Another fairly full news update due to changes in restrictions affecting local services, plus an update on local policing and upcoming development plans at Bicester Motion.
Covid-19 Tier 2 for Oxfordshire
The good news is that Cherwell cases are now down to 77 per 100k which is considerably lower than in previous weeks. There were a total of 116 cases in the week to 29 Nov – down 35 on the previous week.
For full details on the rules and regulations visit:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/local-restriction-tiers-what-you-need-to-know#high-alert
EWR Local Disruption
Work on the Stratton Audley Park Road has now been completed and the road is open. There’s a lot of mud on the road and the verges will need to be restored so do take care.
However, here is a further reminder that the road that leads to Marsh Gibbon will be closed from this coming Monday 7th December. To clarify, driving out of the village on the Launton Road, when you reach the crossroads where you turn right for Launton, the road ahead to Marsh Gibbon will be closed. The closure is for 24 hours a day and lasts throughout the Christmas period until 15 January 2021.
Local Policing
Following several conversations recently with Thames Valley Police, this is to clarify procedures for contacting them. The best way when the concern is of a non-urgent matter is by phone to 101 or via the website https://www.thamesvalley.police.uk/contact/af/contact-us/ .This is particularly the case if reporting something where you require a crime number for insurance purposes. However the rural policing team can also be contacted via emailing bicesterruralnhpt@thamesvalley.pnn.police.uk .
For Stratton Audley the Neighbourhood team consists of a supervisor who is PC (3203) Vicky Lees and two PCSO’s who are PCSO (9446) Thomas Bailey and PCSO (6333) Louise Beaumont.
They report to Gavin Staniland who was recently appointed Geographical Neighbourhood Sergeant for the Bicester and Kidlington Police area. He has taken over the role from Sergeant Kerry O’Leary who many of us know and she has moved on to problem solving duties.
The Rural Policing team are responsible for 38 Villages outside of the Bicester ring road and are kept pretty busy. However, they have confirmed that all emails are reviewed frequently by one of the neighbourhood team and enquiries then allocated to an available officer. They are stepping up village patrols, sometimes in unmarked vehicles and are also very happy to visit individuals to discuss crime prevention matters and preventative measures for the home.
For anyone who does not feel comfortable reporting directly to the police and wishes to remain anonymous, there is Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111 and also the website https://crimestoppers-uk.org/
Obviously in the event of an emergency or where you believe a rapid response is necessary, you should phone 999 without hesitation.
The Red Lion
Please remember the following when planning your next visit. When inside the pub you cannot socialise with people outside your family or your bubble. You can only eat in the pub with people from your household or with the person in your bubble. If you want to meet friends you must eat outside on a table (maximum 6) but wrap up warm. Non-alcoholic drinks can be served without a meal. In order to be served alcohol you need to order a ‘substantial’ meal – a scotch egg with salad qualifies! And Verity has them J
The Red Lion now has a fortnightly food menu (see below) and this may change depending on how successful the evenings are.
For the next couple of weeks, the pub will only be open on five nights and anyone wanting to have dinner should book as early as possible to avoid disappointment. Call Verity on 07713 891619 or for more information visit the website at www.redlionstrattonaudley.co.uk.
Take-away Fish & Chips on Friday
A big tick to Verity for her GOURMET homemade beer battered cod and chips (with homemade tartar sauce and mushy peas). Simply the best and long may it continue to be available on a take-a-way basis on Friday evenings.
You have to place an order in advance by calling Verity on 07713 891619 and booking your collection time. All collections are from 6pm till 8.30pm on Friday’s.
George outside the Red Lion – Again on Tuesday
George with his Nepalese curry and Momo van, will be outside the Red Lion once again on Tuesday from 5pm – 8pm. Pre-orders can be made from 4-5.30pm by phoning 07976 455 654. The Red Lion extends an invitation to come into the pub, to those who want to enjoy their meal inside with a drink.
Stratton Audley Barn Xmas Trees
The Christmas Barn is open from 10am every day until 20th December. Selling fresh British Christmas Trees outdoors & a range of festive decorations & gifts in their shop. Why not grab yourself a hot chocolate, Panini or cake from their takeaway cafe whilst you choose your tree! To pre order, follow the link below
https://www.strattonaudleybarn.co.uk/fresh-christmas-trees
Church Service on Sunday
Following the end of lockdown, there will be two services this Sunday; a service of Holy Communion at 10 am in Stratton Audley Church and a service of Evensong at 4pm in Hardwick Church. To enable social distancing, space is limited so you need to book your place at whichever service you would like to attend – see details in Guidelines below. Alternatively you can join the livestream of our morning service at 10am on Facebook (Shelswell News).
Guidelines – a summary
- Reserve your seat – phone 01280 848192 or email admin@shelswellparishes.info
- Wear a mask
- Observe social distancing of 2 metres
- Use the hand sanitiser when you arrive and before receiving communion
- Listen to hymns, hum along, but don’t sing
- Follow directions given about where to sit, receiving communion, and how to leave
- There will be no socialising from one household bubble to another.
Full guidelines, together with details of when our churches are open for private prayer can be found on the website: www.shelswellparishes.info
Inaugural Elf Trail Sunday 20 December 2-3.30 – save the date
As Stratton Audley’s children enjoyed the Halloween trail so much, another trail is being planned for December. Elves visit from the North Pole in early December, typically they live on shelves indoors and keep an eye on children to make sure they are deserving of a visit from Santa. Families are invited to join in on December 20th from 2pm, in allowing their Elves outside for a couple of hours. They might like to climb trees, parachute from windows, or camp out and eat biscuits on the lawn! Children may wish to dress up in their Christmas jumpers and hats or anything else they think suitable for a walk around the village. In the Pound Pocket Park, they’ll find a small gift of sweets waiting for them. This is a bit of festive fun for young and old so please feel free to join in and dress YOURELVES up.
Vineworks at Stratton House – Showroom Open for Viewing
Vineworks is a range of items made in Stratton Audley from grape vine wood. At this time of year, small decorative candle holders are popular, so the studio is open to visitors. Just call 278 000, drop by or email jhonsinger@btconnect.com Additionally, at weekends it is open house between 1-4pm or when you see the gates are open. www.vineworks.co.uk
Also available are gift bags of freshly picked & dried local walnuts at £4 per half kilo decorative bag.
Bicester Motion Community Engagement & Planning application
Recently, Cllr. Flack and I had a video meeting with Bicester Motion who are engaging with the local community and other interested parties to share their ideas regarding proposed developments at the Bicester Heritage site which now also incorporates the adjacent quarry. They will be submitting an outline planning application in January which relates to the Visitor Experience Quarter.
Their plans aim to create a sensitive development with significant local infrastructure improvements and promote sustainable modes of transport. They are committed to supporting public access to the former RAF site whilst creating new commercial recreational and cultural activities. Their goal is to become the foremost destination for the latest wind and wheels technology in the UK.
Some key issues for the local community are likely to include: road access to the site, increased traffic congestion, noise considerations, the type and volume of aviation and automotive businesses that will be permitted, and further down the line, how the quarry will be developed whilst protecting the flora and fauna on the site, which they are committed to do.
The best way to get a sense of what is being proposed is to visit their website: www.bicestermotion.com where under the Planning headline you will find a short video.
The Parish Council will continue to be fully engaged with the development of their plans, and in the meantime Bicester Motion invite residents to contact them directly with any questions. Just email eq@bicestermotion.com and feel free to cc me at jhonsinger@btconnect.com in my capacity as Chair of the PC.
Advent Window Trail 2020
Four windows have already been revealed. Have you seen them yet and worked out which Carol theme they represent?
For those not getting out and about so much on these colder evenings, a photo of each window is being posted on the village Facebook page for all to view.
DIY Church Xmas Tree
Have you visited the church yet to see the Christmas tree?
Children are invited to decorate it however they like, by using the decorations provided or making their own to place on the tree. For those feeling particularly creative, there is nothing to stop you from making something to be placed on the floor next to the tree.
Additionally next to tea area, is a large table which can be used to display Christmas themed scenes or decorations. The Rector is behind the idea and anything goes within reason.
Road Sweep
A successful sweep of the roads was carried out on Monday. The sweeper lorry had to empty the vehicle twice due to the amount of leaves collected. Thanks to all that moved their cars and swept the pavement outside their property.
Advent Candles
Pleased to report that all 80 candles that were purchased have been sold, and thanks go to David Young for developing the idea and carrying it through.
Lighting up the Oak in the Pound
The Christmas Lights in the Pound are now switched on every evening courtesy of the Hill family who supply the electricity, and it’s a great place to take a break when out for a walk in the early evening.
Ringing a bell on Christmas Eve at 6pm
The idea is for everyone to go out on their doorsteps and ring a bell for two minutes to spread the Christmas spirit and help Santa on his way. A reminder will be given closer to the time.
Church Clock Tower to be repaired in Chime for Christmas
Work is due to start this coming Monday 7th December 2020 and take approximately two weeks to complete.
Collection Point for disposal of Ink Jet cartridges
Thank you all for donating used inkjet cartridges for recycling. A large batch is being posted to the RSPB, but please continue to pop them in 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 have a named manufacturer – HP or Canon, you can download freepost recycling labels from the company and send them back (even if not purchased directly).
Cheaper brands can’t be recycled in this way but Rachel Dewhurst has found a couple of companies who will take toner cartridges for a small fee such as Zerowaste or they can be recycled at PC World. For more information you can contact her by email at reehouse0@sky.com