Copy for the next edition should be given to Mr. George Adams at "Karibu", Main Street, tel: 680286 by midnight on Friday, 25thAugustplease.
If you normally prepare your material using a computer, it would make my life easier ifyou could submit your offering in electronic form, though paper is, of course, fine. My ‘official’ e-mail address is: news-editor @ oxhill.org.uk if you wish to send me stuff that way.
This edition was edited by George Adams.
August 28
Is the Feast Day of Saints Augustine of Hippo, Alexander of Constantinople, Edmund Arrowsmith, Julian of Brioude, and Moses of Abyssinia.
In 1640 the Indian War in New England ended with the surrender of the Indians. John Wayne was not present. In 1850 the English Channel telegraph cable was laid between Dover and Cap Gris Nez and in 1963 Martin Luther King delivered his famous 'I have a dream' speech in Washington DC. In 1988 the Yan Hee Polyclinic in Bangkok, Thailand, reported on a new slimming technique – overweight Thais were suppressing their appetites by sticking lettuce seeds in their ears and pressing them in ten times before meals. No comment.
It was the date on which Johann Wolfgang Goethe was born in 1749 and John Huston died in 1988. Apart from them celebrities seem to have steered pretty clear.
Editor
Cover Pictures
This picture of the Chernobyl Children was taken by Jo Sweby when the children visited Oxhill for the Coffee Morning early in July.
September Issue
Please could I have all copy for the next issue by midnight on Friday, 25th August?
If you normally prepare your material using a computer, it would make my life easier if you could submit your offering in electronic form, though paper is, of course, fine.
If you do use electronic form, the best format is a Word file with the page size set to A5 and Margins of 1.5cm all round. The News is currently set in Garamond 10pt, with headings in Lucida Sans Unicode 14pt bold.
My ‘official’ e-mail address isnews-editor @ oxhill.org.ukif you wish to send me stuff that way.
George Adams - 680286
Village History - Deaths on the Somme
We marked recently the ninetieth anniversary of the first day of the Battle of the Somme on 1stJuly, 1916, when nearly 20,000 men were killed. Oxhill lost one of its own young men that day – Arthur Wilfred Gilks, aged 24, of the 20thBattalion, Kings Liverpool Regiment. He has no known grave, and is one of over 72,000 names on the Thiepval Memorial to the Missing of the Somme.
As a double tragedy, his elder brother John Frederick Gilks, of the 1stBattalion, Essex Regiment, (not the 12thBattalion as on our Roll of Honour) was also killed a few months later, on 12thOctober, 1916. I believe this was may have been in the action that took place that day near the village of Gueudecourt, where the 1stEssex fought alongside the Newfoundland Regiment – both being part of the 88thBrigade. John Frederick Gilks is buried in the Bancourt British Cemetery near Calais.
Neither of the Gilks brothers was born in Oxhill, and their birth records – one at Hendon, one at West Ham – seemed rather distant. I was somewhat relieved therefore to find their father, (baptised Wheeler John, but known as John) in the 1881 census, aged 24 and single, working as a gardener in Barking, Essex. He must have stayed on in the area after marriage, when the outer fringes of London were more rural, and provided gardening work. He had been born in Idlicote, and was one of a large family, several of whom were to come and settle in Oxhill. (One of his brothers was William Gilks, the village blacksmith; another, Tom lived in part of Meadow Cottage) John was not in Oxhill for the 1901 census, but his wife died the following year, and he apparently came to the village in the years after her death. He lived in Gilks Cottage, then known as Sunnyside. He is remembered by his great-niece, Evelyn Colyer, nee Gilks, who tells me that he worked then as a landscape gardener, with his work mainly outside the village.
Two of his daughters were married in Oxhill Church, in 1913 and 1915, and two unmarried daughters, Minnie and Mabel, lived with him. Older residents will remember Miss Mabel Gilks who was church organist for many years, and amongst many other duties always in charge of decorating the font at Harvest Festival.
There are altogether eleven Gilks names on the roll of Honour, three of them casualties (the names in red-lettering). Frank Gilks, son of Tom, was to die on 13thApril, 1918. I hope to have researched the other village casualties – Frank Thackwell, (died 26.10.1917), Arthur Rouse, (d 1.12.1917,) Clark Middleton, (d 23.3.1918), and Sydney Ward (d 18.5.1918) - more fully by the time Remembrance Day comes around. All information gratefully received!
Ann Hale
Church Service Times
St. Lawrence Oxhill
Sunday August 6th - 9:30 - Holy Communion. Rev. Bill Rolfe.
Sunday August 13th - 9:30 - Holy Communion. Rev. George Warner.
Sunday August 20th - 6:30 - Evensong, Rev Bill Rolfe.
Sunday August 27th - 9:30 - Holy Communion. Rev. Stephen Knight.
Open Gardens
July 11th was the worst Sunday in the whole summer to pick! Finals at Wimbledon, the Final at the World Cup, John & Shirley Baines’ Diamond Wedding Celebration and, worst of all, a Force 8 gale! Only Percy’s forceful pegging down kept his green and white striped tent from taking off to Tysoe.
Never mind, we tried very hard to make a go of it.
Many thanks to:
Belinda Roberts for designing and printing over 300 posters and flyers
Charles McCall for carefully drawn and helpful maps of the gardens
Carol Fox for all the teacups, chairs and helpful advice
The car-park boys who stuck out their hour-long stints stoically
Graham, Andy, Bill Fox and Charles McCall
Posy, Myrtle and Julie for the delicious scones they baked
David Knight for being on to Publicity like a flash – Radio twice a day for a week, the WHY? and the local papers.
The cream teas slid down well and took us out of the red.
I have indented for the advertisements, which set us back £130, but finally handed over the vast sum of £105. There we go.
Last but certainly not least a massive thank you to all those who opened their gardens which, considering it was July, looked stunning.
Gill Rodwell
[I feel that thanks are also due to Gill, who took on the arranging of this traditional event when most were busy with scarecrows. Pity about the weather; if that is against you little can be done, and my recollection was that it was awful that Sunday. A great shame, but it has happened before and will doubtless happen again. Editor]
Child Car Seat Law
In September the law on car seat belt use and child restrain is changing. The main difference relates to children between the ages of 3 and 11. At the moment a child restrain need only be used if available. But from the autumn the correct child restraint seat must be used.
There is also a new height criterion that comes into force. So, if the child is over 11 years of age but under 1.35 metres tall (approx 4ft 5ins) then the same regulation will apply.
The effect of the new law will be to reduce the number of child deaths or injury by 2000 each year. So, even if it does impose a further burden of responsibility on the driver, it must be regarded as a positive move.
This information is supplied by Nippers Baby Equipment Specialists; tel 01926 633100 or website www.nippers.co.uk.
Pauline (Peggy) Pritchard
We were sorry to hear of Peggy’s recent death in Whatcote. Many Oxhillians will have known her and her late husband Roly over many years and will wish to join us in sending our best wishes to her family.
Whatcote ‘Teas on the Green & Table top Sale’
Bank Holiday Monday August 28th- 3.00-6.00pm
We are holding a Table top Sale again this year with our Annual ‘Teas on the Green’.
Produce, Bric-a-brac, Household, China & Glassware, Tombola etc.
Many bargains!
Proceeds to St Peter’s Church and the Warwickshire & Northamptonshire Air Ambulance.
Chernobyl's Children - Coffee Morning
We would like to thank all those who helped to make the coffee morning such a success.
We made £582 on the morning and, with donations added, the grand total is now £1,400.
The winner of the bottle of whisky for correctly guessing how much we made on the morning was Jan Rumke of Tysoe.
Thank you to all those who put their scarecrows out. The children loved them.
Anne Marshall and Angela Emmerson
[I would like to add my personal thanks to Jan Rumke for so accurately guessing the total made on the day. I understand that there was a recount to check whether the winner was Jan or myself, and I really don’t like whisky. Editor]
Thank You
Please may I say a most heartfelt thank you to all those who were there for my ordination and the party afterwards. It was the most extraordinary day, and one which I shall not readily forget. Particular thanks are due to Mike Collins for masterminding the transport, and to Gaynor van Dijk for organising the catering production line of the entire village, or so it seemed, not to mention all of you who cooked, served, washed up, moved chairs and did a thousand and one things. My thanks to you all for something very special.
Jill
Kineton Oil Consortium
Oil will be ordered again in early September, so if you will be away please don’t forget before you go.
The last date for ordering will be September 10th.
Di Harper
Sponsored Cycle/ Walk/ Horse Ride
This annual event, which is organised by Warwickshire & Coventry Historic Churches Trust, will take place on Saturday 9th September.
Participants are sponsored for the number of churches which they can visit between 10.00am & 6.00pm.
Half the money raised goes to the Trust, which is to help churches in the district, and the other half goes directly to the church chosen by the sponsored person.
So far as I know St. Lawrence will not be taking part this year, though it has in the past. However St. Peter’s Whatcote, which has received valuable financial help from the Trust for the recent tower repairs and for previous repairs to the chancel, will be open and will be manned to welcome visitors.
Cups, which are held for a year, are awarded to those who visit most churches. There are 3 categories – under 18, between 18 and 54, and 55 years and over.
If you would like to take part, sponsorship forms and lists of churches which will be open may be obtained from Richard Holloway at 3 The Orchard, Whatcote. (tel 680698)
Scarecrow Weekend - A Big Thank you!!
Many thanks to all the cake-makers of Oxhill. What a wonderful selection of cakes you provided, many of you making 2 and more!
Thank goodness!! We were left with just 2 cakes at the end of the weekend!
Many thanks also to the 'merry band' of helpers. We couldn't have done it without you!
I really appreciate you giving up time to help on Saturday and Sunday. I would also like to take the opportunity to thank Lilian, who masterminds the whole weekend - and what a wonderful weekend we had!!
Three cheers for Lilian and three cheers for Oxhill!!!
Gaynor Fila
Notes of the Oxhill Parish Council Meeting
Tuesday 11th July 2006 at8.00pm in theVillage Hall
APPOINTMENT OF OFFICERS
Hugh Rowse and Carol Taylor were welcomed as Parish Councillors to fill the two existing vacancies. Declarations of Office and Financial Interest Forms were duly completed and signed.
MATTERS DISCUSSED
Coventry Airport
A letter had been received confirming that the West Midlands International Airport Ltd had decided to implement the proposed routes (see information reported at May meeting).
Planning
Permission had been granted for proposed extension to form living accommodation at Moat House.
Permission also granted to raise and repair pigsty roof, remove walls and block store at Church House.
Application for single storey extension at Appletree Cottage and application to fell birch trees at Merrilees were both returned with no objections.
Trading Standards
Information had been received to raise awareness of Scams being targeted at Warwickshire residents:
Boiler Room Scam– these operations are based overseas and earn money by ringing UK investors selling very high-risk shares which may be worth a lot less than you pay.
Direct Mail Scam– The most common of these are letters from so-called psychics and clairvoyants promising to make predictions that will change your life.
On Line Dating Scam– Almost always they will ask you to send money for travel costs.
A Package Awaits Collection– Look out for cards dropped through your letterbox informing you that a package is awaiting collection and to ring a number. These are premium numbers and cost up to £15.
Miracle Heath Cures– Mailing and e-mails from unscrupulous sellers of medical products
The Seasonal Doorstep Tarmac Rouges– In most cases the work is of poor standard and the price often rises.
These are just some of the scams about at the moment. Always be aware of any contact made without you asking for it, money being requested before goods are received, or offering something for nothing.
Emergency Plans
Community Emergency Plans for Warwickshire County Council were updated to include new Parish Councillors.
Food Hygiene
Stratford District Council are proposing introduction in September of a Food Hygiene Inspection Rating Scheme for food businesses in the District. The results of this will be available to view on their website, www.stratford.gov.uk.
DATE OF NEXT MEETING
Tuesday 12th September 2006 at 8.00 p.m. in the Village Hall.
Angela Kean, Clerk
Come and Sing!
Stour Singers, Shipston’s Choral Society, extend a warm welcome to anyone who enjoys singing to join them in their 31st Season which begins on Thursday 28th September 2006 in the Community Lounge of Shipston High School.
NO AUDITION – just enthusiasm!
There will be a get-together with a drink at 7 p.m. followed by rehearsal 7.30 – 9.00 p.m. conducted by Richard Emms, the choir’s founder director.
The choir gives two concerts each year, in December & May. The programme of Christmas Music to be performed on December 9th 2006 in St. Edmund’s church, Shipston, includes Charpentier’s ‘Midnight Mass for Christmas Eve’ which was written in the early 1690’s. It is a beautiful joyful piece incorporating carols of the day and full of jolly rhythms.
For further details please contact the choir manager, Vic Twyman on 01608 – 664215.
Notorious Villains Ball
Saturday 23rd September, 2006
8.30pm – 12.30am
Townsend Hall, Shipston on Stour,Warwickshire
In aid of Shipston Home Nursing
Guest D Js - Rich T and Woody
COMMITTEE
Venetia Adamson Harry Cox Edward Coyte Hattie Crockett Mary Edwards William Godfrey Zoe Goddard Jenny Haighton Emma Kilvington Georgina Mawle Tara Osborne Holly Rance Annie Sargent Charlie Williams Henry Williams
For more information about the Ball please log on to our website:-
www.notoriousvillains.co.uk
For tickets please telephone Deborah Williams:- 01608 682 007
25 Years Ago
The News of August 1981 was, like several others of that era, a rather unusual publication of five pages of A5. This involved the normal printing on both sides of an A4 sheet, and then putting page 3 twice onto one side of a second sheet. That was then chopped in half and inserted into the folded A4. Being idler than the Editors of that time I simply arrange for the number of pages to be a multiple of four and, if jut a little short of copy, shamelessly pad! You might have noticed.
The Parish Council announced a special commendation for the village in the Best Kept Village competition (does that still go on?). And the church announced a further round of fundraising to pay for stopping the rain getting in through the chancel roof.
Just to prove to Mrs. Rodwell that what goes around comes around, the Playgroup described their fundraising Strawberry Tea (held in July) as a Strawberry Fiasco. All down to the torrential downpour which made rather a mess of the event.
Tysoe WI had had a demonstration of Hair Pin Crochet and the Youth Club announced a forthcoming visit to Alton Towers. Back then that was probably a real event.
Joy Bloxham took over the distribution of the News from Gwyn Adams and warned she was about to start collecting subscriptions. Those of you who read all the News may remember the procedure being reversed recently, though thanks to the Parish Council Gwyn does not have to worry about subscription collections.
Miss Coldicott had won the 50m, 80m and sack races at Coleshill hospital, and Max Brooker offered to walk dogs.
Keith and Julia Seabridge were welcomed to April Corner vice Brian and Mary Badger, and Eve Whaley offered to return a small stainless steel ladle and a plastic drainer spoon, which had been left behind after the curry lunch. It was really nice to see the curry lunch being revived this summer.
Now, what was I saying about shameless padding?
Editor
Congratulations
We would like to offer our heartiest congratulations to John and Shirley Baines on their recently reaching the fiftieth anniversary of their marriage.
Refuse Collections in August
August Bank Holiday
There will be no collection on Tuesday 29th August.
Refuse bags only will be collected on Wednesday 30th August.
Both refuse bags and green garden waste will be collected as normal on Tuesday 5th September.
Editor
Shipston Home Nursing - Lecture Series
You are invited to a Lecture Series on Gardening at Armscote Manor.
Monday 4th September
‘Kew Palace and the Madness of George III’
Dr Lucy Wolsey, Chief Curator of Historic Royal Palaces
Tuesday 5th September
Campaign to Protect Rural England
Tom Oliver – Head of Rural Policy at the CPRE
Wednesday 6th September
‘A Life in Horticulture’
Gwyn Perry – Head Gardener at Armscote Manor
Thursday 7th September
‘New schemes for historic gardens: a new approach to garden conservation’
Dr Isabelle Van Groeningen
The lectures start at 7 p.m. with a glass of wine
(Sponsored by Bablake Wines Limited)
For tickets please contact Deborah Williams or Madeleine James at Armscote Manor, Armscote, Warwickshire, CV37 8DA
T: 01608 682 375
Please make cheques payable to Shipston Home Nursing and send applications for tickets with a self addressed stamped envelope.
Ticket prices:
1 lecture £14.00
2 lectures £26.00
3 lectures £33.00
4 lectures £44.00
Tickets will not be available on the door
Letters ....
Dear George,
“Just One Look” by Jan Vivian
I thought of letting you and The Oxhill News know that a personal goal has been achieved in the writing of a novel and finding a publisher.
Crunch-time has arrived. The first was finding someone to take on my first attempt at a novel I started while I waited for the airport bus in Greece, four years ago. I've been writing ever since and some of the very shortest pieces are on a web site I had set up by a cousin in Holland. It is part of the publicity that will back up the launch of my first novel, "Just One Look".
Publication day is 17th July and the enclosed ‘flyer’ gives information on the book and the publishers. I am told that the first book signing is being planned and the first two chapters are being considered for recording for those using i-Pods.
I can also tell you that a collection of 3 short stories (195 pages in total) have been accepted by another publisher (SERENDIPITY) and are due out in the autumn.
My regards, Johan Vivian Van Dijk
[We are always delighted to support local industry, and writing novels seems to be about as industrious as it goes judging by the number of cups of coffee needed to produce even the shortest of editorials.
The flyer mentioned is unfortunately a bit large for the News, but this ‘inspiring and compassionate read’ is available now, published by Melrose Books in de-luxe hardback at £14.99. That’s not a lot nowadays for a hardback novel. The ISBN is 1-905226-62-4.
Will it fit your bookcase? 234 mm x 156 mm or, for those still working in old money, about 9 by 6. Editor]
South Warwickshire Health Walks
Fancy a stroll but would rather walk with others? Why not join one of these free regular guided walks around a variety of short attractive routes. For more information, call 01926 456067 for a copy of the current programme.
DJN (VLO, Oxhill)
WI Report - July 2006
Pip Handy was an enthusiastic speaker. He briefly detailed the history and traditions of the craft of thatching. Then he demonstrated and explained regional variations of techniques, materials and equipment.
He spoke as brightly about the future as he did of the past. Wearing his 1700s-style smock he told us about a school for trainees in Wellingborough. He finished with a touch of magic.
Jackie Batchelor was hostess. Chris Smith and Christine Chapman provided the refreshments. Flower of the month: 1st Pam McLeod’s fragrant red rose; 2nd Kath Silman’s Bears’ breeches (Acanthus).
Future meetings:
August 3rd: lunch in Brailes, after a morning walk for the energetic.
September 6th: Woodland Trust. Judging of cuttings raised for the Oxhill Cup. Appointment of committees *90th birthday celebrations *90th year spring show.
September 20th group meeting at Ratley
October: Highland dress (a change to the planned programme)
You are most welcome to join us.
B.Keep
communityfreebay.co.uk
This is a free local exchange website for Warwickshire and Coventry. It links up people who have things they don’t want with people who need them. For more information, just go to the website.
Need help with computing/accessing the internet or don’t have a computer? Visit the Silver Surfers free internet sessions held at the Old Fire Station, Tysoe every Monday morning.
DJN (VLO, Oxhill)