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Time to come out of the shadows?

New Parish Councillors Wanted – Could this be You?

We need new people on the Parish Council to broaden our demographics to reflect those of the community as a whole. Surely there must be one or two people, perhaps new in the village, who are willing to put their names forward? We recognise that everyone is busy or has other commitments but it is not a particularly arduous job if enough people share the responsibilities.

A Councillor is required to attend meetings once a month and in time perhaps take on a responsibility for a particular area or interest. Meetings usually last 2 hours and are generally light-hearted and informative! Why not observe a meeting to see what you think?

No prior experience is necessary. All you really need is an interest in local issues and things which affect residents, and the desire and willingness to play a part in the community. Contact John Honsinger on 278 000 or email jhonsinger@btconnect.com  or the Clerk on strattonaudley.parishcouncil@gmail.com

Red Lion Re Opening Friday 21^st May

Dillie has sent me the following note which explains what is happening with the opening of the pub:

“Dillie and John are nervously delighted to say that they are finally opening the pub on 21st May.  Sorry if people are disappointed that it isn’t opening on 17th with all the other pubs, but there’s so much to do!  To start with, the pub will be open 5 days a week – – Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 4pm – 11pm, and Saturday and Sunday, noon till 11pm.  This will be the regime until it’s clear how things are going.  A great Kiwi guy is going to manage the pub for us – called Gus Evans, he’s been in pub management for a long time and just happened to be looking for a pub in the area when the Red Lion needed a manager.  There will be a few changes, obviously, but nothing radical.  And we will of course be mindful about the current Covid regulations.

Staffing the pub is now the priority so please do get in touch if you are interested – and if you know of anyone who’s not on this mailing list who might be interested, do let them know!  And a chef would be nice too…. If you are interested, please contact gusrevans@gmail.com or dilliedarling@gmail.com.

And the team would be hugely grateful if anyone could pitch up on Monday to help with the big spring clean!”

Monday Night with Mitra’s Persian Food

Mitra will be selling her tasty Persian food in the village from 5pm to 7pm this Monday. Just turn up on the night or orders text her in advance during Monday on 07444 364789.

Stratton Audley Barn

Delighted to announce that the coffee shop will be open for indoor seating from Tuesday 18th adding to the existing options. Whether it is Brunch or Lunch, Coffee or Cake, Milkshake or Ice Cream. Sit in comfort wherever you choose, inside our cafe, under cover of our marquee or in the beautiful green paddock. Indoor and undercover tables are limited, so call all to book on 01869 278184. For more information on www.strattonaudleybarn.co.uk   or Facebook Stratton Audley Barn

Opening hours are Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm.

EWR Road Closures

For the latest notices regarding closures and works on local road please see the attached PDF from East West Rail.

The issue with the resident who suffered the tyre blow-out on the Stratton Audley Park Road near Godington is currently being resolved.

Bicester Motion Plans for the Automotive Experience

As you will now know Bicester Motion has submitted a planning application for its Experience Centre, ref: 21/01224/OUT. You can view this application and supporting documents at the District Website: https://planningregister.cherwell.gov.uk/Planning/Display/21/01224/OUT.

The Parish Council has this matter under review and will be circulating its formal response to all residents before the end of the month. Points of concern relate to noise levels; additional traffic congestion with a second access road being opened up near the Bicester Road junction with the A4421; road safety concerns on the Bicester Road and A4421 corner, linked to the apparent lack of a cycle and pedestrian route at this point.

Everyone is encouraged to study the proposals and send in their own comments direct to CDC.

The current deadline for comments is 27^th May.

A Local Live Staged Production of the Mikado – 3rd to 5th June

The Bicester Choral & Operatic Society is presenting a very innovative staged version of the Mikado, and village resident Tim Lane, who is a member, has asked for a little publicity.

Tickets are easy to book online. Full details are at www.bcoswesing.org.uk

If you have any questions, Tim is happy for you to call him on 277 523.

Finally a chance to go to a live local event!

Annual Meeting of the Parish

The Annual meeting of the Parish will be held on July 7^th in the church. This is a meeting organised by the Parish Council on behalf of the whole community. It is a chance for those who wish to speak about any relevant subjects to do so in a public forum. There will be more publicity about this but please:

SAVE THE DATE – ANNUAL MEETING of the PARISH, WEDNESDAY 7^th July, 8PM, The Parish Church.

Stratton Audley Church

The Church is once again open during the day for private prayer and reflection. It is no longer necessary to book for services, though masks and hand sanitising will still be required and social distancing will be strictly observed.

The next monthly Muddy Church (Stoke Lyne Churchyard, not Stoke Lyne Road) get together is this coming Sunday on 16th May.

You can find all the details of services in the benefice on the website www.shelswellparishes.info

Other previously reported matters

East West Rail Advanced Road Closure Notices

Stratton Audley Park Road from the crossroads with Mill Lane to the junction with the A4421

A temporary Notice is being made by East West Rail Alliance to implement the temporary closures and will operate from the 29 May 2021 up to and including the 30 May 2021 whilst HS2 works are carried out.

Stratton Audley Park Road from the Mill Lane crossroad to Poundon.

Subsequently there will be a further temporary closure of the road that leads in the opposite direction to Poundon from 5 June 2021 up to and including 6 June 2021

The diversion route will be Mill Road-Launton Road-Main Street and vice versa

Further information regarding the works may be obtained from East West Rail website, contact@eastwestrail.co.uk  or phone 0330 1340067

Additionally, you should have received notification by Network Rail of weekend closures on the same road between Godington and Poundon which  run from 8^th May until 23^rd May, from 7am to 6pm.

Finally, a reminder that Station Road (from the crossroads with Launton Road) that leads to Launton is now closed and will remain so for about a year.

East West Rail 2^nd Non Statutory Consultation

The closing date for the public consultation on the next stage od development is 9 June 2021. You can share your views using the online feedback form available on their website at www.eastwestrail.co.uk, by emailing your comments to them at consultation@eastwestrail.co.uk or writing via FREEPOST East West Rail.
Alternatively, for further information you can call 0330 134 0067.

New FREE Bus Service Exclusively for the village

Please don’t forget to try the free bus service into Bicester which is now in operation two times a week on Tuesday and Thursday.

If we want to keep the service it is important that it is used regularly so please spread the word particularly to your neighbours who may not receive this newsletter.

Pick up in Stratton Audley

10:46 – Bus Stop Adjacent to Glen Close

10:49 – Bus Stop Bicester Road

Drop off

11:00 – Sainsburys, Bicester

Pick Up in Bicester

1:00 – Sainsburys, Bicester

Drop Off

1:10 – Opposite Bus Stop Bicester Road

1:14 – Opposite Bus Stop Adjacent to Glen Close

Resurfacing of Launton Road

The major resurfacing works that were postponed last year have now been scheduled in for August (provisionally 9/8/21). The works to Launton Road & Church Street will result in the closure of the roads except for access and this will be done in sections.

OCC are very aware of the dangerous state of parts of the Launton Road and interim interventions will be required before August. Fixmystreet is still the best way for all of us to report any matter (not just potholes) to do with Highways https://fixmystreet.oxfordshire.gov.uk

Calling All “Baby Lambs”

For those who are new to the village and have a baby who isn’t yet mobile, Little Lambs has started up again with “Baby Lambs”.

Although for the moment restrictions limit what can be done, the organiser’s would love to see you. It is every Wednesday in the Stratton Audley Church from 10am – 10.45am (Term Time)

Contact Jen Iddon via jeniddoncfw@gmail.com

Collection Point for Disposal of Ink Jet Cartridges

Please continue to pop your ink jet cartridges into the basket in the Glen Close bus shelter.  Please don’t drop larger toner cartridges off as these are not recycled by the RSPB. If you are not sure if your cartridges are suitable for recycling, you can contact Rachel Dewhurst by email at treehouse0@sky.com

Covid-19 Update

The next stage of the Governments unlocking takes place this Monday which is great news.

The Government’s ‘COVID-19 Response – Spring 2021’, setting out the roadmap out of the current lockdown for England, can be found via this link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-response-spring-2021/covid-19-response-spring-2021-summary

View from the  Church Tower!

The Parish Council held its last official monthly meeting by Zoom this week. Virtual meetings are no longer legal, and face-to-face meetings are to be reintroduced. The first of these will be on July 7^th in the church. The Annual meeting of the Parish will also be held on the same evening. This is a meeting organised by the Parish Council on behalf of the whole community. It is a chance for those who wish to speak about any relevant subjects to do so in a public forum. There will be more publicity about this but please:

SAVE THE DATE – ANNUAL MEETING of the PARISH, WEDNESDAY 7^th July, 8PM, The Parish Church.

The meeting held this week was the Annual Parish Council Meeting at which the Chairman and Vice Chairman were re-elected for another year (they weren’t given much choice!!) and all other Councillors agreed to continue as members. Marking the passing of another statutory year brings into focus all the hard work Councillors put in to helping run the village as volunteers without pay or expenses. Most of the current councillors have served for many years and cannot be expected to carry on forever so we need fresh faces to come forward. The experience can be rewarding and right now there is a vacancy which needs to be filled, so please consider putting your name forward. No prior experience is necessary. Contact the Chairman or the Clerk on strattonaudley.parishcouncil@gmail.com

Covid-19 Update

Under the third stage of the Government’s road map for easing coronavirus restrictions, foreign holidays will be permitted through a new traffic light system.

At a Downing Street press conference this evening, transport secretary Grant Shapps announced there will be 12 “green” countries that people in England can visit from 17 May without needing to quarantine on their return. Countries on the green list are headed by Portugal including the Azores and Madeira, Iceland, Israel, Gibraltar, Singapore, Brunei, the sunny Falkland’s and Faroe Islands, and finally Australia and New Zealand (who won’t let us in at the moment).

A review of the green, amber and red lists is set for 28 June.

The Government’s ‘COVID-19 Response – Spring 2021’, setting out the roadmap out of the current lockdown for England, can be found via this link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-response-spring-2021/covid-19-response-spring-2021-summary

EWR Road Closure Cancelled this weekend

Please be advised that the repairs and resurfacing works planned for this weekend on Stratton Audley Road, Poundon have been postponed due to weather conditions, so the road will be open all weekend.

A resident of the village suffered a tyre blow-out today when passing another car on the Stratton Audley Park Road near Godington and hitting a deep lorry tyre track on the edge of the road. This matter is being reported to EWR and compensation is being sought, since the verges on this stretch of the road are in an appalling state and are due to be repaired. Please be aware of the danger presented by these verges.

Monday Night with Mitra’s Persian Food

Sorry to anyone who wanted Persian food on Bank Holiday Monday. Mitra turned up but the rain and wind was so bad could not set up and guessed very few people would venture out.

She’s back this Monday (providing the weather is OK) at the usual junction in the centre of the village from about 5pm until dusk. For orders text her in advance during Monday on 07444 364789 and collection from 5-7pm.

A Local Live Staged Production of the Mikada – 3rd to 5th June

The Bicester Choral & Operatic Society is presenting a very innovative staged version of the Mikado, and village resident Tim Lane, who is a member, has asked for a little publicity.

Tickets are easy to book online. Full details are at www.bcoswesing.org.uk

If you have any questions, Tim is happy for you to call him on 277 523.

Finally a chance to go to a live local event!

Wedding Invitation Mystery

Rebecca Paton-Williamson in the Manor has received a letter from Scotland to someone in this village. It is marked ‘wedding invitation’ so is important.

The post code is for Mill Road. Can anyone identify who it might be for?

Bicester Motion Plans for the Automotive Experience

Bicester Motion has submitted a planning application for its Experience Centre, ref: 21/01224/OUT. You can view this application and supporting documents at the District Website: https://planningregister.cherwell.gov.uk/Planning/Display/21/01224/OUT.

The Parish Council has this matter under review and will be circulating its formal response to all residents before the end of the month. Points of concern relate to noise levels; additional traffic congestion with a second access road being opened up near the Bicester Road junction with the A4421; road safety concerns on the Bicester Road and A4421 corner, linked to the apparent lack of a cycle and pedestrian route at this point.

The current deadline for comments is currently 27^th May.

Oxford County Council is also being consulted and any comments regarding County Highway matters should also be sent to them at planningconsultations@oxfordshire.gov.uk .

Stratton Audley Barn

The Barn gift shop is now open as well as the café from Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm. Offering outside seating in the open or in the marquee for breakfast, lunch, coffee, cake and home-made ice cream. Booking for lunch is recommended. All of these activities are conducted under the latest Government guidance for social distancing. More information on www.strattonaudleybarn.co.uk   or  Facebook Stratton Audley Barn .

The Red Lion

The future of the pub is still under discussion but John and Dillie very much hope that they will be able to open on May 17th.  A further announcement will be made next week.

Other previously reported matters

East West Rail Advanced Road Closure Notices

Stratton Audley Park Road from the crossroads with Mill Lane to the junction with the A4421

A temporary Notice is being made by East West Rail Alliance to implement the temporary closures and will operate from the 29 May 2021 up to and including the 30 May 2021 whilst HS2 works are carried out.

Stratton Audley Park Road from the Mill Lane crossroad to Poundon.

Subsequently there will be a further temporary closure of the road that leads in the opposite direction to Poundon from 5 June 2021 up to and including 6 June 2021

The diversion route will be Mill Road-Launton Road-Main Street and vice versa

Further information regarding the works may be obtained from East West Rail website, contact@eastwestrail.co.uk  or phone 0330 1340067

Additionally, you should have received notification by Network Rail of weekend closures on the same road between Godington and Poundon which  run from 8^th May until 23^rd May, from 7am to 6pm.

Finally, a reminder that Station Road (from the crossroads with Launton Road) that leads to Launton is now closed and will remain so for about a year.

EWR Stratton Audley Park Road Junction with A4421

We have been advised that the safety report itself will not be shared with the community and no specific reasons are being given as to why this is the case. That said, we have been given a summary of the key recommendations agreed between EWR designers and OCC

The remedial works include:

1. Relocate direction signing in north/west verge of A4421
2. Add a 2^nd ‘keep-left’ bollard in the splitter island facing oncoming traffic from the side road
3. Resurface the “damaged/worn” surface course
4. White lining – move the ‘give-way’ line forward and add additional hatched markings in centre of minor road around the splitter island.

East West Rail 2^nd Non Statutory Consultation

EWR have just launched the next stage of public consultation. They are inviting

comments from all interested parties including the public.

Two of the key areas of focus for the consultation in our area are:

• How to improve Oxford Station and its supporting infrastructure - including Oxford Parkway and Bicester Village stations
• Options for avoiding lengthy periods of delays at the London Road level crossing, Bicester (there are six options for this crossing all of which propose tunnels or bridges).

You can share your views using the online feedback form available on their website at www.eastwestrail.co.uk, by emailing your comments to them at consultation@eastwestrail.co.uk or writing via FREEPOST East West Rail.
Alternatively, you can request a paper copy of the feedback form to be sent to you online at www.eastwestrail.co.uk, by emailing them at contact@eastwestrail.co.uk or by calling on 0330 134 0067.
The closing date for the consultation is 9 June 2021.

Stratton Audley Church

The Church is once again open during the day for private prayer and reflection. It is no longer necessary to book for services, though masks and hand sanitising will still be required and social distancing will be strictly observed.

The next service in Stratton is the Ascension Day service on Thursday 13th May (6pm).

The next monthly Muddy Church (Stoke Lyne Churchyard, not Stoke Lyne Road) get together is on 16th May.

You can find all the details of services in the benefice on the website www.shelswellparishes.info

New FREE Bus Service Exclusively for the village

Please don’t forget to try the free bus service into Bicester which is now in operation two times a week on Tuesday and Thursday.

If we want to keep the service it is important that it is used regularly so please spread the word particularly to your neighbours who may not receive this newsletter.

Pick up in Stratton Audley

10:46 – Bus Stop Adjacent to Glen Close

10:49 – Bus Stop Bicester Road

Drop off

11:00 – Sainsburys, Bicester

Pick Up in Bicester

1:00 – Sainsburys, Bicester

Drop Off

1:10 – Opposite Bus Stop Bicester Road

1:14 – Opposite Bus Stop Adjacent to Glen Close

Resurfacing of Launton Road

The major resurfacing works that were postponed last year have now been scheduled in for August (provisionally 9/8/21). The works to Launton Road & Church Street will result in the closure of the roads except for access and this will be done in sections.

OCC are very aware of the dangerous state of parts of the Launton Road and interim interventions will be required before August. Fixmystreet is still the best way for all of us to report any matter (not just potholes) to do with Highways https://fixmystreet.oxfordshire.gov.uk

Calling All “Baby Lambs”

For those who are new to the village and have a baby who isn’t yet mobile, Little Lambs has started up again with “Baby Lambs”.

Although for the moment restrictions limit what can be done, the organiser’s would love to see you. It is every Wednesday in the Stratton Audley Church from 10am – 10.45am (Term Time)

Contact Jen Iddon via jeniddoncfw@gmail.com

Jen who organises it says:

• We need to stay in our own bubbles
• Bring our own drinks and snacks
• Bring your own baby mat / toys
• Any toys must be kept in our own bubbles
• We cannot mix (hence babies not toddlers)
• Max 15 people, but just turn up as we’re not expecting many to start with
• Story, Chats and Prayers.

Collection Point for Disposal of Ink Jet Cartridges

Please continue to pop your ink jet cartridges into the basket in the Glen Close bus shelter.  Please don’t drop larger toner cartridges off as these are not recycled by the RSPB. If you are not sure if your cartridges are suitable for recycling, you can contact Rachel Dewhurst by email at treehouse0@sky.com

Polling Day is 6th May

Another packed newsletter with quite a lot of new information for this Bank Holiday weekend.

A milesstone has been reached!

This is the 60th edition of this newsletter, introduced to help keep everyone informed at the start of the Covid epidemic. It has been well received and the database now comprises of some 220 email addresses although there is a little doubling up as some families have two emails. Given that there are about 190 dwellings in the Parish we can be confident that we are covering off most households, and this means we can save on paper and time by cutting down on door drops in the future.

Nevertheless there are probably a dozen or more households that are missing out, so if you know someone who fits this category, either print out a copy for them, or if they have an email let me know if they would like to be added.

The idea is to continue with the newsletter but on a reducing level, fortnightly or monthly, depending on relevant news stories.

Annual Meeting of the Parish – IMPORTANT – Date to be decided

This is a meeting organised by the Parish Council on behalf of the whole Parish and is not to be confused with the Annual Parish Council Meeting. It is a chance for those who wish to speak about any relevant subjects to do so in a public forum. It was not held last year due to the Pandemic and there have been doubts as to how and when it would be held this year. The date is likely to be in the second half of May in the Church.

Would those who think they might like to attend, please send me an email so we can be sure about numbers given that social distances will still be in place.

There is sperately the Annual Parish Council Meeting next week on Wednesday 5^th May at 7pm and this will be the last meeting to be held via Zoom under the current rules. Anyone wishing to join should email the Clerk at strattonaudley.parishcouncil@gmail.com

Bank Holiday Monday Night with Mitra’s Persian Food

Mitra will be with us again on Monday, despite it being a Bank Holiday. She will be serving up her delicious Persian food, at the junction in the centre of the village from about 5pm until dusk.

Just turn up or text her in advance if you have a large order on 07444 364789.

If you want to bring your own container or pot to save on plastic waste, please do so.

Polling Day Thursday 6^th May

The pub will be open for polling from 7am to 10pm. No drinks at this stage!

Stratton Audley Barn

The Barn gift shop is now open as well as the café from Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm. Offering outside seating in the open or in the marquee for breakfast, lunch, coffee, cake and home-made ice cream. Booking for lunch is recommended. All of these activities are conducted under the latest Government guidance for social distancing. More information on www.strattonaudleybarn.co.uk   or  Facebook Stratton Audley Barn .

Bicester Motion Plans for the Automotive Experience

Bicester Motion has submitted a planning application for its Experience Centre, ref: 21/01224/OUT. You can view this application and supporting documents at the District Website: https://planningregister.cherwell.gov.uk/Planning/Display/21/01224/OUT.

The application is for an Automotive Experience Quarter comprising Commercial, Business and Services uses (Class E), Light Industrial (Class B2), Local Community and Learning Uses (Class F) and vehicle circuits (Sui Generis) with all matters reserved aside from that of access.

As you would expect, there are masses of documents but I would urge those who feel this may have an impact on the community to take some time to look at the application. Parish Councillors will be reviewing this next week at the PC meeting. Points of concern are most likely to relate to noise levels from the track, additional traffic congestion with a second access road being opened up, road safety concerns at the Bicester Road junction off the A4421 leading to the village, and the lack of a cycle and pedestrian route.

The deadline for comments is currently 27^th May, though this seems pretty tight given that the application has only just gone up on the portal in the last few days. An extension may be sought.

Oxford County Council is also being consulted and any comments regard County Highway matters should also be sent to them at planningconsultations@oxfordshire.gov.uk . Currently their deadline is 11th May and again an extension may be needed.

East West Rail Advanced Road Closure Notices

Stratton Audley Park Road from the crossroads with Mill Lane to the junction with the A4421

A temporary Notice is being made by East West Rail Alliance to implement the temporary closures and will operate from the 29 May 2021 up to and including the 30 May 2021 whilst HS2 works are carried out.

Stratton Audley Park Road from the Mill Lane crossroad to Poundon.

Subsequently there will be a further temporary closure of the road that leads in the opposite direction to Poundon from 5 June 2021 up to and including 6 June 2021

The diversion route will be Mill Road-Launton Road-Main Street and vice versa

Further information regarding the works may be obtained from East West Rail website, contact@eastwestrail.co.uk  or phone 0330 1340067

Additionally, you should have received notification by Network Rail  of weekend closures on the same road between Godington and Poundon which  run from 8^th May until 23^rd May, from 7am to 6pm.

Finally, a reminder that Station Road (from the crossroads with Launton Road) that leads to Launton is now closed and will remain so for about a year.

EWR Stratton Audley Park Road Junction with A4421

We have been advised that the safety report itself will not be shared with the community and no specific reasons are being given as to why this is the case. That said, we have been given a summary of the key recommendations agreed between EWR designers and OCC

The remedial works include:

1. Relocate direction signing in north/west verge of A4421
2. Add a 2^nd ‘keep-left’ bollard in the splitter island facing oncoming traffic from the side road
3. Resurface the “damaged/worn” surface course
4. White lining – move the ‘give-way’ line forward and add additional hatched markings in centre of minor road around the splitter island.

East West Rail 2^nd Non Statutory Consultation

EWR have just launched the next stage of public consultation. They are inviting

comments from all interested parties including the public.

Two of the key areas of focus for the consultation in our area are:

• How to improve Oxford Station and its supporting infrastructure - including Oxford Parkway and Bicester Village stations
• Options for avoiding lengthy periods of delays at the London Road level crossing, Bicester (there are six options for this crossing all of which propose tunnels or bridges).

You can share your views using the online feedback form available on their website at www.eastwestrail.co.uk, by emailing your comments to them at consultation@eastwestrail.co.uk or writing via FREEPOST East West Rail.
Alternatively, you can request a paper copy of the feedback form to be sent to you online at www.eastwestrail.co.uk, by emailing them at contact@eastwestrail.co.uk or by calling on 0330 134 0067.
The closing date for the consultation is 9 June 2021.

Stratton Audley Church

The Church is once again open during the day for private prayer and reflection. It is no longer necessary to book for services, though masks and hand sanitising will still be required and social distancing will be strictly observed.

There is a service of Compline in Godington Church this coming Sunday (2nd May) at 6pm. The next service in Stratton is the Ascension Day service on Thursday 13th May (6pm).

The next monthly Muddy Church (Stoke Lyne Churchyard, not Stoke Lyne Road) get together is on 16th May.

You can find all the details of services in the benefice on the website www.shelswellparishes.info

The Red Lion

No further news. The aim is still to try and open on 17^th May.

Lost Walkie-Talking

The lost walkie talkie as reported by Carolyn Goss was reunited with its owner, thanks to publicising in the newsletter last week.

….and some reminders from previous notices:

New FREE Bus Service Exclusively for the village

Please don’t forget to try the free bus service into Bicester which is now in operation two times a week on Tuesday and Thursday.

If we want to keep the service it is important that it is used regularly so please spread the word particularly to your neighbours who may not receive this newsletter.

Pick up in Stratton Audley

10:46 – Bus Stop Adjacent to Glen Close

10:49 – Bus Stop Bicester Road

Drop off

11:00 – Sainsburys, Bicester

Pick Up in Bicester

1:00 – Sainsburys, Bicester

Drop Off

1:10 – Opposite Bus Stop Bicester Road

1:14 – Opposite Bus Stop Adjacent to Glen Close

Resurfacing of Launton Road

The major resurfacing works that were postponed last year have now been scheduled in for August (provisionally 9/8/21). The works to Launton Road & Church Street will result in the closure of the roads except for access and this will be done in sections.

OCC are very aware of the dangerous state of parts of the Launton Road and interim interventions will be required before August. Fixmystreet is still the best way for all of us to report any matter (not just potholes) to do with Highways https://fixmystreet.oxfordshire.gov.uk

Calling All “Baby Lambs”

For those who are new to the village and have a baby who isn’t yet mobile, Little Lambs has started up again with “Baby Lambs”.

Although for the moment restrictions limit what can be done, the organiser’s would love to see you. It is every Wednesday in the Stratton Audley Church from 10am – 10.45am (Term Time)

Contact Jen Iddon via jeniddoncfw@gmail.com

Jen who organises it says:

• We need to stay in our own bubbles
• Bring our own drinks and snacks
• Bring your own baby mat / toys
• Any toys must be kept in our own bubbles
• We cannot mix (hence babies not toddlers)
• Max 15 people, but just turn up as we’re not expecting many to start with
• Story, Chats and Prayers.

Collection Point for Disposal of Ink Jet Cartridges

Please continue to pop your ink jet cartridges into the basket in the Glen Close bus shelter.  Please don’t drop larger toner cartridges off as these are not recycled by the RSPB. If you are not sure if your cartridges are suitable for recycling, you can contact Rachel Dewhurst by email at treehouse0@sky.com

Covid-19 Update

The governments ‘COVID-19 Response – Spring 2021’, setting out the roadmap out of the current lockdown for England can be found via this link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-response-spring-2021/covid-19-response-spring-2021-summary

For those who are interested in more precise information on infections, area by area, the link below is useful:

https://coronavirus.data.gov.uk/details/interactive-map

Happy St Georges Day for Friday 23rd!

A packed newsletter this week with five new announcements.

Exclusive New FREE Bus Service for the village

Delighted to confirm that the new Comet mini bus will now start running from this coming Tuesday 27^th April and provide a free service to and from Bicester, two times a week, allowing for two hours in town!

The service is being provided by the Community Transport Hub at Oxford County Council and initially is being run in line with Government guidelines in respect of Covid.  As a result the bus capacity is limited to 6 people who must all wear face coverings.  Because the bus is being introduced exclusively for residents of the village, all should be fine since numbers using the service in the past can be counted on one hand. This is a trial and an initial review of the service will be carried out at the end of July which will report on the number of passengers who have travelled.

If we want to keep the service it is important that it is used regularly so please spread the word particularly to your neighbours who may not receive this newsletter.

Tuesday and Thursday

Pick up

10:46 – Bus Stop Adjacent to Glen Close

10:49 – Bus Stop Bicester Road

Drop off

11:00 – Sainsburys, Bicester

Pick Up

1:00 – Sainsburys, Bicester

Drop Off

1:10 – Opposite Bus Stop Bicester Road

1:14 – Opposite Bus Stop Adjacent to Glen Close

This is an important service that the Parish Council has been working on behind the scenes for a long time, so please use it or we will lose it!

Road Sweep Wednesday 28^th April

This coming Wednesday the road sweeper will be in the village from about 8am and as usual everyone is asked to park their cars off the street if possible or move them when you hear the hum of the sweeper vehicle, which will come past your home several times during the morning from about 8am.

There probably won’t be a road team this time so if you are able to help, you should sweep or blow any debris off the pavements outside your home, into the road/gutter.

This is a service provided to the village three times a year by Cherwell District Council and as residents we are fortunate to have such a dedicated refuse team of people serving our community, so please show your appreciation to the driver.

Service in the Church This Sunday 27^th April

The church is once again open during the day for private prayer and reflection.

The next service in Stratton Audley will be 9.30am Holy Communion this Sunday 25^th April. It is no longer necessary to book for services, though masks and hand sanitising will still be required and social distancing will be strictly observed.

Also this Sunday there is ‘Muddy Church’ for families with children of all ages in Stoke Lyne. Meet at the Stoke Lyne Road churchyard at 3pm and have some fun getting dirty. For more information email Becky Adams at admin@shelswellparishes.info .

Resurfacing of Launton Road

The major resurfacing works that were postponed last year have now been scheduled in for August (provisionally 9/8/21). The works to Launton Road & Church Street will result in the closure of the roads except for access and this will be done in sections.

We are being told that the delay is due to other more critical areas taking precedence. The roads will be patched & resurfaced more than originally planned and it will make the area up to the bridge a whole lot better with the aim that potentially in a few years after patching the surface can be dressed to lengthen the life.

Meanwhile, Anthony Flack recently took on the role as a Volunteer Super User (pothole spotter) and is doing a sterling job identifying potholes and marking them  up with a kit that has been provided to him by County.  OCC are very aware of the dangerous state of parts of the Launton Road and interim interventions will be required before August. Fixmystreet is still the best way for all of us to report any matter (not just potholes) to do with Highways https://fixmystreet.oxfordshire.gov.uk

The Red Lion

A Message from Dillie regarding plans for the Red Lion.

“I haven’t got a great deal more to tell the village about our dear old pub, except to say that we are scurrying around like beavers trying to make it work.  We hope – hope! – to open on 17th May along with the other pubs and in the meantime, all sorts of things are being done to make the pub safe and secure.  Chimney swept, fire extinguishers renewed, fire detectors replaced, etc.  We’ll keep you posted”.  

A message from Carolyn Goss, Goss Farm, Mill Road

A walkie talkie has been found on the footpath in the back field behind Goss Farm. If it is yours, please contact Carolyn gossbros@btconnect.com or myself.

When using the public right of way path in the same field, please be aware that cows are now back eating the grass.

Carolyn has also noted a number of cars which appear to be accelerating up and down Mill Road past their farm exceeding the speed limit and making quite a racket. Yesterday she saw a red Renault and also a blue old style Range Rover speeding heading up the hill not having reached the 30mph boundary.

Has anyone else noticed this type of activity on Mill Road? If so do get in touch.

East West Rail Local Update

Station Road (from the crossroads with Launton Road) that leads to Launton is now closed and will remain so for about a year.

We are still waiting for a revised date when the safety improvements will be made at the junction of Stratton Audley Park Road and the A4421. EWR are regularly contacted by residents in SA and Godington about the danger to public safety and also have asked to see the full safety report carried out by EWR.

Thames Water

If you noticed the Thames Water guys in the village today they were carrying out the long overdue camera survey of the sewage drains in the village. This fulfils a restated commitment by Thames Water when we had the flood problems back in January. A report will be compiled and hopefully it will lead to repairs being carried out over the summer months, in order to stop ingress of rain water and identify any illegal surfaces drains feeding into the system.

And some reminders from previous notices:

Calling All “Baby Lambs”

For those who are new to the village and have a baby who isn’t yet mobile, Little Lambs has started up again with “Baby Lambs”.

Although for the moment restrictions limit what can be done, the organiser’s would love to see you. It is every Wednesday in the Stratton Audley Church from 10am – 10.45am (Term Time) and the first meeting was earlier this week.

Contact Jen Iddon via jeniddoncfw@gmail.com

Jen who organises it says:

• We need to stay in our own bubbles
• Bring our own drinks and snacks
• Bring your own baby mat / toys
• Any toys must be kept in our own bubbles
• We cannot mix (hence babies not toddlers)
• Max 15 people, but just turn up as we’re not expecting many to start with
• Story, Chats and Prayers.

Mitra Monday with Persian Food

Mitra will be in the village again on Monday to serve up her delicious Persian food, at the junction in the centre of the village. She’ll be serving from about 4pm until dusk.

Just turn up or text her in advance if you have a large order on 07444 364789.

If you want to bring your own container or pot to save on plastic waste, please do so.

Stratton Audley Barn

Now serving take-away home-made ice cream, Friday to Sunday 10am-4pm. Grab a cuppa and cake to enjoy while out for a walk.

East West Rail 2^nd Non Statutory Consultation

EWR have just launched the next stage of public consultation. They are inviting

comments from all interested parties including the public.

Two of the key areas of focus for the consultation in our area are:

• How to improve Oxford Station and its supporting infrastructure - including Oxford Parkway and Bicester Village stations
• Options for avoiding lengthy periods of delays at the London Road level crossing, Bicester (there are six options for this crossing all of which propose tunnels or bridges).

You can share your views using the online feedback form available on their website at www.eastwestrail.co.uk, by emailing your comments to them at consultation@eastwestrail.co.uk or writing via FREEPOST East West Rail.
Alternatively, you can request a paper copy of the feedback form to be sent to you online at www.eastwestrail.co.uk, by emailing them at contact@eastwestrail.co.uk or by calling on 0330 134 0067.
The closing date for the consultation is 9 June 2021.

Scramble at Bicester Heritage – Discount Resident Vouchers

The next Scramble is to be held on 5^th/6^th of June and neighbourhood discounted tickets are still available for Sunday 6^th June. When purchasing you will need to put FlyingBrevets into the promo code box which will immediately allocate a 50% discount. You will be required to input your OX27 or OX26 postcode and this will be checked.

https://bicesterheritage.co.uk/tickets/october-scramble-tickets/

Passes previously purchased for the January and April scrambles are still valid.

Collection Point for Disposal of Ink Jet Cartridges

Please continue to pop your ink jet cartridges into the basket in the Glen Close bus shelter.  Please don’t drop larger toner cartridges off as these are not recycled by the RSPB. If you are not sure if your cartridges are suitable for recycling, you can contact Rachel Dewhurst by email at treehouse0@sky.com

Covid-19 Update

The governments ‘COVID-19 Response – Spring 2021’, setting out the roadmap out of the current lockdown for England can be found via this link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-response-spring-2021/covid-19-response-spring-2021-summary

For those who are interested in more precise information on infections, area by area, the link below is useful:

https://coronavirus.data.gov.uk/details/interactive-map

Only a couple of new announcements this week.

Church Yard Spring Clean

The spring clean of the church yard last Saturday was a great success with eight volunteers helping to trim branches and clearing brambles and other debris, plus a big special Thank You to Emma McCabe who kindly helped her father remove ivy from the gravestones. Thanks also go to Richard Howson and his right-hand man Royston for removing all the debris this week.

As a result there is no further work to do in the church for the time being.

Church Services

The church is once again open during the day for private prayer and reflection.

The next service in Stratton Audley will be 9.30am Holy Communion on Sunday 25^th April, by which time it will no longer be necessary to book for services, though masks and hand sanitising will still be required and social distancing will be strictly observed.

Calling All “Baby Lambs”

For those who are new to the village and have a baby who isn’t yet mobile, Little Lambs has started up again with “Baby Lambs”.

Although for the moment restrictions limit what can be done, the organiser’s would love to see you. It is every Wednesday in the Stratton Audley Church from 10am – 10.45am (Term Time) and the first meeting was earlier this week.

Contact Jen Iddon via jeniddoncfw@gmail.com

Jen who organises it says:

• We need to stay in our own bubbles
• Bring our own drinks and snacks
• Bring your own baby mat / toys
• Any toys must be kept in our own bubbles
• We cannot mix (hence babies not toddlers)
• Max 15 people, but just turn up as we’re not expecting many to start with
• Story, Chats and Prayers.

And some reminders for those who previously missed the notices:

Mitra Monday with Persian Food

Mitra will be in the village again on Monday to serve up her delicious Persian food, at the junction in the centre of the village. She’ll be serving from about 4pm until dusk.

Just turn up or text her in advance if you have a large order on 07444 364789.

If you want to bring your own container or pot to save on plastic waste, please do so.

Stratton Audley Barn

Now serving take-away home-made ice cream, Friday to Sunday 10am-4pm. Grab a cuppa and cake to enjoy while out for a walk.

The Red Lion

As previously reported the Red Lion will not be opening until sometime in May.

Meanwhile, there has been a great response to the questionnaire with a lot of good positive ideas. Dillie has responded individually but wishes to thank everyone for their continued interest and willingness to help.

East West Rail Local Update

Station Road (from the crossroads with Launton Road) that leads to Launton is now closed and will remain so for about a year.

The damaged verges on the Stratton Audley Park Road are to be repaired by EWR and new instructions have been issued to all contractors to use the passing bays and keep their speed down. EWR are placing a number of mobile LED information signs in the area, one of which will be located on the Park Road.

EWR have also noted concerns raised by residents and the livery stables, with regard to the amount of traffic on the Launton Road and a number of temporary static horse warning signs are to be put in place. They tell us that the actual number of large vehicles using the road is quite small as most are using the special haul road built adjacent to the new track.

East West Rail 2^nd Non Statutory Consultation

EWR have just launched the next stage of public consultation. They are inviting

comments from all interested parties including the public.

Two of the key areas of focus for the consultation in our area are:

• How to improve Oxford Station and its supporting infrastructure - including Oxford Parkway and Bicester Village stations
• Options for avoiding lengthy periods of delays at the London Road level crossing, Bicester (there are six options for this crossing all of which propose tunnels or bridges).

You can share your views using the online feedback form available on their website at www.eastwestrail.co.uk, by emailing your comments to them at consultation@eastwestrail.co.uk or writing via FREEPOST East West Rail.
Alternatively, you can request a paper copy of the feedback form to be sent to you online at www.eastwestrail.co.uk, by emailing them at contact@eastwestrail.co.uk or by calling on 0330 134 0067.
The closing date for the consultation is 9 June 2021.

Comet Bus Services

No further news.

But for the time being please remember that Comet operate a dial-a-ride service for those that require transport for medical or essential shopping reasons. There is a cost of 75p per mile which works out at under £5 for a round trip into Bicester. The service operates Monday to Friday between the hours of 10am and 2pm.  Should anyone wish to make a booking please contact the Comet team on 01865 323201.

Scramble at Bicester Heritage – Discount Resident Vouchers

The next Scramble is to be held on 5^th/6^th of June and neighbourhood discounted tickets are still available for Sunday 6^th June. When purchasing you will need to put FlyingBrevets into the promo code box which will immediately allocate a 50% discount. You will be required to input your OX27 or OX26 postcode and this will be checked.

https://bicesterheritage.co.uk/tickets/october-scramble-tickets/

Passes previously purchased for the January and April scrambles are still valid.

Collection Point for Disposal of Ink Jet Cartridges

Please continue to pop your ink jet cartridges into the basket in the Glen Close bus shelter.  Please don’t drop larger toner cartridges off as these are not recycled by the RSPB. If you are not sure if your cartridges are suitable for recycling, you can contact Rachel Dewhurst by email at treehouse0@sky.com

Covid-19 Update

The governments ‘COVID-19 Response – Spring 2021’, setting out the roadmap out of the current lockdown for England can be found via this link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-response-spring-2021/covid-19-response-spring-2021-summary

For those who are interested in more precise information on infections, area by area, the link below is useful:

https://coronavirus.data.gov.uk/details/interactive-map

The Death of the Duke of Edinburgh

It is with great sadness that we all received the news today of the passing of Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh. The country has now entered a period of mourning which will continue until the day after the funeral which is set to be next Saturday 17^th April.

Alice had prepared a book of condolence to be placed in the church but the Diocese has been informed by the Government that in order to observe current Covid-19 precautions, physical condolence books should not be offered at this time. The Church of England has opened an online condolence book, which is open to any individual or church communities who wish to sign and record a message.

A framed photo of the Duke of Edinburgh and a prayer card has been placed in the church for those who wish to pay their respects.

A virtual book of condolence will also shortly be accessible via Cherwell Council’s website: council’s website

Church Yard Spring Clean Tomorrow

There is a spring clean of the church graveyard tomorrow morning, Saturday 10th April 2021 (10.00 to 12 noon) and volunteers are needed. Please just turn up with or without tools. It involves raking up winter debris, cutting back base runners around the trees, along with brambles, ivy and some overhanging branches.

If you can’t make it, there is another opportunity to help on Saturday 17^th April at the same time. Your help is much appreciated.

Church Services

The church is once again open during the day for private prayer and reflection.

The next service in Stratton Audley will be 9.30am Holy Communion on Sunday 25^th April, by which time it will no longer be necessary to book for services, though masks and hand sanitising will still be required and social distancing will be strictly observed.

Mitra Monday with Persian Food

Mitra will be in the village again on Monday to serve up her delicious Persian food, at the junction in the centre of the village. She’ll be serving from about 4pm until dusk.

Just turn up or text her in advance if you have a large order on 07444 364789.

If you want to bring your own container or pot to save on plastic waste, please do so.

Stratton Audley Barn

Now serving take-away home-made ice cream, Friday to Sunday 10am-4pm. Grab a cuppa and cake to enjoy while out for a walk.

The Red Lion

As previously reported the Red Lion will not be opening until sometime in May.

Meanwhile, there has been a great response to the questionnaire with a lot of good positive ideas. Dillie has responded individually but wishes to thank everyone for their continued interest and willingness to help.

East West Rail Local Update

The damaged verges on the Stratton Audley Park Road are to be repaired by EWR and new instructions have been issued to all contractors to use the passing bays and keep their speed down. EWR are placing a number of mobile LED information signs in the area, one of which will be located on the Park Road.

EWR have also noted concerns raised by residents and the livery stables, with regard to the amount of traffic on the Launton Road and a number of temporary static horse warning signs are to be put in place. They tell us that the actual number of large vehicles using the road is quite small as most are using the special haul road built adjacent to the new track.

Finally another reminder that Station Road (from the crossroads with Launton Road) that leads to Launton will be closed from this coming Monday 12^th April for nearly a year for bridge replacement work.

East West Rail 2^nd Non Statutory Consultation

EWR have just launched the next stage of public consultation. They are inviting

comments from all interested parties including the public.

Two of the key areas of focus for the consultation in our area are:

• How to improve Oxford Station and its supporting infrastructure - including Oxford Parkway and Bicester Village stations
• Options for avoiding lengthy periods of delays at the London Road level crossing, Bicester (there are six options for this crossing all of which propose tunnels or bridges).

You can share your views using the online feedback form available on their website at www.eastwestrail.co.uk, by emailing your comments to them at consultation@eastwestrail.co.uk or writing via FREEPOST East West Rail.
Alternatively, you can request a paper copy of the feedback form to be sent to you online at www.eastwestrail.co.uk, by emailing them at contact@eastwestrail.co.uk or by calling on 0330 134 0067.
The closing date for the consultation is 9 June 2021.

Comet Bus Services

No further news.

But for the time being please remember that Comet operate a dial-a-ride service for those that require transport for medical or essential shopping reasons. There is a cost of 75p per mile which works out at under £5 for a round trip into Bicester. The service operates Monday to Friday between the hours of 10am and 2pm.  Should anyone wish to make a booking please contact the Comet team on 01865 323201.

Scramble at Bicester Heritage – Discount Resident Vouchers

The next Scramble is to be held on 5^th/6^th of June and neighbourhood discounted tickets are still available for Sunday 6^th June. When purchasing you will need to put FlyingBrevets into the promo code box which will immediately allocate a 50% discount. You will be required to input your OX27 or OX26 postcode and this will be checked.

https://bicesterheritage.co.uk/tickets/october-scramble-tickets/

Passes previously purchased for the January and April scrambles are still valid.

Collection Point for Disposal of Ink Jet Cartridges

Please continue to pop your ink jet cartridges into the basket in the Glen Close bus shelter.  Please don’t drop larger toner cartridges off as these are not recycled by the RSPB. If you are not sure if your cartridges are suitable for recycling, you can contact Rachel Dewhurst by email at treehouse0@sky.com

Covid-19 Update

The governments ‘COVID-19 Response – Spring 2021’, setting out the roadmap out of the current lockdown for England can be found via this link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-response-spring-2021/covid-19-response-spring-2021-summary

For those who are interested in more precise information on infections, area by area, the link below is useful:

https://coronavirus.data.gov.uk/details/interactive-map

Did you know that the Cherry Street postbox is a priority box for returning a) Covid tests & b) virus watch test for NHS? It has been mentioned before but really is a handy facility.

Church Services for Easter Sunday

A message from Alice Goodall, Rector, Shelswell Benefice:

• We are delighted that we will be back open for our Easter Day service at 11.00 am in the village church- you would be very welcome – please book your place by phoning 01280 949192 or emailing admin@shelswellparishes.info
• From Easter Day the church will once again be open during the day for private prayer and reflection.
• there will be also be a service in Godington Church on Easter Day at the same time, 11am and all are welcome. Again book via admin@shelswellparishes.info
• Everyone needs to wear a face-covering when attending services unless exempt and social distancing will be strictly observed to keep everyone safe.
• Thank you to everyone who has signed up to the Parish Giving Scheme or who has made a donation over the last year to Stratton Audley Church – the good news is that it is now in better shape financially, although with ongoing work on the building any further donations are always welcome!
• More good news is that the replastering work inside the church has now been completed, but this has highlighted further leaks in the roof and a need for repointing.  Anthony Flack is in the process of seeking quotes for this work and applying for grants: if you would be prepared to help him with this, then do get in touch – he would  value some assistance with taking this forward.  01869 277511.

Church Yard Spring Clean

Anthony Flack has organised a spring clean of the church yard for Saturday 10th April 2021 (10.00 to 12 noon) and volunteers are needed. Please mark it in your diary for a weeks’ time and either just turn up with the tools of your choice (although there will be some spare) or email flack.wine_train@btinternet.com

It involves raking up winter debris, cutting back base runners around the trees, along with brambles, ivy and some overhanging branches.

Easter Monday in Mitra Monday

It maybe a Bank Holiday but Mitra will be in the village again on Monday to serve up her delicious Persian food, at the junction in the centre of the village. She’ll be serving from about 4pm until dusk.

Just turn up or text her in advance if you have a large order on 07444 364789.

If you want to bring your own container or pot to save on plastic waste, please do so.

Stratton Audley Barn

Now serving take-away home-made ice cream, Friday to Sunday 10am-4pm. Grab a cuppa and cake to enjoy while out for a walk.

The Red Lion

As previously reported the Red Lion will not be opening until sometime in May.

Meanwhile, there has been a great response to the questionnaire with a lot of good positive ideas. If you haven’t got around to it now is the time:

1          Do you use the pub?

2          If so, when did you last come into the pub?

3. How regularly do you think you would visit once restrictions                  are lifted?
4. Are there any improvements you would like to see?

5          Would you be willing to volunteer to help in any way… behind the       bar, serving food, painting and decorating?

Please respond directly to Dillie at dilliedarling@gmail.com

East West Rail Local Update

The damaged verges on the Stratton Audley Park Road are to be repaired by EWR and new instructions have been issued to all contractors to use the passing bays and keep their speed down. EWR are placing a number of mobile LED information signs in the area, one of which will be located on the Park Road.

EWR have also noted concerns raised by residents and the livery stables, with regard to the amount of traffic on the Launton Road and a number of temporary static horse warning signs are to be put in place. They tell us that the actual number of large vehicles using the road is quite small as most are using the special haul road built adjacent to the new track.

Finally another reminder that Station Road (from the crossroads with L:aunton Road) that leads to Launton will be closed from the 12/04/2021 to 25/03/2022 for the construction of the new road alignment.

Parish Council

Just to say it was sad to see Mike Gore and Antonia leave the village last week, but the good news is they are keen to keep strong ties with the village and hopefully find a larger house not too far away. Mike will continue to mow the village grass and look after the playground and will remain a Parish Councillor for the time being.

On the subject of the Parish Council, we have a vacancy as we are now allowed to have up to seven councillors but have operated with six for the last couple of years. Just like vampires we need new blood! So if you are interested in contributing to community life, please get in touch with the Clerk or the Chairman.

East West Rail 2^nd None Statutory Consultation

EWR have just launched the next stage of public consultation. They are inviting

comments from all interested parties including the public.

Two of the key areas of focus for the consultation  in our area are:

• How to improve Oxford Station and its supporting infrastructure - including Oxford Parkway and Bicester Village stations
• Options for avoiding lengthy periods of delays at the London Road level crossing, Bicester (there are six options for this crossing all of which propose tunnels or bridges).

You can share your views using the online feedback form available on their website at www.eastwestrail.co.uk, by emailing your comments to them at consultation@eastwestrail.co.uk or writing via FREEPOST East West Rail.
Alternatively, you can request a paper copy of the feedback form to be sent to you online at www.eastwestrail.co.uk, by emailing them at contact@eastwestrail.co.uk or by calling on 0330 134 0067.
The closing date for the consultation is 9 June 2021.

Comet Bus Services

No further news.

But for the time being please remember that Comet operate a dial-a-ride service for those that require transport for medical or essential shopping reasons. There is a cost of 75p per mile which works out at under £5 for a round trip into Bicester. The service operates Monday to Friday between the hours of 10am and 2pm.  Should anyone wish to make a booking please contact the Comet team on 01865 323201.

Bicester Motion Scramble – Discount Resident Vouchers

The next Scramble is to be held on 5^th/6^th of June and neighbourhood discounted tickets are still available for Sunday 6^th June. When purchasing you will need to put FlyingBrevets into the promo code box which will immediately allocate a 50% discount. You will be required to input your OX27 or OX26 postcode and this will be checked.

https://bicesterheritage.co.uk/tickets/october-scramble-tickets/

Passes previously purchased for the January and April scrambles are still valid.

Collection Point for Disposal of Ink Jet Cartridges

Please continue to pop your ink jet cartridges into the basket in the Glen Close bus shelter.  Please don’t drop larger toner cartridges off as these are not recycled by the RSPB. If you are not sure if your cartridges are suitable for recycling, you can contact Rachel Dewhurst by email at treehouse0@sky.com

Covid-19 Update

The governments ‘COVID-19 Response – Spring 2021’, setting out the roadmap out of the current lockdown for England can be found via this link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-response-spring-2021/covid-19-response-spring-2021-summary

For those who are interested in more precise information on infections, area by area, the link below is useful:

https://coronavirus.data.gov.uk/details/interactive-map

Did you know that the Cherry Street postbox is a priority box for returning a) Covid tests & b) virus watch test for NHS? It has been mentioned before but really is a handy facility.

Cavendish Place Corner

Annie Wadley recently approached the PC with the idea of planting up the ground on the corner of Cherry Street and Cavendish Place which had been cleared earlier this year by Stewart Hopkins and others. With the help of neighbour Neil Morrison, she has now planted some ferns, small hebes and some perennials which she paid for and in time are going to look great. There is still room if anyone else wants to add anything perhaps daffodil bulbs for next year. Thanks Annie. Great job!

The latest news and some update items are as follows:

Monday Night is Mitra Night

Mitra returned to the village earlier this week and will be coming each Monday to serve up her delicious Persian food, at the junction in the centre of the village. She’ll be serving from about 4pm until around 7pm.

Just turn up or text her in advance if you have a large order on 07444 364789.

If you want to bring your own container or pot to save on plastic waste please do so.

The Red Lion

Dillie has asked me to include the following announcement with regard to the pub and a request for everyone to provide answers to a few open-ended questions.

“After much agonising, we have decided not to open the pub on 12th April.  The weather will still be chilly and we would only be allowed to open the garden.  As the Executor, John has a duty to the Estate to make sure the pub is in profit, and the combination of staffing costs and possibly inclement weather are just too risky.  So it looks as though mid-May might be an option.

Meanwhile, we wonder if we could persuade you to answer a little questionnaire…!!!

1          Do you use the pub?

2          If so, when did you last come into the pub?

3.         How regularly do you think you would you visit once restrictions are lifted?

4.         Are there any improvements you would like to see?

5          Would you be willing to volunteer to help in any way… behind the bar, serving food, painting and decorating?

John and I both feel very strongly that the village should have a vibrant and busy pub.  Last year’s efforts by Tony Jones and the Taylor family (with the fantastic help of assorted villagers) was incredibly encouraging, and Tony will remain part of the team until we clarify the long-term position with the Brewery.

Please respond directly to Dillie at dilliedarling@gmail.com

Local Elections

Despite the closure, The Red Lion will be the location for the polling station on 6^th May.

East West Rail Local Update

Work to rectify the road markings at the junction of the Stratton Audley Park Road with the A4421 are due to be changed by the EWR Highways Team this weekend to improve safety, at the same time as they are undertaking other remedial works to that stretch of road. The full safety audit report is also to be published during the week.

The Bicester Road that leads to Marsh Gibbon from the crossroads at Billy Evans farm should now be open but since I haven’t been up that way this evening I can’t say for certain.

The closure of the Stratton Audley Road at Poundon is due to take place this weekend just for the two days.

Stratton Audley Barn

Stratton Audley Barn is now open for takeaway only, Friday to Sunday 10am-4pm. Grab a cuppa and cake and enjoy a walk, cycle or even a long overdue natter on a park bench….!

Bicester Motion Scramble – Discount Resident Vouchers

The next Scramble is to be held on 5^th/6^th of June and neighbourhood discounted tickets are still available for Sunday 6^th June. When purchasing you will need to put FlyingBrevets into the promo code box which will immediately allocate a 50% discount. You will be required to input your OX27 or OX26 postcode and this will be checked.

https://bicesterheritage.co.uk/tickets/october-scramble-tickets/

Passes previously purchased for the January and April scrambles are still valid.

Comet Bus Services

No further news.

But for the time being please remember that Comet operate a dial-a-ride service for those that require transport for medical or essential shopping reasons. There is a cost of 75p per mile which works out at under £5 for a round trip into Bicester. The service operates Monday to Friday between the hours of 10am and 2pm.  Should anyone wish to make a booking please contact the Comet team on 01865 323201.

Shelswell Parishes Church Service

There will be the usual 10am service on Sunday morning which will be available on-line. Find it on Facebook Shelswell News Group or YouTube Shelswell Parishes channel. It will actually have been recorded (rather than livestream) to try and get round some of the technical issues they have been having with the signal needed for livestream.

Collection Point for Disposal of Ink Jet Cartridges

Please continue to pop your ink jet cartridges into the basket in the Glen Close bus shelter.  Please don’t drop larger toner cartridges off as these are not recycled by the RSPB. If you are not sure if your cartridges are suitable for recycling, you can contact Rachel Dewhurst by email at treehouse0@sky.com

Covid-19 Update

The governments ‘COVID-19 Response – Spring 2021’, setting out the roadmap out of the current lockdown for England can be found via this link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-response-spring-2021/covid-19-response-spring-2021-summary

For those who are interested in more precise information on infections, area by area, the link below is useful:

https://coronavirus.data.gov.uk/details/interactive-map

And finally don’t forget that the clocks go forward this Saturday night bringing lighter summer nights ever closer!

Tomorrow is the start of Spring and the daffs are in full bloom around the village and particularly so in the Pound, which is worth a visit.

Covid-19 Update

The governments ‘COVID-19 Response – Spring 2021’, setting out the roadmap out of the current lockdown for England can be found via this link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-response-spring-2021/covid-19-response-spring-2021-summary

For those who are interested in more precise information on infections, area by area, the link below is useful:

https://coronavirus.data.gov.uk/details/interactive-map

EXCITING NEWS –The Return of Mitra on Monday Night

Mitra has agreed to return to the village this coming Monday to serve up her delicious Persian food, from a stall located at the corner of Bicester Road and Church Street. She’ll be opening earlier because of the dark nights, and serving between 3 & 5.30 pm. Just turn up or text her in advance if you have a large order on 07444 364789.

It would be helpful if you bring your own box or pot to save on plastic waste.

Oxcam Expressway Officially Cancelled by Transport Secretary

Another piece of good news for many people is the announcement this week that the much heralded Oxford to Cambridge Express Highway has been officially cancelled, by the Transport Secretary.

Commenting on the news, Ian Corkin, County and District Councillor, said  “I very much welcome the cancelation and the opportunity this now gives to take a more enlightened view of “connectivity”, especially in relation to East-West Rail, digital connectivity and all the advances we have made in agile working during the pandemic”

Government will continue to work on alternative plans to boost transport connectivity in the arc, and for those who want to know more here is the link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/oxford-to-cambridge-expressway-project-cancelled-as-transport-secretary-looks-to-alternative-plans-for-improving-transport-in-the-region

East West Rail Local Update

There is also welcome news with regard to changes to the road markings of the Stratton Audley Park Road where it meets the A4421. Residents have continually complained of the dangers presented as a result of the stop lines in the road being set back too far when the junction was redesigned.  Work to rectify this is to be carried by the EWR Highways Team in a weeks’ time over the weekend of the 27^th/28^th March, at the same time as they are undertaking other remedial works to that stretch of road. Some disruption can be expected. The full safety audit report is still to be published.

The Bicester Road that leads to Marsh Gibbon from the crossroads at Billy Evans farm remains closed until close of business, next Friday. With this extension in mind, the works on Stratton Audley Road, Poundon have been revised. This closure will now be for Saturday 27^th and Sunday 28^th March.

Stratton Audley Barn

Stratton Audley Barn is now open for takeaway only, Friday to Sunday 10am-4pm. Grab a cuppa and cake and enjoy a walk, cycle or even a long overdue natter on a park bench….!

Bicester Motion Scramble – Discount Resident Vouchers

The next Scramble is to be held on 5^th/6^th of June and neighbourhood discounted tickets are still available for Sunday 6^th June. When purchasing you will need to put FlyingBrevets into the promo code box which will immediately allocate a 50% discount. You will be required to input your OX27 or OX26 postcode and this will be checked.

https://bicesterheritage.co.uk/tickets/october-scramble-tickets/

Passes previously purchased for the January and April scrambles are still valid.

Highways/Bicester Motion improvement on the Buckingham Road

For those who have encountered the road works on the Buckingham Road near the roundabout with Skimmingdish Lane and are wondering what’s going on, here is a summary.

These works are programmed to take 12 weeks and will bring about the following benefits to the local community once completed;

• New Toucan crossing on Buckingham Rd (close to Skimmingdish Lane turning).
• Resurfaced carriageway either side of toucan crossing (to provide high friction anti-skid surface on crossing approach).
• New uncontrolled road crossing points at the roundabout from Bicester Motion across Buckingham Rd to The Garden Quarter and from Bicester Motion across Skimmingdish Lane to the Bicester side of road and across their main entrance bell mouth.
• Enhancements to street lighting, signage and carriageway drainage.
• New section of shared pedestrian footpath / cycleway to provide proper access to the bus stop and Toucan crossing on the Bicester Motion side of Buckingham Rd and the corner of Skimmingdish Lane.
• The strategic transport contributions that Bicester Motion are making to OCC as part of these works will be used to upgrade existing bus shelters and real time bus information displays and cycle shelters adjacent to bus stops.

The 10 Year National Census- Deadline is this Sunday, 21 March

By now everyone will have received a leaflet and most of us will have provided the required information on our household. The deadline is this coming Sunday, March 21 and for the first time ever the form has to be completed online, so anyone having difficulty needs to seek help from friends or family.

The survey, which is issued once every 10 years by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), is used to gauge figures on everything from unemployment to life expectancy, marriage and divorces in the UK. It’s ultimately used to help the government allocate public funding, by identifying the areas for improvement and where support is lacking in services such as healthcare and education. The website link is www.census.gov.uk

Village Allotment/Tree Planting

No further news.

Comet Bus Services

No further news.

But for the time being please remember that Comet operate a dial-a-ride service for those that require transport for medical or essential shopping reasons. There is a cost of 75p per mile which works out at under £5 for a round trip into Bicester. The service operates Monday to Friday between the hours of 10am and 2pm.  Should anyone wish to make a booking please contact the Comet team on 01865 323201.

Shelswell Parishes Church Service

There will be the usual 10am service on Sunday morning which will be available on-line. Find it on Facebook Shelswell News Group or YouTube Shelswell Parishes channel. It will actually have been recorded (rather than livestream) to try and get round some of the technical issues they have been having with the signal needed for livestream.

Collection Point for Disposal of Ink Jet Cartridges

Please continue to pop your ink jet cartridges into the basket in the Glen Close bus shelter.  Please don’t drop larger toner cartridges off as these are not recycled by the RSPB. If you are not sure if your cartridges are suitable for recycling, you can contact Rachel Dewhurst by email at treehouse0@sky.com

Another relatively short news update this week.

Covid-19 Update

The governments ‘COVID-19 Response – Spring 2021’, setting out the roadmap out of the current lockdown for England can be found via this link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-response-spring-2021/covid-19-response-spring-2021-summary

For those who are interested in more precise information on infections, area by area, the link below is useful:

https://coronavirus.data.gov.uk/details/interactive-map

East West Rail Local Update

The Bicester Road that leads to Marsh Gibbon from the crossroads at Billy Evans farm remains closed and the latest information is that the closure has been extended to close of business on Friday 26^th March.

With this extension in mind, the works on Stratton Audley Road, Poundon have been revised. This closure will now be for Saturday 27^th and Sunday 28^th March.

Station Road to Launton will be closed from 12th April 2021 for more or less a year

The safety audit report from Oxford County Council on the new junction at Stratton Audley Park Road and the A4421 is still awaited.

Stratton Audley Barn

Stratton Audley Barn is now open for takeaway only, Friday to Sunday 10am-4pm. Grab a cuppa and cake and enjoy a walk, cycle or even a long overdue natter on a park bench….!

Thames Water

We have now received a fuller response from the Thames Water to our questions which are being studied by the PC and those residents directly affected by recent flooding issues.

Key points are:

They have made changes to the running system of the two pumps which means that both pumps run automatically when necessary, as opposed to one being on standby and as a result are pumping the maximum amount the rising main is designed to take;

The ammonia levels in the water that rose up into the road and some premises had a very low ammonia level, demonstrating that the flows were heavily diluted with ground water;

Some relining work of the foul water system has taken place and more is scheduled;

Network engineers have identified key points of interest and the camera survey has been scheduled to resume at the beginning of April when levels permit;

To maintain customer contact audits, they still need customers to report the issues they have via the call centre. The unit has alarms so the Waste Operations Control Centre will be alerted, the site will be checked and tankers will be deployed on a best endeavour’s basis and where resource is available;

They tell us that the village pumping station and network are working as they should be, but when severe storm events occur, all pumping stations are potentially capable of being overwhelmed and they aren’t able to design a sewer to cope with every weather eventuality;

On a wider basis, various initiatives are being put in place concerning the Bicester sewerage system;

The Sewage Treatment Works at Bicester is currently undergoing a project of upgrade to increase its capacity in order to safely treat the projected growth within the system;

More information on their future plans can be found here:

https://www.water.org.uk/policy-topics/managing-sewage-and-drainage/drainage-and-wastewater-management-plans/

Better Broadband

The Digital Infrastructure team at OCC have just provided an update from the ‘Better Broadband for Oxfordshire’ programme, which confirms the completion of superfast broadband delivery across Oxfordshire.

For those who want to get into the detail, the attached pdf provides a tailored update with coverage statistics for Stratton Audley and also shares information relating to the significant achievements and background of ‘Better Broadband for Oxfordshire.

Village Allotment

No further news. A suitable plot of land is the key requirement.

Tree Planting

No further news.

Planting trees on verges may prove problematic and so it is felt that the best course of action is to find larger areas of land where groups of trees could be planted. Suitable areas should be identified and discussions held with land owners to explore opportunities of planting trees in corners of fields or other unproductive areas. Grants & funds are available to purchase trees and over a dozen volunteers are prepared to carry out the physical planting. We are targeting planting winter 20201/22

Did you see this?

Between Sunday 7th March and Monday 8th March approx 200 new trees were stolen from a location on the ring road in Bicester. The trees still had the root wraps on them. If you witnessed anything please update via 101 ref 43210096783.

Comet Bus Services

As previously reported OCC Communities have agreed a new minibus service to take residents to and from Bicester, which is likely to commence on Tuesday April 12^th. They are prepared to provide this free of charge for the first six months to test how many people use it. A reminder will be issued closer to time.

It will operate on Tuesday and Thursdays with pick up times as shown here:

Pick Up

10:46 – Bus Stop Adjacent to Glen Close

10:49 – Bus Stop Bicester Road

Drop off

11:00 – Sainsburys, Bicester

Pick Up

1:15 – Sainsburys, Bicester

Drop Off

1:25 – Opposite Bus Stop Bicester Road

1:29 – Opposite Bus Stop Adjacent to Glen Close

In the meantime Comet operate a dial-a-ride service for those that require transport for medical or essential shopping reasons. There is a cost of 75p per mile which works out at under £5 for a round trip into Bicester. The service operates Monday to Friday between the hours of 10am and 2pm.  Should anyone wish to make a booking please contact the Comet team on 01865 323201.

Shelswell Parishes Church Service

There will be the usual 10am service on Sunday morning which will be available on-line. Find it on Facebook Shelswell News Group or YouTube Shelswell Parishes channel. It will actually have been recorded (rather than livestream) to try and get round some of the technical issues they have been having with the signal needed for livestream.

Collection Point for Disposal of Ink Jet Cartridges

Please continue to pop your ink jet cartridges into the basket in the Glen Close bus shelter.  Please don’t drop larger toner cartridges off as these are not recycled by the RSPB. If you are not sure if your cartridges are suitable for recycling, you can contact Rachel Dewhurst by email at treehouse0@sky.com

And finally…..

Happy Mothers Day for this Sunday.