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BLETCHINGTON VILLAGE NEWS KEEPING YOU INFORMED OF EVENTS AND ORGANISATIONS IN YOUR VILLAGE

ISSUE 221 April – May 2016

Church News Report from Sports & Social Club Bletchington Band News Report from Brownies Community Project Update

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B L E T C H I N G T O N

Tel: 01869 350359 Kenwood, e-mail: [email protected] Oxford Road.

From the Editor We thought it would be a good idea to put a picture of Nigel, our postman who has just retired, on the cover of this Issue. Congratulations to Louise Hatton and the staff and children at our Primary School on being graded as ‘Good’ in their recent inspection by Ofsted. This is an excellent achievement. When you read this Issue you will see that there are some busy times ahead! There is a Band Concert on 16th April, also the Café in the Village Hall will be open on Wednesday’s from mid April. The Sports and Social Club have a Quiz Night and Music Night in April and a Race night in May. The Annual Parish Meeting will be held on 4th May and the School Spring Fayre on 7th May. In her letter Revd. Jane Hemmings informs us that she will be leaving the Akeman Benefice at the end of May to take up a post as Dorchester Area Director of Ordinands. Jane first came to our Benefice in the summer of 2008. We thank her for her time here and wish her well in her new post. Thank you for all of the contributions to this Issue. Articles for inclusion in the June/July 2016 Issue are welcome at any time but by 27th May, 2016 at the latest please. For your convenience it is possible to send your articles, adverts or cover designs directly by e-mail. The Bletchington Village News e-mail address is [email protected] Mrs Greta Bickley, Editor

Retirement of our Postman: Nigel has been our Postman for at least 25 years and has given us excellent service. Mrs Denise Mulcock sent a letter with her donation which stated “This is in recognition of a true gentleman who delivered over and above his duties as a postman, serving the community to the nth degree” I’m sure that we all agree with that. The money actually raised by our appeal was £460 and I’m sure that a number of other people have thanked him personally.

Burials in our Churchyard: The Parochial Church Council wishes to point out that anyone who lives in the village, whether they attend Church or not, is entitled to be buried in our Churchyard.

MOBILE LIBRARY: A reminder that the Library Van visits the Village fortnightly from 1.50 to 2.20pm. It parks at the Village Green. The next visits will be April 11th and 25th and May 9th and 23rd.

Fair Trade Big Breakfast: Many thanks to four ladies, Joanna Clifford, Christine Mercer, Julia White and Sue Tee for all their organisation and preparation, to Peter Driver a professional chef, and to everyone who worked so hard to make the Big Breakfast on Saturday morning (12th March) such a success. After a delicious breakfast, there were Fair Trade stalls to browse, a raffle, onesie competition, banana (plastic!) throwing and other games for children. Some people were already queuing by 9 a.m. and the hall was packed by 10. The purpose was to tell everyone about the range of Fair Trade products, as well as having an enjoyable morning, and it certainly succeeded.

Flowers: If you would like to arrange the flowers in church during the year, (or would like to provide them for someone else to do), perhaps in memory of someone, please put your name on the list in the pantry at church, or tell any member of the PCC who would be pleased to do this for you.

Bletchingdon Parochial C of E School SPRING FAYRE Saturday 7th May 12:30pm onwards Maypole Dancing Stalls - Games - Pet Show - Bar

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ST. GILES’ CHURCH NEWS AND SERVICES

We are part of the AKEMAN BENEFICE (Bletchington, , Weston-on-the-Green, Chesterton, , and ) Rector: Revd. Jane Hemmings, The Rectory, Troy Lane, Kirtlington. Oxon OX5 3HA (01869 350224) email [email protected] Assistant Rector: Revd. Brian Wood, The Rectory, Alchester Road, Chesterton, Oxon OX 26 1UW (01869 369815) email [email protected] Churchwarden: vacant Secretary: Patricia Baumber Treasurer: Ian Gedling Members of the PCC: Jean Bennett, Natasha Pitts, Elaine Hurst, Fiona Teddy, Greta Bickley and Judith Ledger.

Services in the Akeman Benefice April 2016 April 17th: Easter 4 Bletchingdon 10.00 All Age Family Service April 24th: Easter 5 Kirtlington 8.00 Holy Communion (BCP) Middleton Stoney 10.00 United Benefice Kirtlington 18.00 Evensong (BCP) Holy Communion Middleton Stoney 9.15 Holy Communion with David Buckley preaching Chesterton 11.00 Chesterton Praise LLM at Emmanuel Northwood Weston o/t Green 11.00 Holy Communion

Thursday Communions at 9.30am at Kirtlington: 7th, 14th , 21st, April

May 2016 May 1st: Easter 6 May 8th: Sunday after Ascension Day Bletchingdon 11.00 Holy Communion Bletchingdon 8.00 Holy Communion (BCP) Kirtlington 16.00 Family Service Bletchingdon 17.00 Informal Worship Chesterton 8.00 Holy Communion (BCP) Kirtlington 9.15 Holy Communion Wendlebury 9.15 Holy Communion Chesterton 11.00 Holy Communion Chesterton 11.00 Young Families Weston o/t Green 11.00 Family Service Middleton Stoney 11.00 Morning Worship Wendlebury 16.00 Family Service Hampton Gay 15.15 Evensong (BCP) May 15th: Pentecost May 22nd: Trinity Sunday Bletchingdon 10.00 Family Service Hampton Gay 10.00 United Benefice Holy Communion Kirtlington 8.00 Holy Communion (BCP) Kirtlington 10.45 Lamb Ale Kirtlington 18.00 Evensong (BCP) Kirtlington No MESSY CHURCH Middleton Stoney 9.15 Holy Communion Chesterton 11.00 Chesterton Praise May 29th: Sunday after Corpus Christi Weston o/t Green 11.00 Holy Communion Kirtlington 11.00 UB All Age Communion Jane Hemmings Farewell Service Thursday Holy Communions at 9.30am at Kirtlington: 5th (Ascension Day) 12th, 19s, 26th May

Our services are for any age and everyone is welcome, but children may find that the Family (All Age) Service, usually on the third Sunday, is easier to understand. These family services are great fun – why not come along and see for yourselves! For details of services in the other parishes in the Benefice please see the notices on the Church and Parish Council notice boards. Times of the services are also on the internet under www.akemanbenefice.org.uk

Morning Prayer: A group is meeting in the cafe area in the village hall each Tuesday at 8.45am. It is just for 15 minutes so do come along if you can.

From the registers:

Baptism Sunday, Feb 21st Rosie Deborah Elsie White, daughter of Mark and Emma.

We welcome Rosie and her parents to St. Giles’.

Funeral Tuesday, March 15th Susan Janet Timms

We send our deepest sympathy to Paul and all Sue’s family.

Pastoral Care: If you would like to be visited by a member of the Church or a Priest, or if you would like to request a visit on behalf of a friend or neighbour, please contact Brian Wood (address above).

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School Prayer Group: A prayer group has been established in the village and meets once a month. The idea is that prayers can be posted by children and staff attending the Akeman Benefice schools in a prayer box in the school, which are collected weekly and prayed for by the group. If you would like to know more or wish to get involved please contact Elaine 07969139785.

Floor and lighting: The floor of the church has recently been professionally cleaned and now looks as good as new! The lighting has also been replaced with LED fittings which come on as soon as the switches are pressed (the old ones took a few minutes to warm up) and they give a warmer light.

Quiz evening: Elaine and Adam Hurst prepared a very enjoyable quiz on February 27th for over 70 people, with a delicious baked potato supper prepared by several ladies. Thank you to everyone for making it such a good evening – the final total for the Church was £446.70.

Christian Values Award: The school and church have agreed to present an award each term to a boy or girl showing the school’s Christian values. The recipient this term was Ruby who won the award for. The award, which is a glass model with a hologram of St. Giles’ Church inside (which is kept in the school) was presented to them and their names will be inscribed in a book.

Letter from The Rector

Spring has arrived. The sun is bringing a little warmth, the trees are budding, and spring flowers are abounding. Whilst Winter always feels like an ending Spring always feels like a new beginning, a new opportunity. Of course Easter that we have just celebrated is a New beginning on a Cosmic level. It is God’s gift to all of us. A second chance where we have failed before. A gift that we can barely comprehend. Peter can scarcely have believed that Jesus who he had denied 3 times before the crucifixion then asked him to build his church after the resurrection. Such is the gift of God and the Easter story. In the church we will be continuing to celebrate Easter and the miracle and gift of the Pentecost. The Churches have also been busy thinking about communication and how we might improve it so that everyone knows what is going on and that they are always welcome to join us. We will be sending out prayer letters again this year to ask people if they have anything they would like us to pray for as we pray for each village road by road. We will be starting with the village of Chesterton in April. I would like to say a big thank you to everyone has generously sponsored me for Water Aid to drink just water during Lent. I confess it has not always been easy and I have certainly missed coffee. At the time of writing I have been sponsored over £650 which is enough to bring clean water and sanitation to at least 43 people. I will be collecting money after Easter and if you haven’t sponsored me already but want add to this total through my Just giving page http://www.justgiving.com/Jane-Hemmings which will stay open during April. I also have some sadder news to share with you and that is that I will be leaving the Akeman Benefice at the end of May to take up a post as Dorchester Area Director of Ordinands which in plain speaking means that I will be looking after all the people who are considering becoming vicars in and taking them through the process of selection. It has been an immense privilege to be your Rector and I will miss everyone in the Benefice very much, but I am looking forward to this new and exciting challenge. I will be having a leaving service on the 29th May at Kirtlington at 11am to which everyone is invited. Wishing you the Blessing of Spring Jane Hemmings (Rector)

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Obituatry - Susan Timms Sue and I were friends for 40 years and although she only lived down the road, we could talk on the phone for over an hour at a time. I heard several times at the funeral " Sue was a quiet woman" Not the Sue that I knew, she was kind, funny and caring, quiet not, as I am sure Paul would agree. Sue spent her early years living in East Oxford before moving to . She attended Gosford Hill School. After leaving school, she worked at Neilsons Market Research. Sue had two children with Alan, David and Michelle. The marriage ended in divorce and Sue went on to marry Paul and they had Robert "Bert". She worked at the park for many years, as far back to when it was a language school in the 70s, up until recent times. Sue will be sadly missed by family and friends. Pud Samways.

Bletchingdon Parochial CE (VA) Primary School Thank you to Joanna Clifford and her enthusiastic team for bringing Prayer Spaces in school in February. This was an event enjoyed by so many and one that inspired some creative thinking in terms of establishing the first stage of our sensory garden – in particular our reflective area. Thank you to David Gowton for working with us to create the raised bed areas – the next stage is to create (using the children’s design ideas) the bedding areas and reflective archway. Ofsted Many of you may now be aware that we had a two day visit from Ofsted in March and I am delighted to say that our hard work has been recognised as we have been graded as ‘Good’.

I wanted to publicly say huge congratulations to Louise and all the staff for a tremendous Ofsted report. The significance of moving from a 'Requires Improvement' school to ‘Good’ is not to be underestimated and as governors we are incredibly proud of everything the team has achieved. We are delighted that the hard work, professionalism and dedication of all our staff has been recognised by Ofsted during what has been an incredibly busy and challenging year for everyone; we are looking forward to the future with added confidence and enthusiasm.

Kate Pick (Chair of the Governing Body)

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils This is a good school (Taken directly from the report)

o The school has greatly improved from the o Pupils are well prepared for life in modern previous inspection due to the effective Britain. Their spiritual, moral, social and leadership of the headteacher and other cultural development is strong. senior leaders. o Pupils’ behaviour is good and they enjoy o All groups of pupils make good progress in coming to school. Their work is well reading, writing and mathematics presented and their attitudes to learning throughout the school. are good. o Children in the early years get off to a good o The vast majority of parents are very start and achieve well. They are well supportive of the school. They say that prepared for their learning in Year 1. their children are safe, happy and make o The quality of teaching is good. Teachers and good progress. learning support assistants work closely o Governors are effective in holding the together to ensure that pupils’ needs are school to account for the progress of met. Staff are proud to be part of the school. pupils. They closely monitor the quality of teaching.

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Easter We celebrated Easter in school at St Giles Church with some powerful eye-witness accounts of Jesus’ last few hours read by children in our Year 3/4 class, a class prayer read by Year 1/2 and the Easter story read by our Year 5/6 class. This was all interspersed between some super uplifting singing – thank you children and staff. Following drama sessions in their English lessons, children in Year 3 / 4 wrote their own eye-witness accounts from either the perspective of a supporter of the Jewish leaders or as one of Jesus’ followers: A Bystander’s Account His Final Day Early in the morning at 3am I had a dream, so Early in the morning I stood with the crowd waiting for I went to Skull Hill. For this reason it was true, Pontius Pilate to appear. The mood of the crowd was fierce. my dream. Jesus was carrying a cross, the Pontius Pilate finally came. Anxiously he asked “What should temperature changed to -1ᵒc, I was wrapped I do?” I stood up and replied “Free Barabbas.” The crowd up warm. shouted back “Yes…Yes!” Pontius Pilate bowed his head and A big nail and hammer came to his hands and exclaimed “I cannot decide. I am going to leave it to the feet. I heard whips every minute and every crowd.” As he washed his hands, the crowd shouted “Free second … a smack. I felt petrified. On the hill I Barabbas”. He was beaten. Jesus got sentenced to death – he was at the back of the crowd. I only heard got whipped and he staggered. I felt so guilty that I had “Crucify Jesus…Barabbas is free.” A cross hung caused this. People were chanting in a sarcastic tone “Long up and two more. I thought of one saviour + live the King of the Jews!” He climbed to the top of the hill. 3nails = 4 given. The guards offered him some wine with a drug in to help the pain but he refused to take it. The guards got suspicious and A big festival went on with people laughing they nailed him to the cross, gave him a thorn crown and “You’re not the Son of God – you’re really chanted “Now you are a proper king!” I could not bear to not!” They only said mean things to Jesus. I watch. At the top of the hill, guards were gambling for his felt let down, a proper fool, a loser. I suddenly clothes with a dice. There was an eerie sound until I heard thought that Jesus should not have been Jesus shout “Aloy, alloy” and he died. crucified. By Summer Stoter By Katherine Richardson

As part of their English work, children in Year 1/2 wrote their own recounts: A long time ago Jesus’ friends were told to do A long time ago Jesus went to go and find a donkey. something for Jesus. They did what they were After that Jesus went to Jerusalem on his donkey. Some told. They were told to get a donkey! The next people waved leaves. After that people put leaves and day Jesus trotted into the big city. A man said, coats on the ground. After that Jesus asked his friends, “Who is this man?” Next the Romans came and “Can you go and find a man carrying a jug?” “Yes a jug!” took Jesus away. Jesus missed his friends, he was So they set off. Jesus and his friends made the table. sad but he knew he had to do this. Jesus was sad Jesus said, “One of you has a bad idea.” “Is it me?” for a long time. So he decided to forget about it Jesus did not tell anyone. Jesus went to pray with his but it was hard to forget it. So he hardly wanted friends. His friends went to sleep. After that Jesus woke to be on the cross. The disciples were very sad his friends up and the soldiers came. The soldiers just now! They were so sad that they decided to go took Jesus away. Jesus died on cross. His body was put and see him. They took Jesus off the cross and put in a cave. Mary went to the cave, but Jesus had gone. him in the tomb. A big stone was put there to stop Mary saw an angel and the angel said, “Jesus is alive, go people getting in. Next there was an earthquake. and tell everybody.” Mary whizzed off. She shouted Next Mary came, she put some perfume on the “Jesus is alive!” She did what the angel said. Mary was floor because Jesus had gone. Mary was surprised, so excited she told everybody. She told Thomas. she had never seen him do this. Thomas did not believe Mary. By Grace Warton By Olivia Radley-Bamber

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Thank you to Rev. Mike and Rev. Doreen, Greta Bickley, Jill Saint, Christine Mercer and Sue McCready for judging our traditional Easter Bonnets and Eggstravaganza models. It is hard to believe that we are returning to school after the Easter break to begin the summer term – a term packed full of events. My colleagues and I would like to welcome Miss Francesca Follen who has been appointed as our new Year 3 / 4 class teacher. Miss Follen has already been into school on a couple of occasions to meet with the children and adults and I know she is looking forward to invading the school with her class’ new topic ‘The Romans’! Best Wishes Louise Hatton and colleagues

Bletchingdon CE (VA) Primary School Nursery www.bletchingdon.oxon.sch.uk

(Springwell Hill, Bletchingdon, Oxon, OX5 3ES) Tel: 01869 350393 e-mail: [email protected]

Headteacher: Mrs Louise Hatton

Our new Foundation Stage Unit (encompassing both our Nursery and Reception Classes) opened in September.

Admission into a nursery class is not a statutory process, as it is with a Reception class, so arrangements are made directly with the school. Completing an application form will let us know that you would like your child to be added to our list. Around four months before your child is due to join us, we will contact you concerning the number of hours you would like your child to attend, invite you to come along for a visit and ask you to complete an admissions form with contact and medical details on. We will also have regular open days which you are welcome to attend.

Our Nursery Application Form can be found on our website under ‘Parents’. Alternatively call us or pop in to see Jackie in the office.

THE BLETCHINGTON CHARITY

The purpose of the Charity is to help persons resident in our parish who are in need, hardship or distress. The Charity may make grants of money, or provide or pay for items, services or facilities intended to help people of all ages. The type of grants available are as follows:- Fuel allowances during the cold weather. Assistance with travel expenses to hospital, clinics, etc, for individuals or their relatives. Assistance with disability aids. Student grants (to assist with the cost of travel expenses, books, etc.) Eductation supplies for children, or support for adults who are retraining. TV licenses for those who may be isolated in their homes.

If you wish to apply for a grant please write to the Charity Secretary – Mrs Heather Smith, at 15, St Giles, (01869 350417) explaining the reason for your application. The Charity may request additional information, but assures all applicants that the information will remain confidential. The Committee members administering the Charity for the BFC are:- Howard Dellar (Chair), Julie Fenn, Sue Green (Treasurer), Sue Lane, Ian Gedling, Greta Bickley, Andrea Lambert and Heather Smith (Secretary)

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BLETCHINGTON SPORTS AND SOCIAL CLUB

Club Membership is due for renewal at the end of April. Renewal forms will be distributed in due course. If you would like to join the Club the please contact the Membership Secretary: Roger Hayward on 01869 350209. New members are always welcome. We are a family orientated Club that offers a friendly atmosphere and a chance to meet new friends. We have Sky Sports, darts, Bar Billiards, football and cricket teams (youth and adult). Drinks are cheap. Membership is also cheap, £6 for an individual annual social membership or £10 for an annual family membership. Come and have a look for yourselves.

Bar Billiards The B team in the Witney league are in with a chance of winning their section. In the Eynsham league the boys are in the team knockout cup final.

Darts The three W’s: Woody, Wally and Wayne are in the triples final whilst the two W’s: Woody and Wally are in the pairs final. The Ladies have won their section.

Aunt Sally The Club will be forming an Aunt Sally team for the summer league playing on a Wednesday evening.

Football BSSC ABBA playing on a Sunday are at the top of their table position in division one this season. There are plans to start a youth’s team.

Cricket Outdoor nets start soon. League fixtures start Saturday May 7th.The Section will be running 3 men’s teams. New players are needed. Full details can be found on the Cricket section web site.

Forthcoming Events Saturday 9th April: Quiz Night Saturday 23rd April: Music with the Inflatables (Ticket only) Saturday 21st May: Race Night Saturday 2nd July: Live Music Weekend 23rd September: Beer Festival Saturday 22nd October: Country and Western Night

At a Committee Meeting it was decided to ban the use of E-cigarettes within the Clubhouse after complaints from several members.

The Club would be grateful if ballgames were not played against the buildings as windows, guttering and drain pipes have been damaged.

The Club would appreciate if cars did not park in the lay-by opposite the Club’s gates as lorries have difficulty getting into the Club when cars are parked there.

All details of the Clubs activities and links to the Sports Leagues can be found on the site. www.bletchingtonsportsandsocialclub.com

Bar Opening Hours Friday 7.45pm to 11.00pm Saturday 7.45pm to 11.00pm Sunday 7.45pm to 10.30pm Wednesday 8.00pm to 11.00pm Tuesday and Thursday 8.00pm to 11.00pm depending on home fixtures of bar billiards and darts (see behind bar for weekly details)

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GIRLGUIDING 1ST BLETCHINGTON BROWNIES

Socks, lots of socks, odd socks, sock racing... We supported World Down syndrome Odd Sock day in March as our community action project. Brownies came in all different socks with Gloria setting the record at having 28 socks on in one go.

We have used craft supplies donated to us to make elephants as swaps for World Thinking Day and have completed the WAGGGS Connect challenge badge. We did bark rubbing and created a tree for our Adventure badge and some of us completed craft badge. Isla has worked hard to gain her Hostess and swimmers badge.

Brownies are looking forward to a summer term of fun with out and about and finding your way badges with hiking, map reading, some outdoor cooking. There is a sports day and a challenge day with the division to look forward to as well.

Rozz and Lorraine attended Anglia Region members day in Bury St Edmonds with 400 other leaders enjoying a variety of activities including geo-caching, self defence, cookie making and a tour of the cathedral.

We have units in Bletchington and Woodstock and some have waiting lists so if your daughter is interested in joining us then please register at www.girlguiding.org.uk/joinus and choose the units you want.

1st Woodstock Rainbows for girls age 5-7. 1st Bletchington Brownies for girls age 7-10 and 2nd Woodstock Guides for girls age 10-15. We also would love more adult volunteers to come along and join us especially within the district and in too... Email [email protected] to find out more. Whether weekly leaders, unit helpers or occasional activity helpers, everyone is welcome.

50 YEARS AGO

Extracts from the Minutes of a Parish Council meeting held on 27th May, 1966:- “Statutory Declaration of Acceptance of Office: The Statutory Declaration was signed by the following elected members:- Messrs J Crawley, A, Eeeley, P.M.Gillians J. Hayward, J. Howe, & F.J.Knight. (Chairman: Mr A. Eeley took the Chair but was not officially elected until the next meeting) Apology for Absence: An apology for absence was received from Rev R.H.Daubney. Parish Notice Board - Resolved that Mr J.R. Enser’s quotation of £24.12.9 excluding glass be accepted. Black’s Head Car Park – Resolved that further letters be written to the County Police and Brewery, pointing out that the footpath notice is being ignored.” “Footpaths – It was agreed that in view of the cost involved, the Council would not proceed with the erection of signposts. Mr J Howe said that he would obtain the address of an organisation to walk the village footpaths. Highways – Resolved – that a letter be written to the O.C.C. confirming the Parish Council’s agreement to the proposed lay-by outside the Village Hall, the car parking on the verge in Oxford Road and the footpath in Weston Road. Playing Field – Resolved – that the Playing Field be leased to the Sports Committee for a further period of one year at an annual rent of 1/-.” “Council Houses – It was reported that electrical faults had caused fires in several council houses. Resolved – that a letter be written to Ploughley R.D.C. asking them to inspect the electrical wiring of all council houses.” “Village Green – Resolved that a letter be written to Mr G.O.L. Jones thanking him for his past services and asking him if he would continue in the capacity of Village Green bailiff. Village Hall Committee- Mr Gillians was elected as Parish Council representative on the Village Hall Committee. Burdock’s Allotment – Resolved – that a letter be written to the Ministry of Housing and Local Government regarding the future of the allotments. Education – Mr Gillians said that he was not satisfied with the re-organisation of education for Bletchingdon children. The Chairman reported that the Women’s Institute had approached Mr Newnham* to attend a public meeting and said that he would ask the Women’s Institute if a representative of the Education Committee could also be invited.. Accounts for Payment: The following account was passed for payment:- S.E.B. - Supply and maintenance £12.5.4d Village Green – The Chairman was authorised to spend £15 on a seat to be erected on the Village Green.” *Mr Newnham lived in the village and was the Headmaster of Gosford Hill School.

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100 YEARS AGO: Extracts from the Minutes of meetings held in April 1916:- “April 1st: Parish Meeting The Clerk attended. There was one elector present, Mr Whitcomb.” ! Extracts from the Minutes of a Parish Council meeting held on 22nd April 1916:- Election of Chairman: Mr Bartlett proposed the re-election of Lord Valentia, seconded by Mr Rogers – carried. Appointment of Overseers: Mr Potter proposed Mr Crawford as Overseer, seconded by Mr Rogers. Mr Hickman proposed Mr Rogers, seconded by Mr Bazeley – carried. Parish Bath Chair – Mr Hickman brought forward the repair of the Parish Bath Chair. Mr Potter agreed to inspect same. Lord Valentia proposed the Chair be repaired and expenses to be paid from the Green account – seconded by Mr Rogers”

THURSDAY CLUB

April we will have a bingo. May is the AGM subs will be due £3.00 a year. We will have a quiz after the AGM. Please note the AGM is the12th May due to the elections on the 5th May. In June we are having a Queens garden party and inviting five other clubs to come along and join us. Meetings are the first Thursday in the month 2.00 in the village hall, with refreshments, raffle and tombola.

It is with regret that we report the very sad news that one of our honorary members May Counter has passed away. She has been a great supporter to us. May ran a charity for Romanian children and their families, and was always knitting and collecting things to send over to Romania. She will be greatly missed by all of us. Our condolences go to Ron and their family.

BLETCHINGTON SILVER BAND

It has been an extremely exciting start to the year for Bletchington Silver Band with the band having fair success at the National Brass Band Championships Qualifying contest in Stevenage, where bands from and the South East compete to play in the national finals in . Bletchington finished in 9th place out of 18 bands in the fourth section, which for a small village band is a fantastic achievement. It is encouraging to see the band which includes several young players making their debut at a contest and achieving this result. All of whom have developed through the ranks of the village’s training band showing that, with further commitment and practice, the future of brass banding in Blechington is a bright one. The Training Band are preparing to compete at their own contest at the end of April with trios, duets and soloists. With some extremely tough competition in the past we wish them every success and are confident that they will not disappoint.

With this great rising talent it is unfortunate that we must bid farewell to two of the most popular players in the senior band, Kerry Wells and Andy Baulch. Kerry joined the band 13 years ago from Gloucester Brass and made an instant impression with her smooth and mellow tone on the flugelhorn. She has spent many years on the committee with several as band chairman. For Andy however, the words smooth and mellow are not in his vocabulary as his strong use of dynamics on percussion would rattle the cage of listeners as often he would perform music meant for three percussionists. On behalf of the band we wish them both the best of luck for the future and their new life in Dorset.

On a positive note, rehearsals for the bands spring concert are in full swing and it promises to be a fantastic evening of music. The concert is on Saturday 16th of April at 7:30pm in Bletchington Village Hall with tickets priced at £5 including a beverage on entry. We look forward to seeing you there. If you have attended concerts in the past or would like to learn more about the band then join BletchingCHUMs, the official Bletchington Silver Band supporters club. For ten pounds a year you receive a newsletter and a reduction of ticket price for all concerts. To become a BletchingCHUM, come and see one of us at our concert.

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WESTON-ON-THE-GREEN WOMEN’S INSTITUTE

On Wednesday 27 January, 16 WI members went to Rigolettos Restaurant in Middleton Stoney for our annual “Christmas” lunch. We have been going to Rigolettos for the past four years and the staff have always made us feel very welcome and once again a very pleasant meal was enjoyed by all.

At our meeting on Wednesday 17 February we had a very interesting talk from Tim Healey (son of Dennis Healey) on The Green Man Trail in Oxfordshire. Tim is an excellent speaker and made this talk both informative and witty. If you were to follow the Green Man trail you will find that the leafy face crops up in churches and buildings all over Oxfordshire. There are two types of Green Man images. a) A head where the whole face may be composed of a leaf or leaves (a foliate head/mask). b) A face with leaves, vines or branches spouting from the mouth, nose, ears or even eyes (disgorging head). The first known drawing of leafy heads date back to 1235 but the actual stone masks can be found all over Europe dating from the medieval period. Just as the variations of Green Man are myriad, so it appears are its possible interpretations, and we are left with the conclusion that the Green Man means different things to different people and different cultures.

Our March meeting was our yearly AGM where we have elections and any other business and the one time in the year when we actually sing Jerusalem. This performance was beautifully sung by our members a cappella. This year we elected a new President, Paula Hessian and thanked Ann Holt, our retiring president for all the hard work she had put in during her tenure. Ann worked very hard during her presidency and the WI Centenary year was an extremely busy time for her, but she took on the role with her usual tenacity. Thank you Ann. The meeting was attended by Jane Finnerty, a WI Adviser from Oxford. Jane gave us an insight to the resolutions that the WI will put forward this year and she seemed to think that our WI was heading in all the right directions. A couple of our ladies gave a short talk on different aspects of their life which lightened up the evening. Gwyneth told us about her work as a volunteer for The National Trust which she enjoys tremendously and would recommend this gratifying pastime to anyone with a few hours to spare each month. She worked at Osterley House, an 18th century house designed by architect Robert Adam and is currently working at Claydon House, also an 18th house once owned by the Verney family. Florence Nightingale was the sister of Lady Verney. Gwyneth thoroughly enjoys the interaction with the visiting public and some of the questions she has been asked can be very amusing. Sally told us about her early military career, both Regular and Reservist, serving as a member of the WRAC attached to the Royal Signals. Her Regular service was spent in the UK and Middle East and TA service was with a Signals Regiment supporting NATO forces in the European theatre. The WI in Weston meets every third Wednesday in the month at 7.30 pm in the Village Hall and all ladies aged fourteen and upwards are welcome to join us. Not only do we have excellent speakers at each meeting but we also have various other activities going on. Please come and join us, we are a very friendly bunch.

WESTON WI CAN CATER FOR LIGHT LUNCHES/BUFFETS, AFTERNOON TEAS/HIGH TEAS Contact: Paula Hessian 350662 or Lyn Barnett 350707 ______

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Bletchingdon Community Project News

April 2015

Phase 2 housing, shop and recreation areas commences

Allen Build on behalf of ZeroC (both part of the Places for People Group) will take on the building of Phase 2. Below shows a map of the phasing of the builds.

The work is due to start mid-end May with the roads being laid first to give access to the site.

As soon as a project manager is assigned and the community representative agreed, more detailed info will be available.

The good thing is that this company is part of the considerate builders scheme and is keen to involve the community.

Trustee Vacancy - Have you got the interest of the Village at heart? The Bletchingdon Community Foundation is looking for an additional Trustee to join the 5 strong volunteer team. The Trustees work with the committees of the Village Hall and Bletchingdon charity to ensure funds and resources are used for the good of the village. The Foundation also acts as custodian for the new buildings, and land/facilities around it, so the trustees have the responsibility to ensure the buildings are well maintained and managed to protect these assets on behalf of the Village. The new Trustee needs a good eye for detail, and have the ability to be open, and challenge how the current operation works, to help continuously improve it. You will have drive and energy, and any business or charity experience you can bring to the mix would be very helpful too. If you feel you fit the bill, or would like to know more, please contact Tony Saunders on 01869 350705 or email at [email protected]

Village Hall Cleaner required 4 hours per week, 2 on ideally Friday and 2 on the Monday. Please contact Duncan on 351542 or Tony 350705.

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Bletchingdon Café pilot

th Starting Wednesday 13 April 8.30-11.30am in the Village Hall café area (access from the square)

Bletchingdon Café opens its door to the first of 14 Wednesday morning sessions. This is a pilot project to see if a community café is a viable operation for Bletchingdon.

The café is open to all, in fact the more people who visit the more information we can collate about what we as a community want from such a venture. Why not drop in and enjoy freshly baked cakes and savouries with refreshments and hear more about the pilot.

BLETCHINGDON COMMUNITY FOUNDATION PUBLIC MEETING

BLETCHINGDON VILLAGE HALL THURSDAY 16TH JUNE, 7.30pm

FINANCE REPORT COMMUNITY FACILITY NEWS - VILLAGE HALL COMMITTEE GRANTS - BLETCHINGDON CHARITY COMMITTEE HOUSING UPDATE CO-OP SHOP UPDATE

ALL WELCOME. WE WOULD BE PLEASED TO SEE YOU AND HEAR YOUR VIEWS

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KITCHEN GARDEN SCHEME

DO YOU WANT TO GROW YOUR OWN FRUIT AND VEG?

TOO BUSY TO FIND TIME TO HAVE AN ALLOTMENT?

TRY OUR NEW KITCHEN GARDEN SCHEME FOR £5 A YEAR

SMALL PLOTS (UP TO 10m X 4m) AVAILABLE AT THE BLETCHINGDON ALLOTMENTS, OXFORD ROAD

PLEASE CONTACT A MEMBER OF THE ALLOTMENT COMMITTEE

FOR DETAILS OF FULL PLOTS TO RENT SEE ADVERTISEMENT IN THIS NEWSLETTER

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2016 ANNUAL AMATEUR PRODUCE SHOW

OPEN TO ALL

SATURDAY 10TH SEPTEMBER

SEE ENCLOSED FLYER FOR DETAILS OF CATEGORIES OR CONTACT A MEMBER OF THE COMMITTEE

VOLUNTEERS GRATEFULLY WELCOMED TO HELP IN ORGANISING THE EVENT

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ALLOTMENT COMMITTEE MEMBERS – CONTACT DETAILS SUE GREEN TEL: 01869 350895 MIKE SHEEL TEL: 01869 351130 EMAIL: [email protected] EMAIL: [email protected]

MARK & SUE TAYLOR TEL: 01869 350609

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PARISH COUNCIL Councillors:- Mr A K Saunders (Chairman) 14, Coghill Tel: 350705 Mr C E Lane (Vice-Chairman) Village Farm Tel: 350257 Mrs M M Knight 18, Valencia Close Tel: 350162 Mr M E Taylor Stoneacre, Oxford Road Tel: 350609 Mr D M Ledger 3, Islip Road Tel: 351542 Miss J Benton 4, Springwell Close Tel: 351489 Mr M Kersh The Old Rectory Tel: 351139 Clerk: Mrs R McNaught, 4 Oxford Road. Email: [email protected] Tel: 351967

District Councillor: Simon Holland ([email protected]) County Councillor: Anthony Gearing ([email protected])

Telephone: Please note our new telephone number.

Meetings: Normally held on the last Thursday of the Month, excluding December and January, unless otherwise advertised. Notice of meetings are always displayed on the Parish Council Notice Board, which is on the Bus Shelter wall facing the Green. The Meetings will be held at the new Village Hall, please check the Notice each month for details of time or any changes to the date. Members of the Public are welcome at meetings, but must seek prior permission (by contacting the Clerk or Chairman) if they wish to join in the discussion of any matter. Furniture: Items of furniture in reasonable condition may be collected by the Furniture Recycling Scheme run by & District Council for Voluntary Service. The recycle store has moved to a new location at Unit 14, Lower Cherwell Street, Banbury. If you have unwanted furniture or household goods, please ring them on 01295 267741 and collection will be arranged. The items are then made available to people on benefits to help improve their quality of life. A nominal charge is made for the pick-ups and to the recipients to cover some of the overhead costs. Spring Clean: This year’s village litter collection was organised by Alex Watkinson as part of his Duke of Edinburgh Award. There was a good turnout and a considerable amount of litter was collected. Parish Council thanked Alex for his help. Bus Services Update: Bus Service 25/25A – The latest news is that the subsidies from O.C.C. will cease on 20th July. We have received very limited information about what will happen after that date. Elinor Webber is in contact with O.C.C. trying to find out what the ‘replacement’ service will be. We hope to be able to give some more definite news at the Annual Parish Meeting.

Planning Matters:- The following matters were put before the Parish Council at the meeting held on 25th February, 2016:- Applications:- 16/00166/F – Willow Cottage Nursery, Weston Road – permanent retention of modular classroom and relocation of access ramp (retrospective) – Cllrs unanimously voted in favour of allowing the nursery to keep the modular building there permanently (Cllr Saunders as Chair did not vote, Cllr Kersh declared an interest and did not vote). 16/00069/F –Ingleby Paddocks, – Continued siting of storage container, land south Dairy Cottage – Cllrs made no objections. 16/00044/ADV – Starbucks on A34 by Weston on the Green – 2 x internally illuminated fascia signs, 2 x internally illuminated sign 1 x non illuminated sign. Cllrs had no objections. Notice of Decision:- 15/02155/F – Land south west of Underdowns, Lince Lane – Continued siting of mobile home – permission granted 25/01/16 15/02077/F – The Oxfordshire Inn, Heathfield – Change of use of existing hotel accommodation to form 8 dwellings – Permission granted 19/02/16 15/02223/F – Court Yard House, Church End – demolition of existing conservatory and erection of replacement conservatory – Permission granted 08/02/16 15/02264/OUT – By Ingleby, Station Road, Bletchingdon – 10 no dwellings with revised access, demolition of existing dwelling – Refusal of permission 23/02/16 Withdrawal of Planning Application:- 15/01914/F – Heathfield Golf & Country Club – Change of use to caravan park to include replacement building together with static mobile to house managers accommodation and new bund.

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The following matters were put before the Parish Council at the meeting held on 31st March, 2016:- Applications:- 16/00083/TCA – T1 x Prunus Mume – Fell, Monks Head, The Causeway, Weston Rd. Notices of Decision:- 16/00044/ADV 2 x internally illuminated fascia signs, 2 x internally illuminated sign 1 x non illuminated sign, at Starbucks on A34 by Weston on the Green. Permission Granted. 16/00069/F Continued siting of storage container, land south Dairy Cottage, Ingleby Paddocks, Enslow. Permission Refused. Withdrawal of Planning Application:- 16/00166/F – Permanent retention of modular classroom and relocation of access ramp (retrospectively).

Annual Parish Meeting: This will be held on the evening of Wednesday 4th May 2016 at the Village Hall.

Celebration Day for the Queens 90th Birthday It is with great pleasure that Bletchington Parish Council would like to invite everyone to a Vintage Tea Party On Sunday 12th June 2016 At Bletchington Village Hall. 3pm to 6pm.

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Adverts N.B. If you contact any of our advertisers would you please mention that you saw their advert in Bletchington Village News

Your advert could be

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£15.00

Per Year (6 issues per year)

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A local friendly plumber est. for 18 years Jake’s Pro Landscape All plumbing maintenance Fencing, turfing, tree work,

Plumbing, Bathroom & Shower Installation, garden clearance & Kitchen Fitting. pressure washing.

NO JOB TOO SMALL Also qualified in all aspects of spraying. Gareth Jones is looking forward to your call Jake Williams Oxfordshire based Mob: 07889 683926 Tel: 01869 242038 07535017531 Please ring for all enquiries. Email: [email protected] [email protected]

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Bletchingdon Village Hall for hire

Facilities include –

 Café area,  Sprung wooden floor  Meeting rooms/ areas  Options for the whole/part of the hall space.  High quality audio and projector facilities  Use of a commercial kitchen*  Outside spaces

* Commercial kitchen – available to professional caterers only

CHARGE RATES Valid until December 31 2015

Community -residents of Bletchingdon & for personal or fundraising events. Commercial - non-residents or residents running events for personal gain. Halls: Weekdays. Whole hall Large Hall Small Hall Community £10 per hour £10 per hour £10 per hour Commercial –block booking £15 per hour £15 per hour £15 per hour Commercial – single booking £20 per hour £20 per hour £20 per hour

Halls: Weekends are booked by session. Morning: 9am to 12 noon, Afternoon: 1pm to 4pm, Evening: 5pm to end.

Whole hall Large Hall Small Hall Community AM/PM £30 £30 Please enquire. Evening £50 £50 Commercial AM/PM £60 £60 Please enquire. Evening £120 £120

All bookings require £100 deposit for a single session. A deposit is not required for block bookings Other rooms and packages available at www.bletchingdon-pc.org Contact Duncan 351542 or [email protected]

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 Local & Reliable, Home & Garden Improvements/Maintenance.  Painting & Decorating, Tiling, Flat Pack Assembly, Landscaping, Fencing, Patios, Jet Washing, Decking, Hedge Cutting, Pruning and Much Much More…………..  Domestic and commercial, one off jobs and regular maintenance programmes to suit your needs.  Fully Insured - No job is too small. Please call Noel Price on 07884185171 or 01869 351619 [email protected] www.kirtlingtonpropertymaintenance.com

For Domestic Cleaning please call Jayne Price on 07795055202

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DEREK BICKLEY GENERAL BUILDER

Extension, Alterations, Paving etc

All types of building work considered

Telephone: 01869 351532 Mobile no: 07817496502

Web page: yell.com

Email: [email protected]

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