2010 01-02.pdf - Drayton-near-Abingdon.org

PUBLISHED under the AUSPICES of the DRAYTON COMMUNITY TRUST (Reg. No. 255846)DRAYTON CHRONICLEIssue Editor: Tony Holmes Volume 33 No. 1 Jan / Feb 2010SNOW by ‘Doggerelle’White cotton balls adorn the trees,Icicles begin to freeze,And fairyland is everywhereShining, dazzling, bright and fair.Children cannot reach their schools,Workers gladly down their tools,Others get to work, but late,While some prefer to hibernate.Excited laughter fills the airAs testing icy ponds kids dare,And groups of youngsters snowball fightIn fields all frosty, sparkling white.Comic snowmen stand on guardIn many a garden and back-yard,With carrot nose and coal black eyesAnd trilby hats and Dads’ old ties.The world seems quiet, life’s pace is slowed,A gentle lull because it’s snowed.Stilled is all life’s frenzied rush,Enjoy the calm and gentle hush.For those who cannot get aboutNeighbours kindly help them out.People have more time to chatter,Stop to have a friendly natter.Inconvenient it might beFor older folk like you and me;But when all is said and doneThe kids are having so much fun,When old, nostalgically they’ll thenRemember winter twenty ten.A Commuter in the recent snowfall demonstrates that Draytonreally needs that extra bus shelter . . . (thanks to Keith Clough)Valentine’s Day Dance/DiscoSat 13th Feb at Village Hall8.00pm to 11.30pm (pay bar)Music from 60s to 80sAdmission by ticket only (see page 7)phone 535587 or 531107 or from village outletsAdults £5 accompanied U16s £2profits to Village Hall fundsExercise (mental & physical) (p 5) Dog-sitter? (p 9) Celebration Bells (p 4) Old toys?/Flora tokens (p 10)Almshouse vacancy (p 2 & 9) Lunchtime Help? (p 10) New Blood needed (p13) Letters (p 7, 8 & 11)urderystery NightDrayton Village Hall7.30 pm Friday 19 th & Saturday 20 th February‘Mystery of Talbot Manor’ Tickets £8.00 to include Ploughman’s Supperby Gary Simpson Tel: 01235 200350Audience ParticipationOr from Vickery’s Store Drayton

Drayton TODDLERSALL AROUNDAna GurlThe children had a lovely time at their Christmas party and werevery pleased to see a special visitor with a present for everyone! Afun time was had by all.It is nice to see all the toddlers back again now after a slow,snowy start to the New Year.Drayton Toddlers meet in the village hall on Thursdaymornings 9.30 – 11.30. We have lots of fun playing together, wehave crafts and activities and even stop for a snack and a cuppa forthe mums - Thanks Joy!New members are always welcome. Phone Vicky on 07779243290 for more info.THE WHEATSHEAFAustin & Geraldinewelcome you: to enjoyTraditional Home Cooked Food,Fine Wines and BeersIn Friendly Comfortable Surroundings.Take away Fish & Chips:served Mon - Sat until 8pmDelicious Home Cooked Roast Lunch:Sunday 12 - 3.30 pmSenior Citizens Lunchtime MenuTuesday to Friday £6.50 including sweetBookings :- call Gel or Austin (01235 531485)Drayton (on the village green)The ROYAL BRITISH LEGION Pearl StanbridgeAt the recent AGM all officers were returned unopposed. Adelegate and the secretary will be attending the CountyConference at Newbury in mid-Jan.The next Committee meeting will be held on Monday 15thFebruary at 8 pm.Please ‘HELP US TO HELP THEM’ by supporting ourannual Easter Draw - all proceeds donated to the Royal Star &Garter Homes, tickets on sale at the usual outlets.Sabina'sMargaret welcomes you tofor your next hair appointment40 ABINGDON ROAD - DRAYTON - Tel. (01235) 531140Mondays & Tuesdays & Saturdays 9.00am to 5.00 pmWednesday closed all dayThursdays and Fridays 9.00am to 6.00pmMen now welcome at any time - so why not call in?Special rates for Pensioners and Free Car ParkingJan/Feb 2010 Page 3W. J. TAYLOR & SONSFORGE GARAGEHIGH STREET, DRAYTONNr. ABINGDON, OXON OX14 4JWDrayton BOWLS ClubSUN TuningCar, M/C & 3-WheelerM.O.T. WHILE YOU WAITCAR - Service and RepairsVINTAGE WEDDING CAR HIRETelephone ABINGDON 531350‘Roll Up’It's with great sadness that we start these notes announcing theloss of Doreen, our long standing Chairperson (see tribute p6).Finals day was again a very successful day and the followingpicking up the trophies for the year 2009.'Didcot Windows' open singles Tony Wright'Derek Messenger' Ladies singles Pat Hoyland'Jean Mullins' Gents singles Nick Carter'The Attwood ' cupJosie Carter'Henry Bunce' handicap pairs John Goodacre. June Hyde'Don Alexander' 2 wood TriplesJohn Goodacre. Josie Carter. Pat Mitchenson'Wally Weightman' 2 wood triplesJohn Goodacre. Carol Smith. Eileen Long'Beryl James' 3 wood triplesJohn Goodacre. Josie Carter. Graham Lacey'Rose bowl' Triples leagueJohn Goodacre. Kay Attwood. Pat Mitchenson'John Berry' fours leagueGordon Smith. Bryn Jones. Julie Brain. Pam Smith'Ladies v Gents’ – Gents! 'Handicap Tournament' Chris SmithThe league teams are looking good at the half-way stage with'The Rollers' in top spot on shot difference, and looking for astrong second half finish to top the table by the end of March; thebest of the afternoon teams are 'The Wasps' who are third but onlytwo points off the pace, so must also be in with a chance of toppingthe table come the end of the season.Letters to the EditorYou may request that your name & address are not shown; howeverwe MUST have those details, and phone mumber .DRAYTON W.I.Shirley ThomasOur year ended with our Annual Christmas celebration. We wereentertained in a very festive way by "Pandimonium", a folk groupwho soon got our feet tapping. The Day Centre was decoratedwhich added to the occasion, the ‘bring and share’ supper wasdelicious and a good time was had by all.A few members attended the W.I. Carol concert at the Town Hallin Oxford, always a wonderful start to the Christmas celebrations.At our next meeting in January we are still in the party mood andwill start the year by going out for supper.HAPPY NEW YEAR DRAYTON.

(MORE) ALL AROUNDDrayton Pre-School PlaygroupDebbie BargusWe hope everybody had a great Christmas and hope the New Yearhas started well. We would like to welcome Grace, Julia, Isabella,Taylor and Alice who have all joined us this term, we hope they enjoythe time they spend with us.Our topic this term is Feelings. We will be talking about our andother peoples feelings. How our body language shows how we feel.And how our facial expressions also show our feelings.We had quite an exciting time in the run up to Christmas, as well asthe children and staff practising their singing, we also had a Christmasparty with entertainment from Uncle Wiggy and the children had thechance to get some last minute requests to Santa. Many thanks toeveryone who helped with the party and donated to the Raffle and wehope everyone enjoyed the children singing, they all did really well.We welcomed Sam back from maternity leave after the last half term;it’s great to see her back. Unfortunately at Christmas, Oz ourSupervisor left Preschool, she will be sorely missed after many yearsservice and we would like to thank her for all she has done forPreschool and wish her well for the future. We are currently lookingto recruit a replacement Supervisor. Our remaining staff are coveringall sessions.There is an easy way to help our fundraising, if you order goods viathe internet, you can register at www.easyfundraising.org.uk Youchoose a charity, we are on the list, then when you buy online frommajor companies (eg Amazon, Next, Play.com, Ebay, ChurchillInsurance, AA, and The Book People), they give a percentage to usat no extra cost to you. Plus many more new outlets.Dates: Friday 12th Feb :– End of Term 3Mrs Suzy WillisMCSP SRP AACPCHARTERED PHYSIOTHERAPISTOld Lodge, Henleys LaneDrayton, OX14 4HUTel 01235 531269Please ring for an appointment Thank you to all the volunteers who have taken a turn to clearlitter on the Green. The rota in 2010 will continue to be the same.If for any reason you are unable to do it next year please let meknow. Also if you would like the list to remind you, please contactme. As the pond was becoming out of control with the rapidgrowth of reed mace, we have had a pond conservationist to dosome clearing for us. Our local group of volunteers may still beneeded next year. Thank you to Steve Penney, who has regularlyweeded the Sun-dial area. Gwen Price (531205)Hazel LeePainter & DecoratorInterior & ExteriorFree quotes07866 509683hazel.lee78@hotmail.co.ukN. HAYCROFT PLUMBINGA complete Plumbing Service-----------------------------------------------------------------------Taps, Tanks, Ball Valves, Leaks,Stopcocks, Burst Pipes, Pumps, Cylinders,Immersions, Radiators, Basins, Sinks.Installation of Washing Machines, Dishwashers,Showers & BathroomsOver 30 years experienceAll work fully guaranteed and fully insuredTel : 01235 814739DRAYTON PLAYERSJean HagerAs you will see, from the advert elsewhere in this issue (p1), wehave sorted ourselves out for the February production and indeed,it’s almost upon us! We are delighted to present anothermurder mystery (following last year’s successful evenings) withaudience participation and interval supper included.Rehearsals have been underway for some time, and the plot isdeveloping in a nicely complicated way which will require closeattention from each sleuth out front; maybe a Miss Marple think-alike,or even someone with the Wallander approach?Performances of The Mystery of Talbot Manor will be onFriday 19th and Saturday 20th Feb, curtain-up at 7.30. For tickets(£8 including supper) contact 01235 200350, or visit Vickery’s inthe village, who we thank for acting as an extra box office.We look forward to welcoming YOU for a fun-filled night out!Learn to Drive with your Local InstructorFast friendly patient tuitionDoor to door home or workEvening and weekend appointments availableDiscount on pre paid block bookingPHILIP PULLEN 07733 360230Drayton TABLE-TENNIS ClubJohn GouldHappy New Year to all who read this and to Ping-pongerseverywhere. Recently the Didcot League held their DivisionalChampionships. This involves players competing individuallyagainst opponents from their own Division. Playing outside theteam enables players to relax and play more freely as they are notinfluencing a team performance. At the time of writing I can reportthat Ryan Seamark reached the semi finals in the Division 5 eventas did John Gould in the Division 2 competition.In the League, the A team are setting a cracking pace at the top ofDivision 1 with 6 wins and a draw from seven ties played. The Eteam in Division 3 are lying second with Kevin Davies starringhaving won 17 out of 18 matches played.Without doubt the most competitive league is Division 2 wherethe eleven teams are closely matched. Our C & D teams currentlylie 5th & 4th in the Division with seven ties played.New players are still welcome to attend our Monday Nightpractice. Children from 9 upwards (accompanied by a parent) cancome from 7.00 p.m. They will receive coaching from Matt Wicksand his willing helpers. We have a supply of bats so just bringyourselves. Adults can come from 8.00 p.m. onwards. At £1 persession it is good exercise that everyone can afford.Jan/Feb 2010 Page 5

BAPTIST CHURCHChurch Secretary:- Mrs Jayne Henderson...............522161REGULAR SUNDAY SERVICES11.15 am Presently only one morning service per month;this is the Family Service, and is onthe first Sunday of each month.6.00 pm Evening Service. A traditional form of service,frequently with guest speakers.(Communion every second Sunday)Come and join us every Sunday – we look forward to seeing you.EVERYONE IS MOST WELCOMEK. L. YATES BUILDERSFOR ALL YOUR BUILDING SERVICESExtensions and AlterationsProperty MaintenanceKitchens and Ceramic TilingCarpentry and Laminate FlooringCall RICHARD for an estimate on01235 531275 or mobile 07788 738248Qualified Personal Trainer. . . offers day-time running club,Toning classes and yoga inSteventon and Miltonfrom only £3.50 per classwww.dendy.co.uk 07714 896003Drayton Post OfficeMon - Fri 9 - 5.30 Sat 9 – 12.30& CONVENIENCE STOREOpen All Week 8 am – 10 pm9, The Green, Drayton, OX14 4JA01235 531359Beetle Drive2pm on Sunday 28 th Februaryin the Caudwell Day Centre.Beetle is a game, which is easy to play byall age groups and produces lots of fun. Refreshmentsincluded. First prize and booby prize. Raffle.Tickets £3 for adults and £1 for children.In aid of St Peter’s churchfor tickets ring the Vicarage on 01235 531374A Tribute to Doreen Jones(Chairperson of Drayton Bowls Club, 1991-2002 & 2004-2009)As the Club mourns the passing of our long-standingChairperson, it is appropriate that we record at least some of hercontributions that made our Club the success it is today.For 21 years, Drayton Bowls Club was Doreen's life. She wasone of the founder members way back in June 1988, and from thevery begining she put her heart and soul into the Club for whichshe was later awarded Life Membership.Quite early on she organised a competition to design a Clubbadge, which we still use today, and for several years sheorganised our members’ bowling holidays.When we first started our Sunday competitions, they included acooked lunch. It was quite something to bowl with a backgroundof appetising aromas from the kitchen, where Doreen and otherswould have been hard at work since the crack of dawn.Later on, she thought it would be good to go out for an eveningmeal after each competition, and quite a few local establishmentsshould be indebted to her for that idea.She was an avid record keeper, and quite often she would cometo the Club and sit quietly in the corner making copious notes ofthis and that, in her ledgers, a mass of detailed information thatwas invaluable when writing a history of the Club.Doreen felt strongly that the Club should have an active socialside, to involve the non-playing spouses and partners, and evenduring her break from Chairperson, she acted as ‘social secretary’.Trips to the theatre, dog-racing, and skittles evenings were downto her. She was keen for the Club to support events promoted bythe Village, and was always involved with organising our AnnualDinners.In our early years, there was little appetite in the Club for leagueplay, but with encouragement from other Clubs, and not a littletrepidation, Doreen felt we should give it a try, and the rest ishistory. Although she liked to win, her own cache of trophieswas of little consequence to her. The Club's success, in which sheplayed no small part, was her most cherished trophy.The love and devotion that Doreen gave to our Club isimmeasurable, and now she's joined a new club, we shall missher.Norman Hopkins - Club PresidentOTHER LOCAL PLACES OF WORSHIPMethodist Chapel Sunday Service: 10.30 amHigh Street, MiltonLocal contacts: Geoff or Jean Caudle, 531409Wooden Spoon Recipe No. 33 (from March 2000)by LOIS RENNELLS Salmon & Prawn ‘En Croute’ (serves 2)1 340 gram packet puff pastry, 200 grams salmon (cubed), 50grams prawns, rind and juice of ½ lime, 1 tablespoon finelychopped coriander, 2 teaspoons butter, 1 beaten egg.Preheat the oven to 200°C/Mark 6. Roll out the pastry into asquare, approximately 12" x 12", then cut into four pieces. Placethe salmon onto two of the pastry pieces, top with prawns,coriander, knob of butter, a squeeze of lime juice and a little zest.Season lightly. Brush the edges of the pastry with beaten egg.Place the remaining two pieces of pastry on top and seal tightly.Knock up the edges and make two cuts in the top of each ‘encroute’. Place them on a baking sheet and brush with beaten egg.Leave to rest in the fridge for 15 minutes. Bake for 15 to 20minutes until well risen and golden.Serve with baby vegetables, new potatoes and lime wedges.Jan/Feb 2010 Page 6

YOUR LETTERSValentine’s Day (in the Hall)Dear Sir,via e-mailLast month Ann Webb wrote asking us to use our hall "or risklosing it". Although the Parish Council is proposing to budget toassist the Hall in covering its expected deficit for 2010/11, puttingit mildly, it does not appear to be very sensible to raise CouncilTax from village residents when the same amount of money couldbe spent in putting this village facility to good use.I have put 'my money where my mouth is' and booked the Hallfor a Valentine's Day dance/disco on 13th Feb (see advert hereand on noticeboards) and my friend Paul Clark has offered not tocharge for running a disco based mainly on 60s to 80s music. TheWheatsheaf will be running the bar.I hope that there will be profits to give to the Hall and that otherpeople and organisations will pick up the baton and organisefollow-up events for at least one Saturday night in most months ofthe year?Admission will only be by tickets, from Paul, me (phone 535587and 531107) or village outlets. Please come and have a goodnight out on 13th Feb, but also to show that you value the Halland want to keep it available in the future for more regular use byvillage residents.Yours sincerelyDaniel Scharf Candlelight CarolsDear Sir,via emailMany thanks to all who gave so generously at the CandlelightCarols in the Village Hall, £310.40 (the most ever!) was raisedwhich has been sent off to 'Action for Children'.I look forward to seeing you all again next time on Sunday 5thDecember - put it in your diary now!Geoff CaudleHome Helpers Care LtdThe Office 25 The Nursery Sutton Courtenay Oxon OX14 4UATel: 01235 848822 Fax 01235 848688(Established since 1993)Providing Services in the South & Vale to:Private Customers / Direct Payment Customers /Social Services Funded Customers / Independent Living Customers.Comprehensive Range of Care Services incl Palliative CareDay & Night Sitters : Meals : At home laundryShopping / Collecting Pensions / Paying Bills / Light Domestic TasksCall the team for further information 01235 848822Courtenay Computer ServicesRepairs, Upgrades, Email/Internet/Broadband; New hardware orsoftware including Anti-Virus, Firewall and Anti-Spyware; Networking,both Ethernet and wireless, Networks, Broadband.Web Site design; One-to-one tuition: Internet, Email, Photo-enhancing,Spreadsheet, Word Processing, or simply a basic introduction to yourcomputer… any issue that prevents you getting the best from your PC.I can make it easy by offering tuition and guidance IN YOURHOME or BUSINESS at a time to suit you.Martin Underwood 01235 847104 or 07748 632563www.courtenaycomputers.co.ukDoreen Jones (1932 – 2009)Dear Sir,via emailMay I, through the Chronicle, express my sincere thanks to allmy family and many friends for the cards of sympathy anddonations, at the sad loss of my wife Doreen.The donations will go towards providing a bench seat at the endof Ward two at Abingdon hospital to the memory of Doreen.Many thanks againBryn Jones Letters to the EditorYou may request that your name & address are not shown; howeverwe MUST have those details, and phone number in case any textneeds verification. NB Please also note that, although wewelcome submissions on a variety of topics, the Editor reserves theright to shorten, clarify or reject any letter or supplied text. Jazz & Swing Concert / ‘Abingdon Bridge’Dear Sir,Halls CloseMay I use the Chronicle to thank everyone who came to theJazz and Swing concert in Drayton Hall in December. The profitwas nearly £1,500 (not £5,000 as reported in the recent AbingdonHerald) and this has been given to the ‘Abingdon Bridge’ for itswork helping vulnerable and disadvantaged (and often difficult)youngsters in this area. We at the Bridge are very grateful.Our special thanks to Boulevard Swing and their leader,Drayton’s Brian Thompson, for making the whole thing possible,selling many of the tickets and performing so brilliantly on thenight.Yours sincerely,Derek PooleyJanet ManningHOMOEOPATHB.A. Dip.Ed. M.A. Lic LCCH. RSHomSafe, gentle healing, suitable for all agesDaytime, Evening appointments and Home visits01235 52760311 Newman Lane, DraytonLife Guards – Well Done !Dear Sir,via e-mailWe would like to congratulate three young people from thevillage who all go to Abingdon Swimming Club and are all nowqualified Royal Life Saving Society Rookie Life Guards.They also took part in the distance swimming evening duringDecember at which 27 youngsters covered a combined distance ofover 19 miles in two hours.The three are Thomas Deabill (Rookie Bronze and 2000 metres)Georgina Arnold (Rookie Silver and 3000 metres) and LaurenBrown (Rookie Silver and 4000 metres).WELL DONE to all of you.The proud parents Jan/Feb 2010 Page 7

More of YOUR LETTERSRoyal British Legion, WatchfieldDear Sir,11 High Street, MiltonWhen there is a Repatriation of a serviceman killed in action, wedrive over to Watchfield (near Shrivenham) to join a growing bandof people who stand in the various lay-bys along the A420 as eachcortège makes its solemn way from RAF Lyneham to the JRHospital (where post-mortems are held).In addition to the courageous example of Wootton Bassett(which is relatively well known) there are between 1,000 and2,000 people who regularly make the little pilgrimage to showtheir respect for young men who have given their lives on behalfof our nation. Every occasion is very moving, with many RBLbanners being paraded, and each cortège slows down to walkingpace when they see a group of people waiting. We go toWatchfield because it is where groups of former RoyalMarines drive from Poole, Guildford, Portsmouth, Northamptonand various other far-flung places, but there are many civilians andwhole families who make the effort to come out and offer theirthanks.If anyone would like to have prior notice of Repatriations, wecan forward the notification e-mail (or phone the details) if you letus have your e-mail or telephone. Each notification comesthrough three or four days beforehand, with estimates of thecortège times along the A420 road. Peter & Diana Hasting(tel: 01235 834740 e-mail diamar@onetel.com)Bramleys of Abingdon Ltd.HOME EXTENSION SPECIALISTSand GENERAL BUILDERS72 Steventon RoadDrayton, AbingdonOxon OX14 4LDTel/Fax: Abingdon (01235) 531200email: kogel.bramley@virgin.netMarie Curie CollectionDear Sir,93 Abingdon RoadMay I, through the Chronicle, say a big “THANK YOU” to theresidents of Abingdon Road (that’s nos 86 – 140) for their kinddonation of £38-27p through the house-to-house collection forMarie Curie Cancer Care.I’d also like to thank my daughter Emily for her help on thosecold and wet winter evenings, it was much appreciated!Yours SincerelyJulie Brown LADIESGYM30 MINUTE WORKOUTBOOK YOUR FREE NO OBLIGATION GUEST VISIT NOWon 01235 537002Fitness in Time, Audlett Drive, Abingdon, OX14 3NJwww.fitnessintime.co.ukTry a class for FREE!Fun-filled award-winning music and movementclasses for kids from 0-7. Classes for babies,toddlers and family groups in Steventon Village Hall.----------------------------------www.musicforlife.info sarah@musicforlife.infoCall Sarah Whittle on 01235 832034 Eric JamesDear Sir,Marcham RoadWe wish to thank all family, friends and neighbours for theirkind messages of support following the sad loss of Eric James, amuch loved husband, father, grandfather and friend.Our thanks also to Josie for such a special service.Donations in Eric's memory for the Intensive Care Unit of theJohn Radcliffe Hospital totalled £947.13p.Kind regardsKath James and family Friday ClubDear Sir,Sylvia, Beryl, and members of the Friday Club would like tothank the cooks, drivers and helpers for all their support during2009.It is greatly appreciated, and we wish them a Happy New Year.Yours SincerelySylvia BondM. S. LallyGas Boiler Service01235 848592 0796 7015 065Servicing and RepairsSystems InstalledBoiler changesSystems Power Flushed85 Milton Road, Sutton Courtenay, OX14 4BXFriday Club - ExtraDear Sir,Whitehorns WayI would personally like to make a special “Thank You” to Beryl& Sylvia for the hard work they did on our Christmas party, and tothe guest also.We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves!Also to Sally Dixon, Sue and Brenda for the lovely meal, also toBetty and John Biddle for looking after me, and transport for me.“Happy New Year to all” Bert Cole Jan/Feb 2010 Page 8

Drayton SchoolAna GurlClassroom updates …Robins’ topic for this term is ‘all creatures great and small’. Weare starting with polar creatures many of whom would have beenat home in Drayton in the snowy weather at the beginning ofJanuary.Ravens will be looking at toys now and in days gone by. Whattoys did our parent and grandparents play with? Has anyone gotany old toys they would like to show us?Kingfishers’ topic this term is Africa. The children have madea very good start on this topic over the Christmas holidaysproducing a huge variety of work such as internet searches, 3Dmaps, pictures, posters, scrapbooks etc. Impressive efforts andcreativity!Eagles are learning about pirates this term. They will hopefullyhave a trip to see HMS Victory. Pirate fact - the story of RobinsonCrusoe is based on real life pirate Alexander Selkirk who wasmarooned on Juan Fernandez (an island 400 miles west of theChilean coast) in 1705 and rescued in 1709. >>Tonks Brothers Funeral Directors158 Ock Street, Abingdon, Oxon, OX14 5DLTelephone: 01235 53944424 Hour personal serviceDedicated chapel of restPre-paid funeral plans availableMemorials SuppliedGolden CharterFuneral PlansGlenn & Janet welcome youCome and try our delicious home made food.Enjoy dining in traditional pub surroundings or, weatherpermitting, in our beautiful garden, complete withundercover patio dining area and children’s play area.Serving lunch Monday – Saturday 11.30am – 2.00pmAnd evening meals Monday – Friday 6pm – 8pmSenior Citizen MenuAvailable lunchtime & eveningOne Course £4.95 or Two Courses £5.95En-suite Bed & Breakfast Rooms available, call for detailsFor party bookings or enquiriesPhone 01235 531457School news … As always we had a very busy Christmasperiod. The Christmas Fair raised just under £1000 so a big thankyou to all those who put in lots of hard work, came along andhelped, or just came and spent money! The children enjoyed theirschool party, we had a carol service and two very successfulschool productions – well done to all the children and staff!Our new year started slowly with the children enjoying the snowand a few extra days off school. Welcome to our new staff; JuliaCutting our admin officer, Miss Bowerman who will be teachingRobins and Mr Lambert who is now full time with Eagles class.We hope you enjoy your time at Drayton school.After-school clubs are now underway once again. Thanks toMrs Goh for taking over the school choir. We are hoping to offersome taster sessions for new clubs to include golf, fencing,cheerleading and street dancing.We are looking at possible links with a school in France whichcould provide interesting opportunities for the children. Watchout for more news on this in coming months.Drayton school is taking part in the ‘Flora Cooking Equipmentfor Schools’ promotion. You can collect tokens from specialpacks of Flora and follow the instructions to register tokens online.Alternatively you can hand tokens in to school. Pleasehelp if you can – we have made good use of cooking equipmentfrom this scheme in the past and every token helps!A new opportunity - the school are looking for a lunchtimesupervisory assistant to work 12pm – 1pm five days per week.Please contact the school office if you are interested.Finally, please remember to make sure your children come intoschool suitably dressed for the weather and that coats, boots, etcare labelled with your child’s name.BENTON & BRYAN BUILDERSFor all types of building work from areliable local companyKitchens & Bathroom ExtensionsCarpentryAlterationsDecoratingRoofingPlasteringBrickworkTel: 01235 832513 Mobile: 07905386150Email: bentonandbryan@hotmail.co.ukLove Your LawnGreen Thumb’s series of 4 pre-scheduled annual lawn treatmentswill get your lawn into perfect condition.Pay as You Go service -- no contract to signStart any time of yearOur service costs less than DIYFully trained and informed staffProfessional feeds not available at garden centresCall for a free, no obligation, lawn analysis andquotation: 01235 835221Jan/Feb 2010 Page 10

Even More of YOUR LETTERSBoulevard SwingDear Sir,So, did you miss it again?! Well, if you did, you missedanother evening of great music by Brian Thompson and‘BOULEVARD SWING’ in the Village Hall on December 5th.The programme included many great standard songs such as‘Take the A Train’ and ‘A Nightingale sang in Berkeley Square’etc; also many requests from the audience. My own request wasfor that lovely song ‘That Rainy Day’ which was played by Steveon trombone. This tune seems to have been written especially forthe trombone (**) - thanks.There were also many other great solos by the other members ofthis very talented group of musicians and their (lady) vocalist.Another plus for the evening was that it was in aid of a veryworthwhile charity, ‘Abingdon Bridge Young Peoples Centre’.Which of course means a lot of work for a lot of people to run thecentre, none more than Derek Pooley, who incidentally was M/Cfor the evening.Yes, it was a good night.Nick Carter(** Ed’s note :- Here’s That Rainy Day was originally writtenby Jimmy Van Heusen, and gets performed on a variety ofinstruments, and in varying arrangements, but often brass. Itappears on the CD ‘ten’ by acclaimed all-female trombone quartet‘Bones Apart’, who are British but perform all over the world). Specialist employment law servicesfor businesses and individualsContracts, Compromise agreements, Dismissals,Discrimination, Employment Tribunals, RedundancyRegulated by the Law SocietyMember of the Employment Lawyers NetworkCall Jill Kelly 01235 861919www.employmentlawplus.comWhitehorns Way - CatDear Sir,Whitehorns WayCalling cat-lovers in the area, who might perhaps be offeringfood and /or occasional lodging to a large ginger cat?I say ginger, he has ginger stripes, and in America wouldprobably be called an ‘Orange Tabby’; and he is large, a rotundbody with a rather short stubby tail.This is our cat, and is supposed, according to our vet, to belosing some weight; like us, overweight in cats doesn’t tend toadd years to a lifespan. We think he may have been short ofrations for a while either just before, or when he was a rescue cat,and is making up for lost time! He answers to almost anything,but especially the sound of a fridge door opening!Despite smaller portions, and reduced calorie this-and-that, hekeeps expanding, (without medical cause other than greed). We’dlove to hear if anyone has been responding to his wheedling (he’san expert cadger) – it could of course be several benefactors. OR,if you have cat and cat-flap, is your pet getting thinner?Thanks Tony Holmes (531180)SCIENCE IN A NEW LIGHT‘Science in a new light’, a temporary exhibition at theNorth Wall Arts Centre, brings together the work of localartists and community groups inspired by research andarchitecture at the Diamond Light Source, the nationalsynchrotron facility, near Harwell.The exhibition features stunning textiles, photography,and sculptures using reclaimed materials.North Wall Arts Centre, South Parade, Summertown OX2 7NNJanuary 11th to 29th, 11 am. to 4 pm, Admission -- FREEED VAIZEY - Your Local MPThe New Year is a good chance to look at what the issues ourlocal area will be facing in months to come.There are still some major infrastructure issues facing the localarea. The reservoir public enquiry is due to start in the Spring.Neither the district council nor local pressure groups have theresources to take on Thames Water, and I have asked theGovernment to provide funds for this. Personally, I think thereservoir is less likely to happen, mainly because Thames Waterdoes not have the resources currently to build it. But I also thinkthat the alternative options seem more and more viable.The other issue is the incinerator, near Didcot. This has been onthe back burner (Ed: nicely phrased!) since the County Councilturned down the planning application, but it remains an issue thatneeds to be monitored very closely.Then there is housing. The development of 2,500 houses inGrove is back on, as property developers emerge from the creditcrunch. We now hear that Wantage will be the site for 1500homes, making a total of 4,000 for the area. I do not thinkWantage and Grove can take that much development, even if it’sspread over nearly two decades. It means growth of almost 50%.Didcot will also see some 3,500 houses, and there are moreplanned for the north of the town. And Wallingford is fighting anadditional 750 houses, plus there is the constant worry of theexpanion of Swindon to the east, which will affect villagesaround Faringdon, though I think this threat is receding.All in all, this is huge and unprecedented development for ourarea. While we need new homes, we do not need them on thisscale. And it is ironic that local villages, that need and want a fewextra homes, are consistently turned down when they ask forthem. The system is completely bonkers.Transport is another issue that will take up my time. I amcampaigning for the re-opening of Wantage Road station, and alsowant the improvement of Didcot station to be used as a chance toenhance the Didcot Railway Centre as a tourist attraction. I havesaved some of the train service in Appleford, and continue torepresent commuters worried about high rail fares and car parkcharges.Then there are numerous local issues, such as the future ofWantage cinema, which I will continue to be involved in, as wellas issues specific to individual constituents, such as benefit andchild support payments, housing and health waiting lists andnumerous other matters.If you need to get in touch with me, telephone 020 7219 6350,write to me, c/o House of Commons, London SW1A OAA, or youcan e-mail me on vaizeye@parliament.uk ; the Website iswww.vaizey.com with up to date news and surgery details (noneed to book an appointment - times are from 5.30 pm to 7pmunless stated). Next surgeries:- Feb 5th – Wantage Civic Hall& Feb 26th - Didcot, King Alfred Drive Community CentreJan/Feb 2010 Page 11

GARDENING TIMEWinter Blooms using HelleboresOur gardens are probably looking a little sleepy at this time ofyear so how about injecting a little brightness and beauty withsome eye-catching Hellebores? Appearing to strike through thesurface of the ground when all else is dormant, Hellebores makean arresting sight.Their beautiful flowers, white, cream, pink, purple or green andsometimes with lovely detailing, are a great sight during thewinter. Plant in groups, ideally in threes or fives, so as to creategreater impact. Even though their winter beauty provides awelcome contrast to murky skies, being evergreen, they providestructure and interest throughout the year.Plants of the woodland margin, Hellebores are happiest wherethey can enjoy both sun and shade. Plant near trees in a woodlandsetting or in a mixed shrub border. They’re tolerant of a range ofsoils, but prefer moist, fertile, humus-rich soils and will get off toa flying start if you improve the soil at the time of planting withleaf mould or compost.Some classic choices for hellebores are Helleborus niger‘Potter’s Wheel’ with its large white flowers and green-eyes orHelleborus x ballardiae ‘December Dawn’ which has big whiteflowers (6-8cm across), flushed pink-purple. Helleborus foetidus(Stinking Hellebore) is called so because the leaves give off anunpleasant smell if crushed but the flowers are a fabulous greenand often have the exquisite detail of being purple-margined.Helleborus foetidus ‘Miss Jekyll’ contradicts the name of‘stinking’ by having lovely fragrant flowers. As a final suggestion,look out for the much loved Helleborus hybridus ‘Peggy Ballard’with its gorgeous deep pink flowers.These stars of the winter garden are easy to establish and requirelittle maintenance in return for a wonderful show. ===>>>>>DANES/MACE STOREMon -- Sat 5am - 8pm Sun 6am -7pmFOR ALL YOUR PAPERSAND MAGAZINES,GROCERIES, FROZEN FOODS,CARDS, OFF LICENCE andSAVOURY SNACKS.LINK CASH MACHINE AVAILABLELOTTERY TICKETSIn Store Bakery andFreshly cut sandwichesMOST MAJOR CREDIT CARDS TAKENTEL: 01235 554813Fax No: 01235 531217ST PETER'S CHURCH HOME-VISITING GROUPwill visit anyone who is, or has been, ill or is recently home fromhospital, or unable to get out because of a disability, or is in anyother circumstances where support would be welcomed.Please contact:- Jean Hager (531558), Sally Dixon (531547),Ros Blogg (535589) or Margaret Watts (527145).‘All the Bells are Ringing’Centenary Service for Rev Francis E. RobinsonVicar of Drayton 1878 to 1908 (details page 4)10 am Sunday 21st Februaryat St Peter’s churchWith Drayton bell ringers & Wallingford handbell ringersPlus, did you know?Helleborus has a rich if shady history as a ‘medicinal’ plant. Theancient Greeks apparently used it as an early chemical weapon.Scholars discovered that they used parts of the plant to poison thewells of their enemies. It often appears naturalised around theruins of mediaeval European monasteries also. One interpretationof this is that the monks used it as a herbal treatment for ailments.According to English folklore, crushed hellebore leaves were usedas a treatment for intestinal worms in country districts. The dosagehad to be correctly administered as the leaves are known tocontain alkaloids and other chemicals that could lead to poisoning(think of the Greeks). Helleborus was also used in the MiddleAges to ward off evil influences thought to be lurking in thehouse. In contrast, Helleborus was said to be used in witchcraft tosummon undesirable spirits.Finally, don’t forget about the birds. You may have recentlyread the RSPB’s report indicating that this recent cold, snowy snapwill have a detrimental impact on our bird population. Frostynights and/or long spells of rain cause birds to lose their condition.If you’ve been feeding them, make sure that you keep feedersclean and full. If you haven’t, why not invest in some modern,hygienic bird feeders? You’ll be helping populations of both localand over-wintering birds with the bonus of getting to enjoy the funof bird table politics – so much more entertaining than the humankind.Newington Nurseries, nr Stadhampton, Oxon, OX10 7AW(01865 400533) www.newington-nurseries.co.ukGym And Fitness StudioWe are a small, friendly team with high standardsCommitted to treating YOU as an IndividualTailoring a programme for YOUR NEEDSWell-equipped gym • Power Plate® • Pilates Matwork• Yoga • Harmony Beauty and Holistic Therapies •GB Sports TherapyMillbrook House, High Street, Milton, Abingdon OX14 4EL01235 863440www.totalbodyconditioning.co.ukJan/Feb 2010 Page 12

NOTICE BOARDYOUR LOCAL COUNCIL CONTACTS :-Parish (Clerk) Kathryn Smyth (meeting see page 9);District (VofWH) Richard Webber (534001);& Oxfordshire County Mike & Marilyn Badcock (201810).SAFEGUARDING ADULTSAbuse is treating people in a way that makes them feelfrightened or unhappy, harms, hurts or exploits them. It canhappen anywhere.Joan is 82 and lives on her own. Two men visited her and saidthat because of the recent frost the path to her door neededrepairing, failing which she could be sued. She was frightened andagreed that she would withdraw £1,000 and they would comeback the next day to repair the path. Fortunately her neighbourhad seen the men and was worried. She went round to see Joan,and together they contacted the Oxfordshire Trading StandardsTeam, who were able to intervene and safeguard her.Some adults are particularly vulnerable to being hurt or abusedbecause they have a disability, illness, or impairment and needhelp and support.Bill has a learning disability. He gets the bus into town, wherehe has a part-time job. At the bus stop he was often bullied bystudents from a local school. The bus driver was concerned andcontacted Oxfordshire Social & Community Services, who wereable to change Bill’s work times, so that he could get a differentbus. They were also able to work with the young people involved,who apologized for what they had done. Bill felt much better,since he had been able to deal with the problem.Abuse is not always deliberate. It sometimes happens thatpeople are trying to do their best but feel stressed.Margaret and John are both in their 90s. Amy, their daughter,looks after them. It’s hard work. Amy has to get up most nights,because her father is incontinent. One day after a particularly badnight Margaret hit out at Amy while Amy was trying to bath her.It was the last straw for Amy, and she slapped her mother back.She was distraught. She loves her parents dearly but felt she couldnot carry on. She contacted her local carers’ centre, who helpedher with caring for her parents, getting time for herself andintroducing her to other carers.Details of all the organizations mentioned above can be foundon the Oxfordshire Safeguarding Adults Board website:www.safefromharm.org.uk If you are worried about avulnerable person and don’t know where else to go, you cancontact the Oxfordshire Social & Community Services:-0845 0507 666; out-of-hours emergency 0800 833408.Abuse is often a crime. If you think a crime has beencommitted, then contact Thames Valley Police: 0845 850 5505.In an emergency dial 999.FIRST TUESDAY CONNECTIONSAre you feeling lonely, isolated or in need of somefriendly company? Why not come along to our monthlytea and chat afternoons. They are held on the first Tuesdayof the month in St Peter's Church Room from 3.00 pm to4:30 pm and you are invited to drop in during these times.The teapot is always at the ready and you can be sure of awarm welcome. Our next two dates are Feb 2nd, and Mar2nd. If you need transport or further information pleasegive me (Jean Hager) a call on 531558.NEW BLOOD REQUIREDTuesday Feb 9that the village hall, the mobile blood unit will beattending, times :- from 1.30 pm to 3.30, and alsofrom 4.15pm to 7.30, to allow people coming home toget there. Most people can give blood, apart fromobvious restrictions; IF you're unsure if you candonate, please see the website (www.blood.co.uk), orcall the 24 hour Donor Helpline on 0300 123 23 23.LISTINGSArt & Artists of Abingdon Historical & Contemporary,Abingdon Museum, until May, 10.30 to 4pm, FREE admission.Oxfordshire Museum, Woodstock until March 28th ‘In thefootsteps of Henry Taunt’ (historical and contemporary photos ofthe Thames), also a selection of fine oil paintings from around thecounty, 10am to 5pm, Sun 2 to 5 (closed Mons) Free admission.Community Safety:- purse anti-theft bells available, free ofcharge, from the front desk of Abingdon Police Station, and theVoWH Local Service Point in Abingdon (Abbey House) – buthurry, stocks are limited.ARE YOU IN THE DARK ? If your streetlight isn’tworking, or wastes resources by being on in the daytime, thenPLEASE report it on the County Council hotline (free) 0800317802 - help them by giving the town, road, and ifpossible the number on the post, or the nearest house.Thanks to Derek Pooley for this recent shot of Drayton’sheavy snowfall (Dr Bette Pembridge, in explorer mode!).NEIGHBOURHOOD NEWSA very warm welcome to Colin and Christine West who haverecently moved into Sutton Wick Lane.They have come from Rickmansworth with their dog, Gipsy andtheir horse, Zero.MISSED OUT ON YOUR CHRONICLE?If by any chance your Area Agent is unable to deliver yourChronicle one month you can collect a copy from Vickery's shopin the week after normal delivery time. Lawrence has very kindlyagreed to keep a small stock for us each month.Jan/Feb 2010 Page 13

DRAYTON DIARIESDIARY FOR FEBRUARYAll events held in Drayton Hall unless otherwise statedTo book Drayton Hall ring 531418 To call the Hall ring 528686NB You may now check Hall bookings online :-www.draytonvh.org.uk or call the above numberMon 1 7.30pm Parish Council Meeting (p9) Caudwell DCSat 6 Private FunctionSun 7 Bowls (all day)Tues 9 Blood ClinicFri 12 Chronicle Adverts DEADLINE (p2)Sat 13 8.00pm Valentine’s Dance/Disco (p1 & 7)Mon 15 5.15pm CHRONICLE DEADLINE Vickery’sWed 17 Players set-up & shows (p1) until 20thSun 21 10.00am Bellringing Celebration (p4) ChurchSun 28 2.00pm Beetle Drive (p6) Caudwell DCPROFESSIONAL GARDEN SERVICESStephen R Matthews133 Kynaston Road DidcotOxfordshire OX11 8HBTel: 01235 813 598Mobile: 07796 532356All aspects of work undertaken, including:• garden clearance and restoration• fruit tree, shrub and rose pruning• hedgecutting• rockeries, turfing, trellis and fencing.Tranquil BeautyProfessional Beauty Therapyin a Relaxing EnvironmentSara Warwick VTCT07966 844409*Bio Sculpture Gel Nails*Facials – Massage - Manicures – PedicuresWaxing - Eye Treatments – Body TreatmentsGift Vouchers AvailableDISCLAIMER This Journal is published in all good faith andevery care is taken in its compilation. The organisers of theDRAYTON CHRONICLE, and its Agents, therefore accept noresponsibility for OPINIONS EXPRESSED, nor for the validity ofany ADVERTISEMENT, nor for any EFFECTS ARISINGWHATSOEVER from the publication.HAVE YOU TRIED OUR FREE RANGE EGGS?DRAYTONSUTTON COURTENAYREGULARLY OCCURRING EVENTSWeekly in Drayton Hall unless stated otherwiseMONDAYS9.00 am Pre-School Playgroup (in Term) School Ground Bldg2.00 pm Short Mat Bowling Club Session (for 3 hours)5.45 pm Beavers (Boys / girls, 6–8 yrs, Tel. 512834) Steventon Hall6.30 pm Youth Zone (to 7.30 except Bank Hols)7.00 pm Scouts (Boys / girls, 8-10 yrs, Tel. 512834) Steventon Hall7.00 pm Table Tennis (Junior coaching - 90 mins) School7.15 pm Drayton Wives Whist (3rd Monday) Caudwell DC7.30 pm Parish Council (1st Monday) Caudwell DC7.45 pm Bell-ringing (for 1½ hours) St Peter’s7.45 pm Drayton Drop-In (to 8.45, except Bank Hols)8.00 pm Table Tennis (Senior practice + playing 2 hrs) School8.30 pm Badminton (Private Group)TUESDAYS9.00 am Pre-School Playgroup (in Term) School Ground Bldg1.45 pm Drayton Art Group (until 4 pm) Caudwell Day Centre3.00 pm First Tuesday Connections (1st Tuesday) Church Room3.00 pm Junior Netball (for 1 hour) School6.00 pm Ladies’ Netball (for 1 hour) School7.30 pm League Table Tennis SchoolWEDNESDAYS9.00 am Pre-School Playgroup (in Term) School Ground Bldg11.00 am Mobile Library (Fortnightly, for 20 min) Haywards Rd11.20 am Mobile Library (Fortnightly, for 20 min) The Green Car Pk2.00 pm Whist – now each week Caudwell Day Centre2.00 pm Drayton Wives (Last Wednesday in the month)2.15 pm Badminton6.15 pm Brownies6.15 pm Cubs (Boys / girls, 8–9 yrs , Tel. 512834) Steventon Hall7.00 pm Junior Table Tennis, Age 9+ (for 1 hour) School7.00 pm Short Mat Bowling Club Session (for 3 hours)7.30 pm Bingo Session Caudwell Day Centre7.30 pm Table Tennis - League SchoolTHURSDAYS9.00 am Foot Clinic (1st Thurs) Caudwell Day Centre9.00 am Pre-School Playgroup (in Term) School Ground Bldgfollowed by lunch club and afternoon session9.30 am Holy Communion St Peter’s Lady Chapel9.30 am Parent & Toddler Group2.00 pm Short Mat Bowling Club Session (for 3 hours)7.30 pm Women’s Institute Meeting (2nd Thurs) Caudwell DC7.30 pm Sequence Dancing. Tel: 5317017.30 pm Table Tennis - League SchoolFRIDAYS9.00 am Pre-School Playgroup (in Term) Sch’l Ground Bldg11.00 am The Friday Club (fortnightly) 202466 CaudwellDay Centre7.00 pm Whist Drive (ACHLoFriends) Caudwell Day Centre7.00pm Choir Practice (alt Fridays – page 4) St Peter’sSUNDAYS8.00 am Holy Communion St Peter’s10.00 am Sung Eucharist (Family Service 2nd Sunday) St Peter’s11.15 am Family Time (1st Sun) Baptist Church6.00 pm Evening Service Baptist ChurchBrook Farm, Milton RoadSTEVENTONBROOK FARMMIL TONOPENING HOURSMon to Sat - 9.00am to 1.00pm Except Friday 9.00am to 6.00pmFREE RANGE EGGS, & POTATOES (if available)Our own lamb available May to DecemberPrinted by DATAPRINT, 11a West Way, Botley.Jan/Feb 2010 Page 14THAMES VALLEY FARMERS MARKETS – Fresh,Quality produce, Locally produced, at a Competitive price(Discover the taste of really fresh meat & veg,and buy directly from the producer)FEBRUARY Dates Abingdon (now 3rd FRIDAY) – 19thDidcot (2nd Sat) - 13th Newbury (1st & 3rd Sun) – 7th / 21stTVFM news - ring 01235 227266 - website Tvfm.org.ukUsually the markets run from about 8.30 am until lunchtime,Abingdon’s market (Didcot too), has an excellent set ofstalls, several organic meat suppliers, a fishmonger &greengrocers (remember them?!), and a great cake-maker!