Village news 14 August 2026

View this email in your browser Uffington Village News 14 August 2026 UFFINGTON PARISH COUNCIL Jubilee Field - Thoughts and opinions welcome! A resident has recently approached the Parish Council asking if a footpath around the Jubilee Field could be considered which would allow greater access during the winter (wet) months and also assist those with accessibility requirements (it could also be used as an exercise track!) This suggestion has been raised in the past and as I am sure residents will appreciate, a project of this level would require extensive planning and fund raising. Other considerations would be things like, construction materials and future maintenance requirements. The Jubilee Field is largely regarded as the 'heart' of the village and the Parish Council will always attempt to be pro-active when considering what improvements/additions can be made and seek the opinion of residents regarding major projects. The picture attached shows a rough plan of where a path could be placed, joining existing exits and seating areas:   https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/files/6cc4d066-d22e-e40a-2e39-5226edcb35e2/Jubilee_Field_Consultation.pdf   The Parish Council would welcome any thoughts and opinions for and against such a project emailed to clerk@uffingtonparish.gov.uk.   WHAT’S ON - IN & AROUND UFFINGTON Uffington Museum talk – 7 September. The Mercurial Mitfords!  The Uffington Connection, by Arthur Marment.  John Betjamin was part of a group labelled The Bright Young Things and was a friend, confidante and admirer of the Mitford Sisters. This tenuous link serves as an excuse to blast through all seven of the bonkers Mitford clan, favouring generalisations, gossip and wild speculation far above dry academic study and accuracy! Poster attached: https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/images/eb38e040-bc37-d60d-81e0-68e38984ca5f.png   Teas in St Marys Church, Uffington. Every Sunday until September - 2.30pm to 5pm.  Come and enjoy tea, scones and homemade cake, chat and music in beautiful surroundings. GENERAL Free White Horse Show Tickets For Car Parking Volunteers (30 & 31 Aug 2026) Can you spare 2 hours to support the White Horse Show volunteering to help with car parking supervision or manning a gate.  The thank you is a free show ticket for a super day out.  If two adults (parents say) volunteer, that gets a family pass. We will provide supervision, bottled water and a high viz safety vest. The show runs on volunteers helping and car parking duty or gate manning is a huge help to delivering a great show. If interested, please register at the link. Thank you:   https://forms.gle/FqSczBheRWc9iFLF7 Your contribution will help to make the White Horse Show a fantastic experience for everyone.   White Horse Show – 30 and 31 August. See attached poster for more information on the attractions:   https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/files/3a0bc1b8-a13a-9465-cd6c-18052349bb3b/White_Horse_Show_26.pdf   FROM OLLY GLOVER MP Please find attached Olly's submission for the August/September parish  newsletter:   https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/files/9d34590e-2be6-b184-f792-c524a9f0a169/OG_Newsletter_August_for_September_26.pdf   FROM THE VALE Councils express concerns on coming government changes to planning process. South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils have expressed concerns for the government reforms to planning committees set to come into force at the end of October 2026. You can see details on our website by clicking this link   The August edition of Vale News. See: The August edition of Vale News   COUNTY NEWS.  Oxfordshire's transport and travel bulletin. See: Modular Template Patterns   The latest news for your communities. See: The latest news for your communities   THAMES VALLEY POLICE How Independent Scrutiny Is Shaping Policing. An independent board has reviewed Thames Valley Police's ongoing work to strengthen trust, confidence, fairness and legitimacy in policing across our communities.  The Independent Trust, Assurance and Confidence Board (ITAC), which met on Thursday 23 July, continues to provide independent challenge and scrutiny of policing activity.  The board continues to provide independent scrutiny of policing activity, supported by improved performance measures, survey data and accountability frameworks.   Have Your Say: Residents are encouraged to play an active role in shaping local policing by:     Speaking to their local Community & Network Engagement Officer: https://www.thamesvalley.police.uk/area/your-area/    Joining or observing their local Independent Advisory Group: https://www.thamesvalley-pcc.gov.uk/independent-advisory-groups/    Follow the work of the OPCC for the latest updates: https://www.thamesvalley-pcc.gov.uk/    Sharing feedback by emailing Scrutiny@thamesvalley.police.uk     You can read a full copy of the ITAC update on our website: https://www.thamesvalley-pcc.gov.uk/independent-trust-assurance-and-confidence-board/   Thames Valley Police leaders continue to pressure the Government over the early release of PC Andrew Harper’s killers. Earlier, on Monday 10 August, Thames Valley Police and Crime Commissioner, Matthew Barber, Thames Valley Police Chief Constable, Jason Hogg, and Chair of the Thames Valley Police Federation, Aileen O’Connor, jointly wrote to the Prime Minister urging him to keep PC Andrew Harper’s killers behind bars.  Under the legislation as it currently stands, Albert Bowers and Jessie Cole, are set to be released from prison next year under the early release scheme.  The PCC has proposed an amendment to the Sentencing Act which would see individuals serving a sentence for manslaughter where the victim was an emergency service worker who died while discharging their duties excluded from the early release scheme. This would mean that Albert Bowers and Jessie Cole would not be released early under the Sentencing Act. Matthew said: “It is entirely possible for the Government to frame legislation that would exempt the killers of emergency service workers from the provisions of the Sentencing Act. We are all prepared to work with the Government to improve the legislation and ensure PC Andrew Harper’s killers are not released early from prison next year. As we approach the seventh anniversary of the killing of Andrew this weekend, it is imperative the Government act. There is no other acceptable outcome than Albert Bowers and Jessie Cole serving their full sentence behind bars.”  At the time of writing, over 1 million people have signed Thames Valley Police Federation’s petition to stop the early release of Albert Bowers and Jessie Cole. You can add your name here: www.change.org/p/petition-to-stop-the-early-release-from-jail-of-pc-andrew-harper-s-killers  The PCC’s full release and the joint letter are available via this link: https://www.thamesvalley-pcc.gov.uk/news/thames-valley-police-leaders-continue-to-pressure-the-government-over-the-early-release-of-pc-andrew-harpers-killers/   FROM THE CHURCHES OF UFFINGTON BENEFICE Please find attached the Weekly Sheet for Sunday 16 August:   https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/files/16d2328a-8251-c588-6247-0fe50a603489/wsh_2026_08_16.pdf   For all information, please see:  https://www.uffingtonbenefice.com/

Rodney Calver - Memorial Service

View this email in your browser Uffington Village News 9 August 2026 Rodney Calver   The memorial service for Rodney W. Calver will be held at St. Mary's Church on Wednesday, August 12 at 11 am.   There will be lunch following at the THMH. Please park at the Hall if you are able.    Rodney and his wife, Mimi, have owned Bridge Cottage for 51 years, and they have spent all of their summers here since they moved to the US in 1982. Uffington has been their beloved second home.  Rodney died on January 19 of this year.

Village news 7 August 2026

View this email in your browser Uffington Village News 7 August 2026 UFFINGTON PARISH COUNCIL Planning.  Works to trees in CA P26/V2967/TCA. The Coach House High Street Uffington Faringdon SN7 7RP. G1 Cypress (Group of 3 conifers) - Reduce to 3m from ground level? See: Planning: P26/V2967/TCA - Online Register   WHAT’S ON - IN & AROUND UFFINGTON Teas in St Marys Church, Uffington. Every Sunday until September - 2.30pm to 5pm.  Come and enjoy tea, scones and homemade cake, chat and music in beautiful surroundings. Wood fired Pizzas in Uffington. SOLELUNA PIZZA 3 will come regularly to Uffington and serve PIZZA at the car park by the Thomas Hughes Memorial Hall, between 5 and 8 pm. Next visits are: MONDAYS - 17th and 31st August.  Pizzas are made fresh to order and served straight from the van. Pre Orders will be open 3 days in advance through our website www.pizzasoleluna.com. If you prefer you can order by the phone on 07894 711730 or at the van.  Expect cosy vibes, tasty treats and plenty of chat. Bring a friend — everyone’s welcome!    Lennie Gallant, St Nicholas Church, Baulking, Friday September 4th. Our final show of the year features the Canadian country music star Lennie Gallant. Lennie has won more awards than I can list but among them are 22 East Coast Music Awards with three of those for his latest album, Shelter from the Storms, released earlier this year. In 2019 he was inducted into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame and this year he won the Canadian Folk Music Award for Solo Artist of the Year. His records have been taken into space and he is a recipient of the Order of Canada, the highest civilian honour from his home country. He is over in the UK to do a week of shows and ours is the night before he headlines a slot at the British Country Music Festival in Blackpool. How does someone of Lennie's stature get to play a church in Baulking I hear you ask? Well, he is from Prince Edward Island and so many of the musicians, and former guests of ours, from the island have told him what a great show it is here that it was a no brainer for him to come and meet you all. It will be a special show. Tickets are £15 each from cowmuckp@gmail.com   GENERAL Food Bank. The Food Bank boxes in Uffington Stores and St. Mary's Church have been emptied and delivered to Wantage.     Sincere thanks to those who have donated items and a reminder now for everyone that the boxes are empty!   Fresh-dug local potatoes. The last batch of these potatoes has been dug up and is now available in St Mary’s Church. Help yourself, but a donation to the Church would be appreciated!   FREE WHITE HORSE SHOW TICKETS FOR CAR PARKING VOLUNTEERS (30 & 31 Aug 2026) Can you spare 2 hours to support the White Horse Show volunteering to help with car parking supervision or manning a gate.  The thank you is a free show ticket for a super day out.  If two adults (parents say) volunteer, that gets a family pass. We will provide supervision, bottled water and a high viz safety vest. The show runs on volunteers helping and car parking duty or gate manning is a huge help to delivering a great show. If interested, please register at the link. Thank you:   https://forms.gle/FqSczBheRWc9iFLF7 Your contribution will help to make the White Horse Show a fantastic experience for everyone.   White Horse Show. The White Horse Show is fast approaching on Aug 30th and 31st and the church will again be having a cake and produce stall in the main tent. This brings in a considerable amount of money towards the upkeep of the church. Fay has been running this for many years for which we thank her enormously for all her hard work. Linda Lord and Juliet Moss are taking this over this year and we would love to hear from anyone who could make cakes, biscuits, buns and jams etc and help on the stall on the day for 2hrs. You will get free entry to the show if you do a 2hr stint manning the stall! Please email us if you can help in any way. julietmoss@hotmail.co.uk lmlord75@gmail.com   FROM OLLY GLOVER MP Please find attached Olly's submission for the July/August parish newsletter:  https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/files/bd533fa8-0638-997d-2525-8f43f291836e/OG_Parish_Newsletter_July_for_August_26.pdf   COUNTY NEWS. Your Oxfordshire. Changes to park and ride travel, free play sessions and traffic filters start date. See: Changes to park and ride travel, free play sessions and traffic filters start date   Road closures. Temporary Emergency Restriction - Temporary emergency Road Closure on Road Running West From Oldland Copse, Uffington, Faringdon, Oxfordshire whilst works are carried out by THAMES WATER, from 06/08/2026. The anticipated completion date is 10/08/2026.   THAMES VALLEY POLICE PCC responds to Government failure to act over early release of PC Andrew Harper’s killers. PC Andrew Harper was killed in the line of duty just seven years ago. Andy Burnham promised action to prevent the early release of two of his killers and Andrew’s family, colleagues and the public he served will be rightly disappointed by the failure to act."   Thames Valley PCC Matthew Barber has reacted to the Government announcement that two of PC Andrew Harper’s killers are set to be released early. Read more from the PCC, including links to his previous letters to the Prime Minister and Lord Chancellor, on our website: https://www.thamesvalley-pcc.gov.uk/news/pcc-responds-government-failure-to-act-early-release-pc-andrew-harper-killers/   FROM THE CHURCHES OF UFFINGTON BENEFICE Please find attached the Weekly Sheet for Sunday 9 August: https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/files/179fcdad-c9a7-9007-882f-6f57b2e62b73/wsh_2026_08_09.pdf   For all information, please see:  https://www.uffingtonbenefice.com/

Village news 31 July 2026

View this email in your browser Uffington Village News 31 July 2026 UFFINGTON PARISH COUNCIL Notice Of Casual Vacancy Public notice is hereby given that due to the resignation of Councillor S Metcalfe-Hatton a vacancy exists in the office of Parish Councillor for Uffington Parish Council. More information attached:   https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/files/f686b854-1cd9-ac5a-db82-1cc35ed506f5/Notice_of_Casual_Vacancy_S_Metcalfe_Hatton_28072026.pdf   WHAT’S ON - IN & AROUND UFFINGTON Uffington Market and Café - Sunday 2 August from 10.00 am. At the Thomas Hughes Memorial Hall. Poster attached:   https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/images/7dcac768-676a-f9ab-eea7-4cfc6e39b130.jpg   Uffington Museum talk - Monday 3 August.  Coffee and coffee houses in Oxford. On Monday 3 August, at 7.30 pm, by Melanie King, in the THMH. Poster attached:  https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/files/cf120c5a-ad02-8da3-855d-43044ea106a9/Museum_talk_3_August.01.pdf   Uffington First Wed Walk August 5 Baulking - Stanford circular walk. Given the recent heat wave Wednesday 5th August looks very reasonable for the August Uffington First Weds Walk with 20 degrees predicted and some possibility of light drizzle, which might be a nice novelty! Our walk for this month will take us from Baulking Church via Baulking Hill to Stanford in the Vale where we will take a coffee break at the cafe. Returning via Baulking Lake, roughly five miles. Starting as always at Uffington Village Hall car park for car sharing and lifts at 9:20 for a 9:30 start. For those who would like to meet us at Baulking parking is available by St, Nicholas Church, Baulking. Please park considerately and avoid blocking the farm gate which gives access to the field to west of St Nicholas or parking on the road which might restrict farm vehicles. Thank you.   Weds Walking Committee, Pamela, Hilary, Dave and Verity.  Any queries: veritycavanagh@gmail.com   GENERAL Quality Second Hand Donations 🙏. RSPCA Oxfordshire are opening our very first c pet charity shop in Didcot right now 😊 We need more donations of good quality stock. If you have suitable goods to donate for the welfare of Oxfordshire pets (e.g., dogs, cats, rabbits, etc), please get in touch and I can arrange collection/delivery. …Oxfordshire RSPCA rely entirely on the goodwill of local charity donations to support our work. Thank you; Paul White 07799 525453 or paulwhite.smp@me.com   FREE WHITE HORSE SHOW TICKETS FOR CAR PARKING VOLUNTEERS (30 & 31 Aug 2026).  Can you spare 2 hours to support the White Horse Show volunteering to help with car parking supervision or manning a gate?  The thank you is a free show ticket for a super day out.  If two adults (parents say) volunteer, that gets a family pass. We will provide supervision, bottled water and a high viz safety vest. The show runs on volunteers helping and car parking duty or gate manning is a huge help to delivering a great show. If interested, please register at the link. Thank you:   https://forms.gle/FqSczBheRWc9iFLF7 Your contribution will help to make the White Horse Show a fantastic experience for everyone.   White Horse Show. The White Horse Show is fast approaching on Aug 30th and 31st and the church will again be having a cake and produce stall in the main tent. This brings in a considerable amount of money towards the upkeep of the church. Fay has been running this for many years for which we thank her enormously for all her hard work. Linda Lord and Juliet Moss are taking this over this year and we would love to hear from anyone who could make cakes, biscuits, buns and jams etc and help on the stall on the day for 2hrs. You will get free entry to the show if you do a 2hr stint manning the stall!  Please email us if you can help in any way. julietmoss@hotmail.co.uk lmlord75@gmail.com   FROM THE VALE Statement from the Leader of Vale of White Horse District Council on further delays to reopening of the Botley Road. Following confirmation this week the Botley Road in Oxford will remain closed beyond the end of August, Leader of Vale of White Horse District Council, Cllr Bethia Thomas, has expressed her deep frustration and incredulity at the further delays to the long-promised reopening. Botley Road in Oxford was originally on schedule to reopen at the end of August 2026, almost two years later than the original timetable deadline. You can see details on our website by clicking this link   Councils reaffirm commitment to being welcoming and inclusive organisations for all. South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils have both reaffirmed their commitment to providing inclusivity across all their services. You can see details on our website by clicking this link   COUNTY NEWS. The latest news for your communities. See: The latest news for your communities   THAMES VALLEY POLICE Listen and subscribe to the new Neighbourhood Watch Podcast! We're delighted to launch the Neighbourhood Watch Podcast, bringing together well-known guests, powerful personal stories and insightful conversations about crime, community and the places that shape us. Hosted by Alfie Moore, a former copper turned award-winning comedian, episode one: Breaking and Entering with Penny Smith is available now.  New episodes will be available, free to download, every Friday for the next six weeks.    Every Special has a story. Start yours today. We’ve recently been reflecting on the history of the Special Constabulary at Thames Valley Police and stories of the real people that have given their time to make an impact in their communities. Stories about remarkable volunteers such as David, a former farmer who wanted to support his local rural area. Terry, who went on to join as a police constable, eventually finishing his career as the oldest serving beat officer in the country. Nikki and Lucy, who both built their own successful policing careers. And Phil, who recounts dealing with local characters, finding himself in scary situations, and progressing through the ranks.   Now we’re looking for people who want to write their own story. Whether it’s to launch a career, develop skills and confidence, experience something new and exciting, give something back to the community, or simply to be there and make a difference on what might be the worst day of someone’s life.   If you – or someone you know – would be interested in joining the Special Constabulary, visit our website to learn more. Apply now to do something special.   FROM THE CHURCHES OF UFFINGTON BENEFICE Please find attached the Weekly Sheet for Sunday 2 August: (Not available as yet).    For all information, please see:  https://www.uffingtonbenefice.com/

Village news 24 July 2026

View this email in your browser Uffington Village News 24 July 2026 UFFINGTON PARISH COUNCIL Maintenance of watercourses.  Uffington Parish Council would like to share a reminder regarding the maintenance of watercourses, ditches, and rivers within our area. Under riparian law, landowners whose property adjoins/contains a watercourse are responsible for maintaining its flow. This includes clearing any debris, managing overgrown vegetation, and removing obstructions that could affect the natural flow of the watercourse. Regular maintenance ensures that water can move freely, protecting both property and the natural environment. For more details on these guidelines, please refer to the Environment Agency's "Owning a Watercourse" documentation. Your co-operation in keeping our waterways clear and functioning properly is greatly appreciated.   Jubilee Field - trees. As grounds are being prepared for the planting of a large number of saplings later in the year, there will be a number of tree works taking place on the Jubilee Field. Please feel free to take the logs left at the clearance sites for personal use.   Planning.  Field House Fernham Road Uffington Faringdon SN7 7RD - Works to trees in Conservation Area. See: Planning: P26/V3020/TCA - Online Register   WHAT’S ON - IN & AROUND UFFINGTON Uffington Market and Café. Sunday 2 August from 10.00 am, at the Thomas Hughes Memorial Hall. Poster attached:   https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/images/54b9f927-ed8f-2cdc-c88d-372dd2f7df9d.jpg   Uffington Museum talk - Coffee and coffee houses in Oxford. On Monday 3 August, at 7.30 pm, by Melanie King, in the THMH. Poster attached:   https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/files/16d5d604-705a-6e1e-4c41-027b2313714b/Museum_talk_3_August.pdf   Teas in St Marys Church, Uffington. Every Sunday until September - 2.30pm to 5pm.  Come and enjoy tea, scones and homemade cake, chat and music in beautiful surroundings. GENERAL FREE WHITE HORSE SHOW TICKETS FOR CAR PARKING VOLUNTEERS (30 & 31 Aug 2026) Can you spare 2 hours to support the White Horse Show volunteering to help with car parking supervision or manning a gate.  The thank you is a free show ticket for a super day out.  If two adults (parents say) volunteer, that gets a family pass. We will provide supervision, bottled water and a high viz safety vest. The show runs on volunteers helping and car parking duty or gate manning is a huge help to delivering a great show. If interested, please register at the link. Thank you:    https://forms.gle/FqSczBheRWc9iFLF7 Your contribution will help to make the White Horse Show a fantastic experience for everyone.   White Horse Show - Cake and produce stall. The White Horse Show is fast approaching on Aug 30th and 31st and the church will again be having a cake and produce stall in the main tent. This brings in a considerable amount of money towards the upkeep of the church. Fay has been running this for many years for which we thank her enormously for all her hard work. Linda Lord and Juliet Moss are taking this over this year and we would love to hear from anyone who could make cakes, biscuits, buns and jams etc and help on the stall on the day for 2hrs. You will get free entry to the show if you do a 2hr stint manning the stall! Please email us if you can help in any way. julietmoss@hotmail.co.uk lmlord75@gmail.com   Fresh-dug local potatoes are available in St Mary’s Church. Help yourself, but a donation to the Church would be appreciated.      THAMES WATER Due to the hot and dry weather Thames Water have introduced a hose pipe ban for all customers. See: Temporary hosepipe ban | Thames Water   COUNTY NEWS. Your Oxfordshire. Botley road, summer fun and cleaner travel. See: Botley road, summer fun and cleaner travel   Wicklesham Quarry. Conditional Planning Permission has been given for:  Brief particulars of proposed development: Outline flexible planning application for a total of up to 29,573 sq. m. GIA of commercial floorspace for Use Classes E(g) (i) (offices); and/or E(g) (ii) (research and development); and/or E(g) (iii) (light industrial); and/or B2 (general industrial); and/or B8 (storage and distribution); and ancillary uses. All matters reserved for future determination except for access. The Decision Notice is attached:   https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/files/331e79b2-2026-5302-3149-4e34cce34a3f/Wicklesham_quarry_decision_notice_July_2026.pdf   THAMES VALLEY POLICE My local update for you - July 2026 - From the PCC. See: My local update for you - July 2026   PCC calls for Government to take emergency action over potential early release of PC Andrew Harper’s killers. “The killers of Andrew Harper should remain in prison and should not be released early.” That is the simple message from Thames Valley Police & Crime Commissioner, Matthew Barber.   Responding to the article on the front page of today’s (22 July) Daily Telegraph, Matthew Barber has hit back at the Government for the appalling consequences of the recent Sentencing Act: “The public and police officers alike will join Andrew’s family in their outrage that two of the men convicted of killing PC Andrew Harper are set to be released early.”   Matthew Barber has written to the Prime Minister and Lord Chancellor urging the Government to consider emergency legislation to prevent the early release of two of the men responsible for the killing of PC Andrew Harper under the Sentencing Act 2026.   FROM THE CHURCHES OF UFFINGTON BENEFICE Please find attached the Weekly Sheet for Sunday 26 July:   https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/files/391b2251-bd91-9469-6fc6-3f0ff6b25777/wsh_2026_07_26.pdf   For all information, please see:  https://www.uffingtonbenefice.com/