December 2010 Advertiser

| The Advertiser | page 1 |

The Festive

| Winter 2010 |

Advertiser Essential shops & services with everything you need – all wonderfully local!

Inside this month: Xmas Dinner Tips Restaurant Reviews Fashion’s Rising Star A Little Bird Tale and more …

Promoting local business, trade and services. Advertise from just £9.95 per month!

| The Advertiser | page 2 |

The

| Dec 2010 / Jan 2011 |

Advertiser Charles Hickman Ltd Heating & Plumbing Engineer • • • • • •

Central Heating Installations New Bathrooms Upgrade Heating Controls Outdoor Taps Washing Machine Installation Small Works

Over 30 years’ experience installing heating & plumbing systems, small works and maintenance Please call Charles for a professional and reliable service

(Clanfield) 01367 810457 Mobile 07760 170625

“The most thorough carpet cleaning you have ever seen, or it’s free! You have our guarantee” That’s right, the most thorough cleaning ever. If you’re not 100% absolutely delighted with any aspect of our carpet and upholstery cleaning service we’ll quickly return and give you a free re-clean.

If we still can’t make you happy we will refund your money 100% - What could be fairer?

You don’t have to spend a fortune to keep your carpets and upholstery clean - We’ll give you the best value for your investment!

We’ve invested in the best cleaning system possible.

Our powerful machines give a deep down clean leaving a fantastic result on carpets and upholstery every time!

Curtains cleaned in situ, flood & fire restoration.

Your carpets will normally be dry in an hour. Full protection service available with guarantee! Excellent value for money!

DIRT BUSTERS Your local carpet, curtain & upholstery cleaners

Drop-off Rug Cleaning Service now available A family run business

Independently owned and operating in Oxfordshire

01993 842000 WARNING Don’t call any carpet cleaning company until you’ve listened to this free 24-hour recorded message.

FREE CONSUMER INFORMATION LINE

0800 695 1121 “The consumer’s Guide to Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning” Listen to this message and you will learn: How to avoid 4 carpet cleaning rip-offs 6 costly misconceptions 8 Questions to ask a carpet cleaner before you let him into your home AD 11/10

| The Advertiser | page 3 |

Business Update Faringdon Chamber of Commerce was pleased to sponsor this year’s Business Award at the Faringdon Community Awards that were held on Wednesday 17th November. The Chamber of Commerce congratulate Faringdon Coffee House in winning this award. Their nomination stated that “the staff are so friendly to visitors and residents alike. Make you feel relaxed and welcome whether you are alone, with friends, buying 1 cup of tea or a full breakfast! They always go the extra mile when trying to accommodate food allergies or special requests.” The other businesses who were nominated for this award, Simply Schoolwear and Caldecourt Carpets are to be praised for their friendly customer service. Other winners this year included Joy Blake, who won the Clive Davis Community Hero Award for her work with the Royal British Legion and especially for organising the gatherings for repatriation of our fallen service personnel.

Faringdon Rotary Club were the recipients of the Group Award for their fundraising and support of local and national charities.

Congratulations to all of them!

The Chamber of Commerce are working hard organising their annual fund-raising event - Faringdon Winter Ball. This event will be held at Sudbury House Hotel on Friday 3rd December.

The proceeds from this year’s Ball will go to the Bromsgrove Day Centre. A small number of tickets are still available for the event and tickets are just £50.00 each and include a champagne reception, a three course gourmet meal and dancing. We have been very lucky to book the fantastic local band “Life & Soul” again this year. For tickets or more information please contact Chamber Secretary, Jane Haynes on 01367 241162 or email jane.haynes@bordengate.com.

Chamber member, Bordengate Insurance, has moved offices and can now be found at 27 Market Place. The offices that they have vacated at 14 Market Place are available to rent, fully furnished on a short or long term basis. For more information please contact Nick Elwell on 01367 246130 or email nick@bordengate.com.

The next meeting of Faringdon Chamber of Commerce will be on Monday 13th December in the Board Room at Bordengate Insurance from 6:30pm – new members are always welcome.

Annual membership of the Chamber runs from January and costs from £20.00.

Cover image: Tree on Folly Hill

by Alison Neale Alison Neale, who lives in Faringdon, only started taking “proper” photographs last Christmas when she was given a DLSR camera. The January snow gave her the perfect opportunity to try out the new camera, and this, taken at the top of Folly Hill, was one of many shots taken that week.

Curry for breakfast, anyone? Faringdon Business Breakfast Club’s intrepid Chairman, Paul Brame has persuaded the Snooty Mehmaan, Faringdon's hottest new restaurant, to provide a traditional Full English breakfast where they normally serve brilliant curries. The next meeting will be held on Monday 6th December at 7:30am. This breakfast will feature the popular 1-2-1 mini-meetings. But will Father Christmas join the fun? And will there be a seasonal rhyme? Join us to find out. As always, the cost is £10 which includes a buffet breakfast. You can reserve your place today by phoning the booking line on 0845 003 1340.

Faringdon Chamber of Commerce has linked with Faringdon Business Breakfast Club for a Christmas Lunch that will be held at the wonderful Market Restaurant on Wednesday 15th December. Places are limited – so book early to avoid disappointment.

For more information please contact Chamber Secretary, Jane Haynes on 01367 241162 or email jane.haynes@bordengate.com.

Wishing you a Happy Christmas and a Prosperous New Year from everyone at Focus on Faringdon CIC.

| The Advertiser | page 4 |

Faringdon’s Rising Star of the Fashion World!

Anyone who is anyone in the world of fashion is very excited about rising star Kirsty Ward, and we are really excited too because Kirsty is a local girl! Born and brought up in Faringdon, Kirsty now splits her time between here and London, though her family still live in the town. Kirsty attended local schools and continued her education in Oxford and Manchester before graduating in 2008 with a distinction from the prestigious Womenswear MA degree at Central Saint Martins’ College of Art and Design, London. Immediately after her graduate show, Kirsty was snapped up by Alberta Ferretti to design for her in Italy. After a year and a half honing her craft with Ferretti, Kirsty launched her own label with a Spring/Summer 2011 collection during London Fashion Week.

With a natural talent for fashion, Kirsty Ward’s designs have attracted interest and commissions from a variety of fashion heavyweights. She was asked by London Fashion Week debutant David Longshaw to design a jewellery line for his Autumn and Winter 2010/11 catwalk collection, which debuted in February 2010. The collaboration, which led to Kirsty being selected as a finalist for the Italian ITS#9 awards, also resulted in worldwide positive press and praise for her jewellery, which often juxtaposes masculine and feminine aesthetics with beads, Swarovski crystals, fine silks and plumbing all artfully strung together to create beautiful, playfully arresting pieces.

Kirsty showcased her debut collection - which includes sculptural jewellery and boned, textured clothing inspired by “1980s ‘bad taste’, tinsel, lametta and the work of Felix Topolski” - during London Fashion Week . As Kirsty explains, “I like simple vests, basic shapes and staple wardrobe garments. Deep down there’s the minimalist in me but I create statement jewellery which adds something extra.”

Kirsty is also one of 20 young designers and artists invited to decorate a window at Selfridges in January, and her designs will be on sale in the store during the exhibition, fittingly titled “Bright Young Things”.

For more information about Kirsty Ward and her work visit www.kirstyward.com

| The Advertiser | page 5 |

HOMELAND GARDEN MACHINES LTD

Buy your Christmas trees HERE! AGENTS FOR: OLEOMAC, EFCO, AL-KO, BRIGGS & STRATTON, LAWNFLITE, CLUB CADET, JONSERED, ECHO, PARTNER, MITOX, HUSQVARNA, SANLI AND MANY MORE

countrysideconservatories@btconnect.com

| The Advertiser | page 6 |

Turkey and all the trimmings For the cook of the household, Christmas Day is a challenge. With expectations high and kitchens stretched to their limits, cooking the Christmas turkey and all the trimmings to perfection can be tough. It’s time for home cooks to learn a few tricks from some celebrity chefs.

Terrific turkey Turkey is the dish of the day in most households, yet many people end up with a disappointingly dried out bird. “One of the biggest challenges when cooking a turkey is that the legs take longer than the breasts,” says Jamie Oliver. “The breasts dry out in the oven while you’re waiting for the legs to cook.”

Jamie’s solution? “I like to push stuffing between the turkey’s skin and breasts, increasing the thickness of the breasts so they take the same time to cooks as the legs. The result: juicy turkey all round.”

Sizzling spuds Cooking perfect roast potatoes is another big challenge when you are tight on oven space and catering for the masses. River Cottage star Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall advises that you start off with the right floury potato, such as Cara or King Edward. Par-boil the potatoes in gently boiling salted water for about eight minutes. Leave to cool completely then scratch roughly with a fork and season with a little fine salt. Use an oil that can withstand high temperatures, such as sunflower or groundnut oil, and preheat until the oil is sizzling hot.

Baste as soon as they go into the pan so they have a light coating of oil from the start and roast for 45 minutes in a hot oven.

If you want to make them ahead of time, remove 10 minutes early, drain away the oil and put in a dry oven dish. You can then pop them back in the oven ten minutes before serving and they will retain their crispiness.

Gorgeous gravy Only homemade will do for Delia Smith. “Commercially produced gravy mixes, highly flavoured beef extracts, meat cubes or stock cubes are not needed,” she says.

“The chemical flavours will not enhance the meat at all."

Smith advises that you make the extra time to make your own using the meat roasting tin containing its fat and juices, or the pan in which the meat has been browned. The additional liquid can be wine, dry cider, stock or even water, which you can thicken with cornflour.

Brilliant bread sauce It's is a wonderful accompaniment for all the trimmings and so easy to make your own instead of using a packet mix, says Ready, Steady Cook's Brian Turner. His recipe uses two thirds of milk and one third of double cream, which is gently brought to the boil with softened onions, six cloves and one bayleaf.

The sauce is left to infuse for 20 minutes and is then strained into a new pan. A large pinch of fresh breadcrumbs is added with salt and a pinch of cayenne pepper and the sauce is simmered for two minutes. “Make at the last minute, put a blob of butter on top so it doesn’t skin and remember it will get thicker as it stands,” Turner says.

Sexy sprouts Love ‘em or loathe them, Brussels sprouts are part and parcel of Christmas dinner, but sultry TV chef Nigella Lawson believes that the poor sprout has earned a bad reputation from generations of over-cooking. “When a sprout is allowed to keep a bit of bite, it has a nutty freshness,” she says. “It helps if the sprouts you’re cooking are relatively small.”

Nigella’s delicious recipe for sprouts uses cubed pancetta fried gently in oil before adding butter and vacuum-packed chestnuts.

Once the chestnuts have been broken down, add a dash of marsala wine and allow the mixture to reduce. Sprouts that have been pre-boiled for five minutes are added along with a handful of fresh parsley.

Now all you need to do is steam your vegetables and pour yourself a large glass of wine!

| The Advertiser | page 7 |

THE BARBER SHOP 6 Cornmarket, Faringdon

Warehouse Assistant Ariat Europe, situated in Park Road, Faringdon has a vacancy within its excellent new warehouse facility.

Wishing you a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year.

From Dawn and the staff at The Barber Shop

The ideal candidate will be energetic, a good communicator, with excellent numeric and interpersonal skills. You will need to be pro-active and hard working. This is an exciting opportunity to join a dynamic team. Candidates must reside within 35 minutes of the office.

Applications in writing with CV to: Andrew Gray, Operations Manager, Ariat Europe Limited 1 Radcot Estate, Park Road, Faringdon, Oxon, SN7 8LA andrew.gray@ariat.com www.ariat-europe.com Ariat Europe operates a non smoking environment policy

CAR BODY REPAIRS V W RESTORATION

TEL 01367 243324 MOB 07918 660725 OPEN MON-SAT 8-6ISH jimers213@btconnect.com

| The Advertiser | page 8 |

Restaurant Review The Maytime Inn, Asthall, Nr Burford Tel: 01993 822068 Website: www.themaytime.com Sundays in Autumn are all about finding a cosy country pub for a lovely Sunday lunch, which is how my husband Steve and I found ourselves seeking out The Maytime Inn in the tiny hamlet of Asthall near Burford.

After the terrible floods in 2007, The Maytime Inn - so named after May and Tim, the landlords - has now been restored back to its olde worlde charm with exposed beams, vaulted ceiling and split level bar/dining area along with two other very pleasant dining areas. They even had (our now Prime Minister) David Cameron, no less, to re-open the Inn after the major refurbishment. We were greeted at the door by the landlords’ two very cute dogs Jessie, a miniature Schnauzer and Baxter, a West Highland Terrier.

They do a varied Sunday lunch menu of 2 courses at £12.95 or 3 courses for £15.95. We both plumped for the 2 course menu, where I had the fresh Avocado Salad with Vinaigrette Dressing followed by their Vegetarian Roast dinner with Yorkshire Pudding, which I must say was a refreshing change as I have never seen a veggie roast dinner option on a menu before! It consisted of 7 different vegetables accompanied by a huge homemade Yorkshire pud and crispy roast potatoes and gravy. Steve chose the Roast Beef and he rounded it off with their fresh Blackberry and Apple Crumble and Custard, which I couldn't resist helping myself to. The portion sizes were good and included fresh seasonal fruit and vegetables, and we especially enjoyed the delicious flavours of the fruit crumble.

I would recommend this lovely pub as a great place to eat. The surroundings are beautiful, the service is very friendly and efficient and, judging by our visit, The Maytime Inn is an extremely popular pub. They do a jazz evening every Friday along with Super Thursday - 2 course dinner only £10.95. Check out their website for more offers, including Christmas and New Year's Eve menus - and remember, as their byline says: "The Maytime is not just for Christmas, it’s open everyday throughout the year."

Review by Mrs Emma Rusher Do you have a favourite local restaurant or pub? Send us a review and we’ll try and publish it in a future issue of The Advertiser! Send reviews by email to: lou@bordengate.com

| The Advertiser | page 9 |

Wine Review Petit Verdot: What’s the Verdict?

Azamor Petit Verdot 2007 It has been said that petit verdot predates cabernet sauvignon in Bordeaux, but its popularity has diminished as it is very late ripening, clocking up an average of about one year in every five! Whilst it is still valued in Bordeaux blends for its colour, structure and attractive violet aromas, it has since been adopted by other parts of the world as a varietal such as Australia (Trentham Estate) and Simonsig (South Africa).

This little treasure hails from Alentejo, Portugal.

The Alentejo climate is known for its cold winters and hot summers. The 2007 vintage was exceptional, with over 75cm of rain during the year and a late summer, allowing the grapes to mature gradually. This wine is elegant and well balanced with subtle aromas of fresh violets and raspberries with vanilla spice. The tannins are supple and soft and give way to a lengthy, lingering finish. Definitely something to sip whilst relaxing over the Christmas break!

Available from the Portwell Angel.

125ml glass £3.75 175ml £5.00 By the bottle £18.90 or to take-away £14.10

Something a little bit different to go with the turkey!

Plantagenet Omrah Pinot Noir 2009 I know it’s red, but who says you have to have a white wine to go with the turkey at Christmas? It’s the flavours that count. Pairing a light, fruity pinot noir with the turkey and cranberry can prove to be a delicious match. This pinot noir is produced from the fruit sourced from the Great Southern area of Western Australia. Believe it or not, it is considered a cool climate, which is an integral part of providing wines with refreshingly crisp acidity. The Omrah Pinot Noir has aromas and flavours of cherries and raspberries with vanilla spice. On the palate it has a supple and smooth texture with sweet red fruit and acidity that provides the backbone. The length is medium, with sweet spice on the finish.

Available from the Portwell Angel.

175ml £4.10 250ml £5.30 By the bottle £18.90 or to take-away £10.45 Reviews by Donna Rogers.

Donna Rogers is the Proprietor of Den Boer Wines, which is based in Faringdon. The main objective of her business is to recreate the cellar door experience, similar to that of her home town in Adelaide, South Australia.

Providing tuition via a wine tasting experience, Donna aims to help educate and inform participants in a relaxed environment free from any ‘stuffiness’.

She is also a keen ‘foodie’ as food and wine go hand in hand!

REVIEWS

Dawn and the staff at Stylers would like to wish all their customers a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year.

2 London Street, Faringdon 01367 240249

Charney Pet Care Centre vLuxury Boarding for Dogs & Cats vDog Day-care and Walking Service vCanine Activity Holidays vDog Grooming vPet Shop Stanford Road, Faringdon, Oxon SN7 8ET Tel: 01367 241063 www.charneykennels.co.uk

| The Advertiser | page 10 |

Out and About in Faringdon Date From Wed 1st

Event Father Xmas and Thomas the Tank Engine touring the area

Venue

Time

Contact

Charge/info

Various

Teatime onwards

www.faringdon.org for full details

Organised by Rotary Club

01793 780 555

Help for Heroes fundraiser

Until 23rd Dec

Christmas Magic

Farmer Gow's, Fernham

8.30am-6pm

Wed 1st

Christmas Shopping

The Portwell Angel

5pm-8pm

Fri 3rd

Steak Night

The Red Lion

6pm-9pm

Fri 3rd

Kiff @ The Portwell Angel

Portwell Angel

Fri 3rd

The Winter Ball

Sudbury House Hotel

Sat 4th

Live music with Al

The Red Lion

Sat 4th

Pre-School Xmas Fayre

Catholic Church Hall

Sat 4th

Live music: Neil Stereohands Dwerryman

The Old Crown Coaching House

Sun 5th

The 15 Minute Club

The Red Lion

8-11pm

Tues 7th

MADD open stage

Corn Exchange

8pm

Everyone welcome

Wed 8th

Christmas Shopping

The Portwell Angel

5pm-8pm

All sorts of goodies!

Thurs 9th

James Mitchell and Grahame O'Connor with their Clavinola piano.

"Not all Flanagan and Allen"

Corn Exchange

2.15 for 2.30pm

Fri 10th

Port Mahon

The Portwell Angel

Fri 10th

Wantage Silver Band present a Xmas Concert

Faringdon Community College

Sat 11th

Phousa, supported by Nial Prince

The Portwell Angel

Fri 10th to Sun 12th

Big Christmas Sing

Farmer Gow’s, Fernham

Sun 12th

Christmas Pudding Cycle Ride

Leaves Wantage Market Place at 10am

Sun 12th

Xmas tree sale

Forecourt of Storage 4 You, Park Road

8am-1pm

In aid of FCC’s PTA

Sun 12th

Faringdon Singers Concert

Roman Catholic Church

3pm

Free entry

Wed 15th

Seven O’Clock Junkies

The Portwell Angel

Wed 15th

Christmas Shopping

The Portwell Angel

Thurs 16th

Christmas Bingo

Corn Exchange

Fri 17th

Port Mahon

The Portwell Angel

Live music

Sat 18th

Fergusson

The Portwell Angel

Live music

Sat 18th

A Caribbean Evening

The Red Lion

Live music & authentic food

Wed 22nd

Christmas Shopping

The Portwell Angel

5pm-8pm

Thurs 23rd

Blood donation session

Corn Exchange

1.15pm-3.30pm 4.15pm-7.15pm

Thu 23rd

True Calling and Tiff

The Red Lion

All sorts of goodies!

Fiona Flint 01367 241162 Free 10am-12noon

7.30pm

Santa, stalls, raffle

07714 218825

Ian Clarkson 01793 782836

01235 770378

Free

U3A event

Adults £7, seniors £5, children £1

www.myspace.com/ phousa 10am-4pm

www.farmergows. co.uk/christmas

Christian Aid fundraiser

www.ctcwantage.org. uk or call Steve on 01235 764257

Raising funds for Whizzkidz children's mobility charity

Live music 5pm-8pm

All sorts of goodies!

In aid of the African Children’s Fund

Come in shorts and sunglasses!

All sorts of goodies!

0300 123 2323 Live music

Give blood, save lives!

| The Advertiser | page 11 |

during December and January Date

Event

Venue

Time

Sat 25th

Xmas Day cycle with Faringdon Farcycles

Leaves from Market Place

Fri 31st

New Year’s Eve Party

The Red Lion

80s party!

Sat 1st

New year’s Day cycling with Farcycles

Leaves from Market Place

See the Farcycles page on Facebook

Sat 8th

Xmas tree recycling

Market Square

Sat 15th

Mayor’s Charity Dinner

Sudbury House Hotel

Sat 15th

Trip to the Ballet: Romeo and Juliet

London Coliseum (transport arranged)

Mon 24th

The Town Meeting

TBA

Fri 28th

Dick Whittington

Sat 29th

Dick Whittington

9.30am3.30pm

Contact See the Farcycle Facebook page for more info

Trees recycled for compost

Charge/info

Donations to Faringdon & District Rotary £35 £75 pp inc coach Proceeds to Save the Children Considering 2011/12 Precept, Faringdon Town Council

Matinee

David or Margot 01367 244853

Faringdon Junior School

7.30pm

Fiona 01367 242967

£8 adults, £6 conc

Faringdon Junior School

2.30pm and 7.30pm

Fiona 01367 242967

£8 adults, £6 conc

Regular events 1st Tues of month Every Wed Every Fri Every Sat Every Sat

Farmers' market

Market Place

All day

Health Walks

Leave from The Bell Hotel

10.30am

WI Country Market

Corn Exchange

9.15-11am

Leave from Market Place

9am

Faringdon Community College

1-3pm

Faringdon Farcycles cycle ride Supportive, informal parenting group

01367 710445

01367 241142

11-12 and 25-35 miles

Stella on 07963536568

Send details of your event to lou@bordengate.com or call Lou Guthrie on 01367 241162

Watch out for The Blowbacks in 2011!

The Blowbacks - Psych-pop for the masses!

Formed from the ashes of popular local bands The Julia Set and Seven Years On, Faringdon-based combo The Blowbacks look set for a bright 2011 thanks to their addictive brand of expansive, melody-soaked rock.

With influences ranging from Free Jazz to Frank Sinatra, via Neil Young, Krautrock and classic 80s/90s noisepop, The Blowbacks whip up a sound that is equal parts fragile beauty and motorik power. Songs which boast indelibly catchy tunes on disc are strapped to jet engines on stage and sent into orbit.

Having most recently performed at The Portwell Angel in support of Oxfam, as well as recording a 4 song acoustic set for 105.5FM, the band are currently ensconced in the studio working on the follow-up to their 7 song debut EP ‘Half An Hour With ...’ which they self-released at the end of 2009. For details of upcoming shows by The Blowbacks or to order a copy of either of their stunning EPs, visit www.myspace.com/theblowbacks or www.facebook.com/pages/The-Blowbacks/39345866869

C.F.

| The Advertiser | page 12 |

Restaurant Review Colley’s Lechlade High Street Lechlade-on-Thames , Gloucestershire GL7 3AE Tel: 01367 252218 A rare opportunity to get together with a group of friends to celebrate a birthday milestone called for something a little special. I had been told about Colley’s a few years ago and when I worked out that the last time I went there was actually a couple of years ago – well, it just had to be time to go again!

Collies operates in an organised, ‘one sitting’ manner, whereby the whole restaurant arrives at 7.30pm and is seated at the same time.

There is no menu to speak of, but a very eloquent, almost theatrical host who conjures up an image of tasty fayre. The main courses are actually paraded for your selection, leaving no room for ‘food envy’ when you observe fellow diners’ meals.

I dined on an exquisite smoked mackerel paté which was served beautifully as small canapés. To follow was a spicy onion baji soup. The choices for the mains were pork with crackling, corned beef, haddock or vegetable filo. Far from the plainness of the description, my corned beef was tender and melted in the mouth; it was served on a minted pea sauce, which was divine. The dessert menu was extensive and you were invited to try them all if you wished! I managed two (much to everyone’s horror): a syrup pudding with custard and a profiterole type of ensemble. Both were delicious! We finished with some amazing cheeses (I do apologise but by this time the red wine had affected my cheese name memory neuron).

The restaurant itself is decorated in period style, providing a very comfortable backdrop to a leisurely four hours spent dining on five courses!

Bookings are essential, £29.95 per person with £5 deposit per person required prior to the date.

Review by Donna Rogers Do you have a favourite local restaurant or pub? Send us a review and we’ll try and publish it in a future issue of The Advertiser! Send reviews by email to: lou@bordengate.com

REVIEWS

| The Advertiser | page 13 |

| The Advertiser | page 14 |

MARTY! Have you seen this bird?

(Turdus merula) I first met Marty during the early spring of 2009. He flew in to the garden looking for food to feed to his three young chicks. It struck me immediately that he looked like a dishevelled First World War pilot, with full leather helmet and large round goggles.

(Can Blackbirds really look this bad?)

He was very timid at first, taking flight whenever we ventured into the garden. However, after offering him a constant supply of dried mealworms and sultanas, we soon became good friends. As the weather improved Marty would bring his fledglings with him for nibbles, his confidence growing all the time. It wasn’t long before both he and his family were tapping their beaks on the patio door to gain attention: “Hey you, we’re here!” It was worth the cost of bird food in entertainment value alone, each bird developing its own character and quirky rituals but, make no mistake, Marty was top bird and everyone knew it! This continued throughout the summer and Marty and co became part of the family; we even worried about them if we had to spend time away, sad but true!

During August, we decided to sell up and move to the other side of Faringdon. This was a serious decision as Marty and the kids would not be following. It’s now winter and we often wonder what has happened to the crazy bunch. So if you have seen this good looking geezer, please put some food out for him, as winter is just around the corner. By the way, Marty’s partner is called Hair-Do and the three kids are Fluffy, Timet and Grots - but that’s another story!!!

C.Row

We endeavour to deliver this magazine to all homes in Faringdon.

If you or anyone you know do not receive a copy through your door, please let us know by contacting our Sales Manager Lou Guthrie on 01367 241162 or email lou@bordengate.com

| The Advertiser | page 15 |

French Customer Service Specialist We are looking to appoint an additional, self-motivated individual who must be IT literate with excellent communication skills.

The successful applicant will have French as their first language to work with our French and Belgian retailers. Candidates must reside within 35 minutes of the office. This is an exciting opportunity to join a dynamic team.

Applications in writing with CV to: Andrew Gray, Operations Manager Ariat Europe Limited 1 Radcot Estate, Park Road, Faringdon, Oxfordshire, SN7 8LA andrew.gray@ariat.com www.ariat-europe.com Ariat Europe operates a non smoking environment policy

| The Advertiser | page 16 |

Free* Home Delivery now available *for orders over £20 at your independently owned local store

The Stone Book: drawings of Faringdon and the Vale of the White Horse 18th-century

Are you looking for a Christmas present rich in local interest?

The All Saints’ church has just published a book of 22 pen and ink sketches of the town and wider area made around the end of the 18th century by the organist, John Stone. Many of the drawings are paired with a modern photograph. It is an ideal present for family and friends who have moved away.

This lovely gift book can be purchased for £7.50.

Available from Tourist Information, the White Horse Bookshop and in All Saints’. Sold in aid of All Saints’ church.

| The Advertiser | page 17 |

GLASS GLASS PROCESSORS & GLAZIERS GLASS CUT WHILE-U-WAIT MIRRORS • BEVELLING SANDBLASTING • POLISHING DRILLING • DECORATIVE GLASS COLOURED SPLASHBACKS Cameo Glass, Park Road, Faringdon, Oxon SN7 7DS Tel: 01367 242421 Fax: 01367 242978 Email: sales@cameo-glass.com

OFFICES TO RENT IN FARINGDON MARKET PLACE Faringdon Town Centre Offices Available to include: Ÿ Utilities (excluding phone calls) Ÿ Internet Ÿ Fax Ÿ Cleaning Ÿ Tea & Coffee Ÿ Fully Furnished Ÿ Secure Parking Area Ÿ Meeting Rooms available nearby

Rooms will accommodate up to four desks with phones and internet connections.

Cost of rental is £350 + £50 per desk per calendar month. One month rent is payable as a deposit + one month rent in advance.

For more information please contact Nick Elwell or Jane Haynes on 01367 241162 or email jane.haynes@bordengate.com

The Advertiser is published by Focus on Faringdon CIC, 14 Market Place, Faringdon SN7 7HP. Tel: 08456 580560. All artwork designed by us is the copyright of Focus on Faringdon CIC and must not be used by or in any other publication, in whatsoever format, without our prior written consent. No part of this publication, whether advert, pictures or text, may be reproduced in any format whatsoever without the prior written consent of Focus on Faringdon CIC. The information published in the advertisements and other articles is supplied and approved by ad vertisers. Focus on Faringdon CIC does not verify or ratify any claims made in such advertisements or text, nor does it accept any claims or liability arising from contact with or use of services advertised. Every effort is made to ensure the accurate reproduction of information supplied by advertisers in their advertisements or other text submitted.

Any inaccuracies must be notified to the publisher immediately following the first insertion so that amendments may be made for subsequent issues. The Publisher does not accept responsibility or liability for claims arising for inaccuracies published in advertisements where the advertiser has not advised Focus on Faringdon CIC prior to publication.

| The Advertiser | page 18 |

Experts - local services £££ EARN CASH NOW £££ Delivering Betterware catalogues Taking orders and delivering the goods It’s really that simple!!!

All local areas & surrounding villages Flexible hours to suit No costs to join!!!

0121 693 2671 The more you do - The more you earn!!!

Acoustic/Electric Beginners Welcome

01367 242740 THE BARBER SHOP 6 Cornmarket, Faringdon

Tues 9am-5.15pm Wed 9am-5.15pm Thur 9am-7pm Fri 9am-6pm Sat 8.30am-1pm Open lunchtimes

01367 244611

D.G. Joinery City & Guilds qualified carpenter and joiner.

All Carpentry work undertaken Specialist in fitted wardrobes • Kitchen installations Bookcases • Bespoke joinery - including stairs All exterior carpentry including decking, sheds etc.

Any building alterations including guttering etc.

Free Quotations Telephone: 07831 680440

City & Guilds Qualified - CRB checked All aspects of timber work catered for Inbuilt wardrobes made to measure * Loft conversions Kitchen & bathroom installation Home improvements including tiling & wood flooring uPVC fascia & guttering installed * uPVC windows & doors

Telephone: 07581 171815 The local carpenter, no inflated prices

Oven Cleaning Service Not only do we clean ovens, we can also clean: Grills, Hobs, Stoves, Extractor Hoods, BBQ’s,WoodBurners, Fireplaces, Agas, Rayburns & Microwaves (oven racks/shelves included in price) All work undertaken carried out to a high standard & only good quality cleaning materials used.

Please contact Daniel on 07584 190271 for a reasonable quote.

TOM FOY Repairs & Servicing of Washing Machines, Cookers and Driers Fully Guaranteed

Tel: 01793 766397 or 01367 252701 (Lechlade)

LP Accountancy Services Short/Long Distances Business Accounts Driver Hire 4/7 Seaters

Corporate Service Courier Service Executive Cars Insured Cars

Enquiries@faringdoncars.co.uk www.faringdoncars.co.uk

Bookkeeping, Management Accounts, VAT Returns, Self Assessment, IT Implementation, Payroll

Competitive Prices

Call me on 07824 539494 Louise Pearson - Accountancy Services lou.pears@hotmail.co.uk

Advertise for just £9.95 per month. Call Lou on 01367 241162

| The Advertiser | page 19 |

26 Market Place • Faringdon Oxfordshire SN7 7HU E: portwellangel@googlemail.com

Christmas Shopping Wednesdays 1st, 8th, 15th and 22nd December 5pm-8pm All sorts of goodies

Kiff @ The Portwell Angel Friday 3rd December Firmly established as part of Faringdon’s musical fabric, Kiff perform a special unplugged set of their favourite songs to celebrate their fourteenth year of performing together.

Port Mahon @ The Portwell Angel Friday 10th December

Phousa @ The Portwell Angel - supported by Nial Saturday 11th December An acoustic folk pop singer-singwriter based in Witney, Phousa has been performing as a soloist for the last five years. Her influences range from Alicia Keys to Damien Rice to Lady Gaga. She sings songs of love, loss and life.

Phousa was a regional finalist in the nationwide competition ‘Live & Unsigned 2009’ and has since continued to share her cocktail of heartache and toe-tapping all around Oxfordshire and London. www.myspace.com/phousa

Professional Mobile Beauty Therapist & Nail Technician INTRODUCTORY OFFER: 25% Off your First Treatment Introducing NEW ROCKSTAR TOES Shimmering Glitter Encapsulated in High Gloss UV Gel for a Multi Dimensional Reflective Effect Perfect for your Christmas Party!

Call for more information or to book your Appointment

07596 604800 www.spoilt.moonfruit.com

Seven O’Clock Junkies @ The Portwell Angel Wednesday 15th December Live music at The Portwell Angel from local four-piece band. Join the band for a rare acoustic set as they play a selection of original songs and covers with the odd Christmas pop song thrown in for good measure. Come and enjoy a drink and some live music in the cosy surroundings of Faringdon’s most intimate venue. sevenoclockjunkies.co.uk

Port Mahon @ The Portwell Angel Friday 17th December

Fergusson @ The Portwell Angel Saturday 18th December Fergusson visited The Portwell Angel earlier in the year. He struck a deep and meaningful conversation with a zebra with a “have I got a big-ass” complex. The zebra has moved on and Fergusson is back. www.myspace.com/fergussonelliott

Christmas Day Saturday 25th December (just in case you’d forgotten!)

Tuesdays: Ladies Night: Half price cocktails Wednesdays: Half price platters when bought with a bottle of wine from our extensive wine list

Thursday & Fridays: Free canapé with all drinks purchased between 5.00pm and 7.00pm Visit www.portwellangel.co.uk for current details of events, special offers, etc. and to take a look at our NEW MENU

Customer Service Assistant ______ Maternity Cover ______ We are looking to appoint a self-motivated individual to cover maternity leave for a minimum of 7 months. The candidate must be IT literate with excellent communication skills.

The successful applicant will be able to support our UK Customers – however, a second language would be an advantage. Candidates must reside within 35 minutes of the office. This is an exciting opportunity to join a dynamic team.

Applications in writing with CV to: Andrew Gray – Operations Manager Ariat Europe Limited 1 Radcot Estate, Park Road, Faringdon, Oxfordshire, SN7 8LA Andrew.Gray@Ariat.com www.ariat-europe.com Ariat Europe operates a non smoking environment policy

| The Advertiser | page 20 |

Covers of Faringdon Hair and Beauty Salon (formerly Getagrip)

With Collagen, The Semi Permanent blow dry, reduces frizz, can be used on chemically treated hair as well as natural

Alternative Therapies Reflexology, Ear Candling, Indian Head Massage Or try a Hot Stone Massage Gift Vouchers Availailable

Covers of Faringdon 3 Coxwell Street 01367 244228