GR A PEV INE THE
dec/Jan 2013/14 edition 283
The Post office, Lewknor
news from the parish It’s been a fair few weeks since the last edition of The Grapevine, and since then, the local area has become a fi lm set, with Brad Pitt riding round the countryside on his tank, eating curry in Watlington and allegedly buying champagne in the Co-op, (sadly I can’t vouch for authenticity of that particular shopping trip!). It’s unfortunate that the production carried on over Remembrance weekend, as what started out as an interesting diversion, left a sour taste in many resident’s mouths.
The festival Choir, with Alison Swain playing solo harp. Also at St. Margaret’s, don’t miss The Christmas Eve Crib Service on Tuesday 24th December at 4.00pm. In more sobering news, there have been a couple of burglaries in past few weeks, so this edition of The Grapevine has a short article from Thames Valley Police on how best to protect your property and prevent theft. If you see any suspicious people or vehicles in the village, let others know and either call the non-emergancy police number 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
So after the tanks roll out of Shirburn, what do we have to look forward to? Well, there are quite a few events in the next couple of months to keep us entertained. First up is the jumble sale in Jubilee Hall on 23rd November from 10am-12pm followed by a quiz night on the same day, starting at 7.30pm (advert on page 11).
But, Christmas is fast approaching and the thought of wonderful things to explore in 2014! And I’d like to take this opportunity to say thank you to everyone who has backed my changes to The Grapevine and for all the contributions made by people over the last year. Oh, and for putting up with my spelling, grammatical errors and general mistakes!!
On 13th December at 7.30p.m the Christmas Carol Service will be held at St. Margaret’s. This will feature
merry Christmas and happy New year to you all!
from the editor
If you have any suggestions, or would like to write a regular column, submit a piece to be included in the next edition or have a local photograph new or old, please contact Sara-Jane on the new Grapevine email address: grapevinemagazine@hotmail.com.
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THE GRAPEVINE DEC/JAN 2013/14
what’s on in Oxon amber run + support 22nd nov, oxford o2 academy Amber Run make their Oxford debut after recently receiving acclaim from Fearne Cotton and Zane Lowe on Radio 1. Amber Run are a five piece currently based in Nottingham. Tickets: £5.00
the snow factory 22nd nov-8th dec, oxford castle Having remained a secret for centuries, the location of The Snow Factory has now been revealed. It’s official; Oxford Castle Quarter is where the magic really happens. Join the Elves at Oxford Castle Quarter to see how they put the sparkle in Oxford’s snow for the very first time in history. With light and laser shows, open air animations, flambeaux torches, festive food and drink, and some of Oxford’s largest Christmas trees all found within the architecturally stunning Oxford Castle Quarter, you will have a truly magical experience. FREE
we’re going on a bear hunt 22nd-23rd nov, little angel theatre A family go on an expedition of a lifetime – running down the grassy bank, wading through the cold river, squelching over the oozy mud, stumbling into the dark forest, then peering into a cave… what will they find? Little Angel Theatre brings Michael Rosen’s thrilling and funny adventure to life in a brand new puppetry production directed by Little Angel Theatre’s Artistic Director Peter Glanville and with music and lyrics by renowned singer-songwriter Barb Jungr. Recommended for age 2+ Tickets: From £7.00
robin hood 29th nov-12th jan, oxford playhouse Robin Hood is riding into Oxford Playhouse for the very first time in this action-packed new panto. Expect non-stop thrills and spills as Robin and his Merry Men battle the evil Sheriff of Nottingham in this classic tale sure to delight all the family. With a superb cast of your favourite characters, sing-a-long
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tunes, stunning dancing, slapstick, silliness and lots of chances to join in, it’s going to be the perfect festive entertainment. Don’t delay - secure a panto-tastic time for your family today! Tickets: From £15.50
LEWKNOR FETE & SHOW Well, what can we say? The weather forecast for the show weekend was dire – heavy rain and strong winds coming in exactly on Sunday afternoon. Panic stations! At one point we thought the whole show would have to be cancelled. But, no, we rallied, we took stock and decided to move to the village hall, the only option really, given the expected deluge. The garden at Knapp Farm is a beautiful and atmospheric venue for the show and Mrs. Watt has kindly allowed us to use her old timber barn for many years. On a sunny day it can’t be beaten, but we found that the village hall actually worked very well in the rain and some people said they even preferred it. So, having feared that this year’s event would be a complete washout, it turned out to be very successful. Many thanks to all the helpers who had to organise and adapt the games and sideshows and also to all the people who supported the show by turning up in the rain, entering the various classes and spending their money so generously in the afternoon. Due to all this splendid participation, the show managed to make £1200 , a sum which delighted all who were involved. Also it seemed that everyone was having a good time, winning prizes, drinking tea, chatting. What could have been a total flop turned into another great community gathering – excellent result!! Now for the show winners: The Middleton Cup for the most points was won by Christine Smith. The Ridone Cup for the runner-up was won by Robert Anderson. The Gifkins Cup for the best single exhibit was won by Karl Rolfe for his fantastic leeks. TheScott Cup for the family with the most points was won by Val and Karl Rolfe. The Rose Bowl for the best flower arrangement was won by Pam Ritchie. The Junior Shield for the under 15’s was won by Elliot Seston. Well done to all of you!
THE GRAPEVINE DEC/JAN 2013/14 Lewknor Garden Competition Results from Eppy Hodgson The Alabaster Cup : Anna Morgan. Simply a very lovely garden beautifully tended. The Trotman Cup : Trish Smith. Highly commended : Pam Ritchie. The Desborough Cup : Karl Rolfe. Highly commended : John and Rachel Denham. A great selection of vegetables container grown and in the greenhouse. The Rose Bowl : Carol Camp. Wonderful display of containers in the front and also rear of house. Highly commended – Barbara Scott. The Wildlife Prize : Jean Senior. A great pond and heaps of nesting places and areas for wildlife. Highly commended – Alex Eastick from Rectory Farm. The gardens in Lewknor and Postcombe were judged at the end of July this year and were lovely. There were many new participants, congratulations to you all, keep up your interest – you are on the list for 2014! and a year goes round all too quickly. Lots of villagers donate prizes for the raffle, tombola and other stalls, local businesses are also very supportive and we’d like to thank you all for your generosity. There are too many of you to name individually, but without your help the show simply wouldn’t happen. The money raised this year has been divided between St.Margaret’s Church, Lewknor C of E Primary School, Krakatoa Preschool and Lewknor Village Hall.
BOOK CLUB at lewknor the thread Victoria Hislop The Thread by Victoria Hislop was our September read. Published in 2012 it takes Greece as its theme, a setting the author had used for her previous two novels, the first of which had reached number one on the best-seller list after its promotion by Richard and Judy on TV. More specifically, the book focuses on the twentiethcentury history of Thessalonica, a city in north-eastern Greece when it bordered on Bulgaria and Thrace, all under Ottoman rule as the book opens in 1917. The plot concerns three families, two of Greek origin and one Jewish. The latter trace their history back to the expulsion of Sephardic Jews from the sixteenth century Spain and who still speak ladino, a classical form of Castilian Spanish.
Konstatinos Komninos is a successful textile merchant with a beautiful ex-mannequin wife, Olga, and their only son Dimitri while Eugenia and her adoptive daughter, Katerina, have arrived in Thessalonica from Smyrna in Turkey, when the exchange of populations, Muslim and Greek, takes place in the 1920s. Eugenia is a weaver while Katerina becomes a highly skilled modista in the Jewish family’s tailoring business. The reason for the book’s title is immediately apparent as the story weaves the respective histories of these three families through the build-up to WW2 and the ensuing disintegration of the Ottoman Empire and the German Occupation of Greece with the forced removal of the Jewish population to the Polish concentration camps. Through many trials and tribulations, the hero, Dimitri survives the Greek Civil War and the story ends – almost- happily ever after but the reader is aware that Greece’s problems are far from being resolved. In a long epilogue Hislop pays tribute to Mark Mazower’s book, Salonica: City of Ghosts, which deals in great detail with the long history of the city from early Biblical times but specifically concerns its Christian, Muslims and Jews from 1430-1950. Having read Mazower’s book, it is praiseworthy that The Thread has provided a coherent account of the very confusing and intertwining stories of the three main religious sections of the community of the city. One can quarrel with Hislop’s prose style and the melodramatic moments, which could provide the basis for a successful Hollywood film, but she has provided a unique insight into Balkan and Middle Eastern politics which still concern the world today. Next month we are reading Anne Tyler’s the Beginner’s Goodbye which hopefully will be up to her usual excellent standard. If you are interested in joining us for a glass of wine and an interesting evening’s discussion of the book, then I can be contacted on the number below. Elan Preston-Whyte. Tel. 01844 350 382.
JACK GORDON DECORATING all types of decorating undertaken interior or exterior Large or small Ring or email for a free quote: jackgordon44@aol.com 07590 517 444
The Greek families have contrasting fortunes.
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THE GRAPEVINE dec/Jan 2013/14
Don’t miss
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The Christmas Eve Crib Service St. Margaret’s Church, Lewknor
Tuesday at24th 4.00December pm. 2013 All are welcome to this very popular service!! As usual, the children will dress the Crib
With the winter months approaching, the costs of heating and lighting the church are set to rise once again. Due to Churches being self-funding, in order to cover the basic running costs (let alone the cutting of the churchyard), we need to raise a minimum of £500 per month.
If you can help with either a donation of time (to help cut the churchyard grass) or money (big or small!!) then please contact Alex on 01844 355155
Thank you so much in advance for helping to keep this beautiful and historical village building going!
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crime preVention is it time to refresh your home security? with Christmas fast approaching your homes and vehicles become rich pickings for Criminals. don’t give them an easy job! Following a spate of Burglaries in the area, The Neighbourhood team would like to raise your awareness and help you better protect your home and valuables. Our best Weapon against Crime is Prevention and your Neighbourhood Team will provide the best free impartial advice and can identify your vulnerable access points as well as give you the best up to date prevention methods. our BasiC adviCe is:Lock and secure back gates. Don’t leave car keys hanging up or in view. don’t leave keys in doors or window locks. Don’t leave wheelie bins or ladders next to vulnerable walls, fences or flat roofs. don’t leave loose bricks, small stone ornaments or hand tools lying around. Photograph all valuables jewellery and electrical. store any data files on a CD and give a copy to a relative for safe keeping. make sure you have the serial numbers for your electrical items including ime numbers for phones/ ipods etc. Get your push bikes security coded and keep a photo and copy of the frame number. (an old bike with no real value could be a thief’s next method of transport, if we stop check a suspicious person the frame number will be checked!) make sure security lighting is working and the sensor set to flick the light on and off. don’t make the mistake of having an external light on permanently it helps a burglar see! If you’re going away get a neighbour to draw curtains and maybe leave a car on the drive. doNt post your hoLiday dates or pLaNs oN soCiaL NetworkiNG! Don’t leave your house in darkness. Set timer lights. If you leave it on display expect it to go. Loose change, jackets, sat navs etc are easy pickings to fund Criminals and an excess on your insurance. what is smartwater? Smartwater is a brand of forensic marking fluid containing millions of microscopic particles that make up an individual property identification code. The liquid is invisible to the naked eye, but glows green under UV light. It can be painted onto valuable items (e.g. laptops, MP3 players, televisions, antiques) so that if the items are stolen and later seized by the police, the markings can be checked and items linked with their owners.
THE GRAPEVINE dec/Jan 2013/14 A person who has been arrested for any offence and brought to a custody suite equipped with Smartwater detection facilities will be screened to see whether they may have been stained by Smartwater or any other ultra violet taggant. These taggants are commonly used in businesses and linked in with alarm systems. All prisoners brought into Abingdon custody are screened. The South and Vale Community Safety Partnership has recently provided funding for the provision of large Ultra violet lanterns to detect items that have been marked with Smartwater, ultra violet pens or other forensic marking products. These lanterns are being used across the area by neighbourhood policing teams and priority crime teams not only on stop checks but also when carrying out warrants and also on our regular checks on local scrap yards. We will be stocking a limited number of Smartwater marking kits suitable for homes which mark up to 50 items at a heavily discounted rate of £15 per kit – we have kits for sale at the front counters at Wantage, Farringdon, Henley, Thame, Wallingford Abingdon and Didcot police stations - if you would like to pre-book a kit for collection at your local police station then please phone 101 and ask for that front counter. This offer is only available at these stations as it is a locally based project. If you’re not sure how to best secure your property or if you would like any help or advice you can book a specialist Crime Prevention visit by contacting me direct on the details below. C9422 Michelle Jacques Police Community Support Officer Thame, Chinnor & Watlington Neighbourhood Team South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse Local Policing Area Mobile : 07792729349 Tel : Non Emergency : 101 Address : Unit 2, Thame Park Business Centre, Wenman Road, OX9 3XA Email : michelle.jacques@thamesvalley.pnn.police.uk
Hill End Winter Craft Fair Saturday 23rd November 10am-3pm
Discover local crafts -
Free entry
jewellery, cosmetics,
Come along to the Hill End winter craft fair where there will be a variety of stallholders in our beautiful barn, making it a great opportunity to buy Christmas gifts.
artwork and much more! ................ Follow the Hill End trail for a winter walk.
Hill End Centre Eynsham Road
Hot drinks, homemade cakes and mulled wine.
Farmoor OX2 9NJ
Children can get involved with nature crafts using willow and other natural materials. For more information contact Hill End on 01865 863510 or hill.end@oxfordshire.gov.uk
www.hillend-oec.co.uk
@Hill_End
HillEndOEC
Knock Knock? Who’s there?
royaL horticuLturaL society QuaLified femaLe gardener KnowLedgeabLe gardening serVice incLuding pLant care adVice, pLanting pLans, seasonaL pruning, garden maintenance phone: 01844 354097 / 07977 853522 emaiL: besgardening@taLKtaLK.net
Unexpected visitor? Not sure? Don’t open the door.
Christmas Production Report anything suspicious to police. Call 999
Share the message with vulnerable family and neighbours More at www.thamesvalley.police.uk
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news from icknield Rehearsals for our Christmas Production have been taking place since September, with the pace gathering now as the production is during the first week in December. I have looked in at some of the rehearsals and the standard this year, as always, is extremely high. I look forward to bringing my family to see the show.
07973 224934 – the more volunteers we have, the easier it becomes. With huge thanks to all those who have and continue to do this important work and with great hopes for recruiting some new and vibrant cleaners and flower people. Give me a call. Fran Hollywood
Breast Cancer Awareness Month We ended last term on a fun note with students and staff wearing pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The school raised, in total, £596.60 by a combination of non-uniform money plus other fundraising events. The staff in our canteen also participated, as you will see from the photograph below. Senior Citizens’ Party – Wednesday 11 December Invitations have been sent out for our Senior Citizens’ party on Wednesday 11 December. If you would like to attend and have not received an invitation, or know of a friend of neighbour who would like to come along, please call the school office. We try to provide transport to all guests who are not able to come on the coach provided, but this is not always possible. If any member of the community could help bring someone to the party and take home afterwards, please call Lisa Best on the school number. School News Our community newsletter cannot contain the vast information that is relayed to parents and students. Please do take the opportunity to visit our website as all relevant school information can be found there. Mat Hunter Headteacher
ST. MARgaret’s church
We are now in the last part of the Autumn term, our busiest! We would also like to welcome Bill from Aston Rowant who joins us this term. Since September the staff have had a new uniform (T-shirt and Fleece) with a new logo based on the previous one. The children also have the same uniform plus a new bag! Although the uniform is not compulsory the children enjoy wearing their new t-shirts/fleeces. We now have a new Facebook page and we have been lucky that one of our dedicated committee members, Sarah (Robert’s mum) has played a part in creating a new website for Krakatoa, which will go’ live’ within the next few weeks or so. Lastly, we need to say thank you to Sara-Jane (Honor’s mum), for designing the new Krakatoa Logo! facebook.com/krakatoapreschool
Our church is special and needs care and attention to keep it looking clean, fresh and attractive for our services and for our many visitors. The new rotas for cleaning and flowers will be done in January and it would be lovely to have some new volunteers to help. Your commitment would mean a few hours twice a year (yes, a year), to hoover the carpets, polish the pews and sweep the porch. If you could also be part of the flower rota, this would mean putting flowers into the church twice a year (yes, a year!). You can even chose to do both at once – believe me, is not a huge chore!
Contact your local solicitorfor a friendly and efficient service
If you feel you could offer this to the community, please call Fran Hollywood on 01844 351041 or
Home appointments by arrangement
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Stefanie O’Bryen Family Solicitor Divorce • Conveyancing • Probate • Wills
Telephone: 01491 614 700 20 Shirburn Street Watlington, OX49 5BT Email: SOBfamlaw@hotmail.com
THE GRAPEVINE DEC/JAN 2013/14
FOOD AND DRINK
with Catherine Gallacher cooking the books Not so much a recipe this edition, more a collection of festive musings... Well well, difficult to believe there are only (insert appropriate number) days until the big day. But before the cats’ birthday we have Christmas to think about! What to wear? Where to go? Most importantly, what to eat and drink? Fear not, help is at hand. “Delia Smith’s Christmas”, available in all good bookshops, £9.99. In fact, I much prefer to go down Jamie’s route as he does Christmas dinner without all the faffing. It is, after all, just another Sunday roast and absolutely nothing to worry about! The most important tip I can impart relates not to the cooking but to the carving of the beast, be it good old turkey (free range essential, please use our local butcher) or goose/duck etc. if you really must. When Jamie first demonstrated his carving method on one of his many progumentaries, the Gallacher household let out a collected sigh of wonder and delight. All you do is remove the legs and wings then remove one side of the breast in an entire piece and carve it against the grain of the meat (so that you’re cutting across the fibres) into thickish slices then repeat with the other side. It’s a revelation and we now use the same method for carving chicken and other flying beasts. With the exception of quail; that would be a bit fiddly...! And swan; that’s just plain illegal. And so to the gravy, that which strikes terror into the heart of people who ought to know better. As ever, preparation is the key here so when you buy your beautiful bronze turkey from Calnan Brothers of Watlington, make sure they include the giblets, parson’s nose and other French delicacies. Chuck these in the roasting pan, along with a couple of whole carrots, celery sticks and two quartered onions before placing The Bird on top. Mix some chopped fresh sage leaves with butter and rub this UNDER the skin - if you’re very gentle you can encourage the skin from the flesh without tearing it. OK, so then have a few glasses of sherry (I like it bone dry so Manzanilla Barbadillo, currently on offer at Waitrose for £8.90, normally £10.40) followed by some Champers. This is the time of year to be buying it so stock up for the year ahead whilst it’s on special offer. Majestic normally has some cracking deals (Veuve Cliquot currently£29.98 a bottle when you buy 2 or more, saving 33.3%) but Waitrose have £9.50 off the ever reliable, toasty and beautifully yeasty Bollinger, bringing it down to £32.49 a bottle, an absolute steal. Even better is the Waitrose own brand (but made by one of the top Champagne houses) blanc de blancs at £19.99, from £24.99. A beautifully refined and rounded Champagne made from 100% Chardonnay; literally “white from white” (grapes) this is my pick of the year.
Right, turkey is cooked, Champagne glasses drained, it’s time to remove The Bird and make the gravy. Every so often, during the cooking of the beast, I like to drain off the cooking juices into a large Pyrex jug. Now that your turkey is cooked through, you all know how to check, drain off any cooking liquid into the Pyrex jug. There is always more than you think! It needs to be Pyrex so that you can see the fat separating out and complete the next step...once the cooking juices in the jug are quite cool you can see the fat sitting on the top, which you need to remove. I favour a dessert spoon and tilting the jug but use a gadget if you must. This fat can be used to anoint the roast potatoes and you will be left with pure extract of bird and veg in the bottom of the jug. The turkey will hopefully be resting on a warmed plate by now, under a cosy blanket of foil so put the roasting tin on the hob with all the giblets and veg etc. still in it and add a couple of tablespoons of flour. Stir madly, on a medium heat, until the flour is absorbed then add a splash of white wine until you have wallpaper-paste consistency, then add plenty of water and another glass of wine. And one for the pan! Take out your potato masher and give everything a good bash then leave it simmering for a time. Add in a chicken stock cube and stir, adding more water if needs be. 5 mins before serving, stir in the juices from your Pyrex dish for the ultimate turkiness then strain and pour! We’ve touched on booze, and I could go on...and on, but the main thing about the festive season is to drink your favourite tipple, regardless of cost or suitability. Babycham? Go for it. Romanee-Conti 1990? If ya like. The pinot noir grape is widely regarded as the best red wine match for turkey, white Burgundies the best for white, but break the rules! Drink what you enjoy! I promise I’ve nearly finished but one last thing. The Ultimate leftover idea: I am a simple soul and love nothing more than turkey, stuffing and mayonnaise (Hellman’s, full-fat please) on thickly sliced white bread. However, Every Christmas Night I succumb to the entreaties of assorted family members and create the Christmas Club. Ingredients vary depending upon what the cupboard yields but they are roughly thus: White farmhouse loaf from The Cottage Bakery, Thame, lightly toasted. I know, all you food snobs, it ought to be rye bread but I really care very little: Hellman’s mayonnaise, French’s American Mustard, sliced gherkin, sliced red onion, sliced tomatoes, sliced turkey, sliced Gruyere, or Cheddar will do and sliced pastrami, or ham at a push. Pop it all in between the lightly toasted bread, season liberally and wash it down with your favourite tipple. Here’s to a relaxed and stress-free Christmas and a very happy New Year!
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CAROL SERVICE
Friday, 13th December 2013 at 7.30 p.m. St Margaret’s Church, Lewknor Featuring “The Festival Choir’s Carol Concert” (Soloist Alison Swain – harp) Before the concert and during the interval drinks will be available, in return for a donation to the church funds We look forward to seeing you there! Please note the time this year - 7.30 p.m. Entrance cost: £5.00 (the proceeds will go to the church’s maintenance fund) Tickets on sale at the door of the church
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an a to z of herbs
washed Jesus’ swaddling clothes with this fragrant herb. Secondly, it is a favoured scent for women’s scented holiday gifts. Myrrh • comes from the resin of the Commiphora myrrha tree. Myrrh is commonly used as incense in church ceremonies, often during the holidays. It is also one of the gifts given to baby Jesus by the Three Kings. During ancient times, myrrh was many times more valuable than Frankincense.
Christmas Herbs and Spices A break from the A to Z this month, to bring you 10 herbs that have associations with the Christmas holiday. Rosemary • a popular herb for cooking as well as for decorative uses. Go to your local grocery store or garden centre during the holiday season to find small rosemary trees that are often decorated for the holiday season. According to legend, this plant bloomed and bore fruit (out of season) on the night Jesus was born. Rue • is an extraordinary herb that can grow in just about any soil condition, even dry, arid ground. Rue is an evergreen herb and has been used for centuries in church ceremonies; small brushes of the herbs were dipped in holy water and then used to sprinkle the congregation. Rue is often dried and hung in the home to banish evil. Bayberry • is also known as Myrica or Wax Myrtle. The wax found on the fruits of this shrub is often made into candles that are used during the holiday season. Cinnamon • comes from the bark of the Cinnamomum verum tree. During Biblical times, Moses said that holy anointing oil should be comprised of sweet cinnamon and cassia. Cinnamon was a prized spice and was given as a gift to visiting dignitaries for centuries. Today it is commonly available and is used in a variety of dishes, especially during the holiday season, as well as in decorations for the home. Frankincense • is widely known as a gift given to baby Jesus from the Three Kings. Frankincense is made from the resin of the Boswellia tree. It is commonly burned during church masses. It is also added to holy oil that is used for anointing individuals during baptisms. Lavender • is associated with the Christmas holiday for several reasons. First, it is believed that Mary
Ginger • is used in many forms during the holiday season. In powdered form, it is used in many recipes, from cakes to cookies as well as meat dishes. The root may be ground and used in culinary dishes as well. The ginger root may also be candied or used in the production of ginger ale and ginger beer, popular drinks during holiday celebrations. Sage • is commonly used in culinary dishes. Legend also holds that Mary and baby Jesus hid in a large blooming sage bush when King Herrod was searching for them. For this reason, sage is known as the herb of immortality. Bedstraw • also known as the Gallium plant, is an herb that may have been used in baby Jesus’ manger. Bedstraw has a sweet honey aroma that is released when warmed. The herb is also used to make red dye. Mulled Cider 2 litres good cider, such as Scrumpy 6 cloves 3 or 4 star anise ¼nutmeg, finely grated into the pan 1 cinnamon stick 1 vanilla pod, halved Juice of 1 orange Juice of 2 clementines Juice and seeds from 1 pomegranate 4 or 5 tablespoons of caster sugar, to taste Directions Pour all of the cider into a large pan on a low heat and warm it through for a few minutes. Add all of the spices and fruit juices and turn the heat up. Once boiling, turn down to a simmer and leave to tick away for 5 to 8 minutes. As everything infuses you’ll get the most delicious layers of flavour. Just because this is a glorified Christmas punch doesn’t mean you don’t taste it like you would a sauce. Pay attention and add a few tablespoons of sugar to taste. You don’t want it to be sweet; you just want the sugar to join up all the different spices so you get a harmonious taste. (c) Jamie Oliver
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Needles and pins with alison swain
This month I thought we could turn our thoughts to that festive season not too far ahead of us and leave the needles and fabric aside for a while and go for some paper craft. I don’t know about you but every year I struggle with choosing from the ever increasing selection of Christmas cards available. So, one answer is to create some of your own, perhaps not for everyone if you have lots to send, but maybe for those extra special people in your life. Children will enjoy doing these too. The technique I want to show you is called tea bag folding! And, no you don’t need to save up all your used PG tips pyramids, emptied and dried out ready to fold. The name and the idea originated from the very early days of teabags when they were all individually wrapped in prettily decorated papers and people sat in cafes drinking their tea and folding the papers into shapes. Now of course there are lots of lovely specially printed papers available, either from art and craft shops or online or you can just use some old wrapping paper if you like.
Make all eight shapes and then fix them together to make a rosette shape. Open the right hand fold slightly and with a glue stick dab a small amount of glue on the right flap. Then take the next shape, slot it inside and stick in place so that the folded centres meet. Continue to glue all eight shapes in the same way and finally stick the last one down on both sides of the rosette. The triangle shapes can also be glued together to make a Christmas tree as shown. The 3D effect really makes the card stand out.
You need to cut out eight small squares of paper about 5cm / 2” square. There are two different basic shapes you can make as shown in the first photo. For the triangle simply fold and crease the square along the diagonals with the print side up, then fold horizontally just one way into a rectangle with the print facing inwards. Open out and then gently push the paper holding the corners and it will form easily into a folded triangle. For the square, fold the paper horizontally both ways with the print side out and then once diagonally with the print side inwards. Open out as before and holding the corners, gently ease the paper into a folded square. And that’s nearly it! Easy!
Stick your rosette onto a folded piece of card or a bought blank card, again readily available from craft stores. Then let your imagination take over. The finished one, shown below, is mounted on a shiny metallic card and is embellished with festive stickers and a gem in the centre of the rosette. I made this one from two different papers, using four squares of each. You can decorate with all sorts of trimmings, glitter and sequins etc. For an extra special effect decorate the envelope as well using the same papers or colour scheme. There are so many more ideas and techniques you can use to develop this craft, but sadly not enough space in this column to cover it all. But have some fun, have a go and I’m sure you will really impress your family and friends this Christmas.
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unharmed. All three have since gone on to be rehomed. Also, Halloween kittens Pumpkin and Boo found covered in ticks and full of worms, have been treated, neutered and gone to a loving family home. There are lots more lovely cats and dogs at the centre hoping to have a home to call their own soon.
news from the bLue cross A recent Christmas event was well attended, raising nearly £400 for the animals in our care. For those that were unable to attend, there are a great selection of Christmas cards, calendars and 2014 diaries for sale in reception along with home-made jams and chutneys provided by one of our dedicated volunteers. Recent rehoming successes include three small dogs that were found abandoned in a box on the A40. Thankfully, Molly, Trixie and Rupert were spotted by a passer by and brought to the centre
New initiatives include our Amazon Wish List where supporters can gift items which go directly to the cats and dogs in our care. So far, we have received lots of lovely toys, treats and training aids so Christmas really has come early! You can donate by visiting Amazon.co.uk: Lewknor Blue Cross rehoming centre. Also, The Clothes Line has been launch. This is an easy way to donate high quality, branded and vintage clothing and accessories using your own free courier service. Details can be found on our website www.bluecross.org.uk and all proceeds raised go directly to help pets in crisis. The Blue Cross Lewknor Team would like to wish everyone a very Happy Christmas and thank you all for your on-going support. We look forward to seeing you in the New Year.
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THE GRAPEVINE DEC/JAN 2013/14
LEWKNOR PARISH COUNCIL www.lewknor-pc.org.uk
Recent Local Planning Applications Below are the planning applications that have been considered by the Council and their current status: P13/S1318/HH Manor House Weston Road Lewknor OX49 5RU Erection of a detached timber framed outbuilding ancillary to The Manor House approved P13/S2594/LB & P13/S2463/HH Lower Vicar’s Barn, Wormsley Estate External alterations to barn for use as an Artist’s Studio (Amendments to listed building consent P13/S0241/LB) Decision awaited P13/S2925/HH 7 Lewknor Close, Lewknor Erection of single storey rear extension and two-storey side extension incorporating rear balcony and erection of three rear dormer windows Decision awaited P13/S2966/HH Elm Tree Cotttage, Lower Road, Lewknor Proposed single storey first floor side extension Decision awaited Applications for a Certificate of Lawful Development have been made for the following: (The Parish Council is not permitted to comment on these) P13/S2951/LDP Hill Farm, Hill Farm Road, Lewknor Erection of two-storey front extension Decision awaited P13/S2960/LDP 8-9 Shirburn Road, Lewknor Erection of single storey side and rear extensions and domestic outbuildings Decision awaited To view the full planning register go to: www.southoxon.gov.uk/services-and-advice/planning-and-building/find-application/planning-application-register
MARTYN OTTERY
ELECTRICAL SERVICES
LAMPS & LED’S TO LIGHT INDUSTRY NO CALL OUT FEE, NO FUSS 20 YEARS EXPERIENCE SMALL JOBS A SPECIALITY PLEASE CALL MARTYN ON tel: 07792 697 608 OR 01844 281 758 email: martynottery758@btinternet.com2 WHEATFIELD COTTAGES, STOKE TALMAGE ROAD, WHEATFIELD, THAME, OXON, OX9 7EP
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THE GRAPEVINE dec/Jan 2013/14
Need a venue? Having a party? Why not book The Jubilee Hall, Lewknor? Available for hire for a variety of social events and functions. Including Children’s parties, wedding and anniversary parties, meeting and fund raising events. For details of rates, or to book the hall for your events or parties, please contact Jean on 01844 354875
Little Red Duck Co.
"Wish you had an extra pair of hands, a few more hours in the day......Well now you can!" Little Red Duck Company offers a friendly, fully insured, professional cleaning service to take away some of the stress of your day! Feel free to call or email with any questions about the services we can offer. Zoe: 01844 351333 or 07976 503075 Web: www.littleredduck.co.uk Email:
littleredduck@hotmail.co.uk Reg No. 07560762
WHAT’S ON AT JUBILEE HALL, LEWKNOR
REGLER & COMPANY _____ SOLICITORS _____ 51 High Street, Chinnor, Oxon OX39 4DJ We specialise in Conveyancing, Wills and Probate, Matrimonial and Family Law. Please telephone us for a quote.
MONDAY NIGHTS Chinnor Kettlebells at 6.30pm
Home visits can be arranged for Wills and Lasting Power of Attorney
(Contact Daren on 07801 553 019)
Fixed fee interview (£50.00 for half an hour)
TUESDAY NIGHTS Yoga at 6.45pm
01844 354555 email:info@reglerandcompany.co.uk
(Contact Vicki on 07947 149675 or on 01844 3471620)
www.reglerandcompany.co.uk
For details of rates, or to book the hall for your events or parties, please contact Jean on: 01844 354875
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THE GRAPEVINE DEC/JAN 2013/14
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Martyn Ottery Electrical
THE GRAPEVINE DEC/JAN 2013/14
• • • • • • • • • • •
Effective treatment for all ages
Osteopathy
General foot care Bunions Cracked heels Corns, callus and verrucae Problem nails In-growing toenails Foot and heel pain Athlete’s foot and fungal infections Diabetic assessments and footcare Biomechanics and gait analysis Sports injuries
Also: Cranial Osteopathy Paediatrics & Post-natal Osteopathy
Podiatry
Saturday appointments Ian Luxton D.O Victoria Inglis-Smith B.Ost, MSc Roger Whalley M.Ost
Appointments Monday – Saturday
Registered Osteopaths
The Luxton Clinic Stonor House 57 Lower Road Chinnor . OX39 4DU
Back Pain Frozen Shoulder Headaches Hip Pain Knee Pain Migraine Muscle Strain Neck Pain Sciatica Sports Injuries Tendonitis Tennis Elbow
Tel: 01844 352200
also at Thame Road, Longwick. If you would like to make an appointment please phone
01844 352200 Debby Luxton BSc (Hons), MChS
HPC Registered Podiatrist
Stonor House 57 Lower Road Chinnor OX39 4DU
Cross Keys Practice High Street Princes Risborough HP27 0AX
www.theluxtonclinic.co.uk
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THE GRAPEVINE DEC/JAN 2013/14
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THE GRAPEVINE DEC/JAN 2013/14
SUDOKU
Please see page 19 for the answers It’s easy to play Sudoku! Simply fill every column, row and 3x3 boxPrintFreeSudokuPuzzles.com so they contain every SudokuPuzzles.com number between 1 and 9. Puzzle Set #C5598 Level: Challenging Level: Easy
DIFFICULT
EASY
8 4
5 9 2 7
5 9
1
3
8 7
2
1 4 7 5
4 7
3 9
2
9 2
1 6 8
4 5 7
5 9
2 8
5 6
9
7 3
4 8
2 A
A
1
9
5
3
1 2
6
6 8
9 6
8 7
5 7 1
17
6
4
8 9
THE GRAPEVINE DEC/JAN 2013/14
SPECIALISTS IN CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CLEANING Professional & Experienced Technicians - Providing The Very Best Service
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Call for a Free Estimate 01865 892 350 The Revival Company I 46/47 Monument Park I Chalgrove I Oxford I OX44 7RW Oxford@revivalco.co.uk
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SudokuPuzzles.com
8 Level: Easy [Key]
Solutions
THE GRAPEVINE printfreesudokupuzzles.com
DEC/JAN 2013/14
puzzle set #C5598 level: Challenging [Key]
easy
DIFFICULT
8 3 5 9 1 7 2 6 4 6 1 9 2 4 3 8 5 7 4 2 7 6 8 5 9 1 3
7 1 8 4 3 9 2 5 6 3 4 5 2 1 6 9 7 8 9 6 2 7 8 5 3 1 4
1 9 3 4 6 8 7 2 5 5 7 6 1 3 2 4 8 9 2 8 4 7 5 9 1 3 6
5 8 1 6 4 3 7 2 9 2 7 6 9 5 1 8 4 3 4 3 9 8 7 2 5 6 1
3 5 1 8 7 4 6 9 2 9 4 8 3 2 6 5 7 1 7 6 2 5 9 1 3 4 8
8 9 4 1 2 7 6 3 5 1 2 3 5 6 8 4 9 7 6 5 7 3 9 4 1 8 2
A
1 6 3 8 9 7 4 2 5 8 9 5 4 2 6 1 3 7 4 2 7 5 1 3 8 6 9 FINAL POSTING DATES 5 8 2 1 7 4 3 9 6 International surface mail 6 Western 3 4 Europe 9 -819th5November 2 7 1 9Asia, Far 7 INTERNATIONAL 1 3 6 AIR 2 MAIL 5 4 8 East & New Zealand - 4th December
Australia - 5th December 7Africa,5Caribbean, 6 2Central 4 & South 1 9 8& 3 America Middle East - 6th December 2 Cyprus, 1 Eastern 8 6Europe 3 - 9th 9 December 7 5 4 Canada, France, Greece & Poland - 10th December - 13th 5 December 3 4 9USA 7 8 6 1 2
Western Europe (excluding France, Greece & Po- B land - 14th December
A
6 bin 1 4collections 3 5 8 9 2 7 8 tuesday 2 3 724th 9 1 6 5 4 december 9 5 7 green 4 6 bin 2 1 3 8 4 thursday 3 5 9 2nd 8 7january 2 6 1 7 6 2 grey 1 3 bin 4 5 8 9 1wednesday 8 9 5 28th 6 january 4 7 3 3 7green 1 6 bin 4 (no 5 gw) 8 9 2 5 9 8 2 1 3 7 4 6 Need 2 4 help 6 with 8 7your 9 computer? 3 1 5 • • • • •
B Using the internet Setting up email Buying and selling on eBay BFPO Downloading your digital photos Airmail to operational BFPOs - 29th November Word-processing, spreadsheets, etc Airmail to static BFPOs - 13th December Instructions, Tips, Answers, Reprints & More Sudoku Puzzles Online!Tips, Answers, Reprints & more sudoku puzzles Online! Instructions, For affordable, one-to-one Inland services tuition in your home, call 2nd Class & Royal Mail Signed For - 18th December Sharene on 08711 296 454 1st Class & Royal Mail Signed For - 20th December Royal Mail Special Delivery Guaranteed 23rd December
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THE GRAPEVINE DEC/JAN 2013/14
LEWKNOR PARISH DIARY december 2013 1st december holy communion 9.00am st. lawrence 13th december
carol concert 9.00am st. margaret’s
15th december holy communion 9.00am st. margaret’s 15th december young puzzlers 10.30am st. margaret’s 15th december christmas worship 10.30Am St. Lawrence 24th december
crib service 4.00pm st. margaret’s
january 2014 5th january holy communion 9.00Am St. Lawrence 13th january parish council meeting 7.30pm jubilee hall If you would like to include any events or meetings in the diary, please let the editor know via the grapevine email address: grapevinemagazine@hotmail.com an online version of the grapevine is available at http://issuu.com/grapevinezine/doc
Mrs Marjorie Biggs 1918 - 2013 Sadly, Marjorie Biggs passed away last month. Those of you who knew her will remember her as a very private person having lived a very full & eventful life. She and her late husband John, moved to Wheatfield in the seventies, when John was employed by Major Rodney Mann. Up until her admission to the Watlington Hospital Care Home she had been on her own in her bungalow in Lewknor Close for many years, with only one stay recently in Wallingford Hospital earlier in the Summer. Those who went to visit her at Watlington where so impressed with the thoughtfullness and care that the nurses showed during her last weeks, we are very lucky to have such a wonderful facility so near. The Watlington Hospital Charitable Trust is holding it’s annual Christmas Fair on Tuesday 26th Novemebr at Benson Parish Hall 9.30-3pm, all proceeds go to the Trust to support the running of the facilities there, if you can make it you will find some lovely early Christmas goodies. The Watlington Hospital Charitable Trust 18B Shirburn Street Watlington OX49 5BT
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