Copy for the next edition should be given to Paula or Vanessa by midnight on 15thAprilplease.
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 (460)
edited by Paula Buffery, Vennesa Druce & Roger Goodman
Cover Picture
Burns Night at the Village Hall
Ted Fila sets to work on the Haggis during the Selkirk Address.
Refuse Collections
Recycling and green waste bins (blue and green bins) will be collected on Tuesdays 12th and 26th.
The grey rubbish bins will be collected on Tuesday 5th and 19th.
Weekday Walkers
There will only be one walk in March:
March 8th – A 4 mile road circular walk from Balscote with 50 feet of ascent. Lunch will be at The Butchers Arms Balscote – Leaving Oxhill at 10:15am.
March 22nd – A 5 mile road circular walk from Upper Briales with 120 feet of ascent. Lunch will be at The Gate Inn, Brailes – Leaving Oxhill at 9:45am.
Due to the numbers on the walk Jim Saxton now contacts regular members to get meal decisions by Wednesday evening. Those who wish to join us are most welcome, but please contact Jim Saxton on 01295 680613 or at saxton @ tiscali.co.uk before the Tuesday evening prior to the walk.
Contributions to the Oxhill News
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.
April Issue
The copy deadline will be the 15thof each month, this is necessary due to the external printing of the News.
Please can you ensure all copy is sent to us by midnight on 15thMarch 2013 for the next edition –news-editor @ oxhill.org.uk A box labelled ‘The Oxhill News’ has been placed in the Church for any paper based contributions.
Paula, Roger & Vanessa
Church Service Times
St. Lawrence Oxhill
All are warmly invited to our services
Sunday 3rd - Lent III
9:30 a.m. Holy Communion (ML)
Sunday 10th - Lent IV Mothering Sunday
9:30 a.m. Sunday Praise (BR)
Sunday 17th - Lent V
9:30 a.m. Parish Communion (ML)
Sunday 24th - Palm Sunday
9:30 a.m. Family Service (NM)
Good Friday 29th - Services at Tysoe (10:30am) & Brailes (2pm)
Sunday 31st Easter Day - 9:30 a.m. Easter Communion (ML)
For details of other services in the Benefice please see the list in Church or telephone the clergy.
Vicarage Notes
Lent, Holy Week and Easter
Folk are warmly invited to the special services at St.Lawrence’s on Mothering Sunday, Palm Sunday and Easter. The Deanery Lent Services continue on Tuesday evenings and full details are in church. We gather to remember the journey of Jesus to the Cross and the joy of the resurrection, reflected in the transformation of the church with its Easter flowers and joyful music.
Restoration Project - Stage 1
The P.C.C. has given Mr Steven Matthew, the church architect, the go ahead to begin the development stage of the project. This includes a conservators report on the south door, removal of some tiles for a further inspection of the nave roof, and a full specification for the stonework and roof repairs. We shall be putting together a simple appeal brochure when the details of stage 1 are complete and also arranging an open meeting – I expect this will be in the summer. Fund raising started with the auction and will continue with the Scarecrow Weekend as its important to show English Heritage and other potential donors that we’ve already made a start locally.
Wishing all in Oxhill a very happy Easter for the end of the month,
Best wishes and God bless,
Nicholas Morgan
01608 685230
braileschurch @ gmail.com
Deanery Lent Services
We want to extend you a warm welcome to our Deanery Services during Lent. As ever, they move from church to church, where coffee and tea are always provided: all services are on Tuesdays at 7.30pm.
This year we are following themes from the York Courses booklet ‘Glimpses of God’, written by David Winter, who is giving one of the addresses. Copies of the booklet will be available at the services, for those who want to follow it in house groups etc. at a cost of £3.40 each.
19thFeb. - Tysoe - Rev. Canon Tom Moffatt
The God who hears our cry
26thFeb. - Halford - Rev. Will Donaldson The shepherd who guards and guides his people
5thMar. - Sutton under Brailes - Rev. Canon Andrew Dow
The Son who is the Way, the Truth and the Life
12thMar. - Burmington - Rev. Canon David Winter
The Son who shares our pain
19th Mar. - Idlicote - Very Rev. John Witcombe, Dean of
Coventry Cathedaral
The God who calms our fears
26th Mar. - Ilmington - Ven. John Green, Archdeacon Pastor.
Deanery Eucharist for Holy Week
It is good to ‘give something up ‘ for Lent: alongside that, here is something positive, especially as the last day of March is Easter Day.
A Daily Prayer for Lent:
Today and now is the only time that I can live in your company.
Today and now is the only time I can love.
Today might be the only day I can pay my debts and forgive.
Today might be the only day that I can help,
or stay and listen, or speak out against injustice.
Lord of all time and eternity,
give me the grace to live each moment to the full.
Amen.
'Lent for the Whole Church Family', by Susan Sayers.
Blessings, Jill
Garden Club
March 21stAGM @7pmwith cheese and wine
If there are any members who feel the need to help on the committee, now is your chance, as there will be some changes to the present line-up.
April 18thDown the Garden Path – Adrian James
Don’t forget our monthly single stem flower competition – results of this will be announced at the AGM.
New members welcome.
Ann Saxton emailann.saxton@talktalk.net
tel: 01295 680613
Basic Life Support
We have recently completed a course, run by the West Midlands Ambulance Service, in order to be able to teach members of the public how to use basic life support to save someone’s life and also to explain about the large number of Public Access Defibrillators that are now to found on the streets.
We would like to offer a course for anyone who is interested in learning or revising these skills. If you are interested in this course which will take up to 2 hours, please contact us so that we can work out times and venues.
Mick and Barbara Shepard (First Responders)
07976298228 Mick.
07976269090 Barbara.
Burns Night - January 26th
The Oxhill Village Hall was full to capacity to celebrate the venerable bard.
Our local Scotsmen treated us to a traditional evening. Andy Buchanan was MC. Ted Fila gave us the Selkirk Address (stabbing the Haggis with great vigour). Iain Macpherson made the Toast to the Lassies and Andy MacDonald made the Reply to the Laddies.
The food was excellent and another fine team effort by the Village Hall Committee ensured we had plenty of soup and Haggis, neeps and tatties and a pudding washed down with a wee dram if you so desired.
Roger Goodman
Village Hall Events
Forthcoming Events
Friday Night Event – 15 March
Our ever-popular Friday Night event returns with a delicious Irish Stew, made from English Lamb and no other meats (Veggie alternative will be available) and a desert all for the bargain price of £8 per person. Guinness will be available and Food will be served from 8.00pm onwards.
Tickets available from Tricia Harbour on 680676.
A Very English Night – Friday, 19 April
Shakespeare’s Birthday & St George’s Day on the 23rdmakes this a good reason to celebrate being English with a very English Supper of Cottage Pie and Veg plus a pudding and a quiz all for £9 per person. Food will be available from 8.00pm onwards and the quiz will be held after the food has been consumed
Village Hall Committee AGM – Thursday, 25 April
The Village Hall Committee AGM will take place on Thursday, 25 April at 8.00pm and there are opportunities for new faces and new ideas to influence the way that the Village Hall is run and the sort of event that is available. Even if you do not want to stand for a committee post, please come along and enjoy a glass of wine and let us have your thoughts on how you would like to see the Village Hall develop.
Helen Watson in Concert – Friday, 10 May
The fabulous Helen Watson will be appearing at the Village Hall on May 10, accompanied by her Guitarist, Mark Creswell. She is a terrific singer whose style is difficult to categorise as she floats effortlessly between Jazz, Folk & Blues - to sample her music & learn more about her go towww.helenwatson.net.
The evening will start at 7.30pm and Tickets will cost £12 each for what promises to be a great night and can be obtained from Pat Crowther on 680705
Knit and Natter Group
Thank you ladies who have knitted hats, squares and booties. We now have enough squares to make three blankets for the babies. They are much needed. We will be sending them to Mrs Hatton at the ‘Greenfields for Africa’ project in March, when they will be back from their latest trip.
Knit & Natter will take place between 2.00pm and 4.00pm on Thursdays 7 and 21 March, please see Notice Boards for details of any special activities.
Joyce McKail
Graham Colledge 1947 - 2013
A very special Friend and Colleague
There are many of you in Oxhill for whom Graham held house keys and for whom he had, over the years, carried out maintenance and/or installations within your homes, to say nothing of emergency calls to which he always responded immediately and so willingly.
Sadly he lost his battle with cancer earlier in February whilst at Katharine House Hospice at Adderbury. The service for him in Tysoe Church on 18th February was a celebration of his full, varied and colourful life. The congregation comprised a huge number of his colleagues and friends representing all aspect of his life.
Graham's love of life and particularly sport, have to be an inspiration to all who knew him.
Julia Sturman
At the Peacock
Quiz Night
Quiz night on Sunday 3rd March at 8pm
Village Events
The village coffee morning is on Wednesday 6th March at 10:30am and the village lunch is on Wednesday 20th March.
WOT2Grow Community Orchard
The mild has winter turned into high, biting winds with heavy frost and snow! Our “tents” to protect the peaches and nectarines survived the snow but succumbed to the high winds as the ties to the pegs snapped. We had an emergency call to ensure they didn't cause problems outside the orchard and removed the plastic - we are now looking for a better means of tying them down! A trial with baler twine seems to be working so fingers crossed.
John Edgeley joined us on Saturday 9th February and gave us a wonderful teaching session on pruning our trees as well as answering questions on trees in people's gardens. It was very cold and damp but with 22 people gathering at the orchard we pruned our new trees and also last year's plantings. As there were so many people we completed all the pruning by lunch time. A great turn out and a wonderful result!
We also had Sarah Harper, Paris-based theatre director and multi-media artist, and Susan Haedicke (Theatre Studies professor at University of Warwick) at the pruning day. Sarah will return to the villages for a week in April to talk to as many people as possible and gather stories, anecdotes and inspiration for an artistic response to the orchard later in the year and would love to meet anyone who has the time. She can be reached at harper.sarah1 @ gmail.co.
There's lots of things to be done at the orchard and we welcome all members as well as anyone else who wants to come and help. Regular sessions at 10:00 on Wednesday and Sunday each week are starting, just get in touch with one of the team, details below, or turn up!
Check it out atwww.wot2grow.co.uk
Entrance gates at the far end of the allotments and now off the footpath! Please park in the road as the “car park” is very wet.
If you would like more details please contact one of the following who are co-ordinating the community involvement
Liz Atkinson (680045), Paul Sayer (680451), Sue and Mike Sanderson (688080), Graham Collier (680127), Julia Stirman (01608 686776), Pam Bennett (01608 685606)
Outing to Tyntesfield
Ettington Garden Club are having an outing to Tyntesfield NT house on Tuesday May 14th. This is down the M5 and in the Bristol area, about 2hrs by coach from Ettington community centre.
Cost of travel by a Johnson’s executive coach is £13 each and if you are not a member of the NT, entry to the house is approx £11.80 [2012 price]
The coach leaves Ettington at 9am and hopes to return by 6.30pm
The NT describe the house as fine Victorian, created by one of England’s richest commoners, William Gibbs, who built his fortune on fertiliser. I believe the NT are in the process of spending a fortune on the house which was featured in a TV programme last year. There is a restaurant, cafe shop etc and extensive gardens and parkland.
If you would like to go please ring Matthew Marsh on 01789 748041 to book a place, and say you read about it in the Oxhill News.
Ruth Gibson
Spit Roast Lamb and Curry lunch 2013
This year we have bought the date forward to Sunday April 21st. Delicious Spit Roast lamb and various curries plus exquisite puds: an excellent Sunday lunch.
As usual we will hold this event in the Old chapel, courtesy of Rev. Jill Tucker. We look forward to your support and there will be more details in the April news so please put this date in your diary and we look forward to the excellent support that we had last year.
Tickets: £10 adults and £5 children will be available from Carol Fox 680223 and Cath Pugh 680958
Small Bunch of Keys
Lost in/around the Village - small bunch of keys. If found, please phone 07850 352905 to put the loser's mind at rest!
Public Meeting held on 19th February 2013
It was wonderful to see the response from the people of Oxhill to this public meeting. Over 80 residents came to the village hall and I thank everyone who turned up on a cold February night.
Stratford on Avon District Council’s Draft Core strategy, published last year under redefined criteria, identified 39 villages, including Oxhill, as potential Local Service Villages. As an LSV Oxhill could possibly be subject to accepting 57 extra houses. As a non-LSV that figure would be 2% to 5% of the total houses in the village, i.e. four to ten houses. At the moment we are still categorised as a non-Local Service Village ….. but the Draft Core Strategy is not yet complete and all that could change.
The Parish Council discussed this issue and I decided to call this meeting with a view to the community becoming proactive. I am assured by various District Councillors that this would be seen as a positive action by Stratford District Council, rather than the village refusing point blank any suggested development.
Sarah Brooke-Taylor from Warwickshire Rural Community Council attended and took us through all the options open to the village – Neighbourhood Plan, Parish Plan, and Housing Needs Survey. There was an almost unanimous vote that we should look to adopting one of these schemes. I was very impressed with the number of people who came forward to form a Steering Committee – I believe over 12 people. Mike Collins is at present co-ordinating and will be arranging the first meeting. As Chairman of the Parish Council I am not allowed to sit on this group, but I wish all the members of the steering committee the very best and am confident that they will work together for the benefit of Oxhill.
Grenville Moore
Chairman, Oxhill Parish Council
Parish e-mail distribution lists
Following the meeting about creating a Parish Plan held on Tuesday 19th February I think the time is right to capture an e-mail distribution list for Oxhill residents who want to be informed of matters of an immediate nature which won’t wait for the Oxhill News.
The list will be maintained securely and used sparingly, if you want to be included on the list please e-mail your consent to
maillist @ oxhill.org.uk.
If you would like to receive information about the parish plan and did not leave your e-mail address after the meeting please email a request to
parishplan @ oxhill.org.uk
Mike Collins
Charity Half Marathon
I am planning to run the Warwick half marathon on 17th March in aid of the British Heart Foundation.
If you would like to sponsor me you can go to www.justgiving.com/Ali-Sayer
Thanks
Ali Sayer
Kineton Library at Kinteon Village Hall
Following its successful first year the volunteers who have taken over what was a branch of the Warwickshire Library service in Kineton have extended its hours of opening. They are now:
Mondays & Wednesdays 2pm - 5pm
Saturdays 9.30 - 12 noon.
A good selecion of LARGE PRINT books is on the shelves; books can be ordered free and Internet access is available at a modest charge.
See for yourself - parking is easy!
Tony Eastaugh
Dog Fowling in Public Places
The editors have recently been made aware by several Oxhill residents that dog fouling has unfortunately increased especially along Main Street and Whatcote Road. The following timely statement from Stratford-on-Avon makes clear the legal responsibilities of all dog owners.
The Fouling of Land by Dogs (District of Stratford-on-Avon) Order 2009.
The Fouling of Land by Dogs (District of Stratford-on-Avon) Order 2009 came into force from 1 April 2009. This Act means that it is illegal to fail to clear up after your dog if it fouls any land which is open to the air and to which the public have access including bridleways and public footpaths through farms. The penalty for contravening the Act is a Fixed Penalty Notice of £75 or failing to pay may result in a prosecution in the magistrates' court.
Under the Control of Dogs Order 1992, your dog must wear a collar with a tag or plate attached to it, inscribed with the owner's name and address, by law when it is out in a public place. Dogs exempt of this law are working dogs, dogs on official duties, emergency or rescue work and registered guide dogs. Dogs found out straying without a collar or tag may be seized by the dog warden under the Environmental Protection Act and if taken to kennels a fee will be required for its release. We recommend Microchipping as a back up if your dog has gone missing so it is reunited as quickly as possible.
May I also take this opportunity to thank all the dog owners and walkers that do clear up after their dog/s by keeping your village free of dog mess. If you require any further information please contact the dog warden on sophie.peacock@stratford-dc.gov.uk or call 01789 260839.
Kineton Oil Consortium Notice
This is a reminder to everyone that wants oil via the Kineton Oil Consortium. You need to place your order by 6:00pm on March 19th. Please let Diane Harper know on 01295 680529.
Diane Harper
Printer Cartridges
Ruth Gibson is kindly giving away a collection of printer cartridges for an Epson Stylus C64/CX6400/CV4600/or CX6600. If you could use the ink please get in touch with Vanessa on 01295 680566.
Thank you, Vanessa
New date for our talk about -
Gardening for Wildlife and Biodiversity
Due to the snow, the talk on Gardening forWildlife and Biodiversity by KarlCurtisfrom Warwickshire Wildlife Trust was postponed.
It will now take place on Tuesday, March 19that 8.00pm in Oxhill Village Hall. It will be a great opportunity to get the lowdown on how to succeed in the forthcoming Owls wildflower growing competition.
For further information please contact Grenville (680664) or any of Owls team.
Volunteers Wanted in Oxhill
For the British Red Cross
Do you want to get out and about in your local community?
Would you like to raise funds for a worthy cause?
The British Red Cross are active across Oxfordshire helping people in crisis and providing welfare provisions for vulnerable people. We are on the lookout for volunteers who could help us manage our collection boxes in local shops and businesses, and also for people willing to help during our
National week of fundraising 5-11 May 2013.
Join the network of Red Cross volunteers in Banbury and surrounding villages.
If you are interested please call Cheryl on 01235 552 680 or
email ctree@redcross.org.uk
Local Police Incident
Catalytic Converters
Please be advised that the area is currently suffering from a spate of theft of catalytic convertors from Mitsubushi 4 x 4 vehicles. If you own such a vehicle or know of someone that does please make them aware of the situation and take all reasonable steps to protect your vehicle as possible. Please ensure all incidents are reported to the Police on the non-emergency telephone number 101.
Action Fraud
The police advise us thatwww.actionfraud.org.ukis the place to report fraudulent activity and internet crime, either on the website or by telephone to 0300 123 2040.
Serious Accident on Tuesday February 5th
Police who are investigating a serious road traffic collision on the A429 Fossway at Darlingscote on Tuesday 5 February are appealing for the driver of a Range Rover that was travelling on the road prior to the collision to come forward.
It is believed that the driver of the Range Rover was travelling in the direction of Tredington on the A429 at around 9.30am, ahead of a blue Jaguar, which was subsequently involved in the collision. The driver of the Range Rover may have information about the other vehicles involved in the collision which may assist police.
The collision involved a blue Jaguar, travelling in the direction of Tredington and a Dodge Journey MPV, and a red Ford Fiesta which was travelling in the opposite direction.
The driver of the Fiesta, a 64 year old male, remains in the University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire where he is described as being serious but stable in the critical care unit.
Anyone with any information about the collision, and the driver of the Range Rover is asked to contact PC Sharon Coldrick on 01926 415415.
Missing Yellow Labrador – February 16th
Please can you be aware of a yellow Labrador bitch aged 8 gone missing from Honington. If seen please ring Warks Police on Tel; 101 and quote inc; 239 of 16/02/2013.
Update on the lost dog Penny
Following our last email regarding Penny the lost Collie cross I wanted to give you an update on the most recent sighting.
Ian the owner of the dog was contacted directly by an individual on our mailing list to say they had spotted Penny near Stretton On fosse on the 29th Jan at around 7pm. all efforts are being made by Ian to catch Penny but it's possible she is roaming a large area.
Please could I ask all to click on the below link and just make yourselves aware of penny details.
Tysoe Marionette Group
"Peter and the Wolf"
Remember the Duck at Tysoe Flower Show in 2011? Something rather nasty happens to her in our story!
Peter catches the Wolf by the tail
With the help of TMG’s Junior Wing we are pleased to be able to resume performances of aSurrealistic“Peter and the Wolf” followed by refreshments and a drum demonstration. There will also be an opportunity to look backstage if you are over 8 years old.
This is a family show suitable for accompanied children age 5+, in our 30-seat Barn Theatre, Baldwins Lane, Upper Tysoe, CV35 0TX.
Shows will be on Thursday evening 14thMarch at 7.30pm in aid of Shipston Home Nursing. Please contact Ann Beeny (01295 680431).
and two Matinees on Sunday, 17thMarch at 2pm and 4pm in aid of Tysoe Village Hall.
Please contact Thomas Slinger (01295 680042)
Entry is by ticket only.
Children (age 5-15) - £3 Adults - £5
Please come and support these worthy causes.
Jon Beeny.
Visit: http://TysoeMarionettes.webplus.net
Do you value the Horton Hospital?
If you choose to go to the Horton in Banbury for your medical services , this may be of interest to you.
The Oxford University Hospital is applying for Foundation Trust status and is inviting anyone who has an interest in health matters to sign up as a member of the Trust. You will then have a say in the development of future services and be part of the organisation. It doesn’t cost anything. Will take you 5 minutes maximum to fill in , and is freepost.
It is your opportunity to let your views shape the future.
As the Councillor who has sat on the Community Partnership Network at the Horton for the last few years, when services became under threat, I can assure you that your voice can make a difference.
If you value the services the Horton provides I urge you to sign up. Go to
or pick up a leaflet at the Doctors surgery you visit.
Failing that I have some at home- give me a call.
Gill Roache 680309
A group has been set up in Shipston on Stour to start a local University of the Third Age (U3A). The U3A is a national organization for older people who are no longer in full time work.
By joining you will become part of a dynamic, outward looking organisation which enables you to share many educational, creative and leisure activities, as well as monthly meetings. Activities are organised mainly in small groups that meet regularly, often in each other’s homes. Some groups are more cerebral or aesthetic such as Bridge, Music, Chess, Art, Dance, Science, Nature or a Foreign Language; others more physical e.g. Walking, Boules and Cycling. No qualifications are required to join and none are given.
A Launch Meeting is being held on the April 16th in the Townsend Hall, Shipston on Stour at 14.00 hrs., where the decision will be made to start the U3A subject to sufficient support. If you are interested in joining, leading a group or just wish to find out more, we would be pleased to see you. Refreshments will be provided. More information on the U3A nationally can be found on their web site www.u3a.org.uk.
Guide Dogs is currently looking for loving caring homes for our guide dog mums
In return, you will benefit from:
•Looking after a well-trained family pet that will readily be accepted into your home
•Full financial support to cover all feeding and veterinary costs
•Access to 24 hour support & advice from experienced Guide Dog staff
•The knowledge that you will be playing a crucial part in helping blind and partially sighted people gain independence
If you think you might be interested or would like more information, check out our websitewww.guidedogs.org.uk/guidedogmums
Guide Dogs is seeking volunteers to help us look after our breeding stock
Those who volunteer to look after our breeding bitches take responsibility for their day to day care, with the assurance of having 24 hour support and advice from the breeding centre staff.
The brood bitch in your care would be mated approximately once a year at the breeding centre, and give birth in your home. The puppies will then spend the first six weeks with their mum, with support from you.
If you feel that you can provide a home for a guide dog mum and:
•Have a car and live within reasonable travelling distance from the National Breeding Centre near Leamington Spa
•Possess a calm, caring disposition, are not in fulltime employment and can devote time to the bitch, particularly when she has a litter.
Please contact the National Breeding Centre on 0845 3727 432to discuss further or to request an application form.
Flicks in the Sticks
Saturday 6th April - The Sapphires
After a sold-out event last October,
Flicks In The Sticks is back!
Please come and enjoy a fantastic film and delicious food at our second charity film screening in The Old Chapel, in aid of Chernobyl's Children and Shipston Home Nursing.
The evening will start at 7pm with drinks and a light supper before the film begins. Included in the ticket price of £15 is the screening, a drink on arrival and food. Beer, wine and soft drinks will be available before and after the film.
The Sapphires is an award-winning, feel-good comedy, based on the true story of a 1960's girl group. The film received a rapturous response at its Cannes Film Festival premiere and has garnered rave reviews!
Please call Jo Sweby on 07720 401691 or Anne Marshall on 01295 680411 to book tickets. Book early to avoid disappointment!
Shipston Home Nursing
Accident and Medical Emergencies
Time is critical in medical emergencies and so in order to ensure we attend as quickly as possible
First Call - 999
Then Call
Ambulance Responders
Mick & Barbara Shepard
07977149317 Mobile / 01295680644 Home
3, The Leys, Oxhill, Warwick, CV350QX