News and Views
Faringdon montage by Al Cane
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Click Contact us to tell us your views, opinions and observations about local issues.
Do tell us Good News as well as being critical and please express any negative views without being rude or insulting. Please may I remind contributors that we require a valid email address or other contact details, though you can request that these are not displayed by including 'Name Supplied' at the end of your post. Your contact details will not be displayed or used elsewhere. Posts may be edited or deleted at the editor’s discretion You can read talking points back to 2002. Quite interesting to see whether issues are still the same now as in the past.
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Waitrose in Gloucester St - 29/1/15
Waitrose v Tesco became a class war as reported in many newspapers if you look online. People wanted Tesco because it was cheaper and they were wrong.
A supermarket, any brand, in Gloucester Street could have worked. Budgens is on a one way street and the deliveries do cause an obstruction. The plans in Gloucester Street would have taken deliveries away from the road. With the 140 extra car park spaces we could have seen a better, tidier town centre.
Originally the Tesco plan was turned down by VWHDC because it was too far from the town but enough people moaned and moaned and they eventually won but now they still moan. If it's not the broken freezers and the staff attitude then it's the higher than promised prices.
Too late to change.
Name supplied
Fernham Fields- Permission given - 29/1/15
VWHDC have agreed that this development should go ahead. See
http://www.whitehorsedc.gov.uk/java/support/Main.jsp?MODULE=FolderView&ID=377801736&CODE=27CF360D14A98B7194B67BFD98F6BE81&NAME=Decision+Notice&REF=P13/V0139/O
Some time ago I heard it said that permission wouldn't be given until the S106 (Planning gain) agreement had been reached. I've only had a quick look at the decision notice- can't see anything.
ED
Photos of Faringdon - 29/1/15
Don't forget that our display of old Faringdon pictures will be ready for you to see from next Monday 2nd February and will be here for the whole month. We hope it will bring back happy memories for some of you and show newer residents how the town used to look many years ago.
Please pop along to the Community & Tourist Information Office in Gloucester Street during Feb and have a look!
Waitrose in Gloucester St - 29/1/15
Waitrose in Gloucester Street was turned down as it was a terrible idea - having a supermarket where people & deliveries have to go around a one-way system is a recipe for no end of congestion. Big stores in the centre of town would be nice, but the simple fact is there isn't the room for them there. Like every other town in the UK any big retail development has to go where there is a)space & b) enough transport access to make it viable.
Name Supplied
Plans for the town- 29/1/15
How short sighted the objectors to the plans by Waitrose were when they turned down the Gloucester Street plan in favour of Tesco's. People expected a huge Tesco's store with cheap prices and it's neither and on top of that when you leave you often struggle to turn right onto Park Road as it's so badly designed.
Waitrose would have given us a town centre store, no more expensive than any other (just options if you want a different range). We would have had a lovely big car park which I imagine would have given us at least two hours free parking like Wantage and Abingdon so enough time to shop and then pop to the town centre.
Gloucester Street residents have wanted permits and now may regret it especially if it's only one per household. A new car park would have eased many of the problems, given the school drop off more space, shoppers would have been far more likely to park in the car park so would have eased Glos Street etc.
The town centre desperately needs more parking but sadly the chance may have been lost.
Name Supplied
Humpty Hill- 29/1/15
We applied to Oxfordshire County Council to have Humpty Hill registered as a Town Green under the Commons Act 2006 in April 2013. This would protect Humpty from development forever!
The application will be decided by public enquiry starting on the 16th March 2015.
We need to raise £300 for printing, stationary, Ordnance Survey maps, postage etc.
Any left over funds will be donated to charity.
link: http://fnd.us/c/dvxfb/sh/c4SKDd
Rob Stewart
Re: Parking. - 29/1/15
Most of the things related to the Parking Survey seem to have the same solution/problem - the rules are largely there but no-one is enforcing them. Issuing permits, double yellow lines & the like are all very well but until either the council or the police take responsibility for maintaining that these things are enforced I can't see much changing.
Thomas Tankengine
Here we go again.- 29/1/15
Would the idle person who allows their dog to leave piles of mess in and around the alleyways in The Pines,Beech Close and Maple road STOP.
Obviously a large dog who is not at fault, the owner knows better so PICK IT UP.
Name supplied
4&20 - 29/1/15
Brill. The more retail outlets the better,office space excellent. Tesco is very expensive they only stock a few lines and expensive. More competition the better.. Aldi would be brill the fruit and veg price half the price and better quality.
I'm sure the owners will make that corner look good and give passing travellers something to come into Faringdon for.
Name supplied
Breaking News - 29/1/15
Just in case you haven't heard on the grapevine, a local developer has put forward a proposal for the vacant 4&20 site on the corner of A420 and Park Road. It includes an Aldi, a "Little" Waitrose, a drive-thru Costa and some residential and office space.
The plans will be on show at Jubilee Room of Pump House next Wednesday 4th February between 1-8pm. This is going to have a radical effect on our town. Please try and make some time to come and have a look and let the developers know what you think.
Please also let us know what you think of these proposals as we intend to feed back the views of the Chamber of Commerce (if a consensus can be reached). It must be good news that this site is now viable and that employment land forms part of the proposal, but how many more supermarkets and coffee shops do we need?
What do you think?
Please let me know.
Paul Brame. Chamber of Commerce
president@faringdonchamberofcommerce.co.uk
Developments in Faringdon- 28/1/15
At the Town Meeting we were reminded of the time The Folly woodland was under threat. My recollection was that this was to allow replanting to take place, with the new trees now some 30 years old. But how many remember the more serious threat from Hills Aggregates proposal to quarry part of the hill? How many remember that where the sports field now stands used to be a hill only 20 feet lower than Folly Hill called Jespers Hill. The plan was to extend the quarry across the road and take off the shoulder of Folly Hill, using the top soil to partially restore the Jespers Hill site. Fortunately a campaign stopped this. Worth remembering that all these new houses require sand and lime for construction.
Cassandra
Parking - 28/1/15
I attended the Town meeting on the Parking Survey outcome and found it at odds with the assurances I was given when I met the team in the Market Place. I was told then that resident parking permits were not being considered as they were a disaster but now it appears that they will underpin the reformed and enforced parking in the town. There are apparently more than sufficient parking places for everyone if only we'd use the car parks. All we need are lots of new double yellow lines and a one hour limit for non resident permit holders. Am I the only one who has found the street and car park full on a night with residents' cars? And if we make the town center so hostile to visitors, who will come here to shop? Is the idea to turn it into a ghost dormitory town? At present there is a tidal flow as commuters leave, vacating spaces for visitors who later leave in time for the returning residents. Seems to me we are to be a cash cow for the council charging £50 or so per vehicle for more of the same lack of space to park. Yellow lines won't stop inconsiderate parking on pavements or across entrances, or make people park in one space not two. Council have been after a permit scheme for years because of the revenue raising it brings. For us, we may be able to park within 400 yards of our homes, a long way when burdened by shopping, children or age.
Cassandra
4&20 site - 28/1/15
The 4&20 site has permission for office/ light industrial use and that is what it should be used for. Why exactly does its owner, knowing this, want to create a retail / residential site 'with some office space'. Couldn't be profit by any chance??? The last thing Faringdon needs are retail outlets creeping out along the A420/ Not only will this jeopardise the viability of our town centre, it will destroy the existing designation of land use, and ultimately ruin the landscape setting and character of Faringdon. There were objections to siting Tesco on Park Road, & it now seems they were justifed, having created a precedent for retail in this part of Faringdon! Why are these plans only on show for one day? People need to see them & comment and this is too short a time.
Name supplied.
4&20 Development- 28/1/15
Potentially good and bad news for Faringdon if this site finally gets developed. It would create some much needed local jobs as well as adding welcome alternatives to Tesco. But I’m concerned about the mention of residential development being included in the plans. It will be interesting to see what the developers have in mind but we have enough (too much) new housing to deal with already and this area is not designated for residential development in the Local Plan. I suspect it may be a case of ‘We’ll build you an Aldi, Waitrose and some office space...but only if you let us make some money by building houses as well!’
Folly Man
Re: Motorhomes on Coxwell Street- 28/1/15
I was sorry to read of Julie Griffiths’ experience of the dangers posed by the inconsiderate parking of campervans and motorhomes near Danetree Vets. Unfortunately she is not alone; there was another near miss before Christmas in similar circumstances where a delivery van travelling up Coxwell Road nearly took the front off a car trying to exit the vets. I’m surprised they haven’t done more to prevent this hazard to their customers. With increasing amounts of traffic using Coxwell Road it’s only a matter of time before a serious accident happens as a result of these vehicles. I just hope it’s not when kids and mums are walking to and from school.
Name supplied
GO Active - 28/1/15
Earlier this month we told you about our one month unlimited swim offer starting in February. Due to the recent fire at South Oxfordshire District Council, our IT system has been affected and we can therefore not register anyone for the swim offer at the moment.
However, we are in the process of getting this all sorted and will let you know when we are ready to launch this offer once again.
In the meantime, visit our website to find out about other activities taking place near you.
www.getoxfordshireactive.org
Tescos Freezers.- 28/1/15
I would be interested to know who supplied and installed the Freezers and their power supplies for Tesco's as they are obviously not fit for purpose.
Grumpy Old Man!
Re: Tesco Freezers - 28/1/15
Something is undoubtedly wrong with the freezers for them to break down as often as they are doing & something needs to be done to stop this happening, but I doubt the staff working there think it's a laugh with it happening so regularly either. The idea of giving the food away is nice, but with our U.S. inherited culture of "accidents don't happen & someone is to blame for everything" the risk (however minor) of being sued by someone receiving something for free, getting ill & then seeing £ signs, no-one will take that risk.
The Aldi/Waitrose idea sounds interesting - will they be situated next to each other so that Waitrose customers can look down their nose at those going into Aldi & the Aldi customers can wonder why those in Waitrose need slow baked focaccia with fennel & pine nuts? ;-)
Thomas Tankengine
Aldi? Waitrose? in Faringdon - 28/1/15
A proposal has come forward for the 4&20 site on the corner of A420 and Park Road. It includes an Aldi, Little Waitrose, Costa and some residential and office space. The plans will be on show at Jubilee Room of Pump House next Wednesday 4th Feb between 1-8pm. Come and have a look and let the developers know what you think.
Alex Meredith
School Kit - 28/1/15
A change to the news item re new FB group for selling school kit.
Due to popular demand I have extended it to include all the Academy of Schools. The new FB group is now called
Faringdon Academy of Schools Kit for Sale or Wanted
https://www.facebook.com/groups/391863270980849
Thames Valley Police is appealing for witnesses after a burglary in Faringdon.- 27/1/15
The burglary took place between 4.15pm and 9pm Sunday (25/1) in Marlborough Close.
Offenders forced open rear patio doors. Jewellery and electrical equipment were stolen.
Anyone with information about this incident should contact investigating officer DC Chris Leech, of Abingdon police station, via the 24-hour enquiry line 101.
If you do not want to speak directly to the police you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. No personal details are taken, information is not traced or recorded and you will not go to court.
Re Daffodil:- 27/1/15
Don't worry about the solitary daffodil - one will soon turn into many... a bit like a camper vans ;-)
Name Supplied
Tesco Freezers - 27/1/15
For the second time in four days, Tesco is piling the total contents of their freezers into rubbish bags and dumping it today, because of freezer breakdowns. Only last Friday the TOTAL stock of fresh and frozen food was dumped for the same reason. This is, I believe, the EIGHTH time since last summer that Tesco has been responsible for mass food dumping. A smirking assistant calmly informed me today that they were 'insured anyway', so, by implication, it's no loss to them!
Am I the only person that finds this obscene in an age when people are starving in many parts of the world, and even in the affluent country we live in, thousands regularly have to use food banks in order to eat? When I suggested that local care homes, hostels, night shelters and food banks might be keen to take this food, which was still visibly frozen, I was told that they wouldn't take the risk 'in case someone got sick'.
The sickest thing of all is Tesco themselves who ought to be utterly ashamed of their corporate irresponsibility and waste.
Name supplied.
Re: Motorhomes on Coxwell Street - 27/1/15
Further to earlier comments, having visited Dantree Vets the other evening I was very nearly involved in what could have been an horrendous accident.
Due to the campervans/motorhomes being parked on either side of the clinic's driveway entrance I had to edge out very slowly in order to be able to see whether the road was clear for me to turn right. It was only down to pure luck that I did not have the front of my car taken off by another vehicle coming along the road towards town. Yes the oncoming car was speeding so was completely at fault but thankfully he was able to slam his brakes on & stop just in time, ending up only a couple of feet away from me. It scared the life out of me as I really thought he was going to hit me and there was nothing I could do about it.
My point is though had the campers not been there I would have seen him coming and not put myself in harm's way. I couldn't even see his headlights so how was I supposed to know he was even there? The owners of these vehicles should really think more carefully about where they park and consider the impact on other road users.
Julie Griffiths
Folly Light- 27/1/15
You might have noticed that the light at the top of the tower was off last night. It looks like the lamp needs to be replaced.
We have a new lamp on order and will be replaced ASAP.
Regards,
Raoul van Eijndhoven
Folly Tower Team
Parking on pavements - 27/1/15
Please, please, please can people stop parking on the pavements in Faringdon. It is becoming increasingly popular form of 'parking'. If I had a £1 for every time I've had to walk in the road (with small children) because some lazy driver hasn't bothered to take the time and park considerately I'd be rich!
Think before you park please, can someone in a wheelchair or with a pushchair walk past your car on the pavement?
Name supplied
Parking Survey- 27/1/15
I was unable to attend the Town Meeting on Monday night due to a family emergency. Would someone who was there be kind enough to post a summary of the main points regarding the parking survey?
Many thanks
Name supplied
Radcot Road Junction - 27/1/15
Yet another very near miss last evening at the junction of Radcot Road and Church Street. When will anyone in authority take seriously the notion that the prominent black-and-white chevrons facing Radcot Road indicting a sharp right turn are misleading. There is no need for this sign as the 'T' junction is obvious, and despite the Give Way sign at the junction, motorists unfamiliar with the geography are often led to believe - because of the chevrons - that Church Street is one way, and pull out in front of vehicles going straight on past the junction in the opposite direction.
Name Supplied
The Snow Queen - A Winter's Tale- 26/1/15
I went to rehearsals to have a sneaky peek at how the panto is going and boy, is it a good one!
Tickets are still available for the evening performances, but the matinees are sold out.
Tickets are available online, at the Nut Tree, or on the door if there are any left.
Special Family Ticket - available online only for Friday night performances. £21 instead of £28.
Fiona Merrick
Daffodil - 25/1/15
I can't help thinking about that daffodil alone up the Highworth Road. It's like someone who turns up early at a party, only to find that there's no yet there and having to leave before any of the other guests arrive.
Name and address supplied.
Friday 30th January, 6pm to 9pm
FAMILY BOARD AND CARD GAMES EVENING with Jacky and Nik
The Rookery, 35 Marlborough Street, Faringdon SN7 7JL
Tel 01367 242030
Email - therookeryshop@gmail.com
Bored with the same old TV programmes? Why not try something different instead and join us for a fun evening of games for all the family?
We'll provide the games and explain all the rules so all you need to do is turn up and play!
Stay as long as you like - refreshments will, of course, be available for purchase (until 8.30pm).
Camper Vans- 24/1/15
There is guidance on when it is an offence to park a vehicle on the public road in the DOE website:
http://www.doeni.gov.uk/vehicles_guidance.pdf
One of the categories is that it's an offence to abandon a vehicle.
The definition of such a vehicle is if it satisfies one or more of the following:
(a) untaxed;
(b) no current vehicle keeper on the Driver and Vehicle Agency’s (DVA) record;
(c) stationary for a significant amount of time;
(d) significantly damaged or vandalised, run down or unroadworthy;
(e) burnt out;
(f) lacking one or more of its number plates;
(g) containing waste
At least one of the motorhomes in Coxwell Road falls into categories (c, d, g and probably a), so appears to have been abandoned.
Name and address supplied.
Unable to visit your library because of limited mobility or special circumstances? - 24/1/15
Talk to the Faringdon library. They will be able to arrange for someone to visit you, and bring and return your choice of books, videos, CDs
01367 240311
A daffodil- 24/1/15
Spring must be on the way,there is one solitary daffodil on the side of the Highworth Road near the viewing area.So nice to see this early in the year.
Name supplied
School Kit for sale/wanted on Facebook - 23/1/15
A new Facebook group has been set up called Faringdon Schools Kit for Sale or Wanted.
It is dedicated to selling or requesting school kit etc for all the Faringdon Schools. This has come from feedback from lots of people who have been trying to sell school kit on the other For sale sites but their things seem to be overlooked among the myriad of other stuff for sale. Here's hoping that the new page called Faringdon Schools Kit for Sale or Wanted will provide a one stop place to exchange school kit/uniform/P.Ekit/residential and ski trip kit/ musical instuments/afterschool sports kit etc. Please spread the word and find it here....
www.facebook.com/groups/391863270980849
Nicola Brown
Rally in Witney - 23/1/15
Rural Oxfordshire Action Rally http://www.roartoday.co.uk/witney-rally.html
Rally organised in Witney against unsustainable developments in Oxfordshire.
Church Green Witney, OX28 4AZ 11.00 til 12.30
Low flying?- 23/1/15
Over the years we've had a history of Chinooks and other helicopters "homing in" on The Folly.
Recently this seems to have got worse. Larger aircraft have started to swoop around the town. Are the pilots trying to impress their families or is this part of the parking survey?
Either way, these guys could cause a safety issue by flying so low. Justified?
Name supplied.
The Snow Queen - A Winter's Tale- 23/1/15
Matinee shows are now SOLD OUT!
We still have tickets for the evening performances and we have extended the special Family Ticket price offer for the first night to the second Friday as well! This ticket is only available from our website.
Although this is not your 'usual' traditional panto, it has humour and playfulness, the usual struggle of good and evil ... but it's full of sparkle lovely costumes and songs galore!
Tickets available from our website, The Nut Tree, Corn Exchange, Faringdon, and (evening performances only) on the door.
www.faringdondramatic.org.uk
TOWN MEETING 26th January 2015 - 22/1/15
This is a meeting of the electors of Faringdon, not a meeting of the Town Council. ALL electors are welcome and may speak and vote on any item detailed in this agenda.
MONDAY 26th JANUARY 2015 at 7.30 p.m. in the Corn Exchange, Faringdon
You can see the Agenda on http://faringdontowncouncil.gov.uk/town-meeting-26th-january-2015/
Camper vans - 22/1/15
Allan- I have anticipated that the vehicle coming down Coxwell Road on the wrong side of the road ( due to the Camper Vans) is not going to slow or move over, so I have been as far into the kerb as possible. This still hasn't stopped my car being hit twice by said oncoming van/ car even though I have been stationary!.
Grumpy Old Man!.
Yet more on Motorhomes...- 22/1/15
I see this morning that the plague seems to have spread into Highworth Road. To say that you can drive round them seems to be missing the point somewhat - it's more the number that have appeared & that whoever is parking them there doesn't seem to live anywhere close by, so they want the vehicle but without the hassle of having to look after it.
They alone are not solely responsible for the issues on Coxwell Road/Street (e.g. whoever it is who thinks it's sensible to park on the opposite side to everyone else, where Coxwell Road meets Coxwell Street & the road is at it's narrowest), but they are making a bad situation worse, like the decision to make a lane for pedestrians where they are digging the pavement up when 90% of people are walking on the other side anyway.
Name Supplied
Purple hooded top found - 22/1/15
After fireworks night last year I found a purple hooded top with white drawstrings and yellow writing on the front. I haven't been able to find out who it belongs to and so now I'm putting it up on here. Email faringdonscouts@hotmail.co.uk with the size if it's yours!
Faith Carpenter
Parking - 22/1/15
It's interesting that the Parking Study proposes to stop inconsiderate parking outside the Leisure Centre/College site by introducing Double Yellow Lines, while at the same time working on a parking study focused on the current problem of people ignoring and parking on double yellow lines. I would hope that double yellow lines will help, but they don't seem to anywhere else in the town.
Faith Carpenter
The Sun - 22/1/15
Now that The Sun has dropped its fine tradition of displaying semi naked women on page three, might I propose that Faringdon Online takes up the challenge? I suggest that tasteful photographs of nude or nearly nude citizens be displayed on its pages. Entries to FO, anyone?
Bystander
Back to parking- 22/1/15
Re: the difficulty of visibility with the camper vans. It is no more difficult than the numerous times I've tried to get out of a normal parking space but the vehicle next to me is a van or a 4x4 which I can't see through so I have to take pot luck.
Jane Boulton
Re:Motorhomes Coxwell Road,- 21/1/15
.. putting aside the emergence on this site of Highway Code Parking experts versus camper van parking you might want to consider that it is still the responsibility of the driver to look,assess,decide & then act!...irrespective of either emerging onto a major road or assessing safe & adequate clearance on parked vehicles...why would you treat them any differently than a refuse vehicle that is stationary & positioned in a parked position whilst working...I drive down & up Coxwell St/Rd with my pups(pupils) and we make decisions based on assessing everything around us...if I published my in car camera footage of local residents up and down this road you might find they would be embarrassed at their own actions....don't blame the parking for your own lack of awareness and anticipation...however until the experts decide what should be done then drive carefully and you won't come to harm...you cant miss me & my pups as we have a great big L sign on the roof of the car
Allan Barrow
Re the motorhomes on Coxwell Road- 21/1/15
This is an ongoing saga. I understood all the relevant authorities had been contacted and are unable to do anything about this. Unfortunately an out of date tax disc is no longer an indication of an untaxed vehicle - it's all done online now and there's no requirement to display a current disc on your windscreen.
Two things spring to mind.
There is an offence of leaving a vehicle in a dangerous position: It is an offence to leave a vehicle or trailer in a position on a road where it could cause injury to someone using the road. I think it could be successfully argued drivers trying to enter Coxwell Road from the numerous entrances and driveways are putting themeslves in danger of injury due to the obvious obstruction to visibility these camper vans cause.
Secondly, and I think this has been mentioned before on here, do the vehicle insurers know the owners casually abandon their vehicles on this street - and not outside their own addresses? Are they technically uninsured? I note the local Police are at Tescos on Sunday fm 1200 -1300hrs - as below. I suggest as many people as possible moan about these vans to the neighbourhood team in person to push it up the agenda,
Name supplied
The Snow Queen - A Winter's Tale- 21/1/15
Fri 30th Jan, 7.30pm
Sat 31st Jan, 2.30pm and 7.30pm
Fri 6th Feb, 7.30pm
Sat 7th Feb, 2.30pm and 7.30pm
Tickets are going well at the Nut Tree. Remember to get yours soon, to avoid disappointment.
We have a specially priced Family Ticket, only available on our website for Friday 30th January - £21 instead of the normal price of £28 for 2 adults and 2 children.
www.faringdondramatic.org.uk
Parking - 15/1/15
The motorhomes parked on Coxwell Road are owned by different people. ( I talked to one of the owners). They are doing nothing illegal even though, I agree, they don't look good and are a nuisance. As Tax Discs have been abolished, the display of an out-of-date one doesn't signify that the vehicle is untaxed.
The owner I spoke to uses his quite frequently mostly at weekends, so that one does move.
Perhaps we need somewhere in Faringdon where people who have motorhomes, large vans, builders lorries etc can park. They then wouldn't park on pavements on our narrow streets.
We could ally that with parking for coaches!
Green Witch
Mobile Homes/Camper Vans on Coxwell Road - 21/1/15
Vehicles no longer have to display a tax disc but you can check if a vehicle is taxed by going to -
https://www.gov.uk/check-vehicle-tax
Name Supplied
Mobile Homes - 21/1/15
Re. Mobile Homes, or Camper vans as I call them. Yes they are a pain in the backside parked there. I would suggest that the owners park them on their drives or outside their own houses, rather than cause obstruction to traffic where they are,
As of Nov. 2014 Tax Discs no longer have to be displayed on Vehicles as the system is all electronic. You can check whether any vehicle is currently taxed by entering its registration on the DVLA website.
Regards Grumpy Old Man!.
Parking - 21/1/15
Why all of a sudden has the parking interest switched from Coxwell street to Gloucester street. Coxwell is not wide enough to cope with 2 way traffic which is surely unsafe. Gloucester street is a One way street which functions really well apart from when the bin lorries hold up the traffic. Why should there be parking charges anyway if the first 2 hours are free it seems adequate time for shoppers to use. As for employees parking in the side streets whats new?? this happens in most most towns the incentive though to encourage them to use the car parks should be no charge apart from a cover note from their employers. If you want people to use the car parks do not put charges in place.
Kevin Collins
Mobile Homes parked on Coxwell Road - 21/1/15
Who is it that takes the liberty to permanently park four mobile homes on the west side of Coxwell Road near the Old Surgery? One of these at least hasn't a valid tax disc and appears to be unroadworthy. These vehicles are never moved and appear to be either abandoned or permanently stored on the public highway, obstructing the road and making the town look more like a scrap heap. The police are to be informed of this and asked to check whether these vehicles are road legal and whether the owner(s) could be traced and asked to move them to a more suitable location.
Name supplied.
Parking survey - permits- 20/1/15
I wonder how this will work, Glos Street residents having permits to give them priority to park along the road. Will it be one per household? I imagine many of the houses along there have more than one car. If there are permit holders only and some short stay visitor and shopper spaces as well then won't it be even harder for residents to park there in the future if they have multiple cars?
At the moment I understand some residents from Lechlade Road and Gravel Walk also park in Gloucester Street. The knock on effect is a worry, presumably these cars will just end up in other areas and we'll be back to where we started!
A Glos Street resident permit in the car park is just £119 per year or £324 for non residents. I think if we were all offered the lower amount then there would be more takers but then I wonder if the car park is big enough!
Name Supplied
Thames Valley Police - 20/1/15
The following Have Your Say Meetings are being held in your Neighbourhood:
Date: Saturday, 24 January 2015
Time: midday - 1pm
Venue: East Hanney Village Hall
Date: Sunday, 25 January 2015
Time: midday - 1pm
Venue: Tesco, Park Road, Faringdon
Please come along, this is your opportunity to speak with your neighbourhood officers to discuss any local issues of concern you may have. If you are unable to attend but wish to speak with your neighbourhood officers, please call 101.
Parking Report - feedback from the consultant - 20/1/15
The First Draft report is based on the responses of over 400 completed questionnaires, two engagement event days attended by over 200 people, a complete visual and photographic survey of the whole of Faringdon, and five days of parking accumulation surveys. The First Draft Report has been issued for your comment and we will be presenting our findings on Monday 26 January. We have already received comments and the report will be updated and amendments will be made based on the comments received on this site and those made at the presentation on Monday 26 January. Clearly we have some confusion which is understandable and we will try and clarify these as follows:
Gloucester St Parking - 18/1/15 Name published
The proposals for Gloucester Street would allow residents a priority to park with a permit, but would also allow visitors to park for a limited time or to use the car park.
Parking Survey - 17/1/15 Name Supplied
Much of it says what we all knew anyway. Yes, the report is based on what you have been saying to us on the questionnaire and at our engagement events.
Current permit rules and charges are available on the Vale of Whitehorse’s website, these should be taken as a guide.
The proposals for the College are not covered by this report as they are covered by the recent planning permission.
Parking Survey- 17/1/15 Local Yokel
Yes, we have a balanced set of proposals which will allow your Town to function and will protect it from the developments that are coming.
Parking survey- 16/1/15 Name supplied
The biggest issue raised was the lack of enforcement.
Parking Survey - 16/1/15 Grumpy Old man!
We are proposing one bus stop to be moved, we have a lot of other proposals that will benefit and protect your Town. You are correct that the lack of enforcement is the biggest issue.
Parking Survey- 16/1/15
When we wrote the report we were unaware that the "unused" bus stop outside the Bell was a taxi rank as it was not signed or marked. Our recommendations have been amended to reflect this amendment.
Re: Faringdon Parking Survey- 16/1/15 Folly Man
The Parking Survey recommendations are simplistic in order that everyone can understand them, we have prepared displacement figures for each proposal and Faringdon as a whole, these will be presented on the 26 January and included in the Final Report.
Parking Study: - 16/1/15 Name Supplied
Yes a key recommendation is that existing parking restrictions “need to be enforced consistently”, Oxfordshire County Council need to take up the powers to enable this to be rectified.
Why recommend relocating Coxwell Road bus stops closer to Highworth Road? Happy to discuss this one, as this proposal assists with issues near to this junction.
No bus stop is actually marked outside the Coaching Inn, this is where the 66/67 stop. The bus stop is marked out on the Market Island opposite the Coaching Inn, the Community Bus uses this bus stop in the mornings. The proposal has been revised to be a shared bus stop and loading bay.
Re: Parking Survey - 16/1/15 Name Supplied
Yes a key recommendation is that existing parking restrictions “need to be enforced consistently”, Oxfordshire County Council need to take up the powers to enable this to be rectified.
Re: Faringdon Parking Survey - 16/1/15 Name Supplied
Yes a key recommendation is that existing parking restrictions “need to be enforced consistently”, Oxfordshire County Council need to take up the powers to enable this to be rectified.
No bus stop is actually marked outside the Coaching Inn, this is where the 66/67 stop. The bus stop is marked out on the Market Island opposite the Coaching Inn, the Community Bus uses this bus stop in the mornings. The proposal has been revised to be a shared bus stop and loading bay.
The cost of the whole study is included in the Town Council meeting minutes, the report is not finished. It is currently a 65 page First Draft with over 200 pages of evidence in the Appendices, We are presenting our findings on the 26 January and it is subject to change based on the comments received. All comments received are most welcome. Please keep the discussion alive and try and attend the presentation on Monday 26 January, it’s your Town you need to get it protected and safe for all users.
http://www.garykaysmith.co.uk/faringdon-parking-study/
The pictures of old Faringdon are certainly interesting.- 19/1/15
Ann's Garage had several premises in Faringdon in the first half of the 20th century. The picture taken through the Town Hall is of the offices and show room built in 1912 to replace a former garage situated between what is now Perry Bishop and what was Barclay's Bank. This showroom had petrol pumps and even a hoist to lift cars up to the first floor. The main workshop was situated behind the Red Lion in what is now the lower Southampton Street carpark. There was also an Ann's Garage garage as shown in the picture of Marlborough Street and yet another with petrol pumps at the top of Marlborough Street where the show room of the Faringdon Garage now stands.
I think the tall man in a cap and long coat in the workshop picture is probably Charlie Smith who was foreman at Ann's Garage and also Captain of the local Fire Brigade.
The isolation hospital was on the left of Highworth Road just past the entrance to Westland Road. I understand food and coal were left at the entrance while the patients served out their quarantine period.. Notice the sparkling white aprons.
The market pictures are interesting. Hundreds of men but not a woman to be seen.
The saddest picture to me is the picture of Dr. Pulling's residence Overton House opposite Arthur's Hill. I felt it was a crying shame when that beautiful house was pulled down to make way for the Faringdon Garage forecourt.
Finally, the Duke of York, the old "Drum and Monkey" with Michael Giannadrea stood outside. Happy memories and many thanks for showing them
Dennis Haynes
Parking at Community College- 19/1/15
I've heard that there is parking at the school for students who drive to school. I hope that it's only those who live out of Faringdon who are allowed to park
Name Supplied
Gloucester St Parking - 18/1/15
Any Faringdon resident can buy a permit to park in the Gloucester Street car park but and many residents do. Like many of the residents of Gloucester Stree, I don't expect to be able to park outside my house but very much resent commuters and casual shoppers who park along Gloucester street when THEY could easily access the car park and 2 hours of free parking, and the semi-permanently parked camper vans! Day to day it would be great not to have to haul my shopping and children up and down from the car park. I think a residents parking scheme seems like a fair compromise
Name published
Parking Survey - 17/1/15
Much of it says what we all knew anyway. People park illegally and stupidly and lots of people buy homes without parking but then expect to be able to park outside.
Until I read it I didn't realise parking permits for the car park were available for Gloucester Street residents already, I think at about £120 per year. If they are to be given the opportunity to have permits to park outside their homes then presumably this will be the approximate cost? People who park along the road during the day for work, perhaps a discounted permit for the carpark would be fair?
Also I notice that the College may have to put double yellow lines 45 metres either side of the turning to enable buses to get around easily. The school may be having 10 extra spaces on site when a proposed new building goes ahead. Now last time I drove along that road there were many more than 10 cars parked outside the school, some in Carters Crescent and some along Fernham Road. I'm guessing then that these cars will just park further along, making the narrow end of Fernham Road (towards Fernham Gate) even more tricky?
Name Supplied
Re New/Old photos of Faringdon and the Folly - 17/1/15
Fascinating! Could the garage interior photo also be Ann's Garage? If you look to the right of the shot behind the man standing you can see part of a sign which appears to be for Ann's Garage. But whether that's the premises or just part of a vehicle in for maintenance who knows?
The other photos show Ann's Garage as in 'the narrows' (where the McColls newsagents is now sited) and up Marlborough Street (near where the Police Station is now).
If this workshop was at the back of the town centre site the walls could be the rear of the Crown Coaching Inn?
I'm sure a local expert will know.............
Nigel.
New/Old photos of Faringdon and the Folly - 17/1/15
Have a look at Early 20th century on this site
It seems there was a scarlet fever unit in Faringdon!
If anyone knows which garage is pictured, I'd be pleased to know
Ed(GW)
Parking Survey- 17/1/15
It's not surprising that parking enforcement is frequently mentioned in the report, we all know that enforcement is minimal in Faringdon. In most other parts of England parking enforcement has been taken over by Councils, so the on street enforcement is carried out with the car park enforcement- makes sense. Oxford CC and VWHDC have been resisting doing this- they say it will not be self funding. A bit surprising, given that other councils don't seem to think this as issue.
The recommendation in the report for changing the parking regulations on some streets, so that people can't park all day, seems to make sense to me. This may be of benefit to the shops and businesses. However, my guess is that it is the employees of these shops and businesses that park all day.
Whatever is done, without effective enforcement, there will be little improvement.
Just think- it's bad now, what will it be like when another 1000+ houses are built, most more than 1 mile from the Town Centre
Local Yokel
Parking survey- 16/1/15
Some very sensible and well thought through recommendations in this report, particularly regarding residents parking and the use of existing private car parking, and most importantly the need to reinforce the current parking restrictions!
Name supplied
Parking Survey - 16/1/15
I have to agree with the general consensus that the parking survey has been a waste of money. Moving bus stops a couple of hundred metres???- what a waste of valuable money. Just ticket the illegally parked vehicles and fix the pot holes, sunken drains and split carriageways.
name supplied. (Grumpy Old man!)
Parking Survey- 16/1/15
This is a draft copy which is why it is going to be on the Town Meeting Agenda on 26th January. This meeting is usually intended for the Town Council to put their proposal for the precept to the towns residents but the Survey has been added this time.
The "unused" bus stop is the one outside the Bell. It has been pointed out that this is in fact a joint bus/taxi stop and is used by taxi's, the Community Bus and the school bus that takes children to school outside of Faringdon.
Please come to the meeting to express your views. Then towns residents opinions are important and can often bring up ideas that no one else has considered.
Re: Faringdon Parking Survey- 16/1/15
The Parking Survey recommendations are overly simplistic in that they take no account of the knock-on effect on surrounding roads of enforcing existing parking restrictions.
As soon as we have a warden slapping £100 parking tickets on offending vehicles, people will start to move their cars to other areas of town which have not traditionally had a parking problem and which are not included in the report’s recommendations.
I'm not suggesting for a moment that owners of cars parked on pavements and double yellow lines should not be fined for their thoughtless (and illegal) behaviour, rather that any recommendations should take into account the impact of car parking on Faringdon as a whole. Otherwise the parking problems affecting, say, Coxwell Street today will simply become a headache for drivers, pedestrians and residents in Coxwell Road tomorrow.
Folly Man
Parking Study: - 16/1/15
The much awaited report is one of the thinnest reports that I have ever seen! I think that it may have been written by a schoolchild as it woefully fails to come up with effective solutions. There are 20 references to enforcing restrictions consistently. Who is going to do this? The Police do not have time to be there all of the time. Why recommend relocating Coxwell Road bus stops closer to Highworth Road? They are pretty close already and to move them closer would create a traffic hazard. Why recommend relocating the bus stop in the Market Place? This is the busiest bus stop in Faringdon but the reports authors are clearly unaware of this. The bus stop outside of the Bell Inn is NOT "unused". It is where the community buses from Stanford, Baulking and Hinton Waldrist park. This report has been a complete waste of money.
Name supplied
Fire at South Oxf Council Office - 16/1/15
The message below is sent out on behalf of South Oxfordshire and the Vale of White Horse District Councils:
Due to a major fire at South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse district councils’ offices there's disruptions to some services.
For the latest update and information please click on the link below:
www.southandvalecouncils.wordpress.com
The following services are running:
Services affected by the fire include, planning, environmental health, finance and housing.
We will provide more updates next week.
We’d be grateful if anybody with any day to day enquiries can wait until fully we’re up and running again.
Re: Parking Survey - 16/1/15
money well spent it seems? existing parking restrictions “need to be enforced consistently” - we can leave that to the near constant police presence in the town in that case.
Does the "news" that most of VWHDC work around 30 miles from Faringdon begin to explain their lack of focus on the town & surrounding area.
Name Supplied
Re: Faringdon Parking Survey - 16/1/15
Interested to read the draft recommendations from the Parking Survey. So after months of consultation, the key recurring recommendation is that existing parking restrictions “need to be enforced consistently”. Right, so that wasn’t obvious then. Further in the report another recommendation is to “Remove the unused bus stop outside the Coaching Inn, and replace it with a loading bay” That would be the bus stop outside the Crown Coaching Inn presumably? The one that the 66, 67, community bus etc all stop at... How much did this report cost the Town Council?!
Name supplied
District Council Offices - 16/1/15
I see on the news this evening that someone has burnt down the South Oxfordshire District offices. This will have a major effect on the Vales residents as the most of the administration was done from those offices.
Jane Boulton
See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-oxfordshire-30843089
Looking for a fitness buddy.- 16/1/15
Beginner level. Interested in running, swimming, gym, yoga, classes etc. keen to get fit, lose weight and tone up. Want to set realistic goals but have a fitness buddy to get inspiration from.... Please do get in touch.
Tori toriray1@googlemail.com
Sport camp at Faringdon Infant School - 16/1/15
February - Monday 16th - Wednesday 18th.
We are running football 9am-4pm, Fencing 9am-12:30pm, Tri golf 12:30pm-4pm.
Prices:
Full Day £15.00
Half Day of Fencing or Tri Golf £7.50
Extra time £5.00 if needed.
Early Bird Discount Available if booked 2 week before camp due to start.
please contact Alana on 07954138599 for more details.
http://chewits.premiersport.org/
Faringdon Parking Survey - 15/1/15
Faringdon Residents will have the opportunity to discuss and comment on the first draft of the Parking Survey. The documents are available on the FTC website
Please come to the Town Meeting on 26th January at 7.30pm in the Corn Exchange and share your views.
At the meeting residents will also have the opportunity to hear about the Town Council precept plans for the coming year.
The Agenda will be available on Wednesday 21st January.
A417 flooded - 15/1/15
Reassuring to see that the A417 is still flooding at Challow after the road having been effectively closed for 3 months.
Thomas Tankengine
Bad driving - 15/1/15
This comment is directed to the male driver who verbally abused me in Market Square this morning in the hope that he sees my response:
Your presumption of superiority over all the other drivers in the vicinity and the loss of right of way over traffic coming down the road did not justify your appalling language. I hope you felt some remorse once you realised that there was a medical emergency blocking the road ahead. I also hope that you aren't a Faringdon resident as it wasn't your proudest moment.
Name supplied
Faringdon Regent Cinerma - 13/1/15
Help the Regent Cinema provide a better service!!
Please spare just a few minutes to complete our short survey to leave us all your feedback and any suggestions.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/BZ3Z29M
Creative Computing- 12/1/15
Science Oxford are running two taster days and one creative project day for 11-16 year olds in creating and building your own computer-controlled creations.
Taster Days: Monday 16th and Tuesday 17th of February
Project Day: Friday 20th of February*
Cost: Free
Location: The Old Town Hall Faringdon, Market Place, Faringdon, Oxfordshire, SN7 7HL
*attendees at the Project Day must have attended one of the Taster Days
For more information and to reserve a place, see www.scienceoxford.com/live
Email: creativecomputing@scienceoxford.com
Tel: 01865 810022
Pool - 12/1/15
this is comment for rob if you go to the wheatsheaf pub and ask brian or ally they will advise you how to go about finding a pool team phone number is 01367 244219
Jane Lewis
Youth Exchange Programme- 12/1/15
Tuesday 14th July to Monday 20th July 2015
A group of French children from our twin town of Le Mele in Normandy will visit Faringdon (age 12+).
Monday 20th July to Saturday 25th July 2015
A group of Faringdon children will visit Le Mele (age 12+).
If you are interested in hosting 1 or 2 French children and then your children returning to Le Mele then please do contact me as soon as possible. This is an excellent opportunity for your children to improve their own French and make new friends.
We are also looking for 2 Leaders aged 18+ to lead the group to Le Mele. All travel and accommodation will be paid for. This is a great experience to develop confidence in speaking French and gaining Leadership Skills. If you know of anyone interested then please ask them to get in touch.
Carolyn Murphy
(Faringdon Youth Twinning Association Volunteer Organiser)
cmurphy@brookes.ac.uk
Play Pool - where? - 12/1/15
Does any one know where there is a good place to play pool in or very near to Faringdon? I used to play extensively for various teams in Abingdon and Oxford years ago but now the kids are a bit older I'm keen to play once more. Snooker would be nice too. I'm just wondering what is available where it is reasonable to play on and as local to Faringdon as possible.
Thanks in advance for any help
Rob.
Development behind Regent mews and Volunteer - 11/1/15
The application says
3.1 Access would be taken from a modern development through Regent Mews. Visibility splay on to the main road from the existing access are good, especially given the relatively slow moving traffic,which is moving one way only.
Presumably the Regent Mews road will be 2 way. Is it wide enough?
Name Supplied
Development behind Regent Mews- 11/1/15
Looking at the plans it seems that a number of parking spaces belonging to Regent Mews will be lost, unless I'm missing something and the spaces will be included in the new development.
Don't suppose Dr Scott-Brown wants the cars using the access by his house then!
I like that they've taken the photos of the car park when it was nearly empty, waiting for residents to go to work. Some of them park in Gloucester Street anyway so can we expect even more parking issues along this road?
Name Supplied
Another planning application, this time in conservation area.- 11/1/15
I see another housing planning application ( see http://www.whitehorsedc.gov.uk/java/support/Main.jsp?MODULE=ApplicationDetails&REF=P14/V2892/FUL ) is submitted, this time for the woodland area behind Regent Mews and the Volunteer pub. Given that notification to local residents seems rather patchy. Please have a look to see if you are affected and if so make an objection before 28th January.
This is a conservation area, and outside of the development boundary which was so carefully included in the Faringdon Development Plan,
If you need background documents to support your arguments on material planning considerations, please do contact planingobjection@hotmail.com and I will send what I have.
Name Supplied
New Libdem prospective parliamentary candidate from Faringdon - 10/1/15
I am very pleased to announce that I have been selected as the Liberal Democrat prospective parliamentary candidate for Wantage constituency for the general election on May 7th.
I live in Faringdon so I want to use the opportunity of the campaign to raise our town's profile as well as tackling the key issues we face in Faringdon - maintaining and improving sustainable housing, transport, jobs and public services.
I'll be out and about around Faringdon and across the constituency over the next four months so hope to meet as many people as possible. In the meantime if there are any issues that I can help with on the campaign or if there are local groups that I can attend to hear more about how I could help please email me: alex@brightgreendragon.com or call me on 01367 243450 or 07592447794
You can keep right up-to-date on the campaign at my website: www.alexmeredith4wantage.com, on Facebook - www.facebook.com/alexmeredith4wantage, or on Twitter www.twitter.com/faringdonlibdem
I hope that by standing I can provide a positive alternative choice for people on May 7th and do some good for Faringdon and other communities in the constituency along the way. If you would like to help in any way, please don't hesitate to get in touch.
Alex Meredith
One month unlimited swimming for £5 in South and Vale - 9/1/15
http://www.getoxfordshireactive.org/class-news/2015/01/one-month-unlimited-swimming-for-gbp5-in-south-and-vale
VWHDC
Re- Dog Toy Found- 9/1/15
We named him Floppy, and last night he was wearing a hat that someone left behind in the shop!
We don't think Floppy really likes the hat though, so maybe the owner of the hat, or their mummy, should go into Budgens to the tills at the car park end and see if the hat belongs to them.
Fiona Merrick
Old Bras - 9/1/15
Birdy's Underwear Shop 54 High Street, Witney, Oxfordshire OX28 6HJ 01993 703806
Collect used bras
Monica Graham
Soggy dog toy found - 9/1/15
Found yesterday morning 8 January, in Budgens car park a rather soggy cuddly dog. Hes two tone brown very soft. He is waiting on the tills in Budgens for his owner.
Carol Townsend
Free Food Planting Session - 9/1/15
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
As it’s a chilly and wet time of year we’ll only have one session this month.
The next Faringdon Free Food session will therefore be from 14.00 to 16.00 this Sunday (11th January 2015). Everyone (adults and children) is welcome to come along to this session.
We can't yet finish the raised beds opposite the Swan Inn because the soil that we need to fill the beds is too wet for delivery. Instead, this month we'll tidy up the Town Centre planters and prepare them for future planting.
We'll meet in the Market Place at 14.00.
Best wishes
Mark Crane
Time to get in your attics, check in the backs of cupboards and blow the dust of the old photo albums! - 8/1/15
Here in the Community & Tourist Information Centre we are putting on a display of old Faringdon photos during February. We noticed the subject has been so popular on Facebook that we thought it would be great to have them all in one place for people to see,
Ideally photos as old as possible and up to the 1970's.
If you don't want to leave your photos with us then we can scan or photocopy them here.
Anything else you think of that may be of interest then we'd love to know about it.
If you could get to us by January 30th we'll have it all ready for Monday 2nd February!
Thank you,
Faringdon Community & Tourist Information
Glos Street.
01367 242191
Message for Joan - 8/1/15
A Naomi Gratton left a message on my answer phone (landline) over Christmas for " Joan" and her husband.
Unfortunately Naomi left no contact number so I am unable to tell her that she left the message at the wrong number - no Joan has lived here in recent years.
The impression left by the message was that Joan and Naomi lived fairly near each other, but hadn't been able to see each other recently, therefore I think they are probably local and maybe just a wrong didget in the telephone number.
If anyone knows Naomi Gratton please could you let her know that her message did not reach Joan.
Many thanks
Miranda Boscawen
Faringdon Parking Survey- 7/1/15
Following a major consultation, the recommendations to improve parking in the centre of town are in the process of being finalised. This could be the start of major changes to parking in Faringdon. If you park regularly in Faringdon Town Centre, or are a resident or business owner on one of the central streets - Market Place, London St, Church St, Marlborough St, Gloucester St, Coxwell St - this could affect you!
There will be a public meeting on the recommendations at the Corn Exchange on Monday 26th January at 7:30 or, if you want a preview, the draft report will be discussed at the Town Council meeting next Wednesday 14th at 7:15. It would be great to see as many people as possible at the meetings so we can get a clear sense of opinion about the proposals before they are sent to the Vale.
Alex Meredith
Old Bras - 7/1/15
I know that Sue in Cariad Bride used to collect old bras to be recycled. Does anyone know where we can take or send old bras now that the shop has closed?
Thanks
Ann Jerome
Re: Parking Survey- 7/1/15
Will there be any outcome/response to the things mentioned on the survey? as parking issues seem to have got worse since the survey ended.
Name Supplied
ED I think the report is being finalised. Whatever is recommended, getting it implemented by Oxfordshire County/VWHDC will be the next task
Faringdon Community Bus AGM - 6/1/15
The Annual General Meeting of Faringdon Community Bus Ltd will be held on Thursday 5th February 2015 @ 4:00pm in the Jubilee Room, The Pump House, 5 Market Place, Faringdon. Everyone is welcome!
Steve Wright
Re parking in disabled bays at Tesco - 5/1/15
Not just the disabled bays but also the mother and child ones. I've seen work vans, cars full of teenagers and drivers with no children parked there as well.
Name Supplied
Volunteers wanted - 5/1/15
Oxfordshire Befriending for Life (OXBeL) is seeking volunteers who live in and around Faringdon to help raise awareness about the support available to families where someone is living with a serious life threatening illness. Help needed designing and producing leaflets and posters, arranging meetings and contacting local community groups.
(OXBeL) supports anyone over the age of 18 who is living with an advanced life threatening illness. The service is comissioned by the Oxfordshire Clinical Commissioning group. We are part of Age UK Oxfordshire. Please see www.oxbel.org.uk
Get in touch to find out more.
Joan Gardner
Parking in disabled bays at Tesco.- 4/1/15
I had to get some last minute items from Tesco this Sunday around 15:45 and I appreciate the car park and store was quite busy but why do people insist on using the disabled spaces when there is absolutely nothing wrong with them and they have no blue badge! I counted three when I went into the store.
Why also does Tesco not do anything about this?
Name Supplied
Glos St parking - 4/1/15
So tired of trying to find parking along Gloucester Street when there are so many permanently parked camper vans etc. I understand that no parking laws are being contravened but you'd think that owners who need to park their cars for longer periods of time could play fair! A number of these vehicles do not belong to Gloucester Street residents and the situation is further compounded by the number of commuters parking up for the day before heading off to Oxford for work. I don't think a residents parking scene is the entire answer but it would go someway to ensuring a more equitable arrangement for all.
Name supplied
Ferndale Community Choir. First session January 7th, 7pm - 3/1/15
Term starts 7th January 2015 7pm, Ferndale School, Bromsgrove, Faringdon, SN77JF.
Free Parking in Southampton St car park, less than 5 minutes walk away.
£2.50
Louise Woodgate, a professional singer and singing teacher, leads the choir.
No auditions, no need to read music, no experience needed- everyone welcome.
You can find out about the songs we will sing and get the words and listen to some of them on http://ferndalehcc.weebly.com/index.html
If you need more information do phone 01367 242222
Gene Webb
Stamps - 3/1/15
The Sunshine Cat rescue collect stamps. You can read more here http://www.sunshinecatrescue.org.uk/version2/news.php?showarticle=1000052
Louise D
Pie Maker - 2/1/15
I read about a piemaker from Faringdon, but lost the article and I now cannot find any info about him. Any ideas?
Regards
Patricia Walker
Waitrose v Tesco became a class war as reported in many newspapers if you look online. People wanted Tesco because it was cheaper and they were wrong.
A supermarket, any brand, in Gloucester Street could have worked. Budgens is on a one way street and the deliveries do cause an obstruction. The plans in Gloucester Street would have taken deliveries away from the road. With the 140 extra car park spaces we could have seen a better, tidier town centre.
Originally the Tesco plan was turned down by VWHDC because it was too far from the town but enough people moaned and moaned and they eventually won but now they still moan. If it's not the broken freezers and the staff attitude then it's the higher than promised prices.
Too late to change.
Name supplied
Fernham Fields- Permission given - 29/1/15
VWHDC have agreed that this development should go ahead. See
http://www.whitehorsedc.gov.uk/java/support/Main.jsp?MODULE=FolderView&ID=377801736&CODE=27CF360D14A98B7194B67BFD98F6BE81&NAME=Decision+Notice&REF=P13/V0139/O
Some time ago I heard it said that permission wouldn't be given until the S106 (Planning gain) agreement had been reached. I've only had a quick look at the decision notice- can't see anything.
ED
Photos of Faringdon - 29/1/15
Don't forget that our display of old Faringdon pictures will be ready for you to see from next Monday 2nd February and will be here for the whole month. We hope it will bring back happy memories for some of you and show newer residents how the town used to look many years ago.
Please pop along to the Community & Tourist Information Office in Gloucester Street during Feb and have a look!
Waitrose in Gloucester St - 29/1/15
Waitrose in Gloucester Street was turned down as it was a terrible idea - having a supermarket where people & deliveries have to go around a one-way system is a recipe for no end of congestion. Big stores in the centre of town would be nice, but the simple fact is there isn't the room for them there. Like every other town in the UK any big retail development has to go where there is a)space & b) enough transport access to make it viable.
Name Supplied
Plans for the town- 29/1/15
How short sighted the objectors to the plans by Waitrose were when they turned down the Gloucester Street plan in favour of Tesco's. People expected a huge Tesco's store with cheap prices and it's neither and on top of that when you leave you often struggle to turn right onto Park Road as it's so badly designed.
Waitrose would have given us a town centre store, no more expensive than any other (just options if you want a different range). We would have had a lovely big car park which I imagine would have given us at least two hours free parking like Wantage and Abingdon so enough time to shop and then pop to the town centre.
Gloucester Street residents have wanted permits and now may regret it especially if it's only one per household. A new car park would have eased many of the problems, given the school drop off more space, shoppers would have been far more likely to park in the car park so would have eased Glos Street etc.
The town centre desperately needs more parking but sadly the chance may have been lost.
Name Supplied
Humpty Hill- 29/1/15
We applied to Oxfordshire County Council to have Humpty Hill registered as a Town Green under the Commons Act 2006 in April 2013. This would protect Humpty from development forever!
The application will be decided by public enquiry starting on the 16th March 2015.
We need to raise £300 for printing, stationary, Ordnance Survey maps, postage etc.
Any left over funds will be donated to charity.
link: http://fnd.us/c/dvxfb/sh/c4SKDd
Rob Stewart
Re: Parking. - 29/1/15
Most of the things related to the Parking Survey seem to have the same solution/problem - the rules are largely there but no-one is enforcing them. Issuing permits, double yellow lines & the like are all very well but until either the council or the police take responsibility for maintaining that these things are enforced I can't see much changing.
Thomas Tankengine
Here we go again.- 29/1/15
Would the idle person who allows their dog to leave piles of mess in and around the alleyways in The Pines,Beech Close and Maple road STOP.
Obviously a large dog who is not at fault, the owner knows better so PICK IT UP.
Name supplied
4&20 - 29/1/15
Brill. The more retail outlets the better,office space excellent. Tesco is very expensive they only stock a few lines and expensive. More competition the better.. Aldi would be brill the fruit and veg price half the price and better quality.
I'm sure the owners will make that corner look good and give passing travellers something to come into Faringdon for.
Name supplied
Breaking News - 29/1/15
Just in case you haven't heard on the grapevine, a local developer has put forward a proposal for the vacant 4&20 site on the corner of A420 and Park Road. It includes an Aldi, a "Little" Waitrose, a drive-thru Costa and some residential and office space.
The plans will be on show at Jubilee Room of Pump House next Wednesday 4th February between 1-8pm. This is going to have a radical effect on our town. Please try and make some time to come and have a look and let the developers know what you think.
Please also let us know what you think of these proposals as we intend to feed back the views of the Chamber of Commerce (if a consensus can be reached). It must be good news that this site is now viable and that employment land forms part of the proposal, but how many more supermarkets and coffee shops do we need?
What do you think?
Please let me know.
Paul Brame. Chamber of Commerce
president@faringdonchamberofcommerce.co.uk
Developments in Faringdon- 28/1/15
At the Town Meeting we were reminded of the time The Folly woodland was under threat. My recollection was that this was to allow replanting to take place, with the new trees now some 30 years old. But how many remember the more serious threat from Hills Aggregates proposal to quarry part of the hill? How many remember that where the sports field now stands used to be a hill only 20 feet lower than Folly Hill called Jespers Hill. The plan was to extend the quarry across the road and take off the shoulder of Folly Hill, using the top soil to partially restore the Jespers Hill site. Fortunately a campaign stopped this. Worth remembering that all these new houses require sand and lime for construction.
Cassandra
Parking - 28/1/15
I attended the Town meeting on the Parking Survey outcome and found it at odds with the assurances I was given when I met the team in the Market Place. I was told then that resident parking permits were not being considered as they were a disaster but now it appears that they will underpin the reformed and enforced parking in the town. There are apparently more than sufficient parking places for everyone if only we'd use the car parks. All we need are lots of new double yellow lines and a one hour limit for non resident permit holders. Am I the only one who has found the street and car park full on a night with residents' cars? And if we make the town center so hostile to visitors, who will come here to shop? Is the idea to turn it into a ghost dormitory town? At present there is a tidal flow as commuters leave, vacating spaces for visitors who later leave in time for the returning residents. Seems to me we are to be a cash cow for the council charging £50 or so per vehicle for more of the same lack of space to park. Yellow lines won't stop inconsiderate parking on pavements or across entrances, or make people park in one space not two. Council have been after a permit scheme for years because of the revenue raising it brings. For us, we may be able to park within 400 yards of our homes, a long way when burdened by shopping, children or age.
Cassandra
4&20 site - 28/1/15
The 4&20 site has permission for office/ light industrial use and that is what it should be used for. Why exactly does its owner, knowing this, want to create a retail / residential site 'with some office space'. Couldn't be profit by any chance??? The last thing Faringdon needs are retail outlets creeping out along the A420/ Not only will this jeopardise the viability of our town centre, it will destroy the existing designation of land use, and ultimately ruin the landscape setting and character of Faringdon. There were objections to siting Tesco on Park Road, & it now seems they were justifed, having created a precedent for retail in this part of Faringdon! Why are these plans only on show for one day? People need to see them & comment and this is too short a time.
Name supplied.
4&20 Development- 28/1/15
Potentially good and bad news for Faringdon if this site finally gets developed. It would create some much needed local jobs as well as adding welcome alternatives to Tesco. But I’m concerned about the mention of residential development being included in the plans. It will be interesting to see what the developers have in mind but we have enough (too much) new housing to deal with already and this area is not designated for residential development in the Local Plan. I suspect it may be a case of ‘We’ll build you an Aldi, Waitrose and some office space...but only if you let us make some money by building houses as well!’
Folly Man
Re: Motorhomes on Coxwell Street- 28/1/15
I was sorry to read of Julie Griffiths’ experience of the dangers posed by the inconsiderate parking of campervans and motorhomes near Danetree Vets. Unfortunately she is not alone; there was another near miss before Christmas in similar circumstances where a delivery van travelling up Coxwell Road nearly took the front off a car trying to exit the vets. I’m surprised they haven’t done more to prevent this hazard to their customers. With increasing amounts of traffic using Coxwell Road it’s only a matter of time before a serious accident happens as a result of these vehicles. I just hope it’s not when kids and mums are walking to and from school.
Name supplied
GO Active - 28/1/15
Earlier this month we told you about our one month unlimited swim offer starting in February. Due to the recent fire at South Oxfordshire District Council, our IT system has been affected and we can therefore not register anyone for the swim offer at the moment.
However, we are in the process of getting this all sorted and will let you know when we are ready to launch this offer once again.
In the meantime, visit our website to find out about other activities taking place near you.
www.getoxfordshireactive.org
Tescos Freezers.- 28/1/15
I would be interested to know who supplied and installed the Freezers and their power supplies for Tesco's as they are obviously not fit for purpose.
Grumpy Old Man!
Re: Tesco Freezers - 28/1/15
Something is undoubtedly wrong with the freezers for them to break down as often as they are doing & something needs to be done to stop this happening, but I doubt the staff working there think it's a laugh with it happening so regularly either. The idea of giving the food away is nice, but with our U.S. inherited culture of "accidents don't happen & someone is to blame for everything" the risk (however minor) of being sued by someone receiving something for free, getting ill & then seeing £ signs, no-one will take that risk.
The Aldi/Waitrose idea sounds interesting - will they be situated next to each other so that Waitrose customers can look down their nose at those going into Aldi & the Aldi customers can wonder why those in Waitrose need slow baked focaccia with fennel & pine nuts? ;-)
Thomas Tankengine
Aldi? Waitrose? in Faringdon - 28/1/15
A proposal has come forward for the 4&20 site on the corner of A420 and Park Road. It includes an Aldi, Little Waitrose, Costa and some residential and office space. The plans will be on show at Jubilee Room of Pump House next Wednesday 4th Feb between 1-8pm. Come and have a look and let the developers know what you think.
Alex Meredith
School Kit - 28/1/15
A change to the news item re new FB group for selling school kit.
Due to popular demand I have extended it to include all the Academy of Schools. The new FB group is now called
Faringdon Academy of Schools Kit for Sale or Wanted
https://www.facebook.com/groups/391863270980849
Thames Valley Police is appealing for witnesses after a burglary in Faringdon.- 27/1/15
The burglary took place between 4.15pm and 9pm Sunday (25/1) in Marlborough Close.
Offenders forced open rear patio doors. Jewellery and electrical equipment were stolen.
Anyone with information about this incident should contact investigating officer DC Chris Leech, of Abingdon police station, via the 24-hour enquiry line 101.
If you do not want to speak directly to the police you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. No personal details are taken, information is not traced or recorded and you will not go to court.
Re Daffodil:- 27/1/15
Don't worry about the solitary daffodil - one will soon turn into many... a bit like a camper vans ;-)
Name Supplied
Tesco Freezers - 27/1/15
For the second time in four days, Tesco is piling the total contents of their freezers into rubbish bags and dumping it today, because of freezer breakdowns. Only last Friday the TOTAL stock of fresh and frozen food was dumped for the same reason. This is, I believe, the EIGHTH time since last summer that Tesco has been responsible for mass food dumping. A smirking assistant calmly informed me today that they were 'insured anyway', so, by implication, it's no loss to them!
Am I the only person that finds this obscene in an age when people are starving in many parts of the world, and even in the affluent country we live in, thousands regularly have to use food banks in order to eat? When I suggested that local care homes, hostels, night shelters and food banks might be keen to take this food, which was still visibly frozen, I was told that they wouldn't take the risk 'in case someone got sick'.
The sickest thing of all is Tesco themselves who ought to be utterly ashamed of their corporate irresponsibility and waste.
Name supplied.
Re: Motorhomes on Coxwell Street - 27/1/15
Further to earlier comments, having visited Dantree Vets the other evening I was very nearly involved in what could have been an horrendous accident.
Due to the campervans/motorhomes being parked on either side of the clinic's driveway entrance I had to edge out very slowly in order to be able to see whether the road was clear for me to turn right. It was only down to pure luck that I did not have the front of my car taken off by another vehicle coming along the road towards town. Yes the oncoming car was speeding so was completely at fault but thankfully he was able to slam his brakes on & stop just in time, ending up only a couple of feet away from me. It scared the life out of me as I really thought he was going to hit me and there was nothing I could do about it.
My point is though had the campers not been there I would have seen him coming and not put myself in harm's way. I couldn't even see his headlights so how was I supposed to know he was even there? The owners of these vehicles should really think more carefully about where they park and consider the impact on other road users.
Julie Griffiths
Folly Light- 27/1/15
You might have noticed that the light at the top of the tower was off last night. It looks like the lamp needs to be replaced.
We have a new lamp on order and will be replaced ASAP.
Regards,
Raoul van Eijndhoven
Folly Tower Team
Parking on pavements - 27/1/15
Please, please, please can people stop parking on the pavements in Faringdon. It is becoming increasingly popular form of 'parking'. If I had a £1 for every time I've had to walk in the road (with small children) because some lazy driver hasn't bothered to take the time and park considerately I'd be rich!
Think before you park please, can someone in a wheelchair or with a pushchair walk past your car on the pavement?
Name supplied
Parking Survey- 27/1/15
I was unable to attend the Town Meeting on Monday night due to a family emergency. Would someone who was there be kind enough to post a summary of the main points regarding the parking survey?
Many thanks
Name supplied
Radcot Road Junction - 27/1/15
Yet another very near miss last evening at the junction of Radcot Road and Church Street. When will anyone in authority take seriously the notion that the prominent black-and-white chevrons facing Radcot Road indicting a sharp right turn are misleading. There is no need for this sign as the 'T' junction is obvious, and despite the Give Way sign at the junction, motorists unfamiliar with the geography are often led to believe - because of the chevrons - that Church Street is one way, and pull out in front of vehicles going straight on past the junction in the opposite direction.
Name Supplied
The Snow Queen - A Winter's Tale- 26/1/15
I went to rehearsals to have a sneaky peek at how the panto is going and boy, is it a good one!
Tickets are still available for the evening performances, but the matinees are sold out.
Tickets are available online, at the Nut Tree, or on the door if there are any left.
Special Family Ticket - available online only for Friday night performances. £21 instead of £28.
Fiona Merrick
Daffodil - 25/1/15
I can't help thinking about that daffodil alone up the Highworth Road. It's like someone who turns up early at a party, only to find that there's no yet there and having to leave before any of the other guests arrive.
Name and address supplied.
Friday 30th January, 6pm to 9pm
FAMILY BOARD AND CARD GAMES EVENING with Jacky and Nik
The Rookery, 35 Marlborough Street, Faringdon SN7 7JL
Tel 01367 242030
Email - therookeryshop@gmail.com
Bored with the same old TV programmes? Why not try something different instead and join us for a fun evening of games for all the family?
We'll provide the games and explain all the rules so all you need to do is turn up and play!
Stay as long as you like - refreshments will, of course, be available for purchase (until 8.30pm).
Camper Vans- 24/1/15
There is guidance on when it is an offence to park a vehicle on the public road in the DOE website:
http://www.doeni.gov.uk/vehicles_guidance.pdf
One of the categories is that it's an offence to abandon a vehicle.
The definition of such a vehicle is if it satisfies one or more of the following:
(a) untaxed;
(b) no current vehicle keeper on the Driver and Vehicle Agency’s (DVA) record;
(c) stationary for a significant amount of time;
(d) significantly damaged or vandalised, run down or unroadworthy;
(e) burnt out;
(f) lacking one or more of its number plates;
(g) containing waste
At least one of the motorhomes in Coxwell Road falls into categories (c, d, g and probably a), so appears to have been abandoned.
Name and address supplied.
Unable to visit your library because of limited mobility or special circumstances? - 24/1/15
Talk to the Faringdon library. They will be able to arrange for someone to visit you, and bring and return your choice of books, videos, CDs
01367 240311
A daffodil- 24/1/15
Spring must be on the way,there is one solitary daffodil on the side of the Highworth Road near the viewing area.So nice to see this early in the year.
Name supplied
School Kit for sale/wanted on Facebook - 23/1/15
A new Facebook group has been set up called Faringdon Schools Kit for Sale or Wanted.
It is dedicated to selling or requesting school kit etc for all the Faringdon Schools. This has come from feedback from lots of people who have been trying to sell school kit on the other For sale sites but their things seem to be overlooked among the myriad of other stuff for sale. Here's hoping that the new page called Faringdon Schools Kit for Sale or Wanted will provide a one stop place to exchange school kit/uniform/P.Ekit/residential and ski trip kit/ musical instuments/afterschool sports kit etc. Please spread the word and find it here....
www.facebook.com/groups/391863270980849
Nicola Brown
Rally in Witney - 23/1/15
Rural Oxfordshire Action Rally http://www.roartoday.co.uk/witney-rally.html
Rally organised in Witney against unsustainable developments in Oxfordshire.
Church Green Witney, OX28 4AZ 11.00 til 12.30
Low flying?- 23/1/15
Over the years we've had a history of Chinooks and other helicopters "homing in" on The Folly.
Recently this seems to have got worse. Larger aircraft have started to swoop around the town. Are the pilots trying to impress their families or is this part of the parking survey?
Either way, these guys could cause a safety issue by flying so low. Justified?
Name supplied.
The Snow Queen - A Winter's Tale- 23/1/15
Matinee shows are now SOLD OUT!
We still have tickets for the evening performances and we have extended the special Family Ticket price offer for the first night to the second Friday as well! This ticket is only available from our website.
Although this is not your 'usual' traditional panto, it has humour and playfulness, the usual struggle of good and evil ... but it's full of sparkle lovely costumes and songs galore!
Tickets available from our website, The Nut Tree, Corn Exchange, Faringdon, and (evening performances only) on the door.
www.faringdondramatic.org.uk
TOWN MEETING 26th January 2015 - 22/1/15
This is a meeting of the electors of Faringdon, not a meeting of the Town Council. ALL electors are welcome and may speak and vote on any item detailed in this agenda.
MONDAY 26th JANUARY 2015 at 7.30 p.m. in the Corn Exchange, Faringdon
You can see the Agenda on http://faringdontowncouncil.gov.uk/town-meeting-26th-january-2015/
Camper vans - 22/1/15
Allan- I have anticipated that the vehicle coming down Coxwell Road on the wrong side of the road ( due to the Camper Vans) is not going to slow or move over, so I have been as far into the kerb as possible. This still hasn't stopped my car being hit twice by said oncoming van/ car even though I have been stationary!.
Grumpy Old Man!.
Yet more on Motorhomes...- 22/1/15
I see this morning that the plague seems to have spread into Highworth Road. To say that you can drive round them seems to be missing the point somewhat - it's more the number that have appeared & that whoever is parking them there doesn't seem to live anywhere close by, so they want the vehicle but without the hassle of having to look after it.
They alone are not solely responsible for the issues on Coxwell Road/Street (e.g. whoever it is who thinks it's sensible to park on the opposite side to everyone else, where Coxwell Road meets Coxwell Street & the road is at it's narrowest), but they are making a bad situation worse, like the decision to make a lane for pedestrians where they are digging the pavement up when 90% of people are walking on the other side anyway.
Name Supplied
Purple hooded top found - 22/1/15
After fireworks night last year I found a purple hooded top with white drawstrings and yellow writing on the front. I haven't been able to find out who it belongs to and so now I'm putting it up on here. Email faringdonscouts@hotmail.co.uk with the size if it's yours!
Faith Carpenter
Parking - 22/1/15
It's interesting that the Parking Study proposes to stop inconsiderate parking outside the Leisure Centre/College site by introducing Double Yellow Lines, while at the same time working on a parking study focused on the current problem of people ignoring and parking on double yellow lines. I would hope that double yellow lines will help, but they don't seem to anywhere else in the town.
Faith Carpenter
The Sun - 22/1/15
Now that The Sun has dropped its fine tradition of displaying semi naked women on page three, might I propose that Faringdon Online takes up the challenge? I suggest that tasteful photographs of nude or nearly nude citizens be displayed on its pages. Entries to FO, anyone?
Bystander
Back to parking- 22/1/15
Re: the difficulty of visibility with the camper vans. It is no more difficult than the numerous times I've tried to get out of a normal parking space but the vehicle next to me is a van or a 4x4 which I can't see through so I have to take pot luck.
Jane Boulton
Re:Motorhomes Coxwell Road,- 21/1/15
.. putting aside the emergence on this site of Highway Code Parking experts versus camper van parking you might want to consider that it is still the responsibility of the driver to look,assess,decide & then act!...irrespective of either emerging onto a major road or assessing safe & adequate clearance on parked vehicles...why would you treat them any differently than a refuse vehicle that is stationary & positioned in a parked position whilst working...I drive down & up Coxwell St/Rd with my pups(pupils) and we make decisions based on assessing everything around us...if I published my in car camera footage of local residents up and down this road you might find they would be embarrassed at their own actions....don't blame the parking for your own lack of awareness and anticipation...however until the experts decide what should be done then drive carefully and you won't come to harm...you cant miss me & my pups as we have a great big L sign on the roof of the car
Allan Barrow
Re the motorhomes on Coxwell Road- 21/1/15
This is an ongoing saga. I understood all the relevant authorities had been contacted and are unable to do anything about this. Unfortunately an out of date tax disc is no longer an indication of an untaxed vehicle - it's all done online now and there's no requirement to display a current disc on your windscreen.
Two things spring to mind.
There is an offence of leaving a vehicle in a dangerous position: It is an offence to leave a vehicle or trailer in a position on a road where it could cause injury to someone using the road. I think it could be successfully argued drivers trying to enter Coxwell Road from the numerous entrances and driveways are putting themeslves in danger of injury due to the obvious obstruction to visibility these camper vans cause.
Secondly, and I think this has been mentioned before on here, do the vehicle insurers know the owners casually abandon their vehicles on this street - and not outside their own addresses? Are they technically uninsured? I note the local Police are at Tescos on Sunday fm 1200 -1300hrs - as below. I suggest as many people as possible moan about these vans to the neighbourhood team in person to push it up the agenda,
Name supplied
The Snow Queen - A Winter's Tale- 21/1/15
Fri 30th Jan, 7.30pm
Sat 31st Jan, 2.30pm and 7.30pm
Fri 6th Feb, 7.30pm
Sat 7th Feb, 2.30pm and 7.30pm
Tickets are going well at the Nut Tree. Remember to get yours soon, to avoid disappointment.
We have a specially priced Family Ticket, only available on our website for Friday 30th January - £21 instead of the normal price of £28 for 2 adults and 2 children.
www.faringdondramatic.org.uk
Parking - 15/1/15
The motorhomes parked on Coxwell Road are owned by different people. ( I talked to one of the owners). They are doing nothing illegal even though, I agree, they don't look good and are a nuisance. As Tax Discs have been abolished, the display of an out-of-date one doesn't signify that the vehicle is untaxed.
The owner I spoke to uses his quite frequently mostly at weekends, so that one does move.
Perhaps we need somewhere in Faringdon where people who have motorhomes, large vans, builders lorries etc can park. They then wouldn't park on pavements on our narrow streets.
We could ally that with parking for coaches!
Green Witch
Mobile Homes/Camper Vans on Coxwell Road - 21/1/15
Vehicles no longer have to display a tax disc but you can check if a vehicle is taxed by going to -
https://www.gov.uk/check-vehicle-tax
Name Supplied
Mobile Homes - 21/1/15
Re. Mobile Homes, or Camper vans as I call them. Yes they are a pain in the backside parked there. I would suggest that the owners park them on their drives or outside their own houses, rather than cause obstruction to traffic where they are,
As of Nov. 2014 Tax Discs no longer have to be displayed on Vehicles as the system is all electronic. You can check whether any vehicle is currently taxed by entering its registration on the DVLA website.
Regards Grumpy Old Man!.
Parking - 21/1/15
Why all of a sudden has the parking interest switched from Coxwell street to Gloucester street. Coxwell is not wide enough to cope with 2 way traffic which is surely unsafe. Gloucester street is a One way street which functions really well apart from when the bin lorries hold up the traffic. Why should there be parking charges anyway if the first 2 hours are free it seems adequate time for shoppers to use. As for employees parking in the side streets whats new?? this happens in most most towns the incentive though to encourage them to use the car parks should be no charge apart from a cover note from their employers. If you want people to use the car parks do not put charges in place.
Kevin Collins
Mobile Homes parked on Coxwell Road - 21/1/15
Who is it that takes the liberty to permanently park four mobile homes on the west side of Coxwell Road near the Old Surgery? One of these at least hasn't a valid tax disc and appears to be unroadworthy. These vehicles are never moved and appear to be either abandoned or permanently stored on the public highway, obstructing the road and making the town look more like a scrap heap. The police are to be informed of this and asked to check whether these vehicles are road legal and whether the owner(s) could be traced and asked to move them to a more suitable location.
Name supplied.
Parking survey - permits- 20/1/15
I wonder how this will work, Glos Street residents having permits to give them priority to park along the road. Will it be one per household? I imagine many of the houses along there have more than one car. If there are permit holders only and some short stay visitor and shopper spaces as well then won't it be even harder for residents to park there in the future if they have multiple cars?
At the moment I understand some residents from Lechlade Road and Gravel Walk also park in Gloucester Street. The knock on effect is a worry, presumably these cars will just end up in other areas and we'll be back to where we started!
A Glos Street resident permit in the car park is just £119 per year or £324 for non residents. I think if we were all offered the lower amount then there would be more takers but then I wonder if the car park is big enough!
Name Supplied
Thames Valley Police - 20/1/15
The following Have Your Say Meetings are being held in your Neighbourhood:
Date: Saturday, 24 January 2015
Time: midday - 1pm
Venue: East Hanney Village Hall
Date: Sunday, 25 January 2015
Time: midday - 1pm
Venue: Tesco, Park Road, Faringdon
Please come along, this is your opportunity to speak with your neighbourhood officers to discuss any local issues of concern you may have. If you are unable to attend but wish to speak with your neighbourhood officers, please call 101.
Parking Report - feedback from the consultant - 20/1/15
The First Draft report is based on the responses of over 400 completed questionnaires, two engagement event days attended by over 200 people, a complete visual and photographic survey of the whole of Faringdon, and five days of parking accumulation surveys. The First Draft Report has been issued for your comment and we will be presenting our findings on Monday 26 January. We have already received comments and the report will be updated and amendments will be made based on the comments received on this site and those made at the presentation on Monday 26 January. Clearly we have some confusion which is understandable and we will try and clarify these as follows:
Gloucester St Parking - 18/1/15 Name published
The proposals for Gloucester Street would allow residents a priority to park with a permit, but would also allow visitors to park for a limited time or to use the car park.
Parking Survey - 17/1/15 Name Supplied
Much of it says what we all knew anyway. Yes, the report is based on what you have been saying to us on the questionnaire and at our engagement events.
Current permit rules and charges are available on the Vale of Whitehorse’s website, these should be taken as a guide.
The proposals for the College are not covered by this report as they are covered by the recent planning permission.
Parking Survey- 17/1/15 Local Yokel
Yes, we have a balanced set of proposals which will allow your Town to function and will protect it from the developments that are coming.
Parking survey- 16/1/15 Name supplied
The biggest issue raised was the lack of enforcement.
Parking Survey - 16/1/15 Grumpy Old man!
We are proposing one bus stop to be moved, we have a lot of other proposals that will benefit and protect your Town. You are correct that the lack of enforcement is the biggest issue.
Parking Survey- 16/1/15
When we wrote the report we were unaware that the "unused" bus stop outside the Bell was a taxi rank as it was not signed or marked. Our recommendations have been amended to reflect this amendment.
Re: Faringdon Parking Survey- 16/1/15 Folly Man
The Parking Survey recommendations are simplistic in order that everyone can understand them, we have prepared displacement figures for each proposal and Faringdon as a whole, these will be presented on the 26 January and included in the Final Report.
Parking Study: - 16/1/15 Name Supplied
Yes a key recommendation is that existing parking restrictions “need to be enforced consistently”, Oxfordshire County Council need to take up the powers to enable this to be rectified.
Why recommend relocating Coxwell Road bus stops closer to Highworth Road? Happy to discuss this one, as this proposal assists with issues near to this junction.
No bus stop is actually marked outside the Coaching Inn, this is where the 66/67 stop. The bus stop is marked out on the Market Island opposite the Coaching Inn, the Community Bus uses this bus stop in the mornings. The proposal has been revised to be a shared bus stop and loading bay.
Re: Parking Survey - 16/1/15 Name Supplied
Yes a key recommendation is that existing parking restrictions “need to be enforced consistently”, Oxfordshire County Council need to take up the powers to enable this to be rectified.
Re: Faringdon Parking Survey - 16/1/15 Name Supplied
Yes a key recommendation is that existing parking restrictions “need to be enforced consistently”, Oxfordshire County Council need to take up the powers to enable this to be rectified.
No bus stop is actually marked outside the Coaching Inn, this is where the 66/67 stop. The bus stop is marked out on the Market Island opposite the Coaching Inn, the Community Bus uses this bus stop in the mornings. The proposal has been revised to be a shared bus stop and loading bay.
The cost of the whole study is included in the Town Council meeting minutes, the report is not finished. It is currently a 65 page First Draft with over 200 pages of evidence in the Appendices, We are presenting our findings on the 26 January and it is subject to change based on the comments received. All comments received are most welcome. Please keep the discussion alive and try and attend the presentation on Monday 26 January, it’s your Town you need to get it protected and safe for all users.
http://www.garykaysmith.co.uk/faringdon-parking-study/
The pictures of old Faringdon are certainly interesting.- 19/1/15
Ann's Garage had several premises in Faringdon in the first half of the 20th century. The picture taken through the Town Hall is of the offices and show room built in 1912 to replace a former garage situated between what is now Perry Bishop and what was Barclay's Bank. This showroom had petrol pumps and even a hoist to lift cars up to the first floor. The main workshop was situated behind the Red Lion in what is now the lower Southampton Street carpark. There was also an Ann's Garage garage as shown in the picture of Marlborough Street and yet another with petrol pumps at the top of Marlborough Street where the show room of the Faringdon Garage now stands.
I think the tall man in a cap and long coat in the workshop picture is probably Charlie Smith who was foreman at Ann's Garage and also Captain of the local Fire Brigade.
The isolation hospital was on the left of Highworth Road just past the entrance to Westland Road. I understand food and coal were left at the entrance while the patients served out their quarantine period.. Notice the sparkling white aprons.
The market pictures are interesting. Hundreds of men but not a woman to be seen.
The saddest picture to me is the picture of Dr. Pulling's residence Overton House opposite Arthur's Hill. I felt it was a crying shame when that beautiful house was pulled down to make way for the Faringdon Garage forecourt.
Finally, the Duke of York, the old "Drum and Monkey" with Michael Giannadrea stood outside. Happy memories and many thanks for showing them
Dennis Haynes
Parking at Community College- 19/1/15
I've heard that there is parking at the school for students who drive to school. I hope that it's only those who live out of Faringdon who are allowed to park
Name Supplied
Gloucester St Parking - 18/1/15
Any Faringdon resident can buy a permit to park in the Gloucester Street car park but and many residents do. Like many of the residents of Gloucester Stree, I don't expect to be able to park outside my house but very much resent commuters and casual shoppers who park along Gloucester street when THEY could easily access the car park and 2 hours of free parking, and the semi-permanently parked camper vans! Day to day it would be great not to have to haul my shopping and children up and down from the car park. I think a residents parking scheme seems like a fair compromise
Name published
Parking Survey - 17/1/15
Much of it says what we all knew anyway. People park illegally and stupidly and lots of people buy homes without parking but then expect to be able to park outside.
Until I read it I didn't realise parking permits for the car park were available for Gloucester Street residents already, I think at about £120 per year. If they are to be given the opportunity to have permits to park outside their homes then presumably this will be the approximate cost? People who park along the road during the day for work, perhaps a discounted permit for the carpark would be fair?
Also I notice that the College may have to put double yellow lines 45 metres either side of the turning to enable buses to get around easily. The school may be having 10 extra spaces on site when a proposed new building goes ahead. Now last time I drove along that road there were many more than 10 cars parked outside the school, some in Carters Crescent and some along Fernham Road. I'm guessing then that these cars will just park further along, making the narrow end of Fernham Road (towards Fernham Gate) even more tricky?
Name Supplied
Re New/Old photos of Faringdon and the Folly - 17/1/15
Fascinating! Could the garage interior photo also be Ann's Garage? If you look to the right of the shot behind the man standing you can see part of a sign which appears to be for Ann's Garage. But whether that's the premises or just part of a vehicle in for maintenance who knows?
The other photos show Ann's Garage as in 'the narrows' (where the McColls newsagents is now sited) and up Marlborough Street (near where the Police Station is now).
If this workshop was at the back of the town centre site the walls could be the rear of the Crown Coaching Inn?
I'm sure a local expert will know.............
Nigel.
New/Old photos of Faringdon and the Folly - 17/1/15
Have a look at Early 20th century on this site
It seems there was a scarlet fever unit in Faringdon!
If anyone knows which garage is pictured, I'd be pleased to know
Ed(GW)
Parking Survey- 17/1/15
It's not surprising that parking enforcement is frequently mentioned in the report, we all know that enforcement is minimal in Faringdon. In most other parts of England parking enforcement has been taken over by Councils, so the on street enforcement is carried out with the car park enforcement- makes sense. Oxford CC and VWHDC have been resisting doing this- they say it will not be self funding. A bit surprising, given that other councils don't seem to think this as issue.
The recommendation in the report for changing the parking regulations on some streets, so that people can't park all day, seems to make sense to me. This may be of benefit to the shops and businesses. However, my guess is that it is the employees of these shops and businesses that park all day.
Whatever is done, without effective enforcement, there will be little improvement.
Just think- it's bad now, what will it be like when another 1000+ houses are built, most more than 1 mile from the Town Centre
Local Yokel
Parking survey- 16/1/15
Some very sensible and well thought through recommendations in this report, particularly regarding residents parking and the use of existing private car parking, and most importantly the need to reinforce the current parking restrictions!
Name supplied
Parking Survey - 16/1/15
I have to agree with the general consensus that the parking survey has been a waste of money. Moving bus stops a couple of hundred metres???- what a waste of valuable money. Just ticket the illegally parked vehicles and fix the pot holes, sunken drains and split carriageways.
name supplied. (Grumpy Old man!)
Parking Survey- 16/1/15
This is a draft copy which is why it is going to be on the Town Meeting Agenda on 26th January. This meeting is usually intended for the Town Council to put their proposal for the precept to the towns residents but the Survey has been added this time.
The "unused" bus stop is the one outside the Bell. It has been pointed out that this is in fact a joint bus/taxi stop and is used by taxi's, the Community Bus and the school bus that takes children to school outside of Faringdon.
Please come to the meeting to express your views. Then towns residents opinions are important and can often bring up ideas that no one else has considered.
Re: Faringdon Parking Survey- 16/1/15
The Parking Survey recommendations are overly simplistic in that they take no account of the knock-on effect on surrounding roads of enforcing existing parking restrictions.
As soon as we have a warden slapping £100 parking tickets on offending vehicles, people will start to move their cars to other areas of town which have not traditionally had a parking problem and which are not included in the report’s recommendations.
I'm not suggesting for a moment that owners of cars parked on pavements and double yellow lines should not be fined for their thoughtless (and illegal) behaviour, rather that any recommendations should take into account the impact of car parking on Faringdon as a whole. Otherwise the parking problems affecting, say, Coxwell Street today will simply become a headache for drivers, pedestrians and residents in Coxwell Road tomorrow.
Folly Man
Parking Study: - 16/1/15
The much awaited report is one of the thinnest reports that I have ever seen! I think that it may have been written by a schoolchild as it woefully fails to come up with effective solutions. There are 20 references to enforcing restrictions consistently. Who is going to do this? The Police do not have time to be there all of the time. Why recommend relocating Coxwell Road bus stops closer to Highworth Road? They are pretty close already and to move them closer would create a traffic hazard. Why recommend relocating the bus stop in the Market Place? This is the busiest bus stop in Faringdon but the reports authors are clearly unaware of this. The bus stop outside of the Bell Inn is NOT "unused". It is where the community buses from Stanford, Baulking and Hinton Waldrist park. This report has been a complete waste of money.
Name supplied
Fire at South Oxf Council Office - 16/1/15
The message below is sent out on behalf of South Oxfordshire and the Vale of White Horse District Councils:
Due to a major fire at South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse district councils’ offices there's disruptions to some services.
For the latest update and information please click on the link below:
www.southandvalecouncils.wordpress.com
The following services are running:
- Waste collections and street cleaning
- Leisure centres
- Housing benefits (payments aren't affected)
- Council tax payments by phone: 0845 303 8506 (South residents) or 0845 372 3201 (Vale residents)
- The Beacon in Wantage
- Cornerstone Arts Centre in Didcot
- limited Food and safety and building control services
Services affected by the fire include, planning, environmental health, finance and housing.
We will provide more updates next week.
We’d be grateful if anybody with any day to day enquiries can wait until fully we’re up and running again.
Re: Parking Survey - 16/1/15
money well spent it seems? existing parking restrictions “need to be enforced consistently” - we can leave that to the near constant police presence in the town in that case.
Does the "news" that most of VWHDC work around 30 miles from Faringdon begin to explain their lack of focus on the town & surrounding area.
Name Supplied
Re: Faringdon Parking Survey - 16/1/15
Interested to read the draft recommendations from the Parking Survey. So after months of consultation, the key recurring recommendation is that existing parking restrictions “need to be enforced consistently”. Right, so that wasn’t obvious then. Further in the report another recommendation is to “Remove the unused bus stop outside the Coaching Inn, and replace it with a loading bay” That would be the bus stop outside the Crown Coaching Inn presumably? The one that the 66, 67, community bus etc all stop at... How much did this report cost the Town Council?!
Name supplied
District Council Offices - 16/1/15
I see on the news this evening that someone has burnt down the South Oxfordshire District offices. This will have a major effect on the Vales residents as the most of the administration was done from those offices.
Jane Boulton
See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-oxfordshire-30843089
Looking for a fitness buddy.- 16/1/15
Beginner level. Interested in running, swimming, gym, yoga, classes etc. keen to get fit, lose weight and tone up. Want to set realistic goals but have a fitness buddy to get inspiration from.... Please do get in touch.
Tori toriray1@googlemail.com
Sport camp at Faringdon Infant School - 16/1/15
February - Monday 16th - Wednesday 18th.
We are running football 9am-4pm, Fencing 9am-12:30pm, Tri golf 12:30pm-4pm.
Prices:
Full Day £15.00
Half Day of Fencing or Tri Golf £7.50
Extra time £5.00 if needed.
Early Bird Discount Available if booked 2 week before camp due to start.
please contact Alana on 07954138599 for more details.
http://chewits.premiersport.org/
Faringdon Parking Survey - 15/1/15
Faringdon Residents will have the opportunity to discuss and comment on the first draft of the Parking Survey. The documents are available on the FTC website
Please come to the Town Meeting on 26th January at 7.30pm in the Corn Exchange and share your views.
At the meeting residents will also have the opportunity to hear about the Town Council precept plans for the coming year.
The Agenda will be available on Wednesday 21st January.
A417 flooded - 15/1/15
Reassuring to see that the A417 is still flooding at Challow after the road having been effectively closed for 3 months.
Thomas Tankengine
Bad driving - 15/1/15
This comment is directed to the male driver who verbally abused me in Market Square this morning in the hope that he sees my response:
Your presumption of superiority over all the other drivers in the vicinity and the loss of right of way over traffic coming down the road did not justify your appalling language. I hope you felt some remorse once you realised that there was a medical emergency blocking the road ahead. I also hope that you aren't a Faringdon resident as it wasn't your proudest moment.
Name supplied
Faringdon Regent Cinerma - 13/1/15
Help the Regent Cinema provide a better service!!
Please spare just a few minutes to complete our short survey to leave us all your feedback and any suggestions.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/BZ3Z29M
Creative Computing- 12/1/15
Science Oxford are running two taster days and one creative project day for 11-16 year olds in creating and building your own computer-controlled creations.
Taster Days: Monday 16th and Tuesday 17th of February
Project Day: Friday 20th of February*
Cost: Free
Location: The Old Town Hall Faringdon, Market Place, Faringdon, Oxfordshire, SN7 7HL
*attendees at the Project Day must have attended one of the Taster Days
For more information and to reserve a place, see www.scienceoxford.com/live
Email: creativecomputing@scienceoxford.com
Tel: 01865 810022
Pool - 12/1/15
this is comment for rob if you go to the wheatsheaf pub and ask brian or ally they will advise you how to go about finding a pool team phone number is 01367 244219
Jane Lewis
Youth Exchange Programme- 12/1/15
Tuesday 14th July to Monday 20th July 2015
A group of French children from our twin town of Le Mele in Normandy will visit Faringdon (age 12+).
Monday 20th July to Saturday 25th July 2015
A group of Faringdon children will visit Le Mele (age 12+).
If you are interested in hosting 1 or 2 French children and then your children returning to Le Mele then please do contact me as soon as possible. This is an excellent opportunity for your children to improve their own French and make new friends.
We are also looking for 2 Leaders aged 18+ to lead the group to Le Mele. All travel and accommodation will be paid for. This is a great experience to develop confidence in speaking French and gaining Leadership Skills. If you know of anyone interested then please ask them to get in touch.
Carolyn Murphy
(Faringdon Youth Twinning Association Volunteer Organiser)
cmurphy@brookes.ac.uk
Play Pool - where? - 12/1/15
Does any one know where there is a good place to play pool in or very near to Faringdon? I used to play extensively for various teams in Abingdon and Oxford years ago but now the kids are a bit older I'm keen to play once more. Snooker would be nice too. I'm just wondering what is available where it is reasonable to play on and as local to Faringdon as possible.
Thanks in advance for any help
Rob.
Development behind Regent mews and Volunteer - 11/1/15
The application says
3.1 Access would be taken from a modern development through Regent Mews. Visibility splay on to the main road from the existing access are good, especially given the relatively slow moving traffic,which is moving one way only.
Presumably the Regent Mews road will be 2 way. Is it wide enough?
Name Supplied
Development behind Regent Mews- 11/1/15
Looking at the plans it seems that a number of parking spaces belonging to Regent Mews will be lost, unless I'm missing something and the spaces will be included in the new development.
Don't suppose Dr Scott-Brown wants the cars using the access by his house then!
I like that they've taken the photos of the car park when it was nearly empty, waiting for residents to go to work. Some of them park in Gloucester Street anyway so can we expect even more parking issues along this road?
Name Supplied
Another planning application, this time in conservation area.- 11/1/15
I see another housing planning application ( see http://www.whitehorsedc.gov.uk/java/support/Main.jsp?MODULE=ApplicationDetails&REF=P14/V2892/FUL ) is submitted, this time for the woodland area behind Regent Mews and the Volunteer pub. Given that notification to local residents seems rather patchy. Please have a look to see if you are affected and if so make an objection before 28th January.
This is a conservation area, and outside of the development boundary which was so carefully included in the Faringdon Development Plan,
If you need background documents to support your arguments on material planning considerations, please do contact planingobjection@hotmail.com and I will send what I have.
Name Supplied
New Libdem prospective parliamentary candidate from Faringdon - 10/1/15
I am very pleased to announce that I have been selected as the Liberal Democrat prospective parliamentary candidate for Wantage constituency for the general election on May 7th.
I live in Faringdon so I want to use the opportunity of the campaign to raise our town's profile as well as tackling the key issues we face in Faringdon - maintaining and improving sustainable housing, transport, jobs and public services.
I'll be out and about around Faringdon and across the constituency over the next four months so hope to meet as many people as possible. In the meantime if there are any issues that I can help with on the campaign or if there are local groups that I can attend to hear more about how I could help please email me: alex@brightgreendragon.com or call me on 01367 243450 or 07592447794
You can keep right up-to-date on the campaign at my website: www.alexmeredith4wantage.com, on Facebook - www.facebook.com/alexmeredith4wantage, or on Twitter www.twitter.com/faringdonlibdem
I hope that by standing I can provide a positive alternative choice for people on May 7th and do some good for Faringdon and other communities in the constituency along the way. If you would like to help in any way, please don't hesitate to get in touch.
Alex Meredith
One month unlimited swimming for £5 in South and Vale - 9/1/15
http://www.getoxfordshireactive.org/class-news/2015/01/one-month-unlimited-swimming-for-gbp5-in-south-and-vale
VWHDC
Re- Dog Toy Found- 9/1/15
We named him Floppy, and last night he was wearing a hat that someone left behind in the shop!
We don't think Floppy really likes the hat though, so maybe the owner of the hat, or their mummy, should go into Budgens to the tills at the car park end and see if the hat belongs to them.
Fiona Merrick
Old Bras - 9/1/15
Birdy's Underwear Shop 54 High Street, Witney, Oxfordshire OX28 6HJ 01993 703806
Collect used bras
Monica Graham
Soggy dog toy found - 9/1/15
Found yesterday morning 8 January, in Budgens car park a rather soggy cuddly dog. Hes two tone brown very soft. He is waiting on the tills in Budgens for his owner.
Carol Townsend
Free Food Planting Session - 9/1/15
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
As it’s a chilly and wet time of year we’ll only have one session this month.
The next Faringdon Free Food session will therefore be from 14.00 to 16.00 this Sunday (11th January 2015). Everyone (adults and children) is welcome to come along to this session.
We can't yet finish the raised beds opposite the Swan Inn because the soil that we need to fill the beds is too wet for delivery. Instead, this month we'll tidy up the Town Centre planters and prepare them for future planting.
We'll meet in the Market Place at 14.00.
Best wishes
Mark Crane
Time to get in your attics, check in the backs of cupboards and blow the dust of the old photo albums! - 8/1/15
Here in the Community & Tourist Information Centre we are putting on a display of old Faringdon photos during February. We noticed the subject has been so popular on Facebook that we thought it would be great to have them all in one place for people to see,
Ideally photos as old as possible and up to the 1970's.
If you don't want to leave your photos with us then we can scan or photocopy them here.
Anything else you think of that may be of interest then we'd love to know about it.
If you could get to us by January 30th we'll have it all ready for Monday 2nd February!
Thank you,
Faringdon Community & Tourist Information
Glos Street.
01367 242191
Message for Joan - 8/1/15
A Naomi Gratton left a message on my answer phone (landline) over Christmas for " Joan" and her husband.
Unfortunately Naomi left no contact number so I am unable to tell her that she left the message at the wrong number - no Joan has lived here in recent years.
The impression left by the message was that Joan and Naomi lived fairly near each other, but hadn't been able to see each other recently, therefore I think they are probably local and maybe just a wrong didget in the telephone number.
If anyone knows Naomi Gratton please could you let her know that her message did not reach Joan.
Many thanks
Miranda Boscawen
Faringdon Parking Survey- 7/1/15
Following a major consultation, the recommendations to improve parking in the centre of town are in the process of being finalised. This could be the start of major changes to parking in Faringdon. If you park regularly in Faringdon Town Centre, or are a resident or business owner on one of the central streets - Market Place, London St, Church St, Marlborough St, Gloucester St, Coxwell St - this could affect you!
There will be a public meeting on the recommendations at the Corn Exchange on Monday 26th January at 7:30 or, if you want a preview, the draft report will be discussed at the Town Council meeting next Wednesday 14th at 7:15. It would be great to see as many people as possible at the meetings so we can get a clear sense of opinion about the proposals before they are sent to the Vale.
Alex Meredith
Old Bras - 7/1/15
I know that Sue in Cariad Bride used to collect old bras to be recycled. Does anyone know where we can take or send old bras now that the shop has closed?
Thanks
Ann Jerome
Re: Parking Survey- 7/1/15
Will there be any outcome/response to the things mentioned on the survey? as parking issues seem to have got worse since the survey ended.
Name Supplied
ED I think the report is being finalised. Whatever is recommended, getting it implemented by Oxfordshire County/VWHDC will be the next task
Faringdon Community Bus AGM - 6/1/15
The Annual General Meeting of Faringdon Community Bus Ltd will be held on Thursday 5th February 2015 @ 4:00pm in the Jubilee Room, The Pump House, 5 Market Place, Faringdon. Everyone is welcome!
Steve Wright
Re parking in disabled bays at Tesco - 5/1/15
Not just the disabled bays but also the mother and child ones. I've seen work vans, cars full of teenagers and drivers with no children parked there as well.
Name Supplied
Volunteers wanted - 5/1/15
Oxfordshire Befriending for Life (OXBeL) is seeking volunteers who live in and around Faringdon to help raise awareness about the support available to families where someone is living with a serious life threatening illness. Help needed designing and producing leaflets and posters, arranging meetings and contacting local community groups.
(OXBeL) supports anyone over the age of 18 who is living with an advanced life threatening illness. The service is comissioned by the Oxfordshire Clinical Commissioning group. We are part of Age UK Oxfordshire. Please see www.oxbel.org.uk
Get in touch to find out more.
Joan Gardner
Parking in disabled bays at Tesco.- 4/1/15
I had to get some last minute items from Tesco this Sunday around 15:45 and I appreciate the car park and store was quite busy but why do people insist on using the disabled spaces when there is absolutely nothing wrong with them and they have no blue badge! I counted three when I went into the store.
Why also does Tesco not do anything about this?
Name Supplied
Glos St parking - 4/1/15
So tired of trying to find parking along Gloucester Street when there are so many permanently parked camper vans etc. I understand that no parking laws are being contravened but you'd think that owners who need to park their cars for longer periods of time could play fair! A number of these vehicles do not belong to Gloucester Street residents and the situation is further compounded by the number of commuters parking up for the day before heading off to Oxford for work. I don't think a residents parking scene is the entire answer but it would go someway to ensuring a more equitable arrangement for all.
Name supplied
Ferndale Community Choir. First session January 7th, 7pm - 3/1/15
Term starts 7th January 2015 7pm, Ferndale School, Bromsgrove, Faringdon, SN77JF.
Free Parking in Southampton St car park, less than 5 minutes walk away.
£2.50
Louise Woodgate, a professional singer and singing teacher, leads the choir.
No auditions, no need to read music, no experience needed- everyone welcome.
You can find out about the songs we will sing and get the words and listen to some of them on http://ferndalehcc.weebly.com/index.html
If you need more information do phone 01367 242222
Gene Webb
Stamps - 3/1/15
The Sunshine Cat rescue collect stamps. You can read more here http://www.sunshinecatrescue.org.uk/version2/news.php?showarticle=1000052
Louise D
Pie Maker - 2/1/15
I read about a piemaker from Faringdon, but lost the article and I now cannot find any info about him. Any ideas?
Regards
Patricia Walker
Folly Light - 31/12/14
I also love the light on the tower each year - whatever form it takes. Thanks so much Peter for doing it.
Felicity Cormack
Coach Lane Cemetery- 30/12/14
One can sympathise as as it is sometimes awkward for visitors to park in the designated lay-by. However, that does not mean you can park in Combes Close. Its private property. Please respect this.
Thank you to all of you who do.
Name supplied
Coach Lane Cemetery- 30/12/14
In reply to the comments made on the 21st December, regarding coach lane cemetery, I would like to agree with the comments made, I regularly visit the cemetery and always find it hard to park, as the 4 spaces are normally taken, but not by People using the cemetery, there are signs up, asking people not to park there, unless they are going to the cemetery, but this seems to be ignored, please show respect, by not parking there.
Name supplied
SandwichPhillers New Owners - 29/12/14
Sandwichphillers would like to announce that John has sold the business and has moved on to new pastures, Thank you to all my fantastic customers that I have served over the past 8 years and being so Loyal. The new owner Mr Eser Gel will continue to do what I have done and will add new items to the menu over the next few weeks. So please continue to support SandwichPhillers as you have done for me and I'm sure he will not let you down.
Many Thanks
John McCarthy
The Snow Queen - 29/12/14
Please note: Special Offer Family Ticket is available ONLINE ONLY.
The Snow Queen - A Winter’s Tale By Peter Webster
Faringdon Junior School Hall, The Elms, Gloucester Street, Faringdon.
Friday 30th January, 2015, Evening – 7.30pm
Saturday 31st January 2015, Matinee – 2.30pm Evening – 7.30pm
Friday 6th February, Evening – 7.30pm
Saturday 7th February, Matinee – 2.30pm Evening – 7.30pm
Adults - £8, Under 16s - £6
Tickets will be available from our website (booking fee applies), the Nut Tree, Cornmarket, Faringdon, and on the door.
SPECIAL OFFER – Friday 30th January only
Family Ticket - £20.00
(2 adults and 2 children) – available ONLINE ONLY
www.faringdondramatic.org.uk
Fiona Merrick
Used stamps - 29/12/14
The post office takes used stamps. You have to hand them over the counter, as unfortunately when the box was left public side it was stollen. If it busy you can push them under the serving hatch.
Monica Graham
Used Christmas cards - 29/12/14
Used Christmas cards can be recycled at TESCO from 2nd Jan 2015 boxes will be in store, alternatively you could put them in your recycling collection bin.
Ann Lewis
Old Christmas Cards- 27/12/14
I'm afraid the charity shop in the Cornmarket doesn't take the cards and stamps any more. Any other ideas?
Mary Beck
Where to take used Christmas Cards? - 27/12/14
Does anyone know where I can drop off my used Christmas cards and stamps in Faringdon centre?
Mary Beck
Ed I think the charity shop in the Cornmarket takes them
Folly Light - 27/12/14
The star on the Folly is the highlight of Christmas. Thank you to everyone involved.
Old Faringdonian
Volunteer drivers needed!- 27/12/14
Fancy doing something different and helping some of the most vulnerable in our local communities? Here’s your chance!
A local charity Oxfordshire Rural Community Council is looking for volunteer drivers within the County to help support a special pilot project:
Be a RED ARROW volunteer driver
You will benefit from:
Red Arrow Driving Team. You need to be:
To get this project off the ground quickly, we want to recruit a total of 24 drivers in and around 7 targeted areas: Oxford, Banbury, Bicester, Witney, Wallingford, Faringdon and Didcot with the capacity to operate in surrounding rural areas.
The Age UK project is one of only 7 nationally funded by central Government. It is an experimental project and is time limited, funded until May 2015.
If you are interested, or you would like to discuss further, please contact:
emily.lewis@oxonrcc.org.uk or phone Emily or Sue on 01865 883488
Folly Light- 24/12/14
I'm quite sure that as the star burned brightly over the stable quite a few Bethlehem residents said, "Is that it then? I was expecting more than that"........the fact it's there should be enough for everyone.
Anyway, I hope you all have a very happy Christmas, and a big thank you to the Ladies who run this web site that allows us all moan, groan, inform and generally wind each other up over the year.
Jim Ho Ho Ho Horton.
The Light - 24/12/14
One of the many joys of living in Faringdon is looking forward to what the light will be and enjoying it during the dark winter nights. Travelling back towards Faringdon the light sends out its message "You are nearly home".
I think it was a lighthouse type light for the millennium, and while that was up there was not a single shipwreck in the town. I predict with the blue light up we will not have a single Martian land this year. Thank you Peter for all of your hard work so generously given to the town. It is highly valued by most of us.
Steve Bunce
Folly Light.- 23/12/14
Putting a light on the top of the Tower is not as simple as people might think, especially with the weather we have experienced in the last few weeks and the amount of equipment that needs to be carried to the top of the Tower.
Last year I was part of the team to put up the Star and I can tell you that with the wind and rain we had it was not without its perils.
Peter White takes care of the light every single year and the Folly Team is kept in the dark till the light is switched on. Peter has a small business and does the light at no cost and in his own time.
Personally I think we should be very grateful that we have a Light on top of the Tower, it is a gift from Peter to the Town of Faringdon.
Regards,
Raoul van Eijndhoven – Folly Team Member.
ED Hear Hear
Beautiful Folly Light - 23/12/14
I would like to express my thanks to Peter White, who has once again given us a lovely light at the top of the Folly for Christmas.
To those ungrateful people who felt it necessary to vocalise their 'disappointment', would they remind us what they have contributed to the display - aside from their negativity?
The phrase 'If you can't say something nice, say nothing at all' would seem relevant, unless they are planning to provide next year's Folly Light!
Angry of Faringdon
Folly Star- 2312/14
I always look forward to seeing what will be the Christmas decortaion on top of the Folly Tower and I am never disappointed - thank you Peter White, you do an a really lovely thing for us! I love the blue light.
Sarah Oliver
Christmas Lights - 23/12/14
I think it is a pity some people do not like the Folly light. You cannot please everyone, we all have our preferences.
I think the lights in Wantage are getting better each year. Yes they may have had a grant, I don't know that for a fact, but I understand they are were not too expensive to purchase and not expensive to run, so how about Faringdon Residents sponsoring lights for next year? There must be electricians willing and able to put them up.
Name supplied
Folly Light - 22/12/14
Please, quit whinging about the blue light on the Folly.
I'm grateful that somebody gets off their backside every year to do something nice for us and the town.
How many of you people moaning that you don't like it give time and money to do something for nothing?
Maybe next year you can all help?
Name Supplied
Re the Folly light- 22/12/14
I hate to be negative but sadly I too feel this year the light is just a blue blip on the horizon. As you get nearer it does shine a bit better but nowhere near as spectacular as last Christmas. Is there any technical or cost reason why we could not have the vivid white large star again? It was such a warm and welcoming beacon to all faringdonites and just shouted look at our homely festive town. Sadly probably too late this year to now change it but thoughts for next year maybe. If it is cost maybe a fundraiser next year?
Name supplied
The Blue Lamp - 21/12/14
I disagree! You can see it from Lockinge on the B4494 for starters.
Well done to those who made the effort.......again.
(Presumably it's sponsored by Thames Valley Police?)
Perhaps it'll keep our local miscreants on the straight and narrow for the festive season?
Name withheld.
Swan Lane Cemetery and London Street.- 21/12/14
Walked up to the cemetery early on Sunday to tidy up a couple of graves and "good" job I walked. London Street have a pavement both sides and lines up and down the highway. Why do you have to park on the pavement? At times it was quite narrow.
So, get to the Cemetery and couldn't have parked there IF I had taken the car as it was occupied by 4 cars. Cemetery, apart from the residents; not a living soul around.
Can people please show some respect and common sense when parking please.
Name Supplied
Lost a bike? - 21/12/14
Faringdon folk!! Anyone lost a trad Raleigh bike? It's been left propped up by the flyover all evening so I've brought it home, assuming it's probably been nicked and would love to return it to its owner!
Email me on rachel@ragaland.freeserve.co.uk if it's yours! Let me know the colour!!!!
Name supplied!
Re: Folly Light - 20/12/14
I hate to agree when a lot of effort has probably gone on, but this years light is a bit disappointing when compared to some of the great ones we have had in the past... I suppose its hard to think of something original each year, but don't be afraid to recycle some of the ones we've had before. Also if all this building goes ahead, they will be brand new to 50% of the town :-)
Name Supplied
Faringdon Foodbank - 2012/14
The Faringdon Family Centre Foodbank is a practical, community based project, organised by local churches, which provides food parcels to those in our immediate area who find themselves temporarily in difficult circumstances. The foodbank is intended as short term emergency help to tide people over in crisis, not as a long term support.
We are dependent upon donations of food and are staffed by church volunteers. Food donations can be dropped off at: The Mustard Seed bookshop in Faringdon Market Place, The Baptist Church Offices above the library on Gloucester Street, or at any of the local churches. All food needs to be tins or packets (NO fresh items) with a reasonable shelf life (at least 6 months).
Referrals to the food bank are made by a number of agencies including the family centre and local churches, Faringdon Children’s Centre, Connexions, benefits agencies plus local schools & the health centre. If you know of someone who is in need please get in touch with your local church or with one of the agencies above.
Stephen Martin
The 1st Faringdon Scouts' Christmas Post raised £199 for the group. - 19/12/14
Thank you so much to all those who used the service and made donations, came to or dropped off Cubs, Scouts or Beavers for the sorting night on Tuesday or/and are out delivering cards now. What a great total!
Faith Carpenter
Food donations - 19/12/14
There's box for Food donations in the Mustard Seed
Ed
Folly Light - 19/12/14
I always look forward to the Folly being lit up at Christmas, but this year's light is a disappointment. I love the star we have had for the past few years - it is really Christmassy, and guides you home from miles around. I also feel like it puts Faringdon on the map for a short while - people talk about it. But this blue light is invisible from just outside Faringdon, and so insignificant you hardly notice it (and blue is not a Christmas colour). I hate to whinge when it takes so much work to put up the light, but please can we have the star back!
Name supplied
School Admissions Consultation- 18/12/14
Proposed Admissions Policies for the Faringdon Academy of Schools
The Faringdon Academy of Schools is consulting on our new Admissions Policies that will come into effect for students starting at our schools in September 2016.
We welcome input from parents and members of the local community during this consultation process. This consultation will end on 1st March 2015
http://fcc.oxon.sch.uk/information_home/admissions.html
Many Thanks
Rachel Kenyon
Director for Community Development
Contact for Lesley Owers- 16/12/14
If anyone has a contact with Lesley please can I ask you to ask her to get in touch. I believe she has moved.
Dee England 07872955355
Thankyou
Folly Light - 16/12/14
How lovely to see the Star back again on the Folly Tower.
Thank you to all those involved in providing this attraction.
Monica Graham
National Planning Policy Framework review- 16/12/14
As you may have read in one of my previous updates, the operation of the National Planning Policy Framework has recently been the subject of a Select Committee inquiry by the Communities and Local Government Committee.
The Committee has now published its findings, which you can read on http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201415/cmselect/cmcomloc/190/19002.htm
Ed Vaizey MP
Minister of State for Culture and the Digital Economy
Member of Parliament for Wantage and Didcot
All in it together- I think not!- 15/12/14
I believe that our councillor Judith Heathcoat along with most of her conservative colleagues has voted in favour of a 19% increase in their expenses. With taxpayers money in short supply ( my wife has had her wages cut by our Health Trust), this is completely unacceptable.
Needless to say that she and her colleagues will never be getting our votes again.
name supplied
http://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/11654282.Five_Tory_Oxfordshire_County_councillors_to_refuse_19__allowance_rise/
Christmas Tree - 15/12/14
Lovely to see the Christmas Tree with white lights, so much more tasteful than the blue ones of years gone bye.
Chrissie Woodruff
Christmas Tree pic - 14/12/14
Nice picture of the Christmas tree with building behind - artistic!
Mary Beck
BUDGENS ICE PALACE- 14/12/15
Apparently the heating has been broken for some time so I was informed by one of the staff and if they complain they get shown the door, how true this is I don't know but it is extremely cold walking around there as a customer so what its like to work in such a cold environment I can only imagine.
Seeing the staff wearing fingerless mittens is quite Dickensian,
The staff in there really don't deserve it, the ones that are left from the cull soon after the refit are all so lovely, friendly and helpful to the customers, there are some real stars in there and should be looked after as its those members of staff that make you want to go into the store time after time, after all as customers we don't have to go there do we.
Fix the heating and start treating your staff decently, after all they are all doing a brilliant job under difficult circumstances.
Mr Sell-Fridges
New gym equipment treat at Faringdon Leisure Centre - 14/12/14
Those looking to lose the extra pounds gained over the festive Season will be able to benefit from a major refurbishment that is taking place at Faringdon Leisure Centre. New gym equipment worth just under £137,000 has been installed at the Fernham Road site.
The renovated gym will soon boast a range of new, state-of-the-art equipment from leading manufacturer Technogym’s ‘Excite’ range; comprising treadmills, varios, recline bikes, crossovers, and Synchro machines offering a full cardiovascular workout. The leisure centre will also be introducing the latest ‘Element+’ resistance kit, ideal for improving muscle tone and strength.
The new equipment at Faringdon has come about thanks to the partnership between charitable social enterprise and leisure operator GLL and Vale of White Horse District Council.
Ben Whaymand, Partnership Manager GLL said. “This is a really exciting time for Faringdon Leisure Centre and our partnership with Vale of White Horse District Council. We are bringing in a lot of top of the range equipment for our customers, and this investment will see a significant improvement to the centre.”
Cllr Elaine Ware, Cabinet Member for Economy, Leisure and Property at Vale of White Horse District Council, said: “This is a great upgrade for Faringdon Leisure Centre and will provide a real treat for visitors. The new equipment really demonstrates our support for having first class leisure facilities across the Vale.”
Folly Light- 14/12/14
I've heard there will be one. I wonder what it will be?
Local Yokel
HOW COLD IS IT IN BUDGENS - 13/12/14
F.A.O THE STAFF ( i saw you freezing sat at the till and working totaly not acceptable do some thing about it !! )
The regulatory requirements for workplace temperatures are set by the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 which replaced the requirements under the Factories Act 1961 and the Offices, Shops and Railways Premises Act 1963.
Under the regulations it states that the temperature of indoor workplaces should be reasonable. The Approved Code of Practice defines a reasonable temperature indoors as being normally at least 16°C unless the work involves severe physical work in which case the temperature should be at least 13°C.
Where there are requirement for workrooms to operate at lower temperatures for example for food hygiene purposes you should refer to the chilled food advice.
These regulations only apply to employees they do no apply to members of the public for example with regard temperature complaints from customers in a shopping centre or cinema.
Maggie Barlow
A417 Stanford Road - 11/12/14
The A417 road by Stanford quarry is nearly always bad and has been for years. I regularly contact the council about the awful state of this part of the road, and following my persistant calls, they did clean the road and repaint the road markings there two years ago. I do believe that Earthline do sometimes use an underbody wash on the lorries leaving site, but that is part of the problem as it just means the lorries drop wet "slurry" all over the road. If it's not slurry, then its great chunks of mud and/or stone. Passing the lorries in the opposite direction on a wet day is similar to my car going into a mud car wash. I suppose the Council and Earthline will only do anything about the road when there is a fatal accident, which of course will be too late.
Regards Mark
Re: Steventon Bridge - 11/12/14
Do we know why this alternative wasn't possible at Challow?
Thomas Tankengine
Mud on the road - 11/12/14
The comment about mud on the A420 is hardly surprising. Just look at the mess on the Stanford Road caused by lorries leaving the quarry opposite the waste reception site. This has been bad for years and very dangerous. It would seem there is no wheel washing going on there. Does the County Council have any responsibility for monitoring such situations?
Name supplied.
Faringdon CoderDojo Coding Club - 11/12/14
Meets every Tuesday 6-7pm during term time at the Jubilee Room, Pump House, 5 Market Place, Faringdon.
School years 5-7 are welcome.
A free coding club to get young people writing their own apps and games in a fun environment. No experience required. (All mentors are STEM ambassadors and DBS checked by Oxford Science).
Contact Mary Thomas: faringdon.gb@coderdojo.com or 077999634835.
Humpty Hill- 11/12/14
Thanks to everyone who came to the Town Council meetings over the past few nights to discuss Humpty Hill. Brilliant turn out and incredible amount of hard work has gone in to show how special Humpty Hill is to Faringdon. As a result the Council has agreed to re-submit the Neighbourhood Plan including the evidence - a short delay in the process but it'll be worth it if we can protect Faringdon's precious green spaces! No guarantees but it's a step in the right direction. Well done to everyone involved.
Alex Meredith
Serious car accident - 10/12/14
A serious car accident has occurred outside the entrance to the new quarry on Fernham Road near Little Coxwell on 9th December. The car was not thought to be travelling in excess but skidded and landed in a ditch on its side after travelling over the thick layer of mud and debris left by the lorries that leave the quarry.
The four occupants were taken to hospital by ambulance.
The conditions set out by the local council clearly state that wheels must be cleaned on lorries prior to leaving the site to avoid making the road dangerous.
When I returned home this evening, the layer of mud is still on the road - no attempt by the quarry to clean it up and I saw a lorry at the junction waiting to turn onto the A420 with mud sticking to all the wheels.
I have skidded on this road in the past couple of weeks and so has a neighbour and my daughter.
Nicky Harris
Steventon Bridge Update- 10/12/14
I wanted to update you on the plans for Steventon Bridge. As you know the bridge was due to be closed for 10 months early next year. I had been assured that there was no alternative to this. But I am pleased to tell you that Network Rail have looked again at their plans, and they think there may be a way of implementing electrification at Steventon without closing the bridge at all. This is by no means a done deal, and if the alternative plan does work, it could still have some impact on the village. Nevertheless, one thing is certain – the bridge will not close in February as planned. We should have greater certainty on Network Rail’s final plans in the next couple of months.
I will continue to work with Network Rail and the County Council on this issue to do all I can to ensure that every possible step is taken to reduce the overall impact of electrification on Steventon and the surrounding area.
Ed Vaizey MP
Minister of State for Culture and the Digital Economy
Member of Parliament for Wantage and Didcot
Councillor pay increases - 10/12/14
You asked should our Councillor vote in favour of a increase in their allowance.
No, The increase is about 18%. any increase should be the same as the general public less than 1%.
Old Faringdonian.
Folly Tower Opening 1935 - 10/12/14
Just found- an article and photos in the Tatler 1935.
Now on this website
Ed
Councillor pay/expenses increase - 10/12/14
Oxfordshire County Councillors are are considering an increase in their allowances! Some councillors have rejected the increase. Do you think ours should? http://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/yourtown/oxfordshire/11654282.Tory_Oxfordshire_Count_councillors_to_refuse_19__allowance_rise/
Name supplied
Fernham Fields Development - 9/12/14
Application number P13/V0139/O will be considered by the council's planning committee on Wednesday 17/12/2014.
Full details of this application can be found on our website <http://www.whitehorsedc.gov.uk/java/planning/ApplicationDetails.jsp?REF=P13/V0139/O>
Ed
Re: Challow comments- 9/12/14
....it's only a bridge " get over it" ;)
Allan Barrow
Lost Siamese Cat. - 9/12/14
Last seen Mon 1st 2.30 ish. Brown, Cream.
Likely to be in Ferndale St, Lansdown Road area.
Please call 01367 243316 if you see it.
Generous reward offered
Christmas street fair.- 8/12/14
We have just returned from Ripley in Surrey, a small Village similar to Faringdon in size and with the same numbers in population I would imagine, on Sunday the town held its annual Christmas street fair and the turning on of the Christmas lights, the same as we do, however there the similarity to Faringdon ends,
Ripley was busy and bustling, all of the shops remained open (on Sunday) and it was packed with people buying not only from the forty or so pretty Christmas stalls selling all kinds of goodies, but from the local shops,( the local baker was open and sold out of food) people were walking about or standing listening to a really superb group of musicians playing and singing festive music but in a modern way,(no Bing Crosby piped music here) the atmosphere was amazing and we had such a great time, it really had the feel of a German market at Christmas
...folk of Faringdon, this could be us next year, instead of many of the shops closing an hour before our Festive Faringdon starts how about they all stay open? it's the one time of the year where people come out in droves and need to be able to browse and spend their money, I find here the people come out to celebrate the event and have money to spend, but with really nothing worth spending it on
...all the Ripley food outlets made the most of the day...fancy menus were put on hold and warming cups of soup with chunks of warm crusty bread were being sold along with pasties teas coffee etc
., all the sort of food that people want, and spend money on, on a cold winters day.
I very often hear the local shopkeepers moan about no trade in this town and I agree its no fun running a shop at the moment, but its not only Faringdon that suffers from this, it's country wide and due to mainly internet shopping, but the Ripley shopkeepers grabbed the opportunity to make some extra money by putting themselves out, and selling things they knew would sell, and sell it certainly did, it's something that could be learned in this town, people will only spend money if there is something to spend it on and with the shops open for business. I really do hope that next year our own Festive Faringdon expands and get bigger and better.
Elf Garnett.
Challow Bridge - 8/12/14
Sorry I thought we had seen the end of this as well, but I've just found out our esteemed member of parliament was at the bridge re-opening despite having so little interest in helping the campaign to keep the road open. In other news he is pushing for an alternative to closing Steventon bridge, just like he did for Grove. When he comes crawling for votes next May, do feel free to ask just where Faringdon comes on his priorities... that's assuming we are worthy of a visit.
Thomas Tankengine
Re: Getting on to the A420 - 8/12/14
It's an issue most mornings I'm afraid - you get queues forming towards Oxford behind a lorry & it becomes just a stream coming from the right and lights are the only real answer (cue people getting red lights when the road is clear...) as the steep verges will limit much else.
It's not a case of people not wanting newcomers in the town, but that the town is not equipped for such a large population increase. The extra houses will make Coxwell Road (& Street :-)) and all 3 A420 junctions more hazardous due to the increased volumes, especially at rush hours (Faringdon with a rush hour - who would have thought of that 10 years ago!) which could lead us back to the bad old days where serious accidents at the A420 junctions were a too common occurrence. These led to the roundabouts at Park & Stanford Roads, which have helped, but do slow the traffic flow (which I guess is the idea...).
I don't think Challow Bridge re-opening has had an effect - I get stuck at Park Road at least twice a week & anyone using the A417 would have probably had to head towards Oxford when the road was closed anyway.
Thomas Tankengine
Re: Humpty Hill - 8/12/14
http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/68429 - still open for another 3 months or so, tell your friends, your neighbours, your cat, your dog to sign it... I sent the link to the Faringdon Folly a few weeks ago, but despite the article...
Name Supplied
Getting on to the A420 - 8/12/14
Does any one know if there are plans to improve the exiting out of Faringdon onto the A420. This morning the queue down Park Road was all the way back to the FPV estate past Palmer Road. This was at 6:45AM! The volume of traffic shooting round the Roundabout from Swindon direction makes it so hard to get out left towards Oxford.
Will there be the introduction of lights or something to give residents chance of getting out onto the A420?
With more housing this is only going to get worse. It took over 15 minutes just to get out. I also feel for those trying to join at the other exit of Faringdon at the end of London Street.
Is the extra traffic and issues here due to Challow bridge being open once more perhaps?
Name Supplied
Humpty Hill- last 3 votes - 7/12/14
"The Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group and Town Council are at the last three votes on whether or not to protect Humpty Hill in the Neighbourhood Plan.
These meetings are:
Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group at 6pm, 9th December in the Mike Ilott Suite, The Pump House. Followed by:
Town Council Planning and Highways at 7.15pm, Tuesday 9th December
Full Town Council Meeting at 7.15pm, Wednesday 10th December.
The Town Council Meetings are the most important.
Please come and support us at all or any of these meeting or Humpty will be lost forever!"
Friends of Humpty Hill
Challow Bridge- 6/12/14
Great that Challow Bridge is open again. But doesn't it look awful- nasty prefabricated concrete. It's a scar on the landscape
Name Supplied
Step Farm in Faringdon has won the British Farming Awards for 2014 under Farming Partnership of the Year. - 6/12/14
Miles Saunders produces organic milk from his dairy herd and supplies to OMSCO and Yeovally.
OMSCO, the Organic Milk Supply Co-Op was created in 1994 by five local dairy farmers including Miles and his father Patrick Saunders.
OMSCO are now collecting organic milk from many more farmers in the UK. They are producing a mild Cheddar cheese called ‘Kingdom’ for Britain, the USA and Europe. The cheese has won three gold medals at an International Cheese Competition.
The British Farming Awards were held on 23rd October. They are designed to recognise and reward the tenacity, determination and the innovation of British farmers and their businesses.
Step Farm is a 600 hectare mixed farm in the upper Thames valley near Faringdon, some of which is rented from the National Trust. The Saunders family began producing food organically in 1982. They have a mixture of enterprises including dairy cows, beef and cereals.
Livestock
The 800 black and white Freisian/Holstein dairy herd graze the fields on the farm. The milk is sold to the Organic Milk Suppliers Co-operative who make organic dairy products such as yoghurt, cheese and ice-cream.
Conservation
Conservation is an important aspect of the work on the farm. A pond has been created and new hedges provide valuable wildlife corridors through the farm. The farm has a site of special scientific interest that supports a host of rare species, including the yellow rattle, hairy buttercup, black hairstreak butterfly and great green cricket. Studies have been conducted on the farm on birds like the skylark, grey partridge and sparrows. Canadian geese visit most years to lay their eggs.
Arranging a visit
Groups can arrange a guided walk around the farm. Students are welcome to visit the farm by arrangement.
How to get there
By bus: Bus links are available to Faringdon.
By road: Take the Lechlade road out of Faringdon. The sign post to Step Farm is on the left after about a mile.
Contact details
Challow Bridge is open - 6/12/14
Have just driven over challow bridge it is open even though all signs say closed!
Name supplied
Small Business Saturday - 5/12/14
If you haven't heard already, tomorrow is Small Business Saturday, and Faringdon is celebrating with it's very own Christmas Market in the Town Centre between 10.00am and 1.00pm, 6th December. We are also giving everybody triple reward points with their Loyalty Scheme Reward Card - that's three stamps for every £5.00 spent in a Loyalty Scheme Business. With £100 up for grabs in prize draw this month, it is definitely worth a visit into town tomorrow!
Town Team
Challow Bridge - 5/12/14
I have just cycled over the bridge and can confirm it is complete with tarmac and white lines laid. According to the contractor I spoke to it is indeed re-opening to traffic at 2:30 today.
RichardR
Challow Bridge (yet again!) - 5/12/14
"Latest" on BBC Radio Oxford this morning is that it should open at 2:30pm.
Like Ed. says, can someone please let us know when they have made it safely across by car/van/lorry etc....? - There are now road works at Marcham & the traffic lights make it even more fun then it has been for the last 3 months, so I will be pressing F5 from about 2 to see if I can avoid them this evening!.
Thomas Tankengine
Bridge re opening - 5/12/14
Thank you for the information on the re opening of the bridge. Now for my little gripe, may I suggest that no more money is invested in the small road past the equestrian centre by the VOWH Council / Oxfordshire Highways, as it was not deemed suitable at the time whilst the bridge repair was undergoing due to safety concerns to the people and horses, so keep the barriers up. Im sure that any investment money on road restructure would be more welcome on the alternative route which had to be used as there are a number of dangerous potholes along the edges of that road now, Goosey to Denchworth. Denchworth to Grove.
Gareth Roberts
Oxford CC Big Plan re learning disability- 5/12/14
Oxfordshire County Council is asking you about the draft Big Plan: Oxfordshire's Learning Disability Strategy 2015-2018.
The plan sets out how services for people with learning disabilities will be delivered in the future.
https://consultations.oxfordshire.gov.uk/consult.ti/bigplanLD/consultationHome
This web site - 5/12/14
Love this web site, very informative and helpful, with interesting points of view.
Not sure how it is managed but am grateful to the people who do, it's a great facility for Faringdon.
That said could we get a bit " like Christmas" a photo of the market square Christmas tree would be nice, also photos of the shops that have made such an effort with their christmas window displays,would show support and appreciation and may help trade?
Keep up the good work, and thank you on behalf of FARINGDON .
Name Supplied
Ed: Good thinking- I'll go out and about with my camera. I'm a bit 'bah humbug' about Christmas!
Re: Local Plan Meeting - 4/12/14
Sounds like another feather in the cap for VWHDC. Faringdon gets a large percentage of the proposed new houses despite it being admitted there are insufficient jobs for all these new arrivals. At least there is the Community Interest Levy which can be used to make the much needed improvements to the infrastructure. Oh no, VWHDC are creaming off 75% of that to pay for the Grove ring road, Grove Station etc.
We can use our part to pay for new signs on the edge of town "Welcome to Faringdon - 100% of the Cost, 25% of the benefit". In fact when you take the affordable housing into consideration it's much more cost for the same benefit. For affordable, read shoe-box size, but with the same number of occupants, cars etc. & will people already living in Faringdon (or the immediate area) get first choice?
Thomas Tankengine
Challow Bridge - 4/12/14
I have received an email this morning( Thurs 4th Dec.) from Network Rail in response to my enquiry re. bridge opening.
The reply I have received states that the Bridge work will be completed Friday Evening and be open for use. They thank all the locals for our patience whilst the work has been undertaken.
Regards Mark
Challow Bridge - 4/12/14
Please will someone post a message when the bridge is open
Ed
Local Plan Public Meeting - 4/12/14
This is my take on the meeting.
Est 20 members of the public present
VWHDC said 'They have done the best they can' given the Government National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and the lacking of building in the past, and the lack of Local Plan for VWHDC
Their presentation focused on the Vale Plan, not the implications for Faringdon.
Councillor Murray, representative of Hendreds responded to questions, as did Matthew Barber, Leader of the Council. Our councillor, Roger Cox, Cabinet member for Planning, sat at the back and said nothing.
Most houses are located round Science Vale on the basis there is an expectation that there will be many more jobs there. This was questioned by those present.
The implications for the roads was discussed. Lack of Public Transport to Science Vale was brought up.
Only 1000 houses round Abingdon are planned because of the flood plain (and although it wasn't mentioned, I've read that it is because of the congestion on the roads round Abingdon; OCC have no plans to deal with this).
The number of houses have been reduced round Harwell and Milton Heights- AONB, green belt.
Affordable housing 35% (has been 40%)
The housing is divided into 2 main areas. Those round Science Vale are ring fenced. Faringdon, and other places in the West are outside this. My understanding is that if the ring fenced area fails to deliver the planned housing, and across the Vale there is insufficient being built (according to Gov rules) then VWHDC can seek more housing outside the ring fenced area.
It was accepted that we have insufficient jobs in Faringdon, but VWHDC said they have no plan to help rectify this
Community Interest Levy (CIL) ( replacement for S106, planning gain)
2 levels per 100 sqm- payable on every new house (excluding affordable housing)
FTC will get 25% (when the Nplan becomes part of planning law (without Nplan it would be 15%) The balance will go into a VWHDC 'melting pot' which they can use on anything they want.
You can find out more about CIL, and the level of fees on VWHDC website.
Their infrastructure plan and Design Guide can be commented on before 19/12
The comments made about the Local plan part 1, will be collated, summarized and sent to Inspector.
Local plan part 2 will allocate more housing- these are described as non strategic ie less than 200 houses. I don't know what the timetable is for this- presumably 2015.
VWHDC plan will be examined February 2015.
Inspectors report available Autumn 2015
Adopted Winter 2015
Ed
RE: The lack of attendees at the the Public Meeting.- 3/12/14
Believe me I would have loved to have been at the meeting but some of us work in Oxford and have had months and months of road works making getting home a nightmare. I personally have to leave by 6:30AM at the latest then bust a gut each afternoon to get to Faringdon to pick the kids from nursery before 6pm and then we need to get them settled, bathed and books before bed. It is about 8pm that my wife and I then get a chance to cook and so by about 9pm we then start on washing and cleaning and other jobs that we can't do when the kids need our time. So tell me when and how can I then attend this meeting?
I am but one example of why it is just not possible and we rely on sites like this to get up to speed. I would have said a lot of parents are in the same boat and would have liked to attend. Especially when a lot of the local plans effect things like schools!
Moan over I hope it was productive and those that did go helped raise important issues.
Rob Perkins
RE- Public meeting - 3/12/14
some of us are still at work, we don't all have 9-5 jobs.
name supplied
Public Meeting - 3/12/14
What a terrible shame that so few people attended the Public Meeting on Dec.2nd, where the implications of the Vale District Council's plans for new housing were made clear. The "panel" of elected Council Members and (professional, salaried) Officers had planned a meeting lasting about 90 minutes but we were there for two and a half hours!
You should have been there, too!
name supplied.
Challow Bridge reopening - 3/12/14
To avoid queues of frustrated motorists on Saturday morning, here's Network Rail's latest response:
"We are pleased to inform you that we are progressing well with the works at Challow: the existing bridge deck has been demolished and the new bridge deck has been successfully installed. We are still on programme to reopen Challow Road Bridge during the afternoon of 5th December, as planned."
Perhaps the mayors of Faringdon and Wantage should meet in the centre of the bridge and shake hands to celebrate the re-establishment of contact between our communities.
Folly Man
Network rail- 3/12/14
May I propose that we all drive up to the bridge on the 5th and sit it out until it has opened just form an orderly que behind me.
It was well advertised when the closure would take place however not much broadcasting on notices about the reopening.
Chris
Network Rail & Challow bridge -2/12/14
"Just to confirm we are still on schedule for this bridge to re-open on 5 December 2014." - 25/11. A slippage of 4 days in under a week... must be down to leaves on the bridge :-)
Thomas Tankengine
Retired Men - Faringdon Shed - 2/12/14
A club for retired men to escape to their "shed" to tinker, repair and make things in a fully equipped workshop. We are based in the woodwork shop at Faringdon Community College on Wednesday evenings between 7pm & 9pm. Cost – free. Contact 0845 474 0142
Challow bridge open on Saturday 6th ?? - 2/12/14
Network rails website is still saying that the Bridge will re open this Saturday. If it's Tuesday, then this is the first one that will be late opening I think. Can't wait, as it's been a real pain.
Regards Mark
Dog Mess!- 2/12/14
Dorothy, I'm the person who raised the complaint and believe me, if I saw anybody not clearing up I would report them.
It may be only a small minority but it's too many.
As you seem to know people who complain but don't clear up after their own dogs may I kindly ask you report them also.
Name Supplied
Look out for Father Christmas with Thomas the Tank Engine- 2/12/14
Faringdon & villages
During December
For full details visit www.faringdonrotaryclub.co.uk
Lost Siamese Cat. - 2/12/14
Last seen Mon 1st 2.30 ish. Brown, Cream.
Likely to be in Ferndale St, Lansdown Road area.
Please call 01367 243316 if you see it.
Network Rail Challow Bridge closure - 2/12/14
Network Rail have said that they expect the road to re-open on Tueday 9th December.
You can keep up-to-date on www.roadworks.org or contact Network Rail directly on 08457 11 41 41
Dog Mess - 2/12/14
I agree with some of the people who are raising the complaints of dog mess, however I must point out it is only a small minority who are allowing there dogs to foul on footpaths, I have witnessed many dog owners clear up after their dogs. As for some people who do complain about it I have witnessed them as well. You know who you are!!
Dorothy
Local Plan- meeting in Faringdon - 1/12/14
Tuesday 2nd December
VWHDC Local Plan. Public Meeting
6pm, Corn Exchange
http://www.whitehorsedc.gov.uk/services-and-advice/planning-and-building/planning-policy/new-local-plan-2031
Review of The Mad Boy, Lord Berners.....- 1/12/14
Sofka Zinovieff 's latest book is a highly personal family memoir, which traces the lives of her grandfather, the Mad Boy, and his relationship with the eccentric composer, painter and writer, Lord Berners, and how her grandmother and then she herself became part of the story.
Read the TLS review here: http://www.sofkazinovieff.com/?p=1536
Wim Meeuws
BERNERS: COMPOSER OF THE WEEK! - 1/12/14
Today on radio 3, Berners is composer of the week. See http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00df51j for more info regarding the first episode on Monday 1st Dec.
Every weekday at 12 midday; and repeated at 6.30pm . NOT TO BE MISSED!
Sjoerd
I also love the light on the tower each year - whatever form it takes. Thanks so much Peter for doing it.
Felicity Cormack
Coach Lane Cemetery- 30/12/14
One can sympathise as as it is sometimes awkward for visitors to park in the designated lay-by. However, that does not mean you can park in Combes Close. Its private property. Please respect this.
Thank you to all of you who do.
Name supplied
Coach Lane Cemetery- 30/12/14
In reply to the comments made on the 21st December, regarding coach lane cemetery, I would like to agree with the comments made, I regularly visit the cemetery and always find it hard to park, as the 4 spaces are normally taken, but not by People using the cemetery, there are signs up, asking people not to park there, unless they are going to the cemetery, but this seems to be ignored, please show respect, by not parking there.
Name supplied
SandwichPhillers New Owners - 29/12/14
Sandwichphillers would like to announce that John has sold the business and has moved on to new pastures, Thank you to all my fantastic customers that I have served over the past 8 years and being so Loyal. The new owner Mr Eser Gel will continue to do what I have done and will add new items to the menu over the next few weeks. So please continue to support SandwichPhillers as you have done for me and I'm sure he will not let you down.
Many Thanks
John McCarthy
The Snow Queen - 29/12/14
Please note: Special Offer Family Ticket is available ONLINE ONLY.
The Snow Queen - A Winter’s Tale By Peter Webster
Faringdon Junior School Hall, The Elms, Gloucester Street, Faringdon.
Friday 30th January, 2015, Evening – 7.30pm
Saturday 31st January 2015, Matinee – 2.30pm Evening – 7.30pm
Friday 6th February, Evening – 7.30pm
Saturday 7th February, Matinee – 2.30pm Evening – 7.30pm
Adults - £8, Under 16s - £6
Tickets will be available from our website (booking fee applies), the Nut Tree, Cornmarket, Faringdon, and on the door.
SPECIAL OFFER – Friday 30th January only
Family Ticket - £20.00
(2 adults and 2 children) – available ONLINE ONLY
www.faringdondramatic.org.uk
Fiona Merrick
Used stamps - 29/12/14
The post office takes used stamps. You have to hand them over the counter, as unfortunately when the box was left public side it was stollen. If it busy you can push them under the serving hatch.
Monica Graham
Used Christmas cards - 29/12/14
Used Christmas cards can be recycled at TESCO from 2nd Jan 2015 boxes will be in store, alternatively you could put them in your recycling collection bin.
Ann Lewis
Old Christmas Cards- 27/12/14
I'm afraid the charity shop in the Cornmarket doesn't take the cards and stamps any more. Any other ideas?
Mary Beck
Where to take used Christmas Cards? - 27/12/14
Does anyone know where I can drop off my used Christmas cards and stamps in Faringdon centre?
Mary Beck
Ed I think the charity shop in the Cornmarket takes them
Folly Light - 27/12/14
The star on the Folly is the highlight of Christmas. Thank you to everyone involved.
Old Faringdonian
Volunteer drivers needed!- 27/12/14
Fancy doing something different and helping some of the most vulnerable in our local communities? Here’s your chance!
A local charity Oxfordshire Rural Community Council is looking for volunteer drivers within the County to help support a special pilot project:
Be a RED ARROW volunteer driver
You will benefit from:
- Being part of a 6 month special pilot project called ‘Circles of Support’
- Getting involved with people who need support in communities near you
- Meeting new people and making valuable contributions
- Being reimbursed for mileage undertaken (45p per mile)
- Training (if needed)
Red Arrow Driving Team. You need to be:
- Calm about driving in Oxfordshire
- Have flexible time to offer (you specify when you will be free or not)
- Happy and confident with particularly vulnerable people (training is available)
- Happy to undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
To get this project off the ground quickly, we want to recruit a total of 24 drivers in and around 7 targeted areas: Oxford, Banbury, Bicester, Witney, Wallingford, Faringdon and Didcot with the capacity to operate in surrounding rural areas.
The Age UK project is one of only 7 nationally funded by central Government. It is an experimental project and is time limited, funded until May 2015.
If you are interested, or you would like to discuss further, please contact:
emily.lewis@oxonrcc.org.uk or phone Emily or Sue on 01865 883488
Folly Light- 24/12/14
I'm quite sure that as the star burned brightly over the stable quite a few Bethlehem residents said, "Is that it then? I was expecting more than that"........the fact it's there should be enough for everyone.
Anyway, I hope you all have a very happy Christmas, and a big thank you to the Ladies who run this web site that allows us all moan, groan, inform and generally wind each other up over the year.
Jim Ho Ho Ho Horton.
The Light - 24/12/14
One of the many joys of living in Faringdon is looking forward to what the light will be and enjoying it during the dark winter nights. Travelling back towards Faringdon the light sends out its message "You are nearly home".
I think it was a lighthouse type light for the millennium, and while that was up there was not a single shipwreck in the town. I predict with the blue light up we will not have a single Martian land this year. Thank you Peter for all of your hard work so generously given to the town. It is highly valued by most of us.
Steve Bunce
Folly Light.- 23/12/14
Putting a light on the top of the Tower is not as simple as people might think, especially with the weather we have experienced in the last few weeks and the amount of equipment that needs to be carried to the top of the Tower.
Last year I was part of the team to put up the Star and I can tell you that with the wind and rain we had it was not without its perils.
Peter White takes care of the light every single year and the Folly Team is kept in the dark till the light is switched on. Peter has a small business and does the light at no cost and in his own time.
Personally I think we should be very grateful that we have a Light on top of the Tower, it is a gift from Peter to the Town of Faringdon.
Regards,
Raoul van Eijndhoven – Folly Team Member.
ED Hear Hear
Beautiful Folly Light - 23/12/14
I would like to express my thanks to Peter White, who has once again given us a lovely light at the top of the Folly for Christmas.
To those ungrateful people who felt it necessary to vocalise their 'disappointment', would they remind us what they have contributed to the display - aside from their negativity?
The phrase 'If you can't say something nice, say nothing at all' would seem relevant, unless they are planning to provide next year's Folly Light!
Angry of Faringdon
Folly Star- 2312/14
I always look forward to seeing what will be the Christmas decortaion on top of the Folly Tower and I am never disappointed - thank you Peter White, you do an a really lovely thing for us! I love the blue light.
Sarah Oliver
Christmas Lights - 23/12/14
I think it is a pity some people do not like the Folly light. You cannot please everyone, we all have our preferences.
I think the lights in Wantage are getting better each year. Yes they may have had a grant, I don't know that for a fact, but I understand they are were not too expensive to purchase and not expensive to run, so how about Faringdon Residents sponsoring lights for next year? There must be electricians willing and able to put them up.
Name supplied
Folly Light - 22/12/14
Please, quit whinging about the blue light on the Folly.
I'm grateful that somebody gets off their backside every year to do something nice for us and the town.
How many of you people moaning that you don't like it give time and money to do something for nothing?
Maybe next year you can all help?
Name Supplied
Re the Folly light- 22/12/14
I hate to be negative but sadly I too feel this year the light is just a blue blip on the horizon. As you get nearer it does shine a bit better but nowhere near as spectacular as last Christmas. Is there any technical or cost reason why we could not have the vivid white large star again? It was such a warm and welcoming beacon to all faringdonites and just shouted look at our homely festive town. Sadly probably too late this year to now change it but thoughts for next year maybe. If it is cost maybe a fundraiser next year?
Name supplied
The Blue Lamp - 21/12/14
I disagree! You can see it from Lockinge on the B4494 for starters.
Well done to those who made the effort.......again.
(Presumably it's sponsored by Thames Valley Police?)
Perhaps it'll keep our local miscreants on the straight and narrow for the festive season?
Name withheld.
Swan Lane Cemetery and London Street.- 21/12/14
Walked up to the cemetery early on Sunday to tidy up a couple of graves and "good" job I walked. London Street have a pavement both sides and lines up and down the highway. Why do you have to park on the pavement? At times it was quite narrow.
So, get to the Cemetery and couldn't have parked there IF I had taken the car as it was occupied by 4 cars. Cemetery, apart from the residents; not a living soul around.
Can people please show some respect and common sense when parking please.
Name Supplied
Lost a bike? - 21/12/14
Faringdon folk!! Anyone lost a trad Raleigh bike? It's been left propped up by the flyover all evening so I've brought it home, assuming it's probably been nicked and would love to return it to its owner!
Email me on rachel@ragaland.freeserve.co.uk if it's yours! Let me know the colour!!!!
Name supplied!
Re: Folly Light - 20/12/14
I hate to agree when a lot of effort has probably gone on, but this years light is a bit disappointing when compared to some of the great ones we have had in the past... I suppose its hard to think of something original each year, but don't be afraid to recycle some of the ones we've had before. Also if all this building goes ahead, they will be brand new to 50% of the town :-)
Name Supplied
Faringdon Foodbank - 2012/14
The Faringdon Family Centre Foodbank is a practical, community based project, organised by local churches, which provides food parcels to those in our immediate area who find themselves temporarily in difficult circumstances. The foodbank is intended as short term emergency help to tide people over in crisis, not as a long term support.
We are dependent upon donations of food and are staffed by church volunteers. Food donations can be dropped off at: The Mustard Seed bookshop in Faringdon Market Place, The Baptist Church Offices above the library on Gloucester Street, or at any of the local churches. All food needs to be tins or packets (NO fresh items) with a reasonable shelf life (at least 6 months).
Referrals to the food bank are made by a number of agencies including the family centre and local churches, Faringdon Children’s Centre, Connexions, benefits agencies plus local schools & the health centre. If you know of someone who is in need please get in touch with your local church or with one of the agencies above.
Stephen Martin
The 1st Faringdon Scouts' Christmas Post raised £199 for the group. - 19/12/14
Thank you so much to all those who used the service and made donations, came to or dropped off Cubs, Scouts or Beavers for the sorting night on Tuesday or/and are out delivering cards now. What a great total!
Faith Carpenter
Food donations - 19/12/14
There's box for Food donations in the Mustard Seed
Ed
Folly Light - 19/12/14
I always look forward to the Folly being lit up at Christmas, but this year's light is a disappointment. I love the star we have had for the past few years - it is really Christmassy, and guides you home from miles around. I also feel like it puts Faringdon on the map for a short while - people talk about it. But this blue light is invisible from just outside Faringdon, and so insignificant you hardly notice it (and blue is not a Christmas colour). I hate to whinge when it takes so much work to put up the light, but please can we have the star back!
Name supplied
School Admissions Consultation- 18/12/14
Proposed Admissions Policies for the Faringdon Academy of Schools
The Faringdon Academy of Schools is consulting on our new Admissions Policies that will come into effect for students starting at our schools in September 2016.
We welcome input from parents and members of the local community during this consultation process. This consultation will end on 1st March 2015
http://fcc.oxon.sch.uk/information_home/admissions.html
Many Thanks
Rachel Kenyon
Director for Community Development
Contact for Lesley Owers- 16/12/14
If anyone has a contact with Lesley please can I ask you to ask her to get in touch. I believe she has moved.
Dee England 07872955355
Thankyou
Folly Light - 16/12/14
How lovely to see the Star back again on the Folly Tower.
Thank you to all those involved in providing this attraction.
Monica Graham
National Planning Policy Framework review- 16/12/14
As you may have read in one of my previous updates, the operation of the National Planning Policy Framework has recently been the subject of a Select Committee inquiry by the Communities and Local Government Committee.
The Committee has now published its findings, which you can read on http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201415/cmselect/cmcomloc/190/19002.htm
Ed Vaizey MP
Minister of State for Culture and the Digital Economy
Member of Parliament for Wantage and Didcot
All in it together- I think not!- 15/12/14
I believe that our councillor Judith Heathcoat along with most of her conservative colleagues has voted in favour of a 19% increase in their expenses. With taxpayers money in short supply ( my wife has had her wages cut by our Health Trust), this is completely unacceptable.
Needless to say that she and her colleagues will never be getting our votes again.
name supplied
http://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/11654282.Five_Tory_Oxfordshire_County_councillors_to_refuse_19__allowance_rise/
Christmas Tree - 15/12/14
Lovely to see the Christmas Tree with white lights, so much more tasteful than the blue ones of years gone bye.
Chrissie Woodruff
Christmas Tree pic - 14/12/14
Nice picture of the Christmas tree with building behind - artistic!
Mary Beck
BUDGENS ICE PALACE- 14/12/15
Apparently the heating has been broken for some time so I was informed by one of the staff and if they complain they get shown the door, how true this is I don't know but it is extremely cold walking around there as a customer so what its like to work in such a cold environment I can only imagine.
Seeing the staff wearing fingerless mittens is quite Dickensian,
The staff in there really don't deserve it, the ones that are left from the cull soon after the refit are all so lovely, friendly and helpful to the customers, there are some real stars in there and should be looked after as its those members of staff that make you want to go into the store time after time, after all as customers we don't have to go there do we.
Fix the heating and start treating your staff decently, after all they are all doing a brilliant job under difficult circumstances.
Mr Sell-Fridges
New gym equipment treat at Faringdon Leisure Centre - 14/12/14
Those looking to lose the extra pounds gained over the festive Season will be able to benefit from a major refurbishment that is taking place at Faringdon Leisure Centre. New gym equipment worth just under £137,000 has been installed at the Fernham Road site.
The renovated gym will soon boast a range of new, state-of-the-art equipment from leading manufacturer Technogym’s ‘Excite’ range; comprising treadmills, varios, recline bikes, crossovers, and Synchro machines offering a full cardiovascular workout. The leisure centre will also be introducing the latest ‘Element+’ resistance kit, ideal for improving muscle tone and strength.
The new equipment at Faringdon has come about thanks to the partnership between charitable social enterprise and leisure operator GLL and Vale of White Horse District Council.
Ben Whaymand, Partnership Manager GLL said. “This is a really exciting time for Faringdon Leisure Centre and our partnership with Vale of White Horse District Council. We are bringing in a lot of top of the range equipment for our customers, and this investment will see a significant improvement to the centre.”
Cllr Elaine Ware, Cabinet Member for Economy, Leisure and Property at Vale of White Horse District Council, said: “This is a great upgrade for Faringdon Leisure Centre and will provide a real treat for visitors. The new equipment really demonstrates our support for having first class leisure facilities across the Vale.”
Folly Light- 14/12/14
I've heard there will be one. I wonder what it will be?
Local Yokel
HOW COLD IS IT IN BUDGENS - 13/12/14
F.A.O THE STAFF ( i saw you freezing sat at the till and working totaly not acceptable do some thing about it !! )
The regulatory requirements for workplace temperatures are set by the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 which replaced the requirements under the Factories Act 1961 and the Offices, Shops and Railways Premises Act 1963.
Under the regulations it states that the temperature of indoor workplaces should be reasonable. The Approved Code of Practice defines a reasonable temperature indoors as being normally at least 16°C unless the work involves severe physical work in which case the temperature should be at least 13°C.
Where there are requirement for workrooms to operate at lower temperatures for example for food hygiene purposes you should refer to the chilled food advice.
These regulations only apply to employees they do no apply to members of the public for example with regard temperature complaints from customers in a shopping centre or cinema.
Maggie Barlow
A417 Stanford Road - 11/12/14
The A417 road by Stanford quarry is nearly always bad and has been for years. I regularly contact the council about the awful state of this part of the road, and following my persistant calls, they did clean the road and repaint the road markings there two years ago. I do believe that Earthline do sometimes use an underbody wash on the lorries leaving site, but that is part of the problem as it just means the lorries drop wet "slurry" all over the road. If it's not slurry, then its great chunks of mud and/or stone. Passing the lorries in the opposite direction on a wet day is similar to my car going into a mud car wash. I suppose the Council and Earthline will only do anything about the road when there is a fatal accident, which of course will be too late.
Regards Mark
Re: Steventon Bridge - 11/12/14
Do we know why this alternative wasn't possible at Challow?
Thomas Tankengine
Mud on the road - 11/12/14
The comment about mud on the A420 is hardly surprising. Just look at the mess on the Stanford Road caused by lorries leaving the quarry opposite the waste reception site. This has been bad for years and very dangerous. It would seem there is no wheel washing going on there. Does the County Council have any responsibility for monitoring such situations?
Name supplied.
Faringdon CoderDojo Coding Club - 11/12/14
Meets every Tuesday 6-7pm during term time at the Jubilee Room, Pump House, 5 Market Place, Faringdon.
School years 5-7 are welcome.
A free coding club to get young people writing their own apps and games in a fun environment. No experience required. (All mentors are STEM ambassadors and DBS checked by Oxford Science).
Contact Mary Thomas: faringdon.gb@coderdojo.com or 077999634835.
Humpty Hill- 11/12/14
Thanks to everyone who came to the Town Council meetings over the past few nights to discuss Humpty Hill. Brilliant turn out and incredible amount of hard work has gone in to show how special Humpty Hill is to Faringdon. As a result the Council has agreed to re-submit the Neighbourhood Plan including the evidence - a short delay in the process but it'll be worth it if we can protect Faringdon's precious green spaces! No guarantees but it's a step in the right direction. Well done to everyone involved.
Alex Meredith
Serious car accident - 10/12/14
A serious car accident has occurred outside the entrance to the new quarry on Fernham Road near Little Coxwell on 9th December. The car was not thought to be travelling in excess but skidded and landed in a ditch on its side after travelling over the thick layer of mud and debris left by the lorries that leave the quarry.
The four occupants were taken to hospital by ambulance.
The conditions set out by the local council clearly state that wheels must be cleaned on lorries prior to leaving the site to avoid making the road dangerous.
When I returned home this evening, the layer of mud is still on the road - no attempt by the quarry to clean it up and I saw a lorry at the junction waiting to turn onto the A420 with mud sticking to all the wheels.
I have skidded on this road in the past couple of weeks and so has a neighbour and my daughter.
Nicky Harris
Steventon Bridge Update- 10/12/14
I wanted to update you on the plans for Steventon Bridge. As you know the bridge was due to be closed for 10 months early next year. I had been assured that there was no alternative to this. But I am pleased to tell you that Network Rail have looked again at their plans, and they think there may be a way of implementing electrification at Steventon without closing the bridge at all. This is by no means a done deal, and if the alternative plan does work, it could still have some impact on the village. Nevertheless, one thing is certain – the bridge will not close in February as planned. We should have greater certainty on Network Rail’s final plans in the next couple of months.
I will continue to work with Network Rail and the County Council on this issue to do all I can to ensure that every possible step is taken to reduce the overall impact of electrification on Steventon and the surrounding area.
Ed Vaizey MP
Minister of State for Culture and the Digital Economy
Member of Parliament for Wantage and Didcot
Councillor pay increases - 10/12/14
You asked should our Councillor vote in favour of a increase in their allowance.
No, The increase is about 18%. any increase should be the same as the general public less than 1%.
Old Faringdonian.
Folly Tower Opening 1935 - 10/12/14
Just found- an article and photos in the Tatler 1935.
Now on this website
Ed
Councillor pay/expenses increase - 10/12/14
Oxfordshire County Councillors are are considering an increase in their allowances! Some councillors have rejected the increase. Do you think ours should? http://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/yourtown/oxfordshire/11654282.Tory_Oxfordshire_Count_councillors_to_refuse_19__allowance_rise/
Name supplied
Fernham Fields Development - 9/12/14
Application number P13/V0139/O will be considered by the council's planning committee on Wednesday 17/12/2014.
Full details of this application can be found on our website <http://www.whitehorsedc.gov.uk/java/planning/ApplicationDetails.jsp?REF=P13/V0139/O>
Ed
Re: Challow comments- 9/12/14
....it's only a bridge " get over it" ;)
Allan Barrow
Lost Siamese Cat. - 9/12/14
Last seen Mon 1st 2.30 ish. Brown, Cream.
Likely to be in Ferndale St, Lansdown Road area.
Please call 01367 243316 if you see it.
Generous reward offered
Christmas street fair.- 8/12/14
We have just returned from Ripley in Surrey, a small Village similar to Faringdon in size and with the same numbers in population I would imagine, on Sunday the town held its annual Christmas street fair and the turning on of the Christmas lights, the same as we do, however there the similarity to Faringdon ends,
Ripley was busy and bustling, all of the shops remained open (on Sunday) and it was packed with people buying not only from the forty or so pretty Christmas stalls selling all kinds of goodies, but from the local shops,( the local baker was open and sold out of food) people were walking about or standing listening to a really superb group of musicians playing and singing festive music but in a modern way,(no Bing Crosby piped music here) the atmosphere was amazing and we had such a great time, it really had the feel of a German market at Christmas
...folk of Faringdon, this could be us next year, instead of many of the shops closing an hour before our Festive Faringdon starts how about they all stay open? it's the one time of the year where people come out in droves and need to be able to browse and spend their money, I find here the people come out to celebrate the event and have money to spend, but with really nothing worth spending it on
...all the Ripley food outlets made the most of the day...fancy menus were put on hold and warming cups of soup with chunks of warm crusty bread were being sold along with pasties teas coffee etc
., all the sort of food that people want, and spend money on, on a cold winters day.
I very often hear the local shopkeepers moan about no trade in this town and I agree its no fun running a shop at the moment, but its not only Faringdon that suffers from this, it's country wide and due to mainly internet shopping, but the Ripley shopkeepers grabbed the opportunity to make some extra money by putting themselves out, and selling things they knew would sell, and sell it certainly did, it's something that could be learned in this town, people will only spend money if there is something to spend it on and with the shops open for business. I really do hope that next year our own Festive Faringdon expands and get bigger and better.
Elf Garnett.
Challow Bridge - 8/12/14
Sorry I thought we had seen the end of this as well, but I've just found out our esteemed member of parliament was at the bridge re-opening despite having so little interest in helping the campaign to keep the road open. In other news he is pushing for an alternative to closing Steventon bridge, just like he did for Grove. When he comes crawling for votes next May, do feel free to ask just where Faringdon comes on his priorities... that's assuming we are worthy of a visit.
Thomas Tankengine
Re: Getting on to the A420 - 8/12/14
It's an issue most mornings I'm afraid - you get queues forming towards Oxford behind a lorry & it becomes just a stream coming from the right and lights are the only real answer (cue people getting red lights when the road is clear...) as the steep verges will limit much else.
It's not a case of people not wanting newcomers in the town, but that the town is not equipped for such a large population increase. The extra houses will make Coxwell Road (& Street :-)) and all 3 A420 junctions more hazardous due to the increased volumes, especially at rush hours (Faringdon with a rush hour - who would have thought of that 10 years ago!) which could lead us back to the bad old days where serious accidents at the A420 junctions were a too common occurrence. These led to the roundabouts at Park & Stanford Roads, which have helped, but do slow the traffic flow (which I guess is the idea...).
I don't think Challow Bridge re-opening has had an effect - I get stuck at Park Road at least twice a week & anyone using the A417 would have probably had to head towards Oxford when the road was closed anyway.
Thomas Tankengine
Re: Humpty Hill - 8/12/14
http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/68429 - still open for another 3 months or so, tell your friends, your neighbours, your cat, your dog to sign it... I sent the link to the Faringdon Folly a few weeks ago, but despite the article...
Name Supplied
Getting on to the A420 - 8/12/14
Does any one know if there are plans to improve the exiting out of Faringdon onto the A420. This morning the queue down Park Road was all the way back to the FPV estate past Palmer Road. This was at 6:45AM! The volume of traffic shooting round the Roundabout from Swindon direction makes it so hard to get out left towards Oxford.
Will there be the introduction of lights or something to give residents chance of getting out onto the A420?
With more housing this is only going to get worse. It took over 15 minutes just to get out. I also feel for those trying to join at the other exit of Faringdon at the end of London Street.
Is the extra traffic and issues here due to Challow bridge being open once more perhaps?
Name Supplied
Humpty Hill- last 3 votes - 7/12/14
"The Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group and Town Council are at the last three votes on whether or not to protect Humpty Hill in the Neighbourhood Plan.
These meetings are:
Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group at 6pm, 9th December in the Mike Ilott Suite, The Pump House. Followed by:
Town Council Planning and Highways at 7.15pm, Tuesday 9th December
Full Town Council Meeting at 7.15pm, Wednesday 10th December.
The Town Council Meetings are the most important.
Please come and support us at all or any of these meeting or Humpty will be lost forever!"
Friends of Humpty Hill
Challow Bridge- 6/12/14
Great that Challow Bridge is open again. But doesn't it look awful- nasty prefabricated concrete. It's a scar on the landscape
Name Supplied
Step Farm in Faringdon has won the British Farming Awards for 2014 under Farming Partnership of the Year. - 6/12/14
Miles Saunders produces organic milk from his dairy herd and supplies to OMSCO and Yeovally.
OMSCO, the Organic Milk Supply Co-Op was created in 1994 by five local dairy farmers including Miles and his father Patrick Saunders.
OMSCO are now collecting organic milk from many more farmers in the UK. They are producing a mild Cheddar cheese called ‘Kingdom’ for Britain, the USA and Europe. The cheese has won three gold medals at an International Cheese Competition.
The British Farming Awards were held on 23rd October. They are designed to recognise and reward the tenacity, determination and the innovation of British farmers and their businesses.
Step Farm is a 600 hectare mixed farm in the upper Thames valley near Faringdon, some of which is rented from the National Trust. The Saunders family began producing food organically in 1982. They have a mixture of enterprises including dairy cows, beef and cereals.
Livestock
The 800 black and white Freisian/Holstein dairy herd graze the fields on the farm. The milk is sold to the Organic Milk Suppliers Co-operative who make organic dairy products such as yoghurt, cheese and ice-cream.
Conservation
Conservation is an important aspect of the work on the farm. A pond has been created and new hedges provide valuable wildlife corridors through the farm. The farm has a site of special scientific interest that supports a host of rare species, including the yellow rattle, hairy buttercup, black hairstreak butterfly and great green cricket. Studies have been conducted on the farm on birds like the skylark, grey partridge and sparrows. Canadian geese visit most years to lay their eggs.
Arranging a visit
Groups can arrange a guided walk around the farm. Students are welcome to visit the farm by arrangement.
How to get there
By bus: Bus links are available to Faringdon.
By road: Take the Lechlade road out of Faringdon. The sign post to Step Farm is on the left after about a mile.
Contact details
- Pat, Daphne, Miles and Annabel Saunders, Step Farm, Faringdon, Oxfordshire SN7 8BH
- T: Pat and Daphne Saunders: 01367 240183, Miles and Annabel Saunders: 01367 240558
Challow Bridge is open - 6/12/14
Have just driven over challow bridge it is open even though all signs say closed!
Name supplied
Small Business Saturday - 5/12/14
If you haven't heard already, tomorrow is Small Business Saturday, and Faringdon is celebrating with it's very own Christmas Market in the Town Centre between 10.00am and 1.00pm, 6th December. We are also giving everybody triple reward points with their Loyalty Scheme Reward Card - that's three stamps for every £5.00 spent in a Loyalty Scheme Business. With £100 up for grabs in prize draw this month, it is definitely worth a visit into town tomorrow!
Town Team
Challow Bridge - 5/12/14
I have just cycled over the bridge and can confirm it is complete with tarmac and white lines laid. According to the contractor I spoke to it is indeed re-opening to traffic at 2:30 today.
RichardR
Challow Bridge (yet again!) - 5/12/14
"Latest" on BBC Radio Oxford this morning is that it should open at 2:30pm.
Like Ed. says, can someone please let us know when they have made it safely across by car/van/lorry etc....? - There are now road works at Marcham & the traffic lights make it even more fun then it has been for the last 3 months, so I will be pressing F5 from about 2 to see if I can avoid them this evening!.
Thomas Tankengine
Bridge re opening - 5/12/14
Thank you for the information on the re opening of the bridge. Now for my little gripe, may I suggest that no more money is invested in the small road past the equestrian centre by the VOWH Council / Oxfordshire Highways, as it was not deemed suitable at the time whilst the bridge repair was undergoing due to safety concerns to the people and horses, so keep the barriers up. Im sure that any investment money on road restructure would be more welcome on the alternative route which had to be used as there are a number of dangerous potholes along the edges of that road now, Goosey to Denchworth. Denchworth to Grove.
Gareth Roberts
Oxford CC Big Plan re learning disability- 5/12/14
Oxfordshire County Council is asking you about the draft Big Plan: Oxfordshire's Learning Disability Strategy 2015-2018.
The plan sets out how services for people with learning disabilities will be delivered in the future.
https://consultations.oxfordshire.gov.uk/consult.ti/bigplanLD/consultationHome
This web site - 5/12/14
Love this web site, very informative and helpful, with interesting points of view.
Not sure how it is managed but am grateful to the people who do, it's a great facility for Faringdon.
That said could we get a bit " like Christmas" a photo of the market square Christmas tree would be nice, also photos of the shops that have made such an effort with their christmas window displays,would show support and appreciation and may help trade?
Keep up the good work, and thank you on behalf of FARINGDON .
Name Supplied
Ed: Good thinking- I'll go out and about with my camera. I'm a bit 'bah humbug' about Christmas!
Re: Local Plan Meeting - 4/12/14
Sounds like another feather in the cap for VWHDC. Faringdon gets a large percentage of the proposed new houses despite it being admitted there are insufficient jobs for all these new arrivals. At least there is the Community Interest Levy which can be used to make the much needed improvements to the infrastructure. Oh no, VWHDC are creaming off 75% of that to pay for the Grove ring road, Grove Station etc.
We can use our part to pay for new signs on the edge of town "Welcome to Faringdon - 100% of the Cost, 25% of the benefit". In fact when you take the affordable housing into consideration it's much more cost for the same benefit. For affordable, read shoe-box size, but with the same number of occupants, cars etc. & will people already living in Faringdon (or the immediate area) get first choice?
Thomas Tankengine
Challow Bridge - 4/12/14
I have received an email this morning( Thurs 4th Dec.) from Network Rail in response to my enquiry re. bridge opening.
The reply I have received states that the Bridge work will be completed Friday Evening and be open for use. They thank all the locals for our patience whilst the work has been undertaken.
Regards Mark
Challow Bridge - 4/12/14
Please will someone post a message when the bridge is open
Ed
Local Plan Public Meeting - 4/12/14
This is my take on the meeting.
Est 20 members of the public present
VWHDC said 'They have done the best they can' given the Government National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and the lacking of building in the past, and the lack of Local Plan for VWHDC
Their presentation focused on the Vale Plan, not the implications for Faringdon.
Councillor Murray, representative of Hendreds responded to questions, as did Matthew Barber, Leader of the Council. Our councillor, Roger Cox, Cabinet member for Planning, sat at the back and said nothing.
Most houses are located round Science Vale on the basis there is an expectation that there will be many more jobs there. This was questioned by those present.
The implications for the roads was discussed. Lack of Public Transport to Science Vale was brought up.
Only 1000 houses round Abingdon are planned because of the flood plain (and although it wasn't mentioned, I've read that it is because of the congestion on the roads round Abingdon; OCC have no plans to deal with this).
The number of houses have been reduced round Harwell and Milton Heights- AONB, green belt.
Affordable housing 35% (has been 40%)
The housing is divided into 2 main areas. Those round Science Vale are ring fenced. Faringdon, and other places in the West are outside this. My understanding is that if the ring fenced area fails to deliver the planned housing, and across the Vale there is insufficient being built (according to Gov rules) then VWHDC can seek more housing outside the ring fenced area.
It was accepted that we have insufficient jobs in Faringdon, but VWHDC said they have no plan to help rectify this
Community Interest Levy (CIL) ( replacement for S106, planning gain)
2 levels per 100 sqm- payable on every new house (excluding affordable housing)
- £120
- £85 (Wantage, Grove, Faringdon)
FTC will get 25% (when the Nplan becomes part of planning law (without Nplan it would be 15%) The balance will go into a VWHDC 'melting pot' which they can use on anything they want.
You can find out more about CIL, and the level of fees on VWHDC website.
Their infrastructure plan and Design Guide can be commented on before 19/12
The comments made about the Local plan part 1, will be collated, summarized and sent to Inspector.
Local plan part 2 will allocate more housing- these are described as non strategic ie less than 200 houses. I don't know what the timetable is for this- presumably 2015.
VWHDC plan will be examined February 2015.
Inspectors report available Autumn 2015
Adopted Winter 2015
Ed
RE: The lack of attendees at the the Public Meeting.- 3/12/14
Believe me I would have loved to have been at the meeting but some of us work in Oxford and have had months and months of road works making getting home a nightmare. I personally have to leave by 6:30AM at the latest then bust a gut each afternoon to get to Faringdon to pick the kids from nursery before 6pm and then we need to get them settled, bathed and books before bed. It is about 8pm that my wife and I then get a chance to cook and so by about 9pm we then start on washing and cleaning and other jobs that we can't do when the kids need our time. So tell me when and how can I then attend this meeting?
I am but one example of why it is just not possible and we rely on sites like this to get up to speed. I would have said a lot of parents are in the same boat and would have liked to attend. Especially when a lot of the local plans effect things like schools!
Moan over I hope it was productive and those that did go helped raise important issues.
Rob Perkins
RE- Public meeting - 3/12/14
some of us are still at work, we don't all have 9-5 jobs.
name supplied
Public Meeting - 3/12/14
What a terrible shame that so few people attended the Public Meeting on Dec.2nd, where the implications of the Vale District Council's plans for new housing were made clear. The "panel" of elected Council Members and (professional, salaried) Officers had planned a meeting lasting about 90 minutes but we were there for two and a half hours!
You should have been there, too!
name supplied.
Challow Bridge reopening - 3/12/14
To avoid queues of frustrated motorists on Saturday morning, here's Network Rail's latest response:
"We are pleased to inform you that we are progressing well with the works at Challow: the existing bridge deck has been demolished and the new bridge deck has been successfully installed. We are still on programme to reopen Challow Road Bridge during the afternoon of 5th December, as planned."
Perhaps the mayors of Faringdon and Wantage should meet in the centre of the bridge and shake hands to celebrate the re-establishment of contact between our communities.
Folly Man
Network rail- 3/12/14
May I propose that we all drive up to the bridge on the 5th and sit it out until it has opened just form an orderly que behind me.
It was well advertised when the closure would take place however not much broadcasting on notices about the reopening.
Chris
Network Rail & Challow bridge -2/12/14
"Just to confirm we are still on schedule for this bridge to re-open on 5 December 2014." - 25/11. A slippage of 4 days in under a week... must be down to leaves on the bridge :-)
Thomas Tankengine
Retired Men - Faringdon Shed - 2/12/14
A club for retired men to escape to their "shed" to tinker, repair and make things in a fully equipped workshop. We are based in the woodwork shop at Faringdon Community College on Wednesday evenings between 7pm & 9pm. Cost – free. Contact 0845 474 0142
Challow bridge open on Saturday 6th ?? - 2/12/14
Network rails website is still saying that the Bridge will re open this Saturday. If it's Tuesday, then this is the first one that will be late opening I think. Can't wait, as it's been a real pain.
Regards Mark
Dog Mess!- 2/12/14
Dorothy, I'm the person who raised the complaint and believe me, if I saw anybody not clearing up I would report them.
It may be only a small minority but it's too many.
As you seem to know people who complain but don't clear up after their own dogs may I kindly ask you report them also.
Name Supplied
Look out for Father Christmas with Thomas the Tank Engine- 2/12/14
Faringdon & villages
During December
For full details visit www.faringdonrotaryclub.co.uk
Lost Siamese Cat. - 2/12/14
Last seen Mon 1st 2.30 ish. Brown, Cream.
Likely to be in Ferndale St, Lansdown Road area.
Please call 01367 243316 if you see it.
Network Rail Challow Bridge closure - 2/12/14
Network Rail have said that they expect the road to re-open on Tueday 9th December.
You can keep up-to-date on www.roadworks.org or contact Network Rail directly on 08457 11 41 41
Dog Mess - 2/12/14
I agree with some of the people who are raising the complaints of dog mess, however I must point out it is only a small minority who are allowing there dogs to foul on footpaths, I have witnessed many dog owners clear up after their dogs. As for some people who do complain about it I have witnessed them as well. You know who you are!!
Dorothy
Local Plan- meeting in Faringdon - 1/12/14
Tuesday 2nd December
VWHDC Local Plan. Public Meeting
6pm, Corn Exchange
http://www.whitehorsedc.gov.uk/services-and-advice/planning-and-building/planning-policy/new-local-plan-2031
Review of The Mad Boy, Lord Berners.....- 1/12/14
Sofka Zinovieff 's latest book is a highly personal family memoir, which traces the lives of her grandfather, the Mad Boy, and his relationship with the eccentric composer, painter and writer, Lord Berners, and how her grandmother and then she herself became part of the story.
Read the TLS review here: http://www.sofkazinovieff.com/?p=1536
Wim Meeuws
BERNERS: COMPOSER OF THE WEEK! - 1/12/14
Today on radio 3, Berners is composer of the week. See http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00df51j for more info regarding the first episode on Monday 1st Dec.
Every weekday at 12 midday; and repeated at 6.30pm . NOT TO BE MISSED!
Sjoerd
