Faringdon- edge of the Cotswolds. Oxford 17 miles, Witney 14 miles, Burford 12 miles, Cirencester 21 miles
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Safe places in Faringdon- 14/10/19
Our Community Safety team are working with Thames Valley Police, Oxfordshire County Council Fire and Rescue Service, Oxfordshire Family Support Network and local communities to launch the nationally recognised 'Safe Places' scheme across South Oxfordshire and the Vale of White Horse.
The Safe Places Scheme aims to help vulnerable people feel confident and safe whilst out and about. If someone is feeling lost, anxious, confused, bullied, abused or harassed they can go to a Safe Place.
Safe Places offer support to elderly people, people with dementia, those who may have a physical or learning disability, people with mental health needs or someone who feels unwell.
Read more about it and see the logo on
www.whitehorsedc.gov.uk/services-and-advice/community-advice-and-support/community-safety/safe-places-vale-white-horse
This scheme is being set up in Faringdon. I know that Perry Bishop and the Mustard seed are participating already.
Climate Change initiative in Faringdon - 11/10/19
Notes from 5 Climate Emergency Action Groups can be found on http://faringdontowncouncil.gov.uk/homepage/climate-emergency/. The page will be updated with more information as soon as we establish a date for the next Climate Change Working party meeting.
Faringdon Town Council
Pavements in the Market Square- 10/10/19
In response to an inquiry, An employee of OCC told me I’ve recently been asked to provide estimates to replace the worn out surfacing. Your local County Councillor is pushing hard for these footways to be resurfaced so there’s high level interest in them. In short, no promises of it being done before Christmas but watch this space.
I then asked if it would be regular tarmac or the beige stuff ( which wears so badly) and was told:
The materials being looked into is both similar to what's there and standard tarmac. VERY much depends on the cost of the beige surfacing.
As you say, the material looks great in the short term but the Utility companies find it difficult to find in small batches so replace with standard tarmac. My choice would be standard tarmac but it's out of my hands decision wise. You could always make representation to Cllr Heathcoat about the replacement material.
I then asked Cncllr Heathcoat 'I wonder- what is your view as to which is the most suitable material. Will it be decided wholly on cost? If tarmac is chosen, will all the pavements be done of will we end up with a mixture of beige and standard? It seems the down side of the beige material is that utility companies find it difficult to match when they carry out their work- and of course that it is has not been hardwearing-(but maybe it has improved now)
Has it been/will it be discussed with FTC? '
and she replied
'The improving of the pavements in Faringdon, town centre is in its early stages. I have met with officers on-site.'
Street Lighting in Faringdon- 10/10/19
Many of you will have noticed the work being done on our street lights.
OCC told me - 'we are currently replacing the street lights in Faringdon which are coming to the end of their serviceable and structural life, therefore the column and lanterns are being changed for new. We are also changing the rest in the road to LED so the lighting levels meet the required standards. The New LEDS consume roughly 50% less energy than the old lanterns and are also pre-programmed to dim to 50% light output from 22:00 to 06:00'.
Ed
Climate Change initiative- 9/10/19
Following the meeting on Monday 7th, Faringdon Town Council will be establishing a Climate Change working party. Several people from Mondays meeting have volunteered to lead action groups- ie Green transport, recycling, sustainable living, nature, plastic use.
Notes from the meeting, a call for volunteers and what happens next will be on the Town Council website and facebook page
Re comments from John - 9/10/19
I have say that on the whole the houses on the Bloor estate are fairly well put together. Any housing estate is going to mass purchase products and suppliers change specs. This is not a reflection on the build quality though.
What is an issue on the estate is the weeds and upkeep of the roads. This, however, is where a massive bone of content comes in.
FVP is the last estate that should get formally adopted by the council however the council are doing all they can to get out of it because it means they will then have to upkeep it.
There is a long standing empasse between them and Bloor. This is the real issue of concern.
Name Supplied
Climate Change meeting- 6/10/19
We would like to hear your views and suggestions on how the council together with the community of Faringdon can play a part in tackling climate change.
Come and join us on the 7th of October at the Corn Exchange at 7.00pm
For any further information or if you have an idea you would like to share before the meeting please write to office@faringdontowncouncil.gov.uk
Faringdon Town Council Climate Emergency statement:
Climate Emergency statement
Thankyou - 6/10/19
I would like to thank the very kind people of Faringdon who have donated dog food, old dog beds, sardines in oil, thick bleach, washing up liquid and washing power to me for Many Tears Animal Rescue. They re home over 3000 dogs a year and are so very grateful for any donations.
If you do wish to contribute please call me or drop me a text on 07901712340 and I will happily collect from you.
https://manytearsrescue.org
Rotary Young Citizen Awards - 6/10/19
Do you know a young person who deserves recognition? The Rotary Club of Faringdon & District is inviting nominations for The Rotary Young Citizen Awards. These awards recognise young people under the age of 25 who have demonstrated their commitment to citizenship, goodwill and understanding through various activities. The awards can be for individuals or groups, for projects and initiatives that showcase positive citizenship and the important responsibilities assumed by young people. Nominees do not necessarily have to be working on a Rotary project to be eligible, they just have to be recognised by your local Rotary club as worthy of nomination.
This year, Faringdon Rotary are also introducing a new award, the Rotary Young Citizen Sporting Hero Award to recognise and highlight the achievements and contribution, as a positive role model to others, of a sports participant or a group or an individual or group who is enabling others to participate in sport.
Also offered for nomination is the Rotary Young Citizen Peacemaker Award, reflecting Rotary’s area of focus on Peace and Conflict Prevention/Resolution, to recognise young people, aged under 25, who have made a significant contribution by building peace and understanding, whether in their school, local community or with a peace project internationally.
Nominations must be with Faringdon Rotary by 14th December. To nominate a worthy young citizen or for more information email quoting “young citizen” to: info@faringdonrotaryclub.org or message facebook.com/faringdon.rotary
Pavement parking ban in the pipeline.- 6/10/19
Jesse Norman, head of the Department for Transport, has responded: “The department [DfT] is now undertaking a broader piece of work to gather evidence on the issue of pavement parking. We expect to be able to draw conclusions later this year.”
What would the punishment be?
It’s difficult to predict what the punishment for pavement parking would be. It would be easy to suggest that the fines will be roughly the same as what they are in London, so up to £130 - reduced by 50% if paid within 14 days.
London street is ridiculous now and the parking on double yellow lines outside the houses and for the shops down London street we counted 15 cars parked up nose to tail on double yellow lines half of them would be in the pub and no doubt drink driving as well!!
Will this part of London street be narrowed down to one lane to stop the illegal parking and you traffic lights at the top and bottom of London street on a trail bases, as the car parks are empty.
Just my two pence worth of a residence of forty five years.
John Murph
Re-FOLLY PARK VIEW HOUSING DEVELOPMENT- 6/10/19
Reference the comment on the houses built by Bloor homes developers, You get what you pay for! wait till the cracks appear and windows don’t shut.
Cheap Cheap.
John Murph
New venture for Faringdon - 6/10/19
Introducing a new venture to Faringdon. Listening Touch Therapies is owned by an independent mobile therapist offering services for holistic wellbeing for all. With nearly a quarter of a century caring for children, the elderly and people with special needs Listening Touch Therapies comes with kind hands and an open heart.
Services includes;
Massage for all ages and abilities
Massage for dementia patients
Massage for special needs and/or disabled children and adults
Rainbow Kids Club
Baby massage classes
FREE Cuppa and cake sessions for parents
and lots more planned for the new year.
please see website for further information.
www.listeningtouchtherapies.co.uk
Beer and Bangers - 6/10/19
I would just like to pass on our gratitude to the organisers and helpers who gave up their free time for the Beer & Bangers at the weekend. Once again, my family and I really enjoyed the beer, bangers and the great music. Well done.
Regards
Grumpy Old Man.
Our Community Safety team are working with Thames Valley Police, Oxfordshire County Council Fire and Rescue Service, Oxfordshire Family Support Network and local communities to launch the nationally recognised 'Safe Places' scheme across South Oxfordshire and the Vale of White Horse.
The Safe Places Scheme aims to help vulnerable people feel confident and safe whilst out and about. If someone is feeling lost, anxious, confused, bullied, abused or harassed they can go to a Safe Place.
Safe Places offer support to elderly people, people with dementia, those who may have a physical or learning disability, people with mental health needs or someone who feels unwell.
Read more about it and see the logo on
www.whitehorsedc.gov.uk/services-and-advice/community-advice-and-support/community-safety/safe-places-vale-white-horse
This scheme is being set up in Faringdon. I know that Perry Bishop and the Mustard seed are participating already.
Climate Change initiative in Faringdon - 11/10/19
Notes from 5 Climate Emergency Action Groups can be found on http://faringdontowncouncil.gov.uk/homepage/climate-emergency/. The page will be updated with more information as soon as we establish a date for the next Climate Change Working party meeting.
Faringdon Town Council
Pavements in the Market Square- 10/10/19
In response to an inquiry, An employee of OCC told me I’ve recently been asked to provide estimates to replace the worn out surfacing. Your local County Councillor is pushing hard for these footways to be resurfaced so there’s high level interest in them. In short, no promises of it being done before Christmas but watch this space.
I then asked if it would be regular tarmac or the beige stuff ( which wears so badly) and was told:
The materials being looked into is both similar to what's there and standard tarmac. VERY much depends on the cost of the beige surfacing.
As you say, the material looks great in the short term but the Utility companies find it difficult to find in small batches so replace with standard tarmac. My choice would be standard tarmac but it's out of my hands decision wise. You could always make representation to Cllr Heathcoat about the replacement material.
I then asked Cncllr Heathcoat 'I wonder- what is your view as to which is the most suitable material. Will it be decided wholly on cost? If tarmac is chosen, will all the pavements be done of will we end up with a mixture of beige and standard? It seems the down side of the beige material is that utility companies find it difficult to match when they carry out their work- and of course that it is has not been hardwearing-(but maybe it has improved now)
Has it been/will it be discussed with FTC? '
and she replied
'The improving of the pavements in Faringdon, town centre is in its early stages. I have met with officers on-site.'
Street Lighting in Faringdon- 10/10/19
Many of you will have noticed the work being done on our street lights.
OCC told me - 'we are currently replacing the street lights in Faringdon which are coming to the end of their serviceable and structural life, therefore the column and lanterns are being changed for new. We are also changing the rest in the road to LED so the lighting levels meet the required standards. The New LEDS consume roughly 50% less energy than the old lanterns and are also pre-programmed to dim to 50% light output from 22:00 to 06:00'.
Ed
Climate Change initiative- 9/10/19
Following the meeting on Monday 7th, Faringdon Town Council will be establishing a Climate Change working party. Several people from Mondays meeting have volunteered to lead action groups- ie Green transport, recycling, sustainable living, nature, plastic use.
Notes from the meeting, a call for volunteers and what happens next will be on the Town Council website and facebook page
Re comments from John - 9/10/19
I have say that on the whole the houses on the Bloor estate are fairly well put together. Any housing estate is going to mass purchase products and suppliers change specs. This is not a reflection on the build quality though.
What is an issue on the estate is the weeds and upkeep of the roads. This, however, is where a massive bone of content comes in.
FVP is the last estate that should get formally adopted by the council however the council are doing all they can to get out of it because it means they will then have to upkeep it.
There is a long standing empasse between them and Bloor. This is the real issue of concern.
Name Supplied
Climate Change meeting- 6/10/19
We would like to hear your views and suggestions on how the council together with the community of Faringdon can play a part in tackling climate change.
Come and join us on the 7th of October at the Corn Exchange at 7.00pm
For any further information or if you have an idea you would like to share before the meeting please write to office@faringdontowncouncil.gov.uk
Faringdon Town Council Climate Emergency statement:
Climate Emergency statement
Thankyou - 6/10/19
I would like to thank the very kind people of Faringdon who have donated dog food, old dog beds, sardines in oil, thick bleach, washing up liquid and washing power to me for Many Tears Animal Rescue. They re home over 3000 dogs a year and are so very grateful for any donations.
If you do wish to contribute please call me or drop me a text on 07901712340 and I will happily collect from you.
https://manytearsrescue.org
Rotary Young Citizen Awards - 6/10/19
Do you know a young person who deserves recognition? The Rotary Club of Faringdon & District is inviting nominations for The Rotary Young Citizen Awards. These awards recognise young people under the age of 25 who have demonstrated their commitment to citizenship, goodwill and understanding through various activities. The awards can be for individuals or groups, for projects and initiatives that showcase positive citizenship and the important responsibilities assumed by young people. Nominees do not necessarily have to be working on a Rotary project to be eligible, they just have to be recognised by your local Rotary club as worthy of nomination.
This year, Faringdon Rotary are also introducing a new award, the Rotary Young Citizen Sporting Hero Award to recognise and highlight the achievements and contribution, as a positive role model to others, of a sports participant or a group or an individual or group who is enabling others to participate in sport.
Also offered for nomination is the Rotary Young Citizen Peacemaker Award, reflecting Rotary’s area of focus on Peace and Conflict Prevention/Resolution, to recognise young people, aged under 25, who have made a significant contribution by building peace and understanding, whether in their school, local community or with a peace project internationally.
Nominations must be with Faringdon Rotary by 14th December. To nominate a worthy young citizen or for more information email quoting “young citizen” to: info@faringdonrotaryclub.org or message facebook.com/faringdon.rotary
Pavement parking ban in the pipeline.- 6/10/19
Jesse Norman, head of the Department for Transport, has responded: “The department [DfT] is now undertaking a broader piece of work to gather evidence on the issue of pavement parking. We expect to be able to draw conclusions later this year.”
What would the punishment be?
It’s difficult to predict what the punishment for pavement parking would be. It would be easy to suggest that the fines will be roughly the same as what they are in London, so up to £130 - reduced by 50% if paid within 14 days.
London street is ridiculous now and the parking on double yellow lines outside the houses and for the shops down London street we counted 15 cars parked up nose to tail on double yellow lines half of them would be in the pub and no doubt drink driving as well!!
Will this part of London street be narrowed down to one lane to stop the illegal parking and you traffic lights at the top and bottom of London street on a trail bases, as the car parks are empty.
Just my two pence worth of a residence of forty five years.
John Murph
Re-FOLLY PARK VIEW HOUSING DEVELOPMENT- 6/10/19
Reference the comment on the houses built by Bloor homes developers, You get what you pay for! wait till the cracks appear and windows don’t shut.
Cheap Cheap.
John Murph
New venture for Faringdon - 6/10/19
Introducing a new venture to Faringdon. Listening Touch Therapies is owned by an independent mobile therapist offering services for holistic wellbeing for all. With nearly a quarter of a century caring for children, the elderly and people with special needs Listening Touch Therapies comes with kind hands and an open heart.
Services includes;
Massage for all ages and abilities
Massage for dementia patients
Massage for special needs and/or disabled children and adults
Rainbow Kids Club
Baby massage classes
FREE Cuppa and cake sessions for parents
and lots more planned for the new year.
please see website for further information.
www.listeningtouchtherapies.co.uk
Beer and Bangers - 6/10/19
I would just like to pass on our gratitude to the organisers and helpers who gave up their free time for the Beer & Bangers at the weekend. Once again, my family and I really enjoyed the beer, bangers and the great music. Well done.
Regards
Grumpy Old Man.
50s, 60s, 70s pop October 12th- 25/9/19
Corn Exchange 7.30-11.00
Nitelife Duo
Tickets £5 on the door or from 01367 243130
In aid of British Heart Foundation
Children's Christmas Card competition- 25/9/19
Faringdon Town Council Children’s Christmas Card Competition
Design a Faringdon themed card
Winner will switch on the Faringdon Christmas lights and have their card produced
12 years old and under
Entries to: adele@faringdontowncouncil.gov.uk
or hand in at the Faringdon Information Centre
Closing date 31st October
FOLLY PARK VIEW HOUSING DEVELOPMENT- 25/9/19
The lamp in our outside light fitting installed by Bloor Homes has stopped working. I have been to the manufacturer and installer of the tubular style light fittings that most of us have on our outside walls and I have been told that this lamp is no longer available and therefore the complete light fitting needs to be changed.
I have never heard of anything more ludicrous that after 5 years a complete light fitting needs replacement because the bulb isn't available. Why does a housing developer do such a thoughtless thing - I think we all know the answer - because it's cheap !
Can we ever forgive you Bloor Homes for your daft actions ?
Tessa Timms
Roads resurfacing.- 14/9/19
Just to correct the comments on resurfacing, Canada Lane has NOT been resurfaced, it is still one giant pothole.
Name supplied.
Ed: Yes its the Pines, Chestnut avenue etc that have been done.
White Horse Practice (WHMP) Autumn Newsletter - 14/9/19
See http://www.whitehorsepracticeppg.org.uk/
Resurfacing Roads in Faringdon - 14/9/19
I asked the County Council why Canada Lane and Gt Coxwell roads were resurfaced when Park Road is in more need.
This is the reply
Looking at it from the public perception it may seem like we are targeting the wrong roads at times, however, the recent work you have noticed in the Canada Lane estate and Great Coxwell have been non-structural repairs which are basically carried out to try and arrest further deterioration of failing roads or if there are particular problems with the road surface itself. In short, they are fairly cheap processes which we carryout at many similar locations throughout the County.
In Park Road Faringdon, due to continual loadings from HGV’s, constant traffic throughout most of the day and not to mention the masses of utility trenches throughout pretty much its entire length, the required repairs are much more substantial and structural of which are arranged by our Head Office colleagues. I’m told Park Road currently sits in next years programme for resurfacing and is currently being designed.
I anticipate it will be very close in nature to the work carried out in both Marlborough Street last year and Gloucester Street a month or so ago. In the meantime, we will keep an eye on things and respond to the potholes as and when they appear.
Grants available - 12/9/19
Local groups in the Vale of White Horse can apply for grants totalling up to £75,000 as part of a community grant scheme which has opened this month.
In the past the scheme, run by Vale of White Horse District Council, has given grants to a variety of local community organisations including money for parenting programmes in Botley, a play area resurfacing in Faringdon and most recently new furniture for a group in Wantage caring for people suffering from dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Groups can apply for a minimum of £1,000 (and up to 50 per cent of the total cost) towards projects which benefit the local community. The final amounts awarded will depend on the number of applicants.
Anyone interested in a grant should see more information on the council’s website here
http://www.whitehorsedc.gov.uk/services-and-advice/community-advice-and-support/grants/new-homes-bonus-community-grant
Applications are invited between 2 September 2019 - midday 28 October 2019. Decisions will be made by the end January 2020
Thames Valley Police newsletter - 12/9/19
Priorities
Vehicle Crime: The Faringdon Neighbourhood Team were joined by members of the Wantage Neighbourhood Team and the Mounted Section on a rural operation. We patrolled the car parks of local beauty spots along the Ridgeway in order to deter thefts and raise awareness. The Mounted Section proved to be immensely popular with the public who were thrilled to see them!
Please remain vigilant when leaving you vehicles as we are still getting reports of them being broken into. Various personal items and tools have been stolen from vehicles in our area.
If you see anything suspicious or find evidence of an attempt to break into your vehicle call 101, the 24-hour Thames Valley Police non-emergency number or report online (www.thamesvalley.police.uk/report-a-crime). If a crime is in progress, call 999.
Following these events we have increased our patrols and added signage in the local area reminding residents not to leave items in vehicles.
Vehicle crime reduction advice
• Do not keep anything in your vehicle.
• Hide your car keys away from windows and doors and out of sight.
• Park your car in a well-lit area — either on your driveway, or on the roads under a street lamp.
• Lock all windows and doors of your car and make sure to activate your car alarm if you have one.
• Consider fitting a letterbox defender or restrictor. This prevents burglars from poking tools through the letterbox to open latches from the inside, or reaching nearby car and house keys. A lockable letterbox on the outside of the property is also an option.
• Ensure your doors and windows are locked, if you have a chain on the inside of your door, use it. This prevents burglars from poking tools through the letterbox to open latches from the inside, or reaching nearby car and house keys. A lockable letterbox on the outside of the property is also an option.
Burglary: We are appealing for any information that you may have on the following incidents, there has been incidents at the following locations:
• 27/08/19 – Burglary – Faringdon - a Black BMW was stolen from a driveway in Coxwell Road Faringdon overnight.
• 01/08/19 – Uffington Post Office - Cigarettes and cash was taken by several offenders
• 14/08/19- Kingston Bagpuize – A high value theft of building materials carried out by several offenders overnight.
If you have any information or CCTV please call 101 or report online here
Violent crime: The Neighbourhood Team are working towards a week of action to combat knife crime as part of a national initiative Op Sceptre. As part of this we will be actively targeting premises and locations associated with drugs to help disrupt criminality associated with carrying weapons. If you have any information relating to drugs and knives then please let the team know as soon as possible.
Offenders brought to justice
Alan Reed was arrested and charged with six offenses, Common Assault, Criminal Damage, Public Order x2, Making off Without Payment, and Malicious Communications. As a result of these charges he was recalled to prison.
During the month of August the team have made several arrests, namely for persons being drunk and disorderly in a public places or for drug offenses. These are as a result of the team working to curb the anti-social behaviour issues that have been reported to us.
We ask you to continue to be vigilant and report these incidents as they happen.
Community engagement:
One of the advantages of working from Faringdon is that two major events are held locally in August. We attended the Shrivenham Fete on Sunday 25th August and the Uffington Show on the Monday 26th August.
Both days were hot and sunny and a great opportunity to engage with the public and find out about any local concerns. It was lovely to see every one having a good time and enjoying themselves!
On 11th September 2019 we will be attending The Defence Academy where we will be attending ‘A Meet and Greet Fair’.
Please get in touch/follow us using the following:
E-mail: FaringdonNHPT@thamesvalley.pnn.police.uk
Twitter: @tvpsouthandvale
Facebook: www.facebook.com/tvpsouthandvale
Phone: 101
Always phone 999 in an emergency
Message Sent By
Julia Williams (Police, Neighbourhood Policing Admin, South Oxon and Vale)
Cycling Champions - 11/9/19
South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils have each appointed their first ever Cycling Champions to help and encourage people to travel by bike.
Cllr Sam Casey-Rerhaye at South Oxfordshire and Cllr Eric de la Harpe at Vale of White Horse will work with local organisations, communities, other councils and transport bodies to make sure there is wider access to cycling paths across the districts.
The work of the Cycling Champion will help to deliver the legacy of The OVO Energy Women’s Tour, which saw thousands line the streets and get enthusiastic about cycling when it passed through both districts on 12 June. The race provided a significant platform to showcase Southern Oxfordshire as a cycling and tourism destination and is set to return to Oxfordshire again in 2020 and 2021.
Cllr Casey-Rerhaye, who regularly cycles to work and encourages her children to cycle wherever possible, would love to see more people doing the same – particularly for journeys under five miles. Her aim is to make improvements to new and existing cycle paths in the district to help reduce pollution and carbon emissions and encourage others to increase their overall fitness through cycling.
http://www.whitehorsedc.gov.uk/news/2019/2019-09/first-ever-cycling-champions-appointed-two-district-councils
Oxford University Hospitals (OUH) seeking your views - 11/9/19
Oxford University Hospitals (OUH) is refreshing its strategy for the next five years (2020-2025), so it has a common purpose and direction for all who work there, and can communicate this clearly to patients and partners.
OUH wants to develop a strategy which supports you to receive seamless and joined-up care, helps to make OUH a great place to work for staff and takes advantage of the opportunities that new technologies offer.
OUH values your views and feedback to help create this, so please take the time to fill in the survey below, by Friday 11 October. The survey can be accessed here: https://forms.gle/TxS6BhRUezt4NcoQ6.
The survey will be anonymous, with an option for you to give OUH your email address if you want to be kept up to date.
If you would like further information, please contact the OUH Strategy team at: strategy@ouh.nhs.uk.
Car Free Day - 10/9/19
Sunday 22 September is World Car Free day and South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse district councils are offering drivers in the districts the chance to win a prize – if they give their vehicle a rest on that day.
World Car Free Day has been running for 25 years. Cities, towns and villages take the opportunity to raise awareness of air pollution and air quality by encouraging people to leave their cars at home for the day and choose alternative forms of transport.
Since Clean Air Day on 20 June both South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils have been urging drivers to turn off their engines if they are stopped for a minute or more as part of their joint anti-idling campaign called Turn It Off. Now the councils are suggesting that drivers turn off their engines for a day!
If drivers in the districts pledge not to use their cars on World Car Free Day on 22 September and then tell the councils how they got around instead – on the train? bus? cycling? walking? kayaking? they will be entered for a draw for travel vouchers worth £50.
Simply click on https://survey.southandvale.gov.uk/s/Worldcarfreeday/ and show (using words and photos) what they did on 22 September without their car. Deadline for entries is 5pm Monday 30 September.
More info
Town Council surgeries on Saturdays- 10/9/19
Talk to your Town Councillors- ideas and concerns
10am-12noon The Pump House
http://faringdontowncouncil.gov.uk/town-councillor-surgeries-start-this-saturday/
War Memorial Trust Remembrance Exhibition- 9/9/19
The War Memorial Trust and the Royal British Legion will be holding its eleventh exhibition of war time memorabilia in the Old Town Hall to reflect on the impact that wars have made on local families.
This year marks the 80th anniversary of the outbreak of the Second World War as well as the 75th anniversary of D-Day. If you have any memorabilia, stories, photographs or any documents that you would like to share concerning the events leading up to the outbreak of WW2 and its aftermath in 1939, or the events of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy in 1944.
Please bring them to the Faringdon Town Council offices (in the Pump House on the Market Place) before Wednesday, 6th November; the office is open between 9:00 am and 4:00 pm, Monday to Friday.
If you have any interesting memorabilia concerning other conflicts please bring them along. We would be particularly interested in stories and memorabilia on how WW2 affected families on the ‘home front’; e.g. blackout, rationing, evacuees, daily life, etc. Any precious items that you may think to be too valuable to exhibit can be photocopied and the Trust will take care to return original items to their owners.
The exhibition will be open to the public from 10:00 am until 4:00 pm on Friday 8th and Saturday 9th November, and after the Remembrance Day ceremony on Sunday 10th until 1:00 pm. Volunteers who would like to help in manning the exhibition should contact the Council Offices on 01367 240281.
PAD (Public Access Defilrillators) meeting Sept 20th - 5/9/19
The Faringdon PAD Committee will be holding a general meeting on 20th September at 7.30pm at the Bell Hotel, Faringdon. You are invited to attend our meeting on the evening if you have an interest in the work of our committee, that contributes towards the guardianship of certain Defibrillators in Faringdon, works towards the familiarisation of those in our community in the use of the AED (Automated External Defibrillators) and the development of further PAD's (Publicly Accessible Defibrillators) being available to our local citizens towards saving lives in the case of sudden cardiac arrest.
There will be a business agenda for this meeting, however an opportunity to ask questions or learn more of our work as volunteers and towards our aims to the benefit of our local community. We hold regular, community based familiarisation sessions at various times during the year and if you, or your community group would wish to learn more about the use of the Defibrillators and how lives can be saved with some simple action and knowledge, then please get in touch with our committee.
We are also looking for volunteers, no medical or clinical skills necessary, to support us in our work and if you can be available to attend our occasional meetings, to act as 'Secretary/Note taker and contact point for our activities.
Advance notice of your attendance would be helpful, or if you have any questions or queries regarding our work and the use of Defibrillators, then please Email - faringdonpad@gmail.com or Telephone - 07796 572752
Malcolm Gee - Chair - Faringdon PAD Committee
Temporary Traffic Closure - 4/9/19
LOCATION: Cumnor, A420
REASON: Gully emptying, grass cutting, street lighting,white lining and junction cleaning
DURATION: Starting on 9th September 2019 at 20:00
The anticipated completion date is 14th September 2019 at 05:00hrs (5 night closure and each night from 20:00hrs to 05:00hrs)
Visit the links below to view the full Traffic Regulation Notice and the map of the road closure.
Temporary road closure , Cumnor A420
Faringdon Cycle Park- 2/9/19
See how it was constructed https://farcycles.weebly.com/
Cycle teaching at Faringdon Cycle Park- 1/9/19
Just to let you know that we are running regular teaching sessions for children and adults who are beginners or wanting to get cycling confidently, on:
Let us know if you would like to book a place (max 10 per session), and for which session(s).
Contact us at: cycle@farcycles.org.uk
David Williamson
Dogs - 28/8/19
Please can folks stop their Dogs barking ALL day. Dogs are left outside all day. Some dogs you don’t even see out walking.
So they are bored
Please control your dogs barking
Name supplied
Events in Wantage - 25/8/19
Lester Piggott: Born to Ride Exhibition - 19th August – 21st December. Celebrating champion jockey Lester Piggott who was the first baby born in the maternity unit at Wantage Hospital in 1935. Life size bronze statue of Lester Piggott was unveiled by Lester himself on 18th August in the museum garden. Check out the museum Facebook page @valeanddownlandmuseum to see a video from the unveiling.
Colours of the World Exhibition – 10th September – 14th September. An exhibition of photographic art from Photogenic Photography. Meet the artist Saturday 14th September 10 – 11am.
Contemporary Art Exhibition – An exhibition of art work from J C Clayton.
Mystery Object Talk 17th September 11.30am - Join museum volunteer Jim in the Museum galleries for a 15-minute informal talk to learn what a mystery object from the museum's collection is, what it was used for, it's provenance and historical reason why it was needed. Free admission but donations welcome.
Friends of the Vale & Downland Museum Day Trip to Winchester Cathedral – Friday 27th September – Visit the stunning new exhibition Kings and Scribes: The Birth of a Nation. The coach will leave Seesen Way (behind Wantage Library) at 9.30 am on Friday 27th September. It will depart from Winchester at 4pm to return to Wantage. You will be free to tour 3 levels and the 4 galleries of the exhibition have lunch in the Cathedral cafe or indeed visit the town for lunch and shopping. For more information go the www.friendsofthevdm.org.uk The cost of the coach will be £18 for Friends and £20 for Visitors, no lunch or coffee is arranged as you are free to decide how to plan your day. Tickets available now from the museum reception.
Mini Music at the Museum – Monday 9th September 10 – 10.30am – A fun and friendly music session for under 5’s. Join museum volunteers Sem, Maureen & Hazel for traditional songs and rhymes accompanied by live music. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Suggested donation £1 per child. Please sign up in advance at the museum reception, 01235 771447 or info@valeanddownlandmuseum.org
Wantage Country Market – Every Friday morning 9.30 – 10.45am – The perfect place to buy homemade cakes, jams, chutneys and puddings as well as homegrown vegetables and flowers, fresh eggs and a selection of crafts.
Museum Book Group – Every 2nd Friday of the month 2 – 3.30pm – Each month sees a new book read and discussed in this relaxed friendly group. For more information and to join please email info@valeanddownlandmuseum.org.uk. Free to attend but please support the museum café.
Knit Knot & Natter – Every 3rd Friday of the month 1.30pm – 3.30pm – A friendly informal group of crafters coming together to share knowledge and crafts. Bring along your own project, take tuition from other members or just come for a natter. Free to attend but please support the museum café.
Al Cane's Buskers Prgramme for 24th August- 21/8/19
See poster
Faringdon Market Place from 11am
Survey re Musculoskeletal (MSK) service- 20/8/19
ie Physiotherapy. Survey. Open until 30th August
https://consult.oxfordshireccg.nhs.uk/consult.ti/MSK_survey./consultationHome
The 5th Annual Faringdon “Bangers & Beer” Festival - 19/8/19
....... in aid of The Pump House Project and The Place, will be at The Corn Exchange, Faringdon on Friday 27th and Saturday 28th September.
The two-day event will feature 14+ local beers, complemented by local ciders from The Cotswold Cider Company and another opportunity to “Pimp Your Prosecco” (first seen at the recent Folly Fest).
As well as the excellent drinks on offer, you will also be able to sample a range of locally produced sausages and burgers, provided by highly acclaimed Pat Thomas Butchers based here in Faringdon.
Throughout the festival, local bands will be performing and we are looking for local businesses to sponsor a barrel of beer.
Entrance to the festival is free and there will also be an opportunity to purchase a Festival glass as a memento.
All the proceeds will be used to support local activities to benefit the community, so please come along and enjoy the event.
For further details of the line-up of beers and bands to follow...
Ferndale Choir- first session of new term. Wednesday Sept 4th- 18/8/19
Catholic Church Hall, 7.15 for 7.30. Til 8.45pm
Just turn up and sing. No auditions, no need to read music, no experience needed- everyone welcome
Free Parking in Southampton St car park, less than 2 minutes walk away.
Weekly Fee £4.50 Trial session free
Use the rear entrance.
Louise Woodgate, a local professional singer and singing teacher, leads the choir.
We sing a variety of songs: folk, religion, musical theatre, pop and classical.
We meet every week during Term Time
More information 07900 682 366 or louisejwoodgate@gmail.com
Folly Tower Newsletter August 2019 - 16/8/19
Great news.
We came first in the Tesco tokens Bags of life. So we get £4,000. Thank you to everyone who helped
We want to get the cannon repaired or replaced and have the other sculptures refurbished and made more weather proof. We'll probably get the outside boards redone/replaced and improve the signage to the Tower.
We may have enough money for an additional sculpture.
Any suggestions?
The Giant Pie
Over the years we've made many attempts to grow things on the giant pie, e.g. camomile, grass, clover, green roof plants- nothing works. Now the framework is disintegrating yet again.
The current plan is to remove it altogether and find another way to represent a pie (to go with the 24 blackbirds).
Ideas very welcome.
You'll have heard I expect, that the piano in the woodland has been replaced (with huge thanks to Claire at the Piano Gallery).
It's an extremely popular attraction and is wonderful to hear it being played.
Plans are underway for it to be decorated.
As an experiment, we have decided to open the Tower 4 times in September ( 1st, 8th,15th and 22nd).
We still have some spaces to fill ( on 15th September)
Please do let me know if you can help.
Some years ago we surveyed our visitors to find out how far they had travelled to visit the Folly Tower. We thought we'd do it again during September. There'll only be 3 questions to ask.
We'll be asking the volunteer in the Belvedere room to do this.
Dog mess - getting worse
I've asked the Vale to help us remind dog owners that they should pick up and bin their dogs faeces. We will be getting some bin stickers, posters and I hope the pavement stencil.
Thank you very much to the people who pick up after the dogs belonging to others. It's so very much appreciated.
And finally, many thanks for all of our volunteers for all of their help and dedication.
Friends of the Folly
If you'd like to receive our news email ( around 5 times pa) just let me know genewebb@rocketmail.com
Folly Tower open this Sunday 18th Aug
Take a stand against scams - 16/8/19
Faringdon Library is working with Trading Standards to stop you being scammed
Come and join us for a cup of tea or coffee Friday 16 August 5pm
Relaxed question and answer
Monument Community Trust. 10th anniversary giveaway- 14/8/19
https://www.mct-oxfordshire.org/events/
An amazing opportunity to win £1000 for your cause, plus a great range of other prizes, including website review, photography package, legal advice and social media support. Four lucky finalists will be selected to pitch at the event on Wednesday 9th October. It’s going to be a wonderful celebration!
Deadline now 31/8/19
Crisp Packet Recycling- 13/8/19
Please bring along your crisp packets to the Information Centre in the Pump House and for every 2kg The Place will receive £2.
Together we can save crisps packets from going to landfill.
The Place
New Wantage Leisure Centre will not be going ahead - 11/8/19
https://www.heraldseries.co.uk/news/17804325.new-wantage-grove-leisure-centre-39-will-not-going-ahead-39/
You may remember that the previous VWHDC council planned to spend £226k of developer money arising from Fernham Fields development on a new Wantage Leisure centre ( our then conservative councillors thought this was perfectly acceptable).
There is now some hope that the money will be spent here. I've been told that the decision to abandon the new leisure centre project has not been formally made yet, but the aim is "Where practicable, they would also prefer housing developer contributions for leisure facilities to stay in the communities the houses are being built in, and councillors plan to discuss what options there are to achieve this aim with existing agreements."
Our new Libdem councillors are working hard to make sure the £226k money is spent in Faringdon.
Festival Grants open for applications - 8/8/19
Organisers of community events in the Vale are invited to apply for some of the £10,000 worth of festival and events grants on offer from Vale of White Horse District Council.
Recently the council grants have helped fund many events across the Vale including Oxfordshire Play Association free children’s activity days, Abingdon Cycling Festival and the Grove and Wantage Extravaganza.
Applications are invited from 1 August for grants between £250 and £1,000 to help with community events or festivals taking place in the next 12 months.
Applications can be made via whitehorsedc.gov.uk/grants and event organisers have until February 2020 to apply.
Faringdon Town Council Newsletter - 8/8/19
July edition
http://faringdontowncouncil.gov.uk/faringdon-official-newsletter-july-edition-2019/
Faringdon Community Bus trips - 8/8/19
2 outings per month. Schedule for Set/Oct/Nov and Dec now on the poster Noticeboard
or on http://www.faringdoncommunitybus.co.uk/trips.htm
POP up Business school Shrivenham - 5/8/19
This autumn, the South and Vale Business Support Team will bring the free five-day PopUp Business School to Shrivenham for people looking to start and/or expand their own business without using any money.
Each day from 7-11 October, the PopUp Business School will be held at the Viscountess Barrington’s Memorial Hall, from 10am to 3pm, to give practical advice on how to get a business idea off the ground through a series of hands-on workshops.
The informal workshops help give people the vital skills they need to help them make money doing what they love, and everyone is welcome to attend all week or just turn up to the workshops they feel are most useful.
This is the fourth time that South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils have hosted the event to encourage residents to start their own business with previous events in Didcot, and earlier this year, in Faringdon and Berinsfield.
At the Faringdon and Berinsfield events, nearly half of the people that attended the courses started a business and made their first sale by the end of the week. The new businesses included local crafts, professional services, arts and entertainment, and a food business.
People can register to attend the Shrivenham PopUp Business School via https://www.popupbusinessschool.co.uk/shrivenham.html
Farmer Gow's - 4/8/19
..... friendly farm animals enjoy meeting visitors of all ages. Families welcome.
Meet the Animals every day - bottle feed a lamb or a goat kid, tickle the piggies, handle a fluffy chick.
Tractor Rides, Adventure Play in the bales, Treasure Hunts ... the farm fun starts every day at 10am.
Farm reared meats for a tasty BBQ - logs & kinding for a chimera.
Camping ~ Tractor Rides ~ Meet the Animals ~ Adventure Play.
Tasty freshments available all day. Picnics also welcome.
S6 bus, new timetable - 3/8/19
Stagecoach Swindon are introducing a new timetable for the S6 bus service between Swindon & Oxford as from Sunday 4 August.
Here is the link: https://tiscon-maps-stagecoachbus.s3.amazonaws.com/Timetables/West/Swindon/2019/S6.pdf
The daytime off peak 15 minute frequency is being reduced to a bus every 20 minutes. This will be the first time since 2001 that the former 66 now S6 bus service has been cut back.
Marcus Lapthorn
Corn Exchange 7.30-11.00
Nitelife Duo
Tickets £5 on the door or from 01367 243130
In aid of British Heart Foundation
Children's Christmas Card competition- 25/9/19
Faringdon Town Council Children’s Christmas Card Competition
Design a Faringdon themed card
Winner will switch on the Faringdon Christmas lights and have their card produced
12 years old and under
Entries to: adele@faringdontowncouncil.gov.uk
or hand in at the Faringdon Information Centre
Closing date 31st October
FOLLY PARK VIEW HOUSING DEVELOPMENT- 25/9/19
The lamp in our outside light fitting installed by Bloor Homes has stopped working. I have been to the manufacturer and installer of the tubular style light fittings that most of us have on our outside walls and I have been told that this lamp is no longer available and therefore the complete light fitting needs to be changed.
I have never heard of anything more ludicrous that after 5 years a complete light fitting needs replacement because the bulb isn't available. Why does a housing developer do such a thoughtless thing - I think we all know the answer - because it's cheap !
Can we ever forgive you Bloor Homes for your daft actions ?
Tessa Timms
Roads resurfacing.- 14/9/19
Just to correct the comments on resurfacing, Canada Lane has NOT been resurfaced, it is still one giant pothole.
Name supplied.
Ed: Yes its the Pines, Chestnut avenue etc that have been done.
White Horse Practice (WHMP) Autumn Newsletter - 14/9/19
See http://www.whitehorsepracticeppg.org.uk/
- WHMP research success
- Link-up with Botley GPs
- Breastpump loans
- Surgery Updates
- New urine probs research
- A friend to speak for you
- Docs’ timetable
- Calling all carers
- Prescription deliveries
- Physio/Podiatry appointments
- Your Health Vaccinations & Screening
- Flu clinics
- Medication “shortages”
- Earwax
Resurfacing Roads in Faringdon - 14/9/19
I asked the County Council why Canada Lane and Gt Coxwell roads were resurfaced when Park Road is in more need.
This is the reply
Looking at it from the public perception it may seem like we are targeting the wrong roads at times, however, the recent work you have noticed in the Canada Lane estate and Great Coxwell have been non-structural repairs which are basically carried out to try and arrest further deterioration of failing roads or if there are particular problems with the road surface itself. In short, they are fairly cheap processes which we carryout at many similar locations throughout the County.
In Park Road Faringdon, due to continual loadings from HGV’s, constant traffic throughout most of the day and not to mention the masses of utility trenches throughout pretty much its entire length, the required repairs are much more substantial and structural of which are arranged by our Head Office colleagues. I’m told Park Road currently sits in next years programme for resurfacing and is currently being designed.
I anticipate it will be very close in nature to the work carried out in both Marlborough Street last year and Gloucester Street a month or so ago. In the meantime, we will keep an eye on things and respond to the potholes as and when they appear.
Grants available - 12/9/19
Local groups in the Vale of White Horse can apply for grants totalling up to £75,000 as part of a community grant scheme which has opened this month.
In the past the scheme, run by Vale of White Horse District Council, has given grants to a variety of local community organisations including money for parenting programmes in Botley, a play area resurfacing in Faringdon and most recently new furniture for a group in Wantage caring for people suffering from dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Groups can apply for a minimum of £1,000 (and up to 50 per cent of the total cost) towards projects which benefit the local community. The final amounts awarded will depend on the number of applicants.
Anyone interested in a grant should see more information on the council’s website here
http://www.whitehorsedc.gov.uk/services-and-advice/community-advice-and-support/grants/new-homes-bonus-community-grant
Applications are invited between 2 September 2019 - midday 28 October 2019. Decisions will be made by the end January 2020
Thames Valley Police newsletter - 12/9/19
Priorities
Vehicle Crime: The Faringdon Neighbourhood Team were joined by members of the Wantage Neighbourhood Team and the Mounted Section on a rural operation. We patrolled the car parks of local beauty spots along the Ridgeway in order to deter thefts and raise awareness. The Mounted Section proved to be immensely popular with the public who were thrilled to see them!
Please remain vigilant when leaving you vehicles as we are still getting reports of them being broken into. Various personal items and tools have been stolen from vehicles in our area.
If you see anything suspicious or find evidence of an attempt to break into your vehicle call 101, the 24-hour Thames Valley Police non-emergency number or report online (www.thamesvalley.police.uk/report-a-crime). If a crime is in progress, call 999.
Following these events we have increased our patrols and added signage in the local area reminding residents not to leave items in vehicles.
Vehicle crime reduction advice
• Do not keep anything in your vehicle.
• Hide your car keys away from windows and doors and out of sight.
• Park your car in a well-lit area — either on your driveway, or on the roads under a street lamp.
• Lock all windows and doors of your car and make sure to activate your car alarm if you have one.
• Consider fitting a letterbox defender or restrictor. This prevents burglars from poking tools through the letterbox to open latches from the inside, or reaching nearby car and house keys. A lockable letterbox on the outside of the property is also an option.
• Ensure your doors and windows are locked, if you have a chain on the inside of your door, use it. This prevents burglars from poking tools through the letterbox to open latches from the inside, or reaching nearby car and house keys. A lockable letterbox on the outside of the property is also an option.
Burglary: We are appealing for any information that you may have on the following incidents, there has been incidents at the following locations:
• 27/08/19 – Burglary – Faringdon - a Black BMW was stolen from a driveway in Coxwell Road Faringdon overnight.
• 01/08/19 – Uffington Post Office - Cigarettes and cash was taken by several offenders
• 14/08/19- Kingston Bagpuize – A high value theft of building materials carried out by several offenders overnight.
If you have any information or CCTV please call 101 or report online here
Violent crime: The Neighbourhood Team are working towards a week of action to combat knife crime as part of a national initiative Op Sceptre. As part of this we will be actively targeting premises and locations associated with drugs to help disrupt criminality associated with carrying weapons. If you have any information relating to drugs and knives then please let the team know as soon as possible.
Offenders brought to justice
Alan Reed was arrested and charged with six offenses, Common Assault, Criminal Damage, Public Order x2, Making off Without Payment, and Malicious Communications. As a result of these charges he was recalled to prison.
During the month of August the team have made several arrests, namely for persons being drunk and disorderly in a public places or for drug offenses. These are as a result of the team working to curb the anti-social behaviour issues that have been reported to us.
We ask you to continue to be vigilant and report these incidents as they happen.
Community engagement:
One of the advantages of working from Faringdon is that two major events are held locally in August. We attended the Shrivenham Fete on Sunday 25th August and the Uffington Show on the Monday 26th August.
Both days were hot and sunny and a great opportunity to engage with the public and find out about any local concerns. It was lovely to see every one having a good time and enjoying themselves!
On 11th September 2019 we will be attending The Defence Academy where we will be attending ‘A Meet and Greet Fair’.
Please get in touch/follow us using the following:
E-mail: FaringdonNHPT@thamesvalley.pnn.police.uk
Twitter: @tvpsouthandvale
Facebook: www.facebook.com/tvpsouthandvale
Phone: 101
Always phone 999 in an emergency
Message Sent By
Julia Williams (Police, Neighbourhood Policing Admin, South Oxon and Vale)
Cycling Champions - 11/9/19
South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils have each appointed their first ever Cycling Champions to help and encourage people to travel by bike.
Cllr Sam Casey-Rerhaye at South Oxfordshire and Cllr Eric de la Harpe at Vale of White Horse will work with local organisations, communities, other councils and transport bodies to make sure there is wider access to cycling paths across the districts.
The work of the Cycling Champion will help to deliver the legacy of The OVO Energy Women’s Tour, which saw thousands line the streets and get enthusiastic about cycling when it passed through both districts on 12 June. The race provided a significant platform to showcase Southern Oxfordshire as a cycling and tourism destination and is set to return to Oxfordshire again in 2020 and 2021.
Cllr Casey-Rerhaye, who regularly cycles to work and encourages her children to cycle wherever possible, would love to see more people doing the same – particularly for journeys under five miles. Her aim is to make improvements to new and existing cycle paths in the district to help reduce pollution and carbon emissions and encourage others to increase their overall fitness through cycling.
http://www.whitehorsedc.gov.uk/news/2019/2019-09/first-ever-cycling-champions-appointed-two-district-councils
Oxford University Hospitals (OUH) seeking your views - 11/9/19
Oxford University Hospitals (OUH) is refreshing its strategy for the next five years (2020-2025), so it has a common purpose and direction for all who work there, and can communicate this clearly to patients and partners.
OUH wants to develop a strategy which supports you to receive seamless and joined-up care, helps to make OUH a great place to work for staff and takes advantage of the opportunities that new technologies offer.
OUH values your views and feedback to help create this, so please take the time to fill in the survey below, by Friday 11 October. The survey can be accessed here: https://forms.gle/TxS6BhRUezt4NcoQ6.
The survey will be anonymous, with an option for you to give OUH your email address if you want to be kept up to date.
If you would like further information, please contact the OUH Strategy team at: strategy@ouh.nhs.uk.
Car Free Day - 10/9/19
Sunday 22 September is World Car Free day and South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse district councils are offering drivers in the districts the chance to win a prize – if they give their vehicle a rest on that day.
World Car Free Day has been running for 25 years. Cities, towns and villages take the opportunity to raise awareness of air pollution and air quality by encouraging people to leave their cars at home for the day and choose alternative forms of transport.
Since Clean Air Day on 20 June both South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils have been urging drivers to turn off their engines if they are stopped for a minute or more as part of their joint anti-idling campaign called Turn It Off. Now the councils are suggesting that drivers turn off their engines for a day!
If drivers in the districts pledge not to use their cars on World Car Free Day on 22 September and then tell the councils how they got around instead – on the train? bus? cycling? walking? kayaking? they will be entered for a draw for travel vouchers worth £50.
Simply click on https://survey.southandvale.gov.uk/s/Worldcarfreeday/ and show (using words and photos) what they did on 22 September without their car. Deadline for entries is 5pm Monday 30 September.
More info
Town Council surgeries on Saturdays- 10/9/19
Talk to your Town Councillors- ideas and concerns
10am-12noon The Pump House
http://faringdontowncouncil.gov.uk/town-councillor-surgeries-start-this-saturday/
War Memorial Trust Remembrance Exhibition- 9/9/19
The War Memorial Trust and the Royal British Legion will be holding its eleventh exhibition of war time memorabilia in the Old Town Hall to reflect on the impact that wars have made on local families.
This year marks the 80th anniversary of the outbreak of the Second World War as well as the 75th anniversary of D-Day. If you have any memorabilia, stories, photographs or any documents that you would like to share concerning the events leading up to the outbreak of WW2 and its aftermath in 1939, or the events of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy in 1944.
Please bring them to the Faringdon Town Council offices (in the Pump House on the Market Place) before Wednesday, 6th November; the office is open between 9:00 am and 4:00 pm, Monday to Friday.
If you have any interesting memorabilia concerning other conflicts please bring them along. We would be particularly interested in stories and memorabilia on how WW2 affected families on the ‘home front’; e.g. blackout, rationing, evacuees, daily life, etc. Any precious items that you may think to be too valuable to exhibit can be photocopied and the Trust will take care to return original items to their owners.
The exhibition will be open to the public from 10:00 am until 4:00 pm on Friday 8th and Saturday 9th November, and after the Remembrance Day ceremony on Sunday 10th until 1:00 pm. Volunteers who would like to help in manning the exhibition should contact the Council Offices on 01367 240281.
PAD (Public Access Defilrillators) meeting Sept 20th - 5/9/19
The Faringdon PAD Committee will be holding a general meeting on 20th September at 7.30pm at the Bell Hotel, Faringdon. You are invited to attend our meeting on the evening if you have an interest in the work of our committee, that contributes towards the guardianship of certain Defibrillators in Faringdon, works towards the familiarisation of those in our community in the use of the AED (Automated External Defibrillators) and the development of further PAD's (Publicly Accessible Defibrillators) being available to our local citizens towards saving lives in the case of sudden cardiac arrest.
There will be a business agenda for this meeting, however an opportunity to ask questions or learn more of our work as volunteers and towards our aims to the benefit of our local community. We hold regular, community based familiarisation sessions at various times during the year and if you, or your community group would wish to learn more about the use of the Defibrillators and how lives can be saved with some simple action and knowledge, then please get in touch with our committee.
We are also looking for volunteers, no medical or clinical skills necessary, to support us in our work and if you can be available to attend our occasional meetings, to act as 'Secretary/Note taker and contact point for our activities.
Advance notice of your attendance would be helpful, or if you have any questions or queries regarding our work and the use of Defibrillators, then please Email - faringdonpad@gmail.com or Telephone - 07796 572752
Malcolm Gee - Chair - Faringdon PAD Committee
Temporary Traffic Closure - 4/9/19
LOCATION: Cumnor, A420
REASON: Gully emptying, grass cutting, street lighting,white lining and junction cleaning
DURATION: Starting on 9th September 2019 at 20:00
The anticipated completion date is 14th September 2019 at 05:00hrs (5 night closure and each night from 20:00hrs to 05:00hrs)
Visit the links below to view the full Traffic Regulation Notice and the map of the road closure.
Temporary road closure , Cumnor A420
Faringdon Cycle Park- 2/9/19
See how it was constructed https://farcycles.weebly.com/
Cycle teaching at Faringdon Cycle Park- 1/9/19
Just to let you know that we are running regular teaching sessions for children and adults who are beginners or wanting to get cycling confidently, on:
- Thursdays at 2pm - starting 5th Sept
- Sundays at 11am - starting 8th Sept
Let us know if you would like to book a place (max 10 per session), and for which session(s).
Contact us at: cycle@farcycles.org.uk
David Williamson
Dogs - 28/8/19
Please can folks stop their Dogs barking ALL day. Dogs are left outside all day. Some dogs you don’t even see out walking.
So they are bored
Please control your dogs barking
Name supplied
Events in Wantage - 25/8/19
Lester Piggott: Born to Ride Exhibition - 19th August – 21st December. Celebrating champion jockey Lester Piggott who was the first baby born in the maternity unit at Wantage Hospital in 1935. Life size bronze statue of Lester Piggott was unveiled by Lester himself on 18th August in the museum garden. Check out the museum Facebook page @valeanddownlandmuseum to see a video from the unveiling.
Colours of the World Exhibition – 10th September – 14th September. An exhibition of photographic art from Photogenic Photography. Meet the artist Saturday 14th September 10 – 11am.
Contemporary Art Exhibition – An exhibition of art work from J C Clayton.
Mystery Object Talk 17th September 11.30am - Join museum volunteer Jim in the Museum galleries for a 15-minute informal talk to learn what a mystery object from the museum's collection is, what it was used for, it's provenance and historical reason why it was needed. Free admission but donations welcome.
Friends of the Vale & Downland Museum Day Trip to Winchester Cathedral – Friday 27th September – Visit the stunning new exhibition Kings and Scribes: The Birth of a Nation. The coach will leave Seesen Way (behind Wantage Library) at 9.30 am on Friday 27th September. It will depart from Winchester at 4pm to return to Wantage. You will be free to tour 3 levels and the 4 galleries of the exhibition have lunch in the Cathedral cafe or indeed visit the town for lunch and shopping. For more information go the www.friendsofthevdm.org.uk The cost of the coach will be £18 for Friends and £20 for Visitors, no lunch or coffee is arranged as you are free to decide how to plan your day. Tickets available now from the museum reception.
Mini Music at the Museum – Monday 9th September 10 – 10.30am – A fun and friendly music session for under 5’s. Join museum volunteers Sem, Maureen & Hazel for traditional songs and rhymes accompanied by live music. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Suggested donation £1 per child. Please sign up in advance at the museum reception, 01235 771447 or info@valeanddownlandmuseum.org
Wantage Country Market – Every Friday morning 9.30 – 10.45am – The perfect place to buy homemade cakes, jams, chutneys and puddings as well as homegrown vegetables and flowers, fresh eggs and a selection of crafts.
Museum Book Group – Every 2nd Friday of the month 2 – 3.30pm – Each month sees a new book read and discussed in this relaxed friendly group. For more information and to join please email info@valeanddownlandmuseum.org.uk. Free to attend but please support the museum café.
Knit Knot & Natter – Every 3rd Friday of the month 1.30pm – 3.30pm – A friendly informal group of crafters coming together to share knowledge and crafts. Bring along your own project, take tuition from other members or just come for a natter. Free to attend but please support the museum café.
Al Cane's Buskers Prgramme for 24th August- 21/8/19
See poster
Faringdon Market Place from 11am
Survey re Musculoskeletal (MSK) service- 20/8/19
ie Physiotherapy. Survey. Open until 30th August
https://consult.oxfordshireccg.nhs.uk/consult.ti/MSK_survey./consultationHome
The 5th Annual Faringdon “Bangers & Beer” Festival - 19/8/19
....... in aid of The Pump House Project and The Place, will be at The Corn Exchange, Faringdon on Friday 27th and Saturday 28th September.
The two-day event will feature 14+ local beers, complemented by local ciders from The Cotswold Cider Company and another opportunity to “Pimp Your Prosecco” (first seen at the recent Folly Fest).
As well as the excellent drinks on offer, you will also be able to sample a range of locally produced sausages and burgers, provided by highly acclaimed Pat Thomas Butchers based here in Faringdon.
Throughout the festival, local bands will be performing and we are looking for local businesses to sponsor a barrel of beer.
Entrance to the festival is free and there will also be an opportunity to purchase a Festival glass as a memento.
All the proceeds will be used to support local activities to benefit the community, so please come along and enjoy the event.
For further details of the line-up of beers and bands to follow...
Ferndale Choir- first session of new term. Wednesday Sept 4th- 18/8/19
Catholic Church Hall, 7.15 for 7.30. Til 8.45pm
Just turn up and sing. No auditions, no need to read music, no experience needed- everyone welcome
Free Parking in Southampton St car park, less than 2 minutes walk away.
Weekly Fee £4.50 Trial session free
Use the rear entrance.
Louise Woodgate, a local professional singer and singing teacher, leads the choir.
We sing a variety of songs: folk, religion, musical theatre, pop and classical.
We meet every week during Term Time
More information 07900 682 366 or louisejwoodgate@gmail.com
Folly Tower Newsletter August 2019 - 16/8/19
Great news.
We came first in the Tesco tokens Bags of life. So we get £4,000. Thank you to everyone who helped
We want to get the cannon repaired or replaced and have the other sculptures refurbished and made more weather proof. We'll probably get the outside boards redone/replaced and improve the signage to the Tower.
We may have enough money for an additional sculpture.
Any suggestions?
The Giant Pie
Over the years we've made many attempts to grow things on the giant pie, e.g. camomile, grass, clover, green roof plants- nothing works. Now the framework is disintegrating yet again.
The current plan is to remove it altogether and find another way to represent a pie (to go with the 24 blackbirds).
Ideas very welcome.
You'll have heard I expect, that the piano in the woodland has been replaced (with huge thanks to Claire at the Piano Gallery).
It's an extremely popular attraction and is wonderful to hear it being played.
Plans are underway for it to be decorated.
As an experiment, we have decided to open the Tower 4 times in September ( 1st, 8th,15th and 22nd).
We still have some spaces to fill ( on 15th September)
Please do let me know if you can help.
Some years ago we surveyed our visitors to find out how far they had travelled to visit the Folly Tower. We thought we'd do it again during September. There'll only be 3 questions to ask.
We'll be asking the volunteer in the Belvedere room to do this.
Dog mess - getting worse
I've asked the Vale to help us remind dog owners that they should pick up and bin their dogs faeces. We will be getting some bin stickers, posters and I hope the pavement stencil.
Thank you very much to the people who pick up after the dogs belonging to others. It's so very much appreciated.
And finally, many thanks for all of our volunteers for all of their help and dedication.
Friends of the Folly
If you'd like to receive our news email ( around 5 times pa) just let me know genewebb@rocketmail.com
Folly Tower open this Sunday 18th Aug
Take a stand against scams - 16/8/19
Faringdon Library is working with Trading Standards to stop you being scammed
Come and join us for a cup of tea or coffee Friday 16 August 5pm
Relaxed question and answer
Monument Community Trust. 10th anniversary giveaway- 14/8/19
https://www.mct-oxfordshire.org/events/
An amazing opportunity to win £1000 for your cause, plus a great range of other prizes, including website review, photography package, legal advice and social media support. Four lucky finalists will be selected to pitch at the event on Wednesday 9th October. It’s going to be a wonderful celebration!
Deadline now 31/8/19
Crisp Packet Recycling- 13/8/19
Please bring along your crisp packets to the Information Centre in the Pump House and for every 2kg The Place will receive £2.
Together we can save crisps packets from going to landfill.
The Place
New Wantage Leisure Centre will not be going ahead - 11/8/19
https://www.heraldseries.co.uk/news/17804325.new-wantage-grove-leisure-centre-39-will-not-going-ahead-39/
You may remember that the previous VWHDC council planned to spend £226k of developer money arising from Fernham Fields development on a new Wantage Leisure centre ( our then conservative councillors thought this was perfectly acceptable).
There is now some hope that the money will be spent here. I've been told that the decision to abandon the new leisure centre project has not been formally made yet, but the aim is "Where practicable, they would also prefer housing developer contributions for leisure facilities to stay in the communities the houses are being built in, and councillors plan to discuss what options there are to achieve this aim with existing agreements."
Our new Libdem councillors are working hard to make sure the £226k money is spent in Faringdon.
Festival Grants open for applications - 8/8/19
Organisers of community events in the Vale are invited to apply for some of the £10,000 worth of festival and events grants on offer from Vale of White Horse District Council.
Recently the council grants have helped fund many events across the Vale including Oxfordshire Play Association free children’s activity days, Abingdon Cycling Festival and the Grove and Wantage Extravaganza.
Applications are invited from 1 August for grants between £250 and £1,000 to help with community events or festivals taking place in the next 12 months.
Applications can be made via whitehorsedc.gov.uk/grants and event organisers have until February 2020 to apply.
Faringdon Town Council Newsletter - 8/8/19
July edition
http://faringdontowncouncil.gov.uk/faringdon-official-newsletter-july-edition-2019/
Faringdon Community Bus trips - 8/8/19
2 outings per month. Schedule for Set/Oct/Nov and Dec now on the poster Noticeboard
or on http://www.faringdoncommunitybus.co.uk/trips.htm
POP up Business school Shrivenham - 5/8/19
This autumn, the South and Vale Business Support Team will bring the free five-day PopUp Business School to Shrivenham for people looking to start and/or expand their own business without using any money.
Each day from 7-11 October, the PopUp Business School will be held at the Viscountess Barrington’s Memorial Hall, from 10am to 3pm, to give practical advice on how to get a business idea off the ground through a series of hands-on workshops.
The informal workshops help give people the vital skills they need to help them make money doing what they love, and everyone is welcome to attend all week or just turn up to the workshops they feel are most useful.
This is the fourth time that South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils have hosted the event to encourage residents to start their own business with previous events in Didcot, and earlier this year, in Faringdon and Berinsfield.
At the Faringdon and Berinsfield events, nearly half of the people that attended the courses started a business and made their first sale by the end of the week. The new businesses included local crafts, professional services, arts and entertainment, and a food business.
People can register to attend the Shrivenham PopUp Business School via https://www.popupbusinessschool.co.uk/shrivenham.html
Farmer Gow's - 4/8/19
..... friendly farm animals enjoy meeting visitors of all ages. Families welcome.
Meet the Animals every day - bottle feed a lamb or a goat kid, tickle the piggies, handle a fluffy chick.
Tractor Rides, Adventure Play in the bales, Treasure Hunts ... the farm fun starts every day at 10am.
Farm reared meats for a tasty BBQ - logs & kinding for a chimera.
Camping ~ Tractor Rides ~ Meet the Animals ~ Adventure Play.
Tasty freshments available all day. Picnics also welcome.
S6 bus, new timetable - 3/8/19
Stagecoach Swindon are introducing a new timetable for the S6 bus service between Swindon & Oxford as from Sunday 4 August.
Here is the link: https://tiscon-maps-stagecoachbus.s3.amazonaws.com/Timetables/West/Swindon/2019/S6.pdf
The daytime off peak 15 minute frequency is being reduced to a bus every 20 minutes. This will be the first time since 2001 that the former 66 now S6 bus service has been cut back.
Marcus Lapthorn
BUNCH OF KEYS FOUND - 31/7/19
.............on Radcot Road (with red tag and names) this afternoon 31/07/19. We will hand them in to the Tourist Information Centre tomorrow morning.
NAME & ADDRESS SUPPLIED
30th Anniversary - 31/7/19
The Faringdon British Heart Foundation Fundraising Branch celebrated their 30th Anniversary by hosting an afternoon tea and raffle for residents of Oakwood House. Oxfordshire Fundraising Manager, Lowri Gerrard was in attendance and thanked all members of the branch personally for their incredible support and they have been issued Volunteer Service Awards.
Thankyou - 31/7/19
I would like to thank all the people who stopped to help me when my silver landrover broke down on Saturday 27th July.
You were all very kind and I did get rescued eventually - the RAC were very busy
Name Supplied
Vote for the name of a boat- 27/7/19
Council needs your help – Vale of White Horse District Council has been offered the chance to name a new boat belonging to Abingdon Rowing Club and it is inviting everyone to help choose one.
The council gave the club a capital grant of £3,809 towards rowing equipment and a new double scull racing boat, which now needs a name.
Read more
Scrap Metal!!- 25/7/19
It's the weeds the detritus, and the patched and crumbling pavements that makes the town look scruffy
Name supplied
Tesco fridges - 26/7/19
When I left for a vacation three weeks ago, Tescos had been having problems with their freezers and chillers for a couple of weeks. Returning today I see that if anything there is even less stocking of shelves than there was before I left.
Is there any news as to when the problem will be fixed? Aldi must be rubbing their hands with all the new customers they are attracting!
Tony Tarry
ED: They were fixed for a short time, but then went wrong when the weather got hotter
Farcical.- 26/7/19
Whats the betting that the banners on the Folly tower will be removed far quicker that those eyesore pink bikes still making the town look like a travelers encampment, just need a couple of horses free grazing on the planters in the town center and someone flogging wooden pegs on the Tuesday market day to finish off the look.
Name supplied.
Horses - 26/7/19
Can we do something about the horses that have no water on Whitehorse business park they keep going on to the main road and we going to have a accident before long .the owners don’t want to know
Name Supplied
Scrap Metal - 26/7/19
The previous poster has rather hit the old proverbial nail. Farcycles cried out for a "pink" town, fair play, they shifted their stuff after Follyfest the rest of the litter still remains.
So, do Farcycles have responsibility to remove the junk that has been effectively dumped at their request, or are we to assume at some time the council will bring a skip round and charge FTC for the waste disposal?
Just asking.
Mike Perks
Scrap metal.- 24/7/19
Why for pity's sake do we still have several pink bikes scattered around the town making the place look scruffy?
The bike race went through weeks ago, the Follyfest, now over for another year never really needed them, Christmas is coming of course so are they going to be there waiting to be adorned with holly (de-pricked of course in case someone gets injured) and mistletoe?.. is there a prize for last bike standing?.....are they going to be sculpted into a bike angel and erected in Folly park?
I'm quite sure if it had been some local neerdowell dumping these things all over the town the great and the good would have been up in arms about it and complaining about the local youth desecrating the towns beauty,.......and on the same subject, doesn't the Volunteer look lovely, any visitors coming into the town probably just keep going straight back out again.
Name supplied
.............on Radcot Road (with red tag and names) this afternoon 31/07/19. We will hand them in to the Tourist Information Centre tomorrow morning.
NAME & ADDRESS SUPPLIED
30th Anniversary - 31/7/19
The Faringdon British Heart Foundation Fundraising Branch celebrated their 30th Anniversary by hosting an afternoon tea and raffle for residents of Oakwood House. Oxfordshire Fundraising Manager, Lowri Gerrard was in attendance and thanked all members of the branch personally for their incredible support and they have been issued Volunteer Service Awards.
Thankyou - 31/7/19
I would like to thank all the people who stopped to help me when my silver landrover broke down on Saturday 27th July.
You were all very kind and I did get rescued eventually - the RAC were very busy
Name Supplied
Vote for the name of a boat- 27/7/19
Council needs your help – Vale of White Horse District Council has been offered the chance to name a new boat belonging to Abingdon Rowing Club and it is inviting everyone to help choose one.
The council gave the club a capital grant of £3,809 towards rowing equipment and a new double scull racing boat, which now needs a name.
Read more
Scrap Metal!!- 25/7/19
It's the weeds the detritus, and the patched and crumbling pavements that makes the town look scruffy
Name supplied
Tesco fridges - 26/7/19
When I left for a vacation three weeks ago, Tescos had been having problems with their freezers and chillers for a couple of weeks. Returning today I see that if anything there is even less stocking of shelves than there was before I left.
Is there any news as to when the problem will be fixed? Aldi must be rubbing their hands with all the new customers they are attracting!
Tony Tarry
ED: They were fixed for a short time, but then went wrong when the weather got hotter
Farcical.- 26/7/19
Whats the betting that the banners on the Folly tower will be removed far quicker that those eyesore pink bikes still making the town look like a travelers encampment, just need a couple of horses free grazing on the planters in the town center and someone flogging wooden pegs on the Tuesday market day to finish off the look.
Name supplied.
Horses - 26/7/19
Can we do something about the horses that have no water on Whitehorse business park they keep going on to the main road and we going to have a accident before long .the owners don’t want to know
Name Supplied
Scrap Metal - 26/7/19
The previous poster has rather hit the old proverbial nail. Farcycles cried out for a "pink" town, fair play, they shifted their stuff after Follyfest the rest of the litter still remains.
So, do Farcycles have responsibility to remove the junk that has been effectively dumped at their request, or are we to assume at some time the council will bring a skip round and charge FTC for the waste disposal?
Just asking.
Mike Perks
Scrap metal.- 24/7/19
Why for pity's sake do we still have several pink bikes scattered around the town making the place look scruffy?
The bike race went through weeks ago, the Follyfest, now over for another year never really needed them, Christmas is coming of course so are they going to be there waiting to be adorned with holly (de-pricked of course in case someone gets injured) and mistletoe?.. is there a prize for last bike standing?.....are they going to be sculpted into a bike angel and erected in Folly park?
I'm quite sure if it had been some local neerdowell dumping these things all over the town the great and the good would have been up in arms about it and complaining about the local youth desecrating the towns beauty,.......and on the same subject, doesn't the Volunteer look lovely, any visitors coming into the town probably just keep going straight back out again.
Name supplied
Tour de Farcycles this Saturday - 22/7/19
If you look up at our beautiful Folly Tower then you'll see that it's already glad-ragged for the Tour de Farcycles this Saturday.
The forecast looks as if it's going to be perfect weather - for a leisurely 35 mile bike-ride through our beautiful countryside! ( or 70, or 100 ..... ) .
Wonderful camaraderie, delicious refreshments, marshals, and fully sign-posted.
Why not get together with a couple of friends? See https://farcycles.weebly.com/le-tour.html
If you look up at our beautiful Folly Tower then you'll see that it's already glad-ragged for the Tour de Farcycles this Saturday.
The forecast looks as if it's going to be perfect weather - for a leisurely 35 mile bike-ride through our beautiful countryside! ( or 70, or 100 ..... ) .
Wonderful camaraderie, delicious refreshments, marshals, and fully sign-posted.
Why not get together with a couple of friends? See https://farcycles.weebly.com/le-tour.html
Policing Survey - 17/7/19
See https://www.matthewbarber.co.uk/policing-survey-2019?mc_cid=2dd3d3073c&mc_eid=aaf6ace7bb
Lester Piggott statue, Wantage - 17/7/19
Statue unveiling ceremony & exhibition press preview: 18 August 2019, 12-2pm Exhibition opens: 19 August 2019
Read about it
Faringdon Market- 16/7/19
Looks as if it has revived- quite few stalls- plants, books, cards, sweets, eggs, bakery.
Worth a visit
Ed
Lost Wallet - 15/7/19
I lost my wallet in town centre last Thursday hope someone hands it in.
Mike Sweeney Galaxy54@hotmail.co.uk
Re Folly Fest - 15/7/19
Can I just say how fabulous everything was with all the hard work getting Folly fest going and running it over the weekend. What an amazing event for Faringdon and wonderful that all enjoyed it so well.
The pity I do have is why nothing ever gets to the Oxford Mail or advertising the event further afield. The Oxford Mail are quick to report on negative aspects but never good and it is such a shame that this still seems to be a hidden festival that only Faringdon residents know about.
Can something please be done next year to really shout out to the rest of Oxfordshire that good things happen in our town.
Name Supplied
A week of cycle training for children from 5-9 August at the Faringdon Cycle Park.- 14/7/19
Each day:
9-10 Getting little ones started on balance bikes (we have a stock of 10 balance bikes) - suitable for age 3-6yrs
10-11 Progressing from balance bikes or bikes with stabilisers to pedalling a bike - suitable for 4-8yrs
11-12 Preparation for cycling on the roads / road safety - suitable for 9-12yrs
It's FREE!
Best to come each day if possible, but not essential.
Bring your own bike if you have one, but we do have a stock of bikes for use in training sessions.
Book places via cycle@farcycles.org.uk
Explosion- 13/7/19
Anyone know what that huge explosion was yesterday(Fri) afternoon? I was playing Walking Football at Faringdon FC
it sounded very close.
Jim Webb
Exhibition in the Corn Exchange- 13/7/19
Do go and see the 'Feast' on display. A huge banquet of knitted/sewn/crafted food- from licorice allsorts to pasties to cakes, cheese and pies. It's fantastic.
Here are some pictures. Picture 1 Picture 2
A Pump House Project activity
Ed
BRILLIANT NEW CYCLE PARK for FARINGDON - A hit with children and adults alike! - 12/7/19
Spearheaded by Lyn and David Williamson and Gavin Hopkins, this Farcycles led initiative has created cycle training facility at the Folly Sports Park
Their vision is that every child and every adult in Faringdon has the opportunity to learn to cycle safely. The park is designed as a mini village with a road layout mirroring Faringdon, including junctions pedestrian crossings and a roundabout. Fun landscaping features include models of iconic local landmarks such as the Folly Tower, All Saints Church, Old Town Hall and a miniature White Horse Hill.
Cycle training will initially focus on 3 main groups :
1 complete beginners children and adults
2 beginner/ intermediates - who want to progress onto just two wheels and learn road safely
3 for partially sighted people and those with mild physical disabilities.
Summer cycle training classes are planned so watch this space.
Many families are already enjoying the use of the cycle park which is a free facility for local people.
Creating the park has been fun, and has brought the best out in people.
If your children are benefiting from the cycle park and you would like join the Friends of Faringdon Cycle Park group, please contact cycle@farcycles.org.uk
Funding has come principally from a European rural development grant (Leader), with significant contributions from Faringdon Town Council , Oxford County Council, Faringdon Charitable Trust, FEAT, Faringdon United Charities, Faringdon Art society, Music Mayhem Weekenders, Faringdon Community Choir, Calpe Trust, Geo - 4D, and the many other individuals and local business who have generously given their time and talents.
Lyn Williamson
Ed:Super photos in Photos and maps section of this site
US army in Faringdon - 12/7/19
I am trying to ascertain whether anyone has any knowledge or information, regarding the US African American Army (57th Ammunition Ordnance Company) based in/nr Faringdon during WWII (1943/1944)
Kind regards
Naomi-Jane Sparrowhawk
nsparrowhawk75@gmail.com
Classical FollyFest - 8/7/19
Sunday14th July. Piano Gallery, London St. 11am-4pm - Updated schedule
11.00 Sjoerd Vogt: tenor, and piano, songs
11.15 Amy Thakurdas: French horn and piano
11.30 Tom Graff: virtuoso piano solos
12.00 Game old birds: piano ensemble.
12.30 Cherry Tree players wind Quintet and septet
1.00 Halfpenny singers
1.30 Bassoon, horn - It's all about the bass.
2.00 Faringdon U3A recorder consort: Early music, Spanish Music, 1930s Tango
2.30 Philip Cresswell: piano solos
3.00 Megan Hooper, soprano. Chris Emlyn Jones baritone, Marion Creaser piano
3.45 Felicity Cormack violin, Lyn Williamson piano. Miniature Viennese March to finish
Faringdon Welcomes Buskers- 7/7/19
To let everyone know that there's a community led initiative to make Faringdon a busker friendly town and to celebrate the musical talent that is already here.
A group of like minded people have come together to form a group called 'Faringdon Welcomes Buskers' and we're planning a Market Place programme of acoustic music performers on Saturday 24th August (Bank Holiday) from 11 to 3pm.
We welcome solo performers, duos, trios and possibly more, of any age, who play or sing, in any genre of music.
From 5 minutes to a 20 minute set.
If anyone is interested in playing, or finding out more please join our facebook page Faringdon Welcomes Buskers and we'll keep you informed or email alcitizencane@gmail.com
We have a few slots already filled but there's room for many more. Will update through this site too. Thanks Al Cane
Al Cane
FARINGDON CYCLE PARK Official opening- 4/7/19
Sunday 7th July 4pm Come and celebrate this wonderful new local facility
Drone flyover taking photos
Brass Band
Refreshments
Cycle training
Your chance to influence a proposed White Horses Project!- 4/7/19
The North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty team is hoping to develop and deliver a project based on the theme of the ‘Landscape of the White Horses’, but the staff need your help!
Please take a couple of minutes to complete the brief survey in the attached link.
Answering the questions will help the AONB team better understand the extent to which the White Horses are valued as well as tap your thoughts on how funding to support the project should be spent.
Please complete the survey by 31st October 2019 and share the link with others, so that they may participate. Many thanks.
https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/VDH8BDP
The Innocent Big Knit, Faringdon Library from 5th July - 3/7/19
Faringdon Library, Gloucester St
Fridays during July 2.00-3.15
Bring needles and wool
We have wool and knitting patterns
Refreshments available
OVO cycling in Faringdon - 3/7/19
http://www.faringdon.org/2019-ovo-tour.html In case you missed it
Ed
*Big Jumble Sale* - Sat 6th July - 2/7/19
2-4pm - Faringdon Corn Exchange.
Please join us for our big JUMBLE SALE in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support. Saturday 6th July 2-4pm at Faringdon Corn Exchange.
We have lots of amazing jumble / bargains, books, toys, clothes, Cakes, Refreshments. Plus a Tombola and wonderful Raffle with lots of amazing prizes including a Family Photography Shoot, Kindle Fire, Hamper, Giant Unicorn and a magnum of champagne (& more!). Come find a bargain.
Opened by the Mayor at 2pm. 50p entry. We hope to see you there. :-)
See https://www.matthewbarber.co.uk/policing-survey-2019?mc_cid=2dd3d3073c&mc_eid=aaf6ace7bb
Lester Piggott statue, Wantage - 17/7/19
Statue unveiling ceremony & exhibition press preview: 18 August 2019, 12-2pm Exhibition opens: 19 August 2019
Read about it
Faringdon Market- 16/7/19
Looks as if it has revived- quite few stalls- plants, books, cards, sweets, eggs, bakery.
Worth a visit
Ed
Lost Wallet - 15/7/19
I lost my wallet in town centre last Thursday hope someone hands it in.
Mike Sweeney Galaxy54@hotmail.co.uk
Re Folly Fest - 15/7/19
Can I just say how fabulous everything was with all the hard work getting Folly fest going and running it over the weekend. What an amazing event for Faringdon and wonderful that all enjoyed it so well.
The pity I do have is why nothing ever gets to the Oxford Mail or advertising the event further afield. The Oxford Mail are quick to report on negative aspects but never good and it is such a shame that this still seems to be a hidden festival that only Faringdon residents know about.
Can something please be done next year to really shout out to the rest of Oxfordshire that good things happen in our town.
Name Supplied
A week of cycle training for children from 5-9 August at the Faringdon Cycle Park.- 14/7/19
Each day:
9-10 Getting little ones started on balance bikes (we have a stock of 10 balance bikes) - suitable for age 3-6yrs
10-11 Progressing from balance bikes or bikes with stabilisers to pedalling a bike - suitable for 4-8yrs
11-12 Preparation for cycling on the roads / road safety - suitable for 9-12yrs
It's FREE!
Best to come each day if possible, but not essential.
Bring your own bike if you have one, but we do have a stock of bikes for use in training sessions.
Book places via cycle@farcycles.org.uk
Explosion- 13/7/19
Anyone know what that huge explosion was yesterday(Fri) afternoon? I was playing Walking Football at Faringdon FC
it sounded very close.
Jim Webb
Exhibition in the Corn Exchange- 13/7/19
Do go and see the 'Feast' on display. A huge banquet of knitted/sewn/crafted food- from licorice allsorts to pasties to cakes, cheese and pies. It's fantastic.
Here are some pictures. Picture 1 Picture 2
A Pump House Project activity
Ed
BRILLIANT NEW CYCLE PARK for FARINGDON - A hit with children and adults alike! - 12/7/19
Spearheaded by Lyn and David Williamson and Gavin Hopkins, this Farcycles led initiative has created cycle training facility at the Folly Sports Park
Their vision is that every child and every adult in Faringdon has the opportunity to learn to cycle safely. The park is designed as a mini village with a road layout mirroring Faringdon, including junctions pedestrian crossings and a roundabout. Fun landscaping features include models of iconic local landmarks such as the Folly Tower, All Saints Church, Old Town Hall and a miniature White Horse Hill.
Cycle training will initially focus on 3 main groups :
1 complete beginners children and adults
2 beginner/ intermediates - who want to progress onto just two wheels and learn road safely
3 for partially sighted people and those with mild physical disabilities.
Summer cycle training classes are planned so watch this space.
Many families are already enjoying the use of the cycle park which is a free facility for local people.
Creating the park has been fun, and has brought the best out in people.
If your children are benefiting from the cycle park and you would like join the Friends of Faringdon Cycle Park group, please contact cycle@farcycles.org.uk
Funding has come principally from a European rural development grant (Leader), with significant contributions from Faringdon Town Council , Oxford County Council, Faringdon Charitable Trust, FEAT, Faringdon United Charities, Faringdon Art society, Music Mayhem Weekenders, Faringdon Community Choir, Calpe Trust, Geo - 4D, and the many other individuals and local business who have generously given their time and talents.
Lyn Williamson
Ed:Super photos in Photos and maps section of this site
US army in Faringdon - 12/7/19
I am trying to ascertain whether anyone has any knowledge or information, regarding the US African American Army (57th Ammunition Ordnance Company) based in/nr Faringdon during WWII (1943/1944)
Kind regards
Naomi-Jane Sparrowhawk
nsparrowhawk75@gmail.com
Classical FollyFest - 8/7/19
Sunday14th July. Piano Gallery, London St. 11am-4pm - Updated schedule
11.00 Sjoerd Vogt: tenor, and piano, songs
11.15 Amy Thakurdas: French horn and piano
11.30 Tom Graff: virtuoso piano solos
12.00 Game old birds: piano ensemble.
12.30 Cherry Tree players wind Quintet and septet
1.00 Halfpenny singers
1.30 Bassoon, horn - It's all about the bass.
2.00 Faringdon U3A recorder consort: Early music, Spanish Music, 1930s Tango
2.30 Philip Cresswell: piano solos
3.00 Megan Hooper, soprano. Chris Emlyn Jones baritone, Marion Creaser piano
3.45 Felicity Cormack violin, Lyn Williamson piano. Miniature Viennese March to finish
Faringdon Welcomes Buskers- 7/7/19
To let everyone know that there's a community led initiative to make Faringdon a busker friendly town and to celebrate the musical talent that is already here.
A group of like minded people have come together to form a group called 'Faringdon Welcomes Buskers' and we're planning a Market Place programme of acoustic music performers on Saturday 24th August (Bank Holiday) from 11 to 3pm.
We welcome solo performers, duos, trios and possibly more, of any age, who play or sing, in any genre of music.
From 5 minutes to a 20 minute set.
If anyone is interested in playing, or finding out more please join our facebook page Faringdon Welcomes Buskers and we'll keep you informed or email alcitizencane@gmail.com
We have a few slots already filled but there's room for many more. Will update through this site too. Thanks Al Cane
Al Cane
FARINGDON CYCLE PARK Official opening- 4/7/19
Sunday 7th July 4pm Come and celebrate this wonderful new local facility
Drone flyover taking photos
Brass Band
Refreshments
Cycle training
Your chance to influence a proposed White Horses Project!- 4/7/19
The North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty team is hoping to develop and deliver a project based on the theme of the ‘Landscape of the White Horses’, but the staff need your help!
Please take a couple of minutes to complete the brief survey in the attached link.
Answering the questions will help the AONB team better understand the extent to which the White Horses are valued as well as tap your thoughts on how funding to support the project should be spent.
Please complete the survey by 31st October 2019 and share the link with others, so that they may participate. Many thanks.
https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/VDH8BDP
The Innocent Big Knit, Faringdon Library from 5th July - 3/7/19
Faringdon Library, Gloucester St
Fridays during July 2.00-3.15
Bring needles and wool
We have wool and knitting patterns
Refreshments available
OVO cycling in Faringdon - 3/7/19
http://www.faringdon.org/2019-ovo-tour.html In case you missed it
Ed
*Big Jumble Sale* - Sat 6th July - 2/7/19
2-4pm - Faringdon Corn Exchange.
Please join us for our big JUMBLE SALE in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support. Saturday 6th July 2-4pm at Faringdon Corn Exchange.
We have lots of amazing jumble / bargains, books, toys, clothes, Cakes, Refreshments. Plus a Tombola and wonderful Raffle with lots of amazing prizes including a Family Photography Shoot, Kindle Fire, Hamper, Giant Unicorn and a magnum of champagne (& more!). Come find a bargain.
Opened by the Mayor at 2pm. 50p entry. We hope to see you there. :-)
Winners of Faringdon in Bloom 2019- 30/6/19
Best Patio Garden – Audrey Curnock and Edward Wheeler
Best Business Hanging Basket or Box – Perry Bishop and Chambers
Business Hanging basket or Box Highly commended – Stay grounded
Best Business Floral Display- ACACIA UK
Business Floral Display Highly Commended – African Children’s Fund
Best Allotment – Michael Sprules
Allotment Highly Commended – Andy Harper
Best large Garden – Stephen Stallard
Large Garden Highly Commended- Joyce Wright
Best Small Garden – Scharlie and Wim Meeuws
Small Garden Highly Commended – Mary McGuigan
Joy to the Community- Faringdon Infant School
Joy to the Community – Faringdon Library
Joy to the Community Highly Commended- Faringdon Bowling Club
Joy to the Community Highly Commended- ACACIA UK
Best Junior Miniature Garden- Amelie Cook
Highly Commended Junior Miniature Garden – Isaac Moore
It was wonderful to see so many beautiful gardens enter this year and we look forward to next year’s competition.
War Memorial Trust Remembrance Exhibition- 28/6/19
The War Memorial Trust and the Royal British Legion will be holding its eleventh exhibition of war time memorabilia in the Old Town Hall to reflect on the impact that wars have made on local families. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the outbreak of the Second World War as well as the 75th anniversary of D-Day.
If you have any memorabilia, stories, photographs or any documents that you would like to share concerning the events leading up to the outbreak of WW2 and its aftermath in 1939, or the events of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy in 1944, please bring them to the Faringdon Town Council offices (in the Pump House on the Market Place) before Wednesday, 6th November; the office is open between 9:00 am and 4:00 pm, Monday to Friday.
If you have any interesting memorabilia concerning other conflicts please bring them along. We would be particularly interested in stories and memorabilia on how WW2 affected families on the ‘home front’; e.g. blackout, rationing, evacuees, daily life, etc. Any precious items that you may think to be too valuable to exhibit can be photocopied and the Trust will take care to return original items to their owners.
The exhibition will be open to the public from 10:00 am until 4:00 pm on Friday 8th and Saturday 9th November, and after the Remembrance Day ceremony on Sunday 10th until 1:00 pm. Volunteers who would like to help in manning the exhibition should contact the Council Offices on 01367 240281.
White Horse Medical Practice supports Breastfeeding- 27/6/19
Need help with breastfeeding?
We have a Mother Supporter who can help.
Tel/text Sarah Oliver 07974 938 265
We have also set up a breast pump loan scheme in collaboration with Faringdon Breastfeeding Café.
If you would like to borrow a breast pump please contact Sarah Oliver at White Horse Medical Practice on the number above or Beth Collier at Faringdon Breastfeeding Café at Faringdon Baptist Church on Fridays 12 – 1.30pm
The Elms Girls Grammar School in Faringdon - 19/6/19
Lots of photos and information about the Elms, on the Faringdon Girls Grammar School page
Thanks to everyone who contributed.
Ed
Tool marking event on Saturday 29th June.- 19/6/18
Please come along with your tools to be security marked or just come along to speak to us about any local concerns.
10am - 1pm Outside Screw Fix, Old Sawmills Road, Faringdon
Julia Williams (Police, Neighbourhood Policing Admin, South Oxon and Vale)
Womens Cycle race pictures and the pink bicycles- 17/6/19
Great pictures and videos taken in Faringdon
On the photos and maps page of this site
Ed
Faringdon doctors best (again) for research - 14/6/19
Faringdon’s doctors are delighted to have topped the health research league tables in our region. Over the year 2018-19, more patients took part in GP-led research in Faringdon than with any of the other 230 GP surgeries across three counties. Faringdon team leader Dr Simon Cartwright explained, “Taking part in GP research can provide our patients with access to drugs and technologies that are not currently available on the NHS. Being in a trial also comes with enhanced safety monitoring which wouldn’t be part of normal GP care. Interestingly, patients have been shown to do better in general at those practices where research is done.”
Chris Symon, the local Primary Care Research Facilitator from the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Clinical Research Network, Thames Valley and South Midlands observed “Over the last six years the White Horse Medical Practice has become a shining light of primary care research in Oxon, Bucks, Berks and Milton Keynes thanks to the support of staff and the many patients who have volunteered to take part. Those studies have been wide-ranging including diabetes, asthma, depression, gastroenterology and obstetrics to name a few”.
Doctors have been running clinical trials for over 270 years, with the first recorded one taking place in 1747. Dr James Lind researched the causes of scurvy (which often killed more sailors than did the sea battles) on board HMS Salisbury. His six day trial consisted of 12 men grouped into pairs who were given a variety of dietary supplements ranging from cider to oranges and lemons. Lind noted an improvement in the group eating fruit which provided him with the evidence to link scurvy and citrus fruits. And even today some patients need to be reminded of the importance of vitamin C.
Faringdon’s Health Centre Research Team. (L-R) Sarah Oliver (Research Administrator), Dr Vicky Glover (Principal Investigator), Dr Simon Cartwright (Research Partner), Debbie Warwick (Research Nurse)
Smarter Faringdon - 14/6/19
Good News- The Bell, BGI ( Portwell House)and the Old Town Hall have been given permission for repairs and decoration. I think maybe the Crown has too.
Let's hope other building owners will follow suit eg Former Barclays Bank
Name supplied
Womens OVO Tour - great video of Faringdon- 13/6/19
I hope you didn't miss it coming through Faringdon- it was all such good fun.
Here's a video- Faringdon bits start about 1 min in https://www.facebook.com/thewomenstour/videos/456006735216434/
What a splendid occasion- so many people put in so much effort - especially Sjoerd Vogt.
Crowds of people- school children, old folk, fire fighters- people of all ages enjoying the occasion and enjoying Faringdon.
Music from Al Cane added to the party feel.
Faringdon at its best
Ed
Many congratulations to the Pump House Project! - 13/6/19
Mary Beck
The Pump House Project Charity celebrates after receiving £50,000 from the National Lottery to help with a new community initiative
“Bright Futures 4 All” - 11/6/19
The Pump House Project, a local community charity, is today proudly celebrating after being awarded almost £50,000 in National Lottery funding to support its work and help develop a new initiative “Bright Futures 4 All”.
The charity, based in the heart of Faringdon, Oxfordshire will use the cash to provide training sessions and workshops which will enable those in the community who perhaps need a stepping stone to gain the confidence and skills required to get out into the community whether it be through employment, volunteering, starting new hobbies or simply meeting new people.
The Pump House Project, is a non -profit organisation and completely self-funded by donations, grants and fundraising events. The charity has been running for 6 years and is managed by a project coordinator, volunteers and a board of Trustees. From its inception the Pump House Project adopted an ethos of inclusion and community spirit which guides everything that the charity does; what was once an abandoned theatre it is now a thriving hub of activity and community connections. The Pump House Project remit is unique, combining a joint ambition of ensuring that not only a physical space for the community exists; but also taking the lead in the area to create a diverse programme of activities within the building to facilitate social engagement and reduce loneliness.
Over 700 people of all ages use The Pump House Project building on a weekly basis and it is host to many groups including Scouts, craft groups, parent & child groups, exercise classes, The Cake Café, Disco Dots, Urban Movement Academy – to name a few!
The Pump House Project were also honoured to receive the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Services in 2017 – giving the volunteers the credit which they all deserve.
The new funding from The National Lottery Community Fund, which distributes money raised by National Lottery players for good causes and is the largest community funder in the UK, will be aimed at increasing the collective skills base, knowledge and awareness of the charity, its staff, volunteers and selected users to develop new activities and training to enhance lives, reduce the effects of loneliness and isolation and increase social engagement of the rapidly expanding population of Faringdon and the surrounding villages.
As part of THE GLORIOUS 12TH ( when the Womens International Cycle Tour passes through Faringdon - just in case you didn't know ;-) see HERE for further info ) - there will also be the
- THE PINK PEDALBIKE PARADE -
FIFTY lamp posts along the route through Faringdon will be FESTOONED in decorated bikes.
Each bike will proudly proclaim the name and description of the club/society responsible - and will stay in place for a minimum of FOUR weeks.
Participating in the PINK PEDALBIKE PARADE is a GREAT opportunity for you to shout out to the community how wonderful you are.
CALLING ALL OWNERS OF CRONKY BIKES!
Are you perhaps the owner of a suitable two-wheeled velocipede that could be PIMPED UP IN PINK?
Perhaps YOU would like to do the pink pimping yourself - on behalf of your club/society?
Or - alternatively - you may simply want to donate a worthy steed to the cause. If so - then simply drop it off at the "TWO WHEELS BETTER" bike shop - bottom of Coxwell St . Guy Goodwin has very kindly offered to be the drop-off and pick-up point for all pimpable pedalbikes. (yes - that's right - you can pick up a pimp-up from him as well!)
And - it DOESN'T have to be rideable - it just has to be pimpable. In fact, Guy will even take off the pedals for you, and turn the handlebars around - so that it can fixed to a lamp post safely and securely without taking someone's eye out....
And I DO hope that you will want to take part in what is going to be truely memorable occasion!
Tea and cakes on Folly Open days - 8/6/19
I’m fundraising for a fire walk in September for The Nasio Trust and will be serving tea, coffee and cakes at The Folly from 11 until around 2 (weather permitting) on the The Folly open days. All proceeds will go to this worthy cause.
https://www.thenasiotrust.org/
Natalie Thrussell
PS Next Folly Open day is 16th June
Youth Grants - 8/6/19
TheYouth Grant programme is still open and we are inviting everyone to send their application.
Please note that the applications dead line is now the 28th of June at 00.00 am.
Youth Funding application form and the Policy document on http://faringdontowncouncil.gov.uk/youthgrantfunding/
Should you have any question or run into any problem you can reach out at office@faringdontowncouncil.gov.uk
Best of luck!
In order to avoid missing any future dead line please subscribe to the following link to be part the Community Group Mailing list.
http://eepurl.com/dCGFPf
Best Patio Garden – Audrey Curnock and Edward Wheeler
Best Business Hanging Basket or Box – Perry Bishop and Chambers
Business Hanging basket or Box Highly commended – Stay grounded
Best Business Floral Display- ACACIA UK
Business Floral Display Highly Commended – African Children’s Fund
Best Allotment – Michael Sprules
Allotment Highly Commended – Andy Harper
Best large Garden – Stephen Stallard
Large Garden Highly Commended- Joyce Wright
Best Small Garden – Scharlie and Wim Meeuws
Small Garden Highly Commended – Mary McGuigan
Joy to the Community- Faringdon Infant School
Joy to the Community – Faringdon Library
Joy to the Community Highly Commended- Faringdon Bowling Club
Joy to the Community Highly Commended- ACACIA UK
Best Junior Miniature Garden- Amelie Cook
Highly Commended Junior Miniature Garden – Isaac Moore
It was wonderful to see so many beautiful gardens enter this year and we look forward to next year’s competition.
War Memorial Trust Remembrance Exhibition- 28/6/19
The War Memorial Trust and the Royal British Legion will be holding its eleventh exhibition of war time memorabilia in the Old Town Hall to reflect on the impact that wars have made on local families. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the outbreak of the Second World War as well as the 75th anniversary of D-Day.
If you have any memorabilia, stories, photographs or any documents that you would like to share concerning the events leading up to the outbreak of WW2 and its aftermath in 1939, or the events of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy in 1944, please bring them to the Faringdon Town Council offices (in the Pump House on the Market Place) before Wednesday, 6th November; the office is open between 9:00 am and 4:00 pm, Monday to Friday.
If you have any interesting memorabilia concerning other conflicts please bring them along. We would be particularly interested in stories and memorabilia on how WW2 affected families on the ‘home front’; e.g. blackout, rationing, evacuees, daily life, etc. Any precious items that you may think to be too valuable to exhibit can be photocopied and the Trust will take care to return original items to their owners.
The exhibition will be open to the public from 10:00 am until 4:00 pm on Friday 8th and Saturday 9th November, and after the Remembrance Day ceremony on Sunday 10th until 1:00 pm. Volunteers who would like to help in manning the exhibition should contact the Council Offices on 01367 240281.
White Horse Medical Practice supports Breastfeeding- 27/6/19
Need help with breastfeeding?
We have a Mother Supporter who can help.
Tel/text Sarah Oliver 07974 938 265
We have also set up a breast pump loan scheme in collaboration with Faringdon Breastfeeding Café.
If you would like to borrow a breast pump please contact Sarah Oliver at White Horse Medical Practice on the number above or Beth Collier at Faringdon Breastfeeding Café at Faringdon Baptist Church on Fridays 12 – 1.30pm
The Elms Girls Grammar School in Faringdon - 19/6/19
Lots of photos and information about the Elms, on the Faringdon Girls Grammar School page
Thanks to everyone who contributed.
Ed
Tool marking event on Saturday 29th June.- 19/6/18
Please come along with your tools to be security marked or just come along to speak to us about any local concerns.
10am - 1pm Outside Screw Fix, Old Sawmills Road, Faringdon
Julia Williams (Police, Neighbourhood Policing Admin, South Oxon and Vale)
Womens Cycle race pictures and the pink bicycles- 17/6/19
Great pictures and videos taken in Faringdon
On the photos and maps page of this site
Ed
Faringdon doctors best (again) for research - 14/6/19
Faringdon’s doctors are delighted to have topped the health research league tables in our region. Over the year 2018-19, more patients took part in GP-led research in Faringdon than with any of the other 230 GP surgeries across three counties. Faringdon team leader Dr Simon Cartwright explained, “Taking part in GP research can provide our patients with access to drugs and technologies that are not currently available on the NHS. Being in a trial also comes with enhanced safety monitoring which wouldn’t be part of normal GP care. Interestingly, patients have been shown to do better in general at those practices where research is done.”
Chris Symon, the local Primary Care Research Facilitator from the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Clinical Research Network, Thames Valley and South Midlands observed “Over the last six years the White Horse Medical Practice has become a shining light of primary care research in Oxon, Bucks, Berks and Milton Keynes thanks to the support of staff and the many patients who have volunteered to take part. Those studies have been wide-ranging including diabetes, asthma, depression, gastroenterology and obstetrics to name a few”.
Doctors have been running clinical trials for over 270 years, with the first recorded one taking place in 1747. Dr James Lind researched the causes of scurvy (which often killed more sailors than did the sea battles) on board HMS Salisbury. His six day trial consisted of 12 men grouped into pairs who were given a variety of dietary supplements ranging from cider to oranges and lemons. Lind noted an improvement in the group eating fruit which provided him with the evidence to link scurvy and citrus fruits. And even today some patients need to be reminded of the importance of vitamin C.
Faringdon’s Health Centre Research Team. (L-R) Sarah Oliver (Research Administrator), Dr Vicky Glover (Principal Investigator), Dr Simon Cartwright (Research Partner), Debbie Warwick (Research Nurse)
Smarter Faringdon - 14/6/19
Good News- The Bell, BGI ( Portwell House)and the Old Town Hall have been given permission for repairs and decoration. I think maybe the Crown has too.
Let's hope other building owners will follow suit eg Former Barclays Bank
Name supplied
Womens OVO Tour - great video of Faringdon- 13/6/19
I hope you didn't miss it coming through Faringdon- it was all such good fun.
Here's a video- Faringdon bits start about 1 min in https://www.facebook.com/thewomenstour/videos/456006735216434/
What a splendid occasion- so many people put in so much effort - especially Sjoerd Vogt.
Crowds of people- school children, old folk, fire fighters- people of all ages enjoying the occasion and enjoying Faringdon.
Music from Al Cane added to the party feel.
Faringdon at its best
Ed
Many congratulations to the Pump House Project! - 13/6/19
Mary Beck
The Pump House Project Charity celebrates after receiving £50,000 from the National Lottery to help with a new community initiative
“Bright Futures 4 All” - 11/6/19
The Pump House Project, a local community charity, is today proudly celebrating after being awarded almost £50,000 in National Lottery funding to support its work and help develop a new initiative “Bright Futures 4 All”.
The charity, based in the heart of Faringdon, Oxfordshire will use the cash to provide training sessions and workshops which will enable those in the community who perhaps need a stepping stone to gain the confidence and skills required to get out into the community whether it be through employment, volunteering, starting new hobbies or simply meeting new people.
The Pump House Project, is a non -profit organisation and completely self-funded by donations, grants and fundraising events. The charity has been running for 6 years and is managed by a project coordinator, volunteers and a board of Trustees. From its inception the Pump House Project adopted an ethos of inclusion and community spirit which guides everything that the charity does; what was once an abandoned theatre it is now a thriving hub of activity and community connections. The Pump House Project remit is unique, combining a joint ambition of ensuring that not only a physical space for the community exists; but also taking the lead in the area to create a diverse programme of activities within the building to facilitate social engagement and reduce loneliness.
Over 700 people of all ages use The Pump House Project building on a weekly basis and it is host to many groups including Scouts, craft groups, parent & child groups, exercise classes, The Cake Café, Disco Dots, Urban Movement Academy – to name a few!
The Pump House Project were also honoured to receive the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Services in 2017 – giving the volunteers the credit which they all deserve.
The new funding from The National Lottery Community Fund, which distributes money raised by National Lottery players for good causes and is the largest community funder in the UK, will be aimed at increasing the collective skills base, knowledge and awareness of the charity, its staff, volunteers and selected users to develop new activities and training to enhance lives, reduce the effects of loneliness and isolation and increase social engagement of the rapidly expanding population of Faringdon and the surrounding villages.
As part of THE GLORIOUS 12TH ( when the Womens International Cycle Tour passes through Faringdon - just in case you didn't know ;-) see HERE for further info ) - there will also be the
- THE PINK PEDALBIKE PARADE -
FIFTY lamp posts along the route through Faringdon will be FESTOONED in decorated bikes.
Each bike will proudly proclaim the name and description of the club/society responsible - and will stay in place for a minimum of FOUR weeks.
Participating in the PINK PEDALBIKE PARADE is a GREAT opportunity for you to shout out to the community how wonderful you are.
CALLING ALL OWNERS OF CRONKY BIKES!
Are you perhaps the owner of a suitable two-wheeled velocipede that could be PIMPED UP IN PINK?
Perhaps YOU would like to do the pink pimping yourself - on behalf of your club/society?
Or - alternatively - you may simply want to donate a worthy steed to the cause. If so - then simply drop it off at the "TWO WHEELS BETTER" bike shop - bottom of Coxwell St . Guy Goodwin has very kindly offered to be the drop-off and pick-up point for all pimpable pedalbikes. (yes - that's right - you can pick up a pimp-up from him as well!)
And - it DOESN'T have to be rideable - it just has to be pimpable. In fact, Guy will even take off the pedals for you, and turn the handlebars around - so that it can fixed to a lamp post safely and securely without taking someone's eye out....
And I DO hope that you will want to take part in what is going to be truely memorable occasion!
Tea and cakes on Folly Open days - 8/6/19
I’m fundraising for a fire walk in September for The Nasio Trust and will be serving tea, coffee and cakes at The Folly from 11 until around 2 (weather permitting) on the The Folly open days. All proceeds will go to this worthy cause.
https://www.thenasiotrust.org/
Natalie Thrussell
PS Next Folly Open day is 16th June
Youth Grants - 8/6/19
TheYouth Grant programme is still open and we are inviting everyone to send their application.
Please note that the applications dead line is now the 28th of June at 00.00 am.
Youth Funding application form and the Policy document on http://faringdontowncouncil.gov.uk/youthgrantfunding/
Should you have any question or run into any problem you can reach out at office@faringdontowncouncil.gov.uk
Best of luck!
In order to avoid missing any future dead line please subscribe to the following link to be part the Community Group Mailing list.
http://eepurl.com/dCGFPf
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
You can read talking points back to 2002. Quite interesting to see whether issues are still the same now as in the past.
You can read talking points back to 2002. Quite interesting to see whether issues are still the same now as in the past.