| Uffington Parish Council Annual Assembly – 10 April 2017
Uffington Parish Council's Annual Assembly will take place at 7.30 pm on Monday 10 April, in the THMH.
We would like to invite all residents to attend; refreshments will be provided from 7.00 pm.
This is an important point in the year, as it is YOUR opportunity to raise any matters of concern to you, and it is OUR opportunity to explain to all residents what has been achieved on your behalf in the last year, and our proposals for 2017 / 2018. We would like to see as many people as possible. There will be a shortened monthly Parish Council meeting prior to the Annual Assembly, commencing at 6.30 pm; the usual Open Forum will take place in the Annual Assembly. The outline agenda for the Annual Assembly will be: - Report on 2016 / 2017
- Objectives for next year
- Report by National Trust (Andy Foley)
- Neighbourhood Plan update (Robert Hart)
- Applications to the Parish Council for grants from S106 funds
- Any other business
Under Item 5, we would like to discuss with residents the projects put forward to the Parish Council for grants from the S106 contribution from the Jacksmeadow development.
Fundraiser for The Leprosy Mission (TLM) Sat/Sun 22/23rd April THMH
Sue Jennings still needs helpers for an hour or two on the Saturday, to serve teas etc. or take the money, also to make a pot of soup, sandwiches or bake a cake please.
More information here: https://gallery.mailchimp.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/files/d2d3ca68-e4bc-4617-a48a-8a7d4a719c26/Leprosy_mission_23_and_24_April..pdf
Police and Crime Commissioner launches new 5 year plan
The Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), Anthony Stansfeld, has launched his new five year Police and Crime Plan for the Thames Valley. The document sets out the priorities for policing and other crime reduction organisations. It consists of five strategic priorities which are: - Vulnerability
- Prevention and Early Intervention
- Reducing Re-offending
- Serious Organised Crime and Terrorism
- Police Ethics and Reform
For more information and to view the full Police and Crime Plan visit the PCC website.
Alabama foot rot – in dogs.
A dog in Watchfield has a confirmed case of Alabama Foot Rot which is being treated by Robert Elliot at Stanford in the Vale. The dog is only walked locally in 3 places - Ridgeway, under the wind turbines and at Bradbury Clump. Dog owners please look out for lesions and sores - more info on the website below. It is not known how it is transmitted.
http://alabamarot.co.uk/about-alabama-rot/about-rot
Future Events - 29 March 2017 | White Horse Garden Club – April 2017
We are surrounded in blossom reminding us that spring is certainly here and summer just around the corner. The day light hours longer and the warmth of the sun is very welcome. The March meeting on 'Changing Planting Styles' by Mary Keen was thought provoking on the many different themes available to try in our own gardens. We look forward to visiting Mary Keen's garden on 18th May.
The next meeting is on THURSDAY 6th APRIL AT 7.30PM IN THOMAS HUGHES MEMORIAL HALL, UFFINGTON, SN7 7RA Members free. (Annual membership £10). Visitors: £2.50. Raffle £1
'Summer Container planting': ideas for problem areas. Tips to make your hot spots, shady areas, windy corners and eyesores a little more enticing this year. A talk/demonstration by Harriet Rycroft.
For more information see Harriet's blog called A Parrot's Nest at harrietrycroft.com .
A very important date is: SATURDAY 13th MAY. 2.30 - 4.00 pm. The Mega Plant Sale
Please bring plants for sale. If every member brings 6 plants for sale at 50p the club will make £200+. This will help fund the speakers for next year. Please support our main fund raising event. Label and price each plant. If you wish to sell your plants on a 50:50 basis please add an extra label to each one with your name and the cost. Bring your friends, neighbours and relatives and anyone else!
If you can help set up at 1pm and/or clear away we would be very grateful. Thanks.
The programme of visits for 2017 is attached here: https://gallery.mailchimp.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/files/e9877df3-7822-4bf3-a2e5-1542f4eca025/White_Horse_Garden_Club_Visits_2017_docx.pdf
Forms available at meetings to sign up for visits or email me.
Notices. Joanna Sadler is kindly doing the bulb order again with Peter Nyssen and they generally stock both Crocus tommasinianus and Narcissus pseudonarcissus lobularis (the wild daffodil) as mentioned by Mary Keen. Plus many other bulbs of course. Catalogue will be circulated in May/June. If you would like a copy please let Joanna know on 01367-820243 or brian.sadler@talk21.com
Look forward to seeing everyone on Thursday 6th April.
Pamela Preene (On behalf of the White Horse Garden Club Committee)
The Great Get Together Saturday 17th June 12-4pm
On the Jubilee field outside, and using Thomas Hughes Memorial Hall
Inviting Woolstone, Baulking, Shellingford, Kingston Lisle, Fawler and Uffington residents
Some residents are planning a big picnic, to celebrate the very best that our communities have to offer. We want to show that, like Jo Cox, the late MP said, we have more in common than that which divides us. This is not a fundraiser, or a political or 'church' event, but is a really good excuse to get together.
BYO food and outdoor chairs etc. Do come and join in, for an afternoon of fun, music, games for children and more. We will welcome a gold coin donation on the day to pay for hire of the hall, advertising, tea etc. If you would like to help organise the afternoon, please contact: Sue Jennings, 1 White Horse, Uffington, Jenningsue@gmail.com 07956 534478 01367 820013
More information here: https://greatgettogether.org/
M4 junctions 12 to 13 – bridge refurbishment
The M4 east and westbound carriageways, between junctions 12 (Theale) and 13 (Chieveley) in West Berkshire will be fully closed from 9pm on Friday 31 March through to 6am on Monday 3 April 2017. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via the A4 (through Newbury, Thatcham and Woolhampton), however as Highways England are expecting this route to be extremely busy – the following alternative routes should be used: - From west to east / east to west – consider using the A339 and A33, or the A404, M40, A34
- From the north – consider using the M40 and A404
- From the south – consider using the M3 and A33
Significant delays are expected during these weekend closure periods, and it is advised that you plan ahead of your journey to allow for extra time or avoid this route where possible.
(I have checked today with Highways England, who said this is genuine – not an April Fool!)
The compost give-away is back!
South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Council are holding a compost give-away event over the weekend of 13-14 May. This is usually a very popular event; officers will be on hand over the weekend to answer waste and recycling queries and questions.
The poster is here: https://gallery.mailchimp.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/files/c854c638-3cf4-428a-b6c9-4f151d79d30b/CompostPoster_2017a.pdf
Uffington Community Café | Vicky and Chris are opening the Uffington Community Café, at the Thomas Hughes Memorial Hall on Saturday 1 April, from 11.00 am to 3.00 pm.
Free fruit and sweets for the children!
More information is attached: https://gallery.mailchimp.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/images/3e786a99-f140-48ba-b315-e65c8a3d77a4.jpg
Village news 24 March 2017 | From Thames Valley Police
Following the tragic events in London on Wednesday, Thames Valley Police would like to remind our communities that the national threat level remains at SEVERE, as it has been since October 2014.
This means that an attack is highly likely and we urge the public to be alert but not alarmed. We have reviewed our security measures and activities, including those for pre-planned events and in crowded places and there is no intelligence to suggest a specific threat to our communities within the Thames Valley following the terrorist attack in London. We will continue to provide a visible policing presence across the Thames Valley to provide reassurance to our communities.
Communities defeat terrorism - we depend on information from the public, you are also our eyes and ears, and everyone can play their part in the effort to keep us safe. Please remain vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour or activity to the confidential Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789 321 or in an emergency call 999. In the rare event of a weapons attack occurring we urge you to follow the Run, Hide, Tell advice.
From the Vale District Council
Businesses can get a boost from free digital workshops. Businesses in the Vale of White Horse can find out how digital marketing, Google ranking and Google Ads can help raise their profile and income, thanks to a series of free workshops taking place this year. There are three workshops to sign up for in 2017: - Thursday 30 March - 12 practical tips to make Google love your website TODAY!
- Wednesday 17 May - How to make digital marketing work harder for your business
- Wednesday 20 September - Make your Google Ad campaign stand out from the crowd in 20 minutes a week
All workshops take place between 8.30am and 10am at the Milton Park Innovation Centre, 99 Park Drive, Milton Park, Milton, OX14 4RY.
More information here: http://www.whitehorsedc.gov.uk/news/2017/2017-03/businesses-can-get-boost-free-digital-workshops
From "Better Oxfordshire"
The Better Oxfordshire unitary bid has been officially submitted to government; more information here: https://www.better-oxfordshire.org/
The proposal makes the case for abolishing the existing two-tier structure of six councils and replacing them with one new council for Oxfordshire. It has been updated to take into account the views from residents and other local organisations, particularly in relation to strengthening local democracy and accountability.
We believe that local government reorganisation is vital to protect council services as central government funding is reduced, and to secure the investment in infrastructure needed to support sustainable economic growth in Oxfordshire. We want decisions to be taken as locally as possible. Our proposal envisages 15-20 Area Executive Boards, centred on the main market towns of Oxfordshire and involving surrounding villages.
The photocopier
The lease on the photocopier located in the Uffington Primary School will be transferred (the technical term is "novated") from the Parish Council to the School, with effect from 1 April 2017. The reasons for this include greater restrictions on access to schools by the public for reasons of child safety, and significantly reduced usage by users other than the School. However, the School has kindly agreed that members of the public may use the copier under the following conditions: - It may only be used by prior arrangement with the School (via a phone call to the school office 01367 820296) and after 3.30 pm each school day. It will not be available during school holidays.
- Payment in cash will need to be made at the time of usage - 10p per copy.
Benefice Weekly Sheet
The weekly sheet for Sunday 26 March is attached here: https://gallery.mailchimp.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/files/cc2747b0-2009-4d9b-97e7-294c96598f93/wsh_2017_03_26.pdf
Don't forget that the clocks change this weekend!
Forthcoming events and the railway bridge at Baulking | Uffington Parish Council - Annual Assembly
The Parish Council's Annual Assembly will be held on Monday 10 April, starting at 7.30 pm in the THMH; refreshments will be provided from 7.00pm.
This is the Parish Council's opportunity to explain to all residents what has been achieved on your behalf in the last year, and its intentions for 2017 / 2018; it is your opportunity to raise any matters of concern to you.
Film afternoon for the over 50s
Don't forget that this will be on Wednesday 12 April, starting at 2.00pm in the THMH.
Unfortunately due to licencing we aren't able to advertise the film on posters but Mandy Richens' details are on the poster attached, so you can ring her to ask. https://gallery.mailchimp.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/files/05111f89-d707-4ac6-a4d8-5ee408186b77/Film_afternoon.01.pdf
Others who will be able to tell you the title of the film are Rose Holborow in the Shop, Karen Pilcher (820978) and Simon Jenkins (820776).
But, it's a true story set in the 20's with Meryl Streep and Hugh Grant starring.
Farmers Markets for 2017
The first Farmers Market this year will be on Sunday 16 April. Dates for the rest of the year are here:
https://gallery.mailchimp.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/files/bb4b4126-4946-4dda-9021-00624077ab52/UFM_Poster_2017.pdf
Planning matters – Baulking Railway Bridge
The Chair of Baulking Parish Meeting thinks that Uffington residents may wish to comment on a planning application relevant to the railway bridge at Baulking. Network Rail have a legal requirement to raise the parapets on the bridge for safety reasons connected to the electrification of the line. The existing parapets are 890mm high; work is required to bring them up to the required height for electrification of 1850mm and this will be achieved by adding steel sections to the top of the existing coping; they will be painted in a light grey. The bridge structure is not strong enough for other methods.
There is no point in trying to oppose this application, but it may be possible to influence Network Rail on the proposed style and finish of the raised parapets. The application papers are on the Vale website here:
http://www.whitehorsedc.gov.uk/java/support/Main.jsp?MODULE=ApplicationDetails&REF=P17/V0479/P18#exactline
Village news 17 March 2017 | Jubilee Field Spring Tidy
The spring tidy of the Jubilee Field and a blitz of verges and ditches around the village will take place tomorrow. Please meet at the Village Hall at 10.00 am, with gardening equipment. For those clearing the verges, hi-vis waistcoats and litter pickers will be provided. If you cannot help on Saturday, try Sunday!
Vale Local Plan 2031 Part 2
The District Council is now working on Local Plan Part 2 and a draft was released for consultation on 9 March 2017. The consultation is open until 4 May and all residents are encouraged to make their comments. This may be done in a number of drop-in exhibitions – dates and places are on the Parish Council notice board – or on the Vale website: http://www.whitehorsedc.gov.uk/services-and-advice/planning-and-building/planning-policy/local-plan-2031-part-2
Local Plan Part 1 having secured 20,560 houses and 23,000 jobs to meet fully the Vale's "Objectively Assessed Housing Need", Part 2 has to: - Provide 2,200 homes to assist with Oxford City's unmet housing need (15,000 homes)
- Sort out a Master Plan for the new Didcot Garden Town
- Replace saved policies from the 2011 Plan
- Make provision for retail, leisure and commercial developments and for the infrastructure needed to support them.
80% of the 2,200 homes for Oxford will be in the Abingdon and Oxford area and 20% in the South East Vale sub-area. Other sites allocated in the consultation are: - Kingston Bagpuize with Southmoor – 600 homes, up to 2031.
- East Hanney – 2 sites (130)
- Marcham – 2 sites (520)
- An additional 1,400 in South East Vale sub-area.
As will be seen from the above, there are no allocations at all in the Western Vale sub-area – i.e., including Uffington, Baulking, Woolstone and other local villages. However, the Vale have to find 240 additional homes in the Western Vale area, held over from Local Plan Part 1, and are expecting these to be identified from Neighbourhood Plans or as "windfall" from other sources. But please note that the Government has imposed a rolling three year target for Actual Housing Delivery. If the target (thought to be 1018 completed homes per annum) is not met, the presumption in favour of sustainable development will apply again, meaning that District planners will be obliged to consider sites outside the Local Plan and NPs.
The Vale's Local Plan Update Bulletin 6 is attached here: https://gallery.mailchimp.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/files/8df15a58-4095-4a31-90e7-36bc708ecfda/Vale_Local_Plan_Update_Bulletin_6.pdf
Better Oxfordshire (formerly OneOxfordshire) – From Oxford County Council
Over the last few months we've been speaking to people online and across the county to explain our proposals to make services better, more local and cost less to run. Though many people have shown that they support the plans, lots of you are also concerned that any new council would need to be more local.
As a result we've made some significant changes to the proposal, previously known as 'OneOxfordshire', including: - Increased the number of 'area boards' which would have responsibility for local services
- Made special arrangements for Oxford to reflect its unique needs in the county
This week, the county council's cabinet agreed to submit the Better Oxfordshire proposals for a new council for the whole county to government.
So what happens next?
Some preparatory work can start immediately. Recommendations agreed by the cabinet include setting up a joint committee to develop the area board model, with all the councils invited to take part. We also want to set up a City Convention so that residents and organisations in Oxford can take part in designing a new model of governance for the city.
Ultimately the decision is with the Secretary of State for Local Government, who is expected to consult stakeholders (residents and organisations) before he decides.
As always, you can find out more at www.betteroxfordshire.org -and join in the discussion on Facebook.
Benefice Weekly Sheet
The weekly sheet is attached here: https://gallery.mailchimp.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/files/9e6e3775-8d4b-42ec-a954-d639e4cdd681/wsh_2017_03_19.pdf
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