UFFINGTON PARISH COUNCIL
Litter Pick Weekend – this weekend. The equipment (hi-vis, litter pick tongs and rubbish bags) will be available for self-service and use between 10am on Saturday to 3pm on Sunday. Please sign up for a route on the sheet on the shop notice board by the cycle racks, take your equipment and enjoy a leisurely walk along one of Uffington's roads either individually, as a group or as a family. The task only takes about an hour and is suitable for supervised children of all ages.
Due to others using the Village Hall and car park this weekend, the litter pick equipment and filled bag areas will be outside the shop NOT the Hall. The equipment bag will be by the cycle racks and the filled bags should only be left tidily in the marked off area in the delivery parking slot. Thanks in advance for your help in this task – the weather forecast is good!
New Picnic Table on Jubilee Field. Our thanks to David Forster for his 'man with a van' assistance and the group of helpers who quickly and efficiently moved the new picnic table to the base by the new swings on Sunday morning. Without your help it would not have been possible for the table to be in place for the Easter holidays.
Annual Assembly - Monday 14th April. The Annual Assembly is, as the name suggests, an annual opportunity for the Parish Council to report on its activities over the past year and its plans for the coming year, for local organisations to talk about their activities and plans and for villagers to ask any questions. The agenda will include presentations on the canal work at Uffington Gorse by the Wilts and Berks Canal Trust, information of Uffington School, plans for 'UffyFest' and on the new table tennis club. After the presentations there will be an open forum and chance for villagers to ask any questions and make suggestions for future Council projects. Light refreshments from 6:30 before the Assembly starts at 7.00 pm.
Planning Applications.
Planning Committee. Planning application P25/V0153/HH, for development work at Vale Cottage High Street Uffington Faringdon, is due to be considered at Planning Committee on Wednesday 16th April 2025. The application is for: Installation of freestanding electric vehicle charger. You can see details of the committee report on our website by clicking this link
WHAT'S ON - IN & AROUND UFFINGTON
The first churchyard working party – tomorrow. From 10-12am. Anyone welcome with secateurs, clippers, mowers etc. Coffee will be served at half time!
The Last Lent Lunch – 16 April. Come and join us on Wednesday 16 April, from 12.15 – 13.30 at South Paddock House, Uffington, SN7 7RE - Simon & Jo Jenkins – 07799 376807. Donations for Christian Aid.
The Peter O'Sullivan 2025 Lambourn Open Day on Good Friday 18 April. See attached: https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/files/852eb95f-2e9a-14db-2c23-1a0b54133fcf/2025_LOD_Poster.01.pdf
The Uffington Museum opens on Saturday 19 April – Pride and Patronage. 2025 is the 250th anniversary of the birth of Jane Austen. More information: https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/images/68209f1b-b519-bf04-6110-00ecaee81aed.jpg
Save these dates: FROM THE VALE
Important milestone reached for Great Western Park Health Centre. A health centre in Didcot has reached an important milestone after plans were approved by the local council. Responsibility for delivering primary health care lies with the Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West (BOB) Integrated Care Board. A site for the health centre in Great Western Park was committed by developer Taylor Wimpey as part of ... You can see details on our website by clicking this link
New café to open at The Beacon supported by local volunteers. The Beacon in Wantage will once again have a café thanks to the support of volunteers from the Wantage Literary Festival. Vale of White Horse District Council, who own and manage the Beacon, has been working on different options to re-introduce a café or refreshment area to The Beacon, after ... You can see details on our website by clicking this link
THAMES VALLEY POLICE
Buying Tickets Safely Online. Imagine you're sitting in a café or pub, and somebody you've never met before offers you tickets for a sold-out concert or event that you really want to see. All you need to do is give them the cash there and then, and they'll drop them through your letterbox in a couple of days. You wouldn't really do this in a café or pub, would you? So why do it on social media, auction sites or fan forums? Because actually, it's no different.
This month, Get Safe Online is providing expert advice on buying tickets safely online. To learn more, simply visit our website in the link below or read the tips in the attached leaflet: https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/files/7a5daec7-3d83-64fe-1ca7-bd78a61bf472/Buying_tickets_safely.pdf
Buying and selling tickets – your safety guide - Get Safe Online
FROM THE CHURCHES OF UFFINGTON BENEFICE
Please find attached the Weekly Sheet for Sunday 13 April – this includes all the Easter services: https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/files/994954c5-e287-081a-01fb-8458a8d90aef/wsh_2025_04_13.pdf
For all information, please see: https://www.uffingtonbenefice.com/
Courier Correction The Parish Council apologises for inadvertently republishing the previous advertisement for Mark Palethorpe's Craftsman and Handyman services in the latest issue of the Courier. Please see below for the correct advertisement.
Village news 4 April 2025 UFFINGTON PARISH COUNCIL
Jubilee Field – Pond area. A small willow arbour has been planted near the pond. Children are welcome to use it, but remember that as it is only just beginning to grow it is fragile, so please treat it with respect.
Courier Magazine. The Spring 2025 edition of the Courier magazine has now been produced and will be distributed to all addresses in Uffington, Baulking and Woolstone over the coming week or so.
Annual Assembly - Monday 14th April. The Annual Assembly is, as the name suggests, an annual opportunity for the Parish Council to report on its activities over the past year and its plans for the coming year, for local organisations to talk about their activities and plans and for villagers to ask any questions. The agenda will include presentations on the canal work at Uffington Gorse by the Wilts and Berks Canal Trust, information of Uffington School, plans for 'UffyFest' and on the new table tennis club. After the presentations there will be an open forum and chance for villagers to ask any questions and make suggestions for future Council projects. Do come along for light refreshments from 6:30 before the Assembly starts at 7.00 pm.
Spring Litter Pick- 12/13 April. The Spring roadside litter pick will take place over the weekend 12/13 April. This date has been chosen so that we will, hopefully, have some reasonable weather and before the grass verges become too overgrown and hide the litter! This is an ideal opportunity to get out in the fresh air as an individual, couple or family group, including children, and do an hour or so in the school Easter holiday helping to keep the surrounding areas tidy.
Planning applications. The council has received a planning application, reference P25/V0684/N4B, for development work at the following location: School House Farm Broadway Road Uffington Faringdon. The application is for: Conversion of existing agricultural barn into a single dwelling under class Q Permitted Development. Conversion includes insulating building, creation of internal non load bearing partitions to separate spaces, insertion of windows into existing openings and creation of new openings. New open post and rail fencing to small garden space at rear. You can see details of the application on our website by clicking this link
(Note: This is a new application).
WHAT'S ON - IN & AROUND UFFINGTON
Lent lunches. Lent Lunches are being arranged weekly on Wednesdays, from 12.15 to 1.30 pm, to raise funds for Christian Aid, following the Ashing Service at 11.30 in St Marys. On 9th April St Nicholas Church, Baulking, and on 16th April at South Paddock House, Uffington.
Extra Lent Lunch. There will be a Saturday LENT lunch on the 5th April at the THMH open from 12 - 2pm which we hope will be of interest widely, to also raise funds for Christian Aid. Homemade Soups, Bread and Cheese, Tea or Coffee. Drop in for a quick lunch or stay longer for a chat! Poster attached: https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/images/24b9c0de-0b4a-96b0-b83d-bd8b79446ccc.jpg
Uffington Market and Easter Egg Hunt – this Sunday. 10.100 am to 12 noon next Sunday, with new stalls and the children's Easter Egg Hunt – more information attached: https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/images/6508c823-f2c0-3ce4-cd09-22d17e8f8d52.jpg
12 April for the first churchyard working party. This will be on Saturday April 12th from 10-12am. Anyone welcome with secateurs, clippers, mowers etc. Coffee will be served at half time!
Uffington Lawn Tennis Club AGM. Apologies for some confusion on the date last week; for clarification, the AGM will be on Wednesday 16 April at 7pm in the Sports Club facility.
Attention all Tolkien fans - Friday 25th April. A talk by Sjoerd Vogt entitled TOLKIEN AND THE FOLLY TOWER. At St Nicholas Church, Baulking, on Friday 25th April .
Sjoerd is a self proclaimed Tolkien expert and he has a theory that, as the man was a resident of Oxford when he wrote The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings, the local landscape around Faringdon and the Vale could have provided inspiration for his work. Is Faringdon Folly hill actually Hobbiten Hill? Is the tower itself the Tower of Isengard? Are Baulking and Uffington in Middle Earth? Come along on the 25th April, have a drink, listen to Sjoerd's presentation, and then decide if there is any truth in his theories - the drink might help.
Tickets are £5 each from cowmuckp@gmail.com Doors and bar open at 7.30 pm and the talk starts at 8.00pm. All of the ticket money raised will go to the Folly Tower Restoration Fund.
Uffington Benefice Church Services and Events around Easter :-
13th April - Palm Sunday walk(s) - meet at Uffington Church at 9am or Shellingford Church at 8.45am and walk to Baulking in time for 10am service - All Welcome - there will be a donkey on the Uffington route!
For Services in Holy Week and on Easter Day - See Weekly Sheet attached below.
27th April - St George's Day - 10am Benefice Service in Woolstone
4th May - Songs of Praise Service for VE Day 2025 80th Anniversary - 10am in Uffington
GENERAL
Uffington Benefice 200 Club - Winners March 2025. The Benefice 200 draw was held in Baulking on 23 March after the 8.45 Communion Service. The winners were:
£200 - Ball 40 - Rev Jeremy Goulston (yes, really!)
£100 - Ball 22 - Dr Jo Clark
£100 - Ball 5 - S & R Green
£50 - Ball 119 - Justin Spink
£50 - Ball 156 - Mr & Mrs J P Coad
£50 - Ball 82 - John Conley
£50 - Ball 123 - Mr & Mrs Q Green
£50 - Ball 133 - Jeanne Leahy
Please can anyone who has not sent their bank details email them to me at julia@lycettgreen.co.uk so that I can send out the winnings. Congratulations to the winners and our ongoing thanks for your support.
News from the North Wessex Downs National Landscape March 2025. See: Latest News from the North Wessex Downs Team
FROM THE VALE
The March edition of Vale News for 2025. See: The March edition of Vale News for 2025
Signs point to more nature recovery in Vale. Description: Visitors to meadow areas across the district will be better informed thanks to a series of tailor-made wooden signposts recently installed by the Vale of White Horse District Council at its green spaces. You can see details on our website by clicking this link
Ticketless car park machine trial starting. Four car parks across South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse will start trialling new ticketless machines. The trial will start at Civic Car Park and West St Helen St Car Park in Abingdon on Wednesday 9 April and Cattlemarket Car Park and Goldsmith's Lane Car Park in Wallingford on Monday 14 April. There will be two different ... You can see details on our website by clicking this link
COUNTY NEWS
Your Oxfordshire - Oxfordshire decides, improving bus services and living well. See: Oxfordshire decides, improving bus services and living well
THAMES VALLEY POLICE
Police & Crime Bulletin Mar '25 - crime down, £200,000 taken from criminals. See: Police & Crime Bulletin Mar '25 - crime down, £200,000 takenfrom criminals
Road Safety Data. We would now like to share our next Quarterly report of road safety statistics with you. This is Quarter 4 Oct - Dec 2024. 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. We are sharing the reports with you as you are interested or concerned with Road Safety and speeding. Community Speedwatch is an educational scheme run by our local volunteers.
The figures for the Mobile Camera enforcement are from our dedicated Safer Roads police staff and the Fixed penalty notices are from any Officer on patrol dealing with a motorist. Please find attached the report for the South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse Council area. Please also share with your friends and family and other community members.
South Oxon and Vale Of White Horse Quarter 4 2024.pdf
FROM THE CHURCHES OF UFFINGTON BENEFICE
Please find attached the Weekly Sheet for Sunday 6 April – this includes all the Easter services: https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/files/5ab1d2a4-aebb-106f-6805-6ec09b8d7ef6/wsh_2025_04_06.pdf
For all information, please see: https://www.uffingtonbenefice.com/
Village news 28 March 2025 UFFINGTON PARISH COUNCIL
Spring Litter Pick- 12/13 April. The Spring roadside litter pick will take place over the weekend 12/13 April. This date has been chosen so we will, hopefully, have some reasonable weather and before the grass verges become too overgrown and hide the litter! This is an ideal opportunity to get out in the fresh air as an individual, couple or family group, including children, and do an hour or so helping to keep the surrounding areas tidy.
The litter picking kit and 'gilets jaune' safety vests will be available from outside the Village Hall from 10am on Saturday 12th to mid-afternoon on Sunday 13th. Instructions and routes will be posted on the Hall window by the front door.
Parish Councillor Vacancy. Due to a recent resignation, the Parish Council is recruiting a replacement councillor. If you are interested in giving some time to help the Council and would be interested in becoming a councillor, please see the information here:
https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/images/a34f52c0-73f8-ae47-99f6-bd6b610ec530.jpg
speak to any councillor, or contact David Hatton the clerk on 07888 203145 or by email to clerk@uffington.net. The application form gives details of the process to be followed and applications should be received by 30 March 2025.
Annual Assembly - Monday 14th April. The Annual Assembly is, as the name suggests, an annual opportunity for the Parish Council to report on its activities over the past year and its plans for the coming year, for local organisations to talk about their activities and plans and for villagers to ask any questions. The agenda will include presentations on the canal work at Uffington Gorse by the Wilts and Berks Canal Trust and information on the new table tennis club. At the end of the presentations there will be an open forum and chance for villagers to ask any questions and make suggestions for future Council projects. Do come along for light refreshments from 6:30 before the Assembly starts at 7.00 pm.
Planning applications. - Application withdrawn by the applicant. Location: School House Farm Uffington Faringdon SN7 7QH. Proposal: Conversion of existing agricultural barn to convert into a small dwelling under Class Q Permitted Development. Single storey extension. New open post and rail fencing to small garden space at rear. Application Reference: Planning Application P25/V0123/N4B
- The district council has approved a planning application, reference P25/V0592/T28, for development work at the following location: Station Road Uffington Baulking Faringdon. The application is for: The removal of 3no. antennas and replacement of 3no. antennas at 21.30m with the installation of 1no. GPS node on an existing 20.0m high lattice tower. Internal cabin works at ground level. You can see details of the application on our website by clicking this link
WHAT'S ON - IN & AROUND UFFINGTON
Lent lunches. Lent Lunches are being arranged weekly on Wednesdays, from 12.15 to 1.30 pm, to raise funds for Christian Aid, following the Ashing Service at 11.30 in St Marys. On 2nd April at The Old Stables, Shellingford 718584, courtesy of Janice Sharp, and 9th April at St Nicholas Church, Baulking. Also on 16th April.
Extra Lent Lunch on 5 April. There will be a Saturday LENT lunch on the 5th April at the THMH, from 12 - 2pm which we hope will be of interest widely, to also raise funds for Christian Aid. Homemade Soups, Bread and Cheese, Tea or Coffee. Drop in for a quick lunch or stay longer for a chat! Poster attached: https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/images/92f14489-c890-b0d7-0ae1-c317aceb280f.jpg
Uffington Weds Walk - 2nd April, Longcot. The ground has dried out enough for us to walk locally in the Vale. April's walk will start from Uffington village car park heading west to Longcot. We will take a break at the King and Queen pub in Longcot who are happy to provide coffees. Or if you prefer, bring your own snack. Map for April's Walk via Longcot: https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/files/44904084-f15b-2ef0-30b2-f34d229beb5d/Wednesday_walk_April.pdf
Gathering at 9:20 in Uffington village hall car park for a 9:30 start. Weather looks very promising, sunshine and no rain! Verity Cavanagh veritycavanagh@gmail.com 07975861790
White Horse Gardening Club – Thursday 3 April at 7.30 pm. TALK: Primulas and Auriculas by Hillview Hardy Plants from Bridgenorth www.hillviewhardyplants.com
Poster attached: https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/images/67f42a6c-25da-87c6-4716-bea32d257488.jpg
Uffington Market, including an Easter Egg Hunt – Sunday 6 April. Calling all children! 10.100 am to 12 noon next Sunday – more information attached: https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/images/82856b86-eac5-ca56-c21e-d98e7fe466e6.jpg
GENERAL
The start of British Summer Time. Clocks will go forward by one hour on Sunday 30 March at 01:00 GMT.
FROM THE VALE
Introducing Ridgeway Council - part of a two unitary council option for Oxfordshire and West Berkshire. Introducing Ridgeway Council, an ambitious proposal to create a brand-new council that delivers high-quality services, improves financial resilience and value-for-money, and ensures it is able to maintain truly local representation. You can see details on our website by clicking this link
(Editor's note. Note the difference in this approach to that offered by OCC in the lead item in Your Oxfordshire – below)
Pioneering planning scheme shortlisted for economic growth award. An exciting planning project in the Vale of White Horse has been recognised by being shortlisted for an industry award. You can see details on our website by clicking this link
Get ready for Easter fun with free and low-cost holiday activities across South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse! South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils are thrilled to announce their exciting programme of free and low-cost activities for young children, teenagers and families this Easter holiday. Taking place at various locations across the districts, there's something for everyone to enjoy! Don't miss out - bookings are open now and activity sessions ... You can see details on our website by clicking this link
New depot helps secure the future of waste collections. A new vehicle depot at the Haseley Trading Estate will significantly contribute towards South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils long-term future of successful waste collections in the districts. You can see details on our website by clicking this link
COUNTY NEWS
New Bus Timetable from 31 March 2025. A new timetable will commence on bus Service 68, with effect from Monday 31 March with minor changes to the route and timetable largely to suit students attending King Alfred's Academy better. The revised timetable is attached: https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/files/e7943d6d-faff-247c-7c00-84848963834b/68_bus_Timetable_from_30th_March_2025.pdf
Your Oxfordshire - Road resurfacing, travel and making the change. See: Road resurfacing, travel and making the change
The latest news for your communities. See: The latest news for your communities (Note the safety advice for e-bikes)
THAMES VALLEY POLICE
Topping-out ceremony to mark milestone for new forensics centre for Thames Valley. Thames Valley Police and the Police and Crime Commissioner have celebrated a major milestone for our new forensics centre with a topping-out ceremony. The purpose-built centre will become the main hub for our Forensic Investigation Unit, containing laboratories, new digital technologies and dedicated training facilities. It is part of the wider Forensic Improvement Programme, which has seen significant investment to transform our forensic services, improving investigations and the outcomes for victims. Read more on our website
Over £200,000 taken from criminals to fund crime prevention projects. Matthew Barber and Jason Hogg (Chief Constable, Thames Valley Police) have awarded £203,195 to community and voluntary organisations in the first round of this year's Community Fund. With 210 applications submitted for over £1.4m of funding, 38 organisations have successfully been awarded funding of between £250 – £10,000 to support the PCC's Police and Crime Plan key priorities.
The first round for 2025 was focused on awarding grant funding applications to projects which support work to tackle anti-social behaviour and vehicle crime across Thames Valley. Following today's announcement, Matthew said: "Amongst the wide range of applications we have focused on tackling anti-social behaviour and vehicle crime. We know these are serious concerns in our communities and by allocating over £85,000 to these 17 projects we will be working to make communities safer. I'm delighted we can take money away from criminals and make sure it supports crime reduction where it really matters, in your local community."
FROM THE CHURCHES OF UFFINGTON BENEFICE
Please find attached the Weekly Sheet for Sunday 30 March: https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/files/f3dde617-a46a-39dd-b03e-b4543f28eafc/wsh_2025_03_30.pdf
For all information, please see: https://www.uffingtonbenefice.com/
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