Faringdon News & Views

faringdon-online community web site home	talking points
	october 2006

FOLLY TOWER & CHRISTMAS LIGHTS - 30/10/06 Firstly I would like to thank everyone who enjoys the lights we place on the Folly Tower each year. We try to be imaginative ranging from the rotating coloured cube we made last Christmas controlled by complex computers to just simple lamps placed on a steel framework. It takes a lot of effort and madness to do this, as well as carry all the various bits to the top of the 100ft high tower. We give our labour for this work free of charge to the Folly Tower with the Tower contirbuting to any materials we have to purchase specially. I also rely on some very dedicated press-ganged friends for their help. The Folly Tower Christmas lights are paid for by the Folly Tower Trust. As for watts going up this year, yule just have to wait and see! Secondly, on the subject of the Towns Christmas lights costing us a reported £7,000.00 last year. I find it incomprehensible that it should cost this much, and to add insult to injury, the lights didn't work for more than 5 minutes at a time, and when they did, at best only half came on. I'd like to think that I speak on this matter with some authority as my business of Faringdon Electrical Services has over 10 years of experience in the installation and operation of Christmas lighting, ranging from helping with the installation of Oxford City Centre lights for several years, Carterton Town Centre lights refurbishment and installation for the past 6 years together with Highworth Christmas lights for 8 years and Wantage and Grove last year. As well as this, in 1995 we worked closely with the Christmas Lights Group in Faringdon who painstakingly raised £14,000.00 over many years to pay for a brand new state of the art long life wiring system together with new decorations, all o f which were subjected to an inspection by the NIC EIC under a routine inspection of our work. There after we installed Faringdon's new lights for a further 6 years without any incident whatsoever of lights not working or poor maintenance. Our charge for the installation of the 14 strings of lights, 5 decorations round the old town hall and for putting the lights on the Christmas tree was £700.00 in 1995 increasing to £1,393.00 in 2001 with the addition of the new Christmas tree. You may well ask what went wrong!! Well, the Christmas Lights Group was a charity run by volunteers and it was disbanded due to members having other commitments and their work being near completetion. So they handed over control of the new lights to the Town Council. From there on we had a real problem with communications. Basically, they thought it wasn't necessary to listen to the contractor's views on the small amount of work required to complete the good work of the Christmas Lights Group. We were so concerned about the way it was going, we wrote a detailed letter and sent it to 13 councillors and the Town Mayor at the time, Dee England. This still got no response from the Council. As much as I am saddened not to be bringing my town it's Christmas lights at Christmas and to watch other contractors destroy a perfectly working wiring system and decorations, I find it incredredible that our much needed moneys are being wasted away. In fact a brand new Christmas tree lighting system paid for by the Faringdon Rotary Club costing the sum of £1,772.00 has just disappeared into thin air. A realistic cost for our Town's Christmas lights should be around £2,000.00. So, are our lights in safe hands? I don't think so! Sorry if I have bored you with this, but Christmas is coming and Christmas lights are on my mind. Peter White ED: Thanks Peter - we love your Folly lights
Halloween Concert - 28/10/06 Well done to Powertrain and the other bands at last night Halloween concert. An excellent music event that Faringdon has and is becoming know for. Well done to all. Julie Farmer
Doorstep Charity Collections - 27/10/06 Just a little further advice on doorstep charity collections - you can check the charitable status of the organisations asking for donations by looking to see if they have a charity number listed on their leaflets. Many of these apparent charities are actually individuals who take the items and sell them on at car boot sales for personal profit. Genuine charities will display their charity number on all their correspondence. If there is not a charity number listed I would urge people not to donate and instead, as the original poster suggested, support your local charity shops Anna Marlow
Budgens Car park - 27/10/06 I agree that it's a real pain when car park ticket machines don't give change but there is a button on the new machines which will give a receipt as well as a ticket for your car. Budgens then knock the 40p (or whatever it is) off your bill on presentation of the receipt....so in effect it's free....as long as you shop in jolly old Budgens! Do any other shops in F'don do the same thing? The thing is that it should absolutely be free in the first place....but that's what we all would like isn't it! Name supplied
Re: Southampton St Car Park (behind Budgens) -26/10/06 I have had occasion to go to Abingdon 4 times in the last fortnight on business. I note that VWHDC have not seen fit to inflict these new meters in those carparks. They have been in Wantage for some time and if you get the order in which you do things wrong you lose your money and don't receive a ticket. Jane Boulton
Budgens and parking- 26/10/06 Budgens take a lot of stick in the town but there is one misconception that doesn't enhance their position. They do not own the car park. It is the domain of the Vale of White Horse District Council and, as far as I'm aware, every penny of our hard earning parking ticket money goes to them! What really does bug me with these machines, however, is their apparent inability to give change. On the day they were installed I asked the (very pleasant) ticket attendant this very question. His answer....security. It seems that to give change the coins have to reside in the upper part of the machine which can very easily be pulled off (really?). As such the coins drop straight into the lower "more secure" section. Now, I'm no criminal mastermind but if the top section can so easily be removed doesn't that leave the lower section exposed anyway! He went away to think it over! Oh by the way, please don't try it! David Reynolds ED: There was a time when if you took a car park receipt (the old machines could produce one) to Budgens, and then spent over £10 (I think), Budgens would refund the parking fee. Not sure if this is still possible
Clothes collections - not a charity - 26/10/06 Several leaflets are being posted through doors around the Faringdon area requesting clothing for 3rd world collection - These are not charity collections It would seem the clothes are shipped out of the UK for sale? If you want to check if the so called company is a genuine charity then check out this website :- http://www.companieshouse.gov.uk/ Or better still give to local charity shops!! Name Supplied
Service of Remembrance - 26/10/06 As some of you may know, we rely on organisations and individuals to send details of events for publication, and online forms are provided for this purpose. Should the anonymous complainant care to send - or ask the organisers of the Remembrance service, to send the details about it, we would be delighted to include them in the What's On Calendar of Events. Ed.
Business development - Health Centre - 25/10/06 I too went to the open day at Brunel House to see the proposed plans for the new development of small workshops in Volunteer Way near the Health Centre. I was generally impressed with the lengths that they have gone to, to come up with a design that will minimise the impact on the adjacent houses and area. However although they say they have the right to throw out any businesses that are noisy or smelly, such as a panel beaters or engineering works, commercial pressures could well mean otherwise. I can imagine in a year or two's time, if half the units are empty then they will end up lowering their standards to get the units leased - they'll still have to pay off the building costs somehow (government agency or not). If they end up having a hairdressers or similar, which apparently is quite possible, then traffic in Volunteer Way is likely to increase dramatically. Also the primary heating source is going to be some sort of woodchip burning stove, with gas as a backup. Hardly ideal even if the smoke is clean. On a more positive note they are hoping to take over maintenance or replacement of the part dead willow hedge which will be at the rear of the new development. I don't wish to be unduly negative as it could be a lot worse, e.g. if the whole site was sold to a car repair business or supermarket, I just have a feeling that it may be not work out quite as intended. Name Supplied
Celia Walker festival 2006 - 25/10/06 Please could anyone with information on this years festival and where to get application/registration forms please get in touch davidtowle_2000@yahoo.com
Careers Week - 24/1-/06 Herewith a reminder about the careers week (13th – 14th Nov) organised by FAP. I believe that it is a worthwhile venture worthy of our support They are hoping to provide students with information about a variety of careers with the help of a number of local businesses. They would like local employers to provide students with an insight into their own line of work and to explain, to groups of the students, what qualifications and expectations businesses in their field may demand from potential employees. If you, or any representative from your company, would be interested in working with FAP on this project please contact Anna Marlow: anna.marlow@fap.org.uk or telephone 01367 241743
Business development near the Health Centre - 24/10/06 I spoke at some length with Jeremy about the development and looked over the plans. My main concerns are to ensure that it is - attractive to the “right type of business” - affordable - maintained Trades such as motor repair shops will not be acceptable. Small hi-tec start up firms will be sought. The cost has to be affordable or start up businesses will be put off. Too many small business development areas that I have seen look great for a year and then slowly (or in some case, quickly) decline into a rubbish strewn graffiti alley. It is important that the residents press hard to obtain guarantees from Seeda that these basic principles are adhered to, in perpetuity, to guarantee their uninterrupted enjoyment of the environment in which they live Nick Elwell Wearing my Chamber of Commerce hat
Live Jazz at Carswell - 23/10/06 For the past 5 years we have been running live jazz evenings (with the best of National & International musicians) at Carswell Golf & Country Club usually on the last Friday of every month Music starts at 8.30pm & food is available from 7pm. Details/tickets from richard@thespeeds.freeserve.co.uk or tel:01367 710593. Our next gig is on Friday 27 October with an All Star Uk group of sax/clarinetist ROBERT FOWLER with TIM ASPLAND, DAVE GREEN & BOBBY WORTH. We round off the year with three great gigs; Friday 10 November - guitarist PETE DOWNES PDC group with the melodic trumpet playing of DICK PEARCE (shades of Miles Davis); Friday 24 November - USA saxophonist SCOTT HAMILTON with UK trombonist ROY WILLIAMS + JOHN PEARCE, DAVE GREEN & STEVE BROWN; Friday 8 December - vocalist JULIA FARINO's quartet + guest multi reedist ALAN BARNES
Catalek/Dalekat ? ? ?- 23/10/06 I don’t read lots of poetry... I’m not a literary man. Sonnets etcetera don’t impress ..I’m more a rhyming couplet fan Metalmorphosis puzzled me and so I asked our Ed If she could explain in simple words what it was I’d read. She was very patient and gently told me that A Dalek had a fight with the Faringdon Folly Cat The more they fought each other the closer they seemed to get They formed a hybrid entity..Robot and Domestic Pet. Does Catalek or Dalekat have legs and furry feet ? Or does it float like hovercraft as it goes through Market Street ? The offspring must be puzzled and really rather sad For the little ******* has neither mum nor dad I can’t think how this came about so can someone one tell me please Can you explain this union ...in terms of Birds and Bees ? Name Supplied
Potholes and Hobnobs - 23/10/06 Dear Editor Once again I am moved to write to my local forum to highlight the growing issue of cracks and potholes in Faringdon's thoroughfares. Only this week the easterly wheel of my Shopper became lodged resulting in my unfortunate tumble into the path of an oncoming taxi. Happily, my hobnobs remained largely unbroken but this could easily not have been the case. The driver of said vehicle was most obliging, even going as far as to sponging down some of the worse affected parts but this is not what I pay my rates for. To whom should I apply for compensation in the event of broken biscuits and or bones? I think we should be told Yours Faithfully Mrs Trotty Oldtyre
Schadenfreude?? - 23/10/06 I think the poster of 'write on' may have a very valid point. I am now having to resort to Google searches to understand what on Earth HGM is talking about! For those of you not well versed in pompous diatribe 'schadenfreude' means pleasure taken from someone else's misfortune (now it makes sense!) Thank you HGM and thank you Google for today's learning experience. I have actually studied English at degree level but I do feel hugely ignorant when I read these postings - perhaps not a bad thing though! Name Supplied
Budgens car park - 23/10/06 The new ticket machines are just our greedy council's way of making more money! As far as i'm concerned, if i have paid for a space for a specified amount of time, what does it matter if i give that ticket with time still to run, to someone else? That space is already paid for! With the new machines, it means the council get paid twice! Shame on their money grabbing tactics! Trish Reynolds
Bonfire night, a plea - 23/10/06 Can i please add to the plea? It is difficult enough to cope with a terrified dog over the anticipated noisy evenings, so PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE can people think!!!! before setting off fireworks days and weeks before and after the event? We all love a good firework display, but when you are sitting quietly of an evening outside of what should be the time for them, to suddenly hear the deafening bangs and whistles without warning is so, so difficult to cope with. My dog is totally terrified, she is absolutely beside herself, she shakes uncontrollably and desperately searches for somewhere to cower to get away from the noise, to no avail and i am powerless to help her. Just for a minute, put yourself in that position, imagine the feeling of absolute terror with no escape, nowhere to hide. She will not be the only dog going thru this awful ordeal So all you residents of Faringdon, please stick to acceptable days around bonfire night to let off your fireworks. Please think before you let them off at any other time. You may think it fun to let them off at any time during the year for your birthdays etc, but it is NOT fun for your fellow residents in Town and DEFINiTELY NOT fun for their pets. Thankyou in anticipation of your help. Trish Reynolds
Faringdon Area Project (FAP) - re Youth Club - 23/10/06 We write in response to the posting by Allan O'Connor (Youth Worker)in order to clarify any misunderstanding that may arise as to FAP's implied involvement in discussions two years ago. FAP is a non-profit making community organisation that is heavily committed to seeing youth facilities improved within Faringdon and the surrounding villages. We were delighted to hear the news that Faringdon is moving closer towards achieving this goal with the Cromwell Centre proposals and fully support Allan O'Connor with this project. FAP works closely with Allan O'Connor, the Town Council and Youth Sector volunteers to see that projects relating to Youth are pushed forward. All of these parties are aware of the importance of these projects and by combining forces so much can be achieved. A Youth Club is a vital social and empowering environment for our young people and we hope everyone will join us in wishing success for the proposed plan. Julie and Anna, Faringdon Area Project
Response to Cncllr Leniec - 22/10 06 I would like to respond to the comments posted by Cllr. Lenic regarding youth venues. Firstly on the question of keeping the town council 'in the dark' I would like to point out that I am not in the market of raising people's expectations nor wasting people's time. The proposal for the Cromwell Centre is just that - a proposal - which has to pass a series of approvals. When I have it on good authority that it is to become a youth centre and no more approvals are required then I will be only too happy to officially inform the community and the town council. Furthermore, I never requested a motion from the town council on the Pump House Clubroom; I actually said that I refuse to support the proposal for the clubroom without knowing what the proposal is. Passing a resolution, as the town council did in July, to '.explore the possibility of providing the Clubroom.' does not equal providing a youth club. Especially when I raised the issue of the Clubroom with FAP and councillors 2 years ago to be told that it would not be passed, as they wanted the bar for revenue generation. So excuse me if I don't enter fully into the spirit of negotiation with the town council. Secondly, the youth service can't withdraw from the town centre as it has never been there in the first place. The research Cllr. Lenic refers to, and I have a copy before me, found that young people wanted somewhere safe and warm with an example being a drop in. However, the research also found that young people wanted activities away from Faringdon and this leads me to the topic of sustainability. Trips cost money and take a lot of organising so it is difficult to sustain a programme of activities (I know I run a programme of activities). But how sustainable would a drop-in located in the Pump House be? In my opinion, the opinion of youth workers from the voluntary sector and in the opinion of the town centre youth (and, yes I do work with some of the young people who cause problems in the town centre) it would not be sustainable. In the words of one young person who lives in the town centre "loads of idiots would hang around outside causing trouble". Now I know that the Pump House is under-used but if you are proposing a youth club open several nights a week some of which will coincide with yoga, a birthday party or a WI meeting then conflict will arise and young people, maybe deservedly so, will be blamed and how long will they be tolerated? Call me unprofessional but I don't want to be a part of a project doomed to fail. Finally Cllr. Lenic provides a list of town council grants aimed at teenagers which total £4955 over a 9 year period. Given a population of around 460 teenagers in Faringdon (2001 Census) this equates to approximately 2p per teenager per week. Cllr. Lenic asks what the County Council does for the town, well currently the County delegates a budget of £17,000 per year for the youth service in Faringdon and last year the young people and I raised a further £16,000 to supplement this, which does include the award from the town council and a grant from the District Council. As a suggestion the town council, like other town councils, may like to fund a detached project to work with young people currently hanging around the town centre, which I would be delighted to deliver. Allan O'Connor(Youth worker)
Bonfire Night - a plea - 22/10/06 As it is fast approaching Bonfire Night could I use the pages of Faringdon.org to make a plea to the good citizens of the town on behalf of all pet owners in the town. If you are planning to have a Bonfire Night party outwith 5th November and you live near to the owners of dogs or cats, spare a thought and a few minutes to mention it to them. Fireworks terrify pets - even in the safety of their own homes and I like many dog owners, have to make preparations for the impact that fireworks have upon my dogs and that means sedating them, before nightfall. As Bonfire Night is on a Sunday this year, this means my dogs will be sedated during the hours of darkness for three days in order to be able to cope, as you can bet that fireworks will be set off on the Friday and Saturday nights as well as the Sunday. Spare a thought and pet owners will thank you for it. Name supplied
WRITE ON - 22/10/06 I would much rather read a funny posting on this site,( wether it be grammatically correct or not) than a pompous diatribe. I am fed up of people being ridiculed on this site because of spelling mistakes ect. Is this just the domain of the retired professional bore, with very little else to do but to scan how many mistakes a letter has? no wonder other people don't bother to write in if this is how they get treated! Name supplied
Reply to Local Resident - 22/10/06 Thank you for your comments which I would like to believe are not just the result of schadenfreude but could you be persuaded to contribute further? Participation is the cornerstone of the FTPs on this site and you will have gathered from my offerings that strict adherence to the truth is not a necessity and a quick scan of postings from a certain person ( no names eh, JH) will show you that you don’t need to have a Spell/Grammar Checker (though some do favour the Oxford Comma) I must admit that some attacks on me are rather upsetting as I am, as a typical Yorkshireman, a rather sensitive soul. But if they are the result of a genuine dislike I can live with that though I can understand what she meant when Margaret Thatcher said that being attacked by Geoffrey Howe was like being savaged by a dead sheep. Unfortunately another disturbing explanation for the animosity has been suggested which is that it is an attempt to hide quite contrary feelings.... Oh dear. That does bother me ! Now I look forward to more postings from you and anyone else prepared to join in even if only as Name Supplied so how about it ? Keep warm..winter drawers on ? HGM (from his Pram)
Plea from a Moped Driver - 21/10/06 We recently bought our Grand-Daughter a Moped for her Birthday. It is an NRG DT with a 49cc engine. She complained that when it was warmed up the RPM never dropped below 4000 so, being a concerned Grandpa, I decided to check it out. I managed to get the full-face helmet on but couldn't unfold my ears inside it and they still have a slightly Royal tendency to protrude. She was right, the automatic choke seems to be stuck and if anyone can offer a solution I'd appreciate it.. The dealer has said he will sort it out. My test drive took me round Faringdon and I came up Coxwell Road with the throttle wide open and about 7000+RPM on the clock. I know I must have sounded like an inconsiderate boy racer with no baffles in my silencer but the fact is I was only doing 23 MPH. The other thing I realised was that the pot holes, badly repaired roads and dangerous manhole covers which are a feature of most of our Oxfordshire roads were not just annoying for a Moped driver they were positively dangerous. I was forced to keep well away from the edge of the road where most of these hazards lurk. So, motorists, please remember that the youngster ahead of you holding you up isn't necessarily being awkward and resist the temptation to give him or her a blast on your horn as you race past at 30mph in your 4x4. That young tearaway might be me !!! Geriatric Hell's Angel
Winter of Contentment - 20/10/06 HGM and Jim in their eighties?......I don't think so. Both sprightly young things! Always good value though! David Reynolds (aged 84)
Winter of contentment. -20/10/06 I alway's know when it's time to turn the heating on, to get out the faithfull woollies and to start thinking about turkey foil, the only guide I need to let me know winter is fast approaching is the annual feud between HGM and Jim Horton, keep it up gentlemen, it makes me laugh out loud at some of the responses, I do though imagine sometimes that they are two eighty somethings waving walking sticks at each other, am I right?, and Jim, I do love the phrase " Ladies of the Site" although imagining the high heels is a bridge to far for me I'm afraid. Local Resident.
Or me - 20/10/06 Catalek
Don't think you've heard the last of me - 20/10/06 Dalekat
Goldilocks - the true version - 19/10/06 Many years ago my grand daughter asked me if the story of Goldilocks was true. This poem was the result: Goldilocks... The true version Well, Goldilocks entered the house of the Bears...That part of the story is true. She ate the porridge and sat on the chairs then feeling tired she went upstairs. It seemed like the right thing to do. The Bears came home and had a good moan and said what had to be said. Then they felt tired and followed the script and they went off to bed. Mama and Papa Bear entered their room and found to their great distress That someone had tried their magnificent bed...and left it one h*** of a mess. BUT... now we come in the story to the bit which is quite absurd. For when baby bear saw what was in his bed.... he didn’t say a word. HGM Ed: A 100 postings to Talking Points!!! - thanks so much Harry. We wish there were many more regulars!
Metalmorphosis -18/10/06 A mystery I can perchance explain - the disappearance of the feline bane of all our lives. One, Folly Cat; he stalked these pages avidly, alone he walked. Then suddenly a fierce protagonist appeared. Protruberences plain, his fist held high; descended, gleaming, from the sky, To rent the atmosphere with strident cry. "I'll brook no criticism" he intoned as Folly Cat, sharp teeth and claws well honed prepared for battle. Then a great mêlée ensued as fur and metal flew each way. But, in a flash, loins competently girt Cat vanished beneath Dalek's tinny skirt. Great blast occurred, and squealing filled the air As shards of metal, teeth and claws and hair Did fly asunder. I stood by, amazed. You might expect them both completely razed; but no! as phoenix rising from spent coals a hybrid creature from the gutter rolls. Stiff limbs, a hard, metallic-furry face And cuddly bits upon it's carapace. The like of which I never saw before. A novel way to difference restore. With howls bizarre, aggressive-sweet, and shrill It swiftly disappeared up Folly Hill It's poignant, haunting cries I hear e'en now…… …… *"Exterminate, exterminate, miaou"* Deputy Dog
Poetry pleases, (or doesn't....)18/10/06 Isnt it amazing,when I and the "ladies of the site" ran the poetry competition a little while back, a certain person ( no names eh, HGM)bemoaned the fact that all manner of scallys and inbreeds had taken over, and turned Talking Points into a tedious place with pathetic poems about boring subjects, and that he wouldnt lower himself to participate, I think the phrase "got quite anal" springs to mind. After being away for some time, I find that, low and behold, two HGM's gems have appeared,well never mind,I have decided that next year's competition will have three levels, Adult, children, and HGMs, perhaps if he wins a prize, he can throw that out of his pram instead. I now look forward to a winter of discontent JIM HORTON
HGM - thank you -17/10/06 ....................so much for your public apology! But it leads me to admit that it was I who posted the Naughty Jill comment, as I found the coincidence of postings next to each other hilarious! My attempt at increasing the humour by witholding my name obviously misfired! Anyway, it has been a delight to read your recent poems - as you and others have recently mentioned, it's got a bit dull here lately! Jill Dean
Budgens car park - 17/10/06 Can anyone please let me know why the parking payment machines have been changed at Budgen's car park? The old ones worked fine but we now have ones that have to have a number plate tapped in first. Is ticket sharing so rife in Faringdon that the council thought it necessary? In my view if we make it easy for people to get into the town then the town and all will prosper Is this another case of small mindedness or budget spending.... Andy Patyra
Apology to Jill Dean -17/10/06 I hope that the coincidence, and that’s all it was, between Jill Dean’s complaint and my attempt to lighten the website doesn’t cause any domestic upheaval in the Dean household. If it does then my apologies but just to set the matter straight here is my reason for writing: For thirty years I travelled and have seen most tourist places. I 've seen some funny costumes and multi coloured faces. I've seen the Southern Cross and I've seen the Northern Lights I've even been to countries where they don't have any sights. But I've seen Niagara Falls and the beach at Waikiki. I've crossed the Rocky Mountains and even tried to ski. I've seen turtles at Masirah laying eggs in tiny caves. I've seen the baby turtles as they scamper for the waves. I've seen the crabs on Christmas Island digging in the sand. Their fighting claws are awesome and they could nip off your hand. I've spent time in Las Vegas where every one was hearty And some girls I'd never seen before said would I like to Party. I've water ski-ed in Canada, I've snorkelled out in Gan. And though I'd like to claim I have, I haven't seen Japan. I've had great times in Hong Kong..I even liked the smell. I've spent time in the Congo where Baluba natives dwell. In short I've been to places other people can't afford. But when I think about it..quite often I was bored. And so I started writing poems to pass the time of day But if you think they're rubbish then .. just throw the things away !! HGM
Great poem HGM - 16/10/06 ................and so good to see something completely different on this site. I think we must all need a little inspiration at the moment Talking Points has been alarmingly quiet! On another tangent altogether, has anyone else noticed that Earthline lorries seem to be on a mission to take over the world?! Where do they all go and what do they all do? Intriguing...... Name Supplied
Faringdon Arts Fest 2007- 16/10/06 Faringdon's most successful Arts Festival is about to start preparations for the 4 year. The Festival aims to enthuse, encourage and demonstrate new arts to the community of Faringdon and surrounding villages of Oxfordshire. We will have a battle of the bands competition and will take over the Market Place of Faringdon for a live music concert on Friday 6th July from 7pm. On Saturday and Sunday we open the stage to members of the public to demonstrate their talents, if you would like to take part contact us at info@faringdonartsfestival.org We have created our first blog for the Arts Festival this year, so if you would like to put your view forward, take a look at some of the acts that we would like to take part this year please feel free to voice your opinions. http://faf07.blogspot.com Name Supplied
Naughty Jill? - 16/10/06 HGM - I hope your poem about a rather naughty Jill was not inspired by the name of the person who posted just before you!!!!!! Name Supplied
Poem with no message - 16/10/06 I check the website every day but have missed the ‘poems’. Where have all the poets gone or do they, like flies, tend to disappear in Autumn. It may be that only poems with a message are acceptable to the Eds and they have a recycle bin full of offerings like the following so if this poem appears it will show that they are broadminded about the content. In which case Folly Cat, Devil’s Advocate etc how about a bit of gratuitous nonsense? Here goes and you will see this has nothing to do with Youth Clubs, Boy Bands, Robin Hood etc Do you really believe that an intelligent lad like Jack in the nursery rhyme expected to find water at the top of a hill? Give him a bit of credit. Here's what really happened. Jack and Jill Jack went up the hill with Jill, but I think you'll find Fetching pails of water was the last thing on his mind. He'd led a very sheltered life and read a lot of books But Jill somehow surprised him and it wasn't just her looks. She couldn't climb a tree like him, she couldn't really run But Jack found out that watching her was really rather fun. He suddenly lost interest in throwing stones at trees And now he felt embarrassed that he had such dirty knees He started dressing carefully and taking extra care To clean beneath his finger nails and even comb his hair. But Jill had been around a lot and shared with him her knowledge And Jack was heard to mutter that "We weren't told that at college" So when he went back home for tea he thought he wouldn't say What he had been up to and how he'd spent his day. He knew he had been naughty doing things he didn't oughter So he told a stupid story ~ about a pail of water. HGM
Litter - 15/10/06 Why is Park Road - from JDS to the A420 - strewn with newspapers/magazines this morning (Sunday)? Jill Dean
Battle of the Bands - 15/10/06 Congratulations to our local band Disclosure for their brilliant performance on the night and achieving third place at the UK under eighteen rock finals at Nottingham on 14th October. The twelve finalists bands were all very good so the competition was enormous. They also reached the nomination stage for their songwriting. Two coach loads of supporters arrived back in Faringdon at 1am weary but excited. Once again a special thanks to all concerned in helping the band especially Lyn Waugh. Well done. Rod and Sue French
Robin Hood on TV - 14/10/06 Just a note to say that the first episode of the new Robin Hood that I've written will be on next Saturday, the 21st, BBC1 at 7pm. If you catch it, I hope you like it. Cheers. -- Check out my blog at: http://paulcornell.blogspot.com/ Paul Cornell
Faringdon Community Music Centre - 14/10/2006 As reported in this month's Folly, Lord Faringdon's solicitors have approved in principle proposals to convert the old theatre building behind the Pump House into a fully sound-proofed music rehearsal, recording and performance venue. Plans include provision of a fully equipped studio for recording or rehearsals, and the main hall for rehearsals and performances. All facilities will be sound-proofed. Expressions of interest are invited from any individuals, bands or organisations who may be interested in using the new facilities. Please email PortwellBar@aol.com or write to The Portwell Bar, 26a Market Place, Faringdon SN7 7HU, stating which facilities you may be interested in, and possible frequency of use. Thank you Martin Phillips
New Youth Centre- Town Council response.- 14/10/06 This response is NOT a Town Council response but that of an individual councillor. Allan O'Connor's (Youth Worker)requests that the Town Council "See the bigger picture" and I hope that as Council we do. However it is difficult to see that picture when kept in the dark on such a major development when another option both sides had considered a possibility was dropped and council find out through a third party. In early summer this year I put a motion of principle through council at the request of the Youth Worker to demonstrate our commitment and the terms of a possible arrangement. Broad terms were that the council would provide the clubroom for exclusive use of the youth service at a peppercorn rent, with council renovating the fabric and the youth service/young people being responsible for internal decoration and furnishing. This was then communicated to the Youth Worker and the response was silence. This at a critical time when 106 Agreement money coming from the new housing in the town has to be bid for and deadlines have to be met. Despite the official silence and in light of the rumours council agreed to "bid" for money for a youth centre WHEREVER it may eventually be. Our dismay has been in the unprofessional way our genuine offer was treated and the way we eventually learned of the Cromwell Centre proposal. Personally I am suprised and disappointed that a decision has been taken to withdraw the Youth Service from the Town centre to a building on the outskirts of the town. Having worked in cooperation with previous youth workers in the town it was their professional opinion that the only way to engage with the youth of the town was through a town centre drop in. Town council sponsored research by a youth worker (Tracy Charlton)which demonstrated that the youth who would most benefit from the service (their target focus) would not travel to the Community college youth club and no doubt will not travel out to the Cromwell Centre. I know and appreciate that many already engaged with the youth service will, however it is my personal opinion (and that of previous youth workers) that the town centre youths will not and are being abandoned by the service. I understand that such a target grouping is challenging, but in my naivety I thought that was the core purpose of a youth service? Moving to the bigger picture beyond the youth service, organisations provide activities in the town for young people and the council support many of them through grants. Over the last 10 years almost £10,000 has been awarded to clubs and associations providing activities. Volunteers from the football, cricket, rugby,artistic skaters,judo,15 minute club scouts and guides all provide opportunities for young people often overlooked but very much part of the bigger picture. Perhaps Council's biggest failure has been the inability to find a suitable site for a skate park. Having spent hours negotiating access and planning for a site behind Willes Close it was frustrating to fail. However we continued to support a park, paying over £2,000 for a 2 day mobile skate park in Gloucester Street car park and a professional appraisal of possible sites in 2002. Last year we paid £640 for a 3 day mobile skate park arranged by SK8. Our submission on 106 agreements for the new housing includes a skate park. In the last 10 years we have also spent over £24,000 on play equipment for younger children in our parks. Supported the Oxfordshire Playbus £1,750. Provided grants of over £10,500 towards the Pre School New Hut Appeal. Finally there have been a number of grants made to both youth workers and community groups in support of projects specifically aimed at teenagers: 98/99. Faringdon youth centre £1000 towards the publication costs of a newsletter produced by teenagers. 99/2000. SPIF youth fund £1000. 2001/2002. Vale Churches Mobile Drop In and Outreach Project. £1000 02/03 another £500 towards the youth bus. 05/06 Faringdon youth centre £1,455 towards a programme of summer activities. In addition to the financial support councillors continue to volunteer many hours to projects such as the health check and planning reviews to ensure that young people in the town get a fairer deal. Sure we could achieve more with greater resources but before you criticise the town council too much ask what the district and county actually in the town do with all their millions. In a letter to the Town Clerk dated 16th Sept the Youth Worker describes the council's "shameful history with regard to youth provision". Well actually Allan as someone who has argued your corner in the past I think we do ok. No complacency or comfort zone though, we can and will do more. Faringdon town council has enjoyed a good working relationship with the youth service in the past and for the benefit of our young people it must continue. I wish the youth service every success with the Cromwell Centre, any new facility has to be a plus for the town and one fully funded by the county will enable us to channel our limited resources into other youth projects. As for the Clubroom we are exploring other possibilities to create a community room for all ages including the town centre youth. Cllr. Steve Leniec
Development of Business Centre, Faringdon - 10/10/06 Seeda(South East England Development Agency) are planning to develop the unused land in Volunteer Way. If you want to see their plans, go to the exhibition on 25th October, 2pm - 8pm at Brunel House(now the Faringdon Gateway), Volunteer Way Quote from letter to nearby householders: As you may be aware the land on the south side of Volunteer Way has been earmarked for employment development for many years. The type of development has been specified to be such that it would not have an adverse impact on the residential amenities of properties in Volunteer Way. Indeed, part of its purpose is to screen the housing from the existing employment area at Pioneer Way. South East England Development Agency (SEEDA) is the Government funded agency responsible for the sustainable economic development and regeneration of the South East of England. SEEDA has acquired the land on the south side of Volunteer Way, with the aim of developing small starter/incubator units to help establish new small businesses to support the local economy. This is in partnership with Faringdon Enterprise Gateway. If you are unable to come to the exhibition, please send in your comments either at the above address or marked for attention of Jeremy Herring, at Brunel House, Faringdon Business Centre, Volunteer Way
Community Bus - 9/10/06 Just to let everybody know the Faringdon Community Bus has got a permanent new telephone number 01367 244480 The phone will be manned Monday to Friday annd will be able to discuss queries, take hire bookings and talk to anybody who wishes to volunteer and drive the bus or help in any other capacity. Alison Moore
World Food Day - and the Porridge Club -9/10/06 I would like to invite everybody who reads talking points to Breakfast under the Old Town Hall on Monday 16th October.7.30 - 9.30 We will try to explain while you eat your Porridge (and hopefully make a donation) what World Food Day is about. The Porridge Club has been set up in Faringdon as part of the the African Childrens Fund, it is about enabling children to take advantage of primary education in Africa and we are already after only being in existance for a few months running the 1st of our porridge clubs in Kenya giving porridge to up to 100 children a day. The African Children's Fund shop on the Market Place would be be very grateful for any good quality donations and any offers of volunteer help. Many thanks to all who help to Make Poverty History Alison Moore
New Housing and Business Park- exhibition - 8/10/06 FOL LY PARK VI EW FA R I N G D O N PUBLIC EXHIBITION THE PUMP HOUSE FARINGDON From Tuesday 24th October to Saturday 28th October 2006 Daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The exhibition will illustrate preliminary proposals by Bloor Homes to create a new mixed use development of housing, business and recreational facilities in accordance with the Vale of White Horse District Local Plan. If you would like more information on the proposed development please contact Hannah Philp or Claire McIntosh, Vincent and Gorbing, telephone / e-mail : 01438 316331 - hannah.philp@vincent-gorbing.co.uk or claire.mcintosh@vincent-gorbing.co.uk or visit the Bloor Homes website : www.bloorhomes.com. Ed: I've heard that as well as info about the housing and the business park there will also be something about the Planning gain items - Skate Park, Folly Park extension etc
Fly Tipping - 6/10/06 4 months ago I reported a load of fly tipping that had been done up Sands Hill to the local police. Nothing was done. A month ago I re reported it, this time to VWHDC. Once again nothing has been done. Today I walked up Sands Hill and it is clear that other idle individuals (I refain from using the term scum at this time), have begun adding to the pile. We are told that we should report fly tipping and that councils regard it seriously as a problem. Well, it seems that while we should, the council clearly do not! Clearly stuck as we are in the bottom corner of Oxfordshire VWHDC regards us little. Maybe we should consider moving back into Berkshire if we are too much trouble for the Abingdon bureaucrats, or maybe move into Wiltshire! Name Supplied Ed: I used www.whitehorsedc.gov.uk/StreetScene/DetailPage-9151.asp 28/9, and got an automated email response - nothing else- yet??
Youth Centre - 6/10/06 I think the Cromwell Centre is a fantastic location for a Youth Facility - it is not too close to houses; it is not in the town centre where youths will congregate and make noise (God forbid anyone who makes noise in the town centre as past experience shows!); there are footpaths all the way along to it and it can be up and running very soon without huge refurbishment costs. Playing Devils Advocate ever so slightly I am sure there are lots of positive ways that the old bar behind the Pump House could be used - there can be none however that attract quite as many grants as Youth Projects. Could it be possible that there are some Town Councillors who feel that they have missed an opportunity to get a lot of money thrown at one of their Town Centre Facilities not to mention the brownie points they may have earned (looks like they need some desperately!) by securing a venue for Youth in the town? It really is about time we saw more cohesion in Faringdon - we all want the same things, who cares who takes the credit? Congratulations to Allan O'Connor for pushing ahead with his plans - and to all the Youth of Faringdon I hope you have a fantastic time at your new club when it opens! Finally could it be time for a new Talking Points competition, 'Best use for the Pump Room bar' I'm sure we could come up with something very innovative for Faringdon! Name supplied
FARINGDON ARTS FESTIVAL - 5/10/06 Thanks to everyone who came to the meeting on 4 October and volunteered to be involved in the organisation of the 2007 event Sheila Donovan
Youth Centre - 4/10/06 I think that the cromwell centre is a very good idea and i hope that itll be a great oppourtunity for the youth of faringdon. if the youth centre goes underway me and my friends will all use it reguarlly. Thanks: Jackie and Allan for working hard to get this oppourtunity for all of us young people, but i feel its a shame about the town council not supporting us . Ella Williams
Youth Club!! - 4/10/06 Having a youth centre in the cromwell centre is a great idea!! I want 2 thank jackie and allan for all the hard work. Its a bit of shame the town councill are not willing to support us in this oppourtunity as there is currently no space for us (young people) Hope this all goes underway because we need a youth centre!! Grace Bouwers
New Youth Centre - 4/10/2006 I think it is fantastic that there is to be somewhere in Faringdon for young people to meet and call their own space. I am very much aware that Allan O'Connor has put a lot of time and energy into making this happen and he deserves a medal for what he has achieved. Well done !!!! I'm surprised that the Town Council are not a little more supportive, but I guess it means that the space promised to the youth in the Pump Rooms will remain disused and in a poor state of repair until another idea comes forward. Maybe that is what is meant by "dismay" and "disappointment". I'm sure the Town Council aren't short of ideas or would they like some help...? Fantastic news Allan on the Cromwell Centre - can't wait to see it open !! Name Supplied
Youth Centre - 2/10/06 Well said Allan! Is there room for a skate park at the Cromwell Centre too?! Name supplied
Grove Lodge - 1/10/2006 I do admire the site, but I must point out a couple of wrongly named properties. I am the owner of "GROVE LODGE". The Panoramic View Site called it GROVE COTTAGE . GROVE LODGE is the name used by all old maps that I have seen, fitting in well with GROVE WOOD, GROVE COTTAGE (as was) and THE GROVE. I have officially reverted the name back from STORMY CASTLE COTTAGE to it's original name. As it should be! I was quite tickled to here it also called WORLD'S END and another name something to do with being haunted! This a very old site dating back maybe thousands of years, judging by the way the slopes from the adjoining fields surround the original garden plot. The present building as can be seen from the existing fabric was a one down one up with a simple pyramid roof, the same as was Grove Cottage (Church Path Farm), both dating from about C1850. Being very strategically placed, in a direct straight line between the bridge at RADCOT and FOLLY HILL and the footpath going to LITTLEWORTH, (Still known by some locals as "coffin walk", before they had a church) Then finding out that a settlement with a prefix of LITTLE, was a good chance it was on a droveway! And so the plot thickens. If you know anyone who can advise on it's history I would be very interested to know. CHURCH PATH FARM, used to be called GROVE COTTAGE on the older maps but is wrongly called CHURCH FARM from the crane view. Thanking you in anticipation, Ian Smith.

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