Local news
PANCAKES for all. Tuesday March 1st at South View Farm Uffington, from 12-2 in aid of Access. This is a Children's charity in Bangalore with long association with Uffington. Please come and support this event and enjoy some pancakes with friends and family.
Lent Lunches every Wednesday from 2nd March to 13th April. Soup, soup, bread, cheese, tea and coffee from 12 noon - 13.30 in St Mary's Church. Donations for Christian Aid All welcome.
Uffington Wed Walk 2nd March - Hatford Circular Walk
Good to see so many of you on the February walk when we were treated to unexpected sunshine and beautiful blue skies – see attached: https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/files/668704a3-9fe6-998a-0ec1-5dd093a55e34/Wed_walk_Feb_22._pdf.pdf
And rounded off the morning with a well-earned and very sociable coffee (and the odd cake or two) at the Coleshill café. For March we have tried to pick a walk which will avoid the worst of the inevitable mud we experience in the Vale at this time of year. We have chosen a circular walk from Hatford Village taking us through Buckland Warren Wood, a pleasant level five miles. Meeting initially as always at Uffington village hall car park at 9:20 for car sharing and a 9:30 start. For those of you who would like to meet us in Hatford the starting point will be on Sandy Lane (just by the phone box) about 100 yds down at 9.45. Weather looks good, we are promised light cloud and sunshine, a gentle breeze and balmy 10 degrees.
If you would like a coffee after the walk we will be going to Stanford in the Vale coffee shop (25 High Street, next to the Co-op).
The Wed Walking Group Committee: Verity, Pamela, Hilary and Joe.
Enquiries to: Verity Cavanagh. veritycavanagh@gmail.com 07975861790
White Horse Gardening Club
Next Meeting: 'Harcourt Arboretum And Tree Conservation'
BY: Ben Jones, Curator of the Oxford Arboretum
DATE: Thursday 3rd March
TIME: 7.30 (hall open from 7.15)
VENUE: Thomas Hughes Memorial Hall, Uffington, SN7 7RA.
RAFFLE £1
Visitors: £3.
Further details from Pamela Preene - parrottspreene@aol.com
Linda Moseley will be running a workshop in the village hall on 12th March. A fun, interactive workshop to help you make 2022 your best year yet. After the last two years we all need an opportunity to reset, recharge & refocus. - 'Spring-Clean Your Life' - Saturday 12th March 10am – 1pm. More information and booking details attached here: https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/files/791a4332-e95b-9893-56d2-fea6b9df5362/Workshop_poster_A4.pdf
The White Horse Show
After an enforced absence of two years, plans are now in place for the return of the White Horse Show.
As we begin to escape from the menace of the covid virus, many of us are looking to take our first holiday in a very long time. Please remember the White Horse Show is on Sunday and Monday 28th and 29th August and keep these dates clear. Not only do we want you to come to the Show but we will need the support of many of you in the car park and on the entry gates. Don't forget, if you give two hours of your time, you get in free!
Let's make it a celebration of our release from the many restrictions we have endured over the past two years. Geoff Rumble. 01367 820 036. On behalf of the WHS Committee
Uffington Community Garden Wins High Sheriff's Award
On Monday (21 February), Heather Abel and Kat Foxhall were thrilled to be able to represent the community garden at the High Sheriff's Climate Action Heroes Awards ceremony. The ceremony recognised individuals, community groups and businesses from around Oxfordshire - from a "Party Library" and medical waste recycling, to tree-planting projects and community gardens.
We were one of three smaller projects to receive a £500 Community Action grant from Oxfordshire County Council. We plan to use the money to help develop opportunities for local children's groups including the beavers, cubs and guides to visit the garden. We are extremely grateful to the Parish Council for supporting our nomination to the awards. Find out more about the awards here:
https://news.oxfordshire.gov.uk/oxfordshires-climate-action-heroes-celebrate-winning-high-sheriffs-awards/
Uffington Community Garden AGM
Our Annual General Meeting will be held online using Zoom on Monday February 28th at 7.30pm. All local residents are welcome to join us, and we will be planning the next year's growing!
The idea of the garden is that all members of the community have a place to learn about growing fruit and vegetables, and we regularly host visits from local children's groups. The garden is free to join and we would love to welcome new members this year. We are a mix of skilled gardeners and complete beginners – we experiment and try new approaches all the time. If there's something you'd like to try growing, come along and try it out!
Click for AGM Meeting Agenda (including Zoom Link). Please contact Kat Foxhall (Secretary) on katfoxhall@gmail.com or 820923 if you'd like more information. Find out more about the garden on our website: https://uffingtongarden.wordpress.com
Lambourn Open Day. Save the date: The Peter O'Sullevan Lambourn Open Day - Good Friday 15th April, 2022. See attached: https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/files/2aee9ec0-1b41-b660-9cfd-f838ec7b64cb/2022_LOD_Poster.pdf
Give Blood - Wednesday, 18th May - Please Donate! 96% of us rely on the other 4% to give blood - don't leave it to someone else. If you're generally healthy and aged between 17 and 65, you can probably donate. The next donation session will be at The Beacon, Wantage and is on Wednesday, 18th May between 13.15 & 19.15. For more information see:
Coronavirus COVID-19 updates - NHS Blood Donation
Uffington Sewage Treatment works
Residents will have noticed in recent weeks a large number of tankers moving through the village, to and from the Uffington STW. The explanation from Thames Water for this activity is attached here: https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/files/eaeb300a-020c-b062-eed5-51cd73f60c22/Tanker_activity.pdf
Also, the Parish Council is in direct contact with the firm operating the tankers, to try to get them to approach the STW without using the principal routes through the village.
Vale District Council news - Over a thousand new trees will be planted in the Vale of White Horse, boosting local efforts to tackle climate change. Vale of White Horse District Council has just granted a community application for approximately 1,500 trees in Abingdon. Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and so play a vital role in helping to ... You can see details on our website by clicking this link
- Hundreds of keen sports players can enjoy new facilities on Great Western Park after they were officially opened recently by David Johnston MP. The local MP cut the ribbon to the new tennis courts and multi-use games area (MUGA) and even had time for a quick game of tennis. The fenced courts are fitted with ... You can see details on our website by clicking this link
- Work will begin on the Park and Charge Electric Vehicle charging scheme in Faringdon next week. You can see details on our website by clicking this link
County news From the Police
Important Update on Grant Applications (Firearms). During periods that have resulted in coronavirus restrictions, firearms enquiry officers have been unable to undertake home visits in support of new grant applications. We temporarily suspended grant applications in December 2021 and those applicants waiting for a home visit were put on 'hold'. We have therefore built up a backlog of new applications that require priority attention now that restrictions have eased.
In order to move through the current grant applications as swiftly as possible, we will maintain a pause on new grants until the 1st April 2022.
We will monitor this decision going forward and will continue to offer a service to new grant applicants who have a genuine vocational, professional or livelihood need for certificates. Renewals and other applications will be unaffected and we will continue to work through those applications as usual. This is our highest area of risk and I'd like to reassure you that there are no backlogs.
The most efficient way to apply for a grant application is via our online portal. Once this is open please ensure that you have all the relevant documentation and that it is fully complete and in date. Failure to do so will result in your application being returned.
On behalf of my team, I'd like to thank you for your patience and understanding. Zoey Evans
Police Community Support Officer Recruitment
Do you want your work to make a difference every day? Do you want to support community safety? Join Thames Valley Police as a Police Community Support Officer (PCSO).
Our PCSOs are the face of the police within local communities. In this diverse role, you will police our neighbourhoods, work to reduce crime and disorder, and build strong relationships with our communities and partner agencies. Join us in keeping Thames Valley safe. Apply today and become a PCSO: PCSO apprenticeship in Oxfordshire – apply here
*Closing date for all locations is Monday 28th February. More information about the PCSO
role is available on our TVP Careers website, on the PCSO page.
Older Drivers Forum Highway Code Webinars
In March, the Older Driver's Forum will be carrying out online webinars about the recent changes to the Highway Code. Do you know what the changes are? Do you have questions about the changes? Alongside speakers from various agencies, PC Liz Johnson, of the Road Safety Team will be on the panel to answer your questions. These webinars are scheduled for: Thursday 10 March at 2pm and Monday 14 March at 7pm. To register for a place, please visit the Older Drivers Forum website at https://olderdriversforum.com/webinars/
From the Churches of Uffington Benefice
Please find attached the Weekly Sheet for Sunday 27 February: https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/files/39493acc-48e9-bced-4926-6144602f0540/wsh_2022_02_27.pdf
https://www.uffingtonbenefice.com/
Next week's newsletter. I shall be away for a few days towards the end of next week; any weekly news will be restricted to the most urgent items, and I will catch up on 11 March.
Village news 17 February 2022 Weather warning.
This newsletter is a day earlier than usual, because of the following:
As you may be aware, the Met Office have issued an Amber Wind Warning for this Friday 18 February. They have specifically noted that there is a good chance that flying debris could result in a danger to life. Please ensure that movable items are secured, and keep an eye open for neighbours, especially the elderly and vulnerable.
More information on Storm Eunice can be found on the Met Office website (https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/warnings-and-advice/uk-warnings#?id=cee3e4f8-3600-41ac-bfad-d0c8bf834829&date=2022-02-18
Local news
Uffington Parish Council Meeting on 14 February – Open Forum
The Parish Council would like to thank all those who attended and contributed to the Open Forum on 14 February. The Council was offered an interesting range of questions which we will be consolidating and preparing to ask Mr Fraser of Lovat Parks, who has been invited to attend the Open Forum at the meeting on March 14th.
My Darling Clementine, St Nicholas Church, Baulking, Saturday March 19th. The duo of Michael Weston King and Lou Dalgleish have been making music both individually and together since 2010. 3 critically acclaimed records, over 700 shows across the UK, Europe and N America, numerous accolades and awards, has placed the band at the forefront of the burgeoning Americana scene. They have worked with artists like Graham Parker, the actor David Morrisey and a "story and song" project with the crime writer Mark Billingham.
We are delighted to welcome them as they continue to tour in support of their most recent release "Country Darkness - The Songs of Elvis Costello". The record is a collaboration between Michael, Lou and Costello's long time right hand man, the brilliant Steve Nieve. They have taken 12 Costello songs and reworked them for a duet in their own inimitable style. Their current live show will feature a number of the Costello songs as well as many favourites from the duo's 10 year back catalogue. Tickets are £15 each from 01367 820282 or via Cow Muck Promotions on Facebook.
'Caring for The White Horse – 3,000 years of a British icon'
A reminder that David Miles will make a presentation at 6.30 pm on Monday 21 February 2022 in the Thomas Hughes Memorial Hall, Uffington on: 'Caring for The White Horse – 3,000 years of a British icon'.
Save these dates – two of them: - The Jubilee Field Spring Tidy will take place on Saturday 26 March.
- The next Litter Pick will take place on Saturday 9 April; this is the village's contribution to the Great British Spring Clean 2022.
Vale District Council news - Communities in the Vale of White Horse looking to tackle climate change could soon receive support from a new council grant. Vale of White Horse District Council's new Climate Action Fund will offer a total of £50,000 to help local groups, with up to £5,000 on offer for individual projects. All parish councils and local ... You can see details on our website by clicking this link
- South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils will be entering a bid for Didcot to be the home of the new Great British Railways headquarters. The government competition is asking for local authorities outside of London to enter for the opportunity to have the new Great British Railways headquarters built in their town ... You can see details on our website by clicking this link
NB: This is far from a done deal as it is out for competition and there are apparently similar pitches from Swindon and York.…See photo attached: https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/_compresseds/b192d74e-ca32-6e25-8e4a-bfd1ec115cdf.jpg
County news
Village news 12 February 2022 COVID -19 news
Up to date information and the latest national guidance is here: Coronavirus (COVID-19) | Oxfordshire County Council
Local news
Players Wanted! Uffington Cricket Club will always welcome new players of any age or level of ability. We play league matches throughout the summer on Saturdays (40 overs per side) and Wednesday evenings (20 overs per side), with occasional Sunday friendly games as well. If you are interested or want more information, please contact Joe Parman - joeparman@outlook.com
Britchcombe Farm. Uffington Parish Council is aware that a lot of interest has been shown in the possible development at Britchcombe Farm, as described in last week's newsletter. This is a reminder that: - The Parish Council meeting on Monday 14 February in Uffington Village Hall (Open Forum at 7.00 pm) has to be in accordance with the Hall Committee's current Covid guidelines; attendance may therefore have to be limited if numbers exceed available capacity. Please also note that the time available for this item is limited to 30 minutes under the Council's Standing Orders.
- This meeting is an opportunity for residents to suggest the questions they might wish to be put to Lovat Parks Ltd, as owners of Britchcombe Farm and its surrounding camping fields. It may be worth saying in advance that this meeting is NOT an opportunity for residents to raise speculative and possibly emotional statements about White Horse Hill and the fields around it.
- If you are unable to attend this meeting but would like to propose any questions, the Council would be happy to consider them if sent by email to Uffington Parish Council
Vale District Council news - Council and NHS leaders are taking the opportunity to thank staff across local authorities and the health and social care system for their tireless efforts to provide services and support communities and the most vulnerable throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic has led to profound and far-reaching changes to the way we all work and ... You can see details on our website by clicking this link
- Despite a 6.2 per cent reduction in funding from government, Vale of White Horse District Council is set to agree a balanced budget for 2022/23 and, for the first time in several years, is projecting to have surplus general reserves at the end of its 5-year reporting period. Spending has been allocated to areas identified ... You can see details on our website by clicking this link
- Vale of White Horse District Council has taken its biggest step so far towards becoming carbon neutral within its own operations. The Vale has adopted its new Climate Action Plan, which sets out the steps it will take to reduce its emissions as it aims to become carbon neutral by 2030. This means, thanks to ... You can see details on our website by clicking this link
- To find out more about climate action in the Vale of White Horse, visit whitehorsedc.gov.uk/climateaction
County news From the Police From the Churches of Uffington Benefice
Please find attached the Weekly Sheet for Sunday 13 February: https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/files/93314870-3cf3-3173-7bef-eacb2c18b619/wsh_2022_02_13.pdf
https://www.uffingtonbenefice.com/
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