March 2011 Advertsier

The

| The Advertiser | page 1 |

| March 2011 |

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

Inside this month: Restaurant & Wine Reviews The Secret Life of the Magpie Music: The Kids are Alright!

And more ‌

Promoting local business, trade and services. Advertise! Be Seen! Call Lou 01367 246130

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The

| March 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 03/11

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Business Update Goddard & Son is a family run kitchen design, manufacturing and installation business who specialise in hand painted kitchens and furniture. Rachel Goddard treated members of Faringdon Chamber of Commerce to a tour of their factory following a well attended Chamber business meeting. The Chamber of Commerce Annual General Meeting will be held on Monday 14th March at Sudbury House Hotel from 6:30pm. There will be a report on the year’s activities and an election of Officers. If you would like to know more about the Chamber, please come along on the 14th March, visitors will be most welcome.

Business Networking is an effective, low-cost way of promoting your business and 2011 looks like it's going to be Faringdon Business Breakfast Club’s year. With 30 coming along in the darkness of January, followed by a probable record-breaking 40 in the glimmer of February we should expect over 50, if my maths is right, in the early Spring promise of March. Sandy Briscoe, who is the Community Fundraiser at Maggie's Cancer Caring Centre, will be giving the talk at the next meeting on Monday 7th March at Sudbury House Hotel. For more information or to book a place you should contact Paul Brame on 0845 003 1340.

If you find that networking works for you, then as well as Faringdon Business Breakfast Club, you could also try: 4Networking, who meet at Sudbury House Hotel every two weeks (for more information contact Alison Neale on 01367 888229); Wantage Business Breakfast Club, whose next meeting will be their 10th Anniversary event and will be held at Williams F1 Conference Centre on 16th March (more information available from Reg Waite on 01235 861779); or Fairford & Lechlade Business Club - their next meeting will be on 24th March at The Riverside Inn and their guest speaker will be Richard Ashwood of Cirencester College talking about Modern Apprenticeships (for more information contact Chris Roberts on 01285 712150).

The Faringdon Business Lunch has just re-launched and the next meeting will be on Thursday 17th March at The Portwell Angel for more information contact Jane Haynes on 01367 246130.

Each lunch will start with a 15 minute presentation from a local business person. The purpose of the presentation is to provide free advice and general knowledge. Details of those attending lunch will be circulated to all attendees and if there is anyone in particular that you would like to meet, let us know and we will arrange an introduction for you.

Cover image: Folly with Pink Pigeons.

Mixed Media by Gill Campbell Gill Campbell is a local artist living in Faringdon.

She studied at Swindon College of Art and Design and graduated in 2005 having completed a degree in Drawing for Fine Art Practice. Her work experiments with line and form using graphite, ink, acrylics and fabric.

In 2005 she joined Faringdon Art Society and started the ‘Art Drop In’ group which enables her to share her love of art with other people and to continue to develop her own work.

The picture, Folly with Pink Pigeons, was produced for the Faringdon Art Festival which this year emphasised the fun and eccentricity of Lord Berners. Cover kindly provided by Pat Evans

Alison Neale is hoping to start a Business Biscotti, also at The Portwell Angel. It is free to join, you can drop in at any time and there are no restrictions and no commitments – although you do have to buy your own coffee! For more information on this new group contact Alison on 01367 888229.

More than 70 people attended the “Shaping Faringdon” event that was hosted by South & Vale District Councils at Sudbury House Hotel on 17th March. The event was a chance for local people to have their say about how they would like to see Faringdon develop. There was a huge range of ideas and there will be a full, written report from the District Councils in next month’s Advertiser.

Focus on Faringdon has been the accountable body for the funding from the South East England Development Agency that has been instrumental in the repairs of the Folly Tower and we would like to congratulate the Folly Tower Trust on the completion of structural repairs to The Folly which will be open to visitors from April.

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Gardening Tips: Choosing Pots and Plants It's hard to be enthusiastic about gardening when the weather is grey and miserable. But think ahead to what a few splashes of localised colour will do to brighten your back garden and lift your spirits when the days improve.

There's no simpler way of perking up the smallest garden than with a few well chosen and well placed tubs and troughs. First think about the sort of container you want. There are so many to choose from and each will look very different depending on what sort of flowers and arrangements you choose.

Plastic is cheap and durable though not particularly pretty, but you can do much to conceal it with trailing foliage. If you have a bit of cash to splash take a look in your garden centre for some more unusual pots. Plain orange flowerpots are a starting point and look very Mediterranean when placed against whitewashed garden walls. Glazed pots in earthy tones or bright blues and greens have become very popular recently. You can also use wooden barrels or elegant urns, sandstone troughs or even chimney pots, though they are pricey and don't allow much space for planting at the top end.

Attention to draining is important so that plants don't get waterlogged. Make sure you crock adequately and use quality compost such as John Innes number two or three with added peat and grit. Garden soil is unsuitable as it becomes very compacted.

Once you have chosen your pot think about the colour scheme you would like to use and the types of plant you will need. Sketch a few ideas of how you want the finished article to look. If you have selected a tall vase shape or a regency urn you will need to give your planting some focal height for the other plants to cluster around. You could use a central New Zealand flax or climbing Black Eyed Susan. Trailing greenery always looks good draped over the rim of tall tubs or tubs with are positioned high up.

A marvellous standby for tubs is petunias. They come in a profusion of colours and will last all through the summer, flowering generously the more you deadhead them. Pansies always look bright and cheerful and there is a lovely range of trailing geraniums that will add interest. Lobelia and allyssum are fast growing and will cover soil while the rest of the plants get established.

A single colour theme can look most attractive. For example, white will look cool on the hottest of days.

White pelargonium, begonias, tobacco plants and trailing verbena look very good together.

Wherever you position your tub or trough, ensure that it is secure. A stone box full of plants and earth will be heavy so make sure that if it is on a sill or ledge it can withstand the weight. Consider fixing brackets underneath the window if the ledge is not wide enough.

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Out and About Ante Natal Classes On 12th March between 10am and 12noon there will be a FREE Ante Natal Class at the Faringdon Family Centre . The class, aimed at both parents, will be run by an experienced midwife who can offer advice and answer your questions. Though the class itself is free, donations to cover refreshments are welcome.

For more details please call Margaret Broadberry on 01367 242661 or contact the Family Centre on 01367 242432 to register your interest.

Organised and sponsored by Faringdon Area Project Health Group

Faringdon Litter Pick Let’s try and clean up Faringdon for the spring.

Rotary Club of Faringdon and District are organising a Litter Pick in Faringdon on Saturday 12th March from 1.30 pm. Please come and help us make the town a cleaner and tidier place.

We are meeting in the private car park of Gloucester House Dental Practice. To gain access to this, go through the public car park by the library on Gloucester Street.

Please register your interest with Peter Walker in advance, preferably by email: peterwalker7@btconnect.com or by phone on 01367 244616 Instructions, kits and bags will be provided.

The Mayor's Charity Dinner with Rory Bremner Thursday 17th March, 7pm for 7.30pm at Sudbury House Hotel Guest Speaker is Rory Bremner.

Tickets £40 from the Nut Tree and 30 London Street, Faringdon, SN7 7AA. All profits going to the Mayor's Charity FAZE - the Faringdon Youth Centre.

Cheques to be made payable to “Mrs M.J.Barker The Mayor's Charities” Wine on the tables. Black tie/lounge suit.

Carriages at 11pm Special discounted rate of £45 double room , bed and breakfast.

LADIES DAY AT ROYAL ASCOT THURSDAY 16th June 2011 Silver Ring £95 Grandstand £135 Ladies, why not come and join us for this fantastic opportunity for a glorious day out at Royal Ascot Races.

Time to get those posh outfits out and big hats on.

This is Britain’s most popular race meeting and this year it’s their 300th Anniversary.

Price includes pick up and drop off in Woolstone (the bottom of White Horse Hill) by Luxury Executive Coach, tickets to either Silver Ring or Grandstand as well as lunch and afternoon tea - which will be buffet style, set out beautifully in the coach park for you to sit down, relax and enjoy.

You only need to pay your deposit now and the balance is not due until 1st May.

For more information Ring Dianne Tel: 01367 820675 Mob: 07973 301504

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Events in March Date

Event

Venue

Time

Contact

Charge/info

Tues 1st

Daffodils on St David's Day

The Portwell Angel

Thurs 3rd

Folk Session

The Swan, Park Road

8pm

rachel@ ragaland.freeserve.co.uk

All welcome to play, sing or listen

Fri 4th

Cream teas and live music with Gof Smith

The Portwell Angel

From 3pm

www.portwellangel.co.uk

£4.20

Fri 4th

Quiz Night (Faringdon Twinning Association)

Faringdon Junior School

7 for 7.30pm

Jeanie 01367 240374

All welcome, just turn up & join a team! £10 per team of 4

Sat 5th

Fair Trade coffee morning

Portwell Angel

9.30-11.30am

www.portwellangel.co.uk

Sat 5th

Live Music Night Feat.

"Port Erin"

King and Queen, Longcot

8pm-11pm

longcotkingandqueen .com

Sat 5th

Quiz Night

FaringdonBowling Club

7 for 7.30pm

01367 241058

Sun 6th

The 15 Minute Club

The Red Lion

8-11pm

15minuteclub.co.uk

Sun 6th

Concert for Save the Children

All Saints Church

7.30pm

Tickets from The Nut Tree

Mon 7th

Faringdon Business Breakfast Club

Sudbury House Hotel

7.30am

Tues 8th

Shrove Tuesday Special: 101 things to do with a pancake

Portwell Angel

All day

The Bell

From 8pm

All Saints Church

2.30pm

Ian Clarkson 01793 782836 Faringdonu3a.org.uk

Fri 11th Sat 12th

The Circus in Town (Live music) In “ Music and the Mind” Dr Lauren Stewart: U3A Meeting

www.portwellangel.co.uk

St Patrick's Day Special

Portwell Angel

All day

www.portwellangel.co.uk

Thurs 17th

The Mayor's Charity Dinner with Rory Bremner

Sudbury House Hotel

7 for 7.30pm till 11pm

Tickets from The Nut Tree and 30 London Street

Fri 18th

Kiff Unplugged and Live

Portwell Angel

www.portwellangel.co.uk

Sat 19th

Which Wine goes with Which Food?

Portwell Angel

www.portwellangel.co.uk

Wed 23rd

The Elvis Experience

Snooty Mehmaan

Fri 25th

Murder Mystery Dinner "Fowl Play"

Sudbury House Hotel

Sat 26th

Jumble Sale

Shrivenham Memorial Hall

Sun 27th

Open Folk - and other stuff - Night

Portwell Angel

Every Wed

Every Fri Every Sat Every Sat Every Sun

Farmers' market Health Walks Country Market Faringdon Farcycles cycle ride Supportive, informal parenting group Quiz Night

www.snootymehmaan. co.uk Sam: 01367 245345 www.sudburyhouse.co.uk

10am-2pm

Pancakes and crepes available all day

Irish stew all day.

Live music with an Irish twist £40, profits go to FAZE (Faringdon Youth Centre) £18.50 (Wine tasting and Mexican food) £30 inc. 3 course meal £39.50 per person to include 3 course menu & Murder Mystery

In aid of Cats Protection www.portwellangel.co.uk

Regular events Market Place All day Leave from The Bell Hotel 10.30am Catholic Church Hall 9.15-11am

£4 per person, tables of 4 Free Adv: £7, conc £5.

On the door £8 & £6 Children free £10 for breakfast

Thurs 17th

1st Tues

in ass.with World Record bunting creation challenge

Free

01367 710445

01367 241142

Leave from Market Place

9am

Faringdon Community College

1-3pm

Stella on 07963536568

The Red Lion

8pm

01367 244585

11-12 and 25-35 miles

Not on 6th Feb

Send details of your event to lou@bordengate.com or call Lou Guthrie on 01367 246130

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The Parapet & The Poison Chalice In the small Fry-a-trade town of Daringfon, where the Daring Fonians lead their lives, the population were known to be hard working, considerate and community-minded. The businesses all pulled together to work their way out of the global recession.

The businesses, the entrepreneurs, the philanthropic, the socially conscious, the ale drinkers and the Farcylickles all lived in harmony. It was a peaceful place - but what of the Nomadics?

As one might expect, the Nomadics were a group who sometimes seemed intent (keep up!) on upsetting the pomegranate cart. A focal group called the Angels took it upon themselves to help the town in those areas where the Nomadics seemed unable to satisfy some of the needs of the town. The Focal Angels provided help to some of the other organisations too: they provided guides to assist the townsfolk and those who might visit and they assisted with the provision of guilders for worthy projects. They also organised an annual party of frolicking fun and festivity for the Fry-a-trade Daring Fonians.

The Nomadics seemed to frown upon the Focal Angels and their endeavours to do things for the town of Daringfon. When asked for help, the Nomadics felt unable much to help due to the eco-gnomic (it’s a small place!) climate in the town – but to be fair, they did reach deep into their pockets and pulled forth several much appreciated groats.

But still the Focal Angels battled on. The Daring Fonians had their party and all was good. The party cost some 14,366.16 shekels which was funded by The Focal Angels and their friends and supporters. Unfortunately, only one of the ale houses (most of

whom benefitted much from the party) saw fit to share the wealth so derived.

Long after the party, the Nomadics presented the Focal Angels with an invoice for the placing of barricades around the town to prevent access by horse and ox, and another for the use of covered areas used by the townsfolk to protect them and their chattels from the sun. These invoices arrived amongst much bewilderment and caused much consternation and anxiety amongst the Focal Angels, who are a “Community Interest Company” and do not yet have a regular form of income.

The Focal Angels accept that there should be some contribution to the Nomadics, but wonder what that contribution should be for the amounts for shelter were not agreed before the Party, and it transpires that there should be no charge for the erecting of barricades for the coming party…

It is a story of much perplexity and confusion and places a question mark over the future of the 2011 Daring Fonians Festival! So tempting to take a sip from the chalice and then stand proud above the parapet. The outcome would be certain – but no one would ever be sure of the cause.

Arts Festival 2011

Focus on Faringdon CIC is hoping to arrange an Arts Festival for Faringdon between 2nd & 10th July 2011.

Last year, the Arts Festival cost in excess of £15,000 to stage. We need to raise a considerable percentage of this before we are able to commit to staging a festival.

Funds are required: can you help?

Road Closures 2011 The following roads will be closed between

July 8th

16.00 to 23.45

July 9th

9.00 to 23.45

July 10th 9.00 to 18.00 Church Street & Market place Portwell House Market Place SN7 7HU 01367 246137

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Wine Review: Spotlight on Chardonnay Undoubtedly chardonnay is one of the great white grape varieties in the world. As Oz Clarke points out, it has become a recognised global brand, as well known as Levi’s or Nike. It is the hidden talent behind the likes of white Burgundy and Chablis and provides a flavoursome reflection of both terroir and the wine making process.

Sadly, when the subject matter of chardonnay arises, I have experienced an immediate shut down, along with a flat out A-B-C (anything but chardonnay) attitude and a desperate attempt to change the subject. I often ponder the cause of this definitive chardonnay discrimination. Was it the fault of excessive oak on mass market, engineered chardonnay? Is it just that these people haven’t tried the right ones? Or is it that the name has a certain stigma attached to it?

I certainly appreciate that some just simply do not like it - which is fine, given that we all have preferences of certain flavours over others.

But there are those that just will not try it. Indeed it is a grape variety amenable to the aromas and flavours imparted from new oak which, performed well, can provide the complexity of brioche, vanilla and hazelnuts, to name a few. The key is seamless integration and finesse, something synonymous with a good producer.

As it stands, being a life long friend of chardonnay I urge you (especially if you’re a member of the A-B-C crowd!) to give it another go!

If the influence of oak is not to your taste, there are many unoaked versions on the market which focus on the primary fruit characters.

Go on – give it a go – you may be pleasantly surprised!

Following my recent visit to Australia, here’s a couple of chardonnays from some of the better known producers on the UK market.

Plantagenet Chardonnay 2008 The grapes in this wine are from a cooler climate (I hear you scoff – is that possible in Australia?), in Mount Barker, part of the Great Southern region of Western Australia. The area’s proximity to the Southern Ocean ensures slow ripening of the grapes to enhance fruit composition and aromatic qualities.

This wine has aromas and flavours of citrus: grapefruit with rock melon, honeydew melon with brioche and butter. The palate has a touch of sliced almonds on the finish.

A well integrated chardonnay that will partner beautifully with a range of seafood, in particular fleshy monkfish tails!

Available from the Portwell Angel £20.70/bottle

Shaw & Smith M3 Chardonnay 2009 Interestingly, this wine is also from a cool climate, that of the Adelaide Hills. This area has really come along since my last visit, producing some really refined, Old World styles of chardonnay.

This one is one of my personal favourites, with aromas and flavours of citrus: grapefruit with limes, melon, passion fruit pulp, brioche, cream and vanilla spice. In comparison to the Plantagenet, M3 is slightly oilier on the palate, rendering it a touch fuller in body.

Again another great partner for seafood, but also good with goats’ cheese and fresh figs – YUM! Available from Den Boer Wines £17.99/bottle REVIEWS

Wednesday 11th May, 7.30pm We will guide you through the varied regions of Australia – discover a range of styles from our recent visit! £18.50 per person Private tasting sessions can be booked at your venue or ours and are suitable for: Team Building • Conferences • Birthdays Or an unusual night out with friends!

For more information: denboerwines@hotmail.com or call Donna Rogers on 01367 241169

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Restaurant Review: The Fat Dog Station Road, Shrivenham SN6 8JL Tel: 01793 783443 Website: www.thefatdog.co.uk I was curious to find out how The Fat Dog at Shrivenham had changed since it passed into new ownership towards the end of last year; the answer is impressive - the interior has been tastefully remodelled and updated, and there is a warm feeling to the place, matched by the hospitality of the waiting staff.

Rather than “just” being a pub, the emphasis now is clearly on the food. That said, an impressive array of beverages on display behind the bar is the first thing you notice as you walk in. The Fat Dog offers a good choice of local, very drinkable ales as well as a well stocked bar and exceptional wine cellar.

Free* Home Delivery now available

Whilst we studied the concise menu we were served with a complimentary bottle of chilled water - a nice touch that other restaurants should consider - as well as home-made breads that were warm and tasty. The menu has a good range of dishes and is presented with a clear emphasis on seasonality and quality of ingredients.

*for orders over £20 at your independently owned local store

My starter - a smoked salmon, cream cheese and beetroot stack - was an elegantly presented dish, light and fresh and a wonderful collaboration of flavours. The accompanying warm crusty bread set the dish off perfectly.

A must for all carnivores is their rib eye steak which is clearly a well matured quality meat, cooked to medium-rare, exactly as ordered and cut so easily as it was moist and full of flavour. The main course arrived with a dish of seasonal vegetables, in this case a tasty potato dauphinoise, red cabbage and sliced carrot, with more than enough as an accompaniment.

As with the rest of the menu, The Fat Dog’s desserts are homemade too. The vanilla creme brulee was a true delight - a perfectly crisp top giving way to a luxuriously smooth and perfectly set vanilla cream underneath, with a tasty shortbread on the side.

The new owners of The Fat Dog have achieved an uncommon balance of unpretentious food and high quality dishes presented in a comfortable, welcoming environment.

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Opening Times Tuesday: 8.30-5.30 Wednesday: 9.00-7.30 Thursday: 9.00-6.00 (Men only 6.00-7.30) Friday: 9.00-5.30 Saturday: 8.30-2.00 Ask about appointments outside these hours

Jane and Michelle Tamsin - Beauty Therapist

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Lifestyle photography - natural family portraiture If you want great pictures of your children and family but are looking for something different to the formality and structure of a studio shoot then a lifestyle photo shoot could be the answer.

That means no studio, just fun and fresh air! Judi Checketts is a professional photographer recently relocated to the Faringdon area who specialises in creating natural images for children and family portraits. “I’m seeking to capture those special looks between parent and child, the bond between siblings, to provide pictures which really portray your children as they are. By taking the shoot out of the studio into a natural setting - maybe a park or somewhere that’s special to you - it provides a familiar environment where children can be at ease and do the things they like to do. In this way I create beautiful images of your children, relaxed and happy yet reflecting their true personality, doing what they enjoy in places they like to be”.

Children grow up fast and each year brings changes in the way they look, dress and play. A photo shoot with Judi celebrates their individuality and photographs them during natural and creative play - simple activities such as painting a picture, making a den of blankets or outside kicking a football, splashing in puddles, picking garden flowers, feeding ducks or walking the dog.

With few time constraints your children can relax and let their personalities shine through. Each photograph provides powerful memories capturing their different moods of excitement, playfulness and calm which you and they will cherish and enjoy for many years.

To book your shoot with Judi call 07535 613606 or email judi.checketts@gmail.com Special Introductory Offer: As an introductory offer, clients booking a photo session before 30th April 2011 will get a free shoot (usually £125) and viewing with no obligation to purchase, although a 20% discount will be offered on all orders taken on the day of the viewing.

www.judicheckettsphotography.com

Stylers OF

Children’s Day Nursery in Shellingford, Faringdon

LONDON STREET

Hair and Beauty Treatments Gift Vouchers Available

Join our Loyalty Card Scheme

2 London Street, Faringdon 01367 240249

Recognised by OFSTED in September 2010 as OUTSTANDING in Leadership & Management Excellent quality Children’s Day Nursery combining traditional loving care with a stimulating educational programme to provide a wellbalanced environment for your child.

• Children from 6 weeks to 5 years • Open 7.45am to 6.15pm Monday to Friday • Full time or part time (51 weeks) • Pre-school educational curriculum • French and music classes • Secure Door Entry System

To organise a visit please contact Steph Chapman, Nursery Manager on 01367 718888

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Magpie: The Bird That Everyone Loves To Hate

(Pica pica) Anyone over the age of 40 will be familiar with the various superstitions and folklore regarding magpies. This varies greatly, depending on what part of the country you live in.

As a young boy growing up in Oxfordshire, to see a magpie on its own was considered extremely bad luck unless you greeted it with “Good morning Mr Magpie, and how is you lady wife today?” The older generation would offer a salute and tip their hats. Perhaps one of the strangest offerings was to spit three times over your left shoulder at the same time. (Not advisable whilst driving!)

I have often wondered where these strange customs came from and why these few words and actions could ward off any pending misfortune. Folklore suggests prophecy by numbers: if magpies were travelling in twos the weather was fair, but in ones it was not.

“A single magpie in spring, foul weather will bring.”

Magpies do travel in twos when the weather is fair!

Mythology implies the magpie represents the devil as it didn’t mourn the death of Christ.

In my opinion, this black and white creature is being dealt a hard time. I’m surprised we are not serving out ASBOs to them. We have four resident magpies in our garden, all of which are surprisingly intelligent, striking to look at and presenting no threat to other birds. I just wish I could stop saying “Good morning, Mr Magpie!!” (How come all the single magpies are male?)

One for sorrow, two for joy, Three for a girl, four for a boy, Five for silver, six for gold, Seven for a secret, never to be told, Eight for a wish, nine for a kiss, Ten for a bird, that’s best to miss.

C.Row

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Are you looking for office space in Faringdon?

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 246130 or email jane.haynes@bordengate.com

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Experts - local services MikePerks Perks Mike Greenwood Pest Management Ltd 13 Gloucester Street • Faringdon • Oxfordshire • SN7 7JA T: 01367 241120 • M: 07513 000390 E: info@greenwood.uk.net • W: www.greenwood.uk.net

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.

Your Local Carpenter Emma Palmer 07531 946141 Nail Technician and Beauty Therapist Faringdon, Oxfordshire

All aspects of Timber Work & Building Maintenance

07581 171815 LP Accountancy Services 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 ASTON PINE STRIPPING Caustic and non-caustic stripping of all woods & metals.

Established for over 15 years - Water Board Approved

ASTON PINE ANTIQUES Stockists of English and Continental pine furniture, as well as many other antiques - 8,000+ sq.ft of showrooms

Oxford Architectural Antiques Large stock of period fireplaces, doors, panelling, sanitary ware & garden items.

Architectural salvage sourcing service available.

16-18 London Road, Faringdon, Oxfordshire Tel: 01367 242268

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

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

Painter & Decorator Free Estimates

Duncan Clark painting Duncan Clarke 01793 766829

Want your business to be SEEN in the Advertiser?

Call Lou on 01367 246130 to find out how!

A small local-run company focusing on personalised care services.

High standard of care Individually tailored care plans Your own regular care worker

My Carer Tel: 01367 718413 www.mycareroxfordshire.co.uk

MTS FENCING Domestic & Commercial Specialising in Closeboard We take pride in quality workmanship & reliability at a fair price

CONTACT MATTHEW 07866 792222 Free Quotations All work and materials guaranteed

Want to be seen? To advertise call Lou on 01367 246130

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Experts - local services Lisa’s Cakes Unique celebration cakes, wedding and cup cakes Professional diplomas & Masters Certificate

lm_holmes@hotmail.com www.lisascakes.vpweb.co.uk 01367 240812

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

Tel: 01793 766397 or 01367 252701 (Lechlade) The Music Gallery Independent music retailer 8 Newbury Street Wantage, Oxon OX12 8BS 01235 770353 themusicgallery@hotmail.co.uk

Acoustic/Electric Beginners Welcome

01367 242740

COMPUTER SUPPORT Bespoke Affordable IT Solutions • Computer healthchecks, repairs and updates • Network Setup • Data Recovery & Backup • IT Consultation

0845 467 5087 support@quidne-it.com • www.quidne-it.com

You could fill this space!

Your local electricians Domestic-Commercial-Industrial Faringdon

Tel: 01367 240308

Interested?

Call Lou on 01367 246130 NOW!

Advertise your services and be seen! Call Lou on 01367 246130

The Advertiser is published by Focus on Faringdon CIC, 14 Market Place, Faringdon SN7 7HP. Tel: 01367 246130. 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 advertisers. 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 |

Music Review: The Kids are Alright!

Determined youngsters Disclosure first formed 5 years ago, learning their instruments together which has given them a tightness that belies their tender years.

With influences ranging from Paramore to Lost Prophets, the Faringdon based group have gigged relentlessly in and around the area, a strategy which certainly paid off as they recently reached the final of the highly prestigious MMG Oxfordshire Battle Of The Bands at the O2 Academy in Oxford. The group went on to win the competition with their exuberant brand of pop-rock, comprising original material as well as a terrific cover of Kelly Clarkson’s ‘Since You Been Gone’.

Plans for the year ahead include a self-released EP on their own record label (New Vision) along with as many gigs as they can possibly cram in. Exciting times!

GN

GLASS

CAR BODY REPAIRS

GLASS PROCESSORS & GLAZIERS GLASS CUT WHILE-U-WAIT MIRRORS • BEVELLING SANDBLASTING • POLISHING DRILLING • DECORATIVE GLASS GN COLOURED SPLASHBACKS

V W RESTORATION

TEL 01367 243324 MOB 07918 660725 OPEN MON-SAT 8-6ISH

Cameo Glass, Park Road, Faringdon, Oxon SN7 7DS Tel: 01367 242421 Fax: 01367 242978 Email: sales@cameo-glass.com

10a Mill Street, Wantage, Oxon OX12 9AQ

01235 760000

www.philipdayhairdressing.co.uk

Turnstones Building HAIRDRESSING

Cutting Colouring Hair Extensions Beauty Eyelash Extensions

Philip Day

jimers213@btconnect.com

Offering:

Landscaping, Fences, Turfing, Patios, Driveways, Garden walls, Roofs, Repairs, Renovation & Maintenance

Tel: 01367 243 217 Mob: 07951 20 30 31

Crowdy & Rose Solicitors of Faringdon and Lechlade We have a wealth of local knowledge and are an established part of the local community providing for the needs of our clients.

2 Market Place, Faringdon, Oxfordshire SN7 7HW Tel 01367 240285 High Street, Lechlade, Gloucestershire, GL7 3AE Tel: 01367 252644 Faringdon Branch

www.crowdyandrose.co.uk info@crowdyandrose.co.uk Established within the local community since 1790

Lechlade Branch

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

Charney Pet Care Centre vLuxury Boarding for Dogs & Cats vDog Day-care and Walking Service vCanine Activity Holidays vDog Grooming vPet Shop Special “off season” Offer 20% Discount for 2 dogs from the same household in boarding Feb/March 2011 Stanford Road, Faringdon, Oxon SN7 8ET Tel: 01367 241063 www.charneykennels.co.uk

What’s happening in March Tuesday 1st

Daffodils on St David’s Day

Friday 4th

Cream teas and live music with Gof Smith (as only Gof can) from 3pm. £4.20

Saturday 5th

Fair Trade coffee morning in association with World Record bunting creation challenge.

9.30 - 11.30am

Tuesday 8th

Shrove Tuesday: 101 things to do with a pancake! Pancakes & crepes available all day long

Thursday 17th St Patrick’s Day: Irish “Guinness” stew will be the hot meal for the day. Live music with an Irish twist in the evening with Mark Chilvers, Nial Prince and others Friday 18th Kiff Unplugged and Live Saturday 19th Which wine with which food and why? We’ll be going Mexican on the food front. Each dish will be accompanied by an appropriate glass of wine and Donna Rogers will be explaining which goes with which, and why. This is a ticketed event, £18.50 per person inclusive Friday 25th

Music with Tiff & Disclosure. No entrance fee.

From 8pm-ish

Sunday 27th

An unformatted open “folk night and other stuff” at the Portwell Angel Sunday April 3rd: Don’t forget Mothering Sunday Monthly Business Lunch: see www.portwellangel.co.uk Monthly Business Coffee: see www.portwellangel.co.uk Tuesday nights: 30% off any cocktails purchased by “the girls” Wednesday nights: A half price platter when bought with any bottle of wine from our extensive list Thursdays & Fridays: Free canapes with all drinks between 5pm and 7pm

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