CASSINGTON& WORTON NEWS

December 2007 – Issue 366News and views from the parish of Cassington and Worton

Contributions should ideally be provided by email (in the body or as a Word attachment) to: kevin.hinton@blakeproject.com;delivered on floppy disc, or (as a last resort) typed or clearly handwritten, to Kevin Hinton, Mill Lane House, Mill Lane,

Cassington, Witney OX29 4DL, by the 20th of the month. We look forward to hearing from you.

Advertising ratesLocal ‘what’s on’ and fund-raising stuff is free.Simple local services, ‘for sales’ etc, are now alsofree on noticeboard.Suitable commercial business are invited tosupport our community by buying advertisingspace ...

1/8 page, £5 (£50 per year) 1/4 page, £8 (£80 per year)

1/2 page, £12 (£120 per year)Full page, £20 (£200 per year)

Technical details for artwork available onrequest. All material included at the discretion ofCAWN. Profits will be passed to the CassingtonParochial Charities to support our community.

From the teamWe were surprised to find our what’s onsection reduced to less than a page thismonth. I hope this doesn’t mean you allforgot to get your notices in in time to catchour Christmas edition?

However, what is on is suitably festive, withthe St Peter’s School Christmas Fayre on the7th (don’t forget, it’s in the evening), the WI Christmas Party on the 13th and theSchool Christingle Service in St Peter’sChurch on the 19th. Also, looking towardsthe front of the newsletter, St Peter’s Churchoffers many opportunities to celebrateChristmas, and we would be very surprised ifthere weren’t mince pies to be found at theCassington Cafe on Monday 3rd December.

Festivities aside, a dominant feature of ournews and reports are the effects of theflooding earlier in the year. If you or anyoneyou know has been affected there is somesupport available - see inside for details.

On an even less festive note, I hear thephantom fouler (or another of its kind) hasreturned to haunt our public spaces. Initialobservations suggest this is a large specimenwho has taken to regularly booby-trappingthe path to the allotments. If this sounds likeyour dog-walking pattern please try to beresponsible, and in the meantime, walkersbeware.

On that note we’d like to wish you a very ...

MerryChristmas

Spire repairs to commenceThanks to hard work and generous support from the village, the Friendsof St Peter’s have now raised enough to help the next phase of spire repairsget under way. The church has been successful in applying for grants too,and together with its own funds can now set a date to sort out the crackedcapstone and weather vane fixings at the top of the spire. Work shouldstart in late spring next year, once the weather improves. But there’s alwaysmore to be done and more money needed, especially if we’re going torepair the bells and hear them ring again.

Why not join in with one of the Christmas services and celebrations andlook out for future fund-raising events and give your support?

Tomb clearing reveals hidden message from the dead ...

Farewell vain world I’ve known enough of theeI value not what thou can say of me

Thy smiles I count not nor frowns I fearAll’s one to me my head lies quiet here

What faults thou see’st take care to shunAnd look at home - there’s something to be done

This is James Tuckey’smessage to posterity –what do you think of his attitude?

James TuckeyDied 29 June 1740 aged 64 (benefactor tothe poor of this parish leaving £80 to be given in bread weekly for ever)

BURLEIGH FARMTraditional Farmhouse

Bed and Breakfast Accommodation

Contact Jane Cook – 01865 881352

Burleigh Farm, Bladon Road, CassingtonOxfordshire OX29 4EA

Visitwww.oxfordcity.co.uk/accom/burleighfarm

for more information

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF ST PETER’S, EYNSHAM

Abbey Street, Eynsham, OX29 4HR Tel: 01865 881613

Serving the Hanboroughs, Freeland, Cassington, StantonHarcourt and Sutton etc. You do not have to be a Catholicto come to our Church or talk to the Priest.

THE PRIEST: Fr. Martin Flatman is happy to receiveenquiries by phone, email or text. Mobile 07719 646790 meflatman@brookes.ac.uk.

HIS WEEKLY TALK (Homily) can be sent to you byemail. Just email your request.

THE CHURCH is open for prayer every day.

SUNDAY MASS 10.00am and SATURDAY (for Sunday) 7.30pm

Daily services, events and confessions times as advertised.

A DIFFERENT FORM OF PRAYER The repetitivesinging of the beautiful chants from Taizé marks thebeginning of Advent for us at St Peter’s on Saturday 1stDecember from 6.30pm.

OUR CHRISTMAS SERVICES

CHRISTMAS EVE : FIRST MASS OF CHRISTMAS6.00pm suitable for children

CAROLS at 11.30pm followed by MIDNIGHT MASS

CHRISTMAS DAY: MORNING MASS 10.00am

ALL THE VILLAGE SCHOOLS bring their Year 6 pupilsto St Peter’s on the morning of Friday 14th December fortheir annual Carol Concert. This is always a very happyevent affirming out part in the life of all the villages weserve. We are so lucky to have a suitable church and agood car park!

THE NEW ROOF IS ON! The new pitched roof for theHouse and Sacristies and the flat roof for the BoilerHouse are now almost finished. We have done a great jobat raising over £34000 plus £26,500 in Interest Free Loansand we would like to thank all who have helped us in anyway. We still need to find another £20,000.

THE EYNSHAM CHILDREN’S CAROL CONCERT is onTuesday 18th December at 6.30pm. This is open toanyone who would like to come.

THE RADIO OXFORD BIG CHRISTMAS CAROLEVENT is on Wednesday 19th December from 7.30.pm.You can listen on Radio Oxford or join in the Eynshambit with Christians from all the Eynsham churches at theSwan in Acre End Street.

VARIOUS PEOPLE are becoming full members of theCatholic Church during December. Anyone is welcome tobecome an enquirer, as these people did, without anycommitment until we are all certain it is the right thing to do.

Cassington Cafe

The Christmas Cafe will be on December 3rd and we lookforward to seeing as many of you as can manage to bethere. Thank you all for your continued support.

Our excess profits this year have gone to help thefollowing village organisations: St Peter’s School, theSPSA, the Sports and Social Club and the Playgroup.Again, thank you all for your help.

Our whole team wishes everyone a very happy andblessed Christmas.

CHURCH FLOWERS

We shall be decorating the Church for Christmas onSaturday 22nd December from 10 o’clock onwards.

If anyone would like to come and help, please let meknow. Also if anyone has any greenery to spare, it wouldbe much appreciated or a donation in memory of a lovedone would be a great help towards the flowers which haveto be bought at this time of the year.

Liz Henman 881303

Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal

The magnificent sum of £905.86 was achieved by theHouse to House Collection this November. This farexceeds the previous highest amount of £791 given lastyear. Cassington’s outstanding generosity this year is inline with the National trend, doubtless due to increasedawareness lately of the sacrifices made by members of ourarmed forces.

Cassington Branch thanks all from the village andsurrounds for their generous contributions, and our doorto door collectors for their rewarding efforts.

Mike Randle, Clare Want, Hon.Poppy Appeal Organisers

“Thank you” to Alan Aston for the playing the last post at the War Memorial on Remembrance Sunday.

ST PETER’S CHURCH OF ENGLAND,CASSINGTON

The Church of St. Peter's is here as a fellowship to worship God, build people up

in Christ and share his love with others

More information available from:

Church Office: Eynsham Village Hall, Back Lane, Eynsham

Mon–Thurs 9am–1pmTel: 01865 883362

email: stleonards_stpeters@yahoo.co.uk

Revd Morey Andrews: 45 Acre End Street, Eynsham, Oxon OX29 4PF

Day off: FridayTel: 01865 881323

Holy Communion at 9.30am on Tuesdays

Young people join our worship for the first 15minutes of the 10am service and then go to the school

for Sunday Club (3-10) and Soul Living (11+). We now also have a crèche for the under 3s. (Except All Age Worship when everyone stays

in church.)

Homegroup: Tuesday evening

SERVICES DECEMBER 2007

Sunday 2 December

8am Holy Communion(BCP)Revd Roger Aston

10am All Age WorshipKen Johnston

Sunday 9 December

10am Holy CommunionRevd Morey Andrews

Sunday 16 December

8am Holy Communion (BCP)

10am Morning Worship Revd Andrew Atherstone

Sunday 23 December

10am All Age Benefice ServiceRevd Morey Andrews

6pm Carols by CandlelightRevd Roger Aston

NEWS FROM ST PETER’S CHURCH,CASSINGTONOn Sunday 4 November members of St Peter’sChurch hosted an afternoon celebration entitled‘What does it mean to be a hero?”. Revd MoreyAndrews led the event which included a quiz, gameand short talk, followed by a delicious afternoon tea.For those of you who missed this enjoyable occasiondo look out for our next afternoon celebration on 3February 2008!

Several members of St Peter’s Church recently went tosee The Saltmine Theatre Company’s production of‘The Cross and the Switchblade’ – a play based onDavid Wilkerson’s book, at Headington Theatre. It was a very memorable performance which told thestory of Wilkerson’s desire to help those rejected bysociety and see their lives radically transformedthrough his ministry.

Christmas is a time where we try and think of others. We write cards, give presents and perhaps go to gatheringsto drink mulled wine and eat mince pies. It is the time weremember how God himself thought about us, that is theworld he created and gave us the best gift of all – that isHis Son Jesus. We hope and pray that each of us thisChristmas when we give to others will also remember allthat God has done for us.

May I also invite you, your families and friends to any ofour Church services this Christmas and if I do not get achance to see you personally – I do hope you have aPeaceful Christmas and joyful New Year. Morey

CHRISTMAS AT ST PETER’S CHURCH CASSINGTON

December 23rd6pm – Carols by Candlelight

A traditional carol service with the chance to sing ourhearts out to God and remember the whole story of

Christmas.

Christmas Eve11.30pm – Midnight Communion

First communion of Christmas.

Christmas Day8.00am - Holy Communion

9.30am – All Age Christmas ServiceA short service for all ages on Christmas Morning

celebrating the birth of Jesus.

parish notes

CASSINGTON PARISH COUNCILMEETING Held on 1 November 2007

(The draft notes below are subject to confirmation by the ParishCouncil on 6 December)

Councillors Sheila Nelson, Olaf Rock, and Cllr Clive Wilkinsonattended. 13 members of the public, Cllrs Frances Pike and MargaretStevens (West Oxon) and the clerk Liz Bickley also attended.

MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MEETING OF 4 October

Playing Field /Pavilion insurance. A meeting had been held withCassington Sports and Social Club to discuss the insurable risks at thePlaying Field. The Parish Council’s insurer, Allianz Cornhill wouldaccept these if the following conditions were met

The playing field /pavilion would have to be the responsibility of a subcommittee of the parish council

The sub committee’s meeting minutes must form part of the minutesof the parish council

Meetings of the sub committee must be open to the public in the sameway as parish council meetings

Any accounts of the sub committee must form part of the accounts ofthe parish council and be subject to the PC’s audit.

The CSSC would probably accept these proposals and the existingTrust and lease would have to be discontinued. The CSSC anticipatedbeing able to form a sub-committee. Their insurance expired on 3May 2008, except the separate physical injury of players insurance,which could not form part of the Parish Council’s insurance policy.

An insurance quote would be obtained.

CORRESPONDENCE

WODC had introduced a new planning permission application form.

Vale of White Horse Council had consulted us as a neighbouringparish, about its Local Development Framework. Oxford Green BeltNetwork was holding its AGM on Monday 19 November. Other itemsof correspondence were circulated to Councillors.

The meeting was suspended to allow QUESTIONS FROM THE PUBLIC

Maintenance at the play area, stolen truck tyres (recovered by Police),the verge at Pound Lane and Bladon Road railway bridge were raised.The hedge at the almshouses was to be dug up and replanted withbeech /mixed hedging. On behalf of the Trustees, Mr Linnell said thathe hoped to minimise any mess but asked for understanding while thework was done.

REPORTS FROM DISTRICT AND COUNTY COUNCILLORS

Cllr Stevens referred to the Flood Defence Fair taking place on 16November, which might prove useful to members of the public.

DITCHES, DRAINAGE AND FLOODING

The flooding on 16/17 October at Elms Road, Yarnton Road andFoxwell Court/End was discussed. The culvert under Yarnton Roadhad blocked on the night of 16 October. It had now been cleared ofvegetation. Mr Weston had also cleared a great deal of vegetation fromthe grill at the culvert on the night. The Environment Agency hadremoved vegetation which it had been clearing upstream. It had notyet completed its work on removing silt and levelling the bed of theditch.

A new grill at 45° acting as a weir set slightly upstream of the culvertwas suggested, to help trap vegetation.

Sandbags were regularly needed at Foxwell Court because it was solow-lying. Community action was recommended by Mr Weston ratherthan relying on local authorities.

The culvert had coped with flood flows in July so the four narrow pipes(15” – 18”) were not necessarily a problem, provided there was regularcleaning. Residents did not believe that all the pipes had been checked.

Ditches which were regularly cleared had become lined with grass insome areas and this provided a good surface to minimise debris.

A WODC engineer (K Jacks) who visited the site on 17 October hadsuggested holding back flood flows in another sump pit and increasingthe playing field ditch bank. The clerk had written to the EnvironmentAgency about this.

Cllr Rock asked whether anyone knew how the ditch behind ElmsRoad odd numbers operated: it was known that this are had floodedabout 6 years ago. Mr Partridge said that a bale had become stuck inthe Evenlode near his property, and he had been told it was a LowMaintenance watercourse; however the bale had been removed.

WODC had asked all parish councils for information on ditchnetworks and riparian owners. The clerk had prepared a responsewhich was agreed. The historic understanding was that Elms Roadditch was owned by the north-eastern land owners (The Elms, YewTree House, Mrs S Laing). It was hoped that WODC would takeresponsibility for a proper review of Cassington’s recent floodproblems. Correspondence would be copied to OCC Highways andthe Environment Agency.

A meeting had been held at 27 Elms Road. Mr Butson had explainedthat water in the ditch appeared to flow cleanly through the pipe, oftenin the direction of the pavilion. The ownership of the ditch wasdiscussed and the Land Registry plan showed that the property (No.

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27) did not extend over the ditch. The council concluded that itwished to keep the ditch clear and have the fence realigned.

MAINTENANCE

OCC Highways work on the A40 (footpath extension and surface atbus shelter) had been promised.

Graveyard –maintenance in “closed” churchyards was believed to bethe responsibility of the Parish Council. The working party hadremoved vegetation in the main churchyard and proposed to continueas The Ivy League! John Hemingway was thanked for arranging thiswork.

Mr Hemingway had asked for another session, but in view of othercommitments the council felt this should wait until next year.

Quotes were needed for a tree – lime or hornbeam – outside thevillage hall.

The lime tree near the church gate was looking diseased and thechairman agreed to check it.

A schedule of maintenance work around the parish was proposed.Volunteer labour / community working parties and paid experts couldbe included. Clerk to prepare a draft.

White hatching on the car park surface by the Village Hall front doorfire exit was required. The clerk would get a quote to have it donewhen the Highways were white-lining locally.

Accord Enterprises had suggested surface dressing the road from theGreen to the school, next summer, and the clerk was getting a quote.

TRAFFIC

VAS signs were installed but there was still speeding in the centre of thevillage.

PLAY AREA

Cllr Nelson reported on weeds, nettles and raking the bark. Some fenceposts would need replacing in 12 months. More help with weedingwas needed.

FINANCE

The council RESOLVED to pay the following bills:

Royal British Legion –grass cutting £ 590.00

Oxon Playing Fields Association subscription £ 30.00

OALC Training course Risk Assessment (O Rock) £ 20.00 plus VAT

John Hemingway –reimbursement of groundsman £ 100.00

Budget monitoring 2007/08 –we had exceeded our budget in variousareas and were likely to finish the year over budget. Budget setting for2008/09 would be done next month, to set a precept.

Audit for 2006/07 –the auditors had not yet responded formally but itwas understood that the annual return had been passed, with acomment on the treatment of our investment amount. A bankreconciliation had been done.

PLANNING APPLICATIONS

Parish Council comments had been requested on the followingapplications:

Gravel extraction, Cassington Lane Eynsham.

Cllr Wilkinson reported on the Eynsham public meeting where anumber of points had been made in opposition to the planningapplication. The council agreed with these points which should form

the basis of its response. Residents should be made aware of the planand it was agreed to circulate the PC letter inviting residents to writeindividually as well.

28 Eynsham Rd Cassington (rear extension and front porch) – noobjection, subject to neighbours’ concerns.

A mid month planning meeting if required would take place on 14November at 7 p.m., Cllr Nelson’s home.

An appeal had been made by Mudie-Bond about the refusal of theircanopies.

DATE OF NEXT MEETING

The next meeting will be held on Thursday 6 December 2007 in theVillage Hall, at 7.30 p.m.

Liz Bickley 01865 884496 clerk.cassington@tesco.net

THANK YOU to Cassington Nursery for donating bedding plants forthe War Memorial

GRAVEL PLANNING APPLICATION

Please note that the application by Hansons is to extract 1.86 milliontonnes of sand and gravel (not 1.86 metric tonnes, as written in theParish Council letter of 9 November)

Licensing Act 2003

Notice of Application to vary a Premises Licence or Club Premises Certificate

NOTICE is hereby given that Andrew Tagliati Trading as theChequers Inn applied to West Oxford District Council on 1stDecember 2007 to use premises at 6 The Green, Cassington, Oxon,OX29 4DG to play live and recorded music and live sports of keyevents on TV, and to extend the hours in which alcohol is served.

Any person wishing to object to this application must give noticein writing stating the nature of objection by 28th December 2007.Please write to the address below.

Head of Community Safety and LicensingWest Oxfordshire District CouncilWoodgreenWitneyOxfordshireOX28 1NB

Full details of the application may be inspected by appointment atthe address above. Please phone (01993) 861636 if you wish to viewthe complete application.

It is an offence, liable on summary conviction to a fine up to£5,000, under section 158 of the Licensing Act 2003 knowingly orrecklessly to make a false statement in or in connection with thisapplication.

CASSINGTON

PCSO Helen Keen visited the parish council meeting andupdated the residents on her powers and local incidents. Therewere two incidents this month, which were an attempted theft ofwheels from Mudie Bond and a theft of metal from M& M Skips.

Did you see anything? Let us know.

THE CHEQUERS INN6 the Green, Cassington 01865 882620

Christmass Fayree Menuu 20071st December to 23rd December

Firstt courseGratin of King Prawns and Scallops

with English Mustard and Mature Cheddar Cheese

Sautéed Mushrooms, Pinot Grigio, Garlic, Cream, and Parmesan

Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup, Chilli and Coriander Crème Fraîche

Duck and Cherry Pâté with Winter Thyme,served with Warm Crusty Bread

Mainn CourseRoast Turkey, Stock-pot Gravy, served with all the Traditional Accompaniments

Baked Cod Loin, wrapped in Parma Ham with Lemon and Watercress Butter and Spinach Mash

Slow Cooked Lamb Shank, Bacon, Shallots, Red Wine and Rosemary, Roasted Potatoes

Spinach, Mushroom and Pumpkin Cannelloni, Rocket Salad, Garlic Ciabatta

DessertChristmas Pudding with Brandy Sauce or Fresh Cream

Organic Chocolate Cheesecake with Blackcurrant Coulis

Lemon and Pistachio Crème Brûlée

Passion Fruit and Mango Sorbet

Too FinishCoffee and Mince Pie

£22.000 perr Person

Booking and Pre-ordering

Deposit: We require a deposit of £10 per person to secure your reservation. This deposit is non-refundable and mustbe enclosed with your completed booking form.

Pre-Ordering: Guests are requested to pre-select their menu choices and provide us with the total number of eachdish ordered. Please keep a copy for your record and reference.

Cassington Women’s InstituteWe were welcomed by president Jane Cook. After theapologies were given, Margaret Partridge read the recordof the October meeting, matters arising and thecorrespondence were dealt with. The group meeting inYarton was a great success and it will be our turn inMarch to host the next group meeting. Pat Evansreminded us about the 400 Club meeting, Monday nightthe 19th November at Tackley. We have our jumble saleon Sat 17th which we hope will be a great success.

Jane Cook then introduced our speaker Samantha JesselB.A. Lic.Ac., MBAc.C who is a qualified acupuncturistwho spoke about chinese medicine as well which isabout keeping the body, mind and spirit healthy,acupuncture points appear to stimulate biochemicalchanges which stimulate the body’s natural healingabilities and promote physical and emotional wellbeing.She also showed us some of her needles which are veryfine.

The raffle was won by Pat Evans and refreshments wereserved by Megan Humphris and Jean Bailey.

Our next meeting will be our Christmas one on the 13thDecember this will be a party. Margaret Partridge isorganising the entertainment. Jane Cook asked forcontributions of mince pies and snacks we will be havingwine and fruit juices to drink so hope all the memberswill enjoy a social evening.

We wish everyone a happy and healthy Christmas.

Ann Humphris 01865 880983

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CELEBRATION OF EDUCATION IN EYNSHAM

January - July 2008

The programme of events to celebrate the 50thAnniversary of Bartholomew School, 40th Anniversary ofEynsham Primary and all the leaders of education in thepast, is complete.

There is an exciting array of events that includes Dance,Drama and Music concerts by the schools and thecommunity; Art and Design projects; a Time Capsule;Big Band Cheese and Wine evening; Teddy Bears picnic;a Bartholomew Ball and a Gala dinner.

The events are open to everyone in the community andwe hope that you will show your support.

Look out for flyers and posters that will be appearing inyour letterboxes and shop windows for full details ofdates, venues and ticket sales.

For enquiries sck1475@bartholomew.oxon.sch.uk

Saltbox Music Sessions are now being held atCassington Playgroup on Tuesday afternoons from2.30-3pm. These fun sessions are open to all childrenfrom 6 months to school age and cost £3 per sessionper family.

Telephone Sara Partridge on 882647 for moreinformation, or just turn up to one of the sessions.

Christmas GreetingsMichael and Ninon Linnell send greetings to all their

friends in Cassington and Worton and wish them a veryhappy Christmas and a peaceful 2008.

Individual cards will not be sent this year but adonation will be made instead to a Charity.

Award winning, oven ready, KellyBronze® Turkeys

5kg to 10kg from £10.40/kg

Our turkeys roam freely on pasture and in woodland at Wytham. These slow-maturingbirds have been bred for fuller flavour and the ultimate Christmas dining experience.The birds are hand plucked and hung for 10 days to develop a fuller flavour.

Collect your turkey straight from the farm, just 2 miles from the Botley interchange offthe A34, on the 22nd or 23rd December – the perfect start to a family Christmas holiday.

ORDER LINE 01865 790880

Christm

as

Turke

y Spe

cial

Time to apply for flood grants running out

Monday 31st December is the deadline date for WestOxfordshire residents whose homes were flooded in July toreturn a completed application form for a £250 one-off grant tohelp offset extra costs caused by the flooding.

Flood Recovery Grant application forms are available from theCouncil’s website, www.westoxon.gov.uk, from councilreception and local visitor information centres, or bytelephoning 01993 861000.

Most vulnerable and needy flood victims can claim RedCross funds

Councils across Oxfordshire have launched a new grant schemeto distribute more than £250,000 in public donations allocatedthrough the British Red Cross.

The money will go to the most vulnerable victims still sufferingfrom the aftermath of flood water whether or not they havealready claimed a flood recovery or additional hardship grantfrom their council.

Application forms are available from West Oxfordshire DistrictCouncil on 01993 861000 or by downloading a form fromwww.westoxon.gov.uk/redcrossgrant.

Flood Protection Products

The National Flood Forum produce a directory of floodprotection products and services called Blue Pages with detailsof what a product does, where it can be obtained and contact /web site details. A copy of Blue Pages can be downloaded fromthe Council’s website flood information section:www.westoxon.gov.uk/flooding.

TALK ON BIODIVERSITY

Tom Butterworth of Oxfordshire Nature Conservation Forum(ONCF) gave a talk in Cassington on 1 November.

Biodiversity means the number of species present and thehabitats present. It needs protecting because of the impact ofhuman development e.g. intensive agriculture. We needbiodiversity – economically it is vital, for instance two out ofevery three mouthfuls of food need insects to pollinate the crop.

Cassington Parish Council and other local authorities musthave regard to conservation of biodiversity, via its work on theParish Plan, planning applications, our own land, and any By-laws applicable

Wildlife campaigners want to help increase biodiversity bymaking networks and corridors of important wildlife habitats.One target area for biodiversity is along the Thames betweenCassington and Port Meadow. Another is at the north of theparish where there are fragments of ancient woodland.

Cassington is a biodiversity hot spot! Locally, we have thefollowing important wildlife sites:

International site (Special Area of Conservation and Site ofSpecial Scientific Interest) (SSSI)

Cassington Meadow (7 hectares) alongside the River Thames–rare or threatened habitat: Rare lowland hay meadows and fen.

County Wildlife Sites

Cassington South Gravel Pits (15 hectares) south of the A40 -wetland, woodland and limestone grassland – birds and plants

Smiths Pits Cassington (5 hectares) north of the village –dragon flies, water plants

Burleigh Wood (38 hectares) ancient woodland – notable floraand birds.

There is no public access, and of course protected species mustnot be disturbed. Tom Butterworth has been making contactwith land owners to help them manage the areas to maintainand improve wildlife habitats.

ONCF can provide support to community groups, e.g. a visit byan ecologist – 50% funded. BBOWT (Wildlife Trust) can giveadvice – 01865 775476

More info on Natural England’s websitewww.naturalengland.org.uk and www.natureonthemap.org.uk

what’s on?

Cassington Bookworms

Join us on Monday 14th January at 8pm at the house of Margaret

Bonfiglioli (The Old Manor, Bell Lane, Cassington).

The book we have chosen to read is Mr Darcy’s Diary by Maya Slater. For the following

meeting, about 6 weeks later, we have chosen

Shantaram by Gregory Davies Roberts.

For further information call 01865 880359

CASSINGTON CAFÉCASSINGTON VILLAGE HALL

Monday November 3rd from 10am to noon. We look forward to seeing you all then!

CASSINGTON WI THURSDAY 13th DECEMBER 7.45 pm

THE VILLAGE HALL

Christmasparty

St Peter’s School Christmas Fayre

ARTS • CRAFTS • STALLS • FOOD • LICENSED BAR

Friday 7th December 6.30 – 9.00 pm

DON’T FORGET – IT’S IN THE EVENING!

Have a crime-free Christmas

Bill Butcher, Crime Prevention Advisor, gives the followingseasonal update: As I walked along the aisles in my localsupermarket recently I noticed the advent calendars on saleand realised that the Christmas season gets earlier each year,not only for the shops but perhaps for the criminals too.

Discretion is the watch word and I advise you not to keep allyour cash in one place. Be discreet when getting the moneyout to pay for the goods, use a purse or wallet and extract theamount you need to tender. I appreciate it’s not everybody’scup of tea but consider using your debit card rather thancarrying too much cash. Remember if you draw cash from thehole in the wall be aware of people standing too close and forslight abnormalities to the equipment. If in doubt don’t usethem. Perhaps you could consider the cash back facility offeredby many retailers.

Having purchased your goods, what do you do with them? Iknow it’s difficult when you’ve got bag upon bag but do try andkeep your shopping close to you to avoid having themsnatched. Be aware also that there are some people ready topick-a-pocket or steal a purse from a bag. One way to avoidbeing laden down with bags is to make frequent trips back toyour car, but this too may cause a problem. If you do have todo this then again, be discreet and as they say in all the bestpantomimes “Look behind you!” Are there people loitering,watching what you are doing? When you place items in yourcar place them in the boot out of sight.

Having finished traipsing around the shops you arrive home;what then? Don’t pile all your gifts under a well lit Christmastree in a window for all to see. Most burglaries are opportunistand if a motivated criminal walks along a street and sees whathe believes to be his Santa’s grotto he will try and enter it inorder to steal.

When Christmas is over and all the presents have beenunwrapped don’t leave the cartons out for the dustman. Thebox outside advertises to a thief what is in the adjacent house.If possible break up the box so it fits in the bin or take it to therecycling bins away from your home.

Perhaps you are planning on giving your child a bike thisChristmas: before they head out to enjoy their new present youshould take some precautions in case someone else has theireye on it too. Marking the bike frame with your postcode candeter the opportunist thief when accompanied with a stickersaying ‘this property is post coded’. Most bike shops willhappily do this for you. Invest in a heavy duty bike lock and besure to lock it up, even at home. In the last year over half of thebicycles stolen in our district were from gardens or sheds.

And finally, if you’re lucky enough to be going away over thefestive period set light timers to come on periodically, arrangewith neighbours or relatives to have post pushed through thedoor, rubbish bins put out and curtains opened and shut. It’salso worth thinking about installing a house alarm system forextra peace of mind.

I appear to have given the impression that the modern dayFagin and his gang are lurking at every corner, well actuallythat’s humbug; West Oxfordshire is a safe place to live, workand to shop. All I want you to do is to be aware and take care.Most criminals are opportunists and I don’t want you to providethe opportunity.

I wish you all a safe, secure and a very happy Christmas.

St Peter’s School Cassington invite you to join them for their end of term

Christingle Servicein St Peter’s Church, Cassington onWednesday 19th December at 2pm

Continuing our walk from last month’s issue, we return tothe village green ...

There was a large garden (where the ‘New House’ nowstands) followed by three more cottages and The Red Lion.‘The Cottage’ was owned by Miss Emily MacManus who wasMatron of Guy’s Hospital, and her sister, Sally, farmedOrchard Farm situated behind the War Memorial, next tothe school. There were two more cottages past there on theleft before Hampton Villa where Mr. & Mrs. Roy Bruce lived.A murder was committed there some years earlier and it isreputed to be haunted. A man from Bladon killed a younggirl and he was later hanged in Oxford Prison. Mrs. Brucewas convinced the house was haunted and grew quite usedto strange noises, cold blasts and candles being blown out.

The vicarage was much larger then and the originalkitchens and coach houses were demolished in the 1950s.Church Fetes were always held in the Vicarage Gardens.

Next to the Vicarage came Glebe Farm, and the adjoiningfield and orchard known as The Tennis which was farmed byMr. George Mobey. Opposite Glebe farm was a field andorchard which was compulsorily purchased from MissMartindale at The Elms in order to build the post warcouncil houses. This was at the instigation of the Revd.Thomas Brancker, who was our Witney Rural DistrictCouncillor. Jim Waters had cultivated this ground for manyyears for a market gardening round in North Oxford and heand my father always referred to it as “Brancker’s Folly”. Onmy father’s part this was because there was a belt of clay inthat area and he forecast that the houses would flood whenthere was exceptionally heavy rain. This did occur andremedial work had to be carried out.

Carrying on to the left were four cottages, one of which‘The Laurels’ is the only remaining thatched house in thevillage. There was a dairy at The Laurels and Lily Waters(known to everyone as Auntie Lily) did the local milk roundfrom there with a three gallon can on her bicycle. She wasalso the Sunday School teacher at the local MethodistChapel. The Waters family came to Cassington in 1905. JimWaters, known as “Pop” farmed Acrey Farm on the YarntonRoad and he would carry the churns of milk from the farmto The Laurels in a specially adapted “Stop me and buy one”Walls Ice Cream tricycle.

Burleigh Farm on the Bladon Road was farmed by Mr. BillDay, Purwell Farm by Mr. Bert Mobey, Jericho Farm on theYarnton Road by Mr. Vince Wilkins and Rectory Farm,Worton by brothers Tony, Peter and Paul Smith.

DowntownTurning down Bell Lane on the left was a rick yard followedby Lime Cottage where Mrs. Anderson and Mr. Farrow lived.To the right was The Tennis orchard. Sometimes Flower andVegetable, Dog and even Rabbit Shows and Fetes were held inhere. Past Lime cottage was Tuckwell’s gravel pit which wasbordered by six foot high corrugated fencing, known as “thetins”, which extended as far as Acrey Path. The row of ninecottages were on the right and when several occupants movedinto the new council houses in the late 1940s members of theWaters family moved in. Next followed a walled field whichwas the back entrance to Glebe Farm and the Vicarage. Mr.George Mobey kept cattle in the field also a donkey, whichpulled a little cart for handicapped brother Teddy.

On the left past Acrey Path, The Bell public house and ashop were both kept by Mr. Ernie Pancott. Next cameClematis Cottage which was thatched. It had a beautiful,colourful country garden, fronted by a lilac hedge. Mr. Greenwas Miss Martindale’s gardener at The Elms. The cottage wasdemolished in the 1960s. Then came The Court which myfather bought in 1943. There were six cottages, two of whichwere condemned before the war, two more after the war andwe moved in to the two front ones converted into one. Theywere all demolished in the 1970s.

Mr. & Mrs. Bushnell and family had moved from TheGreen into Ivy Dene, the smallholding at the end of LintonLane. They later moved into a house “uptown” and Mr. &Mrs. Humphris and family moved in to Ivy Dene. Comingback along Linton Lane to the left was thatched GrangeCottage which was demolished in the 1950s. Mr. & Mrs.Gillett Smith lived there. Mr. Smith ousted the Revd.Brancker as W.R.D.C. Councillor and was instrumental ingetting mains “city” water into the village. He was a violinistand had an orchestra which occasionally played at the NewTheatre in Oxford and also gave concerts in the area. Mrs.Smith was my music teacher.

To be continued ...

A Walk Around Cassington in the 1940s (Part 2) Dorothy Waters

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noticeboard

Pretty hand-made cards

In a variety of mediums using real pressedflowers, 3D images, painting on acetate,

paper flowers, ribbon and glitter etc.

Cards made for all ages.Special occasions and orders can be made.

Prices vary from approximately

£1.80 to £4.50.

Carol Baldwin, Silver Birches, Yarnton RoadCassington Oxon OX29 4DY

Tel. No. 01865 881454

E-mail:patrick.baldwin@talk21.com

Visit Cassington community web site ...www.cassington.info

Baby and toddler groupJoin us for a drink and a chat

Tuesdays

Lisa Tyler 880619for more information

BABYSITTING?ODD JOBS?

Call Johnny (17) or Lydie (15) Horgan01865 881480

noticeboard ...For local services, ‘for sale’ or similarnotices, please send copy (by email ifpossible) to the usual address.

Appropriate notices are FREE, butwill only be placed at our discretion.

Do you know there is a freeservice to Cassingtonresidents that will take you tothe doctors’ or hospital?

This is run by volunteers and isavailable by phoning:

Pam Turner 880492 or Pat Vereker 880693

Please give us as muchnotice as possible

Village Hall Bookings

For information and to book the Village Hall, contact:

Nicky CopelinThe New House, The Green, Cassington

Tel: 0784 140319 or 01865 881813Email: nickycopelin@aol.com

Village Dates for your diaryUnless shown, events are in the Village Hall

December 2007

Monday 3rd December, 10.00 to 12 noonCassington Café

Friday 7th December, 6.30 to 9pmChristmas FayreSt Peter’s School

Thursday 13th December, from 7.45WI Christmas Party

Wednesday 19th December, 2pmSt Peter’s School Christingle ServiceSt Peter’s Church

Sunday 23rd December, 6pmCarols by CandlelightSt Peter’s Church

Coming soon ...

January 2008 - FilmAtonement

February 2008 - Drama (6+ and families)The delicious revenge of Princess Ruby SlippersOxford Touring Theatre Company

March 2008 – FilmWhen did you last see your father?

AVONCALLING

Hello! My name is Julie Perrin and I am Cassington’s Avon Lady!

If you would like a friendly and convenientdoor to door service for all your toiletries,

make-up and luxuries, please contact me anyweekday morning on 01865 881371 for your

free catalogue.

I will be pleased to add you to my round.

Julie Perrin, Red Lion

Are you making the most ofCAWN?

This space could have been yours.

For a localBOOK KEEPING and

PAYROLL service,contact

Steve Hick FCCAon 07881402217

Tickets for films and shows from: Carolyn Hinton (01865 884458) Nicky Copelin (01865 881813)Amanda Fancourt (01865 880581)

POLICE CONTACTS

If you need the Police but it is not anemergency please ring 0845 8 505 505

You can use this number to contact thenew Police Community SupportOfficers, Helen Keen and RobertHopping, to let them know what’s goingon. Helen and Robert will be regularlypatrolling in Cassington.

Eynsham Police Office: (VolunteerStation) Mon 2 - 4pm. Tues, Wed, Sat 9am - 12noon. Thurs 6 - 8pm