| Union Flag on Folly Tower -
30/4/11 The flag around the Folly tower is indeed a great effort and those who placed it should be congratulated for their efforts. A most thoughtful gesture. For the record, the Union Flag has a correct way up. In the half of the flag nearest the flagpole, the wider diagonal white stripe must be above the red diagonal stripe. If hung horizontally or vertically without flag pole, the broad white diagonal should be uppermost in the top-left corner. Name Supplied |
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| VWHDC
Residents Panel - 30/4/11 If you want to tell VWHDC what you think of the services provided sign up for the residents panel on http://www.whitehorsedc.gov.uk/news_views/consultation/detailpage-8119.asp I signed up a while ago and received the first online consultation yesterday. You can give you views on the refuse collection service, VWHDC and South Oxford moving to 1 building and the Vale newspaper- it only takes a few minutes. It's a quick and easy way to let VWHDC what we think in Faringdon Name Supplied |
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| Price
Match- 30/4/11 I don't go usually go around looking at prices, but this morning, I just happened to see, because I was buying it, Sunpride tomato juice: in Waitrose 66p, in Budgens £1. 20. Name Supplied |
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| Tea
Party- a huge thankyou - 30/4/11 It was lovely to see so many people enjoy themselves at the Tea Party for the Royal Wedding in the Corn Exchange. An idea remains just that without the help, support and generosity of all who contributed and they all deserve a mention: > Firstly for donating food, drinks, decorations, plates etc and cash (in no particular order) Costcutter, Budgens, Deacons, McColl's Newsagents, The Volunteer, Presentation Gifts, Too Many Cooks/Davis DIY, The Nut Tree, Pat Thomas Butchers, The Coffee Shop, Marriotts, Orafric Jewellers, Sweet Paradise, The Retailers Group, Thanks a Bunch and Sandwich Phillers. The Town Council for giving free use of the Corn Exchange. Thanks also to Jenny and Margot (sorry I don't know your surnames) for donating cakes and to Mike & Rachael Perks for tea bags. > On the day, the volunteers who made it all happen were brilliant and huge thanks to Dee, Dawn, Jess, Sophie, Amanda, Tim and David. To Phil Baker for live music during the last hour. I am also hugely grateful to the attendees who stayed to help with the clear up, much appreciated. > To everyone who attended and made the afternoon a success, again huge thanks. Many people left a cash donation which totalled over £130.00 at the end of the party, which was very kind. This money has been given to Macmillan Nurses and Christine Moorhouse was over the moon, so thank you on her behalf. If I have left anybody off the list, I do most sincerely apologise. It was lovely to see such a community spirit and people having very simple fun. > Sue Lund Cariad Bride |
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| It's the thought that counts -
30/4/11 The union flag is upside down if the narrow white diagonal at the top is adjacent to the flag pole. There was no pole. If there had been it could have been on the RHS And any way who cares.? It was a great effort ! Name Supplied |
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| Union Flag round the Folly -
29/4/11 Well done to those who decorated Folly Tower with our union flag. Great to see. It was however upside-down which is generally recognised as a distress signal. Name Supplied |
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| Royal
wedding tea party at the Corn Exchange- 29/4/11 Just a quick note to say many thanks to all of the contributors to the Royal Wedding Tea Party held at the Corn Exchange today. My family and I had a great time, especially my 5 year old daughter and 18 month old son, who had a great, yet tiring (Hooray!) experience. We have recently moved into Faringdon from the frozen north and it touched us that there are so many people in the town who are willing to host and attend such an event. Best wishes to you all and thanks again! Tim, Fiona, Isabella and Harry Jacklin |
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| Let them
eat cake.....- 29/4/11 ....and we did at the Corn Exchange and sandwiches, and biscuits, and tea and coffee, it was just marvellous. A very big thank you to all who organised and ran this event, to thank you all by name would read like a litany! Also how gratifying to see so many Faringdonians of all ages enjoying themselves a truly happy occasion that was a perfect follow up to a Royal happy occasion. Well done to all involved. Nick O'Keefe |
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| Tea
Party for the Royal wedding- 29/4/11 I have just come back from a lovely afternoon at the corn exchange. It was lovely to experience such a sense of community from Faringdon and my children loved it! Sue, Dawn and their various volunteers (hoping they were volunteers and not enlisted!) did a fantastic job and everyone had a great time. The retailers of Faringdon did themselves proud and I understand that there was a good amount of money raised for charity. I just wanted to publically thank them for making such an effort and to say that we had a really lovely time. Sherrie |
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Huge Union Flag round the Folly -
29/4/11
Thanks to Ian Smith for lending it to Friends of the Folly |
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| Community Spirit- 29/4/11 Well done to everyone who arranged the community tea party in the corn exchange today. It was marvelous, and all my family thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Fantastic to see such a show of community spirit. Emma Riddle |
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| Tea
Party for the Royal wedding- 29/4/11 We've just got back from the Royal Wedding Tea Party at the Corn Exchange and would like express our appreciation. It was a first class effort.We can think of few other places where the retailers would put up cash for such a party - and to see the Mayor helping to clear up the tables symbolised the Town Council support. Great community spirit.. Bill and Angela Rennells |
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| Tea
Party for the Royal wedding- 29/4/11 Tea Party for the Royal Wedding is a great success. Well done all those who organised it, gave so much food for the party and those who are serving - all ages. Well done and thank you. Julie Farmer |
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| Scouts
on the move - 29/4/11 I've just heard that Oxfordshire County Council have told the Scouts that they must demolish their hut next to the school in Canada Lane by the end of August. It seems the school needs the space as a playground. I I'm not sure whether they are trying to raise money to build a new hut somewhere or whether they'll do what the brownies and guides do- which is hire one of the existing halls in town. Name Supplied |
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| Faringdon History - the mail
28/4/11 It is thought that the first Faringdon post office was where the Portwell cellar bar is now, in the late 1880's. There was a semaphore pole outside, which presumably indicated when the post had arrived. I vaguely remember being told that Faringdon was FIRST with something to do with the post at this time, but I can't remember what it was. First use of stamps maybe? First to signal mail had arrived? Can anyone help? Local historian |
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| Hustings
Meeting - 28/4/11 I have to echo Gene Webbs and others comments on the recent hustings meeting and praise Sjoerd Vogt for doing an excellent job chairing the meeting and (usually) keeping the candidates to time. The existing Town Councillors all spoke with knowledge and passion about the town and their respective roles in it. As one candidate didn't attend or send his apologies I for one have easily made up my mind as to which 14 to vote for! Still it seems a pity that all of us have to pay £4000 for election expenses to elect 14 town councillors out of 15 applicants one of whom seems to be a non runner at the start. The elections for the Vale (where sadly) the real decisions are made was a far more dismal affair with only the existing town councillors who are seeking election to both bodies showing any real spirit or seeming enthusiasm for the job. The new incumbent seekers seemed to have been ill prepared and unable to offer a simple answer to a simple question 'What have you done for Faringdon thus far'? Even those who have in the past served on the VWHDC seemed ill at ease at answering this question perhaps they were more used to hiding their talents under a bushel. Name supplied |
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| Come into the
Tourist Information Centre before the Royal Wedding and buy something patriotic
with the Union Flag on! - 28/4/11 We have flags (large ones at only 99p, smaller ones only 50p) as well as mugs and pencils with the flag on, as well as fun items like egg cups and pens with London Buses on, money boxes in the shape of a traditional telephone box or Great British Post Box!! Take a look at your local Tourist Information Centre for gifts. You’d be surprised what we’ve got. Opening hours – Monday to Friday 9am to 2pm, Saturday 9.30am to 1pm NB – Office closed on Friday 29th May – we have a wedding to watch on TV!! |
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| Who is
Robert Purdie? - 28/4/11 I too was at the Council Elections meeting and am dismayed that the 15th candidate for the Town Council could not be spotted anywhere, and no explanation or apology given for his absense. Bearing in mind we, as a town, are having to spend approximately 4k to run this election as we have just one candidate over the number required of 14 to form the town council, you would have thought that common decency would have prevailed and he would have turned up and justify his nomination! Answers on a postcard... Name supplied |
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| This is a Community Message
from Thames Valley Police. - 28/4/11 BURGLARY IN GREAT COXWELL Between Monday 25th April and Tuesday 26th April a property in Great Coxwell, Faringdon was subject to a burglary. Offender or offenders have forced rear ground floor window with an instrument. If you have seen any suspicious looking people or vehicles in the area or have any information relating to this message, please call the Police on 08458 505 505 and quote URN807 of the 26th April. Message ends. |
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| Sing a song of
Sixpence at the Folly- 27/4/11 Most people know the nursery rhyme, but fewer know that it was written to ridicule Henry James Pye, once the owner of Faringdon House and said to have planted the Scots Pine in the late 18th century. It was written about him because he is said to have been the worst poet laureate ever. 140 children from Faringdon schools have helped us remember this by weaving a pie from hazel and willow, with willow weaver, Ruth Parsons, from Quenington. The pie is 3 metres wide and about 60 cm high, with a slice cut out. The willow, as it grows, will form a 'pastry' crust and living camomile will be planted as the pie topping. But what of the black birds, where are they? - They've escaped high into the trees, around the pie and the rest of the woodland - 22 of them. Two have chosen to live in the tower! Now the leaves are on the trees you'll have to look really hard for them, but they are there. These striking and wonderful black birds have been made by John Ward, from Coln St Aldwyns Folly Woodland 4th May 16.30 Everyone welcome. If you want to join in bring a trowel and a bottle of water (to water in your plant)www.faringdonfolly.org.uk Gene Webb |
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| Hustings
meeting, Corn Exchange - 26/4/11 Sadly not many local people turned up for this meeting- perhaps about 20. 6 candidates for the District Council were there- either Labour party or Conservative. The 3 Libdems ( all from Wantage) were invited but responded that 'they are only paper candidates' - I think that means they are not serious candidates and don't want to be elected. 13 of the 15 Town Council candidates were there. One sent apologies as she is in hospital and sent a written report. Robert Purdie was not there. Each candidate gave a 2 minute speech about why they wanted to be elected and many mentioned the committees and organisations that they belonged to. Questions from the floor were submitted before the meeting, from which 5 were chosen by Sjoerd Vogt(as chair) Each candidate could choose 2 to answer. ( as time was limited) Questions to candidates mostly focussed on: What they had done for Faringdon as councillors, and for new candidates what they wanted to do- I was disappointed, on the whole, with the responses, especially from the first time candidates- it seemed to me they hadn't given it much thought All were asked whether they would put the needs of Faringdon over and above their poltical party- most said yes, with caveats. Some were more convincing than others. One question was about supporting the Gloucester St supermarket application - Town councillors appeared to me to be very honest about this- some favouring it but all with reservations because of the location issues (access, traffic, conservation) Each town council candidate was asked what particular skill or talent they brought to their role- these ranged from adapability, empathy, passion, experience, VAT knowledge. A strong message from the Town council was the fact that decisions about Faringdon are made by VWHDC. They hoped that the Locality Bill, if it is passed, would change this. This could enable Faringdon - Town council and other local organisations to create it's own development plan (housing, industrial, green space+++) It is very evident that both Town and District councillors spend a great deal of time attending meetings. While this amount of activity is admirable, it doesn't represent to me their achievements. It seems that District councillors spend considerable time, in addition, doing 'case work'- helping people with housing issues, bin collection problems and the like. Currently just 1 District councillor is also a Town Councillor. What struck me most of all was that all of the Town Councillors were eloquent about their interest and care for Faringdon. This was not quite so evident from the District Councillors(in my view). I'm glad I went to the meeting. With no affiliation to any political party it has confirmed my view that I will vote for the individuals who best understand Faringdon issues and will work to make it an even better place to live. Each of the Town Council candidates at the meeting confirmed their commitment to Faringdon. This is important as there are only 15 candidates, for 14 positions. While it will be good to have an election, if someone drops out soon after it, the expense (e £4k) and effort will have been wasted. Others who were there, please do add your views, or any important points I have omitted Gene Webb PS In case you don't know, Faringdon Town Councillors do not get paid for their work. VWHDC councillors have an annual allowance. I can't find out what these are on the VWHDC website but my guess it is something like £2k pa as a basic, and possibly upto £8k pa for a committee chairman. It is much more if you're a cabinet member or leader of the council. In other councils I've seen £18k and £27k |
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| Tesco
Appeal meeting in Faringdon - 26/4/11 VWHDC said they could not find a suitable location for this meeting to be Faringdon, so arranged to have it in Abingdon. Presumably the officers and our elected members thought this was OK, even though it is clearly a meeting of importance for Faringdon. Fortunately Faringdon Town Council(FTC) have come to the rescue and found suitable space at Sudbury House. I understand it was through the determination of Alan Hickmore and Hilary Sherman that the meeting is now to be here, as it should always have been. For VWHDC to agree to this, FTC have had to fund the cost of the venue. The meeting starts on 1st June, and will end on or before 7th June. Thankyou and well done Alan and Hilary Gene Webb |
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| Accident
at the Leisure Centre - 26/4/11 I understand there was a serious accident at the Leisure Centre on Saturday caused by members of the roller skating club blatantly ignoring safety notices about a wet floor. Can I hope that the management of the Leisure center reconsider whether they should still allow this group to use the Centre if they behave in such a stupid and dangerous manner? This time they only hurt themselves but next time it might well be other users they hurt. Susan Smith |
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| Hustings
meeting, Corn Exchange tonight Tuesday 26th April at 7.00 p.m
- 26/4/11 All of the District and Town Council candidates have been invited to this meeting and we are hoping to have representatives from both the YES and NO campaign for the referendum. Sjoerd Vogt will chair the hustings, and the format will be as follows: On arrival, electors will be invited to submit questions to either the District or Town Council candidates. Sjoerd and I will choose 5 questions for each Council and these will be given to the candidates. We will start with the District Council, each candidate will be given 2 minutes to give a presentation and they will be allowed to choose 2 questions from the 5 they wish to answer. In the same way as the Question Time format, other members of public will be able to add their comments to the question being discussed. The same format will apply then to the Town Council candidates. Obviously time will be extremely tight, but I'm sure Sjoerd will ensure that everyone has the opportunity to have their say without 'hogging' the floor. At the end of all this, tea and coffee will be served and candidates will hopefully stay to speak to electors individually and informally. You must submit questions by 6.45 p.m. (the hall will be open from 6.30). There will be forms available for this at the front entrance. FTC Town Clerk |
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| Faringdon Radio - 26/4/11 New 'Faringdon Local' show now available to download. All previous shows are still available to download including our first special on The Faringdon Brewery. www.faringdonradio.com |
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| Faringdon's History Room -
25/4/11 Historical and Archaeological Society, Faringdon and District The History Room is open when the library is open. Ask library staff for access. There is a full index in the library
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| Community Tea Party - 29th April - 24/4/11
Everybody is welcome to a Community Tea Party on Friday 29th April to celebrate the Royal Wedding of Kate and William. Entry to the event is free, includes entertainment, food and will be held at the Corn Exchange between 2pm and 5pm. For more details please call 01367 243526. Sue Lund |
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| Faringdon Flashmob - 24/3/11 Wonderful atmosphere in Budgens yesterday when Faringdon Singers and many other local people sang the Hallelujah chorus, flashmob style. Soon to be on youtube- I'll post the link here when it's available All proceeds to Macmillan Cancer Care Gene Webb |
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| Budgens
improvements- 23/4/11 Budgens has plans and permission to extend and improve - Yes they have permission to reduce the ground floor sales area to put in a lift to the first floor cafe, but I don't see how this will provide us with a extended or improved supermarket. Charlie |
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| Waitrose
access- 23/4/11 Some one said about the Waitrose application 'I know there are problems with the access but surely these could be worked on' What are the possibilities and why haven't Waitrose included them in their plans? An access from Lechlade road may improve the traffic for Gloucester St, but not for Gravel Walk and possibly the town centre and Marlborough St The access road could be widened if property near the entrance is demolished Neither of these are in the planning application I can't think of anything else that could help- can anyone else? There is no perfect place for a supermarket in the centre or on the edge/very near the town centre- so there must be compromises. Is the best compromise one where there are around 2000 additional journeys every day plus delivery vehicles through the town? Is this desireable for Faringdon 'old town'? Name Supplied |
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| Re The
Waitrose Effect - 23/4/11 Thank you, name supplied. I have read all the comments and I understand - maybe more than most - what powers and responsibilities the different tiers of local government have. I am well aware that the Town Council have no powersre. planning decisions, however they can, and do (and I believe AH has said this before on this site) make representationsto the District Council on behalf of the town, which they hope will influence the planning authority. It is my understanding, perhaps wrongly? that the Town Council oppose the Waitrose application. Bystander |
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| 29th
April 2011 @ 8pm. - 22/4/11 The Old Crown Free entry. Come and join Faringdon’s very own rhythm and blues band in celebration of all things British on the Royal Wedding Day! Mel Lane |
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| Re The
Waitrose Effect:It could happen here. If only! -
22/4/11 . If only I don't know how many time it has been said but - The Town Council has no power to decide which supermarket comes to Faringdon, that is solely the responsibility of the District Council. I had thought that Bystander would have read all the previous postings especially those from Alan Hickmore who has on several occasions explained the situation. Name Supplied |
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| ITesco
Bristol - 22/4/1 1 am sure you will be getting several messages but I wonder if the faringdon populous will take note of what happened in bristol last night http://neurobonkers.com/?p=2509 Name Supplied |
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| Faringdon - No Ordinary Town Photographic competition
- 22/4/11 See http://faringdon.org/photocomp.htm for details and how to enter. |
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| The
Waitrose Effect:It could happen here. If only! -
22/4/11 See today's Times Newspaper, an article about "the Waitrose effect". '...Since Waitrose opened in Meanwood, north Leeds, last September, local businesses report a 25 per cent increase in footfall. It’s the same story in Kenilworth, Warwickshire, where at least ten new shops and food outlets, including an independent bookshop, Costa Coffee and a Loch Fyne restaurant, have opened following Waitrose’s arrival in 2008. And, of course, all this contributes to a general uplift in an area, which estate agents report directly influences the desirability of local property. “As soon as they [Waitrose] go in, there is a huge effect,” ...“There is something about Waitrose, it’s a very aspirational brand..." “...Buyers ask: ‘How far’s the walk to Waitrose?’ They don’t ask that about Sainsbury’s.”...' They don't ask that about Tesco either. I sincerely hope that our town council don't succeed in consigning Faringdon to a further slide down market with an 'inverted snob' attitude towards anything [mistakenly] perceived as 'posh'. Bystander |
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| A better
supermarket - 21/4/11 Faringdon does not so much need a second supermarket as a better supermarket. Budgens has plans and permission to extend and improve which could create a desirable town centre supermarket, if people could overcome their prejudices about the name "Budgens". They should be given a chance and, if they don't make it work, the site could perhaps be bought by one of the more familiar names to provide the same service. Half the battle for Faringdon is persuading people to use the shops we have and if they remain convinced that big chains are always cheaper they will rush like lemmings to the bright lights regardless. If it is really considered necessary for Faringdon to have a second supermarket it must be one that will draw new people into town. A medium sized Tesco out of the centre will not do that, though doubtless it will be handy for those living nearby to top up in. Waitrose on the other hand is associated with Quality, ethics and value (which does not mean expensive) and might just tempt people into town to shop and then, having parked their cars close to the centre, take refreshments in the Market Place and explore. It also will not remove any "employment" land so has the potential to offer a greater increase in local employment than the proposed Tesco. I know there are problems with the access but surely these could be worked on. It's manic enough at dropping off times with badly parked cars in the access road and others not anticipating the presence of other road users exiting the car park. I keep well away at such times! Much could be remedied with a dedicated drop off zone in the new car park. I am not surprised that the Southampton University report finding the beneficial effects of new supermarkets - Tesco was one of the sponsors of the study. Don't let Faringdon be just "cheap and nasty". We still have some great little shops and attractive buildings to work with and support. A N Other Daringfonian |
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| This is a Community Message
from Thames Valley Police sent on behalf of the District Council. -
21/4/11 WARNING - COUNCIL TAX SCAM Local residents are being warned to be vigilant after a number of people were targeted by a council tax scam. Residents have reported receiving calls from people, claiming to be from the South Oxfordshire District Council, saying that they can arrange an immediate refund on their council tax if the resident provides their bank details. The district council does not, and would not, make these telephone calls nor would staff ask for bank or credit card details by telephone to process a refund. This call is a scam. Never give your bank details out over the phone to someone for a refund of council tax. What to do if you are unsure: * If anyone receives such a call they should refuse to disclose information and contact the council as soon as possible on 0345 302 2315. Staff will confirm whether any refund is outstanding and if so arrange a refund in the normal manner * The council takes many payments securely by telephone every day from residents, but does not process refunds over the phone. If you have passed your bank or credit card details to anyone recently regarding a council tax refund, please contact your bank branch or card company immediately. Message Ends. |
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| What
happened to the Easter Bingo? - 21/4/11 What happened to the Easter Bingo that was supposed to be on in the Corn Exchange on Wednesday? Turned up there at the right time and all the lights out and doors locked? What happened? Name Supplied |
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| Fax
Services in Faringdon - 21/4/11 Just to let you know Sarah there is also a virtual PA/admin service in Faringdon. we can help with faxing please call me on (01367) 246003. We can also help with any admin secretarial services you may need. Julie Farmer |
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| Hustings
meeting, Corn Exchange on Tuesday 26th April at 7.00 p.m -
14/4/11 All of the District and Town Council candidates have been invited to this meeting and we are hoping to have representatives from both the YES and NO campaign for the referendum. Sjoerd Vogt will chair the hustings, and the format will be as follows: On arrival, electors will be invited to submit questions to either the District or Town Council candidates. Sjoerd and I will choose 5 questions for each Council and these will be given to the candidates. We will start with the District Council, each candidate will be given 2 minutes to give a presentation and they will be allowed to choose 2 questions from the 5 they wish to answer. In the same way as the Question Time format, other members of public will be able to add their comments to the question being discussed. The same format will apply then to the Town Council candidates. Obviously time will be extremely tight, but I'm sure Sjoerd will ensure that everyone has the opportunity to have their say without 'hogging' the floor. At the end of all this, tea and coffee will be served and candidates will hopefully stay to speak to electors individually and informally. FTC Town Clerk |
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| Re Edge
of centre supermarket - 20/4/11 Thanks for the link to the map. As the 'town centre' is on the edge of the town, doesn't it make sense to have a supermarket nearer to where a greater number of people live, and can easily walk to? Faringdon as a town has lost several shops in the last few years and I don't think the hostelries are doing that well either so folk aren't exactly flocking into the town centre to spend their hard earned cash (in spite of free parking after 4pm). And excuse me for asking, but isn't it up to businesses to attract customers? I'm sure there are one or two marketing experts in Faringdon who could suggest ways of doing that. Sheila |
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| Edge of
centre supermarket - 20/4/11 I read with interest the academic research cited re edge of centre supermarkets. The bottom line is edge of centre supermarket or not, there is nothing to attact shoppers into Faringdon that they couldn't find in an edge of centre like Waitrose including gifts, flowers and a deli etc. Retailers like Rob the Cheese and Budgens have indicated that their business is likely to fold with the coming of a retailer like Waitrose. The problem with statistical research is that if fails to take into account the uniques circumstances which prevail in any planning decision and there is much about the current edge of centre application that causes great concern. Sadly Faringdon is dead on its feet and there would be little or nothing to attract potential shoppers into it's centre - sadly time ran out for Davis and it looks likely that we could loose Rob and indeed Budgens if that planning application is agreed!! Name Supplied |
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| Edge of
centre supermarket - 20/4/11 Thanks to David Cryer for reposting this interesting survey. For anyone who is unsure about the location of the supermarket bids, below is a map. Park Road site is more than twice the distance from our town centre than the Gloucester Street site. Park road is OUT of centre. Gloucester Street is EDGE of centre. http://i26.servimg.com/u/f26/16/16/49/11/superm10.jpg Approving an out of centre supermarket would be a disaster for Faringdon' s future. Approving an edge of centre supermarket? The debate rumbles on.. Name Supplied |
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| Royal
Wedding Tea Party - 20/4/11 There will be a Tea Party at the Corn Exchange on Friday 29 April from 2.00pm to 5.00pm to celebrate the Royal Wedding. All the food and entertainment is being kindly donated by local businesses. We hope that lots of you will be able to come along and enjoy a good old fashioned community event. Entry is free. If anybody would like to offer a donation, would like to help or perform on the day or would like more information, please feel free to contact me on 01367 243526. I understand that there will be visitors from our French twin town who are really looking forward to a good old knees up so let's show them what we can do! Posters will be appearing around the town within the next couple of days as a reminder. Sue Lund Cariad Bride |
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| Sing a
song of Sixpence at the Folly, Easter Monday -
19/4/11 The Folly tower is open on Easter Monday from 11.00-17.00 Most people know the nursery rhyme, but fewer know that it was written to ridicule Henry James Pye, once the owner of Faringdon House and said to have planted the Scots Pine in the late 18th century. It was written about him because he is said to have been the worst poet laureate ever. Friends of the Folly have created '24 blackbirds baked in a pie' in the form of a willow and hazel pie. Come and see the pie and hunt for the blackbirds. They've escaped high into the trees, around the pie and the rest of the woodland - 22 of them. Two have chosen to live in the tower! Now the leaves are on the trees you'll have to look really hard for them, but they are there. Gene Webb |
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| Edge of
centre supermarket - 18/4/11 With the continued debate on the impact that an edge-of-centre supermarket would have on Faringdon town centre, it is worth remembering that Faringdon is one of the last market towns in the UK without a major supermarket presence. So what do we know about what has happened elsewhere in the country? There has been a lot of anecdotal evidence, but until recently little in the way of hard facts. A recent study by a team at Southampton University (Impact of Large Foodstores on Market Towns) took evidence from 8000 consumers and 1000 traders. The reports main findings are: Supermarkets built on the edge of town centres encourage significantly fewer local residents to leave those towns for their main food shopping. The new supermarkets are not just being used for ‘one-stop’ shopping. Via the mechanism of linked trips, the existing town centres experience increased footfall, helping to enhance their vitality and viability. The new supermarkets encourage a significant decrease in car usage and increase in walking on main food shopping trips amongst local residents. A year after the opening of the new supermarkets, two-thirds of consumers believed the new stores were beneficial to local residents and the town centre. Only 8% believed otherwise. Feedback from traders was consistently positive about the new supermarkets’ impact on the town centre. Contrary to popular opinion, traders also took a positive view on the impact on their own businesses. Detailed study of changes in retail composition of the local town centres provides little support for widely held views linking supermarket development to the decimation of existing centres and their retail diversity. It will be interesting to see whether the debate locally is influenced by academic studies such as this - I suspect the philosophy of 'never let the facts get in the way of a good story' will continue to rule! David Cryer |
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| Faringdon Radio Special - 19/4/11 We now have our first special show on Faringdon Radio - a 35 minute show looking at The Faringdon Brewery at the Swan pub. All our other shows are still also available to download at www.faringdonradio.com Sean Hodgson |
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| Public Meeting
to hear about GP consortium in Oxfordshire - 19/4/11 25th May 2011 7pm to 9pm at the Roysee Room, Abingdon Guildhall (Parking is free after 4pm). What does this mean for you and your family? Hear about it. Question it! We know what the press have been saying but this is your opportunity to hear what your local GP's think about the changes 'County GP to lead shake-up of NHS'… 'County doctors to front new scheme'… 'Sweeping changes to local NHS Services'… 'Ministers listening to NHS concerns'… So what does this mean for you and your family? Come and get the answers to your questions. Oxfordshires GP Commissioning Lead and Local GPs will be there to explain and answer your questions |
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| 90
destination retail units - 17/4/11 You’ll be surprised at what you can buy in Faringdon. Visit www.finditinfaringdon.co.uk . David Reynolds |
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| Fax
Services in Faringdon - 17/4/11 Responding also to Sarah Tynan's request for fax services: "Online FAXing" has now mostly superceded the traditional fax machine. See for example http://savedelete.com/10-best-free-online-fax-services.html . As long as you can scan (or photograph with your smartphone perhaps) your document - then you can send it to any fax number. Nowadays, there's probably no physical fax machine at the receiving end either. Sending/receiving online faxes can be completely free of charge if you don't require high volume. Sjoerd |
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| Tesco
Appeal meeting location - 17/4/11 If there is a shortage of available accommodation in Faringdon for this Public Meeting why not erect one of the modern type of super marquees on the hard standing (lorry park) area of the Tesco site, or even in the grounds of Faringdon House who will benefit financially if the Waitrose site gets the go ahead? Surely its not beyond the capability of the VOWHDC to organise this, then on second thoughts !!!!!!!!!!!! I doubt they could find their way from Abingdon to Faringdon. The Consultant. |
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| 90
destination retail units - 17/4/11 Alan Hickmore advises “there being over 90 destination retail units in the Town.” Could he list them for me as I am struggling to find them. Regards, A Passer By. |
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| Does
Faringdon really need another supermarket? - 17/4/11 I have never been convinced that Faringdon actually needs another supermarket. OK, so a large percentage of people currently drive 15 minutes out of town to do a supermarket shop and the supermarket shareholders profit. Why is it that if these people drive into Faringdon and do the same shop on Park Road or Gloucester Street this is in some way good for Faringdon when the same supermarket shareholders profit? The main benefit to Faringdon is if some of the people who would be retained also visit the centre and spend some extra money elsewhere; shops, gifts, cafés, pubs, restaurants, services, socialising, browsing, enlivening etc…The only proposed site this could possibly happen from is Gloucester Street as no one will really walk over double the distance from Park Road now matter how much money is spent on improving the footpath. Expecting other retailers will invest in Faringdon town centre following an out of centre development on Park Road is unbelievable, unless you are suggesting an out of town retail park? A ludicrous idea as Faringdon is way too small to sustainably support two centres. The reason the Sainsbury's in Wantage has attracted other retailers is because it is well linked to the town centre with a pedestrianised, shop lined link. Waitrose is positioned similarly. Tesco as a brand is a 'one stop shop' selling everything from clothes, books, home wares, electronic goods etc, this would affect almost every business in our town centre. Waitrose is not the same, it is the food and drink arm of John Lewis and does not compete outside this remit in the same way. The only other small benefits a supermarket may bring is free town centre parking. Only the Gloucester Street site is close enough to the centre for visitors to possibly use their car park for a visit. And some part time jobs. Employment is something everyone would welcome but not at the expense of existing light industrial units on Park Road or at the expense of current town centre businesses, who make and spend profits locally, closing down. However, lets not get carried away; either supermarket will only employ 10s of full time equivalent positions not hundreds, most will be low wages and only one of the potential employers pays out an annual profit linked bonus. I am just not convinced that in the near future people will bother traipsing round overly bright aisles listening to piped adverts on a Saturday morning when they can do something far more enjoyable and have deliveries to their door whenever they want. In any case there is agreed planning permission for Budgens to extend fairly significantly on their current site. A viable town centre supermarket with permission to extend = a very valuable asset. Free parking already exists in both car parks for those spending over a fiver in town. So, in conclusion. Does Faringdon really need an additional supermarket? Probably not. If Faringdon is going to get a supermarket then where is the best place for it? As close to the town centre as possible for the fringe benefits of increased footfall and useful free parking, something that Park Road site could never offer due to the out of centre location. Any argument of snobbery, inverted snobbery, class 'war', living on benefits or cost vs. value has nothing to do with planning applications and tends to stir up some fairly offensive, ill informed views, as we have seen. Name Supplied |
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| Tesco
appeal- meeting location - 16/4/11 If you believe that the appeal meeting should take place in Faringdon and not Abingdon as is currently planned, email the planning inspector on TeamP13@pins.gsi.gov.uk and the current VWHDC councillors roger_e_cox@hotmail.com amthomson5491@yahoo.co.uk mail@matthewbarber.co.uk Name Supplied |
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| A
"Faringfordian" - 16/4/11 This post is interesting as it completely misses the point. About 18 months ago the VWHDC published a (revised) report that demonstrated that Faringdon needed another supermarket. About 75% of the weekly food shopping spend is leaving Faringdon for the benefit of Wantage, Swindon and even Abingdon. This is not an acceptable situation for a Town that wants to keep its position as a supplier to the Town and its hinterland. The situation for non-food is even worse. About 85% of non-food shopping leaves the Town. This is despite there being over 90 destination retail units in the Town. In practise we need a national chain supermarket in order to not only attract buyers but also to attract other non-food retailers. There is very strong evidence that this happens. The relative merits of the Tesco/Waitrose cases are of less importance than the fact that we should get one of them. My own view is that the Waitrose application is flawed and will have a dreadful affect on the safety of children, on the conservation zone policy, the policy on the maintenance of parks, and the flow of traffic in the Town (there are 27 planning policies that it probably contravenes). But this is planning speak. The truth is that we need another main food retailer. The original VWHDC plan was to expand Budgens by knocking down the old post office, the Red Lion and a row of houses. This was abandoned when they realised that the Red Lion and the old post office are listed buildings (and perhaps the occupants of the houses do not want to have them knocked down). It was at that stage that the site that Waitrose are applying for came into the equation. What Faringdon needs is a new supermarket and a comprehensive marketing strategy in order to attract non-food retailers to the Town in the wake of whichever food retailer comes here. As a side issue the location of the Tesco inquiry is not yet fixed in stone. There is a possibility that it will be in the Sudbury House Hotel - the FTC is working hard to try and ensure that it is held in Faringdon. Alan Hickmore These are my views and do not necessarily reflect those of FTC) |
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| Convenience to shoppers of the Tesco/Waitrose
sites - 16/4/11 . Nobody seems to consider which site is the most convenient for the majority of shoppers, the focus seems to be on keeping other shop owners in Faringdon town centre in business and which supermarket company you are loyal to. Forgetting which company is involved for the moment, can anyone shed any light on the convenience for shoppers argument, which surely is a key issue if it is going to get the trade and not increase the traffic. Don’t follow this line of thought? Well how many people live between a line drawn parallel with the A420 and the centre of the Tesco site? Then draw a line parallel with this through the Waitrose site, how many people live in between? Now how many people live between the line through the Waitrose site and the Faringdon town boundary in the Lechlade direction? Split the number between both sites evenly and add to the other two numbers, which site is the most convenient for the majority of people and should result in the ‘greener’ choice!!! The Consultant. |
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| Helpers
and Supporters for the Faringdon Festival required -
16/4/11 We will be running the Faringdon Festival this year on a Daringfonian Shoestring. (You may need to check out what one of those is - but it's not very much!) Put your name forward to Jane Haynes 01367 246137 or e-mail jane.haynes@bordengate.com if you can help in any way |
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| Another
supermarket needed? - 15/4/11 The question of “should Faringdon have another supermarket” seems rather to have been lost in a series of personal preferences. We have the Tesco league who believe that Tesco are the cheapest. Take care here, any retail outlet will charge the highest price they can in the area they operate. Only by doing this will they make their shareholders a profit. Do not expect a Tesco in Faringdon to sell goods at the same price as the Tesco in Swindon. The proposed Tesco will offer the same square footage as already exists in the Town and will compete, from an out of town location, on every level but it will not be big enough to offer much more than we already have available. We have the Anti Tesco league who do not like the apparent morals (or lack there-of) displayed by Tesco. We have the Waitrose enthusiasts who recognise that value for money is often better than cheap: and then we have the anti-Waitrose mob who think that Waitrose is for the rich and the posh. (Note: not all rich people are posh and not all posh people are rich!) We have the Budgens support group – who believe that Musgrave together with the current franchise owner have already made huge improvements and should be given the opportunity to get on with their proposed development. The question we should be asking ourselves is “do we who live in Faringdon want a viable and credible shopping town centre or don’t we give a damn?” If the answer is yes, we want a viable and credible shopping option, then we need to promote any and all development to ensure the success of the Town Centre. Of the options currently available, this means that the Gloucester Street Option is the best bet. If the answer is “no, we don’t give a damn”, then it really doesn’t matter where the new supermarket is placed. There is a long term option to develop the area off Southampton Street – but there are very few who have the imagination to see how this would work. So, rather than judging the future of our town on the potential futures price of baked beans or the availability of caviar, could we ask everybody to think, instead, of the longer term benefits (and deficiencies) of the various alternative plans proposed so far as “The Town” is concerned. One of the considerations discussed is that of employment. The suggestion of hundreds of new jobs is, at best fanciful. The jobs created by either new store will be comparatively low paid part time jobs. Senior staff and management from both will (at least initially) commute into the town. Waitrose though do have a better record of paying tax in the UK (which helps towards the deficits created by the banking fiasco) and their profits are divided amongst their staff to spend locally rather than being whisked off to international coffers. Another consideration is access. Access to Gloucester Street might be difficult. We should, perhaps, refrain from passing comment until the detailed plans are available. Competition is a good thing and helps create a market. Unfair competition should be frowned upon. The issue of parking raises its turbulent head once again! This is something those in high places in Abingdon will have to get their collective heads around. The right solution is critical – but the Vale’s current political persuasion prevents them from taking the action that has proved successful in other areas in Oxfordshire. There are, of course, elections due shortly so you could alter this. The Oxford Mail carries an article: http://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/8975401.Class_war__Waitrose_too_posh_for_our_town/. The article generates some negative response. But neither the opinions stated in the article nor the responses seem to respond to the question: “do we who live in Faringdon want a viable and credible shopping town centre or don’t we give a damn?” Regards, A Daringfonian. |
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| Fax
Services in Faringdon - 15/4/11 In reply to Sarah Tynan’s request for a fax service, Marriotts in the Market Place provide a fax, colour photocopying and laminating services and always with a smile. Andrew Brown |
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| FTC
election - 15/4/11 Well at last we have an election, sort of. It would have been so much better if there had been more than the minimum 15 candidates, then there would have been real choice. As it is, only one candidate will fail to be elected, unless, for sake of argument, only 5 names get voted for? Could we then have the possibility of a new council with only genuinely elected councillors? Dreaming again --- Name Supplied ED(GW) I've heard that the election will cost the Town Council (us) £4000. If just 1 councillor steps down after the election, it will have been a pointless exercise. Good to see some new names though. |
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| Manifesto-
online? - 15/4/11 Does anyone know where on the internet I might find the manifestos for our council area? I found:Conservative: http://www.valevision.com/Faringdon not mentioned once though some of the objectives could include us Labour: can't find one Libdem: can't find one Name Supplied |
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| Our Corn
Exchange - 14/4/11 The Corn Exchange looks really good. I've not tried the loos yet, but I've heard they are super. Beautiful floor too. It should get many more bookings now it has been refurbished. I'm a bit puzzled about the big box/cupboard taking space at the stage end. I've been told it's for furniture, but isn't there big storage next to the bar? I can see the Glos St windows have been double glazed, but not I think the opposite side( on the left as you go in) I couldn't tell about the big window overlooking Gloucester Mews because the curtains were closed. Is there more to do? I don't understand the thinking in putting glass doors at the side entrance. What is the benefit of these? Will an FT councillor explain? Name Supplied |
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| Hustings
meeting, Corn Exchange on Tuesday 26th April at 7.00 p.m -
14/4/11 All of the District and Town Council candidates have been invited to this meeting and we are hoping to have representatives from both the YES and NO campaign for the referendum. Sjoerd Vogt will chair the hustings, and the format will be as follows: On arrival, electors will be invited to submit questions to either the District or Town Council candidates. Sjoerd and I will choose 5 questions for each Council and these will be given to the candidates. We will start with the District Council, each candidate will be given 2 minutes to give a presentation and they will be allowed to choose 2 questions from the 5 they wish to answer. In the same way as the Question Time format, other members of public will be able to add their comments to the question being discussed. The same format will apply then to the Town Council candidates. Obviously time will be extremely tight, but I'm sure Sjoerd will ensure that everyone has the opportunity to have their say without 'hogging' the floor. At the end of all this, tea and coffee will be served and candidates will hopefully stay to speak to electors individually and informally. FTC Town Clerk |
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| Elections in
May - 14/4/11 Think about your vote in May for your District Councillor. Lib Dems currently run the Vale District Council and they are opposed to any form of free parking in their car parks. Tories run South Oxfordshire and West Oxfordshire District Councils and they have managed to offer some form of free parking in their car parks. If Tories run the Vale District Council, would they be able to offer some form of free car parking? Please ask and if you know anyone in Wantage or Abingdon, please get them to ask as well..... An Ex-Labour voter |
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| Tesco
Appeal, case 2143419 - 15/4/11 I asked for some detail and pointed out that the chosen location excludes those in Faringdon who do not drive. They said: The Local Inquiry is due to start on 1st June 2011 at 10:00am and is scheduled to last for 5 days. If you would like to speak, please attend the start of the Inquiry and make sure you let the Inspector know that you wish to do so. The Inspector's name is Christina Downes. The Inspector will let everyone know how the Inquiry is going to run, and when all parties involved will be able to speak. If lots of interested parties attend and they all want to speak, they may be asked by the Inspector to choose a spokesperson to speak on their behalf rather than duplicate evidence being presented. The Local Planning Authority are responsible for securing a venue that is available for the duration of the event. They search for a venue that is available on the days that we have set for the Inquiry. In this case, the Guildhall, Abbey House, Abingdon is the venue that the Planning Authority have managed to secure. I am sorry that you feel the chosen Inquiry venue is not acceptable, however as you will appreciate we cannot always have a venue that suits everyone. I hope I have answered your questions, however please email me if you have any further queries. Hannah Dickinson TeamP13@pins.gsi.gov.uk ED(GW) |
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| Tesco
Appeal date, case 2143419 - 15/4/11 1st June, 10.00am, Guildhall, Abbey House, Abingdon Inspector is C J Downes There is no mention of how long it will take There is a statement that 'they want all enquiries to be held in buildings that provide proper facilities for people with disabilities. We have asked the local planning authority to pay particular attention to their needs.' Perhaps that's why it's in Abingdon, though I'd have thought the Corn Exchange would have been OK - maybe it's not available that day/that week. Case (2143419) details on the Planning portal From this site you can submit comments- I can't see a date deadline, though there is a proofs of evidence date of 4th May Gene Webb |
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| Activities in the Vale -
14/11/11 Rounders, Golf, Dodgeballl, Nordic Walking ++++ More activities and time and location details Visit us at: www.whitehorsedc.gov.uk www.getoxfordshireactive.org |
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| Fax
Services in Faringdon - 12/4/11 If anyone knows of somewhere I can send a fax from in Faringdon please let me know by responding to this post. Happy to pay for the privilege. Thank you. Sarah Tynan, Harding Close, Faringdon |
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| Bus pass
information - 12/4/11 Further to the earlier posting, note that bus passes may now be used on the Faringdon Community Bus from 9:00am rather than 9:30 under the previous arrangement. Steve Wright, FCB |
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| Local
poet winner - 11/4/11 Faringdon Town gets publicity through my writing. Can you help by your reading and passing on. For instance I've had eight poems in the Evening Advertiser. Read Poets' Corner. Also... I had an e-mail today Sat 9th April 11. I 'm an award winner. Take a look a at the following link: http://gelatisscoop.blogspot.com/2011/04/digital-short-saturday-yes-i-know-it-is.html Cleveland W. Gibson 52 Things: Prose winner. www.celj.org ( poem winner) |
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| Bus pass
information - 11/4/11 Concessionary bus passes Oxfordshire County Council has taken over responsibility (from district and city councils) for concessionary bus fares for elderly and disabled people. To reassure people who may be worried about this change, OCC has produced a briefing document for organisations working with these groups to explain their new role in issuing bus passes. Visit http://www.oxnet.org.uk/consessionary-bus-pass-information for more information. Oxfordshire Community and Voluntary Action The Old Court House Floyds Row, St Aldates Oxford, OXF OX1 1SS |
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| New
'Faringdon Local show' - 10/4/11 For Sunday 10th April now available on Faringdon Radio. www.faringdonradio.com |
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| Pigs - 10/4/11 Berkshire pigs are said to be "Britain's oldest pig breed", originally bred in the Faringdon and Wantage regions of the English county of Berkshire (now Oxfordshire). They apparently became popular after being 'discovered' by Cromwell's troops while they were stationed at Reading during the English Civil War. Today's animals descend from the herd maintained by the House of Windsor 300 years ago Faringdon fact finder |
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| Town
Meeting Wed 6th - 8/4/11 Just a few notes from the meeting on Wednesday. The Corn Exchange refurbishment was finished on time and within budget The old bar at the rear of the Pump House is to be demolished, and some work done to the small theatre- both with 106 monies from Bloor Homes Permission has been given to turn the land behind Willes Close into allotments. Money is needed to prepare the site and install a water supply. It seems that Tesco have agreed to give vehicle access to the plot ( if they get planning permission for a supermarket). It's thought that this would reduce the current FTC waiting allotment list of 50 to zero. I've asked for electronic copies of the reports that were available at the meeting, but it seems they were provided to FTC in paper form. They give much more information. So if any of: Faringdon United Charities, Faringdon Community College, Recreation and Open Spaces, Tucker's Park Trust, War Memorial Trust and Faringdon Twinning Association would like to send me electronic copies, I will make them available on this site. I assume the Town Council (electronic) reports from Finance, Venues, Recreation and Open spaces, Planning and Highways and the District and County councillor reports will appear on the FTC website in due course. I think the Town Clerk has plenty of paper copies- or at least will for a while. Gene Webb Faringdon United Charities report |
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| May elections
- 7/4/11 District Councillors: http://www.southoxon.gov.uk/java/support/Main.jsp?MODULE=ElectionWard&NAME=Faringdon And The Coxwells 9 candidates including 2 of the current 3. More detail on Page 17 on the District wards pdf on http://www.whitehorsedc.gov.uk/About_your_Council/Elections_electoral_registration/Elections_in_the_Vale.asp Faringdon Town Council: http://www.southoxon.gov.uk/java/support/Main.jsp?MODULE=ElectionParish&NAME=Great Faringdon 15 candidates. 14 places: Page 36 of Parishes pdf on http://www.whitehorsedc.gov.uk/About_your_Council/Elections_electoral_registration/Elections_in_the_Vale.asp |
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| Rouge
Traders - 6/4/11 So we'll know because they're red, dressed in red or what? Name supplied |
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| Thames Valley Police-
Neighbourhood updates for the Vale of the White Horse -
6/4/11 The link will take you to your neighbourhood pages on the Thames Valley Police website, where you will be able to open and view the latest update for your area and obtain further information about your Neighbourhood Policing Teams. http://www.thamesvalley.police.uk/yournh-tvp-pol-area-n165 Faringdon / Buscot /Coleshill |
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| Re
charity bags - 6/4/11 Have had 4 bags from Age UK delivered in 2 days now. Had 3 yesterday alone. As per a previous poster, don’t “doorstep drop” as the charity gets almost nothing in return, instead take any unwanted goods to the shop. Much better for everybody that way then. All these bags are handy for household use though. Anyways, must dash; have a bin to climb in. Hope I don’t get stuck again! Colin |
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| Missing
Cat - 6/4/11 Has anybody seen our pure white male cat. Went missing from Town End Road area of Faringdon on Weds/Thurs 30th March 2011. Answers to the name of Baa-Baa and has distinctive eyes, one blue, one amber. He is neutered, hence our concern. Please email us with any information: sherylchambers@yahoo.co.uk Many thanks |
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| Rouge
Traders - 6/4/11 According to the latest Thames Valley Police report for Faringdon East rouge traders continue to affect the community. It says "Rouge traders can be builders, gardeners, or tarmacers (sic)" . So if you see any of these red-faced characters you know what to do, they are apparently very easy to spot. The Spotted Clown |
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| Town Meeting,
tonight 7.30pm, Pump House - 6/4/11 |
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| Faringdon
Internet Users be-aware - 5/4/11 HGM, Don't worry your computer will not burst in to flames… It is a shame that the article was published on the BBC news website on April 1st, 2011. The article is genuine. In recent weeks that here has been a several malware infiltrations on well know websites. See these articles: March 22, 2011: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-12819330 March 29, 2011: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-12891182 March 30, 2011: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-12904585 In most cases the malware, if installed on your computer, presents itself as a virus scanner and will tell you it can fix the viruses found (which are not there) if you provide them with your credit card details. DO NOT PASS THEM YOUR CREDIT CARD DETAILS EVER. So what can you about it to minimize the risk: 1. Make sure your virus scanner software is up to date and make a note of the Name of the Virus Scanner (Avast, Norton 360, McAfee, AVG, Kaspersky, etc.) 2. If you do not have a virus scanner, there are several free virus scanners available you can install: 1. Avast Free Virus Scanner: http://www.avast.com/en-gb/free-antivirus-download 2. AVG Free Virus Scanner: http://free.avg.com/gb-en/download-free-antivirus 3. Do NOT click on any advertisement banners on websites. 4. If presented with a window that tells you that you have viruses and the window does not come from your Virus Scanner on your computer (as you noted down in step 1). 3. DO NOT CLICK ON ANY BUTTONS IN THE WINDOW as this will trigger the install of the malicious software.. 4. But click X on the top right corner of your internet browser, this will close your Internet Browser. 5. Next I suggest you restart your computer to make sure. If you do have concerns, you can contact us via email (support@computersupport4u.com) or call 0845 467 5087 Regards, Raoul van Eijndhoven Quidne IT Ltd. www.quidne-it.com |
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| New
version of Health leaflet- available soon - 5/4/11 The leaflet gives details of many different health and social services in and around Faringdon. It will soon be available in paper fom in the Health centre, the library, pharmacy+++. In thre meant time you can see it ( or download it ) on http://faringdon.org/nvtalkinghealth.htm FAP Health Group |
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| Community Bus Trip Witney - 5/4/11
There is a Community Bus Trip to Witney Thursday 14th April at 1.30pm. Tickets are available from Faringdon Community and Tourist Information Centre and are £5. There is also an ‘extra’ trip to Lechlade Garden Centre on Wednesday 20th April at 1.30pm Tickets are available from Faringdon Community and Tourist Information Centre and are £4. 01367 242191 www.faringdontowncouncil.gov.uk |
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| This is a Community Message
from Thames Valley Police. - 5/4/11 HAVE YOUR SAY MEETINGS The following Have Your Say Meetings are being held in your Neighbourhood: Saturday 30th April at Great Coxwell, knocking door to door, between 10:00hrs and 11:00hrs. Saturday 30th April in Budgens Car Park, Faringdon, between 13:00hrs and 14:00hrs. Please come along, this is your opportunity to speak with your Neighbourhood Officers to discuss any local issues of concern you may have. If you are unable to attend but wish to speak with your Neighbourhood Officers, please call 08458 505 505. |
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| Re
Planning law- a puzzle - 4/4/11 I would like to echo the views of 'Bystander' and the other comment posted in agreement: Waitrose would be the best option for Faringdon and I very much hope that the planning application will be successful. It is probably the only chance Faringdon will have, for many years to come, to regenerate its town centre, and avoid it becoming a 'dead' zone. By all means, let's have a Tesco on Park Road as well but, on its own, it would do nothing for the town centre. I'd also like to thank David Cryer for explaining the charity bag collection situation. Name Supplied |
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| Faringdon Art Society Website -
4/4/11 The Faringdon Art Society website has been relaunched with a new design and updated artists' galleries: http://www.faringdonartsociety.org.uk. You can now 'Like' the society on facebook (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Faringdon-Art-Society/197942136904883) or follow them on twitter (http://twitter.com/faringdonartsoc). If you want to join in person there are weekly art drop-ins for members and non-members, monthly coach trips to national events and annual members exhibitions. Details of all this and more on the website. All welcome! Tivon Rivers |
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| Faringdon
Internet Users be-aware - 4/4/11 Following Raoul's warning I checked the Cyber Attack article and was duly frightened. But It was published on April Fools Day and it didn't tell me what, if anything, I should do about it ! So please Raoul tell me. Was it a genuine warning and will my computer burst into flames if I do nothing ? HGM |
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| Re New
people at the Bell - 4/4/11 "restraint out the back" – presumably to hold back any punctuation that may be trying escape? Simon Stafford |
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| Re
Planning law- a puzzle - 4/4/11 I completely agree with the comments of ‘Bystander’. The development of a Waitrose WITHIN FARINGDON TOWN CENTRE should have a very positive effect on the town with increased trade going to existing and (hopefully) future retail businesses. The development of a Tesco on Park Road will have completely the opposite effect – the few shoppers who come to Faringdon will park at Tesco, do their shopping and leave without visiting the town centre. Do we really want to live in a town with boarded up shops, poor quality fast food outlets and deserted streets? The closure of Davis DIY is a further wake-up call. I really hope the Waitrose application gets approval. A new Waitrose will bring some life back to this once thriving market town and will hopefully give it the much needed ‘buzz’ once again. This is a wonderful opportunity for Faringdon. Name supplied |
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| Re Non
collection of charity bags - 31/3/11 I am writing in response to ‘Disgruntled’, who is complaining that charities don’t collect the filled charity bags left outside. Disgruntled is making a big assumption, which turns out to be incorrect – in the vast majority of cases, the ‘said charities’ actually have nothing to do with the distribution or collection of these bags. This is a very common misconception. The bag distribution is invariably done by a ‘commercial collector’, who gives a tiny percentage of the bags true value to the named charity. In return for getting some money (no matter how little) from this source, the charity in question is happy to have their named blazoned all over the bag. The name of the commercial collector will be there somewhere – in very small print – but the amount the charity receives from the collection is far from transparent. Occasionally, these bags are distributed by totally fictious charities - whose names & logos are very similar to real charities - to give credibility to the bogus collectors. The Charity Retail Association (of which I am Chairman), recently put out the following Press Release: The international price for second hand clothing is at an all time high. This has led to an increasing number of commercial companies collecting directly from house to house. The lack of transparency misleads the public and undermines public trust and confidence in charity collections. David Cryer, Chairman of the Association, said: “Typically, a merchant will collect house to house, using collection sacks bearing a charity’s name and branding, for which the charity receives a royalty payment, usually a fixed sum by weight. This can be as little as 3% of the price the merchant can get for sorted clothing on international markets. That’s not a good return by any measure. The commercial operator can realise a profit of up to 68% – and this is not made clear on the collection materials used.” Many charity shops have seen a marked falling-off in donations, as a direct result of such commercial collections, bogus collections, theft of stock and the recession. Mr Cryer added: “Unwanted goods – clothing, books, DVDs, bric a brac and so on - sold through a charity shop will raise ten or twenty times as much for charity as a charity would get from a commercial partnership. That’s a huge difference. Transparency is crucial in order to retain the public’s confidence that we are doing all we can for charity. Partnership collections only raise a fraction of the amount a charity shop can get, and we urge the public to make sure their kind donations of goods go to charity shops rather than anywhere else. The Charity Retail Association’s strapline is “Making the most of your donations”, and that’s exactly what charity shops do”. So what should Disgruntled do? Either take the unwanted stock to a local charity shop, or call a charity directly to organise a collection. My own charity, Helen & Douglas House, offer such a collection service (call 01235 764490), as do a number of others. The message for everyone is: read the small print before filling in a charity bag – better still, give your stock directly to a local charity shop. David Cryer 73 Tuckers Rd., Faringdon Head of Retail, Helen & Douglas House Chairman, Charity Retail Association |
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| Faringdon
Internet Users be-aware - 4/4/11 Please have a look at this article on the BBC News website: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-12933053 Raoul van Eijndhoven Quidne IT Ltd. www.quidne-it.com |
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| Scratch
Hallelujah - 4/4/11 Rehearsal at Roman Catholic Church, 7pm 5/4/11 12/4/11 19/4/11( with Faringdon singers) Practise tracks on http://www.cyberbass.com/Major_Works/Handel_GF/Handel_Messiah.htm (They really help) Score on http://www.free-scores.com/download-sheet-music.php?pdf=36 Just choose and print the part you want to sing. Everyone and anyone welcome- whether you think you can sing or not Gene Webb |
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| Re
Planning law- a puzzle - 3/4/11 One of the the difficulties with attaching much weight to the opinions of local people is that the local people who are most likely to be vociferous in their objections are those who have vested interests, ie those who reside or have investment properties in the immediate vicinity of the contested planning application. That is not to say they have no legitimate grounds for objection, but that however logical it is, or pretends to be, it is inevitably biased and therefore unreliable. Secondly, those who are in agreement with the proposed plans are not at all so likely to make their views known as the objectors. It is the duty, and the obligation of councillors to make decisions which are in the long term interests of the whole town, not just in the narrow interests of the present close residents or property owners, whose tenure, when compared to the long term life of the town, is temporary. When the Tesco application was first mooted I was in favour, on the grounds that any modern convenient supermarket would be an asset. When the Waitrose application was proposed however and I went along to the site to have a look, it was immediately obvious how much more convenient that would be and better for the life of the town centre and the existing retail situation, even if it was [exaggeratedly] alarming for the immediate residents and property owners. The drawbacks to the Gloucester street site can, and should be addressed, but a number of the objections are clearly tenuous, and there for the sake of 'making an objection' rather than realistic. It is clear that the retail situation in Faringdon is in a very bad state. Tesco will do nothing to remedy that, and is more likely to hasten the disappearance of what remains of local trade. Either supermarket will be looking to attract shoppers from local villages and the surrounding area, in addition to the immediate residents. Waitrose is more likely to do that, and their proposed site has the great advantage that its free car park will be near enough to the existing town centre to encourage visitors and shoppers in, rather than to make it convenient to turn round and leave again, as the siting of a supermarket in Park road will do. Bystander |
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| Budgens
objection to Waitrose - 3/4/11 It seems a bit much for Budgens to complain about the access problems with the proposed Waitrose given that Budgens regularly cone off parking spaces for their deliveries and reverse their delivery lorries up a one way road. Charlie Harman |
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| What
Museum - 3/4/11 In response to the queries about a museum, you may be interested in the History Room opened by the Mayor, Margaret Barker last summer. It is above the Library and open as Library hours, and there is an index in the Library and in the room. There is a wealth of material on local history - artefacts, reference books, parish registers, maps and plans, past copies of local papers, and many other records, and eventually there will be photographs. These have been collected by members of Faringdon Historical Society over many years, and are now very pleased to be able to make them available for the public to use. It is a pleasant room to use, equipped with a table and chairs, and a microfiche reader. Please see the yellow flyers in the Library and the Tourist office for more details. Kay Fox |
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| Tesco++
objection to Waitrose - 3/4/11 Have a read of http://idocs.whitehorsedc.gov.uk/WAM/doc/Correspondence-344494.pdf?extension=.pdf&id=344494&appid=1001&location=Volume2&contentType=text/html&pageCount=1 Tesco's assessment of the Waitrose traffic survey. and http://idocs.whitehorsedc.gov.uk/WAM/doc/Correspondence-344493.pdf?extension=.pdf&id=344493&appid=1001&location=Volume2&contentType=text/html&pageCount=1 Tesco's letter of objection covering environmental and planning issues. http://idocs.whitehorsedc.gov.uk/WAM/doc/Public%20Comment-342358.pdf?extension=.pdf&id=342358&appid=1001&location=Volume2&contentType=application/pdf&pageCount=4 and the impact on the library, from someone in Oxfordshire County Council http://idocs.whitehorsedc.gov.uk/WAM/doc/Public%20Comment-344448.pdf?extension=.pdf&id=344448&appid=1001&location=Volume2&contentType=application/pdf&pageCount=53 on behalf of Budgens |
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| Planning
law- a puzzle - 3/4/11 Vwhdc( and other councils) invite comments from the general public about any planning application. I know they have a rigorous process for evaluating the technical aspects of an application. (eg Tesco refused: Location is on industrial, not retail land and it is deemed to be too far from town centre). For any application, but particularly a major change to a town/area, there are many 'softer issues' that should be taken into account - usually from local people, who's lives, property and quality of life will be affected by the development on a day to day basis. According to Roger Cox, one of our VWHDC councillors our councillors are 'not allowed to express opinion either for or against an application, and must remain neutral to ensure fairness to all..... I listen to all the evidence and join in the general discussion' I assume that they gain the views of local people by reading the comments submitted (http://idocs.whitehorsedc.gov.uk/WAM/showCaseFile.do?action=show&appName=planning&appNumber=11/00146/FUL) and informal conversation with local people. How much better it would have been if our 3 VWHDC councillors invited comment from local residents, perhaps at an open meeting- I thought that was a councillor's remit - to represent our views. Whichever supermarket is built it is a major change and will have a radical affect on Faringdon and local people, it can't be left to anecdotal opinions or a technical checklist. I'm still unsure whether local opinions are taken seriously in the planning process. I guess it's tricky (you can't please all of the people all of the time) but if an application is technically acceptable, I wonder whether weight of local opinion could result in refusal of permission. Having said all that it might not matter what our current councillors views are. The VWHDC planning website indicates that the planning meeting for Waitrose will be on 18th May- after the District Council elections. Perhaps we'll have a whole new set of councillors by then!! Gene Webb |
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| Cotswold
Voices Concert - 3/4/11 I had a prior engagement. I don't know why you think other Town Councillors should be there, it wasn't a Town Council event even though, personally, I try wherever possible to support events like this. I have a family and a life outside the council. I don't know why I have to justify myself. Jane Boulton FTC. |
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| Cotswold
Voices Concert - 3/4/11 As team leader of the Faringdon Community Responders, I would like to add my very sincere thanks to everyone involved in the wonderful concert at All Saints Church yesterday evening. The event was another sell-out in the series of fundraising events organised by our wonderful Town Mayor in support of Macmillan Cancer, the Youth Centre, and ourselves. Already, Macmillan Cancer Support and ourselves have benefitted by more that £2000 each from the previous sponsored walk and Mayor's Dinner. Last night, Margaret proudly told me that the funds raised from last month's dinner with Rory Bremner raised enough money to fund the new Youth Worker for a considerable time. We cannot thank Margaret and her partner Wally enough for the efforts they've put into these events which all resulted in significant success and support. I understand that this is the first time that a Faringdon Mayor has ever personally organised fundraising events for chosen charities throughout their year of office. Let's hope that the new mayor will continue with this highly renowned success so that other charities can benefit in the same way that we have. Godfrey Smith. |
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| Splendid
concert at All Saints - 3/4/11 Another success for Cotswold Voices, the local choir directed by Joe Moore. The concert in All Saints last evening was wonderful. The choir sang their whole repertoire( Abba, Take that, West Side story++) and was supported by 2 young singers, Abi and Maddy, Sjoerd (being a wonderful Jake Thackray) and Pam Walsh telling a tale about a Yorkshiremans's interpretation of The Messiah(very funny). It was a concert in aid of (our wonderful) First Responders and Macmillan Cancer Care, and organised by Margaret Barker, our town Mayor. Gene Webb |
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|
"Feed-in Tariffs". -2/4/11 I would like to concur with the comments made by Steve Perry, as his experience seems to match my own. I had a 2.7KWh PV array installed in early June last year. Since then it has generated 1767 KWh, which in cash terms equates to £756.17. With still around 10 (sunny?) weeks to go before the first anniversary of the system I would expect to see these values rise to something close to 2300KWh with a final cash return of around £980. I will also have the benefit of not having had to pay for the electricity generated from the PVs that I used, this is particularly useful for me as both my wife and I work from home, and this would amount to a further £260 of savings. When added together I should be getting a return of around 9.5%, which I think is pretty good when compared to any other investment these days! I also agree with Steve’s comments about adding value to your property. I am sure that a prospective buyer would be happy to hear that the house they are interested in buying will actually generate cash for them and may in fact make their house close to being energy cost neutral. I would agree that you should do your homework before making the decision to go ahead with an installation, but if you speak to those that have gone through the experience, and get recommendations of good quality Solar PV companies, then I am sure you will be satisfied with the result. Andy Brown |
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|
"Feed-in Tariffs". -2/4/11 In response to "name supplied" ; we've had our solar PV for 12 months; the total cost was £9800 for a 1.92KW peak system; so far we've had two payments into our bank account totalling £950 (we've generated nearly 2000 KWHrs - average of ) . This is tax free - and will increase in line with inflation every year. We also saved approx £300 on our electricity bill. Total "income" in the past 12 months was therefore £1250. This represents a whopping 13% return on our capital investment. But maybe it was a good year . That's why my original msg on the 30th April stated a more sluggish 8-10% return as the expected "norm" . But as "name supplied" is suggesting - I'm also sure there are cowboys who overcharge on systems; hence my offer of neighbourly advice - should you want it . Sjoerd 241707 |
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| What
Museum - 2/4/11 Sadly it doesn't exist although appears to have been a project since 1995. Go to: http://www.faringdon.org/llcharities.htm and scroll to Faringdon Museum. Name Supplied |
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| What
Museum - 1/4/11 As an archaeologist who lives in Faringdon, this is the first I've heard of a local museum. I would be interested to know more information. If you have anything to tell me about it, then please contact me through this website. Name supplied |
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|
"Feed-in Tariffs". -1/4/11 I write in response to the recent letter (name supplied) written after an earlier letter from Sjoerd . I am not sure where some of the figures quoted come from but they are at variance with my experience. An average price for a solar PV system is around £5K per kilowatt peak., According to government figures a typical 2KW peak installation will generate 1800KWh in a year worth about £850, a return of 8.5%, somewhat better than the quoted 3%. In the six weeks since we had our system commissioned our lowest daily output is 2KWh and that was on a day which was completely overcast all day. Our maximum is over 20 units and the average is over 10 and that's in winter. I accept that March was quite a sunny month but even so these figures make the quoted figure of 2KWh per day look incredibly conservative - either that or the writer is expecting a very dull summer! Logically, how could the authorities hope to encourage early adoption of solar PV if the rate of return was only 3%. Please remember also that the 8.5% quoted above is tax-free, will rise with inflation and does not take account of the cost saving on your electricity bills as you use your own power. At this stage we can't know what the effect of a solar PV installation will be on house prices but simple economics says that an asset which generates a guaranteed and rising income stream must be worth more than one without it. As for aesthetics, a regular arrangement of panels on the roof is not the eyesore that some people might think and it's all in a very good cause - saving the planet. Steve Perry |
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| New
people at the Bell - 1/4/11 There are new people in the bell there is a new menu and now doing tapas tables and chairs outside the front. we are doing kids menus carvery on a Sunday 12 till 2 might have to book for carvery good beer and tea +coffee and cake will be homemade cake. restraint out the back good for party's weddings etc. so come on in have fun it is mothers day on Sunday treat your mother to a carvery. Simon Tovey |
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| Big
Society grants from Oxfordshire County Council -
1/4/11 The county council has set up a £600,000 fund to which communities can make bids for start-up funding for service provision they may wish to undertake in their local area. This can include but does not have to be restricted to taking on responsibility for libraries and youth facilities that the county council regrettably has to propose to cease funding as a result of severe cuts in grant funding. http://portal.oxfordshire.gov.uk/content/public/oxfordshirepartnership/newsletter/OPnewsletter_March11.htm#item3 |
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