White Horse Garden Club - Thursday 1st March 2018
TALK: Summer flowers from seed; wonderful annuals and biennials, BY: Derry Watkins, acclaimed owner of Special Plants Nursery, Chippenham.
www.specialplants.net
Plants, seeds etc for sale.
DATE: Thursday 1st March 2018, at 7.30pm
VENUE: Thomas Hughes Memorial Hall, Uffington, SN7 7RA
Members - Free. Visitors - £2.50 Raffle - £1.
Further information from Pamela 01367-820251 or parrottspreene@aol.com
The weather!
It does not take a genius to spot that we are in for a very cold spell. Despite everybody knowing that, I thought it might be helpful to circulate the detailed warning received from Oxfordshire County Council – below. It looks as though the worst may be further east, until Thursday at any rate, but the experts are not sure, and do often exaggerate. What can we do about it? I suggest two points: - Keep an eye on friends and neighbours, particularly those who might be unwell or vulnerable, and ask for help if needed.
- Take account of weather conditions in your travel plans.
Headline:
It will become increasingly cold across London and Southeast England through the week. Snow showers on Monday morning may lead to longer journey times on some roads and railways in parts of Kent, Surrey and south and east London. These showers will turn heavier and more widespread during the afternoon and evening which may cause more significant disruption to transport, icy conditions and the potential for power outages across a larger area. Further snow is expected through the rest of next week and has the potential to cause ongoing disruption.
Warnings Issued: - Yellow SNOW Warning (Medium Likelihood of Low Impacts) valid 0400 to 1030 on Monday 26th February 2018 (for parts of Kent, Surrey and south and east London)
- Yellow SNOW Warning (Very Low Likelihood of Medium Impacts) valid 1400 to 2355 on Monday 26th February 2018 (for Kent, East Sussex, southern and eastern parts of London and parts of West Sussex, Surrey and Milton Keynes)
- Amber SNOW Warning (Medium Likelihood of Medium Impacts) valid 0200 to 1200 on Tuesday 27th February 2018 (for parts of Kent, Sussex, Surrey and south and east London)
- Yellow SNOW Warning (Low Likelihood of Medium Impacts) valid 0005 to 2355 on Tuesday 27th February 2018 (for all of London & Southeast England apart from Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Reading, Wokingham and the far west of West Sussex)
- Yellow SNOW Warning (Low Likelihood of Medium Impacts) valid 0005 to 2355 on Wednesday 28th February 2018 (for Kent, East Sussex and eastern parts of Surrey, West Sussex and London)
- Yellow WIND and SNOW Warning (Very Low Likelihood of High Impacts) valid 1200 to 2355 on Thursday 1st March 2018 (for Hampshire, Isle of Wight and western parts of West Sussex and Thames Valley).
Monday:
It will turn cloudier from the east overnight with scattered snow showers giving slight accumulations of perhaps 1 to 2 centimetres in places in time for the Monday Morning commute in Kent, Surrey and southern and eastern parts of London which may lead to longer journey times on some roads and railways. Daytime temperatures will rise to only just above freezing and overnight temperatures will be well below leading to severe frosts. The low temperatures and fairly brisk easterly wind will lead to a significant wind chill, making it feel well below freezing. The snow showers are likely to become heavier, more frequent and more widespread through Monday afternoon and to start to affect locations further west, such as Sussex as well as Kent, Surrey and southern and eastern parts of London. There is the potential for accumulations of 5-10 cm in places, whilst nearby locations may see much less frequent showers and only small accumulations of 0-2 cm. For the places that see higher accumulations, there is the potential for longer travel delays on roads, stranding of some vehicles and passengers, as well as delays or cancellations to rail and air travel. Some rural communities could become cut off. Power cuts may also occur and other services, such as mobile phones, may be affected.
The Met Office have issued a Yellow SNOW Warning (Medium Likelihood of Low Impacts) for the potential impacts from mostly light snow showers early on Monday, plus a further Yellow SNOW Warning (Very Low Likelihood of Medium Impacts) for more widespread significant impacts during the afternoon and evening. Details of all warnings issued can be found on Hazard Manager, on the Met Office website at www.metoffice.gov.uk/public/weather/warnings or via our App.
Tuesday:
Further snow showers or longer periods of snow are expected on Tuesday, accompanied by further very low temperatures. Where the snow showers align into bands, there is the potential for 5-10 cm of powdery snow accumulating, possibly very locally 15 cm, through the morning, before easing during the afternoon. Meanwhile some nearby locations may see only small accumulations of 1-3 cm. Again, there is the likelihood of travel delays on roads, with some stranded vehicles and passengers, as well as delays or cancellations to rail and air travel. Some rural communities could become cut off. Power cuts may also occur and other services, such as mobile phones, may be affected.
The Met Office have issued an Amber SNOW Warning (Medium Likelihood of Medium Impacts) for parts of Kent, Sussex, Surrey and south and east London where banding of showers, and thus the greatest snow accumulations are most likely to be seen. There is also a Yellow SNOW Warning (Low Likelihood of Medium Impacts) in force for a much wider area on Tuesday. Again, details of all warnings issued can be found on Hazard Manager, on the Met Office website at www.metoffice.gov.uk/public/weather/warnings or via our App.
Wednesday:
Although there may be a lull in the wintry conditions in some places on Wednesday, further heavy snow showers are expected in more eastern parts, bringing very variable snow cover, with the potential for a further 10-15 cm of snow in places where showers are most frequent whilst nearby locations may see only small accumulations of 1-3 cm. Strong winds will lead to drifting of snow and severe wind chill, while lightning could be an additional hazard, particularly near coasts. Again, in the areas most affected, there is the potential for travel delays on roads on Wednesday, with some stranded vehicles and passengers, as well as delays or cancellations to rail and air travel. Some rural communities could become cut off. Power cuts may also occur and other services, such as mobile phones, may be affected.
The Met Office have issued a Yellow SNOW Warning (Low Likelihood of Medium Impacts) for Kent, East Sussex and eastern parts of Surrey, West Sussex and London where impacts are most likely to be seen on Wednesday. Again, details of all warnings issued can be found on Hazard Manager, on the Met Office website www.metoffice.gov.uk/public/weather/warnings or via our App.
Thursday & Friday:
A weather system is expected to move slowly north across southern England through Thursday into Friday and has potential to produce further widespread snow, accompanied by strong to gale force winds. As less cold air follows from the south, there is a small chance of snow turning to freezing rain bringing an additional ice risk. There is still uncertainty in how this system will develop, but there is a small chance of the combined effects of snow, strong winds and ice leading to severe impacts. If this should occur, it has the potential to lead to long delays and cancellations on bus, rail and air travel, roads may become blocked by deep snow, with stranded vehicles and passengers and long interruptions to power supplies and other services such as telephones may be seen.
The Met Office have issued a Yellow dual WIND and SNOW Warning (Very Low Likelihood of High Impacts) for Hampshire, Isle of Wight and western parts of West Sussex and Thames Valley for Thursday afternoon and evening. It is possible that this warning may need to be extended into Friday and to a wider area over the coming days if the signals remain consistent. Again, details of all warnings issued can be found on Hazard Manager, on the Met Office website at www.metoffice.gov.uk/public/weather/warnings or via our App.
Further Ahead:
It is looking increasingly likely to continue with an unsettled theme to the weather, with areas of rain moving north-eastwards from the southwest at times, which could well turn to snow across parts of the UK. Whether this will affect parts of London and Southeast England will becoming clearer through the week. It will also often be windy with gales possible at times. Although remaining cold for many, nearer normal temperatures are more likely to be seen in southern parts.
The Level-3 Cold Weather Alert remains in force for London and Southeast England through to Thursday but is likely to be extended. -
Village news 23 February 2018 Save the Date – 17 / 18 March
The Jubilee Field Spring Tidy and litter pick will take place on the weekend of 17 / 18 March. All welcome – as many as possible! – as we want to combine the Spring Tidy and a litter pick of verges and hedgerows throughout the parish. Hi-vis jackets, sacks and litter pickers will be provided. Please gather in the car park area at 10.00 am on Saturday 17 March, equipped with the usual gardening tools.
Chris' Community Café will be open in the THMH and the Parish Council will be making a grant to cover the cost of a drink at the end of the morning for all who take part.
Severe weather
Some severe weather including the possibility of snow is forecast for the next week. Oxfordshire County Council's Snow Guide – a simple guide to snow clearance – is available in the village website, under Parish Council / General Information, here: http://www.uffington.net/parish-council/general-information/
Ridgeway Consultation: 32 applications under Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and Natural Environment and Communities Act 2006 (NERC)
Our County Cllr for the Division covering the Ridgeway from Ashbury to Wantage (Yvonne Constance) is urging as many as possible to respond to the current consultation by Oxfordshire County Council (OCC). There were 32 applications to OCC back in 2005/6 to upgrade 'byways' to 'byways open to all traffic' (BOATs) - i.e. to permit motor vehicles / trail riders on defined footpaths / bridleways. These applications are finally being actioned and evidence is needed to keep motor vehicles off the Ridgeway.
All the applications locally relate to the Ridgeway, and if granted, would permit motor vehicles (4x4s and motor bikes) back onto the Ridgeway. Please email OCC officer to state your experience, for example, that motor vehicles made so bad an impact on the Ridgeway that it became unsafe / unusable for other users - walkers, cyclists, and horse riders, with deep ruts being created. The consultation closes on 20 March; e-mails should be sent to: alex.humphreys@oxfordshire.gov.uk
The list of 32 cases is attached here: https://gallery.mailchimp.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/files/83764eeb-6b39-4a4a-bbb2-521b305aa4d6/List_of_32_cases_including_exemption_claimed_by_applicant.pdf
Please note that local sections of the Ridgeway are shown at Serial 1; whilst this says that no exemptions have been claimed by the applicant, this means that the applicant stated that the NERC Act would be used, but no specific exemptions were stated. More information on the consultation can be found at: https://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/cms/content/modifications-and-diversions
From the Police
Help keep your children safe online
The internet is a fantastic place for young people to learn, play and socialise but it's vital that they're aware of its dangers and how to stay safe.
Here's a few tips to help your child stay safe online: - Make sure your child knows what personal information is and that they're share aware
- Ensure you understand the social media your child is using. If you don't know your Roblox from your Snapchat or are getting in a Twitch trying to keep on top of the social media networks your child is using, visit the Net Aware website
- Follow the NSPCC's TEAM approach:
- Talk – to your child/children about staying safe online, what worries them and you about them being online, the emotional aspects of social media (jealousy, self-esteem etc.)
- Explore their online world together
- Agree rules about what is ok and not
- Manage parental controls on all your family's devices.
- Repeat – make it part of everyday life
If you need help setting up parental controls, adjusting privacy settings or need advice on social networks call the free O2 & NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5002. If you fall victim to cyber-crime or experience an attempted scam report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or visit www.actionfraud.police.uk.
For more information and advice visit www.thamesvalley.police.uk/pyw.
Police Officer Recruitment Information Event
Thames Valley Police are holding a police officer recruitment event on Monday 5th March 2018 between 7.30pm-9pm. It is being held at Didcot Civic Hall, Britwell Road, Didcot, OX11 7NH. The event is an opportunity for anyone who may be considering a career as a police officer to find out more about what the job entails and ask any questions they may have. Serving police officers will be at the event, along with members of our recruitment team who will be giving advice on the application and selection process. Anyone who is interested will need to register in advance which can be done by visiting our website or using the following link:
https://thamesvalleypolice.tal.net/vx/appcentre-External/brand-3/candidate/so/pm/7/pl/10/opp/2562-Police-Officer-recruitment-information-evening-on-Monday-05-March-2018-7-30pm-9-00pm-at-The-Didcot-Civic-Hall/en-GB
Witness appeals - Thames Valley Police are appealing for witnesses following reports of males acting suspiciously in Northfield, Watchfield. The males are showing interest in batteries and are driving a white Ducato van registration H***RVU. If seen please call us on 101 and quote ref: 530 22/2
- Thames Valley Police are appealing for witnesses following the theft of tools from a van in Childrey, Wantage. Between 10pm on 21/2 and 7.19am on 22/2 unknown offenders broke into a yellow ford transit van reg F***JVU and stole power tools. The van was parked on Chapel Way. If you have seen any suspicious looking people or vehicles in the area or have any information relating to this message please call the Police via the 24 hour non-emergency telephone number 101.
From the Vale
Vale approves safeguards in 'Growth Deal'. The Vale Council has agreed the Oxfordshire Housing & Growth Deal, based on a commitment from government and partner councils to address a number of so called 'red-lines' which aims to protect the district from uncontrolled development. By agreeing the Deal, the Vale is securing £150m of infrastructure funding for Oxfordshire, with the hope of additional cash in the future, and £60m for Affordable Housing. The Vale has already been successful in a bid for an additional £8m to deliver the Wantage Eastern Link Road, £9m for the Lodge Hill junction and is hopeful for a further application of nearly £200m to benefit both the Vale and South Oxfordshire.
In addition the Council has negotiated a number of benefits to protect the Vale's existing local plan, including reducing the current 5 year housing land supply requirement to just 3 years. The deal would see Councils establishing a Joint Statutory Spatial Plan (JSSP) for Oxfordshire to improve joined-up planning across the county. Importantly the Vale has made it clear that this plan must not allocate housing sites and will put no additional pressure on the Vale in the period to 2031. The Vale will consider the most appropriate way to consult with our residents on the scope of the JSSP in due course.
Car / house keys lost
A member of the parish has recently lost a small bunch of car / house keys. If anyone finds them, please hand them into the Shop, or let me know and I will put you in touch with the owners.
Sweet Soul Music Dance
I am putting on a dance lesson and a dance party on Saturday April 28th in Thomas Hughes Memorial Hall. See attached for more information: https://gallery.mailchimp.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/files/311dbcbb-c3f9-446b-9c16-d0f869cd15d9/Party_28_April.pdf
https://gallery.mailchimp.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/files/39883ade-0707-443b-85da-8980b928f290/Dance_workshop_28_April.pdf
Ruth de Wilton
Lent lunches
Christian Aid Lent Lunch on Wednesday 28th will be at The Granary Baulking, courtesy of John and Susie McCullough; all welcome from 12.15 - 13.45.
Uffington benefice
The weekly sheet for Sunday 25 February is here: https://gallery.mailchimp.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/files/ae741461-f47c-4996-a737-78023997008d/wsh_2018_02_25.pdf
Dog Walker Hello, Carole, a client of ours, is looking for Dog Walkers in Betjeman Avenue, Swindon, SN4, and I wondered if you had any availability? As I've contacted you it's completely free to get in touch with this client and you can do so by clicking the 'contact' link - you will then get the direct phone number and email address for Carole. Bark matches buyers and sellers with one another and it would be great to hear how you get on with Carole if you decide to respond. Contact Carole now Here are the details that Carole provided: ----------------------- How many dogs is this for?
1 How long should each walk last?
15-30 minutes How old are the dog(s)?
3+ years How big are the dog(s)?
Large (21 - 30 kg) What day(s) do you need dog walking?
I would like to discuss with the pro What time(s) do you need dog walking?
Early afternoon (noon-3pm) Which additional services do you need?
I don't need any additional services What is the breed of your dog(s)?
Collie Burmese Additional details:
I work full time and am looking for a dog walker to walk my Collie Bermese of 4 years old half hour to hour while I am at work. He is a big softy and loves everyone. He is very good on his lead but loves a lot of exercise. My daughter used to walk him but is too ill now to do it. ----------------------- What is Bark? Bark is a lead generation service. Customers tell us what they're looking for and we put them in touch with local service providers to help get the job done. We usually charge a small fee for introductions and operate on a pay as you go basis but this one is completely free as we've approached you. It is essentially our way of introduction and your way of trying us out. We're just hoping you give it a go and decide you would like to use us again in the future (of course that is completely up to you). There are no sign up fees, subscriptions or commissions. If this enquiry is not suitable for any reason then you can let us know exactly what you want to receive from us by clicking here. If you'd like any help, please call 020 3697 0237 (Mon-Fri 9am-6pm) or email team@bark.com and we'll be happy to assist. Kind regards, Emma Thomson
Village news 16 February 2018 Avian Flu
It has been confirmed that two dead swans found in the last week at Baulking Lake died from Avian Influenza, Strain: H5N6.
DEFRA advice is if you own birds (chickens etc), it is important to keep them contained, and monitored for signs of illness. If you suspect any type of bird flu you must report it immediately by calling the Defra Rural Services Helpline on 03000 200 301. Failure to do so is an offence. Bird flu is a notifiable animal disease.
The Animal and Plant Health Agency pages, found via the Defra website, are an excellent source of advice, guidance and latest information; they cover all the frequently asked questions that members of the public, smallholders or commercial farmers are likely to ask. This includes concerns around human health and how to report concerns of dead birds. The APHA pages can be accessed from the DEFRA website: Avian influenza (bird flu) - GOV.UK
Please do not walk (with or without dogs) around the lake area for the foreseeable future. Should your dog find a dead bird, whether by the lake or in the locality, please do try to stop it savaging the carcass, and report the circumstances. If it does eat a dead bird, it should be checked over by a vet if it shows later signs of ill health. Should you still have pheasant, game-birds, from this area, they should not be eaten, but destroyed. As the shooting season is now over, it is assumed that no more will be shot.
The risk to human health is 'very low' thus far for this strain, which originates from mainland Western Europe; this matter is of concern, but is not considered a high risk at this time.
Crocuses
Last autumn we planted a second batch of crocuses, between the children's playground and the car park, thanks to Faringdon Rotary. The area has been taped off for the time being, to allow the crocuses to develop. The earlier batch, close to the village sign, are now beginning to show so please take care in that area.
Major funding for environment improvements in the 2018/19 Vale budget
On Wednesday 14 February Vale of White Horse District Council agreed its 2018/19 budget, including £750,000 over the next three years for a new flagship team to improve the look of public areas across the Vale and deliver an attractive district that residents and businesses can be proud of. More than £200,000 is being made available in grants to support community projects, such as improvements to village halls, community festivals and for charities which provide services for vulnerable people.
More information here: http://www.whitehorsedc.gov.uk/news/2018/2018-02/major-funding-environment-improvements-201819-vale-budget
From the Police Knife Surrender Monday 12 February to Sunday 18 February 2018
Thames Valley Police is actively targeting knife crime and those who carry knives in the latest phase of Operation Sceptre. A red knife surrender bin has been placed in Abingdon Police Station for members of the public to safely dispose of knives that they wish to surrender. Please make sure all knives are safely wrapped in tape and newspaper before putting in the bins.
If you have any information about the possession of knives or criminal activity relating to this type of crime, please call 101 or alternatively you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Meadows, Woodlands and The 25 Year Environmental Plan - 100 Meadows Project
2018 is our year of wildflowers, we have made the commitment to create 100 new Wildflower Meadows throughout the UK in 2018 and we are very excited about it! With as little as 10 square meters of meadowland, together we can make a patchwork of habitats which when all added together, will take steps to reverse the decline in meadows lost over the years. I have 3 small meadows in my front and back gardens, and I still have room for a lawn for my children to play on!
With a soil analysis service and tailored seed packs to your land we can help reduce the decline in this precious eco system. To find out more and register interest whether you have 10 or 500 square meters visit http://www.100meadows.co.uk/
(The above comes from a speculative mail shot – somebody might be interested)
Spring Newsletter for the Friends of the Ridgeway
The Spring Newsletter is attached here: https://gallery.mailchimp.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/files/a90c4f09-4528-49c8-93f8-c6498072cf22/FOR_Newsletter_Spring_2018._docx.pdf
This Newsletter contains a letter from the Chairman with an appeal for assistance, information on the Swire Ridgeway Arts Competition 2018, a report on The Great Chalk Way, news from The Ridgeway Partnership and background on a new Trustee. The Friends of the Ridgeway AGM will be held as part of the Ridgeway Friends Day on Sunday 22 April 2018, in the THMH, Uffington.
Lent lunches
Next week's Lent Lunch (Wednesday 21 February, from 12.15 to 1.45 pm) is at The Walnuts courtesy of Leanne Reid-Smith.
Uffington benefice
The weekly sheet for Sunday 18 February is here: https://gallery.mailchimp.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/files/3fcedf37-cdd7-4726-a92d-76199ecec34f/wsh_2018_02_18.pdf
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