faringdon-online community web site home	talking points
	july 2008

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Faringdon Secondary modern school photos - 31/7/08 I wonder if you can help, I was brought up in Faringdon from the year 1937 to the day I got my call up papers in 1949, I still have a friend in Faringdon who I contact from time to time. However I digress, can you point me in the direction to getting pictures of my old Faringdon Secondary Modern School, that was in Southampton Street. I understand it has been knocked down and no longer there. Regards Ron.Clements arcy31@btinternet.com

Oxfordshire Life - an article on Faringdon - 31/7/08 Following a request to the editor, Sandra Fraser, this great article about Faringdon which appeared in the March 2008 edition of Oxfordshire Life, is now available via the internet. It was written by Mark Child It's really worth a read - do have a look at it: http://www.oxfordshire-life.co.uk/main-menu-oxfordshire-places-faringdon's-folly,-fortune-and-fame--72023 Gene Webb

Re: Copying from reel tape to CD - 30/7/08 Gene, in response to your request, I am able to transfer 1/4 inch reel tape (so long as the reel is no more than 7 inches in diameter, digitally enhance it to the highest quality and then create a CD of the material. If yourself or any other users of this website would like to take advantage of this local service at very reasonable rates, please contact me on 0777 347 9669. Neil Ed(GW) Thanks Neil. The tape belongs to a relative of mine - I have to get hold of it first

Our New Sergeant - 29/7/08 I have just had a chat with our new Policeman, Sergeant Maddison. He was unaware of the Faringdon Website so I have enlightened him and he has promised to check it out. I did tell him that some of the posters tend to be wrinklies with nothing better to do but I also pointed out that it reflects current thinking on matters which concern us such as Parking and illegal use of our bus lane. He inspired me with confidence and while I'm not saying I would buy a used car from him I did believe him when he said he will take note of our comments. So if you are reading this Sergeant. Welcome to Faringdon. HGM

Poetry 2008 - 29/7/08 Here we go again, Hopeful as can be Trying to win prize money by writing poetry Now some poets write for pleasure, and some poets write for gain. Some people like the things I write, but some think I'm insane. So I dislike a contest, where someone says who's best There's only one person that I aim to please and then I say. B****r the rest ! Phyllis Stein

2008 Faringdon Online Poetry Competition - 28/7/08 Yes, its that time of the year again. Just when you'd thought that nothing further was to happen, no more excitement. The Big Gigs; the Music Fests; the Battles of Faringdon; all over. But NO.... Here it is.....The 2008 Poetry Competition!!! Summon up your muses. Get out your quills, and visit http://www.faringdon.org/poetry2008/nvpoetrycomp2008.htm to see details of the contest I look forward to a deluge of poetic outpourings in due course Hilary T.

Lost your keys? - 28/7/08 Did anyone lose a set of keys, with the a Honda Car Key on it, in the Market Square or The Crown on Saturday Night as I appear to have them. If they are yours let me know and I will get them back to you. Contact me on jpgsawyer@ yahoo.com

Huge Thank You to John Gillman - 28/7/08 It takes a General, a Commander to win a Battle, and the Battle of Faringdon of the weekend 21st July 2008 was the result of two years of strategic planning by Faringdon's Mayor and General, John Gillman. From the start to finish, John organised and directed the operations. He wanted this to be for the people of Faringdon, with no pricey entrance tickets, for all to enjoy. True, he encountered along the way minor skirmishes with Health and Safety men, Environmental Officers, who objected to advertising the event with signs and notices, and the Highways Authorities. The weekend was filled throughout with well thought out events; the Battle of the King Charles I's Troops against Cromwell's men on the Saturday afternoon, followed by the confrontation in the Market Place at 6.00pm where men were shot for their participation in the earlier fight. An hours rest before another gathering in the beer tent with historic Ale flowing until early Sunday morning. Going to All Saints Church was an experience for many where John gave us a history of the event, wreaths laid on Marmaduke's grave and Dr Graham Scot Brown aptly talked of John Bunyan's pilgrimage. Hymns and prayers came from those times. The Sunday Battle intensified, moving closer up the hill towards the people, much cannon firing and fighting. One of Cromwell's men devastatingly killed his brother on the King's side, such was the ferocity of the Battle. Poignantly, a nostalgic time came when John, dressed in his 1646 Commanders garments, took the salute of all participants, and thanked the Sealed Knot for such a wonderful weekend. In saying thankyou to John, we also especially thank Jane Haynes and Nick Elwell for their organising skills throughout. No General can win without his quality staff, and in Jane and Nick, he had so much detailed help. There is in planning stage a reception and gathering for all helpers, gatemen, car park attendants and everyone involved soon. The Sealed Knot want to come again, they loved our town and the warm welcome you all gave them. Planned to every small detail, we saw an orderly arrival of many caravans and campers, the water and food supply, hospitality stands etc., and by Monday, the fields where such Battles took place in 1646, and again in 2008 returned for their peaceful grazing in exceptional tidyness. Such was the organisation that only a Leader of men can do. Daphne Saunders Chairman of the Faringdon Area Project

Bus Lane update. - 26/7/08 Yet again I am crossing over to the paper shop with dog in tow and once more nearly get run down. When are the OCC going to get and put up some BIG signs AND paint road markings to notify drivers and more importantly, when are the boys in blue going to shift there useless arses and do something. Do I have to die first! Colin

FTC Finance meeting 23/7 - 26/7/08 This committee monitors council spending, awards grants, and makes decisions that have financial implications Mike Wise was elected as Vice chairman(Chairman is Steve Leniec) It was agreed that Faringdon Community and Tourist Information Centre will offer payment via credit cards under an arrangement made by Tourism South East. It will cost £138pa, plus 1.25% - 1.5% per transaction. FCTIC have been given postcards by VWHDC, for sale. Some have been donated to the Friends of the Folly as the postcard depicts the tower. A number of photographs have been offered for the Faringdon 2009 calendar. More are needed. Grants Faringdon First responders were awarded £1350 to equip a van that has been donated by the 41 Club. Bromsgrove Day Centre were awarded £300 towards the cost of arranging a course re fall prevention for elderly/inform Faringdon residents Faringdon Whist drive was awarded £332 for 5 new card tables Council Accounts AH proposed that the way capital money is held in the accounts is changed. As far as I could understand this will mean that money earmarked for captal projects in the budget will be held under the same budget heading as the council reserves. The effect of this is that if money is unspent, the the council reserve figure will appear to be higher than if these monies are held separately. The FTC Finance officer, the Town Clerk, was against this and felt it would be misleading for townspeople. The motion was agreed (of 7 councillors, 3 supported, 2 against, 2 abstained). Corn Exchange Lease The condition survey report has been received. It was said there were no surprises. The toilets(particularly the gents) was the major item, the roof was not highlighted as a major issue though there are some minor repairs needed, plus decoration. The terms of the lease were discussed. It was thought that VWHDC and FTC would split any costs 50:50. The lease term is 10 years, there is a peppercorn rent, FTC would be responsible for insurance costs. The discussion on break clauses was unclear to me. Any time after one year was mentioned, but also a minimum term of 10 years. No mention was made of notice periods, though if ever FTC did terminate the lease then the building would need to be returned in a certain condition. ( I think the condition now, rather than after the works mentioned above have been carried out). Mike Wise asked that the full costs and income of running the Corn Exchange under the lease were calculated in order to make an informed decision. A working party will meet with VWHDC to discuss the lease, and the assistance VWHDC would provide if it was decided to move FCTIC to the Corn Exchange office area. No mention was made of the FTC office moving to the Pump House It was stated that FTC intend to hold a town meeting sometime in September, to ask the town their views Pump House - It was suggested that 'something needed to be done' about the Pump House- so that it is better used. Land adjoining Willes Close - It was agreed to apply for change of use (£150 to be paid from reserves)- to allotments. It wasn't mentioned what the current permissible use is. (this former school playground/field land was covenanted to Faringdon by Oxfordshire CC) SSSI land off Fernham Road - This SSSI land, will become owned by Faringdon (currently in discussion with builder Ede, who gifted the SSSI). House owners in Fernham gate whose gardens back onto the SSSI have removed the boundary fence and erected another to include between 2.5 and 3m of SSSI land in their rear gardens. FTC are to write to builder EDE, as current owner of the land. Climate Change - Mike Wise is to be the Finance committee representative on the Climate change working party Employment Tribunal - the case was dismissed Council Meetings are likely to be held somewhere with disabled access Personal comment The above notes are my memory of the meeting (>3 hours long!). There are some points that are a bit unclear - but as you know the public are not allowed to ask questions except at the Public question time agenda item- and then having given prior notice. I went to the meeting to hear about the Corn Exchange and the suggestion from Venues 'David Price (the chair) felt it was important that FTC looked at the big picture across venues, their uses, the finance, the pros and cons. Others at the meeting agreed with this, but thought that it was being done via the Finance meeting ' To my surprise, even though there were 4 councillors at this meeting that were also at the Venues meeting, it was not mentioned. I have heard informally that if secondary glazing is installed in the Corn Exchange, air conditioning will be required. Gene Webb

Unobtrusive nappies - 26/7/08 I was intrigued to see that staff in supermarkets are obliged to wear nappies as they are given insufficient time to use the lavatory. Although I have scrutinised Budgen's staff carefully on my recent visits there I can see no tell-tale bulges, nor have I detected any leakage. It is gratifying to note that modern nappies are so unobtrusive. HT

Congratulations - 26/7/08 Whoever was responsible for the decoration of our new Boots building deserves a pat on the back. Josiah Wedgwood would be proud. People sitting in the bus shelter watching the law breakers ignoring the signs will now have something calming to look at.. Well done ! Art Lover

Make the most of existing facilities - 25/7/08 I notice from the post regarding the council meeting that young people would like somewhere to meet and play tennis and basketball. Faringdon Community College has several tennis courts and a basket ball court which stand unused all summer long. Up until the end of term and the nets were removed there were lots of people young and families using the tennis courts. Some however are in a poor state of repair. My suggestion is that all the groups in Faringdon pull together and make the most of existing facilities instead of looking for money to provide more. Money could be spent on these areas to provide better courts and CCTV to prevent vandalism. Everyone would benefit - FCC from better quality courts and the community from evening, weekend and holiday use. Name Supplied

Copying from reel tape to CD - 24/7/08 Does anyone know of a reliable service to copy voice from reel tape to CD? I guess the tape was made in the 1960/70s Gene Webb

Corn Exchange update+++ - 22/7/08 Thought I'd go along to the Council Venues committee meeting (22/7)to hear what is happening about the Corn Exchange- it was last on the agenda so was not talked about until 8.50, and then not for long.These are my notes of the meeting - and hopefully are accurate, but of course I don't go to all meetings and therefore don't have the full detail. VWHDC will be closing the cash office in the Corn Exchange on 1/10, and FTC are considering whether to move the TIC into the open area in front of the offices(not into VWHDC cash office), so that an information service can be provided to people who are accustomed to getting VWHDC information from Cash office staff. It seems that the VWHDC solution to this is to put a computer into the library Whether this is a possibility is dependent on FTC signing a lease for the Corn Exchange. The condition survey has been received and from the sound of it there is about £30k to spend - a largish proportion on the toilets, particularly the gents. When the lease is needed to be signed was mentioned, not whether it will be. No mention was made of FTC moving to the Pump House. David Price (the chair) felt it was important that FTC looked at the big picture across venues, their uses, the finance, the pros and cons. Others at the meeting agreed with this, but thought that it was being done via the Finance meeting (next meeting 23/7 - so I went to that too) Other subjects discussed. Common Room for Youth activities. 2 6th form girls have been co opted to provide the Venues committee with information from other young people about their needs. Sophie Cave reported that they want a room for playstation games, TV and the like, and for the summer somewhere to meet, play basketball, tennis etc. They like the idea of a cinema and occasional discos. FTC intend to hold an open meeting for teenagers in September. No mention was made of the Cromwell Centre becoming the Youth venue. Corn Exchange/Bar franchise Hilary and Sam Prince have, as the franchisees, been co opted onto the Venues committee. The agreement is soon to be signed There was a long discussion about lower hire rates for non business/profit making organisations. It was agreed that this is not always clear cut, so deciding on a case by case basis will continue, with decisions to be made by the chair and vice chair (Julie Farmer) The Corn Exchange has few bookings during August (this is normal), so the venues caretaker is carrying out some park superintendant duties as he is on extended sick leave. It was thought that maybe bookings this year are down, so a year on year comparison is to be produced. Oxford Countywide Rural and Community Touring scheme. It was decided to fund 2 performances, to be chosen by the Town Clerk. It was agreed that more publicity is needed asin the past audiences have been small. Pump House It was stated that this building is under utilised. £850 is to be spent in removal of combustible materials from the old theatre and bar, in order to comply with insurance requirements. 2 radiators need to be replaced - the paint is peeling and they are not suitable for thermostatic control. The ££ for this is to come from the climate change budget of £5k. FTC would like to put thermostats on all rads (Climate change initiative), but have been told that the radiator connections are unsuitable and the radiators would have to be replaced.(FTC do not want to do this) Apparently there is a heat control for each floor, operation of which is now understood, so controlling the temperature should not be a problem Pump House theatre and bar A working party was set up to look into use/repairs/costs of these rooms. No meeting date was discussed. It seems there is a fire safety requirement that access is only from the rear, and no more than 80-90 people may use the theatre at any one time. Gene Webb An exciting evening!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Lord Berners doves- does anyone know? - 24/7/08 When Lord Berners released the doves on the opening night, were they just red, white and blue – and was this supposed to be the colour of the Union Jack, do you know? Gene Webb

A case against Tesco in Faringdon - 24/7/08 Supermarkets present a very seductive picture to the consumer, but just under the surface it is a different story. Research carried out in the UK some 15 years ago revealed that the average distance travelled by the food in a typical supermarket trolley is more than 3,000 kilometers. Most "fresh" produce is at least 4 days old and has passed through a number of processing and storage plants, involving subjection to very different temperature fluctuations, before getting onto the shelves. In the process, there is a loss of between 40 and 50% of the nutritional value of these foods. Sell by dates are routinely altered in many chains, to keep fresh looking produce longer. Staff are paid very low rates and, in more than one known chain, have to wear nappies, as they are not given sufficient breaks to go to the toilet. Huge power requirements are needed to maintain freezer and cold storage facilities, drawing heavily on the national grid and thereby encouraging wasteful practices that increase already critical global warming patterns. Being able to buy "anything at any time" comes at a high price to our environment and farmers. The large supermarket chains buy their supplies from wherever it is produced at the lowest cost on the world market. Organic and conventional. This involves contracting large agrichemical oriented farms to mass produce "cheap" food. Because the price paid is very low, the farmer has to compensate by maximising production and minimising employment. The result is the huge monocultural prairies that dominate US agriculture and have now established a significant foothold in Europe. These 'food factories' are entirely dependent upon chemical inputs: herbicides, fungicides, insecticides, nitrate fertilizers and increasingly, genetically modified seeds/plants. Their soils are so barren that they care incapable of producing any crops at all without heavy doses of agrichemicals. The same applies to meat production. The great majority of farm animals, in order to be raised to strict supermarket specifications and time lines, are housed in vast sheds with very little room to move freely or express their natural physiological needs. Electric lighting is kept on night and day and most animals never see real daylight or indeed, the outside world. Pigs and chickens are routinely fed antibiotics in their heavilly processed and genetically modified feed, in order to speed up their rate of growth and prevent them from becoming sick. Inspite of this, mortality rates are high. All chickens routinely have their beaks clipped in order to stop them pecking each other in the overcrowded cages in which they are raised. The feed of egg laying hens contains chemical colours to make the yolks look red. The farmer can choose from a wide variety of orange colourings. When I kept hens (free range) I was sent a yolk colour chart by the manufacturers hoping I would buy their products! Without these colours the yolks of hens kept in these conditions would be grey and consequently completely unacceptable. Hens require access to green foods (ie grass) to have naturally orange yolks. The hens that supply the supermarket chains never get outside. They live for an average of 3 months before being culled and used for quick chill chicken dishes and dog/cat food. The same goes for birds specifically grown for meat: they are fed 24 hours a day on genetically modified maize and soya plus antibiotic growth promotors in vast indoor air controlled (no windows) sheds often containing upwards of 30,000 hens. They are slaughtered at an average age of 2.5 months, their under-formed legs barely able to hold their exaggerated weight. On average, dairy cattle are culled (slaughtered) after just 3 lactation cycles, because they cannot maintain the peak volumes of milk demanded by the supermarkets, beyond the age of 4/5 years. Many suffer severe mastitis inflamations of the udder and hoof rotting due to the unnatural conditions in which they are kept. On my organic farm in the UK, my diary cattle averaged 14 years before they ceased commercial milk production. I then kept them on as nurse cows for raising calves. Each supermarket planning acceptance leads to the subsequent loss of an average of 150 local jobs through the closure of local businesses (Rural Development Commission, 1992). Money which used to circulate in the local economy is lost to the global economy, thereby draining the community of its life blood. Supermarkets require special road structures to cater for their large transportation vehicles and equally large concreted delivery areas. They are major contributors to CO2 emmissions, largely because of their vast and power hungry refrigeration units, but also because they encourage families to use cars to get to them - instead of shopping locally. Tesco's profit margins increase every year - and are now regularly in the 3.5 billion pound area. They are the leading exponents of a centralised market economy and have no interest in supporting local communities or stocking local food. Their representatives often claim that they will take an interest in purchasing locally - to placate any critics - but in reality they source 98 percent of their produce wherever it can be purchased most cheaply and most easily on the national and world market. All in all they are at the front line of contributors to a degraded food growing environment on a global scale; inhumane animal welfare practices and the undermining of the integrity of local communities. Any community that wishes to encourage a robust local economy would be well advised to steer well clear of such marketing practices. In Faringdon's case, courting such trading runs directly counter to the stated goals of the FAP as well as the recent "health check" criteria for a more self supporting and inclusive community involvement in the town's development. Julian Rose, Hardwick Estate, Whitchurch-on-Thames, Oxfordshire

Battle for Faringdon pics - 23/7/08 If people are interested there are now well over 200 diverse photographs to look at from last weekend's Battle for Faringdon, posted by 11 local (flickr) photographers on a flickr site called Battle for Faringdon 2008. The direct link to it is http://www.flickr.com/groups/853558@N22/pool/ Al Cane

MADD person - 23/7/08 Speaking as a M.A.D.D. person, running the bar for the Sealed Knot, I have to put on record that I have rarely met a nicer bunch of people and would welcome them back again, although it would be nice if it was not assumed that plastics grow on trees.They have to be replaced. Di's and John's parties seem to have gone swimmingly but we were running a creche on Sunday. However, I know I sound like a moaning Minnie but apart from being totally shattered, we enjoyed and learned from the experience and will be there for the next one. yours, Hils and Sam M.A.D.D.

Young Film Makers Competition - 23/7/08 Two of the entries from the Young film Makers Competition that was held at the Faringdon Arts Festival can now be viewed at the following URL http://www.members.lycos.co.uk/scottgil/ If you just keep watching the winning one will play after the first one in total the video will be around 12 minutes long the Final two will be added once they have been compressed for Web Viewing Thanks Scott Gildert

Stolen Fruit - 23/7/08 I not sure if the curpits are human I know from dogs we occasionally take care of are very partially to our strawberries I only got to try one and what about the Birds do they not like berries? Name Supplied

Stolen Fruit - 22/7/08 I think that you need to add johny bird to your list of potential culpits. As soon as the berries are ripe (as with cherries) they will strip the bush of fruit without trace. The only way to prevent it, is to pick before ripe or net the bush. Devil's Advocate

A420 Buckland Highway Maintenance Works - Littleworth junction to Wadley Manor. - 22/7/08 Oxfordshire Highways will be undertaking carriageway repairs on the A420 commencing 28th July for 6 weeks. The repairs will involve the reconstruction and resurfacing of worn out areas of carriageway. The traffic management will consist of night time road closures (20.30 to 05.00). The closure will commence at the Wantage roundabout and end near to and west of Carswell Lane. Local access will be maintained to Littleworth along the A420 as far as it is possible. The night closures generally are expected to commence on the 12th August, and to continue for three weeks. Outside of this period there may be the need to close the road for a short time to undertake work safely in order to maintain the work on programme and to ensure that the works are complete within the six weeks. See nvpressrelease.htm for more information

Battle for Faringdon. - 21/7/08 Well done John Gillman. Absolutely wonderful weekend that has lifted the profile of our town. I didn't record it on TV as I thought I would be able to replay on BBC IPlayer and I didn't know what time it was on anyway. Not so - they don't do IPlayer for local news. So if any one has recorded it and can copy/lend me a copy, I would be truly grateful. Couldn't watch it myself as I was stuck in the carpark then helping clear up. Then at a seminar on the towns behalf in Oxford. Can I go to sleep now. Jane Boulton (Town Councillor)

In Reply to Ray - 21/7/08 The Arts Festival this Year was Over £8000 to put on and i know that a quarter of this went on childrens events. It is good to have things like Bouncy Castles Quad Bikes and Big BOuncy Slides. but they all have to be paid for and I know I Parted with a good £40 of my money and that was without Buying food or drink. and those type of thing are not based around the Arts This year we had: Grafitti art Film Makers Competition Kids Junk Modelling Toddlers Singing Puppet Making WORKSHOP Puppet Show Sony Play Station Guitar Hero Street Dance Workshop and all but the puppet show everything was free now to me that is money well spent and all the events were very well attended. and based around the arts. their was also a wide variety of music at the festival from opera to Musical theatre to cheesy pop and Rock. Original music and also covers. so the Attractions like what was at the battle of faringdon don't really apply to an arts Festival. we may well just call it the faringdon Carnival. Scott

Some thoughts on your replys (re Tesco) - 21/7/08 Martin - Do you think you using tesco online helps fund the tescos attack on rural towns etc. Ray - i know bugdens is a franchise . But they still have to stock a certain percentage of bugdens named brands, Dont think they are stocking coleshill veg for your health and well being.Its beacuase its the in thing to do ???? Andrew - I agree with you about varied hours opening ,Not everbody is blessed with being able to shop in the 9 to 5 window. I know of only one local shop to open on a sunday 9 to 1 pm.Thats why iI spend my money there on sundays not halfords etc. Shaz - great post ever job is important checkout girl or doctor makes no diffrents. simon ps hamish sorry the tesco debate is so sanctimonious

Re: Super Response from Faringdon IT Company - 21/7/08 I would like to thank Eddie Williams for the kind words about my company. One small correction on the original posting. My contact number is 07834 164 375 Raoul van Eijndhoven

Stolen fruit - 21/7/08 Could the lady or gentleman who helped themselves to all the gooseberries from my granny's back garden, kindly not. I was going to make some lovely crumble, but apart from two I found on the floor you've taken every single one of them!!!! This is not only trespassing but it is also stealing. Anyone else had fruit taken? Name Supplied

Extremely good Battle for Faringdon - 21/7/08 Yes I would like to agree that the Battle of F weekend was extremely good, especially the range of children's activities and food stalls. Is there any possibility that next year's Arts Festival could hire some of these children's attractions. I've heard that FTC have a budget of £6000 for events, and so instead of wasting part of it on the MADD festival why not spend it on bumping up the attractions of the already enjoyable Arts Fest? Ray

In Reply to Video Hound - 21/7/08 The Videos will be posted soon they need converting to a smaller size so that they can be viewed without using too much bandwidth plus also we need somewhere to host them they will be available to view soon Scott Gildert

Battle for Faringdon - 20/7/08 What a brilliant weekend- thankyou John Gillman for organising it. There are many more people now, who know about Faringdon and it's importance in the civil war For those who want to read more there are several links worth looking at on www.faringdon.org/hyhistory1.htm Gene Webb

Don't knock the Community Bus - 20/7/08 Please don't knock the Community Bus and its very dedicated group of volunteers. My guess is that any body saying that it runs about half empty isn't one of the many many people in the town who need to use it because, they don't have a car and need to shop in the town (probably don't have computers to buy from ASDA, TESCO or Sainsbury's online. Need go to the doctors or haven't had a trip out of Faringdon for many months. Or disabled the list goes on. Also it is a thought that when you see the bus half FULL 3 or 4 people might have got off at the previous bus stop. Also some of us use it rather than taking a car into town and try to reduce the traffic and our carbon footprint. Just a thought! There are many people in this town who can't go to the big out of town supermarkets, therefore cannot take advantage of cheaper food prices. These very often are the poorest and most vunerable in our society. Perhaps they would like a choice as well. Just to add to the debate. Name supplied

Great Art Fest photos on flickr - 19/7/08 Have a look -lots of faces of Faringdon www.flickr.com/groups/772559@N25/

Video workshop results? - 19/7/08 What has happened to the winning video(s) from Scott Gildert's artsfest workshop - Is there a link to it/them? videohound

Sanctimonious debate - 19/7/08 Dear name supplied I wasn't making fun of Cllr Hickmore's inability to spell but merely trying to lighten the mood, albeit in the childish and public school boy manner of private eye, as sadly the whole tesco debate is all a little sanctimonious and actually doesn't show the town in a particularly good light, if the only opinion was gathered through reading the .org forum. No doubt this post will be objected to by a section of the posting community who will claim the valuable right to share their opinion but merely operate on the basis of I've already made my mind up don't confuse me with the facts. At least I haven't threatened to cancel my subscription (another private eye reference) Hamish Millar

One hour free parking: - 19/7/08 Yes you do get a refund of your 40p on production of a receipt but only if you've spent over £10 - not much good if you want to pop in for five minutes for a loaf of bread or a stamp!! If Faringdon Town Centre is to survive we must have free parking like Witney, Abingdon and Wantage all have. As far as I know Faringdon gets no benefit from the parking monies taken - that all goes back into the Vale Councils purse. It's about time this was changed surely?! Controversial I know but if I need a loaf of bread and it's going to cost me £1.40 at Budgens because I have to pay parking (and have to fiddle about entering my registration number...and there's another talking point, grrr!) I'm more likely to nip into Tescos for two minutes and buy one for £1.00. In an ideal world I'd always support the Town Centre shops but I also have to budget realistically!! Name Supplied

Tesco Part 24: The class war - 18/4/08 Why do I get the impression from the "not in my backyard "posse, that they view the posters for Tesco's as waffling, plastic bag using, uneducated burger chomping morons. While the against Tesco's brigade, are the educated, jute bag carrying, Ive lived in a city, Ive seen the future (garlic bread) jolly decent people sort. "The only benefit I can see is shelf stackers and check out staff", whats the heck is wrong with that, we can't all be captains of industry, I know which group I would like to be stuck in a lift with. Shaz. a checkout girl, and proud of it!!

A good point - 18/4/08 Simon, you make a very good point. I fully agree that customers should put their money where their mouth is. In fact, I would like to spend more of my money in the butchers, bakers and local shops when it is convenient for me. Hence why I have suggested they could open late night one evening a week. However, I am not trying to personally attack people who choose to spend their money in supermarkets. I am trying to focus discussion on the clearly detrimental effects Tesco would have on Faringdon as a market town and trigger discussion on what local shops can do to serve customers better. Andrew

Wrong about Tesco? - 18/4/08 Actually I was wrong to object Tesco. I apologise for my suggestions that a supermarket would do everything possible to achieve maximum turnover in one building in turn closing down Faringdon town centre and removing all profit from the local area. Now that I hear Tesco suggest providing a bus service to bring in customers from local villages AND Faringdon town centre while providing opportunities to capture every market in one new shopping mall experience I am converted. I for one cannot wait for a Clinton cards and an Orange mobile phone shop to replace these unnecessary bakers, butchers and delis we currently have, that's progress. It looks like we can be confident they may allow local business to relocate to their site, thank you Tesco, I was wrong to doubt you. Andrew

Faringdon Budgens is a franchise - 18/7/08 Simon Faringdon's Budgen's is actually a franchise, and as such is owned by a local businessman. Tesco's isn't. That's the big difference. Budgen's sells local produce, Tesco's doesn't. I can happily say that I support a local shop by using budgens. Ray

Simon's comments on Tesco. - 18/7/08 I do shop with a major supermarket, however online. I make use of their endless lines of goods and enjoy the choice. However, this doesn't mean I want one on my doorstep! I wonder, how many of the pro Tesco brigade live on or off of Park Road? This is the major trunk road through the Town and is busy at peak periods. There are a large number of children who have to cross or walk along the road to school. The increased traffic we will get with a Tesco's is going to make their trip even more treacherous. Let's have larger schools, doctors surgery etc to cope with the increased housing. These are things you can't do online, as you can your shopping! Martin Harries

Thoughts re Tesco - 18/7/08 My thoughts looking at the comments most of posters on here dont like the thought of tescos coming. So am i right in thinking that you only buy from small local shops and never use major shops . If you use budgens then you are using a quite large company 225 stores. So my question to anti tesco poster, where do you buy your goods can you hand on heart say I buy all my bread in london st bakers and all my meat in one of the two butchers. If you can fair enough but if you cant then dont you think it is a bit rich ,to come on here saying i dont want a tescos but i will shop at it so long as it is not in faringdon. So there it is where do you get you shopping from ???? I am very interested in where the anti faringdon tescos poster get shooping from. I know that we use 90% supermarkets in one shape or form eg budgens in faringdon or co op, tescos of sainsburys. Be honest in your replys regards simon

Maybe more people for the town shops - 18/7/08 Yes, Hamish, a bit unnecessary to pillory AH for typos, but an independent and professional review would be welcome. Perhaps it could look at comparable towns to Faringdon, such as Langport, Somerset, (rather than crow about Inverness) which has had a Tesco's for around five years now, and I believe of the existing shops there none has had to close. Moreover, I am told that more people go there now to the supermarket and visit the town shops as well, than formerly. If all the ranters on this site don't want Tescos, why don't they simply avoid it and stop trying to dictate life for the rest of us. Its a possible supermarket which would serve the whole area, not a strategic nuclear strike on Faringdon, that we are talking about. Name Supplied

One hour free parking - 18/7/08 The scheme includes the Gloucester St and Southampton St car parks There are many participating shops that offer a refund of one hours parking(40p), on production of a receipt when purchasing goods Look out for the sticker in the shop window Name Supplied

Faringdon in Bloom - 18/7/08 This year's competition had 28 entrants (plus 1 lost application) Judging was 21/6, 22/6 by Jim Ludlow from Lechlade The winners are: Commercial premises- Faringdon Motorparts Private garden - Ann Garratt Communal garden- Eastfield Court Patio - Jessie-May Barrett The overall winner being Eastfield Court Presentation Sat 19th 11am, Pump House The competitiion was organised by Alan Hickmore FTC councillor

Free Tesco bus? - 17/7/08 This Free bus service Tesco's are looking to supply is ludicrous. The only benefactor will be Tesco. The bus will bring Tesco's customers from outside Faringdon and surrounding villages! We already have a community bus service run by dedicated individuals. Why the need for another bus service? > Are they hoping to kill of our community bus too? Maybe they will even re-brand the bus? Tesco's community bus!! We don't need Tesco or their cash enducements! What real benefits can Tesco offer Faringdon? Keen to hear other residents' comments "Every Little Helps" Neil

Tesco - 18/7/08 In reply to Alan Hickmore regarding Tescos I hope to towns people are listened to wether they want a tescos or not. So far it seems to be a 50 - 50 split. One thing we can ask for is not another bus, the community bus at the moment is used yes but not full to capacity. So yes lets ask for additional parking that is definately a problem which could be solved from the 106 money and not for personal causes. We want people to use the town as well as another businesss and has anybody thought what would happen to a large site like Budgens if they were to go or would Tescos take over the whole town!! Name Supplied

Pedant thanks- 18/7/08 Thanks for the corrections pedant!! Alan Hickmore FTC Chair of Planning

Pedants corner? - 17/7/08 Its good to see that the tesco proposals, according to Cllr Hickmore, will be subject to a pedant (albeit an inde one probably a lot of staring at shoes and mumbling) and a proffessional review. I'm pleased that matters will be dealt with so seriously but surely an independent and professional review would be better. (one for pedants corner/column in private eye) Hamish Millar

Tesco proposals in Local publications? - 17/7/08 It's good to see that the Town Council is seeking a proactive consultation with Tesco. However if they also seek to promote local businesses should Tesco not also be invited to put their proposals into the Faringdon Advertiser and Community Times both of which are independent Faringdon based businesses. David Reynolds (unashamedly publisher of one of them!)

Referendum re Tesco? - 17/7/08 I recently attended a meeting at which Councillor Hickmore stated that if Tesco's made the decision to come to Faringdon the Town Council would hold a referendum so that the whole town could decide what they wanted. Has this now been abandoned? Name Supplied

Tesco in Faringdon. - 17/7/08 Following a series of rumours, Faringdon Town Council planning committee invited representatives from Tesco to visit and give us the facts as they now are. Tesco have purchased the former JDS site. They are also in negotiation with other premises near by. They are at a very early stage in the process and no final decisions have been made by Tesco as to the size or type of supermarket they envisage, indeed the final decision as to whether to go ahead in Faringdon is still being discussed by their commercial section. If they decide to go ahead, they will seek to consult with the Townspeople before seeking planning consent. > The committee have suggested a consultation method that will be meaningful, there is no point in consulting on the basis of hearsay and rumour, it should be based on facts. The method that we have suggested is: Tesco will be invited to put their proposals into the Folly or Whats On? Others will be invited to make their comments in the same edition. This will be followed by an exhibition by Tesco of their proposals at which they will ask for suggestions. We will then hold a Town Meeting at which the Tesco representatives will be present to answer any questions. Finally an indepedant and proffessional opinion poll will be held to find out the Town's views. This suggestion was well received by the Tesco representatives, but we are awaiting conformation when they have made their commercial decisions. If this proposal goes ahead, there will have to be some "section 106" (planning gain) issues to suggest. So far the suggestions are: a dedicated bus to bring people in from nearby villages and from the Tesco site to the Town centre; the provision of start up shops nearby; help with parking. We would welcome any suggestions from you. As an important side issue, there is the strong possibility that a site will become available onto which the existing businesses will be able to relocate. The FTC planning committee has not taken a view on this proposal, but will await the results of the consultation process. I hope this clears up some of the issues that have been worrying people. Alan Hickmore

Future Imperfect - 16/7/08 Oh dear. I see it all. This morning just before dawn, I had a vision of how Faringdon will be. It is Christmas Day, future, sometime in the twenty first century. (It is hot - global warming; and shops must now remain open 24/7 - inclusivity and not to offend minority groups) We are in London Street, shell of what used to be a thriving etc. main street in a busy market town. Old Ma Taylor is hobbling slowly down the street, supported on her zimmer. She is one of the oldest surviving inhabitants, having been completely reinvented by the new PFI/NHS polyclinic on the edge of town. She heads for the Crown, now a broken down bar room, where her old friend, little Stevie Wright, is waiting. "Howdy, Ma" he greets her, fingering his few grey hairs. Ma squints at his balding pate "Been for a haircut?" "Yup" "Joycey gone to....to.....T...?" "Yup" They sit disconsolately inside the shabby bar, a warm thin beer between them. Outside, a single street lamp flickers, (It is council policy to light the streets during the day: health and safety) briefly lighting up the semi derelict ruins of what used to be the thriving etc. Paint peels from the buildings, the rendering from the Crown's facade lies in bits on the pavement, where it has been since 2010. (The pile of crumbling building material has now been listed and must remain) A dark cloud hangs over the area, evidence of the polluting atmosphere from the all-embracing Park Road SUPERMARKET, the Sodom and Gomorrah that is Tesco. In the unnatural, darkly shimmering heat-haze, an untidy ball of tumbleweed rolls by, tendrils trailing, its lazy progress gathering fag-ends and dog detritus. It meanders on past the neglected empty hulk of what used to be a thriving etc. Budgens. Ma Taylor and Stevie hear the far-off sound of raucous merriment and crashing cash registers, they see the eerie neon-glow of greed that palls over the town, causing its once thriving etc. centre dilapidated and deserted, and turning Faringdon's friendly townsfolk into ravening monsters, unable to think for themselves, lured by the false promises of mammon, the freely available pile-it-high sell-it-cheap rubbish food, garish clothing and a car park without ticket machines or officious attendants. Ah, Tesco's car park! (by now covering half the county) Streams of pasty, obese rural peasants drive their trucks in an unending line past the once thriving etc. industrial estate. Inside the car park, they do not leave their cars, but proceed through the drive-thru junk food dispensary and sit slavering over their coke-and-(extruded potato powder) fries BOGOFS. Embarrassing sounds of lewd writhing and slurping emanate from their vehicles as they settle down in front of the giant widescreen cinema. Back in town our pair are joined by Paul, the oldest surviving Dalek. "Fancy a pint, Paul?" But before he can croak out the affirmative 'Yup' Ma stiffens "Hey" she whispers. "Hear that?" The others strain to listen. "If my hearing aid serves me right, there's somebody a -coming" The trio peer through the door. Outside, the light resembles that of an eclipse; weirdly gloomy, still as limbo. Two tiny, wizened figures come tottering slowly out of the haze. They stand, expressions grim, facing one another at either end of the once thriving etc. market place. Their hands are poised over their holsters. Stevie gulps, "My God, its....." Ma's eyes widen in disbelief "Sam Prince and David Reynolds!" Paul, shocked, topples over. They wait, transfixed, to see who will draw first. In the distance, above the tinny racket of cash flowing a western ballad drifts from Tescos stupendous surround sound multi million pound open-air cinema (The obligatory contribution following their successful planning application) "Do not forsake me oh my darlin'.....on this our wedding da...ay...." Steve slowly turns to Ma, his face ashen, "High Noon" he mouths "Not again..?" "Yup." Plus ca change, plus c'est la meme chose! name supplied

IIlegal posters - 16/7/08 There is a Unison poster advertising their strike on a pole outside the Council office Special dispensation? Name Supplied

Faringdon Arts Festival. - 16/7/08 Just wanted to say we enjoyed this event. Also does anyone know the contact details for the guy who did the "Dalek Invasion" David Price was the name I believe. Would love to be able to hire his Dalek & Tardis for my sons birthday in November. Angela - SITV

Can't stop the music - 16/7/08 Fantastic production by the Junior School children. So good to see so many children having such fun and so they're so talented It's on again this afternoon and tomorrow evening Well worth going Gene Webb

Folly Tower open this weekend - 16/7/08 Open 11- 5pm, both Saturday and Sunday. There should be a pretty good view of the Battle for Faringdon from the Belvedere room Gene Webb

Battle for Faringdon - 16/7/08 The Sealed Knot will be re-enacting the battle of January 1646 when Cromwell's Red Coats, seen above, advanced on Faringdon from Radcot. The garrison in Faringdon beat off numerous attacks by General Cromwell, but as a result the town was very badly damaged. The church lost its steeple, many houses were burnt down and over 330 families were made homeless. The last Royalist commander, Sir Marmaduke Rawdon, is buried in All Saints Church. Gates will open at 10am at Church Path Farm, at the top of the Market Place, where a Living History site will be displayed, together with numerous sideshows, slides, jousting apparatus, stalls and refreshments. Below the farmhouse is the actual historic battlefield, with cameo performances during the morning and military activity in the Market Place culminating in a full size re-enactment on the actual battle site starting soon after 2.30pm. There will also be a cameo performance outside the Old Town Hall at 6pm on Saturday. Wreaths will be laid on Rawdon's grave during Morning Prayer on Sunday at 1030am and another re-enactment on the field around 2.30pm Read more about the Civil War and the part Faringdon played on www.faringdon.org/hyBattleforFaringdon.htm

Welcome travellers? - 15/7/08 We could always turn the old jds site into a travellers site. Some welcomed them more than tescos???? simon

Organic growth for Faringdon - 15/7/08 I am neither panicking nor unusually wound up, merely trying to trigger some discussion around what local businesses can do to more successfully give customers what they want. After cutting through Jim's waffle the only positive point I can see being made is that Tesco will bring jobs as shelf stackers and checkout attendants. I do not see this as a huge benefit to the town; the real money and profits do not stay in the local area. I believe growth for Faringdon would be fantastic if managed organically and I welcome new affordable and well planned housing. I am not anti-change and certainly not grumbling about the good old days. A supermarket, however, would be a step change to the town and would certainly affect the town centre in a negative way leaving few options for customers, this loss will only be felt after shops and other businesses have closed down. Hilary, I see no reason why the centre should be gridlocked; we have a well planned bypass and the only through traffic need be from Radcot bridge, there are also 2 well placed car parks, albeit ones which could be cheaper/ free. The existing road layout is surely better then that in Abingdon, Wantage, Lechlade and Burford. Why do you think the shops in Faringdon can't offer convenient opening hours or ranges and prices as other local towns? You suggest that there is no need to be defensive about the town in which you live, in particular where people choose to shop. I think there is every need to be defensive about changes you believe will harm your local environment. I do not want to see Faringdon as a clone town or have a dead town centre and I am also certain shopkeepers would choose to continue thriving, profitable businesses. My suggestions so far are that shops should adapt to meet customer needs. I do not naively believe that Tesco does not know how to make profit from high turnover and low margin; they are clearly a very successful business model. But I do not think that attracting shoppers purely on price brings any other tangible benefit to the town, it is a false economy placing price ahead of quality and service. It is slightly perverse that I, as a consumer am suggesting to shops that they stay open later to allow me to spend more of my money locally. Shouldn't it be the other way around? Andrew Robertson

Planners say no to fourth city Tesco! This from Inverness(Check the website) - 15/7/08 THE only MSP to join the objectors to Tesco's proposed fourth superstore in Inverness is celebrating after councillors threw out the controversial multimillion-pound development.Green MSP Eleanor Scott is tickled pink with a decision by members of Highland Council's area planning committee to give the thumbs down to the application to create a 4,400-square metre supermarket at Ness Side. She was just one of more than 3,000 people who rose up in a display of public indignation to protest against the plan. A green light would have paved the way for a massive store, individual shops, a petrol filling station and sites for the construction of a hotel and a doctors' surgery - as well as parking for almost 400 cars. Dr Scott, has previously accused Tesco of using aggressive tactics to put local shops under pressure. She has further claimed that the retailer's operational policy "trashes the planet on a daily basis, all in order to line the pockets of fat-cat shareholders". In the aftermath of the planners' decision, Dr Scott said: "I am delighted it has been chucked out."It is much larger than was originally proposed. It is too big and people simply don't want it." She said approval would have consolidated Tesco's "stranglehold" in the city. The group already has a market share of 51 per cent of Inverness food sales - the highest percentage of any UK city. Dr Scott, convener of the Scottish Green Party and spokeswoman on rural development, added: "Our concerns are not confined to Tesco but to all big supermarket chains." Among the party's fears are the packaging of produce, the food miles clocked up by delivery lorries, the fact the company does not buy from local sources, and the belief that it forces "pitifully" low prices on suppliers. The MSP was one of 73 people who wrote letters of objection to the council.About 4,000 more signed a petition. Planning officers recommended the application be rejected on the grounds that it was contrary to the Inverness Local Plan, as the size of the foodstore would undermine smaller stores in the Ness area. Courtesy Inverness Courier Name Supplied

Tesco Proposals - 15/7/08 Your June 2008 issue reported Tesco was considering the purchase of the Redlake site with development not to be undertaken for some years. By July 2008, Tesco had bought the site, proposing a "superstore" and were negotiating for more land to add to the massive Tesco portfolio worldwide. Much cheaper food can be provided by stores other than Tesco, (Aldi, Lidl, Morrisons) without fear of such encroachment on our town and it's character. The Co-op has its Fair Trade label. Tesco is known for its greed and was responsible for the start of the demise of small shopkeepers in the UK and beyond. Tesco customers will buy as much as possible under one roof, load up and drive away. "Superstores" stock almost anything, which would bring the last straw to our local businesses. All would be under major threat of closure, removing character and choice from Faringdon. We could become the town of Tesco surrounded by housing. The centre of our community could die. Tesco are not making these proposals for the convenience of the local population and their store could not be sustained wholly by the local inhabitants. Much more traffic, including large lorries, would invade us. QUALITY OF LIFE IS PREFERABLE TO ANY CARROT TESCO MAY DANGLE! Mary Edwards

Twinning Meeting - 15/7/08 Just a reminder that the Faringdon Twinning Association AGM is to take place tomorrow, 16th July, at 8.00pm in the Old Town Hall. Everyone is welcome. Also that we have a trip planned , leaving on Thursday 30th October and returning on Sunday November 2nd (in half term week). As yet we have no further information about the visit but will get a letter out to you shortly.However the coach is booked and if we get a full coach it will cost about £80 , half price for children under 16. If you are interested in going please contact Jeanie on 240374 or email jeaniepugh@talktalk.net. A deposit of £20 will be required by mid September

Arts Festival - 15/7/08 Thank you everyone for your kind comments about the Faringdon Arts Festival this year. It was nice to see so many people come out and join us. I have noticed that there was a comment from someone about the Art Exhibition in the Corn Exchange. I am so pleased that you enjoyed the art work from your younger members of the community. Just to way-lay your fear about vandalism and theft, when we arranged the exhibition we were very careful to inform all the teachers that there would be no one to man the exhibition. All the teachers knew this and were happy to put the art work forward. I would like to thank everyone who volunteered there time in making this Festival such a success. Thank you. Julie Farmer

Tesco in Faringdon? - 14/7/08 Come on Faringdonians, let's be a bit more positive. The reason Tesco comes to a town is because it sees an expansion of business in general, not an opportunity for monopoly. However, the arrival of a major supermarket does mean that life changes. So: 1) Local businesses have to adapt to a change in their customer base. Some locals will go to Tesco by choice, but others will still be in or near the town and need their basic supplies from local stores they can reach without a long walk (or short drive). So provide good quality basics to that customer base. 2) When out of town customers enter Faringdon, let's give them something of value that they can't get anywhere else. We have specialist traders who can benefit from an increase in people around - two examples might be Rob The Cheese and The Nut Tree. And, if you are male, you can also avoid joining your partner in Tesco and go for a haircut (2 good choices). If you are female, there is (I believe) a good ladies hairdresser in the town. 3) Car parking in the town must be a comparable cost to parking in Tesco. That means it is either free or EASILY reimbursed by traders. In the past, Tescos have been blamed for a lot. I lived in Cirencester for many years and it wasn't Tesco or Waitrose that conspired to kill the town centre. It was greedy councils who pushed up the business rates so that the local greengrocer (very popular and successful) and other retail businesses could not survive. So come on, think positive, think what you could do to take advantage of the Tescos of this world and we ALL win - and, dare I say it, I won't have to drive to Wantage, Witney or Swindon for the "big monthly shop"! Steve Wright

Farindon Arts Festival 2008 - 14/7/08 The Faringdon Flickr Group have started post their photo's from FAF 2008 on this website: http://www.flickr.com/groups/772559@N25 Enjoy the photo's, we have enjoyed taking them. Raoul van Eijndhoven Member of the Faringdon Flickr Group.

The Hil's are alive.- 14/7/08 I must agree with everything that was written in your post Hilary. A lot of what I read on here is from Moralistic dictators, self appointed of course.The Tesco's topic seems to me to be the sky falling on Chicken Littles head, a lot of running around in a panic, the post's are full of heat, very little light. Just because someone has seen the film, read the book and worn the t shirt, why should they try to stop me from seeing the film...........well you get the idea, yes? Are we locals so stupid that we need to be told what life is like in the scary city, or what to do to have a fulfilled life and a fullfilled freezer? If the evil that is Tesco's should ever come here, may I ask a question?, how many of you would apply for a job there?, none of you I bet, however, there are many people, Faringdon people, that would, Faringdon people that have lived here all of there lives, they don't feel the need to come on here telling everyone how smug they feel having organised the families meals for the week,they just get on with life, mundane as it is. I would argue that 75 per cent of us go out of town to shop, either at Sainsburys,co-op, Morrisons or dare I say it, even the dreaded Tesco's. We must be the only market town around here that has to do that,all that money going out of town, not to mention the villagers and their money driving past our town. Anyway I feel that I have wound you all up enough to give many of you palpertations, by the way Tesco's are doing a BOGOF offer on smelling salts this week..........every little helps. Jim Horton

Children's Art exhibition - 14/7/08 I was passing the Corn Exchange at the weekend as I frequently do. There was an exhibtion, I gather, of local school-childrens' work. I only discovered this, having walked through the open doors because of the signs inside.There was no person looking after the exhibition at all and it was very vulnerable to vandalism and / or theft. Thank goodness that Faringdon is generally a safe town otherwise lots of childrens' efforts, not to mention possible exam-work could have been for nothing. Why were there no adults responsible for their work on display? Where was the advertising for the exhibition? I saw nothing but the work there was wonderful, from the little-ones to the big-ones. I am so glad I saw it and well done to the Exhibitors, one and all. Name Supplied

Another interpretation? - 14/7/08 Hmm. I didn't think my post would be interpreted like that.... Rather, I was trying to be supportive of Faringdon as a great place to live with advantages that may outweigh the limitations. I have freely admitted in a different forum that I would be a willing customer at Tesco if it comes to Faringdon; not suggesting crime and chaos will follow in its wake. Leaving a larger, more anonymous and less friendly district was a good move for me and, I suspect, for other 'incomers'. I am not among those who wish to see Faringdon locked in a time-warp. I am saddened every time a private enterprise fails through lack of public support or a public service disappears in spite of the wishes of those it purports to serve. With luck, 106 monies and agreements with developers will add to the town's facilities. Perhaps increased housing will give rise to an improved bus service and that will be of great benefit to many, including myself, who may wish to shop for goods or seek entertainment of a kind and at a price or time not available here but who are currently limited by lack of transport etc. Or the businesses in town will evolve to meet the needs of the population. Until then, please accept my statement that it is possible to live within the limitations of the town as my point of view, not as a condemnation of those who take other options. And while I'm here, I'd like to add my congratulations to the organisers, volunteers and performers for yet another superb Faringdon Arts Festival. Sheila

Lovely Arts Festival - 14/7/08 What a lovely, lovely Arts festival that was. Sarah Oliver

Super Response from Faringdon IT Company - 14/7/08 I recently had a big problem with my computer over a weekend and had difficult in finding anyone to respond quickly. I contacted Quidne IT Ltd, a Faringdon company run by Raoul van Eijndhoven. Raoul happened to be available, responded very quickly and did an excellent job of fixing the problem, as well as resolving lots of other more minor issues. I've already passed this on 3 of my friends who are also delighted with the service. I know how difficult is to get good service and advice, so thought it would be of interest. Great to have someone around who responds quickly, knows what he is doing and doesn't charge the earth. Contact details for Quidne IT: Phone: 07834 164 375 Email: info@quidne-it.com Web: www.quidne-it.com Eddie Williams

Arts Festival - 14/7/08 Well done Dave, Julie and everyone else for this year's festival. It is getting better every year. Ray

Arts Festival - 14/7/08 Some great acts - Gorgeous Moron, Scott Gildert, Powertrain and of course the Youth choir - not that I saw them all. Great photographs and Children's art Looked like a successful Arts Festival, albeit smaller than other years - but what happened to the brochure delivery - did anyone get one through the door? Gene Webb

Hilary well done. - 13/7/08 Great post it is the same old names i dont what this or that. simon

arts festival... - 13/7/08 just seen DISCLOSURE at the arts festival Sunday afternoon. fantastic local band, only a matter of time before they make it big. Name Supplied

Late opening etc.- 13/7/08 There's a whiff of hypocrisy about trumpeting the moral superiority of your own freely made choices while apparently wanting to restrict that freedom for everyone else. To hint, however obliquely, that the arrival of a larger supermarket than we presently have might change the friendly nature of residents, or bring in its wake traffic chaos, muggings etc, and generally disrupt life in this small town, is illogical. There are a great many people living here, who for their various reasons, choose to shop elsewhere, at times and as often as it suits them, and there is no need for anyone to feel defensive about it. Not everyone here has a car, not everyone has a computer, not everyone has ample resources, or the self proclaimed virtues of 'puzzled'; and even if they have why should their choices be denigrated?. For all its undesirable qualities, real or perceived, a large supermarket with its own dedicated car park would attract many shoppers from local villages who now go further afield. It would bring advantages to a great number of consumers; and the proposed site is nearer the geographical centre of town than the old 'Town Centre' Faringdon will grow in terms of population regardless of the protestations of a minority of residents, and while no-one wants to see the demise of our existing traders, what use will be a historic town centre, if it is gridlocked with traffic, bursting at the seams with illegally parked cars, and can't offer the convenient opening hours and range of low-cost goods obtainable in other local towns. Hilary Taylor

Traffic light phasing. - 12/7/08 Have now used the lights at the London St and Radcot Rd ends for this weekends events in the Market Place and found the phasing/timing of the lights to be absolutely awful. Radcot road, waited as long as a song plays on the radio, lights go to green and THEN back to red. I carried on as I was a bit hacked off. London St. Again waited ages and same thing. What the hell is going on. If you get people in to run these things, get people who know what they are doing please! Colin

Live with the limitations - 12/7/08 I used to live within 10 minutes walk of a large supermarket, loads of restaurants, clothes and shoe shops, several banks, a post office, railway station, fantastic bus service, a plethora of estate agents and a variety of other independent retailers. I was also mugged, burgled, generally stressed and kept awake by the noise of traffic and police sirens. Now I do without those 'advantages' I am surrounded by friendly people and beautiful countryside. And even the rain is cleaner! Faringdon has its limitations, but one can learn to live within them. Sheila

Ref. Late Opening (Sheila) & Puzzled - 12/7/08 Don't worry, I am not galloping down to Budgens on a regular basis. I plan all meals in advance, and I do all my food shopping online, with a veg box scheme/supermarket. I rarely leave Faringdon, walk almost everywhere (despite the current deluges!), and do most of my clothes shopping online, too. But when the supermarket lets you down and/or your child is sick and you have run out of Calpol, a trip to a shop stocking the essentials is unavoidable - and worth the exorbitant cost of petrol to get it. Walking to Costcutter/Esso would just prolong their Calpol-less misery/hunger, and I have not yet found Costcutter/Esso to be reliable enough in their stock to waste time going there (in fact I sometimes wonder why Costcutter bothers opening at all, as when I go they seem to have almost nothing on their shelves). I don't think the argument here is about whether one person drives to the shop or walks, their meal organisation - or what shop they go to, but the opening hours of the 'big name' shops in town and the reluctance of the businesses to step up their game to prevent the need for a chain supermarket to fill in the gaps. They must have spotted a gap in the market to even consider buying an interest in the retail market here in Faringdon. I very much doubt that either of you have NEVER had to go to a shop after 8pm.... for whatever reason... and found the shops available in Faringdon at that time sadly lacking. Name Supplied

Air Tattoo Cancelled on Saturday - 11/7/08 Please read the details on this website: http://www.airtattoo.com/airtattoo/Newsroom/news/Newsroom/AIR_TATTOO_CANCELLED_SATURDAY Raoul

Lost signs - 10/7/08 Thanks to those who told me that College Lane is off Gloucester St.(towards the Junior School entrance) I've just remembered there is a lane off Gravel Walk - on the right near mini roundabout (Lechlade Rd and Gloucester St). There are several cottages in a row behind Gravel Walk. I've never known a name for these - does anyone know? Gene Webb

Faringdon Community and Tourist Information Centre open- 10/7/08 - will be open from 6.30pm to 8.30pm Friday 11th July for the Arts Festival and we have programmes to give away. Air Tattoo tickets are also still available at the advance ticket price of £32.50. Sally Thurston tic@faringdontowncouncil.org.uk

Lost street signs in Faringdon - 10/7/08 I thought I might try and get some of the missing street names replaced-, via VWHDC or Joint Environmental Trust. On the list so far are: Christopher Square (in front of Baptist Church) Wellington Sq(opposite the Duke of Wellngton) Arthurs Hill (opposite Peugeot Garage) Hobwell Lane (between Southampton Street and Park Road) College Lane (need to find out where this is) Elm Tree Cottages (off London St just beyond what was the fish and chip shop) Seems a shame to lose these old names Does anyone know of others? Gene Webb

Watch the aeroplanes from Fairford Air Show from the Folly Tower - 10/7/08 The Folly Tower is open this weekend(Sat and Sun 11-5). The planes from Fairford Air show sometimes fly over this way Climb the tower and do some plane watching Gene Webb

Foam cups on offer - 9/7/08 I have a few hundred foam cups left over from the BFG if any fund raising group or other charity would like them please contact me and I can deliver free of charge. Sean 07712 530405

Late opening - 9/7/08 Why drive to Watchfield Co-op when Costcutters and the petrol station shop stay open later than Budgens? There must be an hour available for shopping locally if you don't work 24/7. Spend £10 in certain shops and parking fee is refunded - and anyway 40p parking must be less than the cost of driving out of town. Walking is good for you, too! Sheila

Puzzled of Faringdon - 9/6/08 What is all this about needing to shop into the evening? When I needed to provide for a family I simply shopped in a supermarket once a month (and not a Sunday)- for store cupboard /staples, and bought fresh produce locally each week- based on the meals I had decided to cook that week. Proper home cooking too - ready meals that existed were expensive and not very nutritional or nice. I did have a freezer though. Why did I do this? - I was busy - young family, college course and full time job - and I seldom ran out of anything. I thought people were even busier these days - so why go shopping so often? Is more forward planning/organisation needed?? Name Supplied

Tesco / Late Night Opening - 9/7/08 'Late night' is not 7pm. 'Late night' is at least 8pm, pref. 9pm. Faringdon is a real family town, and a very large number of people will be feeding their kids or putting them to bed at 7pm (myself included!), with partners not arriving from work until that time. I often don't even make it to Budgens with its 8pm closing time, and end up driving to CoOp in Watchfield (open til 10pm). I don't like taking business out of the town (I live here, so it is in my interests to keep things open and thriving), but if I need something, the restricted closing times do impact on my shopping habits. As does a 40p parking charge to buy a loaf of bread, but that's another argument for another time. I definitely DON'T want a Tesco in town, but if they were open until 10pm (like CoOp), then I am afraid that they will get my business if there is no alternative. It is a competitive market, and if Faringdon businesses want to stay open, they need to stop thinking 'poor me', and actually do something, step up to the challenge, and start working from a level playing field. Particularly those shops with 'essential' items, such as Budgens and (now)Boots. They may be franchises, but they aren't small independent retailers - they have the clout of major companies behind them, so there is no excuse for them NOT to pull their socks up and compete. Name Supplied

Faringdon Association of Residents Meeting - 9/7/08 I haven't been to this meeting for ages. Some interesting subjects discussed: War Memorial is in need of refurnbishment. Some of the names are hardly legible. It was felt this was letting the town down. Speed Indicators have been requested. There is to be a 24hour speed monitor on roads into Faringdon. From this a decision will be made as to whether they are needed(£2-£4k each) Gateway to Faringdon on Lechlade road. Planning permission has been granted. It was thought it will cost about £10k. The general view was that this is a waste of money. The gateway to the town on Park Road is to be moved to where the 30mph limit starts. No mention was made of the cost of this. See correction below Housing Developments 400 houses - Bloor will be starting with 50 homes, (08/00793/REM GFA/19883/3-D states 68 units target decision 14/08/2008) then will continue building depending on the housing market. This will delay the 106 monies that are destined for facilities in the town. (ie skate park, cricket pitch and pavilion, 2nd community bus) Fernham/Coxwell Road- permission has been given to demolish a bungalow and build 5 4 bed houses(08/00778/OUT GFA/20534), with access onto Coxwell Road Ferngrove demolition and redevelopment for 11 affordable flats and houses (08/01522/FUL GFA/16154/2 ) resubmitted 26/6/08, target decision 25/9/08 Red House development, Coxwell Road - it was stated that planning consent was granted 3 days after the company went into liquidation. It's not clear what the implications of this are. Tesco - Following a discussion of the possible implications the vote against Tesco in Faringdon was won by a just over 50% majority(of about 20 people) Next meeting 20/10/08 Old Town Hall, 7.30pm. Everyone welcome Gene Webb Ed(GW) 31/7/08 Correction: Proposed gateway, Lechlade Road. Awaiting a Certificate of Ownership to be completed by O.C.C. Once received an application will be submitted.

Big Faringdon Gig - 9/7/08 I wish to thank all those volunteers and bands that played at the BFG. As regards the event being a day of original music it was a great success looking at it from the standard performance and the breadth of originality on offer. Unfortunately the numbers attending were limited and the day actually made a loss but that's the risk when promoting something new. I wish success for all the bands that played and their myspace details are still on the BFG web site. Sean and Amanda www.bigfaringdongig.com

Faringdon Arts Festival events - 8/7/08 A full list of events for the Faringdon Arts Festival this weekend can be seen at www.faringdonartsfestival.co.uk. If you have not received a programme yet please call me on 0771 421 8825. Regards David Reynolds Festival Chairman

Late night opening - 8/7/08 I for one would support later shop openings in the week. Especially such as Boots. However, I don't get home till 7pm, so the trial at the end of last year wasn't any good to me. I would also support the Tuesday morning market... if it were on a Saturday... again, an awful lot of people in Faringdon work full time so arn't able to support these services. Sue

Shops in Faringdon - 8/7/08 I hear what Denise, Jane and Name Supplied are saying regarding unsuccessful late night openings and the challenge of attracting market traders. I appreciate that challenge from Tesco et al may seem insurmountable. I am not claiming to have the answers but no one responding has answered the following: Why do people prefer to spend their money in supermarkets rather than the town centre? Why do people choose not to go to the market? Why do people choose not to attend these special events? What else may attract customers to the town centre? All I can hear in the responses is that events have been arranged in the past but people didn't come. This implies that retailers have tried everything and customers have a duty to spend money in town, seemingly out of pity; hardly the attitude a group of retailers should take. This is why I suggested local businesses take a long hard and critical look at themselves. Personally speaking 7pm does not count as late night as I have barely returned from work by that time, I would suggest that places need to be open at least as late as Budgens to be a genuine alternative. I also think that a good range of shops need to be open to represent the majority of peoples shopping list (minimum: butchers, bakers, cheese shop, deli, hardware shop, pharmacy, off licence and a pub/ coffee shop/ restaurants) ideally all retail businesses on one regular evening per week. I also reiterate that free parking and regular opening hours may help. It is great that Faringdon has organisations working hard to keep the Market Place full of unique independent traders. Andrew

Reply to Andrew - 8/7/08 We would like to jointly respond to Andrew's comments regarding late night opening in Faringdon. Members of the Faringdon Retail Group and Faringdon Chamber of Commerce organised late night opening and a small farmers market until 7pm for initially 3 months at the end of 2007. Most of the independent shops were open and the evenings were widely promoted. However, there was very little response from residents and the project had to be shelved. It has been difficult to get market traders into Faringdon to support the Tuesday, Thursday and evening markets and they need to be supported. If they are not, word of mouth does not go around between the traders and everyone pulls out. This is the same for the shops, if a few are doing well the rest will follow. Both organisations are working hard to keep the Market Place full of unique independent traders, but we need the support of the town to keep going. Denise Palmer - Faringdon Retail Group and Jane Haynes - Faringdon & District Chamber of Commerce

Faringdon Big Gig - 7/7/08 I never knew that there was so much musical talent around. Saturday's event was a great achievement by all those involved, only let down by the poor attendance. For those of us who made it we heard some great music. Congratulations and thanks to all those involved. David Campbell

Where can I get an Arts Fest programme - 7/7/08 Hi, just wondered if there are any programmes available for the faringdon arts festival as there have been in previous years? We have relatives coming from essex for the weekend and just wanted to know whats on at what time and where etc, but the website only gives an overview. Thanks Emma

Whats on at the Faringdon Arts Festival - 7/7/08 I check 'what's on' and Faringdon Arts Festival website regularly, but nothing has been added for a while. Can anyone out there tell me who/what is on (for adults) during Saturday and Sunday daytimes? Or is it a secret? Name Supplied

Information about a London Street House? - 6/7/08 I posted a request on 'Memories' of Faringdon ' for information about my home 30 London Street,formerly Roger Clarke's 'La Chaise Antique' and before then, the Star public house but unsuccessfully. I have the impression that the front was rebuilt after the Civil War but that at the back it is considerably older as there the walls are all over the place and there is a window that looks Elizabethan. Not really Talking Points - but I would love to learn more about it. Margaret Barker

Weekly cycling - Sat 9AM - 6/7/08 There is a group of us that leaves the Market Square at 9AM every Saturday morning. We aim to do about 20-30 miles at a "comfortable" pace. All comers welcome Mark Harrison

Law and Order? - 5/7/08 Before anyone wastes their time by suggesting what Sergeant Maddison should do to bring Faringdon into line it might be appropriate to find out if he is prepared to log on to TPs and check our input. So, Sergeant, how about introducing yourself ? Also let us know how you feel about helpful hints from TP posters. If you check back on a few postings you will see that we are not reluctant to air our views but it would be nice to know you are prepared to read them. Even nicer to think you might act on some of them. And Welcome to Faringdon ! ! HGM ED(GW) I shall pop in and tell him about Talking Points some time!

RE: a new man in town - 5/7/08 I am sure we all agree with the car related problems he should deal with, but I don't think Gene Webb has been a nuisance really, has she ??? Name Supplied Ed(GW) Thanks v much - I've made it clearer now. I guess it could be debateable whether I am a nuisance or not!!

A new man in town - 5/7/08 The new sergeant in Faringdon is Antony Maddison, apparently formerly from Witney. Let's hope he has lots of enthusiasm for improving matters in Faringdon. Maybe we could give him some pointers. I'll start with:- - Misuse of the bus lane in the square - Illegal parking Gene Webb

Reply to Andrew - 4/7/08 The local shops have tried late night shopping a few times but on each occasion these where poorly attending by the public, these were well advertised locally, if there is more you can help on I am sure the Faringdon Chamber of Commerce or the Retail Group would appreciate your help. The local shops we have do provide excellant service and quality goods as you say, lets make sure we all support them. We dont want a ghost town!! Name Supplied

Breast Cancer - correction - correction! - 4/7/08 I attended the annual town meeting where I remember that Faringdon Area Project gave an explanation of their comments and this matter was brought to a close. I beleive that Mr Desborough was also in attendance at that meeting and I am surprised that Faringdon Association of Residents still continue to resurrect this subject. Name Supplied

Breast Cancer - correction - 4/7/08 FARINGDON ASSOCIATION of RESIDENTS Breast Cancer in Faringdon. There have now been at least 2 documents by FAP (Faringdon Area Project) that have included statements that Faringdon has a high incidence of Breast cancer which they claim needs addressing by FAP. These unfounded statements have worried many Residents. It was FAR that obtained the return of the Screening Clinic to Faringdon and we have followed the screening results. FAR pointed out on several occasions to FAP that their facts were wrong and that a simple enquiry to the NHS or us would have given them the facts but we were ignored. The published figures for incidences of Breast Cancer in the age ranges concerned are: Nationally the level is 0.83% The Faringdon level is 0.57% The Faringdon level is well below the National average and should give rise to unnecessary worry by Residents. We hope that this will clarify the position. Colin Desborough FAR next meeting 7/7/08, 7.30pm Old Town Hall

Extra openings of the Folly Tower - 4/7/08 Saturday 12 July - Arts Festival Sunday 13 July - Arts Festival Saturday 19 July - Sealed Knot Sunday 20 July - Sealed Knot 11am - 5pm- normal opening times Find out more about the Folly on www.faringdonfolly.org.uk. Become a friend of the Folly and be kept in touch with all that is happening. Email edchriswilliams@aol.com

Tesco and the shops in Faringdon - 3/7/08 Faringdon does not need a Tesco. Faringdon already has a Tesco; it is online and will deliver to your door. This is in direct competition with local and national farm shops that also provide this service with lower food miles and better quality. I believe Faringdon is defined by its town centre, anything that detracts from this removes the heart and soul of the town. In response to Charlie Harman; Most of your shopping may be done outside the town but this is not true of all. By shopping little and often it is quite possible not to require a 'weekly shop' as you put it, many people do not need to or want to get in their cars to travel further than Budgens. I am sure people would prefer to wander round a town centre (which is probably smaller in area than the average out of town mega store) than struggle through the horrendous experience that you are confronted with in super markets. Why people choose not to is a question that I put here to the businesses in town. Faringdon will get a Tesco or similar at some point in future if the existing shops do not give the customers what they want. No small business in town can compete purely on price as no small business can subsidise loss leaders to the extent of Tesco, however the playing field is not level; customer service, proximity, familiarity, flexibility, community and user experience are all in favour of our fantastic local shops. I suggest local businesses take a long hard and critical look at themselves. Ample free parking and late night opening on a specific night would go a long way in winning back those who do a midweek supermarket shop outside of working hours. Regular opening times (that are adhered to) would also help build confidence that businesses will be open and allow customers to plan their time. I also believe that significant spending power is held by those who work 9-5 elsewhere and are not able to shop locally in the week as the shops are not open. Customers should also look at exactly where their money goes; shouting 'stop Tesco' while spending money out of town does not help informed debate. Put your money where your mouth is. This is certainly not meant to criticise local businesses that on the whole provide excellent service, choice and products but prompt a useful debate rather than a character assassination. What else can local shops do, not only to retain existing customers but win back those who shop elsewhere? Andrew

Twinning visit - 3/7/08 Twinned with Le Mele in Normandy - on going Thursday 30th October until Sunday 2nd November to Le Mele Approx price £85-please phone 01367 240374 with a £20 deposit by 31st August to secure your place. You will all have a great time. Jeanie Pugh

Missing Cat - 3/7/08 Our black cat, Babe, has been missing from the Town End Road area since Sunday. He's a beautiful, sleek, quite big cat and he's three years old. We miss him a lot - we would be most grateful if you could check locked garages/sheds etc. and if you think you may have spotted him please do contact me - 242769 Many thanks Sarah Oliver

I do shop at Tesco - 2/7/08 I get most of my shopping there but I do not want tesco here I find the shops here are adequate and meet my needs I think Bugens much improved but I enjoying the shopping experience it get from really local shops the two butchers Cheese from Rob the country market on Fridays the fab sandwiches from philles the very friendly off license. I got some lovely flowers from the florist delivered. I do have not better argument I do not care if people really disagree with me but I really do not think we need a Tesco's in faringdon. Yes I am ones of damp awful people who will get most my shopping form internet but I find can stay within a budget without being tempted by offers in the actual store. I rather be persuaded by the smell of the Cornish paste coming from Rob's shop anytime. The Guinness and beef pie is very good as well. Name Supplied

Clothing shop in Faringdon? - 2/7/08 A shop that sells either adults or children's clothes would be great, but if the Tesco superstore does come to Faringdon, then I am sure people would shop there as it would be far cheaper for most. However, I remember when Country Lady was a thriving business, so if it was well stocked for the right market, then it may be successful. Burford has a few clothes shops which seem to have kept good trade over the years, although they are a thriving tourist town. I would be keen to have a clothes shop again in Faringdon, anyone else? N.B. If we support our lovely local shops then we will only have more and more! Laura Bishop

Roadworks on A420 - soon - 1/7/08 With reference to the new Highways Agency signs that have recently appeared around Faringdon; I found this on the Oxfordshire County Council website. Enjoy! A420 - Southern Area Road: From the A417 Roundabout (near Faringdon) to Carswell Country and Golf Club Dates: From 28/7/2008 To 5/9/2008 Description: Carriageway surfacing works with some minor alterations to footway, kerbing and drainage. There will be tempoary 24 hour traffic signals, which will be mannually controlled fron 7.00 a.m. to 7.00 p.m. Monday - Friday and from 9.00 a.m to 5.00 p.m. at weekends. It is also expected that there will be night time road closures from 8.30 p.m. to 5.00 a.m. from 11th August for 3 weeks. Status: Imminent 24 hour traffic Lights: 24 Hour Lane restrictions: Single lane Possible delays: Severe Contact: Andrew Johnson - 01865 815737 Works promoter: Oxfordshire County Council Guy Robinson

Budgens is great - but - 1/7/08 Budgens is great, but how many people do you see pushing a trolley around doing there weekly shop? Most of our shopping is done outside of faringdon -Swindon, Abingdon, oxford & the internet thats where the money and the jobs go. Having small shops is great, but how many are open after 5pm? Charlie Harman

Walk Wonders- 6th July 2008 - 1/7/08 Old Town Hall, 10.30 Walk North Faringdon and Thrupp(4.5 miles) Refreshments at Old Town Hall Make a donation to Macmillan cancer support or get sponsors

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