GR A PEV INE THE
april/may 2014 edition 285
mrs scott, mrs amor, mrs bates, mrs trimming and their colleague meet for tea in the sunshine. each concentrates on selling savings stamps to a different road in the village. (1941)
news from the parish Somehow we are already a quarter way through the year and officially in British Summer Time! We’ve got until October 26th, so make the most of it! The annual Easter Trail was a great success a couple of Sundays ago, with only a little bit of hail, which certainly spurred everyone on around the course to get back to the hall for a chocolate egg and bag of sweets! Krakatoa would like to thank everyone that attended and keep making this a really great event. Keep a look out for the Safari Supper, which will be advertised here and around the village soon. As some of you may already know, there have been reports a couple of suspicious men in the village, who have been seen behind the houses on Barley Close and around Nethercote Lane. They were seen leaving the village at speed in a blue van. Please keep your eyes peeled for anyone hanging around, and if you are on Facebook, make use of the Lewknor Life page to let others know, and call the non-emergency police line on 101.
We have also launched Lewknor List on Facebook, for anyone who has things to sell in the village. So join up to bag a bargain. Lewknor Parish Council has been discussing the nationwide community initiative to get defibrillators installed in public places for public use in an emergency. Each defibrillator costs around ÂŁ2,000. While the parish council can pay part of the cost, councillors want to gauge the level of support from residents: Would you be prepared to help fund raise or donate towards the cost of getting defibrillators installed in our parish? Please send your comments and/or pledges to: lewknordefib@hotmail.co.uk and for more info: communityheartbeat.org.uk dates foR the diaRy: lewknor flower festival - 20th-22nd June (more information in the next Grapevine) lewknor fun day - Saturday June 28th (see page 5)
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.
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THE GRAPEVINE april/may 2014
what’s on in oxon Waddesdon and the Rothschilds at War 26th march-26th oct, waddesdon manor Drawn from the Archive and Rothschild memorabilia collections, and including loans from other collections, it will look at the Manor and Estate during the War from the perspective of the family and staff. Tickets: see website www.waddesdon.org.uk
of these ravenous reptiles are as tame as they seem! Tickets: From £13.50
Pinocchio 26th april, Oxford Playhouse Follow Pinocchio and his grasshopper friend as they set out on an adventure. Now, if only his nose would just stay still! Hiccup Theatre joins forces with Michael Rosen (We’re Going on a Bear Hunt) to bring this classic tale to life in a sparkling new version. Tickets: From £5.50
Breaking of Tulips 20th march-26th may, oxford botanic gardens 30 artists will make new work in response to an historic archive of gardening chronicles. The work will reflect the changing research interests and environmental concerns of a scientific institution through the imaginative filter of artists from a range of disciplines, including dance, sound and the visual arts. Adults: £4.50, Children: Free
hazel o’connor 4th april, cornerstone arts centre This is a very different show from her two previous sell-out shows in 2008 and 2010. This new show derives from her recent album I Give You My Sunshine. The line-up features legendary saxophonist Clare Hirst (who has played with Bellstars, Communards, David Bowie) and Sarah Fisher (ex Eurythmics) on keyboards and backing vocals. Tickets: From £14.00
bunny hunt 5th-20th april, waterperry gdns Join the Big Easter Bunny Hunt to find our bunnies hidden around the ornamental gardens. Find 8 of the 10 bunnies and claim your special Easter prize from the Teashop, Miss H’s. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Children: £2.00, Adults: £6.50
dinasaur zoo 17th-19th april, new theatre, oxford Direct from Australia, Erth’s Dinosaur Zoo brings these awesome pre-historic creatures to the stage as you’ve never seen them before! From cute baby dinos to teeth-gnashing giants, meet the most recent addition to the Dinosaur Zoo, a carnivorous theropod known as the Australovenator, the most complete meat-eating dinosaur skeleton yet found in Australia. Discover all about dinosaurs in this entertaining and highly imaginative live show . But watch out - not all
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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 april/may 2014
book club at lewknor Waiting foR sunRise WILLIAM BOYD William Boyd’s book Waiting for Sunrise, as expected, turned out to be a pleasure to discuss and review. The novel appeals to a variety of tastes and interests with a vivid description of Vienna immediately before the First World War intertwined with a spy story which delivers surprises and shocks much as John le Carré does in his stories. The protagonist, Lysander Reif, is a successful actor at the beginning of his career, who has travelled to Vienna to consult a psychoanalyst (not Freud who makes only a f leeting appearance in the novel) about a rather rare problem with his sexual function. This turns out to be rapidly cured less by his doctor than by a young English sculptor, Hettie Bull. She is the cause of Reiff ’s arrest but subsequent escape from Vienna and his recruitment as a spy for the British Secret Service when war eventually breaks out. The story is revealed alternately by a Reiff himself and a third person commentator, which initially is confusing but the reader is swept along by a plot which introduces a variety of characters, ranging from Reiff ’s improbably beautiful fiancée, his gay African game-hunting uncle and the key personnel in Military Intelligence. Boyd is an intelligent writer obviously interested in aspects of the psyche and he delicately expresses the differing attitudes to suicide (seen as honourable by those from Austro -Hungarian society) with the more pragmatic view of the British. The analytical theories he propounds are based, according to a review in the Guardian, on ‘Bergson’s la fonction fabulatrice – the capacity for make-believe that lends colour and meaning to our existence – the idea is that to make life livable the individual puts f lesh on the gaunt bones of an alien and indifferent world by dint of his or her imaginative powers. While the title may appear mystifying, the end of the book makes it somewhat clearer. We rated Waiting for Sunrise as a very good read and we would thoroughly recommend it for its page-turning qualities. Next month we have The Other Side of You by Sally Vickers whose first novel was the best-selling Miss Garnet’s Angel. elan preston-Whyte. tel. 01844 350 382.
the blue cross
Lewknor Blue Cross has had a great few weeks with some of our longest staying dogs finding loving new homes. Cassie an energetic 7 month old Doberman X found her new home in January after being with us for 2 months – she was looking for a home with owners who would have time to continue her training and who went on lots of lovely long walks with her. She found a perfect home with a couple that loved big dogs. Dee Dee the Greyhound had been in kennels for over a year (at a private rescue before coming to Blue Cross) and we were really hoping that her perfect home would come along in time for Christmas – unfortunately it didn’t but it came along soon after so it was well worth the wait. We have had an update from her new owners and she is settling in really well and making herself at home. The Lewknor team are always delighted when an animal gets re-homed, but especially our long stays as we grow very fond of them and always love hearing about their adventures in their new homes. We are having our Tea Party at Lewknor Re-homing Centre on Saturday 3rd May 11am-4pm. There will be tea and coffee, plus lots of lovely cakes, all raising money for Blue Cross. Home Direct, our service where animals stay in their homes until we find them a new one, is gaining in popularity. Home Direct reduces the stress levels of the animals looking for homes as they get to stay in the comfort of their home with their owners until a new home is found. It also frees up valuable cattery or kennel space so that we can help the animals that are most in need such as strays who are without a comfortable home. If you are interested in our Home Direct scheme, need to re home an animal or want to offer a home to one of our animals please call us on 0300 777 1500 or visit the website: www.bluecross.org.uk.
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THE GRAPEVINE april/may 2014
Sue ryder hospice Are you an energetic and enthusiastic person? Are you interested in the development of young children? If you are, then Watlington Scout Group is looking for adults to join their leaders team to work, in particular, with their Beaver unit (boys & girls aged between 6 and 8), but also Cubs, Scouts and Explorers units. The roles involves working with the other scout leaders and Group Scout Leader to develop and deliver a programme, once a week, focused around badge work and scouting values. Structured training is available through the Scouting movement for those wishing to develop their role further. These are rewarding roles for the right people, and great way to contribute to your community. If you would like to know more, please contact either Zoe Bratt (Group Scout Leader) on zoebratt456@btinternet.com or Peter Brook on peter.r.brook@hotmail.co.uk
Specialist Palliative Care Berks, Bucks, Oxon
Sue Ryder Nettlebed Hospice, will be holding our annual Ride for Ryder cycle event on Sunday 11 May 2014. This will be the 8th year of this successful charity fundraising event and is expected to attract over 300 cyclists, who will cover 3 routes (see attached maps of the 10, 25 & 60 mile courses). The local Sue Ryder team are working with a professional event team - VOTWO - who are advising us on signage and marshalling. We will be putting up signs during the days before the event and removing them as soon as we can after the event. The route is the same as last year; the first cyclists head off at 08.00 on the 60 mile route with the shorter events starting at 10.00. We aim to close the event no later than 15.00. Local police are being advised as usual. This event is a hugely popular fundraiser for us and engages families and serious cyclists alike. The start and finish point is at the Nettlebed Hospice, where there is ample parking, refreshment facilities and bike racking. We hope to raise over ÂŁ15,000 on the day, which is enough money to keep the hospice running for a week. You can follow us and the event on our Facebook page at the following link: facebook.com/SueRyderNettlebedHospice Tim Rooke, Regional Fundraiser, Sue Ryder Sue Ryder, Nettlebed Hospice, Henley On Thames Oxfordshire, RG9 5DF
JACK GORDON DECORATING all types of decorating undertaken
Sunday 11 May 2014 Distance: 10, 25 & 60 mile routes
interior or exterior
Road route goes through the beautiful Berks, Bucks & Oxon countryside Register before 28 February 2014 to qualify for the Early Bird discount
Large or small Ring or email for a free quote: jackgordon44@aol.com 07590 517 444
For more information: visit: www.sueryder.org/rideforrydernettlebed call: 01491 641 070 email: bbox.fundraising@sueryder.org Supported by
Sue Ryder is a charity registered in England and Wales (1052076) and in Scotland (SC039578). Ref No.01468. Š Sue Ryder. January 2014.
01468 BBOX R4R 2014 Poster.indd 1
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16/01/2014 15:44
THE GRAPEVINE april/may 2014
Lewknor Fun Day Saturday June 28th 2014 Bring along a picnic and a bottle Bar-b-que available Bouncy castle for the kids and superheroes fancy dress competition Lewknor Village Hall grounds Starts at 1pm ‘til 4pm A chance for the village to get together have some fun and meet new people This is not a fundraiser but proceeds from the bar-b-que willgot to the village hall.
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THE GRAPEVINE april/may 2014
food and drink
with catherine gallacher
Come on baby, light my fire.
to keep it moist. Loin chops are great, but cutlets work well too. You can even use a whole shoulder but after the initial browning on the barbie, give it a further 4 hours in a lowish oven. My husband very cleverly invented this marinade one day when he was tipsy: For lamb, enough for 4 people: • • • • • •
I really, really don’t wish to risk jinxing it, but the recent run of decent weather had us cleaning up the barbie and marinating enough stuff to feed an army! We Brits love a good barbeque - and even a bad one, although the days of blackened sausages still cold in the middle are thankfully behind us. We are also getting better at making the most of our meat by imparting flavour using marinades and rubs, so I thought I’d share a few of our favourites. For prawns, enough for 4 people: • • • • •
Juice of 2 limes 4 cloves of garlic, peeled and crushed 3 tablespoons of olive oil Ground black pepper Tabasco to taste
Having experimented with assorted techniques, we now use resealable food bags to marinate stuff, as you can really squish it around to coat everything. The prawns ought to be big (Asda do some fantastic ones in the freezer section opposite the fish stall, if you’re in High Wycombe, Madagascan jumbo) and you will need to de-vein them. Whether or not to peel them before putting them in the marinade is up to you, but peeled prawns will take up more flavour so we tend to do so. If you can’t get massive ones, it’s best to thread them onto bamboo skewers to avoid having a man overboard. Soak the skewers in cold water first though! Lamb is beautiful barbequed, as the fat content helps
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Juice of 2 lemons 3 tablespoons of olive oil 3 tablespoons dark soy sauce 4 cloves of garlic, crushed and you 4 heaped teaspoons French mustard Plenty of black pepper
Again, use the bag method and give it at least 2 hours in the fridge, or preferably overnight. For chicken and pork, we tend to cheat (oh, the shame!) and use a pre-done jerk marinade. Walkerswood is the best and you only need a smidgen as it’s a bit fierce! For steaks or veal, I like to keep it very simple and just rub a peeled garlic clove over the meat then season it with salt and pepper. So, your meat is all prepped up and ready for grilling, you have maybe put potatoes to bake in the oven or made a potato salad (cooked new potatoes, mayonnaise, sliced spring onions, seasoning) so what else to have with your meat feast? We often have a cous-cous salad, which is really good and very healthy; cook the cous-cous as per the instructions on the packet (Ainsley Harriet’s range is very good) then dice tomatoes, cucumber, peppers and red onion. Drench in a dressing made of: • • • • • • • •
A good glug of decent olive oil Half as much white wine vinegar Juice of 2 lemons 2 heaped tablespoons of Dijon mustard 1 tablespoon of harissa paste Tabasco if you like it Fresh coriander if you have any Salt and pepper
THE GRAPEVINE april/may 2014 Whisk it all together then pour over the cous-cous salad just before serving.
GARSINGTON OPERA
It is pretty much obligatory to be half-cut in charge of smouldering coals, so make sure you have a few beers! Rosé wine is lovely in warm weather and mostly good value. Step away from the Zinfandel blush and try some Provence rosés, which are more sophisticated with better structure. If you can find any, try a Grenache rosé, which show powerful, jammy fruit and a firm backbone. For the next edition of Grapevine, I’m planning a special feature on Summer wines, where I’ll have a breakdown of what is looking good in our local wine stores. Cheers!
Could you help from 3 June to 13 July as a Volunteer Steward afternoons and evenings (on a rota basis)?
news from krakatoa pre-school Krakatoa would like to thank everyone for attending the Easter Trail on Sunday 23rd March. Everyone had a fab time! It was one of our most successful to date, despite the weather. Last year we had snow and the year before that blazing sun and ice cream, so we never know what we’re going to get! The children really enjoyed a trip to Field Farm on Tuesday 25th March. They learnt which seeds and animals are on the farm and thoroughly enjoyed meeting some of the newborn lambs and piglets! The children also got to see a tractor ‘up close’. They finished with planting sunflower seeds which they will re-plant in the garden at Krakatoa Pre-school. For Mother’s Day all the mums enjoyed a hand-made gift created by their own children! Term ends Friday 4th April and will return on Tuesday 22nd April. The team and children at Krakatoa wish everyone a Happy Easter!
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
VOLUNTEER
SEASONAL STAFF
We require Programme Sellers and Car Park Attendants to join the front-of-house team. These are paid roles & will involve afternoon and evening work on a rota basis, from 3 June to 13 July. Contact: claresalter@garsingtonopera.org
COME TO THE OPERA
For a special evening out, book tickets for our 2014 Season - 6 June to 13 July. Fidelio – Beethoven Vert–Vert - Offenbach The Cunning Little Vixen- Janácek Beethoven weekend – Peace in Our Time Become an Affiliate Member to book before the public. Details can be found at www.garsingtonopera.org Public Booking opens on 14 April
Watlington Gardening Club Do you enjoy gardening, inspiring speakers and visits to lovely gardens, some of them never usually open to the public? Our thriving club has a year-round programme of interest to every garden enthusiast. To find out more, just come to our next meeting held the first Wednesday of the month in the Town Hall at 7.45pm. Wednesday 2 April Graham Talbot’s subject is ‘Fruit for small gardens’. Please join us if you can. Guests and visitors are always welcome for a small charge. Cheryl Barnes, Chairman, Tel 01491 614 928
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Needles and pins
Last time I promised you some help on making curtains THE GRAPEVINE april/may 2014 enough but can be expensive. Even more costly can b them professionally made up for you. Doing curtains yo a sewing machine is even and easier. Needles and quicker pins with alison swain
The first aspect to consider is the type of window you accordingly. about all are ofunlined thebecause following when plannin Last time I promisedThink you some help on making the room is not overlooked and so curtains. Buying these ready-made is easy enough but can be expensive. Even more costly can be choosing the material and having them professionally made up for you. Doing curtains yourself is not difficult and if you have a sewing machine is even quicker and easier.
the curtains are rarely drawn. Also the window looks onto the garden so I wanted to let in as much light as possible. Firstly you need to work out the quantity of fabric you will need. Use a steel measuring tape for taking your measurements as ordinary tape measures can stretch and be inaccurate.
Also think about the lighting of your room – will the curtains need to block out lots of light as in a bedroom, or are they just for window dressing – for example where they might not need to be closed because the room is not overlooked. Perhaps in this instance a blind may be more suitable and there are various types of this, from ruched to roman, festoon to roller.
further 10-15cm to allow for the turnover for your heading plus a double hem of about 8cm, this will help the curtain hang better. The width measurement should be multiplied by 1.5 to 2.0 times so that your curtains have sufficient fullness when gathered - as a rule the lighter the fabric the more fullness may be required, but this is of course is your own choice. Also allow onto your width measurement about 8 cm extra for hemming the sides and any overlap if you have an overlapping pole. From these two measurements you can then calculate the amount of fabric you need. I think we’ll have to do this next time when we’ll look at how to actually make them! For now though you can start planning, measuring and thinking about fabrics.
Length of curtains – are they to drop down just to the even right down to the floor. Curtain width - are they to first aspect toor consider is the type of window beyond you theThe edge extending the sides of the windo have and choose a curtain style accordingly. Think You only need to take two measurements – the width about all of the following when planning what you of the window,within taking into account where you want difference to how a window looks a room. Also thi want to make:the curtains to finish and then the ‘drop’ – from your pole down to where you want curtains to finish.in a be willLength theof curtains curtains need to block out lots ofthelight as – are they to drop down just to the Remember to consider how you want the curtain to window sill or maybe just below, or even right down hang from the pole – standard gathered heading tape dressing – for example where they might not need to to the floor. Curtain width - are they to be inside the usually has 3 possible positions for curtain hooks and window reveal, just to the edge or extending beyond you use will influence how much your curtain overlooked. Perhaps in thiswhich instance a blind may be m the sides of the window. These aspects can make a big extends above the pole. difference to how a window looks within a room. types of this, from ruched toToroman, festoon to roller. your final curtain length you need to add on a
Add to all this the choices about tie backs, swags, and poles, tracks and of course fabrics and you will see everything in this column! For now let’s look at making a standard heading. Add to all this gathered the choices about tie backs, swags, and pelmets to say nothing of types of poles, tracks and of course fabrics and you will see it is impossible for me to cover everything in this column! For now let’s look at making a very simple, unlined curtain with a standard gathered heading.
This photo shows a curtain o because the room is not o rarely Also the win Need help drawn. with your computer? wanted let in as much lig • Usingto the internet • Setting up email work• out of f Buying andthe selling onquantity eBay • Downloading your digital photos measuring tape for taking yo • Word-processing, spreadsheets, etc For affordable, one-to-one measures can stretch and be tuition in your home, call Sharene on 08711 296 454
You only need to take two window, taking into accoun This photo shows a curtain of this exact type - these finish and then the ‘drop’ – 8 want the curtains to finish. R the curtain to hang from the pole – standard gathered h
THE GRAPEVINE april/may 2014
Don’t give thieves shed loads of opportunities! Opportunist thieves identify sheds as easy pickings because they are unprotected and lack basic security measures. The buildings often contain property that can be sold on or implements that can be used to force entry into the owner’s home. Many people fall short on basic security of their sheds. Please make sure you: • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Keep your shed in good condition Fit a closed shackle padlock to the door Fittings should be bolted through the door and any screws concealed It is easy to unscrew the ironmongery, steal contents and in some cases replace the screws to make it look as if the shed has not been tampered with By using tamper proof screws or coach bolts, together with a good quality pad bar or hasp and staple and close shackled padlock, the shed owner will make it harder for the would-be thief. Bond any window glass in with mastic to prevent easy removal. Fit grilles or mesh to windows to slow down the thief. Ensure all equipment and tools are locked away when not in use Install a shed alarm Post-code or mark all property such as lawnmowers, bikes, and tools using ultraviolet pens, forensic marking such as Selecta DNA, Smartwater or engravers. Install security lighting as a deterrent, and plants such as thorny shrubs to act as a barrier at potential access points If building a shed, put it where it is most visible to you and neighbours Ensure ladders are locked to a secure fixture in the shed or garage so they can’t be used to reach top floor windows Chain large items such as bicycles together, making it much more difficult for a thief to carry away Fit a wire cage inside the shed where more expensive items can be locked away.
No thief wants to hang about longer than they have to so delay the time it will take them to get their hands on your tools
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THE GRAPEVINE april/may 2014
this month in the garden with sara jane morley
Spring has sprung
The ideal thing to do is to cut back the growth from last year by about half. Once the soil has warmed and you can’t resist the call of the garden centre anymore, you can start planting biennials such as pansies, foxgloves, sweet williams, sweet peas and dahlias. Make sure you stake any plants that are tall growers in case of damage from any wild weather we may still have yet to come. Over in the vegetable patch, it’s time to prepare your beds with some well-rotted mulch or manure and cover your soil with plastic. This warms the soil and means you will be able to directly sow seeds such as carrots and radishes in a couple of weeks.
Although we may officially be in spring and flowers are beginning to poke through, don’t be fooled! April can still bring many wet and cold days, so this is still a time for preparing for the growing season ahead. It’s a real temptation to dive right in with your planting, but try to hold back a few weeks, until the soil has warmed. If you can’t resist planting some spring pots (I couldn’t!) make sure you place them in a really sunny position so they get as much warmth during the day as possible. And don’t forget to water them, as absurd as that may seem in this weather. To make sure your daffodil display gets better and better each year, let them die off naturally, removing any dead or wilting flowers. Clumps of snowdrops can be divided and re-sown ready for next year. Now is the time to really get stuck into weeding your beds before too much growth occurs. If you are thorough now, you shouldn’t need to do too much over the summer months. This is unless you have ground elder like me. I find I spend most of the summer digging out new clumps that can literally appear over night. The smallest piece of the elder’s white flesh left in the soil can start a new plant. The only completely effective non-chemical way to rid a bed of it is to lift your plants, remove all traces from the beds and cover the bed with black polythene, which starves the plant of natural light. Unfortunately most of us don’t want a garden covered with plastic for several seasons, so return to the never-ending battle of digging it out as it appears. Another job you should be looking at is removing any damaged foliage from plants and cutting back roses.
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It’s also time to start with some early potatoes. Plant them at least 12cm deep and 30cm apart, leaving 60cm between each row. Once a few leaves have poked through, cover them with some earth to protect the leaves from any frosts. If you have annual seedlings indoors or in the greenhouse, they should be ready to separate now and place into their own pot. Any that have grown their ‘true leaves’ (that look the same as the adult plant) are ready. Two days before you are going to do it, give the seedlings a really good water, as this will make them easier to repot. When you are lifting the plant, make sure you get the entire root and hold them by the leaves, never the roots as these get damaged easily. Turn your pot over and basically let gravity do the work for you. The next part of the process is to ‘harden off’ the plants before placing in the ground proper. This acclimatises the young plant to the cooler outside temperature. Depending on the plant and how warm the place it’s been growing will determine how long this takes, but generally it’s 2 to 3 weeks. If they’ve been grown in a greenhouse, move the plants to a cold frame, opening the lid slightly in daytime and closed at night. Over the next couple of weeks, raise the roof a little more gradually until they are ready to be planted. If you don’t have a greenhouse or cold frame, place the plants outside against a south-facing wall. Cover with some fleece and bring in at night. After 2 weeks remove the fleece during the day, and if the weather is not too cold, leave them outside during the night but keep them covered. In the third week they can remain uncovered and should be ready for planting. Dig for victory!
THE GRAPEVINE april/may 2014
chiltern society
sobell house
The Chiltern Society is launching a fantastic new range of themed events and activities this year to encourage people to get out and explore the Chilterns or try out a new activity. These events start in early April and going through to the end of the year;
Volunteers crucially support Sobell House in providing high quality, personal and compassionate care to the Oxfordshire community – Will You Join Us?
Farm walks Glow worm walks One day map reading courses Night walks to see shooting stars Launch of the north Chiltern Way loop path and walking festival • Wild flower and wildlife walks • Nordic walking • • • • •
The events are open to everyone (you do not have to be a member of the Chiltern Society in order to take part) and are free of charge (excluding some of the Nordic walking courses). The full list of dates and activities can be seen on our website at: chilternsociety.org.uk/activ-events.php Places are limited for each event and you need to reserve your place by using the booking form on our website. I would like to thank all the volunteers who have offered to lead these activities. Jenny Gilmore, Director
Sobell House is a hospice which provides expert care and support to those suffering with an advanced, progressive disease for whom prognosis is limited. We work with patients, their families and close friends to enable the patient to minimize the effects of their disease, maximise their quality of life, and where possible, to prepare for their death. Sobell House commits to listen and work in partnership with each patient so that their unique situation and individual preferences can be understood. There are many volunteering roles across Sobell which are undertaken by individuals who can offer varying skills, experience or time. Could you be a volunteer driver, ensuring that patients can access the hospice services and relieve the pressure of organising transport? Mileage incurred throughout this role is financially reimbursed. Are you green-fingered and wiling to join our team of volunteers to keep the gardens vibrant and welcoming? Are you able to listen sensitively to patients and families, or organise activities for the Day Services? Sobell House are looking to recruit new volunteers for roles across the hospice. We provide a structured induction programme, including communication skills training alongside the shadowing of experienced volunteers, and ask that each volunteer commit for at least 12 months. Travel expenses are available. Support your local hospice, develop new skills, join our friendly team. To express your interest please call Rebecca Norris on 01865 225868 or email rebecca.norris@ouh. nhs.uk. You can find out more about Sobell House on our website: sobell-house.org.uk
heathrow and gatwick express news As I’m sure most people in the village are aware, the Parish Council was informed last month, that the Transport Commissioner, who is based in Leeds, has granted permission for the X90 Heathrow and Gatwick Express coaches to stop at Lewknor from the 6th of April. . This decision has been made with no consultation to Parish, District or County Council. The parking for the Oxford Tube service is already over-subscribed, with an increasing number of commuters using the High Street as an over-spill car park. With an extra 150 buses stopping here,
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THE GRAPEVINE april/may 2014 and people expecting to be able to leave their car in the area for an extended stay to catch f lights, the problem will only become worse.
for the success of the bus companies. It seems beyond comprehension that a decision like this can be made with no feasibility study or opinion gathered from those that will have to live daily with the consequences.
The Parish Council held an emergency meeting, and it has been made clear the Parish are unable to object to the amendment of the goods vehicle licence granted to The Oxford Bus Company to stop their buses stopping here. There are however bodies that can, and Oxfordshire County Council, SODC and our MP John Howell have written to the Transport Commission asking them to delay granting the amendment to allow proper consultation to take place as to the impact this service will have on our area.
Hopefully, there will be more news by the time the next Grapevine is published in May.
Several people were interviewed in the village, when local media took up the story, and the piece was run on BBC Radio Oxford and BBC South Today (with an interview with vice-chair, Murray Graham and John Howell). Also a meeting was held at The Leathern Bottle with The leader of the OCC, Councillor Mr Ian Hudsperth. Obviously, The Oxford Tube is a great resource for Lewknor, but we are small village with a conservation area and many listed buildings. It is not our responsibility to take up the slack APRIL/MAY 2014 Monday 21
Tuesday 22
Musical Fun
BANK HOLIDAY EASTER MONDAY Wonderful Words
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Wednesday
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Let’s Get Moving ‘ZUMBA’ Class
Musical Fun
9:15 – 10:15am 2 years + 10:30 - 11:30am under 2’s WPS £1.00 Donation
9:30 – 10:30am 18 months + 10:30 – 11:45am 0–18 months CCC £1.00 donation
WPS 10:00 - 11:30am £1.00 donation
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Baby Clinic
Buggy Walk
CCC 11:45am - 12:45pm
Let’s Get Moving ‘ZUMBA’ Class
BANK HOLIDAY MONDAY
Stay & Play
Children’s Centre Bus
Buggy Walk
CCC 9:30 - 10:30am Crèche available, BOOKING ESSENTIAL
Stay & Play Trees
WPS 10:00 - 11:30am, £1.00 donation
Baby Massage
WPS meet @ 11:30am
Story Sacks
WPS 1:00 - 2:45pm, £2.00 donation WPS - Watlington Primary School
CCC 11:30am - 12:30pm BOOKING ESSENTIAL
Autism Family Support Group
CCC - Chalgrove Children’s Centre
Staff are available for support and advice beyond the advertised sessions
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Let’s Get Moving ‘ZUMBA’ Class
Breastfeeding Support WPS 10:00am – 12:00pm
Room to Zoom
CCC 1:00 - 2:45 pm £1.00 donation
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CCC 10:00 - 11:30am £1.00 donation
Baby Clinic
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New Beginnings with P E E P
WPS 10:00 - 11:00am
Stay & Play
WPS 10:00 - 11:30am £1.00 donation
Trees
CCC 1:00 - 2:45 pm £1.00 donation
Stay & Play
Breastfeeding Support
Contact the Centre on 01865 400219 for further details http://www.watlingtonprimaryschool.org.uk/childrens_centre.html
10 SATURDAY Dads Bacon Butty Group
WPS 10:00 - 11:30am £2.00
WPS 10:00am - 12:00pm
Nettlebed Primary School 9:45 - 11:15am
CCC 12:30 - 2:30pm
New Beginnings with P E E P & Parent’s Voice WPS 10:00 - 11:30am, £1.00 donation
Spring on the Farm
Baby Massage
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Active play for toddlers CCC 10:00 - 11:30am, £1.00 donation
2
Baby Clinic
Spring on the Farm
HENRY
CCC 9:15 -11:45am free Crèche
1 MAY
WPS 10:00 - 11:30am, £1.00 donation
CCC 11:30am - 12:30pm BOOKING ESSENTIAL
WPS 10:00am – 12:00pm
Nettlebed Primary School 9:45 - 11:15am
CCC 10:30 – 11:30am
WPS 1:00 - 2:45pm, £2.00 donation
9:15 – 10:15am 2 years + 10:30 - 11:30am under 2’s WPS £1.00 Donation
Room to Zoom
Buggy Walk
Red Kite Park, Lewknor, 10:00 - 11:30am
Musical Fun
Stay & Play
Stay & Play
WPS meet @ 11:30am
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Breastfeeding Support
WPS 10:00 - 11:00am
Story Sacks
5
CCC 1:00 - 2:45 pm £1.00 donation
CCC 9:30 - 10:30am Crèche available, BOOKING ESSENTIAL
HENRY
CCC 9:15 -11:45am free Crèche
Birds
Birds
WPS meet @ 11:30am
New Beginnings with P E E P
for babies up to 12 months old WPS 10:00 - 11:30am £1.00 donation
Stay & Play
Stay & Play
Buggy Walk
Friday 25
WPS 10:00 - 11:00am
CCC 9:30 - 10:30am Crèche available BOOKING ESSENTIAL
9:15 – 10:15am 2 years + 10:30 - 11:30am under 2’s WPS £1.00 Donation
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Thursday
Baby Clinic
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Room to Zoom
CCC 10:00 - 11:30am £1.00 donation
Walk to the Library ALL WELCOME
TRANSPORT AVAILABLE IF REQUIRED Why not follow us on twitter @ChalWatcc
THE GRAPEVINE april/may 2014
Need a venue? Having a party?
MARTYN OTTERY
ELECTRICAL SERVICES
Why not book The Jubilee Hall, Lewknor? Available for hire for a variety of social events and functions. Including Children’s parties, wedding and anniversary parties, meeting and fund raising events. For details of rates, or to book the hall for your events or parties, please contact Jean on 01844 354875
LAMPS & LED’S TO LIGHT INDUSTRY NO CALL OUT FEE, NO FUSS 20 YEARS EXPERIENCE SMALL JOBS A SPECIALITY PLEASE CALL MARTYN ON tel: 07792 697 608 OR 01844 281 758 email: martynottery758@btinternet.com2 WHEATFIELD COTTAGES, STOKE TALMAGE ROAD, WHEATFIELD, THAME, OXON, OX9 7EP
REGLER & COMPANY _____ SOLICITORS _____ 51 High Street, Chinnor, Oxon OX39 4DJ We specialise in Conveyancing, Wills and Probate, Matrimonial and Family Law. Please telephone us for a quote. Home visits can be arranged for Wills and Lasting Power of Attorney Fixed fee interview (£50.00 for half an hour)
01844 354555 email:info@reglerandcompany.co.uk www.reglerandcompany.co.uk
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THE GRAPEVINE april/may 2014
OILSERV Oil Boiler Servicing and Repairs at a reasonable price.
Service ÂŁ75 Contact Ian on:
01844 281256 / 07745 405453
ianoilserv@aol.com
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THE GRAPEVINE april/may 2014
• • • • • • • • • • •
Effective treatment for all ages
Osteopathy
General foot care Bunions Cracked heels Corns, callus and verrucae Problem nails In-growing toenails Foot and heel pain Athlete’s foot and fungal infections Diabetic assessments and footcare Biomechanics and gait analysis Sports injuries
Also: Cranial Osteopathy Paediatrics & Post-natal Osteopathy
Podiatry
Saturday appointments Ian Luxton D.O Victoria Inglis-Smith B.Ost, MSc Roger Whalley M.Ost
Appointments Monday – Saturday
Registered Osteopaths
The Luxton Clinic Stonor House 57 Lower Road Chinnor . OX39 4DU
Back Pain Frozen Shoulder Headaches Hip Pain Knee Pain Migraine Muscle Strain Neck Pain Sciatica Sports Injuries Tendonitis Tennis Elbow
Tel: 01844 352200
also at Thame Road, Longwick. If you would like to make an appointment please phone
01844 352200 Debby Luxton BSc (Hons), MChS
HPC Registered Podiatrist
Stonor House 57 Lower Road Chinnor OX39 4DU
Cross Keys Practice High Street Princes Risborough HP27 0AX
www.theluxtonclinic.co.uk
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THE GRAPEVINE april/may 2014
INTERIOR
AND EXTERIOR DECORATOR
01844 353 688 07989 189 896
geofferee1976@hotmail.com
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THE GRAPEVINE april/may 2014
PrintfreeSudokuPuzzles.com Puzzle Set #D7638 Level: Difficult
9 8 5 3
6 3 2
4 1 6
1
2 3 5
8
It’s easy to play Sudoku! Simply fill every column, row and 3x3 box so they contain every SudokuPuzzles.com Level: Easy number between 1 and 9.
4
5 9 2 7
5 9
1
3
8 7
2
1 4 7 5 6
4 7
1 6
Please see page 19 for the answers
3
7 9 A
8 7 5 9 9
2 9 8 2 3
9 2
6
4 8 5
1 6 4
1 5
9 6
A
1
1
DIFFICULT
EASY
8
1 2 9 2
SUDOKU
5
4
7 3
9
1 5 9 4 7 3
2 1
8 B
17
THE GRAPEVINE april/may 2014
SPECIALISTS IN CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CLEANING Professional & Experienced Technicians - Providing The Very Best Service
• Commercial & Domestic Carpet Cleaning
• 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed
• Carpet Stain Removal Specialists
• Competitive Prices
• Upholstery, Curtain & Rug Cleaning
• 30 Years Experience
• Carpet & Upholstery Fabric Protection
• Industry Leading Equipment & Techniques
• Furniture Repair & Restoration
• Rapid Drying System
Call for a Free Estimate 01865 892 350 The Revival Company I 46/47 Monument Park I Chalgrove I Oxford I OX44 7RW Oxford@revivalco.co.uk
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3 7 6 9 2 8 4 5 1 9 8 5 4 7 1 6 2 3 2 4THE1GRAPEVINE 3 6 5 april/may 8 7 2014 9
SudokuPuzzles.com Level: Easy [Key]
Solutions
A
easy DIFFICULT
8 3 5 9 1 7 2 6 4 6 1 9 2 4 3 8 5 7 4 2 7 6 8 5 9 1 3
3 2 9 4 8 7 5 1 6 1 7 6 2 3 5 9 4 8 5 8 4 9 6 1 7 2 3
1 9 3 4 6 8 7 2 5 5 7 6 1 3 2 4 8 9 2 8 4 7 5 9 1 3 6
4 1 8 6 7 3 2 5 9 9 5 2 8 1 4 3 6 7 6 3 7 5 9 2 1 8 4
3 5 1 8 7 4 6 9 2 9 4 8 3 2 6 5 7 1 7 6 2 5 9 1 3 4 8
8 6 3 1 5 9 4 7 2 2 9 5 7 4 6 8 3 1 7 4 1 3 2 8 6 9 5 B
A
Why not download the app today. It couldn’t be easier.... • 1. Go to the app store • 2. Download the Oxtrails app • 3. See an offer you like? - register for the coupon All the information you will ever need Instructions, to • Tips, 4. Present the coupon on your phone to the business Answers, Reprints & more Sudoku Puzzles Online! • 5. Enjoy your exclusive app offer! explore Oxford, Henley, Thame, Wallingford, Faringdon, Wantage, Abingdon, Uffington and Dorchester at your fingertips AND more besides including exclusive loyalty offers FOR A BEAUTIFUL GARDEN
oxtrails travel app 1 6 3 8 9 7 4 2 5 8 9 5 4 2 6 1 3 7 4 2 7 5 1 3 8 6 9 5 8 2 1 7 4 3 9 6 6 3 4 9 8 5 2 7 1 9 7 1 3 6 2 5 4 8
The Oxtrails travel app provides you with a ll the travel information you will ever need about your favourite attractions in South Oxfordshire and Va le of W hite Horse districts. W hen exploring rura l districts, it’s an essentia l app to provide you with information about the histor y of the area, the must-visit attractions, the best places to eat and drink and how to navigate around!
7 5 6 2 4 1 9 8 3 2 1 8 6 3 9 7 5 4 Do you know where the former leprosy hospital 3 in Thame? 4 9 7 5 8 6 1 2 was B
Choose from our wide range of quality garden services: design and landscaping, plants and maintenance. We tailor-make our service for you. For a free, noobligation visit and written estimate from RHS qualified staff, call 01844 279430 or email info@brannfordsgardens.co.uk Full details at www.brannfordsgardens.co.uk
PLUS the new feature just added includes a loyalty platform. The app provides you with exclusive offers on your phone. Businesses are providing great money-off and loyalty offers on the app. Get 20%Reprints off family tickets to Farmer Instructions, Tips, Answers, & more Sudoku Puzzles Online! Gow’s near Faringdon this April (2 adult + 2 children or 1 adult + 3 children)! That will save you £6 on entry. A lso Rosie’s Tea Rooms in Abingdon are offering a free pot of tea to diners who buy lunch - Rosie’s is such a fabulous tearoom; it ranks on one of our ‘must do’ attractions any way!
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THE GRAPEVINE april/may 2014
LEWKNOR PARISH DIARY april 2014 6th april holy communion 9.00am st. lawrence 13th april family service 10.30am st. lawrence 14th april parish council meeting 7.30pm jubilee hall 20th april family communion 10.30am st. margaret’s
may 2014 12th may parish council meeting 7.30pm jubilee hall 18th may holy communion 9.00am st. margaret’s 19th may Annual Parish Meeting: open to all residents 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 an online version of the grapevine is available at http://issuu.com/grapevinezine/doc
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: P13/S3924/LB Lower Vicar’s Barn, Wormsley Estate Variation to internal layout of the barn, as Planning Approval Reference No P13/S1295/HH Decision awaited P14/S0123/HH 1 Town Farm Close, Lewknor New external swimming pool and associated works Decision awaited P14/s0289/FUL 7 & 9 High Street, Lewknor Side and rear extensions Decision awaited P14/S0431/HH Field Farm Bungalow, Shirburn Rd, Lewknor Raising the roof to create first floor accommodation and erection of single storey side and rear extensions plus a detached 3-bay garage and addition vehicular space Decision awaited To view the full planning register go to: www.southoxon.gov.uk/services-and-advice/planning-and-building/find-application/planning-application-register
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