Page 1 B L E T C H I N G T O N

Tel: 01869 350359 Kenwood, Fax/Ansa: 01869 351606 Oxford Road.

From the Editor

As you will see from the cover we are proud to have reached our 200th Issue. The back of the cover shows the cover of the first Village News at the beginning of 1979. It was originally a Church initiative introduced by the Vicar of Bletchington, Rev.Robin Bennet, and the Vicar of Kirtlington and Weston-on-the-Green, Rev. George Bennett. It was produced as a newspaper for everyone in the three villages. The first few issues were printed here, in the Great House, which, at that time was The Centre for English Studies. However, this became a bit too much, therefore each village printed their own, but the three Editors continued to exchange notes for some time. Thank you very much to Tony Saunders for producing the very clever cover design made up of small prints of previous cover pictures – many of them drawn by the late Bob Beck. The Bletchington Silver Band were disappointed at being placed 21st in the National Finals. However, the members should be very proud of the fact that they are the 21st best 4th section Band. A great accolade for a small village! We were sorry to see Jane leave the Black’s Head Inn, which she had restored to its previous standing, and were pleased to receive her letter for this Issue. We wish the new tenants, William and Zayna every success and look forward to their plans coming to fruition. Unfortunately we have no contributions from the schoolchildren in this Issue. However, we do have the 2nd part of Feeding the Birds by Roger Burgman. Thank you for this and for all the other contributions. Articles for inclusion in the December 2012/January 2013 Issue, are welcome at any time but by 25th November 2012 at the latest please. We will have a Christmas Cover Competition again this year – details below. For your convenience it is possible to send your articles, adverts, or cover designs directly by e-mail. The Bletchington Village News e-mail address is [email protected] Greta Bickley, Editor.

CHRISTMAS COVER COMPETITION If you would like to win £5 please have a go at designing a cover for the next Issues, ideally with a Christmas theme. The picture needs to fit in the middle of the page (approximately 17.5 x 14.5 cms) and should be drawn with a dark lead pencil, so that it will scan. The last date for entries will be 25th November. Please give your picture to Greta, or send it by e-mail

The Parish Council now has a computer projector and screen available for use by village organisations. It is not intended for home use but is sufficiently powerful to be used in the village hall to an audience of 50+ people. If you are interested in making use of the projector please contact the Parish Clerk or Duncan Ledger (01869 351542) or [email protected].

ALL SOULS’ SERVICE

OUR ANNUAL SERVICE, AT WHICH WE REMEMBER FAMILY AND FRIENDS WHO HAVE DIED, WILL BE ON SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 4TH AT 11 a.m.

Everyone welcome.

For more details, please see the church news.

Youth Club: At the August meeting of the Parish Council, an officer from the Oxfordshire Association for Young People came to talk to Councillors. They are anxious for us to have our own Youth Club in order to relieve the numbers attending Kirtlington Youth Club. OAYP can help with setting up and management but do not get involved with the leadership of the Club. Therefore, the Parish Council wondered if there is anybody in the village who would be interested in running a Youth Club. For more information please contact the Clerk or one of the Councillors. Page 2 THE AKEMAN BENEFICE (Bletchington, Kirtlington, Weston-on-the-Green, Chesterton, Middleton Stoney, Wendlebury and Hampton Gay)

Rector: Revd. Jane Hemmings, The Rectory, Troy Lane, Kirtlington. Oxon OX5 3HA (01869 350224) email: [email protected] Assistant Rector: Revd. Brian Wood, The Rectory, Alchester Road, Chesterton, Oxon OX 26 1UW (01869 369815) email [email protected]

Please try to contact Jane or Brian by letter or email, if not urgent.

Churchwarden: Elizabeth Kersh Deanery Synod representatives: Tony and Jean Bagnall Smith Members of the PCC: Jean Bennett, Natasha Pitts, Frances Colling, Ian Gedling, Esther Hawkins, Elaine Hurst and David Little.

Services in St. Giles’ Church (unless otherwise stated) for October, November and December

Sunday, Oct 21st 10 a.m. Family Service* Monday, Oct. 22nd 7 p.m. Supper, followed by Compline** Sunday, Oct 28th 10 a.m. United Benefice service at Middleton Stoney 4 p.m. Messy Church at Kirtlington for all children

Sunday, Nov 4th 11 a.m. All Souls Service *** Sunday, Nov.11th 10.45a.m. Remembrance Service Sunday, Nov. 18th 10 a.m. Family Service Sunday, Nov. 25th 10 a.m. United Benefice Service at Kirtlington 4 p.m Messy Church at Kirtlington for all children

Sunday, Dec 2nd 11 a.m. Holy Communion with a guest preacher from Wycliffe Hall Sunday, Dec. 9th 8 a.m. Holy Communion (said service) Sunday, Dec. 16th 6 p.m. Service of Lessons and Carols Sunday Dec. 23rd 10 a.m. United Benefice Service at Middleton Stoney Monday, Dec. 24th 3 p.m. Crib Service 11.30 p.m. Christmas Eve Communion Tuesday, Dec 25th 10 a.m. Christmas Day Holy Communion at Kirtlington 10 a.m. Family Service at Weston-on-the-Green Sunday, Dec. 30th 10 a.m. United Benefice Service at Chesterton

* Please note that from September the Family Service each month will be at 10 a.m., not 11 a.m. Our services are for any age and everyone is welcome, but children may find that the Family (All Age) Service, usually on the third Sunday, is easier to understand.

For details of services in the other parishes in the Benefice please see the notices on the Church and Parish Council notice boards. Times of the services are also on the internet under www.achurchnearyou.com

From the registers:

Baptism: Sunday, September 2nd Emily Mary Georgiou, daughter of Lindsay and Andy

We welcome Emily and her parents into the life of the Church.

Pastoral Care: If you would like to be visited by a member of the Church or a Priest, or if you would like to request a visit on behalf of a friend or neighbour, then please contact Jane or Brian (addresses above).

** Supper and Compline: the next supper and Compline will be on Monday, October 22nd. We have a bring and share supper at 7 p.m. but please don't feel that you have to bring any food, or cook anything exotic - the food is not meant to be the most important thing and there's always plenty for all. All you need to bring is a plate, bowl and cutlery. The supper is followed around 8 p.m. by Compline, which is a very short said service, led by Howard Dellar. Newcomers are always very welcome – please give Kathy (350491) a ring if you would like to have more information, or to have a lift. Page 3 *** Our All Souls Service, when we remember our relatives and friends who have died, will be held on Sunday, November 4th at 11 a.m. Christine Mercer will be providing individual pew-end posies to remember people on our church register who have died in the last year. She will also be arranging some floral displays around the church and if you would like to contribute towards the cost of these in memory of someone (not necessarily in St. Giles’ churchyards), she would be pleased to hear from you. Her address is Oaklands, Islip Road, Bletchington, Oxon OX5 3DP tel 01869 350335 (cheques payable to PCC Bletchington).

Ride and Stride: We are very grateful to everyone who helped on Saturday, September 8th, especially Chris Ralf who organized it all, Charles Jones, the Knight family and Alexander Dellar (with Howard) who rode their cycles to many churches, to all the people who ‘sat’ during the day to welcome riders from other areas, and of course to their very generous sponsors. Half the money raised by sponsorship goes to the Oxfordshire Historic Churches Trust, who give grants to maintain churches and half is returned to St. Giles.

Harvest: Thank you to everyone who brought food to the service for the Bicester Food Bank and Heathfield House. The collection of £107 will be sent to the orphanage in Lithuania again, where the children are thrilled to be given a little money of their own at Christmas to spend on a treat they wouldn’t normally be able to have.

Mission Rescue: (Akeman Benefice Holiday Club) 52 children from all parts of the Benefice attended the club in Kirtlington hall and were entertained by X and Y and were organised by M and Spy Ring Leaders with the vital help of the teen Special Branch (also known as the Spies girls). There was singing, stories from the Bible about Moses and the Great Escape, craft activities and fun and games. It was definitely NOT dull.

When asked what they liked best the only unanimously popular thing was the MEMORY machine- not surprising as it dispensed a treat if you said the memory verse correctly into the speaking tube! Everyone found a craft that they enjoyed (the most popular being the gold wristbands and necklaces) and the older ones liked the code puzzles. I cannot tell if it was the boys who liked the slime because the reviews were anonymous! Pretty much everyone said they learned about what Moses did. The week ended with a Mission Rescue last instalment service in church followed by bouncy castle and fish and chips on the Sunday morning. Well done to everyone involved and special thanks to Paul and Joanna Clifford - the children are planning to come again next year! Hilary Walbank (clay, cardboard and paint)

Jubilate choir: We had a wonderful Evensong service on Sunday, 30th September, lead by Revd Paul Clifford and 24 members of Jubilate choir from Oxford, with a Keble College organist. Thank you to them all for giving up their time, also to everyone who helped on the night.

…is back ! On Sundays 28th October and 25th November at 4-5.30 pm in Kirtlington Church. Where can you find people of all ages happily working together on creative activities, heads bent over a tricky bit of food decoration or laughing at extraordinary creatures developing in clay, while the menfolk construct an enormous ark out of vast pieces of cardboard, complete with toilet? Where cooking is unnecessary because Sunday’s evening meal has been already done for you, and so you can sit down as a family with friends, to be waited on? Where adults accept the space hopper challenge to the delight of the children? Where a time of reflection engages the attention of young and old alike and involves laughter, shouting, quiet, and music in turn? It has to be Messy Church!

After a summer break, Messy Church is back. If you haven’t been before you will be very welcome to come and join in and try it out – you will find lots of people there that you know. Children need to come with adults – this is a lovely afternoon for all ages together. Look forward to seeing you there! Page 4 From the Rector

Time for Change As I write, this holiday time is in full swing and it is hard to believe everything will be beginning again in September. The beginning of the new term often heralds times of change and transition for our children and young people. Many will be making the transition to new schools or colleges or starting work. Change can be both an exciting and daunting prospect. When faced with new things, we use different parts of our brain and we even build new pathways within the brain so that we can cope with all the unexpected demands that new situations bring. Change comes in many guises sometimes through events that are much anticipated and looked forward to. At other times difficulties and tragedy force us into times of transition and change which we would not have chosen. The church, it is true, is not known to be very good at change. We still occasionally use the much loved liturgy, written over 400 years ago, although we also have modern and new types of worship as well. We often sing hymns that were written before our grandparents were born. We agonise for years over whether we should have women Bishops whilst the world wonders what the problem is. Yet even in the church nothing stays the same, despite outward appearances. The church is changed by every new member who brings something new, both their gifts and ideas. Sometimes the changes are more contemplated as the church muses on its mandate to be Christ in the world. The Akeman benefice, of which I am Rector, is also in the process of change. We are trying to think about how we offer things to different members of our community. We have started Messy Church on the 4th Sunday at 4pm for families to have fun with God and fellowship with each other and we are just about to have our third children’s holiday club. We are contemplating starting a Fresh Expressions service in Weston on the Green, which is a radical approach to worship using multimedia and modern music to connect with younger members of our benefice. But if that’s not your thing - don’t worry - we’re keeping all the traditional services as well. Another new thing on the horizon is to set up a pastoral care system in every village so that if you want prayer or a visit (whether you go to church or not) for either yourself or another there will be someone to contact and our team of lay people and clergy will be there to respond. Now this is going to take a little while to set up but I hope that we will be up and running in the new year and I will be keeping you informed about our progress. In the meantime do contact Revd Brian Wood 01869 369815 or myself Revd. Jane Hemmings 01869 350224 if we can help with any pastoral matter. We are not just here for weddings, baptisms and funerals.

Best wishes, Jane (Rector)

Saturday 1st December, 2012 from 10.30 – 12.30 at Bletchingdon Village Hall Raffle, Tombola, Hoopla, Fun and Games! Food Stall & Bacon Rolls available! Meet Father Christmas Come along for a great time. All proceeds go to St. Giles Church

Page 5 GIRLGUIDING 1ST BLETCHINGTON BROWNIES

The Brownies had a fantastic holiday to Foxlease in the New Forest with girls from 1st Woodstock and 1st Stonesfield Brownies. We had a medieval theme and made castles, beads, hobby horses and diaries. We also did archery and swimming. While there, the Brownies completed their Brownie holiday, cooks and agility badges. The term started back in September with our new equipment from the Sainsburys vouchers scheme; we received floor lacrosse, a bug hunting kit and a jump mat. We used our bug kit straight away and discovered spiders, a snail and a caterpillar. Thank you to everyone who collected vouchers for us. We made bird pudding for our Anglia challenge badge and are working towards the Out and About badge with a walk through Woodstock planned. Daniel came and shared his experience as an Olympic Gamesmaker. He bought his kit including a shiny baton. This completed our On Your Marks badge. We have three new Brownies - welcome to Coralie, Heather and Esme - there are spaces for girls aged 7-10 to come and join us. 2nd Woodstock Guides are holding a jumble sale on Nov 24th and a Christmas bingo on Dec 8th If you have any jumble to donate or would like to join either Rainbows, Brownies or Guides then contact Lorraine 01869 350760 [email protected]

Brownie pack holiday I really enjoyed Foxlease because it was really fun and I liked being away for 5 days and 4 nights. We went with Woodstock and Stonesfield Brownies. We were put into 4 different dorms. My favourite activities were archery and swimming. We went on Monday 6th August and left on Friday 10th August by Sophie

BLETCHINGTON SILVER BAND

22nd September 2012 was a very long day. We left the village at 9.00, band and supporters, headed for Evesham where we planned a final rehearsal. The Avonbank bandroom is, as they say, “compact and bijou”, but it was good to all be in the same place at the same time. We arrived at Cheltenham Racecourse at around 1.00 which was when the draw for playing order would take place. We drew 19 from 23 bands contesting so we knew we had a lot of time to kill. Our section began at around 2.50 so, we took the opportunity to listen to the competition, and were surprised to find wide and varied interpretations of the piece. Some very slow, some very fast, some very loud and some very quiet, and of course all points in between. With a performance rate of about 3 bands per hour, the maths was straightforward and we finally took the stage at around 8.40 in the evening. It was difficult during our performance to assess exactly how it went as the sound dissipated almost immediately from the stage, and we await the arrival of the CD’s to check exactly for ourselves. That said, the feeling was that we had played as we had been rehearsed and not that badly. They say “you can’t please all of the people all of the time…..” and that was certainly true of our adjudicators for the day. We were not announced in the top six bands, which didn’t really surprise us as there were some very good bands there. It was of course the National Finals. We were very disappointed to find out later that we had been placed 21 out of 23 bands. The adjudicators just didn’t like the interpretation we had given to the piece and said so in as many words. The long day finished when we arrived home at midnight. Taking the positives from the situation, there were initially around 200 bands in this contest back in March, and we finished in 21st place. There is always next year.

More importantly we have some Christmas dates for your diary :- Friday 7th December – Concert in Bletchington Village Hall Sunday 16th December – Concert in Bicester Methodist Church

On a completely different and more sombre note, we were all shocked to learn that our MD Nigel Hall had suffered a cardiac arrest on Monday 1st October and at the time of going to print is currently critically ill in the John Radcliffe hospital. We wish him a full and speedy recovery and hope to have some better news to report in the next issue. Page 6 BLETCHINGDON PAROCHIAL (C) PRIMARY SCHOOL

I would like to begin with saying a big ‘thank you’ to so many of you for welcoming me into the school, as well as wider community. As a school we also welcomed Jennifer Baker, Jayden Buckingham, James Cherry, Lily Cormack, Lincoln Day, Madalyn Denton, Kian Horwood, Luca Jordan, Toby Williams, Iris Nicholson, Freyja Phipps into our foundation stage class as well as Hannah Ransome into Year 1 and Lucy Goodwin into Year 4.

This year has got off with a flying start with members of the church leading assemblies every Monday morning, even though they begin at 8.50am! Those of you who came to the Harvest Festival service I think will agree that the children raised the roof with their splendid singing. I hope members of the congregation picked up the many CORNy references to harvest produce! For me in particular, as a newcomer, it was terrific to also share the service with the Bletchington Silver Band.

The school also held a successful coffee morning at the village hall on the 21st September, with the aim of updating members of the school community about the plans for the new build project.

Pupils in the foundation stage class have been busy planting pansies, spring onions, sweet corn, cabbage and celery as well as looking at stories such as ‘Oliver’s Vegetables’ , Oliver’s fruit salad and The Enormous Turnip. The Infants have (according to them) learnt how to measure and know how long a metre is. Our topic work has focussed on harvest through the stories of the Little Red Hen and the Enormous Turnip. We particularly enjoyed making pictures and models from seeds and vegetables, some children made guinea pigs from sweet potatoes by using macaroni legs and stick on “wiggle eyes”. Children in the lower juniors have been busy learning about early invaders and settlers, making celtic pots and cooking oat cakes. In the upper juniors we have been busy writing biographies about family members as well as researching information about different mountains around the world. The upper juniors have also been busy taking on the role as ambassadors for the school community with the Year 6s recently forming as our new school council and the Year 5s taking on the role as ECO warriors. Both groups will be working with TC (Mrs Walker) and will be starting off by looking at ways to encourage people to slow down along ‘Weston Road’.

Forthcoming events: 11th October Phonics Evening for parents 18th October Open Day for prospective parents 22nd – 26th October Upper Juniors residential to Glasbury-on-Wye 26th October Term ends 5th November Term starts 8th November PTA ‘Winter Disco’ OPEN to all children up to the age of 12 yrs 30th November PTA ‘Quiz Night’ for adults OPEN to anyone over the age of 18 yrs More details will be advertised around the Village for future events

Louise Hatton, Headteacher

Page 7 From the Islip Rural Deanery Magazine of October 1925

Opening of New Village Hall BLETCHINGTON The great event to record has been the opening on September 12th, of the new Village Hall, which the Honourable Hilda Annesley has built. Miss Annesley opened the proceedings and expressed the hope that the Hall would be a centre of happiness for the Village. Lady Payton then addressed the crowded gathering and declared the Hall open. A brilliant and highly amusing concert was then given by Captain Vernon Lee, during an interval of which the Rector expressed the thanks of the Village to Miss Annesley for so generously providing the Hall.

BLETCHINGTON SPORTS AND SOCIAL CLUB

Club Membership should be renewed now, if you have not had your renewal form or you would like to join the Club the please contact the Membership Secretary: Roger Hayward on 01869 350209.

We are still awaiting the membership cards from our supplier and apologise for the delay in getting cards to you.

New members are always welcome. We are a family orientated Club that offers a friendly atmosphere and a chance to meet new friends. We have Sky Sports, darts, Bar Billiards, football and cricket teams (youth and adult). Drinks are cheap. Membership is also cheap, £6 for an individual annual social membership or £10 for an annual family membership. Come and have a look for yourselves.

Kevin Willoughby The Sports Club regrets to report the sudden passing of Kevin Willoughby. Kevin was Sports Club through and through. He played football for the boys and men’s teams and was also the first team manager for a period of time. Kevin also played cricket for a while. Kevin was also a key player in the Bar Billiards team. He was a life vice president, committee member and had served behind the bar for most of the time that the Club had had a bar. All in all Kevin was a great servant to the Club and all he did was greatly appreciated. All those connected with the Club mourn his passing and our thoughts are with Alison, her family and Kevin’s family.

Cricket: The first team finished bottom of section 1 of the Oxford Cherwell league and will be relegated, the 2nd team and 3rd teams finished in a mid table position in section 6 and section 8 and the fourths finished second from bottom in section 10. Further details can be seen on their web site www.obncc.uk

Football: The first team has started poorly, winning just one of their first four games in the premier section of the Oxford Senior League. The reserves have won their opening two games. Training is on a Wednesday evening at the Sports Ground. New players welcome.

Bar billiards : Nothing much to report from the Bar Billiards teams. The summer leagues have finished and the winter leagues are due to start soon.

Darts: The Wednesday team won section 3 of the Bicester darts league whilst the ladies on a Tuesday won the pairs league.

BEER FESTIVAL The 2nd Beer Festival was a great success with excellent entertainment as well. The Club would like to thank all those who supported this event and hope to see you using the facilities more often.

BINGO SATURDAY OCTOBER 20TH EYES DOWN 7.30PM. ALL WELCOME

Bar Opening Hours Friday 7.45pm to 11.00pm Saturday After football matches and 8.00pm to 11.00pm Sunday 7.45pm to 10.30pm Wednesday 8.00pm to 11.00pm Tuesday and Thursday 8.00pm to 11.00pm depending on home fixtures of bar billiards and darts (see behind bar for weekly details) Page 8 WESTON-ON-THE-GREEN WOMEN’S INSTITUTE

As is usual, we did not have a scheduled meeting in August but our members had several enjoyable occasions during the month. Peter Hicks and Axicon invited us to a wine and cheese party. This was in continuation of the generosity Peter and Jenny have shown the WI for many years in hosting our annual barbecue. The evening was much appreciated. Our annual outing was to Milestones Museum of Living History, where members enjoyed wandering round shops, factories and houses showing life as it was in Victorian times and in the early twentieth century. The sweet shop accepted old pennies (provided by the museum) and the air was filled with “I remember my Nan had one of those….” In the words of Wallace and Gromit, “A good day out”.

September started with a coffee morning organised by the WI, with the inevitable and always popular cake stall. This raised £251 for our funds and we would like to thank all those who came and supported us. Then, back in routine, at our September 19th meeting we welcomed Malcolm Nelson who told us about Forty Years Catching Smugglers. We were taken through the trail of training, profiling and information that produces Her Majesty’s Customs Officers who, with the help of MI5, MI6 and dogs trained to sniff out drugs of various kinds, money and other dodgy items, are able to detect a large number of smugglers, despite the extraordinary variety of hiding places used, including under wigs! If you ask yourself whether you are being watched at airports, the answer is yes, as experienced eyes look for certain types of body language and any other unusual activity. One wonders whether HM Customs officers spend their days off eyeing up people in the supermarket.!

On October 17th we look forward to An Evening of Autumn Russian Fairy Tales with Carole Richardson. In November we move further into winter with Moira Byast due to tell us about the Ghost of Christmas Past.

As ever I would like to remind you that our meetings are held at the Village Hall, usually on the third Wednesday of the month at 7.30. New and prospective members are very welcome. Don’t forget to look at our website: Westononthegreenwi.org. GL

A Message from Cherwell District Council - Tackling dog fouling

Dog owners in Bletchington are being warned they could face a fine of up to £2,500 if they fail to clean up after their pets. Cherwell District Council receives a large number of complaints each year about dog fouling which is not only unsightly, it is also dangerous. Dog faeces often carries the larvae of toxocara canis, or dog roundworm, which can cause severe eye infections in humans, sometimes ending in blindness. Parvovirus can also be passed between dogs through contact with infected faeces and is potentially fatal. Cherwell’s lead member for clean and green, Councillor Nigel Morris, said: “People who fail to clean up after their dogs are putting others in danger. “Leaving dog mess lying around is disgusting, something we need the residents of Bletchington to help us tackle. “If you are angry about people not cleaning up after their dogs, next time you see it happen, why not report them.” Offenders can be given a £50 Fixed Penalty Notice on the spot or can receive a fine of up to £2,500 if convicted in court. Cherwell’s enforcement officers patrol regularly but they cannot be everywhere at all times which often makes catching offenders tricky. Dog owners often clear up if they know they are being watched but fail to do so if they believe they have not been seen. Those who do clean up after their dogs can put it in one of the bins in the village. These can be found at:  Oxford Road,  Village Green,  Church Walk,  Station Road. Residents should not tackle dog walkers directly. Instead, if they are aware of a repeat offender, they should provide the council with time and place. To report someone for failing to clear up after their dog call the council’s Environmental Services team on 01295 227007. Page 9 THURSDAY CLUB

We had a very interesting display of old photos of Bletchington village and the Church fetes from the 1960s. Lots of the club members recognised people and Ian Gedling who bought the photos in was able to add more names to the books. Thank you to Ian for this session. The trip to Bournemouth was well supported. The weather was lovely and everyone enjoyed their day out. Our August meeting should have been a darts competition but we joined the enthusiasm of the rest of the UK and held an Olympics session. We borrowed equipment from Woodstock Guides, which they got, through collecting Tesco and Sainsburys vouchers. It was really good fun trying to throw the discus and hula hoop. More members are welcome to join us - anyone over 50 can come, it's not just for old people!

50 YEARS AGO

Extracts from the Minutes of a Parish Council meeting, chaired by Mr A Eeley, held on 10th October, 1962:- “Bletchingdon – Kirtlington Link Water Main Mr Wigney (from Ploughley R.D.C) gave a brief talk on the history of the Bletchingdon and Kirtlington water supplies. He said it was possible that bore holes would eventually be abandoned in favour of the comprehensive scheme for the supply of water to the whole area, of which the link main was a part, and gave figures to support the Ploughley R.D.C. view that the Bletchingdon supply would be adequate to meet the needs of both parishes during the interim period. After answering questions which were causing the Parish Council some concern, the Ploughley R.D.C. representatives retired from the meeting. Mr Gillians proposed that the Minister of Housing and Local Government be asked to hold an enquiry on two grounds, first, that the Bletchingdon supply is adequate for the parishes needs, and secondly, that Kirtlington could be supplied from other sources. This was seconded by Mr Haynes. Mr Jones proposed and Mr Tomlins seconded an alternative motion, that in view of the assurances given by Mr Wigney and Mr Martin that the Bletchingdon supply would not be jeopardised, we withdraw our objection to the scheme. The voting was equal and the Chairman gave a casting vote in favour of Mr Jones proposal.”

THE BLETCHINGDON COMMUNITY PROJECT

NEXT PUBLIC MEETING: Tuesday October 16th 6pm for viewing of plans and refreshments 7.30 for meeting

Since our last meeting, we’ve made a great deal of progress.

We are now nearly ready to submit outline plans to the Council for outline planning approval. We would like to consult all members of our community before we send these plans in. There is time to take all comments and thoughts into account. Your views matter. Please come along.

Programme for the Evening

6.30 Plans will be on display for everyone who wants to look at them properly before the meeting starts. 7.30 Start of meeting chaired by Tony Saunders. Frank Roberts, The Duchy of Cornwall’s architect, will make a presentation of his thoughts to date. Discussion in small groups Forum: What everyone thinks – we want to take as much comment and contribution as everyone can make. Description of the process that will be followed from here with a rough idea of dates. Description of how we will continue to work abreast of the community and engage as many people who want to contribute and be involved. Requests for help. At last we have reached the stage where we will need help from members of the community who feel they can give a bit of time to getting it right. We will describe what’s needed and ask for volunteers. If you have got skills and/or experience that you can contribute please come ready to do so.

NOTE: This is still not the final meeting! We anticipate at least one and maybe more meetings as the project develops to make sure that we keep everyone in touch. Page 10

A BIG HELLO from the new - BLACKS HEAD

Zayna Phipps and her family have lived in Bletchington for generations and now she and her partner William Ratty, are the new tenants of the Blacks Head. Zayna’s Great Grandparents once ran the pub and her grandmother Evelyn spent time growing up at the pub. William Ratty has recently been a teacher at the Cherwell School in Summertown. Before that he was a Mechanical Engineer, working in Paper mills, Steel mills and for 17 years, at Siemens in Eynsham where he helped to design MRI body scanner magnets. We apologise that as soon as we take possession on the 1st of October the doors will be closing for refurbishment for approximately two weeks. We want to continue to supply newspapers, but there will be a break in service until we reopen. As new brooms we want a fresh start and we will try to be ready for the 17th Oct. but please watch the boards outside to confirm this. Up to date news can also be found on the website www.blackshead.com. We hope the pub will be a centre for the community, family friendly and a meeting place for local events and organisations. Our aim is to encourage and continue with traditional pub games and activities. We are currently looking to organise a darts team, something that all Zayna’s family have taken part in during their lives. The long term aim is to hold special events and weekend festivals to celebrate local produce and Ales. We are aiming to provide good value wholesome food and will be starting with a seasonal menu supplied as far as possible from local suppliers. We are passionate about well brewed Ales and will be having guest ales on a regular basis. Most importantly we want this to be ‘your pub’ so if you have ideas about what could be done to help the community please tell us. Looking forward to meeting everyone and keeping up the tradition of a charismatic village pub. Yours sincerely, Will Ratty and Zayna Phipps

ENCOUNTERS WITH NATURE by Roger Burgman

Feeding the Birds – Part 2

Most garden birds are omnivores, enjoying both animal and plant food, depending on the availability, season, and of course taste. Mealworms and waxworms are the standard ‘wrigglies’ and are not as expensive, as difficult, or as messy as you might imagine. For around ten pounds you can dispense about six thousand mealworms to smiling Robins, Dunnocks, Wrens and just about all the usual birds that frequent your bird table and feeders. You can also buy them dried out so, if you don’t fancy handling live mealworms, use the dried ones – they are just as nutritious. If you feed ‘wrigglies’ you will need a smooth-sided bowl to prevent escapees. To be honest, the birds are attracted more to the live food. If you shop for your bird food, to combine value for money with ease of collection, use mail order. I find this the best option because you can arrange for deliveries of specific foods at competitive prices. This will allow you to keep a stock of food which is fresh, and ready for use when needed – this is very important. I once ran out of food and it took me a week to organize new stock and refill my feeders and nearly two months for the number of birds to recover. I lost my nuthatches until the next winter. No doubt they had found a more reliable feeder elsewhere. Water is often in shorter supply than food, so both drinking and bathing water are essential and should be regularly replenished all year round. Let’s consider the benefits to the birds. Because they are small and have high metabolic rates most garden birds need to consume between twenty-five to fifty per cent of their body weight every day. In winter, when foraging time is restricted by shorter day lengths, Bluetits will need to find food every twenty seconds! Things are tough out there in the garden, so it’s important that the right choices of food are made and they need it fast. ‘Burgers and chips’ are not enough for our birds. They, like us, need a balanced diet every day of the year. For a small outlay we can provide them will all their needs and save many lives. Cleanliness is critical. If any food remains uneaten, or goes mouldy, remove it carefully and quickly from the table or feeder and wash down with disinfectant. Keep it clean at all times. If you feed bread to the birds, please let it go stale, but not mouldy, and crumble it up. Fresh bread is harder for birds to digest and can have an adverse effect on them, by clogging up the system. Toasted bread is fine, but don’t forget the butter, they would love that! Finally, remember I said put out your kitchen scraps for the birds. One day, I put out a big plate full of goodies and was rewarded by a visit from four Red Kites. They swooped in and grabbed food from the platform in flight thus giving me a really spectacular ariel display of precision flying. Well worth the effort! They were followed by the cleaning gang of magpies, jackdaws, rooks and crows – nothing was left uneaten. What a result!! Memo to me – with food like that on offer you must keep taking the cans of Red Bull and hope it gives you wings! I look forward to sharing another encounter with you in the next Issue. Page 11

Page 12 PARISH COUNCIL Councillors:- Mr A K Saunders (Chairman) 14, Coghill Tel: 350705 Mr C E Lane (Vice-Chairman) Village Farm Tel: 350257 Mr B C Wing 32, St Giles Tel: 350760 Mrs M M Knight 18, Valentia Close Tel: 350162 Mr M E Taylor Stoneacre, Oxford Road Tel: 350609 Mr D M Ledger 3, Islip Road Tel: 351542 Mr W Taylor 6, Lenthal Tel: 351866

Clerk: Mrs G Bickley Kenwood, Oxford Road. Tel: 350359 Fax/Ansa 351606 e-mail: [email protected]

Meetings: Normally held on the last Thursday of each month, excluding December, unless otherwise advertised. Notice of meetings are always displayed in the Village Hall and on the Parish Council Notice Board on the finger piece. Members of the public are welcome at meetings but must seek prior permission (by contacting the Clerk or the Chairman) if they wish to join in the discussion of any matter. District Councillor: Simon Holland 01869 351636 County Councillor: Timothy Hallchurch MBE 01865 358813 Furniture: Items of furniture in reasonable condition may be collected by the Furniture Recycling Scheme run by Banbury & District Council for Voluntary Service. The recycle store has moved to a new location at Unit 14, Lower collection will be arranged. The items are then made available to people on benefits to help improve their quality of life. A nominal charge is made for the pick-ups and to the recipients to cover some of the overhead costs.

Parish Conservation Plan: The Councillors wish to congratulate Julie Benton on the production of the Conservation Plan Booklet. She has worked hard for many hours on obtaining and recording information and the result is excellent. Copies of the booklet should be available by November. Julie will be doing an official presentation in the Village Hall. The date is yet to be arranged but will, hopefully, be in November. A copy of the booklet cover – and further information can be seen in the Conservation Plan notice board in Islip Road.

Planning Matters: The following matters were put before the Parish Council at the meeting on 30th August, 2012:- Applications: No objections were raised to any of the following:- 1. Huckleberry Farm, Heathfield – Erection of single storey open sided hay store with field shelter and enclosed feed store. 2. 4, Church End – Create new door openings at first and second floors between nos 4 & 5. Demolish modern sw stud partitions and erect new sw stud partitions at first floor. New floor in bedroom 1 (over stairs) and create a window seat in bedroom 2 3. Minns Estates , B Line Business Centre – extension of time limit of 09/00647/OUT Demolish existing buildings; erect replacement office/industrial buildings 4. TCA – Bletchingdon Park – Horse Chestnut – Remove one limb and reduce in length encroaching branches by 3m, back to suitable growth points 5. TCA 5-6 Church End – Fell Acer Consents: Cherwell District Council had approved the following:- 1. Old Blacksmith’s Shop, The Green – 3 applications (see Issue 198 app no. 2) a. 1 non-illuminated fascia sign b. Build internal wall with door to create two work spaces and erection of sign to side of building. c. Change of use to D1 2. OS Parcel 0039 S.W. of Heathfield Village, Islip Road –(see Issue 198 app no. 6) Proposed driving range, pro-shop refreshment area and ancillary environmental works. 3. Park Gate House (see Issue 199 app no. 2) – LB application for Internal and external alterations including re-roofing with raised roof height. Full application for re-roofing with raised roof height. Refusal: Cherwell District Council had refused the following application:- B-Line Business Centre, Enslow (see Issue 198 app no 4) – demolition of existing buildings, erection of 170sqm of class B1 office development and 10 no, dwellings and associated access. The following matters were put before the Parish Council at the meeting on 27th September, 2012:- Application: Little Garth, Islip Road - TCA application for work to 12 trees in gardens (no objections raised) Consents: Cherwell District Council had approved the following:- 1. 2, Heathfield Cotts (see Issue 199 app no.1). Relocation of previously approved 3 bed property on same site with re-design and relocation of Cattery. 2. TCA – Horse Chestnut in Bletchingdon Park (see 4 above) – Remove limb, etc. 3. TCA – 5-6 Church End – Fell Acer (see 5 above).