Once again there is little local news regarding Covid 19 except to pick up on the facts that no new coronavirus deaths have been recorded at any Oxfordshire hospitals for three weeks. It puts the county among the best in England, with only 20 per cent of hospital trusts going more than seven days without reporting a fatality from Covid-19. Oxford University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (OUH), which runs both the John Radcliffe and Banbury’s Horton General, has not announced any new deaths since May 22. NHS England figures show 177 people overall have died in hospital at the Trust since the beginning of the outbreak.
But there is still no room for complacency and as we unlock further, we must all remain vigilant, maintain social distancing, wash our hands regularly and from Monday wear masks when on public transport.
The wild flowers in the Pound are at their tallest and most spectacular right now!
Beryl’s Funeral
Beryl Stevens funeral will take place at 12 noon on Wed 17th June. The funeral cortege will leave the Manor at about 11.50 to drive round the village (tracing Beryl’s usual daily walk), passing the pub, turning right down Cherry Street, then into Cavendish Place and back up Mill Road to the Church for 12 noon.
Let’s line the streets and give her a good send-off.
Plants for Sale in the Limes last Sunday
The plant sale in The Limes was a great success. Thanks go to Paddy for allowing her driveway and lawn to become a temporary garden centre and to Sarah Morley for making the arrangements.
The Red Lion
Renovations continue apace with both the interior and exterior of the pub being extensively renovated. The rear garden area has been opened up to create an even larger space which will be at the heart of the pub when it is allowed to open most likely on 4th July.
Thanks go to those who responded to last weeks’ call for more volunteers to give up a few hours to help with the works. Anyone still wishing to get involved call Tony Jones (Jonesy) on 07836 776973 or let me know.
Stratton Audley Barn Update
As you know Stratton Audley Barn is now open at weekends from Friday through to Sunday. They are serving takeaway coffee, cake and ice cream from 10am-4pm. It is going well and they would like to offer villagers and OAPs a free take away coffee on a Friday morning between 10-11am.
On the 4th July, they plan to offer bench seating in the paddock under parasols and a few Bell tents. From Monday 15th they will have a limited selection of gifts/cards which can be purchased in the café. There is also now an online shop, www.shop.strattonaudleybarn.co.uk which offers a more extensive selection of items together with Click and Collect and delivery options.
Monday is Nepalese Curry Night once again
George and Bikash will be back in Church Street again this Monday. This week they will be serving a vegetarian/vegan curry and a chicken Karahi (similar to Indian Korma) with momos as normal. So if you haven’t yet tried them this could be the week for you. They will be taking pre-orders from 3pm-5pm and will be open from 4pm until 8pm. Pop by during the afternoon or telephone 07976 455654.
Re-painting the wooden fence in the Playground
The Parish Council has received an offer from the Dewhurst family to repaint the fences in the playground. Rachel Dewhurst was involved in painting the fences the first time around including the lovely colourful murals, so is the perfect person to undertake the restoration work. She also has proposed painting a rainbow on the blank back fence which seems like a great idea.
She will be using a mixture of exterior wood fence paint and gloss paints and whilst the Parish Council will pay for any necessary new paint and brushes, she has suggested that she could use left-over paint that others may have gathering dust in their cupboards. Colours needed are red, white, blue, brown, orange and yellow, either exterior wood paint or gloss paint. Please email Rachel at treehouse0@sky.com and she will arrange collection.
The fun wall Mural that is to be renovated
Restoration of back gate entrance to the Church graveyard
Delighted to report that the back gate entrance to the church graveyard is now open and safe for all to use.
It has been mentioned previously, but thanks go to a small team of village volunteer, headed by Stuart Hopkins, with Paul Roberts, Adam Willmore, Anthony Flack and myself in support. The cost of materials was funded by the Parish Council.
There is a quantity of Oxfordshire brash stone that was excavated when digging out the new path and anyone who would like to take a few pieces for their garden rockery is welcome to do so.
New path laid and brambles and bushes cleared from the wall
The steep steps have been re-laid to be more gradual and easy to negotiate
New hand rails installed, metal gate restored and retaining stone side walls built
Chafor Vineyard Wine Offer
Chafor, our nearest vineyard located at Gawcott is open for visitors with a newly built small open air shop. They have recently reduced their prices against what is on their website:
Rose £10, Elegance £12, Red Stage £15, Bacchus £14, Vintage Cuvee £28 and Vintage Rose £35.
They also have two summer offers:
Buy any 5 bottles of wine (Mix and match) and get a 6th bottle of Elegance white wine FREE (Saving you £12)*
Buy any 3 bottles of Vintage Cuvee get a 4th Bottle FREE (Saving you £28)*
You can order via email at info@Chafor.co.uk or over the phone
07973892427 or via Facebook messenger or Facebook
PLEASE NOTE
If you have anything you think would be of service to locals in these difficult times please let me know.