Did you see……………..?
Last night a wheel was taken off a white Fiat van and stolen. A report is being made to the Police. This sounds bizarre, but see: https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/images/1605de23-4a87-9e5b-8929-d79c44f060cd.jpg
The van was (and is) parked in its usual place on High Street, close to the Clock House.
If anybody saw or heard anything or has any CCTV footage, please respond asap to this email and I will put you in direct touch with the owner – Maxine.
Village news 31 May 2024 UFFINGTON PARISH COUNCIL
Planning. The following have been published by VOWHDC in the last week:
Former Wicklesham Quarry Faringdon. The council has received a planning application amendment (no. 1), on application P23/V2519/CM, for development work at the following location: Former Wicklesham Quarry Faringdon. The amendment is for: amended information received 17 May 2024. You can see details of the amendment to the application on our website by clicking this link
Defibrillators. The defib located at the Thomas Hughes Memorial Hall has been returned by the Ambulance Service, had new pads fitted, been checked over and is available for use.
New play equipment. The Parish Council is very pleased that the two new items of equipment on the Jubilee Field for the older children were opened up in time for the bank holiday weekend and half term. Congratulations to Fenella Oberman who was project manager and persuaded the scaffolders to remove the Heras fencing on a bank holiday weekend, after disappointing us on the previous day. Photos attached:
1. https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/_compresseds/f8bef998-07a9-971a-2ecf-b6f07cc03920.jpg
2. https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/_compresseds/0680f7ad-5a39-9af5-c667-8c2bee2d54f8.jpg
We are hoping to arrange an 'Opening Ceremony' in the week commencing 10 June, and that this will be at 3.30 pm, so that children may attend. More news asap.
Uffington Courier - July issue. The Editor would be delighted to receive anything you feel worthwhile writing about for our summer issue. This could include a preview of any early-autumn event(s). Please also send photograph(s), always remembering to keep them separate from the written article, so that we can do the layout without having to unpick what you have kindly sent. Deadline is SATURDAY 15th JUNE, please! Send to Giles Dawson at: courier@uffington.net
LOCAL NEWS AND EVENTS
Wellington bomber short walks on 1 and 2 June. Short strolls around the Uffington Village Trail to the plaque in honour of the Wellington bomber aircrew who died when their aircraft crash-landed just south of the village in August 1942. The walks will start at 2.00 pm in the village hall car park near the shop and will finish around 3.30 at the museum where you can see the Exhibition (for free) on Wellington Bomber DV595. There may be cattle on the route so only Registered Assistance Dogs please. For further information see: www.ramblers-oxon.org.uk/patrick/walks-programme.html
WED WALK 5TH June Bishopstone via Ashbury. The June walk will be a favourite with beautiful scenery - the circular walk from Bishopstone via Ashbury.
Meeting initially at the car park of Uffington Village Hall for car shares at 9:20am for a 9:30 start. The walk will leave Bishopstone at approximately 9:50. Parking will be available in the Royal Oak car park in Bishopstone. We will stop for a coffee break at the Rose and Crown in Ashbury.
If anyone would like to stay for lunch at the Royal Oak after the walk, please let Pamela know on parrottspreene@aol.com or 07951 892397. Could you also please let Pamela know if you intend meeting us at the start of the walk in Bishopstone. Weather looking excellent, sunny with light cloud and a breeze. The Walking committee, Pamela, Verity, Hilary and Joe. Verity Cavanagh: veritycavanagh@gmail.com 07975 861790
Ringing to mark the 80th Anniversary of D-Day. The Bell Ringers of St. Mary's will ring the bells on Thursday 6th June at 6:00pm as a reminder of this special day. I am hoping we will be able to ring all 6 of our bells but we are short of a couple of ringers through age and infirmity. Like chalking the White Horse, bell ringing in this village only happens because local people are prepared to learn and practice this old English exercise. If you want to join us to see if ringing is a hobby that you might enjoy, please do get in touch and I will 'show you the ropes'.
Hugh Baxter, Tower Captain. 820014.
Drain Repair – Thomas Hughes Memorial Hall – Thursday 6 June. The repairs scheduled for 30 May have been delayed until Thursday 6 June.
White Horse Gardening Club - Thursday 6 JUNE at 6pm - Kingstone Lisle Gardens.
Summer Social Event. Parking and meet at 6pm prompt in the Estate Yard, which is on the righthand side as you enter the village. NB: not the main Park entrance. YOU DO NOT NEED TO APPLY FOR THIS VISIT. FREE TO MEMBERS. £5 VISITORS.
Calling all children for Sunday 9 June. We have decided to run something a bit different for children in St Mary's on the 2nd Sunday of the month in term time. We can promise your child fun and creativity, and the opportunity to learn something new about faith. ALL are WELCOME. The next occasion will be on Sunday 9 June, at 10.00 am; more information attached: https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/images/b8cb3959-ac1f-ee2d-dfce-44ec7192ddd8.png
Wednesday 12 June – the Ancient English Morris Dance. A talk by Mike Heaney on the 'Ancient English Morris Dance at 7.45 pm in the Thomas Hughes Memorial Hall. See poster attached: https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/images/a7ab38bf-7cd0-15c1-db38-9f05f3bb7878.jpg
Tuesday 18 June - White Horse Gardening Club visit to Green and Gorgeous Flower Farm. More information attached: https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/images/976cc2af-1a84-b894-5ec7-45359131a687.jpg
GENERAL
Latest News from the North Wessex Downs National Landscape Partnership May 2024. In this issue: - Last few tickets remaining for our Walking Festival
- News from Partnerships for Nature - our £1.7M nature recovery programme
- Fenceless grazing enables grassland conservation with FIPL funding
- News from Mend the Gap including a job opportunity with BBOWT
- CPRE countryside award nominations open
See: Latest news from North Wessex Downs this Spring (mailchi.mp)
FROM THE VALE
Leader's Report - Annual Council Meeting 22 May 2024. I am standing here tonight proud that we are one year into our second term leading the Vale of White Horse District Council. In the everyday, I think it is sometimes easy to forget just how well this council is performing, and it is down to the leadership of the people sitting here supporting me ... You can see details on our website by clicking this link
Volunteers are inspirational, we want to say a big "thank you". Cabinet members of Vale of White Horse and South Oxfordshire district councils have offered their thanks and gratitude to the thousands of inspirational volunteers across both districts ahead of volunteers' week. To mark the 40th anniversary of annual Volunteers' Week, which takes place from 3 - 9 June, the councils will be taking the "time to ... You can see details on our website by clicking this link
COUNTY NEWS
YourOxfordshire - A healthy start for our children, park and ride tickets to stay, and improving mental health. See: A healthy start for our children, park and ride tickets to stay, and improving mental health (mailchi.mp)
THAMES VALLEY POLICE
New partnership to tackle crime in rural areas – Oxfordshire. A new crime fighting partnership is hitting the fields and farms of rural Oxfordshire.
The Rural Crime Partnership is bringing together Thames Valley Police, West Oxfordshire, South Oxfordshire, Vale of the White Horse District Councils and the Community Safety Partnerships to tackle crimes such as fly-tipping, burglaries and theft in rural areas. There will also be more support for local communities on crime prevention as well an increase in the gathering and sharing of information about rural crime.
Rural crime affects victims' livelihoods, physical and mental wellbeing and that of the wider community. In 2023 the National Farmers' Union reported a 22 per cent increase in the value of rural crime with costs reaching a total estimate of £49.5 million across the UK.
The project has been made possible thanks to £156k funding the partnership secured from the Police and Crime Commissioner for Thames Valley and the Home Office's Safer Streets initiative.
More - New partnership to tackle crime in rural areas - Oxfordshire | Thames Valley Police
Police & Crime Bulletin Feb '24 - increasing arrests, tackling knife crime. See: Police & Crime Bulletin Feb '24 - increasing arrests, tackling knife crime (matthewbarber.co.uk)
FROM THE CHURCHES OF UFFINGTON BENEFICE
Please find attached the Weekly Sheet for Sunday 2 June: https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/files/fa8c27b9-aecd-c42d-5438-288fb07ca919/wsh_2024_06_02.pdf
For all information, please see: https://www.uffingtonbenefice.com/
Apologies, but I may not be able to produce any Village News next Friday – hence as much information as is currently available, in the local News and Events section above.
Village news 24 May 2024 UFFINGTON PARISH COUNCIL
Power Cuts. There have been a surprising number of short but irritating power cuts in the last few days in a number of areas of the village – in the Fernham road / Museum area, there have been 5. Regardless of who you buy your electricity from, Scottish and Southern Electricity (SSE) run the network locally, so please report all power cuts to SSE by dialling 105. SSE recommend downloading an app called power track so that you can follow events on line.
LOCAL NEWS AND EVENTS
Wellington Bomber walk - Saturday 25 May. On Saturday 25 May the Ramblers will be leading a 10.6-mile walk, open to non-members (free), linked to the Wellington Bomber DV595 exhibition in Uffington Museum. Bring a picnic lunch, including a drink. The walk will start in the car park near Uffington shop at 10:30 (prompt), going up to and over the Ridgeway via Britchcombe Farm, proceeding along the Lambourn Valley Way then across to and along Odstone Down, back via Woolstone. The route will pass the plaque to the aircrew who died when their aircraft crash-landed nearby. Odstone Down was the location of the bombing range over which Wellington DV595 collided with another Wellington. There will be time to visit the museum after the walk.
Ukrainian Festivities in Faringdon TOMORROW Saturday 25 May. Last month the local Ukrainian community presented the people of Faringdon and the surrounding villages with a beautiful wooden sculpture in gratitude for their welcome and hospitality. Mavka is a Ukrainian wood spirit and tomorrow she will be installed in the woods at Faringdon Folly. See photo: https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/images/854815ac-4654-cfec-6e24-659287389c8b.jpg
There will be a festival with Ukrainian singing, dancing and food (and an opportunity to hear someone perform on the bandura). The full programme is attached: https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/images/43430369-62ac-34e8-a1d5-25578611c77c.jpg
Thomas Hughes Memorial Hall – drainage repair on 30 May. Please note that the footpath from the bridge on High St over the brook to the Village Hall will be closed, and the area around the footpath screened off, for several hours on Thursday 30 May, to allow for some drainage repairs to be completed.
Topette! St Nicholas Church, Baulking, SN7 7QE Sunday June 16th. Firstly, thanks to all of you who came along to see Wesley Stace. He really enjoyed the evening and wants to come back.
The next show in this midsummer celebration features the wonderful 5 piece Anglo French band, Topette!, made up of some of the finest folk musicians around playing fiddle, pipes, bodhran, bass and squeezebox. They visit Baulking as part of their countrywide 10th anniversary tour.
Described as a collective of uninhibited musical adventurers playing self penned and traditional music from anywhere with a winning mix of bonhomie and grit. They play naturally social music for filling dance floors, for listening and for drinking with friends - joyously jugular grabbing dance music! We are fast running out of seats for this show but there are some standing/dancing spaces so if you are interested let us know at cowmuckp@gmail.com Tickets are £17 each.
FROM THE VALE
The May edition of Vale News for 2024. See: The May edition of Vale News for 2024 (mailchi.mp)
Cash boost into Vale rural projects. More than £220,000 has been injected into projects that support businesses and community organisations in Vale of White Horse. Drawn from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF), a scheme for rural businesses and organisations as part of the Government's Levelling Up agenda, the district council has allocated funding for a ... You can see details on our website by clicking this link
Press release - Vale makes great headway in achieving net zero. Vale of White Horse District Council is making great headway in its goal to achieve net zero and has so far seen a 47 per cent reduction in its carbon emissions since 2009/10.
The council set ambitious targets in 2019 of becoming a carbon neutral council by 2030 with a 75 per cent reduction in council carbon emissions by 2025. A report going before Vale of White Horse District Council's Climate Emergency Advisory Committee on 3 June 2024, sets out progress to date and options for the future – as well as considering challenges and barriers to achieving these goals.
FROM THE CHURCHES OF UFFINGTON BENEFICE
The Vicar's Sabbatical – what is it all about? Further to last week's note, here are a few words of explanation:
One or two of you have been wondering what a 'Sabbatical' is all about, and what I will be doing on mine which runs from 20th May until 16th August.
Sabbaticals are strange and unknown beasts to most but academics and clergy. Every vicar is entitled to take one after ten years of his/her ministry. I have been ordained for twenty years and felt that, if I did not take this opportunity soon, I might never do so.
So here I am on Sabbatical and really appreciating the chance to view life a bit differently. In Oxford Diocese the recommendation is that those on Sabbatical find time for the 'three R's': Rest, Renewal, and Retreat. If you have seen a white VW camper van in our driveway, this is the 'rest' part and is what we will be using for a tour of Scotland in early June. I also hope to walk some of the Ridgeway in stages and with one or two others.
The 'Renewal' part is for studying something you may have been interested in but not found time to follow up. I will be reading about the concept of 'Celtic Christianity' and Saints Aidan and Cuthbert, and discovering more about their ministry and approaches to Creation and the Atonement. Several study days at Cuddesdon (my alma mater) should help with this but, fortunately, I am not duty bound to write a thesis!
Then there is the 'Retreat' element for which I will be visiting Launde Abbey in Leicestershire in July for a course on mindfulness and prayer.
I am very grateful indeed for this opportunity and for the cover which Hugh Baxter, the Ministry Team, our Churchwardens and Sue Hannon are providing in my absence. We are additionally being well served by retired clergy and clergy from Church House Oxford, not least Bishop Gavin (10.15 am, 2nd June in Shellingford - all welcome), the Archdeacon, Associate Archdeacon, and Revd. Charles Chadwick. I am pleased, too, that the Tower Sunday School will meet on 9th June (10am, Uffington).
If you see me around, please do say 'hello' and I will respond!
Weekly Sheet.
The Weekly Sheet for Sunday 26 May is not yet available.
For all information, please see: https://www.uffingtonbenefice.com/
Village news 17 May 2024 UFFINGTON PARISH COUNCIL
New Play Equipment. Users of the Jubilee Field this week will have seen the on-going construction of the new play equipment on the Upper Common side of the field. The installers have made good progress and we hope that both pieces of equipment will be ready for use very soon.
However, they have to be inspected thoroughly before they can be used, so please bear with us for that to be completed. The new equipment can be taken to be safe for use as soon as all protective fencing and any warning notices have been removed.
LOCAL NEWS AND EVENTS
White Horse Garden Club – Plant sale trail on Saturday 18 May. Take a stroll round Uffington from 10.00 am. More information attached: https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/images/90ff6270-03ee-8fbf-af62-a67886cc917d.jpg
The map for the trail is here: https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/files/2008d911-3858-f747-3a8e-f7d1857bcd32/2024_Plant_sale_map.01.pdf
Uffington Farmers Market. This Sunday from 10.00 am. See poster attached: https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/images/8d24f8e6-1600-17a6-1079-1031d318bb1a.jpg
White Horse WI - Wednesday 22nd May. This month we have the delights of Dalziel Ellis, a poet but not as you know it, who will be entertaining us with inspiring and uplifting original poetry. We look forward to her performance on Wednesday 22nd May at 7.30pm. This will be followed by a short presentation on the 'Dental Health Matters' resolution that is being put forward at the National Federation WI (NFWI) AGM at the Royal Albert Hall, London in June.
We look forward to seeing you there! New members are always welcome. We meet on the fourth Wednesday of every month (except August) at 7.30pm in Thomas Hughes Memorial Hall, Uffington. Please email us on whitehorsewi@oxfordshirewi.co.uk for further information or follow us on Facebook @White Horse WI
Wanted!! The summer season of teas in St Mary's Church starts soon. Can you spare a Sunday afternoon to help? More information attached: https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/images/3fd18af9-015f-6cd8-b0a1-5765bc89c537.jpg
Thomas Hughes Memorial Hall – drainage repair. Please note that the footpath from the bridge on High St over the brook to the Village Hall will be closed, and the area around the footpath screened off, for several hours on Thursday 30 May, to allow for some drainage repairs to be completed.
GENERAL
Patronage of the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust. It is my great pleasure to announce that Her Majesty Queen Camilla has decided to retain the Patronage of the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust. The announcement of this decision was timed to mark the first anniversary of their Majesties' Coronation on 6 May 2023, and follows a thorough review of more than 1000 charities with whom Her Majesty has been associated. We are honoured and deeply grateful that Her Majesty has chosen to continue supporting us as our Patron.
Three Cheers for Her Majesty!!!
Martin Holliss, Chair of the Trustees, Wilts & Berks Canal Trust
David Johnston MP. David's latest article is here: https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/files/c247d25a-32dd-a634-a762-54f26803bb26/David_Johnston_May_24.pdf
The Ridgeway National Trail. The new Ridgeway Trail Officer is Ian Black. For more information on the Ridgeway National Trail, see: The Ridgeway - National Trails
FROM THE VALE
Waste and recycling news. We have been working hard on introducing changes to the way our garden waste subscription works. Last month we began the transition period towards introducing a new permit scheme next year in April 2025. You can find out more on our Garden Waste change FAQ pages:
Garden waste scheme changes - Vale of White Horse District Council (whitehorsedc.gov.uk)
New online training course for small businesses launched. The Department for Business and Trade has launched the Help to Grow: Management Essentials course, a free online course with practical tips and resources for small business leaders.
Government launches new free business management course for small businesses - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
The course is suited for leaders of newer or smaller SMEs, or those who are looking to explore the principles of business growth and management.
Meadow areas to be allowed to grow. As we support No Mow May and after the success of our 'Let It Bee' trial last year, our Parks team is pushing ahead once again with a biodiversity-friendly land management programme, where we allow grass to grow on sections of land we own or manage. This year we have sites across the districts in Abingdon, Benson, Berinsfield, Botley, Didcot, Faringdon, Marcham, Shepherds Green, Wallingford, Wantage, and Woodcote. For more information please see our grass cutting pages: Grass cutting - Vale of White Horse District Council (whitehorsedc.gov.uk)
Healthwatch
COUNTY NEWS
The latest news for your communities. See: The latest news for your communities (mailchi.mp)
YourOxfordshire. Traffic filters in Oxford, Foster Care Fortnight and expanded childcare support. See: Traffic filters in Oxford, Foster Care Fortnight and expanded childcare support (mailchi.mp)
Digital switchover. You may have heard that the UK's telephone network is being upgraded, which means that landline services are changing. People can still have a landline in their homes, but the technology that powers it will be different. For most, switching over will be straightforward, but some people may need new equipment or support to make the changes. More information attached: https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/files/82305e5d-277e-f793-10d4-e2fb88fb12a2/Information_sheet_Changes_to_telephone_landlines.pdf
THAMES VALLEY POLICE
WhatsApp group chats are targeted by fraudsters. WhatsApp group chat members are being warned they could be targeted by criminals, as Action Fraud reveals it has received 636 reports from victims of the messaging app this year.
The fraud often begins when a member of the group receives a WhatsApp audio call from the fraudster, pretending or claiming to be another member of the group. This is done to gain the individual's trust, and often the scammer will use a false profile picture and/or display name, so at first glance it would appear to be a genuine member of the group.
The fraudster will tell the victim they are sending them a one-time passcode which will allow them to join an upcoming video call for group members. The criminal then asks the victim to share this passcode with them so they can be "registered" for the video call.
In reality, the criminal is asking for a registration code to register the victim's WhatsApp account to a new device so they can take over their account. Once the fraudster has access to the victim's WhatsApp account, they will enable two-step verification which makes it impossible for the victim to regain access their account. Other members of the group, or friends and family in the victim's contacts, will then be messaged asking them to transfer money urgently as they are in desperate need of help.
How to secure your WhatsApp account: - Set up two-step verification (2SV) to give an extra layer of protection to your account. Tap Settings > Account > Two-step verification > Enable.
- CALL. If a family member or friend makes an unusual request on WhatsApp, always call the person outside of WhatsApp to confirm their identity.
- 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 live in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and have been a victim of fraud or cybercrime, report it at www.actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040. In Scotland, victims of fraud and cybercrime should report to Police Scotland on 101. Find out how to protect yourself from fraud: https://stopthinkfraud.campaign.gov.uk
FROM THE CHURCHES OF UFFINGTON BENEFICE
Please find attached the Weekly Sheet for Sunday 19 May: https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/files/91f60cb4-2578-dec0-3274-ccaac9e391f0/wsh_2024_05_19.pdf
For all information, please see: https://www.uffingtonbenefice.com/
Reverend J Goulston – sabbatical. Please note that the Vicar will be on a 'sabbatical' (a period during which an employee can take time away from work for study or travel) from 20 May until mid August. Hugh Baxter has agreed to be the Deputy / 'go to person' in the first instance; contact details for him and the other ministers and wardens of the benefice are in the Weekly Sheet.
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