LOCAL NEWS AND EVENTS
July Uffington Wed Walk - 3rd JULY. For the July Walk we have planned a route starting at Kelmscott to take us over fields to Buscot where we will take a break for a coffee. Then returning to Kelmscott walking along the side of the Thames. Approx 5 miles.
We will gather for car sharing in the car park at Uffington Village Hall SN7 7RE at 9:20 for a 9:30 start to Kelmscott. The meeting place for those not gathering in Uffington will be at Kelmscott Church leaving at 10:00am (there is road-side parking near the church). Please park considerately in the village. There may be some cows on route so please keep dogs on leads near any livestock.
The Plough Pub in Kelmscott is open on a Wednesday from 12:00 and serves main meals and light lunches. Look forward to seeing lots of you for a beautiful walk by the Thames.
The Walking Committee, Verity, Pamela, Hilary and Joe. Verity Cavanagh. veritycavanagh@gmail.com 07975 861790
Many thanks to Geoff Keene for a great photo of the walking group on June's Walk to Bishopstone, attached: https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/images/65a77820-6f2e-b325-1aa5-babce6659135.jpg
Concert by Faringdon Singers – 7 July. There will be a Summer Concert by the Faringdon Singers in Thomas Hughes Memorial Hall at 7.00 pm on Sunday 7 July. More information: https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/files/20e85749-0b9d-369e-08b0-fe5969fa8cda/Faringdon_Singers_Summer_2024A4.pdf
Restoration of the Uffington White Horse. Many people have noticed that the Uffington White Horse has shrunk significantly in the last few decades. A project to restore it will start shortly. More information attached from the NT: https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/files/e5b39dfe-251c-67f8-b270-342b122f048f/WhiteHorsePanel.pdf
Oxford Archaeology are currently creating a web resource for the White Horse and will release further updates over the forthcoming weeks in the form of a 'blog'. The full address of the OA blog on the White Horse, which will not go 'live' until 1 July, is: https://www.oxfordarchaeology.com/uffington-white-horse
GENERAL
Volunteer Opportunity – Media Manager.
Are you a social media user and able to manage a website?
Want to give something back to the local community?
Want to add experience to your CV?
There is a vacancy on the Management Committee of the Thomas Hughes Memorial Hall for a media manager. We are looking for someone to manage our Facebook page and our website to advertise and promote the facilities of the Hall. The Committee meets just once per month, usually on a Monday evening. If you think that this is something that you could help with please email the Committee Chair; gillianfward@hotmail.com
Benefice 200 draw results. We held the 4Q23/24 Benefice 200 draw at Baulking Church on Sunday 23 June, following the 08.45 service. The results are:
£200 - Ball 85 - Simon & Fiona Clark
£100 - Ball 153 - Nicola Cale
£100 - Ball 42 - Keith Birtwhistle
£50 - Ball 80 - Rupert Lycett Green (honest, guv!)
£50 - Ball 114 - Lucy Matthews
£50 - Ball 149 - Georgie Deakin
£50 - Ball 148 - RG & KI Godfrey
£50 - Ball 14 - Linda Jones
I have the bank details for 5 of the winners and they have received their winnings. Please could I encourage other winners to share their bank details with me so that they can be paid electronically as this will ensure much faster payment!!!
Wilts and Berks Canal Trust - Dragonfly Magazine Issue 169 Summer 2024. See attached: https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/files/29c802fa-9c9f-966f-4b81-4348ef0f4b85/Dragonfly_Summer_2024_final.pdf
FROM THE VALE
Green Infrastructure and Open Space - public survey. Land use experts at LUC are supporting South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils to gather information about greenspaces in the districts.
We are asking residents and organisations to complete a short online survey to understand how you use greenspaces in your local area. The public survey runs from Thursday 30 May to Sunday 30 June 2024. Please take part in the survey here:
South Oxfordshire & Vale of White Horse GI and Open Space Public Survey
If you have any questions about either of the surveys, please email the LUC team at SouthandValeGI@landuse.co.uk.
COUNTY NEWS
YourOxfordshire. Balance the budget, feed back on roads and some great hot weather tips. See: Balance the budget, feed back on roads and some great hot weather tips (mailchi.mp)
FROM THE CHURCHES OF UFFINGTON BENEFICE
Please find attached the Weekly Sheet for Sunday 30 June: https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/files/b5f9a51c-eabb-2845-dc33-6973984575c4/wsh_2024_06_30.pdf
For all information, please see: https://www.uffingtonbenefice.com/
Village news 21 June 2024 UFFINGTON PARISH COUNCIL
Power cuts. Uffington has for several months been affected by frequent (typically 4-5 per week) power cuts of very short duration (a few seconds). These have the effect of shutting down electrical and electronic equipment and cause a lot of irritation and work to reset equipment. For anyone who might be on medical treatment the effects could be much worse. We have been in contact with SSE, who are aware of the problem and doing their best. They state: - The cause of the interruptions is trees in the village touching overhead lines.
- Some action has been taken, but SSE is currently unable to resolve the problem fully because one landowner has refused access to his/her land for lopping work.
- SSE is taking action through its legal department in an effort to obtain the necessary access. If necessary, this will include court action.
- Data Protection rules prevent SSE from disclosing the identity of the landowner in question to the Parish Council so the Council is unable to discuss this with the landowner.
Clearly, this could take time. So, if the landowner in question reads this, please think of the effect on many other residents of your reluctance to cooperate with SSE. Equally, if anybody else knows who might be responsible, please pass this message on to them.
New play equipment on the Jubilee Field. It was gratifying that the village was front page news in the Wantage Herald on Wednesday 19 June - Oxfordshire village play area installs new equipment | Herald Series
However, and further to last weeks' notice, more complaints have been received from local residents about foul language in the evenings and litter. Parents are again requested to ensure that both are brought to the attention of all children who use the Jubilee Field: See attached, taken this morning: https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/images/ee5a2e42-744b-f77e-e726-1f806ca244b9.jpeg
Planning applications
The District Council has received a planning application amendment (no. 2), on application P23/V1739/HH, for development work at the following location: Lilac Cottage Woolstone Road Uffington Faringdon, for: As amended by additional information received 17 June 2024. You can see details of the amendment to the application on our website by clicking this link
LOCAL NEWS AND EVENTS
Saturday 22 June – Churchyard at 10.00 am. There will be a Working Party in the churchyard of St Mary's on Saturday at 10.00 am and any volunteers would be most welcome with mowers, strimmers, shears, clippers or grass rakes. Many hands make light work! It will be great to see you.
White Horse WI – 26 June. Just a reminder that our next meeting will be on the 26th June, at 7:30 pm in the Thomas Hughes Memorial Hall. Our guest speaker will be Andy Foley a White Horse Ranger. Looking forward to seeing you there.
Restoration of the Uffington White Horse. Many people have noticed that the Uffington White Horse has shrunk significantly in the last few decades. A project to restore it will start shortly. More information attached: https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/files/aaa416ec-4a9e-f650-167e-095183dd4691/White_Horse_restoration.pdf
Oxford Archaeology are currently creating a web resource for the White Horse and will release further updates over the forthcoming weeks in the form of a 'blog'. However, this will not go 'live' until the 1st July. I hope to be able to provide the web address nearer the time.
Richard Durrant, Baulking, Saturday July 20th. Thanks to all who came to the dynamite Topette show last Sunday. So to the final show in this short mid summer run and it features the virtuoso guitar player, Richard Durrant.
He has visited Baulking on four previous occasions and stunned all who came with his musical ability. He is, without doubt, one of the finest acoustic guitar players in the country. His reputation has spread world wide and he has played sessions for most of the BBC radio stations with his interpretations on guitar and ukulele of J S Bach's works receiving particular critical acclaim. A fantastic musician in a beautiful venue on (let's hope) a lovely summer's evening. Tickets are £17 each, under 18s free, from cowmuckp@gmail.com Rural England Prosperity Fund in South & Vale. South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse based organisations have until 1 July to apply for funding under the councils' latest rounds of Rural England Prosperity Funding (REPF). Poster attached here: https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/files/45078b81-26a1-98dd-296d-4a5aaef46cf0/REPF_A4_poster_003_.pdf
REPF offers up to £75,000 of capital funding for projects that help to support the rural economy and rural communities. Funding categories are: - Capital grants for small scale investment in micro and small enterprises in rural areas
- Capital grants for growing the local social economy and supporting innovation
- Capital grants for investment in capacity building and infrastructure support for local civil society and community groups
Funding can be used for a variety of projects, from farm diversification, business infrastructure & equipment, to community energy schemes and much more. For full details, organisations are encouraged to visit the councils' websites at:
www.whitehorsedc.gov.uk/vale-of-white-horse-district-council/business-and-economy/advice-for-businesses/rural-england-prosperity-fund/
For enquiries, please contact the councils' Economic Development team via: business.support@southandvale.gov.uk
COUNTY NEWS
Oxfordshire's transport and travel bulletin. See: Modular Template Patterns (mailchi.mp)
THAMES VALLEY POLICE
Beauty spot vehicle breaks. With the weather getting better the beauty spots within Thames Valley are attracting more visitors. Unfortunately, criminals are utilising these busier times to break into people's vehicles and steal personal belongings. Can we remind people to make sure their cars are secured and any personal belongings are either taken with you when you leave the vehicle or are left at home. If you see any suspicious activity we urge you to report it via 999 or 101.
FROM THE CHURCHES OF UFFINGTON BENEFICE
Please find attached the Weekly Sheet for Sunday 23 June: https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/files/d353a678-b3e9-e378-fc9d-70e920ed86ed/wsh_2024_06_23.pdf
For all information, please see: https://www.uffingtonbenefice.com/
Village news 14 June 2024 UFFINGTON PARISH COUNCIL
The Jubilee Field. Two related issues have arisen recently. This is for the attention of all users, but parents are requested to ensure that both are brought to the attention of all children who use the Jubilee Field: - Firstly, a number of members of our village community have expressed concern about the inappropriate and unacceptable behaviour exhibited by a small group of the children using the Field. The language used by these children, including the use of profanities and disrespectful tones, has been a source of distress for other users, particularly younger children and their families.
- Secondly, there has been an increase in the amount of litter left on the Jubilee Field. There are no less than 7 waste bins on and around the Jubilee Field. Please use them. The bin closest to the new play equipment has been moved to a more obvious location, visible and accessible to those on Upper Common Lane as well as the Jubilee Field.
Planning. The following have been published by VOWHDC in the last week:
The council has received a planning application amendment (no. 1), on application P22/V2630/NM, for development work at the following location: Moor Mill Farm Uffington Faringdon. The amendment is for: as amended by plans and additional information received 3 January 2023. You can see details of the amendment to the application on our website by clicking this link
LOCAL NEWS AND EVENTS
Uffington Farmers Market. This Sunday from 10.00 am. See poster: https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/images/5ff00794-a024-aeaf-548b-0406ac8ed93c.jpg
Topette! Baulking, Sunday June 16th. Just a handful of tickets left for the wonderful Topette! Made up of some of the finest folk musicians from either side of the English Channel their enduring popularity makes them a staple at folk festivals all over the country so playing a small venue like St Nicholas church is a rare event. Don't miss 'em. Tickets are £17 each from cowmuckp@gmail.com
FATHER'S DAY - Sunday 16th June. Teas at St. Mary's Church, Uffington, 2.30pm - 5pm. Any Fathers being brought for tea can have a free slice of cake! Cream Teas, Sandwiches and a selection of Homemade Cakes available every Sunday till the end of September. We look forward to seeing you all. Poster attached: https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/images/eea822e8-6b42-669e-52cf-0d786e6c885c.jpg
The White Horse WI - 26th June at 7:30pm. The White Horse WI are delighted to be welcoming Andy Foley, one of the White Horse Rangers to our next meeting taking place on the 26th June at 7:30pm in the Thomas Hughes Memorial Hall. Andy will be talking about his experiences of working on the Uffington White Horse, the oldest of the English hill figures, sharing his knowledge and also unravelling some of the mysteries. We look forward to welcoming members and any potential new members who may be interested in joining, all are welcome and of course there will be refreshments available including cake!
GENERAL
Thames Water reservoir consultation. Thames Water has launched a 12-week consultation on the proposed South East Strategic Reservoir Option (SESRO). The consultation is available here: https://thames-wrmp.co.uk/sesro and runs until 28 August 2024. Thames Water is also running a series of consultation events across the district during this period:
• Sutton Courtenay Village Hall - 27 June: 2 - 8pm.
• Royal British Legion, East Hanney - 29 June: 10am - 4pm.
• Abingdon Guildhall – 1 July: 11am - 5pm.
• Loyd Lindsay Rooms, Wantage - 5 July: 11am - 5pm.
• Didcot Civic Hall - 9 July: 2 - 8pm.
• Milton Hill House, Steventon – 15 July: 2 – 8pm.
• Marcham Centre – 18 July: 2 - 8pm.
For more details and to confirm attendance visit https://thames-wrmp.co.uk/news/events
FROM THE VALE
Apply now to work at the General Election on Thursday 4 July. South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils are looking for enthusiastic people to work at the General Election on Thursday 4 July. If you or someone you know (over the age of 18) is interested in working either of the following paid roles, please apply as soon as possible and please encourage your friends and family to do the same:
- Polling station staff – locations across South Oxfordshire and the Vale of White Horse, Thursday 4 July - from 6.30am until 10.30pm – from £200
- Overnight Count staff – Abingdon, from 9.30pm on Thursday 4 July until counting has been completed (expected to be by 8am the following morning) - £22.50 per hour
For details on how to apply, visit: whitehorsedc.gov.uk/electionjobs
Please note, we are unable to offer the roles to people that work for, or are connected with, a political party.
Up to £10,000 available for your climate project from our Climate Action Fund – deadline for applications is 28 June. The current round of the fund opened to applications on Friday 3 May this year, and will be open for applications until midday 28 June 2024.
Local 'not for profit' organisations and town and parish councils can apply for a share of the £100,000 fund, with up to £10,000 on offer for individual projects (minimum request of £250).
The funding is aimed at projects that help to tackle climate change and increase awareness and knowledge of the importance of climate action. As well as more common projects such as tree planting and solar panel installation, the fund has previously supported projects such as a sustainable eating course, funded professional ecological advice to create a community woodland and a boardwalk at a nature site to allow visitors access without damaging important habitats.
Full details of the Climate Action Fund and how to apply are available on the Climate Action Fund page on our website. Please also review our Climate Action Fund application guidance.
You are very welcome to contact the Climate and Biodiversity Team at climateaction@southandvale.gov.uk or the Community Enablement Team at communityenablement@southandvale.gov.uk if you have any questions about the scheme and/or your project.
Climate and Biodiversity Team
South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils
www.southoxon.gov.uk
www.whitehorsedc.gov.uk
COUNTY NEWS
The latest news for your communities. See: The latest news for your communities (mailchi.mp)
Your Oxfordshire - have your say on SEND support, support for unpaid carers and the traffic filter trial. See: Have your say on SEND support, support for unpaid carers and the traffic filter trial (mailchi.mp)
Temporary Road Closure at Uffington, Voles Retreat, Woolstone Road, SN7 7RG. This will be from 24 June 2024 up to and including 26 June 2024, and is a 24-hour road closure whilst essential new water supply works are carried out. Limited access will be maintained for emergency service vehicles and for frontages within the closed section of road, subject to the progress of the works
Suggested Alternative Route: via Woolstone Road, Broadway, B4507, Woolstone Road and vice versa.
Home Upgrade Grant. This is about the Home Upgrade Grant (HUG2) funding that the County Council was awarded in 2023 to retrofit the homes of low income residents living in energy inefficient homes (up to £38,000 per property).
During the 23/24 financial year, despite a number of challenges, we successfully upgraded 65 homes across the county, including 30 in South & Vale. Although this was less than we had originally planned, we have a strong pipeline for the second year of delivery and are already on the way (31 homes to date) to completing an additional 150 upgraded properties before the scheme closes in March 2025.
We have capacity for a few more households so if you, or any organisations you work with, are in contact with residents who could benefit from the funding, please direct them to register their interest with our delivery partners: Register your interest | Welcome the Warmth. Please note, the scheme will close to new applications at the end of October and to properties requiring planning permission (e.g. listed buildings or homes in a conservation area) at the end of July, so the opportunity to apply is time-limited.
The eligibility criteria for HUG2 funding is as follows:
• Home owners or private renters
• Annual household income of £39,000 or less OR in receipt of means-tested benefits
• EPC rating of D or below (free survey can be completed if necessary)
• Not heated by mains gas
Please let me know if you have any questions about the scheme, and thank you for your help in reducing fuel poverty and carbon emissions in Oxfordshire. Queries to:
Gayle Pilkington
Retrofit Project Manager, Oxfordshire County Council
County Hall | New Road | Oxford | OX1 1ND
Email: gayle.pilkington@oxfordshire.gov.uk | Telephone: 07927 589233
THAMES VALLEY POLICE
Theft of Motor Vehicles. Recently we have seen an increase of vehicles being stolen, these are generally high value and high power cars. Can we remind people to make sure vehicles are secured, keys locked away, preferably if keyless in a signal blocking box or pouch. If people can remain vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour please.
Buying Tickets Safely. Trading Standards have asked us to share this guide to buying tickets safely online: Attachments: Buying Tickets Safely.jpg
Loan sharks. Sadly with a cost of living crisis loan sharks are becoming more prevalent. Stoploansharks gives advice for those needing credit but can't access mainstream credit and also provides a phone line for reporting loan sharks on 0300 555 2222. The latest Stop Loan Sharks newsletter can be read here.
The June 2024 edition of OUR NEWS is here. We are pleased to bring you the latest edition of our newsletter for Neighbourhood Watch supporters across England and Wales. Here are some highlights in June's edition:
- Neighbourhood Watch Week is here! It kicked off with The Big Lunch over the first weekend of June, and there's plenty of activity to look out for during the rest of the week
- Nominations are now open for our Volunteer Recognition Awards 2024 (nominations close on 30th June) - click here to vote!
- Issue 7 of The Lookout has arrived, with hot takes and fresh perspectives from students on safety and wellbeing - click here to read it!
- The Our Watch website gets a fresh look - check it out from Thursday 6th June
- Patlock offers NW members an extra discount from 24th - 30th June, to celebrate the Month of Community
- SimpliSafe offers advice on securing your home during the summer months
READ THE JUNE NEWSLETTER HERE.
FROM THE CHURCHES OF UFFINGTON BENEFICE
Please find attached the Weekly Sheet for Sunday 16 June: https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/files/d5e36bfb-e1ee-6542-2d7d-543f91eb4e82/wsh_2024_06_16.pdf
For all information, please see: https://www.uffingtonbenefice.com/
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