VISIONS No 128, July 2014 Contents
1-2 Chairman’s commentary 3 Walks website /OxClean 4-5 Planning / Minchery Farm 6 Transport 7 Buses and Westgate / Canal 8 Low Carbon Hub / MOO 9 Holywell Cemetry 10–11 Programme 12 OCS people / Contacts Green Belt, green field or simply green space? What does each contribute to the quality of our lives?
Reviewing the Green Belt: disaster or distraction? By Peter Thompson, Chairman
The debate about the Green Belt is they have not restricted the sprawl of distracting us from the real issues. many towns and villages; Green Belts were introduced for five Many of us involved in planning issues they have not protected all country- specific purposes: believe that we are in something of a side from encroachment; 75 per cent to check the unrestricted sprawl of Titanic situation in Oxfordshire. The of Oxfordshire is not Green Belt, and large built-up areas course we have been following for the sprawl has encroached into green past few decades is heading for a num- to prevent neighbouring towns merg- landscape in many locations; ber of environmental icebergs. These ing into one another many towns and villages in Oxford- include energy availability and cost, to help safeguard the countryside shire are very historic, yet their setting climate change, air pollution, health from encroachment has been compromised by not having issues, traffic congestion, social ine- to preserve the setting and special Green Belt status; quality and despoliation of the land- character of historic towns; and the sanctity of the Green Belt has put scape we hold so dear. to support urban regeneration by pressure on the development of every encouraging the re-use of derelict available open space in towns. The To confine the debate to the arrange- and other urban land. Green Belt policy puts no value on ment of the deck chairs when what is green spaces within the city. desperately needed is a change of Green Belts have, by and large, been course, seems naive and complacent. effective in achieving these objectives, Furthermore, there are many allowable but there are legitimate criticisms: exceptions to the restrictions on
stances of our environment, economic growth for environmental our economy or our society protection? It means detailed design are the same now as they and it means consistency. were in 1955 when the Oxford Green Belt was This is what our Oxford Futures designated? In truth, the report is all about. This report, com- circumstances of our lives piled by Nicholas Falk and launched at are radically different. the end of March by the Lord Lieuten- ant of the County, Tim Stevenson, To assert categorically that summarises the conclusions of four no re-assessment should high-level debates we sponsored last ever be made of the effects year. In essence the report calls for the of 60-year-old decisions and principles of ‘smart growth’ to be their appropriateness for applied and for difficult decisions to be current and future circum- made in a coordinated way. A sum- Open spaces in the city have no value in Green Belt stances, seems, at best, mary of the report is enclosed with this policies. Do we wish to build in every large garden in highly complacent. Green newsletter. You can read the full ver- Oxford, as here, in order to preserve the Green Belt? Belts have been successful, sion online on our Oxford Futures but not entirely so and how website or order a paper copy*. development in Green Belt: roads, rail- they will measure up for the challenges ways, stations, car parks, pipelines and of the future needs consideration. Ironically, in Britain we have some of pylons included. In fact, an 'exceptional the best-regarded urban planners and circumstances' concession already Let me be clear – no one in the Society architects in the world, while here in allows more or less anything to be built concerned with planning issues has Oxford our two universities teach and in Green Belt except housing! ever advocated building on the Green research urban design for the commu- Belt. But we believe that planners need nities of the future. Can we not have Consequently, some authorities are much more than reliance on the rigid the debate and leadership we deserve already proposing industrial develop- retention of potentially-obsolete rules. to deliver a better future for our own ment in Green Belt, at, for example, city, our county towns and our villages? Oxford Airport and Begbroke. Even with We’d be delighted to hear your housing, some councils are qualifying Planning a smarter future views – email them to newsletter their reassurances that they do not @oxcivicsoc.org.uk or write to me at intend building in Green Belt, by adding If our environment, including our land- the address on the back page. We’ll 'so far', or 'yet' to their statements. The scape and countryside is not only to be print your views in our next issue. question does not appear to be 'if' they protected, but to be better protected, will sanction building, but 'when'. and if our communities are to be enhanced and successful new ones Peter Thompson All planning, whether policy-making or created, we MUST have the very best Chairman taking decisions on individual develop- planning. Simply fighting a rearguard ment proposals, is required to consider action against development and trying the consequences of the actions, under to enforce historic constraints, while the headings of environmental, social perpetuating the fragmented, dys- and economic effects. So the negative functional planning we muddle along consequences of Green Belt policies with now is not likely to produce a cannot be ignored: successful or visionary outcome.
increased pressure to build on non- Green Belt land, rural and urban That means planning for the wider separation of residential areas from Oxford region and it means plan- workplaces, increasing commuting, ning for transport needs at the out- traffic, congestion and consequent set. It means answering difficult environmental and economic effects questions, like should we sacrifice increased demand for road-building exacerbation of housing problems - Simply fighting a rearguard action availability and affordability. against development and trying to
enforce historic constraints, while A 60-year-old decision *Oxford Futures can be ordered from perpetuating the fragmented, Liz Grosvenor, 15 Lime Walk, Oxford Decisions on planning issues are sup- dysfunctional planning we muddle OX3 7AB price £6.50 for members posed to reflect a considered balance along with now is not likely to (£10 non-members) including of these consequences. But conse- produce a successful or visionary p & p. Cheques should be made quences depend on circumstances. payable to Oxford Civic Society. Can anyone argue that the circum- outcome for the region.
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Walks in Oxford are now a click away ...
Oxford is a wonderful place to to get more out of the city explore and a new website makes it by exploring it on foot. easy to find interesting walks. At the end of March our Richard Bradley from the Streets for President, Sir Hugo People team reports. Brunner, launched the Walks in Oxford website. Oxford must have some of the best This lists over 70 walks urban walks in the country, taking in categorised by theme not just the colleges but also canal and (historic, science/ industry riverside, former villages, parks, indus- for example) with infor- try, churches and centuries of history. mation about the start But finding good walks or fully appreciat- Sir Hugo Brunner, Peter Thompson and other enthusias- point, length and whether ing what a walk offers isn’t always easy. tic walkers helped launch the website outside the Visitor it’s a circular walk. Information Centre in Broad Street in March
Last year we teamed up with Oxford Note that the details of the walks are We’d really welcome feedback on the Pedestrians Association and Oxford not on the site, but one click tells you Ramblers to identify the most interesting website – www.oxfordwalks.org.uk – where to find the source material, be it published walks and find a way to and your ideas about new walks to book or leaflet or another website. promote them. Our aim is to help people include. You can email us at
We are very grateful to all the website’s authors and developers and to Oxford City Council and Visit Oxfordshire (Visitor Information Centre) for their support.
Another brilliant Spring Clean!
Hundreds of local people turned out over 90 community groups organised And the rest of the year ... two-hour litter picks in their areas and to support the OxClean Spring Clean OxClean is a year-round campaign. We many individuals joined in. as Rosanne Bostock explains. try to keep up the pressure on all the local authorities to improve their game Our annual Spring Clean is now in its A team from the Society supported the litter pick at Blackbird Leys. and work with schools to build a gener- eighth year and is as popular as ever as ation who are litter aware. a community event. Almost all of the The two-day event in March was LEA primary and secondary schools We’d like to record our warmest thanks launched at Oxford Spires Academy, to Liz Storrar, who has kindly been (36 of them) turned out to support it, which has made great efforts in and helping us with school visits for many around the school and in the Cowley The Hart team from East Oxford with their years and is now stepping down. Liz impressive haul of rubbish and recyclables neighbourhood. has worked hard to build relationships As a result of everyone's efforts we with schools. collected 1,000 bags of litter weighing six tonnes, one tonne of that being re- We urgently need someone to join the OxClean team to visit primary cyclables, and a further haul of scrap schools and report on the state of their and fly tip. grounds. On the basis of those visits We are torn between being pleased we award certificates of merit. The that it was such a success and con- schools visits would take no more than cerned that the message is still not two-three days per year. If you’d like to getting through that litter is unsightly, consider this, please get in touch with unhygienic and unacceptable. us at [email protected] or leave a message on 075 05 756 692.
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Planning issues ...
The City planners are currently public transport but their access pro- completed to resolve the conditions assessing several major planning posals virtually ignore the rail system on the road network – some of the applications. Clive Booth and Ian and simply specify bus routes around worst congestion and poorest air the convoluted perimeter of the site, quality in the county. Green report on just some of them. with bus stops wherever they can be A proposed submission to the Secretary squeezed in. Our concern is shared Westgate – only connect of State will be the subject of a third by the two main bus operators, whose consultation this summer. The final By far the biggest development in the views are given on page 7. We all stage will be a public inquiry in the win- city for decades, the redeveloped West- agree that the answer lies in a strate- ter and we will again offer our views. gate Centre was given outline planning gic approach to city centre / city approval in March by the West Area transport arrangements beyond the Barton Park – how to access? Planning Committee. The outline plan immediate boundaries of the new application was the first of a two-part development. When the plan for this new development process for planning approval and pro- of 885 dwellings west of Barton was vided design principles, including the We are also concerned that prelimi- being discussed two years ago, we layout and size of buildings and access. nary designs of the John Lewis build- argued strongly for the creation of good We commented extensively on this. ing show little regard for significant links between it and the city for public pedestrian access from the south, transport, cyclists and pedestrians, but The developers are now preparing the especially following completion of the not private cars. This is essential to second part, covering the detailed Oxpens and station redevelopments. avoid the damaging effects of isolation design. They have held preliminary and more congestion on existing roads. consultations on the emerging designs, In our view, the success of the re- The plan provides for a route across the including a presentation to OCS in May. development will depend on the provi- Northern By-Pass into Northway. The developers will undertake further sion of an attractive city-centre envi- However, local people have formally consultations in July and we will be sub- ronment with good links with all its mitting further comments. It is expected proposed that open space on the North- surrounding areas, where shopping is way side of the A40 should be desig- that the detailed planning application part of a recreational environment for will be submitted in August. nated a Town Green. This would block residents, workers and visitors. the planned access route. The Northern Gateway A two-week public hearing started on 7 This is a large area of land between July. If the Town Green application is the A34 and the Bicester railway line successful, the developers are confident running from the Peartree interchange there is an alternative solution. to the Wolvercote roundabout. The potential impact of any development for the quality of life of those living in this area and those travelling through it cannot be over-stated. When the Westgate Centre is completed, Barton is currently reached via a single road (shown at Thames Street will look something like this Together with the Wolver- the bottom) from the congested Headington roundabout. cote Neighbourhood Forum This will be untenable when Barton expands so new Image courtesy of Westgate Alliance and others, we have con- access routes are essential tributed views. Consulta- In general we support the redevelop- tions on what should be Image courtesy of Wikimapia ment which will provide shops, cafés, included in an Area Action restaurants and leisure uses including a Plan began in autumn 2013, cinema, set in a mix of covered streets, with further consultation on arcades, lanes and squares. However options in February and we continue to have serious concerns March. The results of these about some aspects of the proposal. consultations defy summary We are not convinced that adequate in this short report but they consideration has been given to how can be viewed on the City the anticipated 25 per cent increase Council’s website. in visitor numbers will travel to the Our position has always city centre. More private cars are un- been that no development desirable and implausible given the lev- is acceptable until els of congestion. The developers’ drastic measures are assumption is that visitors will use
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… from Westgate to west Barton
Roger Dudman Way view cones as a part of Oxford's herit- June and the inspector’s decision is age, in order to better understand how expected in the late summer. We were invited to meet the consultants they can be most effectively managed advising the University of Oxford on the in the future. What concerns us howev- The Florey Building Environmental Impact Assessment er is that vision is selective and distant James Stirling’s Grade II listed building (EIA) in May to discuss the approach objects can seem larger than the cam- which overlooks the meadow at Mag- being taken. Given that the intention to era would show them. The Roger Dud- dalen bridge, is in need of modernisa- commission this voluntary EIA was man Way buildings look very small in tion. The Queen’s College recently made eight months ago, this work the photograph included in the consul- invited us to a pre-application consulta- seems to be taking a long time. It is tation document! tion with Avanti Architects, the winners disappointing that the University has not of Queen’s open competition. acted more swiftly in dealing with both St Cross College this and the measures to be taken to The proposal involves opening up the In October last year, the West Area mitigate the harm done to the views present unwelcoming approach route, Planning Committee refused an appli- from Port Meadow. substantial internal re-modelling to in- cation from St Cross to extend along- crease the number of study bedrooms In Vincent Goodstadt’s independent side Pusey Street and Pusey Lane in and infilling part of the ground floor report on this development, he recom- response to strong public objections, area to match the ground floor areas mended that a fresh look be taken at including ours. The objectors criticised which Stirling himself designed for the way in which the impact of proposed the destruction of the Grade II listed ancillary accommodation. A new low- developments can be gauged using boundary walls, the loss of the fine rise building located in a triangle of ‘view cones’. An assessment of the view of the west window of Pusey land on the west side of the Florey Oxford View Cones was published by Chapel, the massive bulk of the alien, Building will provide catering facilities the City Council early in June and is out four-storey flat-roofed building and the and a lecture theatre. Our reaction was for consultation until 25 July. harm to the surrounding Conservation generally favourable, subject to exam- Area. Following an appeal by the This seeks to provide an evidence base ining the proposal in detail when a University, a hearing was held on 19 for the significance of each of the ten planning application is submitted.
Battling to save Minchery and Cheney Farms
Gillian Argyle recently took up of their falling into ruin has not gone We were approached by a local coun- cudgels on our behalf to preserve the away; the best need safeguarding. cillor to get the situation publicised, historic Minchery Farm. and this we did. However, apart from One of these is Minchery farmhouse, a court case last month in which Firoz As the city has grown, farmhouses and known as The Priory, on land leased Kassam appealed, unsuccessfully, barns have been overwhelmed by the to Firoz Kassam by Oxford City Coun- against the County Council’s decision tide of development. A few buildings cil. It has the Kassam Stadium loom- to list the whole site as a Community have somehow survived, but the danger ing over it. Grade II* listed, The Priory Asset, nothing has been heard from dates mainly from the 17th century but the Council. Meanwhile, a report has some parts are much older. It is a truly Gillian, pictured outside Minchery Farm been sent to English Heritage, who historic place, the adjacent 12th Photo courtesy of Oxford Mail had it on their Buildings at Risk list. century priory having recently been excavated by Archeox. Another case we have been asked to look at by local residents is that of The farmhouse was recently Cheney Farm, in Cheney Lane, used as a pub by Oxford Unit- worked by the Morrell family’s tenants ed fans but when the landlord until the 1940s. was dismissed in June 2013 the pub was closed and then Its use is currently under discussion vandalised. The County Coun- between the County Council, Oxford cil took some emergency Preservation Trust and local people. action in boarding up the win- It needs restoration and will have to dows, but the whole place was earn its living in some suitable way to and is in a very sorry state. fund its future. A decision is awaited.
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Transport – of plans and the lack of plans
The Transport Group has been We were very pleased recently to platforms would need to be slightly campaigning on several fronts to get meet Sue Scane, the County Council’s curved (a feature also of Paddington, the best possible solutions for the new Director of the Environment & York, Newcastle and other stations). city and its region. Andrew Pritchard Economy, to discuss our concerns Oxford Parkway – coming soon updates us. about transport planning for the whole of the Science Arc area, as well as The Local Transport Plan more local plans. We expressed our We responded to the County Council’s concern about the need for impartial Strategic Environmental Assessment evidence to support an Oxfordshire Scoping Report for the Local Transport Strategic Traffic Model, to be pro- Plan 4 (LTP4), particularly highlighting duced in July or August, and for con- the large part cycling can play in reduc- sultants who are aware of Oxford’s ing transport emissions and addressing peculiar local problems. other issues. In our view different Keeping buses ahead solutions might be applicable for journeys of: On page 7 you can read about the bus Designs for Oxford Parkway, the first new companies’ concerns about transport station in the county since 1935 less than five miles, where cycling is to and from the new Westgate devel- ideal and often fastest for those who opment. This was one of the main top- Image courtesy of Chiltern Railways are able; ics discussed at a recent meeting with 5-20 miles, where inter-town rail and representatives of Stagecoach and the We met Graham Cross, Business bus services can be used; and Oxford Bus Company. Director of Chiltern Railways, who told us that they are planning to run trains to The Smartzone ticket has apparently more than 20 miles, where the speed Bicester and London from Oxford Park- increased the number of passengers of rail, if available, has advantages way by summer 2015. This is the new interchanging between different bus over other methods. station at Water Eaton, next to the Park routes and we suggested a map for and Ride, which will be extended to In all cases the car is a major competi- bus users, in the style of the London take extra traffic. The service will link to tor. Consultation on the Plan itself is tube-map, highlighting the best inter- the bay platforms at Oxford station by now under way, with most stages before change locations. All sides agreed that 2016, though these will not accommo- implementation due to be completed by it was important that any decisions date the nine-car trains that may be summer 2015. Read more on the Coun- made, as the result of the Local Trans- necessary at peak periods. cil’s website: port Plans now being put together, https://consultations.oxfordshire.gov.uk/ were future-proofed. We were concerned about the lack of consult.ti/LTP4/consultationHome information about proposed public Silence on the station access to Oxford Parkway from north- Together with Ian Hudspeth, the lead- ern Oxford. er of the County Council, we are con- Frideswide Square revisited cerned that we have heard nothing since December about the Station Despite the lack of a Station Master- Masterplan, its cost and how a proper plan, preparations are already being interchange with buses and coaches made for reconfiguring Frideswide will be fitted into the present site, Square. We have so far been unable to despite requests for information. discover what provision will be made for cyclists to cross this complicated junc- At a recent meeting of the local branch tion, or how the significant excavations of Railfuture, we were told by a repre- that will be needed beneath the Botley sentative of First Great Western, who Road bridge will affect road levels. currently run Oxford station, that if it had been on the continent it would The extent and cost of these excava- have eight platforms. tions to provide normal headroom for buses and HGVs will be increased if With all the new train services being two more platforms and tracks are planned over the next few years, it required at the existing station site, would become more of an interchange though not if the Society’s preferred station, and the Cowley line might be location for the new station at the used for passengers. The Oxpens site Oxpens were chosen. was apparently ruled out as the
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Westgate – the challenge for bus operators
Phil Southall from the Oxford Bus In frequent stops to function independently on Company and Martin Sutton from meetings with Castle Street and Norfolk Street. Stagecoach explain the issues they the Westgate Buses need to be able to manoeuvre Alliance, they in and out without causing any face in the Westgate development. have listened obstructions on the carriageway. The main bus operators in Oxford to and taken on board what Ensuring that there is sufficient pave- believe that the redevelopment of the ment space to accommodate a bus Westgate shopping centre is vital for the we have said and adjusted their plans accordingly. shelter with real time information at economic sustainability of the city cen- each stop. tre. Being able to be more competitive Our main challenges have been: with other towns and cities with a better Ensuring passengers have room to retail offering is a must. However, the Lobbying for Queen Street to remain wait for their bus without feeling in benefits of the new centre need to be open to buses until all supporting in- the way of general pedestrian traffic maximised by planning effectively for frastructure to facilitate its closure is around the shopping centre. buses at the outset. in place. This may or may not be when the Westgate opens. We have The work is still ongoing with the West- Both Oxford Bus Company and Stage- now had it confirmed that the Queen gate Alliance, Oxford City Council and coach aspire to provide a ‘best in class’ Street closure is not linked to the the County Council to find acceptable facility alongside the new centre, partic- Westgate development and will be solutions. Both operators are commit- ularly at 11 new stops being developed the subject of a separate consultation ted to fighting for the best solution in Castle Street and Norfolk Street. exercise at a later date. possible for our passengers within the These stops must offer passengers a constraints that we face. good experience to make them want to Ensuring that sufficient space on the come into the city centre by bus. highway is made available for the 11
Celebrating the Oxford Canal
The outcomes include the Oxford scriptwriter managed the process from Canal Heritage Oral History collec- a call for plays, Inspired by the Oxford tion, soon to be deposited at the Canal, to the selection of the finalists, Oxfordshire History Centre. Local their mentoring by renowned local au- schools have developed resources for thors and recording of the plays. children covering art, film, geography, politics and nature studies. A new Oxford Canal Heritage Trail As the Oxford Canal Heritage Project Guide was developed covering 12 nears completion, its Project In April, winners of a Canal Art com- places of interest along the canal. Manager, Maria Parsons, reports on petition, run in conjunction with Art- Signage is currently being made and its achievements. weeks and ECCO shoes, had their will be installed by Oxford Open Doors. pieces exhibited alongside profes- The guide is available now either in The project, funded by the Heritage Lot- sionals at the Jam Factory which was audio for MP3s or smartphones or as a tery, aims to raise awareness of the also the venue for a talk about Art of PDF from the website where you can cultural and industrial heritage of the the Canal by Mark Davies, local au- find all other resources. See canal. Managed by the Jericho Living thor and canal historian. www.oxfordcanalheritage.org Heritage Trust and overseen by the
Oxford City Canal Partnership, the pro- Over 200 people enjoyed our Open ject has developed information and The winning artists with their entries Day on 3 May at the Old Fire Station, resources for local people and visitors where Tony Joyce chaired talks, per- about the final three miles of the canal formances, films and interviews fol- from Duke’s Cut to Hythe Bridge Street. lowed by an evening concert featuring
local folk musicians, poets and the Tony Joyce, David Feeny, Steph Pirrie Jericho Choir, organised and hosted and Mark Davies have steered the pro- by Steph Pirrie, musician and conduc- ject, supported by over 250 volunteers tor. A live reading of four short canal from schools, local community groups, plays at St Barnabas Church was the academia, statutory agencies, voluntary final highlight. Artistic Director, Katie organisations and businesses. Baxendale, a locally-based BBC
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A low carbon future for Oxford
partner organisations get dis- An award-winning vision counted, green electricity and pre- The vision is for a new energy system cious CO2 savings; local investors get a decent return; and the Hub in which the rooftops, waterways and gets a sustainable income from woodlands of Oxfordshire become the the feed-in tariff and electricity power stations of the future: all devel- sales to support community-led oped, run and owned locally. This energy projects. What’s more, the vision and our work are now being income from these schemes recognised nationally and we have helps us to support householders been shortlisted for The Observer to reduce energy use. All of this Ethical Awards (Community Energy creates a positive carbon-cutting Project); 2degrees Champions Awards The Low Carbon Hub has a raft of chain of benefits. Everyone’s a winner. (Social Value) and have won ‘highly recommended’ in the National Energy renewable projects in the pipeline, as Rooftops and rivers Foundation awards for community- Georgina Matthews reports. based renewable projects. The Hub’s first solar scheme with the A small social enterprise, the Hub is Oxford Bus Company is up and run- To build the next school and corporate tackling the big issue of climate change, ning, one local school is generating projects, we have just secured a £2.3 here, in Oxford. We have a long way to clean, green energy and the Osney million loan from Oxford City Council. In go to achieve the City’s current targets Lock Hydro community project is the autumn, we will launch a community of 40 per cent CO2 reduction by 2020. under construction (see photo above). share offer to replace the loan so that To help us get there, we have devel- These projects are the front-runners, energy assets can be owned by local oped an innovative model to get the generating enough power for about people. The loan will then be ‘recycled’ public sector, businesses and communi- 100 homes, but the potential to scale for next year’s projects. If you want to ties to join the challenge and develop up is huge. Our development pipeline be the first to hear about our share renewable schemes for local benefit. includes 7MW of projects to be built in offer, you can sign up online at the next year: 1MW of solar PV on 20 This is how it works. The Low Carbon www.lowcarbonhub.org Oxfordshire schools; 1MW of renewa- Hub partners with businesses and the Barbara Hammond, the Chief Execu- bles with businesses; and potentially public sector to develop, manage and tive, will give a talk to OCS on 18 5MW of community energy projects. raise the finances to install renewables November. Put the date in your diary! The future’s looking bright for Oxford. through community share offers. Our Photo of the Osney turbine courtesy of Andrew Watson
Museum of Oxford – the next stage
David Juler updates us on MOO – the in the old museum, to reveal the Victo- To ensure the museum that owes its survival to rian splendour of the building. museum’s OCS activists and volunteers. future, we need This space will be used as the home to sustain the Did you know that the last time the for collections showcasing the living fantastic sup- museum had any capital works com- and social history of the city. Some of port we’ve had pleted was during 1975? Now a new the collections are emerging from stor- from local soci- project will renovate the unused space age while others will be brand new. eties, commu- The new additions to nities and individual volunteers. We the museum will con- would love to hear from anyone who tain flexible spaces can lend their skills, experience and which can be used support. for cultural and com- Do contact David on 01865 252417 or mercial events to [email protected] if you would diversify and increase like to be involved or if you have any public engagement. questions. Our photo shows one such event, attended by OCS members.
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Holywell Cemetery – a threatened oasis
Martin Murphy, a Trustee of the Friends of the Cemetery, explains the significance of this Oxford gem. Hidden away behind St Cross church (now the Balliol College archive), this cemetery is one of Oxford’s best-kept secrets. Opened in 1847, it was origi- nally maintained by the six parishes of east-central Oxford, but the gradual disappearance of all but one of these parishes deprived it of a regular income, and it is now entirely dependent on voluntary contributions. The aim of the Friends of Holywell Cemetery, formed in 1987, is to maintain its historic monu- ments within a setting of natural beauty and urban wildlife. Victorian Oxford remembered Coming through the gate 40 years ago the historian A L Rowse could hardly believe the treasures he found within: “The whole of Victorian Oxford leaps to the eye from headstone to headstone”. As one might have expected there is an abundance of dons, whose names The cemetery receives many visitors during Open Doors weekends – and they may find a recall a century and a half of university harpist to entertain them history: Max Müller, the Sanskrit schol- ar; J W Burgon, indefatigable defender tradesmen will resonate with older tomb of Henry Bird, a Magdalen Col- of lost causes; Henry Acland, friend of readers: Boffin the baker, Payne the lege chorister who died in 1856 at the Ruskin and creator of the University jeweller, Blackwell the bookseller; age of 12, to the Celtic crosses which Museum; John Stainer, the composer; Castell the robemaker; Gillman the came into fashion towards the end of th Hugh Cairns, the neurosurgeon; Walter bootmaker; and Salter the boat builder the 19 century. among them. Pater, Maurice Bowra… The cemetery is open without charge But there is no barrier here between Visitors who come to look for the grave all the year round and is increasingly town and gown. The names of many of Kenneth Grahame, author of Wind in popular with students, townspeople the Willows, may also be and foreign visitors who value its surprised to stumble peaceful atmosphere. This is now
across Kenneth Tynan, the threatened by proposals for a massive enfant terrible of his under- development in Manor Place, at the graduate generation, or rear. the American science fic- For a subscription of £10 a year the tion writer James Blish. Friends of Holywell Cemetery receive By contrast, there is one an annual newsletter with articles on its wooden cross brought history and wildlife. All funds raised go from Flanders which towards paying the expenses of commemorates Ronald maintenance and conservation. Poulton Palmer, the most If you are interested in joining please celebrated rugby player of send a cheque (payable to The Friends his time, killed in battle in of Holywell Cemetery) to the Secretary, 1915. Mrs Janet Keene, at 7 Norwood A little jewel of funerary art: the grave of Lewis Theodore Pilcher, aged four, only child of Theodore and Sophie The monuments them- Avenue, Southmoor OX13 5AD. selves illustrate changes in Pilcher, and his devoted nurse Elizabeth Sibley, both drowned at Medley Weir in May 1893. The marble casket taste, ranging from the tomb is adorned with exquisite copperwork Puginesque canopied
oxcivicsoc.org.uk 9 Booking form: Sept – Oct ticketed events Programme calendar Closing date for applications: Saturday 16 August. Please enclose: ‘cut out and keep’ 1 cheque/s payable to Oxford Civic Society, one for each event September – November 2014 2 one stamped, addressed envelope for all tickets *ticketed events Member’s name .……………………………………………………………………….
BLOCK CAPITALS PLEASE Saturday 6 September * 2pm 2nd member’s name (if applicable)………………………………………………………………. Somerville and Keble College chapels Address …………………………………………………………………………………………….. A visit ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….. T sday 16 ber 7.30 for 8pm Postcode ……………………...... hur Octo Ibrahim El-Salahi, Sudanese artist, Telephone …………………………….. talks about his life and work
Email ……………………………………………………………………………………………….. Saturday 4 October* 2pm Sunday 5 October* 2pm Oxford Canal Heritage Trail , a walk Event No. of Amount with Mark Davies tickets enclosed For events on more than one date, please delete any dates you can’t do Saturday 11 October* 2pm Saturday 18 October* 2pm and indicate your preferred date/s Headington Quarry, a walk with Somerville and Keble College chapels …..@£8 Barry Carter Saturday 6 September, 2pm Thursday 6 November 7.30 for 8pm Oxford Canal Heritage Trail walk ….@£5 The search for Oxford's medieval Saturday 4 October, 2pm wall, a talk by Roger Gelder and Sunday 5 October, 2pm George Ross
Headington Quarry, Oxford’s industrial village …..@£5 Tuesday 18 November 7.30 for 8pm walk The big energy shift, a talk by Saturday 11 October, 2pm Saturday 18 October, 2pm Barbara Hammond of the Low Carbon Hub
*Contact for booking/tickets only: Alan Hobbs, 66 Southfield Road Oxford OX4 1PA Note: Tickets are allocated soon after the closing date but if you miss it, it’s Tel: 01865 248 105 always worth asking if there are places left. Cheques are banked three weeks after ticket issue; after that no refunds can be given.
Send this completed form to Alan Hobbs, 66 Southfield Road, If, at the last moment, you can’t Oxford OX4 1PA attend, please phone Alan Hobbs – someone will be pleased take your place
10 oxcivicsoc.org.uk Programme September – November 2014
Open talks – all welcome Members-only visits No pre-booking, free to members. Help us to recruit new Tickets needed for these events members by bringing a guest to one lecture free Bookings by 16 August £4 for other non-members
Ibrahim El-Salahi, Sudanese artist Somerville and Keble college chapels
Thursday 16 October Saturday 6 September, 2pm Ship Street Centre, Jesus College (The Bastion) † Almost all Oxford colleges have chapels, where services continue to this day. Some are justly famous, like Keble Coffee/tea 7.30pm, talk 8pm chapel, for its architecture, setting and its origins in the Oxford Movement. Others, like the chapel of Somerville are Ibrahim El-Salahi, a Sudanese artist who has lived in Oxford less well known and less visited: the chapel stands alone by since 1998, will talk about his life and work. His major retro- the Garden Quad, a 1930s building of dressed Clipsham spective at Tate Modern last year highlighted one of the stone and tall narrow windows. The tour will start at most significant figures in African and Arab modernism. An Somerville and end with tea in Keble hall. exhibition of his work is currently on view at the Vigo Gallery in London WI5 1AL. Oxford Canal Heritage Trail walk Saturday 4 October, 2pm and The search for Oxford's medieval wall Sunday 5 October, 2pm Thursday 6 November An undemanding two mile tow-path walk from Wolvercote Green to Hythe Bridge to celebrate the completion of the Ship Street Centre, Jesus College (The Bastion) † new Lottery-funded Heritage Trail. Local historian Mark Coffee/tea 7.30pm, Davies will point out important landmarks and discuss talk 8pm people and events associated with this precious 'half town and half country' waterway and relate the latest plans for This talk by local the Jericho boatyard. The path is level but may be muddy in historians Roger places. Gelder and George Ross will tell the Headington Quarry, Oxford's industrial village story in pictures and Saturday 11 October, 2pm and maps of a medieval Saturday 18 October, 2pm walk round Oxford, identifying surviving The haphazard origins of Headington Quarry are reflected sections of the city's today in the village’s winding roads, interconnecting alleys 13th century wall – not and hollows. What began as a series of stone quarries least the Bastion itself in Jesus College. It will include histor- worked by itinerants only gradually became a village with ic Oxford events along the way. church, chapel and school, while its reputation for lawless- ness continued well into the 20th century. The big energy shift Barry Carter, a history lecturer at Oxford Brookes and long- term Quarry resident, will lead a walk that highlights the Tuesday 18 November Quarry's history and some notable locals such as CS Lewis and William Kimber. Magdalen College Auditorium, Longwall Street †
Coffee/tea 7.30pm, talk 8pm The Low Carbon Hub is spearheading the change to a new energy system for Oxfordshire with communities at its heart. Barbara Hammond, Chief Executive of the Low Carbon Hub, will talk about its innovative approach to devel- oping energy with business and public sectors, as well as local communities, and enlarge on the desire to put local energy needs more into the hands of local communities. † Wheelchair - accessible venues
oxcivicsoc.org.uk 11
OCS people Contact us/who’s who
New members of Executive Oxford Civic Society 67 Cunliffe Close, OX2 7BJ We extend a warm welcome to Ian Green and Jonathan Scheele who were elected to the Executive Committee at 075 05 756 692 the AGM. Ian has over 40 years’ experience in urban and [email protected] regional planning in more than a dozen countries around the world, while being based in Oxford. Jonathan spent 38 oxcivicsoc.org.uk | oxclean.org.uk | oxstreets.org.uk years with the European Commission, including nine years President: Sir Hugo Brunner working on EU transport policy. He was Director for Euro- Vice-President: Tony Joyce pean infrastructure planning and financing, as well as for ‘smart’ transport. Chairman: Peter Thompson 85 Lonsdale Road, OX2 7ET (558 616) President’s reception [email protected]
Vice-Chairman: Sir Clive Booth 43 St John Street, OX1 2LH (557 762) [email protected]
Hon Secretary: Vernon Porter 67 Cunliffe Close, OX2 7BJ (557 660) [email protected]
Hon Treasurer: Richard Dodd 81 Five Mile Drive, OX2 8HN (512 607) [email protected]
Membership Secretary: Liz Grosvenor 15 Lime Walk, OX3 7AB (765 453) [email protected] This summer event is an opportunity for the President, Committee and working group members to meet new Newsletter Editor: Hilary Bradley members, councillors, council officers, corporate members 24 Beaumont Road, OX3 8JN (762 418) and others with whom we work. Held on a glorious June [email protected] evening, this year’s reception was again hosted at the historic Judge’s Lodging in St Giles, courtesy of St John’s Oxford Streets for People Co-ordinator: Richard Bradley College. Over 50 people enjoyed the hospitality and 24 Beaumont Road, OX3 8JN (762 418) speeches from Sir Hugo Brunner and Peter Thompson, [email protected] seen here mingling with guests. Nicholas Falk shortlisted for award Programme Group Convenor: Alastair Lack Nicholas Falk and some of his associates have been short- 83 Frenchay Road, OX2 6TF (511 326) listed for the prestigious Wolfson Economics Prize for showing how a garden city could be built that is “visionary, [email protected] economically viable and popular”. Transport Group Convenor: Shown here with the Oxford Futures Andrew Pritchard report he compiled on our behalf, 33 Laburnum Road, North Hinksey, urban economist Nicholas is the OX2 9EL (240 014) founder of the URBED consultancy. [email protected] His view is that “garden city principles could be used to double the size of some towns while protecting the quality of rural villages”.
You can read about his ideas at OCS newsletter is published in March, July and November www.policyexchange.org.uk/ wolfsonprize/item/wolfson-economics- prize-2014 ISSN 2051-137X
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