Issue 23
June 2009
Community Times June 09
In The Vale Delivered FREE to homes in Faringdon, Wantage, Grove & Longcot
Visit the magazine ONLINE at www.ctinthevale.co.uk
THIS MONTH IN COMMUNITY TIMES: Preview of the 2nd Children’s Food Festival
FR Hidden Gem: ARCh in Oxfordshire E Pic E M k m AG Part four of our Ancestry series e AZIN Local news, events and arts up E And much more ... !
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Good news for Stanford in the Vale! COMMUNITY PHARMACY Full range of pharmacy services available including: ♦ ♦ ♦
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Introduction
Community Times In The Vale
Publisher: Publisher: Community Times Limited Community Times Ltd
From the editor
Alison Neale - Editor Alison Neale - Editor
Hello,
9 Cromwell Close Whilst every care has been taken Faringdon SN7 7BQin this to ensure that the data 01367 888229 Editorial: publication is accurate, neither 01367 888229 Advertising: Editorial and the publisher norAdvertising: its editorial Email: 01367 888229 contributors can accept, and info@ctinthevale.co.uk Mobile: 07927 330293 herby disclaim, any liability to any Fax: 01367 700207 party to loss or damage caused by errors or omissions resulting Email: Website: from negligence, accident or any info@ctinthevale.co.uk www.ctinthevale.co.uk other cause.
Welcome to another issue of CT In The Vale magazine, and as usual I hope there’s something for everyone!
Website: www.ctinthevale.co.uk Community Times Ltd does not officially endorse any advertising Whilst every material includedcare withinhas this been taken to ensure that the data in publication. this publication is accurate, neither the publisher nor its is the registered editorial contributors can accept, trademark of and hereby disclaim, Community Times Ltd.any liability to any party to loss or damage caused errors or All rights by reserved. No omissions part of resulting from may negligence, accithis publication be dent or any other cause. reproduced, stored in any retrieval system, or transmitted in Community Times Ltd does not any form - electronic, officially endorse any advertising mechanical, photocopying, material or included this recording otherwisewithin - without publication. prior permission of the publisher.
Is the registered trademark of Community Times Ltd. 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.
I’m pleased to be able to include part four of the Ancestry feature this month; I promise the final part will be in the July issue! We’ve also got an interesting article on ARCh, an Oxfordshire charity that trains volunteers to support schoolchildren with their reading. Volunteers Week takes place during the first week of June - perhaps ARCh would be a good way for you to volunteer some time. Later in June is the second Children’s Food Festival at the Northmoor Trust. Turn to page 18 to find out what delights are on offer for budding Masterchefs! We’ve also got details of some of the exciting events happening during Wantage Summer Festival. Finally, thanks to Anne Pagett for our cover photo of Champs Chapel in East Hendred. There is a small museum in the chapel and it’s well worth a visit. See you next month!
Alison
Alison Neale - Editor Community Times In The Vale
Contents Local News and Events..……………... 4 Vale & Downland Museum column …. 10 Hidden Gem …………………………... 12 Your Pets with Robert Elliott ………… 14 Food and Drink ………………………. 16 Ancestry part 4 ……………………….. 19 Gardening……………………………... 25 Longcot School news ………………... 26 Beauty news ………………………….. 27 Health …………………………………. 28 Arts news …………………………….. 30 Competition …………………………... 32 Grumpy Old Men ……………………... 33 Puzzles ……………..……. ………….. 34 Ed Vaizey……………………………... 36 The Small Ads ………………………… 37 Index of advertisers …………………... 39
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Deadline for July issue: 11th June Email ads and editorial to alison@ ctinthevale.co.uk
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Community Times In The Vale
1000 cyclists enjoy beautiful Oxfordshire Over 1000 cyclists took part in the annual Classic Oxfordshire Bike Ride (CLOX) on Sunday 10th May for Abingdon based charity Against Breast Cancer, breaking all previous records for the number of participants. Event Manager Wendy Taylor Hill said “We are thrilled that so many people took part this year, with cyclists travelling from all over the country to help us raise important funds for the charity. We hope to raise more than ever before and as well as it being a very enjoyable day for the cyclists, it’s a fantastic showcase for Oxfordshire, taking in beautiful countryside and quiet villages.” The rides of 30 and 60 miles plus a new 12 mile family ride started and finished at Harwell Business Campus and were supported by a number of local organisations including Community Police from Wantage who offered a cycle post coding service. Over 70 marshals lined the three cycle routes and the finish line had a party atmosphere with a live band. Abingdon cyclist Chris Wiseman said, “What a splendid day we had - the weather was perfect and the organisation just great.” His contribution, along with the other riders, will help towards the goal of £50,000. Funds go directly to valuable research being conducted into finding a vaccine against breast cancer and last year’s ride raised over £30,000. Wendy said “So many riders commented that CLOX was the prettiest route they’d cycled and the sunshine was the icing on the cake.”
WaterWater-saving gadgets giveaway to help cut customer bills Thousands of newly metered Thames Water customers are being offered free products in a bid to help them reduce their water consumption and bring down bills. Water-saving devices, including aerated showerheads, water butts to collect rainwater for use outdoors and digital shower timers, will be given free of charge to customers who have had a meter fitted since April 2008. Lesley Tait, Thames Water's Water Resources Sustainability Manager, said: "Customers who take advantage of this offer could save around 60 litres per household per day – that’s enough water to fill around 2,500 buckets per year, and make bill savings of around £25.” Those customers who CT adopt additional water-saving techniques - which may only involve small behavioural changes such as turning off the tap when brushing their teeth - could see even greater savings. By Spot the small horse hidden in an reducing the amount of hot water you use you could also save advert in this month’s CT magazine money on your energy bill. and you could be the lucky winner of a All the products on offer have been specially designed to make crisp £20 note! saving water as simple as possible. They are easy to fit, and
Win £20 in Spot the Horse!
Simply send your name, address and the name of the advert where the horse is hidden to: Spot the Horse June, CT In The Vale, 9 Cromwell Close, Faringdon SN7 7BQ or email your details including your address to spotthehorse@ctinthevale.co.uk . Closing date is 30th June. Congratulations to Mrs Marie Day from Grove who won May’s competition! To advertise call 01367 888229
once installed saving water will become second nature. Customers' feedback on the products and water savings will be used by Thames Water to identify how even greater savings can be made in future as the company embarks on further water efficiency work. Customers can find useful tips to help save water by visiting www.thameswater.co.uk. The company has also recently launched Wise up to Water, an online resource for students and teachers to help schools reduce their water use: www.thameswater.co.uk/wiseuptowater .
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Local news Non Uniform Day raises profile and funds for Helen & Douglas A recent non-uniform day across all three sites of King Alfred’s Specialist Sports College in Wantage raised a magnificent sum of £1098 in aid of Helen & Douglas House. The cheque was presented by Vice Principal Jonathan Smith to Mary Boullin, Community Fundraiser at Helen and Douglas House. Mary attended an assembly on West site to speak about the work of the charity which supports children and young adults and their families in Oxford and neighbouring counties, providing a happy, supportive base throughout their experience of life-shortening illness. Mary Boullin commented: “It is great that the Jonathan Smith hands over the cheque for £1098 to Mary Boullin young people of King Alfred’s are supporting the children and young adults cared for at Helen & Douglas House. Their £1098 donation could pay for a member of our care team for twenty three days, which is a fantastic contribution. Between them, Wantage area schools and businesses have raised £4,200 over the last 6 months, and we are extremely grateful to the whole community.” Nicholas Young, Principal of King Alfred’s said, “We were keen to play our part in fundraising for this essential facility for young people and their families affected by serious illness. I’m sure the students enjoyed not having to wear their uniforms for the day.”
Nominate CT - and win £1000!
B&B of The Year Award for Faringdon Bed & Breakfast
I’d like to ask you a favour! The Sun and Barclays Bank are currently running a competition to find Britain’s best Local Business - and I wondered if you’d like to nominate Community Times In The Vale magazine.
The Shires Lifestyle and Holiday Magazine have presented Chowle Farmhouse Bed & Breakfast, Faringdon with their Award of Excellence, B&B of The Year 2009. The award is in addition to their current AA Highly Commended Award for 2008 – 2009 and existing AA Four Star rating
The best local business in the UK will win £20,000, with 9 regional prizes of £5,000 each - and the people making the best winning nominations will also win £1000!
Proprietor Janet Muir said: “I am very happy to receive this award, it was a really nice surprise, especially after our success with The AA Award.
My aim for CT In The Vale has always been for it to support the local community - with almost every article being either about a local person, place, event or organisation, or written by someone local. I’d like to develop the magazine to reach more people and offer more community features - and winning a prize and award like this would go a long way to ensuring the survival and growth of the magazine.
“My aim has always been to provide a warm and friendly welcome to all our guests, whether they are staying for just one night or for a short break holiday, on their own or as a larger party. We are finding that more people are booking short breaks (and then coming back again!) instead of longer holidays abroad as it represents excellent value when they are watching the pennies!”
If you would like to nominate CT In The Vale, visit www. thesun.co.uk/bbb and click on the cartoon of the high street at the top of the page. Be quick though - the closing date for nominations is 6th June. Thanks in advance!
The luxury farmhouse Bed & Breakfast, situated on the Watchfield side of Faringdon, has recently been refurbishing the pool area and installing a new indoor spa ready for this summer. For more information visit their website: www.chowlefarmhouse.co.uk
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Local events
Community Times In The Vale
A Perfect Day Out A lovely old village church, beautifully decorated with flowers, delicious home-made cakes, plants and produce to buy and enjoy at home ... it all adds up to an idyllic afternoon. St Andrew’s Church, Letcombe Regis, presents “Floribunda – a Celebration in Flowers ” on the afternoons of July 4th and 5th from 2-6pm. This ancient church, parts of which date back to the 13th century, will be imaginatively decorated with a series of floral displays, depicting the church year from Advent, the season before Christmas, through to Harvest, along with floral tributes to St Andrew, for whom the church is named, and St Cecilia, patron saint of music. Take time out of your busy schedule to pause and soak up the atmosphere of a historic church, lovingly decorated in ways designed to lift the spirits. Then step next door to the Lodge where, by kind permission of Richmond Retirement Village, tea and cakes will be served. Buy a cake to take home and, inspired by the floral arrangements, buy some plants for your garden! This will be an afternoon to savour. No set entry fee but you will be encouraged to donate generously – to help raise money to maintain St Andrew’s, which is so much part of the Vale heritage.
Farm Open Day Challow Hill Farm will be opening its doors to visitors for an Open Day on Sunday 7th June between 10am and 4pm. Come and meet and feed the animals. Other activities include Egg Gathering, Tractor Display, Sausage Making, Cookery Demonstration, Para Motor area and Children's Activities. Refreshments will be available.
U3A Wantage & Grove Tuesday 2nd June: Talk by Ron Stovold entitled ‘Tchaikovsky – a Gay Composer?’ Tuesday 16th June: Discussion of motions for AGM followed by presentations by the Special Interest Groups
Free entry to the Farm. Access from the A417 (between Challow and Stanford in the Vale), postcode OX12 9PD.
Both meetings are at Grove Village Hall at 2pm. Visitors are welcome to attend for a fee of £1.50.
For more information call Lucy Blackwell on 0789 998 1557.
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
Stanford in the Vale Festival Fun Run
U3A Faringdon & District
Stanford in the Vale School Association are proud once again to be involved in organising the Stanford in the Vale Festival Fun Run
Thursday 11th June: “Zimbabwe, a National Emergency”, a talk by Tom Benyon, former Conservative MP for Abingdon, who set up the charity ZANE to help alleviate human suffering in Zimbabwe.
Run, skip or walk the 2.8 mile (5km) course through Stanford in the Vale and Hatford. Fancy dress is optional (prize for the best dressed). Sunday 14th June at 12noon (registration from 11.15am)
2.15pm for 2.30pm in Faringdon Corn Exchange. Further information from Ian Clarkson (Chairman) 01793 782836. www.FaringdonU3A.org.uk To advertise call 01367 888229
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Entry forms available from Karen (01367 718677) or Heidi (01367 718444) This event is proudly sponsored by Nick Ponting Replacement Windows and Doors
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Local events
Community Times In The Vale
Wantage Christian Fellowship: two special events for men Wantage Christian Fellowship provides two special events for men: The big questions of life, the universe and everything - Men’s evening on Thursday 11th June, 7:30pm at The Lamb, Mill Street, Wantage. Is the answer 42, or is it something different? The men of Wantage Christian Fellowship invite you to join them for an evening discussing these issues, over an ale or two, in The Lamb. Please come ready to ask some questions to help us discuss the big themes. It doesn’t matter if you are an avowed atheist, or hold a faith. What matters is that you have questions. We’ll also have an independent chairman to ensure fair play. We’d love to see you there and to engage in some discussion with you. Father’s Day & The British Grand Prix - Sunday 21st June from 10.30am at The Charlton Centre, Charlton Village Road, Wantage. Bring your family and join us for a short Father’s Day Service, followed by lunch and the opportunity to watch the Grand Prix on a Big Screen. For more details of either event contact Rev Glyn Oliver on 01235 770166, email glyn.oliver@sky.com
Raimat Complimentary Wine Tasting
Date for your diary ... Wantage Rejuvenated will be holding their first event in July - make a note of the date! On Sunday 5th July there will be a Craft Fair in the market place between 10.30am and 4pm. This will be a fantastic family day out with craft stalls, hog roast (plus veggie option) and live music.
Remember the days of finishing work early on a Friday afternoon and heading down to the local pub? Re-live these glory days and come to Den Boer Wines HQ for a tasting with work colleagues.
If you are interested in having a craft stall, please email Linda at top-hatters@btconnect.com. Also don't forget the next French Market in Wantage - Sunday 12th July !
On Friday 5th June between 3 and 6pm Donna will showcase a range of Spanish wines - from light whites through to full-bodied reds. To book or for more information on this free event contact Donna on 01367 241169, email donnarogers@denboerwines.com or visit the website: www.denboerwines.com. Den Boer Wines is at Reynolds House, Bromsgrove, Faringdon.
Wantage Summer Festival Wantage Summer Festival is now in its 14th year and this year’s programme is more exciting than ever! The Festival really does offer something for everyone, with events ranging from toddler singalongs and mini beast hunts to musical performances, craft workshops, dancing, picnics and more.
Faringdon Folly
We don’t have space to feature all the events here, but pick up a copy of the full programme at the Vale & Downland Museum or visit www.wantage.com and download it there.
Faringdon Folly is open for visitors on Sunday 7th June between 11am - 5pm.
The festival runs from 6th June to 5th July at various locations around the town.
Adults £1, Children 11-16 20p, Under 11s free.
Children’s Food Festival 27th & 28th June
www.faringdonfolly.org.uk To advertise call 01367 888229
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See page 18 for full details!
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Are you organising an event this summer? 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:
01235 529257 or 07768 192387 NEBOSH Certified and a member of the Association of Project Safety
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Vale & Downland Museum
Summer Festival in the Vale & Downland Museum A recent survey by a leading insurance company found that more Britons are planning to swap the sun lounger for the sofa and stay at home for their holidays this year. Almost three in five are changing their holiday plans, with around 20 per cent of these opting for a “staycation” at home. People in the Vale who are not going far for their holidays or indeed have relatives or friends visiting will find entertainment near at hand in June and early July – thanks to the 14th Wantage Summer Festival. For those new to the area, this annual extravaganza, featuring a diverse range of events and exhibitions by local arts and community groups, is not to be missed. Pick up the Festival Programme from the Museum Foyer and you’ll soon see what a talented bunch Vale people are. With nearly sixty grass-roots events, ranging from cycle rides to a sculpture workshop, the Festival is a great testament to community spirit – and a refreshing antidote to all the gloom and doom of the credit -crunch.
tivities and listen to Creepy Crawly music courtesy of members of ‘The Shady Grove String Band’. The Summer Gallery Talk Season includes ‘Butterfly Conservation’ members, Gillian and Michael Taylor, talking about butterflies and moths of the local area and an update on Letcombe Brook by the brook’s Project Officer, Sally Wallington. Another talk well worth catching is from astronomer Dr Peter Allen, from the Rutherford Appleton laboratory, who will explain what can be seen in the night sky.
Stories, both written and told, also feature in the Museum’s Festival programme. As an independent museum 70% of our running costs are funded through grants, donations and sponsorships. Thanks to the sponsorship of Research Site Restoration Ltd, the Museum will be able to open its galleries and coffee shop for a special Sunday afternoon storytelling event. Katherine Langrish, author of the acclaimed ‘Troll Trilogy’ will entertain families with a lively storytelling session entitled ‘Wonderful Wishes & Troublesome Trolls’. Katherine will be back in the Museum the next day As usual, The Vale & Downland to talk about the art of writing for Museum is heavily involved. children whilst in the last week of Above: sculpture by Juliet Dyer Apart from acting as the Festival the Festival, novelist Eliza GraBox Office and Information Point, the Museum both ham will outline the inspiration behind her second organises and hosts some of the events. Throughout book, Restitution. the Festival period, there’s a chance to see the Museum’s major Festival offering, the exhibition ‘Wild If you’re in Wantage on a Festival Saturday, it’s about Wings’. Butterflies, bats, birds and bees star in worth popping into the Museum to see what’s going this exploration of the beauty and fragility of the on. You might find a folk band playing or Wantage natural world. Featuring multi-media work by local Lace-makers demonstrating the art of bobbin laceprofessional artists and digital images by Wantage making. Who knows! You might end up having a go Camera Club, this display also highlights organisa- yourself and finding a brand new hobby! Forget the tions helping to conserve winged wildlife. Related credit-crunch, head down to your local museum, and events running alongside this exhibition include a celebrate the lives and culture of today’s Vale peoFamily Friendly ‘Wild Things’ Saturday when there’s ple. Dorothy Burrows, a chance to explore the fascinating world of miniVale and Downland Museum beasts, worms, bugs through science and craft acVale & Downland Museum Church Street Wantage Tel: (01235) 771447 Website: www.wantage.com/museum To advertise call 01367 888229
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Opening hours: Monday - Saturday 10.00am to 4.00pm Closed Bank Holidays
What’s On at the Vale & Downland Museum June 2009 Open: 10am-4pm Mondays - Saturdays Closed Sundays & Bank Holiday Mondays - Special Opening on Sunday 7th June
SUMMER FESTIVAL EVENTS These events have been kindly sponsored by Research Sites Restoration Ltd.
FESTIVAL EXHIBITION Tuesday 9th June - Saturday 4th July, 10am-4pm Wild About Wings
FAMILY FRIENDLY EVENTS For all events, children must be accompanied by an adult
Sunday 7th June, 1pm-5pm Museum Galleries & Coffee Shop open Wonderful Wishes & Troublesome Trolls - Storytelling 2pm and 3.30pm Suitable for everyone over 4. Free but space is limited. Advance booking essential. Thursday 18th June, 11am-11.30am All of a Flutter Story time, presented by Wantage Library staff. Free. Advance booking essential. Saturday 20th June, 10.30am-3.30pm Wild Things! Drop-in Event Fun hands-on science and craft activities, music and storytelling! £1 per child plus gallery ticket.
MUSIC AT THE MUSEUM Saturday 6th June, 10.30am-12noon Flowers of the Quern Saturday 6th un1e , 10.30am-12noon The Madhatters ddd Saturday 13th June, 1pm-3pm The Shady Grove String Band Saturday 20th June, 2.30pm-3.30pm Duo from The Shady Grove String Band Saturday 27th June, 10.30am-12.30pm Pandemonium
GALLERY TALKS 2.30pm-3.30pm Free. Advanced reservation essential
Monday 8th June Katherine Langrish - Folklore & Fantasy: Writing for Children Friday 12th June Dr Peter Allen - What can you see in the Night Sky? Wednesday 17th June Sally Wallington - The Letcombe Brook: an update Tuesday 23rd June Gillian & Michael Taylor - Butterflies & Moths in our area Monday 29th June Eliza Graham - Living and Loving Across the Lines
CRAFT IN THE FOYER Weds 10th, 17th 24th and Sats 13th, 27th June, 10am-2pm Bobbin Lace-making Drop-in demonstrations by Wantage Lace-makers
REGULAR FOYER EVENTS Thursdays 4th, 11th, 18th & 25th June Wantage Health Walks - Meet 10am Saturday 13th June, 10.30am-12.30pm Wantage & Grove District Arts Guild (WAG) Fridays 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th June, 9.30am-10.45am Country Market
VALE & DOWNLAND MUSEUM, Church Street, Wantage Tel: 01235 771447 Website: www.wantage.com/museum 11
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Hidden Gem
Community Times In The Vale
Read All About It - Local Charity ARCh Celebrates 1st Birthday A local charity has celebrated its first birthday by certificates to mark their long standing commitment. holding an event attended by many of the charity’s The picture below shows the Lord Mayor presenting volunteers and VIP Susanna Pressel, Lord Mayor of an award to Pamela Andrews for her dedicated readOxford, who presented long service awards. ing assisARCh (Assisted Reading for Children in Oxfordtance to shire) recruits, trains and supports volunteers from children over the community and some local businesses. Each twenty years. volunteer is assigned 3 children in a primary school Here Pam and works one to one with them twice a week for the shares her whole school year. ARCh provides books and games memories of carefully chosen to suit each child. her work and the many friends she made. “I feel privileged to be so accepted by the staff and school in which I have been a volunteer for all that time. We are meeting different needs in children: low self esteem, lacking self confidence, reluctant readers; and then seeing them change as they begin to feel better about themselves. One to one with an adult is so valuable. As one head teacher said to me, "you are the non-nagging friend who they know is on their side.” “I remember well one particular boy I worked with, who stole my heart. He had a few problems at home, Lord Mayor of Oxford, Susanna Pressel, cutting ARCh’s Birthday was a reluctant reader, with a poor attitude to his Cake. Also pictured are (back row from left), Bev Alexander, Lucy work. We talked together a lot at first about all sorts Liddicot, Daniel Spencer, Janet Money; of things. He wanted to learn how to play draughts (front row from left), Elaine Adams, Jane Rendle and chess. This was a way into his reading. The day ARCh Development Manager Jane Rendle, said he beat me at draughts was such a triumph for him. “Our aim is to impart a love of books and reading and Success breeds success! He came to school looking learning in general. Our volunteers achieve this by forward to being there, and being with the "Reading sharing their enthusiasm for books and developing Lady" on Tuesday and Thursdays. That is why I have strong mentoring relationships and having good fun gone on volunteering for so long.” with the children they work with.” Schools report excellent results and significant increases in pupils’ The ARCh charity is now expanding and would welself confidence and enjoyment of a fuller school life. come new volunteer recruits. There are 40 volunWe are what we read! teers in the city of Oxford and a further 100 volunteers throughout the county, with a professional supARCh Colleague Elaine Adams said, “We knew we port and training team. Then ARCh would be able to could continue to work more successfully with our support children in more of the 230 Primary Schools volunteers and schools at a local rather than national in Oxfordshire. level; and after a successful launch year in Oxfordshire, we have been proved right.” Lucy Liddicot, ARCh Services Manager, said, “The So ARCh was formed one year ago, after the well demand for our service is respected national charity Volunteer Reading Help growing. We run training withdrew from Oxfordshire after many years, due to courses each term. Anyone their prioritising and focusing on other areas in Enginterested in inspiring a child land. to read by becoming a volunVolunteers also benefit in many ways from the time teer can contact us at our they give. Many have been volunteer readers for office on 01869 320380 or via more than ten years and the Lord Mayor presented our website www.archoxfordshire.org.uk.” To advertise call 01367 888229
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Future Events Mens Seniors Pairs Open Thursday 16th July
The Open Friday 31st July
Charity Golf Day 10th Anniversary 14th August in aid of childrens Leukaemia 18 hole stableford best 2 scores from 4 putting & chipping competition plus betting hole Some fantastic prizes on offer
For more information on the above events please contact Sarah on 01367 870422 ext 2 or email sarah@carswellgolfandcountryclub.co.uk 13
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Your pets with Robert Elliott
Working with BOS UK to Protect the Orangutans Hello and welcome to another “corner-copia” of all things that should concern us. I realise naturally that, as I write this column, the so-called human- mutated virus H1N1 called “Swine Flu” has literally landed in the UK and Spain, and named only because one surface protein is similar to one found in the virus already known about in pigs. Climate, travel and time of the year are all involved here. Let’s hope it stays away long after the possible late Spring and Summer higher risk period. My thoughts have already been touched on in an earlier column regarding the state of the native Orangutans, now endangered because of the palm oil from many of the plantations in Borneo. I make no apologies therefore in taking you, my reader, on a long flight to Borneo Orangutan Survival International’s four ongoing projects. I hope that many of you were able to watch all the episodes and re-runs of the latest Orangutan Diaries (vet Steve Leonard, wildlife presenter Michaela Strachan) on the BBC and BBC iPlayer. The team’s absolute dedication and sense of success and achievement gives so much hope for these great apes. I also hope that you didn’t fail to be moved by the knowledge, love and skillful professionalism that all the staff members of these projects demonstrated in the daily care and future releases of such adorable, unique, trusting and probably very naughty orphaned apes - orphaned because of the growth in demand from unsustainable sources throughout the world, fuelled by increased use of palm oil in so many of the products we use every day; orphaned because their mothers were shot or machete’d to death after recently giving birth to young that they were trying to find food for, in the devastated forest areas, the plantations and surrounding land. On that recent Saving Planet Earth special Nick Knowles, after a period of quarantine at the project’s centre, was able to cuddle Othello, a little Orang that he named at the start of his visit. He explained that the staff’s babysitters were paid at the time £3 a day - plus a whole wheelbarr o w- l o a d of thriving orphans! The cost of social and medical care and To advertise call 01367 888229
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rehab of these 600+ priceless red jewels of the forest worked out to be £1000 EACH per annum, taking on average 7 years to work through from the Kalimantan Centre Nursery School, Forest Schools 1 and 2 and the Islands. The daily cost of feeding, mainly fruit including star fruit, was 90p a day. By saving such forest jewels, the forests themselves are saved, along with all the other animals and plants living in that forest. My Practice is in the process of adopting one of the Orphans, and in view of team members flying out in May we have put time, money and effort, supported by our staff and clients, wholesalers, laboratory suppliers, eBay and Amazon Marketplace sellers and local chemists to find as many of the items as possible on the BOS Wish List that was sent to me from Borneo by the resident paediatric doctor, Dr David Irons who, along with the Veterinary Team members, was seen at work in the BBC Diaries. We will also help sponsor one of the veterinary surgeons working there. We plan to deliver all these essential items very soon, and wish to thank most sincerely everyone who supported this effort - especially as the issue is in apes so far away and where the reality (in food) is so close and personal - but the effort has to continue, so those of you interested in helping BOS can contact us and we will have details at hand as to how you can make it your own personal project. If you have any questions or suggestions for the charity, please feel free to contact Grainne McEntee, Head of Operations, BOS UK, 8 Temple Square, Aylesbury HP20 2QH. Donations and orangutan adoption hotline: 08456 521528 or email enquiry@savetheorangutan.co.uk Final thought this month: “We don’t seem to know what we’ve got until we’ve lost it”.
Robert Elliott 14
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FELINE ADVISORY BUREAU APPROVED AND LISTED
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED BY THE FELINE ADVISORY BUREAU AS A “CAT FRIENDLY PRACTICE”
VALE LICENSED AND INSURED UNDER PET PLAN Ltd.
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Food and drink
Community Times In The Vale
Chicken Cordon Bleu with Sage Butter To accompany Donna’s wine selection this month, Alison and I thought it was time for a recipe involving chicken. Claire’s Organics from Coleshill deliver an organic meat box, and Rebecca Jones from Hinton Marsh Farm at Bourton also has an excellent free range selection of chicken. For ham I never go anywhere else than Dews Meadow Farm. I was given this recipe a couple of years ago, and with the new potatoes making an appearance, it is perhaps a delicious alternative to a traditional roast as the weather gets warmer. 2 x chicken thighs, boned-out, each approximately 175g/6 oz 85g/3oz Gruyère cheese, sliced thinly 4 sage leaves 2 slices ham, lightly cooked salt and ground black pepper 85g/3oz seasoned flour 2 large free range eggs, gently beaten 85g/8oz fresh breadcrumbs 1 tbsp olive oil 25g/1oz unsalted butter
For the sage butter 25g/1oz unsalted butter 1 shallot, finely chopped 3 sage leaves Accompany with: sautéed potatoes onions seasonal vegetables
Method 1. Place each chicken thigh between a sheet of cling film and gently bash until you have thin escalopes. 2. Place a slice of Gruyère cheese on one half of each fillet, top with two sage leaves and then top with a slice of cooked ham. Fold the other half of the fillet over the top. Trim the edges to create a neat rectangular parcel. Season both sides with a salt and ground black pepper. 3. Dip each fillet into seasoned flour, then the beaten egg followed by the breadcrumbs. Ensure the fillet is completely covered in the breadcrumb mixture. Repeat this process with the other fillet. 4. Heat olive oil and butter in a non-stick frying pan; cook the fillets on both sides until crisp and golden. Drain slightly on paper towel. Place in the oven to keep warm whilst you are making the sage butter. 5. To make the sage butter heat the butter in a small saucepan add shallot and chopped sage leaves and cook over a medium heat until the shallot is soft and translucent, approximately 5 minutes. Keep warm until ready to use. 6. To serve place a cooked chicken fillet on to a warm serving plate, pour hot sage butter over the top and serve immediately. Thanks to Suzanne Crafer of Tasty Morsels (www.tastymorsels.co.uk) for this month’s food column.
DONNA’S WINE RECOMMENDATION FOR MAY Broken Shackle Semillon/Chardonnay/Chenin Blanc 2007 South Eastern Australia A fresh intense wine that is appealingly light and crisp. This wine has a bright aspect with brilliant lemon and lime highlights. The aromas follow suit with lemons, melon and pear drops. The palate is wonderfully vibrant and generous, with tangy passion fruit, juicy citrus fruit and supple honeydew melon that leads to a clean fresh finish. Enjoy with char-grilled chicken, baked sea bass or on its own! £4.99/bottle Free delivery within a 10 mile radius of Faringdon. Call 01367 241169 or visit www.denboerwines.com To advertise call 01367 888229
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Coleshill Organics (Formerly Ardington Post Office & Stores)
Veg box delivery and shop Vegetables fresh from our organic garden, delivered in the Vale. Prices from £8.25 or visit our shop in the walled garden. Open Wed pm and all day Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Tel: 01793 861070
www.coleshillorganics.co.uk
Open Monday to Saturday
Breakfast Morning Coffee Lunches Afternoon Tea
Looking for Oriental Foods?
NONOY’S ORIENTAL STORE Open Mon-Sat 10am-5pm Church Street, Wantage
Tel: 01235 771570
Lunch served from 11.45am
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.
Lunch parties catered for
Whole boneless Peking Duck Vegetable spring rolls Japanese tempura prawns and much more.
Smiths High Street Ardington Oxon OX12 8PS T: 01235 833 237
Range of oriental cooking equipment including chopsticks, bamboo steamers, hotpots on
Wholesale prices for restaurants & caterers 5 pr % of o Other services for Filipino, remittance MLR LIC NO o d f 12268395 - maasahan sa mataas na rate, may 24 ad f th uct hrs picks up po tayo. Phone cards worldwide. ve is ion rt Mabuhay po tayong lahat!
E: karen@smithsatardington.co.uk 17
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Food and drink
Community Times In The Vale
Children’s Food Festival Puts Kids In Charge of the Dough! Saturday 27th & Sunday 28th June If your children turn their noses up at everything you offer them at mealtimes, then the Children’s Food Festival is for you – or rather for them. This celebration of food and cooking is designed to turn fussies into foodies and is devoted entirely to young people. Adults will have fun too, but this is one occasion where the kids are in charge of the dough. The first Children’s Food Festival in 2007 attracted over 16,000 visitors and more are expected this year. Celebrity hands-on demos The Festival is fronted by Patrons Raymond Blanc and Sophie Grigson, who will be giving hands-on demos, inviting children to help them chop, stir, smell and taste. The line-up also includes Annabel Karmel, Jane Fearnley Whittingstall (author of The Good Granny Cookbook), Sam Stern (the Teenage Chef) and Nora Sands (Jamie’s School Dinner Lady). Children’s cookery writer Amanda Grant will be running the Kids’ Kitchen. Child-centred highlights Children of all ages are invited to become adventurers in the world of real food and they will be able to get their hands into plenty of ingredients from pizza to pesto and sushi to sausages. Children who already love food and cooking can show off their skills to their peers and explore their passion further. Highlights include: open fire cookery, bicycle-powered smoothie-making, the observation beehive and the Smell and Taste Experience with the Academy of Culinary Arts. And back by popular request is the Festival’s extremely popular giant pink pig - a 40 ft inflatable sow with farmyard drama inside. New additions New for 2009 are the Baby and Early Years Area and the Chocolate Tent with demos by the UK’s top chocolatiers and Willy Wonka recipe making with the Roald Dahl Museum team. The Festival will also host the UK premiere of the remarkable photo exhibition Hungry Planet, What the World Eats, showing what the average family eats in 16 countries across the world. Festival Director Eka Morgan is passionate about connecting children with real food and inspiring families to cook together more: “We want children to discover that cooking is fun and creative. As eating habits are learnt when we’re young – the sooner they get their hands in the dough the better.” Where and when The Children’s Food Festival is organised by the Northmoor Trust and takes place on its farm in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, near Didcot. Date and time: Sat 27th (10am – 6pm) and Sun 28th June (10am – 5pm) at The Northmoor Trust Farm. (The entrance to the Festival will not be via Northmoor Trust offices, please see the website for directions: www.childrensfoodfestival.co.uk Car: £10 per car on the gate "It's so wonderful to watch children and their Shuttle Bus: £3 per adult from families discover how joyful and creative Didcot Parkway railway station Cycle or Foot: cooking can be. Come and join us!” £3 per adult. Raymond Blanc, OBE, Festival Patron All activities at the Festival are free! To advertise call 01367 888229
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Community Times In The Vale
Research your family tree
Get back to your
roots
Part FOUR
Looking into the
Future WHEN G EN ET IC RESEARCHER PROFESSOR BRYAN SYKES ANNOUNCED THAT ALL EUROPEAN MEN AND WOMEN WERE DESCENDED FROM JUST SEVEN FEMALES, HE DIDN'T REALISE THE FUSS IT WOULD CAUSE.
D
ays after his words were published in The Times, his laboratory at Oxford University was inundated with requests from hundreds of keen genealogists wanting to trace their ancient ancestors. Sykes had discovered that by tracing the DNA codes passed between mother and daughter over thousands of years, people could find out the true beginning of their family tree.
"About 20 years ago I was working on the genetics of bones, and an archaeologist suggested to me that we try and find out if there was any DNA latent in bone. I never expected it to work, as DNA usually disintegrates within minutes of leaving the freezer, but it did." The discovery meant that Professor Sykes could theoretically access genealogical information that was thousands of years old. And after collecting 6,000 random
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samples of mitochondrial DNA from women and men across Europe and Polynesia, he concluded that "pretty much everyone could be put into one of seven genetically related groups." These 'women' - or goddesses as they are often described - have taken on a mythical status in the world of family history. Each year hundreds of people call Sykes, asking him to identify to which of the seven daughters of Eve they are related.
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Such has been the interest, that in 2001 Sykes launched Oxford Ancestors, a company dedicated to tracing people's history using their DNA. "It got so overwhelming that we had to start a proper commercial outlet and that's how Oxford Ancestors was born." Two years later, a chance remark led Sykes to make another breakthrough. He discovered that using male Y chromosome, inherited from father to son, he could tell two men with the same surname whether they were genetically related. "I was giving a lecture at a big pharmaceuticals company about genetics and they asked if I could be related to their chairman Richard Sykes. So I got some DNA, compared m y Ychromosome to his and they turned out to be the same. "I followed that up by finding out how many other Sykes’ I was related to. Taking Sykes’ at random from the phone book, I discovered I was related to about 70 per cent of them and that we were all descended from an original Mr Sykes, who lived in the 1300s. "Although admittedly I'm not as interested in family history as many enthusiasts," he adds, "I did go back to the spot where the original Mr Sykes lived. And because I still had the DNA which he had in every cell of my body, I felt a very strong association with the place. I can understand why people find it quite profound." But although Sykes doesn't spend his evenings leafing through local gazetteers looking for signs of his family name, the academic doesn't need convincing of the positive effect that amateurs can have on his work. "New discoveries are being made through people's personal research, which hardly ever happens in academia. Tens of thousands of amateur genealogists have used the DNA technique to investigate their own backgrounds, they've shared the information and have discovered that the Y chromosome mutates at different To advertise call 01367 888229
"In recent times the term DNA has come to mean essential essence. This is why I think there has been so much resistance to a national DNA database. People don't like the idea of their essential essence being collected. rates. "The great thing about amateurs is that they're very happy to share the fruits of their research and really know how to use the internet to get their findings out there." Sykes describes some of the more memorable moments of the last few years. "I had one group from America, eager to establish they were related to an aristocratic family from Wales," he recalls. Laughing at the memory, the genetic researcher explains: "All of them, except one, were related. Unfortunately he was the president. "We get a lot of Americans making requests," he continues. "Many of them turn out to have native American maternal DNA. Usually people are delighted and find it rather exotic. But sometimes they don't believe it. "I got a call from a man who had just received the test results and said his wife had more or less gone into a coma when she found out she was related to a Native American and her ancestors were not, as she had always been led to believe, from Hampshire in England." Professor Sykes and his team can also help dedicated genealogists narrow their searches. "Lots of Americans come over in person to trace their ancestors but they don't always know where to look. The
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Lockwoods of New Hampshire had worked out that their ancestor John Lockwood went to New England in the early 17th century, because his name was on a passenger ship list. But they didn't know whether he was from Suffolk or Yorkshire. "So we took samples from Suffolk Lockwoods and Yorkshire Lockwoods and discovered that they didn't need to worry about going to Yorkshire."
So why has this new technique become so popular? "In recent times the term DNA has come to mean essential essence. This is why I think there has been so much resistance to a national DNA database. People don't like the idea of their essential essence being collected. "It's different from a photograph or a lock of hair. It's something we all feel a profound connection with. "Believe it or not we've had beauty companies approach us with a view to incorporating some of the so-called goddess DNA into their skincare products. They want to tap into this idea that people care deeply about who they are and where they come from."
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Community Times In The Vale
Research your family tree
Developing your
skills set
AS THE SAYING GOES, THE WISE MAN KNOWS HE KNOWS NOTHING. YOU MIGHT THINK YOU'RE A FAMILY HISTORY EXPERT BUT AS WITH ANY SUBJECT THERE ARE ALWAYS NEW SKILLS TO LEARN.
B
roadening your abilities will eliminate the need to call on expert help at various stages of your research and will also give you an excuse to indulge your hobby a little further. Brush up on the following areas and you are on your way to becoming a bona fide authority.
How to use your software: You may have splashed out on the latest version of some fancylooking kit but do you know how to use it, or get the most from it? Contact the Society Of Genealogists at www.sog.org.uk for details of its lectures on various brands of software. You can find online learning tools for most of the major packages, and look around on community sites for tips from other users.
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How to read old handwriting: There is nothing more annoying than indecipherable script on a long searched-for document. You'll probably develop this skill as your research progresses, but pick up some pointers by following the online tutorial at www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/ Palaeography/
How to correctly label family members: Do you know the difference between a second cousin once removed and a first cousin twice removed? Probably not, but you'll need to get a handle on these terms for a better understanding of your family tree. Log on to anthro.palomar.edu/ kinship/glossary.htm for a useful list of the terms used to describe kinship.
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How to 'read' old photographs: Learn how to date old photos from fashions and other give-aways and you could shed new light on an event or identify an unknown person.
Be the best you you can possibly be! Basil Mienie can help you live your dreams To find out how, call now: 01235 770394 or 07739 410370
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Gardening
Community Times In The Vale
Get your Garden Into Shape with Jo Walsh fortune. Add colour with pots and hanging baskets - but don’t forget to water them! A dead plant is worse than having no plants at all. If you’re not selling, why not add some new plants anyway.
June brings more daylight hours, so you should have plenty of time to enjoy those evenings in your garden when you get home from work. Make the most of it by planting for fragrance and colour. Red and orange will make a statement by day. Whites will light up in the evening.
Tumbling toms – Grow trailing tomatoes in a basket. The top varieties for this are Tumbler, Garden Pearl or Tumbling. Very easy to grow, no training or side shoot removal needed, simply plant in multipurpose compost, feed and water regularly with a tomato fertiliser. This will provide bags of delicious tiny tomatoes over and over.
Heaven scent – My top plants for fragrance and colour: Lavender ‘Hidcote’. Nice neat balls of colour. Plant in free draining soil in a sunny position. Nicotiana ‘Perfume lime’: this annual grown in a pot adds fantastic evening scent on a patio. If you have a sheltered spot that needs a climber try Trachelospermum jasminoides. This evergreen plant has jasmine-like flowers that smell divine.
Finally we have already seen some very warm days so far, and thankfully no water ban so we can ensure our gardens are looking lush and green. However this can seriously increase your water costs so why not install a water butt if you have room? Alternatively, put a cheap timer on your hose pipe. Happy Gardening!!
Kerb appeal – Moving house has become a costly expense over the years and the current recession is making all of us address our spending. Why not add value to your property by giving the garden a face lift? After all, if you are thinking of selling it’s the first thing that a potential buyer sees. You don’t have to spend a
Jo Walsh is based in Faringdon and runs her own garden design business. www.jowalsh.com
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Longcot & Fernham School
Scheherazade’s Life and Death Storytelling Here we focus on the enjoyment of Music and Drama for a large cast of pupils in many shows. School aims to enrich children's learning by offering them the very best opportunities to enjoy and explore the more cultural aspects of life, such as dance, drama and music. To this end, we also arrange visits by and to professional companies such as The English National Ballet, Young Shakespeare Company and Bollywood Dance Academy, to name a few. These memorable experiences for the children are only possible with the strong support we receive from parents.
genie. All pupils had a fantastic time and the costumes and scenery looked wonderful - we thank staff and everyone who helped to provide costumes and props Talented pupils will take solo spots in the forthcoming Schools Partnership music event “Songs from the Shows” on July 2nd. Our older singers were invited to take part in the Oxford Folk Festival this year.
This bright Spring time, it was the oldest children in Key Stage 2 who exercised their vocal chords and displayed colourful costumes for their fantastic musical production. All 55 pupils in KS2 aged between 711 took part, either acting, singing, dancing or undertaking a joyful combination of these. This year’s show had a multi-cultural focus with 'Scheherazade', an adaptation of the life-saving 1001 tales from the Arabian Nights. The photo shows how Jake ThackerPugsley stole the show with his great portrayal of the Sultan; particularly in the romantic love song at the end of the 1001 storytelling cruel nights. Seen here with fine singing and romantic acting from brilliant storyteller Holly Carlisle (Scheherazade in blue silk). Matthew Donnelly and Christopher Jones choreographed their own very realistic fight scene which would have given many stuntmen a close run for their money. Edward Heathcote was a witty angry To advertise call 01367 888229
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The School has many musical productions that showcase our great singers. The singing begins as soon as the children start school and continues through to the Leavers Service in Year 6. It helps to make for a happy and contented school and involves many happy families. Music has a high profile in the school and peripatetic teachers also provide lessons in flute, guitar, violin and recorder and are starting lessons for cornet and clarinet. As participants in the government's Vocal & Instrumental programme, we also provide guitar lessons for all children in Years 3 and 4 which are highly popular. Next month we can report on a major event in the community, when we celebrate completion of the “Greenspace” Community Lottery Grant Arts Activity 2008/9, with its climax at Final Open Afternoon at School on 2nd June 2009, where all come to see artifacts and hear music and stories in the beautiful new creative outdoor areas, with local arts and crafts man Chris Parks.
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Beauty news
Community Times In The Vale
Beautiful Hair, As You May Never Have Thought Possible Just launched in Britain, a new hair cosmetic MORCCANOIL Daily treatment literally changes your hair before your eyes. Leading Wantage hairdresser Charlotte Falkenau of Segais Hair Design says, “It is simply amazing to work with, I have never seen anything like it, the look and feel of the hair is so different.” MOROCCANOIL Daily Treatment is absorbed into the hair instantly, creating a beautiful natural-looking shine and helps add strength and elasticity to your hair. MOROCCANOIL Daily Treatment is an ultra light formula and can be applied to both damp and dry hair. The nightmare of frizz and hair tangling for children and adults could just be yesterday’s bad hair day. Hair looks healthier and shinier after just one application. MOROCCANOIL Daily treatment also works well as part of your colouring or technical treatment service. Unlike many styling products MOROCCANOIL Daily Treatment is alcohol free. The product contains Argan oil which originates from the Southwest region of Morocco, hence the name. One thing you may really appreciate, this product helps reduce blow drying and styling time. With literally hundreds of hair products to choose from, it is never easy to be certain which one is right for your hair. MOROCCANOIL Daily Treatment is suitable for all hair types and could be well worth finding out if it works for you. For more information contact: Charlotte Falkenau, Segais Hair Design, 6 Grove Street, Wantage Tel: 01235 225522. Available in 100ml £29.85
THE OLD STATION NURSERY FARINGDON ‘Home from home childcare’ Come and visit our award-winning nursery in the heart of Faringdon Full and part-time sessions and Nursery Education Funded sessions for 3 and 4 year olds After-school care for 5-8 year olds
For more information contact Liz on 01367 243800 or visit our website: www.theoldstationnursery.co.uk
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Health & fitness
Community Times In The Vale
News on Implant Acupuncture The history of acupuncture is characterised by the ongoing search for effective acupuncture points and combinations of points. Treatment using Auricular or Ear Acupuncture points - has consistently improved over recent years, but whilst the choice and localisation of these points has become more and more well-founded, the search for more adequate and effective methods for stimulation has become a major focus within this work - especially the pursuit of a permanently effective stimulation by acupuncture which can broaden the application spectrum of the treatment sustainably. The benefits of acupuncture have been widely proven; however, for certain conditions conventional treatment has its limits, as they require a more permanent stimulation of the relevant acupuncture points. The search for a permanent stimulation method has its predecessors. For example scars, in the form of cauterisation marks, were monitored by the French neurologist Dr. Paul Nogier in the 1950s and played an important role at that time, and the Chinese implanted absorbable catgut filaments into the skin of the outer ear in order to achieve a permanent stimulation.
For research purposes, a detailed analysis (UPDRS) on patients with Parkinson‘s Disease after treatment with Implant Acupuncture was carried out. Within an observation period of 5-25 weeks after the implantation, 96.5 % of the patients showed a considerable improvement in life quality. The survey was focused on the reduction of medication, mobility, general wellbeing, mood, tremors and bowel movement. At least four out of six symptoms were rated as improved. The beneficial effect was triggered mainly between the first and third week after treatment. During the first few days, some patients experienced a temporary deterioration of existing symptoms. The observation period left no doubt about the permanent benefit of the implanted needles; in fact, even after several months improvements were noticed. Sufferers from Parkinson’s Disease have benefitted from the implants, which can also help conditions such as Trigeminal Neuralgia, phantom pains, allergies and migraines. For further information and a brochure, please send an e-mail or ask your current therapist to contact Monika Becker at contact@monikabecker.co.uk
A current development is that of “Implant Acupuncture” and this differs from conventional acupuncture in that the body‘s self-healing potential is stimulated permanently. The application of the implant triggers a continuous stimulus on the acupuncture points. This process activates the body‘s information system – a cybernetic network of physical, mental and intellectual reactions – by means of electrical impulses, which in turn stimulate the self-healing potential of the body and influence the immune defence and neural transmitters. The permanent impulse provided by the implant is controlled and regulated by the cybernetic network, intensifying or deactivating as necessary – and the result is harmonisation. Auricular or Ear Acupuncture uses the control centre of the body – the brain. All impulses triggered by acupuncture reach the addressed body parts via certain parts of the brain. Examining the reflex points allows a detailed conclusion about where there is pain or which organs of the body are concerned when the symptoms are inconclusive. Moreover, it enables the therapist to locate further disturbances in the body, which delay or even inhibit the healing process.
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Monika Becker
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SCOTT BARNES Television Aerial & Satellite Services Upgrades, Repairs, Fault-Finding, Extra Points, Free Quotes, Friendly Service
01235 224147
07990 665753
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 (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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Community Times In The Vale
Christminster Singers to Support Museum Following their sell-out concert at last year’s Wantage Summer Festival the Christminster Singers have been invited back for a return visit. The Wantage Summer Festival is now in its 14th year and has become a fixture in the local cultural calendar, bringing a varied showcase of musical performances to the small market town. The official Festival opening is on Saturday 6th June and the following day, Sunday June 7th, the Christminster Singers will lead a workshop and perform a concert of West Gallery music. Christminster are amongst the country’s leading exponents of this robust, vigorous style of singing, which flourished in English country parishes in Thomas Hardy’s Wessex during the 18th and early 19th centuries. The choir chose Hardy’s name for Oxford – Christminster – as their own. The choir have performed at national festivals and have appeared on BBC television and radio, and have taken their distinctive repertoire on tour to the Netherlands and the USA. If you wish to try your hand (should that be voice?) at this exciting style of singing the Christminster Singers are leading a workshop at the Catholic Church of St John Vianney, 3pm-5pm, £5 (£4 concessions). No experience is needed and music will be provided. The concert takes place at 7.30pm at the Church. Tickets are priced at £7 (£5 concessions). Refreshments will be available and there will be a raffle in support of the Vale and Downland Museum - one of the most popular museums in the area, attracting about 45,000 visits a year. The Museum desperately needs to raise funds for further work on the restoration of the building which had deteriorated and was even in danger of structural failure. Another project the Museum needs funds for is to purchase a Pathe film clip of the Wantage Tramway. Last year the Christminster Singers raised over £230 with their raffle for The October Club in Wantage.
Faringdon Art Focus for June : Nick Owen Nick Owen is an artist who puts together “poetry and pictures”. He was International Poem-Picture Artist of the Year 2007. He transforms light coming into the camera into dramatic landscapes which bring the local countryside to life. Born in south Worcestershire he has been living in the North Cotswolds for the last twenty years, searching out its most magical places. He creates both large canvases and fine art cards. He has exhibited in many places in Oxfordshire. Most of all Nick likes to combine his poetry with images. He does art installations at libraries and galleries, which are also available for sale as power-points on DVD. In February this year his self portrait “Head in Flames” was printed in a major American Art Magazine. You can also find his landscapes on the S3 Stagecoach bus route. Nick formed the community group, “Wychwood Poetry and Pictures”, which offers support to local poets and photographers and puts on charity events. More information available on line at www.trans-itions.co.uk, and see some of Nick’s work at Faringdon TIC throughout June. To advertise call 01367 888229
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Arts Focus Cat on a Hot Tin Roof STAGELIGHTS, Grove’s amateur drama group, are presenting one of the masterpieces of the 20th century, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof by Tennessee Williams, as part of the Wantage Summer Festival. Described by the New York Times critic as “Williams’ most impassioned and articulate statement on human isolation”, the version Stagelights are presenting is the original, before the commercial pressures first of Broadway and then of Hollywood (for a bowdlerized version starring ElizaBrick (Martin Dalton) and Maggie (Lizzie Suffling) argue over children beth Taylor and Paul Newman) forced Tennessee Williams to make considerable changes. The original is the most gritty, mercilessly peeling off the veneer of a rich Mississippi cotton planter’s family life to expose years of resentment, jealousy, mendacity and sexual repression. Cat on a Hot Tin Roof will be performed in Old Mill Hall in Grove (near Wantage), June 25-27 at 7:30; tickets will be available from the Wantage Summer Festival box office in the Vale and Downland Museum, Wantage or may be ordered by calling Chris Osland on 01235 765562. This powerful stage production has adult themes which make it unsuitable for children.
www.oxfordlivejazz.com
Faringdon Singers present: “Songs of the Sea and Summer Proms”
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
Friday 26 June, 8.30pm
You are warmly invited to our summer concert on June 27th in the Catholic Church Hall, Faringdon, at 7.30pm. We will be singing Stanford’s “Songs of the Sea” and other songs with a nautical theme, as well as ending with a Proms-style finale! Conductor: Terence Carter, Soloist: Ben Beurklian-Carter, Pianist: Katharine Danyluk.
vocalist Andrea MANN With trumpet star Steve WATERMAN and the bmp trio
Friday 10 July, 8.30pm South African vocalist Esther MILLER
The Faringdon Singers are a friendly group of about 40 members. We rehearse on Thursday evenings 7.45 – 9.30pm in the United Church hall, Faringdon. We are always happy to welcome new members and are particularly looking for tenors and basses (with some sight reading ability). Please come along, check our website www.faringdonsingers.org.uk or contact Maureen on (01793) 783131 for further details.
And her quartet: Steve MELLING pno, John PERRY drums Steve WATERMAN trmpt, Zoltan DEKANY bass
Tickets/details: 01367 710593 richard@thespeeds.freeserve.co.uk 31
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Grumpy Old Men Driven to Drink? The Government seems keen to put up the price of alcohol as a means of reducing binge drinking. It’s enough to drive you to drink! Is price really the only mechanism to turn us into a responsible society? Why does every solution to a problem seems to end up putting more of our money into the Treasury, so that they can reinvest it for us by making loans to our poor unfortunate banks, finance wars in foreign countries and buy second homes for already over paid MPs. Increase duty on fuel, alcohol, cigarettes and stick up more speeding cameras and they all, whilst under the guise of altruism, steal our hard earned cash. Why not try enforcing some of the existing laws first? It is an offence under the Licensing Laws as I understand it to serve someone who is already drunk. The young people we see rolling about in our streets outside clubs and pubs didn’t suddenly get like this as a result of one too many (as a lad strangely it always seemed to be the 7th or 8th pint that was “off” and made me sick!) Why don’t we just video these offences taking place and then shut the pub until the licensee explained to the licensing authority why they should be allowed to open again? A huge conglomerate missing out on a few weeks’ revenue would soon sort things out – or face the wrath of their shareholders. Of course we would need to swap the powers back to licensing magistrates rather than counsellors, who are too dependent on big businesses who control so much rate revenue and local employment. We could also ban supermarkets from selling alcohol - £6,000 fine for Tesco selling to underage drinkers? At £95 profit per second they make that back in about 1 minute! (You do the maths!) This would help our pubs and proper off licenses. Just imagine supermarkets selling groceries, pubs selling alcohol, garages selling petrol instead of newspapers and groceries. You know we might find we get our high street shops back with people who know what they are selling, know their responsibilities and can offer a little more in the way of service than a big car park and a club card! By CT’s own Grumpy Old Man, David P Elliot www.davidpelliot.com
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Sudoku 2 9 7 8 4 4 6 9 2 3 5 9 4 2 8 6 3 1 5 6 9 4 5 9 8 6 3 8 7 4 3 5 1 1 6 6 8 4 3 8 Fill in the grid so that every row, every column, and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 through 9. That's all there is to it. It's fun. It's challenging. It's addictive! Solving time is typically from 20 to 45 minutes, depending on your skill and experience.
Crossword
Across:
Down:
1. Step (5) 4. Stuffed (7) 8. Respire (7) 9. Jokes (5) 10. Consumes (4) 11. False belief (8) 13. Uncovered (4) 14. Leg joint (4) 16. Usually (8) 17. Tardy (4) 20. Farewell (5) 21. French sailor (7) 22. Child's room (7) 23. Blunted (5)
1. Cape Town landmark (5,8) 2. Build (5) 3. Obligation (4) 4. Gifted (6) 5. Postpones (8) 6. Huge (7) 7. Impartial (13) 12. Animal (8) 13. Obstruction (7) 15. Awkward (6) 18. Distribute (5) 19. Stump (4)
Across: 1 Tread; 4 Crammed; 8 Breathe; 9 Jests; 10 Eats; 11 Delusion; 13 Bare; 14 Knee; 16 Normally; 17 Late; 20 Adieu; 21 Matelot; 22 Nursery; 23 Bated. Down: 1 Table Mountain; 2 Erect; 3 Duty; 4 Clever; 5 Adjourns; 6 Massive; 7 Disinterested; 12 Creature; 13 Barrier; 15 Clumsy; 18 Allot; 19 Stub. To advertise call 01367 888229
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TREE CARE SPECIALIST RUSS GOODING Free Quotation Practical Friendly Advice • Fruit Tree Pruning • Problem Hedges • Site Clearance • Felling • Green Waste Removal
• Preservation Order Advice • Stump Grinding • Planting of Larger Trees • Crown Reductions • Tree Health Assessment
FULLY INSURED £5 MILLION N.P.T.C. Qualified 20 Years Experience Environmentally Conscious Practice Competitive Rates
TEL: 07554 241151 EAST COTTAGE, STANFORD ROAD, BUCKLAND, OXON SN7 8QL
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
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Ed Vaizey on … At the time of writing, the controversy over the Gurkhas is still very much in mind. It is the first time in living memory that the Government has lost to an opposition motion (in fairness, a Lib Dem one, not a Conservative one), and only the second time that this Government has lost a vote (the other one being 42 days detention without trial). The reason I am bringing it up is not to score points. Of the many national issues that my constituents write to me about, I received most in the shortest space of time on this issue. Dozens of people emailed and wrote to me in the space of just 24 hours. In fact, it was also the first political issue my mum has ever lobbied me on!
2 London Street, Faringdon 01367 240249 June offers: Full head tint, cut & blow dry £40 Full head foil, cut & blow dry £55
Footnotes Reflexology Indian Head Massage Aromatherapy Massage Tel: 01367 870571 Email: foot.notes@hotmail.co.uk
www.jennyatfootnotes.co.uk To advertise call 01367 888229
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The British sense of fair play triumphed on this issue. I am sure there are all sorts of technical and rational reasons why you could argue that Gurkhas should not have the automatic right to stay in the UK. There is also the cost to consider. But at the end of the day, the Great British Public decided that, if people were prepared to fight and die for our country, then those same people should have the right to stay here. My wife's great grandfather served with the Gurkhas, so I also had a (tenuous) family connection, and I was proud to vote for the motion saying the Gurkhas should stay here. Elsewhere in Parliament, we have put forward a motion to freeze the television licence fee. This may seem like small beer (only £3 a year) but in our view it is a start in stopping the relentless rise in charges and costs of everything in the public sector. Because of the recession, the BBC now has more money than ITV, Channel 4 and Five put together, and I am sure it can make savings. I know that, like me, most of my constituents are fans of the BBC, though I get a few letters a year complaining about the heavy handed letters from TV licensing. A few days ago, I put together a fascinating day at Didcot Power station, with many small companies engaged in climate change and energy work. There was a building company that could halve emissions from our homes using organic building material; a company that manufactures high-temperature thermometers that cut fuel costs; and quite a few others. In the end, we talked more about money than energy. We contrasted the situation in the US, where hi-tech companies have much better access to financing than in the UK - a real problem which explains why we often lag behind in this area. We have the ideas, but not the investment climate to see them through.
Ed Vaizey, MP
As usual, I can be contacted in the House of Commons, SW1A 0AA, or on 020 7219 6350 or vaizeye@parliament.uk . Next surgeries June 12th Didcot, King Alfred Drive Community Centre; June 26th - Wantage, Civic Hall, both at 530pm
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The Small Ads
Community Times In The Vale Cars Bought, Sold and Exchanged. Call 07976 919475 (day) or 01367 243454 (eves). www.paulfrancis.hpi.co.uk
Amaliz - Spacious 4 bedroom, 4 bathroom villa in Calis Beach, Fethiye, Turkey is available both as a holiday and long-term rental. It is ideal for multigeneration parties who still like a bit of peace and quiet though the family is "together". With different areas to relax, sunbathe and rest, larger parties can enjoy their holidays! The ground floor is ideal for persons who find stairs difficult or those 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.
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 Your Advert Here from just £5 per month lineage, £10 for a small box or £20 for a large business card sized ad. Call Alison on 01367 888229 to book.
D & S Builders
CFJ CARAVAN CARE Servicing, Repairs, Maintenance, Pre Purchase Inspections
Garden Walls, Patios, Fencing, Roofing, General Building Work, Guttering. Aggregates Supplied & Delivered. Extensions, Drainage.
CHRIS JAMES - Mobile Service Engineer ACOPS approved
No Job Too Small. Call for a Quote. home/office: (01367) 242755 fax: (01367) 242728 mobile: 07765 010751
Tel: 01235 224517 Mob: 07887 724525 Email: chrisjames50@ntlworld.com Member of the Mobile Caravan Engineers Association
dsbuilders@fsmail.net
THE SMALL ADS BOOKING FORM Selling your car? Starting a business? Do party plan? Renting out your holiday home? Organising an event? Advertise in in the CT In The Vale Small Ads from just £5 a month. To book send this form, with payment and your advert, to: The Small Ads, CT In The Vale, 9 Cromwell Close, Faringdon SN7 7BQ. Please make cheques payable to Community Times 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: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ ______ To advertise call 01367 888229
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JUNE09
Please tell advertisers you saw them in Community Times
The Small Ads
Community Times In The Vale 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
RON GALLON CARPETS Private Hire Fully insured & licensed vehicles
A comprehensive selection of carpets and vinyls. Also carpet repairs, carpet restretching, carpet adaptions. Over 30 years’ experience.
Comfortable Car or 6 Seater Available Contracts Welcome - Please Book In Advance
Ring Laraine or Roger
Tel: 01367 241597 or 07762 261967
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
Singing, Piano and Keyboard Lessons
MAN WITH VAN Available for Light Haulage, Collections, Deliveries and Small Removals
James Mitchell A.R.C.M.
Daytime, Evening & Weekend Work
Gift tokens Available CT
Tel: 01367 710526 Mobile: 07860 656351
Tel. 01235 767975 or email: jamesmitchell@onevoice.freeserve.co.uk
Airport Transfers
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 To advertise call 01367 888229
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Community Times In The Vale Advertisers
Index of advertisers Page
Advertisers
4Networking ……………………………………. 7 Air Jelly Bouncy Castles …………………….. 9 The Barbers ……………………...……………. 36 Barnes Coaches ………………………………. 9 Basil Mienie ………………………………..…... 23 Brian’s Hire ……………………………………...38 Brett’s Pharmacy …………………...…………. 2 CFJ Caravan Care ………………..……………37 Coleshill Organics……………….….……...…...17 D & S Builders …………………..…………….. 37 Dolphin Gallery ……………………………….. 23 First Babies Group …………………………... 37 The Happy Computer Company …………….. 29 James Mitchell @ One Voice ……….………. 38 Jenny @ Footnotes …………………………… 36 Live Connections ……………………….……... 35 LJ & CA Cannings …………….………..…….. 25 Man with Van (Rapid Services) ……………… 38 Martin Green (Health & Safety) ……………… 9 MCH Carpet and Upholstery Cleaners ……….15 Monika Becker, Alternative Health ………….. 29 Mortgages Made Easy ……………………….. 39
Page
The National Pages ………………………….. 38 Nonoy’s Oriental Store …………………………17 Old Station Nursery …………………...……... 27 Oxford Live Jazz ………………..…………….. 31 Paul Francis, Renault Specialist ……………. 37 The Proof Fairy ……………………………….. 37 Puppy School ………………………………….. 15 Robert Elliott Vets………………..………….... 15 Russ Gooding Tree Care ……………………. 35 Safeclean ………………………....………….... 33 Sanctuary Care ……………………………….. 23 Scott Barnes Aerial and Satellite Services …..29 Segais Hair Design …………………………... 27 Smiths Restaurant …………………………….. 17 Stylers ………………………..…………………..36 tfd health & fitness………………...……….…….. 40 Vale & Downland Museum ……………..…... 11 WA Broda Painting & Decorating ………………. 33 Wantage Chiropractic Clinic……...………...….35 White Cottage Beauty ……………………..…...29 White Horse Hire ………………………….…….. 38
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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To advertise call 01367 888229
www.ctinthevale.co.uk
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