Of the village, by the village, for the village October/November 2016 100 FinstockServing Finstock, Fawler, Wilcote, News Mt.Skippett and Finstock Heath

Events: Charity tea party; flu vaccination ����������� 2 District; Vive la Difference; The Plough ������������ 3 British Legion; FoFS; Natural history...... 8 Fireworks; bus schedule; Baby & Toddler ���������� 4 Dad’s Armies; Archives; tax; housing...... 9 Small Ads; Shop & PO; MarketInvoice �������������� 5 School; Craft Club...... 10 Conservation: pictures; food waste reduction ��� 6 Girlguiding; Medicines; Bowls; NHS...... 11 County; Village Hall; Link; CHoC ���������������������� 7 Weeds; diffuser; GP app...... 12

he Finstock News reaches Issue 100! On behalf of the Editorial Committee of the Finstock News, we wish to thank everyone who has supported the Finstock News since its inception in 2000. We will continue to be secular, non-political, and non-profit. TOver the coming months, we will print a few articles from our archives for new villagers. In support of the Local History Society’s scheduled talk for December on Finstock between 1939 and 1945, we are publishing the following abridged articles from 2002 and the article written by Mike Tooley about Finstock’s Home Guard on page 9. The Parliamentary By-Election to replace David Cameron will be on Thursday October 20th. FROM THE FINSTOCK NEWS ARCHIVES The Army Camp on Ramsden Finstock Hospital on Ramsden Heath Heath during the 1940’s We know that Finstock Hospital was one of a large number of emergency hospitals erected during World War Two, and that the Finstock site was allocated to the Americans (according to the Office of The Surgeon General and HQ US Army Medical Command the 317th moved to Norton Manor, Taunton, Somerset and on to Paris.) In most of the wartime emergency hospitals the wards were formed by large numbers of standard wartime Nissen or Quonset huts; though staff accommodation and administrative quarters were normally housed in brick buildings with low- The camp was set up early in the war by the British army. In pitched asbestos roofs. The Nissen huts and red brick buildings 1942 it was occupied by American soldiers, who were under were linked by a network of concrete paths and roadways, the command of a well-liked coloured Colonel, who took his traces of which can still be seen on the site of Finstock Hospital. men, both coloured and white, to do military exercises in Holly Other distinctive features were associated with the need Grove. It would seem that the coloured soldiers came from a to supply sufficient quantities of clean water, and Finstock better-trained unit than those who were white. incorporated a prominent water tower: the large capacity metal tank being raised on a tall brick plinth to ensure adequate water The American soldiers appear to have been popular in pressure throughout the entire site. the area, and that they had chocolate to give away was an The installation on Watney (now Cornbury) Estate stretched attraction. However, after a while, probably at the time of the to the lakes, had its own sewage farm and was built by civilian Normandy landings, the camp was converted to an American labourers before the Americans appeared on site. army hospital. The American Military Cemetery at Cambridge contains memorial stones to American personnel who died at Italian and German POW’s were bussed in and out of Ramsden. the area to work for the locals. Mr.Proctor planted the area that became our playing field with potatoes, using German In 1946-47 the residential quarters on Ramsden Heath were prisoners-of-war. The POW’s wore grey uniforms with a large allocated to REME (Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers) circle on the back. for the accommodation of other ranks. Apparently some of them got into trouble with the owner, Mr.Watney, for shooting Roy Townsend was in charge of marking out and starting rabbits. The officers and headquarters were lodged at Cornbury the planting of trees on the old hospital site in 1963-64. The Park. The Nissen huts on Ramsden Heath were retained for buildings disappeared slowly into the village as their materials a brief period after 1947, for use as deep litter housing for were reused. Stanley C.Jenkins MA chickens. Mary Castell Village Hall AGM (Editor’s note: Coloured, as in ‘a well-liked coloured Colonel’ The AGM of the Finstock Village Hall charity is on Monday was the language used during this period of history for black November 21st at 8pm in the Village Hall Open meeting. All people.) welcome to hear about the past year and plans for the future. 0 . VILLAGE EVENTS 0 . Finstock Local History Society October The new season of talks kicks off on Friday October 21st. All meetings are held in 8th Charity Tea party the Village Hall and start at 8pm. The bar is open for light refreshments from 7:30. 22nd Evenlode Folk Membership fees are £15 for the year, £20 for a couple, or £2.50 on the door. Friday October 21st: Child labour in Oxfordshire with Liz Woolley 27th Poppy Appeal Friday November 18th: Yesterday’s Runways - Airfields of Oxfordshire, Wiltshire, 28th Plough Party Gloucestershire, and the Cotswolds with Bill King provides an outline of the November development of the airfields in these local areas with illustrations of airfield archaeology and the memorials in place. 4th Pop-up Folk Friday December 9th: Christmas event plus film: Finstock in World War II and the 21st Village Hall AGM military camp at Finstock Heath with Shaun Morley and company. The talk will give 26th Village Arts & Crafts a history of Finstock from 1939 to 1945 examining the social history of the village and the impact of the war on the place and its people. Using many newly-examined December records, this illustrated talk will bring to life a variety of issues and identify others. 10th Christmas Fayre What was the history of the military camp at Finstock Heath and how important was 17th Christmas Dinner it to the war effort? What was banned from the village hall and who flouted the ban? How did the village support the troops? And why did social activity flourish? On Saturday December 17th a free Christmas NOTE: On this occasion there we will start at 7.30pm, mince pies and wine from dinner will be provided for Finstock residents 7pm. The talk will be followed by a showing of the wartime spy movie, Cottage to over 65 in the Village Hall, organized by Let, for reasons that will become evident from the talk. We should finish at 10.15pm. Eileen Peters with money from the Beer For more details on these items and the programme for the rest of the year contact Festival. [email protected]. Ladies, give us your support! North Leigh History Society Give all your unwanted old bras a new Tuesday October 4th: Research into Hailey and Crawley with Helen Bridge. lease of life and help raise money for Tuesday November 1st: The Home Front in the Second World War with Bill King. breast cancer research. Bring them to Joy Meetings take place at 7.30pm in the Turner Hall, Church Road, North Leigh Murphy at 63 High Street. Against Breast OX29 6TX. All welcome. Visitors £4. Members free. Further details from Diana Cancer will receive a donation based on Power 882301. the weight of bras we collect, so every Charity Tea Party in aid of Mind bra counts! Saturday October 8th from 2 to 4pm at Finstock Village Hall Charlbury Medical Centre Adults £5, Children £2 including biscuit decorating activity Flu vaccinations available:– Tickets can be purchased from Finstock Thursday October 6th: 8am-5pm shop or Loren Townsend lmltownsend90@ Voice Box Choir Tuesday November 1st: 7.30am-5pm gmail.com. Saturday October 15th, Voice Box Saturday November 5th: 9am-12pm Choir will be performing at 7:30pm in Please use the open clinics rather than Ducklington Church to raise funds for booking an appointment. Crockford Builders the Friends of West Oxfordshire Citizens Finstock Table Tennis Club Advice. This concert will have a special Tuesdays 35 School Rd, Finstock, emphasis on folk music from around the Oxon OX7 3DN Seniors 8pm-10pm World, full of variety and entertainment. Juniors 6.30pm-8pm during term EST 1973 time Utopia New builds, Extensions, Oxfordshire Museum, Renovations, Utopia was written by Sir Thomas Woodstock – it is FREE Dry or mortar stone walling, More and published in 1516. Utopia is about the political system of an September 21st-October 16th The Groundwork, Hard landscaping, imaginary ideal island nation. He was Cotswold Art & Antiques Dealers Natural stone slate specialists, Lord Chancellor of England under Henry Exhibition Re-roofing, VIII. After refusing to take the Oath Visitors will be able to view a selection of Supremacy which acknowledged of furniture, clocks, textiles, glass, General Maintenance. Henry as Supreme Head of the Church ceramics, fine art objects, paintings and All building work undertaken of England and the annulment of his watercolours. Domestic & Commercial marriage to Catherine of Aragon, Thomas October 22nd-November 6th The Allure Call William on More was convicted of treason and of Silver Past and Present 01993 868617 OR 07817248329 beheaded. He was reported to say: “I die Selling exhibition from JASSO; the the King’s good servant, but God’s first.” Jewellery and Silversmiths of Oxford 2 DISTRICT COUNCILLOR LIZ LEFFMAN Vive la Différence As you may be aware, there has been come to different conclusions. PWC “Alsace does make red wine, but I have discussion lately about the future structure favours a structure of three or four never been able to understand why.” of local government in Oxfordshire. unitary authorities, with an over-arching Robert Parker This started a year ago when West Combined Authority for the county If Robert Parker doesn’t see the point Oxfordshire announced that it was to oversee governance and facilitate of Alsace reds, he is not alone. The whites looking at joining with Cotswold District partnership. The Grant Thornton report however are an entirely different story. to form a unitary authority. This idea was favours a single unitary authority for This unique region in the north-east of quickly shelved, as the two districts are in Oxfordshire. France on the German border has been different counties and, more importantly, At the moment all options are being ruled by both countries in turn over the cross over two different police authorities. considered by the councils, and it is years. The influence of both cultures is Recently, the District and City councils unlikely that there will be any major clear; but along the way it has acquired in Oxfordshire commissioned a report changes for some time. There is no doubt a streak of independence and cultural from Price Waterhouse Coopers, which that some re-organisation is needed: discipline which renders its people single- looked at a number of alternative there are big savings to be made, and minded and distinctively different. structures for unitary local government. those savings will go towards providing What do you suppose Albert At the same time, Oxfordshire County better services. A combined authority Schweitzer, Marcel Marceau and Arsène Council commissioned its own report will be able to work more closely with Wenger have in common? The answer is from Grant Thornton. The two reports Oxfordshire health services, for example, that they were all born in Alsace. to provide better social care, and relieve the pressures on our hospitals caused by Situated between the Vosges bed blocking. I am in no doubt that more Mountains and the river Rhine, the region integrated local government is a good boasts one of the highest concentrations thing, and I look forward to participating of Michelin-starred restaurants in France. in future consultations. This pretty enclave of fairytale villages Liz Leffman and castles makes German wines in the City & Guilds Qualiied Groomer District Councillor French way. Alsace wine makers cultivate ts. Services include: Gewürztraminer, Riesling, Sylvaner, A member of Please note: WODC leader, James Collection & drop-off facility Muscat, Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris (the Hydrotherapy bathing Mills’ comment on the report into Full groom & styling same grape as Pinot Grigio) and the changing local government structures in Removal of knots & tangles resulting wines are quite different from Hand stripping Oxfordshire admitted a major shakeup Grooming for show on selected breeds those anywhere else. There are also the Nail trimming was now “off the table”. less successful dawn-pale reds made Tel: 01993 868118 Mobile: 0796 8733412 Email: [email protected] from Pinot Noir which failed to impress Website: www.wychwoodgrooming.co.uk. Robert Parker.

Open Monday - Saturday by Wendy Heather All the whites share a tingle of brilliant apointment only. Rock Glen, The Bungalow Please contact us to book Leaaeld Road, Finstock acidity. Wine makers here do not use an appointment. Oxfordshire, OX7 3DB The Plough at Finstock oak ageing to add spice and richness; instead they ferment all of the grape sugar FREE into alcohol, resulting in dry, steely, full- WIFI bodied wines. The glorious exception to this is Gewürztraminer. This is intensely perfumed with aromas of rose petals, lychees and pineapple. No other region in the world has been able to produce Our Bar is open: significant quantities of Gewürztraminer Mon: 6pm – close that even approach the richness and Tues – Fri: 12 noon – 3pm & 6pm – close exotic fruit qualities that are achieved Sat: 12 noon – close The pub that always welcomes you! here. Sun: 12 noon – 6.00pm Guy and Jordan Wallis wish to thank everyone in this area that has supported A glass of that Gewurztraminer might Our kitchen is open: them; and now that they are buying The even bring a smile to Arsène Wenger’s Tues – Sun Plough, they invite you to celebrate with face. Lunch: 12 noon – 2.00pm Dinner: 6.30pm – 9.00pm them on Friday October 28th from 7.30pm. Osiris Free Prosecco and canapes will be available. Come and visit us, we’d love to see you. Try the Plough’s triple cooked chips, which Nothing great is created The Plough Inn are noted near and far as the best chips in our suddenly, any more than a High Street, Finstock OX7 3BY area. On Tuesdays they serve fish and chips, bunch of grapes or a fig. Tel: 01993 868333 two dinners for the price of one; Thursdays www.theplough-inn.co.uk Epictetus are steak nights. 3

Plough_ad_90x60mm_Details_2015.indd 1 29/10/2015 15:47 Fireworks LETTERS Don’t you just love fireworks? Don’t you look forward to all those thrilling Dear Editor: where they lived. When she came in bangs and whooshes and explosions? I read with interest your salute to for delivery she was still very poorly and No? Then perhaps you are an elderly Roald Dahl on the centenary of his had a job speaking. I was the midwife in person living alone, or farm animals birth. I wondered if Finstock News charge of that delivery, and also of Lucy frightened and alone in their fields, or a readers may be interested to learn that I in August 1965. He gave me one of his nervous spaniel or a hysterical Labrador, was the midwife who delivered the last books, which was signed with thanks. a terrified whippet or a shell-shocked cat, two babies of Roald Dahl and Patricia Roald Dahl was amazing. Patricia Neal or their owner. Neal, the actress and his lovely wife. I needed so much physiotherapy, etc. delivered their fourth child Ophelia to try to get her walking again, that he In the days when firework celebrations in May 1964. Patricia then became organized rotas of willing volunteers in were confined to Guy Fawkes Night pet pregnant quite quickly again but sadly Great Missenden, who went in for two owners could take pets away from the she had a massive stroke in early 1965. hourly stints to help manipulate her village or manage somehow to soothe The consultant, Mr.William Hawksworth joints and encourage her to walk. She and reassure their animals but now that flew to Los Angeles to examine her and did eventually return to acting, but her “the season” lasts from the weekend see if the pregnancy was viable, which it speech never fully recovered. before Halloween to the weekend after was. As soon as she was well enough she Viv Wightman November 5th anxiety is becoming was brought back to Great Missenden, acute; particularly now that some people find the need to shatter the peace at ‘Save a Life’ app Christmas and New Year with explosions New X9 bus schedule as well. Save a Life is a free Android and Apple from Pulham’s Coaches:– app from South Central Ambulance Small boys have always found it fun tinyurl.com/hxfmqo3 Service that uses GPS functionality to show to shock grown-ups with anti-social where to find your nearest defibrillator. It behaviour; but those exploding military also features videos, cardiopulmonary or industrial rockets at midnight are surely Finstock Baby and resuscitation instructions and more. adults who should grow up and consider www.scas.nhs.uk/savealife to find your the effect of their puerile behaviour on Toddler Group Updates nearest defibrillator. their neighbours. Finstock babies and toddlers (and Please enjoy Bonfire Night some from further afield!) had a few meet-ups over the summer, and even (having checked for hedgehogs) with THE EDITORIAL COMMITTEE consideration for others in our village. a holiday themed sensory session with sand, sea and seaweed! Much gloopy Sean Connolly 868561 Member Nicky Higgins 868425 Proofing Barbara Pensom and Fancy fun was had by those that joined us. The Tony Hirtenstein 868600 Layout group is now settling into the autumn Joy Murphy 868575 Editor Depression is merely anger term back in the Hall. We will certainly [email protected] without enthusiasm. enjoy the space and warmth over the Ann Sullivan 868597 Advertising next few months! Barbara Wells 868776 Distribution We meet from 10am every Wednesday Photographs thanks to staff members and morning (term time) and have plenty NICOLA MORGAN DC MMCA others. on offer for all that come along: toys, Registered Chiropractor – Read the Finstock News online at www. activities, crafts and snacks for the little McTimoney Technique finstock.org.uk; join the Finstock Yahoo Kimber Cottage, Holly Tree Cottages, ones, plus hot drinks, cake and chat for group – groups.yahoo.com/group/finstock; Woodstock Rd, Earls Lane, the adults! We are planning a wide or write to us at 63 High Street, Finstock Charlbury OX7 3ET Deddington OX15 0TQ variety of seasonal activities over the Oxon OX7 3DA. Tel: 07968-381335 coming term leading up to Halloween Plan ahead – Know the deadlines I have almost 30 years’ experience in this and, of course Christmas! It’s never too Issue Deadline gentle, effective manipulative therapy, which early to get the glitter out for that surely. Feb/Mar First of January is suitable for many conditions and ages. I If you haven’t tried us out yet, come April/May First of March offer very flexible appointment times in two along for a free first session! You can keep June/July First of May locations. up-to-date with what we are doing on August/September First of July See www.chippingnortonchiropractor.co.uk Facebook, or our weekly emails: contact October/November First of September Provider for BUPA, PPP, WPA and all major us on [email protected] December/January First of November health insurance companies and we can add you to the list. We really Please keep articles short. As space Member of the General Council & Register for enjoy our weekly group, catching up with is limited, the Editors reserve the Chiropractors and the McTimoney Chiropractic right to shorten long pieces in the Association. friends and making new ones! We look interest of balance. Finstock News forward to seeing you there. does not necessarily share the views Helen Fallows expressed in readers’ letters. 4 SMALL ADS (All numbers start with 01993 unless otherwise stated) Hairdressing in your home Use the Village Hall for your next Kings Cleaning Services (Est. 40 Thirty-plus years’ experience. event. years) Windows – gutters – UPVC Women, men or children – The whole Contact [email protected] or frames – fascia – Specialist equipment family. Reasonable rates. ring 868020. for conservatories, including roofs. Also Contact: Alison Pritchard, domestic house cleaning. Fully insured. Tel: 01608-810533 PJR - Gas Safe registered heating, Ring 882727 for a professional and Gas and plumbing engineer. reliable service. Peter Smith & Son Funeral Directors Installation, service and repairs. Ltd. Personal 24 hour service, Pre-paid Line ads are charged at 20p per Mobile: 07515 733398; Tel: 881069; word, payment in advance. funeral Plans, all types of memorial work. Email: [email protected] Tel 702000. Please contact: Ann www.petersmithandson.co.uk Sullivan on 868597. TVSA VILLAGE SHOP AND POST OFFICE Congratulations to the Finstock and pet food. We have a great choice of Post Office open Monday News on its 100th issue! newspapers and magazines. to Friday 9am-1pm. Once again autumn is with us. If you are available to help out on You can post letters and packages, pay Halloween brings ghoulies, ghosties and your utility bills, withdraw cash and buy long-legged beasties, not to mention Shop opening hours:– foreign currency. witches and wizards. The Shop will have Halloween stock and another Halloween Weekdays 8-5.30 Karen Williams and the volunteers Competition. Saturdays 8.30-1 MarketInvoice Closed on Sundays Halloween and Guy Fawkes bonfire WODC is investing £50,000 in parties will be happening around Shop Telephone Number – local businesses via funding platform November 5th. Don’t forget to order Orders Taken: 869096 MarketInvoice which allows firms to your sausages and burgers from us in release funds from unpaid invoices. good time. We will obtain them from Saturday morning we would be very Business owners will be able to upload Patrick Strainge in Bampton. We also grateful. Training will be given for dealing their invoices online where they are have a good selection of beer and wine. with newspapers and opening and funded by investors including the Council. The Shop always has local cakes, closing the shop. We really need help When the invoice is paid, typically after bread, chutney, jam, marmalade and at this time. Perhaps you can manage 45 days, investors’ money is returned ham. just a few weeks or a regular week every and is ready to be used again. The Every day we are open we can supply month? Council’s £50,000 will be deployed a tremendous range of food from our Please continue to support our Food on a continuous basis but only to local freezers, and general grocery shelves: Bank collection. It is still very much businesses. For more information see tinned fruit and vegetables, packet soups, needed. Thank you for your generosity. www.marketinvoice.com. soft drinks, pasta, rice, tea, coffee, biscuits

PELLMANS Decorator & Tradesman Your Local Solicitors - House & Home Services • Business and Employment Law Contracts, Legal Compliance and Painting and Decorating. Disputes Maintenance and Repairs. • Property Help around the home. Buying and Selling Homes, Commercial and Agricultural • Wills, Probate and Trusts Reliable Local Tradesman. Tax Planning and Lasting Powers of Attorney Richard Buck, Elbie House, 01865 884400 East End, North MARK BILLINGE www.pellmans.co.uk Leigh, OX29 6PX CHIMNEY SWEEP

1 Abbey Street, Eynsham, Witney, For a clean and efficient service OX29 4TB Tel: 880166; Mob - Tel.: 01367-243052 Home visits and evening appointments 07791 046583 available 5 COUNTRYSIDE CONSERVATION Things do not change; we change. Thoreau, ‘Walden’ Welcome to the Anthropocene Council pledges food The Anthropocene defines Earth’s most recent geological period as being human- waste reduction target influenced, or anthropogenic, based on overwhelming global evidence that atmospheric, geological, hydrological, biospherical and other earth system processes are now altered WODC has signed up to the Courtauld by humans. Commitment, a pledge to cut food and The Anthropocene is distinguished as a new period either after or within the drink waste by 20 per cent before 2025. Holocene, the current epoch, which began approximately 10,000 years ago (about 8000 The Courtauld Commitment 2025 BC) with the end of the last glacial period. www.anthropocene.info. is a voluntary agreement launched by the Waste and Resource Action Green Gyms Programme (WRAP), which brings Green Gyms help people become join. For more information, see www.tcv. together organisations across the food physically and mentally healthier by taking org.uk/greengym/how-green-gym-works. system from producer to consumer to part in practical nature conservation We provide all tools, training and food waste disposal. activities to improve their local refreshments. Food waste recycling was introduced in environment. Everyone is welcome to West Oxfordshire in 2010. Householders are provided with a free kitchen caddy and outdoor bin. After collection it is taken to an anaerobic digestion plant in Cassington where it is recycled into a liquid fertiliser called ‘digestate’ for use on local farmland and renewable electricity to power 4,000 homes is generated as a by-product during the process.

The tomb of St.Barnabas

A week of touring Northern Cyprus was followed by a week in the Turkish Riviera, in an area completely full of hotels. (It took ages to get to the dining room(s), or the private beach, from the bedroom!)

St.Hilarion Crusader Castle The pillars of Salamis Carpet weaver

A church which has been turned into a mosque:- St.Nicholas The terraces of Pamukkale, the “Cotton Castle” Mustafa Pasha

Inset: from the Tomb of St.Philip

6 COUNTY COUNCILLOR REPORT Finstock Link Residents can get perfectly safe to use provided they are in Finstock Link is the response of their Electric Blankets good condition and have the necessary Finstock Parish Council to times of local Checked Free overheating safeguards incorporated into emergency, such as adverse weather Now is the time for residents to the design. Station Manager Chris Barber and its consequences (heavy snow, book their blanket in for a free check in of Oxfordshire County Council’s Fire flood, etc.), but may be implemented at October. Oxfordshire County Council’s and Rescue Service said: “Like any other any time at the instigation of the Chair Fire & Rescue Service and Trading piece of electrical equipment, it is vitally of the Parish Council. Finstock Link co- Standards are urging electric blanket important that electric blankets remain ordinates activity within the parish and owners to get their blankets tested free of in safe working order, last year nearly a where appropriate with local authorities charge ahead of the approaching colder quarter failed.” Testing is by appointment and emergency services to help protect months. only, strictly on a first come, first served vulnerable members of our community Testing electric blankets annually is basis. Residents should call Trading and mitigate the effects of the emergency important as all electrical systems have Standards on 01865-815000, option for all residents. This includes ensuring the potential to go wrong. In 2015 4, to arrange an appointment, or email all those in need of help have access to a total of 22 per cent of the electric communityengagement@oxfordshire. adequate medical provisions, emergency blankets failed the safety test and were gov.uk. heating, general provisions and have declared unsafe to use. They can be personal care or contact where that is Comet – transport from within the power of the Parish Council your door to destination to deliver as emergency support. In Andrew A.Adams The X9 bus still operates most of the case of such an emergency, a single timetable due to it being a well-used point of contact will be established and FCCA and now commercial service; but just in communicated to all households in the case there are journeys it doesn’t do, the village. The most frequent use of the Chartered Certified Comet, a new bookable transport service scheme is adverse weather, especially Accountant from Oxfordshire County Council, can snow, and volunteers grit in advance and fill the slack. clear after a snowfall where necessary. Quality personal service for your If any user groups or individuals are Accounting, Taxation and interested in using this service your We currently have 32 households that act as volunteers. If you would like Business needs County Councillor would be happy to put you on the right road! Please see more to be added to the list please email the Competitive fees agreed in details at: www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/comet Parish Clerk june.pratley@btinternet. advance com or speak to any parish councillor. Finstock News Free initial meeting We especially need a few more people My grateful thanks to all involved in available during daytime on weekdays as Telephone: 07790 854574 producing and circulating what is one this is when there is a frequent demand 01993 891280 of the best Parish based newsletters in for winter gritting. [email protected] my area – it is superb. Cllr Rodney Rose Shaun Morley [email protected]

Village Hall Bookings Evenlode Folk Pop-up Folk Saturday October 22nd Finstock Friday November 4th at 7.45pm The welcomes Oxfordshire folk legend John Owl Light Trio: Jim Penny (concertina), Spiers, well known for his long-standing Jane Griffiths (fiddle), and Colin Fletcher duo partnership with Jon Boden in the (guitar). Thoroughly good tunes from formidable Spiers & Boden, as well as Ireland, Brittany, Sweden, and beyond. his contribution to the massively popular Support will be provided by members of Bellowhead. John has also played with the DellyWellyBoot Band. £8 entry on Eliza Carthy’s Ratcatchers and a number the door. For more information contact of local folk-dance bands. Known better Judith, [email protected]. A tree surgery company with in folk circles as ‘Squeezy’, he has made the integrity you can trust. a name for himself as one of the leading squeezebox players of his generation. ChOC Films Tel: 0845 458 2980 Tickets £10 in advance, £12 on the door www.chocfilms.org Mobile: 07976 261850 from www.wegottickets.com or email Sunday October 9th at 7.30pm: Dad’s Email: [email protected] Army www.townandcountrytrees.co.uk [email protected] or call 868020. Sunday November 13th at 7pm: Everest 7 British Legion Poppy FRIENDS OF FINSTOCK SCHOOL (FOFS) Appeal 2016 We are gearing up for another full year aim to pencil in dates as soon as possible The 2016 Poppy Appeal will launch of fun and productive fundraising to help for other events for the year, which on Thursday October 27th. It runs until enhance our wonderful school. Our will include discos and should include Armistice Day, November 11th. This first aim is to get ready for our Annual another Ladies Pamper Night and the year Remembrance Sunday falls on General Meeting, which will hopefully Finstock 10k Run in the spring. We may November 13th. Each year door to door be held during October. Please look out run old favourites such as our Quiz and collections are made throughout the UK for details of the date and time of this Bingo Nights or perhaps try something giving everyone an opportunity to donate meeting on the noticeboard outside the different, but we will always strive to what they can to this very necessary and school and I will report on this in the next make our fundraising fun and targeted worthwhile cause. edition of the Finstock News. It’s now towards purchasing a specific item for Finstock has always played its part, an important time to organise ourselves the school. giving generously each year. We have for the year ahead as members leave One project is a recipe book filled with been fortunate enough to have a great our committee and, hopefully new faces easy to prepare, low cost, delicious (and team of volunteers who kindly give up join us. New members from the school hopefully healthy!) quick evening meal a little of their time to visit each home and wider community are always most ideas. If you have any suitable recipes as collectors. This year however, due to welcome. you would like to share with us for the a couple of great stalwarts retiring from The only date agreed for school events book, please let us know at htcfinstock@ our team (having more than done their so far is the Christmas Fayre, which we gmail.com. The aim would be to sell as bit), we are looking for fresh volunteers plan to hold jointly with the Church many copies of the book as possible to to join the team. Having served, or as usual. The Fayre is set for Saturday raise funds. having had links to the military, is not a December 10th; time and venue to be Many thanks for all your support in the requirement; so if you feel the desire to advised. We have also arranged for the past and we look forward to seeing you at support us and you can give up just an traditional Pantomime to visit the school our events throughout the coming year. hour or so of your time, just once a year, in the run up to Christmas, which should Rachel Mackenzie (FoFS Chairperson) please contact me on 869283, or email be a fabulous treat for the children. We me at [email protected]. Power cuts helpline Mick Charlesworth WODC supports the launch of 105, Natural History Museum a new national three-digit helpline www.nhm.ac.uk/take-part/identify- Service can answer your queries about telephone number that will make it nature.html insects, fossils, plants and other wildlife quicker and easier for people to report a Have you found a strange bug or a new and natural history specimens found in power cut. The public can also call 105 plant in your garden, or stumbled across the UK. You can also use our online if they spot damage to electricity power an intriguing animal bone or fossil while tools and resources to identify UK plants lines and substations that could put them out on a country walk? Let us help you and animals, and learn more about them. or someone else in danger. If there’s a Plus much more including seasonal ID find2066-BMad-Host5 out about it. 60x93 The dedicatedptrt A&J bw.qxp_Layout team at 1 05 serious immediate risk the emergency the Museum’s Identification and Advisory Guides. services should also be contacted. Visit www.powercut105.com to find out more. We’ve got just the thing to West Oxon make you feel better. Handyman & Home Improvement Services

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It’s great fun, all of the benefits of dog No job too small All jobs ownership without the emotional or financial commitment. We carefully considered match dogs to your home. Jeannie & Amanda For a free quote call 01993-868725 T: 01865 922004 M: 07985 766868 or 07717-878323 E: [email protected] BarkingMad.uk.com Email [email protected] 8 DAD’S ARMIES with this fearsome load would have been severely wounded or killed, that’s for Soldiers of Oxfordshire Trust (SOFO) unique uniforms, artefacts and images of sure. They sometimes practised with their Museum, Park Street, Woodstock a largely forgotten part of Britain’s military, guns on a Saturday afternoon in Wards or From now until December there is political, social and cultural history. www. Luston ground fields. When they were an exhibition on the Amateur Military oxfordshirehomeguard.uk issued with a machine gun, I remember Tradition. Local and amateur soldiers Please visit www.sofo.org.uk/whatson. hearing its rapid fire from the village. predated the establishment of a php for events for adults and children. After the fall of France and the standing army in the 17th century. From the Finstock evacuation of the British Army at Dunkirk This joint exhibition between the News archives things became very frightening when it was thought invasion was soon to Soldiers of Oxfordshire Trust and the Most people have seen the TV take place. The big worry inland was Buckinghamshire Military Museum Trust programme Dad’s Army about the Home parachutist landing. Every evening after is devoted to the story of these local Guard during the Second World War. coming home from work these men auxiliary forces, the militia, yeomanry Well, I remember the Finstock Home would patrol the fields and woods around and volunteers, and to their successors Guard (Defence Volunteers) very well, and Finstock for most of the night. A huge in two world wars: the Volunteer I can assure you that they were not in the movable barricade was erected down the Training Corps andRoyal the oakHome ads F_Layout Guard. 1 29/10/2015remotest sense 17:29 like Page the 1 Dad’s Army bunch. main road next to the big barn that has just The exhibition brings together some Mr.Oliver Watney, the owner of been turned into offices. The barricade Cornbury Park Estate, was the Captain: a Citizen Access to council consisted of a tree trunk about three feet in tall, dark-haired, stern, no-nonsense type tax and benefits diameter. The end opposite the barn gable of man, and his butler was the sergeant. I This new WODC Citizen Access was pivoted to a large tree; on the other can see them arriving outside the Village system enables residents to go online for end a huge steel axle was fitted on which Hall in a huge shooting brake around 2pm information on Council Tax and benefits, an Oxfordshire wagon wheel of about five onW a SaturdayE’R Efor briefings.BACK IN BUSINESS as well as change any information when feet in diameter was fitted. When the At first they had no Army-typeYA rifles OPENING required. You can view a property’s A tradition O L Home GuardHOUR menS blocked the road they Council Tax band and annual charge; and had to make do withR mainly shotgunsO of warm would swingMon - the Fri trunk on the wheel across with a sporting rifle Eor two. The teamA

inform us of a change of address and the road11.30- 3to.0 0jampm tightly against the gable consistedhospit aofl ityoungery men that had not asK register to pay by direct debit. Benefit H end of the barn. Huge chains through the

yets ingonece tintohe the Army, or middle-aged 6.30-11.00pm claimants can also view their current T barn wall were wrapped around the wheel men who were too old for military service. Sat 11.30-11pm entitlement, the date of their next 17th century and tree trunk and then locked. My dad had four shotguns in the house and Sun 12.00-10.30pm payment and the amount to be paid. RAMSDEN Mr.Perce Howse, the village blacksmith the one he favoured for his Home Guard The system also allows residents to sign Tel: 01993 868864 / 868who213 lived at the Waterloo Arms off- duties was a double-barrelled 12-gauge up for paperless billing by email for their licence, was the village air raid warden. hammerinfo@ro shotgun.yaloakra m Is dcanen. crememberom • www .himroya loakramsden.com Council Tax and Business Rates. Every night he would patrol the village to at the kitchen table reloading some Eley A To register, use the account reference make sure that every house was in total Grand Prix cartridges with buckshot: ¼ number and online key at the bottom of darkness and that garden fires were put out inch lead balls replacing the normal lead your latest bill. For more information, see as soon as it became dusk. There were shot. Anyone fired upon and getting hit www.westoxon.gov.uk/ebilling. severe penalties for those who ignored the blackout laws. WE’RE BACK No, there was nothing amusing about Finstock Home Guard, and it was certainly IN BUSINESS no laughing matter. M.Tooley A tradition of warm hospitality New online social since the 17th century. housing system Homeseeker Plus allows anyone on OYAL West Oxfordshire’s housing register to R O apply to rent vacant Housing Association FIREWOOD A

E properties. Prospective and existing

K tenants are banded according to H Quality Seasoned Hardwood Logs T their individual needs. Properties are 1 Cubic Metre £75 advertised weekly andB the Council 2 Cubic Metres £130 then offers each property to the most 4 Cubic Metres £240 RAMSDEN Mon - Fri: 11.30-3.00pm, 6.30-11.00pm appropriate bidder. Softwood also available Sat: 11.30-11pm Sun: 12.00-10.30pm Further details are on the Council’s KindlingTel: 01993 & Stacking 868001 Service website (www.westoxon.gov.uk). Anyone Order Online: www.jagtimber.co.uk Tel: 01993 868213 requiring help with the new process [email protected] should contact the Housing Team on www.royaloakramsden.com 861000. 9 FINSTOCK SCHOOL Finstock Craft Club On behalf of all members of the After a long summer break both staff and where stakeholders are motivated Finstock Craft Club, I would like to add our and pupils have arrived back at school and inspired, have a love of learning, and thanks and congratulations to everyone with renewed energy and vigour. It is are equipped to lead and face challenges. involved in the production of the Village always an exciting time of year with new At this time of real change and reducing Newsletter, especially for this very unique children, new staff and all children going resources in education, the partnership 100th edition. into new year-groups. Everyone is ready that we have developed with the other to meet the challenges ahead of them. It academy members has proved a real is therefore fitting that our value this term strength, whilst allowing Finstock School is ‘Challenge’. to retain its own ethos and character. You will remember that in October last It has supported the development year we became a founding member of of resources within the school. For the MILL Academy, and as such uphold example, the whole school has had a new and live the agreed values of Motivate, guided reading scheme funded by an Inspire, Learn and Lead through our academy grant. It has also enabled staff distinctive Christian and British Values to access training, share good practice education. At the end of last term we and develop their skills. The school has The Craft Club continues to meet at had a really lively meeting involving all been able to call in external expertise to the Village Hall, on the 2nd Monday and members of the school community, review its provision, and help focus on 4th Wednesday of every month from pupils, parents, staff, governors and areas for development in our unerring 7:30 to 10pm. Dates for the upcoming members of the local community, drive towards ‘outstanding’ and has been meetings are as follows: Monday October where we discussed which values we able to call on internal expertise in areas 10th and Wednesday October 26th; felt that we wanted to be at the core of such as Special Needs Education and ICT. Monday November 14th and Wednesday our school and which really fitted the By combining resources in areas such November 23rd. fully-inclusive and aspirational nature as finance and HR, we have been able of Finstock School as a member of the to not only make savings in the budget, We are very happy to report on the wider Academy. Amongst those values but also free up time for school leaders continuing success of the Craft Club as that were considered important were: to focus on teaching and learning. The it grows by at least one new member challenge, respect, inspiration and belief. Academy journey has only just begun, joining us at each session. With these It was felt that these values included but already we are seeing the impact at new members has come the opportunity many of the other aspects that we hold Finstock School. for us all to improve our individual skills. This is especially true as the varieties of important, e.g. friendship, trust and Sue Dawe Headteacher aspiration. We use these key Christian crafts grow and the ability levels increase. values during our Collective Worship We all get great pleasure in sharing and and in our daily learning and play, which October School schedule seeing how thrilled newcomers and supports the development of a real Monday 24th - Half Term Holiday Week existing members are when they have community-based ethos for the school, been shown some technique or possibly just a more effective way to complete a particular task. Whether you are an Finstock experienced crafter or a beginner, there’s a place for you at Finstock Crafts club. cattery You will be very warmly welcomed! Proprietors Julie & John Stoney On another note, the Annual Village Arts and Crafts event will take place in *LUXURY BOARDING the Village Hall on Saturday November 26th so please contact me at rosacrafts@ *SPACIOUS HEATED PENS btinternet.com, if you would like to book a table for this event or just require more *PERSONAL CARE information. Cost of table is £10. *INSPECTION INVITED Rosa Charlesworth The Shepherd’s Life – A Tale of the 8 Wards Lane, Finstock, Oxon OX7 3BP Lake District by James Rebanks “I understand for the first time that our Tel: 01993 868413 sense of belonging is all about participation. We belong because we are part of the work [email protected] of this place.” 10 Finstock Girlguiding Short Mat Bowls All sections meet on Wednesdays. Certain sports and activities generate have been regulars since. There are always places available for new images of the stereotypical players: think As all novices we have come to realise members. of golf, darts or show jumping: I’m sure and enjoy learning the skills needed. Rainbows: for girls aged between 5 you are already constructing those in your Some of us have experienced the elation and 7 years: meets from 4.45pm until mind’s eye. Now, thanks to the very much of improving, that is, getting the bowl 5.45pm. welcome facilities of the new Village Hall, to stay on the mat and end up near the Contact: Amy Booth 07495-064634, we have the opportunity to play bowls, ‘jack’ (note the technical language) but [email protected] Short Mat Bowls. I’m sure the image is occasionally it will still veer off across the already imprinting itself on your retina: all floor and head for Fawler. Basically we all Brownies: for girls aged between 7 and those grey people, a bit doddery, tea and get involved; we try really hard and enjoy 10 years: meets from 6pm until 7.30pm. biscuits, enthusiastic reminiscences of Saga the mild competition of a team sport. Contact: Caroline Booth 07890- holidays; but no, it isn’t like that (except for If you are ever free on a Monday or 629001, [email protected] the tea and biscuits). Thursday afternoon and might be tempted Guides: for girls aged between 10 and It was with a little trepidation that a to try something new why not come along 14 years: meets from 7pm until 8.30pm. few of us, wanting to support the hall and at least see what it is like - you may Contact for Guides is Kim Lovelock and hoping not to be recognised as we want to stay. 07792-907252, kimberley.lovelock@ certainly were not those stereotypical Anon yahoo.co.uk players, attended the first few sessions and

‘Open Up’ About Medicines Home Library Service Tell us your thoughts on the Health Service To drive down waste of medicines Volunteers work with Oxfordshire and ensure people use their medicines libraries to bring the library into people’s You can share your thoughts on how safely, the ‘Open Up’ about medicines lives. They work alongside library staff NHS services in Oxfordshire can deliver campaign encourages patients to talk to and other volunteers by taking books, high quality care now and in the future their healthcare professional when they audio books and DVD’s to customers via Talking Health, which is OCCG’s do not need medicines or have stopped in their homes and care homes; they consultation website. To fill in an online taking a medication. Unused medicines liaise with the customer, develop an survey on Talking Health click here: are estimated to cost the NHS £300m understanding of their reading tastes, tinyurl.com/ze5gfrk. a year. and share an enthusiasm for books and Alternatively, if you require hard reading; and they support independent copies of the survey please email your living, reduce isolation and ill health. To contact details, including your address, learn more and become a volunteer, visit to [email protected]; or write Men’s natures are alike; it is tinyurl.com/nfrohpm. to the Communications and Engagement their habits that separate them. Team, Oxfordshire CCG, Freepost Confucius RRRKBZBTASXU, Jubilee House, 5510 John Smith Drive, Oxford OX4 2LH.

Shaun Guard Hotel We’ve made a few changes, come and see. Always open. TV AERIAL The Brasserie SERVICES We poached the head chef from The Randolph in Oxford, come and try his food. Open from 7.00pm – 9.30pm Poor Reception Solved Aerials repaired & supplied The Gun Room Bar TVs - Hung on your wall for you We transformed ours into a relaxing bar for everyone, Also supplied & tuned come for light meals and snacks. Open from 12.00pm - 9.30pm Extra TV Points Leisure Club For aerial and Sky (In HD!) Swimming pool, gym and fitness classes. Sky TV - Also Foreign Language TV Join ‘The Club’ not a Gym. Open daily Call Witney 01993 608118 www.eynshamhall.com | [email protected] 01993 885200 North Leigh, Witney, Oxfordshire OX29 6PN A part of

11 ONE PERSON’S WEED, ANOTHER’S PASSION? Many of us marvel at a meadow of red poppies and purple Corn Cockles, which were once common weeds of corn fields. Some gardeners love the magnificent candelabras of pure white flowers of cow parsley or the long flowering pink Campions (ragged robins), yellow cowslips and the blue geraniums in the hedgerows. The fine structural form of teazles, whose purple bristled heads were collected in the past to provide a natural combs for cleaning, aligning and raising the by the conquering Romans as they nap on fabrics, particularly wool. The poet Gerald enjoyed eating it. Young ground elder Manley Hopkins must have been thinking of these plants when he romantically can be eaten raw in salads (cheaper wrote, ”Long live the weeds”: but surely not the nettle or ground elder! than bags of mixed supermarket What is a weed? A professor, doing a research project with nettles had taken leaves!), cooked in stews, casseroles, over one of the college flower beds to grow them. When he had a group of and soups and steamed like spinach; students, a rather disgruntled gardener came in and asked rather pointedly, but I still wish the Romans had left it whether he should “weed out” the one remaining rose bush in the patch! at home! Most of us handle the stinging nettle with great care, as it is covered with Happy gardening, Robert Bigwood microscopic hairs which inject at least three chemicals: histamine acting as a skin irritant, acetylcholine producing the burning sensation and hydroxytryptamine to Reed diffuser activate them. The old country remedy of reducing the pain is by using a dock leaf A reed diffuser will give your home to rub on the sting, as it contains chemicals which inhibit this hydroxtryptamine. a subtle and long-lasting fragrance that In the past, nettles were used to provide will transform the ambience of any room fibres for rope and cloth; and before the in moments. You will need a packet of First World War, the Germans harvested bamboo skewers; an essential oil; one up to 60,000 tons per year to make the cup of sunflower oil or other unscented soldiers uniforms. In the early 1940’s, cooking oil; a few herbs or spices of your as part of the war effort, the County choice; and a pretty container to put it Herb Committees in England called all in. for 100 tons of nettles to be collected Select your essential oils such as to produce extracts for the green dyes rose or jasmine (at either Boots or Bean needed for Camouflage and the chemical Bag). Mix 10-12 drops of the essential chlorophyllin to make certain ointments oil with the sunflower oil and pour into used to lower inflammation caused by injuries and promote wound healing. the container to fill about half-way to the Nettles can also be used to make nettle soup and even Samuel Pepys records top; add sprigs of herbs like rosemary or in 1661 having some “very good nettle porridge”. Nettles enjoy richly manured thyme or spices like cloves, nutmeg or soil and thus it is one of the first places that the Police seek “the body”. cinnamon sticks; add ten or so skewers The bane of gardeners everywhere is ground elder, which was introduced and you are ready to go. Rotate the sticks every few weeks to stop them from drying out. HILLTOP GARDEN STORE Book a GP Appointment Fantastic SOFT PLAY BARN Christmas via Smart Phone App Play for up to two hours from just PLANTS department Extensive plant range, gardening £2.50 per child* opens late Our Pizza Café serves homemade, cooked to products and inspirational home October OCCG has launched a new phone order pizzas, snacks and drinks - and gift ideas. hot, cold and shaken! app to help you find local health *For Seasons Reward Card services quickly. You can also book a GP members. Join for FREE in-store. SPRING BULBS appointment via the app. Look forward to a bright Spring whatever the weather with our amazing selection of Health and Care Oxfordshire provides FREE Spring Bulbs. advice on when it might be best to visit a RESTAURANT pharmacist or a GP and when to call NHS CAKE *Offer valid until Monday, 31st October 2016 Relax in our restaurant famous To celebrate the 111, and when self-management at home 100th One voucher per person, with locals for tasty breakfasts, edition of Finstock News, per transaction. Cannot be used in conjunction lunches and home baking. might be more appropriate. It highlights we’d like to invite you to with any other offer or come along and have a piece voucher. Subject to availability. Max. 1 deal of cake for FREE when you per voucher. Please print the type of injuries or illnesses most this voucher or show to a For more details or to SHOP ONLINE 24/7 purchase any hot drink after member of staff on your 3pm with this voucher*. phone in-store. Visit - gardenstoreonline.co.uk appropriate to be seen at minor injuries

(On the B4022, between Charlbury and Witney) units or first aid units in Oxfordshire. Hilltop Witney Road, Ramsden, Oxon. OX7 3AS To download the app for iPhone click Please note, the restaurant and pizza café will Tel: 01993 868403 here: tinyurl.com/o8r6p6m; and for close half an hour before the garden centre. Open 9am-5.30pm Mon-Sat 10.30am-4.30pm Sun Androids click here: tinyurl.com/phxl6op. 12