I've just started a blog (that is, an online diary) about my writing and the life of Faringdon, including, on a regular basis, some fiction about our town.
The aim is, as always, to put Faringdon on the map.
It's at: http://paulcornell.blogspot.com/
Paul Cornell
Ed: Thanks Paul - this will add another dimension to Faringdon goings on
Now is the time for those New Years Resolutions. What will yours be ?
Whatever it is the chances are you won’t keep it for more than a week and then you will find a valid (in your eyes) reason to abandon it . Here are a few to consider with the reasons and excuses thrown in. How about adding your own...
You don’t have to keep them !!
Stop smoking.. Why? Because ...it’s expensive, it damages your health and it makes you smell like an ashtray But... You can afford it (lucky you), you could stop if you wanted to (could you really ?) and no-one has proved to your satisfaction that it causes Lung Cancer, Emphysema and Heart Failure
Cut down on the drinking..Why ? Because... it’s expensive, it damages your health and it is the cause of far too many unnecessary accidents. But you can afford it (lucky you), you could cut down if you wanted to (could you really ?) you never drink and drive and anyway you’re a much better driver after a couple of drinks .
Reduce you weight this year..Why ? Because if you don’t obesity will be next years problem. But eating is one of your main pleasures (sad) anyway he/she like you ‘cuddly’.
Start using this website to air your grievances. Why ? Because most of the ‘Powers That Be’ do take notice (though they don’t like to admit it ) But.. you know for a fact that most of the ‘Powers That Be’ are still having difficulty coping with such innovations as electric light, colour TV and mobile phones.
Stop writing sanctimonious twaddle like this. Why ? because it irritates far too many people. But..(in my case) I enjoy it and you don’t have to read it.
But if you are still with me..
HAPPY NEW YEAR HGM (Name Supplied)
I've enjoyed looking at the changing coloured lights at various times. It makes me feel good about Faringdon.
Thank you.
Mike Heathcoat
I would like to request a favour from other residents of Faringdon.
On the 16th of December my 6 year old son left his bike, which was old but well loved, outside Dawn's Barber shop. We were in the shop for a short time but during that time his bike was taken. He was very upset and I was very disappointed since I feel that we live in a small town where people are known to each other and can be trusted.
The bike is silver in colour and has Pacific Hammer written on the side.
If anyone sees this bike could they please let me know through these pages.
Please lets stop this type of thing happening, we should not have to accept this in our community.
Thank you
Mandy James
Firstly, a big thank you to Hil's and Gene for keeping this site fresh. Now, I have not visited here for some time, and there seems to be a lack of humour about the site, always very informative of course that goes without saying, but I have always felt that this site was like a good local newspaper, everything from serious issues right down to the cartoons, where has all the fun stuff gone?
OK we had the serious debate about the folly lift, ( I still prefere the ferry boats in the town centre) and I assume that everyone in Orchard hill has now moved to other parts of Christendom as its all gone quiet on the building front (they said it would be all over by Christmas, this time they seem to be right).
The poor old Tourist information has now ended up in no mans land,where you can hear the cries of "we're over here" but we still can't quite manage to reach them.
Petes light, once again shows us how to get home to Faringdon from villages on foggy nights, and seems to blind others on clear one's.
I still think the statues in the park at this time of year could be made into a Nativity scene, aided by Pete's lights of course as the star, a few tea towels on their heads etc, I'm sure you get the picture.
Of course the battle of the slurry trucks was won, but now it appears we will be part of several flight paths, so the poor folk of Faringdon are still going to be shat upon, this time around though, from a great height, it does seem sometimes that we are always in the cack, it just varies in depth!
Still as proven many times in the past, we Faringdonians are a fiesty lot, and I'm sure that in 2006 this site will be the sounding board for all us angry,cynical, idiotic, opinionated, hard done by and occasional praising folk.
I look forward to it, bring it on......by the way, what ever happened to the folly cat? now there was a great rival to HGM- so many questions, so little time........and I still havn't bought the presents.
Oh dear oh dear
Merry Christmas, everyone!
Jim Horton
We, and by that I mean mostly my 9,8and 3 year old children love the Folly tower lights. In fact we love any Christmas lights!
We have a great time looking at all the street displays, the big christmas tree, the shop window lights and of course the wonderful efforts by the residents of Faringdon.
My 3 year old however is waiting for the return of the magical crane, and is most adamant that it WILL return even though we have been along Swan Lane to show her all the completed houses !
Merry Christmas!
Maria Timms
I've just strolled along Park road to see the Folly Tower Lights- I liked them - though I couldn't quite tell what the shapes were - except the purple star (must go to the optician in the New Year)
So thankyou to Peter White (I guess?) once again, plus a plea for a beacon again one year - now that was impressive, and so pleasing to see the countryside lit up as the light revolved.
You've started a tradition, Peter - for me much more pleasing than the normal town and street Christmas decorations - but then I am a bah humbug sort of Christmas person
Gene Webb
I suggest those who find the lights distracting when they're driving, to concentrate on the road and not look at them!!
Mike’s information about the Gas Works in Coach Lane was informative but not very Christmassy.
Richard’s attempt to introduce a little controversy about the light on the Folly Tower was appreciated but his wife’s problem when driving worried me so much that I couldn’t bring myself to comment (apart from suggesting she wears sun glasses).
Yet at this time of year I feel that someone must be able to add an interesting seasonal message.
It doesn’t have to be clever or even particularly humorous so what about it DR, JH or even our respected Ed.
In the absence of anything better all I can manage is..
Merry Christmas and a Happy 2006 to everyone who visits this website
Harry G Mitchell
Ed: Thanks Harry for all your contributions- I wish more people would write to us too
I was distracted too but the purple one that gave a star effect was most pleasing.
Name supplied
Can anyone suggest a good voice coach in Wantage, Grove, surrounding villages, SIV etc ????
Name supplied
Could anyone offer my nephew a lift from Faringdon to Wantage on Christmas day? I can't leave the turkey . ...
Julkie Piras
julie.piras@ntlworld.com
I like the lights on the Folly this year, but my wife thinks they are distracting when she's driving home from work.
I thought I'd mention this in talking points in order to open a completely pointless debate on the subject.
Happy Christmas.
Richard Edgington
NOTICE OF CLOSURE FOR GAS MAIN REPLACEMENT WORKS
Notice has been given by Oxfordshire County Council and Wales and West Utilities that Coach Lane and London Street will be closed temporarily for essential replacement of ageing metal gas main pipes by modern plastic pipes as follows:
" Coach Lane work starts 3.1.06, road closed from 9.1.06 to 16.1.06 except for access.
" London St work starts 16.1.06, road closed until 27.2.06 except for access.
Diversions around the works will be clearly signposted.
Businesses will be open as usual and pedestrian access to shops and premises will be maintained at all times. The work has been planned at this time to avoid the busy Christmas period.
A Press Release was issued by Wales and West Utilities on 16 December 2005.
Provided by Mike Heathcoat
I've just retired as Events Director of the Faringdon Arts Festival, and I wanted to say, on my way out of the door, what a wonderful bunch of people the Committee, and the dozens of folk who worked in various departments, are.
Working on the Festival for the last two years has been one of the best experiences of my life, a tremendously satisfying time.
I'm sure the next Festival, over the weekend of 7-9 July, will be an absolute triumph, and I look forward to seeing everyone there.
FAF still needs people to help out, and I'd not only recommend doing so as great fun, I'd be happy to pass on details of any volunteers to the Committee.
Once again, thanks to everyone, and good luck for next year.
Paul Cornell
paulcornell@owlservice.freeserve.co.uk
At the risk of sending the folk of Faringdon into a complete frenzy of comment writing, and just before Christmas too, I would like to say how wonderful it is to see the local police taking such a positive line towards illegal parkers in Faringdon - namely issuing parking tickets!!!
I hope the local council will begin to see the benefit in terms of increased income from those using the designated car parks.
Name supplied
Can someone explain the practical use of the new sign (which has replaced the perfectly adequate luminous bollard) at the end of London Street where it joins the A420?
Coming off the A420 from Oxford - I can only see it just before I drive into it! In my view it's an accident waiting to happen.
Will anyone join my campaign to reinstate the old bollard? Or at least get something which serves a useful purpose (more taxpayers money wasted)
Name supplied
P.S. On the other hand the Faringdon Christmas lights are most brilliant (quite literally!)
I have been in few places where the Remembrance Sunday Act of Remembrance has been held with such reverence and respect as it is in Faringdon. Representatives of the whole community and of all the churches gather at the Parish Church for an hour long service of Remembrance, which includes the full formal Act of Remembrance with two minute silence at the traditional time of 11.00am.
I should emphasise that this is not a normal Sunday morning service, but is devoted entirely to the observation of Remembrance Day.
We are delighted to act as hosts to the community on this occasion that is important to all of us. The Act of Remembrance at the War Memorial in the Market Place follows at about 11.30am in addition to this.
I hope that those who wish to give Remembrance Day their fullest respect will join us not only in the Market Place, but also at the full Remembrance Service beforehand, where they will be very welcome.
Charlezs Draper, Vicar of All Saints Church
A couple of weeks ago my wife and I spent a pleasant few days in Stratford. While we were there the Mayor switched on the Christmas Lights. To be honest I think he would have done it even if we hadn’t been there.
The ever increasing cost of the lights was mentioned and also the fact that of the 600 retailers in the area only 100 had made any contribution. It was made clear that future Christmas Decorations could be in jeopardy unless there was a radical change of heart.
This time last year I submitted an ironic letter which I signed Ebenezer Scrooge. It was intended to be a humorous ‘Thank You’ to the people who provided us with the Christmas Atmosphere in Faringdon but I also mentioned that our local supermarket seemed to have made no effort at all to add to the celebrations. In the Carter era Carols entertained the queues at the checkouts and there was even a Christmas Grotto for the kids.
Unfortunately my attempt at humour was misunderstood by one or two regular contributors and as the website was out of action for a few days I was not able to dig my way out of the hole into which I had dropped myself.
This year I’ll dispense with any attempt at humour and just say:
THANK YOU... to all those who contributed financially and otherwise to the Faringdon Festivities
THANK YOU... to Gene and Hilary for keeping www.faringdon.org going
THANK YOU ...to all the contributors who ensure that this website averages 100 visitors each day... even when they don’t share my viewpoint (or my sense of humour)
Harry G Mitchell
17/12/05, Faringdon Junior School, 7.30pm. Tickets £5 from Portwell Bar
Live music from :
Watt 4
Kyra
Jon lane
PowerTrain
Alex and Holly
Bobby Moore’s Shorts
Naomi & Dominic Bullock and Hannah Rhodes
Proceeds in aid of Breast Cancer
To Trevor from The Nut Tree and the team who put Festive Faringdon together.
Congratulations on a wonderful and exciting event. The atmosphere in the Market Place on Saturday and the fair was excellent.
A lot of hard work and thought had gone in to this event. FAP's presence on Saturday was to provide the Mulled Wine, and the feed back we received from all our 'customers' on our stall was excellent.
Thank you and well done to you all.
Julie Farmer
Please can someone explain why on Remembrance Sunday, Faringdon has the 11am two minute silence at 11:30am? It seems bizarre that a national occasion to mark the end of the 1st World War and commemorating the deaths of millions of servicemen, women and civilians in both world wars and in countless conflicts since has been put aside to fit in with some unknown timetable.
As an ex-member of the armed forces I am appalled and angry that a tradition that has been in place since 1919 is moved to a more "convenient" slot, presumably to accommodate the church service which could easily be held before or afterwards as almost every other town and village across the UK manages to do.
Remembrance Sunday is a national commemoration to respect the time when "the guns went silent, on the eleventh hour of the eleventh month." It is applicable to all denominations of Christianity, not just a select few. On behalf of the thirty of so people, several elderly or with small children waiting by the memorial from 10:30 on a cold day in November to pay their respects and attend a service which didn't happen until an hour later I wish to raise this as an important issue which should be considered prior to next year's parade.
Incidentally, is a loudspeaker so we could all hear the prayers and reading out of the question too?
Please lets restore this event to its rightful time and commemorate the date with the respect it requires.
Mel Taylor
Ed: Apologies for the delay in publishing this
Yes, the Tourist Information Centre provides a valuable service.
Whenever I visit the TIC, which is quite frequently, there is always a steady stream of visitors and paying customers. And aside of visitors to the town perhaps what isn't appreciated by many is that the TIC provides an invaluable resource for local people.
The shelves are stacked with locally produced books and cards etc. that probably wouldn't have an alternative outlet if there was no TIC. The TIC also makes a fantastic contribution during the Faringdon Arts Festival pro-actively selling tickets.
Signage could be improved but this all comes down to funds....speaking of which...the question we should be asking is why is the Vale of White Horse District Council still paying rent on a building that the TIC vacated 6 months ago?
I thought the whole point was to save money!
David Reynolds
Ed: I've heard it said that the landlord, Faringdon Collection Trust, will not allow signage on the Pump House
Yes we do need to support it but the TIC needs to be visible, high profile and above all accessible, because the idea is, is that it should attract visitors, and not simply be dependent on its local supporters;
the contributor who has struggled to access it with pushchair is flagging up a real issue; the staff are wonderful and what is on offer is first class and I am not knocking the principle of having a TIC in Faringdon but we do need to ensure it has the optimum conditions to flourish, given its current site!
Name supplied
We are lucky to have a Tourist Information in Faringdon at all, due to running costs and let us not forget that we really are a very small town!
If we all support it as best we can, then hopefully it will survive and go on to develop into a prominant and permanent establishment bringing with it future tourism that we so need in Faringdon.
name supplied
a really excellent idea, especially for those without their own transport.
The Faringdon Community bus could easily have the timetable adjusted to link with the morning trains, I am sure, and perhaps some arrangement for afternoon returns.
I'm all for it! Katie Foot (currently in Toronto but shortly to return to Faringdon)
Katie Foot
I deeply resent some of the points raised by the last contibutor; I simply questioned the value - I am not aware that I am small minded and I certainly did not set out to 'denigrate' or 'run down';
I've always considered it important to question, and since the public investment in the TIC is considerable I uphold my right to do so. I have no agenda and no axe to grind.
The points you make are important but you do yourself no credit by taking such aggressive tack.
name supplied
As a relative newcomer to Faringdon I've found the move of the TIC a real pain. Previously I could just pop in whenever, and find out useful information for visiting friends and relatives (useful as I dont know the area myself).
After the move, it took me 2 weeks(!!) to find it again. Then I found I couldn't actually access it, as I had a pushchair and there are a set of steep stairs and a heavy door in my way.
There is a 'disabled entrance' with lift, but I havent worked out how to access this without going up in to the TIC first.
So as much as it is useful, it is also inaccessible and frustrating to use, as well as impossible to find!!
name supplied
The Tourist Information Centre hasn't lost its usefulness just because it has moved up the street. What it has lost is its visibility. The services, - (vastly more than advice on local walks) are still available, and it is still busy.
The TIC does not simply provide information about local events and local places to go - it provides details of accommodation countrywide, travel bookings, events information, gifts, cards, and lots more.
Fortunately it's scope isnt as narrow as the outlook of some of the people it serves.
I agree with the last correspondant's comments, however, with regard to the signage, in particular. It could be improved at relatively little cost, I imagine, - at present it is amateurish and uninviting, mainly, one suspects because the TIC is not seen as a commercial enterprise, and is expected to provide its resources for next to nothing. Tourism has great potential in this area, and you will go a long way to find staff as helpful and friendly as those in the local office. The TIC should be supported and developed, not denigrated and run down.
H Taylor
I too wonder about the value of having our own tourist office; whereas before I always called in to see what was going on becuase the office was very prominent in the market square (and it did get a good share of the passing trade), the current location is hidden away - it doesn't have the same potential to draw people in; the signage is dreadful and there is no 'corporate' feel about the place certainly from the outside.
name supplied
Is the tourist info centre really needed in Faringdon? How much is it costing us and how often is it used?
I went in to ask about local walks and found I got better advice at White Hose Country Wear.
I also tend to pick up leaflets in the library for local events and places to go.
Do others think this is a good way to spend Faringdon's limited resources?
name supplied
The chap who books the guests for Faringdon Arts Festival is seeking to retire from his post, but doesn't feel able to until he's found someone to fill his shoes. It's a very rewarding hobby, and you'd be part of a team that's great fun and very supportive.
Also, the outgoing organiser would be on hand to advise, and to hand over all the information on where previous guests were to be found.
The 2006 Festival runs from 7-9 July, so there'd be plenty of time to learn the ropes with everyone helping you out.
If you're interested, contact
Paul Cornell on paulcornell@owlservice.freeserve.co.uk
Since the Market Place was repaved, many of us have commented about how good it looks.
However, there is a problem when, like today, 27th November, it is wet and icy. The paving looks just the same but is like an ice rink and deadly to the slightly infirm (not me, although I did fall).
Can it be arranged for the area to be gritted or salted before someone less able to recover from falls is seriously hurt?
Steve (not very infirm) Wright
I Used walkcard 7 of your 8 card pack on saturday 19/11. Excellent ! . Ideal for the area. Well thought out . Well presented. Easy to use. No bad points. your cards should prove popular with the 'occassional' walker
Good value in their laminated packs. Found detailed directions round farms etc very good . I couldn't get lost no matter how hard I tried !. I mentioned the packs to Abingdon TIC . They thought the packs were agood idea for their area. It would be interesting to know how well this format of presenting walks would go down in my usual walking area of The Lakes and Yorkshire Dales. Hope you sell lots of packs,
Peter Richardson
These are available from Faringdon Tourist Information Centre (The Pump House, Market Place, Faringdon)
MONDAY 5 DECEMBER - Shrivenham
TUESDAY 6 DECEMBER - Shrivenham
WEDNESDAY 7 DECEMBER - FARINGDON Stanford Road area, Berners Way, Tuckers Road, Nursery View
THURSDAY 8 DECEMBER - FARINGDON Highworth Road area, Westland Road, Orchard Hill, The Pines etc.
FRIDAY 9 DECEMBER - Lechlade
SATURDAY 10 DECEMBER - Lechlade
MONDAY 12 DECEMBER - Stanford in the Vale
TUESDAY 13 DECEMBER - Southmoor
WEDNESDAY 14 DECEMBER - FARINGDON & GREAT COXWELL Coleshill Drive etc., Leamington Drive, Fernham Road, Folly View Road, Great Coxwell
THURSDAY 15 DECEMBER - FARINGDON Park Road area, Marines Drive, Town End Road, Marlborough Gardens, Volunteer Way
FRIDAY 16 DECEMBER - Clanfield
MONDAY 19 DECEMBER - Watchfield
TUESDAY 20 DECEMBER - Uffington, Fernham, Little Coxwell
WEDNESDAY 21 DECEMBER - FARINGDON Pye Street, Goodlake Avenue, Southampton Street etc
....... is a useful amenity but it is never full, despite the fact that 30p/hour is not expensive if you want to take advantage of the facilities on offer in Faringdon.
But. - .Law-abiding parents collecting children from school can run up a bill of over £6.00 /month and that is expensive. The alternative is to try to find a parking spot in Gloucester St, which is not easy, or to use the car park without buying a ticket which is too wicked to contemplate.
Some towns provide a limited number of free 30 minute parking spaces in their car parks so why could we not have a similar system in Faringdon.
Incidentally there are over 100 hits per day on this website and if a few of you browsers supported this idea, the powers that be might take notice.
It would be a popular innovation and would cost almost nothing. How could any planners turn down such a worthy and cheap idea?
name supplied
Ed: I vaguely remember that VWHDC offer some sort of deal for the to/fro school traffic - maybe worth contacting them- 01235 520202
Modern Dance, Acro Gym, break dancing and coming soon: Team Gym/Circus skills/Team Building/Drumming
At Faringdon Junior School
Please call: Carolyn Murphy or Kim Paul 01235 225787
More information
Faringdon Town Council have set up a working party, led by John Gillman, to investigate the possibility of opening the railway in Faringdon.
How wonderful it would be!!
Read the vision statement and see the proposal on a map
John has already made contact with the appropriate person at Oxfordshire CC, inviting him to come over to Faringdon to discuss the feasibility
Gene Webb, for John Gillman
There are many projects happening- promoting tourism, strengthening the Faringdon economy, developing recreational activities, including facilities for the youth of the town - AND opening the railway!!
Read about it all in the latest progress report and minutes on www.faringdon.org/tafap.htm. If you want to join the forum to get involved and be kept in touch, complete the membership form too
In reply to the '0800 reverse' I had written about it earlier in the year as we had had some problems. I recently spoke to BT and all they could offer was a service called 'choose to refuse' which is not free, you have to pay a charge every month.
But it was no good for 0800 because the number doesn't come up on phone! The BT girl was sorry she couldn't help and couldn't offer me anything else to stop these calls.
Perhaps a few letters the BBC's Watchdog programme will help! Surely we are not the only town to be plagued by 0800 reverse.
Name supplied
Never let an (attempted?) witty, thinly veiled personal attack get in the way of the facts....eh HGM?
Makes good reading but I will stick with the pragmatic stance if that's OK.
You miss out an important fact. There are TWO proposals that have been APPROVED. One via Coxwell Road to build 9 houses and one via Orchard Hill to build (a minimum of) 16 houses. The latter was approved first and potentially affected over 300 residents on the Orchard Hill Estate. However,despite huge opposition, it was APPROVED...hence the FACT; "That this land will be developed is now beyond debate".
That statement doesn't imply a switch to support another proposal...it means that we all have to understand that it is now cast in stone that this land will be developed in some shape or form.
So, presented with two options what is the best way to proceed? In my view it must surely be to try to ensure that the development that moves forward is the one that has the least adverse impact on the most number of people.
I do sometimes wonder to what extent emotions obscure the facts in this whole saga!
David Reynolds
We don't publish any posts for which there is no contact information, but for the the person who wrote about a nuisance phone call, here is some information:
These nuisance calls come via a so called 'service' known as 0800 reverse. This enables anyone from any number to make a call, without revealing their identity, and you cannot hear the caller until you accept the call, thereby agreeing to pay for it.
I too have had unwanted calls from 0800 reverse, several, in the small hours. There is no indication of who is calling, so those of us with , for example children who may be in trouble, have little option but to answer.
'0800 reverse' refused to give me the caller's number when I contacted them, so I was unable to ascertain where the calls were from until they appeared on my BT bill, and had to be paid for.
'0800 reverse' make a connection charge of £2.50 addition to the call charge.
There is no good reason to withold a caller's number, and '0800 reverse' is making a profit out of nuisance calls while maintaining that it is offering a legitimate service. I complained, but BT, and 0800 reverse are quite unconcerned - each, of course, profiting from this unnecessary 'service'.
I think if anything is to be done to curb this nuisance - it must be through a concerted effort by a number of affected people.
ed. FO
DR reminds us that the Faringdon Market Scene will now be enhanced by outside seating following unanimous support from Faringdonians....United, we stood !
Earlier in the year we were faced with the prospect of sludge lorries polluting our streets and this proposal was withdrawn following unanimous opposition by Faringdonians...United, we stood !
Also earlier in the year unanimous opposition to the Development in the garden of 18 Coxwell Road continued to prevent it being permitted...United, we stood !
Unfortunately when one opposer to the new development was offered a solution which would obviate any disruption to him he offered his personal gratuitous view which was "That this land will be developed is now beyond debate. ! Divided, we no longer stood !
The situation at the moment is that Outline Planning permission has been given to build 9 houses with access from Coxwell Road and the devastating effect on the families in 16 and 20 will, of course, be the subject of Crocodile tears. .
It will be interesting to see what 9 houses looks like if they are built and it will be no surprise to see that 9 becomes 9+?. WATCH THIS SPACE
Harry G Mitchell
Thank goodness that common sense and public opinion does win sometimes!
Congratulations to Darren and Tracey on winning your campaign to keep the chairs outside.
The trilogy of the Coffee House, Portwell Bar and latterly The Bell with people chatting and laughing outside does so much to lift the face of Faringdon on a sunny day (and perhaps a few less sunny days too as we approach winter!).
I hope the original complainant, whoever you are ;-(, can now get to the point where you can also enjoy outside catering life in Faringdon!
Regards
David Reynolds
This offer is open to local schools, community centres, hospitals, hospices, nurseries, charities, etc.
Visitor chairs (fixed legs).approximately 120 chairs - ideal for a local community hall.
Task chairs (with 5 star caster base).
Assorted desks.
Assorted meeting tables.
Computer/printer tables.
Metal and wooden cupboards.
Metal filing cabinets.
Pedestals.
Electronic white boards.
White boards.
Notice boards.
Over head projectors and screens.
Electric fans. Electric lamps.
Glassware (for school science labs?)
Planters and plants.
I would like to encourage you all now to consider local 'bodies' that you may be in contact with that come under the categories of either education, health care or a charitable group.
If you know of any, or you can ask them, that would appreciate any of the items listed above, and they can come to site to remove them their selves, please can you send me a note.
The note should state:
1/ The local body that you are nominating.
2/ A few short sentences on what that body does.
3/ Specifically what items, and how many of each, they would like.
4/ Why the items are required or how they will be used.
All requests will be considered favourably. We will confirm if the items are available and will arrange, via Johnson Controls, for the receiving bodies to come onto site w/c Monday 21st November, to view and remove what they would like.
Please can you send in any requests by Friday 11th November.
If you have any queries please do not hesitate to give me a call.
Rachel Kenward
Tel:- 01235 46 9207
e-mail:-Rachel.Kenward@Infineum.com
Thank you to everyone who has provided support and encouragement in our campaign to save the outside seating provided for all outside The Faringdon Coffee House and around The Portwell this summer.
As most of you know, due to one complaint, the license we already had approved for the seating became under threat. Following the complaint the license came under review.
Following so much support and encouragement for it to stay both Town Council and County Council have approved the seating arrangement in its current amount and location.
In celebration of the saving of the seating, due to popular demand and in thanks to everyone for their support, please enjoy the seating throughout the year with the help of the outdoor heating we have provided.
The thousands of signatures we received on the petition have overwhelmed us.
Thank you to everyone who supported us and thank you for your much appreciated continued custom.
ENJOY!
Tracy and Darren Rutter
As of this morning there has been no trace of the stolen ponies.
My grandaughter goes to that riding school every Sunday morning.
Those were the two best ponies and she is very upset as are the owners.
Jane Boulton
I don't care what happens to Frankie and Danny in Coronation Street.
BUT.. What happened to Ruth Mitchell's cat ?.
Were the stolen ponies found ?
Has anyone claimed the Parakeets?
Has the Arts Festival runner-up been traced ?
HGM
Faringdon Arts Festival are seeking the child who came second in the competition set by the visiting Dandy artist over the weekend of the Festival.
Somehow the prizes weren't given out on the day, and while the winner and the third place runner-up have now had their Dandy-related merchandise, we still can't find the second place runner-up.
So if that's your child, please get in touch with Paul Cornell, paulcornell@owlservice.freeserve.co.uk
It seems that the Civil aviation authority are intending to have a flight path over Faringdon - including Stanford, Lechlade, Coxwell, Coleshill
The CAA is consulting on its proposals until 7 November 2005.
Objections should be sent to Mr JD Benoist, CAA House, Kingsway, London; 020 7453 6550; westend@dap.caa.co.uk.
See cpreoxon.org.uk for a press release with map and more information
also
NATS/MOD JOINT FUTURE AIRSPACE DEVELOPMENT TEAM WEST END AIRSPACE CHANGE PROPOSAL a Civil Aviation document giving technical information and noise level estimates
Thanks to Peter for passing the information on
Gene Webb
On the night of Friday 23rd Sept. two children's ponies were stolen from Miss Goodwin's fields off the A420 at Gt.Coxwell. near Faringdon. The gates remained padlocked. The wire was cut and hurdles were used to load them.
The owners of these ponies (aged 8 yrs) are desperately upset.
One pony is 12.2 hands - a grey mare, the other pony 12.2 hands - a chestnut gelding with a white blaze, aged 30yrs.
Please speak to the police and Miles Saunders on 01367 240558 if you have seen this loading or can help.
Two parrots or parakeets have been seen on Canada Lane this morning (Tuesday 27th September)if anyone has lost them from their aviary.
They were on the telegraph posts near the allottments
Teresa
There is likely to be a 'taster' health walk in Faringdon sometime in the future. Look out for notices
More information on progress for Faringdon Health Walks
Got an old sofa, redundant mattress or baby clothes that are too good to take to the tip but not worth selling? Looking for spare building materials, a bean bag, an old video?
Then you need to join Freecycle, which has just arrived in the Vale of the White Horse.
The Freecycle Network is an Internet community of local people who are giving (and getting) good stuff for free in their local area. The goal is to keep usable items out of the rubbish, keep streets and alleyways clean and save our countryside from being overtaken by landfill sites that no one wants in their own backyard.
Anyone with access to a computer can log on to www.freecycle.org, click on the region where they live (UK) and click on a link to their local community Freecycle site.
There are currently more than 2900 Freecycle sites worldwide, with 150 in the UK alone.
The Vale of the White Horse site has just started and is looking for members.
The site is moderated by a local volunteer who will be building community involvement and making the site fun and productive.
The address is: http://uk.groups.yahoo.com/group/valewhitehorsefreecycle/
It's FREE to join, and everything offered on the group must be FREE, legal, and appropriate for all ages. There is no bartering, trading, swapping or selling allowed. Apart from that, there's no limit on what you can offer or request, from furniture, toys and computers to greenhouses, cars and the kitchen sink!
All we ask is that new members place an OFFER before they request items.
We're changing the world, one gift at a time.
Reduce, reuse, recycle - and Freecycle! - pass it on.
A group of people have got together to plan (and make) improvements to the Folly Park. The next meeting is 7pm. 15th October, in the old Town Hall.
If you're interested in getting involved, contact thamesandchilterns@btcv.org.uk
See the minutes of the meeting 8/9/05 to see the ideas being discussed
So far as I understand it, this is the final bit of the market square improvement program.
When the original work was carried out, the Portwell was surrounded by scaffolding due to the bus incident.
Now that it has been rebuilt, the cobbles are being taken up and then relaid.
Simon Holmes
Ed: Thanks
There is to be a Planning and Development Committee meeting on 26th September 2005 at 6.30pm at the Guildhall, Abbey Close, Abingdon to discuss the planning application for the Tectronics site (GFA/19230).
They are asking if anyone wishes to speak at the meeting and that they be informed of their intent to do so before midday Friday 23 September.
Name Supplied
A mobile breast screening unit will be at the Faringdon Health Centre week commencing 10/10 (precise day not known) for about 6 weeks.
This is has been made possible by FAR who made sure that the money from the Drew Legacy was used to benefit the people of Faringdon.
Colin Desborough, FAR chairman
Read the full story
To provide for a local commemoration of Trafalgar Day (Friday 21st October), the Faringdon Area Visitor Group has suggested to Glenn Geldard, the new licensee of The Bell, that he put on a Dinner for Trafalgar Day.
His restaurant is being refurbished at the moment and by then will have been re-launched as Floyd's Brasserie -actually Thursday 17th September.
Contact Robert Dyer if you're interested
robertf.dyer@virgin.net , phone 01865 820282
More information
I understand a traffic impact survey of some description has been commissioned by Tetronics which is rather conservative in terms of the predicted increase in traffic on Canada Lane (as a consequence of the planned building);
this will do much to set back the efforts of some of our community who are supportive of the need to enusre greater safety for the children who cross Canada Lane to get to and from school.
Alice
Gloucester Street
Friday 7 July - Sunday 9 July 2006
Put the dates in your diary!!
Calling anyone with projects relating to Faringdon and the surrounding villages!
Faringdon Area Project are holding a cafe in the Old Town Hall, Faringdon on Saturday 24th September from 10.00am to 2.00pm.
If you would like us to publicise your project please call Julie Farmer on 0845 8591720 or email anna.marlow@fap.org.uk. Hope to see you there!!
Anna and Julie FAP
Does anyone know what they're doing in the seating area outside the Pump House. Looks as if the cobbles have been taken up- but what is to be put down??
Who has commissioned it??
Who is paying for it ?(us of course, indirectly)
Why is it being done??
Gene Webb
Calling anyone with projects relating to Faringdon and the surrounding villages!
Faringdon Area Project are holding a cafe in the Old Town Hall, Faringdon on Saturday 24th September from 10.00am to 2.00pm.
If you would like us to publicise your project please call Julie Farmer on 0845 8591720 or email anna.marlow@fap.org.uk. Hope to see you there!!
Anna and Julie FAP
My son attends Faringdon Infant School and in this weeks schools newsletter they have informed parents that they have discovered there is an application for 24 flats on Tetronics land and they are concerned about the effect this will have on traffic and access in Canada Lane so near to the school.
The newsletter also states that the school office has a petition to sign for those of you that are concerned ,I shall definitely be signing it.
Name supplied
I appreciate the serious comments on this website and enjoy the spoof items about such things as Cable cars and ferry boats but I have to admit I can't decide which category the item about building 24 houses with an access to Canada Lane belongs.
Please Gene enlighten me( and anyone else who uses Canada Lane )...Should I be laughing or crying ?
HGM
ED: I guess it depends whether you're the owner of the land(laughing) or concerned about more traffic in Canada Lane (crying??)
I've just heard that a development of 24 houses (36 car parking spaces) to be built on the Tetronics site in Canada Lane, is being discussed.
I wonder how the road safety aspects are being considered - I understand road access will be where the current access to Tetronics is (almost opposite the Infant School), with the entrance onto Lechlade road by the Duke of Wellington being closed.
Anyone know anymore??
Gene Webb
Just to let you all know that the car pool page works!
I was contacted by Andrew and I drove us to Didcot this morning and will drive us back tonight.
Despite some debate about the best route (mine!), in car entertainment (Dolly Parton v Radio 4) we both felt very smug - Andrew in particular for not having to fork out £3.70 a day in parking tickets as well as fuel!
I urge you all, especially in the light of fuel about to top £1 a litre to think green and think car pool
Mel Taylor
Ed: Excellent news - let's hope that more people will get involved
There is a Youth Meeting being held on the 15 September 2005 to discuss the Youth Fair in October and any other youth projects that are currently in place or people would like to put in place.
I have become aware that there are a number wonderful projects in Faringdon and our surrounding Villages that could potentially help each other and then assist other projects and some support, advise and may be additional volunteers or contacts.
For more information about the meeting please contact Julie Farmer, FAP Managing Co-ordinator
I look forward to hearing from you.
Unit 3 RAC, Park Road, Faringdon, Oxfordshire, SN7 7BP.
Phone: 0845 859 1720
Email: Julie.Farmer@fap.org.uk
A huge thank you to the great work that the organisers and volunteers gave to the Party in the Park at Great Coxwell on Saturday.
It was a lovely family atomsphere with fab music, amazing fireworks and lots of fun attractions for the children
Well done to you all!
Laura Bishop
VWHDC offer free testing of electric blankets at various venues. In Faringdon it will be Friday Sept 9th pm
We run the event on a bookings only basis (each blanket can take up to 5 minutes to check).
Bookings can be made by phoning Trading Standards (01865 815607) during office hours ( there is also Minicom 01865 815350)
When people book, they are told where the tests take place. If people want to bring several blankets – either their neighbours’ or their own – we ask that they let us know when they book, so that enough time is allowed.
Dot Morrison Health
Development Officer Vale of White Horse Council
01235 520202 x554 dot.morrison@whitehorsedc.gov.uk
Some of you get an email from me occasionally letting you know about events and issues in Faringdon. I have had many of the recent email returned to me as undeliverable- rather more than usual- so if you've changed your email address and want to continue to receive these emails, do tell me your new address.
If you don't get these emails and want to know more - do get in touch and I'll send you an example. (emails are sent blind, so your email address is not spread around)
genewebb@nildram.co.uk
I have just read the story of the Drew Legacy - and would like to say a huge 'thankyou' to Colin Desborough and the FAR for pursuing this matter.
Dealing with bureaucracy (not to mention the 'not invented here' syndrome) requires huge reserves of tenacity and stamina, and we owe a debt of gratitude to Colin et al for taking the time and trouble to do this on our behalf.
Hilary Taylor
The information about the Drew Legacy will soon be forced off the screen by trivial items like this but before it does go I would like to pay tribute to the members of the FAR who,I know,had quite a battle to ensure that the money was finally used in the way that Sidney Drew intended way back in 1989.
Thank you and well done FAR
HGM
Faringdon Association of Residents (FAR) have successfully rescued £50000 left to Faringdon by Sidney Drew in 1989. The money seemed to get lost in various National Health organisations, and was destined to be put into a national 'pot'.
FAR have prevented this from happening and the money has been spent to benefit the people of Faringdon - as was intended by Mr Drew.
The money has been used to fund equipment for the Faringdon Responders, equipment for community nurses, AND a connection at the health centre for a mobile breast screening unit.
Women in Faringdon will no longer have to travel to Wantage.
Colin Desborough
Chairman of FAR
Read the full story
Those who went to the concert at All Saints on Saturday will know that this was a wonderful musical occasion. Four hugely talented young men (2 tenors, 1 counter tenor and 1 bass) sang a range of songs from medieval England to 20th century barbershop. They met at Nottingham University, but William Burns went to school in Faringdon, and his parents still live here.
Their performance was excellent - pure pleasure to listen to and watch
They raised £550 for Christian Aid
On Saturday 24 September, Faringdon Area Project (FAP) will be holding a coffee morning in the Old Town Hall, Faringdon from 10am to 2pm.
We would like to invite all residents of Faringdon and the surrounding villages to come along on the Saturday to find out what FAP has been doing over the last few years.
After undertaking the health check three years ago a number of initiatives were discussed to help further develop our remarkable town and its Hinterland. Since then, with the generous help of a number of dedicated volunteers, the Town Council and the Vale of the White Horse District Council a wide variety of projects have been undertaken.
These projects are in various stages of development and with your help and support will continue to go from strength to strength. Please come along for a coffee and find out more about us - we'd love to see you!
Julie and Anna Tel 0845 859 1720 or 07899994081
Ed: Julie is the new FAP coordinator and Anna the administrator
On Saturday 15 October 2005 FAP, in conjunction the Town Council, the Vale of the White Horse District Council and a number of organisations in Faringdon and the surrounding villages, will be hosting a Youth Fair in The Corn Exchange from 10am to 2pm.
The Fair is intended to introduce new opportunities to young people in and around Faringdon. We would like to invite all residents of Faringdon and its Hinterland, especially those between 11 and 25 years of age, to come along on the day to find out what activities may be of interest to them in the area.
A number of local organisations have been invited to take part, all of which would welcome new members of all ages and abilities. For those interested in skating there will be a mobile skate park in the town centre on that day. Please look out for our adverts to find out more.
Julie and Anna Tel 0845 859 1720 / 07899 994081
There is a perceived need in Faringdon for a flexible multi purpose Arts & Community Centre, to serve both the town and surrounding villages.
The questionnaire aims to consult potential users as to their individual needs with a view to taking this project forward.
If you or your group have a need for performance, exhibition - or any sort of community space, please do complete the attached survey.
Arts and Community Centre User needs assessment survey
Carolyn Taylor
alanandcarolyn@btopenworld.com
Thames Water and Faringdon House Estate have negotiated an easement for TW to drive to the Reservoir for their business recordings. So in return, TW have agreed to put in a hardcore track ( It is not a footpath and OCC do not have any interest in this).
The track will start at the Stanford Rd entrance ( not the footpath one, but further along), and around the corner from the entrance will be two 10' wooden gates which will be locked and used only for TW, for farming operations and those with need to get to the Folly, ie the Trustees and electrician.
Disabled drivers etc will be given access on Folly open days.
Alongside these gates will be a 4' gate open at all times for walkers and their dogs. The track will follow the hedgeline up to the Folly, along left to the reservoir. It will be dug deep enough that there should be no water erosion and the track will not be washed away as it presently is.
This should be a benefit to all users of the track, and we hope that walkers will respect the agricultural crops growing alongside the track. Hopefully it might prevent flytipping
I understand the legal side is almost signed by all, and TW will have access to instate the track within a week or two
Daphne Saunders
My wife and I have a lot of bus tokens which we don't need.I know many others don't really need theirs.
Would the powers-that-be be prepared to buy them back and donate the money to the Stanford Fund?
Collection boxes in Lloyds Bank etc would be a fitting resting place for a reminder of the good old days when The Vale was able to afford such generosity
HGM
I was sad to read of the fire at Stanford-in-the-Vale last weekend and was pondering what Faringdon could do to assist. Insurance cash always takes weeks to come through so how about a collection?
Perhaps we could donate bedding, towels, pots and pans too?
Can anyone volunteer their home/office as a collection point?
What are other reader's thoughts?
Mel Taylor
I've found a watch at Badbury Clump.
If youhave lost one contact me on 01793 496721
WANT TO FEEL FITTER, HAPPIER AND HEALTHIER????
THEN COME TO A MEETING ABOUT THE NEW FARINGDON HEALTH WALKS SCHEME.
HEALTH WALKS ARE:
- FUN
- FREE
- A GREAT WAY TO IMPROVE YOUR HEALTH AND FITNESS
- SUITABLE FOR ANY AGE GROUP
HEALTH WALKS ARE LED BY TWO TRAINED LEADERS TO ENSURE SAFETY AND ENJOYMENT FOR ALL.
OPEN PUBLIC MEETING ON THURSDAY 22ND SEPTEMBER 7.00 FARINGDON BAPTIST CHURCH
Interested but can't make the meeting?
Ring Health Visitors
Lorraine Lumsden or Kim Campbell 01367 245417 to find out more
The Folly Park Fun Day and Consultation was a great success - we had about 100 people attending and enjoying the activities, and lot's of ideas were discussed and stuck on the model!
Thanks to everyone who helped plan and run the event and thanks to all the people who came along!
I would like to invite you to our next meeting, which will be held on Thursday, 8th September at 7-9pm at Faringdon Town Hall We will look at all the different ideas, prioritize them and think about how to put them into action.
Please come along as we need as many people as possible to help decide what is going to happen at Folly Park!
If you have any questions or comments then please don't hesitate calling me.
Katrina Pengelley
K.Pengelley@btcv.org.uk
Berkshire & Oxfordshire Community Project Officer
Faringdon Bowling Club has kindly agreed to allow an area of its grounds to play Petanque. The idea of Petanque originated from FTC publicity committee and was later supported by FAR, whose members, with considerable effort prepared the ground.
6 people have already indicated that they intend to play and more have declared an interest. Anyone who would like to join is very welcome
Contact Dave Hughes 01367 240222 for more information
I am afraid this is a spoof notice sent around from two years ago.
Although Mars this year will be a lot better to view for people in Faringdon than it was two years ago because it will be higher in the sky it is not the closest it has been. If there are any amateur astronomers who would like to set up a Mars night sometime in the autumn then I would be glad to help out.
Name supplied
Can you play Violin/fiddle?
A new band is about to be formed in Faringdon,( Running with Sissors) from members of the local pop and rock outfits,
We have bass, drums,mandolin/guitar, and keyboard and are desperatly searching for a voilin player who would like to play in the folk/rock style.
First get together will be at the Coleshill village hall, Sunday 25th September from about one o'clock onwards, if you are interested please contact me.
HORTON@hortonsn77ug.fslife.co.uk.
jim horton
You must be pysco-ceramic Mr Hunt, Pets-r-us are indeed moving into Faringdon, you can never have enough of a good thing I say.
I also understand that another Faringdon web site is to be set up, a sister site to Faringdon online, Faringdon offshore, for those residents who like to get away from it all.
ah! great times we live in, never mind, as soon as the holidays are over, I'm sure we will all be back to the riviting serious issues that make this site great.
Lets face it a twilight zone now and again harms no one..............or does it?.
The Gate Keeper.
Monorails? Cable Cars? Ferry Boats? I have been away from the wonderful Faringdon website for a while and I feel that I have re-entered an episode of The Twilight Zone.
I was just getting my head around a town the size of Faringdon having 2 pet shops, 2 piano shops, 3 gift shops, a diminishing amount of public houses for us all to enjoy (The Bell seats look great by the way)6 takeaway outlets and an extremely questionable supermarket.
Any news yet on the new uses of the C&G and Tourist Offices? I am thinking of getting a pet but feel that at this time 2 pet shops will not be adequate. Any chance of a third?
Ray Hunt
Like the website Gene and Hilary - it's beginning to look like a real portal for Faringdon!!!
Many thanks for providing such an invaluable service for the community.
Cheers
Sarah Allen-Stevens
I too have had unwanted calls from 0800 reverse, several, in the small hours. There is no indication of who is calling, so those of us with , for example children who may be in trouble, have little option but to answer. '0800 reverse' refused to give me the caller's number when I contacte them, so I was unable to ascertain where the calls were from until they appeared on my BT bill, and had to be paid for.
'0800 reverse' make a connection charge of £2.50 addition to the call charge. There is no good reason to withold a caller's number, and '0800 reverse' is making a profit out of nuisance calls while maintaining that it is offering a legitimate service. I complained, but BT, and 0800 reverse are quite unconcerned - each, of course, profiting from this unnecessary 'service'.
name supplied
A warning to anyone who answers one of the new 0800 reverse calls.
We answered two of these to find there was nobody at the other end! Apart from being annoying and the worry that it was one of our children trying to contact us it has cost us £6.78 for the calls!
I have checked out the numbers from my phone bill and one of them is the phone box by the church. This is obviously kids messing around. So be warned if in doubt don't accept the call!
Name supplied
I agree with Mr Horton about the ferry boats, they would look lovely in the market square, and with the portwell lit up,mmmmm.
I could help out with the boats even. For most off my life I have run a very successful Fair, now as I am retired, I have several swinging boats taking up room in one of my sheds, I would be more than happy to sell them to the Faringdon residents. for a reasonable fee of course.
I have been told that HGM is a bit of a carpenter, perhaps he could carve some figure heads for the boats,in the shape of local celeb's?, and Mr Horton could paint them up.
Stan the Fairground man.
P.S if the monorail gets the go ahead I also have some stuff from the high wire act I used to do, cable,poles ect, and some nice satin uniforms. anyone interested?
Cable car- now you're talking!
How about adding a bit of artificial snow to Folly Hill to complete the look?
We could be sitting on a gold mine - Faringdon could become the next St. Moritz!
Name supplied
The Monorail is causing quite a stir but it is a surprise that some people were not aware of its existence. As is usual with all planning matters the project was probably discussed fully prior to its adoption. I understand that it was first mentioned during a meeting at which Faringdon was designated a deprived area as mentioned by Folly Cat. As this designation was based solely on the assumption that by the year 2011 we would have more than 500 extra domestic units but have no increase in the infrastructure it was felt that the term 'deprived area' was a misnomer.
During the original discussion the term 'foreigners' was accidentally used to describe 'key workers' but this was later changed. 'Foreigners' now refers to anyone living outside the community bus catchment area but the exact explanation of 'Key Worker' is still open for discussion..
This information was probably available for inspection at the District Council Offices between 9.00am and 12.30pm Monday to Friday and a copy was possibly displayed on the notice board outside the Corn Exchange in Faringdon. Unfortunately owing to the ingress of rain water the notice may have been blurred but as ever the FTC would have provided all the information they had, on request.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the correspondent who seems to have had no knowledge of the proposal. His or her lack of information gives the impression that planning matters are discussed behind closed doors and that sometimes decisions reached are not easily accessible for public scrutiny.
HGM
I'm afraid that I cannot agree with either the folly cat, or Mr Harry( in his case, I would always take the contrary position with much glee).
No, I much prefere the more natural proposition of the Ferry boats.
With most places in this country now becoming flooded during the winter months, this seems a much better, and environmentally stable idea,
I know the brave few that suggested this were laughed out of the meeting, with their jute bags being thrown out after them, but I for one think they have a point.
Can I ask you to remember the great flood of Faringdon a few years ago, true, a great deal of damage was done, but can you remember how nice the little boats looked in the market place,bobbing up and down ( even before the outside tables and chairs were thought of, it looked quite like Venice) with the occupants of the said little boats trying to catch the fish that had escaped from townfolks ponds.
Of course as a trial run it was a disaster, but with a bit of thought, and a few more sandbags I personally think it would be a winner, why, we could even be twinned with Venice. Of course that would only be practical in the winter months,
I suppose Thames water could be asked to tap a main pipe, but that would be stupid, as they would put a meter on it, and once again Faringdon residents would be faced with a massive bill.
No a bit more thought needs to be put into this, but I still say a monorail is a bad idea, perhaps this fine site could run a pole(!) on it, monorail or Ferry boats?
Jim Horton
Let me just say I think the monorail proposal is quite splendid.
I understand that it came about as a spin-off from the original Faringdon improvement initiative afer we were designated a 'deprived area'. I also thought that it was intended that this was to be eventually extended to encompass the surrounding villages, thereby creating a fast, convenient transport network linking the villages with Faringdon and lessening the need for motor transport.
This would of course have a considerable impact on parking problems for shoppers etc, and would allow Faringdon to become once again the hub of district activity. In turn the improved transport link would enable us to have more facilities for use by the surrounding rural community, and perhaps we could become the showcase market town that no doubt our local authority would like.
I also love the idea of a cablecar between the Old Town Hall and the Folly Tower. What an attraction! Presumably this would entail a fairly robust support system but hey, - we could do with some innovation round here. I am fully in agreement with HGM. Lets go for it.
Folly Cat.
Ok, I've scrolled back down the page to look for anything else about the Monorail, I've done a search on the internet for 'Faringdon monorail'.... I can't find any information!
Could someone provide some background or outline the plans?
Many Thanks
Name supplied
I have to confess that I’m no expert in the distribution of funds raised through licensing. However, if it works the same way as other government collections I would suggest that any funds collected in relation to the Portwell seating will be deposited into a central fund rather than into a box marked “Give this money back to Faringdon”.
Even if this were the case how much are we talking about? A few hundred pounds?
The cost of the events and facilities mentioned by “name supplied” runs into tens of thousands of pounds. The revenue collected from the Portwell licence, though much appreciated, is not realistically going to make a huge dent in this. To a local trader, however, a few hundred pounds could be a big outlay as well as a huge bureaucratic inconvenience.
I would much rather make it as easy as possible to promote a crowded bustling outdoor café life that encourages visitors to stop and use the other town shops and facilities while they’re here.
Yes, to sensibly placed tables and chairs around the Portwell. No, to a licence fee and unecessary bureaucracy in order to put them there!
David Reynolds
The comments of this writer are typical of the narrow minded attitude which has kept Faringdon back in the 19th century
Yes! the Monorail may have a few teething problems but the positioning of the stations has not been finalised and the planners of the FTC have promised an urgent in-depth revue of the alternatives as soon as they are back from their summer holidays
For quite a while now it has been obvious that the present ground network of roads in the town centre is not working ! In 1847 a survey revealed that the average speed of the traffic through the town centre was 4mph and it has not increased since then. (Apart from yobs on motor bikes who are allowed to go as fast as they like)
That leaves two possibilities:
The first is to install an underground system this is still being looked into.
The second is an above ground system which makes use of the only space in Faringdon which has so far not attracted the attention of the VWHDC planners.
The addition of the proposed cable car from the Old Town Hall to the top of the Folly Tower will attract visitors from as far away as Clanfield or even Carterton so Name Supplied.... Please reconsider your position and give the project the backing which it truly deserves.
HGM
The Vale of White Horse District Council is running a photographic competition over the summer. The subject for the VIP Photographic Competition 2005 is 'Vale Attractions and Events'.
The theme is open to your personal interpretation but should capture the energy of local attractions and events through the eyes of those who visit or live in the area covered by the Vale of White Horse District Council (the Vale).
Entries must have been taken in the Vale between 31st May 2005 and August 2005. The closing date for entries is 12 September 2005.
You can download and print off a copy of both Application form and Rules as a Word Document.
For further information please visit http://www.whitehorsedc.gov.uk/Tourism/Events/DetailPage-8034.asp
I think it's disgusting that they can try and sneak the monorail plans past us. Why does a town the size of Faringdon need a public transport network? It's ecology/political correctness gone mad.
Has anyone been consulted about the siting of the four stations? Certainly, expanses of track space from the old railway do exist, but especially having the central stop elevated beside the Old Town Hall will be an eyesore. One might say that the geography of Faringdon is just too uneven for a monrail system to flourish.
As for ticket prices, if the system is to work at all, and not be a Planet of the Apes-style monument, rusting away for future Faringdonians to wonder at, then may I suggest that a pound is surely the most one would pay to ride from the United Church stop to Rob the Cheese's doorstep?
Every day another aspect of life in Faringdon is tarnished.
Sigh
Name Supplied
This month and next, Earth is catching up with Mars in an encounter that will culminate in the closest approach between the two planets in recorded history. The next time Mars may come this close is in 2287.
Due to the way Jupiter's gravity tugs on Mars and perturbs its orbit, astronomers can only be certain that Mars has not come this close to Earth in the Last 5,000 years, but it may be as long as 60,000 years before it happens again.
The encounter will culminate on August 27th when Mars comes to within 34,649,589 miles of Earth and will be (next to the moon) the brightest object in the night sky. It will attain a magnitude of -2.9 and will appear 25.11 arc seconds wide. At a modest 75-power magnification .Mars will be easy to spot.
At the beginning of August it will rise in the east at 10p.m. and reach its azimuth at about 3 a.m. By the end of August when the two planets are closest, Mars will rise at nightfall and reach its highest point in the sky at 12:30a.m. That's pretty convenient to see something that no human being has seen in recorded history.
So, mark your calendar at the beginning of August to see Mars grow progressively brighter and brighter throughout the month.
Share this with your children and grandchildren. NO ONE ALIVE TODAY WILL EVER SEE THIS AGAIN
John Gillman
Whilst seating in the Market Place can only be a positive step for the town it should be made clear that the complaints, yes there have been more than one, do not just relate to the obstruction to the public seating area around the Portwell but the much needed extra licensing revenue that isn't being collected at present.
Surely extra revenue means extra funds that could be spent on hanging baskets,funding for the annual Xmas evening and more money for the Faringdon Arts Festival - now a local treasure.(Well done to all those involved for putting Faringdon on the map).
Name Supplied
On Tuesday morning the Town Centre looked like an advertisment for the Perfect English Market Day scene.
Like most residents I don't usually take the time to 'stand and stare' but on Tuesday I did the staring bit because I was stuck in one of the inevitable logjams as cars,vans and a coach tried simultaineously to use the road outside Lloyds.
The slip road past The Crown is presently restricted to Taxis, Buses and inconsiderate yobs but if it was opened up as a one way road for everyone there would be two benefits. Firstly the jams might be reduced and secondly Gene would not be taken by surprise when she did find cars using it.
HGM
Thanks for giving the website a new look, it's good to refresh things.
Having been in Faringdon for almost a year I've found this community website extremely useful, for both information and images and sometimes entertaining - talking points!
It gave me the information to get involved in the Arts Festival, which was great, which allowed me to meet new people and otherwise settle into this town much quicker than otherwise might have been the case.
So thankyou Faringdon.org and cheers for linking in my photos of the festival.
Al Cane
Hil Taylor and I have been spending quite a bit of time changing the look of the website. There's more to do still - a better index and layout for the business directory will soon appear.
Do have a look around and tell us what you think - or give us ideas for new content, - it will all be helpful in making the site even more useful.
Please do write to Talking Points- the more contributors there are, the more interesting it becomes.
The number of visitors has grown over the 4 years since we launched the site- but we want it to increase even more.
Look forward to hearing from you
Gene Webb
Sitting outside the Faringdon Coffee House today, having a very nice cup of coffee and delicious coffee cake, with a friend we noticed as many as 20 cars using the slip road between the Crown and the Old Town Hall .
When I cross the road there I tend not to expect any traffic on that road - I must change my ways - it's highly used- illegally.
Gene Webb
VWHDC have a scheme where if you hire a brown wheely bin for £29 per year, you can fill it up with garden waste and cardboard and it will be emptied every fortnight.
Have a look at their website
Gene Webb