Your Summer 2014 OxfordBuilding a world-class city for everyone Circulation 62,000 GET READY ...and inside TO PARTY! P3: Spectacular dance Enjoy two amazing days out Summer is coming and we 35,000 people are expected to are preparing to celebrate attend this outdoor event. P4: A brighter with Alice’s Day and Cowley From noon to 6pm, the Road Carnival. Carnival will bring music from These two vibrant events all over the world, an amazing will once again fill the streets procession, exotic food and of Oxford with colourful drink and lots of opportunities to costumes and music from all get into the festival vibe. Artists over the world. will be working with children Join us on Saturday from local schools to provide P6: Get super connected 5 July to celebrate Alice’s colourful artwork and costumes Day and get up close with to make the popular Carnival Alice, the Mad Hatter and Procession more spectacular the White Rabbit. There will and colourful than ever. be something for everyone, Cowley Road Carnival is with lots of fun-filled family the largest community event activities, including arts and in Oxford, and it is funded by crafts, storytelling, dressing partners, including Oxford up as your favourite character, City Council, which provides P9: Electricity for free and even drinking a cup of tea an annual grant of £30,000, at the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party. supporters and donors. On Sunday 6 July, come Be part of this amazing Plus along to East Oxford for the multicultural experience, dance P13: Visit St Clement’s Cowley Road Carnival. Around with neighbours and newcomers and help us celebrate the P19: Your Councillors And there’s even amazing diversity of our city! So why not dress up and Recycle it... more fun to come join in the fun? Come and grab Your Oxford is printed on And if all this has put you a piece of the action at our environmentally friendly paper. amazing summer celebrations. Please recycle Your Oxford in your in the mood for fun, check blue wheelie bin when you have out the newest event coming n Get your programme, covering finished reading it. Call the press to our city! OxfordOxford both Alice’s Day and Cowley Road office on 01865 252096 or email will take place on 26-28 Carnival, for £1 at the events. [email protected] if you September (see page 3). n Read more about these two would like to make any comments or to advertise in Your Oxford. Alice’s Day is always a big attraction in Oxford Photo: Marc West amazing events on pages 10-11. Your Oxford Building a world-class city for everyone www.oxford.gov.uk 2 Summer 2014 A message Your guide to... from the Leader of What’s On your Council Dear Friends and Residents, As we reach the warmer months of the year, it is very easy to forget the rigours of our cold and wet winters. But the Great events at Council estimates that over 7,000 households in Oxford live through those months in fuel poverty. One commonly used definition of fuel poverty is where a household has to spend more than 10% of their net income to adequately heat their home to between 18 and 21 degrees and have access to hot water. The most vulnerable are those who have to spend a long time in their homes – the the Town Hall elderly, small babies, and people with disabilities or a long Oxford Town Hall is the perfect venue for weddings, civil and term illness. The health of all these groups can be severely partnership ceremonies, receptions and social events, meetings and affected by cold homes. A year ago, Oxford City Council conferences, concerts and exhibitions. We have some great events for signed up to the End Fuel Poverty campaign’s commitment you this summer: to tackle this growing problem through a wide range of n Saturday 28 June, 7.30pm - The Oxford Harmonic Society presents measures that the Council can use. In the last year, the cost of energy has gone up even further and has probably Mozart Requiem and Solemn Vespers pushed more households into fuel poverty. n Saturday 5 July - Alice’s Day What has the Council been able to do to start tackling the n Saturday 9 August, 7.30pm - National Youth Wind Orchestra of problem? The Affordable Warmth Network has rolled out its Great Britain winter warmth programme to nearly 200 vulnerable elderly n Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 September - Oxford Open households, helping them to receive guidance and funding to Doors improve the warmth of their homes. Our Affordable Warmth n Sunday 21 September - Oxford Town Hall Wedding Fair grant funding has been used to attract other external funds n Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 October, 10am-5pm - to install external wall insulation and other improvements to Oriental Carpet Sale the generation and retention of warmth in the home. n Saturday 11 October, noon - Vintage Fair Vulnerable Council tenants have been identified for solar n Sunday 12 October, doors open at 7pm - panel installation that will deliver free electricity, and the Seth Lakeman in concert planned refurbishment of the Council’s tower blocks will n Thursday 16 - Saturday 18 October - involve new heating, cladding and insulation that will provide CAMRA Oxford Beer Festival high levels of sustainability and reduce tenants’ energy bills. n Sunday 26 October - FUNomusica Over a quarter of Oxford residents now live in privately rented concert accommodation, and the Council has commissioned the Cards for Good Causes Christmas Building Research Establishment to improve the information card shop willl be open from that we have about the conditions in those homes. Available 23 October to mid-December. evidence indicates that at least 1,500 private homes have l Find out more about our regular the lowest (F and G) fuel efficiency ratings. events and classes on The Council is aiming to get as much information and www.oxfordtownhall.co.uk or phone help as possible to owners and tenants about government 01865 252195. funding schemes and other ways to improve fuel efficiency. We can offer good practical advice on energy efficiency and improved budgeting to households in all tenures. Our LOVE TO PARTY? Housing staff are receiving training on energy policies and Tickets are now on sale for the a full information campaign is planned to take place across Town Hall's annual Christmas the city before next winter. Flexible Home Loans and a parties, 12-20 December. Small Repairs Service are available from the Council’s Home Price includes a fully themed Improvement Agency and means tested grants up to £5,000 Dickensian experience with are also available for houseowners who need essential repairs. complimentary arrival drink, We also provide Disabled Facility Grants for those in need. three course meal, vintage With the predicted future increases in energy costs, an photo booth and DJ and disco ageing population, and the generally poor past record of entertainment. British housebuilders in providing fuel efficient homes, there is a big challenge ahead of us as a city and more generally as a nation. But tackling fuel poverty is a central long term commitment by Oxford City Council and the plan is to extend the schemes and the support for residents as Historical fun at the museum we move forward. Anyone who feels unable to pay to keep their home warm should contact our Affordable Warmth Come along to the Museum detective skills War Oxford Family Day helpline on 0800 107 0044. of Oxford for some summer n Tudor Tunes – Thursday – Thursday 30 October, fun! Enjoy our family events 21 August, 10.30am- 10.30am-3.30pm. Discover Councillor Bob Price and gallery trails: 3.30pm. Find out more more about Oxford in the Leader of Oxford City Council n Amazing Archaeology – about how the Tudors First World War and handle Saturday 26 July, 10.30am- entertained themselves with real wartime objects. Make Translations: ‘Language Line’ – a telephone translation service to help people 3.30pm. Become an this fun family workshop. your own medals and learn with information about Council services – is available at all Council offices. archaeologist for the day! Handle Tudor toys, dress in more about the people of Produced by the Communications Team, Oxford City Council, Town Hall, St Aldate’s, Take part in a mini indoor Elizabethan costume and WW1 and their stories. You Oxford OX1 1BX, email: [email protected] dig, look at objects from take part in a craft activity might even meet a visiting Design by Ruxley Communications (01932 243400, email: [email protected]) the past and use your n Living in First World wartime character! Your Oxford Building a world-class city for everyone www.oxford.gov.uk 3 Summer 2014 Your guide to... Summer of spectacular dance Dancin’ Oxford Win! win! win! 2014 will be offering you the opportunity to experience the very best in dance What’s On Enter our three fantastic with an exciting programme line-up until November. summer competitions Don’t miss our free outdoor performances for Magical entertainment Family Dance Week Great events at Join a journey through the seasons with and more! Visit Charlie and Lola! www.dancinoxford.co.uk What happens when Lola and her best friend Lotta say they will honestly and promisedly look after Sizzles? And follow Charlie and his best friend Marv on a Pirate Squidbones adventure! Just Meshing about! Playful, funny and full of surprises, this play Oxford’s International Youth The festival, produced by Pegasus the Town Hall about friendship and adventures is a treat for Arts Festival is back this Theatre and the North Wall Arts everyone. summer for ten days of inspiring Centre, is supported by Oxford City This magical mix of puppets, live action and performances and workshops. Council, the British Council Youth in music is based on the much-loved books by Mesh 2014 will bring together Action, , Oxford Lauren Child and the ever popular BBC TV young people and artists from Inspires and Oxford International Link. series. Suitable for children aged 3+. around the world in a festival planned For more information and tickets go The fun starts at Oxford Playhouse on Thursday and run with and for young people. to www.pegasustheatre.org.uk/mesh 21 August to Saturday 23 August. Tickets cost £13 for adults or £11 for children, with family tickets priced at £44 (a ticket for four people, Three days packed with activities including up to two adults). A new event is coming to film, Saturday is music and We have a family ticket available on South Park on 26-28 September, Sunday will be centred around Saturday 23 August at 11am. Complete bringing three days of fun for community activities. the coupon below for your chance to win. Oxford residents and visitors. n More information and tickets ‘OxfordOxford’ will feature (ranging from £5 to £30) are a different theme for each of available from United season tickets up or grabs the three days. Friday will be www.oxfordoxford.co.uk Oxford United Football Your seat will be guaranteed for Club is delighted to offer Your the season, with entrance to the Oxford readers the chance supporters bar, access to a first to win two season tickets for team training session, a free the new season, starting on ticket throughout the season to Saturday 9 August. bring a friend, plus much more.

Season tickets give you the To be in with a chance of

opportunity to support your winning, just fill in the entry club throughout the season. coupon below. "

Scoop tickets to Competition entry coupon LOVE TO PARTY? Schubert tribute Name Join us this October for the Address 2014 Oxford Lieder Festival, the first to host Schubert’s complete songs. The festival will feature some of the Phone number world’s finest singers and pianists playing Schubert’s music at Send your form to Press Office, Oxford City Council, settings including the Town Hall, St Aldate’s, Oxford OX1 1BX or hand into beautiful 17th century the Town Hall reception by Thursday 17 July. Sheldonian Theatre and the Holywell Music Room. For Charlie and Lola competition more details, go to www.oxfordlieder.co.uk Oxford United competition Tickets giveaway Oxford Lieder Festival competition We have a pair of tickets to two concerts on the evenings Winners will be notified soon after the closing date. of Tuesday 14 and Tuesday 28 October. Don’t forget to tick which competition(s) you are For your chance to win, send us the entering. Good luck! entry coupon. Your Oxford Building a world-class city for everyone www.oxford.gov.uk 4 Summer 2014 Working to create a brighter Oxford for all Transforming the Westgate Centre We are excited to announce that work to transform and expand the Westgate Centre is expected to begin from January 2015, with the new centre due to open its doors in 2017. In March, plans to transform the Westgate Centre were given the go-ahead, with the approval of the Outline Planning Application for the scheme. The retail-led mixed use development will have a 10,000 square metres John Lewis as its anchor store and will feature around 70 new shops, cafes, restaurants, leisure facilities, new homes, cycle parking, public conveniences and a two-storey basement car park. It will be set in a mix of covered streets, arcades, lanes and squares. The developers have listened to residents’ views and have amended their plans, reducing the heights of one of the blocks and improving the design along street frontages. RIGHT: A The redevelopment will also see vibrant new the creation of two major new public future for squares along with an 18-hour north- the south pedestrian route and two 24- Westgate hour east-west pedestrian routes, Centre linking the Castle Quarter to Turn Estate, to make the Westgate Centre Architects and Panter Hudspith - to Again Lane and Old Greyfriars Street one of the leading shopping and progress the detailed designs. This to City of Oxford College. entertainment destinations in the UK. process is being overseen by the City centre revamp We have been working for over The Westgate Oxford Alliance is masterplanners BDP. Oxford city centre is about to enter a period four years with the Westgate Oxford now working with four architectural A detailed planning application will of major change, as we plan the transformation Alliance, a joint venture between Land practices: Allies & Morrison, Dixon follow later this year. Find out more at of the Westgate Centre, Oxpens, Oxford Station Securities Group PLC and The Crown Jones Architects, Glen Howells www.westgateoxfordconsultation.co.uk and Frideswide Square. We have been working in partnership with County Council and other key stakeholders to make this exciting Rail improvement transformation a reality. Millions of pounds will Central government is set to invest £9 billion be invested, bringing new jobs, building new in rail infrastructure improvements that will homes and improving the living environment for fund electrification works along the Reading to residents, visitors and workers in our city. Oxford corridor as well as Phase 1 of the East-West rail link. We are also working with Oxfordshire County New jobs in store Council and Network Rail to develop a masterplan A new H&M store in the Clarendon Centre for the station area including the station buildings, opened in March, creating 60 jobs. forecourt and Becket Street car park. The store occupies three floors and covers Architectural practice Aedas is working on the 38,018 sq ft. This is the Swedish fashion giant’s masterplan, which would also include a new first premises in Oxford and joins other well- transport interchange. The proposals will include established clothing retailers in the Clarendon provision to widen the Botley Road bridge, which Centre. It marks the completion of Lothbury will greatly improve access on this key route into Investment Management’s £6m extension and the city. refurbishment of the 30-year-old shopping centre. Much needed new homes Ambitious plans for Northern Gateway receive planning go-ahead We are setting out plans for the proposed redevelopment of the we are delivering much including a primary school, Northern Gateway at Peartree. needed homes in Oxford sports facilities and a food The site, of approximately 40 working in partnership store. We held a series of hectares, would provide space for with Grosvenor Britain and public consultation events in employment sites and around 500 Ireland. April to find out what residents new homes, as part of ambitious The new neighbourhood thought about the plans. plans set in the City Deal agreement. of Barton Park, located Barton Oxford Limited Liability Our Area Action Plan will look at the west of Barton, is Oxford’s Partnership is now working on transport improvements needed, what biggest housing project the design element, park and form the employment development for a generation. Planning public open spaces for Barton should take and the mix of flats and permission was granted last Park, taking residents’ views houses and community facilities. year for up to 885 homes, a into consideration. To find out more, visit new park, improved allotments Find out more on www.oxford.gov.uk/northerngateway and a community hub www.bartonoxford.com Your Oxford Building a world-class city for everyone www.oxford.gov.uk 5 Summer 2014 Working to create a brighter Oxford for all

We are investing £17 million to build Two developments are under way, see the dated and poorly designed individual heating systems and excellent 113 new affordable homes for rent at for 48 new homes at Minchery Farm, buildings demolished and replaced communal spaces. five sites across the city, supported Littlemore, and a new sheltered housing with 49 modern sheltered housing flats. The scheme in Minchery Farm will by more than £2.4m funding from the scheme at Bradlands in Marston. They will offer elderly residents modern see 48 affordable family homes built, Homes and Communities Agency. The Bradlands redevelopment will facilities, such as walk in shower rooms, including flats and two, three and four bedroom homes. These homes will benefit from high quality insulation to help keep fuel Making our estates great bills down, gardens and off-street We are spending £450,000 on Mason’s Road, Wood Farm parking. We are also building more improving facilities in the estates where consideration has been homes at three smaller sites: Bury in Oxford, including parking and given to an adjacent great Knowle in Headington, Cardinal communal spaces, as part of the crested newt habitat, Fox Close in Littlemore and Leiden Road Great Estates Programme. Crescent and Chatham Road, in Wood Farm. You told us that parking can Pegasus Road in Blackbird Leys, The six houses at Cardinal Close be an issue in many estates in the Croft Road area of Marston and Leiden Road are also designed the city. We want to help you and on the Barton Estate. with energy efficiency in mind. by creating additional parking As well as car parking The car-free development at Bury spaces, so nobody needs to park schemes, we will be working on Knowle will provide ten carefully on pavements and grass verges. improving communal areas in designed flats that will fit in with the We are working to get planning and around flat blocks later in conservation area. approval for a number of sites the year, including refurbishing New car parking spaces and much more: the They are expected to be ready for across the city. They include communal drying areas. team at work occupation in March 2015. Tower blocks set for new heights We asked tenants and leaseholders at our five tower blocks and local residents for their views on how we can improve the outside of their homes. There was a great response and we have been looking at your answers in detail. These, and the results from the independent design review undertaken by the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE), are being fed into the design process to make sure we deliver best value for money for your homes. The works, which are due to start in 2015, will improve the five tower blocks, including additional insulation, lighting. This will reduce fire risk and replacement of windows and heating, lift improve quality of life for residents. refurbishment, installation of fire sprinkler n You can find out more at systems and improved communal www.oxford.gov.uk/towerblocksrefurb Have your say on services We want to make it easy for home or attending some Tenancy Council tenants to help us shape the Involvement meetings – contact us services we provide for you. for a chat if you think you can help. Tell us your views on what’s We can even support you with free working well and where we need to training, to help you make the most improve services. Together, we can of this opportunity to have your say. make a difference to the lives of our n Want to get involved? Visit tenants and leaseholders. You can www.oxford.gov.uk/getinvolved, email take part through your community [email protected] or group, from the comfort of your phone 01865 249811. Your Oxford Building a world-class city for everyone Your Oxford Building a world-class city for everyone www.oxford.gov.uk 6 www.oxford.gov.uk 7 Summer 2014 Summer 2014 A great deal for our city £55m funding boost for local projects A groundbreaking City Deal see the introduction of smart tickets, agreement was signed in January, similar to London’s Oyster cards. in partnership with the Oxfordshire More than 18,000 long-term jobs will Local Enterprise Partnership, other be created through the deal, plus an local authorities, universities, extra 30,000 jobs in the construction colleges and the local science and industry will support the area’s technology facilities. development. This is great news for the city and It will also help secure Oxfordshire’s county meaning that more than £55 place as a world leader in technology, million of government funding can now knowledge and expertise. be controlled locally to help create jobs, The City Deal is expected to be worth boost innovation and business growth. over £1.2 billion, when private sector The City Deal will see major investment is taken into account. improvements to roads and The private sector investment improvements to public transport, will include £600m funding for site linking the city’s industrial and research development, transport infrastructure centres with the universities. This will improvements, skills schemes, business include the new Science Transit public support services and innovation transport scheme, which will eventually centres and more than £550million of investment from housing providers. Funding will The Broadband Team: Taking broadband to new heights support business measures, including skills training, improving transport Get your business super infrastructure and building 7,000 new houses to back up connected with a grant expansion plans for Oxfordshire. We are helping small and medium- sized businesses (SMEs), charities and sole traders to get affordable superfast broadband connections by offering government grants. Businesses in Oxford can apply for a voucher of between £200 - £3,000 to put towards installation costs of superfast broadband. All you will need to pay is the VAT and monthly fees. Most businesses in Oxford are eligible, use the online postcode checker to ensure your business operates in the catchment area. n Obtain a quote from your chosen There are many benefits from supplier for a qualifying high having faster internet speeds in speed connection the workplace, including increased n Complete your application form work efficiency, saving time and and submit along with your resources and reducing the need to supplier quotation. travel. For more business benefits, We have over 250 suppliers to visit choose from, including many local www.connectionvouchers.co.uk/oxford Oxford suppliers. Applying is very simple and can If you are a supplier and would be completed online: like to sign up to become part of n Visit www.oxford.gov.uk/ this fantastic scheme, please visit connectionvouchers and www.connectionvouchers.co.uk/ complete the eligibility checklist supplier-registration-forms to make sure you can apply Want to find out more? Contact us n Choose a supplier from the list of at [email protected] over 250 registered suppliers or phone 01865 252845. Download our new App to follow the trail of fun around museum You can now download our Museum Trails – Oxfordshire App for iPhone or iPad on your Apple store. Families can use the App to follow a trail full of fun and facts around the . The App is the result of a collaboration with Museum Development South East, , Museum and WildKnowledge. Your Oxford Building a world-class city for everyone Your Oxford Building a world-class city for everyone www.oxford.gov.uk 6 www.oxford.gov.uk 7 Summer 2014 Summer 2014 A helping hand for

Weeducation are running an innovative normal rate (12.5 months in six months). programme to help primary school And the results in maths at St Francis children in Oxford improve their English and Larkrise, the two schools participating and Maths skills. in this subject, were impressive, with Working in partnership with KRM children making accelerated progress. Educational Consultants, we have worked We are also helping develop 37 senior with pupils in 12 primary schools in our leaders at these schools through the most disadvantaged communities, helping Leadership for Learning Programme. them improve their reading, writing and This means senior leaders can access maths. training and development opportunities, in Training for teachers at these schools is partnership with the ’s highly interactive, through a series of after Education Department, Oxford Brookes school workshops and school visits. We University and the Oxfordshire Learning have seen really positive results, as pupils’ Consortium. reading age has increased at twice the The programme has given school leaders more confidence to help teachers develop their skills and improve teaching and learning across our primary schools. Schools taking part are: The KRM Programme: n East Oxford Primary School n n Orchard Meadow Primary School Orchard Meadow Primary School pupils taking it all in n Pegasus School n St Francis C of E Primary School n Windale Primary School. The Leadership for Learning Programme: n Bayards Hill Primary School n Church Cowley St James C of E Primary School n Cuttleslowe Primary School n East Oxford Primary School n Larkrise Primary School n Rose Hill Primary School n St John Fisher Catholic Primary School n The John Henry Newman Reading age up twice the normal rate in Church of England School participating schools n Wood Farm Primary School. Bearing fruit at Orchard Meadow Orchard Meadow Primary at home, and one dad even takes School is one of the eleven photos of our vocabulary display primary schools that took part in every now and then! We are hoping the educational programme. to extend the KRM Programme The school serves 390 pupils to Years 4 and 5 next year, so as and is part of the Blackbird many children as possible benefit Academy in Blackbird Leys. from it. It is fantastic to see Orchard Meadow started the children embracing learning and KRM Educational Programme in making progress.” September 2013. Headteacher Donna Roberts Year 2 comments: n says: “We are very pleased with “The programme is fun and it the progress that our Foundation helps us with our sight words to Year 3 pupils are making with and sounding out.” n the KRM Programme, in particular “The vocabulary helps us with they are using the language they our English.” learn in their writing and are Orchard Meadow is also doing the making great progress in reading. Achievement for All Programme, “We have found that parents supporting parents to help their are keen to work on vocabulary children reach their full potential. Your Oxford Building a world-class city for everyone www.oxford.gov.uk 8 Summer 2014 Voter registration is The biggest change to the voter registration system in 100 years is taking place this summer. Previously, one form was used for registering everyone who lived at an address, but now every individual changing is responsible for their own voter registration. To register, you will need to provide a few more details than before, including your National Insurance number and date of birth. These new identifiers have been introduced to help make the electoral register more secure and to reduce electoral fraud. The new system means that for the first time people are now able to register online. Registering online is quick, simple and cost-effective and we encourage everyone to do it that way if they can. For this year only, the majority at a new property (i.e. they have of people who are already on moved since last year or will go on the electoral roll in Oxford will be the register for the first time) will still registered automatically under the fill in a “household” form but that will new system. not secure registration as it did in the Data-matching past. All councils will carry out a We will send a form to each person data-matching process with the added on a household form. It’s on Department of Work and Pensions Changes are coming to our voting system that form that a person will have to in early summer. Where a person’s give their date of birth and National details (name and address) match, Insurance number. they do not need to do anything to A person will not be registered for remain registered for 2015. We will elections until that individual form has write to those people in the summer been returned, by post or online. confirming that they are registered for There are also people in the area the next year. who are not registered to vote at However, about a third of electors in all and so need to join the register Oxford won’t be matched under this to have their say in elections. If you system and will need to take action to weren’t registered previously, you join the new register. can register under the new system at We are writing to people to tell them www.gov.uk/yourvotematters whether they need to take action. You Being on the electoral roll not only could be one of around 43,000 Oxford protects your right to vote but it is residents who need to re-register, so also an important part of any credit it’s important that you look out for a reference check. letter in July that will tell you what you need to do. n To find out more, visit People who need to re-register www.gov.uk/yourvotematters Say goodbye to paper bills Are you looking for an easier way n Bills are issued directly to the to get your Council Tax bill? recipient and are not delayed by post E-Billing is a convenient alternative n It helps to reduce paper, printing and to the traditional paper bill. Simply postage costs go online and opt to receive an e-Bill, n It saves paper, so it’s better for the rather than a paper bill. environment We will email you a link to your online n It uses a secure email system account, where you can easily view n You can even go online to tell us if your bill at a convenient time for you. you change your email address. Why should you choose e-Billing? l To register to receive e-Bills, simply n It’s faster - you can see your bill as visit www.oxford.gov.uk/ebilling soon as it is available, 24/7 Any questions call 01865 249811. Our n Each person named on the bill can phone lines are open Monday to Friday receive their own copy from 8am to 6pm. Your Oxford Building a world-class city for everyone www.oxford.gov.uk 9 Summer 2014 Free electricity in solar panels pilot Some Blackbird Leys tenants are to get free electricity after solar panels were installed at five council properties. Residents have been given timers and advice on using appliances, such as washing machines and dishwashers, during the daytime where possible. This will help them save money, as they will get free electricity during daylight hours. Mrs Val Parrott, Council tenant, says: “I think it’s a really good idea that the Council is putting solar panels on our home. Getting free electricity will really Mr and Mrs Parrott say getting free electricity will “really make a difference” make a difference for us as we are pensioners. I’m also really happy that Osney Lock Hydro some money will be going back to the Council.” First low carbon week a success We hope to roll out this scheme to a The First ever Low Carbon Oxford The week-long celebration ends larger number of properties in the future. Week takes place this summer as at Tandem Festival, a new not-for- Action on energy we celebrate all things green and profit European music festival at Oxfordshire is fast leading Get digging for victory sustainable. Hill End. the way for community energy There is a variety of inspiring n Visit www.lcoweek.org to find schemes in the UK. It’s not too late to get your garden in events popping up all over our out about the event and make These low carbon initiatives help shape, or revamp your hanging basket city from 14 to 22 June, including a pledge to play your part in produce and distribute renewable and enter Oxford in Bloom! film screenings, food fairs, clothes making Oxford a low carbon energy at a local level. The The competition is free to enter and with swapping and upcycling events. capital. benefits are huge, bringing local prizes up to £100 up for grabs, what is people together to take action stopping you? Oxford in Bloom is open on energy and helping fund more to everyone living or working in our community events and activities. city, including schools, community and We are working with Oxfordshire youth groups, residents, businesses County Council to support Low and charities. Carbon Hub’s work as part of our Enter the competition at European Commission-funded www.oxford.gov.uk/oxfordinbloom OxFutures programme. Find out You can also pick up an entry form at more on www.lowcarbonhub.org our Customer Contact Centres in St Aldate’s and Templars Square. Give nature a helping hand

If you have some spare time and wide range of opportunities, including enjoy being outdoors, we’ve got gardening, photography, maintenance, plenty of volunteering opportunities events, and sports coaching. Find out with our Parks Team this summer. more at www.oxford.gov.uk/volunteering Here’s what one of our volunteers, Annie Batten, says: “Every Thursday Parks survey morning, rain or shine, I get out Have you recently visited and about and help look after our our parks, play areas, nature woodlands, heathlands, parks and reserves or cemeteries? We reserves. have so far invested over £6m “I volunteer because I love our in parks, play areas, toilets and environment and want to learn more pavilions. What do you think about nature, plus it helps me keep fit about the results? Take part in and I learn new skills.” our survey, available at Want to be part of it? We offer a www.oxford.gov.uk/consultation Your Oxford Building a world-class city for everyone www.oxford.gov.uk 10 Summer 2014 Oyez! Oyez! Come and join the fun!

Photo: Marc West Photo: Adrian Cassidy Did you know that Lewis Carroll’s listen to Alice’s stories. much-loved story Alice in Wonderland Find out more about museum objects was first published as Alice’s ... On Alice’s Day (5 July) that belonged to the real Alice. Adventures Underground? n Old Fire Station And ‘Going underground’ is the theme Talks on Alice’s Adventures for this year’s Alice’s Day. Come along Underground, the tale that grew into to this hugely popular event, now in its Lewis Carroll’s famous novel. Learn seventh year. more about the real Alice. Join the Mad Hatter, the March Hare n Quarter: Oxford and Alice herself for many free events. Castle Unlocked More than 20 of Oxford’s most beautiful Play a game of giant croquet, giant historic and world-class locations will chess and listen to underground take part in this fun day. New for 2014 storytelling. Free access to the Castle is a trail to help you uncover some of Mound, with a ‘rabbit hole’ makeover. Oxford’s most secret locations. n Oxford Castle Quarter: O3 Gallery, n Alice's Shop 11am-4pm Come along for your free bookmark Exhibition of modern art with an (when you present your map and guide) underground theme. and listen to a short talk about the shop’s n The Story Museum connections to an underground stream. Meet the Mad Hatter and Queen of n , 1-4pm Hearts in our 26 Characters exhibition. Try creating your own secret codes Storytelling, crafts and fun for all the and unlocking others. Family drop- family as Wonderland takes over the in, no booking required. All ages courtyard. welcome, but particularly suitable for n University of Oxford Botanic Garden, children aged 8+ Photo: Marc West 1-4pm n Blackwell's Bookshop, 11am-4pm family of water voles. n Museum of Natural History and Family picnic afternoon. Music, Crafts, drawing, a trail, storytelling Win a signed copy in our Animals , 1-4pm stories, crafts, sowing and growing, and music, face painting and balloons. Underground quiz, and stay for animal Underground Explorers. Family drop- refreshments and ice creams. n Bodleian Library, 10am-3.30pm mask-making and crafts. in, no booking required. Step into our n Visitor Information Centre A display of children’s fantasy 2-4pm. Come and watch Alice's underground wonderland and come face Information about Oxford and a free literature, featuring Tolkien and a buried Underground Animals balloon modelling. to face with fossils and minerals. With Alice tour of the city. treasure, in the Divinity School. And also hunt for clues about Alice's crafts and a trail to help you dig deeper. n Walks and talks n Children’s Library (Central Library) friends around the main library. All day. n Oxford Town Hall and Museum of Oxford Three one-hour walks, from Christ 11am-12.30pm. Local author Tom n Christ Church Library, 10am-4pm Celebrate Alice’s Day with us and join Church Memorial Gardens to Oxford Moorhouse talks about The River Exhibition of Alice illustrations, original in our fun free family activities. Castle, following the course of the Singers, his popular fast-paced photographs of Carroll and Alice, Create playing card character badges underground Trill Mill Stream. Walks start adventure story for 7-11-year-olds of life colourful editions of the Alice books and or make tea party food, dress up as your at 10am, noon and 2pm. Cost £3. underground and along the river for a manuscripts of Carroll's work. favourite Wonderland character and One hour walk with Mark Davies, local historian and author of 'Alice in Waterland' and 'Stories of Oxford Children’s authors step into the shoes of their story heroes Castle: from Dungeon to Dunghill', exploring local history and literature. A major exhibition is now open Donaldson, Shirley Hughes and programme features dressing up and Ticket holders get £1 off the cost of a to celebrate the latest stage in the Philip Pullman, in character as their a talking throne, plus some surprises! full guided tour of Oxford Castle. transformation of the Story Museum, favourite childhood story hero. Visit 26 Characters at the Story One 'Pilgrimage Walk' from Alice's which now includes a brand new gift Captured by acclaimed Museum, 42 Pembroke Street, until Shop to OUP in Jericho. 2.5 hours shop and cafe. photographer Cambridge Jones, the Sunday 2 November. Tickets are starting at 4pm. Cost £8. 26 Characters is an interactive gallery of rogues and rascals, wizards, priced at £7.50 per adult, £5 for l Alice’s Day is co-ordinated by The photographic installation, featuring witches and wild things unfolds children under 18 and concessions. Story Museum. For more information on n many of the country's most popular throughout the atmospheric spaces Find out more on Alice’s Day, visit: children's authors, including Julia of The Story Museum. The events www.storymuseum.org.uk/26characters www.storymuseum.org.uk/alice Your Oxford Building a world-class city for everyone www.oxford.gov.uk 11 Summer 2014 Oyez! Oyez! Come and join the fun! ... At Cowley Road Carnival (6 July) provides just under one third of the total Celebrating the many costs through its annual grant of £30,000. Cowley Road Works, organisers of the faces of Oxford Carnival, have been taking part in events Come along on Sunday 6 July from such as the Oxford Mela, to raise funds noon, as Oxford celebrates the diverse and tell people about the Carnival. sights and sounds of our much-loved After the success of last year’s annual Cowley Road Carnival. Carnival, the theme for this year’s is This is your opportunity to meet, greet ‘Oxford Faces’ in all their diversity. In and dance with people from across partnership with Pegasus Theatre, the city at the largest multi-cultural Fusion Arts and Oxford Extra Arts, community event in the county. artists and dancers are working More than 35,000 local residents and with schools from across Oxford to visitors are expected to attend the six- help pupils prepare for the Carnival hour event, now in its fourteenth year. procession. And thanks to Arts Council Photo: Adrian Cassidy They will come together to share a rich England funding, a team of artists tapestry of national customs, cuisine, worked with children and adults dance, music, and colourful costumes. to produce artwork which will help As the single biggest, free community decorate the Carnival site and contribute Photo: Derek Wells event in the city, Carnival relies on to a souvenir programme for the festival. headline from 5-6pm. The East Oxford support from many donors and sponsors, The artwork will be exhibited at Community Centre will host a range of including Oxford City Council, which The Mill, 46 Cowley Road, during the music in its courtyard. Carnival, at The Old Fire Station in June To find out more about the Cowley Road and at Oxford Town Hall in autumn. Carnival, visit www.cowleyroadcarnival.co.uk, Many community groups are taking part like us on Facebook (Cowley Road in the procession, including a new drum Carnival) or follow the Carnival on troupe, created with recycled instruments Twitter @cowleycarnival thanks to support from the High Sheriff’s Community Integration Award. MINI Plant Oxford, one of the Faces of Before you set off Oxford, is also supporting the Carnival Cowley Road will be closed to and has commissioned a new street traffic from 8am until 7pm from dance piece for the occasion. The Plain to the junction with Families can join in plenty of fun Magdalen Road. activities at St Mary and St John’s Information about diversion Churchyard, Manzil Way and the Asian routes will be available on the Cultural Centre with the University bus companies’ websites and the Museums, Dancin’ Oxford and Oxford Cowley Road Carnival website Brookes University. The Cowley Road area is part of The Union Street Car Park will be the city wide No Drinking Zone. transformed into an area to sit and relax There will be defined bar areas with a drink and your choice of food, on Manzil Gardens, in the Union enjoying live music and other attractions. Street car park and near the Truck The stage on Manzil Gardens will host stage, as well as the licensed a rich programme of dance and the premises along the road. Photo: Colin George Original Rabbit Foot Spasm Band will Photo: Colin George

Photo: Danielle Battigelli Photo: Danielle Battigelli Your Oxford Building a world-class city for everyone www.oxford.gov.uk 12 Summer 2014 Make a Relaying the ‘get racket this summer Keep your eyes peeled for ping pong tables popping up across the city from 12 July to 7 September! Ping! Oxford is back and will be sporty’ message bringing a festival of free table tennis to the city. As well as free play, there will be various events and competitions The Queen’s Baton – something for everyone to enjoy, regardless of ages and abilities. comes to Oxford... Find out more at www.pingoxford.co.uk or like us on Facebook (Ping! Oxford) at We welcomed the Queen’s Baton www.facebook.com/pingoxford on Friday 6 June after it visited 56 Dust off your rackets this summer and of the 70 Commonwealth nations. brush up on your tennis skills with fun and The Queen’s Baton Relay visited affordable tennis opportunities offered local landmarks, acting as the on many of our parks’ tennis courts. centrepiece for events happening In partnership with Premier Tennis, to celebrate the countdown to the we offer a programme of exciting tennis Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth sessions for all ages and abilities, Games. including mini tennis for children and Four Batonbearers were selected organised play and cardio tennis for in recognition of their contribution to adults. Remember you can also take to sport and the community, including the courts for your own game! Find out sports volunteers Johnny Pemberton, more at www.oxford.gov.uk/tennis Simon Price and Ian Warland and The four Batonbearers are welcoming the Queen’s Baton with open arms Why not have a go at our sports community volunteer Juliet Field. taster sessions at many local Sports volunteer Juliet has been Batonbearer Ian Warland goes above South of England Volunteer of the Year community events this summer? Just an active trustee of the Cutteslowe and beyond to volunteer his time to Award. join in the free fun! More details are Community Association for many help the Oxford City Athletics Club. Sports volunteer Johnny Pemberton available at years, supporting people in Cutteslowe This was recognised a few years has dedicated his time and energies www.oxford.gov.uk/communitysportsevents to lead healthy and active lifestyles. ago when he won the Sport England to sharing his passion for sport with others. Get help to get active Volunteer Simon Price is a keen table tennis player who has won a GO Active, Get Healthy is the easy number of titles. He coaches juniors way to take that first step towards a at his local club every week. He was healthier you! a Sport Maker for Ping! Oxford and a If you currently don’t exercise, visit Youth Ambassador for the Get Batty our website, register your details and Project. someone will give you a call to find an The Batonbearers carried the Baton activity that suits you. Regular support at Cutteslowe Summer Festival, and subsidised activities are also a fun-filled event in the beautiful available for many of you (subject to Sunnymead Park in Cutteslowe. The criteria.) You can also pick up a referral event offered many free activities for form from your GP surgery. people of all ages to enjoy, including n Find out more at ‘have a go’ sports sessions, arts and www.getoxfordshireactive.org or like us crafts, Zumbathon and more! on Facebook (Get Oxfordshire Active) at www.facebook.com/getoxfordshireactive A fun-tastic summer of sport Are you aged between 8 and 13 years? Try out our free StreetSports sessions through the summer holidays. Choose from dodgeball, basketball, football and more! Find out more at www.oxford.gov.uk/streetsports And if you are aged 14 - 21, come along to one of our great Youth Ambition multi-sport sessions on offer. Find out more at www.oxford.gov.uk/communitysport or like us on Facebook (Oxford Youth Ambition) to find out the latest news and events. Young people attending will receive Bounts rewards points, which can be redeemed against rewards such as high street shopping vouchers, days out and much more! Your Oxford Building a world-class city for everyone www.oxford.gov.uk 13 Summer 2014 Enjoy a great day out in St Clement’s St Clement’s is a great destination from the spice that is often found in many all year round, but with the warmer Indian meals. weather upon us, its mix of cafés, If you have no spare bedrooms and restaurants and shops is even more visitors coming this summer, check out tempting. Oxford Coach & Horses. This boutique And it’s an easy bus ride from many parts B&B offers eight spacious rooms located of the city, or a nice walk along the High over two floors. Street if you are visiting from the city centre. Here are some ideas for your next trip… Do you suffer from pain in your shoulder, your back or your knee? Come along to Visit Qumins for an amazing Indian 51 St Clement’s to be treated by a team cuisine experience. The name was taken of expert osteopaths. This is a professional Below: South Park is a popular destination at St Clement’s treatment centred on restoring pain free movement to the muscles and joints of the body. Roberts Pianos will strike the right note with music lovers. The store specialises in selling, restoring and renting grand and upright pianos. To round off your day out in St Clement’s, head for the great outdoors! South Park occupies 50 acres of open space and has wonderful views overlooking Oxford. Come along to use the fitness trail, visit the children’s play area and zip wire, walk your dog or simply enjoy the peace and quiet. The park also hosts regular events, such as the Foodies Festival, fairs and circus, as well as regular fitness classes, such as buggy fit and There’s lots to see and do in St Clement’s rounders. Providing homes for everyone Work is gathering pace in spaces. The external part of the St Clement’s to create student building has now been finished, and the accommodation above the car park. scaffolding has come down. Two four-storey blocks linked by Meanwhile, the hard landscaping is a glass-sided bridge are being built being put down. The work is expected above the car park with 80 car parking to finish in August. Making every house a home Did you know that more than 4,000 homes in Oxford are Houses in Multiple Occupation? (HMOs) This means a house or flat that is occupied by three or more people who are not part of the public, landlords and agents about same family. the potential changes. We have been licensing HMOs in We have received support to Oxford for the last three years. implement those changes which This helps protect the health, will benefit better landlords and safety and welfare of all encourage the ‘not so good’ occupiers, reducing anti-social landlords to improve. behaviour and protecting our Please help us by reporting neighbourhoods. suspected unlicensed HMOs. We carried out a consultation to make changes to the Oxford City Landlord Accreditation Scheme Report an HMO (OCLAS) and the way we deal with n unlicensed HMOs. Unlicensed HMOs: The results can be seen at [email protected] www.oxford.gov.uk/consultation n Problems with your tenant or We visited 15 locations across landlord: [email protected] the city to talk to members of the Your Oxford Building a world-class city for everyone www.oxford.gov.uk 14 Summer 2014 Marvellous market! There’s something in store for every shopper – and it’s all under cover Next time you are in Oxford, treat yourself to a shopping experience at Oxford’s historic Covered Market. This beautiful market tempts residents and visitors with its range of individual stores, selling fruit, vegetables, cheese, meat, fish and a wide range of cafes, unique gift shops and much more! Whatever you are looking for, there’s something for everyone in the Covered Market’s four avenues. We want to make it easy for you to plan your next shopping trip, so here are some ideas if you need inspiration. Make sure to visit the Covered Market or go online at www.oxford-coveredmarket.co.uk for more information. Relaxing Start your shopping trip with breakfast at Brown’s Cafe, a popular place to hang out for locals, students and tourists alike, serving only the freshest, home- made food in a relaxing atmosphere. Are you looking for a bargain? Helen & Douglas House Charity Shop may just have what you are looking for! The charity shop supports the well-known East Oxford hospice caring for children and young people with life-shortening illness. The shop specialises in vintage clothing, with bric-a- brac, china and antiques proving popular, too. A treasure trove of bargains at Helen Try the popular Brazilian snack Bolitas Need some finishing touches for a special outfit? & Douglas House Charity Shop Ladies looking for a hat or handbag in The Covered Market, one of my should head to the Hat Box. The shop favourite places in Oxford.” sells amazing hats by British designers n And this summer, visit Casa das in over 100 colours to match every Bolitas with your copy of Your Oxford head size. to claim a special offer – a bag of six Feeling peckish at mid-morning? Cheddar bolitas for just £1.99. Make sure to look for Casa das Bolitas’ Before you go home for a well- distinctive red and white stall for a snack deserved cuppa, make sure you stock with a difference. Brazilian-raised Katia up on a tasty treat to go with it! The brought the mouth-watering Brazilian Cake Shop has been creating great cheese snack to our city three years ago. treats since 1986. If you are looking for Katia says, “I always made Bolitas a delicious cake with that all-important for my children and friends, as after wow factor, this fabulous shop is the school snacks and for birthday parties. place to go! Friends and family started to order So what are you waiting for? Come cheeseballs from me, and from there, along to the Covered Market and help I turned the idea into a business. I support some great local independent started selling at farmers’ markets and businesses – you’ll be amazed at the school fetes, until I found this shop marvels you will find! Elaine has it covered New manager Elaine Philip has been selected to help us run the Covered Market. She will lead the market’s management, working with Oxford City Council staff and the traders to improve this much-loved historic market. Elaine says, “I am looking forward to working with the Covered Market traders to help promote the market to shoppers.”

n The Covered Market is easily accessible to residents and visitors, with three entrances in High Street, Market Street and Golden Cross in Cornmarket Street, and just ten minutes’ walk from the train station. New market manager Elaine Philip Your Oxford Building a world-class city for everyone www.oxford.gov.uk 15 Summer 2014 Help us to recycle more So, how does 2013-4 compare to garden and food waste the previous year? n donated an extra 60 tonnes of Thanks to your efforts, we have… material to our bring banks. n reduced landfill by 350 tonnes l For more information on our recycling n added an additional 500 tonnes to and refuse service, visit the blue recycling bin www.oxford.gov.uk/recycling or follow n recycled an additional 200 tonnes of us on Twitter @Recycle4Oxford Food waste recycling New service to be extended to flats We have invested almost £1m to Your green caddy is not suitable for help all residents in the city have non-food products including plastic access to recycling facilities for food bags, glass, packaging, oils and liquids. waste. Placing your food waste out And because food waste is collected separately is easy and takes up very each week, it reduces the amount of little time, yet by doing so you’ll be time your leftover food might be stored contributing to the production of in your refuse bin. valuable resources for your local area With tower blocks already recycling and reducing the ever-increasing food waste, the next three years will amount of public money used to make the new service available to dispose of food waste as rubbish. another 20,000 households, including Collected food waste is recycled Council owned and privately run flats. into both a high quality compost and Want to make the most of your green a nutrient rich digesate (fertiliser) used caddy? Remember you can put in items on local agricultural land. The process including bread, cakes and pastries, also generates electricity for 8,000 cheese, eggs, meat and fish, fruit and Oxfordshire homes. vegetables, tea and coffee grounds and For more information, visit More homes will be able food leftovers. www.oxford.gov.uk/foodwaste to recycle leftover food Collections for small electrical items We want to make it easier for you such as vacuum cleaners, televisions, to recycle electrical and battery fridges and washing machines, you can powered items with a new kerbside contact our bulky waste service or take collection scheme. them to one of the county council’s Whether they plug in, charge up, or household waste recycling centres. are battery powered, all electrical items For more information log onto small enough to fit into a carrier bag www.oxford.gov.uk/electricals should be placed in a bag and put on the lid of your green or blue wheelie bin Did you know? on collection day for recycling – and Thanks to your help, we have we’ll do the rest! All collected will be recycled more than 22 tonnes of broken down and the different types of electrical goods since the pink plastics and metals will be recycled. banks were introduced in 2012. If you need to dispose of larger items Keep up the good work!

Wanted: Greener Champions Could you become one of our Local l For further information, email Environment Champions? [email protected] or phone n Offering recycling advice to friends, 01865 249811. family and neighbours n Helping promote a Cleaner, Greener

environment in your local community Be clear about recycling n Reporting issues in your local area so Remember that recycling should we can put them right be placed in the bin loose or in n Attending meetings with residents clear bags to ensure it is collected. If the answer is yes, then get in touch! We can no longer collect it if it’s Join us and help make a difference to placed in black bags. your local community. Your Oxford Building a world-class city for everyone www.oxford.gov.uk 16 Summer 2014 Thank you for caring Local volunteers recognised for their dedication to others in the community The former Lord Mayor, Councillor and their families. She involves Dee Sinclair, awarded the 2014 the whole community, including Certificates of Honour to local Pashtu, Indian, Bengali and Nepalese residents who have given exceptional communities. service to others in our city through Mark Longford volunteering. For his volunteer work on the Mortimer The three judges, the Lord Lieutenant Hall Management Committee and his of Oxfordshire, Mr Tim Stevenson, the involvement in the running of the former Lord Mayor of Oxford, Councillor St John Ambulance Youth Group. Dee Sinclair and Kathy Shaw, Chief Executive of Oxfordshire Community and Amanda Louise Robson Voluntary Action (OCVA), selected the For her work, since 2010, running a successful recipients from nominations weekly youth group (known as SOAPY) made by members of the public: at South Oxford Adventure Playground. Numbers attending have increased Richard Balkwill year on year, with up to 40 children For his dedication as a Samaritan listening volunteer at the Oxford branch now attending. for over 30 years, supporting thousands Margaret Ann Simpson of callers both on the telephone and For her voluntary work with Hearing face to face. Dogs for the Deaf, Oxford’s Paul Brackett Association for the Blind, Fifty Plus Network and Oxford Centre for For volunteering with the Oxford Civic Local volunteers proudly show their certificates Society’s OxClean initiative since 2009 Diabetes. and his involvement in the Blackbird the Highfield Residents’ Association. Foundation, including recruiting Jean White Leys Estate, particularly with the Lesley Dewhurst volunteers and raising the organisation’s For her dedication as a Samaritan Oxford Blackbirds Football Club. For her dedication to the homeless in profile. listening volunteer for over 35 years, Patrick Coulter Oxford, serving this vulnerable sector Fahima Khan listening to callers for more than For his long contribution to community of the community for nearly 25 years. For her work as a volunteer since 2007, 8,000 hours and contributing to the services for residents, businesses and Jeremy Herklots caring for elderly, vulnerable women fundraising team. workers in Headington and his role in For his service to the Archway New city centre manager We have appointed a new city centre manager in Oxford. Laurie-Jane Taylor is currently the Community Response Team Manager at Oxford City Council and will start her new job on June 30. The appointment was made by Oxfordshire County Council, Oxford City Council and the Oxford Town Team, a partnership of the local business community. Laurie-Jane will work collaboratively to make the city centre a vibrant and exciting space for residents, visitors and city with the new Westgate centre businesses alike. progressing well through the She says: “I’m delighted to be planning process, as well as the appointed to this challenging and Oxpens development and station varied role. I am looking forward to redevelopment being discussed. representing the world class city “I’m looking forward to making of Oxford as a great place to live, a difference to the city and work and visit. engaging with all businesses and “This is an exciting time for the stakeholders.” Top city honour for professor Professor Christopher Brown, since 1998. Only a small number of Director of The Ashmolean Museum, people have received this honour, will be presented with the Freedom including Sir Roger Bannister, the of the City of Oxford Award to mark late Nelson Mandela, Aung San Suu his retirement later this year. Kyi, author Colin Dexter and Philip The Freedom of the City of Oxford is Pullman, author of the trilogy His Dark awarded in two categories - persons Materials. of distinction or persons who have Our twin cities of Leiden and Bonn, rendered eminent services to the city. the Chancellor, Masters and Scholars Professor Christopher Brown has of the University of Oxford and Oxford been key to the transformation of the Brookes University have all been Ashmolean, as director of the museum awarded with the honour. Your Oxford Building a world-class city for everyone www.oxford.gov.uk 17 Summer 2014 Youth projects help build stronger communities Over the past year, we have invested £200,000 in Youth Ambition and Photo: Clive Price Media Social Inclusion community projects in Oxford to help build strong and active communities in the city. Our Youth Ambition Programme is about supporting community and voluntary organisations which provide services to young people aged 15-21 (or up to 25 if a young person has complex needs). The Social Inclusion Fund helps people of all ages feel more included in their community, building their skills and increasing their sense of achievement. One project that we’ve been supporting is Thrive, an initiative from Oxford-based charity Innovista, which aims to help young people in disadvantaged communities. Manager Jem Todd says: “We spent a lot of our first year here building trust. Then we started running projects for the young people to give them opportunities to discover their full potential.” As part of our work with Thrive, we run a programme to help seven young with her life that she didn’t think were Some of the young people we are helping thrive and develop people realise their potential – including possible.” five previously Not in Education, 75% of the girls who start one of Employment or Training (NEETs). Thrive’s self-esteem courses say that “One of the young leaders, Thea, they wish they were someone else. wanted to start her own Kids Club “The last time we ran the course, we on the estate, to help keep younger received four phone calls from social kids out of trouble,” says Jem. “So workers within an hour,” says Jem. we helped Thea and the other young “There’s a clear need for this. That’s why leaders develop their vision for the Kids we’re so grateful to Oxford City Council Club, and equipped them with tools and which has given us funding from the skills to plan and deliver the sessions.” Youth Ambition Fund to run it again.” Since then, nineteen-year-old Thea “Many young people here are growing and her peers have seen over 40 up with low confidence and few children come through the doors of opportunities to flourish,” says Jem. “If their Kids Club. Three of the young we can change that, then we’re on to a leaders taking part have started college good thing.” or found employment since the start of the project. HOW TO GET FUNDING “Two years ago, Thea wouldn’t have There’s still time to apply for had the confidence to do this,” says Youth Ambition or Social Inclusion Jem. Funding this year, with deadlines Thea joined a self-esteem course run coming up on 8 September and by female Thrive volunteers for teenage 8 December. More information on girls from Barton. these grants and other funding “We know that if we can increase opportunities is available from our a girl’s self-esteem, she’s more likely website www.oxford.gov.uk/grants to grow in confidence and do things

Participants such as Thea have grown in confidence

Photo: Dale Harper Your Oxford Building a world-class city for everyone www.oxford.gov.uk 18 Summer 2014 A year of welfare reforms How we’ve been helping you cope It’s just over a year since the support to 229 households. Department of Work and Pensions Are you affected by the Bedroom Tax (DWP) brought in rules to cut the or the Benefit Cap? If so, we may be amount of housing benefit social able to help you. You may be eligible tenants could get if they had more for a Discretionary Housing Payment bedrooms than the DWP said they (DHP), short term financial help to top needed. up your rent. Last year, we provided These rules are commonly known 802 DHPs to help households cope as the Bedroom Tax. We have been with a shortfall in benefits. supporting more than 950 Council and We want to help residents find their housing association tenants in Oxford own long term solution, which means affected by the Bedroom Tax. We a DHP will not be needed in the future. The Welfare Reform Team are here to help you have also supported social and private For the Bedroom Tax, this could include tenants affected by the Benefit Cap, moving or exchanging to a smaller we can refer you to a Citizens Advice So far, our partners have helped 52 which came into effect last July. home, moving in with family members Bureau (CAB) money adviser for people affected by the Bedroom Tax More than 150 families have seen a or friends, supporting you into work or independent help. and Benefit Cap into work. reduction in their benefits, with some reducing your household expenditure. If you want to increase your income If you get housing benefit and are losing nearly £300 per week in benefits. We would support you to find enough by finding a job or increasing your struggling to find the money to pay the So far, we have advised more than a hours of work a week to gain an hours at work, we can also refer you rest of your rent, we may be able to thousand tenants whose housing benefit entitlement to tax credits, to provide an to a number of partner organisations help. Contact us on has been reduced because of these exemption from the benefit cap. for help with training, finding work and [email protected] or changes. We have provided in-depth If you need help with managing debt, applying for jobs. 01865 249811. Let’s talk about your health Are you new to Oxford and need any help with health issues? Grab your copy of a new NHS leaflet, ‘Your Health, The National Health Service (NHS)’ to find out about the different health care services that you can register with, including a doctor, dentist and optician. This means you will be able to get medical help when you most need it. ‘Your Health, the National Health Service (NHS)’ is available in English and 11 different languages, including Punjabi, visit www.oxfordshireccg.nhs.uk/your-health or Bengali and Kurdish. email [email protected] To download your copy of the leaflet, to ask for a leaflet in your language. Health advice out of surgery hours If your doctor’s surgery is closed, you can call 111 for non-urgent health advice or to be seen by a doctor. This helpline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can speak to your local pharmacist for free advice on minor ailments or to collect your prescription for medicine. There is usually a charge for medicines. Remember to check, as you may be eligible for free prescriptions. Your Oxford Building a world-class city for everyone www.oxford.gov.uk 19 Summer 2014 Your Councillors 2014 WARD 1 . Barton & Sandhills WARD 2 . Blackbird Leys WARD 3 . Carfax WARD 4 . Churchill WARD 5 . Cowley Until May 2016 Until May 2016 Until May 2016 Until May 2016 Mike Rowley Val Smith Anne-Marie Canning Mark Lygo Labour Labour Labour Labour M: 07510 099028 M: 07780 337775 M: 07910 179059 M: 07827 356163 VACANT SEAT E: [email protected] E: [email protected] E: [email protected] E: [email protected] Twitter: @amcanning 11 Heath Close Oxford OX3 7NJ 4 Flaxfield Road Blackbird Leys OxfordOX4 6QD C/O Members’ Room Town Hall Oxford OX1 1BX 20 Valentia Road Headington Oxford OX3 7PL Until May 2018 Until May 2018 Until May 2018 Until May 2018 Until May 2018 Van Coulter Rae Humberstone Ruthi Brandt Susan Brown Christine Simm Labour Labour - SHERIFF Green Labour Labour M: 07767 496409 T: 01865 779678 E: [email protected] M: 07775 792447 T: 01865 747303 M: 07791 749652 E: [email protected] E: [email protected] M: 07900 201350 E: [email protected] E: [email protected]

13 Coniston Avenue Oxford OX3 OAN 75 Little Bury Greater Leys Oxford OX4 7UZ 31 James Street Oxford OX4 1ET 34 Canal Street Oxford OX2 6BQ 46 Annesley Road Oxford OX4 4JQ WARD 6 . Cowley Marsh WARD 7 . Headington WARD 8 . Headington Hill & Northway WARD 9 . Hinksey Park WARD 10 . Holywell Until May 2016 Until May 2016 Until May 2016 Until May 2016 Until May 2016 Sajjad Malik Ruth Wilkinson Roy Darke Oscar Van Nooijen Sam Hollick Labour Liberal Democrat Labour Labour Green M: 07787 874683 M: 07789 368300 T: 01865 790670 T: 01865 251757 M: 07528 813185 E: [email protected] E: [email protected] E: [email protected] E: [email protected] E: [email protected] Twitter: @ruthwilk 24 Emperor Gardens Blackbird Leys Oxford Ox4 7wb 21 Thames View Road Oxford OX4 4TQ The Oak Barn, 80 Edgeway Road Oxford OX3 OHG 57 Henley Street Oxford OX4 1ES C/O Members’ Room Town Hall Oxford OX1 1BX Until May 2018 Until May 2018 Until May 2018 Until May 2018 Until May 2018 Mohammed Abbasi Mohammed Altaf-Khan Farida Anwar Bob Price David Thomas Labour - LORD MAYOR Liberal Democrat LABOUR Labour - LEADER OF THE COUNCIL green T: 01865 792250 M: 07889 867931 T: 01865 798777 M: 07931 345554 T: 01865 741481 M: 07730 599299 T: 01865 725218 M: 07792 527421 E: [email protected] E: [email protected] E: [email protected] E: [email protected] E: [email protected]

7 Warneford Road Oxford OX4 1LT 83 Hugh Allen Crescent Oxford OX3 OHL 186 Headley Way Headington Oxford OX3 7TA 43 Western Road Oxford OX1 4LF 86 Howard Street Oxford OX4 3BE WARD 11 . Iffley Fields WARD 12 . Jericho and Osney WARD 13 . Littlemore WARD 14 . Lye Valley WARD 15 . Marston Until May 2016 Until May 2016 Until May 2016 Until May 2016 Until May 2016 Elise Benjamin Colin Cook John Tanner Pat Kennedy Mick Haines Green Labour Labour Labour Independent M: 07920 054888 T: 01865 721844 Work: 01865 285770 T: 01865 251441 T: 01865 243284 T: 01865 421600 E: [email protected] E: [email protected] E: [email protected] M: 0791 783 7693 E: [email protected] E: [email protected] 41 Magdalen Road Oxford OX4 1RB 12 Riverside Road Oxford OX2 OHU 32 Sunningwell Road Oxford Ox1 4SX 264 Abingdon Road Oxford OX1 4TA 3 Croft Road Marston Oxford OX3 0JX Until May 2018 Until May 2018 Until May 2018 Until May 2018 Until May 2018 Richard Tarver Susanna Pressel Gill Sanders Ben Lloyd-Shogbesan Mary Clarkson labour Labour Labour Labour Labour T: 01865 240123 T: 01865 554001 T: 01865 761856 M: 07974 947628 T: 01865 751493 E: [email protected] E: [email protected] E: [email protected] E: [email protected] E: [email protected] Twitter: @maryoxford 61 Howard Street Oxford OX4 3AY 7 Rawlinson Road Oxford OX2 6UE 200 Headington Road Headington Oxford Ox3 7ps 105 Cornwallis Road Oxford Ox4 3NH Lower Farm 8 Dunstan Road Oxford OX3 9BY WARD 16 . North WARD 17 . Northfield Brook WARD 18 . Quarry & Risinghurst WARD 19 . Rose Hill & Iffley WARD 20 . St. Clement’s Until May 2016 Until May 2016 Until May 2016 Until May 2016 Until May 2016 James Fry Steve Curran Laurence Baxter Ed Turner Bev Clack Labour Labour Labour Labour - deputy leader Labour T: 01865 554001 M: 07941 785538 M: 07834 183491 T: 01865 778358 M: 07796 800378 E: [email protected] E: [email protected] E: [email protected] E: [email protected] E: [email protected] Twitter: @laurencepbaxter 7 Rawlinson Road Oxford OX2 6UE 88 Fairacres Road Oxford OX4 1TG 20 Marshall Road Oxford OX4 2NR 18 Nowell Road Rose Hill Oxford 0X4 4TA 27 Cross Street Oxford OX4 1BZ Until May 2018 Until May 2018 Until May 2018 Until May 2018 Until May 2018 Louise Upton Scott Seamons Dee Sinclair Michele Paule Tom Hayes Labour Labour Labour Labour LABOUR M: 07917 839007 M: 07910 595047 T: 01865 765260 M: 07833 441187 M: 07766 775716 M: 07901 853314 E: [email protected] E: [email protected] E: [email protected] E: [email protected] E: [email protected]

13 White Hart Oxford OX3 0PL 24 Partridge Walk Greater Leys Oxford OX4 7BZ 10 Norton Close Headington Oxford OX3 7BQ 59 Stanley Road Oxford OX4 1QY 73 Mill Street Oxford OX2 0AL WARD 21 . St. Margaret’s WARD 22 . St. Mary’s WARD 23 . Summertown WARD 24 . Wolvercote Political composition of Oxford Until May 2016 Until May 2016 Until May 2016 Until May 2016 Gwynneth Royce Craig Simmons Andrew Gant Mike Gotch City Council 2014–2018 Liberal Democrat GREEN - group leader Liberal Democrat Liberal Democrat Labour 32 M: 07801 121860 & DEPUTY LORD MAYOR M: 07825 283858 T: 01865 553905 E: [email protected] T: 01865 202257 E: [email protected] E: [email protected] Liberal Democrats 8 E: [email protected] Green 6 Members’ Room Town Hall Oxford OX1 1BX 41 Magdalen Road Oxford OX4 1RB 55 Middle Way Oxford OX2 7LE 1 First Turn Oxford OX2 8AG Until May 2018 Until May 2018 Until May 2018 Until May 2018 Independent 1 Liz Wade Dick Wolff Jean Fooks Stephen Goddard (One vacant seat) Liberal Democrat GREEN Liberal Democrat - group leader Liberal Democrat M: 07984 602723 M: 07968 486854 T: 01865 310351 M: 07880 042648 T: 01865 513106 Total number of councillors 47 E: [email protected] E: [email protected] E: [email protected] E: [email protected] Twitter: @greenwolff 28 Polstead Road Oxford OX2 6TN 69 Victoria Road Oxford OX2 7QG 9 St. Bernard’s Road Oxford OX2 6EH 60 Rosamund Road Wolvercote Oxford OX2 8NX All details correct at time of going to press Our Democratic Structure n Full Council n City Executive Board minimum of 12 councillors to the Planning Review on taxi, private hire and other vehicle licensing The Council sets the annual budget and is The Council Leader appoints up to nine members to Committee within two working days. as well as late-night premises, off-licences, pubs responsible for the strategic policy framework for the Board who take responsibility for specific areas n Scrutiny Committee and miscellaneous other licensing and registration areas such as planning, housing, leisure and of the Council operations. Oversee and review the work of the Council and its matters. licensing. Full Council considers motions from n Planning Committees partners. For more details of other committees, meeting members on matters that affect people in Oxford, Responsible for decisions on planning applications. n Licensing dates, agendas and minutes visit and hears addresses and petitions from the public. Either committee’s decisions may be called in by a Responsible for maintaining and reviewing policies www.oxford.gov.uk/councilmeetings n Contacting a Councillor: Should you experience difficulty contacting any Councillor please inform Committee and Members Services, [email protected] Tel: 01865 249811, St Aldate’s Chambers, 109 St Aldate’s, Oxford OX1 1DS