Latest Covid-19 News update
Entering week two of lock-down and nothing of significance to report.
Unsurprisingly COVID cases in Oxfordshire are up again this week compared to last but that is expected as the impact of lockdown is yet to be reflected.
A total of 965 cases have been reported for the week ending 6th November in Oxfordshire compared to 828 in the week ending 30th October. There has also been a further spread into a wider range of age groups in the county.
Aside from the figures, it is worth noting that should you need to post a completed Covid-19 home test kit, then our post box is a Royal Mail NHS Priority Mail Box, which means you won’t have far to travel to send off your test.
Church Clock Tower to be repaired in Chime for Christmas
For some time the Parish Council on behalf of the community as a whole, has been investigating different means of funding the repair of the church clock. Spear-headed by Anthony Flack, three companies submitted quotes for the repair, the first two were both in excess of £10k but the third estimate was for £1800. In addition a favourable quote for scaffolding of £600 was obtained from local company FL Scaffolding courtesy of resident Mark Lapper. With no prospects of finding funding elsewhere in the short term, our county and district councillor Ian Corkin was approached. An application for the cost of the repair was submitted to his Councillor Priority Fund on the basis that if accepted, the scaffolding would be funded out of the Village Improvement Fund.
I am delighted to report that the application was successful and means that the clock should be repaired in time for Christmas, providing a real boost for morale. Enormous thanks go to Cllr. Corkin, who once again has come up trumps for Stratton Audley.
The Red Lion
This Friday the Red Lion launched their first Take Out: a hearty portion of homemade beer battered cod and chips with homemade tartar sauce and mushy peas all served from 6pm till 8.30pm. To place your order for next Friday 20th November call Verity on 07713891619 and book your collection time. These slots are limited so please book quickly to avoid disappointment! If fish and chips don’t tickle your fancy keep an eye out for the takeaway roast coming soon!!!
Alongside this, Verity is offering homemade healthy meals for your fridge or freezer available for delivery to help you get through the winter nights! For more information visit her Instagram or Facebook page “foodbyverity” or ring her directly and have a chat!
Stratton Audley Barn
The Barn is back with a takeaway service on Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 4pm. Available is coffee, hot chocolate and cakes, plus in addition their delicious homemade ice cream. However if that’s too chilly for you why not try their hot Panini’s or takeaway cream teas in boxes.
Check out Facebook for updates on the Christmas Shop online, for click & collect or delivery. https://www.strattonaudleybarn.co.uk/shop-1
Advent Candles to Raise Funds for the Church
As previously explained, like many organisations the Shelswell Group of Churches is facing a severe cash crisis and our church needs all our support to maintain it over this difficult period. The building still needs to be heated and other fixed costs still need to be paid for, but without regular services and other events little money is coming in to cover everyday costs.
The church have a number of initiatives under discussion but one that is live as of now, allows all that wish to show support, to do so immediately through the simple act of buying one or more Advent candles. All the money raised will be placed in a fund to pay for the immediate upkeep and maintenance of the building.
As shown each candle is attractively decorated with images of animals with a winter theme and include the days of the month. They are 12 inches in height and are wrapped individually in a cylindrical container. Each candle costs £15 plus any extra donation you might wish to make. A web page is in the process of being developed which will provide details of how to order and the payment methods. However to get things moving, you can place an advanced order by responding to this email simply stating whether you want one, two or more candles. Alternatively please email one of the following people:
David Young – david@betteroutliers.com (new in the village but to be congratulated for coming up with the idea)
Anthony Flack – flack.wine_train@btinternet.com
Alice Goodall – alicegoodall313@gmail.com
Click this link for a short video presentation https://spark.adobe.com/video/ABPxhh1unsROX
Stratton Audley Advent Windows Trail
The Church still needs a few more households to offer to create a window that can be seen by passers-by. The idea is to create an Advent Trail around the village starting on December 1st where each day a new window, decorated with a Christmas Carol Theme, is unveiled. Planning a window display could be a fun activity during lockdown and a great way to get into the spirit of Christmas!
Thanks go to those who have already agreed to create a window and if you would like to join them and to be one of the participating households please get in touch with Becky Adams (277 471) or email admin@shelswellparishes.info
Service online on Sunday
Unfortunately, under the current lockdown regime the Shelswell Benefice has had to return to offering a live-streamed service only. This week it comes from Finmere Church at 10am on Sunday morning and the preacher is Philip McKenning who is an ordinand at Wycliffe Hall in Oxford. To join in go to the Shelswell News Group Facebook page on https://www.facebook.com/groups/ShelswellNews If you don’t already belong to the group then it is very easy to join; just log in to Facebook, search for ‘Shelswell News’ and click on ‘Join Group’. If you don’t use Facebook then the service will be uploaded later to YouTube where anyone can see it at any time; just go to YouTube and search for ‘Shelswell Parishes’.
Find the hymns and notice sheet for our service on Sunday on our website here http://www.shelswellparishes.info/index.php
EWR disruption on the Stratton Audley Park Road to Poundon
Stratton Audley Park road is still closed up until Friday 27th November for work building the passing points by the Stratton Audley Park avenue of trees.
Meanwhile the County Council are considering a request from the residents and the Parish Council to install a temporary speed limit on this road for the duration of the building of the railway line.
Brown Bin goes Walk-a-bout
Paddy Hall who lives at no 7 The Limes has just reported that her brown bin has gone missing in action some weeks ago. If anyone has suddenly found themselves with an unmarked additional brown bin or has noticed an abandoned one somewhere, please phone her on 277500 as she is missing it greatly and is going to cost her dearly!
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…… happy to report that the little black kitten reported missing last week returned home the next day, wet cold and hungry!