Of the village, by the village, for the village December 2014 / January 2015 89 FinstockServing Finstock, Fawler, Wilcote, Mt.SkippettNews and Finstock Heath
Remembrance Day ...... 1 Remembrance Day Service School, Plough...... 7 Village Events...... 2 Shop, Post Office...... 8 Festival, Village Hall ...... 3 FoFS, Brownies...... 9 Dogs, Planning, Voting...... 4 Councillors...... 10 Sm Ads, Wine...... 5 Pre-school ...... 11 Conservation...... 6 Nepal trek...... 12
e wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! The Editorial Committee of the Finstock News would like to thank all of our advertisers, contributors, and distributors for their support throughout W2014.
Nobel Peace Prize awarded to Remembrance Day Service Pakistani Malala Yousafzai and Indian After a day of downpours on Saturday, Remembrance Sunday turned out dry Kailash Satyarthi and sunny. There was a very good attendance at the Finstock and Fawler War The Norwegian Nobel Committee Memorial; probably a record. cited the two children’s rights The Vicar Reverend Paul Mansell assisted by Reverend Sarah Jones, officiated activists “for their struggle against the throughout. The two minute silence was observed. The Brownies read the names suppression of children and young on the Memorial (1914-18) with considerable dignity, which was commented people and for the right of all children on. Crosses were placed by the Brownies to represent the fallen. Credit is due to education”. to Karen Williams who had obviously worked hard to achieve this perfection. In No Man’s Land Mrs Ellen Russell read the names for Fawler and Mrs Rosa Charlesworth Christmas 1914 St Mary Magdalene Church, for Finstock (1939-1945). Wreaths were laid for the Royal British Legion by Woodstock Steve MacLennan, Vice-chairman of the Ramsden Branch; Derek Bennett for the Finstock Parish Council; Mrs Janet Schofield for the Falklands; and Carol Sunday December 14th at 3pm Tickets £15 available from: Andersen in memory of her husband Flight Lieutenant Bill Andersen. Bill was a Kate Burrows Tel. 810215; gallant Spitfire pilot who flew single-handed in an unarmed Spitfire with extra Email [email protected]. fuel tanks while photographing the damage caused by the Dambusters raid. Bill’s Sunday December 14th at 3pm comment was, “Well, the Germans didn’t seem very pleased about it.” he Chinese Year of the Sheep Carol herself served throughout the Tbegins February 19th 2015. war in the ATS ack-ack defending London and other cities. Finstock Christmas Fair Mr Len Nichols gave the exhortation Saturday December 13th in the and Mrs Vivian Wightman the Kohima. afternoon We had two Second World War Once again the church and school veterans present; more if we count are joining forces. There will be lots my nine months of war service as an of exciting things from wreaths, cakes, 18-year old. It was good to see Mr Reg refreshments and lots more. Watch for House, who served throughout the the posters nearer the time. war, and his wife making what must have been a considerable effort to be Fast Broadband is available for present with Mrs Anderson. some homes now. Visit: It was a very dignified and satisfying http://tinyurl.com/nxwlbdm then ceremony. I thank all who were click on Line Checker; enter your involved in the preparations for the phone number and you will learn if service and also those who ensure that your home is included in the current the War Memorial site is clean and tidy upgrade. If not on the list, you can all year round. register to be notified when your phone line is upgraded. Frank Schofield 1 0 . VILLAGE EVENTS 0 .
Finstock Local History goats in Finstock?), what medieval Friday January 9th - A talk by Society personal names reveal (where did Bill King and Helen Bessemer-Clark: William of Pachesdich live?), how did Dad’s Underground Army - British Friday December 12th – Christmas St John’s College, Oxford become Lord Resistance in WWII. special of the Manor, and who received a Both meetings are held in the To commemorate the anniversary decoction of bark for their ailment from Memorial Hall Charlbury at 8pm. of The First world War we have the doctor in Finstock workhouse? All Refreshments from 7.30pm Visitors £3 invited members of the cast of Singing will be revealed as a forerunner to the Students Free. More information on Histories to perform a sketch set during publication of a book on the history of website or call 01608 811414/810130. this period. The setting is The Plough our villages. Ladies, give us your support! Inn, Finstock from 1914-1918 and we The History Society meets on the hear in words and music an account third Friday of the month at 8pm in the Give all your unwanted old bras a of the war as told by the Finstock and Village Hall, Finstock. Members free; new lease of life and help raise money Fawler fathers who are too old to fight non-members £2.50. for breast cancer research. Bring them in the war but represent their sons to Joy Murphy at 63 High Street. who are at the front. If you missed this North Leigh History Society Against Breast Cancer will receive a performance in May during Finstock December 2nd The Water Gypsy. donation based on the weight of bras Village music then do book this date A talk by Julie Ann Godson. we collect, so every bra counts! in your diary now! February 3rd Charles Dickens Cogges Winter Fayre and Market The evening will begin with prose as Social Reformer and Medical on Sunday 7th December, 10.30am and poetry spoken by members of the Observer. Talk by Professor Gregory - 4pm society and there will be an opportunity Stores. Meet Father Christmas in the back to join the cast for seasonal songs after kitchen with an open fire and present the performance; in the Village Hall North Leigh Memorial Hall at for every child. at 8pm. 7.30pm. Members free, visitors £2.50. Further details from Diana Power A feast of wonderful treats for the Friday January 16th 2015 – The 882301. (Please note that there will be day including home-made mince pies History of Finstock and Fawler no talk in January.) and Cogges Christmas Puddings to take This will be an update of the written Charlbury Society home. Warm up with a spicy mulled history of our villages with new and wine in the kitchen, stir the christmas interesting stories and facts concerning Friday December 12th - A talk by pudding and make a wish! (http://www. previous generations of residents. We Dick Robinson: Sister Edith Appelton cogges.org.uk) learn what early field and place names - Front Line Nurse and Diarist in the can tell us (where was the valley of Great War
NICOLA MORGAN DC MMCA Registered Chiropractor – McTimoney Technique Kimber Cottage, Holly Tree Cottages, Woodstock Rd, Earls Lane, Charlbury OX7 3ET Deddington OX15 0TQ Tel: 07968-381335 I have almost 30 years’ experience in this gentle, effective manipulative therapy, which is suitable for many conditions and ages. I offer very flexible appointment times in two locations. See www.chippingnortonchiropractor.co.uk Provider for BUPA, PPP, WPA and all major health insurance companies Member of the General Council & Register for Chiropractors and the McTimoney Chiropractic Association. 2 New Village Hall By the end of December we shall know exactly what assistance we have been awarded through grants and be able to assess how close we are to the final cost of c. £300,000. Finstock Festival 2014 We will have raised £22,000 from Finstock Festival 2014 was again bathed in sunshine, long may it continue in community events and donations at years to come. The weekend started with the children’s party followed by our year end, well on our way towards the Friday night music, featuring up and coming bands and a few oldies; The Reaper, target of £35,000. However, we still Mike Rouse, David Fitzgerald, Laura King and Martha Bailey. have that gap to close. Saturday afternoon was well attended. The Finstock Bake Off was yet again You can help by: a baking success story. A large number of entries made judging a tough call. It • sponsoring an engraved brick in was great to see the school hall so full of cake admirers. the new hall walkway for £30 or £60 On the field we had two bouncy castles, welly wanging, egg throwing, kid’s https://mydonate.bt.com/charities/ races, a fire engine and tug-o-war. In true Finstock tradition there was no shortage finstockvillagehall or cheque of people to grab the rope and tug! And, last but not least the famous Hussain Kebab Van from St Giles Oxford. • making a direct donation of any amount https://mydonate.bt.com/ Saturday night we had our first musical set - Raised by Hypocrites followed charities/finstockvillagehall or cheque by Standard. • Take your unwanted clothes, All in all a great festival, slightly spoiled by a group on the field causing a shoes, and linen to the Rag Bag bank disturbance late into the Friday night. We will make sure there is no repeat of this next year. outside the village hall – simply tie them in a plastic bag, like a bin liner. Ideas for next years Festival are being put together. I have had a yes from All are sorted by the charity and resold Wood Green School Big Band. If any of you have been to the school concerts you will agree they are well worth seeing. As long as the dates fit they have to the developing world agreed to play. We also hope to book a popular high-end local band for the • For your Christmas shopping Saturday night. online use search via http://www. The Saturday afternoons are always difficult to fill with activities especially easyfundraising.org.uk/, select Finstock for the younger ones with the small number of volunteers that we have to run Village Hall as your chosen charity the weekend. If any groups would like to put on an activity to raise funds they (you only do this once), and when you are more than welcome to do so. shop at Amazon, John Lewis and many There is a big thank you to the committee and all the many villagers that other online stores, the hall gets about turned out on Thursday and Friday to put it all in place; not to mention the 1.5% of what you spend at no extra Horrible Sunday Pull Down. cost to you. Thanks again. Provided the remaining funding is All that’s left to say is ‘here’s to Finstock Festival 2015!’ secured, the existing Village Hall will Colin Stringfellow be demolished in July and construction Chairman, Finstock Community Projects for the new hall will commence. Shaun Morley
Advance notice Shaun Guard of a performance by Steve Knightley TV AERIAL (of Show of Hands). Finstock Village Hall SERVICES on Thursday March 5th. Doors 6.45pm, performance 7.30pm. Poor Reception Solved Tickets £16 going fast: http://www. Aerials repaired & supplied wegottickets.com/event/278192. TVs - Hung on your wall for you Also supplied & tuned Dog walking Extra TV Points Cat home visits Ramsden Christmas Market For aerial and Sky (In HD!) Dog home boarding Saturday December 6th the Sky TV - Also Foreign Language TV Small animal boarding Ramsden Christmas Market will be Call Witney Finstock resident held from 2pm – 4pm at Lower Farm Insured and police-checked End with thanks to Richard and Ratty 01993 608118 Lord. Entrance fee is £2 per adult A part of (including a complimentary raffle ticket). Children under 16 are free. 3 Dog mess including ‘live’ information about that a focused consultation on housing planning applicationsOUR and associated VILLAGE related HALLissues took place from August Update on Dark Lane The age old problem of dog mess in documents. 8th to September 19th 2014. Pumping Station the village has been raised once again The Plough has raised over £500 Friday October 24th – Inside Formula by a mother who regularly walks along Improvements include: In response to the consultation for the Village Hall through their Quiz One is an evening with Tom Webb, In July, representatives of the Parish the lane from the playground towards the Council received over 3,000 nights,• Better which access continue to every planning first Head of Communications for Caterham and District Councils met with Thames the Church and onwards into Cornbury documents comments from over 500 individuals Water and Oxfordshire County Council Park with her four-year old. She also Monday of the month. F1and Team organisations. beginning at These 7.30pm. comments Tom has October• Online andsubmission November and areviewing critical of beencan be inside viewed the F1online world at forhttp://tinyurl. almost ten staff to see what might be done noted that the old allotment area is planning consultation responses to reduce the chance of sewage- being used as a dog loo. Dog mess has months for the Village Hall project as we yearscom/llknn2c. and can tell you what life is really • Tracking of specific applications contaminated water escaping from the also been found on the playing field, await news on eight grant applications likeThe behind large thevolume scenes of responsesin one of andthe site of the Dark Lane pumping station which is awful considering the number to further• The opportunity complete the to register funding. for In email the world’sthe fact most that popular some sports.representations You’ll also of children that play there. meantime,alerts and localget the fundraising latest information continues have theraised chance technical to win some issues Caterham which on the rare occasions that we have very I am sure that the majority of dog withabout events. planning applications within a F1require Team further prizes work,including evaluation signed team and heavy or prolonged rain. owners use the bins provided and it is chosen area. discussions with relevant parties, Saturday October 11th – Rag Bag kit and even a genuine used part from It would seem that the sewage just an irresponsible few who ignore Anyone with queries can contact onemeans of Caterhamthat it will F1 not Team’s be possible race cars. to pumps’ specifications are adequate Collection morning. The Rag Bag report the final draft version of the the safety of others as dog mess is planning services via planning@ for the sewage load expected under clothing and shoe bin at the Village FridayLocal Plan October to Cabinet 31st and – Dominoes Council in extremely unhealthy, but it is making westoxon.gov.uk or 861420 during normal conditions for the number our village less of a pleasant place to Hallthis time.continues to raise funds towards competitionOctober 2014,, startingwhich had at been6.30pm. the of households the pumping station walk in. the hall. Run by the Brownies, we get Contactoriginal intention.Dave Floyd or Shaun Morley paid by the weight of clothes and shoes to enter. serves. When it rains heavily, surface Improvements to Council’s Register to vote India Kickboxing Champ deposited. On October 11th, we have water from the roads should discharge online planning services Saturday November 29th – Xmas Arts Young people in West Oxfordshire, a long way down Dark Lane via surface a collection day for those who cannot and Crafts Exhibition, with local artists West Oxfordshire District Council get18 totheir 21 itemsyears toold, the are Village being Hall, urged or drains and a linked gully. The surface is improving the planning section to make sure their names are on the and craftspeople displaying the product water should discharge well away would prefer collection. Simply sort of their extensive talents. Come and of its website www.westoxon.gov. outElectoral your unwantedRegister soclothes that –they adult can or from the pumping station; but if the uk/planning to give better access to vote at next year’s local and national view, relax with tea, coffee and cakes, children’s – place them in a tied plastic gully becomes blocked and the water information. elections. andIndia consider Mae buying Thompson, something aged special 12, backs up it can overflow from ‘inlet’ bag or bin liner, and email or phone became the new Unified World The changes will make it easier and unique for your loved ones. us Thefor collection registration on process that day is extremely between Kickboxing Champion in the 42kg drains above the level of the pumping for people to find information about Contact me for any of these events simple asking for a name, address, Girls category on Sunday afternoon station. If the surface water floods the planning, building control and Local 10am and 12 noon. Telephone Shaun on 868134, or morley.shaun@gmail. date of birth and National Insurance in Carrara Italy. The former Finstock bund area of the pumping station, it Land Charges quickly and easily online, to request collection. Number. It can be done online at comschool. pupil took the crownShaun with Morley a 7-0 will fill the wet well sump and overload www.gov.uk/register-to-vote and will The Editorial Committee Toddlerswin Group in the final having faced opponents the pumps, which allows sewage- only take a few minutes. from Wales, England, Romania and contaminated surface water to escape Andy Compton 868271 Member Toddler Group is back on Wednesday play activities, music time, snacks, crafts Sean Connolly 868561 Member Young people from 16 years of age Czech Republic. India narrowly missed onto the lane. morningsshould register in the to Villagehave their Hall. details We’ve on andout onso muchBronze more. by two Lots points of fun in to thebe Nicky Higgins 868425 Proofing As a result of the meeting, OCC Tony Hirtenstein 868600 Layout hadrecord new ready faces, for new when activities they turn and 18. new had47kg and category plenty after of friendly, bowing welcoming out in the cakes, so all very successful so far! faces.semi finals. is arranging for the gully to be jetted Joy Murphy 868575 Editor From West Oxfordshire Come along and join us from 10am with For more information, call Caroline clear; and Thames Water will re-profile [email protected] Planning Policy Consultations India’s focus now is on the ICO Barbara Wells 868776 Distribution children up to the age of 4, for messy onWorld 868430. Title held in Germany in March the area around the upper side of the John Wells 868776 Advertising A brief update on the progress of 2015. pumping station bund to direct surface water away from the station. This Photographs thanks to staff members and the West Oxfordshire Local Plan notes Marc Thompson others. should isolate the surface water from sewage flows; and at times of heavy Read the Finstock News online; visit the Over a hundred rain it should minimise the amount village website at www.finstock.org.uk; join of surface water the pumping station the Finstock Yahoo group – groups.yahoo. wines available, N.RANDELL com/group/finstock; or write to us at 63 High HANDYMAN & HOME would need to manage. Street, Finstock Oxon OX7 3DA. many by the glass IMPROVEMENT SERVICES There is a ‘but’ though. The sewerage system serving a lot of the Village is – en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Finstock Electrical, Plumbing, Flooring, THE ROYAL OAK old; and there may be infiltration of Plan ahead - Know the Decorating, Tiling, Woodwork amsden xOn ground water into the system when deadlines R O OX7 3AU No job too small the level of ground water rises, as it Issue Deadline TEL: 01993 868213 Feb/Mar First of January All jobs considered does after a long wet spell. This extra April/May First of March Your friendly Locally based load could also overwhelm the pumps. June/July First of May Village Inn, Restaurant, Quality finish So, if following the completion of the August/September First of July Bar and Accommodation work the incidents of contaminated October/November First of September discharge are not noticeably reduced, December/January First of November As featured in the Good Pub Guide, For a free quote call Which Pub Guide, AA Good Pub 01993 868725 then the problem is likely to be due to Please keep articles short. As space an ingress of ground water to the sewer is limited, the Editors reserve the right Guide, Michelin Guide, The Good Beer 07717 878323 to shorten long pieces in the interest of Guide, the Good Pint Guide and the [email protected] system – and a problem that would be balance. Finstock News does not necessarily Real Ale Guide. expensive to solve. share views expressed in readers’ letters. Mike Woodfield 4 3 SMALL ADS (All numbers start with 01993 unless otherwise stated) Christmas & New Year Parties catered domestic house cleaning and office Order Online: www.jagtimber.co.uk for, weddings, birthdays, suppers, etc. cleaning. Fully insured. Ring 882727 Tel: 868001 Contact Marvina George Tel 868190 for a professional and reliable service. Wychwood Pet Grooming Use the Village Hall for your next event. JAG Timber FIREWOOD Dog & Cat Grooming Parlour in Finstock. Contact Sue Salter on Tel: 868647 Quality Seasoned Hardwood Logs Run by qualified groomer Wendy Heather, 1 Cubic Metre £70 providing a dedicated one-to-one service Kings Cleaning Services (Est. 40 2 Cubic Metres £125 with FREE collection and return to years) Windows - gutters - UPVC 4 Cubic Metres £220 residents of Finstock. Bathing, styling, nail frames – fascia – Specialist equipment Softwood also available. trimming and more Call 868118 or email for conservatories, including roofs. Also Kindling & Stacking Service. [email protected]
Line ads are charged at 20p per word, payment in advance. Please contact: John Wells on 868776. We no longer accept inserts for the newsletter.
Grape Expectations These top white wines are lauded and loved the world over and they are If I were to describe the French wine authorities as inflexible and over-cautious untainted by crimes against the palate I suspect that many would agree. However if I claimed that this very attitude committed in other continents. They had led to sustained commercial success for their top white wines you might are all made from Chardonnay, but well raise an eyebrow. But consider the tale of Chardonnay. they are not called ‘Chardonnay’. “When it comes to wine I’m an ABC man: anything but chardonnay” John I mark that one up to the French. Major 2002 Osiris At the time he might have had a point. The quote aptly reflects the fact that Chardonnay did not and still does not have a great image, mostly due to the grossly over-oaked, high octane wines emanating from the New World since the 1980’s. You may remember the deep yellow, banana-coloured stuff which did Affordable Warmth Helpline so much damage that its reputation still lingers. This type of wine has become what the Australians refer to as a ‘dead dog’ and is undoubtedly what Major http://tinyurl.com/o8gdygc was referring to. The consequence is that poor quality Chardonnay has, at least Does the thought of your next temporarily, poisoned the well for the others. heating bill leave you cold? If it does, In the early days the eager adoption of Chardonnay by the New World was and you live in Oxfordshire, talk to us accompanied by high levels of hype. All the wines were labelled ‘Chardonnay’ on the Affordable Warmth Helpline and French authorities were pressurised to amend the labelling laws for French on 0800 107 0044 for free, impartial wines to include the grape variety. They steadfastly refused. and expert advice on: Reducing your Amid the welter of bad publicity it is often forgotten that there is another, energy bills; Heating your home quite different side to the story. Consider this list:- affordably and efficiently; and Grants FINSTOCK NEWS 6 X 9 CM and financial assistance. Chablis, Puligny Montrachet, Meursault, Montagny, Pouilly-Fuissé, St Veran and Blanc de Blancs Champagne.
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5 Countryside Conservation One joy scatters a hundred griefs. Chinese proverb Christmas 2014 - Waste British households throw away See www.westoxon.gov.uk/waste for and recycling information seven million tonnes of food worth details of recycling services, including £700 for each household per year. Best what can be recycled and what happens Christmas trees and festive before and sell-by dates: these labels to items once they have been collected greenery From Monday January 5th, are used by retailers for quality control. for recycling. More information about real Christmas trees and greenery such Key information for consumers is the the campaign is available online at as holly, ivy and wreaths can be put out use-by date. www.Pledge4Plastics.co.uk. and recycled with garden waste. Place your tree in your garden waste bin, or if Oxfordshire Top of the Class it is over 4ft cut it up and leave beside for Recycling Once Again it. Please remember that all pots and decorations need to be removed. OCC has been named as one of You don’t need to be signed up for the best performing county councils garden waste collections to do this in the country for waste disposal and - simply leave your tree out on your recycling, coming top in three of the green collection week. Please note seven categories. Figures compiled there are no garden waste collections by the from December 22nd until January 5th. Department for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs (Defra) show A tree surgery Over the festive season that Oxfordshire was top of the tables WODC will collect company with the for recycling and composting, and integrity you can trust. • Extra recycling can be put next had the lowest amount of residual to your black recycling boxes in open waste produced per household in the All combined aspects of Arboriculture cardboard boxes, clear sacks or carrier country. Tel: 0845 458 2980 bags, but not in black bin liners. Please Recent initiatives at the Household Mobile: 07976 261850 ensure that there is only one type Waste Recycling Centres include Email: [email protected] of recyclable material per box/bag. trials to recycle bulky waste such as www.townandcountrytrees.co.uk (For safety, glass must be put inside mattresses and carpets, which has led recycling boxes.) recycling rates to increase to over 80%. • Your kitchen caddy and your Furthermore, with residual waste now n.randell outside food waste bin can be put out being delivered to the Ardley energy handyman & home for collection over Christmas. Don’t recovery facility and used to generate improvement services forget your food waste bin can be used electricity even more waste is being for any raw or cooked food waste, such diverted from landfill sites. Electrical, Plumbing, Flooring, as peelings, bones and meat – ideal for Decorating, Tiling, Woodwork turkey carcasses. Recycle more plastics No job too small Christmas collection dates for Pledge4Plastics is a government- Finstock remain the same. backed initiative, which encourages All jobs considered us to recycle more of our waste Locally based Cooking oil recycling plastic. Last year, 5bn plastic bottles Quality finish WODC is one of only a few local alone were sent to UK landfill sites authorities to offer cooking oil recycling and the campaign is urging people to For a free quote call as part of household collections. As make a pledge to recycle at least one well as putting the waste to good extra plastic bottle a week. Of around 01993 868725 use by turning it into green energy, 12,000 tonnes of waste recycled in 07717 878323 this service helps reduce the amount 2013-14, more than 10% was plastics. [email protected] of leftover cooking fat and oil being Plastic recycling includes more than poured into sinks and drains. water and drinks bottles. It includes all Fat can be left to cool and, when types of plastic bottles ranging from MARK BILLINGE hardened, scraped into your food shampoo bottles and shower gels to waste recycling bin. Or, when cooled, domestic bleach bottles and cooking CHIMNEY SWEEP leftover oil can be poured into a clear oil. You can also recycle food pots, For a clean and efficient service plastic bottle and put out next to your tubs and trays (like yoghurt pots, Tel.: 01367-243052 kerbside recycling boxes on collection margarine tubs and lasagne trays), as days. well as ‘flyaway’ plastics. 6 Finstock School It is a great pleasure to be writing and events of World War 1. This topic designers, young or old, in Finstock my first entry for the Finstock News, was brought to life by an informative who think they may be able to help, having taken over the headship at the and very interesting trip to Blenheim please could they let me know? school in September. I can honestly Palace – a chance to experience history Seasonal greetings to you all. say that the past two months have in our local area. Sue Dawe, Headteacher been an absolute delight – everybody Alongside their studies, they associated with the school has been have still had time to raise funds so welcoming and friendly, and it is for Macmillan Cancer Support, by Christmas Holiday now really beginning to feel like home! providing friends and family with some Monday December 22nd I t h a s , fantastic biscuits and cakes at a coffee to Friday January 2nd 2015 of cour s e, afternoon. You may also have spotted Term 3 2015 - INSET day been a very a few ‘superheroes’ around the village, Monday January 5th busy time. when the whole school dressed up as Term 3 2015 - As a new heroes to raise money for Children in Tuesday January 6th headteacher, Need. I do hope that many of you were to Friday February 13th I have had able to join us at our Open Day, and numerous enjoyed seeing the school in operation courses, meetings and events to – although persuading the children to Finstock attend. Perhaps the most exciting of come back to school on a Saturday these was an Induction Service for was tricky! cattery Proprietors Julie & John Stoney New Headteachers of Church schools As we start our build up to our at Christchurch Cathedral, Oxford. Christmas events, I hope that this will The service, which I attended with provide opportunities to meet more *LUXURY BOARDING Rod Ireland (Chair of Governors) of the wider Finstock community – and Paul Mansell (Vicar), was a the school is very grateful for all the *SPACIOUS HEATED PENS perfect opportunity to reflect on the support that it receives. With this in responsibilities and opportunities that mind, we are looking for some help in *PERSONAL CARE working with the wonderful young maintaining and developing our school children of Finstock School presents. website. If there are any budding web- *INSPECTION INVITED The children of the school have been busy too! The whole school has been working on topics based The Plough Inn Finstock 8 Wards Lane, Finstock, Oxon OX7 3BP around the theme of ‘Journeys’. This A very warm welcome awaits you has resulted in our youngest children at The Plough! Tel: 01993 868413 comparing Africa and Antarctica, the Quiz nights, serving drink only, to middle class learning about Greece raise funds for the new Village Hall and the Ancient Greeks, and our Years will continue on the first Monday of 5 and 6 finding out about the journeys each month. Christmas Fayre Menu lunch and Hello Fellow Finstockers: dinner will begin on December 1st and run through to December 24th Our School needs your help please: -- two courses £17.95; three courses In order to get FREE Samsung touch £22.95. screen Tablets for the children please Christmas Day we will be serving a Our Bar is open: collect the tokens from promotional four course meal priced at £70 from packs of Flora or Stork Margarine from 12noon to 2.30pm; bar open until Mon: 6pm – close TESCO’s stores. Tesco only are running Tues – Fri: 12 noon – 3pm & 6pm – close 6pm. Sat: 12 noon – close this offer. Just 50 Tokens = 1 Tablet. We Boxing Day we have a three course Sun: 12 noon – 6.00pm hope we can smash 200+ tokens and meal at £25.50 served from 12noon Our kitchen is open: get at least four tablets for the children to 3pm; bar open until 6pm. to use as a learning aid. Please start Tues – Sat New Year’s Eve we will offer a FREE Lunch: 12 noon – 2.30pm collecting today and ask your family hot and cold buffet and a glass of Dinner: 6.00pm – 9.00pm and neighbours to help too. Offer ends Prosecco at midnight. Bar open from Sunday Lunch: 12 noon – 4pm January 25th 2015. Please take tokens noon to 3pm and 6pm until late Come & visit us, we’d love to see you. to the School reception. Thank you New Year’s Day Brunch £13.95 so much. More info can be found at: served from 12noon to 3pm. Booking 01993 868333 www.flora.com/tubs4tablets. www.theplough-inn.co.uk is essential! 7 Our Village Shop and Post Office Post Office Halloween and Guy Fawkes Night have been and gone, and now we look Post Office Opening Hours: forward to Christmas and New Year. Monday – Friday 9am-1pm We will have lots of Christmas goodies in the Shop – puddings, cakes, We’re now well into the season of ingredients for home baking, lovely wines and, of course, there will be Christmas parcels and packages flying all over cards and wrapping. You can order your Christmas turkey, goose or duck before the UK and the rest of the world. It’s so December 8th (a deposit is required) for delivery on December 23rd. Please nice to see the many brightly coloured pick up a leaflet in the Shop to see what there is on offer. packages coming in. The size of a On Christmas Eve please join us for a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie. ‘small parcel’ has now almost doubled We will close at 12:30 on that day. in size, thus allowing you to send All our usual local supplies are available – smoked chicken, kippers and bacon bigger parcels at the small parcel rate. from Upton Smokery, cakes and tarts from Sweet’n’Tasty and Cakes Unlimited, A special offer from Royal Mail and yogurts from Woodlands Farm, mustards from Shaken Oak, Maggie’s jams and the Post Office until January 18th 2015 marmalades, Bennett’s wines and Hook Norton beers. We are also stocking means that any small parcel between sandwiches and snacks from a new supplier. 1 and 2kg can be sent 2nd class at the special rate of £2.80! So get those Our thanks go to everyone for your kind support for the Food Bank and to all parcels in and take advantage of this our volunteers, without whom the Shop could not stay open. Please consider great saving. helping us for a couple of hours a week if you possibly can. Thank you for supporting the Post The 100 Club still has some spaces available. You could win £100, £50 or a Office! £30 voucher for a meal for two at The Plough or a combination of these! Forms to join can be obtained from the Shop. I wish you a very Happy Christmas and a Happy New Year. Opening hours for December - the Festive Season:- Karen Williams Monday 22nd and Tuesday 23rd 8:00 - 5:30 Wednesday 24th 8:00 - 12:30 Christmas Day Closed Boxing Day Closed Saturday 27th 8:00 - 1:00 This year, Sunday 28th 9:00 - 11:30 Be a Name, Monday 29th and Tuesday 30th 8:00 - 5:30 NoT a NumBer New Year’s Eve 8:00 - 12:30 At Eynsham Hall Health & Fitness Club, it is New Year’s Day Closed our objective to welcome our members into an environment of informality and relaxation. January 2nd 2015 back to normal 8:00 - 5:30 There is not a requirement to commit towards a long term contract.
A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year We are open as follows:– to all our customers and volunteers! • 6.30am to 9.30pm, during the week and Mo • 7.30am to 7.30pm at the weekend. Full membership is available Finstock Food Bank from just £31 per month! (figure based on full dual membership) Until the Government tackles the ever-widening gap between the Have- Plenties and the Have-Barely-Enough-To-Live-Ons there are still people who, For morE dETAils EmAil [email protected] through no fault or mismanagement of their own, cannot feed their families or or CAll 01993 885 207 themselves adequately. So, we continue to receive whatever you can spare and WWW.EynsHAmHAll.Com it is collected and taken to the North Oxfordshire Foodbank collection point for redistribution in parcels for those who need this help. This is a confidential scheme and there is no publicising of those who receive parcels. If you know of anyone in our village for whom such a parcel would help them through a bad patch, vouchers can be obtained from the Vicar (868 687) or for more information contact Barbara Pensom (868 774). The following are welcomed by the food bank which sadly can accept no perishables or alcohol. Sugar, 50gm packets rice, semolina etc., tea, coffee, drinking chocolate etc., breakfast cereals (not oats), tins of:- meat, ham, fish etc., peas, beans, potatoes carrots etc., custard, rice pudding, sponge pudding, fruit, soups, long-life semi- skimmed milk, long-life juices, dried fruit. Non-essential treats like small bars of chocolate may be sent; also tins of dog and cat food, as it is recognised that in a sudden emergency, getting rid of a family pet is not going to ease a situation! Finstock people have been very generous since we first placed our Tub in the Village Shop just over eighteen months ago but sadly the need continues. Thank you for anything you can spare. BP 8 Friends of Finstock School (FoFS) Finstock Rainbows meet in the Village Hall on Wednesdays from 4.45 As you may know FoFS are a dedicated group of parents and teachers who until 5.45pm. are committed to raising valuable funds for Finstock School. FoFS has had a successful year in 2014 which has seen Finstock 10K fun run at Cornbury Park, Rainbows are for girls aged between Cycle Leafield at Caterham F1, Finstock School social evening as well as seasonal 5 and 7. Please contact Amy Booth on fêtes and fayres, discos, cake sales and 100 club draws. These events are fun 824190 or [email protected]. family day’s out and a great boost to school funds. FoFS have also contributed to the renovation of the school library and disabled toilet facilities, purchased Extra FoFS laptop charging lockers (a metal cabinet in which laptops can be neatly stacked in a tower whilst charging and locked up for safety at the same time) and funded As you may be aware I have now a Theatre Company Pantomime performance in school. stood down as Chair of FoFS. I would like to say thank you to all past and We would like to say a big thank you to outgoing FoFS members including present members of the committee Karen Williams who has been Chair for four years and was involved in who have made being a Chair an committees at Finstock School for over 14 years. She has dedicated much time, absolute pleasure. I have genuinely energy and discos to school and in her efforts has given the children a lot of enjoyed every minute of being part fun times. Also to Judy Burridge who was on the committee for well over 10 of this committee and would urge years and who has always been calm in a crisis and had the knack of being anybody who may be thinking about in the right place at the right time! Thanks again to them both for their much joining or helping out at an event to valued contributions. New members joining are Sue Dawe, Headteacher and do so. FoFS is an essential part of the I as Chairperson. school and enables funds to be raised Plans for 2015 are underway. The joint school/church Christmas fête will be to enhance the educational experience held in the school hall on Saturday December 13th from 2-4.30pm; do come of our children. along and visit Father Christmas, have a glass of mulled wine and join in the fun. Rachel Shaw has now taken on the We also plan to have a ladies pamper evening amongst other things – watch position of Chair and I wish her all the this space for future announcements. best. I know she will do a sterling job Rachel Shaw, FoFS Chairperson with a bunch of good reliable people [email protected] behind her as I have always found. I will miss it! Karen Williams
Chipping Norton Christmas Panto Mother Goose runs through Sunday January 11th. Tickets £9. Box Office Tel: 01608 642350 or chippingnortontheatre.co.uk.
Andrew A.Adams FCCA Finstock Brownies Chartered Certified Our Brownies were very honoured in this very special year to be asked Accountant to attend and read out the names of the Fallen from Finstock from the Great Quality personal service for your War 1914-1918 at the Remembrance Service at Finstock Memorial on Sunday November 9th. It was lovely to see 11 of our Brownies attend and take part in Accounting, Taxation and such an important role. They did very well and made us all very proud. Business needs Our Brownies are in the midst of making lots of Christmas stocking fillers that I Competitive fees agreed in advance am sure you will see on sale at local events so please remember to support them! Free initial meeting Finstock Brownies meet in the Village Hall on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6pm until 7.30pm. Brownies are for girls aged between 7 and 11. Contact Telephone: 07790 854574 Caroline Booth on 07890 629001 or [email protected] to add your 01993 891280 daughter to our units. 9 Report from Your Liz Leffman writes employment, as is the Cowley area, District Councillor and will be of interest to some who I continue to fight for a Dean Pit live in Finstock, Charlbury and Witney. At the full Council meeting at the replacement. Thanks to the pressure From Hanborough Station, this area end of October, I proposed a motion that I and some of the Chipping Norton would be but a 15 minute journey by expressing deep concern about the councillors have maintained, WODC rail, when at the moment this would recent cases of severe child sexual recently conducted a survey of users not be a daily commute that would exploitation and abuse. The motion of recycling centres around the district. appeal. We shall all be exploring in exhorted Thames Valley Police to Unsurprisingly, respondents in the the coming months how the idea can investigate all reports of such abuse Charlbury and Chipping Norton area now be taken forward. to ensure perpetrators are brought to almost unanimously asked for a Dean justice and Oxfordshire Social Services Pit replacement of some sort. I hope Bus Service changes in West to prioritise all allegations of child that their voices will be heard, and that Oxfordshire abuse and to ensure everything is done we may see something emerge in the Go-Ride buses have withdrawn to prevent such abuse happening in coming year. their commercial bus services in West future. You will be pleased to hear that this motion was carried unanimously In the meantime, I wish all readers Oxfordshire effective on November with significant and vocal support by of the Finstock News a very merry 29th. New commercial services all Councillors. Christmas and a happy New Year. W1, W1A, W2, W3 and X10 were introduced June 1st this year when The publication of the Rix report Liz Leffman into the cases in Rotherham highlighted OCC made changes to their subsidised the extent of the problem – over 1400 bus services in the area. children abused. The report said, County Councillor report Services W1, W1A, W2 and W3 “There was a vast amount of truly operate in Witney whilst service X10 horrific material. I was taken aback.” On November 5th, I was privileged operates between Witney, Burford, The Professor Rix continues, “How callous, to travel on the first passenger train Wychwoods and Chipping Norton. how violent the operations were. These from Oxford Station to Cowley since I am sorry that Go-Ride Buses were girls of 11 and 12. They were 1963. Chiltern Rail ran the train and cannot continue to operate these bus children”. with help from Network Rail, had services but, Stagecoach has agreed Of course we all know that the first created a temporary platform at the to reinstate the 213, 214 and 215 case to be prosecuted through the Oxford Science Park in Blackbird routes from Monday December 1st. courts occurred in Oxford, just last Leys. Their aim was to demonstrate Pulham Coaches will run a Monday to year. But this has proved to be just the the advantages of reopening the line Saturday X10 shuttle service between tip of a very large but until recently, a beyond its current use for freight. the Wychwoods and Burford where rather hidden iceberg. There are active At first glance this is of little interest investigations in Northamptonshire, you would connect to Stagecoach 233 to those who live in our part of the Hampshire and many other towns to Witney. world; but you would be wrong. The and cities. Science Park and the Oxford Business Rodney Rose At present there are no active Centre are becoming an area of much County Councillor investigations under way in West Oxfordshire. But is this an issue that need concern us in Finstock or Charlbury? I say yes. Oxford is a handful of miles away where many young people shop, study and socialise. There are cases emerging in Banbury and Aylesbury. We need to ensure these horrific crimes are revealed and dealt with by the relevant authorities without let or favour. This is a very depressing and dispiriting message to be writing about at the season of the year when families and friends gather to celebrate an optimistic and wholesome belief in the essential goodness of us all. I make no apology for that but I do wish you all a very happy Christmas and a wonderful New Year. Hywel Davies District Councillor 10 Finstock Pre-school the changes to it are remarkable – really proving what autumn is about. The first bit of news may surprise We are going to photograph this tree you, but our name has been changed throughout the whole year so we can to ‘Finstock Pre-school’. It is quite a really watch the changes through the lot to take in, as for many of you, like seasons. Also on a weekly basis we me, it has always been Woodpecker sing songs, practice counting, looking Pre-school. Many years ago, about the at numbers, letters and sounds, carry time we moved onto the school site out experiments, exercise to music, a very wise lady said to me ‘don’t let read LOTS of books, and wonder about them abbreviate it to ‘Woodpeckers’. everything and anything. Somewhere along the way though, this happened and the ‘setting’ is referred Two final requests, one I have made to as this, and so are the children that before but I just want you to keep it attend pre-school. The problem with in mind, if you have a skill or are in the former is that it does not highlight a profession that you think you could what we are, so it is a marketing share with the children, please, please disaster; and the latter is confusing as get in touch? It is great for the children well as a little demeaning for our young to learn about people outside their ones, who are just learning about their immediate circle, and to learn more identity. I have tried hard to get folks to use our full title but I am afraid it had about what goes on in the ‘wider’ already stuck and it was being used left, right and centre by all. So it has been world. The other is if you get offered agreed by our committee with the support of the school’s board of governors a raffle ticket – please buy one. There that we will become Finstock Pre-school. This has given me some peace of mind, are some fantastic prizes and you will tinged with sadness as for my memories of when my girls were little the name be helping us to continually refresh was ‘Woodpecker Pre-school’. I am sure this will be the same for others too. and create activities that support the children’s play and their learning and Nothing else has changed though! Despite being small in numbers we are still development. keeping happy and busy and adapting our routines to match our uniqueness. It was only the other day when one of the little charges said ‘I don’t like the We all hope you have a lovely holidays – I like pre-school’. What a compliment! Christmas and a very happy 2015 At the beginning of last term Triston, Vivien and Clio joined us on a Thursday. Lesley Dore All three are very young, and only attend one session at the moment, but so far all is great as every Thursday they all come in with smiles and excitement, Our opening hours are 8.45am to feeling happy and secure in our environment. This is another great compliment. 12 noon, Monday to Friday, and we We have enjoyed many activities, some are one-offs like celebrating occasions are situated at Finstock School, School like Rosh Hashanah, Diwali, Harvest Festival, and some are more topical such Road, Finstock. For further information, as finding out about autumn. We have taken two trips out, about four weeks or to organise a visit, please, contact apart and have taken a photograph of ‘our’ tree (as it is the ‘chosen one’) and Lesley Dore 0796 4817 165 or email [email protected]. (Please look on the ‘OFSTED’ website for the white horse Crockford Builders details of our excellent recent report or telephone Lesley and ask for a copy). the ridings – stonesfield 35 School Rd, Finstock, Freehouse & Restaurant Oxon OX7 3DN ChOC Closed – Monday EST 1973 Friday December 5th ChOC Tuesday-Thursday – 5.00 Close live in association with Good Night Friday – 12.00-3.00; 5.00-11.00 New builds, Extensions, Saturday – 12.00-3.00; 6.00-11.00 Renovations, Out, presents The Chamber Music Sunday – 12.00-3.00 Dry or mortar stone walling, Company performing the work of three composers, Mozart, Beethoven and Tasty Home cooked food Groundwork, Hard landscaping, Real Ale and Fine Wines - Jadassohn. Tickets £10, Students and Pretty Beer Garden Natural stone slate specialists, U16s £6, on sale at Charlbury Post White Horse Live every 2nd Wednesday. Re-roofing, Office now. www.chocfilms.info Acousticana every 1st & 3rd Wednesday General Maintenance. Sunday December 14th Our pre- Now serving lunch Friday, Saturday & Sunday Christmas screening is one for the Dinner available Friday & Saturday All building work undertaken Barn & Skittle Alley available for Hire Domestic & Commercial whole family to enjoy and sing along to together. The Lion King will be shown For reservations and enquiries please phone Call William on during the afternoon and there will be Angela or John on 01993 891063 01993 868617 or 07817 248329 free popcorn for children. 11 summer. Cyclamen coum is found growing in the mountains of Turkey, the Caucasus and northern Iran, and varies widely in the wild, usually with dark green round leaves but some have a variety of lovely marbled ones, good silver-leaved strains include `Pewter Group’ (pewter leaves), `Maurice Dryden’ (silver leaves, white flower) and `Nyman’s Group’ (silver leaves Winter cheer in the garden (Hamamelis) are star performers with with a dark-green border and deep- the variegated evergreen shrubs, such crimson flower. Winter can be a spectacular soul as Eunonymus and Hedera (ivy) in lifting time in the garden, highlighting Robert Bigwood silver and gold forms and Osmanthus a range of evergreen plants and giving heterophyllus “goshiki” with gold a new perspective on many others, flecked, holly like leaves, tinged with Fromage to Eternity once the foliage has gone. Shrubs bronze. Then there are the glossy and trees with interesting shapes and Ramsden Fridays’ Cheese and Wine leaves of the red and yellow berried textured barks, the silver birches, Evening with Juliet Harbutt (www. hollies, coming in various forms, the golden and purpled barked willows, cheeseweb.com) at Ramsden Memorial hedgehog holly with the surfaces red barked Acers glowing in the Hall at 7.30pm on December 12th; of leaves covered with prickles (Ilex winter sunshine, the red and yellow booking by December 8th. Tickets: aquafolium “Ferox”), the weeping holly Dogwoods, reflected in water in parks. include four wines, ten cheeses, and (Ilex Argentea Pendula) and golden Old seed heads take on a sparkle with other lovely grub. £20 per person from leaved holly (Ilex altaclerensis). a coat of frost, or the round shaped Holly Deans Tel: 868645 email: deans. conifers with a topping of snow can Some early flowering snowdrops [email protected]. There will be look like king-size Christmas puddings. are in flower in December, such as a bar available for residents to purchase the snowdrop “Three ships”, named alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. There are a large range of dwarf after the carol “I saw three ships come There may even be a quiz. slow growing forms of conifer, which sailing by on Christmas Day in the come in lots of interesting shapes Santa on the Run – Festive morning”. Hardy flowering Cyclamen with a range of foliage in various hues Fun Run for a good Claus! coum have flowers resembling small of blue, yellow and green which can boat propellers, which range in colour, Sunday December 14th Starting provide a structural backdrop, giving from the deepest carmine to the purest and finishing on Catte Street, Oxford colour all year. Some even change their white, but all have a magenta blotch City Centre, 9am start. A two mile foliage colour, such as Cryptomeria at the base. They appear on 2-inch festive family fun run with a FREE japonica from dark green to bronze in tall stems in late December or early Santa suit! Sign up online at www. the winter months. January, and continue well into March. helenanddouglas.org.uk or Tel: 01865 The flamboyant orange, red or The kidney-shaped or rounded leaves 799150 Email: santa@helenanddouglas. yellow tassels of flowering witch hazels appear in autumn, then die down in org.uk.
Decorator & Tradesman House & Home Services Painting and Decorating. Maintenance and Repairs. Help around the home. Reliable Local Tradesman. Richard Buck Elbie House, East End, North Leigh, OX29 6PX Tel: 880166 Mob - 07791 046583
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