For those who have not yet received a renewal form for their free bus pass, (valid from next April) the date that you have to get your form in to the council by - with your photograph - is 10th August
This also applies to those who have not already got a bus pass.
For more information follow this link
http://www.whitehorsedc.gov.uk/health_and_social_care/community_transport/DetailPage11749.asp
HT
Update: the deadline is now 24th August
Now that people have to request permission and pay for putting up signage on our roads and pavements should the same not apply to the roads and transport department.
Who had a say in the new signage on park road.
Does anyone see how the new oversized speed limit signs entering faringdon on park road fit in with the governments review on tidying up street furniture.
Don't they look a mess? whats wrong with a traditional simple round 30 sign to replace the 40 sign.
I just hope there temporary and get reused when there taken away and not binned.
name supplied
RE: recycling Shredded paper can be composted along with your food waste (but not in the brown bin?). You can buy a seperate compost bin fairly cheaply from the council web site for that.
name supplied
This Saturday morning we tried in vain to get a glazier to repair the window that some irresponsible youth had smashed 'en route' along Gloucester Street in the early hours; neighbours of mine noticed that morning, glaziers working at the back of the library in the town park to repair windows that had been smashed that same evening/early morning.
Why is it that a handful of youngsters can cause such chaos. I would urge any of you out there who observe youngsters on motorcross bikes riding in appropriately without head gear, those consuming alchohol in our town parks etc just report it - even a note in the letterbox of the police station.
Elsie, Gloucester Street
I have found that 99% of the staff in there are helpful, lovely, discreet people, professional to a man/woman.
There is one assistant who stands out though, who can be rude and complaining. This assistant needs training in one or more of 3 things - customer relations, politeness, and helpfulness.
There are staff training courses available and it's my feeling that this person would benefit from one, and maybe the others too, just from a refresher, although they are ok as they are.
Signed, a shop assistant
Whats happened to the Land rovers and other car stuff that used to be by the old dairy. Have they moved or gone bust?
Colin
I filled in the form to enter the competition, and worked hard at my garden to get it ready for the judging - which was to take place 21/7, 22/7. I was getting quite excited - I am proud of my garden and looked foward to showing it off.
How surprised I was to receive a phone call mid evening on Friday 20th, from the Town Councillor named on the entry form( the one that has been a town councillor for years and has a moustache!!), that because there were insufficient entrants, the competition had been cancelled.
I was so disappointed, but then I thought about it - Surely it was known how many had entered at the closing date - which was at least a fortnight ago, why didn't someone tell me then that the competition wasn't to happen?
I have become suspicious - I cannot believe there were insufficient entrants - after all, the competition has been run for many years, I think it much more likely that judges had not been found, or worse still the organiser couldn't be bothered.
Town Council - please explain
Name supplied
Further to the posting regarding the local chemist, I had a hilarious encounter in there a couple of weeks ago where they wouldn't sell me more than half a dozen or so hayfever tablets of my usual particular brand but would happily sell me hundreds of a different brand containing, apparently the same active ingredients in the same amounts on the grounds that there wasn't a "P" printed on the box.
Apparently, I could happily kill myself on hayfever pills but not while the pharmacist was at lunch.
Its barmy red tape like this that infuriates at the time but makes me laugh now.
Small town mentality - we got it in spades
Name supplied
I was appalled to overhear a customer in our local chemist being interrogated about a medical condition. The saleslady asked, quite audibly to other customers
"Do you actually have irritable bowel syndrome, then?"
When the customer subsequently requested some particular medication the saleswoman asked a pharmacist - "We dont just hand these out, do we"?
If I was embarrassed, - whatever must the unfortunate customer have felt like?
We all realise that pharmacists are obliged to ask certain questions sometimes but this was downright rude and humiliating.
Whatever happened to confidentiality.
Name supplied
I notice that the old fishmongers is to become a shoe shop.
Not sure if they have chosen a name for it yet but I think that........'Soles 'n' Eels' might be a good idea !.
Any other suggestions ?.
Eileen Pill
The so-called authorities that target pavement society, music in the Corn Exchange etc. do this to disguise their pathetic record in tackling real issues such as speeding, crime, litter etc. It is the behaviour of the bully; go for the soft targets.
But nothing will happen until ordinary Faringdon residents say "enough". A few residents and bureaucrats form a very small tail on a very large dog. Get out there. Go to town meetings.
Write to the town, dictrict and county councils. Write to our MP Ed Vaizey. Make a nuisance of yourselves until sense prevails ...
Mark Harrison
As a result of Friday’s torrential rain there has been an increased demand for our product and we would urge anyone who may be assuming that the latest deluge may not be the last to contact us with your requirements ( Dimensions in Cubits would expedite construction).
Until the end of August we will be offering an easy payment plan i.e. everything upfront and nothing to pay for the rest of your life combined with a flood compensation package and a pair of doves.
Noah and Sons (By divine appointment )
First of all Sylvia it is wrong to assume that binmen like handling dirty boxes.That is why they leave them the rightway up with the lid off when it is raining. Much as they would like to they haven't the time to clean them but by moving yours they ensure that your cleanliness is shared by your neighbours.
You should feel proud not irritated.
However if you do not want to become the local Green bin cleaner paint your address on the thing. It will still probably go walkabout but you stand a reasonable chance of being reunited with it.
Name Supplied
The Rotary Club of Faringdon & District has supported the following during the period July 2006 to July 2007
Faringdon Cyberbus, Thames Valley & Chiltern Air Ambulance, Hope & Aid Direct (Convoy of Hope to Kosovo), Faringdon Artistic Skating Club, Access Bangalore, Action for Blind People, Barnardos, Oxon County Scout Council, Fourteen Club, Helen House Hospice, Douglas House Hospice, Faringdon First Responders, Oxford Childrens Hospital Fund, Porridge Club, Macmillan Cancer Fund, Water Aid, Rotary Foundation, Senior Citizens Party, Faringdon Christmas 'Lights-On', Rotary Youth Speaks Competition and most recently the Rotary Administered UK Flood Disaster Appeal.
Many thanks to those who so generously support our Christmas Appeal with Father Christmas and Thomas the Tank Engine and also our numerous fundraising fctivities throughout the year.
Mike Bell
The Ed's suggestion that removing 'dog muck' was a problem for Oxfordshire Gateway was obviously taken seriously and led to an impressive result
But, though Friday's four inches of torrential rain in 24 hours was effective, in my opinion it was just a bit over the top and I certainly didn't need my garage being treated to a display of the Council's Super Power Washer.
Next time please just send a man with a brush and a bucket.
Not Devil's Advocate
You give'th then take'th away. I'm honoured to receive such comments though. I did prepare a lengthy rebuttal/contrary view to the business advertising debate just to advocate an other view, but it started raining and I thought I would post something benign and useless for a change, although many of my victims will of course argue that all my postings are rather benign and useless.
However, you have now inspired me sir, and I will post my original post on Monday (its on another computer), and will expect the wrath of the local people of good Faringdon.
Devils Advocate
Ed: I look forward to it
Is there anyone else in Faringdon who finds themselves totally lost on the difficult problem of being green.
I think the whole idea is necessary and since the initiation of anything to do with recycling we have been there and done that, we were one of the first to get the green box. We have filled our box regularly with the things said to be recyclable, only to find that things are taken for a while then all of a sudden rejected, and left in the box, then paper - my personal bug bear. We are told that for security we should shred all documents, and again we have been doing that for several years. We always put the shreds in a plastic bag to prevent them blowing away, and they were taken like that for a long time. Then surprise, surprise the plastic bags were rejected and the full bag left behind.
Would it be so very difficult for the operative to empty the bags into the container? On complaining to the Vale we are told to put the shreds into paper bags, where the heck do we get paper bags from, no shop keeper uses them now except the occasional small brown one, and envelopes (the other suggestion) do not hold much.. The answer to that one is to buy paper bags!
This leads to two things: 1) where do you buy paper bags, and 2) surely to buy yet another container in which to put rubbish is being utterly ridiculous we already buy bin bags, green bags, and pay for a brown bin.
Another little moan, we occasionally wash our green box out, because it gets unpleasant, only to find the operative moves them around when picking up the rubbish and we end up with usually the filthiest one about!
I personally am getting to the stage when I shall go back to putting everything in the ordinary bin.
Sylvia Bowley
Part One' Saturday 5th July 2008 Faringdon Junior School
A full day and evening of live music from bands playing original material. Headline act 'Carrie Rossiter and the Dacoits'
This will be a unique event as all bands will only play original material - no covers.
The event is tentatively called 'FAF- part one' (a week before the main FAF event).
It is planned to have 7 bands throughout the day in the dinning room and then move to the main hall in the evening.
Any band wanting to play please contact Sean Hodgson 07712 530405 email seamus401962@yahoo.com
I'm not attempting to start a debate or anything but I would be grateful to hear from the editors why we have to submit our real name and address if we want to post to the site?
I personally belong to plenty of forums and on not one of them am I obliged to leave my real name which suggests its not a legal requirement, so why here?
I have to confess, it takes away a bit of the fun of posting under a pseudonym if someone knows who you are...
Thanks
Mel Lane
Ed: Thanks for asking - I can see your point, however we ask people to identify themseleves (through their email or postal address) in order to deter unreasonable posts. We never disclose names and addresses, so don't feel it should be a problem
Devil's Advocate.I'm glad you have objected to people using your pseudonym and attempting to gain credence for their views and to bask in a reflected glory.. I have always felt that your reasoned arguments provide a steadying influence to some of the more unreasonable posters who use and sometimes abuse this site. But slippers with Bart Simpson on them even from your little daughter may well be covering feet of clay and I'm feeling just a little let down.
Cole Porter (no offence intended but is that your real name ?) don't give up on Faringdon or this website.both take a bit of getting used to but it is worth the effort and you'll find that some pearls of wisdom do get in amongst the postings.
Your views on the VWHDC may or may not be accurate but as they hardly ever condescend to reply to our moans on the site it is hard to know what goes on in their particular ivory towers.
As to the 'dog muck' you claim entitles us to be named as the 'muckiest town in England' I think the appropriate authority would deny that there is a problem. I would suggest that, to be fair, you should collect a few samples and send them to the Town Council for onward transmission to whoever deals with such matters. Finally do continue to share your thoughts with us and don't be upset if you are occasionally misunderstood.it happens to the best of us
HGM
Ed: Report it online via Oxfordshire Gateway
I find it quite offensive that I (and indeed all slipper wearers) are being accused of all the ill's which Faringdon is currently facing.
I don't smoke a pipe, but I do wear slippers, navy blue ones with Bart Simpson on, a present from my little girl at Christmas. I demand that the accusations against me and other law abiding slipper wearers (who go about their daily lives without causing problems for anyone, or objecting to everything) are dropped immediately and a public apology made.
Devil's Advocate
PS Please note that some posters are trying to be Devils Advocate, they are not me. If its not signed by me, then its not me.
I've not lived in this town long, but feel moved to write to air a few issues.
What is it about Faringdon that makes it work? On the surface the town has a lot going for it and has great potential. Arts and music festivals, a thriving music scene, a lively community website, and some positive, community minded people pushing the boat out - they all help to generate a sense of moving forward.
But scratch the surface and it is not long before problems emerge like icebergs wanting to sink the good ship Faringdon. For one the silent, invisible complainers, (probably not always the same people,) hiding anonymously behind officialdom, who are then forced to carry out their duties to the letter and put spanners in works and stop things happening. Very recent history is littered with examples - the Corn Exchange fiasco, the children's murals on the Portwell, the table and chair cafe society outside and others.
In the second instance I do not think the town is well served by its district council based in Abingdon, it seems remote and intent on withdrawing even further. The lack of movement on the Corn Exchange, the pre-emptive dictat on business signs in the street, done without warning or consultation - a 'great' way to treat businesses trying to make a go of it.
Thirdly, a different kind of problem, but while I'm on the growl - the dog muck. This must be the muckiest town in England, it's nothing to be proud of.
What's the problem with being a responsible dog owner? I don't get it. It's symptomatic of the whole problem.
So what is it to be - a town moving forwards or backwards?
I want to stay here and play a part in making it work, but may have to consider moving on somewhere else.
Cole Porter
I have a spare ticket for the above event.
If anyone is interested in having the ticket please contact me as the only way to transfer the ticket is for me to do it on line.
Cost £9.
There will be Turkish food available earlier for an additional cost.
nina@jazzthecat.fsnet.co.uk
I am waiting with baited breath for the banning of next year's festival due to one, or two, people deciding that it interferes with their pipe smoking and slipper wearing. If people do complain then I think it's reasonable for them to have to do so in public. Which would then allow those who organise such endeavours to rebut their claims.
It's the secret and unaccountable way that these things seem to happen around here that gets me.
Plus the fact that the views of the majority are totally ignored.
Ray
Plans are in progress for a purely youth based music/arts festival to take place next year.
Anyone who is in a youth band or knows someone who may be interested (note, all band members must be under 18) please contact me on hairycaveman@hotmail.co.uk, eagerly awaiting replys :)
Nial Prince
Just to play Devil's Advocate here..... Business Rates are a tax that businesses pay for being a business and my understanding is that it doesn't go towards any local services. It is in fact collected by the District Council on behalf of the Treasury and therefore goes straight to Central Government. The Government may argue that most of it comes back out to OCC and VWHDC, but of your £360 per month, I understand the councils will see a total of less than 10% of it
..... ... therefore they have to tax businesses in other ways for local services !!!
Regarding the A-boards - Central Government have asked local governments to review their policies on local signage due to the large amounts of signage all over the main roads and distracting drivers. I think VWHDC have taken a blanket decision to remove all signage, whether trailer boards or A-signs (see the rampage about Challow Cricket Club and the removal of sponsorship signs).
So back to the discussion on raising revenue locally from businesses - if I were a "radical thinking" local Council, I would think that taxing local businesses to put up signs is a good way of raising local revenue from businesses and I could blame Central Government for having to do this.
I, therefore, don't have to draw on my powers of common-sense...
Sarah Allen-Stevens
Oh come on people, what is wrong with us. We live in a wonderful town that is full of history and interesting and vibrant people, so why oh why are we letting the little people push us around AGAIN.
We recently had MADD May Fest and then the Faringdon Arts Festival all of which are arranged by willing volunteers wanting to put something back into the town. In December we will have more volunteers pushing Festive Faringdon for the kids not to mention the French Market(s) the Craft Fair and the Farmers Markets and a number of other events that are arranged by volunteers for the whole town to enjoy, in fact there is something to enjoy every month in our town. Do they get any thanks for this, no just complaints?
Now we are told that the Portwell Bar will have to pay for tables and chairs to be placed outside, presumably the Coffee House will also have to pay for their. Our local shops now have to put their A boards away. Do we actually want the businesses in Faringdon to be successful? We have just lost the Faringdon Enterprise Gateway now we want to lose our shops and our café culture.
Come on, we finally get the people of Faringdon out of their homes and talking to each other, celebrating with music and dance, playing sports and actively getting involved in the culture of our town. We have started to create a community sprit.
Let's stop listening to the silent minority and move into the 21 century where we are trying to stop isolation and loneliness and continue to build on our vibrant and thriving community.
Swannie
Chaps working (on behalf of Oxfordshire County Council), were removing weeds from the Coxwell St pavement this morning. They told me that all the pavements/paths in the town were to be done
Good News!
However they had no idea if weed killer would be put down - if it isn't the weeds will be back in a few weeks
Still it is a something, I guess
Gene Webb
We have an idea, a cunning plan we hope you will agree.
We'd like to lodge an official complaint against one or two complainants being able to close down anything in the Town regardless of majority public opinion, merely by the fact that they, the overwhelming minority, have complained.
There, problem solved.
A couple of individuals have complained, so there it stops. No more minority rule.
Precedent rules ok.
Corn Exchange live music, 15 Minute Club, A boards, street furniture, cafe culture, well-dressing, Market Place Atmosphere, please come back, all is forgiven.
If you don't agree with us, tough luck, disagreeing with the minority gets you nowhere in Faringdon.
If you do agree with us, please keep it to yourselves, as mass support hasn't worked in the past so we need to make sure this works once and for all.
Signed: Stan Dupp and Don Mass
dear sir.
it has come to my attention that a few issues have arisen recently centering on a few churlish complaints that have disproportionate repercussions. this has led to a generally negative mood within the town and some are up in arms. i am of course referring to the signage and the chairs and tables outside a few of the popular establishments in the market place.
it would appear that the letter of the law has been applied without even a cursory glance in the direction of common sense. the portwell bar has been targeted and has been ordered to pay an exorbitant levy for the few tables and chairs on the pavement outside and was ordered to remove the temporary trellissing between the bollards forthwith.
i considered it quite a pleasant look and it addressed in part, the risk of someone inadvertently stepping out onto the road which cars, and motorbikes use as a rat run past the crown and portwell in their failure to observe the roadsigns. as for the signage advertising new features, upcoming events and latest offers, i again am left flabbergasted.
in a climate of ever increasing restrictions, rent and rate rises beyond the national average, the drop in trade they have felt from the smoking ban (not that the portwell suffered, it has always been non-smoking), i applaud them for at least trying to be a little inventive and none of the signs and adverts appeared to me to be in any way out of place or a detraction to the character of the market place.
i will be lobbying to see this blatant profiteering cease, to see the knee jerk reactions against common consensus halt and attention to more pressing issues with a consistent policy from all organisations come to the fore. on a lighter note, a big smile for the person that put the lampshade on the street sign on the london street corner of the market place.
thats the spirit.
yours, in earnest david halsall
Everytime I say that Faringdon is an interesting, vibrant place to live, some form of complaint or officialdom arrives to reverse what people are trying to do.
We have had debates about the noise at the Corn Exchange, well dressing etc and now trellis outside the Portwell Bar together with imposition of charges to gain "approval" for chairs on the pavement or A board advertising.
What is going on?
Over recent years, I have spent a lot of my working time in Europe where complainers are ignored unless they are a significant number and when pointless regulations exist, they are routinely ignored.
So I suggest we ignore the complainers unless they can prove genuine nuisance and ignore stupid regulations. If anyone is "brought to book", we attend court cases as a community, run collections if necessary to pay fines and make common sense the norm.
You may assume that I support Martin and the other businesses in their irritation.
And when are we going to get some traffic calming and control in the town?
Steve Wright
Would one of the organisers give me the list for publishing here please.
Someone has asked for it
Gene Webb
Horatio Nelson was a national hero. He deserted his wife,flaunted his mistress,lost two valuable pieces of Admiralty Property namely his right eye and most of his right arm and supposedly asked his friend Hardy to "give us a kiss sailor". He achieved Hero status by disobeying a legal order from a superior authority. Yet he was given a State Funeral (Posthumously of course).
Here in Faringdon we have similar potential heros who ignore the legal orders from superior (?) authorities with very little chance of a State Funeral. If you park on double yellows, on the pavement, in a disabled slot or a bus stop, exceed the speed limit, overstay the 30 minute parking limit in the Market Square, or drive up the bus lane, Nelson's blind eye will usually be turned to all these offences.
So Mr Phillips and others who use harmless A boards etc why not ignore those regulations which you believe to be unreasonable and hope a similar blind eye will be applied to your wickedness. If you do get 'caught' the fine, if any, may be less than the cost of obeying the orders.
Reluctant Anarchist
very good rhyme jim
where do you get them from
is it living in faringdon for a long time best wishes
patricia [ cousin]
I don't drink so I never go into the Portwell Bar, I don't smoke so I don't need to sit outside it and as far as I know I have never met Martin Phillips and if any of you think I lead a boring social life .well, could be !
But..you don't have to be smoker or a drinker to appreciate that the Portwell Bar is nothing but, wait for it, an asset to Faringdon.
I suppose the proposed charges and restrictions being suggested can be justified by Council Officials who may even weep crocodile tears at the necessity to impose them. I'm sure that almost all those involved would assure Martin that if it was up to them the whole business could be 'sorted' but their hands are tied.
I have no idea how much should be paid, or for what, but I DO KNOW that the locals sitting outside the Bar watching the Boy Racers speeding past in what used to be the Bus Lane do nothing but good for the Market Place Atmosphere.
I know that some of you regular posters will be tempted to oppose me as a matter of principle but just this once, let's face it, you haven't got a case.
Harry G Mitchell.
Yes Martin there is already a heated debate going on regarding A boards and other street furniture.
The VWHDC have decided we all now need to be granted permission to display A boards, planters barbers poles etc. The cost will be £265 per application and then you may not get the permission, but you have to first contact Oxfordshire County Council Highways for them to grant consent to get the permission - hope you are following this!! - the only trouble is they OCC cannot do this as it is illegal for them to do it, they have in the past overlooked all street furniture as long as it doesn't intrude on public footpaths etc. the story will not end here as Faringdon Retailers and Chamber are looking into it.
Yet again another stealth tax for small business, it seems to me this government wants to kill off all small towns or make them all very dull just like the large shopping centres.
Maybe if enough people complain they will leave Faringdon alone.
A lot of businesses are working very hard to make the town look great by having seating outside, may you all continue.
Denise Palmer
Now Back Up
Apologies for anyone trying to contact Boogie Me as our site and email have been down.
All now ok and you can contact us at www.boogie-me.co.uk or email info@boogie-me.co.uk
Many thanks Jon
Great that you enjoyed FAF.
There is some information about some of the bands that played the Arts Festival on the www.britpopuk.com site although it is a bit out of date.
Steve Wright (PowerTrain)
FACTS:
I pay £360 per month in business rates for the Portwell Bar (yet still have to pay Grundon to take my waste away).
Until now my license to put tables and chairs out was a simple matter of applying to the County Council Highways Department, who granted the license at no charge. I have now been informed that I have to pay £150 for them to consider the renewal of the license. This sum is deductible from the £750 per year that I will now have to pay if the license is granted. If it is not granted the £150 is non-refundable.
I have also been informed that my A boards will not be allowed out from 1st August unless I pay £265 for the County Council to consider an application, which is not guaranteed (and probably not likely) to be granted. The fee again is non-refundable.
I have received many, many compliments about the trellis fencing sections I put up during the Arts Festival weekend. I have now heard on the grapevine that due to one individual complaint I must remove them.
COMMENTS:
I was under the mistaken impression that my business rates were meant to cover our various councils' costs.
I do not begrudge paying an additional administrative charge to the Council to cover their costs in granting licenses for outside tables and chairs, from which we can only benefit for 4 or 5 months per year at best. £150 non-refundable deposit and £750 per year for a little rubber-stamping, a bit of stationery and a postage stamp appears to be a little steep.
Are A boards really that bad if they do not force pedestrians onto the road?
With regard to the trellis fencing, we have ensured that at least two panels are retracted at the end of every session to allow pedestrian access onto the road (even though nowadays it is positively dangerous since it appears to have been abandoned as a bus lane). Is the trellis fencing not an improvement to our Market Place? Please tell me either way - I will willingly go with the majority opinion if the powers that be will let me.
I'm struggling to see a health and safety argument against what we are trying to do to make our home town a better place. You will be able to sense that I am somewhat disgruntled.
QUESTION:
What do you think?
Let's have a heated debate, air our opinions (all of them please, good and bad, from retailers and general public), and see if there's any way I can become gruntled again.
Martin Phillips
At first glance it seems a wonderful idea.
However, it has dire financial consequences for the rest of us.
As with satelite dishes and sky, your invention will become a necessity for modern life. No doubt the "social" will also see it as being fundamental and a life essential. Millions of the items will be purchased by the state and redistributed to those who can't afford but need and demand them.
As tax payers however, we will be paying for them.
So, excellent idea, but no thank you, I'm fed up paying for essential satelite dishes, cars that don't get taxed, cigs and beer, and for a large number of people who expect and demand something for nothing.
Now that's controversial.
Devil's Advocate
So pleased that you enjoyed the weekend.
If the skateboarders had worn appropriate protection they could have performed for us. Maybe next year?
All the bands, apart from 'Forgotten Priority' - the winner of 'Battle of the Bands' - are named in the programme which you can still download from www.faringdonartsfestival.org website if you didn't pick up a printed programme.
There are some super photos of them (and a few skateboarders) on http://www.flickr.com/groups/314165@N24/pool/
If you need more info about some of the bands, contact me via this site.
Sheila
As Jim ignored X may I suggest a last line.?
"X is for that awkward rhyme that Jimmy couldn't find "
Helpful of Faringdon
On a stroll round Faringdon I was struck by a Eureka moment and have produced detailed sketches for an invention which should sell well in our town and probably throughout the World..
Unfortunately I do not have the funds to maximise the profit from my invention so I am inviting applicants to finance my venture. Don't miss out on this golden opportunity because it will be on a First Come First Served basis
This is the problem and my solution.
On any walkabout in our town centre you will see many mums pushing their offspring in pushchairs. Most of them are having to do this with only one hand because their other hand is fully occupied with a cigarette and/or a mobile phone. My solution is obvious but so are most great inventions. I have produced plans for a combined ashtray and phone holder which can be clipped on to a pushchair. I am also working on a similar item which can be clipped on to a small child.
Anyone interested in providing backing may contact me anonymously through this site if the Eds allow it
H Robinson
Arts Festival was a fab fantastic weekend in Faringdon and must pay attention to some of the talents which were not billed.
Skateboards and BMX type stunts brought some good entertainment maybe the skate park better place in the Market Place ;) so we are entertain all year round.
It would be good if we could have this event every month.
Does anyone know if there is further information on the bands which took part?
Name Supplied
A is for arthritis,
B is for bad back,
C is for chest pains, maybe cardiac,
D is for dental, decay and decline,
E is for eyesight, nope, can't read that top line,
F is for fluid retention,
G is for gas, best not to mention,
H is for high blood pressure, I'd rather it was low,
I is for incisions,scars you just can't show,
J is for joints, out of socket, won't mend,
K is for knees that crack, when you try to bend,
L is for libido, whatever happened to sex,
M is for memory,um, can't think what comes next,
N is for neuralgia, in nerves way down low,
O is for ostio' bones that no longer grow,
P is for presciption, I do have quite a few,
Q is for queasy, is it fatal?, is it flu?
R is for reflux, one meal turns into two,
S is for sleepless nights, counting all my fears,
T is for tinnitus,there's bells inside my ears,
U is for urinary, trouble with the flow,
V is for virtigo, that's dizziness, don't you know,
W is for worry, about what's going round,
Y is for the years I've left, above the ground,
Z is for the zest of life, but only in my mind.
Jim Horton
Aw Steve. There I was thinking it was all down to Martha and the Doctor!
Next year we are going to attempt to raise (no, that is not a spelling mistake) the Corn Exchange.
Perhaps you could help with that and another bit of summer for 'Fiesta in Faringdon' would be welcome.
Sheila
You complained 'cos I wouldn't play with you.
Well, it's 'cos of the words you use which I know my mum wouldn't have liked.
I never wrote soddon so there ! I wrote sodden and meant sodden not s**ding,and,you used the word scally which she wouldn't have liked,and,I don't think she would have told me what a*** means.
So now you know and if you don't give me my ball back I'm going to tell ...
Harry
HGM, Thank you and I claim total responsibility for the weather improvement - well, no-one else will!
Steve Wright
Harry, you have finally spelt a word wrong,and as always I am happy to put you right. It's not "soddon" it's "s--ding".
Thanks for the compliment, I feel bad now.
By the way, it wasn't Slade I was in, it was the Sad dads, how soon they forget, how fickle is stardom, deep sigh..................
Jim Horton
I thought all the talk about PC and brainstorming was a spoof..The kind of nonsense which I may even have considered writing myself. But I checked it out with Google and Google says it is correct and so it must be, mustn't it Jim? Incidentally I never believed that Jim was ever in Slade or any other prison.He's far too clever to get caught never mind convicted and any way he was probably innocent !
PC spoof or not the Mind Boggles (am I allowed to say that?)
The market place festivities were great this weekend . The music was splendid and the organisers and participants are to be congratulated.
Unfortunately we now expect all our entertainment to be of a high standard so there may be a tendency to overlook the effort involved in producing these apparently effortless performances.
But one man/woman/person ( I really can't be doing with this PC rubbish) did a splendid job and needs more public recognition. So don't be shy.step forward and be recognised..I refer to whoever it was who arranged for two sunny days in the middle of our Sodden Summer.
HGM
The winning raffel ticket for the Faringdon Arts Festival was a pink ticket number 499.
Would the luck winner please contact Julie Farmer from myPA Recruitment on 01367 244607 or pop in to the office at number One London Street, Farigndon.
Thank you
Julie Farmer
Yet again, the Faringdon Arts Festival proves what an exciting, vibrant place Faringdon is to live in.
It is 5:00am Monday morning and I still can't sleep due to the adrenelin rush!
Thanks to everyone who came to all the events and all the artists who performed for us. As Market Place stage manager (a very grand title) I had a great opportunity to look out on the crowd and seeing everyone enjoying themselves so much makes the effort worthwhile.
One point that lots of people commented on was that the Well Dressing decoration was back and it looked great - thanks, I assume, to Sam and Hilary.
I'm looking forward to FAF 2008.
Let's hope I can get to sleep before then.
Steve Wright
Not possible to publish your comments - I need a real name and email address
But we're glad you look at the site
Gene Webb
Could I draw your attention to this wonderful opportunity for any youngster at primary school interested in singing. Salisbury Cathedral is advertising for children to join its junior choir, and it is open to anyone who is in the right age group. For further details and contact address/phone numbers see the Cathedral web site
http://www.salisburycathedral.org.uk/news.php?id=237
It's a long way to travel, but anyone who wishes to take up this opportunity and is able to do so, will get a superb training and the chance to sing in one of Britain's most impressive venues. It's free, and not limited to children who live in or around Salisbury.
HT
Firstly let me make it quite clear that Slade prison and I have never met. ( I saw Slade at the New theatre in Oxford once, and also at the Faringdon Corn Exchange, but that's a different story).
The reason I have not been annoying this site for a while is because I have been doing missionary work,that is to say painting and decorating outside of Faringdon. what do I find on my return, some scally using my identity, not only that, getting "banged up" for what, I dread to think.
I have my reputation to think of, and to have someone dragging my good name through the mud (I saw them as well) is outragous.
He does however sound a likeable rogue,what with his razor sharp wit, and his Leslie Philips " hello ladies" he does sound like my sort of guy, (as opposed to Lukewarm).
No, I can honestly say that my razor sharp wit has been sheaved for some time now, and I have not been galloping around Faringdon slapping my a*** like a ten year old boy coming out of Saturday morning pictures after watching a cowboy film( circa 62-63, come on admit it,we all did it) for a while. Harry just doesn't seem to want to play anymore, and where wit is concerned, I never pick on an unarmed man anyway,
So, Mr Norman Stanley Fletcher ( can we call you Fletch'?)seeing as you are doing nothing for the next five years perhaps you would like to badinage.
Anyway must go, good work to be done in Fyfield............have brush, will travel.........
Jim Horton
In response to the Politically Correct post by HT, I discovered this on the net posted a few years ago by Garry Platt of brainstorming.co.uk. I hope he doesn't mind me quoting him verbatim.
"The name has been criticised in some quarters and deemed to be
politically incorrect, confused, bored? I was. The contention is that some
people who experience epilepsy might be offended by the expression
Brainstorming, why? Because an epileptic seizure might be defined as a
Brainstorm.
I was highly sceptical of this claim and did some research of
my own; I contacted the British Epilepsy Society (BEA) who are a group which
represent the interests of sufferers, carers and researchers into this illness
and spoke to their Public Relations department. Their response was to
emphatically deny that the term Brainstorming was non PC and deemed the term
perfectly acceptable and indeed made the interesting observation that they
themselves use this idea generating technique in their own offices and call it
by its true name; Brainstomring.
Not satisfied with this I posted a
question on to 3 newsgroups and forums which focus on Epilepsy asking whether
this term was none PC. I had 47 responses, all of them stating that no offence
was received by this terms nor could there be by any reasonably minded person.
The end result of this is that I continue to use the term Brainstorm and urge
you to do the same challenging anyone who tries to convince you otherwise, they
are not using the facts to make their decisions.
I also sadly reflect
on the fact that there are far too many HR departments with either so little to
do or such a poor grasp on reality that they spend time sending edicts round
requesting people to no longer use the term 'Brainstorm' when in truth there
are no problems at all with this term except in their fevered and limited
imaginations."
It is about time we put a stop to this nonsense and "Nit
picking".
Whoops... you're not supposed to say that either are you??
Citizen Smith
This Company are making a brief stopover on their hundred-gags-an-hour tour to the Edinburgh Festival, bringing "Europrats - a 12-star Revue!" to Faringdon.
This is a show that asks the really important questions about life within the European Union: What would happen if Austria got Hungary and ate Turkey? Does the Euro Gravy Train fit inside the Euro Gravy Boat? And why is the nun blue?
Answers to these, plus many other questions you thought you'd never ask, can be found in the Faringdon Junior School Main Hall on 15th July
Tickets are £5 each, including a glass of wine or a soft drink
Box Office / Enquiries to Richard on 07743 915780
Don't miss this hour-long smorgasbord of satirical and saucy sketches and songs, boarding at precisely 19:30
- Santé!
I had this conversation with my son the other evening:
I ask him what he thinks about the idea that some schools may scrap traditional lessons altogether and take up long term project work.
"As a matter of fact," he says "I'm going to a conference about that very thing on Thursday"
"Oh," says I, "That’s interesting"
"Yes" he says "Our headmaster is very keen, and it can work if you do it properly, like at some of the schools I saw in Australia. The organisers rang me yesterday to ask if I'd chair one of the breakout groups"
I am intrigued. Breakout groups. "Breakout groups" I repeat "What are breakout groups"?
"Oh its just management speak for when you get into groups to discuss things.....brainstorming" he adds.
"You mean like cross-fertilisation of ideas" Dredging up sixties jargon.
There is a pause.
"Sorry" He says. "I mean 'thought showers'"
"Thought showers"?
"Yes. We're not allowed to say 'brainstorming' any more. Its offensive to epileptics"
He does not laugh.
HT
Have your say - Neighbourhood Action Group
An opportunity to tell the various organisations what our view of the issues in Faringdon are and what we think are the priorities - so they know what to work on first - well that's what the poster says.
Representatives from Parish and District Councils, Housing associations, Police, Neighbourhood Watch, Youth Service, Schools
Gene Webb
Ever the optimist
See..We told you..Good behaviour did reduce your sentence. Yes. I know ..you were innocent like most of us in Slade. You'll soon get used to the anklet and if you push some soft toilet roll down it, not like the stuff we have here, you'll hardly notice it's there.
Now you're back on the streets Faringdon will once again be able to enjoy your unique brand of razor sharp witticisms and it was good to see that while some in here find Religion you discovered Google. But remember our Golden Rule "thou shalt not get caught"
Me, Godber, Blanco, Ives and Mr Barrowclough send our best but Mr Mackay's message in his distinctive Scottish way was "Laddie, you'll be back". Harry Grout was a bit upset at your webmessage until we told him that the Harry you can't resist making snide remarks about wasn't him.
Don't forget when you visit us Prisons are not smokeless zones and snout is always welcome
PS Lukewarm sends his love and looks forward to seeing you again.
Norman Stanley Fletcher
(Slade Prison for the next 5 years)
A 5th Century Roman General, a Greek word for "old man"( I will have to start calling Harry that).
Cardinal Newmans poem, and of course,Elgars, The dream of Gerontius.
Amazing what you do when rained off and looking on this site.
Jim Horton
seems to be a lot of hot air in Faringdon, havnt you folks herd of climate change - lets keep Faringdon cooooool
Pimpernel
Some time ago I posted a letter on here warning people to be careful as they walked along the path that links Southampton Street and Park Road. I had just seen a group of lads walking home from school enjoying what seems to be becoming an increasingly popular game in Faringdon. Bottle smashing.
I don't know if anybody else has noticed recently just how much broken glass is littering the town - the path near the playground in Harding Close is awful.
There is a bench - youngsters sit there, drinking, smoking.....and its couple of feet to the waste bin - too far to walk.
Anyway, back to the lads I saw smashing the bottles......shortly afterwards, a picture appeared on the front of the Folly paper - a group of teenagers begging the town to build a skatepark.
Funnily enough - a couple of familiar faces !.
I hope if a park is built for them they show it more respect....wouldn't it be awful if they fell off their boards and cut themselves ?.
Name Supplied
Just purely to play Devils Advocate for a minute...surely a town like Faringdon not having a tennis court is only an unthinkable prospect to those who like to play tennis? In the same way, not having a skateboard park is perhaps only unthinkable to those with a vested interest in skateboarding (whether that be as skateboarders themselves, as parents/carers desperate to see their skateboarding family members happy and entertained or even disgruntled residents wanting youth away from the streets!)
In a similar vein, not having pubs is perhaps only unthinkable to those who use them; not having a curry house is unthinkable to those who like curries and having no library is unthinkable to those who use it?! We are never all going to agree!
I could go on but will spare you all. I guess what I'm trying to say is that we're all different and you can't please everybody all the time.
There are things for young people in town but they won't appeal to all of them.
Ideally we would like to see more choice for all ages but that doesn't come without a lot of time and hard work. There are many people working really hard acheive this but also many others who just want to moan (I'm not directing that at anyone specifically I hope you understand!)
Don't slate our lovely town just because it doesn't cater for your every need. If you want to see things in done then get up and do something to help. We have many wonderful volunteers who have done great things for Faringdon and have ensured that the things they want to see happen here do - Faringdon Arts Festival, Madd May Fest, Party in the Park and the Skatepark Group are all great examples of this.
Hilary you've hit the nail on the head with your comment about unity - it really is time we all started getting together as a whole community and not just arguing about things from our own insular points of view!
Anna
It is lovely to hear that Nial's friends care about their own peer-group and would like to add to our town's culture. It will grow with time and your support. Thanks also to David Reynolds.
We appear to be rival factions on some occasions but in fact are working towards the same goal - i.e.- let's get our communal acts together and involve everyone.
As it has been pointed out, the Junior School made a marvelous job of dressing the well this year and will be doing so next year, The Mayor has started a new Annual event called "Combat Golf" which provides hours of amusement to the badgers who field the tennis balls which end up in their homes (plus Nial - how much washing?)I look forward to next year and you. yours,
Hilary M.A.D.D.
(and I know it's supposed to be coming soon to a field near you) BUT I agree with some of what Gerontius says re. determinedly child-centred culture etc. However, as such things are so quickly forgotten, it might be worth remembering that it took years of campaigning just to get a decent playground in Faringdon (though, to be honest, as my children are older, I don't know what the state of the playgrounds is here nowadays) and it is taking just as long for a skatepark.
It is rather ironic that when my two eldest children were little, I often used to join up with other mums and drive to Lechlade or Bampton or Alvescot or Carterton or Witney to find a decent playground (when the joys of pushing or pulling them up Folly Hill were palling) - here we are 10 years later driving to Uffington, Stanford, Bampton, Lechlade (+ Witney, Swindon, Grove, Oxford etc) to drop them off at skateparks.
You may think loads of towns don't have skateparks - I'm not sure that you are right and it's pretty depressing that poor old Faringdon still ain't got one. W e are going to Cornwall for a week in August, and one skateboarding member of my family is very pleased to have discovered via Google that there are no less than 4 skateparks within very easy reach of Penzance (which itself has a skatepark.)
From a parent's point of view, skateboarding can often seem dangerous, noisy and the boards (and shoes!) expensive, but it requires good lengths of time out of doors in the fresh air, physical exercise and - if there is a designated skatepark - keeps the skaters (and BMX bikers and rollerbladers) well occupied away from other parts of the town or village. And it doesn't require any adult supervision - and that's a definite bonus!
By the way, skateboarding has been popular now since the early 1970s. Maybe another parallel (apart from the children's playground one) could be found in the unthinkable prospect of a town like Faringdon not having any tennis courts.
Margaret Townsend
"Gerontius" is close enough an anagram to "Onerous Git" for me to conclude that the poster probably has his own youth well and truly behind him!
As someone very dear to me often says "You don't stop playing because you grow old, you grow old because you stop playing!".
Lighten up Gerontius!
David Reynolds
A quick look through this website reveals in the clubs and organisations pages no less than 27 local organisations with a specific invitation for children and young people; the Arts Festival, and various other events in and around the area are specifically geared to the interests of the young. It seems to me that far from not enough resources being poured into young people's activities; there are ample.
We are suffering from a culture that cannot treat it's youngsters realistically.
Reading the postings on this website - we see, for instance that criticism of the Park sculpture should not be tolerated because 'children were involved', and the cheerful, but temporary, well dressing decorations looked 'fantastic' and should not be removed - despite the fact that well dressing is not customary in this area, and that well dressings being, traditionally, made of perishable materials would not usually be in place more than a few days.
Maybe this is the endemic result of our determinedly child-centred culture, started back in the sixties, but these days some young people have become so used to getting what they want, when they want, that they can be demanding, strident and without any realisation that they are still immature, learning, and have little experience. Youthful opinions are often selfish and lacking in judgement. There are many age groups to be catered for in our society, - not just youth.
So there isn't a skatepark - so what? There's loads of towns where there are no skateparks. There has been a lot of goodwill and effort expended to deal with the problems associated with this. There is however a good leisure centre, and many other spaces; and adults willing to give up their time and effort to help and support youth groups.
Of course youngsters should be supported, encouraged; and praised, and some are truly exceptional; but being sentimentally over protective about achievements which are fairly commonplace is asking for big let-downs later on, when they have to face competition in the big wide world.
Gerontius
Congratulations to Dawn and Denise for all the thought and hard work they put into the planning of the 'Party in the Park' and to the footballclub, Army cadets, members of Rotary. Maraid in the bus, Sean with the artic and all the musicians - and the many others involved.
It was a good event - pity about the weather but that's England! let's hope that we have another Party in 2008 - and better luck with the weather!
Margaret Barker
Good idea. Faringdon Arts Festival has the Battle of the Bands on Wednesday, where youth bands vie for the opening spot on Friday night.
The wonderful Junior School Choir opens Saturday morning's Market Place Stage performances.
There are drama, singing and photography workshops at the Pump House. An art exhibition by Faringdon Community College students, who also provide written commentary for the Fields of Battle exhibition.
White Horse Youth Music Group takes the stage on Sunday morning. In the afternoon, after a ballet performance, the young winners of writing and painting competitions will be announced.
It may not be enough for the anonymous poster, but perhaps next year he/she will get involved in organising the festival and introduce other youth acts or activities? S
Name Supplied
I believe that Faringdon is not putting enough time into its most valuable resource, the future generation.
When you think about the children of Faringdon and how we can enhance their lives some of you may feel a sinking feeling as the words "skate park" float into your head but I believe that we need to involve them more in the culture of the town.
If any of you have children at any of the Faringdon schools then you will know of the art, music and literature that are produced by these younger members of our society.
If we could fined a way of enhancing these amazing and hidden talents in a way that the children and all residence of the town can enjoy and take part in then I believe that we could bring people together.
I believe that we could make this work by appointing someone to organise an event that would display all of these talents in a variety of ways.
I was one of the many people who turned up to the youth section of the MAD MAY FEST which was expertly run by Nial Prince (son of Sam Prince) and I couldn't thank him quick enough for such an amazing event, I have already spoken to Nial and he would be honoured to be given this opportunity to put his mark on the town.
Name Supplied
Ed: Sounds a good idea- let us hear more
The Faringdon Arts Festival is only a few days away.
We have been very lucky this year and a number of people have said that they would like to be involved.
I am very sorry to say, but I have moved offices in the last few weeks and have mislaid a few of your telephone numbers.
Would those of you who said you would like to be involved please call me again on 01367 244607 or Sheila on 01367 244016.
We look forward to hearing from you and making this years Arts Festival the best yet.
Take care
Julie Farmer
Why oh Why is it that there is one rule for one in faringdon and one for everybody else???
When i recieve genuine deliveries for my premises i have to tolerate rudeness from some faringdonians and yet everyone else can park(even on the footpaths), deliver, stop and have a natter!!, and drive up a no entry road and receive no comment,
i seem to be blamed for the number 61,65,66 buses not being able to stop within there designated area, at all times whether it be my delivery or not. i must add that the number 66 bus has no problem parking in it designated area at 6am with the engine running for 20 minutes.
any thoughts?
Name supplied
Hi
I'm new to this site although I have lived in the area for most of my life.
I have recently taken up employment in a local nursing home-you may have seen me I wear a red T shirt and push my clients all around town when the weather is fine?
It is not until now that I have realised the state of the pavements in the town and how difficult it is pushing wheelchairs around.
Another issue is wheelchair access to some businesses?
Today I tried to get into one charity shop but the steps prevented us and the same happened when we tried to access a cafe in town(no names?). We were forced to sit outside and it was cold!
Sort yourself out Faringdon!
Martyn Holder
One of things that brought my family and I to Faringdon was the fantastic community spirit that encompassed history and tradtition.
Then, we had singing and dancing stopped at our community singing and dancing venue, because of complaints a few local residents.
Now, we have the traditional well dressing decorations removed from our ancient and traditional well because, of complaints of a few local residents.
I suggest that we support the Faringdon Arts Festival next weekend; otherwise the small minded minority will manage to get this wonderful event for our town 'removed / closed' stopped as well.
Guy Robinson
PS - has anyone else heard the rumour: 'All Saints Church is to have it's bells removed, as it is upsetting the peace for a few local residents on a Sunday morning?'
The art on the Portwell looked fantastic and brightened up an historic, but otherwise fairly drab looking construction!
And now it's gone because the faceless, silent minority has stuck its oar in and, once again, got its own way!
A brief history lesson to those who colluded to have the art removed... "Well Dressing" is itself an historic act carried on for centuries across the country. So in an attempt to "respect" an historic monument you have in effect "disrespected" an ancient tradition (not to mention the disrespect to the children and teachers who spent hours producing the art).
Once again faceless, silent minority I hope you can hold your head(s) high as you walk through Faringdon.
David Reynolds
Tom - I'd really like to publish this - please let me have valid contact information - it will be kept private
Ed
Many of us were involved in the "unofficial community study" into parking in Faringdon over 2 years ago and suggested various solutions to the problems observed by residents, including London Street.
This was all contained in a report, meticulously prepared by Cllr Tim Evans and this was presented to various official bodies whose view was
1) there is not a parking problem in Faringdon and
2) traffic speed in London Street is acceptable and no traffic calming is required (until someone gets killed).
Clearly, the problems still exist but getting our councils to do anything about it remains the problem. Perhaps we should undertake another "unofficial community study".
At least we wouldn't have to write a report because it already exists!
Steve Wright(former London St resident)
I really enjoyed 'An evening with VoiCE, Harriet Williams and The Sheriff's Men' performing madrigals, classic jazz songs, spirituals and early sacred music.
How good to see and hear such talent in All Saint's Church.
Thanks to the performers and to Steve Wright for bringing them to Faringdon Arts Festival.
Name supplied
The full brochure is available - but you can download the program here(37kb, pdf)
Sheila Donovan
I can't believe anyone would complain about some temporary artwork displays created by children of the town or that anyone would respond to these complaints
Sally Thurston
ED: The art has been removed now
I would dearly love there to be a decent bus service. We have now lost our 'early' to Swindon on Saturday mornings.
My daughter used to get the 7.50 bus which got her in for her Saturday job before 9am. Now, the first bus gets in at 10am so people who want to work on saturdays have to drive or be driven by willing parents.
As for Sundays, you can't get to Swindon until noon so no chance of a Sunday job either!
Joan
Childrens art to be removed because of complaints.
The art work created by the students of Faringdon junior school for the M.A.D.D. Mayfest well dressing, (The Portwell) admired by many, is now to be taken away
Once again the few control.
Sam Prince
Just to answer the ed's query, as well as to add a little something.
The website is continually being updated, although as I type this, it doesn't have full listings posted for the weekend itself.
Those should be up by the end of the day though, so do hurry on over to the site and check out what the Festival has on offer this year.
Your friendly neighbourhood website-updater
Caroline Symcox
Ed: Thanks Caroline.
To all - There is more info now - you need to click on Events
I have just discovered http://www.fixmystreet.com/- a website where you can report any problem and not need to know which Council is responsible.
You must give the location - click on a map or by typing the street name.
You get an email from the Council that is sent the problem report - but this may only be an automated one - I have yet to see how effective reporting problems this way is.
My report suggested that the weeds on the pavement down Lechlade road were causing obstruction to pedestrians, also that the stream needed to be cleared.
Perhaps regular walkers down this path would let me know when(if!!) something is done - just by way of gaining confidence in the online service.
The Councils still have their own online reporting (see tareportproblems.htm)- I wonder how they all join up!!
Cheers
Gene Webb
I stumbled across this 'talking points' page quite by accident and i have to say that i am mortified by some of the remarks made about Cllr Hickmore. Honestly some people just dont know the dedication that these people have to improving the community for everyone.
You have no idea the time, energy and commitment it takes and i can not believe for one second that any of you complaining could do a better job so stop moaning, it is ridiculous.
If you have a personal opinon about someone then keep it to yourself, all i know is that this town council works extremely hard for the people of faringdon and i applaud each and everyone of them, past and present.
I have lived in faringdon all my life, and my father was on the town council so i know just how tough it is for them, it is deeply unfair to make comments of a personal nature on such an open forum and hope that what ever this little quibble is about that it is dealt with through other means of communication from now on.
Thanx for listening.
Name Supplied
Dear Ray
Thank you for your message about the Arts Festival.
I can confirm we have a website http://www.faringdonartsfestival.org
You should be getting some more details about the events when we distribute the brochure in the next few days.
Julie Farmer
I hope that helps
Ed: But is the website uptodate??
Residential homes in Faringdon will this week start receiving a full brochure/programme of events covering the weekend of the Arts Festival 6-8 July.
They'll also be available at the Community and Tourist Information Centre and other high footfall points in the town. Posters about specific events will also be going up shortly.
Apart from the website the promotion of the event is to be focussed locally as we have found that, in the past, wider promotion is costly and quite frankly its effectiveness is questionable.
However, please feel free to spread the word to one and all!
David Reynolds Chaiman - Faringdon Arts Festival
Hello
Can anyone tell me whether a full listing for the Arts Festival has been posted yet, as I can't find it at the website?
Also, if any of the organisers visit this forum, can you tell me if they event is being publicised outside of Faringdon?
Thanks
Ray
Me - or rather would you like to sponsor me for the Oxford Big Bike Ride on sunday 24th June 2007 starting from Blenheim Palace.
All sponsorship will be for the Anthony Nolan Trust - taking lives back from leukemia.
Email me on nwilkinson@btinternet.com or call on 01367.242809
Many thanks
Nigel Wilkinson.
Does anyone in Faringdon know if there is a car boot sale due to be held in the area around mid july?
Name supplied
I like the suggestions already put forward for Faringdon railway and cycle paths.
I would like to see something done to tidy up Park road; in particular the shabby grass verges. It would be nice to see some trees planted along the road and stop cars driving over the verges especially by the burger van. The road coming out of Faringdon by the police station is also becoming very tatty and pressure should be put on property owners, landlords etc to maintain thier property
I am very disappointed to hear the council are going to impose a levy on the few bars/restuarants for placing tables and chairs outside there premises and bringing a touch of Europe to the town.
Are they trying to stop this and keep us all inside?
David Sutton
The Jam club is to introduce a regular blues club @ The Crown Inn, Faringdon Market Square.
Featuring National and International performers. The Club will meet on Thursday Nights. Opening night August 23rd.
After a very succesful M.a.D.D. Mayfest appearance, Pete Boss And the Bluehearts."Grapevine","Stormwarning"and "Blues Factory" are in line to follow.
There will be more information to follow. www.maddfaringdon.co.uk
Sam Prince
The Folly Card Club is a local club with an interest in making greetings cards, either just for fun or for special occasions, which meet once a month in the June Rennie room.
The club will be demonstrating six different card making techniques, including tea bag folding and 3D decoupage.
To book a place on this exciting work shop please contact June Rennie on 01367 240085.
All levels are welcome.
These days kids of all ages are given school projects and I know from past experience that many are treated by the children with the contempt they feel they deserve.
So it is nice to see that a 12 year old is interested enough to investigate a project.
Recycling plastic bags, if it worked, would obviously be a great idea. But I think you should consider two points
1.Hygiene. What has happened to the bags from the time they leave the shop and are returned.
2.How strong are the bags.Often they are only able to manage one journey from shop to home and there would be a tendency for all bags useable or not being dumped by shoppers glad to get rid of them.
But don't let a grownup's point of view rain on your parade.T
hat's something that grownups tend do if they hadn't thought of the idea.
HGM
Dear Mel
Thank you to you and your stepson for your suggestion.
On behalf of FAP I think it is great idea as so many are from our younger members of our community.
I will certainly add it to our list of projects to bring forward for the next few months.
If you would like to discuss this project further please email me at julie.farmer@fap.org.uk
Julie Farmer
My 12 year old stepson is currently doing a school project on recycling and has requested that I find out the answer to the following question...
"Since everyone has got so many spare carrier bags and we get more of them all the time from supermarkets and stuff, why can't we give our carrier bags back to local shops in Faringdon so they won't have to buy them and we'll all be able to re-use them and it won't matter so much if we forget our proper shopping bags"
Can we discuss this?
It makes sense at a basic level but could it be made to work?
Could we all hand our carrier bags into a central point where they'd be re-distributed out to shops that are happy to join in?
Its not as good as being plastic bag free but its not a bad half-way point is it?
What do you all reckon?
Mel Lane
These are the suggestions for projects that have been put to FAP over the last few weeks.
1 Performance Venue for live music
2 Large Town Map
3 Yearly Town Calendar
4 CCTV
5 Friends of the old Theatre
6 Faringdon Railway
7 Improved facilities for our older community members
8 Sleeping policeman along London Street
9 Saving the 2nd fire engine
10 Guided Tours of Faringdon
11 More cycle paths
12 Energy check for residential home
13 Speed reduction measure in the Faringdon "Triangle" of Gloucester St, Marlborough St and Gravel Walk, and London St
Over the next few days you will see suggestion boxes popping up all over town asking for peoples thoughts on how we can improve our town. This information will be very useful as it will form the basis of our community involvement process.
Once we have a number of suggestions we can than arrange a town meeting and invite all members of our community to come and vote on the projects they would like to see Faringdon undertake.
This list will also become invaluable when we send out questionnaire via Faringdon Advertiser, the What's On and other local media that will help us get set the next action plan.
In addition to the above we are in the process of arranging a large debate on CCTV and if Faringdon should acquire this form of monitoring for our town. In general conversation this issues has already bought up the lack of facilities for our youth and the suggestion of an increased crime rate in the Market Place.
Please take the time to let us know your thoughts and comments as we look to our members to help improve our town and help move us to the next phase of our growth
Email: info@mypabusienss.com or annamarlow@tiscali.co.uk
Ed: - or of course you could post your suggestion on Talking POints - then everyone will be able to see what has already been suggested., and or comment
We already have a an uptodate town map- easily enlargened
Due to unfortunate weather conditions we have had to cancel Sunday's car boot sale at Faringdon Cricket Club.
We hope to reschedule for August, date to be decided.
Sorry for any inconvenience caused.
Anna
According to my information I don't think that the exact timetables have yet been set for the upgrading of the 66 Stagecoach service between Oxford and Swindon to a premier route, but it seems that they will be running up to 4 times an hour and finishing much later in the evening.
The planning gain Section 106 money from which this comes has been agreed, but not quite signed off as outline planning permission for the 400 Bloor Homes was only granted this week, and is subject to these negotiations being completed.
Couldn't say when this would be likely to start.
The newshound
The improved buses are as yet just a rumour - but yes, the last service from Oxford to Faringdon would be far later than it is now (which, let's face it, wouldn't be difficult).
If Steve L is lurking around this site perhaps he can shed some light onto this.
Ray
Buses? 4 an hour?? Yippee!
Us DOLs (Dashing Old Ladies) with our bus passes will be in and out of Oxford like yo-yos.
Will we be able to get back to Faringon after dark though?
DOL
Either of the parallel streets could be used to take the traffic in the opposite direction. If London Street was one -ay from the A420 down and on to the roundabout by the Fire Station then all of the delivery lorries could still make their deliveries with no problem.
As far as parking on the right hand side is concerned, you'd be surprised how quickly the avaibale spaces in this town fill up - even right outside the church. There's no way I'm going to leave my car in the car park though, not only would it be expensive but I can't imagine that it would be in one piece when I got back there in the morning.
I'm pinning my hopes on Bloor begining to build its new homes. As soon as they do then the ridiculous bus service we've got goes to 4 an hour and up until midnight (or so I've been led to believe).
I'm going to contact the council about London Street, though - something needs to be done.
Ray
Which street should be designated to carry traffic in the opposite direction, Ferndale Street? Church Street/Coach Lane? and how would large delivery vehicles manage? (think about Budgens deliveries - maybe having to turn around the Corn Exchange)
There is no reason why cars cannot be parked on each side of the highway during the permitted hours, and in fact it would be the easiest traffic calming solution to use. Why make it more convenient for the tearaways?
Name Supplied
London Street has always been bad - but I don't understand why living in a house without parking should give the owner the right to park on the pavement if they can't find a space.
I would love to live in a character property but having a car I decided that parking was a priority.
The even more simple solution would be for the car owner to park safely as close as possible and walk....or use the town car parks.
Name supplied
For all of you out there with surplus items in your homes, why not get it all together and take a 'pitch' at the car boot sale taking place this Sunday at Faringdon Cricket Club. Pitches will be priced at £5 each.
Come along and find those bargains!! 11.30 onwards
Richard Marlow
Hi, I live on London Street and experience on a daily basis the idiots who tear up and down in their cars. They are not always boy racers either, but men and women of all ages and obvious incomes.
I also experience difficulty in finding a parking space for my car, which is why you sometimes find that some of us park on the right hand side of the road. (looking down). Unfortunately, because of the idiots who use London Street as a race track we also have to place our cars onto the curb. Which is annoying for everyone.
I have a simple solution to both of these problems: make London road one-way and place a number of chicanes along it. This will stop idiots of all ages driving like the idiots they are and allow us to park on both sides without needing to park on the curb. Any ideas who would be the right official to approach about this?
Thanks Ray
Informing the police about an illegally parked, untaxed car, witnessed causing an obstruction by a number of people for 'the best part of two hours' is bound to elicit a response. The evidence is parked and ready for collection and there is a reasonable chance that a successful prosecution would follow.
What would have been the outcome if the car had moved off before the police had arrived; or if the onlookers hadn't been there for more than a couple of minutes - would police or onlookers have been prepared to pursue the matter?
Before we condemn out of hand those bystanders who see incidents and fail to reach for their phones just consider this.
1. In each of the Marlborough St and London St. incidents there was a single uncorroborated allegation - of a single incident.
2. The perpetrators had left the scene long before there could have been any attendance by police, who in any case would not have classified the call as urgent as there was no accident. (a collision in which there are no casualties/reported damage doesn't count)
3. There was no evidence, just one person's word.
Had the police paid a visit to the owner of the car whose registration was recorded, the allegation would doubtless have been hotly denied and the honesty/reliability of the witness questioned, and no chance of any action taken against the driver - sorry - alleged driver. ["Wot, me?? - I was here all afternoon"]
I too live in London Street, and have often heard/seen cars and motor cycles which appear to be racing up and down the road. A pedestrian's perception of vehicle speed is notoriously unreliable, so unless there are a number of witnesses in this particular type of incident, there is little point in involving the police. Had there been a complaint to the police in the above examples they would certainly have responded, but without any reasonable hope of deterring the drivers, even if they could identify them.
This is not a condemnation of the police, merely a realistic view. (and no - I was not the witness in the London Street incident).
Hilary Taylor
Anyone in Market Place last night would have been entertained by the remarkable piece of double parking of an Audi outside the Portwell Bistro.
The car was left blocking one side of the road for the best part of two hours while the owner obviously wandered off to do other more important things! However, the police were called and were there within 20 minutes...after a bit of deliberation and probably prompted by the fact that the car's tax disc was 4 month's out of date they had the car hoisted onto the back of a pick-up truck and whisked it away!
Now who says they don't respond?
If no-one informs them can't do anything about it can they?
David Reynolds
Yes, there is something that can be done to stop reckless drivers. Take down their numbers and contact the police.
The bystander who failed to do so and said 'nothing will be done' was simply excusing their own unwillingness to get involved.
Paul Cornell
Might the car who raced up Marlborough Street be the same one which was racing with another car up London Street, later? This one was involved in a collision, but no-one called the police as there were no casualties.
The pathetic boy racers who drive so badly - imagining that they are so macho and so clever - do so at everyone's risk. The witness who took their registration numbers failed to contact the police as "Nothing will happen, the police won't do anything"
On another traffic related grumble, again in London Street, cars are parked so close to the sides of the houses that pedestrians cannot pass.The one in this photograph was just 20 inches away from the wall - a couple with their baby in a pushchair had to walk out into a busy road to get by.
Why are we all so helpless against selfish, irresponsible drivers? Is there nothing that can be done?
name supplied
...................on their confident performance of "Another Brick in the Wall' and other songs in their own set last night. Great gig all round from Breathe with excellent support from Neil Dwerryhouse and his new band the Young Gods.
Contrast this with the dunderheads in a very fast car, with massive sound booming out, who nearly wiped out my family crossing the road at the top of Marlborough Street on Friday afternoon just after 3pm.
They were about to cross the road when out of nowhere a car doing well over 60mph careered up the road. My daughter had to be dragged back off the road to the pavement in the nick of time. It was a very close shave and she was extremely upset.
Were they thinking about anyone else's life? I don't think so, and yes they happened to be young and wearing baseball caps...
This is Faringdon, it takes all sorts.
Al Cane
There is a message in "Rob the Cheese's" shop about shortge of custom. Sorry but some of this comes back to his lack of customer care. What happened to the customer is always right. I wanted a piece of parmesan. I do not want it nine inches long, three inches high and half an inch wide. He was not prepared to compromise on this so he lost (a very good) customer.
Davis's still close at lunchtime. When that is the time that the working population of this town (the one's with disposable income) are around to buy things, they are shut.
The barman at the Bell accidentally spilt a glass of wine over me. Not only did I not get an apology, but I still had to pay for the refill and I was wearing a cream top which I now have to get the stains out of, and white underwear which is now ruined. I also had to curtail my evening as I didn't want to appear as if I had spilt wine on myself or go around smelling of a winery. Had I had at least an apology and perhaps a token of recompense I would have written it off. As it is I feel like a second class customer.
If this is the way our businesses treat their customers then it is no wonder that our towns trade is dying.
Jane Boulton
Just a quick note to say thank you to the poster who said kind things about my Doctor Who.
Cheers.
Paul Cornell
Runs on the third sunday of every month is pleased to present "Blues in Faringdon" @ The Crown Inn
This will be on Thursday's 8pm.
Commencing on the 23rd August. Featuring bands such as Pete boss and The Bluehearts, The Daniel Smith Blues Band,Grapevine Blues, The blues Factory and Storm Warning, to name but a few. Information soon to be available www.maddfaringdon.co.uk
This is sponsored by M.a,D.D. a not for profit organisation.
Well Roland perhaps a Ska band is not so far away.
Sam Prince
from 'Breathe' Faringdon junior School this Saturday, Doors open 7pm
Junior School Choir 7.30pm
Neil Dwerryhouse and the Young Gods 8pm
Breathe (with junior school choir ) 8.50pm
Due to a problem in obtaining a licence please BRING A BOTTLE or TWO.
Soft drinks available.
A SPLENDID TIME IS STILL GUARANTEED FOR ALL
www.breathefloyd.co.uk
www.singalongpunk.co.uk
www.faringdonartsfestival.org
Sean
Have you been enjoying the comments raised on Talking Points about CCTV? Do you have strong views either for or against CCTV being introduced to Faringdon? Woud you be interested in participating in a town debate on the issue?
Faringdon Area Project are about to launch a series of events to engage the local community in Faringdon's revist of the healthcheck. We want to find out your opinions on the towns strengths and weaknesses and what you think it needs to ensure it continues to thrive.
As part of this process we will be hosting a debate about CCTV at the Corn Exchange in Faringdon (date to be confirmed!). We need volunteers to come forward who would be prepared to speak publically either for or against the idea and get the debate going.
There is an awful lot of passion amongst townspeople regarding local issues and we think a debate would be an entertaining and productive way to discuss these topics. If this event is successful we hope to host further debates on a host of different subjects in the future.
If you are interested in presenting your side of the argument please contact Julie or Anna at FAP, on 01367 244607.
Anna Marlow
Having read the comments about Folly Park perhaps those who have issues about it would like to join the Friends of Folly Park.
We are a small group of local people who are interested in maintaining the park as a conservation area.
Go onto our website at www.oxnet.org.uk/follypark to get a flavour of what we have been doing.
Re the statues I think we should remember our local children were involved in the design of them .
I also understand that the replacement statue is being produced, it has not been forgotten.
Margaret Broadberry
Ed: There is also info on this site on llfollypark.htm We're happy to put more details here - events, plans especially re the extension of the park. Send using the form on lleisure1.htm
I'd like to add to the comment about Dr. Who by local writer Paul Cornell.
Brilliant, wonderful twists and turns, and very moving too.
I'm not ashamed to say I cried at the end - mind you, I do cry at the tv!
Well done Paul, may your pen keep full of ink!
Fiona Merrick
For the first time this year, the Faringdon Arts Festival is holding a writing competition for the budding authors of the town.
It's open to all, with prizes of £50 for each of the three age groups' winners, thanks to the generosity of our sponsors - local business "Keeping Data Safe".
For more details come and take a look at the Festival website - www.faringdonartsfestival.org
Caroline Symcox
This is the response I got from the District Council.
"After some time the funding for replacing the vandalised statue has been obtained and the mould is with the fabricator. Hopefully it will be completed shortly and reinstalled.
The road way into Folly Park is not owned by the District but we do have a Right of Access. I believe it is owned by Bloor Homes who are looking to develop the nursery site. As part of the development the access road will be upgraded and the existing problems should be dealt with. It is hoped that the actual car park to Folly Park which is owned by the Council will also get upgraded at the same time.
In the meantime I have already asked our Direct Services team to undertake some remedial works in the car park to try and improve the situation within the limited resources we have."
HGM
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01367 44607
I have this evening done my usual walk through the Folly Park.
The 'black fishermans stuff' left in the middle of the path is actually frogs-spawn
Someone obviously thinks it amusing to leave it on the path to dry out and die!
What ever next will they think of doing to destroy our lovely park.
Name Supplied
Well done Paul Cornell! yet another great and interesting storyline.
You must be proud and so should Faringdon!
Name Supplied
The Folly Park sculpture was installed in 2004 but no-one seems to know what it is and it has caused some heated discussion as it cost about £20,000.
Its meaning is causing even more controversy. It is based on a ' wind-worn megalith ' but it looks like four puzzled aliens (now reduced to three and a half) wondering how they finished up in Fun-Filled-Faringdon.
It is called As Old as the Hills ( the Hills mentioned being geographic features not one of our Eds)
On 11-10-2004 I posted a poem about the "monument' but my well known modesty prevents ME from repeating it.
At the time David Reynolds defended them on the grounds that at some point all art is modern.
So what do you think about them now David ?
Were they value for money ?
HGM
As part of this year's Faringdon Arts Festival the Back Room Poets will be appearing at the Folly Inn on Saturday 7th July from 7pm.
There will also be a little music and floor spots offering local poets the chance to read their own work.
Why not take your latest offering along for a public airing?
For more details about the event, see www.faringdonartsfestival.org
Yes, hear hear! let's leave the park as a secret wilderness, we have enough municipal meddling as it is. As for the statues, let them rot.
There is nothing misguided about dislike of the Folly Park sculpture. The committee which commissioned it clearly has little understanding of public works of art, and presumably didn't think to consult anyone who has
It is a dismal, boring piece of work, badly sited, which appears to have nothing at all to do with Faringdon. It has neither wit, monumentality, nor aesthetic merit.
No art critic with any knowledge would give it a second glance, let alone bother to damage it.
Name Supplied
Ed: Hear Hear! and I suspect if VWHDC have their way, the ££ the developer of the new housing has to make to Community Art will be spent on similar.
Back in March I posted a letter on here asking about the pot holes. I even e.mailed VWHDC - no reply. The money they spent filling them in about 18 months ago was money down the drain.
I've just arrived back from a walk to the park actually. I didn't stay long. I don't think I've seen it looking worse. The lake was surrounded by fishermen/teenagers. A huge pile of unwanted black live bait had been left squirming in the middle of the path. Litter and cans everywhere. All in all - a very intimidating place to be. Would tourists recommend our town if this is the first place they visit ?.
And as for the statues - an embarrassment to leave them there in such a state. If they are to be replaced can they please be made of a suitable material.
Better still - can somebody start teaching these mindless idiots to have some respect.
Name Supplied
Ed: How about trying again - report it on http://www.whitehorsedc.gov.uk/Onlineforms/DetailPage-9151.aspI think the logging system forces the Council to reply
Almost a year ago I negotiated the pot-holed track leading to the Folly Park. I saw that one of the fibreglass statues had been destroyed by some mindless vandals or a misguided art critic . Today the pot holes are deeper and the remaining portion of the statue is full of empty beer cans.
A committee must have decided that the statues were worth having and the same committee must have considered what to do about the damage. It would seem they had three choices.
First..Restore the statue to its former glory.
Second… Remove it completely.
Third…Ignore it and hope no one notices.
Regarding the pot holed entrance a similar committee had two choices.
First…Find out who is responsible and get it repaired.
Second…Ignore it.
It is obvious that in both cases the “Ignore it faction” were in the majority.
A large number of Faringdonians appreciate the Folly Park for what it is. A good dog walking area, a fishing lake and a place where teenagers with few other places to go can show off to their friends with a bit of minor vandalism such as burning picnic tables.
What the Folly Park is not is a tourist attraction so why not remove the Park Road sign and leave it as a secret wilderness known only to residents.
Name supplied
I am more than happy to let the Ladies of the Site refuse to put some postings up because they may be in bad taste.
The Post Office ranting DID go on, and we all saw it.
Once on it should have been dealt with in the usual manner,eg ridicule, agreement, outrage, indifference, not a knee jerk reaction.
Come on Ladies put your teeth back in, you know we are only happy having a good scrap on here.
Did the Post Office staff complain, or reply to the removed post?
Jim Horton
In response to the CCTV poem 'Bravo!' (Another poet laureate in our midst?)
I'm all for CCTV myself - can't wait to read all those statistics on arse scratching ;-)
Anna
Horse's Mouth
O Tempora O Mores
copulation in shop doorways
fumbling on the steps of banks
sub town hall the solitary w***.
I watch all, my cyclops' lens unblinking
youth and aged; citizens unthinking
your moves unswervingly recorded
scrutinised itemised and hoarded.
I reel it out in digitised disguise
I boast Big Brother's senses.
I'm his eyes.
Will you be hounded, prosecuted
no - for images transmuted,
a vast compendium of human acts
turned into figures, statisticians' facts
reveal through my attentive glass
reveal through my attentive glassmerely
how much you pick your nose
and scratch your arse.
I am a (CCTV) camera