Faringdon News & Views

faringdon-online community web site home	talking points
	march 2010

Men V Women Drivers - 30/03/10 When I was on the top deck of a double decker bus once I saw a man driving with his hand down his trousers. shocked. [OK, I let this one on here, but no more. This is a family website. (Not to worry, 'shocked'. I expect he was reaching for his hankie which he'd tucked up his knicker leg) Ed HT. ]
Wedding Show - 30/03/10 A huge thank you to my models who, as usual, put on an amazingly professional catwalk show at the Four Pillars hotel, Cotswold Water Park last Sunday. I received many words of praise from members of the audience, notably that we are so much more professional than any other catwalk shows they have seen in the area. The Girls: Tara Whenray, Kirsty Henley, Hailey Cover, Caroline Ride, Jo Ride, Jackie Evans & Ella. The Men: David Lund, Mike Kelly, Adi Baradell, Matthew Bareham, Ben Henley and 8 year old Rhys Carey who totally stole the show. Thanks also to David Reynolds for the sound and commentary. Seamless presentation as always. I am eternally grateful for everybody's continued support. For those of you interested of seeing a slide show of the Wedding Fayre & the Catwalk Show please go to www.loveactuallyweddings.co.uk/gallery.html Sue Geldard
re Potholes - 29/03/10 They're slowly working their way outwards towardsFaringdon from the more important places in the county...like with everything else. By the time they get here they'll have probably run out of tarmac. On the other hand they could be working their way round to improving the Market Place 'improvements'.....not name supplied
re Potholes - 29/03/10 Having driven through Stanford-in-the-Vale today I see that the pothole crew have patched up SITV. Do they know where Faringdon is? It's about time they paid us a visit. Nigel Wilkinson
Potholes - 29/03/10 It is well known that it is female drivers that cause pot holes. It is men that have to fill them, which is why it takes three months of nagging. Alan Hitchcock
Church Street Junction. - 28/03/10 I've never had a problem with drivers pulling out in front of me there but I have had problems with cars parked at the top of the junction. Coming up the hill from Clanfield and wanting to turn left at the junction I'm often met with cars opposite the junction parked on double yellow lines. Must be pain for larger vehicles or vans as it's a tight corner anyway. I still don't get why many people in Faringdon are able to park wherever they want and feel rules don't apply to them. name supplied
Radcot Road - 28/03/10 I live in Coach Lane and have to go that way and nearly been hit by drivers not giving way at the top of the Witney road. It needs to be a stop sign there name supplied
More Drivers ! - 28/03/10 I too am a little bit tired of the constant complaints about women drivers. Men commit just as many driving misdemeanours and in addition are much more impatient. This morning as I was driving up London Street, VERY SLOWLY and carefully owing to the congestion, a driver, MALE of course, hooted at me. I was so startled I nearly smudged the lip stick I was renewing. Indignant !
Potholes. - 28/03/10 Find a pothole, report it and after a month its still there. Some have been seen as they have been marked up but its worn away now.What an absolutely useless County council we have. colin
Pigeons - 28/03/10 I loved the article on the front page of the latest edition of the Faringdon Folly newspaper :).The pink pigeon looks fabulous sitting on the town hall , and Faringdon will look even more stunning when more appear around the town .I think purple and green pigeons would look great too .My husband thinks spotted pigeons are a must! .I do not know why folk are complaining ! .So well done to the Faringdon Folly for their April 1st Article !.Has anyone else spotted it ? LOL .P.S .The credit goes to my husband ''David ''. Diane Huddle
Buses and Cones - 27/03/10 I wonder if the market square problems with buses could be improved by simply changing the direction that the buses enter and exit their bus stop lane near the Crown. Maybe it would be worth trying to enter via where they currently exit and exit where they currently enter. This would mean that the bus isn't stuck trying to turn out of the bus stop at the junction by cars trying to turn, pedestrians etc??????? It would certainly be cheaper to trial by moving signs than the disruption caused through digging up the market place. Any other thoughts?? name suplied
Drivers beware - 27/03/10 I have to drive along Church Street and the traffic doenst wait sometimes at the junction. What I cant understand is that the black and white sign for sharp bend ony points one way, and not the opther even though if you come from Witney and want to go towards Oxford the angle must be the same! By the way there is two way traffic in 'upper' Church Street, but not Coach Lane. name supplied
Drivers beware - 27/03/10 There is no point a member of the public reporting any road problems. The Police and councils don't like it and will only pretend they are interested and fob you off. There has to be an accident before anything gets doen, as if they take notice of you telling them that there signs and things dont work it shows them up name supplied
Drivers beware - 27/03/10 Re cutting the Clanfield Road junction, I beg your pardon - "Even men drivers do it !"? Can I take it, by your comment, that you would only expect poor driving from women? I drive long distances daily and find the majority of bad judgement, bullish, lack of indication, speeding, impatient, aggressive driving 'skills' are displayed by men. "Even men drivers do it !" Honestly ... nmae supplied
Drivers beware etc.- 26/03/10 Yes the paving area is excessive and seems to not really attract enough gain in additional usage for its pedestrianisation. I have seen people caught in the trap of not being able to turn up the junction blocked by a long bus. It used to be shorter double deckers. In several cases the trapped driver chose to go right passed Barclays rather than risk damage or delay and throw a six to come around again expecting the jam to have cleared by the time they have cycled round the one way system. The alternative is to break the law and go up the side of the old library assuming you see the problem in time. Clearly I am fortunate not to have got trapped myself. Radcot turn has always been a bit naughty. Not only with stuff using the right of way to pass on to Church Lane but occasionally coming down into the town from Church Lane. Not sure that is allowed but you need to look both ways. Maybe the Council assume everyone stops as it is a blind hill start. I confess I do not as a rule but trickle forward on the clutch. If it does not indicate stop! Alan Hitchcock
Baraka & Sam Prince. - 26/03/10 Just wanted to say how pleased I was to see that Sam received a really nice email from Baraka and got some well deserved credit. I hope this inspires him and Hilary to keep up the good work they do for Faringdon - in spite of the swipes about lack of advertising. Godfrey Smith
Drivers beware - 26/03/10 HT's Dilemma - One solution to the Radcot Road / Church St junction problem would be to replace the "Give Way" sign with a "Stop" sign. It has the added attraction that it shouldn't cost much ! HGM
Drivers Beware.- 26/03/10 Yes, point taken - but what I should have added was that I think drivers are confused by the large chevron signs on the wall opposite the Radcot Road Junction. (as you come into Church Street from Witney) These give the impression that Church Street traffic flows one way, ie towards the Church, and were placed there many years ago (I believe to direct through traffic via the Market Place and prevent Coach Lane becoming a rat run when it became one way only). East flowing through traffic along Church Street/Coach lane has increased considerably since then, and traffic flow through the Market Place is now impeded by the pinch points. The chevrons are very imposing and I cannot understand why they are deemed necessary. When emerging from the Witney turn many drivers still assume the right of way in spite of the give way sign. A number of people I have spoken to think that there should be a stop sign at that junction, or at least a clearer indication that the upper end of Church Street is two way. HT
Drivers Beware.- 26/03/10 A couple of weeks ago my newish driver, Grand Daughter, asked me to give her a detailed route to Witney. She has Satnav but it doesn't warn of pot holes or the sharp bend after the main bridge at Radcot etc. As part of the brief I included the following So go up past the Church then left to Clanfield and beware of opposing traffic cutting the corner. Even men drivers do it ! I'm afraid, HT, the authorities can do very little about lousy drivers. name supplied
Buses'n'cones - and Radcot Road Junction- 26/03/10 I too come into the category of motorists caught in the Cornmarket trap! On another matter, though, I drive regulary along Church street and Coach Lane and on many occasions have had to stop suddenly at the junction with Radcot road as the traffic emerging from the junction fails to give way in spite of the warning sign. Has anyone else any experience of this? CertainIy residents of Coach Lane and Church Street are aware of it. I have contacted the authority but it isnt regarded as a problem. HT
Buses'n'cones- 26/03/10 The the same thing has happened to me and it was awkward and embarressing. The bus drivers have a timetable to keep to and if you happen to be trying to turn left in the Market Place to head towards the church and the bus decides to leave, then you are stuck. I also had a bus driver angrily waving at me to squeeze by, and passengers on board laughing as they could see how stuck I was. It was my right of way but I was the one who looked in the wrong. The paved area in the centre is far too large and I think it's only a matter of time before there is a serious incident or the bus companies just decided that driving into the Market Place isn't worth the effort. name supplied
Buses'n'cones - 25/03/10 The buses aren't invisible, but the drivers aren't necessarily impatient, either. What has happened to me on occasion was that I have been at the Gloucester Street end of the Cornmarket, facing the town hall. The bus was stationary at the stop, and the exit from Cornmarket was clear, so I moved forward. When I was almost through Cornmarket , a vehicle appeared from London Street expecting it's right of way. I stopped to allow it through, by which time the bus had driven down to the junction. I needed to turn up towards the church, but couldnt as thebus was skewed across the junction, and there was traffic behind me so I couldn't reverse. The bus driver was impatiently waving me on, and I managed to squeeze through with bystanders looking daggers at me. I do not accept that this scenario is due to driver impatience. I do not suffer from driving impatience, nor indeed road rage. I have however seen my experience repeated time and time again, with some other unfortunate drivers, as you say, stuck for several minutes or even having their cars scraped through no fault of their own. The fault, and there certainly is one, lies with the planning and layout of the over-large paved area around the town hall, the narrowed thoroughfare, and the inadequate turning space, in spite of there being a lack of clear sight lines from one end of Cornmarket to the other. There is simply insufficient room for the manoevre which I have described. But of course, everyone blames the drivers, because no-one at the appropriate local authority planning department has the integrity to accept any responsibility for their ineptitude and put it right. Forum Bully Mk II
Mystery Bus - 25/03/10 has anybody else seen the white double decker bus in the fields between the Buscot and Highworth roads? Whats that all about? travellers or are the farmers growing buses to solve Faringdon's communication problems? Steve leech
Lawn Mowing - 25/03/10 HGM should get some guinea pigs. They mow and fertilise the lawn (almost) simultaneously, make much nicer noises than lawnmowers and are generally cute and amusing to watch! name supplied
Street view - 25/03/10 I think the rule on these pictures is the same covering most other things like classic cars. The photographer owns the rights to the picture even if you own the car the image is of. If this is the case with the Google system then they own the rights to that image of your house and valuable garden orniments. It would, in fact, be an infringement of law for you to download that image, print it and display it framed in your house without permission of the copywrite holder. For many years before the internet you could buy air pictures of your house from enterprising folks who hawked them about. Even then they were occasionally used as inteligence for crime. All that has changed is it got easier to access the information. Personally I am working on a replica Darlek with active weopons systems to be piloted by a particularly nasty Jack Russell as I think this is the only realistic defence against this invasion of privacy. Alan Hitchcock
Parking at Budgens - 25/03/10 I have to state in the interests of fairness that the 'original Forum Bully' turned out not to be so and supplied the information supporting his statement in a polite and dignified manor. I trust no annimosity continues and any other Forum Bullying is not in relation to that topic which I trust is closed other than a healthy debate. Budgen's parking? It may not be covered by the the letter of the law but the system works for the benifit of the most people most of the time. You want to moan about parking I think you will find London Street a far more fertile area. Budgens are attempting to make the best of an awkward location enherited from Carters who had the same problem but had all thier multitude of deliveries by day so a far worse congestion problem overall. If a town does not have some congestion issues it is probobly dead! I still think the best congestion is when the Bus attempts to leave and impatiant drivers insist on driving into its rear wheel turning track blocking the road in some cases for 10 minutes as everyone else piles in so no one can reverse. No doubt some will blame the bus but it is not exactly invisable is it? Perhaps they ought to pop out with some cones. There seem plenty about these days, try the M6! Alan Hitchcock
Folly Clean Up - 25/03/10 Re the previous message, I am sure that Faringdon Newspapers What's On, like faringdon.org, relies entirely on the material that is sent in, for small-ad and events entries. If you send something for inclusion in the What's On page please check that you have included all the relevant information. If when you check the entry online you realise there is something missing or incorrect, the entry can be amended. Unless the text is very long, or duplicated, we cut-and-paste entries, which means that entries appear exactly as you send them Ed. Faringdon.org
FOLLY CLEAN UP - 25/03/10 Please note that the 'What's On' that is refered to with regards to the time not being advertised is the What's On on faringdon.org and not the one that is published by Faringdon Newspapers. Faringdon Newspapers Ltd
Bright side of life. email from BARAKA. - 24/03/10 Just wanted to say a quick thank you for the gig at the community college and for looking after us on the evening.The band really enjoyed the gig and interacting with the students. If you have any other events you would like us to be involved in we would be glad to do so. Sam Prince
Thames Valley Police. - 24/03/10 Road safety is one of the top priorities identified by the local community. Information was provided by community members and as a result a disqualified driver was arrested in Faringdon Town Centre on the afternoon of Friday 19th March. He was also found to be nearly three times over the drink drive limit and his car was seized at the time of the arrest. Please carry on providing the Police with information on these dangerous drivers anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Thank you.
Cariad Bride - 24/03/10 Cariad Bride are staging a wedding fashion show at the Four Pillars Hotel at the Cotswold Water Park, South Cerney on Sunday 28th March at 1.00pm. All the models, both male & female are from Faringdon. So if you have a forthcoming wedding or are simply in the area, please do come along and give them your support. They will, as always, do us proud. Entrance is free. Sue Geldard
Re Folly Clean Up last Sunday. - 23/03/10 Unfortunately the What's On did not state a start time which was 9.00am. As the woodland was far cleaner and tidier than in previous years we were able to finish by 11.15am. The cleaner state of the woodland has been helped by the 3 monthly trimming of the edges, and by killing the nettles which used to provide cover for litter etc. Apologies that your offer to help could not be taken up. Treasurer - Faringdon Folly Trust
Mis-sold telephone providers - 23/03/10 Hello I would like to point this out to fellow Faringdon people. As this has happened to a number of people in Faringdon , so be aware. From tomorrow, telecoms companies in the UK will have to adhere to strict new Ofcom rules to stop the mis-selling and slamming of landline services, or face fines of up to 10 per cent of their turnover. Advice for consumers on mis-selling and slamming can be found at: http://www.ofcom.org.uk/consumer/2009/10/how-to-avoid-being-slammed/. . For further information about Ofcom please visit: www.ofcom.org.uk. Ofcoms news releases can be found at: www.ofcom.org.uk/media/. name supplied
The French Market - 23/03/10 will be in Faringdon again on Sunday 28th March. All of the usual favourites will be there. Jane Haynes
Dressmaker sought - 23/03/10 I am looking for a dressmaker or seamstress who will be able to alter a wedding dress bodice. If anyone knows of someone who can do this for me, please e-mail me on Bevsavon@hotmail.co.uk I am sure there is someone out there... Thanks in advance. Beverley Rogerson
from Thames Valley Police. - 23/03/10 At around 20:45 on Friday 19th March 2010 a property in Church Street, Faringdon was subjected to a burglary. The offender or offenders attempted to gain entry to the rear door by cutting the handle off, then by cutting a small hole in the kitchen window. A tidy search was carried out and an exit was made via the front door. If you have any information relating to this message, or have seen any suspicious people or vehicles in the area, please contact the Police on 08458 505 505 and quote URN 1509 of 19th March 2010. Thank you To find out more about Thames Valley Police in your area - please go to our website at http://www.thamesvalley.police.uk If you have information about crime but do not want to speak to the police, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Re: the site of the monastry - 22/03/10 I'm not sure if this is adding anything to the mystery of the monastry, but Unit 4 The Old Barn at Wicklesham was belived to have been commissioned by Stoneleigh Abbey in Warwickshire and built as part of a dairy farm for a bretheren of Cistercian monks based at the farm in 13th century. I think this is also connected with something monkish going on at Ringdale, but not sure Sarah Allen-Stevens
Fraudulent Emails - Beware! 22/03/10 hi just a quirey .i advertised a couple of items on the here in the small ads .and had a couple of e-mails from the same person asking me if i,oxod except bankers drafts and also to confirm my name, address, state and zip code has any one else experienced this and if not was it a hacker name supplied This happens from time to time I'm afraid, but as far as I know there is nothing we can do to prevent it, so be vigilant. There is a warning on the small ads page. - ED.
What happened to the Folly CleanUp? - 21.03.10 My daughter and i went up to the Folly for the 'clean up day' advertised on the home page of this site, only to find the place deserted..... where was everyone?? name supplied
Siteof the Monastery - 21/03/10 It is doubtful whether a monastery was ever built, or started, but here is an extract from Cyril Hughes Hartman's account of the History of Faringdon, on this website " The town has rarely figured prominently in the pages of history. There was a royal residence here in Saxon times; in 1145 some sort of fort, grandiosely dignified by the name of castle, was built by Robert, Earl of Gloucester, and razed to the ground within the year by King Stephen; King John had thoughts of founding here a Cistercian monastery, which later, however, became a mere cell dependent on the great abbey of Beaulieu in Hampshire; in 1387 one of the many little battles for Radcot Bridge was fought when the revolting barons led by the Earl of Derby defeated Richard II's favourite, Robert de Vere, Earl of Oxford and Duke of Ireland. Robert de Vere is said to have escaped from the field of combat by discarding his armour and swimming across the river." I 've been told that the site was/was to be in the vicinity to the west of The Grove, (north east of the town and below Church Path Farm), but there are no visible indications of this. Name supplied
Siteof the Monastery - 21/03/10 Diane Huddle, With regard to the location of the monastery. If you go to: http://www.pastscape.org.uk/TextPage.aspx put Faringdon in the search term. all is there. name supplied
Enjoy the countryside - 21/03/10 I'm sorry to here that Tom lost his bid for a cafe at the farm. However, I get the impression from his comments that he doesn't think that there are any other places that people can go for Tea, Coffee and Home made cakes. Tom, Faringdon DOES have a couple of Coffee Shops plus the Pubs, Sandwich bar, Bakers and Fish & Chip shops and more!! I wish him well with his farm, but it really isn't Wicklesham world of adventures!!! name supplied
Lawn Mower's Lament. - 21/03/10 Roses scream when they are picked and other flowers cry. Kind hearted gardeners know this. So can you tell me why as soon as grass begins to grow we want to intervene and stop it growing naturally ....tall and lush and green ? I think it's time a law was passed prohibiting lawn mowers and tax relief be given to lush and green grass growers. Every time I cut the lawn my tender grass must sob and even if it didn't.. I'd still hate the b***dy job ! HGM
Parking in the Town. - 21/03/10 All this griping about parking outside Budgens and the Gt Coxwell residents moaning about the illegal parking in Coxwell Street/Road; what do the guardians of the law have to say about it? They use this forum to publish crime help notices or whatever they call them, so why no reply from them? name supplied
Buckland Swimming Pool. - 21/03/10 I think you'll find it's not open all year round. When it is, it's advertised in the What's On. It is a nice little pool, particularly for children. Carolyn Williams
Siteof the Monastery - 21/03/10 The lady or gentleman who recently remarked on a few of us '' losing our marbles '',:) also mentioned a monestry north of Faringdon .If anyone has any information whatsoever on the monastry ,would you please bring it to my attention .I would like to know how much of the monastry remains , and can you view it ? and most importantly ; Where is it exactly ?Many Thanks Diane Huddle
Enjoy the countryside - 21/03/10 Just a quick note to say the daffodils at Wicklesham will be out in all their glory shortly, so do walk or cycle up and enjoy them (but please leave them where they are!). The snowdrops and acconites are in full force and the scilla are just coming through too - quite a show. For those that may be interested we lost our bid to put up a café building, which is a shame. The Vale's planners and councillors feel there is no community at Wicklesham, no need for a rural café, and that we'd be "cluttering" the open countryside. I guess, since they're keen for us all to commute to Didcot every day, rather than stay in Faringdon, they would question the need for Faringdon to have any local facilities at all. However, undeterred, Little Lodge will be opening again at Easter. We will have jams, cakes and plenty of other yummies and there is already a steady stream of eggs. And if you're worried that the decision by our small-minded district councillors will mean you will be exposed to the elements, don't be - we have a surprise solution we will be unveiling when we open! Tom Allen-Stevens
Buckland Swimming Pool - 21/03/10 Pool The pool is open in the warmer months, the number to contact is in Whats On from about April. Chris Higgs
RE.RE. BARAKA. 19/03/10 For someone who obviously uses this .org site, one question. DID YOU NOT SEE THE RED SIGN ON the HOME PAGE ADVERTISING THE BARAKA GIG ? for those interested the next M.A.D.D.4 HAITI fund raising gig is on FRIDAY 30th APRIL at the CORN EXCHANGE. DOORS OPEN 8pm music commences 8-30pm. Entrance is £4 or if you come in pre 1900s dress it is £3. Appearing are PREESGANG and the GUINNESS PROJECT. All funds raised go to UNICEF. Information and flyers www.maddfaringdon.co.uk Sam Prince
Buckland Swimming Pool - 19/03/10 I was wondering if you can help. I have been told by my father in law that there is a swimming pool in Buckland which can be hired to the public, which you have advertised. I have looked through serval times, and just cant seemed to find any information, do you know of the swimming pool, could you give me any information. Thank you for your help. name supplied
Parking Outside Budgens - 18/03/10 Quite right. I am rude, but if you think what I say is bullying then you must have led a very sheltered life. As you can obviously read, then did you not notice I pointed out that single yellow lines means RESTRICTED PARKING and that the terms of the restriction can be found on the sign nearby? Such signs often say things like "Waiting limited to half an hour" or "No waiting between 8.am and 6. pm " That kind of thing. So as you never bothered to look at the sign your question was not really reasonable, now was it? and if you are a driver, you should be aware of what yellow lines etc mean anyway. If the powers that be were stationed at that very spot 24 hours a day then you could be nicked for parking there at any time when the restrictions apply, so think yourself lucky that you might get away with it some of the time. In actual fact, here is the very sign, - give it a moment to download the picture. http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Faringdon&sll=51.47994,-0.292168&sspn=0.017827,0.052314&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Faringdon,+Oxfordshire,+United+Kingdom&ll=51.657777,-1.585018&spn=0.000572,0.001635&t=h&z=20&layer=c&cbll=51.657694,-1.585149&panoid=0MFlxb8ADaO2D1mFe4TpUQ&cbp=12,107.34,,1,5.32 thanks to Google Street View (Isnt the internet wonderful?) and it looks to me as if it pointsout the disabled bay to one side and the restricted zone - Mon - Sat , & the times, to the other. Now you know what the lines etc mean, you could adopt the following strategy: Wait until the pcsos have ticketed a few people or have drawn a blank and are walking up towards the police station. The chances are they will be stopping for a cup of tea or something. Alternatively you might spot them going in another direction entirely. You could squeeze in between the cones and the disabled bay for a quick Budgens visit then, but don't risk being too long or they might be back. You could actually move a cone or two but that is risky if the lorry turns up as you can't plead ignorance and the driver might be bigger than you are. (Not to mention the lorry) The other possible place near the store is the bit by the former post office, if you're quick, but you have to avoid obstructing any large vehicle coming round the corner from Gloucester Street.see above Either of these parking solutions is illegal during the restricted time, and If the Budgens lorry happens to turn up when you are not with your vehicle you're going to feel a bit daft as you shamefacedly clamber in to move, with everyone looking on rather crossly, but what the hell, you'll have made your point. As for the cones question, someone else has answered it. ps No I am not 'original Forum Bully', nor even unoriginal Forum Bully, but as you feel affronted you could call me Forum Bully Mk II perhaps.
Loss of Modern Language Dept? - 18/03/10 Is it true, is it possible, that FCC is driving its Modern Language dept to extinction? How is this preparing our children for life in Europe? How can the school pretend it has an "international" outlook? We are VERY concerned grandparents. Carolyn Williams
Re. Re. Baraka - 15/03/10 not harsh at all, i'm certainly not the only one who doesn't know what events are being the held in the MADD camp. It ain't rocket science, i'm > sure Sam could come up with something, he's been doing it long enough. Trish Reynolds
Parking Outside Budgens - 18/03/10 to Name Supplied If the cones were not put in place, the delivery lorry would arrive, sit and wait for the appropriate cars to be removed and the Town would be in gridlock. I don't honestly think this is unreasonable and has been something which has been done by the shop and accepted by the Town for many years! I'm sure if you invested in some cones and put them outside your house, people wouldn't park outside. Will you next be asking for the black and white cones outside the church be removed? Martin Harries
Parking Outside Budgens - 18/03/10 Im sure that everyone that posts on here can read, so there is no need to be so rude. The question that was poasted was a quite reasonable question that asked for a reasonable answer. Are you the forum bully who keeps rearing thier head? So in Lehmans terms a single yellow line is okay to park short term yes? Am i allowed to put Cones outside my house if i am getting a delivery? NO! and to the forum bully- ROLL YOUR NECK IN.... Pretty please with a cherry on top! Thank you name supplied
Parking outside Budgens - 18/03/10 Years ago when I was a Postie and when Faringdon had a "proper" Post Office, I brought up this matter with the Police. I got the impression rightly or wrongly that they turned a blind eye to it as "it brought trade into the town". I was asked to move on once by them whilst emptying the box so as a lorry could unload more easier. I refused and was almost arrested! Is there a more sinister reason? Colin
Parking - 18/03/10 it seems the owner of the white van that parks outside aston pine on ferndale st thinks double yellow lines means park there whenever you want and clearly cant see how dangerous it is trying to come out of skinners lane ns
Parking - 17/03/10 Double yellow lines means no waiting at any time. Single yellow lines mean waiting is restricted. - as indicated on the nearby sign/notice. You can read? Try reading the notice, or RTFN, as it is sometimes put.. Alternatively you could ask the pcsos about it, or even avail yourself of a highway code and read that, or look it up on the internet. Simple! Sometimes if you park there you may get away with it. Sometimes not. Many people have complained about illegal parking, so the pcsos are doing something about it. You can't have it both ways. There is a loading bay and it was made in days gone by when Budgens was Carter's and trucks were a reasonable size and had a hope in hell of getting in there. name supplied
Pie and Cake sale - 17/03/10 please please dont forget the pie and cake sale at this saturday's (20/03/2010) craft fair all proceeds in aid of save the children thank you all very much for your support. david and margot manning
Parking outside Budgens - 17/03/10 Can anyone clarify what are the parking laws outside Budgens? There is single yellow lines, but there continually seem to be cones there. There is a loading bay but this never seems to be used, does anyone know why? The pcpso's are giving tickets to people for parking there. Why? If you are not allowed to park there, why isnt there double yellows? name supplied
PRESSGANG at the CORN EXCHANGE. - 17/03/10 To follow the Baraka gig we have organised the next musical event in the M.A.D.D. for HAITI fund raising project. This will happen on Friday 30th April. Entrance is £4 or £3 if you come in pre 1900 dress.the clue is in Pressgang.music commences at 8-30pm with the Guinness Project. Doors open 8pm.low priced Bar. Not the Mayfest? Sam Prince
BARAKA- 17/03/10 fund raising gig. just a few notes on the event and thanks.We particularly want to say we hugely appreciate the help of the following people - F.C.C. for donating the use of the main hall, active involvement from teachers and students in setting up and running the stage, lighting and sound and allowing us the use of the kitchen to provide refreshments for the performers and various others, plus the ladies in the office who sold tickets. Thanks also to our own bunch of determined youth who manned the entrance and told people where the loos were - always an important function, that! The T.I.C. sold tickets for us and M.A.D.D. paid for Baraka's expenses, the alcohol licence, costs of printing and advertising. These were met by the money earned over the bar. Everyone did a wonderful job and Baraka said it was a lovely atmosphere and would like to return to Faringdon. Between you all through ticket sales and donations you raised £220.10 which will go straight to Unicef and is earmarked for Haiti. Heartfelt thanks to all involved. Hilary and Sam from M.A.D.D Hilary Prince- Braunton
Street View/Post Van - 17/03/10 re about post van some post people do a early shift and then a afternoon collection and go home for a lunch break maybe that is why the van was there ?! name supplied
Street View . - 16/03/10 I always had the impression that it was illegal to publish images of property not visible to the public from the public highway, without the owner's permission. - I believe those were the rules which applied to English Heritage's listed buildings project 'Images of England' I see that my own property, the entrance of which is not visible from the highway has the way in (and possibly out again with stolen property) clearly displayed on Google's aerial view, though. name supplied
Street View . - 16/03/10 H. Poirot grey cells are on form. I do not think there is a great threat from Google Street View generally since folk like me cannot get a handle on getting the program working to spy on our neighbours in the first place. I do worry that all this imaging shows what I have about the place and the layout of the property to thieves though. Another bit of Big Brother and expect a Brown tax on sheds to follow as it can be done from an office now and blamed on the local councils as part of the business rates structure. Ask farmers about thier field boundaries and the spy in the sky in relation to subsidies. Hill farmers being the big loosers as there acreage from space takes no account of gradient therefore the Government just made the land area of the country smaller for payouts. I wonder if the same criteria is used for valuation for death duties etc? Alan Hitchcock
Street View Timeline. - 16/03/10 The photographs for Street View in Orchard Hill show a Dixon's Removal Van. The present householders tell me that they hired this van during the first week in July 2008. Can anyone else offer any dates ? The photos are interesting and harmless to law abiding citizens like TP readers but as Mr Poirot would ask if his English was good enough..Why was this expensive project really carried out and who really financed it? Big Brother ? HGM
From Thames Valley Police. - 16/03/10 Between 1800 hours and 2100 hours on Friday 12th March a property in Fernham Road, Faringdon was subject to a burglary. Entry gained by jemmy the back door open and cash taken.URN 1493 of the 12th March refers. Between 1010 hours and 1035 hours a property in Coxwell Road, Faringdon was subject to a burglary. Offenders have gained entry via unlocked back door. URN 396 of the 12th March refers. Please be extra vigilant and report any suspicious people or vehicles in the area. If you have any information relating to this message please call the Police on 08458 505 505 and state which URN you are responding to. Thank You. Message Ends. To find out more about Thames Valley Police in your area - please go to our website at http://www.thamesvalley.police.uk If you have information about crime but do not want to speak to the police, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
African Children's Fund- 16/03/10 donations of bingo and raffle prizes wanted for the african children fund easter bingo which will be held on 1st april corn exchange faringdon doors open at 7pm eyes down at 7.30 if you have any unwanted items please ring Debbie on 07746505271 any donations would be very much appreciated Debbie piercy
BARAKA. - 15/03/10 First let me thank everone who came and supported the gig. the college excelled it self in producing quality sound and lighting effects,deffinatley a venue which can host the very best in music and drama.The students and their tutors take front and centre stage for a bow. The band were fantasticly energetic and musically excellent,personaly the highlight of the performance was the sensitive interactive finale with the drum students and the band. Maybe we'll put it altogether as a show for the Faringdon Arts week in July.A show with a lot of fun envolved. On the point of advertising I know we don't get everything right, superhumans we aint. But if Trish has any suggestions to improve our advertising perhaps she could help us. Sam Prince
Street View. - 15/03/10 Non Monsieur Mugshots.The otherwise excellent Google started this incroyable invasion of privacy in May 2007 so it is not an expansion of your so marvellous Faringdon 2000 photos. The approximate date when a particular area was visited can be found by careful observation and the use of the little gray cells. Consider this mon ami The trees and flowers. Do these not show it was not in winter ? A trail of paper and bottles occurs just after the green binmen call. What day is this ? A policeman is seen walking in the town centre...not a common occurrence I think ? Your neighbour has a satellite dish. When did 'e get it ? The so friendly lady whose husband is frequently not at 'ome and who only 'as a bicycle 'as a silver car parked outside 'er 'ouse When did you 'ear conversations the most loud when 'e found it there ? Ainsi, my friend, there is more information than at first falls on the optic nerve and you don't have to be a detective to find it. N'est ce pas ? BUT IS THIS A GOOD THING? H. Poirot.
BARAKA - 15/03/10 This fund raising event in aid of Haiti was advertised - on this site, on facebook, posters in the Portwell Angel and shop windows around town - plus a board outside the Corn Exchange on most days and evenings for a few weeks. It was also listed on the back page of Faringdon Folly newspaper. And they are just the places I saw - there may have been others. It was an excellent evening. Sheila
Google Street View - 15/03/10 Somebody asked when these photos were taken. I can be reasonably confident that the photo of my house in Faringdon was done on the morning of Saturday 26th July 2008. How can I be so sure of this ? Easy ! That day was my son's first birthday party and I can see a "Happy Birthday" banner outside the house and various outdoor toys being assembled. Julian Watson
Re. Re. Baraka - 15/03/10 Bit harsh, wasn't it Trish? Sam and Hilary try their best and often get good feedback. Perhaps you know someone who can assist them with their advertising? name supplied
Sainsburys Active KIds Vouchers - 15/03/10 Are the local schools collecting the Active Kids Vouchers from Sainsbury's? My child is too young for school but I always say yes to the vouchers because I think I may be able to hand them on but never do. Would be great if all of us can pass them on to local schools to benefit. Mel Lane
re Baraka - 13/03/1 The fact that more people didn't find their way into this event was very probably down to the fact that as usual Sam and Hilary don't have the first idea about how to advertise an event! How many people would have known it was happening? If it was advertised, it certainly wasn't obvious. Rule number one: If you want people to turn up at an event...........ADVERTISE IT Trish Reynolds
Reference "Raoul to the Rescue. - 13/03/10 I too had to call Raoul out a few months ago to rescue my internet when I installed Macafee! You have to question the point of this software or is that Macafee and Norton work extremely well....by stopping you using the internet in the first place! Well, i suppose you won't pick up anything nasty on your computer if you can't use it! Trish Reynolds
Ref street view - 13/03/10 I love this I viewed my house up marines drive great seeing my own house. The best thing was seeing a postie parked up outside a neigbours house. He use to be there for hours some days. No wonder the post office is struggling to make money if a postman can be at home for two hours. name supplied
just been to RED LION - 13/03/10 ... for a mothers day lunch and it was absolutely delicious good home cooked food,and the staff were helpful and friendly ,i would defintely reccomend it to anyone i will definetly be going again my compliments to the chef and staff mrs delphine hammond name supplied
Lost Cat - 13/03/10 MISSING LOST MALE, NEUTERED CAT IN PORT WAY AREA ANSWERS TO THE NAME TIGGER MIXTURE OF BLACK AND TABBY WITH A WHITE CHEST ANY INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT 01367 244919 OR 0790 1533 968
Love Pork - 13/03/10 Thank you for the 'I love Pork co' website link. I have read it and suggest interested folks have a look if you want some kind of guide to Pork from a butcher/meat retail source. However the same site does point up imported goods outside the scheme do not always match quality expectations so buyer beware. Seems there are no forum bullies after all, deep joy. Alan Hitchcock
Baraka - 13/03/10 Well done to Sam and Hillary for bringing Baraka to Faringdon. It was an excellent evening performance, completely different to the usual and the interaction with our local drummers was a joy to behold. Shame more folk didn't find their way in. So who says nothing happens in Faringdon? Rachel Kenward
Forum Bully's - 13/03/10 I haven't posted for some time now, thank goodness I hear you say. Looks like some have got heated under collar whilst I've been away. The meat debate springs to mind and leaves me oh forlorn Perhaps the girls should sort it out with large handbags at dawn. In my own view, posters oft retort to making claims of bully's Because a view is contrary to theirs or because their arguments are woolly. Similarly claims of ignorance or claims of talking Bllcks Are too aggressive, juvenile and some would say obnoxious. Slagging off, being nasty is not the way to go. Grown up debate and reasoned arguments is what we all should show. So, let's bury the hatchets, have respect and agree to disagree. Have good humoured grown up debates for all of Faringdon to see. Life's too short. I've been called a bully many a time on this forum simply because I have taken a different view. Similarly I've been called ignorant for the same reason. I guess that makes me an ignorant bully, or a pig in the middle. Which according to posts may or may not find me pumped full of water. Don't get me started on eggs. Devils Advocate.
Street View - 12/03/10 I see that Faringdon now features on Google 'Street View', is this an update to the FotoFaringdon2000 projet that a team of hardy local photographers took part in in 2000? Mugshots
Meat - 12/03/10 Perhaps this link will educate and help dispel some of the ignorance expressed previously about the quality and traceability of supermarket meat. http://www.lovepork.co.uk/why-quality-standard-pork "Forum Bully"
Dance/Music - 12/03/10 Dance/Music and Musical Workshops for all primary age children. These are being held at Faringdon Junior School on the 6th, 7th, 8th April 10am - 3pm. 6th Musical Workshop, 7th African Drumming, 8th Dance Day. £20 one day / £30 for two / £50 for all three. Please contact eso@fcc.oxon.sch.uk or phone Extended Services at Faringdon Community College on 01367 240375 to book your places. Extended Services
Dog mess (lack of) - 11/03/10 I was out with Year 8 geography classes on 2 occasions this week in the Marlborough Gardens area. Can I congratulate every one there on the dog mess free environment. We usually get at least one pupil with smelly shoes, but not this time!!! I can honestly say I saw no evidence through the whole estate. A bit of dangerous driving and speeding but no dog mess. Well done to the residents or the Dog Warden. Chris Higgs
Untidy /Tidy Estate - 10/03/10 Now there's a coincidence .I too have telephoned the council regarding our road , and neighbouring roads, needing to be swept .The problem that i see , is that their are lots of cars parked in the street(s) , which makes it impossible to sweep the roads properly . I would of thought under those circumstances ,with a bit of notice ( via residences being informed a week or so before )the vehicles could be briefly cleared of the area , so the council can do the job properly . I also informed the council of areas of litter around Faringdon , some has been cleared and some has not .That could be because they are not responsible . Also our street sign is in a very tatty state.I asked for a replacement, and ''voila'' , it will be replaced soon! .So maybe '' Banging the Drum '' gets results .By the way ; I did bang the drum nicely . Diane Huddle
Noisy Babies / Wicklesham - 09/03/10 A bit late to the discussion sorry. All these requests for a family friendly cafe whilst the answer is already there. Wicklesham need their planning for a permanent cafe structure approved by VoWH. They provide a wonderful family-friendly social hub (with outstanding produce and food), and are only hampered by the weather = something that would be solved by a solid building to house the cafe. It is HUGELY family-friendly (Cheryl goes out of her way to make the kids welcome, with a huge basket of toys and lovely fresh air and walks in the fields, and is realistic about the noise levels children generate!), and it is also a great tourist draw for Faringdon. Please support their planning application as they are doing a great service for the area. Jen
Untidy Estate - 09/03/10 As Canada Lane and the Oakwood Estate roads were in such an untidy state, I rang the council on Thursday afternoon to ask if the road sweeper vehicle could be sent there. It has just been round, and the roads look much better. I was informed by the council, that the vehicle is only sent to the roads such as ours, when requested by residents. name supplied
Manure wanted - 09/03/10 does anyone have any manure we can have for our allotment, or know where to go for some ? Shame dog manure doesn't work.... Kate Brady
Daffodil Death - 09/03/10 Up Folly Hill a lone daffodil bravely bloomed on Saturday, a solitary herald of Spring. By Sunday it was gone, cut off in it's prime. Sad that folk can't leave flowers to bloom where all can enjoy them. name supplied
Dog Waste bins. - 08/03/10 Who is responsible for emptying the dog waste bins? The one near Pye Street apart from leaning over at an awkward angle for the past few months is overflowing. No point encouraging people to use them if the people who are charged with emptying them are guilty of a dereliction of duty. name supplied
Eccentricity - 08/03/10 I was missing why I liked Faringdon, eccentricity. Thanks Tom, yes it is a major factor but then you would expect that from a bloke who is a world bore on bubblecars (officially read - expert on Microcars - but most folk would not know what a Microcar is and perhaps do not want to in detail)! I like the idea of Faringdon become a centre of excellance in eccentric activeties. Far more interesting than being just another tourist place etc. Even our fossel sponge seems to have been a bit of an oddity so its something in the soil, our heritage is to be different. name supplied
Cool and Quirky Faringdon 07/03/10 I have to say I love the light on the Folly - the rather bizarre and aimless way it points around the sky and guides us all all home. And the fact that we have a lighthouse in probably the most land-locked town in England! I agree with Alan's comments. Faringdon is a town where we dye our doves purple, where a pointless tower becomes our focal point, where we shoot off the steeple from our church. We have always celebrated our eccentrics and championed the unique and unusual. Little wonder we don't fit into the dull, conformist mould the planners are trying to make for us. Tom Allen-Stevens Wicklesham Lodge Farm
Wherefore art thou, live music? - 07/03/10 Well, What can anyone say. ??? Live Music in the crown, Also live music in the Lion, Where would you sooner go??? Let me tell you it would be the Lion And not the crown, the reason or some of the reasons are. 1.It's warm in the lion, cold in the crown. 2. many people in the lion , next to no one is in the crown, It looks like the lion is the NEW music venue in Faringdon. I also understand any future music in the crown will be in the top bar. reason being they dont want "that racket" in the front bar!!. Also the crown have done a u-turn about no live music and no sports on TV. What are the regular's meant to think. regular
Well? - 07/03/10 Jazz Cafe for faringdon arts fest? Sam Prince
Raoul to the Rescue. - 07/03/10 When I logged on this morning I was faced with an attractive offer from NIS to update my Norton 360 to version 4. As my subscription was due in 30 days time I decided I would. I followed the instructions and received various messages confirming that everything was OK. I have no doubt that the updated version was installed but I have no way of knowing because I couldn't restart my computer I used Safe Mode/System Restore which is about the limit of my computer expertise but I couldn't connect to the internet so I couldn't ask the helpful people at NIS what was wrong. I phoned QuidneIT. Raoul removed every trace of Norton using the removal tool downloaded from his computer and my problem was solved. This not a criticism of NIS as I am sure the problem was all my fault for not being 10 years old and a computer wizard. If anyone else is as ignorant as me and are tempted by the offer from NIS I'd suggest two important actions before trying. 1.Download the NIS removal tool BEFORE Norton crashes your computer and 2. Keep Raoul's phone number handy Keeping your fingers crossed is an optional extra.. No to Norton
Dog fouling - 07/03/10 On the plus side the Lechlade Road Schoolside poop bin seems to get at least as much trade as it can cope with so the majority are scooping down here. There are still a few that do not though. At least there is a warden now. Some years ago a known person had persistant fouling on his house access from one particular person and dog. Reasonable methods yielded no result so he saved several particularly fine examples and wrapped them loosely in newspaper. This was then placed on the doorstep of the person responsible and set alight and the door bell rang at a suitable time. The householder confronted with burning newspaper proceeded to stamp out the conflagration. Message learned. One problem with dogs is a good sniff attracts additional information. Therefore a dose of industrial disinfectant can work well as hopefully the dog will save his valentine for elsewhere. Not a total solution but at least your not confronted with it. Alan Hitchcock
Faringdon Cricket Club - 07/03/10 would like to welcome any new players to senior indoor nets on the 21/03/2010, 28/03/2010, 11/04/2010 and 18/04/2010 at Faringdon Leisure Centre 10am-12pm. For further details contact Michael Hume 07968 651230 name supplied
Council Tax. - 05/03/10 The new rates will start next month but so far I haven't found what they will be. Anyone any ideas where they have been published or is the Council still wondering how much they can get away with ? HGM
Fabric Shop - 05/03/10 Love the idea of a fabric shop in Faringdon! The old little craft shop used to be a wonderful place. As crafting seems to have grown in recent years and become a hobby of all ages, I think a craft shop would be lovely. name supplied
Freeview digital signal - 04/03/10 I've noticed that others have recommended local traders when they've had good service. Having seen that several people have encountered problems with their tv signal, I'd like to recommend Screenservices of Shrivenham. They fitted an extension to my Sky system today. They gave me a free estimate, excellent advice, arrived on time and were very professional. www.screenlink.co.uk 01793-782221. Godfrey Smith
Dog fouling at my door! - 04/03/10 Thank you to the owner of the dog, who let it foul right in front of of our front door step. We have 2 toddlers, who out of necessity have to use the door, and who's health must surely flourish after playing with the deposits from your dog!!!!! It makes me wonder do you take a perverse pleasure in letting your dog foul in front of doors!!!! (as this is not the first time) Returning to the thank you, as i have nothing to do in my life (as having two small kids, i have lots of free time!!), i shall be diligently keeping watch with my camera (possibly thinking of setting up a dog poo web cam) and forwarding any images to the warden. please if you have any decency pick up poo!!! steve leech
Burglary in Coach Lane - 04/02/10 THAMES VALLEY COMMUNITY MESSAGING - Abingdon - M 01/03/001] Between 0900 hours and 1600 hours on Friday 26th February a property in Coach Lane, Faringdon was subject to a burglary. Offenders have forced open a ground floor sash window and gained entry. Jewellery taken. Please be extra vigilant and report any suspicious people or vehicles in the area. If you have any information relating to this message please call the Police on 08458 505 505 and quote URN 1004 of the 26th February. To find out more about Thames Valley Police in your area - please go to our website at http://www.thamesvalley.police.uk
Freeview digital signal - 04/03/10 Here on the north side of London Street the signal seems reasonable - very occasionally the picture breaks up and sometimes the electronic programme guide has no information. From time to time I have retuned the set, but the digibox/recorder thingy I have stubbornly tells me that there is no signal for BBC4 when the TV clearly displays that there is. We have our set tuned to the West, Maybe there is a difference between the reception for the west and that for the midlands. A few years ago we had a new aerial and a booster fitted, which improved reception considerably. I can recommend the aerial company - who did an efficient & reasonably priced job - if anyone is interested. HT
Dog Fouling - 03/03/10 Thank you to all the people that have contacted me to inform me the identity of the Rottweiler dog which was alledged to have been fouling the streets of Faringdon. I have approached the dog owner & educated him in his responsibilities of a dog owner. I saw him again the next day and he was seen to pick up after his dog. Please keep the information coming if you come across any other dog owners that are not fulfilling their responsible duties. Contact Colin Marshall, Environment Warden Vale of White Horse District Council on 01235 520202 or email environmental.protection@whitehorsedc.gov.uk
Tankers - 03/03/10 Why was half of marlborough gardens kept awake last night? There's been at least 3 big tankers pumping something out of (or maybe even into) the ground for the last 24 hours, making a deep resonating sound that could be heard throughtout the night and is still going on now! SHUT THE SUCK UP YOU SUCKING TANKERS! name supplied
Skatepark - 03/03/10 I understood from the previously published plans that the skatepark is to be built on land at the far end of the old Stanford Road and beyond the new cricket pitch - so really a long way from any houses. Similarly, the skatepark in Bampton is in the local cricket/sports ground quite outside the village and, as such, is in a good spot which seems to work well. My boys have spent long, happy, energetic, litter-free summer afternoons there. name supplied
Be fair to the Road Gangs- 03/03/10 Last week the Road Repair Operatives were scheduled to pay us a visit to refresh the white lines which outline the holey (No disrespect Padre) roads. Their route involved the Shrivenham bypass and quite rightly they decided not to risk their vehicle's suspension. Other routes are being considered but meanwhile the white markings will be renewed by a man on a bicycle once he has completed the necessary cycling course. Please be patient and drive carefully They are doing their best ! name supplied
Freeview Info. for Julie- 03/03/10 I have an old TV with a Freeview Box and a new TV with built in Freeview. They give entirely different results. After the last recommended retune the Box reassigned all the channel numbers e.g. BBC1 became Channel 806, BBC2 Channel 800. After another retune the numbers just shuffled themselves. The built in TV simply decided I no longer wanted Channel 5 but left the channel numbers alone so BB1 is still Channel 1. Both TVs provide interesting pixelated (I think that's the right word) pictures and occasional black screens. The only thing they have in common is that the programmes are repeats of repeats of repeats. I understand that David Cameron has promised to sort out the Health Service , the greedy MPs, the Punishments for Criminals, the Social Security Freeloaders and the Influx of illegal immigrants. So try dropping him an email. He may add Freeview to his 'promises' list. name supplied
ANY NEWS ON TESCO - 02/03/10 went to my local shop today brought 9 items and it was nearly £15.00 if i went to tesco it would have been £ 9.00 whats going on with the prices everywere name supplied
Lost cats - 02/03/10 thanks 2 the cats protection (lou and dorethy).4 the help with the ginger tom who was lost and i had found ,nobody had claimed him that was sad .but hes going 2 a foster home now and hopfully some1 will give him a loving home which he deserves and thanks again 4 the help sandra
That Monastic Moment. - 02/03/10 What a brilliant conceptual mind! I haven't laughed so much in ages. The best part is, you can visualise the whole plan and the effect on the town. Well done! Mike Perks
Freeview Box - 02/03/10 Can someone help. I am thinking of getting a freeview box but an unsure about the signal in Faringdon. Has anyone got any adivce? Is it worth getting one or should I got for a free satalite box? I look forward to hearing from you. Julie Farmer
Is it something in the water? - 02/03/10 It seems to me that the discussions on this site have become increasingly bad-tempered recently. Maybe we'll all cheer up now it looks like spring might finally be here? name supplied
Success for Faringdon Skaters - 02/03/10 Faringdon skaters started the New Year well.Skaters this year all moving up to next level. Skaters travelled to Alferton for the Preliminary and Bronze competitions over the weekend. Richard Whitlock Overall Champion by coming 1st in figures and 3rd in freeskating. Richard has trained really hard for many months putting 7days a week into his preparation.Early mornings before school. He has shown real committment to his sport and this is a well deserved win. Well done Nathaniel Williams 1st in freeskating Sophie lewis 8th in the Bronze figures. Unfortunately Sophie had a fall in practice and was unable to take her place in the freeskating. Sophie had worked really hard for this competition juggling exams and training is tough. Selina James 6th in the preliminary figures. fantastic result. Over 25 Girls in this competition. Well Done to all our skaters a ggod start to the year Dee England
ROAD SURFACES - 02/03/10 When are the road gangs going to come into Faringdon to fix the craters that are all over the place? Dodge-the-crater-whilst-driving is not the safest of games! No doubt Faringdon will be bottom of the repair list. name supplied
Tourists/shops - 02/03/10 Would I want Faringdon to be full of tourists? No. But could it be? Yes. Faringdon has great tourist potential and is near a confirmed tourist 'must see' route so could pick up some of that trade in day trippers. It only requires intiatives and investment in the potential. We have a Folly, very English and made famous with the various search lights that have put the town back on the map it was falling off after the bypass was opened. In my opinion a differing coloured search light should be perminant and turned on at various times in the year as suits events. Your right, the civil war is known history round the world and much could be made of Faringdon's part in it. My visitors love the fact the Church had its steeple shot off! I personally would vote Mike Perks license to create explosions to add to the ambience and incourage the retail of undergarments from the as yet unopened Faringdon Frillies. We have genuine secret tunnels - except since we are telling people about them they will not be secret anymore. However what self respecting American in long check shorts could resist such a thing, especially if you could walk through them? Some large museum/exhibition/other draw realy needs to be added, possibly something to do with fossels as Faringdon has a unique and much studied geological structure accessable to view. This in a designated development somewhere around town would help things and attract grant and educational money to create. Chuck in Pye and some Lord Berners whimsey, a link into art outlet/showroom of some description in itself. The town has long had an artistic background with its own Art Sociaty and local support for Artweek. Commission my sister to continue with her plan to produce nursery rhyme plaques for various houses around the town - see Pye House and Dr Foster in Gloucester Street. Add Berners dyed Doves, a Totnes style themed market etc. plus some private initiatives you have the makings of something internationally saleable. As a centre for a week of walking/cycling Faringdon is very well positioned surrounded by some very interesting countryside with all sorts of artifacts and buildings to look at. Thus Hotels to B and B would benifit from a town full of attractions. Passing trade might then bring in some of the afor mentioned shops, we were asked for a dream list after all, so do not be to harsh at the selection. If Swindon can be twined with Disney nothing is impossible! Mind you maybe Disneyland is really as depressing as Swindon. If the town really wanted to be a tourist town it could do it. Is that where you want to live though? Hmm, it might help me sell classic cars here instead of Cumbria though..... Alan Hitchcock
Shops. - 02/03/10 many thanks to name supplied for their amusing and factual observations. I particularly like the idea of using the local water,just bottle it and flog it, or even,which i find more appealing, BEER, a small brewery perhaps on the site of the "Pump house". Good name for a pub? It doesn't seem to be doing much as it is. It also has a ready made enclosed area which would suit all the parents looking for somewhere to take their children. The idea of dressing up leads me on to the subject of Fund raising for HAITI. April the 30th at the Corn exchange "PRESSGANG" . please look at www.maddfaringdon.co.uk Sam Prince

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