The Baldons and Nuneham Courtenay Newsletter

October 2012

Halloween Story and Craft Time

Wednesday October 31st 2012 3.45pm at the Berinsfield Library

All Welcome: Children accompanied by an adult please

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Save the date! Christmas Craft Fayre

Sunday 11th November 12 till 4. Some old favourites and some new faces. Something for everyone! Shop, have coffee with friends and have a massage! Fantastic glass work, jewellery, cakes, handmade chocolates and much much more! More information to follow so watch this space.

2 October 2012

Dear Friends,

The Olympics have had a tremendous impact on our nation. The quality that has stood out for me has been commitment. Commitment by volunteers, commitment by spectators and of course the commitment of those taking part. If there were to be just one legacy of the Games to the nation, I hope it will be an overall change in notions of commitment.

Over the years there seems to be an element of conditionality creeping into our understanding of commitment. I will stay in this relationship whilst it delivers the happiness I want. I will keep up my fitness regime until I can get into a size 10. I will keep with this job until something better turns up. Or put the other way round, I am not going to maintain this friendship because it’s only ever me that makes any effort. I’m not going to football practice any more because I didn’t get chosen for the team. In my job, I most often meet ‘conditional’ commitment when people tell me why they don’t believe in God any more or why they don’t come to church any more. The reasons are usually similar, faith or the church did not deliver what I wanted. A relative did not recover when I prayed, the vicar was difficult at my father’s funeral, they’ve changed the time of the service and it means getting up too early.

I have been impressed by Mo Farah, Bradley Wiggins, Jessica Ennis and many others. They must have had occasions when they felt like giving up. They must have had occasions when what they were getting out of training did not warrant the effort they were putting in. And what of those who trained for years and then did not even get selected for the games? Commitment in any part of life is not easy, that is the nature of it, in the tougher moments it can be just about endurance and tenacity, but the rewards are to be found in the long term more often than the short, just look at our Olympians.

Best wishes, Ros

The Revd Ros Latham is Team vicar for The Baldons, Berinsfield and Drayton St Leonard: e-mail: [email protected] and tel: 01865 340460

The Revd Dr Hannah Cleugh is Curate for The Baldons, Berinsfield and Drayton St Leonard: e-mail [email protected] and tel: 01865 341382

3 MARSH BALDON SCHOOL NEWS

Everyone returned to school in good spirits at the beginning of September for what promises to be another exciting and enjoyable year in the life of the school. We are aiming to use the brilliant performances of the athletes in the Olympic and Paralympic Games as an inspiration for the children to go on and achieve great things.

We are very pleased to welcome Henry, William, Che, Harriet, Nataliya, Lachlan, Lucy, Finlay, Luke, Samuel, Ottavio, James, Georgina and Angus who are all starting in Class1 and Alexander in Class 3.

We have a number of events planned for this term. We are also very pleased to see people from the village join us for these occasions. You are always very welcome.

October Thur 4 MacMillan Coffee Morning 9.00am Tue 16 HARVEST FESTIVAL - church 2.30pm December Tue 4 KS2 Play – Dress Rehearsal 1.30pm Wed 5 KS2 Play – Evening Performance 6.30pm Tue 11 Class 2 Christmas Play 2.00pm Fri 14 Nativity Play at the church 9.00am Fri 21 Christmas Carol Service at the church 9.00am

In fact we would like to extend an invitation to any villager who would like to come and see the school and the children. Please ring first though just make sure we are there! You can find out all about the school on our website; www.marshbaldonschool.co.uk

We have a number of exciting activities planned for the children this term including a percussion workshop and a day of healthy living activities. There will also be some athletics coaching as well as a full programme of after school clubs.

We are all very proud of our school. If you have young preschool children, it’s that time of year again to think about future schools. If you have or know of any children who want to enrol at our school in September 2013, Oxfordshire County Council advise the following: For children born between 1 September 2008 and 31 August 2009 (inclusive), you must apply for a school place for entry in the academic year beginning September 2013. The closing date for applications is 15 January 2013 . Applications can be made through OCC’s website. The ‘Starting Schools’ booklet is available from the school office and contains all the information you need. Visits from prospective parents are most welcome. Please ring and arrange an appointment.

Autumn is a great time to get the children outside and explore! There are a lot of changes happening in the countryside at this time of year and of course, lots of wonderful colours. 4 We have planned a whole week of Outdoor lessons in October and I know we will be ‘out and about’ whatever the weather! Please say hello to us if you see us around the village!

Best wishes

Nick Pitson

SCHOOL CLEANER NEEDED We are looking for a new regular cleaner. The job consists of 2 ½ hours a day, Monday to Friday. Start time can be flexible but must be between 3.30pm and 4.30pm. If anyone is interested in the position, or knows of anyone who might be, please contact the school.

BALDON FEAST The Great Village Festival for Nuneham Courtenay, Toot and Marsh Baldon

For those fortunate enough to be able to attend this fantastic village festival it was truly a great day and what magnificent weather with which we were blessed. There was a packed schedule of features with high quality music and the beautifully dressed Irish dancers. The market this year had an extra touch, more and varied stalls. Who enjoyed a look at the classic MG motor cars and old speedway motorcycles, many felt it was good addition to our fête. The display of owls and hawks found great interest amongst many of you. You will be pleased to know that we have already booked a slot with Clive the enthusiast in charge of the birds who said next year he will be flying them overhead, should prove to be quite something. Already others have approached me with ideas, some of which I am sure we can accommodate. If you wish to make suggestions please do so by contacting me.

The Parish Council who authorize and back the Baldon Feast are committed to its continuation. It has been deemed as a non-profit making event, which means that any surpluses can be offset against any loses and where appropriate funds can be used to source additional even special attractions. In this way and with your attendance the Baldon Feast can have a fresh feel each year whilst continuing to be a traditional funfair and village fête. The Council would really like to see a greater involvement of local talent, features and games so we welcome your participation. I would like to thank very much all the volunteers and sponsors for all of your help, without which there could be no Baldon Feast. You may at any time log-on to www.baldons.org.uk and click on Baldon Feast to keep updated with current progress.

BALDON FEAST 2013 will be held 2 - 6pm Saturday 17th August 2013

Ralph Slaney - Baldon Feast Organizer on behalf of The Baldons Parish Council 01865 343 275 [email protected]

5 BALDONS PARISH COUNCIL NEWS

Highways Matters Flooding Keith Stenning Area Steward for Oxfordshire Highways Dept. attended the meeting following the concern we had expressed in writing about the long delay in dealing with flooding at the bottom of The Croft earlier in the summer. Whilst he was unable to explain why it had occurred he accepted that mistakes were made and the 11 week delay from first being reported, and subsequently reported, was unacceptable, but he also emphasised that the severe financial constraints of the highways maintenance budget could be a contributory factor. His dept. have now established that there are broken drains under the road that require investigation and repair that contribute to the flooding problem and the council has asked for information on the this and timescale of repair. Road signs New ‘slippery road’ signs have recently been installed on the road between Marsh and Toot Baldon. This is because the Highways dept. has judged the road surface to be smooth and whilst resurfacing may be needed it can’t be afforded at this time and the signs are intended to help with road safety.

Traffic Survey During development of the Parish Plan the issue of traffic using the village roads as a rat run was raised as a concern and the need for a traffic survey was identified as a high priority Thanks to help from David Turner our District Councillor the Highways dept. undertook a traffic survey on 13 th June 2012 the results being presented to the council by Mr Stenning. The survey was undertaken at the A4074 and B 480 and recorded all cars coming or leaving the village between the hours of 07 hrs. and 1800 hrs. Whilst there were over 1500 traffic movements in and out of the villages, recorded rat run traffic accounted for only about 11% of cars coming in and out of the villages. See table below. Hour Commencing: Location Direction Total 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 From Oxford Towards Oxford (B480) 6 1 1 1 4 2 5 1 3 1 25 (A4074) Towards Watlington 1 1 2 A4074 From Towards Oxford (B480) 2 6 3 1 4 3 5 2 3 6 8 43 Berinsfield Towards Watlington 1 2 1 4 From Oxford Towards Berinsfield 1 1 2 1 1 1 7 (B480) Towards Oxford (A4074) 1 1 1 1 4 B480 From Towards Berinsfield 3 4 3 4 3 3 1 5 7 4 37 Watlington Towards Oxford (A4074) 221 32122 217

Also of interest is the table below recording vehicles entering and leaving after short periods which are likely to include delivery vehicles and school traffic at peak times.

Survey Point 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 Total A4074 7 18 9 3 8 9 10 13 15 7 9 5 113 B480 1 3 8 3 6 5 3 6113 4 255

Both tables demonstrate the peak hours for traffic which most of us are already aware of. In discussion it was felt that the amount of rat run traffic is not high and it will be difficult to prevent and therefore it is unlikely there would support for Traffic Police involvement. The council will however continue to press for the installation of advance 6 warning ‘No Access’ signs on the B480 at the junction to Toot Baldon which we understand the Highways dept. traffic section already have in their work program . More information on the survey will be put on the village web site.

Code of Conduct for Councillors New rules governing the standards and conduct of councillors both elected and co-opted came into effect on 1 st July and the Baldons Parish Council has adopted the new policy required of it by South Oxfordshire District Council. Copies of the new Code of Conduct are available from the Parish Clerk.

Baldon Feast What a fantastic day we had on Baldon Feast, more people that ever attended and the council felt it was hugely successful. It takes great effort to organise such an event and thanks must go to Ralph Slaney and his family for all their hard work in planning and organising it for us. We are delighted that Ralph is willing to go on doing it and the event next year is already in the diary. Thanks also to those village groups who were involved doing teas, games and generally volunteering and raising money for the village.

White Gate Most of you will have noticed the white gate at the entrance to the village has been damaged in recent weeks by a passing tractor. The post was already rotten and the council have agreed to replace this, and with help from Parsonage Farm, have the gate repaired, rehung and painted.

Track round the Green Many will have noticed the repairs to pot holes on the unmade track on the south side of the green which was organised by the householders. It has made a great improvement, so thanks to them for all their hard work. During the summer car tracks have been noticeable on the green running parallel to the unmade track and it is expected that, whatever the reason for it, this driving on the green will now cease.

Date of next meeting: 13 th November 7.30 pm village hall. There will be discussion on priorities for expenditure and the budget in order to recommend to SODC the precept for 2013.

Diamond Jubilee It is hoped that all the eligible Baldons children of 11 and under will have now received their Jubilee Crowns and the Jubilee Committee hope they will serve as a reminder of a wonderful Diamond Jubilee weekend. Anyone with a query about the distribution can contact Robin Timms on 341461. The Jubilee Committee raised, thanks to all your contributions and fund raising efforts, the magnificent sum of £10,300.00 to spend on the Jubilee weekend. Now that all bills have been paid we are left with an unspent balance of £1606.57 which following discussion and agreement with the Parish Council will be spent on the village projects. A number of ideas are being explored and costed to get an affordable short list but it is the intention to use some of the money to purchase an oak tree to be planted on the village green to commemorate the Jubilee as was also done for the Queen’s coronation.

7 Don’t Let Marsh Baldon Youth Club Stop for Good! We need your help!

Dear parents,

If you have helped out at a previous MBYC session, then please accept our thanks for this (and please continue to do so as we need parents to help “police” the fortnightly sessions).

However this update is about the running of the MBYC itself – at present the team who put additional time into planning the sessions, acquiring the kit, running the finances and booking the activities is very small.

At present the Youth Club hasn’t run for a number of months due to the lack of committee members – it would be a sad loss for the village if this vital commodity were to stop for good… if you read the tributes to Jack Greenaway in last month’s newsletter, you will know how important it has been over many years.

Would you be prepared to volunteer to help on the team? We meet once every 2 months (usually at the Seven Stars – so an incentive already!) for an hour or so to discuss:

• The next sessions we plan to book • Ideas for these sessions • Finances • Who will take actions to book or plan for the sessions

As part of the committee we would only be expecting one or two hours a month from you to help with running the YC (of course you are more than welcome to “police” the fortnightly sessions too if you wish!).

We also encourage children to attend these sessions where appropriate as their constructive input in to the sessions and general MBYC kit is invaluable. If you can help, then please contact Darren Baber (or email [email protected] / phone 01865 340264).

Nearly New Sale – Long Wittenham Pre-School

Long Wittenham Pre-School is holding a Nearly New Sale of baby & children’s clothes, toys & nursery equipment on Saturday 13 October from 10-12 noon at Long Wittenham Village Hall. Remember the best bargains go to the early risers! If you would like to sell any items or need more information please contact Zoe Pepper by e- mailing [email protected]. Please come along and support our Pre- School. www.longwittenhampreschool.co.uk

8 BALDONS VILLAGE HALL

The Village Hall AGM will take place on 24th October at 8pm - if you'd like to come along please do. We are keen to get some new blood onto the committee - if you would like to get involved please contact James Bufford the chair (340091) or John Barne (343624).

To book the hall, please contact Ali or Darren on: 01865 340264 or [email protected]

The Baldons Village Hall is for everyone's use. As well as hiring the hall you can also hire out some of the other equipment that is in the hall. These items can be booked via Ali or Darren on: 01865 340264 or [email protected]

LOCAL BUS TIMETABLE 89 The Baldons – Kings Copse – Cowley Centre Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays Only

Marsh Baldon, Baldon Lane 0935 Toot Baldon, Wilmots 0939 Kings Copse 0945 Watlington Road, Bobby Fryer Close 0947 Cowley Centre, The Nelson 0954

Cowley Centre, The Nelson 1325 Watlington Road, Bobby Fryer Close 1331 Kings Copse 1334 Toot Baldon, Wilmots 1340 Marsh Baldon, Baldon Lane 1344

BERINSFIELD HEALTH CENTRE FLU VACCINATION 2012 For patients aged 65 and over, and those who have previously received a flu injection as they are in an ‘At Risk’ group under the age of 65. Also if currently pregnant. There will be `DROP-IN` CLINICS ON Monday 15th October 2012 3pm-6pm Tuesday 16th October 2012 3-5pm Monday 22nd October 2012 3pm-6pm Tuesday 23rd October 2012 3-5pm

If you have not previously had a vaccination for pneumococcal disease, but have turned 65 since last flu season, or, will become 65 years old by March 31 st 2013, you are eligible for this vaccine – please request it at the same time as you have your flu vaccine. 9 Toddlers Group

Are you a mum, dad or carer of a baby or pre-school toddler (or both) that fill your life with joy and occasionally drive you mad?

If so you are not alone, come along to Toddlers group on Thursday mornings at the Village Hall. We run a 2 hour session from 9.30 and provide toys, activities, snacks for toddlers, drinks for grown-ups and a chance for chat.

Cost per session is £3

Any questions, please call Sara on 343567 or Lucy on 341136

We look forward to seeing you there!

BALDONS WINE CLUB NEWS

Tuesday 16 th October Wines of Argentina Marsh Baldon Village Hall 7 for 7.30 p.m. start Learn more about the wines of Argentina and be amazed by the range of styles, regions and varieties as well as an insight into the rich culture and history of Argentina’s wine industry.

*************************** Thursday 15 th November How to Taste Like a Master of Wine Local Venue – tbc 7.00 p.m. Richard Bampfield MW joins us for the evening. Richard passed his MW (Master of Wine) exams in 1990. Richard's company, Wine Events, specialises in wine talks, tours and courses. Enjoy Richard’s relaxed and entertaining style and learn from the Master! We’ll be taken through a flight of wines by Richard to see how the experts do it and learn more about tasting techniques and how to identify grape varieties.

Linda Simpson: Wine Education & Promotion www.explorewine.co.uk - [email protected] - 01865 341043

www.wineeducators.com

10 NUNEHAM COURTENAY PARISH COUNCIL

Meeting on 4 September 2012

A meeting of Nuneham Courtenay Parish Council was held on Tuesday 4 September. The two new Parish Councillors, Suzanne Deakin and Tara Love, were in attendance, along with Parish Council Chair, Colin George, Vice Chair, Jasminder Love and Councillor Frank Casey. Three members of the public attended. Cr George declared an interest as an employee of the University.

Conduct of the Parish Council The meeting began with the public open session and concerns about the management and conduct of the Parish Council were raised and discussed at length. The Council takes the views regarding the roles and responsibilities of the Parish Council as a body, and of its individual members specifically, very seriously and noted:

• The need for the greater sharing of responsibilities so that no one individual has, or is seen as, taking, all the responsibility for the Parish Council; • That councillors have roles outside of the Council and the distinction between roles may not always be obvious to parishioners; • The need to ensure that councillors continue to have the full backing of fellow councillors when acting on issues that arise between formal meetings

The Councillors agreed to discuss these issues at an informal meeting and to formally review at the next meeting. We are grateful to the members of the public who attended and for expressing their concerns. We hope they appreciate that we do listen to criticism and concerns and are prepared to deal with issues raised whether real or perceived.

As a Parish Council we are aware that we are often asked to deal with concerns that not all of the Parish may view as issues or in the same way. We do try to deal with problems raised sensitively, although we realise that this may sometimes cause offense to others. The reason that the Parish Council supports the undertaking of a Village Plan (by a group outside of the Parish Council) is to gather together the primary concerns of all those in the Parish so we have a clear set of priorities for action.

Replacing the Parish Clerk A plan for seeking a new Parish Clerk has been agreed and the Council is hopeful that a replacement will be hired before the end of 2012 or early in 2013. In the Clerk's absence, Suzanne Deakin took the minutes of the meeting and will do so until a new Clerk is appointed. Parish Councils need to have a formal officer to support and represent them and advice has been obtained that allows one of the Councillors to take on the role of acting Clerk. Colin George has temporarily taken on this role for dealing with some very specific issues (e.g. external audit). We have agreed to share out responsibilities for dealing with various issues and their agencies.

11 Horses and bicycles on pavements A parishioner has again raised the issue of the riding of horses and bicycles on pavements. It was agreed to re-instate the previous notices and place this note in the newsletter reminding parishioners and others of the dangers (and illegality) of riding on the pavements and to look at how this might be dealt with as part of a larger signage initiative. This is not a case of NIMBYism but is a real threat to the safety of those villagers with homes that open directly onto the pavement.

Planning - Brewer’s Garage The Parish Council reviewed the planning and listed building consent applications related to the Old Smithy, now known as Brewer's Garage, located on the north side of the village along the A4074, It was noted that the applications, P12/S1710/FUL and P12/S1784/LB, propose change of use and alterations to:

• Create a new two bed-roomed dwelling on the first and second floors of the original Old Smithy building • The subdivision of the showroom area to create two A1 ‘retail outlets’ (an art gallery and furniture showroom are noted as possible uses) • the creation of a ’hot food takeaway (planning use class A5) on the ground floor of the Old Smithy building The application notes that this could be used as a delicatessen

The existing car sales and car wash uses are shown as retained. The Parish Council has offered no objections to the applications as these are seen beneficial to bringing the unused garage back into use. However planning officers have been asked to consider the following when considering the application:

• compatibility of the existing and proposed uses • that signs have been installed and additions to out-buildings have been undertaken without consent and should be considered through this or separate applications • the location and design of new signage needs co-ordination and further consideration • that existing brickwork should be restored rather than repainted • whether external shutters on the outside of the showroom should be reconsidered because of their appearance • the potential hazards of turning traffic

SODC’s decision is due to be made by 8 October 2012

Planning - Arboretum Signage The application for new and replacement signs at the Harcourt Arboretum, that was lodged over the summer, has been revised to take into account the concerns of both the Nuneham Courtenay and Baldons’ Parish Councils, The revised application proposed that the announcement signs on the roadway be moved back towards the entrance of the Arboretum and reduced in size. The application has now been approved by SODC.

12 Signs for Nuneham Park Some parishioners on Nuneham Park have raised concerns about dogs causing damage, dog mess and the treatment of the Park as though it is a public open space. NCPC is aware that most local people and dog owners are responsible people, and that often the problem is caused by visitors. NCPC was asked to look at the idea of signs and has come up with some initial ideas based on those installed by the Global Retreat Centre. We have approached Savills (the University’s estate mangers) about the idea and this is being considered by the University. The signs are intended to remind those entering the Park: • of the location of the various properties • that the road is private and indicate the route of public footpaths • to respect those who live on the estate by keeping dogs on lead and removing any dog mess

As the land is owned by the University, signage can only be installed with their agreement. Funding would also have to be found. If the University supports the idea then we’ll discuss the location and designs for the signs with parishioners. The ideas also include signs that could be used elsewhere in the Parish e.g. on the lane at the rear of properties on the west side of the village where similar concerns about dog mess have been raised.

We have also responded to requests to ask Savills to ask tenants to respect their neighbours by controlling dogs and removing dog mess as discussed at the previous PC meeting. We understand that Savills have done this but that the letters sent out (without any further consultation with PC) say that the PC has “instructed them” – we did not. As representatives of the landowners we asked if this is something they would do – recognising that it something that the University would need to support. We can only apologise for the way this has been done and thank those who rightly expressed their indignation.

Village Plan In her separate role as Village Plan lead Cr Love updated councillors on the progress with the Village Plan. Work to be completed to secure funding was discussed. Funding arrangements for Village Plans have changed and Cr Love is meeting with our County and District Councillors to discuss funding issues, and support for some of the initiatives that have already come forward, such as the Adult Luncheon Club and Good Neighbour scheme.

The final step before issuing a questionnaire throughout the Parish is a consultation with businesses within the Parish. The questionnaire is designed to build on the initial issues and ideas that parishioners put on ‘post it’ notes at the start up meeting last year and will help the Steering Group to do proper qualitative and quantitative research and analysis about what parishioners’ really want. The results can then be passed back to the Parish Council for action. Cr Love has secured agreement from SODC that they will undertake the analysis of the questionnaires at no cost (saving the usual charge of £250).

The development of the Luncheon Club continues and the next lunch is scheduled for 13 December.

13

Other matters The dumping of garden waste in the lane on the west end of the village has been noted to the Parish Council. The Parish Council ask parishioners to note that this is unacceptable to some of their neighbours. SODC offers a service of collecting garden waste (the brown bin service costs £34/year) or such waste can be taken to the Redbridge centre off Abingdon Road. Information on the garden waste collection service can be obtained from the SODC website: www.southoxon.gov.uk, by e-mail: [email protected] or ringing 01749 341247.

Future meetings The next formal meeting of NCPC will be held in the Village Hall on Tuesday 6 November 2012 at 2 pm. All are welcome. The Parish Council is experimenting with various meeting times to allow others to attend who might find evening meetings difficult.

The setting of the Parish Precept for 2012/13 (the addition to the Council Tax for dealing with local matters) has to be discussed at the meeting so this can be advised to SODC in December 2012

Contact and further information Further information on the above matters, events and other local amenities can be obtained via the Parish Council website. Parish e-mail address: [email protected] Colin George: [email protected]) 01865 343767 Parish Council website: www.nunehampc.webs.com Village Plan website: www.nuneham.com Agendas, minutes and other formal notices of the Parish Council are placed on the notice-board in front of the Village Hall.

NUNEHAM COURTENAY VILLAGE HALL

A big thank you to John Clibbon for keeping the grass cut on the footpaths and car park. We all appreciate this.

We would like to organise a working party to do some more work on the sheds at the hall as well as finish the external painting (from the fire refurbishment). As this is weather dependant, we have not set a date. If you are willing to help in theory, please contact Jenny on 01865 343459 or [email protected]. When we set a date, I can then contact you to see if you are free that day.

From June Harris: May I say a great big thank you to everyone involved in getting Geoff and myself to Abingdon three times a week while I was unable to drive. I can’t say a personal thank you but you know who you are. I can say thanks to Sheila Barrett for her organising and Pete Brooks for his constant support. Great neighbours and friends. June Harris

14 Fungi Picking

This time of year is when you often see fungi collectors out there in the countryside. Foraging for the fruiting fungi, taking them home to eat afterwards. Obviously care needs to be taken for this activity, and some are toxic to humans and you really shouldn’t take wild mushrooms from nature reserves or land protected for the benefit of wildlife.

The majority of fungi are made up of water, and the dry substance is a mixture of fat, carbohydrates, vitamins and protein. So one can instantly see why these fruiting bodies are sought after.

Good rules to stick to when collecting fungi to eat are only take those that you can identify with certainty, that are not a rare species, and cut the fungi off carefully near to the hole which is then left in the soil and clean these where you picked them so the spores spread in an area that the particular species likes. Take the produce home in containers with good air circulation, never in paper or plastic bags. Keep edible fungus separate from any you are unable to identify in the field and are transporting home to look at under the microscope otherwise you could contaminate the edible ones rendering them completely inedible.

Once home, you can freeze fungi, but only the ones freshly harvested and that have the flesh intact and firm. Fungi must be sliced then cleaned before freezing, and once frozen can last for up to 5 months. When you are ready to use them, do not thaw them out, fry them in a pan from frozen.

As I say though, be very careful with picking fungi, as a lot are toxic. Also a lot of destruction is caused on the fungus forays that are organized around Oxfordshire, as people pick everything they find only to realise most are not fit for our consumption. It is better to only pick what we know we can eat, and not lay waste to entire swathes of countryside in the hope that what we get home may just about be fit to cook.

I don’t want to ruin people’s enjoyment of the local environment, but pick fungi responsibly as they play an important and fascinating role in the local ecology.

Happy gardening

Stuart Mabbutt Wildlife Gardening Specialist 01865 747243

15 CLERGY

Revd Ros Latham Ros is from rural North Yorkshire, having been a farmer’s wife and an RE teacher before becoming a vicar. She joined the Dorchester team as team vicar for the Baldons, Berinsfield and Drayton St Leonard in October 2007, living in Berinsfield. She is married to Peter and between them they have six children.

Revd Hannah Cleugh Hannah is our curate. She grew up in the north-east, and came to Oxford as a student to read Theology. After graduating, she stayed on to do research into the English Reformation. She trained for ordination at Ripon College, Cuddesdon and she and her husband David (who is Curate-in-Charge of the parishes of Stadhampton, Newington and Warborough) joined the Dorchester Team in July 2009.

FROM THE REGISTERS

Funeral The funeral of Royston Alton Nichols took place on 21 st August 2012 at St Lawrence’s, Toot Baldon.

ROYSTON NICHOLS

Jean, Tony & Family would like to thank Ros and the Villagers for all their help and support over the loss of Roy.

It was most appreciated.

Chris Nichols (Brother)

Harvest Festival and Lunch

Harvest Festival will be held on Sunday 14 th October, at St Peter’s Church, Marsh Baldon at 11am. It will be followed by a bring-and-share family lunch.

Please do come along to both, we would love to see you all. Please let Sara know whether you are coming and what food you would like to bring, on 343567 or [email protected] .

16 DORCHESTER ABBEY NEWS

Morning Service 7 th October One of last year’s Abbey charities was Thames Valley Women's Network. This initiative supports refugee women in taking new initiatives to learn for themselves and help them settle in to a new culture. As they do so their learning and lives affect those around them. This morning we will be joined by some members of the Reading Refugee Support Group, together with Jo Morris a member of the Abbey congregation, who will explain more about the project and its development over the past year. Everyone is welcome to hear about their experiences and the work that they do.

Visiting Choir The New Abbey Singers, a choir which specialises in singing in cathedrals and abbeys, will be singing extra Evensongs on Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th October at 4pm. They will also be participating in the Sung Eucharist on the morning of Sunday 28th. Do come along to these additional services.

Arias at the Abbey

Saturday 13 October, 7.30pm Dorchester Abbey

An evening of popular classical music and song including Nessun Dorma, the Flower Duet, Toreador Song and the Pearl Fishers' Duet in aid of Bone Cancer Research Trust

Kylie Anne-Pointer (soprano), Hannah Pedley (mezzo-soprano) Jeremy Finch (tenor), Stuart Pendred (bass-baritone) The award-winning Wallingford Parish Church Choir Director Sue Ledger Oxford Chamber Orchestra Conductor Neil Farrow

Tickets, £25, www.purecharity/bonecancerreseachtrust.2 enquiries 01491–825680, [email protected]

ITEMS FOR THE NEWSLETTER

Items for November 2012 newsletter by 16 th October please Any villager is welcome to send items for publication in the newsletter - this can be anything from articles, poems or pictures, to publicising your event. In addition, if you have an image you would like us to consider for the cover, do send it in! If you would like to receive a reminder e-mail each month for newsletter contributions please let me know.

Natasha Eliot: [email protected]. Alternatively I can be contacted on 340562 or at The Barn House, Baldon House East, Marsh Baldon. For advertising queries, please contact Sheila Harris on: [email protected] or on 340403.

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SERVICES FOR OCTOBER

7th October 9.30am Holy Communion Toot Baldon 14 th October 11.00am Harvest Festival Marsh Baldon followed by Bring & Share Lunch

21 st October 9.30am Holy Communion Marsh Baldon 28 th October 8.30am Said Holy Communion Marsh Baldon 9.30am One4All Marsh Baldon 4th November 9.30am Holy Communion Toot Baldon 11 th November 10.45am Remembrance Sunday Toot Baldon

Prayer in St Peters: Thursdays 8.15am

SIDESDUTY Marsh Toot 7th October 9.30 am Graham Hobbins 14 th October 11.00am Ann Druce 21 st October 9.30 am Stephen Dance 28 th October 9.30 am John Mason

FLOWERS Marsh Toot 7th & 14 th Oct C Attewill & L Barnett J Brook & E Denning 21 st & 28 th Oct W Barclay & V Sandilands M Trinder 4th & 11 th Nov G Baker A Druce

FELLOWSHIP GROUP : Monday 8 th October at 7.30pm; Keeper’s Cottage, Baldon Lane Anyone is welcome to come along and find out more about the Christian Faith. For further information please contact Jennifer Morton Tel 343302 or email [email protected]

Autumn Fancies

A concert to be held in St Helen’s Church, Benson on 13 th October at 7.30pm

Songs of all types for all ages!

Proceeds to the church and Music for Autism

For more details or tickets please contact Sara on 343567

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Thank you!

Thank you to all of you that have made us so welcome over the last year. We've been here for twelve months now, and we are really grateful for all of the support we have received from the Baldons and Nuneham Courtenay. Here's to the next year - cheers! Carrie and Olly x

Coming up in October...

We will be offering whole suckling pigs for 8 guests or more, carved table side and served with potatoes roasted in goose fat and rosemary, caramelised apple and damson sauce, sprouting broccoli, roasted onions, cider and thyme gravy. Booking essential (one week in advance).

Christmas menus will also be available from early October, so ensure you book early to avoid disappointment!

Winter Opening Hours (From 1st October)

Monday - Closed Tuesday - Saturday 12 - 3/6 - Late Sunday - 12 - 4

Olly & Carrie Clifford Brown The Seven Stars, The Green, Marsh Baldon, OX44 9LP 01865 343 337

19 Nuneham Courtenay Village Hall

Film night returns on October 19 th . Doors open at 7pm for a prompt 7:30 start. As always, those attending get to vote for the next film. We will have a short intermission, by popular request.

Salmon Fishing in the Yemen stars Emily Blunt, Kristin Scott Thomas, and Ewan McGregor. It is rated 12A with a running time of 127 minutes, including an intermission. A fisheries expert is approached by a consultant to help realise a sheik’s vision of brining the sport of flyfishing to the desert and embarks on an upstream journey of faith and fish to prove the impossible possible. This is a lovely book, even for those of us who don’t enjoy outdoor pursuits, in the same league as The Help.

Tickets can be booked in advance by calling Jenny on 01865 343459 or [email protected] .

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