WHAT'S ON - IN & AROUND UFFINGTON
Carol Service – St Mary's Uffington 21st December. Would anyone who is interested in singing in the Uffington Singers please contact Linda Lord (01367 820134). This is a very informal occasional choir, with 3 rehearsals beforehand.
Uffington Lights Switch-on at Uffington Village Hall from 5.30 pm 28 November, this evening. We'd really love to see the whole community and people of all ages at this event. It's a lovely opportunity to bring everyone together for a short couple of hours at the start of the season. This is a community event organised by village volunteers.
Uffington Museum – Sunday 30 November. The Museum will be open on Sunday 30 November from 11.00 to 1.00 for refreshments and gifts. Poster attached: https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/images/f9b89bce-4f64-fc0e-0757-6308ce2faf6c.jpg
Uffington Wed Walk 3rd December - Circular Walk from Wantage and lunch at The Bear. Something a bit different for our Christmas Walk for 2025, starting outside The Bear Hotel in Wantage Square, heading West to Childrey where we will take a brief break then returning via the Wilts-Berks canal back into Wantage - 5.2 miles. Map attached: https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/files/2e1ce59b-b4dc-059f-921d-215c65dad438/Dec_walk_.pdf
Please make sure you let me know asap if you are staying for the lunch booked for 1:00pm at The Bear as we can advise of numbers. There is no need to make food choices in advance. Meeting at Uffington Village Hall car park at 9:05 for car shares and a 9:15 start for drive to Wantage. For those coming straight to the start at The Bear Hotel the walk will commence at 10:00. Suggested free parking in Wantage is car park at Manor Road Park. Looking forward to raising a glass of Christmas Cheer with you all. The Walking Committee, Verity, Pamela, Hilary and Dave
Vale Community Impact - Wednesday 3 December. Our local charity Vale Community Impact (VCI) is holding a Good Neighbour Pop-Up Cafe in the Thomas Hughes Memorial Hall on Wednesday 3rd December from 2.00 to 4.00pm. Come and enjoy a free hot drink, a tasty treat and a friendly chat. See attached: https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/files/189c5738-1a1b-f556-201c-6e24445e66f8/vci_pop_up_3_Dec_.01.pdf
White Horse Gardening Club – Thursday 4 December. The Christmas meeting will be on Thursday 4 December at 7.30 pm in the THMH, to hear Tamsin Westhorpe talk on 'Prepare for the perfect Spring'. See attached: https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/images/2884a095-72c3-32d2-fe45-1989f6029d41.jpg
Uffington Market & Café – Sunday 7 December. From 10.00 am at the THMH, for a Christmas bonanza! See attached: https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/images/a4956bb4-c6ec-3a44-a8b7-991730f7d449.jpg
UBW Minibus Association - Milletts Farm – Friday 12 December
It was recently announced to our regular passengers that the community minibus service to Wantage is going to be changed for one day to a pre-Christmas trip to Millets Farm, on Friday 12th December. Robert Purdie will be driving and plans to leave Uffington at the usual time of 9.30 a.m. and start back at 1.00 p.m. from Milletts.
This is an open invitation to any villagers who have not already put their names down for the trip to call and book places to avoid disappointment. As usual there is a £5 charge to passengers who do not use a Bus Pass, to help cover costs.
Come and enjoy the trip in our warm and comfortable minibus. Robert has arranged sponsorship of a complimentary coffee and mince pie or cake in the restaurant for everyone. To book and for further information call Robert on 07502 584607 or John on 01367 820417
Best wishes for Christmas and the New Year to you all.
Please join us for Uffington Winter Fest on 27 December at Thomas Hughes Memorial Hall—an evening of live music, a cash bar, and a raffle in support of Cruse Bereavement Support and Cancer Research UK. All are welcome, entry is free, and donations or raffle contributions are warmly appreciated. We would also love offers from local performers who are up for playing on the night. For more details or to volunteer, please contact Angus at dewilitona@gmail.com Poster attached: https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/images/2da13fd5-7528-2d27-767f-56c501cc0112.jpg
GENERAL
Uffington Antiques, Vintage and Collectibles Market. Congratulations and many thanks to all who attended the last Market on Sunday 9 November. The event raised raised £113 for the Poppy Appeal and £150 for Picnicfest.
FROM THE VALE
Local Government Reorganisation special edition of Vale News. See: Local Government Reorganisation special edition of Vale News
Household rubbish can only be collected if bin lids are fully closed. South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils are reminding residents that crews can only empty household wheelie bins if the lids are fully closed lids.
Crew members check to make sure that the waste is fully contained within each bin. They need to do this because there is a real risk that an overfilled bin won't attach properly to the lifting equipment at the rear of the collection vehicle. In such cases, it's common for bins to become unattached and end up being thrown from the lift, causing a serious danger to collection staff, the public and motorists who might be in the vicinity. For more detail, see: Household rubbish can only be collected if bin lids are fully closed - Vale of White Horse District Council
If a household has more waste than will fit in their bin with the lid shut, residents should: - for general rubbish and garden waste – hold it back for next time or take to their local Household Waste and Recycling Centre (you won't get charged for household waste)
- for recycling – put the extra items in a clear plastic sack or cardboard box and leave it next to the bin ready for collection.
Councils announce preferred candidate for new Chief Executive. South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils have published details of the preferred candidate to be their new, shared Chief Executive. A recruitment process got underway after the previous Chief Executive's departure, and members of the councils' Joint Staff Committee have now recommended Adrianna Partridge to be the new shared Chief Executive and ... 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. A bold plan, getting crafty and free food caddy liners. See: A bold plan, getting crafty and free food caddy liners
THAMES VALLEY POLICE
Police CyberCheck: Strengthen Your Cybersecurity Today. Fraud and cybercrime are now the most common crimes in the UK. Criminals often hack email and social media accounts to take over your online life. Once inside, they can: - Reset passwords for banking, shopping, and payment apps.
- Steal money or make purchases in your name.
- Use your social media to target friends and family.
The Solution Police CyberCheck is a free, mobile-friendly tool created by the South East Cyber Crime Unit. It gives you step-by-step actions to improve your cybersecurity in priority order. What you'll Get: - Clear guidance split into three levels: Foundation, Improver, Enhanced.
- Action cards with links for popular platforms and apps.
- No signup required – optional progress saving via email (we never store your address).
Why Use Police CyberCheck?
✔ Free and official Police resource
✔ Mobile-friendly and easy to follow
✔ No installation or technical jargon
Start Now: Visit https://cybercheck.southeastcyber.police.uk/ref/6
My local update for you - November 2025 (Matthew Barber PCC) See: Oxfordshire County Council presses ahead with damaging changes to Recycling Centres — Matthew Barber - Listening. Serving. Taking Action.
FROM THE CHURCHES OF UFFINGTON BENEFICE
Please find attached the Weekly Sheet for Sunday 30 November: https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/files/ae68b1ce-47f1-4c8c-ce81-2f539d474d1b/wsh_2025_11_30.pdf
For all information, please see: https://www.uffingtonbenefice.com/
Village news 21 November 2025 UFFINGTON PARISH COUNCIL
Planning.
New application. The district council has received a planning application, reference P25/V2408/HH, for development work at the following location: 8 Broad Street Uffington Faringdon. The application is for: Erection of single storey rear extension and front porch. You can see details of the application on our website by clicking this link
Appeals. Land off Fernham Road, Uffington, Faringdon, Oxfordshire, SN7 7RD. Outcome: Appeal dismissed. The papers are at: Planning Application P24/V1460/PIP
Tree work. The council has agreed a tree work application, reference P25/V2239/TCA, for works at the following location: Wheelwright High Street Uffington Faringdon. The application is for: T1 - Silver Birch - reduce by approx 3m T2 - Maple - reduce back down to the old point. 3m off. You can see details of the application on our website by clicking this link
Gigaclear street works update. Gigaclear say that they are mostly done with all the civils work in the next week or so; we are due to be finished with build by end of next month, but always subject to change. Notwithstanding that, a recent forecast of street work continuing until January 2026 is attached here:
https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/files/def0131c-7802-7bfa-8031-d761771252b3/Gigaclear_Street_Works_20_Nov.pdf
Gigaclear are hosting an event in the Fox & Hounds on Tuesday 25th November 18:00 - 20:00; if you have queries or wish to register interest in a connection, please attend. Details at event page Uffington Pub Drop In
WHAT'S ON - IN & AROUND UFFINGTON
Uffington Lights Switch-on at Uffington Village Hall from 5.30 pm on Friday 28 November. We'd really love to see the whole community and people of all ages at this event. It's a lovely opportunity to bring everyone together for a short couple of hours at the start of the season. This is a community event organised by village volunteers. Poster attached: https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/files/e36e91d6-7349-b125-095c-3a40b66cd5c3/Lights_switchon.01.pdf
Wood fired Pizzas in Uffington. SOLELUNA PIZZA 3 will come regularly to Uffington and serve PIZZA at the car park by the Thomas Hughes Memorial Hall, between 5 and 8 pm. Next visits are: MONDAYS - 24th November, 8 December, 5 and 19 January and 2 February. Pizzas are made fresh to order and served straight from the van. Pre Orders will be open 3 days in advance through our website www.pizzasoleluna.com. If you prefer you can order by the phone on 07894711730 or at the van. Expect cosy vibes, tasty treats and plenty of chat. Bring a friend — everyone's welcome!
Uffington Museum - Sunday 30 November. The Museum will be open on Sunday 30 November from 11.00 to 1.00 for refreshments and gifts. Poster attached: https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/images/76c8ffdb-9817-08a1-e3f8-a4f86c9329f8.jpg
White Horse Gardening Club – Thursday 4 December. The Christmas meeting will be on Thursday 4 December at 7.30 pm in the THMH, to hear Tamsin Westhorpe talk on 'Prepare for the perfect Spring'. See attached: https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/images/12dbb8fb-7396-dee6-ee44-532333b1f662.jpg
Uffington Market & Cafe - Sunday 7 December. From 10.00 am at the THMH, for a Christmas bonanza! See attached: https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/images/65eca604-5bd0-7b3c-ed6c-e80b42c3d7b4.jpg
John Spiers and Jackie Oates, Thomas Hughes Memorial Hall, Sunday December 14th. John and Jackie are just about to head out on their Christmas tour during which they will be calling in on Uffington on Sunday December 14th. Tickets are going fast so if you wish to join in on the festive entertainment then let us know. Tickets are £18 each from cowmuckp@gmail.com. Doors open at 7.30pm
Avebury Vocal Ensemble – Music at Christmas on Wednesday 17 December at 7.00 pm, in St Mary's Church, Uffington. Poster attached: https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/files/635acdc7-5949-2777-d348-079836f66276/Avebury_Vocal_Uffington_2025.pdf
GENERAL
Whitehorse Hill – reporting. Should you notice or witness anything unusual or concerning in the area of Whitehorse Hill, Dragon Hill, Uffington Castle, Waylands Smithy, the Ridgeway and the NT car park, etc, such as escaped livestock, damage to gates or fences, people walking on the White Horse itself, please do not hesitate to report it asap to the NT Ranger Andy Foley on 07721 671024.
FROM THE VALE
Vale of White Horse Cabinet approves bold proposal for Local Government Reorganisation. "This is an opportunity for real change where it's needed; this proposal puts transforming and improving services at its heart. It's a proposal that was crafted based on what our residents, businesses and local organisations told us they want and need. It's the only way to create financially secure councils that will be able ... You can see details on our website by clicking this link
Five out of seven councils back the two-unitary proposal for council reorganisation. Published Friday 14 November 2025 A consensus has emerged for the shape of Local Government Reorganisation in the area after five councils in Oxfordshire and West Berkshire have formally supported a proposal for two new, innovative, and locally accountable unitary authorities, aimed at addressing current inefficiencies, enhancing services, and saving millions in response to the ... You can see details on our website by clicking this link
Thames Valley leaders to pursue devolution deal. Leaders from across the Thames Valley are progressing plans to pursue a mayoral strategic authority (MSA) for the region, a new combined authority made up of a number of council areas, which would be led by a directly elected mayor. You can see details on our website by clicking this link
Visit Southern Oxfordshire launches campaign to boost festive trade. Visit Southern Oxfordshire, the official tourism and events hub for South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse, has launched a new initiative to support small, independent businesses this Christmas. You can see details on our website by clicking this link
Council Leader demands government intervention over escalating reservoir costs as public consultation opens. The Leader of Vale of White Horse District Council, Cllr Bethia Thomas, has written to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, calling for urgent action on Thames Water's controversial South East Strategic Reservoir Option (SESRO). You can see details on our website by clicking this link
Owner fined after failing to address fowl noise. A man who let his birds create an ongoing disturbance has been ordered to pay more than £3,400. James Fell, of Manor Crescent, Stanford in the Vale, was found guilty in his absence of charges relating to a statutory nuisance arising from cockerel and guinea fowl noise. The case was heard at Oxford Magistrate's Court on Thursday 13 November. ... You can see details on our website by clicking this link
£96,000 funding boost to expand youth activities. : Children and young people across Wantage, Grove and surrounding areas will continue to benefit from exciting youth activities, as Sweatbox Community Youth Services secures further funding. You can see details on our website by clicking this link
A win-win for White Horse Lottery supporters and local organisations. The White Horse Community Lottery is giving residents an extra reason to take part this season. Anyone entering before Saturday 29 November will be in with a chance to win a Nintendo Switch 2 bundle (or cash alternative) along with £500 for their chosen cause - a win-win for residents and the community this Christmas. You can see details on our website by clicking this link
COUNTY NEWS
Your Oxfordshire. Primary school applications, support for carers and lane rental scheme for roadworks. See: Primary school applications, support for carers and lane rental scheme for roadworks
THAMES VALLEY POLICE
Cyber safety sessions for sole traders and small businesses. Small businesses and sole traders are invited to attend a Cyber Safety Session hosted by the South East Cyber Crime Unit and Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner. Hosted at the Select Car Leasing Stadium in Reading on Friday 28 November, these FREE empowering interactive sessions will be guided by Police Cyber Protect Officers and Expert Cyber Volunteers from Industry who will explain how criminals exploit simple cybersecurity gaps – and how you can stop them.
Your email and social media accounts are the heart of your business – and a prime target for cybercriminals. You'll leave having implemented some advice during the workshop, along with a clear action plan, step-by-step guidance and the confidence to keep your business safe online. Protect your livelihood in under an hour. Visit our website to find out more and to secure your free place: Cyber Safety Sessions - Thames Valley PCC
Beware of winter fuel payment scams. Between April and September 2025, Action Fraud has received 2,790 crime reports relating to Winter Fuel Payment scams, with victims reporting losses totalling over £27,000. Winter Fuel Payments are made automatically, you do not need to do anything. If you receive any text messages about Winter Fuel Payments, it is a scam. Not sure if a message is real? Contact the organisation directly using the contact details on their official website, not the number or web address in the message. Your bank (or any other official source) won't ask you to supply personal information by email or text message. If you have spotted a suspicious SMS or RCS message, you can report it for FREE by forwarding it to 7726.
If you think you've been a victim of fraud, contact your bank immediately and report it to Action Fraud online at actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040.
Online safety advice - shopping and job seeking. We all know or have heard about someone who's bought clothes, tech or even a car on the internet … only for it to never arrive. Sometimes it's because of an admin error, but more often than not, they've been manipulated by a fraudster. Maybe it's even happened to you. Buying online is convenient and often cheaper — but it's also one of the biggest hunting grounds for fraudsters.
Ahead of Black Friday, why not take some time to read Get Safe Online's latest online shopping tips either via the leaflet attached or on our website: Purchase Scams - Get Safe Online
Secondly, if you, or someone you know, are seeking a seasonal job this Christmas, try our new Job Seekers Tool Page - featuring seven free-to-use tools to check if the job you are looking at is a genuine opportunity or a scam. With a massive increase in employment scams, coupled with pre-festive season demands for extra staff in certain sectors, this new page will help stop you becoming a victim in this way if you are looking work. Safe Jobseeker Tools - Get Safe Online
Attachments:
Nov25_Purchase_scams_Leaflet.pdf
Women in policing - Discover your future. Thames Valley Police Women's Network Celebrates 20 Years of Empowering Women in Policing - Register here.
This year marks a significant milestone for Thames Valley Police Women's Network (TVWN) as it celebrates 20 years since its inception. Over the past two decades, the network has played a pivotal role in shaping a more inclusive and supportive environment for women across the force. Since 2005, Thames Valley Police has seen a 191% increase in the number of female officers. On 31 March 2005, women represented 23.7% of our police officers (1,018 officers). Today, as of 30 September 2025, that figure stands at 38% (1,944 officers). Women now make up 48% of our entire workforce, and last year alone, 40% of all police officer applications were from women—a testament to the progress made in attracting and retaining female talent.
To celebrate this achievement, TVWN is hosting a series of internal events, including webinars and a Health and Wellbeing Day. A highlight of the celebrations is the 'Women in Policing' Careers Online Event, designed for women curious about a career in policing, on Tuesday 25 November at 7.00 pm - Online Webinar
FROM THE CHURCHES OF UFFINGTON BENEFICE
Please find attached the Weekly Sheet for Sunday 23 November: https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/files/6c84c9f2-daf0-39ee-a83d-c5b691d262a6/wsh_2025_11_23.pdf
For all information, please see: https://www.uffingtonbenefice.com/
ROSE and DAVE'S RETIREMENT ROSE and DAVE'S RETIREMENT
The handover of the Village Shop and Post Office remains on track for Thursday 20th November and I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who have donated to the retirement collections.
The online donation page via Gofundme ( https://gofund.me/dc3060865 ) will be closed from Wednesday 19 November but the shop collection tin will remain available until midday on Friday 21 November. The collection will be sent directly to Rose and Dave's bank account on 24 November.
Rose and Dave will be in the Fox and Hounds from around 7:30pm on Friday 21 November for those who would like to wish them a happy retirement in person. I hope to be able to make the presentation of the framed photograph between 7:45 and 8pm.
Mike Oldnall
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