GR A PEV INE THE
APRIL/MAY 2015 EDITION 291
John Piper : Lewknor, Oxfordshire: Textured Walls, Traceried Windows 1964. Currently owned by the Tate.
NEWS FROM THE PARISH Here we are in April already. This year seems to be whizzing along at a great speed. Easter holidays are here and 2 weeks to entertain the smalls. If you’re having difficlties finding things to do over the break, there’s a great website at: dayoutwiththekids.co.uk you can search by type of activity and distance from your area. It’s saved me from going insane a couple of times! On the 3rd May, St. Margarets are having a scarecrow festival. Full details and an entry form can be found on page 6. This year’s Easter service will be on 5th April at St. Giles in Tetsworth. On 19 April, Krakatoa will be having the annual Spring treasure hunt, and the Pre-school are also
having a race night at Jubilee Hall on 16 May. Unfortunately, it’s time to mention dog mess yet again. A reader from Postcombe has drawn my attention to people bagging it, but then just leaving the bags on the floor. This is still inacceptable, especially as there are designated dog bins in both villages. Also this morning as I write, someone has let their dog foul just inside the gate at Red Park Kite where the children walk to Krakatoa. Someone reading this knows it’s them! DATES FOR THE DIARY 19 April Spring Treasure Hunt 3 May Scarecrow Festival 16 May Race Night at Jubilee Hall
FROM THE EDITOR
If you have any suggestions, or would like to write a regular column, submit a piece to be included in the next edition or have a local photograph new or old, please contact Sara-Jane on the new Grapevine email address: grapevinemagazine@hotmail.com.
1
THE GRAPEVINE APR/MAY 2015
OXFORD TUBE & AIRPORT BUSES
EXTRA GARDEN WASTE DISPOSAL
For those of you who use either the bus to London or to Heathrow & Gatwick as a group or family, do look at the website before you travel as it could save you money.
It’s time to give the garden a good clear out so why not make the most of SODC’s extra-large collection for garden waste customers.
Up to four people (including one adult) can buy a £70 return ticket to Heathrow for everyone. Quite a significant saving. If you go frequently, a ‘key card’ can be purchased for 12 trips valid for one year for £130. This would make a single journey only £10.83. The same applies to Gatwick. £85 for a group & £170 for 12 trips. The Oxford Tube to London has a 12 trip card available for cash as you board for £70. Also, children travel free Sundays to Fridays (from age 5-15) with one fare paying adult. The free travel offer is available on journeys between Oxford and London and is not available between Oxford and Lewknor or Hillingdon and London. Good to remember over the Easter Holidays! Oxfordtube.com oxfordbus.co.uk
If you already have a brown bin, you can put out one extra bin’s worth of garden waste on your normal collection day between 11 and 15 May. Please put it in a cardboard or a clear bag, so the bin crew can see that it’s garden waste. Please don’t leave out any trade or industrial bags – these won’t be collected. If you are not a garden waste customer, sign up for the service in June or July and receive a 10% discount on your brown bin. Existing customers will receive the discount on any additional bins ordered. Visit southoxon.gov.uk/gardenwaste or call 01749 341 247.
JACK GORDON DECORATING ALL TYPES OF DECORATING UNDERTAKEN INTERIOR OR EXTERIOR LARGE OR SMALL
LEWKNOR SCARECROW FESTIVAL 2015
Ring or email for a free quote: jackgordon44@aol.com 07590 517 444
Sunday 3rd MAY 10.30am-5.pm
GREAT FUN FOR ALL THE FAMILY!! PRIZES FOR THE FUNNIEST, MOST ARTISTIC, MOST IMAGINATIVE SCARECROWS SCARECROW QUIZ TRAIL CAKES & REFRESHMENTS/BBQ CHILDREN’S COLOURING COMPETITION To enter a scarecrow or for more details please see the advert and entry form on page 6 of this Grapevine Entry forms also available in St. Margaret’s.
2 PROCEEDS TO ST MARGARETS CHURCH & LEWKNOR CofE PRIMARY SCHOOL
ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY QUALIFIED FEMALE GARDENER KNOWLEDGEABLE GARDENING SERVICE INCLUDING PLANT CARE ADVICE, PLANTING PLANS, SEASONAL PRUNING, GARDEN MAINTENANCE PHONE: 01844 354097 / 07977 853522 EMAIL: BESGARDENING@TALKTALK.NET
THE GRAPEVINE APR/MAY 2015
LEWKNOR PARISH COUNCIL www.lewknor-pc.org.uk
HOUSING DEVELOPMENT IN LEWKNOR WE NEED YOUR HELP Government is pushing a policy of giving greater responsibility for local planning to the residents of local communities through the development of Neighbourhood planning. It gives people a major say in shaping development in their area and allows them to decide where development should go. It allows people to plan for the type of houses, businesses and green spaces they want in their area to help it thrive. Lewknor Parish is made up of Lewknor Village and the hamlets of Postcombe and South Weston. Given its position close to the M40 it is an area likely to receive the attention of developers keen to build new housing particularly for people commuting to work along the M40 corridor. The Parish Council hosted a small meeting with Planning at SODC, our County & District Councillors and a few residents of Lewknor and Postcombe to understand what is required of a Neighbourhood Plan. A summary of the meeting is available from the link on our Parish website at: lewknor-pc.org.uk So the next step is to ask ALL of you who have an interest in shaping the future of your neighbourhood to email us at: lewknorparish@hotmail.co.uk or if you don’t have access to a computer, call Caroline: 352 720. REMEMBER, THIS IS YOUR CHANCE TO HELP WITH SOMETHING THAT DOESN’T ORIGINATE FROM EITHER THE DISTRICT OR PARISH COUNCILS. NOT ONLY HELP WITH POSTING SURVEYS AND COLLECTION, BUT ANYONE WHO HAS LANDSCAPING, PROJECT MANAGEMENT, PLANNING OR TR ANSPORT SKILLS ARE NEEDED. THE NEXT STEP WILL BE TO ARR ANGE A LOCAL MEETING FOR EVERYONE TO COME TO, BUT PLEASE LET US KNOW IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN HELPING. There is more information on the SODC website, ‘Neighbourhood Plans’
3
THE GRAPEVINE APR/MAY 2015
BOOK CLUB AT LEWKNOR BEFOR E I GO TO SLEEP S.J. WATSON Last month we read Before I Go to Sleep by S.J. Watson which became a film with Nicole Kidman and Colin Firth in the starring roles. It is a first novel by an NHS audiologist, who wrote it in between shifts at London’s St Thomas’s Hospital, based on an idea that the author developed after reading an account of a patient with severe memory loss by Dr Oliver Sachs. The crux of the story is that Chrissie after surviving what she believes was a car crash, develops a form of amnesia which has left her able to store memories for only 24 hours. Every morning when she wakes she has forgotten the circumstances of her life and must relearn them from scratch, such as, who is this man lying beside her in bed? The man is Ben, who every day has to tell her that he is her husband. Chrissie, however, begins to write a journal of each day’s events and by reading her journal she is able to build up the collective memory of previous days. This journal is the idea of a clinical psychologist who contacts Chrissie directly but only after Ben has said he does not want him to treat his wife. At the beginning of her journal there is written ‘Don’t trust Ben’ but Chrissie does not know why it is written there. As the story progresses Chrissie is perplexed to learn that she has had a child and has also written a very successful novel before her accident. However, she wonders why Ben has said nothing of this until she finds evidence of their existence. She challenges Ben to explain why he has concealed these facts from her but he provides a very rational explanation in that Adam, their son, had been killed with the army in Afghanistan. He hadn’t wanted to distress her with this news and he had felt that Chrissie if she knew about the novel would realise how much of her creative ability she had lost making it extremely unlikely she would ever be able to write another. Very gradually with the help of her psychologist Chrissie begins to have f lashbacks of episodes of her past life, first of her younger self in her twenties and then of a friend who knew her then. She traces up the latter and, at this point, events begin to move faster ending in the novel’s dramatic climax.
4
It would be unfair to reveal more of the plot as the novel is certainly a page turner. It gave plenty of scope for discussion in our group and, although we had a few minor disagreements about how successful it was, we all gave it one of our better collective marks out of ten. This month, we are reading Damage by Josephine Hart which was made into a memorable film with Jeremy Irons and Juliette Binoche . Elan Preston-Whyte. Tel. 01844 350 382.
STEFANIE O’BRYEN FAMILY SOLICITOR Divorce • Conveyancing • Probate • Wills Contact your local solicitor for a friendly and efficient service Telephone: 01491 614 700 20 Shirburn Street Watlington, OX49 5BT Email: SOBfamlaw@hotmail.com HOME APPOINTMENTS BY ARRANGEMENT
THE GRAPEVINE APR/MAY 2015
5
THE GRAPEVINE APR/MAY 2015
LEWKNOR SCARECROW FESTIVAL 2015 SUNDAY 3RD MAY
LEWKNOR SCARECROW FESTIVAL
LAVITSEF WORCERACS RONKWEL
BUILD A SCARECROW & DISPLAY IT/THEM IN YOUR FRONT GARDEN SO THAT 2015 102THEME IS THEY ARE VISIBLE FROM THE ROAD ON THE SUNDAY. THIS YEAR 5THE “FAMOUS FILMS” THE ENTRY FEE ENTERS YOU IN FOR THE BEST SCARECROW Sunday 3rd MAY YAM dr3 yadnuS IN THE VILLAGE COMPETITION AND INCLUDES A HELP SHEET.
carecrow & display it/them in your front garden soye that ht ta they ht os nedrag tnorf ruoy ni meht/ti yalpsid & worcer
RULES:
le from the road on the Sunday. This year the theme issi emeht eht raey sihT .yadnuS eht no daor eht morf
Scarecrows must be on display from 10am to 7pm on the day ”smli Scarecrows can be no bigger than life size You can make as many on your property y fee enters you in for the Best Scarecrow in the village egalliv as ehyou t nwish i wofor rceone racentry S tsfee eB eht rof ni uoy sretne eef You will need to think of a clue for your scarecrow so that it can be entered into the quiz (help can be given ion and includes a help sheet. .teehs pleh a sedulcni dna n for this) If you would like to enter but do not live in the village, we can display scarecrows in the village for you with prior consultation. ws must be on display from 10am to 7pm on the day ad eht no mp7 ot ma01 morf yalpsid no eb tsum s Scarecrows can be made using any material e.gynewspaper, paper mache, balloons, balls. Your displays must not cause offence ws can be no bigger than life size ezis efil naht reggib on eb nac s The committee accepts no responsibility for scarecrows/accessories used by entrants
Films”
make as many on your property as you wish for one eeentry f yrtnfee e eno rof hsiw uoy sa ytreporp ruoy no ynam sa ek
ENTRY need to think of a clue for your scarecrow so that it ebcan naFORM cbe ti taht os worceracs ruoy rof eulc a fo kniht ot de
Entry fee is £2.50. All monies will be divided equally between St Margarets Church & )siht rof nevig eb nac pleh( ziuq eht ot Lewknor C of E Primary School
into the quiz (help can be given for this) Name:
ould like to enter but do not live in the village, we can Address:
nac ew ,egalliv eht ni evil ton od tub retne ot ekil dl
carecrows in the village for you with prior consultation. .noitatlusnoc roirp htiw uoy rof egalliv eht ni sworcer Please let us know what your scarecrow will be as it will be entered in for the Best Scarecrow competition.
ws can be made using any material e.g newspaper, paper repap ,repapswen g.e lairetam yna gnisu edam eb nac s Scarecrow will be........................................
balloons, balls. Telephone & email.......................................
.sllab ,snooll
plays must not cause offence
Please do not change your scarecrow without letting us know ecneffo esuac ton tsum sy Please return the completed form with entry fee to either: Jean at Town Farm or Libby at 2 Rectory Court or in the box in St. Margaret’s church. Return form by 24th April at the latest.
mittee accepts no responsibility for scarecrows/accessories seirossecca/sworceracs rof ytilibisnopser on stpecca eett
entrants
stnart
6
THE GRAPEVINE APR/MAY 2015
SPRING TREASURE TRAIL 19TH APRIL AT LEWKNOR JUBILEE HALL FROM 11AM
CAKE STALL HUMAN FRUIT MACHINE BOUNCY CASTLE TOMBOLA FACE PAINTING AND MORE.... £5 PER CHILD (INCLUDES, TRAIL, SWEET BAG, AND AN EASTER EGG TO DECORATE) All proceeds to Krakatoa Pre School, especially for the outdoors space re surfacing. Reg charity number:1022381 Tickets in advance from Emma Palmer/Heather Weston
7
THE GRAPEVINE APR/MAY 2015
LEWKNOR C of E PRIMARY SCHOOL 01844 351542 WWW.LEWKNOR.ESCHOOLS.CO.UK office.3184@lewknor.oxon.sch.uk This is the first of what we hope will be a regular contribution to the Village Grapevine from the School. We have had a busy time since Christmas with lots of activities over and above normal school work. At the end of January the whole school visited the Sheldonian Theatre, Oxford to take part in the Oxfordshire County Music Service’s Schools’ Concert. The programme included several memorable pieces including Jupiter from The Planets by Gustav Holst, Short Ride in a Fast Machine by John Adams; a Movement from Frozen and the Overture from Star Wars. The children also learned about the instruments of the orchestra and listened to music from a string quartet made up of children who were aged 10, 11 and 13. The trip was a huge success and enjoyed by everyone who attended.
Our Upper Juniors class – years 5 & 6, went to the Tower of London in February as part of their topic work on Crime and Punishment. On the day, the pupils had the opportunity to see the Crown jewels and were told many exciting tales such as how one prisoner escaped from the Tower by rope and boat. They also saw the place were several eminent people, including were two of Henry VIII’s wives were beheaded!! We have two new after school clubs running now – Mad Science and PE club. The Mad Science club is run by an external company and provides the children with much excitement as they shoot rockets into the sky or see exciting chemical reactions. The PE Club is run by the Company that provides our in school PE training and the classes help to broaden their interest in PE whilst helping to keep them fit. Some of you may have heard police sirens in the school playground recently – it wasn’t anything to worry about!! Three mothers of children in the school are in the police force and they put on a presentation for the school along with support from some school staff. They staged a car in collision
8
with someone riding a bike and the ‘stolen’ car was being driven by Burglar Bill (one of our Teaching Assistant’s, Mrs Turner). Burglar Bill had stolen a laptop and various other goodies that were in the SWAG bag that the police found when they searched the car. Once the cyclist who had been hit by the car (our school business manager, Mrs Carney) had been checked over for injuries, the police arrested Burglar Bill and he was taken in for questioning. The children were able to see a taped interview taking place and all were able to take fingerprints, whilst the youngest children sat in the police car and set off the sirens. Much fun was had by all and a big thank you goes out to our three mothers who arranged this great session for the school.
All this exciting activity took place on World Book Day when all the children dressed up as characters from books. The children were also encouraged to bring their favourite books to school to share with their classmates and prizes were given to the children the best fancy dress outfits. The School is always looking for volunteers, so if you feel you have some time you could offer the School to come in and help with reading or gardening for example, it would be greatly appreciated. Prospective parents are welcome to visit for a tour of the school and meet Mrs Cole, our Headteacher. Please contact the School office.
THE GRAPEVINE APR/MAY 2015
NEEDLES AND PINS
WITH ALISON SWAIN
Since the last Grapevine, I am delighted to say, as I may have mentioned before, that there has been my annual television treat of The Great British Sewing Bee – essential viewing in our household. This year the series seemed to be very short, I’m sure there were fewer episodes than previously, but as always the challenges seem to have got more and more difficult. With a number of contestants showing some excellent design and sewing skills, there was no obvious clear winner from the start, but a well deserved one at the end. One of the most interesting projects contestants face each week is the alteration challenge. Contestants are given an existing garment with free rein to transform it into something completely different, using whatever other fabric, trims etc they wish. Even if you are not very confident at sewing this is certainly something you can try to do at home with any garments you no longer wear. It can be as simple or as complex as you like depending entirely on your own imagination and creativity, and if it doesn’t work out then no problem - just change it again. If you have a few garments you might otherwise have thrown out for jumble or the clothes bank – think first whether you can make something new from a combination of them that will be your own unique creation. Plan carefully what you want to do before taking up the scissors! A simple option is to remove some pockets or a collar or cuffs from one shirt and stitch them on another. Don’t worry too much about careful neat stitching either if you can’t do it. Some bold stitches in a bright colour can be just as effective. Trousers with worn knees can easily be transformed into shorts, don’t bother with hemming them - leave them rough and frayed for a really casual look. Trousers can also be made into skirts by opening up the leg seams and stitching in a panel piece of a different fabric. Skirts can be cut to different lengths and then have a contrasting fabric stitched on to make a new length and look. Other ideas can be just adding lots of decorative changes with ribbons, buttons, patches or appliqué. A couple of years ago I made a denim handbag from one of my daughters’ old dresses. I cut off the bodice but left the waistband which made a nice firm top edge to the bag. The two flowered patches on the front for decoration were top pockets from the bodice. The carrying strap was made from the front snap fastening of the bodice. For the base I first sewed up the old hem
of the dress. Then to make more shaped rather than just flat, I turned it inside out and stitched across both corners at a right angle to the hem trimming off the excess inside. Finally I cut two small strips from the front opening of the dress and sewed these on the top for the bag fastening. I’m not sure it would have made me the star sewer of the week, but it was fun to do and the bag is still in good use. My sewing club, which I started up around the same time as this column, has unfortunately rather lapsed somewhat in recent times. I would love to get this going again if there is any interest out there – the idea was just to get together once a month or so to have some time to enjoy doing your sewing, knitting, crochet or whatever you prefer and exchange ideas, tips and techniques, with tea and cake or a glass or wine or two! If anyone is interested please let me know via Grapevine or message me via Lewknor life Facebook page.
NEED HELP WITH YOUR COMPUTER? • • • • •
Using the internet Setting up email Buying and selling on Ebay Downloading your digital photos Word-processing, spreadsheets, etc For affordable, one-to-one tuition in your home, call Sharene on 08711 296 454
9
THE GRAPEVINE APR/MAY 2015
LADIES DAY AT KRAKATOA RACE NIGHT
16TH MAY JUBILEE HALL, LEWKNOR DOORS OPEN 7:30PM FIRST RACE 8PM RESERVE A TABLE OF 8 FOR £10 BRING YOUR OWN TABLE PICNIC BAR AVAILABLE, TOTE, SMART/CASUAL ATTIRE
BUY A HORSE IN THE FIRST OR LAST RACE AND WIN A CASH PRIZE PRIZE FOR THE BEST ‘LADIES DAY’ HAT OR OUTFIT ALL PROCEEDS TO KRAKATOA PRE SCHOOL
10
THE GRAPEVINE APR/MAY 2015
LEWKNOR PARISH COUNCIL www.lewknor-pc.org.uk
ARE YOU INTERESTED IN BECOMING A PARISH COUNCILLOR?
Parish council elections are to be held on 7th May (alongside the General Election and district council elections). Lewknor Parish Council – which includes Lewknor, Postcombe and South Weston – has six councillors. The parish Council meets once a month (except for August) on a Monday evening. The responsibilities of councillors are: - to represent effectively the interests of the parish by listing to view from the community - improve the quality of life for those that live, work and visit the area - to participate fully in the formation and scrutiny of the Council’s policies, plans, budgets and service delivery - To ensure that the Community Council is properly managed - To prepare for, attend and participate in Parish Council meetings, decision making and abide by decisions - To undertake appropriate training and development to help fulfill the requirements of the councillor role - To keep up to date with significant developments affecting the Council at local, regional and national levels - To represent the Council on outside bodies to which the Councillor is appointed and report back activities - To maintain proper standards of behaviour and comply with the Council’s code of conduct - To deal with resident’s enquiries and representations fairly and without prejudice To qualify to be a councillor you must meet at least one of the following criteria: be on the electoral register for Lewknor Parish have occupied as owner or tenant of land within the parish for at least 12 months your only or principal place of work for the past 12 months is within the parish have lived within the parish or within 3 miles of it for the past 12 months If you would like to read more about what the council does, please visit the parish council website at www.lewknor-pc.org.uk If you would like to discuss becoming a councillor, please contact: Council Chair, Caroline Hjorth - email: scklhjorth@aol.com or phone 01844 352720 or Parish Clerk, Barbara Drysdale - email: lewknorparish@hotmail.co.uk or 07833 125 414
LEWKNOR PARISH COUNCIL www.lewknor-pc.org.uk
RECENT LOCAL PLANNING APPLICATIONS BELOW ARE THE PLANNING APPLICATIONS THAT HAVE BEEN CONSIDERED BY THE COUNCIL AND THEIR CURRENT STATUS: I) P14/S3957/FUL HILL FARM, HILL ROAD, LEWKNOR Change of use from disused barn/stable to gym/games room to be used as ancillary accommodation to the main house SODC APPROVED II) P14/S3832/FUL THE BARN, WESTON ROAD, LEWKNOR Change of use from agriculture to part car storage, rebuilding of cars & engines & part servicing of TVR vehicles; erection of a single storey extension SODC DECISION AWAITED III) P15/S0319/HH CHILTERN VIEW, LOWER ROAD, POSTCOMBE Erection of front garage, conversion of existing garage to gym & external alterations SODC DECISION AWAITED IV) P15/0382/HH 10 HIGH STREET, LEWKNOR Single storey rear extension, two-storey side extension & build a front porch SODC DECISION AWAITED V) P15/S0317/RM FIELD FARM, SHIRBURN ROAD, LEWKNOR Erection of three agricultural buildings TO BE CONSIDERED BY PARISH COUNCIL 13TH APRIL VI) P15/S0586/HH 23 WESTON ROAD, LEWKNOR Demolition of existing conservatory, erection of two storey side and single storey rear extensions PARISH COUNCIL 13TH APRIL TO VIEW THE FULL PLANNING REGISTER GO TO: www.southoxon.gov.uk/services-and-advice/planning-and-building/find-application/planning-application-register
11
THE GRAPEVINE APR/MAY 2015
Monty
Mavis
Mavis
Hello, my name is Monty. I am an older gent who has had quite a hard time of late, so I am especially keen to find my new home so I can start to settle into a stable routine. I was found wondering without an owner, and then I had to stay in a pound for a while before I travelled here to find my new family. I am a sensitive soul and would like to own some new people who can help me to relax and feel confident. I enjoy cuddles and a gentle stroke but I’m also up for a game with a ball or soft toy at times. I may be older but I don’t mind learning a few things, especially if there are a few tasty treats on offer.
Hello everyone my name is Mavis and I am a 7 year old Black and White Domestic Shorthair. I am a cheerful lady and really enjoy human company. I am carrying a little excess weight at the moment but I am working hard to get back to my target weight so that I can look my best for my new owner! I sometimes find it a bit overwhelming if I get too much attention so I would really like a new best friend who is happy to hang out with me without too much 'hands on' contact. Once I get to know you I like to jump onto your lap for a fuss, I will get off when had enough.
I’m past lots of boisterous play but I am happy to meet, greet and potter with other dogs so if you already have a companion that enjoys similar, maybe I could join your gang?
I would prefer a home without small children as they can be a little scary and would also like to be the only cat as I have been bullied in the past. I have never met a dog so I am keeping an open mind about them at the moment.
Some of my friends here have said that they are not sure that my hearing is 100%, but I still have a twinkle in my eye.
If you think you could be my new best friend then please contact the Centre to hear more about me.
LEWKNOR BLUE CROSS We have our annual Blue Cross Tea Party coming up on Friday the 15th May, where supporters across the country bake cakes and have a tea party in aid of the Blue Cross. We’ll be hosting our own Tea Party at the Lewknor rehoming centre on Saturday the 16th of May, and members of the public are welcome to come and visit the centre, where we’ll be selling homemade cakes and tea and coffee to help the animals at the centre. It starts at 11am and finishes at 4pm. I’ve attached a flyer with all the information. We also have our annual Family Fun Day coming up on Sunday the 26th of July, where we’ll have various stalls, games and raffles etc, as well as the dog show! Members of the public are invited to bring their dog along and enter them into the show, where we have all different categories, ranging from best sausage eater to most handsome dog. The fun day starts at 11am, and the dog show starts at around 12pm.
12
THE GRAPEVINE APR/MAY 2015
LEWKNOR PARISH COUNCIL www.lewknor-pc.org.uk
ELECTIONS – 7TH MAY 2015 THERE ARE PARLIAMENTARY, DISTRICT AND PARISH ELECTIONS ON 7TH MAY 2015. FOR DETAILS OF HOW TO REGISTER TO VOTE, GO TO: southoxon.gov.uk/elections/elections-2015/elections-2015-your-step-step-guide IF YOU WANT TO REGISTER AS A CANDIDATE FOR THE PARISH, DISTRICT OR PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS, FULL DETAILS CAN BE FOUND AT: electoralcommission.org.uk/i-am-a/candidate-or-agent AND southoxon.gov.uk/services-and-advice/local-democracy/elections/elections-2015/ information-candidates-and-election-age
The Home Care Specialists
GARSINGTON OPERA SEASONAL STAFF
Do you need a Helping Hand? Our local care team has been providing award winning quality homecare since 1989. A family run company we offer you a one-to-one full time Live-in Care service that enables you or your loved one to remain at home with compassion and dignity by assisting with: personal care, companionship, errands and housekeeping. So if you are looking for an alternative to residential care or as a short term answer whilst recovering from illness or operation then we’re here to help.
To find out how we can help you, call: 0808 180 1016 or visit: www.helpinghands.co.uk
We require Programme Sellers and Car Park Attendants to join the front-of-house team. These are paid roles & will involve afternoon & evening work on a rota basis from 2 June to 19 July. Contact: claresalter@garsingtonopera.org
COME TO THE OPERA
For a special evening out, book tickets for our 2015 Season: Cosi Fan Tutti - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Intermezzo - Richard Strauss Death In Venice - Benjamin Britten Four nights of A Midsummer Night’s Dream with The Royal Shakespeare Company Public booking opens on 30 March garsingtonopera.org Box office: 01865 361 636
13
overcome with grief and swore that he would live forever as a flower and sprung up wherever her tears fell.
THEhedgerows GRAPEVINE seem APR/MAY 2015 pring the enveloped in a mist of green as fresh young ppear on the hawthorn; while the blackthorn produces glorious white which in some years can look like fallen snow.
ASTON ROWANT NATURE RESERVE
al of flowers and the warmer daysNOAKES, beckons the early butterfly. One of the WITH STAN OUTREACH VOLUNTEER. he scene is the brimstone. The male of mstone is lemon yellow, and it is ston Rowant Ask a group of people when spring begins and y believed, accounts word you’re guaranteed a dispute. for But let’sthe be positive, it ional Nature Reserve can start to feel like spring as soon as we move into - a ‘butter-coloured fly’. (The female March. The days are lengthening and everywhere there arepaler signs that the countryside is waking up whitish-green wings). ay has much after its winter’s slumber. butterfly to be seen in early spring on Imitating nature, we also tend to slumber during ve is the peacock its toodistinctive the winter months with and spend much time indoors. But come spring, once again get ’ similarthetourgethose on a peacock. weThen to venture outdoors and a trip to Aston Rowanttortoiseshell National Nature Reserve is guaranteed to the small with brightly reveal some of the joys of the season. upper wings, mainly orange, with black Aston Rowant NNR is an area of great beauty, and is the small tortoiseshell with brightly coloured w markings the front, and a ring part of to the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Naturalof upper wings, mainly orange, with black and yellow The Reserve covers 159 hectares on the north markings to the front, and a ring of blue spots s aroundBeauty. the edge. western scarp of the Chiltern Hills. It overlooks around the edge. the Vale of Oxford straddling the M40 close to SMALL TORTOISESHELL BUTTERFLY Watlington. It has a mixture of chalk grassland, mixed scrub and ancient beech woodland.
If you are lucky, you might spot a ‘mad March hare’ bounding across the downland with long ears, bounding powerful back legs and tailthe tuckeddownland down -if e lucky, you might spot a ‘mad March hare’ across At this time of year parts of the woodland floor come its tail’s up, it’s a rabbit! And for the keen birder, to life with aback carpet oflegs brightand green tail dog’s mercury. come April, ringtail’s ouzel canup, makeit’s an appearance. ears, powerful tucked down -iftheits a rabbit! Spring flowers also start to appear. A lovely example Possibly attracted by the juniper, the ring ouzel the keen birder, come ouzel makeon an appearance. is the wood anemone with April, its delicatethe white ring star often stopscan at the Reserve its journey from the shaped flower, often flushed with pink, which opens Atlas Mountains to its summer breeding grounds ttractedupby the juniper, the ring ouzel often stops at the Reserve on its in the bright as if to welcome the sun. It is said in upland Wales, northern England and Scotland. the wood anemone that the Venus, on breeding grounds in upland Wales, rom the ofAtlas Mountains togoddess its summer finding her lover Adonis mortally wounded by a Exploring the Reserve is simple. Follow one of England boar, andwas Scotland. overcome with grief and swore that he the marked walks, take the Discovery Trail from would live forever as a flower and anemones sprung Cowleaze Wood or just follow your nose on one of up wherever her tears fell. the many paths crossing the Reserve and get back to nature. In early spring the hedgerows seem enveloped in a mist of green as fresh young leaves appear on the FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE hawthorn; while the blackthorn produces glorious RESERVE, SEARCH ONLINE FOR white blossom, which in some years can look like fallen snow. ASTON ROWANT NNR OR NATUR AL ENGLAND The arrival of flowers and the warmer days beckons the early butterfly. One of the first on the scene is OR CONTACT NATUR AL ENGLAND the brimstone. The male of the brimstone is lemon ENQUIRY SERVICE ON yellow, and it is commonly believed, accounts for 0300 060 3900 the word butterfly - a ‘butter-coloured fly’. (The female by the way has much paler whitish-green EMAIL: enquiries@naturalengland.org.uk wings). Another butterfly to be seen in early spring on the Reserve is the peacock with its distinctive ‘eyespots’ similar to those on a peacock. Then there All images ©Natural England
14
THE GRAPEVINE APR/MAY 2015
15
THE GRAPEVINE APR/MAY 2015
INTERIOR
AND EXTERIOR DECORATOR
Providing exceptional customer service since 1974
MOTs : TYRES : SERVICES : REPAIRS LOAN CARS : LIFTS & COLLECTIONS
01844 278177 Camp Industrial , Rycote Lane, Milton Common, Oxon, OX9 2NP
16
THE GRAPEVINE APR/MAY 2015
17
THE GRAPEVINE APR/MAY 2015
Address: Blue Cross, London Road (A40), Lewknor Tel: 0300 777 1500 Fax: 0300 777 1501 Email: lewknor@bluecross.org.uk
18
THE GRAPEVINE APR/MAY 2015
WATLINGTON GARDENING CLUB Why not join our Gardening Club or come as a visitor to see if you enjoy our talks including free coffee and biscuits at the end of the meeting? We meet on the first Wednesday of the month in Watlington Town Hall at 7.45pm. Free parking is close by in the town car park. During the summer months we also do garden visits and a coach trip further afield. Our new programme for 2015 includes many interesting topics such as all aspects of plant feeding, dahlias, the work of the NGS, The Monastery Garden and much more including ‘ Behind the Scenes in Waterperry ‘ and Flower Power - how plants control animals. Annual membership fee is £15 from October and guests and visitors, who are always welcome, are charged a small fee. NEXT MEETINGS: 7.45pm in Watlington Town Hall. WEDNESDAY 1 APRIL. Our speaker Brenda Harold will talk about ‘Flower Power: how plants control animals’. WEDNESDAY 6 MAY. Robert Jacobs will talk about ‘Behind the Scenes at Waterperry Gardens’ WEDNESDAY 3 JUNE. the subject is ‘Growing Sweet Peas’ by Graeme Hollingdale.
If so, check if you’re eligible for a FREE boiler! The Oxfordshireshire Affordable Warmth Network is pleased to be accessing ECO grants in partnership with British Gas to offer free replacement boilers to homeowners and private renting tenants whose boilers are rated D or below and are in receipt of certain benefits. An easy way to check your eligibility and to discover how else we can assist you is via our freephone helpline:
0800 107 0044 Or email us:
awn@nef.org.uk
Funding is only available for a limited time, so please don’t delay. Lines are open 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.
Please join us and bring your friends. Everyone is most welcome. Tea and coffee is available at the end of the evening. For further information please contact Caelia Pereira, Chairman, 01491 612368 or Email: caeliaperiera@aol.co.uk
TUESDAY NIGHT YOGA AT 7-8.30 PM CONTACT VICKI ON 07947 149 675 0R 10844 347 162
WEDNESDAY NIGHT DOG OBEDIENCE AT 6-8 PM
19
THE GRAPEVINE APR/MAY 2015
LEWKNOR PARISH DIARY APRIL 2015 5TH APRIL HOLY COMMUNION 9.00AM ST. LAWRENCE 5TH APRIL FAMILY COMMUNION 10.30AM ST. GILES 12TH APRIL YOUNG PUZZLERS 10.30AM ST. MARGARET’S 13TH APRIL PARISH COUNCIL MEETING 7.30PM JUBILEE HALL 19TH APRIL HOLY COMMUNION 9.00AM ST. MARGARET’S
MAY 2015 1OTH MAY YOUNG PUZZLERS 10.30AM ST. MARGARET’S 17TH MAY HOLY COMMUNION 9.00AM ST. MARGARET’S 18TH MAY PARISH COUNCIL MEETING 7.30PM JUBILEE HALL
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO INCLUDE ANY EVENTS OR MEETINGS IN THE DIARY, PLEASE LET THE EDITOR KNOW VIA THE GRAPEVINE EMAIL ADDRESS: GRAPEVINEMAGAZINE@HOTMAIL.COM
Visit us at: The High Street Lewknor Oxfordshire OX49 5TN 01844 350350 fabricfields@aol.com Opening hours: Tuesday - Friday 9.30am - 4.30pm Saturday 9.30am - 1.30pm
20