Village views and church news

12
M arch
20
s and church news ...
Village view
Exceptional
Pet Care
Garden Maintenance
Tracey Reed 07894443086
AMERICAN BRITE TEETH WHITENING
Up to 8 shades brighter!
For all your garden needs
Garden clearance
Hedge trimming
Lawn mowing
Enjoy a Healthier Lifestyle
Discover the benefits of Aloe Vera
with Forever Living Products
Forever and its affiliates are the world
largest grower of Aloe Vera products
Extensive range from Health Drinks to
Skincare products
Bicester Vets
Victoria Road
Bicester
OX26 6PJ
Tel: 01869 252077
www.bicestervets.co.uk
24 hour
on-site
nursing
care
bicester vets
Comp
a s s io
Care
n &
60-day satisfaction or your money back
guarantee
Millions of delighted customers
Phone NOW for more details on 07533378628 or
email me on sarahlamont84@gmail.com
Sarah Lamont Independent Distributor for Forever Living Products
Forever Living Products are members of the DSA
ADVANCED COSMETIC TEETH WHITENING
Up to 8 shades brighter in just 60 minutes!
SPECIAL INTRODUCTORY OFFER
ONLY £99 per person: saving £20!
or
ONLY £89 per person for couples: saving £32!
NO PAIN NO PEROXIDE NO SENSITIVITY
Just a beautiful brighter smile.
Hurry now, this offer won’t last forever!
Come to our boutique for a FREE consultation
and book now!
This offer cannot be used in conjunction
with any other offer or discount.
01869 247 611
The Co-operative believes that everyone is different, that’s why every funeral should be...
Getting you out of the financial jungle!
Bicester
(incorporating R.J. Tyrrell)
11 Manorsfield Road
01869 252888
rjtyrrell.funeral@midcounties.coop
Celebrate the life of those you love and will remember
forever by visiting www.rememberedforever.co.uk
Specialist monumental masonry service
provided www.co-opmemorials.co.uk
For more information on
pre-paid funeral plans call
0800 454 940 or call your
local funeralcare home
A member of the National Association of Funeral Directors
www.coopfunerals.co.uk
L. Hartness
Funeral Directors & Memorial Masons
24 hour
service
Williamson
Chiropractic &
Sports Injuries Clinic
Bicester’s family orientated clinic
Our caring and understanding staff provide a
compassionate service 24 hours every day
Contents. Editorial.
Back & Neck Pain
Sports & Muscle Injuries
Shoulder, Arm & Leg Pain
Pain/Discomfort Through Pregnancy
Contents
5. Contents and Editorial.
6. February Church Services.
7. Clergy Contact Information.
8. Letter from the Church Team.
10. Ray Valley Benefice Notes.
11. Parish Pump.
12. Ambrosden News.
14. Arncott News.
18. A Little Bit of Fun.
19. Recipe of the Month
19. Kid’s Corner.
20. Blackthorn News.
22. Feature: Nick Crutch.
23. Feature: Bob’s Gardening Tips
24. Merton News.
28. Piddington News.
32. Pet’s Corner.
33. Community
34. Police Report.
38. Advertising and Contacts.
39. Classifieds
March is here and with it comes Spring,
my favourite time of the year. The
daffodils are blooming and everything
feels sunnier.
This year, March also heralds the start of
a number of significant milestones in our
household.
Firstly on the 19th my husband and I
celebrate our first wedding anniversary
– traditionally we should give each other
a paper gift to mark this occasion – Will
this edition suffice?
The second big milestone the Lamont’s
will be celebrating is my dad’s fiftieth
birthday; which significantly falls on the
first day of Spring, March 21st
Happy Anniversary Gareth!
Happy Birthday Dad!
rach22lamont@aol.com
PRE-PAID FUNERAL PLANS
Celebrate the life of those you love and will remember
forever by visiting www.rememberedforever.co.uk
Tel: 01869 249989
Specialist monumental masonry service
provided www.highworthmemorials.co.uk
Gobles Court, 7 Market Sq., Bicester OX26 6AA
11 VICTORIA ROAD, BICESTER
Tel: (01869) 253282
www.williamsonchiropractic.co.uk
24 hour
service
GCC Registered & BCA Members
5.
March Church Services.
Clergy Contact information.
Clergy.
Church of England:
Rev Charles Masheder (CM)
01869 247813.
(on Fridays please phone the Church Wardens below.)
Rev Andrew Rycraft (AR)
Rev Richard Marshall (RM)
Rev David Wippell (DW)
01865 331124.
01869 243546.
01865 849497.
Roman Catholic:
Father Paul Martin
01869 253277.
Catholic services: Please consult the website: www.immaculate-conception.org.uk
Methodist:
Rev Paul Howes
01869 240932.
Methodist services: Please consult the website: www.bicestermethodist.org.uk
Churchwardens.
Ambrosden: Bruce Fox, 67 Ploughley Road, Lower Arncott. 01869 244131.
Matt Holmes, Holly Tree Cottage, Merton Road. 01869 240435
Merton:
Lawrence Comiskey, 2 Church Close, Merton. 01865 331429.
Robert Kerr, Merton Croft, West End Lane, Merton. 01865 331352.
Piddington: Wendy Taylor, 47 Thame Road, Piddington. 01844 237457.
John Hibberd, 22 Vicarage Lane, Piddington. 01844 238722.
Organists / Bells.
Ambrosden: Mrs Sandy Gamble
Mrs Pam Newall
Merton:
St Mary’s - Ambrosden, Arncott and Blackthorn // St Swithun’s - Merton // St Nicholas’ - Piddington.
Mr Russell Thompson
Piddington: Mrs Betty Newell
Mr Tony Pearce
01869 244131.
01869 241667.
01865 331429. (no ringable bells)
01844 237236.
01844 237688.
Please pass any special prayer requests to Clergy or Churchwardens prior to the service.
6.
7.
Letter Church Team
from the
Is The End Nigh?
It was my hairdresser who told me that the world is going to end on
December the 21st this year. All because of the ending of the Mayan
calendar on that date, beyond which the Mayans (an Indian people of
Central America who developed a remarkable civilisation between 250 and
900 AD) could make no further predictions.
I wasn’t too worried. After all, our current calendar ends on the 31st of
December this year and none of us can predict what lies beyond. And
when would it end in Australia, where our 21st is their 22nd? But since
my hairdresser and her young friends seem genuinely scared about it I
decided, that with the help of google, I would delve into eschatology- a
Greek word meaning the study of endings (and also a good one with which
to impress people!)
Amazon.com lists more than 175 books dealing with the potential ending
of the world this year, so a lot of people must be taking it seriously.
But people have been taking end of the world predictions seriously for
thousands of years. For centuries people have been predicting the world’s
end, their predictions based on various theories, from one based on the
dimensions of Noah’s Ark by a second century priest, to the year 1000
when it was widely believed that the world would end with the start of the
new Millennium, to 1910 when the return of Halley’s comet was believed
to herald the end.
Christians believe that the world as we know it will end with the second
coming of Christ, followed by the final judgement, so the question of when
this will happen is an obvious one. Jesus himself frequently referred to the
second coming, but he was adamant that nobody knows when it will be.
“Be on your guard, then, because you do not know on what day your Lord
will come.” (Matthew 24, verse 22).
But he did give some clues, and forewarned us of a number of great
tribulations which will come together when the end is near- wars, famines,
earthquakes- which has led many Christians to believe that we are now
living in the end times. But God’s time is not our time, and I do not believe
that we shall ever know the date of Christ’s return until it happens. Neither
should we try to work it out. What we should be doing is summed up in the
words of a hymn:
“Redeem thy misspent moments past,
And live this day as if thy last;
Thy talents to improve take care;
For the Great Day thyself prepare.”
So, it seems as if we shall still be writing our cards and wrapping our
presents towards the end of this year- and I would like to wish everyone a
Happy Christmas!
Glenys Edwards
An American Baptist Preacher, William Miller, claimed that Christ would
return to Earth on October 23rd 1844, and when it did not happen, his half
a million followers called that date “The Great Disappointment”.
8.
9.
Ray Valley Benefice
notes.
Parish Pump.
PLEASE: if you are on email, join our circulation list on rayvalleyoffice731@btinternet.
com just send an email!
The Next ‘X-Tra One’ service is on March 4th at Ambrosden at 6:30pm We have a
visiting Band, ‘Xalt’ and a guest speaker, Annie McCabe from Cuddesdon Theological
college, who is training to be ordained - why not come to this special service? The one
after that will be on Palm Sunday, the day that begins Holy Week – April 1st.
Churchwardens and PCC members who came to Islip Village Hall for our PCC
morning on February 4th; a big thank you! I trust you found something worthwhile
in it. The ‘outcome’ will be fed back to PCCs for further discussion if it seems
appropriate. It was good to see members of different parishes discussing together!
Confirmation. The Confirmation service on February 12that St. Mary’s Charlton on
Otmoor, led by Bishop Colin was a very lovely event and I ask you please to pray for
our three candidates, Marion, Geraldine and Sam.
Lent will be well underway by the time you read this and we hope that you have found
something special to do to use these ‘forty days’ as a blessing to you and to others.
There are the Lent groups -Ambrosden (Mondays) and Charlton (Thursdays) 7:30pm
and it will not be too late to join. Islip is having a course of special sermons, with
discussions afterwards. Please use these ‘suggestions’. There is also an additional Holy
Communion every Wednesday in Lent at Ambrosden at 10am
Holy Week and Easter. I do ask you to make the first week in April – Holy Week a
special time. Please see what the services are and attend if you can – but if not at least
think of those who are. All churches have their own range of services but there is
one United Service – on Easter Eve (Saturday 7th April) at 9pm at Merton. It is a very
beautiful, if unusual, service so why not come this year?
Annual Meetings This is the time of year when all parishes hold their Annual
Meetings. Please do come along to yours as it is a way of saying a big thank you to
those who serve as Churchwardens and PCC members for all they do through the year.
Charles Masheder 01869-247813
10.
11.
Ambrosden News.
Annual Village Dinner – 28th January
- Thanks to everyone who came and
enjoyed the evening! We hope to
be able to run this event again next
year depending on funds and help
available – we will let you know around
November!
Application for Grant
Ambrosden Village Hall Management
Committee have submitted their
application for a grant to fund repairs
to the village hall and improvements
to the annex building – fingers crossed
that we will have something positive to
report back soon!
Ambrosden Diamond Jubilee
Celebrations - The next meeting to
discuss our plans will be held on
Tuesday, 6th March 2012 at 8.00pm in
Ambrosden Village Hall – all welcome
to attend and contribute to our
discussions.
There are 3 main events planned for
our Village celebrations:
·
Scarecrow competition – run
up to celebration weekend
12.
·
Village Tea Party – Saturday
2nd June from 3pm
·
Church Reception and Service –
Sunday 3rd June from 5.30pm
special day, as do his friends too!
Crafty Club – Ambrosden Village Hall
Thursday 8th March – 7.30pm to 9pm
Thursday, 12th April – 7.30pm to 9pm
HELP - a plea for items, photos or
written pieces of your memories of the
Queen’s accession to the throne and
coronation.
£1.50 to include refreshments. All
welcome!
We would like to display these
memories in the Church which will be
open at certain times over the Diamond
Jubilee weekend for all to enjoy. Please
contact Sharon on 01869 247920 or
sharonlhoward@btinternet.com
BINGO – Every Wednesday
Doors open 7:15pm
Eyes down 8:00pm
All welcome
** Please note new start time due
to prior booking at the hall on these
dates**
$PEURVGHQ9LOODJH+DOO
(YHQWV3DUWLHV&OXEV
Saturday, 24th March from 9.30am –
Tidying the Churchyard – all welcome
to join in!
SPECIAL NEWS & CONGRATULATIONS!
On 8th March 2012, Harold Gaskins
(better known as Bantie to the family)
will reach the amazing age of 90 years
young: and he is still doing his paper
round!
Everyone in the family wish him a very
7RKLUH$PEURVGHQ9LOODJH+DOOSOHDVHFRQWDFW
13.
Arncott News.
Parish council meetings are held at
7.30pm 1st Tuesday in the Month.
Current Arncott Parish Councillors are :Dean Hale MBE (Chair) 01869 244085
John Cooper (Vice chair) 01869 323349
Martin Byrne 01869 246532
Neil Thompson 01869 243676
Paul Wilcox 07739 710275
Local Elections - Arncott PC currently
has the 5 members shown above. There
will be an election on 3rd May 2012, in
which some of the current members will
be standing, and all parishioners are
encouraged to participate, with a view to
taking the number of councillors back up
to the total of 7 allotted to the Parish.
If you are interested in becoming a Parish
Councillor please contact any of the above
or the clerk - Anne Davies, email anne@
greystones.demon.co.uk or telephone
07768 897491.
Mothering Sunday lunch 18th March
at Arncott Village Hall - 12.30 - 4.00pm.
£10 per adult and £4.00 per child. Treat
yourself and enjoy being waited upon.
Contact Gwen for further details 01869
248309.
14.
Get ready for our Treasure Hunt Easter
Sunday 8th April from 2 – 4pm - We will
start promptly from Arncott Village Hall
at 2.00 pm. Please come along with the
family and enjoy an entertaining afternoon
finishing with a well earned cream tea.
New residents to Upper Arncott - Mr and
Mrs Davis have just moved into Mill Lane.
Welcome! and enjoy your new home. You
will find us all a helpful and friendly lot.
Money Raised - The £150.00 raised from
the New Year’s Eve Dinner and Senior
Citizen’s Christmas Lunch raffles was given
to Pat Holmes toward the £10,000 being
raised for a special wheelchair for her
Daughter Nichola. Pat and family would
like to pass on their thanks and gratitude
for all the kindness shown.
Birthday Milestone - 12th February has
seen my mother Gwen McEwan, turn 70.
Thank you mum for all the times you’ve
been there for us. Belated Birthday
wishes from Tracy, Grandchildren, Great
Grandchildren, Poppy and Rosie and Fred.
Gwen McEwan would like to thank
everyone who joined in the celebrations for
her 70th Birthday and hopes that a good
time was had by one and all.
£750.00 was raised with the Raffle and
donations. The beneficiaries:
£200.00 Hearing guide dogs, £250.00
St Dunstable, £250.00 Pat’s wheelchair
appeal and £50.00 to the Maggie centre.
Gwen, I am sure all your friends would like
to say Thank you for the brilliant party
organized to celebrate your 70th Birthday.
The Tartan theme went down very well
and was a great source of amusement
throughout the evening. Mentioning no
names, we were left in no doubt what
was being worn under ones kilt.
Thanks Gwen for a very good evening.
300 Club January
Mr C Wells, 35 Woodpiece Road - £20.00 (90)
Mrs Livingstone, 37 Buchanan Road - £10.00 (152)
Mr Hutchful, 69 Buchanan Road - £8.00 (143)
Mr P Wilson, 15 Teale Close - £5.00 (150)
Mrs M Smith, 33 Woodpiece Road - £2.00 (92)
Would you like to help the village and also enjoy the possibility of winning
some money? For only 50p a month you could be one of the lucky winners
drawn each month.
If you would like to take part please call Marion on Bicester 253600 and I
will ensure your number enters the draw. Remember you have to be in it
to win it!
Penny Monaghan has very kindly offered to collect 300 Club subscriptions
from Mill Lane and Hillside close until we get a permanent collector. If
anyone would like to help, please let me know.
15.
Arncott Village Hall
The venue for you!
Large capacity with central heating
and seating for up to 150.
Big stage.
Well stocked bar.
y
p
p
i
h
C
Nippy
Private Tutor
THE ARNCOTT
d Chips
Fish an
Mobile
Arncott Village Hall
Wednesday & Friday 5 pm to 8 pm
Ambrosden, Willow Road,
Monday & Thursday 5 pm to 8 pm
W
Dogs Go alkabout
Dog walking
Cat home visits
Pet home visits
Fully insured and CRB checked
Member of NARPS
(National Association of Registered Pet Sitters)
New modern kitchen.
Changing rooms with showers.
Orders can be delivered. Call to check
Telephone: 01869 323261
Mobile: 07842208770
Phone for more information or visit
www.dogsgowalkabout.co.uk
Ample free car parking.
For information or bookings:
01869 246081
Arncottvillagehall@googlemail.com
:OH\U.\HYK
;=(,90(3:,9=0*,:
7VVYYLJLW[PVUZVS]LK-VYHUHSVN\LHUKKPNP[HS;=
;=HUK9HKPV(LYPHSZ9LWHPYHUKPUZ[HSSH[PVU
,_[YH;=WVPU[Z-VY(LYPHSHUK:R`
:R`;=(SZVMVYLPNUSHUN\HNLZH[LSSP[L
*HSS)PJLZ[LY UV^HWHY[VM
Fish & Chips, Mushy Peas
Sausages, Pies, Beans and
more
Mobile 07794 476767
Home 01869 327714
Ask for Bridget Saint.
EXPERIENCED KEY STAGE 2 TEACHER.
Specialising in Maths and English tuition for 7-11
and 11+. This is perfect for children who need a little
intensive boost before SATs or just a general consolidation / catch up. Available to drive to you within
the local area (including Islip, Otmoor, Merton,
Ambrosden etc.)
For further details contact Julie Hiddleston on
07899 098731
D. W Plumbing
Mature apprentice plumber.
Second year of college.
No job too small.
Cheaper than your average plumber.
Please call Dave on
07725 748385
S & S MOTORS
Family business est. 1972
MOT Testing Station
INCLUDING CLASS VII
Motor Repair & Servicing Specialists
Car Sales
Arncott, Bicester, OX25 1NY
Tel: 01869 253933
A Little
bit
of
Fun
Sudoku
Recipe
of
BARLEY RISOTTO
Submitted by June Foreman, Fencott
50gms. butter
450mls. hot chicken stock
1 chopped onion
1tbsp. olive oil
2 chopped celery sticks
50gms. grated Parmesan cheese
2 large chopped cloves of garlic
20gms. chopped parsley
150gms. mushrooms cut into chunks
Salt and ground pepper
300gms. pearl barley
the Month.
Heat butter and gently fry onion,
celery and garlic for 5mins. then
stir in mushrooms. Cook 5mins.
then add barley. Stir to coat with
butter add hot stock and ¾ tsp.
salt. Grind in some black pepper
and bring to the boil. Stir, cover and
cook in oven 170C/320F/Gas3 for
30-35mins or until liquid has been
absorbed. Stir in oil, add Parmesan,
check seasoning then stir in parsley
just before serving. You can use
vegetable stock and vegetarian
Parmesan substitute as Parmesan
cheese is not vegetarian!
Word Search
Adam and Eve’s true nationality
A Brit, a Frenchman and a Russian were viewing a painting of Adam and
Eve frolicking in the Garden of Eden.
KIDS CORNER!
"Look at that garden they are maintaining so well," mused the Brit. "They
must be British."
"Nonsense," the Frenchman disagreed. "They're naked, and so beautiful.
Clearly, they are French."
"Ah, but no clothes, no shoes, no shelter," the Russian pointed out, "they
have only an apple to eat, and they're being told this is paradise. They are
Russian."
18.
19.
Blackthorn News.
A big thank you - Pete and
Alison Durran would like to
thank all of their friends and
family for their help and support
with their charity night held
in aid of the Haemotology and
Cancer Clinic.
The total raised was £850!
Again many thanks, Pete and
Alison
‘Happy Birthday! - Many happy
returns to Monty Lamont, who
celebrates the Big 50 this year.
Remember 50 isn’t old..... If
you’re a mountain range!
The Mobile Library will visit
Blackthorn on March 2nd, 16th
and 30th. The times are 9.45 –
10 a.m. at the telephone box in
Station Road and 10.05 – 10.20
in Weir Lane.
20.
21.
Feature - Personal Health
Bob’s Gardening Tips
Changing behaviour
Bob’s gardening tips for March.
Whether you are looking to lose weight, cope with an intolerance, or optimise
nutrition for a specific physical challenge it invariably means a change in current
behaviour.
Planning ahead and thinking about things differently ‘behaviour modifications’
are one of the keys to successful and permanent changes.
We need the weather to be kind to us this month as there is lots to do, a bit like a
spring clean in the home, the garden needs a good tidy.
Below are actions that you might put in place:
Top tip. If you see something growing and you’re uncertain whether it’s a weed
or a valuable plant, just pull it up. If it comes out of the ground easily, you can
guarantee it’s a valuable plant.
• Do nothing else whilst eating
• Eat at regular times
• Eat sitting down
• Pause during meals, put your cutlery down between mouthfuls
• Aim to be the last to finish
• Shop on a full stomach
• Write a shopping list and stick to it
• Keep healthy snacks easily to hand
• Clean your teeth after a meal or when you get the urge to overeat
• Plate up your meal and remove serving dishes from the table
• Wait 5 minutes after your meal before deciding on second helpings
• Practice refusing offers to overeat. Learn to say ‘no thank you’.
Think differently:
In the beds and borders we need to weed, dig through, add mulch and divide
overcrowded perennials.
Lots of pruning takes place in late winter/early spring. Be bold when cutting
back Dogwoods grown for stem colour and Buddleja davidii, they can be taken
back to 6 to 9 inches from the ground and will reward with vigorous new growth
in this season. Coppice Eucalyptus, this promotes the lovely round leaves used
in cut flower displays.
Top Tip. If you’re uncertain when to prune a plant, think of this. If it flowers
before midsummer, don’t prune in spring, it should be done after flowering. If
it flowers after midsummer it should be pruned in late winter/ early spring.
I’ve seen lovely Forsythia, Hammamellis and Viburnum bodnantense look like a
collection of twigs when done at the wrong time.
• Plan for periods of time when you are more likely to eat. If following a healthy
eating plan save something for when you routinely feel hungry
• Before you eat, check that you are really hungry (in your stomach) rather than
just eating at a certain time or occasion out of habit
• Be aware of how your feelings affect what you want to eat. Noticing a pattern
can help you plan how to cope.
Make sure your mower is in good shape as we can start cutting this month.
You’ll need to deal with wormcasts and, possibly, molehills. A stiff brush will
take care of them. Redefine the lawn edges; this always finishes the job off
nicely.
This is a great time to be in the garden, lots of seeds and plants can be started
off indoors or outdoors and the garden should be kicking and screaming its way
into the new season – always an exciting time.
Nick Crutch - Personal Trainer
Happy gardening, Bob
22.
training@nickcrutch.co.uk
bob.massingham@live.com
23.
Merton News.
Please email your articles to:
roswitha.box@virgin.net. Files
attached to emails will produce the
best quality in print. However, I will
happily type up your message and scan
in images.
Your councillors are: (01865)
T.Byrd
331573,
H.Williams
331056,
M.Torrington 331620,
J.Whittaker
331989,
R. Box
331475,
P. Box
331706.
Parish clerk: Tracey Charlesworth
01865 331481. Email: tcharlesworth@
brillcomputers.entadsl.com
We welcome Des O’Neill (331425),
who has joined the Parish Council
recently.
The next Parish Council meeting will
be held on the 13th, March 2012, at
7pm at Merton Village Hall.
We would like to express our gratitude
to Nick Helfrich, who helped swiftly
and free of charge, to stop the recent
burst pipe crisis at the Village Hall
from becoming a hugely costly disaster.
This is a reminder that anyone
interested in hiring an allotment
should contact the Clerk to the Parish
Council on 01865 331481.
Do not forget to look on www.
mertonvillage.co.uk for current
information and where copies of all
Parish Council meeting are kept.
Neighbourhood Watch - To join or
to report information please contact
Merton’s NHW coordinator Terry Byrd
on 01865 331573.
A Piece of Jewellery - has been found
in Merton. If you think it is yours,
please go to Rothley House, Merton or
contact paul.constable@pb.com with a
detailed description.
Excerpt from the recent report
from the Thames Valley Policing
Administrator for Cherwell (it is
unfortunate that there had been a poor
return of surveys from Merton):
NAG (Neighbourhood Action Group)
Priorities - The surveys are slowly but
surely coming in and the priorities will
be set by the end of February 2012.
I have reported on some of the work
with ASB in Kidlington and If I receive
reports throughout the parishes, I will
deal and act on it.
a regular basis. If anyone knows of
any football teams, or other clubs or
organisations, like Brownies, Cubs,
Martial Arts or fitness clubs looking
for a venue, then please, get them to
contact any member of the Village Hall
Committee (Rachel on 331720, Anna on
331381, Wendy on 331766).
Regarding drugs, my team and I have
executed 4 drugs warrants in the
village with two persons reported
for drugs offences. Drugs are still
a concern to the public and any
intelligence will be acted on and I
ask that if you have any information
you can phone us on 101 or call
Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800
555 111.
Mobile Library - The Mobile Library
calls at Merton every two weeks on a
Thursday between 12:00 and 12:15. It
stops in Main Street, just after the West
End Lane turning on the right.
The dates for this month are the 1st,
15th and 29th March .
Village Hall and Playing Field for
Hire - If you are planning an event
– don’t forget that the village hall is
available for hire. The hall has outdoor
furniture, and there are barbeques and
marquees for hire, too.
There is also a playing field with two
football pitches available for hire,
either for separate occasions or on
FLOODLIGHTING OF ST SWITHUN’S
CHURCH
Since the last Magazine the requests for
this were as follows:Dec 3rd Birthday of Katie Calcutt
Dec 5th
Marriage Anniversary
of Liz and Aubrey Calcutt
Dec 9th Birthdays of Octavia Cassells
and Nan Calcutt
Feb 3rd Ian Baines
Feb 14th In Memory of Adrian Leaver
Mar 6th Ian Baines
Check out Merton Village website: www.mertonvillage.co.uk
24.
25.
Mar 18th In Memory of Liz Calcutt
We would like to thank everyone who has
supported this new facility
and if anyone else would like to use it to
celebrate or commemorate a
special occasion could they please ring
either 01865 331429 or 01865
331360.
St Swithun’s Church Merton – Easter
Lily Arrangement - As in previous years,
we will be having a Remembrance Lily
Arrangement in the Church for Easter
Sunday.
Give us an Hour !
If you would like to donate a lily in
remembrance of a loved one or someone
you would like to remember on this special
Sunday, please contact Freda Leaver on
331360 by Wednesday 21st March to allow
time for the lilies to be ordered and the list
of names, which will be displayed next to
the arrangement, to be prepared. The cost
of each lily is anticipated to be between £2
and £2.50.
T.S. Electrical
DOMESTIC & COMMERCIAL ENGINEER
17th EDITION @ EJECSA & PART P REGISTERED
65=033(.,/(33
;
9
,
4
Parties, birthdays, etc.
Weddings.
Crafts fairs.
Conference centre.
Classes.
Creches.
Five acre playing field.
Car parking.
Showers, kitchen area, function room.
Internal or external functions.
Approved Trading Standards ‘Buy With
Confidence’ Member
Could You:
tTIBSFBDSFBUJWFIPCCZ
tHJWFBTIPSUUBML
tMFBEBDPOWFSTBUJPOPWFSUFB
$"'&SVOTBDUJWJUJFTGPSDBSFIPNFSFTJEFOUT
*GZPVDBOIFMQQMFBTFDPOUBDURuth Harris
01280 705250
DBGFDIBSJUZ!CUJOUFSOFUDPN
www.cafecharity.org.uk
Electrical safety survey
Extra sockets
Consumer unit / fuse board replacement
Indoor & outdoor lighting
Electric showers and heaters
Rewiring
PAT testing
Landlord safety check inspection
Periodic testing
No job too big or small.
Call or email us on:
01869 249466 or 07976 368651
mail@ts-electrical.co.uk
www.ts-electrical.co.uk
QUOTE “PARISH NEWS” & RECEIVE 10% OFF ANY
CONSUMER UNIT/FUSE BOARD REPLACEMENT!
Contact Arthur McGrory for further details
01865 331720
Registered Charity No. 1119030
Gilt Edge Picture Framers
Bespoke framing Service
Hand Decorated Frames – Box/Frames
Canvas & Needle Works Stretching
Conservation Mount Boards
Museum Glass – Mirrors
Full Commitment to Customers
Contact Virginie Halphen
Tel:01869 252123 – Mob:07944748360
gepf@hotmail.co.uk - www.giltedge.info
Piddington News.
Piddington Parish Council
Sympathy
For all the latest information please
contact the Parish Clerk:
We were saddened to hear that
Michael Carlton of Lower End had
passed away on January 28th.
Mrs Morwen Ashton, Greystone
Lodge, Lower End, Piddington OX25 Our thoughts are with his family at
this difficult time.
1QD 01844 238510
Email: piddington.parish.clerk@
googlemail.com
Village Hall Bookings - Should
you have any questions or
interest in booking the village hall
please contact our new booking
hotline 07926620422 or email
PiddingtonVillageHall@gmail.com
Village Hall Website - Pop on the
WWW and visit our website for
all the latest news and calendar of
events.
PIDDINGTON
Village Hall
For hire at reasonable rates
Parties, Weddings, Clubs,
Meetings and Classes
Recently refurbished
with new seating for up to 100 people,
round tables for social functions and
multi height trestle tables ideal for
children's parties and meetings.
https://sites.google.com/site/
piddingtonvillagehall/home
The Mayor of Bicester’s
Charity Band Concert
featuring the
Bicester Concert Band
Friday 16th March 2012
7.30pm to 9.30pm
(Bar opens at 7pm)
St Edburg’s Church, Bicester
In support of the Bicester Town Mayor’s charities
Tickets
£7.50
Concessions & 12-16’s - £5.00
Under 12’s free
Tickets available on the night
Pre-sales available from: Bicester
Town Council, SH Jones, Henry’s
of Bicester & Coles Bookstore
For more information and to book
Call anytime: 079266 29422
or email:PiddingtonVillageHall@gmail.com
28.
For further information please contact Bicester Town Council 01869 252915 or
e-mail – enquiries@bicester.gov.uk
We clean your oven so you don’t have to !
The Ready Made Meal Company
Call today to have your oven, hob, extractor or
Aga professionally cleaned
Home cooked meals made locally
ly
y aand
delivered to your door. Inspiring, de
delicious
el
food for people on the go.
Contact:
Mark Rudman
Tel: 01844 238075
Mob: 07712 421315
Tel: (07840) 333473
www.readymademealcompany.co.uk
www.ovenwizards.com
The Village Clinic, Blackthorn
Lee Butler MBAcC, MRCHM, MSc TCM Herbal Med. BSc (Hons) TCM Ac.
Acupuncture
Chinese Herbal Medicine
Massage
Tel: 01869 253552
www.thevillageclinic.co.uk
Mobile: 07833 605156
info@thevillageclinic.co.uk
Member of NHS Directory of Acupuncturists, Senior Lecturer in Complementary Therapies
The Plough
Pub Restaurant
The Plough,Ploughley Road, Arncott, Bicester OX25 1NY
Telephone: 07957404305
Now taking Christmas Bookings
3 Courses £19.95 (10% off groups of 15 or more and Senior Citizens)
Also serving Indian/Kenyan & Exotic Steaks with Draught Beer, Real Ales,
Cider, Wine & Cocktails
31.
Pets Corner.
Community.
Our New Puppy
I’ve recently been introduced to one of the greatest joys an animal lover can have.
We have always owned cats and have loved them all (though the one which hid
under the dresser & pooed in the baby capsule was less popular than the others!)
We have loved cats because they are independent and aloof yet interactive and
entertaining (usually when it suits them). They are happy to give and take
affection when time allows but content to sleep on the bed or on top of the fridge
until that time arises. However, this picture of feline bliss has recently had a major
shake up with the arrival of Bella the Miniature Schnauzer.
Bella was born in Kirtlington at 1 o’clock on a Tuesday morning – I remember the
time because I was the duty Vet and was talking the owner through the whelping
process as “Olive” proceeded to produce her six beautiful pups. The family had
been pestering me for a dog for many months but I was amazed at how I too was
caught up in the excitement of the puppies as we watched them develop over the
coming weeks.
Bella has now moved in and I’m amazed how she has fitted in so well. She mostly
toilets outside, she sleeps overnight in her crate without a whimper and has spent
several days at the Vet Practice enjoying the company of new people and dogs.
The cats are still in mild shock but at least they haven’t left home. Already I see
glimmers of hope that the cats will tolerate their canine house-mate in time.
Whilst it is still early days, we are so pleased that we have finally joined the merry
band of dog owners. We also look forward to meeting many of you as we share
the pleasure of taking Bella for a walk. Her enthusiastic greeting every morning
makes me wonder why we waited so long.
Jason Williams
32.
Bicester Vet
FREE Local Eco Event - 'Free yourself from Heating Oil & LPG'
If, like many properties in this area, your house is off the mains gas grid,
you'll be aware of the growing threat of oil theft, not to mention the
rising costs of your bills. Time to do something about it?
Come and hear about the benefits of Renewable Energy and find out what
would work best for your oil or LPG heated property. Hear from
specialists in Air Source Heat Pumps and Biomass Boilers.
Reduced bills. Environmentally friendly. No risk of theft.
This free event is hosted by one of Oxfordshire's leading renewable
energy companies, EnergyMyWay.
If you are not on the mains gas grid, this event will help you understand
the renewable alternatives to your current heating system.
Come to: The Tally Ho, Ambroseden OX25 1NY
On: Wednesday 14th March at 7pm
Can't come? Contact EnergyMyWay for advice or a free property survey.
Call 01865 733230 or email oxon@energymyway.co.uk
33.
Police Report.
Here is the latest Bicester Rural neighbourhood update from WPC Caroline
Brown
Good news stories - Males have been arrested or given cautions for all the above
drug offences.
Crimes - A generator was stolen from Ambrosden, number plates were stolen
from a car in Ambrosden. A stereo was stolen from a parked car in Piddington.
Contact us - If you want any advice or would like to contact the neighbourhood
team you can call us on the new police non-emergency number of 101 which
came into effect on 14th November 2011, but if your call is an emergency then
dial 999.
A window was damaged at a house and nails were found in a car tyre at separate
properties in Ambrosden.
You can also contact us via email:
Police have checked occupied vehicles in the following villages and found the
occupants to be in possession of Cannabis, Blackthorn, Caversfield, Wendlebury
and Launton.
BicesterRuralNHPT@thamesvalley.pnn.police.uk - please note this email address
cannot be used to contact Thames Valley Police to report crimes or for any urgent
matters.
Police updates - The Bicester Rural Neighbourhood Team are sending out crime
prevention advice packs to all oil distributors in the area which customers will
receive when ordering oil. We are working in partnership together with Nolan
Oils to deal with this issue.
If you have information about crime or Anti-Social Behaviour in your area but you
do not want to speak to the police, please call the Crimestoppers charity on 0800
555111.
Officers from the Bicester rural team assisted colleagues on an operation on the
Banbury rural area following recent burglaries.
To view information on your neighbourhood team you can visit the force website
at: www.thamesvalley.police.uk
During this operation a vehicle was stopped and the occupants arrested on
suspicion of going equipped to steal oil; as they had in their possession items
that could be used to commit thefts and also cannabis.
The team is now under the supervision of PS Nicki Entwistle who has taken over
responsibility from PS Bruce Riddell who left us at the beginning of January. PS
Entiwistle has worked on the Bicester area for several years and was an officer
on the town team before being promoted to sergeant over a year ago and comes
with a wealth of knowledge and experience in Neighbourhood Policing.
WPC
PC
Caroline Brown Shaun Sullivan
34.
PCSO
Susan Cooper
35.
Coming Soon!!
Ambrosden’s
SUMMER
Festival Weekend
June 16th -17th 2012
Saturday 18th
J.M. WALMAN
BUTCHERS / DELI
&KDUOHV:RRG6RQV
5HPRYDOVDQG6WRUDJH
Quality family butchers incorporating Victor John Catering
Award Winning Sausages, Pig-Roast & BBQ
equipment for hire.
)RUERWKORFDODQGLQWHUQDWLRQDOUHPRYDOV
$IXOODQGSURIHVVLRQDOSDFNLQJVHUYLFH
Homemade Pies and Burgers
&RQWDLQHULVHGVWRUDJH
Opening Times
$UFKLYHVWRUDJH
2IILFHUHORFDWLRQV
Monday & Wednesday
Closed all day
&RPSHWLWLYHUDWHV
Tuesday : 8.00am - 5.00pm
Thursday/Friday : 8.00am - 5.30pm
Saturday : 8.00am - 2.00pm
)RUDIXOOTXRWDWLRQFDOORUHPDLO
Tel: 01869 252619
Mobile: 07593 287284
1 Station Road, Launton, Bicester, Oxon. OX26 5DS
)XOO\LQVXUHG
3KRQH
)D[
(PDLOHQTXLULHV#FKDUOHVZRRGFRXN
Flowers in the Church
stalls for children and adults
Thomsons
refreshments
2WQVMZ[+IJQVM\5ISMZ[?WWLKIZ^MZ[
1 – 3.30pm
on the Rectory Glebe
5ISMZ[WN PQOPY]ITQ\a"
?QVLW_[,WWZ[;\IQZKI[M[
Cakes, Books, B-B-Q, Bric-a-Brac, Teas, Live Music and much
more!!
)TT\aXM[WN N]ZVQ\]ZMNQ\\ML
Fancy Hat competition
7ZNZMM[\IVLQVO
8T][U]KPUWZM
Short Songs of Praise Service 3.30pm
,Ia\QUM"!
-^MVQVO" ! 36.
www.limetreesfarm.co.uk
___\PWU[WV[RWQVMZaKW]S
Advertisingand
Contacts.
Cost of Advertising (per month).
Ad. Size
1/8
1/4
Black & White
£7.50
£15.00
Colour
£10.00
£20.00
1/2
£30.00
£40.00
Full Page
£60.00
£80.00
Width
66.25
66.25
136.5
66.25
136.5
136.5
Height
46.5
97
46.5
198
97
198
Measurements are in mm - no bleed. All adverts should be submitted as a press
quality PDF. Any bitmap images or photographs used within the artwork must
have a minimum resolution of 280 dpi. If you don’t have artwork ready we’d be
happy to design it for you. For a specially discounted price and a personalised
quote please contact us. To advertise in this publication please contact
Sandie Stevenson – 01869 321542, aastevenson@willowpond.co.uk
Advertising Cut Off
Ads. received before the 13th of the month will be included in the next months
edition. Adverts received after this date will be included in the following edition.
Classified Ads.
Classified ads. are FREE! you can have up to 35 words. Space is limited so all
entries will be on a first come first printed basis. Repeat ads. must be submitted
each month. Remember the cut off date is the 15th of the month.
Free to a good home - Khaki
Campbell and Indian Runner
ducks and drakes. Also duck
houses for sale.
Contact Steve on 07879434799
Mamas and Papas Horizon Cot
Bed, with mamas and papas
mattress. Full instructions are
included. Slightly scratched on one
side. £125.00 including mattress Call Vicky 07732 533441.
Pine corner TV cabinet with
cupboard to store DVD player/
sky box and drawer for DVD
storage. £50.00 - Call Vicky
07732 533441
The collection and editorial team.
Editor: Rachel Lamont – 01869 321771, rach22lamont@aol.com
Asst. Editor: Sandie Stevenson – 01869 321542, aastevenson@willowpond.co.uk
Village News Collators Ambrosden
Sharon Howard
Arncott
Marion Moore
Blackthorn
David Wood
Merton
Roz Box
Piddington
Chris Howard
01869 247920
01869 253600
01869 321380
01865 331475
01844 237928
sharonlhoward@btinternet.com
marionmoore20@btinternet.com
davidwoodconsultants@talktalk.net
roswitha.box@virgin.net
chris.howard38@btinternet.com
All items for the next magazine should be given to the village collators by the 11th
of the month and to the editor by the 13th of each month. Free classified ads should
go to Sandie Stevenson by this date also (contact as above.)
38.
39.
D. W Plumbing
Mature apprentice plumber.
Second year of college.
No job too small.
Cheaper than your average plumber.
Please call Dave on
07725 748385
WITH OIL PRICES SO HIGH, ISN’T
IT TIME YOU FOUND A MORE COST
EFFECTIVE HEATING SYSTEM?
R J WAKELIN
Painting & Decorating Specialist.
Interior / Exterior
Add to that, the inconvenience of having to
remember to fill your oil tank and the disruption
of tanker deliveries, it really would seem the
price you are paying is way over the odds.
Private / Commercial
01869 243264.
BW WASP & MOLE CONTROL
LOCAL WASP & MOLE PROBLEMS SOLVED.
THE CROWN
Charlton-on-Otmoor
Previously there may not have been an alternatve,
but Mitsubishi Electric has now introduced a
highly efficient, low carbon air source heat pump
known as Ecodan which will take away the
unpredictability in your annual fuel bills.
Friendly village pub serving cask
conditioned ales.
BICESTER
OXFORDSHIRE
FOR AN IDEA OF JUST HOW MUCH ECODAN COULD SAVE YOU IN
YOUR HOME, VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR COST COMPARISONS
PHONE: 01869 243265
MOBILE: 0797 7850 673
GREENCOURT BOARDING KENNELS
AND CATTERY
~ PEOPLE WHO CARE ~
NEW FULL GROOMING SERVICE AVAILABLE
Daily walks in the countryside
Large heated kennels
Individual runs
Open all year
Fully licensed and insured
Inspections welcome during
opening hours:
Mon - Sat: 8am to 4.30pm
Sundays & Bank holidays:
8am until noon.
Tel: 01869 327810
Website: greencourtdogandcat.co.uk
Email: greencourt@btinternet.com
Excellent thai cuisine available
every day, except Tuesday.
Eat in or take away.
Tel: 01865 331850
To order food: 01865 331010
Solar Ener
Energy
g
01296 331362
www.ardenhamenergy.co.uk
info@ardenhamenergy.co.uk
Ardenham E nergy L imited I C ane E nd Lane I B ierton I Ayles bury I B ucks I HP 22 5B H
Advertise your business
or services here !
Reach every home in
Ambrosden, Arncott, Merton,
Piddington and Blackthorn
Robert L. Darvill & Son Plasterers.
Tel: 01869 240924
Mob: 07894 816225
circulaton approximately 1100 and growing
Contact Sandie on 01869 321542
or see page 42 for details
Brightside Therapies
Swedish Massage
Indian Head Massage
Stressed? Overworked? Tense? Headache?
A relaxing massage will restore you in mind and
body, ready to take on the world again!
For an appointment call Steve on 07552 058356
50% discount with this advert - 1 per person
steve@brightsidetherapies.com
www.brightsidetherapies.com
Village Fabrics
Bicester Blind Centre Ltd.
Blinds, Soft Furnishings, Poles
Tracks, Upholstery, Curtains,
Wallpaper & more
Tel: 01869 244877
Fax: 01869 243305
www.village-fabrics.co.uk
Churchill Road, Bicester, OX26 4PZ
$OO6FUDS0HWDO:DQWHG²7RS3ULFHV3DLG
Cash for Cars – MOT Failures & Insurance Write – Off’s
7HOZZZOFKXJKHVFRXN
/&+8*+(63$571(56+,3
0HWDOFROOHFWLRQVHUYLFH
(OHFWURQLF5HF\FOLQJ:(((
)DFWRU\&OHDUDQFH
&DU%UHDNHUV
5HFODPDWLRQ
6NLS+LUH
Gardens by Bob Massingham
Qualified, Experienced and Insured.
Passionate about Gardens
07770 723097 bob.massingham@live.com
Private and Commercial work undertaken
Patios
Fencing
Garden Maintenance
info@advstudio.co.uk
www.advstudio.co.uk
01869 868111
THREE CORNERS GARAGE
Ambrosden
est. 1951
M.O.T and Service Centre
Servicing carried out to manufacturer’s specifications.
Welding, engine diagnostic, air conditioning, all mechanical work undertaken.
Wide selection of premium and economy tyres in stock.
For any of the above services, please contact Alan or Dave on:
01869 320100
For car sales call Steve Welbourne on:
07547 915253
Drive the American Dream!
Classic American cars available in Ambrosden /// 01869 601028