The Sprout Issue 103, Winter 2015

Contents

3 Letters and BEST OF BOTLEY

5 Elms Road Children’s Centre

13 It’s a Dogz Life

14 NHL Traffic problems

15 Police Update

17 Remembrance Day committee

21 Brownies Show the Flag

23 WWCC latest

25 Neighbourhood Plan

27 All I want for Christmas…

29 Cry Havoc are generous

31 North Hinksey School

33 Children’s competition

35 “Searchers”

37 Botley Mill

39 Randoms

43 Local Organizations

From the Editor

The main concern this month is our local Children’s Centre, under threat from the latest round of government cuts to local authority funding. From p5 onwards you can read what it does and why it’s so special. The parish council continues its charm offensive: Cllr Voirrey Carr describes the work of the Remembrance Day Committee on p17, and you can sign up for the latest initiative, the e-newsletter, at http://bit.ly/1MVoIuH or read it on the NHPC website. Elsewhere, the Brownies record their feelings about the Remembrance Day service (p21), Martin Harris draws attention to some locally sourced Christmas presents (p27), and Cry Havoc have given a present of £1000 to the Multiple Sclerosis Centre after a summer of fundraising (p29). There’s a bit of local history in the account of Botley Mill (p37), and WWCC brings you up to date on developments at the shopping precinct (p23). Other planning issues are the open day on 3rd January to see if our Neighbourhood Planners are on the right track (p25), and efforts by people living along North Hinksey Lane to bridle the traffic (p14). Then there’s the Best of Botley awards night on December 11th at 7pm. If you can’t manage to get there, worry not – the Sprout will have the details, but not until our next edition, which won’t be till February. Happy Christmas everyone!

Ag MacKeith

Letters to the Editor Tumbling Bay

When I visited Tumbling Bay on 24th October, I found that the bulk of the reed bed had been removed.

Without any authority, and in direct contradiction of the City Council's specific instructions, most of the reed bed had been ripped out, disrupting the entire ecosystem of beetles, damselflies and other creatures that depended on it.

So it was particularly galling the following week to read in November's Sprout Tony Talbot's letter, claiming that I had “misunderstood his intentions” and that he wanted to “work together with wildlife groups” to “preserve and enhance the environment of Tumbling Bay”.

He signed off with “please join us and have a say in what happens”. But how could I or anybody else have a say, when this devastation had already happened?

Linda Losito

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BEST OF BOTLEY

Did you nominate your favourite

person for an award for the way

they’ve made life better in Botley? Who

else was nominated, and how did they do? Put

11th December in your diary and come along

to Botley School to join in the fun and celebrate

the people who make Botley such a great place

to live. Festivities start at 7pm.

The Children’s Centre Saved our Lives

You’ll likely have read in local news and in the Sprout what an important role Oxfordshire's Children’s Centres play. They are deeply important to many families, and ours is no different. Our story is pretty straightforward: the Elm's Road Children’s Centre saved our lives.

Parenthood hit us like a storm. We had awful feeding problems, exactly no sleep, we were frightened, and I ended up with severe post-natal depression. It was horrifying, and we were alone in a new place, with no family support nearby.

Luckily, we knew where to seek help. We were steered towards the Children’s Centres by health care professionals. The midwives and health visitors, the manager and staff of the Children’s Centre, and especially the parents we met, helped us all to recover, and to grow as a family.

I only remember our first visit to Elm's Road as a fuzzy haze of comfort and support. But during our many, many visits we built a network of new parents and became part of a community, no small thing in a new place. This is the sort of community of old – people we expect to know for decades to come, children who our children will grow up with. Botley has a growing population of new families, but how else would we have met if it weren't for a local hub where we all gather for health services, classes, events and play groups?

Most people in the area can easily walk to Elm's Road, which is a pretty big deal when you think about the traffic in and around Oxford. It means we can get there any time we need to, pretty much every day of the week. And one of the best things? Because the services are for everyone (they're actually called Universal Services), there's no stigma attached to using the Children's Centres. These are not places for difficult children or families with problems, they're for everyone. We needed, and continue to rely on, the support of the Children's Centre, and there are many families with similar stories. It doesn't bear thinking about how those stories might end without our Elm's Road Children’s Centre.

Emma Burnett

The Elms Road Children’s Centre clearly has an important place in Botley lives, but what actually happens there? The Sprout asked Sue Dowe, the woman at the helm, to send us details of the services Elms Road provides.

Elms Road Children’s Centre

For many residents of North Hinksey, Elms Road Children’s Centre may be a bit of a mystery. It opened in 2007 and provides services for children 5 and under so if your children are over 12 or you do not have children you may not have visited the Centre.

The Centre is attached to Botley School in Elms Road. There is a lovely garden where children with their parents and carers can experience art and craft activities, water play and enjoy the sandpit. There is also a large indoor room with a wide variety of learning opportunities. Sessions are carefully planned to maximise the learning for children and parents and importantly the centre provides an opportunity for families to come together and support each other. The latter is particularly important when there are so many families moving into the area who may not have their extended family nearby.

Current services open to everyone.

1. Stay and Play (twice a week) – an open session for children to play,

learn and enjoy music and songs. Staff can help with information

about issues that affect young children’s health and learning.

2. Bump to Baby group (once a week) – for parents of babies up to 9

months.

3. Saturdads (monthly) – for dads/male carers and their children.

4. Outdoor sessions on a Saturday morning – 7 a year. For families to

explore local outside spaces like Hill End, Cumnor, Raleigh Park.

5. Two-hour Paediatric First Aid Course – basic first aid for parents and

carers.

6. Parenting Course – strategies that help with raising children.

7. Health visitor drop-in and midwife clinic – parents drop in for health

advice.

8. ESOL class for speakers of English as a second language – a

conversation class for families in the areas who are learning English.

9. New parent group and baby massage – a support group for parents

in the first few months of becoming a parent.

10. Courses run by external providers e.g., WEA/ Adult Learning aimed

at returning to work and gaining new skills.

11. CAB appointments fortnightly – advice offered locally

12. Support for local childminders – local childminders come and share

experiences and expertise.

13. Information relating to all aspects of early childhood.

14. Information about benefits, courses, training and returning to work.

In addition to these services staff at the children centre support families through home visiting and working in conjunction with other agencies. If you would like to know more about the Children’s Centre please visit our website www.elmsroad.org.uk Visitors are welcome but please ring first so that someone will be able to show you around.

Sue Dowe

A great deal of money, time and thought has gone into making the best possible provision for Oxfordshire’s families. Can it be possible that all this might be lost? Emma Burnett takes up the story:

Campaign to Save Oxfordshire’s Children’s Centres

Children’s Centres offer a very well-established and valuable service for all families. They are welcoming local resources that are open to all, providing essential support and services, as well as self-help and peer support. Currently, they are open to all families whenever they need it. However, due to funding cuts, the County Council plans to close all Oxfordshire’s 44 Children’s Centres, and introduce just eight new hubs for the entire county. These would be a limited referral service only. If you’re a parent of young children, however, you’ll know that at some point we’re all parents in need! And when we need help, we need it fast – we don’t always have the time to wait, or know where to go for a referral.

“Children’s centres are huge for dads too!”

As well as supporting all families in the vulnerable early years, universal services help families in greater need become visible. They can be assisted with additional services without stigma, and children are kept safe, preventing crises being reached. Children’s Centres are a sensible and vital investment for happy and healthy communities. Closing children's centres would be a false economy – it will increase the demand on the NHS (GPs and A&E) and child and adult care services, already under stress from reduced funding.

“We met other parents and learned how to play with other children.”

The council have agreed a budget but it’s not yet a done deal. Save Oxfordshire's Children's Centres is working to prevent closure, so your voice is essential. Here are some things you can do to help: Sign the petition: you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/save-oxfordshire-s-

children-s-centres-2

Follow on Facebook: www.facebook.com/Save-Oxfordshires-Child rens-Centres-Campaign

Follow on Twitter: @saveoccc Get more involved and/or tell your story: saveocc.org

It’s a dogz life

‘Ullo, my name is Oscar. I’m kwite a large blak flat cote retreever, yoo may have seen me arownd the wuds or that place wair people showt at yoo just for helping them find their little wite borls

Ennyway, I’ve been arsked to rite sumthing for the Sprowt. I think its cos thay don’t hav enuff ‘peeple’ to do the artikals. I did paws for thort (wot, wot are yoo sniggering at?) befor I agreed but my I’m shure my ‘man’ woz happy with this ‘cos he offen sez ’why don’t yoo jus do sumthing apart from eet, sleep an cost me munny?’

I’m nine now but my ‘man’ keeps saying to frens ‘he’s getting on’ – how kum? He’s nearly 70 an’ reckons he’s still yung. I think his maffs has gone rong.

Well, wen I woz born, I had 11 bruthers and sisters but grajully thay orl disappeared. It’s a bit odd cos I offen see ‘peeple’ famlees abowt an the kidz genrally seem to stik arownd for ever.

Ennyway, I hav lived in Botlee since I left my mum. I like it heer cos there are lots of ‘peeple’ to lik. In fak, wun ov the best dayz I had woz wen orl the ‘peeple’ made a big ring rownd the bildings an I went down as well with my ‘man’ with a flag rownd my nek. I orlmost ran owt of liks that day. I orlso like Botlee cos my bestest gurlfrend livs heer corled Flo. Mine yoo, sumtimes I don’t unnerstand gurls cos I nibble her eer but she only wonts to play with her borl. My man offen sez

sumthing abowt ‘tipikal fikkal wimmin’ but praps I’ll by her a noo borl for Krissmas, see if that helps.

Achully, I’m riting this on fiff November under the table with my blanket over my eers. My ’man’ showts ‘for hevvens saik, youre sposed to be a gun dog’. Well, wot I say is, if I am gun dog, jus giv me a gun an I’ll see if I kan sort sumthing owt.

Ennyway, Its time to start stairing at my ‘man’ with my best ‘I know theres 2 ourz to go before dinna but I’m hungree now” look, so see yoo in the nex edishon. I think I’ll inclood

Wen I woz a puppee an tride to help the bilders

Training my ‘man’

Helping on the allotment

Rigards Oscar

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Botley Art

Further to the piece in July’s Sprout, I can report that the art exhibition displaying at the back of SS Peter & Paul’s Church on West Way continues with a new selection of pictures.

Botley Community Arts Group is represented by two local artists, namely photographer Gordon Stokes and painter Lihua Yuan. Gordon Stokes photographs landscapes, in minimalist style, and cites his influences as paintings, especially impressionism and abstraction. Nearly all are of Oxfordshire scenes with one or two pictures of the Outer Hebrides. Gordon lives in Cumnor village.

Lihua Yuan lives in Botley, but comes from the province of Guangdong in China. After studying Chinese painting and design in the city of Guangzhou, she worked as an arts and crafts designer. Since moving to Britain she has taken a particular interest in botanical illustration.

North Hinksey Art Group is a weekly watercolour and drawing class (details on the Organizations page). There are 15 paintings from the group currently on display in the Church by local artists Clive Smith, Jackie Warner, Margaret Gaisford, Viv Smith, Emilie Savage-Smith, Robin Carr, and Janice Venables.

Need an interesting, unique, and locally sourced Christmas present? Look no further! Viv Smith

. Police Update There have been a number of car thefts recently. A car was stolen overnight from Poplar Road, Botley on 13th October, and found abandoned in Wolvercote the following day. The vehicle utilises “keyless technology” so may well have been taken without the keys. On the evening of 19 October a handbag was stolen from under the seat of a car in Laburnum Road, and on 26th October a work vehicle was stolen from a site on Westminster Way at 9.30am. The vehicle was unattended for approx 10 minutes and the keys may have been left in it. If you have any information on either of these crimes please call the police non-emergency number 101.

On Sunday 1 November there was a burglary on Westminster Way/Montague Road, Elms Rise. This occurred between 6pm and 8:45pm and remains under investigation. We are keen to speak to anyone with information or sightings of any suspicious activity in the area at the time of this offence. Please contact us on 101.

Now that the schools have returned please think again before parking your car on a pavement or in someone’s driveway. Thoughtless parking puts pedestrians’ lives in danger, especially where there are children.

After activity that included squatters, raves and general anti-social behaviour, the Grant Thornton building has now been cleared out and sealed up, so no one should be in there. The electrics have been isolated although it is possible some emergency back-up lighting could still come on. If you have any concerns or suspicions that the building may have been compromised again, please call us on 101. You should still dial 999 in an emergency.

PCSO Adi Wright

Remembrance Day Committee

The work of the North Hinksey Parish Council Remembrance Day Committee is focused on the planning and organization of our annual Ceremony of Remembrance at Botley Cemetery Commonwealth War Graves and the subsequent silence which is always held in the West Way shopping precinct at the 11th hour of the eleventh month.

It was the Parish Council who instituted this service, in 1986, and it has always been a very well attended local event, attracting hundreds of local residents, members of the British Armed Forces, representatives of foreign Embassies and High Commissions, together with ex-servicemen’s and -women’s organizations and uniformed youth groups. This year, we were very pleased also to welcome our M.P., Nicola Blackwood, who represented H.M. Government.

The one thing we can’t control is the weather and it looked as if 2015 might see the first really wet service in many years but, thankfully, the rain held off and the sun even attempted to shine.

The service was led by Reverend Richard Budgen, supported by other local clergy, the Oxford Youth Brass Ensemble and the Botley Singers and relayed by Radio Cherwell. We were very fortunate to have local resident and ex-serviceman Dr David Henderson-Slater as our guest speaker. Dr Henderson-Slater spoke of the many nationalities buried in our cemetery and of the nursing care given to so many in the makeshift hospitals set up in Oxford’s colleges and halls during both world wars. He went on to remind us that this year marks the 100th anniversary of the execution of Nurse Edith Cavell, the World War I British nurse who is celebrated for saving the lives of over 200 soldiers – from both sides – in German-occupied Belgium. She was accused of treason, found guilty by a court martial and executed by firing squad. Dr Henderson-Slater reflected on the power of Edith Cavell’s words in the hours before her death: ‘Patriotism is not enough. I must have no bitterness towards anyone.’

Many youth organizations laid wreaths, including North Hinksey and Matthew Arnold schools. Isidore Hiscock from Matthew Arnold School also read the lines from Laurence Binyon’s poem ‘For the Fallen’: They shall grow not old as we that are left grow old Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun, and in the morning, We will remember them.

After the service, we all enjoyed the hospitality of the W.I., the hot drinks and the legendary homemade biscuits, whilst having further opportunity to talk to all those who had journeyed from near and far to attend this very special service.

A large number of people work with the Parish Council to make this service happen, but particular thanks must go to our Clerk, Alan Stone, whose knowledge of what is needed and whose attention to detail ensures that the committee is kept well informed at every step of planning for the event and whose oversight is invaluable on the day. Thank-you, Alan!

It is a great pleasure and honour to be chair of this committee .

Cllr Voirrey Carr

Brownies Carry the Flag

As I reported last month we counted up to see which of our Brownies had won the 21st Shield and the honour of carrying our unit flag at the Remembrance Day Service. Two of the runners up (Phoebe & Josie) joined Matilda, our flag bearer, to become 2nd Botley Brownie Unit’s colour party.

You may also remember reading how, last year, after the Remembrance Day Parade and Service, our Unit met a gentleman clutching a handful of wooden crosses and placing them on a few of the WWII headstones near where we had been standing. So this year we were very much hoping to meet this lovely chap and his wife, daughter and son-in-law again. We were standing in the same position at the Commonwealth War Graves and weren’t disappointed – we were able to greet them before the service began and have a long chat afterwards. Ted (who was 90 this year and not 93 as I had estimated last year – sorry!) and family saw my article last year too – so thank you, Sprout, for passing that on. Ted really is very good with the girls, and vividly evoked his Lancaster’s crew. He even allowed our Brownies to place some of his wooden crosses for him. We have asked Ted if 2nd Botley Brownies can “adopt” him as our veteran. It is so moving to have someone to be able to give details beyond the inscribed names on the headstones. Lucy Howes

WEST WAY DEVELOPMENT UPDATE

SPD deferred; Mace start consultations on new plan Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) is not yet adopted by Vale Cabinet

Last month we wrote about the SPD, its importance in determining how a new planning application would be considered, and why we felt it was deficient. Since then, the Scrutiny Committee of the Vale Council raised questions about its legality and WWCC also wrote pointing to specific ways in which it breached both planning and EU law. The Cabinet decided to withdraw the SPD whilst these concerns were looked into.

The Vale have now announced that the SPD will be revised. We believe there will be a further round of consultation before it is resubmitted to the Cabinet in January. We will update you when we know more about the consultation and again help you to respond to it.

MACE starts consultation on new plans Mace held a series of small workshops in October for specific groups of residents. Details of the western end of the site - the car park behind the church - showed a new community building to house the replacement for the Seacourt Hall, library, cafe and IT suite, and rooms for other purposes such as meetings and the youth club. Such a facility would be very welcome but there can be no guarantee that it will appear in the final design in the same configuration. No details were provided for the eastern section but we understand that new uses such as student accommodation, a cinema, hotel and buildings of up to 8 storeys are still possibilities.

We believe that Mace are still planning to hold their first public exhibition of their draft design for the site in late November, so you may well have seen it by the time you read this. We will keep you up-to-date with events as they are confirmed.

And a big thank you You may well be wondering when all this will ever come to an end. We hope that it will not be too long. In the meantime, remember that we – local residents, users of and workers in West Way – have scored some significant successes over the last year. We have seen off the utterly inappropriate application from Doric last year despite it being supported by the Vale, and we have forced the Vale to re-write the SPD. We have seen Mace commit to developing on a smaller scale, created our own

Vision that formed the basis of the Vale’s SPD, persuaded the Vale to state that Elms Parade is a key element of the character of the centre, and forced them Vale to re-write the SPD.

Thank you for all your support in so many ways over the last twelve months. We wish you all a merry and peaceful Christmas and a very happy New Year.

To keep up to date, email us and ask to be put on our circulation list for regular updates, or visit the WWCC pop-up shop at 5 Elms Parade. westwayconcern@gmail.com www.westwayconcern.wordpress.com www.facebook.com/WestWayConcern www.twitter.com/westwayconcern

John Clements, on behalf of West Way Community Concern

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Community feedback event – Planning our Future

This will be your first chance to have your say about the emerging Neighbourhood Plan for Botley & North Hinksey:

SEACOURT HALL

10am to 4pm

SATURDAY 30TH JANUARY 2016 Our Neighbourhood Planning team of volunteers will present the results of their investigations to date including our Vision Statement, and proposed policies and community actions to be included in the Plan. You will be able to ask questions and comment on our progress to date on topics like Housing, Transport, Economy & Employment, Social Infrastructure, Green Spaces & Natural Environment and Utilities.

There are more details on the Neighbourhood Plan website www.nhinkseynp.org.uk (and on the Parish Council website and Community website). If you have any advance queries, or would like to join our volunteer team please email info@nhinkseynp.org.uk

We look forward to seeing you at the event.

David Kay, Secretary, North Hinksey Parish Neighbourhood Plan

All I want for Christmas is…

I’m sure you’ll agree that it’s often difficult to know what to get people for Christmas. This year if you’re looking for something to read, then how about selecting something with a Botley/Cumnor parish connection? Last year, former parish council chairman and Botley School pupil Neil Clerk brought out his excellent Biography of Edgar Wallace, the prolific writer, journalist and newspaper editor. At the time of his death in 1932, Wallace was working on a movie script that became King Kong.

Recently, I’ve obtained from Botley’s Rene Gill a book she edited of her brother Peter’s Letters From India 1945–7. It’s a wonderfully fascinating and amusing read of his military service. Or how about one of the many witty books written by former Botley boy Guy Browning, including his recently published The British Constitution: First Draft.

If you’re cultured i.e. went to a local secondary school, then you may wish to try and get hold of a copy of Selected Poems by Matthew Arnold including the one that mentions “that sweet city with her dreaming spires”. (The poem is Thyrsis, although I’m not quite sure how you pronounce

that.) In 7 years’ time, I’m sure this parish will want to celebrate the bicentenary of the birth of this great man. Finally I must mention Malcolm Graham and Laurence Waters who both separately and together have written many excellent local history books (Laurence is an expert on the local railways).

Sadly, neither Elvis Presley nor the Beatles ever came to Botley but both are competing in the pop music charts with their latest albums. In fact what I would like for Christmas is for there to be peace in the world – the Beatles said it in 1967 and it’s still relevant today: All You Need Is Love.

Martin Harris

Cry Havoc supports MS therapy centre

Botley's morris side, Cry Havoc, has raised £1,000 to help support work at Oxford's MS therapy centre. Members of the side met the centre's Treasurer and Chair on 19th November to hand over a cheque and celebrate a successful year of fundraising. The Oxford Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Centre is a registered charity based on Milton Park, providing support and therapy for those with Multiple Sclerosis, as well as aiding recovery from cancer treatment or sports injuries. The centre is funded solely by voluntary contributions and fundraising events.

Founded in 1993, Cry Havoc still has a notable base of members who live in Botley, but others come from different parts of Oxford and surrounding towns and villages. Each year, we raise funds on behalf of a charity, with collections at public dance-outs and fees for dance workshops and private events. Our repertoire includes dances from Bampton, Adderbury, Bledington, Fieldtown (aka Leafield), Headington, Brackley and Lichfield, and two dances in the new Botley tradition.

Cry Havoc is a mixed side – mixed genders, ages, backgrounds, abilities – and we're always happy to welcome new dancers and musicians. From September to April, we meet for practice at 7.30 on Thursday evenings at the Botley WI hall, followed by a music session at the Seacourt Bridge pub from 9:30pm. You are welcome to try a dance at our practice, or join in our session at the pub. If you'd like to know more, call in and see us on Thursdays or see www.cryhavoc.org.uk. Mick Phillips

Coffee Morning at North Hinksey School

On Thursday 24th September North Hinksey C of E Primary School; hosted a mind-blowing morning when we baked for Britain to support the charity ‘Macmillan Coffee Morning’. The coffee morning was a huge success, raising £611. Even the Oxford Mail got involved.

The charity was started in 1911 when a young man named Douglas Macmillan watched his suffering father die of cancer. His father’s pain and suffering moved Douglas so much that he founded the Society for the Prevention and Relief of Cancer The society grew so much that there was a hospice built. It helped so many people’s loving families who have been given the heart-breaking news that they have cancer. This amazing charity has now got many hospices around the UK.

Once we had researched Macmillan, it was time to start planning our coffee morning. It began with Mrs Dalimore asking Mr Redhead of ‘the School Lunch Company, if we could use some of the ingredients for our delicious cakes. He kindly gave us many ingredients for free.

Not long after, we started to make fliers and posters for the school and for the local neighbourhood. We had made invites and sent them out to previous staff, governors and the wider community. We baked cakes inside and outside school with Mrs Holloway and Mrs Bowers. We made a Victoria Sponge and a rocky road. Mrs Clare generously baked with the younger years to make some fantastic cup cakes.

The big day started at 8.45. Year 6 rushed into the hall ready and waiting for people to turn up. There were many jobs to do: selling cakes, making and selling drinks, games, collecting donations and most importantly EATING! The hall was packed, but the cakes never seemed to disappear. Over 50 people came, all buying cakes and donating even more. Mrs Dalimore

won the ‘spot the dots’ competition. The prize was half of the money we raised but she gave it back straight away.

All in all we were very proud to raise so much, and that the event was such a success. This outstanding charity does so much for everyone and deserves every penny..

After all these amazing times we must say a huge thank you to: Mrs Bowers, Mrs Dalimore, Mrs Holloway, and Mrs Clare for helping us bake. Also to the School Lunch Company for their donated ingredients. Lastly to Mrs Pearce, Mrs Tyrrell, Mrs Danby and Mr Waldock for helping us to count the £611 raised.

Hannah Piper

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Tell the Sprout!

The Sprout would like to hear from Botley’s younger members, and

has a cash prize of £25 for every article accepted. Choose your

own subject, not more than 400 words, and send it to the Editor at

editor@thesprout.org.uk (Editor’s decision is final)

‘Searchers’ – Who are We?

Looking for something new to do this winter? Why not join us at Searchers? We are a lively bunch of people who gather every Monday afternoon at 1.30pm in the Heritage room in Oxford Town Hall. We decide our agenda, discuss international and national topics as well as local issues. We research general as well as personal issues. Don’t be put off by the word ‘Research’, it only means finding information of interest. We all do this every day in one form or another, checking contents in our food shopping or working out the best route to a new venue, checking train times, etc. Sometimes we publish our findings, either singly or collectively. This term we are working on the lives of our Grandmothers; past titles have included ‘our Working Lives’ and ’Collected Poetry’ and other such diverse subjects.

It is stimulating and we encourage each other as well as supporting individual efforts. BUT, nobody has to do anything. We welcome people coming along to just join in the discussions. New ideas and new blood are always welcomed and valued. All ages are welcome, no exams to be faced, and it is free. The Co-ordinator is Kath Hughes, previously a tutor at Ruskin College, so very experienced and enthusiastic. Kath is helped by Marilyn Ching, with support from Antonia Harland Lang who is employed by the museum.

I joined when I returned from living in Ireland and wanted to study but found Adult Education too expensive. I have been attending for many years now, have seen different people come and go, have made friendships and learned a great deal from everyone. Why not come and join us for a taster? We have a refreshment break halfway through, a time for general chats. After half term there will be five more sessions before the Christmas break and a new start in the New Year. You could make us your New Year resolution! We would love to meet you.

Ruth Cartwright

Botley Mill and the George

Botley Mill was first recorded in the Domesday Book, and many tenants lived there over the centuries. In the late 18th Century Edward Hunt of Fawler took on the lease.His descendants kept the mill going for the next 120 years. It was finally demolished after the Seacourt Bridge was widened in 1923. William Hunt later deviated from the family business, opening a stationers in Broad Street and later building the Hunt & Broadhurst factory off Botley Road (now the site of Aldi, Argos, etc). Edith Hunt helped her brother with his shop. I knew her as a friendly, elderly lady when we both lived in Hill View Road.

Fred Daniels became landlord of The George around 1887 and there was competition for customers with the nearby Black Horse. His son, also named Fred, married and started a family. The name of their son James, killed at the battle of Loos in 1915, is recorded in St Lawrence Church. Mrs Doris Eadle was born one of eight Daniels children at the George in 1916: “When Botley Mill was pulled down my uncle gave the oak beams to St Lawrence Church in North Hinksey to support the organ. The first house after the George was Charlie Hayman’s, he had a fish shop by the covered market in Market Street. He would pick up lobsters and crabs from the station and bring them to the low outhouse between the pub and his house, where they boiled them up and sold them in his shop. The Curtis family lived next door and dabbled in motor bikes.” .

Stones from Botley Mill were used to build the base and corners of Col ffennell’s chalet at in Wytham Woods.

Many thanks to Briony Newport for the main substance of this account, which was published in an earlier issue of the Sprout. Much has changed since then: the George is now a shop called Richer Sounds; Haymans, on the other hand, has grown and flourished, and now owns not just the shop in the covered market, but the fish market on Osney Mead industrial estate. The Curtis family still own Curtis’s Yard. The picture shows the mill on the eve of demolition.The white building at the back is the George.

Randoms

Logs for Labour is on again!

Would you like free firewood, or do you have a woodland that needs managing? The Trust for Oxfordshire’s Environment’s “Logs for Labour” programme aims to promote sustainable use of firewood by running events where volunteers help to manage woodlands in return for logs. The events run most weekends in the winter, are about 3 hours long, and could involve coppicing hazel, thinning trees or piling up brash. All you need are sturdy gloves, shoes and a saw (only hand tools are allowed for insurance reasons). Perhaps your woodland needs the help of volunteers – just let us know! Information about forthcoming events is at www.oxonwoodfuel.org.uk/logs-for-labour, or click ‘like’ on www.facebook.com/oxonwood. You can also phone me on Ox 243488.

Riki Therivel

“Come Back to Singing” with Harmony Inspires.

Looking for a new hobby - a resolution for the New Year that hits all the right notes? We are a ladies Cappella chorus which meets on a

Wednesday evenings in Appleton Village Hall, OX13 6JS. We’ll be

holding a course in the New Year 6,13, & 20 January. The group welcomes women of all ages who are interested in singing and is always on the lookout for new members to keep the chorus growing. For more information about the Course see www.harmonyinspires.org, e mail Harmonyinspires@hotmail.co.uk or call Christine on 01235 831352.

Alison Berry

Grants from the Sprout

The Sprout continues to produce a small surplus which can be allocated to fund useful projects. Do you have something in mind that would benefit some section of the community? Do consider asking the Sprout for help with funding. All requests considered sympathetically. Contact via the editor@sprout.org.uk or at the address on the inside front cover.

Can You Help the Birds?

I do regular voluntary work on land owned by Oxford Preservation Trust and maintained by Berks, Bucks and Oxon Wild Life Trust. Generally this includes of hard work clearing undergrowth and anything which helps promote the wellbeing of local flora and fauna. The work is overseen and guided by group leaders giving planned and controlled results.

This year I built 18 bird boxes and 13 bat boxes and erected them on one local site. Twenty six Blue Tits and 18 Great Tits successfully fledged from the bird boxes. This has encouraged me to build more boxes and I have been given permission to erect them on other local reserves.

I would like to attract some rarer species and I have been advised to attract the birds by offering food in the relevant areas. I have established a good source for bird food but I need a supply of bird feeders. I know some people have redundant or unused feeders. If this applies to you and you would be prepared to give them for a good cause, I would be delighted to collect them from you. I would also welcome any oddments of timber which would be suitable for nest box making. Ideally, this should be 6 inches (15cm) wide, ¾ inch (2cm) thick and any length. Sawn timber is best. Unfortunately chipboard, fibreboard or laminated material is not weatherproof so unsuitable. Thick marine ply could be used.

If you can help by donating unwanted feeders or timber please ring me on 01865 241539 or email smithsat23@tiscali.co.uk Clive Smith

Winter road maintenance

A reminder that Oxfordshire Highways grits only the main roads and through routes. There has been no change to the routes from last year. A map can be found on the County Council website.

Another reminder that the grit in the bins is for gritting the roads and pavements only, not for personal use on people’s drives. Please don’t take it for that purpose or the bins will run out, and they are not refilled.

Commercial products for use on drives and paths can be bought cheaply at any garage or hardware shop. A little goes a long way – it’s a matter of remembering to get some in, not a costly outlay. The parish council owns two spreaders to make spreading the grit from the bins easier and less wasteful. Contact the clerk.

And a third reminder that than those who are able to clear the pavements in front of their own houses are encouraged to do so to make walking easier for other people . It’s a fallacy that householders would be liable to

complaints if an individual slipped on the cleared pavement: that would only apply if the snow clearance had been done in a foolish or dangerous manner – such as leaving a spade on the pavement after dark, or pouring on boiling water. County Councillor Janet Godden

Botley W.I.

The 3rd November meeting was full of members and one visitor. Eynsham Country Markets were also present for us to buy things for Christmas. Goodness is it that time already again?! Our speaker for the evening was Russell Cherry who described the walk he did with his wife along the Canal from Oxford to Coventry, illustrated by stunning photos. They visited a number of public houses on the way and stayed in a tent overnight when weather permitted. The picture shows two of our members relaxing in the raffle corner reading the W.I. magazine News and Views.

Jenny Holloway, President

LOCAL PLANNING APPLICATIONS

P15/V2421/HH 31 Poplar Road. Single storey extension to existing

bungalow.

14 October

P15/V2470/HH 13 Hutchcomb Road. Proposed two-storey side and

rear extensions.

16 October

P15/V2485/DIS

Little Dene Yarnells Hill Demolish existing house,

build 4-storey block of 8 x 2 bed flats..

16 October

P15/V2462/HH and

P15/V2463/LB Old Manor Stables 20A North Hinksey Lane.

Single storey extension. Comments by 19 Nov

19 October

P15/V2491/LDP

4 Lime Road. Replace single storey side

conservatory with new extension.

22 October Decision on 17

December

P15/V2540/PDH

80 North Hinksey Lane. Extend existing

conservatory and re-using north wall. Height: 3.1m

Height to eaves: 2.9m.

27 October

Decision on 8

December

P15/V2583/HH The Book House Yarnells Hill

Single storey side extension to join the garage..

2 November Comments by 27

November

Organizations: If your organization is not listed here, please send details to editor@thesprout.org.uk or telephone 724452 for inclusion in future issues.

telephone 724452 for inclusion in future issues.

1st Botley Brownies

Girls aged 7–10 Dean Court Community Centre Thur 6–7.30 Fiona Wheeler, firstbotleybrownies@gmail.com

2nd Botley Brownies

Girls aged 7–10 Rosary Room, Yarnells Hill. Tues 6 -7.30 : Alison Griffin 01865 379247

4th Oxford Scout Group

Beavers, Cub Scouts, Scouts Scout Hall, Arnolds Way; mail@thefourth.org.uk Website: http://www.thefourth.org.uk/

15th Oxford Scout Group

Boys and girls welcome Meet Fridays, Botley Baptist Hall Contact: Julie Tatham 01865 863074 or Amy Cusden 07887 654386

Badminton Club Thurs 7-8pm at Matthew Arnold Sports Hall. Gary Clark 0777 3559 314 garryclark13@gmail.com

Books on Wheels R.V.S. Free Library Service for housebound 248142

Botley Baby & Toddler Group

Tuesdays and Thursdays 9.15–11am, SS Peter & Paul Church Hall

Botley Boys & Girls F.C. Football teams from ages 8-16

Jason Barley Ox. 242926 jbarley1@ sky.com or

Brendan Byrne Ox.792531 bb@bridewellconsulting.com Botley Health Walks Wednesday 9.30 a.m Contact: Briony 246497

Botley Library 01865 248142. Open till 7 on Friday and 1pm on Sat, otherwise 9.30 to 5.30 (closed Wednesdays).

Botley Singers Thur 7.30, Botley Baptist Church. Angela Astley-Penny 242189 angastpen@aol.com

Botley Women’s Institute First Tuesday each month: Jenny Holloway 247572

Chair-based Exercise Class Tuesdays 10.30 – 11.30 a.m. Seacourt Hall Contact Lizzie, Oxon Age UK, 07785 425601

Cumnor Choral Society Friday 7.30 to 9.30 pm Contact: 01235 533726 or

07552 786127 or www.cumnorchoral.co.uk

Cumnor Chess Club Thurs 7–9pm Cumnor Old School. Steven Bennett 862788 www.cumnorchessclub.co.uk

Cumnor & District Historical Society

Last Monday of the month 7.30-9.00 Cumnor Old School. 01865 724808

Fit Steps – exercise based on dance

Friday 6–7pm, Seacourt Hall. Contact Rosalie 07710

65913 or rosalie.crane@btinternet.com

Harmony InSpires, Ladies' Acappella Singing Group

Wed 7.30 at Appleton village hall. C. Casson 01235 831352 or harmonyinspires@hotmail.co.uk

Let’s Sing! – singing group Weds 2pm, WOCC, details Emily 07969 522368 or email emformusic@outlook.com

Morris Dancing – Cry Havoc Barbara Brett 249599 or bag@cryhavoc.org.uk

N Hinksey afterschool club, Mon–Thurs 3–6pm Contact: Oxford 794287

North Hinksey Art Group Wednesday a.m. 10.00 – 12.00 W.I. Hall Tel: Christina 07931 707997

North Hinksey Bellringers For more information, or to ring bells Contact: Ray Rook 01865 241451

North Hinksey Conservation Volunteers

Meets at weekends. Contact Voirrey Carr 07798743121 voirreyc@aol.com

North Hinksey, Friends of Annual Cricket Match & Walk. Douglas Bond 791213.

North Hinksey Horticultural Society

Contact: Ann Dykes 01865 251821 anndykes@hotmail.com

North Hinksey Parish Council

Clerk: Alan Stone 01865 861992 or nhpcclerk@msn.com

North Hinksey Youth Club Wednesdays at Arnold's Way pavilion, call Daz on 07791 212866 or see Facebook

Over Sixties Lunch Club Fortnightly on Thursdays. Seacourt Hall. Marina Bennett 01865 242312

Oxford Archers Archery from beginner to World Champion treasurer@oxford-archers.org

Oxford Flood Alliance R Thurston 01865 723663 or 07973 292035

Oxford Flower Arrangement Club

4th Thursday Cumnor. Dympna Walker : 01865 865259

Oxford Otters Swimming for people with disabilities. Sundays, twice monthly. Contact: Alan Cusden 723420

Oxford Rugby Club Boys and girls from 5–19 years. Contact Kevin Honner 438655, kevin.honner@ntlworld.com For Seniors,

training and Touch Rugby jamesy1976@hotmail.co.uk Oxford Sports Lawn Tennis Club

Family club: Melanie Riste 848658 or melanie_riste@hotmail.com

Parkinson’s Disease Soc Contacts: Julie and John Tailor 01865 763394.

Raleigh Park, Friends of David Brown raleighpark@raleighpark.org.uk

Saturdads Elms Rd Children's Centre

Fun activities and trips for Dads and under 5’s 10 am–noon 1st Sat of month. Tel: 243955

St Andrew's playgroup Friday mornings during term time at St Andrew's Church, Orchard Rd standrewsplaytime@gmail.com.

Weight Watchers Thursdays 6pm at SS Peter & Paul Church Hall Banso el: 07779 253899 bansob@aol.com

West Oxford Bowls Club Contact: Marion Bostock 436277

West Oxford Taekwon Do Club

Mon, Thurs 6.30-8pm, MA gym, contact Chris Hall

07815 899698 www.wotkd.co.uk

West Oxford U3A (Uni of the 3rd Age) Elizabeth Stevens, 739252

Which Craft? Pavilion, Arnold’s way, third Monday, contact C Casley on 427519 or whichcraft.botley@yahoo.co.uk

WVS Mondays & Fridays 10–3pm 01295 264214 oxfordshirehub@royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk