faringdon-online community web site home	talking points
	november 2008

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Great Festive Faringdon - 30/11/08 Congratulations to Denise Palmer and Dawn Pulker of Faringdon Retail Group for organising a really successful "Festive Faringdon" last Saturday. Thanks to their hard work and dedication Faringdon's annual Christmas celebration gets better and better every year! Jayne Haynes

Unsightly billboard - 28/11/08 There is a new business park scheduled for that land but the scaffolding seems to be for huge billboards advertising the new Bloor Homes development further along Park Road (well, the entrance to this development is very understated and would be very easy to miss wouldn't it?!!). The signs are an absolute eyesore and I can't understand how Bloor Homes have had permission to put them there when that field is not part of their development. Perhaps anything goes as far as planning is concerned in Faringdon?..... Name Supplied

Ref the 4 and 20 business park - 28/11/08 I have read the the info very good website, but one thing struck me the site and owners claim that we need a 1000 jobs in faringdon. But in the census out of just short of 5000 16 to 64 year olds only 0.09% where unemployed. In my rough sums about 50 . So where does the owner get that faringdon needs another 1000 jobs. Having said that in the current climate we may do . Regards simon

Re: Whats going on at the field by esso - 28/11/08 It's a new business park see http://www.4-and-20.co.uk/vision.html Rachel

The garage - one more thing - 27/11/08 i just wanted to say one more thing to the lady/man who had to beg for petrol while on the way to emergency room. i am absolutly shocked that they didnt try to help in anyway, and for the way they were rude and i do hope you complained about the individuals in question to managment, please beleive we wernt and some arnt all that bad. :) hope child is feeling better Laura

Bashing the garage - 27/11/08 i just wanted to say well done chris for speaking up against the bashing the garage has been getting. as another ex-employee it was sometimes hard to keep smiling through out the day when most people coming in were rude and moaning, but the majority of us were up beat at 6am so next time you go in maybe a little smile and hello could help. most people there work VERY hard and it is not fair to as the 'budgens employee' stated lump them all together. Laura

The problems with the buses - 27/11/08 ............are largely caused by the number of cars which park illegally & completely unnecessarily in the market square (outside of the marked bays - yes, that includes you, driver of the silver people carrier which stopped RIGHT across the end of the slip road, blocking both 2/3 of the bus lane AND creating a pinch point on the road up to the church!), or which ignore the priority signs on each end of the traffic calmed bit & then have to awkwardly squeeze past each other, OR which drive up the buses only lane. On the rare occasions when none of the above are an issue, the buses turn out with no problems at all. After years of running VERY tired old buses on the 66 route, it must be a bit frustrating for the bus company when they upgrade the buses on this service to be met only by complaints about something which is outside of their control and which would not be an issue if people a) obeyed the traffic rules and b) showed some basic courtesy. And person ally, I LIKE the new(hardly!) layout in the market square! It makes for a far better social space for the arts festival, Festive Faringdon & all sorts of other happenings in the town through the year. Name Supplied

Whats going on at the field by esso. - 27/11/08 The two large scaffold towers what are they for,and do they have planning permission I cant find any history of planning permission . ????????????? Name Supplied

Don't forget that this Saturday at The Crown - 27/11/08 After the excitement of festive faringdon there is a night of home grown music. Doors at 7.30 with The Lucky Generals, Disclosure and Zen Pigs/ Hypermused guaranteeing an entertaining night Hamish Millar

Nice One Tony. - 26/11/08 I enjoy your input and you have now established your reputation as an illiterate rabble rouser with the only spell checker which converts correct spelling to rubbish. But, as your comments usually make sense, how about dispensing with the pseudo stupid stuff and just send in your postings like the rest of us. They will still be valued for what they are worth. C.Darwin

busses - 25/11/08 the busses are too big to get round the stupid pavd bit in the midle they woud have to go on the rwong side of the road if they went the other way then the cars coming past the cemist have nowere to go and they suposed to get priroty then htere wuld be truble when they change things they never think it out the cars are bloking up london street always becase they have nowere to park in the midle now theyshoud of left it but they are all stupid and the bits in the road areall coming to peices now and we payed for it if iwas mayer i woud not of stod for it you can lauf but it is you councel are stupid to let it hapen and get away withit tony

Festive Faringdon - 25/11/08 Its that time of year again this weekend on Saturday 29th November we will be switching on the christmas lights between 4.30pm and 5.00pm, depends when Santa can get there!! Lots happening from crafts to BBQ and this year Altitude 24 climbing wall, fairground rides and Fox FM are attending, all kicks off at 1pm finishing just after fair. Please come down and see us fun for all!! Denise Palmer

Lots of helpful staff - 24/11/08 I would like to reply to the person criticising the staff in Budgens for rudeness etc. I will confess that some of the staff have not gone to etiquette school, but the rudeness can work both ways, to paraphrase another poster on here. I too work in Budgens, and I try my best to be polite, courteous and helpful. If a member of staff comes up and talks to me while I am serving a customer, I tell them to wait until I am finished, and I don't rush the customer. Each customer I serve gets the same amount of attention. I am not alone in this - many of us in Budgens are polite and will do our very best to help customers. All I'd say is - please don't lump us all in together. And, yes, I am signing off anonymously to avoid reprisals. Bet you can't guess who I am next time you are in the shop - there will be too many of us to choose from! A helpful shop assistant Name Supplied

Buses - 23/11/08 Is there any logical reason why the buses cannot drive past the slip road on the left, turn left into Market Place, then left into the slip road? Would this cure the problem of the right turn out of Market Place? Jill Deane

Foiled Again! - 23/11/08 As soon as I had finished my coffee I was going to suggest that any staff who have to deal with the more than often surly public might respond to a friendly approach but Chris has done it for me so I'll not bother. I'll have another cup of coffee instead. But I take issue with his (or is it her) criticism of withholding names. Without anonymity this site would be about as interesting as the average Church,or Town Council, Notice Board. Name supplied

Responder Van... 23/11/08 Just want to thank everyone who has made a donation towards our new responder van. Yet again, the generosity of local people and organisations has been overwhelming and the team is grateful to everyone. The vehicle is in its' final stages of being fitted out and will soon be operational in the area. We're planning to formally 'launch' it at a buffet lunch in January. Godfrey Smith Team Co-ordinator Faringdon Community Responders

It works both ways - 22/11/08 Why is it that all of you that are criticising the Esso garage are withholding your names???? Having worked there, I know how easy it was to just go into automatic pilot mode, however, when I go in for petrol now, I usually find a cheery "Hello, how are you?" from me guarantees eye contact and a friendly reply....... these things work both ways!!!!! As for the lack of staff, thats down to the guys running the company...you know, the ones making all the profit. Chris Higgs

Poetry prize giving - 22/11/08 Thirty plus people enjoyed the poetry evening on Friday at the Pump House. The winning poems were read and an open mike session followed This 3rd year of the competition had more than 500 entries from local people and from all over the world Another success for Faringdon. Read the winning poems and look out for a piece in the Folly, and details of how you can buy the 2008 poetry book- a snip at £6 Gene Webb

Plain rude - 22/11/08 Never mind the lack of smiles from Budgens, the checkout staff are just plain rude by not waiting for the customer who has paid to pack their shopping away. Instead they just start putting through the next customer thereby intermingling the 2 customers shopping. This sort of thing will lose them custom should a major supermarket chain come to Faringdon as at least the Tesco/Sainsburys/Asda staff will have had some customer service training instead of just being shown how to use a till by one of the other 16 year olds! Name Supplied

Disgruntled response - 21/11/08 During the time of the ridiculous petrol prices a few months back (not that they are that great now) I made a point of filling up at Sainsbury's Stratton or the Esso garage on the A420 on my way to or from work, simply because Faringdon is always appx 2p more. Tight ? yes I suppose so, but needs must. I've not gone back. Will it threaten the existence of the Esso station in Faringdon ? I doubt it, but I personally wouldn't miss it that much. I have had a few experiences of rudeness at the garage but I'm generally immune to this behaviour as you get it everywhere these days. I'm more surprised when someone's nice and even make a point of remarking on it to my wife when it happens. Isn't that sad. For the record, my most recent experience of rudeness at the garage was when I bought some sweets for appx £1.50. I handed a tenner over and was asked if I had anything smaller, I apologised that I had not. I think the lady behind the counter must have had hearing difficulties and can only imagine my response had sounded like "No that's all I've got, and by the way, I hope you and all your immediate family die in a freak potato peeling accident" such was the disgruntled response I received. What's that I hear ? the sound of sleigh bells and Budgens repeatedly running out of bread over the Christmas period. Ah, I've gone all gooey! Name Supplied

Tony for Mare. - 20/11/08 I second the motion to support Tony. His contribution to town planning and advice to Stagecoach is invaluable to us all. Perhaps he would consider recommending more frequent smaller busses or maybe a Faringdon flyover? Or perhaps knocking down the eyesore that is the market cross/ old town hall, moving that awful outdoor market stall selling good value fruit and veg with a cheery smile and converting the town centre into a giant car park served by a Tesco metro with regular free bullet train service to the out of town megamarket. Sir Castic

No people skills - 20/11/08 Having read the talking point about the petrol station and its lack of staff training even eye contact. This is also a problem in budgens. Staff are rude throw your shopping after scanning,many never make eye contact.They chat at high tone to each other accross the room about their last nights outing. they have no people skills what so ever. When they are stacking shelves always at busy times customers have to move around them. I and many have stopped doing weekly shopping at bugdens as you cant push a trolley around in comfort its a battle most of the time. Name Supplied

Re Esso - 19/11/08 From what I hear its a scheduled shut down to update the price board, and send off data to HQ to say if the tanks need filling up, how much money is made etc etc. I personally have never had any problems other than being told off for playing with the pin machine when it was taking ages. One thing I do have to question is why at rush periods is there only 1 petrol person and 1 coffee person, but when no one seems to be about there are 3-4 of them working Name Supplied

Tony for mayor! - 19/11/08 The comments have been boring as hell for about a year now (...ever since we were banned for giving false names and being allowed to remain annonyous to the editors!) but every time I see a post from Tony, the clouds lift, the sun shines and I chuckle my little heart out. Sometimes I even agree with him, if I can make it out what he's saying. Please can we elect him as a town representative? - that would liven up council meetings Name Supplied ED(GW) no bans in place!!

Re. Esso (Acorn) Service Station - 18/11/08 Is there any reason why the Esso Service Station in Faringdon is so appalling? Other than the fact it has a monopoly in this town, of course. Firstly is their 'scheduled'(!) closure between 9.45pm & 10pm every evening. This is not seemingly advertised anywhere, and it often seems to be a lot longer than the stated 15 minute closure (one that you are only told about once you have driven up to a pump and got out of your car - and then told over the tannoy that they are not open). It seems a rather odd time of night to be closed. Even when I had an extremely sick baby in the car and was on my way to the emergency out of hours doctor, I had to rap on the door several times for them to even listen to me, and I then had to literally BEG for petrol (for a completely empty tank) in floods of tears?! Secondly, is their staff's complete absence of customer service skills. As a result of the issue above, I made a comment about the timing of the closure, and was met with rudeness. I have also encountered hostility, anger and complete indifference on the majority of visits to this petrol station. My husband has also encountered rudeness and lack of any respect on several occasions. Even eye contact is an apparent problem - there is none, even when you thank the staff for change! There seem to be a few key staff who are the worst perpetrators, but it does seem to be a 'culture' rather than someone having an 'off day'. Why am I writing to Talking Points rather than Esso? I have tried complaining to senior staff and suggested staff training, and was met with a similar complete lack of interest. And the staff attitude has in no way improved, and if anything has got worse. I apologise to those members of Acorn staff who DO do their job properly and courteously, but you seem to be in a significant minority. Please, even though you are the only petrol station in Faringdon, there are others around, and we can choose to not give you business. And you might want to choose an alternative method of shutting your pumps - cones, perhaps, plus a notice saying when you might consider MAYBE reopening - rather than a curt and discourteous message over the tannoy. Some customer service training won't go amiss, either - plus some judicious 'staff turnover' in favour of people who actually want and are TRAINED for a job in a public service industry. Meanwhile I will continue to give Sainsburys and BP my custom instead, and would urge others to do the same. Name Supplied

The Buses - 18/11/08 The busses like to show there boss so they drive everyone else off the roads but its not there falt its the stupid roads in the middle of the town no body nows were there supposed to go or stop and now theres now places to park in the middle any more dint they now its just a stupid way to make the roads why dint they think of it before and now its a mess and it will be an acsident. soon Tony

Bigvoiceoxfordshire - new website for young people - 17/11/08 Children and young people involved in a new website aimed at empowerment through informing them of their rights were at Oxford's County Hall on Friday for its official launch. Big Voice Oxfordshire (www.bigvoiceoxfordshire.com) is a source of information for people up to the age of 21 which also contains details about views and voices of children and young people across Oxfordshire and about how they can be more of a part in improving the services they use in the county.

Tesco. - 16/11/08 Cant wait for them to come to this sleepy backwater. Budgens isnt the greatest place to shop, when it was Carter's it was a lot better. could be the shot in the arm this town needs. Dont see the Oxford County Council or the Vale doing much for the town. Let them in I say. Colin

Test Success for Faringdon Skaters - 15/11/08 Georgina Howe passed her Inter Bronze, Bronze and Inter-Silver free skating tests. This qualifies her for the Competition held in Faringdon on 30th May. Hollie Fidler passed her Inter-Bronze and Bronze figures. Ben Timbrell passed Inter Bronze Figures and Free and his Bronze free. William and Oliver Timbrell passed grade 6 Kate and Rebecca passed grades 3 and 4 All our skaters passed without any re-skates and should be congratulated. Skaters still have many tests to take before Christmas to ensure they all qualify for next years Championships. Dee England

What have I missed - 14/11/08 Cinderford and Lydney are about 50 miles from Faringdon and I can't understand what their problems with Tesco have to do with us. Just in case I am missing something very obvious I have no intention of advertising my ignorance by signing this. Name Supplied

Buses in Faringdon - 14/11/08 I am a resident of Faringdon and have been for 28 years. This afternoon (14/11/08) I was driving through town to park in the Market square when I was forced off the road by a Stagecoach bus. I was through the narrow part of the road and past the chemist to turn into the Market Place when the 66 bus decided to just pull out of the junction. He could clearly see that I had nowhere to go but he still carried on reagardlessly forcing me to reverse. I had a car behind me and nowhere to go but he kept coming and was threatening to hit my car, fearing for damage to my car, I reversed with him forcing me on to the pavement. He had no intention of stopping. Not only was this embarrasing but dangerous as pedestrians were on the pavement. I know for a fact that I am not the only one this has happened to. I appreciate that Stagecoach are providing a service for the community and I think that the bus service provided is very helpful but all I ask is for some considerat ion to other motorists on the road. Name supplied

Special Offer - 13/11/08 Tickets for 'The Amazing Thing' puppet show to be held in The Corn Exchange Sunday 16th November at 3pm are available from Faringdon Community and Tourist Information Centre at 2 tickets for the price of 1! The show is part of the Live and Local programme and is brought to Faringdon with the support of Faringdon Town Council. Details available at www.liveandlocal.org.uk

Planner slams Tesco store plans - 14/11/08 A planning boss fears a new supermarket scheme for the Forest of Dean could force smaller shops out of business. Tesco wants to build a new branch at Cinderford's rugby ground, close to the town centre. But Terry Glastonbury, chairman of the district council's planning committee, said the move would hurt the town's smaller retailers. A spokesman for Tesco said the new store would help revitalise the town by bringing shoppers to the centre. Mr Glastonbury has had to declare an interest, which means he cannot take part in planning debates about the scheme, but he said he felt strongly about the issue. 'Increase vitality' He said his decision to speak out was based on the experience of his home town, Lydney, which acquired a Tesco in 2001. "Since Tesco came to Lydney, we've lost the greengrocer, we've lost two bakeries, we've lost a wet fish shop and two butchers and I don't want to see it happen in Cinderford," he said. Cinderford Rugby Club said the scheme was vital to its plans to relocate to larger premises at nearby St White's Farm. Commercial manager Matt Bayliss said: "We're doing extremely well at the moment, we're in the top 42 clubs in the country, doing better than we could even dream of at the moment. "There are so many kids up there who want to play rugby and that's our next generation of people coming through, so we really do need to move so some of those kids can play on their own ground." Felix Gummer, from Tesco, said: "Over 50% of expenditure is going out of Cinderford. "People are feeling their retail needs aren't being met in the town. "What we need to do is bring people into the centre, we want to increase the vitality of the town." Name Supplied

Bus shelter for sale - 13/11/08 In good condition, almost new. Situated on Coxwell Road at the end of Fernham Road. Ready to take away in one piece. Get the number from the estate agents boards on either side of the shelter. I know things are getting bad, but this is just plain silly. If you can't sell houses, sell the street furniture instead. The Weather Prophet

Missing dog Judy - 12/11/08 Black Labrador, Female 7 years, Collar, ID tag, Microchipped, Spayed Missing from Birdlip (GL4 Gloucester/Chelt) Sept 2008 Call 07831 664616. Reward 10 weeks on and we still have not had any luck in finding Judy. As Judy has a microchip then she is easily identified by a scan by a vet or dog warden so there is still hope that sometime she will turn up. If you want to keep an eye on how things are going you can log on to her page on www.doglost.co.uk ref 14917. Thanks loads for your help! Harriet

Piano Stool wanted - 10/11/08 Has anyone got one to donate or for sale? Needed for the beautifully refurbished Roman Catholic Church Hall- a super venue for concerts/musical events Gene Webb genewebb@nildram.co.uk

Missing Brown Bin - 10/11/08 Did someone in Highworth Road lose a brown bin last Wednesday? There was one left outside my house till late Thursday, when my son brought it in mistakenly thinking it was ours. Katrina Campbell

Customer Information - 10/11/08 This is just to let my customers old and new know that my new telephone number is 01793 824619. the mobile number,07768016804 remains the same. the new email address is.james222h@btinternet.com. Jim Horton

Roadworks - 7/11/08 Talking to a man working on the Gravel Walk site on Friday morning, he claimed 'illness' was the reason no-one had worked on the gas pipe mains for several days. (What, everyone!) He said that the already laid pipework would be filled in today (Friday) before moving onto the next section going down to the Lechlade Road/ Gloucester St roundabout and they would expect to be there another three to four weeks. Sounds like fun! The Invisible Man

friday 7th Nov - 6/11/08 your chance to experience the "intriguing five piece all female band The Rogue Dolls". at the Corn Exchange, faringdon. Support by A/C, doors open 7-30pm, entance £3.

Faringdon Dramatic Society announces this year's pantomime - BEAUTY AND THE BEAST.- 6/11/08 AUDITIONS next TUESDAY 11th November in the United Church Hall, Faringdon. 7 p.m. onwards for Children, 8 p.m. onwards for Adults. Rehearsals up to Christmas will be in the United Church Hall at the times above, therafter in the Junior School Hall.

Sing Faringdon - Starts Thursday 6th- 15/10/08 For anyone and everyone who would like to sing, just because they enjoy singing Start Thursday 6th November until December 11th. Hall of Faringdon Roman Catholic Church (entrance from Southampton St car park), from 6.45pm - 8pm. £2 per session. Whether you think you can sing or not, whether you can read music or not, whether you're male or female, whether you're 'mature' or young, whether you can come to all sessions or just some- just come- all are welcome. New singers always welcome at any time We just aim to have 'a jolly good sing' singing well known modern and traditional songs Please contact me if you're interested Gene Webb genewebb@nildram.co.uk 01367 242222

Please be Patient David and Trish - 5/11/08 200,000,000 years ago this whole area was under the sea depositing vast areas of gravel under what is now most of the country . Very early maps named major roads according to their destinations but the minor ones were often named after local dignitaries or geographical features. The gravel which lies under Gravel Walk gave it its name but it was not of any interest until about two weeks ago when a small bone was unearthed. This was proved conclusively to be from a Stauricasaurus of the Triassic period or a pork chop from Budgens and until this matter has been resolved there will be no further work carried out. The Ministry of Transport regrets the disruption this discovery has caused. Name Supplied

A420 bridge - 4/11/08 So where would it go, the top of the town near old stanford road for access by the new estate or near the quarry for the middle part the the town park road etc or the top of the town near fernham road ,whichever I cant see the walkers of dogs etc walking though the town to cross near oriel cottages ,and vice versa I would not walk from park road upto fernham road just to use a footbridge. Are we all becoming so inpatient that we cant wait for a safe gap to appear that we need a footbridge . I walk my dogs over there twice a day at peak traffic times . safe gaps come fact you all just have to be a bit more patient ,instead of wasting cash that could be used on more constructive things in the town. Like street cleaning, the cost of this bridge 80 grand maybe more could fund many projects to work with young kids in the town etc. Regards simon

Roadworks in Gravel Walk - 4/11/08 I'm sure i can't be the only one who is sick and tired of the temporary traffic lights in Gravel walk? If the work is essential enough that it is thought disruption to traffic is justified, isn't it essential that it is completed asap! I haven't seen a single bit of work going on behind those barriers for well over a week, has some strange alien craft beamed up all the workmen while no one was looking! Does anyone know anything about this work, how long it is supposed to take, why no one is working on it by any chance? It is causing problems with traffic and i'm sure the residents whose houses it's outside must be extremely fed up with it! Trish Reynolds

Roadworks Gravel Walk - 4/11/08 The roadworks along Gravel Walk have been in place for two weeks but I have not seen any work being done on them for over a week! Does anyone have any information or know where I can out? David Reynolds

Re: Footbridge over the A420 - 4/11/08 I too would like to lend my support to the proposed A420 Footbridge project. I am a regular crosser of this road both by bike and with my dog and have noticed that it is becoming increasingly busy. Heavy trucks are directed from Swindon and Oxford to take alternative routes including the A34. However, presumably on the advice of the ubiquitous SATNAV, this advice is frequently ignored resulting in "very slow moving traffic on an already busy route" (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A420_road). A footbridge would negate the requirement to stand by the side of the road on an unprotected verge, sometimes in the dark waiting to cross. From January 09 I will be commuting daily to Shrivenham by bicycle and would welcome a safer route to work and an alternative to the bus in the interest of a healthier/greener lifestyle. Please don't let us wait until someone is killed before we implement this project. Harriet Hebblethwaite

Merry Winterlight Festival. Don't miss it - 4/11/08 Oxford at 5pm on November 28th will be the place to be for it is then that the Oxford Town Mayor, Susanna Pressel, will open Bonn Square which will be surfaced in sandstone giving it a unified and uncluttered look and, as an even greater crowd puller, the lights will have come on for the start of the WinterLight Festival. Take your children along so they can gaze with shining eyes at the 25metre high mobile of lanterns in the shape of the Solar System. They may ask awkward questions about Father Christmas but you can assure them that the Christmas lights will be switched on at the same time but there won't be a ceremony as this might offend what used to be "The Ethnic Minority" and the Council will still send out cards with the word "Christmas " printed on them though not necessarily to your kids Let's hope the FTC, with all due respect for the beliefs of the non Christians, will stick with the old fashioned Christmas Lights and Tree (no matter who dares to take on the thankless task of providing them) Name Supplied

Reply to name supplied - 3/11/08 We do The Town Clerk and her excellent team then implement it. Visit a Council meeting or a committee meeting and find out how it works. Alan Hickmore

The 15 minute club is back on Sunday and its back to its best. - 3/11/08 Last night a hardy audience of 30odd people enjoyed music from a number of acts including, Both Feet Forward, Dave Reynolds, Steve Wright, Trev Williams and a lady called Malvina. Highlights of the night have to be Trev and Malvina who had everyone up and dancing at the end of the evening. There are a couple of short clips on my flickr account http://www.flickr.com/photos/jpgsawyer/sets/72157608622447094/ It was a good night and I am looking forward to the next on on the first Sunday of December. Why not come along and join in the fun. John Sawyer.

Night of Miracles - 3/11/08 A cantata by John Peterson. Practices at All Saints Church on Wednesdays 7 - 8 or 8 30 if you can stay that long. Ability to sight read an advantage. More tenors and basses needed especially. Performances on Friday 5th December in Bampton (on tour!!) Sunday 7th at The United Church and Sunday 14th at All Saints

NPower visit.- 3/11/08 I was also visited by the 'rep' from NPower. He asked me for my meter number, which I refused telling him that NPower was not my supplier, and NOT likely to be. Nigel Wilkinson

Councillor 'work' - 3/11/08 A question to councillors - if the only extra work is to attend a monthly meeting, who does the real work- sorting things out, making plans, investigations Name Supplied

More spookiness!! - 2/11/08 The Folly Tower was visited by over 200 people on 31st - lots dressed for Halloween - some great photos on www.faringdonfolly.org.uk/ Spooky lights, music, weird character Maybe you can find a picture of you Friends of Faringdon welcome anyone who is interested in the Folly and the Woodland to become a friend. If you would like to become a friend, and receive an occasional newsletter please email enquiries@faringdonfolly.org.uk or Tel: 01367 241142 Lots of pictures and information about the Folly on www.faringdonfolly.org.uk

HOW SPOOKED AM I........... 2/22/08 Official or not ? But are they sure it was the Ghost of BRIAN De Soulis. ??? Are they sure it was the Ghost of EDWARD Hyde. ?? AND NOT THE GHOST OF, BRIAN EDWARD STANTON ??? ( our Dad. ) his ASHES are scattered up the folly. ??? Gary Stanton

So no Power to the People then!- 1/11/08 Mr Hickmore has shattered my illusion that my input resulted in the formation of our website.So be it. But please Mr H. don't also disillusion me about the value of sending a letter to Father Christmas. I am still recovering from the realisation that the FTC aided by the VWHDC could probably run this country better than the present Government.! Name Supplied

Update to Alan Hickmore's post. - 1/11/08 Having read the Folly the article is good as far as it goes, however, questions we're asked haven't been addressed. You do not have to belong to a political party, and even if you do, you can stand as an independent councillor. The only extra work is to turn up to the monthly meetings (and any committees you join). You might occasionally be required to produce a report especially if it is within your expertise. If you become chair of a committee an interest in that committee is advisable. You absolutely do not have to be middle/upper class, male,retired and politically minded (tongue-in-cheek). Just have a passion about our town, we all live here, we don't all agree but at least we care. Jane Boulton (Town Councillor)

Paranormal Society visits The Folly - 1/11/08 Well that's it! - It's official! I'm pleased to announce that we definitely have Folly Ghosts! Robert, 1st Earl of Gloucester - who built a castle on the hill in 1145 - but it all went wrong for him and he died of a fever on 31st October 1147. (861st anniversary on our Halloween night!) One of the group greeted me as she arrived with, "Is there a Brian Here?" This turns out to be Brian De Soulis was in command at the castle during the 1147 siege Edward Hyde, Earl of Clarendon was also present. He was a major figure in the Civil War and I hope we hear more from him during their next visit. We also need to hear more about the "object or a person may have fallen inside the tower" and the "dark figure seen outside the Tower" All of this plus, "dragging sound in the Tower", "footsteps in the clearing", "someone lurking nearby" and "feeling that there were people carefully staying out of the torchlight". What more could we ask for? - I can't wait till the next visit. See more about other sites at Thames Valley Paranormal - Ghost hunt investigations in Berkshire, Oxfordshire, and beyond Eddie Williams Friends of Faringdon welcome anyone who is interested in the Folly and the Woodland to become a friend. If you would like to become a friend, and receive an occasional newsletter please email enquiries@faringdonfolly.org.uk or Tel: 01367 241142 Lots of pictures and information about the Folly on www.faringdonfolly.org.uk

Brilliant spooky Folly - 1/11/08 A big thanks and well done all involved with the spooky Folly evening. Brilliant idea and great fun. It definitely needs to become an annual event. Name Supplied

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