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july 2010


Charity bag collections. - 31/7/10

I may live in a less well off area of the town, Pitts estate ; BUT why have we around here had 3 different "charity collection bags".
I say "charity" as in each case, the people who pick up the bags take at least 50% of the offerings and in 1 case the charity gets hardly anything!
Dont call that charity. I only give to the Salvation Army as I know that 100% of the stuff I give away will go to them
Colin
Vodafone - 31/7/10

i was told by vodafone it was something to do with not having a 3g and should on2g so spent 2hours on the phone with vodafone with them instructing me how to switch my phone over to the 2g and gms settings but phone still not working think changing my phone settings has made it worse .
do these vodafone tectnections know what they are doing or are they just people who have mobile phone so that makes them experts i wonder
Sandra
Vodafone - 30/7/10

Further to Martins update from vodaphone - the information with regards to 3G was exactly the story I was told when I called to ask Vodafone if the problem was being rectified. (Called using the number shown on the website for contract customers). Thank goodness we have this forum to get correct information. After taking time to try and switch my phone from a servce that was never there with obviously with no success I gave in and gave it to my 2 year old safe in the knowledge that for once she would not run up a huge bill.

Thanks Martin for the update and sorry to anyone who like me acted on the misinformation and wasted time trying to get to grips with the tech!
Name Supplied
land line(b.t) - 30/7/10

i also had problems with my landline and it took b.t 4 days to resolve the problem .no mention of any compension .i didnt even get a phone call to say mine had been fixed was stuck as my mobile was not getting a signal niether(vodafone).
so didnt have any means to call any one .and i still think theres a problem with b.t line
Sandra

Vodafone - 30/7/10

Replacing sounds like a good idea, but maybe it ought to be resited. How many more outages will there be when the site is redeveloped for Tesco?

I'd say it wants to sit on a hill overlooking the town, then we'd all get nice clear coverage and no worries about access to fix a prob if it ever went wrong. Actually I know the ideal spot, if Vodafone would like to get in touch...

Tom Allen-Stevens, Wicklesham Farm
Vodafone coverage - 30/7/10

Hi everyone.
As a Vodafone employee who lives in Faringdon, I rely on consistent coverage so I've been talking to the people who manage and resolve these issues for us. My understanding is that we lost coverage on the 28th July and service was fully restored around 10am this morning - 30th July.

I can say that the previous messages regarding 3G coverage and switching to 2G are not true. Faringdon has no 3G capability and there are no immediate plans to introduce this service. If the person who was given this message has more details, I'd be interested to hear them.

The situation regarding the mast and site is a little delicate, so I'm afraid I can't give more details on the recent outages. Having heard what has happened today though, replacing rather than repairing some on-site equipment does sound like a better outcome for us all.
Thanks
Martin
European Slidemaster Smash Hit at Bluesfest - 30/7/10

Hans Theessink is both a keen student of tradition and an explority improvisor. His presence alongside Taj Mahal and John Jackson assured a savory combination of roots and inovation. A lively celebration of timeless music.(Chicago Tribune, USA) Hans can be seen at "The Portwell Angel" 26 Market Place, Faringdon,SN7 7HU. Wednesday 1st Sept,8pm.
There are a limited number of tickets at a gift of £5.
T 01367-248030.
Sam Prince
Car parking fat chance!!! - 30/7/10

Authorities don’t even care about cars constantly driving up a no entry road in the town centre where there is real danger of some one getting seriously hurt. So I don’t think parking cars in dangerous places will really be seen as much more than an inconvenience. I have even see cars parked completely on the pavement in church street, at least in not obstructing traffic on the roads I guess. As it appears that we will never beat them maybe we should just join them!!!.
Faringdon will soon just be a big car park!.
Mind you there’s always plenty of parking place in the local car parks if your really get stuck for a place.
Name Supplied
Problems with telephone land lines - 29/7/10

For the last two weeks my phone did not ring and I did not know when a call was coming in although I could call an outside line.
After two weeks I received a call from a BT Engineer saying that there had been problems at the Faringdon Exchange and that now they had been resolved.
My extra charges to the Orange Provider requesting answers to my problems came to an additional £20.
Has anyone else had problems?
Name Supplied
Re Budgens - 29/7/10

Promoting the benefits of a healthier lifestyle, Budgens in Crouch End, North London, have added a new line to the meat counter, Grey Squirrel.
Having eaten this delicacy on several occasions, I would heartily recommend it, doubt you will find it in Tesco's though: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/7915674/Budgens-criticised-for-selling-grey-squirrels-for-food.html
Miker Perks
GO Active - 29/7/10

Dear Ashley,
thank you for pointing out that the VoWHdc have yet another employee to promote some new ideological doctrine. I am sure that the manipulation of the new wheely bins will be more than adequate exercise for most of the residents of Faringdon, without taking up para gliding, ab-sailing or some such.
May I also point out that the skate park is still not a realty.
Mike Perks
Vodaphone - 29/7/10

Vodaphone tell me a report has been made and that only 3G services are out within a 3 mile radius of SN7. The problem could take a few days to rectify but vodaphone customers should have not problem if we switch our phones to 2G. T
he internet connections may be a little slow on this setting.
Really interesting to hear all the different stories Vodaphone have given through the last three black outs - I now look here before calling customer services for an update!
Name Supplied
Vodaphone - 28/7/10

Vodafone down again this is twice since last note about it......
Name Supplied
Bus fares - 28/7/10

For those of you who use the route 66 bus service between Oxford and Swindon, stagecoach are currently running a special offer on their megarider gold ticket (unlimited travel within the region for a week). £10 a week rather than the usual £19. It's not been advertised at all, but is valid until the 13th August.
Simon
Vodaphone - 28/7/10

I have seen that Vodaphone is down again as at 28/7/2010.
Does anyone know whats up with the signal this time its getting a bit of a Joke
Name Supplied
Re Buscot cc - 28/7/10

Congratulations to our friends at Buscot CC on their succesful 6 a side competition. And apologise for Faringdon CC being unable to stage a similar event this year. As some of you may be aware, Faringdon Cricket Club is going through a transitional phase at the moment with a new ground currently under construction on Jespers Hill. Unfortunetley our current facilities have fallen into somewhat disrepair due to continual vandalism etc, and we are struggling to justify spending large sums of money renovating a cricket pavillion/ground which will be a housing estate in only a few months.

When our new pavilion and ground is complete (hopefully next summer) we hope to be able to host similar events. Faringdon & District Cricket Club
Name Supplied
GO Active(Get Oxfordshire active) - 27/7/10

I work for the vale of white horse district council, as part of the GO Active (get oxfordshire active) scheme.
My role is to increase awareness across the district about physical activity and healthy lifestyles for adults (16+). As this role suggests, i can promote activities availiable and hopefully increase participation. Also, i will be meeting with local community groups, the local parish council and the public to find out if there is a need for new activities. I am hoping to work closely with all partnerships in the area so i can help to achieve my role.

If you would like to use my help, or find out more about the GO Active project, please feel free to contact me or visit the website.
Thank You
Ashley Chapman
GO Active Activator
Telephone 01235 547646
Mobile 07717714477
ashley.chapman@whitehorsedc.gov.uk
http://www.getoxfordshireactive.org/
Vale of White Horse DC
Planning application for houses at Sudbury House 10/01300/FUL - 27/7/10

It looks as if the planning permission for the 3 houses in the grounds of Sudbury house include a pedestrian access along Stanford Road, a few metres before the start of the path to the Folly, and that all but one of the yew trees will be removed.

I wonder why a pedestrian acgate is needed when there is one already near the junction of Stanford Road and London St?
Name Supplied
Stolen slide and trampoline - 27/7/10

Dear everybody
Just a short message, to the people of Faringdon. Between the hours of Saturday evening and Sunday morning some very nice people decided to rehome my sons slide and small trampoline from outside the house. They have beem there with no problems for 3 years without any problems. come rain, sleet and even the snow.
My son would play on them and Sunday we had the pleasure of telling him that someone had taken them. He was very upset.

To the person or people who did this, just think how your kids would feel if I did this to you and your family.
So thanks a bunch
Yours unhappily
Steve
Buscot cc - 27/7/10

Well done to Buscot cricket club for their 6 a side competition that took place 25th July! Great turn out and great fun
Cant Faringdon cc do something to involve the locals???
Name Supplied
Blast victims - 27/7/10

Is there any news on the 2 young lads that got burnt at the top of London Street opposite Sudbury House?
Has there been a resolution on the cause?
I hope they are doing well and are recovering.
Name Supplied
Car Parking - 27/7/10

The bottom of Marlborough Gardens, the bottom of Marines Drive, Coxwell Street, London Street! To drive in these areas I think that we all agree that driving on these roads are a pain in the bum! The placing of cars are not just inconsiderate but dangerous.

The police are aware but seem to do NOTHING about it, will it take a serious accident for the authorities to take notice.... I just hope that its not me!!!!
Name Supplied
Skip Day at the Lees - 27/7/10

So the Lees have had a skip day, will other estates have these days? I have just been doing work on my house and I have had to make several trips to the Stanford tip and the Standlake tip-using my own fuel and money (because I was charged to dump a couple of times).
I think this is a little bit of a joke that just because these areas are 'deprived' they are provided with such days.
If they looked after their houses and the area then these expensive days (skip hire is not cheap!) would not have to be fronted by the housing associations!
Answers to my questions would be grateful.
Thanks
Name Supplied
Community Awards nominations by 3/9/10 - 26/7/10

There are many 'heroes' in our town whose achievements go unrecognised, be they individual, business or group.
Please help us by telling us about them. Your nominations can be for anyone from faringdon you feel deserves to be recognised, in whichever category.

Collect a form from Faringdon Community and Tourist Information centre or the the Council offices in the Corn Exchange and post it in the box provided.

Deadline for nominations is Friday 3rd September 2010.

Categories are:
Community Hero
Group award
Business award

Sally Thurston
Faringdon CTIC
Faringdon is Bonkers - 24/7/10

Malcolm didn't know what hit him. When he said "this place is completely bonkers, and I love it" - it made my day.

Go to http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p008wjcv/Malcolm_Boyden_23_07_2010/ .
It gets good from 1hr 20min in ... Best bits from 1.28 to 1.38 and then 1.45 to 1.52 !
Name Supplied
A Man and His Rake. - 24/7/10

For years as long as I can remember, Faringdon and the county council have been petitioning and funding for a much desired skate park. In the mean time small kids and even adults have had to endure either travelling to skate parks outside of Faringdon, or find fun places in which to ride skateboards and long boards inside the town. This is a short description of an encounter that a friend and I were unfortunate enough to experience on Saturday 24th July 2010. Skate boarding and long boarding are two of my favourite hobbies, and on a nice dry day there is nothing better than grabbing a skate board and having a nice ride around the town. Going down smooth and steep hills is particularly fun and exhilarating. That’s all well and good until being stopped halfway down the hill with a man and his rake.

My friend and I had just skated down Fernham Gate, which as you know is gorgeously smooth and has great turns. When we reached the bottom a small child came whizzing down behind us on his bike with a huge smile across his face. He wanted to race! I personally was thrilled at this idea so the three of us skated back up the hill. Half way up I was shouted at by a man who was yelling “This isn’t a bloody skate park”. I was intrigued by his language but we ignored the man and continued to the top. Because of the age difference and because I’m kind, I gave the child a head start and he immediately took off down the hill, soon after I followed. I over took the child on his bike, went down the hill, around the corner and was met face to face with a angry looking man, using his rake as a block aid. I jumped off my board quickly, narrowly avoiding him. “This isn’t a skate park, now piss off” he said in a really aggressive tone. Yet again I was really thrown back at his language. I said to him “we aren’t making much noise and we aren’t getting in your way”. He squared up to me and said “I don’t pay money to live here and have people go up and down the street, this is a private estate”. I looked around at all the kids that were playing on the street. “What about all those kids over there, and the kid that I was racing just now. They’re allowed to skate on your road so why can’t we?” At this he came right up to me, nose to nose. “I don’t give a f*** about them, now f*** off”.
Now, I don’t swear, especially when there are very small children around. My friend said to the man “Take it easy mate, there are little kids around”. Most of this conversation was his attempt at squaring up with his nose a little too close to mine. “I’ll put this to the back of your head” he said indicating to the rake he was still holding. “That will get you a nice prison sentence, you should be careful with what you say” I said. “Is that a threat!” he yelled. “No” I said “Oh yeah” he said sarcastically “What are you going to do about it”. “Nothing” I said calmly “I’m smart enough not to use violence”. “Go skate board on some one else’s street, and take your kiddie toys with you” he said in a defensive tone. “Kiddies toys?” I said in disbelief. “You are a little child” he said, pointing at my long board. “What do you do for fun? Play golf, go swimming maybe?” I asked him. “That's none of your business” he said. “Well I’m just enjoying one of my hobbies” I said back at him. “That's not a hobby it’s for little kids you are playing on little kiddie toys” he said rudely. “Have you ever heard of Tony Halk?” I said. “He is a professional skate boarder and he is 42 years old, surely at 20 I’m still young enough to skate board” “You are a little child” he said again for the 20th time. This made me angry “I’ve been through school, got my GCSES completed my A levels and have a job, I am exactly the same as you” He started to clap sarcastically “Well done” he said dragging his words.

I turned to my friend Josh, shaking my head “Some people!” He laughed and we walk up the hill and left the man and his rake to his gardening. Apparently skate boarding is for little kids. If you take a look around Faringdon most of the youth have a skate boards, blades, scooters or BMX’s. This is a fun hobby which is great for exercise, gets children and adults outside and normally, stops us bothering our parents on a Saturday afternoon.

Today was a prime example of how badly we really do need a skate park. I am very excited that the plan to build a skate park in Faringdon is beginning to unfold. I was fortunate enough to attend a council meeting a few months ago where the team ‘SK8’ Where petitioning for some final funding for the skate park. Everything is looking up and the park due to be built next summer.
Mark Langlay-Smith (age 20)
Faringdon youth member and volunteer
the man with the STEREO hands - 24/7/10

Following the recent appearance at the Faringdon Arts Festival, you may be interested to know that the new nine song album of original material by Faringdon based musician/songwriter 'the man with the STEREO hands' is available to listen to and download via the main website at http://www.stereohands.co.uk

More importantly, it's also now on sale as a limited edition CD with jewel case and sleeve artwork at the White Horse Bookshop on Marlborough Street, Faringdon (opposite Budgens). You can support both a local songwriter and a local business by buying a copy of the CD which costs just £7.

Opening hours of the White Horse Bookshop are:

Tuesday to Friday 09:30 - 16:30

Saturdays 09:30 - 12:30

Drop in and say hello to David who runs the interesting little bookshop, and tell him 'the man with the STEREO hands' sent you.
Skip Day at the Lees - 24/7/10

In response to the post about the "skip day" - a great idea, and anything that might help clear up that area has my approval, even if it is not available to most of Faringdon.
Will the skips be large enough for the many scrap cars that seem to be parked in that area ?
Tom
Cat Found - 23/7/10

The missing cat - Gladstone - has been found safe and well and is now reunited with his owner. Many thanks to everyone who kept an eye open for him.

name supplied
Planning application for houses at Sudbury House 10/01300/FUL - 22/7/10

Cranfield have applied for permission for 3 dwellings in the area beyween London St and Stanford Road. Vehicle access would be off London St, some trees would be felled.
I thought the government had stopped this sort of 'backland' development
Name Supplied
In response to Sam Prince - 23/7/10

I object strongly to Tesco (or any supermarket) building an out of town centre development. I have put my views on this website and also in the public consultations.

The reasons I object are as follows.
Faringdon town centre is not dead, there is a good selection of shops which cannot all be found in significantly larger market towns such as Abingdon, Wantage, Lechlade. Eg; butchers, cheese shop, bakery, florist, cakes, freshly ground coffee, independent books, jewellers, gifts, cafés, groceries, fresh fruit and veg and alcohol as well as services such as banks, tourist information, opticians, pubs and restaurants etc.

Choice.
I do not believe that Tesco offers choice, it sells exactly the same products as other out of town supermarkets. The town centre shops would undoubtedly suffer further and some will close down, choice would decrease in Faringdon.
Other services would suffer too as Faringdon is a small town (and will continue to be even after new housing developments) if there are fewer people using the town centre then there will be less money spent. I do not want to live in an old market town with no market, no shops and no services except an out of town retail park which can already be found 10 minutes drive down the road.

Jobs.
Tesco does not create more jobs than it destroys. Fewer people work in retail now since supermarkets took over market towns and closed down town centres.

Wealth.
Profits leave town.

Tesco developing an out of town shopping centre would be bad for Faringdon.
Andrew Robertson
BBC Oxford in Faringdon - 23/7/10

It was great to hear Malcolm Boyden reporting from Faringdon this morning; and wasn't our Town Crier fantastic? What an asset. I wonder if he's the only TC on a bike?
And all the other people interviewed also made Faringdon sound like a great place to live - which it is of course.
Well done to everyone!
Name Supplied
Mammoth and the Drum - 23/7/10

Local band have just released their first album and is available to listen too for free from www.mammothandthedrum.bandcamp.com
any reviews greatly received
myspace.com/mammothdrum
Sean
Cat still missing- - 23/7/10

"Gladstone" 1 year old small light ginger male cat (neutered and microchipped). Missing since early Sunday 18th July.
If you have seen this cat or have found him, please, please contact 01367 241982 or any local vet as the owner is very distressed. Thankyou.
Name supplied
Vodafone Signal - 23/7/10

I'm a Vodafone employee working at home today in Faringdon and having made a couple of calls to push this along, I'm really pleased to say that I've just heard from our Mobile Services team that everything is now back to normal. I don't have any other details as yet, but I've just checked my phone and I'm getting full signal strength.
Martin
Vodaphone still not working - 23/7/10

i have just spoke to vodafone and they kart tell me when it will get fixed. I have missed out on a job now and all they can is sorry. they make me so mad i tolled them to shuff vodafone
i am going to 02
Name Supplied
Ed(GW) Expletives removed!!
Vodaphone still not working - 23/7/10

Vodafone still not working , mine is works phone so have to go out of town to get signal for update on work.
Does anyone know what the problem actually is????
Name supplied
Health consultations - 22/7/10

Oxfordshire PCT are seeking views on a number of services
Mental Health, End of Life and Older peoples wellbeing. (there are other consultations but these generally are relevant to the north of the county)

You can give them your views by going to https://consult.oxfordshirepct.nhs.uk/inovem/consult.ti/system/listConsultations?type=O- just scroll down the list of current consultations.
The surveys don't take long
Gene Webb
Vodaphone - 22/7/10

So fed up with their lack of service (not all their fault) but also the misinformation when contacting customer service. It's also cost me a job, money and other personal problems.
Have changed to O2.
Name Supplied
Vodaphone - 22/7/10

vodaphone i was yesterday but havent check yet today but ive just about had enough with vodaphone when my contract is up with them am doing with another net work . there quick in taking your money but not in reinbrussing you if they muck up and switch your phones off because you havent paid your bill when you have then say oh it must be a glich on the computor ( not a human error and no appolgy ).and then say it will take 48 hours for your phone to be put back on it only took a second to turn it off .so you could say that im a disgruntaled customer
Sandra
Vodaphone - 22/7/10

My Vodafone network has not been working all day does anyone else have the same problem, i hope it is not problem with transmitter again.
Name Supplied
Vodaphone - 22/7/10

Anyone having problems with Vodafone service. Is the mast down again?
Name Supplied
Lost Vodaphone - 22/7/10

I've lost the vodafone signal again on all 3 of my family phones. Vodafone confirm the mast is down again due to "issues" - they wont say what these are.
When will they finally get this problem sorted I wonder?
Goff Smith
Holiday time.No M.A.D.D. - 21/7/10

No open stage at the Corn Exchange on the first Tuesday of August. Will return on the first Tuesday in Sept.
Sam Prince
Car Parking - 21/7/10

i was glad to see that the council have finally put a stop to parking across the junction into southampton street ,it was a night mare trying to get out.only thing i wish they had done the same down my street so as to stop poeple parking across your drive way but never mind
Sandra
ReThe Swan Pub - 21/7/10

We have been informed that it has been bought by the same company that converted the Cross Keys in Thame into a real ale pub with micro brewery.
A similar conversion is to be done to the Swan with micro brewery, the conversion work has already begun
Sharon Clough
Faringdon on BBC radio Oxford, Friday 23rd - 20/7/10

Faringdon will be featured on Radio Oxford Breakfast show on Friday morning - 0700-1000
I've been told that there will be a radio car by the Old Town Hall- 'but that the radiocar has been at the menders but all should be well in time'.
Tell your friends to listen or go and contribute
Gene Webb
Solar Photovoltaic panels - 20/7/10

We now have a local fully accredited installer of Solar PV panels - based in Stanford in the Vale!

You may have heard that the new "feed-in-tariffs" for renewable microgeneration now make solar PV panels (the kind that generates electricity - rather than heats up water) a very interesting (and profitable!) proposition.

To cut a long story short - you get approx 43p per unit of electricity generated - tax-free - as a bribe for being an "early adopter" . It's guaranteed for 25 years - and to rise in line with inflation. And of course it reduces your electricity bills as well. That's a benefit on top of the 43p .

In other words - if you have a sensible bit of south-facing roof - then you potentially have the safest way of getting a minimum 9% return on your investment; and over the course of the 25 years the installed system will pay for itself three times over.

The FITs stay with the property, so you've also immediately added this potential guaranteed income to the value of the house.

And importantly: your PV panels will of course also do their bit to help the environment.

As the price of electricity rises, your completely free electricity will save you more every year on your bills.

The new installer is Steve Munday; and you can contact him on 07798-684225 , or steve@mundays.com .
Steve is obviously happy to come round for a no-obligation quote. Or by all means give me a call if you want to discuss the options independently first.

Sjoerd
01367-241707

P.S. Do pass Steve's details on to any friends & neighbours thinking about installing solar PV
Boogie Me Contact Numbers - 20/7/10
Hi Andy
We can be contacted on 07734 101226 or by email to garthpool@btinternet.com
Many thanks
Mel
Missing Cat- 19/7/10

"Gladstone" 1 year old small light ginger male cat (neutered and microchipped). Missing since early Sunday 18th July.

If you have seen this cat or have found him, please contact 01367 241982 or any local vet.
Thankyou.
KH
Bins - 19/7/10

So if you can keep your 'old' greenbox, how is that going to be emptied into the brand new lorry. One assumes that the 'new' bins will be attached to the lorry to be 'tipped' into the lorry by the lorry's hydraulic systems.
Not much point in introducing a new system (which looks pretty good) to hold on to yesterday's technology!
Nigel Wilkinson
ED(GW) I assumed the VWHDC man meant that you could keep it and use it for other things. Recycling must go into the new bins/bags
The Swan Pub - 19/7/10

I have it on relatively good authority that it will continue to be a pub.
Ray Hunt
Much ado about Tesco's - 19/7/10

I don't have any strong views about the Budgens/Tesco price/quality row because, fortunately, my wife is in charge of that department. I look after bigger issues like the hole in the Ozone layer. (No problem parking in the Antarctic). She has not mentioned that the Budgen's staff are impolite but has sometimes told me that the amount paid doesn't always coincide with the price shown on the shelves and the items on her list aren‘t always available.. My contribution to the shopping is to keep moving the car in order to avoid the Parking Prevention Person and, Yes, I do realise that the petrol I waste is probably more costly than the price of a parking ticket.

My wife prefers going to Sainsbury’s for the choice available and it would get my vote (if I had one) because I know I can always find a free parking slot, I can buy cheaper petrol which usually covers the cost involved in the extra miles and on a rainy day I can get at an ATM or buy a newspaper without getting soaked.

I am prepared to pay for parking for unusual purchases such as Soft Furnishings or a new Grand Piano and I would be happy to pay to make use of the best DIY shop in the area if it didn’t provide a free car park (albeit with a sample pothole ) but I do resent paying when I only want to spend half an hour watching locals as well as confused visitors trying to negotiate our quaint Town Centre.
Name Supplied
Air Cadets attend Royal Garden party - 19/7/10

Cadets from 1861 (Wantage) squadron of the Ai Training Corps took part in celebrating the 150 years of the cadet forces by joining 1700 cadets and volunteer staff and paraded down the mall with HRH The Prince of Wales taking the salute. The parade marched from Horse Guards Parade down The Mall to Buckingham Palace, past Clarence House, where The Prince took the Salute in honour of the anniversary. Above the parade was a special flypast by the Red Arrows over Central London down The Mall and over Buckingham Palace with a handful of lucky cadets from across the Cadet Forces enjoyed a trip in the Royal Air Force Hawk aircraft as part of the celebrations.

Following the parade, a garden party was held at Buckingham Palace to honour cadets and volunteers both past and present, and was attended by HRH The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall, HRH The Earl of Wessex, TRH The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester and HRH The Duke of Kent.

Flight Lieutenant Nigel Furlong, officer commanding 1861 Sqn was amazed at the spectacle " It was a fantastic day, the air cadets in general and our cadets in particular were awesome, our cadets were in the ATC honour guard and cadet Phoebe Lane was introduced to HRH The Prince of Wales. As someone involved with the ATC as an adult volunteer since 1991 I have never experienced anything like this with the ATC and certainly not as a cadet in the early 80's".

The Royal Review and garden party form the centrepiece of Cadet150 celebrations taking place throughout 2010, marking 150 years of Cadet Forces in the UK.

1861 Sqn meets Tuesday and Thursday evenings at Icknield Lane, Wantage 7.15 to 9.30pm.
Our contact details are 1861@aircadets.org, www.wantage-sqn.net or telephone 01235 762079.
NJ FURLONG
Flt Lt
Boogie Me phone number? - 19/7/10

Does anybody have a contact number for the local blues band "Boogie Me"?
We are hoping they will play in our garden between 4pm and 7pm on Sunday 29th August (the day before bank holiday Monday. I have already spoken with one of the band but would like confirmation asap so that I can advertise the event.
Thanks
Andy, Red Lion
re Tesco - 18/7/10

The problem isn't that Tesco (or any other supermarket) wants to open in Faringdon; the problem is greater than that - namely the size of the store (and the higher prices that go with a smaller store), and the fact that numerous other supermarkets are willing to deliver groceries for free.

We have always bought all our meat in the local butchers - no supermarket can ever compete with the quality and service offered in Faringdon, so that will not change. However, I will not do my main shop in a small supermarket with limited choice and higher prices, when I can get cheaper goods delivered for free from the local area, or drive 15/20mins to buy them.
Name Supplied
re Tesco - 18/7/10

WHY are there so many objections to TESCO coming to townish. Are they going to destroy an already dead town. Will shops who already close for half a day several days a week suffer more,
Pubs and hostelries suffer from the lack of bodies crossing the threshold to enjoy and sample the delights on offer?.I DON'T FINK SO.
For some of us who don't drive to do our shopping perhaps we'd like a choice, nothing wrong with that, after all we are led to believe competion is good. So be it
Sam Prince
re Tesco development- 18/7/10

I am upset but not surprised to see that the Tesco development has been 'approved'. Little attention is ever paid to the evidence arising from other such schemes. One of the most researched was in Leominster (Herefordshire) which had a thriving and very pleasant town centre - and one that was much more able to withstand competion compared with the fragile trading state of most Faringdon shops. In the end the public purse had to pick up a £2.2m bill to regenerate Leominster town centre because of the economic damage caused. The following is an extract from the 1998 DETR commissioned report on 'The Impact of Large Foodstores on Market Towns and District Centres'

'Leominster, Herefordshire
5. Safeway opened an out-of-town superstore in 1992 which competed with the town-centre Somerfield, and later with an edge-of-town Kwik Save which opened in 1994. Between June 1991 and June 1995, the number of town-centre convenience retailers fell from 31 to 22, including two smaller supermarkets which closed. Somerfield reported a 30 per cent fall in its turnover and it and other towncentre food retailers appear now to be used more for convenience shopping on a daily basis. Town-centre retail vacancies have risen from 16 in June 1991 to 36 in May 1997, including nine in a new arcade developed at the same time as the Safeway store. As a result of town-centre decline, the district council was awarded £2.2 million of Single Regeneration Budget funds, and town centre traders set up a ‘Loyal to Leominster’ campaign which has had a positive effect.'

In spite of the £2.2m spent the number of town centre food stores continued to fall and there are now many empty shops, although the number of charity and antique shops has increased.
Guy Richards
re Tesco - 18/7/10

The posting from Nick Elwell is partially correct. The Planning & Highways committee did submit a recommendation to the local planning authority that we did not object to the application for a supermarket in Park Road. We did, however, attach a series of caveats to this position:

1. There should be a shuttle bus link that includes the town shopping centre.
2. The pathways (including the allyway next to the site) should be upgraded.
3. The product range should be restricted to foods and ancillary items - specifically excluding pharmacuticals.
4. To compensate for the loss of B2/B8 employment land an early approval should be given to the Wicklesham Quarry site for these uses.

Readers should be aware of a number of issues.
1. About 75% of all main food shopping purchases are made outside of Faringdon. This is confirmed by all the surveys conducted(Savilles,VWHDC,Tesco). That means that something in the order of £25,000,000 is lost to the Town. In addition over 80% of non-food shopping leaves the town. This is not an acceptable situation. It was interesting to note during the (excellent) festival the there are huge numbers of people who live in the town but only ever visit the centre for that kind of event. The shopping offer needs to be improved.

3. Employment. There will be about 100 full time equivalent jobs created at the new store.It is the policy of Tesco to recruit as locally as possible. Of course the initial management staff will come from existing stores - any retailer opening a new store will start off with trained senior staff. However, Tesco are well known in the supermaket arena as having one of the best training and development programmes available. It will be up to the local staff to show their worth - and I am sure they will. (It is worth noting that the chief executive of Tesco started as a shelf filler). It is also worth remembering that no staff are currently employed on the proposed site.

4. I have read all the papers put forward by all the various proposals. The latest of these is an indepedent report on retailing in Faringdon and Abingdon produced by Savilles for VWHDC. It makes it very clear indeed that Faringdon needs another supermarket. The alternative location is the site behind the junior school on land owned by Faringdon House. As a site for a supermarket I have heard not one local person support this site.

5. My main reason for supporting the proposal (with sensible caveats) is that it will provide an alternative to those large numbers of people in our town who are unable to leave the town to do their main food shopping.

Competition in retailing leads to three benefits for the customers :
Keener prices
An improved product range
Better staff training and customer service.
There is evidence that even the threat of competition has helped move Budgens in all these areas. The real thing will drive this forward even further.

There are innacuracies in the "report" that Nick quotes.
I did not say that I supported an increased number of multiples (I don't have a view on this). I did say that the increased population would support an improved retail offer - I stick by that and hope that we can get more non food shops in the shopping centre in order to make it a more attractive place to shop. This is supported by the Chamber of Commerce's customer survey. The owner of Budgens did not speak at the meeting - his consultant did. In fact he was quoting a outdated piece of legislation which was superceded in December of last year. Finally (and I'm sorry about the length of this) any objections that members of the public and organisations want to make should be evidence based. Because you don't like Tesco as a company is not a legitimate objection - facts are needed and to produce the correct and useful facts then it really is necessary to read all the relevent legislation, the VWHDC reports and the application itself.All these are available from the Town Council offices for reading on the premises. In the interests of fareness should not this web site also run a petition for those that favour the application?
This posting is my own view and has not been agreed by FTC P&H committee.
Alan Hickmore

A couple of points that need clarification in my earlier posting.
The FTC Planning & Highways committee also added a caveat that parking in the Gloucester Street and Southampton Street carparks should be free for the first two hours.
The leakage of trade figure I gave includes non food. The leakage of food trade is given by Savilles at £12,800,000.
AH
Tesco - 18/7/10

A record of the Town Council meeting last Tuesday regarding the approval of the Tesco planning application is available on www.focusonuk.co.uk. It makes interesting – but rather sad reading.
Let me explain why.
Please forgive the bullet points – but it saves my finger (not yet a proficient typist) and your time.

* 1. The Town Councillors have an admirable policy of promoting the use of B2 – B8 land for more sustainable jobs: and yet the creation of supermarket on the only employment land we have is suicidal for future job creation. Senior staff at the new store will have to drive into Faringdon – and will take there hard earned wages and spend them away from Faringdon.
* Why did the Council vote against their own policy and the recommendation of the Chairman of the Finance & Audit Committe, The chamber of Commerce, The Faringdon Association of Residents, Faringdon Area Project, etc, etc.

* 2. Parking in Faringdon is an issue. The Vale quote that “people will pay for parking if the retail offering is adequate”. There might be some logic in this. If so, it would be fair to surmise that the retail offering is inadequate. So people who do not park here now will certainly not park here when they can park for free just out of town – and why would they walk a quarter of a mile to enjoy an inadequate shopping experience. The Vale also seem to miss the point that like an engine, a shopping centre sometimes needs a boost: to be “kick started”.

* 3. Tesco brought to the meeting an amazing amount of contradictory paper: some prepared by them and some by other agencies.. One report says we do not need another food offering – the other says we do. The second report does not recognise the increased floor area at Budgens and the development at Cost Cutters (both of which have planning consent) or the new convenience store by the New Bloor Homes development. The pro Tesco council are twisting the facts available to suit their purpose. Oh, the joy of statistics!

* 4. The retail impact assessment makes interesting reading if you are need of a sleeping draught. So may assumptions are made (by the authors I fancy) that the document is not credible. For example, 99% of people who shop in Faringdon will walk the half mile round trip from the new Supermarket car park to the town centre. I think not. What’s your opinion?

* 5. Councillor Hickmore made an interesting (?) comment when he advised that the Town Council had always supported an increase in the Towns population to encourage larger chain stores into the town. He seems to have completely missed the point that the planning application is for a shop much the same size as Budgens. It will therefore only be able to offer a similar range of products.

* 6. On the range of products, Tesco have amongst the piles of recycled trees that they displayed some material, which suggested that 73% of food stuffs were purchased from outside of Faringdon. I guess those who buy from Sainsbury and Waitrose will continue to do so. Those on a major food shop from Tesco will also leave Faringdon for Abingdon or Swindon where the range of goods available is wider and the price cheaper.
* Although it wasn’t raised at the Council meeting, there is one aspect of all this that I dislike most of all, and it is this. If Tesco do build on the Park Rd site people will shop there. Those who spend money there will see their money disappear up to the city. None of it will be put back into circulation locally. In fact, its worse than that. Such is the efficiency of Tesco that their tax bill appears to be minimal so there is no help there in reducing the nation’s banking debt. Whilst one has to admire the brutal efficiency – one has to be scared senseless at the lack of moral concept

. Faringdon was one of the first Fairtrade Towns. It is surrounded by Organic Farms, it has won awards for its ECO friendliness. The Town Councillors turn up to these events and share the praise. Indeed, at one event attended by HRH The Duke of Gloucester who came to congratulate the ECO crew, there were more councillors than ECO crew! But now they vote to approve the Tesco application despite the Tesco non green, non local and rather sorry history.
Do take a look at www.focusonuk.co.uk:let the VOWHDC know what you think – and why you think it.
Nick Elwell
Bins Healthy debate - 18/7/10

I Contacted the council twice following warnings issued on this forum. They informed me I would be contacted prior to the introduction of the bins and they would arrange to inspect my property. This did not happen.

I recycle, I burn wood as a form of heating, I collect rain water to wash my car, and water my small garden. If I had room I would have bins it is cleaner and more convenient.I just want a choice about something that effects the health and safety of my family and the quality of our life.

Let me share with you some of the content of the recent visit from the council. I am waiting the outcome of this visit.
Following comprehensive measurements it was confirmed neither bin large or small fits where our current bins are situated unless a tap, waste pipe and water mains inlet pipes are moved,if they did fit half of our kitchen window would be blocked, and we would be unable to open it more than 6ins due to the hight of them. Also If they did fit they would have to be swaped over every 2 weeks,and this would involve considerable effort as there is no room to wheel them so they would have to be picked up then wheeled up and down 7 large steps.

The council lady suggested an alternate place for the smaller bin infront of my garden shed after agreeing they would not fit in the shed,this would involve moving it up and down a step every time I wanted to enter the shed, plus would cause access issues getting into and out of our property. I have a wood store which I take down every summer, this gives us space to sit 4 people round a table in the garden.

We use a collapsable bbq in the summer as we cannot fit in a fixed one. My intention was to bring this to the attention of others who may find themselves in the same position as from conversations I have had people think there is a choice.
However please don't be too concerned if you think I am being unreasonable, following futher examination the council lady confirmed the pavement outside our house is wide enough for people to get round so they can go there if I am happy with that.
Kind regards.
Name Supplied
Petition re Tesco in Budgens - 17/7/10

Sign the petition if you're against a Tesco coming here
Ed(GW)
Faringdon Town Council Planning meeting re Tesco - 17/7/10

See the meeting notes on the Focus on Faringdon site. http://www.focusonfaringdon.co.uk (pdf)
Ed(GW)
Skip day comes to Faringdon - 17/7/10

Residents living in Lees and Greengates in Faringdon will be able to have their bulky waste collected free of charge next Saturday (24 July).
The skips will be located in The Lees and will be available between 10am and 2pm, or until full up.

The skips are being provided by Sovereign Vale Housing Association to give residents the opportunity to have a clear out and remove any unwanted rubbish safely.
Any unwanted bulky goods will, where possible, then be taken to be recycled or restored.
VWHDC
See Press releases for more info
The Bin debate and recycling - 17/7/10

It's not for nothing that the UK is still called the dustbin of Europe. Per head of population we're at the bottom of a stinking landfill heap - and it really isn't anything to be proud of. Official records for the last full year available (2008) show that the UK still sends 18 million tons to landfill (a vast improvement over 5 years previously when it was 30 million tons - but still 1/3 of a ton per person per year ). Compare that to Germany - with 20 million MORE people - they send to landfill ( get ready to compare this to our 18 million tons) - less than 500,000 tons. Yes - that's right . 40 times less than us - and yet they have 20mil more people. How is that possible?

There are a number of good reasons for this enormous discrepancy, some of which are infrastructure & industry related, but two of which we can control:
1. Per individual household that DOES recycle, the proportion of stuff that's recycled vs landfilled is approx three times higher in Germany.
2. But many people don't recycle at all....In Germany, this figure stands at less than one percent of households. In the UK the figure is a staggering 37% . Yes - that's right. 37% of households in the UK do no recycling whatsoever.

A German visitor reading "Talking Points" with all the anti-bin nonsense at the moment will justifiably think that the dustbin of Europe really is talking out of its bin end.

But here's the interesting bit.

The new landfill wheelie bins and recycling wheelie bins will both be microchipped. This means that Verdant can then produce reports that say for example: “Across the Vale of the White Horse, 53% of waste is now being recycled, but in Faringdon that figure stands at 76%” .

80% of what at present goes into landfill - shouldn’t. This is our chance to embrace the new system, really make it work, and begin the climb out of that heap of landfill that’s threatening to choke all of us. Let’s put Faringdon on the map as the best recyclers in the country !
Sjoerd
More about Bins - 16/7/10

I forgot to say.
The VWHDC man said you can either keep your green recycle box or put it out for recycling

You'll be given some biodegradeable bags for your food bins initially. After then you either buy more, use newspaper or nothing
If you have bags instead of rubbish and recycle bins you'll be supplied with bags periodically
Gene Webb
Bins - 16/7/10

Many thanks to Gene for the information about the new bin service, and for adding a 'voice of reason' to the whole on-line debate.

Personally I am flabbergasted at the amount of palaver surrounding what is, let's face it, a pretty minor change in the whole scheme of things. It's not often I stand up for the council, but......
1. I'm amazed that anyone could 'lose their cool' over what is basically a good thing. So you weren't personally consulted? Can you imagine the cost involved of contacting every single household in the Vale to ask whether they wanted bags or bins? Most probably wouldn't bother to reply and we all know that the consultation would have to be paid for by the council tax.
2. I received a letter telling me I'd be getting bags but could contact the council if I wasn't happy with this decision. It seems there is a system in place that allows you to ask for them to reconsider, it just isn't shouting in a public forum.
3. Regarding the claim for 'lack of communication' - if this is true, count yourself lucky, or open your eyes. There are leaflets all over town (including at the gym!?) and I've received three through my door. The irony of this wastefulness is not lost on me!
4. By implementing this scheme the council are actually just aligning with many other councils, and several years behind the times at that. A 3-bag scheme was already operational in Cardiff in 2004 and (prepare to be amazed) I got the hang of it without any leaflets, meetings or information stands. As it was up and running when I moved there I just had to figure it out and get on with it (it wasn't terribly difficult).
5. Collections on one day is, as several other people have noted, simpler for all. The Monday collection/bank holiday/one day's delay issue is no different from the current situation. Some people will, no doubt, put their rubbish out regardless as happens now.
6. The argument about increased water costs is (excuse the pun) rubbish. Why not just do it with your other washing up? Unless you're planning on hosing down tonnes of recycling one item at a time I can't imagine that it'll make much, if any, difference to your water bill.

I fully understand that some people will always be opposed to change of any kind, but this is going to happen regardless. It's extremely simple and will have environmental and (apparently) cost benefits. Yes, sometimes someone will put a bag or bin out on the wrong day, but I seriously doubt this will bring about the world's end. This is the town that won an award for it's EcoFair last year - surely we can cope with a (positive) change to our waste collection service?
Name Supplied
Faringdon Arts Festival - 16/7/10

Thanks for the kind, positive comments about Faringdon Arts Festival 2010 - with a tint of Lord Berners. We were blessed with glorious weather which, I believe, made a huge difference compared with the rainy days suffered during festival weekends of the last couple of years. Nevertheless they had involved just as much effort and variety from the organisers - David Reynolds and Julie Farmer - who gave us their support, assistance and advice while taking a well-deserved rest this year.

It was also a special festival this year because of the Berners anniversaries and associated events that gave some added impetus. Now we are looking forward to 2011. If you want to help, appear, offer useful suggestions or spread the word, please get in touch - either through this website or email focuson@bordengate.com
Thank you
Name Suppleid
Faringdon Arts Festival - 16/7/10

we would just like to say a big thanks to all involved who organised this years arts festival. we enjoyed our involvement and hope everyone who came here enjoyed it as much as we did. looking forward to next year.
the bell hotel
Bins - 15/7/10

I think the new waste collection service will be better than before for most people. Recycling will include more items - tetra pacs and cardboard+++++
If you have a very small back garden, or steps, or a narrow gate then the bins may be difficult to handle.

The new service does not include smaller bins, but it might be that you could have sacks instead of bins or if you need an assisted collection, then it is worth contacting the council.
Best be quick though - Faringdon is scheduled to have bins delivered the 2 weeks from 26/7/10

More good news is that all collections in Faringdon will be the same day - so there will be less noisy traffic around, and I guess fewer miles travelled. The less good news is that our collection day is a Monday, which means that on Bank Holiday weekends, unless everyone remembers that the collection will be a day later there will be bins and bags around over holiday weekends. In the town centre this is particularly undesireable.
VWHDC have agreed that the 'day later' approach will apply across the whole district.

Some councils don't make any collections on any Mondays so that this problem does not arise. VWHDC, it seems, have chosen not to do this.

The bins have microchips, which are read as the bin is emptied. Verdant will therefore know/or have a good idea whether bins were available to empty. I think the guy said that the driver notes ( on a system) when a bin for a property is not available for emptying. This info updates the back office system in real time, so queries can be dealt with more quickly.

The number to ring for a missed bin or a problem is 03000 610 610- the Verdant call centre - so that should be an improvement too.

The VWHDC man said that overall savings are about £250k pa- arising from reduced landfill costs, reduced penalties for not achieving the target recycling levels, and I think a lower contract price.

The information about street cleansing was pretty sketchy. ie the town centre and surrounding area every day, and the remaining roads and streets every 4 weeks. I shall try and get more specific information. The streets seem much cleaner to me at the moment - we don't want them to get bad again.
Verdant empty dog bins too as part of the contract
Gene Webb
Are you looking for space to grow our own Fruit and Veg? - 14/7/10

I may have the answer!

A local farm is offering land for possibly ten people who, like myself have found that the waiting lists for allotments in the Faringdon area are extremely long.
If you are interested in this and would like some more information or to put your name down, please contact 01367 242 701 asking for Hannah or e mail the_green_age@yahoo.co.uk.
This is a genuine offer and has the potential to offer gardeners in Faringdon a new and exciting space to utilise.
Don't delay, get in touch today!
Snooty Mehmaan - first impressions - 14/7/10

My wife, son and I made an impromptu visit to this new restaurant/bar on Wednesday evening and can endorse everything good that's been said about it. We arrived at 6:30 to be the only ones in there but it soon filled up to capacity.
All the food we had was very high quality - we were told later that there is a 5 star chef in the kitchen.
Service was excellent by very polite and attentive staff. The decore is much improved following the re-fit.
Only criticism is that this establishment is advertised as a bar and we were encouraged to return for a drink anytime, but it only has 1 draft beer - and that's £3.95 a pint.
Name Supplied
Bins - 13/7/10

So collection day will be Monday but if it's a Bank Holiday it will be cancelled all together or delayed a day ?. If it's just delayed a day then surely it's no different than collections now - it's currently Wednesday, but following a Bank Holiday it's Thursday. If you mean it's delayed a whole week then I can see problems, otherwise it doesn't seem to matter.
Apologies if I've misunderstood - I wasn't able to attend the meeting.
Name Supplied
Faringdon Arts Festival - 13/7/10

Congratulations to everyone involved in organising the Arts Festival - it had a greater variety of events than previously especially re.music - so, I think,a wider appeal.
Great to see Lord Berners resurrected!
Lovely weather. A lovely weekend.
And fantastic to see the church overflowing to hear the Cotswold singers and the marketplace full of folks having a great time. It gets better every year.
Margaret Barker
Coleshill - 13/7/10

Visited the WW11 day the other weekend, what a fascinating day, throughly enjoyed the day if you missed it do look out for the next one.
Name Supplied
Bins - 13/7/10

I attended the bin meeting on Monday night and unfortunately lost my cool which I am not proud of, however please be aware if you have a small garden and do not want it being totally dominated by bins, if not you need to contact the VWHDC now. The council have taken it on themselves to decide who will and will not have the bins, and you as a householder are not consulted and are not even entitled to an opinion about it.
My issue is the lack of communication; several people at the meeting as well as myself have not received any communication. I cannot remember the exact number of properties excluded from bins but is only approximately 250 the majority of these are flats. I have been informed my property has been assessed however no one has been on my property to do this. What completely irritated me was on market day a representative of the contractors informed me global tracking systems were used to assess people’s gardens, which apparently was an untruth.
Other issues to be aware of:
A lady reasonably requested to have 2 of the smaller bins due to space issues, and was categorically told NO. We have compulsory water meters, and will be expected to wash some items being recycled so you will have increased water consumption therefore increased water bills.
They make a big deal about the convenience of collection day is being moved to Monday, but the council do not expect their public servants to serve the public on a bank holiday. (Apparently they refuse to do so)
Therefore bin days will be moved for more of us more frequently. (We were also informed that Faringdon is the only place in Oxfordshire who have householders that put their bins out on bank holidays and not the revised collection day) Totally accept this is a one sided view.
Name Supplied
Faringdon Arts Festival - 13/7/10

I went to the Poetry event featuring the Back Room Poets, which was very good with a some talented writers. What a pity more people did not attend, I think I was one of only three or four audience members.

There was some confusion about the venue, I gather a few people were going to the Red Lion (as advertised) but not being directed to the Bell (The actual venue) but even so it must have been very disappointing for the performers to come here and be virtually ignored.

HT
Pictures of the Folly - 13/7/10

What super Folly pictures the students produced for the Arts Festival.
Does anyone know which have been chosen for their calendar?
Name Supplied

Canadian visit to Faringdon. 1st July - 13/7/10

May I simply express my heartfelt thanks to Nick and his colleagues for hosting our visit to Faringdon on Thursday july 1st. The Canadian heritage specialists were really pleased with the frank discussion about issues in a small market town. It was a wonderful morning which preceeded our visit by boat to Kelmscott.
Thank you once again for giving up your time to welcome the group on this occasion.
Michael Breakell
Pump Rooms - 13/7/10

I hope many Faringdon residents got a chance to look inside the Pump Rooms over the Arts Festival weekend. It is a versatile set of rooms that are available for community use at very reasonable rates. Prices start as low as £6 per hour. We have availability for one off and regular bookings.
The rooms can be used for a variety of things from children's parties and club meeting areas to formal meetings. Our bookings clerk is available Tuesday and Friday Mornings for further information.
Please contact Val Sansford 01367242191 val@faringdontowncouncil.gov.uk
Folly Calendars 2011 - 13/7/10

The 2011 Faringdon calendar is a tribute to our most famous landmark. There are twelve beautiful photographs all taken by local photographers.
They are hot off the press and available in Faringdon Community and Tourist Information Centre at £7.50
Sally Thurston
Arts Festival - 13/7/10

We heard the town crier on stage in the market place on Sunday morning - singing madrigals & english folk songs with a group of friends. What a stunningly beautiful voice, and what a way to start the Sunday programme.
It made my festival.
Well done to the organisers for putting this kind of stuff on the stage as well.
Name Supplied
Lord Berners - 12/7/10

What fun to see Lord Berners reincarnated and around Faringdon over the weekend.
I guess he never had a pink pigeon on his hat- but he would have done if he'd thought of it I'm sure!
Name Supplied
Tesco's Planning application - 12/7/10

Tescos planning application ]http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/tesco-dirty-tricks-and-the-battle-over-a-new-store-in-rural-norfolk-2023130.html
This makes interesting reading.
Steve Bunce
re: fuming and furious - 12/7/10

I would like to say that my young children and I really enjoyed the weekend and my 4 year old already can't wait until next year! I was a little disappointed to see that the public toilets were closed on Friday night (to stop anti social behaviour apparently). It is a shame that there are people out there who don't appreciate the efforts made, but please be reassured that there are those of us who do.
Both nights my children fell asleep eating their tea, (we left early with them being so young), and we as parents really appreciated that fact!!
Please don't be discouraged by those who are ignorant enough to demonstrate the behaviour you mentioned, but take comfort in knowing that the efforts made were appreciated by those who will grow up to (hopefully) be better behaved at events like these, and influence their friends likewise!
An event like this shows the community spirit that is rarely found elsewhere, which is why I look forward to bringing our children up here.
Name Supplied
Arts Festival - 12/7/10

Arts Festival Thanks for all of the hard work put in by a few for us all to enjoy. It was great to enjoy local talent. It is also good to make the point that the Market Square is for people as well as cars.
Steve Bunce
Arts Festival - 11/7/10

Thanks to everyone who must have worked so hard to make the Arts Festival happen.
It was so much more than bands in the square this year.
I loved the tint of Lord Berners events

It looked as if the hostelries in the town centre did some good business - I hope so!
Name Supplied
Arts Festival CD available - 11/7/10

A 22 track CD of mostly original material performed at the Arts Festival is available from the Portwell Angel - at just £5.00. (Feel free to pay more if you wish: all proceeds go to funding the Arts Festival).
Nick Elwell
Arts Festival - 11/7/10

Thanks to Everyone who helped with the Faringdon Arts Festival - with a tint of Berners. I had a great weekend and hope you did too.
We are now planning The Arts Festival 2011. If you would like to be involved please let us know.
We are looking for a small group of reliable individuals who will each take responsibility for one small section of everything that has to be done.
Nick Elwell
Arts Festival - 11/7/10

to add to the arts festival comment in the past years i have like the idea of a community coming together as one but this year all i seemed to do was trying to stop people from parking down our street it caused problems for residence cars coming and going out and when we had them parking across our drives that was the biscuit i phone police several times and one pertictaul car was outside my property all night blocking my drive way so i did not attend the arts festival this year and also wondered what the police were doing as it seemed to me that the arts festival was just a big pi** up if we were stood outside our own homes with drinks we would get a fine but people espeically kids were walking up and down the streets with drinks in there hands then getting rowdy .if you were to send round a letter to me asking weather or not i would like there to be one next year i would not sign it .but if you do have one next year it might be an idea to sort out approperate parking i was not impressed this year at all p.s i appologize for my lanauge and spelling
Sandra
More Recommendations for The Snooty Mehmaan - 11/7/10.

Went at short notice on Friday night, without booking, to check it out - and received a very warm welcome, were well looked after by relaxed (and plenty of) staff, and great food - huge portions! Its not your average indian restaurant - they offer Thai too - so prices are a bit higher, but we were very happy with the attentive service, mountains of food and ambience.
Already looking forward to our next visit, but will book ahead, by the time we left it was packed.
Well done the Snooty Mehmann!
Name Supplied
Anyone wanting an allotment - 10/7/10

I have a very long garden that I find difficult to keep on top of and would be happy for someone to use it as an allotment. The garden is on the centre of Faringdon.
If anyone is interested please call Julie Farmer 01367 246003.
Fuming & Furious - 10/7/10

I will be closing the Arts Festival Textile exhibition for the rest of the weekend because of the VILE evening I had tonight being harrassed by the antisocial behaviour of some young - albeit v young boys - and their couple of adoring female hangers on...who took no absolutely no notice of me, the stewards or even the medic who was trying to prevent themselves impaling themselves on the Punp Room Railings! You can ask a child NOT to do something, you can even try and prevent them them from coming into a building to cause trouble by asking - but you cannot take ANY other action because it is you who would suffer the consequences despite their anti-social behaviour... I am disgusted by their behaviour - and they were SO not - it was just FUN!!!

Since I moved here I have given a lot to this community - It stops RIGHT now - and if your child had a ball tonight at the Arts Festival and went out wearing roller blades or with a scooter and then came back and bragged about how he had got one one over on some old bat or dipstick - Yes it was me - you might also ask him which of his friends defecated on purpose in the Pump Room Toilet floor ..... or was it just an accident by another casual user of the Pump Room tonight? Were you there with your children tonight, do you know where they were - or don't you even care.... aqnd if they had broken their back on the steps using roller blades or impaled theselves on the railings - who's fault would it have been - Oh mine of course! Community Spirit - I don't Think so - RIP the Arts Festival...if this behaviour is the best that Faringdon can offer!
Name Supplied
Thanks for the Tennis - 9/7/10

Thank you to Alan Elbourn and Chris Hand for organising the Juniors Faringdon vs Shrivenham Competition.
It was wonderful to see 16 of Oxfordshire's best young players making the game look so easy.
Does anyone know when Faringdon will get its new courts and clubhouse?
Name Supplied
The Swan - 9/7/10

does any one no wot is happening to the swan i see it has been sold is it going to be a pub again?
Name Supplied
FARINGDON FOLLIES: The Making of a Grand Eccentric - 8/7/10

A play in two acts by Californian Playright Bob Canning This is a staged play reading like no other: taking place in the fresh produce section of BUDGENS, on Sunday 11th July 2010 , starting at 2pm .

The Play is based on the life of our very own Lord Berners, aristocrat, polymath, and eccentric, who lived in Faringdon until his death in 1950.

And true to the Spirit of Faringdon’s most famous eccentric, this ground-breaking event represents TWO world firsts: It will be the world’s first reading of the play; and it will be the first time that such a reading takes place in a Supermarket – during opening hours. Scope for lots of fresh HAM then!

Well-known stage and screen actor Jeremy Bulloch will read the parts of three characters in the play, joining Faringdon Dramatic Society in this absolutely not-to-be-missed sparkler of an event.

The playwright Bob Canning will fly over from California for the staged reading, and will also be available for questions. STOP PRESS: FARINGDON FOLLIES: The Making of Grand Eccentric has just won The Dr. Henry and Lilian Nesburn Playwright Award in the prestigious Beverly Hills Theatre Guild-Julie Harris Playwright Competition out of some 500 entries.

WOW! An award-winning Play by an award-winning Playwright - and all about our very own Lord Berners - coming to Faringdon at a Supermarket near you ... Clearly - AN EVENT NOT TO BE MISSED !

More information: Sjoerd Vogt 01367-241707

TICKETS FROM THE PORTWELL ANGEL. £5 FOR SINGLE TICKET. £3 TOTAL FOR PAIR OF TICKETS!
P.S. Your ticket gets you a chair with FOUR legs. If you choose to watch the Play for FREE (and you'd be very welcome) then you only get TWO legs - and they'll be hanging from your hips. And you may also find yourself trying to see the sage through a bunch of bananas ...
Allotments - 8/7/10

The long waiting lists for local allotments have inspired a local gardener to approach Farmer Gow's with a request that the farm provides some more allotments for locals. The principle of local food for local people is one of the fundamental principles of the farm - and the idea therefore of providing such a service for locals is one that the farm is comfortable with.

We would be grateful for your thoughts/comments/expressions of interest as to whether this is a one-off request or something that could be of real interest to the local community.
Anne Gow
Morris Dancers in Faringdon - 7/7/10

I've just heard there will be Morris dancing at the Folly pub this evening (Wednesday) at 2100, and sometime before then in the Market Square
Gene Webb
Disgusting public toilets- response - 7/7/10

There are no current plans to carry out any major works to these toilets but I am seeing with our facilities manager what we can schedule in during the next few weeks. I agree that the toilets do need some cosmetic repairs like to the walls and the lights in the gents and the graffiti. I hope to be able to carry out some work in the next month or so.

Please note that four district councils across Oxfordshire have been working together to select a new contractor from 1 September which will provide a better standard of cleaning and some efficiencies as one toilet contractor (still tbc) will cover South Oxfordshire, the Vale, Cherwell and West Oxfordshire.

Regards John Backley
Shared Technical Manager Commercial Services
Direct phone: 01491 823419 (South) or 01235 540443 (Vale)
Dance workshops for Kids - 7/7/10

New dates for Summer Holiday Dance workshops are as follows:
Faringdon Leisure Centre
Mon 9th - age 5 -7 (1pm - 3pm)
Tues 10th - age 5 - 7 (9am - 11am), age 7 -11 (12pm - 4pm)
Weds 11th age 7 - 11 (10am - 2pm)
Thurs 12th age 11 - 16 (10am - 2pm)

See http://www.faringdon.org/nvwhatson.htm for classes in Wantage

If your child is 7 or 11 and falls into two age brackets please work on the following guidelines: Age 5 - 7 (years 1 and 2) Age 7 - 11 (years 3 - 6) Age 11 - 16 (years 7 -11)
Workshops are priced at £8 for 2 hour workshops (age 5 -7) and £16 for 4 hour workshops (7+).
Family discount of 10% if two or more workshops are booked for siblings.
To book a place please email myself at kealywhenray@hotmail.co.uk.
Coloured doves - 6/7/10

I've heard a rumour that the Faringdon House doves are being dyed - especially for the Arts Festival. Let's hope they fly around the Market Square.
Keep a look out
Name Supplied
Speedwatch - 6/7/10

I've just had a warning letter from Speedwatch (Oxfordshire County Council) as they detected me driving above 30mph on the Highworth Road. A bit of a surprise - I do aim to drive within the speed limits.
I had no idea there were speed cameras on that road.
Anyone know where? permanent or temporary?
Name Supplied
Ashmolean didn't win the prize - 6/7/10

The Ashmolean museum won the online vote, but the prize went to the Ulster Museum
http://www.artfundprize.org.uk/press/press-release-100630.php
Name Supplied
15 minute club contact - 5/7/10

The best way to contact the 15MC would be via the website, www.15minuteclub.co.uk. This provides a phone number, email and other contact info.
Alternatively, just come along and chat - first Sunday of every month at The Red Lion from 8:00pm.
We would love to see you there!
Steve Wright
New waste collection service- See the new bins and ask VWHDC questions - 5/7/10

Tuesday 6th July 2010 (8.30 am – 1 pm)
VWHDC are having a stall under the Old Town Hall to promote the new waste collection service for residents of the Vale which starts in October this year. The new bins will be on display

Monday 12th July at 6.30 p.m. Public meeting in the Corn Exchange.
A representative from Verdant will be here to answer resident’s queries and/or concerns about the new scheme which will commence on 4th October 2010.
Faringdon Town Council
RE: Snooty Mehmaan (was the Snooty Fox, Littleworth). -5/7/10.

Went there on Sunday lunchtime for their £9.95 Buffet. Excellent food, really good service - would happily recommend. Everyone in our group of 10 was really impressed with the range and quality of the food. Staff were attentive and nothing was too much trouble for them. Beer is a bit expensive at £3.95 a pint, but wine reasonable at less than £12.00 a bottle for the stuff the ladies were drinking!
Richard King
Tesco's Planning application - 5/7/10

You can see the paper documents at the Town Council Office- the office is open til 12.30 each weekday
Gene Webb
Jenny Barnes skydive - 5/7/10

thank you very much to everyone who sponsored me on my skydive which was accomplished on saturday at hinton skydive centre brackley northants.a magnificent total of £1204.60 was raised in aid of save the children with more pledges to collect.
the signed manchester united football was won by mrs buckingham of clanfield and the signed pennant was won by m duffy of witney. the draw was made by my instructor at hinton skydiving centre.
so once again thank you all very much.
Jenny Barnes
15 minute club - who to contact - 3/7/10

Does anyone have an e mail address for The 15 minute club ? .
As I have a query ....Thank you
Name Supplied
Tesco's Planning application - 2/7/10

The Tesco's application is now up and running, according to the Vale's website. The link to the pages is: http://planning.whitehorsedc.gov.uk/publicaccess/tdc/dcapplication/application_detailview.aspx?KEYVAL=L2CX65BYC0000&module=P3&hidereturn=true
The website contains electronic copies of all the application plans, documents etc.
Jeremy Flawn
New local jogging group for complete beginners - 2/7/10

A new jogging group, for complete beginners is starting up in Faringdon on Monday evenings at 7pm from the Faringdon Leisure Centre starting Monday 26th July 2010.

The group is lead by a “Run in England” qualified jog leader as part of the “Run in England” partnership with GO Active (Get Oxfordshire Active). GO Active aims to encourage adults to lead more active lifestyles and believes "getting active is about having more energy; socializing; feeling good about yourself; enjoying yourself and perhaps improving fitness, health or achieving goals. It’s not all about training for marathons or competing at the top but if that’s your ultimate aim then great!”

Everyone is welcome to join up, whatever their age, size or ability. A fully trained group leader will make sure that you are well looked after and having loads of fun.
The first 10 sessions will cost £2 each, which will go towards your Run in England membership.
If you’d like to give it a go, please contact Anna Capel-Davies, (GO Active Coordinator in the Vale) on 01235 540377 or anna.capel-davies@whitehorsedc.gov.uk.
Battle of the bands - 2/7/10

Last night battle of the bands at the F.C.C. We heard some fantastic new bands with an age range of 12yrs-18yrs.The Sound and lighting were of a high standard and the audience of about 100 much appreciated this.
Then came the voting which for the first time was cast by the audience. The surprising winners were "Phenominal"
So Faringdon, for something new and very different catch them when they open proceedings in the Market Square for the Faringdon Arts Festival(with a tint of Lord Berners)on Friday 9th July, 6pm.
Over £150 was raised for the music department at the F.C.C. Many thanks to the college who allowed us to use the facilities at no cost.
A big thanks to Westy and Nial
Have a happy and enjoyable festival.
Sam Prince
Monks walk - 2/7/10

I understood it to be the path behind Gloucester House, which was a grange in medieval times.It runs between high walls up towards the church,and the monks used it to get from Gloucester House to the church. At a later date someone told me it was a 'fruit walk' for Faringdon House.I like to think there is some truth in the original story, and they could both be right.
Kay Fox
Monks walk - 2/7/10

I look out at Monk's Walk every day.
It runs from Gloucester Street car park straight to the west end door of All Saints Church. The southern wall was built recently in 1520 to form a horse paddock for the Crown Hotel. The northern wall is considerably older, probably Cistercian circa 1220. A corridor linking the Crown's kitchen to the greenhouses beyond the Faringdon House swimming pool runs deep underneath Monk's Walk.
John Gillman
Where is Monks walk - 1/7/10

please can anyone tell me where monks walk is in faringdon thanks
Name supplied
ED(GW) Not heard of one in Faringdon, but there is in Lechlade( see Google maps) - past the Trout on the right, before Mill Lane
Found: a guinea pig in Highworth Road area faringdon - 1/7/10

Some one must have lost a small white and grey long haired guinea pig in the Highworth Road area of Faringdon. In the early hours of Thursday morning, one of my cats brought it into my house.
Unfortunately it has a leg wound and is currently being looked after at the Danetree Vets in Coxwell Road.
If this is your guinea pig please contact the vets on 01367 242777
Katrina Campbell
Potholes R Us! - 1/7/10

'Map' of potholes?
Surely it's a joke?
It isnt a joke?
No?
Then perhaps it's some ploy to avoid liability in the event of damage or accident...caused by potholes

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