February 2013 edition 278
The GraPevine
Children playing at Lewknor, the east end. the postcard was posted in April 1907 to a Mrs Brook of north Weston, thame.
PHOTO BY uNkNoWN
NEWS froM tHE pAriSH Welcome to the new look Grapevine. As well as all the usual community information, we have some new local columnists and articles that I hope you will find interesting. I would like to thank Bea for doing such a fantastic job over the years, and hope I can do her legacy justice. Has everyone kept to their New Year’s resolutions for 2013? Or are those promises of eating less and doing more exercise already forgotten by February?! One resolution we should all stick to, is making this another great year for Lewknor. After last year’s fantastic Jubilee street party, we’ve got a lot to live up to, but the 2013 calendar was successfully launched with the annual Winter Wonderland Disco at Jubilee Hall. This is always a hugely popular event for both children and adults, with all proceeds going to Krakatoa Preschool. This year there was a great range of stalls for the children, and importantly a bar for the grown-ups. Music was provided by the ever
enthusiastic Miss Denise. Many thanks to the staff and committee for staging the event once more. On a more serious note, there have been a spate of burglaries in Lewknor and surrounding villages in the last few months. If you see any suspicious people or vehicles in the village, please ring the non emergency Police number, 101. Try to give them as many details as possible, even part of a registration plate is better than nothing. If you have information but wish to remain anonymous, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or use the their website at www.crimestoppers-uk.org. They take no personal details, information is not traced or recorded and you will not go to court. Spring is just around the corner, so stand buy your baskets, as we have the Easter Egg hunt to look forward to next month, and before you know it, it will be the Horticultural Show! Let’s hope the sun shines and we all grow prize winning vegetables this year!
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 me on the new grapevine email address: grapevinemagazine@hotmail.com. 1
THE GRAPEVINE February 2013
Jessie Purnell
We would like to thank you all very much for the cards and messages of support that we received before and after Jessie’s death. There have been lots of these and we take great comfort from just how highly regarded and loved Jessie was. The attendance at her funeral demonstrated the love and respect Jessie gained during her life. A big hole has been left in our lives but heaven has gained another angel. Jessie’s family. October 1934 - December 2012.
Jessie was born in Kent in October 1934 to Freddie and Maud Breeds. She was one of 8 children.
David denham
When Jessie was 8 years old, she was evacuated from Kent to South Weston with her family during the War. On Jessie’s 15th birthday, her family moved to 15 Weston Road in Lewknor where Jessie spent the rest of her life. Jessie married Cyril Purnell in March 1959 after many years together in St. Margaret’s Church, Lewknor. In the next few years, their family grew with 4 daughters (Sue, Carol, Debra and Alison). The family soon grew again with 6 grandchildren (Kelly, Nathan, Emily, Sophie, Frances and Charlotte). Jessie was an amazing mother, Nan and mother in law. We couldn’t have wished for anyone better, she loved family life and thought the world of all of her family and loved every family holiday. Jessie was a big pillar of the community. She fund raised very hard to get the Jubilee Hall built. Fund raising included Bingo’s, 100 clubs, Horticultural Shows, indoor bowls, race nights, barn dances and rummage sales. Her hard work paid off by officially opening the Jubilee Hall with Princess Anne, which made her family very proud. Jessie was well known and loved by many in the village especially after being one of Lewknor School’s dinner ladies and working at the Leathern Bottle for many years which she loved. In 2009, Jessie lost the love of her life Cyril, when he passed away suddenly. When Jessie became ill, she was forced to slow down but she was a fighter and fought until the end. Jessie will be missed very much and life without her is hard but her legacy lives on.
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Well, what can I say about our Dad? Where do I start? Dad was a larger than life character and had the personality to match. Sometimes he could over step the mark with his comments but that was Dad all over. He would speak to any one. We can remember him taking us down the Red Lion pub at Stoke Talmage on our bikes, we would have a packet of crisps with a pickled egg. Dad would sit and play penny a spot (dominoes). The pub used to sell vegetables and Dad always bought a bag of spuds for Sunday dinner. By the time we got back from pub that bag would only have a few spuds left. On the nights we did not go to the pub with him he always left a Lion Bar in the fridge. Dad used to like his beer in those days. He used to work really long hours on the farm ploughing the fields. Many a time I used to take his dinner out to him on my bike and have ride on the tractor with him.
THE GRAPEVINE February 2013 He always had the knack of turning up at my house just as dinner was being dished up. He always had bread and butter with everything. His grand daughter, Katy, calls Grampy the brightest star in the sky.
new housing in lewknor
We would like to thank every one who came to Dad’s funeral. It was so overwhelming to see so many people there to pay their respects to Dad. He was a much loved man who will be sorely missed by all who knew him. Ed Brown February 1946 - December 2012.
St. Margaret’s NEWS
Construction is due to begin mid February on the development of 6 affordable homes on a small site to the rear of nos. 1-6 Barley Close with access of Weston Road. These new homes should be available in the Autumn of 2013 and priority for allocation of these properties will be given to people on the Housing Register with a strong local connection to Lewknor. For anyone who is interested in a home on this scheme, the level of local connection that is needed will be:
The PCC for St Margaret’s would like to say a very big thank you to all the families that decorated a tree for the church at Christmas time. The trees were lit up every afternoon for the week leading up to Christmas and the church looked beautiful for the festive period. Thank you also to all the people who came to see the trees and enjoyed a warm drink and a mince pie with old friends and new. We are hoping to hold the festival again over Christmas 2013. If anyone would like to help keep one of our most beautiful village buildings, St Margaret’s, alive, then please call Victoria Balls on 07899 142 221. Your generous donations are vital for the heating, lighting and general maintenance of the church, keeping it open and the bells ringing! The next ‘Young Puzzlers will be in March. Please see the back of The Grapevine for dates and times of services at Lewknor and South Weston.
1. Having lived in the parish continuously for at least 5 of last 8 years. 2. Having a close relative (parent or child) who is currently living in the parish and has been continuously living there for the last 10 years. 3. Having worked in the parish full-time for the last 2 years or the equivalent in part-time (including voluntary work) and there is a commitment to continue working in the parish. If you would like to know more about these new homes, or you would like more information about the need for a local connection, please contact Helen Novelle, tel: 01491 823 346 or email: helen.novelle@southandvale.gov.uk To apply online to join the Housing Register please visit: oxfordshirehomechoice.org.uk and click on the “South Oxfordshire’ logo. If you have any difficulty registering or would like to check on your application, please contact Housing Advice on 01235 500 202 and they will be able to help you.
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The GraPevine February 2013
whaT’s on iN oxford
Surprises 18-23 feb oxford playhouse
Harry Hill 8-9 feb New theatre oxford The self-styled floppy-collared loon is back with a live show that promises incontrovertible proof that God exists. Joined by show band ‘The Harry’s’, there’s a section exclusively for Tongans, a chance to catch up on Harry’s Nan’s latest ailments, the legendary Stouffer the Cat and a debut solo stand-up spot by Gary, Harry’s son from his first marriage and recognisable for his role as Alan Sugar in Harry Hill’s TV Burp. Tickets: £31.00
Alan Ayckbourn returns to Oxford Playhouse with a new comedy of love stories yet to happen, in a future filled with surprises. Who is the amorous stranger, Titus, who materialises in young Grace’s bedroom? For her parents, Franklin and Martha, does love everlasting still hold true if death is postponed indefinitely? After unhappy affairs with everyone from deep sea divers to space shuttle pilots, will lonely secretary Sylvia ever find her Mr Right? Tickets: From £15.50
Sleeping Beauty 19-22 feb New theatre oxford English National Ballet. Once upon a time, in a land far, far away, Princess Aurora lived in an enchanted castle where fairies bestowed her with gifts of beauty, temperament, purity, joy, wit and generosity. The wicked Fairy Carabosse put a curse on Aurora; to prick her finger and die on her 16th birthday. Tickets: From £10.00
Jake Bugg 21 feb o2 Academy oxford Jake Bugg, the fast-rising hit maker from Nottingham has announced a new set of dates, his first for 2013. This will be his biggest UK headline tour so far, and will follow his forthcoming sellout autumn tour, as well as dates in Europe and the US with Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds and Snow Patrol. Under 14s must be accompanied by an adult over 18 at all times
dale Watson 1 feb the Bullingdon Arms A staunch adherent of old-style honky tonk and Bakersfield country, Dale Watson has positioned himself as a tattooed, stubbornly independent outsider only interested in recording authentic country music. As a result, he has never sold that many records, but his music has been championed by numerous critics and alternative country fans. Tickets: £13.00
the Exotic 8 feb-1 Mar the old fire Station Consuming the Exotic is an exhibition by postgrad Oxford students of Architecture. It’s concerned with questioning the environmental consequences of our current fetish for experiencing foreign culture. It does this by focusing on a visit to Istanbul and Cappadocia, Turkey by 17 young architecttourists in November 2012. The exhibition will showcase photography and short videos from the field visit exploring the intersection of Turkish culture Free Entry
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THE GRAPEVINE February 2013
FOOD AND DRINK with Catherine Gallacher
As the weather turns increasingly wintry in Lewknor parish our thoughts turn to warming, rib-sticking meals to keep out the chill and put a smile on our faces. This is a lovely, simple dish requiring very little preparation, for which you will be rewarded with a seriously tasty, meaty treat. The veggies amongst you could substitute the beef for mushrooms and beans or lentils and aubergine. Or, if you must, that vile soya stuff!
Slow-cooked beef in beer prep 20 mins cook 3 hours MAKES 4
ingredients • Olive oil • 3 onions, peeled and sliced • 1kg/2lb 3oz beef cut into chunks (we use feather steak, which is perfect. Failing that, shin or cheek work well or any of those braising cuts) • Flour • A beef stock cube or some reduced homemade stock • 2 bottles of Newcastle Brown Ale or any other ale, NOT lager! • Tomato puree • Salt and pepper
saucepan, heat a little oil and brown the meat in batches. Get some proper, crusty brown colour on it as this is where the rich flavour comes from. If it catches a little, so much the better! When it’s lovely and brown, remove it from the pan and put in the onions on a medium heat until soft. Grind in plenty of black pepper then take the pan off the heat and stir in the flour, about 2 tablespoons. All the lovely juice will get soaked up by the flour. Add the ale, slowly at first and stirring continuously. You won’t need both bottles so you can drink the remaining 2/3 bottle - Chef’s perk! Next put in the tomato puree, about half a tube and throw in the stock cube, undissolved. Stir well and cook in the oven, lid on, for a minimum of 3 hours. Check the seasoning before serving and adjust if required. This is a simple dish but you can jazz it up by adding fresh thyme sprigs and bay leaves or make it a la Carbonnade by stirring in a generous amount of grain mustard. My Dad puts carrots and celery in too so go for it! Best served with buttery mash and spring greens. So, what to drink with such a hearty feast? This asks for a big old red; Southern Rhône offers powerful, peppery reds with plenty of cassis fruit and spice. Majestic are currently offering 20% off any 2 Rhône wines under £20 so try their Rasteau 2009/2010 Domaine Notre Dame des Pallières at £12.49 or the fabulously meaty Côtes-du-Rhône Belleruche 2010/2011 M.Chapoutier at £9.99. For all you New World devotees Majestic has a brilliant Californian Zinfandel from Ravenswood at £4.99. Cheers!
method Preheat the oven to 150°C, don’t know what that is in gas but don’t suppose it matters round here! Gas 3? In a heavy-bottomed ovenproof
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THE GRAPEVINE February 2013
JOHN HOWELL MP WRITES My New Year greetings to you all! I look forward to the year with optimism and hope that you may be able to share some of that with me. There is no doubt that we are in tough times and I fully appreciate that many people are finding things difficult. However as last year progressed there were signs of hope. Figures showed that employment was up, that net migration had been reduced by 25% and the deficit also down by 25%. It is against that backdrop that I am positive about continued progress in 2013.
Help with Heating and Insulation As I write this month the first snow blankets parts of the constituency and I am mindful of the cost of heating our homes. The Government cannot control volatile world energy prices but we can continue to support vulnerable households. Advice on how to reduce bills and save energy is available all year round from the Government Energy Saving Advice Service (ESAS). For advice simply call 0300 123 1234. Winter Fuel Payments will have been received by eligible households before Christmas and additional Cold Weather Payments will be paid to eligible households should the local temperature be an average of 0ยบc or below for 7 consecutive days. The help line can also advise on the new Green Deal Cashback scheme which opens at the end of this month. This will enable people to better insulate their homes whilst spreading the cost. It is a limited pot and will operate on a first-come first-served basis. I am aware that there has been concern over the price of heating oil and can assure you that the Government will remain vigilant to ensure that heating fuels markets function effectively for consumers.
Traineeship Programme for young people It is good news that unemployment continues to go down especially in this constituency but none the less for those seeking work it can be difficult. I was delighted to learn that 560 people in the constituency started apprenticeships last year. However for some young people even getting an apprenticeship is difficult. It is therefore good news that plans have been announced to set up a Traineeship Programme to offer young people tailor-made support to help them get a foot on the work ladder. The scheme should be up and running later this year.
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Welfare Benefits The government has made it clear that where people are able to work they should be better off doing so than claiming benefits. There was much debate over the Benefits Uprating Bill in the House on 8th January. Social Security legislation requires the Secretary of State to review benefit levels each year to determine whether they have retained their value relative to price. Any uprating is discretionary and the Government proposal was that as Public Sector pay increases are frozen at 1%, benefits increases should mirror that.
Prisoner Rehabilitation The Justice Secretary has announced major reforms in the way prisoners are rehabilitated on release from prison. Reoffending rates are too high and particularly so for people released from short-term sentences. A new mentoring system is to be introduced which will ensure that when someone leaves prison they are supported from day one with a tailor made package to meet their specific needs. To ensure that public protection is maintained at all times the Probation Service will retain ultimate responsibility for the management of offenders. This is part of a package of reforms designed to ensure that all those sentenced to prison or community sentences are properly punished whilst being supported to turn their backs on crime. This will lead to lower crime, fewer victims and safer communities. For more information, my website is regularly updated and offers information on my work both in Westminster and in the constituency. Its address is www.johnhowellmp.com In addition, if you would like to subscribe to my free e-newsletter please e mail me at: john.howell@ oxfordshireconservatives.com You can now also follow me on twitter @johnhowellmp
BOOK CLUB at lewknor The Long Story Andrea Levy The Long Song by Andrea Levy, author of Small Island, was the book we read in December. It describes life on Jamaica in the early part of the 19th century written as the memoir of one of the slave workers on a plantation owned by a family who had come out from England a generation
THE GRAPEVINE February 2013 earlier. The author of the memoir is July, the illegitimate daughter of Kitty, a black slave, and Tam Dewar, the white plantation overseer. As a result, July has the lighter skin of her mixedrace heritage which places her higher up in the black social scale as a mulatto and at the age of eight she is picked out to become a maid to Caroline, the widowed sister of John, the plantation owner, who insists on renaming her Marguerite. July’s mother sneaks up to the big house unseen to catch glimpses of her but after a while loses touch with her and July grows up with only the household slaves as her immediate companions. Everything changes after there is a slave uprising on the island which the plantation owners fail to put it down successfully. As a result, John kills himself but July’s lover Nelson is accused of murdering him. In the confusion which follows Kitty attacks and kills July’s father and is summarily hanged. July proves to be an invaluable support to Caroline, who has now to run the plantation on her own as a result of her brother’s death, and learns to read. She unemotionally leaves the baby born as a result of her relationship with Nelson on the local minister’s doorstep. However, the arrival of a handsome new overseer, Robert, fresh out from England with little experience and a dread of cockroaches, results in his taking July as his mistress but only after he marries Caroline as his conscience prevents him from doing so beforehand! July bears him a daughter and is happy with her status as his lover whilst Caroline turns a blind-eye to the situation. The story spirals slowly downwards from this point and the reader hoping for the best for July has to fear for the worst and this fear would seem to be confirmed until the very last chapters , when as an elderly woman, several loose ends are satisfactorily tied up for July. This long description of the contents of book is intentional as the book provides a picture of plantation life written from a slave workers’ viewpoint rather than from the more usual owner’s perspective. The majority of the group enjoyed it but were interested to see how very different it was from the author’s previous book, Small Island, which had a great deal of humour to soften its darker elements. However, there is one very comically macabre scene in The Long Song, where July and Nelson hiding under the owner’s bed witness his suicide. For January we are reading The Private Lives of Pippa Lee by Rebecca Miller which was Richard &Judy’s Summer Read suggestion.
We would like to wish all who read this a very Happy And Successful New Year.
Elan Preston-Whyte. Tel. 01844 350 382.
FITNESS
with chinnor kettlebells
Kettlebells were first developed in Russia, well over 200 years ago. They look like cannonballs with handles on, or old fashioned kettles. One of the main benefits of training with kettlebells is that they provide functional fitness. Kettlebell training is different from conventional weight training because it focuses on the body’s natural movements; these natural movements leave no muscles untouched. So rather than exercising just your arms, legs, or back, Kettlebell training works the entire body as a complete unit. If you are using an appropriate weight, just twenty Kettlebell swings (which will take less than a minute!) can almost double your resting heart rate! This will increase your muscle tone while burning fat. And when you’re not working out, Kettlebells are awesome at giving the ‘exercise after burn effect.’ Exercise after burn is your body working hard to regain its equilibrium after being pushed into the anaerobic zone by working out hard. This takes energy, taken from your body’s fat stores. Meaning you will be burning calories for up to 24 hours after your workout has finished! Training with Kettlebells can be a combination of Kettlebells, boxing with pads, bodyweight exercises and lots more! People have reported weight loss, toning of (numerous) body parts, increased strength and body conditioning.
If you would like to try training with kettlebells see the ad on page 13
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The GraPevine February 2013
krakaToa tHiS MoNtH
The new term has started well at Krakatoa. We have welcomed 2 new children to the preschool, Caleb-Bay and Leah who have both settled well into Krakatoa life. The children are enjoying taking their own photos! These include anything from objects within the hall, the outside area, activities they are playing with and each other! They are then printed and the other children try and identify the photos! The children are enjoying physical activities both outdoors and indoors. They especially enjoy the indoor obstacle course, which teaches them how to use equipment safely and is good for their coordination. Just a reminder that half term starts Monday 11th feb - friday 15th feb (inclusive) Jeanette Portnall - Supervisor
lewknor PasT A HiStory
There was a single platform, with a wooden passenger hut and it was administered from the station at Watlington by the then stationmaster, a Mr Sexton. Although the Halt was generally unmanned, during the winter months, a porter was dispatched every morning and evening to tend to two oil lamps on the platform. At this time, the journey from Lewknor to Watlington took just four minutes, however Watlington Station was actually in Pirton. A horse-drawn bus was operated by a Mr Dick Smith for the landlord of the Hare and Hounds, which ran between the station and the pub. The vehicle carried 6 passengers, and cost 6d. In the 1920’s a motor bus replaced the horses and was also used to courier parcels into Watlington. Older residents remember the driver stopping the train at the bridge and the ticket collector coming into the village to hurry up regular, straggling passengers! The Halt was closed in 1957 when a regular bus service finally won over the passengers, a bus service that has now been reduced to one bus in and one bus out of the village per week...time to reopen the Halt perhaps?
Need a venue? Having a party?
“Did you know that Lewknor has the most frequent rural bus service in the UK?”. Well, I’m not sure how true that statement is, but my driver on the Oxford Tube was very proud of his piece of trivia. These days it’s easier for Lewknor residents to use public transport to get to London or Oxford, than it is to go to the local shops. But how much do you know about what was once our very own regular train service? In 1906, GWR opened Lewknor Bridge Halt on the Watlington to Princes Risborough line. The station was very near the Oxford Tube bus stop by Hill Road (then called Shiftcutts). The Halt was opened in a bid to encourage more passengers onto the railways and away from bus services.
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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
The GraPevine February 2013
neeDles anD Pins with Alison Swain
Welcome to this new Grapevine column. I hope you will be as interested to read it as I am to write it. It is some time since I volunteered to take this on; now all of a sudden we’re into 2013 and the first edition is imminent!
meeting so I can share you with you what we got up to /and how much wine was consumed! Another regular feature of the column will be a review of a helpful website. Here’s one to start us off with: www.sewandso.co.uk/
I thought it might be a good start to say what I will be writing about. The idea was generally for a column about crafts of any kind. I love doing all kinds of creative activities, from many different types of needlework through to paper crafts and card making. I will endeavour to cover a wide range of topics to hopefully provide something of interest for everyone, and some entertaining reading, even if you think craft is a type of cheese! If anyone has something they would particularly like to see, please pass this on via the grapevine email and I will try to cover it. Sometimes I might include instructions or techniques and tips to help you. Alternatively I might have been to a craft fair and seen something different or interesting to share with you.
I have used this site many times – for anyone who likes needlecrafts it has an excellent choice of kits, charts, fabrics, threads and all sorts of accessories. Buying online with them is very easy and I have always found their service to be excellent. So often goods can look very different when you see them for real, but these are just as they look on the screen and are good quality, usually arriving within 24-48 hours. But … you have been warned – when you’ve visited once, you’ll find yourself going back for more!
Those who are Facebook and Lewknor Life users will have seen my post about starting up a stitching club in Lewknor. But now is my chance to spread the word further. Here was what I wrote: do you likE croSS StitcH, EMBroidEry, tApEStry, kNittiNg, ANy Sort of crAftiNg rEAlly? (i do). HAvE you got lotS of uNfiNiSHEd proJEctS tHAt you NEvEr fiNd tiME to gEt oN WitH? (i HAvE). WEll, NoW could BE your cHANcE to iNdulgE yourSElf AS i HAvE BEEN tHiNkiNg ABout StArtiNg up A StitcHiNg/crAftS cluB iN tHE villAgE. MEEt MAyBE oNcE A MoNtH or So ANd SpENd A couplE of HourS WitH NEEdlE iN oNE HANd, A glASS of WiNE iN tHE otHEr! SWAp tipS, tEcHNiQuES, pAttErNS, cHit-cHAt ANd MAyBE fiNAlly gEt tHAt cuSHioN, JuMpEr, rug, fiNiSHEd At lASt. ANyoNE iNtErEStEd – plEASE lEt ME kNoW. There are a few people interested, but we certainly have room for more so don’t be shy. By next month we should have had our first
Happy crafting ‘til next time.
Little Red Duck Co.
"Wish you had an extra pair of hands, a few more hours in the day......Well now you can!" Little Red Duck Company offers a friendly, fully insured, professional cleaning service to take away some of the stress of your day! Feel free to call or email with any questions about the services we can offer. Zoe: 01844 351333 or 07976 503075 Web: www.littleredduck.co.uk Email:
littleredduck@hotmail.co.uk Reg No. 07560762
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THE GRAPEVINE February 2013
Aston Rowant National Nature Reserve
Happy New Year to everyone and let us hope that this year will bring better weather, rather than the extremes we experienced in 2012. Still, never mind the fickleness of the weather because this is an exciting time of the year. So, put on your walking boots and go out exploring, remembering to be careful where there are very muddy conditions underfoot. Look for the early signs of Spring such as leaf buds beginning to burst on trees, catkins appearing on hazel bushes, scattering their yellow pollen as they blow in the wind, and the fluffy, white, silky “pussy willow” flowers of the goat willow. In March the white flowers of blackthorn attract the first bees, fresh green shoots begin to sprout and the first flowers such as the tiny violet begin to appear. Also, don’t forget the birds. Listen to the lovely songs of robins, song thrushes and wrens and watch to see if there are any birds with small twigs in their beaks which is a sign that nest building is about to start for another year. Last month up at the Beacon Hill Car Park and the Cherry Tree Corner reserve entrance there were possible signs of vandalism. Someone demolished the notice board at the car park, which was either an accident or deliberate and twice in December the first leaflet holder, by the entrance to the reserve at Cherry tree Corner, had been so badly damaged that it had to be replaced each time. If you do see what appears to be, vandalism occurring, could you please report it to the Office (01844 351833) but do not approach the person in question. As you enter the Cherry Tree Corner entrance to the reserve and go past the “kite’s wings” sign post you will notice a leaflet holder containing leaflets providing a map and information about each of the six sculptures on the “Talking Trail”.
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I have now reached Sculpture 3 in my series of descriptions of the sculptures: It is called “One Ear” and is to be found along the footpath, following the fence line on the left hand side, until the gate leading to Beacon Hill is reached. Go through the gate and you will see, almost immediately on the right hand side of the path, in amongst the trees, a hut-like structure covered in shingles (small wooden tiles) with a tree trunk containing a similar audio system to the previous sculptures. To quote the leaflet: “This sculpture echoes the distinctive long ears of the brown hare whose habitat spans both grassland and woodland here at Aston Rowant. A graceful shingle-clad shelter, made of cedar wood (from a National Trust estate), it is set in a natural hollow in a reference to the hare’s habit of hiding its leverets (young hares) in “forms” (dens) on the ground”. The artists were not altogether happy with the design of the trunk of wood, where the audio system has been placed, so a carved wild beehive shape has now been added to it. For more information contact the reserve 01844 351833 Joan Newman (Outreach Volunteer)
MARTYN OTTERY
ELECTRICAL SERVICES
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
THE GRAPEVINE February 2013
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: APP/Q3115/a/12/2181233/NWF Moorcroft Farm, Weston Road Change of use from agriculture to part car storage, rebuilding of engines & single storey extension Appeal lodged P12/S2442/FUL Natural England Aston Hill, Lewknor Erection of storage building and toilet block Approved
To view the full planning register go to: www.southoxon.gov.uk/services-and-advice/planning-and-building/findapplication/planning-application-register
high speed broadband We all know that our area has a very poor broadband connection and as a small rural parish, the chances of getting high speed broadband provided for us are very slim.
However, there is an alternative - we could arrange it ourselves! Lewknor Parish Council would like to hear your opinion on a Parish Council-led initiative to get our own high-speed connection. And we want to hear from you whether you are for or against it. The cost, per household, would probably be around £40-£45 but we will continue to look for cheaper deals - and it will probably depend on how many people sign up. please contact us with your views at: lewknorbroadband@hotmail.co.uk or Barbara Drysdale, Lewknor Parish Clerk at: east end house, greenwood avenue, chinnor, ox39 4hw. Please don’t forget to give your name and address as we want to make sure we canvass every household in the parish. your details will not be passed on to any other person or organisation.
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THE GRAPEVINE February 2013
WHAT’S ON AT JUBILEE HALL, LEWKNOR
MONDAY NIGHTS Chinnor Kettlebells at 6.30pm (Contact Daren on 07801 553 019)
TUESDAY NIGHTS Yoga at 6.45pm (Contact Vicki on 07947 149675 or on 01844 3471620)
For details of rates, or to book the hall for your events or parties, please contact Jean on: 01844 354875
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Martyn Ottery Electrical
FOR A BEAUTIFUL GARDEN 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
THE GRAPEVINE February 2013
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THE GRAPEVINE February 2013
• • • • • • • • • • •
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
Newington nr stadhampton oxon ox10 7aw www.newington-nurseries.co.uk tel: 01865 400533 closed on Mondays except Bank Holidays
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THE GRAPEVINE February 2013
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THE GRAPEVINE February 2013
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 (ÂŁ50.00 for half an hour)
01844 354555 email:info@reglerandcompany.co.uk www.reglerandcompany.co.uk
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THE GRAPEVINE February 2013
SUDOKU
It’s easy to play Sudoku! Simply fill every Please see page 19 for the answers column, row and 3x3 box so they contain eSudokuPuzzles.com every number between PrintFreeSudokuPuzzles.com 1 and 9.
8 Level: Easy
Puzzle Set #D7578 Level: Difficult
EASY
DIFFICULT
3
7 8 6 4
5 1 2 6 6 9
4 8 2 7
4 3 8 9
7
3 2
3 2 9
1 5
6 8
9 2
7 8
6 1 8
6
4 9
4
5
9
1 8 2 5
7 1 3
5
9 1
3
7
8
A
8
4
2 9
A
17
9 6
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THE GRAPEVINE February 2013
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eSudokuPuzzles.com
8 Level: Easy [Key]
THE GRAPEVINE February 2013 PrintFreeSudokuPuzzles.com Puzzle Set #D7578 Level: Difficult [Key]
Solutions
2 6 1 4 9 7 8 3 5 3 9 5 1 8 6 4 7 2 8 4 7 2 3 5 6 1 9
7 3 4 6 1 5 8 9 2 6 9 2 7 8 4 5 3 1 8 1 5 9 2 3 4 6 7
9 3 8 6 1 2 5 4 7 7 1 6 9 5 4 3 2 8 4 5 2 3 7 8 9 6 1
4 5 6 2 3 9 7 1 8 2 7 1 8 5 6 9 4 3 3 8 9 1 4 7 2 5 6
1 8 9 7 4 3 2 5 6 5 2 3 8 6 1 7 9 4 6 7 4 5 2 9 1 8 3
5 6 3 4 7 8 1 2 9 9 2 8 5 6 1 3 7 4 1 4 7 3 9 2 6 8 5
A
DOMESTIC BLISS
WITH 7 8 MS 6 S.1 CLEAN 4 5 3 2 9 As4our anniversary 2 1 9is imminent, 3 6 Mr7Clean8gave5me the option of two ‘special treats’, well, as much as I love 5 cleaning, 9 3 I know 2 there 8 7are some 1 6specialist 4
cleaning products that I can’t get at short notice, so I opted for him cooking me an intimate, albeit hearty meal for two. What better than Catherine Gallacher’s slow cooked stew? Unfortunately, he mistook the instruction of finishing the last two thirds of the remaining bottle, as meaning drinking two of the three bottles of wine recommended to go with meal. After removing the larger of the chunks of beef from my best drapes, I was just returning to the pantry to get my second best Marigolds, when I came upon Mr Clean, in, what I think Shakespeare termed, “his cups”, or rather upside down at the bottom of the stairs dribbling into the shagpile. I’m sure you know B wine is a frightful stain to remove from anything it’s sloshed upon, so here are my tips should you find yourself in a similarly frightful situation.
6 7 9 5 1 3 8 4 2 1 3 4 6 2 8 9 5 7 8 5 2 7 9 4 6 3 1 3 4 7 8 5 1 2 9 6 9 1 8 4 6 2 5 7 3 2 6 5 3 7 9 4 1 8
A
the stain spreading, but it will also leave a residue that you will never shift. Reach for those Plenty paper towels and get blotting! Work from the outside in to contain the spill. Apply a solution of 1/4 teaspoon mild washing up liquid and 2 pints of water and work into the affected area. Blot with clean paper towels. Rinse by lightly spraying with water and blot again. Do this until all the suds are gone. Then spray lightly with water and cover with a wad of paper towels. Place a couple of books on top, I used the illustrated Fifty Shades Of Gray, but any other weighty tome will do.
2 9 6 3 5 4 1 7 8 7 5 8 6 9 1 2 3 4 4 1 3 2 8 7 5 9 6 5 8 1 4 7 3 6 2 9 6 3 2 9 1 8 7 4 5 9 4 7 5 2 6 8 1 3
If the stain persists, moisten with 3 per cent hydrogen peroxide and leave to stand for a few hours. Mr Clean’s few remaining locks now look like those of an elderly, wizened Boris Johnson, being unable to move him out of the stained area.
8 7 4 1 3 5 9 6 2 3 2 5 7 6 9 4 8 1 1 6 9 8 4 2 3 5 7
Finally blot it with some clean paper towels and B “voilà!”, as our little friends over the channel are wont to exclaim.
We modelled our à la mode ‘nook’ on the rather If you have a rather dull husband or a rather Instructions, Tips, Answers, Reprints More Sudoku Instructions, Online! Answers, Reprints Sudoku Puzzles Online! dull Tips, stain, or any other& More cleaning problem, wonderful Antonioni film, & ‘Blow-Up’. YouPuzzles know please email me, Ms Clean at the Grapevine the sort of thing, all white rugs and a fruit bowl to toss the car keys in. So that bottle of red made email address, grapevinemagazine@hotmail. a terrible mess. Looked more like that year I com. spent with the Mob, but that’s another stain story. Anyhoo, I would recommend you don’t grab the salt. Although salt is fine on a machine washable table cloth, it’s not great for carpets. It WILL stop
I can’t swear that I won’t laugh.
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THE GRAPEVINE February 2013
LEWKNOR PARISH DIARY February 2013 8th February
holy communion
9am
st. lawrence
17th February
holy communion
9am
st. margaret’s
18th February
Parish council meeting
7.30pm
jubilee hall
march 2013 3rd march
holy communion
17th march
holy communion
17th march 18th march 18th February
family service
9am 9am 4pm
Parish council meeting Parish council meeting
st. lawrence st. margaret’s st. lawrence
7.30pm
jubilee hall
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 contributions and adverts for the grapevine to be received no later than 21st of the month. an online version of the grapevine is available at
JUMBLE SALE SATURDAY 23RD MARCH 10AM – 1PM
AT LEWKNOR VILLAGE HALL ALL PROCEEDS IN AID OF MUCH NEEDED FUNDS FOR THE HALL PLEASE BRING ALL YOUR UNWANTED CLOTHES AND GIFTS TO TOWN FARM BY FRIDAY 22ND MARCH WE ALSO NEED SOME OF THOSE DELICIOUS CAKES YOU ALL MAKE TO SELL WITH TEA AND COFFEE AND RAFFLE PRIZES PLEASE IF ANYONE CAN HELP ON THE DAY, PLEASE CONTACT JEAN ON 07825813137 OR FRAN ON 07973224934
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