Brize Norton Parish Council Newsletter

The Communities of Brize Norton and Carterton

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Here is the text from the March 2007 Newsletter
Published here with permission of the Parish Council.

CHAIRS REPORT 

It has been a busy start to the year, Flooding, Roof of the pavilion blown off during gales and the official announcement of the planned expansion of Royal Air Force Brize Norton. Firstly the flooding situation. Our sympathy goes out to those who suffered from ingress of water. Your Parish Council continues to make strong representation to the relevant authorities: - The Environment Agency, (EA) Thames Water, (TW) Oxfordshire County Council (OCC) and West Oxfordshire District Council (WODC). 

Flooding

The current situation is that a meeting was held at RAF Brize Norton on the 13 February 2007 of all of the above authorities plus the company responsible for drainage on Ministry of Defence (MOD) property (Brey Services). During the meeting the catchments area feeding streams running through Brize Norton Village were discussed. 

1. The quarry at the top of the catchments area is licensed to pump water out of the quarry; it is believed this has caused problems in the Kilkenny Lane area and consequently areas downstream. Action - The EA will check licence to determine possible consequences/impact on flooding. WODC to carry out regular checks of the quarry and surrounding area. 
2. Country Park. This is part of the ongoing development at the north of Carterton. Surface water run off is considered to be greater than the original green field run-off.  Action - WODC are investigating the installation of a perforated pipe system WODC are also researching re-contouring one side of the Country Park. 
3. Balancing Pond. The balancing pond situated at the top of the Carterton Road has been a major cause of concern, it was considered that the pond was not working and water was by-passing the area causing flooding on the Carterton Road. Following the meeting the area was visited by TW/WODC it is claimed by TW that the pond works to design specifications. An existing watercourse by-passes the pond, this water should pass through 2 small balancing ponds situated by the garage. Action - Further investigations are being carried out by TW and WODC. 
4. Stream to West of Brize Norton Village. This stream does not appear to have sufficient capacity to carry the volume of water now being experienced. The MOD has carried out remedial work where the stream enters RAF Brize Norton and it is hoped this work will alleviate the flooding experienced on Station Road. Action - RAF Brize Norton/Brey Services carrying out further investigations into Ditch and Culvert maintenance. 
5. Runway at RAF Brize Norton. The recent re-surfacing of the runway was discussed this was merely the equivalent of re-surfacing a road and had no impact on the flow rate from Brize Norton. It does appear that some run-off of water onto the Bampton Road occurred from a short section of the runway Action - MOD, WODC will investigate this area. 
6. Main Sewer through Brize Norton Village. Properties to the eastern side of the village have experienced problems with flushing toilets/draining sinks and overflowing sewers during periods of moderate to heavy rainfall. TW are aware that the current infrastructure is close to maximum capacity and that the pumping station situated at the Bampton end of the village does not have sufficient capacity to cope with additional rainwater. Action - TW. 

The above is a precis of the minutes of the meeting; areas of responsibility/investigative action have been allocated and are to be reported on at the next meeting to be held in April. Should you wish to discuss any of the above flooding issues please contact myself or write to the Parish Clerk. And yes the North East Carterton Development was discussed.

Pavilion Roof 

The pavilion roof was virtually destroyed in a recent gale; at the time of writing we still await a visit from the insurance loss adjustor. Various estimates have been obtained; we will have the roof repaired as soon as possible.

Expansion of RAF Brize Norton. 

On the 28th February the formal announcement has been made of the large investment to be made at RAF Brize Norton. The impending expansion has been common knowledge in the village for some time. As with all change there will some positive points and some negative. I would suggest that the changes to the base will have less effect on the village than the continuing development in the North Carterton Shilton Park area. 

Against the influx of aircraft and personnel from the soon to be defunct RAF Lyneham must be off-set the loss of the VC10 and Tri-Star aircraft and personnel also the move out of Brize Norton of another large unit the Tactical Communications Wing. 

Much has been made by BBC Radio Oxford, of the negative aspects, concerning buildings and the laying down of additional concrete for aircraft hard standings, which could cause an increase in the flooding risk. This subject has already been discussed with MOD representatives and we have been assured that all construction works will be on a system of sustainable drainage, i.e. soak-aways or underground water storage facilities. 

The major areas of concern will be increased road traffic for passenger vehicles, and cargo. One of the problems to be addressed will be the routing of vehicles onto the base during the construction periods. The Parish Council will address these problems with the MOD and OCC. For the long term there is the problem of traffic leaving Carterton via the new link road can only access/exit the A40 Witney by-pass in an easterly direction. It is also believed the planning authority seriously underestimated the volume of traffic that travels through the village in the direction of Bampton, presumably to continue the journey via the A420. The Parish Council will continue to address these problems.

K A Glazier

SPORTS PAVILION 

A proposal has been received from the football and cricket clubs that the Sports Pavilion is run as a Sports and Social Club. The Sports and Social Club would be responsible for the maintenance of the pavilion and running costs. This would be a member's only club offering a range of entertainment/functions. The pavilion would still be available for Parish Council meetings and for the twice weekly opening for the Post Office. The proposal is currently being looked at by a steering sub-committee of the Parish Council. If you wish to comment on this proposal please submit comments in writing to the Parish Clerk.

ANNUAL ASSEMBLY 

This year the Annual Assembly for the Parish of Brize Norton will be held on Wednesday 9th May at 7.30 PM in the Elder Bank Hall.

BRIZE NORTON OVER 60's CLUB

We were very sorry to hear of the death of one of our members, Marjory Lay. Marjory was a lovely lady. A loyal member to our club and a past treasurer. Four members represented the club at her funeral.

ST BRITIUS CHURCH 

All our Christmas services were very well attended. It was good to see so many people making the time to celebrate the real meaning of Christmas. Thank you to everyone, especially the children, who read lessons at the Candlelit Carol Service and to the children who took part in the nativity tableau and their parents for dressing them up appropriately.

We are now awaiting completion of our plans for the Tower Project to provide water and toilet facilities in the church. Our thanks to RAF Brize Norton for preparing the plans which will be submitted to the Council and to the Diocesan Advisory Committee in the near future. We hope to have the alterations to the tower under way by late Spring or early Summer.

All children are welcome at Church Farm House on Saturday 17th March at 3.30 pm to make posies for Mothering Sunday. Mothering Sunday Family Communion is at 9.15 am on the 18th March.

Our Easter services will start on Palm Sunday, 1st April, with a procession led by Mickey the Donkey (courtesy of Foxbury Farm) starting from the Elderbank Hall at 9 am. Everyone (particularly children) is welcome to join the procession.

Easter services include:

* Maundy Thursday - 5 April Holy Communion at 7 pm 

* Good Friday - 6 April Service of Reflection & Prayer - The Stations of the Cross - at 2 pm 

* Easter Day - 8 April Family Communion at 9.15 am

Please watch the notice board or visit the web site at www.brizenorton.org.uk/community

ALLOTMENTS

There will be a meeting for allotment holders on Tuesday 3rd April at 7pm in the Sports Pavilion. Fees will be payable at this meeting. Allotments are in short supply so if you are considering giving up your allotment, please notify the Parish Clerk so that you plot can be re-allocated in time for the start of the season.

PARISH COUNCILLOR VACANCY 

We currently have a vacancy for a parish councillor. If you are interested in finding out more about the position please contact Christine Naus on 844010.

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 deposits and withdrawal) if you bank with the following banks: Alliance & Leicester (Girobank), Bank of Ireland, Barclays,                     Cahoot, Clydesdale, Co-op, Lloyds TSB, Nationwide Building Society and Smile.

* National Savings & Investment including Premium bonds, Pension bonds and Children Bonus Bonds.

* Bill Payment -  Most household bills including BT phone bills can be paid free of fees.

* Foreign currency - generally commission free with 4 days notice.

* 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 a œ50 cash back on take up.

* Mobile phone Top-up.

* Groceries - limited quantity of snacks and groceries too.

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 considerable threat, we need all the support that we can get. We need everybody using the post office in order to survive.

Michael your postmaster attends the Sports Pavilion on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 9.30am and 12.30pm. 

Thank you for your continued support. 

Michael

BRIZE NORTON DANCE CLUB 

We meet on Thursday evenings and cater for all grades on Ballroom, Latin and Sequence dancing. Jean and Mabel provide tea and biscuits. Thank you. We also run tea dances.

We have given £343 to the Church Tower project and £150 to a charity for autistic children.

Our next tea dance dates are: Sunday 25th March Arthur on the organ 2.30 till 4.30pm In Elderbank Hall. Tea and biscuits included.

Admission is only £2. Do come along to dance or just to listen.

Joy Douglas 842373

POPPY APPEAL

I would like to thank all of those people who contributed and especially the collectors.

A special thank- you to Rene Gallop and Barbara Stanton who received their 15 year Service broaches and also to Jim Bolton who received his 10 year Service Certificate.

This year we collected a grand total of £683.46 in the village.

Thank you very much

Barbie Thorne

EARLY HISTORY OF OUR CHURCH

After 1066 William the Conqueror gave land belonging to the English to the Norman French nobility who came over with him.  They built churches which they maintained by rent paid by their Norman tenants, our church was one of these.  The King gave the village, Norton, to Roger of Ivry who established on it a tenant, Fulk.  The church was probably established in 1074 and was named St Peter, the modern dedication of St Brise was devised about 1740 and the Latin version, St Brize, adopted in the late 19th century.

The church although owned by the manorial Lord, was under the jurisdiction of first Waverly Abbey and then the Cistercian Thame Abbey.  Later the church came under the Benedictine Abbey of Eynsham and in 1268 they 'appropriated' the church from the manorial Lord, Walcherin Harang a grandson of Fulk, with the excuse of having to provide a lot of hospitality during the Barons revolt in Henry III's reign and obviously needed to top up their savings!

With the church came tithes (rent) with all the crops and livestock and it was not the only church they took at the time.  Our church remained with Eynsham Abbey until the Dissolution of the Monasteries and later Henry VIII gave the Abbey lands and St Peter's church, Norton, to Christ Church, Oxford.

The village name changed frequently, when written on documents, starting from Norton (North Village), Norton Brun (from the manorial Brun family) until the 17th century when it evolved into Norton Broyne, Brunesnorton, Brimesnorton and Brysenorton all written as one or two words but locally still just known as Norton, it eventually took the church name, Brize Norton.

Wendy Morgan  
Church Clerk  
St Britius

BRIZE NORTON VILLAGE PRE SCHOOL                                   

Brize Norton Village pre-school runs Monday to Friday in the Elderbank Hall. We cater for two and a half to five year olds. If you would like to register your child on our waiting list, or you would like any other information about pre-school, or you think you may be able to help in some way, then please contact our Chairperson, Carolyn Peach on 844102.

Please feel welcome to attend any of our social events, concerts or fundraisers...our Easter fayre is on Thursday 29th March, doors open at 11am.

WOMEN'S INSTITUTE

The WI finished the current year of speakers with a visit from Michael Bull who spoke to us about buying antiques.  We were taken in a light hearted but helpful way through shops and auction rooms, and with illustrations of dovetails and helpful hints about cleaning and restoring - not to be attempted by DIY practitioners -  enjoyed a fascinating and amusing talk.

Our numbers at meetings continue steady with two new members joining recently.  We would welcome anyone on the second Tuesday of the month at Elderbank Hall at 7.30pm.  Details of our new programme will be found on the notice board in the cricket club pavilion or from any member.

Hazel Goldman

BRIZE NORTON OVER 60?s CLUB

We are a club for people with Brize Norton connections past or present.

We meet twice a month.  1st and 3rd Tuesdays.  One is a meeting the other a trip out.

We meet at 4 Squires Close at 3.30pm. We provide tea sandwiches and home made cakes at all meetings.  We have enjoyed:

A meal at Wychwood Golf Club

Songs and entertainment from Grace

A pantomime trip and

Our Christmas party

Our future programme includes:  

We are also arranging a holiday in Weymouth in October (there are a few spaces available).

New members most welcome.  Ring Joy or just come along.

Thank you to Edna, Carol, Benita and June for providing our lovely teas.

Coffee Morning.  Tuesday March 20th 10.30 at Joy's.  4 Squires Close

EVERYONE WELCOME

Joy Douglas  
842373

BRIZE NORTON VILLAGE TODDLER GROUP:

Have you got a baby/toddler/child between 0-5 years?

We are a small, friendly, parent run toddler group offering a wide range of toys and activities.  Held in the Elderbank hall with additional outside space, there is a lot of room for toddlers to let off steam, get creative or simply have fun with other children.  There is also a suitable area for less mobile babies.

We are trying to provide what you want and need from the group, by encouraging group singing, story time and a regular craft activity table.  Children are free to participate in any activity.

We would love to see new faces, or the return of old ones, and hope you and your child will come along and see what toddler group has to offer.

Brize Norton Toddlers
Elderbank Hall
Tuesday (during term time) 1.15pm to 3.00pm  
£1.50 per family
Call Carolyn Peach ? 01993 844102 for more details or please just come along.

GET FIT, LOOSE WEIGHT ? GO RUNNING

Need some help with your New Year's resolution?  We are interested to hear from others in Brize Norton who may be interested in or thinking of trying running.  We run regularly throughout the week, in the evenings and at the weekends and would like to hear from anyone with an interest.  You may be a total beginner who has never run before (we all have to start somewhere) or a seasoned pro (maybe you can teach us something), all levels and capabilities are welcome.  Running with others is fun, motivational and works so would you like to join us?  If there is sufficient interest we may even form a Brize Norton running club.  If you would like to give it a try contact Sam Conlan at Stephen@stoneleighhouse.eclipse.co.uk or call 843 583 or Matt Webb at mathewwebb74@hotmail.co.uk or call 840 890.  Go on, give it a go, it is fun!

ELDERBANK HALL COMMITTEE

AGM - Tuesday 25th April 2007 8pm

At Elderbank Hall, Brize Norton

BLOOD DONORS NEEDED!

Currently, 1.6 million people are active blood donors in England and North Wales. However, this is just five per cent of the eligible population. The National Blood Service (NBS) needs 8,000 donors to attend sessions and donate every day to meet hospital demand.

As well as being used to help stabilise patients in the accident and emergency department of local hospitals, donated blood is also used to treat a range of hospital patients, from neo-natal and paediatric wards dedicated to treating new-born babies and children and to even help treat cancer and leukaemia patients.

There's only one place to get that blood - from amazing people like yourself who donate their blood.

We need you to help support the forthcoming blood donation session at Elderbank Hall, Station Road, Brize Norton on Tuesday 24th April 2007.  The session times are from 14.30pm - 16.25pm and 17.15pm - 19.15pm.

If you have any general or medical enquiries please contact the NBS Helpline number on 08457 711 711 before you come along to donate blood.

PLEASE HELP SAVE A LIFE!

All entries for inclusion in the June issue should be received by the 14th May.