TheThe AscottAscott GrapevineGrapevine

Issue 59 Summer 2008 .

Grapevine Appeal Church Services The Ascott Grapevine is provided Ist Sunday of the month FREE to every household in 10.00am Holy Communion - Ascott and we wish this to con- Common Worship tinue for a long time to come. 2nd Sunday Although ‘The Grapevine’ does 8.00am Holy Communion – receive support from the Parish Book of Common Prayer Council and the PCC, it only 10.00am Family Service raises a limited amount of revenue 3rd Sunday from advertising. ‘The Ascott 10.00am Benefice Service Grapevine’ survives mainly on do- 4th Sunday nations. If you would like to help 10.00 Holy Communion - The Grapevine continue, any do- Common Worship nation large or small would be ap- 5th Sunday of the month preciated. You can give a donation 10.00 a.m. Benefice Service to any member of the editorial Details and times of the regular serv- team. ices and details of special services are If there is an aspect of village advertised on the various notice life not already covered in the boards around the village and in the Grapevine please contact a mem- church porch or telephone the ber of the team to discuss your Church Wardens - Anne Braithwaite ideas. Articles for the Autumn is- 831282 or Fred Russell 830972. sue of The Grapevine should be We look forward to welcoming submitted by October 5th. you and worshiping with you. Call 01993 831023 or email: Anne Braithwaite wendypearse@ honeydale.freeserve.co.uk Content & Editorial Policy Stuart Fox, Elaine Byles, If you have an article, story or Wendy Pearse, poem you would like to submit for Yvette Keauffling publication the Grapevine editorial team would love to hear from you. Material for publication is grate- fully accepted. Due to space con- siderations material may not be used immediately but may be held over to be included in a later issue. The Grapevine editorial team re- serve the right to shorten, amend or reject any material submitted for publication. The Ascott Grapevine - Page 2 Don’t forget about the Ascott website: Come and enjoy a coffee [and home made biscuits] between 10.00am and mid-day in the Church on: Saturday 6th September

Ascott Marquee

Ascott residents may like to know that able deposit of £50 payable for all the village charity has recently ac- borrowings. The marquee measures quired a marquee that can be used for 10 metres by 4 and it may need a few summer events and that the marquee strong people to erect it. is available for village residents to bor- Anyone interested should contact row. There is a £30 charge made for Mark Dawbarn (01993 831632) or private and commercial use but it is one of the other trustees. available free for fund-raising for local Mark Dawbarn good causes. There is also a return-

Grapevine Quiz

The winner of the “collective noun” Vine was Jill Greenaway, with an all quiz in the spring issue of the Grape correct entry. Congratulations Jill! Jill wins a bottle of wine.

www.ascott-under-wychwood.org.uk Page 3 - Issue 59 Births Deaths On the 13th May 2008 to Fiona and The funeral followed by interment Sean Foy, a daughter, Martha Eliza- took place at Holy Trinity Church on beth. 22nd April 2008 of Suzanne Julia Kay aged 48 years, sister of Chris Kay, The Grange, Shipton Road. Joe By the time you read this I know a great many of you will know that sadly Joe Packer (the other half of The Last Straw) died suddenly on 3 June 2008 aged 51. Everyone who knew him was in a state of shock. Joe was extremely well liked. He was always smiling and was gentle, kind, thoughtful and very tal- years Paul and Joe performed as a duo. ented. Joe generally playing guitar, double We have known Joe for many years bass and of course singing. Paul and and when we resurrected the folk Joe had been friends and musical part- nights in 1996 The Last Straw fronted ners for 25 years. the evening and continued to do so He will be missed so much by his until the present time. For many years family and friends and is a great loss The Last Straw was made up of Paul, to the world of folk and entertain- Joe and Margaret but for the last two ment. Lyn Collins

The Ascott Grapevine - Page 4 Don’t forget about the Ascott website: Ascott Village Fete This year’s fete was moved from July to June Would the weather be good, or was it too soon? Organising behind the scenes started last year With a blank piece of paper and lots of ideas Two months to go with names in the frame We wanted it different but also the same Punch and Judy and CN Brass Band Joined the Morris Dancers and dressage display to lend us a hand Stalls were set up of different kinds With stallholders ready with lots of good finds Strawberries and cream with tea were on sale And people could sit at tables or on bales Beers and Pimms could be bought as well With the BBQ wafting a magnificent smell A call from the MC to announce the raffle prizes Which were then presented in all different shapes and sizes At the end of the day with aching feet The committee hoped that last year’s money we would beat And an amazing £2,464.00 was made! So a very Big THANK YOU to one and all See you next year, let’s hope it’s another ball! Debra Cull

www.ascott-under-wychwood.org.uk Page 5 - Issue 59 A Day at the Races: Ascott Village Fete and...

The Ascott Grapevine - Page 6 Don’t forget about the Ascott website: www.ascott-under-wychwood.org.uk Page 7 - Issue 59 ...just some of the Scarecrows

The Ascott Grapevine - Page 8 Don’t forget about the Ascott website: Talking Shop

Ascott Village Shop now continues competitively its fifth year as the firmly established priced goods heart of the community, a business to offer you focused on serving and supporting choice on you, our customers. your doorstep Like any business, we have to keep and avoid that moving forward, making changes and drive. improvements. We’re always on the lookout for We held our AGM in May. Any new ranges. Delicious home made AGM is usually a dry do, but we soups from The Soupery went down avoided that by holding it in The well, especially in those chilly winter Swan! Many thanks to Richard Lait, months. Recently, we brought in who kindly opened up when the pub cards, coasters and bookmarks from was supposed to be closed. The meet- the Ann Edwards range. Ann hails ing was packed and saw Paul Galistan from Blewbury and her quirky and elected as the new Secretary on the humorous artwork based on her own retirement of Rosemary Dawbarn animals brings an instant smile to from the post. anyone’s face. Rosemary has been with the shop In response to demand for frozen since its earliest days and continues fish, we’re now trialling an excellent to do sterling work behind the coun- and well-priced selection from ter and behind the scenes, and we Hellabys of Filkins. Fresh catches thank her for equally sterling efforts from Margate are frozen the same day. as Secretary for so many years. Orders will be placed each Thursday The Management Committee is for Friday delivery. now Alan Chubb as Chairman, Lor- Survey raine Knight as Deputy Chairman/ To help us meet your needs and Personnel, Paul Galistan as Secretary, aspirations, we’ll soon be delivering a Stuart Fox as Treasurer and Nigel Wild short survey form through each as Marketing and PR. letterbox. One of our many volun- Local shopping teers will be round to collect it on Our mantra is local shopping, lo- the date shown on the front. It really cal sourcing. The rocketing price of is most important for us to have your fuel and food has brought a new im- feedback, so please take a few minutes perative to both, with everyone now to complete it. thinking twice before undertaking any As part of our continuing drive journey and watching the pennies. towards eco-friendly shopping, we’re We aim to provide a wide range of trying to reduce the use of plastic www.ascott-under-wychwood.org.uk Page 9 - Issue 59 bags. From Tuesday 1 July, you’ll be prise like the shop is a bit like an ice- asked to donate 5p if you need a plas- berg, the part you don’t see is by far tic bag. In return, we’ll hand you a the greatest mass. green counter to place in a box by the Volunteering is great fun, very re- till. At regular intervals, the counters warding. You’ll be a member of a truly will totalled and a cheque sent to happy and committed team and it’s a Helen and Douglas House, the hos- great way of meeting people. pice in Oxford. No retail experience? Not a prob- If you would like one of our snazzy lem, we offer full training and let you recyclable jute shopping bags, or the work alongside experienced members one you already have is wearing thin, until you’re confident. So, give Alan a new batch is on order. Chubb a call on 830280. Volunteers welcome! And finally, are you a shareholder? Being a shareholder not only boosts Have you ever thought about vol- shop funds, but also gives you a vote unteering for the shop? Our current at the AGM and a voice in the way team numbers well over 40. While things are run. Call Paul Galistan on many serve behind the counter, oth- 830979 or Stuart Fox on 832004 for ers make a tremendous contribution details. backstage. Some do both! An enter- Wychwood Local History Society Anther very successful season for the ers, Tim Porter, will talk about The Society finished on the 19th June Cotswolds under Henry VIII. But I when Muriel Pilkington gave a very should mention at this point that as interesting talk about The Mitfords Milton Village Hall is undergoing re- in the Cotswolds. The large audience pairs at present, there may be a change attested to the interest in the Mitford of venue. Please look at the Society’s family in our area. The marriage of a posters on the villages’ notices boards Norman to a Saxon heiress, in North- nearer to the date of the meeting. umberland, just after the Norman Old and new members are wel- Conquest, was the beginning of the come. Subscriptions are £6 for an in- line that arrived at the notable family dividual and £9 for a couple which of Mitford sisters who lived at Asthall includes a copy of Wychwoods His- Manor and South Lawn in the first tory when published. Visitors are half of the twentieth century. welcome at any meeting at £2 per Our new season will begin on head. More information about the Thursday 18th September 2008 at Society can be obtained from Wendy 7.30.p.m. in Milton Village Hall Pearse on 831023. when one of our most popular speak- Wendy Pearse

The Ascott Grapevine - Page 10 Don’t forget about the Ascott website: A Questionnaire from your Church Warden In 2007 I was asked to be one of the 9. Where would you find the Primate Church Wardens of Holy Trinity, of all England? In Lambeth Palace or Ascott. the Monkey House at London Zoo? Now I have become more settled 10. In the great Welsh hymn ‘Guide in this post I’m afraid this power has me O thou Great Jehovah’, why did gone to my head. Therefore I have they go to the West Country to get compiled a questionnaire to see if you their bread of Devon? qualify to be a member of the C of E. The first 10 questions will be on The following questions will be on religion, the other 10 will be on your your good works. good works. 1. Do you help old ladies across the road? 1. When Eve was created from Ad- 2. Do you help them back again, even am’s rib and became his wife, did this though they don’t want to go? cause him a pain in the neck in later 3. Are you kind and considerate to years? the aged and infirm, by going round 2. When Adam and Eve were told to and kicking their cat out at night? go forth and multiply, was it an 4. Are you always polite when you Adder that tempted them? answer your phone when someone 3. Were the Israelites told to labour tries to sell you double glazing? for six days, then rest on the Sabbath? 5. Do you always invite a Jehovah Or told when they worked on Sun- Witness in for a cup of tea? days, always ask for double time? 6. When you are in a supermarket and 4. When the Israelites ate unleaven you see a small child screaming and bread before a match, did this mean kicking it’s mother and demanding they always started with ten men? more sweets, what do you feel like 5. How many tablets was Moses told doing? to take? a. Stuff them with more sweets so they 6. Is Canon Law the rules of the Royal become obese with bad teeth. Artillery? b. Plead with them not to be naughty. 7. Is Matins a church service or some- c. Give them a good smack and tell thing made of coconut you can put them to stop showing off. on the kitchen floor? 7. You are just coming out of a super- 8. Is a stipend a vicar’s salary or a market when you see someone shak- place where he keeps pigs to save his ing a collection can. Do you give with bacon? a generous heart or quickly look for another exit?

www.ascott-under-wychwood.org.uk Page 11 - Issue 59 8. You are just about to park your car 10. Are you still or have you ever been when someone steals your space. Do jealous of your brother or sister? you say to yourself ‘Their need is If you score less than five marks, greater than mine’, or from the safety sorry you have failed. Please try again of your car call them Selfish Moronic next year. Louts or words to that effect? If you wish to appeal against this 9. On a cold winter’s morning when judgement contact Rev. Mark Abrey. you get up, you bang your toe on the Tel.01608 676572. corner of the bed. Do you say Oh drat, Fred Russell Oh darn or some foul four letter Anglo Saxon word not in keeping for a religious person?

Music for a Summer Evening A most enjoyable concert given by The first half of the programme was Vital Recitals of popular classics was music by English composers to rec- held at Holy Trinity Church on Sat- ognise that this was a postponed St. urday, 2nd August 2008. George’s Day concert. After wine and The programme ranged from well canapes, the second half consisted known pieces by Handel to music mainly of excerpts from musicals and from Porgy and Bess by George and operettas. Ira Gershwin. Many thanks to Daphne Abe, pi- ano, Morag Crowther, soprano, Clare Hedges, violin and Peter Crowther, cello, and to all those who contributed to its success rais- ing £370 towards Church funds.

The Ascott Grapevine - Page 12 Don’t forget about the Ascott website: Fuel for Thought Both these stories concern fuel, both crew-room and had a coffee. My abid- are totally different. ing memory of the RAF is the coffee, ‘To thine ownself be true’ was a not so much the coffee itself but the motto drummed into us during of- milk. Fridges were a rare commodity, ficer training. so everyone bought Carnation con- Destination today was RAF densed milk. ‘Nato standard’ was cof- Aberporth, a firing range on Cardi- fee with two sugars and Carnation. I gan Bay. The approach in a strong drank the revolting brew because there crosswind was quite hairy, but the was no choice, but I never touched Devon’s captain was more than equal Carnation again once I left the RAF. to the task and executed a copybook Finishing my coffee, I strolled out landing on the single ‘doggy-bone’ to the Devon to check progress. I was runway. I went off in search of the startled to see the tanker driving away genial Welsh ex-Wing Commander from the Devon. I was startled because who ran the place, known universally the tanker was marked ‘AVTUR’. as Dai-the-spy. I promised to be back At that time, the RAF had large by 3 o’clock. In my job, you learned numbers of both piston-engined and a lot about flying and flyers. They jet aircraft. Piston-engined planes like would file a flight plan based on a our Devon used aviation gasoline or certain takeoff time. If they failed to AVGAS and jets used aviation turbine take off within 15 minutes of their fuel or AVTUR (JET A-1 in civilian stated time, they had to re-file. So, terms). The RAF went to inordinate punctuality was vital. lengths to prevent the wrong fuel go- My business with Dai was wrapped ing in the wrong aircraft. These in- up well within time and the crew said cluded labelling the tankers, putting they wanted to go to RAF Valley in Anglesey to Wedding Car Hire Company drop off spares Vintage car hire for Weddings, Special Occasions and Sightseeing Tours and refuel. We landed at Valley Chris & Justine Walters and taxied over to the Missile Fir- ‘Woodside’, High Street ing School to Shipton-under-Wychwood take on fuel. The Oxon OX7 6DG Tel: 01993 832425, 07812 605677 crew said it 07813 143691 would take half Email: [email protected] an hour, so I Website: cjweddingcarhire.co.uk went into the www.ascott-under-wychwood.org.uk Page 13 - Issue 59 coloured plates on the sides painted I pointed out to the pilot the with special paint that retained the AVTUR marking, but he said he al- true colour even under the sodium ready knew, had checked the fuel and lighting of dispersals and aprons, and it really was AVGAS. I prayed he was establishing cordon sanitaire refuel- right. RAF Valley was well-named, ling areas where AVGAS tankers could being surrounded by unyielding hills not enter AVTUR areas and vice versa. and a margin for error of frankly, bug- And still there were refuelling errors. ger all. The pilot was in the wrong. Jets did not take kindly to AVGAS He should not have accepted the fuel and the suck-press-bang–burp engines in the first place and in the second, simply would not run on AVTUR. should have raised Cain at this totally Using an AVTUR tanker for AVGAS dangerous practice. or t’other way round was lunacy. Not Fortunately, it was AVGAS and we only could it lead to the wrong fuel flew safely home. I pondered on what in the aircraft tanks, but contamina- to do, but because I was relatively new tion of one fuel by the other was to the RAF and not aircrew, decided equally as bad. The RAF Flight Safety to do nothing at all. magazine was always full of some Four years later I was in Germany. drama of refuelling errors or a new A friend of mine was promoted from scheme to prevent them. being Command Flight Safety Officer to Wing Commander and posted to RAF Valley as Wing Commander Fly- ing. As I paid him some expenses, I jokingly remarked that I hoped they Bed & Breakfast put the right fuel in his aircraft. When he asked why, I recounted my tale. In Ascott ‘Didn’t you hear about the crash at Valley?’ he asked. Excellent independent I shook my head. An RAF Bassett ensuite rooms had called into Valley to collect a for your friends or relatives Group Captain and refuel. I had coming to stay. spent hundreds of happy hours in Bassetts, a six-seater air taxi whose Children welcome. Rolls-Royce engines drank exclusively Please ring AVGAS. Following the refuelling, the plane took off and immediately lost Mrs. Ingrid Ridley power. With nowhere else to go, the 01993 830612 pilot pancaked into a field. The Bassett ended up against a stone wall,

The Ascott Grapevine - Page 14 Don’t forget about the Ascott website: the navigator and the Group Captain the prop by hand, a prospect I found dead. The tanks had been filled with less than appealing. We went through AVTUR. Somehow, there had been the ‘Switches off, throttle set’ routine enough clean fuel in the system for and I moved the prop through sev- taxi and takeoff but no more. eral rotations to prime the engine. The board of enquiry opened a Then, ‘Contact’, the traditional whirl- frightening can of worms. The ing hand motion with forefinger raised flightline refuelling was run chaoti- and the engine burst into song. cally, rules ignored and the AVGAS Our agreed target was Sywell, a in an AVTUR tanker or vice versa by grass airfield outside Northampton no means uncommon. The accident about 45 minutes away. Dave ran waiting to happen was the Bassett and through radio checks, gave our com- its occupants. Heads rolled, but it did plement and destination to the tower not bring back the poor sods whose and we took off. After consulting a lives had ended against a Welsh stone map, Dave gave me a compass bear- wall. ing and handed over control. The To thine ownself be true. I felt Auster was very light and twitched in thoroughly ashamed. the thermals over the Chilterns. Ini- And so to a happier institution, tially, I was scared we would pitch into Sports Afternoon. an irretrievable spin, but I soon ‘It’s sports afternoon, let’s go fly- learned that a light touch on the ing’ said Dave. ‘pole’ was all that was necessary to Dave was the new section head at keep us straight and level. Strike Command and had a third About 25 minutes after takeoff, share in an Auster based at Wycombe Dave leaned over and said ‘Do you Park aerodrome. know where we are?’ Wednesday afternoon was tradi- I was dumbstruck. Inured to tionally sports afternoon in the RAF, skilled RAF navigators who plotted the premise being that those who courses and used Decca navigators, could should participate in some VORs and various other ‘navaids’ to healthy sport and keep fit. I am not perfection, this was new territory. sure flying met those criteria, but ‘I thought you were supposed to damn it all, this was the RAF and fly- be the pilot?’ I said. ing’s what we’re about, what? There was no reply but Dave’s face I agreed to meet Dave, another Sec- said it all. retarial Officer, at Wycombe Park. I looked down. When I arrived, he had already car- ‘That’s Santa Pod dragstrip on the ried out pre-flight checks and found outskirts of Bedford’ I said. the battery flat. I would have to swing ‘No good’ came the reply. www.ascott-under-wychwood.org.uk Page 15 - Issue 59 Flying conditions were not good, cially when you are not sure where it with a thick heathaze obscuring vi- is. After circling Northampton several sion. Seen from low altitude, the times, fuel dwindling by the minute, towns of Aylesbury, Northampton we eventually found Sywell - parked and Milton Keynes, whilst some dis- aircraft were the clue - and landed. tance apart by road, seemed close to- Then Dave found he had forgotten his gether and we could not clearly iden- fuel card and had to use his blankety- tify which was which. At that point, blank chequebook and pen to buy Dave induced further angst when he AVGAS. looked at the fuel gauges in the wing Once again, I drew the short straw roots and announced we were low on on swinging the wretched prop when gas. Flyers have an adage that there are the refuelling mechanic declined and old pilots and bold pilots, but there we took to the air en route to are no old and bold pilots. Bold pi- Wycombe Park. Chastened by his ear- lots in my book included those crass lier gaffe, Dave took his navigation enough to take off without checking more seriously and we hit Wycombe their fuel state. Park on the nose. We eventually identified North- When he took out a runway ampton. Spotting a field with tarmac marker on landing it confirmed my runways is difficult, but spotting a resolution never to fly with him again. grass field is even more difficult, espe- Nigel Wild

The Ascott Grapevine - Page 16 Don’t forget about the Ascott website: Gardening Notes I don‘t know how to sum up garden- cause if I don‘t cut back I am going ing during the last quarter. I suppose to cause plants to struggle for space, frustrating would be a good word. lose their vigour and probably die so Frustrating because of the weather. I have to hack back and give them a There have been very few prolonged chance. I know also that cutting back periods of good weather without rain, stimulates growth and vastly improves temperatures haven‘t been as high as a plant so what am I getting so upset might be expected and there has been about? lots of wind. The consequences in my Despite setbacks brought about by garden are that weeds have had a field the weather or plants not turning out day and everything ornamental has to be the colour I expected them to grown much taller than normal and be or dying despite the loving care and is flopping into its neighbour. The attention I‘ve given them, I get more plus side is that because of moderate pleased every year with the way the temperatures flowers are lasting well. garden is turning out. It has been such The old-fashioned roses have been a wise decision to remove the gravel excellent and are still holding on while paths. Laying grass instead has shown phlox look very healthy and show no signs of drying out, shown in crispy brown leaves at the bottom of their stems so I am looking for- ward to their wonderful perfume carrying on for weeks. Another consequence of the weather is that many plants are outgrowing their allotted spaces and I am fearful that I will have to do major cutting back in the Autumn. That fills me with dread. I hate hacking back. I‘m always sure that I‘ll kill flowers and shrubs, upset the balance of the plants and ruin the overall effect for next year. When I start to think logically I begin to see the wrong- ness of my thoughts of disaster be-

www.ascott-under-wychwood.org.uk Page 17 - Issue 59 off plants, shrubs and trees much bet- I bet a number of you are think- ter than the gravel ever did. The gar- ing, it‘s all very well telling us about den looks so much more like a coun- the garden we can‘t see behind the big try garden and I think looks more wooden gates but will she ever get spacious because you are not so aware round to doing something about the of where one section ends and the front garden so improving what we next begins. The last gravel will come can see. You‘ll be pleased to know that out this winter. Look out for another this is another job for Autumn/Win- skip, I can‘t live without one! The ter. The real problem has been that I trees we planted some five to eight have never hit on a satisfactory solu- years ago are beginning to have a pres- tion for what is a very small and im- ence. One thing we will do as part of poverished area of soil. This year the the Autumn chop will be to raise the problem has been compounded by canopies of most trees by removing the very nasty meadow grass which the their lowest branches. This will either flood brought and the building work give more opportunity for planting that took place last year. Now, I think beneath the trees or make it more I have at last hit on a satisfactory plan. comfortable to walk under them or You‘ll have wait and see. Not that it give better vistas to areas beyond. is anything spectacular. At least tell- There is still one area to be devel- ing you means I‘ll have to get down oped. I‘ve written about it before and to it or my name will be mud! Wish had expected to have made a start by me luck that it all works out. now. It is where we intend to have a As you will have noticed there is herb garden and asparagus bed. As it plenty of enjoyable work stacked up happens, it is a good thing it has not for the coming months. No doubt as been dealt with because the extra with all plans some of it will get done, raised vegetable beds I obtained this some won‘t and some will never be year have encroached on the area. Not done because events overtake by much but it will mean changing plans.But please, please, please don‘t the layout a little. I do hope we don‘t let either Dave or I come up with a have any more re-thinks, I want to be brilliant new idea for major upheav- able to concentrate on making lovely als in the main garden because if it is combinations of plants and colours ‘brilliant’ we will want to do it and I in the flower beds. I really like grow- really, really want to concentrate on ing vegetables but flowers are my first the flower borders. love. Sometimes I think they get scant Yvette Keuffling attention.

The Ascott Grapevine - Page 18 Don’t forget about the Ascott website: How oId are Ascott’s pubs? The simple answer is that no one pation for those days, contributing to knows. Their origins lie in the ob- a longer life. scure mists of time. The Swan, now happily flourish- However the two pubs which have ing again, can be documented back until fairly recently formed part of the to the late 18c. when William Milton village, date back at least two centu- travelled to Ascott via West Wycombe ries, maybe several more. and Charlbury, to become the land- The Churchill Arms which closed lord in 1790. He remained in charge in the latter part of the 20c.was first of the pub until 1815 and lived there situated in the building later known with his wife Elizabeth. They had ten as Corner House Farm at the west end children between 1781 and 1802 but of High Street. Then a new purpose although several daughters married in built pub was erected in the 1850’s Holy Trinity Church, the sons either (now Sunset House) just after the ar- died or moved away, sometime before rival of the railway in Ascott. Perhaps William died in 1817. The Swan then a speculation on the part of Lord came into the hands of Nathaniel Churchill who at that time, owned Paintin who was both baker and land- the pub and most of the village. In lord. Could this be the origin of the the village Census of 1841, the two bread oven or were previous landlords proprietors were John and Elizabeth also bakers? Yet another question! North, both aged 75. Perhaps Wendy Pearse innkeeping was a fairly healthy occu- Flu Jab: Reminder from Wychwood Surgery The Partners at Wychwood Surgery There will be NO INDIVIDUAL would like to invite all their patients LETTERS this year. Please mention who are 65 or turning 65 before the this to anyone you know who would 1st April 2009 and those who have a benefit from or usually has a flu vac- regular flu jab for any other reason cination. such as a long term medical condition If you need any further information such as asthma, diabetes or heard dis- please visit the surgery or look at the ease, or who are a carer to attend the website at: surgery for their flu vaccination early www.wychwoodsurgery.co.uk. in October. Clinics will be available daily from October 6th so please ring and make your appointment now on 01993 831061. www.ascott-under-wychwood.org.uk Page 19 - Issue 59 Events in West Oxfordshire Local History Exhibition Witney Music Festival - Hastings Hill, Churchill Cokethorpe School, Witney OX29 Saturdays and Sundays 2-4.00pm 7PU to 28th September 3-day line-up of Rock, Jazz and Clas- sical music. Hog Roast/Barbecue and The 70s - The Decade that Time For- Beer/Champagne Tent Available. got Tickets: £10 per day, £15 for week- County Museum, Woodstock end (concessions half price) to 12th October Tel: 01993 892338 Email: [email protected] The Blanket Story Friday 12 September (Rock) Witney Town Museum 6.30pm to 10.00pm 20th August to 22nd October Saturday 13 September (Jazz): 11.30am to 8.00pm Threshing & Harvest Sunday 14 September (Classical): Cogges Museum, Witney 10.00am to 8.00pm 6th & 7th September The Only Fools Fun Run - Your Banbury Street Organ Festival & chance to help take back lives from Town Criers Championship leukaemia whilst tackling the horse Saturday 6 Sept - 9am until 4pm jumps, grassy banks and water obsta- Around the Town of Banbury - based cles that make up the 4 miles cross at Banbury Town Hall, Bridge Street, country course section of the Banbury OX16 5QB Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials. Chippy Jazz - A Day of Jazz Events Sunday 14 Sept from mid-morning to evening Contact Stuart Lees on 0121 554 Sunday 7 Sep 08 - Free gigs 12:00am 7678 for more information. until 11:00pm around the town. £12 entry fee - Registration from Afternoon of Swing with the Chip- 10am, race starts at 1.15pm ping Norton School All Stars Jazz Blenheim Palace, Woodstock Oxford- Band - £8 per ticket 2.30pm at the shire OX20 1PS Chipping Norton Theatre. Evening Concert featuring Megs Harvest Home Etherington’s 8-Piece Hokum Jazz Cogges Museum, Witney Band i - £14 per ticket including first 14th September drink free at 7.30pm at the Chipping Norton Town Hall. Chipping Norton. The Ascott Grapevine - Page 20 Don’t forget about the Ascott website: Country Fair & Poultry Show Bridewell Open Day 27th & 28th September Bridewell Organic Farm, Wilcote Apple & Orchard Weekend 14th September 11th & 12th October Scarcrow Weekend Classic Car & Motorcycle Event 25th & 26th October Blenheim Palace Advent Weekend 21st September 6th & 7th December Cogges Museum, Witney Bus Rally Bus Museum, Long Hanborough Combe Mill in Steam 12th October Blenheim Sawmills, Combe 21st September & 19th October Santa’s Weekend Bus Museum, Long Hanborough A Wild Bank Holiday 13th & 14th December Thursday 21 Aug to Wednesday 10 Sep - 10.00am to 4.30 everyday These Dates and times were correct at Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens, the time they were compiled. We suggest that you check the venues Burford, OX18 4JP before visiting. The Magic Hour - A sonic adventure inspired by dusk in the Gar- den. Thursday 4 Sept to Satur- day 6 Sept - 7-10pm Bed & Breakfast ocmevents.org.uk Info: 01865 286690 Fiddlers Hill University of Oxford Bo- Shipton under Wychwood tanic Garden, Rose Lane, Oxford OX1 4AZ 2 excellent en suite rooms One twin - One Double Television – Tea Making Guests’ own Patio/Garden Parking

Please ring 01993 830640 Mobile: 07803 399697

www.ascott-under-wychwood.org.uk Page 21 - Issue 59 I Want to be a Wise Man Like ninety percent of the population Then when someone becomes most of my working life was spent in wise, they are expected to make pro- employment I didn’t like. During found statements like ‘Why when you those years I had to present myself at clip your toenails do the bits fly into the Labour Exchange because I had the Irish Stew on the cooker.’ Or, ‘ lost my previous job, either through Why when we get older does hair stop redundancy or walking out because I growing through the top of our scalp couldn’t stand it any longer. and grows down our noses and out More often than not I would be of our ears?’ interviewed by a bright young thing Of course it is often said that old who would ask, ‘What qualifications people become wiser. This is com- do you have?’ Answer. None. ‘Do you pletely untrue. They just forget what have a trade?’ No. ‘Did you serve an idiots they were when they were apprenticeship?’ No. ‘What work young. would you be suitable of doing, do One of the most famous studies in you think?’ Art of a wise man, would be Rodin’s It’s then I wanted to answer, but ‘The Thinker.’ But what was he think- had not got the nerve. I wanted to ing? My guess. He was thinking,’ Now say,’ I want to be a wise man. I don’t where did I put my shirt and trousers want to do anything. I just want to last night?’ think about it.’ This had the advan- I can offer some words of wisdom. tage of, let’s say…. digging the garden, The owl is said to be a wise old bird but only thinking about it. Or think but don’t try and copy it by trying to about being a Christian while spend- turn your head too far around. You ing Sunday morning in bed. The prob- will finish with a neck brace and look- lem is, once you announce you are a ing like a Burmese dancing girl. wise man, it is then you are as far away I’ve always been a dreamer and I from being one as you could possibly have often thought,’ Ah, life is but a get. dream.’ This can soon be proved oth- What clothes and bearing should erwise by getting someone to kick your a wise man have? Always smart and arse and see if it hurts. alert to the world. Or wander around So the question is… Do you think deep in thought, with your shirt out you are wise? Are you level headed of your trousers and wearing odd with good taste? If so, ask yourself this. socks? Should you greet everyone with Why am I bothering to read this non- a knowing smile or trip on the pave- sense? ment and use language unsuitable for Fred Russell abstract thought?

The Ascott Grapevine - Page 22 Don’t forget about the Ascott website: Our Changing River My friend Bill Izod and I were invited in the early 1950s a large dredger came to join a small group to assess prob- along and thoroughly cleaned out the lems with the river and to discuss what riverbed for the full length of the might be done to limit the severity of Evenlode. Although we had several future flooding. long very wet spells in the fifties and I have lived in Ascott parish all my sixties which I well remember because life and Bill has always lived nearby I was trying to make hay and harvest and has farmed Ascott land by the grain crops during those same years, river for over twenty years. the floors of Coldstone House were We were walking across the not flooded again for about thirty meadow towards the other people by years. The nineties was a relatively drier the river when we were surprised by a decade which was lucky for some peo- friendly call from a well meaning lady ple. by the roadside, with an enquiry as My own understanding of the to whether we were lost. So thank you present situation is that the ‘Thames madam for your kind offer of help, Water Company’ of today uses the but no. We were not lost! The present state of the river brought to my mind the changes in it’s appear- ance and character during the seven decades over which I have known this watercourse. I lived in Coldstone Farmhouse un- til 1952 and I remember the full time gang of river cleaners who made regular patrols and cleaned out all the fallen trees and branches and with their long handled slash hooks trimmed back the briars and other shrubs down the bank sides. In spite of all their efforts our lower floors were flooded several times to a depth of up to 30 centimetres. Then www.ascott-under-wychwood.org.uk Page 23 - Issue 59 The Ascott Grapevine - Page 24 Don’t forget about the Ascott website: river for it’s profit making, water sup- accumulate. These not only reduce ply and sewerage treatment enterprises the speed of flow but also divert the but is not in any way responsible for fastest currents to the sides where they the upkeep of the river and makes no undermine the banks and wash against contribution of any sort towards it’s the bridge foundations. maintenance. Experts of today state that river Nature has had free reign over the dredging would not solve the flood- river for half a century allowing ing problems. However, one draws mounds of silt, mud and debris to ones own conclusions. Jim Pearse Who is Stan? I could be accused of being a couch am told it was the age of reason. If potato when it comes to watching this was so, why did the men wear television. But let me make it clear those ridiculous wigs and the women right away. This does not include Soap plaster their faces like white faced Operas, Reality Shows or Quiz clowns, with spots on them like large Shows. These I would like to blast as blackheads? When what they both far as possible into space, where they needed was a good hot bath. But may be discovered by Aliens, and if what annoys me most, if we are to they watched these programmes, we believe how this period is portrayed would be safe, because they would in drama on television, is the men who never want to invade the Earth. seem to strut about in those white Have you noticed that when they britches, constipated with their own dramatise a story from the past involv- importance. ing the North of England, more of- Now we come forward a little to ten than not the background music when refined ladies wore the crino- is of a brass band. While if it’s from line dresses. For those who do not the more genteel and better spoken know what a crinoline is, these can English of Jane Austen and the be seen today as knitted dolls which South, it’s usually some bloke play- cover the lavatory paper in many a ing a crumhorn or sackbut. Although tasteful bathroom up and down the I’m a soft southerner, I prefer the brass country. My theory is that they wore band. these dresses in Victorian days because A little knowledge is said to be a babies were not born the natural way, bad thing, so what I am about to write but hatched from eggs. These were could be wrong. The period of Eng- carried under the crinoline to be in- lish history I dislike the most is the cubated by the mother like a hen with 18th century into the 19th century. I young chicks. That’s why they had www.ascott-under-wychwood.org.uk Page 25 - Issue 59 large families. It made sense to incu- Mortenson and Stan Laurel. I don’t bate 12 rather than just one. It’s a think it was any of these. Perhaps great pity we are not hatched from through the pages of the Grapevine, eggs today. Think of the money that someone could answer this question? could be saved in maternity grants. I have attended church most of my Both mother and father could go off life, so it came as a great shock when to work and leave the egg to incubate the Rev. Mary Crameri revealed to in a warm oven along with the casse- me that to be a Christian was a reli- role. gion for losers. I am getting old now The question I would like the an- and realise I have been a bit of a loser swer to is, ‘Who is Stan?’ all my life. I’m fed up with being a I know in this day and age one loser so I have decided to give up must be very PC and not offend any- Christianity and start supporting Man one. But there is Pakistan, Afghani- United. It would be interesting to stan, Turkestan and various other know what Bishop Colin will make ‘stans’ from around that region. I of this! know of Stan Matthews, Stan Fred Russell

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The Ascott Grapevine - Page 26 Don’t forget about the Ascott website: The Ascott Barrow There are probably not too many peo- gans would have been profoundly in- ple in the world who pull back their fluenced by the revolving seasons of curtains each morning and gaze into the year and the waxing and waning stone receptacles, even older than of the moon. Rather than going on Stonehenge, which contained the bended knee to all powerful deities, bones of those who lived in the local- they worked in partnership with their ity 5700 years before them, but thanks Goddesses and their Gods to protect to the recently installed barrow stones and treasure the land and the animals that is now my situation. upon which they depended. In fact Since they lie next to Holy Trinity our people would almost certainly Church, there is the fascinating con- have revered the Goddess since all the trast between the new monotheism earliest representations of deities are of Judaism, Christianity and Islam female, with models such as the and the polytheism of the older faiths. 30,000 year-old “Venus of As I looked out at the stones I started Willendorf”. In the West it was not to wonder about the people who first until some 1000 BCE that male gods used them and about their beliefs. started to become prevalent, as socie- They were what we now call Pagans ties became more structured and war- and a good start was to find a defini- like, and felt the need for warrior sup- tion. The word comes from the Latin port rather than the nurturing of the Paganus and was originally used by Goddesses. urban Romans to refer to country Since there is no Pagan ‘bible’ and dwellers; people who preferred their such written record as there is comes local faith. It was later applied to largely from the accounts of the Ro- people who wor- shipped local deities, or people who practiced polytheism. There are many forms of paganism, rang- ing from native shaman- ism, which exists in similar form across the world, to the sophisti- cation and complex lin- eages of the Roman and Greek pantheons. The beliefs of our local pa- www.ascott-under-wychwood.org.uk Page 27 - Issue 59 The Ascott Grapevine - Page 28 Don’t forget about the Ascott website: mans, much of what is known about March. This is the first month of the old beliefs relies upon oral tradi- the Roman year. It is named after the tions. The fascinating thing for me has Roman god of war, Mars. been to realise that, despite some It is equally remarkable how the 1600 years of Christianity, so many celebration of the old festivals and the of the old traditions still exist and traditions associated with them have here are a few of those that I have been also survived. able to gather to date: Yule is an ancient festival celebrated The days of the week: at the winter solstice around 21st De- Sunday – named after: the sun cember. This is the shortest day and Monday – named after: the moon many of the old religions celebrate the Tuesday – name after Tiw (Tyr): rebirth of life and their Gods such as God of battle and victory. Attis and Mithra, at this time as the Wednesday – named after Woden/ days start to lengthen. Fir trees (the Wotan (Odin): Father and ruler of the home of the woodland spirits in the Gods and mortals wintertime) were brought into the Thursday – named after Thor: God home and decorated to join the cel- of thunder and sky, and good crops. ebrations. The fairy on the top of the Friday – named after Frigg (Friia): tree is said to represent the Goddess, wife of Odin; great mother of the whilst the shiny balls that we use to- Gods. day reflect back to the witch balls that Saturday – named after Saturn: god were hung in windows to protect the of fertility, agriculture, time. home. Mistletoe has long been a sa- It is interesting that despite the cred and mysterious plant. The Celts days of the week having been Roman in particular revered it as the golden during the occupation, the old God- circles of mistletoe in the trees repre- desses and Gods Tiw, Woden, Thor sented the rebirth of the sun. The and Frigg moved back in pretty fast original giver of gifts was the God when the Romans left! Woden who would ride through the The Roman Gods did manage to sky in his wooden chariot. The Yule- hang on to the first three months of log was carefully selected and dragged the year: January. Named after the Ro- in to the home with much ceremony man god of beginnings and endings and had to burn for the length of the Janus (the month Januarius). festival to help the strengthening sun February. The name comes either to grow. from the old-Italian god Februus or Easter is another very significant else from februa, signifying the festi- celebration, named after the Saxon vals of purification celebrated in Goddess Eostre. There is a legend Rome during this month. that she found a wounded bird and www.ascott-under-wychwood.org.uk Page 29 - Issue 59 healed it. Every year thereafter, in place by the river where those who gratitude, the bird presented her with were here before us came to meet their a gloriously decorated egg. Eggs have Goddess. always been associated with birth and When the Vikings invaded Scandi- they also reflect the power of the full navia they imposed their own deities moon. Eostre’s earthly form was that and traditions and in particular cre- of a rabbit from which we get the ated Valhalla, the home after death Easter Bunny. Even hot cross buns of warriors. Hel was then forced un- are said to represent a sacred circle derground, to be considered a lesser marked with the four points of the Goddess who took in women and compass and their associated elements men, who were not brave in battle, of earth, air, fire and water. All the after their deaths and tended and cared changing seasons would have been for them until they were ready for re- celebrated, as would the phases of the incarnation. Helvete (Hell) later be- moon which hold great significance came the name of the Christian in- to Pagans and the date of Easter Sun- ferno of endless pain when the bible day, the most important Christian was translated into the Germanic Lan- festival, is still calculated as being the guages. first Sunday after the first Full Moon So far reaching was Hel that her on or after the Spring Equinox. name is reflected in Holland, I have also discovered that so many Helvetica (Switzerland), Helas (Greece) words that we take for granted have and even England and Scotland, their roots deep in ancient times. Just Albion and Alba respectively, both one example comes from Sweden, meaning “offspring (bearn) of Hel”. where Helgoland County was named She is also the root of English words, after Hel (Mother Earth), whom the heal, holy, help, hail, hold, whole, all, Scandinavians worshiped as the one elf, etc. all-powerful source of life’s abundance I have come to realise that our and there is evidence from sculptures predecessors in this place were not that she has been known to human- crude stone shifters but men and ity for at least 25,000 years. There was women with a deep understanding of no complicated mythology to believe the environment in which they lived in, spiritual practice was simply the and a sensitivity to the ebb and flow art of serving and living in harmony of the energies all around them. Their with the whole of the Goddess’ crea- legacy is still with us and we would tion. A sacred place of communion do well to emulate them by working with Hel was often near water, that in harmony with the rest of creation, embraces and flows through all. It rather than trying to impose a domin- seems likely that the present site of ion over it. Holy Trinity Church was a sacred Tim Lyons

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www.ascott-under-wychwood.org.uk Page 31 - Issue 59 Who do you think you are?

Have you ever wondered about where you could record it manually but com- your family came from? Have you puters are made for the job. wondered about how you came to be 3. Sources of research material the person that you are? The recent and the internet is full of it. television programmes which have 4. A means of sharing and ex- traced the ancestry of various ‘celeb- changing information if you so wish. rities’ have certainly prompted many people to look into their own family So, where to start? You must start trees. The good news is that it has by questioning your family and re- never been easier. In the past, genea- cording as much information as you logical research required you to travel can. When Granny has gone, all her to record offices and then spend memories will have gone with her. So hours of hunting through dusty please ask about parents, grand par- records. Thanks to the internet and, ents, great grandparents, where and in fairness, the Church of Latter Day when they were born, their occupa- Saints, tracing family history has be- tions, really any pieces of information. come an activity that you can under- Get them to dig out old photographs take without ever leaving your PC. It and family papers, identify all the peo- is also fascinating, frustrating, reward- ple in the pictures, pencil names and ing, educational and can lead to dates and locations on the back,scan friendships across the world. them and label them. Marriage Cer- Let me say at once that I am by no tificates, Birth Certificates, Death means an expert and that all I have Certificates, Wills are hugely useful. achieved has been as a result of trial As a child, and perhaps in more re- and error but I hope that this short spectful times, I had a number of article will inspire you and give you ‘Uncles and Aunties’ who were actu- enough information to get you ally not related but friends of my par- started. I began my researching just ents. Sort these out because they can two years ago and this morning my really confuse things! Be a bit sensi- software congratulated me for record- tive as well because single parents are ing my 1700th family member. by no means a modern phenomenon In order to build your family tree and when you start digging, you might you really just need four things:- find that marriage and birth dates as 1. As much base information reported to you are not necessarily about your family as you can gather. accurate. I have recently come across 2. A means of recording the infor- a woman in the 1860s, described in mation and there are loads of software the parish registers as being ‘married packages to assist with this. I guess with her fathers consent’ presumably

The Ascott Grapevine - Page 32 Don’t forget about the Ascott website: because despite being just 14, there be in business. Searching through was a baptism 4 months after the wed- www.ancestry.co.uk should enable ding! you to find them on the census re- Once you have gathered informa- turn. You then work backwards tion, you will need some software to through the returns until you find record the details of the individuals them living with their parents. You you discover and their relationships now have the parent’s names and can to each other. There are quite a work them back in the same way. number of software packages available So, for example, I knew that my including some free downloads. I use grandfather, Ralph Woodward, was Family Tree Maker to build my tree born in Bristol in 1890. A search on since this links through to his name, location and year of birth Ancestry.com which is probably the brought up the 1901 census which biggest genealogical data base in the showed that he and his mother and world. I also pay about £80 per an- brother were staying that census night num to Ancestry which allows me to with his mother’s parents. The cen- search all the UK records. If you sus shows his mother as Maria Wood- think that you have family overseas, ward (a teacher) and since she was with you can pay extra and have access to her parents, I get the bonus of know- records such as ship passenger lists, ing that her maiden name was Jefferies. immigration lists, US census returns, I can now search on Maria Woodward even slave ship lists. and find her on the 1891 census with After I have added a new individual her husband John, also a school into Family Tree Maker, one click will teacher. start a search of all the Birth, Marriage From the 1891 census return I now and Death records and all the census know that John was born in Bristol records which have been taken every in 1864 and searching on him reveals 10 years from 1841. 1901 is the last him in 1871 census with his parents census to be released and you can bet John Charles Woodward & Harriet, that there will be massive web activity living in Hotwells Road in Bristol, when the 1911 census is published. where father John was a master wood Once I have identified a match, I can turner and carpenter working in the then view the actual census return shipyards. A search on John Charles which will tell me where my ancestors (born 1832) reveals him in 1851 liv- lived, details of their children, their ing in Jacobs Wells, Bristol with his ages, occupations and place of birth. parents George and Charlotte. These census returns are really fasci- George was born in 1800 and was a nating and hugely useful. If you know cordwainer (boot maker). Of course the name, year and birth place of a each census has also shown me the relation born before 1901 you should children of all the families and so I www.ascott-under-wychwood.org.uk Page 33 - Issue 59 can then start to try and follow them all about them. To achieve this I usu- forward. In a few minutes it can be ally obtain a copy of their marriage possible to travel through 100 years certificate from the General Register of family history. Office www.gro.gov.uk who for £7.00 An annoyance is that the people will get a copy to you in 4 or 5 days. who compiled the census did not al- Beware, there are other organisations ways have the greatest handwriting who will obtain this information for and, as the information was collated, you but they charge more and go to thick pencils were used to tick things exactly the same source. Once you off. Add to this the need for the in- have the certificate, you have Granny’s formation to then be typed into soft- surname, details of her father and off ware by people who may not have you go with your researches again. I been familiar with the names and discovered a new Gt Gt Gt Grandfa- places and you will see that mistakes ther only this week by this method. can be made. Unfortunately search- Getting back to the generations ing on ‘Lyon’ when it has been en- before the census returns does require tered as ‘Lyun’ means it will never be investigating parish records for mar- found and for this reason whole fami- riage, death and christening records lies can ‘disappear’ from the census but many of these exist and many are because of a typing error. I discov- on line. The internet will usually put ered that in one of the census years you in touch with people who can Leafield had been consistently entered help you and most towns have some as Seafield. Incidentally, here is a sort of family history association and strange thing. Apart from living in the local authority websites can often Ascott for 11 years, I had no notion tell you where the records can be in- of any connection with this part of spected. the world until I discovered that Gt The best news is that much of the Gt Uncle William Lee had been Vicar research may have already been done of Leafield from the1880s to the for you. Quite apart from the fami- 1920s. There is a plaque in the church lies in the UK who have published commemorating him. It is also fasci- the results of their work on line, ge- nating to see that he employed a gov- nealogy is a worldwide activity and erness, a nurse, a house maid, a cook many people on the old colonies are and a laundry maid all to look after very keen to find out about their Brit- him, his wife and two children. ish roots. Their family trees are often Something else that does frustrate shared on the internet and one good me is that the census returns do not ‘hit’ can fill in a whole branch of your show women’s maiden names, be- tree. One contact completed my fa- cause I hate just having ‘Granny ther’s paternal line back to Patrick Harriet’ in my tree. I want to know Lyon, 1st Lord of Glamis, born in

The Ascott Grapevine - Page 34 Don’t forget about the Ascott website: 1402. Actually ‘One World Tree’ genuine. If it is, you have just found continued the lineage back to Char- a long lost relation! What is more they lemagne but having a grandfather who may have been researching for years was a Holy Roman Emperor seems a and be able to tell you huge amounts bit extreme! about your family. So now you have done your re- The downsides? Well there are a searches and carefully recorded all the couple. In publishing your informa- information you have found on your tion on the web you effectively giving software package. This will also com- it away and I believe that the Church pile family trees for you to print out of Latter Day Saints use genealogical together with all sorts of reports. A information to ‘baptise’ the quick and BIG MISTAKE I have made is that I the dead into their Church but since have not always recorded the sources most of the information comes from of the information that I have discov- sources that they have researched and ered. This really is so important be- transcribed anyway, you are unlikely cause you may want to revisit the to be adding names that they do not source and as new information comes already know. The other issue is that to light you may have to review parts great family legends can be disproved of your tree. Sometimes information and, occasionally, illegitimacies, un- is challenged and when you are asked known adoptions and so on can be for your sources, ‘I can’t remember’ unearthed. is a bit pathetic! I have found the process to be fas- Now, if you want to, you can share cinating and it has taught me a great your information with the world. For deal of social history. For example, I this I use genesreunited.co.uk. One had many family members who were of the options on your software will weavers and agricultural labourers liv- be to save the data as a ‘gedcom’. This ing in Wellington, Somerset in the is a common genealogical format that 1840’s and 50’s. In the 1860’s the you simply upload to your account weavers had started to move away to with genesreunited. You can actually the mill towns of Bradford and Bol- build your tree on the website but I ton, they were economic migrants find it easier to work off line. Your following the work. The Enclosures researches will then be compared with Acts changed the way farm labourers the 500 million or so names already lived and so they started to move off there and if there are matches with to the towns of Bridgwater and to your tree they are reported back to Bristol to work on the new railways. you. You can now contact the own- Some moved to South Wales and ers of the matching tree, open yours became miners. This was also a time for their inspection, ask to see theirs of great emigration and I have also and establish whether the match is gathered up family (well fifth cousins www.ascott-under-wychwood.org.uk Page 35 - Issue 59 three times removed!) all over the that I had visited the pub in Great world and we share information by Baddow in which she was born in email. 1840. Most people want to know if Thanks to the miracle of the web, I have found anyone famous and yes I a family of relations ‘lost’ from the have! My 8th Great Grandfather was 1871 census was ‘found’ the same day Sir John Hebden (born 1612) who was in Firestone Creek, Australia because Charles 1st Emissary to the Russian the town website mentioned them as Court, he also worked for the Czar, early settlers and identified the parts travelled all over Europe on buying of town still named after them. I can missions and is mentioned in Samuel then switch to Google Earth and look Pepys Diaries. down upon the places where they If you are interested in having a go, lived. visit one of the genealogical websites, There are also complete surprises try a search and you could be well on and astonishing coincidences. I had your way to starting a hobby which no idea that my father, who was a can become disturbingly addictive! I Cornishman, had a Grandmother will get to 2000 relations! Happy who came from Essex and even weirder hunting. Tim Lyons West Oxfordshire Cats Protection The branch was formed in 1997. We long term, assisting have a main committee for the day with home checks. to day running of the branch and a For information on network of fosterers and fundraisers any of these call all making the branch run smoothly. 01993/831350 and We help cats for all sorts of reasons speak to Lou. anything from stray to abandoned Fundraising, making cakes or jams and and sick. We also help people with marmalade for our stalls, making craft any cat problems – rehoming, neu- goods to sell, donate cat food, litter tering, and dealing with Ferals (wild or toys and bric-a-brac, or simply sub- cats) where possible. Our costs are scribe to our quarterly “ Cats Tails” high but all monies go directly to the magazine, or even set up a standing cats as all our helpers are volunteers. order to our branch funds. Any help We welcome any new helpers and is always welcome. always need fosterers as the more fos- Please call 01993/831350 for more terers the more cats we can help. information. There are plenty of ways to help, Or email Volunteering to foster a cat long or www. westoxoncats.org.uk short term, fostering a sponsor cat Lou Tyack

The Ascott Grapevine - Page 36 Don’t forget about the Ascott website: Nature notes Following my own advice, from an driving their smaller cousins away and earlier Nature Notes, I’ve continued occasionally squabbling amongst feeding the garden birds throughout themselves, but the Coal Tits seem the breeding season and during sum- surprisingly brave and will stand their mer. It’s certainly been a rewarding ground. Sadly none of the Tits used experience as it’s given me the oppor- the nest box this year, perhaps the situ- tunity to observe the behaviour of the ation is now too open after I removed various species that have visited our overgrown ivy from the house wall. feeders. We did see some young Blue Tits be- The bravest birds were the Robins; ing fed, so they must have found a during the nesting season three birds sheltered place somewhere in the gar- were regular visitors throughout the den. day and one in particular became very Blackbirds have been regular visi- tame, sitting on the edge of the table tors, more so in the spring than sum- whilst we put out fresh food always mer. At this time of year they look being first down on the winter morn- particularly bedraggled as they lose ings. Now they are less regular feed- their old feathers, before the new ones ers, but we have been left with several have grown. One visitor has a bald youngsters who top-up their regular head and virtually no tail feathers. insect diet with a feast of seed and Our early morning visitors include peanut pieces. The young with their a pair of Ring Necked Doves and a speckled brown plumage look noth- pair of Wood Pigeons. The Pigeons ing like the red-breasted adults. sit on one side of the tray and the Doves on the other and each time the Doves move towards the seed they are driven back by the Pigeons. Eventu- ally some kind of truce is agreed and they all have their breakfast. It’s only when these four have had their fill that the smaller birds are allowed to move in. After removing some overgrown shrubbery a pair of Magpies spotted the feeding table and have now be- Great Tits, Blue Tits and Coal Tits come regular early morning visitors. all visit for the peanuts, but also en- Too early in fact, their raucous cries joy biscuit crumbs, sunflower seeds waking us at dawn and they have even and raw pastry. Being larger the Great taken to sitting on our bedroom win- Tits do try and hog the feeding tray, dowsill tapping the window with www.ascott-under-wychwood.org.uk Page 37 - Issue 59 their beaks. Whether they ous, rapidly flying off if are trying to get us up to they see movement feed them or attacking through a window or their reflection in our win- hearing a door-handle rat- dow I wouldn’t like to tle. They do seem to en- say, but having your bed- joy the fat and seed balls room window hammered that I hang from a nearby at 4.30 a.m. is quite an tree, but try as they might unnerving experience! they cannot emulate the Despite Magpies repu- agile Tits and all attempts tation as vicious birds given to steal- to hang onto the seed ing eggs and young songbirds from ball and feed at the same time are their nests our pair is extremely nerv- doomed to ungainly failure with much flapping of wings. Instead they try, with some suc- cess, to remove the seed ball from the tree or unpick the retaining string so that everything plunges to the ground, where they can feed at their lei- sure. Another very shy, occasional visi- tor is a Greater Spotted Wood- pecker, who despite his size can negoti- ate the hanging seed balls, using his tail as a prop in the same way as it is used when clinging to a tree trunk and searching for insects in the bark crevices.

The Ascott Grapevine - Page 38 Don’t forget about the Ascott website: Needless to say we have a constant We’ve certainly enjoyed our spring stream of Chaffinches; they now seem & summer visitors; I hope I might to be the have encouraged you to continue feed- most com- ing throughout the year. Remember mon visitors the golden rules: don’t feed whole to our gar- peanuts whilst young are being raised, den, but keep all feeding stations scrupulously seem to dis- clean, don’t put out salty food and play little in ensure that clean water is available for the way of drinking and bathing. interesting Happy bird watching. or unusual Stuart Fox behaviour.

Letter to the Editor I write in response to a disturbing re- I can assure you that neither I nor port in your spring edition, detailing my wife will offend again, and ear- a shocking case of daffodil theft in the nestly beg forgiveness. Should any Ascott churchyard. transgression of this nature be inad- The culprit in this matter is my vertently committed again, we would wife, and I feel that certain relevant quite understand if we were to be facts should be drawn to your read- dealt with severely at the local Assizes, er’s attention. and transported back to Botany Bay Firstly my wife and I, at the time forthwith. Of course this would fol- of this offence, had been in England low a good flogging and a period in a matter of a few weeks, and were com- the local stocks. pletely unaware that daffodil picking Yours humbly was verboten. I must say that in the Damien Ryan time that we have been here, we have on the whole, been welcomed into the community on every side, which only makes this incident more regret- table.

www.ascott-under-wychwood.org.uk Page 39 - Issue 59 Parish Council Flood Sub-Committee (FSC)

The Parish Council and the Ascott can be viewed on the WODC website Recovery Committee agreed in May www.westoxon.gov.uk . It divides the to form a sub-committee, which will village into four areas, roughly: Ascott concentrate on flood and sewage re- Earl; Shipton Road; The Green and lated matters and report to the Parish Wychwood Court; High Street. Each Council on the progress on flood of the four volunteer members of the defences, foul water drainage and river FSC has agreed to take special inter- and highways maintenance work. The est in one of these areas: FSC will also provide the main points Area 1 – Keith Macaulay, Ascott of contact for villagers concerned Earl House, Shipton Road about flooding and for outside bod- Area 2 – Philippa Carter, The Barn ies, including: West Oxfordshire Dis- House, Shipton Road trict Council (WODC), Oxfordshire Area 3 – Dave Wilkinson, Sunset County Council (OCC), the Environ- House, Wychwood Court ment Agency (EA), Network Rail Area 4 – Stephen Jones, Spring (NR), Thames Water (TW) and ripar- Barn, High Street ian owners. Their role does not include giving The WODC Flood Report (a copy advice on flood related matters, in- has been in the shop since 11 June) deed none of us is qualified to do so. However each member will be looking in detail at the proposals of the responsible bodies and will make comments to the Parish Council, so if anyone has an ob- servation, idea or complaint about the work proposed in the WODC Flood Report, please make contact with the person cov- ering your area of the village. At the time of writing on 24th June: · NR has agreed to repair the rail bridge and smooth the river flow under it. This work is supposed to begin during the summer and will last about two weeks.

The Ascott Grapevine - Page 40 Don’t forget about the Ascott website: · The EA has agreed to fund ing the culvert in the High Street dur- clearance work on the river between ing September. Gypsy Lane and Chipping Norton · Cornbury has looked again at Road next year and the riparian own- the run off from the hillside onto the ers are investigating clearing two choke High Street and will investigate ways points on the river along the same of improving the flow of water away stretch this year. from the road and properties. · TW has completed the first Nick Leadbetter phase of a study into the connectivity Member Parish Council of sewage drains and is starting a sec- ond phase to model the system to see where the weaknesses are and what solutions they can then put into the model to alleviate flooding. This is due to be completed by the middle of September. · OCC Highways has planned work on the Brook and Spring at Ascott Earl during August and enlarg-

www.ascott-under-wychwood.org.uk Page 41 - Issue 59 Ascott-under-Wychwood Parish Council On behalf of the Parish Council, I am now been demolished and progress pleased to report a good steady appears to have started. The Parish progress on the flood prevention and Council, together with the District contingency plans should any future Council are watching the future de- peril strike the Village. The Parish velopment of this site very carefully. Council have formed a Flood Sub- Dog Mess is still a problem, espe- Committee, which is being chaired by cially on and around the verges and Nick Leadbetter and volunteers. would you believe it in the Church- Please see Nick’s progress report on yard? Please pick up after your dog his dealings with all agencies includ- and dispose of responsibly. ing the Environment Agency, Thames The Pound is practically complete, Water, West Oxfordshire District with the Ascott Barrow firmly in Council, Network Rail etc. I am sure place, the Gate, Notice Boards and you will all agree this is excellent Bench in situe and the grass growing progress for Ascott, albeit the hard steadily. The re-siting of the electric- work is not done yet. The Council ity pole is still being chased, and took the decision to form a sub-com- progress is being made albeit slowly. mittee in order that Flooding could Finally, just to remind you all that be dealt with by the sub-committee the Parish Council meet every second giving the Council more time to spend Monday of the month in the Tiddy on issues, both ongoing and new Hall at 8pm, with the exception of within the Village. The Parish Coun- August. It is good to see so many cil would also like to thank the Dis- parishioners attending the meetings trict Councillor, Hilary Hibbert-Biles to have their say and to listen to how for her continued support and guid- issues are being dealt with by their ance on this and all other issues. Parish Council. Should anybody wish The reinstated Verge down the one to contact the Council, the contact side of the Village Green appears to details are noted below and of course be bedding in well now and without on the Village Website. doubt has helped alleviate the traffic Parish Council: flow. The Parish Council would how- Stuart Fox 832004 ever ask all parishioners and their fam- Elaine Byles 831427 ily and friends when visiting to please Bridgette Crundwell 830671 park responsibly. Nick Leadbetter 831571 Planning has been particulary quiet Peter Greeening 831757 over the last few months, with noth- ing much to report, that is of course Angela Barnes (Parish Clerk) with the exception of 2A Shipton 01608 641045 Road. The original Bungalow has

The Ascott Grapevine - Page 42 Don’t forget about the Ascott website: Wychwood Library Library News Thank you to everyone who donated There will also be a “Storytime” for such wonderful books to the Library the younger readers every Friday after- for the Milton Summer Fete. Some noon at 3pm during the holiday pe- of them actually went onto the library riod. shelves they were so new and the rest Come and have a coffee with us on were sorted and sold. a Wednesday morning. If the weather You will probably have noticed the is fine you can sit in the garden at the colourful window displays recently. back, with the kind permission of Mr The space is available for all village and Mrs Ralph. Good coffee and cake happenings so come in and book a to raise money for more new books. slot. See you soon at Wychwood Li- We have an amazing Jazz collection brary. here at present. CD’s, sheet music Ruth Gillingham, books and books on the artists will Library Manager. all be here until the end of Septem- Opening Times ber. Just £1 to take out a CD for one Monday: week so come in a take your pick and 2pm to 7.00pm if there is a particular aspect of music Tuesday: you would like to see in the library, Closed let us know and the Music Depart- Wednesday: ment will happily send us another 9:30am to 1pm/ collection. 2pm to 5pm Holiday Activities Thursday The Summer Reading Scheme Closed “Team Read”, as reported last issue, Friday: started on July 5th. If you haven’t 2pm to 7pm signed up it’s not too late. Look out Saturday: for colouring sheets, puzzles and hunt 9.30am to 1pm the Gang in the library as well as col- Phone: 01993 830281 lecting stickers and prizes as you go. We will be holding a serial reading every Monday at 4pm aimed at ages eight years and over. The book is “Weirdstone of Brisingamen” by Alan Garner. “Hotter than Potter” says one of the critics so it should be good. Come along. www.ascott-under-wychwood.org.uk Page 43 - Issue 59 Cook’s Corner: Ascott’s Favourite Recipes Best Ever Carrot Cake

Ingredients Cake Topping 275g (10oz) carrots 110g (4oz) cream cheese, at room tem- 125g (4 oz) walnut pieces perature 225g (8oz) softened butter 50g (2oz) unsalted butter, at room 225g (8oz) light soft brown sugar temperature 4 eggs ½ tbsp orange juice 200g (7oz) white self-raising flour 150g (5oz) icing sugar, sifted 1 level teasp baking powder Zest of 1 orange 2 level teasp ground cinnamon 25g (1oz) ground almonds grated rind of 1 orange

Grease and line 8 inch square cake tin To make cake To make topping Coarsely grate the carrots Combine cream cheese, butter and Roughly chop the walnuts orange juice together with electric Place next seven ingredients in a whisk, and then gradually add the ic- food processor and blend until ing sugar until mixture is smooth. If smooth. (Or beat with electric whisk) mixture is stiff add more orange juice. Pour mixture into a large bowl and When slightly set decorate with or- fold in walnuts, carrots and orange ange zest. rind Margaret Ismail Pour into tin and bake 180C/ 350F or gas mark 4 for about 1hr 25 mins Cool in tin for 10 mins before turning out onto a wire rack to cool. When cake is completely cold spread topping over.

The Ascott Grapevine - Page 44 Don’t forget about the Ascott website: The Post Office Stores Milton-under-Wychwood

The Post Office, The Green Shipton Road Milton-under-Wychwood OX7 6JL Tel: 01993 832243 Opening hours: Mon.-Fri. 9am - 5:30pm (Closed 1-2 for lunch) Saturday 9am - 1:00pm Post Office Services Available at ‘The Tiddy Hall’, Ascott Friday 2:00pm - 4:00pm (Bank Holidays Excepted)

We have a good selection of Greeting Cards, Stationery, Agents for Sherlocks Dry Cleaners, Photoprocessing, Passport Photos We will be pleased to see you.

Tiddy Hall

Regular Activities: Special Events: Monday – Friday Harvest Supper is on Sunday 28th Mornings September. Pre-school Contact: Mrs Pauline Plant 07968006451 Wednesday Afternoons Piano Lessons Contact: Pauline Carter 01993 774568 Wednesday Evenings Badminton Contact: Chris Morgan 01993 831958 To book the Tiddy Hall contact: Thursday evenings Ingrid Ridley: Yoga – 7.30 – 9pm 01993 830612 Contact: Jan Holah 01608 810620 Friday afternoon Post Office 2pm – 4pm

www.ascott-under-wychwood.org.uk Page 45 - Issue 59 The Ascott Grapevine - Page 46 Don’t forget about the Ascott website: www.ascott-under-wychwood.org.uk Page 47 - Issue 59 We are an independent estate agency specialising in the sale of property in West and North Oxfordshire and into the Cotswolds.

Providence House Dashwood House 49 High Street Shipton Road Burford Milton Under Wychwood Oxfordshire Oxfordshire OX18 4QA OX7 6JH Tel: 01993 824800 Tel: 01993 832288

66 Great Cumberland Place Marble Arch London W1H 7BL Tel: 0207 298 0314

Email: [email protected] Web: www.wychwoods.com

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