This has been another busy quarter and it is most encouraging
that we seem to be growing as a community, see the many
activities discussed later in the letter.
For me the highlight of the quarter has been the ongoing
development of the Neighbourhood Plan, the Community Engagement
Workshop last month and the formal approval by WODC that the
Brize Norton Parish boundary is our Designated Plan Area. This
is an important milestone as it moves towards securing our
boundaries against encroachment by others. A big thank you to
Wendy Way and Les Goble whose enthusiasm, drive and attention to
detail has got us this far, followed closely by a thank you to
all those who attended the workshop. We look forward to
continued engagement over the coming weeks and months.
One of the key things coming out of the workshop (see fuller
report later) was the desire to have a village shop/café. With
the Agreements associated with the new development of 700 houses
getting ever closer we will shortly have the funds to develop
such a facility, however to turn this into reality we have to be
able to demonstrate local demand. One of the ways to demonstrate
this is to support our Village Post Office which is open in the
pavilion on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. The bigger the
footfall for this facility the stronger the case for the village
shop. I hope to be able to report fully on the Agreements
associated with the 700 houses and the benefits to the village
by the time we publish the next newsletter.
Despite the growing sense of community summarised above I was
disappointed to hear that declining interest has meant the
Monday Badminton Club in the Elderbank Hall and the Brize Norton
Rainbows Unit have both recently closed due to insufficient
numbers. I would like to think that it won’t be long before
someone else steps up to the plate to take on from where Tina
Claridge and Barbie Thorne have left off. Each have served their
respective activities (Tina for Badminton and Barbie for
Rainbows) for many years and as Chairman I would like to thank
them, on your behalf, for all the hours and effort that they
have put in to these activities. If you are interested in either
of these activities and potentially revitalising them then
please do get in touch with the Parish Council through the Clerk
and we will help and guide you as best we can.
Whilst on the subject of Parish engagement, Carolyn Peach, who
has been your Parish Clerk for more than six years, has decided
that changing family commitments and a growing private business
means that she can no longer fulfil the position. We are
therefore advertising for a new Parish Clerk to take on the role
from the end of the summer. If you would be interested in a
recognised paid role that requires 6-8 hours a week at the heart
of the community during an exciting period of change and growth
then please see the advertisement on the website
www.brizenortonparishcouncil.co.uk or on the village
noticeboards and contact either Carolyn or myself using the
contact details at the end of the newsletter.
On behalf of the village and the councillors (past and present)
I would like to thank Carolyn for all her guidance and support
over the years, you will be missed.
If I have not seen you at the Annual Village Assembly on 23rd
May, I hope to see you over the summer at either the NGS Gardens
Open on 18th June or the Village Bash on 9th July, but if I
don’t have a wonderful summer.
Pip
| We are looking forward to
2018 and the 100th Anniversary of the end of The Great
War. In planning for events for 2018, as a starter we
have put our village forward to light a beacon on
November 11th 2018 and it would be good to involve
various organisations in the village on this day, so
ideas would be welcomed. Another idea could be a village
New Year’s Eve party at the end of 2017 into 2018. At
the moment I am looking for ideas and people who would
like to put the ideas into practice. In the first
instance send me an email or call with ideas and offers
of help at tonyshillingford@yahoo.co.uk or 01993 847009. |
 |
Since writing the last newsletter article we have hosted a
pancake supper. Thank you to all who supported the event and
also to the school for allowing us to use their facilities.
Thank you also to those supporting the Smartie tube Lent
fundraiser. If you still have your Smartie tube donations at
home please contact Carolyn and collection can be arranged.
We welcome you to the Flower festival we host on Sunday 18 June
alongside the NGS village gardens open. The Church will be open
from 2.00pm-6.00pm.
On Sunday 25 June we welcome our current MP Robert Courts to our
congregation and invite you to join us for refreshments after
the service.
| We also look forward to taking part in
the village bash on Sunday 9 July. Come and buy from the
cake stall and also enjoy tea and cakes in the Elderbank
Hall during an afternoon of fun being organised on the
Recreation Ground. We would be pleased to receive any
donations of homemade cakes or offers of help to serve
teas. Proceeds from the cake and teas will go towards
our general funds. |
 |
 |
In September we will again be participating in the
Oxfordshire Historic Churches Trust ‘Ride and Stride,’
on Saturday 9 September. The Church will be open for
walkers and cyclists to visit and have their sponsorship
forms signed. If you would like to take part in this
fundraising initiative please contact Jacquie Griffin
841616. |
| Between 25 May and 4 June 2017, communities and
churches around the world are gathering together to pray
that their friends, families and neighbours come to know
Christ. Prayer events of all shapes and sizes will take
place including 24-7 prayer rooms, prayer walks and half
nights of prayer. Cathedrals, churches and other venues
will host events to pray for the empowering of the Holy
Spirit for effective witness. We will host a half night
of prayer on Wednesday 31 May at St Britius (6.00pm –
12.00am). For more details contact Reverend Maddern
844175 and visit www.thykingdomcome.global |
 |
At the Annual Parish Church Meeting in April we re-elected Dr
Phil Holmes as churchwarden. We continue to be indebted to Phil
and to Mary for all the work they do for the church and the
community.
The weekly ‘Pilgrim Lunch’ group continues at 12.30pm to 1.30pm
on Mondays (however there will be break over the summer from 24
July to 4 September). Come and enjoy a light lunch and join in
the weekly discussions. All are welcome.
On Tuesday mornings during term time we run ‘My Time’ – a time
to relax and take a break before you start the rest of the day
from 8.45am to 10.00am. Come for a coffee and a chat whilst the
pre-schoolers are kept busy with a range of toys and activities.
On the third Sunday of each month we welcome our curate Reverend
Ian Howard to preach. We wish Ian well on Sunday 25 June at his
priesting ceremony.
As a reminder, the first Sunday in the month is our All Age
Family communion service which starts at 10am. There are
activities organised for the children attending and refreshments
served. On the remaining Sundays in the month the 9.15am Holy
Communion service takes place.
For further details of the church services refer to the notices
on the church door or log onto the website -
www.bncommunity.org.
We have now converted the St Britius Churchyard records with
details of burials and internments of ashes. Now in digitised
form, online, you can locate your ancestors and find their
graves or memorials. This capitalises on the painstaking work of
Wendy Morgan who recorded memorial inscriptions, so with our
alphabetical index you can easily find them. Follow the links to
this information from www.bncommunity.org or go direct to
http://www.bncommunity.org/brize_norton/st_britius/churchyard.
Feedback welcome - email
p.holmes@brizenorton.org.
It was good to show pictures of old Brize Norton at the
Neighbourhood Planning Open Day on Saturday 22nd April. If you
do have any pictures or indeed anything regarding Brize Norton
village history that you have not shared before then please
contact Dr Phil Holmes (p.holmes@brizenorton.org or 01993
843856). Loan of material to scan for the benefit of all would
be most welcome.
We meet once a week during term time on a Monday evening in
the Elderbank Hall. We play games, cook, do badge work, crafts
and much more. We go on outings and sleepovers. New members are
always welcome; if you would like to come for a visit please
ring me on 842013 or drop in on a Monday evening.
Barbie Thorne
| Summer is finally here, and we are fully into our
busy time at Brize Norton Primary School. As I write,
the Year 6 children have just completed their SATs
tests, and I was extremely impressed by their mature
attitude, doing their best confidently and cheerfully.
We will have to wait until July for the results, but
they have much to be proud of already. However, the
whole school doesn’t stop for tests – in the last week
alone we have had eight fluffy chicks hatching, a lamb
and guinea pigs in school and a tennis tournament in
Carterton, not to mention all our usual clubs and
activities: Forest School, swimming, collage, street
hockey, gymnastics and more. |
 |
Over the last few weeks, we have said goodbye to two
long-standing members of staff. Mrs Coombs and Mrs Bridges have
both been amazing teaching assistants, supporting a wide range
of children in their learning and school life. I am sure that
many ex-pupils will join us in wishing them well (Mrs Coombs
with retirement and Mrs Bridges with a new job). We have
welcomed two new teaching assistants, Mrs Johnson and Mrs
Edmunds, and they have both settled in very well.
We have also started on a programme of updating our IT
equipment. If you visit three of our five classes, you will see
lovely new touch-screens replacing the old interactive
whiteboards. Apart from that, our building remains much as it
has been since the extension was built ten years ago. We are
lucky to have such lovely buildings and grounds; the story
garden is idyllic at this time of year, and after half term
children will be able to have their lunches outside under the
trees.
There is something exciting planned almost every day between now
and the summer. To keep up with what we have been doing, please
look at our website, www.brizeprimary.org. However, there are a
couple of things I would like to draw your attention to. On
Tuesday 20th June, we will be taking over the Rec for our PE Wow
Day. We will be doing a range of sports, including things we are
not usually able to do in school such as BMX and archery. Then,
on Sunday 9th July, it’s the summer fete, shared between Brize
Norton village and the school. It’s a space theme, and there
will be lots to enjoy: if the date is not yet in your diary,
please put it in because it would be lovely to see you there.
I’d just like to finish with some thank-yous: to the Parish
Council for their generosity in allowing us to use the Rec and
the car park; to our neighbours for their forbearance when we
sometimes make noise or have visitors who park in an awkward
place; to all the volunteers who come in and support our
children; and of course to the staff, parents and children who
make our little school what it is.
Best wishes and I hope you all have a lovely summer,
Anna Fairhurst (Headteacher)
This is our busiest time of year as preparations are underway
for our contributions to the Village Bash on 9th July. The
burgers and sausages for the BBQ have been ordered from Castles
Butchers in Burford, so we know they will be delicious! Delivery
of the jousting horse has been confirmed; this was a great hit
last year and is back by request. Year 6 pupils, who have just
finished their SATS tests, are now designing their own stalls
and games, this comes as a welcome change from the pressures of
test week. Of course there will also be a performance to look
forward to, we don't want to spoil the surprise so you'll have
to come along on the day and take a look. Last, but not least,
the Auction; every year we run an auction and we have had some
tremendous items donated over the years. This year we are going
online so that anyone and everyone, whether involved with the
school or not, can make a bid or even donate an item. Please
take a look: https://auctionofpromises.com/2017BrizeNortonSchool.
More prizes will be added over the next few weeks so do keep
checking in.
We look forward to seeing you all on 9th July!
From The School Association
The date is fast approaching for our annual
Village Gardens Open Day. So put the 18th June in your diaries,
from 2 pm until 6 pm, tickets available on the day from the
Elderbank Village Hall and at each one of the Open Gardens.
There will be 8 glorious gardens open and the flower festival in
St Britius Church. The gardens vary enormously in size and style
and are well worth a visit. We hope that they will inspire you
to become more adventurous and creative in your own gardens.
As you may recall from the previous issue of the
Newsletter it is the NGS’s 90th Anniversary of this
Charitable Event so we have added an extra Event to be
held on the same afternoon. This will be an exhibit held
at Barnstable House of life size soft sculptors of
Alice, the Mad Hatter and friends in a Tea Party setting
along with a Mad Hatters Wacky Hats sale. The sale will
consist of autumn and winter, children’s and teens Hats
and Beanies, most being original designs, not found on
the High Street. The full collection for sale can now be
previewed on our web site at: www.ourgarden.org.uk. All
proceeds from this hat sale will go directly to the
Cancer Research charity.
|
 |
So if you haven’t visited us before please do come along and
have a great afternoon, not forgetting the delicious Tea’s and
Cake’s the WI will have available at Elderbank Hall and at
Lucy’s Grange Farm Open Garden. Plants will also be available
for sale at some gardens on the day.
A big thank you to all of the Gardeners, WI and the Floral
Arrangers for taking part in this annual charitable Event who
give so much of their time and hard work to make this such a
successful Open Day Event for our Village.
Details and photos of all of the Gardens that will be Open on
Sunday 18th June are displayed on the Village Web Site at:
www.bncommunity.org/ngs
From: All the Members of the NGS Open Day Gardeners Event
looking forward to meeting you all.
This year’s event is being held on Sunday 9th
July at the village Recreation Ground.
PLEASE ‘SAVE THE DATE’ and come along and enjoy the afternoon’s
fun and games.
The theme this year is SPACE – the final frontier a
space captain once said.
To help advertise the event we are asking villagers of
all ages or family groups to build and display in the
gardens a ‘SPACE SCARECROW’. There is a guide image in
this newsletter to give you an idea – but it can be
anything that your creative minds can come up with. On
the 9th if you could bring all the Space scarecrows to
the Rec please, as prizes will be awarded to the best
exhibits. Please read the rules of the competition,
available in this newsletter or on the BNPC website.
There is a space themed fancy dress competition, plus a
treasure hunt – where space cadets can go looking for
the milky way or a galaxy or even mars….
The day will also offer plenty of stalls and games to
play plus a BBQ, tea and cakes and a licensed bar. We
have live music, thanks to Saxophony, jousting,
Crocodiles of the World, a Zumba display, junior sports
events and lots more. |
 |
The Brize Norton School Association are also organising a
‘Summer Auction’ with one of the ‘lots’ being a visit and guided
tour to the Aston Martin site… very James Bond! Another is a
golf lesson at Burford Golf Club, plus Liz Evans beauty
treatment. For full details of all the lots and how you can bid
plus terms visit the online auction site: https://auctionofpromises.com/2017BrizeNortonSchool.
The auction will close on the 7th July 2017 at 10.00pm - with
the winners being announced at the Village Bash.
More attraction will be confirmed between this newsletter going
to print and the big day, please keep an eye out for updates and
posters around the village.
Do come along and enjoy the one day the whole village can come
together and support the local school and village organisations.
One could say ‘It’s out of this world’
Look forward to seeing you all on the 9th July BN Village Bash
Scarecrow competition rules
The organising committee welcomes entries from residents and
those living outside the parish to make and display a SPACE
themed scarecrow. Families may enter more than one scarecrow –
have a look at our sample scarecrow on the allotments.
Your scarecrow should be displayed at the latest in its garden
location by 9.00am on Thursday 6 July, but we would encourage
you to display your creations as early as possible to advertise
the Village Bash. We ask that they are then brought to the
village bash on Sunday 9 July at 2pm for final judging.
Competitors are responsible for displaying their scarecrows at
the event and after the event has been judged entrants are
responsible for clearing away their own scarecrow by 5.30pm.
The scarecrow can be smaller but should not be larger than 2.0m
wide x 2.0m high. All scarecrows should be constructed to
consider the prospect of inclement weather. All entrants are
reminded that this is a public event and all scarecrows must be
made and displayed in good taste. The Committee reserve the
right to withdraw any scarecrows that they deem unsuitable. Any
entrant designing their scarecrow to cause deliberate offence
will be disqualified.
Scarecrows should be placed in a safe location and should be
clearly visible from the road. They should be secured so that
they will not blow away, and in a position that will not cause a
danger, injury, or annoyance to others. The organising Committee
will not be held responsible for any damage to Third Party
property caused by the creation or insecurity of scarecrows.
Owners are held solely responsible for the safety and security
of their scarecrow.
Photographs will be taken of all scarecrows to assist with
judging. Photographs may be published on the Brize Norton Parish
website or used for other purposes after the event. If you do
not want your photograph to be used please let us know by
writing this on your entry form.
| Prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd will be awarded. The
scarecrow judges’ interpretation of these rules and any
decisions made by them are absolutely final. Prize
winners will be announced and presentations will be made
at the Village Bash on 9th July on the Recreation Ground
(timing to be confirmed). |
 |
All entry forms must be submitted to the parish clerk, by Midday
on Friday 30 June 2015 – by e-mail or delivery.
SCARECROW COMPETITION
Entrant name ……………………………………………………………………………
Address for display of scarecrow ………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………
Contact telephone number ………………………………………………………………
I am happy/not happy for photos of my scarecrow to be used in
publicity events (delete as appropriate). I agree to the terms
and conditions of the competition
Signed …………………………………………………………….…..
Return to Carolyn Peach, 52a Station Road, Brize Norton or scan
to clerk@brizenortonparishcouncil.co.uk to be received by Friday
30 June 2015
The Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group would like
to thank everyone who attended our first Community Engagement
event on Saturday 22nd April.
Using the various feedback mechanisms, the attendees provided us
with 2,157 comments to analyse!
The ‘headline’ feedback is as follows:-
* The friendly neighbourhood/community,
village location/open countryside and school are highly
valued.
* Designate conservation areas and nature trail.
* Village events promote a community spirit so provide more
events and a local shop.
* High level of concern about traffic volumes, speeding and
traffic calming measures.
* Provision of foot paths and cycle paths for both commuting
and recreation.
* Not enough recreation facilities for all age groups.
* Majority of people consider that additional housing is not
required. However, if it was to be built, emphasis on homes
for first time buyers.
* If business land was to be provided, it should be outside
the village but within the Parish.
This feedback will now give us sufficient relevant
data to produce a more detailed questionnaire which will
go out to every household in the near future.
We hope that you will complete this document as it’s
your views that will lead to a successful plan. |
 |
For further information, please visit our web site
www.brizenortonplan.org.uk which is being constantly updated.
STOP PRESS – West Oxfordshire District Council have approved
Brize Norton Parish boundary as our designated plan area.
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.
|
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Another season is over and, as with the last
few, it has been a tough one.
The 1sts finished in 10th place out of 11 in Division
2.....equal on points with 9th place but goal difference means
relegation. The Reserves finished a respectable 7th in Division
4.
A big Thank you to Rob Hook and Mark Carpenter for managing the
teams through a difficult season again....to Olly Puddle for his
general help in lots of roles, Fred Bellenger for cutting the
pitch, Nick Merriman for running the bar and Bob and Margaret
Watts for match day catering. Thank you too for all those others
that have helped out and the players for their efforts.
The Club still needs players and anyone is welcome to come along
for pre-season training. Please check the website for details of
start date and friendlies.
 |
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
Furthermore, if any one would like to join us on this special
Garden Open Day Event, then please feel free to contact me, Jean
Butcher on 01993 841347. |
 |
We meet in the Elderbank Hall every Thursday evening
7.30pm-9.30pm. We dance ballroom, Latin and sequence
dances to CDs. We have tea and biscuits in the interval.
Any information - please ring Joy on 01993 842373. |
 |
Our open meeting to the village was a talk given by
Captain Mannion on his time as an airline pilot which
was very informative and ended with members and visitors
having a competition for the best flying airplane which
was fun and was won by one or of our guests. Last month
we were given an inspirational talk by Keith Jansz who
is a mouth painter and his paintings were lovely. He
has an exhibition of his paintings at The Methodist
Church, Newbury Street, Wantage, OX12 8DA on the 8th,
9th and 10th June from 11am to 5pm which should be worth
a visit. |
 |
Our next speakers are as follows:-
June 13th - A creative life - Christine Green
July 11th - Blood Riders - Capt. Kamran Irani
August 8th - Outing to Upton House
We are having a promotional table at the Village Fete on July
9th so please do come and visit us and see what we get up to. We
meet at Elderbank Hall on the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 7.30pm
and all are welcome.
Sue Calcutt
20 minutes of three different types of exercise,
£5 per session, Wednesday nights, Elderbank Hall, 8-9pm, Call
Steph 07970 831061
We enjoyed a nice trip to Evesham and the weather
was sunny. Sue’s seated exercise was fun and so was
Cliff’s sing-a-long.
Future events are:
Tuesday 23rd May: Coach to Stratford
Tuesday 6th June: Meal at The Chequers
Tuesday 20th June: COFFEE MORNING 10.30am at Joy’s,
4 Squires Close,
ALL WELCOME
Tuesday 4th July: Cream Tea
Tuesday 18th July: Tea at Thrupp, by the canal
The future programme had not been planned yet but a
trip to Cirencester has been suggested.
We are a village group of 26 members; we meet twice a
month on the first and third Tuesdays of each month with
either a meeting or a trip out. We meet at 4 Squires
Close at 2pm. We enjoy sandwiches, tea and homemade
cakes, thanks to June, Connie and Benita.
The programme is posted on the village notice board, or
contact Joy on 842373 |
 |
BAMPTON PHYSIOTHERAPY
 |
Gym ball classes at Elderbank Hall on Wednesdays
7.15pm – 8.00pm. All abilities and ages welcome. Contact
us on 01993 851753 bamptonphysio@btconnect.com
www.bampton-physiotherapy.co.uk
|
Michael your postmaster attends the Sports
Pavilion on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 9.30am and 12.30pm.
Your village Post Office provides all of the traditional post
office services. PLEASE SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL POST OFFICE
 |
Quantum computing with atoms to zebra fish babies.
Hear like an insect, build a star or watch a contagious
cabaret – it could only be the Oxfordshire Science
Festival. Programme out May 2017, events for all.
Look again
?Look deeper
Explore your world
|
CALENDAR OF EVENTS – please
refer to newsletter for further information
23 May Annual Village
Assembly – 7.30pm The Elderbank Hall
5 June Ordinary meeting Brize Norton Parish
Council 7.30pm The Pavilion
8 June General election – polling station
Elderbank Hall, Brize Norton
13 June WI meeting – ‘A Creative Life’
18 June Village gardens open for the
National Garden Scheme - 2pm to 6pm
3 July Ordinary meeting Brize Norton Parish
Council 7.30pm The Pavilion
9 July Village Bash – details in this
magazine and on posters
7 August Ordinary meeting Brize Norton
Parish Council 7.30pm The Pavilion
27 August Village Sports and Social Club Day
All entries for inclusion in the September
2017 issue should be received by Garry Griffin
at garry.griffin@tesco.net by 14th August 2017.
|
