Faringdon News & Views

faringdon-online community web site home	talking points
	may 2011

Tesco Appeal - 30/5/11 The appeal meeting starts on Wednesday 1st at Sudbury House, 1000. I think if you want to speak you have to be there at the beginning, when they will be setting the timetable Gene Webb
Ginger cat - 29/5/11 If anyone in the Coxwell St area has lost a ginger cat with a red collar, please contact me at 20 Coxwell St. Jane Boulton
Army penpals - 29/5/11 Don't know if anybody is interested but I have recently seen this website which sets up links similar to a penpal network, with squaddies serving away from home. It means that we can send parcels to make their time easier and to offer them our support. Anyone interested, please give this website a look. We have our details after registering last night, and are already thinking up ideas for our parcels. www.adoptasquaddie.co.uk Thank you for reading this post, I hope some of you can help. Sherrie
Face Painter found part 2 - 27/5/11 Thanks to Alex Myers for responding. As stated, one has been found via a mums website and very reasonable. Could'nt believe the prices the some were hoping to get. Best part of £100 for a couple of hours work. Anyway, ta. Colin
Photographic Competition - 26/5/11 Due to unforseen circumstances, the photographic competition - Faringdon - No Ordinary Town will not now take place. Photo Group
Faringdon Radio - 26/5/11 The new show (22nd May) on Faringdon Radio is now out (forgot to tell everyone). This show features interview about the Faringdon Thursday Memorial Cup and the Farmers market. Music from: Lucilu Mammoth and the Drum Little Fish www.faringdonradio.com Sean Hodgson
Chorus Singing in Swindon, 10th June- 26/5/11 Partners Theatre Company are inviting all singers (and would be singers) to come and join in the recording of the chorus on our fund-raising single. Mp3 and lyrics sent in advance. Rehearsal, recording and filming on stage at the Wyvern Theatre, Friday 10 June, 9.45-1pm. Info: Kath 01608 811293, Helen 01793 520318 reachinclusive3@btconnect.com Charity No: 1116680Co. Ltd. by Guarantee 5421272
Photos for the 2012 calendar wanted - 26/5/11 It is the lovely time of year when I start putting together the 2012 Faringdon Calendar. If you have any photographs you think may be suitable please send them to sally@faringsontowncouncil.gov.uk Photographs preferably need to be landscape and of Faringdon or the surrounding countryside. Any photographers used get a credit and a free calendar. I can’t wait to see this year’s entries! Thank you Sally Thurston Faringdon TIC sally@faringdontowncouncil.gov.uk
Face Painter - 26/5/11 Smiley Faces face painting, local and experienced and very good! Can be contacted via their Facebook page or on 07776 271791 Alex Myers
Face Painter found - 26/5/11 One has now been found. No response at all from the request made on this site. Lady advertising on “Gumtree” on the Oxford site was hoping to charge £78 PLUS travelling time from Oxford! Shocking. Lady from Carterton has now been found who will charge £25-30 all in. Better. Colin
Face Painter wanted - 25/5/11 Been let down with a facepainting artist for a childs birthday party. Does anybody know of a local artist who can do 20-30 children? Please leave details on site. Party will be at the Corn Exchange. Name supplied.
Temp Bus stops- 24/5/11 I'm being a pedant but how does a bus turn right from Coxwell Road into Park Road? They have no communal junction. It is, of course, possible to turn right from Coxwell Street into Station road. Name Supplied
Voice perform again in Faringdon – a major new collaboration- 24/5/11 The concert will be held at The Blessed Hugh Catholic church in Marlborough Street and tickets at £10 (£8 concessions) . The young a cappella trio, “Voice” return to Faringdon . The programme will include a new work composed by Marcus Davidson entitled “The Ziggurat Builders”. This is a collaboration between Voice, Khyam Allami, a successful young ’Ud player, and cellist Tara Franks. “The Ziggurat Builders” is an English translation of a poem by the Iraqi Assyrian poet Sargon Boulus. The music draws on the unique sounds of Voice and Khyam Allami and brings together performing traditions from east and west. This composition is the first time that the combination of three voices, cello and ‘Ud has been explored. Voice have performed to great acclaim in Faringdon previously, singing in All Saints Church as part of the 2007 Faringdon Arts Festival and, in February this year for their Festival of Candlemas programme, again at All Saints. Their music spans a diverse range from the medieval chant of Hildegard of Bingen, through to European and American folk, and up to twenty-first century compositions. Khyam Allami is an exciting new artist who has performed in Europe, the Middle East and the UK including WOMAD and the BBC Proms in 2010. This is a great opportunity for us to hear him in Faringdon. Information on Khyam’s work is at: http://www.khyamallami.com/site/ The concert in June will be held at The Blessed Hugh Catholic church in Marlborough Street and tickets at £10 (£8 concessions) are now available from the Faringdon Tourist Information Centre and from The Nut Tree in the Market Place. This is sure to be a very popular event and you would be wise to book early. To see and hear more about Voice, visit their website, http://www.voicetrio.co.uk Further information from: Julia Burn email: julia@theburns.name and Steve Wright email: steviewright@tiscali.co.uk
Temp Bus stops - update- 23/5/11 I have contacted both Oxfordshire County Council and Stagecoach and received email replies to say they have sorted out the problem with the temporary bus stop and this should now be being served by the 66 bus as planned. It seems that bus drivers were told not to linger in Gloucester Street so as not to cause congestion and they thought this meant to avoid it all together. I just hope that the Vale of White Horse planners become aware of it as it shows how capable Gloucester Street is of taking heavy traffic doesn't it? Katrina Campbell
Temp Bus stops - 23/5/11 If you are going to catch a 66 using the temporary bus stop in Gloucester - be warned! The 66s are turning straight from Coxwell Road into Park Road (or the reverse) and are missing out this stop altogether. If it hadn't have been for a friendly 67 driver (from a totally different company) telling us about this, the small crowd of passengers this morning would have missed our bus. Not happy. Katrina Campbell
The Caldicot Welsh Male Voice Choir with Guest Soloist 4th June - 22/5/11 All Saints Church, Faringdon. Adult: £12. Concessions: £I0. Tickets limited so book early! Refreshments available in the interval. Proceeds to Maggie's Cancer Support Charity (Oxford) & other Rotary-supported charities Tickets available from: Barclays Bank, Market Place, Faringdon The Bell Hotel, Faringdon 01367 240534 Tourist lnformation Centre, Faringdon & District Rotary members Nigel Lee,Fernham 01367 82 1076 Email: nigelandally @talktalk.net or info@faringdonrotaryclub.org
King and Queen- good food - 20/5/11 Jane and I had a really nice meal at the King and Queen at Longcot yesterday evening. Nice friendly welcome from the new landlady. The food and beer was excellent quality and good value for money. Well worth a visit. Gof Smith
Corn Exchange completion?- 20/5/11 Does anyone know when the Corn Exchange refurbishment will be finished?" Name Supplied
Road Closure in the Market Place - 20/5/11 I believe it is to finish the gas works that were started last year. See FTC Planning and Highways Minutes 19/04/11. Jane Boulton (FTC)
VWHDC Council elects new Chairman and Leader - 20/5/11 The Vale of White Horse District Council last night (18.05.11) elected Councillor Alison Thomson, Cllr for Faringdon and the Coxwells, as its new Chairman and Councillor Sue Marchant, Cllr for Grove, as Vice Chairman. Cllr Thomson has served on the council since 1999 and takes over from Beth Fleming. The new chairman’s chosen charities for the year are Help for Heroes and South and Vale Carers. Councillor Thompson said: “I am delighted to step into the role of Chairman for Vale of White Horse District Council and really look forward to the year ahead. It will be a big change from being a councillor just in Faringdon and the Coxwells.” Council also elected a new leader, Councillor Matthew Barber, who represents the Hanneys Ward, and has been the Conservative leader since 2009. Cllr Barber said: "This is a significant change for the council and I am delighted to be taking up the role as leader. We have already started to put our ambitious plans in place and will give a new direction to the Vale of White Horse, working with local people and businesses to strengthen our economy and our communities." A new cabinet was also elected to replace the old executive. The new cabinet is: Matthew Barber Conservative Cllr for Hanneys Ward Leader, Corporate Strategy, Finance Roger Cox Conservative Cllr for Faringdon and the Coxwells Ward Planning & Housing Yvonne Constance Conservative Cllr for Craven Ward Legal & Democratic, Customer Services Reg Waite Conservative Cllr for Harwell Ward Commercial Services Elaine Ware Conservative Cllr for Shrivenham Ward Economy & Leisure
Buscot Fun run - 18/5/11 Enter for the Buscot Park Fun Run online at: http://www.faringdonrotaryclub.co.uk/page14.htm
Dead flowers - 18/5/11 Definitely a sign of the times Sheila. Back in 1685 there would have been dead bodies hanging outside the site of 'Thanks a Bunch' clearly marked JJ was here… Name supplied
Road Closure in the Market Place - 18/5/11 Re earlier posting Oxon County Council website (http://voyager.oxfordshire.gov.uk/networkdetail.aspx?t=incident&r=651488013&x=428873&y=195565&s=Moderate&format=xhtml) now give this information: Description Stagecoach and RH Transport services will use a temporary stop located on Gloucester Street Location The Faringdon Community Bus will now stop at The Bell rather than at The Crown View on map Severity Moderate Incident date\time 23/05/11 00:00 Anticipated end date\time 28/05/11 00:00 Diversion route None But still no clues as to why. It comes under the category of 'incident' rather than 'roadworks' if that means anything? Nigel
Town Council elections results - 18/5/11 It may be that these things naturally get lost in the mists of time but it still remains a mystery to me what the voter turn out and the number of spoilt ballot papers were in the Faringdon Town Council election? These would be an indicator of support in an election that has not been held for a long time The link supplied was detailed by each candidate but gave no indication as to overall percentage turn out or number of spoilt papers. Do the FTC publish this information? It is possible I have missed it but have tried in vain to find it on their website... Name Supplied
Dead flowers - 18/5/11 Are the hanging baskets of dead plants outside the Crown a sign of the times? Sheila
re Good Double glazing wanted - 18/5/11 We used Nicky Ponting and have recommended him to several friends and acquaintances as we were very pleased with the work and the people who did the work. After 2 previous dodgy experiences (not in Faringdon), they restored our faith in the double glazing industry. E-mail nick@nickpontingwindows.wanadoo.co.uk, website www.nickponting.com, phone 01367 718009, mobile 07747 782113, address – Poverty Cottage, The Walls, Stanford in the Vale, SN7 8LP Name Supplied
re Good Double glazing wanted - 18/5/11 Thank you very much for the info and recommendations. I'll check them out. Name supplied
re Good Double glazing wanted - 18/5/11 We used Nick ponting of Stanford in the Vale ( 01367-718009 or 07747-782113) for our most recent double glazing. Very good workmanship,polite and clean and tidy. He has a website for more details. Regards Mark
Waitrose application deferred - 18/5/11 The application was due to be considered on 25th May. It has been put back- presumably because VWHDC has lots of new(conservative) councillors that need to get up to speed. Ihttp://planning.whitehorsedc.gov.uk/publicaccess/tdc/DcApplication/application_detailview.aspx?caseno=LFVVQQBY0G300 has not been updated yet Gene Webb
Road Closure in the Market Place - 17/5/11 Does anyone know why? I've looked on the County website- can't find anything. I assume it mean buses will not go into the Market Place during this period Gene Webb
Blue plaque for the Crown - 16/5/11 Further to the note on Talking Points, it is quite likely that Judge Jeffries passed through Faringdon probably in 1685 when he led a series of trials called “The Bloody Assizes” which started at Winchester that year in the aftermath of the Battle of Sedgemoor which ended the Monmouth Rebellion. Jeffreys returned to London after the Assizes to report to King James. He rewarded him by making him Lord Chancellor (at an age of only 40), 'For the many eminent and faithful services to the Crown'. Jeffreys became known as "the hanging judge After the Glorious Revolution Jeffreys was incarcerated in the Tower of London where he died in 1689, the cause of death probably due to his chronic medical history of kidney and bladder stones leading to an acute infection, kidney failure and possibly toxemia. There’s quite a bit on the internet about him but he wasn’t a very nice man by all accounts. Mel Lane
re Good Double glazing wanted - 16/5/11 Countryside Conservatories in Highworth fitted our uPVC windows earlier this year and were excellent. They may not be the very cheapest, but their prices were reasonable and the quality of work (and how tidy they were) were top notch. They also fitted our conservatory for us last year, and were fantastic. I have heard that the I. V. Florists in Shrivenham also own a double glazing firm - which has been recommend to us by others. I think they're pretty cheap. Hope this helps Name supplied
Good Double glazing wanted - 15/5/11 Can anyone recommend a decent double glazing company? Preferably one that hasn’t been interrogated by Anne Robinson or chased up the road by Matt Albright or Dominic Littlewood… The internet reviews, or to be more specific, horror stories, regarding the work of most national UK glazing companies, are not very encouraging. Name supplied
Blue plaque for the Crown - 15/5/11 I am trying to get a blue plaque for the Old Crown re the Hanging Judge - Judge Jeffries who held his court in the Old Crown. I understand the executions took place outside what is now Thanks a Bunch. I have been unable to find what date he held this court and why he was in Faringdon. I'd be very grateful for information. Margaret Barker
Buscot Fun run - 15/5/11 Faringdon & District Rotary Club date for Buscot Park Fun Run this year is Sunday 3 July, Mike Bell
Community Message from Thames Valley Police.- 14/5/11 BURGLARY IN FARINGDON Between Tuesday 10th May and Wednesday 11th May a property in Church Street, Faringdon was subject to a burglary. Offender or offenders have forced ground floor window. 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 URN 280 of the 11th May. Message ends.
Is there a Buscot Fun run this year? - 13/5/11 Anyone know if they are doing the Buscot fun run this year? Kirsty Philips
Loud music - 13/5/11 Whilst I cannot condone the exercising of dogs on the school fields the previous poster raises a valuable point regarding those people engaged in loud and entertaining activities. People opening their windows during hot weather is disgraceful and any form of noise, at even a reasonable hour, in our town is completely unacceptable. The other day my silent, lonely BBQ was interrupted by the distant strains of "Two fat ladies…. Eighty Eight!" coming from the Corn Exchange. It is events like these that bring nothing but trouble to our town and spoil the peace and quiet for all of us. I for one shall be starting a crusade of complaint to get this sort of thing banned. P.I. John
Rehearsal Room/Hall Hire - 13/5/11 Does anyone know of a rehearsal room/hall for hire in Faringdon that my band could use for three hours once a week? We are also looking for a new singer, we play blues/rock covers & original material so some lyric writing would be required. http://www.youtube.com/user/cjh8047 If interested please e-mail me at cjh8047@gofast.co.uk Chris Harbert
Ballroom music - 12/5/11 Its what all the kids listen to nowadays. Name Supplied
Loud music - 11/5/11 Recently when walking my dog in the playing fields near the Community College I have heard really loud music coming from the leisure centre sports hall. It's really awful old-fashioned ballroom dance-type music but played so loud you can hear it at the other end of the fields. Has the Leisure Centre started ballroom lessons for the hard-of-hearing? I can't imagine why else anyone would need to play this music so loud you can hear it outside the building. I am surprized no one has raised this with environmental health. Rachel Gibbons
Willow wanted - 11/5/11 Does anybody know where I could get hold of some long willow tree branches, for a childrens project I am doing? Please e mail me on steve.leech@oxfordarch.co.uk
Town Council elections results - 10/5/11 Dear Ed, The previous poster, (as I write this) asked for the breakdown results for the Town Council election. The response given, only indicates the votes cast for a candidate, not the number of returned ballot papers or the number of spoilt papers. As these are always recorded, where can that data be obtained? Mike Perks
This is a Community Message from Thames Valley Police. - 11/5/11 GOOD NEWS On Thursday 5th May an Agricultural Compound in Abingdon was subject to theft of plant. High value plant had been stolen. Quick thinking employees stopped the offenders and the Police were called. Karl Barrett D.O.B 02/07/1986 of No Fixed Abode and Michael Joyce D.O.B 27/02/1990 of Redbridge Hollow were charged and remanded to Oxford Magistrates Court on Friday 6th May. On Friday 6th May at Oxford Magistrates Court Karl Barrett was sentenced to 5 months imprisonment and Michael Joyce is bailed to Oxford Magistrates for the 5th August with conditions.
Town Council elections results - 10/5/11 Thanks to Al Cane for enlightening us all on the FTC election. A very close fought election with only 3 votes in it. I do hope no one drops out or it will have been rather a waste of time. Does anyone know the percentage turnout and the number of ballot papers spoilt in protest? It does look like almost 10,000 people voted which sounds like a very good turnout to me. I can find nothing more about the results on the FTC website, perhaps someone can post a link if I have missed them Name Supplied ED(GW) see http://www.southoxon.gov.uk/java/support/Main.jsp?MODULE=ElectionResultsParish&NAME=Great Faringdon
Faringdon Folly- Radio Oxford- 10th May- 10/5/11 http://www.bbc.co.uk/oxford/programmes/schedules/2011/05/10 If you want to just hear the bits about the Folly and Faringdon, fast forward to: 51 mins 1hr 24 mins 1hr 49 mins 2hrs 34 mins 2hrs 49 mins
Faringdon Radio - 10/5/11 The latest Faringdon Radio show is now available to download - hear about the Pink Pigeons Trust, The circus in Town (not a real circus) and Gene from Faringdon.org..and 3 wonderful new songs Sean www.faringdonradio.com If any one or a club/organisation wants to contribute to the show please get in touch with us. Sean Hodgman
Town Council elections results - 10/5/11 For those who hadn't yet found out the results of last week's town council elections they were: elected Roger Cox 1187 (12.35%), Margaret Barker 768 (7.99%), Alan Hickmore 768 (7.99%), Steve Leniec 714 (7.43%) Jack Smith 686 (7.14%), Mike Wise 663 ( 6.9%), Julie Farmer 660 (6.87%), Tony White 634 (6.6%), David Price 573 (5.96%), Jane Boulton 566 (5.89%), David Keeble 554 (5.76%), Nick O'Keeffe 484 (5.04%), Karen Draper 466 (4.85%), and Andrew Marsden 446 (4.64%) and very narrowly not elected was Robert Purdie 443 (4.61%). Al Cane
Pavements are for people...- 9/5/11 ...but not in London Street!
Faringdon Folly- Radio Oxford- 10th May - 9/5/11 People from Faringdon talking about the Folly on the Phil Gayle program 0700-1000
Chorus Singing - 8/5/11 Partners Theatre Company are inviting all singers (and would be singers) to come and join in the recording of the chorus on our fund-raising single. Mp3 and lyrics sent in advance. Rehearsal, recording and filming on stage at the Wyvern Theatre, Friday 10 June, 9.45-1pm. Info: Kath 01608 811293, Helen 01793 520318 reachinclusive3@btconnect.com Charity No: 1116680Co. Ltd. by Guarantee 5421272 Reach have decided that the world, well Swindon anyway! is ready for a specially composed single, recorded at the Wyvern Theatre, led by our disabled theatre company 'Partners'. We would love to be joined by loads of local choirs. The recording will take place on the 10th June during the morning and we really are aiming to fill the auditorium and stage area with people and with song. When we have completed the recording the single will then be ready for sale to the public and the launch date will coincide with The Big Arts Day at Lydiard Park on the 9th July, when we will perform the single again, joined we hope, by many of those who will have taken part in the recording. We will appear on the main performance stage, during the afternoon. Reach hope that you can join us and feel part of what we hope will be a real community event, one that will be truly inclusive involving a broad range of local organisations, many minority groups as well as interested individuals. If you think that your choir would be available on this date and you would like to hear the music and receive a copy of the music please let me know.
Names Supplied- 8/7/11 Years ago, on this site, there was a contributor nicknamed the ‘Folly Cat’ Here is as good a justification as any for remaining anonymous. Paws for thought: “On anonymity” Miaou! – I am the Folly Cat and appositely named, at that by HGM (or AKA); anonymous, I slip away. ‘Name supplied’ but not revealed I wear my false face like a shield, fending off the angry slights that anonymity ignites. For in this town, I’ve varied roles in furtherance of many goals. I might be neighbour, child or spouse in bungalow, or flat, or house. Professional, or artisan; hermaphrodite, or woman, man. But, truth to tell, though rage be vent I merely relish argument. No disguised agenda, me who pens my case in secrecy. So, just recall when next you write with scorn, and irony and spite – ‘He who writes and runs away Will live to write another day’ name supplied
Union Flag on Folly Tower - 7/5/11 Thank you for your kind comments regarding the 24x12ft and a 12x6ft union flags. They needed an airing, having been in a trunk for nearly 25 years! Thanks to Tony Tarry and Ed.,helping. Luckily the large flag just fitted between the two water chutes, around the tower. We were very aware of how to display the flag. Depending on which way it was viewed, the broad white band was at the top! (In absolute fairness, when positioning it, we hung it with the broad white band, to OUR top left)! ---- Well, we might get it "right"? another time. To stop any criticism we should have hung it vertically. --- But that would, most probably, be against another cardinal rule! ---- I rest my case! Irrespective, they did look good, didn't they. Regards, Ian Smith, Grove Lodge.
Re Shopping sorted- 7/5/11 Of course it was tongue in cheek...Faringdon is dying...any fool can see that, with the demise of Davis Home Centre it will soon be dead. trying to hang on to a long forgotten past way of life wont bring Faringdon back to life, it has to be dragged kicking and screaming into the present, whether right of wrong, the car dictates where we go, and where we shop, free, easy parking without having to remember your number plate will always win, when it was up for sale, was the land behind Davis’s ever considered for a free car park?....the road could have been made one way to ease traffic problems,and it would have made up for the destruction and loss of parking caused by the ridiculous “ improvements” that was forced upon us several years ago. Even the bus and coach drivers loathe coming into the town centre now because of that “tongue in cheek” bit of planning. I personally think with the way things are going, less and less people will use the pay and display car parks during the daytime anyway, nothing for them to come here for, so eventually they will become free as it will no longer to be cost effective to patrol them, then, you might see people coming back, but by then, it will probably be to late. James Horton.
Re Shopping sorted- 7/5/11 Jane, who "we", what "listed buildings", which problem? Name Supplied
Shoddy Standards - 7/5/11 Whilst a few take pride in the appearance of their premises, some business premises around the market square area are letting the others down. It takes little effort to tidy displays, clean windows, wash off dirt and sweep the pavement; a little more effort to attend to flaking paintwork and apply a fresh lick of paint. Could the town council and Chamber of Commerce set an expected standard and chase up those who do not meet it? Name Supplied
IFaringdon Attractions and shopping - 7/5/11 Imagine: a comprehensive shopping complex in Park Road blending sympathically with the town's attractive parkland, with retail unit priority given to existing town traders. That the Park Road area is designated for industrial development should not be a concern once the establishment of Tesco sets the precedent. Imagine then: the town market square as a living museum and tourist attraction. Name Supplied
re wanting water at the folly- 7/5/11 i here budgens have plenty of water to give to all needed as there guttering collapsed today name supplied
Re Shopping sorted- 6/5/11 I do realise this was tongue in cheek. If we could pull down listed buildings we wouldn't have a problem. Have you looked at Sudbury House? Jane Boulton.
Corn Exchange - 6/5/11 Like many other Faringdonians I had my first viewing of the newly refurbished Corn Exchange when I headed down to vote yesterday. I was extremely surprised and disappointed to see that various paperwork relating to the elections had been pinned to the brand new plaster work with drawing pins (in all four corners) and that other signs had been stuck to the lovely new paint-work with long strips of sellotape which is bound to rip the new paint off the wood almost as soon as it has been put there. Is it not everyone's responsibility to look after this building and try to keep it looking presentable? Would anyone do this in their house if they'd just paid vast amounts of money to have it redecorated?! Just pure lack of thought and common sense from those responsible. Sorry, but just felt compelled to say something and this seemed to be the most sensible place to say it! On another issue, I think the reason that many people choose to remain anonymous on this site is that there are some truly vitriolic people out there who wouldn't hesitate to hound someone about the opinions they express. Not everyone wants this sort of confrontation in their everyday lives...it's not cowardice, it's just a right to lead a peaceful existence in my honest opinion! Name Supplied
Election Results for Faringdon and The Coxwells - 6/5/11 Elected Roger Cox Conservative 1389 Alison Thomson Conservative 1386 Mohinder Singh Kainth Conservative 1174 Not Elected Alan Hickmore Labour 716 Stephen Peter Leniec Labour 680 Jack Smith Labour 615 Jean Kent Liberal Democrats 263 John Hudson Liberal Democrats 245 Peter Kent Liberal Democrats 203 http://www.whitehorsedc.gov.uk/about_your_council/elections_electoral_registration/elections_in_the_vale.asp The conservatives are now the majority party in the Vale
Shopping sorted- 5/5/11 I have been reading all the posts for several months now about who wants what shop, and where they want it to be placed, all very emotive stuff,some interesting, some boring, some even making sense, however I have come up with the perfect solution to everyone's problem, now this is a bit radicle, but bare with me and lets take a little walk outside the box, it’s ok, I’ll hold your hand.....right..Sudbury House Hotel is up for sale..............how about getting one of the interested parties involved to buy it.....knock it down....and build a nice supermarket in it’s place...there would be a huge free car park, out of towner’s could shop, then wander down to the town, the remaining Hotels would find bookings improve, the free bus could pick up and drop off there, car owners could drive to it without having to face placard waving residents.....in fact I can’t see a down side..........can you?.......righty ho!..must dash..I have the rest of the Country to sort out.........Mr Cameron...a word................ James Horton.
Desperate for water!!! - 4/5/11 Not me- the new turf at the Folly and the camomile that was planted today. Maybe it will rain later in the week, maybe it will miss us again- so just in case I'm asking eveyone who goes to the Folly to take as much water as they can and water first the camomile in the pie, and pour any spare over the very brown turf. THANKYOU Gene Webb
Faringdon Flashmob Hallelujah the video- on youtube - 3/5/11 See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v9LrS4d46wk . Many thanks to Gary Bates for putting together the video; to Dave Porter for the audio; and to everyone else who helped make it happen. It was fun! If you enjoy the video, please donate to Macmillan Cancer Support by going to : http://is.gd/flashmobbudgens .
Why so many Name Supplied - 3/5/11 Most of us prefer the anonymity of "Name Supplied " and the reason isn't lack of courage. Just old fashioned British modesty. Name Supplied
Re Name Supplied - 3/5/11 I mostly publish my name when I reply, but as a Town Councillor (at least until Thursday) I have been pulled up as sometimes people think a posting from a Town Councillor constitutes the opinion of the whole TC when it doesn't. I don't know why other people post incognito, but sometimes I do to be able to put my own point of view across without the wrong impression. Jane Boulton (FTC)
Planting camomile on the Pie at the Folly- 4th May- 3/5/11 16.30 Everyone welcome. If you want to join in bring a trowel and a bottle of water (to water in your plant) Please bring aas much water as you can - it's desperately dry up there Gene Webb www.faringdonfolly.org.uk
Why so many Name Supplied - 2/5/11 Why do so many of your correspondents lack the courage of their convictions by withholding their identity? It seems such a cowardly thing to do and it reduces the value of their statements. Geoffrey and Carolyn Williams
Town Council Elections - 2/5/11 A shortened version of my thumbnail 'sketch' of the Town Council hustings. The full version will appear in the Folly newspaper which is available from Tuesday. This is just about the candidates for the town council election on Thursday 5 May. 15 candidates, 14 votes So of the 13, eleven were already councillors and were standing again, and there were a few new faces. In reverse alphabetical order they sat and gave their two minute speeches, rigidly timed by the chairman. Former Mayor Mike Wise was on first saying he was passionate about Faringdon, (a phrase we'd hear a few times tonight), then there was newcomer Tony White, a landscape gardener and standing for Labour, who wanted to put something back into the town. Next up was prospective district and town councillor Jack Smith, the youngest on the stage, another Labour Party man, who felt that he had a fresh pair of eyes. Next along was David Price, chair of the Venues Committee, who had overseen the refurbishment of the Corn Exchange and talked about improving other civic facilities and pulling down the old social club. He also wanted 20mph speed limits around the schools. Detective Nick O'Keeffe, already a councillor, was interested in the as yet unpublished Localism Bill and how local councils could have more say over their locality. Andrew Marsden had been a councillor for four years and is known as the VAT and customs man, this being his area of expertise on the council. Then there was Steve Leniec, the man from Eaton Hastings, proud of his agricultural trade union credentials and Labour connections. He had been chairman of the finance committee for a few years and had been instrumental in taking decisions for the town to take over the Corn Exchange, the Tourist Information Centre and the proposed employment of possibly Oxfordshire's only youth worker. Also standing for the district. David Keeble was next in the firing line, not afraid to stand his ground or voice his opinion, he had been a councillor governor at the Junior School for a couple of years and has lived in the town for 20. He has no desire to see the town grow any bigger. Then the loud presence of Alan Hickmore, a councillor for many years and the man with most to say. He reeled off a long list of what he had done, what he belonged to and how he was a defender of Faringdon from the heathen hordes from Abingdon. Probably his most noteworthy role is his chairmanship of the Planning Committee, there's not much that gets past him. Also standing for the district under Labour colours. Moving along to Julie Farmer, who has been a councillor for two years or so, formerly helped run the Arts Festival and is involved with the Area Partnership.Already a district councillor for the Tories and standing again is Roger Cox, who stresses his experience on many committees, and sees himself as a link between town and Vale. Chairman of Governors of the Infant School and a member of the Traffic Advisory Group, amongst other things. Only three more to go, firstly councillor Jane Boulton who cares about the play areas and the provision of allotments , Councillor and retiring mayor Margaret Barker, who swears allegiance to Faringdon, professes independence and promotes her green credentials. One of her planks is more local housing for local people. Because she was unable to attend for reasons given a statement by the final candidate Karen Draper was read out by Jane Boulton. She attended Tollington School, has brought up children as a single parent, and is chair of the Sovereign Vale Housing Association. No word from the final candidate Mr Purdie as he was not present. Al Cane
Hustings Meeting - 2/5/11 Robert Purdie was not present because of illness in France His message arrived too late for the meeting. Name Supplied
Faringdon Flashmob - 2/5/11 Gary Bates posted in Choral flash mob S England. Here it is ! http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=10150232995684468&oid=170270416339579&comments Its still not as polished as i would have liked but my PC refuses to run the aspect ratio convertion so some of the pics are a bit squished. Apologies also to David Stevens. Your lovely HD video has been mangled to get it to edit into a project with mobile phone quality cameras. Hope you like it Gary ED(GW) Easter Saturday 23rd in Budgens
Oxfordshire Artweeks Exhibitions - 2/5/11 Details of local Artweeks activities over the next couple of weeks involving members of the Faringdon Art Society can be found here: http://www.faringdonartsociety.org.uk/exhibitions.html#artweeks. Come and meet the artists and watch them at work. Also this month in the White Horse Bookshop there is an exhibition by Shelagh Baxter and in the Portwell Angel an exhibition by June Adams. Please drop in and support these local artists. Tivon Rivers
FREE Ante Natal Class in Faringdon 14th May - 1/5/11 Faringdon Family Centre, 10.00-12.00 For both parents Free, but donations to cover refreshments are welcome Run by an experienced midwife who can offer advice and answer your questions Please call Margaret Broadberry on 01367 242661 or Family Centre 01367 242432 to register your interest Organised and sponsored by Faringdon Area Project Health Group

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