Copy for the next edition should be given to Roger or Vanessa by midnight on 15thAugustplease.
Paper submissions can be left in the box in the Church
If you normally prepare your material using a computer, it would make my life easier ifyou could submit your offering in electronic form. The ‘official’ e-mail address is: news-editor @ oxhill.org.uk if you wish to send me stuff that way.
This edition (489)
edited by Vanessa Druce & Roger Goodman
Cover Picture
Henry introduces young Bentley to the Peacock.
Contributions to the Oxhill News
The News is what we make it!
The editors would welcome any pictures, photographs, drawings, poems, puzzles, recipes, announcements or items of local news for possible inclusion in The Oxhill News.
Please emailnews-editor @ oxhill.org.ukor place paper contributions in the box labelled ‘The Oxhill News’ in the Church.
Mobile Library
The library van has books withlarge print, ordinary print, picture books, children's books, paperbacks, non-fiction, novels, sagas, crime, mysteries, adventures, westerns and romance. The van also has talking books, cassettes and CDs.
The library van will continue to visit Oxhill every 3rd Friday, stopping at the Village Hall at 2:30pm and staying there for 30 minutes.
This monththe van will visit us on Friday 7th & 28th at 2:30pm.
You can renew books between van visits by calling 01926 851031, or online at www.Warwickshire.gov.uk/wild.
Refuse Collections
Recycling and green waste bins (blue and green bins) will be collected on Tuesdays 11th and 25th.
The grey rubbish bins will be collected on Tuesday 4th and 18th.
Weekday Walkers
Weekday Walkers usually walks on the 2nd and 4th Friday's of the month.
If you are interested in joining or to find information, pleasecontact Jim Saxton on 01295 680645 or
at saxton @ talktalk.net.
At the Peacock
Village Events
The village coffee morning is on Wednesday 5th August at 10:30am and the village lunch is on Wednesday 19th August at 12:30pm.
Ridgeway Walkers raise £1725
A huge thank you to everyone in the village who sponsored us for our 52-mile Ridge Walk in 24 hours back in June, in aid of the deafblind charity Sense.
We did it, although probably never again as it was certainly tough! We actually completed the trek, finishing together, in just over 22 hours.
Pictured are: Karen, Stuart, Adrian, Katy, Stuart (and support crew Belinda and Malcolm)
Adrian Marklew
Church Cleaning
A vacancy has occurred for a member of the church cleaning team. We desperately need to fill this vacancy. The cleaning team work in pairs once a month on a rota. Some brass cleaning may be required. Please contact 680223. Thank you.
Carol Fox
Village Hall Events
Forthcoming Events
Coming next…
Saturday 29 August - Oxhill v Tysoe cricket match
Training has started for the return match against Tysoe. This year Oxhill are the hosts, albeit we will be making a return to the Tysoe cricket pitch on the recreation field. However, we are determined to make `home` advantage count this time, whether it’s even more Pimm’s on show from the Oxhill WAGs, or the opportunity to take over the commentary this time round!
The match gets under way at 2pm. We hope to see you there.Please note the day is Saturday and NOT Sunday as stated in last month’s `Oxhill News`.
Coming in September…
Saturday 12 September - Progressive Supper
The ever-popular Progressive Supper returns on 12 September. There is no particular culinary theme this year so hosts, it’s your call. We gather in the village hall for drinks at 7pm, then split up into groups to enjoy starters and main courses in different houses across the village before returning to the village hall for dessert. The cost to take part if £17.50 each but if you host a course there is no charge to take part.
This is a fantastic opportunity to meet one another in our homes and experience our warm and friendly village atmosphere, especially for newcomers to Oxhill.
If you would like to participate, please telephone Diana Cronin on 680938 and let her know whether you would prefer to host a course of food or would like some tickets.
Saturday 19 September - Village Market
Last year’s Village Food Festival was hugely popular and we hope you will come along and support our Village Market. This year the village hall will be hosting stalls and displays covering organic gardening, wool products from local sheep, locally grown chillies and honey, pottery made by Tysoe’s Penny Varley, a stall from the Wot2Grow community orchard, and others to be confirmed, plus there will be refreshments for sale.
The market will take place between 10am and 12noon and admission is £1 for adults and free for children.
And advance notice….
Friday 9 October - British Night (to celebrate the 75thanniversary of the end of the Battle of Britain)
Friday 30 October - Mark Harrison (original roots and blues)supported by Robyn Johnson
Friday 13 November - Indian Night
Monday 7 December - Village Christmas Lunch
Friday 18 December - Cocktail Night
Presentation to Derek
The Village Hall Committee paid tribute to Derek Harbour at its July meeting in recognition of Derek’s fantastic contribution as Chairman over the past five years. They presented him with a cut glass port decanter as shown here.
That Derek continues to be affectionately known as Mr Chairman, despite stepping down at the AGM in April, pretty much says it all!
(Photo: A delighted Derek alongside Tricia)
Reminder - The Great Shakespeare Ride
Oxhill welcomes The Great Shakespeare Ride on Sunday 16 August when cyclists raising money for the Shakespeare Hospice will be stopping off at the village hall to `re-fuel` with much-welcome drinks and snacks. Volunteers to help on the day are sought to make and serve sandwiches (ingredients will be provided), cakes and drinks.
If you can help with the catering or by providing a cake, please contact Tricia Harbour on 680676.
Barn Dance
September 26th
Just to remind you that the above is all fixed up. Same band "The Silver Bough". As usual there will be a donation bar and a pig roast is booked for the evening. Do hope you are keeping the date free and will give us the same support as last year.
Carol Fox
Garden Club
I refer the reader to my report in the February Oxhill News on the talk given to the Garden Club by Anne Chambers owner of Kiftsgate Court near Chipping Campden which prompted a visit by club members to her gardens – an event which took place on the afternoon of Tuesday 15thJuly.
Those who had not been to Kiftsgate before were impressed by the scale of the operation – from the laden sale tables of plants in prime condition to the tea rooms that could cater for 80+ seated customers at any one time. In the gardens themselves one found a new delight at virtually every step – a new specie, an unusual variety, striking juxtapositions of colour and form, and the discovery of yet another hidden corner of the gardens.
On this warm afternoon the gardens were alive with pollinating insects – white tailed bumblebees, hoverflies and even a day flying (hawk?) moth sipping nectar from the profusion of species in flower. I’m sure that the gardens would be just as colourful at any time from April through to September, but for us viewing conditions were just right – a cloudy sky (not too hot for flowers or visitors), the soil moist from recent rain (though the paths were dry) and a wind free day that allowed the various scents from the flowers to ‘drift’ into one’s consciousness.
Some of the party declined the trip to the lower gardens and pool (way, way below!) with the opportunity to traverse back and forth along a series of terraces on the way down where the plantings show the same love for plants, shrubs and trees that is so evident in the more accessible area around the buildings higher up. The view from the lower gardens and pool was to die for – as was the climb back up the stone steps to the main terrace! Luckily I discovered a little used path through the adjoining woodland that provided a gentler route back and was rewarded with the sight of a profusion of foxgloves in the wild – some over six feet in height. I, too, was able to sample some (forbidden?) fruit from a wild cherry tree towards the end of the climb.
For those who care about such things, the tubs of ice cream on sale were something special, the scones with strawberry jam and cream delicious, the ‘breakfast’ tea refreshing, and the loos spotless.
One cannot conclude without mentioning the Kiftsgate rose(Rosa filipes ‘Kiftsgate’). Sixty plus feet in height with panicles of flowers from ground level to the very tops of a number of ‘supporting’ trees. To state that there were tens of thousands of individual blooms on this one ‘plant’ would not be an exaggeration.
I, personally, have never enjoyed a garden visit more than this one and can wholeheartedly recommend the whole Kiftsgate ‘experience’.
Douglas Nethercleft
Abseiling
This year I shall be 70 (I realise that’s very hard to believe) and I have decided to mark the occasion by abseiling down the Women’s Centre at the John Radcliffe in support of the Cancer & Haematology Day Treatment Unit Fund.
If you would like to sponsor me please go on towww.justgiving.com and visit my page “Judith Badger” or if you prefer just let me know and I will add your name to my sponsor form.
Many thanks.
Judith Badger, 01295 688010,thebadgers@hotmail.co.uk
Minutes of a Meeting of Oxhill Parish Council
Held on Tuesday 14th July at 8:00pm in the Village Hall
The meeting chaired by Grenville Moore was attended by Parish Councillors: Carol Taylor, David Hill and Sue Hunt and Stuart Whittaker. Three members of the public also attended.
Matter discussed
Electricity Network alterations
On Main Street and Beech Road, Oxhill Warwickshire, Freedom have replied on behalf of Western Power Distribution (West Midlands) to concerns by a resident about damage to hedging and garden stating that any damage would be put right and that work will be carried out as to cause as little disruption as possible.
Planning
Application for permission to fell a twisted willow at Windrush, Main Street was returned with no objection. Permission was granted for arboricultural work at The Fellows House. Listed building Consent was granted to repair plaster work throughout the Old Rectory. Also, for a two and single storey additions at the Granary and A first floor extension to Appletree cottage.The Appeal for permission to build 4 dwellings of Fithers Field has been dismissed.
Finance
Internal audit had been completed costs of £30 was paid. The charge of £100 for the uncontested election on 7thMay was also paid
Warwickshire Rural Community Councilwill be invited to the next meeting to discuss affordable housing and a housing needs plan.
Transparency Code
In order to comply with the Transparency code requirements for Smaller Authorities that Parish Councils are now required to meet it was decided that the Parish Council use the village web site to meet the requirements and the necessary documents will be uploaded as and when appropriate.
Land to the East of Oxhill Church
A letter will be sent from the Parish Council expressing their and local residents concerns to the planning department at Stratford District Council.
Highways
In view of current planning applications with permission for outline planning on the Green Lane now extending beyond the 30 mile an hour speed limit a letter will be sent to the Highways department at Stratford on Avon District Council suggesting that the current position of the speed limit be reviewed with a view to altering its location e.g. to the rise on the Whatcote Road. Although resurfacing has taken place on the Honington Road there remains a large pot hole and noticeable gaps in the treatment of the road, a letter will be sent to Highways.
Grenville Moore proposed that as a sign of appreciation for Angela Keen’s service as Parish Clerk over the last 30 years that a voucher of £100 was purchased for her. This was seconded by David Hill and carried unanimously.
Date of the next meeting
Tuesday 8thSeptember 2015 8.pm in the Village Hall.
Lis Stuart, Clerk
Planning Update
The appeal by Spitfire Properties Ltd., to build four dwellings on Fithers Field, Kineton Road has been DISMISSED.
The Inspector makes many references to the linear pattern of development in the village stating " I conclude that the proposed development would introduce a backland form of development, encroaching into an open landscape, at odds with the predominantly linear settlement pattern " She also goes into detail regarding access and safety on the site " furthermore, the proposal would fail to provide a satisfactory means of access." In the final paragraphs she concludes " However, when assessed against the Framework taken as a whole, the harm to the settlement pattern and its landscape character would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the limited benefits. "
As I write this there is still no news on Leys Field.
There will be soon, we believe, a planning application submitted for a proposed development of two houses on Church Orchard, the small field to the east of the Church, which has a footpath running diagonally across it and is much used by many dog owners and walkers in the village. This field is in the heart of the conservation area and is surrounded by listed buildings. It is important for many reasons that this field is preserved as it is and I will keep everyone posted as and to when any further information is received.
Grenville Moore
Chairman Parish Council
Church Service Times
St. Lawrence Oxhill
All are warmly invited to our services
Sunday 2nd - Trinity IX
9:30 a.m. Parish Communion (ML)
Sunday 9th - Trinity X
9:30 a.m. Morning Worship (JT)
Sunday 16th - Trinity XI
9:30 a.m. Parish Communion (ML)
Sunday 23rd - Trinity XII
9:30 a.m. Family Communion (NM)
Sunday 30th - Trinity XIII
9:30 a.m. Benefice Communion at Whatcote
For details of other services in the Benefice please see the list in Church or telephone the clergy.
Vicarage Notes
Dear friends,
To everyone who’s holidaying this month, we wish a safe journey, a happy time away, and that feeling on return of “it’s good to be back”!
The 3rdcentury saint to whom Oxhill Church is dedicated has his feast day on August 10th. In my diary, the Parsons Pocket Book (I’ve not gone electronic!), it has the entry “Laurence, Deacon, Martyr, 258”. Jill’s service on the 9thwill be the Patronal Service – so do come along to remember him.
Best Wishes & God bless,
Nicholas Morgan
01608 685230
braileschurch @ gmail.com
Deanery News
As we come to the end of another busy year, it is time to rest and enjoy the summer: so you are warmly invited to tea and cakes in our garden, for the Shipston Deanery.
GARDEN PARTY
On Saturday, August 15thbetween 3.00 and 5.00pm atThe Old House, Oxhill CV35 0QN
Gifts of cakes would be much appreciated
Jill and Colin Tucker, 01295 688193
Any donations will be used to support parish ministry in some of the most financially deprived parts of our Diocese.
Looking further ahead, you might like to note the ‘Reconciling a Wounded Planet’ Conference at Coventry Cathedral on September 18thand 19th, where Christians will explore together how to find solutions to our growing environmental crisis, an creating a lasting legacy that will protect the planet for generations to come. Full details are on
www.reconcilingawoundedplanet.com
After the summer comes Harvest: ahead of the Harvest Festival at the end of September there is going to be a MESSY HARVEST in The Old Chapel on Saturday, September 19th between 10am and 12noon. Much as we did at Easter, this will give the children a chance to explore Harvest and create for us a display to be put for all to see at the back of the church. Anyone is welcome to drop by and help, and share in suitable refreshments!
In October the Dean of Coventry, Very Revd. John Witcombe will be our guest at the Deanery Synod on October 6th, at 7.30pm at Butlers Marston Church. Later that month Bishop John will be leading a Quiet Morning at The Old Chapel, in Oxhill, on Saturday, October 31st, 10.00am – 1.00pm. Everyone is warmly invited to both of these events.
Have a wonderful summer,
Blessings, Jill
Annual Boules Match
The annual village Boules match was held as usual in July close to Bastille Day. This year it was Sunday 19th which proved to have been an excellent choice as we were blessed with glorious sunny weather.
The pitch had been prepared since last year by driving a lot of cars over it to ensure it was uneven and where possible scattered with odd shaped gravel. The whole strategy was to level the playing field such that even skilled folk who had a vague understanding of the rules gained no advantage at all.
Stripy jumpers a la Duchess of Cambridge were much in evidence, as players relaxed in the sunshine or competed enthusiastically.
There was a generous lunch with French cheese, pate, bread and salad, washed down with fine wines from the village hall cellars.
By this time everyone was ready, and teams were organised by Derek, Stuart and Katy. To start with we all played three games where the winner was the team who first got to five points, with any doubts about whose ball was nearest to the jack being resolved by an official looking piece of string ably wielded by Stuart.
After the first three games a number of teams were eliminated and the competition moved to a knockout stage. This picture shows the finalists with the champions Ian and Kirstian from Binton and our own newcomers Mike and Heather from Whitehill who came a gallant second. So for the first time the Cup moves away from Oxhill. We look forward to retrieving it next year!!
Summer Holiday Activities
During the month of August, we have booked Oxhill Village Hall for a few hours on a Tuesday with the aim of getting the children of the village to have a few friendly informal playdates. This is also a good opportunity for the grown-ups to meet and greet some of the new faces in the village, and to relax with a cuppa! This is open to all ages of children, from babies and toddlers to older girls and boys.
We plan to arrange some activities for the children - Pens, pencils, playdough etc will be provided but if you have any other ideas/resources you'd like to bring, please let us know. The morning will be followed by a 'bring your own' picnic lunch at 12pm, hopefully outside the village hall on the grassy area or inside depending on the weather. If you have one, please bring a picnic blanket for your family to use.
All we ask for is a contribution of £2 per family to cover the cost of the hall hire, plus if possible a toy/activity of some description that you are happy to bring and share with others (something you don't mind getting damaged - just in case!) and don't forgetBYOP(bring your own picnic!).
The dates in August are:
Tuesday 4th - 10am to 1pm
Tueday 11th - 10am to 1pm
Tuesday 18th - 10am to 1pm
Tuesday 25th - 10am to 1pm
For further information, please contact:
Catherine Kimmins (07811195345) or Lynsey Cleaver (07960783080)
Oxhill's Next Generation
Recently there have been a number of Oxhill babies born and also families with young children moving into the village.
Tysoe and Kineton have regular baby and toddler groups and although Oxhill's mini baby boom may not justify a regular group yet, we thought it would be fun to arrange a get-together for the little ones.
Nearly forty years ago, a group of Oxhill mums set up and ran a successful play group in the Village Hall. These groups are fun for the kids and can also provide a support network for parents. If there was a demand for it, we could look at doing something similar but, to start with, let's just get together for a cup of tea and depending on numbers, I will either host or book the village hall.
If you would be interested in coming, along, please let me know.
Jo 680411
Welcome
to New Oxhill Residents
The past couple of months have seen the arrival of five new families here in Oxhill.
Mike and Heather have moved into The Granary at Whitehill.
Alison, Scott and children are at Gateways opposite the Pub.
Lisa and Reuben are now at Meadow View from where Alan Bevis moved to Tysoe.
Duncan, Jane and family have moved into Hillox on the Whatcote Road.
Nicola and Mike Field and family are at 3 The Sett.
WOT2Grow - Community Orchard
We are now producing soft fruit and enjoying the summer months at the orchard! The hard work of members over the winter and spring is beginning to pay off but there are still things to do. As always the weather plays a large part in what we do and as it has warmed up again the beneficial insects are coming into their own. Plenty of ladybird larva, baby earwigs and small spiders are congregating in the fruit trees and all help in the battle against aphids! We are also grateful for some good rain spells!
The bee hives have moved into the hedge which we hope will help with the bees' well being as we so badly need them in the orchard.
Tysoe School paid another visit to the orchard just before breaking up and it was lovely to see familiar faces who remembered things from previous visits. They are seeing the orchard at different stages through the year and were very excited to find ladybird larvae in the apple trees! Being able to pick and eat some soft fruit as well as cakes and squash added to a successful visit
CREAM TEAS!
Our annual Open Sunday Afternoon is on September 6thfrom 2:00 to 4:00pm.
Do come along and enjoy the orchard, along with a cream tea, and see what we are doing and how we are progressing. Cakes and preserves will be available.
If you can give just an hour of your time to help at the orchard we would be delighted to have you come along! Membership is also available and for an annual fee and a little effort you can get lots of wonderful fresh fruit in season – why not try it! Contact one of us for details.
Liz Atkinson (680045), Paul Sayer (680451), Sue and Mike Sanderson (688080)
Carice Singers Concert
The Carice Singers gave us the most wonderful evening of music on July 10th – they were stunning, and a real joy to have with us. My grateful thanks to all those who helped with food, drink, washing up and hosting the singers themselves, and of course to all those who came and supported us – both the Carice Singers and St. Lawrence Church.
Jill Tucker
Taking a stand on Ceremonies
Ann Hale tells in this and later articles about the history of Oxhill
A brief entry in the Parish Registers can suggest a longer story. On September 19th 1662, a baptism was held for five children from two families – an unusually corporate event. The children were Emanuel, Love and Wright, the sons of Robert Makepeace, and Nathaniel, Daniel and Hester, the children of William Walton. It is possible, if unlikely, that the Makepeace trio were triplets, but more is known about the Waltons, and these children ranged in age, and had not therefore all been baptised as babies.
The Commonwealth period 1649 – 1660 had put considerable restrictions on traditional ceremonies, which were rejected by the Puritans as ungodly. Persistent families could with difficulty find a minister prepared to officiate. (In Deptford in 1652 the diarist John Evelyn arranged for his mother-in-law a burial service “with all decent ceremonie” the first there for seven years.) However it was during the preceding Civil War period of the 1640s that Oxhill itself suffered most disruption, and consecutive blank years are left in the Registers. The only burial between 1645 and 1650, was that of the son of Matthew Clarke lord of the manor and relative of the Rector, Walwyn Clarke. Marriages were affected in both Wars and Commonwealth; there were no church weddings here from 1640 to 1656.
The level of christenings was however maintained, and it seems unlikely that the Rector took a Puritan stance. The more likely explanation for the late baptism of Makepeaces and Waltons is that they were dissenters. William Walton and his family are known to have been Quakers, and the names of the Makepeace children suggest a similar Puritan influence. The Quaker movement was then growing fast in the Midlands. Their bulk christening has the appearance of a “mopping up” operation by the Rector, bringing his flock back into line after the Restoration had re-established the Church’s authority.
The development of colonies across the Atlantic later gave the Walton brothers the opportunity to seek more religious freedom. Their father, William, (while himself remaining in Oxhill), bought a holding in the Proprietary of West Jersey, entitling him to land which he left to his four sons, who had already emigrated to America c1682. These four - Nathaniel and Daniel, (baptised 1662), an intervening brother Thomas whose baptism is not recorded, and William, (baptised 1664) - settled in Byberry, (named after Bibury in Oxfordshire, with which the family also had links), and formed a dynasty which has flourished and spread. Other Waltons and their descendants stayed on in Oxhill until the early nineteenth century, with one isolated later burial in 1922 of a Richard Walton who lived at Nolands Farm.
What happened to Emanuel, Love and Wright I cannot say. (There was a Wright family in Oxhill so Wright’s name may be a pun rather than a misspelling.) Makepeace entries continue in the Registers but not with these distinctive names, nor that of their father Robert. If my supposition that they were Quakers is correct, they may later have become members of the Ettington Meeting House, built with burial ground c1684, or – (and I speculate) – like the Waltons have sought religious freedom in the New World.
Ann Hale, Oxhill News, First published in June 2010
Rural Crime Advice
Warwickshire Police and the Stratford District Council’s Rural Crime Co-ordinators are urging residents to be aware of Cold Callers. This time of year can see a rise in the numbers of doorstep crimes reported which can include distraction burglaries, bogus officials, high pressure doorstep selling, rogue traders and cold callers, the message is ‘If in Doubt, Keep them Out’. Report any suspicious individuals to the police either using the non-emergency 101 service (no immediate danger) or in an emergency dial 999, (suspicious individuals at your address or a neighbours)
Beware of bogus traders
Bogus traders may try and point out 'problems' that don't actually exist. Such traders can be extremely persuasive and elderly and vulnerable people are often targeted. Low prices are quoted, but as the work starts the price tends to increase.
In most cases the work is done to a very poor standard, leaving the owner facing a second bill to have the work redone properly. They use a variety of sales pitches to get you to agree to having work done. These include suggesting that the property, if not repaired, will be dangerous and may cause additional problems to the structure of your home or putting a time restriction on the offer to hurry you into making a decision.
The work will normally be done immediately, before the householder changes their mind, and very often any information provided by the workmen (names, addresses, telephone numbers) are false, making them very hard to trace.
How to protect yourself from bogus traders:
• don't be forced into making a quick decision on the doorstep
• get at least three quotes from local reputable companies who have reputations to maintain, and if possible seek recommendations
• only deal with firms with genuine verifiable telephone numbers and addresses - beware of companies that only use mobile phone numbers and accommodation addresses
• anyone who signs a contract on the door step following a visit that was not arranged (unsolicited) does have 7 days in which to cancel it by law.
• all cancellation rights must be provided in writing to the customer at the time the contract is agreed, usually on the doorstep - it is an offence not to do so
• if you don't want to speak to the trader don't open your door to them - it can be hard to distinguish the good traders from the cowboys so it might be easier to keep the door closed
• do not allow uninvited callers into your home
• refuse to be taken to the bank to withdraw money - if you ever feel intimidated by them, close the door and call the police
Lucy Lambert, Rural Crime Co-ordinator