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!