Faringdon Artistic skating Club -
30/4/10
Congratulations to Georgina Howe who came 2nd in the Youth
Championships.
Faringdon skate club is growing with more skaters now
training in Faringdon
Skating is a good form of fitness for all ages and
all standands.
Classes for beginners saturday 9am to 10am
Dee
England
|
Faringdon Arts Festival Photographic
competition - 30/4/10
http://www.focusonfaringdon.co.uk/arts/187-photography-competition
Nick
Elwell
More Arts Festival information on
Facebook
|
New bus
timetable - 30/4/10.
I too. welcome the new and
improved bus service as a positive step for our town.
I was certainly not
implying any ulterior motive in my last post - I had just forgotten the Bloor
Homes aspect and had maybe come to the wrong conclusion
Jill Dean
|
New bus
timetable - 29/4/10.
I think 'Park Road development'
relates to the new housing, not Tescos. Weren't we told some time ago (largely
courtesy of this site) that subsidising an improved bus service was one of the
requirements of planning permission?
It's really good to see something
positive being done for Faringdon, let's not taint it by trying to look for
ulterior motives!
Name Supplied
|
New bus
timetable - 29/4/10.
Glad to see the bus services
being improved between Oxford and Swindon.
I think the subsidy being
referred to in Jill's article though refers to Bloor Homes, not Tesco's?! Part
of the Section 106 monies due to Faringdon as a result of their development was
allocated to local transport issues...I think!
Anna
|
Folly photographs
wanted - 29/4/10
It's time to start looking for
photographs for the 2011 calendar.
I would like to do a calendar dedicated
to the Folly for 2011.
Please look through your photographs and send any
you think might be suitable to
sally@faringdontowncouncil.gov.uk
Any photographers
chosen get a credit in the Calendar and a free copy.
Thank you
Sally
Thurston
|
Download new bus
timetable - 28/4/10.
http://www.stagecoachbus.com/GetUpload.ashx?Id=4641
|
New bus
timetable - 28/4/10.
An interesting article on the
new Route 66 timetable -
http://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/news/8126014.Catch_the_route_66_to_Oxford/
- particularly the last paragraph, which would suggest a Tesco subsidy.
Jill
Dean
|
Faringdon Folly was on TV
- 28/4/10
Last night the Folly was once again on TV.
It on BBC during the program "The Story of Science".
You can have a look at
it again on BBC iPlayer using the following link:
http://bbc.co.uk/i/s89td
Or if you want to jump
right to the spot where the folly is shown/used go here:
http://bbc.co.uk/i/s89td/?t=5m27s
Friends of the
Folly
|
Brian May. Save Me. - 27/4/10
I
dont know if any of you are interested, or that you have feelings, strong or
otherwise, but Brian May has set up a website to protect this country's
wildlife, and to convince who ever gets into power not to repeal the hunting
act which was brought in a couple of years ago.
Go to
Save-me.org.uk and see
what you think, if your for it, they need your vote.
Hunting is a very
emotive topic, you are either strongly for, or against, with both side
entrenched, Brian May seems to be taking a more fairer middle ground, which I
like.
Jim Horton
|
New bus
timetable - 27/4/10.
The new bus timetables are now
available from Faringdon Community and Tourist Information Centre.
Entrance
on Gloucester Street at the rear of The Corn Exchange.
Open Mon - Fri 9am
to 4pm, Sat 9.30am - 1pm
|
M.A.D.D. May
Fest - 27/4/10
Regretably there will not be a MayFest
this year.
We do have a great band performing at the Corn Exchange on
Friday 30th April. "PRESSGANG" This is a folk band like no other. If you think
folk equals acoustic,think again and prepare youself for the full PRESSGANG
onslaught.
With a stage show that has had them travelling all over Europe
and the U.S.A. it has to be seen and heard to be believed.
They are
supported by Faringdon's own "Guiness Project" likened to the "Pogues" and the
"Dubliners" they will make a terrific start to the night.
8pm on stage.
Friday 30th 8pm till 12.
Entrance £4 or £3 if you turn up in
pre 1900s dress.
A very low cost bar and real ale on tap.
Leave your
ideas about folk music at home. Bring an open mind and enjoy the PRESSGANG
ride.
This is a fund raiser for UNICEF in HAITI.
Guinness is £2-50
a pint
|
Portwell- scaffold to
go - 26/4/10
Portwell House is delighted to advise
that the scaffolding will soon be removed from their building in the Market
Place.
They apologise to those who will no longer have somewhere to tether
their horses or shelter from the rain.
Both the Portwell Angel and the
Portwell House Cellar will remain open for the ensuing celebrations.
Nane
Supplied
|
Interested in photography? -
26/4/10
Are you interested in entering a photographic competition as
part of this years Faringdon Arts Festival with a Tint of Lord Berners?
Take a look at
http://www.focusonuk.co.uk/arts/185-photography-competition
for details:
more info to follow.
Name Supplied
|
Recycling in the Vale -
- 26/4/10
The response from Dave Wilson, Waste
Services Manager raises more questions than it answers.
If a normal refuse
vehicle was used then how can broken glass, soggy paper and sticky plastic
cartons be separated after they have been crushed and mixed in the compactor ?
Why haven't they got access to a spare recycling wagon - having a vehicle
out of action can hardly have been unprecendented.
Does our recycling
really normally get driven to Warwick, or was this a one-off ? We should be
told !
Name Supplied
|
Potholes
- 26/4/10
Has anybody seen any pothole being filled in yet? I drive 200
miles a week in the area and have yet to see ANY pothole that I have reported
or seen marked up filled in?
Just wondering what the current state of play
is. Are they waiting for a change of government or something?
I know that my
job is dependent on the colour of the government so curious.
Colin
|
Cherry tree survey -
26/4/10
The Natural History museaum is doing a survey on cherry trees
nationwide....
add to the survey here as it appears there are only two
cherry trees in Faringdon - one being in my back garden - surely not...?
http://www.nhm.ac.uk/nature-online/british-natural-history/tree-survey/index.html
|
New bus
timetable - 26/4/10.
I was rather disappointed to see
that there only appear to be about two or three extra services on the timetable
and certainly not a half-hourly one, as promised in the Stagecoach statement
mentioned by a poster below!
Nor do there seem to be extra evening services
which were also promised.... Is there something I have missed?
Name
Supplied
ED(GW) Definitely every half hour and 2 evening buses from
Oxford 20.50 and 23.25. To and from Swindon is similar. I have the new
timetable- picked up on a bus the other day
|
Snooty Fox?
- 25/4/10
I have been told now that it's opening as
an Indian Restaurant. Whatever it re-opens as, I wish the new owners all the
best in their new venture.
Or if it is a private house, then I hope the new
owners will be happy in their new home.
Fiona Merrick (covering all
options!)
|
Great circular walks
- 25/4/10
We have some great circular walks around the
Faringdon area and it always surprises me how few people I pass while on one of
my long walks.
On what was probably the warmest day of the year so far last
saturday, I counted only two other walkers on my circular route that took me
from Great coxwell to Little coxwell via Coleshill, Watchfield and Fernham
before ending in Faringdon market place. The great thing about this route is
that all those villages have refreshment stops in the form of good pubs.
Trying my best to help keep the pub trade alive, I had a
pint along the way in the four different pubs, but have to admit it was only
when I reached the Old Crown Inn in Faringdon that I found an ale that really
hit the spot for me. The new manager Of the Old Crown Mike, certainly knows how
to keep his ales, and I was rewarded for my efforts with the absolute nectar
that is Butcombe IPA from the Brunel brewery near Bristol.
Looking forward to my next walk should this great weather
continue, maybe I will see more walkers on route next time enjoying the
beautiful countryside around Faringdon. Neil
ED(GW) Lots of walk
ideas in our Leisure and Lifestyle
section
|
Re Recycling in the Vale
- 26/4/10
From VWHDC
We have been surveying the
district since last November to establish which properties would not be
suitable for the new bins. Properties that we decide are not able to store the
bins off the highway will be supplied with coloured sacks for refuse and
recycling, they will still have the same food waste service as households using
the bins.
The sacks still follow the same alternate week collection
schedule and the households are limited to the equivalent volume in sacks as
someone with a bin would be.
Every property that has been allocated sacks
will receive a letter explaining how the service works soon.
Here is
the link for the new waste service:
http://www.whitehorsedc.gov.uk/rubbish_recycling_waste/New_waste_collection_service/default.asp
|
Re Recycling in the Vale
- 25/4/10
The regular recycling vehicle is being
repaired so, with our consent, Veolia used a spare refuse vehicle on Friday.
The material collected was transported to a sorting facility in Warwick.
Not ideal, but at least the service was maintained and at no additional
cost to the Vale.
Dave Wilson, Waste Services Manager
|
Faringdon Football cup
finals - 25/4/10
Faringdon Town Football Club are
competing in two cup finals over the next few days and would grately appreciate
the town's support.
Saturday 1st May 2010 North Berks Charity Shield at
Abingdon Utd FC, Northcourt Road, Abingdon - 7.00pm kick off Faringdon Town v
Drayton
Thursday 6th May 2010 Faringdon Thursday Memorial Cup at Tucker
Park, Park Road, Faringdon - 6.30pm kick off Faringdon Town v Lambourn Sports
Further details at www.faringdontownfc.com
|
Re Recycling in the Vale
- 23/4/10
Yes the new bins will be quite a challenge
to walk round when you only have pavement outside your door.
But don't
despair, all the green box contents were just thrown into a landfill wagon
today, a change of strategy perhaps?
Mike Perks
|
Spend £10 and
replace your Faringdon jute bag from the Mustard Seed-
22/4/10
Here's your chance to replace your tattered Faringdon jutebag(s)
(yes - the old ones CAN go on the compost!) - for FREE.
As of next Monday
(26th April ) and then for the following four weeks right up to Pentecost
:
What could be simpler? Bale of toilet rolls? GET A FREE BAG!
Coffee, tea, marmalade, honey, peanut butter, muesli - GET A FREE BAG!
Couple of good books, wrapping paper, birthday cards - GET A FREE BAG!
Beautiful pure silk scarf from Thailand ( only £5 !) plus a
spoil-yourself tub of best-selling Gardeners Hand Salve (only £5.95) -
GET A FREE BAG !
Wow ....
P.S. Camping out on pavement allowed from
Sunday 12 midnight - not before
|
St George's Day 23rd April- 22/4/10
A
stirring feeling grips me, there is a quickening of pace, I look to the East,
to the West, to see the splendour, the face of Mankind in unity and hope we all
must trust, all linked by will, as the faintest breeze retreats like a ghostly
dust. St George's heart ever beats through the land loud and clear. Harken!
Listen to the drum; it captures our hope, our deepest dread and fear. Take
heed, in God's glory, that which never fails to cheer, a rousing shout when all
about may quake, because to stand firm, love the free and all of England's
dream, hand in hand we walk, my friend. Hoist up, up high that freedom flag,
for the love of the red and the white, it is a symbol of our hero's blood,
spilt for us on a field, against the dragon beast, where the grass will no
longer grow.
©Cleveland W. Gibson 2009 (With kind permission from Grey
Sparrows Press)
|
Clean
pavements- 22/4/10.
I think the chaps who have been
tidying up the pavements around the Southampton Street area have done a great
job. All the weeds gone, and other rubbish, giving a much better look to the
area.
Sadly, some idiot allowed their (obviously) very large dog foul
the path right outside the tennis court gate this afternoon, ruining the road
cleaners hard work. It must have been between 3-4.30pm.
Not a nice
discovery for the people as they left the tennis courts I'm sure or for the
children walking to school tomorrow.
Can we all keep an eye out for
whoever thinks this is ok and get them reported.
Name Supplied
ED(GW)
You can use the form on
http://www.whitehorsedc.gov.uk/website/report_it_intro.asp
|
New bus
timetable - 21/4/10.
I have been promised by
Stagecoach that they will get a stock of new bus timetables to the Community
and Tourist Information Centre, at the rear of The Corn Exchange, in time for
the launch of the new service.
I will post on here as soon as they
arrive.
Sally Thurston, TIC
|
Ravens attacking
lambs? - 21/4/10
Having blue skies and no aeroplanes
overflying last week it is now clear today how much 'pollution' this traffic is
pumping into the upper atmosphere with vapour trails filling what was a
prestine sky. Perhaps we are better off with the volcano!
Whilst looking
upwards I am interested in reports of Ravens attacking lambs on the edge of the
Cotswolds.
This sounded most unlikely but it has now come from several
sources and few birds are big enough to stab a lamb through its neck to kill
it. The big raptors, Buzzard and Red Kite, are not equiped or have the stratagy
to do this.
So are there really Ravens round here?
Alan
Hitchcock
|
re. New bus
timetable - 21/4/10.
Stagecoach West say "We are
pleased to announce the enhancement of Route 66, linking Swindon to Faringdon
and Oxford. The enhanced service will feature more Monday to Saturday journeys,
increasing the daytime frequency to every 30 minutes, plus extra evening
journeys. The service will also provide additional journeys on Sundays which
will increase the current frequency to hourly."
Revised timetables will be
available from 24th April from Swindon Bus Station or online at:
www.stagecoachbus.com/west.
Good news! though perhaps
they should alternate large buses with small buses so that they don't all end
up in a great queue either end of the market place!
Name
Supplied
ED(GW) I've found a
leaflet, and these after a bit of searching
Swindon to/from Oxford,
|
Snooty Fox?
- 21/4/10
I thought it said in the Folly a month or
so ago that it was reopening as a restaurant.
Name Supplied
|
Snooty Fox?
- 20/4/10
I heard that it's being converted into a
house like the Plough on the way to Swindon was, but I don't know for
certain.
Fiona Merrick
|
Ringmaster message
fromThames Valley Police. - 20/4/10
Police would like
to update you with information about a recent burglary.
Sometime between
the hours of 20:30 on Sunday 18th April 2010 and 07:15 on Monday 19th April
2010 a property in Westland Road, Faringdon was subjected to an attempted
burglary. The offender or offenders have tried to gain access to the property
via an integrated garage side window.
If you have any information relating
to this message, or have seen any suspicious people or vehicles in the area,
please contact the Police on 08458 505 505 and quote URN 287 of 19th April
2010.
At this time of year Trading standards see an increase in calls
regarding rogue traders doing gardening and tree work.
Please can you let
them know of any of these traders when you get flyers through the door or if
you get callers particularly if they offer a discount to pensioners.
Trading standards have a list of reputable companies which you can find
online at www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk or phone them on 0845 051 0845
.
If you have callers at your door whose behaviour or manner concerns you
please contact the police on the non emergency number at the time.
A
brown drop side lorry, part registration AM02, has been seen in the area acting
suspiciously.
Please phone the police on the non emergency number 08458 505
505 quoting URN 607 of the 16th April if you see this lorry and give any
details of where it is, a description of any people with the vehicle and
anything that is loaded in it.
Thank you. Message ends.
|
Annual Town
Meeting - 20/4/10
Monday 26th April at 7.30 p.m. in
the Corn Exchange.
|
Snooty Fox? -
20/4/10
Can anyone tell me what is happening to the old snooty fox at
Littleworth
|
Small birds at
Windows- 20/4/10
Depends what type it is but quite a
few birds will see a reflection in the glass and take it for a competitor and
will attempt to disply and then attack it to get it to leave.
Of course
after a while the bird will expect the competitor to be there so if there is
now a gap it will investigate. Finches and Wagtails certainly do this. Wagtails
tend more to get facsinated by car mirrors.
There is not much you can do
but reduce the reflective quality of the window. If they are coming in then a
bead screen or visible thick netting should deter them.
A light or
invisable screen will lead to the bird getting tangled up in it which is
clearly not a good result.
Alan Hitchcock
|
Good things about
Faringdon - 19/4/10
It is great to see some good
things mentioned about Faringdon on here in the last few days such as the
improved bus service and the Cafe on the A420.
I thought I would add to the
good things about Faringdon by mentioning the Pharmacy on London Street. They
always give a friendly and efficient service with opening hours that are very
helpful for people who work outside Faringdon.
I have used them for a few
months and value the service provided for Faringdon.
Steve
Bunce
ED(GW) What do you think is good about Faringdon - I can add the
Folly, U3A- and many more
|
Faringdon Streets
potholes- 19/4/10
What I cant work ou in ref to
potholes. Is that a backwater like fernham has got a spanking new tarmac road
yet the main A420 roundabout at southmoor has craters that look more at home on
the moon.
Name Supplied
|
Faringdon Streets
potholes- 18/4/10
How many more punctures do I have to
get before the absentee Council fix the potholes in this market town. I dare
say that with the Radcot road and Clanfield end closed off, they wont be taking
the opportunity to fix the holes down that end either.Or on the briges either.
You want to try the road at the end of the Airfield on Brize Norton village
road.Saw somebody abseiling down that one.
Colin
ED(GW) Report
potholes via
Oxfordshire County's online form
|
Faringdon Streets
cleanup- 18/4/10
I couldn't help noticing a man
scraping up the weeds and soil in Gloucester Street yesterday - he's made a big
difference and I hope everywhere will get the same treatment. Trust it is not
just related to the election.....
Talking of Gloucester Street, I also
came head on to someone apparently blissfully unaware that it was a one way
street. This is not an infrequent event despite clear signs.
But there
again many people seem unable to read the large red sign limiting the road by
The Crown to buses and taxis.....
Name Supplied
ED(GW) I'm told by
VWHDC that the contractor(Veolia) has now done all the streets in the main
town. If you know differently report the problem on a
VWHDC online form
|
More
buses - 17/4/10
This is good news indeed, it's about
time we had an improved bus service. Hats off to stagecoach and who knows in
the future maybe we will get bus services to connect us with Witney, Highworth
etc
Name Supplied
|
Re Good news - more
buses- 16/4/10
Tantalising reference to improved Route
66 bus service between Oxford and Swindon. I can't find any information about
this online.
Does anyone know any further details?
Name
Supplied
|
Little
birds- 16/4/10
You could get some wire mesh to put on
the inside of the bathroom window, cutting out a small hole for the handle.
This allows the window to be open but no birds in.
Also you could stick
pieces of ribbon on the outside of the window so that they flutter in the
breeze and act as a bird scarer.
Name Suplied
|
Re Recycling in the Vale
- 16/4/10
Brilliant, how on Earth did I miss that page
on the VWHDC website?
Really glad to hear about the new
collections!
Name Supplied
Ed(GW) I hope it's good news for everyone.
I do wonder what arrangements will be made for people without a back entrance
or no front garden. Will the streets be lined with green and brown bins
permanently? Hope not
|
Re Recycling in the Vale
- 16/4/10
There is a big bin for tetrapaks at the tip
near Stanford in the Vale.
Hope that helps!
ALison
|
Cafe on A420 near Little
Coxwell turn - 15/4/10
It's just beyond the L Coxwell
turn- think it's Chowles farm business area. You can get a great breakfast-
standard for £2.90 up to triple size for around £5 plus other meals
too. It's open from 0700 til about 1500, 6 days a week.
Really good value
and a pleasant dining room - not a greasy spoon!!
Name Supplied
|
A thought for Faringdon Arts
Festival - 15/4/10
How about showing a film or films
or somethng from film students (if there are any in/near Faringdon) or a
talk/lecture from someone involved in film-making (who?)
Or some theme eg
Family film? Foreign language? Laurel & Hardy? Fright night? Sc-Fi?
Would any one bother to trek up to Sudbury House Hotel on a week
night/Sunday evening?
Suggestions/comments pleas
Sheila Donovan
|
Good news - more
buses - 15/4/10
Perhaps you could both publicise the
fact that the Stagecoach 66 route bus service between Oxford & Swindon will
be significantly improved with effect from 4 May.
The frequency will be
doubled to half hourly on weekdays and the Sunday service will be hourly and
there will be more evening journeys!
Great news indeed!
Name
supplied
|
birds in
house- 15/4/10
Thank you for the 'helpful'
suggestions concerning our little birdy friend.
Of course we have shut the
windows, but the bird just keeps crashing against it, which seems cruel to me,
but is upsetting our son!
And trying to make a cat stay in our little
bathroom would be very cruel! (Oh and another point on the shut windows- there
are five of us sharing the toilet and a permanently closed window really isn't
an option!)
But thank you anyway!
S Morgan
|
Paranormal things going on
in Faringdon - 14/4/10
I seen some strange things
I seen a ghost police officer and a ghost pot hole filler?????????
Regards
Name supplied
|
New women's
group - 14/4/10
Anyone interested in joining a new
women's discussion/friendship group? (NWR)
As I rapidly approach 40 I'm
feeling the urge to connect with some like-minded women in town and am
interested in starting a National Women's Register group, to meet a couple of
times a month. The website (www.nwr.org.uk) says "NWR is a friendly
organisation and is for any lively-minded woman who likes to talk........we
meet informally for discussion and debate."
I know there is already a
WI in Faringdon but the NWR is a different beast .... plus it would be good to
organise something for a slightly younger age group, maybe for those 35-50
whose kids are needing them less and less these days! (Though obviously any
woman would be very welcome!)
If you're interested either drop me a
line at alisonuk@gmail.com or call me
on 01367 888229 ... if enough people are interested I'll get the "starting a
group" info pack and see what we can do!
Alison
|
Recycling in the Vale
- 14/4/10
Does anyone know whether there is any way of
recycling tetrapac/ juice cartons in the Vale area?! We seem to get through so
many of these yet they can't go in brown or green bins.
It seems so wrong
to be throwing so many of these into landfill, especially when they state that
they are recyclable. The same goes for yoghurt, ice cream tubs etc
I
have looked at the Vale Website but the info on there seems to be limited to
what they actually collect (i.e. not a lot!)
I notice that South
Oxfordshire provide lockable bins (both outdoor and small ones for kitchen) for
food waste.
Would be nice to see this happen around here too wouldn't
it?!!
Any advice much appreciated (sensible though...please don't tell me
to feed the family less juice and yoghurt which might be in the cynical style
of some of the posters on this forum of late!)
Thank you!
Name
Supplied
There's to be a new system of bins and collection from Oct 2010.
See VWHDC website
|
Just jogging for beginners
- 13/4/10
Justjog group for beginner joggers starting
at Faringdon Leisure Centre, Faringdon, Tuesday's 10-11am from the 20 April
2010. This group is led by a qualified jog leader and for beginner joggers to
jog socially.
For further information please contact Anna Capel-Davies,
01235 540377 or anna.capel-davies@whitehorsedc.gov.uk.
|
Please forgive me if you all know this
already. - 13/4/10
But information about the Faringdon
monastery, the headless ghost, King Alfred the Great burning cakes here and
other very interesting stuff can be seen at:
http://www.berkshirehistory.com/villages/faringdon.html ....
Must be
something here to make us famous
Andy Boston
|
birds in
house- 13/4/10
put a cat in yer bathroom ! it is only
nature ...
Name Supplied
|
Little birds
indoors- 13/4/10
i suspect the easiest way might be a
bit tricky but give it a go anyway "S H U T T H E W I N D O W"
Name
Supplied
|
Paranormal Faringdon
- 12/4/10
I am looking to make a programme about
Ghostly Goings on in Faringdon hopefully to be broadcast on the Unexplained
channel.
If you have had Ghostly Unexplained happenings in your property
and are willing to tell this story on Camera then please get in touch
scott.gildert@sgvideoproductions.co.uk
Listen to me live on BBC radio Oxford Breakfast Show Tuesday 13th April
From 8am Onwards Talking about the film i want to make
Scott
Gildert
|
Little birds
indoors- 12/4/10
Is anybody else experiencing problems
with birds? We have lived in our home for almost 6 years, and never had a
problem before.
In the last week we have had a bird in our property 3 times
and have woken up to find grass and twigs on our inside toilet and bathroom
window sill at other times!
My 4 year old thinks it's fantastic that a bird
wants to be friends, but I'm not so sure! Can anybody advise us on how to
discourage our feathered friend without being cruel?
All help would be
appreciated
S Morgan
|
Faringdon
Streets- 11/4/10
Some of us shop keepers on London
Street do clean outside our shops; pick up litter dropped there and even clean
up dog poo when some irresponsible dog owners let them do it on our door steps!
not very pleasant.
Most of the business owners do care how their shops look
outside, as well as in.
Name Supplied
|
Faringdon
Streets- 11/4/10
re Gene's letter,I recently visited
Oman - not a scrap of litter, dog poo or graffiti. What's wrong with us?
Margaret Barker
|
Faringdon
Streets- 10/4/10
I've just come back from a long trip-
New Zealand, Australia, Kyoto. I was struck by how clean the streets are-
especially in Kyoto. A busy city, many eating places and NO litter- not even
small litter like cigarette butts. I didn't see people eating or smoking in the
streets, so I guess that had something to do with it.
Coming back to
Faringdon I wasn't surprised to see the pavements still have the grit on them
that was put down in the snow, and of course the weeds growing again. I know
the VWHDC have swept some streets, but many still need doing. (I've told them
which- around the town).
Also there's a Litter
Pick day this coming Saturday 17th, Market Square 1000 organised by
the Eco group in the town.
Perhaps some people will be unable to help on
that day, but wouldn't it be good if they and businesses in the town could
spend a little time just doing outside their properties- it would make a huge
difference.
I know we pay Council Tax for this service, but the reality
is that Faringdon will always be rather dirty unless we help out occasionally.
(I'm sure lots of people do and it is clear which businesses take care of the
pavement outside their premises)
I feel so sad- there are many people in
the town working hard and voluntarily to make Faringdon a better place to live
and encourage people to come to the town to eat and shop, yet something as
fundamental as street cleanliness is a struggle to achieve.
Hope to see
you on Saturday!!
Gene Webb
If you think your street needs cleaning you
can tell VWHDC by phoning them (01235 520202) or better still via the form on
http://www.whitehorsedc.gov.uk/website/report_it_intro.asp
|
Blame
others - 11/04/10
I was just wandering......living in
this true 'blue ' heartland of middle England that it is no suprise that with
this goverment it could be made 'difficult' for people to vote?????????......oh
i forgot just blame it on somebody else!!!!!!!!!!!!
Steve Leech
|
Card
Cock-Up! - 10/04/10
There you go. How difficult is it
to print a set of cards. Spot Bot man has a nice comfy job at our expence and
cannot even do such a simple task. But why worry as he is insolated from the
harsh climate those of use who have to earn real money in a torpedoed economy
have to contend with. He knows he is going to get paid and get a nice pension
at our expence. This is just pathetic and as an ex printer I have heard the
excuse of it being the printers fault. It very rarely is. It is people who do
not read back the text which they wrote and ignored the proofs or did not
bother with any. Yet the election so far seems to revolve about pretecting Spot
Bot's job despite him being totally useless at it while the country
disintergrates around us. You could not make it up. I have seen nothing worth
voting for yet, just more Spot Bots looking for an easy time.
What we need
is less Spot Bots and more people running businesses without interferance from
Spot Bots. It is not difficult.
Alan Hitchcock
|
Ringmaster message
fromThames Valley Police. - 9/4/10
Between 0730 hours
and 1800 hours on Thursday 8th April a property in Gloucester Street, Faringdon
was subject to a burglary.
Offender has gained entry via an insecure rear
kitchen window. Cash, mobile, cash boxes and a canvass holdall stolen. Exit via
rear door.
If you have seen any suspicious 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 1447 of the 8th April 2010.
Thank
you.
Scroll down for Neighbourhood information for Faringdon, Buscot and
Coleshill can on
http://www.thamesvalley.police.uk/yournh-tvp-pol-area-n165
Have
your say meetings in Faringdon Market Square. 15 May, 19 June, 24 July, 28 Aug
1200-1330
|
Card
Cock-Up! - 09/04/10
Re: Polling card Ours say Drayton
! Was wondering how I was going to get there !
I didn't live in Faringdon
at the last election, is there usually a polling station here ? I hope so
!
Kate Brady
|
Card
Cock-Up! - 09/04/10
I contacted the election team
expressing my dismay at the cost of this error and have just received this
reply from them:
'I am sorry for you disappointment, and I can assure
you that every member of staff in the elections office is feeling the same.
Unfortunately, even after checking proofs on numerous occasions the outside
printing firm has still managed to get it wrong. We assure you that the
re-printing/sending out of poll cards will come at no additional cost to
residents within the Vale, and that the printing company is taking full
responsibility.
We can only apologise again, and a new correct poll
card will be sent out to you within the next few days.'
name
supplied
|
Re
Language - 09/04/10
Having read Alan Hitchcock's many
postings on this site I admire the way he copes with Dyslexia and can assure
him that even without it he would still be considered, by some, to be weird and
eccentric.
name supplied
|
Card
Cock-Up! - 09/04/10
Just had my polling card. It
informs me that my polling station is at Abingdon! Apparently this is a
printing mistake, and the polling cards will have to be sent out again. An
expensive mistake.
name supplied
|
Language - 09/04/10
The direction
of attention changes. Just think what would Mervyn Peake's Gormenghast be like
in text speak. Yet it is a book where one chapter is successfully devoted to
dust motes floating. It is a truimph of the English language if you can read
it. If English is to be debased by inferia languages based upon it reflecting
the reduced scope of knowledge and attention span of a population I think that
is something to be seriously worried about. If it is just a language tool based
on English for a particular activity just as computers have a new language then
that is fine.
As a dyslexic I cannot read texting unless I re-learn a
language as I see writing as pixels. There is a reason for this which is really
quite interesting but here is probably not the place to go into it other than
to say I should probobly be far Asian or ancient Egyptian as my brain works to
an earlier rythem (there you go I cannot get that one right). That would
explain why I am considered eccentric or weird. I do not have a mobile 'phone
for instance since I cannot really make great use of it for the additional cost
and hassle of owning and poking tiny buttons with large stubby nailess fingers
(I loose them working). However perhaps the election would be more interesting
in Text speak!
Alan Hitchcock
|
Skater
success - 09/04/10
Ursula Campbell of Farringdon, Oxon
has been roller skating for 4 years, and is currently training under
international coach David Charles Bullock at the Downlands Artistic Skating
Club in Swindon. On the weekend of the 27th and 28th March Ursula competed
against 17 other skaters at the British Championship, Mini section. She won 3
British titles, including, British Mini Free, Combined Free and Dance Champion.
Due to this she has been asked to join Team GB for international competitions
in Pieris, Italy and Catania, Sicily.
If any business who would like to
sponsor this highly motivated and talented athlete reach her goals please call
Shirley Bullock, Marketing and PR Officer for the British Roller Sports
Federation, on 01793 762376 or 07740 396 011.
Shirley Bullock
|
This
Forum - 08/04/10
This forum is whatever anyone (and
Gen and Hil) wants it to be. There are somne interesting topics on here and
funny but maybe it's too subtle for you. Not everyone wants to stick to babies
and the prices at Budgens
name supplied
|
Mum&Child
activities - 08/04/10
hi just moved to faringdon from
witney and wondering if any one can recommend any day time mother and child
activities going on in the town.
thanks
glenda
|
Langwidge - 08/04/10
Dear FCM . It
took me a little longer to compose than my usaul ''style'' of e-mail .Obviuosly
I had to put in some thought to make it appear as if I could not spell .I did
not do this to take the ''Micky ''.But purely to inject some much needed humour
into the forums topic .If only folk refrained from making negative personal
comments ,and showed some respect for the individuals opinion . This is a
''Chat '' forum , not an english lesson .
Diane Marie Huddle
|
Vale & Downland
Beekeepers' Association - 08/04/10
Do you want to keep
bees? Why not come along to the Vale and Downland Beekeepers' Association
beginners meetings to find out more.
Meetings are held on the first
Wednesday of each month from May to August at 7pm near Wantage.
For more
details, please contact Lilian Valentine 01235 767524
jvalentine515@btinternet.com or visit the Association's
website at
http://home.btconnect.com/fyfebeeweb/about_bees.html
|
RE-
Langwidge - 07/04/10
To that poster, I take my hat off
to you! I bet your language, grammar, and punctuation skills are of a very high
standard really. What I wonder is, how long did it take you to work out what
you wanted to say and then type it up 'badly'? I know it took me a bit longer
than usual to read it and understand it. I remember the late Les Dawson
(comedian, to those of you under 40), played piano really badly as part of his
act but was, in reality, a highly accomplished pianist. In an interview he was
asked about this and he said in reply 'do you know how hard it is to play the
piano badly when you can play it well?' As for whether we are lazy now with the
use of language - try and read something relatively recent. I read Arthur
Ransome's Swallows and Amazons to my son, and had to leave some of the
descriptive text out as I could see his attention wandering and it was a bit
wordy. However if you try to read something like Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock
Holmes mysteries, now they ARE wordy!
FCM
|
Language
- 07/04/10
I am so glad that my comments lead to great dicussion on good
or proper english ,and yes i was being lazy. But that is the language of the
modern world .Just because i used said language doe,s not mean i can not spell
or speak the english language .And i would of thought that some people would of
known better as it sounded like you were have a pop at people who are less
fortunite than your selves .And thanks to those who came to my defence good on
you.
name supplied
|
African Children's
Fund - 07/04/10
a big thank you to all who came to our
african childrens fund bingo on 1st of april was a great evening our next bingo
is on 29th april please call Debbie for more information
07772611136
deborah piercy
|
Language
- 06/04/10
Language is certainly interesting, but of course no-one
thinks that language is static. Style, spelling, grammar all change over time.
We aren't still communicating like Chaucer or Shakespeare, or grunting like
cavemen...er...well, most of us aren't , anyway...
Name supplied missed
the point entirely - (and in doing so proved it neatly)
Texting is fun,
useful and has a place. There's nothing wrong with it, and why should 'us lot'
want to 'do' anything about it? Even the geriatrics can usually get the hang of
it . It is, though a crude and shrunken approximation of spoken language. It is
without nuance, finesse or precision and although may develop a momentum and
form of it's own is no more the future of English than is Pitman's shorthand.
If U thnk it is - jst U w8 til Ur F2F wth a crmnl brrstr in crt, or jst
bn rppd off bcs U cdnt rd the smll prnt on Ur L0n agrmnt/insrnce. Then LOL! NT!
FB MkII
|
Language
- 06/04/10
This language topic is interesting. What i think people are
forgetting is that English has never been a static language. Your parents would
think you lot are lazy (ever read a pre war newspaper?)THATS good English. I
love text talk. its the future and there isnt a thing you can do about it. It
will possibly be 'correct' English when you lot are dead. This thread is like
the Daily Fail, people banging on about stuff that dont effect them and harping
back to 'the good old days' that never exsisted.
name supplied
|
Language and
laziness - 06/04/10
Well said Alan, I agree
entirely.
It is relatively easy to pick out the posts on this site
which are written by people with something sensible to say but who have genuine
communication difficulties. The odd unimportant typo or grammar mistake creeps
in fairly regularly and may be ignored.
We think in language, however,
and therefore to debase language is to debase thought. Some of the messages on
here really do indicate a lack of coherent thought, also sheer lazy ignorance.
As an example: there is almost total ignorance of the roles and
responsibilities of each tier of local authority, of planning and land use, and
housing, both 'social' and otherwise. This information is to be found quite
easily on the internet, and everyone who uses this site has access to that, as
well as to our local councillors, yet some would rather post uninformed rants
and complaints than be bothered to find out any facts.
What is most
depressing is that ignorant people (in general) often swaggeringly justify
their ignorance as though it is something humourous or to be proud of. It
isn't. That attitude is the legacy of a culture in which everyone must be seen
to be a winner, regardless of reality; where every opinion, however unfounded
or worthless, must be accorded a hearing, and everyone must have 'respect'
regardless of whether there is any justification for it, or not.
As for
Texting, fine when you are using a mobile phone - it's economical, but here,
its use is lazy, as you so rightly said. (evn tho I cn rd it LOL :) )
FB
Mk II
|
Red Lion
Lunch - 06/04/10
I would very much like to put on a
mid week roast dinner at a reduced size and price for senior citizens, all of
my meat comes from the two very good butchers in Faringdon and my Sunday meat
normally comes from Pat Thomas so I can be sure that I will be offering top
quality produce. The questions are what day do people feel I should do this?
And how much do people feel is a fair amount to charge? Thanks for your help in
assisting me with some market research.
Andy Banks The Red Lion
|
Housing, Parking, Countryside &
Language - 05/04/10
More houses built require more
facilities to support them. I think you will find that is why Tesco want to
open a shop. Will that hold these new citizens in Faringdon and help those
businesses in the town centre?
It was inevitable the town would build to
the bypass, it is what happens.
Paying for parking in town, never have
and never will. I pay for parking if there is an infrastructure built, like a
multistory carpark, but a bit of tarmac with lines on - no. If more people took
a private stand on such things a lot of these charges would not be worth
instituting but the British public are in general lazy and whinge only to
comply and pay for spotty botties to sit around thinking up new scams to
justify their excistance at public expence.
Lazyness brings me neatly
to text speak. I ignore it as it is not English which is the language of this
country. You want to speak something else do not expect instant understanding.
I struggled for years to beat dyslexia and attempt to write ledgeably and then
someone invents fleuant drivel with pictograms. How depressing when English
provides such an amazing resource of words to produce an interesting read for
the recipient. Perhaps Tom A-S should have applied for planning in such form
and had success as this would have ticked some box as a group requiring subsidy
or something. Might even have been given money to cater for evening gatherings
of drainpipe exhausted small hatchbacks or similar.
Alan Hitchcock
|
Re.
languages. - 04/04/01
English is obviously a foreign
language to some people on here. As for the FCC, 3 languages for a year or two
at secondary level hardly counts as "teaching foreign languages" as most people
in the wider world would consider it. Get real.
name supplied
|
language, what language? -
04/04/01
I stoped putingstuff on this sit becas poeple larghed at me
becas i codnt spell and i got fed up with there coments as i only put
sensablethings on anyway about the trafic and everything it isnt my falt if i
dint got tart anything rite i balem the cuncil and the govermunt and scol
anyway they are the ons that make everything sorong like the mareket place and
the stupid parking and everything weve got astupid cuncil who let everyon get
away with everything like t he stupid pavements stopping t he trafic up al the
time but nobod dose anything and it will be jsut the sam now becos no body cna
spll and everythign anyway i been away for a bit but now im back so i can put
stuf on here idont caranyway abut them sily snobs its them
loosers
tony
|
langwidge - 04/04/10
well , I tooke a
gud look at da postins on da forem , and I cud nt sea any postin dat reqeired
englishe lessins .Sew , I aint shore wat all der fus is abuot. May bee da
persin dat finks folk on ear need lessens , cud point kindley pointe da erorrs
of da bad englishe .LOL ,
naym sopplide
|
TXT4U
innit - 04/04/10
Or how about setting up another
strand of Talking Points called TXT4U for those who like to abbreviate the
language to its shrtst and of10 mninglss 4m?
Dr Mangled
|
Language
teaching - 04/04/10
Never mind foreign language
teaching, reading through the posts on this forum I think there's a quite a
strong case for teaching English.
name supplied
|
parking
charges - 04/04/10
reading that the council have put
the car parking charges up this doesnt sound encouraging as most people dont us
the car park in southamton street anyway.they instead park in the disabled bays
when they r not disabled or down entrance road 2 a residentcal street which
makes it very diffucult 2 gain entry or exits and when schools r in well they
dont care where they park across u drives block u from getting out of ur own
property ,would they like if we did that 2 them no .i know theres a resession
on but 80pence 4 1-3 hours is reasonable dont u think
sandra saunter
|
Enjoy the
Countryside. - 04/04/10
I'm very sorry to hear that
you couldn't get the developments of the cafe, it seems that rather then
extending a cafe that would benefit the community the council seem more set on
destroying half of our folly park which i may add was a nature reserve, which
many people were involved in making this a place where wildlife could flourish
and an area for conservation. And all for social housing, it seems a shame that
this huge area of land was ploughed without a tree in sight in about a few
days. This is a reoccurring theme in faringdon and the local area, first folly
park, then brandy island. I dread to hear what next. Of course there are
facilities in faringdon but not enough, if you care to see the amount of new
houses being put up around folly park then faringdon would need more facilities
to support community. I think the council need to get its priorities sorted out
.
name supplied
|
Paranormal
Faringdon: - 04/04/10
I am looking to make a programme
about Ghostly Goings on in Faringdon hopefully to be broadcast on the
Unexplained channel. If you have had Ghostly Unexplained happenings in your
property and are willing to tell this story on Camera then please get in touch
scott.gildert@sgvideoproductions.co.uk
Scott Gildert
|
Musical
Event - 04/04/10
Faringdon Community College Present
ROQUIEM an Award Winning Composition by Paul Barker A Requiem Mass Set to Rock
Music. Wednesday 28th April 7pm - 9:30pm Sung by the Choirs and supported by
the Musicians from Faringdon Community College also Music from Concert Choir,
Show Choir, Djembe Drummers, School Orchestra and Much More Free Entry, A
Donation tin will be by the door on the way out. Come along and see the
multitude of talent this school has to offer FCC MUSIC DEPARTMENT
Scott
Gildert
|
Old Railway Line - 03/04/10
Years
ago I walked the line when there were some old rolling stock on or adjacent to
the perminant way. At that time the route was easy to navigate although I found
out later I was trespasing. The area was and still is a patchwork of differing
envirionments and a superb nature trail. The trouble is some of these are very
fragile and access for the many would destroy the very thing they wanted to see
- the nonesense of free access to land. However there are several footpaths
that reach certain areas that can be accessed. The OS map will be needed and
some determination I suspect.
The same access problems exist on the
Wilts and Berks canal as it to was sold back to private landowners and the
right of way became void. I think Railways never came with public right of ways
in the first place unlike canals. These industrial sites I find facinating as
it shows how we kid ourselves as a race how perminant our structures are. The
marks remain but nature reclaims land at an incredable speed. There are hidden
finds all over the place if you bother to look. When I was a teenager there
were also tatty farm sheds etc but much of this has gone either to development
or been demolished. How can you be bored living in such a stunning landscape I
do not know but I always hear it said.
Alan Hitchcock
|
Re FCC and end of teaching
of modern languages - 03/04/10
My daughter is due to
start FCC in september and as far as I am aware they are teaching French,
German and Spanish. This is an improvement on the standard 2 languages I was
taught there. What is it thats led you to think they are driving the language
department to extinction?
Emma Riddle
|
Re FCC and end of teaching of modern
languages - 02/04/10
I am intrigued that my comment
published 2 weeks ago has had no reaction whatsoever. Faringdon people appear
more concerned with bad driving/parking and dog mess than with the future of
their children. Curious. Isn't Faringdon in Europe any more? And, if that's the
case, where are we? Our twin town will be astonished!
Carolyn
Williams
|
| Old Railway Line - 02/04/10
Name supplied is correct - much of it is private land with
no access agreement. It was sold back to the landowners of surrounding farmland
in the 1960s (apart from the bridge at Wicklesham), one of whom was my
father.
We have made some of the railway line that passes through
Wicklesham an alternative right of way (not designated) and you are welcome to
walk along this bit. Some we have also included in one of our nature
trails.
But much of it passes through ancient woodland - it's quite
tough to negotiate and we're anxious to disturb these areas as little as
possible to encourage ground-nesting birds rare plants and other wildlife to
thrive. Please respect these areas as wildlife only - they're now havens, rich
in biodiversity.
I don't know what arrangements other landowners have made,
but imagine it's somewhat similar. Tom Allen-Stevens
|
Skinners
Lane - 02/04/10
There was an earlier comment about
someone having a problem coming out of Skinners lane. I have a concern about
safety reguarding Skinners lane for example when the French Market is in London
Street all traffic is directed up Skinners lane,most people who live in
Faringdon know this is a very narrow lane which us unsuitable to large
vehicles. Well you would not beleive the size of some of the vehicles driving
up there Sunday it is just not safe.
Some poor ladies with push chairs had
to walk back up Skinners lane to aviod being crushed.
To me it would make
more sence to direct traffic futher up the road by the folly. Please do not get
me wrong I think the French Market is great but Skinners lane is as it says a
lane not a main road and its use should be restricted.
name
Supplied
|
Old Railway
Line - 02/04/10
I have walked the stretch from the
A420 to Fernham where the old road bridge has been taken down. An awful lot of
it is very overgrown however it can still be made out.Having admitted to
walking it I am unsure if some of it is on private land. At the Uffington end
there is still on old signal in place,and at the 420 end there is a small
embankment,cutting and bridge which is in excellent walking condition.
name Supplied
|
Red Lion
- 02/04/10
Recently I praised ''The Red Lion ''for a super night out ,
as the '' 15 minute club ''session was pure entertainment .we are going to
Andys pub for this sundays 15 minute club too .
My husband and I recently
attended a band gig in the ''The Crown '', the band was ''Resurrection ''.I
feel they should take credit also for belting out some fantastic songs .
I
sat in my chair rocking all night long to cover tunes ranging from the group
''Free ''to Alvin stardust songs . Remember the song ''my coo ca choo '' ?.
That particular song was superbly sang. The lead singer came over to us to
thank us for our support , and he might of been belting out some rock songs ,
but he had the manners of a perfect gentleman .
The band live near Wantage
and I feel could do with a warm welcome from the folk of Faringdon.
Diane Huddle
|
Car Park
Charges. - 01/04/10
I see that from tomorrow (1st
April !) the Southampton Street car park goes up from 60p to 80p for 1-3
hours..........no joke !. I guess the same for Gloucester Street.
Parking
will still be free on double yellow lines and along Hart Avenue (ideal place to
park as it makes it more dangerous for people trying to get to the S'Hampton St
car park).
What an excellent way to encourage people into the town.
name supplied
|
Old Railway
Line - 01/04/10
Hi I was wondering if you can help me
with regard to the old railway? My father was born in Faringdon in 1926. Today
he told me how he would walk near or along the faringdon to uffington railway
line. Can you tell me if the old railway track is accessable these days as I
would like to retrace some of my dads footsteps. I did look in the walks
section but there was no reference to this path. Any help would be greatfully
recieved.
Many thanks
Mike Bath
|