Local news and events
Farmers Market. This Sunday, from 10.00 am to 12.30. See attached poster: https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/images/99fcfb5a-4f4a-ff32-4c63-e610fa3b1fee.jpg
Lent Lunches – for Christian Aid. There will be a holy Communion service in St Mary's at 11.30 am each Wednesday morning during Lent, followed by lunch at a different venue each week, from 12.15 to 1.30 pm. On 5 April: at the Dairy, Baulking (Hilary Deakin – 07802 426822)
Uffington Wed Walk - 5th April. Not deterred by a "little bit of rain" we were rewarded with a rainbow on our March walk from Faringdon; see photo: https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/files/132e599f-910a-e3ed-d80e-09134f9d8069/The_March_walk.pdf
Given all the recent rain, for our April walk we are heading for the high ground! Meeting at Uffington Village Hall at 9:20 on Wednesday 5 April for a 9:30 start and car sharing. We will head to Letcombe Regis Village Hall. Let us know if you would prefer to meet in Letcombe (so we don't start without you). Pamela will kindly be leading the walk this time so please text her on 07951 892397
Starting walk from Letcombe Hall at 9:50. From here we will head out towards Letcombe Basset taking the path above the brook. Then a pretty route through Letcombe Basset village and up towards the Ridgeway with lovely views across the top of the Devil's Punchbowl. Turning east on the Ridgeway and then back down to Letcombe Regis. There will be a break during the walk for some refreshment so do bring along a drink/flask of tea/coffee or something to eat.
Weather looks promising, cloudy but visibility good, a light breeze and only a low chance of rain. Verity Cavanagh veritycavanagh@gmail.com 07975 861790.
White Horse Gardening Club – 6 April. The WHGC presents 'Perfect Pelargoniums' at 7.30 pm in Thomas Hughes Memorial Hall. More information attached: https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/images/97521d6a-aab0-f6e7-7915-ea52994fbc4f.jpg
Lambourn Open Day. Good Friday 7 April. More information attached: https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/files/aecd0799-24c4-57d5-d45a-a8b8c5ef392e/2023_LOD_Poster.01.pdf
Easter events and services - This Sunday - Join the Vicar on a Palm Sunday Walk: - Begins outside Shellingford Church at 8.30 for 8.45am
- Bacon Butties at Baulking Church around 9.30am
- Walk with donkey into Uffington for 10.30am service
- ALL WELCOME, walking boots recommended, and don't forget that you can join the walk at any point along the route.
Holy Week:- - Maundy Thursday 6 April - 7.30 pm Holy Communion at Shellingford.
- Good Friday – 10.00 am come and help build the Easter Garden at St Mary's. This service is particularly suitable for children. 2.00 pm - An Hour of thoughts & reflection at the Cross, Baulking.
- Easter Day - 8.45am - Baulking (Easter Egg hunt afterwards). 9.00 am - Woolstone. 10.15am – Shellingford. 10.00 am - Uffington (Easter Egg hunt afterwards).
ALL WELCOME to any of these services.
Swire Ridgeway Arts Prize Exhibition. The members of our community are fortunate to have the Ridgeway National Trail close by. It is not only a great place for recreation and reflection, it is also an inspiration to artists who embody the spirit of the Ridgeway through paintings and other wall art, sculpture, photography and writing. No fewer than 97 works of art will be on display at the 7th Swire Ridgeway Arts Prize Exhibition in Uffington on Sat 22 and Sun 23 April, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, organised by the charity Friends of the Ridgeway. If you would like to share this opportunity, more information is attached: https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/files/78084d77-9cad-0846-b8bc-f76934920d35/Swire_Ridgeway_Arts_Prize_Exhibition_April_2023_.pdf
General information
Jubilee Field Tidy – 25 March 2023. The Parish Council would like to thank the small band of stalwarts who turned out on Saturday, and especially William Farrant and Johnny Palethorpe. We were able to reduce the brambles which grow between the Field and the back gardens of Craven Common, to tidy up most of the hedging plants on Upper Common and make a start on levelling the path bedside the pond. The bonfire was held over for another day for safety reasons – too much wind. In short, we managed to complete some of the necessary maintenance but turnout was disappointing – 7 adults and two children.
From the Vale.
Press releases:
Activities over Easter will have children hopping for joy. This Easter the holidays are going to be jam-packed full of activities for children in South Oxfordshire and the Vale of White Horse. There's something for everyone whether your child loves being outdoors, is interested in theatre or likes to get stuck into a bit of craft. South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District….. You can see details on our website by clicking this link
From the Police.
ALERT: WhatsApp account takeover scam. Criminals are targeting WhatsApp users by posing as a friend and asking for a security code. Action Fraud has received over 60 reports relating to this scam. The scam begins when a criminal gets access to another WhatsApp account which has you listed as a contact. The criminal, posing as your friend or someone that's a member of a WhatsApp group you're in, will then send you seemingly normal messages to try and start a conversation with you.
However, around the same time you will receive a text message from WhatsApp with a six-digit code. This is because the criminal has been trying to login to WhatsApp using your mobile number. The criminal will claim that they sent you their code by accident and ask you to help them by sending it to them. Once the criminal has this code, they can login to your WhatsApp account and lock you out. The criminal will then use the same tactic with your WhatsApp contacts in an effort to steal more accounts and use them to perpetrate fraud. What you need to do: - Set up two-step verification to give an extra layer of protection to your account: Tap Settings > Account >Two-step verification > Enable.
- THINK. CALL. If a family member or friend makes an unusual request on WhatsApp, always call the person to confirm their identity.
- Never share your account's activation code (that's the 6 digit code you receive via SMS)
- You can report spam messages or block a sender within WhatsApp. Press and hold on the message bubble, select 'Report' and then follow the instructions.
- If you have been a victim of fraud or cyber crime, report it to Action Fraud or 0300 123 2040.
Contacting your local Neighbourhood Policing Team. Thames Valley Police have given details of how you can get a non urgent message to your local Neighbourhood Policing Team. Go to https://www.thamesvalley.police.uk
If you put your postcode into the search engine 'FIND YOUR AREA' that will bring up your local team. Second tab along 'CONTACT US' provides you, and everyone using the system, the opportunity to create an email contact with the NH Team that services the postcode that you entered. They will receive it and be able to get back in touch as appropriate
From the Churches of Uffington Benefice
The Weekly Sheet for Sunday 2 April is attached here: https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/files/45bb74b0-a8b3-e2b5-c7d9-42cda3b1a60f/wsh_2023_04_02.pdf
For all information, please see: https://www.uffingtonbenefice.com/
Village news 24 March 2023 Local news and events
Jubilee Field Spring Tidy. Don't forget that this is scheduled for tomorrow. Please meet at the Village Hall at 10.00 am, suitably dressed and equipped for some gardening work; items to be addressed include: General tidy up and bonfire, weeding and mulching around the hedge plants on Upper Common and the new Queen's Canopy trees, and repair to the path on the High Street side of the pond.
Lent Lunches – for Christian Aid. There will be a holy Communion service in St Mary's at 11.30 am each Wednesday morning during Lent, followed by lunch at a different venue each week, from 12.15 to 1.30 pm. On 29 March: at South Paddock House, Uffington (Joanna Jenkins - 820776)
Benefice Draw Results - 12 March. The winners for the 3Q draw which took place at Baulking after the 08.45 service on Sunday, 12 March are:
£200 - Ann Kelsey - 35
£100 - Sue Terry - 141
£100 - Simon Jenkins - 59
£50 - Justin Spink - 119
£50 - Roberta Jarvis - 103
£50 - Hilary Deakin - 53
£50 - Jeremy Moss - 95
£50 - Paul Barrow - 122
General information
Poplar Trees on the Jubilee Field. All residents will be aware of the three very large poplar trees on the Jubilee Field, between Upper Common and the pond. The Parish Council has been concerned about the safety of these trees for some years, as they have become very large; falling branches, or the trees themselves, could create damage to people or property. Last year's comprehensive survey of all the trees owned by the Parish Council recommended that they be removed or pollarded and that the middle one was the most urgent for attention.
Either of these two options is very expensive, on account of the size of the trees. The problem created by pollarding is that it then has to be done regularly, so after much deliberation, the Parish Council has decided that the centre poplar (only, at this time) should be removed. A tree surgeon has been instructed and we await completion of the job which is scheduled for mid-April. A replacement tree will be planted in due course. Views on the type of replacement would be welcomed.
Parish and District Elections. The 2023 parish and district elections will take place on 5th May 2023. Some reminders: - Uffington Parish Council will have at least one vacancy in this election as we have been allowed one additional councillor (making 7 in total) due to the increasing population of the village. If you would like to put yourself forward as a councillor please see the guidance on the Village Website here You must submit your nomination, in person, by 4pm on 4th April 2023.
- Please note that all voters will need 'Voter ID' to be eligible to vote.
From the Vale.
Vale news March 2023. See: Vale News - March 2023 - Residents (emailblaster.cloud)
Press releases: - Councils challenge Oxford City's plan for high housing numbers. South Oxfordshire and the Vale of White Horse district councils have both responded firmly to Oxford City Council's consultation that appears to be attempting to exceed the city's remit and force more development across Oxfordshire's rural countryside. You can see details on our website by clicking this link
- Council's decision to reject Grove development backed by government. The national Planning Inspectorate has found Vale of White Horse District Council was correct to refuse a planning application for 300 new houses near Grove and has dismissed an appeal to overturn its decision. The application from David Wilson Homes, which proposed up to 300 dwellings on land east of Grove, was refused by the ... You can see details on our website by clicking this link
- Funding to give nature reserve a new `leaf of life'. Tuckmill Nature Reserve is set for a refresh with a £76,600 funding boost to support local volunteers and help maintain and enhance the reserve's biodiversity. Vale of White Horse District Council secured the funding from a housing development in Shrivenham, through what's known as Section 106 Contributions, and will be used to support local volunteer ... You can see details on our website by clicking this link
- Kingston Bagpuize scores brand new sports pavilion. Sports clubs and residents in Kingston Bagpuize will soon be kicking goals and taking wickets by a brand new £657,000 pavilion which is opening this weekend. Vale of White Horse District Council approved £596,757 of funding from developer contributions for Kingston Bagpuize with Southmoor Parish Council to deliver the pavilion. The funding was sourced from ... You can see details on our website by clicking this link
- New simplified planning at Milton Park to pave way for further life science and technology investment. One of Europe's largest science and technology communities is in line for more jobs, business investment opportunities, and improved sustainability thanks to an updated planning document. Vale of White Horse District Council has voted to adopt an updated Local Development Order (LDO) for Milton Park subject to a legal agreement being finalised. Once adopted, the ... You can see details on our website by clicking this link
County news
Your Oxfordshire. See: Help for low income families, Easter crafts and Oxford United stadium update (mailchi.mp)
From the Police. From the Churches of Uffington Benefice
The Weekly Sheet for Sunday 26 March is attached here: https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/files/1eb46228-4bf9-c267-6dcc-a4a3bf227a85/wsh_2023_03_26.pdf
For all information, please see: https://www.uffingtonbenefice.com/
And finally, British Summer Time begins on Sunday morning, when the clocks 'spring forward' one hour.
Village news 17 March 2023 Local news and events
White Horse in Crocuses. Before it fades, do take a minute to view the beautiful White Horse in purple crocuses currently in bloom to the west of the Thomas Hughes Memorial Hall. The bulbs were provided in 2017 by the Rotary Club of Faringdon & District and planted by a group of Uffington villagers. They celebrated the centenary of the Rotary Foundation and recognise the amazing work Rotary International has done (with Bill Gates) since 1985 to eradicate polio across the world. Thanks largely to their efforts, only 6 cases of this dreadful disease were reported worldwide in 2021, and it is now found in just two countries (Afghanistan and Pakistan). With a final push, it can, like smallpox, be completely eradicated for ever.
Articles for the March Courier. Please make sure that any articles and / or photos for the Spring edition of the Courier are with the editor (Giles Dawson) by close of play on Monday 20 March.
Lent Lunches – for Christian Aid. There will be a holy Communion service in St Mary's at 11.30 am each Wednesday morning during Lent, followed by lunch at a different venue each week, from 12.15 to 1.30 pm. On 23 March: at Field House, Uffington (Jeremy and Juliet Moss - 820598)
Jubilee Field Spring Tidy. Don't forget that this is scheduled for Saturday 25 March. Please meet at the Village Hall at 10.00 am, suitably dressed and equipped for some gardening work; items to be addressed include: General tidy up and bonfire, removal of ivy from trees, and weeding around the hedge plants on Upper Common and the new Queen's Canopy trees.
Faringdon Singers - Spring Concert - 7pm, Saturday 25th March - St Marys Uffington
The theme is A JOURNEY THROUGH THE PSALMS and will include Monteverdi's Beatus Vir, Rutters The Lord is my Light and my Salvation, as well as works by Brahms, Faure, Howells, and more. Light refreshments will be available after the concert.
ENTRANCE FREE. Donations for St Mary's Church Clock Restoration
UBW Minibus Association.
Excellent news! We are delighted to welcome two new volunteers to the minibus team.
Gill Ward has taken on Administrator's responsibilities, and Richard Charles will be a driver. Gill can be contacted on 07971 083636 for bookings, and our regular passengers will meet Richard on the bus in due course.
Our Wednesday and Friday morning services to Wantage continue as before and it is a pleasure to report that private bookings of the bus by villagers are picking up. We hope to see yet more of you using the bus for your social and recreational events, and perhaps get back to where we were before Covid stopped us all in our tracks. It's your bus! Thanks for the support.
John Hatcher
From the Vicar.
Treasurer wanted for St Marys, Uffington. St Mary's Church, Uffington is looking for a new Treasurer. This important and rewarding role would be suited to a numerate and organised person who has some spreadsheet ability. You do not need to be a churchgoer or an accountant! The time commitment is a few hours per week plus attendance at occasional meetings. If you are interested to find out more please contact Jeremy Goulston (821143) or Jeremy Moss (820598) or email info@uffingtonbenefice.com in the first instance.
Easter Season Services in Uffington Benefice - All are welcome: - Palm Sunday WALK, 2nd April. 8.45am meet Shellingford School Car Park, 9.30am bacon butties at Baulking Church, 10.30am Palm Sunday Service, St Mary's Uffington.
- Maundy Thursday 6 April: Service, 7.30pm Shellingford.
- Good Friday 7 April: Hour at the Cross, 2pm Baulking
- Easter Day Services: 8.45am Baulking, 9.00am Woolstone, 10.15am Shellingford, 10.00am Uffington
- Thanksgiving Service for the Coronation of King Charles III- 10.00 am 7th May, St Mary's Uffington
General information
David Johnston MP Article – March. Please find attached David's latest article: https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/files/5f86502f-0e11-698a-943a-66319c7a3d9f/David_Johnston_Parish_piece_14.3.2023.pdf
A photo ID for voting in local elections. Citizens Advice Oxfordshire South and Vale has issued a press release about the need to produce a photo ID when voting in local elections in England; please see attachment: https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/files/a36e0c12-5739-fb16-63dd-a7f1b99f25ed/Citizens_Advice_Photo_ID.pdf
Stamps for The Leprosy Mission. As advised earlier this year, The Leprosy Mission has now closed its scheme to raise funds from stamps as it is no longer cost effective. However, over many years it was a very successful fundraiser and cumulatively raised an amazing £1.8 million for the charity. Thank you to everyone who donated stamps (or coins) and contributed to that remarkable total. It costs £24 to cure someone from leprosy, so stamps have transformed the lives of 75,000 leprosy sufferers! If you have more stamps in future, I understand that Sobell House Hospice are still taking them. I shall not be a collector for them myself, but you can hand them in at their shop in Wantage (beside Sainsburys).
Please continue to save your used computer ink cartridges. Either give them to me or put them in the box at the village shop. I get them recycled and receive a donation for the Suited & Booted charity. Thank you. Mike Thomas 07803 035603.
From the Vale. - Tree planting and grants for community climate projects highlighted in latest Climate Action report. Tree planting and grants to help community climate projects have been highlighted in a new report from Vale of White Horse District Council. As part of its commitment towards tackling climate change, the Vale publishes a quarterly report showing the progress of its Climate Action Plan. The Plan sets out the steps it will take ... You can see details on our website by clicking this link
- Nine local charity groups given helping hand with lottery win. Nine charity organisations across the Vale have each received £1,000 of unrestricted funding to support their work with local communities thanks to the White Horse Community Lottery. Now in its second year, the White Horse Community Lottery has raised just under £28,000 and helped 49 local organisations, voluntary and charitable groups who are committed to ... You can see details on our website by clicking this link
County news
OCC 20mph for Uffington. Following the OCC 20mph consultation, the results will be considered by the Cabinet Member for Highways on 23 March 2023. If you wish to attend this meeting in person or address the meeting (either verbally or via written submission), you must contact the Committee Officer by 9am four working days before the meeting i.e. Friday 17th March. The relevant committee Officer will then advise if you can be accommodated at this meeting. - Requests to speak should be sent to committeesdemocraticservices@Oxfordshire.gov.uk
- A written copy of your statement should be provided no later than two working days before the meeting (i.e. 9am Tuesday 21st March).
- Where a meeting is either "virtual" or "hybrid" i.e., attendance can be either in person or virtual, and the addressee is unable to participate remotely, their written submission will be accepted.
- Written submissions should be no longer than one side of an A4 sheet of paper.
More information is on the Village website here.
From OCC Highways. Temporary Road Closure at Longcot, Old Wharf Road, from 0800 to 1500 on 28 March 2023, to facilitate pole replacement. Suggested Alternative Route: via Claypit Lane, Woolstone Road, Broad Street, Station Road, Baulking Lane, A417, B4508 and vice versa or Unnamed Road towards B4507, B4000, Station Road, Longcot Road and vice versa.
From the Police.
Neighbourhood Watch. The March edition of OUR NEWS is here with prize draws. This edition highlights how you can be a part of making this a better place to live, a call for success stories with the chance to win a £100 gift voucher, advice on how to be an active bystander, advice on how to avoid being scammed, guidance on how to look closer for signs of child exploitation, the opportunity to win a Patlock, the dangers of the dark web, and more. READ THE NEWSLETTER HERE
From the Churches of Uffington Benefice
The Weekly Sheet for Sunday 19 March is attached here: https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/files/8d17106a-4ca6-d110-5a34-baf29a0e0265/wsh_2023_03_19.pdf
For all information, please see: https://www.uffingtonbenefice.com/
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