WHITE HORSE SHOW.
FREE WHITE HORSE SHOW TICKETS FOR CAR PARKING VOLUNTEERS (24 & 25 Aug 25)
Can you spare 2 hours to support the White Horse Show volunteering for car parking supervision or manning a gate. The pay back is a free show ticket. If two adults (parents say) volunteer, that gets a family pass. We will provide supervision, bottled water and a high viz safety vest. The show runs on volunteers helping and car parking duty or gate manning is a huge help to delivering a great show. If interested, please register at the link. Thank you: https://forms.gle/JB6JzoMgyj6XC8gL6
JAM JARS - Wanted please - traditional size and coffee jars. Busy making jams and marmalades for St Mary's Church stall at the WHS and running out of jars. No small ones as I have plenty of those! I will put a box in church and/or deliver to 3 Craven Common if convenient. Phone me to collect otherwise. Thank you. FAY F. 01367 898071
WHAT'S ON - IN & AROUND UFFINGTON
Faringdon Repair Cafe, on 26th July. From 2.00 to 4.00 pm at Faringdon United Church SN7 7HA. More information attached: https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/files/00915651-156b-cd10-c1a8-cf3e2be6a9b8/Repair_cafe_.pdf
GENERAL
Thames Water. The hosepipe ban started yesterday – see: Water supply and drought update | Help | Thames Water
FROM THE VALE
Leader reflects on achievements at busy July Council Meeting. Vale of White Horse District Council's Leader, Bethia Thomas, expressed her thoughts on achievements and progress over the last few months, at a busy July Council meeting on Wednesday 16 July. You can see details on our website by clicking this link
THAMES VALLEY POLICE
Safer Roads Data. We would now like to share our next Quarterly reports of road safety statistics with you. This is Quarter 1, Jan - March 2025.
We prioritise enforcement and education for drink and drug driving, the non wearing of seatbelts, excessive speed and driving whilst distracted. We create reports on a quarterly basis to share with our policing teams and partner agencies.
South Oxon and Vale Of White Horse Quarter 1 2025.pdf
Village news 18 July 2025 UFFINGTON PARISH COUNCIL
From Thames Water - Water supply and drought update. A hose pipe ban is coming, from 22 July. See: https://www.thameswater.co.uk/help/water-supply-and-drought-update
Road works. Two 'sink holes' have been reported in recent weeks at either end of the village (on White Horse and by the telephone box opposite the Church), where dangerous holes in the pavement / highway have opened up. Both have been reported, incorrectly, as 'Fixed' by OCC Highways. The Parish Council has made a strong representation to Highways that both sink holes should be repaired as soon as possible.
WHAT'S ON - IN & AROUND UFFINGTON
Churchyard working party - Saturday 19 July. Our last churchyard working party of the summer will be tomorrow, from 10-12. Anyone of any age of course very welcome including children who are interested in nature, bugs and biodiversity! Lets continue to make the churchyard an attractive place for people and nature together. Delicious drinks and snacks as usual at half time. Do come along and join in.
UFFY PICNICFEST! Saturday 19 July. Its here! Saturday is Uffy PicnicFest…get along to Jubilee Field and share some festive fun with family and friends throughout the afternoon and evening. Opens from 2.00 pm. UFFY's GOT TALENT!
At Picnicfest YOU can be Star-spot!
5pm is Uffy's Got Talent slot…
⭐️Sing or play us a song!
⭐️Spin a joke!
⭐️Dance your heart out!
⭐️Do am impression!
⭐️Doggy tricks with your furry friend!
⭐️Cartwheels and stunts!
⭐️Bizarre skills and tricks!
…Let your hair down, you've just a minute to get our panel pressing that Golden Buzzer!
Be part of the fun!!
White Horse WI - 23rd July. Join us as we celebrate 2 wonderful years of White Horse WI, on Wednesday 23 July! It'll be a relaxed and friendly evening of catching up, reminiscing, and reflecting on all we've shared together so far. Whether you've been with us from the start or you're just curious about what we do, non-members are always welcome – we'd love to see some new faces! Pop along, raise a glass, and celebrate with us!
Aldbourne Band, Thomas Hughes Memorial Hall, Friday July 25th. Just to answer the many who have asked. There will be entrance on the door for this show so if any of you want to make a late decision then doors and bar open at 7.00pm and the band will commence at 7.30pm. Tickets are £15 each with under 16s £10. Advance tickets are still available from cowmuckp@gmail.com
Woolstonebury Fest – Sunday 27 July. In Brook Cottage field from 5.00 pm on Sunday 27 July. Bring your own picnic and drinks and listen to Alex Golec. Poster: https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/files/83b9a788-8925-8443-17bb-64477c54bc46/Woolstonebury_Fest_2025_.01.pdf
GENERAL
Computer Ink Cartridges and Stamps for Charity. Thank you very much to everyone who has donated their computer ink cartridges to be recycled for charity. Over the last year alone you have raised £100 for Suited & Booted and saved more than 5 kgs of plastic from landfill. Please keep donating via the box at Uffington Post Office Stores or direct to me. Please only donate computer ink cartridges - black or coloured, new or used, original or remanufactured - not laser or toner cartridges. PLEASE do NOT put leaking cartridges in the box as they contaminate everything else and I have to throw leaking ones away.
I no longer collect stamps for The Leprosy Mission. However, there are two other charity options for your stamps: The Sobell House Hospice shop in Wantage, or RNIB via a collection box in Shellingford church. Thank you. Mike Thomas 07803035603
FROM THE VALE
White Horse Community Lottery gives good causes a boost in the Vale. Description: Seven charity groups across the Vale have received a total of £9,000 of unrestricted funding to support their work with local communities thanks to the White Horse Community Lottery. You can see details on our website by clicking this link
Residents without driveways given opportunity to charge electric vehicle at home. Oxfordshire residents without off street parking can apply for a scheme that allows them to charge an electric vehicle (EV) outside their own home. You can see details on our website by clicking this link
Rubbish judgment sees resident fined for A34 fly-tip. Vale of White Horse District Council has successfully prosecuted a Didcot resident after their waste was found fly-tipped in a layby on the A34 southbound, near Kennington-an area of persistent public concern around litter and illegal dumping. You can see details on our website by clicking this link
Council's lettings service helps hundreds of people stay local. : A long-standing lettings service run as not-for-profit in South Oxfordshire and the Vale of White Horse has helped over a thousand people find affordable homes locally so far, and many landlords find new tenants. You can see details on our website by clicking this link
Vale Leader's Report to Full Council, 16 July 2025. I wanted to use tonight's report to look back over the last few months and reflect on our achievements and progress since we sat in this chamber in May, celebrating some milestones as I think we should all be proud of what this council has achieved. Since I last spoke, Vale has again been listed ... You can see details on our website by clicking this link
COUNTY NEWS
Oxfordshire's transport and travel bulletin. Modular Template Patterns
Lowering energy bills for Oxfordshire residents. See: https://mailchi.mp/oxfordshire.gov.uk/hug2-toolkit-3384838?e=8a2a2b30de
THAMES VALLEY POLICE
July update from the PCC. 🚨 July update from the PCC
Four men sentenced for numerous rural thefts – Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire. We often say the Thames Valley is a hostile area for rural crime – and here is the proof. Following our investigation, four men have been sentenced in connection with numerous thefts in rural areas in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire. The offenders stole several horseboxes from rural locations in Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire, as well one in Warwickshire, between 3 September and 25 November 2021. They then transported them to an address in Wokingham, where they were prepped and sold as quickly as possible. The items were located by the owners after being advertised online for sale. We then identified the location they were being stored and found the items by use of a drone, along with a third stolen horsebox. We then executed a warrant and recovered stolen horseboxes, a caravan, a plant trailer and a livestock trailer from our area, as well as Warwickshire and Lincolnshire. We also recovered a toilet block stolen in Derbyshire, and another stolen horsebox with roadside stops.
We will never tolerate this offending on our patch and we will always work with our partners, both within and outside policing, to continue to make the Thames Valley a hostile area for rural crime. We have published a video showing the thefts, transportation, the horseboxes being prepared for sale and police drone footage from our investigation on social media.
Read more on our website
Oxfordshire Trading Standards - Electric Blanket Testing. Oxfordshire Trading Standards have asked if we can share details of their annual electric blanket safety testing programme which will take place in September and October this year. Attachments:
How Safe is your Electric Blanket 2025.pdf
Courier Fraud Warning – be aware. Oxfordshire Trading Standards have asked us to share this message on Courier Fraud.
Courier fraud occurs when a criminal arranges for someone to withdraw large sums of money or purchase expensive items such as gold, jewellery or expensive watches on their behalf, usually after convincing them it needs to be seized as part of an ongoing police investigation, In many cases victims are instructed to visit a jewellers via a cab — often incurring steep travel costs. In one case, an 84-year-old person was targeted by scammers impersonating a Police Officer and persuaded to withdraw cash and travel via taxi to a bullion dealer to buy gold. The fraudsters remained on the phone throughout and attempted to arrange a courier pickup. Fortunately, the family intervened before the assets were handed over.
To stay safe and protect yourself: - Your bank or the police will never call you to ask you to verify your personal details or PIN by phone or offer to pick up your card by courier. Hang up, wait a few minutes and call your bank on a number you know to be genuine, such as the one on the back of your card, or by calling 159 ( a operator will transfer you straight to your bank )
- The police or your bank will not contact you out of the blue to participate in an investigation or send a courier to your home to collect bank cards, cash, or other valuable items. Any requests to do so are a scam.
- Don't trust Caller ID display on your phone – it's not proof of ID.
- Remember, staying cautious and sceptical can go a long way in protecting yourself from courier fraud. Take the time to verify information, seek advice from trusted sources, and never rush into making financial decisions under pressure.
If you think you've been a victim of fraud, contact your bank immediately and report it to Action Fraud online at www.actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040
Education strategy launched to reduce risk of children being affected by crime. Matthew Barber (Police and Crime Commissioner for Thames Valley) has highlighted the importance of working in partnership to support schools and parents in protecting children and young people from crime.
The aim of the strategy is to promote a consistent approach to crime education across the Thames Valley with a focus on prevention and improving trust in policing. Matthew Barber said: "This strategy sets out my aspiration for a strong partnership between voluntary organisations, schools and other public bodies to support parents and children in order to reduce the risk of children becoming either victims of crime or becoming perpetrators of crime."
The new education strategy recognises the vital role of crime education for young people and early intervention in schools in keeping communities safe and the OPCC will jointly work with Thames Valley Police to develop clear messages – for parents as well as children – about the risks faced by young people.
For further details on the strategy launch, please visit our website: https://www.thamesvalley-pcc.gov.uk/news/education-strategy-to-reduce-risk-of-children-being-affected-by-crime/
FROM THE CHURCHES OF UFFINGTON BENEFICE
Please find attached the Weekly Sheet for Sunday 20 July: https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/files/1db20f3c-2e2e-c133-bfc1-79f18d90067c/wsh_2025_07_20.pdf
For all information, please see: https://www.uffingtonbenefice.com/
Village news 11 July 2025 UFFINGTON PARISH COUNCIL
Staying safe in hot weather. See:
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/65d4e072188d770011038782/Beat_the_heat_staying_safe_in_hot_weather_EASY_READ-1.pdf
Fire precautions. Yesterday, there was a small fire on the verge of the Fernham Road, close to the Museum, which was extinguished by prompt local action. It was probably caused by careless disposal of a cigarette. In the current weather conditions, please take extra care; report any fire asap to the Emergency Services and try to put it out, but without endangering yourself or others.
New Tree Works applications. The district council has agreed a tree work application, reference P25/V1344/TCA, for works at the following location: West View Fernham Road Uffington. The application is for: T1 Apple (eater) - 2m Holistic crown reduction to suitable growth points. T2 Apple (cooker) - 2m Holistic crown reduction to suitable growth points. T3 Cherry - 2m Holistic crown reduction to suitable growth points, 20% crown thin & deadwood. You can see details of the application on our website by clicking this link
WHAT'S ON - IN & AROUND UFFINGTON
PICNICFEST JUBILEE FIELD 19 JULY – 2 - 9.00 pm.
Just a week now till PICNICFEST 😊 - our community party on the village green 2pm-9pm. Entertainments for the whole family. Bring your picnics, settle down and enjoy! Plenty of activities for the kids.
Live music from local artist Alex Golec around 3pm. Later, you can enjoy The Soul Inventions playing Motown-style soul, covering classic hits from the sixties, seventies, and beyond - they promise to get you on your feet singing, dancing, and partying.
https://www.facebook.com/share/1BeCi3zbvg/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Vale & Downland Museum – Fete tomorrow – 10.00 am to 3.00pm. Every summer, Vale & Downland Museum (just across from Wantage parish church) holds a Saturday fete in July. This year's, on Saturday 12th (tomorrow!!), promises to be extra- special as it marks the launch of a grand fundraising effort. With free entry, there will be plenty of fun and games, with live music and a range of stalls. All proceeds will help support the museum. - The museum is looking back to its early days when the local community pulled together to establish it 50 years ago. The museum still maintains the community ethos and is looking for support to ensure that it can continue to do so for at least another 50 years.
- The campaign will introduce a series of initiatives including a new 100 Club, patron's scheme and sponsorship opportunities.
- Housed in a 17th-century listed building, the free-to-enter Vale & Downland Museum relies on donations and now faces mounting costs due to increases in utility and wage bills.
- Fundraising is ongoing for the museum, to secure the Museum's future and ensure admission can continue to stay free for all. The Museum is a registered charity and a nationally acclaimed community hub, welcoming more than 55,000 visitors to its exhibitions, events, coffee shop and shop each year.
- The summer fete on Saturday 12th runs from 10am till 3pm.
Mikron Theatre. Hello everyone, the weather is looking fantastic for this weekend which is great news for Mikrons performance of Hush, Hush this Saturday July 12th in Marcy Fields. However, due to the high temperatures forecast it has been decided to move the Mikron play into the shade and so it will be performed inside our woods which is within Marcy fields. Gates open at 11.30. Bring own chair, plenty of drinks and a picnic if you'd like. 'Hush, Hush' a story about Bletchley Park will start at 12.30. Looking forward to seeing you on Saturday. Poster attached: https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/files/fd23fb9a-472d-4fa8-b7da-dafcaa3beaf9/Micron_theatre.03.pdf
See also: https://mikron.org.uk/tour-dates/list/?tribe-bar-date=2025-07-12
Churchyard working party - Saturday July 19th. Our last churchyard working party of the summer will be on Saturday July 19th 10-12. Anyone of any age of course very welcome including children who are interested in nature, bugs and biodiversity! Lets continue to make the churchyard an attractive place for people and nature together. Delicious drinks and snacks as usual at half time. Do come along and join in.
Aldbourne Band Thomas Hughes Memorial Hall, Uffington, Friday 25th July. Firstly, if you have already bought a ticket for the Aldbourne Band, thanks, but if you haven't then don't miss this fabulous group of extremely talented musicians. This year West of England Champions and last year they finished in the top ten of all bands in the UK and they have done this consistently. Later this year in October they intend to improve their standing at the Royal Albert Hall.
Their programme in Uffington will include many favourites as well as music from films such as Pirates of the Caribbean, Chicken Run and The Damn Busters. It will be a memorable evening and a fine way to celebrate the end of term......... and it might inspire your child to take up the tuba! Tickets are £15 for adults and £10 for under 16s from cowmuckp@gmail.com. Doors and bar open at 7.00pm and the music starts at 7.30pm.
Woolstonebury Fest – Sunday 27 July. In Brook Cottage field from 5.00 pm on Sunday 27 July. Bring your own picnic and drinks and listen to Alex Golec. Poster: https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/files/1ea5bfbd-df2d-b895-3737-fca432937b06/Woolstonebury_Fest_2025_.pdf
GENERAL
Update from Uffington Lawn Tennis Club. The 2025 tennis season is in full swing at Uffington LTC, and it's been a fantastic start. We kicked things off with our much loved Annual Club Tournament, held on Sunday 22nd June, which brought together a lively mix of players, (of all abilities), family, and supporters. The tournament saw some spirited and closely contested matches. The format was short, timed games, allowing every player of all abilities the chance to face all others in a round-robin style. The afternoon wrapped up with a wonderful club tea, where homemade cakes and good cheer were in plentiful supply, so many thanks to all the bakers and helpers who made it happen!
Meanwhile, our club ladder competition is currently underway and proving a great way to keep players active and connected throughout the season. Matches are played as best of two sets, with a 10-point tie breaker if the score is level at two sets all. The ladder will continue to run until 30th September, so there's still plenty of time for players to climb the ranks and enjoy some friendly rivalry.
We always welcome new members, whether you're returning to the game or just getting started, and we have club nights for all abilities throughout the summer. Everyone very welcome! If you'd like to know more or come along to try a session, please get in touch via email.
See photo attached: https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/files/871d9adb-0f7e-d270-3963-446cbe24fbbc/Tennis_club.pdf
Happy playing! Rob Hart, Chairman, Uffington Lawn Tennis Club Committee. uffingtonltccommittee@gmail.com
UFFINGTON GORSE. The Pedestrian Gate Will Be Closed to the Public on Tuesday 15th & Wednesday 16th July 2025. The Station Road pedestrian gate into Uffington Gorse, the footpath and the towpath beyond it will be closed on the above days for safety reasons due to excavation work being carried on the infill area at the road end of the canal. Please do not cross the barriers or enter the taped-off area until the work is complete.
The Station Road main gate and the Moor Mill Road gate into Uffington Gorse will remain open for visitor access, as will the rest of the woods.
Could you be one of our Team of Assistant Vergers? There are times, both at funerals and weddings, when having someone to welcome people into St Mary's - to assist in guiding them to their seats, making sure they have an Order of Service, know where the loo is, that the sound system is on, and all the many things which go towards people feeling at home in our beautiful 13th century building, become vital.
If you would like to help us in this area, please let the Vicar (821143) or Fay (898071), know. We would be delighted to hear from you!
Newsletter – 25 July. Due to holidays, there will be no newsletter on 25 July. Please let me have any notices for the week commencing 28 July in time for inclusion on 18 July.
FROM THE VALE
Summer in the Vale. A guide to services and advice from the council, as well as local and national organisations, to help during the summer months. You can see details on our website by clicking this link
The July edition of Vale News for 2025. See: The July edition of Vale News for 2025
New addition to the Vale Cabinet work programme. The work programme has been updated with the following on 10 July 2025. "For the council to enter into leases in respect of land and buildings in Culham, Abingdon (This decision is likely to be exempt decision under paragraph 3 to Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972) To complete on lease(s) for land/ ... You can see details on our website by clicking this link
COUNTY NEWS
Your Oxfordshire. Keeping healthy, waste and recycling centres and summer reading. See: Keeping healthy, waste and recycling centres and summer reading
Road closures. The Woolstone Road in Uffington was closed by Thames Water without notice in the early hours of 10 July, to facilitate an emergency fire hydrant exchange. It appears that the road will remain closed until 14 July.
THAMES VALLEY POLICE
Man jailed for numerous child sexual offences – Oxfordshire and Berkshire. We always encourage child sexual offence victims to come forward to police, no matter how long ago offences occurred.
Following our investigation, a man has been jailed for 22 years for numerous sexual offences against four boys in Oxfordshire and Berkshire. The 32 different counts include rape, sexual assault, and other child sexual offences. The judge deemed him a dangerous offender, and ordered for him to spend an extra five years on licence if he is released from prison. We will listen to victims, and do everything possible to bring offenders to justice. Finally, we would like to thank the victims for the strength and courage they have shown throughout this long investigation.
Read more on our website.
Read Our News for July 2025. The latest edition of our monthly newsletter is here. July is a busy month for crime prevention and community news. Kicking off with antisocial behaviour awareness week, there's an update on the summer safety crackdown on ASB which was launched last week by the Home Secretary, and details on the ninja knife amnesty happening this month. As always, this issue also has a host local news and special offers too.
FROM THE CHURCHES OF UFFINGTON BENEFICE
Please find attached the Weekly Sheet for Sunday 13 July: https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/files/6f4d934c-0e63-752b-9cb1-11d61d14f053/wsh_2025_07_13.pdf
For all information, please see: https://www.uffingtonbenefice.com/
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