Faringdon- edge of the Cotswolds. Oxford 17 miles, Witney 14 miles, Burford 12 miles, Cirencester 21 miles
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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
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
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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.