A HAPPY CHRISTMAS AND A hEALTHY NEW YEAR TO ALL IN BLEDINGTON FOXHOLES AND FOSCOT - BLEDINGTON FOXHOLES AND FOSCOT NEWS
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BLEDINGTON FOXHOLES
AND FOSCOT NEWS
December 2020 and
January 2021 No 442
A HAPPY CHRISTMAS
AND A hEALTHY
NEW YEAR TO ALL IN
BLEDINGTON FOXHOLES
AND FOSCOT
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DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
DECEMBER 2020
Mondays and Fridays; Post Office, Oddington Vill. Hall (p 6) 10.30 to 12.00
Saturday 5 Decorate your outside area (p 8)
Sunday 6 Service farewell to Richard and Anita Rendall (p 28)10.30am
Monday 7 Foxholes/Foscot Grey Collection Day (p 25) 6.00am
Monday 7 Bledington Parish Council Meeting (ZOOM), (p 21) 8.00pm
Tuesday 8 Bledington CDC Recycling Day (p 25) 7.00am
Thursday 10 Walking Group, contact Pat Jenkin 659215 (p 10) 10.00am
Monday 14 Foxholes/Foscot WODC Green Collection Day (p 25) 6.00am
Friday 18 Kate’s Nursing Home Concert (p 9)
Saturday 19 Scarecrow trail. (p 8)
Sunday 20 Santa visiting Bledington - book your personal visit (p 8/9)
Monday 21 Foxholes/Foscot WODC Grey Collection Day (p 25) 6.00am
Tuesday 22 Bledington CDC Recycling Day (p 25) 7.00am
Thursday 24 Worldwide Christmas Jingle (p 8) 6.00pm
Wednesday 30 Foxholes/Foscot WODC Green Collection Day (p 25) 6.00am
JANUARY 2021
Mondays and Fridays; Post Office, Oddington Vill. Hall (p 6) 10.30 to 12.00
Monday 4 Bledington Parish Council Meeting (ZOOM), (p 21) 8.00pm
Thursday 7 Foxholes/Foscot Grey Collection Day (p 25) 6.00am
Thursday 7 Bledington CDC Recycling Day (p 25) 7.00am
Wednesday 13 Foxholes/Foscot WODC Green Collection Day (p 25) 6.00am
Thursday 14 Walking Group, contact Pat Jenkin 659215 (p 10) 10.00am
Tuesday 19 Foxholes/Foscot WODC Grey Collection Day (p 25) 6.00am
Tuesday 19 Bledington CDC Recycling Day (p 25) 7.00am
SATURDAY 23 BLEDINGTON NEWS COPY DEADLINE (p 3) 12.00noon
Monday 25 Foxholes/Foscot WODC Green Collection Day (p 25) 6.00am
Thursday 28 Walking Group, contact Pat Jenkin 659215 (p 10) 10.00am
Bledington News is uploaded monthly to
www.bledington.com
Bledington.com is Bledington’s website carrying full
details of every aspect of Bledington.
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FROM THE EDITORS
Wendy and Sinclair Scott
2020 seems to have been a nothing year for many and in a blink of an
eye it is Christmas time again. We wish all our readers a Happy Christmas
and a Healthy New Year where, let us hope, we can be back to something
like normal again. Lots going on in December though, see page 8.
At the time of putting this issue to bed we have not heard the
arrangements from the Government about families meeting up together for
Christmas. We sincerely hope these will be issued soon so we can all make
arrangements to meet and enjoy our usual family Christmas together.
Our usual turkey is not yet ordered, we hope to be doing this in the next
week or so.
With the new lockdown imposed in mid November we realise that a
number of residents will be isolated in their homes. In March 2020 the
Parish Council issued a list of a huge number of local people who said they
would offer help to those isolated. We are not re-publishing this list but if
anybody is in difficulties please use us as an intermediary to find the help
you require; our contact details are below.
Christmas festivities are being arranged in the Village throughout
December and details and contacts are on pages 8 and 9. Breakfast with
Santa is a no-go event with our Village Hall out of action for such usually
crowded and enjoyable events as social distancing is impossible.
The service to include the farewell to Richard and Anita Rendall is taking
place on Sunday 6 December. Details of how to join in are on page 27.
WE WELCOME NEWS CONTRIBUTIONS TO
BLEDINGTON, FOXHOLES AND FOSCOT NEWS
Please send your news contributions for the February 2021
Issue at any time.
Copy deadline 12.00 Noon Saturday 23 January2021.
Please send news contributions for Bledington News to the editors,
Wendy and Sinclair Scott, by paper copy to 4 Old Forge Close, Bledington,
Chipping Norton, OX7 6XW or email us at sinclair.scott@btinternet.com Tel:
01608 658624.
Bledington News is published in full colour at www.bledington.com
Please ensure you have a prompt acknowledgement of your
contribution sent by email; this makes it certain we have received it.
News contributions may be subject to editorial adjustment and
regrettably, if received after the deadline time, cannot be included.
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BLEDINGTON COMMUNITY SHOP
AND CAFÉ—OCTOBER UPDATE
Jo Shaw, Bledington Shop Manager
October extinguished itself in a rush of
howling winds and driving rain and November arrived, cold as frozen
iron, with hard frosts every morning and icy draughts that bit at exposed
hands and faces. ~J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix,
"The Lion and the Serpent," 2003.
With the shorter days and longer nights, and certainly the change in the
weather, November does seem to have arrived with a vengeance. However,
with that, it has bought us new delights in the shop, symbolising winter has
arrived and Christmas is coming!
In the Fruit and Veg department, Brussels have been joined with our
Brussels Stems, and look out for Brussels tops arriving soon. The Satsumas
now have beside them leafy Clementines, and we now have fresh Cranberries
and Chestnuts – what else shouts out Christmas than these!
A new cabbage to me is the "January King", similar to the Savoy – well
packed heads blue-green and tinged with deep purple. Good and sturdy with
a rich earthy flavour, and a real heritage variety – perfect for those Sunday
Roasts!
The temporary Marquee arrived and was really enjoyed by our café
customers. Obviously, at the moment, we are unable to use it during
lockdown, but hopefully it will be open again very soon to shelter our
customers. However, the Fruit and Veg still went outside as planned and is
working extremely well – allowing customers to peruse the veg without
feeling pressured by a queue and displaying it in all its glory.
The café area in the shop has now become the Christmas showroom! We
have lots of festive goodies on offer, perfect as gifts or a treat for yourself!
There are Christmas cards, wrap, gift bags – as well as Handmade Candles
and Bunting. If you have ever admired our cushions in the café, we will
shortly have new handmade versions available to buy. There are also
Christmas Cakes and Puddings, as well as forms to pre-order if you prefer.
We are also taking orders for Adlington Turkeys, which are selling really well,
so pop in and take a form and let us know what you would like. We are
hoping to do Veg Boxes for customers for Christmas, so please do let me
know what you would like.
We are also very excited to be producing and launching our very own Gin
– I will not spoil the surprise, but it includes something of a secret, the gin
tastes gorgeous and all packaged with the most beautiful label! Hopefully,
this will be with us at the beginning of December, and will make great
Christmas presents, but also a well priced gin for yourself.
Continued on page 5
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Continued from page 4
The shop celebrated its 1st birthday on 16 November and we marked this
on the Saturday with free cupcakes for our customers, that were really well
received. What a year the shop has had; years of fundraising and planning,
the hard work in getting it stocked and ready to open, and then learning
how to run a shop. Obviously, all this was done before I arrived and the
concrete of the shop had been laid in every sense. Shortly after arriving,
Covid became real and lockdown was enforced, which gave me and the shop
new challenges. Nothing good has come from this ghastly virus, but it has
proved what a necessary and positive place the shop is to so many and
certainly cemented that the shop has its place here and valued by so many.
Entries are still welcome for our Photograph Competition – “The Best of
Bledington Shop” – open to your own personal interpretation, but we are
looking for beautiful photographs that showcase the best of our shop
produce – be creative and share with us your scrumptious meals, soups,
cakes etc. There is a prize for the winner each month, as well as your photo
being showcased in the shop. Please send your entries to:
photos@bledingtonshop.com and good luck!
This year, however you are planning (or allowed!) on spending your
Christmas, we are very happy to help in making sure you have everything
you need for the festive period, enable you to make the most of Christmas
this year, and looking forward to a brighter and safer 2021.
Best wishes Jo.
Community Shop Open
Monday to Saturday: 9.00am to 4.00pm
Sunday: 9.00am to 1.00pm
Christmas and New Year Opening Times
Christmas Eve: 9.00am – 1.00pm
Christmas Day, Boxing Day, Bank Holiday Monday: Closed
New Year’s Eve: 9.00am – 1.00pm
New Year’s Day: Closed
Tel: 01608 65 99 77
Email: orders@bledingtonshop.com
Send your shopping list in advance for collection
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BLEDINGTON VILLAGE HALL
Jenny Beacham
What a year! Unfortunately, we had to close the Village Hall again just as
things were getting back to some sort of normality. It all happened too late
for any warning in the Newsletter and, by the same token, we do not know
what will happen in this regard after 2 December. Just keep an eye on the
Village Hall door and our Facebook page for the latest information.
Nevertheless: A Very Happy and Healthy Christmas and New Year from
the Village Hall Committee. Many thanks to Michelle for organising the
Christmas Tree outside the Hall which is a cheery welcome to the village.
We look forward to seeing your Santa creations around the village.
Stay safe, stay well!
POST OFFICE AT ODDINGTON
Angie Price
Angie Price has made arrangements to open her Post Office in
Oddington Village Hall at 10.30am to 12.00noon every Monday and
Friday for the foreseeable future.
Entrance is through the back door of Oddington Village Hall, adjacent to
the hall car park by the children’s playground.
Christmas and Gift Cards are available for sale; proceeds to the Air
Ambulance.
CHRISTMAS SERVICES AT ST LEONARD
Aloÿse Packe
If government regulations allow we will be having Christmas services at
St Leonard. However, these services will have restricted numbers and we
will therefore have to operate a booking system. You will be able to sit with
members of your household/bubble and so we will need to know how many
there will be in a group.
If we are not allowed to have services in the church then we will continue
to have online services.
It is not clear when we will know the detail for Christmas so we will put a
notice up on the church notice board, on social media and in the shop.
Please look out for these.
If you require any further information please contact Barry 658542 or me
658447.
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BLEDINGTON SCHOOL
Mrs J Kewley: Headteacher
Adventure writing day by Lara, Alex
and Martha S
We had a whole morning of activities to help us think about The
Gunpowder Plot and what it was like to be part of it.
We looked at really old accounts of the story and watched a video about
the history behind why Guy Fawkes and his friends wanted to blow up
Parliament. We did a debate about whether it was a good idea or not! The
best part of the day was pretending to be the different characters and
acting out the scenes using props.
In the afternoon
everyone in school wrote a
first person narrative
pretending to be Guy
Fawkes. We could change
the end of the story and it
was fun to see what people
wrote.
We also had a UK
Parliament week assembly
to think about the Houses
of Parliament and how all
the decisions are made in
our country. We thought
about how people can
debate there and ask lots of questions because we have democracy.
TO ALL DOG WALKERS
Tim Newton
A reminder please to all dog owners to pick up their dog mess, including
bags left on the grass, between the Church, Cemetery and the footpath
adjoining the fields.
Also as this area has horses and sheep in the fields, please can we ask
all walkers to close the church yard/cemetery gates, as these are the only
gates to keep animals off the road, should they escape! Using COVID as an
excuse not to close gates is not acceptable.
The Countryside Code asks that if you find a gate closed, close it when
you pass through to prevent animals straying. Farmers sometimes leave
gates open to allow animals to pass from one field to another to graze or
drink. Help a farmer by leaving gates as you find them. If in doubt,
close a gate.
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BRIGHTEN UP BLEDINGTON - FESTIVE CHEER
Mel Gorton 659131/07733011151
Santa will be travelling around the village stopping at houses to visit the
children that have booked. He will deliver a token gift that the parent has
purchased, wrapped, and labelled with the child's name and address. Gifts
to be left with Laura Russell, 4 Old Burford Road to look after for Santa. Cut-
off date 17 December.
This is not a fundraising event this year, this is organised by residents of
Bledington to spread a little festive cheer.
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PEBBLY HILL NURSERY
Janet Simms
Open from 30 November 9.00am to 4.00pm daily. (While stocks last)
We have a lovely range of Nordman Christmas Trees, cut or pot grown,
arriving on 29 November.
A good selection of hand made, fresh wreaths, assorted pot
arrangements, hyacinths and house plants are also available.
Order early to avoid disappointment.
BLEDINGTON GARDENING SOCIETY
Tony Windsor
It is usual to include a notice in the December edition of the News
advertising the date of the Annual General Meeting in February. In view of
the current situation and the uncertainties surrounding it the 2020 AGM of
the Society will be postponed until March so that notice can be given in the
next (February) edition.
BLEDINGTON WALKING GROUP
Pat Jenkin
The Walking group meet (normally) twice monthly on a Thursday. All
are welcome. Please call me for details of walks listed on page 2.
AIR AMBULANCE
Jane Oldridge
Available from our Community Shop, with kind permission of Graeme
Ferrero, a delightful little book written by my Mum Mrs. R.W. Angus. It is a
true story written in the first person about JUDY the Yorkshire Terrier, of
her life and that of The Little Orphan, a baby rabbit called Benjamin.
An ideal Christmas present for small children it costs £10 and all proceeds will
go to The Air Ambulance.
Who hides in the bakery during Christmas?
A mince spy
What does Santa suffer from when he gets stuck in a
chimney?
Santa Claustrophobia11
BLEDINGTON SCHOOL ASSOCIATION
‘100 CLUB’ WINNERS FOR NOVEMBER
The following numbers win £5 each in November’s draw:
47 Kim Asprey 10 Not Allocated 62 Barry Way
41 Jolene Cooper
Congratulations to the winners!
The £100 Christmas Prize Draw will be done in the School Office in early
December.
Thank you to everyone that supports the 100 Club.
Registered with: Cotswold District Council under Gambling Act 2005.
Registration Number: 07/01271/GASSP
Promoter: Annie Hammerstein, Harwood House, The Green, Bledington,
OX7 6XQ. Tel: 01608 659819.
CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR MESSAGES
Hazel Furneaux. All good wishes to my friends and neighbours in
Bledington and environs for Christmas despite the virus. Hoping the New
Year will bring you all good health and prosperity and no more restrictions.
Robin and Jane Oldridge. We would like to wish all our friends and
neighbours very best wishes for a happy Christmas and a happy, healthy
and peaceful New Year. Keep safe and well.
Sue MacConnal-Mason. As we approach the end of a difficult and stressful
year for many families, I would like to wish all my dear friends and
neighbours a happy Christmas and a healthy and peaceful New Year.
Thank you for all your kindness, Love Sue.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
Nicky Hunt
Happy Birthday to Jade Hunt, 26 on 6 January 2020. Lots of love and
kisses. Mum, Dad and family.
THANK YOU
Robin and Jane Oldridge
A BIG Thank you for all the messages over our little dog, Taz, who was
recently run over on the road to Foxholes.12
HENRY JEWITT
Charles and Lucy Jewitt.
Charles and Lucy Jewitt (Lucy Graham) are delighted to announce the
birth of their son Henry George at the end of September. Henry was
nearly born at home in Foscot to try and avoid the hospital but had a last
minute transfer to the John Radcliffe. He arrived safely weighing 8lb 3oz
and is doing well and growing lots!
If there are other new mums out there who would like to meet for walks
or a drink at the Bledington Shop and Cafe do please send me an email
(jewittlucym@gmail.com) or call 07979 646765. It would be nice to find
other local babies to socialise with! Many thanks.
BURFORD TRAFFIC
Graeme Ferrero
Graeme Ferrero has supplied us with some official notices regarding the
new traffic regulations introduced on 9 November in and around Burford.
A 20mph speed limit is now in place in the town centre.
The 40mph limit on the A40 has been reduced in length and is now
30mph.
The 30mph speed limit has been extended on the Shilton Road to
beyond the Garden Centre.
A 50mph speed limit now replaces the 60mph unlimited speed limit in
place, from Burford all the way on the A424 to the county boundary near
Idbury.
What did Adam say on the day before Christmas?
It’s Christmas, Eve
What did the bald man say when he got a comb for
Christmas?
Thank you so much, I’ll never part with it13 BLEDINGTON CARE COMMITTEE Bledington Care Committee is made up of volunteers living in the village. Our aim is to assist the elderly, the disabled and those in distress in the village. This includes: Transport to Hospitals, Doctors, Dentists etc – for the elderly, disabled, those unable to use or without transport. Please ring Hazel Furneaux on 658547 or Pat Jenkin on 659215. Care Line/Emergency Telephone - Sue Windsor 658525. Medical Equipment – e.g. Zimmer frames, wheel chairs, crutches etc, available on short term loan. Sue Windsor 658525. Medical Prescriptions – most pharmacies now provide a delivery service for prescriptions for the elderly, but should this not be possible a member of the Care Committee will collect. Sue Windsor 658525. Occasional catering for funeral refreshments in the village hall - Sue Windsor 658525. Further information about the Bledington Care Committee can be found in the Bledington Directory (pages 15-16).
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BLEDINGTON FLOOD GROUP
Ian Simpson
Over the last year, Bledington Flood Group has been working to lay the
foundation of a realistic flood mitigation plan to help alleviate the flooding
that we see in the village on a regular basis. Here is a summary of our
progress to date.
Background
There is historic flooding in Bledington. We found reports as early as
1832 in the Cheltenham Chronicle “ … a long brick wall was swept away,
about 80 chickens were drowned and a large corn barn store was flooded.
Much damage was done to the gardens and farmers crops”.
1912 was a major flood year and there
was severe flooding on Whitsuntide in
1932 (right). We are building a resource
of anecdotes, historical data and images.
Following the flood of 2007 Cotswold
District Council commissioned the Hyder
report and a bund was built to the North
West of the Village, in Heath Lane which
helped in providing alleviation to the
Chapel Lane side of the village.
The Hyder report also highlighted the
importance of Westcote Brook which
borders the west and south of the village.
After further flooding in 2012 a second
bund was built behind the Kings’ Head to
hold back flood water from the Westcote
Brook. Rain in November 2019 caused
surface water and groundwater flooding
with a significant amount of water from
the west of the village as Westcote Brook was not able to cope with the
volume of water.
Research
A meeting was called in November 2019 to offer assistance and share
resources to residents affected by the flooding. As it became clear how the
water overload and flooding picture had shifted since 2012, the group
adapted to concentrate proactively on flood prevention. Through contacts
within the group, the Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group (FWAG) was
approached for their input. FWAG has a proven track record in approaching
matters of flood mitigation and resilience and solutions through the WILD
project, Water with Integrated Local Delivery. (https://www.fwagsw.org.uk)
Continued on page 1515 Continued from page 14 This project is led by Jenny Phelps, MBE (right) as FWAG’s leading expert and Senior Farm Conservation Adviser. Her aim is to deliver a collaborative and ecological approach that future proofs weather resilience for the entire village in the long term. Jenny has over 30 years’ experience giving advice, the last 10 years of which has been with Gloucestershire FWAG. Jenny leads on many projects including the Upper Thames Catchment Based Approach and Payments for Ecosystem Services Defra pilots. All her projects use the integrated Local Delivery methodology, which aims to value and incorporate the knowledge and needs of landowners, authorities and local communities. Bledington Parish Council instructed the Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group (FWAG) to provide a desktop survey, funded by them at a cost of £900 + VAT, to identify the key factors in causing the flooding, key stakeholders who could influence any flood mitigation efforts and the relevant contacts within the associated official bodies. The Flood Group also contacted and met with FarmED (https://www.farm -ed.co.uk) and with Water 21 (http://www.water21.org.uk) as well as with neighbouring landowners bordering the parish, the Evenlode Catchment Partnership and the Wychwood Project (http://www.wychwoodproject.org/ cms/content/our-people). Implementation Working with the Flood Group, Jenny began to approach stakeholders. In the case of landowners, their needs and possible solutions were discussed. These discussions are necessarily confidential between FWAG and the respective parties, but areas have been identified where flood mitigation measures are mutually beneficial and can be expanded upon, including exciting plans for work on Westcote Brook, Bledington Brook and land behind Chapel Lane. FWAG has submitted a business case to the Environment Agency and are expecting confirmation of a £30k grant for a local ecological initiative to restore Westcote Brook and Bledington Brook. As one Parish Councillor commented, not a bad return already for a £900 investment. Whilst the main thrust of this work is to improve the ecology and biodiversity along the waterways, the natural consequences will be to improve the quality of the brooks and help with water management. Following the positive discussions with all relevant landowners, natural flood management schemes are planned. The aim is also to help farmers and landowners to adapt to more extreme weather that may be affecting their farm businesses. This grant funded work needs to be carried out by the end of the current financial year (31 March). Continued on page 16
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Continued from page 15
FWAG produced a detailed Water Flow Pathway map to highlight the
natural movement of water within the parish, and to understand the dynamic
picture of the ways flooding can be mitigated from the centre of the village.
Continued on page 1717
Continued from page 16
FWAG has provided a powerful software suite, LandApp, allowing us to
enter geolocated detail of our parish. The Flood Group has carried out
ecological and silt surveys along the two brooks and is involved in
FreshWaterWatch, a global research project testing water quality,
coordinated locally by Wild Oxfordshire.
Future.
FWAG has coordinated fast track access to the relevant bodies dealing
with flooding and developed a detailed and extensive contact list for all of
these associated stakeholders as an index and resource for effective
communication.
Given the unique constraints in 2020 due to COVID-19, the progress that
has been made is testament to the professionalism of FWAG and the
commitment of the Flood Group and the possibilities are numerous. Further
funds in the form of substantial grants have been identified to improve the
environment we live in which is directly related to water. Positive
relationships are being established with key influencers such as The
Environment Agency, Thames Water, Natural England, C.D.C., G.D.C etc.
If anyone has any questions, suggestions, or would like to be involved
with The Flood Group either speak to Jacky Wilson, Catherine Chichester or
Ian Simpson or email ianjsimpson@msn.com
KINGHAM GUIDES
Claire Gooding
The Guides have been lucky enough to
enjoy a few weeks of face to face Guiding outside before Lockdown 2 began.
They had much fun doing night hikes, treasure hunts and even some
tracking signs by moonlight - thank goodness for glow sticks! And a big
thank you to the Pawley’s for being kind enough to let the Guides burn their
bonfire for a bit of Halloween/Bonfire fun!
Due to social distancing the Guides however had the challenge of making
S’mores over their own individual campfire which was simply a tealight.
Much fun was had by all.
Whilst face to face Guiding is suspended, Guides have continued to meet
virtually. We have made pumpkin birdseed feeders, learnt and practiced
survival techniques from the comfort of our own homes and baked some
amazing pizzas and fudge.
We can’t wait to see each other again and get back outside (whatever
the weather!) but for now we are continuing to meet virtually. We have
some fitness work outs planned and Christmas craft, fun and festivities to
come.18
FATAL ACCIDENT AT FOXHOLES
Jane and Robin Oldridge
Whilst walking our dog, Taz, down at Foxholes between the farm
buildings and the footpath into the woods on the right, he was trotting down
the middle of the track towards the footpath and was run down and killed by
a vehicle which did not slow down or stop! As you can imagine this was
VERY upsetting.
As this is a popular place for walkers with their families and dogs, can we
ask drivers to show more consideration, to take more care and to slow down
to avoid any more accidents please – next time it might be a child!
Also can we suggest to all dog owners that whilst they are walking along
tracks where vehicles are allowed, they keep their pets on a lead as a
precaution.
BLEDINGTON MUSIC FESTIVAL
Rodney Beacham
GOOD NEWS! Our President,
Thomas Trotter, City of Birmingham
organist, has been awarded the Queen’s
Medal for Music in recognition of his
longstanding commitment to music in
Birmingham and his world-renowned
career. The Chair of the committee
which recommends to the Queen said,
“This year’s medal salutes a world
famous organist who has done so much
to widen and brighten the realm of this
great instrument. Thomas Trotter’s
series of regular recitals over four
decades as Birmingham City Organist is
an inspiring example of civic
engagement for all performing musicians”
GOING FORWARD. The Festival team has been actively seeking grants
to offset costs, such as printing, that had been incurred in preparation for
Festival 2020 and in preparation for the future – so far we have been
unsuccessful. We hope that we shall be back serving teas at Chastleton
next year but further fund raising will be needed.
At the same time the team is exploring options for 2021. No-one knows
what might be the scenario next June but all is in place for a very similar
programme to that planned for this year. A great deal will depend on travel
restrictions, social distancing and other statutory regulations at the time.
We shall be back!19 BLEDINGTON OIL GROUP – BLOG NEWS Simon Aldridge - Greenfield (next door to School) : 659121 : bledington.oil@gmail.com BLOG was set up to take the pain out of phoning around, buying, paying and delivery of heating oil. A deal is arranged with Sweetfuels, who promised to give a bulk discount rate to members, regular reliable deliveries, trustworthy service and an annual prize of 500 litres of oil. Sweetfuels rate is consistently in the best three cheapest prices. They never fail to deliver and have always been polite and courteous with their deliveries so I am happy to recommend them. The cold weather has arrived and oil prices are likely to rise again so it is a good time to consider joining BLOG if you are not already a member. Each member is supplied with a unique number which is used to directly contact the current supplier to order oil and be eligible for the bulk-buy discount. Arranging bulk deliveries is about lower price, but also about reducing the number of delivery vehicles. Sweetfuels on average deliver about half a tanker a week to the village saving at least 3 other deliveries, tankers and quite often long journeys so helping reduce pollution and disruption. Current supplier: Sweetfuels Ltd of Faringdon Tel: 01367 710666. Weekly delivery day: Tuesday. BLOG – main points to note: If you join the scheme there is no obligation for you to buy your oil through it – if you find a cheaper price then, congratulations, go and buy it. Sweetfuels are happy to give the same membership deal to people who suddenly need an emergency delivery outside the normal delivery window. Sweetfuels donate 500 litres a year free to BLOG which is raffled off to a lucky member at a village event once a year - GOOD LUCK EVERYONE. It may be helpful to note that Sweetfuels: Run a budget plan where the total cost of the oil can be split up into more easily manageable monthly direct debit payments, each delivery benefiting from the current BLOG lower rate, although the first delivery from them, as with all suppliers, would have to be paid in full and then monthly afterwards, and Run a top up scheme where a member can arrange for oil to be delivered at a suitable interval, again each delivery benefiting from the current BLOG lower rate. Remember - joining and obtaining benefit from BLOG really is that simple: fill in the form – I have spares if you need one – (email or hard copy) deliver with £1 to the BLOG co-ordinator receive membership number - order cheaper oil
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BLEDINGTON PARISH COUNCIL
Notes by the Editors from the Minutes of the Bledington Parish Council (BPC)
meeting held on Monday 2 November via video conference.
Present: Mr R Pearson (Chairman), Mrs R Gaskell, Mrs R Pawley and Mr N
Jackson. Attending were Mrs H Pearson (acting clerk), County Councillor N
Moor, District Councillor J Beale, Mr I Simpson, Mrs J Wilson and Mrs J
Phelps.
Matters Arising. Chapel Lane. The proposal to put kerb stones along
Chapel Lane is still being discussed. Hazel Gibbs memorial bench. Offers
of help to install the bench have been received from Mr M Newton, Mr N
Jackson, Mr B Ball and Mr R Pearson. Mr A Orr-Ewing’s has offered to help
with the finances of installing the bench.
Reports form County and District Councillors.
County Cllr N Moor. A written report was submitted by Cllr Moor. To
Summarise: - A417 Highway England are organising a public consultation
on the ‘A417 Missing Link’ at Birdlip. It is understood that the proposal will
provide an opportunity to divert HGV’s that presently use the A429 Fossway.
Stow Horse Fayre. This was successfully stopped using powers under
Covid-19 regulations. Children. No child will go hungry in Gloucestershire.
Every child who is entitled to a free school meal, will be helped in half term.
The same support package will be in place over the Christmas holidays.
A436 Adlestrop Bridge. Monitoring data has been collected from 4
monitoring points including Main Street, Bledington. A report is expected
later in November and should be available for the December meeting.
Household recycling centre. Winter opening hours have changed to
10.00am to 4.00pm. Visits must be booked in advance.
District Cllr J Beale. New signage. Road sign for Old Burford Road
continues to be delayed due to Covid difficulties. Parking charges.
Increases at the Maugersbury Road and Moreton-in-Marsh public car parks.
Opening. The Leisure Centres and Corinium Museum are to re-open.
Green Bin Collection. Feedback on the frequency of green bin collection
was asked for. Mr N Jackson raised concerns that a fortnightly collection
was, in his opinion not adequate.
Flood Group. Mrs J Phelps gave a brief update on the progress being
made. £30,000 of grant money has been identified to help with flood
alleviation in the village. This would need to be used by 31 March 2021.
Other grants of up to £60,000 were a strong possibility. The Westcote
Brook and Evenlode would be the first priority to look at. A major part of the
work would be the restoration of the ecology of the brooks and the banks and
to prevent the flow ‘back up’ from the Evenlode. The low quality of water in
the Evenlode is most likely due to sewage. Continued on page 2121
Continued from page 20
Correspondence. Gravel Pit Field. Mr A Tyack’s request to give up his
right of way across the Gravel Pit Field in return for a strip of land adjoining
his orchard was rejected. Flood Group Finance. The money raised by the
group to help alleviate flooding in the village to be handled by the Parish
Council. This would not include the grants obtained by FWAG. This needs to
be a one-off request and not ongoing through out the project.
Eileen Lofts memorial tree. It was agreed to plant a Bird Cherry Tree.
Mr R Pearson will inform the family.
Items for future meetings. The next village working party. A
complaint about the brightness of the street lamp on Main street. Mr P
Jones would like to increase his fees for mowing the Village Green.
Date of next meeting – Monday 7 December at 7.00pm
The Public are invited to the meeting – please email the Clerk at
clerk@bledington.com if you wish to attend and a zoom invite will be sent.
(Questions will be sought in advance).
ST LEONARD, BLEDINGTON CHURCH ROTAS
MAIN CLEANING FLOWERS AND BRASS TO
ALTAR AND SIDE ALTAR
December 2020
Week Commencing: Monday Week Ending: Saturday
7th Mrs Warren and Tina 5th Mrs Caroline Bond
14th Mrs Warren and Tina 12th Mrs Linda Cooper
21st Mr and Mrs Beacham 19th Mrs Helen Ayers
28th Mr and Mrs Beacham 26th Mrs Helen Ayers
January 2021
Week Commencing: Monday Week Ending: Saturday
4th Mr and Mrs Windsor 2nd Mrs Louise Ball
11th Mr and Mrs Windsor 9th Mrs Louise Ball
18th Mrs Oldridge and Mrs Packe 16th Mrs Plum Brackenbury
25th Mrs Oldridge and Mrs Packe 23rd Mrs Plum Brackenbury
30th Mrs Jenny Beacham22
VILLAGER BUS SERVICES
Timetables and information - www.villagerbus.co.uk
Villager bus routes will be running subject to drivers being available. All
passengers are by law required to wear face masks. The number of
passengers on buses will be reduced if required to allow safe separation of
passengers.
V2 Bledington Green 09.24: Bledington School 09.25
Wednesday arrive Chipp. Norton Co-Op 9.50; Medical Centre 9.53
only Leave Co-op 11.30, Hlth. Centre 11.32 arr. Bledington 12.00
V6 Bledington School 09.39: Bledington Green 09.40
Thursday arrive Stow Square 9.49: Stow Tesco 9.53 Leave
only Stow Tesco 11.04: Stow Square 11.08, arr. Bledington 11.19
V9 Bledington School 13.55: arrive Chipping Norton 14.09
Friday Leave Co-op Car Park 15.45 arr. Bledington 16.00. Goes on
only to Westcote/Oddington - no return from Oddington.
Bledington Green 09.16: arr. Chipping Norton West Street
V19 10.03, Health Centre/Aldi 10.06 (by request). Leave Aldi/
Monday and Health Centre 11.38, Co-op 11.40 arr. Bledington 12.27.
Tuesday (This service travels to Milton-u-Wychwood, Shipton-u-
only Wychwood and Ascott-u-Wychwood).
V20 Bledington School 09.05 Arr. Witney 10.06. Leave
Thursday Sainsbury’s 11.55; Market Sq. 12.00, arr. Bledington 13.02
only (This service travels to Kingham, Shipton-under-Wychwood).
V25 Bledington Green and School 08.56 arr. Witney 10.13am
Wednesday dropping off at Hospital, Sainsbury’s and Buttercross.
only Witney Buttercross 12.08pm, arrive Bledington 1.29pm
(This service travels to Churchill, Shipton, Milton, Fulbrook,
Burford, Bradwell, Filkins, Carterton, Minster Lovell).23
WEATHER RECORDS
Robert Pearson
20 OCTOBER TO 19 NOVEMBER 2020
2020 2019
Total rainfall 111.5mm 158mm
Wettest Day 15mm on 21/10/20 35mm
Highest day temperature 18°C on 20/10/20 16°C
Average maximum day temperature 13.8°C 10.7°C
Lowest night temperature -1°C on 4/11/20 -2°C
Average lowest night temperature 6.5°C 3.7°C
The main feature of the weather over the past month has been the high
daytime temperatures. Every day has been above 10°C with a number of
16, 17 and 18°C that must explain why the lawns keep on growing. How
long will it be until we are lawn mowing for 12 months of the year?
Although October this year was a little bit wetter than last year we have
been spared further flooding due to the fact that November rainfall is a little
less that November 2019.
RECYCLING CENTRES
Fosse Cross, Cirencester waste centre (CDC) is open from 10.00am to
4.00pm (not Tuesdays) 18 miles from Bledington, signposted off A429 at
Hare and Hounds, 6 miles north of Cirencester. All visits must be pre-
booked on-line at https://forms.gloucestershire.gov.uk/HRC_CarBooking
Dix Pit, Standlake waste centre (WODC) is open from 8.00am to
4.00pm every day. 21 miles from Foscot off the A415 south of Witney.
COMMUNITY WELLBEING SERVICE
Louise Fletcher, Project Manager
All requests for help should be addressed to 07738 016 384 or by email
cws.grcc@nhs.net
The service offers practical and financial help and advice to those who
may need any help to stay safe and independent at home for as long as they
wish or as long as they can.24
COMMUNITY DEFIBRILLATORS
In a life threatening emergency, where a defibrillator
MAY be required you MUST CALL 999.
Bledington Community Defibrillators are located at:
1. Bledington Village Hall on an outside wall.
2. In the telephone box outside Bledington School.
The Village Hall defibrillator
is locked; 999 will give you IN AN EMERGENCY
the key code. The defibrillator
in the telephone box is not CALL 999
locked so does not require a
key or key code.
DO NOT CALL 111
If Ambulance Control think the use of a defibrillator is required
they will ask you to take the nearest defibrillator to the patient.
You will be given instructions on how to use the defibrillator.
DO NOT DIAL 111 in a life threatening emergency.
A defibrillator is used to shock the heart into re-starting if the
heart has arrested or is not beating properly. Please report to
Sinclair Scott 01608 658624 if you have deployed the defibrillator.
Defibrillators are dangerous to use unless under
instruction from a 999 call operative or qualified medical
practitioner.
BLEDINGTON NEWS
The Editors
Bledington News is usually distributed free of charge to every household
in Bledington, Foscot and Foxholes. We would love to hear from you if you
have any suggestions or contributions for news etc. for inclusion.
sinclair.scott@btinternet.com or call 01608 658624.
Our printing costs are our only expense; they are around £2,000
annually.
A huge thank you to those who have made donations towards the printing
costs; if you wish to donate please contact our Treasurer, Michael Lear,
Trinders, Main Street, Bledington Tel: 659371. Cheques should be made out
to ‘Bledington News’.25
WASTE AND RECYCLING COLLECTION DATES
BLEDINGTON - COTSWOLD DISTRICT COUNCIL
WEEKLY: EVERY TUESDAY: grey food waste caddy.
Exceptions for Christmas and New Year: The collection due on
Tuesday 29 December will be collected on Wednesday 30 December
and the collection due on Tuesday 12 January will be collected on
Wednesday 13 January.
Uneaten or out-of-date food, eggs, egg shells, tea bags, coffee grounds,
kitchen roll, paper tissues, small amounts of oil/fat, animal hair. NOT food
packaging, animal faeces, pet litter/bedding/carcasses, cardboard, nappies.
FORTNIGHTLY: TUESDAYS 8 AND 22 DECEMBER, THURSDAY 7
AND TUESDAY 19 JANUARY
Large green wheeled garden waste bins (licence required). Grass
cuttings, leaves, bark, tree prunings and branches up 2” across, tree stumps
up to 4” across, rabbit and guinea pig bedding, flowers, plants, weeds, fruit
windfalls, cold wood ash.
Grey wheeled bins for land fill waste. Cat/pet litter/bedding, nappies,
light bulbs, crisp packets, plastic bags/wrapping. NOT fluorescent tubes.
Blue bag for cardboard. Cardboard must fit into bag. Remove
packaging tape. NOT card with glitter.
White bags for tins, cans and rigid plastic. Plastic tubs and bottles,
clean foil, aerosols, tetra paks. NOT crisp packets, plastic bags, clingfilm.
Black boxes:
1. Glass bottles, jars. NOT broken glass, light bulbs.
2. Paper, catalogues, newspaper, magazines, plain wrapping paper.
Also in Black boxes, wrap in separate carrier bags:-
1. Small electricals, batteries, e-readers, fairy lights, toys.
2. Shoes, clothing, hats, gloves, belts, scarves, textiles, handbags.
FOSCOT AND FOXHOLES
WEST OXFORDSHIRE DISTRICT COUNCIL
FORTNIGHTLY GREEN WEEK: MONDAY 14 AND WEDNESDAY 30
DECEMBER, WEDNESDAY 13 AND MONDAY 25 JANUARY:
Grey food waste bins. Blue lid bins for recycling.
Green lid bins for garden waste.
FORTNIGHTLY GREY WEEK: MONDAYS 7 AND 21 DECEMBER,
THURSDAY 7 AND TUESDAY 19 JANUARY:
Grey food waste bins. Grey lid bins for landfill waste.
DETAILS OF RECYCLE CENTRES ON PAGE 23.26
EVENLODE VALE
CHURCHES
ST LEONARD
BLEDINGTON
Richard and Anita
Rendall
2020 is unlikely to go
down as anyone’s favourite
year (unless you are a major
shareholder in Amazon or
Zoom). Many have lost loved
ones or jobs and others are separated from their families and feeling lonely
and isolated.
In difficult times, we look for the hope that Christmas can provide.
Although it will be different this year, the message remains the same: Jesus
came to dispel the darkness and fear and bring the light of hope.
Our speech is now full of phrases never uttered before 2020. Social
distancing. Track and Trace. The R number. In John 1, the traditional
Christmas reading, there is an older phrase which if embraced would bring
the hope we need as we enter 2021: Jesus came full of grace and truth.
Grace is God’s overwhelming, unconditional kindness and it means we
can find the forgiveness we all need for our failings. Truth means that there
is a God who directs the future, understands the past and knows us better
than we do ourselves.
These have been uncertain times for Anita and me – purchasing a house
at distance in the middle of a Pandemic has been challenging - but things
have now become clearer. We will be overseeing necessary work and
beginning our move in December a process which will be concluded in
January allowing Richard to complete his handover to those who will run the
interregnum.
Our final service will be broadcast on 6 December – sadly without a
congregation – but if allowed we will say as many personal farewells as we
can in between journeys up and down the M1.
We have made many friends here – thank you for all you have done to
create the happy memories with which we will leave this beautiful part of
the world.
May the God who came in his Son Jesus, full of grace and truth, shine his
light upon you this Christmas and in the months and years to come.
With our love and prayers.27
CHURCH NEWS – DECEMBER 2020
December Services
We have planned our December services in the hope that we will have
received government permission to resume public worship by then. If so,
services will still need to be socially distanced and numbers limited. This will
mean that you will need to book a place at our main Christmas services
apart from those that are taking place outdoors. To do this please contact
the Churchwarden of the parish where the service you wish to attend is
taking place. Bledington: Aloÿse Packe 658447, Barry Way 658542.
If public worship remains locked down in December, we will continue to
stream services for as long as we need to. Please consult our website
www.evenlodevalechurches.org for updates on this and all other Benefice
news. Our weekly Benefice e-mailing is another good way of staying in
touch and keeping up to date and if you don’t already receive this and would
like to please contact Kirsten at office@evenlodevalechurches.org For those
who don’t have internet access your Churchwardens (above) or the Church
Office (01451 831424) will be pleased to help you.
January Services
Details will be published as soon as possible when the situation becomes
clearer.
Prayer
Our churches remain open for private prayer and there are leaflets to help
you. Please use the hand sanitiser provided and follow the guidelines set
out.
Our next Benefice Prayer Meeting will be held on Saturday 5 December by
Zoom. If you would like to join us, please ask Kirsten (01451 831424) to
send you a link.
Kate’s Home Nursing
We are delighted to be hosting at Holy Ascension, Oddington a virtual
Christmas concert this year for this much-loved local charity which provides
palliative care for people who prefer to stay in their homes during the last
stages of illness.
The service will be broadcast on the Benefice YouTube channel on Friday
18 December at 7.00pm with opportunities to view and donate then and
anytime over the Christmas period. See page 9.
SEE PAGE 21 FOR
ST LEONARD, BLEDINGTON CHURCH ROTAS
Evenlode Vale Churches Website:
www.evenlodevalechurches.org28
CHURCH SERVICES - DECEMBER 2020
Subject to Government permission for public worship to recommence.
Sunday 6 December The Second Sunday of Advent (St Nicholas Day)
10.30am United Service Online Service only
recorded at Holy Ascension, Oddington (including farewell and
presentation to Richard & Anita Rendall)
6.00pm Holy Communion (CW) St Nicholas, Oddington
Sunday 13 December The Third Sunday of Advent
9.30am Holy Communion (CW) St Mary, Adlestrop
9.30am Holy Communion (BCP) St Paul, Broadwell
9.30am Morning Prayer (BCP) St Mary, Icomb
9.30am Morning Service St Mary, Westcote
6.00pm Lessons and Carols St Leonard, Bledington
Friday 18 December
7.00pm Carol Concert for Kate’s Home Nursing Online Service only
recorded at Holy Ascension, Oddington
Sunday 20 December The Fourth Sunday of Advent
9.00am Holy Communion (BCP) St Leonard, Bledington
9.30am Morning Service (CW) St Mary, Westcote
3.30pm Family Carol Service St Mary, Icomb
5.00pm Carol Service St Mary, Adlestrop
Thursday 24 December Christmas Eve
3.30pm Crib Service and Carols Bledington Village Green
3.30pm Family Carol Service Westcote Tattle
6.30pm Holy Communion (CW) St Nicholas, Oddington
Friday 25 December Christmas Day
9.30am Holy Communion (CW) St Mary, Adlestrop
9.30am Holy Communion (BCP) St Edward, Evenlode
9.30am Family Communion St Mary, Westcote
10.30am Family Communion St Mary, Icomb
11.00am Family Communion St Leonard, Bledington
11.00am Family Communion St Paul, Broadwell
Sunday 27 December The First Sunday of Christmas
9.00am Holy Communion (BCP) St Leonard, Bledington
11.00am Joint Service St Mary, Westcote
January Services will be listed when Government restrictions are clearer.
All services (save for Family Services and Morning Prayer) are specified as
being traditional Book of Common Prayer (BCP) or more contemporary
Common Worship (CW).
Family Services and Morning Prayer are both contemporary services.
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