Brize Norton Parish Council Newsletter

The Communities of Brize Norton and Carterton

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

CHAIRS REPORT

The summer has been a disaster, mainly due to the flooding in July which affected so many people in the village and elsewhere in the country. A full report on the local flooding has been submitted to David Cameron, West Oxfordshire District Council, Oxfordshire County Council, Thames Water, Environment Agency and RAF Brize Norton. The report details the ongoing problem of flash flooding that is now occurring in the village and Bampton, highlights problem areas and recommends action required to prevent/reduce the high incidence of flooding that has occurred since the developments in North East Carterton. Electronic copies of this report may be obtained from the Parish Clerk. Our sympathy, as on previous occasions, goes out to those who have been affected by flooding.

Grants for July flood victims 

West Oxfordshire District Council has received a grant of £600,000 from Central Government funds, to help flood hit residents. An immediate payment of £250 will be made to householders who have had floodwater enter their homes. It should be noted that of the £600,000 a sum of £186,000 has been retained for discretionary allocation to help those who have experienced particular hardship. Application forms can be obtained from:

• The councils website, www.westoxon.gov.uk
• from council reception areas or Town Centre Shops
• by telephoning 01993 861000
• There is a section on the flood recovery form where an application can be made for additional money.
• Those who have suffered financial hardship are urged to apply for this help.

This news letter contains a wide variety of information on entertainment/activities available in the village and also some interesting information as provided by Wendy Morgan. I would also take this opportunity to welcome Mark Smith our new Head of School and look forward to meeting him in the near future. Mark welcome home and we wish you and the School continuing success.

ST BRITIUS CHURCH

Swing into Autumn

The Swing into Autumn dance with the 57 Swing Band live at the Elderbank Hall will be on Saturday September 29 from 7:30 to 11pm. There will be a two course supper, a licensed bar and a raffle. Tickets priced at £10 are available now from Timms the Builders (Margaret, Jackie & Debbie), Joy Douglas, Jacquie Griffin and Phil Holmes. This is a very popular annual event so ring Phil Holmes now on 843856 to get your tickets. All proceeds from this event will go to St. Britius Church.

Harvest Thanksgiving

The Harvest Service will be on Sunday 7 October at 9:15am, when we hope all members of the Sunday Club and the children who come to the Family Services will be actively involved. Everyone is most welcome.

Remembrance Sunday

The annual Remembrance Service will be at 10am on Sunday 11th November, with the laying of the wreaths and the two minutes silence around the war memorial at 11 am. Again everyone is welcome at this and all our other services, details of which are posted on the church door.

Friends of St Britius Tower Project

The next stage of the tower project to bring water and toilet facilities into the church will be a meeting of all the volunteers to get a start date and to plan the timetable for the work.  Anyone who would like to help will be most welcome.  Please phone Revd Roy Turner on 844175 if you would like to join the team, any skills from labouring or making tea upwards! There will be a tea dance in December in aid of the Friends of St Britius. For further information please see the notices in our church news sheet or posted on the church door.

Website

Don’t forget to visit our community website at www.brizenorton.org.uk/community to find out what is going on.  It includes the church news sheets and the Parish Newsletter.  There is a new index under the theme “Out and About Brize Norton” with tourist and other information.  You can also find the link to the Brize Norton Primary School website with the latest information about the school.

BRIZE NORTON PRIMARY SCHOOL

With so much going on at our school towards the end of last term and the beginning of this term, we wanted to share our success and give you details of forthcoming events at our school.  The last school year was a significant one for us in many ways.  You may be aware that we opened the new building in November 2006 which gave us some outstanding new facilities for the children to learn in.  Many of you attended the opening.  We also had some excellent SAT results for our year 6 children and were particularly strong in Maths, English and Science.

With a new school year we have a new beginning as Andrea Moss retired at the end of the last term. Andrea will be missed by pupils, staff and we are sure a number of parents.  We welcome Mark Smith as our new headteacher.  Mark has been a deputy head at St Johns school in Carterton for a number of years and was indeed a pupil at Brize School.  We also welcome Helen Gerard and Gemma Perkins as new teachers and wish Jo Whatley all the best for the future as she also leaves the teaching staff.  We believe our school is at the heart of our community and we feel it is very important that the community can play a part in the schools success.  If you have any skills, hobbies or interests that you would like to share with the school, please feel free to contact us. We are always looking for people who have stories about Brize Norton over the years.  

Finally, a belated congratulations to Alex and Shane Rae on the birth of their daughter Poppy.  We look forward to seeing Alex back at school after Christmas and wish you all the very best.

A MESSAGE FROM THE NEW HEAD TEACHER

I am very privileged to have been appointed as the new head teacher of Brize Norton School.  I grew up in the village at Grange Farm, where my family farmed until four years ago.  Brize Norton holds many fond memories for me, especially the school where I attended as a child and made many good friendships and had lots of fun.  After leaving school I completed a degree and gained my qualified teacher status at Westminster College, Oxford.  I then went on to teach in Swindon and then for the last four years at St John the Evangelist Primary School, in Carterton. 

I am committed to continuing the excellent work of the school and of Mrs Moss, ensuring that all children are given every opportunity to achieve their full potential in a supportive and caring environment.  I feel that the school has an important role to play in the life of the village.  From September the school will have a new informative website, www.bnschool.org where up to date information can be found detailing school events for parents and the community.  From the 12th to 16th November the school will be holding an Arts week. A community art exhibition will be open for the village on the afternoon of Friday 16th. Visit our website in September for more details.

BRIZE NORTON WAR MEMORIAL

Brize Norton Parish Council and Parishioners would like to say a big thank you to Bill Davies for organising and carrying out the cleaning of the War Memorial. Pollution and a large variety of mosses had aged the memorial. It is indeed a pleasure to see the memorial as near as possible as it was when erected in 1919. Thanks also to Mrs Wendy Morgan (a local historian) for the record of the inaugural meeting to discuss the erection of a suitable memorial to those who gave their lives in “The Great War”. The item is reproduced below, some members of the local community may know of the names in the article or possibly be related to the members who felt it was their duty to organise a fine memorial.

BRIZE NORTON WAR MEMORIAL

A public meeting was held on Friday January 24th 1919 to consider the question of the War Memorial for the men of the parish. Rev. T W Sturges (Vicar-0 was voted in chair, Mr E M Williams as Secretary. The 1st proposal was a memorial in their fine old church which in common with other churches was the treasure house of the records of the dead. 2nd proposal that they should do something for the living i.e. a playground for school children, recreation ground for men eg. bowling green for the elders, cricket and football for the youths. In addition to secure one of the noted YMCA huts as a club house – a gathering place for the labourers who for the most part had only one room in their homes for the entire family. 3rd proposal was for a public monument which was believed by most to have in view, with the names of the fallen. They would be erecting it not for themselves but for generations to come. The chairman hoped that the scheme now in hand would be contributed by every household in the parish whether in pence or pounds. It was proposed by Mr Edward Castle and carried unanimously that a public memorial be erected on the village green. The following was elected on the committee. Rev T W Sturges Vicar, Mr E Castle Farmer Manor Fm, Mr J Sturch Farmer The grange, Mr D Powell Road Surveyor and Overseer, Mr T Pratt Landlord The Chequers, Mr S Field Assistant Overseer Church Farm House, Mr W Barnes Grocer Chichester House, Mr E Morley Farmer Marsh Haddon Fm, Mrs Hall-Smith Daughter of Mr Morley, Miss Knight Acacia Lodge Burford Rd, Miss Castle Daughter of Edward Castle and Mr E M Williams School Master Brize Norton School

BRIZE NORTON OVER 60's CLUB

The club has closed for a summer break.  We have recently enjoyed a successful coffee morning which raised over £90 towards club funds.

The weather was kind for our picnic in the Savernake Forest, our visit to the Black Country Museum and the cream tea. 

We should like to thank the Gardens Open Committee for their donation towards our funds.  We are looking forward to our coach holiday in Weymouth.  The coach is now full.

We are all thinking of Mary Mace who is in hospital.

Our future programme includes:

• September 11th AGM.  In hall at 3.30pm due to Joy being flooded and having to move to Carterton for 6 months.
• October 2nd Coffee Morning
• October 17th The show “Annie” in Witney
• October 19-22nd Weymouth holiday
• November 6th Shopping trip to Coventry
• November 20th Songs from the 2nd World War
• December 4th Christmas Party.

Thank you again to Edna, Carol and Benita for providing tea and sandwiches and June for the home made cakes.

Joy Douglas

842373

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 £50 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 KARATE CLUB

I have been running the Karate club in our village for fast approaching three years now with the majority of my students living in the village.  My aim is to teach traditional Shotokan Karate to people of all ages and abilities and since starting we have certainly been achieving that in our club.

So if you would like to learn Karate and improve your fitness, why not come along and try it out.  The first two lessons are free so you can see if it's for you.  We are about to change back to Sundays between 5 and 6:30 pm at the Elderbank Hall.  Please call Matt Webb on 01993 840890 if you would like any further information.

BRIZE NORTON DANCE CLUB

We are having a summer break at present.  I have decided to have less club meetings.

Dates of practise nights, including lessons, will be on 2nd and 4th Thursday from 7pm until 9pm.

Dates are:  September 13th & 27th, October 11th & 25th, November 8th & 22nd. 

Party dance on December 13th. 

Tea dances on Sunday afternoons will be on:

September 30th with Mark October 28th with Mark November 25th with Arthur December 9th with wine and mince pies

New members always welcome.  Thank you to Jean and Mabel for the refreshments. Contact Joy on 842373

BRIZE NORTON VILLAGE PRE SCHOOL

Brize Norton Village pre-school runs Monday to Friday in the Elderbank Hall. We cater for 2 ½ to 5 year olds. This term we have more than 20 children filling both full and part time places. The children are enjoying our out of doors activities this term.  They have made several visits to our allotment where they are growing an assortment of vegetables and sunflowers.  With the assistance of a grant from Oxfordshire County Council we have purchased a shed which we have erected in our fenced off area and we use it not only as a store for some of the outdoor equipment but also as a play house. 

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 chairman Carolyn Peach 844102 or we can be contacted on E-mail: brizenortonpreschool@hotmail.co.uk

We also hire out the pre-school chairs and tables - ideal for birthday parties and events with several children in attendance….only £5 for as many as you need. Contact Carolyn for further details.

WOMEN’S INSTITUTE

In recent times the WI could be said to have been rather smelly in July and to have been incarcerated for it in August.

To be slightly more explicit, we first had a fascination talk from Jane Birchanough on aromatherapy which included ‘sniffings’ at various scents in the intervals of hearing about Jane’s career.   Then the following month we went on an outing to Oxford Prison, where fortunately there was no attempt to recreate the stink of an 18th century cell.  There was an opportunity to however try the treadmill, and lots of information about the types of people who had been imprisoned behind the forbidding walls.

Our autumn programme kicks off with a talk about the BBC followed by one intriguingly called just ‘That Hat!’

As usual meeting take place on the second Tuesday of each month at 7.30pm.

Hazel Goldman 843349  

BRIZE NORTON RUNNERS

Since starting back in March this year, we have attracted around 20 people to running.  We meet every Wednesday and Thursday night at 6 pm at the Elderbank hall.  The Wednesday night group is more geared towards new runners or people who are happy to run up to around 5 miles.  On Thursdays we will progress to 7 miles or more with some of our more experienced runners going much further.  The group is very friendly and always keen to help new runners out on those difficult first few runs.

Many of our runners completed the race for life 5k back in June and July and we have also had runners completing 10k races and half marathons.  So why not try it out? It is totally free although we do recommend a good pair of trainers.  If you would like any further information please call either Sam Conlan on 843583 or Matt Webb on 830890.  Happy running!!

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 – 3.00pm £1.50 per family Call Carolyn Peach – 01993 844102 for more details or please just come along.

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 Keith Glazier on 843640.

DOGS ON RECREATION GROUND

It has been noticed that occasionally dogs are being walked on the rec.  May we remind you that there are no dogs allowed in this area.  Thank you.

WHAT DOES A CHUCH COUNCIL DO?

The parochial Church Council is a relatively recent invention.  Until the early years of the 20th century the administration and finances of the parish were the legal responsibility of the Vicar and Churchwardens.  Members of the congregation had little to say in the running of the church except in the electing of the Churchwardens.  The Parochial Church Councils were first given legal status in 1919.  The duties of the PCC were to consult together on matters of general concern and importance in the parish.  They were responsible (and still are!) for the maintenance of the church buildings and churchyard and deciding how the church’s money is spent.  The PCC has the right to be consulted on major changes in the forms of worship and the appointment of a new Vicar.  Now that we at Brize Norton are part of a combined parish with Carterton, we are now a District Church Council (St Johns also have the same) and we have a combined Parochial Church Council with St Johns but the St Britius DCC are still in charge of our church affairs.

In April 1918 the very first PCC was held at St Britius and the following were elected to the new Council.  Rev. Sturges, Vicar and Chairman.  Churchwardens, Edward Castle and John Sturch (both farmers). Secretary, Mrs Emberlin and Treasurer, Mrs Badger.  Other members were, Mrs Sturges, Mrs Knight and Miss Mary Knight, James Hardy, Edward Fowler, Thomas Pratt, David Powell, William Badger, Mrs W Morley, Mrs Lott, Miss Worley, Miss Castle, Miss Harrox, Mrs Upstone; all upstanding members of the village from farming families, private landowners and tradespeople.  In July of that year the very first meeting was held to discuss church matters and these included the advanced prices of coke and gas (for the heating and lighting of the church) a jumble sale was arranged to raise funds and a complaint about the state of the churchyard.  Today heating and lighting bills, fund raising and churchyard upkeep are still on the agenda for council meetings!

Wendy Morgan Church Clerk

HORTICULTURAL SHOW 2007

Congratulations to all those exhibitors who overcame the floods and potato blight that affected the village this year. On the day the sun was out and the show was a great success, enjoyed by exhibitors and visitors alike. The “Cambray Cup” (vegetables) was won once again; for the 20th successive year, by Dave Chapman, with Anne Green a creditable runner up. The “Beckstone Rose Bowl” (Flowers) was retained by Roy Henly. Sue Calcutt was a double winner of the “Aubrey Smith Plate” (cooking/preserves) and the “Christina Barnard Cup” (Handicraft) There was a strong entry in the Children’s section, the Children made and drew Scarecrows and also presented that old show favourite. The “Garden on a Plate”.

Chris Thorne All entries for inclusion in the December issue should be received by the 14th November.