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……..