council return from their summer recess. Technical details for artwork available on request. All material included at the discretion of But hang on to summer while you can, and support Cassington Cricket club in CAWN. Profits will be passed to the Cassington their two final home matches (8th and 15th) to (hopefully) secure promotion. 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, OX29 4DL, by the 20th of the month. We look forward to hearing from you. THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF ST PETER’S CHURCH, CASSINGTON – ST PETER’S, UPCOMING EVENTS Abbey Street, Eynsham, OX29 4HR Tel: 01865 881613 9 September Open Air Baptism service at Cassington Mill Serving the Hanboroughs, Freeland, Cassington, and Sutton etc. You do not have to 11 September The Bishop of Oxford, the Rt Revd be a Catholic to come to our Church or talk to the John Pritchard will be visiting the Woodstock Priest. Deanery at St Leonard’s Church, Eynsham 8-10pm. Ticket entry. THE PRIEST: Fr. Martin Flatman is happy to receive 16 September Benefice Holy Communion and enquiries by phone, email or text. Mobile 07719 Confirmation Service at St Leonard’s, Eynsham 646790 [email protected]. 28 September Harvest Supper in the Village Hall HIS WEEKLY TALK (Homily) can be sent to you by email. Just email your request. THE CHURCH is open for prayer every day. SUNDAY MASS 10.00am and SATURDAY (for Sunday) 7.30pm Daily services, events and confessions times as advertised.

A SPECIAL DAY for ST PETER’s is Saturday 8th September. It is our Church’s birthday ; its 30 September 10am Harvest Celebration – If you consecration day. There will be a special Mass at would like to contribute, gifts for Harvest this year 10.30am and this will be followed by a watch of prayer will be taken to the Steppin’ Stones project for the before the Blessed Sacrament throughout the day. homeless in Oxford. A list of items (packets, tins etc) required is available in church. It is also the Day when our Church welcomes Cyclists and Walkers sponsored by the Historic Churches Trust. Unfortunately we cannot distribute fresh produce. Further details from the church office 01865 883362 BASIC CHRISTIANITY: We are running a 6 week Course based on the phrases from the “Our Father” on Tuesday evenings at 8.00pm beginning on September DON’T FORGET ... 18th. The Speaker will be our own Priest : Father Ladies, and Gentlemen, please join us for supper - Martin Flatman. There will be time for questions and Wednesday September 5th at 7.30 pm discussion. Anyone is welcome. Come and enjoy an impromptu, contributory, free-of- charge supper at my home on Wednesday September 5th at GENEROUS DONATIONS and GREAT 7.30pm. Just pray for a fine evening, we have enough room FUNDRAISING EVENTS have meant that we now in the house if it is wet so do come. Everyone is welcome. have over £30,000 towards our Appeal for £50,000 to put a new roof on the Church’s House, the Sacristy and June Partridge The Mill House, Cassington. the Boiler Room. Tenders have now gone out to three Sorry, we are the south side of the A40, team up with building firms to be back with us by 28th August. We someone, give one another a lift. hope that work can then begin as soon after that as possible. We hope to have it all finished by December. THE PARISH CONFIRMATION is on Sunday 23rd BURLEIGH FARM September when we will be welcoming our Area Bishop William to our 10.00am Mass. Around a dozen Traditional Farmhouse young people will receive this Sacrament from the Bed and Breakfast Accommodation Bishop. Contact Jane Cook – 01865 881352 OUR PARISH BARBECUE is on SUNDAY 16th Burleigh Farm, Road, Cassington SEPTEMBER We thought we would try a Sunday OX29 4EA lunchtime so it will begin at 12 Noon so that people Visit can stay on after Coffee and we can all have a sociable www.oxfordcity.co.uk/accom/burleighfarm time together. Tickets available soon. for more information St Peter’s Church

ST PETER’S CHURCH, CASSINGTON SERVICES SEPTEMBER 2007 Church Office: Eynsham Village Hall, Back Lane, Eynsham Mon–Thurs 9am–1pm Tel: 01865 883362 email: [email protected] Revd Morey Andrews: 45 Acre End Street, Eynsham, Oxon OX29 4PF Day off: Friday Tel: 01865 881323 email: [email protected]

Sunday 2 September Sunday 16 September Sunday 23 September 8am Holy Communion 8am Holy Communion 10am Holy Communion (BCP) (BCP) Revd Andrew Atherstone 10am All Age Worship 10am NO SERVICE in 6pm Evening Prayer (BCP) Rev Andrew Atherstone St Peter’s Keith Jones 10.45am Joint (Benefice) Holy Sunday 9 September Sunday 30 September Communion and Confirmation 10am Holy Communion Service at St Leonard’s Church 8am Holy Communion (BCP) Revd Morey Andrews Eynsham. 10am HARVEST ALL AGE CELEBRATION Revd Morey Andrews Midweek Holy Communion at 9.30am on Tuesdays Prayer Meeting at 1.30pm on Thursdays. Our Young People’s Clubs resume in September. Young people join our worship for the first 15 minutes of the 10am service and then go to the school for Sunday Club (3-10) and Soul Living (11+). We now also have a crèche for the under 3s. (Except All Age Worship when everyone stays in church.)

Cassington Village Hall Friday 28th September 8am – 12 noon

Continental breakfast Drinks, cakes and biscuits all morning Bring and Buy

Jan Macdonald 01865 880006

Offers of help and donations of produce and/or baking very much appreciated Message from the Headteacher of Cassington Cricket Club - Promotion ??? St Peter’s Church of Primary School Outstanding performances during August have catapulted I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself CCC to 2nd place in the division. With 30 points between as the new Headteacher of St Peter’s C of E School. I have us and 3rd place, promotion now looks a real possibility. taught in Witney since 1994 in C of E The final two games on the 8th and 15th of Sept are primary school and more recently as Assistant at home so please come down and give us your support. Headteacher at Madley Brook primary school. I have two teenage children and thrive on balancing my career and www.cassingtoncricket.co.uk my busy life with my children. I’m very pleased and excited to be leading St Peter’s in the next stage of its development. I’m very proud to be part of PHOTO COMPETITION WINNERS AND such a lovely, supportive school community and beautiful PICTURES WILL APPEAR NEXT MONTH village.

Our school seeks to be a caring community where staff, New community sport and fitness centre children, parents and governors work together. Within this community we aim to provide a stimulating and well- Residents in Eynsham will soon have a brand new sports disciplined learning environment where children can facility on their doorstep which will be a fantastic facility develop knowledge, understanding, skills, tolerance and for not just the school children of Bartholomew School, respect within a Christian ethos. Through this we but also the local community. encourage all children to achieve their full learning Opening on the 3rd September, located at Bartholomew potential and an enthusiasm for life long learning, whilst School, there will be a 30 station health and fitness gym valuing all individuals and encouraging mutual respect featuring the latest fitness equipment suitable for all for all. abilities. The gym also includes a ‘Power Plate’; this The future growth and development of St Peter’s will, revolutionary vibrating machine is proving popular in I hope, inspire a sense of pride, satisfaction and gyms up and down the country. achievement for all connected with it. Funded by the Big Lottery, Oxfordshire County Council, With best wishes, District Council, and Eynsham Parish Sara Lawrence Council, the Centre houses a four-court sports hall and a fully equipped gym, each with separate changing facilities. West Oxfordshire District Council has contributed MISSING - on around 21 July from the village £260,000 towards the construction and fit out costs. green, a blue and silver mountain bike, as new. The sports hall, named the Berry Hall after former Any infomation, please call Jake 880032 Headmaster Bill Berry, is suitable for games such as indoor cricket, badminton, football, basketball and volleyball, as well as aerobics. It provides a modern facility Race Night for Bartholomew School during school hours, and will be open to the public in the evenings and at weekends. A HUGE thank you to all of you who came out to support Race Night. Over £700 was raised which will go a long The Centre will be managed by Wycombe Leisure Limited way to ensuring the facilities at Elms Road are available to who currently manage West Oxfordshire District all who want to use them. Council’s portfolio of leisure facilities.

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Cassington Play Area Maintenance of the Graveyard – a community working party will take place in October: date to be announced in Many thanks to those who came to the Play Area on a next month’s newsletter very hot August morning to undertake weeding and move bark! There were lots of weeds to be removed. Then bark was Speeding Traffic in Eynsham Road collected from the edges of the play area and distributed The parish council has ordered a Vehicle Activated Sign under the slide, swings and climbing frame. which will flash on if a car approaches at over 30 mph. Two young helpers inspected the play equipment and However there are objections from residents near the found that the fireman’s pole had broken. Unfortunately proposed locations for the sign. The position of the sign the metal had sheared through at a point at the top where will be discussed at the next meeting of the parish council, it gets a lot of pressure, so the pole has been removed for 6 September at 8 p.m. in the Village Hall. Members of the the time being. public are given the opportunity to speak at the meeting. If you live on Eynsham Road – where do you think it We hope to arrange more sessions for weeding and raking should be, to have the best effect on speeding traffic? the bark from time to time. This can be fun and great exercise! Please come and help if you can. Another sign is being installed on Yarnton Road.

Flooding – commiserations from the Parish Council to PARISH COUNCIL those in properties which were affected by flooding in late The council meeting on the first Thursday of the July. Elms Road residents suffered terrible worry and month in the Village Hall damage in July as well as last October. The District Council, which supplies sandbags and is involved in the 6 September at 8 p.m. in the Village Hall. The Clerk emergency response, is conducting a review to learn (Liz Bickley) can be contacted on 01865 884496 or lessons for the future. [email protected] The parish council had a ditch improved in May and the Environment Agency is due to carry out annual maintenance of other ditches in the village in September. Other possible improvements to drainage will be considered at the next parish council meeting – 6 September. All land owners whose property adjoins a ditch or stream are requested to keep the watercourse free of blockages. Even where the Environment Agency undertakes maintenance, the responsibility remains with the riparian landowner to keep the watercourse free flowing. PARENTS – please remind children not to make dams in ditches EVERYONE – please do not block ditches with garden waste or any other rubbish.

D.B Garden Maintenance

Get your garden in shape for the summer and have it kept that way • Grass Cutting • Weeding • Clearance • Soft Landscaping • Hedge cutting • Pressure Washing • Planting • And Much More! Friendly, professional and reliable service. Competitive rates. Tel: 07882 384 611 LAD-Solicitors are new to Witney but not to helping

LEGAL people. We can give you ADVICE specialist and general advice DIRECT in these areas: SOLICITORS b Family b Housing b Conveyancing b Community Care b Employment b Personal Injury b Landlord & Tenant b Civil Litigation b Education b Construction Law If you think you need help, www.lad-solicitors.co.uk give us a call. Holdan House, Legal Aid may be available in certain 26 Bridge Street, Witney, circumstances Oxon OX28 1HY

T: 01993 700434 E: [email protected] For further information: F: 01993 772552 www.lad-solicitors.co.uk People power to help decide Sleep safely polling station locations West Oxfordshire residents are being urged to get their Local electors have until 14 September to get back to West electric blankets as part of a joint home safety scheme run Oxfordshire District Council on where they would prefer by West Oxfordshire District Council and Oxfordshire to vote in future. They are being invited to comment on County Council. the existing polling station they use and to suggest Free safety checks are taking place on 11th September in possible alternative locations for voting in future Witney and 23rd October in . Bookings elections. can be made online at www.westoxon.gov.uk or by Identifying buildings giving good access for people with telephoning 01993 861381. disabilities is a particular priority in the Council’s review Old or damaged electric blankets cause more than 5,000 of 90 polling stations across the District. So it is fires a year in the UK. Each year around 20 people are particularly keen to learn the views of disabled people and killed and 100 injured as a result. Research has shown that those of disabled groups. blankets that are 10 years old, or older, are responsible for Details of all the existing polling stations and the 99% of these fires. Last year 176 blankets were tested in Council’s own ideas for some alternative sites are available the district and a massive 40% failed the check. at its Woodgreen offices in Witney and at the Guildhall, The danger signs are: Chipping Norton. They can also be seen by logging on to • Worn or frayed fabric. the Council’s website: • Scorch marks. www.westoxon.gov.uk/council/PollRevision.cfm • Tie tapes (if originally fitted) damaged or missing. The deadline for any comments is Friday 14 September • Flex worn or damaged. and these can be sent: in writing to Electoral Services, • Loose electrical connections, Council Offices, Woodgreen, Witney, Oxon OX28 1NB; • Damaged or displaced heating wires (hold the blanket by email to [email protected] or: via an online up to the light to check). submission form which will be available on the Council’s It is advised to always buy new and look out for a website at European Certification Mark such as the new BEAB safety www.westoxon.gov.uk/council/PollRevision.cfm mark. THE CHEQUERS INN

The Chequers Inn, Cassington

Opening times Monday to Thursday: 12 to 2.30, 6 to 11 Friday: 11 to 3, 5 to 11 Saturday: open all day, 12 to 11 Sunday: open all day, 12 to 10.30

A la carte and bar menus for lunch (12 to 2.30) and evenings (6.30 to 9.30) seven days a week

Sunday Lunch £7.95 Duck, Pork, Beef, Lamb (12 to 3.00) with a free roast for children of 10 or under

Quality en-suite rooms with breakfast also available

For information or reservations, please call 01865 882620 what’s on?

Ladies’ (and Gentlemen’s) Supper Night CASSINGTON CAFÉ Wednesday September 5th 7.30pm CASSINGTON VILLAGE HALL June Partridge’s – The Mill House (South of A40) The next cafe takes place on the 10th September from 10am to noon. We are Rainbows, Saints and Norman Arches ... looking forward to seeing you all then! Find them at St Peter’s Church Cassington on Saturday Our subsequent dates are:October 8th, September 8th. Once again it’s Ride and Stride Saturday. November 5th and December 3rd. Please It is an opportunity to get sponsored to visit some of our make a note in your diaries. wonderful historic local churches and contribute to their maintenance too. See St michael the Archangel weighing souls while the Virgin Mary and scary devils try to tip the scales on either Cassington Art Classes side – that’s at . Or go to see people breaking out of their graves and the blessed crowding into heaven Annual Art at , where there is also a superb example of a late mediaeval sculpture – a knight and lady carved in Exhibition alabaster. There’s lots of interest within riding and striding distance. Sunday 16th September 2007 There will be a welcome and light refreshments in most 10 am to 3.30 pm participating churches. Forms and other details from The Village Hall, Cassington Margaret Bonfiglioli, 880709. Pictures to look at • Pictures for sale Refreshments • Raffle • Free Entry CINEMA IN CASSINGTON Everybody welcome and bring your friends! The next Cassington Village Hall film presentation will be: The History Boys Friday 7th September at 7.30pm Cassington Harvest Supper Doors open 7.00pm Village Hall Set in Yorkshire, this intelligent adaptation of the Alan Bennett Friday 28th September 2007 stage play follows a group of A level students as they are schooled through their attempts to get to Oxbridge under the Time 7.30pm – 9.30pm Doors open 7pm tutelage of Richard Griffith’s very liberal Hector. Certificate 15 Tickets on sale now, £4 each Two course meal and a glass of wine followed Carolyn Hinton 884458 or Nicky Copelin 881813 by entertainment

Cassington Village Hall films are provided by “Movies on the Move” - a project run by Chipping Norton Theatre and West Oxfordshire District Adult ticket £5.50 Council with funding from the European Community Leader Plus initiative. Family ticket (2+2) £14 Family ticket (1+2) £8.50 Child up to 16 yrs £2.50

Because of a limit on our numbers, admission will be by advance ticket only. Multi Sports Taster Day 29 September Get your tickets now in order to avoid disappointment Come along and try some new sports and activities - come for the morning, go home and come back for more or just come for one from Margaret Partridge 731253, Pat Vereker 880693 session. Times and prices are to be confirmed but venue is The or Rosie Johnston 882568 Kings School, New Yatt Rd, Witney. Contact Rachael Laird, outreach worker for North Witney Community Church on 07842179230 or Organised by St Peter’s Church [email protected] to reserve a place or for more details. what’s on?

Bridewell Organic Gardens and Vineyard at (situated between North Leigh and ) will be open on Sunday 9th September from 2–5pm. Tel: 01993 868445 for more information

Garden Gallery Happy Baby and 18th August – 15th September Out of the Fire An exhibition of work by the British Society of Child Fayre Enamellers Treasures Gallery and Picture Gallery 3rd March – 22nd September Windrush Leisure Centre Oxford in the 1950s Witney, Oxfordshire Photographs from the famous Thomas Photographic Collection. A nostalgic look at leisure and labour in the 1950s produced by Saturday 29th September 2007 the Oxfordshire Record Office and Oxfordshire Studies. 1950’s 10.00am - 5.00pm costume and memorabilia.

• FREE Entrance • FREE Goody Bag Garden • FREE Portrait Photography for every child 14th July – 9th September • FREE Face Painting for every child Oxford Sculptors Group Annual Summer Exhibition Exciting range of sculpture of all shapes and sizes to admire or • FREE Car Seat Fitting buy to enhance your own garden • FREE Demonstrations and Shows • FREE Competitions with the opportunity to win Friends of the Oxfordshire Museum Evening Lecture Fantastic Prizes 5th September • Charity Prize Draw and Silent Auction On the trail of the Green Man in Oxfordshire Tim Healey, Oxford Waits and journalist THIS IS A FUN FAMILY DAY OUT NOT TO BE MISSED!! Lectures take place in the Coach House at the Oxfordshire Museum at 7.30pm, Visitors are welcome £2 on the door Friends of the Museum Free For further information, please call: Maxine - T. 01993 703627 Childrens’ Back Packs, Craft Cart, Trails and Gallery interactives e. [email protected] Available during Museum opening hours all year round FREE www.maxexposure-online.co.uk Young Archaeologists Club Oxfordshire Branch for children aged 8-16 years. Monthly meetings either at the Museum or off- site cover a wide range of activities. For a membership form or further information telephone 01993 814103 CASSINGTON WI The Museum Learning Centre (on the first floor of the Museum) THURSDAY 20th SEPTEMBER 7.45 pm Computers available for your own research or access to the THE VILLAGE HALL internet

Archaeological Finds Sugarcraft On first Wednesday of each month Finds Liaison Officer, Charlotte Burrell and Phil Platt, Social Historian will be in the Speaker: Pamela Marchbank Learning Centre from 2-4pm to identify archaeological finds. Bring your finds in for them to see. ALL WELCOME Telephone in advance to confirm availability. 01993 811103 Museum Coffee Shop and garden Tea and coffee, light snacks and lunches. Tables on decking for Cassington Bookworms use during warm weather. Lovely garden to relax in. Join us on Monday 8th October at 8pm at the house of Margaret Bonfiglioli Museum opening hours Tuesday - Saturday 10am-5pm (The Old Manor, Bell Lane, Cassington). Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday’s 2-5pm We are now reading A Thousand Splendid Suns Last admission 4.45pm Closed on Mondays by Khaled Hosseini, author of The Kite Runner. FREE ADMISSION

For further information call 01865 880359 For bookings and information please telephone the museum on 01993 811456 Flood recovery grants Leigh Edwards & Co www.leighedwards.com A government flood recovery grant of £600,000 has been awarded for West Oxfordshire. This is an early interim divorce and family law specialist payment, which is to be targeted to households hardest hit and to people in greatest need. A £250 payment will pre-marriage and living together agreements ~ cohabitation issues be made to householders who have had flood water inside divorce separation and children disputes their homes. This is the government’s definition of flooding. The payment is based upon the amount of grant weekend and evening appointments available ~ friendly sensible advice easy parking available and the number of potential applicants. In West Oxfordshire it is estimated that 1,655 households have for a free intial consultation call been flooded. 01865 378243 To apply for this funding please complete our Flood Regulated by Recovery Grant application form. Alternatively visit on of 41 Rutten Lane Yarnton Oxon The Law Society our council reception areas or Town Centre Shops or call 01993 861000. News from Rotary club of Oxford North There is also a section on the form where an application Our ‘Walk in ’, which takes place every can be made for additional money. Those who have year in March, raised £6,430 for Sightsavers this year, an suffered financial hardship are urged to apply for this increase of £137 on the 2006 event. help. Oxford North Rotary have organised this walk for the past All applications will be verified to ensure they are genuine 28 years, and the past 10 years alone have raised £56,930, before a payment is made. enough to pay for 3350 cataract operations. If you or you friends are interested in taking part next year, the date in 2008 is 30th March. The course is COULD YOU HELP A BEREAVED CHILD? approximately 4 miles and you may do as many circuits as you wish. Sponsorship forms will be available in March. Are you a warm, caring, friendly person? Do you have Please contact me if you would like to join in. about 16 hours a month to spare? Peter Astall If you enjoy a challenge and think you could make a Press Officer, tel. 01865 372637, e-mail [email protected] difference to the life of a local bereaved child, SeeSaw (Grief Support for the young in Oxfordshire) would like to hear from you. We are currently looking for new Have you got an idea to do something in volunteers to work with children following the death your community? of a parent or close family member. Community Champions can give you cash and support to To find out more please come along make your idea a reality. Cash awards of up to £2,000 are to our Taster Evening in Oxford on available for individuals who want to set up a project Wednesday 7th November, which will increase their skills and benefit their local 6.30 – 8.00pm. community. Funds are very limited so apply now. Please phone SeeSaw for further details Further information from Maor Bar-Ziv, Community Tel. 01865 744768 Champions Development Manager, UnLtd Reg. Charity No. 1076321 Tel. 0207 566 1106 or [email protected] KLEENEZE Automotive YOUR LOCAL DISTRIBUTORS MART & PAULINE mobile valeting IF YOU WOULD LIKE A CATALOGUE covering oxfordshire DELIVERED or if you know anyone who would like to earn an extra income! £50 plus a week Chris Fellows plus bonuses, please give us a ring 23 St Peter’s Close, Cassington Come and join our very successful team for a free quote just call 01865 883931 / 07921126406 or email: [email protected] 07765 439 662 More of Roy’s Ramblings ... No.38 - Partidge’s Yard part 3

There was part of the building that we did not want to use from Northampton, Wellingborough, High Wycombe area then, I made a partition and let it off to Chris Hayter then all Newbury, Swindon area, when I heard a dealer had Transport who has now developed into a big operation. packed up I got in the motor and went and canvassed the When he moved out, Maurice Wilkins leased it to make Fair areas. Ground rides, then by the time he moved we could use it. Mercedes started to get a bit restive, owing to the fact I Some of you may remember that when I was making the still had the Dodge franchise (nowadays they could not do partition Maurice came in one day and saw what I was doing anything about it) so I wrote to them explaining that I was and said “are you only going to put one strengthening rib in making good money out of the parts, and was selling Mercs the middle”, I said “yes”, he said “if the end doors are open not Dodges. Eventually I had a very curt letter from and you get a gust of wind at one pound per square inch, do Mercedes to say I had got give up Dodge. A very good friend you recon it will stand it?” he said “you work that out”. I of mine at Merc said they did not look at your figures, just worked out the square footage, and got the office to work said no? So I rang Dave Thomas who was in charge of the out the number of square inches at a pound per square inch, truck side, and asked him if the letter and figures come up at that was tons so I had to go back to the drawing board, it is the meeting, and told him they were cutting their nose off to still in the building at the Brake Centre end. spite their face. He said he’d ring back. He did, at 8.00am The Brake Centre was set up to supply parts for all next morning. He said he’d looked into this and had vehicles, when we set it up I got the Factory inspector along arranged a meeting on the following Thursday for me to to advise us the best thing I had done. Folks said it would meet the committee. On the afternoon before, I rang Dave cost a fortune, in fact it did not and we started off on the Thomas and said “you had better call it off, you lot have right foot, we put in a brake drum skimming machine, a never listened before”. He said, “you must come”. Well, I took shot blast machine for cleaning brake shoes. Geoff French my accountant as Jim Hasting my sales Another business we set up was at Carterton, a Diesel manager could not go. We arrived at the meeting and there Injector Pump and Injector servicing unit. was Jeff Cash, the man that kept the Dealers in order, the More trauma caused by one of my fitters, he came to me new lad taking over our area, and another couple just to and said “is that right I was selling out to Ford & Slater the outnumber us I think. They introduced themselves, I then Leyland people at Minster Lovell?” I said that was the first I introduced Geoff, then proceeded to attack, and said if there had heard of it. Eventually Mr Slater came to see me with a is any mailed fist activity I will walk out. Poor old Geoff very good proposition, I mulled this over, June eventually nearly had a heart attack. We talked it over, figures etc. Dave said “look mate, you have never been difficult to live with, I Thomas said go home, tear the letter up and carry on until know the problem you have got. You usually make your you think fit. mind up quickly, please do so”. It was 10.00pm. I said “I want All went well, we behaved ourselves, we shut the Caravan to go up to the garage and think it over, I won’t do anything Park having had 3 years of floods at the beginning of the daft”. I went up, unlocked, went in, locked behind me and season so people did not book, so we were losing money. walked around. I am not sure how long. Went back down Then Mercedes told me I had got to sell out to another home, and when I walked in June said “you have made up dealer, with my staff who had mortgages and other your mind haven’t you?” I said “does it show that much?” she commitments I could not see any other way out, so called said “yes”. I slept soundly that night, rang up Mr Slater and them all together and told them. At our last Christmas party said no deal. I told the staff, Ford & Slater did not last much the lads were coming up to me and shaking hands and longer. saying thank you governor for giving us an apprenticeship I could see Dodge winding down, it was no good sitting we can go anywhere and get a job, I said to June we had there like a frightened rabbit, so I contacted Mercedes. My better go home they will have me in tears. people said you don’t stand much chance, well it came off, it Then the big crunch came when I cleared my desk and was a great relief, I kept Dodge on, we were covering a lot of bits and pieces and walked through the building from top to country with Dodge parts as other dealers went by the way, bottom, handed my keys over, walked out with a lump in my throat, I am told you should never look back, it is a hard job after it has been your life, and the friends I made doing it, Specialist footcare in the unfortunately employees are just numbers now like most comfort of your own home businesses these days. I have often said I would do it all over again, tears and all if I could go back in time and do it not in this day and age, • All aspects of footcare MOST OF ALL IT FOUND ME A FIRST CLASS WIFE. • Specialist advice I Hope I have not bored you all who have read my • Over 17 years ramblings, I have just heard from the Heritage Commercials experience magazine, who I wrote to, Dave Craggs the editor wants me to do an article for the magazine, called To The Spanner State Registered Born, we will see how I get on. Podiatrist (Chiropodist) Rebecca Tyrrell BSc Hons PGDip MChS (HPC Reg’d) THANK YOU TO ALL THOSE THAT READ ROY’S Tel: 01993 880225 RAMBLINGS. noticeboard

Village Dates for AVON Village Hall Bookings your diary CALLING Unless shown, events are in the Village Hall Hello! My name is Julie Perrin and I am Cassington’s Avon Lady! September 2007 If you would like a friendly and convenient Wednesday 5 September, 7.30pm door to door service for all your toiletries, Ladies - and Gentlemen’s make-up and luxuries, please contact me any For information and to book the Contributory Supper weekday morning on 01865 881371 for your Village Hall, contact: The Mill House (June Partridge’s) free catalogue. Nicky Copelin Friday 7th September, 7.30pm I will be pleased to add you to my round. The New House, The Green, Cassington Doors open 7.00pm Tel: 01865 881813 Julie Perrin, Red Lion The History Boys - Film Email: [email protected] Certificate 15 Monday 10th September, 10.00 to 12 noon Cassington Café Do you know there is a free Responsible 18 year old female who has experience with children is Sunday 16th September, 10.00–3.30 service to Cassington Cassington Art Classes residents that will take you to available for childminding. Exhibition 2007 the doctors’ or hospital? I can do both daytime and evenings Thursday 20th September, 7.45pm with notice. I am based in Cassington Sugarcraft – Pamela Marchbank but can drive so can travel if need Cassington WI be.If anyone is interested please call Friday 28th September, 8.00 to 12 noon Clair Woolford on: World’s Biggest Coffee Morning 07779 031334 or 01865 882618 Friday 28th September, 7.30 This is run by volunteers and is Harvest Supper available by phoning: Advance ticket only - details inside Pam Turner 880492 or Dry lock-up garage Pat Vereker 880693 (or other storage space) Tickets for films and shows from: Please give us as much required for rent. Carolyn Hinton (01865 884458) notice as possible Nicky Copelin (01865 881813) Any nearby location Amanda Fancourt (01865 880581) considered. For a local Please call noticeboard ... BOOK KEEPING and 01865 881859 PAYROLL service, For local services, ‘for sale’ or similar contact notices, please send copy (by email if possible) to the usual address. Steve Hick FCCA HATE IRONING? on 07881402217 THEN TAKE IT TO ELSIE @ Appropriate notices are FREE, but 15, ELMS ROAD, CASSINGTON will only be placed at our discretion. Tel. 01865 882168 for further details

Pretty hand-made Baby and toddler group cards Join us for a drink and a chat In a variety of mediums using real pressed Tuesdays flowers, 3D images, painting on acetate, paper flowers, ribbon and glitter etc. Lisa Tyler 880619 Cards made for all ages. for more information Special occasions and orders can be made. Prices vary from approximately £1.80 to £4.50. BABYSITTING? Carol Baldwin, Silver Birches, Yarnton Road Cassington Oxon OX29 4DY ODD JOBS? Tel. No. 01865 881454 Call Johnny (17) or Lydie (15) Horgan E-mail:[email protected] 01865 881480