North Moreton News Useful Information Issue 95 December 2011

Beat Officer: - PC Steph Bromwich 101 or 0845 8505 505

PCSO: Jennie Cox 101 or 0845 8505 505 Email: [email protected] It’s hard to believe that yet another year has flown by Non-Urgent Police calls (within Thames Valley): 101 Crime Stoppers: 0800 555 111 and Christmas is only a few weeks away! It’s fascinat- Parish Clerk: Andrew Wise 01235 511427 ing how one’s perception of time changes with the Parish Council Chairman: Roger Haycock - 812202 passage of the years: at 7 there seems to be an eter- SODC Councillor: Leo Docherty 07908 686 706 nity between special occasions while at 70 they come OCC Councillor: Patrick Greene 07899 878 344 round all too quickly! Parish Transport Representative: Ros Templeman 07969349831 Village Hall Bookings: [email protected] 818231 This brings me to the Diamond Jubilee: June may Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator: Nora Haycock - 812202 Concessionary Travel: 0345 302 2313 seem a long way away but if North Moreton wishes Mobile Library: Wk 2 Wednesdays: Bus Shelter 10 - 10.15 to celebrate as a community, planning needs to start Postal Services: The Village Hall, Brightwell: soon. Planning means a committee and a committee Monday - Friday 9.30 - 12.30. 01491 834728 means people being prepared to spare time to meet Citizens’ Advice Line: 08444 111 444 Refuse & Recycling Collections: alternate Thursdays and organise, although with the use of email, meet- Garden Waste Collection: alternate Thursdays with recycling ings these days don’t have to be over frequent. Black Bin dates: 8/22Dec., 7/19 Jan., 2/16 Feb., 1 Mar. Green & Garden Bins: 1/15/31 Dec., 13/26 Jan., 9/23 Feb. Village events have, for a long time, been organised

Please note change of dates following Christmas/New Year Holidays by the same band of people, some of whom are now No brown bin collection on 31st December in their seventies & eighties, and it would be great to have some new blood - and some fresh ideas!

Editor: Nora Haycock, Peckwater, North Moreton. Phone 812202 I am happy to put volunteers in touch with each Email: [email protected] other, so if you would like to be part of the organising Printed by the Churn Benefice committee, or have views on how North Moreton Copy for the March issue should reach the Editor by should celebrate, contact me 20th February ([email protected] or 812202), before North Moreton News is published four times a year & can also be read on line at www.North-Moreton.com the end of January if possible . 2 15

North Moreton Parish Council Dates for your Diary

CAGE. North Moreton Parish Council has decided (along with Wal- including Forthcoming Events lingford Town Council and most other local Parish Councils) to support the Communities Against Gravel Extraction (CAGE) initiative led by Cholsey residents. This action group was formed in response to a sudden change of plan by Oxfordshire County Council who out of DECEMBER the blue promoted Cholsey as the primary area for future gravel extraction. We feel that there are numerous good reasons to support the 4 Community Shop, Bus Shelter, 4.45 - 5.15pm (then weekly) CAGE stand. For more information, please see the CAGE website or 5 Mobile Library, Haddon Hill 3.55 - 4.20pm (then fortnightly) contact David Tebworth. 7 Community Shop, Bus Shelter, 4.45 - 5.15pm (then weekly) Didcot expansion. North Moreton PC has maintained its consistent 14 Mobile Library, Bus Shelter 10.00 -10.15 am (then fortnightly) position of objecting to the County Council‟s proposal for major 14 WI Meeting Village Hall, 7.30pm house-building to the North-East of Didcot. Again there are numer- 16 „Have your Say‟ meeting outside The Bear, 6.00 - 7.00pm ous good reasons, but the major ones are probably the lack of a com- 18 Nine Lessons and Carols, All Saints‟ Church 10.30am prehensive infrastructure plan ahead of the housing proposals and the 20 Christmas Carol Sing-a-long, The Bear from 7.30pm lack of an updated demand forecast. NMPC is supporting Long Wit- 24 Crib Service All Saints‟ Church, 4.00pm tenham Parish Council who have the lead role in presenting a case to 24 Christmas Mass, All Saints‟ Church, 9.00pm the ongoing Examination in Public (Contact: David Tebworth). JANUARY 2012/2013 Precept. Nine months ago, the Parish Council cut its Pre- cept for 2011/2012 because we felt that our reserves were too high. 9 Parish Council Meeting Village Hall, 8.00pm All Welcome In the event, we think it unlikely that our reserves will actually drop 11 W I New Year Dinner, The Bear, 7.30pm this year, so we are proposing another cut next year from £6000 to £5000. Our budget for next year will be about £10,500 but because FEBRUARY we have to include some contingency for the unexpected, our most likely expenditure will be more like £9000. If that proves to be accu- 7 MCC Annual Quiz Evening, Village Hall , TBC rate, then our reserves will drop considerably. 8 W I Meeting, Village Hall, 7.30pm Dog Fouling. At its November meeting, the PC again discussed 24 South Moreton School Barn Dance whether or not they should invest in bins for dog poo. Although there was not unanimity, the general view was that the case in favour was A HAPPY CHRISTMAS AND insufficient to justify the expenditure. It was felt that this is a small village, and it must be almost as easy to take dog waste home as to A PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR TO take it to a bin. And some people will still not collect their dog mess whatever facilities we provide – unless we catch them and fine them. EVERYONE! Another exhortation – please clear up after your dog – and take the mess home with you. 14 3

Step Up to Brass Bus services. Our Parish Transport Representative (Ros Templeman) has recently had several meetings with County Council officials about Blewbury Brass band are running a series of enjoyable "step up to bus services. Decisions have already been made to keep the 95 ser- brass" music courses, at their rehearsal hall beside the Blewbury rec- vice essentially unchanged (see below) but the 130 service is now reation ground. The next course runs for 8 weeks starting on January under review. We have tried very hard to get this to run regularly in 11th, playing each Wednesday evening from 6.30pm to 7.20pm. the daytime through North Moreton but seem unlikely to succeed. There is also the opportunity to stay on and play with the main band There are also concerns that the Friday/Saturday evening service may afterwards as playing improves. be cut because of lack of passengers.

The course is aimed at anyone aged between 10 and 100 who can read music and play an instrument to something like grade 2, 3 or 4 95 bus service: From Monday 12 December, the service will be oper- standard - don't worry if you haven't actually taken the exams either! ated by Thames Travel, who are advertising its "later final journey If there is sufficient interest, we can also provide group lessons for and improved connectivity with X32, other bus services and trains at complete beginners. Didcot". The bus will now call at North Moreton at 6.38 (M-F), 9.00, 11.27*, 13.48*, 17.03* and 19.48* (M-F). Times marked with aster- Perhaps you play in the school orchestra, maybe you played a brass isks are changes from the existing timetable. The new timetable will instrument at school 30 years ago and fancy starting again. Or just appear on the village website in due course. maybe, you have a teenager who wants to play drums in a rock band Roger Haycock, Chairman NMPC and you'd like a peaceful evening once a week. Either way, this could be just your cup of tea. North Moreton Village Hall We provide good instruments and professional tuition, and all you Once again the Book Sale was a huge success, taking over £900, need to provide is enthusiasm and £50. Instruments include Cornet, which will be split between Hall and Church funds and, as ever, we Trumpet, Tenor Horn, Trombone, Baritone, Euphonium and Drums. owe a huge „thank you‟ to Kate and Gar Evans and their team.

To book or find out more please contact Jolyon Tidmarsh on 07979 031273 & [email protected] or www.blewburybrassband.org.uk. Numbers for the Soup Lunch were down on previous years but it was great that more people „popped in‟ to buy their Charity Christmas cards. Most of the charities took around £100 so were pleased to BARN DANCE have taken part.

Friday 24th February Over the Christmas/New Year period the interior of the Hall will be South Moreton School Hall receiving a much need face-lift. Choosing a colour scheme is always £15 to include Hog Roast (group discount available) difficult and the committee are currently busy with paint samples. We hope that the result will please at least some of our users………! Proceeds in aid of school’s Outdoor Learning Project Watch out for posters after Christmas for more details! The committee wish you all a Happy Christmas and look forward to seeing you at an event in the New Year. Nora Haycock, Chairman VHMC 4 13

Moreton Cricket Club Usernames & passwords should be left in wills

Moreton Cricket Club wishes everybody a very merry Christmas Solicitors are advising their clients to leave their email, internet bank- and a Happy New Year! ing and social networking usernames and passwords in their Wills.

Despite it being the middle of winter we are looking forward to next Only one in 10 people in the UK now leave this information in their season when we will again be running three teams, two midweek and will according to a new survey by Goldsmiths at the University of one on Sundays. London.

As usual we are on the lookout for new players of all standards and, The study, carried out on behalf of cloud computing company very importantly, this also applies to the ladies. We are arranging a Rackspace, found that more than a quarter of people in the UK have number of ladies matches and possibly mixed matches next season hundreds of pounds worth of music and films stored online that they along with some coaching sessions with our esteemed coach, Rowan wish to pass on to loved ones. McGregor. Rowan is also on the lookout for some young blood, so if People should also leave their passwords to sites such as Facebook you know anybody with youngsters who would like to play and re- and Flickr, in a bid to ensure their personal data is archived and not ceive some quality coaching, then contact Rowan for details on 01235 abused. 813007 or at [email protected]. If you have trou- ble reaching Rowan, then visit Tim at The Bear who will provide you Owing to a lack of regulation, different websites have widely differ- with the relevant information. Tim is also selling vouchers for cricket ing policies regarding dead users. This means that without log-in in- clothing and club membership at The Bear, so if you are trying to buy formation relatives are often unable to access or shut down online a Christmas present for a cricketer or a budding cricketer then why not assets or social networking profiles. Telegraph Article pay him a visit and see what he has to offer.

Finally we are still on the lookout for a groundsman to look after and Camilla and prepare the pitch during the season; it will involve approximately four hours work a week and any training required can be given. The recipi- Roly’s Lamb ent will of course be suitably reimbursed!! Again, Tim at The Bear has all the details. Trevor Denning, President MCC Delicious local lamb grazed on the wildflower meadows on and . Remembrance Day Collection around the Wittenham Clumps

A big thank you to everyone who contributed to this year‟s collection Individual cuts – joints, chops and racks etc ¼ lamb (£40) ½ lamb (£70) whole lamb (£130) and in particular to our collectors, Elsie Harrison, Penny Busby and Caroline Affleck. We sell sheepskin rugs and you can come and be a ‘shepherd for the day’ with us which makes a brilliant, unique present! The total for the village, including the Bear, was £266.60, £40 up on last year‟s „like for like‟ total - there was no church collection this Please see our website www.camillaandroly.co.uk for more details year as the service was held after 11th November. 12 5

Local Wood Shop on Milton Park Near Didcot Neighbourhood Watch

If you use wood for DIY projects or if you need a good supply of Those residents on the village email system will be aware that in re- kindling and firewood this winter then you may like to take a look at cent weeks there has been a series of break-ins and attempted break- “The Wood Shop” on Milton Park south of Abingdon. It‟s a simple ins in the Astons and the Moretons. name for a really interesting business. The Wood Shop is run by Ox- Garden sheds in particular have been targeted and it would be sensi- ford Wood Recycling, a social enterprise that hates waste. ble to review the security of any outbuildings and maybe fit an In the shop they sell used wood that they have collected from local alarm or move easily transportable items such as strimmers and hedge businesses. Their aim is to ensure that no re-usable wood within 30 -trimmers to a more secure place for the winter months. miles is wasted. Step inside the shop and you‟ll find a real Aladdin‟s If you require crime prevention and security advice or a leaflet on cave of construction timber, plywood, mouldings, reclaimed doors securing your sheds, garages and outbuildings, please contact your and gates and plenty of interesting pieces often with their own his- crime reduction advisor Malcolm Wills on 01491 821519. tory. It‟s the perfect place to find timber for allotments, outbuildings, Thames Valley Police, together with the South & Vale Community fencing and animal shelters and it‟s a great source of old scaffolding Safety Partnership, are currently running a campaign to encourage boards – ideal for making raised beds. They also, have a good supply householders to use time-switches to make their property look occu- of bone dry kindling and firewood produced from locally sourced and pied at all times. Don‟t forget that on dull days darkness falls earlier recovered wood. than when the sky is bright, and set your timers accordingly! However, there is more to Oxford Wood Recycling than just the At least 80 per cent of burglaries are committed by amateur opportun- Wood Shop. As a social enterprise it offers work experience and em- ists who take advantage of open or vulnerable doors and windows, ployment to people who face severe barriers to employment. In 2010 keys left in insecure „hiding places‟, and unlocked side gates, for ex- it was awarded the title of European Social Firm of the Year for its ample. For more information of keeping your property safe, visit the work in this area. TVP website; most of it‟s commonsense but living in a peaceful village, it‟s all too easy to become blasé! The team in the Wood Shop enjoy helping people find just what they need for the job in hand and they know about wood. Very often peo- TVP are also warning of a new spate of distraction burglaries in Ox- ple buy a higher specification of wood than is actually needed, simply fordshire. Don‟t let any unexpected callers into your home, particu- because that‟s all that is available on the shelves in the DIY store. The larly if you are on your own, and if you feel concerned, call a idea is that visitors to The Wood Shops can wander about and dis- neighbour. cover just the right piece or the team will find it for them, they‟ll even If you are unfortunate enough to have a problem, do let me know as cut it to size and deliver if necessary. soon as possible either by email or calling 812202; it can be some time before the information is circulated via Ringmaster and the ear- The Wood Shop, 46a Milton Park, OX14 4RU. lier people hear, the more likely they are to remember something rele- Open weekdays 8:30a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturdays 9a.m. - 1 p.m. vant. www.oxfordwoodrecycling.org.uk There will be a „Have Your Say‟ meeting with Jennie Cox, our PCSO, outside The Bear from 6.00 - 7.00 p.m. on Friday 16th De- cember. Nora Haycock, Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator 6 11

Outside of a dog, a book is a man's best friend. News from South Moreton School

Inside a dog it's too dark to read. Groucho Marx. I would like to thank the many people in local villages who have … and the week of the book sale there were many friends, literally shown support for recent fundraising and community events linked to tons of books, a few visiting dogs, plenty of light, and the magnifi- the school. The circus at the end of September was very well at- cent sum of £940 raised. tended and enjoyed by everyone. In October the marvellous Sonory group performed in St Mary‟s Church in Wallingford to a highly ap- Once again the donations of books came from far and wide. One very preciative audience. Thank you to all who supported these events. young reader, accompanied by her dad, came all the way from Ewelme to donate books. Likewise, buyers came from far flung parts For some time, the governors of South Moreton School have wanted of the county and country. One customer travelled from Warwick to to make the sports hall more available to the community and we are attend the sale. Another came from Shropshire. Then there was now in a position to be able to offer greater access. We have a staff Friederike who came to the sale in the morning and returned in the member who has agreed to act as caretaker of the sports hall for some afternoon to buy yet more books. Quite remarkable considering Eng- prearranged events. If you are interested in booking the hall, please email the school office for hiring conditions. lish is not her mother tongue. (Friederike is interested in the poems of Edgar Allen Poe. If you know of a book containing his poems or The school currently has a vacancy for a community governor. Do have one you would like to pass on to her please contact me.) A you have some time to spare? If you would like to contribute to the Blewbury customer was more than thrilled to find two books by Cyril quality education on offer at South Moreton Primary then we would Hare …"and only 50p each!" . A student could not believe her luck love to hear from you! Please ring or email the school office to re- in finding copies of ++C computer language books at the same 50p ceive more information. price. There were folk with lists of books they wanted to find and those with lists of books they had already read, those looking for The school is aware of difficulties with parking on the High Street books on a specific subject or by a specific author, those just brows- near the school. We are working closely with the local community ing and experiencing serendipity when a title leapt out at them, and police to try to alleviate problems. We regularly communicate with those who came just for the smashing tea and cakes (also at a bargain parents through the school newsletter requesting consideration for price). It was a great day and all those who donated books and/or neighbours when parking. If you should have any suggestions as to gave their time helping to sort and organize deserve a pat on the back. how we might improve the situation, please do contact Susan Gopall, Headteacher on 01235 813110 or email the school office. The Crown You have probably gathered that I see the event as more than just a car park has kindly agreed that parents can park in their car park; both fund raiser. I am hoping that there are others reading this who feel front and rear, for school drop-off and pick-up times. the same way and that they will step forward and offer to run future Date for your Diary: Barn Dance – Friday 24th February 2012 book sales. Gar and I will be 'retiring' after the 2012 autumn sale. If you would like to take up the mantle please contact me and I will give Susan Gopall, Headteacher you information about what is involved. Please remember that the Tel: 01235 813110 book sales don't have to be run the way we have run them. This Email: [email protected] could be your opportunity to immerse yourself in the wonderful world of books. Kate Evans 10 7

All Saints’ Church South and North Moreton Women’s Institute

A big thank you to everyone who responded so magnificently to Gift The meeting in September proved to be very informative and interest- Day, raising a record total of £1558.75 after tax reclaim. You can rest ing. Members and guests were given a fascinating talk about the Dia- assured that the money will be put to good use! mond Light Source. The Harvest Supper in October gave members the chance to chat over a delicious supper. In November one of our About 140 people attended the Deanery Confirmation Service held on members, Jane Maggs, and her friend Jenny Garlick, displayed exam- 6th November and again we must thank everybody who worked so ples of their wide ranging styles and techniques of quilting whilst giv- hard before and after the service to make the event such a success. ing background information about their history. The quilts were beau-

The Mary and Joseph Dolls begin their journey through the village tiful and the amount of time and dedication involved was really im- this year (an old Mexican tradition) and look forward to being hosted pressive. Members also attended the Group meeting at South Stoke by young children of the area and their families. Please ring Vickie in November when Tony Eaton gave a very thought-provoking talk Squires on 07770783468 if you would like to give them a home for a about "The Rudolf Hess Cover Up". night or two; remember there is no room at the local Inn. The 23rd is December's meeting is "Child Labour in Victorian Oxfordshire" and the last night before they are returned to the church at the traditional the speaker is Liz Wooley. The annual dinner is being held in January crib service at 4:00 p.m. on Christmas Eve. at "The Bear" and in February another of our members, Liz Elliot, is recalling her holiday in India when she had an "Invitation to a Hindu Everyone is invited to a service of Nine Lessons and Carols at 10:30 Wedding". a.m. on Sunday 18th December; mulled wine and mince pies and other nibbles will be served after this traditional service. Christmas We are always pleased to welcome new members and guests to our Eve will see the return of the newly timed 9:00 p.m. Mass to allow all meetings, which usually take place at North Moreton Village Hall on to return home slightly earlier for bed or present wrapping. the second Wednesday each month. For more information please contact Sue Harrison on 817042 or Liz Elliot on 812562. Happy Christmas and we wish all of you a most joyous New Year! Penny Busby Churchwardens Mobile Library The Tower

The work on the Tower is now complete. It stands proudly in the cen- Those of you who have recently moved into the village may not be aware that the mobile library visits North Moreton every week. tre of the village, ready to face another 500 years. Perhaps you can see the fruits of all your fund raising efforts. Eye it carefully now, On week one Mondays (fortnightly from 5th December ) it calls at before you become accustomed to the new look. Most visibly, the Toddlercare, Hadden Hill from 15.55 - 6.20 p.m. and on week two parapet, 'window' mullions and louvers and the pointing are all trans- Wednesdays (from 14th December) it calls at the Bus Shelter in the formed and a credit to the stonemasons, the architect and all who High Street from 10.00 – 10.15 a.m. They carry a great selection of have raised the funds. The access to the roof was finished in the mid- books for all ages but if you can‟t find what you want, they will hap- dle of November and we look forward to arranging open days in the pily order it for you. spring so that the intrepid climbers among you (aged 14 and over ) If you or your children enjoy reading, do go along – the more people can enjoy a visit to the tower roof. The views are magnificent. who use this great facility, the more chance we have of retaining it! Sue White 8 9

Buy Local for Christmas! Moreton Cricket Club have Membership Vouchers and Cricket Clothing on sale. Order with Tim, [email protected] by 9th When it comes to buying local this Christmas, it doesn't come much December for Christmas delivery. more local than honey from R & J Nickless Apiaries as Rob and Jo have apiaries in North Moreton itself, as well as many of the sur- ***** rounding villages. For the beer enthusiasts in your life the Bear at Home has Bear Honey makes a great gift and Rob and Jo have a present for every Beer gift packs from £9.95. They also have Bear meal gift vouch- budget with a range of honeys and a choice of handmade honey ers from £20, Local Prints from £15 and French oak wine racks and beeswax products. This year they have introduced lovely hes- from £53. sian bags that contain two jars of honey, or they can prepare gift baskets or bags to your specification and budget. And do you know what’s around the corner?….

Some of their products can be purchased from Savages in Blewbury It may not be realized by the residents of North Moreton but there is a or from the Community Grocer who visits the village on a Wednes- surprise for them and it is only just around the corner! day and Sunday. For the full range and pricelist contact Rob or Jo That surprise is Brightwell-cum-Sotwell Village Stores situated be- directly on [email protected] or 01235 510479. hind the village hall - just follow the signs! ****** Alongside everyday essentials such as fresh bread and milk they sell a Save food miles with South Moreton reared Norfolk Bronze Tur- wide range of groceries, fresh local produce such as meat, eggs and keys. All weights available at very competitive prices. vegetables (delivered on a Wednesday) and a great selection of wine Gloucester Old Spot pork packages also available – spend £45 and and homemade cakes. get a free pack of sausages. Catch Christina (our postlady) on her rounds or call her on 07738 Opening Hours: Weekdays 8.30 a.m. - 6.00 p.m.; Saturday 9.00 a.m.- 006 413. 1.00 p.m; ***** Sunday 9.00 a.m. - 12 p.m. Contact them on: 014 91 835551 St Peter’s Farm in Bear Lane now have Christmas Trees on sale. Choose yours early and it can be collected or delivered when you are ready. And don‟t forget Brightwell-cum-Sotwell Post Office, also situated behind the village hall. North Moreton‟s nearest post office and the They also have Christmas decorations and Fair Trade gifts, plus ideal place to avoid the crowds when buying Christmas stamps and Dexter Beef from their own herd. posting parcels. Open daily from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. until the last tree is sold! Open Weekdays 9.30 a.m. – 12.30 p.m. For more details call 07855951388 or [email protected] For more information call 01491 834728. *****