In The Vale
magazine
Volume 3 Issue 2 September 2009 to homes in Faringdon, Wantage, Grove &villages Longcot Faringdon, Longcot and surrounding Local news, eventsDelivered and featuresFREE for Wantage, Grove,
In The Vale this month: A holiday exchange with a difference s ing Vote for Faringdon’s Heroes h t st re Local news and events e b a And lots more ... e life E! h l t i n RE Al F
Good news for Stanford in the Vale! COMMUNITY PHARMACY Full range of pharmacy services available including: ♦ ♦ ♦
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Easy access to advice from a pharmacist NHS & Private prescription dispensing Repeat prescription collection from local GP surgeries Medicines Use Reviews Residential & Nursing Homes Service Full range of over the counter medicines and products
Vale Pharmacy 25 High Street, Stanford in the Vale
01367 718721 Registered no. 1490025 Registered office: 6 Newbury Street, Wantage, Oxon OX12 8BS
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Introduction
Contents Local News ……………...……………...4 Ed Vaizey…………….………………...9 Vale & Downland Museum column ….10 Article - an unusual exchange ……... 12 Business News ……………………….14 A Day in the Life …………………….. 16 18 Local Events …………………………... Puzzles ……………..……. …………..22 Arts Focus……………………………..23 Your Pets with Robert Elliott …………24 26 Health and Fitness ……………………. Grumpy Old Men ……………………...28 Green News …………………………. 30 Gardening……………………………...31 Good Food …….………………………32 Article - beating the cowboys ……... 34 The Small Ads ………………………. 35 Local Information …………………... 38 39 Index of Advertisers …………………...
Deadline for October issue:
15th September
… In The Vale Hello, Welcome to the second issue of the new-look In The Vale magazine. We’ve had some lovely comments since we relaunched as a completely independent publication, so thanks for all your support! There’s lots going on in the area this month, including Faringdon’s Heritage Day on 13th September. As well as lots of the local buildings being open for visits, there will be all sorts of activities going on in the town. See page 21 for full details! We also have a special report on an unusual exchange that happened this summer between a Wantage vicar and his counterpart in Philomath, USA. It makes for fascinating reading. I spent a couple of weeks on holiday in Cromer where they have a very busy Carnival week which includes one of the biggest carnival parades in the country, and it was great fun. When I got home I read online about plans to bring back a carnival in Wantage - which I think would be a wonderful idea. I can just imagine the Summer Festival finishing with a bright parade of floats through the market place. What do you think of the idea? Would you like to see a carnival return to Wantage? I’d love to hear your views. Email me or write to the address below and I’ll print your letters next issue. Our cover photo of Faringdon House was taken by Julian Watson. If you have any interesting photos of the local area you’d like to see in print, please do send them to me! Have a great month,
Email ads and editorial to: info@inthevalemagazine.co.uk We can’t guarantee to publish everything received.
Alison Alison Neale Editor, In The Vale magazine
In The Vale magazine, 9 Cromwell Close, Faringdon SN7 7BQ Tel: 01367 888229 Mobile: 07927 330293 Fax: 0872 115 0951 Email: info@inthevalemagazine.co.uk Website: www.inthevalemagazine.co.uk Edited by Alison Neale Contributors: Monika Becker, David P Eliot, Jo Walsh, Faringdon TIC, Robert Elliott, Ed Vaizey MP, Rev. Martin Smithson, Rev. Bill Seagren, Lilly Sell-Dunkley, Bert Pridgeon, John F Parrott. Cover photo © Julian Watson. Published by The Proof Fairy (www.theprooffairy.com) Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that the data in this publication is accurate, neither the publisher nor its editorial contributors can accept, and hereby disclaim, any liability to any party to loss or damage caused by errors or omissions resulting from negligence, accident or any other cause. In The Vale magazine does not officially endorse any advertising material included within this publication. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval system, or transmitted in any form - electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise - without prior permission of the publisher.
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Local News
… In The Vale
Faringdon Community Awards Finalists The nominations are in and now it’s time to vote for the winners of the 2009 Faringdon Town Council Community Awards! Read on for the shortlist in each category, some of the reasons they were nominated and details on how to vote. Business Award (sponsored by Faringdon Chamber of Commerce and Cotswold Life magazine) 1. White Horse Hire: White Horse Hire go above and beyond the call of duty on taxi trips. They provide support and company on hospital and medical visits. They help with shopping and are always reliable. 2. What’s On: What’s On keeps the community informed and helps to strengthen community spirit with free listings of community events. It is an invaluable free source of local information especially for those without computer access 3. Pure Me: This business has been supplying Faringdon for over a year and a half with organic products, which has been a great addition to our community shops. Alongside this the shop proprietor has organised some interesting talks and events, free taster sessions and consultations. Group Award (sponsored by RH Transport Coach Hire) 1. Community Bus: The Community Bus is run by a voluntary committee and voluntary drivers who are helpful, kind, cheerful and cooperative. The bus is a reliable form of transport for those who otherwise would be unable to do their shopping etc. independently. The afternoon and weekend trips are enjoyed by all ages and are excellent value. An asset to the town 2. U3A: The U3A is a not for profit, locally based organised open to ANYONE who has reached their 3rd age and no longer works fulltime. This organisation brings stimulation and companionship to many people. There are opportunities to learn new skills, exercise and socialise. For people who are bereaved, lonely, new to the area or in need of stimulating activity it is invaluable. 3. Faringdon Dramatic Society: The group has been running for over 60 years. It is very welcoming to new members giving local people (including children) the opportunity to work on stage, back stage, front of house or simply enjoy theatre at a local level as part of the audience. The Clive Davis Community Hero Award (sponsored by Faringdon Town Council) 1. Les Sears: Les retires as Chairman of Faringdon Town Football Club this year. His services to the club and town have been outstanding. He has been involved with FTFC since 1965. He has seen many developments at the club including club house improvements, youth and girls’ football. The football club is an important part of our town providing sport and social for many residents, and raising thousands of pounds for the baby unit at the Princess Margaret Hospital. 2. Frank Callahan: Frank does a huge amount of voluntary work in Faringdon and beyond. Frank has volunteered for the Mustard Seed, Community Bus and Breakfast Club amongst others. He also travels to Kosavo at least once a year to deliver humanitarian aid. 3. Sjoerd Vogt: Sjoerd has worked tirelessly on behalf of fair trade ensuring Faringdon became the first fair trade town in the area. His work with Ecoweek really brought Faringdon into the limelight and won an award. He also volunteers as Town Crier. 4. Julie Farmer: Julie’s work with the Arts Festival over the last 6 years has put Faringdon on the map. She is a dedicated person who puts in many late nights dealing with artists, venues and local councils. She has exceeded anything that should be expected of a volunteer putting the happiness of others before her own.
Fill in the form opposite to vote for your winners! For advertising call 01367 888229
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Faringdon Town Council Community Awards Voting Form Please vote for your chosen favourite in each section by placing a mark in the box next to their name. You do not have to give your name but we would be grateful if you could sign at the bottom of the form. This helps eliminate multi-voting and keeps the Awards as fair as possible. Voting forms can be placed in ballot boxes in Faringdon C&TIC or Town Council offices; posted to Faringdon C&TIC, 5 Market Place, Faringdon SN7 7HL or emailed to sally@faringdontowncouncil.gov.uk
Deadline for the nominations is 30th September.
Clive Davis Community Hero – Sponsored by Faringdon Town Council
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FINALIST Les Sears: for voluntary services to Faringdon Football Club Sjoerd Vogt: for Eco Week and Fair Trade work Julie Farmer: for Faringdon Arts Festival Frank Callahan: for Charity Work and voluntary work
Group Award – Sponsored by RH Transport Coach Hire FINALIST
Business Award – Sponsored by Faringdon Chamber of Commerce and Cotswold Life
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FINALIST
Faringdon Community Bus
What’s On: free monthly publication
University of the Third Age
White Horse Hire: taxi service
Faringdon Dramatic Society
Pure Me: organic cosmetics
X
Signed ………………………………………………………….…
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Local News ECOWEEK in Faringdon wins top market town award in South East Members of Faringdon Area Project’s ECOWEEK Team were celebrating this summer after winning through to the National Finals of the Action For Market Towns Awards 2009. Many diverse and inspiring projects from across the South East of England were entered for this year’s awards and the four category winners were presented with their regional award by the High Sheriff of Oxfordshire Richard Dick and Julian Owen of South East Rural Towns Partnership at Sudbury House Hotel in Faringdon.
The ECOWEEK team receiving their award. Back Row (L→R) Sjoerd Vogt, Richard Dick, Julian Owen, Ian Smith, Phil Chesterton, Karen Vogt. Front Row (L→R) Daphne Saunders, Andy Hayter, Margaret Barker, Mike Wise, Reggie Norton
Faringdon ECOWEEK, held in June 2008 allowed 2300 people to enjoy thirty three separate low-carbon events, from hi-tech plasma waste facilities to low-tech allotments. The local community ate their way through ecoburgers, cycled into the summer solstice, and even broke a world record along the way. ECOWEEK involved the whole community - from birdwatchers right through to bread-baking watermill lovers.
ECOWEEK 2008, where a new World Record was set for wind turbine hugging!
Being named as the Overall South East winner came as a huge surprise for the ECOWEEK team and leader Sjoerd Vogt thanked everyone who was involved in the events. He said that they are hoping to make this a biannual event and that planning is already underway for ECOWEEK 2010.
Thanks to the good people of Stanford! On behalf of Stanford in the Vale School Association, here’s a big well done to all of the 170 people that entered the SITV Fun Run this year, especially to those who came in fancy dress. It was a fantastic turn out. Congratulations to John Robertson who finished first in a time of 14 minutes and 57 seconds. Many thanks to Nick Ponting for sponsoring the event and providing all the trophies and medals. Also a huge thank you to all the helpers and marshals who did a grand job and gave up their time on the day. For advertising call 01367 888229
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… In The Vale German Visitors Enjoy the English Sunshine Twenty visitors from Wantage’s twin town of Seesen in the Harz Mountains in Germany enjoyed warm sunshine during a week’s visit at the end of June. The visitors, formally welcomed by the Mayor of Wantage Patrick O’Leary, enjoyed a full and varied programme of excursions and visits arranged by the Wantage and Grove Twinning Association. Highlights included trips to the Isle of Wight, Bath, Cadbury’s World, the chance to see English beer being brewed at Arkell’s Brewery in Wiltshire and an evening of traditional English Folk Dancing by three local groups: the Vale Islanders, Lumbawakk and Old Speckled Hen. Greta Thornbory, Chair of the German Group, said: “This time we were more lucky with the weather - in sharp contrast with the previous German visit during the floods of two years ago, when everywhere was under water. We are already planning our return visit to Seesen next September and will be pleased to welcome anyone who is interested in joining us.”
Chair of the Seesen Twinning Association, Renate Pilarski, with some of the German guests and their local hosts.
The Wantage and Grove Twinning Association arranges exchange visits on alternate years to Seesen in Germany and Mably in France. A group from Wantage visited Mably at the end of July. For further details visit www.wantage.com and follow the links to Twinning.
New route hits the right note for Wantage Silver Band
Riding to the Top! King Alfred’s pupil Samuel Bailey, aged 12, recently won his class at the National Disabled Riding Event. Samuel, who has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, is a member of the Abingdon Group of Riding for the Disabled (RDA) where he has attended since he was 5 years old.
Members of the Wantage Silver Band launched into an impromptu fanfare on 4th July as band chairman Eleanor Turner cut the ribbon to officially open the road allowing access to what will be their new home in the town’s Tugwell Field.
After qualifying at the Riding for the Disabled Southern Regional Show held in Buckingham in May, Samuel competed in the dressage competition at the National Event in July at Hartpury College, Glos. Samuel, and his horse Speckles performed with amazing accuracy in their class and came 1st out of seven Juniors and overall 3rd out of 22 competitors, 15 of whom were adults.
The opening of the new access road was a significant moment for band members who have been forced to practise in a variety of temporary sites since their old headquarters at Newbury St. C of E School was demolished in 2001. Last year planning permission was granted for a new building which will provide practice and storage facilities for the Band, as well as changing facilities for local football club the Wantage Concords who will also be playing their home games on the pitch in Tugwell Field. The Wantage Silver Band facilities will also be available for other groups and organisations to use.
Ann Barlow, Chair of the Abingdon branch of Riding for the Disabled, said: “Samuel and Speckles were a pleasure to watch, and Samuel rode brilliantly. We were all thrilled with this enormous achievement and our congratulations go to Samuel for all the effort he put in both before and on the day.” Visit www.inthevalemagazine.co.uk
The band and football club are now looking to raise just over £1million between them to help pay for the new buildings and will be holding fundraising events over the coming months.
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Local News
… In The Vale
New Road in Naming Ceremony for “Councillor Cotton” One Saturday in July family members, friends and former colleagues of Mrs Sheila Cotton assembled at the newly built ‘Cotton Close’, Grove for a naming ceremony in honour of the former Parish Councillor. Sheila Cotton moved to Grove from the Midlands with her husband and 4 daughters. She was first elected onto Grove Parish Council in 1969 and served a total of 27 years as Parish Councillor, serving on all the Committees of the Council and also acting as Council Chairman for several years. Sheila has also been involved with many local groups and organisations including the Girl Guides, Joint Environmental Trust for Grove, Wantage and Grove Caring Network, Fairtrading, Friends of Grove Library, Womens Institute and the Mothers Union amongst others.
Council Chairman Frank Parnell and two of Sheila’s great grandchildren cutting the ceremonial ribbon
Sheila now lives in Standlake but her contribution to Grove over the last 40 years makes her a worthy recipient of this “award”!
Well Done East Hendred!
Wantage Brownies Change the World
In early July a group of villagers from East Hendred went to Yarnton to represent their village at the Village of the Year competition, organised by Calor Gas and Oxfordshire Rural Community Council. The fantastic news is that East Hendred won Vale District of the Year! As well as the honour of being the best village in the area, there was a prize of £500 which will probably go towards a party for the village next year.
Win £20 in Spot the Horse! Spot the small horse hidden in an advert in this month’s magazine and you could be the lucky winner of a crisp £20 note! Simply send your name, address and the name of the advert where the horse is hidden to: Spot the Horse September, In The Vale magazine, 9 Cromwell Close, Faringdon SN7 7BQ or email your details including your address to: competitions@inthevalemagazine.co.uk Closing date is 30th September.
Inspired by Girlguiding UK's "Changing the World" Project, 1st Wantage Brownies raised a magnificent £330 for Wateraid when they entertained families and friends with songs and sketches promoting the charity. Wateraid representative Mas Hassan, who attended the entertainment, congratulated the girls, saying: "It was a most impressive presentation and I thoroughly enjoyed the evening." The money raised will help to improve water quality and sanitation in developing countries. For advertising call 01367 888229
Congratulations to Aimee Hancock in Grove who was June’s winner! Please note the new horse … this is to avoid any confusion with the many advertisers who have “white horse” logos in their adverts!
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Ed Vaizey on … Despite the long Parliamentary recess, work has continued as usual. I am still dealing with a large volume of correspondence, and helping various constituents with their cases. Because Parliament is not sitting, there is no parliamentary business to report on. A few items of interest across the constituency. First, I was delighted to learn that the Government has ordered a public enquiry into the large reservoir that Thames Water want to build between Steventon and the Hanneys. Thames have already reduced the size of the proposed reservoir by a third, and delayed any possible start date until after 2014. I have long called for a public enquiry, and raised the issue in the House of Commons last November. It is the best way of exploring all the alternatives, as well as the actual need for this new water supply. My understanding is that the enquiry will commence in 2010.
(Formerly Ardington Post Office & Stores)
Second, the issue of the incinerator proposed for Sutton Courtenay is coming to a head. There are two possible sites for an incinerator - Sutton Courtenay and Ardley in the north of the county. The County Council will choose a preferred bidder in September, and that will influence the choice of site, as each bidder has a preferred site. I have argued that there are much more modern alternatives to incineration, and called for the county to look at these before pressing ahead with an incinerator.
Open Monday to Saturday
Breakfast Morning Coffee Lunches Afternoon Tea
Third, I was interested to see that the Association of Train Operating Companies published a report listing a number of stations that could be reopened, and included Wantage/Grove in their report. I am urgently seeking a meeting to explore their thinking, to see if this could become a real possibility.
Lunch served from 11.45am
In August, in my capacity as opposition culture spokesman, I issued a report on the decline in library attendance across the country in the last few years. This earned me my first appearance on the Today programme. The interview with Jim Naughtie went very well until his co-presenter, Evan Davis, pointed out I was wearing my T-shirt back-to -front. Memo to self - don't get dressed in the dark next time.
Lunch parties catered for Smiths High Street Ardington Oxon OX12 8PS T: 01235 833 237
Ed Vaizey, MP
Next surgery dates, all at 5.30pm: September 25th – Wantage, Civic Hall; October 9th – Grove, Old Mill Hall; October 23rd – Wallingford Town Hall. As ever, I can be contacted at the House of Commons, SW1A 0AA, 020 7219 6350, vaizeye@parliament.uk Visit www.inthevalemagazine.co.uk
E: karen@smithsatardington.co.uk 9
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Local History
The Wantage Tanyards: 1523 – 1825 Many towns and villages once had their own tanyard, tanning the raw hides of locally reared cattle for use by the local townsfolk. We may be sure that Wantage was no exception and it would be logical to assume that tanyards existed here long before 1522 when tanners John and Robert Aldworth lived in Tanner Street (now Priory Road). In 1218 the Manor of Priorshold had to provide 3 leather garments as dues to the Prior of the Abbey of Bec each Michaelmas and 30 leather garments to the convent. That suggests there was at least one tanyard in the Manor and we may be sure the Bailiff encouraged tanners to remain so that those dues were paid on time. In 1376 an area of land called Tannheye, ‘to the west of the church’ was given to the vicar. This area, along Letcombe Brook, was at the edge of the Anglo -Saxon settlement, therefore the name may suggest Anglo-Saxon tanners were already established there. These dates suggest a romantic story linking the generations but it is the maps, deeds and records which have identified the tanyard locations and 58 tanners who worked here between 1522 until 1825 when the last tanner, Lancelot Whitfield, died. The important tanning families formed four ‘dynasties’, three lasting for more than 100 years. These were:
Successful tanners soon joined the emerging ‘middle class’ and in 1809 William Mavor, a Government Inspector, praised the efficiency of Paul Sylvester’s tanyard, reporting that: “The tanyard belonging to Mr Sylvester is the largest in the Kingdom and is conducted on the most improved principle.” Not all families were without problems for the will of one tanner notes: “Item. My will is I do give foll power & atority to my executor & to my ouereseers & my sonn John Clement to sell all the Lether hiedes & skinnes & anything Eles that is myne at the Tannehouse if my sonne Willia(m) do follow this Corse of Life which is Gamning and Idellnes & folling the Ale howse & the mony to be pott to the best youse for him tell he doth mend his lif.” We can only wonder if William did indeed change his ways! In 1825 all traces of the tanyards were removed and today the visitor will find no evidence of the skilled tanners who for three hundred years had earned themselves such a good reputation. References:
a) Aldworth, Brook & Allen 1522 ---------1691 b) Clement 1597-----------1701 c) Bacon 1633 -------—-1727 d) Eldridge, Ansell, Sylvester, Whitfield 1680 ---1825 During the first two hundred years, until the mid 1700s, eight tanning families worked for relatively short periods of time along Letcombe Brook. Yet the hundred years from 1700 to 1825 saw eleven tanners working along Bryan’s Brook, (now in conduit, behind Wallingford Street) suggesting the industry became centred there, no doubt to the delight of the residents for Letcombe Brook is up-wind and upstream of the town and tanning is a notoriously dirty and smelly industry!
Wantage Past and Present
1901
Gibbons A & Davey EC
Survey of the Agriculture of Berkshire
1809
Mavor W
Wantage Tanners & Leathermakers
1992
Rosevear A
Aldworth Family History
1992
Smallbone K
Reading Mercury
1810 1811
Selected Wills
John F Parrott, Curatorial Volunteer, Vale & Downland Museum
Vale & Downland Museum Church Street Wantage Tel: (01235) 771447 Website: www.wantage.com/museum
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V&D Museum library
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Opening hours: Monday - Saturday 10.00am to 4.00pm Closed Bank Holidays
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What’s On at the Vale & Downland Museum September 2009 Open: 10am-4pm Mondays - Saturdays Closed Sundays & Bank Holiday Mondays
EXHIBITIONS Upper Gallery Tues 8th - Sat 26th September, 10am-4pm What’s It For? An exciting exhibition of contemporary basket-making by Oxfordshire basket-makers. Many items on display will be for sale.
Squires Room Until Sat 5th September, 10am-4pm Sweet Wrappers Unwrapped See a small selection of Robert W Strange’s extraordinary historical collection of 3,000 sweet wrappers. Tues 8th - Sat 26th September, 10am-4pm What’s It For? See above for details. Tues 29th September - Sat 17th October, 10am-4pm Mindscape Featuring art work by members of Mind, led by artists Mary Smith and Jane Hope.
REGULAR FOYER EVENTS Saturdays 12th & 26th September, 1pm-4pm Meet Oxfordshire Basket-makers A chance to watch experienced basket-makers demonstrate this fascinating craft and chat about their exhibition. 12th September: Linda Mowatt and Joanna Gilmour 26th September: Greet Blom and Bob Summers Saturday 5th September, 10.30am-3.30pm Friends’ Second-hand Book Stall Books at bargain prices! Saturday 12th September, 10.30am-12.30pm Wantage & Grove District Arts Guild (WAG) A friendly drop-in session for anyone who wants to find out more about the local arts scene or share ideas and information about fundraising, venues etc. Fridays 4th, 11th, 18th & 25th September, 9.30am-10.45am Country Market Drop into this friendly Friday morning market to shop for home-produced bread and cakes, chutneys, jams, plants, cards and more Thursdays 3rd, 10th, 17th & 24th September Wantage Health Walks - Meet 10am For effective but gentle exercise in good company, join the Wantage Health Walks Group that leaves the Museum at 10am every Thursday to explore the lanes of Wantage, returning for coffee at about 11am. No need to book. Just turn up. Cafeteria News: starting from Wednesday 9th September and every Wednesday thereafter the cafeteria will be featuring a Hot Roast Lunch. ADVANCED NOTICE: A new book group will meet in the Museum Foyer and coffee shop on the second Friday in the month. The first meeting will be on Friday 9th October at 1.45pm. The book featured this month is “Affinity” by Sarah Walters. For further details and to reserve a place, please contact the Museum.
Free cup of Tea or Coffee with this coupon!
VALE & DOWNLAND MUSEUM, Church Street, Wantage Tel: 01235 771447 Website: www.wantage.com/museum Visit www.inthevalemagazine.co.uk
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Church News An Exchange Trip with a Difference! For six weeks from mid July, Rev Martin Smithson of Wantage and Rev Bill Seagren from Philomath, Oregon, USA exchanged roles. While Martin, accompanied by his wife Judith, a teacher at King Alfred’s, looked after College United Methodist Church in Philomath, Bill worked on the Wantage and Abingdon Methodist Circuit, with particular responsibility for the churches in Wantage, Grove, Childrey and Southmoor. Bill, his wife Jenny, and their three teenage children Hannah, Nathan and Rachel, were welcomed with a bring-and-share tea at Wantage Methodist Church, and the Circuit had the opportunity to hear about their church and life back home in Philomath at an open meeting at Southmoor Methodist Church later in the month. The American family were keen to help with the ecumenical children’s holiday club in Wantage Methodist Church which offered them the opportunity to meet Christians of other denominations. Alongside Bill’s work, the Seagrens also found time to explore the many tourist opportunities offered in the area. For Martin, this was his second American exchange with the Methodist Church as he has already experienced life in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. No doubt he had many tales to tell on his return to Wantage on 1 September. Here Bill and Martin share some of their thoughts on the exchange before their return home. From Rev Bill Seagren: My family and I are coming to the culmination of living for six weeks in Wantage. We have exchanged lives with Pastor Martin and Judith Smithson. I have served as a part of the Wantage and Abingdon Circuit of Methodist Churches, while Martin and Judy have lived in Philomath, Oregon USA where Martin has served at the College United Methodist Church. We have thoroughly enjoyed our time here. The area is rich with history and beautiful scenery. We have enjoyed walking the streets of Wantage and Grove, the pathways to villages and up on the downs and the Ridgeway. The greater gift, however, has been experiencing God’s love through the congregations of this area. Rev. Bill Seagren with his wife Jenny and their children We have been warmly welcomed into the lives, homes and ministries of many people here at a depth that exceeds what would normally happen in a six week period of time. This is something that wouldn’t happen as a tourist. We have gotten to experience the church in a different culture, seen how God is working here and learned much from this experience. I have been amazed by how the church can be so much the same here while being so much different from ours in America. With other Christians we have one Lord, one faith, one God and Father. We are clearly bonded into one family. Yet we sing different hymns and at times the same words to different tunes. We are structured differently. Church life is different. This has given great food for thought. I will go home with ideas for how my Oregon congregation could do things differently. The same- yet- different theme extends into everyday life. While those we have met have similar aspirations for their lives and families, they also experience life in a unique way. We have enjoyed new foods, new words and new activities. Learning to drive here was a stressful challenge, but most of the cultural differences have been enjoyable and fun. In all things we give many thanks to the people of this area for your patience with us and for opening your hearts and community to us. For advertising call 01367 888229
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… In The Vale From Rev Martin Smithson: It’s hot, hot, hot! I gather it has been quite a wet and cool late July in Wantage. It has been hot here since we arrived - this afternoon well over 100 Fahrenheit which is in the upper 30s Celsius. Philomath is a small town but is very close to a larger town of over 50,000 called Corvallis - that’s an attractive university town - home to Oregon State University. Philomath itself is a town of wide roads and largely single-storey buildings - there is no shortage of land to build on here. At the centre is the college building which gave the town its name (“love of learning”) but that is now a museum. The town is in the valley of the Willamette River with mountains to the east and the Pacific coast an hour’s drive to the west. There is spectacular scenery to be found in both directions. I have found the hospital because one of the church members had to go in for an operation. It's much easier than visiting in Oxford hospitals - no car park charges either. On the other hand there are massive charges for what happens inside the hospital! Also, there is a sign on the door, along with a no smoking sign saying 'no weapons' - so I left my gun in the car. The Methodist Church in Philomath was originally housed in the old college. The church in use today was built next to the college in the 1970s. It is a large and airy building which is used for many church and community activities. One which is very popular is the ‘soup kitchen’ - in fact, soup is hardly ever served but every Tuesday evening the church hall is opened and free food provided to the needy in the community. One week I led a Communion Service - they have Communion on the first Sunday of the month. I used one of the orders from our Worship Book to bring a flavour of British Methodism. People were interested and seemed to enjoy discovering something more of the similarities and differences. Philomath has ‘City of Volunteers’ as its motto. There does seem to be a good community spirit. The town has a very attractive public library which was built by local effort because the County did not consider it big enough to have one provided. The churches also work closely together and our last Sunday here was not spent in the Methodist Church building but at a joint church event in the local park. Saturday was the 'Day of Blessing' when the churches provided goods and services to the needy in the community in advance of the school term starting. Here the children have to provide all their own school books etc. and some can't afford that so they can get them free at the day of blessing - and get a free haircut and even free oil change for the car! The next day was 'church in the park' - a united service – around 350 attendees and then food for all. We have found the people here to be very hospitable and interested in what life is like in England and in our town. I feel sure that Bill and his family, regardless of the weather, will have found the welcome just as warm while living in Wantage. I am sure we will both have gained a lot from the exchange and will have plenty to talk about when we each return home.
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Business News
… In The Vale
Local Business Group Appoints New Leader The Faringdon 4Networking group have appointed In The Vale editor Alison Neale as their new Group Leader. “I’ve been coming along for a while now,” explains Alison “and the format and style just suited me so well that when this opportunity came up, I leapt at it. “Being the Group Leader allows me to ensure that we’re inviting along local businesses that could work with or supply our existing members and I also choose which ‘4Sight’ speakers we see at every meeting. I’m really passionate about business networking as it works so well for me, so will be pleased to explain to anyone how they can get the best out of it.” The Faringdon 4Networking group has been running for 2 years now and is part of a nationwide network of almost 200 groups across England and Wales, with over 19,000 members and a unique and very British format. Alison goes on to say: “For anyone who has never experienced breakfast networking before and who might want an easy and ‘safe’ first go, I really recommend they come along. I’ll explain the format to them before the meeting and they will even get a free Pocket Guide, explaining how to get the very best from breakfast and online networking.” The Faringdon 4Networking group meets every other Thursday at Carswell Golf Club, just off the A420. For further information contact Alison on 01367 888229 or visit www.4networking.biz .
TV Anchor Wesley Smith Celebrates a Century of Breakfasts
Basepoint Offers Free Office Space to Startups and Charities
Former Thames Valley Tonight presenter Wesley Smith joined the Wantage Business Breakfast Club in July to celebrate their century. Wesley, who now hosts a regular Saturday afternoon show on BBC Oxford, was guest speaker at the event at RBS Williams F1 Conference Centre. The event marks the one hundredth meeting of the Breakfast Club which was started in 2001 by Reg Waite and Colin Wilkins.
Basepoint, a leading provider of flexible workspace, is providing a package of special offers on a space available basis to charities, social enterprises and new start up businesses. Under the terms of the offer charities and other notfor-profit and social enterprises are being offered free office space with no deposit required for twelve months across the majority of the Basepoint portfolio - including their site in Swindon. The offer is open to any such organisation that has been registered for at least twelve months and participating centres are making available up to 2000 sq ft on a first come, first served basis.
Reg, who is also a councillor for the Vale of White Horse District Council, said: “As all sectors of business come to the monthly breakfasts, this is an excellent way for businesses to meet new customers or suppliers. We try to encourage businesses to trade locally as much as possible, so there is a real benefit for the local economy too.”
New businesses just starting up or moving from home are also being offered free office space for six months, with the significant benefit of no deposit. The offer is of offices of up to 250 sq ft per business. Terms and conditions apply, but organisations taking advantage of either promotion will have full use of the centres and their state-of-theart facilities and benefit from the support and advice available from the on-site management teams.
Councillor Richard Webber, Vale Council Executive Member with responsibility for economic development, said: “Organisations like the Wantage Breakfast Business Club play such an important role in the community. Running your own business can sometimes be a lonely occupation but clubs like this give businesspeople a chance to share ideas and find out better ways of doing things, as well as realising you are not alone.”
Charities and start-ups interested in finding out more should contact their local centre manager. Full details can be found at www.basepoint.co.uk
www.wantagebreakfast.co.uk For advertising call 01367 888229
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A Day in the Life
… In The Vale
David Elliot, author We’re happy to welcome back our Day in a Life feature which this month focuses on In The Vale magazine’s very own Grumpy Old Man, David Elliot. David lives with his partner on the marina in Abingdon, and recently published Clan, a supernatural thriller with historical and modern Scottish themes. What was your first job, and where has your career gone from there? My first job was as a clerk in an Insurance Company – then I spent 8 years in the Thames Valley Police in the 70’s and then almost 30 years in the IT industry. How did you become a writer? I was driving home from Nottingham, down the M1, in the rain, at 9.00pm on a Friday evening after yet another totally pointless meeting and decided there had to be more to life than this. I initially took a year out to write my first novel ‘CLAN’. Good friends encouraged me, and though getting it published was hard work there is nothing quite like holding your own book in your hand!
Who or what inspires you? Good friends, family, children, grandchildren – anyone who does the right thing regardless of personal cost.
What are your plans for the future? I would like to spend 6 months in Tuscany writing and 6 months, wherever, researching the next book! (Not so much a plan but a dream – but it is what makes me happy.) What's the best thing about living in this area? Close to the Cotswolds, good people, lovely scenery, good communications – London in an hour.
What’s your favourite book, and what are you reading right now? My favourite book is The Day of the Jackal by Frederick Forsythe, and I’m currently reading Fatherland by Robert Harris (again!) – excellent!
What’s your favourite local shop? “Local Roots” in Abingdon, good coffee, good company, good local produce – a place where you feel you are a welcome friend not just a customer.
Favourite film? It’s a Wonderful Life (James Stewart) or Frequency (Dennis Quaid).
What interests or hobbies do you have? Reading, cooking, music, theatre, films
Desert island choices: one book one song, one luxury: Book – The God Delusion – Richard Dawkins
What’s your philosophy for life? Distrust politicians – even if they are right! (They probably aren’t) Favourite local pub or restaurant? Pub – The Crown at Marcham, where Keith has three proper beers on tap, and The Black Horse in Hanney - Mark & Clare are a lovely couple. Restaurant – The Crab at Chievely.
Song – The Folks Who Live on the Hill – (Tony Bennett version) Luxury – An oyster knife – to open the Oysters I dive for!
David Elliot’s first novel “CLAN” ISBN 9781905 856 039 was published in December and is available online at www.davidpelliot.com or from local bookshops at £7.99. If you would like to feature in a future Day In The Life please call Alison on 01367 888229 or email alison@inthevalemagazine.co.uk For advertising call 01367 888229
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Local Events
… In The Vale EcoEco-Building Open Day
th
On Sunday 13 September between 10am and 4pm, as part of Oxfordshire’s Eco-Building Open Day, the Northmoor Trust’s offices will be opening up to the public to showcase their sustainable buildings at the foot of the Wittenham Clumps. In 2008, the Northmoor Trust’s offices at Hill Farm, Little Wittenham, won 'Best in British Timber' at the Timber in Construction Awards, beating the Tree Top Walkway at Kew. The timberframed office, built from locally-sourced Douglas Fir timber, was constructed on site in 2005 by a team of about 70 carpenters in a joint project between The Carpenters Fellowship and The Timber Framers Guild. One of the key design aims of the building was to reduce the need for energy, both in terms of lighting and heating. The walls are insulated with sheeps’ wool on the first floor and flax, produced from the flax plant, on the ground floor of the offices. In winter, a straw bale boiler provides additional heating and hot water. Water for all the toilets and buildings is sourced from a bore well on site. Come and learn more about the Northmoor Trust’s sustainable buildings and beautifully renovated barns. No need to book, just turn up! More Events at the Northmoor Trust: Friday 4th September at 7pm: Lunarscope Art Master Class. Rebecca Hind invites you to join a very special lunarscope watercolour masterclass on the Clumps. Adults £15. Saturday 12th September at 11am: Wallingford Castle History Walk. As part of the fun at Wallingford Museums Finds and Fossils Day join local historian Judy Dewey on a guided walk around Wallingford Castle Meadows. Sorry, no dogs allowed. Meet at Wallingford Museum and pay on the day, £3 per head. Sunday 13th September 10am - 12noon: Northmoor Trust Wild Cooking for children. Learn how to cook on an open fire without utensils. £7 per child. Wednesday 16th September 7:30pm – 9pm: Northmoor Trust The Incredible World of the Honey Bee. Discover what makes the bee so special. Adults £5. Unless otherwise stated, please call 01865 407792 to reserve your place and meet at Northmoor Trust Hill Farm, Little Wittenham, OX14 4QZ. See www.northmoortrust.co.uk for more information
Wantage Rejuvenated Antiques Fayre
North Drive PrePre-School th 40 Year Celebrations
Wantage Rejuvenated (part of Wantage Chamber of Commerce) will be holding their second event – an Antiques Fayre – on Sunday 27th September.
North Drive Pre-School (formerly known as Millbrook Playgroup and Millbrook Pre-School) is 40 this year!
Around 25 antiques stalls will be located in the Market Place, Wantage, and will be open to the public from 10.30am to 4pm. There will also be a hog roast (plus veggie option), local beer, live music, a children’s ride and street entertainers. In the nearby Masonic Hall you’ll be able to bring in your treasures to be valued, and there’ll also be light refreshments and a Discover Wantage Treasure Trail competition for children. Entrance to the event is free so come along for a great day out! If you are interested in having a stall at the Antiques Fayre, please contact Linda Hatter on 01235 764444 or email top-hatters@btconnect.com For advertising call 01367 888229
The pre-school is based in the grounds of Grove C of E Primary School now, but for a while the children that attended used Old Mill Hall in Grove whilst new facilities were built within the school for them. To celebrate 40 years the pre-school is having a party! On Sunday 20th September the gates will open to all past, present and future pupils, staff, committee members and families. There will be a live band, barbecue, stalls, games, bouncy castle, lots of trips down memory lane no doubt, and much more. Gates open at 2pm and close at 4.30pm, 50p entrance fee for adults and children go free. All proceeds will go towards the running and upkeep of the pre-school. Please come along and help make it an occasion to remember. For more information please contact lisa.parkersmith@sky.com
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Local Events Animal Blessing Service All creatures great and small are invited to their own special service of blessing and prayers at 3pm on Sunday 4th October at St John Vianney Church, Charlton Road, Wantage. The simple ecumenical service to mark the Feast of St Francis of Assisi will be led by the Parish Priest Canon Peter Turbit and the speaker will talk about the work of the Donkey Sanctuary at Brightwell cum Sotwell. Leading the animals for their blessing will be Pollyanne the rescued donkey, already a regular visitor to Wantage. The service, to give thanks for the creatures who share our planet, is open to all animals and their wellbehaved owners, families and friends. If your animal is too shy to come to church, bring a photograph or some other memento to be blessed. Join us afterwards in the Church Hall for tea, carrots and dog biscuits. Additional car parking is available by kind permission at King Alfred’s School East, Springfield Road. For further details contact Wanda Oberman on 01235 868516.
Grove Horticultural Society Grove Horticultural Society's next meeting will be on Wednesday 23rd September at 7.45pm in Grove Village Hall. This month’s illustrated talk is on “The 'Cotswold Wool Trade' and Shepherding” by Mr M Way. There will be refreshments and a raffle after the talk. Visitors are welcome (for a small entry fee). Contact grovehortsoc@googlemail.com.
U3A Wantage & Grove Our programme for September in Grove Village Hall (Main Street) starting at 2pm is: Tuesday 15th September: ‘Energy for Life – a Perspective of Global Warming and Energy Resources’: by Alex Patterson Visitors are welcome to attend main meetings for a fee of £1.50. Contact Chairman Thia Brereton (01235 764779) or Secretary Linda Thompson (01235 768701) for more information on the talks or other group activities. www.U3asites.org.uk/wantage
U3A Faringdon & District Thursday 10th September “The Yellow Hat Tribe” by Irene Tyack. From her gallery near Stow in the Wold Irene has painted the little people with the buttercup-coloured titfers for more than a decade – an art talk with a difference. 2.15pm for 2.30pm in Faringdon Corn Exchange. Newsletter available to collect. Further information from Ian Clarkson (Chairman) 01793 782836 www.FaringdonU3A.org.uk For advertising call 01367 888229
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… In The Vale Faringdon’s Heritage Day: Sunday 13th September Sunday 13th September is Heritage Day in Faringdon, and as well as many of the town’s buildings opening up for visits (see box below) there will be lots of activities going on throughout the day. Here’s a taster of what’s going on: H Ghost walks around town at 10am, 11am, 12noon, 1pm and 3.30pm H History Walk and Talk including a bell ringing demo at 2pm (meet in The Bell pub) H Self-guided history tours available all day from Faringdon TIC (Pump Rooms) H Bus trips to the Fossil Site at Fernham Gate at 10.30am and 3pm H Pelt your local councillors in the stocks! 1.30pm-2.30pm in The Crown courtyard In the Market Square: H Faringdon’s own Trafalgar Square-style “Fourth Plinth” presented by Faringdon Dramatic Society H Livestock displays H Deputy Town Crier competition at 2.30pm In The Pump Rooms: H Local history and geology displays H Arts & crafts H Children’s/teen activities H Peace Group display H Faringdon In Bloom presentation at 11.30am H Buscot and Kelmscott info and gifts In Budgens: H Staff in original style “Carters” clothing H Local suppliers in-store doing free food sampling H Sausage bap for 50p and a free cup of tea or coffee H Balloons and face painting in-store H "Blazing Saddles" country and western band performing in-store LIVE between 11am - 1pm In The Corn Exchange: H WI country market and refreshments H Craft demonstrations
Are you organising an event this summer?
In The Old Town Hall: H Exhibition by local artists In the Town Park: H Air Rifle Shooting H Community Art Project - get involved! Traditional food served at Faringdon Coffee Shop, The Bell, The Crown and The Volunteer - who are holding an Aunt Sally competition. Each pub - and many other buildings around town - will have displays of their history. Ample parking at Church Path Farm and all events are free!
Open Buildings Corn Exchange Council Chambers
You may need a: Risk Assessment Premises Health-Check Fire Risk Assessment Health & Safety Training Course H&S Policy or Procedures written
HEALTH & SAFETY NIGHTMARES? Cost-effective help for individuals, clubs and societies or local businesses. Call Martin Green for simple help or advice:
New “Local Studies Room” at Faringdon Library
01235 529257 or 07768 192387
Some town churches
NEBOSH Certified and a member of the Association of Project Safety
Old Town Hall Pump Rooms (TIC)
Quakers House (between 3pm-4pm and all day Sat)
Folly Tower (10.30am-4.30pm with history talks on the hour)
Masonic Lodge may be open (TBC)
All open buildings will have displays about their history Visit www.inthevalemagazine.co.uk
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Arts Focus
… In The Vale
Faringdon Art Focus for September: Alison Pilkington Pottery Alison Pilkington is a local artist who paints both canvasses and pottery. Her ceramic designs are extremely varied and every piece is different. The main elements of her work are usually bright colours, bold designs and lots of detail. After the pottery has been fired, the pieces are then embellished with ‘extra’ texture and decoration by adding tiny dots of pottery paint - sometimes hundreds for each piece. It is this feature which makes her work unique. “All the designs are created spontaneously without any part being drawn in pencil first,” Alison says. “I start each piece of pottery with a new idea in my mind and then see where my imagination takes the design. Sometimes it’s pure artistic experimentation which makes it such fun!”
www.oxfordlivejazz.com
Alison’s work will be on display at Faringdon TIC throughout September. She will also be doing a pottery demonstration during Heritage Day (Sun 13th September) and showing more of her pottery designs at this year’s Faringdon Art Exhibition between Friday 25th and Sunday 27th September.
Carswell Golf & Country Club on A420
Nr Faringdon SN7 8PU
Come enjoy a lovely venue & great Jazz Car park, B&B, bar, good inexpensive food
Enquiries to: alisonajp@aol.com
Friday 25th September, 8.30pm
Faringdon Art Society Annual Exhibition
Saxophonist ROBERT FOWLER And his QUARTET Robin ASPLAND pno Colin OXLEY gtr Dave GREEN bass Matt HOME drums
Faringdon Art Society will be holding their 45th Annual Art Exhibition in the Corn Exchange in Faringdon later this month.
'Unpretentious swinging jazz backed by a Rolls Royce band'
The exhibition will be open to the public on Friday 25th and Saturday 26th September from 10am to 6pm, and on Sunday 27th September at 10am to 3pm. There will also be a private viewing on Thursday 24th September from 7pm to 8.30pm.
vocalist Zena JAMES
Friday 30 October, 8.30pm Paul MORGAN bass Rob TAGGART pno Mike BRADLEY drums Simon ALLEN sax In a Crowded field this singer is compellingly different and her vocal storytelling is convincingly honest. Trudy Kerr
All are welcome. There will be a wide variety of work to enjoy as well as work by the children at Faringdon Junior School and Ferndale Preparatory School.
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Your Pets with Robert Elliott
… In The Vale
Healthy Treats that Won’t Break the Bank A big welcome to you in the new-look magazine, and I thought I’d share some ideas regarding making the most of the family budget yet continuing to look after the family cat and dog at the highest quality of care. The on-going financial worries have made us all look towards cost-saving, but in many ways that are constructive, pro-active and preventative when it comes to caring for your pet. In no way should this mean missing out on the free up-to-date healthcare advice, as well as the excellent quality and value for money parasite controls which your veterinary practices will provide, along with invitations to free health clinics. Weight and treats: Treats can be expensive; you’d be helping your pockets as well as the future weight of your pet by feeding less treats – just break them up- and take them away from the advised daily amount fed. This apllies to both standard shop and practice prescription diets, both wet and dry. Try cutting 1cm thick slices from a can of standard or prescription food, putting the slices on a cookie sheet, and then baking them at 300°F/150°C/ Gas Mark 2 until crispy, like a cracker. Such crunchy treats will stay within the diet plan. Costs are controlled, there’s a reduced risk of re-creating any past food allergies and any potential weight gain is prevented. It can be great fun creating different treats like this, for all the family to join in - and pets living with an ideal weight have in general less health care issues needing veterinary attention such as diabetes, lameness/arthritis and heart problems. Exercise and playtimes are free, it will help both dogs, cats and rabbits to enjoy an ideal weight and quality of life… Snacks and treats with a difference: if you can’t resist feeding your pets with little extras from the table or sharing every meal with them, consider very carefully what you are doing!! Here are some examples: ONE glass of semi-skimmed milk for a 5kg cat is equivalent to the cat’s owner eating 5 chocolate bars, and for a 10kg dog, ONE biscuit with your coffee is equivalent to the dog eating one whole cheesy-hamburger! Also it is possible to satisfy the instinctive need for dietary fibre in cats and dogs by feeding cooked For advertising call 01367 888229
green (beanless) beans, carrots and peas. Dogs and cats will eat clean, unsprayed grass, or untreated wheat or barley grown in vermiculite in small trays or yoghurt pots. Dental treats can be added as substitute for an equivalent part of the daily allocated diet; be careful though as some dental products are equivalent to ONE FIFTH of the daily dietary requirements. One the plus side though, good dental care, coupled with daily brushing and regular lift-the-lip inspections (especially at Pet Smile Month in September) will make your pet more comfortable and minimize veterinary attention. Feed good quality food: by buying and correctly feeding a higher quality food according to the optimum pet weight, the nutritional requirements are more easily and often more cheaply met. Larger bags from your veterinary practice will be cheaper per kilo than the smaller bags, provided it’s not so big that the food goes stale! Daily grooming and regular baths will help spot eye, ear and skin conditions early enough to prevent a more expensive professional visit, and also stop fur matting which, for certain pets like rabbits, has very serious consequences if under and around the tail, for in warm, humid weather, fly strike will be quick, devastating and often leads to euthanasia. Preventative veterinary healthcare includes regular flea/tick and worm treatments, fly repelling controls on rabbits and also keeping up with regular booster vaccinations and clinic participation. As advocates for your pets, your veterinary surgeons would far prefer the prevention of illness for your pet throughout these financial difficulties, for welfare and health reasons, than risking possibly all by doing nothing. Cold Nose Little Dog’s cold nose is better than any alarm clock (from Little Dog Poems by Kristine O’Connell George and June Otani)
I hope that this will be of some help, and look forward to next month!
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Training and socialisation classes for all dogs • Pups under 20 weeks 5:15 or 6:30pm • Dog training classes 7:45 - 8.45pm Kennel Club Good Citizens awards mlloffered
• Classes for unsociable dogs • 1:1 consultations for behavioural and training problems
Booking essential - limited numbers in class. Fun and easy reward based techniques! Sheila McDonald (APDT trainer 00992) 01235 227244 www.teachmydog.co.uk
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Health & Fitness Dance Yourself Younger! It’s true! It’s now been proven that dancing keeps you younger! Researchers from Queen’s University Belfast found that regular sessions helped reduce the risk of illness and counteract the effects of ageing. By stimulating our endorphins (our natural painkillers) it literally takes away the aches and pains of ageing. So even if you’re not ready to join the toe-tapping line-up of ‘Lord of the Dance’ or haven’t got a partner to do a racy samba with, you can still find a dance class to suit your age and ability (and you’ll be surprised what you CAN do!) Here are just some of the health benefits of dance, as listed on the Arts Council’s website: Physical and mental - Dancing can bring a wide range of physical and mental benefits: • healthier heart and lungs • stronger muscles • stronger bones and reduced risk of osteoporosis • better coordination, agility and flexibility • improved balance and enhanced spatial awareness Personal and social - The creative and collaborative nature of dance can bring further benefits: • improved general and psychological well-being • greater self-confidence and self-esteem So are you ready to give it a go and reap all these amazing benefits? Then what about trying CIRCLE
DANCE? A brand new group of CIRCLE DANCE is starting in September in Wantage, and anyone is welcome to go along and give it a try FOR FREE! What is CIRCLE DANCE? Best described as the biggest variety of dance on the planet, you will dance to music from all round the world, both traditional and modern. All the dances are demonstrated and taught in easy ‘chunks’ and there are plenty of slower dances as well as dances that get your heart and brain going! In one afternoon you might dance to Vivaldi, Bob Marley, the Dubliners, plus traditional music from Russia, Greece and South America. So if you’re around on Wednesday afternoons at 2.30pm, why not go along to The Guildry Hall (St Mary’s Convent, Denchworth Road) for a free trial session of Circle Dance, and see for yourself how energised and uplifted you feel at the end of the class! Classes start on September 16th. A regular group also runs on Tuesday mornings at The Corn Exchange in Faringdon at 10.30am. Local Circle Dancers say: “I forget all my day to day worries!” “It’s a really fun lesson and I enjoy the friendship and laughter.” “It simply enhances my life!” If you’d like any more information, phone Lilly Sell on 01367 820143 or email her at lilly@newhaven4.co.uk
Happy Feet! They carry us through life, don’t they? We take them for granted most of the time. We only start to take notice of them when something is wrong with them – our feet. Just a few minutes of attention can help to avoid most common problems. Many of us suffer from heavy and swollen feet and ankles, especially during the summer months. Very often, congestion in the lymphatic system is to blame. A regular routine of “hot-cold-footbaths” (KNEIPP method), where both legs are bathed alternately in vessels containing cold and bearably hot water (finish with the cold bath!) can help. The water should reach the mid-calf. The addition of Dead Sea salt enhances the therapeutic effect. Regular massages can also help. Patches of hard skin disappear when treated with a pumice stone under the shower or in the bath, when the skin is softened by the water. A nice foot cream afterwards is a real delight! A more serious problem for some is bunions. Nice strappy sandals are often only a dream for sufferers, and buying shoes can turn into a real challenge. In many cases, bunions can be successfully treated with a course of acupuncture, combined with massages. Depending on the grade of deformation, five to ten sessions can make a big difference! Your feet will thank you. For more info please contact Monika Becker: 07742 982757 or www.monikabecker.co.uk For advertising call 01367 888229
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‌ In The Vale 2009 Oxfordshire Sports Awards Launch It’s that time of year again to pay tribute to the champions of local sport as the Oxfordshire Sports Partnership launch the nominations for the 2009 Oxfordshire Sports Awards. Get behind the sporting stars in Oxfordshire who have excelled on the local, national or international stage over the past year. Nominate the coach who has helped you or your team achieve considerable successes over the last 12 months. Honour the unsung hero who may not make the headlines, but without whom sports clubs or organisations could not survive. Oxfordshire Sports Partnership are looking for talented sportsmen and women of all age groups - junior, senior and veteran. They want to see successful sports clubs and teams and the dedicated volunteers and coaches receive nominations for their excellent work over the year, so they have a chance of winning a 2009 Award. If you know someone, a team club worthy of an award you can nominate them in the following categories: Club of the Year - Coach of the Year - Disabled Sportsperson of the Year - Extreme Sportsperson of the Year - Junior Sports Team of the Year - Junior Sportsperson of the Year - Junior Unsung Hero - Sports Team of the Year - Sportsman of the Year - Sportswoman of the Year - Unsung Hero - Veteran Sportsperson of the Year You can download a nomination form at www.oxfordshiresport.org/awards2009 (more information, category criteria and nomination guidelines can also be found here) or you can contact Michelle Corbett on 07824 418 248 or mcorbett@oxfordshiresport.org . The deadline is midnight on Sunday 27th September. The short listed nominees will be invited to celebrate their achievements at a prestigious awards evening on Friday 13th November at the Kassam Stadium in Oxford. Alternative Health Practitioner
Monika Becker H.P. German-trained complementary therapist Unique holistic treatment method More than 11 years experience
Acupuncture, Psychological Kinesiology, Gentle Spinal Therapy (DORN method), Reiki Hypnotherapy/Past Life Regression Now at the Natural Therapy Centre In Wantage on Mondays
Tel: 07742 982757 Web: www.monikabecker.co.uk Boston House, Grove Technology Park OX12 9FF
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Grumpy Old Men
… In The Vale
To Binge or not to Binge – that is the question Isn’t it time we actually started thinking about our society (you know, that thing that dear old Maggie Thatcher said didn’t exist) and trying to return our country to some semblance of normality? Watching Panorama recently it seems Oldham Council have decided the answer is to have Post Office style queues that people line up in to get to the bar and then they can only order 2 drinks when they get there. There will also be half a dozen bouncers and two paid for police officers standing around keeping order. Actually I thought police officers were primarily to keep the Queens’s peace and to protect life and property, not as some sort of Group 4 security guard employed by the license trade! Personally, I’d rather they were out in the streets protecting our citizens rather than acting as pub bouncers - paid or not! Of course, the real objective is to blackmail the licensees into charging more for the alcohol as these councillors are convinced that charging more is the answer and they will put up their prices rather than implement this kind of stupidity as clearly no one in their right minds is going to queue up to buy a drink. It seems to me that, like most things councillors come up with, it is ludicrous and certainly will not work! (Although it will no doubt end up costing the poor old general tax payer more money.) The simple solution is to revert to the old rules. Put magistrates, NOT councillors in charge. Allow the police to close immediately any bar that is seen to serve someone who is already drunk and let the owners of that bar wait for the next licensing sessions (probably a month later) to explain to the magistrates why they should be allowed to re-open and what processes they are going to put in place to prevent a recurrence. (A process that does not involve putting more bouncers on the door - in my humble opinion they aggravate problems rather than deterring them.) Reintroduce the ability for magistrates to decide whether or not there is a need for yet another gin palace in the centre of the town. Finally, ban ALL sales of alcohol from any outlet that is not a proper pub or off licence (yes, I do mean Tescos as well!) This will stop the practice of pre-loading on cheap booze before you go out to get even further intoxicated.
“Answers to The Top Ten Questions On Self-Esteem Issues”
Our pubs (like our post offices) are part of the community and are generally run by people who live in and care about the community. Recently a committed couple running a pub in a village close to Wantage sought to promote a weekend festival in support of cancer research. The music they intended to play was prevented by a small number of locals who objected before it even got going. Their pub has been in the village for hundreds of years (unlike the complainers). This community-spirited couple had live music in the garden of the pub three times last year, so hardly the cause of constant aggravation, unlike the gin palaces that I spoke of earlier.
Visit the website below to hear your free copy of this compelling interview
I am tempted to say to these people who knew the pub was there before they moved in to “Get a life” – but then perhaps they should just stop preventing everyone else from having one!
www.selfesteemsurgery.com real answers to real questions asked by real people
Proper pubs and off licenses, proper communities and enforce sensible licensing laws – It’s not rocket science, for goodness sake! David P Elliot www.davidpelliot.com
For advertising call 01367 888229
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CHIROPRACTIC, PHYSIOTHERAPY AND MASSAGE Registered with the GCC, SCA, CSP and PhysioFirst Covered by health insurers Back and neck pain
All sports injuries
Headaches and migraines
Muscle problems
Joint problems
Tendinitis
Post surgical rehabilitation Dr Brett Rowlands (M.Tec Chiro) Dr Luther Moss (DC. MChiro. MCC) Mrs Lindsay Rowlands (BSc PT Hons) Mrs Liz McDonald (Dip.ITEC) Convenient parking 10 Barnards Way, Charlton, Wantage OX12 7EA Phone: 01235 770008 or 07884 256366
MORTGAGES MADE EASY 9 Mill Street Wantage OX12 9AB
01235 224802 0845 2 300 415
Mortgages Made Easy is an independent mortgage brokerage and we will be pleased to offer advice and help on any mortgage query you may have. Mortgages Made Easy (Oxon) Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority
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Green News
… In The Vale
Discover the energy rating of your home and save around £340 The Energy Saving Trust is working in partnership with the Vale of White Horse District Council to offer households a free personal home energy report. This will show how to cut energy bills by around £340* per year and help fight climate change. The report will indicate how energy efficient a home is on a scale of A-G. The most energy efficient homes, which should have the lowest fuel bills, are in bands A-C. It will also give practical advice on how to save energy, improve a home's rating and at the same time lower fuel bills. Leader of the Council, Tony de Vere, said: “We are doing all we can as a council to reduce the amount of energy we consume as it helps the environment and saves money. These free energy checks are a real opportunity for our residents to save themselves some cash and do their bit to help the planet. I would urge you all to take part.” Residents in the Vale should receive a home energy check form through their letter box, which can be filled in and returned by Freepost. Residents will then receive a free personal home energy report. For those who don’t receive a form or who prefer instant results it can be completed online at: www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/check The Energy Saving Trust provides free, impartial, expert advice on saving energy. To speak to an Energy Saving Trust advisor for guidance on completing the home energy check, or for more information about saving energy, generating your own energy and travelling with lower carbon emissions, call free on 0800 512 012. * Based on a 3 bedroom semi-detached house Energy Saving Trust 2008
Campaign to put the brakes on car litter
How Fairtrade Can Help the People of Zimbabwe
The Vale of the White Horse District Council has joined forces with Keep Britain Tidy to put the brakes on littering motorists.
When we hear news of the terrible situation in Zimbabwe it is very easy to despair and feel there is nothing we can do to help in the face of such huge problems. But read on to find one way in which you can make a difference, however small.
The Vale Council is taking part in a national campaign to tackle the problem of drivers chucking rubbish from their vehicles.
Some of you will already know of the Traidcraft supplier ‘Dezign Inc’ and their very striking T-shirts featuring African designs which have been soldin the Mustard Seed shop in Faringdon over a number of years. These designs are now available on attractive white cotton shoppers at a cost of £10 each.
The Highways Agency estimates that 700,000 bags of rubbish are collected from motorways and trunk roads every year. Nearly a quarter of people (23 per cent) admit to dropping litter from their vehicle, according to latest Keep Britain Tidy research. Posters will be going up in and around the Vale which will remind motorists of their responsibilities.
Dezign Inc is an environmentally friendly screenprinting company 40% owned by its 100 or so workers and the shoppers provide them with much needed work and foreign exchange.
People will also be asked to report incidents of littering from vehicles on the Keep Britain Tidy website www.keepbritaintidy.org . This information will go on a database and used to analyse trends in littering from vehicles.
Currently life in Zimbabwe is presenting them with huge challenges, but Dezign Inc. is keeping going on reduced hours. Sales of the bags will support them at this difficult time. Come and buy yours in the Mustard Seed!
Colin Marshall, Environment Warden at the Vale Council, said: “This campaign aims to educate people to take more care with their environment. It takes no extra effort to keep hold of your litter in the car and throwing it in the bin once you’ve arrived at your destination.” For advertising call 01367 888229
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… In The Vale Gardening Get your Garden Into Shape with Jo Walsh We love September for the first signs of autumn, not for the cold nights or drawn in evenings but for the renewed surge of late colour, Rudbeckia and Asters bring the border to life. This is the time when summer and autumn peak and merge. Ornate seed heads combine with the brightly coloured berries. Dead or Alive – Don’t throw out the hanging baskets yet. Remove all the dead flowers and give them a high potash feed. Do not forget to water them and you should have colour well into the autumn. Stash your seed – Collect seed from Poppies, Cerinthe or the ripened fruit from passion flowers. Poppies and Cerinthe are annuals and when the seed is ready, they will look hard and black in colour. Place in a paper bag and store in a dry place, out of sun light. Sow in the spring. Fruit from the Passiflora can ripen to orange and begin to split on the plant, pick them when they look like this. Split open the fruit to reveal the seed. They will be covered in red pulp (not to be eaten). Wipe the seeds on a paper towel to remove some of this and leave to dry on a window sill, pick of any dry pulp once the seed is dry. These seeds are now ready to sow. Sow anytime in a pot in a warm sunny site. Free plants – yummy! Divide and conquer – Perennial plants often grow larger year by year, and with bulb plants with running rhizomes like irises, lilies, lily-of-the-valley plants, and many others, the clump of plants can increase in size year after year. For plant health, division is an important part of plant maintenance. This can be done from September until April. Don’t forget to get your orders in for your autumn planting bulbs. Happy Gardening!! Jo Walsh is based in Faringdon and runs her own Garden design business. www.jowalsh.com
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‌ In The Vale Food and Wine Crispy Chorizo and Potatoes Spain, famous for its healthy, appetising Mediterranean food, epitomises cooking for the summer, and foodcentred socialising. And nothing shows this more than tapas. As Pippa Cuthbert, author of new book 100 Great Tapas, says: "Tapas is the best introduction to the Spanish way of life. At the end of a working day, locals will head to bars for their evening ritual of eating, drinking and chatting with friends." Spain has a rich and varied culinary history, and many types of tapas can be seen in different areas of the country. Central Spain tends to have stronger, more robust flavours, with Catalonia in the east having more of a French feel. In the south, in Andalusia, the home of tapas, Arabic influences abound with hams, olives and seafood coming to the fore. Tapas itself is designed as a bar food, so strong flavours and small portions are essential. For the homecooked variety, fresh produce is key - try to get your hands on the best extra virgin olive oil and stock up on garlic, paprika, olive, and chillies. Spanish Chorizo sausages can be easily found in a good quality supermarket meat section, and calamari and prawns are also popular, so prepare to pay more for seafood: with such small dishes it's hard to hide poor quality. Tables heaving with dozens of tiny tapas treats might bring back memories of balmy Spanish afternoons and sangria-drenched evenings, but homemade tapas needn't be a fiddly affair. Try using tapas recipes to add to your starters, or go for something different with nibbles by introducing a bit more Spanish flavour. Happily, taste rather than presentation is the key to good tapas, so savour the flavour - appearance is of little significance. Sunshine, good food and friends is what summer in Spain is all about, so why not bring back some holiday memories with this tapas taster from Pippa Cuthbert: Crispy Chorizo And New Potatoes Serves 4-6 as part of a selection of tapas 500g new potatoes, scrubbed 3 (about 300g) cooking chorizo sausages chopped into 1cm slices 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, leaves chopped finely 2tbsp dry Madeira 1. Boil the potatoes for 8-10 minutes, or until cooked but still firm. Remove from the heat and cool them under running cold water, then cut them in half lengthways on the diagonal and set aside. 2. Heat a large, non-stick frying pan to hot and cook the chorizo for 2-3 minutes, or until the oils are released. 3. Add the potatoes and rosemary and cook, stirring frequently, over a high heat for a further 2-3 minutes, or until golden and crispy. 4. Reduce the heat and add the Madeira. Stir and leave to caramelise and brown for a further 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. 5. Serve warm with cocktail sticks, or as a salad. 100 Great Tapas, by Pippa Cuthbert, is published by Cassell Illustrated, priced GBP14.99. Available now.
DONNA’S WINE RECOMMENDATION FOR SEPTEMBER Codorniu Reserva Raventos Brut NV - Penedes, Spain £9.99/bottle A sparkling wine from chardonnay and the indigenous Spanish grape varieties macabeo, parellada & xarello. A great alternative to champagne, as the presence of chardonnay and the use of the traditional method in its production provides fruit with brioche and toast on the nose. The palate is well balanced with good body with a very clean, fresh finish. Serve with an antipasto platter or enjoy with almost anything; the high acidity levels found in sparkling wines gives them the ability to harmonise with the most difficult dishes! Free delivery within a 10 mile radius of Faringdon. Call 01367 241169 or visit www.denboerwines.com For advertising call 01367 888229
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Looking for Oriental Foods?
NONOY’S ORIENTAL STORE Open Mon-Sat 10am-5pm Church Street, Wantage
Tel: 01235 771570
Coleshill Organics
Nonoy’s Oriental Store is the first oriental food store in Wantage offering a wide variety of rices, noodles, sauces, seafoods, spices and easy to prepare meals at very reasonable prices.
Veg box delivery and shop Vegetables fresh from our organic garden, delivered in the Vale.
Whole boneless Peking Duck , Vegetable spring rolls Japanese tempura prawns and much more.
Prices from £8.25 or visit our shop in the walled garden.
Oriental beer, saki, Thai & Chinese beer etc. Range of oriental cooking equipment including chopsticks, bamboo steamers, hotpots
Open Wed pm and all day Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
Wholesale prices for restaurants & caterers
Tel: 01793 861070
Other services for Filipino, remittance MLR LIC NO 12268395 - maasahan sa mataas na rate, may 24 hrs picks up po tayo. Phone cards worldwide. Mabuhay po tayong lahat!
www.coleshillorganics.co.uk
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Consumer News
… In The Vale
Want to beat the Cowboys? Ask Oxfordshire Trading Standards You know the story, your central heating has stopped working, the garden needs sorting out, you need a plumber in a hurry or you fancy a new driveway. You may find lots of trader adverts in the local paper or business directory, but which one can you rely on? How do you find a local trader that has reasonable, clear charges, who issues written quotes, invoices, is trustworthy and reliable enough to properly carry out work around your home and garden? As a Consumer Advice officer, I used to receive calls from the public asking this question. Oxfordshire County Council Trading Standards has a dedicated Doorstep Crime Team to deal with Rogue Traders but did not have a list of approved businesses we could give consumers … Until now ! The BUY WITH CONFIDENCE Approved Trader scheme brings together a list of gardeners, plumbers, builders and other types of ‘home improvement’ businesses, from all over Oxfordshire. These Oxfordshire traders have been individually checked for trustworthiness and compliance with consumer protection laws. They are visited by Trading Standards Officer and only when they have passed stringent checks are they accepted onto the scheme. They then can display the Buy With Confidence sign. We cannot guarantee that nothing will ever go wrong, but if you have a problem with a member of the scheme they must deal with any complaint in a fair manner.
• •
Are you a local trader who wants more information about applying?
Do you know a trader who might like to join?
•
Do you want a copy of the list of the Oxfordshire approved traders?
Would you like to know more about the scheme? Telephone 0845 051 0845 Email trading.standards@oxfordshire.gov.uk; Visit: www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk Bert Pridgeon, Oxfordshire Trading Standards. bert.pridgeon@oxfordshire.gov.uk For advertising call 01367 888229
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… In The Vale
The Small Ads Cars Bought, Sold and Exchanged. Call 07976 919475 (day) or 01367 243454 (eves). www.paulfrancis.hpi.co.uk First Babies Group, 0 to 15 months old, Grove Parish Church, Mondays, 10.30-12, just come along or call 01235 511152 for more details Professional Proofreading and Copy-editing at reasonable rates. Call 01367 888229 and ask for The Proof Fairy or visit www.theprooffairy.com
Send your friends a FREE personalized greeting card delivered by the postman!
NEW KARATE BEGINNERS CLASSES STARTING IN WANTAGE, ABINGDON, DIDCOT & WALLINGFORD
Special Beginners course only £20 for 4 weeks, discount for families.
SendOutCards.com/ coloursells
"Children's Centre Drop In" for parents, grandparents, carers and children under 5 years. Mondays 1pm-2.30pm at the Village Hall, Huntersfield, Stanford in the Vale. Starting 7th September, for more info contact Home-Start Southern Oxfordshire, on (01235) 511152. Professional racquet restringing service Squash, Badminton, wide choice of Tel Richard Holmes MRT (Master Racquet cian) 01235 762368 or Mob 07866 email richardholmes704@hotmail.com
Tennis, strings Techni967837
4Networking - Making Business Appointments Easy. Local groups in Faringdon, Witney, Abingdon and Oxford, plus nearly 200 across the UK. Visit www.4networking.biz for more details or call 01367 888229.
First lesson free For details ring 01536 746182 or 07590 465431
D & S Builders
Private Hire
Garden Walls, Patios, Fencing, Roofing, General Building Work, Guttering. Aggregates Supplied & Delivered. Extensions, Drainage.
Fully insured & licensed vehicles
Comfortable Car or 6 Seater Available Contracts Welcome - Please Book In Advance
Ring Laraine or Roger
No Job Too Small. Call for a Quote. home/office: (01367) 242755 fax: (01367) 242728 mobile: 07765 010751
Accompanied visits • Shopping Trips Start Your Holiday In Style • Day At The Races Football Matches • That Special Day Out Airport Transfers • Pub Teams • Lady Driver Available
dsbuilders@fsmail.net
CFJ CARAVAN CARE
Jewellery making parties
Servicing, Repairs, Maintenance, Pre Purchase Inspections
Materials, tuition and final product included in price. Prices start from £10 per person.
CHRIS JAMES - Mobile Service Engineer ACOPS approved
Ideal for birthday parties or girls' nights in. Enjoyed by all age groups. Or commission me to make something to your design. For more information call Mirabelle on
Tel: 01235 224517 Mob: 07887 724525 Email: chrisjames50@ntlworld.com
01367 243 922
Member of the Mobile Caravan Engineers Association For advertising call 01367 888229
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The Small Ads Amaliz - Spacious 4 bedroom, 4 bathroom villa
Your advert here for just £5 lineage - £10 small box - £20 large box. Call Alison on 01367 888229 for more details or to book, or complete the form.
in Calis Beach, Fethiye, Turkey is available both as a holiday and long-term rental. Ideal for multigeneration parties with different areas to relax, sunbathe and rest. The ground floor is ideal for persons who find stairs difficult or wheelchair bound, and has sofa beds and a WC/Shower. Swimming pool 1 min away and others close by. A luxurious home from home for all the family. More details at www.amaliz.co.uk or call Freda on 07834 161858.
Make sure you never make another typo!
Singing, Piano and Keyboard Lessons
Proofreading, copywriting, editing and printing for individuals and small businesses. Call 01367 888229 or email alison@theprooffairy.com
James Mitchell A.R.C.M.
m r-t-ricks
Gift tokens Available
Clown, Magician, Punch & Judy and Balloon Modelling fun for all occasions.
Tel. 01235 767975 or email: jamesmitchell@onevoice.freeserve.co.uk
www.mr-t-ricks.co.uk Tel: 01656 722787
In The Vale magazine is delivered to thousands of homes around Wantage, Grove, Faringdon and Longcot and is available in shops, health centres, libraries and tourist info points.
Advertise your business from just £40 a month For more details call 01367 888229 or email info@inthevalemagazine.co.uk For advertising call 01367 888229
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… In The Vale One man’s trash is another man’s treasure Find new homes for your old stuff, and get stuff for free, at Freecycle. uk.freecycle.org
Your advert here for just £5 lineage - £10 small box - £20 large box. Call Alison on 01367 888229 for more details or to book, or complete the form.
MAN WITH VAN Available for Light Haulage, Collections, Deliveries and Small Removals Daytime, Evening & Weekend Work
Airport Transfers
Tel: 01367 710526 Mobile: 07860 656351 Fully insured and licensed vehicles Wedding and executive cars Business accounts welcome
0845 260 3230 or 07812 162567 Email: brihire@aol.com Website: www.brianhire.co.uk
THE SMALL ADS BOOKING FORM Selling your car? Starting a business? Do party plan? Renting out your holiday home? Organising an event? Advertise in The Small Ads from just £5 a month. To book send this form, with payment and your advert, to: The Small Ads, In The Vale magazine, 9 Cromwell Close, Faringdon SN7 7BQ. Please make cheques payable to CT In The Vale. Cut off date: 15th of month preceding publication. Your advert will appear from the next available issue. A copy of our standard Terms & Conditions is available on request.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------I would like to book a:
20 word lineage ad @ £5 40 word lineage ad @ £7.50 Small portrait box @ £10 Small landscape box @ £10 Large business card box @ £20 For a period of 1 month 3 months 6 months 12 months 10% discount for bookings of 6 months or more - please deduct before sending payment I enclose payment of _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Name: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Address: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Tel: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Email: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ ______ For advertising call 01367 888229
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Local Information
‌ In The Vale
Useful Numbers Emergencies
Local Websites
Police, fire or ambulance 999 Local Police 08458 505505 Thames Valley Police 0845 8 505505 Crime Stoppers 0800 555 111 Local Fire Station 01865 842999 Gas Emergency Number 0800 111 999 Floodline 0845 988 1188 Housing 01235 520202 Social & Community Services 0800 833408
Faringdon: www.faringdon.org Wantage: www.wantage.com The Hanneys: www.thehanneys.org.uk East Hendred: www.hendred.org Grove: www.grove-oxon.org.uk Stanford in the Vale: www.stanford-in-thevale.co.uk Uffington: unet.members.beeb.net
Business services Local services
Wantage Business Breakfast Club Tel: 01235 861779 Wantage Chamber of Commerce www.wantagechamberofcommerce.co.uk Faringdon Business Breakfast Club www.faringdongateway.co.uk Faringdon Chamber of Commerce www.faringdonchamber.com 4Networking (Business networking) www.4networking.biz
Vale of White Horse Council 01235 520202 Wantage Library 01235 762291 Faringdon Library 01367 240311 Grove Library 01235 763841 Faringdon Tourist Info Centre 01367 242191 Wantage Visitor Info Point 01235 760176
Helplines Samaritans 0845 790 9090 Childline 0800 11 11 Alcoholics Anonymous 0845 769 7555 Victim Support 0845 3030 900 Parentline 0808 800 2222 Wantage Counselling Service 01235 769744
Taxis Wantage area: Chapel Cars Tel: 07789 551931 Grove Cabs Tel: 01235 772200 Regis Cars Tel: 07748 183381 Webb's Tel: 07881 647777 Stuarts Taxis 01235 770608
Advice Independent Advice Centre 01235 765348 Citizens Advice 0845 050 5155
Faringdon area: White Horse Hire Tel: 01367 241132 Brian’s Hire Tel: 0845 260 3230 Faringdon Cars Tel: 01367 241100 Buscot Cars Tel: 01367 243378 Stanford Cars Tel: 01367 718287 Coxwell Cars Tel: 07772 971780 Fernham Cars 01367 820841
Transport National Rail Enquiry Line 08457 48 49 50 National Public Transport 0870 608 2 608
For advertising call 01367 888229
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Index of advertisers Advertisers
… In The Vale
Page
In The Vale magazine is available at :
4Networking ……………………………………. 19 Amaliz (Turkey Holiday Villa) …………………. 36 Air Jelly Bouncy Castles …………………….. 27 Basil Mienie ………………………………..…... 15 Brian’s Hire ……………………………………... 35 Brett’s Pharmacy …………………...…………. 2 CFJ Caravan Care ………………..…………… 35 Children’s Centre Drop-In …………………….. 35 Coleshill Organics……………….….……...…... 33 D & S Builders …………………..…………….. 35 Dolphin Gallery ……………………………….. 33 First Babies Group …………………………... 35 Howzat Training …………………………………..17 James Mitchell @ One Voice ……….………. 36 Jewellery Making Parties ………….………….. 35 Jenny @ Footnotes …………………………… 19 Karate (John Hogan)…………………………... 35 Live Connections ……………………….……... 15 LJ & CA Cannings …………….………..…….. 31 Man with Van (Rapid Services) ……………… 37 Martin Green (Health & Safety) ……………… 21 Monika Becker, Alternative Health ………….. 27 Mortgages Made Easy ……………………….. 29 Mr T-Ricks party entertainer ………………….. 36 The National Pages ………………………….. 37 Nonoy’s Oriental Store ………………………… 33 The Proof Fairy ……………………………….. 36 Puppy School ………………………………….. 25 Raquet Restringing Service ………………….. 35 Robert Elliott Vets………………..………….... 25 Safeclean ………………………....………….... 25 Sanctuary Care ……………………………….. 13 Segais Hair Design …………………………….. 27 Self Esteem Surgery …………………………... 28 Send Out Cards ……………………………….. 35 Smiths Restaurant …………………………….. 9 tfd health & fitness………………...……….……..40 Totally Cliff …………………………………….. 35 Used Car Sales - Paul Francis…. ……………. 35 Vale & Downland Museum ……………..…... 10 Wantage Chiropractic Clinic……...………...…. 29 White Cottage Beauty ……………………..…... 5 White Horse Hire ………………………….……..35
Wantage: Sainsbury’s Sainsbury’s garage Library Mably Way Health Centre Geoffrey Bailey Shoes Vale & Downland Museum Helen & Douglas House shop And delivered to nearly 2000 homes Grove: Tesco Express Library Health Centre Supa Fruits Coop (Savile Way) Cornerstone Coffee Shop And delivered to 1500 homes Faringdon: Budgens Mustard Seed Library White Horse Health Centre Fernhill Health Centre Tourist Info Centre And delivered to nearly 2000 homes Longcot: The King and Queen Pub Sent home via Primary School And delivered to 200 homes Other places: Stanford in the Vale Coop Hanney village shop Ardington stores Hendred Stores Uffington village shop
To advertise your business In The Vale call Alison on 01367 888229, visit the website at www.inthevalemagazine.co.uk or email alison@inthevalemagazine.co.uk Visit www.inthevalemagazine.co.uk
(all the above while stocks last)
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Gardening
Community Times In The Vale
Get your Garden Into Shape with Jo Walsh
Things to do in the garden this month Every day in May should bring new pleasures to your garden. New flushes of colour, fragrance and lush green leaves will be appearing daily. Here are some ways to keep this colour all summer through, and boost your plants’ vitality. If flowers aren’t your thing why not grow some veg or salad crops.
unwanted plant pots and old paving stones. Set beer traps: place small containers of left over beer around the garden. Slugs love to get drunk! Alternatively why not try Nematodes, applied in 6 week intervals; more expensive in the short term but longer lasting.
The Chelsea Crop This is a way of ensuring that your tall herbaceous perennials are standing like soldiers and max their flower power. It provides a second flush of colour where normally the plant appears to have done its best. Simply cut the individual stems on the plant back to one third of its height near a leaf, by using secateurs or scissors. Do this at the end of May .The plant will then burst into life again and give you more flowers long into the summer. The best plants for this are Achilleas, Asters, border Phlox, Campanula lactiflora (Milky bellflower), Shasta daisies and Delphiniums.
The Gardeners Enemy There is nothing more annoying that having waited patiently for your prize Hostas to appear only for them to be turned to slug food. It is estimated that in any given square metre of garden soil there are up to 50 of these slimy creatures. Slugs love to hide in dark damp places in your garden, so make sure you keep it tidy. Remove those For advertising call 01367 888229
Grow your own for less Sow outside in early May - broad beans, brussels, cabbages, swede and lettuce. Don’t forget you can plant out main crop potatoes now too. Potatoes can be such fun to grow and so easy. Grow them in a pot or tough plastic bag (add holes to the bottom), but remember to cover them with more earth when the green bits start to show. These bits will then root and provide more spuds! Lettuce can be grown anywhere, mix them in your borders; try lollo rossa red for added colour. Finally don’t forget it’s Chelsea Flower Show and the Malvern Spring Show this month: both full of inspiration and ideas. There’s also the BBC Gardeners World Live show at the NEC Birmingham from the 10th – 14th June. Jo Walsh is based in Faringdon and runs her own Garden design business. www.jowalsh.com
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The Small Ads Your advert here for just £5 lineage - £10 small box - £20 large box. Call Alison on 01367 888229 for more details or to book, or complete the form on page 44.
One man’s trash is another man’s treasure Find new homes for your old stuff, and get stuff for free, at Freecycle. uk.freecycle.org
PA4U Need an experienced Office/Events Manager or PA to run your office or organise a large event? Contact Jo Simmonds: 01235 764313, 07876 071435 or email josephinesimmonds@ntlworld.com
Carpentry and Property Maintenance Experienced local Carpenter and Handyman. Large and small jobs undertaken including:
Private Hire Fully insured & licensed vehicles
Carpentry: Decking and other garden woodwork. Window repairs, door hanging adjustment and refitting. Locks fitted, flooring, shelving and more. Fittings and fixtures: Mirrors, pictures, blinds, curtain poles, flat pack furniture assembly, etc. Wall and floor tiling. Interior and some exterior painting. Full liability insurance. Friendly and reliable service.
Comfortable Car or 6 Seater Available Contracts Welcome - Please Book In Advance
Ring Laraine or Roger
Accompanied visits • Shopping Trips Start Your Holiday In Style • Day At The Races Football Matches • That Special Day Out Airport Transfers • Pub Teams • Lady Driver Available
Contact: Graham Fletcher 01367 242775 Mobile 07721507433
D & S Builders
Singing, Piano and Keyboard Lessons
Garden Walls, Patios, Fencing, Roofing, General Building Work, Guttering. Aggregates Supplied & Delivered. Extensions, Drainage.
James Mitchell A.R.C.M.
No Job Too Small. Call for a Quote. home/office: (01367) 242755 fax: (01367) 242728 mobile: 07765 010751
Gift tokens Available Tel. 01235 767975 or email: jamesmitchell@onevoice.freeserve.co.uk
dsbuilders@fsmail.net
CFJ CARAVAN CARE
Airport Transfers
Servicing, Repairs, Maintenance, Pre Purchase Inspections
Fully insured and licensed vehicles Wedding and executive cars Business accounts welcome
CHRIS JAMES - Mobile Service Engineer ACOPS approved
0845 260 3230 or 07812 162567
Tel: 01235 224517 Mob: 07887 724525 Email: chrisjames50@ntlworld.com
Email: brihire@aol.com Website: www.brianhire.co.uk For advertising call 01367 888229
Member of the Mobile Caravan Engineers Association
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