EDITORIAL - West Oxfordshire
EDITORIAL
Essex Police have announced that their patrol cars are to be fitted with `talking' petrol caps to remind colleagues which fuel pump to use. Apparently the rozzers cause £10000 worth of damage to their vehicles every year because they forget whether they should go for petrol or diesel.
How odd that rather than biroing `use diesel' on his shirt cuff, an Essex policeman prefers the ignominy of being lectured by his petrol cap. Also, if an Essex policeman is in the habit of forgetting what fuel to put in his car, one wonders what else he forgets. Presumably chilly nether regions will warn him of the absence of something as fundamental as trousers. But one can not be sure: Claude Thornhill once walked on stage to play the piano with the Glenn Miller Band having left his trousers in his dressing room.
Scientists have decided that forgetfulness is the brain's defence against overload: it forgets what it deems unimportant (which suggests the brain has never had to drain a petrol tank erroneously filled with diesel.) Pregnant women supposedly forget things as the brain clears itself of stuff inessential for the task of Bringing up Baby. And there are many of' us with the sort of flitterbug minds that leap from one thing to another scattering untidy thought as we go. Some of the mightiest have short attention spans: Leonardo da Vinci often forgot what he was doing, and rarely finished anything completely, which probably explains why the Mona Lisa has no eyebrows.
In old age Arthur Balfour summed up what he had learned in life with `Nothing matters much, and most things don't matter at all.' Which is jolly lucky, because if he had thought that some things mattered very much indeed, he would probably have forgotten what they were. It is the annoying paradox of age: just as one has useful experience to impart, one forgets what it is.
Somerset Maugham rose to speak after his 80th birthday dinner. `There are many virtues in growing old', he began, and then stopped. After a while, he cleared his throat and said sadly `I'm just trying to remember what they are.'
Which reminds me of a fellow villager who all his professional life forgot people's names, and solved the problem by calling all the chaps 'dear' and the women `darling'. A habit, incidentally, he shares with "Zsa Zsa Gabor.
And it could be worse: Lord Tennyson's dad was a country parson who, when visiting a parishioner, forgot not only who the parishioner was but also his own name. He walked about for a bit pondering on this conundrum, then he met a villager who greeted him, `Good morning, Dr Tennyson'. `Yes, by heaven', cried the good doctor `You're absolutely right... On both counts!'
Richard Martin
PARISH & BENEFICE SERVICES
Sunday 2nd November — IV before Advent
10.30 am Westwell Benefice Service JH, NUW
6.00pm Filkins Evensong NUW
Sunday November - Remembrance Sunday
9.00am Broadwell Holy Communion NUW
10.30am Shilton Parish Communion & Children's Church EJ
10.50am Shilton Remembrance Service EJ
I0.50am Alvescot Remembrance Service NUW
I0.50am B Bourton Remembrance Service HM
10.50am Kencot Broadshire Remembrance Service AM
10.50am Westwell Remembrance Service RL
Sunday 16th November - II before Advent
9.00am B Bourton/Alvescot Holy Communion NUW
9.00am Holwell Holy Communion EJ
I0.30am Broadwell/Kencot Matins NUW
I0.30am Kelmscott Family Communion HM
I0.30am Langford Parish Communion EJ
6.00pm Filkins Evensong HM
6.00pm Westwell Evensong NUW
Sunday 23rd November - Christ the King
9.00am Kencot/Broadwell Holy Communion EJ
9.00am Shilton Holy Communion AM
I0.30am Alvescot Parish Communion AM
10.30am Filkins Family Communion & baptism EJ
11.00am L Faringdon Parish Communion HM
6.00pm Holwell Evensong HM
6.00pm Langford Evensong NUW
Sunday 30th November - Advent Sunday
9.00am Langford Holy Communion HM
I0.30am B Bourton Family Communion & baptism NUW
10.30am Kencot Parish Communion HM
10.30am Holwell Parish Communion AM
10.30am Shilton Parish Communion I:J
10.30am Broadwell Parish Communion IW
6.00pm Alvescot Evensong I ,I
Sunday 7th December - Advent II
10.30am Langford Benefice Service AM, 1.1, I I M
6.00pm L Faringdon Evensong AM
Combined services are held in the first-named church
There is a Communion Service at Black Bourton every Wednesday at 10 .00am
CELEBRANTS & SERVICE LEADERS
AM: Alister McGrath, EJ: Liz Johnson, I IM: I Harry Mc Innes, JI I: Julian
uhbard, NUW: Neville Usher-Wilso I'W: Paul Win, hcstcr, RI,: Ron LloydTHE
LECTIONARY
2nd November - IV before Advent All Saint 's Day (G or W)
Revelation 7.9-17 Psalm 34.1-10
1 John 3. 1-3 Matthew 5. 1-12
9th November - Remembrance Sunday (R/G)
Amos 5:18-24 Psalm 70
1 Thessalonians 4.13-end Matthew 25. 1-13
16th November - II before Advent (R/G)
Zephaniah 1.7, 12-end Psalm 90. 1-8, 12
1 Thessalonians 5.1-11 Matthew 25.14-30
23rd November - Christ the King (R/W)
Ezekiel 34. 11-16, 20-24 Psalm 95.1-7
Ephesians 1. 15-end Matthew 25. 31-end
ALL SAINT'S DAY
FOR 1500 years, every early November, the Church has celebrated the lives of all those who died for their faith. As with most Christian festivals, there are older elements and accretions that have been variously disowned (though not very successfully with the nonsense of Halloween), or assimilated like the Spanish and South American traditions associated with Dia de los Muertos, The Day of the Dead.
Here is a Spanish poem touching on that most important strand in all religions: the flickering, elusive line that divides the living from the dead.
Woman with a Sombre Gaze
Woman with a sombre gaze, Woman with a tender gaze
Tell me, what do you see in the candles? the flames of candles reach out;
are they ghosts in the night are they mocking this moment
or are they flowers of the earth? or are they restfully flickering out.
What do you treasure on your lap In your illuminated face
illuminated and transparent, life rejuvenates,
even in the air to those who love death
your silhouette appears? this is a golden night in their sight.
Twice as much the pain, For those who love life
twice as much the loss, it is a night of confusion,
the flowers have become rivers the wax kisses the flowers
and the fragrance cries out. and the flame caresses the emotions
Pondering at night,
vigil of the imagination, .
bundle of lights and echoes, ...
stay up late during the wake
Julie Sopetran
THE RECTOR'S LETTER
Dear Friends
YOU may be familiar with the remark made by Woody Allen, with characteristic sardonic humour, when he said `Our civilisation stands at the Crossroads. Down one road is despondency and despair. Down the other is total annihilation. May we all have the courage to choose the right one!' That seemed to be the mood of most of the country at the beginning of October as the Press began to use apocalyptic words about the Global crisis, and the possibility of another Great
Depression of the kind which began with the Stock Market crash on 29th' October 1929. At that time, cities all round the world were hit. Personal incomes, tax revenues, prices and profits spiralled down, and the effects were felt for the following decade.
Nobody is yet able to predict whether the drastic action taken by governments this time will save us from a similar period. After having lived in a decade of remarkably full employment and pleasant affluence, the crisis has made everyone feel uncomfortable. As one comedian said `the future isn't what it used to be!' There is a growing gloom because so many things seem uncertain.
In one way there is nothing new about this. Economists have long faced the cyclical nature of the market booms and busts. Empires have come and gone, wars have been won and lost. The world is an insecure place even though at times we are able to settle quite securely in it. Perhaps what is happening is simply making us more aware of what is always the case. It has made me ask myself how those who have seen cataclysmic disasters in the past have coped without being flung into a deep pessimism or a stoical resignation.
Supremely, their peace of mind has come from a deep sense of someone who is in ultimate control. We don't know what the future holds, but we know who holds the future' does contain a profound truth. The psalmist's voice of 2800 years ago still speaks into our situation. `We will not fear though t he earth give way and the mountains fall into the sea .. God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in times of trouble'. Or the apostle Paul two millennia ago `I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plcnty....I can do all things through him who gives me strength'. There is what has been called a divine alchemy at work in those who suffer in their faith and hang on to their hope in God. We look back and see that it was actually our disappointments more than our achievements that have been transformed into gold.
Harry MacInnes
CHILDREN'S CHURCH
Dear Parents
YOU might be well aware by now of our activities, but if not here it is again. Children's Church is now in its third year of running and buzzing, with planned activities for the next two services coming up in November and December.
We explore Christianity through fun activities and play. We have a number of regular children who come every second Sunday of every month for 40 to 45 minutes to the village hall in Shilton; and then we join the main Family Service towards the end. This gives parents a chance to worship and the children to learn through an organised and structured set of activities. We start at 10.30am so it is best to get to us at around 10.15am. The service starts at 10.30am in the church across the road.
The next services will be:
Sunday 9th November when we will explore the meaning of Advent, through calendar making.
Sunday 14th December. This will be our Christingle Service, so we will be making yummy sweetie Christingles and bringing them into church to share with the congregation.
The first service in the New Year will be on Sunday 11th January.
So please remember Children's Church meets every second Sunday of the month for some fun, fun, fun.
New members are always warmly welcomed, so please do not hesitate to turn up on the day or ring me in advance on 01993 847039.
Look forward to seeing you there. Debs Price
CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP
OUR next meeting is
on Wednesday 5th
November in the
Filkins Chapel Schoolroom at 2.45pm, as usual. Miss Helen Squire, who is always a most interesting speaker, will be telling us about her recent trip to Turkey.
Anyone who would like to join us will be most welcome. Marjorie Barstow
Liz Johnson
SHILTON BAPTIST CHAPEL
A Smile
Did you know that it takes half as many muscles, and therefore less energy, to smile than it does to frown? This is one of those gems of useful information that I picked up early in my teaching career and put on the back burner for future reference.
Next time you venture out of your front door to go shopping, or to go to work, or take your dog for a walk, or go to a restaurant for a meal, or hop on a bus, or go to the cinema, or watch your favourite television soap, or even attend church, make a note of how many times you see someone genuinely smiling. Unfortunately, from personal observations, you will not need many fingers or hands to keep count.
My dictionary tells me that a smile is `a facial expression characterised by an upturning of the corners of the mouth, usually showing amusement, friendliness, happiness, cheerfulness etc.', yet society as a whole seems to be losing the art of smiling. It seems that the only news that we hear, or read about, is bad news, constantly reminding us of doom and gloom; of things that are going wrong in the world that we live in, where people want to hurt one another, or steal from one another, or who show no respect for authority, or other people or their property.
Sadly it is a true fact that we live in worrying times, but so did Abraham, Noah, Moses, Joshua, David, Solomon... and even Jesus. Chapters 6 and 7 of
BIBLE STUDY GROUP
DURING the autumn, we are exploring some of the Psalms in the Old Testament. I've chosen four written by King David, psalms which express his deepest feelings in the tumultuous events of his life. Our meetings are held at the Vicarage in Filkins, starting at 7.30pm. At our first two meetings, in September and October, we discussed Psalms 23 and 51, but if you would like to join us this month, you are most welcome. Please phone me on 01367 860846.
Monday 3rd November - Psalm 73: 'Praying our doubts'
Monday 1st December - Psalm 103: 'Praying our praise'
Matthew's gospel tell how Jesus reassured people who were worrying about the society in which they lived, and how they could survive the Roman
occupation. `Do for others what you want them to do for you.' This is the meaning of the law of Moses and the
teaching of the prophets Jesus reminded them of in verse 12 of chapter 7.
Hundreds of years later John Wesley told the congregation to ` Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, to all the
people you can, as long as ever you can.'
Many years later Mother Teresa put the same message more simply `Let no one ever come to you without leaving better or happier', which brings me back to how important it is for us, as Christians, to smile.
A smile costs nothing but gives much. It enriches those who receive, without making poorer those who give. It takes but a moment, but the memory of it sometimes lasts forever. None is so rich or mighty that he can get along without it, and none is so poor that he can't be made rich by it. A smile creates happiness in the home, fosters goodwill in business, and is the countersign of friendship.
'A smile brings rest to the weary, cheer to the discouraged, sunshine to the sad, and it is nature's best antidote for trouble. Yet a smile cannot be bought, begged, borrowed or stolen for it is something that is of no value to anyone until it is given away. Some people are too tired to give you a smile - so give them one of yours, as none needs a smile as much as he who has no more to give!'
God bless you - and get smiling.
Mike Barrett
Preachers for November
2nd November Informal
9th November Graham Sparrowhawk followed by communion
16th November Sue Barnes 23rd November Steve Jones
30th November Andy Robinson
All our services will start at 3.00pm during November and until the end of February. You would be very welcome at any of them.
Please support the Church/Chapel combined Coffee Morning on Saturday 8th November at Jean Roberts' house in Church Lane if you can. We will be having the usual stall from the Highworth Christian Bookshop so you can buy Christmas cards, calendars etc. from that.
There will also be a stall from the charity Helping Hands which will sell high quality Scottish soaps and African crafts. Plus there will be a Bring and Buy stall, jams and produce etc. It is always a lovely time to meet so please come if you can.
Elizabeth Harfield
ST JOHN FISHER & ST THOMAS MORE, BURFORD
THE Catholic church of St John Fisher & St Thomas More is at 171 The Hill, Burford, Oxfordshire, OX18 4RE, and the priest is Ian Ker. Fr Ker can be contacted on 01993 823219. Sunday Mass 9.15am & 11.00am Weekday Mass Times vary, so please ring for information.
There will be Eucharistic Adoration for half an hour before Mass during the week, excepting Tuesday and Wednesday when it is afterwards. Confessions usually follow Saturday morning Mass.
ST JOSEPH'S, CARTERTON
ST Joseph's Church is at Arkell Avenue, Carterton, OX18 3BS, and the priest is Andrew Foster who can be contacted on 01993 842463. Fr Foster also says mass at St Mary's Church (C of E) in Bampton. St Joseph's Primary School is on Lawton Avenue.
Mass times
Sunday 9.00am St Mary's, Bampton
11.00am St Joseph's Tuesday 7.00pm St Joseph's Wednesday 9.45am St Joseph's Continued over
Thursday 9.45am St Joseph's during school holidays
9.30am St Joseph's Primary School during term-time and on some Feast Days. Please check with Fr Foster.
Friday 9.45am St Joseph's
Saturday 9.45am St Joseph's 6.00pm St Joseph's
Confessions are heard on Saturdays between 10.15 and 10.45am, and at other times by arrangement with Fr Foster.
Eileen Wojciechowska
CHANGES AT THE VICARAGE
PEOPLE often ask me which days of the week I'm on duty, and my answer has usually been that I spread my `Sunday plus two days' across the week. In an attempt to organise my time more effectively(!), I've decided to focus on working on Wednesdays and Thursdays and in the morning on Fridays, so that everyone knows when I'm available.
I'm planning to start this new pattern from the beginning of November, but it won't affect meetings already arranged for the rest of the year. I hope this will work well for everyone.
Liz Johnson
FILKINS & DISTRICT ROYAL BRITISH LEGION
Poppy Appeal
THIS year's Poppy Appeal will take place from Saturday 25th October until Saturday 8th November. Village collectors will be making house-to house collections during this period. Please give them every support as they brave the elements on behalf of this essential fund-raising appeal that supports the welfare of ex-servicemen and their dependants. Boxes will also be available at the usual static points in the Broadshire villages.
Remembrance Service
This year's service, that marks the 90th Anniversary of the end of the First World War, will be held at St George's Church Kencot on Sunday 9th November. Please assemble at the War Memorial by 10.50am for the Act of Remembrance. Medals should be worn.
As has been the case in recent years, a Field of Remembrance will be set up in the churchyard to enable those, who were known to them who have died as a result of war, to be personally remembered. Small wooden crosses will be available from village Poppy Appeal representatives and at the Memorial. The service will be led by the Reverend Alister McGrath.
Branch AGM
This will be held at 7.30pm on Tuesday 4th November in the Five Alls at Filkins. All members are most welcome to attend.
Jeremy Taylor
REMEMBRANCE
Each November we remember those who have died in defense of our country, and we grow accustomed to the explanations of what happened and why, to battlefield maps and detailed histories. So it is difficult now, to visit the battlefields and memorials of the Somme and not be overwhelmed by a sense of the immense scale of it all.
But most of those who have written about their experience of war remember best the small things, for the bigger picture was chaotic, unknown. And of course most soldiers did not die. But many were wounded, and all served. Let us remember them too.
Here, for instance, is Gunner George Culpitt of the Royal Welch Fusiliers writing about his brush with death, his wounds and his repatriation in 1916.
In 1917, after recovering from his wounds, George Culpitt returned to France and served until the end of the war. Later, he became a wholesale florist, and lived in St Albans. He died in 1962.
We travelled slowly up the road in the direction of Monchy and for some distance all went well. In front of us however we could hear shells bursting and it became evident that the enemy was putting up a barrage through which we should have to pass. Gradually we drew nearer and found that gas shells were also falling around us. We therefore received orders to put our gas helmets on and this we did, continuing our march in this fashion. This made our progress very slow for we could not see very far in our helmets and the road was dotted with shell holes.
We lost one or two on the way and were getting along as quickly as possible when all of a sudden I heard a whizz and received a terrific blow in the left side of the face, smashing my gas helmet and sending me flying into a hole where I stayed until I recovered my wits and felt my face to see how much of it was left. Upon examination however, I found that I had a cut above my left lip, my eye entirely closed up and in addition to several cuts and bruises the whole left side of my face had already commenced to swell. I had no bandage or field dressing so started back the way we had come for the field dressing station. On the way I had to pass through the gas zone made by the shells, and I did not waste any time in doing this.
At length I met a convoy of Artillery and one of them bandaged me up temporarily, and then I made my way back to the Dressing Station. Here I
was put on a lorry that was going to Arras and journeyed thus to the centre of the town where they left me to make my way on foot to the Field Ambulance Station, in the prison. This I reached just before 4am and after being dressed, went and had some tea etc. which was very welcome. Just before I left, the bombardment started which was to cover the attack which was made at 4.15 am and in which I was to have taken part.
We went from the Field Ambulance in motor char-a-bancs to the Clearing Station at Walus, which we reached about 7am. Here we stayed until 9am when a train arrived to take us to Frevent which we reached about 12 midday, going to the No. 6 stationery Hospital. Here we were again dressed and had dinner and here told to wait in the recreation room which we did until 4pm when we once more left the Hospital and boarded a train for the coast. We had tea on the train and reached Etaples about 10pm that night.
Here we were directed to different Hospitals as the motor which was taking us from the rail head passed the Directing Officer and I found myself directed to No. 4 General Hospital, which we reached about 10.30pm. After taking our particulars, we were sent to a large tent where we spent the night.
Next morning we were given a bath and clean change and a suit of blues, and then paraded to see the director at the Dressing Tent. As he interviewed each one he marked us for England or elsewhere and I was pleased to learn that I was marked for Blighty.
FROM THE REGISTERS
WEDDINGS
20th September Broadwell Lisa Wood & Bryan Taylor
October Langford Lizzie Connolly & Alastair Nicholas FUNERALS
3rd October Langford Ruby Tanner died 30th September aged 94
2nd October Langford Christopher Kibble died 12th September aged 60
1st October Kingsdown Lise Watson died 22"d September aged 95
ALVESCOT
St Peter's
REMEMBER, REMEMBER, THE 5TH OF NOVEMBER,
Once again our hugely popular village bonfire and fireworks party is being held on the playing field. It's being hosted by the Parish Council on Wednesday 5th November so don't miss the bonfire lighting at about 6.30pm. Tasty hot dogs and delicious mulled wine will be served by the PCC and friends of St Peter's to keep you warm from 6.15pm.
Do come and enjoy the fun, it's free to everyone from the local community however there will be a collection at the gate to help offset the cost of the spectacular fireworks. Proceeds from the food and drink will go towards the upkeep of St Peter's Church.
Jayne Lewin
TOP MARKS, MISS!
Many of us have had experiences in our educational life which we realise influenced us for our good, even if sometimes we only recognise this in later years. The Annual Teaching Awards celebrates some of the good work in our schools by teachers, headteachers, teaching assistants and Governors.
Although the award goes to one person the pride and success is shared by the whole school team. The Mulberry School in Standlake, which has many staff
living locally, has cause for celebration this year when Rosie Johnston (from this village) was awarded Teacher of the Year for the Southern Region.
Our congratulations go to Rosie and the staff at The Mulberry School, who support some of our young people with the most complex emotional needs. We are also grateful for the staff in our local schools, from nursery through
to secondary, who work hard to develop our young people. I am sure many of us enjoy the local school updates we receive in the Pump.
Tessa Farley
ST PETER'S INFANT SCHOOL
This year, The National Year of Reading, we celebrated National Children's Bookweek in October. Each class based their work for the week around books by a famous children's author. The children took part in paired reading and shared favourite books. They ran a`Cook for Books' event, inviting their families and friends for afternoon tea and
selling second-hand children's books. All money raised will be spent on new books for our `Story Shed'. To end the week all the children dressed up as a character from a favourite book. Please do take a look at photographs of all the wonderful costumes on the school's website. (st-peters-
inf.oxon.sch.uk)
The staff held a `Reading Evening' for parents to share how reading is taught in school and to help parents understand how they can support their children learn to read, at home. The evening was very well attended and thanks go to the staff who ran the creche, enabling many parents to attend who would not have been able to otherwise.
At St Peter's we continue to embrace opportunities to extend the curriculum that we offer the children. This term Julia Neame continues to provide recorder lessons and Alan Elbourne has been helping the children to improve their tennis. In addition, this term we provide a French after-school club for Year 2 children, games club, art club and a very popular gardening club. Thanks go to all the staff and volunteers who run and support these clubs.
The 50/50 sale held on raised almost £200 towards school funds. Many thanks to all those who helped on the day and came along on such a glorious afternoon to support this event.
The school's Harvest festival took place on 14th October. Class 2 produced some wonderful work which is displayed in the church.
The next event is the Gift Evening on Wednesday 12th November at the school so don't miss the chance of doing your Christmas shopping early. There will be hand-painted glassware, wooden toys and puzzles, jewellery, and much more. This is always a very enjoyable evening. Tickets are available for £3.50, in advance from the school office or on the door on the night, including a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie.
On Saturday 22nd November the school will be holding its annual Christmas Bazaar. This is always a great afternoon and always highly successful in raising money for school funds.
Sam King
VILLAGE HALL EVENTS
The Quiz evening raised over £500.00 for Hall funds many thanks to all who helped by marking answers and preparing the delicious food A special thanks to Terry Pope for acting as Quiz Master and keeping all under control Terry Morris
Hansel & Gretel on Friday 21st
November. Oxford Touring Theatre are here with their production. `Phone me on 01993 842832 for tickets: Adults £8.50, Children £6.50, families (2+2) £26.00
Concert night with Gordon Giltrap (right) on Friday 6th March 2009. Tickets £8.50.
Phone me on 01993 842832 'Liz'
BLACK BOURTON
St Mary's
CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL
Once again we will be holding our Christmas Tree Festival at St Mary's Church. If you wish to sponsor a tree please contact me on 01993 844124. You may decorate it yourself or we will arrange for it to be decorated, the theme is a Christmas Carol or Christmas Song of your choice.
Doreen Hart
RIDE AND STRIDE
A big thank you to all those who cycled or walked for the Oxfordshire Historic Churches Trust and St Mary's Church. It was a beautiful day to be out and about. We also thank those who manned the Church and dished out drinks and biscuits.
Liz Welch adds:
`A very enterprising member of our community, Jane Jones, had been 'in training' for several weeks before this annual great event. A beautiful day greeted all participants on 8th'' September and Jane set off at the appointed time of 10.0am on her bicycle and managed to visit a staggering 26 churches before the deadline of 4.00pm.
`She raised £400 through sponsorship and this will be shared with a church of her choice and the Diocese. I say congratulations jane on this wonderful achievement.'
FLOWER ARRANGING CLASSES
Everyone has been enjoying the classes given by Christine Pope. There will be a break now until the spring while Christine has a well-deserved rest. We would like to thank her very much for all her encouragement and hard work. Her demonstrations are a joy to behold, she has given great inspiration. Thank you Christine.
Doreen Hart
BROADWELL
St Peter & St Paul's
ALTAR FLOWERS
November June Goodenough
NEWS FROM BROADSHIRES PRE-SCHOOL.
It was lovely to see all the children again after their long summer holiday and to welcome our new families to pre-school. Our topic this term has been `Shape and Colour' and has included activities such as making pizzas, the children going on a walk to post a letter to themselves, and planting pansies to keep the garden looking colourful during the autumn and winter.
Our Annual Fete in September was very successful and we were lucky to have a fantastic sunny day for it. The sum raised was just over £1000, so thank-you to all those who supported us and the many local businesses who generously donated prizes.
We currently have some places available. If you would like further information, or would like to arrange a visit, please telephone the Supervisor, Mrs. Jackie Overton Tel.: 01367 860729
Alison Rodger
OH! DINE ON, DINE ON HARVEST LUNCH
We had a really good time on 5th October when we gathered together for our annual Harvest Lunch in Paul and Annabel's barn. All agreed that it was the best ever. It simply would not have happened like this had it not been for the huge amount of effort and organization displayed by Georgina Lewis (she will say `It's nothing'... Well it might be for her, but who else could bring it off like that?) Very many thanks to her, and also to Roderick Wordie, who somehow managed to fit in cooking the Pig Roast to perfection with a social schedule that involved lighting the gas on arrival home at 3.00am from a party in London.
Many other folk put in a lot of effort, and the barn was miraculously transformed from a garage containing three cars, two motorbikes and several families of swallows into a cheerful scene, nicely laid tables, candles glowing and bowls of flowers. (Thank you again, Doug Jackson, for letting us pick all your chrysanthemums... They were lovely.)
The draw and lucky dip made over £200 for the church, and the churchwardens are most grateful for these much needed funds.
June Goodenough
FILKINS & BROUGHTON POGGS
St Peter's
FILKINS FLOWER ROTA
2nd November Fiona Cowburn
9th November Mary Cover 16th & 23rd November Gill Allison
30th November Advent
HARVEST FESTIVAL AND SUPPER
We had lots of children at our Harvest Festival this year, who reduced the congregation to much laughter when they started to eat apples instead of taking them up to the altar. There was a lovely picture of Ned Morley and Jacob Holden sitting on the bottom step of the pulpit munching away. Liz
asked the children to hold up letters forming the word `harvest', from which we had to find as many other words as we could, but the children found eating apples was much more interesting and gradually slipped away.
The Harvest Supper was held the same evening with its usual convivial atmosphere and fellowship. Diane Blackett was complimented on her very amusing interactive games and it was lovely to have Shirley Coates back with us to play some weather-related numbers and round off the evening with a Harvest hymn.
Expenses have not been finalised, but we hope to send approximately £200 to Farm Africa.
Barbara Bristow
`X' HITS THE SPOT!
Forget Leona Lewis and Leon Jackson, the second annual Filkins `X' factor has turned up yet another artist with star potential.
Hannah Greenwood from Kencot was the runaway winner of Filkins X factor 2008 with her spine tingling version of the classic Bette Midler song `The Rose'. Accompanying herself on the piano, and with no backing track, Hannah's performance was an almost impossible act to follow but that did not stop the other entrants from having a jolly good go at it.
Second place went to Emma Keating (now of Filkins) who sang `Fever' accompanied only by the clicking fingers of the audience. Emma had not planned to enter the competition but was overcome by the excitement of the night and bravely stepped forward. Her impromptu, but smoking hot, performance won the hearts of the audience and made her little girl very proud.
Third place was won by Barbara Bristow singing the Edith Piaf song `La Vie En Rose'. Who knew that under that sensible `school ma'am' exterior lurked a sultry French songbird? (Well we might have had some idea about the French bit I suppose). One had only to close one's eyes to imagine that The Little Sparrow was actually there in the Village Hall with us.
Technical difficulties initially threatened Daniel Porter's sterling performance of a classic reggae tune as every time that he hit a high note the microphone squealed and the lights went out. However it all added to the atmosphere and hilarity of the night and our team of technicians (yeah, right) was soon able to sort out the problem. On his second attempt Daniel's melodious offerings were good enough to secure him fourth place.
Without a doubt the bravest performance of the night came from Matt Simpson. Singing `I've Got A Brand New Combine Harvester' (well bits of it anyway), Matt had the audience on their feet in no time (some of them were running for the door) and he clearly has a big future ahead of him, though possibly not in the music industry.
To add to the entertainment of the night, Show Case performances were given by Bryony Gibbs who sang a stunning version of `Warwick Avenue' (Duffy) and Emily Redman who belted out `Breathless' (The Corrs). As second and third place winners from last year's show, both girls are now working closely with music impresario David Seaton, one of the judges, and were thus not able to enter the actual competition this year.
The judges this year were David Seaton (Simon Cowell), Mandy Scott (Sharon Osbourne - though she probably looks a bit more like Cheryl Cole.) and Andrew Bushell (Louis Walsh). Whilst Mandy's musical credentials are limited to her having watched thousands of hours of X Factor and American Idol, and Andrew stepped into the breach at the last minute, David really doe; have some musical clout and gravitas. With his own management, production and promotion company and the `Bees' Knees' record label, David works with both established and emerging artists across the UK and Eastern Europe. For more information and to hear both Hannah and Emily you can visit his web site at
It is almost impossible to believe that we have so much young talent is such a small area. Hannah, Bryony and Emily all look to have bright futures ahead of them and hopefully Filkins `X' Factor will have played some part in them receiving the professional help and guidance that they need to really get their musical careers moving.
This could be you next year. So if you have any musical talent whatsoever, or if you just want to get up on the stage and entertain people, get practicing now. Filkins X factor will be back in 2009 - bigger and better.
[If I did not want to spare her blushes for the Cheryl Cole hit, I'd be tempted to reveal that this review was written by Mandy Scott. Ed]
AN EVENING OF FUN, FROLICS AND FALLING HAMMERS
Imagine for a second our village without its churches.
Horrible thought? Then come to a social evening and
auction of promises in the village hall on 15th' November,
and help make sure our churches are still here tomorrow,
and the next day, and for our children's children.
French lessons, picnic hampers, personal trainers, pictures,
golf, classic cars, books, cakes, outings, rugs, turkeys, gazebo hire, babysitting... The list of what's on offer is long, and there really is something for everyone.
So, whether you intend to bid in the auction, or just want a good night out with supper and a bottle of wine amongst friends, come to the village hall at 7.00pm on 15th November. Tickets are unbelievably reasonable at £3 including supper and a glass of wine from the usual places around the village.
Ring me (01367 860195) to donate to the auction, or for more info. Rarhara Bristow,
THE COFFEE MORNING...
& Christmas Sale is on Saturday 29th November: back by popular demand! This year our sale will be held in The Vicarage from 10.00 to 12midday in aid of church funds. There will be many gift items for sale as well as the usual bargains, raffle, cake stall, and a chance to catch up with friends. Do let Liz Johnson (01367 860846) or me (01367 860195) have any items for sale.
Barbara Bristow
ROSTER FOR VOLUNTARY CAR SERVICE TO SURGERIES
Covering Filkins, Broughton Poggs, Broadwell, Kencot, Langford and L Faringdon 4th November Mrs M Cover 860302 20th November Mrs J Higham 860197
6th November Mrs B Bristow 860195 25th November Mr P Coleman 860571 11th November Mrs C Lauzier 860644 27th November Miss H Squire 860337 13th' November Mr P Coleman 860571 (All codes 01367)
18th November Mr A Heath 860129
For hospital runs, or with any problems, contact me on 01367 860319
Local surgery runs £2.00
Hospitals: Fairford & Witney £5.00 Swindon & Cirencester £8.00 Oxford £10.00
At the JR, parking charges may have to be paid, and will be added to the bill. Tony Woodford
STRUTTING AND FRETTING
There is a Children's
Theatre production
on 28th & 29'h
November. Contact
Pat Scott
01993 846255
There will be a Murder Mystery evening on 7th February 2009, in aid of a Ghanaian Children's Charity.
Daniel Porter
SWINFORD MUSEUM
Yet another season at the museum has finished and we would like to thank all those who contributed to the exhibitions. Many thanks also to those of you who paid us a visit. Next year the main exhibitions planned are 'Washday' which will show how laundry was done in the past, 'Rainy Day Savings' how did people manage their finances in years gone by? 'Trials of Agriculture' have things always been difficult for agricultural workers?
If you have any items you could loan us for the exhibitions please let me know; has anyone got a blue bag? Any old money boxes in the attic? Give me a ring on 01367-860504.
Diane Blackett
NURSERY UPDATE
The Autumn term is now well under way. Our topic of Myself has included a `handy' week, a `looking' week and a `listening' week, during which we walked around the village (see below) listening for the aeroplanes, cars,
diggers and birds to name but a few. Our health and fitness week involved cooking fresh produce from our vegetable patch, devising a regular morning exercise routine and turning our role-play area into a healthy-eating cafe.
Following last year's successful fundraising for Children In Need, we will again be dressing up on Friday 14th November. I look forward to seeing the creativity of parents, children and staff?
We have lots of exciting plans during the latter part of the term getting out and about around the village looking for autumnal artefacts. Preparations are also underway for our nativity play which takes place during the last week of term along with the traditional Christmas party.
We have now had our first
long-awaited Ofsted
inspection which went very well. The full report can be read on the Ofsted website, but we were delighted with the outcome which highlighted the many strengths of our setting in both care -and education.
Please do take a minute to look at out new website and let us know your thoughts or suggestions. theoldstationnursery.co.uk.
Louise Jenkins
MUSIC & MOVEMENT
Age Concern (a charity working with `all older people and the carers') is going to run weekly `Exercise to Music' classes for the over 50s in the village hall from 9.30 to 10.30am every Wednesday starting on 12th November.
The classes will cost £2.50 a week, and are run by Sue Hayman who is a qualified Extend Tutor & YMCA trained.
As an added bonus, Mary-Ann Shaw of Age Concern adds: `To launch this new class there will also be information available on the day on Healthy Lifestyles including information on healthy hearts, smoking cessation, osteoporosis, falls prevention, men's health etc.'
PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes etc: Do please remember that minutes and notices of meetings are displayed on the notice boards in the bus shelter, in Broughton Poggs in the Village Shop, and in the Post Office. There is a more comprehensive file of Parish Council bumph in the Cotswold Woollen Weavers Coffee Shop.
Cris Hoad
HOLWELL
St Mary's
RIDE AND STRIDE
Not all the usual suspects could make it this year, but we claimed the assistance of Richard Scoulding [a loyal PP advertiser. Ed] and his sister, Helen Gibbs. To be fair, although his postal address is Filkins, Richard has a yard in the village and spends a great deal of his time patching and painting the Church and cottages in the village, or having coffee with our celebrity cook.
Other regulars, peddling hard, included Reggie Heyworth and George, with a couple of former residents of the Parish lured back for the occasion. Some sponsors have yet to pay up, so come on. Especially those who were fainthearted this time!
ps: From cycling to re-cycling: if anyone has a surplus of windfall apples there are some enthusiastic customers in Holwell. Please leave by the field gate (roadside) at the entrance to the village before the white house. Thanks in anticipation from the equines.
Jane Pegram
[Corrina Rock suggests that by the time this appears in print, the time for windfall apples will have passed. Possibly so in 2008, but more likely Jane is writing to the saunter of Holwell time, and so this is a diary note for next year. Ed]
KELMSCOTT
St George's
CHURCH BRASS AND FLOWERS
Lucinda & Honor McFarlane
JUMBLE SALE
The Jumble Sale we held in aid of the British Heart Foundation held on Saturday 4th October in Kelmscott raised £230. Many thanks to those who supported the event with their help and their contributions.
Louise Hatton
HANSEL AND GRETEL
Bring the whole family to the Morris Memorial Hall in Kelmscott on Saturday, 13th December at 7.30pm and enjoy Oxfordshire Touring Theatre's Production of Hansel and Gretel.
'Desperate times call for desperate measures! So when food is short and there are mouths to feed something's got to give. But when mum and dad leave the kids in the wood there turn out to be more questions than answers: will the woodcutter turn out to be a man or a mouse? Will Hansel & Gretel ever find their way back home? Will the future be free-range or oven ready? Find out in Mike Kenny's sparkling re-telling of this familiar tale of breadcrumbs and witches: it's the perfect recipe for a great night out.'
The show is suitable for everyone aged six and over. Tickets cost £8.50 for an adult, £5.50 for children/concessions and £25 for a family (two adults & two concessions). Please call me on 01367 253103 or Jake on 01367 252607 to book your places now.
Laura Roberts
KENCOT
St George's
HARVEST FESTIVAL
A goodly number attended the Harvest Festival on 28th September. As usual the Church was beautifully decorated. Our thanks to the flower arrangers and to those who attended and gave generously to the collection and to the auction of produce. As a result of your generosity we were able to send £400 to `Parents and Children Together', the Oxford Diocese charity.
CHURCH FLOWERS
1st to 22nd November Lesley Metcalfe
MOWING
Our thanks to those who have mowed the Churchyard, the Village Green and the verges around the village during the summer. Due to your efforts we have had a neat and tidy village, of which we can be proud.
John Barstow.
LANGFORD
St Matthew's
CHURCH FLOWERS
November Mrs. D. Lowden
BELL RINGING
Bell ringing practice restarted in September. Practice sessions take place three Tuesdays a month at 7.00pm in the bell tower at St. Matthew's Church. The practice is open to everyone from age 8 upwards, and we welcome everyone from beginners who have never rung to anyone who may be able to ring peels.
The bell tower will be open from 7.00pm. (Do remember that the steps are steep and narrow). To find out more beforehand, and if there is a practice on any Tuesday please give me a call on 01367 860514. Entrance to the Bell Tower is on the right hand side of the Church looking from the road, just in front of the buttresses.
Andy Tinson (Bell Tower Captain)
BINGO
Come to Bingo on Friday 21st November in the Village Hall. Doors open at 7.00pm, with eyes down at 7.30pm. There are excellent prizes and refreshments are available. If you have any items that you would like to donate please contact any of the village hall members, or ring Tracy (01367 860721) or me (01367 860514). Profits are in aid of the Village Hall.
Chrissy Tinson
CHRISTMAS BAZAAR
A Christmas Bazaar is to be held on Sunday 30th November at 2.00pm in the Village Hall. Stalls include Cakes, Grand Raffle, Christmas Gifts and a Bottle/Tombola Stall. If Father Christmas is not too busy we also expect a
visit from him, at this time we are not sure if Father Christmas wants a grotto, but if he does we will build one. He is still sleeping saving his energy ready for the big day! Profits will be split between St Matthew's Church and the Village Hall.
Enquiries to Chrissy (01367 860514) or me (01367 860091). Jenny Pitkin
LANGFORD LADIES
In October Val King came and gave a very interesting and informative talk with slides about `Fairtrade'. Fair-trade is all about getting better deals for third world products, and helping the people to support themselves. George Alagiah is the president, Fair-trade has long been associated with bananas, coffee and chocolate, however there are many more products you can purchase direct from ships of their catalogues.
Their motto is `Trade not aid: Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day, give a man a net and he will eat for life.' If you would like to know more please visit .uk
Our next meeting is on Thursday 13th November and we will be welcoming a local speaker, Mrs. Sandra Kirby, who will be talking and giving slides about Alpacas which she breeds. Alpaca's wool is very soft and is used for making knitted and woven items, much as sheep's wool is.
We meet every second Thursday at 7.30pm in the Village Hall with raffle and refreshments available. Visitors are most welcome at £1.50, but you can become a member anytime. Do ring if you would like to know more on (01367) 860514.
Chrissy Tinson
WHIST
Join us for an evening of whist at the Village Hall on Tuesday 4th November. We start at 7.30pm; however if you would like some tuition please arrive a little earlier. You do not require a partner, but are very welcome to come with one, or two. The entrance fee of £1 includes tea and biscuits at half time. We play for the enjoyment of the game and the company, with small prizes. Everyone is welcome. All profits go to aid the Village Hall. If you need any more information please ring me on (01993) 852378.
Jo Hutchings.
REMEMBER, REMEMBER... THE CHICKENS
As the firework season will soon be upon us the hen-keepers on the village allotments have voiced their concerns over the holding of display fireworks in recent years. So for the welfare and safety of our birds we would ask other allotmenteers to be considerate and hold their displays elsewhere. Thank you.
Andrew Clemons
ST CHRISTOPHER'S NEWS
This year we have changed our Harvest Festival and are really looking forward to it. The children have already been to St Matthew's Church for their Harvest Service, led by Harry MacInnes. This year we were thinking about Harvest around the world and chose to support the charity Seeds for Africa.
This fantastic charity supports African Communities by providing schools with seeds and expertise to give the children and adults farming skills which hopefully they can then use to become sustainable communities. As we are in the heart of a farming community this seemed very appropriate. Each class worked on a different theme and investigated different crops and festivals around the world. At the children's service in the Church the children shared some of their work and sang some beautiful songs to reflect this. Thanks go also the Sheila Henderson and Gez Cornish who organised the service.
On Friday 10th October we have invited all the parents and carers into school to look at all the work in the classrooms on their chosen theme. Children will be showing their parents what they have been working on and sharing their ideas and knowledge of the charity we have chosen. Oak Class have been busy baking with the help of Julie Gibb, and have cooked an amazing array of speciality breads for sale in the afternoon. Parents and carers are invited to stay for refreshments and sample some of the wonderful produce both from Oak Class and that the children have brought in to share. We also have a Fair Trade hamper to raffle, organised by Willow Class. We will be ending the day with a prayer circle outside.
As many people are aware, we are lucky enough to have received funding to improve our playground and parking. In September we held an Open Meeting to canvass the views of parents and local residents on the preliminary plans. These plans were designed based on the pupils' views, staff input and ideas from the Diocese and Governors. We were also pleased that some of our neighbours came along to look at the plans and we really hope that the development of a staff car park will ease the parking issues around the school. We are now excitedly awaiting the finalised plans and can't wait for the work to start in the Spring.
As part of this development we have really looked closely at the needs of the children and how to make playtimes constructive and happy for everyone. We recently put an advert in our newsletter for `Playground leaders' and asked our Year 6 children to apply. We asked them to think about responsibility,
organisational skills, leadership, respect for others and a sense of fair play. Mrs Brownjohn, Janet and I are now going to run a training program so that the leaders can be trained in playground leadership and have a set of games and ideas to support all our children. The course is an accredited one and will lead to the qualification of a Junior Sports Leader. We have had some fantastic letters of application from the children and can't wait to get started on this project and see the difference it makes not only to the younger children in our school but also to the leaders themselves as they take on the challenge.
The SCPA is also working hard to support the school. Plans are well underway for the Christmas fete on Saturday 13th December which this year will end with Festive Carol Singing. Put the date in your diary now and please come along and enjoy the afternoon. More details will follow. The SCPA also hold monthly `Cook for Books' cake sales. These are ever popular with the children and raise money specifically for books to go into the classrooms. This has been of enormous benefit to all our children and we are looking forward to the next.
As always, please do not hesitate to contact the school with any queries or visit our website at st-christophers.oxon sch.uk to see some of the children's work and find out more about all aspects of our school.
Sarah Nisbett
LITTLE FARINGDON
St Margaret's
DON'T MISS OUR BONFIRE PARTY ON 7TH NOVEMBER
Known far and wide as an incredibly exciting event, our village Bonfire Party will take place on Friday 7th November at Little Faringdon House, directly opposite the church.
The gates will open at 6.45pm, and the bonfire will be lit at 7.15pm. The fireworks will start at 7.45pm, followed by music until 10.00pm.
An amazing array of food and drink will include burgers, hot dogs, beer, mulled wine, hot chocolate and more. All proceeds from this event will benefit St Margaret's Church and local charities. Tickets will be available at the gate, but for advance tickets or more details, please email me now on emma@abdycollins.co.uk.
Emma Abdy Collins
HARVEST FESTIVAL SERVICE
The refurbished church looked absolutely stunning at this year's Harvest Festival service on 12th October. Our appreciation goes to all those who helped decorate our precious church and contributed harvest produce and flowers, with special thanks to Rachel Taylor. We were also delighted to have the Reverend Ron Lloyd return to officiate at this lovely service.
NOVEMBER CHURCH SERVICES
Please note that our only service this month at St Margaret's Church will be on Sunday 23rd`' November (Communion). However, the Broadshire Remembrance Service will be held at St George's Church in Kencot on Sunday 9th November. Please assemble at Kencot War Memorial at 10.50am.
POPPY APPEAL
Rachel Taylor will be selling poppies in the village starting from 25th October. Please support this very worthy cause. And remember them...
`We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Love and were loved, and now we lie In Flanders field.'
From 'In Flanders Fields' by John McCrae
TRAVELLING SOUK IN VILLAGE
The Travelling Souk bazaar will be coming to Little Faringdon House on Monday 17th November from 9.00am to 4.00pm. Please come with your friends to do your Christmas shopping at more than 50 stalls, and enjoy coffee and a light lunch. Tickets are available at the door.
The Travelling Souk's visit to our village is in aid of Help for Heroes, Mulberry Bush School and Maggie's Cancer Caring Centres. For more information, please contact me by phone (01367 252155) or email (emma@abdycollins.co.uk).
Emma Abdy Collins
EVENING CAROL SERVICE
The St Margaret's Carol Service will take place by candlelight on the evening of Sunday 21st December.
To all those who would like to participate (singers, musicians and readers... young and not so young!, please ring me on 01367 252772.
Barbara Browne
CHURCH FLOWERS
November Jeanie Pollock
December No flowers during Advent
Christmas Day Elsa Taylor (altar) with help from everyone please
SHILTON
Holy Rood
HARVEST FESTIVAL SERVICE & SUPPER
Our church looked splendid for the Harvest Festival Service on 5th October and so a big thank you is due to everyone who gave flowers, produce and a lot of time to make it look so beautiful. We all enjoyed a very meaningful service and this year we were persuaded by the Reverend MacInnes to have a hymn that is not very well known. It had a lovely tune and with Harry leading us all went well.
After the service we crossed the road into our Old School Village Hall where we all enjoyed a delicious supper. Very many thanks to everyone who helped with the supper - it is a lot of work (albeit enjoyable) in putting a meal together for 40 folk and so we were thrilled to bits when we had male volunteers come into the kitchen, put on pinnies and get on with washing and drying the dishes. Thank you chaps - we did appreciate your help and you can come again next year.
We managed to raise £203 and this will help towards the upkeep of our lovely old church.
Jean Roberts
COFFEE MORNING/BRING AND BUY
Please support this annual chapel/church coffee morning at Little Viners in Church Lane on 8th November from 10.00am to 12midday. We will be selling Christmas cards, books, tapes and CD's from the Christian Bookshop at Highworth, lovely Scottish soaps, African crafts and other goodies from the charity Helping Hands, homemade cakes, jams and chutneys.
This really is a lovely opportunity to get together with friends and neighbours to have a chat, enjoy a cup of coffee and biscuits and make a start to Christmas shopping, and everyone is very welcome.
Offers of jam, chutneys, home made cakes and bring and buy items will be gratefully received by me or Elizabeth Harfield. Looking forward to seeing you on the 8th November.
Jean Roberts
REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY
Our Remembrance Sunday Service on 9th November will begin at the War Memorial by the village pond at 10.50 a.m. We will then walk/drive to the Parish Church for the remainder of the service.
BUCKET OF COFFEE, ANYONE?
An uneventful month as far as the Old School Committee organising anything goes, but the village did host a Macmillan Cancer Support World's Biggest Coffee Morning in the Old School on Friday 26th September. This raised £344.36 (to which will be added another £67.90 of reclaimed tax from the amount Gift Aided).
Thank you to everyone who helped organise and run this event, to all those who participated and gave so generously, and also to the people who donated to the cause but were unable to come to the coffee morning.
Shirley Cuthbertson
PARISH COUNCIL
The final Parish Council meeting of the year will be held on Wednesday 3rd December at 7.30 in Shilton Old School.
Katherine Robertson
KEEP FIT
Please remember... Keep-fit every Thursday in Shilton Old School from 7.00 to 8.00pm at £3.50 per session. Telephone me for more details 01993 706265.
Sandie Hunter
HISTORY GROUP
In spite of dreadful weather we had a wonderful turnout for our first meeting of the session in September when we had a most entertaining talk, as expected, from Dr.Gillian White.
At our meeting on the 14th November we will hear all about 'the fascinating story of the bicycle' from Bill King who suggests that we bring our own memorabilia - and memories - which he would love to hear. See you there.
Fred Robertson
BRADWELL VILLAGE
(part of Shilton Parish)
VILLAGE COFFEE SHOP
The Coffee Shop is open on Friday in term time from 10.30am until 2.30pm in the Village Hall selling hot and cold drinks and home-made cakes and savouries. This is a splendid social focus for anyone with an hour or so to spare. For further details telephone me on 01993 824801.
Sharon Howat
VILLAGE STITCHERS
The next meeting is on Tuesday 11th November from 10.00am until 2.30pm. Visitors are most welcome, at £2 for the day. The half-annual subscription is
£10. Please bring along your latest project to work on. Drinks and biscuits are provided, but please bring a packed lunch. For more info ring 01993 824475.
Marion Ellis
UP, 1, 2, 3. DOWN, 1, 2, 3...
There is a new 50+ Exercise Class every Tuesday at 9.30am in Bradwell Village Hall. Give me a ring on 01993 822781.
Sue Hayman
WESTWELL
St Mary's
BENEFICE SERVICE
We host the benefice service on 2nd November. We will be welcoming Julian Hubbard, Archdeacon of Oxford, who will tell us how he fits in to the life and work of the Church in our Benefice, before he expounds on the readings for the day. Please come. I am sure he will answer questions after the service.
HARVEST FESTIVAL
This year, we celebrated Harvest Festival before all the cereal crops in the village had been gathered in, happily this coincided with a change in the weather and the combines were rolling later in the week.
It does occur to me that many of us contribute to a daily harvest in our work, and indeed the gardens are producing most of the year; so although we choose a very obvious time for harvest festivals, it is still an arbitrary date in the year, when we can give thanks for the many good things we enjoy in life.
WATER, WATER, EVERYWHERE
After the heavy rains in September the road through Westwell was again running with water, which was springing up through the tarmac and copiously through the drain gratings. Someone was able to summon help from the County Council, who were initially worried that their road would disintegrate. However JCB's arrived and a bit of wisdom, and it was found that a large underground pipe drain below the road had become nearly blocked.
Once cleared our floods returned underground, where they belonged, much to everyone's relief and the county got away with a minor repair. We do thank them for this timely work.
Chris Fox
FILKINS VILLAGE SHOP
Opening Hours
Monday 3.00 to 5.00pm
Tuesday 10.00am to 12noon & 3.00 to 5.00pm Wednesday 2pm to 4pm
Thursday 9.00am to 12.00noon & 3.00 to 5.00pm
Friday 3.00 to 5.00pm
Saturday 9.00am to 1.00pm & 3.00 to 5.00pm
Sunday 3.00 to 5.00pm
`You Get Back What You Put In'
THERE was never a truer word spoken about village life and one of the best examples of this is the Filkins Village Shop. A community owned enterprise; the shop has been running for just over 3 years now. It is operated by our community and run for our mutual benefit rather than for profit.
The shop is open 7 days a week, for a total 11 shifts each week. 4 of the shifts are covered by Hilary Skinner, our one paid part time employee, 1 shift is covered by Alma from Carterton Co-Op, and the other 6 are covered by volunteers.
One of our biggest challenges in running the shop is having a big enough pool of volunteers to man it. It is a constant struggle to fill the volunteer shifts week in, week out. This is surprising really when you think how many people there are in our community, how few shifts actually need to be covered each week, and how much those who do volunteer get out of it.
So have you ever considered volunteering to work in the shop? What is stopping you? Here are some of the reasons that people often give:
• I do not have the time to work in the shop.
Shifts are 2 or 3 hours long and can be split with another volunteer if necessary.
• I do not want to make a regular commitment that I might not be able to keep.
Most of our volunteers do a shift as and when they can. For some this means a regular slot
every other week, whilst others prefer to sign up on an ad hoc basis as and when needed and available.
• I am worried about operating the till.
If you sign up as a volunteer you will be given full training on the till and will not be left alone until you are confident. The till is actually very simple to operate and if you ever do have a problem help is only a phone
call away. Even if you do not want to operate the till there are other jobs to be done such as date checking, shelf cleaning and helping put stock on the shelves.
• I do not live in Filkins
The shop is used and staffed by people from all over. For example at least 5 of our volunteers live in Langford, and one even comes over from Whelford.
Just as importantly - here is why you should consider volunteering?
• It is a great way to become more involved in village life. If you are new to the area, or out of the village working all week, then working in the shop is one of the best ways to connect with people and catch up on all the village chat.
• The shop is a fantastic plus for the village. It is a vibrant hub of village life and provides a valuable service particularly to those of our residents who do not have a car or access to internet shopping. It is a showcase for local produce and could save you making a car trip to Lechlade or Carterton just for a pint of milk or a tin of dog food. However, the shop's survival depends upon us having enough volunteers, so if you want it to survive then you need to help.
• The more you put in to your local community, the more you will get back. We are fortunate to live in an amazing place where so many people do so much for the benefit of all. If you are looking for another way to put something back then try working in the shop.
So why not give it a go? Call me today on 01367 860 095 and book yourself in for an induction and training session.
And don't forget that there are other ways to support the shop too:
• Buy a share - £10 - only one per person
• Use the shop yourself - even if you only spend a few pounds a week.
• If all else fails - donations are always welcome!
Every Little Helps - even if we are not, and never will be, Tesco. Ann Choyce
GOOD NEIGHBOUR SCHEMES
Oxfordshire .:community
Enabling a diverse voluntary and community sector to flourish
GOOD Neighbour Schemes are local voluntary groups which offer a service in their community for those in need of help and support. The people who may need support may be older people, people with disabilities, single parents and young mothers, those temporarily in need through illness or anyone who may be isolated within the community.
The help offered by Good Neighbour Schemes may include:
• Providing transport for appointments or hospital visits
• Errands, shopping a collecting prescriptions
• Household tasks or gardening
• Visiting or befriending
• Letter-writing or simple form filling
• Helping people after discharge from hospital
• Reading to partially sighted or blind people
• Providing information
Where the scheme is available to the community is well-used and highly valued by the residents.
'I am housebound, but my befriender is wonderful. She gets all the right things. She cheers me up'
As a single woman without family living near I get quite anxious whenever I get ill, wondering how I'm going to get the prescription, my shopping etc. Knowing that there is a Good Neighbour on my street that I can call if I have to have help gives me real comfort and peace of mind'
Would your village like to have a Good Neighbour Scheme?
Oxfordshire Community and Voluntary Action is currently running a project Funded by Oxfordshire CC with the aim of supporting local communities to establish new schemes. A limited number of start-up grants are available to allow communities to meet the costs of setting up- buying a mobile phone, public liability cover and publicity material. These grants will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
For further information please contact me on 01865 251946 or email: liz.pride@.uk
Liz Pride
BURFORD SCHOOL NEWS
News from the Maths department
THIRTEEN year 9 pupils assisted by A Level Maths students have begun a code breaking club after school set up by Southampton University. Over the next few months they will be joining George Scovell and the Duke of Wellington in their fight to eject Napoleon's army from
Portugal and Spain. It will be their job to help the British army in its efforts to decipher French messages.
As the war progresses and the French
ciphers become harder to crack they will need all their wit and skill to break them. The first challenge begun on 25th`" September and our team of gifted individuals cracked the code using a cipher wheel and had the completed message in ten minutes.
Fantasy Writer launches Reading Club at Burford
Lucky Year 7 pupils met London-based fantasy writer, Sam Enthoven on Friday 3rd October. Sam was talking to pupils about his books and how much fun it is to write for a living. He was helping to launch the Year 7 Reading Club at the school for 2008/9 and inspiring children to discover some great books to read in his own inimitable and vibrant style.
An Evening with `All That Jazz'
In May we started a new jazz/dance band called `All That Jazz'. The ensemble caters for trumpets, trombones, all saxophones, clarinets and a rhythm section. The music ranges from modern arrangements of pop/rock music to the more traditional jazz standards. Following the popular and successful performances at the `BSA Beer Festival', `Festival on the Field' and performing at a Vine Festival' in Italy we are holding an evening with the band on Saturday 6th December. This evening will have a disco, bar and hot food available so please make a note of the date for your diaries. Tickets will be available from the school office from November.
News from Lenthall House (Burford School Boarding House) The summer holiday saw the completion of the extension to the girls' boarding house. The huge roof space above the dining room has been sound-proofed and converted into several sixthform study bedrooms with a large new bathroom.
The new rooms are connected to the main house by a custom built spiral staircase which sweeps up from where the gallery used to be. This has enabled the boarding house to expand the number of girls who board in the sixthform and they, have described their new facilities as `awesome'.
The Modern Languages Department
If anyone has any old or new personal CD player which has now become obsolete and would like to donate them to the Modern Languages Department, we would be delighted to accept them and give them a good home for our IVth form pupils. Please hand them in to Reception and say they are for Miss Santovety. Thanks a lot in advance.
News from the Drama Department
There's lots going on in the Drama Department this month. Pupils are currently rehearsing an exciting version of William Shakespeare's `The Taming of the Shrew' for the National Schools' Shakespeare Festival. We have chosen to modernise the staging of the play by setting it in a nightclub. The characters try to battle wits and dance moves.
The Schools' Shakespeare Festival is a national event in which 500 schools perform 30 minute versions of Shakespeare's best loved plays. Our talented cast have already had an exciting workshop with the National Youth Theatre on the 10tht'' September. Everyone enjoyed themselves and learnt a lot about their characters.
The main performance was on the 8th October at the Chipping Norton Theatre alongside productions by other local schools. The play will be performed again in school during November. Over several nights, we will be performing `The Taming of The Shrew' and also `Macbeth' and `A Midsummer Night's Dream' with our year 11 GCSE pupils.
Fashion Show
On Thursday 27th' November Vith Form pupils are putting on a SCCWID Fashion show in the school hall. There will be a catwalk display of the SCCWID clothing followed by a raffle and sale. The pupils are taking their turn on the catwalk in memory of Sophie Watson, a former pupil, who died of cancer. A fashion show held in 2006 raised a spectacular £4,200 for this charity. Further details are available from the school on 01993 823303.
News of old Burfordians
Alice Freeman (1989-95). Represented Great Britain in the Beijing Olympics this summer. She competed in the women's eights and helped the team finish fifth.. Adrian Carter (1973-77) who qualified as an architect has designed and is Director of a Cultural Centre in Denmark. The centre celebrates the famous Danish architect Jorn Utzon. Further details
Simon Halford (2002 - 2004)has been awarded a Master of Engineering Aerospace Engineering from the University of Southampton.
Lucy Yeatman (1996 - 2003) has been awarded a Master of Arts (Honours) in Geography and Spanish from the University of St Andrews.
Rachel Alcock (1995 - 2002) has been awarded a Master of Science in Human Rights and Human Values from the University of Birmingham
Mary Alcock
West Ox Arts Gallery is on the first floor of Bampton Town Hall. The Gallery opening hours are: Tuesday - Saturday: 10.30am - 12.30pm and 2.00pm - 4.00pm & Sunday: 2.00pm - 4.00pm. Tel: 01993 850137 or email: westoxarts@yahoo.co.uk.
By Sea and Sand: 1st to 23rd November
OIL paintings mainly of Greece and Norway showing the raw beauty of the landscape. Brien 0 Ruairc's enthusiastic response to Greece has evolved over many visits and in this exhibition he will exhibit classical landscapes, olive groves, seascapes and fire burnt hills. His paintings of the icy Arctic fiords of Norway are a dramatic contrast with their majestic skies and profound sense of space.
TWO TALKS HOSTED BY WEST OX ARTS
Gimson and the Barnsley Brothers: Tuesday 4th November 7.30pm
The Arts and Crafts Movement of the late 19th and early 20th centuries was as much a philosophy of life as it was an artistic movement. The desire to escape from the dirt and crowds of the city and to turn their backs on the capitalist system led many to seek a simpler way of life in the countryside. This illustrated talk looks at one such enterprise centred on the Cotswolds; the work of Ernest Gimson and the Barnsley brothers at Sapperton near Cirencester.
Ashbee and The Guild of Handicrafts: Tuesday 1lth November 7.30pm
Interior designer Charles Ashbee set up the Guild of Handicraft which specialised in metalwork, jewellery, furniture and book production.
Gill Salway was a Senior Lecturer in the History of Art and Design at N. Staffs. Polytechnic, and Associate Lecturer for The Open University.
Both talks will take place in West Ox Arts Gallery. Please book tickets from the gallery (01993 850137 or email westoxarts@yahoo.co.uk). The talks cost £5 each. Refreshments will be provided.
SPINNING A YARN ABOUT FRENCHMEN
ON Wednesday 12th November, at 2.00 pm, in Bradwell Village Hall (coffee 1.15 to 1.45 pm), The Cotswold Antiques Study Group will host a talk entitled: From Rags to Riches, The Huguenots of Spitalfields, featuring the silk weavers, their fortunes and homes, and the patterned silks they produced.
The speaker will be Sue Jackson, who lectures for the National Trust, the U3A and the City Literary Institute.
Non-members are always welcome. For more
information telephone the Membership Secretary on 01869 345332.
Ray Murray
THE LENTHALL CONCERTS
ON Wednesday, November 5th 2008 at 7.30pm., in Burford School, we welcome the young German ensemble, Klanlust directed by Bernt Muller.
Concerto Grosso op 6/12 or op 6/2 Handel Double Violin Concerto in D minor J S Bach
St Paul's Suite Holst
Holberg Suite Grieg
Tickets are £12 at the door (Students £3.00 Under 18 50p) or £10 in advance from: Red Lion Bookshop, 122 High Street, Burford (01993 822539) or Music Stand 62 High Street, Witney (01993 774890)
THE BURFORD SINGERS
A T 7.30pm on 7th'' December, the Burford Singers (director: Brian Kay) and the Cotswold Chamber Orchestra (leader: Kate Bailey) will perform Music for Advent & Christmas in Burford Parish Church.
Wachet auf ruft uns die Stimme Bach
In Terra Pax Finzi
St Nicolas Mass Haydn
Fantasia on Christmas Carols Vaughan Williams
Capriol Suite Warlock
All tickets now reserved at £17.00, £14.00 and £10 (students half price)
Tickets are available from: The Red Lion Bookshop, 122, High Street, Burford, or telephone 01993 822539
Jan Campbell
WEST OX ARTS
POTTERING IN THE POTTING SHED
THERE would be few people with an appreciation for gardening who would be unmoved by the spectacular display of foliage on offer from our parks, woodlands and hedgerows that comes with the onset of autumn. Despite, or possibly because of the very wet, cool summer, the leaves this autumn are proving to be very colourful. Leaves contain a complex mixture of
pigments, which give a species its characteristic colours. The major pigments are the carotenoids, which produce the yellow hues, the anthocyanins, which produce the reds, purples & blues and the tannins (the slowest
pigment to break down), which produce the brown shades. l he plants genes and the environment that is chosen for each plant determine the presence of these colours. Most of the pigments in the leaf are masked during the growing season by the green pigment Chlorophyll, so that in most cases the colour we usually see during the spring and summer months is some shade of green There are many choices available for ensuring blazing colour in the garden. Here are some that maybe of interest.
The leaves of the unusual deciduous shrub Cotinus `Royal Red' change to a brilliant red. It does, however, require plenty of space, as does Cotinus `Grace', another truly splendid variety with leaves that turn to a vibrant, glowing red. Cotinus `Golden Spirit', grown for its yellow leaves, is an alternative where space is an issue. Also unusual is the philbert, Corylus maxima `purpurea', a shrub with very dark leaves. It produces edible nuts in autumn, followed by purplish catkins in late winter and purple leaves. The Winged spindle Euonymous `alatus' exhibits a striking colour in autumn. A dense, bushy, deciduous shrub, the leaves of Euonymous `alatus' turn brilliant dark red in autumn, lending a vibrant, warm feel to a shrub border. This plant would also
work effectively as a specimen placed in a prime position in the garden, having ample character to stand-alone.
Some of the Euonymus varieties take on a pretty pink tint as winter approaches. Euonymous `Silver Queen' looks good on a wall and will climb a few feet, whereas Euonymous fortunei 'Coloratus' will reach almost to the eaves. Another shrub of interest for wall growing is the Myrtus communis, or Common Myrtle. This bushy, medium sized, evergreen shrub is grown for its aromatic glossy foliage and the profusion of attractive white flowers which open in mid to late summer. The plant tends to grow quite quickly when it is young, slowing with age. In warm areas it can be used for hedging but for most parts of the UK it is best grown singly in a sheltered area.
Acer palmatum `Azuma murasaki' is a cultivar which dates back a hundrded years and produces a splendid display of scarlet leaves in autumn.
Viburnum opulus, or Guelder Rose, is a large vigorous shrub with stunning bright red leaves and translucent red berries, which last well into winter. It is especially happy in boggy conditions
Anne Greenwood
NATURE NOTES
A RECENT trip to Portland and Lodmoor Reserve at Weymonth was quite productive for interesting bird sightings. Perhaps the best one was a melodious warbler which is a rare vagrant or passage migrant to this country and was sitting quite unconcerned in a bramble bush at close quarters, feeding up on insects before its journey to West Africa, where it winters. Grey green tinged with brown on the back it is pale yellow with a buff brown cast underneath. This is only my second sighting of this bird having previously seen it in Spain in March this year.
A little owl can almost be relied upon in a rock overhang on Portland Bill where it seems to sit all day (right). This is our smallest British owl closely related to the American Burrowing owl and is an introduced species to the U.K. but has been established for more than one hundred years. Being crepuslular' (mostly active at dawn and dusk) they also
hunt during the day and feed on small mammals, sucn as mice, voles, snrews and small rabbits as well as insects, earthworms, snails, slugs and small fish. There is evidence to suggest that little owls were present in Britain between the
last two ice ages, but they seem to have been only an occasional visitor to the U.K. right up to the latter part of the 19th century. Numerous unsuccessful re-introduction attempts were made during the 19th century but between 1889 - 90 large numbers of Dutch little owls were released in Northamptonshire with considerable success. More successful introductions were made in Yorkshire. Hampshire and Hertfordshire.
Little egrets (left) were seen at Lodmoor. This is a small white heron with attractive white plumes on crest, back, and chest, black legs and bill and large yellow feet. It first appeared in significant numbers in 1989 and first bred in Dorset in 1996. Its colonisation followed naturally from a range expansion into
western and northern
France in previous decades. It is now commonly seen in coastal sites and
estuaries along the south coast, and in Devon and Cornwall and has become a
breeding species as well as a winter visitor. I have seen them standing in
shallow water moving their big yellow feet around to disturb small fish which
they eat.
There were also good views of four lovely pairs of yellow wagtails at Lodmoor, feeding up on the short shore line vegetation before departing for Africa.
And now two large pests I have encountered in the garden. I am having great problems in a large garden that I look after near Witney. Every morning when I go the lawn has areas that look like a mine field, the turf has been dug up and pushed back and it takes up to two hours every visit to repair the damage. Badgers are omnivores and their principal food is earthworms. Large numbers are eaten on damp nights when they come to the surface and they are very nutritious. They will also eat insects and their larvae, small mammals, carrion, fruit, nuts, cereals, roots, bulbs and tubers.
In the same garden I suffer from muntjac deer damage when they eat the new shoots on the roses. I remember digging out a new rose bed in a garden at Finstock a few years ago and planting it up with twenty new rose bushes. The next week when I visited the whole lot had been eaten down to stumps. The muntjac when fully grown is about the size of a spaniel and originates from South East Asia. It was imported into a country estate and then, as usual, escaped and became a pest damaging saplings in the woods. It is solitary, does not form herds, does not have a rutting season and can breed any time of the
year and does can conceive again within days of giving birth. They are capable of breeding at eight months old. A common name for them is barking deer after a repeated loud bark which I hear quite often.
The joys of living in the country! David Roberts
WHAT SHALL WE HAVE FOR DINNER?
This month the Guru with the Gravyboat comes over all Autumnal...
Roast Butternut Squash
BUTTERNUT squash is a truly seasonal vegetable. Just as asparagus is the taste of early summer and tastes plain wrong when imported at great expense in the middle of winter, so squash epitomises autumn; the colour alone livens up menus as we embrace comforting, warming food to cheer us up in the dismal days ahead. Even better, whereas cauliflower and broccoli need eating within a day or so (who has not found a mouldy once-green vegetable lurking at the bottom of the fridge which you would have sworn you only bought `the other day'?) squash, pumpkin et al will happily take up residence in the pantry for weeks.
This way of cooking squash is perfect as an accompaniment to roast meat and is ideal alongside the turkey for Thanksgiving Dinner, if you are into all things American. It is an American recipe in fact, which I cut out of the Times a few years ago. This would not be the most diet-friendly way of cooking butternut squash (no surprises there, then) but is absolutely delicious and a little goes a long way. I have tried it with other kinds of squash and pumpkin, and all work equally well.
1 butternut squash
3 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
Large pinch of salt
4 tbsp maple syrup
3 tsp finely chopped fresh ginger
Handful of pine nuts (optional)
Pre-heat oven to 1800C. Peel the squash, cut in half lengthways, remove the seeds and cut the flesh into 3cm chunks. Spread them out on a baking tray or roasting tin and sprinkle with a little salt.
Combine the butter, syrup and ginger then spoon the mixture over the squash. Roast until the tips of the squash turn golden brown (c. 35-40 mins.) Serve
with the pine nuts sprinkled over the top. Serves 4-6 as a side dish.
Angela Galione
RAF BROADWELL
As David Oakey writes, everyone in the Shill Valley and Broadshires must have wondered what once went on at the old airfield. Certainly I have, particularly when standing on the verandah around the old control tower, from where all the old concrete landmarks begin to make sense. Many of us know something about the gliders at Broadwell, but David paints a vivid picture of what RAF Broadwell was all about...
RAF BROADWELL lies just off the Burford/Lechlade road near Bradwell Grove on the road to Kencot, which does not follow its original route as it was closed when the airfield was operational, and re-opened when the airfield closed. The new route for the road now runs along the old runway, I presume it was cheaper to do that as opposed to building a new one.
Very often when I'm driving along that road my mind turns to all the young men who went to war from RAF Broadwell and never came back. I suspect this is the case with many of the older residents in the Broadshires who can remember the airfield when it was operational. I also suspect that the younger generation see the remains of the runway and the shell of the control tower (Joan Forde who married one of the RAF servicemen, says the young RAF officers used to ride their bikes around the ledge of the control tower, if you go and have a look at it, it was a very dangerous bit of fun) and wonder what did actually did go on there, so to rectify that I will in the next few articles try to write something about the history of the airfield.
I have for the past few years been collecting information and memories from some of the men who were stationed there, and one contributor said `it is good you are collecting memories as quite a lot of us are on our final circuit and in fact most of us have already landed', which I thought was a interesting way of putting it.
The station virtually began its life when an opening-up party of 70 arrived on 15th' November 1943. The land required for the runways was farmed by the Gardiner family, and by the Bastons. The requisition order came immediately, and without warning. There was no time to lift what- was left of the potato crop, and much of the best land was lost for ever by the farmers.
Work began immediately, with a force of largely Irish labour being employed by Wimpey's to prepare the runways and accommodation. The airfield was constructed in an amazingly short time, and an old airman remembers that the runways were not even hardened off or settled down when they started using them.
The effect on the small villages around was quite dramatic, and The Rose & Crown in Shilton, in all its long existence had probably never been so busy. Everyone remembers the noisy and sometimes violent scenes which became common in the village with the arrival of the Irish workers. Americans, too, were often involved in the fights which regularly threatened the windows of the Trinder's cottage. Beer supplies did not last the week, however, so there must have been some more peaceful evenings. Mrs Bowles was working at The Chequers in Brize Norton, and when supplies ran out there, young people would walk or cycle over to Shilton in search of a drink; bringing jam- jars, which took the place of glasses.
On Wimpey paydays the Shilton Post Office was besieged by Irish workmen, telegraphing money to their families in Ireland. The queue stretched down the garden path and into the road, and Joyce Read and her father had to work till late at night, wiring off all the orders. At the start of the war the Post Office was in a part of what is now Barn Cottage. Then it was moved up near the crossroads, where it served as a small shop as well as post-office.
Transport Command took control on 24th January 1944, and the first party arrived on 2nd February. The first Dakotas were flown in a few days later, followed by more, bringing Horsa gliders.[pic]
[pic]
Broadwell had a threefold role:
• Delivery of airborne forces and supplies.
• Transport runs to the Continent
• Retrieval of wounded troops
By the end of February, 220 commissioned and 1400 non-commissioned men had arrived. There were several sorties during April to drop leaflets over France, and in May there were visits by King George VI, and by Churchill, to watch exercises. They saw troop-carriers taking off, to drop parachutists on Salisbury Plain[pic]
On 2nd June 1944 the station was sealed off. Outgoing mail was impounded, and all leave cancelled; for Broadwell was the starting point for 1000 troops leaving to parachute into Normandy on 5th June (D day -1). They were followed the next day by Horsa gliders with more troops, and then by Dakotas dropping supplies. During the following weeks aircraft left Broadwell with re-enforcements, bringing back casualties on their return journeys. American wounded were taken to Bradwell Grove, newly constructed as a U.S.A.F. hospital, (one local lady who worked there as a girl, said it was terrible, the injured troops were traumatised and when ever an airplane went over they covered there heads or hid), while the British were dispersed to other centres for treatment. Meanwhile, Harry Gardiner was issued with a special pass `to tend a foal', that was being reared within the prohibited zone.
There were dances, in the local village halls which the RAF came to, places like Kencot, Filkins, Carterton, and Shilton, the Woman's Institute in Kencot used to serve cups of tea for the RAF, and at least one local girl met her husband there. There were Australian and Canadian Air Force, and I am not sure if they were just attached to the RAF squadrons or there in their own right, I think they were with 575 Squadron.
One Sunday morning in mid September, 47 Dakotas took off, each towing a Horsa. The gliders were loaded with troops, jeeps, trailers, cycles, handcarts, and anti-tank guns. As they moved towards the East coast they were to converge with similar flights, coming from all directions, so that the sky seemed filled with the sight and sound of planes, all on their way to Arnhem, one of the greatest scenes of disaster for the Allies.
Broadwell continued to operate as a transport base until the end of 1946, and was finally closed in March 1947.
But this was not the end of RAF Broadwell as unknown to most there was an underground bunker there in the 1960/70's from where the civil defence operated. This was connected to the local post offices and other civic buildings to give a warning in case of nuclear attack, the remains of this bunker can be seen behind the old control tower. But now, 60 years after its heyday, cracked runways, a control tower, and a few derelict buildings are all that remain.[pic]
The memories of some of the pilots and troops are difficult to put in any order, so I will by and pick out the most interesting. Harry Howard now in 2008, lives in Mindhead Somerset I visited him in July this year, and spent a very interesting 3 to 4 hours listening to some of his experiences, he will be 90 next year and wants to go flying again on his 90th birthday
J WAS a Staff Sgt first pilot in 15 Flight, F Squadron of the Glider Pilot Regiment, and my second pilot was Sgt. Holman with whom I had only flown for twenty minutes prior to Operation Mallard, which was a landing on the evening of D-Day to reinforce the earlier airborne operations which took place in the very early hours of 6th June.
Sixth Airborne Division were untried in battle, but, like everyone else who had trained and trained again for the invasion, we were raring to go. I recall the briefing, the maps and photographs of the approach along the River Orne and Caen Canal to the landing zone near Ranville, and the gaiety of the Royal Ulster Riflemen who filed aboard my glider. Soon came take-off; I had gained sufficient speed on tow behind my Dakota tug to lift the [pic]glider off the runway to a position just above the tug's slip-stream; we were over half-way down the airfield when to my horror, because the tug was still on the deck, its undercarriage started to rise and the aircraft bellied on to the runway with sparks flying everywhere. I realized immediately that it could not become airborne and my speed was carrying me over and past the tug.
There was still some runway ahead of me, so I released the tow rope, applied full flaps and touched down beyond the tug which I saw as I passed over it which had fortunately slewed to starboard on to the grass verge. This meant the runway was still clear for further combinations to take off, provided of course that I did not block it with my aircraft. Although the Horsa, was equipped with a skid which was designed for landing in a shorter distance
than would be possible with the undercarriage, we had long learned to keep the wheels intact and not jettison them after take-off. They were fitted with hydraulic brakes which meant that upon touching down the glider could be steered left or right for a distance if there was an obstruction straight ahead. The skid method gave no such choice and the braking system was almost as effective in distance travelled before stopping.
I dared not apply brakes and rudder too quickly in case we ground looped and came to grief. The perimeter fence was looming up very quickly but fortunately I turned left off the runway and came to rest near the perimeter track. You can imagine the Irish comment which came back to me from the strapped-in platoon in the main fuselage. I think we all felt both relief and disappointment. But no sooner had my co-pilot and I taken full stock of the situation than we heard the roar of one of the station tractors and before we could fully realize it, we were hitched up, taken back to the start line about two miles round the perimeter track and coupled to one of the reserve tugs.
I then had this account from Paddy Devlin
WE got ready in the middle of the afternoon after a good midday meal and we were taken across to the runway where our gliders were lined up in single file on both sides with the tug aircraft parked off the runway at a 45 degree angle facing towards the take off. As each combination sped down the runway the next tug would taxi into position and when the rope was taut, it would speed on its way at one minute intervals. We were shown our individual platoon gliders and then took it easy until told to get dressed in our equipment and get on board. I was pleased we were going, this was what I had volunteered for and it was a nice fine evening, good gliding weather and soon we were on our way. Well not quite, as far as 18 Platoon were concerned.
We became airborne a few feet up and then we veered off to the left and landed back on the grass, the glider pilot had released the tow rope. Why? Well looking out of my port hole window there was our tug aircraft careering down the runway on its belly, the pilot had pulled up his undercarriage too soon after he became airborne forgetting he was towing a fully loaded glider which caused it to drop back on the runway. When we halted someone remarked that, `D' Day was over for us. Meanwhile take off by the other gliders continued as soon as the RAF pushed the offending aircraft clear of the runway. The other glider passengers would not even know that there was a problem as they awaited their turn to take off. We were told to sit tight and soon the RAF hitched a tractor onto the glider and we were towed along the grass to the end of the runway where we were hitched to another tug aircraft the RAF had there as a reserve.
In one of the buildings at RAF Broadwell there was a complete model of the north coast of France where the paratroopers were to land, all the villages hills
completely laid out so the troops were completely familiar with area they were going to be dropped.
Here is an account by a pilot John E. Richards
SO in order for you to add some information to your quest for the Broadwell story, I will copy some of the log book pages to show you the sequence of our crew while we were with 512 and then with 437 at Arnhem and beyond.
I remember Broadwell for the mountains of mud. When we arrived, the quarters were new and the airstrip wasn't even hardened. I remember the German bombers dropping bombs around us. I remember the cold nights, when our one bucket of coal was insufficient to keep us warm, so we would go out at night and cut down the wooden fences that were at the farms. I remember a Mess call of all the Officers by the Commanding Officer of Broadwell to assess every one of us a portion of the cost of the fences that the farmers sustained. But we were at least warmer and the poker games were much more enjoyable.
As far as D Day is concerned. We took a stick of the Canadian 6th into Malaise. And then flew behind the balloons at Caen, taking in freight and bringing back stretcher cases. We followed our advances, and flying petrol and rockets for the typhoons Until Arnhem.
As for the Arnhem `do' On 18th' Sept we towed a glider to Landing Zone `Z' without incidence. Very little flak but small arms fire.
'Then on 21st Sept we went in to re-supply. Very heavy flak and lots of small arms fire. Our wing aircraft received a direct hit and just disintegrated before my eyes. I was stationed in the turret dome, so-that I was able to see everything going on.. Our RASC people-did a good job of discharging the cargo and we were down to about 800 feet and luck to this point was with us. Not a scratch. We left the Zone and climbed to about 6000 feet. The weather was lousy. Overcast and foggy. None of our fighters were up that day, at least not at over Arnhem. I remained in the turret and about five minutes into our return I reported about ten fighters at 4 o'clock high and they were flying towards Germany.
Bob said it must be our boys as they said that they would try to give us some cover. At that time Bob asked me to go to .the back of the aircraft as his controls seemed to be acting up. He proceeded to place the ship on auto pilot and I went back to check. Just as I returned to my station hell broke loose, just like D-Day. I Felt light shrapnel hitting the aircraft three or four times. I looked over to Bob and he and Stew, who was in the co-pilot's seat were hit and bleeding badly. They were both slumped over. The port engine was bellowing smoke and racing away and someone (McHugh) yelled `bail out!' The rest is history. McHugh, our navigator, myself and one RASC (Jones)
were able to get out before the port side blew off, and the ship went down in a ball of fire with Bob Alexander, Stew McLintock and three RASC lads. In later years a Dutchman was able to trace and identify the eventual graves of the people that died that day.
I parachuted and landed about 100 yards short of the German perimeter (I was told later by one of the 101st) as I landed on the perimeter held by the 101st Airborne. It was at Sohn right near Eindhoven. The radio operator to the 101s` commanding officer saw us bail out and he wrote a book called `Hell's Highway'. He signed the book for me noting that he witnessed me bailing out.
So it turned out that I was lucky not to have been taken prisoner. As a matter of fact a young Dutch girl about 12 years of age or so, knew exactly where I was hiding and led me back to the American 101St hospital at Sohn.
I later flew with a number of pilots in the Squadron and eventually did the mission over the Rhine at Wessel with S/L Bob Joyce.
As far as Broadwell is concerned I remember the spirited parties we had at the Mess (Officers) the dances with the nurses and the ambulance drivers. There are some very pleasant memories. I recall inviting a company of American Army chaps to experience a ride in the gliders. It was a thrill of a lifetime for them.. I made friends with their company commander and S/L Rae was a good kind of Deputy Commander. As for 575, Jack Sproule who was the deputy commander of 575 was sent to form-the 437 Squadron I recall the supposed action to get ready to move the Squadrons to Italy, just before D-Day. Of Course this was just a ruse. Whole bunches of us wound up in Oxford looking for socks, Wad shirts etc. A lot of us were naive and participated. I remember enjoying my stay at Broadwell and my memories are pleasant..
David Oakey
To see much more about RAF Broadwell go to , a real labour of love by David Oakey
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