| faringdon-online community web site home |
talking points |
| september 2007 |
| Town Centre Pedestrian Crossings -
29/9/07 In response to Peter Hawkins, I am pretty sure these raised humps do not give priority to the pedestrian. They do act as traffic calming measures but the motorist still has the right of way. Jmmo |
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| Lend me a Tenner - 29/2/07 - Was that the VWH or Faringdon Town Council said that - or am I getting them confused with the Dramatic Society? Pimpernel |
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| Parking - 29/9/07 I live in a road that has double yellow lines. Nobody on either side has a drive or garage. Consequentially, they park further up the road in order to avoid being ticketed. They park outside houses that have drives and garages. These vehicles do not belong to the houses they are parked outside of. AND they are parking responsibly. The local "yoof" know this and target these cars, tearing off the wing mirrors and putting hammers through the lights. Not only is it too small beer to claim on the insurance but, in the winter months, working days are lost as people cannot get to work in a disabled car. Most of these crimes are not reported. The police cannot trace the culprits and it is below the limit of claim on insurance. It is annoying, and expensive, especially if your holiday time is valuable to you. We live in a medieval town which was not designed for residents to have cars (let alone more than one per household). Name Supplied |
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| Lend me a tenor - 29/9/07 I went last evening - it is very well performed and funny Gene Webb |
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| Intrigued - 29/9/07 I am intrigued. How do you know that the people who park their cars on the road when they have garages are the very same ones who grumble about parking? When you aren't being amused by the website, do you spend your time driving around spying on them? Name supplied |
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| Curious of Faringdon - 28/9/07 Obviously my posts have struck a nerve, which is not in itself a bad thing. I usually find that people are upset when the truth hurts them in some way. Not sure what you are saying in your post though except that you hate bagpipe players, you think I'm crazy (fair point I concede), you are pro war and you do not support fair trade. Personally, I have nothing against bagpipe players, I am not pro war and I do support fair trade. If that's crazy then I'm guilty as charged. As for comparing me with Princes Di, and HGM, I'm truly not worthy but am flattered in any event. Devil's Advocate (also known as water of a ducks back) Scott - fair point there. Name Supplied |
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| Live Music- practice space? - 28/9/07 I've been reading the various comments regarding live music in Faringdon. I only recently moved to Faringdon and one of the aspects i really enjoy is the ammount of live music in the different pubs(I thought the Faringdon Festival was excellent). But, one thing puzzles me, where does everyone go to practice. Is there some practice venue that i'm not aware of? Name Supplied |
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| Parking in the town/down Canada Lane/Coxwell Street or any
Housing estate in Faringdon - 28/9/07 I read all these comments and find every single one of them very amusing. People blaming Mothers, Mothers Blaming everyone Else. How many of you have driven round these places and noticed that the people that are Moaning either have Driveways or Garages, but they still park their Vehicles on the road probably because they turn the garage into some storage shed or another bedroom. or maybe even a dining room. and the driveway becomes a playground for the children. so before all you drivway and garage owners start moaning. Actually use them. and please don't moan. But then again Please do as you all make this Talking points site very amusing. Scott Gildert |
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| Devil's Advocate Reply to HGM Re Yellow Lines
- 27/9/07 You wouldn't be the same person who plays the bagpipes, would you ? or whose family recently won the crazy cricket event around the Folly Tower because nobody else bothered to enter ? Or who strongly supports the ridiculous Fair Trade Town posters ? or who has been known to chain themselves to the railings outside Fairford airbase ? or who seems to have a self promoting publicity machine second only to to the likes of the late Princess Di or HGM ? Curious of Faringdon |
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| Faringdon chosen by Canadian drama group -
25/9/07 I've heard it said that the members of the Garrison Little Theatre, Canada found Faringdon on the internet, and then arranged for an exchange with the Faringdon Drama Group. So this weekend they will be performing their play in Faringdon. Next time the Faringdon Drama group will go to Canada. So lets give them lots of support, I understand there are still tickets available. Lend Me a Tenor - A steamy, pulse-racing, opera-tic farce. Faringdon Junior School hall, Performed by members of Garrison Little Theatre from Fort Erie, Canada as part of an exchange. Tickets £7 and £5, available from the Nut Tree or you can buy tickets on the door |
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| Portwell Pump planting - 25/9/07 I've just noticed the tall plants around the Pump. From a distance they look like sycamore tress - 5 of them. Surely they're not trees? What are they? Gene Webb |
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| Shops/Changes - 26/9/07 Recently heard that the Marlborough St Barber is to move to White Horse Countrywear premises, and that the Bargain Centre is to be reopened by the people/comppany that is opening the shoe shop Gene Webb |
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| Not too many locals - 26/9/07 Hamish you are to be applauded for your efforts but the answer is really quite straightforward. Ageing "Tiswas" fans will recall Chris Tarrant's immortal mantra about the audience, "Give 'em what they want!". It really is that simple. Keep up the good work Hamish. David Reynolds |
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| Firework Displays around here?? -
24/9/07 Could anyone tell me if there are any firework displays, particularly those with a big bonfire, around the Stanford In The Vale area out as far as Oxford on bonfire night. Many thanks Marc Ed: There is usually one in Faringdon House grounds, organised by the Rotary club- usually a Saturday eveniing |
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| VWHDC and Private Eye - 24/9/07 Has anyone read this is this month's Private Eye? Page 11...under "Rotten Boroughs" Vale of Tears "Embarrassing cash-flow problems at Vale of White Horse district council in Oxfordshire. Last month the Lib Dem authority's 300-strong workforce did not get paid. Much, much worse, the Vale's 51 councillors did not receive their allowances on time. The council's electricity supplier threatened to sue for non-payment of bills, village halls refused to take bookings from the council because they feared they wouldn't get their money and the Land Registry turned down search requests for the same reason. Yet the Vale, around Abingdon, is a prosperous area, the council boasts of setting the eighth lowest council tax in England and is proud of its "substantial" financial and property investments. It's all very odd. Well perhaps not. The problems only began after the council signed a seven year, £9.1m deal to "outsource" financial services last year...with Crapita plc." I just thought you may be interested Mel Lane |
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| Not many locals - 24/9/07 Mark it was not poorly attended in comparison with many events in this town but poorly attended by locals, over 75 non-Faringdonians chose to make the journey many adding to the economy of the town by staying over. I'm sure i'll perserve with another go but I would be intrigued to find out how to get someone who would pay £25 to travel to a shed in Birmingham or £120 to sit in a field in Reading to come and see high quality live music up close and personal for £5 on their doorstep. Best answer wins 2 free tickets to my next extravaganza Hamish Millar |
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| HTs Poem 192 interpretation - 22/9/07 Who do you think you are kidding Hilary ? The five Chinese lines (Poetry Competition entry number 192) are not a poem but come straight from the local Chinese Restaurant Menu as I'm sure you are aware. They mean: Beef in a curry sauce. Prawn with preserved egg. Prawn dumpling. Egg fried rice. Service charge not included. Nice try though.The competition entries this year are ..........interesting ! HGM |
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| Yellow lines and parking - 21/9/07 I would just like to distance myself from HGM's comment re Devil's Advocate solution. I do not hold such a view. Personally, I consider that the double yellow lines, are valid and should be more rigorously enforced. We still have the relic's of a whipping post, lets use it. As for parking problems in the town centre. There wouldn't be a problem if the majority of Faringdon residents got of their fat backsides and used their legs for a change. The whole of Faringdon is withing walking distance, unless you have some form of limiting disability (obviously these people are not the subject of my rant). As for someones elses comment about living in the 21 Century, if we are to make the next one, perhaps legs rather than backsides should become more of the norm. Devil's Advocate |
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| Different Town Map - 21/9/07 I made a suggestion for a NEW and also DIFFERENT kind of Town Map. But I didn't hear anything back. I guess we''ll end up with an mediocre paper type of map that fades in the sunlight and keeps on costing money. Like the one in the Budgeons Car Park,which has now become less than helpful to visitors. No POSTCODES on it may I point out. But to recap: where should ideas to improve the town be sent? It might be good to know...for the future that is... Name Supplied Ed: I don't know - but suggest Margaret Barker(FTC), the chair |
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| Re: Live Music 18/9/2007- 21/9/07 Hamish, as a person who has regularly attended live music in the Junior School, I'm sorry to hear that the Tyla concert was poorly attended. I am afraid, however, that it demonstrates starkly how we need the life of the town to be focused on its centre. Moving live music on to some industrial estate, as some people suggest, will not work. And it won't restore the life that was just beginning to ebb back into Faringdon. The 15-minute club in the Corn Exchange not only brought unprecendented vibrancy, it also drew people into Faringdon from Swindon and Oxford. These people began to see our town as an enviable place to live and started to frequent our pubs and restaurants. I can't believe that the people that are currently killing music in the town centre want to see it return to the windblown place that ordinary residents preferred not to visit after 9PM We need to keep the momentum going. Mark Harrison |
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| Joint Environmental Trust - 20/9/07 This is a group made up of Faringdon Town Councillors and VWHDC, and have an objective of improving/maintaining the environment(or some such thing) It is currently chaired by Margaret Barker, FTC The minutes are posted on the VWHDC website at http://whitehorsedc.moderngov.co.uk/ieListMeetings.asp?CId=169&Year=2007&J=2 There was a meeting in early September, but the minutes haven't yet been posted. The June minutes(draft) include:- 1 Agreement to grant £5,000 for the re surfacing work to the Faringdon Football Club c/o Faringdon Town Council. 2 Lechlade Road Gateway feature. The County have agreed to this providing that FTC or VWHDC take responsibility for it. 3 Coxwell Road seat installed 3 Town Map This map is still with the Town Council for checking. Additional items on the September agenda, include: 1 Recommendation that that Faringdon Town Council be offered a grant of £3,093 representing 50% of the total cost of the works subject to the District Council’s Principal Planning Officer (Environmental Policy) agreeing the details of the edging to the paths. 2 Grant Application - Restoration of Milestones The applicant has now moved away from the area and no longer wishes to take up the grant offer made by the Trust to restore the milestones in the Faringdon area. It is therefore recommended that the £200 set aside be returned to balances. Next Meeting: Thursday 24 January 2008 Old Town Hall, 4pm I don't know where the project ideas come from. I have no memory of townspeople being asked! Just trying to raise awareness Gene Webb |
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| Pleased that music problems resolved -
20/9/07 I'm delighted that you have resolved your problems with the authorities over noise levels and that the music is coming back to Faringdon however, as I interpret Sam's latest comments the Enviromental Health officer didn't even bother to get off his backside and come out and investigate the complaint! I find this unbelievable! Apart from anything else, that's his job. (I wish I could get a job where I could sit at home in front of the TV with my feet up and get paid for it). From previous experience with complaints about noise I can guarantee that there is no way that the complaint would have been upheld. If you can hold a conversation in the same room as the band without shouting, that's definitely not loud enough to justify stopping the music. Anyway, I've had my say. It's your town. Big Brother is watching you! (even from his cosy arm chair) Remember, you get the officials YOU elect! Name supplied |
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| In response to HGM - 20/9/07 I'm sorry but I've just got to say something in response to HGM etc. So 'boy racers' are about on the Coxwell road, where? I live just off this road in fact about 30 yards and its just not true. And to say we need speed camera's, sleeping policemen again why? I'm sorry but this is market town mentality to me, can only pedestrian's, pensioners (I am one actually) and any one who's 'nice' ever be allowed to live in peace here? And the parking in the town, we all know about the cost to park and what's been done by our representatives, I guess nothing much if at all as noise abatment in the town continues to override all else! SO why not remove the yellow lines on one side of the road so the people that NEED to park can. I guess the people that park outside Blockbuster etc are there for a few minutes is that so wrong? These are Faringdon residents too, not horned devils. And if its all because of the glorious banner waving brigade of road safety'ists, hold on to your children and dogs, look before you cross the road, stay away from the edge of the road. Wake up people its time to start living in the 21st century and not day-dream of a pre-war idyll. Name Supplied |
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| Town centre pedestrian crossings -
19/9/07 Can someone please tell me if the raised humps of tarmac in the town centre are officially designated as pedestrian crossings and, if so why are they not properly marked and signposted as such ? As things stand, drivers are unclear whether or not they have priority over pedestrians. Meanwhile pedestrians seem unclear whether to cross on them or not or just to stroll around in the middle of the road seemingly oblivious to oncoming traffic and at severe risk of being flattened or worse. While on this pet hobby horse of mine, can someone please tell me when the Police are finally going to do something about drivers who flagrantly ignore the priority signs at the narrow bit of the road between the new "have I got shoes" shop and the now defunct Bargain Centre - or do these signs, as I suspect, have no legal standing whatsoever ? Post card length answers please. Peter Hawkins |
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| Policing of parking - 19/9/07 I spoke to 2 Community Support police the other day - just after they'd asked someone to move their car which was on double yellow lines outside the old POst Office - no ticket was issued. They said if they find an illegally parked car the try and find the owner, and ask him/her to move it, and not just issue a ticket. This seems reasonable, but I do hope they keep a note of registration numbers - so they can take a harder line with repeat offenders. I was told that anyone can ring 0845 8 505 505 and report parking, speeding issues and the like. They said, resources permitting they would take action. I suggested they look at Talking Points!! Perhaps someone should phone about Canada Lane!! They were very helpful, but I wish I'd asked why there were 2 of them together - wouldn't they get more done if they split up?? Maybe someone was in training Gene Webb |
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| Keep music Live - 19/9/07 Good news, makes a change! "The Jam club" blues night will continue at The Crown Inn Faringdon. Once a month on a Saturday night. I am now in the process of shifting bands already booked for Thursday nights and negotiating with others for next year. I would like to thank everyone who has voiced their opinions on this site. I'm sure it helped to enable us to continue. Please check on www.maddfaringdon.co.uk for updates. Sam Prince (M.A.D.D.) |
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| Coxwell Road.....again. - 18/9/07 Some years ago a few of us, including David, tried to block the development of 18 Coxwell Road. We gave many reasons why this should not go ahead. We deplored the fact that many houses with character would be replaced by modern houses. . .but who really cares ? We also pointed out that our infrastructure, shops, bus services, parking etc was inadequate for the existing population and Faringdon would turn into a dormitory village for workers in Swindon, Oxford and neighbouring towns. We pointed out that once one back garden had been allowed to be turned into a housing estate others would follow. Well at least we got that right ! Despite our self righteous protests we all knew that given the opportunity we would all jump on to the same lucrative band wagon. Most of our objections were down to NIMBY-ism. But one objection is still valid, though apparently ignored by the planners. The Coxwell Road is very busy at certain times of the day and children going to and from school will eventually have to cross busy access roads to these new estates and the traffic load will increase considerably at peak times. Why is nothing being done to control cars on this road apart from the occasional lurking policeman with his mobile speed gun ? Speed Cameras, sleeping policeman,chicanes and other traffic calming schemes may not be popular but they wouldn't bother most of us. They may even deter the boy racers. Finally, and this is more a Devil's Advocate solution, all this aggro about parking in the town resulting in perfectly nice ladies threatening handbags at dawn against other perfectly nice ladies could be resolved very easily by removing all the yellow lines. Hardly anyone takes any notice of them anyway and the 'illegal' parkers just arouse anger in those of us who are too afraid to transgress. HGM |
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| LIve music - 18/9/07 Live music passed more or less unnoticed this weekend in Faringdon so I can only assume that everyone is resigned to the minority having killed it off. Thank you to the few who did make it along. Whilst I realise that non cover bands are a niche market and that "proper" live music can sometimes be a bit loud I would like to think those who braved the sunny evening out were moved by Tyla's solo performance. Any thoughts welcome on how to keep live original music going Hamish Millar |
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| Keep Music Live campaign - 18/9/07 As the editor of a new local magazine I've read the comments about the music situation in Faringdon with interest - I'm also a keen fan of live music so I've got a personal interest in this too. I'd love to run a story in the magazine on the Keep Music Live campaign, the problems being experienced in Faringdon and to highlight the live music scene as it is. If anyone involved in the 15 Minute or Blues clubs, or anyone else with a story to tell, would like to help the campaign by getting some free publicity, please give me a call on 01367 888229 or email editor@ctinthevale.co.uk Actually, while I'm here if anyone would like to get free publicity for ANY organisation or event in Faringdon, please get in touch. The magazine covers Faringdon, Wantage and Grove but so far I've run more editorial on W and G - it's time to redress the balance! The next (Oct) issue of the magazine will be delivered to 1000 homes in Faringdon next week, and will also be available in the library, Budgens and Mustard Seed. Hope to hear from lots of people soon! Alison Neale Editor, Community Times In the Vale |
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| Council Meeting - 18/9/07 How nice to see a set of minutes on Talking Points and so SOON after a Council meeting. Carry on like this and we will have to name a room after you Pimpernel |
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| Another housing estate - 17/9/07 Anyone driving along Coxwell Road will have noticed that a very large house is being prepared for demolition to be replaced by twelve houses. Now it seems another application has been put in to demolish number 25 Coxwell Road and replace it with a further three houses. How long will it be before the whole of Coxwell Road gets trollyed and replaced by a "much needed" new housing estate? Also does anyone know who now owns the first field off Highworth Road (I think it used to be known locally as Humpty Dumpty Hill!) and, more importantly, what they intend to do with it? David Reynolds |
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| £15k for a parking study?? -
17/9/07 Regarding the town council meeting, interesting reading especially the bit about the council putting aside £15K for a parking survey. For £15k I will do it - easy really we need more parking!!! Name Supplied Ed: A group of volunteers, lead by Tim Evans , then a town councillor did a study 2-3 years ago. I understand because it was 'unofficial' ie the District/County didn't do it, they wouldn't take any notice of it |
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| Faringdon House grounds to open?? -
17/9/07 I heard they are considering opening up the grounds of Faringdon house as a new Faringdon country park with a large fishing lake. Is this true? Roger Francis |
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| re:Illegal Parking Near School - 16/9/07 My understanding of why the Infant's school car park was closed is that it was closed by the Council because they deemed it unsafe because of the risk of children running from the school into the car park and being knocked over (i.e. were scared of being sued). In my opinion the risk to child safety is far greater with the current situation (particularly in those cases where mothers seem to see no risk in unloading their offspring from the off-side door of the car). I hope it won't take a serious accident before the folly of this situation is reversed! Name Supplied |
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| Illegal Parking Near School - 15/9/07 So, now it seems the parents who park on the double yellow lines do so because they need to get to work afterwards and don't care where they dump their cars. The people in cars who are unable to pass these inconsiderate parents have to drive on the pavement so that they can get to work !. Seems everybody is in a hurry....... I just wonder why parents aren't allowed to drop the children off in the school car park. It seems big enough and with a proper drop off point should be safe for all. Is there a reason why this isn't allowed ?. All very well the person who suggested that the people who drive up on the pavement should wait....but one day it could be a fire engine or ambulance that needs access down Canada Lane. Probably safer to get this problem sorted sooner rather than later. Name Supplied Ed: I heard (anecdotal) that the head of the Infant school had deemed it unsafe for parents to drop off children in the car park. This was some years ago - could have been a former head. |
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| Click on
www.thebreastcancersite.com -
15/9/07 The Breast Cancer site is having trouble getting enough people to click on their site daily to meet their quota of donating at least one free mammogram a day to an underprivileged woman. It takes less than a minute to go to their site and click on "donating a mammogram" for free (pink window in the middle). This doesn't cost you a thing. Their corporate sponsors /advertisers use the number of daily visits to donate mammogram in exchange for advertising. Here's the web site! http://www.thebreastcancersite.com Pass it along to people you know. |
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| Personal negative replies - 15/9/07 I agree in principle with the "Let's Be Nice" comments. However, whenever I have put my name to a comment (never very controversial) I have nearly always received a very personal negative reply. This can be very off putting. Maybe this is why posters give a "name supplied" and is why I do so this time. It would appear that some posters with a pseudonym post with impunity and others who give their real name are vilified. Name supplied |
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| Let's all be nice - 15/9/07 Yet another anonymous posting entitled "Driving children to school - 13/9/07" comments: "cynicism, there seems to be far too much of that in Faringdon lately. Let's all be nice ." Well, some of us have tried being "nice" but it is hard not to be cynical when it appears that they ONLY law being enforced in Faringdon is the ludicrous one that allows ONE complainer to close down music events without even having to prove that the sound was above generally acceptable levels. I am afraid that I am going to continue to be cynical as long as complainers hide behind and exploit undemocratic legislation, people express their opinions anonymously (with a few exceptions) on this site and the local MP and his District councillors claim to be doing things in their manifestos when they plainly aren't. If you aren't prepared to stand up and be counted, you forfeit your democratic rights. Mark Harrison |
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| Faringdon Town Council Meeting 12/9/07 -
15/9/07 Haven't been to one of these meetings for a while - I'd forgotten how tricky it is to understand accurately, not having been to previous meetings where perhaps a discussion took place. But good to see some new councillors. Here goes - my understanding of some subjects 1 Corn Exchange lease - not decided. A meeting with VWHDC was talked about. 2 VWHDC want to demolish the gateway along Park road as they say it is now not needed as the 30mph limit starts outside the gate. There was a view that they want to remove it to make an access road for the housing. No mention of who pays for it to be removed. 3 FTC believe that the town owns the land around the Portwell Pump and therefore can give permission for the coffee house to have chairs and tables on it. Alan Hickmore thought that the licence payment to VWHDC would still need to be made. Another councillor said the jewellery shop had asked for the legal position re an A board on his land outside the shop. He was told that as it was his land it is OK. A letter is to be written to the Coffee shop requiring them to clean the are, particularly of cigarette ends, once a day. 4 FTC will be writing to Martin Phillips re his idea about a music studio in the Pump House theatre. They don't appear to know what is going on (I think Martin has abandoned the idea - maybe he would confirm) 5 FTC have formed a panel to deal with Hamish Millars complaint - though the councillors there didn't appear to understand the detail of the complaint 6 Som erepairs to the parapet of the Pump House has been made( costing £558). One councillor asked for more information- but no one knew! 7 C Gaught v Faringdon Town Council. The Council has decided to defend the case 8 Councillor Cox (VWHDC) and Councillor Heathcoat (OCC) did not attend, but submitted reports. These were predominantly lists of meetings attended, with a bit of description. The Council did not discuss them (but then I guess there was little substance to discuss (I fail to understand how this sort of report is worth doing. It should be focussed on achievements and relevant issues) 9 FTC are investigating whether the land South of Park Road/Sands Hill Lane can be developed for housing. They're getting in touch with the landlord. 10 FTC have agreed with OCCs proposal to change the traffic flow around the Town Hall(ie the service road direction) 11 106 monies FTC Finance Committee will oversee 106 obligations. A Bank of Ireland account is to be opened to keep the money separate. FTC Planning Committeee will receive £15k for a parking survey 12 Sovereign Housing Group have proposed to redevelop Ferngrove(bedsits for the elderly) as there appears to be little demand for this type of accommodation. FTC do not object but feel it should include accommodation for people with children and problems with parking in the area will need to be addressed. It seems there are 4 remaining elderly residents.(Seems to me that this is a better location for the elderly than for children) 13 FTC and Jet(Joint Environmental Trust) will be spending about £3.5k on improvements to the Town Park 14 FTC have rejected an offer by White Horse Bookshop to locate the Faringdon TIC in the shop premises, on the basis that it is not such a central position, and it would cost significant money to relocate. (Presumably they have considered any economies arising from joint working and longer opening hours) 15 £1822 is to be spent on new Christmas lights, £1500 of which will come from the Faringdon Retailer group. 16 It seems that Faringdon Dramatic society have indicated that the Pump House theatre and Club Room are unsuitable for their needs. They have agreed to work with FTC re a new theatre. (that is all that was said!!) Gene Webb Does anyone know more?? |
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| Tommy - the British Soldier in the Great War 1914 -
1918 -
15/9/07 Monday 8th October, Community College, 7pm Professor Richard Holmes of RMCS Shrivenham, BBC TV presenter of War Walks and Battlefields of the 2nd world war, and author of Redcoat, Soldiers, Tommy and Dusty Warriors £7 or concessions £5, Light refreshments will be available Tickets on sale at Faringdon Community College, and Mike Sheil 01367 870276 In aid of Buckland Responders |
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| Re- the mum with rose-coloured spectacles -
15/9/07 -if you and other mums park in Gloucester Street Car Park, as I understand the Infant School is CONSTANTLY asking parents to do, then this will cut down the problems. You get to teach your children how to cross roads safely, they get the sunshine on their faces for a bit longer, and you still have your car accessible for getting to work. . I live in the area of the Infant School, and parents park without regard to anyone else. The thinking seems to be 'I'm ok and so are MY kids', and never mind other kids. Some people who live along Canada Lane, The Pines and Cedar Road cannot get into or out of their drives at school times. And I'm sure the Highway Code still forbids (if that is the right word - I'm happy to be corrected if not) parking of a vehicle within 30ft of a corner, yet parents park ALL THE WAY along the road.. All that is being asked is a bit of consideration and common sense here - is it TOO much to ask? . Name witheld (worried about reprisals from drivers, as I am a non- driver but a wary pedestrian) . |
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| Trish Reynolds wrote:- 14/9/07 :"In the end myself and everyone behind me had to go right up on the pavement to continue down the road otherwise we'd have been there all morning. : : One day someone will be knocked down. ": : Yes, one day a child will be knocked down and it'll be by one of those inconsiderate drivers who think nothing of mounting the pavement to get by! It is wrong of parents to park on the double yellow lines, however that does not give the right to other road users to drive illegally.: : Is it really worth it? To risk the life of a child just so that you can reach your destination a minute or two quicker?: : I have a child who goes to the infant school and we do walk there. It's a short walk from our home in Chestnut Avenue and on an all too frequent basis we witness impatient and angry drivers dangerously driving on the pavement in Canada Lane. : : God help you if it's my child you hit.: :Name Supplied |
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| Live music again in Faringdon tomorrow night ( Sat
15th) - 14/9/07 At the Junior School. Local bands supporting a performer of worldwide reknown. Tickets being held at the advance price of £5 for Faringdonians to help support the "keep it live" campaign Hamish Millar |
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| Why the music stopped - 13/9/07 It was stopped on the request of the licensee sam of The Crown inn. She was informed by the local athorities that a complaint had been made and that if they had to come out and moniter the situation she stood a good chance of losing her license. With this threat hanging over her we of course ceased the music. I hope that clears that question. Sam Prince, organiser. |
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| Lazy selfish Parking - 13/9/07 The alledged majority seem to hold the view that if you dont like music or noise, dont live in the town centre and go and live in the countryside. Presumably, therefore if you run that arguement, then if you dont expect parking problems associated with schools at drop off and pick up times dont live near a school. Just a thought Devils Advocate |
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| Driving children to school.- 13/9/07 In reply to the person without the manners to supply her name, yes Mrs Reynolds has had to get a child into school for 9am and then get off to full time work, and still would not consider parking dangerously. How about some consideration for and being nice to everyone else trying to get to work? Whatever the problems people face, parking on the double yellow lines is illegal and causes an obstruction which can have dangerous consequences. No defence! Trish Reynolds |
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| 'Parking' rides again - 13/09/08 But Trish - every double yellow line in town is a personal parking space! Walk up London Street any weekday and see the cars parked with impunity all the way from the Market Place to Davis DIY. It ain't just mothers..... Name Supplied ED: I observed a community police officer NOT give a parking ticket to someone who had parked outside Blockbusters. There was another car near the baker's too- also ignored |
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| Driving children to school - 13/9/07 As mum to two young children myself, I really object to people referring to them cynically as 'Little Darlings'. Yes, they are 'Little Darlings', children mean everything to their parents and so they should! No-one should criticise parents for loving their children, they are precious whatever their behaviour and however much you dislike them! Whilst I understand the huge frustration of living near a school entrance and finding cars parked everywhere, I wonder if Mrs Reynolds has ever tried getting children into school for 9am and then getting off to full-time work? Many mums do not have time to add up to one and a half hours to the morning routine by walking to school, however environmentally sound or healthy it may be (and for many it is simply to far when there are young children in tow) A little bit of respect for the problems faced by parents might not be a bad idea rather than cynicism, there seems to be far too much of that in Faringdon lately. Let's all be nice, we'll get far more achieved! From one resident with rose-coloured spectacles. Ed: In my day Mums got together- and took it in turns to take a group of children |
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| Support for Sam - 13/9/07 I can't help but support Sam, the world and Faringdon needs more music not less. At the very least it helps keep people off the streets and at best it's a marvelous unifiying force for good. Paul Poulton |
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| Lazy, selfish parking! - 13/9/07 It took me 10 minutes to drive from the allotments entrance in Canada Lane to The Lechlade road this morning. Why?............because as they do every morning, the lazy, inconsiderate mothers were parked all the way up the double yellow lines whilst they dropped their little darlings off at the Infant School. No where for the traffic to pull in on that side of the road to allow the traffic on the other side to go down the road. In the end myself and everyone behind me had to go right up on the pavement to continue down the road otherwise we'd have been there all morning. One day someone will be knocked down (or someone will be punched because of the frustration it causes). Why is it that some people think having a child at the Infant school makes a double yellow line their personal parking space? I'm sure most of these parents live in Faringdon so why not try walking to school, especially on a beautiful sunny morning? It'll do them and their children good. Trish Reynolds |
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| Why did the music stop?? - 13/09/07 I sympathise with the disappointed punters, but I am curious. So far we only know that the music stopped; that no 'official' was present; that (apparently) a complaint had been made. The licensee and the organisers must presumably know exactly what happened, and why the music was pulled so abruptly. The sequence of events just doesn't make sense. So what were the exact words spoken, as they say? Why so coy? name supplied |
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| My band was making the 'noise' - 12/9/07 I suppose I must hold my hand up as being the guilty party as it was my band, Grapevine Blues, that was making all the 'noise'. I actually thought that we were playing at a reasonable volume for the size of the venue. After all, nothing clears out an audience more quickly than playing too loudly. People were even holding conversations without shouting at each other. I have performed in many parts of the world and it is only in England that people complain about music as being 'noise', Councils make life as difficult as possible for bands and music venues to survive and people watch live music from behind pillars or whatever cover is available (presumably in case the band is driven into a state of frenzy and attacks the audience) Whilst I uphold the individual's right to make a complaint, it struck me as very strange that the guy who stopped the music is presumably a council employee. The same council that has granted a licence to the venue to have live music in the first place. Sort of a catch 22 situation? What readings did he take and can he produce them as evidence to support his decision? Why did he not negotiate a reduction in the sound level or issue a warning? I for one would be greatly interested in the answers to these questions. Remember, the council represents YOU too! If it makes them feel better, why not fit a noise limiter? They don't work (they react to certain frequencies and not to the volume) but at least you can point at them and make out that there is some sort of agreed maximum sound level. It was very disappointing not to get to play our full set. As professional musicians we take pride in our work and to travel 150 miles to play half a set for half pay is very disappointing. A bad night all round. Maybe I'll start looking for a 'proper' job. Good luck with the club, I hope you find a new venue and then perhaps we can come back and play our second set for you. Mike Chase grapevineblues@hotmail.com |
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| Petty? Small minded? - 12/9/07 There does seem to be a stream of petty small-mindedness that runs through this town. I like Hilary's idea of writing to the relevent authority to complain about malicious complainant as it seems that the NIMBYS are determined to kill this town off. Perhaps Sam and Martin (as the promoters of the Blues and 15 Minute Clubs) could draft something and then leave it in the Portwell Bar for a week so we could all sign it? Cheers Ray |
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| J'aime les cloches - 11/9/07 They remind me of home Quosimodo |
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| Naming Names - 11/9/07 Is it really necessary to explain why naming names is wrong. Well, in a nutshell, it is because it is obscene to do so. We have already had posts about forcing people to move on by various means, by someone who would like to be judge and jury. I appreciate that this person is angry and frustrated about what is happening, but shame on them for trying to incite people to run someone out of town, on the grounds that they do not like the way in which the person used their democratic right to object (whether it is justified in reality or not). Where would such action stop if these methods didn't achieve the intended result? Being vigilantes is not the way forward; rather solutions need to be found. Obviously my personal view and not and not an advocated one, essentially because its right. Incidentally HGM, I watch very little TV, spend most of any free time I have playing guitar and going to concerts. Devil's advocate |
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| Town Council - 11/9/07 Without being able to discuss too much as its an ongoing matter the town council issue does not relate to the noise but the handling of procedural matters that I had raised directly with the Town Council. Hamish Millar |
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| Naming shames us, not 'them' - 11/09/07 In response to Jill Dean's question: however well founded the suspicions that a particular individual is responsible for persecuting local music lovers and businesses, there is no concrete evidence of their identity. It is not the business of this website to encourage witch-hunts, merely to allow residents and others to express their views. At worst, we (not the contributors) could be sued. My own view is that a sensible course of action might be for the victims of this alleged persecution to get together and make formal written representation to the relevant authority to the effect that the complaints are malicious, and unfounded. That way the authority concerned needs to take the situation seriously, and cannot behave in a one-sided manner. Hilary Taylor |
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| Copies of emails sent to Sam Prince re: blues club. Sent Sept
10th - 10/9/07 From Nethercoat Joe. Hi Sam, a quick note to express how sad and sorry I was to hear of the problems experienced at the Grapevine Blues gig recently.... Unbelevable! I was due to come over that evening to guest with Mike and Ika for the second set... Please be aware of how grateful we musicians are to people like you who work so hard to provide a supportive environment for us to play- and if you would like some support from my band in any form(FREE of CHARGE), please ask and we'll be there to back you up! Regards Joe Reloaded Blues. Also sent by Joe Nethercoat from Buckinghamshire. Hi Sam, if an acoustic gig would help, I'm sure I could work with Derek and Stuart from Storm Warning and Mike and Ika from Grapevine Blues to come up with a great format... Let me know. Joe. Sam Prince P.S I have put these on the site to illustrate that not only Faringdon people are involved and willing to help. Keep Music Live |
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| Church Bells - 11/9/07 I missed the church bells where we live but that blooming Dawn Chorus woke me up again, can't anything be done about it?! I also think the roads around Faringdon should be shut everynight too, some people have the audacity to drive cars after 10pm and it's just not good enough! ;-) Anna Ed: Perhaps complain that you can't hear the Bells - they should be louder!! |
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| Church Bells - 10/9/07 Can anybody else hear how loud the church bells are tonight, aren't they wonderful Hamish Millar |
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| Naming Names -8/09/07 - 9/9/07 Why Not? Jill Dean |
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| More Noise. - 10/9/07 With regards to the complaint from Vox Populi implying that the Council appear to be out of touch with the feelings of some Faringdon Residents it is only fair to point out that the noise matter will be probably be raised at the meeting on Wednesday 12th September. Unfortunately the agenda simply states that a panel will be appointed to investigate a complaint from Mr Hamish Millar, there is no mention of what that complaint may be. It is left to the Faringdon.org Talking Points to make it clear that his complaint is probably about the "Noise problem" which has resulted in numerous postings in the last few days. How long will it take for the panel to report back to the Council ? Is no member of the Council allowed to comment without having first to be told by an appointed panel what they should say? Or is it just that no member of the Council feels deeply enough about the music scene to offer a personal comment. Name supplied |
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| Live Music event - 10/9/07 Satisfaction guaranteed on a local night for local people Live music back in Faringdon on Sat 15 September at the Junior School. 4 acts all for £5 in advance (Portwell Bar) or £7 on the door including Surface Noise - from the Community College The Likely Lads - Roger and Shaun regularly seen at the Portwell Diablo13 - from Swindon Tyla - the legendary final gig at the corn exchange last November and recently supported Alice Cooper in Milwaukee USA. Both acoustic and electric Sound and lights being provided by Faringdon's finest Tim and Rod. Any more info contact me via fbpromotions@tiscali.co.uk Hamish |
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| I was the "name supplied" - 10/9/07 - who had posted and received some vitriolic responses by those in the majority. In no way was I criticising their viewpoint, in fact I think I made reference to the blues club being fantastic, but the name Devil's advocate has already been taken and I couldn't think of another. In fact I was at the first Blues club but was away from Faringdon on the fateful night last week. A post is now up in my name as well. Please feel free to post any new comments Hamish Millar |
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| Your last chance to climb the Folly this year
- 10/9/07 For the last time in 2007, the Folly Tower will be open on Sunday 7 October from 11.00am till 5.00pm. Climbing the Folly continues to be a big attraction and this year we've raised over £1,000 to help maintain the Tower. Please help us to make this a bumper year To arrange additional visits please contact Eddie Williams on 01367 241142 or email edchriswilliams@aol.com |
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| Magna Carta 1215. FTC 2007- 10/9/07 Magna Carta is not widely available but if you want to see it I'm sure that if you pay a fee of 85p The Faringdon Library will do it's best to get you a copy. However if their search is in vain I can tell you what it was intended to do. The King agreed, somewhat reluctantly, that in future anyone who felt they had a grievance would get a fair hearing. As a result of this promise guidelines were laid down to ensure that those in power were supposed to listen to the problems of those who weren't. These guidelines provide the background for official meetings including the Faringdon Town Council Meetings. A quick browse through the Minutes of the FTC meetings, the most up to date being 11th July 2007, gives an indication of how the time is spent and explains why crowd control is never an issue. A list of councillors attending is given and this is relevant because they are the ones doing the discussing. A list of the public is given in this case 0. A list of Press attending is provided, in this case 0. Apologies are then read out from the councillors who couldn't make it and because the Mayor and Deputy Mayor were in this list someone else was nominated, seconded and voted in to become Chairman pro tem. It was pointed out that apologies from people who were not Council members were superfluous because they didn't need to be there anyway. A good point and I'm sure I've seen something similar at a Dibley Village Council Meeting. There was no report from the Police as the Thames Valley Police Representative didn't turn up. There were no written questions from the public and the Chairman's Activity Report was not read out as he hadn't submitted one. Many important financial matters were mentioned. Mr Hickmore's Regional Council Expenses £43.20 sound like good value and John's window cleaning at £95 seems reasonable . To be fair there was considerable discussion about serious matters.but I won't tell you what in case you decide to check them out and I don't want to spoil the surprise. There was one very disturbing omission from the agenda, probably because, through an oversite (?), Magna Carta gave no guidance. I think it's time that an item entitled "Matters arising from comments on the Faringdon.org.Website" should be included if the Council are really interested in what we think. I wonder how many Councillors even bother to read it ? Vox Populi |
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| Please sponsor me - 10/9/07 I have a friend whose son died from a brain tumour when he was just 16. Greg decided that he would like to find a way of remembering his son - at least annually: and the Octopus Challenge was created (http://www.octopuschallenge.org.uk). I promised to support Greg then - and still do now. This year, we are again cycling from Paris to London, raising money for CancerBackUp and The Shooting Star Hospice. Raising money becomes more difficult each year - but if you would like to sponsor our endeavours please take a look at https://secure.justgiving.com/nick-elwell Thanks Nick Elwell |
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| In support of music - 9/9/07 I fully support Sam (and his wife) and his work in trying to bringing something to this town. I also applaud Sean for his work over the last 12 months. I have personal experience of the problems caused the minority to affect the enjoyment of the majority, anybody remember the noise limiter issues of Sat 18 November 2006 at the Corn Exchange My point about charity events was that "local" cover bands seem to be supported wheras original music seems to be viewed suspiciously as a commercial venture without appreciating that acts have to be paid for, as do professional sound and lighting. Original acts are also more of a niche market in a town of our size wheras in the cover bands the audience will know the music. For all the majority you are fantastic and I was in no way critcising your support of the arts. I hope that you are in a position to support the next paid for live event and ensure that promoters are prepared to take risks whilst the live music venue debate is resolved rather than kill the scene pending resolution of this problem. Hamish Millar |
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| Adult courses in Faringdon - 9/9/07 Tai Chi, Scrapbooking, Digital photography, silver jewellery making, acting, cake making, archaeology, trampolining, plumbing, music technology, pilates, french, movie making. More details, Dates, times and costs here Enrolment Evenings - Faringdon Community College Wednesday, 12th September and Thursday 13th September 6.00p.m. - 7.30 p.m. Follow the signs to 'Reception', from the access road to the Leisure Centre. To enrol or for more information Tel. (01367) 243 599 (Janet Deane) Email: jd0051@faringdon-cc.oxon.sch.uk Call in person at Faringdon Community College or visit the website www.faringdon-cc.oxon.sch.uk Collect an enrolment form from the Charity Shop next to the Corn Exchange. |
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| Faringdon Pubs and shops - 9/9/07 If you're interested in what pubs and shops there used to be in Faringdon, have a look at http://www.faringdon.org/bdbusinesses.htm on our History pages This was all done from memory, so there could be some mistakes. Do email us if you notice any Incidentally, the Faringdon pub piece is on this website on http://www.faringdon.org/hyfaringdonpubs.htm. There is a typed version and a handwritten one provided by someone who lived in Faringdon before WW1 Gene Webb |
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| Market Place traffic flow - 9/9/07 The suggestion that the traffic flow on the service road, north side of Market Place was originated by the Faringdon & District Chamber of Commerce. However, the suggestion was made without checking the physical dynamics of the buses. The bus companies should be asked (if they haven't been already)for their opinion before any changes are made Name supplied |
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| Hey, name supplied- 9/9/07 ... a majority to me means more than one. Do you have a problem with that? More important, why does my one voice carry less or more sway than one other? What difference do you recognise between the 'noise' of a charity event and one that provides pleasure? Noise is noise is it not? The levels are invariably the same... One of the Sheilas |
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| Music, sound level or noise? - 08/09/07 As another disappointed punter supporting Sam's Blues night, I'd like to point out there wasn't any 'noise', just good music. Certainly some of the sax or guitar solos were played with passion and might have upped the sound levels somewhat, but they weren't noisy! Perhaps any complainant could listen and learn to appreciate the skill of musicians - it's very relaxing, dispels troubles and encourages good will! Yet another Sheila |
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| Hello Faringdon - 08/09/07 To all who came to our Blues ( fledgling ) club on Thursday - THANK-YOU. To the un-named "Poster", you should know that the Faringdon Town Council has indeed supported us in our quest for people to remove themselves from their botties and find out what real (not telly, or a DVD / CD) shot of music sounds, looks and feels like! M.A.D.D. has received regular grants for our May Festival and although the majority of our audience has arrived from beyond Faringdon, we do have a hard core of Faringdonions who support us to the hilt. We could/would do far more in this musical respect if we were allowed to get on with it. Incidentally, the Crown and the Bell have done their utmost to help us achieve our aims. One very sad person, managed to ruin a very enjoyable night and probably many more which would have happened. We now have nowhere else in Faringdon to stage the bands which have already been booked. Thanks a bunch. Hope the person can live with him/herself when their children grow up with nothing to enjoy except street-corners and a screen. Yours very sincerely, extremely disappointed and rather disillusioned. Hilary, MADD person, (wife of Sam) Both of us slog our guts out for these events - why do we bother? Would somebody care to re-illusion me? Answers on a postcard please. Hilary Prince-Braunton |
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| majority/minority? - 08/09/07 I believe that Faringdon is a great and vibrant place to live and have been very impressed by the moves in recent years to enhance the atmosphere of the down. I think however it is incorrect to refer to the music goers as a majority although they do outnumber the minority who use their right to obtain, albeit by knowing how to play the rules rather than attempting to resolve the matter with event organisers. Support seems to be reserved for "charity" events. It would be interesting to know how many Faringdonians were supporting Sam's fantastic blues club when the plug was pulled. A show of support at future events in the town would certainly enable the term majority to be used correctly. name supplied |
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| Why?? -08/09/07 why does it, when people enjoy themselfs, or try too, why is it one person that has too spoil it? if the music is to much, why live next door to a pub???????????????????? i have a young daughter who is 16 months and can happily sleep, with the music or laughter that happens in the crown. oops, sorry people we can't have fun anymore!!!!!!!!!!! if you wanted a quiet life, live next to a field. all i can imagine, by monday people will have to whisper to get a pint, to make sure they don't get a complaint against them. i was working the bar on thursday night, and listening to the jam, and believe me, i never really like the blues ad i must say, i enjoyed it, but then again, we are allowed to enjoy ourself, can we!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Nicola Wood |
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| Our
representatives? - 08/09/07 I support the individual's right to complain. That, after all, is what I did (albeit not to the 'authorities') when the music was stopped. I do not complain about smelly, smokey barbecues, noisy kids, barking dogs, late night parties - I shut the doors and windows. Also I walk around cars parked on pavements, step gingerly to avoid dog poo or tripping on broken pavements and potholes (remembering to report them on the appropriate website), look carefully before crossing from the the Old Town Hall to the newsagents and take a longer route home to avoid groups of youths whose language and/or behaviour can sometimes seem intimidating. Furthermore, I do not create a fuss about having to give up the pleasure of sitting with friends, having a drink outside the Portwell after 11pm, because I don't want Martin to lose his licence (or encourage phone calls of complaint at 11.01pm if the chairs are still outside!). I regularly attend meetings of groups including Faringdon Association of Residents where I listen to and put forward points of view. In other words, I take part in local interest groups and follow the code of 'live and let live'. (Sorry, this is going on a bit!) But I can't help thinking that the reason no action has been taken with regard to supporting those who want live music, A-boards, well-dressing, action against dog-poo, cheaper car parking etc. is because together we exceed the requisite number of 1 or 2 people (or live at the wrong address/in the wrong town). Cynical? Yes. But who do our 'elected representatives' actually represent? Seriously, what is the likelihood of VWH/OCC putting additional funds into the town (they - ie we - already award grants for, FAF, MADD etc.) when the lion's share of 106 monies (for housing developments in Faringdon) goes to projects in Wantage and Abingdon? Sheila |
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| Here we go again ! - 08/09/07 I would hate to have to agree with Devils Advocate and I don’t think he would be too happy about appearing to side with me so I am trying to get this point across before he gets to his keyboard. Metaphorically tarring and feathering the person complaining about the music is just not fair. He or she must feel they have a case or they wouldn’t stick their neck out. The people who may deserve a public hanging (again, unfortunately, only metaphorically) are those who decided that the complaint was justified. Neither DA nor myself were there so we can only jump to conclusions and, perish the thought, we may be wrong. I have read what Sheila, Sam and the rather coy Name Supplied have written and until I hear anything to the contrary I will continue to believe that the complaint was not justified. This is where Devils Advocate, if he is not watching the TV, may well suggest that my attitude is very un-British because I am suggesting that the complainer is guilty until proved innocent. Incidentally I think that references to dog poo in the same posting as a discussion about a cultural matter is not to be encouraged so I refuse to mention it. HGM |
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| Naming names - 08/09/07 Unless we are told the name of the establishment concerned, we cannot withdraw our custom. So is anyone going to come out with the name? name supplied HT - Definitely not on this website. |
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| Call to Arms? - 08/09/07 So what are we doing, seems like a call to arms. Now that is an example of mob rule. Why we are about it, lets put pillow cases over our heads, and give them a 10 minute start before we chase them out or town. From the tone and the way the post is written, we can all make a good guess at who posted it. If I'm right, they accused me of being a bully for referring to them as being a nimby (about 2 and a half years ago). If thats right then who is the bully now. If I'm wrong, then apologies, I will hold my head in shame. As for the majority of Faringdonians knowing who this alleged spoil sport is, well I'm in the minority, I have no idea, and personally I dont care. It is the issue which needs to be dealt with. If there is no real noise issue then there is no case to argue. We need facts not opinions on this matter. All I have heard so far are opinions proposing to be facts. For the record once again, I fully support the music scene in Faringdon, it is a great loss not to have it. However, I say it again, it is the issue which needs solving, not the scapegoat. As for local and distict councillors, and our member of parliament, you know what the issues are, you can see what the majority of Faringdonians want (or alleged majority). What are you doing about it, and what are you going to do about it. There's the challenge, do your job, and provide a response and a solution. I've made your job easy, and have provided you with the solution already, see post below. A joint cricket/Rugby/community building (acousticallly sufficient) predominantly paid for by S106 contributions associated with the 400 plus houses. Phew, got that off my chest, I feel better now. Devils Advocate |
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| Pye Street Park - 08/09/07 hi i was just wondering if anyone working on the council had been to pye street park recently?! it is disgusting with broken glass bottles EVERYWHERE!! i took my 3 yr old down there in the holidays and we ended up having to walk all the way up to the docters surgery park because it was so unsafe and being heavely pregnant wasn't fun. I wanted to know why is it that other areas have lovely parks that are looked after by the council but all we seem to have are rubbish dumps!!!! its not fair on the younger children name supplied |
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| Cultural Desert - 080907 I was there on Thursday watching a very good band. I go to a lot of live music events, so I am in a position to know whether or not the music was blaring - it was not. In fact, after the gig was closed down the piped music that came on was far louder than the band. I'm glad I don't live in Faringdon, it seems to be a cultural and artistic desert. Another Sheila |
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| So, what are we doing then? - 08/09/07 All musicians in the town either have to stop playing live (and also rehearsing) while we try to get someone to pay for a venue out of town (presumably with no-one in listening range). Not very realistic, is it? I mean, its taken years and years to even get a patch of ground with a couple of ramps on it as a skate park and even that hasn't happened. In addition, our council hardly have much of a history of supporting live music do they? It also seems that the majority of the town believe the majority of the complaints to come from one particular person. There is reason to believe this too. I happen to believe it and therefore will not be patronising the establishment owned by the nimby until they do saddle up and get out of town. If you agree then you must do the same. If we all voted with our feet, things would change. Apologies for with-holding my name but past experience on this site suggests that a considerable number of readers will start accusing me of failing to support local businesses which entirely misses the point. Ta p.s Incidentally, dog poo is a massive problem in Faringdon but I'm starting to think that the failure of the council to enforce cleaning up after your dog by fining people is yet another example of our council failing to address the issues that really bother tax-payers such as parking and pholding minority complaints regarding noise. I might move. This is starting to get ridiculous. name supplied |
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| Saddle up and ride out of town -
08/09/07 Such comments are really unnecessary and devalue the weight of the point which is being made, and reduce the valuable contribution and point which is being made to an uneducated rant. The point is valid as is the argument, but do yourself justice and dont let vindicive disappointment enter the equation. Clearly there is a problem, and it needs sorting, essentially by those who are in place to make a difference, ie our elected representatives. I have a real problem with dog poo on the pavements, but it would appear that the majority of Faringdon dog residents dont, judging by the amount which is left lying around. Does that mean I need to saddle up and ride out of town? Just a thought Devils Advocate |
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| How I Feel. - 08/09/07 As an organizer of the Jam blues club. I have put an enormous ammount of work into producing this monthly event. Stage building, purchasing lighting, organising bands who were willing to travel considerable distances. To hear these musicians would certainly cost much more than the £5 entrance we were charging. The other aim was to create a club atmosphere where people could relax and enjoy. The certain female Whose main reason in life seems to be to critisize and complain about how people enjoy their life, should realize the extent of the damage and knock on effects of such action. It would seem that their inability to actually make contact with the organisers, (Myself)and explain that they had a problem with the noise. I'm sure we could have come to an agreement about it. Which would have ment the blues club would not have had to close.A sad end to a community idea. As a postsript would this be the same person who complained at 1 minute past eleven on the Friday night of the opening of the M.A.D.D. mayfest this year? Come on stand up and be recognized, or saddle up and ride out of town. Sam Prince |
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| Noise HGM - 08/09/07 you know me too well, and you are indeed right, my masochistic tendancies are a pretence, I dont actually enjoy being abused. Sometimes you just have to push the limits a bit to get a response, and a useful or reasonable debate going. Sheila - a fine response, and one which I have sympathies with. I attend music events myself and consider them a great asset to the town. The point is that it is not productive to spout off about someone who complains, they have a right to do so. If the complaint is unfounded then we all move on. At present, the comments made so far do not clearly lay down the facts, where is the evidence of what actually took place. The purpose of my rant was to provoke someone into making this known. In my view, town councillors take note, the best way forward is to establish a new venue. The solution is simple and had those who have any influence actually thought about it, its simple. Faringdon is to absorb well over 400 houses, with planning gain attached, incuding a new cricket/rugby ground and club house. At a small additional cost, this could be expanded to include a community venue including music venue. Come on those who can do something, get off your backsides and be useful. Devils Advocate |
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| Devils Advocate from HGM - 07/09/07 Dear Devils Advocate You may get some of the abuse which you seem to enjoy from TP Posters who haven’t read many of your past contributions. I, however, am not prepared to pander to your pretended masochistic tendencies because I know that your real purpose is to liven up the website with controversial comments. A very laudable aim and one which I support. We both know that this latest spoiling of a harmless entertainment was just not on ! By the way will you be entering any of your Mob Rule Verses in the poetry competition ? HGM |
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| More Noise......, - 07/09/07 Noise - the little person and mob rule. There is no mob, just a group of people enjoying a shared interest which was brought to a sudden halt. I do not believe a request was made for the 'noise' to be reduced, which surely would have been complied with. The band and many of the audience had travelled some distance to Faringdon for this event, the second of a series of blues nights scheduled, with bands already booked, into next year. Where is there an alternative venue for such music now? Most of the villages have better provision for public events than Faringdon, and/or more tolerant residents - but without a car or a bus service in the evenings this little person has to get her pleasures within walking distance. I chose to spend my retirement here having found a delightful, vibrant town full of friendly, welcoming people. It seems a lot has changed in 4 years. I wonder how the town will cope with the new families due to arrive in the next few years? I guess it will just provide all the essential services via our high council tax and be more than happy to see people going to Swindon and Oxford (on the promised new, improved bus service) to dispose of their incomes. Sheila |
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| Noise - 07/08/07 Oh dear, oh dear, hear we go again, mob rule verses the little person. The fact that it was one person who complained, (if that was indeed the case) is irrelevant. The fact is, that a complaint is alledged to have been made. The issue needs to be dealt with, not yet another witch hunt, or this childish my dads bigger than your dad approach. Lets grow up a bit. If there was no issue, why was the plug pulled. Someone below says that the noise was not blaring but that no noise readings were taken. Question, if there was no noise readings on what basis can a statement be made that the noise was not blaring. For all I know, the poster may be partially deaf. I was not there on Thursday so cannot make any personal view whether it was blaring or not. However, before we start hanging people or puttig them in the stocks, perhaps we need the full facts. Incidentally, there are always posts about parking in the town centre and the problems residents who live there have. By the line of arguement offered below, perhaps all these people should stop complaining and move on. You can be the one to knock them up and tell them to all sling their hooks. I look forward to some abuse. Devils Advocate (and no it was not I who complained) |
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| What are the facts? - 07/09/07 How can this happen in premises licensed to play music ? Sheila’s complaint about having her music cut off must be answered. Who complained isn’t important because in this country we still have the right to complain about anything.( But.. No, it wasn’t me) What is important is that someone took the complaint seriously and decided to respond to it very quickly. A few days ago my peace and tranquility was shattered around midnight by what sounded like a drunk shouting at one of my neighbours. No one, including my neighbours, could make sense of his problem but one thing he said did made sense. Quote.. “ Don’t bother phoning the police because they won’t come “ Rightly or wrongly that is a widely held view. How on earth did anyone manage to lodge a complaint resulting in music being stopped at such an early hour ? It seems that someone has a Magic Phone Number ! HGM |
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| Noise abatement...? - 07/09/07 So, it's minority rule for Faringdon. Yet again a music venue falls to the whining of one individual. A quick call to the authorities before 10pm last night, was all it took to destroy the enjoyment of the many people listening to some excellent Blues. Was it blaring? No. Was the sound level measured? No. If you hate church bells, why buy a house next to a church. Don't like tractors and farm smells, but buy a house in the country? Likewise if you hate the sound of happy people and music in a pub, why choose to live next to one. Find somewhere quieter would be the obvious advise. Mike. |
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| Dem Old Cosmic Blues....again - 06/09/07 GRRRRR. After a first, most enjoyable, set of music by a top class band...nothing. The plug was pulled at 10.10pm on Thursday evening after a complaint/threat to the licensee of the Crown. How can this happen to premises licensed to play music? Do I hear a death knell for Faringdon playing from the local church bells? Not yet. But how long before even those are silenced? Sheila |
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| Pub Prose Poem - 05/09/07 Driving into the town of Faringdon this morning I was delighted to find and old and valued friend THE DUKE OF WELLINGTON and having shaken hands with him by way of SALUTATION we proceeded down Gloucester Street escorted by the VOLUNTEER and made best of our way to MARLBOROUGH ARMS. We had just seated ourselves for a drink when the landlord informed us that the ANGEL had seen the CROWN knocked out of the QUEENS ARMS by the DUKE OF YORK. Determined to see if such a thing was true we started away to Coxwell Street where we met the GARDENER with the WHEATSHEAF in his arms just preparing to feed the SWAN. He told us he had never heard of such a thing but since our arrival in town there has been a desperate fight between the RED LION and the EAGLE and that the eagle was at the top of the street and the lion was chasing the WHITE HART all around the FOLLY. Off we set again and getting to the Market Place we were alarmed at the tolling of the BELL. ( Continued in another posting no room) Enquiring what was the matter we were told that the TAP had been stopped and the old BULL had kicked the STAR over into the BAKERS ARMS. Margaret Haddon |
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| Pub Names Galore - 04/09/07 OK, bit of research done. Kelly's Directory 1915 shows 18 pubs. There were probably more but this is taken from the list of registered owners of commercial premises. Folly Inn - London St, Salutation Hotel - Market Place, Queens Arms - Coxwell St, Duke of York - Coxwell St, Eagle Brewery - No address so I presume it included the Eagle pub, Swan Tavern - Station Rd, Volunteer - Gloucester St, Marlborough Arms - Marlborough St, Wheatsheaf - London St, Red Lion - Marlborough St, Duke of Wellington - Lechlade Rd. There are also seven where the pubs aren't named - just the publicans; these are :- Mary Ann Vincent - London St, Henry Jackson - Coxwell St, Thomas Lardner - Market Place, John H Pawling - Union St, George Ryman - Coxwell St, Henry Appa - Market Place, George Harold Berwick - London St. Kelly's Directory 1848 has the following pubs:- George, Crown, Angel Inn, Red Lion, White Horse, Harp, Green Dragon, Salutation, Swan Inn, Bell Inn, Prince of Wales, White Hart, Duke of York, Queens Arms (this entry says & but the next pub has been cut off, the Eagle perhaps), Windmill, Folly House (now the Folly Inn perhaps), Royal Oak. Obviously, many of these are the names missing from the 1915 Directory, but as the streets aren't given it's a guess as to which are which. The Black Bull in London St isn't mentioned. Jane Boulton HT. thankyou, Jane |
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| Pub Names. 04/09/07 Sorry HT but "The Pink Elephant" was originally "The Queens Arms". "The Eagle" was "The Eagle" and is the pub with the notice still on the door jamb. Closed a cuppla years ago. There were some other pubs in Coxwell St between Saffron and the Church. Can't recall their names (before my time). I'll do some research. Jane Boulton |
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| Pub Confusion - 04/09/07 No - The Eagle and The Pink Elephant were two different pubs. The Eagle only closed about six years ago (and is now a house). The Pink Elephant closed before - might be one of the piano shops now.....not sure. name supplied |
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| Senior Moment?? - 04/09/07 HT, sorry your wrong !! The Eagle and the Pink Elephant are different buildings. The Eagle was situated opposite the retirement cul-de-sac and the Pink Elephant was opposite the large advertising board. Martin Harries HT - uh-oh, sorrry, senior moment.... (on second thughts, it's me that's going doolally) so which pub did the Pink Elephant replace, was it the Queen's.... maybe there wasnt a pub there at all....oh dear.. |
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| Change of name - 04/09/07 I think that is The Eagle you refer to - or possibly the Pink Elephant (somebody tell me that did exist or am I just going doolally?!) Anna HT (other Ed) No - not doolally....the Pink Elephant was the new name of the Eagle. I used to hope that maybe the pub sign might reflect that avian metamorphosois... but I was disappointed. |
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| Forgotten Pubs - 04/09/07 There is an ex-pub on Coxwell St, I spotted it with my son when we walked down to town. It's around no. 56ish, and still has the 'licenced to sell liquor' notice at the top of the door; though the rest of the building is unmarked (it is now painted white), you can tell it was an inn. Any idea what that one was called? name supplied |
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| Pub names - 03/09/07 a few more for you, Duke of York, Crown Tap, Gardeners Arms,The Marlborough and The Bull. John Carter |
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| More forgotten pubs - 03/09/07 Really old ones in my grandparent's era were The Duke of York (where the United Church is now) and the Crown Tap (behind the Crown Coaching Inn. I believe there was another one up London Street as well? Name supplied |
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| Pub Names - 03/09/07 There is a poem that lists the names of all the pubs, I think I'm right in saying that the Folly Pub has a copy of it. It might be nice to get it posted here if any TP readers are in that direction at any point?! Anna |
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| Re: Loss of Volunteer - 02/09/07 Sad to hear of another pub going. At one time it used to be a bit of a thing - I think it was called a pram race, where you had to tour Faringdon and have a drink in every pub. I think that there were thirty two at one time. If you can find anybody old enough Im sure that they could turn up all the names. I can remember, The Queens, The Star I believe, The Eagle, The White Hart and of course The plough, The Salutation, The Bakers Arms, anybody come up with anymore? Pimpernel |
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| Gt.Western Ophthalmology dept. - 02/09/07 I have been to the Ophthalmology Out patients on 3 occasions, twice in the last 2-3 years,and have been impressed by the professional way I was treated . The dept looked clean as well. I would not hesitate to go there again. I do hope you find it is as good. Kay. |
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| Loss of the Volunteer - 02/09/07 I was saddened to hear that we might be losing another of our old public houses, The Volunteer. It always seems a busy little pub. These establishments have been around for longer than we have, and will never be replaced. I feel it will be a loss to the town centre if it does eventually close. Rob….. |
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| The Great Western Hospital. - 02/09/07 This facility has two outstanding attractions for Faringdon dwellers. First it is a nice modern building and second it is close to Faringdon. Unfortunately from bitter experience I know that cleanliness in some areas is not a priority and some of the staff give the impression that the patients really are rather a nuisance. I realise I may get a stream of abuse from people who have cause to be thankful for the care and treatment they or their loved ones have received there and to those people I can only say “Lucky you and I’m happy for you” But has anyone any comments on the Ophthalmology Department and are they prepared to share their experiences ? I am encouraged to ask this after seeing how many posters have been prepared to offer advice on how to poach the perfect egg and I’d like think that my concerns will receive a similar amount of sympathy. Incidentally I do know all about the complaints procedures and also know they are futile. I also accept that like most of our NHS the staff are overworked and underpaid. name supplied |
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| Shopping Locally - 01/09/07 Ed, whilst I agree that some businesses could also offer the money back incentive it's worth noting that you still have to spend £10 in order to qualify - not much good if you want to nip in for a pint of milk or a loaf of bread really! That's where Costcutter and Stanford's Co-op get good trade I guess - much more convenient!It's fine for those of you within walking distance but many of us aren't! Not wishing to moan, I love Faringdon and it's businesses, but there are still many improvements to be made that could benefit us all and encourage us to shop locally not further afield! Anna |
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