faringdon-online community web site home	talking points
	may 2010

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Recommend double glazing co? - 31/5/10 Anyone recommend a decent local uPVC double glazing company? I'd like to get our wooden windows replaced with uPVC double glazing. I'm keen to avoid the national companies (safestyle, zenith, everest, etc) who give the full on hard sales tactics. Can anyone recommend anyone locally? Name Supplied

Chain supermarkets - 14/5/10 Even in the big cities, chain supermarkets don't need to be an inevitable. Fascinating article about an independent supermarket's success in Detroit, USA which might give Budgens a few tips and ideas about how to keep the Tesco wolf from the door... Namely, you really need to up your game and become a place that people rave about (as in the article), rather than the marked indifference or irritation that seems to be the Town's prevailing attitude to our current option.. Article here : http://tiny.cc/r7l5y Name Supplied

Poor TV reception - 28/5/10 The Vodaphone situation sounds bad BUT so is our TV reception. For months now we have had constant break-up of pictures and Channels that we can't access at all. Friday's Oxford Mail highlights the problem but there seems to be no solution in the near future - and that includes the World Cup. As a councillor I can't help with Vodaphone or the Oxford transmitter - I wish I could! Margaret Barker

Carters Reunion- get in touch - 27/5/10 For all ex Carters supermarket staff. Names are needed before the end of June so the venue can be decided. 01367 241753 for more information

Re the establishment formerly known as the Snooty Fox! - 27/5/10 I think it's actually THE SNOOTY MEHMAAN, which is definately an indian word. Am quite excited about having greater choice of Indian food in the area. Fingers crossed it'll be decent. Name Supplied

HELP! - 27/5/10 our vw campervan is in the garage and we have a holiday booked. Does anyone have a campervan/motorhome we could rent for a long weekend (4th-7th June) ? Must have 4 seat belts as we have two very small children. The van doesn't need to be 4 berth as we have an awning and all the kit - just need some wheels! contact Sharon on 0790 453 1613

Folly Twitter - 27/5/10 There is now a twitter account for Faringdon Folly. We'll aim to put the opening dates and other news on there. We're currently spending much time applying for grants-mostly for a new roof and a refurbsihment of the Lantern and Belvedere rooms. http://twitter.com/ and follow Faringdon Folly More information about Faringdon Folly on www.faringdonfolly.org.uk

Ringmaster message fromThames Valley Police. - 27/5/10 BURGLARY Police would like to update you with information about a recent burglary; Sometime between the hours of 08:15 and 15:20 on Wednesday 26th May 2010 a property in Coxwell Road, Faringdon was subjected to a burglary. The offender or offenders have gained entry by unknown means and a messy search of the bedroom has taken place. Jewellery, watches and a laptop have been stolen. If you have any information relating to this message, or have seen any suspicious people or vehicles in the area, please contact the Police on 08458 505 505 and quote URN 834 of 26th May 2010. Thank you. TVP News letter Spring 2010

Vodafone - 27/5/10 I am now recieving full signal on my vodafone since 2:30 pm today 27th May. Earlier this week I called Vodafone mentioning my concerns about Vodafone serivce being down in the Faringdon area and not being able to take or make calls at home. They were kind to provide me with a FREE, no cost to me a Vodafone Sure Signal Box, which arrived yesterday in the post. This will ensure I will always have a strong signal at home no matter what happens with the Vodafone Mast in the area if it is working or not. Also they offered me a new monthly contract with more than 50% savings each month as well more call minutes and unlimited texts. Name Supplied

Vodafone- more information - 27/5/10 I've been to the mast site today and there's no sign whatsoever of any vodafone engineers. The mast is within the redlake boundary to which access is denied by a sturdy padlock. All 3 of my vodafone phones work outside Faringdon so I don't see what diffence new sims are going to make to the customers who are being sent them. If they do, please let us know and I suggest we then all order new ones. Why oh why can't they put a temporary mast up? Godfrey Smith

Vodafone - 27/5/10 vodafone is working now signal back on about time Simon Tovey

Re Vodafone - 27/5/10 The power was disconnected when Redlake vacated the site on going into administration and Tesco and Vodafone are now working hard to restore power to the mast as soon as possible. Melanie Chiswell, Tesco

Vodafone - 27/5/10 Vodafone. We have 5 phones all with vodafone none of them are working in Faringdon at the moment, my daughters phone is less than 3 weeks old so how can it be the sim card that's at fault, Vodafone wanted to charge me £19.99 to unlock her phone to use on another network but after talking to customer services they have agreed to waive the fee. I too have contacted them and was told they could not access the site as it is due for demolition next week and the new landowner wants the mast removed. From an ex vodafone customer. Name Supplied

Vodafone - 27/5/10 I have a new phone and a month old SIM card, (had to port my number to a new card after Vodafone told me my card was at fault), but I still have NO SIGNAL in Faringdon. Are Vodafone telling us that there are pockets of areas in the UK that our phones won't work as our SIM cards are out of date???? Who's stupid here???? Name Supplied

Vodafone - 27/5/10 Has anybody gone up to the site where the transmitter is to see if there are any engineers working up there? I've just ordered SIM cards from other network providers as Vodafone is a joke. The staff at customer services don't listen to you and they fob you off just to get you off the line!!! Name Supplied

Re: Second to None - 27/5/10 I have always found them to be of excellent service and really helpful. Would recommend them to anyone. Jo Quantrill

Vodafone - 27/5/10 Allegedly full signal has been restored but it is the SIM cards on both phones that are causing the problem. New SIM cards on the way and £10 compensation negotiated. Guess I will wait and see! Name Supplied

Re Vodafone - 26/5/10 friend said today that Vodafone rep was quite shirty when they tried to contact her by phone to discuss her complaint! Honestly!!! If it wasn't soo annoying it would be laughable! Name Supplied

Vodafone- again - 26/5/10 Like an idiot I believed vodafone when they told me yesterday that the site would be definitely running by today! I've just phoned again and they now say they have no idea when it'll be fixed but the engineers are working on it. I have 3 phones with them and they've offered 2 weeks rental refund on each. I'm at a loss to know what to do next. Has my suggestion that someone from the Town Council might help us fallen on deaf ears? Godfrey Smith

Re Vodafone - 26/5/10 Oh I had the same sim card fob off as well a few days ago. Just spoke to them again and got a £5 refund, seems very randomn on what they will give you, I had to really push for that. They gave me no indication of when it will be fixed 'it is under investigation'. I don't seem to get helpful people when I call! Name Supplied

Corn Exchange Update - 26/5/10 The Corn Exchange in Faringdon will be closed from 1st January 2011 to 31st March 2011 for refurbishment. The Town Council is very excited about the works taking place which will include: Redecoration of the hall and kitchen Installation of Double Glazing ? which we hope will go some way towards addressing noise emissions from the hall Improved toilet facilities Lighting improvements Stage and storage improvements Decoration and improvement of Town Council and Community and Tourist Information Centre entrance New boilers have already been installed We understand this may be inconvenient for some of our regular hirers but hope that it will be well worth the short term pain! We hope the works will result in a venue that all Faringdon residents can make full use of. Please remember that The Pump House, in the Market Place, will be available throughout the refurbishment period. There are two main rooms which are both versatile and very reasonable with prices starting from just £6 per hour. The rooms can be used for meetings, private social gatherings, business meetings, workshops and a variety of other functions. A small kitchen is available and the larger room can accommodate up to 50 people. The Old Town Hall is also an alternative for smaller functions, accommodating 35 people and available from £8 per hour for community users. There is a small kitchen available. For further details please contact our bookings clerk, Val Sansford on 01367 242191 / 01367 240281 val@faringdontowncouncil.gov.uk Val is available for face to face meetings Tuesday and Friday 9am to 12pm.

Garages in Faringdon - 26/5/10 after reading recent posts about garages in faringdon i would just like to say i found a garage in pioneer road (think there called Sansom faringdon ltd) have had great service and at £25 per hour labour has anyone else had dealings with them as they seem very good? Name Supplied

Re Vodafone 26th May @ 10am - 26/5/10 I manage my company's Vodafone contract and thought I could get somewhere with my Account Manager with reference to the signal problems. The answer I got was consistent with earlier posts on this site - no consistentcy. I was told that there was a power issue and engineers had attempted to access site yesterday but couldn't due to demolition works. They hope to have the power restored shortly (no time frame) and I was given another reference number: 2045052. I was offered no compensation. Name Supplied

Sing Faringdon at the Portwell Angel - 26/5/10 More than 30 singers and their friends had a super evening at the Portwell Angel after their final singing session last evening. It is a great venue for a crowd of people, and lovely views over the Market Place. Thankyou to Nick and the staff for building the ramp so that one of our group could join in too. It was the first time he'd been able to get into the building for 6 years! Gene Webb Sing Faringdon meets again in the Autumn

Dancing for 6 year old? - 25/5/10 There is a Street Dance class held in the gym at Faringdon Community College on a Thursday from 5-6pm for primary school age children - girls & boys. You can contact the school for details. Name Supplied

Re Vodafone - 25/5/10 After a frustrating week (or longer) without a signal (Vodafone fobbed me off by telling me I needed a new simcard) I phoned cs. (7.25 o'clock 25th May) I got a reduction of 50% on my monthly bill and they told me problem will be solved within 72 hours! That is longer than the last entry here about vodafone problem. Let's still have hope, guys! Scharlie Meeuws

Ringmaster message fromThames Valley Police. - 25/5/10 GOOD NEWS On Sunday 23rd May 2010 Police took action to prevent several raves. Officers in the Vale of White Horse will again be taking positive action over the Bank Holiday Weekend to prevent raves taking place. If you see or hear any activity which suggests a rave please call 08458 505 505 quote URN 755 of the 15th April 2010 if possible. Thank you.

Re Second to none - 25/5/10 Having been introduced to this site today 25 May 2010, firstly I would like to thank the positive comments made by yourselves. On a disconcerning note I have read a comment made anominously on the 23 May relating £1200 of unauthorised work carried out to somebody's vehicle. Firstly, I would express that no work is undertaken without a customer's authority and a quotation agreed. Secondly, I have no information relating to a complaint of any such matter and would welcome any further discussions personally. I note from your comment that you have not disclosed your name and therefore invite you to contact me personally either by telephone on 01367 243456 or email bob@second-2-none.co.uk and I will willingly discuss your dissatisfaction, if this complaint is genuine. Bob Hopgood

Snooty Maheem. - 25/5/10 Those who drive along the A420 will see that new signs have gone up on the Snooty Fox saying "Snooty Maheem" - pub, bar & restaurant. I tried googling this without much success although it became clear that maheem is of indian derivation. So - it looks like the longstanding local rumour that there's going to be an Indian Restaurant on the A420 is correct. If it's as successful as one I've been to up North it will do really well. Name Supplied

Re Vodafone - 25/5/10 situation at 4:30pm Tuesday May 25th. I've just spoken to vodafone customer services who said "engineers are working on the problem now and it should be sorted by tomorrow at the latest". Let's hope this is correct. Godfrey Smith

Dancing for 6 year old? - 25/5/10 does anyone know of an after school dance club, in faringdon, for a 6 yr old? Laura

Laundrette - 24/5/10 Definately a good plan, expecially if they offer ironing etc. Also, would be great for duvets. Mel

Now less than three weeks before ECOWEEK-2010 ! - 25/5/10 FARINGDON ECOWEEK – LIVING MORE SUSTAINABLY - JUNE 12-19 2010 Be happier, healthier and BETTER OFF! Saturday 12th June marks the beginning of a whole week of low carbon ECOEVENTS taking place in the Urban-Rural Partnership area around Faringdon. The ECOWEEK kicks off on the opening Saturday with a ECOSWAP, a big ECOFAIR in the Corn Exchange, and ECOGROW (open allotments) . ECOPLASMA is a high tech tour around state-of-the-art energy-from-waste facilities; ECOVINE involves a visit to a local vineyard with oodles of eco-credentials - as well as wine-tasting of course; ECOTOURS and ECOLAMBS are family-friendly events at Friar’s Court on the outskirts of Clanfield; ECOMILL is for watermill lovers and breadmakers; ECOFILM is the showing of THE AGE OF STUPID with oscar-nominated Pete Postlethwaite; ECOTRAIL allows you to be nosey neighbours and takes you around dozens of houses that have interesting eco-credentials. For the budding beekeepers and ornithologists there is a not-to-be-missed ECOBIRDS and ECOBEES at Thrupp Farm down by the Thames. A recent RSPB survey on an adjacent farm showed that this farm had more bird species (71) than on any other farm in the UK. Do you like dancing? Then ECODANCE is for you! Or do you want to find out what it’s like to live in a yurt all the year round ? ECOYURTS gives you this opportunity. Do you want to see the cows being milked? Come to ECOMILK ! To round off the week on Saturday 19th, the ECOBIKES and ECOWALKS will set off around the ECOFARMS (there are fourteen organic farms within just two miles of Faringdon…) ending up at ECOWIND: Westmill Wind Farm Open Day, where there will be MANY activities for all ages. And then - as a small mini-festival celebration on the evening of the 19th, ECOGLUG allows you to sample local wines and beers - accompanied by local cheeses - happening in the Portwell Angel. More details at WWW.ECOWEEK.INFO

Re Vodafone - 25/5/10 I have contacted vodafone and got a reply much like th previous one, and a refund of £10. However they keep insisting that my phone will work if I switch it to 2G, however many times I tell them that it still won't work if I do so. We just had the digital reception restored (which is still rubbish) and now this, you'd think we lived in the middle of nowhere ! But yes, everyone should contact them, if we bug them enough for refunds, they should get a move on.... Kate

Re Vodafone - 25/5/10 Being driven potty in the centre of town not being able to get Vodafone signal either at work or at home! If it's Tesco who have caused the problem, as well as Vodafone, maybe we should be calling on Tesco to try and get this sorted out! Any ideas? As someone else has pointed out, if Tesco are in some part responsible for cutting off major mobile phone signal in town, this is very bad publicity for them. However, having just spoken to Vodafone customer services again in Swansea, I was told that they are trying to find somewhere else to put the mast - with no timescale... Surely some serious incompetence along the line here from someone that this could happen! But as many calls as possible from people in Faringdon will surely put more pressure on Vodafone to sort this out. Name Supplied

The Pump House - 25/5/10 The Pump House is now available on Tuesday Evenings. Both the June Rennie Room and The Jubilee Room are vacant on this evening. The rooms are very versatile and are also very reasonable. Prices start from only £6 per hour. For more information please contact Val Sansford on 242191 or Diane Keany on 240281. val@faringdontowncouncil.gov.uk

Re Laundrette in Faringdon? - 24/5/10 if you did go a head with the idea i would be willing to work for you if you need extra staff. Annmarie Higgins

Re Vodafone - 24/5/10 I have contacted Vodafone by email twice and have had no response so decided to try the online chat. At first I was told 'I see good 2G network coverage in your area' when I explained I have limited or no network she then stated 'There is a site down in your area FARINGDON OXFORDSHIRE and the fault reference number is 584941398'. After pushing for compensation she has credited £8.00 to my account. I would advise all billed customers to make a complaint as the compensation seems to be going up! Unfortunately, no timescale was given for when this will be resolved but I advised her that I will be seeking more compensation the longer its left, everyone should do the same! Perhaps they will do something then. Karen Rees

Re Second to none - 23/5/10 When I first moved to Faringdon, I used Second to None for general maintenance such as tyres etc, and had no bother. When I put my car in for a non-routine job, I was given a quote of £50-60 to replace a part, after 3 days of no communication, Second to none had racked up a bill of over £1200. After a lot of discussion, I was given the option of paying up or having the parts removed, and a non working car returned. Every time I drive past the place, I get a sick feeling that I was ripped off. I run two older cars, that do need maintenance. For the last 3 years, I have used NMV, (behind Storage Solutions on Park Road) and cannot fault the excellent service, price, and continual communication. NMV go over and above to include you in the process, and seek to find the best and most cost effective solutions for every job tailored for you. I cannot recommend them enough. Name Supplied

Out Of Hours Medical Help again - 23/5/10 I know from bitter experience that, despite the fact that the Fern Hill Practice has never let us down, in other areas the NHS leaves a lot to be desired. So I was reluctant to use the Out of Hours number We were asked if we could get to a hospital but once we said we couldn't a doctor came very quickly I think he came from or via the Abingdon Community Hospital. He was reassuring, very effective and spoke English and I think it is disgusting that I felt the need to comment simply because these days I know that this is not the norm. HGM

Wrong way down Marlborough St - 23/5/10 I too have frequently encountered vehicles traveling the wrong way down both Marlborough Street and Gloucester Street. Only last week I nearly hit a high speed cyclist traveling the wrong way down Marlborough Street as I pulled out of a driveway. I cannot believe that all of them miss the road signs - they just think they'll get away with it, even passing the police station! It will only stop when people get pulled over for it. Similarly for the large number of vehicles which use the "buses only" road past the Crown. Name Supplied

Second to none - 22/5/10 We have used them several times on several diffent cars. We have been very happy with the quality and price of service given Steve Bunce

Out Of Hours Medical Help again - 23/5/10 Contrary to the experience of a recent poster to this site, I had really poor service yesterday. My son needed to see a doctor urgently at 10:00 last night so I called out of hours. Somebody (not a doctor) called me back and gave us an appoitment to see a dr at 10:30 at Witney. Good I thought. But oh dear - when we got to Witney Hospital a nurse bluntly told us that there was at least a 1 hour delay. My son was finally seen at midnight. No infomation was given regarding the delay apart from the nurse saying that the "triage staff in Abingdon didn't know what was hapening in Witney and shouldn't have given us an appointment". In addition, corridor lights were off and patients/relatives were searching for toilets in the dark. Great! Out of hours care is not consistent in this area. Name Supplied

Second to none - 22/5/10 Why should you assume there is a problem ? But to answer your question. I have used them a few times and found them perfectly OK. HGM

Second to none - 22/5/10 I have taken my car to second to None for many years and have always had good service and customer care Dee England

Second to none - 22/5/10 Has anyone had a problem with second 2 none thinking of taking my car there to get fixed. Name Supplied

Re Vodafone - 22/5/10 I contacted Vodafone last night by email and this morning received this reply: "I'm sorry to learn that you are not getting a proper network signal on your phone and you are unable to contact your elderly mother. I do apologise for all the inconvenience caused to you. I confirm that one of the cell sites (network sites) in the Faringdon area is currently under maintenance. The power to the cell site has been turned off. I can assure you that our technical team is currently working on the issue and is trying to resolve the matter as soon as possible. The Technical Fault reference number is: 584941398. You can get back to me regarding the update on the above issue and I’ll be happy to update you on the progress of our technical team. Since you have not received the service you deserve from us Mrs. Dean, as a gesture of goodwill, I've added a credit of £5.00 on your phone account. I hope that this goes some way to restore your confidence in Vodafone and would like to assure you that we do our utmost to provide a High level of service to our customers." So if all the Faringdon Vodafone customers contact Vodafone and we all receive goodwill payments, maybe they will swiftly do the necessary work. Jill Dean

Re Vodafone - 21/5/10 Why not email this chap. He is the top man in the UK and WILL get it sorted. There customer Service it has to be said is awful. vittorio.colao@vodafone.com Colin

Vodafone latest - 21/5/10 I contacted them today and don't think I was told any lies. They say the problem is that the power to the mast has been switched off. I was also told that it wont take a month because that would cost vodafone too much. They also say everyone will get a refund. I'm particularly concerned because the ambulance responder team (of which I'm co-ordinator)relies heavily on vodafone for text and voice call-outs. I have asked them to consider putting in a temporary mast if this continues (like they do at major events). Does anyone know who the landlord/owner is? If it's Tescos I wouldn't have thought they'd want any adverse publicity ahead of their planning application. Town Councillors - can you help? Godfrey Smith

Vodafone problems - 21/5/10 Quite a lot of us have complained to them. 4 of us at the same time. We were told a lot of lies and conflicting stories. As far as I can work out we may be offline for 1-2 months. In a way I'm lucky as I have another phone and my only effort is to tell the most usual callers my other phone number. I was also told that I shouldn't be using a PAYG phone for business! Eh! Surely how I choose to use my phone is my business. Name Supplied

Wrong way down Marlborough St - 21/5/10 How many more drivers going down Marlborough Street the WRONG way will it take before something will be done to prevent an accident?? Or even worse a serious injury or a fatality!! Most days cars, vans and small lorries can be seen travelling down the street some at speed.. Will the Police, Town Planners, Council wake up to this and do something before it is too late! Name Supplied

Vodafone coverage in Faringdon - 20/5/10. We have heard that the problem is not as simple as gaining access to the site. We understand that Vodafone and the landlord are working to resolve this. ----- If I'm able to give you more news in the next day or so, I will. Name Supplied

Vodafone problems - 20/5/10 Having spoken to Vodaphone at length today, the problem exists as the power supply to the mast on the Redlake site has been cut. It may well be Monday before the service is resumed. Call & complain as you will receive one month's line rental free of charge. To get the best response, use the 'Are you thinking of leaving us' option. Sue Lund

Southampton Street Car park and Potholes. - 20/5/10 I see the VWHDC or is it the OCC can come and REPAINT the markings in the Southampton Street car park, but apart from just a couple of holes filled in; the roads in the town are a disgrace. I guess revenue collecting has priority over a basic task. Be better when we get a new government. Colin

Vodafone problems - 19/5/10 Thanks for the info. I spoke to Vodafone and they told me it was because I had an old sim card, which I couldn't see how that meant no signal in Faringdon but perfect in Oxford. So now I will waste some more time and go into the shop. Its the only phone I have so bit of a nightmare. If anyone has updates put them on here :) Thanks. Name supplied

Carters Reunion For all ex Carters supermarket staff. Names are needed before the end of June so the venue can be decided. 01367 241753 for more information

Vodafone problems - 19/5/10 Thanks for the info. I spoke to Vodafone and they told me it was because I had an old sim card, which I couldn't see how that meant no signal in Faringdon but perfect in Oxford. So now I will waste some more time and go into the shop. Its the only phone I have so bit of a nightmare. If anyone has updates put them on here :) Thanks. Name Supplied

Vodafone problems - 19/5/10 There are people with keys to the place. The administrators have keys, the former directors have keys, and the security man has keys. There is activity there most days, so if a big compant like vodafone cant do their job there is something wrong. If I was renting space on a bit of land, I would have thought that 'by law' the landlords would have to let me know? Name Supplied

Vodafone problems - 19/5/10 if you are having problems with vodafone it is because of the red lake group site and access. there is no way at this moment they can repair the mast, also they dont know how long it is going to be and after a short convesation have offerd free line rental to myself for a month. maybe a few more phone calls may get them to pull there fingers out of there %@$%%@. Name supplied

Re Laundrette in Faringdon? - 19/5/10 I would use it to wash large items like sleeping bags that don't fit in my washing machine, but that would require an extra large machine. Carolyn Williams

Laundrette in Faringdon? - 19/5/10 I'm not sure if there is enough demand for one but I have had one or two enquiries in the Community and Tourist Office for people looking for laundrettes whilst camping at Radcot etc. Also if people's machines have broken down. I think duvet washing would be useful and maybe horse rugs. Sally Thurston

Budgens cafe -18/5/10 I say let them have a go! At least it would be open all the time. The biggest one we have, which is Saddlers only opens when they feel like it and if you ask them why they were closed you will often get a rude reply from the owner. If the coffee is as good as Starbucks or Costa they will get me in everyday:)) Name Supplied

Budgens refurb -18/5/10 I have looked at the Budgens plans. I hope they go through, I'm not in favour of Tesco - we moved to Faringdon some years ago because it is a small market town with lots of lovely shops. I do use Budgens to 'top up' and it often has things that the main supermarkets don't stock and I've always found the staff helpful and friendly. I think the cafe is an excellent idea. Yes, there are cafe's in town (all excellent), but for pushchair and wheelchair access the old buildings make it almost impossible to use them. Name Supplied

Madd and the Arts Festival - 17/5/10 this year M.A.D.D. is happy to be involved with the Faringdon Arts Festival "A hint of Berners" 1st July - 11th July. All events at the Corn Exchange are organised by M.A.D.D.and are free. A donation towards the running of the events would be appreciated. This can be done on the performance days at the venue. We are also introducing a closer working relationship with the Faringdon Community College's involvement with the Festival. they are responsible for the sound on the mainstage and the stage management, the African drummers and the opening band, from the winner of the battle of the bands to be held at the Community College on Thursday 1st july 8pm. Entrance is £2. I'm informed there will be six bands participating in this event.I say welcome to the Festival to the Community College. The full programme is to follow. For all M.A.D.D. associated events www.maddfaringdon.co.uk

Laundrette in Faringdon? - 17/5/10 I am exploring the possibility of opening a laundrette in Faringdon and would be interested in the likely response. In addition to the usual coin-op self service it would offer ironing services, collection and drop-off, drying for quilts etc, service washes, discounts for sports teams and local businesses. I appreciate that practically everyone in town has a washing machine but I still think there may be a need for one. Abingdon and Witney both have one and they always seem busy. Your thoughts would be much appreciated. Name Supplied

Faringdon's Facelift - 17/5/10. Alan Hitchcock's blog is quite correct. At the time of the refurbishment of the Town Centre I, and my colleagues, were involved in trying to make the changes that would be best for Faringdon. We failed. I wanted a far more radical approach than actually happened and others wanted somewhat less. As often happens in these matters the view of the townspeople came a poor second to the view of the district planners (who, after all were responsible for paying for it). The net result was, in my view, a great improvement on the untidy and diminishing market place that we had. It was previously basically a car park that covered up what is one of the most attractive squares in our part of the country. A lot was wrong with the planning (inadequate space for buses - in their longer form - to turn etc.) however a lot was an improvement. I sincerely hope that "consultation" has moved on since those days and that the views of the Town are now really taken into account. This is an important time for this to happen with the framework for the development of the Town reaching its final stages. Our District Councillors are being deafening in their silence on this vital stage of the development of the Town which makes it even more important that the townspeople and the Town Council make their views known as strongly as possible. The next meeting of the "Our Faringdon - Our Future" working group is later this month at which we will be putting together our submission to the Vale for the future. Everybody is invited - this really matters.If you want to come along please contact Dianne at the FTC office. The views expressed in this blog are entirely mine and do not necessarily reflect those of the town council or any of its committees. Alan Hickmore

Budgens refurb -17/5/10 You can see something about their plans on the right, inside the Marlborough St entrance. It mentions non food goods and a cafe upstairs Faringdon has 3 cafes as well as pubs that serve coffee. Why have another? Will this encourage more people to shop there? I doubt it. Why not make use of the space to provide more goods that people need Name Supplied

Out Of Hours Medical Help - 16/5/10 My wife had been unwell since first thing in the morning and at 6pm we finally, and as a last resort, decided to call the NHS Out of Hours Service. Without going into all the gory details I can simply say the service was superb. In the past I have not been reluctant to criticise the NHS and I'll no doubt do it again but at this moment I have nothing but praise for it The Cam/Clegg team have only been in situ for a little while and we are already seeing the benefits. Now Dave and Nick how about sorting out the Pensions ? HGM

Silver ring found - 16/5/10 a small silver ring in the area in front of pump house. please contact 242223 to claim. thanks Name supplied

Wailing siren noise? - 14/5/10 Can anyone tell me where that Wailing Siren noise that go's off several times during the late night early mornings is coming from.I think it's coming from one of the units off of park rd Name Supplied

Tesco's Planning application - 14/5/10 If Tesco succeed with their application we will be subjected to a default facelift I suspect. It will alter the way the town works. No idea if that is better or worse but it continues the process of the A417 attracting business as it is the main road in town. If it were not for the road access down to Radcot the Market Square could be simply closed for the towns use like Market day, French day, Maddfest venue etc. Unfortunately the other access routes, Church Lane and Swan Lane, are not really capable of handling the bulky traffic as they are even if the one way system was altered to suit unopposed passage. The ability to pedestrionise the Market Square at will would greatly help the health of the centre of town and would be very appealing for the cafe/resteraunt abiance in the evening. This is more than a facelift but perhaps really what the town should be looking for. However I think we should avoid total perminant predestrionisation as other days folk can still park and do that sort of trade. A flexible space would be a huge benifit and many Oxfordshire towns have similar problems and would relish a similar answer. Is it actually achievable here? Further and to back the point made Faringdon had a exhibition of options in the Corn Exchange a few years back to look at the Market Place. I recall Mr Alan Hickmore was quite envolved in this presentation and an effort to get Faringdon some benifit from the project. I do not know how these things work but I fear we my have had our chance of funding. Perhaps he might know the chances for the future having had experience of such matters. Alan Hitchcock

Faringdon's Facelift - 14/5/10. It does (or in this case, did) make one wonder exactly how useful our district councillors are. Faringdon was represented at district level at the time when the scheme for Faringdon Market Place was chosen and implemented so what happened?. The town councillors come in for a lot of stick, often quite undeserved. We rarely hear much about the role of our district and county councillors, though. It is one thing to regularly attend meetings, quite another to be able to effectively make the case for Faringdon's interests as part of the proceedings. name supplied

Facelift - 13/5/10. The facelift for Faringdon was done several years ago. There was an "exhibition" in the Corn Exchange for us to choose our preferred option. This was comprehensively ignored by the District Council as usual and we have the abortion they decided on. Name Supplied

Tesco's Planning application - 13/5/10 Just received notice that Tescos have submitted their planning application with the Vale for a 15,000 sq ft store in Faringdon.(As shown in January's exhibition.) G.Brown ED(GW) I can't find the planning app on the VWHDC website - will have another look in a few days. I did find a planning application from Budgens. See http://planning.whitehorsedc.gov.uk/publicaccess/tdc/DcApplication/application_detailview.aspx?caseno=L1XX90BY05V00 for detail

jennifer barnes sky dive in aid of save the children- 13/5/10 sat july 3rd manchester united have donated a signed football. for each £5.00 sponsored your name will go into a draw and for second prize we have a manchester united pennant signed by four players all with certificate of authenticity and hologram

Re Facelift for Wantage - 13/5/10 I dont know how long name supplied has lived in Faringdon, but Faringdon Market Place was 'improved' some years ago, way ahead of Wantage. Personally I think it was not quite well thought out enough as although it is more contemporary-looking than before, traffic sight lines, convenience and parking have all been compromised for the sake of appearance. That having been said though, please, if you are going to grumble about what Faringdon is allocated or not in the way of improvements, get the facts right. FB MkII

Facelfit for Wantage - 12/5/10 It seems wantage is getting face lift http://www.heraldseries.co.uk/news/8160081.Go_ahead_for_town_centre_s_upgrade/?ref=rss Faringdon missed again Name Supplied

Faringdon Cricket Club - 12/5/10 Faringdon cricket club invites everyone to pay a visit. From May until August(and maybe September) there are games played nearly every Saturday and some Sundays. Why not pop up and take a look at your local team. Refreshments are available, alcoholic and non alcoholic. There are also social events taking place throughout the year hosted by The Bell Hotel. Also there is net sessions running on Friday evenings 6pm until dark. We encourage prospective players of all ages. If you don't fancy a game we also have spaces for umpires (for which you get paid...) www.faringdoncricketclub.co.uk is now up and running, so please take some time to check out future fixtures, player stats and profiles. If you have any queries please visit the 'contact us' page and leave an email or we can be reached at info@faringdoncricketclub.co.uk The website is still in its infancy, so if you come across any problems let us know. Many thanks. www.faringdoncricketclub.co.uk

Faringdon Arts Festival Photographic competition - 12/4/10 Stage Manager Required for the Faringdon Arts Festival (9th - 11th July 2010) If you can help, please email focuson@bordengate.com

Ringmaster message fromThames Valley Police. - 10/5/10 Sometime between Tuesday 4th May and Sunday 9th May 2010 offenders have entered a farm building on Church Street, Faringdon and have stolen four wheels from an all terrain Land Rover Vogue. If you have any information relating to this message, or have seen any suspicious people or vehicles in the area, please contact the Police on 08458 505 505 and say you are responding to a Ringmaster message At this time of year trading standards and the police see an increase in calls regarding door to door callers offering products and services.Recently there have been several incidents where suspicious people have been seen and later checks show that these people are known to the police. Please can you let the police know of any suspicous traders when you get flyers through the door or if you have callers at your door whose behaviour or manner concerns you. Please contact the police at the time on 08458 505 505 or 999 if you suspect a crime is being committed.

Missing Ferret - 6/5/10 hi im looking for a ferret that went missing on the 4th may at about 8pm. he is friendly,has a yellow colour coat and is intact. if anyone has found him my little boy would be very greatfull . you can email me on annmariepeter@hotmail.co.uk thankyou.x Ann Marie Higgins

Sponsored Skydive - 3/5/10 Jennifer Barnes will be doing a sponsored sky dive in aid of SAVE THE CHILDREN (Faringdon branch) on saturday july 3rd. Anyone or business who would like to sponsor me or need sponsor forms please contact me on 01367241873 thank you very much for any sponsorhip made.

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