ABINGDON / STEVENTON - OX13/14 - MARCH 2010ABINGDON / STEVENTON - OX13/14 - MARCH 2010
March! Lovely! Two Welsh Saints’ Days to celebrate! Dai the noted outside half and Paddy on the wing. They didn’t do Wales much good at Twickenham last month though. Never mind! Cockles and Guinness all round! My little daffs are on schedule, the sun’s coming back, and I can start whispering sweet nothings to my baby begonias. My carrots, beans and onions are ready to go in, and my chilli peppers are building up a head of steam. I like March!
-&-
And to show that the sheep believe that spring has sprung, there are ‘Lambing Weekends’ up at Hill Farm, Little Wittenham on the 20th, 21st, 27th and 28th between 10 and 4. Tractor trailer rides, sheep dog demonstrations, children’s activities and games plus a chance to see a lamb being born. Not suitable for pregnant type ladies though! Teas on sale in the Poem Tree refreshment barn. Families £10 for 2x2, or adults £4, children £2. No booking necessary.
-&-
And a freebee for your mum if you’re crafty. Roves Farm is offering free admission on Mother’s Day, the 14th, as long as she’s accompanied by a paying child. Goodoh! As my mum’s eldest child, I think I’ll take her along for a willow craft session and she can treat me to a cream tea in the Granary Room afterwards. Or should that be the other way around? And another bonus for mum! Over the Easter holidays you can lose your offspring on an ‘Easter Bunny Hunt’ around the farm. While this is going on, you, yourself can go “Aahh” at the newborn babies around every corner or join the craft group and make soppy things like chicks, flowers and bunny masks. Open from 31st March to 18th April.
-&-
Note the change of venue! It’s not as advertised in the Abingdon Arts Festival booklet. Abingdon and District Musical Society’s next orchestral and choral concert is to be held on Saturday 20th March at 7.30 in St Helen's Church. They’ll be performing Tchaikovsky's Sixth Symphony, the ‘Pathétique, and Rachmaninov's ‘The Bells’. Tickets are £12 on the door, £10 in advance from Mostly Books in Stert Street or by phoning 01235 521 392.
-&-
“Today is my own personal one year on LDN anniversary. I am doing great, the progression of my MS seems to have stopped, I am stronger and healthier than a year ago. This is why I am helping in this group LDNNow. We want all people with auto-immune diseases (not only MS) and even some cancers to be able to profit from this cheap, safe and effective little drug. But the only way we will ever get there will be if government s fund trials and research. Last year we petitioned the British government and we got over 13000 signatures. While we are awaiting answers we also have set up a petition to the European Parliament. It’s easy to sign, straight forward, done in half a minute. Just ignore the bit when they ask for funds, as this is part of a standard petition form. We want the EU parliament to listen to us, patients and friends. Please sign www.ipetitions.com/petition/ldnnow/. Silvia.”
-&-
St Laurence Primary School in Warborough is looking for a lunch time assistant to join a dedicated team of existing staff. The role involves supervising children and some cleaning duties. The role is on a temporary basis between 12 and 1pm and pays £6.61 per hour for 5 hours a week. Contact the school on 01865 858290 for more details.
-&-
The Fire Fighters Charity and Grove House Hospice will visit Bovingdon Airfield, Near Hemel Hempstead on the 14th March to give women the chance to drive a once in a lifetime variety of large and unusual vehicles in the ‘Ladies Driving Challenge’. Participants will be able to try manoeuvring a range of different vehicles such as Fire Engines, 4x4’s, HGV’s, JCB’s and possibly tractors all kindly donated by local companies. All women over the age of 17 with a full driving licence are welcome to join in the fun. Registration costs £10 and entrants are asked to raise a minimum of £90 in sponsorship. Ask for a registration pack from Laura Harden on 07798 725 560 or register on-line at www.firefighterscharity.org.uk/ldc
-&-
It’s the last meeting of the season for the Abingdon and District National Trust Association and they’re going out a song. The Abingdon Ladies Choir will entertain with an hour of song, promising something for every taste. The meeting will be in the Abingdon Guildhall at 2.30 on the 23rd and it will cost non-members £2, refundable if you sign on the dotted. For more information, call Ruth on 01235 524 119.
-&-
Pendon Museum at Long Wittenham has received a record number of visitors for its magical world of 1930’s Britain in miniature since featuring on the BBC’s ‘James May’s Toy Stories’. Pendon is offering Long Wittenham residents a special free out of hours look behind the scenes on the evening of Wednesday 24th March. Contact
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
or ring Fiona Smart on 01235 815 375 to get in.
-&-
After a very successful event in 2009 the Rotary Club of Abingdon Vesper are getting ready for Dragon Boat 2010 scheduled for Sunday 9th May. As usual there will be the races, funfair, stalls, bar, food and children’s entertainment. Teams are now being invited to enter the event, which raises may thousands of pounds for charity. Full details are available on www.abingdon-rotary.org.uk/events/current/index
-&-
The National Council for Voluntary Organisations is calling on you to put yourself forward to help deliver meals on wheels, visit elderly neighbours or relatives or man other vital community services during the coldest weather in 30 years. NCVO is leading a national campaign, called ‘What Do You Believe In?’ to encourage people to support causes they care about by donating money or volunteering. To find out more about volunteering and opportunities in your area, visit www.whatdoyoubelievein.org.uk
-&-
Voluntary groups such as the Scouts, Women’s Institute and Rotary Clubs are to get the chance to secure Government support for their work with poor people in the developing world. All small not-for-profit groups aiming to help the world’s poorest people are being encouraged to apply for a share of funding through the new scheme ‘The Development Innovation Fund (DIF) will provide funding up to £60,000 for one-off projects lasting up to one year. All local groups in the South East, no matter what their size, can make a positive contribution to communities in developing countries living in extreme poverty. To find out more about DIF, visit www.dfid.gov.uk/dif
-&-
The Electoral Commission is reminding people living in temporary accommodation that they don’t need a permanent address to have a say at the next General Election. The independent elections watchdog is encouraging residents in shelters, hostels and B&Bs to discuss how to register to vote. Visit www.electoralcommissio.org.uk or your local authority.
-&-
Skål International - Oxford is part of Skål International, a non-profit making association of Tourism Professionals Worldwide. The Oxford Club includes directors, managers and executives from travel agencies, hotels, attractions and transport who meet monthly to develop mutual interests in an informal and friendly atmosphere. If you have a tourist related business based in the Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, or Berkshire area, and are interested in becoming a member, get in touch with the Oxford Membership Officer, Joe Hickson, on 07786 520 667, or E-mail,
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
. Further information on www.skal-oxford.org.uk.
-&-
Downland Dance is presenting ‘The Dreamcatcher’ and other ballets at 2.30 and 7.30 on 13th March at the Amey Theatre at Abingdon School. This beautiful show includes over 100 performers with dancers coming from both the Abingdon and Didcot areas. A wide age group is represented ranging from 3year old to senior adults. Tickets at £10 from Centre Stage, Coxeter House, Abingdon. Strikes me that with 100 performers and the proud parents, grannies and assorted siblings you’ll have to be quick before they sell out.
-&-
Third Time lucky! The Sunningwell and District Gardening Club is hoping that this month they really will be welcoming back expert Christie Leary, after two postponements. Her topic is most apposite – ‘Back to the Fuchsias’. The meeting will be in the Village Hall in Sunningwell on Thursday 11th March, starting at 7.30 pm. Entry is £3 for non-members who have been more than twice before; and this includes refreshments. Two free goes, see! After the talk there’ll be a sales table, so, with an eye to the fuchsia, bring some pennies.
-&-
Maggie’s Oxford, the Cancer Caring Centre, is designating Friday March 26th as ‘Love Maggie’s Day.’ They provide support to cancer sufferers their family and friends and is presently based in a dilapidated building in the grounds of the Churchill Hospital gut hope to build a new Centre by 2012. As part of its support the Inner Wheel Club of Sinodun is organising a coffee morning on Friday March 26th at the Methodist Church in St. Leonard’s Square in Wallingford between 10 and noon. For more details see maggiescentres.org/lovemaggiesday
-&-
Do you know, I nearly choked on my cocoa when I saw that! Love Maggie’s Day.’ I thought it referred to that bold, handsome and ruthless killer that is running out of control around the countryside. My garden blackbirds are for ever coming to me to complain and I have to rush out and chase magpies away from their systematic pillaging of nests and killing of fledglings. I ‘ates magpies.
-&-
And still with our feathered friends, or otherwise, Al Dawes will be telling the Abingdon Naturalists about ‘The Great Bustard Project at Abingdon School at 7.30 on the 31st. If you remember, young birds were brought over from Russia and released on Salisbury Plain. Last year they bred for the first time since 1832. Hm! So that’s why we’ve had to make do with turkey instead!
-&-
Children’s Hospice Week, running from the 15th to the 22nd May is a fun and interactive charity campaign set to raise the profile of and funds for children’s hospices. There are 44 children’s hospices across the UK which cost an average of £2.5m each a year to operate. Hero themed activities will be talking place up and down the country and supporters will be given the opportunity to take part in dress up days, parachute jumps, casino nights and cross country bike rides. The flagship project of is an art initiative called ‘This is my Hero’ and will showcase hero themed artworks from children, all of which are available to view on at www.thisismyhero.org.uk. To find out more, visit www.childrenshospiceweek.org.uk.
-&-
Lonely, bored, fed up just being at home and just want to make new friends? The Breakaway Club in Abingdon offers monthly social afternoons, days out, holidays, etc. They are also looking for volunteer drivers for their mini bus. For more information call 01235 529 458.
-&-
No e-books, virtual books, e-readers, or iPads just a selection of honest to God, real, ink on paper, second-hand books covering a wide range of authors and subjects. It’s the North Moreton Book Sale I’m talking about! It will be held on Saturday the 13th between 10 and 4 at the village hall, and prices remain the same - children's books 20p, paperbacks 50p or 3 for £1, hardbacks at £1, plus a small selection of individually priced books. The last sale raised £1100 support the village hall and to stop the church tower falling over.
-&-
As part of their tour of village venues, Blackheart, the rising stars of British contemporary folk music are at St. Michael’s Church, Steventon on Saturday 13th March at 7.30 to raise funds for the church. Blackheart are Chrissy Mostyn and Rick Pilkington who over the last three years have headlined their own successful tours across the UK, Scotland and Ireland. Tickets £6 from Caroline Miller 01235 834 015 or pay on the door.
-&-
If you’re interested in playing badminton shuffle along to the White Horse Leisure Centre, Abingdon on a Sunday evening between 6 and 8pm. You can join a fairly enthusiastic group of ‘fun-level’ players who, how shall I say this, are mainly on the mature side; and enjoy some companionable exercise. Novice players are welcome. For more information contact Liz on 01235 859 271.
-&-
The Abingdon Horticultural Society Spring Show will be held in the Northcourt Centre on Saturday 27th between 2 and 4. This is the Society’s 125th anniversary and there’s always an interesting display of spring flowers and a plant sales stall. If you like what you see, why not join up? There’s a programme of expert talks, visits to places of gardening or general interest, and an annual holiday. It only costs £7 a year or £10 for the family and you can get information on www.abingdon-hort-soc.org.uk.
-&-
Entries are now open for the Blenheim 7k run and Junior 1 mile run at Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, Oxfordshire on the 9th May. The run takes a scenic route around the trails and paths taking you past the Palace and over the Grand Bridge.
The junior race is open to under 15s, and there are prizes for the first girl and boy, and first girl and boy under 15, 12, and 9. All competitors receive a medal, and there are prizes for the first man and woman, first man over 40, 50, and 60 and first woman over 35, 45, and 55, as well as the first girl and boy under 15. Entry costs £10 for adults and £4.50 for under 15s and includes entry to the Palace grounds.
-&-
Something for everyone! Abingdon Concert Band will be performing at The Guildhall, Abingdon at 7.30 on Saturday 27th March as part of the Abingdon Arts Festival. They join the Bicester Concert Band in ‘Broadway Rhythm’ for a look back at the golden age of the movie musicals. Special guest compere is BBC Oxford's Wesley Smith. Tickets at £10 include a donation to Helen & Douglas House on the door or from Abingdon Information Centre or Mostly Books. See www.abingdonconcertband.org.uk or phone 01235 813 501 for details.
-&-
Vale residents are being encouraged to get their trainers on and run for fun by taking part in the Vale Go-Active Mile to help raise money for Sport Relief. This year’s Vale event is taking place on 21st March in the beautiful surroundings of Ardington, near Wantage. The event costs £5 for adults, £2 for under 16s, and £12 for families of 2x2. The day starts with the six mile run at 11am, followed by the three mile run at 11.30 and the single mile at noon. The Mile is always fun and 200 people took part and raised lots of money for Sports Relief in the last event. To sign up for the Vale Go-Active Mile visit www.sportrelief.com. This year Sport Relief is from Friday 19 to Sunday 21 March when the whole of the UK will come together to get active, raise cash and change lives. All the money raised is spent by Comic Relief to help transform the lives of poor and vulnerable people, both at home and across the world’s poorest countries.
-&-
Abingdon camera club welcomes new members, whether digi virgins or experienced photographers. This March there’s a talk on ‘Antarctica’ and a Colour competition on the theme ‘Energy’. See www.abingdoncameraclub.org.uk for more information as they seem to be keeping times, dates and places a secret from me.
-&-
ARCh (Assisted Reading for Children) is a local registered charity which operates in Oxfordshire Primary Schools to help children who are struggling with reading. Could you help a child and change their life forever? All it takes is one and a half hours twice a week during the school day in a primary school near you. You don’t need any qualifications, just patience, enthusiasm and kindness. Full training is given together with ongoing support and travel expenses. To find out more Visit www.archoxfordshire.org.uk or telephone 01869 320 380
-&-
Harpist Deian Siôn Rowlands and flautist Nicki Phillips are back at the Shillingford Bridge Hotel on Sunday, March 7th to raise funds for the Wallingford Mayor’s chosen charity, Style Acre. Tickets at £15 will include afternoon cream tea, coffee and cake at the Wallingford Information Centre or from 01491 839 415.
-&-
Long Wittenham Pre-School is holding a Nearly New Sale of baby and children’s clothes, toys and nursery equipment on Saturday 13th March from 10 till noon at the Village Hall. If you’d like to sell contact Debbie Croft on 01865 407 585!
-&-
Oxford Harmonic Society and The Orchestra of Stowe Opera are performing
J.S. Bach’s St. Matthew Passion at Oxford Town Hall at 7.30pm on Saturday 20th March. It’s the Mendelssohn version in English. Tickets £12, £14 from Tickets Oxford 01865 305 305 or on the door.
-&-
Need to burn off calories? Inspired to run for poorly kids? Then the OX5RUN 2010 is calling you. Why not consider joining in this run around Blenheim Palace and help the lives of sick youngsters at Oxford Children’s Hospital (CHOX)? Last year, 800 fun-runners from 16 to 85, and even Conservative leader David Cameron, pounded Blenheim Palace grounds to raise £57,000, which helped buy vital equipment such as a high-tech diagnostic machine for Neurology and a transport pod unit to move sick babies safely between hospitals. This year’s race, on Sunday April 18, aims to top 1,000 runners of all ages from 16 upwards.
-&-
“We are a group of patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis who meet at the Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre in Oxford on the second Tuesday of each month. In our next meeting at 6.30 on 9th March, pharmacist Janet Hemmingway will answer questions about the drugs we need to use. Maureen Cox our wonderful Rheumatology Nurse Specialist will be there to support us. We are a branch of the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society and we are hoping to attract more members to our group to enable better understanding and ability to cope with this painful and debilitating condition. Contact NRAS on 0845 458 3969 for further information or turn up on the night – patients, friends and family welcome.” Sue Thwaite.
-&-
If you want to become a little bit more aux fait with the old ‘Oo La Las’ The French Market will be returning to Abingdon Market Place from 9 to 4.30 on Friday and Saturday the 12th and 13th. Le Marché de France will offer a wide selection of high quality and fresh produce for sale from all regions of France, including bread, cheeses, charcuterie, homemade biscuits, crepes, mustards and sauces; and of course an opportunity to practice your Franglais.
-&-
Abingdon CRUK Fundraising Team will be holding a street collection in Didcot on Saturday 27th March in aid of Cancer Research UK. Anyone interested in helping with the collection contact 01235 526 733 or
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
.
-&-
It’s ‘Four Legged Friends Day’ at Whitehorse Hill Uffington on Saturday 20th March. Join in a fun doggy day out with National Trust wardens who’ll be on hand to lots of information about dog walking. Abivale Veterinary Group will be give advice about your dog's health and the Abingdon Dog Training Club will be running obedience training and offering behaviour hints and tips. The Dog's Trust will be giving guidance on everything from buying a new dog to micro-chipping an old one. Any time between 10am and 3pm.
-&-
There’s one thing missing there! Dog owners’ responsibility classes! And the necessity to clear up after their dear little mutts! As a dog lover myself, I’m only too aware of the fouling of local footpaths by dogs whose owners seem to take them for a walk solely for purposes of defecation. Apart from being illegal and anti-social, it’s a health hazard, particularly to children. A little plastic bag isn’t that hard to carry!
-&-
Right! That’s my little rant over, so on with the motley Muttley! Long Wittenham School Association is holding a car boot sale between 11 and 2 on Sunday 28th in the school grounds. Treasures galore! If you want to sell, it will cost £8 per car, no large vans, and a non refundable advance payment must be received by Friday 19th March. First come first served. Contact Nicky Folkman on 07905 210 755 or email:
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
.
-&-
Cumnor Horticultural Society is holding its Spring Show and plant sale on Saturday 27th at 3pm. You’re invited to come along to admire or even show off your flowers, prowess at cooking or artistry at photography. And you may even win a prize! Schedules from Henry Price on 01865 862 949.
-&-
I said schedules, NOT skedules! Hah! That’s two rants. Don’t get me started on ‘fayres!’
-&-
‘Astronomy and the Early Royal Society’. Now that’s an interesting topic! The members of the Abingdon Astronomical Society will learn all about it from Dr. Allan Chapman of Oxford University when they turn up at All Saints Methodist Church Hall at 8pm on the 8th. Then it’s out in the cold at on the first fine night between the 15th and 19th for a spot of observing at the Frilford Heath Gold Driving Range You’re certainly likely to see stars there if you don’t duck fast enough! Call Ian Smith on 07817 687 627 to arrange the weather. And you beginners haven’t been left out. There’s a meeting for you back in the hall at 8pm on the 22nd.
-&-
I don’t know if it’s an ‘Urban Myth’ but burglars in the area are apparently targeting houses by leaving blank post-it notes on windows, if they’re still there a couple of days later then they break in to the house.
-A stick up?-
-PSW-
The Readers' Voice
Second Convention for Readers and Reading Groups
to be held at Jesus College, Oxford on 27 March, 2010.
See our website http://thereadersvoice.googlepages.com/
Whatever your taste in books,
this is an opportunity to network with other readers,
meet experts in the book world and
be inspired by reading group projects at work in the community.
Talks, debates and hands-on workshops where
you can hear about the reading technologies of the future or
take tuition in performance reading or
learn how literature reflects the big issues of our day.
Morning coffee and biscuits, afternoon tea and cakes included. Lunch not provided. (See website for details of lunch options.)
Tickets for whole-day programme: £37 B4 Mar 10, £40 after,
concessions £35 (retired and students)
Box Office (from 5 February) @ Tickets Oxford*
Oxford Playhouse,
Beaumont Street,
Oxford OX1 2LW
01865 305305
http://www.oxfordplayhouse.com/ticketsoxford/
