Month: February 2021

News Update no 51, February 26th

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Dear All

Covid-19 Update

Whilst nationally rates of infection continue to fall, one in five local authorities have seen a rise over the last week, causing the Government to remind everyone that it is not over yet. However the number of new coronavirus cases recorded in Cherwell has fallen again in the last 24 hours, with 18 Covid cases recorded, compared to the 27 new cases recorded the day before, according to Government sources.

Figures from Oxfordshire County Council reveal there have been 1,002 deaths recorded in Oxfordshire since the start of the pandemic. The rate of infection in Oxfordshire now stands at 4,618 cases per 100,000 people, lower than the England average of 6,466.

The government has published the ‘COVID-19 Response – Spring 2021’, setting out the roadmap out of the current lockdown for England. Full details 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 funeral of William J. “Frank” O’Neill 

Frank was given a great send off by villagers and friends on Monday 22nd with several hundred lining the streets as the cortège made its way around the village, stopping for a short while to listen to the gentle sounds of Irish music caressing the air outside his beloved Red Lion before progressing to the church. The service was live streamed with moving tributes from a number of people including his daughters from Ireland, and was a fitting tribute to a character who in the words of his brother John, was ”a legend in his own lunch time”.  Once again, condolences to all his family and friends who miss him terribly, and particularly to Lesley, Daniel and Matthew, who shared Frank’s life for so many years.

Dillie is compiling a picture record for the family and has asked for anyone with photos or video clips of the occasion to send them to her by email or other means dilliedarling@gmail.com

For those of you who missed the live stream, it’s available by clicking on this link:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/0dsu1trwsfdti9t/William%20O%27Neill%2022%202%2021.mp4?dl=0

Jonesy collected £500 in cash outside the pub which was donated in Frank’s memory. This is being given to two charities – like John, he always supported the Injured Jockeys Fund, and Lesley kindly reminded Dillie that he also supported the British Heart Foundation.

Next Parish Council Meeting

In these continuing challenging times, the Parish Council is meeting virtually every two months, and the next meeting is this coming Wednesday 3rd March, 7-9pm.  The Agenda has been published and is on the Village Notice Board and website. If you would like to attend to ask a specific question or just to watch the proceedings, you are very welcome and should email the Clerk at strattonaudley.parishclerk@gmail.com

Stratton Audley Barn

Good news – Stratton Audley Barn is getting ready to open its doors again. Sara Howson comments:

“Following the latest government advice, we are delighted to announce we will be gradually re-opening our doors. From 12th March we will be 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….! All being well, we’ll then be back with our marquee & outdoor seating area open from 13th April. Your’s and our teams safety remains our No1 priority and we will therefore continue to follow Covid guidelines & practices to keep everyone safe. Hope to see you soon.”

Litter Picking

Thanks also go to Jon & Fran Hill who have volunteered to pick up litter on the Launton Road.

Kissing Gate in the Pound

As many walkers will have noticed, the wooden fence which forms part of the kissing gate into the field was damaged a while back by hungry horses, but thanks to Stewart Hopkins, the fence has been repaired today and a metal protective sheet added to prevent a repeat the wood being chewed in the future. Great job Stewart.

Flooding and Foul Water

We have now received a response from the Thames Water CEO’s office advising that they have completed a CCTV survey to check the condition of the sewers in the village and will be able to provide a report on their findings soon. We have also asked for schematics of the foul water system and this is being addressed. A fuller response to our other questions and requests has been promised for 3rd March.

The Manor

Stratton Audley Manor have been in contact to point out for those who are perhaps new to the village, that the grounds of the Manor are private and for the use of their residents as private gardens.

They are concerned that a number of people on bicycles have been seen cycling into and around the grounds, and several have been observed stopping to view the pool.  When challenged they have said they were villagers and were allowed to do so. Apparently a few others regularly walk through with their dogs or use the grounds as a general shortcut.

Interest in a Village Allotment

Investigations are on-going as per previous emails.

A total of some 14 have indicated interest in an allotment.

However the immediate issue remains finding a suitable parcel of land. If you are a land owner and have any suggestions, please get in touch.

Tree Planting

More information on this subject will be available following the next PC meeting where it is to be discussed.

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 remains that it will not open until 12 March as the removal of the bridge and other works have been rolled together.

The safety report from Oxford County Council on the new junction at Stratton Audley Park Road and the A4421 is still awaited and has been chased up by the Parish Council and EWR.

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.

The 10 Year National Census – Sunday 21 March, Advance Notice

The census is a survey that happens every 10 years and gives us a picture of all the people and households in England and Wales. The census is unique. There’s simply nothing else that gives so much detail about us and the society we live in.

For information about why and how the census will take place during the coronavirus pandemic visit www.census.gov.uk

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 on a frivolous note…..

 

 

 

 

 

…….only joking!

News Update no 50, February 19th

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Dear All.

Another quiet week for news and a time for reflection.

The funeral of William J. “Frank” O’Neill 

There will be a procession from Hall Farm starting at 12.50 when we will follow the hearse into the village, past the pub and the church, and looping round via Cavendish Place and Cherry Street.  As the coffin comes up Church Street once more, it will stop for 5-10 minutes outside the pub and there will be a small socially distanced ‘event’ when some music will be played.

The service will start in the church at 1.30pm.  Due to government guidelines on public gatherings, the funeral is sadly very limited, however it will be streamed on the following link which will be activated on Monday:

William O’Neill Funeral 22nd February 1:30pm

No flowers.  If people wish to make a donation in Frank’s memory, the chosen charities are The Injured Jockey’s Fund and the British Heart Foundation, both of which Frank supported.  There will be a collection plate in the church and Tony Jones will have a collection jar outside the pub, and we will divide donations between the two charities.  If people would prefer to donate directly, the websites are here.

British Heart Foundation   https://www.bhf.org.uk/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIxcPbs5nx7gIVgp7tCh23qwemEAAYASAAEgKZvPD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Injured Jockeys Fund.  https://injuredjockeys.co.uk

Local COVID-19 Update
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

For full details on the rules and regulations visit:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/local-restriction-tiers-what-you-need-to-know#high-alert

Litter Picking

Thanks go to Sally and Martin Rowe from Willows Lodge, who took up the offer of a pair of litter picking sticks plus sacks, and volunteered to clear Stoke Lyne Road where they collected some 8 bags of mainly cans and bottles. Spurred on by the sheer amount of rubbish, they decided to tackle Bicester Road where they were joined by Stewart Hopkins. Together they filled a similar number of bags which were then collected by Cherwell Council. Thanks also go to John and Maggie Woodward who on a regular basis pick up litter on Mill Road as far up as the cross roads.

Flooding and Foul Water

We are awaiting a detailed response from Thames Waters to the complaints submitted on 4th February.

Interest in a Village Allotment

Investigations are on-going as per previous emails.

A total of some 14 have indicated interest in an allotment.

However the immediate issue remains finding a suitable parcel of land. If you are a land owner and have any suggestions, please get in touch.

Tree Planting

Investigations are on-going as per last weeks email. Over a dozen people have volunteered to help plant trees as and when required.

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 it will not open until 12 March as the removal of the bridge and other works have been rolled together.

The safety report on the new junction at Stratton Audley Park Road and the A4421 is still under review with the County Council, so EWR are therefore unable to comment at this stage.

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.

The 10 Year National Census – Sunday 21 March, Advance Notice

The census is a survey that happens every 10 years and gives us a picture of all the people and households in England and Wales. The census is unique. There’s simply nothing else that gives so much detail about us and the society we live in.

For information about why and how the census will take place during the coronavirus pandemic visit www.census.gov.uk

All kinds of organisations, from local authorities to charities, use the information to help provide the services we all need, including transport, education and healthcare. Without the census, it would be much more difficult to do this.

The first census was in 1801 and the most recent in 2011. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) runs the census in England & Wales and the next one will happen on Sunday 21 March 2021.

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

News Update no. 49, February 12

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Not so much to report this week, just a few updates.

Local COVID-19 Update
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

For full details on the rules and regulations visit:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/local-restriction-tiers-what-you-need-to-know#high-alert

Flooding and Foul Water

As reported last week, a formal detailed complaint was submitted to Thames Water copying in the CEO. Despite being told that no relief tankers could be guaranteed because of the difficulties across the whole region, within a few hours last Friday evening a tanker arrived in the village and began pumping out from the sewage pumping station, working throughout the night and the weekend.  Those directly affected by the foul water, eventually had some relief and a tanker has continued to attend the village throughout the week.

We asked for the water to be tested and the results showed ammonia levels between 1-3 out of 1-6. This means the ammonia is heavily diluted.

We now await answers and solutions.

If you have experienced problems with foul water in your house or garden recently and have not yet passed on any relevant information, then please email me with the details and you will be added to the group of residents being updated on this subject.

Interest in a Village Allotment

Investigations are on-going as per last weeks email.

More people have expressed interest bringing the total to 14.

However the immediate issue remains finding a suitable parcel of land. If you are a land owner and have any suggestions, please get in touch.

Tree Planting

Investigations are on-going as per last weeks email.

Walking Routes

Are you fed-up with doing the same old walks? I have been sent some information by a John Harris who has collated and created many walking routes throughout Oxfordshire. His website is www.walkinginengland.co.uk/oxfordshire where you will find hundreds of walks to download and print, free. It also has books of walks, plus contact details for all the walking groups in the county and much more.

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 it will not open until 12 March as the removal of the bridge and other works have been rolled together.

EWR have also issued a new closure notice for the Bicester Road at Launton (the main road from Launton to Bicester) which will now be closed for some two months from 08/02/2021 to 01/04/2021 for bridge replacement works.

Looking further ahead, Station Road from the crossroads at Billy Evans leading to Launton, will be closed for nearly a year from 03 March 2021 to 22 April 2022 to build the new road and bridge.

The safety report on the new junction at Stratton Audley Park Road and the A4421 has not yet been published and EWR are therefore unable to comment at this stage.

EWR have published their winter News update and this can be accessed by clicking on this link: EWR2 Project Newsletter – Winter 2020/2021

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.

Litter Picking

It is a great time to get out and do a bit of litter picking on the verges of the roads leading to and from the village. As a Parish Council we usually undertake a litter pick in the Spring, but with the vegetation suppressed at the moment a lot of discarded cans, paper and cardboard is visible particularly on the Stoke Lyne and Bicester Roads.

The Parish Council has some litter picking sticks, large waste bags and even some hi-vis jackets for anyone who fancies breaking into their daily walks. Please let me know if you can help and would like some equipment.

Grit Bins

With snow forecast for this Sunday, don’t forget the three grit bins (they are yellow ochre in colour) that are located in the village for use by residents.

 

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

End

News Update no 48, February 5th

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Farewell Frank. The village will miss you

William J (Frank) O’Neill

O’NEILL William J. “Frank” Former Landlord of The Red Lion, Stratton Audley, was born in Tipperary, Ireland. Passed peacefully 31st January 2021 after a short illness, loving father of Caroline and Christine, adored by his grandchildren Rhys and Ava. He will be greatly missed by his brothers John and Finbarr, sisters-in-law Marie, Dillie, Anne and his wonderful nieces and nephews. Beloved by his late brother and sisters Evarist and Marie. All enquiries regarding the service date and link to the livestream, please contact D L Hancock Ltd Funeral Directors on 01869 244200. (Reproduced from the Oxford Mail).

 

Local COVID-19 Update
The good news is that rates of new infections in Oxfordshire continue to fall.

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

For full details on the rules and regulations visit:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/local-restriction-tiers-what-you-need-to-know#high-alert

Flooding and Foul Water

The problems with foul water flooding continues to affect multiple properties in Launton Road and a couple in Mill Road where manhole covers are lifting with the force of the foul water and sewage seeping out. Several houses are unable to carry out basic washing or flush toilets for fear of overflowing waste within the home! The Parish Council working closely with a group of residents, had an on-site meeting with Thames Water on Tuesday to discuss both the short term emergency and longer term consequences and subsequently raised a formal detailed complaint which was forwarded to the CEO (anyone wishing to see the correspondence can request it).

In the short term, whilst tankers will be sent as and when available, Thames Water are going to struggle to reduce the foul water levels in the village as it is a region wide problem and they have insufficient tankers to come and pump out the excess. So affected residents have asked everyone in the village to consciously consider using less water in their bathrooms and kitchens over the next few days as this will help to reduce the pressure on the whole system which they bear the brunt of.

It is also important to note that children and animals should avoid water flows and puddles particularly on the Launton Road as much of this water is foul water.

Anyone who is also experiencing similar issues is encourage to phone the Thames Water line on 0800 316 9800 and register a complaint. It takes time to get through but the more calls they receive, the more seriously they take our problems when they review their logs. Also please let me know if you too are having problems.

A post on the Stratton Audley Facebook page has recently gone up with a short video showing water bubbling out of the manhole cover in Launton Road. Thames Water closely monitor social media and have immediately put a comment onto the site. So it is vital that as many people as possible leave relevant comments about the specific issues of regular flooding every year, contaminated water in the streets, particularly the inability of the pumping station to cope when there is excess ground water and anything else relevant that supports the case for greater action from Thames Water. Please do not confuse with County issues such as road surfaces and ditches as these are being dealt with separately.

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 it will not open until 12 March as the removal of the bridge and other works have been rolled together.

EWR have also issued a new closure notice for the Bicester Road at Launton (the main road from Launton to Bicester) which will now be closed for some two months from 08/02/2021 to 01/04/2021 for bridge replacement works.

Looking further ahead, Station Road from the crossroads at Billy Evans leading to Launton, will be closed for nearly a year from 03 March 2021 to 22 April 2022 to build the new road and bridge.

The safety report on the new junction at Stratton Audley Park Road and the A4421 has not yet been published and EWR are therefore unable to comment at this stage.

EWR have published their winter News update and this can be accessed by clicking on this link: EWR2 Project Newsletter – Winter 2020/2021

Interest in a Village Allotment

Below is a list of those who have expressed an interest in the development of an allotment for the village. If you are interested and supportive and wish your name to be added please let me know.

The Parish Council are duty bound to investigate the feasibility of the idea and discussions will be held with land owners/farmers to see if any suitable land could be gifted or leased. OCC is also being consulted to establish whether there is any public land bordering the village that could be utilised although none is immediately apparent.

Residents who have expressed an interest in taking an allotment so far are:

Charlie Trousdell, Clare Hedgecox, Tony Fox, Rebecca Horne, Pamela Spencelayh, Dickon Leigh-Wood, Jeremy Parkin, Margaret & Stewart Holmes, Tiffany & Gary Daniells, Marcelle Stroud. Others who maybe interested are: Amanda Reynolds, Jim Mathis and Adam Spencer.

Tree Planting

A few more residents have confirmed their support for tree planting next to roads leading to and from the village. Inspired by Prince Charles, more information as to how to go about this is being gathered and the idea investigated further. Those registering an interest so far in helping to organise or plant trees (should the idea go ahead) are: Janet James, Dickon Leigh-Wood, Kathryn Walker, Jim Mathis, Rachel Dewhurst, Tony Fox and Sally Anne.

Any further interest out there?

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.

Internal Repairs to the Church

Lock-down has allowed work to proceed unhindered in the church to damp damaged walls which have been re-plastered. The work, funded from an insurance claim, is coming to an end and a deep clean will be carried out in readiness for the church to open again soon.

Litter Picking

It is a great time to get out and do a bit of litter picking on the verges of the roads leading to and from the village. As a Parish Council we usually undertake a litter pick in the Spring, but with the vegetation suppressed at the moment a lot of discarded cans, paper and cardboard is visible particularly on the Stoke Lyne and Bicester Roads.

The Parish Council has some litter picking sticks, large waste bags and even some hi-vis jackets for anyone who fancies breaking into their daily walks. Please let me know if you can help and wants some equipment.

Dog Poo Bags

Dog poo bags are supplied and dispensed at three points as a service by the Parish Council. In the process of ordering more, it is the perfect time to once again thank Margaret Holmes in The Limes for her diligence in making sure that the dispensers are regularly refilled, come rain or shine. Thank you.

Grit Bins

With snow forecast for this Sunday, don’t forget the three grit bins that are located in the village for use by residents.

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

Finally please note that Stratton Audley Parish Council does not endorse the unseemly behaviour of the Handforth PC in Cheshire and would like to reassure the village that it conducts it’s meetings in a less heated manner!