WANTAGE, GROVE & FARINGDON - OX12 / SN7 - APRIL 2010

Lovely! April again. And the wife’s Wedding Anniversary! By the time you read this she’ll have carried me off to foreign shores for a few days to prove what a good choice she made. I shall wear my lifebelt throughout the crossing! We will then celebrate in suitable style and probably launch a few oysters with a suitable magnum of Pop! April’s also the month when St George was foisted onto the English by the French, although I’ve yet to see a red rose on the 23rd. Saint George is the also the patron saint of Aragon, Catalonia, Ethiopia, Georgia, Greece, Lithuania, Palestine, Portugal, and Russia. Come back St Edmund I say. Reclaim your English heritage.
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Gipsies also consider St George to be their Patron Saint. Perhaps that’s why the Posh Trout is parking up her caravan the next day. Exhausted with organising week-long Gypsy jazz tours she’ll be running a one-night only gig at Goring Heath Parish Hall in aid of Goring Heath Scouts on Saturday 24th April.  Oops! Nearly forgot! St George is the Patron Saint of Scouts as well. The show will feature the Nils Solberg Trio.  Nils has played with many of the Gypsy Jazz greats, including the legendary Johnny Van Derrick and Coleridge Goode, who played bass with Django Reinhardt. Strewth! Ruth, you’ve obviously danced with a man who danced with a girl who danced with the Prince of Wales! The trio comprises one of the country's leading Hot Club violinists, Mike Piggott, and the unmissable Peter Morgan, known in Woodcote as the 'LMOB' - Lovely Man on Bass. Not sure what he’s like on Guinness though!  Tickets cost £14 and include a light supper. Goring Heath is an intimate venue with fewer than 60 seats so you’ll have to book early. Telephone Ruth Hubbard on 01491 681 391. I was going to say ‘drop her line’ but I thought better of it.
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Six lead rein-type ponies are looking for new homes where they can help little children learn to ride. The Blue Cross equine welfare centre at Burford takes in horses and ponies that are no longer wanted and finds them loving new homes on a monitored loan basis.  The ponies range in size from 10hh to 12.2hh and a couple even have the looks and the paces for the show ring. Good lead rein ponies give small children their all-important first experience of riding and these are all proven to be gentle and considerate with children. If you have the knowledge and the facilities to take on a pony and give it a second chance in life The Blue Cross would love to hear from you. Visit www.bluecross.org.uk/horses  or phone 01993 822 454.
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With the help of grants from the Oxfordshire Council, Vale of White Horse, Abingdon Town Council and Abingdon Flower Club, the Northcourt Centre has recently upgraded its facilities. It now has a posh new oak floor, a sound system, modern kitchen and refurbished toilets Ideal for holding all sorts of functions. To raise more cash for other improvements they are holding a Flea Market on Sunday 18th April between 10 and 2. Pop along and buy a flea.
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Wantage’s four CCTV cameras have just been upgraded. ‘Metal Mickeys’ have been installed in Market Place, and Wallingford Street. They are less intrusive and provide far better and quicker movement and vastly improved picture quality. They cost about £3,200 each and were paid for by the Vale of White Horse District Council. The clever little things have their own screen wipers so will save money on cleaning contracts. In the last year crime in the Vale has gone down by 15.1 per cent. This represents a reduction in actual crime by 765 offences. Money well spent I say!
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Many years ago I was shown the first of these cameras at New Scotland Yard. Surprising how many pretty girls you could see in Oxford Street!
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Ivor the Engine does a Bunk! No! Panic ye not! He’ll be on the Wallingford and Cholsey Railway over Easter, the 3rd, 4th and 5th, and as usual, he’ll be hauling the 1950’s coaches. You can see the run round loop in use at Cholsey and watch shunt and release at Wallingford. The donkeys from Island Farm who will be there on Sunday and Monday. In case Ivor has a break down I suppose! And there’s a free bouncy castle for fare paying kids while you seek restoration in the Caff. Trains start from Wallingford at 11.05 and run hourly until 16.05.  Find out more on www.cholsey-wallingford-railway.com.
If you want to do it twice, but take your refreshments in the Brake Coach Bar, turn up on the 23rd for the St George’s Day Specials and enjoy a slurp of locally produced ale as you bounce over the points. Although where you’ll leave the old lance and charger I’ve no idea. Donkey Sanctuary possibly!
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Just in time for summer, Dr. John Reed will be talking about the causes of skin cancer and the means of treatment at the Woodlands Medical Centre in Didcot on Monday 26th April He will also be advising on how to protect yourself from skin damage. Places are limited so book by ringing or leaving a message with your name and telephone number on 01235 750 524.
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For you horny handed sons of the soil, Neil Wigfield will be at Hanney Gardening Club’s meeting at 7.45 on the 12th in the Memorial Hall to tell you how to grow a year round supply of veggies. Dead easy! Buy a bigger freezer! £1 admission for visitors.
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And another hardy annual, Love! The Bucks Fizz Women’s Doubles Charity Tennis Tournament run by Blewbury Tennis Club. It will take place in Blewbury, Upton and the Astons on Wednesday May 12th from 9.15 to 2.30. Then after running around all morning, you can enjoy a handsome lunch with bubbles and feel no guilt.  Everyone will stay to watch the Final and in the meantime walk off lunch in two of Blewbury’s Yellow Book gardens. This year’s profits go to the Charlie Waller Memorial Trust; see www.cwmt.org.  Entry £20 each. Application forms from This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 01235 850 275. And be quick! The tournament’s been oversubscribed for the last three years.
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Are You Swimming With Sharks? Loan sharks – or illegal moneylenders. They are every bit as dangerous as their name suggests. Have you or anyone you know been offered a cash loan without paperwork?  Been threatened when you couldn't pay? Had a loan which keeps growing even though you are making payments? If you or someone you know is a victim of a loan shark contact Trading Standards in strictest confidence: on the 24 hour confidential hotline- 0300 555 2222 Text: “loan shark” + your message’ to 60003 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
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Ryder Cheshire Volunteers is a little known charity that helps physically disabled people to take part in leisure and learning activities that increase confidence, self-esteem and zest for life. The South Oxfordshire Ryder Cheshire Volunteers are urgently in need of people who could give an hour a week, fortnight or month to help – anything from chatting about sport, painting, photography to helping with computer problems. The  greatest needs at the moment are in Henley, Bernisfield, Warborough, Wallingford and Didcot. Contact Miss Penny Hurtley on 01235 817 800 or see: www.rcv.org.uk?
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Nordic walking courses start at the end of the month in Wantage and Abingdon and Blewbury. These will be open to adults of all ages and poles are provided. For more details and to book please contact Anna Capel-Davies on 01235 540377 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
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Ever thought you could be a new parent for a child in need of a new family? If you've ever wanted to find out more about adopting or fostering a child, come to an information evening given by ‘Parents And Children Together’  in Abingdon on 20th April. Ring 0800 731 1845 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Now that’s interesting! A survey carried out by road safety organisation GEM Motoring Assist reveals that half of UK drivers have had a crash or a near miss whilst swerving to avoid a pothole! However, despite the high percentage of drivers affected by potholes, almost 70% of those surveyed had never reported a pothole in their area to the local council and only 5% have made a claim against the local council for the damage. Potholes are not simply just a nuisance they are a massive road safety issue and local councils need to take swift action in alleviating this nationwide problem. In response to the survey findings, GEM has set up a page on its website to offer advice on how to claim for pothole damage. Visit www.motoringassist.com for more information.
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The Vale of White Horse District Council has been awarded £30,000 Government funding towards the Grove Airfield development. The airfield site covers an area of approximately 137 hectares and the development will include 2,500 new homes, a new village centre, a library, shops, community and employment facilities, a secondary school and two primary schools. The money will help to provide expert assistance on master planning and urban design for the site, and it will help to provide a comprehensive high quality development that will benefit new and existing residents alike.
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White Horse Ceilidhs present The Grasshoppers Ceilidh Band with caller Pete Grassby for a stomping barn dance in Grove Village Hall on 3rd September. With real ale from West Berkshire Brewery! No need for a partner and no experience necessary as the caller guides you through the dances.  And it’s a lovely way to meet new friends.  £6 Admission.  See www.whitehorseceilidhs.org.uk
If you fancy something a little more robust, the Icknield Way Morris Men hold a practice at 8pm Wednesday 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th in Grove Scout Hut, 8pm. Always looking for new members. Ring 07855 548 512.
And if you want to see them in action, they’ll be celebrating St George’s Day on the 23rd at the Fox and Hounds in Uffington from 8pm.  This will be followed by traditional English songs and tunes.  Tel 01367 820259. www.icknieldwaymorrismen.org.uk
And in the matter of the traditional, our little folkies meet on Friday 16th for Folk In The Abingdon Arms in Wantage. 
Do you know, I’ve just seen the connexion. Helen and Dave Maggs are accomplished folky type people. And they also own the West Berkshire Brewery which makes ‘Good Old Boy’. One of my favourites! A pattern emerges/
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Right! On yer bike! Abingdon Free Wheeling has arranged a series of free events that are fun, healthy, building the local community and inspiring people to get on a bike going into the summer. Rides. The event is based in Abingdon Market Place, for Sunday, 11th April between 10 and 3-ish with supported cycle rides of around 4 miles, 11 miles and 25 miles. There’ll be a free cake stop on every ride and music to bring a smile to your face. There’ll also be an opportunity to get your bike mended or spruced up or to borrow a bike for free at the Market Place. The event is suitable for all the family, although under 16s should be accompanied by an adult. See www.abingdonfreewheeling.org.
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And catching ‘em young, the NSPCC is calling on nurseries in Oxfordshire to join them in their annual Pedal Push. It’s a sponsored ride around a fun course and so easy to organise it can be held at any time of the year.  Register to receive your special Pedal Push pack, including lots of activities and top tips to download via 0800 101 996 or www.nspcc.org.uk/pedalpush,
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To celebrate 100 years of Guiding, White Horse Vale Division is taking a trip down memory lane between 3 and 6pm on Saturday 8th May. They’d love all past and present Guiders and helpers to come along to The Methodist Church Hall on Newbury Street for tea and cakes and to share your memories. Contact details: 01235 770 029.
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Grove Methodist Church continues its fundraising activities with ‘An Evening of Pandemonium’ at Grove Village Hall at 7.30 on 1st May. Interesting that! Pandemonium is the hall of evil spirits in the centre of Hell. Not many people know that! The Pandemonium in this case refers to the local folk group, so they must be quite nice really. Unless they’re out on licence! Tickets at £7 for a hell of a good evening from 01235 767 624, Brett’s or the Wantage Museum.
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Seventeen year old Jodie Smethers at Didcot sixth form and is doing a project called ‘Young Enterprise’ where pupils get the chance to make their own business and experience the ups and downs of running it. She is involved with Hot Shot Events which is hosting a talent show on the afternoon of the 24th. She needs both an audience and anyone with a talent. If you’d like to take part, contact Jodie at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with a description of your talent and contact details ASAP!
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A busy old month at the Vale and Downland. As well as the wide ranging exhibitions you can ‘Meet the Artist’ on the 21st when Liz Peach will be there between 10.30 and 12.30 and Gill Reeve from 10.30 to 2pm’
Prize winning poet, Ros Barber is running a ‘Poetry Workshop between 1.30 and 3.30 on the 8th. Suitable for everyone aged 7 and over, but space is limited so reserve your space. The Coffee Shop Book Group meets on Friday 9th between 1.45 and 3.15 to discuss ‘Dissolution’ by C.J. Sansom and there’s a ‘Knit, Knot & Natter’ on Friday 16th over the same period.
Friends of the Museum meet on Tuesday 27th to find out about Anglo-Saxon Herbs in Cookery and Medicine from Herb Historian and Medical Herbalist, Christina Stapley B.Sc. (Phyt). MCPP. Ah well! Curry it is then! Again!
Over the Easter Holidays there are a number of drop in events which will be displayed at the reception desk.
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Goodoh! The new ‘Kids Go Free’ initiative is part of the drive to introduce a younger and more diverse audience to rugby at Twickenham giving them a fun, affordable day out during the summer holidays. And perhaps convince them that the last Six Nations season was only a bad dream. Apart from the French, of course. Now Now, Peter! Don’t be uncharitable! The Middlesex Sevens tournament on August 14th is always an exciting knock-out tournament. Sixteen of the top rugby teams including England, Scotland and Wales, Guinness Premiership clubs and invitation sides plus exhibition matches! Many of the players on the pitch will have an eye on the chance of a place in GB's future Olympic Sevens team. Middlesex Charity Sevens. Ticket prices from £20 and further details on  Free Kids tickets from Adam Kemp, Head of Marketing and Promotions, Tel: 0208 740 5000 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Just up my street! Most sports demand that you are fit, have strength or stamina. This sport requires none of these. I’m talking about ‘Croquet’, a nice genteel and gentle form of exercise from which many people derive benefit. Rubbish! Fiends the lot of ‘em! Talk about skullduggery in the shrubbery! And armed with mallets! Sorry, I digress! “Wantage Croquet Club is a friendly locally based club” it says here, “offering a sociable atmosphere in which to enjoy this gentle exercise with a small competitive element.” They meet at Wantage Cricket Ground on Wednesday mornings, Thursday afternoons and Friday evenings until autumn, starting on the 7th April. Beginners are very welcome and all equipment and coaching is provided. Just turn up, or phone the Club Secretary Barbara Williamson - 01235 762 782.
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Grove Art Group is staging its 18th annual exhibition between 10 and 4 on Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th April at Grove Village Hall. Fifteen artists will exhibit 100 items in a variety of mediums and subjects and some of them will be on hand to welcome you and have a chat.  Entrance is free and refreshments are available. 
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Grove Horticultural Society Spring Show will be held in the Village Hall at 2 pm on Saturday the 10th.  Their motto is 'Show what you grow, not grow to show' and all classes are open for everyone to enter.  You can pick up a schedule at Grove Library.  If you don't want to go along and look at what others have done then tell the missus “Strewth! I should have entered me parsnips.”  See This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
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And if you’re serious, the next meeting of the Grove Horticultural Society is on Wednesday 28th April at 7.30 in Grove Village Hall.  There’ll be a talk with slides by Mr. J Tyler on 'The Ridgeway: The history & natural history of Europe’s oldest road'.  Visitors are welcome for a small entry fee.
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’Tis the Kingfisher Canoe Club in Abingdon. Sumer is acumin in! As usual they’ll be running two 6 week beginners courses on the Thames starting on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, May 11th and 13th running for 6 weeks. Information on www.kingfishercanoeclub.co.uk/
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1944 - Murder on the Dance Floor? Someone’s been talking to the wife! Nah! Can’t be, the date’s wrong. It’s an evening of ‘Murder Mystery and Entertainment’ at 7.30 in Hanney Memorial Hall on Thursday 22nd April and at Old Mill Hall in Grove on the 23rd.
Join an audience of servicemen and women, land army girls, and locals at the ‘Stage Door Canteen’ waiting to be entertained by an ENSA troupe. You’ll soon come across one of the American GI’s, and wonder why Fanny Gotobed is hanging on his every word while local hero, Spud Murphy is looking so devastated. One of the questions which may occur to you as you have your fish and chip supper followed by steamed pudding and custard and sit back to enjoy the entertainment and join in the sing-a-longs. Tickets £12.50 from 01235 767 509 or The Community Shop in Hanney, Brett’s Chemist Grove, or Wantage Museum. See www.WantageStageMusical.co.uk for more details.

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