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| Operation Christmas Child
- 31/8/09 Meet every Monday at the United Church, 2pm Wrapping shoe boxes, making up craft and stationery packs, dressing dolls, etc etc Tea and chat too Ann Jerome, 01367 241566 |
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| Trustworthy electrician? -
30/8/09 Please can anyone recommend a qualified and trustworthy electrician in Faringdon?? Dave McCallum |
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| Re Chinese Food lovers
beware - 30/8/09 Its been like that for nearly 20 years no one else cares. Or are you running out of things to moan about? Where does it say that they have to provide forks. Youve bought the food and decided you didnt want it thats your problem. Name Supplied |
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| Chinese Food lovers -
30/8/09 could have used your fingers! How do you eat fish and chips straight out of the Chippy?. We were given a set of cutlery. Personally, I find Mings, minging. Mayflower, good Colin |
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| GO Cycling in the Vale of White Horse -
30/8/09 A fun and supportive cycling experience for beginner adult cyclists(16+) who want to gain confidence and skills for cycling both on and off road. It is possible to bring children (8 yeras and over) but please note that adults are responsible for them FARINGDON LEISURE CENTRE, FERNHAM ROAD, FARINGDON, SN7 7LB COST £1 children ride for free!! Please bring a snack, water and helmet. Limited places so please book today! Contact Anna Capel-Davies, GO Active Coordinator for the Vale, anna.capel-davies@whitehorsedc.gov.uk, 01235 540369 ED(GW) I went to todays session - very helpful for someone like me who hasn't ridden a bike for ages- I can use some of my 21 gears now!! |
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| Market Place-
30/8/09 Just out of interest, I scrolled through the TP archive (May - July 04) to see that the general disgruntled view of the Market Place 'improvements' has hardly changed in the last five years. My own opinion is that it isnt so much bad/inconsiderate drivers that are the problem as confused ones. Consider the following. 1.I arrive at the Corn Exchange end of Cornmarket (from Gloucester Street). I can't see what is approaching from London Street. I'm half way along the narrow bit - because there was nothing at the other end - and there is a convoy behind me. A large van appears, coming twards me beside the chemist. The van has priority but there isn't room for it to pass. What am I supposed to do? 2. I wait at the Corn Exchange end of Cornmarket - because I can see a bus about to turn towards me, but I am intending to turn left towards Witney. The bus driver can see me and waits to turn, beckoning me forward, but he doesn't know that I am intending to turn left; then what - do I stay where I am, attempt to signal my intentions to him (how?) and cause the bus driver and everyone else to become impatient; do I drive forward and go up the service road illegally, or do I come forward through Cornmarket and then get stuck because there is insufficient room for me to turn left/the bus to turn right?. 3. I am on my way to Witney from Swindon. I negotiate Cornmarket and turn left towards the church. As I turn a car reverses from a parking place, say, level with the Market Restaurant. There is a stationary car waiting to reverse into the vacant space. I must stop. There are several cars behind me, and a bus waiting to turn right from the service road. A car approaches from the church end of the Market Place and starts to pass the portwell, because...it has priority. The reversing car has nowhere to go, since there is another car waiting to reverse into the vacant space, blocking his way down. Everyone stops. Had the pavement by the Portwell not been inappropriately widened we would all have room to manoeuvre. In those scenarios there is no inconsiderate driving, but much confusion. Everyone does what they think to be the right thing, but the ambiguous priority signs and lack of space on the narrowed carriageways give rise to uncertainty and irritation - which in turn causes bad judgement. Confused Driver |
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| Market Place/Merlin-
30/8/09 Just because the market place is not unattractive is not a good reason to say that the new layout isn't awful. Next time I nearly get hit by a car ignoring the fact I have right of way, it won't be much consolation that the surroundings aren't bad." I think this obliquely hits the nail on the head - the problem with the Market Place is not the focus on aesthetics over road layout, but more to do with the fact that people are appalling drivers, and completely ignore the VERY clear 'Give Way' road signs, rather than poor road layout/design. Perhaps the Highway Code Theory test is too easy?! If you see a car turning right from Church Lane (and they are CLEARLY visible), DON'T go past the 'Give Way' line until they have passed you, rather than chancing it and meeting at the narrowest point and beeping your horn at the oncoming traffic (who have right of way). Bus, SUV, White Van & Royal Mail drivers, I am particularly looking at YOU! Re. the Merlin - I love that they then reported that tree-encounter as a 'precautionary landing', rather than a near-collision! Perhaps they should try navigating the Market Place, that should sharpen their 'driving' skills ;) They often use that particular field for landing practice; whilst driving past it every other morning for the last two years, a sneaky chopper has caused me several near hedge-collisions on that corner, when buzzed very low by helicopters barely clearing the hedge (and often dropping personnel out on ropes whilst hovering - rather them than me!). Takes you by surprise every time... I am not complaining, as it is a significant improvement to living under the Heathrow flight path, and decidedly quieter and more interesting! Name Supplied |
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| Faringdon lovers of Chinese Food
beware!!! - 29/8/09 Whilst out and about this Saturday evening, I became peckish for some Chinese food. Sadly, Mings was closed over the bank holiday, so I ventured up the hill to the Mayflower. What a mistake. After ordering and paying for my food, I politely asked for chopsticks. No can do, apparently. I then asked for a fork. No luck there, either. I enquired whether I could use any of the chef's utensils, but was refused this too. I explained that this rendered my meal inedible, and was greeted by a blank stare as if this was my problem. What poor customer service. The food was duly left on the counter and I headed off to find something I could eat with my fingers - without even an offer of a refund! Hopefully a subsequent customer with the foresight to carry a set of chopsticks around benefitted from a free dinner. No wonder Mings has a queue of customers five deep each time I walk past. Name Supplied |
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| Market Place -
28/8/09 Just because the market place is not unattractive is not a good reason to say that the new layout isn't awful. Next time I nearly get hit by a car ignoring the fact I have right of way, it won't be much consolation that the surroundings aren't bad. I also must say I chuckled at Mrs England complaining about being criticised in an anonymous posting on this forum, when as recently ago as March this year, she or one of her friends did the exact same thing to someone else. "What goes around comes around" perhaps? Sue Denim |
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| Councillors in the Stocks-
20/8/09 Councillors will be in the stocks in the Crown between 1.30pm and 2.30pm on Heritage Day. Sponges will be sold for people to throw in aid of the Folly Trust. Faringdon TIC |
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| Totally agree with Athena
myself - 28/8/09 I think why certain other dont find it a huge problem is because they have there staff go there instead of them,eg there gardener to get there newspaper. Well done and just because there is bigger problems outside of are only little world does not mean we can comment on own smaller problems. Yours sincerly Name Supplied |
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| Re Merlin landing in Faringdon fields
- 27/8/09 Funny that - on my daily journey from Faringdon to Uffington on Monday evening I came across a helicopter in a field at the Baulking Road end junction and a team of chaps clearing what to me looked like a rather large partially fallen tree obstructing the road. As I slowed down I became aware of the noise from the rotors that made me realise a helicopter was uncomfortably close by - and when I looked to my left there it was - maybe it clipped the tree on its way down. The cows in the field were not happy! I actually see a lot of military helicopters landing in these fields, especially on dark winter nights, the only give away being the noise and the lights. Makes you wonder doesn't it! Next time maybe I should stop and ask! Name Supplied |
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| Congratulations Athena -
27/8/09 Your phrase "put the aesthetic cart before the functional horse" sums up the problem of our Market Place perfectly. I wish I had thought of it (and in the future I may well claim I did.) HGM ED(GW) I like it too |
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| Market Place - 28/8/09
My initial post seems to have been somewhat misinterpreted. Perhaps I should have called it "Market Place/Cornmarket new road layout and its consequenses" The quaintness of the town, the stunning buildings, the philanthropic townspeople, (including Ms England who has always done her best for the town), and their good works are not in dispute; and completely irrelevant to the topic. As for not being able to see the wood for the trees, surely attention to the trees makes a well managed wood. The purpose of design, be it industrial, packaging, graphic, architectural, or in this case Market-Place layout, is primarily to enhance functionality, and secondly to be aesthetically pleasing. It simply seems like whoever was responsible for the design of the new layout put the aesthetic cart before the functional horse. Maybe with hindsight some modifications might be made. Athena |
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| French Market 6th Sept-
CANCELLED - 26/8/09 The French organisers of the market send their apologies and we are currently discussing another date later in the year...more on this later. Thanks |
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| Market Place - 24/8/09
For what it's worth, I think Dee's right, and those people who are having a pop at her, or at the Market Place, are in danger of being seen as small-minded as well as failing to see the the wood for the trees. We're very fortunate to have some stunning market town architecture in Faringdon. The Market Place itself is almost completely unspoiled. It may have some practical bad points but it also has some good bits, and perhaps we're at fault for not plumbing its true potential As Dee pointed out, there are many good people in Faringdon who have given up their time to make the town a better place, and they're actually doing quite a good job. I like the Market Place - it's not perfect, but then there's something that's quite endearing and eccentric about the fact that it isn't, that I think suits Faringdon rather well So next time you're stuck in one of those Market Place jams, my advice is to sit back and enjoy the fact that it's actually not such a bad place to be. Tom Allen-Stevens |
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| Donation? - Vacuum cleaner for the Folly
- 25/8/09 Has anyone got a Vac to give to the Folly - ours has packed up - all those stairs!! Thanks very much - in anticipation Gene Webb |
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| Merlin landing in Faringdon fields
- 24/8/09 A news article on tonight's BBC Oxford News (TV) mentioned that a Merlin helicopter from RAF Benson had to execute a 'precautionary' landing in a Faringdon field this afternoon (Monday). Any idea of where it was? They are certainly flying lower and closer to the houses than they used to - thankfully this one landed in a field and not in a back yard! Name supplied |
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| THANKYOU, Thankyou -
24/8/09 I would like to publically thank the lovely lady that brought us out an umbrella on Friday in the sudden downpour. It may only seem a little thing, but it does make me wonder whether it would happen in other places. I'm glad my children are being brought up in this community. Sherrie |
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| Keen Knitter -
23/8/09 Aeons ago, sometime in the early-mid 1970s the Sunday Times published a free knitting pattern for a beautiful aran sweater with a sheaf-of-corn pattern on the front. I think it may have been illustrated on the front of the magazine A long shot, I know, but if there is anyone out there who remembers this, or even better, still has a pattern, please can they get in touch? - (just contact the website) HT |
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| Out of Hours GP service -
23/8/09 I had to call the out of hours service last night 0845 345 8995., and was advised to make a doctors appointment for this morning. The on call doctor in Witney prescribed some anti histamine. Thank goodness for the Faringdon Pharmacy in London St - open 0900-1305 on a Sunday morning (Boots is closed all day Sunday), as well as 0700 - 2300 on every other day of the week. While I was waiting for my prescription I noticed they have quite a few good priced items too. See http://www.faringdon.org/hhhealth1.htm for details Name Supplied |
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| Pressure washer free to good home.
- 23/8/09 I have 2 pressure washers, the free one is a working model with a healthy length of high pressure hose and a good cleaning lance for cleaning. It does work but needs a little tlc. As I have another, rather than landfill it; its free to anyone that cares to pick it up from Faringdon. contact at kebab10@hotmail.co.uk |
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| OH Deer! - 23/8/09 It seems that a "Name Supplied" has struck a nerve in an ex-Town Mayor... In fact two nerves. So to clarify: 1..Our Town Mayor, past or present, is not directly involved in decisions made by Council Committees but does have a casting vote so must, most of the time, be aware of any decisions taken. 2..Posters on this site use "Name Supplied" or pseudonyms for two main reasons. The first is fear of getting a brick through a window or a car keyed, this is not the same as cowardice. And the second is Modesty. D is saddened by comments offered under the Name Supplied banner so would be devastated to know that I have used 26 pen names.........so far, simply because I am fundamentally a shy, retiring person with no desire for the fame associated, for example, with public office.. Finally everyone always has the option of maintaining a dignified silence if they do not wish to be part of the, often childish but usually amusing, badinage which is the corner stone of this parochial website. Long may it prosper Power to the People (Whoops 27) |
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| Faringdon ? Beautiful ? -
21/8/09 Some people say that Faringdon is beautiful. I don't agree... for beautiful... IT AIN'T. Ask anyone who LIVES here what they think of it. The kindest comment might be that....IT'S QUAINT. Car Owning Resident. |
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| Live Music @ the Crown -
21/8/09 Friday 21st August - PHIL BAKER DUO Saturday 22nd August - JACK DAVIES Both events free entry and are 9pm - Late Great drinks offers..... Fantastic Night to be had by all |
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| Market Place - 21/8/09
I was not directly involved in market place refurbishment. It a shame that the person responded didnt have the courage to put name to response. Dee England |
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| Thankyou first responders
- 20/8/09 I just want to say thank you to the First Responders who came to my aid so quickly on tuesday night and to everyone that helped my son, who is back to his cheeky self. many thanks laura Ed(GW) I have figures that indicate ambulance reponse times for Faringdon are nowhere near the nationwide 75% target. Without our excellent first responders we would be in trouble! |
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| For Dee England re Market
Place - 21/8/09 So we need to look further afield. Why? I LIVE here and would like to be able to navigate around the town in a manner that befits a market town and not a badly designed one by an absentee non caring landlord. Why should we have to put up with illegal parking, misuse of disabled bays and bus lanes and the everyday saga with the buses trying to negotiate a very poorly set out turning area for said vehicles. It should have been sorted out by our elected councillors at the planning stages and not the subject of some debate on a public forum. No, look at the mess that WE have created and THEN we could help out others ONCE ours are sorted. Colin |
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| Reply to Dee England. -
21/8/09 Was Dee England anything to do with the planning which at the moment is occupying the minds of a large part of our community ? ...Just a thought. Taking her advice I look further afield as I do every morning. I see troops being killed needlessly, I see Politicians abusing their expenses, I see the NHS falling apart, I see many people suffering real financial hardship, I see children being tortured and killed...the list is literally endless but all these earth shattering problems have one thing in common. Neither I nor anyone else in Faringdon can do anything about them. I prefer to stay in my box and comment on things in my home town where there is a chance, albeit a small one, that someone might take notice. Name Supplied |
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| Does your house have an interesting history or
features? - 20/8/09 Faringdons Heritage open day is on Sunday 13th September 1000-1600. ( see nvwhatson.htm) There are many, many activities planned - we're hoping that locals as well as people from further afield all come on the day, where the rich history and culture of Faringdon will be evident. There'll be something for all the family- fun things as well. Visitors will be encouraged to walk around our town. We would love it if householders put some information about their house in a front window- it needn't be lengthy - maybe just the age of the house, former uses (pub? shop? church?), existing original features (& photo if internal?) - whatever you think would be of interest Thankyou Sally at the TIC |
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| Ploughing practice wanted
- 20/8/09 I have a Massey Ferguson TEF with conventional plough, and I intend to be a passable Ploughman one day. I need some space for practice; if anyone can help with the offer of a field I would be grateful. Please call Pat, on 01367-244101. Many thanks. |
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| The Market Place -
20/8/09 Folks of all the troubles going on around the world we have folks moaning about the layout of our town centre. Faringdon is a beautiful market town with many groups working hard to make it a better place to live. Come out of your boxes and look further afield. Dee England |
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| Thank you, Eds.-
20/8/09 Every morning my first port of call at my computer is my Emails. I then quickly go to Talking Points.... I have even been known to make the occasional modest contribution myself. As a child, before going to a party, my mother would remind me to say "Thank you for having me" and my dad would add "If you are going to be sick go outside" Bearing in mind my mother's advice and ignoring, as I usually did, my dad's...... Ladies, thank you, yet again, for providing this website. Sometimes it has all the excitement of a church noticeboard and sometimes the views expressed leave me wondering if the posters are serious but always I enjoy reading them. I am particularly impressed by the recent Colour Coding System which makes it easier to skim through subjects which don't interest me. So, Ladies, on behalf of myself and all those many readers who were not as well brought up as what I was..... Thank you for having me ! HGM Ed(GW) Thanks HRM- I wish there were more regular contributors like you |
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| Knock the Planners Week !
- 20/8/09 It seems we are now into yet another round of criticisms of our Market Place and Police Force. It isn't the first time this has happened and I don't imagine it will be the last so I think it's time that someone defended these local organisations Throughout the country many attempts have been made to reduce deaths caused by speeding drivers. Sleeping policemen( No dig at out local force intended), chicanes, flashing speed warnings and of course the ever increasing and lucrative speed cameras. Our Council, ever careful with our Council Tax, decided that none of these was totally cost effective and six years ago they came up with The Restricted Flow Plan. This was not widely publicised as it was felt, quite correctly, that there might be public opposition. The result is the present Market Place layout and it has proved to be an unqualified success. Athena, Lord Haw Haw and Names Supplied must admit that they have never seen anyone speeding in The Restricted Flow area as the average speed is slightly less than that recorded in 1843 when transport was usually 1 HP. For reasons which are hidden in the mists of time there is a special dispensation for drivers using the Bus Route. But seriously folks! Why do we never hear any comments from our Councillors ? Why do the Local Police ignore those drivers who make the rest of us law abiding (for the most part) drivers feel like spineless idiots ? Law Abiding Spineless Idiot |
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| ReThe Market Place -
20/8/09 Is Market Place really so bad? It seems to me that inconsiderate motorists create problems for other road users (and pedestrians), just as they did before the changes were made. And as for the area only being used a couple of times a year - what about the Farmers' and French Market days and the welcome presence of the fruit & veg stall? Sheila |
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| ReThe Market Place -
18/8/09 I was one of those caught up in the "logjam" in the Market Place and I saw a Range Rover drive up the Bus Lane. I also see daily, cars belonging to able bodied drivers parked in the disabled bays, London Street is a park and no display car park, Swan Lane double yellows are ignored, cars park across the pavement in Church Street, the waiting restrictions are ignored in the Market Place, and yes you dont have to look hard to see untaxed cars. Report them as abandoned and they may be moved. I have had a couple of successes in that respect so give it a go. And yes overall, the Market Place is a shambles. Lord HawHaw Ed(GW) Perhaps it's time the police told the council of the problems it's causing- perhaps they have? Could local police comment? Report abandoned cars via http://www.whitehorsedc.gov.uk/website/report_it.asp?formTypeCode=AV |
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| ReThe Market Place -
18/8/09 I have to agree with Athena on the "improvements" to the Square, when it was first muted, there was considerable opposition, most people I knew said NO. The plan went away, Hurrah! We've won! No we hadn't, six months later up it floats to the rim of the bowl, again the process of consultation, again the answer was probably no, I say probably as I do not have access to those records, if indeed there are any. Again it all went quiet. But, some considerable time later when the wreched work began, I was speaking to a gentleman involved with the Faringdon Health-Check of the time, said person happily told me that during the consultation there had been NO objections to the plan. Well I had, the wife had, a large number of our friends had, so what happened to our objections? Obviously not the right answer. A bit like the Irish referendum. Mike Perks |
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| The Market Place: Worst of All
Worlds - 17/8/09 Athena I understand your views regarding the cso / police . I have been reporting a car for no tax and park illegally in faringdon in park road the golden vw golf on the left coming into town. After reporting it the police said they would go round to owner and ask them to remove it. But wait for it,this is the very best bit after to talking to a dog walker, it would seem the owner is non other that a police officer I wondered why nowt was done. We have no hope of law enforcement . Your sincerely Name Supplied Ed(GW) Belongs to a police officer? Unlikely I think ....are any local police officers likely to own and leave an uninsured car on Park Road? I dont think so. |
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| The Market Place: Worst of All
Worlds - 17/8/09 At approximately three thirty this afternoon I was stuck in a stationary line of traffic in the Market Place, facing up towards the church. A similar line of stationary traffic was waiting to come down through the Market Place, and was stuck up beyond the portwell. The reason for the hold up was a stationary car, waiting on the carriageway for a parked car to reverse out of a space outside the Pump House. As I sat there I saw a community support officer stroll past the Pump House. He stopped and observed the traffic for a minute or two, then carried on, completely ignoring the silver four wheeled drive vehicle which had driven the wrong way up the slip road and which was waiting to turn up towards the church. Eventually the traffic moved, and I drove round the corner into Church Street, where I was able to see this myopic young man ignore a car parked completely across the pavement on the opposite side of the road to Swan Lane, which was as far as he went before turning back towards the Market Place. It seems we now have the worst of all worlds. We have been saddled with a poorly planned and executed Market Place. The crossing places give rise to confusion for both pedestrians and drivers. There is often insufficient room for vehicles to pass when turning into Cornmarket from Market Place, and vice versa. The signage at each end of Cornmarket is inexact and confusing, and simply ignores the fact that traffic in Gloucester Street cannot see what is approaching from the other end. To avoid inextricable situations involving drivers who wish to turn left into Market Place when a large vehicle is trying to turn into Cornmarket from Market Place, sometimes the only exit strategy is to go illegally the wrong way up the slip road. The general reduction in parking has led drivers who wish to make very short trips to shops in London Street, to park illegally on double yellow lines; thus effectively turning it into a one way street. Normally the illegal parking is ignored. My observation is not a one-off. Every day I see some form of traffic hold up in the town centre, caused primarily by the poorly thought-out planning. Every day I see illegally parked vehicles. That the CSOs/police are unable or unwilling to enforce the traffic regulations is testament to the dilemma they face. Strictly speaking the parked cars and those using the slip road illegally should be booked. This is often unreasonable, however, given the impossibly frustrating situation for traffic passing through the town centre, but the lack of enforcement is maddening for the normally law abiding, considerate drivers and anyone booked for minor misdemeanors elsewhere. The town centre may look 'pretty' and make a jolly venue for everyone to stand around in for the one or two days a year of festival; but it is impractical, illogical and simply doesn't work. Can we not have some modifications? Athena |
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| Help with photocopying and
lamination - 17/8/09 I've got some Folly posters that I'd like to have laminated to display in the (fairly damp) Folly tower. They are non standard sizes, but with a big enough colour photocopier (A2) could be reduced, to simplify the lamination Can any businesses out there help? Thanks v much Gene Webb |
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| Lost Cat. -
16/8/09 Ginger and white long-haired tabby named Leon. He roams the woods behind the library (Faringdon Estate) at times but has been missing for almost 10 days. He is a very handsome cat and very friendly so he may have found a new "home" but we would very much like him back! If you have seen or know anything about our beloved pet, please contact Andrea Porter at 01367242408 |
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| Faringdon Photos - 16/8/09 It's interesting to see the photo's of Faringdon as supplied by John and Julia Strevens. One small change though. The McCarthy & Stone retirement buildings as shown in Swan Lane is actually affordable housing also built by McCarthy & Stone called 'Granary Mews' and is situated to the entrance of the the retirement development in Swan Lane. Anne Ed(GW) Thankyou- I'll change it. For those who haven't found the photos see http://faringdon.org/hy%20mapsandphotos.htm |
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| Returned: One Disney
Cinderella Doll - 14/8/09 Thank you very much to the lovely lady who made my daughter very happy. Hope you enjoy the chocolates!!!! Name Supplied |
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| Regarding the Portwell. -
14/8/09 Your readers who are interested in the developments at Portwell House can find out more on the Faringdon Chamber of Commerce website http://www.focusonfaringdon.co.uk/faringdon-chamber-news?start=1 Jane Haynes |
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| Dear impoverished -
14/8/09 I think the best way to deal with this is for me to invite you to our next jam Club Free event, which is on friday 4th Sept at 8pm in the Corn Exchange. Where this can be resolved. Sam Prince. |
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| Lost: One Disney
Cinderella Doll - 14/8/09 On the afternoon of 13th August at Tuckers Park She is a much loved soft dolly with a blue dress and yellow hair. My 3 year old daughter took her to the park on the back of her elder sister's bike and at bedtime she was nowhere to be found. Please call Bev on 07740427529 if you have found her. It will make my little girl very happy! |
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| Wiki Faringdon -
13/8/09 I've just found this http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Faringdon |
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| Sign the Petition re live
music - 11/8/09 There is a petition at number10.gov.uk about live music at venues and the restrictions and anomalies therein (which as you can see below are somewhat ludicrous). The details of the petition are :- "Under the Licensing Act, a performance by one musician in a bar, restaurant, school or hospital not licensed for live music could lead to a criminal prosecution of those organising the event. Even a piano may count as a licensable 'entertainment facility'. By contrast, amplified big screen broadcast entertainment is exempt. The government says the Act is necessary to control noise nuisance, crime, disorder and public safety, even though other laws already deal with those risks. Musicians warned the Act would harm small events. About 50% of bars and 75% of restaurants have no live music permission. Obtaining permission for the mildest live music remains costly and time-consuming. In May, the Culture, Media and Sport Committee recommended exemptions for venues up to 200 capacity and for unamplified performance by one or two musicians. The Government said NO. But those exemptions would restore some fairness in the regulation of live music and encourage grassroots venues http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/livemusicevents/ The last one received 80.000 signatures - and yet that was ignored. Presumably this one needs at least that amount. If you agree with this email, it would be great if you could copy and circulate it. |
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| Allotment alert! -
11/8/09 My father has had his allotment decimated over in Chilton near Harwell. This was not an act of vandalism as a large amount of produce was taken, cabbages(his best in 60 years), potatoes, onions, beans etc. He also had polytunnels stolen so just be aware, he is only 17miles away and if there's some dispicable individual prepared to steal some produce from an old man whos allotment is his life, then that sad specimen will travel to Faringdon! Please be vigilant. David Keeble |
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| English Sword Dance team?-
11/8/09 Does anyone have any information about the Faringdon Sword Dance team? I work for BBC Oxford and we'd love to hear more about it. Can you phone me on 01865 889099 or email oxford@bbc.co.uk with any more details and contacts. Thank you, Sinead Carroll BBC Oxford |
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| Re-whisky cost- 11/8/09
Reason I did not complain at the time is because I have not bought drinks at a function like that in a long time (cue comments on length of arms/depth of pockets!) and I thought it was normal. I know enough to know a good whisky is expensive, so I didn't quibble. How much should it have been? Can I claim my money back? :) Impoverished |
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| Regarding the Portwell. -
11/8/09 I have been trying to find one of the mysterious yet angelic shareholders of the Portwell to bend their ear regarding the future plans. My twopenneth is worthless as I do not have the money to buy a reasonable share and air my views in the proper way at the shareholders meeting. However, and for what its worth, these are my talking points: The Bar. Wouldn't it would be fantastic to have the bar open again; keeping variety, choice and competition in the town centre. However, plans must not fall into the trap of offering more of the same. There are plenty places where you can go and have a quiet pint, a noisy pint, a live band, pub games, watch sport or eat cheap pub grub. What the centre need is something more: somewhere women are welcome, somewhere with a classy interior, somewhere there is always ice, limes and lemons and where there is a choice of good gin. Perhaps a cocktail hour with tapas, and a decent selection of worldly bottled beers, great unobtrusive music selection and where you receive service with a smile whether you are a regular, old friend or just popping in for the first time. In short; a great bar. Please bring back an intelligent quiz, where the question master clearly knows their stuff and entertains banter with the customers. The Bistro. There are already a number of places to eat in town from modern British, Thai, Indian and the ubiquitous pub grub. Do something different, keep it simple, do it well. Soups? Salads? Pie and mash? Sausages? Vegetarian? Wholesome, hearty, healthy, somewhere to take the family? The parents? Somewhere to laze with a bottle of red? Somewhere fuelled by relaxed conversation rather than buy one get one free? I look forward to dining out and having a drink in Faringdon's latest offering when the building reopens. I'm no Angel |
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| Update on Ken Stickley -
11/8/09 We went up to see Ken a couple of weeks ago. Physically he looks thin and fragile but otherwise relatively healthy, but he's now very old mentally; so much so that visitors do easily upset his routines and throw him into a panic. On previous visits he immediately recognised us, but not this time, and he didn't really want to make eye contact. In many ways he's now more settled however - which is also easier on the staff! He's been moved downstairs which is much better, and is now right next to the communal areas, where he also has his meals. The staff encourage him to leave his room - which he's comfortable doing, but again he then does keep to himself. In short - I'm really not sure that visiting Ken is actually the best way for us to keep in touch. What he DOES still enjoy is POSTCARDS! The staff read them to him - and this really perks him up. And teddy bears... So - Do drop him a postcard, especially when you're on holiday! His address is : Ken Stickley Brooklands, 14 Dashwood Road, Banbury, OX16 5HD 01295 268522 http://www.carehome.co.uk/carehome.cfm/searchazref/20001055BROB Karen, Sjoerd & Barnaby |
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| Portwell Bar and Bistro -
10/8/09 Does anyone know what is happening here? Scaffolding has gone up and also it looks like the basement is applying for a premises licence? Intrigued of Faringdon |
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| English Sword Dance team?
- 10/8/09 Hello, I am interested in the sword dancing team. Pls can you let me know how to get in contact. Thank you. Name Supplied Ed(GW) Contact organiser on 01367 241180. |
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| Dear impoverished -
10/8/09 If you were charged that much for a single grouse,(an interesting and apt word)I must apologize for this obvious mistake. The question is, why did you not complain at the time? Sam Prince |
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| Bunnyfoot – Participants Sought for Paid Market
Research (Harwell) - 10/8/09 Have you ever wanted to tell your local radio station what you REALLY think of their jingles? How about telling your bank how confusing their website is, or your preferred online supermarket just how annoying all their flash advertisements are? Well, here’s your chance … Bunnyfoot, based on the Harwell Campus at Chilton, are looking for members of the public, like you, who would be interested in hearing about market research opportunities taking place online, over the phone or at our offices. Most of our projects involve an incentive of some kind (for example, a one hour website testing session at one of our offices pays around £30 cash, often more. A telephone interview might offer a cheque payment and most of our online surveys offer you the chance to win something lovely in return for your time. It only takes a few minutes to sign up to our database of local participants, if you’re interested, please click below to be taken through to our website, where you’ll find further information about Bunnyfield (the recruitment side of Bunnyfoot), and the all-important sign up form: www.bunnyfield.com/signup/ … and if you like the sound of us, please ask your family and friends to sign up too. |
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| Sylvia Crack?? -
10/8/09 Does anyone know what has become of Sylvia Crack? She was residing at The Lodge on Church Street, Faringdon. A letter has not been answered and I tried to call her but the recording said, "The number you have dialed is unallocated." Ms. Crack, who was elderly, may have recently passed away. I've been trying to find an obituary or other info on her. Thank you. Bob Canning California |
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| Harvest at Wicklesham -
9/8/09
Isn't it great that the sun is shining again? Wheat harvest has started in earnest at Wicklesham Farm, just south of the A420 at the Park Road roundabout. Do come up if you'd like to see the action - the mighty combine is quite a sight. But it won't be here for long, as, weather permitting, it zips through at quite a pace. While you're here, drop in to Little Lodge Farm Shop for more info about the farm (and of course please treat yourself to home-made ice cream, cakes, etc, etc). We've just opened two Nature trails - parts of the farm not usually open to the public but we reckon take in some of the best bits. These will be open at weekends only and dogs must be kept on a lead. This is to give nesting birds and other wildlife the privacy they need. Again, there's more info at Little Lodge. Look forward to seeing you soon at Little Lodge or on the farm and swapping ideas and stories. Don't leave it too late, though - summer won't last forever! Tom Allen Stevens |
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| Re Madd - 8/8/09
Sam Prince says "All profit from the income the bar generates is put back into events" At one private function I attended, I bought a single measure of Grouse for my partner, and it cost £4.50. So this is how he can afford to make MADD events free! Impoverished! |
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| Faringdon Arts Festival -
7/8/09 I need to be very clear about the future of the Faringdon Arts Festival. Both Julie Farmer and I (along with many others) have volunteered considerable time and effort over the past six years to stage the Faringdon Arts Festival. Julie and I are now stepping aside. I’d like to thank those who have already volunteered to help with next year’s event but I must stress that what we are seeking are people to take over the full organisational role. Julie and I will not be involved so if an organiser/s does/do not come forward there will be NO event next year. Recent postings and publications would suggest there are many out there with lots of good ideas on how to take the event forward so maybe now is the time to grab the opportunity. If you’d like to contact me please email david@reynolds46.fsnet.co.uk or call 0771 421 8825. David Reynolds Chairman Faringdon Arts Festival |
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| FREE Wellbeing Day -
7/8/09 We would like to invite you all to a Wellbeing event on the morning of Monday 5th October, between 10:30am-1:30pm, at the Corn Exchange, Faringdon, SN7 7JA. As well as providing information about local health and social services, and maintaining good physical and mental health, we will be providing refreshments and an opportunity for you to take time out for a while, rest and relax. We will have different areas within the hall so our guests can listen, read, learn, or give us their feedback and views, but in an entirely informal way. The event is free and everyone is welcome. The event is hosted by us but we hope to also have Oxfordshire Primary Care Trust, Oxfordshire County Council, The Vale of White Horse District Council as well as many other organisations join us to share information about the services they provide. This is an open drop-in session, so you are very welcome to join us anytime between 10:30am and 1:00pm. As well as various giveaways and a free raffle, there will be optional taster sessions for the visitors throughout the day, including free hand massages, Tai Chi demonstrations and tips for exercising at home. Refreshments will be available free of charge. If you'd like to come along and want more information please contact Emma Heath on emma.heath@obmh.nhs.uk or 01865 782191. Also contact Emma if you're a local group and you want to tell people about your activities Otherwise, please feel free to just drop in and enjoy the day. We look forward to seeing you then. |
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| Your views on transport in Oxfordshire -
tell the County - 7/8/09 Oxfordshire County Council has started to develop the county’s third Local Transport Plan (LTP3). Previously only a five year document, this LTP will cover a twenty year period, supporting our Sustainable Community Strategy, Oxfordshire 2030, and responding to the strategic objectives of the economy, community, climate change and reducing deprivation. LTP3 is due to be approved in January 2011 and will come into effect in April 2011. As part of the development of LTP3 consultation will be undertaken at various points between now and autumn/winter 2010. Consultation is currently taking place on the objectives for the Plan and you are invited to give your views on the draft objectives by taking part in the online survey at www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/ltpconsultation before 4 September 2009. Further information on LTP3 and the various stages of consultation will be given in the next edition of the Oxfordshire Partnership newsletter. You may also wish to visit the county council’s website at www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/ltp, email the LTP team at localtransportplan@oxfordshire.gov.uk or telephone 01865 815546 (Joanne Clegg) or 815659 (Roger O’Neill). Ed(GW): It's a very short survey about their transport objectives. It's a tick box survey but gives an opportunity to enter your views at the end. It's very high level - what struck me was that there appeared to be no differentiation afor rural and urban areas. - but maybe that's thought about later |
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| Employment info on VWHDC
site - 7/8/09 Have a look at http://www.whitehorsedc.gov.uk/Business/Business_advice_and_support/Employment.asp VWHDC have gathered together a number of employment sites on their website |
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| New performance venue -
7/8/09 Please take a look at the following page if you would like a little more info about the proposed performance venue. Any feed back will be welcome. http://www.focusonfaringdon.co.uk/community-area/faringdon-area-project/50-performance-venue Please do pass on this information and let me have any feedback. I believe that this will be a major project for Faringdon and one that will assist wealth and prosperity in the future – but one that we will have to fight hard to pull off. Nick Elwell |
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| It was free,don't ask me how they do
it - 7/8/09 In reply to Al Cane in his review of Cajun sounds at the Corn Exchange.("It was free,don't ask me how they do it.) M.A.D.D. is a not for profit organization. It's aim is to promote Music, Dance and Drama within Faringdon. to fund this M.A.D.D. applied for the Franchise of the bar at the Corn Exchange. This was agreed on and we are now in our second year. All profit from the income the bar generates is put back into events like the Cajun dances, the blues nights and soon to be open mic sessions on Tuesday nights. Our bar prices are kept low and when possible we have some excellent local beer on tap. In short we rely on people using the Corn Exchange, not only at our events but through the hiring of the hall and using our bar. You help to keep this volunteer staffed organization alive. Look foward to seeing you at our next event which is the Jam Club Blues night with, "Grapevine Blues" on Friday Sept 4th. Thank you for your support. Sam Prince www.maddfaringdon.co.uk |
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| PRE-FAB 4 - 7/8/09 Playing tonight (Friday) @ The Old Crown 9pm - Late Free Entry as always Kate Emmery |
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| Sound Limiter -
6/8/09 In reply to Scots comments on the Corn Exchange limiter. I must apologize for not thanking him for his observations about the old limiter. It all helped in convincing the council to replace it. We are now learning how to opperate within these limits. Sam Prince (M.A.D.D.) |
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| More Culture for
Faringdon -6/8/09 The obvious widespread interest in the Faringdon Arts Festival and the suggestion that Sword Dancing may soon be part of the Faringdon Cultural Scene encourages me to ask for sponsorship for the ìðëå ðåôáëïýäá Greek Dancers. Traditionally their dance culminates in the smashing of up to 200 white 10" dinner plates. If anyone is prepared to donate sufficient plates for a minimum of 5 appearances I may be able to persuade them to perform in the Corn Exchange Regrettably the sound limiter may have to be turned off. Name Supplied |
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| Free electric blanket safety
checks - 5/8/09 There are free safety checks for electric blankets at Faringdon Fire Station on 9th October. Tests must be booked by telephoning 01865 815607 or emailing trading.standards@oxfordshire.gov.uk |
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| Sound Limiter in the square.... What a good
idea - 5/8/09 I did discuss that with the environmental health prior to this years bash, but agreed to let it slip till next year, pending phoning the 'out of hours noise complaint number'. Which is 01235 524888, should anyone need it. Name Supplied |
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| Faringdon Community awards
- 5/8/09 The Deadline for The Faringdon Community Awards is this Friday. Please call into the Community and Tourist Information Centre to nominate your community hero, best community group and business. Finalist will be announced on September 1st when voting will commence. On a seperate note - I have just visited the Town Park to see if we could use it for Heritage Day events. I pass by the park every day and never really take the time to sit in it or even take a good look. What a delightful space it is! Very well kept - I will certainly be eating my lucnh there in the future. We are very lucky to have it in the town centre. Sally Thurston sally@faringdontowncouncil.gov.uk |
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| English Sword Dance team?
- 5/8/09 I am trying to get an English Sword Dance team formed in Faringdon. These dances come from the northeast of the country, but like other forms of Traditional dance are danced all around the world. I would be gratefull if you could mention my aim on your website. Steve Parker 01367 241180. |
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| Faringdon Arts festival -
5/8/09 Hello I think Al's comments were pretty valid really, as there isn't really much to do apart from drink and watch bands. Now while I enjoy this I know that there are many that don't, so why not just rename it the Faringdon Music Festival? Let's face it, that's what the event is. Why not just concentrate on its strengths: music and alfresco fun? I know of at least two artists who felt that the surroundings that weekend were not ideal for exhibiting their work (one in the Pump Rooms and the other in the Town Hall), so how about running a seperate Art Festival and Music Festival on different weekends? It's an excellent weekend and should really stay in the town as anyone with a brain can see the added custom it brings to the pubs and the supermarket. Sticking it in the park will wipe out all of that extra revenue. I've certainly got some ideas for next year's event and am happy to help Dave organise it. Thanks Ray |
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| To Millets on the Community
Bus - 4/8/09 We still have seats available on the Community Bus trip to Millets Farm on Thursday afternoon. The bus departs at 1.30pm from the Market place. Tickets are £4.05 for adults(Children under 16 travel 1/2 price). They can be purchased at Faringdon Community and Tourist Information Centre. tic@faringdontowncouncil.gov.uk |
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| Re Faringdon Arts festival
critique - 4/8/09 Perhaps we could install a sound Limiter in the square too !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! As the MADD Team seem to be happy now Thanks to my Investigation about the old Limiter and my post on talking points No Honestly Town Council or MADD or even the residents of gloucester st no need to thank me for finding this out for you it all in a days work and in the community spirit Scott Gildert |
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| Re Faringdon Arts festival
critique - 3/8/09 The music may for a short period, over the 3 days, have had an attendance . But the amount of locals who were sick to death of the continual 'drone', because of the high volume and bass of the PA system, far exceeded any visitors who could be bothered to turn out. Do not cancel the event, but why not relocate to the Folly Park or away from built up areas. Maybe this explains why many towns do not put on this type of event, because it is antisocial to the people who actually LIVE HERE. Jo Rewley |
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| Faringdon Arts festival
critique - 2/8/09 Dear Sue Lind Thank you for your comments (below) with regards to the article in the Faringdon Folly. I will be honest I was a little perplexed at the comments. Julie Farmer |
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| Faringdon Arts festival
critique - 2/8/09 An interesting response to my 'critique' of the arts festival in this month's Folly from Sue Lind. In fact it was not an attack on the festival or the people running it, who I know spent a great deal of their own time voluntarily to make it happen. They deserve credit. If I had disliked it so much I wouldn't have submitted a full page of my photos from the event inside the paper. My piece was an attempt to stimulate some debate on the future of the festival, my opinions were also informed by talking to several people around the event who shared similar views. I hold to my view that the event needs refreshing and should aim to provide wider provision of the arts catering for different tastes and age groups. Of course that takes new people to come forward with their ideas and the energy to help realize them. Some funding would help too. On reflection perhaps the heading for my piece should have been 'Thank you for the music' instead. Al Cane |
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| Nil Desperandum SC -
1/8/09 Simon Cook may write to his local Councillors asking for help in removing the hoardings gracing the main route into Faringdon but to be honest (not easy for me) they may not actually do anything as they must have given planning permission for their erection. (Mustn't they ?) Even I find it hard to believe that these flammable structures have been built only 200ms from a petrol station but I am sure that this respectable site is never visited by Pyromaniacs and their location will have been carefully checked (at great expense) by the 'Elf and Safety Directorate I am still looking for favourable comments about my leader but am open to suggestions before he resumes his arduous duties in just over 2 months time SLS |
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| Little Lodge farm shop -
1/8/09 My grandchildren visited the farm shop on saturday and enjoyed the walk, feed the chickens and was greeted with enthusiasum. It is a breath of freshair.Hope that it will expand in the future. Thankyou for making the wet day feel enjoyable to the children Dee England |
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Faringdon Arts festival critique - 1/8/09 I have just read Al Cane's critique of the recent Faringdon Arts Festival with a great deal of sadness (Faringdon Folly). It came across not as a critique but as a side-swipe of snippy comments which serve no useful purpose other than to hint at the writer's hidden agenda. We are fortunate in Faringdon in having people who are prepared to put in a huge amount of effort to organise something which brings the town together over one weekend of the year. It brings the town alive, there is no trouble and the audience often consists of generations of the same family all out in the square having a good time. Mr Cane appears to be at issue with the use of the word Art. Art is subjective, what is art to one is dross to another. Some observers will look at a photograph and see a marvel, others will look at the same photograph and see an out of focus orgy of self indulgence. That is their prerogative. As Mr Cane has now put his head above the parapet, perhaps the organisers can expect a free flow of ideas from him on how to improve the event in future. Don't hold you breath guys. This event is organised by volunteers and is free. The performers & contributors are people of this town. The audience is made up of Faringdon people. In criticising the event he is criticising every single one of us who organised, performed or simply turned out to watch. To Julie, David & the others involved, perhaps this is Mr Cane's way of volunteering to organise the 'artistic'side of the Festival in future. Very few towns of this size can boast an event of this nature. No it's not perfect. But nothing ever is. Always looking for the negative is not the way to'improve' it. It's the way to lose it. Sue Lund |
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| For previous Talking Point entries- going back to April 2002 - go to Talking Points Archive |
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