The Three Parishes March 2019
Your local grapevine Ardley with Fewcott, Fritwell and Souldern 1
WHAT’S ON & IN THIS MONTH DATE PAGE CONTENTS MARCH 2 FoFS Family Fun Trail ------6 Diary & Regular events ------2 5 Age UK Computer sessions ------5 Editorial & Community events ------3 6 Time to Talk Coffee Souldern VH ---- 23 Emergency information ------4 9/10 Ardley Litterblitz ------18 Transport, Age UK & Bins ------5 12 Forget-me-Nots Fritwell VH ------21 School events ------6 13 Ardley-w-Fewcott Gardening Club - 20 Short story by Arlan Warne------7 15 Cushion Club Fritwell VH ------21 School information ------8 19 Age UK Computer sessions ------5 Could I be a Parish Councillor? ------9 20 Bucknell WI ------3 Charity Focus—Portway Cattery ------10 21 MCNP Referendum ------25 Venue hire info ------11 23 Fritwell Litterblitz ------22 Gardening------12 27 Bingo Fritwell Village Hall ------21 Support services ------13 30 School Easter Egg Hunt ------6 Church message ------14 APRIL Church services ------15 3 Time to Talk Coffee Souldern VH ---- 23 Church contact info ------16 4 Souldern Horticultural Soc AGM ----- 24 Church events ------17 11 Ardley-w-Fewcott Gardening Club - 20 Ardley news ------18-20 13 Ardley Churchyard tidy-up ------18 Fritwell news including CHAPEL ------21-22 24 Bingo Fritwell VH ------21 Souldern news including CHAPEL ---- 23-24 MAY Neighbourhood ------25 2 Local elections @ your village hall Opinion ------26 12 Ardley-w-Fewcott Gardening Club - 20 Walkies! ------27 29 Bingo Fritwell VH ------21 Advertising ------28-38 Magazine information contacts etc ---- 39-40 For Church Services see p15
WEEKLY EVENTS
Mondays • 9.30-5pm ‘Getting into work’ Bicester Li- • 09.30-10.30am Tai Chi Ardley VH brary • 7.30pm Faith in Art Group Heyford Park • Fritwell and Souldern Bin collection day Chapel • 10am Rhymetime Adderbury Library • 8pm ‘Thirsty Thursdays’ Fritwell VH Tuesdays • 2pm Tea and pancakes at Fewcott House • 9.30-5pm ‘Getting into work’ Bicester Li- • 2pm Social Bridge Highfield Club Bicester brary • 7.30pm Pilgrim course Heyford Park • 9.45 & 11am Rhyme Time Bicester Library Chapel • Coffee Morning Ardley VH 10.30 Fridays Wednesdays • 9.30-5pm Careers helpdesk Bicester Li- • 10-2pm Family history helpdesk Bicester brary Library • 10-2pm Coffee Adderbury Library • 10am Char Char Chimps Fritwell VH • 9am Stay & Play Fritwell School • Ardley Bin collection day • 11am coffee & cake White Lion Fewcott
• 5pm Fridays Beavers, 6.15 Cubs , 8pm Thursdays Scouts Fritwell Scout Hut, Fewcott Rd
Front page photo credit: Matthew Hicks, of Ardley w Fewcott. Goose in the Canal at Banbury 2
COMMUNITY / EDITORIAL Dear Readers, cheaper than ordinary paper, so we’re always looking after the pennies… This month I’ve moved the CHAPEL pages to the relevant village news pages. I had to submit our annual return to Companies House last week, which means that we have In February we read about the Christmas lunch- been in existence for a year already—I can’t es for the homeless and disadvantaged provided quite believe it. It also means that you will soon by a local catering company. To continue the see our annual accounts. All of our income is focus on local charity activities, this month we used for production of the magazine and surplus look behind the scenes at Portway Cattery— is saved up for charitable giving. You’ll be hear- which many of us will be familiar with as the ing more about this. source of our adopted feline friends. The three Parochial Church Councils will be I’m very proud to include a short story by Arlen receiving a share of the funds that have been Warne, a year 6 student at Fritwell School. Mr held by Souldern PCC on behalf of the 3Ps Mag- Hart was very impressed with the standard of the azine. If you lead an organisation in one of the short stories, and will hopefully let me have three parishes, do get in touch with your PCC as some more for future issues. they’ll be dividing the funds up soon. Details may be found on the Cherwell Valley Benefice web- I am also proud to have received a lot of compli- site. mentary and encouraging feedback from readers about the new format of the magazine. Unfortu- Fritwell Post Office reopens full-time in mid- nately it doesn’t fit neatly into some people’s March! magazine racks, but on the whole I think it has been well-received. A comment I wanted to ad- With best wishes from the editor, dress was: Why on earth the expensive shiny Vicky Hibberd paper? Well—for the time being it is in fact Save the date:
Macmillan Coffee Morning & Table Top
Bucknell has a thriving WI that is open to Sale women of all ages. We meet on the 3rd Wednesday of each month (except August) in the Village Hall at 7.30 p.m. and our activi- ties cover a wide range of subjects both so- Saturday 28 September cial and educational and including occasion- Ardley w Fewcott Community Hall al outings and visits. There is also the oppor- 9am – 1pm tunity to join other WIs for talks and coach outings or to learn a new skill at the WI Col- lege in Marcham. Contact Jean McGarry 01869 345581 or email We are a friendly group and enjoy ourselves [email protected] at meetings and events, we welcome visi- if you are interested in booking a ta- tors. Do come along and meet us or for ble cost £7 more details call Mrs Kate Hedges 01869 242169.
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EMERGENCY INFORMATION
FRITWELL VILLAGE HALL, Fewcott Road, OX27 7QA WHITE LION PUBLIC HOUSE, Fewcott, OX27 7NZ ARDLEY VILLAGE HALL, Playing Fields, OX27 7PA FOX PUBLIC HOUSE SOULDERN, High Street, OX27 7JW
Bicester Community Hospital OUT OF HOURS MINOR INJU- RIES UNIT Saturday & Sunday 8:30am–11pm / Monday—Friday 6–11pm
Piggy Lane, Bicester, Call 01865 903976—please call before you set off. No x-ray facilities out of hours—for breaks, go to A&E or call 999
USEFUL PHONE NUMBERS Age UK 0800 055 6112 Mains Water 0800 316 9800 Bicester Good Neighbours 07849 799530 Member of Parliament 01869 233685 Bicester First Aid Unit 01865 903976 NHS non-emergency 111 Bin Collection (Cherwell DC) 01295 227003 Parish Council Ardley 01869 346996 Bus services (CDC) 01295 257930 Parish Council Fritwell 01869 345830 Carers support Oxfordshire 0845 050 666 Parish Council Souldern 01869 345931 Church benefice office 01869 233687 Police non-emergency 101 Cherwell District Council 01295 227001 Police station Bicester 01865 841148 Citizens’ Advice 08444 111 444 Roads and Verges 01295 227007 Comet bus Service 01865 768329 RSPCA 0300 1234 999 Counselling (adults— Samaritans) 116 123 School (Fritwell) 01869 345283 Counselling (children) 0800 11 11 Street Lights 0800 317802 GP—Deddington Surgery 01869 338611 Suicide helpline phone 0800 068 4141 Driver Volunteers service 0300 30 30 125 Suicide helpline text 07786 209697 Electrical Power Cut 08000 727 282 Victims of Crime 0300 1234 148 Environmental Health 01295 227001 Village Hall Ardley 01869 346632 Financial Hardship help 0800 138 1111 Village Hall Fritwell 01869 346624 Floodline 0845 988 1188 Village Hall Souldern 07812 501604 Food Bank 01869 357181 Waste water/sewerage 0800 316 9800 Good Neighbour Scheme 07849 799530 Weather—Met Office 0370 900 0100 Housing (Cherwell DC) 01295 227004 Weelchair loans 01869 345269 Library (Bicester) 01869 252181 Library (Banbury) 01295 262282 Library (Adderbury) 01295 810545 4
TRANSPORT
FREE COMET BUS SERVICE TRANSPORT CHOICES
The Oxfordshire county council Comet bus Volunteer Connect runs every Monday (excluding bank holi- Tel: 0300 30 30 125 days) from Souldern to Bicester, via Fritwell, [email protected] Fewcott, Ardley, and Bucknell. www.oxonvolunteers.org Notes: Wheelchairs can be accommodated with Costs: 45p per mile 24hours notice—call 01865 768329. Provides help to get to hospital and doc- tor appointments, health centres or for TIMETABLE SOULDERN to BICESTER MONDAYS social trips like clubs and day centres. Not usually available for shopping trips OUTWARD SOULDERN – OPPOSITE FOX PH 10:23 Cherwell Community Volunteer Ser- FRITWELL – OUTSIDE SCHOOL 10:26 vices FEWCOTT – OPPOSITE WHITE LION Tel: 01295 759126 10:28 [email protected] INN ARDLEY – OPPOSITE WATER LANE 10:31 Costs: Local journeys up to 10 miles—£5 BUCKNELL – OPPOSITE BUS SHELTER 10:35 Over 10 miles—47p per mile BICESTER – MANORSFIELD STAND 7 10:45 3 days notice required. Service for older people and those with disabilities and RETURN their accompanying carers. BICESTER – MANORSFIELD STAND 7 12:45 BUCKNELL – OPPOSITE BUS SHELTER 12:55 ARDLEY – OPPOSITE WATER LANE 12:59 BIN COLLECTIONS MARCH FEWCOTT – OPPOSITE WHITE LION Fritwell & Souldern THURSDAYS 13:02 INN FRITWELL – OPPOSITE SCHOOL 13:04 SOULDERN – OPPOSITE FOX PH 13:07
Ardley w Fewcott WEDNESDAYS
Oxfordshire Age UK do regular Computer Drop-in help Sessions at Banbury Library on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of every month 10am til 2pm. Call 01295 262282 for more information.
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SCHOOL NEWS
Original artwork available from PETER GLOVER [email protected] 6
SCHOOL NEWS
The Man-Eating Serpent of Spajusi
By Arlen Warne Year 6, Fritwell School
Morning has risen in Spajusi. I sit by my win- dow in my small flat bungalow and stare across the street, searching for signs of the wicked serpent. Soon, the beast will go from door to door, stealing from the residents of this village. But I am not scared for I have seen a wonder, here in Spajusi.
Ours is a sinkhole town, a hidden village erased from most people’s memories. A sink- hole sank our town into the muddy Earth long ago, but we have adapted to it since. We used to live in horror, as climbing the hole was nearly a death sentence. Those who left were equipped with clubs. Most didn’t leave at all.
For at the top of the sinkhole, a horrific snake slithered around the edge of the hole, waiting to steal food or children from our grasps. He would always announce his appearance by The Author reads his story to fellow students making an ear-piercing hiss. The snake rose, and I ran up a tree. It lunged The town wept for hunger as all remaining at Madrio with full force, but all he did was food was stolen by the terrible serpent. Every- raise a hand and the serpent stopped. Madrio one is prey to this monster. At dusk, I listen for spoke in a calm voice. “Your hunger must not the hisses of the beast, knowing what is about lead to anger; it has to stop,” The snake to unfold. hissed in agreement.
One Tuesday, A hooded gang approached Madrio strode into town, with the snake and down the hill. Their bare feet had shown scars me following close behind. His appearance of pain. “That’s Madrio,” someone whispered. was immediately greeted with a parade of “He works miracles, and can talk to all living applause and cheering at the town centre. things… he’s the chosen one,” said another. He didn’t look like a person of miracles; he “Villagers,” the chosen one said, once the looked like an old homeless man. He quietly praise had finally died down. “The serpent spoke about how he could save the town of must be fed everyday by every one of you; I hunger, and would make peace with the have already made my agreements with him.” beast. The crown couldn’t believe their ears, The crowd seemed to agree. but they all followed him out of town. So here I sit, feeding the snake his every day Madrio climbed the stairs to the town gate and meal while he lays on my lap, for he and I are led us to a ditch. There, an enormous snake friends. lay down on the ground, sleeping on a pile of bones. Most of the crowd turned and ran, but the chosen kept walking.
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SCHOOL INFO
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COMMUNITY Getting involved in your community Part 2 order or interim order Have within five years before the day of the Could I become a Parish Councillor? election, been convicted in the United King- dom of any offence and have had a prison sentence (whether suspended or not) for a As a local councillor you can become a voice period of over three months without the option for your community and make a real change. of a fine Parish Councillors are community leaders and Work for the council you want to become a should represent the interests of the communi- councillor for. There are specific rules around ties they serve. Parish Councillors have to be candidacy. residents of the area their local council serves, making them the most local part of our demo- The full range of disqualifications for candi- cratic system and closest to the community. dates is quite complex and some exceptions Why don’t you stand for your Parish Council may apply. You should refer to the website of and see what difference you can make to your the Electoral Commission for full details: local neighbourhood? www.electoralcomission.org.uk
HOW MUCH TIME DOES IT TAKE? Our DO I NEED TO BE A MEMBER OF A POLITI- councillor census survey told us that council- CAL PARTY? No, you don’t have to be, most lors spend on average about three hours a local councils are not political and most coun- week on council work. Obviously there are cillors sit as independent members of the some councillors who spend more time than council. If you would like to be a representa- this – and some less, but in the main, being a tive of a political party you will have to contact councillor is an enjoyable way of contributing the party you want to represent and go to your community and helping to make it a through their processes. better place to live and work. CO-OPTIONS Local councils can co-opt resi- DO LOCAL COUNCILLORS GET PAID? dents to support their work. This enables them Working as a local councillor is a completely to get new expertise or someone from a part voluntary role. However, local councils do of the community that is not represented on have the power to pay allowances to council- the council. Contact your local council to see if lors, subject to approval from the local council. any of these opportunities are available.
HOW DO I CONTACT MY LOCAL COUNCIL- This article has been compiled using a Nation- LOR? Check the Important Phone Numbers al Association of Local Councils booklet called section of this magazine. All about Local Councils which is available free from the NALC website or by calling 020 OK, I’M INTERESTED, WHAT ELSE DO I 7637 1865 . NEED TO KNOW? Most people are qualified to stand for their local council but there are a few rules. You have to be: A British citizen, or a citizen of the Common- wealth, or the European Union 18 years of age or older Live in an area that is served by a local coun- cil
You cannot stand for election if you: Are the subject of a bankruptcy restriction
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CHARITY FOCUS Haven for homeless cats
A distressingly large number of cats find them- comprehensive medical treatment, including selves in need of rescue. Some are strays living vaccination. We often get kittens under a week rough while others are simply left behind when old without their mothers which means bottle their owners have a change of circumstances, feeding every two hours - even throughout the move home or no longer want their former pet. night!’.
Wonderful work to meet this challenge is being The cost for all this is borne by Cherwell CP. The done by the mother and daughter teamof Carol charity welcomes financial donations – last year Black and Emily Parker, ably assisted by Carole, its vets’ bills came to £44,000. People also do- who run the Portway Cattery in Ardley Road, nate cat food at Portway and through Hart Vets Somerton. In fewer than five years they have and Bicester Vets. rehomed some 500 cats and kittens, working in partnership with the charity Cherwell Cats Pro- Emily leads the rehoming work, advertising cats tection. Cherwell CP, a branch of the national via Twitter, Instagram, the Cherwell CP website Cats Protection charity, covers Banbury, and word of mouth. She runs the Cherwell CP Bicester, Brackley and Kidlington. facebook page, through which most of the cats find their permanent homes.
She also talks to prospective new owners and emphases that ‘the most important aspect of rehoming is matching the cat to the perfect home. Most of the cats have had a very disrup- tive time being in care so they need the least amount of stress possible. We like to think of ourselves as “cat matchmakers”’.
Portway has 47 chalets licensed to hold cats in luxurious conditions. Rescue cats are housed in eight separate chalets away from the main cat- tery. In addition to fostering Portway provides short and long stays for cats with settled homes.
Portway Cattery: Tel 01869 345186: Email: [email protected]; www.portwaycattery.co.uk
Emily with Chico, a very happy permanent resident.
Emily explains how it all began. ‘We joined Cher- well CP in April 2014 and only asked if we could have a charity tin for our reception desk. The branch coordinator explained that some catteries would offer a pen or two to house fully vaccinat- ed homeless cats until they found their forever homes. We’ve never looked back...’.
She continued, ‘The cats come to us via the Cherwell CP branch welfare officer or through direct contact by members of the public. All cats coming into the branch must be approved by the welfare officer. There’s a lot of work involved in Marmaduke, successfully rehomed from Portway to fostering: new arrivals are neutered and given Fritwell.
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VENUE HIRE TO BOOK Ardley with Fewcott Village Hall SOULDERN VILLAGE HALL Looking for a venue to hold your child’s or adult party, charity event, meeting or Please contact wedding reception? Kate Green—07812 501604 [email protected] This year, why not book the hall for that special occasion? HIRE CHARGES The spacious hall gives the children masses of room to run around and has Souldern Groups a high roof that can easily accommo- £7 per hour (up to 5 hrs.) date a bouncy castle. There are ceiling £40 per day (more than 5 Hours) projection lights to help make your party Deposit £50 or disco extra special.
Souldern residents We have a well stocked kitchen and, of £8 per hour (up to 5 hrs.) Deposit £50 course a fantastic children’s play area £70 per day (more than 5 Hours) outdoors.
Non-Residents Hire Costs: For more booking information (booking £15 per hour (up to 5 hrs.) form with charges, term & conditions of £130 per day (more than 5 Hours) of hire and payments details) visit our Deposit £100 Facebook page “Ardley with Fewcott Village Hall” Block bookings 6+ sessions £14 per hour or email Lynne ardleyvillagehallbook- [email protected]
www.fritwellvillagehall.co.uk Charges: First hour £10 followed by £7.50 for every hour after. Please remember to allow time for setup and take down.
Deposit: You will be required to provide a deposit in addition to the Hire Charge. The deposit will be returned post-event provided all the conditions of Hire are met, the Hall has been se- cured after use with keys returned to the key safe, and the condition of the Hall after use has been checked and approved as acceptable by an Officer of the Village Hall Committee. The size of that deposit will normally be: £50 for a Fritwell Organisation (recognised as such by the Village Hall Committee) £100 for a Fritwell Resident £200 for a non-Fritwell Resident or Organisation http://www.fritwellvillagehall.co.uk/village-hall-bookings/
Do you run a local business? Advertise for free on our website. See website for more info.
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OUTDOORS GARDENING New year – new beginnings
I don’t know about you, but I‘ve found it hard to plants. But the result of his planning is that to get up from a warm armchair next to a sup- he and his family have the garden that they all ply of chocolates since Christmas and the want. His children insisted on a lawn so they New Year. Usually I’m raring to go, renewing can sunbathe. So, he has a small lawn where gravel, weeding where possible and generally perhaps I would have a gravel garden. The getting things ready for the great Spring flow- point is though, that everything has been done ering. However, the only things that are moti- beautifully and I envy his foresight and land- vating me this year are the arrival of cata- scaping abilities. What really, really impressed logues full of Salvias, Phloxes, and other sum- me however was the 5 silver birch trees mer perennials. I’ve already ordered my fa- (Jaquemontii varieties with the extremely vourite Rudbeckia ‘Prairie Glow’ in small pots white bark) that he had planted across the which were delivered last week and are safely fence at the top of the garden. They looked sheltered in the cold greenhouse. WONDERFUL. Birches always look beautiful planted in rows, something about their upright Which leads nicely on to what has inspired me growth habit and their wonderful symmetry to start gardening again. I went to a talk at the and gleaming white bark. Hardy Plant Bucks & Oxon Group (phew, what a mouthful!) last week. They meet once a So, what is inspiring me to get back in the month in their new venue in Botolph Claydon. garden this year is the thought of 5 silver birch You must be a member of the national Hardy trees at the top of my own gently sloping gar- Plant Society to join local groups, but that’s no den. I just have to persuade Billy Hoe-pless to hardship as it opens the door to lots of differ- dig up a few flagstones and cough up the ent interest groups and events. Anyway, the moola ……. lecture was given by Timothy Walker who was Director of the Oxford Botanic Garden for Sally Hoe years. He retired a while ago. I’ve been to quite a few of his talks now. They are always Group Garden Holidays interesting as he’s both erudite and a good speaker. I wish I could say the same about Our April 2019 visit to Northumbria will many of the people who speak at Garden soon be upon us. Details will be posted Clubs. I’m very choosy now as to whom I’ll go out shortly. and listen, as a result of hours of boredom listening to tedious speakers whose The Group Holiday to Cornwall and The knowledge is not worth their fee. Scilly Isles should be available to view on the Northumbria trip, I am just waiting for To get back to Timothy Walker. He talked hotel confirmation. The planned dates about his new garden which he moved to are Monday 20th – Friday 24th April about 4 years ago. He moved to a new-build 2020, proposed visits to include The house, large but with a small garden. It is Eden Project, Trebah and Tresco Abbey slopes steeply up away from the back of the Gardens on the Isles of Scilly. house. He planned exactly what features he wanted before starting the hard landscaping (a true professional). They aren’t necessarily the Contact Jean McGarry 01869 345581 or features that you or I would want – for exam- email [email protected] if you ple including a pond in such a small garden are interested in booking. takes up space that for me would be devoted 12
SUPPORT STUDENTS: FEWCOTT FUEL ALLOT- Souldern United Charity MENT TRUST Registered Charity number 1002942
IF you are about to go to university or are A local Charitable Trust to provide financial already on a course. help, support and relief confidentially to IF you are in some form of job-related train- residents and affiliates of the village ing, or community. IF you attend other classes, say in the even- Anyone in need of financial assistance, ing, to learn vocational skills, perhaps towards purchase of tools, books, AND You are a resident of Fewcott or the equipment, etc. can request help either surrounding area then FEWCOTT FUEL AL- personally or by proxy nomination through LOTMENT TRUST a small local charity may another Souldern resident OR seek a be able to assist you with a grant for books or contribution towards the cost of essential other items or tools you require in connection repair work using local trades people, when with your studies. immediate hardship exists. The Trust has helped a number of local resi- dents needing to purchase books and art Help has been given previously for: equipment in connection with university and •Educational benefit to students or school college courses. leavers moving into higher education or Please apply in writing with your contact de- undertaking apprenticeships. tails, what you need to buy, and why you •Promoting personal development. think you should be considered for a grant to: •Alleviating hardship in exceptional times of need, including Christmas Vouchers for some Tikki Potter, 1 Ploughley Close (Tel.346709) residents over 60 or in particular distress. Nicki Lewis, Penlington, Fritwell Road (Tel. •Contributing towards expenses incurred with 345424) frequent hospital visits. Madeleine Horn, 19 Russet Road •Enabling useful employment to be gained or (Tel.346621) maintained. This is a village charity and has NO connec- tion with any outside agency. It was set up Please apply in writing to Susan Jones, some years ago from proceeds from the sale Charity Secretary, Yew Cottage, Bates Lane, of land. Interest on these moneys is for the Souldern, OX277JU, outlining the particular benefit of villagers. case you wish to highlight and the committee will be pleased to consider it confidentially and sympathetically, within the Charity guidelines.
Other trustees who can be contacted for information are; Chris Rothero, Carol URGENTLY NEEDED FOODS in March: Couzens, Norma Jones, Geoff Price, David Blunt and Sue Medhurst, who is also your • TINNED FRUIT (400GMS) contact point for allocation of allotments. • TEA BAGS (80'S) • DRIED PASTA (500GMS) Souldern United Charity Charity Land—fireworks displays • UHT MILK (1 LITRE) Use of Charity land for firework displays • BREAKFAST CEREALS requires permission. Adequate provision of insurance must be provided. Any of the 29a Market Square, Bicester, OX26 6AG Trustees can be contacted for this purpose 01869 357181 / [email protected] (see Souldern United Charity details above).
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CHURCH MESSAGE
Springtime in the Church
The root meaning of Lent is Spring. Therefore we should, throughout Lent, be celebrating a renewal of our Christian faith. Lent can be an exciting time, individually and together, as God produces a Springtime in His Church.
As Christians, it is a joy to belong to a loving Church, where we commit ourselves to its regular services. It is together as His people that we can express our love of God’s Son and for each other. For God is love and in His love we shall be renewed.
The season of Lent has 40 days when we follow Jesus into the wilderness, after His baptism. It is in the wilderness that Jesus faces the temptation of the world, the flesh and the devil, and overcomes them. Jesus prepares for leadership by fasting alone in the desert, becoming vul- nerable , and thereby relying wholly on God for His future dynamic and world-changing minis- try. It is through Lent we ourselves prepare to celebrate His Easter victory, through the cross to His resurrection life.
In Lent we grow in the knowledge of our Christian faith. This Lent, throughout the Benefice, we are having a course entitled “Refreshing our Faith”, where we will be looking at the roots of what we believe. This Lenten course will be a marvellous opportunity to join with others on our journey of faith.
Lent is also a time to examine our relationship with God in the way we use our spiritual and practical gifts which he has given to each one of us. This will involve recognizing that our TIME, TALENTS and TITHES (finance) ultimately belong to God, for there is always a deeper sense of joy and purpose in our lives when we give ourselves to Him.
Lent can remind us of the need to share our Christian faith with those who may not know of the love and forgiveness of our Lord Jesus. The reason that many people in our own country have not embraced the Christian faith, is mainly due to a lack of real understanding of the claims of Jesus of Nazareth.
We, as Christians, should be able to articulate our belief in Him and also to have the courage to share with others, in a loving and meaningful way. ”Anything worth having is worth sharing.” One of the joys of heaven will be to see people who have been won for Christ. What a day that will be!
Let us allow Lent, with its discipline and joy of self-improvement, to produce a spiritual Spring- time in our hearts and in our lives. Sincerely yours, Geoff
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CHURCH SERVICES Lower Heyford Ardley Fritwell Souldern Upper Heyford & Somerton Park St St Ann to Heyford Caulcott St James The Mary's Olave's the BVM St Mary's St Mary's Chapel 11am 6pm 9:30 3- 8.30am 11am 11am 11.00am Morning Even- Holy Mar 1662 1662 HC Matins HC Prayer song HC 6- 10:00am Ash Wednesday Communion & ashes - The Annunciation Souldern Mar 7:30pm Ash Wednesday service - St Mary’s Upper Heyford 11am 9.30am 11.00am 10- 9.30am 8:30am 11am No Family Sunday Morning Mar HC 1662 HC Sung HC Service Worship Club Service 9.30 11.00 11.00am 17- Family 8.30 No 9.30 MP 11.00 MP Matins & Morning Mar Commun- 1162 HC Service HC Service ion 11am 9.30am 6pm 9.30am 10.30am 11am 24- Family 8.30am Morning Even- Family Family Morning Mar Commun- 1662 HC Service song Service Church Service ion 9:30 11:00 11:00 9:30 10:30 Mother- Mother- 31- Mothering Mothering 8:30am Mothering Sunday ing Sun- ing Sun- Mar Sunday Sunday 1662 HC Service at Ardley day Ser- day Ser- Service Service vice vice 11am 6pm 7- 8.30am 11am 11am 9:30 Holy 11.00am Morning Even- Apr 1662 1662 HC Matins HC HC Prayer song 11am 9.30am 11.00am 14- 9.30am 8:30am 11am No Family Sunday Morning Apr HC 1662 HC Sung HC Service Worship Club Service 15 7:30pm 10:00am
Apr Compline HC 7:30pm 16 Com- Apr pline 17 7:30pm
Apr Compline 7:30pm 18 HC &
Apr Lent meeting 3:00pm 19 Quiet Apr Prayer 11am 11am 9.30am 9.30am 21- 6:30am Easter 11.00am Easter Easter Easter Easter Apr Sunrise Service HC HC HC HC HC 15
CHURCH NEWS WORLD DAY OF PRAYER LENT 2019
Refreshing our Faith
A series of talks and discussions Thursday evenings 7:30pm
7th March—The Chapel Heyford Park 14th March—The Annunciation Souldern 21st March- St James Somerton 28th March—St Mary’s Ardley 4th April—St Mary’s Lower Heyford 11th April—St Olave’s Fritwell 18th April (with Holy Communion)
Heyford Park Chapel
BENEFICE OFFICE (Monday, Wednesday & Friday 9:30-2:30) 572 Brice Road, Heyford Park OX25 5TE Tel: 01869 233687 www.cherwellvalleybenefice.org.uk The Cherwell Valley Benefice in the Diocese of Oxford Rev Geoff Price 01869 [email protected] 346262 David Taylor 01869 [email protected] 226906 Benefice Office 01869 [email protected] 233687 Services described as 1662, Matins or Evensong follow the traditional form as laid out in The Book of Common Prayer. Services described as CW (Common Worship) use modern lan- guage and follow the revised form given in the Common Worship Service and Prayer Book. Services described as Family Worship or Contemporary Worship are suitable for all ages, in- cluding children. 16
CHURCH NEWS
Annual Church Mothering Sunday Meetings Services
Sunday 24th March The Annunciation Souldern 9:30am St Mary’s Ardley 9:30am 11:30am The Annunciation Souldern Family Mothering Sunday Service (After Family Church) 9:30am Sunday 7th April St Mary’s Ardley 11:00am St Olave’s Fritwell Please support your church Joint service with St Olave’s and all welcome Fritwell Weslyan Reform Chapel
Monday evenings Family Church 7:30pm Sunday 24th March Heyford Park 10:30 am Chapel (4th Sunday of the month) St Mary’s Church, Souldern If you are interested In art and creativity, no matter how inexperi- Kids on Sunday enced, Create offers you the oppor- Sunday 3rd March 10:30am tunity to experiment, create or just (Now on the 1st Sunday of the watch and enjoy the fellowship month) If you would like to Souldern Chapel Join us please do come along
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ARDLEY w FEWCOTT NEWS
Community Café every Tuesday 10.30 to 11.30 Ardley with Fewcott village hall
GENERAL NEWS PLEASE CONTINUE TO BE VIGILANT: clean up our lovely Village and Woodland. The spate of break-ins and burglaries in THIS Wear some old clothes, and if it is wet some area continues and so please be especially waterproofs and wellies if you can. Thank you careful and WATCHFUL for each other so that so much. these villains can be caught and their unkind- nesses be nipped in the bud. The distress CHURCHYARD SPRING TIDY-UP 2019: With caused by this is immeasurable and lasts for the coming of Easter (21st April), once again ever no matter how quickly you recover so be there will be a meeting at the Churchyard to aware, be vigilant and above all BE CARE- tidy it up for that glorious festival. Hopefully FUL! people can gather together on Saturday 13th April 2019 at 10am for a good go at getting the LITTER: This is another reminder about the Churchyard spick and span. Please wear old LITTERBLITZ this Village holds each year in clothes and gloves and bring whatever tools March and hopefully this year there will be a you can if possible. Work on the ivy on trees, bumper response to the request for help. The overgrown graves and brushwood as well as LITTERBLITZ WEEKEND will take place on the ivy on the walls. Evidence of the return of SATURDAY 9th MARCH from 10am to 1pm suckers from the Trees of Heaven are begin- and SUNDAY 10th MARCH from 11am to ning to appear and need to be seen to. Finally 1pm and all it requires is about one hour of mowing of the grass ready for the Spring and your time on any of the days, or indeed any Summer. time at all that you can spare. Just come up to the Knob at the top of Water Lane and I will NEW RESIDENTS: A very warm welcome hand out litterpickers, bags, high viz jackets HANNAH, MAX, HONOR and HUDSON TAL- and (if you need them) gloves for you to help BOT and GRANNY ANGIE TALBOT together
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ARDLEY w FEWCOTT NEWS with their huge menagerie of three horses, AWF Church 49ers Club: PLEASE COULD BEAR, SIMBA and CONNIE, their lovely pig ALL THOSE WHO HAVE YET TO RETURN RUSTY, their dog SKIP and five ducks, who THE Data Protection Forms do so as soon as have come to live in Station Road. Unfortu- possible now. Also the Data Protection Forms nately their other pet dog was killed, shortly for the Church. Many thanks. We are most after they arrived, on the Oxford Road and pet anxious to have one or two new members join owners in this Village send you deepest sym- the Club so perhaps newcomers to the Village pathies. We know what it is to lose a loved might like to know something more about the companion who was one of the family. Wel- game. DO GET IN TOUCH WITH ME on come also to PETER and MARIAN NEWMAN 345269 when I can explain more fully what it of Russet Road. We do hope you are settling entails. No compulsion, but I will be delighted in happily and will soon be able to join in (in to speak to you. Madeleine Gilpin the warmer weather) with all the activities in this Village, especially the Community Café on AFECT NEWS: AFECT is still researching a Tuesday morning between 10.30 and places to obtain about three substantial bench 11.30am. Everyone welcome there. type seats for the Quarry Field so that people may sit and browse and enjoy their natural Please continue to keep an eye on lonely, surroundings. Those packets of wild flower poorly or elderly neighbours and of course Mr. seeds we have are to be planted soon in an Brahmbhatt of Fewcott House is always de- area close to the railway part of the Quarry lighted when anyone can visit residents there. Field. Once the inclement weather has im- Just give them a call on 01869/345501 if you proved this can take place but not much pro- can spare a moment or two for a chat. Why gress has been made either with seeing to the not go along and meet some of the residents. new plantation and re-planting some extra trees to replace failures or with sowing the REMINDER: A-w-F Fuel Charity has two Vil- wildflower seeds. Spring is coming. We contin- lage wheelchairs and a walker available to all ue to look for folk in the Village with the exper- local residents if and when needed. These are tise and/or environmental and ecological held at Millwood, Water Lane knowhow who would be willing to give advice (Tel:01869/345269). to AFECT. This would NOT involve you in attending Meetings but AFECT would love to BICESTER FOOD BANK: Even though there hear from you for your scientific knowledge. has been a release from the bitter weather this Do get in touch with either Mike Stokes on may be temporary so please remember 346612 or Madeleine Gilpin on 345269 and Bicester Food Bank. Non-perishable foods we will explain further. which can be easily distributed are badly needed. Angela Chamberlain (01869/345332), WHATEVER HAPPENED TO THAT SENSE Madeleine Horn (01869/346621) or Madeleine OF PRIDE WE BRITISH USED TO HAVE? I Gilpin (01869/345269) can tell you where you know I tend to go on a bit about this BUT if can leave your gifts in this Village. Food only we could tend and love our front gardens Vouchers for help from this Charity are obtain- (keeping them free from litter) and the areas in able through a doctor, Social Services, Citi- front of our gardens and nearby clear of rub- zen's Advice Bureau or a Church Vicar. bish which has blown around or been dropped it would make us feel a real sense of PRIDE SIDESPERSONS ROTA FOR MARCH 2019: IN OUR VILLAGE and give a wonderful im- 3 Mar 1662 (8.30am) HC Wendy Poole; 10 pression to passers by and visitors, who would Mar Gill Simmonds; 17 Mar Martyn Simmonds appreciate seeing a well-kept rural community. 24 Mar Sheila Dean; 31 Mar BENEFICE SER- COME ON LET’S MAKE IT THIS YEAR THAT VICE (see 3Ps for Venue); 7 Apr 1662 WE FEEL GOOD ABOUT OURSELVES! (8.30m) HC Brian Gilpin.
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ARDLEY w FEWCOTT NEWS
Ardley and Fewcott Gardening Club
Hello and welcome to the Ardley and Fewcott and so if you are currently not a member contact Gardening Club newsletter which over the Sue Howkins for more information. Sue’s tele- months will provide details of the exciting activi- phone number is at the bottom of this article. ties planned in 2019. Members come to us from Further details and booking slips for all the far and wide. You do not need to live in either above events will be provided in due course. If Ardley or Fewcott to join and you can join at any you have difficulty attending any of our events time of the year. please contact one of the Committee so that As I reflect on the previous year the Club has transport can be arranged. If you are not a mem- continued to grow and develop with lots of visits ber but would like to join us to see what goes on and events. Of course, one of the last events of please contact one of the Committee. 2018 was the Annual meal which was again a success in November with 59 members enjoying Just to let you know that we have one double/ the good food and excellent companionship, twin room left on the Gardening Club’s 2019 which Club members demonstrate at all events. holiday to Northumberland: 9th September to The meal, as last year, took place at Kirtlington 13th September. As I’ve written before it promis- Golf Club where the room is spacious with wide es to be an exceptional holiday at a beautiful windows overlooking the golf course and good time of year. The holiday includes visits to the parking. RHS garden of Harlow Carr, Alnwick House and In 2018 the Club received a number of grants Gardens, Cragside House and Gardens and but one application to Oxford Community Foun- Harrogate. Plus, we will also be visiting the dation, included the possibility to subsidise a amazing open-air living history museum of number of lunch events. Many of our members Beamish. We will stay in 4-star accommodation live alone and being able to enjoy a meal in and travel by executive coach and all for the good company does make a difference. The price of £419. The holiday can be confirmed by Club appreciates the continued support of the completing a booking form with a £15 deposit. OCF which enables events to be subsidised and No other money is due until June 2019. Contact keeps costs down. Jenny Price on 07795 947014 for more details. The OCF grant was used to subsidise the Annu- al meal and also the lunch on 13th February Currently, for details on hall-based events when once again there was be a choice of deli- please contact either Sue or Elaine. Holiday cious homemade soups, bread, cakes, teas and questions information it’s Jenny. For general coffees. There will be a fish and chip lunch on enquiries, it’s me Denise, and for membership 13th March. On Thursday 11th April, Chris Day enquiries it’s Ian. All our numbers are below. from Buckingham Nurseries will be visiting the Please note that Denise and Ian have a BT land- Club again for one of his engaging talks. All line phone which blocks withheld numbers. So these events will be held in the Ardley and Few- please use the mobile number if you experience cott Village Hall. On Sunday 12th May, the Club difficulties. trip will be to Kathy Brown’s Garden and it will include afternoon tea. We are able to subsidise Chairperson/ Holiday Coordinator: Jenny Price – this trip again from the same OCF grant. 07795947014 The final event of our 2018 to 2019 programme Secretary/Show Co-ordinator: Denise Turner – is the AGM which will be held on Friday, 14th 01869 345250 / 07925546735 June at 7.00pm in the Ardley and Fewcott Vil- Treasurer: Ian Turner – 01869 345250 / lage Hall. The AGM will be followed by a social 07825546735 evening. Then we restart our annual pro- Events Secretary: Sue Howkins – 01869 369422 gramme, of 2019 to 2010, with a cream tea on & 07768989448 Sunday 21st July, the Annual Produce Show on Events Secretary: Elaine Greenwood – 01865 10th August and the Gardening Club Northum- 376860 & 07516007343 berland holiday starting 9th September. The rest Fund Raiser: Sue Girling - 01869 345443 of the twelve-month programme will be available Committee members: Carole Hennings, Ann at the AGM. All the above events are open to all Mulligan and Marianne Want.
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FRITWELL NEWS WESLEYAN REFORM CHAPEL this year Slovenia. With a good bowl of soup Our small Chapel is thriving we have had sever- afterwards. al more people coming to our morning services, we thank God for this and ask a blessing on The preachers this month are: our congregation. 3rd March 10-30am Mrs D Williams. 10thMarch 10-30am Tony Giles. Two members have been poorly for a while but 17th March 10-30am Rev John Boxall. hopefully are on the road to a full recovery now. 24th March 10-30am Derek Gardner. We look forward to going to the World Day Of 31st March [MOTHERS DAY] at Ardley Church. Prayer at Heyford Park on 1st March always a lovely service from different parts of the World Ruth Walker 346674
Fritwell Village Hall Committee FRITWELL VILLAGE HALL
BINGO will be held in the Hall the last Wednesday CUSHION CLUB in the month. Doors open 7.30pm. Refreshments FILM NIGHT available. Lots of Prizes to be won. A friendly wel- come awaits you. Bingo dates 27th March, Monthly screening. 24th April, 29th May, 26th June, 31st July, Pay annually or on the night. 28th August, 25th September, 30thOctober, 27th November.
CUSHION CLUB →
QUIZ NIGHT every Thursday. Doors open 8.30pm. The quiz is free to enter. The Bar is open with great value beers and wines. You will be 3rd Friday of the month made very welcome. Quiz participation is not com- pulsory, come along and enjoy a drink with friends. doors open 7.30, film starts at 8 Wine bar open www.fritwellvillagehall.co.uk see p11 for hire ice cream in the interval information. www.fritwellvillagehall.co.uk
Char-Char Chimps, Wednesdays 10am Or call 01869 346697
Our AGM will be on Tuesday 9th April 2019 at 8pm. Everyone welcome. St Olave’s CHURCHYARD Would any local residents who placed Ad- Future Live Mic Nights Sunday 10th March and vent / Christmas wreaths or decorations on Sunday 26th April. The Bar will be open. Please graves in St Olave’s churchyard, kindly re- come along, from 7.30pm. move them now that the Christmas period has passed. Fish and Chips Night. More information in the next 3 Parishes. If left, the Churchwardens reserve the right to dispose of any such items. We have been in Consultation with the Parish Council and have ordered a New Noticeboard for FRITWELL OPEN GARDENS 2019 the use of Fritwell Village Hall and other associa- Fritwell ‘Open Gardens’ will return in June tions in the surrounding Villages. The Parish Council are kindly giving a donation towards the (exact date tbc) with all proceeds in aid of St Noticeboard. We hope to take delivery at the end Olave’s Church. of March. If you would like to lend your support to this The Playing Fields are going to refurbish the old event or would like further information please Noticeboard for their use. contact Mike Dockrey (01869 345178).
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FRITWELL NEWS Fritwell Forget Me Not Club
On the 12th February the club had their An- nual Lunch in the village hall. There was 47 members who came to eat a 2 course lunch, coffee and mints with a glass of wine or juice to finish it off. The choice of Beef, Pork or Lasagne for first course and two deserts Lemon Meringue or Apple Pie. Later we had quiz which some of us found a few questions hard but was enjoyable to do. Good comments were received by committee members The next meeting 12th March is the AGM again in Fritwell Village hall at 2 o’clock so please come along if you want to join the club you must be 60 plus. The new pro- grammes for the coming year will be given out. The latest lucky numbers to win the 90 club for February was Robert Girling number 37 and David Girling number 33. If you would like any further details of future meetings etc please phone Vivienne on Fritwell Litterblitz—if the weather is awful we will 01869 346771 or Glynis 01869 345319 inform everyone and move it to the following Satur- day 30 March Fritwell Parish Council across the Fewcott Road/East St. T-junction. Residents are asked to park considerately, It’s good news that the Mid-Cherwell Neigh- avoid blocking driveways and keep pavements bourhood Plan, which has dominated the work clear for pedestrians. of the Parish Council for the last 4 years, has been passed by Cherwell District Council and The village footpath team will be out again in the government inspector and is to be voted the Spring weather and new volunteers are on at a referendum on 21st March. If accept- invited to join us. This usually involves taking ed, we are looking forward to moving ahead secateurs or shears out when walking and with our neighbouring parishes to look at other cutting back foliage to keep the footpaths clear issues from the accompanying Community and easy to navigate. Action Plan. Our next Parish Council meeting is Monday The Monday Comet Bus to Bicester continues 18th March at 7.30pm in the Village Hall. You to be popular with Fritwell residents and, with can communicate with your Parish Council by the support of our County Councillor Arash email or letter to the Clerk or by arranging to Fatemian, we have applied for funding to help address the council during the short Public pay for the current service while we seek a Participation item on our agenda - or talk to more sustainable and long-term plan for rural one of the councillors directly. Contact details transport in the area. are on the Parish Council website.
Parking is becoming an issue again in the [email protected] village with congestion around the school and Tel: 01869 345830
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SOULDERN NEWS VEGETABLE MATTERS
Members of the Souldern Horticultural So- ciety thronged the village hall for the ever ime to talk popular annual cheese & wine party, which was staged on Friday 25 January. Souldern Village Hall The Society’s main purpose is to encour- 11:00—12:30 age and support residents of Souldern to grow and enjoy their own produce. Mem- 1st Wednesday of each month bership is also open to all residents of Frit- A time to meet up for a chat over a cup well and Ardley w Fewcott. of coffee/tea and a piece of home-made You don’t have to be a horticultural spe- cake cialist to join, but just be interested in grow- Raffle and Book Exchange ing your own vegetables, fruit or flowers.
All ages welcome PIC BELOW: Diana Stephens, Secretary (from tiny tots to silver citizens) of the Souldern Horticultural Society, dis- cusses the benefits of membership with Next get-together Paul Rasteiro, culinary wizard of the Fox Wednesday 6th March Inn. Wednesday 3rd April
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SOULDERN NEWS Wesleyan Reform Chapel
The Chapel is not closing but we have decided to temporarily sus- pend our weekly Sunday Services while we work on a new plan for a monthly event which we hope will be of interest to many more peo- ple. Further details soon.
Meanwhile, the Sunday School will continue at Chapel on the first Sunday of each month.
For any enquiries or further infor- mation please call:
Rev John Goulder on 01280 841469 Jon How on 07966 325846 Joanna Carlisle on 07768 584102
Souldern Horticultural Society Village Hall) August 1st: Pre Show Meeting (7:30 pm in Souldern Horticultural Society is an important Village Hall) organisation within Souldern village, whose August 17th: Flower and Produce Show (All main purpose is to encourage and support day in Village Hall) residents of Souldern to grow and enjoy their October 3rd: Post Show Meeting (7:30 pm in own produce. The Society and its members Village Hall) also contribute to the social life of the village. Allotments It is open to all residents of Souldern, Fritwell Souldern is fortunate to have allotments for and Ardley with Fewcott. rent from Souldern United Charity. There are You do not have to be a horticultural specialist different sized plots available and running to join, but just be interested in growing your water is provided. own vegetables, fruit or flowers; in fact most The current annual rent for each plot is £10. members are DIY gardeners. Contact Sue Medhurst for further information.
Membership is currently £3 a year. Visit our website for lots of photos, information and help on gardening. 2019 Calendar of events http://souldernhorticulturalsociety.btck.co.uk/ April 4th: Annual General Meeting (7:30 pm in
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NEIGHBOURHOOD
REFERENDUM ANNOUNCED Madeleine’s Countryfile
The Mid-Cherwell Neighbourhood Plan Well of course it was inevitable that we should (MCNP) referendum has now been confirmed not get away without the portion of snow for Thursday March 21st 2019 in YOUR which we get each year and of course 1st village Hall February saw a covering of about one inch.
A majority vote in favour of adopting the Thank goodness the days are drawing out and plan is legally binding, and will mean that all the sun is getting warmer so it did not last planning applications in our eleven parishes long. I know the young folk love to play in it until 2031 will have to be weighed against the but for us older folk it is a nightmare to get to sixteen policies that have been approved by work and get around. Thank you to all those the independent examiner. who so kindly kept an eye on older residents to make sure they were warm and had enough The plan policies ensure, for example, that: food.
● Fritwell, Kirtlington, Steeple Aston, Middle Our birdlife also thank all who are regularly Aston and Lower Heyford will be better pro- thinking of their feathered friends and continu- tected from unwanted development, with in- ing to put out peanuts, niger and bird seed, dicative limits on numbers of new dwellings sunflower hearts, scraps of food such as permitted. cheese, mealy worms especially for the black- birds and robins apples and sultanas not for- ● All eleven parishes will benefit from protec- getting to replenish the water dish each day tion of valued rural views and from light pollu- for drinking and bathing. This is vitally im- tion from new development. portant, especially when everywhere else is frozen over. ● 24 ‘green spaces’ across the neighbour- hood will become protected. How lovely it was to hear the wild birds begin- ning their mating calls. Of course the great tit ● Settlements around Heyford Park will be has an easily remembered call (teacher teach- protected from new housing joining up with er) and the tuneful robin (there seem to be an their villages. awful lot of them just now) cheers the heart even if at times its tune is somewhat melan- ● A new health facility at Heyford Park, serv- choly, but the other day I was delighted to hear ing the wider area, will be supported. the chaffinch singing (a somewhat monoto- nous song it is true but….) Leaflets will be coming through your door soon with more information. You can also find Already there are crocuses, pansies, wallflow- more here: https://www.cherwell.gov.uk/ ers, winter aconite, hellebores and even daffo- info/221/neighbourhood-plans/400/mid- dils out in flower and all joining the early snow- cherwell-neighbourhood-plan/7 drops and catkins. The celandines will not be long now as the Churchyard at Ardley is covered with their green leaves. How excit- ing it is to know that with the long- er days we are heading in the right direction and 25
OPINION From the other side of the hedgerow… Funeral insurance, are you more secure or simply poorer?
A very old friend of mine died recently at the age value of monthly payments she had paid - of 94. With some sadness we attended her funer- £3,500. Now I’m no whizzy entrepreneur, but al, where her grandchildren did a great job in even I can see that such a plan is rubbish busi- helping us celebrate her life. ness for the customer.
Then came the resolution of her affairs. One set Once you have reached the age of fifty you really of numbers that interested me was the proceeds should have the financial discipline to do this a of a life insurance policy. It was one of those different way. The cheapest cremation now costs products that insurance companies advertise about £2,000. I understand from the British Sen- frequently during daytime TV. A ‘national treas- iors Insurance Agency that the minimum you can ure’ says “When you die, you don’t want to leave pay for a £2,000 payout is £7.44 a month, and your family with a financial problem, do you? So, that’s for a fifty-year-old. In round figures that’s pay for your own funeral in advance and think of £90 a year. Suppose that instead of giving this to them dancing with joy at your wake, praising you the insurance sharks company you save it month- for your foresight and for not having to fork out a ly. At even 1% interest you will save the £2,000 in brass farthing to get rid of your corpse.” I para- 21 years. If you live to average life expectancy of phrase, but it’s something like that. 80 years, your savings pot will be about £4,000. As well as only offering a fixed payout, the Life As Money Supermarket says, “Over-50s life in- Insurance Company puts your money to work on surance plans will pay a lump sum when you die, behalf of their shareholders. If you save it your- which can then be used by your family to cover self, you can make it work for you. funeral costs. However, it is worth knowing that Insurances, with the exception of buildings and you often have to agree to make monthly pay- cars, are rarely a good deal. Before you buy into ments for the rest of your life. Meaning that if you a scheme, check it, talk to someone about it and live for a long time, you will pay much more into read the small print - twice. the plan than you will receive out of it – as the Headbumper payout will be fixed.” Here are the numbers for my old friend. The val- ue of the payout on death - £1,390, and the total
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WALKIES! NANCY BOWLES WOOD STOKE WOOD
Thanks to the generosity of one individual and Stoke Wood is an ancient woodland site made the enthusiasm of the Parish Council, the up of both mixed broadleaf and exotic conifer village of Souldern was able to respond to the trees which makes for interesting tree colours Tree Council’s national appeal in 1985 to and shapes, especially in the autumn. An or- establish Harmony woods throughout the namental avenue of Corsican pine runs the full Country. Harmony woods were to be estab- length of the wood, and large examples of lished in order to celebrate 40 years of peace Norway spruce, Corsican pine and Scots pine in Europe following the end of the war in are present along the main rides which were 1945. probably planted sometime in the early 20th century. Nancy Bowles agreed to sell a parcel of land to the village. The Nancy Bowles wood was Under the shelter of the trees, bluebell, prim- formally opened on 7th September 1986, and rose and orchid can be found on the woodland on this day Nancy planted an Oak tree which floor, and adder’s tongue fern is present on remains prominent in the wood. There was a the edge of the central ride. great deal of press coverage for the fledgling plantation as it was one of the first in Oxford- To draw in more wildlife, members of the local shire to be created in this way. community have placed ten tawny owl boxes in the wood, and owls have already started The wood has mainly English native trees and roosting in these as well as in the hollows of English wild flowers, although a few excep- the old trees. A number of uncommon butterfly tions have been planted more recently. species such as white admiral and silver- washed fritillary can also be spotted flitting Occupying an elevated position, visitors expe- through the glades and rides. rience some spectacular views over the gen- tly sloping vale to the west towards Dedding- This is an attractive and interesting wood that ton/Kings Sutton and beyond. There is a map is well used and enjoyed by the local commu- board in the Glade at the bottom of the wood nity and managed by the local Friends of to assist in spotting prominent local land- Stoke Wood group. marks. Stoke wood is extremely well used and en- Nancy Bowles wood was created to provide joyed by local people The site is level with the villagers of Souldern with a peaceful, nat- access via a bridleway gate near to the car ural amenity, and a shelter for wildlife. It has park. Rides run north to south and east to been a very popular asset for our community, west and wood banks show the boundaries of and will continue to be so for many years to the woodland. come. An all abilities entrance and surfaced path The Wood can be accessed by walking to the leads from the car park and is accessible all year round. very end of Foxhill Lane and turning right
along the footpath, or by walking along the Most paths are well maintained and clearly footpath at the junction of the Fritwell to marked though some of the internal paths can Souldern road and the Freeboard road to become muddy in wet weather. Somerton. OS Map reference SP520309
Stoke Wood lies approximately six kilometres Please enjoy the locals woods, including the to the north-west of Bicester. Maps: OS Ex- noticeboards with plant and wildlife infor- plorer 191 and Landranger 164 Grid refer- mation and the picnic spots. As ever, please ence: SP554277 take all your rubbish home including dog waste. 27 [email protected]
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[email protected] THREE PARISHES COMMUNITY INTEREST COMPANY AIM cils, Churches, Youth Organisations, Social To alleviate isolation in the rural communities Enterprises, local businesses, charities, of Fritwell, Ardley with Fewcott and Souldern schools, advocacy services etc. by promoting a sense of inclusion and belong- 3) To promote local events and services by ing so that all residents feel able to take part publishing reviews in order to encourage peo- in, and contribute to, their community. ple to attend and get involved. 4) To act as a platform for debate on topics of OBJECTIVES interest to people in the three villages. 1) To freely disseminate information to the 5) To support local social enterprises and community in the form of a regular magazine charities with donations, grants etc from the and social media presence, and other suitable profits of the CIC. methods. 6) To raise money through selling advertising 2) To be the news media of choice for com- to local businesses to be published in the reg- munity organisations such as: Parish Coun- ular magazine and on social media.
THE SMALLPRINT Contact [email protected] Three Parishes Community Interest Company Tel: 07788 560 174 No 11182467 Business Advertisements (pricing below) Letters, comments, articles, drawings, pictures, NEW Email: [email protected] opinions etc. are very welcome. Whilst the editors Tel: 07833 383 563 do not necessarily agree with the content of contri- The advertising year runs from January. butions and reserve the right to edit for space, all are considered equally. If your item is not time- sensitive, it will not necessarily be included in the Deadlines—3rd Friday of the month (issues are first issue after you submit it. All contributions by delivered on or near 1st of month) email will be acknowledged. Word limit: 400 February 2019 January 18th March 2019 February 15th For contributions and subscriptions, e-mail is the April 2019 March 15th best way to contact us, but you can dictate an arti- May 2019 April 19th cle by phone to the editor if you don’t have a com- June 2019 May 17th puter. July 2019 June 21st Aug/Sept 2019 July 19th Find the PDF version of the magazine here: October 2019 September 20th https://3parishesnews.wordpress.com/ November 2019 October 18th
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Three Parishes Magazine – Your Local Grapevine
Delivered free to every home in Ardley w Fewcott, Fritwell and Souldern, the new-look Three Parishes is your friendly, chatty guide to ❖ NEWS ❖ INFORMATION ❖ HELP ❖ OPINIONS ❖ ENTERTAINMENT
Every edition carries news about people, events and topical issues relating to our villages A ‘go to’ guide to a wide range of expert trades and services covering the area A platform where local people can make their voices heard on subjects of interest / concern to our neighbourhoods Latest church and chapel news, including a calendar of services Fascinating general interest articles A lively social media operation
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