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March 2003 Issue Number 83 Copy Date for April 2003 Issue email: clanfieldwhat@fsmail.net Webpage: http://www.clanfield.org
February 2003. Amongst various items of business at the February meeting of the WI, our president, Elizabeth Stevens, read a cutting from a Faringdon newspaper of 1919, giving a report of a garden party enjoyed by some 60 members of Clanfield WI that summer, a magnificent turnout indeed! Members were then delighted to welcome Arthur Pont, who gave a most interesting description of Lambeth Palace and its history. We heard about various parts of the Palace, from the crypt, now in use again after many years, to the courtyard with its 400-year-old fig tree, and the magnificent Great Hall. This contains a huge library of over 200,000 books and 4000 ancient manuscripts, which made a huge impression on Peter the Great, who apparently didn’t know there were so many books in the world! We were very entertained by the historical anecdotes about the archbishops who had lived there throughout the Palace’s long history and their influence on our monarchy and the population in general. A very interesting talk that was greatly enjoyed by all those present. Our next meeting will be our AGM on March 11th which will be followed by a talk by Sylvia Brown entitled “35 years on a milk round”.
Back in the early days of World War II I think it was the Royal School of Music that was moved out of London to accommodation in Bradwell Grove. One fine day the Duke of Edinburgh - then Prince Philip, recently engaged to Princess Elizabeth - was driven to Bradwell Grove to visit the School, as far as I know on a private visit. That afternoon somewhere around 1 o'clock a lonely old lady called Polly Smith was walking through her village on the way to the village shop. Her route lay over a narrow bridge by the old mill at Filkins. Leaning over the bridge contemplating the millstream was the figure of a man in uniform, his briefcase at his feet blocking the path. As Polly approached he picked it up to allow her to pass and he said "Good Morning". “You be a good 'un" said Polly "it's afternoon". "So it is,” he replied. Looking a little closer Polly exclaimed, "I know who you be, you be Prince Philip" "Quite right, I am. What makes you so sure?" "Well" said Polly "I have your and Princess Elizabeth's photographs on my mantelpiece". And not being one to lose a good opportunity, Polly went on "Congratulations on your engagement and will you give my congratulations to the King and Queen too?" "I certainly will" Prince Philip replied, and then asked Polly for her name and address, which Polly gave him. Then a jeep came along and picked up Prince Philip and sped away. It seems that his chauffeur and body guard had dropped off for a little liquid refreshment at the local pub. Polly rushed on and into the village shop to tell her story. "You'll never guess whom I've just seen! Prince Philip - I've just been a-talking to him". But they didn’t believe her - in fact no one believed her. However a couple of weeks later Polly received a letter from Buckingham Palace written by the Queen's lady-in-waiting. It was to thank her for her good wishes and kind thoughts. At our W.I. meeting that month Mrs Wansborough, president of Filkins and Langford W.I., made Polly tell her story and show us the letter that proved she had not imagined it all. After she had said her piece she sat down by me and told me how she had been disbelieved. Getting on the local bus one day someone had remarked, "Here comes Polly Smith who knows everyone" or words to that effect. It had hurt. She was quite a character and I suspect very pretty in her youth because even then she had lovely blue eyes and an abundance of snowy white hair. If my memory serves me right she had two husbands and "I'd have a third if I could find un" she told me – with her blue eyes sparkling and a mischievous smile. I wonder if the Duke remembers old Polly whom he met by the mill all those years ago. Dorothy Wise
BT Broadband - Internet Access. UPDATE The website for BT Broadband is http://www.bt.com/broadband/. The current number of people registering interest is now ----- 18 ----- for Clanfield exchange. The trigger levels, the number of required registered interests, have been set for a great many exchanges across the country. Surprise, surprise! Clanfield is not on the list. (Follow the instructions on the above address to find the list). The trigger levels range from 200 – 450. It is impossible to know how these are calculated but must be based on some return on investment basis. Looking at similar small villages that have a number allocated, they seem to be around 350. We would be unlikely to get that many or even 200. We should not give up registering because satellite options, or possibly cable, will also be looked at on the same basis. I’m sure we can do a lot better than 18 but thanks to the other 17 anyway. Barrie Rawlinson barrie@rawlinson13.freeserve.co.uk
The new, regular 9.15am service has made a good start and we have been very pleased to welcome some new faces. Hopefully, given time we shall be able to expand and develop our Sunday Morning Worship to include Family Services on a regular basis - as the saying goes “from an acorn grows the mighty oak” and we feel very hopeful! Members of St. Stephen’s Church were sorry to hear of Bishop Paul’s passing at the end of January. Several members attended his ‘prayer meetings’ each week, he had such a lot to ‘give’ to those prepared to listen. We shall miss his visits to St. Stephen’s, especially during the summer months when our long path to the church seemed less of a marathon! At a time when so many churches are struggling to find someone to play the organ for Sunday services, at St. Stephen’s we now have two organists. Sue Morris has an able assistant in Lucy Fiennes who is willing to stand in when Sue is away, certainly it will make it a lot easier for Vicar David, no more dashing from organ to pulpit and back again! Nancie Greatrex
18th May Gardens Open 28th June Flower Festival and Gift Day 5th July Concert - David Hill, Crispian Steele – Perkins and Laura Bursey. 3rd October Harvest Supper Bell Ringing After our recent AGM our new officers are David Rose as Tower Captain with Catherine Bernard as Deputy. On Saturday 8th February, Clanfield church hosted the AGM of the Witney & Woodstock Bell Ringers Guild before which there was some fine ringing. Some people may have thought that the Clanfield ringers had made amazing progress - but we had some help! There will be silence from the bells for two weeks while much needed maintenance takes place (we will continue to practise each Wednesday but in Alvescot and Langford). The bell ringers are looking for ideas to help raise funds for this work. Liz Stevens
Clanfield Mother & Toddler Group I would like to start by going back to last term and saying some big ‘thank you’s to the following: Mrs Hickman for inviting us to see her fantastic display of Christmas trees The following businesses for donating gifts to our Christmas raffle which raised an amazing £222.00!!!!!!! - Witney Lakes Health Club, The Vines at Black Bourton, Fundays, Birdland and the Cotswold Motor Museum all at Bourton-on-the-Water, The Clanfield Tavern, Aston Pottery, Sudbury House Hotel Faringdon, Tumble Towers Witney, Patrick Strainge Butchers, Bodytalk and Bojangles all at Bampton and The Cotswold Wildlife Park Burford. Our forthcoming events include: Friday 7th March Meningitis Trust coffee morning and cake sale at the Windmill Barn, Clanfield. Tuesday 25th March Fundraising meeting, 8pm at the Clanfield Tavern. Friday 28th March Lucid Photography (black'n'white or colour) at Windmill Barn. Friday 4th April Easter ceramic workshop at Windmill Barn. Friday 11th April Easter egg hunt in Clanfield village, meet at Windmill Barn at 10.45am. Saturday 10th May 50/50 sale of good quality childrens clothes, toys and equipment and also of adults clothes and books at the Carter Institute at 10.00-12.00pm. We also have Chocoholics catalogues available from now until Easter for you to order Mothers day gifts and Easter treats. Arts & Crafts are to include:- 28th February Sponge painting 7th March Egg cress people 14th March Bread shapes 21st March Mothers day gifts 28th March Mothers day cards 11th April Easter biscuit decorating. We would also like to create a home corner with dressing up clothes. Do you have any waistcoats, aprons, hats, petticoats, shirts, blouses, flat shoes etc. or any children’s dressing up clothes that you no longer require? Please contact Karina Hooper on 01367 810397.
I read Colin Fowler’s solution to the flooding at the junction of Bampton Road and the north side of Marsh Lane, i.e. enlarge the culverts under Bampton Road to the size of the watercourse they are meant to carry. Fair enough. however this won't stop the flooding if the culverts further down the east side of the lane are left blocked. Either unblock them or dig out and continue the ditch. I know I am the only resident in the north section of the lane and have only been here for 18 years. It is only in the past two years that I have had to take steps to avoid flooding from the ditch. Prior to this the previous landowner on the north side of the lane - Mr Stuart Woods - cleared the ditch annually and removed the debris. This time it has been left piled on the road verge. When the articulated lorries start plying their way down the lane to the old pig farm, I don't envy the Mums, prams and toddlers should they meet them at my end - diving into a ditch of water to get out of the way won't be too pleasant! N. Cave, North Court Farm
Do you have a tale to tell about Clanfield? Do you know some forgotten history? Would you like us to print your story? But do you HATE the idea of writing it down? Well fear not. The WHAT’s roving reporter Dorothy Wise is here to help. Over the next few months you can call Dorothy on 810294, tell her your story and she’ll write it for you. It’s as easy as that. Any articles printed will earn the contributor £10.00!
To borrow – Old Postcards or Photographs of Clanfield in Years gone by I am anxious to complete Dad’s (Fred Farmer‘s) ‘Memories of Clanfield’ so if anyone out there has any old photos of Clanfield faces or places please, please can I borrow them for inclusion in the book. I will take great care of them & promise to return them as soon as they have been scanned. Would you please leave them in an envelope, including your name and address, with my uncle & aunt, George and Peg Farmer at Stromness, Main Street, Clanfield (the house with the Parish Notice Board attached to it). Any help would be much appreciated. Thank you. Yvonne Cox
It’s been a horrid time for the sheep this winter. Like the residents of Clanfield they were the victims of floodwater and for a few days had to ‘swim’ to get to their food! Well it was more of a hop, skip and jump through about 2ft deep water. Then it turned frosty and they drew the line at skating! Fortunately Midge obliged and broke the surface ice while Minnie drove them to dry land and food – woolly jumpers? Most certainly! The ram has left for his summer residence and the ‘ladies in waiting’ have been prepared (vaccinated, wormed and tidied up) ready for lambing towards the end of March - just hope the weather warms up before the lambs arrive! Although I keep a regular day and night watch on the ewes as they near their time, if any walkers fear a problem I would appreciate a call at Blueberry House (left hand end at the side). Last year an observant dog walker saved an early lamb and probably it’s two brothers and sister that followed, Thank you. Nancie Greatrex
Waste Watch Day – On 30th January Classes 2 and 3 (Yrs 3 –6) took part in a Waste Watch Day at the Hill End Centre, Eynsham. The children took part in several activities that were designed to heighten awareness of issues relating to household waste. One interesting fact they discovered was that only 20% of the school’s rubbish needs to go to landfill. The most exciting part of the day was the “not a nature trail” which involved a wonderful walk through the snowy landscape discovering “planted” rubbish and identifying grid references. Blue Peter Bring & Buy – It was a huge success. We raised £87.34. The cakes went first and the toys went shortly after. When most of the cakes had gone we did 2 cakes for 10p. The household did very well because they only had 3 things left. Eve Bradford (Yr 4) It was a huge success. We raised a magnificent total of £87.34. We had a cake sale, a house equipment sale, book and toy sale, and a video and DVD sale. At the end sale the School Council were allowed to take some stuff home. Kirsty Smith (Yr 5)
Comic Relief 2003 – As you may already be aware March 14th is Red Nose Day and schools up and down the country will be holding some fabulous events to support it. Clanfield CE Primary School will be supporting Red Nose Day in the following way: - · We have all been challenged to learn a poem by heart. Each child and member of staff will perform their chosen poem during the week 10th – 14th March 2003. Children have been encouraged to try and get one or two sponsors (it would be great if they could get more but there is no pressure for them to do so). · We will be having a cake sale from 10.40 – 11.00am. If you are able to make (or buy) a cake for the sale we would be very grateful. Cakes should be brought into school on the morning of the sale. Parents, villagers and friends are all invited to come along and eat too much! · The official 2003 Red Noses are on sale at both the Primary School and village Post Office. Noses cost £1 each and are available now. · For Red Nose Day only (Friday 14th March) there will be a new school uniform – RED. Children may come to school dressed head to foot in red or as much red as they like. During the week 10th – 14th March the children will also be learning about the serious issues behind Comic Relief. Since its launch in 1985, they’ve raised £250,000,000, every penny of which has gone to projects in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales and Countries across Africa. Projects here in the UK give help and support to a wide range of people. From women and children fleeing domestic violence to young people dealing with child abuse. From children who help to care for their sick and disabled parents to young people caught up in a cycle of drug and alcohol abuse. In Africa Comic Relief grants have been made to people in 40 countries making long-term changes to the profound poverty and injustices people experience there. From educational schemes for children in Tanzania to support for women who survived the Rwandan genocide and are now living with HIV and Aids. Please help us to make this Red Nose Day (a) a lot of fun and (b) a huge success. We think it will be a lot of fun and hope you do too. Chocoholic Catalogues – This season’s range includes many new products. All the chocolates are suitable for vegetarians and many of the items are also gluten free. Included in the range are products sweetened with maltitol or fructose that are more suitable for diabetics or those who prefer to take less sugar in their diet. Catalogues and order forms are available from the school office – alternatively you can telephone 01367 810257. Free Keycamp Holiday – Keycamp Holidays have agreed to donate a 7-day holiday for a family of 4 anywhere in Europe for our school fete on 4th July 2003 – the only criterion is that we provide them with 3 booking references dated July 2002 to August 2003. Can you help! If anyone you know (a family member, neighbour or colleague) has booked a holiday with Keycamp during this period please give Mrs Graham a ring on 01367 810257. You will not be committed to anything in anyway – all we need is the booking reference as proof of our continued involvement with this ABTA approved Holiday Company. French Club Teacher Wanted – We are investigating the feasibility of starting a French club for primary aged children in the community and are looking for someone qualified to teach French (this could be a native speaker or someone trained in teaching modern languages). Rates of pay and provision of resource materials would be by negotiation. If you think you might be interested, please telephone the Headteacher on 01367 810257. Relief Cleaner Needed – I am pleased to say that we now have a wonderful, reliable cleaner as part of our team. However we still need a relief cleaner to cover for illness from time-to-time (approx. 2 hours a day). Current rate of pay £5.09 p/hr. If you, or anyone you know, may be interested please telephone the Headteacher on 01367 810257 for more details. Books For Schools – Both the Primary School + Pre-School are actively collecting these tokens. This year there are over a billion in circulation so please help us and get collecting! Tokens are available until the end of June. You’ll find them in The Sun and News of the World from January, and on “New Walkers Favourites” mixed crisps and snacks multipacks from early 2003. Plus, look out for tokens on special packs of Walkers Quavers, Monster Munch, French Fries, Squares, Footballs, 3Ds and Walkers Wotsits from March 2003 (for a limited period). Get your tokens to us as soon as possible and keep sending them in. The more people that take part, the more tokens we can collect and therefore, the more free books we can get. We’ve got until 31st July 2003 to order our books and with your help we can make 2003 a bumper year for the school library. Raising Cash for our School – We are still collecting used ink cartridges, box tops for schools and Persil stars for art materials. If you have any of these please drop them into the school office. We have a few items that are surplus to requirements and if you could use any of them a small donation to the school would be appreciated. These items are as follows: - · Lightweight roof rack – aluminium for a transit type van · Singer hand sewing machine in good working order · Sturdy wooden cupboard and 3-drawer unit · 2 acoustic guitars suitable for children
Finally… Visitors are always welcome and encouraged. If you would like to know more please telephone 01367 810257. Thank you. Jane Lloyd – Headteacher
The meeting held on Monday 17th February was attended by Cllrs, James, Cole, Gaertner and Willmer. The Annual Parish Meeting will be held at 7.30pm in the Institute on Monday 14th April. At this meeting parishioners will have the opportunity to raise matters of concern. A number of letters of concern have been received regarding the January floods. The Council have been in with the Environment Agency as to possible solutions. Apparently the Clanfield Brook will be maintained on a value for money basis, little to no money may be allocated towards the cost of preventative measures. The EA also stated that the bridges were the biggest restriction to the flow of water. After complaints were received some months ago about the bus service, the route has now been altered and as no-one has reported any problems it is deemed to be successful. It has been reported at a hole has appeared in the road at the entrance to Manor Close. Also some verges are in need of repair. The highways authority will be contacted about these. The next meeting will be on Monday 17th March at 7.30 On 1st May elections will be held for the ward of Bampton and Clanfield. Also on that date will be the elections for the Parish Council. Parish Council nomination papers will be available from the Parish Clark and must be received by the Elections Office, Woodgreen, Witney, no later than noon Tuesday 1st April. In order to vote your name must be on the Register of Electors. Anyone not on the register can apply to have their name added, but applications must be received by Tuesday 11th March.
The WHAT would like to apologise to the Football Club. A report was submitted for inclusion in this months issue, but this typist put it off until the last minute to tap it into the PC and has found that he has mislaid it. I’ve hunted high and low.
I’M SO SORRY!
Clanfield Pre-school For children in the age range 2½–5 at the Methodist Church Hall. Open every Monday to Friday from 9.00 - 11.45 during term time. Contact Sara Smith on 810614. Clanfield Toddlers At Windmill Barn every Friday (during term time) 9:30am – 11:30am. Crafts, Playdough, Toys and fun, fun, fun! For further information contact Karina Hooper 01367 810397. Women’s Institute Meeting held every second Tuesday in the month at 7.30 p.m. in the Carter Institute. All welcome. Contact Elizabeth Stevens, Cavarige House on 810255. Mothers’ Union The Clanfield & Bampton branch meet on the first Tuesday of the month between September and June at 2.30 pm. See the Church notice board for more information Historical Society Meets on the third Tuesday of the month between October and May at 7.30 pm in the Carter Institute. Mobile Library This service visits the village on alternate Thursdays and stops at the end of Queens Crescent at 11.55 until 12.15, before moving on to St Stephens Church from 12.20 until 12.40. Snooker Club 6 pm – 10 pm every Tuesday, Thursday & Friday evening, upstairs in the Carter Institute. Contact Tony Harrison on 810449. Yoga Every Thursday evening from 7.45pm until 9.15pm, in the Carter Institute. Everyone welcome, just bring a mat or blanket. For further info call; Jill (01367) 810696, Karen (01367) 810680 or Chris (01993) 882035 Community Bus to Craft Fair We are thinking about organizing a Craft Fair in Clanfield next November, as we believe there are a lot of ‘crafty folk’ living in and around the village! If anyone would be interested in having a stand would they please contact me on 01367 810609 Nancie Greatrex
The Witney Farmers Market will be held on Thursday 20th March
Please send hand-written copy to Pat Rushton, Yew Tree Farm, Bampton Rd Tel: 810253 Please send disc copy to Liz Gaertner, 8 High House Close Tel: 810465 Letters and articles can also be sent by e-mail (please use MS Word or Publisher and indicate that it is for the WHAT): clanfieldwhat@fsmail.net
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