News Update 31, October 31 2020

Don’t get spooked but Halloween is upon us!

Thanks go to Sandra Edwards for organising the event and the many others who have joined in by carving out pumpkins or contributing treats. As a result, a substantial pumpkin trail is being laid out around the village involving over twenty locations and a map has been produced which can be viewed by clicking on this link:

https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/1/edit?mid=1XQ4LKOT38ytYES4qqXBKRLXXC69oXeVF&usp=sharing

Its going to be a safe outdoor event within the rules as laid down for a tier 1 area:

  • Groups of up to six people (adults and children) need to remain within their bubbles and avoid mixing with other groups
  • Social distancing rules need to be maintained and if it makes you feel more comfortable, although not a legal requirement, wear a mask
  • Kicking off is around 5.30pm starting at whatever point is convenient
  • There will be no knocking on doors
  • A photographer will be wondering around talking photos of kids in their outfits, so please let them know if you don’t want your child to be photographed

Latest Covid-19 Infections nearly double in our area

As you are aware, Oxford City officially moved into the ‘high’ COVID alert level as of today whilst all the other districts in Oxfordshire remain in the Medium Alert tier 1. The central Government decision follows intensive discussions with local councils, MPs and others in recent days and is opposed by most local officials and politicians.

Rates per 100,000 in Oxford City rose to 134.5 for the week ending 23 October, whilst for Oxfordshire as a whole, the rate was 117.5 for the same period. However in our own area of Cherwell the rate is the highest in the county and is higher than the City at 151.5 cases per 100,000, a rise from the previous week of nearly 80%.

Evidence continues to show that, in the past three weeks, the virus has spread to a much wider age range across the county and is no longer confined to younger people in urban areas. Hospital admissions have begun to increase as a result.

Councillor Barry Wood, Leader of Cherwell District Council, said: “I am deeply concerned by the sharp rise in cases of COVID-19 in Cherwell. The data shows that coronavirus is now spreading in all age ranges through our district. Make no mistake, the virus is a clear and present threat to the health of our friends, colleagues, families and communities”.

All local authorities have been asked to communicate the seriousness of this second wave in our area and remind everyone in their community to observe the rule of 6 both indoors and outside, as well as Hands, Face, Space.

Recent crime in the village

A second van has been broken into during the past week, this time in Mill Road, and damage to the vehicle sustained although nothing stolen as no tools were in the vehicle.

Additionally in the last fortnight two youths attempted to break into a livery stable outside the village in Launton Road but the automatic alarm put them off and they fled – all captured on the security video.

Finally fly tippers have been at work on land off the Bicester Road belonging to John O’Neill on Wednesday this week. They lifted off the locked metal field gate, deposited their waste and returned for a second time, but this time were seen and cleared off with their rubbish. If you see a white pick-up truck with the letters L&M Driveways & Patios on the side, do phone the police.

I have been in touch with one of our community police officers who some of you know, Kerry Boyle, and she has confirmed that the only telephone numbers the public should use to contact the police are 999 (for a crime in progress) and 101 to report an incident. There are no direct numbers to the rural Neighbourhood Policing Team. However once the control room have received a call and created a log, then this will be allocated for investigation based on priority.

All of this demonstrates that although we live in a lovely rural community, the need to be alert and take precautions is sadly all too necessary.

Remembrance Sunday 8th November 2020

There will be no service inside the church this year but the diocese has gone to great lengths to ensure that the ceremony can take place outside in the churchyard next to the War Memorial, in a safe manner with the following rules in place:

  • the service of Remembrance will commence at 9.30 am and will be shorter than usual with no hymns being sung
  • participants should arrange to arrive at the churchyard as soon as possible after 9.00 am, as contact details will be required for track and trace, or by using the QR code on your phone
  • social distancing must be strictly adhered to and white field paint will be used to mark where individuals/couples can stand
  • everyone will be required to wear a face mask unless they have a medical condition which exempts them
  • There will be no need to book in advance, but numbers will be limited in the grounds of the church and latecomers will have to stand beyond the churchyard entrance.

EWR disruption on the Stratton Audley Park Road to Poundon

Please remember that the road from the Godington turn-off to Poundon is closed and is scheduled to remain so, until 6th November.

Additionally, the traffic light system on the A4421 at the turning for Stratton Audley Park also remains in place until 6th November. Then from the 9th November work begins on the passing points by the Stratton Audley Park avenue of trees which means that the road will be closed again and this is scheduled to last for several weeks until Friday 27th November.

Advanced warning of further EWR road works

Also we have been given advanced notice that there is going to be severe disruption on the other side of the village for nearly four weeks right up to Christmas, with two full road closures.

Station Road (with the level crossing) to Launton will be closed from the SA Launton Road crossroads, as too will the road from that same crossroads in the direction of Marsh Gibbon. Both are subject to closure notices from 30th November to 23rd December.

Coffee Morning in the Red Lion Pub

Coffee morning is now inside the pub with social distancing, four to a table. A register of attendees is being kept as required by law for contact tracing. It continues to be well attended and is every Tuesday at 11.00 in the Red Lion and the cost is £2 per head for coffee and biscuits.  All welcome.

The Red Lion

The Pub is open every day except Mondays with last orders at 9.30pm.

They are now serving simple lunches on a Friday and Saturday from 12-3 as well as serving a range of bar snacks and grazing boards all day on a Friday and Saturday which are perfect as a nibble with friends or with an accompanying glass of red wine as a supper substitute!

Supper club on the 29th was a great success and the next one will be held at the end of November, so keep an eye out for this and other exciting events coming up on Facebook or on their website www.redlionstrattonaudley.co.uk

Stratton Audley Barn

The Barn is open each day except for Monday, from 10 am to 4pm. The café operates a table service only and it is advisable to book in advance especially at weekends on 01869 278184.

The gift shop is now full of delightful Christmas novelties to bring a bit of early cheer. However if you are feeling a little uncertain in these strange times, why not book one of their ‘shopping hours’ on Wednesday’s or Thursday’s from 4th November at 9am, 4pm or 5pm and shop while the Cafe & Shop are closed for general browsing. Available to book online now. Follow the link for more details. https://www.strattonaudleybarn.co.uk/shop-1

Bicester Hunt with Whaddon Chase

A number of people have enquired about the first meet of the season which usually kicks off in the village and is a spectacle enjoyed by many villagers. Regrettably due to Covid-19 restrictions, there is no send off this year as no meetings in villages are allowed.

Recycling batteries and small electrical appliances

Just to remind everyone that Cherwell District Council offer a kerbside recycling service for household batteries. Just pop them in a small clear bag and put them on top of (not inside) any of your bins – green, brown or blue.

They will also dispose of items such as kettles, toasters and toys provided they can fit into a standard size carrier bag.  These items may be donated and reused again or recycled by CDC. Again place the carrier bag on top of, not inside, any of your bins.

Stratton Audley advent windows trail

As previously announced the Church has come up with the novel idea of creating an Advent Trail around the village whereby 24 street-facing windows will be decorated with a Christmas Carol Theme.

If you would like to be one of the participating households please get in touch with Becky Adams (277 471) or email admin@shelswellparishes.info

Collection Point for disposal of Ink Jet cartridges

The collection box for used ink-jet cartridges is still located in the bus shelter on the Stoke Lyne Road and any money raised from their bulk return will go to the RSPB.

 

AND FINALLY……..

 

News Update no 30, October 24th

Oxfordshire close to ‘high’ COVID-19 alert level – 22/10/2020

This is a message from our County Councillor, Ian Corkin, which is well worth noting:

“Good afternoon all,

You may have seen some speculation about alert levels for Oxfordshire in the news this week and I wanted to take this opportunity to update you directly on the developing COVID situation across the county.

Over the last few weeks, cases of C19 in Oxfordshire have typically been in younger more resilient age groups, such as university students.  However, whilst the number of new cases has not sharply increased this week, we are now starting to see wider community transmission from that younger age group to older more vulnerable residents and hospital admissions have already started to increase.

This spread is very concerning. With half term next week and the inevitable increased mixing of households, all Local Authority Leaders in the county agreed to request a move to Level 2 for the whole of Oxfordshire – this was designed to be a proactive measure to get ahead of the transmission curve and suppress the spread to more vulnerable groups.  The request was considered by Gold Command (The government committee in London who decide on such things) yesterday and we were informed last evening it has been decided that Oxfordshire would remain on tier 1 for this week and Gold would review this again next week. 

With half term, plus events such as Halloween, bonfire night and Diwali just around the corner, when many families typically come together to socialise, it would be very helpful if you could help emphasise in your communities the need for people to observe the current restrictions, including the rule of 6, as well as the importance of face, space and hands.  If we all do our bit, we can collectively turn the tide on transmission.

Finally, I appreciate that not everyone will be in favour of the council seeking a higher alert level.  However, the data is clear, the virus has started to spread to more vulnerable groups and if we act early we can suppress it, save lives and hopefully avert the need for the even more restrictive measures seen in some other parts of the UK.  As so often in this pandemic, it is a very finely balanced judgement.”

Note: Estimated Covid cases in Cherwell as of Friday this week, are up by 406 from 316 last week to 722.

Clocks go back

As I am sure you know the clocks go by back an hour at 2am this Sunday morning, which means that on Saturday night we all get to have an extra hour in bed! We will then be on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), not British Summer Time (BST).

The change was proposed in England by builder, William Willett whoin 1907, published a pamphlet called The Waste of Daylight encouraging people to get out of bed earlier in summer to make the most of “wasted sunlight”. He suggested turning the clocks back by 20 minutes over four Sundays.

The idea of changing the clocks was proposed as part of the 1908 Daylight Saving Bill but there were objections from groups including farmers and scientists. The Germans adopted Willett’s idea of Daylight Saving Time (DST) in 1916, during World War I, to save valuable fuel that was being wasted on artificial lighting, and the UK followed. Willett died in 1915 so didn’t see his plan adopted.

EWR disruption on the Stratton Audley Park Road to Poundon

Please remember that the road from the Godington turn-off to Poundon is closed and is scheduled to remain so, until 6th November.

Additionally, the traffic light system on the A4421 at the turning for Stratton Audley Park also remains in place until 6th November.

Finally, next week, we are officially being notified of the revised plans for the passing points to be installed on the tree lined section of the Park Road which have been reworked in order to avoid the need to de-vegetate any of the trees.

Halloween on the Horizon!

Halloween is just a week away and preparations described below are well underway, so that a safe event outdoors within the rules as laid down currently. Groups of up to six people (adults and children) need to remain within their groups and avoid mixing with other groups. Additionally social distancing rules need to be maintained and if it makes you feel more comfortable although not a legal requirement, wear a mask.

  • Kicking off at 5.30pm, there’s going to be a Spooky Pumpkin Trail from around the village visiting a number of designated village points plus outside households that are putting out sweets
  • A mobile-friendly map and the link will be available on FB next week.
  • There will be no knocking on doors so if you are putting out sweets/treats, please notify Sandra of your address so she can add you to the map
  • To make sure there are enough treats for everyone, please message to say how many children/ grandchildren/etc. will be following the trail
  • Thanks go to the team of volunteers that have agreed to carve out the Pumpkins which will be collected Friday 30th
  • Anyone wishing to donate sweets for the trail, again please message Sandra and she will collect on Friday 30th or alternatively drop in a box that will be placed outside 5 Cavendish Place.

Sandra’s email is jandsedwards711@gmail.com or phone 07798 844783.

Stratton Audley Church

Last week I passed on information about the very serious situation facing the church in this area, and a number of people responded with kind donations. However no one has come forward yet to offer time to support the PCC team for our church which is also our community centre. This is just a gentle reminder to anyone considering some form of help to contact Alice, the Rector for the Shelswell group of parishes, on 01280 848192 or email rector@shelswellparishes.info to discuss further.

Stratton Audley Advent Windows Trail

As previously announced the Church has come up with the novel idea of creating an Advent Trail around the village whereby 24 street-facing windows will be decorated with a Christmas Carol Theme.

If you would like to be one of the participating households please get in touch with Becky Adams (277471) or email admin@shelswellparishes.info

Coffee Morning in the Red Lion Pub

Coffee morning is now inside the pub with social distancing, four to a table. A register of attendees is being kept as required by law for contact tracing. It continues to be well attended and is every Tuesday at 11.00 in the Red Lion and the cost is £2 per head for coffee and biscuits.  All welcome.

The Red Lion

The Pub is open every day except Mondays with last orders at 9.30pm and the best place to find all the latest news is on their Facebook page.

Right now on Facebook they are promoting the Supper evening which returns on the 29th October and tickets are already selling fast! Phone 01869 277225 to book a table – Vegetarian/all dietary requirement can be catered for!

Stratton Audley Barn

The Barn is open each day except for Monday, from 10 am to 4pm. The café operates a table service only and it is advisable to book in advance especially at weekends on 01869 278184. The marquee is also available for table bookings…bring a cushion and rug!

The gift shop is now full of delightful Christmas novelties to bring a bit of early cheer. However if you are feeling a little uncertain in these strange times why not book one of their ‘shopping hours’ on Wednesday’s or Thursday’s from 4th November at 9am, 4pm or 5pm and shop while the Cafe & Shop are closed for general browsing. Available to book online now. Follow the link for more details.

https://www.strattonaudleybarn.co.uk/shop-1

Collection Point for disposal of Ink Jet cartridges

The collection box for used ink-jet cartridges is still located in the bus shelter on the Stoke Lyne Road and any money raised from their bulk return will go to the RSPB.

Van break-in Cherry Street

Sad to report that a van was badly damaged by thieves breaking into a self-employed workman’s van, parked in Cherry Street on Wednesday 21st October. Apparently this type of crime is on the increase, so taking extra precautions like not leaving things on display in your vehicle, makes a lot of sense.

Autumn Leaves

Winter is on its way but the official road sweep isn’t for 6 weeks and will take place on 30th November. It has been earlier in previous years but we have planned it in order to collect the maximum debris from the trees once all the leaves have fallen.

News update no 29, October 27th

A bit of a lengthy newsletter because there was none last week. There is news of some events being planned and an update on the road closures in the area. But to start, an attempt to sum up and make sense of the rapidly changing Covid-19 situation, with apologies to those who have already worked it out for themselves.

I’ve just returned from a short break in Europe and what’s happening here is also happening there. People seem genuinely weary of the on-going nature of this disease and are looking forward to the time when there is a workable vaccine. However when it does arrive, scientists now say its’ effectiveness will be something like only 60% compared with 90% for the flu jab. So it is not going to be a magic fix and as we have been told for some time now, that we are probably going to have to learn to live with it.

Having said this, the seriousness of the increasing infection rates right across the country are real and whilst the PM is resisting calls from his scientific advisers to go for a more substantial nationwide lock down, it may still come to that. In the meantime local authorities have powers to change the rules in their area if they deem it necessary.

The New Tears

Tier 1 – Medium Alert Category (the lowest alert level)

No change from present

Rule of six applies in all settings indoors and outdoors.

Pubs and restaurants have a 10pm curfew

Much of the south and rural areas

Tier 2 –  High Alert Category

Tier 1 rules apply with the rule of six and curfew of 10pm, but additionally no households may mix indoors. Restaurants remain open but only pubs serving food are allowed to be open.

Affected areas are: London, Essex, Cheshire, Gt Manchester, Warrington, Derbyshire, West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, North East, Tees Valley, West Midlands, Leicester and Nottingham

Tier 3 – Very High Alert Category

No household mixing in or outdoors plus no overnight stays other than in your own home. Pubs, bars, restaurants, gyms and gambling places all have to be closed. Shops, schools, universities remain open.

Only applies to Liverpool City and Lancashire region at present.

The rules in our area

Our area remains under national Covid-19 restrictions, with no additional local rules. It is in tier 1, a least affected area. However it is worth noting that the City of Oxford has a higher rate of infection than London as of now, probably due to it being a university city.

Meeting friends and family

You can meet in a group of up to six people from multiple households. This includes children and applies indoors and outdoors, including private homes. There are exceptions, for example, if your household or support bubble is larger than six. Meeting in larger groups (with certain exceptions) is against the law.

Visiting friends & Relatives

If you have friends or family living in higher risk areas, it is now illegal for them to enter your home or come and join you in a pub or restaurant in this area. They can meet you in a public open space or your garden provided they can gain access without coming through your house.

Going to work

You should work at home if possible. If you have to return to your workplace your employer must make arrangements for you to work safely.

Schools and nurseries

Primary and secondary schools are open, as are nurseries and childcare. If a school has coronavirus cases, local health protection teams will advise what to do.

Leisure time

Pubs, bars and restaurants are restricted to table service only and must close at 22:00 BST. People are only allowed to visit in groups of six or less (unless they are from a larger household or support bubble). At least one member of any group should give their contact details or check in using the NHS Covid app. Face coverings must be worn, except when seated to eat or drink. Our playground can remain open.

Shopping

Shops can open with social distancing measures in place. Face coverings must be worn by customers and staff.

Trade Professionals

Anyone can still visit your home to carry out work including cleaners providing masks are worn and social distancing is observed.

Other

Weddings, civil partnership ceremonies and wedding receptions are restricted to 15 people (the reception must be a sit-down meal). Funerals must only take place in Covid-secure venues or in public outdoor spaces with up to 30 people in attendance. Wakes and other related events are restricted to 15 people. Organised sport and exercise classes are only permitted indoors if people can avoid mixing in a group of more than six. There are exceptions to enable disability and youth sport and physical activity indoors, in any number.

EWR Works on Stratton Audley Park Road to Poundon

The construction of the passing points on the Stratton Audley Park to Poundon road were scheduled to be complete this week and I am reliably informed that the last day is indeed today (Saturday afternoon).

Further road closures for the same road from the A4421 to Poundon are as follows:

  • From the crossroads with Mill Road in the direction of Poundon, the road will  be closed once again from 6th November to complete the passing points from Godington to Poundon
  • The road from the Mill Road crossroads in the other direction to the junction with the  A4421 will be closed from the 9th Nov to 27th Nov to carry out works outside Stratton Audley Park stables
  • The construction of the passing bays on the tree lined part of the same road are programmed for the 20th Nov to 8th Dec and we should see revised plans for their location and length this coming week.

As per the other works there will be access for residents, their visitors and farm vehicles.

Please also note that from this coming Monday, 19th October, there are junction works on the A4421 up to Friday 6th November, at the turning for Stratton Audley Park. I understand there will be traffic lights to control the flow of vehicles and there will be no closure.

Halloween on the Horizon!

Is anyone interested in a spooky Stratton village trail??

Sandra Edwards has posted this question on the village Facebook page and a number of people have already responded positively.

The idea would be for a low key celebration in the village for all to enjoy in these testing times, and as an outdoor activity, the event can be managed safely from a Covid-19 point of view, providing proper social distancing is maintained.

Her proposal is that participating households put out a pumpkin/decorate their garden/ kids/ dogs and hang a few spooky treats around bushes /trees or put them in a bucket. Children will collect them as they walk around in their Halloween costumes. So if anyone would like to help/contribute sweet treats /pumpkins it would be appreciated.

Whilst Halloween is not everyone’s thing, children enjoy it and this year the event is on half term weekend, so it would be a nice way to end the holiday.

Please respond to Sandra’s post on Facebook, email jandsedwards711@gmail.com or phone 07798 844783 to let her know if you will participate. It would be nice to get a dozen locations and there would be no door knocking for sweets.

Stratton Audley Church

All residents in the Parish will now have received a door drop from Alice, the Rector for the Shelswell group of parishes, expertly delivered by Anthony Flack. It outlines the very serious issues facing this diocese and how this is impacting on our own church.  I for one, have witnessed other churches closed and sold off for development as the Church of England maybe rich in assets but is very poor in cash. I would hate to see ours closed or fall into disrepair because of lack of funding and/or volunteers to help keep it going.

Please spend some time reading the one-page flyer and consider what you can do to help. Contact Alice Goodall on 01280 848192 or email rector@shelswellparishes.info to discuss further.

Stratton Audley Advent Windows Trail

The Church has come up with the novel idea of creating an Advent Trail around the village and below is the information describing the event and how to participate.

Would you like to share a little light and joy this December?

You can play your part by joining in with our community-wide living Advent Calendar!

How it works….

  • 24 volunteers agree to decorate a street-facing window (an ‘advent window’) on a Christmas Carol theme, each volunteer is assigned a date.
  • A new window ‘opens’ (appears and is lit) every day from 1st  to 24th  December
  • Each window then remains ‘open’ from its opening day until at least 5pm until 1st January
  • A trail leaflet is created and we have an advent window trail around Stratton Audley that anyone can walk around and enjoy.
  • Some may choose to do it as December progresses, and others may prefer to wait until they’re all open and follow the completed trail all in one go.

To take part please speak to Becky Adams (277471) or email admin@shelswellparishes.info

 

And finally a few reminders……….

Coffee Morning in the Red Lion Pub

Coffee morning is now inside the pub with social distancing, four to a table. A register of attendees is being kept as required by law for contact tracing. It continues to be well attended and is every Tuesday at 11.00 in the Red Lion and the cost is £2 per head for coffee and biscuits.  All welcome.

The Red Lion

The Pub remains open except on Mondays with last orders at 9.30pm and the best place to find all the latest news is on their Facebook page.

Stratton Audley Barn

The Barn is open each day except for Monday, from 10 am to 4pm. The café operates a table service only and it is advisable to book in advance especially at weekends on 01869 278184. The marquee is also available for table bookings…bring a cushion and rug!

The gift shop is now full of delightful Christmas novelties to bring a bit of early cheer.

Collection Point for disposal of Ink Jet cartridges

A collection box for used ink-jet cartridges is still located in the bus shelter on the Stoke Lyne Road and any money raised from their bulk return will go to the RSPB.

No money to pay the bills, No people on the PCC, What does the future hold for the village church?

An open letter from Alice Goodall, the Rector of the Shelswell Group of Parishes.

Dear Resident

At the risk of sounding a bit melodramatic, I am really worried about the future of Stratton Audley Church.  As the village’s oldest building, it represents the worship, prayers and generosity of hundreds of villagers for generations. It provides a sublime setting for weddings, baptisms, funerals and services as well as serving as a venue for a myriad of community events.  But at the moment it faces two significant problems: lack of funds, and lack of people to help run the church week by week

Please could you think about what support you might be able to offer, and hopefully your church can continue to be open and active for many more centuries!

People to help

Stratton Audley still has the biggest congregation of our churches, but over recent years its members have grown older.  Many have helped out over the years, have served as church warden or on the Parochial Church Council (PCC),  but can do so no longer.   Currently Stratton has no church warden and no secretary, and our PCC has only four members of which three will be leaving by the end of the year.  It is difficult to envisage how the church will function at that point.

Would you be prepared to act as a friend of the church, come along to PCC meetings and take on some of the responsibilities?   We really need you!

Finances

Church finances were becoming more difficult before March, but the pandemic has meant no income from other groups using the church, cancelled weddings, and much reduced income from the collection plate.   But apart from a small saving on electricity, essential expenses have continued and now significantly outstrip incomings.

On this basis, by end March 2022, the church will have run out of money.

Many people are under the misapprehension that the Church of England has pots of money and can bail us out.  Sadly that is not the case and local communities have become responsible for the upkeep of their own church.   Stratton Audley is no different.

What can you do to help?

  • Sign up to the Parish Giving Scheme, enabling you to give by direct debit on a regular basis. It is very straight forward to set up: you choose how much to give and how often – monthly, quarterly or yearly. You may join the scheme over the phone on 0333 002 1271 or by competing a paper form.  Find out more from

https://www.parishgiving.org.uk/donors/ .   You will need our church name (Stratton Audley St Mary and St Edburga) and our Parish Giving unique reference number (270627062).

  • Give a one off donation, either in cash or into our bank account. Contact the Rector or one of the PCC members for details.

Contact Alice Goodall on 01280 848192 / rector@shelswellparishes.info to discuss further.

News Update no 28, October 3rd

Road Closure from the A4421 to Poundon

This is just a reminder that the road to Poundon from the crossroads with Mill Road will remain closed over the next few weeks for remedial works by EWR. The current works are to the surface of the road and are due to be completed by next Thursday but at that point another contractor takes over to complete the passing points along this stretch of the road during the following week. All work is scheduled to be completed by Friday 16th October. Access for residents and farm vehicles continues although there may be occasional waits and disruption as some have already found out to their cost.

The section from the crossroads up to the A4421 past Stratton Park is now open and we are told there are no further scheduled closures until November (dates will be confirmed closer to time) when the passing points will be constructed.

Autumn Day at Evenley Wood Garden – this Sunday 4th October

Despite the poor weather forecast, this event is still on and although an outdoor event, stall holders will be located under cover and all necessary Covid-19 safety precautions will be in place.

Open on Sunday from 10am – 4pm, at Evenley Wood Garden, near Brackley, NN13 5SH. A standard entrance price applies which is £6 for adults and £1 for children.

Welcome the change of season with a day of fun autumn activities. Bring along your windfall apples for pressing with Paul, take a look inside a real beehive with Simon, see wreath making and wood carving demonstrations and other seasonal crafts, all of which will be on sale.

Check out www.evenleywoodgarden.co.uk

Stratton Audley Barn

In line with Government guidelines, The Barn is now operating table service only. Booking is advised especially at weekends on 01869 278184.

This will be the last weekend of their homemade ice cream and so there is a half-price special offer on a first come first served basis. And when it’s gone – it’s gone!  In order to manage this safely, during busy periods, this will be on a takeaway only basis.

Face coverings in all indoor areas are mandatory but may be removed when seated at a table to eat and drink.

The Red Lion

For the latest news check out the Red lion Facebook page or for more general information visit www.redlionstrattonaudley.co.uk

Open hours are now:

Closed Monday

Tuesday – Friday 3pm – 10pm

Saturday & Sunday 12 noon to 10pm.

Last orders are now at 9.30pm and everyone will need to have exited the pub before 10pm. This is now the law so please bear with the staff.

To book a table in advance for one of the special food nights phone 277 225.

Don’t forget the Coffee Morning in the Pub

It is every Tuesday at 11.00 in the Red Lion and the cost is £2 per head for coffee and biscuits.  All welcome.

Collection Point for disposal of Ink Jet cartridges

A collection box for used ink-jet cartridges is still located in the bus shelter on the Stoke Lyne Road and any money raised from their bulk return will go to the RSPB.

Cherry Street Limes Trees

Dangerous dead branches and some lower foliage on the Lime trees in Cherry Street were removed this week thanks to the efforts of village resident Charlie Trousdell who took the initiative and registered his concerns on Fixmystreet. The work should have been carried out earlier in the year but was delayed in the system due to Covid-19. With a little bit of help from the Parish Council this week, a contractor arrived from OCC and carried out the necessary work making Cherry Street a safer street!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Government Planning Reforms – have your say!

The Government is currently consulting on a major shake up to the planning system that would see:

  • The introduction of nationally-imposed housing targets
  • An increase in housing numbers in the south-east, but a fall in other parts of the country
  • A significant reduction in local involvement – Community engagement would be largely restricted to the Local Plan making stage (as it stands, just one six-week consultation), with the public thereafter losing their ability to scrutinise most individual planning applications.

Countryside campaigners CPRE Oxfordshire are concerned about the impact these changes will have on our rural county.  You can read more about the issues on their website at www.cpreoxon.org.uk

The Government’s White Paper – Planning for the Future – is out for consultation until 29th October 2020, but the debate will continue thereafter so there is still time to share your views with your local MP.

CPRE Oxfordshire – Trustees Wanted

CPRE Oxfordshire is the voice of the countryside in Oxfordshire.  They fight for the right development in the right place and work to protect, promote and enhance our amazing local landscapes and rural character.

Due to retirement of current members, they are looking for a number of new trustees, including a treasurer, to join the team. The application deadline is 31st October 2020 in the first instance, but they are happy to receive expressions of interest on an ongoing basis.

To find out more contact the Branch Secretary Dorian Grier: E: dorian.cpre@gmail.com or leave a message on their office phone: T: 01491 612079.

Oxford  back on amber alert following sharp increase in coronavirus cases
Residents in the City are being urged to be extra vigilant to avoid tough new local control measures as Oxford sees a sharp rise in coronavirus cases.
The latest figures for the city show a doubling of cases to a rate of 43.9 per 100,000 of the population putting the city on amber alert but edging closer to a red alert level. Oxfordshire as a whole is currently on yellow alert, with cases at 18.1 per 100,000.

 And just from an interest point of view…..

 Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust performance

OUH’s Trust which runs the John Radcliffe Hospital, in its annual ‘learning from deaths’ report revealed there were 205 inpatient deaths reported at OUH involving Covid-19 between March 16 and August 1. This is slightly higher than the official NHS England total for the trust, which is currently 182, and the report explains that the term ‘involving Covid-19’ referred to deaths that had coronavirus mentioned anywhere on the death certificate, whether as an underlying cause or not. It gives the trust an overall Covid-19 survival rate of 77 per cent, with the last death recorded at the trust on July 4.

By comparison, a report by the Intensive Care National Audit and Research Centre covering the period to July 30, showed that nationally, of Covid-19 patient’s requiring critical care, the survival rate was lower at 62%.

All the best and stay safe.