Issue No 506 September 2020 A new term

Girls from Stonesfield Pre-School

It’s an exciting time as we welcome our We have been very busy during the school children and their families back to pre-school. holidays giving the pre-school a complete It will be a new start in more ways than one makeover, long overdue. All the work has for the younger generation who live in our been completed to a high standard on a low community. From early years to primary and budget by a team of volunteers. The new secondary age, we wish the children a very environment we have created for the children enjoyable term back at school with their and staff is now a soft, light-filled space and is friends and teachers. aesthetically pleasing with its new orange and grey colour scheme throughout. The picture, taken in July on one of our transition visits to Stonesfield Primary School, We now proudly look forward to organising a embodies all we set out to achieve at pre- pre-school Cream Tea Open Day for our school. Happy, confident children who learn community in the not too distant future. to be independent and form their first Continued on page 18 friendships that may even turn out to be lifelong!

September 2020 Stonesfield Slate 1 Some phone numbers to call for help

West Oxfordshire District Council: 01993 861000 Oxfordshire County Council: 01865 792422 Citizens Advice West Oxfordshire: 03444 111 444 Age UK Oxon Free Telephone Support: 01865 411288 Witney and West Oxfordshire Foodbank: 01993 890000 Volunteer Link-Up: 01993 776277 Samaritans: 116 123 Talking Space: 01865 901222 Mind UK: 01865 247788 Shelter: 0808 800 4444 Debt Advice (Stepchange): 0800 138 1111 Crime Stoppers: 0800 555 111 Action Fraud: 0300 123 2040 Mental health line (24hr) 01865 904 997 (adults) 01865 904 998 (children and young people)

Find more information at www.stonesfield.online/covid-19-information/

STONESFIELD VOLUNTARY TRANSPORT SCHEME

Publishers Editor for Oct issue Copy: Diane & Paul Bates, Lynda Parkinson Deadline for next issue 15 Sept Waterloo Barn, Laughton Hill, (898418) Please email copy to Stonesfield, OX29 8DY [email protected] [email protected] (898841) or contact the Editor. slate-pub@stonesfield.online

Editor Printer Advertising: Lynda Parkinson Windrush Press, Witney Deadline for next issue 10 Sept (898418) Advertisements to [email protected] ©TheStonesfieldSlate 2020 slate-ads@stonesfield.online

Current and past copies of the Slate available at www.stonesfield.online/slate

2 September 2020 Stonesfield Slate Coronavirus updates

Stonesfield Voluntary NHS test and trace service Transport Scheme The NHS test and trace service is now live. You may have been wondering what is Everyone over the age of five presenting happening in relation to the Voluntary symptoms should have a test. The new Transport Scheme now many of the NHS test and trace service works as lockdown provisions have been lifted. We follows: have kept the situation under constant • You request a test online or by calling review, taken account of the safety and 119 hygiene requirements now in place and • If the test comes back negative, you and consulted with our umbrella organisation, everyone in your household can go back Community First Oxfordshire, and other to normal local voluntary schemes. • If the test comes back positive, the NHS Because almost all of our drivers are either test and trace team will get in touch with classed as vulnerable or are needing to you via text, email, or phone call to shield either themselves or those close to discuss whom you have come into them, we have reluctantly concluded that contact with we are unable to reinstate a viable • The NHS test and trace team will then voluntary transport scheme at present. We alert those contacts, where necessary, will continue to monitor changes to and notify them if they need to self- government requirements and will work isolate to stop the spread of the virus towards re-starting whenever that is • You and members of your household possible; any progress will be reported need to follow the usual guidelines about here in the Slate. self-isolating. Viv Kendall (891803) Important reminder to NHS guidelines contributors The lockdown restrictions have been eased, Please note that contributions for inclusion but it is important that we do not become in the Slate should be emailed to complacent. [email protected]. This replaces the old website address, WHICH HAS Do not leave home if you or someone you CLOSED. live with has any of the following: Deadlines for articles and 1. a high temperature advertisements are shown on the 2. a new, continuous cough opposite page. Any items received 3. a loss of, or change to, your sense of after due date will not be included. smell or taste The Editor

September 2020 Stonesfield Slate 3 Notices & news

Paul Fletcher With increasing effects of Parkinson’s Mike and all the family would like to thank disease and dementia, Hazel moved into everyone for all the cards and kindness Beech Haven Care Home in Chipping received after the loss of Paul. Norton, and we thank the staff there for her care through this difficult period for Thank you all. He will be greatly missed. all.

Mike and Family Mike, Matthew, and Hannah

Estelle Eddy Stockey Woods Many village residents, and especially The response from residents pledging Lunch Club members, will remember money to help fight our right to roam in Estelle Eddy, who lived in Russett Cottage Stockey Woods – the result of our article in at the foot of Laughton Hill. She is now in last month’s Slate – has been tremendous. Goodson Lodge Care Centre, Trowbridge, Thanks are also due to the Parish Council Wiltshire, and is as well as can be expected. who has agreed to pay for a day’s expert Jill Prickett advice before the pre-inquiry. We will email everybody as and when we need to redeem those pledges. Hazel Smith Our family wish to thank all our friends Mr Roy Cox, the Blenheim Estate manager, who expressed condolences and shared contacted Sustainable Stonesfield as a happy memories after Hazel’s recent death. result of our campaign, requesting a meeting to see if there was an amicable As a family, we moved to Stonesfield in late resolution to the issue. Two representatives 1970 where Hazel entered into various from SUSTO and David Brown and Wendy village activities. She helped at the youth Gould from the PC met Mr Cox via a Zoom club, became Brown Owl to the 2nd meeting on the 11th and had a constructive Stonesfield Brownie Company, taught part- discussion. There is a chance that this can time at the village school for a number of be resolved without going to the full years, and then served as a school inquiry and, of course, we will explore the governor. possibilities to the full. However, if Later her interests turned to the elderly. necessary we will continue with our With Hillary Eaton and others, Hazel set campaign at the Public Inquiry in the up the Stonesfield Lunch Club, following interests of Stonesfield residents. this with regular cooking duties, helping, Mr Cox is going to return at the end of the and then more recently as a member. month with answers to a couple of important questions we posed to him, and

4 September 2020 Stonesfield Slate will supply more information about the Cows with calves on the Community Woodland which has been set Common up in Woodstock. This will be in advance of the pre-inquiry meeting which has been A small herd of cattle, four cows and their put back until mid-September at the calves, will be grazing the Common from request of Blenheim, so there will be time the beginning of September until January. to consider Mr Cox’s responses. Grazing by cattle is an essential means of managing the Common. Here are some Richard Morris, Chair of SUSTO basic rules from the National Farmers’ Union for walkers: Churchill’s White House is • Cows are nosey and may come to saved by Bladon Community investigate, especially if you have a dog The 17th century White House, and last with you remaining pub in Bladon, has been saved • Don’t panic or run if cattle follow you – by the community. Reputed to be the pub stay calm and walk quickly and quietly where Winston Churchill ‘learnt to drink’ around the herd during his time at Blenheim Palace, this • Remember cows can be protective of historic pub is set to become the heart of their young. Never get between cows and the community once again. their calves – go around the herd and re- After 6 months of relentless campaigning, join the path as soon as possible Bladon Community Benefit Society had • Keep your dogs close, under control, in over 450 shareholders and had raised more sight, and on a short lead around cattle than £330,000 in shares. Although 90% of • If you are threatened by cattle release shareholders come from Bladon and the your dog so you can both get to safety surrounding villages, press coverage also separately sent the pub’s cause around the globe and shares were purchased from as far away as • Dog poo can spread disease to cattle. Bag Australia, New Zealand, USA, and South it and bin it – there’s a waste bin by the Africa. road gate REMEMBER: If you aren’t comfortable The team put their best offer into Greene walking where there are cattle, there are King just as lockdown was put into place. A many other footpaths nearby. nail-biting wait until May brought Bladon the good news it had been waiting for, the Why we need cattle on the Common community offer to purchase the White Cattle are one of the best ways of House had been accepted and the maintaining the grassland and improving community were handed the keys to their the Common. When cattle are allowed to pub on 23 July 2020. They are still graze freely they select different plants, fundraising in order to improve the fabric and even different parts of the plant, to of the building and bring community nibble or browse. Over time, this selective services to life. eating by the animals creates a varied Rachel Guest (07960 238530) structure within the plants and the habitat. [email protected] It is this that helps create the right www.bladoncommunitypub.org conditions for a wide range of plants,

September 2020 Stonesfield Slate 5 insects, birds, reptiles, and mammals to enjoy the 3rd century AD mosaics once exist. more.

Thank you for controlling your dog while Set within a peaceful landscape on the there are cattle on the Common and banks of the River Evenlode, North Leigh ensuring the gates are closed. Roman Villa is considered to be one of the largest villas in Roman Britain with a 500- For more information contact: year history of occupation. At its most [email protected] extensive in the early 4th century AD, it included 3 bath suites, 16 mosaic floors, North Leigh Roman Villa and 11 rooms with under-floor heating. mosaics open in September The site is entirely free (however, our The mosaic house of North Leigh Roman generous visitors typically donate about £1 Villa will be open for the final time this each, to help us achieve planned site year: 11am to 4.30pm, Saturday and improvements) and large enough for safe Sunday 12 and 13 September. social distancing during your visit. There is Our first opening in August attracted over room to picnic (please take your litter 300 visitors, in a safe, socially distanced home), but currently there is no WC on fashion, under blue skies and a hot site. It is a pleasant walk from the village to summer sun. Safety is a paramount the villa, so please consider leaving your concern. Facemasks must be worn inside car at home. the mosaic house. Free timed tickets for It is free to become a Friend of North Leigh the mosaics are only issued on site, on the Roman Villa, and allows you to keep up day. There was no crowding on our first with future developments and events on August weekend, but if you would prefer a the site, simply email quieter time consider 1.30pm–2.30pm on [email protected] Saturday. For more details about the openings, please visit: www.english-heritage.org.uk/ visit/places/north-leigh-roman-villa/ or Facebook: @northleighromanvilla or Twitter: @villa_north

Stonesfield film: ‘Walking through Lockdown’ ‘Walking through Lockdown’ is a short film (3 mins. approx.) about Stonesfield in lockdown – a personal journey exploring a These are the finest Roman mosaics in new-found connection with nature at this Oxfordshire still in their original location challenging time. It was never lost on me and were last regularly open to visitors how fortunate we all were to be locked- about 30 years ago. A new team of local down in an Oxfordshire village as the volunteers, working with English Heritage carnage of Coronavirus swept the country. who runs the site, are making it possible to

6 September 2020 Stonesfield Slate During my one permitted exercise-a-day, I What you doing Carrott? would often take a small handheld camera to record my lockdown walks. All the Well it’s happened again, something else scenes are filmed within a mile or so radius has adopted my garden along with the of the village. During filming many lovely Stonesfield Stinger! For those of us of a Stonesfield folk asked me when the film certain age the line from a comedy sketch could be seen. By simply typing this link by Jasper Carrott immediately gives the into your computer you should be able to game away. watch! https://vimeo.com/445548242 My little friend first appeared one day in Chris Bartle next-door’s garden apparently, then there bartlefi[email protected] it was, on the paved area at the front of the shed scuttling into the flower border. Dark fur, short stubby tail and a penchant for Allotment stall , disappearing! As I watched, I could see it Having enjoyed some vegetables from the moving under the soil, suddenly a worm allotment stall, we’d like to say thank you poked its head through the soil and then to all who are working on the allotments just as quickly disappeared underground, and sharing their produce. We recognise with help I assume. that this represents a lot of hard work that goes on throughout the year and this is Well what to do about it? Take the Jasper greatly appreciated. We think it’s a great Carrott route, but do it quietly, or just leave idea that the stall is open to be added to as it alone? The latter, of course, being the well as taken from and, though we don’t only way. At least for now! I figured that if grow vegetables, we hope to make it could survive in the stony ground of contributions in other ways. Stonesfield, who was I to stop it living in my flowerbeds. I had been blaming the Henry Hollanders and Wendy Lynch squirrels and birds for digging up my seedlings and bulbs, but as I watched, like Fish and Chip Van a scene from Tremors, plants and bulbs Here are the times and locations of the fish miraculously popped out of the ground as and chip van on Wednesdays. All times are my little friend dug under my second approximate: border! No molehills so far, but several 2- inch round holes and a rather soft 4.30pm Busby Close sensation when walking in between the 5.30pm Playing Field Road plants. I could still live with this. 6.15pm Pumbro No molehills for a couple of days then 6.30pm The Tap wham, mounds of the finest graded soil, 6.50pm The Cross that Monty Don would be proud of, but only in the flower borders, not on the lawn 7.00pm Churchfields luckily! 7.15pm Combe Road More interestingly is where did it come Mark (07791 459849) from? The nearest molehills I have ever seen round here are at Blacks Gate or in a

September 2020 Stonesfield Slate 7 photograph of the Common. I did ask local exhibit from their chosen village location farming stock about the matter and with a for free. If you have not yet registered your misty-eyed reply to my question ‘Are there garage/table-top, but would like to take any moles around here?’ ‘Oh yes, I used to part, please contact Claire Jeeves on get 10d (old pence) per mole from my Dad [email protected] before Sunday 13 when I was a child.’ September so we can ensure your stall is on the map. That was it then, they have always been about, but again, I had never seen them Monies raised from the £5 garage/stall and whilst in Stonesfield, along with the Black £2 map fees will be split 50/50 and Flies, badgers, and wild Megalosaurus. donated to FoSS and the Village Hall, as they have not been able to host the Fete or Since I missed last month’s Slate deadline, the table-top sale(s) this year. Stallholders which was full of other nature lover’s will then keep their own monies raised, articles, I have got used to replanting the though should you wish to donate a uprooted flowers and bulbs. Am I annoyed, percentage of your takings to a village no, it’s one more animal to watch, as I look cause of your choice, it would be very for what stole ALL the Swiss Chard and ate gratefully received! the leaves of my Broccoli? Isn’t nature wonderful?! There will be stalls providing refreshments en route. Please see the map for all details. Graeme Cairns We hope you enjoy this socially distanced Village Garage and Table-top event and enjoy walking around the village, Sale hopefully seeing and catching up with friends and neighbours along the way. On Sunday 20 September we will be holding a socially distanced garage and Please, all we ask is that the current table-top sale around the village – think COVID-19 guidelines (social distancing, the Fete, but very much more spread out etc.) are adhered to. Please be mindful of around the village! any traffic, and please ensure young children are accompanied by adults at all Maps (£2 each) of where in the village times (we hope to include a treasure hunt participating garages/stalls are located will on the map!). We have chosen a Sunday as be available from outside the shop from this is usually the quietest road traffic day 9.45am on the Sunday morning. Garages/ of the week. stalls will be open from 10am–1pm. This is an opportunity for private households to Claire Jeeves and Jess Huband turn unwanted goods into cash, and also for all of our village groups and The White Horse organisations, whose fundraising has been The chance to buy a share or make a so curtailed, to raise awareness of their donation towards the purchase offer for causes and to also generate some much- the White Horse, Stonesfield is fast needed funds. approaching. For the past month, some Private household garages/stalls are £5, thirty volunteers, supported by funding but village groups/organisations may from the Parish Council, have been

8 September 2020 Stonesfield Slate working on a proposal for community successful, we will be able to reward ownership. We have analysed more than everyone who contributes. It truly will be 100 successful community pubs across the your White Horse. UK. We have studied business plans, legal For more information, please visit and structures, ownership models, and register your details at our website or you fundraising activities. We have looked into can find us on Facebook and Instagram. every grant or trust application we could You can also buy T-shirts or Douglas find, and are applying to those for which Rudlin's history of pubs in Stonesfield with we are eligible. We have surveyed village proceeds going to the campaign on our opinion about the pub and its services. website. More than 300 residents have responded, with over 80% saying they want to help Details of the share offer will be distributed buy the pub. We have also distributed through letterboxes and on our website surveys to our neighbours in Fawler, East and social media in the next few weeks. End, and Combe. The survey results are Simon Warr available on our website. www.whitehorsestonesfield.com www.backthewhitehorse.com

Takeaway Cream Teas 6 September As we are not able to hold our afternoon tea event in the garden of the Combe Reading Room this year, we have decided instead to offer takeaway cream teas. This has helped create a vision for what the We are going to be supplying homemade new White Horse, Stonesfield could be – teas, individually boxed, on the afternoon more than a pub, but a flourishing, of Sunday 6th September. The tea will friendly, and welcoming space for the consist of scones with cream and jam and a benefit of the community. A comfortable slice of delicious cake, and we will deliver place for great coffee, sandwiches and them to houses in Stonesfield and Combe. cakes with hi-speed Wi-fi during the day, Proceeds will go to the Cystic Fibrosis and in the evening, simply a great pub with Trust. good beers and wines, no nonsense quality food at affordable prices with a warm and The teas will be £6.50 each. Please place vibrant atmosphere, and events orders by 4th September by email to throughout the week that we hope will [email protected] together with promote a cohesive and friendly your name and address, or call me on community. 01993 891977. We will send you payment links or will accept cash on delivery. Everyone in the village will be able to share in the ownership of the new White Horse. Many thanks for supporting our No donation will be too small and shares fundraising. will start at affordable rates. If we are Libby Hanks

September 2020 Stonesfield Slate 9 Sadly, due to test and trace, we will no White Horse Womblers longer be able to allow members of the White Horse Womblers are a group of public/passers-by, to pop in to use the Stonesfield ladies gathering up the stuff facilities, when the hall is open. Group cluttering up your garage, loft or shed, access will only be arranged via pre- bedrooms, and cupboards. We sell your booking a minimum of 48 hours unwanted items to raise funds for the beforehand to ensure that one of the key White Horse rescue mission. Donating is a holders is available to open the hall. Ad hoc great way to raise funds without having to visits to collect or drop off things will not part with hard earned cash! Please join our be permitted. Facebook page – white horse womblers selling page. As we have stated previously, it has been confirmed that there are also going to be We will be on the hunt for items to sell attendee number restrictions, and each over the next few months. Watch out for group will need to have their own risk our requests for donations on Facebook assessment in place, too. and Nextdoor. Or contact us via email [email protected] The upside is that we will be reopening, the downside is, as with the whole world All proceeds will go to the around us, it will be in a much more #backthewhitehorse appeal. (In the event restricted way than we were able to be that this money isn’t needed, we will open before. donate it to the Stonesfield Scout appeal.) Making good use of the things that Jacqueline Carthew (898919) we find, things that the everyday folk leave Secretary & Booking Clerk for Stonesfield behind... Village Hall stonesfi[email protected] facebook.com/stonesfieldvillagehall Ursula Rice, Sharon Acum, Julia Reynolds, Lucy Martin Free TV licences for the over-75s Village Hall news People are now entitled to a free over-75 It is with a hopeful heart and anticipation TV licence only if they are receiving that we are all in the throes of COVID-19 Pension Credit Guarantee Credit. But two safe reopening processes. We are aware in five people entitled to claim Pension that things are changeable and we are just Credit do not do so. Age UK Oxfordshire going to have to roll with this, although the is calling on everyone aged over 75 to see, aim is still at this time, to get the hall back without delay, if they are eligible for to some semblance of a community hub for Pension Credit, if they haven’t already the beginning of September. done so. To check if you are eligible, please Of course, the new changes in legislation call Age UK Oxfordshire 0345 450 1276 or have brought with them many restrictions Age UK 0800 169 6565. To claim Pension that we are trying to accommodate, but the Credit, go to www.gov.uk/pension-credit/ knock-on effect will mean that the hall will how-to-claim or call the Pension Credit not be as open to the community as we claim line on 0800 99 1234. would like.

10 September 2020 Stonesfield Slate Politics & local affairs

Stonesfield Parish Council Stonesfield Mutual Aid White Horse Community Pub Cllr D Baldwin gave an update on SMA to The White Horse Community Pub Group the Parish Council at the meeting on representatives, Simon Warr and Steve 5 August. He advised that parcels would Callaghan, discussed what they are doing stop on 28 August. There are still people as part of their bid for the pub and invited on furlough and the group remains willing discussion from the council at the Parish to help people. Some people have been Council meeting held on 5 August 2020. granted shopping vouchers and some The Parish Council are in support of the people have been put in touch with other Community Pub bid. Details of this can be groups (e.g. housing) as needed. If there seen in the Parish Council minutes. were another wave, the remaining money held by Stonesfield Mutual Aid would not Stockey Woods last long. Stonesfield Mutual Aid are Richard Morris attended the Parish grateful to all those who donated time or Council meeting on 5 August to discuss money to support the group, including the Stockey Woods. In 2016, Blenheim Estate Parish Council, and the group remains posted notices saying there were no other willing to help people if needed, although rights of way on Stockey Bottom, apart things are generally paused until the from one definitive path. There are actually situation becomes clearer. several paths and people have walked over Grants awarded by Stonesfield the woods for generations. There was no Parish Council at the meeting on consultation when this was posted 5 August 2020 originally. A group of villagers got together and it was decided that the route forward A grant application was received towards was to apply for village green status that legal services regarding Stockey Woods for would enable the parish of Stonesfield to the sum of £1,800. Councillors supported enjoy the same access that they had for this and agreed to provide the whole grant decades to continue. (Blenheim ownership award towards the Stockey Woods legal would remain and they would carry out the expenses, if it is needed. maintenance, etc.) Blenheim have now A grant application was received from objected to the application with no viable the White Horse Community Pub reason. There has been no discussion and Group, asking for the sum of £4,000 to the formal objection has gone straight to assist them in getting a bid together for the solicitors. A meeting will be held with pub. The Parish Council granted £2,000 Blenheim later this month. immediately, and agreed to the further £2,000 requested in September, provided that the group meet some additional requirements, including evidence of funds

September 2020 Stonesfield Slate 11 received from other areas. (If this is met occurrences of this to the non-emergency the full application of £4,000 was police. supported.) River Pollution It should be noted that the Parish The clerk has received a report that some Council COVID-19 Emergency Grant Fund children in the village had become unwell is now closed. Grant applications can now after swimming in the river. The clerk has only be accepted on full grant application reported this to the Environment Agency. terms. The reason this is closed is because The Environment Agency has ownership of we have limited funds available and we the river and controls any water testing have received no monies from outside and signage. Cllr Hudspeth will also follow authorities. this up. Cllr O’Brien reported that people Planning are having barbecues down by the river and waste from this may also be going into Planning applications as per below were the river. considered: Flu Clinic Application no. 20/01683/FUL: Erection of 3-metre-high ball proof chain link fence Woodstock Surgery has asked if they can along boundaries marked red run a flu clinic in the Village Hall. The on accompanying site plan, Town and Village Hall has confirmed that this is Country Planning Act; North Farm, acceptable and the Parish Council has no Woodstock Road, Stonesfield. concerns with this. The clerk has Applicant: Stonesfield Parish Council, confirmed this with the surgery and is registered 3 July 2020 – the council waiting for the surgery to respond with had no objections to this planning further information. application. School Travel Plan Application no. 20/01924/FUL: Extension Cllr M Heduan is finding out what can be to workshop (revisions to permission done regarding safe travel options for 20/00098/FUL) Town and Country children travelling to school in Woodstock Planning Act; Application no. 20/00098/ from the village. Cllr W Gould would like it FUL: Extension to workshop, Town and known that the road (Woodstock Road) is a Country Planning Act; Stonesfield Garage, fast road and it is not safe to encourage The Ridings, Stonesfield. Applicant: C/O children to cycle along that road. Cllr Agent, registered 3 July 2020. This Heduan is talking with Roy Cox from application is in or affecting the Stonesfield Blenheim to ascertain how Blenheim can Conservation Area. The council had no be used to facilitate a safer option. Cllr Ian objections to this planning application. Hudspeth noted that plans are being worked out, and that coaches are not being Anti-Social Behaviour stopped. We await further updates. Anti-social behaviour has been reported to the clerk. This has been passed to Asset of Community Value Neighbourhood Policing and PC Webb. ACV for the White Horse Community Pub Residents are encouraged to report expires on 7 January 2021. The Council

12 September 2020 Stonesfield Slate will trigger ACV again during the Transport do not allow the funds to be moratorium. used in this way and are aimed at more urban schemes. I have written to ask for Date of next SPC meeting: Wednesday 9 the guidelines to be changed to allow local September 2020 at 7pm – a Zoom virtual determination of how funds are spent. meeting. Congratulations to all those involved in Karen East, Clerk to the Parish saving The White House pub in Bladon clerk@stonesfieldpc.uk which is now owned by the community and, hopefully, will re-open in September. From our County Councillor In Stonesfield, the same process is starting I was unwell during July that required a with The White Horse, which is already stay at the JR. I must compliment all the listed as a community asset. I am sure that staff at the hospital with the treatment they the Bladon committee will be able to give provided, as it was first rate. There were guidance to the Stonesfield group so that it some individuals who, in my opinion, went too can become a community pub. This is above and beyond, but I thank all the staff, just the start and we all must remember to especially when you consider they are still support our pubs if they are to survive and dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. As become sustainable, particularly during the part of my own recovery, I will be cutting winter months. I support them both and back on some of the meetings I attend, wish them well for the future. along with asking some of my cabinet We continue to re-open libraries in a colleagues to take over some of my phased manner, ensuring that the safety of workload. staff and customers is our first We must not be complacent as the virus is consideration. Chipping Norton and still around and may be with us for some Eynsham libraries were re-opened in time to come. The Public Health team at August. As soon as I have dates for Oxfordshire County Council are Stonesfield and Woodstock, I will update monitoring the situation and should they you. see an increase in a particular area then Please do not hesitate to contact me and they will work with that local community keep safe. to try to ensure that it does not spread. We can all play our part by following the Ian Hudspeth (07956 270318) guidelines. I have listed some of the details [email protected] in the ‘Coronavirus update’ at the beginning of this Slate. Sharing the road The bid for Tranche 2 of the Emergency In Stonesfield about 70% of roads have no Active Travel Fund has been submitted. I footpath or verge upon which to walk bid for 20mph speed limits throughout the safely and away from traffic. This means villages in my division as I saw this as a pedestrians, including the elderly, good way to encourage cycling and walking children, disabled people, and dog walkers within the villages. Unfortunately, the have to share the village roads with moving guidelines from the Department for traffic. Remember when you walk or cycle

September 2020 Stonesfield Slate 13 on the roads you still have a personal duty to record speeding. This helps raise drivers’ of care not to put yourself, or others, at risk awareness of their speed and help improve of danger or injury from your actions. road safety. Resumption of manned surveys ‘Community Speed Watch’ is Equally drivers owe a similar duty of care regularly being explored with Thames to all road users, including pedestrians and Valley Police. the above, not to put them at risk of death or injury as a result of their driving. Cllr Michael Heduan MBE Drivers should always expect the SAFER, Stonesfield Parish Council unexpected so they can take action to avoid a collision. The Highway Code sets out the Paths and fountains for standards required of a safe and making the best of the great considerate driver. In a personal injury or outdoors fatal collision it can be used in court to test In the August edition of the Slate, if your driving fell below the standard of a Councillor Ian Hudspeth invited comments reasonable driver, and the duty of care about how to improve cycling in the county expected under those circumstances. and encourage people to continue cycling The burden of proof will usually be higher instead of using cars or public transport. for the driver. The rules in The Highway As a keen cyclist and walker, I recommend Code do not give you the right of way in the following actions for his consideration: any circumstance, but they advise you Widen, straighten and repair the when you should give way to others. old cycle paths beside main roads Always give way if it can help to avoid an incident. Remember, indicate if turning or • The width of old cycle paths is unsafe. pulling out, don’t cut corners and use the They are often less than 4 feet wide and horn to warn others of your presence. The too narrow to safely pass others. I do not person in front could be partially blind, mind slowing down to make it easy to deaf, or hard of hearing and may not pass people, but at 20mph plus on the realise you are there. flat, a 4-foot strip of path is far too narrow. Sharing the roads in Stonesfield safely, Presently, cycle paths meander around a whether walking, cycling, or driving, • lot of street furniture such as bus stops means respecting other road users at all and lay-bys. Getting too close to times. pedestrians or weaving around street SAFER continue to work with Oxfordshire furniture is too dangerous. County Council to improve road safety. In • The cycle paths are rutted and full of July, SAFER sent a report to OCC and are bumps, weeds, broken glass, rubbish and following this up. Unfortunately, potholes. The wear and tear on bike and COVID-19 has created delays within OCC rider of bouncing along unmaintained to progress our recommendations. cycle paths is enough to put off all would- The Speed Indicator Device (SID) is being be users. There are unmaintained cycle used in fixed locations and the plan is to paths all around the county, which are move SID on a regular basis and continue hard to walk on let alone cycle along. These need to be cleaned, resurfaced and

14 September 2020 Stonesfield Slate quite probably widened to make them on the left-hand side of the centre line serviceable. when not overtaking. Create new cycle paths • The perfect outdoor activities path for • Creating new cycle paths away from pedestrians, runners and horses would roads provides infrastructure for not allow cyclists. commuters to get to and from work, Install and repair public drinking shops and leisure facilities. water fountains • The dismantled railways of yesteryear There used to be public drinking water can be resurfaced and turned into cycle fountains and water taps in every village, commute routes. New cycle/pedestrian town and city. The public fountains have bridges of relatively lightweight been removed or disconnected. Even the construction can be used to make the Tap in Stonesfield does not have a tap! routes complete. • Public water fountains allow people to • Upgrading some of the bridleways to enjoy the outdoors longer without having cycle paths for commuters would be very to go far for water. welcome. • Public water drinking fountains would • Buying strips of land to make new cycle reduce the consumption of bottled water paths for commuters and leisure cyclists and the number of used water bottles would be extremely helpful too. littering the countryside, roadsides and Segregate cars, bikes and built-up areas. pedestrians Miles Barrington-Ward • It is not as safe to share facilities. Cars, lorries, buses and motorbikes do not do Police and community support the same speed as bikes; bikes do not do For information or advice on security the same things as pedestrians, etc. concerns, please contact Ideally, facilities should be developed to [email protected] keep the three apart and that will do a lot or call 101. to promote cycling, walking and other outdoor activities. Stonesfield Neighbourhood • Pedestrians and cyclists are often Watch Scheme confused about which side of a mixed For information, see www.facebook.com/ path is for which type of user. The StonesfieldNHW. If you are interested in confusion about where to walk or to cycle joining our scheme, please follow this link leads to high risk of accidents. and ensure you click ‘Join a scheme’ then • The perfect cycle path would be away select ‘Stonesfield’ to complete your from all roads, wide (12-feet or more), request: https://member-registration. surfaced with smooth tarmac, marked neighbourhoodalert.co.uk/30/Join with a centreline and would exclude Deanna Blakeway Asplundh horses and pedestrians. It would allow cyclists to ride safely, so long as they are

September 2020 Stonesfield Slate 15 Education, culture & more

Stonesfield Primary School and provide tailored support for A new school year begins! After the individuals who need it. extraordinary and unprecedented We have school places in all year groups – disruption of last year, I can’t wait to please get in touch if you are interested in a welcome back all our pupils and be a full place for your child, including for school community once again. Over the Reception in September 2021. summer, the school hall has had a lick of paint and is looking fresh and inviting. On Finally, I would love to hear from anyone the morning of Saturday 5 September, we with stories and experiences of the are having a Maintenance Morning at Windrush generation or with an interest in school and would welcome volunteers to BAME culture and history – please send assist with sprucing up the grounds. Bring me an email. gloves and, if possible, a wheelbarrow or Ben Trevail, Headteacher (891687) garden waste bin! head.2353@stonesfield.oxon.sch.uk If you have walked down High Street recently you may have noticed the grass at Cycling to Marlborough School the front of the school is looking a little Please register your interest in cycling to wilder than usual. In keeping with the the Marlborough School from September. school’s passion for sustainability and the environment, this is a deliberate decision During the school holidays, it was with the long-term aim of establishing a suggested that students who live in meadow to create a haven for wildlife. Stonesfield and Combe, and attend the During lockdown, some of our pupils have Marlborough School, could cycle to and already observed the changes and from school via a safer route through welcomed the wilder environment. Blenheim Estate.

As a school, we are always striving for In August, a meeting was held with parent excellence and have exciting plans for the representatives, Stonesfield Parish year ahead. As well as continuing to Council, Blenheim Palace and improve the quality of our maths and Marlborough School. A positive discussion English teaching, to ensure high standards was held and a trial period has been for our pupils, this year we are having a proposed. major focus on supporting mental health, We are now calling for expressions of both for our pupils and staff. We recognise interest from students and parents to be that the last few months have been involved in this trial period. The benefits of challenging for all and it is important that this programme are: we can devote time to reflect, support everyone in adjusting back to school life

16 September 2020 Stonesfield Slate • Increasing physical activity levels of To find out more and the latest students, leading to physical and mental developments of this programme, join our benefits. Facebook page 'Cycle to Marlborough' or email on: [email protected] • Improving social cohesion of students and local community links. Finally, if there are any interested local individuals or businesses who can support • Reducing private car trips to and from or sponsor this programme in any way, Woodstock during peak times. please get in touch. • Reducing personal carbon footprint and Claire Renshaw improving sustainability.

• Enjoying safer cycling in the countryside. We aim to hold a series of training sessions (Bikeability and informal cycling proficiency style sessions) as well as route familiarisation sessions in early September. Please contact us if you would like to take part in these sessions. (Note: participating in these sessions does not commit you to being involved in the programme!)

September 2020 Stonesfield Slate 17 Slate SEP 19.qxp_SLATE MASTER v3.3 22/08/2019 08:04 Page 14

mornings, we will be exploring our woods Stonesfield Pre-School Autumn/Harvest lunch. Hope to see you Caroland the Anderson surrounding entitled area ‘The whilst Stonesfield Anext new month. term (continued from page 1) Embroidery’.discovering the We wonders meet in ofthe nature Turner that Hall, sit Church Road, North Leigh, OX29 6TX at OurAvis first term back at pre-school is very on our doorstep. If you spot us in our high- much focused on the children settling in 7.30pm.vis jackets, Visitors give us£4, a memberswave! We arewill free. also Forbe and feeling secure. We do this by furthermaking details, use of theplease forest get school in touch. area at the North Leigh History Society supporting them to explore, discover and DianaPrimary Power School, (01993 which 882301) is a lovely safe learnOn 3 our September, daily routines. there willWe knowbe a talk from by outdoor natural area and has the added experience that this time is crucial because bonus of being just across the road from a child who feels comfortable in their the pre-school! environment will enjoy play experiences Finally, I would like to acknowledge the and learn through them. Taking the time to very hard work of three people in get to know individual children and particular who are part of our team, adapting our practice to suit their needs is without whom it would not have been one of the pre-school’s great strengths and possible to achieve our fabulous pre-school is embedded in our values. makeover. They have spent the best part of We are really excited to have the their summer holidays at the pre-school: opportunity this academic year to re- sanding, painting, fixing, and making good. introduce the outdoor wanderer’s group Simon Hopkins (Superman Chair / with our cohort of older children. Trustee), Louise John (Deputy Manager), Throughout the year, on Thursday and Zena Rozee (Administrator/Trustee).

18September 2019 Stonesfield SlateSeptember 202014 Stonesfield Slate THANK YOU VERY MUCH for your of right now. Published in 1931, this is an voluntary service to Stonesfield Pre-school, exquisitely subtle account of an ordinary a vital part of the community in which we lower-middle class family from south live and you have revitalised it with your London, preparing for, travelling to, then commitment, positivity, and hard graft! enjoying their modest summer holiday in Bognor Regis.’ We all loved it! Lizzie Wharton, Pre-School Manager

Please join our 100 Club! A great way for you to support your local Pre-School whilst having a bit of a flutter! Here’s how it works. You pay £6, which buys you one membership number (we will allocate). This enters you into our termly draw (6 terms), which will take place on the first of the following months: October, December, February, March, May, and We managed a final ‘real’ meeting, socially July. The prize money will be: 1st Prize £25 distanced, in a garden in the sunshine and 2nd Prize £10. before the break, and this confirmed what we already knew that the real, physical JOIN OUR 100 CLUB TODAY AND YOU presence of others is so much richer than COULD BE OUR NEXT WINNER! the electronic image on the screen. For an application form, please contact Wendy Lynch Zena Rozee (898012) [email protected] stonesfi[email protected] 175 years ago fifteen people Book Break’s Break from Stonesfield lost their Book Break is taking its usual August break lives at sea and we hope to resume our meetings early On 4 August 1845 five adults and ten in September. Lockdown inevitably meant children from Stonesfield lost their lives that after March, we were unable to meet when the ship they were on was wrecked in Stonesfield Library, our usual venue, but off the coast of King Island, Australia. The we managed to maintain our readings and ship was the Cataraqui, and on board were discussion, initially through email and 369 passengers and 41 crew members. subsequently by venturing into the world It was a time of economic depression in of Zoom. The highlight of the reading year Britain and the passengers on board were has been The Fortnight in September by mainly unemployed labourers, hoping to R.C. Sherriff. Recommended in The find a better future in Australia. An Guardian by Kazuo Ishiguro as a novel to advertisement in Jackson’s Oxford Journal inspire, uplift and offer escape, Ishiguro in January 1845 offered free passage to wrote that the novel ‘is just about the most Australia for farm labourers, shepherds, uplifting, life-affirming novel I can think

September 2020 Stonesfield Slate 19 carpenters and bricklayers. Local parishes, programme details, recorded in May 1987. who were responsible for the welfare of The details of the interviews are: their parishioners, encouraged their 1. George and Ted Laughton, farming poorest families to take advantage of this. family since the mid 1800s. The village About 100 of those on board were from in the 1920s – the slate industry, a life, Oxfordshire. From Stonesfield were workers digging in narrow passageways William and Mary Barrett and their 4 or adits, with candles. Collecting old children (aged 6 to 10), James and Mary farm implements, hoping to start a Rollings and their 6 children (aged 2 to 18) small museum with these and slaters’ and James Oliver. tools. The Cataraqui set sail from Liverpool on 2. Richard Chancellor, Chair of 20 April. The voyage was mainly Stonesfield Society. History of the uneventful. But, after 106 days at sea and village, the slate and why it declined, within a just couple of days of reaching the Friendly Society, founded in 1765, a their destination, disaster struck. As the forerunner of the Welfare State. ship sailed through the treacherous waters 3. Canon John Grimwade. The church of the Bass Straight, between Tasmania and the congregation's involvement and the Australian mainland, there was a with poorer parishes in East London terrific storm. At 4.30am on 4 August, and overseas. The village school. raging waves and poor visibility drove the 4. Jean Hall, of the Women's Institute ship on to rocks off the coast of King branch and assistant in the village Island. It took several hours for the ship to shop. break up completely. The only survivors 5. Dominic Hamerton describes his cycle were 8 crew members and 1 passenger who ride from John o'Groats to Land's End made it safely to shore. News of the tragedy in aid of leukaemia research. did not reach Oxfordshire until 7 February 1846. 6. Avis Ushaw, chair of the Parish Council, as was her father. Old village To this day the wreck of the Cataraqui family. How village is kept clean and with its loss of 400 lives is considered tidy. Australia’s worst maritime disaster in peace time. The recording is of good quality, and I wonder if it would be possible to get the Bernard and Muriel Barrett tape cassette recording onto a digital format and then be shared on the BBC Radio Oxford recording Stonesfield website. It would be great to of interviews with Stonesfield share this recording as it brings back so people, 1987 many memories, hearing familiar voices I have a cassette tape of a recording from and stories of how the village was then and BBC Radio Oxford from a series called throughout its history. If you can help, 'People and Places' on Stonesfield. I've please contact me. managed to do an online search to find the Lindsey Thornton [email protected]

20 September 2020 Stonesfield Slate distance a team of oxen can plough before Nature Notes they need a rest. Observations on our landscape In January this year, sharp eyes spotted an The thistledown’s flying, though the winds odd stone, different from the others, which are all still, had been washed down the Evenlode. on the green grass now lying, now About 5,000 years ago, in the right hands, mounting the hill... this four-inch flint was chipped and The first lines of Autumn by the poet John Clare. smoothed into a hand axe. It was then left As we approach autumn, I reflect on what a above Stockey Bottom, to be found and spring and summer we have had, sharing authenticated at Woodstock Museum. our back yard with rather more people Could this be the earliest evidence of our than usual. Resting my back against the ancestors living around Stonesfield? wall, and looking over the Evenlode valley, I can see why our landscape is so special. A John Sampson landscape that lifts our spirits at a time of need and defines the natural world around Local History: Ditchley us. 2 miles north of Stonesfield Stonesfield rests on a bedrock formed in Sir Henry Lee, the first owner of the the Jurassic times (just over 100 million Ditchley Estate, was the champion of years ago) in a shallow tropical sea. Elizabeth I and one of her most eminent Walking on the top path of the beech wood, and powerful courtiers. The famous above Stockey Bottom, you can see the Ditchley portrait, once at the house and enormous river system that helped form now at the National Portrait Gallery, the valley at the end of the Anglian ice age. commemorates Elizabeth’s visit to The various steep slopes are perfect for Ditchley, as part of a royal progress, in wild flowers. 1592. A portrait of Henry VIII also hung in the dining room until the 1930s. A fine The Evenlode river was part of the Thames portrait of Sir Henry Lee with his faithful until about 400,000 years ago, when they dog Bevis remains in the Velvet Room. The separated. Flowing from the Midlands, Lees of Ditchley are linked to the Lees of various rocks and debris came our way on Virginia, who built the Ditchley mansion in the northern drift bringing brown Virginia in the 1680s. Antlers from stags stones that have been well worn. hunted by James I at Ditchley in 1610 Much later, the Romans built Akeman decorate the Saloon but pride of place in Street and the earthworks at Baggs the house is given to portraits of Charles II Bottom, leaving us with the large snails. and his mistress Barbara Villiers. Charlotte Fitzroy, the king’s favourite daughter with My wall is above these earthworks at the Barbara, was married into the Lee family top end of the Anglo Saxon strips, possibly who were ennobled as the Earls of from the 5th century AD. I think of them as Lichfield. early allotments. Usually they are a furlong in length (660 feet) which is apparently the The second Earl replaced the old Tudor Manor House with the Palladian early

September 2020 Stonesfield Slate 21 Georgian Mansion that stands today. When to plant a tree to mark Sir David Wills’ the Lichfield line died out the estate passed launch of the Ditchley Foundation. In 1995 in 1776 to the Dillon family, related to the she visited again to unveil the bust of Lees by marriage. Unlike many grand David Wills that stands on the Great Hall houses, Ditchley was not altered in table. Victorian times and remains almost Ditchley and its 300 acres of pleasure entirely Georgian in style. The greatest grounds are set in a further 3,550 acres paintings were given to the nation by the and are now managed sustainably by Dillon family in the 1930s but much of the the HDH Wills Charitable Trust which centuries of history remains intact and in provides grants to conserve the situ. environment and wildlife. Ditchley has Ronnie and Nancy Tree were wealthy been a haven for wildlife since at least Anglo-Americans who bought Ditchley in 1500, creating a unique eco-system that 1933, transforming it into one of the most includes many rare plants, animals and beautiful and fashionable houses in the birds. When not being used by the Ditchley country. This included the creation of a Foundation, Ditchley Park hosts private beautiful sunken Italian garden as part of a events for selected institutions and landscaping project by Sir Geoffrey companies. Jellicoe, his first major commission. The completion of restorations was marked by Good grub… a famous red and white ball for a thousand There has been much talk in recent months guests. Nancy went on to become the of using up store cupboard supplies and famous decorator Nancy Lancaster, adapting recipes to whatever might be working closely, if turbulently, with John available to us. This reminded me of when Fowler. I started cooking in my own kitchen and of When Churchill became war time prime the first cookery articles and recipes I was minister he asked to use Ditchley as his tempted to ‘cut out and keep’. secret weekend retreat when the ‘moon The first article was ‘Time Servers’ by the was high’ as his official residence, late Jane Grigson, which was written for Chequers, was too exposed to the risk of the Observer in 1979. This article provided German attack. Churchill visited 13 times a comprehensive stock list for the larder in the early years of the war and, amongst a and various tips and hints to enable one to range of significant meetings here, hosted whip up meals for unexpected guests at US Presidential envoy Harry Hopkins in short notice. I particularly liked her order to persuade him of the case for introductory note: American military and Lend Lease support. Letters from Clementine Churchill describe Fernand Braudel remarked that the basic Churchill and Hopkins talking late into the food plants of Mediterranean civilisation, night in the library. our civilisation after all, are wheat (bread and pasta), the olive tree (olives and oil), The current Queen first visited Ditchley as the vine (fresh and dried fruit and wine), Princess Elizabeth to attend Ronnie Tree’s the fig tree (fresh and dried fruit). If you farewell ball in 1947. In 1959 she returned add cheese, they can provide the perfect

22 September 2020 Stonesfield Slate quick meal. Keep them in mind as a basis. oil and then put in the peppers so that they These days simple food of quality is the fit snugly. Fry the onion in 1 tablespoon of greatest treat of all because it is the most olive oil until very soft, but not brown. Mix difficult to find. with the cooked rice, olives, capers, anchovies, herbs, remaining oil, lemon The second, also from the Observer and juice, and pepper, adding more lemon juice published in 1981, was a series of pull-out and pepper to taste, if needed. (The supplements featuring recipes from Anne anchovies will provide enough salt.) Pile Willan’s French Regional Cooking. Anne, the mixture into the pepper shells and now in her eighties, is a lifelong cover loosely with foil. Bake at 180/gas 4 Francophile and a recognised authority on for about an hour or until the pepper shells French cooking, having founded L’Ecole de are very tender. Baste from time to time, Cuisine La Varenne in Burgundy in 1975. adding a little more oil if necessary. Serve I should like to share with you this recipe hot or at room temperature as preferred. by Anne Willan for ‘Peppers Niçoise’, This recipe is endlessly adaptable and will which has been a stalwart friend all these forgive you for substituting other years and has never let me down. It can be ingredients if you are short of what is treated as a starter, a main course with specified; from time to time I have resorted salad, or an accompaniment to roast lamb to a variety of what might be termed or baked fish, and may be served straight ‘Mediterranean’ fruits such as semi-dried from the oven or at room temperature. apricots, green olives, sun-dried tomatoes This quantity serves four people as a main or sultanas and occasionally pine kernels, course, or eight as a starter or all of which have turned out well. And, if accompaniment. If you wish to make it need be, it can be prepared up to eight suitable for vegetarians, simply omit the hours ahead without coming to harm. I anchovies. doubt one could ask much more of a recipe. Bon appetit! 4 medium peppers in your preferred colour scheme; 2 tabs olive oil Trish Williams For the stuffing: 1 medium onion, chopped; 4½ tabs olive oil; 250g cooked rice (about 100g uncooked); 65g stoned black olives, roughly chopped; 2 tabs capers, drained; 45g anchovies, drained and chopped; 2 tsps. dried thyme; 1 tsp. dried rosemary; the juice of a lemon; freshly ground black pepper. Cut the peppers in half lengthwise so that they will sit reasonably flat in a dish and discard the cores and seeds. Coat a shallow baking dish with the 2 tablespoons of olive

September 2020 Stonesfield Slate 23 In my mind Little hands clasped in mine, warm, sticky, Bare feet dancing to the music, fingers busy fingers itching to tackle the next game plucking at guitar strings, black and white or explore a new adventure keys ring out newly learned tunes In life’s jigsaw of unexplored events which While they dance up and down in rhythmic occupy children’s active minds. and sometimes not so rhythmic sounds, but loved enough to applaud and to enjoy. Little feet tripping on uneven ground as they hurry ahead unaware of the obvious Hands and minds creating amazing stories dangers of every day life even at the end of a long day in well used Skipping, hopping avoiding stepping on homework folders, pavement cracks while looking behind to To be handed in or read aloud before the see if I am watching class or families in school assembly or worship Tossing heads and hair tussled by the wind with rosy cheeks blushed by excitement While casting an eye over the audience and and laughter ringing like church bells into longing to observe a smile of appreciation the air. from a proud mum or dad. All these memories will stay in my mind. All these memories will stay in my mind. Damp, no! Wet bath times, crinkled hands All too quickly growing taller or am I from blowing bubbles and an exhausted smaller? Soon our eyes will meet on the mind from stories told same level and then even higher! From deep within imaginary banks where Wait, wait, not so fast, let’s hang on to the old dusty memories are stored and little people we want to stay with forever, resurrected so slow down, let time stand still, Then embroidered to capture their Where has yesterday gone and why are you imagination while little faces savour every rushing to tomorrow, wait for me, I can’t word and eyes sparkle with amazement. keep up, stop the clock Cuddles in bed. What! More stories as And let’s enjoy a timeless zone together. books pile up around me squashing us into The little hands are bigger than mine, now the duvet with sharp elbows digging into starting to look after me, but in it there is my ribs such sweetness And voices all speaking at the same time Every moment matters, the cycle of life until eyelids start to close and the thought precious and what we share together is of sleep is not so far away. unique so can never stay the same, All these memories will stay in my mind. What matters is that all these memories will stay in my mind.

Diana Letchford

24 September 2020 Stonesfield Slate Clubs, societies & sport

was decided that this was strong enough to allow existing memberships to be extended Stonesfield Gardening Club to the end of 2021 without any further fees. 2021 membership cards will be issued and Dear Members distributed at the start of 2021. New Like all clubs up and down the country we members are very welcome and any joining have been unable to meet, enjoy our in the remainder of 2020 will have their speakers’ stories, information and tips, and membership extended to the end of 2021. generally discuss our gardens. It now looks See website for details. very likely we must write this year off as www.stonesfieldgardening.info the virus is not going anywhere and gatherings in halls will not be able to Members’ photographs happen in the foreseeable future. The Gardening Club website has a gallery of photographs contributed by members. If The Committee has made a decision over any member has one (or two) gardening/ subscription fees, which our Treasurer, plant photos they would like included, Paul, explains below. In the meantime, please send a jpeg (with caption) to me and until we meet again, please enjoy this poem I will endeavour to include it. by the American, Robert Frost. Paul Bates, Treasurer The rain to the wind said, [email protected] ‘You push and I’ll pelt’. They so smote the garden bed That the flowers actually knelt, Stonesfield Sports and Social And lay lodged – though not dead. Club I know how the flowers felt. The Sports and Social Club would like to Lodged by Robert Frost thank you for your support since we re- opened on 4 July. I think it sums up (particularly the last line) not just what the recent rainstorms Due to the COVID-19 lockdown and the are doing to our baked gardens, but how club being closed, we have extended the we have all suffered from the buffeting of 2019/2020 membership until 30 these odd times. September 2020. However, in line with the Club's constitution, we can offer a special Wendy Gould, Chair membership fee of £5 from 1 October until www.stonesfieldgardening.info 31 May 2021, and then returning to the 2020/2021 membership fees normal membership for 2021/2022. As the 2020 programme has been severely Brian Clarke curtailed the committee reviewed the financial position of the Gardening Club. It

September 2020 Stonesfield Slate 25 We have great facilities open to all, and the A message from the Playing trustees have no wish to restrict access to Field Trustees them, but equally we won't sit by and Many people are possibly not aware of this, watch them being trashed. In particular, if but much of what goes on in terms of the the problems with the MUGA persist then management and maintenance of the we will have no choice but to lock the playing field is carried out by volunteers, facility once more and restrict access to from the trustees responsible for the organised groups and clubs who are charity that operates the playing field to prepared to look after it. the individuals you see cutting the grass, preparing the wickets or marking out We very much rely on people doing the pitches. right thing when it comes to using the facilities and it would be good to have the It is therefore both demoralising and community’s support in getting the disappointing to have to report an increase message out as widely as possible that the in acts of petty vandalism and general behaviour we are seeing from some disrespect for both the facilities and the individuals is unacceptable and won't be individuals giving up their time to tolerated. maintain them. The Playing Field Committee Most of the equipment is locked away when not in use but items such as the , North Leigh History Society covers for the cricket square and football goals have to live outside. These are Our History Society was due to meet once expensive items of kit and we are placing a again in the Turner Hall in September to degree of trust in people not to treat them start the new series of talks. However, as playthings or damage them. We've seen continuing levels of infection with possible children and youths playing on the covers local lockdowns, and the uncertainty as to and the football goals are being damaged what the next few months will bring, have through individuals trying to use them, meant that we have decided to change our despite the fact that they are securely plans. The committee of the North Leigh locked up. The football club has set up goal History Group has reluctantly decided to posts at the bottom of the field for general cancel all face-to-face meetings for the use so there is no need to touch the ones forthcoming year. We are sorry to have to that are locked away. announce this and hope that we will be able to resume meetings again in In the latest round of incidents the hand September 2021. sanitiser holder and container at the entrance to the MUGA has been wrecked, There are various reasons for our taking and rubbish, including broken glass, this decision. We do not know yet whether bottles and cans were strewn around the the Turner Hall will be available for area and also in the MUGA itself. We've meetings, and even if it is, it is far too small also seen the limit of 8 people on the to be able to maintain the necessary social MUGA at any one time (a COVID-19 distancing with the number of people who precaution) being ignored. normally attend. The Memorial Hall is a larger venue, but again, we do not know

26 September 2020 Stonesfield Slate Slate SEP 19.qxp_SLATE MASTER v3.3 22/08/2019 08:04 Page 21

whether it will be available and it is We will be investigating other ways we currently closed. The other reason is that could meet over the next year, possibly our meetings are held over the winter online using Zoom or similar software. We months, which means that we need to keep hope to be back in business as soon as we windows and doors closed to keep the heat can and will keep you informed in the GOURMETood in. Holding talks in the winter also means meantime. If you bistrohave - style - cateringany ideas yourselves that! weis will September be unable to meet outside visit... of ways in which we could keep in touch because of the weather, and people may over the Goodnext year , Gourmetand any activities we well be suffering from other common could arrange during the pandemic, please Salon Privé Classic Upcoming events at our pop-up restaurant winter ailments& such Supercar as flu and the contact us either by email, common cold,8th which September add to the risk of [email protected],6 Sept 3-course Bistro or by – phone£30 to infection with COVID-19. Diana11 PowerSept Mid-Week on 01993 Simple 882301 Supper – £20 27 Sept 3-course Bistro North Africa – £30 We are sorryMaurizio to have toCattelan inform you of this Angela23 OctKyte Mid -Week Simple Supper – £20 2 Nov 3-course Bistro – £30 decision andat Blenheim hope you will Palace understand our 12th September - 27th October reasons. We know how much you value the BYO NL History Group and how loyal you have SsangYong been in the past. Diana Power is contacting See our website calendar for menus and Blenheim Palace Horse Trials the speakers who were due to speak this details of our new Midweek suppers 19th - 22nd September coming year and we hope that they will be Visit www.goodgourmet.co.uk to see menus able to comeblenheimpalace.com and talk to us, in the and make a booking or call 01993 898614 corresponding month, in a year's time.

Hedges Decorating and Property Maintenance Sewing & Altera!ons ‘No job too small’ . . . to make that garment fit you! Daniel Hedges Fi!ngs, hem levels, and a varied range of Painting and Decorating Garden and Property Maintenance altera"on and sewing work carried out. Fencing and Repairs Dresses, Skirts, Tops, Shirts, Jackets, Demolition and Removal Trousers, Curtains, Cushions and beyond! Small Carpentry Work Louise Evere"­Brown Mobile: 07957 437347 lou.smiley1@b"nternet.com Email: [email protected] 01993 813873

FoSL: Friends of Stones!ield Library

September 2020 Stonesfield Slate 27 21 Stonesfield Slate September 2019 Church news

Church of England Worship at second only to loving God, and tells the St James the Great, famous story of the Good Samaritan to Stonesfield illustrate what this ‘loving of neighbour’ (Benefice of Stonesfield with means. For all of us it’s difficult to know Combe Longa) where the boundaries are when it comes to www.stonesfieldparishchurch.org ‘loving neighbour’. How widely can we For any enquiries or help, including draw the boundaries, given our pastoral support, arrangements for circumstances of strength, time, and funerals, etc. please email: disposable money? However, we must [email protected] grasp the challenge. The story is in the or contact the Area Dean: The Rev Jeremy Bible’s New Testament gospel of St Luke Auld, Rector of Woodstock and Bladon towards the end of Chapter 10. The record (810749), www.woodstockandbladon.com starts with a question from a lawyer, someone who studied and practised the Parish Letter Mosaic law of the Jewish community. His Being neighbourly these days calls for a conversation with Jesus goes like this: bigger effort all round. But it’s obviously ‘Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal worth it. We actually feel better in life?’ How on earth was Jesus expected to ourselves if we have done something answer that conundrum!? Typically, Jesus (hopefully) kindly or helpful for someone throws a question back to the lawyer: else. There’s extra effort involved because ‘What is written in the law? How do you of all the strictures – social distancing and understand it?’ mask wearing. It may be useful if we became more Italian with less inhibited, Jesus has said elsewhere in the gospels louder voices, and cheerful hand gestures. how he would like his followers to Under the mask it’s not always easy to understand the concept of eternal life as guess whether someone is really pleased to being a spiritual quality which influences see you and smiling, difficult too to hear and directs our lives now, and is not distinctly what they are saying. With destroyed by our physical deaths. people working from home or on flexible Now he illustrates this truth, giving the hours to suit the household, it can be hard example of how this eternal quality shows to know when is a good time to interrupt in the loving behaviour of the Samaritan them and make a social telephone call, or who was faced with the challenge of a drop by. My maxim is to calculate and then breathing, bleeding body of a man beside a do it. remote turn in the road to Jericho. Whatever the difficulties, Jesus puts the Jesus tells how both a priest and a Levite adage ‘Love your neighbour as yourself’ had passed by on the other side because of up at the top of the list of commandments, strict rules around not touching blood.

28 September 2020 Stonesfield Slate Where was decent humanity in all that?! September services Finally, the Samaritan (a member of a Sunday 6 September [Trinity 13] community despised by the Jews) came by and took pity on the man. He dressed his 9.30am Combe All Age Worship wounds with vinegar and oil, heaved him 11am Stonesfield All Age Worship on to his donkey and took him to the Sunday 13 September [Trinity 14] nearest inn. In the morning, he left the 9.30am Combe Parish Communion innkeeper with instructions to look after 11am Stonesfield Parish Communion the man until his return, and promised to pay whatever it cost. Sunday 20 September [Trinity 15] 9.30am Combe Morning Prayer When the story was finished, Jesus asked the lawyer about who had proved to be the 11am Stonesfield Parish Communion ‘neighbour’ to the wounded man. The Sunday 27 September [Trinity 16] answer was clear – the one who had put 9.30am Combe Parish Communion himself out of his schedule, and out of 11am Stonesfield Parish Communion pocket, for someone he didn’t know. The lawyer answers correctly, to which Jesus We look forward to welcoming you! replies: ‘Now go and do, and be the same as that despised person.’ Stonesfield Methodist Church The force of this story has, I’m sure, Sunday Services are planned to resume at contributed to inspiring charities around the beginning of October, trusting no the world, and of course, our NHS and care further difficulties arise from COVID-19. homes. It has penetrated deep into our The Church doors will be opened wide and collective psychology. It’s still difficult to the Minister, The Reverend Rose follow well, but let’s do our best and keep Westwood, will lead Worship once more. trying to be imaginative, cheerful, Hallelujah! It will be a very special day expressive, and ‘non-self-regarding’ indeed, one of thankfulness, and neighbours. compassion for people the world over Charlotte Oakeshott during this distressing pandemic. Wherever you travel, I'll be there, I'll be there. Wherever you travel I'll be there. And the creed and the colour and the name won't matter. I'll be there. Sydney Carter, Hymn writer, 1915–2004.

Kathleen Albért (891733)

September 2020 Stonesfield Slate 29 communion! O Jesus, my divine Saviour, Roman Catholic Worship save me. O my God, hiding myself with a A mother to us all humble confidence in your dear wounds, I It is universally recognised that mothers give up my soul into your divine hands. are a major influence in our lives. How Oh, receive it into the bosom of your they love and nurture us, invest time with mercy. Amen. us, encourage and develop us, makes us the Ordination of Deacon Clive Dytor is now people we become. This is acknowledged scheduled for Saturday 12 September at St. by Catholics in our respect and veneration Chad’s Cathedral, Birmingham. For further of Mary, the Mother of Jesus, the Saviour information, please contact Deacon Dytor, of us all. By his death and resurrection, email address below. Jesus gave us all new life and hope; humanity has been redeemed for all Fr Tony Joyce can be contacted eternity by His sacrifice. Mary, in her on: [email protected] or acceptance of God’s will to be Jesus’s 01608 642703. mother, became, in effect, the gateway for For parish updates, any further that salvation of us all: ‘Be it done unto me information and further support, please according to your word’. (Luke 1:38) see www.stteresaschurch-charlbury.com/ We have just recently celebrated Mary’s or contact Clive Dytor: Assumption into heaven, in which the [email protected] victory of Jesus in his bodily Resurrection Roman Catholic Community in Stonesfield is reflected in the bodily Assumption of – keep praying Mary into the Kingdom of Heaven. It is no surprise that from very early times again, Suze Mathews (891720) the faithful made appeal to her powerful intercession, as an ancient Marian prayer of the third century shows: ‘We fly to thy patronage, O holy Mother of God; despise not our petitions in our necessities, but deliver from all dangers, O glorious and blessed Virgin’. As Jesus’s Mother, Mary has become mother to us all: always steadfast and loving us all, always, despite our failures and despair – the perfect mother. St. Teresa’s is now open for Holy Mass on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9.30am. Prayers of spiritual communion O my divine Jesus, how great is my desire to receive your sacred body! Oh, come now into my soul, at least, by a spiritual

30 September 2020 Stonesfield Slate Advertisements Disclaimer For boxed ads please email The Stonesfield Slate is a village amenity, [email protected] for full produced and distributed by volunteers. It can details of availability, sizes, requirements and not be held responsible for any of the views cost. Line ads: £2.00 per 30 words. expressed in its pages nor does it endorse any of the products or services advertised. Advertisements should be emailed to [email protected] by 10th of the Whilst we strive to ensure all information is month. correct, we are not responsible for anything Line ads can also be delivered by hand to: that happens as a result of you using the Diane & Paul Bates, Waterloo Barn, Laughton information. If you find any errors or Hill, Stonesfield, OX29 8DY. omissions then please contact the Publisher and we will endeavour to correct them.

All advertisements must be paid for in The editor and the publishers reserve the right advance. to edit, shorten or omit any article submitted.

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September 2020 Stonesfield Slate 31 VEHICLE TECH !"#$%&'()*")$ Mobile mechanic servicing, repairs, diagnostics Member of the & MOTs prepared and arranged Chartered Institute of Building for all makes & models ! Friendly & reliable service at competitive rates, General property 19 years experience & based in Stonesfield maintenance and Call Rob on 01608 646100 or 07791 755771 high quality DIY ! Email: [email protected] General repairs All carpentry - Decorating Minor plumbing

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consultation please contact me on 01993 898102 / 07791 278618 ROOFIX or visit All aspects of roof work undertaken Slates • Tiles • Flat roofs Chimneys • Valleys • Leadwork Moss clearance UPVC fascias • Soffits • Gutters

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32 September 2020 Stonesfield Slate

Stonesfield Based, Family Run Firm

All types of electrical work undertaken, no job too big or small We are fully insured & NICEIC approved electrical contractors nstallations, Kitchens and Bathrooms , Outbuildings & Rewires (Full & Partial) eplacement inding ew or Additional Power Sockets/USB Sockets nstallations & Smoke Alarms

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September 2020 Stonesfield Slate 33 Slate SEP 19.qxp_SLATE MASTER v3.3 22/08/2019 08:04 Page 21

GOURMETood bistro - style - catering

!is September visit... Good Gourmet

Salon Privé Classic Upcoming events at our pop-up restaurant & Supercar 8th September 6 Sept 3-course Bistro – £30 11 Sept Mid-Week Simple Supper – £20 27 Sept 3-course Bistro North Africa – £30 Maurizio Cattelan 23 Oct Mid -Week Simple Supper – £20 at Blenheim Palace 2 Nov 3-course Bistro – £30 12th September - 27th October BYO

SsangYong See our website calendar for menus and Blenheim Palace Horse Trials details of our new Midweek suppers 19th - 22nd September Slate SEP 19.qxp_SLATE MASTER v3.3 22/08/2019 08:04 PageVisit 23 www.goodgourmet.co.uk to see menus blenheimpalace.com and make a booking or call 01993 898614

! Hedges Decorating and Property Maintenance Sewing & Altera!ons ‘No job too small’ ! . . . to make that garment fit you! Daniel Hedges Painting and Decorating ! Fi!ngs, hem levels, and a varied range of altera"on and sewing work carried out. Garden and Property Maintenancethe perfect Fencing and Repairs ! Dresses, Skirts, Tops, Shirts, Jackets, Cotswold Demolition and Removal Trousers, Curtains, Cushions and beyond! hideaway ! Small Carpentry Work Louise Evere"­Brown !

Mobile: 07957 437347 !!!!!"#$%#&'()*+,--.'/0).'lou.smiley1@b"nternet.com 01993 813873 LocatedEmail: in the [email protected] beautiful village of Ramsden '''123&345'3&'1607(/879':&*';<=>?9'

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come visiting FoSL: Friends of Stones!ield LibraryPET Sleeps 4 with parking SITTING Cot and highchair available Do you go on holiday and worry about your pets? For moreOpen details to anyone and how to who book: wants to help keepI am a pet our lover village and I am libraryoffering to open.look after 07305We 816115 have been providing voluntaryyour cover animals for (feeding, half playing,of the etc.) existing after school/ [email protected] weekends/school holidays. I also ride ponies, library hours (about 6 hours a week)water plantssince and the can supplylibrary a reference service from my www.gablecottagecotswolds.co.uk was cut back. cat sitting job. Rates negotiable. For further details, or to join us, pleasePlease call contact 01993 898620 Tony and ask Scott for Tara on Taylor. 01993 891380, [email protected]

INDO 21 StonesfieldDESIGN Slate September 2019

BLINDS AND CURTAINS

Plumbing, Heating, Bathroom Refurbishments/Installations, Tiling VISITTHAMES OUR FABRIC SHOWROOM VALLEY 01993 252643 or 07515 284286 IN CHIPPING NORTON TREE CARE LTD [email protected] Book nowA Stonesfield for an appointment based company providing a professional and reliable 01993 870606 — virtualservice toursin all aspects also available!of tree surgery and hedge management Virtual.. Office Guardian Business Support Services FREE no obligation quote

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34 September 2020 23 Stonesfield Slate Stonesfield Slate September 2019 M J Fyson BA BA VetMB MRCVS Wroslyn Road Freeland Nr. Witney Oxon OX29 8AQ E-Mail:[email protected]

We are a traditional independent small animal

Veterinary Clinic

Opening hours: Mon-Fri 08:00-18:30 and Sat 09:00-12:00 Consultations by appointment only: -

Mon-Thurs 09.00-10.30 and 16.30-18.00

Fri-Sat 09:00-10:30 Friendly personal service for dogs, cats and small furries Stockists of Symply and Canagan pet foods

New clients always welcome

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Friendly, professional upholstery service based in Stonesfield. Visit our website or facebook page.

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N j f Chima... Tel: 07989 792639 / 01993 891260 Wha ill dice ? Make S Chalb OX7 3PL 01608 811805 Your local supplier of beautiful .cldfame.c.k if@cldfame.c.k Linwood fabrics and wallpapers

September 2020 Stonesfield Slate 35 Slate NOV 19.qxp_SLATE MASTER v3.3 21/10/2019 21:13 Page 22 Slate SEP 19.qxp_SLATE MASTER v3.3 22/08/2019 08:04 Page 30

D. J. R. MILES BATHROOM, PLUMBING & HEATING ENGINEERS LTD (Company number 4633496) SCSC Winner of the: Worcester Bosch environment 2007 installer of the year for sustainable heating and hot waterSalon systems Copenhagen • WAI Worcester Bosch accredited installer Salon Copenhagen • Gas safe register engineer: registration:3 Pendle 37123 Court, Pond Hill, Stonesfield, Oxon, OX29 8PZ • Oftec oil fired engineer: registration: C4970/101/105e/600a3 Pendle Court, PondTel. Hill, 01993 Stonesfield, 891101 Oxon, OX29 8PZ • Unvented hot water registered engineer Telephone 01993 891101 • Greenskies solar panel registeredUnisex engineer hairdressing salon for ladies, gentlemen and children. • Ground Source heat pump engineer • Air to water source heat pumpUnisex engineer hairdressing salon for ladies, gentlemen and children. • Green Source air to air engineer • Underfloor heating engineerAll aspects of hairdressing undertaken by our professionally • 6084 city and guilds energy efficient domestic heating registered engineertrained stylists, Sally and Donna. • Part P electrical engineer • All types of central heating services, new energy efficient installations and design service • All types of bathroom installations andWe design also service offer earpiercing and our nail bar is open for OPI manicures, pedicures and Gelish Polish. Address: Polperro, The Ridings, Stonesfield, Witney, Oxon OX29 8EA Telephone: 01993 891904/01993Slate 891314SEP 19.qxp_SLATE Mobile:Find 07860 MASTER 142230us on v3.3 Facebook. 22/08/2019 Open 08:04 Page Tuesday 34 to Saturday. www.plumbingandheating4oxfordshire.co.uk E-mail [email protected] www.worcester-bosch.co.uk

Challenge Salon Copenhagen PELLMANS is nowWITNEYthe offering Winter beautyWELDING Greys! treatments A. L. SOLE & SON Solicitors mike Architectural,FuneralEyebrowFriendly Directors ShapingConstruction, Art AgriculturalEyelashand Drawing and Eyebrowand Classes Equestrian Tinting in: • Business, Agricultural and Employment chambers BidstonFacial Close, Threading Over Norton, Bespoke,Law handmade curtains, Steel Fabricating Services Stonesfield,ChippingFacial Norton, St Waxing James’ ox7 Centre, 5pp blindsContracts, and Legal soft Compliance furnishings & Disputes Mondays, from 6 Jan, 1.30 to 4 pm We can alsoLVL provide Lash aLift full welding • Property maintenance ManicuresAserviceFinstock, professionally inand Steel, Pedicures Village Stainless qualified Hall, using Steel, OPI BuyingFriendly & Selling and Homes, professional Commercial Aluminium and Titanium, including Tuesdays,FuneralPolish from Director 7or Jan, Shellac providing2 to 4.30 pm & Agriculturalservice repairsQuick to Dip Steel, Manicures Aluminium aCombe, dignifiedand ReadingIron and castings personal Room , • Wills, Probate and Trusts Make Up Application Free, no obligation serviceFridays, atfrom any 10 hour. Jan, Tax Planning, Las!ng Powers of A"orney For aComing free no obligation Soon . . quote,. & Elderly consultationsClient Advice 10contact am to Peter12.30 on: pm small area tiling Private MassagesChapels of Rest Tel: 01993 891198 FacialsCost for using 6 weeks Dermalogica is £95 Tel. 07880 880314 in a peacefulMobile: 07751 garden 678412 setting. 01865 884400 Body Waxing www.pellmans.co.uk 0 7 9 7 3 6 2 4 7 9 7 Email: [email protected] SiennaTo find X Spray out more, Tanning [email protected] Abbey Street, Eynsham, Oxford OX29 4TB Unit A,Tel. Farley 01608 Lane, 644112 Stonesfield, please contact Gabriele Oxfordshire, OX29 8HB Pleaseat gabrielekern31@gmail call 07810 301087 to combook wHomeww.kingfishersoftfurnishings.co.uk visits and evening appointments available

November36 2019 Stonesfield Slate September 202022 Stonesfield Slate September 2019 Stonesfield Slate 30

Fixed priced repairs to Domestic Call Andrew include electrical safety test Appliance Repairs 01993 Electric cooker WASHING MACHINES connections both REFRIGERATION freestanding 891339 and built-in ELECTRIC COOKERS

TUMBLE DRYERS BS7671 accredited or DISHWASHERS Mobile Full public liability cover

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September 2019 Stonesfield Slate 34

Fixed priced repairs to Domestic Call Andrew include electrical safety test Appliance Repairs 01993 Electric cooker WASHING MACHINES connections both REFRIGERATION freestanding 891339 and built-in ELECTRIC COOKERS

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Quality personal service for your Accounting, Taxation and Business needs Competitive fees agreed in advance Free initial meeting Telephone: 07790 854574 01993 891280 Email: [email protected]

Crumbling plaster? Fear not 35 years experience Patching, re-skim, renovations No job too small

Call Pat Hunt for free quotation

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September 2020 Stonesfield Slate 37 Slate SEP 19.qxp_SLATE MASTER v3.3 22/08/2019 08:04 Page 31

&20387(5 +(/3  Broadband and Wireless. Installation and Training. Problem solving. Jargon-free advice. Upgrades. Digital Photos. Virus Protection and Removal.

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- Computer Science graduate mobile: 07944 877437 with over 30 years experience email: [email protected] web: www.thepcbuddy.co.uk Slate SEP 19.qxp_SLATE MASTER v3.3 22/08/2019 08:04 Page 25

Roberts Garden Machinery Ltd WOODSTOCK TAXI SERVICE ·Professional servicing and repairs of !"#$%&'()*")$ 07766 74301 most makes of garden machinery Member of the · Chartered Institute of Building New & second-hand machinery supplied ! ·Collection & delivery by arrangement Suriya Express General property 18 years’ experience with LAWNMOWER SALES & SERVICE & Post Office maintenance and Open 8–5 Monday–Friday, 8–12 Saturday high quality DIY 1 Pendle Court, Pond Hill, Stonesfield Unit H5, New Yatt Business Centre, New Yatt, OX29 6TJ ! Tel/Fax 01993 898379 General repairs Tel: 01993 881320 or email: robert.milloini@ btinternet.com • AiAll carpentry Sai - Decorating• Da i Bread & Pastries • Hia Sch • Weddig P Fine range of Groceries • Theae ReaaMinor plumbing• Shig i Andrew A. Adams FCCA Fruit & Vegetables Our friendl team includes female drivers Prompt, reliable and Chartered Certified Accountant Beers, Wines & Spirits www.townhousewoodstock.co.uk New range of Organic Products recommended service Quality personal service for your No job too small Accounting, Taxation and Business needs Dry Cleaning

Competitive fees agreed in advance Opening hours: Tel: 07876-275300 Free initial meeting Monday to Friday 7am–8pm [email protected] Telephone: 07790 854574 Saturday and Sunday 8am–8pm* 01993 891280 Bank Holidays 8am–8pm* “A job done well” Email: [email protected] *P.O. closed on Sundays & on Bank Holidays

38 September 2020 31 Stonesfield Slate Stonesfield Slate September 2019

WILLS ~ PROBATE ~ POWERS OF ATTORNEY INHERITANCE TAX PLANNING Tel. 01993 811 792 Email [email protected]

Woodstock Solicitors - 1st Floor - 32 New Road - Woodstock - OX20 1PB

25 Stonesfield Slate September 2019 A C E Car Repairs and Servicing 01993 700041

SERVICING, BRAKES, CLUTCHES, AIR CONDITIONING, EXHAUSTS, DIAGNOSTICS, MOT’S PREPARED AND ARRANGED

Alan Claridge Engineering is a garage in Witney that has been repairing cars for over 30 years. I now live in Stonesfield and will collect your car from your house and deliver it back free of charge. I service and repair all makes of car so please call me to arrange an appointment.

!"#$%&'(%%)*+,''' !"#$%&'()*#'+&"#' !-%'.)/%"'0/1)2'!"#*+*+,'34%$*#)*52' mike ) chambers !"#$%&'()*+(#%,"(-".#/-%"01(2/0*&'"01( 3%//"0(.&4(#*&'"05( ) ,-.--)//0-12) maintenance 6667-#"/%+-%#)2-#+/8*2+%557$971:'

small area tiling

0 7 9 7 3 6 2 4 7 9 7

September 2020 Stonesfield Slate 39 D. J. R. MILES BATHROOM, PLUMBING & HEATING ENGINEERS LTD (Company number 4633496) Winner of the: Worcester Bosch environment 2007 installer of the year for sustainable heating and hot water systems • WAI Worcester Bosch accredited installer • Gas safe register engineer: registration: 37123 • Oftec oil fired engineer: registration: C4970/101/105e/600a • Unvented hot water registered engineer • Greenskies solar panel registered engineer • Ground Source heat pump engineer • Air to water source heat pump engineer • Green Source air to air engineer • Underfloor heating engineer • 6084 city and guilds energy efficient domestic heating registered engineer • Part P electrical engineer • All types of central heating services, new energy efficient installations and design service • All types of bathroom installations and design service Address: Polperro, The Ridings, Stonesfield, Witney, Oxon OX29 8EA Telephone: 01993 891904/01993 891314 Mobile: 07860 142230 www.plumbingandheating4oxfordshire.co.uk E-mail [email protected] www.worcester-bosch.co.uk

Suriya Express & Post Office 1 Pendle Court, Pond Hill, Stonesfield Tel/Fax 01993 898379

Bread & Pastries Fine range of Groceries Fruit & Vegetables Beers, Wines & Spirits New range of Organic Products Dry Cleaning

Opening hours: Monday to Friday 7am–8pm Saturday and Sunday 8am–8pm* Bank Holidays 8am–8pm*

*P.O. closed on Sundays & on Bank Holidays

40 September 2020 Stonesfield Slate Slate SEP 19.qxp_SLATE MASTER v3.3 22/08/2019 08:04 Page 28 Slate SEP 19.qxp_SLATE MASTER v3.3 22/08/2019 08:04 Page 32

Andy Gillam Ironworks Painting, Decorating &

YOUR LOCAL Tiling With Care STOCKISTS & INSTALLERS OF Lighting Your Way Into The Future Mobile Welde and Blackmih* Lgg Cage Hgh See GARAGE DOORS Slate SEP Local19.qxp_SLATE & Reliable MASTER Tradesman v3.3 22/08/2019 08:04 Page 22 Mbe: 07443596324 Sefed STEPHEN& J. WILEY He: 01993898123 House & Home Services REMOTE OPERATORS Ofdhe Ea: adga27@.c ELECTRICIAN * OX29 8PU GARAGE DOOR REPAIRS & SPARES INTERIOR DECORATING LOCAL RESIDENTS· –10% DISCOUNT· ON Additions Alterations Rewiring TILING – ALL TYPES STOCKED DOORS Surveys · Security Lighting P. Fletcher CALL FOR A FREE ESTIMATE HOME MAINTENANCE & REPAIRS 01993Cookers 778836 · / 01865Showers 246444 PERIOD PROPERTY EXPERIENCE Painting, Decorating FULLY INSURED MANY WORKINGTelephone DOORS Points & OPERATORS * & Wallpapering ON DISPLAY AT: NOSHOWROOM: JOB TOO SMALL Richard Buck Forty years’ + experience Bespoke, handmade curtains, UNIT 24, AVENUE ONE, STATION LANE, Elbie House East End Tel (01993)WITNEY, OXON, 882778/881409 OX28 4XZ blinds and soft furnishings Tel. 01993 891207 !!!"#$%$#&'((%)"(%# Tel: 01993 880166 or mobile 07884 430300 90 Main Road, Long Hanborough, Witney, OX29 8JY Mob: 07791 046583 Friendly and professional [email protected] service !"#$%&'(%%)*+,''' ' Free, no obligation BLINDS AND CURTAINS !"#$%&'()*#'+&"# consultations -%'.)/%"'0/1)2' "#*+*+,'34%$*#)*52' ! ! MadeJerrams to Measure Brothers Funeral) Directors Tel. 07880 880314 !"#$%&'()*+(#%,"(-".#/-%"01(2/0*&'"01( 33 High Street 3%//"0(.&4(#*&'"05( [email protected] ) ♦ Woodstock OX20 1TE WIDE RANGE OF FABRICS ,-.--)//0-12) www.kingfishersoftfurnishings.co.uk (01993) 8114916667-#"/%+-%#)2-#+/8*2+%557$971:' PHONE ♦ TRACKS AND POLES 01993 870606 • Private Chapel of Rest ♦ FREE FITTING • 24-hour personal family service FOR A FREE CONSULTATION • Pre-paid funeral plans

As the third generation of a funeral-directing family, Nicholas and SC www.windowdesign.coBenjamin Tonks believe that at the time of bereavement, compassion and the families’ wishes are paramount. In partnership withSalon the Church Copenhagen and community we endeavour to give the bereaved as much care and COMPLETE SERVICE DIRECT TO YOU AT HOME support as possible.3 Pendle Court, Pond Hill, Stonesfield, Oxon, OX29 8PZ. Telephone 01993 891101

Unisex hairdressing salon for ladies, gentlemen and children. September 2019 Stonesfield Slate 28 September 2020 Stonesfield Slate 41 September 2019 Stonesfield Slate 32 All aspects of hairdressing undertaken by our professionally trained stylists, Sally, Cheryl and Donna. We also offer earpiercing and our nail bar is open for OPI manicures, pedicures and Gelish Polish. Find us on Facebook. Open Tuesday to Saturday.

September 2019 Stonesfield Slate 22 Slate SEP 19.qxp_SLATE MASTER v3.3 22/08/2019 08:04 Page 26

Hypnotherapy

For help with anxiety, stress, pain control, insomnia, phobias, unwanted habits, confidence and self-esteem, exam and interview nerves. Acupuncture for stress reduction, pain relief, arthritis, migraine, fatigue, hormone imbalance, and more. Contact: Linda Flanigan clinic or in your own home. Clinical Hypnotherapist GHR Registered & Member (Lic.) of National Council for Hypnotherapy consultation please contact me on 01993 898102 / 07791 278618 Tel: 07866 360359 Email: [email protected] or visit www.lfhypnotherapy.co.uk Slate SEP 19.qxp_SLATE MASTER v3.3 22/08/2019 08:04 Page 27

PROBLEM FEET?

Imagine Life! NAIL CUTTING • CORNS • CALLUS if you had your own…! PROBLEM NAILS • FOOT MASSAGE Hypnotherapy Gardener! Treatment in the comfort of your own home Decorator! For help with anxiety, stress, SHARON DAVIES MCFHP MAFHP Babysitter! (01993) 891132pain control, / (M) insomnia, 07941843353 phobias, unwanted habits, confidence and De-clutterer! Registered memberself-esteem, of the exam British and Association interview I can help you clear your clutter, of Footnerves. Health Professionals weed out your wardrobe and find new homes for your unwanted items.! Dog Walker! "#$%&'()Contact: Linda Flanigan!%)#*+($,! Spring Cleaner! Clinical Hypnotherapist -#./'!0#))1!2!3(+%!45!6'!36.-7! GHR Registered & Member (Lic.) of National Moving House Help! Council089:!;!:;<<=!>?8@A!;BC!CAD8B89A@=!BE for Hypnotherapy !F;GHEBI! House & Pet Sitter…! JA/KA!LAAB!:A@<8BH!M>AG>!;BC!9:A8G!NE?! A tree surgery company with Tel:DEG!EKAG!9:8G9=!=A;G>O!0A!:;KA!AP9AB>8KA! 07866 360359 all rolled into one!! Email:AP89=!>=>9A?I!;BC!JA! [email protected] the integrity you can trust. QBEJ!;@@!;LEM9!6<<@A!$;N>!'##7! For one-off events or regular help www.lfhypnotherapy.co.uk Tel: 0845 458 2980 )4.R!*#*!#.S!TUVWX!VVTWTT!Y!TZZWV!Z[\U\[! please contact Lindsey ! hatsoffstudiosMobile: 07976 261850.com or call 0A!NE?A!9E!=EM!J89:!>;?A!C;=!>AGK8NA!8D!>8L@AO!! ! 0A!CEB/9!N:;GHA!DEG!9:A!N;@@]EM9!EG!8D!JA!N;B/9!D8P!89O! Email:01993 [email protected] 898620 07941 561471 www.townandcountrytrees.co.uk September 2019 Stonesfield Slate 26 MICHAEL PRICE & SON MICHAELPLASTERING PRICE & SON PLASTERING 58 Ticknell Piece Road ForCharlbury, all your internal OX7 plastering 3TW tel 07710 170049 or 01608 811642 [email protected] 01608 811642 Mobile58 Ticknell 07710 Piece 170049 Road, Charlbury, Oxon, OX7 3TW

GEOFF BOOTH Landscaping · Paving · Walling Driveways · Fencing · work Building maintenance Free quotations Tel: 01993 891945 Mob: 07710 628248 Email: [email protected]

42 September 2020 Stonesfield Slate 27 Stonesfield Slate September 2019

THAMES VALLEY Architectural, Construction, Agricultural & Equestrian Steel Fabrication TREE CARE LTD Services We also provide a full welding service A Stonesfield based company in Steel, Stainless Steel. Aluminium & providing a professional and reliable Titanium, including repairs to Steel, service in all aspects of tree surgery Aluminium and Iron castings and hedge management UNIT 4D FREE no obligation quote ENSTONE BUSINESS PARK ENSTONE, OXFORDSHIRE OX7 4NP Tel: 01993 891381 Mob: 07971018279 TEL: 01608 678267 MOB: 07751 678412 Email: [email protected] [email protected] www.tvtreecare.co.uk WWW.WITNEYWELDING.COM

"#$%&'()!%)#*+($,!

-#./'!0#))1!2!3(+%!45!6'!36.-7!

089:!;!:;<<=!>?8@A!;BC!CAD8B89A@=!BE!F;GHEBI! JA/KA!LAAB!:A@<8BH!M>AG>!;BC!9:A8G!NE?! Lighting Your Way Into The Future DEG!EKAG!9:8G9=!=A;G>O!0A!:;KA!AP9AB>8KA! AP89=!>=>9A?I!;BC!JA! QBEJ!;@@!;LEM9!6<<@A!$;N>!'##7! STEPHEN J. WILEY

)4.R!*#*!#.S!TUVWX!VVTWTT!Y!TZZWV!Z[\U\[! ! ELECTRICIAN 0A!NE?A!9E!=EM!J89:!>;?A!C;=!>AGK8NA!8D!>8L@AO!! 0A!CEB/9!N:;GHA!DEG!9:A!N;@@]EM9!EG!8D!JA!N;B/9!D8P!89O! Additions · Alterations · Rewiring Surveys · Security Lighting R S Services Cookers · Showers Aerial, Satellite & TV Installations Telephone Points and repairs. Qualified Engineer with over 40 years NO JOB TOO SMALL experience. For a free quote Tel (01993) 882778/881409 Call Shane Berry 01865 882300 / 01865 881313 90 Main Road, Long Hanborough, Witney, OX29 8JY 07815 095704 [email protected]

September 2020 Stonesfield Slate 43 RuraScape Landscaping & gardens - Patios - Turfing - Fencing - Lawns & grassland - Hedge management - Garden/scrubland clearance Tel 01993 898733 or 07811 598958 Email [email protected]

Roberts Garden Machinery Ltd Bed and Breakfast ·Professional servicing and repairs of most makes of garden machinery at Combe ·New & second-hand machinery supplied For details ·Collection & delivery by arrangement 18 years’ experience with LAWNMOWER SALES & SERVICE please view Open 8–5 Monday–Friday, 8–12 Saturday www.greenclose.net Unit H5, New Yatt Business Centre, New Yatt, OX29 6TJ or call 01993 891223 Tel: 01993 881320 or email: robert.milloini@ btinternet.com

Dog-walking service A. K. P. DIXON Do you work long hours and feel that your Home & Garden Maintenance dog is not getting the attention and exercise & General Handyman that it needs? I run a dog-walking service For all those jobs you need doing for Stonesfield and surrounding areas. I inside & outside – I’m your man! have public liability insurance for peace of mind. Please feel free to call for a quote. Call Ade on 01993 813873 Katrina 01993 891131 / 07824357690 or 07825 631111 [email protected] or email [email protected]

PROBLEM FEET? • NO FUSS• JEM •NO MESS • NAIL CUTTING • CORNS • CALLUS CHIMNEY • NO PROBLEM • PROBLEM NAILS • FOOT MASSAGE SWEEPING Tel: 01865 772996 Treatment in the comfort of your own home SHARON DAVIES MCFHP MAFHP Enjoyable art courses and workshops in (01993) 891132 / (M) 07941843353 community rooms in Stonesfield, Combe and Finstock. Registered member of the British Association For more details contact Gabriele of Foot Health Professionals at [email protected]

44 September 2020 Stonesfield Slate A tree surgery company with the integrity you can trust. Tel: 0845 458 2980 Mobile: 07976 261850 Email: [email protected] www.townandcountrytrees.co.uk

September 2020 Stonesfield Slate 45 An update from us…

Last month we welcomed researchers from The University of Oxford onto the Estate to study the sounds of nature in order to measure biodiversity, as part of a nationwide study into the potential benefits of green spaces for health and wellbeing.

Rowing boats are now available to hire on the Lake until the end of September. Set sail from the river bank and enjoy the idyllic setting of the river. You will have the opportunity to see the Palace, the Grand Bridge and the gardens like never before.

The newest collection of homes at Hanborough Gate are now available to reserve, plus the brand new show home is now open 7 days a week. Visit pyehomes.co.uk/hanboroughgate to find out more.

The Bloodwise Blenheim Palace Triathlon returns this year from 12th – 13th September. The site will be open only to competitors and spectators, this is due to social distancing restrictions. Each participant will be permitted to bring one spectator with them on the day.

Palace, Park & Gardens Now Open. Buy One Day, Get 12 Months Free* For the latest news and updates visit blenheimpalace.com

*Terms and Conditions Apply

46 September 2020 Stonesfield Slate

The office in Witney is open again for business!

We are open for general enquiries 10am 2pm, Monday Friday, and by appointment only outside of these times, and Saturday mornings.

To make an appointment, please call: David on 01993-627713; Mandy on 01993-627814, or Sally on 01993-627712; or e-mail: [email protected].

We will help with holiday advice and information about the destinations that are open to visitors from the UK. We will also keep you updated on how the Goernmens qaranine reglaions migh affec or holiday plans.

To comply with safety requirements, we are limiting the number of visitors to the office to 4 people at any one time. Even though staff will be sitting behind safety-screens, we request our clients wear face-coverings when visiting the office, alternatively these can be provided, if required.

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48 September 2020 Stonesfield Slate