Parish News

A BIG THANK YOU TO ALL THE RESIDENTS AND VOLUNTEERS WHO LIVE AND WORK IN STRATTON AUDLEY

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On behalf of the Festival organising committee may I thank everyone for their support in making the Festival such a great success. It is no exaggeration to say that virtually everyone was involved in some way, big or small, in supporting this event and we should all be proud of our collective achievement.

As you may have heard we exceeded the financial targets set by a considerable margin and whilst we still don’t know the final net amount, we hope to clear about £15,000. The Child Brain Injury Trust and Macmillan’s will receive donations and the remainder will go to the Little Lambs pre-school play group that meets in the church every week, the church building fund for updating the facilities to make it more of a community centre and a general village improvement fund. The final figures and money to be distributed will be verified and published soon.

Compliments have been streaming in from many quarters and it is clear that the whole event has enhanced the image of Stratton Audley throughout the area. Hopefully this has given a little boost to each and every one of us who live and work in the Parish.

Do check out the Facebook pages for Stratton Audley Parish Council and also the Stratton Audley Food Beer & Music Festival as there are some great photos to view.

John Honsinger, Chairman of the Organising Committee.

 

EWR Construction Traffic – Latest projected movement figures revealed.

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Mr Charles Hurst has been back in touch with the following information.

In the village itself

EWR has now completed its detailed traffic analysis and firmed up on the likely figures for the peak three month intensive build period likely to be in early 2020. Currently (with an allowance for future developments) there are 1145 traffic movements (combined two way traffic figures) per day along Church Street passing the pub and EWR will contribute an extra 11 per day to this number. There is an LGV route along Mill Road although we have stated we will not be using this for light lorries; there are currently 518 vehicle movements along this road per day and EWR will be contributing 15 per day. These figures are notably less than the quantities discussed in the meeting but were not available at that time. The only other point to add is that by redirecting most of the LGV traffic away from the road through Stratton Audley onto the HGV route we have to allow it to go past Stratton Audley Park and that being so, a few vehicles are bound to turn right at the crossroads and come down Mill Road to access the Launton compound.

Despite the revised proposals to re-route construction traffic away from the village, there will be significantly increased levels of traffic in the immediate area and the Parish Council will be discussing reparations and traffic calming measures and signage. It has also been agreed that a liaison group will be formed with other affected villages to meet regularly with EWR .

Stratton Audley Park Road

With regard to the traffic numbers along the road past S-A Park from the junction of the 4421 towards Poundon,  a figure of 1200 was banded about and some took this to mean as many as 1200 HGV likely movements in the peak  three month intensive period in 2020. At the time Mr Hurst knew this not to be the case but could not substantiate it. Since then further studies have been carried out  and the latest figures are:

Current traffic numbers total 940 vehicle movements (combined for both directions) per day.

EWR HGV vehicle movements will total 156 per day.

EWR LGV vehicle movements will total 53 per day.

EWR staff operative car movements will total 87 per day.

Total EWR traffic numbers is forecast to be 267 vehicle movements per day which will be an increase of 28.4% on the current levels. On the assumptions that they have a 10 hour working day there are likely to be around 16 HGV vehicles per hour or one every 4 minutes. This is still an extremely high and concerning figure but not as bad as two every minute of the day.

Clearly there are going to be many conversations and meeting with regard to the lay-bys and reparation works required both before and after the construction period, but for now the matter is in the hands of the Secretary for State to approve or reject the proposed scheme.

Previously at the Annual Open meeting on 2nd May……………………We invited Mr Charles Hurst, East West Rail Stakeholder Manager to address the meeting and provided an opportunity for members of the community  to put  questions to him and get a further update. In the main these were polite although some questions were quite direct.

The key issues for Stratton Audley has been the proposal to route LGV vehicles (both trucks and vans up to 7.5 tonnes) through the village and the plan to route HGV and LGV traffic flows from Bicester along the A4421 to its’ right hand intersection with Park Road to Charndon Compound via Stratton Park.

With the latter issue of traffic to the Charndon Compound apart from the volumes which  may be as high asd 1200 movement a day in the most intensive 3 month period, the main concern is how to make the junction safe and effective plus other mitigation measures necessary.

Regarding traffic through the village, the Parish Council suggested that LGV’s could follow the same route as for HGV’s to get to the no.2 Launton Compound and we are pleased to report that an undertaking to progress this idea was given by Mr Hurst. The route from Stoke Lyne into and through the village, onto the Launton Road will still have to be shown on their maps as they are required to indicate at least two alternative routes. But the assurance which  has been put in writing  is that the bulk of LGV vehicles will be directed away from the village. This plus other mitigation measures including suitable signage will be a requirement. The likely date for intensive disruption is early 2020 for some 12 weeks. This is subject to the whole plan being put to the Secretary of State and being  approved.

For full details read the Minutes from the meeting on 7th Marc

ONLY A FEW DAYS TO GO – THE FOOD, BEER & MUSIC FESTIVAL – 2nd June 2018

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We are gearing up for a great day. Here’s the RUNNING ORDER. Parking is in a field off the Stoke Lyne Road and also additionally off the Launton Road at Stratton Audley Barn ( http://www.strattonaudleychristmasbarn.co.uk/)

Remember there is no entry or parking charge

PROGRAMME FOR THE DAY

11:00 Welcome & Event Opens

12:00 Back Beat Group

13:15 Marsh Gibbon Silver Band

14.00 The Just Dance Company

14:20 Ceremony/Royal Wedding Cake cutting

with special guests Victoria Prentis MP, Sean Gaul Mayor of Bicester

and Miranda Markham, Deputy Lord Lieutenant for Oxfordshire.

14.30 Mini Auction

14.40 Andrew McHugh Fiddlers

15.00 Marsh Gibbon Silver Band

15:45 Inter 60’s Group

16:30 Super Draw Raffle

17.15 Inter 60s Group

18.00 Close

We are delighted to confirm some 35 stall holders will be joining us and much appreciate their support and that of our sponsors together with all other volunteers.

Church Street will be closed for the day and a steam traction engine will be offering free rides all day up and  down Mill Road. All the music acts are confirmed including the Marsh Gibbon Silver Band.  The Bouncy castle & slide will operate all day weather permitting. There’ll be face painting and Tatooing and more to do for the kids. There’s a super Pimms Bar and a Gin Bar with six different selections. So plenty of choice. And to eat there’s a Hog Roast as well as burger & bangers and much more to sample  on many of the trade stalls

All proceeds support local good causes, Little Lambs Playgroup, Child Brain Injury Trust, Macmillan & the Church Renovation Works

Follow us on Facebook: stratton audley food beer and music festival

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Great progress is being made thanks to a core support team of some 20 people. All beer barrel sponsorship is sold and donations of over 35 prizes have been achieved for the Super Draw, tickets for which are now in production. Our target for the tombola is to get about 800 prizes and so far we have about 100 so we want anything small & new that you don’t want. Publicity has started to appear and there are regular updates on the Parish Council website (strattonaudley.org). Additionally please join and share our Facebook page – stratton audley food beer & music festival.

Everything is booked and underway: music acts, bouncy castle & slide, face painting, a steam engine, food & drinks bars and a Royal Wedding celebratory cake for all to share. The hog roast is organised as well as burger & bangers and four drink bars. Some 30 stall holders have already been signed up with more to come. We are producing thousands of small posters and 10,000 leaflets for distribution in the first two weeks of May to properties in the surrounding area. Please help with this distribution if you can.

There ares still some stall sites available so if you have local produce or have an arts & craft skill, why not take a stall for only £35.  To become part of this special day please call Pam or Rob on 07710 126131 or email: safoodfest@gmail.com

STALL HOLDERS SIGN UP AND PAY HERE BY CLICKING ON THE YELLOW BUTTON BELOW

 

ATTENTION RESIDENTS! HOW YOU CAN HELP.

A priority now is to pull together the Volunteer Rotas for the day and whilst this is progressing well, we need more helpers for two hour slots. If you haven’t yet been signed up please contact someone from the organising group or Stewart Hopkins who is the co-ordinator.

We are also still collecting for the Tombola and should you have any new small items please contact Sally-Anne (277 371) at The Old School or John Honsinger at Stratton House (278 000).

Of course cakes will be needed for the Teas & Cake stall in the Church and this is being coordinated by Jackie Fox.

With only six weeks to go it is time to spread the word and let’s make this a fun-filled day for all the family.

The next meeting is this Tuesday, 7.30pm, 24thMay in the Red Lion. Please feel free to come along.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank The Manor for agreeing to allow their grounds to be used on the day as part of the festival and for all the support being offered by residents.

All proceeds support nominated charities, the church building fund and other good local causes.

This is the return of the Stratton Audley Food, Beer, & Music Festival last run in June 2016. A traditional street festival for all the family. Saturday 2 June 2018  from 11am to 6pm. Come and join this FREE event with something for all the family. Do some shopping, have a bite to eat & drink, listen to the live music and let the children have fun in a safe and friendly environment.

WHAT’S ON

Free entry and ample parking • mini beer festival • live music throughout the day • a brass band     • a pig roast, burgers and bangers • a bouncy castle, inflatable slide, face painting and much more • teas & cakes in the church • pub food and drinks • a Super Draw and an amazing tombola

 

 

Men’s Breakfast Saturday June 9th

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Men’s Breakfast Saturday June 9th 8.15 for 8.30 start (10.00am finish)

Stratton Audley Church

This is an event that used to be run in the village up to about 10 years ago and if it is well supported will be re-introduced on a more regular basis.

All men are welcomed to come and enjoy a full English breakfast and have the opportunity to meet with others in an informal setting. Our speaker at the breakfast is Glyn Evans from The Farming Community Network. Glyn has a particular concern for the well-being of those who are often feeling isolated in our Rural communities.

The cost is £10.00 and there will be an opportunity to support The FCN. We need to know the numbers by May 31st at the latest for catering purposes

Please contact one of the following for tickets:

Bill Muncey. Fringford  01869 277986

Becky Adams at the parish office  01280 848192

Andrew Cotton. Hethe  07768 903579

Tony Fox. Stratton Audley 278584 (07813513753)

“Scandal in High Society Oxfordshire” comes to Stratton Audley

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The historical society is pleased to announce that they have Re scheduled the cancelled talk –  “Scandal in High Society Oxfordshire” and this will now take place on Saturday  28th April at 7.30pm.

Come to the Church to enjoy another talk by Julie Ann Godson following her very enjoyable talk last year. 

There will be a charge of £5 per person, to include a glass of wine or soft drink.

TIME TO SLOW DOWN. NEW SPEED AWARENESS SIGN INSTALLED ON THE BICESTER ROAD AT THE ENTRANCE TO THE VILLAGE.

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The Parish Council has purchased a Vehicle Activated Speed sign and installed it at the entrance to the village on the Bicester Road. From time to time it will be relocated to other roads in order to encourage drivers to slow down. This sign has the facility to show the approaching vehicle  it’s speed from about 100 meters out and intermittently flash ‘Slow Down’ also showing  instantly their reduced speed.

All vehicle movements and speeds are recorded and will be downloaded to allow a picture to be built up over time. It runs off a battery which needs to be recharged  every few weeks and replaced with a spare one that we have also purchased.

The unit cost £3200 and was purchased with money built up by the Parish Council from various community events plus a grant of some £900 from an OCC community fund thanks to the efforts of our excellent County Councillor, Ian Corkin.

The Bicester Road was chosen as the first location as it is the busiest road in and out of the village according the data gathered in a survey carried out in 2013. Interestingly, at that time, data shows that more cars were speeding out of the village than into it, so we may consider turning the unit around occasionally.

Please let us know what you think.

EWR Construction Traffic Update. We say NO to LGV’s through the village.

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East West Rail Construction Traffic Update

We invited Mr Charles Hurst, East West Rail Stakeholder Manager to the Parish Council meeting on 7th March which provided an opportunity for members of the community and the Council to put  questions to him and get a further update.

The key issues for Stratton Audley are the proposals to route LGV vehicles (both trucks and vans up to 7.5 tonnes) through the village and the plan to route HGV and LGV traffic flows from Bicester along the A4421 to its’ right hand intersection with the road to Poundon via Stratton Park.

With the latter issue of traffic to the Charndon Compound apart from the volumes, the main concern is how to make the junction safe and effective plus other mitigation measures necessary.

Regarding traffic through the village, the Parish Council suggested that LGV’s could follow the same route as for HGV’s to get to the no.2 Launton Compound and we are pleased to report that an undertaking to progress this idea was given by Mr Hurst. The route from Stoke Lyne into and through the village, onto the Launton Road will still have to be shown on their maps as they are required to indicate at least two alternative routes. But the assurance which  will be put in writing shortly is that larger LGV vehicles will be directed away from the village. This plus other mitigation measures including suitable signage will be a requirement. The likely date for intensive disruption is early 2020 for some 12 weeks.

For full details read the Minutes from the meeting on 7th March.

TIME TO COME OUT OF THE SHADOWS? Nominations now closed. One New Nomination Received

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Details of nominations received can be found by viewing this pdf:

SAPC Concil nominations 2018

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Background

Stratton Audley Parish Council are due for elections in May this year and the good news is that we have been given approval by the District Council to increase our number by two, so that there are seven vacancies in total.

We have done this to try and broaden our demographics on the council to reflect those of the community as a whole. A Councillor is required to attend meetings once a month and perhaps take on responsibility for a particular area or interest. Meetings usually last 2 hours and oare light-hearted and seldom heated! Why not come along and observe a meeting to see what you think?

For those of you who are not familiar with the procedure, elections for all places are held every four years and any resident on the electoral role over the age of 18 is eligible and able to put their name forward to join the Parish Council.

An uncontested election occurs when the required number of places are filled by those putting their name forward. An election occurs where more than the stipulated number of places are capable of being filled, and in this case the cost to the Parish Council will be in the region of £900 for Cherwell District Council to set up a formal voting booth in the village and administer the proceedings. Whilst the Parish Council does not wish to hold a costly election, it is incumbent upon us to make clear that this facility is available in the event of demand outstripping supply.

Please feel free to contact and discuss your interest with any existing Parish Councillor, contact details by clicking on this link: https://strattonaudley.org/parish-council-2/parish-council/

Nomination papers will be available in March from the Clerk who can be contacted via email: strattonaudley.parishclerk@gmail.com . Nomination papers will need to be returned by a specified date in early April. the Parish Council will confirm when it is aware of the timetable.

So maybe it is time to come out of the shadows and play a more active role in your community!