Cowley News The FREE community newspaper for Cowley

SEPTEMBER 2015ISSUE 14

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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By Lorraine Jackson

ST FRANCIS PRIMARY school celebrated its 40th year with fun at the school fete this summer. Teachers and volunteers sported afros and colourful psychedelic prints of the 1970’s as popular hits from the decade played throughout the day. Head Teacher of eight years Gillian Standing said: “Although we are a Church of England School, we have embraced the changes in our local community. We recognise other faiths and harness the diversity they bring. Today has been a fantastic opportunity to bring people together and celebrate with our families and friends!” Volunteers worked tirelessly in their efforts to raise funds with traditional stalls including; Tombola, cakes and cookies, face painting, Bric-a-brac, an ice cream van and horse rides from Pony Pursuits. The Daudar family from the local corner shop made a spicy contribution with a selection of homemade dishes. Choreographer Lucy Fineman organised a spectacular dance event performed by an enthusiastic all girl dance troop. The event also had wider support from other local organisations

including; HEART Residents Association, The Art Room at Oxford Spires Academy and Reading Quest. Main event organiser and Parent Governor Steve Richards, 48yrs discovered a collection of old photographs and realising the school would be 40 this year put the idea to the PTA that this year’s event should be expanded to celebrate the special birthday, they eagerly agreed and a working party was set up in January which set the ball rolling. The collection of photographs was on display at a special meeting which former Teachers, Staff and pupils were invited to attend. Steve said: “It was a really nostalgic evening and very well attended. It became a really big community event once volunteers came on board.”

Happy 40th Birthday Miss! Staff, pupils and volunteers were unaware that this is actually a double celebration as Head Teacher Gillian Standing has also turned 40 this year. On behalf of everyone at St Francis School, the Cowley News Team and all our Readers we would like to wish you a very Happy 40th Birthday Gillian!

HAPPY 40TH ANNIVERSARY FOR ST FRANCIS SCHOOL

Charlotte Nott, aged 7, enjoys a pony ride at the St Francis Primary School Fate. Photo by Cait Sweeney.

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INSIDE :2 . . . . . . . . . Readers’ letters, Editor’s letter,

Local Councillors, Smokey the Cat

3 . . . . . . . . . . . The Little Treasures Nursery,Templars Square, Emmaus

5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hidden Spires ProjectGardening with Gus

6 & 7 . . . . . . . . . . . . Oxford Dominos ClubElder Stubbs Festival, Pet Corner

9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Photography

10 & 11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . What’s on

12 . . . . . . . Cowley Korfers, Channel Swim

2 Cowley News

Dear Cowley News,We are SSAFA – the charity that provides lifelong support for our Forces and their families. We’ve been supporting the British military family since 1885. On a visit in July to Sainsbury’s Heyford Hill we raised £1276 in a little over six hours which we think is an excellent amount. Your customers were very complementary and offered nothing but praise and laudatory comments regarding SSAFA and our cause. More importantly, we also had the opportunity to advise a few folk who needed the charity’s assistance. So with that in mind, it was an exceptionally successful day.

Yours sincerelyFlt Lt C Ashton,

Royal Air Force Benson

Good morning! Please could you let your readers know that Sainsbury’s Heyford Hill has launched their partnership with their new Local Charity of the Year, Footsteps Foundation. Footsteps were chosen by Sainsbury’s customers at the beginning of July by customers and the charity will now receive a year’s worth of support through fundraising and awareness from the store.

Representatives from the charity joined Sainsbury’s colleagues over the weekend to kick start the fundraising with a visit to the store, raising funds and awareness. Maggie Davies at Footsteps Foundation said “Sainsbury’s Local Charity of the Year scheme has made a real difference for many charities over the last few years and we’re delighted to have been selected. We’re really looking forward to getting started and raising awareness of our cause as well as raising vital funds to continue our work in the community.” Richard Perry, Store Manager at Sainsbury’s Heyford Hill Store said “We’re really looking forward to working with Footsteps Foundation over the next year and the team have some great ideas for fundraising. We hope our support will make a real difference to the charity, and customers enjoy the variety of activities we are planning. ”The Local Charity scheme is now in its seventh year and has raised over £7 million to support local charities since 2009. “

ThanksSharon Hulbert

PR Ambassador Sharon,Lisa,Rudina and Saji HR Team

Sainsbury’s Supermarkets Ltd Heyford Hill Oxford

READERS’ LETTERS

COWLEY NEWSISSUE 14 SEPTEMBER 2015

CONTRIBUTIONS: Audrey Baughan, Cait Sweeney, Wendy Markham, Helena Clennett, Samantha Birket, Gus Bianchini, Lorraine Jackson, Su Frizzell and Henrietta Gill

Produced with the support and financial assistance of Oxford Brookes University, local Cowley Councillor John Sanders, Templars Square and The Ark T Centre. Published by Community Media Group. 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,I hope you have managed to enjoy the summer in spite of the rainy days! Although the changeable weather has given us some spectacular sunsets and colour strewn skies! The school holidays seem to have flashed by in a whirlwind of festivals, celebrations, adventures and new challenges such as local teacher Nik Haynes’ English Channel Swim to raise money for Water Aid or Emmaus Oxford delivering much needed supplies to the displaced people in Calais.

September can be a challenging month; nostalgic already for summer as autumn sets in and a new school year begins, many for the first time, like the recent graduates from ‘Little Treasures’ nursery. There are always so many great things happening in Cowley and we love hearing about them, so please do keep your news, views and stories coming in.

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 Valley

Willow 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, Leys4 Flaxfield Road, Blackbird Leys OX4 6QD 07767 446051E: val.smith@oxfordshire.gov.uk

YOUR LOCAL COUNCILLORS

By Helena Clennett

A FEW months ago my cat, Boo, seemed a little melancholy. Pondering what could be wrong, I realised we hadn’t seen her friend, a handsome tabby we nicknamed Cassius, in quite a while. Apparently they like sharing our neighbour’s garden bench when napping, and he could frequently be found meowing outside our window until she came out to join him. Shortly after this realisation his owner came to the house asking if we had seen her missing cat-and to our surprise we realised it was ‘Cassius’-or Smokey, as he is officially named. “I was surprised by how many people knew him” said Rose Geraedts, 36, a deli manager from East Oxford who has owned Smokey for three years after finding him at the Blue Cross in Burford.“He had been given several names and obviously likes visiting people.” When Smokey went missing Rose went door to door asking if anyone had seen him “Some people thought they had seen him which got my hopes up, but of course it could have been any grey cat. I put posters up on trees, bus stops and in the corner shop, but I didn’t hear anything and was very worried.” A little while later Rose got a call from a from a veterinary practice in Beccles, Norfolk, nearly 200 miles away. “Apparently a couple had found Smokey wandering in their garden, asking for food, and he seemed to have been in the neighbourhood for about a week.” said Rose “When they took him to the vet and scanned his microchip they found me. If he had not been chipped at the Blue Cross I wouldn’t have seen him again. The couple who found him were really kind and drove from

Norfolk to London to meet me half way and give him back, all without any recompense, they didn’t want a reward, but they did accept a chocolate cake! I’m so grateful.” A spokesperson for Petlog, a microchip database run by The Kennel Club said “It is incredibly distressing for the owner when a pet goes missing, especially when they are stolen. This is just one of many stories we hear daily about pets being reunited with their owners thanks to their microchip. Recently we reunited a cat that had been missing for a decade, and a dog that had travelled 150 miles in 24 hours. We encourage pet owners to microchip their pet but also make sure their contact details are up to date. A change in address or phone number could be the difference in never seeing your pet

again so we can’t stress enough the importance of keeping your details up to date with your microchip database.” We will probably never know exactly how Smokey got to be 200 miles away for three weeks, but Rose thinks its likely he was stolen. “When I was asking around I was told he had been seen going into a local student house where neighbours had suspicions he was being fed” said Rose “It’s really wrong to take someone’s cat, after all if they thought he was homeless there is a vet very close by where they could have taken him.” Smokey is now happily settled at home again, much to the delight of Rose and Boo, who perked up considerably on his return.

Smokey’s Odyssey

Cowley News 3

By Helena Clennett

A TEAM from the Oxford branch of Emmaus will return to Calais this September to take essential supplies to migrants living in desperate conditions in the port city after a successful first trip in July The group decided to join another Emmaus community from St. Albans, Hertfordshire, which had been visiting Calais for several months on a mission to distribute aid. “I read their report on what was happening out there and thought that this was an example of poverty and homelessness on our doorstep” said Gerrie-Lee Smee, 38, Deputy Community Leader at Emmaus

Oxford. “I spoke with our Community Leader Wyon Stansfeld who works with Asylum Welcome and Oxford City of Sanctuary and he did the fundraising and organising, while I dealt with buying, planning and logistics.” The group took a convoy of Luton vans with seven tonnes of donations to hand out including tents, tarpaulins, sleeping bags, medical supplies, women’s’ sanitary products, kindling to make fires, food (rice, lentils, etc) and cooking equipment, as well as clothes. “Shoes are like gold dust out there” explained Gerrie “People are wearing the wrong sizes, or inappropriate footwear like flip-flops. When we tried to distribute them there was lots of

snatching, but with the help of some Afghani migrants we managed orderly distribution.” With the dominant discourse concerning Calais focusing on national security, immigration and economic pressures, empathy can be forgotten. What is life like for people living in the camps? “There are lots of hygiene issues, with few shower points or toilets, the majority of the structures are tarpaulin and there is lots of litter, Scabies is rife.” said Gerrie “Some people have been enterprising and set up little shops, trying to lead as normal a life as possible, but they are few and far between.” “The Jules Ferry Centre can only feed up to 1500, and there is a distribution centre in Calais three times a week, probably to stop migrants congregating there, but as there is a ticket system to get in, it discourages them anyway.” The trip in September will need further donations of the same supplies mentioned above, with winter clothes becoming essential as the weather in France gets colder in the coming months. Emmaus plan to stay longer this time, for a least a week, to understand more about the stories and motivations of the people in the camp and to devise ways to help longer term, with projects in recycling and

education currently in planning. When giving donations its important to specify that you want it to go to Calais, as donations going to Emmaus will otherwise be used in their work at home. “We got some criticism on our Facebook page after we went to Calais in July” said Gerrie. Indeed, I read a very small number of comments from people who were clearly indignant at the thought that people abroad are benefitting from donations given to aid homeless people in Britain, “We are still doing our work helping the homeless in the UK” said Gerrie “Our charity’s ethos is that we should help those who are less fortunate. It is not about politics, this is a humanitarian disaster, people are living and dying in horrific conditions and if we can assist, we will. I think there is a lot of misreporting in the media. This tends to dehumanise the migrants, people like black and white issues, good vs. bad, and this situation is a grey area. It is a global issue and needs to be addressed, people wouldn’t be leaving their homes without good reasons.” So if you would like to donate towards the Calais project contact Emmaus Oxford. If you would like to donate towards Emmaus’ work at home, you might like to sponsor Gerrie’s trek to Everest Base Camp in March 2016, with all money raised

going towards tackling homelessness and poverty. People can donate and find out more by going to www.justgiving.com/emmauseveresttrek or text EMOX77 with donations of £2 or more to 70070 (the only cost is the donation).

Did you know? There are around 21 million refugees worldwide – about 126,000 in the UK (0.19% population). About 3,000 currently in Calais.

In 2014 the UK received 31,400 asylum applications – less than Germany (166,800), France (63,100), Sweden (81,300) and Italy (56,300).

In the UK refugees and Asylum Seekers make up 0.24% of the population. In Lebanon one in five people is a Syrian refugee.

Asylum Seeker, Refugee and Migrant – these terms are often used interchangeably but refer to different circumstances.

For more information see www.redcross.org.uk

Emmaus Oxford returning to Calais this September

By Louise Esplin

TEMPLARS Square Shopping Centre played host to a nostalgic exhibition of cars manufactured at the Cowley Car plant in years gone by, much to the delight of some of the former car workers who came along to reminisce.

The shopping centre was originally built with the Cowley car workers in mind and many past and some current employees still shop there. It was a perfect opportunity for the older generation to remember, and for the younger generations to learn what cars were built years ago.

By Lorraine Jackson

PUPILS at The Little Treasures Nursery donned their hats and gowns to take part in the Nursery’s first graduation ceremony to say goodbye as they prepared for big school this term. Staff, Volunteers and Pupils enjoyed a wonderful afternoon of singing, storytelling and playtime to celebrate. Nursery owner Marian Mohammed, 46, said: “Today has been a real success. We worked very hard in preparation for today and it has definitely paid off! We decided to do something to make

the children feel special about leaving and to give the younger ones an expectation for their day” The Nursery started in 2013 as a result of Marian’s difficulty in finding suitable local childcare facilities at an affordable price when her own family first arrived from London. She said “It’s not about profit; it’s about recognising the need for good quality childcare in the local area.” Parents, Grandparents and Carers shuffled in their seats with excitement as they patiently waited to hear the names of each Graduate called to receive their scrolls and a handshake.

Nursery Manager Jennifer Ferguson said “It has been just wonderful, I’ve watched these children grow and progress so much. Some have grown from shy toddlers into very confident and happy little individuals. The transformation is amazing. It’s the first time we’ve had a Graduation and it’s been so well received and supported. We’ll definitely be doing it again next year!”

For further information about places this term please contact nursery manager Jennifer Ferguson on 01865 236840 or 07982 932 565.

Hats off on graduation day! Stepping back in time at Templars Square

Calais Refugee camp. Photo by Gerrie Smee.

4 Cowley News

African BeatsBy Lorraine Jackson

THE RHYTHM of Africa is being played out in East Oxford with vibrant beats and melodies in a free workshop every Wednesday from 10am until 4pm at The Princes Street Community Centre. Founder Francis Boua aged 45, offers free drumming workshops to people of all abilities wanting to learn this unique skill or simply come along and listen in. Originally from The Ivory Coast, Francis told us “There’s also an opportunity to buy a range of Fairtrade goods such as coffee, tea, tee shirts, mugs and greeting cards. The idea is to directly address poverty and to develop a new concept of the meaning of Fairtrade. I believe the true definition of Fairtrade is specifically about learning, sharing and creating value within a community.” The Wednesday sessions started a year ago and have proved very popular with the locals. Megan Lokko, 47, told us “I first met Francis at a church we both attended where he told me all about it. It was a bit slow to start with but now it’s a bit of a magnet really. It just seems to draw people in. It’s been quite successful. He has an amazing backstory and so much to share.” The market was set up to mark ten years of Fairtrade in Oxford “The concept provides me with an excellent opportunity to teach aspects of my heritage to the British people. It has such a positive impact on the mood of the Visitors that support it and of course the atmosphere within the wider community. There is so much more to learn too in terms of enabling others to develop their own business ideas, raise money for charities and to develop a sustainable economy. Fairtrade is a cultural exchange and innovation that opens new ways of living”

For further information on how to get involved or join the free drumming workshop get in touch with Francis on 07946 073953 or email francis.boua@virginmedia.com or visit www.eastoxford.org

By Sharon Hulbert

Staff and customers of Sainsbury’s store at Heyford Hill gathered funds for the mental health charity Restore, collecting a magnificent £4,151. Over the year colleagues organised collections, tombola’s, sponsored walks and raffles as well as bag packing events at the supermarkets.After a yearlong partnership Restore community fundraiser Hannah Feldman said “It’s been

a super month for supermarkets – our partnership with Sainsbury’s Heyford Hill has come to a close, and we were totally overwhelmed to see the final total of £4,151 we’re enormously grateful for the generosity of the employees and customers.”

PHOTO: From left to right, Karen Smith, Bhisan Magar, Val

Fisher, Richard Perry, Sharon Hulbert, Hannah Feldman,

Gemma Humphrey and Diane Nagy and Aoife Connolly

Helping Hands at Heyford Hill

Would you like to advertise in Cowley News ?Email: cowleynewseditor@gmail.com

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

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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

By Gus Bianchini

THE summer has been average so far, I think we have had more sun than rain but not much. Taking heed from my last article will have saved your water bills from your water butt! Water saving techniques should be adopted throughout the year; covering the soil with black plastic sheeting and planting through holes or using Mulch to stop the evaporation of moisture from the soil giving steady growth. September and October are busy months, the days are getting shorter and the plant growth will be slowing down, but still lots to do. Now is time to get the last pickings and those main crops, pumpkins, should be coming to their peak just in time for Halloween. Sculpture a face and display for all to see, they also make excellent pies. Squashes are of the same genre but usually smaller and come in a variety of shapes. These

can be hollowed out, stuffed with various ingredients and roasted. They are delicious!Onions can be lifted, cleaned and stored, but if not quite ready, bend the leaves to stop them forming flower heads.Root crops like potatoes, beetroot and carrots can be lifted and prepared for storage. Crops like peas and beans will be coming to an end and should be picked. The roots of pea plants should be left in the ground as they have nitrogen nodules and will be a source of free fertiliser for the next crop.

Collect seeds for sowing next year but avoid those from “F1” stock as you never know what will grow from them! Apples and pears are ready for picking to eat immediately or for storing over winter. Now is a good time to sow winter and spring greens.

Things like lettuce, spinach and cabbages can go in now. Broad beans and some varieties of peas can be sown for early cropping next year. Garlics can be planted but like a mild climate, so if your plot is a frost hollow these won’t be suitable. Strawberry plots should be cleaned up, cut the runners and replant to extend the patch. Hardwood cuttings of soft fruit bushes can be taken now, ready for transplanting next year. Clear away crop foliage, digging the ground over,

spread and dig in any compost or manure. Lawns can still be mown but start to raise the cutters, new turf can be laid. Finally a word of caution; in these times there are some untrustworthy people about and there is a growing trend for thieves to raid the garden or allotment

shed. Think now about the security of your tools and any motorised machinery. Lock them up securely, chain them to something solid and where possible fit an alarm. Engrave your name, post code or give them a garish look to make them easily recognisable. until the next instalment.

AIM Awards Level 2 courses at Ruskin CollegePreparing for Further Study in Social Science

Subjects covered include:• EqualityandDiversity•Maths• English• IT

The next intake is Monday 28 September 2015. There will also be an intake on Monday 11 January or Monday 18 April 2016

Certificate in Skills for Health Professions

Subjects covered include:• InvestigatingaCareer• Psychology/Social Psychology• UnderstandingMental Health• EthicalIssuesinSocial Policy• BarrierstoHealth• HumanHealthand Disease• HumanPhysiology• TheSociologyofHealth

Next intake Monday 11 Janu-ary or Monday 18 April 2016

Certificate in Skills for Social Care

Subjects covered include:• InvestigatingaCareer• Psychology/Social Psychology• UnderstandingMental Health• EthicalIssuesinSocial Policy• BarrierstoHealth• HumanHealthand Disease• HumanPhysiology• TheSociologyofHealth

Next intake Monday 11 Janu-ary or Monday 18 April 2016

• ThesetenweeklongcoursesareaimedatlearnerswhowishtoreturntostudyandprepareforapplicationtoanAccesstoHigherEducationDiplomaandthosewhobenefitfromalternativeapproachestocurriculumandlearning• Avarietyofassessmentmethodsareusedandarangeofstudyskillswillbedevelopedwhilstachievingthesequalifications• Youcanapplytobearesidential(subject to availability)ornon-residentialstudent.Bur-saryfundingisavailablesubjecttoeligibility

For more information email shortcourses@ruskin.ac.uk or ring 01865 759600

www.ruskin.ac.uk/short-courses

By Lorraine Jackson

A UNIQUE combination of Artists and people experiencing homelessness are all set to entertain the public this Autumn with a modern twist on William Shakespeare’s The Tempest. Marketing Manager of The Old Fire Station of eight months Alexandra Coke said “It’s based on an idea written by Renata Allen for our main 2015 show. It’s called ‘Before the Tempest’ and is based on a series of workshops with people experiencing homelessness highlighting their plight in the city in an artistic way. Taken from the original work of William Shakespeare, it offers a glimpse into Miranda and Prospero’s life on the island just 24 hours before the actual play begins. A prequel in fact” The Hidden Spires Project and the Homelessness Charity Crisis reside at The Old Fire Station’s Art Centre, where ten members of Staff worked together to combine a range of theatre skills.

Ms Coke said “This is a unique project that includes all aspects of what’s involved in putting on such an event. That’s everything from script writing, direction, production and performance. We’re starting from scratch” The show will run from Thursday 17 to 19 Saturday September, at 7.30pm. There will

also be a matinee performance at 2pm on 19 September.

To purchase your tickets contact Alexandra at The Old Fire Station Oxford 01865 305305.

Shakespeare and the homeless

GARDENING WITH GUS

A selection of Squashes. Photo by Wildfeuer.

6 Cowley News Cowley News 7September 2015

PET CORNERDR. IVA TODOROVA at Vets4Pets in Temple Cowley discussed the importance of being proactive and having a consistent health programme for our pets. Regular check-ups help catch issues early and many of your pets’ ailments can be avoided. Cats and dogs age an average of seven human years for every calendar year, therefore it is recommended that your pet should have a wellness check-up at least twice each year. Another crucial part of a health programme for your pet is vaccinations. To develop a vaccination plan, your vet will consider your animal’s age, lifestyle and medical history to identify any risks. Once this information is evaluated, your vet will recommend appropriate vaccines at the most appropriate stage of the pet’s life with the best products available. Dr. Todorova also recommended that it is important to discuss with your vet a parasite control programme for your pet. A vet can advise you on a range of products available in order to best accommodate your pet’s needs. Your pet can encounter worms & other parasites anywhere other animals have been, whether out on the daily walk or in your back garden. As dogs are likely to suffer from worms at some point in their life, it’s important to take appropriate

measures to remove them from their system and keep them parasite free. Puppies are commonly born with worms which have been transferred from their mothers. It is important to clean up droppings regularly and maintain general hygiene. They should also receive regular doses of intestinal worming treatment, especially while they’re young. The main types that affect dogs are roundworms, tapeworms, hookworm, whipworm, heartworm and lungworm. Cats are generally diagnosed with roundworms and tapeworms.Fleas always manage to find their bothersome way into our pets’ coats and are a major source of skin problems. They come from any environment where other dogs and cats have previously been Flea eggs are deposited and hatched over a

period of time and jump onto the next passing “meal ticket” which includes us! In conclusion, regular flea prevention and worming routine is important in keeping your pet fit and healthy. Dr. Todorova presses that healthy pets have healthy teeth. Dental hygiene is not just part of a proper human health regimen, it’s also very important in regards to our pets. Providing our pets with appropriate health care requires consistency and is possible with financial peace of mind. Many vets, for example Vets4Pets, have treatments or pro-care plans that are also affordable. By taking advantage of a proper preventative health programme, there is the rewarding chance of adding many more years to enjoy your pet’s company.

By Richard Chidwick

THE 2015 Restore Elder Stubbs festival was held at Rymers Lane, Cowley, Oxford on 15 August. In its 24th year the festival boasted a variety of stalls from local organisations and charities, as well as live music and workshops. Every year members of the Elder Stubbs recovery group put a huge amount of work and preparation for the festival, held at the groups’ allotment to raise awareness of mental health and challenge the stigma associated with it. Around 3,000 people attend the festival that for mental health charity is the main event of the year. This year’s theme was ‘Wild West,’ with an interesting array of fancy dress costumes including cowboys, cowgirls, lots

of moustaches, hats and even a cactus costume! Restore Chief Executive Martin Realey said: “The large number of organisations and members of the public who have come demonstrates what a cross section of people we have in Oxford. The festival helps educate people about mental illness and health, but also the need to consider physical health too!” With a variety of food, refreshments and stalls selling anything and everything from home-made pickles to jewellery, seeds and second hand CDs, the day had something to offer for everyone. The Reggae tent is one of the highlights of the festival, with bass wobbling dub reggae providing a nice musical back drop to visitors wandering up to stalls at the far end of the allotment.

DJ Natty Hi-fi said: “This is our seventh year to put on the Reggae Stage. It is a lovely day. There’s Face Painting, live African Drumbeat Sessions and there are people dancing away to the music and generally enjoying the vibe. Roots Reggae, with its healing potencies within it, has a power and can help people relax and enjoy themselves.” One of the many musical acts to perform at the festival includes lead singer and Restore Recovery Worker Lucy Hill said: “The live music here is very good for bringing the Restore Community together and having a good time. The festival is a good place to play at and great practice too. It’s really good for raising awareness of mental health!”

Oxford Dominos ClubBy Lorraine Jackson

OXFORD Domino club have slam dunked their way into the season with a string of wins making them a force to be reckoned with on the tables. With increasing support both at home and away their confidence keeps soaring from game to game. Chairman James Forbes, 52 said “I couldn’t be happier with the team this season. We’ve won 11 games so far. I’ve been saying for the past two years that it’s the taking part that counts, but for us to win so many games already, it’s just been brilliant and has had an amazing effect on the Players morale” Having played some very exciting matches the length and breadth of the country, team members are confident that they have what it takes to end the season as they started “Lots more Supporters are travelling with us to away games and more so for the home games so they can join us for the after party in the evening. We’ve also received some very positive feedback too from the visiting teams about the atmosphere and hospitality we lay on. It’s great to see so many smiling faces” James said. This year’s fixtures added to the excitement by welcoming five new teams. They include Aylesbury, Birmingham, Wycombe, East London and Cardiff. It has already proved to be an exciting season so far and it doesn’t end until October. Well done Oxford Domino Club and keep up the good work!

Would you like to get involved? For more information about future fixtures or activities contact James on 07894 218966 or search Oxford Domino Club on Facebook.

NEWS FROM GROOVY SUTHERE are three favourite annual events in my year; beginning with May Day to herald the start of summer, then Cowley Road Carnival and finishing with the Light Night Lantern Parade in the winter. I love all these events because this is when Oxford has the chance to see itself in all its diverse glory! All ages, ethnicities, town, gown and everyone together spilling out onto the streets, it was another great Carnival this July! For me, Carnival is about the procession. Working with TocTok, a local community arts group, Cherwell School took their theme as a celebration of love and PRIDE, complete with a giant rainbow swan they danced along in big, beautiful, colourful costumes.

I also worked with Oxford Spires Academy who were taking part for the first time. Their theme ‘Creating a Sustainable Future’ celebrated the colours of their school uniform in golden yellow and purple, with green to represent nature’s abundance. Wearing giant recycling signs above their heads and giant oak leaves (made from green builders bags retrieved from skips, with permission of course!) they all had a great time. Oxford Spires Academy’s Principle, Mrs. Sue Croft was game too, dancing down the streets with her students. Here are some of my favourite quotes about Carnival:“It’s an opportunity to be yourself and be free!” “The atmosphere is brilliant!” “I love dressing up and dancing down the street!” Looking ahead, If you fancy a trip further afield, why not visit the Oxfordshire Museum in

Woodstock. There is a fantastic ‘Treasure from Trash’ exhibition of people from all around the world getting creative with waste, it is both inspiring and beautiful.While you are there, pop into the garden and have a look at what I’ve been up to over the summer! My passion is being creative with waste materials, so to compliment the exhibition I have been encouraging young and old alike to weave and decorate two pyramids made up of bicycle wheels. The scrap bicycle wheels were supplied by the lovely folk at Reg Taylors Bike shop on Iffley Road, thank you! And I have been collecting a rainbow of different colours and materials for some time now. It has been a really successful community art project with ages ranging from one to 70 plus years, everyone has loved taking part and it looks great too!Until next time, Su!

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ELDER STUBBS FESTIVAL: Reducing stigma and increasing mental health awareness

Luna the cat.

Oxford Domino Club visiting Cardiff for an away match.

Pupils from Oxford Spires Academy at Cowley Carnival. Photo by Suzy Prior.

Cowley Carnival. Photo by Suzy Prior.

8 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

Cowley News 9

The Magic Hour

PHOTOGRAPHY

Cowley Landscape at Dusk – Moonrise. Photo by Paul Freestone.

Cowley Landscape at Dusk – Audi Duskscape. Photo by Paul Freestone.

By Paul Freestone

IN PHOTOGRAPHY ‘the magic hour’ (also know as ‘the golden hour’) is the brief period shortly after sunrise or before sunset. Although referred to as ‘an hour’, it can range within more or less than 60 minutes depending on the time of the year and weather conditions, etc. It’s especially popular in cinematography for location shooting, and it’s very appealing to photographers as the light has a special quality which has been variously described as ‘warm’, ‘soft’ and ‘flattering’. However, you have to work quickly at either dawn or dusk as there will either be too much of the wrong sort of light, or none whatsoever. Personally, I like to watch the light ebbing away at dusk with potentially interesting cloud formations as a bonus. In urban situations there

is the additional overlapping phase as the remaining daylight competes with the encroaching artificial light from street lamps, car headlights, shop display and security lighting. This series of ‘duskscapes’ is about the sort of city spaces that are generally perceived as dull, grim or downright ugly. One of their defining features is that people usually pass through them (either by car, bike or on foot) without stopping. Technically; these photos were shot on a Nikon D3200 with a 10mm wide angle lens (which can produce distortion if it’s pointed upwards at buildings and poles, etc). The images haven’t been altered via Photoshop or any other digital process. The camera was mounted on a tripod as the exposures were quite slow, coupled with a remote shutter release to avoid any camera shake.

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.

Rhymetime: Wednesdays, 10.30–11am (term time only) 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: Adults Reading Group – to join, please contact the library. Monthly on Thursdays, 10.30–11.30am (dates available from library).

Rhymetime, for under 5sSecond and last Friday of the month, 11–11.30am. 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

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

Live MusicTuesdays in Broom Tree Cafe, 12–2.30pm.

Time Bank Coffee MorningBroom Tree CafeFridays 1030-1130. Find out about Cowley Time Bank. 07594064092 oxontime@gmail.com www.oxontimebanks for more information.

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

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

Oxford Youth DanceSlipstream For ages 13–16yrs.Mondays, 5–7pm.ceciliamacfarlane@talk21.com

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

InsanityA bodyweight training programme where you work flat out in three to five minute blocks, and take breaks only long enough to gulp some air and get right back to work. It’s called Max Interval Training, because it keeps your body working at maximum capacity through

your entire workout. Wednesdays, 6.30–7.30pm.£6 drop in. £25 for five class pass. £4 students/eligible benefits.

Oxford Rhythmic GymnasticsClasses designed for girls 3–16 years old who really enjoy rhythm and who want to master skills that are more challenging. Gymnasts will learn flexibility and strength, techniques with apparatus – ball, ribbon, hoop, clubs and rope. There are beginners, intermediate and advanced classes.• Mondays, 5–6pm, 5–7 years old. • New Wednesday, 5–6pmCost for one session is £5, paying for a half term upfront. Zuzana 0786 684627gymnastics@dancegz.co.uk www.dancegz.co.uk

Little Music School Fun music classes for little people. Thurs: Movers & Talkers, 10.30–11am, (under 5s) Babies - Thursdays 11.15am Bookings and enquiries: Danielle, 07981 321007

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

Lunas Dance Project

• Contemporary Dance class: Thursdays, 7.30–8.45pm. • Beginners Class: Contemporary Jazz , Ballet and Modern techniques – start from scratch!lunasdanceproject@gmail.com

QigongClass every Thursday morning, 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 Hill07974 185554ettaline@shiatsuoxford.com

Over 50s dance designed for older people who want to have fun and keep being healthyTuesday 10.30-11.30am

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. Friday 10.30-12.30 Oct 2 – Nov 6 For enquiries call Cait on 07880 615 672

EntrancedEcstatic dance Ritual for the Wild at HeartLast Friday of the month 7-9pm Cost £10(£8 concs) info@oxfordtantrawave.comwww.oxfordtantrawave.com

Zumba with AnnaThe Latin-Inspired, Easy-to-Follow, Calorie-Burning, Dance-Fitness

Party No need to book, just turn up Anyone can do it!Wednesday 6.30-7.30pm £4 a class Contact Anna Ivanova 07881 025 622 e: zumbawithanna@hotmail.co.uk w: www.facebook.com/zumbaoxfordanna

PowerhoopMonday 6.30-7.30pm Powerhoop fitness classes. Trim your waist, strengthen your core. Powerhoop is the missing linkin your workout routine... and you’ll be astonished by the results.Call Rianna on 07855023279

Wellbeing for Women WorkshopMonday 10am -11.30am Celebrate and express your femi-ninity through traditional African dance and movement. Feel empow-ered and good about your body. Have fun and dance your heart out! Rachel Wajiha Butler 07795 664679

Yoga with Michele Jacobs Monday 7-8.30pm Michele Jacobs dreamytiger@live.co.uk

Pop-up-Pilates, Cowley A physiotherapist lead Pilates class appropriate for all levels and abilities. Email: lauren@pop-up-Pilates.comMob: 07547 920909Website: pop-up-pilates.com

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. 07729 655 543 E: mail@barrackslanegarden.org.uk W: www.barrackslanegarden.org.uk

The Dystonia Society UK welcomes you to join us. Our meeting dates for Winter -– Spring 2016 are as follows:12 September14 November9 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. OX3 9DU.

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

Singing at Ark T

10.30am – 12.30pm Friday October 2 – November 6

A new group starting at the Ark T Centre Crowell Road Cowley in partnership with Sound ResourceGroup facilitators: Katie Cochran and Cait Sweeney, supported by Janet Stansfeld

We say everyone can sing! The group is open to everyone, so come along and sing for fun! No singing or musical experience is needed to join in and you don’t have to be able to read music as all the songs we sing are taught by ear.

Our facilitators are skilled at enabling people to participate whatever their previous experience of singing and their current needs, be it memory loss, mobility issues or simply having an occasion to get out and meet people.

Suggested donation: £2 per session (towards refreshments and room hire)The Broom Tree Café also based at Ark T serves well priced food and drinks so there’s the opportunity to stay for a while after the session.

For more information please visit the Ark T website: www.ark-t.org/ or call Cait: 07880 615672

FEEL FIT GYM, SPA AND CLASSES Templar’s Square, Cowley. Open from 6.30am, Monday to Friday

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

Cowley News 11

Is your child struggling at school or do they need a boost to improve their grades?

English • Maths • Reading • ScienceAges 5-16

Oxford Education Centres-the only tuition centre in Oxford staffed by fully qualified teachers

Call for a FREE assessment on 01865 402950 or visitwww.oxfordeducationcentres.com

Amazing Value!

ACT NOW

Working Tax Credit - if you are eligible for the “childcare element” of Working Tax Credit, you may be able to claim up to 70% of the cost of The Education Centres course fee’s as a tax credit.

FLORENCE PARK COMMUNITY CENTRE

Ace Flooring Nigel07774 206440 David Bryan Electrical07766 547358 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. Phone for times of Christmas services. 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. 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! All welcome. 01865 751621

Our Ladys Hollow Way 59 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. Come along for a drink at the bar and to meet your neighbours. It is for members, but 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.

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.

The Florence Park Flower Club meets every fourth Tuesday 8pm

Social Club open Monday – Friday 7.30pm – 11.30pm members and guests

Equip Cafe every Saturday 10am to 2pm, barista coffee and brunch, children welcome

Craft circle every Wednesday 7:30 to 9:30pm

Daily evening stroll starting 6:30pm outside the community centre and following a fixed route around Florence Park neighbourhood (free)

Tai Chi Thursdays 10:45 to 11:45pm 19 Sept to 24 Oct, cost £8 (£7 members) or £35 (30) for five sessions

Wake up with yoga Wednesdays 7:45-8:45am 2 Oct to 6th Nov, £8 per class www.suepennington.com

Ashtanga YogaTuesday nights 6-7:15 wilth Bella Rossi. £8 per class (£7 Florence Park residents), or £35 block of 5 classes (£30 residents).

Powerhoop every Monday 6:15 to 7pm. £5 + £1 to hire a hoop. Booking essential. Call Rianna 07855023279

Little Big Voice fun choir for 5-8 year olds Wednesdays 3:45-4:30 £3 per child no need to book emformusic@outloook.com

The Florence Park Over 60’s Club meets every Friday 12-2pm

Book Group every third Monday of month (aprox)

Friends of Florence Park every fourth Monday of the month

Bingo every Thursday evening (8pm) and last

Saturday of the month Family Bring-a-long a Board Game Evening. Last Friday of each month starting from Feb 2015. 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)

Sunday gig’s: local bands play last Sunday of the month. Family friendly.

All Course details can be found at: www.filmoxford.org/training01865 792731 office@filmoxford.org

Taster coursesThese courses are suitable for complete beginners in digital video, and animation. They are run at an easy pace and require no prior skills, other than basic computer skills.

Three Day Video Production CourseNext dates: 9, 10, 11 November 2015

Video Activists Coursebuilding skills for community action and changeNext course: Thursday and Friday 15 and 16 October 2015

Reel WomenIntroductory video production course for womenNext course: t.b.c. – email us your interest

Introduction to Digital VideoNext Course: Sat/Sun 5 – 6 December 2015

Stop Motion AnimationNext course: weekend, two days, 12 and 13 December

FILM OXFORD54 Catherine St. OX4 3AH.

Film Oxford is an independent centre for film and digital media whose aim is to create a community of film makers and digital creators through the ‘mantra’ of TRAIN, NETWORK, CREATE, EXHIBIT. We offer a varied programme of professional training from complete beginners to industry professionals and are committed to supporting socially and economically marginalised groups. All courses are subsidized for EU citizens. We offer a 10% early booking discount and up to 50% reductions for people on benefits. Film Oxford also runs bespoke courses for organisations, businesses or individuals. If you want us to run a course for you that fits in with your schedule, whether at Film Oxford or your own premises, please get in touch. We can also run Advanced and Specialised courses upon request and also work with other organisations to deliver training.

FLORENCE PARK HORTICULTURE

SHOWSunday 13 September11.30am – 2.30pmFree admission to the public

Category entrants will be taken on th edoor on th eday (50p) before 10.30am.

Refreshments available and Oxofrd Open Doors Exhibition in Lounge

See website for more details.

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

MUSEUM OF OXFORD Community WorkshopsWe offer lots of workshops for adults, including Searchers, Creative Writing and Art For All. All workshops take place in the Heritage Learning Centre on weekdays during term time (see monthly listings for further details) and all abilities are welcome. Please contact Antonia Harland-Lang (aharland-lang@oxford.gov.uk) for more information or just come along to a session.

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

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

12 Cowley News

By Rich Heap

THERE are not many sports you start as a hobby and quickly end up playing international players, but Cowley has a club that plays one such sport: korfball. In August, Oxford City Korfball Club hosted its annual summer tournament, which attracted over 25 teams from as far afield as Bristol, Kent, London and Manchester; and with a wide range of abilities, from internationals to amateurs. This was City’s largest-ever tournament, and testament to the club’s growing status in English korfball. It also gave a chance for its newer players to test their skills against full internationals. So what is korfball? Well, it’s a sport that originated in the Netherlands – ‘korf’ is Dutch for ‘basket’ – and is similar to basketball, handball and netball. People play it in 65 nations around the world, including Europe, Asia-Pacific, the Americas and Africa. It is also the world’s only truly mixed-sex sport, with four men and four women playing on the same team to try to score goals in a yellow hoop on the top of

an 11.5-foot post. This is harder than it sounds, as hundreds of people found in July when they tried taking a penalty at Oxford City’s stand at the Cowley Road Carnival. As for City, these are exciting times. Earlier this year, the club won the Oxfordshire Korfball Association plate, which was its first piece of silverware for five years. Since then, it has been recruiting new players and strengthening its squads. Its players are now training hard for the new season, which runs from September through to April. This season the club will have five teams competing in four leagues against teams from across Oxfordshire, Hampshire, the southwest and Wales. If you want to have a go at korfball then the club is always on the lookout for new players, so check it out. Maybe you could be testing your korf skills against an international player very soon.Oxford City Korfball Club trains on Thursdays at Oxford Spires Academy, Glanville RoadOxford.

If you want to find out more or try korfball yourself, visit oxfordcitykorfball.co.uk

By Richard Chidwick

NIK HAYNES is set to begin an extraordinary bid to swim the 21 miles of the English Channel to hopefully break a world record and raise 5,000 pounds. Nik, 36, hails from Maryland in The U.S, and is Head of Geography at Oxford Spires Academy, and hopes to raise the money for Water Aid with this audacious attempt. Nik said “On 5 September, I will be attempting to break the World Record for swimming across the English Channel, doing only backstroke. Something in the region of 1800 people have swum the English Channel, but most do it front crawl; I have chosen back stroke as only three people have done it, I have been swimming since I was five years old, and not many people have swum the channel. I want to do something more than just giving five or ten pounds, I started training in November, December time, and last week I went down to Bournemouth to swim in the sea.” Adding “I grew up in Maryland in the U.S, and was surrounded by water, but Sub-Saharan Africa is the most depleted, I’ve taken on this challenge in order to inspire my students, but also to raise money for a charity I teach my students about in Geography lessons – Water Aid. The £5,000 I hope to raise will provide some of the money a village needs to install a new water pump in a developing African village

that will provide clean, safe water for over 2000 people. In order to reach this target, I will need the support of the local community as well as friends and family.” Water Aid is an international charity that transforms lives by improving access to safe water, hygiene and sanitation. Every stroke Nik swims will be worth a lot for impoverished people and help Water Aid in their vital work.

To get behind Nik and help him along please visit www.facebook.com/Niksbackstrokechannelswim.

Cowley Korfers gear up for new season

www.templarssquare.com129 Pound Way, Cowley,Oxford, OX4 3XHTel: 01865 74886

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Local Teacher to Swim English Channel for Water Aid

The Cowley Korfers (blue strip) in action.