Cowley News The FREE community newspaper for Cowley

DECEMBER 2015ISSUE 15

COWLEY NEWS is run by members of the Cowley community. We encourage any resident to get involved in our work. If you would like to get involved with us, or if you have any news or views you like to see in this paper please email:

cowleynewseditor@gmail.com

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Smiles, lights and lanterns all round!

Oxford celebrates another magnificent Light Night Festival. Photo by Jenny Aston.

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Meet Owen Acland, new manager at Templars SquarePAGE 3

WG Powels has closed its doors for the last timePAGE 9

2 Cowley News

READERS’ LETTERS

Cowley NewsISSUE 15 DECEMBER 2015

Contributions: Ark T PlaySpacers, Artwell, Gus Bianchini, Richard Chidwick, Helena Clennett, Katerina Clennett, Susan Dias, Paul Freestone, Su Frizzell, Henrietta Gill, Lorraine Jackson, Wendy Markham, Danny Smith, Cait Sweeney.

Listings: Henrietta Gill

Editor: Cait Sweeney

Produced with the support and financial assistance of Oxford Brookes University, local Cowley Councillor John Sanders, Templars Square and The Ark T Centre.

Produced with help by Community Media Groupwww.communitymediagroup.org.uk

Printed by Newbury Weekly News (Printers) Ltd, Newspaper House, Faraday Road, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 2DW.

TO CONTACT THE EDITOR EMAIL: cowleynewseditor@gmail.com

LETTER FROM THE EDITORHello Everyone,This issue is bursting at the seams with great pictures, stories and people. It’s lovely to hear what those new to Cowley have to say about being here and what a welcoming, vibrant and multi-faceted place it is to be…That’s what Cowley News is all about; celebrating all the wonderful people and brilliant things happening in our community! And that’s what I love about working for the paper, having seen Christine Snow (also known as the poppy lady) in passing for several years now it was

good to finally have the opportunity to meet her (see page 5). I am sad to say goodbye to WG Powell’s on the Cowley Road. It really was one of my most favourite shops, with the staff always welcoming, friendly and helpful. But with every ending something new begins, which I guess is what winter is all about! And so we shall look forward to hearing more of your stories in the spring, but in the meantime have a Fantastic Festive Season and we shall see you in the New Year!

With best wishes

Cait and the Cowley News Team

CITY COUNCILLORS Mohammed Abbasi—Labour, Cowley Marsh(Lord Mayor) 07889 867931 and 01865 792250E: cllrmabbasi@oxford.gov.ukSurgery details: 5–6pm, first Monday of each month at the Regal Community Centre, Ridgefield Rd. 6–7pm, first Monday of each month at Morris Motors Social Club, Crescent Rd.

Pat Kennedy—Labour, Lye Valley 07917 837693 and 01865 243284E: cllrpkennedy@oxford.gov.uk

Ben Lloyd Shogbesan—Labour, Lye Valley

01865 453005 E: Cllrblloyd-shogbesan@oxford.gov.uk

Christine Simm—Labour, Cowley 07791 749652 E: cllrcsimm@oxford.gov.uk

Sajjad Malik—Labour, Cowley Marsh 07787 874683 E: cllrsmalik@oxford.gov.uk

John Tanner—Labour, Littlemore 01865 251441 E: cllrrjtanner@oxford.gov.uk

Gill Sanders—Labour, Littlemore 01865 761856 E: cllrgsanders@oxford.gov.uk

David Henwood—Labour, Cowley 07958 299767

E: cllrdhenwood@oxford.gov.ukSurgeries: 7 March, 11am–12 noon in Templars Square, and 12.15–1pm in Florence Park Community Centre.4 April, 11 am–12 noon in Templars square, and 12.15–1pm in Florence Park Community Centre.

COUNTY COUNCILLORSJamila Azad—Labour, St Clements and Cowley Marsh21 Reliance Way, OX4 2FG 01865 771561 E: jamila.azad@oxfordshire.gov.uk

Liz Brighouse—Labour, Churchill and Lye ValleyWillow Bank Old Road, Headington OX3 8TA

01865 766995 E: liz.brighouse@oxfordshire.gov.uk

Gill Sanders—Labour, Rose Hill and Littlemore 01865 761856 E: cllrgsanders@oxford.gov.uk

John Sanders—Labour, Cowley 200 Headington Road, Oxford OX3 7PS 01865 761856 E: john.sanders@oxfordshire.gov.uk

Steve Curran—Labour, Leys88 Fairacres Road, Oxford OX4 1TG 01865 727824E: val.smith@oxfordshire.gov.uk

YOUR LOCAL COUNCILLORS

COWLEY CONCERNSBy Artwell

WELL Cowley people, I was given a tour of the Cowley Room in Barns Road, which will be the new Community space on the site of the former Cowley Community Centre and is due to be opened to the public in February 2016. Following consultation with the people of Cowley, the Cowley Room will be called ‘The Venue’. For all the people of Cowley who remember the size and space of the former Cowley Community Centre, which was destroyed in 2009, ‘The Venue’ is nowhere near the same scale. The largest room is small. If you were planning an 18th celebration, 40 people would make the celebration seem packed. There are two other, much smaller, community rooms in the complex, which will also be available for hire. Cowley’s population is increasing, and the limited size and availability of public space to hire for celebrations is already a major concern. I am pleased that “The Venue” will be added to this, but it would have been a better facility for the people of Cowley if “The Venue” had been much larger.

Sainsbury’s fundraising newsDear Cowley NewsWe would like to thank everyone who has donated recently to the charities and organisations who have been collecting at our Heyford Hill store. The RAFA came in to fundraise. Mr Philip Stevens from the Oxford and District Wing Appeal said “the collection was £679 and was one of the best collections for one day.” Last year their trained welfare officers made over 80,000 welfare contacts and arranged for 2,100 much needed short breaks. They

are absolutely delighted to receive support and send thanks from their branch members. The Samaritans collected £546 and said “as well as being generous the customers took time to stop and ask about the Samaritans and it was a great opportunity to remind people that they are open 24 hours a day.” The Blackbird Leys Detachment Oxfordshire Battalion Army Cadet Force raised a fantastic total of £683 and are very appreciative of this success. If you have a charity or organisation you would like to fundraise for at one of our stores please do get in touch with us.

Sharon HulbertPR Ambassador Sainsbury’s

HR Department Heyford Hill 0600Sharon, Lisa, Rudina and Saji

HR Team

OXFORD DOMINOS

End of the seasonBy Lorraine Jackson

OXFORD Domino team ended the season with a twelve game win and a record to be proud of. Veteran team member Paul Bucchan aka Skinny Paul, 79yrs said “to be honest with you it’s the best year we’ve ever had. We’ve really improved throughout a damn good season.” Having played in the league tables up and down the length and breadth of the UK, Oxford Domino team has slam dunked its way through a remarkable season with an incredible display of tact and skill traditional to the game. Paul also known affectionately in the Caribbean community as ‘Skinny Paul’ said “I for one will be sticking with it. It’s one of my greatest pleasures. I really look forward to the games and now to the new season.”

Oxford African History Celebration and African Caribbean ConversationBy Artwell

AS ONE of the Co-ordinators for this year’s Oxford African History Celebration Presentations, I would very much like to thank everyone who came, who helped to spread the word and enjoyed the wonderful Caribbean food available at all the events. The presentations were thoughtful and relevant. Many of those who attended expressed their wishes for a vehicle to campaign on the many issues that the Oxford African History Celebration raised. If you wish to support our ‘Don’t Bite the Apple’ campaign or want to discuss other topical issues then join our African Caribbean Conversation (ACC). We meet once a month to discuss current news and to build and support relevant Campaigns. For more information please send your contact details to: eocc@radjel.co.uk

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Photo by Lorraine Jackson.

Cowley News 3

By Cait Sweeney

NEW Templars Square manager, Owen Acland, is looking forward to spending his first Christmas here having joined the team in September. Owen said “It is very obvious to me what a strong community this is, I didn’t fully appreciate the loyalty of the local community to the identity of Cowley as distinct from Oxford, until I came here. Everyone has been extremely welcoming and positive and I

already feel accepted. There is an appetite to see the centre do well, the shops and the people. It’s great to see lots of visitors using the centre on a daily basis not just for shopping but for familiarity, friendship and socialising; the benches are always full! We’re also very keen to carry on with arts events and community engagement, it is very clear that we’re here to serve the local community and offer something more

than somewhere to just do the shopping.” Templars Square joined in with Cowley’s festival of Christmas Trees held at St James Church, providing three 6ft Christmas trees decorated by visitors to the shopping centre over a couple of days.

To find out what else is happening for Christmas and in New Year visit: www.templarssquare.com

Owen Acland the New Manager at Templars Square. photo by Cait Sweeney

New manager at Templars Square

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Dancing duo having funBy Lorraine Jackson

LOCAL couple Sue and Joe Cummins had a great deal of fun bopping the night away to songs from the world famous popular band Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons during their sell out comeback tour this year. “It was absolutely epic” said the 60 year old mother of two. “We loved every minute of it and it was worth every penny. Frankie could still hit them notes, I was not disappointed. It was excellent and the reviews were great. We even got a signed copy of the programme which

cost us £30 but was well worth it. The security must have been overwhelmed, crowds spanned all age groups and were literally screaming all night. Of course what with the spin-off group from The Four Seasons, The Jersey Boys just made it for us.” The fun didn’t stop there. Joe, 67, and friends attended a charity fund raiser concert at the Cowley Workers Social Club on Between Towns Road to listen to a medley of 1970s tribute bands that included the likes of Hippy Horse, Mighty Cadillacs, Breeze and Steam Roller. “It was like an old school all dayer. I didn’t know the names of many of the bands but they were all really good. I really enjoyed them. The ages of the fans were right across the board because each

group had their own sets of fans.They even organised a posh burger van outside which meant no one went home and just stayed on the lash all day and soaked up the atmosphere. Plus Staff from a number of other pubs kicked off the dancing which made it really great fun and for such a fantastic cause. It was nice to see the Cowley Workers Club full for a change, they need to do that more often.” The event successfully raised funds for local charity The Oxford Animal Sanctury.Sue and Joe are now looking forward to the Elvis Presley exhibition at the O2 Academy in London in April next year.

Vintage supports local charity By Lorraine Jackson

IN RECENT years I’ve developed a passion for all things considered vintage, shabby chic and retro. Once the 1950s dresses started coming back and vintage fairs started popping up everywhere, images of how we used to live started taking over my home. Fixed on the make do and mend era of WW2 I started up-cycling items stashed away in cupboards, drawers and on shelves. Before long I started swapping cheaply made furniture for the solid good stuff of years gone by. Needless to say I live in charity shops and reclamation sites a lot, sourcing my next project to paint, découpage and age using a range of techniques and my own personal style. A few years ago I was diagnosed with a debilitating neurological condition known as Paroxysmal Dystonia. It causes me to have involuntary spasms, movements and postures. Why? It occurs when messages from the base of the

brain to the muscle groups are suddenly interrupted. In between seizures I appear to be OK, but it really is hard work especially as I’m getting older. It affects my mobility and my ability to function properly on a daily basis. There is still no cure. I have worked for the Dystonia Society UK for the past eight years focussing on raising awareness and funds for research in the hope of finding a cure one day. This year, endorsed by Dystonia Society UK, I’ve decided to sell my collection of vintage wear to help raise funds for the Dystonia Society, a percentage of all sales will be donated to the charity.

You are invited to visit me at The East Oxford Community Centre in Princes Street every Wednesday from 12pm to 4pm until Christmas to browse and buy in support of this very worthy cause. However bulky items such as furniture can be viewed by arrangement. I wish you a Happy Christmas and a great New Year!

For further details please contact me on 07931 341661 or Lorraine’s Vintage Collection on Facebook.

The Dystonia Society UK Helpline 020 7793 3650 or Office 020 7793 3651

4 Cowley News

By Lorraine Jackson

THIS year saw the launch of a unique business fusion with Nationwide Barbers in East Oxford. Business partners and friends Vance Brown and Paul Masih joined forces to open Oxford’s first African-Caribbean and Asian men’s barbers. The stylish and trendy boutique style salon also specialises in European hair, offering sharp and neat cuts starting from just £10. Vance Brown, originally from St Anne’s, Jamaica, said: “The business is certainly going in the right direction. Coming into work every day gives me an excellent feeling. The clients are warm, friendly and so encouraging, which is always good for any business.” Both partners are from very different cultural backgrounds, which enables them to attract clients from two large and very diverse sections of the community. Paul Masih said: “It’s going really good. It’s really busy and I’m really

enjoying having my own business.” Established as Co-Workers in a previous job, the pair recognised they could start a Barbers for themselves. Vance trained Paul on how to groom African-Caribbean hair and set about looking for a property, which he located at 368 Cowley Road, on the Howard Street junction. Together they aptly named it Nationwide Barbers. Directors and Co-Partners Vance and Paul have future plans to expand to include a women’s hairdressing salon. “We’re now on the lookout for the right person to join us in catering for perspective female clients. We’re prepared to wait as long as it takes because we want to recruit the right person who can share our vision and become a permanent addition to our family,” said Vance. Business administrator Natalie Brown proudly showed me around the premises. “They could even extend to the rear of the property and have a nail salon as well. It’s all very exciting and all very possible,” said the mum of one.

‘M’ Local becomes ‘My Local’By Helena Clennett

SHOPPING at ‘M’ Local on Cowley Road a few weeks ago, I was bemused to find rows of empty shelves and thought that perhaps we were losing a useful supermarket. Morrisons has gone, but ‘My Local’ has arrived, and a quick look around suggests not too much has changed in terms of availability of products and staff.

Around 140 shops formerly owned by Morrisons under their ‘M’ local trade name have been sold to entrepreneur Mike Greene for £25 million. The former chairman of the Association of Convenience Stores and ‘Secret Millionaire’ launched the newly created chain at the end of October, keeping on 230 former Morrisons staff. The chain has signed a £1 billion deal with Nisa Ltd, a specialist delivery wholesaler who will deliver products to the stores six days a week and offer flexible access to local and regional suppliers. Nick Read, chief executive of Nisa said “Nisa offers an unrivalled range of products, we share

a community focus with ‘My Local’ which will underpin our future business relationship.” ‘My Local’ will operate as an Intermediate retailer in the space between independent shops and large supermarkets. It will source at least 5% of its range from suppliers within a 15 mile radius, and support a charity within a one mile radius through localgiving.com, connecting with Nisa’s ‘Making a Difference Locally’ scheme. Glen Stone, shift manager and former Morrisons employee, said “I think it’s a positive step. My Local is more interested in customers’ needs and have taken on board the needs of a mixed community. In this area we have students,

both local and international and a sizable Muslim population, so we will now be selling Halal meat and other types of produce. We can also order products directly from suppliers at customers’ requests if we don’t have it in store. It’s also good that we won’t be wasting food any longer, as anything we haven’t sold will now go to local charities, like homeless shelters, and the staff can determine which one it will go to.” Prices are slightly higher than before, having been raised to ‘Co-op levels’, but otherwise much remains the same and this part of the Cowley Road keeps a convenient local store.

By Helena Clennett

OXFORD charity Asylum Welcome have launched their annual appeal with a ‘special urgency’ due to increasing numbers of arrivals with complex needs.Director Kate Smart said “This year our appeal reflects the fact that we are getting busier. While the wide movement of people across Europe who are in real difficulty may not be getting here in such great numbers, the situation is unpredictable, and we don’t know how it may impact here, so it’s important for us to be as solid as we can so we can respond appropriately. Our work is wide-ranging and practical in nature, so we do what we can to meet peoples’ needs. We work with new arrivals and established asylum seekers, and people detained in Campsfield House. We offer a food bank, English lessons, advice, we help people fill out forms, create social opportunities, and support for parents and children. We do whatever is needed and we are always coming up with new ideas. For example, recently we’ve been trying to promote cycling and have been making links with cycling projects so clients can get bicycles.” The charity helped 850 people in the last financial year, and are able to do this due to grants from Oxford City Council and private trust funds, but around 50% of their funding comes from public donations. “We are a grassroots, community based organisation that is almost entirely volunteer-led,” said Kate, “Oxford is a very tolerant, outward looking city. People get what we do, and we are very grateful for that support. It is also important because it demonstrates to government and the wider world that this is something people really care about and genuinely support.”So what can people do if they are moved

to help? “Funds are the most helpful donation as we can use them where needed” said Kate “but food is good (tins, cartons, and dry goods are useful). People often offer to donate clothes but unfortunately we don’t have the resources to sort through them, but at present we need winter coats to give to people.” One of the 120 volunteers at Asylum Welcome is Rosemary Shurgold from Florence Park, a volunteer of four years standing she said “I began volunteering here because they offer practical help to people who have nothing. I help in the welcome centre, checking what people need or giving advice and signposting. Sometimes it is just giving them coffee and somewhere warm to sit, but helping people is a privilege and they all have interesting stories. One young man came here in the summer after having slept in a garden for five days. He was helped to get emergency housing the same day.”

Many clients return to the charity as volunteers when they are settled. Amina volunteers twice a week, helping as needed on reception and acting as a translator in Arabic and French. “I came from Algeria in 2005 to join my husband. A friend told me about Asylum Welcome and they were really helpful to me. They helped with filling in forms, with English lessons and with transportation costs so I could get to lessons and to report to the Home Office once a month. A year after I arrived I had my first baby and they helped me with things I needed like nappies, clothes and food.” After five years Amina got Indefinite Leave to Remain, became a British citizen and Asylum Welcome helped her apply for a passport. “They really helped me a lot” she said. ”You could say I volunteer here to pay back the help they gave to me.”

Refugee charity launches annual appeal

Cutting edge barbersPhoto by Lorraine Jackson.

Photo by Katerina Clennett.

Photo by Katerina Clennett.

Cowley News 5

Thanks to Ruskin College for sponsoring this page. If you are interested in studying at Ruskin College please call 01865 759600 or visit www.ruskin.ac.uk

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Why not come to an open day and see if Ruskin is the place for you? For more information call 01865 759600, email enquiries@ruskin.ac.uk or visit www.ruskin.ac.uk and click on the Courses @Ruskin tab

New Year, New You?ADVERTISEMENT

By Cait Sweeney

TEMPLARS Square is full of amazing people and local resident Christine Snow is just one of them! A member of the Littlemore British Legion, she has been selling poppies in Templars Square for the last 20 years AND has been Cowley’s top poppy seller for the last three! We wouldn’t be at all surprised if this year makes it four! Christine said “I’ve always believed in the Legion because

of all the good work they do. My Father served in WWII, he was one of the lucky ones who came back, I remember answering the door and he was stood there with his long kit bag. I was only two years old at the time but some things just stick don’t they!” Christine’s parents met when he was stationed here with the Oxford and Bucks Light Infantry. “My older sister was in the army for five years and my older brother was in the Royal Engineers for about nine years

I think. I have five children, eight grandchildren and seven great grandchildren and they all believe in this! I like coming here and doing this, it gives me somewhere to go and something to do, I live on my own and if I don’t get out I don’t see people.” Having spent 15 days a year in Templars Square for the last twenty years she is a familiar and friendly face. She said: “They don’t call me Chris anymore, they call me the Poppy Lady now!”

Loyal Poppy Seller Christine Snow. Photo by Cait Sweeney.

Loyal Poppy Seller Christine Snow

By Lorraine Jackson

CELEBRATIONS took place at the Pegasus Theatre during Black History Month to mark the successful launch of the latest book by local author Euton Daley MBE called ‘Politics of Love’, a raw, exciting yet funny insight into the complexities of being in love. The former Artistic Director and Chief Executive of Pegesus Theatre, Euton Daley, 57 said “I wanted to write a book once I’d left Pegasus and in doing so set myself a new challenge writing about love. Using my theatre background I wanted to create some performance poetry. I had a mixture of ideas choosing the title, then eventually settled on Politics of Love.” Euton wrote his first poem aged 20 and has since written plays and prose, which he describes as exploring his deeper darker side. Teacher and Charity Director Beverley Harry wrote the introduction to the book describing it as “A love

narrative layered with passion and emotion. Politics of Love resonates from the first page and takes the reader on many journeys.” Leading performance artist

and writer Amantha Edmead featured on the accompanying audio CD version said “It’s a roller coaster ride of love which is poignant, touching and heart felt.”

Euton Daley celebrates success

Published by ACKHI Press Politics of Love is now on sale and priced at just £5 which also includes an audio CD and is available from Junie James at ACKHI Press, East Oxford Community Centre, Room 3, Block B, Princes Street, Oxford OX4 1DD or www.ackhi.org

6 Cowley News Cowley News 7December 2015

Craft CornerHow to make a PiñataBy the Playspacers

Prepare paste, tear up newspaper into manageable strips, blow up balloon and tie. Draw a circle around the knot where newspaper will not be pasted on. Start to layer on paper around the balloon ensuring the layers overlap each other. Continue to layer paper until the entire balloon has been covered at least five times. Leave to dry. Whilst drying make a start on designing which kind of animal you would like to make. KC loves rabbits so that is what she made, CJ made a snail, TT made an Ellie cool dude – this is an imaginary creature and we all made a big piñata together – this was another kind of imaginary creature. When your paper mache balloon is dry use scrunched up newspaper to make the head. You can use rolled up newspaper or kitchen roll tubes to make arms and legs. Then you need to stick the head and arms, legs or even a bottom onto your paper mache balloon with some strong tape, cover with more layers of paper mache and leave to dry. When completely dry and hard your piñata is ready to paint. Once painted it is time to burst the balloon and fill your piñata with sweets and gifts.

Worth getting steamed up about By Paul Freestone

During the long winter months one of the great comfort foods is a daily bowl of steaming soup. Homemade is obviously best, but the market for bought soup is huge as each year 300,000 tons are consumed in the UK (worth £762 million). There are some well known chilled brands that dominate the supermarket shelves, and the Covent Garden Soup Company changed everything when they launched their fresh range in 1986. Crucially, they were packaged in a carton and this marketing tactic was very successful. It allowed a premium price tag, and established the idea that these fresh chilled soups were superior to anything in a tin. However, there is nothing intrinsically better about the taste or nutritional value of a carton soup. Tinned soup (and there

are some decent ones) is usually cheaper. Powdered soups are best avoided. A quick scan of the ingredients will reveal some dodgy items, and they taste disgusting. When it comes to homemade soup there are several fundamental reasons for cooking from scratch.Firstly, it’s cheaper. Secondly, you know exactly what’s in it and you can ensure it’s how you like it. Thirdly, make up a batch and freeze the extra. And finally, anybody can make an excellent soup that is easily as good than a premium brand. The idea of carefully following a soup recipe (with precise measurements) is ridiculous. Soup is perfect for chucking in whatever’s available, and an easy way to use up any ‘past its best’ veg. My only real guideline is that a good quality oil (the best you can afford) is used for frying, as this really does make a huge difference to the final flavour.

Winter Vegetable & Lentil Soup

Ingredients Extra virgin olive or rapeseed oil. Mixed veg; including leek or onion, carrots, broccoli, watercress, frozen peas, etc. Lentils; brown, green or puy. Seasoning; clove of garlic, freshly ground black pepper, bay leaf, squeeze of fresh lemon, dash of soy sauce, vegetable stock cube or one or two teaspoons of bouillon stock powder.

MethodCrush and dice the garlic and fry briefly before adding the chopped

leek or onion. Stir until brown, and then add any other sliced veg. Let this simmer with a lid on for about five minutes. Add the made-up stock and other seasoning, and then place the watercress on top of the steaming veg. Allow this to wilt down for at least five minutes, and then pour in the frozen peas. Incidentally, watercress is a real nutritional powerhouse with fantastic amounts of calcium (more than cow’s milk), iron and vitamin C. Lentils don’t require any pre-soaking; pour a portion into a lidded pan and add at least twice as much boiled water as the quantity of lentils. With the puy variety simmer for about 20 minutes, brown and green require longer. Add extra water if required. Puy are more expensive, but they are delicious and they don’t disintegrate if over cooked. Drain the lentils and rinse thoroughly. Tinned lentils can be used, but cost more. However, a can of beans (kidney, chick pea, mixed, etc) will instantly produce a bean and lentil soup. After the peas have softened, remove the bay leaf, and transfer all the contents of the pan into a blender and blitz. You can vary the texture of the finished result via pulsing (blending in short bursts) until the required consistency is obtained. Then stir in the lentils and enjoy.

Cake in a MugBy Wendy Markham

This is a cake that is made in the microwave using a mug. Simple ingredients and equipment, delicious cake, wonderful idea what could be better? Use a large mug to avoid it overflowing in the microwave. Just find someone special to share it with.

Ready in 3 minsPrep time 1 min Cooking time 2 min

Ingredients• 4 tbsp self raising flour• 4 tbsp caster sugar• 2 tbsp cocoa powder• 1 medium egg• 3 tbsp milk

• 3 tbsp vegetable/sunflower oil• A few drops vanilla essence • 2 tbsp raisins (optional)

Method• Add all the dry ingredients together in the mug and mix together.• Combine the oil, egg and milk.• Use a fork mix the wet and dry ingredients together stir until smooth.• Add the raisins and mix well.• Place the mug in the middle of the microwave oven and cook on high for 2–3 mins, or until it has stopped rising and is firm to the touch. You may want to watch it rise as it cooks.

Serve as is or with cream or natural yoghurt. A sweet and thoughtful gift idea would be to put the dry

ingredients in layers into a pretty mug with the instructions and recipe enclosed with a note to say just add egg and milk. Fabulous served with thick natural yoghurt or vanilla ice cream.

CooKerY Corner

By Richard Chidwick

seconDary School Teacher Nik Hayes from Oxford took part in a heroic effort to swim the English Channel. Unfortunately Nik endured a bout of hypothermia and struggled to complete the swim. He went through a terrifying ordeal about three quarters of the way across the channel when he was asking his support crew to be pulled out of the water but to no avail! Eventually Nik was pulled out

of the water but he did compete heroically to attempt his world record bid and has raised over £6,000 for Water Aid. Nik said: “The swim seemed to be going well to me. I started at 3am in total darkness and it was very cold outside. When I got in the water, it seemed warm compared to the air. The first few hours in the dark were odd, but OK. I got a few jellyfish stings but wasn’t too cold so when the sun rose, I thought the coldest part was over. Soon after sunrise, it clouded over and the

wind picked up a bit.” “The water was 17.5 C and at 10am I was on pace to break the record, feeling good, and I could see France. As I got more tired, the choppy waves started breaking overtop of me whereas before I was staying on top of the chop. As the waves got over me, I started taking in way too much sea water and for some reason I wasn’t able to puke it back up. This slowed me down and eventually led to my core body temperature dropping to a dangerous level.”

“The positives were the love and support of everyone, both for me and for my chosen charity, Water Aid. There were supposedly 28,000 views on my swim and loads of people I hadn’t seen in decades following my progress. It’s also good for the students to see that challenges do not always turn out the way you want them to. I had every student in the school give themselves a challenge like I had done and I’m sure a lot of them failed in their challenge.”

LEFT TO RIGHT: Ellie Steel, Max Beesley, Rebecca Craft Hensley, Ann Clark and Japhetson Odju, with Nic Hayes. Photo by Cait Sweeney.

By Gus Bianchini

auTumn is definitely with us and winter approaching fast. With all the strange weather patterns it’s difficult to plan ahead by more than a few days and with all the storms being given a name they are almost friendly! Not for the gardener who, if determined, is tending the patch in any weather. We’re a hardy bunch. Now it’s time to give the lawn some attention, pick up leaves and a final cut for the year, not too short! The grass will need some drainage to cope with the wet weather and let air into the compacted soil. This is usually done by scarifying it, for a large lawn it’s worth hiring a machine for the job otherwise get the fork out and start making holes by sinking the tines three or four inches into the soil all over. Winter fertiliser should be applied

after this. You can usually find damaged or split bags for sale cheap in the garden centres so look out for them. Try a bit of haggling over the price you’ll be surprised what deals can be found. For the vegetable patch it’s time for winter digging and a general cleaning up of the borders. November over, December is time to give some attention to the trees and shrubs. Prune them back, cut off drooping and overhanging branches. Generally on the larger branches it’s prudent to apply a sealant to stop any diseases and infestations getting in. This year while in Italy I saw firsthand the effect of infestations. Many of the palm trees were dead. This was due to a beetle which lays its eggs in the palm, the eggs hatch and hundreds of grubs eat away the palm. The wind plays a big part in our weather; tall and spindly plants need to be supported with stakes or ropes. Tender plants should be protected from the cold either by bringing them in to a frost free area or as I do, go to the local farmer and buy a bale of straw to cover them with. The Victorians built walls around their gardens but you can create

the same effect with planks and plastic sheeting to enclose the plants. Plastic bottles with the bottom cut off make excellent shields for small plants – place over and push into the ground, leaving the top off to allow air to circulate. Garden wildlife will need our help to get over the winter months. Keep the bird table stocked up and you will see many of your garden birds as well as seasonal visitors. The food that falls to the floor is generally taken by small rodents like mice or voles, as well as by ground feeding birds; but keep a lookout, for “Ratty” is never far away. Now let’s get to the potting shed. One thing I’m trying this year is to make some “Pallet furniture” for the garden and maybe something for the house if my other half allows it. Wooden pallets are in plentiful supply, if you’re stuck for ideas searching the internet will show you the different things you can make, or better still why not pop into café Beetroot on the Cowley Road and take a look at their pallet furniture. Have a lovely festive time and don’t overdo the homemade liqueurs!

GardeninG WitH Gus

neWs froM GroovY suso here we are at the turn of the year again. I hope you had a good summer! I would like to take this opportunity to celebrate some people . . . . A lot has been going on at Ark T recently; after 20 wonderful years James Grote, Ark T Director, has moved on to pastures new and is now the Chaplain at Katherine House Hospice in Adderbury near Banbury. He was also the Minister of the John Bunyan Baptist Church and I went to his last service there. It was incredibly moving hearing what everybody had to say and all the wonderful stories involving James that people had to share. In fact if the truth be told I ‘blubbed’ like a baby! Even though I had known he was leaving, it only just hit me quite how much I

was going to miss him, it was like losing a boss, a father and a good friend all at once! We gave him a great goodbye party, another magical Ark T evening full of people who over the years have been involved in Ark T and all its wonderful projects. James was celebrated in style with music, dance, comedy, art and speeches as well as delicious food created from Food Bank food by Relish. So from everyone at Ark T “We’d like to wish James a massive thank you and hope to see you soon! We shall miss you, but wish you every success in your new job, we can’t think of a better person for it!” As one cycle ends another begins we look forward to introducing our new Ark T director Emmy O’Shaughnessy in the next edition. In the meantime I hope you enjoy the colourful bicycle wheels that now decorate the Play Space railings, I thought that at this time of year a bit of colour is just what we all need . . . Enjoy!

Channel swim helps to encourage young people

8 Cowley News

By Helena Clennett

HIS ALL HOLINESS Bartholomew the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, the spiritual leader of 300 million Orthodox Christians worldwide, visited Oxford in November. He was in the UK at the invitation of the Archbishop of Canterbury, and visited Oxford to deliver a speech at the Oxford Union.President of the Oxford Union Charles Vaughn said “The Ecumenical Patriarch is the leader of one of the most significant religious communities in the world. As a society dedicated to bringing leaders from all fields to speak at Oxford, arranging an event with him seemed obvious. He is particularly well known for his stance on the environment, often being referred to as the ‘Green Patriarch’, as such it will be deeply interesting to hear him talk on that subject which is so close to his heart.” Before attending Oxford University he honoured the Greek Orthodox Church of the Holy Trinity and the Orthodox Parish of the Annunciation, the Greek and Russian Orthodox communities of Oxford, with a visit. My family have been members of the Oxford church since the 1950s, and as members of the Greek Orthodox faithful, attending a service conducted by His All-Holiness was an unmissable, once in a lifetime opportunity. “It was so exciting,” said my mum Katerina, “A big privilege for everyone concerned.” Alongside members of his delegation including the head of the Orthodox church in the UK, Archbishop Gregorios of Thyateira and Great Britain and Metropolitan Kallistos of Diokleia (the founder of our parish) His all Holiness delivered a doxology (praises / short prayers to God) and a speech to the congregation. After this worshippers got the chance to approach him and receive his blessing. Our Parish Priest Father Ian Graham said “We are very proud that His All-Holiness the Ecumenical Patriarch has chosen to visit us, the people under his jurisdiction in Oxford. He is the most senior Bishop and we were excited and nervous about the visit, and hope we put on a good show! I think it went smoothly, many people expressed their gratitude, said they were honoured to have been present and enjoyed themselves very much. “ Lorna Swanton, a member of the Russian Orthodox Parish said “It was a tremendous honour to have a world figure like the Ecumenical Patriarch in our small church-absolutely amazing!” Patricia Scott has been a member of the Greek Orthodox community for 35 years and said “It was a truly memorable occasion and wonderful to have His all Holiness come to worship with us in Oxford. “ A specially organised choir was present and later the Ecumenical Patriarch, his delegates and

the community enjoyed a reception organised by the House of St. Gregory and Macrina (an ecumenical study centre in the church grounds) and the Fellowship of St. Alban and St. Sergios, (an organisation that has been promoting dialogue between Christians of different traditions for more than 80 years) before continuing to the Oxford Union. Representatives from Anglican, Catholic, Methodist and Protestant denominations were present at the doxology service, including Bishop of Birmingham Bernard Langley, Acting Bishop of Oxford Colin Fletcher, and Bishop Jonathan Goodall, who will shortly become responsible for dialogue between Anglican and Orthodox Christians. The congregation held a collection in aid of Syria in recognition of the Ecumenical Patriarch’s concern with creating interfaith dialogue and the current plight of Syrian refugees. The funds

collected will be split between Oxford charities Asylum Welcome, Refugee Resource and Oxford City of Sanctuary. Archbishop Bartholomew became the 270th Ecumenical Patriarch in 1991. He is the ‘first among equals’ in the church hierarchy, which includes Bishops, Priests and Deacons but cannot be compared to the Catholic Pope, as in Orthodoxy all Bishops are equal. The Ecumenical Patriarch acts as the primary spokesperson for the Orthodox church. He has initiated meetings with Muslim and Jewish leaders in an effort to promote mutual respect and religious tolerance globally, and works towards reconciliation with the Catholic and Anglican communities. He has organised international peace conferences and meetings on racism and fundamentalism, and has organised eight international, interfaith meetings to address ecological problems.

In June 2015 he and the Archbishop of Canterbury made a joint call for action on climate change, and at this latest meeting items on their agenda included the refugee crisis in Europe and tensions over how the economic crisis in Greece might be solved. The two leaders also agreed to jointly organise an international conference in Istanbul in 2016 focusing on how to tackle modern day slavery and human trafficking. In his speech at the Oxford Union, entitled ‘Creation, Care and Ecological Justice,’ he focused on the role of religion in raising awareness of, and responding to, questions about climate change. His All-Holiness will make his way to Europe again next month to attend the UN climate change conference in Paris.

Spiritual Leader of Orthodox Christians visits Oxford

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Cowley News 9

From Tuesday 4 January to Friday 22 January leave your naked real tree by your blue bin on your collection day and we will recycle it

Collection day changesFriday 25 Decemberwill be collectedMonday 28 December

Friday 1 Januarywill be collectedSaturday 2 January

Real Christmas Tree Recycling

01865 249811www.oxford.gov.uk/recycling @Recycle4Oxford

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By Cait Sweeney

AFTER 92 years of trading in the Cowley Road, WG Powell’s, the family run timber yard and merchants, has closed its doors for the last time. Managing director Helen Pearson said “We’ve had lots of letters from customers saying how sad they are to see us go.” The business was established by Helen’s father Walter Gladstone Powell in 1923 along with his brother-in-law. In those early days they did more joinery and sectional buildings including the recently refurbished bowling pavilion in Florence Park. Helen first came to work for her father as his secretary in 1964. She said “Just before I had my son James, Dad who was 72, was considering selling up. At that point, it was either him retiring or me taking on more of the management…. and now I’m at the same point!

We had tried for a long time to sell it as a going concern with some interest, but then the recession hit and nobody was interested in buying anything.” One of four sisters – Ruth, Eileen and Christine – Helen said: “My sisters don’t work in the business, although they’re still shareholders and directors and we’re not getting any younger!” Regular contributor to Cowley News, Gus Bianchini, said “It’s a shame that WG Powell’s is closing. They formed a big part of my life as we lived opposite them and I was always rummaging in their scrap pile for wood to use on hobby and DIY projects. It will be missed by many people as there is absolutely nowhere else to get the skilled machining and cutting service that they have provided over the years.” That W.G Powell’s, a small, family run business has thrived in the face of its larger

competitors is a testament to its success. Shop manager and employee of 30 years, Vanda Hayden said: “We’ve been so successful because the staff really know what they’re talking about and have been able to provide a service that no-one else can and that

comes from the friendly and helpful staff. It’s a shame that no-one wanted to buy it as a business, we’re sad about that; some of us have worked here for a long time and we shall miss it.” As will most of Oxford, in fact everyone I’ve met on

hearing of its closing has said “Oh no, what are we going to do!?” However, all is not lost as the sheet material and cutting service is all set to continue. Paul Garlic, assistant yard manager, will be taking the Powell’s Sheet Materials business with him to the

Chiltern Business Centre, along with the familiar faces of Adam and Bill, also from the yard.The land has been bought by Montpelier Estates with plans to re-develop the site as a care home for the elderly and those living with dementia.

WG Powell’s have closed their doors for the last time

Left to Right: Vanda Hayden, Gary Richardson, Mick Aust and Helen Pearson.

10 Cowley News

Florence Park Children’s Centre Rymers Lane, Florence Park. We aim to offer play for children and support for their carers. We have a wide range of support and activities for carers of children so get in touch or look at our website to see our list of activities. 01865 777286florence.park@oxfordshire.gov.uk

Temple Cowley Library Opening Times: Mondays 9.15am–5.30pm, Tuesdays 9.15am–7pm, Wednesday 9.15am–7pm,Thursdays CLOSED, Fridays 9.15am–5.30pm Saturdays 9am–4.30pm Sundays CLOSED.

l Rhymetime: Wednesdays, 10.30–11am (term time only) l Book Corner: Fridays, 10.30–11am (term time only)

Littlemore Library Oxford Academy Campus, Sandy Lane West, Littlemore OX4 5JY.Opening hours:Mondays 2–6pm,Tuesdays 2–4.30pm,Wednesdays CLOSED,Thursdays 9.30am–12.30pmand 2pm–4.30pm,Fridays 9.30am–12.30pm,Saturdays 9.30am–1.30pm,Sundays CLOSED.Events:l Adults Reading Group – to join, please contact the library. Monthly on Thursdays, 10.30–11.30am (dates available from library).

l Rhymetime, for under 5sSecond and last Friday of the month, 11–11.30am.l Themed craft activityFor children aged 3–7 years. First Saturday of the month, 11am–12noon 01865 714309

Elder Stubbs Shop open to the public (gardens open to invited groups only) Monday–Friday, 10am–3pm.

Wild Honey Organic health store and yoga studio 111 Magdalen Road, East Oxford. Yoga classes throughout the week including Saturdays. See website for details: www.wildhoneylove.com

WHAT’S ONA quick guide to what’s available locally. If you have an event you’d like to include, please email cowleynewseditor@gmail.com

l Knit and Stitch Wednesday mornings in the Broom Tree Cafe, 10am–12.30pm.

l Live Music@ Broom Tree Cafe,Tuesdays 12-2.30

l Parents and Toddlers Play Space in the Broom Tree Cafe, Mondays, 10am–12noon.

l Oxford Youth Dance Children’s classes For ages 3–12yrs: Saturdays, 9am–1pm. Cecilia Macfarlane07968 073763 ceciliamacfarlane@talk21.com

l Oxford Youth DanceSlipstream For ages 13–16yrs.Mondays, 5–7pm.elly_fish@yahoo.comwww.oxfordyouthdance.blogspot.co.uk

l Dugout: an adult community dance group. Tuesdays, 7.15–9.15pm. Cecilia Macfarlane 07968 073763 ceciliamacfarlane@talk21.com

l Little Music School Fun music classes for little people. Movers & Talkers: Thurs,10.30–11am, (under 5s) Babies: Thurs, 11.15am£4 drop-in (additional siblings are £1.50). £16.50 per term. Bookings and enquiries: Danielle, 07981 321007

l First Class Learning: Maths and English Tuition Learning good study habits, growing confidence and growing self esteem.Wednesdays, 3.30–5.30pm . James Nolan,

08454 901902 07701 007748 oxfordcowley@firstclasslearning.co.uk

l QigongThursdays, 9.45–10.45am. A form of gentle exercise, made up of movements that are repeated, strengthening and stretching the body, increasing movement, balance and flexibility. Ettaline Hill, 07974 185554ettaline@shiatsuoxford.com

l Singing at Ark TWe say everyone can sing! The group is open to everyone so come along and sing for fun. No singing or musical experience is needed. Fridays, 10.30am–12.30pm until 11 December. Beginning again in the New Year on 15 January, suggested donation £2 per session. Cait, 07880 615 672E: cait@brokenhomecollection.co.ukW: www.ark-t.org

Faye Parker School of BalletFun ballet classes for all children aged 3 years and upwards. Pre-School Ballet (3–4 years), Mondays, 3.45–4.15pm RAD Pre-Primary Ballet (4–5 years), Mondays, 4.15–4.45pm RAD Primary Ballet (5–6 years), Mondays, 5–5.30pm RAD Grade 1 Ballet (7–9 years), Mondays, 5.30–6.15pm E: faye_e_parker@hotmail.comW: www.fayeparkerschoolofballet.weebly.com

T’ai Chi Mondays, 12–1pm Anne Mackintosh, 01865 714 849 E: taichi@annemack.org W: www.taichi-in-oxford.co.uk

Pilates ClassPilates will do the following :Enhance concentration, induce relaxation, improve body symmetry and help reduce the risk of injury, increase muscles activity of the body, especially the back, pelvis and hip area, develop balance and co-ordination, improve muscle endurance and stamina of the body.Taught by a chartered physiotherapist with 20 years musculoskeletal experienceWednesdays, 9.30–10.30am£65 for a block of 8Booking essentialE: janecallawaypilates@hotmail.co.uk

Hatha Yoga class Throughout this beginner-friendly Hatha yoga course, we will be focusing on strengthening our lower backs and abdominal muscles, in addition to improving the flexibility of our hips, hamstrings, glutes and quads. Thursday, 6.30-8pm (until 10 December) £9/£7 E: becci.e.curtis@gmailW: beccicurtisyoga.com

Oxon Drama BeginnersThis class is for students who have a small amount of experience or have already completed a term with OXONDrama. During this term we will progress from lower focus group work, to more in-depth scene work,

monologue and creating realistic characterisations. All ages (18+) welcome.Weds, 7–9pm (8 week term)Price: £120. (£50 deposit to be paid on booking) 0747 3962 662E: oxondrama@gmail.com

Oxon Drama Intermediate ClassThroughout the first term we will work on scenes by well known playwrights, as well as improvisation and creating theatre from scratch. We will cover the techniques of prominent theatre practitioners such as Stanislavski, Augusto Boal and Peter Brook. The second term will culminate with an informal showcase within the class. All ages (18+) welcome. Some previous experience necessary.Tues, 7–9pm (8 week term)Price: £120. (£50 deposit to be paid on booking) 0747 3962 662E: oxondrama@gmail.com

Community Dance Project – AJOS DanceAjos Dance seeks participants for a new experimental project. No dance experience is needed, all levels are welcome to join. Our choreographic research will explore inter-relatednesss and positive social change. What makes us different from others? Why do we sometimes feel excluded because of our looks, age, social standing, religion, gender or physical ability? We will explore some of these questions with the aim of gaining empowerment, knowledge and

confidence through the beauty and freedom of physical movement and dance.Weds, 7.15–8.15pm.

Big Beats What is Big Beats? More than a dance meditation class, Big Beats is designed to encourage people with body image issues, low self-confidence and self-esteem to participate in physical exercise, in the form dance meditation for both physical and emotional health.A mixture of free-form dance, and deep relaxation is used. No taught or partner dancing is involved.We dance with our eyes closed to respect privacy, to quiet the ‘chattering mind’, and reduce self-consciousness.Is this just for women? No, men have body and confidence issues too, all are welcome. However, if you would like me to consider a single gender class, then let me know?Mons, 7–8.30pm, £10 Concessions available with proof of benefits 07555111264E: info@bigbeats.orgW: www.facebook.com/Bigbeatsdance

Rehearsal SpaceThe Ark T also provides space for dancers and actors to rehearse at the centre as part of our ongoing support for individuals and groups needing valuable time to bring a piece together.If you would like to enquire regarding hiring a space then please get in contact with Hazel Wilson at hazel@ark-t.org or call 01865 396778.

The Ark T Centre Crowell Road, Cowley OX4 3LN. 01865 396 778 E: mail@ark-t.org

Barracks Lane Community Garden(Off Cumberland Road, Oxford OX4 2AP)Barracks Lane Community Garden is a beautiful green space and eco building at the heart of a vibrant community in Oxford. It is for everyone to use and enjoy by visiting, booking for a private function or by coming along to one of the many events and activities that are held throughout the year.

Sunday 13 December 11am–2 pmWINTER GREENERY EVENT Come and join us around the wood burning stove in the cabin and make seasonal decorations using winter greenery. Please bring any fir cones, hips, greenery from the garden, ribbons and wool to share. Tea, coffee, mulled juice and cake available. Suitable for all ages. This is a free event with a suggested we suggested minimum donation of £5 for wreaths - any donations will go towards the gardens upkeep. The trustees and friends of the garden look forward to welcoming you!

Find us onFacebook: www.facebook.com/BarracksLaneCommunityGarden

07729 655 543 E: barrackslanegarden@yahoo.co.ukW: www.barrackslanegarden.org.uk

The Dystonia Society UK Meeting dates for early 2016 are :9 January 201616 March 2016 (AGM)

We meet in the Conference Room level 3, from 2pm until 5pm at The John Radcliffe Hospital, Headley Way, Headington, Oxford.

For further information please contact Chairperson Lorraine Jackson. 0845 899 7134 (all calls are charged at 5p per minute plus your network rate) E: info@dystonia.org.uk

Feel Fit gym, spa and classes Templar’s Square, Cowley. Open 6.30am, Monday to Friday

01865 711 333 / 774 998E: info@feelfitgym.com

Cowley News 11

FLORENCE PARK COMMUNITY CENTRE

l Ace Flooring Nigel07774 206440l David Bryan Electrical07766 547358l Decorating and Design07880 615672

Do you want your local business listed here for free ? For details contact cowleynewseditor@gmail.com

CHURCHES St James Church, Beauchamp Lane. Sun: 8am, Holy Communion; 10am: Sung Eucharist. Tue: 12pm, Holy Communion; 12.30pm, Lunch Club. Christmas Events:4–13 DecemberCowley Festival of Christmas TreesSaturday 12 December Family Fun Day, 10am–2pmSunday 13 December Christingle Service, 4.30pm 01865 747680

St FrancisHollow Way. Sun: 10.30am, Parish Eucharist. Phone for times of Christmas services. 01865 747680

John Bunyan Baptist Church Sunday Service, 10.30am, followed by tea and coffee. Phone for Christmas Service information. Thursday 24 December Carols for Everyone, 6pm 01865 773499

Temple Cowley United Reformed ChurchSunday morning worship is 10.30–11.45am. Communion is celebrated monthly on the third Sunday.Chatterbox, 4–6.30pm, first Saturday of the month. Coffee and cake, games and chat! 01865 751621

Our Lady Help of Christians59 Hollow Way, Cowley, OX4 2ND Sat (for Sun): 5.30pm, Mass. 4.30–5pm, Confession.Sun: 10am, Mass.Mon–Thu: 9.15am, Mass. 01865 770910

THE centre is open as a social club & bar every evening from 7.30pm. You can come along for a drink at the bar and meet neighbours. It is for members, but you can sign up for £6 annual fee or a member can sign you in for the evening for a 50p charge. There are also regular bar events that are open to all. Regular games and sports at the Club include darts matches, Aunt Sally, bingo and cribbage.

l The Florence Park history group Meets every first Monday of the month and is preparing an exhibition of history of the area through the decades since it was first built in the 1930s.

l The Florence Park Flower Club Meets every fourth Tuesday, 8pm.

l Social Club Open Monday – Friday, 7.30pm – 11.30pm, members and guests.

l Equip Cafe Every Saturday, 10am to 2pm, barista coffee and brunch, children welcome.

l Craft circle Every Wednesday, 7.30 to 9.30pm.

l Daily evening stroll Starting 6.30pm outside the community centre and following a fixed route around Florence Park neighbourhood (free)

l Tai Chi Thursdays, 10.45 to 11.45pm, cost £8 (£7 members) or £35 (30) for five sessions.

l Ashtanga YogaTuesday nights, 6pm–7.15pm, with Bella Rossi. £8 per class (£7 Florence Park residents), or £35 block of five classes (£30 residents).

l Powerhoop Every Monday 6.15–7pm. £5 + £1 to hire a hoop. Booking essential. Call Rianna 07855 023279

l Little Big Voice fun choirFor 5-8 year olds Wednesdays, 3.45-4.30pm. £3 per child no need to book emformusic@outloook.com

l The Florence Park Over 60’s Club Meets every Friday, 12–2pm.

l Book Group Every third Monday of month (aprox).

l Friends of Florence Park Every fourth Monday of the month.

l Bingo Every Thursday evening (8pm) and last Saturday of the month.

l Family Bring-a-long a Board Game Evening. Last Friday of each month. Come down to the community centre with your family board games and join in. 7.30pm–9.30pm (followed at 10pm by the Meat Raffle, everyone welcome to stay and enter)

DIARY DATESl Christmas Craft event (Free) Sunday 6 December, 12–3pm

l Social Club Christmas Disco Sat 12 December, 8–11.30pm

l Panto 2016 Sleeping Beauty Thurs 21 to Sat 23 January. Evening performances and Saturday matinee. Tickets on sale from December.

l Sunday Session 31 January, 2–5pm. International jazz/folk singer Emma Black and local songsters Papa Nui.

l Sunday session 28 Feb, 2–5pm

l Sunday session 27 March, 2–5pm

Cornwallis Road, OX4 3NH 07864 028591 www.florenceparkcommunitycentre.org.uk

Volunteers!We are looking for contributors and distributorsfor our next issue.

If you are interested please email the editor at cowleynewseditor@gmail.com

MUSIC REVIEWTree Top Flyers at the Bullingdon

Review by Richard Chidwick

THE Treetop Flyers played to a packed out Bullingdon Back Room, and in their lead singer’s own words was “one of our best gigs to date!” Songs from all three of

their albums were skilfully backed by a harmony of vocals accompanying the stand out track Things Will Change as well as songs from their eagerly anticipated new album. Treetop Flyers are a Folk Rock band based in London. They won the Glastonbury Festival Emerging Talent Competition 2011, releasing their debut album ‘The Mountain Moves’ both here and in the States in 2013. Lead singer and guitarist Reid Morrison said “We’ve been signed for about five years now

and it’s been great so far, we’ve had a few changes along the way. It’s always a bit more nerve wracking playing new stuff but it’s also exciting.” The band opened the evening with Sleepless Nights and She’s Gotta Run, before upping the tempo with tracks such as What Can You Do to really get the dancing going. The band will hopefully be playing at Glastonbury festival this summer and let’s hope it not too long before they visit OX4 again!

“I left school at 15 with no further education or encouragement to do anything but domestic skills. Searchers has helped me to gain confidence. We are a group who have wonderful discussions, on anything! And I have discovered a true love of research!”

“I left school at 16 and feel aspects of my education are lacking. I find this group very friendly and non-threatening and you are made to feel welcome.”

“The atmosphere is always encouraging and it is a boost to have your thoughts and views listened to. Our discussions are lively and fun.”

THESE are just a few of the comments from people who come to the Museum of Oxford’s Searchers Group. Having 20 years’ experience as a tutor at Ruskin College and teaching with the Open University, group co-ordinator and Museum Volunteer Katherine Hughes said “Searchers is about learning how to learn in an easy way that respects everyone’s

opinions and intelligence. We cover a huge range of topics, helping people look more deeply into subjects of their own personal interest such as family history, homelessness, famous figures – literally anything. “I feel passionately about adults having a chance to learn at any point in their lives, about their abilities and the wealth of experience they bring with them. Most of my experience is with people with few formal qualifications but lots of life training. “Adult Education is under serious threat at the moment and Searchers is an attempt to keep alive broader ideas of

adult capabilities than basic numeracy and literacy training allows.” Searchers runs on Mondays 1.30–3.30pm at the Town Hall and is free. With an open door policy you can join the group at any stage of a term and are welcome to bring a friend.

Katherine also runs busy and lively Creative Writing and Art Groups at the Museum of Oxford on alternate Tuesdays for more information contact: katherineihughes@yahoo.co.uk or aharland-lang@oxford.gov.uk

Searching for something interesting?

FILM OXFORD 54 Catherine St. Oxford OX4 3AH. Tel: 01865 792731/792732Email: office@filmoxford.orgWeb: www.filmoxford.org

We are responding to rumours and speculation that Film Oxford will be leaving its current premises on Catherine Street imminently. We would just like to reassure all users and members that this is not the case and that

we have a full programme of activities and events planned for the coming year. Film Oxford has been an important supporter and contributor to the cultural and artistic life in Oxford for over 30 years, and we look forward to continuing to contribute to the vibrant cultural life in East Oxford, the City and around the County for years to come

All Course details can be found at www.filmoxford.org/training

12 Cowley News

Oxford City CouncilTenants and Leaseholders

OXFORD CITY COUNCIL TENANT INVOLVEMENT

BUILDING A WORLD-CLASS CITY FOR EVERYONE

NEIGHBOURS

Help grow a gardening club with your

Are you an Oxford City Council tenant or leaseholder?Do you have access to a shared garden space?Are you passionate about gardening or keen to learn?Would you be interested in starting a gardening club with other tenants?

We have a pot of money available to help your garden grow into an enjoyable space for you and your fellow tenants to share.We can provide you with the tools and storage (where feasible) and plants to help your gardening club flourish! There will need to be a dedicated group of you (including a Garden Club manager and deputy) who are willing to look after and nuture the garden going forward.

Telephone: 01865 252374Email: tenantinvolvement@oxford.gov.ukWeb: www.oxford.gov.uk/getinvolvedFollow us on Twitter: @OCC_InvolveLike us on Facebook: Oxford CityTenant Involvement

APPLY NOW

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