Simple Charity Soup Lunches
Every Wednesday from February 26th Ash Wednesday to Easter week, from 12.15 -1.30 pm; the next one on Wednesday 4 March will be held at Midsummer House, Woolstone, courtesy of Penny Spink. Proceeds will be shared between Water Aid and Christian Aid.
Enquiries to Hilary Deakin 07802 426822.
Pancakes
Many thanks to all who so generously supported our pancake party on Shrove Tuesday in aid of ACCESS - we raised a magnificent £500!
Fenella and Carl Oberman
Closure Uffington/Baulking road off A417
A number of people got in touch very quickly when a sign appeared on the A417 junction to Baulking and Uffington showing road closure from 2 March until June 2020. Oxfordshire County Council have stated (26 February) that there was a mistake by Thames Water in putting a road closure sign out for works starting on Monday. They do not have permission from OCC to close the road on Monday 2nd March. The traffic management team for TW have been asked to get the sign removed as soon as possible. (With thanks to County Cllr Yvonne Constance for sorting this out).
(Note: presumably the work needs to be done and so we should be prepared for it to resurface at some stage, but hopefully properly arranged).
Uffington Walk Wed 4th March - White Horse to Lambourn
For the March walk we have decided to head for the high ground so that it hopefully won't be so wet underfoot. We will meet at the car park of Uffington village hall at 9.30am. Here we will car share up the hill to the car park for The White Horse. (If you would prefer to meet us there please let me know). From here we will walk a short distance along the Ridgeway and then turn on to Lambourn Valley Way to Lambourn and The George pub. For those who would like to there is an opportunity to stop for a coffee at The George. The walk is 5.6 miles of easy walking.
Before the walk starts we will have taken a few cars to The George car park so that we can ferry walkers back to the White Horse Car Park and village car park. So that we can ensure we have enough car space it would be helpful if (just for this month) you could let one of the committee know if you intend coming on the walk. It has been suggested that we stop for a short break half way on the route. So do bring along a drink or small snack if you would like to. Hope to see lots of you on Wed 4th.
What a great turnout for the February walk - twenty-four of you! And a couple of dogs. A very enjoyable walk. The group photo is here: https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/files/6933d7e8-a193-4f02-8a10-a8e7a529184d/Wednesday_walk_Feb_20.pdf
Verity, Lilly and Pamela (Walking Group Committee)
veritycavanagh@gmail.com - lilly@newhaven4.co.uk - parrottspreene@aol.com
White Horse Garden Club
We are about to 'leap' into March surrounded by Spring flowers in our gardens. The next meeting will be a talk on 'EPIMEDIUMS AND THEIR FRIENDS' by Sally Gregson of Mill Cottage Plants, Wookey, Somerset. Sally has been running Mill Cottage Plants for 30 years. She is a professionally trained nursery-woman/gardener who regularly lectures around the country and at West Dean, Chichester, Sussex. Her nursery, Mill Cottage Plants, specialises in rare hydrangeas and epimediums, and has exhibited at Hampton Court Palace Flower Show, and throughout the South West She writes regularly for local and national magazines; and has published 'Practical Propagation' (2008), 'Ornamental Vegetable Gardening' (2009), and 'The Plant Lover's Guide to Epimediums' (Timber Press 2015), which will be available to purchase.
DATE: Thursday 5TH March at 7.30PM, in the THMH, Uffington. PLANTS FOR SALE. RAFFLE £1. Annual Membership £10 per annum. Visitors: £2.50. The programme of visits and other notices is attached: https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/files/b185ff31-0dab-471f-82ef-f49c3fa9f605/White_Horse_Garden_Club_notice_Feb_2020.pdf
Wellington, Military Intelligence and the road to Waterloo
A talk by Dr Huw Davies of Kings College London on Friday 13th March at 7:30pm, in the THMH. More information here: https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/files/4463d91e-8eee-4bdd-b856-1e9ef739d777/Wellington_Poster_Jan_2020_pdf_3.pdf
NT matters - White Horse Hill
Please be aware that livestock will shortly be returning to White Horse Hill to recommence our conservation grazing strategy. This will entail the presence of 30 head of cattle and 250 sheep on site. Particular attention is drawn to the location of the cattle which will be in the area known as the Manger. The breed will be Belgian Blues and will be yearlings, young cattle, that have been hand reared and are used to the presence of people and dogs alike. However, we would request that regular walkers might wish to use other areas of the site whilst the cattle settle in and to pay diligence in the future if considering using the Manger especially with keeping dogs on leads. The purpose of reinstating cattle grazing is to tackle the rougher rank grasses that are populating the area with a long term view to improving the overall nature conservation value of the site. Any further information can be gained from contacting me directly on Andrew.foley@nationaltrust.org.uk '
Andrew Foley
Area Ranger
White Horse Hill and Ashdown Estate
From the Police
The Deputy PCC's February Newsletter is here: https://mailchi.mp/matthewbarber/february2020-new-2698407?e=1a0db8a8b7
Faringdon Neighbourhood Newsletter for February. See attached: https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/files/aaa55010-8cbb-41a2-9e84-e059bd67b410/Faringdon_NHPT_Feb_Newsletter.pdf
Please note that this is from PC Carly Meads, who has taken over recently from PC Tom Pryor in the Neighbourhood Policing Team.
True Costs - Dee and His County Lines Story. Thames Valley Police is launching Dee's story, a unique interview with a serving prisoner about how children are exploited by county drug lines. From Wednesday 26 February at 7pm, over a period of six weeks, we will be releasing clips on our social media channels about Dee's experiences in a county drugs line as part of the True Costs campaign. 'County lines' is a term used when drug gangs from big cities expand their operations to smaller towns, often using violence to drive out local dealers and exploiting children and vulnerable people to sell drugs. The clips will show how county drug lines lead to exploitation and the impacts this can have on our children. It will also highlight what the public should be looking out for. The video clips will be released one at a time each Wednesday at 7pm. Get involved in the conversation on our social media channels using #TrueCosts.![]()
From the Vale
Vale of White Horse District Council has accepted £150,000 of government money to help transform Dalton Barracks into a new garden village; see:
http://www.whitehorsedc.gov.uk/news/2020/2020-02/£150000-allocated-help-develop-dalton-barracks-garden-village
Uffington benefice
The Weekly Sheet for Sunday 1 March is here: https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/files/a0e8e40b-bf00-4c4e-ab16-9b3284f63a5b/wsh_2020_03_01.pdf
Village news 21 February 2020 Pancake Party
Please join Carl and Fenella Oberman for pancakes at Norton House, Broad Street, Uffington, on Shrove Tuesday, 25th February, 12.00 - 2.00 pm or 6.00 - 8.30 pm. There will be pancakes with both savoury and sweet fillings (with vegetarian and gluten free options), and a glass of wine to accompany them. Donations for ACCESS, the charity we support in Bangalore, India, helping to provide education for underprivileged children. Further information - 01367 820230.
Hedge planting along Upper Common Lane
The Parish Council's planting session has been postponed to 10.00 am on Saturday 22 February, tomorrow, starting by the stile opposite Style Cottage. Any assistance would be much appreciated.
Simple Charity Soup Lunches
Every Wednesday from February 26th Ash Wednesday to Easter week, from 12.15 -1.30 pm; the first one next Wednesday will be held in the Thomas Hughes Memorial Hall. Proceeds will be shared between Water Aid and Christian Aid. Enquiries to Hilary Deakin 07802 426822.
From the Vale
Vale News. Tackling climate change, grants for festivals and events, and much more, at: https://campaign.emailblaster.cloud/OTQ5Mg/247.html
Watchfield receives over £250,000 to improve the recreation ground and village hall. See: http://www.whitehorsedc.gov.uk/news/2020/2020-02/watchfield-receives-over-£250000-improve-recreation-ground-and-village-hall
Uffington benefice
The Weekly Sheet for Sunday 23 February is here: https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/files/972720e3-4b3b-48cb-8f98-4b48678689ff/wsh_2020_02_23.pdf
Village news 14 February 2020 Help Our White Horse Show - Update
Thank you to all those who attended the White Horse Show event at the village hall at the end of January. As a result, a number of people have since been in touch offering their support so we are looking forward to working with them over the coming months.
However, we are still looking for people to cover the Show Field Operations role, which co-ordinates the set-up and dismantling of the show. It requires spending time at the show ground to assign tasks to volunteers and deal with show suppliers and sub-contractors as they arrive on-site. If you prefer something more hands on working with a great team of people, it's great fun and very satisfying. If you wish to make contact to discuss the role then don't hesitate to approach any of the existing committee members or contact John Boaler – 07802-468084 jboaler@gmail.com
Pancake Party - 25 February
Please join Carl and Fenella Oberman for pancakes at Norton House, Broad Street, Uffington, on Shrove Tuesday, 25th February, 12.00 - 2.00 pm or 6.00 - 8.30 pm. There will be pancakes with both savoury and sweet fillings (with vegetarian and gluten free options), and a glass of wine to accompany them. Donations for ACCESS, the charity we support in Bangalore, India, helping to provide education for underprivileged children. Further information - 01367 820230.
Winter Warmer Lunches
A magnificent £915 was raised from the 7 Tuesday lunches held in the THMH over the winter. We have decided to donate this to the Thames Valley Air Ambulance this year, as they have been called out to the village on several occasions and we felt that it was a very worthy local cause. Many thanks to all who came and supported, and we hope enjoyed, these simple sociable meals.
Fenella, Hilary, Sarah, June and Caroline.
Community Garden AGM
On the 2nd of March at 7:30 at the Fox and Hound members of the Community Garden are getting together to hold their AGM. This is an ideal opportunity to come and see what we are about. Anyone from Uffington and the surrounding villages, young or more mature, experienced or a newbie to produce gardening, can come and see what has gone on at the garden during the year and also help to steer it in the coming months. Any one is very welcome. More information here: https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/files/e30c3c91-90ac-4883-8b04-34a2fe4b700f/UCC_AGM_2020.pdf
Hedge planting along Upper Common Lane
The Parish Council has about 60 hedging "whips" to plant along Upper Common Lane after the clearance of elder and other unwanted stuff there a couple of weeks ago. We are planning to do this on Thursday 20th February, starting by the stile opposite Style Cottage. The Parish Council is extremely grateful to the Woodland Trust, who donated the whips.
Village Christmas tree
I am happy to announce that the new administrators for the Uffington village Christmas Tree are Jude Reynolds and Michelle Garwood. We can therefore look forward to many more community Christmas trees in years to come. See attached: https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/files/d00b7ffc-ed81-4817-9160-742f0ddf7bed/Carols_around_the_tree.pdf
Ruth de Wilton
Are you good at fixing things, and can spare 3 hours on Sunday 24th May?
Repair Cafes are community events which match people with broken household items with skilled people who can fix them. We are hoping to trial our first Repair Café at the next Farmers Market in Uffington but we need people who are good at fixing things! Instead of throwing items away or taking them to the tip, they are repaired & don't end up in landfill. We're also looking for people who can sharpen garden tools or who can make simple repairs to bikes. If you can help or would like more information please contact Ruth or Karen on 07800 637917 or 07391 516149. If we can recruit some volunteers & make this a regular event, then free training is available on how to repair items.
Ruth & Karen
Simple Charity Soup Lunches
Every Wednesday from February 26th Ash Wednesday to Easter week, from 12.15 -1.30 pm; the first one will be held in the Thomas Hughes Memorial Hall. Proceeds will be shared between Water Aid and Christian Aid. The full programme is attached here: https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/files/66be0aef-dd55-49a9-830e-59be0e10a361/Charity_lunches_Lent_2020.01.pdf
Enquiries to Hilary Deakin 07802 426822.
Streetwise – the musical
Ant Stevens and Isabelle Fisher Michalakis are staging their new musical in May at the Wyvern Arts Centre, Swindon, in aid of Combat Stress. This brand-new, highly topical musical comedy tells the story of how a hapless bunch of rough sleepers come to the rescue of an unworldly middle class lady, herself the victim of a scam which has left her destitute. With their heart-breaking case histories, eccentric behaviour and love interests, this play will make you laugh and cry in equal measure - and maybe get up and dance too. See: https://swindontheatres.co.uk/Online/tickets-streetwise-swindon-2020
Soldiers of Oxfordshire Museum, Woodstock
A new exhibition by Members of the Oxford Photographic Society (OPS), one of the longest running photography societies in the country, opens in the Cloister Gallery of the Soldiers of Oxford Museum (SOFO) in Woodstock on Friday 14th February. The exhibition features 50 of the society members' "Favourite Images" which will be on display until Sunday 15 March. More information at: https://www.sofo.org.uk/
From the Police
Appeal for witnesses following burglary in Watchfield. At around 10.30pm on Monday (10/2) offenders have used a crowbar to gain entry to a commercial property in Shrivenham Hundred Business Park, Majors Road. An amount of cash was stolen. If you have any information that may assist our investigation or noticed any suspicious vehicles in the area at the time of the incident, please report this online quoting reference number 43200047480. Alternatively you can call 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or email - www.crimestoppers-uk.org
Find out how you can reduce the risk of becoming a victim of burglary by downloading your FREE Home Security Guide from the Thames Valley Police website here.![]()
From Oxfordshire County Council
Recycling centres - temporary closures for deep clean. During March and April, your Household Waste Recycling Centre will be closing for two days to carry out a deep clean and essential maintenance. The dates for Stanford are: Tues 21st & Wed 22nd April 2020 Full details can be found at www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/waste including details of your nearest site during closures.
From the Vale
South and Vale District Councils push for zero carbon homes in joint response to Government consultation. See:
http://www.whitehorsedc.gov.uk/news/2020/2020-02/south-and-vale-district-councils-push-zero-carbon-homes-joint-response-government-
Leader's Report to Full Council - Wednesday 12 February 2020. See: http://www.whitehorsedc.gov.uk/news/2020/2020-02/leader's-report-full-council-wednesday-12-february-2020
BICESTER is to host the start of the prestigious Women's Tour professional cycling race, which will pedal from the town on Monday 08 June. See: http://www.whitehorsedc.gov.uk/news/2020/2020-02/bicester-revealed-start-location-prestigious-women's-cycling-race
Uffington benefice
The Weekly Sheet for Sunday 16 February is here: https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/files/452c25a9-885f-4c2d-a32d-c105b9d87d15/wsh_2020_02_16.pdf
Village news 7 February 2020 Village Christmas Tree
18 years ago, I came up with the idea for Uffington to have a Village Christmas Tree. Thanks to the White Horse Show Trust, The Uffington Parish Council, The Thomas Hughes Memorial Hall, Uffington Primary School, The Wantage Silver band and lots of enthusiastic regular volunteer helpers over the years, we have enjoyed many events in December around our beautiful Christmas Trees.
Cherry and I are now standing down from the committee and so we are looking for someone to take on the volunteer Administration/organising role for the 2020 tree. This would involve approximately 8 hours spread between September 1st and January 31st. The committee still have four amazing male volunteers who will put up and decorate the tree and take it down again after 12th night. So, you won't have to wrestle with an 18' tree but instead, organise the events, emails and posters etc. Ideally you will live in Uffington or very locally and have a passion for rural community events. Please email me on rdewilton@yahoo.com for more information.
Cherry and I would like to thank you all for supporting our events over the years and hope that a new Christmas Tree organiser will come forward so this lovely tradition can be continued.
Best Wishes Cherry and Ruth
Uffington Market
This Sunday 9th February, from 10am till 12.30pm.
Last of the Winter Lunches
Tuesday February 11th at the Thomas Hughes Memorial Hall, from 12.00 to 1.30 pm. All welcome. Thank you to everyone who has supported this venture over the winter months. Proceeds from the lunches will be going to The Thames Valley Air Ambulance.
After Brexit
How to get state healthcare when you're on holiday or travelling to Spain; see: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/healthcare-for-uk-nationals-visiting-spain?utm_source=dadf5440-baea-4869-b3c9-136ae803c0ea&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=govuk-notifications&utm_content=daily
From the Vale
Proposed budget to stabilise the council's long-term finances and address the climate emergency; more information at: http://www.whitehorsedc.gov.uk/news/2020/2020-01/proposed-vale-budget-stabilise-council's-long-term-finances-and-address-climate-em
The Didcot Garden Town Advisory Board met last week to discuss how the recent award of £100,000 from government can be spent on projects; more information here: http://www.whitehorsedc.gov.uk/news/2020/2020-01/didcot-garden-town-advisory-board-meets-first-time-year
Robust action helps to ensure the Vale will receive more than £14,000 in unpaid tax – individuals named. See: http://www.whitehorsedc.gov.uk/news/2020/2020-02/robust-action-helps-ensure-vale-will-receive-more-£14000-unpaid-tax
Young people leaving the care system in Oxfordshire will get a helping hand after local councils granted them Council Tax relief up to 25. See: http://www.whitehorsedc.gov.uk/news/2020/2020-02/oxfordshire-care-leavers-receive-council-tax-discount
Climate Emergency Advisory Committee agrees plan of action. See: http://www.whitehorsedc.gov.uk/news/2020/2020-02/climate-emergency-advisory-committee-agrees-plan-action
From Oxfordshire County Council
OCC is running a campaign, with the support of District Councils, to help people stay independent, safe and well in their homes. There are services and funds to help people, owners and private tenants and OCC has developed a referral service to help residents (or carers) access the right organisations in their area. The type of help that can be provided are services such as new boilers, repairs to boilers, loft or cavity wall insulation, access to a local and trustworthy repairs service and general advice on how to stay safe, well and affordably warm in your home. See the poster attached here: https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/files/1aa482e2-e23f-4b75-aa36-44f45af04b14/OCC_Home_repairs.pdf
Or see: https://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/residents/social-and-health-care/living-home/improving-your-home?utm_source=FURL-1&utm_medium=homerepairs&utm_term=129460&utm_campaign=homerepairs
Simple Charity Soup Lunches
Every Wednesday from February 26th Ash Wednesday to Easter week, from 12.15 -1.30 pm; the first one will be held in the Thomas Hughes Memorial Hall. Proceeds will be shared between Water Aid and Christian Aid. The full programme is attached here: https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/files/c27532ed-50d4-4291-bb16-449b0f4c878a/Charity_lunches_Lent_2020.pdf
Enquiries to Hilary Deakin 07802 426822.
The Friends of The Ridgeway
Throughout the year, the Friends of the Ridgeway Vale of The White Horse Local Group hold a series of meetings and activities. The next meeting will be on Thursday 27 February 2020 at 7:30pm in Old Town Hall, Faringdon when the talk will be by Andrew Foley, National Trust Area Ranger, on 'The Work of the National Trust in West Oxfordshire'. It will cover Ashdown House and Estate, Wayland's Smithy and White Horse Hill including the make-up of the Trust and how the West Oxfordshire portfolio sits within that, the team structure, how the National Trust manages the sites, their ultimate goals linked with the Trust current strategy of Land, Outdoors and Nature and problems and quirky things that are encountered in the day to day management. A flyer for the talk is attached here: https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/files/bcb6c941-48ed-4417-a1f9-b0d37d68a9c2/FOR_talk_27.2.20_NT_Andrew_Foley.pdf
All are welcome to attend the meeting, to hear what promises to be an interesting talk, and meet other members of the Friends of the Ridgeway. Guests welcome! For further information contact Joyce Gardner Tel: 01367 710743 Email: joycegardner@hotmail.co.uk
Jeb Loy Nichols & The Westwood Allstars
At St. Nicholas Church. Baulking, on Friday March 6th; more information attached here: https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/files/fa947641-68a4-4b94-a8d8-bfcd2a632dc9/JEB_LOY_NICHOLS.pdf
Timber available
Various sizes and types of wood are available from the rapidly disappearing old shop, including floorboards, firewood and kindling. If you are interested, please see Rose in the Shop.
Jubilee Field. As a result of a fallen tree, there is also a stack of firewood close to the wooden bridge by the pond.
The wanderer returns!
I'm delighted to say our tortoise has returned, apparently in good health, having survived freezing nights and rain. Felicity found him outside our back door on 1 February! Many thanks to all those who looked for him.
Mike Thomas
Uffington benefice
The Weekly Sheet for Sunday 9 February is here: https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/files/e12c4db1-4e36-4bea-97a5-f090d0a58642/wsh_2020_02_09.pdf
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