WALLINGFORD / DIDCOT - OX10/11 - MARCH 2010WALLINGFORD / DIDCOT - OX10/11 - 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!
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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 time to get weaving if you fancy making your own baskets and things as the Northmoor Trust has organised a workshop up at Hill Farm on the 14th between 10.30 and 4.30. Cost £50 via 01865 407 792.
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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.
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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 858 290 for more details.
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“Thank you for mentioning about the £608.00 programme money sent to Children in Need. The show proceeds have now been finalised and I have sent a cheque for £1,500 to Epilepsy Research UK and a cheque for £1,500 to Cancer Research UK. This money came from the proceeds of the Kinecroft Academy of Dance annual show at the Corn Exchange Theatre, Wallingford in November when children and adults presented a selection of ballet, modern, tap and jazz dance.” For information about classes held in Wallingford, telephone 01491 839 551.
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“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.”
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‘Framing the Future’ is a unique project to build a medieval-style timber frame building in the courtyard of Wallingford Museum at Flint House in High Street. This will double the size of the museum, and be a living exhibit of how medieval timber-framed buildings were developed and constructed. Much like Flint House itself. Donations are being generously made of oak trees for the main timber frame and any waste will be used as part of the wattle-and-daub process or converted into thousands of pegs needed to pin the building together. As you may guess, more trees are still needed! Also needed are 7" diameter pieces of live elm for studding, or dead elms for making mallets. So keep your eyes peeled on walks alongside hedgerows and try to find out to whom they might belong. If you can help contact Peggy Holland on 01491-834 652.
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‘The Cook, the Scullion and the Turnspit boy: the History of the 18th Century Kitchen’. Now that’s something to think about! Jane Macdonald is a local historian and lecturer who has spent many years researching the history of food. She will provide an insight into the 18th century kitchen at the next meeting of the Wallingford Historical and Archaeological Society at 7.45 on Friday 12th March at Wallingford Town Hall.
Visitors are most welcome, just put £2 in the crock.
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And the last two of Judy Dewey’s very popular series lectures take place on Wednesday 3rd and 10th March at 8pm at the Baptist Church in Thames Street. They cover the ‘18th Century Market Town’ and the ‘Modern Town in the 19th and 20th Centuries’. These illustrated lectures include the latest historical and documentary research. Just turn up on the night for £5 per lecture. All proceeds will go to the Wallingford Museum development fund.
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Langtree School would like to invite you to their production of ‘Les Misérables’ on Tuesday 30th and Wednesday 31st March in the Main School Hall. Doors open at 7.10pm and the performances start at 7.30pm. This is a highly entertaining show with plenty of singing and dancing suitable for children of all ages. Because of the popularity of these shows, tickets are numbered and seating is allocated, so contact the Art College Coordinator Zoë Wigginton on
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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
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or register on-line at www.firefighterscharity.org.uk/ldc
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Pendon Museum at Long Wittenham has received a record number of visitors for its magical world of 1930’s Britain in miniature. The Museum recently appeared on BBC’s ‘James May’s Toy Stories’ about model railways, thus boosting interest in this local treasure. Pendon is offering Long Wittenham residents a special free out of hours look behind the scenes on the evening of Wednesday 24th March. Contact
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or ring Fiona Smart on 01235 815 375 to get in.
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In the matter of the kiddiwinks, Goring & Cleeve Pre-school has been awarded the highest accolade by recent OFSTED inspectors – the top classification of ‘Outstanding’. During their visit they reported that the quality of provision couldn’t be better. The children achieve extremely well because of the outstanding provision and they behave beautifully and clearly thoroughly enjoy the facility. Special reference was made to the commitment of the staff and their constant efforts to maintain continuous improvement. To find out more about the Pre-school, visit www.goringandcleevepreschool.org.uk or call 01491 875 036.
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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
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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 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
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Jenny Kuca is the Regional Ovarian Cancer Coordinator and invites you to join her for tea at East Hagbourne Village Hall on Saturday the 6th between 2.30 and 4.30 to help raise funds for research into ovarian cancer. And that’s not all; there’ll be homemade cakes and jams for sale as well as cards, books, jewellery and paintings. You might even win an original drawing from international artist, Ann Edwards, worth over £200! Entrance £2.50
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Didcot Evening WI is supporting Jenny Kuca of Ovacome (ovarian cancer) in the endeavour to provide 200 teas in 2 hours on the 6th March at Hagbourne Village Hall 2.30 - 4.30. Don’t forget now! Then, they’re going to meet 7.30pm on the 29th at the Didcot Civic Hall for their AGM. To liven that up a bit, Fay Dallimore of Go Active will have some suggestions for what to do with your free time. Free Time? What free time?
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If you want to pick up a bargain or get rid of some of your better quality baby stuff then come along to the Wallingford and District NCT Nearly New Sale on Saturday 20th March at Benson Village Hall. 10.30 kickoff! This is their Spring/Summer sale so choose appropriate clothes to sell and they must be in “nearly new” condition. Because of lack of space, no buggies are allowed in the main hall. I expect there’s a hitching post outside! Further information on
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or 07505 155 015
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The Friends of St. Mary's and St. Leonard's Churches, Wallingford will be holding a Coffee Morning in the renewed St. Mary's Church from 10 until 12.30 on Saturday the 27th. Lovely surroundings, warm and comfortable, all on one level; and as well as coffee and cakes, there’s bric-a-brac and gifts for sale.
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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. To find out more about DIF, visit www.dfid.gov.uk/dif
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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.
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Wallingford Gardening Club holds regular meetings on the second Thursday of each month at 7.30pm in Wallingford Town Hall. On March 12th it’s the turn of Chairman Jim Rodda from Plant Heritage to discuss environmental issues for plants and conservation .Visitors are always very welcome at £2 per meeting. The Annual Membership fee is only £8.50.
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Up to the attic and dig out your treasures for valuation by Bonham's auctioneers. They’re holding a ‘Valuation Day’ in aid of Home-Start Southern Oxfordshire from 10am to 1pm on 24th at Didcot Civic Hall. The cost of valuing 2 items is £5 and £1 per subsequent item. All proceeds to Home-Start. Refreshments are available.
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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,
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. Further information on www.skal-oxford.org.uk.
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A chance to catch a free exhibition of painting and sculpture by Paul Hobbs in the newly refurbished St Thomas’ Church, Goring. It’s open between the 6th and 12th of March, and through painting and sculpture, abstract and conceptual images, news articles and ready-made objects, the artist explores questions of faith in relation to contemporary life. Paul will be there offering a rare chance for visitors to talk with an artist about his work. For more details about the artist see www.arthobbs.com
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Children at Northbourne CofE Primary in Didcot are looking forward to book week and the visit of author and illustrator Mini Grey on the 9th. Mini produced the award winning books Biscuit Bear', 'Traction Man is Here' and 'The Adventures of the Dish and the Spoon.' And after that Mayor of Didcot, Margaret Turner, will open the new library. Shouldn’t it be the other way around?
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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.
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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
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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.
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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 provide care and support for children and young people with life-limiting conditions and each one costs an average of £2.5m 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. Superman or supermum? Who would you choose as your hero? The flagship project of is an art initiative called ‘This is my Hero’. This exhibition 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.
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Wallingford Rotary Club has arranged ‘A Valuation Evening with Jonty Hearnden’ at the George Hotel, Wallingford at 7.30 on the 23rd. You know, the ‘Cash in the Attic’ chap on TV. Bring along an antique and have it valued as well as enjoying a good evening. Tickets £10 from 01491 651 692 or from Wallingford Town Information Centre.
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Fancy ‘A Night with Elvis’ at the Henley Rugby Club at 8.30 on the 5th March? Ben Portsmouth, with his band, ‘’Taking Care of Elvis’, presents a tribute to the King of Rock and Roll, with his looks, style and voice. Not only is Ben a natural showman but he is also an extremely talented professional musician who was awarded the title of Best Festival Elvis at the annual Elvis Convention. His stunning outfits, all U.S. custom made, span the black leathers of Presley’s comeback in 1968 to the white jumpsuits of the later Las Vegas shows, all costumes are exact copies of the originals. Tickets at £8 from Henley Rugby Club, Marlow Road, Henley RG9 2JA via SAE. £10 quid on the door.
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Incidentally, the Henley Rugby club is available for outside events such as weddings, parties, funerals, conferences, keep fit etc. It can accommodate up to 400 people and has up to 80 parking spaces. For details Sarah Astbury, Email
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or telephone 07971 092 874.
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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. If you’ve got any books to donate, contact Gar Evans on 01235 813 858 and he’ll be out like a little winky to pick ‘em up.
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Does that make our Gar a Bookies Runner I ask myself?
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Drop-in Quiet Days at The Centre for Reflection, Aston Tirrold United Reformed Church, are on the third Thursday of each month and the next one is March 18th. Just enjoy the peace and quiet of the centre as spring approaches. Bring your own lunch but tea and coffee are provided. Donations only! There’s also a Lent Quiet Day between 10 and 4 on March 20th with the Revd. Keith Green. A light lunch is provided at a cost of £20 but you can “Bring a friend for half price.” Contact on 01235 850 423.
Web-site: www.reflect.freeuk.com
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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.
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Wallingford and District Art Club will be having their usual untutored
Workshops at Centre 70, Goldsmith Lane, Wallingford on the 2nd, 9th, 23rd and 30th of March at Centre 70, Goldsmith Lane. On the 16th Anna Dillon will demonstrate painting landscapes in oil and gouache. The cost for workshop evenings to non members is £3 and demonstration evenings £6. A chance to join a group of friendly people of all ages and abilities, all enjoying their art. Further details from 01491 825 355
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Wallingford Methodist Church is using its new hall to provide a safe space for young people to meet between 8 and 10 on the last Friday night of every month. ‘No Strings Drop In’ has been running for four months with up to 25 young people dropping in. As one teenager put it, “’Cos it’s nice hot chocolate and somewhere warm”. This is of particularly interest for the under 18s who are too young to go to the pubs, may feel intimidated by adults and who do not want to go to an organised youth club. It is staffed by CRB-checked volunteers; some with youth work experience and offers an alcohol and drug-free zone where young people can meet their friends and just hang out... with no strings attached. The date of the session in March is Friday 26th.
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‘Tis Dr Sue, ergo it must be The Wallingford Singers. Yep! You’re quite right. The Singers will be at the newly re-opened St. Mary’s Church, Wallingford at 8 pm on Saturday March 20th. Dr Sue says that as well as the singing, she’d like you to come and take a good look at the wonderfully light, bright and oh so warm church with its very comfortable chairs and if you are very lucky you may be invited to view the new Choir Vestry. She’s so proud of it! The Singers will entertain you with a wide range of music from the shows, including popular numbers from Carousel, Oklahoma and Oliver. As well as other well-known popular songs. Tickets are £6 from Just Trading in Wallingford or on the door.
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Incidentally, you can get a sneak preview earlier in the day. The first recital on the rebuilt pipe organ at St Mary’s Church takes place at 12.30pm when Mathias Herbst, a distinguished organist from Germany who accompanied Wallingford Parish Choir in Salisbury Cathedral last year presents a varied programme of romantic music. Entry is free, with a retiring collection for the organ fund. The recently re-dedicated church will be open from 10 for coffee and for drinks from 12noon. For more details call Roger Morgan on 01491 837 494.
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Grand Jumble Sale between 2 and 4 on Saturday, 20th March at Wallingford Methodist Church. Good quality ladies, men's and children's clothes. Household items, bric-a-brac and a cup of tea. There’s good disabled access, toilets and baby changing facilities.
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How do you fancy meeting Ray Prior’s birds? He’ll be giving a Falconry Display on Aldworth's recreation field from 9am till noon on Easter Saturday, 3rd April. In addition, the Village Market will be in full swing in the hall and also serving some tasty bites. Good Lord! Hawkers and Pedlars! How apt!
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Members of local fitness group, Wallingford Green Gym, have come up with ‘The Wallingford Green Gym Cake Book’. Bit of a mouthful! It may seem a contradiction in terms, but you will find that enjoying a treat does not have to make for a calorie and cholesterol disaster. The book offers a variety of recipes from across the world, with clear instructions for those of us not born clutching a wooden kitchen-spoon. Some recipes do not even require any cooking! You can pick up a copy for a very reasonable £2 from the Wallingford Town Information Centre. Alternatively, anyone can come along to Wallingford Green Gym’s Tuesday-morning sessions and get in some lovely exercise in the great outdoors as well. Then buy the book on your way home.
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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
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The women's ‘World Day of Prayer’ will be taking place on the 5th March. A prayer service prepared by the Christian women of Cameroon will be used in over 170 countries around the world. In the Didcot area the services will be at 10am at All Saints' Church, Lydalls Road, and at 7.30 pm at the Methodist Church in the Broadway.
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The next production of the Goring Gap Players is at the Goring Village Hall from the 24th to the 27th March. It’s a modern drama by William Nicholson, ‘Map of the Heart’, a contemporary play which focuses on the challenges and danger of voluntary work in war torn Africa, but at its heart is the complexity of family relations, personal traumas and the hopes and fears of the individual characters. The author is well known for his books, film scripts and plays and probably the best known is about the author CS Lewis, Shadow lands with Anthony Hopkins. Tickets, as usual, from Inspirations in Goring Arcade.
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‘A Sense of Place’ is the title of an exhibition of paintings, prints and drawings by Michele Wallington at the Downland Museum between 2nd and 13th March. It’s the first solo exhibition by Michele didn’t start to paint seriously until later in life when she gained a Fine Arts degree, and her show will focus on places that have inspired her including the wilds of Dartmoor and the north coast of Cornwall. There’s a chance to meet her in the Upper Gallery and find out more about her work on Saturday.
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Wallingford Photographic Club meetings are held at 8pm on Thursday evenings at the Crowmarsh Pavilion, behind the tyre warehouse near the bridge. There are some changes in their current programme because everybody has been out photographing a snowflake or getting stuck. On the 4th, Henley Photographic Society visits for an informal discussion evening when members of both clubs talk and show off. Their pictures!
On the 11th there’s competition based on the Letter ‘V’. That’s telling ‘em!
Then on the 18th Darrell Godliman returns with ‘Architecture Ancient to Modern’ and the 25th sees Dr. Hazel Rossotti talking of P.O.P to H.C.B the slow development of an Amateur Photographer’. I find all these photographic initials so confusing! Must be my deslyxia! On 1st April the renowned Barbie and Russell Lindsay, of the East Anglia Federation give their presentation ‘Virtual Reality’. For more information see www.wallingford-photographic-club.org.uk
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Henley Philatelic Society is meeting on Wednesday 10th March at 7.30 in Bix Village Hall to purchase items from stamp and postcard dealers Tony and Rosa Lawrence. While that’s going on, there’ll be a display by members of postcards, old and new. Saucy! Wonder if there’ll be any Donald McGill’s?
On Wednesday the 24th it’s time for the postponed ‘Chairman’s Evening’. Snow he says! Never mind, he’s had more time to get ready. Meetings are held on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays at 7.45. Details of membership on 01491 681 739 or on www.henleyphilatelic.co.uk
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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.
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Wallingford Gardening Club holds regular meetings at 7.30pm on the second Thursday of each month in Wallingford Town Hall. On April 8th they welcome Stuart Phillips a Kew trained lecturer in amenity horticulture/garden design.
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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!
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Now for a touch of the romanticals! Didcot Choral Society is set up for an evening of romantic music at St Andrew’s Church, East Hagbourne at 7.30 on the 6th. It will include the much-loved ‘O, for the Wings of a Dove’ by Mendelssohn as well as other works by German composers. It’s also a chance to hear the recently-refurbished organ playing some delightful organ interludes by Rheinberger. Tickets £7. Free to accompanied children!
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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 aged from 16 to 85, including Conservative leader David Cameron, raised £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 18th aims to top 1,000 runners of all ages from 16 upwards. Book online ‘ox5run’ or ring 01865 743 444.
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I do like a touch of the Ayckbourn’s. He’s funny, quirky and prone to shooting off at a tangent only to mysteriously reappear when the threads are drawn. Delightful! That’s why I’ll be trundling off to the Corn Exchange in Wallingford one night between the Tuesday the 23rd and Saturday 27th March to see the Sinodun Players production 'Improbable Fiction.' Ayckbourn describes the play as 'intended to be fun' and it’s based on the Pendon Literary Circle who meet at Arnold's house. All members are aspiring but frustrated writers apart from Arnold who has been the only one to have successfully had books published. Instruction manuals! They are mysteriously sucked into the imagination of their own stories as they bring their stories to life in Ayckbourn's most multi-layered, dazzling and hilarious comedy. Tickets first night £7 thereafter £8.
Box Office 01491 825 000 or in person on Friday and Saturday 10am-1pm
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The Sinodun Players always welcome new members, whether thesping or not, as it’s a good way of making new friends and different interests are all involved in their productions. Choc Ices anyone? To find out more call Joan West 01491 835 592
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“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.
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Would you like your children to spend a day immersed in French-based activities? Didcot-Meylan Twinning Association is holding a 'Journée Française' at Ladygrove Park Primary School on Saturday 27th March. Work in small groups with experienced teachers to jump start your learning. Expect a variety of activities to suit all abilities and levels and even a possibility of revising for French GCSE oral. There’ll be conversation, cooking, songs, games, activities! All for £15, reduced to £10 for two or more people from the same family. The price includes coffee/squash and a croissant and the French café will be open for lunch. Booking by 15th March essential. Phone Sheralyn Hares on 01491 837 718, or email
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. For further information about twinning visit didcottwinning.org.uk
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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.
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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
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.
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Didcot Arts Forum presents Showaddywaddy live at Didcot Civic Hall on the 13th. Remember ‘Three steps to Heaven’ and ‘Under the Moon of Love’? Tickets at £18 from Didcot One Stop Shop and the Civic Hall. Tables for all events can be booked for 6 or more
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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.
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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!
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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:
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.
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Angela Bell wants to know if you like to knit, natter or do crafty things. And, no doubt, have a sly snifter as well. She has organised a small group that meets at The Royal Oak in Didcot every Wednesday evening from 7pm. It’s for anyone who enjoys crafts. Men, women and beginners are all welcome.
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Danny, my old landlord was a knitter. Ex-naval stoker! Broken nose, cauliflower ears, needles titchy in hands like shovels. Did all his own waistcoats. Beautiful stuff!
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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.
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I said schedules, NOT skedules! Hah! That’s two rants. Don’t get me started on ‘fayres!’
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Gawdelpus! I despair! I really do!
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“ST JOHN’S PRIMARY SCHOOL CENTENARY BASH
Would you like to celebrate 100 Years of St John’s School or do you know someone that would?
Come along and enjoy an evening with us ‘Skool Style’. Served by ‘Dinner Ladies’, visit the ‘Tuck Shop’, Raffle prizes to delight and remind, catch up with old friends, Teachers and Heads, then dance the night away at the ‘Skool Disco’ .
Saturday 8 May 2010, The Regal, Wallingford 6.30pm -11.30pm
Tickets £30 each or buy two before the end of March for £50
Selling fast, contact Tracey Collins on 01491 837985 or
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NOW.”
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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/
