Marcham & District NewsCothill – FrilFord – GarFord – Gozzards Ford – MarChaM – tUBNEY

Your Independent Local Newsheet – www.madnews.co.uk

November 2009 Vol: 31 No: 11 READ & REcyclE! fREE

diary for NovEmbEr

Details of events may change after publication, please check with the relevant organisers before attending events.

▲ Marcham Litter Blitz page 7▼ Marcham Remembered: A Village in Pictures

will be available from 21st Nov page 11

NovEmbEr3 Tue OCVA Presentation, Oxford Town Hall,

17.00 – 19.0015

5 Thu Midweek Walk, The Lamb Inn, Mill St, Wantage, 12.30pm lunch /1.30pm walk

9

6 Fri MP’s Surgery, Faringdon, 5.30-7pm 36 Fri Marcham Players Presents ‘An Evening with

the Oxford Waits’, All Saints’ Church, 8pm11

10 Tue Marcham Society, All Saints’ Church, 7.45pm 911 Wed Marcham Parish Council Meeting, Duffield

Place, 7.30pm 3

19 Thur Marcham WI, Denman College, 7.30pm 920 Fri MP’s Surgery, Didcot, 5.30-7pm 321-22 Sobell Christmas Gift Fair, Radley College,

10-4pm15

▲ Marcham Best Kept Garden Competition Zone Winners and Overall Winner - Greta Goulding - being presented by Vale Councillor Alison Rooke at September’s Parish Council Meeting.

◄The bank in Anson Close

▲ Pre-school Parrots page 13

◄ Come to café page 13

21 Sat - 22 Sun

Marcham Remembered Book Launch, Marcham School, see advert for times

11

21 Sat Christmas Fayre, Finstock School, 2-4pm 1521 Sat Abingdon European Society, Abingdon

Guildhall, 7.15pm15

28 Sat BBOWT Christmas Market, Summertown, 9.30-2.30pm

15

28 Sat Christmas Fayre, Our Lady’s School, Abingdon, 10-2pm

15

29 Sun Craft Fair, Steventon Village Hall, 10.30-16.30 1530 Mon OAP Chirstmas Present Forms available

from PO and ExServicemen’s Club.3

dECEmbEr11 Fri MP’s Surgery, Grove, 5.30-7pm 3

30

3

MarchaM & District News MarchaM Parish couNcil News & Notices

November 2009

PUBLISHER/EDITOR Meriel lewis 8 orchard Way, Marcham abingdon oX13 6PP tel: 01865 391725Website: www.madnews.co.uk Email: editor@madnews.co.ukWe apologise in advance for any errors that may creep into this MADNews - we don’t do it on purpose!ADvERTISINg Contact the EditorDISTRIBUTORS Judith & Peter Fontaine 14 tower Close, Marcham abingdon tel: 01865 391275DEADLINES advertising: 5pm 15th month other copy: 5pm 20th month except for Jan when it is 15th dec for bothADDITIONAL cOPIES these are available free from Marcham Post office or the Editor. Postal copies are also available – contact the Editor.NOTES the Editor reserves the right to alter, omit or hold over copy to another issue. the views expressed in the Marcham & district News are not necessarily those of the editorial team.POLIcE PCso laura schmid tel: 0845 8 505 505 cOUNTY cOUNcILLOR iain Brown Janus, Westcot lane, sparsholt, Wantage, oxon oX12 9Pz tel: 01235 751210 Email: iainbrownconservatives@yahoo.co.ukDISTRIcT cOUNcILLOR Marcham and Shippon Jane hanna 4 Charlton road, Wantage oX12 8Er tel: 01235 772782 Email: janehanna@dial.pipex.comFor other councillors go to www.whitehorsedc.gov.uk© Marcham & District News 2009The copying of any part of this publication without written authorisation is not permitted.

MARcHAM PARISH cOUNcIL NEwS New Parish councillorsthe Parish Council was very pleased at the amount of interest shown in the two casual vacancies that had occurred on the Council. it is good to know that local residents are keen to serve the community. the Council was faced with a difficult decision as it had to select 2 new members from 4 candidates who had put themselves forward, and it would thank everyone who contacted the clerk and expressed a wish to join the Council.the 2 new members of the Council are: ruth Mander of 11 orchard Way 392861Peter rowe of 9 Packhorse lane 391625village Shop/Post Officeat the last Parish Council meeting, Mrs. Wendy robinson from the Macintyre Charity, a charity supporting children and adults with learning disabilities, spoke about the shop being used as a base to provide work experience for some of those supported by the charity, as funding was available to set up such enterprises. should the project go ahead it would need the support of the community, as it was unlikely to be commercial, and would be run on the lines of a community shop with volunteers as well. the Post office was committed to keeping a service in the village and a business manager for the shop would also be the postmaster. the idea is at the early stages, and the Parish Council was very supportive of it. the Charity is further investigating how the project can proceed, and the Parish Council has set up a working party to help plan what is required to ensure the shop re-opens.Meeting Friday 16th OctoberMembers of the Parish Council attended the meeting in the school on the 16th october, and listened carefully to the presentations by the anson trust, and Cllr. Jane hanna, and took note of the issues and comments put forward by residents. there will be an agenda item on this topic at the next Parish Council meeting on 11th November.grantsthe Parish Council considers any requests for grants at its November meeting. Grant requests are considered usually just once a year. therefore, if there is any worthy and needy organisation where Marcham residents benefit which is considering applying to the Parish Council for a grant, then please write to the Clerk immediately stating the purpose of the grant and supplying a copy of your organisation’s accounts.Fireworksa reminder to be considerate for neighbours and the many pets and animals in the village

when letting off your fireworks. Please notify others when any fireworks are going to be lit so that villagers are aware and arrangements can be made to keep pets indoors.

Date of Next council Meeting: Wednesday 11 Nov 2009 at 7.30pm. in the residents’ lounge, duffield Place.clerk to the council: Mrs. l. Martin, 90 howard Cornish rd, 01865 391833clerk@marchamparishcouncil.gov.ukwww.marchamparishcouncil.gov.uk

Dear Readersso many adverts for ‘Fayres’ and Markets have arrived at MadNews hQ for this issue that we haven’t been able to fit them all in! luckily we have an expandable website where they will all be listed

www madnews.co.uk the meeting on 16 october in Marcham school to discuss the plans for the anson trust was very interesting – see page 5 for reports of the meeting. it isn’t too late to share your ideas... we’re all in this together.Until next time

MP’S SURgERY wTH ED vAIzEY5.30-7.00pm, unless stated otherwise6 Nov Faringdon, Corn Exchange

20 Nov Didcot, King alfred driveCommunity Centre

11 Dec groveold Mill hall, old school lane

contact Ed vaizey by

Post the house of Commons, london sW1a oaa

E-mail vaizeye@parliament.ukWeb www.vaizey.comtel 0207 219 6350

FOR SALe GROuNd FLOOR FLAT

Available at Sweetbriar for the over 55s with warden on call. 2 beds, bathroom, sitting room, kitchen and dining area. Small front garden with seat, development has rear communal garden and parking.

Leasehold £135,000 ONO. enquiries 01865 390742.

Home Tutor NeededCan anyone help to home tutor my slightly dyslexic 8-year-old boy in Maths and English. Call 07850 825902. We live in Marcham.

Marcham Ex-Servicemen’s Club

Oap Christmas PresentsForms will be available from

30th November till the 7th December

from the Post Office and Club.The presents will be delivered

the weekend of the 12th and 13th December.

GARFORdFriday 11th december 2009:

Village Carol Singing

followed by a Christmas Supper in the Village Hall.

More details to follow nearer the time.

5November 2009

MarchaM & District News aNsoN trust MeetiNg rePorts

To contact the Anson Trust directly you can email or write to8 hyde Copse, Marcham oX13 6Ptansontrustmarcham@yahoo.co.uk

Dear Editoras Clerk, i write, on behalf of the Parish Council following a resolution of the Council, to express its surprise at the letter last month from the anson trust which stated that “the trust had been collaborating with the Parish Council through Jane hanna’s working party for more than a year”. the Council strongly refutes this description of events. Both the district Councillor Jane hanna and the Parish Council, as representatives of the electorate, will need to form a view on the applications in connection with the anson trust proposals in order to respond to the Vale of White horse district Council at the appropriate time. to avoid any possible duplication in seeking the views of residents Jane hanna has set up a working party, to which the Parish Council sends representatives, to plan how village consultation should take place. as no one knew what was happening or when it was happening, the anson trust was invited to two of the group’s meetings (January 2008 and april 2009) in order to provide an information update as an aid to planning the consultation. Whilst good communication and understanding are important, the Parish Council is a corporate legal body in its own right, independently working as the elected representative of the people, at meetings which are open to the public. it does not collaborate with any organisation, nor does it work through other groups.LindA MArTin, Clerk to the Council

Dear Editori was pleased to be able to take part in the meeting organised by NaF members and chaired by our local MP to hear an update from the anson trust. What was most encouraging was the constructive atmosphere of the meeting. there is an understandable anxiety that any future planning application will be presented as the only option for proceeding. Marcham is highly unusual amongst villages of its size in not either owning or contributing financially towards the upkeep of a parish hall. Whilst this has meant that for residents their parish precept has not had to be spent in this way it has meant that the democratic process, whereby parishioners through their elected Parish Council control the facility, has not existed either. it is not clear at this stage whether any proposal from the anson trust will alter this position. as previously reported in MadNews the Working Party which i chair, has urged the anson trust to consult with the village ahead of any planning application being formally made and to consider more than just one option. We had recently received a positive response that although they were not ready to consult they do indeed plan to consult the village well ahead of any planning application being lodged with the Planning department at the Vale and this was confirmed in public at Friday’s meeting. Equally positive were the views expressed by some residents at the meeting that perhaps it was time for the village to contribute financially in some way if this would open up the potential to safeguard the anson Field from housing development. at the annual Parish Meeting this year and again on Friday i described the process which has to be followed once a Planning application is lodged with the Vale. this process is largely set down by government. Normally the onus is on the applicant to make out a case to the Vale Planners that its proposed development complies with national planning regulations and the local Plan which itself has been approved by a Government inspector. any proposal to build on public recreational land or outside the current boundary of a village is an unusual case where the Vale’s planning officers’ will also be looking for significant support from the village and would expect significant benefits to the village which outweigh the harm done by the development. Judging this will depend on the quality of the information provided to the village and the time allowed for consultation. as of yet the working party has not yet seen a business case. Whilst appreciating that

the economic crisis will have contributed to the complexities of firming up such a document the Working Party have emphasised the importance of a business case being put in the public domain prior to any consultation. the anson trust has cooperated with the Working Party to date and i was pleased that at the meeting held last week the anson trust responded positively to a question from the floor asking whether a business case would be made available. the effectiveness of any representation of the village at the planning stage will depend on the Working Party being able to conduct an independent survey and a public meeting at the appropriate time. the Working Party is therefore concerned entirely with the process going forward and gathering the views of as many parishioners as possible. it has not and will not form a view on any proposal and cannot become involved in any campaign. the group consists of two parish councillors who do not have any involvement with the anson trust and village residents anthony Bradley; ian Charles and david hutchinson. Various suggestions were made at Friday’s meeting which need detailed consideration. it would make sense if these were presented to the anson trust in a more formal way. Whilst it would undermine my impartiality if i or the working party became involved in presenting alternative options to the anson trust, i am happy to facilitate one meeting to enable those who expressed an interest in particular options to get together and flesh out in more detail a formal proposal to the anson trust. if you are interested please contact me on janehanna63@googlemail.com or 07932 735479 by 13th November. JAne HAnnA district Councillor for Marcham & shippon

Public Meeting re The Anson Trust16 October 2009

if you weren’t there, i hope these letters and reports will give you an idea of the how the meeting progressed. i think we all came away with the idea of putting the past behind us and looking to Marcham’s future which Will include a new village hall.there were some interesting ideas put forward by villagers including

Villagers contributing towards the cost •of the new hall and facilitiesincreasing the precept (the part of •the Council tax which comes to the village) to raise fundsselling the field to the village•declaring the cricket field as a village •green to protect itselling shares in the anson trust•

if you have any ideas how Marcham can get a new village hall for everyone to use along with some upgraded sports facilites, you can write to MadNews, contact Jane hanna or the anson trust (details opposite) but don’t sit on a good idea, now is the time to share it!MerieL LeWiS (ediTor)

PTo

cOUNTY cOUNcILLORS’ REPORTMuch ado in Marcham!it was the former Prime Minister - harold Wilson - who famously said “a week`s a long time in politics!”, well, last week saw 48 hours of frantic and enlightening events in Marcham.Firstly, on Wednesday 14th, a presentation was made to the Parish Council on the possibility of the shop in North street re-opening and having a small cafe area within it. a long way before anything is finalised, but a good positive start. i will try to ensure - along with the Chairman of

7November 2009

MarchaM & District News rePort & letters

Dear Editori have lived in Marcham for over 30 years, it has saddened me deeply, lately, that where i have walked my many dogs over the past years to see that, orchard Farm (dow chemical) has been pulled down. it is not that i care about the buildings on Cow lane

Dear EditorLitter BlitzMay i thank all the volunteers who turned up on saturday 10th october and those that apologised because of prior commitments. the village looks so much better after a “Blitz” and if a few more people came forward we could really make a huge difference to the village environment.special thanks to our local PCso’s who came to help and they don’t even live in the village!if you would be prepared to help on a future “litter Blitz” could you please e Mail or telephone me with your contact numbers and i will add you to the list of willing helpers the Parish Council have arranged for extensive weed killing in the village and to maintain the roadside could we please ask residents to just hoe and clear any vegetation in front of their property.Considering we have a population of in excess of 1600 it would be gratifying to think we could encourage a few more people to join our team to keep Marcham tidy. i look forward to hearing from youMALcoLM denTon391497 Malcolm_denton_954@msn.com

Dear EditorSunday Lunch.i am an allotment holder at the Cow lane site. at 9.15 on sunday morning 11th october i visited my plot to gather some vegetables as we were entertaining our familes and grandchildren for lunch. Can you imagine my horror to find that some low-life had already been and helped themselves to some of my vegetables, left behind the unwanted foliage for me to clear up, and carried out some totally un-necessary damage to other plants. do these people not appreciate the expense, hard work and time that goes into growing one’s own vegetables and that stealing them is a most despicable act. Perhaps they just don’t care - what a state this nation is getting into. No doubt they won’t have a conscience, i just hope they might have eaten too much and suffered from indigestion. if they really want fresh vegetables might i suggest they grow their own !!!!name and address witheld

Dear Editordeadlock Unlockedat last, signs of hope! thank you to the initiators of the stimulating village meting on 16th october, to Ed Vaizey for keeping the peace, and to the representative

the Parish Council - Malcolm denton - that oCC do not put the mockers on the scheme by painting something on the road outside the shop!secondly, Marcham school took a great leap forward on thursday 15th october, when the new classroom for the reception year children was officially opened.What a treat to be invited to such a happy and positive event! i was shown around the school and the new classroom by a very bright and enthusiastic member of the school council, and found the whole visit very rewarding.remarkable to think that the project did not begin to take shape until January this year, but was ready for use by the start of the new school year!there are many people to thank for the success. the enthusiasm of the headteacher and the determination and drive of the school Governors, coupled with the design team and management, proved to be a winning combination.Marcham has a first rate school with room for a young and growing community.Finally, but by no means last, was the meeting organised by our able Member of Parliament - Ed Vaizey - on the plans of the anson trust. all credit must go to the members of the trust who did not shy away from answering some very difficult and engaging questions from a sometimes angry public. there were some residents of Marcham who had made up their minds beforehand not to attend such a meeting, as it would cover no new ground. they couldn`t have been more wrong. i never assume the outcome of a meeting beforehand. i think Ed Vaizey did Marcham a big favour by arranging and Chairing - with some degree of aplomb - the meeting on Friday the 16th october. Marcham deserves the facilities it needs for a growing village, hopefully the village will be properly involved sooner than some had intended, but not too late to have a real input.stoP PrEss yesterday, against officer advice, members of oCC`s Planning and regulation Committee refused planning consent for both of the proposed incinerator sites in the County! You would not have put money on that outcome!iAin BroWntel: 01235 751210 Email: iain.brown@oxfordshire.gov.ukJanus, Westcot lane, sparsholt, Wantage, oxon oX12 9Pz.

speakers for their thoughtful if complex presentations.the closure of the institute (dec 2004) and proposed development on the anson Field (2006) has cast gloom and caused strife in Marcham for five long years. Currently, displaced groups, clubs and facilities are scattered throughout the village at venues kindly offered on a temporary basis but which do not meet all the users’ needs.Marcham requires a central, purpose-built village hall with surrounding green space, access and parking, suitable for all age groups catering for various activities. it became apparent from the buzz at the meeting that many villagers want to regain community feeling, pull together and be actively involved in major decision, and are willing to fundraise towards a new hall.several radical proposals were floated and hopefully will be followed up by the various parties. Now that community spirit is ignited, let the momentum be maintained by setting a date for a progress meeting, open to all.GreTA GouLdinG

but the old orchard and the building by the deep water, i am sure, many new residents to Marcham would not know that they exist. the old building at the bottom of Cow lane had long before hens running about but it also had bats and i have seen owls as well. the orchard was alive with numerous animals and the ones i saw on a regular morning were hares and a beautiful owl.in Berkshire they are trying to preserve old orchards as many of our local wildlife need these to survive, why is this not happening here!?the residents who back onto the copse in longfields would love to see sunlight in their back gardens but for the last ten years this has not happened. so why has it been so easy for the new owner of orchard Farm to demolish buildings have a bonfire for over a fortnight continually all day and burning into the night and in so doing destroy the British wildlife habit in the orchard?name and address witheld

MSSSc: Marcham Sports, Scouts & Social club

The pavilion & field off Morland Road

Bar open every Friday night don’t forget the bar is now open every Friday night and every week there will be at least one guest real ale available. the club is also open every saturday after football or cricket.

support your local teams.We look forward to

seeing you at the clubFor more info contact Geoff dix,

secretary on 391577 or geoff.dix@hotmail.com

November 2009 9

MarchaM & District News wi, society, clubs, walk & MP’s rePort

NexT MeeTiNG7.30pm thursday 19 November open Meeting

Hairdressing by ‘Philosophy’Mark creed and Assistants

display of members items of 1950/60/70s hair stylesdenman College: teaching Block

Visitors welcome - £3 voluntary contributionContacts for: sonia Edwards 01865 391442more information Christine Whild 01865 391270

The season of mist and mellow fruitfulness is here once again and as usual the members of Marcham WI have been busy. We have enjoyed a walk around Dorchester on a beautiful day in October and the newly formed book club had its’ first meeting. Two successful craft days have been held in member’s homes for card making and needlework. We hope to repeat these again through the coming months. We have an entry for the Oxfordshire showcase this month at Benson and two teams are being entered for Drayton WI Quiz Evening.Our meeting this month takes the form of a hairdressing demonstration with Mark Creed and his assistants from Philosophy Hairdressing. Mark specialises in hair colouring and is going to include some glamour tips for the festive season.Plans are under way to decorate the main house for Denman College in December. There will be a Marcham WI stall again this year at the Marcham School Christmas Fair and we are looking forward to Christmas Songs in Oxford Town Hall led by Christine Whild.Future eventsNov 13th Drayton WI Quiz EveningNov 25th Malaysian Day at Weston on the Green

Village HallDec 1st Winchester Christmas Market and

CathedralDec 7th Christmas Songs, Oxford Town HallDec 12th Marcham School Christmas Fair

Marcham wINovember 2009

SENIOR cITIzENS’ cLUBWe resumed our meeting in september after a summer break. to start the meeting we were entertained by Mr tony Barrett playing on the keyboard. this had our feet tapping for a while, then a welcome cup of tea and biscuits and afterwards a large raffle was called. Notice was given of a lunch outing in early November and a tombola at the November meeting. any prizes for this will be most welcomed by any committee member. thanks to all who helped at the meeting. Joyce PArry

MARcHAM SOcIETY MIDwEEK wALKThursday, November 5th. For this month’s walk we will meet at the lamb inn in Mill street, Wantage (Map ref: sU397881) at 12.30 for lunch and 1.30 for the walk of about 4 miles. We will be exploring another section of the Wits and Berks Canal to East Challow and a stretch of the letcombe Brook.. New walkers are very welcome. Members free, non-members £1. ring Eric dunford on 391439 for lifts and details.

Gary Locke will be revealing what was found in the 2009 season of

The Dig at Noah’s ArkAll Saints’ Church Tuesday 10th November 2009, 7.45pm

Next meeting 14th January 2010 Gig Thomas: Miracles & Disasters:

The story of Vila Maninga

Non-members £2 www.marchamsociety.org.ukFurther details: sheila dunford (391439) or Judith Fontaine (391275)

MARcHAM SOcIETY REPORTi’m sure that those members of the Marcham society who attended the october meeting were not expecting a talk which not only included identification of mushrooms and toadstools but also the uses to which fungi might be put. these ranged from infusions to boost the immune system to a substitute for chamois leather both from the same white bracket fungus that grows on birch trees. We were treated to a very amusing, informative evening, our speaker Pedro Collins telling us he regularly drinks infusions from fungi for his health and also eats a variety of species. he explained to us the best way of cooking, drying and pickling fungi and also some of the side effects that certain species cause, having once tried ‘magic mushrooms’ he told us it was not an experience he wished to repeat. Pedro has agreed to take us on a fungus foray next autumn if it can be arranged and hopes it will be a better season as the recent dry spell has meant that there have been far fewer specimens around this year. Sd

ed VAiZeY WRiTeS...I will be attending the Remembrance Day Parades at Wallingford and Didcot on Remembrance Sunday this year. It is always a very moving occasion, and most people have noted that the crowds swell each year. This is not surprising given the prominence that the conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq have taken. But it is nonetheless very welcome.As the MP for Wantage I am conscious of the huge contribution local people are making to the conflicts. Although RAF Benson is not in the constituency it is on the doorstep, and many of its personnel live in Wallingford and Cholsey. Like the Rifles, RAF Benson enjoys the freedom of the town.

MARcHAM cRIcKET cLUBthe work of applying loam and seed to the cricket square was completed last month. it is work such as maintenance of the square, together with other aspects of the Club’s ongoing programme of maintenance, the leads to the provision of cricketing facilities of sound quality at Marcham.in this context is may be noted that Marcham CC was chosen as the venue for the 2009 oCa telegraph Cup Final.information relating to Marcham CC (including playing for, or umpiring on behalf of the Club) may be obtained from Graham hill (391415) or terry Whittaker (391317). cSB

continued on next page

11November 2009

MarchaM & District News crossworD, Players & MarchaM reMeMbereD

MarchaM PlayersRemember, Remember, Remember!Don’t forget that Marcham Players are presenting “An Evening with the Oxford Waits” in Marcham Church on FRidAY 6 NOVeMBeR at 8.0pm - this is a concert in aid of the Marcham Moldova Lifeleine.Oxford Waits specialise in providing a “charming and witty romp through 17th Century England” by performing in costume street ballads, dance tunes, airs and rounds. They regularly receive top rate reviews so do come along for an enjoyable, unusual evening in aid of a very worthy cause!Tickets can be bought by telephoning either of the following two numbers: Joey Maclean on 01865 391242 or Dave Hutchinson on 01865 391964. Cost for this fund raising event will be £10 and £8 for under 12’s. Do come along and support this very worthy cause!We recently enjoyed another in the series of “With Great Pleasure” evenings in the Board Room at Manor Farm when the subject of the readings by members and friends was “My Favourite Children’s Book”. The response to this was so good we were unable to fit in all the contributions - we intend to repeat this topic with the extracts we were unable to fit in last time and others - this will be early in the New Year and the date will appear in this column in January. Why not encourage your children to contribute so that we can compare old with new! A good night for the family to enjoy!Don’t forget though - Friday 6 November in the Church - Oxford Waits - be there! dAve HuTcHinSonAny enquiries about us will be willingly answered by our Secretary, Joey, on 01865 391242 or, Dave Hutchinson on 01865 391964.w w w . m a r c h a m p l a y e r s . c o . u k

NOvEMBER cROSSwORD BY ALISAAcROSS6 rustic (7)8 animal (5)10 Plaything (3)11 Flier (5)12 Gastropod (5)15 Marcham society event (4.6)16 Beside (2)17 Not out (2)18 Marcham society event (10)22 Cereal (5)24 French farewell (5)25 sheltered part (3)27 Fastening (5)29 david’s wife (7)

DOwN1 Cradle song (7)2 Pacific island (6)3 Bird (3)4 turn (2)5 danger (5)7 Fish (3)9 Garment (5)13 tartan cloth (5)14 Bulb (5)17 succeed (7)19 hospital photos (1-4)20 Colour (6)21 ledge (5)23 ocean (3)26 Flow back (3)28 italian river (2)

I have visited Benson, and been taken up in a Merlin, which is one of the most modern helicopters available. In this respect at least, our troops are well provided for. It is home to Flt Lt Michelle Goodman, the first woman to win the Distinguished Flying Cross. In Didcot, we have Vauxhall Barracks, which I have also visited, home to the bomb disposal team, who sadly lost Warrant officer Gary O’Donnell earlier in the year. Grove resident Claire Griffiths received national prominence when as staff sergeant she was the only woman in Afghanistan to drive an armoured vehicle in combat conditions. In Abingdon, we have Dalton Barracks which will become part of the constituency at the general election, and which I have recently visited. And in Shrivenham we have the Defence College, effectively the “post-graduate” university of the armed forces, which I have been to on several occasions. Most poignantly of all, every serviceman and woman who is returned from Afghanistan travels along the A420 on their way to the John Radcliffe. Many members of the Royal British Legion stand salute in Watchfield and on the A420 at Faringdon, and I have been privileged to stand with them on several occasions.In Parliament I am a member of the Armed Forces Parliamentary scheme, which means that I spend time with the Royal Marines and try and get a better understanding of the pressures our Forces face. I have visited them at their headquarters, and in Afghanistan and the Falklands.This is not the right place to discuss the politics of the conflicts our armed forces are involved in, simply to take the opportunity to salute them and pay tribute to some of the bravest men and women in our country. It is a privilege to know just a few of them.On local matters, I was delighted that the meeting I chaired on the Anson Trust proposals went so well. It was well-attended, and on the whole a polite affair. The two things that came out most strongly, I felt, was the desire of villagers to be consulted on all options, not just on the details of one option; and the willingness of villagers to support the Anson Trust financially through the parish precept, within reason and with clearly defined aims. I hope the meeting helped to clear the air, and would be delighted to chair a subsequent meeting in the future if that is what is wanted.ed vAizey, MP Wantage (Con)

ed VAiZeY WRiTeS...continued

MARcHAM SOcIETY ExHIBITION & BOOK LAUNcHthanks to an awards for all lottery grant the Marcham society will be offering a free copy of Marcham remembered: a village in pictures to all households in the MadNews area. tokens for free copies will be delivered early in November. if you haven’t received your token by 10 November please phone sheila dunford on 01865 391 439.A DATE FOR YOUR DIARY: Marcham society exhibition and book launch at Marcham school – come and collect your free copy

sat 21 Nov 11am – 6pm or sun 22 Nov 12 noon – 4pmFree entry Free refreshments

Official book launch on the Saturday at 3pmBooks on sale at the special exhibition price of £8 (normal price £10)

Over 100 pages and more than 250 pictures - an ideal christmas present.

After the exhibition free copies can be collected from any of the following places where the books will also be on sale at £10.Marcham Post Office 9.30-13.30 Mon-Fri

Marcham Society meetings

Cumbers Farm Shop 10.00-13.00 Mon-Sat

Elwes Road phone 391746

Frilford Road phone 391372

The Farthings phone 391420

Frilford phone 391242

Garford phone 391280

Tubney phone 390483

13November 2009

MarchaM & District News iN aND out of school

marCHam PrE-SCHooL NEWSAt Pre-school we have been digging for treasure, making maps, and parrots. “When I made my parrot I stuck things on. I painted my hands for the wings and slided it down to the bottom for the tail” - Evie, age 3.The children have had lots of fun with all the new resources we’ve just received from Tesco Computers for School Vouchers. We have received some squidgy numbers, wooden fairytale characters, recordable number boards, a wooden pulley, sensory fabric cushions and lots more! Thank you to everyone who contributed vouchers.If you would like a prospectus or application form please contact us on 07749 245313 or marcham-preschool@hotmail.co.uk.MArion, nicky And kATHArine.

NEwS FROM MARcHAM ScHOOLthe school has started off to a very busy year. over the holidays a new classroom was built to accommodate the number of new children from Marcham to be able to attend the school. on 15th october, the new Early Years Unit of Marcham school was opened by its pupils. the headteacher thanked everyone who was involved in making this classroom happen, including the neighbours for putting up with the disruption caused by the new build. Parents, neighbours, Parish and County Councillors were all invited to come and look around the school, being chaperoned by the new school Council members. Children from Years 3 – 6 (aged 7 – 11) gave a superb singing rendition of some songs from the previous school play “toad of toad hall”. some of the youngest children were asked to give their views on what they thought of their new classroom:-“i like the new classroom because we have lots of space.” Edward“i like the building because they done lots of work on it.” rachel“there’s new things and new toys.” ryan“i like the decking because i can be on there when there is no-one outside. it feels like we have got the playground to ourselves”“i like the doors. You can pull them and they all come out at once.” William“i like the colours and lights.” dyllin“i like the writing area cos i can make things.” luke“i like all the things to play with.” Bo“i like the rules.” torithe older children in denman class went to a PGl activity centre in Weymouth for 3 days. Money was donated by the Pta to help pay towards the bed linen costs. this is what some of the children thought of their experiences: at our residential trip we did a number of activities. the whole class enjoyed them and so did the teachers. some of our favourite activities were zip wire, sensory trail, survivor and Jacob’s ladder. lots of the activities involved team work which all of us used. there were certain patterns we had to learn for certain activities like rock climbing and Jacob’s ladder:Sensory trail

Smell and sightExcellent teacherNon-stop laughterSoaking wet clothesOccasionally scaryReally funYelling instructionsTricky tunnels Rib-shattering experienceAlways helping others Incredibly hardLots of people falling over.

Jess, Jake and FlynHARvEST FESTIvALduffield class duffield acted the story of the little red hen. it showed that the people who didn’t help didn’t get any of the bread. the little red hen did all of the work. it was just fantastic when they all enjoyed it. You could see that poor Barney was sad, hopefully they won’t do it again. the song was really good because all the children knew it.Anson class anson showed that some birds like eating lots of seeds. the weeds were trying to kill the sunflowers. the farmer, who was Jake Bateman, is getting cross when all his seeds are being eaten by the birds.Morland class Morland class did a great show about putting other things like food and drink in a basket for the less fortunate people. Everyone tried their best and everyone enjoyed it. it was

very interesting and good. the things that went in the basket were a toy, seeds, a paint pallet, books and a play about somebody helping some people in need. Morland definitely showed the parents how hard we work in this school.denman class denman did a fantastic presentation about water saving, it was very good and it had three parts. in the first part harry and dylan went round a house checking if the taps were turned off. the second part was about the water cycle. the last part was about the work of Uganda and that Watsan helped Uganda. Everyone thought it was very good. denman class did their best and made Marcham school proud.MoLLy c, eMiLy W And MiA H

“Café: come along, very friendly, meals very good , welcome to all young & old”“A warm welcome, meeting friends, and

super home cooked food always. Truly a wonderful village asset.”“A hot roast meal and a choice of desserts, superb quality, which as a single person one would not cook for oneself; much appreciated.”“To all you lovely ladies at café. Thank you all so much for the lovely meals served each week. It is always very much enjoyed, a real pleasure to come.”“So good to have a hot meal at midday during the winter. Always a pleasure to be welcomed & to meet ones friends & catch up with local news.”“Enjoy coming to café the food is very good, the company is also good”“My wife and me love to come to the café, the meals are all fresh veg, the sweets: you are spoilt for choice; we cant wait for next week to come”“I greatly enjoy the Wed. lunch. I look forward to every week.”

I have not given you all the lovely comments that folk wrote down for me to show you in MAD news, and what I can’t print here are the colourful pictures that the children have drawn. So you see café is for everyone. I do realize it could be difficult to walk in on your own, but be brave! We do try to look out for new friends. If you are unable to walk to café please give me a ring (391373) or Sheila Dunford (391439) and we will arrange for someone to give you a lift in a car. We have an extra special (all home made!) Christmas dinner on Dec.16th, but you do need to sign up for that dinner. Café takes place on Wednesdays during the school term time at about midday in the Sports and Social Club on the Anson Field. See you there!Jenny ALLAn

v knee 1, 2, 3.With the rope we had to make a v shape, bring it down to our knee then pull for 3 seconds. Flynn

what I learned at PgL: i’ve learnt that when you work in a team you can get further and when you believe in yourself you can do really well. Lawrence

15November 2009

MarchaM & District News Notices & aDverts

Abingdon College & districtFilm Society

21 weekly screenings • comedy • dramasome old, many new • talks • special events

Free brochure: Ab 522163 or info@abfilms.org.uk2005-6 winners “best programme of films”

(British Federation of Film Societies awards)www.abfilms.org.uk Reg. Charity 292723Independent education for boys from 4-13 years

Open Mornings: Tuesday 6 October (pre-prep)

Saturday 14 November (whole school)We would be delighted to welcome you to our open mornings

or if you would like to visit the School at any time. We have a few places available, in some year groups, for September 2009

Contact registrar@abingdonprep.org.ukT: 01865 391570

www.abingdon.org.uk

BBOWT Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife TrustSat 28 Nov 9.30-2.30pmChristmas MarketCakes, toys, games, books and fun!With coffee morning and refreshments Venue: N. Oxford Association Centre, Summertown Ox2 7dP.Admission: 20p donation welcomed. Contact: shirley88jarvis@googlemail.com or 01865 371297

Abingdon European SocietyEuropean Railways: whatever happened

to the Orient Express?Dr Peter Northover

Saturday 21 November 7.15 for 7.30 p.mCouncil Chamber, The Guildhall, Abingdon

AES Members at the door & Students £5 Visitors £6. Includes refreshments.

Contact: AES Secretary 01235-534561

Thames Valley & Chiltern

Air Ambulance Trust

Charity Number: 1084910

The Thames Valley Air Ambulance provides a life saving service seven days a week, 365 days a year, covering the three counties we serve, Berkshire, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire. Lottery Win £1000.00 every Wednesday and save a life? Then join our TVAC Lottery, or perhaps become one of our Volunteers. Interested? Then please call us on: 0300 999 0135 or email info@tvacaa.org.

www.tvacaa.orgWe ReLY ON YOu - SO YOu CAN ReLY ON uS

THE SOBELL CHRISTMAS GIFT FAIRRADLEY COLLEGE

SATuRDAY 21ST & SunDAY 22nD nOvEMBER10.00AM – 4pM

* OvER 50 STALLS * REFRESHMEnTS *unIquE GIFT IDEAS

‘SOMETHInG FOR EvERYBODY’Come and support Sobell House Hospice Charity

www.sobellhospicecharity.org.uk Charity number 1118646Entrance £4 with concessions

Finstock School Christmas FayreSaturday 21st November

2pm - 4pmFinstock Village Hall

Come and See Father Christmas and do some Christmas shopping all in aid of Finstock School.

There will be lovely Warmed Spiced Apple Punch and Mince Pies.

For Details contactLorraine 01993 869187 (between 10am-7pm only)

Proceeds to support Helen and Douglas House

10.30 to 16.30

STEVENTON VILLAGE HALL

REFRESHMENTS

SUNDAY 29th NOVEMBER

Our Lady’s Abingdon School Christmas FayreSaturday 28th November 2009 10 am -2 pm

Auction of Christmas hampers& Variety of Stalls.

Refreshments.

OcvA Honours the contribution of the voluntary Sector

to Learning and Skills in Oxfordshire

in recognition of the outstanding contribution volunteers and their organisations give to learning and skills development in the county, oxfordshire Community and Voluntary action (oCVa) are hosting an evening in the oxford town hall on tuesday 3rd November 17.00 – 19.00 pm. the work voluntary organisations contribute to tackle some of the learning and skills problems around the county will be recognised by speeches by the high sherriff, County Councillor Judith heathcoat, and readingQuest. Finally, one volunteer will receive the ‘volunteer of the Year’, award.For more information about this event please contact lindsay Watts on 01865 251946 or lindsay.Watts@ocva.org.uk.

All Saints’ and St. Luke’s   

Parish Page 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

Thought for the month:Congratulations  to  Jenson  Button  on  winning  the  Formula  One world  championship! To my eyes a brilliant drive  in  the Brazilian GP to secure the crown of his driving career thus far! Two British champions in two years! Something to cheer about! 

To more local and everyday matters: 

November is one of those months that is bursting with a variety of occasions that affect us deeply – from the more sombre reflections of Remembrance Day  / Sunday  to uplifting Christian  celebrations of  All  Saints  Day,  Christ  the  King,  and  Advent!  Each  of  these occasions  has  profound  meaning,  touching  some  of  the  great themes of life itself, and indeed the reality of eternity. 

Jesus lives to give meaning and purpose to even the darkest times of  life’s  journey. He provides hope and purpose,  forgiveness and love, direction and a future. He helps to make sense of life when so many other  things simply bring conflict, confusion or despair. His invitation to us all  is ‘Come – follow me’. Why? Because He  is the Lord of Life and King of kings! 

The well‐known  Holman  Hunt  painting  ‘The  Light  of  the World’ depicts  Jesus standing outside a closed door with no handle. The promise of  Jesus  is  ‘Look! Here  I  stand at  the door and knock.  If you hear me calling and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal as friends’. 

The light still shines and the invitation stands! 

With my warmest greetings 

Revd Richard Zair 

Parish events: All Saints’ Marcham Sunday Worship 10am and 6pm 

(8am Holy Communion on first Sunday of the month) 

Children’s Groups and crèche at 10am 

 

8 November  Remembrance Sunday 

Service in All Saints’ followed by procession to Wayside Cross 

 

Tuesdays 10am Toddlers Group at All Saints Church 

 

TAG 4 15 – 5 15pm at Buildings Farm 

for years 7, 8 and 9  

Wednesdays 10 30am Holy Communion 

at Duffield Place  

12 noon Café at Sports Scouts and Social Club 

 

Fridays 5 30pm Friday Club at church for Primary Age children 

 

Saturdays 8 30am Men’s Breakfast 7 November, 5 December 

at Sports Scouts and Social Club  

Sundays 4 ‐5pm ASK at Buildings Farm 

for years 5, 6 and 7  

St. Luke’s, Garford Holy Communion on  

1 November, 6 December Parish people: 

Baptisms:  Jessica & Emily Hawkins 

In memoriam:  Rhoda Woods (10 October)

Prayer of the Month: Christ our King, you put on the apparel of our nature and raised us to your glory; reign from your royal throne above the chaos of this world, that all may see the victory you have won and trust in your salvation; for your glory’s sake. Amen 

Marcham Players present on Friday 6 November at 8pm at All Saints’ 

An Evening with The Oxford Waits in aid of the Marcham Moldovan Lifeline Tickets £10/£8 from Joey Maclean (391242) or Dave Hutchinson (391964) 

Riding Lights Theatre Co. present on Monday 9 November at 7 30pm at All Saints’ 

‘Origins and Lemons’ Tickets £11/£8/£7 (groups of 10 or more) from Richard or Janey 

Contacts Rev. Richard Zair 391319/07939 239179 r_zair@yahoo.co.uk    Youth & Children Minister Jill Rowe 07811 165351/390885 Churchwardens  James Allan  391373   Chris Nutman  01235 521698   Church Admin. Janey Cumber 391327 www.marcham‐with‐garford.org.uk 

November 2009

Marcham Baptist Church(Packhorse Lane)

Sunday Morning Worship at 10.30 am (Communion every first Sunday)

For further information on church activities:Contact Mr R Barrett 01865 391356 Mr W Dyer 01235 814986Marcham Baptist is affiliated to the Baptist Union of Great Britain

Dark winter nights again, HUMBUG!

During Antarctica’s 9 months of winter each year, the continent is engulfed in darkness and the temperature sinks to -82 °C, THAT’S COLD! And the continent is cut off from the world.

There are times when we all feel helpless and cut off. It may seem that not even God can hear or answer our cries for help. The psalmist David said in a time of trouble, “I am cut off from before Your eyes”. But David discovered that the Lord had not forgotten him, and he rejoiced, “You heard the voice of my supplications when I cried out to You” (Psalm 31.22).

What circumstances make you feel helpless or hopeless today? Poor health, broken relationships, a family member in great need? In Jesus Christ, God has pierced the dark winter of our world in a daring rescue through His redeeming love. He is therefore able to reach us and calm our fears in the most desperate circumstances.

We are never cut off from the mighty power and sustaining peace of God.

B. Pilgrim

Our speakers this month are

1st November Mr. Paul Wilson of Abingdon 8th November Rev. Brian John of Wantage15th November Mr. Nigel Chown of Abingdon Baptist Church22nd November Mr. Paul Revell of Cholsey Baptist Church29th November Mrs. Pat Band of Witney

Everyone welcome