January Quiz
For those who remember the Pun Quiz in January 2018, that gave us something to do in the cold dark days after Christmas and the New Year and raised a few pounds for the Museum refurbishment, here is another one, for January 2019. This time, the recipients of your one pound donation will be the Uffington School PTA.
The puns have been replaced with numbers and letters. All you need to do is work out the phrases they represent.
3C in a F? - three coins in a fountain! How simple could it be?
The quiz sheets are available in the shop and to have a chance of being the winner, who will receive a bottle of Prosecco, you will need to return your quiz sheet to Geoff Rumble, Orchard Cottage, Lower Common by 31st January.
Winter Warmer Lunches
The lunches held in the village hall in November and December were very well supported with between 40 and 65 people on each occasion enjoying a bowl of soup or stew and good company. Although not billed as a fund raising activity, thanks to the generosity of those attending, £570 has so far been raised for Uffington School PTA, and 4 more lunches are planned for the New Year on 8th and 22nd January, and 5th and 26th February. We hope people will continue to come and enjoy these sociable simple meals, and that we may raise enough money for the PTA to fund a specific project.
Thomas Hughes Memorial Hall – Annual General Meeting
Anyone who resides within the 'area of benefit' – so the Parishes of Uffington, Baulking, and Woolstone – is eligible to attend the AGM, not just the Management Committee (all volunteers) – Trustees (likewise) - and the nominated representatives of organisations and clubs, who are expected to be there. The date is Monday 28th January, the time 8.00pm, in the small Hall. The past year will be reviewed; the accounts will be presented and – hopefully – formally approved; future ideas for development will be discussed; elections of Officers and Management Committee members for the 2019 year made. If the three villages are to have the facility in the years ahead, decently maintained and improved as funds permit, this occasion should not be an empty annual formality and interest from regular or only occasional users or any positive-minded residents would be welcome.
Chairman, THMH Management Committee
From Oxfordshire Association of Local Councils - Beware the Nottingham Knockers! Who are the Nottingham Knockers?
They are doorstep callers who target areas offering small household products for sale. Callers may claim to be ex-convicts attempting to mend their ways, or on probation. However, they are not part of any recognised rehabilitation scheme. More information attached here: https://gallery.mailchimp.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/files/f95361a6-1a9b-4cdc-abcd-baf1288e3b5e/BEWARE_THE_NOTTINGHAM_KNOCKERS.pdf - Oxfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group - Older People's Strategy for Consultation: 'Living Longer, Living Better'
You can participate in this consultation by Oxfordshire CCG. The consultation is open from 7th December 2018 to 1st February 2019. You are invited to have a say on the draft Oxfordshire Older People's Strategy 2019 - 2024. There are several ways you can do this: - Complete the online questionnaire using the link http://bit.ly/OPStrat
- Request a copy of the questionnaire to fill out by hand on 01865 334638 and send to: FREEPOST OXFORDSHIRE CLINICAL COMMISSIONING GROUP (No further address details required)
- Send an email titled 'Draft Older People's Strategy' to: Josephine.wilkes@nhs.net
Friends of the Ridgeway - Swire Ridgeway Arts Prize
The Friends of The Ridgeway have established an annual arts competition and prize – the Swire Ridgeway Arts Prize. For 2019, it will be held in April 2019 with an exhibition in Thomas Hughes Memorial Hall, Uffington on Saturday and Sunday 27 - 28 April 2019. The aim of the competition is to bring The Ridgeway to life not only as a long distance trail but also as an artistic inspiration, and to show The Ridgeway, its history and environs, in all their aspects throughout all seasons. The theme of the competition is 'Spirit of the Ridgeway'. A flyer is attached, which includes the contact point if you wish to enter or need more information: https://gallery.mailchimp.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/files/41d84b68-ba8a-4a13-b5fc-ff481a8e521b/Swire_Ridgeway_Arts_Prize_2019_Flyer.pdf
Citizens Advice
Call Citizens Advice consumer helpline when you hit problems! The helpline is there to help you if you have a consumer problem – if you need to return faulty goods, if you've bought something fake or counterfeit, or if something you've ordered hasn't arrived.
The helpline (03454 040506) is open Monday to Friday 9 - 5 (closed bank holidays). Advisers will answer your call, explaining how you can pursue your claim. More information here: https://gallery.mailchimp.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/files/21533261-24da-4731-97fa-814a6adacf5b/CitA_Consumer_helpine_.pdf
Uffington benefice
The Weekly Sheet for Sunday 6 January 2019 is here: https://gallery.mailchimp.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/files/3a7d13df-3bc6-4cf4-8d54-a2a0b53e5b2a/wsh_2019_01_06.pdf
Village news 28 December 2018 1st Wednesday walk of 2019 - Wed 2nd Jan
Hope you have all had a good break over the Christmas Holiday. We thought it appropriate for the first walk of the year to head up to White Horse Hill. (Don't forget that there is always the opportunity to turn back down the hill sooner for those who prefer not to do the steep part to the Horse).
Meeting at 9.30 in the car park of Thomas Hughes Memorial Hall on Wed 2nd Jan. Looking forward to seeing lots of you there.
Up the hill group Wed 8th Jan
On the 2nd Wed of the month there will of course be a walk for the new smaller group who wish to walk up the hill more regularly. Everyone welcome on this, starting at 9.30 at the village hall car park.
Verity, Pamela and David
veritycavanagh@gmail.com
Christmas Games in the Hall
Calling all children, for Christmas Games on the Jubilee Field and in the THMH, on Friday 4th January, - 5 to 8 years: 2.00 to 3.00 pm
- 9 to 11 years: 3.00 to 4.00 pm
More information attached: https://gallery.mailchimp.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/files/497d878e-61d9-4d45-af24-90b1bcce195d/Christmas_sports.pdf
The Uffington Players Present
Goldilocks and the Three Bears - A Pantomime by Graham Barraclough, at the Thomas Hughes Memorial Hall, Uffington: - Thursday 21st February £7/£9
- Friday 22nd & Saturday 23rd £10/£12.50 Includes Fish & Chip supper.
Doors open at 7.00 pm. Curtain up at 7.30 pm. Tickets will be available from Uffington Stores 01367 820977, or on line at: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/theuffingtonplayers
For further information please contact Christine Holley 01367 820474 or email christineholley28@hotmail.co.uk
National Neighbourhood Watch
Here's the latest edition of our popular e-newsletter Our News: https://gallery.mailchimp.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/files/13d26779-35f5-4542-ace3-3bf6d59d5c96/NHW_Newsletter_DECEMBER18.pdf
Inside you'll find all the latest news from the Neighbourhood Watch Network, our supporters as well as offers from our sponsors. Alternatively you can download it from our website at: https://www.ourwatch.org.uk/knowledge/news-read-latest-e-newsletter/
Village news 21 December 2018 Why wait until January to start working on a healthier you?
Insanity Live is a fun and effective total body HIIT group exercise class. Each class consists of easy to follow but challenging moves designed to burn maximum calories in a short amount of time. We are running throughout the Christmas period so pop along and give it a go. First class is free and £3 thereafter. All fitness levels welcome! Check out our Facebook page "Insanity Live Uffington" for more details! See attached for dates over Christmas: https://gallery.mailchimp.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/files/0388793e-e2d2-48fd-9b93-978dde710a86/Insanity_live.pdf
From the Vale
Changes to bin collection days in Vale of White Horse over Christmas and New Year. Residents in Vale of White Horse are being reminded that their waste and recycling collections will change over the Christmas and New Year period. The revised schedule is on the Parish Council notice board and is attached here: https://gallery.mailchimp.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/files/67497093-121f-40bb-9e09-5f4c43a3620a/Christmas_collections_2018.pdf
Further information on the changes and on what to do with extra recycling and food waste at this time of year is on our website .
There are also details on the website about how people can recycle their real Christmas trees.
Brown bin collections (garden waste) will be suspended over the Christmas period, while crews concentrate on collecting all the extra waste from Christmas. Garden waste customers will receive an extra collection in the spring to make up for this. If the district is affected by bad weather, all the latest information about bin collections will be posted on the council's:
From the Police & Crime Commissioner, Anthony Stansfeld - Survey on an increase in council tax to help protect operational policing
Anthony Stansfeld, the Police and Crime Commissioner for Thames Valley, has launched a survey seeking the public view on an increase in the police element of the council tax by £2 a month* to help protect operational policing. Please can you share the information below with your local residents and encourage them to have their say.
(*this is the equivalent for a Band D property. The increase for other property Bands is set out in the table available with the survey on the link below).
On Thursday 13th December the Home Secretary announced the provisional police funding settlement for 2019/20. In response to the exceptional operational demands on the police, particularly in areas such as Thames Valley, the Government is increasing the funding available to PCCs by up to £813 million. However, this is provided all PCCs increase the police portion of the council tax by £2 a month or £24 a year (equivalent for a Band D property), which, collectively, will raise £509 million of the £813 million increase in funding.
Anthony Stansfeld said: "The Thames Valley Police budget has been cut by £101 million over the last eight years which has resulted in significant cuts to police officer and staff numbers. This year the Government has encouraged all PCCs to raise the policing element of the council tax precept for all households. To prevent further damaging cuts to policing and restore some important frontline policing capability I would like to make use of this Government advice and raise the council tax precept accordingly.
"Demand on police forces nationally has risen significantly in the last year as a result of an increase in non-crime business, higher crime numbers, the increasing complexity of crime, and the increasing reach of criminals both physically and via technology. Throughout this Thames Valley Police has been efficient and effective but having already faced significant cuts since 2010/11 the process of identifying new cash savings is becoming ever more challenging. However, we are committed to making policing even more efficient and have already identified over £4m of new savings in 2019/20.
"My focus for the future continues to be on delivering strong neighbourhood policing for all of the communities across the Thames Valley whilst addressing the serious threats and hardship posed by criminals. With this in mind the extra cash generated from the proposed increase in council tax will be spent on operational policing. The draft budget for 2019/20 includes additional funding to increase local frontline policing, recruit more investigators and improve contact management with the aim to reduce call waiting times on 101 calls."
The survey and more information, including the proposed amounts from each council tax band can be found by visiting: https://bit.ly/2QEkGkk
Closing Date: Wednesday 9th January at 5pm.
From the Police
Get Your Home Security Wrapped Up This Christmas. Christmas and New Year is traditionally a time when burglary increases in the Thames Valley and across the country. By taking a proactive approach to home security, you can reduce the risk of becoming a victim, while helping to protect others, to build local resilience against burglary.
Celebrating at home - Don't leave presents on view under the Christmas tree.
- Cut up packaging for any expensive items so that it will fit inside your refuse bin, never leave boxes next to the bin where they can be seen.
- Refrain from posting photos of high value presents, such as jewellery or electronics, on social media.
- Remember to mark your new presents using a UV pen and register them on the national property register at www.immobilise.com.
Going away: - Make your home appear occupied.
- Ask a trusted person to look after your home by pulling the curtains at night and putting your bin out on collection day. Remind them to put the bin away again once it has been collected.
- Invite a neighbour to park on your drive while you are away.
- Light up your living room using timer switch. A TV simulator can also be used to make give the appearance of a TV screen being used.
- Double check that you have locked your windows and doors before leaving.
- Never advertise on social media that you are away from home, as thieves can gather intelligence and some home insurance policies may become invalidated.
Appeal for Witnesses Following a Burglary in Fairthorne Way, Shrivenham
Thames Valley Police is appealing for witnesses following a burglary in Fairthorne Way, Shrivenham. The incident took place between 10.30am - 8.28pm on 18/12 after offenders gained access to the property via patio doors. Once inside offenders conducted a messy search and stole a Rolex watch and cash.
If you have any information about this incident please call 101, quoting reference 43180386092.
Advance Notice - Temporary Road Closure – Uffington – Broad Way and Shotover
We have been warned that a section of Broad Way from Stockholm Farm to the B4507 will be closed for replacement of mains water pipes from 7 January 2019 to 15 February; there will be no through road, but access will be maintained for residents, bin collections and emergency vehicles.
There will be a further closure at Shotover from 18 February 2019 for up to 2 weeks, to allow OCC to repair the damaged culvert under the road. There will be access to frontages between the T-junction at Shotover to Stonehaven. The alternative route for traffic affected by the closure is: Woolstone Road - Marsh Way - Unnamed road to B4507 - B4507 – Broadway, and vice versa. A map of this diversion has been made available on the Parish Council notice board.
Remember GDPR?
SENSIBLE TIP OF THE MONTH - ICO SLEIGH-ING SOME CHRISTMAS GDPR MYTHS
A blog post by ICO, Deputy Commissioner (Policy) Steve Wood tackles some misconceptions which have sprung up around how the new data protection law might affect your Christmas:
You can't contact parents to tell them what stall they will be running at the school Xmas Fayre because you don't have their express consent
Churches cannot ask for Christmas prayers for named parishioners who are ill or sick, because their health data is protected
Children can't write public letters to Santa as their parents' permission will be needed
You can't give a delivery driver directions to someone else's home
GDPR means you can't get a refund if you buy something online as a 'guest' rather than a 'registered user' and it turns out to be faulty
Christmas cards are banned if you don't have the recipients' consent
Politicians and schools who run Christmas card design contests for children now face excessive regulation
Parents can't film or take pictures of their child's Nativity play
The answers to these queries are on the ICO website here: https://ico.org.uk/about-the-ico/news-and-events/news-and-blogs/2018/12/sleigh-ing-the-christmas-gdpr-myths/
Newsletter from ED Vaizey MP – MP for Didcot and Wantage
See: https://mailchi.mp/fb737f768765/s21y14z5iw-1853237?e=924890889f
(Editor's note: It is interesting to compare bits of this newsletter with the article from the Police & Crime Commissioner above).
Uffington benefice
The Weekly Sheet for Sunday 23rd and Sunday 30th December is here: https://gallery.mailchimp.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/files/d009990b-8510-421c-a15e-32f73a207877/wsh_2018_12_2330.pdf
This covers services over the next 2 weeks as there will be no Weekly Sheet over the Christmas period.
Uffington Parish Council would like to wish all residents a very Happy Christmas and best wishes for the New Year.
Village news 14 December 2018 | | | | | | | | | | | |
