The NEWSLETTER BRlZE NORTON PARISH COUNCIL

BRIZE NORTON

March 2015

Issue no. 144

Chairman's Report

May I encourage all parishioners to attend the Annual Village Parish meeting Tuesday 19th May 2015 at 7.30 p.m at the Elderbank Hall. This is the ideal opportunity to have your views heard and to hear at first hand reports from The Primary School, Thames Valley Police, Oxfordshire County and West Oxfordshire district councillors, and RAF Brize Norton. Parish councillors will be in attendance to answer any questions you may have or seek an answer to your question. This is the main event of the year when Parish, County and District Councillors are a captive audience for your suggestions to improve life in the village and Oxfordshire in general. Of course there will be a general election on the 7th May so some of the names and policies may change!

At a full meeting of West Oxfordshire District Council (WODC) held on Wednesday 25th February the council passed a resolution to issue the new (slightly revised?) Local Plan for consultation for the 6 week statutory period in March 2015. Should any person wish to study the document it can be found on the WODC website. I suspect BNAG will be keen to return to active duty!!
 

t Britius - In this edition of the Newsletter I feel that the Church team who have achieved so much recently deserve our special thanks. The team that supports the church activities has been outstanding. The replacement of the church roof was a mammoth undertaking. Not content to rest on their laurels, the church heating has now been updated and the church bells will soon be ringing again. With the bells ringing can we say the church is complete? Well done to James and his team, you all deserve an Oscar.

With spring approaching the newly planted daffodils on Manor Road are growing rapidly; thanks to the ladies of the WI for arranging for these bulbs to be planted. They will certainly compliment the trees which were planted last year.

As usual in Brize Norton there are a whole host of activities for people of all ages.
Please remember when you or your children are attending these activities someone has given up their time to make these events possible. Please ask yourself whether you could assist in the organising or running of an activity. Can you spare two or three hours a week? Please try and offer your services to assist the hard pressed few who manage to keep things going for the benefit of all your help would really be appreciated.

Keith

NATIONAL GARDEN SCHEME OPEN DAY
14 JUNE 2015

Make a date for your diaries to support the six gardens and flower festival taking part in the NGS Open Day. The Open Day will be on the 14th June 2015, so as to avoid any clashes with the other Village’s Summer Event’s. The Gardens will be open from 2 pm until 6 pm. We would also love to have any other green fingered villagers who would like to join with us in raising funds for the NGS Charity. So please contact me on 01993 841347 if you are interested with a view of opening your Garden in 2016 and I will explain the procedure for you to have your garden registered with the NGS. This will involve a short visit by our local area NGS representative just to check that your Garden conforms to the requirements as laid down by the NGS. No Garden will be rejected for being too small or too large. Thank you. Jean Butcher

BRIZE NORTON ACTION GROUP

Following our last meeting we have decided to put BNAG into a 'holding pattern' with informal meetings every three months or at other times if circumstances dictate.

We will continue to work closely with the Parish Council and with villagers in case there are areas in which we can lend support.

From Keith Beckingham on behalf of Brize Norton Action Group

BRIZE NORTON DANCE CLUB

We meet in the Elderbank Hall every Thursday evening from 7.30pm to 9.30pm. We dance ballroom, Latin American and sequence dances to CD’s. We have tea and biscuits in the interval - only £2 per person. Everyone is welcome to join us. For more information contact Joy on 01993 842373

BRIZE NORTON FOOTBALL CLUB

It has been a tough season and going in to the last 5 or 6 games both teams are battling to avoid relegation. The 1sts and Reserves have had some positive results but the lack of regular players week in week out have not helped either team. Training is still taking place at the Carterton 3G pitch on a Tuesday evening between 8-9pm and will continue until the end of March and then revert back to The Rec. Anyone interested in playing is welcome to come along.
Simon Cook

BRIZE NORTON PRIMARY SCHOOL

Brize Norton Primary School has been very busy since the last village newsletter. Although it seems a long time ago now, I need to mention the Christmas celebrations: the bazaar, the craft morning, the Christmas dinner (delicious, cooked on-site and shared with people who have volunteered in the school over the year), the carol service in church and, of course, two full-scale musical productions ensured we all enjoyed the season. Since then, the children have been getting on with their learning and making good progress. We have had a couple of school trips. There have been several sporting events with other schools and Class 2 have been to Waitrose at Cheltenham. This may seem slightly odd, but it is all tied up with their topic of the Great Fire of London, which started in a bakery: the children saw how they make bread nowadays as well as having the chance to bake themselves. We have had various other fun activities in school. Recently Class 3 have examined and dissected crabs and prawns while learning about exoskeletons in Science and Class 2 have set fire to their models of Pudding Lane, recreating the Great Fire and learning about combustion at the same time. Class 4 have become computer programmers, using Scratch to write games for each other to play, and our youngest children in Class 1 have been studying fairy tales, including dressing up, storytelling and writing about characters themselves. Reading what they have written, it’s hard to imagine that they only started school in September!

Between now and Easter we are planning a whole-school topic relating to Art around the world. All the children will have a workshop at the Ashmolean Museum and work with a professional potter and dancer; we are hoping the end result will be new artwork in the school hall.

In December, our crossing patrol officer, Rose Meadows, retired. We are grateful to Rose for the many years of service she has given to Brize Norton children crossing what can be a dangerous road. Unfortunately, Oxfordshire County Council has not as yet been able to appoint a replacement. If you know of anybody who might be interested in the post, please let me know; meanwhile, I would ask drivers to be careful driving past the school at the beginning and end of the school day.

The School Association has been very active as always. Over the autumn term, they made £1,542.08! This was through the disco, quiz night, bazaar, Christmas craft morning and uniform sale. Thank you very much to the committee, who work very hard to enable these events to happen, and also to everyone who has attended any of these events. All the money will go towards activities or resources for the children; already this term we have bought new books for younger children and agreed to buy things for the children to play with in the playground.

The next School Association event is the quiz night on Friday 13th March at 7pm. It will be a fun, pub quiz-style evening with a buffet laid on by the School Association and puddings provided by competition entrants. Bring your own wine/ beers/ squash/ pop, and a few nibbles to keep you going, and sneak your pudding entries in on the night. Entry is £6 per person, maximum 6 in a team. All are welcome, whether or not you have children at the school. If you would like to come, please send your money to the school in an envelope marked “School Association Quiz Night”. I hope to see you there. In the meantime, you can keep informed of what is happening at the school through our school website (www.bnschool.org.uk) or Twitter (@brizeprimary).

Anna Fairhurst (Head teacher)

Support the school by signing up to Easyfundraising.org.uk Shop at over 2,000 well known retailers and earn a donation for the school at no additional cost to you. To register, search for our school after visiting www.easyfundraising.org.uk/pta. Registration is quick, simple and free.
 

BRIZE NORTON WOMEN’S INSTITUTE Firstly I would like to thank the small group of helpers who planted daffodil bulbs in Manor Road at the end of last year.  We are looking forward to seeing a cheery entrance to the village and hope they will be enjoyed by all. We had an excellent Christmas Lunch at The Bay Tree in Burford before starting the New Year with our first speaker in January, David Lord who explained to us what goes on at an auctioneers. This was followed up by him looking at members' treasures and giving them an insight about their origins. We also had cake and wine to celebrate the 90th birthday of Barbara Davies who is a long standing member and who has always been active in the WI.  February is Members' Night which is always a treat as nobody knows who the speaker will be except the few members who have arranged it.  Our March meeting is our AGM where Jean Geary, a vice president of the Oxfordshire Federation of WI, will be talking to us about "What the County Does for Us". The schedule for the following meetings is: 14th April we will be entertained by an artist - Brian Marshall whose talk will be "Puddles of colour" 12th May we are having a visit from the Launston Hand bell Ringers. This year to raise funds we aim to have a stall at The Tolsey in Burford on July 4th and a Car Boot sale at Ducklington. Please come and join us in the Elderbank Hall on the second Tuesday of each month at 7.30pm where you will be warmly welcomed. Sue Calcutt

ALLOTMENTS

The 6 monthly allotment holders meeting will be held on Monday 13 April at 7pm at The Pavilion. The clerk will be available from 6.30pm to take receipt of rents due.

If you are interested in renting a plot please contact the clerk to be added to a short waiting list; Brize Norton parishioners get priority.

ST BRITIUS CHURCH

Thank you to everyone who took part in our Christmas services especially the Candlelit Carol Service either as readers or the children who took part in the nativity tableau. Thank you also to residents of Honeyham Close, Chestnut Close, Southmere and Chichester Place who contributed to our collection on our cold evening of carol singing.

In February we have again utilised the open space we have made at the back of the Church. Everyone in the congregation made christingles whilst they sat and enjoyed refreshments during our Christingle service and pancakes were cooked and tossed and enjoyed by those attending the pancake supper - we raised just over £250 for our general funds. In April we are looking forward to welcoming the WI as they utilise this space for their baton relay celebration event.

The work on the heating system is completed. We are indebted to Stuart Finlayson and Garry Griffin for the hours of work put in by on this project. In April we look forward to hearing the church bells once again as we are installing a chiming mechanism. Another project that also needs to be addressed in the near future is the churchyard extension wall. Unfortunately there has been a collapse and a hole has appeared. If you have the skills and would like to have a project to help repair this dry stone wall we would be delighted to hear from you.

During Lent we are supporting the WaterAid ‘Jars of Change’ appeal. If you would like to take part please collect a jar and flyer from the church. The appeal encourages you to put money in your jar that you would have otherwise spent on your favourite chocolate or drink that you may have abstained from during Lent. For more details speak to Rev Maddern – 844175 or vicbrizecarterton@btinternet.com .

Thank you to everyone who has renewed their membership of the Friends and supported us over the last year. If you are not already a member please consider joining – we ask for a minimum donation of £10 and you will receive a newsletter to keep you up to date with our future projects. We would like to install a screen rather than the current hessian sheet above the tower access door to cut down on the draughts.

We would welcome you to join us for the following events and special services:

Saturday 7th March we are having a social ‘Spring Lunch’ at The Chequers from 12.30pm. If you would like to join us let James know – you can order and pay for your own lunch from the pub menu at the time.

Our Mothering Sunday Service is Sunday 15th March and everyone is welcome. Children are invited to come to 52a Station Road on Saturday 14th March at 3pm to make posies that will then be presented at the 11.00 am Holy Communion Service (no 9.15 am service).

Sunday 10th May we have a special 11.00am service for laying up of the 216 squadron standard (again no 9.15am service)

Our Easter services will start on Palm Sunday, 29th March with the 9.15am Communion Service and then continue as follows: Maundy Thursday – 2nd April – Holy Communion at 7pm Good Friday – 3rd April – service of reflection and prayer at 6pm Easter Day – 5th April – Family Communion at 10am (note no 9.15am service) Alongside the Pilgrim discussion group each Monday lunchtime 12.30pm to 1.00pm (soup lunch provided) we are running a Lent Course ‘The Good, the Bad and the Ugly’ at Church Farm House, Wednesday evenings 7.30pm for the five weeks beginning 25th February. All are welcome.

The Forest Church, an opportunity to encounter God in the wild places, meets at the metal horses, Kilkenny Country Park from 2.30pm to 3.30pm on the following dates:

Sunday 29 March Let’s make crosses Sunday 26 April Let’s explore Sunday 31 May Let’s make shelters Sunday 28 June Let’s walk Sunday 12 July Let’s celebrate

Buggy club will resume on Tuesday 14 April, 9.30am to 11.00am in the Church each Tuesday morning – an opportunity for toddlers to play with refreshments served.

In addition to the 9.15am Holy Communion services each Sunday, on the 1st and 3rd Sundays there is a Light Zone service – an informal worship with activities arranged for the children attending and songs, prayers and refreshments. For further details of the church services refer to the notices on the church door or log onto the website www.bncommunity.org.

Be in the know about planning applications near your home

Want to find out when someone puts in for planning near your home? Interested in tracking the progress of planning applications for our village/town?

You can now sign up to receive emails from West Oxfordshire District Council to find out when a planning application is registered within 500 metres of your home, and choose whether to track its progress or submit your views about the application quickly and simply online. The email notifications service is part of improvements to the planning section of the council’s website to make it easier to find out about applications online. What’s more, you can also get weekly reminders about your waste collections so you know which bins to put out, as well as opt to receive alerts in the event of changes to your collections due to bank holidays. To register to ‘Be in the Know’: ·         visit www.westoxon.gov.uk/beintheknow and follow the simple registration steps. To find out more about planning in West Oxfordshire www.westoxon.gov.uk/planning or waste in West Oxfordshire www.westoxon.gov.uk/waste or call 01993 861000.

BRIZE NORTON OVER 60’s CLUB

We all enjoyed our Christmas meal at The Trout, Lechlade.
Since Christmas we have had our quiz meeting and sing-a-long with Cliff. The meal at the Chequers was excellent and enjoyed by all. We are looking forward to our coach trip to Newbury.

March 3rd Coach trip to Newbury March 17th Coffee Morning 10.30am At Joy’s, 4 Squire Close Bring and buy – Raffle – ALL WELCOME The future programme will include a party and music at Horace’s, tea by the canal at Thrupp, a coach trip, a meal out – the final programme is being drawn up. Dates will be posted on the noticeboard.

The Over 60’s club is a small group, 27 members of mostly village residents or with village connections. We meet on 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of each month for either a meeting or outing. Meetings take place at 4 Squires Close, Brize Norton at 2pm. We enjoy meeting people and after the talk or demonstration we enjoy a tea of sandwiches, homemade cakes and a cup of tea. Thanks to June, Connie and Benita.
If you would like more information please contact Joy on 01993 842373.

RAF BRIZE NORTON

The Parish Council have been asked to distribute this information received from Flt Lt Dave Howell of RAF Brize Norton.

Drones / Small Unmanned Aircraft

The continuing increase in the recreational use of small drones (Small Unmanned Aircraft (SUA) and Small Unmanned Surveillance Aircraft (SUSA)), has led to concerns that controlled airspace infringements will become more frequent and that the risks of aerial collisions with other manned aircraft will increase. For flight safety reasons the following basic rules should be followed and further information for the pilots of SUAs is at the link CAA Information and guidance on SUA and SUSA

You must request permission from the CAA if you plan to fly the aircraft on a commercial basis (i.e. conducting ‘aerial work’) or fly a camera/surveillance fitted aircraft within congested areas or closer than 50 metres to people or property which are not under your control 
A SUA of more than 7 Kg must not be flown within controlled airspace or an Aerodrome Traffic Zone (ATZ) unless prior permission has been obtained from the relevant Air Traffic Control unit.

Operators of any SUA weighing 7 kg or less are strongly advised for collision avoidance purposes, to remain clear of charted aerodromes by at least a distance of
5 km, whether or not the aerodrome is in controlled airspace or has an associated Air Traffic Zone.

The SUA is never to be flown beyond the Visual Line of Sight, which is termed as being the maximum distance that the pilot is able to maintain separation and collision avoidance, under the prevailing atmospheric conditions, with the unaided eye (other than corrective lenses). For flights within Line of Sight, the pilot is required to employ the See-and-Avoid principle through continued observation of the aircraft, and the airspace around it, with respect to other aircraft and objects. Within the UK, Visual Line of Sight operations are normally accepted out to a maximum distance of 500 metres horizontally, and 400 feet vertically, from the pilot.

Under the Air Navigation Order, operators of an SUA must not recklessly or negligently cause or permit their aircraft to endanger any person or property.

Sky Lanterns

Sky lanterns can travel considerable distances and although the risk is small they still constitute a real danger to other aircraft. The basic rules are: - If more than 10 are to be released then the Event Organiser (EO) is to contact the CAA 28 days in advance using the form DAP 1918 DAP 1918              - If 10 or less are to be released within 10 nautical miles of an airfield then the EO must contact Air Traffic Control (ATC) at that airfield. (10 nautical miles equates to 11.5 statute miles) - If 10 or less are to be released outside of 10 nautical miles from an airfield then no contact with the CAA or ATC is required. The CAA policy document ‘CAP 736 Operation of Directed Light, Fireworks, Toy Balloons and Sky Lanterns within UK Airspace’ is http://www.caa.co.uk/docs/33/CAP736.PDF

Road Safety

There has been a number of occasions when vehicles have jumped the red light on the traffic lights on Station Road, Brize Norton. These lights are by the threshold of Runway 26 and are designed to protect both aircraft and crossing vehicles, especially when an aircraft is taking off and the jet or propeller wash, with any associated debris, is blowing across the road. You are reminded when using this route to obey the traffic lights.

STREETLIFE A new local community website for West Oxfordshire

Streetlife, the local social network, has a simple aim: to help people make the most of where they live by connecting with their neighbours.
The website provides a free and easy place to share local news, views, recommendations and resources, enabling people with busy routines or reduced mobility to keep in touch with their community.

Conversations started on Streetlife have helped unite lost pets with owners, expose doorstep scammers, save threatened public services and recall local history.  The site is also encouraging real-world friendships, with neighbours sharing gardening equipment, IT advice and dentist recommendations, organising craft groups, street parties and book clubs.
 
Streetlife invites everyone – residents, groups, local government representatives and businesses – to share their knowledge, discuss the local issues they care about, and help build a stronger, better connected community.

Get involved! Sign up and join the local conversation on streetlife.com.


WITNEY AND CARTERTON HEALTH WALKS

Witney - We meet at Witney’s Windrush Leisure Centre at 10 am on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. There is no charge. We do two walks; one is 1-2 miles long, the other 2-3 miles both ending up with a cup of coffee. For more information ring Joy on 01993 842373. Carterton - On Monday, Thursday and Saturday we meet at the Town Hall, Carterton at 10am. The walks are 1–2 miles long. For more information contact Barbara Goudal on 01993 845923

YOUR VILLAGE POST OFFICE (AT YOUR SERVICE)

Did you know that your village Post Office provides all of the services listed below and lots more?

* Traditional letter and parcel posting including next day deliveries and eBay services.
* Banking – (Cash/Cheque/Bank card deposits and withdrawal) if you bank with the following banks: Bank of Ireland, Barclays, Cahoot,
         Clydesdale, Co-op, Lloyds, TSB, Nationwide Building Society, NatWest, Santander, Halifax, RBS and Smile.
* National Savings & Investment including Premium bonds.
* Bill Payment – Most household bills including BT phone bills can be paid free of fees.
* Foreign currency – generally commission free with 3 days’ notice, MoneyGram.
* Travel Insurance – Inland and overseas (provided on the spot).
* Home Phone – Incentive to transfer your current home telephone service.
* Household Home Insurance – Competitive.
* Car Insurance – There is £50 cash back on take up.
* Mobile phone Top-up.
* Health Lottery
* Groceries – limited quantity of snacks and groceries too.

PLEASE SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL POST OFFICE

We have an ageing cliental at present and would very much welcome young parents to use our facilities; at a time when the post office network is under threat we need your support. Michael your postmaster attends the Sports Pavilion on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 9.30am and 12.30pm.
 

BRIZE NORTON VILLAGE PRESCHOOL

You are invited to come and join in the Easter fun with the preschool at their Easter Fayre Thursday 19 March 2015 at 10.30am Refreshments, Raffle, cake stall and games

* Leading researchers talk on the latest developments in cancer, dementia, heart disease and more
* Discover through interactive exhibitions hoe technology is revolutionising healthcare both in the hospital and at home
* Take a tour behind the scenes of Oxford’s hospitals
* Find out how you can get involved in medical research to improve patient care

Everyone is welcome – talks, tours and exhibitions are FREE

For more information on Oxford BRC Open Weeks www.oxfordbrc.nihr.ac.uk

Vaccines and Infectious Diseases – Friday 6th March 2015 9.30am to 3.30pm
Oxford University Museum of Natural History – Meet scientists, clinicians and research students to learn about the impact research has on society; Learn about career paths in science
Acute Vascular Imaging Centre (AVIC) – Tuesday 10th March 2015 4pm to 5pm
John Radcliffe Hospital – take a tour behind the scenes of AVIC with a talk on emerging techniques in diagnosing heart attacks and strokes
Research into Heart Health – Tuesday 10th March 2015 6pm to 8pm
Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre – a series of talks and live demonstrations on the latest research in heart health
Innovation in Healthcare Research – Wednesday 11th March 2015 12pm to 6pm
Oxford Martin School, University of Oxford – find about the latest technology in healthcare at this exciting exhibition in the centre of Oxford
Improving Healthcare Through Research Thursday 12th March 2015 6pm to 8pm
Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre – a series of talks on the latest research in cancer, blood and Genomic Medicine
The Human Brain in Action Monday 16th March 2015 6pm to 8pm
John Radcliffe Hospital – see the human brain in action from the control room of the ultra-high field MRI scanner at Oxford University’s Centre for Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Brain
Tackling Brain Disease Wednesday 18th March 2015 6pm to 8pm
Mathematical Institute, University of Oxford – a series of talks on the latest research in brain diseases

The BRC brings together the research expertise of the University of Oxford, the clinical skills of the staff of Oxford University Hospital NHS Trust and the experiences of patients to improve healthcare.

Spaces are limited, to book please e-mail obrcenquiries@ouh.nhs.uk

BRIZE NORTON COMMUNITY WEBSITE The location of the village website has changed. The community site can now be found at www.bncommunity.org. Apologies to those who have been unable to find us at the old address. So if you are looking for news and information about the church, the school and the parish please use the new address. There are a number of additions to the history pages on the website. I have added old pictures of Brize Norton, a write up about the Oxford Museum's involvement with the School and the model carts, and I am adding some interesting and amusing material from the Base when it was home to the United States Airfield. I have a number of other items of local historical interest to add and welcome any other material that we can share on the website. Finally, I have put the latest version of my book about Brize Norton and WW1 on the website as a pdf file. My thanks to everyone who has provided information over the past months. I can be reached at a new email address at p.holmes@brizenorton.org. Feedback and new information is always welcome. Dr Phil Holmes

POT HOLE COMPLAINT

If you identify a pot hole please report it to Oxfordshire County Council Highways either online at Oxfordshire.gov.uk or phone 0845 3101111 or write to Highway Enquiries Team, Oxfordshire County Council, PO Box 842, OXFORD OX1 9LL

CARTERTON NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICING TEAM The Thames Valley Police Non-Emergency number is 101 but always call 999 in an Emergency. E-mail the team at cartertonbamptonburford@thamesvalley.pnn.police.uk

REPATRIATIONS

Details of repatriations are usually received on a Monday. Notices will be displayed on the village notice boards at the earliest opportunity. Further details may be found on the Oxfordshire County Council web site. Please note timings are always subject to change.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

 – please refer to newsletter for further information`
2 March Parish Council meeting, 7.30pm, Sports pavilion
7 March Church spring lunch, The Chequers, 12.30pm
13 March Primary school quiz, 7.30pm, school hall
17 March Coffee morning, 10.30am, 4 Squire’s Close
19 March Pre-school Easter Fayre, 10.30am, Elderbank Hall
13 April Allotment holders meeting, 7 pm, Sports pavilion
13 April Parish Council meeting, 7.30pm, Sports Pavilion
10 May Laying up service of 216 squadron standard, 11.00am, St Britius
11 May Annual & Ordinary Parish Council meeting, 7.30pm, Sports pavilion
19 May Annual village meeting, 7.30pm, Elderbank Hall
1 June Parish Council meeting, 7.30pm Sports Pavilion
14 June NGS Open Gardens

All entries for inclusion in the June 2015 issue should be received by the clerk by
15 May 2015.