Cross Bucks Way early one morning, courtesy of Rebecca Paton
Another fortnight since the last email and only a few weeks until Christmas! But with the arrival of the new Covid variant there is natural concern as to how this may affect us all and let us hope it is less invasive than feared. If necessary, interim newsletters will bring you any important updates as soon as they are available.
This newsletter is formatted differently using a Mailchimp programme to make it easier to send out and allow for personalisation, but if you notice anything that doesn’t look right please let me know.
Road Sweep Thursday 9 December
The road sweeper will be in the village from about 8am next Thursday and as usual everyone is asked to park their cars off the street if possible or move them when you hear the hum of the sweeper vehicle, which will come past your home several times during the morning.
If you are fit and well and able to help, you should sweep or blow any debris off the pavements outside your home, into the road gutters for the sweeper to collect.
This is a service provided to the village three times a year by Cherwell District Council and as residents we are fortunate to have such a dedicated street cleaning team of people serving our community, so please show your appreciation to the driver.
News from The Red Lion
The following information is from Dillie:
“Given the unwelcome arrival of the new Omicron Covid variant, we appreciate that people might be a bit nervous about going out. Safety for customers and staff is absolutely our No 1 priority so we will be discussing plans this week and we may well be going back to masking up for those staff who would feel happier in masks. However, if you want to come to the pub and you would prefer table service rather than coming up to the bar to get drinks, you have only to ask when you arrive. Meanwhile, please be reassured that we still deep clean and use sanitisers.
Meanwhile, the pub is now open 6 days a week from Tuesday through to Sunday. Lunches from Wednesday through Saturday and most Sundays. Christine’s Friday night takeaways are taking off – but you can always sit in the pub and enjoy her fish and steak Fridays!
Christmas plans include…
25th Dec – Continuing in the Frank O’Neill tradition, we’re opening for two hours from 12 noon. Everyone gets a free drink!
26th – John’s Bloody Mary from 12 noon.
Meanwhile, the improvements continue. The function room at the end has a new carpet!!! We have invested in some fancy new crockery. And Zara’s super-talented mum has made some gorgeous Christmas decorations. It’s the little things that get this old girl’s heart going.
Please note that the whole pub is closed on 9th December from approximately 4pm for a private party”.
Bicester Motion ‘Experience Quarter’ Planning Application
The Parish Council has now submitted additional comments regarding the Outline Planning Application from Bicester Motion for the Automotive Experience Quarter and these can be viewed by visiting the Cherwell District Council planning portal by clicking on this link- Planning application: 21/01224/OUT – Planning register | Planning register | Cherwell District Council This matter is scheduled for discussion at a full planning committee but this will not now be until their meeting in the first part of January. There has been an extensive period of consultation and since the initial submission in May 2021, when the Parish Council amongst others submitted its comments, some amendments have been made by Bicester Motion. There remain serious concerns within the village about noise pollution from the proposed track facilities which currently remain unresolved.
Bicester Motion ‘Wilderness Quarter’ COMMUNITY CONSULTATION DAY: Sunday 5th December 2021
Have you registered to visit the old Quarry site this Sunday? It is still not too late but the cut-off time is 12 noon this Friday.
Bicester Motion has decided that the best way to introduce the Wilderness Quarter and engage with the local community is to hold a consultation day on-site. In order to attend, you will need to email them hq@bicestermotion.com confirming your first and second choice from the three available sessions.
Bicester Motion intends to submit outline plans for The Wilderness Quarter in the first half of 2022 which aim to provide a deliverable solution to restore the former Stratton Audley Quarry, by creating a space for visitors to unwind in nature.
We understand that the proposal for the Wilderness Quarter has two core components which will be connected to the wider Bicester Motion site. These components are:
- A Reserve which will provide a place for the local community to explore nature along a discovery trail as well as areas to relax on the Northern Lake edge
- The Southern lakes will provide Eco-lodges for visitors to Oxfordshire and Bicester Motion.
Village Christmas Carol Service – 12th December
The village Christmas Carol Service in the church will be held on Sunday 12th December at 6pm. There is no charge so please come along and join in with the singing. All are welcome and there will be refreshments afterwards plus a chance to buy or place an order for a very special bottle of Nocino, a walnut liqueur (yes I had never heard of it either!) made from local walnuts.
If you can’t make the carol service then to order a bottle of Nocino you can email david@betteroutliers.com . All donations go directly to maintaining the church building and anyone pre-ordering is invited to go into the church and see their liqueur develop – the process to make Nocino takes 40 – 60 days and needs someone to gently shake the Nocino kilners/vat jars every 2-3 days.
Other News from Stratton Audley Church
The follow information is from Becky Adams on behalf of the Shelswell Benefice:
“There is a carol service in the Godington church Carol on Friday 17th December (7pm), all welcome.
On Sunday 19th December we have our ‘Fun at Four’ Christingle Service for all ages (4pm) in Stratton Audley Church.
On Christmas Eve the Crib Service is in Stratton Audley Church at 4pm. This is particularly suitable for young children, but is a delightful service for anyone who would like to share in the children’s excitement.
There is no Midnight Communion Service in Stratton this year, but there are Midnight services nearby:10pm ‘Early’ Midnight Communion at Finmere and 11.30pm Midnight Communion in Fringford and Cottisford.
On Christmas Morning we will be celebrating with a Family Communion service in Stratton Audley Church at 11am.
Check our website for details of services elsewhere in the benefice http://www.shelswellparishes.info/services.php “
Carols by Candlelight – Newton Purcell
St Michaels and all Angels Church in Newton Purcell is holding a carol service on Friday 10thDecember at 7.15pm with a performance from the Phoenix Singer, an accomplished Oxfordshire chamber choir. Tickets are £10 to include refreshments
Don’t Forget – Fresh Fish every Thursday – Outside the Red Lion
Unfortunately, Jack didn’t make it to the village last week, but he assures me he is here this evening. If you want to buy some fresh fish without leaving the village, come to Church Street on any Thursday evening. Jack Evans from Grimsby parks his van outside the Red Lion between 6.30-7pm.
He has a wide selection of fresh fish and shellfish. He is happy to provide a door-to-door service around the village if that is more convenient. You can just turn up or place orders in advance by text and his mobile number is 07535 935119.
News from Stratton Audley Barn
The following is from Richard, Sara and the Barn team:
“Our Christmas shop is now filled with festive goodies for you, your home and your tree! From nutcrackers to novelty games, Gonks to Garlands, beautiful baubles and beads for your fireside or tree, there really is lots to see! Beautiful real Christmas Trees from our British supplier are now on sale! In our Cafe, hearty soups, toasted paninis, baked potatoes and our chunky deep filled doorstop sandwiches are back & served daily between 12 -2:30.
Our homemade cakes and slices, warming hot choccy & spicy cinnamon Latte’s are perfect for these chilly autumn days too. With a marquee providing extra seating attached to our cafe, bring your family & friends, grab a cosy blanket or 2, get comfy under a heater and tuck into a tasty treat and enjoy your festive visit.
Open Tuesday to Sunday 10am-4pm, booking advised for our busy lunchtime period, call ahead to reserve your table. We hope to see you soon”.
Cake Sale in aid of Children in Need
Thanks go to all the friends and neighbours who came to Hannah’s bake sale and raised the fabulous sum of £70 for Children in Need. The Dewhurst family are also pleased to report that a donation of £105 has been made to the RSPB as a result of recycling all the ink cartridges that have been deposited in the bus shelter on the Stoke Lyne Road. Please keeping them coming.
Children’s Speed Awareness Poster Campaign
Have you requested your large sheet of A2 paper yet? It’s not too late.
As previously reported the Parish Council is reviewing traffic calming measures in the village which will require consultation and take time to implement. A short term measure is to put posters up to remind everyone to check their speed and drive slowly through the village.
If you’re a parent or grandparent please get your children to design a poster which will then be laminated and displayed in the village. A nice colourful design would be great with simple words such as “we play here please keep us safe”, “I walk here so please don’t drive too fast” or “If you can’t read this, you’re going to fast”.
To participate and get your A2 sheet of paper, please contact Kathryn Walker at strattonaudley.kw@gmail.com
Helping homeworkers with their wellbeing this winter
Homeworkers in north Oxfordshire are being invited to take part in free online workshops this winter, aimed at supporting mental health. Cherwell District Council is working with Oxfordshire Mind to deliver the group sessions, offering tips on wellbeing as well as how to spot the warning signs if a colleague needs help.
To find out more visit the Cherwell District Council site:
https://www.cherwell.gov.uk/news/article/924/helping-homeworkers-with-their-wellbeing-this-winter?fbclid=IwAR0EF6xfiMhTUY8UJySIOAo3gTKzKOIe8_50-Kra9Aah7koMB3H0L1MCbuw
Bicester Heritage January Scramble
The Events team have asked me to notify you of the local code for the first Scramble of 2022, on the 16th of January. Tickets will be going live on the 15th November (Monday) at 1pm, and the link can be accessible via our website.
Local Promo code is: FlyingBrevets
All tickets are now £14.00 (+£1.10 Fee & Tax) and the discount code will give 50% discount.
Local Police Bicester and Kidlington Rural Team News
We asked Sergeant Gavin Staniland to provide a local update:
“Hello to all residents of Stratton Audley Parish, I would like to take this opportunity to provide some updates regarding your police team which has undergone a recent restructure. Previously your community has been served by PCSO’s Thomas BAILEY and Louise BEAUMONT and I would like to reassure everyone that this will continue to be the case. However I have now created a larger Rural Neighbourhood team, which will provide a more consistent and resilient means of visible policing.
Cherwell and West Oxfordshire police area recognise the significant impact that rural crime has on the community. In response to this we have just launched rural crime All Crime Attendance. This means that all crime that is reported to us as a rural crime will have follow up and contact from either a Police officer or Police Community Support Officer. Whilst there may not always be investigative opportunities for us to explore it does provide a valuable opportunity to provide Crime prevention and safeguarding advice.
I understand having conducted an extensive ‘Have Your Say’ across the rural community that Speeding is a common concern. In response to these concerns PCSO Thomas BAILEY has been conducting speed enforcement operations around the rural communities with the assistance of our colleagues from the Roads policing department.
As a Team we are driven to continue these operations and PCSO BAILEY will be delivering training to the other members of the Team. PC David SCOTT and PCSO BAILEY are your Community Speed watch Contacts for our rural team and will be happy to advise or assist where possible.
PCSO Louise BEAUMONT is reigniting community Have Your Say meetings around all of the villages so please keep an eye on social media and advertisements through the Parish Council for when they will be coming to you”.
To report a crime or contact the police there are now three options:
- Call 999 if you see a crime being committed or in an emergency
- Call 101 to report anything else to the police – or go online to do so
- And now police are partnering with CrimeStoppers to remind everyone of ‘The 3rd Number – 0800 555 111’ that enables you to report your information totally anonymously if you prefer.
Finally for the latest crime statistics there is a useful national site into which you can put your post code. Click on this link Bicester Rural | Police.uk (www.police.uk)
And some reminders from the previous newsletters…..
Fish & Chips Van in the village on Saturdays
For those new in the village, a Howe’s Fish and Chip van comes to the village every Saturday lunchtime at 1pm – 1:15pm. It plays a traditional tune (like an ice cream van) when entering the village and stops first in Cherry Street. I believe he then drives down Cavendish Road and stops again in Mill Road.
Howe & Co was established in 1930 and now has over 100 vans serving villages. You can track each van by going to their website
https://howeandcofishandchips.co.uk/#findvan
They also have a general number you can call 07809 901761.
The return of the very popular 100 Club
The following is from Maggie Woodward who organises this draw.
“It has been decided to start the 100 club again having had to take a break because of Covid. The subscriptions will be due in November/December, a collector from the team will be knocking on your door for your subscription which is £10, but more than one subscription per household can be taken if desired. There will be four prizes, £30, £20 and two at £10, the prize money will be doubled in December. The money will be delivered to the winners. The first draw will take place on Wednesday 5th January 2022 in The Red Lion at coffee morning and thereafter on the first Wednesday of the month. The list of winners will be displayed on the Parish Council, The Red Lion and Church noticeboards and will be published in the Shelswell News. Any profit from the club will go towards a village project.
The collectors are as follows:
Willows Lodge Jeff
Glen Close and Stoke Lyne Road Angie
Cherry Street and The Limes Paddy
Cavendish Place Stewart
Mill Road Jeremy
Launton Road Viv
Bicester Road Maggie
The Manor Emma
Please give generously and support your village. Many thanks and good luck!”
EWR Road Closure of Stratton Audley Park Road to Poundon
Charbridge Lane, Bicester remains closed until 17thDecember.
Queens Platinum Jubilee – Join the Committee
A community wide street party will be held to celebrate the Queens Platinum Jubilee. National celebrations will take place from 2-5th June 2022 and we have pencilled in Sunday 5th June as our day of celebration. If you want to help or join the committee please let me know.
Shelswell History Festival advance notice Save-the-date
The Shelswell Benefice has decided to once again run the Shelswell History Festival and this is due to take place on Saturday 16th July 2022. They are looking for volunteers to help organise it and especially anyone with marketing expertise. Contact Alice Goodall by email alicegoodall313@gmail.com
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
Covid-19
For the latest details on Covid data and other Government’s advice on Coronavirus can be found via these link:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/covid-19-coronavirus-restrictions-what-you-can-and-cannot-do
https://coronavirus.data.gov.uk/
All the best and stay safe. John