UFFINGTON PARISH COUNCIL
Home and Vehicle Security. Many residents will be aware that during the early hours of Friday 23rd May several cars and garages were broken into and items stolen. Unfortunately, while there was some CCTV footage of the individuals involved, this was not able to identify them or the vehicle being used.
Please do contact the police if you were a victim of these break-ins so that a full picture can be obtained; a crime number will also be required for any insurance claims. This acts as a reminder to be vigilant and ensure all vehicles and buildings are properly secured overnight or when left unattended.
Courier Entries for the Summer Issue. Please send any articles, news or photos (separately and as jpgs please) to the editor Giles Dawson (courier@uffington.net ) by Sunday 15 June.
WHAT'S ON - IN & AROUND UFFINGTON
Today: "Tuberculosis in Uffington: An Old Illness with a Global Impact'. Presented by Dr Angus de Wilton and local historian Francis Klemencic, from 6.30 to 7.30 pm in the THMH. More information attached:
https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/files/5849069e-98cf-4480-8932-642cb87e0661/Uffington_Tuberculosis_Talk.02.pdf
Uffington Market and Café – Sunday 1 June, from 10.00 am. 24 stalls AND Father's Day Gifts!. Poster attached: https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/images/e84751dd-c121-7234-4731-d99a3ff572d7.jpg
Church Teas - Sunday 1 June. Teas start this Sunday 1st June at 2.30pm till 5pm and then on till the last Sunday in September. Homemade cakes, scones and sandwiches, served indoors or outside, weather permitting! Also offers of help either for a Sunday afternoon or cake baking always gratefully received. Please contact Fay Forster on 01367 898071. Poster attached: https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/images/83e51ba9-b897-f08c-6565-7b8c3e732d60.jpg
Walking football – From Monday 2 June. We are really excited to be starting a new Walking football season at Uffington Jubilee Field, starting Monday 2nd June at 10:30. If you have never had the time to play now is your opportunity. The sessions are open to male and female seniors.
Other opportunities: - Art and craft group runs on a Wednesday in the Thomas Hughes Memorial Hall 10:30-12:00; all abilities welcome.
- Seated exercises runs on a Thursday 10:30-11:30 at the Thomas Hughes Memorial Hall.
We are always look forward to welcoming new faces along. Enquiries to Hannah at: hannah.tomlin@walfinch.com
Uffington Weds Walk - 4th June Circular Walk - Ridgeway via Russley Park. This month Joanna Jenkins has kindly offered to lead us on this lovely walk from the Ridgeway just above Bishopstone. This is a six mile circular walk but there is a 3 mile shorter version for those who don't wish to walk the whole way. Meeting as usual at THMH in Uffington at 9.20 for 9.30 departure towards Bishopstone. Please car share if possible because parking space is limited.
As you enter the village of Bishopstone on a bend turn left up a little road (Nell Hill), follow the track up to the crossroads where it meets the Ridgeway. Turn right onto side of Ridgeway and park on the verge. (Be aware of pot holes). From here we walk up past Lammy Down, through Russley Park and back along a different route. Really looking forward to this walk which is a new route for the group; map here: https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/files/450e7006-e43d-d92e-c72a-c27f1684f60e/Wednesday_walk_4_June.pdf
Hoping to see lots of you there. Verity Cavanagh, veritycavanagh@gmail.com 07975861790
Moth Recorder for Wiltshire – Thursday 5 June at 8.00 pm. Identification and safe release of moths at the Uffington Community Garden. More information attached: https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/files/5a5ea72f-3019-2510-60e1-969c8e11a7e5/Moths_.pdf
Uffington Open Gardens – Sunday 15 June. 12 midday to 5pm. More information here: https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/images/524dc002-6b3b-9fba-caa3-a10e76f0427d.jpg
FROM ELM TREE SURGERY, SHRIVENHAM - Changes to booking appointments - Rapid Health Triage
From 9th June we want to improve access for patients to our appointments. We have listened to your feedback and know that the phones have long queues. We want to improve your experience and help patients get the appointments they need.
Rapid Health refers to a system that aims to streamline healthcare by allowing patients to self-book appointments and receive guidance on the appropriate care they need. It's designed to bypass traditional phone triage, offer patients more control over their appointments, and free up staff time. Benefits for Patients: - Patients can access care more quickly and conveniently, as they can submit requests online at any time during practice hours.
- You will have more choice and control over appointments.
- The system aims to reduce frustration with long phone queues and unnecessary appointments with the wrong clinicians.
What is Rapid Health?
Rapid health is a triage tool approved by the NHS. It allows the patient to either make an administrative request, book an appointment, or receive self-help information. When you click on the Rapid Health button it will offer the following options: - Medical Request
- Admin Request
- Self-help information
Clicking on the Medical Request button will take you to a detailed questionnaire to complete. This is then triaged, following which a suitable appointment will be offered. Please see our website for frequently asked questions / information:
https://www.elmtreesurgery.co.uk/rapid-health-faqs/
FROM THE VALE
The Beacon's future is looking bright. The future of The Beacon Arts and Community Centre is looking bright, as plans are presented this month for putting the centre at the heart of arts and culture in the district. The arts and community centre has provided Wantage and the surrounding areas with an important and lively focus for arts and the community ... You can see details on our website by clicking this link
COUNTY NEWS
Your Oxfordshire. Support for carers, pop-up play spaces and potholes; see: Support for carers, pop-up play spaces and potholes
THAMES VALLEY POLICE
CCTV image released following a robbery – Watchfield. We are releasing a CCTV image of a man who officers would like to speak to in relation to a robbery in Watchfield. At around 6.45pm on Saturday 19 April, an offender entered the Co-op store on Majors Road and stole approximately £200-worth of items. As he left the shop, he assaulted a man in his twenties, causing minor injuries to his face.
Anyone who recognises the man in this image or has any information can make a report online or by calling 101, quoting reference 43250191252. Image here: https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/files/86420a68-6843-295b-bf6c-09be55cfd4de/Watchfield_man.pdf
FROM THE CHURCHES OF UFFINGTON BENEFICE
Please find attached the Weekly Sheet for Sunday 1 June: https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/files/a6bd4e85-7964-e19c-7aea-e03056b2acb3/wsh_2025_06_01.pdf
For all information, please see: https://www.uffingtonbenefice.com/
Village news 23 May 2025 WHAT'S ON - IN & AROUND UFFINGTON
Terrier, Lurcher and Family Dog Show – 24 May - tomorrow. Gates open at 10.00 am - £5 entry per car, at Old Berks Hunt Kennels SN7 8ES. More information: https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/files/bbe84267-a0ab-552a-0041-3116214ee279/Dog_show_24_May.01.pdf
White Horse WI meeting – Wednesday 28 May. Our next meeting is on Wednesday 28th May when we will be playing Bingo, so don't forget your bingo dabbers & there will be prizes. As always there will be cake and refreshments. Evening begins at 7.30pm, non-members all welcome too. We hope to see you there!
'Tuberculosis in Uffington: An Old Illness with a Global Impact' - Friday 30 May. Presented by Dr Angus de Wilton and local historian Francis Klemencic, from 6.30 to 7.30 pm in the THMH. More information attached: https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/files/a97998ec-072a-b546-9eef-6a5c22a67ee9/Uffington_Tuberculosis_Talk.01.pdf
Uffington Market and Café – Sunday 1 June, from 10.00 am. 24 stalls AND Father's Day Gifts! Poster attached: https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/images/3849aba5-df80-f836-c515-aaa9c8a698e2.jpg
Walking football – From Monday 2 June. We are really excited to be starting a new Walking football season at Uffington Jubilee Field, starting Monday 2nd June at 10:30. If you have never had the time to play now is your opportunity. The sessions are open to male and female seniors.
Other opportunities: - Art and craft group runs on a Wednesday in the Thomas Hughes Memorial Hall 10:30-12:00. All abilities welcome.
- Seated exercises runs on a Thursday 10:30-11:30 at the Thomas Hughes Memorial Hall.
We always look forward to welcoming new faces along. Enquiries to Hannah at: hannah.tomlin@walfinch.com
Vale Community Impact Uffington Pop-Up Café - Wednesday, 11th June - Where: Thomas Hughes Memorial Hall, Uffington, SN7 7SE
- Time: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Join us for another Good Neighbour Pop-Up Café! Everyone is welcome! This event is perfect for anyone who may be feeling lonely or isolated or for those simply looking to meet new people in the area. Vale Community Impact is a local charity, and we invite you to our Pop-Up Café, which aims to bring people together. Come along to enjoy a free hot or cold drink and a sweet treat with us. This is a free event, running from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. We look forward to meeting you all! The Vale Community Impact Team
Uffington Open Gardens – Sunday 15 June. 12 midday to 5pm. More information here: https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/images/4ff42385-1a4f-370f-a89d-750bb2409f4a.jpg
Sam Sweeney, St Nicholas Church Baulking Friday June 20th. Just a week to go until Catherine MacLellan and Lucy Farrell's show in Baulking so don't miss out on the final date of their month-long tour of the UK.
The next show will feature the superb fiddle player Sam Sweeney. He has been in a whole host of folk outfits including Bellowhead, Jon Boden's Remnant Kings and Leveret and was the BBC Folk Awards winner of the Musician of the Year in 2015. This will be a solo show in support of his most recent recording Escape That. Tickets are £17 each from cowmuckp@gmail.com and they are going fast. Doors open 7.30pm.
PICNICFEST, our village green summer event is just two months away…July 19th 😊. We're on the lookout now for our hidden local talent to play a central part 👀…after all, its our community event! Play a folk song? clog dance? funny monologue? didgeridoo on a cardboard tube? balance a spoon on your nose? juggle? …anything that is fun, clever, or downright daft! So we're scouting for our "Uffy's Got Talent!" Selection in the next few weeks. We know you're out there…we will find you 🤩
Phone or text Paul on 07799 525453, if you, or you know someone who, might like to take part with us 😊
GENERAL
Secure dog walking field in Baulking, at Banny Hill Farm. Great news for dog walkers; please note this new facility in Baulking. More information at: Baulking Dog Field : Secure Dog Walking Field, Near Uffington, Faringdon, Oxfordshire
Uffington C of E Primary School Outdoor Play Initiative. We are excited to announce the launch of our new lunchtime play provision at Uffington Church of England Primary School! This initiative will provide our children with the opportunity to enjoy outdoor play on the field all year round, promoting physical activity, creativity, and social interaction. To make this initiative a success, we are seeking donations of a number of items, shown attached: https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/images/25b4a682-a117-e0d8-a568-2365c8d6cfa2.jpg
If you have any of the items pictured or similar ones that you would like to donate, please contact the school at 01367 820296. Your generosity will greatly benefit our children and help create a vibrant outdoor play environment. Thank you for your support!
(Editor's note: This is a repeat of an earlier notice. The School are extremely grateful for the donations received – but would welcome more! Over to all residents, to support an institution which has a major role in the village).
FROM THE VALE
Get active and join the excitement of half term with a free family fun day, shows and more! Looking for exciting ways to keep the kids entertained this May half-term? Come along to Abingdon Fun Day on Wednesday 28 May - a completely free day of games, sports, and family activities at the White Horse Leisure and Tennis Centre! You can see details on our website by clicking this link
Reducing need for temporary accommodation part of new homelessness consultation. Minimising the use of temporary accommodation* which can be disruptive to people's lives, especially for children, is one key aim of proposed updates to how councils tackle homelessness in South Oxfordshire and the Vale of White Horse. Increasing the provision of genuinely affordable, long-term homes remains a core focus of South Oxfordshire and Vale of ... You can see details on our website by clicking this link
Bank holiday waste collections. Normal collection day: Monday 26 May. Revised collection day: Tuesday 27 May.
THAMES VALLEY POLICE
Police & Crime Bulletin May '25 - Support for victims; knife crime down…See: Police & Crime Bulletin May '25 - Support for victims; knife crime down…
FROM THE CHURCHES OF UFFINGTON BENEFICE
Please find attached the Weekly Sheet for Sunday 25 May: https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/files/ecba7ba0-46ca-3eff-f5ab-4ffa75447f31/wsh_2025_05_25.pdf
For all information, please see: https://www.uffingtonbenefice.com/
Village news 16 May 2025 UFFINGTON PARISH COUNCIL
Parish Councillor Appointments. At the Annual Meeting of the Parish Council on Monday 12th May, Councillor Robert Purdie was appointed to the post of Chair of the Council and Mike Oldnall to the post of Vice Chair. The meeting also welcomed the two new parish councillors, Ross Kuklinski and Suzie Metcalfe-Hatton who were co-opted on 8th May 2025 to replace Councillors Dave Garwood and Nigel Puddicombe who have retired.
Courier Cover Photos. Just a reminder that we are still looking for a nice summery photo, preferably in portrait format or crop-able to portrait format, to use for the cover of the Summer 2025 edition of the Courier. Please send any photos you think might be suitable and you would like to be considered, to the editor Giles Dawson (courier@uffington.net) and copied to Mike Oldnall (mike.oldnall@uffington.net ) by 23 May. All other articles should be submitted to the editor by 15 June. Thank you.
WHAT'S ON - IN & AROUND UFFINGTON
WHITE HORSE GARDENING CLUB - PLANT SALE TRAIL - Saturday 17th May 10am – 1pm.
Cakes and refreshments in the church. Please bring plants to any of the 6 venues: Orchard Cottage, Garden Lodge, The Anchorage, Parrott House, Britchcombe View and Waylands.
Come and buy plants – bring your neighbours, friends and relatives. Cash donations only.
The Community Garden has flowers, fruit and veg plants for sale - annuals and perennials - all organically grown in peat free compost and all attractive to pollinators - bee friendly!
Plant sale poster: https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/images/ebfcabc7-e9b8-35ab-e90a-15be693f3b88.jpg
Trail map: https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/images/ee987b21-ea98-5cbf-972c-431604d11c77.jpg
Church Cake Sale on Saturday 17 May. In St Mary's Church porch - Cake Sale from 10am. Coffees to be served, outside if dry. Contributions of cakes, biscuits, scones etc most welcome.
Pingpongathon final - Sunday 18 May, 9 till 9, Uffington Sports Club. BOING!BOING!BOING! will be the sound this weekend emanating from Uffy Sports Club. Our PINGPONGATHON table tennis club players will be keeping the ball racing to and fro, for twelve whole hours continuous. Drop in and watch the action! Sunday 18th 9 till 9, Uffington Sports Club. This Charity event shares donations for two local causes - Autism and Animals. See: Fundraiser by Beth Griffiths : Pingpongathon
Walking football – From Monday 2 June. We are really excited to be starting a new Walking football season at Uffington Jubilee Field, starting Monday 2nd June at 10:30. If you have never had the time to play now is your opportunity. The sessions are open to male and female seniors.
Other opportunities: - Art and craft group runs on a Wednesday in the Thomas Hughes Memorial Hall 10:30-12:00. All abilities welcome.
- Seated exercises runs on a Thursday 10:30-11:30 at the Thomas Hughes Memorial Hall.
We always look forward to welcoming new faces along. Enquiries to Hannah at: hannah.tomlin@walfinch.com
GENERAL
Church Working Party. A huge thank you to all those who worked so hard in the churchyard last Saturday morning. We had 12 helpers including two children and were brilliantly guided by Jo and Steve, the experts in biodiversity. We all learnt a lot and the children loved finding bugs and creepy crawlies among the wild flowers and long grass. A huge thank you also to Fay, who provided much needed and delicious refreshments at half time! The churchyard is looking so beautiful as a result of everyone's hard work and we all enjoyed being there on such a lovely sunny morning.
The next working party will be on Saturday June 21st from 10-12am so do come and join in the fun. Children very welcome.
Friends of the Ridgeway. The 2025 AGM of the Friends of the Ridgeway will take place on Zoom at 18.30 on 10 June 2025. The agenda (and a link) is attached here: https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/files/2d22bd21-9d71-c44f-3124-cf7cd7411c1d/Friends_of_the_Ridgeway_2025_AGM_Agenda.pdf
The 2024 annual report, the draft minutes of last year's AGM and the latest newsletter (May 2025) are available on the website: https://ridgewayfriends.org.uk/
FROM THE VALE
The May edition of Vale News for 2025. See: The May edition of Vale News for 2025
Major council IT system maintenance from 24 May for around one week. Towards the end of May, we are carrying out a major piece of planned essential maintenance work on the council's IT systems. This work is unavoidable and has to take place in order to secure the future of our IT system and the services it enables. You can see details on our website by clicking this link
Get ready for a fun filled summer in the Vale. Description: Children, adults and families across the Vale are gearing up for a jam-packed summer of fun with free and low-cost activities and places to visit. Throughout the summer, the council's Active Communities team will host a variety of events, including community walks and football sessions; there will be something for all ages and abilities ... You can see details on our website by clicking this link
Let's talk rubbish! Tell us what you think of our waste services. Complete the 2025 Waste Survey. You can see details on our website by clicking this link
Cabinet Members and Chair confirmed at Vale of White Horse District Council - May 2025. Councillor Bethia Thomas, Leader of Vale of White Horse District Council has this week (Wednesday 14 May) announced details of the council's new cabinet. Cllr Emily Smith returns to the Cabinet as the member responsible for Planning Development. Cllr Smith previously served as Council Leader and was co-chair of the Joint Audit and Governance Committee. ... You can see details on our website by clicking this link
Leader's statement - Report to Council - 14 May 2025. Cllr Bethia Thomas, Leader of Vale of White Horse District Council, delivered her latest Report to Council at the meeting on 14 May 2025: Firstly I want to welcome you all here tonight to mark the beginning of a new municipal year. I almost feel like a veteran these days, though I know many of ... You can see details on our website by clicking this link
COUNTY NEWS
Oxfordshire's transport and travel bulletin. See: Modular Template Patterns
Your Oxfordshire. Volunteering, bee-friendly and fun at the museum. See: Volunteering, bee-friendly and fun at the museum
THAMES VALLEY POLICE
Action Fraud Alert: rise of extortion phishing email reports. Action Fraud are urging the public to look out for phishing emails that relate to extortion as the Suspicious Email Reporting Service (SERS) received over 2,924 reports in March 2025, a staggering increase compared to only 133 reports made in February. The reported phishing emails received by the National Cyber Security Centre's SERS relate to a type of extortion referred to as 'Financially Motivated Sexual Extortion' (FMSE). More information attached: https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/files/875a08a4-a63f-eebf-a508-33833b73e642/Action_Fraud_Alert.pdf
The latest Trading Standards Scams Newsletter. Please find a link below to the latest National Trading Standards Scams Team newsletter. Attachments: Scams Newsletter May 25.pdf
May update from the PCC. We are pleased to share a link to the latest e-newsletter from the Police and Crime Commissioner for Thames Valley, Matthew Barber: May e-newsletter from your Police & Crime Commissioner
Oxfordshire Careers Event - May 31st. We're excited to invite you to the Thames Valley Police Careers Event taking place at the Saïd Business School, Oxford, on Saturday 31st May, between 10:00am and 2:00pm. Whether you're considering a career as a Police Officer, looking into roles such as PCSOs, Special Constables, Detention Officers, or exploring opportunities in ICT, Contact Management, or volunteering, this is your chance to find out more. You'll have the opportunity to: - Speak directly with our officers and staff from a wide range of departments
- Get insights into recruitment, training, and day-to-day roles
- Explore volunteering opportunities
Interested in attending? 👉 Sign up here to let us know you're coming. Walk-ins are also welcome on the day! Whether you're actively looking or just exploring, come and discover how you can make a difference with Thames Valley Police.
FROM THE CHURCHES OF UFFINGTON BENEFICE
Please find attached the Weekly Sheet for Sunday 18 May: https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/files/e723f84a-3ce4-f384-d202-e37a5c0b17d8/wsh_2025_05_18.pdf
Deanery Evensong at St. Mary's Church, Uffington on Sunday 18th May at 6pm. Please come and be part of this Deanery Celebration of Choral Evensong.
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