UFFINGTON PARISH COUNCIL
Planning - Tree Works. The council has agreed a tree work application, reference P25/V2662/TCA, for works at the following location: Church Cottage Broad Street Uffington Faringdon. You can see details of the application on our website by clicking this link
Recycling Christmas trees. There will be a collection point for Christmas trees in the shop / village hall car park again this year.
Christmas message. The Council would like to wish all residents of Uffington, Baulking and Woolstone a very Happy Christmas and a healthy, successful year in 2026.
WHAT'S ON - IN & AROUND UFFINGTON
Santa is Coming to Uffington 🎅. Yes, Santa and his Elves are cruising the village Monday 22nd from 6 to 8pm!
There'll be festive singing, a brightly lit sleigh/landrover, sweets and gifts to celebrate the Season. All the fun brought to you by PICNICFEST volunteers. Donations welcome. Come and join the fun!
6pm Patricks Orchard
6.15 High Street
6.25 Hill View
6.45 Village Hall carpark
7.00 Craven Common
7.20 Jacks Meadow
7.40 Broad Street
7.50 Woolstone Road
8pm Patricks Orchard
Christmas Season 2025 - Uffington Benefice. See attached for a Christmas message from the Vicar and a summary of the major events in the Benefice leading up to Christmas: https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/files/9ccc04c8-bfad-a456-0783-1a085def998a/CHRISTMAS_service_Poster_25.01.pdf
One of the major events is the Crib Service at 3.00 pm on Christmas Eve at St Mary's – calling all children to come and help us decorate the crib. Dress up as a nativity character, bring your own toy animal and join Beatrice the donkey to celebrate the Christmas story.
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/8c38b75b-1552-2696-8acc-f0f49b65739c.jpg
Carolyn's classes. New classes added to timetable include: - Saturday 10am -Aerobics @ (old school aerobics 🙌) Stanford in the Vale.
- Monday 6pm - Lift & Lean (a weights-based exercise class using hand weights and/or body weight), in Stanford Primary school
- Wednesday 9.15am - Lift & Lean (as above) Uffington Village Hall.
See attached flyer: https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/images/fc3de749-10bd-3e72-2359-5d1e9d2b93aa.jpeg
Any questions or to book your place please WhatsApp me on 07825 414609.
FROM THE VALE
Garden waste collections paused over Christmas. To ensure our crews can collect the additional waste and recycling produced over Christmas, brown bin collections will be paused between 25 December and 8 January. The service will resume on Friday 9 January.
For all you need to know about changes to bin collections and everything else to do with Christmas waste and recycling, visit Vale of White Horse garden waste page
Joint Local Plan examination hearings could continue after Government announcement. The examination hearings for South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils Joint Local Plan could continue after the government announced it intends to remove the Duty to Co-operate from the plan making process. Following a ministerial statement from Matthew Pennycook MP, Minister of State for Housing and Planning, the government has indicated that ... You can see details on our website by clicking this link
Statement of sympathy from Cllr Bethia Thomas, Leader of Vale of White Horse District Council, for all affected by tragic act on Bondi Beach in Australia. "I want to express my deepest sympathy to everyone affected by the tragedy that unfolded this weekend at Bondi Beach in Australia. My thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends who have lost their loved ones because of this senseless act of violence. "I am proud of my family's Australian ... You can see details on our website by clicking this link
Statement by Vale of White Horse District Council on Sanctuary and Fair Treatment. Our unique and diverse communities are one of our most valuable assets, and we are proud of them. To protect our sense of belonging for all communities, we will challenge and address disinformation, suspicion, and intolerance wherever it occurs. We will do all we can to ensure everyone living in the Vale of White ... You can see details on our website by clicking this link
Vale of White Horse District Council Leader Christmas Message 2025. Published 15 December 2025 A statement from Cllr Bethia Thomas, Leader of the Vale of White Horse District Council Looking back, I think it is fair to say that it has been another challenging year, but like many previous years, I feel we have all shown great resilience and responded with determination to everything ... You can see details on our website by clicking this link
Arts Centres in Southern Oxfordshire launch new websites. Cornerstone Arts Centre in Didcot and The Beacon Arts, Entertainment and Community Centre in Wantage have launched new websites to make it easier for visitors to explore what's on offer. As part of their ongoing Action Plans to ensure long-term sustainability, these updates are key steps in enhancing the venues' services and ensuring they continue ... You can see details on our website by clicking this link
Fe-Fi-Fo-FUN as pantomime returns to The Beacon. A giant festive adventure is coming to The Beacon in Wantage this Christmas, with professional pantomime company TaleGate Theatre productions bringing Jack and the Beanstalk live to the stage. The Beacon has not had a pantomime since Robin Hood in 2023, leaving a gap for festive family theatre in Wantage. However, panto is back and TaleGate Theatre productions will be entertaining families with a fun filled traditional pantomime packed with ...You can see details on our website by clicking this link
Council urges everyone to take part in Thames Water's reservoir consultation. Published 17 December 2025 Vale of White Horse District Council is encouraging everyone in the local area to take part in Thames Water's public consultation on the proposed South East Strategic Reservoir Option (SESRO), before the 13 January 2026 deadline. The feedback Thames Water gather will inform their Development Consent Order (DCO) application to the ... You can see details on our website by clicking this link
(Note that Cllr Bethia Thomas, Leader of Vale of White Horse District Council, said: "With only a few more weeks to go for Thames Water's public consultation, I urge everyone to have a say before the January deadline. Now is the opportunity to raise any questions or concerns. It is no secret that we have deep concerns for the reservoir and the impact it would have on our district. Many questions remain around the size of the proposed scheme, its environmental impact and significant (growing) financial and carbon costs, as well as the potential for increased flood risk in local watercourses. We are preparing a response to the consultation, which we will publish on our website in due course. We remain opposed to this proposal, and we will continue to urge water providers, regulators and government to listen to local voices and reject these plans. We will continue to do everything we can within our power to ensure that the voice of our community is listened to.")
COUNTY NEWS.
Oxfordshire's transport and travel bulletin. See: Modular Template Patterns
The latest news for your communities. See: The latest news for your communities
Note this includes the need to book a slot at our Household Waste Recycling Centres from 14 January, to make 'visits quicker and easier'; bookings here: From 14 January: Book a visit to a household waste recycling centre | Oxfordshire County Council.
OLLY GLOVER - NEWSLETTER FOR JANUARY
Message from your MP - see attached: https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/files/c8f7a201-5989-2d1f-b0e0-5a5306631f49/Message_from_your_MP.pdf
As always, if there is anything you feel I can help you with, please do not hesitate to contact me and my team at olly.glover.mp@parliament.uk, or by leaving a voice message on 0207 219 7657.
Olly.
Olly Glover, MP for Didcot and Wantage
THAMES VALLEY POLICE
Safe Online Christmas. A lot of preparation for our festive season and the holiday itself involves going online – whether it's for buying gifts or decorations, ordering festive food, exchanging online greetings or chatting with friends or family. But because we're busy and maybe distracted, we're sometimes less careful than usual, making us open to scams and other online harms … including those using AI to make them more realistic.
It's also a great time to check all your devices, social media and app settings ready for the year ahead.
Get Safe Online's advice for this Christmas season can be accessed here or within the attached leaflet.
Have a safe online Christmas - Get Safe Online
Attachments
Dec25_Safe_Xmas_Leaflet.pdf
FROM THE CHURCHES OF UFFINGTON BENEFICE
Please find attached the Weekly Sheet for Sunday 21st December through to Sunday 4th January: https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/files/4d585b96-bd72-1c0a-244b-3d5a0d273910/wsh_2025_12_21_to_2026_01_04.pdf
For all information, please see: https://www.uffingtonbenefice.com/
Village news 12 December 2025 UFFINGTON PARISH COUNCIL
Latest update on pending Gigaclear works. Gigaclear have advised that work will continue from time to time in various locations around Baulking and Uffington, from now until 17 December and then from 5 January to 20 February 2026.
WHAT'S ON - IN & AROUND UFFINGTON
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 visit is: MONDAY 22 December. 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!
Avebury Vocal Ensemble – Music at Christmas Wednesday 17 December at 7.00 pm, in St Mary's Church, Uffington. Poster attached: https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/files/edd6ce73-5624-8c5f-d432-088edb2ef093/Avebury_Vocal_Uffington_2025.01.pdf
Christmas Season 2025. See attached for a Christmas message from the Vicar and a summary of the major events in the Benefice leading up to Christmas itself:
https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/files/64897221-5813-ee79-72a7-98ce7572989e/CHRISTMAS_service_Poster_25.pdf
One of the major events is the Crib Service at 3.00 pm on Christmas Eve at St Mary's – calling all children to come and help us decorate the crib. Dress up as a nativity character, bring your own toy animal and join Beatrice the donkey to celebrate the Christmas story; poster attached:
https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/files/f269f598-036c-9c3c-04de-0baa9a23349c/Crib_service_poster.pdf
GENERAL
UBW MINIBUS ASSOCIATION - PLEASE READ IF YOU VALUE OUR COMMUNITY MINIBUS
The AGM was held on 5th December, and, as we announced, it was a particularly significant one in the life of the Association. It was a foul night, which may have contributed to the very small attendance.
The excellent new minibus is doing well, we are breaking even, which is the objective, have a great team of volunteer drivers and use of the bus is on the increase.
Gillian Ward did, however, write in the Courier that we urgently need new blood for the management team. There were no volunteers ahead of the meeting.
The regular activities are shared by four people, of whom Gillian is the one hugely welcome recent addition. The aggregate age of the other three is 250 years and it's time for us to call it a day, having been on the team for very many years and recently seen in the new vehicle. Whilst we have enjoyed being a part of the Association, we decided, with obvious reluctance, not to offer ourselves for re-election. We will remain in post, if required, until the end of the Association's financial year on 28th February 2026.
The very good news is that one of our driver volunteers, Robert Purdie, offered to take the Vehicle Manager slot. However, we also need a Treasurer and a Chairman/Compliance Officer, if the association is to continue serving the community after 28th February.
We have had a minibus for over 40 years, and if you would like to help to preserve that tradition, please call me on 01367 820417 for more information.
John Hatcher
Benefice Draw - 7 December results. We held the second Draw of the latest Benefice 200 Club year on Sunday, 7 December following the Advent Service at Shellingford at 10.15. The winners were:
£200 - 155 - Anna Ashcroft
£100 - 165 - Laurence Hollingsworth
£100 - 88 - Nikki & Phil Nobles
£50 - 146 - Janie Nelson
£50 - 128 - Hazel Avenell
£50 - 86 - Sarah Brazier
£50 - 115 - Sue Matthews
£50 - 106 - David & Ann Coxhead
Ink Cartridges, Stamps and Medical Aids. Our new shop proprietor, Goshi, has kindly agreed to continue displaying the collection box for recycling computer ink cartridges. Please leave your computer ink cartridges there - new or used, colour or black, original or refilled, but not toner or laser. Please check they are not leaking. They will be recycled and raise money for the Suited & Booted charity.
The Leprosy Mission no longer accepts stamps (of which you may get a few over the Christmas period!). However, there is an RNIB collecting box for them in Shellingford Church, or you can donate them to the Sobell House Hospice shop in Wantage.
If you have any unused in-date medicines (including basics like Ibuprofen and Paracetamol) or unwanted medical aids (crutches, walking sticks, dressings and pads, bandages, slings, catheters etc.), please let me have them for Ukraine. A group in Oxford regularly send a van load out to Sumy near the Russian border, which has been devastated by the war.
Thank you. Mike Thomas - 07803035603
Planning application – Shellingford. Whilst not in Uffington, residents may be wish to be aware of the following planning application:
The council has received a planning application, reference P25/V2644/CM, for development work at the following location: Home Farm Shellingford Faringdon. The application is for: Proposed extraction of soft sand, crushed rock and building stone with restoration back to agriculture and ecological enhancement using imported soils and inert infill, inclusive of all associated works. You can see details of the application on our website by clicking this link
FROM THE VALE
The December edition of Vale News. See: The December edition of Vale News for 2025
Leader's Report. Cllr Bethia Thomas, Leader of the Vale of White Horse District Council's report from the Council meeting on 10 December 2025. You can see details on our website by clicking this link
COUNTY NEWS
Your Oxfordshire. Gritter spotting, living well and cutting energy bills; see: Gritter spotting, living well and cutting energy bills
THAMES VALLEY POLICE
Recent car theft and burglary series. Please take extra precautions to keep your property safe: - Ensure all doors and windows are locked
- Stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity
- Do not leave valuables in your car unattended
- If you see anything unusual, contact the police on 101 or 999 in an emergency.
We will be visiting Faringdon and the surrounding areas which will be published on Facebook shortly. If you'd like any advice or support, please do contact us via 101 or online.
🚨 December 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:
· December e-newsletter from your Police & Crime Commissioner
FROM THE CHURCHES OF UFFINGTON BENEFICE
Please find attached the Weekly Sheet for Sunday 14 December: https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/files/9d212c1c-523a-127d-9fff-8aca49f821e1/wsh_2025_12_14.pdf
For all information, please see: https://www.uffingtonbenefice.com/
Village news 5 December 2025 WHAT'S ON - IN & AROUND UFFINGTON
Uffington Market & Café – Sunday 7 December. From 10.00 am at the Thomas Hughes Memorial Hall, for a Christmas bonanza! See attached: https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/images/6c7f424a-e306-83aa-a8d0-4807adb7072b.jpg
AND: free gifts for children up to 12 – here: https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/images/9e51557a-fca8-1176-52de-fb78125789b7.jpg
Monday 8 December - 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 - 8 and 22 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! See attached: https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/images/f9c777d6-f1bf-e626-5390-24d0ed2914b5.png
Jackie Oates and John Spiers, THMH, Sunday December 14th. Tickets are running out quickly for John and Jackie's Christmas extravaganza in just over a weeks time so if you are thinking of coming along then don't hang about. Tickets are £18 each from cowmuckp@gmail.com
GENERAL
From Thames Water. We're ending our hosepipe ban. Good news – from 27 November 2025, the hosepipe ban that's been in place since July is officially over. We'd like to say a huge thank you for sticking with the restrictions. Your efforts really helped when it mattered most. - Why has the ban been lifted? We've had lots more rain recently, including above average levels in September and October, which has helped top up groundwater levels. Our reservoirs and water stores are also back to normal. This has reduced the risk of drought in the new year, although we'll be monitoring the situation throughout the winter and into next spring.
- What's next? Even though the ban's lifted, please keep making every drop count.
- More information: Water supply and drought update | Help | Thames Water
FROM THE VALE
Councils continue to support disabled and vulnerable residents through the Disabled Facilities Grant. South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils continue to offer the Disabled Facilities Grant to help disabled and vulnerable residents make their homes safer, more comfortable, and better suited to their needs. The Disabled Facilities Grant is a means-tested grant providing financial help for home adaptations such as installing ramps and stairlifts for ... You can see details on our website by clicking this link
Statement: Thames Valley CCTV Partnership. On Friday 28 November the Police and Crime Commissioner briefed the press to claim four Oxfordshire councils had refused funds for CCTV, even though all of them remained in ongoing conversations about the plans. You can see details on our website by clicking this link
Council services over Christmas and New Year 2025/26. A guide to council services over the Christmas and New Year period when the council offices are closed to the public. You can see details on our website by clicking this link
A call for Oxfordshire and Berkshire to be in the next wave of Strategic Authorities. The Cabinets at South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils have supported the submission of an Expression of Interest (EOI) to government for a Mayoral Strategic Authority (MSA) in the Thames Valley region. Councillor David Rouane, Leader of South Oxfordshire District Council, said: "Oxfordshire and Berkshire together make sense for a strategic authority. These ... You can see details on our website by clicking this link
COUNTY NEWS
The latest news for your communities. See: The latest news for your communities
THAMES VALLEY POLICE
Thames Valley Police arrest over 1,300 in summer crackdown on crime and anti-social behaviour. This summer, we've been doubling down on our constant efforts to tackle the crimes that blight our town and city centres.
As part of the Safer Streets Summer operation, we have:
👮 Made 1,330 arrests, for offences including shoplifting, robbery, and theft from a person
⚖️ Secured 95 positive outcomes for retail crime, anti-social behaviour, and street crime
👣 Conducted more than 4,500 patrol activities
🤝 Completed nearly 4,300 community and business engagements
Every community deserves to feel safe, no matter where you live, so we have been building relationships, listening to local concerns and being where it matters most.
Together with our partners, we are making town and city centres safer and make a lasting difference to communities by fighting crime and supporting victims.
A Winter of Action, running from today (1/12) to 31 January, will allow us to maintain this momentum and address seasonal challenges in our town and city centres.
Tell us what matters to you – your concerns drive our priorities for making town and city centres in the Thames Valley safer.
Read more on our website ➡️ https://www.thamesvalley.police.uk/news/thames-valley/news/2025/11-november/24-11-2025/thames-valley-police-arrest-over-1300-in-summer-crackdown-on-crime-and-anti-social-behaviour/
The December edition of Our News is here! Attachments
Our News December 2025-compressed.pdf
Report Fraud service goes live. From 4 December 2025, the existing Action Fraud support will be replaced by our new Report Fraud service. Report Fraud is the new service that has now replaced Action Fraud. You should report cyber crime and fraud here from now on - reportfraud.police.uk.
FROM THE CHURCHES OF UFFINGTON BENEFICE
Please find attached the Weekly Sheet for Sunday 7 December: (Not available as yet).
For all information, please see: https://www.uffingtonbenefice.com/
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