Faringdon- edge of the Cotswolds. Oxford 17 miles, Witney 14 miles, Burford 12 miles, Cirencester 21 miles
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OVO Energy Women’s Tour professional cycling race Wed 12th June - 17/4/19
Henley-on-Thames will be the start location for stage three of the OVO Energy Women’s Tour professional cycling race. Full details of the Oxfordshire route were revealed at a ceremony at the town’s Leander Club – home to rowing greats like Sir Steve Redgrave CBE and Rebecca Romero – on Monday 15 April.
The famous South Oxfordshire town will host a Big Bike Breakfast on the morning of the race, Wednesday 12 June. Crowds will line the streets, cheering off participants on the 145 kilometre-leg that will finish outside Blenheim Palace in West Oxfordshire.
Elite cyclist Sophie Wright announced that Oxfordshire’s race section will start from Market Place in the centre of Henley.
Oxfordshire’s county, city and district councils announced last month that a stage of the OVO Energy Women’s Tour, the UK’s most prestigious women’s cycle race, had been agreed to race through the county for the next three years, in partnership with event organisers SweetSpot Group.
From Henley, stage three will traverse the Chilterns via Pishill to Watlington, before returning via the climb of Britwell Hill to Sonning Common and Goring.
Crossing the River Thames at Wallingford, the route will pass through Didcot, Harwell and Wantage, crossing the Vale of White Horse to Faringdon, before looping through the West Oxfordshire towns of Burford, Charlbury and finally Woodstock in the closing kilometres.
More details and map
Meet the candidates. Monday 29th April - 17/4/19
Faringdon Business Centre, Volunteer Way, 7pm
Your chance to hear, meet and speak with some of the candidates taking part in the Faringdon Town Council elections in May.
If you are a candidate and would like the opportunity to showcase yourself, please get in touch so we can add you to the list of those already agreeing to take part.
More details to follow...
Thanks to Faringdon Business Park for the use of their facilities.
Bowling Club- new season - 10/4/19
Another bowling season for the club and, as ever, we are on the lookout for new members. We are opening the green on Sunday 14th but the Open Friday Nights will not start until 26th, April as it’s Good Friday on 19th.
See poster
Trevor Durrant
Local elections - 10/4/19
Please put the 2nd of May in your diary. We have Town Council elections. It would be fantastic to have everyone turn up and vote. I look forward to seeing you all there. Here is a list of all the candidates.
Kiera Alexandra BENTLEY
Jane BOULTON
David Jeffrey BROWN
Rosalind Ann BURNS
Beverley Jean CAPEWELL
Peter Stewart CASTLE
Jared Henley CRANE
James Olusanya FAMAKIN
Julie Caroline FARMER
Angela Margaret FINN
Mark Tobias GREENWOOD
Steve LENIEC
Andrew John Townend MARSDEN
Lucy Elizabeth MARTIN
Kim MORGAN
Stephen SMITH
Liz SWALLOW
Bethia Jane THOMAS
Mike WISE
Julie Farmer
Activities in VWHDC area ( including Faringdon) - 8/4/129
Walking football, swimming, walking netball(Shrivenham) Pickle Ball( Stanford)
https://www.getoxfordshireactive.org/vale-of-white-horse
Spring Newsletter from White Horse Practice Patient group - 4/4/19
See http://www.whitehorsepracticeppg.org.uk/
KBS Prescriptions
National GP survey Prescription charges
Online health access
Same day appointments
Health research
Docs’ timetable
Are you a carer?
Physio and podiatry clinics
MIND & CAB advice
Earwax
Witney hospital
Stroke alerts
Gynaecology
Over 55s activities at the Leisure Centre- 4/4/19
Swimming 5 sessions for £5, for registered diabetes sufferers see poster
Walking Football from June 5th see poster
Airport Tales A comedy by Carol Libman- 3/4/19
Friday 17 May 2019 - Saturday 18 May 2019
Buscot Park Theatre, Lechlade Road, Buscot SN7 8BU
Directed by Darka Makarec for GLT
Produced by Gary Field for FDS
Performance starts 7:30 pm. Doors open 30 minutes earlier.
Tickets: £10 - includes a drink
Online Box Office (OPEN - Please note that tickets may not be available here on the day of the performance.)
Online booking only. Buscot Park will be open to theatre-goers from 6:30pm. Picnics welcome. Seating is limited to 50 per night so please book your seats early; consequently on Wednesday 15th May there will also be a special performance for FDS members and their families only.
Performed in collaboration with the Garrison Little Theatre from Fort Erie, Ontario, Canada. GLT will have already completed five performances of this play in Fort Erie during April, before coming to us.
‘Airport Tales‘ is a light-hearted, entertaining, funny and above all human onstage “Road Movie” … at 30,000 feet. The indomitable Evalina, journeying back to the old homestead to celebrate her 90th birthday, battles and conquers all the security checks, seat-mate problems, lost luggage and a somewhat fraught family reunion.
GLT first came to Faringdon in September 2007 to perform ‘Lend Me a Tenor‘. Then again in October 2011 to perform a joint production of ‘London Suite‘, followed by ‘Office Hours’ in May 2015. We are looking forward to meeting them again this year for a fourth time.
http://www.faringdondramatic.org.uk/
CALLING ALL GARDENERS - 2/4/19
Please can you help us stock our stall on Saturday 4th May?
All kinds of plants gratefully received.
Please bring plants ready labelled to the Market Place at 9 am on 4th May
or contact one of us about alternative arrangements:
Pam de Wit 243331 Julia Burn 240670/email: julia@theburns.name
and buy plants from Do Something Green – Grow your Own
Visit our PLANT STALL in Faringdon Market Place, Saturday 4th May 10 a.m. – 12.30
All plant stall proceeds will be given to the Folly Tower & Woodland Trust
Organised by Churches Together in Faringdon EARTH & FAITH
See poster
Planning permission sought.10 Market Place /1 London Street Faringdon SN7 7HL- 28/3/19
Internal alterations to convert existing offices into residential accommodation on the first and second floor of a three storey end of terrace property to provide two self-contained lettable flats with two bedrooms each; including modern bathroom and kitchen facilities.
But no parking
This is the African Children's fund charity shop- Cheltenham and Gloucester years ago
http://www.whitehorsedc.gov.uk/java/support/Main.jsp?MODULE=ApplicationDetails&REF=P19/V0668/FUL#exactline
Faringdon Country market - 28/3/19
Faringdon Country Market will not be open on Good Friday ( 19th April) but will move to Saturday, 20th April.
Corn Exchange, 09.15 to 11.00 am.
Planning permission sought- for a Spa at Sudbury House - 20/3/19
Proposed extension to Sudbury House, Faringdon to create a new spa with swimming pool area, changing rooms, spa treatment rooms, lounge, dining area, as well as a gym. An additional 30 car parking spaces and cycle parking provisions will also be included.
Target decision 8/5/19
http://www.whitehorsedc.gov.uk/java/support/Main.jsp?MODULE=ApplicationDetails&REF=P19/V0646/FUL#exactline
A big thank you from Faringdon Rotary - 20/3/19
..................to all who have helped us in our fund-raising. Here is just some of the support it has enabled us to provide:
Young Carers, Rotary Youth Leadership Award (RYLA) Outward Bound Course, Faringdon FAAAZE including annual trip to Cotswold Wildlife Park, Ferendune Court, Senior Citizens’ Annual Tea Party, Youth Speaks Competitions, The Pump House Project, Vale Tridents, Faringdon, The Place, Family & Childrens Project Faringdon, Bromsgrove Day Centre, Festive Faringdon & Christmas Lights-On, Oxfordshire Motor Neuron Disease Association, Kabwata Primary School, Zambia, Nepal - Earthquake Appeal and HORAC Home for Child Rescue, First Responders, Faringdon, Clanfield, Southmoor & Longworth Pre-Schools, Longworth Primary School, Kingsmoor Community Club, Hinton Waldrist, Town Defibrillator, Life Education Bus for Schools, Faringdon Scouts, Interact (Rotary Youth), RotaKids, Faringdon Netball Club, Helen & Douglas House, Late Spring for the bereaved, Thames Valley Air Ambulance, Riding for the Disabled, Southmoor, Shelter Box & Water Aid, Polio Eradication Programme, Sierra Leone Ebola Orphans
Michael Bell
District Council Elections May 2019- 19/3/19
Prospective Candidates are (I believe):-
David Barron Conservative ( current Town Mayor , Town Councillor 2/3 years)
David Price Conservative ( former Town Councillor)
David Grant Liberal Democrat
Bethia Thomas Liberal Democrat. (Current Town Councillor since 2018)
Steve Leniec Labour ( Town councillor of many many years)
Al Cane Labour ( current town councillor, 2/3 years)
Formal nomination process starts next week ends 3/4/19
Ed
Faringdon- 18/3/19
What is "badmouthing" and moaning to some, is quite justified criticism to others. We who also care about Faringdon, will call those to account who make decisions which directly affect us.
Yes, similar problems are occurring all over the County, but that doesn't make them right or acceptable. If your retired and your children are grown up then maybe your lucky, but with School capacity and funding issues, water and sewage problems, longer and longer commutes to work then things are on a downturn for many.
I do hope that Faringdon will one day be as thriving as Wantage or Abingdon.
Regards Mark
Music Marathon- A Weekend of Music, Art and Dance Sat 11th, Sun 12th May - 17/3/19
Corn Exchange Faringdon
Showcasing Local Talent
Proceeds towards Faringdon Childrens' Cycle Training park
Details will be added to https://farcycles.weebly.com/folly-sports-park.html
See poster
Hear, hear from me too. - 16/3/19
I recently fractured my elbow in the park at Crystal Palace. I was treated at Lewisham A&E and had surgery to wire the elbow the following day. I was with family in Honor Oak for a week and well looked after.
But on my return to Faringdon I was immediately able to relax in my own home with caring neighbours. The first day I ventured tentatively into town I was stopped by no fewer than a dozen people. Some were friends, some acquaintances, some shopkeepers. All showed genuine concern, equally genuine offers of help, and I felt I had come home to an ordinary little market town, with an extraordinary capacity to care.
So...please stop badmouthing Faringdon. I have never regretted moving here from Reading, and will happily spend the rest of my life here.
Lynn Pettit
Faringdon is charming- 14/3/19
To name supplied 13/3. Please don't be discouraged. Faringdon IS a charming market town. Yes, a lot of the street lights are out but the days are getting longer and, hopefully they will be fixed before winter. The traffic is no worse than anywhere else. The TV and phone signal are excellent where I live. As for resentment, you will find people with something to moan about wherever you live. Yes, some shops are closing but others are opening.
Faringdon has a lot going for it and I wouldn't live anywhere else. I hope your offer is successful and if it is;
Welcome to Faringdon and I hope your stay will be long and, I'm sure, happy.
Dennis Haynes
Ed: Hear Hear
Calor 2019 Rural Community Fund - 14/3/19Calor Gas have just announced that they looking for applications for £70,000 worth of funding, available to local communities.
There will be 21 grants worth up to £5000 each for deserving causes, such as decorating a community centre, new equipment for scout groups, etc. To get all the details and to apply go to www.calor.co.uk/communityfund.
Applications for entries close on Monday 29th April.
Temp Road Closures in Faringdon - 13/3/19
See http://faringdontowncouncil.gov.uk/
Southampton St, Gloucester St, Skinner's Alley- but not all at the same time!
Faringdon - 13/3/19
I just wish I'd read all of this a couple of weeks ago. I've just made an offer on a very nice house in Faringdon, thinking it was a charming market town. Now I hear that it has bad street lighting, bad tv and phone signals, traffic problems, resentment for the new housing, shops closing down........
Oh dear!
Name Supplied
Bohemian Rhapsody (12A) to be screened on Friday 29th March is SOLD OUT- 12/3/19
Thank you to everyone who supports the community cinema.
Faringdon Regent Cinema in The Corn Exchange
For future cinema screenings please visit www.faringdontowncouncil.gov.uk
Folly Tower Annual meeting Thursday March 21st - 7/3/19
7pm till 8.30pm in the Faringdon United Church at the junction of Gravel Walk and Coxwell Street.
Please come along for an update on the progress we have made during last year and hear about our plans for the forthcoming season.
If you'd like to volunteer, do come along .
www.faringdonfolly.org.uk
Folly Facebook
Propagation. Mystery or simplicity? Free event - 5/3/19
How to get many plants for next to nothing. Paul Gray
Recently retired to Faringdon Paul has been a Gardener for well over 40 years including many years as a Head Gardener for the National Trust. Paul would describe himself as a very hands on gardener and loves every aspect of nature.
Having given many talks over the years to small and large organisations Paul always tries to inspire everyone from the first step amateur to fellow professionals.
On Friday 15th March at 17.45 Paul will be speaking about propagation at Faringdon Library.
An illustrated talk with lots of practical demonstration.
There will also be an open question time afterwards.
The Community Bus is back in service - 5/3/19
re: Gt Coxwell junction with A420 - 4/3/19
Before they started building any houses on Steeds farm, the plan the developers showed to me had a roundabout and slip roads there. That was conveniently forgotten/shelved. I don't believe a word of what the developers and council promise. Just look for the new Primary School that was supposed to open Sept. 2016. it's still a green field.
Regards Grumpy Old man
ED: I'd heard it said that the differing levels of the land between Coxwell Road/old A420 and the A420 made a roundabout unsuitable.
Re: Gt Coxwell junction with A420 - 4/3/19
... sounds like another case of the infrastructure arriving well after the houses are built & sold (assuming the money from the developers ever arrives..)
Name Supplied
Ed: One agreement says something like 'when 50 houses are occupied or a design plan is in place which ever is the later' There are 2 other agreements involved. Judith Heathcoat says some money is being spent on design- so I guess some has been received
The Bell's mural- 3/3/19
One gets used to losing things as the years pass, and I guess the pretty mural in The Bell was always at risk, so I wasn't particularly surprised to be told by an out of town correspondent it has been painted over. I haven't myself been into The Bell lately so I can't definitely confirm the painting's demise. In case the report is true, I thought it would be nice if something about the artist was recorded somewhere for Faringdon people to read. If it's not gone then the following might persuade whoever now owns The Bell to value the mural more.
Anthony Edward George Baynes (1921-2003) was a painter, illustrator, muralist, furniture decorator and theatre and stained glass designer. Born in New Zealand, he came to London where he studied at the Slade School of Art, partly during its wartime relocation to Oxford, where his fellow students included Kyffin Williams and Bernard Dunstan, and later at the British School of Archaeology in Greece. He remained in the Mediterranean for some years, where he painted, travelled and occasionally taught. In the early 1960s he returned to England and settled in the village of Minster Lovell, near Burford, near Oxfordshire.
He illustrated and designed book jackets for The Cretan Runner by George Pschoudakes (1955), Europa Minor: Travels in coastal Turkey by Lord Kinross (1956) and Hide and Seek by Xan Fielding (1954). Among his work as a muralist he executed schemes for Portsmouth town hall; the naval barracks in Portsmouth and Plymouth; Solihull Civic Hall; the Stock Exchange dining room and many church and private commissions. His work combines Greek and Byzantine style with Neo-Romanticism in the manner of Rex Whistler, John Minton and John Caxton. He was a regular exhibitor in Oxfordshire and held one man shows in London and Athens
John King
Please can anyone help or know someone who may be able to help.- 3/3/19
I am desperately trying to move to a 3 bed property. Have done everything the council and sovereign have asked and have been bidding for 3 years. Have come 1st on 8 properties but all deemed unsuitable as are new builds and can't be adapted or are unsuitable for adaptation. I need a stair lift and level access shower or a 3 bed bungalow / flat.
I have been offered a house already adapted for my needs but because of an OT that met for half an hour she is saying she won't support my move because of concern for my children's safety if they are upstairs arguing or if there is a fire!!!
Sovereign have said they can't go against this recommendation.
What the hell do I do know?!?!
Helen Cooper
Ed: Roger Cox and Mohinder Kainth are our DIsrict councillors- contact details on VWHDC website
White Doves - 3/3/19
White doves
Since last November a flock of about 13 white doves spends its days in my garden. Has anyone any idea where they might have come from?
Mary Beck
S106 money for Faringdon Library - 2/3/19
Judith Heathcoat ( our County Councillor) is investigating firstly how much money is available through S106 ( at least £70k has to be spent by Jan 2022 else it must be returned to the housing developer) for the library, and then planning how it should be spent.
The rooms above the library are now unused (except the History Room). The library would benefit from moveable shelving such that the space could be used more flexibly used by the Community.
Ed
Traffic Advisory meeting 1/3/19 - 2/3/19
Faringdon in Bloom 2019 - 28/2/19
Faringdon in Bloom 2019 is set to be a fun and exciting competition and free to enter. Categories will include best large garden, best small garden, best allotment, best business floral display, best business hanging basket, best wildlife garden, best patio garden, best new garden, Joy to the community and best junior miniature garden.
Judging will take place on the of 21st, 22nd and 23rd of June 2019. If you would like to take part simply download an application form from Faringdon Town Council website or collect a form from the Information Centre in the Pump House.
Winners will receive engraved trophies, and certificates will be given for Highly Commended achievements in each category.
We look forward to seeing all this year’s entries.
Faringdon Town Council
http://faringdontowncouncil.gov.uk/faringdon-in-bloom/
Thurs 28th- Community Bus- no service- 27/2/19
Still waiting to be repaired
Community Bus service discontinued until Thurs 28th- 22/2/19
The FCB is out of order until at least Wednesday of next week due to the passenger door being inoperable and therefore unsafe for passenger transport. The earliest it can be fixed is Wednesday. Apologies for the inconvenience to our passengers. Normal service will be resumed when the door has been fixed - hopefully Thursday (28th).
Litter Pick Sat 23rd Feb - 21/2/19
We are planning a one hour litter pick on Saturday 23rd Feb from 3-4 pm. Meet at 17 Coxwell Road, and we should be finished in time for cream tea and the rugby.
Top of Highworth Road is our target.
Please bring litter picker if you have one, protective gloves (gardening gloves work well) and hi viz gilets
Lyn and David Williamson
RIP Faringdon- 17/2/19
Having lived in Faringdon all my 45 life, Faringdon was a nice small town to live in with nice small shops and Tuesday market stalls and friendly faces, Now it’s just a dead quiet town place with countless knock up houses springing up all over. No employment schools bursting full and new residents traveling to Oxford or Swindon for there place of work as they either moved from Oxford or Swindon to live here!!
Not good for climate change or environment and don’t give anything back to the community.. The good old old days of Faringdon have gone
rip.
Re: Tesco meat and fish counter- 16/2/19
I personally don't see the problem when there is a fabulous team working at Pat Thomas Butchers in town. They provide quality meats a great service and have been there a heck of lot longer than Tesco.
Granted they don't do fresh fish.
The tescos do pretty well and will still do well there as all the staff are friendly and welcoming so closing a non profitable section is not going to stop customers.
Support your local butchers and whilst actually in the town itself stop for a coffee or something.
Rob
Tesco meat and fish counter - 14/2/19
We learnt today from the very helpful and friendly lady who runs the Tesco Faringdon fresh meat and fish counter that it will be closing soon after Easter as part of Tesco's cost-cutting strategy. This is unwelcome news for those of us who are regular (and frequent) buyers of fresh meat and fish.
By closing it, Tesco are removing perhaps the only Unique Selling Point the store has in comparison with the other two Faringdon supermarkets. It's also a facility where one gets personal and knowledgeable service. Apparently, it makes a loss but this ignores that fact that its existence brings people into the store who then buy other things. The counter should be considered a real asset even as a 'loss leader'. We don't know what to do about this other than contacting Tesco (we'll start with local management) and see what response we get.
Maybe others could do something similar? It would be such a pity to lose this!
Peter and Elizabeth Smith
Queen’s Arms photo - 13/2/19
Ref. The posting asking for photographs of the Queen’s Arms:
There’s a photograph of the Queen’s Arms on another page of the site (http://www.faringdon.org/faringdon-pubs.html).
Tony Tarry
2019 Questionnaire for children and young people in Oxfordshire - 12/2/19
....please tell us how supported you feel by the services you use.
Voxy (Voice of Oxfordshire's Youth) and the Children’s Trust Board would like feedback from all children and young people in Oxfordshire, aged 8 - 18 and up to 25 with additional needs, about how supported they feel by the services they use. Services include: schools/colleges, youth clubs, social workers, job clubs, health services etc. - but could be any services that provide help and support, or affect your life in some way.
'Be Supported' is one of the 4 focus areas of the Oxfordshire Children and Young People’s Plan 2018 – 2021, which is sponsored by the Children's Trust and has been developed through discussion with partners including asking children and young people what is important to them.
More information and link to survey
Oxfordshire CC
Vasectomy survey -12/2/19
You may be aware that Oxfordshire CCG is considering two options for the future provision of the NHS vasectomy service:
- decommission the service completely;
- retain the service, but introduce eligibility criteria.
OCCG has now launched a six week 'engagement' to seek views on these proposals.
The link to more information and the online survey is below- you might need to register on Talking Health if you've not already done so.
The survey has just started and will finish on Friday 8 March. The process will include two focus groups (10 per group), Richard would like a rep from each Locality (possibly the Forum Chair) to attend a group and help with the running of the group. He would also welcome suggestions as to suitable venues for the focus groups - should be easy to access and centrally situated, as he plans to invite people with learning or physical disabilities, carers, men’s groups, etc. Please let me know a.s.a.p. if you'd like to be involved in a focus group.
See the link below for further information.
https://consultoxfordshireccg.nhs.uk/consult.ti/Vasectomy/consultationHome
Council Elections this May- 11/2/19
I've heard that neither Roger Cox or Mohinder Kainth, our VWHDC councillors, are standing at the election in May. I wonder who is to stand for the conservative party- or any other party for that matter
Name Supplied
The Queens Arms - 10/2/19
We recently moved into the house on Coxwell Street that used to be the piano shop, prior to that The Pink Elephant and earlier than that, The Queens arms.
We know a bit about it’s two later incarnations but would love to know what the house was like as The Queens Arms, who ran it and lived here, when that pub closed and what it looked like. Does anyone have an old photo of it?
Look forward to hearing any memories and stories.
Name Supplied
Leisure Centre improvements - 9/2/19
Extract from Roger Cox's report to FTC
Faringdon Leisure Centre. The cabinet at its meeting on 18 January 2019 approved the appointment of a suitable contractor via delegated authority to the head of community services in conjunction with the cabinet member for community services. This appointment would be made if the tendered sum was within the approved budget of £177,500 and the works comply with the required specification. The project will involve the refurbishment of the wet side changing facilities, shower facilities, lockers, steel frameworks and sauna/steam areas. Utilising Section 106 monies for this purpose will ensure that the Council continues to invest in its capital assets without the need to draw on its own capital budget. It is anticipated that work will start in April.
The s106 agreements funding this work arises from:-
Faringdon defibrillator map - 7/2/19
Here's a copy
I think the committee are looking for places to display them. Maybe you could put one up somewhere.
Contact faringdonpad@gmail.com
FARINGDON FOLLY STAR - 7/2/19
- not just for Christmas but for all the dark nights since. Thank you Peter White and Folly Volunteers for this welcoming beacon along the A420, and the glimpses of the Star that you get from many spots in the town - real winter cheer!
Pam de Wit
Faringdon Grammar School - 7/2/19
Did you go to this school, or know someone who did? I'm gathering information about it- from the start in 1920s until the comprehensive system came in.
Do have a look at http://www.faringdon.org/the-elms.html
Would love to hear memories, photos- maybe the grounds, the classrooms+++
Thanks very much
Gene
Become a councillor - 6/2/19
FARINGDON TOWN COUNCIL is calling on residents, passionate about their community to stand in the local elections in 2019.What do councillors do?
Councillors are the champions of their community and give residents a voice on the decisions the council makes. Becoming a councillor will allow you to make a real difference in your community by engaging with residents, local groups and businesses to find out their needs; making decisions on which services and projects the council should take forward; and getting involved locally to ensure the services are meeting your community’s needs.
http://faringdontowncouncil.gov.uk/become-a-councillor/
The Faringdon PAD Committee AGM - 5/2/19
......will be taking place on Wednesday 6th February at a re-arranged location - Faringdon Tennis Club - Folly Sports Park - Stanford Road Faringdon at 8.00pm.
The committee consists of a group of local volunteers who support and assist with the installation, support for funding and the education of our community in the use of AED's (Defibrillators), that can save the lives of those who suffer a Sudden Cardiac Arrest. Over 90.000 citizens in the UK suffer a cardiac arrest in 'out of hospital' situations and many could be saved from the 'shock' from an AED when available in the local community and before an ambulance arrives.
With the help of local funds we have been able to produce a map and information concerning the location of Public Access Defibrillators in Faringdon - If you would be interested in supporting or placing a PAD in your area of Faringdon then please come and talk to us or make contact using the details below.
As Chair of this committee and committed Community First Responder (SCAS) Faringdon and District Team, I invite any interested parties to attend our AGM, hear of our work and future plans and if you wish, to join us in our work on behalf of the Faringdon Community. You only need to have an interest - no medical skills or knowledge required!
Please contact me - Malcolm Gee - malcolm@the5gees.plus.com or faringdonpad@gmail.com M: 07796 572752 for further information.
FURTHER SUPPORT - Please place your Blue tokens in the Faringdon Tesco 'bags of help' box marked AEDDONATE to assist us in fundraising towards the purchase and support of local community Defibrillators.
Thank you
Malcolm Gee
re- TV reception.- 5/2/19
I wonder if a change to the Mobile phone signal may be interfering with your TV reception. There has been an increase in the signal strength as we live on the edge of Faringdon and can now get a 4G phone signal, which before very recently was unavailable.
Regards
Grumpy Old Man
Re: TV Reception:- 5/2/19
Firstly you need to have a high enough pole with which to have your arial on and have it pointing towards Oxford as this will be the best Freeview signal to pickup.
Secondly there has been a few changes but the key thing is don't let your device Autotune as you will get a mixed set of results and it not work correctly.
To really get it right do a full automatic tune with the arial unplugged to begin with. This is to make sure nothing is still getting picked up. Save that list of 0 channels and 0 radio stations.
Next plug in the arial and then select Manual tuning (You will need to check your device guide on where to get this).
The manual channels you will want to search are:
41, 44, 29, 37, 31 and then for the HD you want 47 and 55.
Save the results and you should then be all good to go.
There is no major changes due for a little bit now other than minor changes which won't require a retune.
Finally please note that when you retune you will lose any scheduled reminders or planned recordings so you will need to reset them once you have your channels all tuned in.
Hope that helps
Rob.
TV Reception- 5/2/19
Talking to neighbours, we are all receiving a very poor reception when watching tv through the arial.
What has happened to the reception in the last month or so. What has changed with the tv signal. Until then, we have had no problems whatsoever in watching tv in rooms that are not served by the sky box, but now it’s almost impossible.
Who is responsible for this change, and can anything be done to improve the reception.
Name supplied.
The Gloucester Street Closure, 11th - 15th February.- 4/2/19
Spoke with Thames Water this morning. Is there provision for displaced parking? “No".
This will close the car park then? “No you will still be able to get to it”.
Fine, but then you will be stuck there for the week, as it's a one way Street — unless you are planning a two way exemption?
‘Ah, but have you seen the diversion map?” I replied that I had and it allows for through traffic only, not residential access.
What access arrangements have been planned for Residents? “Er, don’t know, let me have your details and I will get back to you."
then later in the day
Just heard from Thames Water, Gloucester Street will become two-way up to the library and car park.
Happy days! Mike.
The Elms- Faringdon Grammar School for Girls - 4/2/19
I'm in the process of creating a section on the Faringdon Community website about The Elms
See http://www.faringdon.org/the-elms.html hopefully this will be of interest and jog your memory
Would you help?
I look forward to hearing from you genewebb@rocketmail.com
Problem with emails to this site- 3/2/19
I have just discovered that some ( but not all) of your emails have been sent to my Yahoo Bulk folder. I have no idea why, but will be investigating. In the meantime, if you haven't had your post actioned apologies!!. I will be checking the Bulk folder until I know it's sorted.
Gene
SENIOR CITIZENS’ TEA PARTY - 3/2/19
The Faringdon & District Rotary Club annual Senior Citizens’ Tea Party will take place this year on Saturday 6th April 3pm at Faringdon Community College.
We will be delivering invitations in good time as usual to all those on our list and transport will be provided for those who need it. Numbers are limited by venue capacity so if you know of a family member, neighbour or friend who is not on the list and would like to attend, please contact Tim Gerry on 01367 241596.
ROTARY YOUTH LEADERSHIP AWARD - 3/2/19
Are you or do you know of a young adult aged between 18 and 25 who might be interested in taking part in our Rotary Youth Leadership Award? The course takes place at a specially adapted centre in the Snowdonia National Park, North Wales. There is no cost to candidates as they are met by Faringdon Rotary Club. The week-long course is about developing qualities of leadership, team working, initiative, communication and problem-solving including activities such as abseiling, navigation, canoeing, sailing, high ropes.
Faringdon Rotary have sponsored one or two participants for the past few years who have returned full of confidence having had an amazing and fun experience. This is a fantastic opportunity to have fun, learn leadership skills and impress future employers/universities. The experience will look great on the young person’s CV or UCAS application and can help towards the Gold Duke of Edinburgh award.
The next programme takes place from 20 – 27 July 2019. Candidates must have reached 18 years of age on the first day of the course.
To find out more or if you know anyone who might be interested please message us on Facebook, visit our website or contact Rotarian Stuart Spencer telephone: 07980 446110 email: scs1@live.co.uk Faringdon & District Rotary Club can be found at: www.facebook.com/faringdon.rotary Website: www.faringdonrotaryclub.org
Street Lights - 3/2/19
If most of the street lights in Faringdon are not being fixed for many months do we still have to pay for that part of our council tax?
Lansdown Road is in complete darkness
Jill De-bank
Ed: I'm sure you've done this- but just in case. Report it via:
https://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/residents/roads-and-transport/street-maintenance-z/street-lighting
Re: Petrol prices in Faringdon. - 3/2/19
It is sad to say that is a topic that comes up many times both here and on the Faringdon Facebook page. The garage claim they price match to BP and BP are always going to be pricey in that location. I do remember a time when it was the cheapest and people would flock to Faringdon to fill up there. The problem is though that people do stop and fill up and it staggers me as to why they do? Whilst they continue to use it the garage will not change. In short you have to accept people like to waste money. Accept it and just go elsewhere for your fuel. It is not great but nothing is going to stop them soon.
Name Supplied
Fuel prices in and around Faringdon are a joke - 3/2/19
Totally agree with Grumpy old man.I am also known as that but with justification.I have not used the local garages for years, they charge what they like and get away with it. I always fill up in Swindon and save 15p a litre. Also how can they charge 1-38.9 whats that all about nobody else pays for anything with a point 9,how do they get away with that.
Name supplied.
Ghost town, - 3/2/19
with all the shops and pubs etc closed down in Faringdon it's become a ghost town and it's sad to see. Mind you there a hundreds of new houses going up. Problem with that is where are all the amenities for them all? Town planners you are in the wrong job it's no good expanding with out proper infrastructure.
Name supplied
VOLUNTEERS wanted - 1/2/19
If you like chatting, playing games or helping people, then you might be the person we are looking for to support our work at Faringdon Day Centre.
The Centre is a friendly meeting place for older people, providing a range of activities as well as a freshly-cooked lunch. We need additional regular volunteers for a couple of hours each Monday or Thursday morning, staying over lunchtime if possible.
We can guarantee an enjoyable morning with great company at the same time as helping some of our elderly residents.
Call our Supervisor Annamaria on 07523 116 918 and she would be delighted to give you more information.
Henley-on-Thames will be the start location for stage three of the OVO Energy Women’s Tour professional cycling race. Full details of the Oxfordshire route were revealed at a ceremony at the town’s Leander Club – home to rowing greats like Sir Steve Redgrave CBE and Rebecca Romero – on Monday 15 April.
The famous South Oxfordshire town will host a Big Bike Breakfast on the morning of the race, Wednesday 12 June. Crowds will line the streets, cheering off participants on the 145 kilometre-leg that will finish outside Blenheim Palace in West Oxfordshire.
Elite cyclist Sophie Wright announced that Oxfordshire’s race section will start from Market Place in the centre of Henley.
Oxfordshire’s county, city and district councils announced last month that a stage of the OVO Energy Women’s Tour, the UK’s most prestigious women’s cycle race, had been agreed to race through the county for the next three years, in partnership with event organisers SweetSpot Group.
From Henley, stage three will traverse the Chilterns via Pishill to Watlington, before returning via the climb of Britwell Hill to Sonning Common and Goring.
Crossing the River Thames at Wallingford, the route will pass through Didcot, Harwell and Wantage, crossing the Vale of White Horse to Faringdon, before looping through the West Oxfordshire towns of Burford, Charlbury and finally Woodstock in the closing kilometres.
More details and map
Meet the candidates. Monday 29th April - 17/4/19
Faringdon Business Centre, Volunteer Way, 7pm
Your chance to hear, meet and speak with some of the candidates taking part in the Faringdon Town Council elections in May.
If you are a candidate and would like the opportunity to showcase yourself, please get in touch so we can add you to the list of those already agreeing to take part.
More details to follow...
Thanks to Faringdon Business Park for the use of their facilities.
Bowling Club- new season - 10/4/19
Another bowling season for the club and, as ever, we are on the lookout for new members. We are opening the green on Sunday 14th but the Open Friday Nights will not start until 26th, April as it’s Good Friday on 19th.
See poster
Trevor Durrant
Local elections - 10/4/19
Please put the 2nd of May in your diary. We have Town Council elections. It would be fantastic to have everyone turn up and vote. I look forward to seeing you all there. Here is a list of all the candidates.
Kiera Alexandra BENTLEY
Jane BOULTON
David Jeffrey BROWN
Rosalind Ann BURNS
Beverley Jean CAPEWELL
Peter Stewart CASTLE
Jared Henley CRANE
James Olusanya FAMAKIN
Julie Caroline FARMER
Angela Margaret FINN
Mark Tobias GREENWOOD
Steve LENIEC
Andrew John Townend MARSDEN
Lucy Elizabeth MARTIN
Kim MORGAN
Stephen SMITH
Liz SWALLOW
Bethia Jane THOMAS
Mike WISE
Julie Farmer
Activities in VWHDC area ( including Faringdon) - 8/4/129
Walking football, swimming, walking netball(Shrivenham) Pickle Ball( Stanford)
https://www.getoxfordshireactive.org/vale-of-white-horse
Spring Newsletter from White Horse Practice Patient group - 4/4/19
See http://www.whitehorsepracticeppg.org.uk/
KBS Prescriptions
National GP survey Prescription charges
Online health access
Same day appointments
Health research
Docs’ timetable
Are you a carer?
Physio and podiatry clinics
MIND & CAB advice
Earwax
Witney hospital
Stroke alerts
Gynaecology
Over 55s activities at the Leisure Centre- 4/4/19
Swimming 5 sessions for £5, for registered diabetes sufferers see poster
Walking Football from June 5th see poster
Airport Tales A comedy by Carol Libman- 3/4/19
Friday 17 May 2019 - Saturday 18 May 2019
Buscot Park Theatre, Lechlade Road, Buscot SN7 8BU
Directed by Darka Makarec for GLT
Produced by Gary Field for FDS
Performance starts 7:30 pm. Doors open 30 minutes earlier.
Tickets: £10 - includes a drink
Online Box Office (OPEN - Please note that tickets may not be available here on the day of the performance.)
Online booking only. Buscot Park will be open to theatre-goers from 6:30pm. Picnics welcome. Seating is limited to 50 per night so please book your seats early; consequently on Wednesday 15th May there will also be a special performance for FDS members and their families only.
Performed in collaboration with the Garrison Little Theatre from Fort Erie, Ontario, Canada. GLT will have already completed five performances of this play in Fort Erie during April, before coming to us.
‘Airport Tales‘ is a light-hearted, entertaining, funny and above all human onstage “Road Movie” … at 30,000 feet. The indomitable Evalina, journeying back to the old homestead to celebrate her 90th birthday, battles and conquers all the security checks, seat-mate problems, lost luggage and a somewhat fraught family reunion.
GLT first came to Faringdon in September 2007 to perform ‘Lend Me a Tenor‘. Then again in October 2011 to perform a joint production of ‘London Suite‘, followed by ‘Office Hours’ in May 2015. We are looking forward to meeting them again this year for a fourth time.
http://www.faringdondramatic.org.uk/
CALLING ALL GARDENERS - 2/4/19
Please can you help us stock our stall on Saturday 4th May?
All kinds of plants gratefully received.
Please bring plants ready labelled to the Market Place at 9 am on 4th May
or contact one of us about alternative arrangements:
Pam de Wit 243331 Julia Burn 240670/email: julia@theburns.name
and buy plants from Do Something Green – Grow your Own
Visit our PLANT STALL in Faringdon Market Place, Saturday 4th May 10 a.m. – 12.30
All plant stall proceeds will be given to the Folly Tower & Woodland Trust
Organised by Churches Together in Faringdon EARTH & FAITH
See poster
Planning permission sought.10 Market Place /1 London Street Faringdon SN7 7HL- 28/3/19
Internal alterations to convert existing offices into residential accommodation on the first and second floor of a three storey end of terrace property to provide two self-contained lettable flats with two bedrooms each; including modern bathroom and kitchen facilities.
But no parking
This is the African Children's fund charity shop- Cheltenham and Gloucester years ago
http://www.whitehorsedc.gov.uk/java/support/Main.jsp?MODULE=ApplicationDetails&REF=P19/V0668/FUL#exactline
Faringdon Country market - 28/3/19
Faringdon Country Market will not be open on Good Friday ( 19th April) but will move to Saturday, 20th April.
Corn Exchange, 09.15 to 11.00 am.
Planning permission sought- for a Spa at Sudbury House - 20/3/19
Proposed extension to Sudbury House, Faringdon to create a new spa with swimming pool area, changing rooms, spa treatment rooms, lounge, dining area, as well as a gym. An additional 30 car parking spaces and cycle parking provisions will also be included.
Target decision 8/5/19
http://www.whitehorsedc.gov.uk/java/support/Main.jsp?MODULE=ApplicationDetails&REF=P19/V0646/FUL#exactline
A big thank you from Faringdon Rotary - 20/3/19
..................to all who have helped us in our fund-raising. Here is just some of the support it has enabled us to provide:
Young Carers, Rotary Youth Leadership Award (RYLA) Outward Bound Course, Faringdon FAAAZE including annual trip to Cotswold Wildlife Park, Ferendune Court, Senior Citizens’ Annual Tea Party, Youth Speaks Competitions, The Pump House Project, Vale Tridents, Faringdon, The Place, Family & Childrens Project Faringdon, Bromsgrove Day Centre, Festive Faringdon & Christmas Lights-On, Oxfordshire Motor Neuron Disease Association, Kabwata Primary School, Zambia, Nepal - Earthquake Appeal and HORAC Home for Child Rescue, First Responders, Faringdon, Clanfield, Southmoor & Longworth Pre-Schools, Longworth Primary School, Kingsmoor Community Club, Hinton Waldrist, Town Defibrillator, Life Education Bus for Schools, Faringdon Scouts, Interact (Rotary Youth), RotaKids, Faringdon Netball Club, Helen & Douglas House, Late Spring for the bereaved, Thames Valley Air Ambulance, Riding for the Disabled, Southmoor, Shelter Box & Water Aid, Polio Eradication Programme, Sierra Leone Ebola Orphans
Michael Bell
District Council Elections May 2019- 19/3/19
Prospective Candidates are (I believe):-
David Barron Conservative ( current Town Mayor , Town Councillor 2/3 years)
David Price Conservative ( former Town Councillor)
David Grant Liberal Democrat
Bethia Thomas Liberal Democrat. (Current Town Councillor since 2018)
Steve Leniec Labour ( Town councillor of many many years)
Al Cane Labour ( current town councillor, 2/3 years)
Formal nomination process starts next week ends 3/4/19
Ed
Faringdon- 18/3/19
What is "badmouthing" and moaning to some, is quite justified criticism to others. We who also care about Faringdon, will call those to account who make decisions which directly affect us.
Yes, similar problems are occurring all over the County, but that doesn't make them right or acceptable. If your retired and your children are grown up then maybe your lucky, but with School capacity and funding issues, water and sewage problems, longer and longer commutes to work then things are on a downturn for many.
I do hope that Faringdon will one day be as thriving as Wantage or Abingdon.
Regards Mark
Music Marathon- A Weekend of Music, Art and Dance Sat 11th, Sun 12th May - 17/3/19
Corn Exchange Faringdon
Showcasing Local Talent
Proceeds towards Faringdon Childrens' Cycle Training park
Details will be added to https://farcycles.weebly.com/folly-sports-park.html
See poster
Hear, hear from me too. - 16/3/19
I recently fractured my elbow in the park at Crystal Palace. I was treated at Lewisham A&E and had surgery to wire the elbow the following day. I was with family in Honor Oak for a week and well looked after.
But on my return to Faringdon I was immediately able to relax in my own home with caring neighbours. The first day I ventured tentatively into town I was stopped by no fewer than a dozen people. Some were friends, some acquaintances, some shopkeepers. All showed genuine concern, equally genuine offers of help, and I felt I had come home to an ordinary little market town, with an extraordinary capacity to care.
So...please stop badmouthing Faringdon. I have never regretted moving here from Reading, and will happily spend the rest of my life here.
Lynn Pettit
Faringdon is charming- 14/3/19
To name supplied 13/3. Please don't be discouraged. Faringdon IS a charming market town. Yes, a lot of the street lights are out but the days are getting longer and, hopefully they will be fixed before winter. The traffic is no worse than anywhere else. The TV and phone signal are excellent where I live. As for resentment, you will find people with something to moan about wherever you live. Yes, some shops are closing but others are opening.
Faringdon has a lot going for it and I wouldn't live anywhere else. I hope your offer is successful and if it is;
Welcome to Faringdon and I hope your stay will be long and, I'm sure, happy.
Dennis Haynes
Ed: Hear Hear
Calor 2019 Rural Community Fund - 14/3/19Calor Gas have just announced that they looking for applications for £70,000 worth of funding, available to local communities.
There will be 21 grants worth up to £5000 each for deserving causes, such as decorating a community centre, new equipment for scout groups, etc. To get all the details and to apply go to www.calor.co.uk/communityfund.
Applications for entries close on Monday 29th April.
Temp Road Closures in Faringdon - 13/3/19
See http://faringdontowncouncil.gov.uk/
Southampton St, Gloucester St, Skinner's Alley- but not all at the same time!
Faringdon - 13/3/19
I just wish I'd read all of this a couple of weeks ago. I've just made an offer on a very nice house in Faringdon, thinking it was a charming market town. Now I hear that it has bad street lighting, bad tv and phone signals, traffic problems, resentment for the new housing, shops closing down........
Oh dear!
Name Supplied
Bohemian Rhapsody (12A) to be screened on Friday 29th March is SOLD OUT- 12/3/19
Thank you to everyone who supports the community cinema.
Faringdon Regent Cinema in The Corn Exchange
For future cinema screenings please visit www.faringdontowncouncil.gov.uk
Folly Tower Annual meeting Thursday March 21st - 7/3/19
7pm till 8.30pm in the Faringdon United Church at the junction of Gravel Walk and Coxwell Street.
Please come along for an update on the progress we have made during last year and hear about our plans for the forthcoming season.
If you'd like to volunteer, do come along .
www.faringdonfolly.org.uk
Folly Facebook
Propagation. Mystery or simplicity? Free event - 5/3/19
How to get many plants for next to nothing. Paul Gray
Recently retired to Faringdon Paul has been a Gardener for well over 40 years including many years as a Head Gardener for the National Trust. Paul would describe himself as a very hands on gardener and loves every aspect of nature.
Having given many talks over the years to small and large organisations Paul always tries to inspire everyone from the first step amateur to fellow professionals.
On Friday 15th March at 17.45 Paul will be speaking about propagation at Faringdon Library.
An illustrated talk with lots of practical demonstration.
There will also be an open question time afterwards.
The Community Bus is back in service - 5/3/19
re: Gt Coxwell junction with A420 - 4/3/19
Before they started building any houses on Steeds farm, the plan the developers showed to me had a roundabout and slip roads there. That was conveniently forgotten/shelved. I don't believe a word of what the developers and council promise. Just look for the new Primary School that was supposed to open Sept. 2016. it's still a green field.
Regards Grumpy Old man
ED: I'd heard it said that the differing levels of the land between Coxwell Road/old A420 and the A420 made a roundabout unsuitable.
Re: Gt Coxwell junction with A420 - 4/3/19
... sounds like another case of the infrastructure arriving well after the houses are built & sold (assuming the money from the developers ever arrives..)
Name Supplied
Ed: One agreement says something like 'when 50 houses are occupied or a design plan is in place which ever is the later' There are 2 other agreements involved. Judith Heathcoat says some money is being spent on design- so I guess some has been received
The Bell's mural- 3/3/19
One gets used to losing things as the years pass, and I guess the pretty mural in The Bell was always at risk, so I wasn't particularly surprised to be told by an out of town correspondent it has been painted over. I haven't myself been into The Bell lately so I can't definitely confirm the painting's demise. In case the report is true, I thought it would be nice if something about the artist was recorded somewhere for Faringdon people to read. If it's not gone then the following might persuade whoever now owns The Bell to value the mural more.
Anthony Edward George Baynes (1921-2003) was a painter, illustrator, muralist, furniture decorator and theatre and stained glass designer. Born in New Zealand, he came to London where he studied at the Slade School of Art, partly during its wartime relocation to Oxford, where his fellow students included Kyffin Williams and Bernard Dunstan, and later at the British School of Archaeology in Greece. He remained in the Mediterranean for some years, where he painted, travelled and occasionally taught. In the early 1960s he returned to England and settled in the village of Minster Lovell, near Burford, near Oxfordshire.
He illustrated and designed book jackets for The Cretan Runner by George Pschoudakes (1955), Europa Minor: Travels in coastal Turkey by Lord Kinross (1956) and Hide and Seek by Xan Fielding (1954). Among his work as a muralist he executed schemes for Portsmouth town hall; the naval barracks in Portsmouth and Plymouth; Solihull Civic Hall; the Stock Exchange dining room and many church and private commissions. His work combines Greek and Byzantine style with Neo-Romanticism in the manner of Rex Whistler, John Minton and John Caxton. He was a regular exhibitor in Oxfordshire and held one man shows in London and Athens
John King
Please can anyone help or know someone who may be able to help.- 3/3/19
I am desperately trying to move to a 3 bed property. Have done everything the council and sovereign have asked and have been bidding for 3 years. Have come 1st on 8 properties but all deemed unsuitable as are new builds and can't be adapted or are unsuitable for adaptation. I need a stair lift and level access shower or a 3 bed bungalow / flat.
I have been offered a house already adapted for my needs but because of an OT that met for half an hour she is saying she won't support my move because of concern for my children's safety if they are upstairs arguing or if there is a fire!!!
Sovereign have said they can't go against this recommendation.
What the hell do I do know?!?!
Helen Cooper
Ed: Roger Cox and Mohinder Kainth are our DIsrict councillors- contact details on VWHDC website
White Doves - 3/3/19
White doves
Since last November a flock of about 13 white doves spends its days in my garden. Has anyone any idea where they might have come from?
Mary Beck
S106 money for Faringdon Library - 2/3/19
Judith Heathcoat ( our County Councillor) is investigating firstly how much money is available through S106 ( at least £70k has to be spent by Jan 2022 else it must be returned to the housing developer) for the library, and then planning how it should be spent.
The rooms above the library are now unused (except the History Room). The library would benefit from moveable shelving such that the space could be used more flexibly used by the Community.
Ed
Traffic Advisory meeting 1/3/19 - 2/3/19
- Faringdon pavements, Market Square. It will be known if there will be funding to repair and improve these by the end of March 2019
- Gt Coxwell junction with A420. In design stage- for traffic lights. Funding has to be received from the developers. Completion unlikely within 12 months
- LTP5 (Local transport plan) to be published this year.
- Various repairs scheduled- Gloucester St, Southampton St see www.roadworks.org/ - OCC engineer said all roadworks for next 3 months were on here
- £40k s106 money earmarked for a Better ways to school scheme (no longer active) will be used to improve cycling across Faringdon.
- Responsibility for failed Pothole repairs was questioned. To be investigated
- A420 safety being questioned. OCC traffic engs believe it is within bounds. Judith Heathcoat to write to Ed Vaisey. Government money is needed to improve safety aspects. It was felt that improving crossing places in some locations would encourage more people to use the buses.
- Civil Parking enforcement is under consideration. VWHDC at Feasibility stage. OCC have agreed in principle. They will need to apply to the Minister to get the proper permissions. It seems it will be a long time yet- it was suggested that at least 3 years is needed for the planning and implementation.
- FTC have asked for advice about enforcement of parking in spaces between Pump House and Lloyds that was
Faringdon in Bloom 2019 - 28/2/19
Faringdon in Bloom 2019 is set to be a fun and exciting competition and free to enter. Categories will include best large garden, best small garden, best allotment, best business floral display, best business hanging basket, best wildlife garden, best patio garden, best new garden, Joy to the community and best junior miniature garden.
Judging will take place on the of 21st, 22nd and 23rd of June 2019. If you would like to take part simply download an application form from Faringdon Town Council website or collect a form from the Information Centre in the Pump House.
Winners will receive engraved trophies, and certificates will be given for Highly Commended achievements in each category.
We look forward to seeing all this year’s entries.
Faringdon Town Council
http://faringdontowncouncil.gov.uk/faringdon-in-bloom/
Thurs 28th- Community Bus- no service- 27/2/19
Still waiting to be repaired
Community Bus service discontinued until Thurs 28th- 22/2/19
The FCB is out of order until at least Wednesday of next week due to the passenger door being inoperable and therefore unsafe for passenger transport. The earliest it can be fixed is Wednesday. Apologies for the inconvenience to our passengers. Normal service will be resumed when the door has been fixed - hopefully Thursday (28th).
Litter Pick Sat 23rd Feb - 21/2/19
We are planning a one hour litter pick on Saturday 23rd Feb from 3-4 pm. Meet at 17 Coxwell Road, and we should be finished in time for cream tea and the rugby.
Top of Highworth Road is our target.
Please bring litter picker if you have one, protective gloves (gardening gloves work well) and hi viz gilets
Lyn and David Williamson
RIP Faringdon- 17/2/19
Having lived in Faringdon all my 45 life, Faringdon was a nice small town to live in with nice small shops and Tuesday market stalls and friendly faces, Now it’s just a dead quiet town place with countless knock up houses springing up all over. No employment schools bursting full and new residents traveling to Oxford or Swindon for there place of work as they either moved from Oxford or Swindon to live here!!
Not good for climate change or environment and don’t give anything back to the community.. The good old old days of Faringdon have gone
rip.
Re: Tesco meat and fish counter- 16/2/19
I personally don't see the problem when there is a fabulous team working at Pat Thomas Butchers in town. They provide quality meats a great service and have been there a heck of lot longer than Tesco.
Granted they don't do fresh fish.
The tescos do pretty well and will still do well there as all the staff are friendly and welcoming so closing a non profitable section is not going to stop customers.
Support your local butchers and whilst actually in the town itself stop for a coffee or something.
Rob
Tesco meat and fish counter - 14/2/19
We learnt today from the very helpful and friendly lady who runs the Tesco Faringdon fresh meat and fish counter that it will be closing soon after Easter as part of Tesco's cost-cutting strategy. This is unwelcome news for those of us who are regular (and frequent) buyers of fresh meat and fish.
By closing it, Tesco are removing perhaps the only Unique Selling Point the store has in comparison with the other two Faringdon supermarkets. It's also a facility where one gets personal and knowledgeable service. Apparently, it makes a loss but this ignores that fact that its existence brings people into the store who then buy other things. The counter should be considered a real asset even as a 'loss leader'. We don't know what to do about this other than contacting Tesco (we'll start with local management) and see what response we get.
Maybe others could do something similar? It would be such a pity to lose this!
Peter and Elizabeth Smith
Queen’s Arms photo - 13/2/19
Ref. The posting asking for photographs of the Queen’s Arms:
There’s a photograph of the Queen’s Arms on another page of the site (http://www.faringdon.org/faringdon-pubs.html).
Tony Tarry
2019 Questionnaire for children and young people in Oxfordshire - 12/2/19
....please tell us how supported you feel by the services you use.
Voxy (Voice of Oxfordshire's Youth) and the Children’s Trust Board would like feedback from all children and young people in Oxfordshire, aged 8 - 18 and up to 25 with additional needs, about how supported they feel by the services they use. Services include: schools/colleges, youth clubs, social workers, job clubs, health services etc. - but could be any services that provide help and support, or affect your life in some way.
'Be Supported' is one of the 4 focus areas of the Oxfordshire Children and Young People’s Plan 2018 – 2021, which is sponsored by the Children's Trust and has been developed through discussion with partners including asking children and young people what is important to them.
More information and link to survey
Oxfordshire CC
Vasectomy survey -12/2/19
You may be aware that Oxfordshire CCG is considering two options for the future provision of the NHS vasectomy service:
- decommission the service completely;
- retain the service, but introduce eligibility criteria.
OCCG has now launched a six week 'engagement' to seek views on these proposals.
The link to more information and the online survey is below- you might need to register on Talking Health if you've not already done so.
The survey has just started and will finish on Friday 8 March. The process will include two focus groups (10 per group), Richard would like a rep from each Locality (possibly the Forum Chair) to attend a group and help with the running of the group. He would also welcome suggestions as to suitable venues for the focus groups - should be easy to access and centrally situated, as he plans to invite people with learning or physical disabilities, carers, men’s groups, etc. Please let me know a.s.a.p. if you'd like to be involved in a focus group.
See the link below for further information.
https://consultoxfordshireccg.nhs.uk/consult.ti/Vasectomy/consultationHome
Council Elections this May- 11/2/19
I've heard that neither Roger Cox or Mohinder Kainth, our VWHDC councillors, are standing at the election in May. I wonder who is to stand for the conservative party- or any other party for that matter
Name Supplied
The Queens Arms - 10/2/19
We recently moved into the house on Coxwell Street that used to be the piano shop, prior to that The Pink Elephant and earlier than that, The Queens arms.
We know a bit about it’s two later incarnations but would love to know what the house was like as The Queens Arms, who ran it and lived here, when that pub closed and what it looked like. Does anyone have an old photo of it?
Look forward to hearing any memories and stories.
Name Supplied
Leisure Centre improvements - 9/2/19
Extract from Roger Cox's report to FTC
Faringdon Leisure Centre. The cabinet at its meeting on 18 January 2019 approved the appointment of a suitable contractor via delegated authority to the head of community services in conjunction with the cabinet member for community services. This appointment would be made if the tendered sum was within the approved budget of £177,500 and the works comply with the required specification. The project will involve the refurbishment of the wet side changing facilities, shower facilities, lockers, steel frameworks and sauna/steam areas. Utilising Section 106 monies for this purpose will ensure that the Council continues to invest in its capital assets without the need to draw on its own capital budget. It is anticipated that work will start in April.
The s106 agreements funding this work arises from:-
- S106 12V42 - Development of Land Opposite Shrivenham Hundred Business Park - £35,391.89
- S106 13V01 – Land South of Faringdon Road, Southmoor - £14,723.01
- S106 13V25 - Cowan’s Camp Depot, Watchfield- £42,357.85
- S106 15V23 - Land to rear of Station Road Uffington- £13,307.30
- S106 16V15 - Land off Field Close, Kingston Bagpuize - £71,734.04
Faringdon defibrillator map - 7/2/19
Here's a copy
I think the committee are looking for places to display them. Maybe you could put one up somewhere.
Contact faringdonpad@gmail.com
FARINGDON FOLLY STAR - 7/2/19
- not just for Christmas but for all the dark nights since. Thank you Peter White and Folly Volunteers for this welcoming beacon along the A420, and the glimpses of the Star that you get from many spots in the town - real winter cheer!
Pam de Wit
Faringdon Grammar School - 7/2/19
Did you go to this school, or know someone who did? I'm gathering information about it- from the start in 1920s until the comprehensive system came in.
Do have a look at http://www.faringdon.org/the-elms.html
Would love to hear memories, photos- maybe the grounds, the classrooms+++
Thanks very much
Gene
Become a councillor - 6/2/19
FARINGDON TOWN COUNCIL is calling on residents, passionate about their community to stand in the local elections in 2019.What do councillors do?
Councillors are the champions of their community and give residents a voice on the decisions the council makes. Becoming a councillor will allow you to make a real difference in your community by engaging with residents, local groups and businesses to find out their needs; making decisions on which services and projects the council should take forward; and getting involved locally to ensure the services are meeting your community’s needs.
http://faringdontowncouncil.gov.uk/become-a-councillor/
The Faringdon PAD Committee AGM - 5/2/19
......will be taking place on Wednesday 6th February at a re-arranged location - Faringdon Tennis Club - Folly Sports Park - Stanford Road Faringdon at 8.00pm.
The committee consists of a group of local volunteers who support and assist with the installation, support for funding and the education of our community in the use of AED's (Defibrillators), that can save the lives of those who suffer a Sudden Cardiac Arrest. Over 90.000 citizens in the UK suffer a cardiac arrest in 'out of hospital' situations and many could be saved from the 'shock' from an AED when available in the local community and before an ambulance arrives.
With the help of local funds we have been able to produce a map and information concerning the location of Public Access Defibrillators in Faringdon - If you would be interested in supporting or placing a PAD in your area of Faringdon then please come and talk to us or make contact using the details below.
As Chair of this committee and committed Community First Responder (SCAS) Faringdon and District Team, I invite any interested parties to attend our AGM, hear of our work and future plans and if you wish, to join us in our work on behalf of the Faringdon Community. You only need to have an interest - no medical skills or knowledge required!
Please contact me - Malcolm Gee - malcolm@the5gees.plus.com or faringdonpad@gmail.com M: 07796 572752 for further information.
FURTHER SUPPORT - Please place your Blue tokens in the Faringdon Tesco 'bags of help' box marked AEDDONATE to assist us in fundraising towards the purchase and support of local community Defibrillators.
Thank you
Malcolm Gee
re- TV reception.- 5/2/19
I wonder if a change to the Mobile phone signal may be interfering with your TV reception. There has been an increase in the signal strength as we live on the edge of Faringdon and can now get a 4G phone signal, which before very recently was unavailable.
Regards
Grumpy Old Man
Re: TV Reception:- 5/2/19
Firstly you need to have a high enough pole with which to have your arial on and have it pointing towards Oxford as this will be the best Freeview signal to pickup.
Secondly there has been a few changes but the key thing is don't let your device Autotune as you will get a mixed set of results and it not work correctly.
To really get it right do a full automatic tune with the arial unplugged to begin with. This is to make sure nothing is still getting picked up. Save that list of 0 channels and 0 radio stations.
Next plug in the arial and then select Manual tuning (You will need to check your device guide on where to get this).
The manual channels you will want to search are:
41, 44, 29, 37, 31 and then for the HD you want 47 and 55.
Save the results and you should then be all good to go.
There is no major changes due for a little bit now other than minor changes which won't require a retune.
Finally please note that when you retune you will lose any scheduled reminders or planned recordings so you will need to reset them once you have your channels all tuned in.
Hope that helps
Rob.
TV Reception- 5/2/19
Talking to neighbours, we are all receiving a very poor reception when watching tv through the arial.
What has happened to the reception in the last month or so. What has changed with the tv signal. Until then, we have had no problems whatsoever in watching tv in rooms that are not served by the sky box, but now it’s almost impossible.
Who is responsible for this change, and can anything be done to improve the reception.
Name supplied.
The Gloucester Street Closure, 11th - 15th February.- 4/2/19
Spoke with Thames Water this morning. Is there provision for displaced parking? “No".
This will close the car park then? “No you will still be able to get to it”.
Fine, but then you will be stuck there for the week, as it's a one way Street — unless you are planning a two way exemption?
‘Ah, but have you seen the diversion map?” I replied that I had and it allows for through traffic only, not residential access.
What access arrangements have been planned for Residents? “Er, don’t know, let me have your details and I will get back to you."
then later in the day
Just heard from Thames Water, Gloucester Street will become two-way up to the library and car park.
Happy days! Mike.
The Elms- Faringdon Grammar School for Girls - 4/2/19
I'm in the process of creating a section on the Faringdon Community website about The Elms
See http://www.faringdon.org/the-elms.html hopefully this will be of interest and jog your memory
Would you help?
- Photos of memorabilia- prefect badges, hats, uniform, posture girdle++
- Pictures of the grounds, buildings, class rooms and the wonderful Cedar of Lebanon
- Full names of Miss A Grizel Bell and Miss Osborne?
- School rules
- memories
I look forward to hearing from you genewebb@rocketmail.com
Problem with emails to this site- 3/2/19
I have just discovered that some ( but not all) of your emails have been sent to my Yahoo Bulk folder. I have no idea why, but will be investigating. In the meantime, if you haven't had your post actioned apologies!!. I will be checking the Bulk folder until I know it's sorted.
Gene
SENIOR CITIZENS’ TEA PARTY - 3/2/19
The Faringdon & District Rotary Club annual Senior Citizens’ Tea Party will take place this year on Saturday 6th April 3pm at Faringdon Community College.
We will be delivering invitations in good time as usual to all those on our list and transport will be provided for those who need it. Numbers are limited by venue capacity so if you know of a family member, neighbour or friend who is not on the list and would like to attend, please contact Tim Gerry on 01367 241596.
ROTARY YOUTH LEADERSHIP AWARD - 3/2/19
Are you or do you know of a young adult aged between 18 and 25 who might be interested in taking part in our Rotary Youth Leadership Award? The course takes place at a specially adapted centre in the Snowdonia National Park, North Wales. There is no cost to candidates as they are met by Faringdon Rotary Club. The week-long course is about developing qualities of leadership, team working, initiative, communication and problem-solving including activities such as abseiling, navigation, canoeing, sailing, high ropes.
Faringdon Rotary have sponsored one or two participants for the past few years who have returned full of confidence having had an amazing and fun experience. This is a fantastic opportunity to have fun, learn leadership skills and impress future employers/universities. The experience will look great on the young person’s CV or UCAS application and can help towards the Gold Duke of Edinburgh award.
The next programme takes place from 20 – 27 July 2019. Candidates must have reached 18 years of age on the first day of the course.
To find out more or if you know anyone who might be interested please message us on Facebook, visit our website or contact Rotarian Stuart Spencer telephone: 07980 446110 email: scs1@live.co.uk Faringdon & District Rotary Club can be found at: www.facebook.com/faringdon.rotary Website: www.faringdonrotaryclub.org
Street Lights - 3/2/19
If most of the street lights in Faringdon are not being fixed for many months do we still have to pay for that part of our council tax?
Lansdown Road is in complete darkness
Jill De-bank
Ed: I'm sure you've done this- but just in case. Report it via:
https://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/residents/roads-and-transport/street-maintenance-z/street-lighting
Re: Petrol prices in Faringdon. - 3/2/19
It is sad to say that is a topic that comes up many times both here and on the Faringdon Facebook page. The garage claim they price match to BP and BP are always going to be pricey in that location. I do remember a time when it was the cheapest and people would flock to Faringdon to fill up there. The problem is though that people do stop and fill up and it staggers me as to why they do? Whilst they continue to use it the garage will not change. In short you have to accept people like to waste money. Accept it and just go elsewhere for your fuel. It is not great but nothing is going to stop them soon.
Name Supplied
Fuel prices in and around Faringdon are a joke - 3/2/19
Totally agree with Grumpy old man.I am also known as that but with justification.I have not used the local garages for years, they charge what they like and get away with it. I always fill up in Swindon and save 15p a litre. Also how can they charge 1-38.9 whats that all about nobody else pays for anything with a point 9,how do they get away with that.
Name supplied.
Ghost town, - 3/2/19
with all the shops and pubs etc closed down in Faringdon it's become a ghost town and it's sad to see. Mind you there a hundreds of new houses going up. Problem with that is where are all the amenities for them all? Town planners you are in the wrong job it's no good expanding with out proper infrastructure.
Name supplied
VOLUNTEERS wanted - 1/2/19
If you like chatting, playing games or helping people, then you might be the person we are looking for to support our work at Faringdon Day Centre.
The Centre is a friendly meeting place for older people, providing a range of activities as well as a freshly-cooked lunch. We need additional regular volunteers for a couple of hours each Monday or Thursday morning, staying over lunchtime if possible.
We can guarantee an enjoyable morning with great company at the same time as helping some of our elderly residents.
Call our Supervisor Annamaria on 07523 116 918 and she would be delighted to give you more information.
Rob the Cheese to retire end of March - 30/1/19
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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.