12

M arch

20

s and church news ... Village view

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Contents 5. Contents and Editorial. 6. February Church Services. 7. Clergy Contact Information. 8. Letter from the Church Team. 10. Ray Valley Benefice Notes. 11. Parish Pump. 12. Ambrosden News. 14. Arncott News. 18. A Little Bit of Fun. 19. Recipe of the Month 19. Kid’s Corner. 20. Blackthorn News. 22. Feature: Nick Crutch. 23. Feature: Bob’s Gardening Tips 24. Merton News. 28. Piddington News. 32. Pet’s Corner. 33. Community 34. Police Report. 38. Advertising and Contacts. 39. Classifieds

March is here and with it comes Spring, my favourite time of the year. The daffodils are blooming and everything feels sunnier. This year, March also heralds the start of a number of significant milestones in our household. Firstly on the 19th my husband and I celebrate our first wedding anniversary – traditionally we should give each other a paper gift to mark this occasion – Will this edition suffice? The second big milestone the Lamont’s will be celebrating is my dad’s fiftieth birthday; which significantly falls on the first day of Spring, March 21st Happy Anniversary Gareth! Happy Birthday Dad! [email protected]

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Tel: 01869 249989

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24 hour service

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March Church Services.

Clergy Contact information. Clergy. Church of England:

Rev Charles Masheder (CM)

01869 247813.

(on Fridays please phone the Church Wardens below.)

Rev Andrew Rycraft (AR) Rev Richard Marshall (RM) Rev David Wippell (DW)

01865 331124. 01869 243546. 01865 849497.

Roman Catholic: Father Paul Martin 01869 253277. Catholic services: Please consult the website: www.immaculate-conception.org.uk Methodist: Rev Paul Howes 01869 240932. Methodist services: Please consult the website: www.bicestermethodist.org.uk

Churchwardens. Ambrosden: Bruce Fox, 67 Ploughley Road, Lower Arncott. 01869 244131. Matt Holmes, Holly Tree Cottage, Merton Road. 01869 240435 Merton:

Lawrence Comiskey, 2 Church Close, Merton. 01865 331429. Robert Kerr, Merton Croft, West End Lane, Merton. 01865 331352.

Piddington: Wendy Taylor, 47 Thame Road, Piddington. 01844 237457. John Hibberd, 22 Vicarage Lane, Piddington. 01844 238722.

Organists / Bells. Ambrosden: Mrs Sandy Gamble Mrs Pam Newall Merton: St Mary’s - Ambrosden, Arncott and Blackthorn // St Swithun’s - Merton // St Nicholas’ - Piddington.

Mr Russell Thompson

Piddington: Mrs Betty Newell Mr Tony Pearce

01869 244131. 01869 241667. 01865 331429. (no ringable bells) 01844 237236. 01844 237688.

Please pass any special prayer requests to Clergy or Churchwardens prior to the service. 6.

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Letter Church Team from the

Is The End Nigh? It was my hairdresser who told me that the world is going to end on December the 21st this year. All because of the ending of the Mayan calendar on that date, beyond which the Mayans (an Indian people of Central America who developed a remarkable civilisation between 250 and 900 AD) could make no further predictions. I wasn’t too worried. After all, our current calendar ends on the 31st of December this year and none of us can predict what lies beyond. And when would it end in Australia, where our 21st is their 22nd? But since my hairdresser and her young friends seem genuinely scared about it I decided, that with the help of google, I would delve into eschatology- a Greek word meaning the study of endings (and also a good one with which to impress people!) Amazon.com lists more than 175 books dealing with the potential ending of the world this year, so a lot of people must be taking it seriously. But people have been taking end of the world predictions seriously for thousands of years. For centuries people have been predicting the world’s end, their predictions based on various theories, from one based on the dimensions of Noah’s Ark by a second century priest, to the year 1000 when it was widely believed that the world would end with the start of the new Millennium, to 1910 when the return of Halley’s comet was believed to herald the end.

Christians believe that the world as we know it will end with the second coming of Christ, followed by the final judgement, so the question of when this will happen is an obvious one. Jesus himself frequently referred to the second coming, but he was adamant that nobody knows when it will be. “Be on your guard, then, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.” (Matthew 24, verse 22). But he did give some clues, and forewarned us of a number of great tribulations which will come together when the end is near- wars, famines, earthquakes- which has led many Christians to believe that we are now living in the end times. But God’s time is not our time, and I do not believe that we shall ever know the date of Christ’s return until it happens. Neither should we try to work it out. What we should be doing is summed up in the words of a hymn: “Redeem thy misspent moments past, And live this day as if thy last; Thy talents to improve take care; For the Great Day thyself prepare.” So, it seems as if we shall still be writing our cards and wrapping our presents towards the end of this year- and I would like to wish everyone a Happy Christmas! Glenys Edwards

An American Baptist Preacher, William Miller, claimed that Christ would return to Earth on October 23rd 1844, and when it did not happen, his half a million followers called that date “The Great Disappointment”.

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Ray Valley Benefice

notes.

Parish Pump.

PLEASE: if you are on email, join our circulation list on rayvalleyoffice731@btinternet. com just send an email! The Next ‘X-Tra One’ service is on March 4th at Ambrosden at 6:30pm We have a visiting Band, ‘Xalt’ and a guest speaker, Annie McCabe from Cuddesdon Theological college, who is training to be ordained - why not come to this special service? The one after that will be on Palm Sunday, the day that begins Holy Week – April 1st. Churchwardens and PCC members who came to Islip Village Hall for our PCC morning on February 4th; a big thank you! I trust you found something worthwhile in it. The ‘outcome’ will be fed back to PCCs for further discussion if it seems appropriate. It was good to see members of different parishes discussing together! Confirmation. The Confirmation service on February 12that St. Mary’s Charlton on Otmoor, led by Bishop Colin was a very lovely event and I ask you please to pray for our three candidates, Marion, Geraldine and Sam. Lent will be well underway by the time you read this and we hope that you have found something special to do to use these ‘forty days’ as a blessing to you and to others. There are the Lent groups -Ambrosden (Mondays) and Charlton (Thursdays) 7:30pm and it will not be too late to join. Islip is having a course of special sermons, with discussions afterwards. Please use these ‘suggestions’. There is also an additional Holy Communion every Wednesday in Lent at Ambrosden at 10am Holy Week and Easter. I do ask you to make the first week in April – Holy Week a special time. Please see what the services are and attend if you can – but if not at least think of those who are. All churches have their own range of services but there is one United Service – on Easter Eve (Saturday 7th April) at 9pm at Merton. It is a very beautiful, if unusual, service so why not come this year? Annual Meetings This is the time of year when all parishes hold their Annual Meetings. Please do come along to yours as it is a way of saying a big thank you to those who serve as Churchwardens and PCC members for all they do through the year. Charles Masheder 01869-247813 10.

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Ambrosden News. Annual Village Dinner – 28th January - Thanks to everyone who came and enjoyed the evening! We hope to be able to run this event again next year depending on funds and help available – we will let you know around November! Application for Grant Ambrosden Village Hall Management Committee have submitted their application for a grant to fund repairs to the village hall and improvements to the annex building – fingers crossed that we will have something positive to report back soon! Ambrosden Diamond Jubilee Celebrations - The next meeting to discuss our plans will be held on Tuesday, 6th March 2012 at 8.00pm in Ambrosden Village Hall – all welcome to attend and contribute to our discussions. There are 3 main events planned for our Village celebrations: · Scarecrow competition – run up to celebration weekend

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· Village Tea Party – Saturday 2nd June from 3pm · Church Reception and Service – Sunday 3rd June from 5.30pm

special day, as do his friends too! Crafty Club – Ambrosden Village Hall Thursday 8th March – 7.30pm to 9pm Thursday, 12th April – 7.30pm to 9pm

HELP - a plea for items, photos or written pieces of your memories of the Queen’s accession to the throne and coronation.

£1.50 to include refreshments. All welcome!

We would like to display these memories in the Church which will be open at certain times over the Diamond Jubilee weekend for all to enjoy. Please contact Sharon on 01869 247920 or [email protected]

BINGO – Every Wednesday Doors open 7:15pm Eyes down 8:00pm All welcome

** Please note new start time due to prior booking at the hall on these dates**

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Saturday, 24th March from 9.30am – Tidying the Churchyard – all welcome to join in! SPECIAL NEWS & CONGRATULATIONS! On 8th March 2012, Harold Gaskins (better known as Bantie to the family) will reach the amazing age of 90 years young: and he is still doing his paper round! Everyone in the family wish him a very

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Arncott News. Parish council meetings are held at 7.30pm 1st Tuesday in the Month. Current Arncott Parish Councillors are :Dean Hale MBE (Chair) 01869 244085 John Cooper (Vice chair) 01869 323349 Martin Byrne 01869 246532 Neil Thompson 01869 243676 Paul Wilcox 07739 710275 Local Elections - Arncott PC currently has the 5 members shown above. There will be an election on 3rd May 2012, in which some of the current members will be standing, and all parishioners are encouraged to participate, with a view to taking the number of councillors back up to the total of 7 allotted to the Parish. If you are interested in becoming a Parish Councillor please contact any of the above or the clerk - Anne Davies, email anne@ greystones.demon.co.uk or telephone 07768 897491. Mothering Sunday lunch 18th March at Arncott Village Hall - 12.30 - 4.00pm. £10 per adult and £4.00 per child. Treat yourself and enjoy being waited upon. Contact Gwen for further details 01869 248309.

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Get ready for our Treasure Hunt Easter Sunday 8th April from 2 – 4pm - We will start promptly from Arncott Village Hall at 2.00 pm. Please come along with the family and enjoy an entertaining afternoon finishing with a well earned cream tea. New residents to Upper Arncott - Mr and Mrs Davis have just moved into Mill Lane. Welcome! and enjoy your new home. You will find us all a helpful and friendly lot. Money Raised - The £150.00 raised from the New Year’s Eve Dinner and Senior Citizen’s Christmas Lunch raffles was given to Pat Holmes toward the £10,000 being raised for a special wheelchair for her Daughter Nichola. Pat and family would like to pass on their thanks and gratitude for all the kindness shown. Birthday Milestone - 12th February has seen my mother Gwen McEwan, turn 70. Thank you mum for all the times you’ve been there for us. Belated Birthday wishes from Tracy, Grandchildren, Great Grandchildren, Poppy and Rosie and Fred. Gwen McEwan would like to thank everyone who joined in the celebrations for her 70th Birthday and hopes that a good time was had by one and all.

£750.00 was raised with the Raffle and donations. The beneficiaries: £200.00 Hearing guide dogs, £250.00 St Dunstable, £250.00 Pat’s wheelchair appeal and £50.00 to the Maggie centre. Gwen, I am sure all your friends would like to say Thank you for the brilliant party organized to celebrate your 70th Birthday.

The Tartan theme went down very well and was a great source of amusement throughout the evening. Mentioning no names, we were left in no doubt what was being worn under ones kilt. Thanks Gwen for a very good evening.

300 Club January Mr C Wells, 35 Woodpiece Road - £20.00 (90) Mrs Livingstone, 37 Buchanan Road - £10.00 (152) Mr Hutchful, 69 Buchanan Road - £8.00 (143) Mr P Wilson, 15 Teale Close - £5.00 (150) Mrs M Smith, 33 Woodpiece Road - £2.00 (92) Would you like to help the village and also enjoy the possibility of winning some money? For only 50p a month you could be one of the lucky winners drawn each month. If you would like to take part please call Marion on Bicester 253600 and I will ensure your number enters the draw. Remember you have to be in it to win it! Penny Monaghan has very kindly offered to collect 300 Club subscriptions from Mill Lane and Hillside close until we get a permanent collector. If anyone would like to help, please let me know.

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Arncott Village Hall The venue for you! Large capacity with central heating and seating for up to 150. Big stage. Well stocked bar.

y p p i h C Nippy

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W Dogs Go alkabout Dog walking Cat home visits Pet home visits Fully insured and CRB checked Member of NARPS (National Association of Registered Pet Sitters)

New modern kitchen. Changing rooms with showers.

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Ample free car parking. For information or bookings: 01869 246081 [email protected]

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D. W Plumbing Mature apprentice plumber. Second year of college. No job too small. Cheaper than your average plumber.

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A Little

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Recipe

of

BARLEY RISOTTO Submitted by June Foreman, Fencott 50gms. butter 450mls. hot chicken stock 1 chopped onion 1tbsp. olive oil 2 chopped celery sticks 50gms. grated Parmesan cheese 2 large chopped cloves of garlic 20gms. chopped parsley 150gms. mushrooms cut into chunks Salt and ground pepper 300gms. pearl barley

the Month. Heat butter and gently fry onion, celery and garlic for 5mins. then stir in mushrooms. Cook 5mins. then add barley. Stir to coat with butter add hot stock and ¾ tsp. salt. Grind in some black pepper and bring to the boil. Stir, cover and cook in oven 170C/320F/Gas3 for 30-35mins or until liquid has been absorbed. Stir in oil, add Parmesan, check seasoning then stir in parsley just before serving. You can use vegetable stock and vegetarian Parmesan substitute as Parmesan cheese is not vegetarian!

Word Search Adam and Eve’s true nationality A Brit, a Frenchman and a Russian were viewing a painting of Adam and Eve frolicking in the Garden of Eden.

KIDS CORNER!

"Look at that garden they are maintaining so well," mused the Brit. "They must be British." "Nonsense," the Frenchman disagreed. "They're naked, and so beautiful. Clearly, they are French." "Ah, but no clothes, no shoes, no shelter," the Russian pointed out, "they have only an apple to eat, and they're being told this is paradise. They are Russian."

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Blackthorn News. A big thank you - Pete and Alison Durran would like to thank all of their friends and family for their help and support with their charity night held in aid of the Haemotology and Cancer Clinic. The total raised was £850! Again many thanks, Pete and Alison ‘Happy Birthday! - Many happy returns to Monty Lamont, who celebrates the Big 50 this year. Remember 50 isn’t old..... If you’re a mountain range! The Mobile Library will visit Blackthorn on March 2nd, 16th and 30th. The times are 9.45 – 10 a.m. at the telephone box in Station Road and 10.05 – 10.20 in Weir Lane.

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Feature - Personal Health

Bob’s Gardening Tips

Changing behaviour

Bob’s gardening tips for March.

Whether you are looking to lose weight, cope with an intolerance, or optimise nutrition for a specific physical challenge it invariably means a change in current behaviour. Planning ahead and thinking about things differently ‘behaviour modifications’ are one of the keys to successful and permanent changes.

We need the weather to be kind to us this month as there is lots to do, a bit like a spring clean in the home, the garden needs a good tidy.

Below are actions that you might put in place:

Top tip. If you see something growing and you’re uncertain whether it’s a weed or a valuable plant, just pull it up. If it comes out of the ground easily, you can guarantee it’s a valuable plant.

• Do nothing else whilst eating • Eat at regular times • Eat sitting down • Pause during meals, put your cutlery down between mouthfuls • Aim to be the last to finish • Shop on a full stomach • Write a shopping list and stick to it • Keep healthy snacks easily to hand • Clean your teeth after a meal or when you get the urge to overeat • Plate up your meal and remove serving dishes from the table • Wait 5 minutes after your meal before deciding on second helpings • Practice refusing offers to overeat. Learn to say ‘no thank you’. Think differently:

In the beds and borders we need to weed, dig through, add mulch and divide overcrowded perennials.

Lots of pruning takes place in late winter/early spring. Be bold when cutting back Dogwoods grown for stem colour and Buddleja davidii, they can be taken back to 6 to 9 inches from the ground and will reward with vigorous new growth in this season. Coppice Eucalyptus, this promotes the lovely round leaves used in cut flower displays. Top Tip. If you’re uncertain when to prune a plant, think of this. If it flowers before midsummer, don’t prune in spring, it should be done after flowering. If it flowers after midsummer it should be pruned in late winter/ early spring. I’ve seen lovely Forsythia, Hammamellis and Viburnum bodnantense look like a collection of twigs when done at the wrong time.

• Plan for periods of time when you are more likely to eat. If following a healthy eating plan save something for when you routinely feel hungry • Before you eat, check that you are really hungry (in your stomach) rather than just eating at a certain time or occasion out of habit • Be aware of how your feelings affect what you want to eat. Noticing a pattern can help you plan how to cope.

Make sure your mower is in good shape as we can start cutting this month. You’ll need to deal with wormcasts and, possibly, molehills. A stiff brush will take care of them. Redefine the lawn edges; this always finishes the job off nicely. This is a great time to be in the garden, lots of seeds and plants can be started off indoors or outdoors and the garden should be kicking and screaming its way into the new season – always an exciting time.

Nick Crutch - Personal Trainer

Happy gardening, Bob

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[email protected]

[email protected]

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Merton News. Please email your articles to: [email protected]. Files attached to emails will produce the best quality in print. However, I will happily type up your message and scan in images. Your councillors are: (01865) T.Byrd 331573, H.Williams 331056, M.Torrington 331620, J.Whittaker 331989, R. Box 331475, P. Box 331706. Parish clerk: Tracey Charlesworth 01865 331481. Email: tcharlesworth@ brillcomputers.entadsl.com We welcome Des O’Neill (331425), who has joined the Parish Council recently. The next Parish Council meeting will be held on the 13th, March 2012, at 7pm at Merton Village Hall. We would like to express our gratitude to Nick Helfrich, who helped swiftly

and free of charge, to stop the recent burst pipe crisis at the Village Hall from becoming a hugely costly disaster. This is a reminder that anyone interested in hiring an allotment should contact the Clerk to the Parish Council on 01865 331481. Do not forget to look on www. mertonvillage.co.uk for current information and where copies of all Parish Council meeting are kept. Neighbourhood Watch - To join or to report information please contact Merton’s NHW coordinator Terry Byrd on 01865 331573. A Piece of Jewellery - has been found in Merton. If you think it is yours, please go to Rothley House, Merton or contact [email protected] with a detailed description. Excerpt from the recent report from the Thames Valley Policing Administrator for Cherwell (it is unfortunate that there had been a poor return of surveys from Merton):

NAG (Neighbourhood Action Group) Priorities - The surveys are slowly but surely coming in and the priorities will be set by the end of February 2012. I have reported on some of the work with ASB in Kidlington and If I receive reports throughout the parishes, I will deal and act on it.

a regular basis. If anyone knows of any football teams, or other clubs or organisations, like Brownies, Cubs, Martial Arts or fitness clubs looking for a venue, then please, get them to contact any member of the Village Hall Committee (Rachel on 331720, Anna on 331381, Wendy on 331766).

Regarding drugs, my team and I have executed 4 drugs warrants in the village with two persons reported for drugs offences. Drugs are still a concern to the public and any intelligence will be acted on and I ask that if you have any information you can phone us on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Mobile Library - The Mobile Library calls at Merton every two weeks on a Thursday between 12:00 and 12:15. It stops in Main Street, just after the West End Lane turning on the right. The dates for this month are the 1st, 15th and 29th March .

Village Hall and Playing Field for Hire - If you are planning an event – don’t forget that the village hall is available for hire. The hall has outdoor furniture, and there are barbeques and marquees for hire, too. There is also a playing field with two football pitches available for hire, either for separate occasions or on

FLOODLIGHTING OF ST SWITHUN’S CHURCH Since the last Magazine the requests for this were as follows:Dec 3rd Birthday of Katie Calcutt Dec 5th Marriage Anniversary of Liz and Aubrey Calcutt Dec 9th Birthdays of Octavia Cassells and Nan Calcutt Feb 3rd Ian Baines Feb 14th In Memory of Adrian Leaver Mar 6th Ian Baines

Check out Merton Village website: www.mertonvillage.co.uk 24.

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Mar 18th In Memory of Liz Calcutt We would like to thank everyone who has supported this new facility and if anyone else would like to use it to celebrate or commemorate a special occasion could they please ring either 01865 331429 or 01865 331360. St Swithun’s Church Merton – Easter Lily Arrangement - As in previous years, we will be having a Remembrance Lily Arrangement in the Church for Easter Sunday.

Give us an Hour !

If you would like to donate a lily in remembrance of a loved one or someone you would like to remember on this special Sunday, please contact Freda Leaver on 331360 by Wednesday 21st March to allow time for the lilies to be ordered and the list of names, which will be displayed next to the arrangement, to be prepared. The cost of each lily is anticipated to be between £2 and £2.50.

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Electrical safety survey Extra sockets Consumer unit / fuse board replacement Indoor & outdoor lighting Electric showers and heaters Rewiring PAT testing Landlord safety check inspection Periodic testing No job too big or small. Call or email us on: 01869 249466 or 07976 368651 [email protected] www.ts-electrical.co.uk QUOTE “PARISH NEWS” & RECEIVE 10% OFF ANY CONSUMER UNIT/FUSE BOARD REPLACEMENT!

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Gilt Edge Picture Framers Bespoke framing Service Hand Decorated Frames – Box/Frames Canvas & Needle Works Stretching Conservation Mount Boards Museum Glass – Mirrors Full Commitment to Customers Contact Virginie Halphen Tel:01869 252123 – Mob:07944748360 [email protected] - www.giltedge.info

Piddington News. Piddington Parish Council

Sympathy

For all the latest information please contact the Parish Clerk:

We were saddened to hear that Michael Carlton of Lower End had passed away on January 28th.

Mrs Morwen Ashton, Greystone Lodge, Lower End, Piddington OX25 Our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time. 1QD 01844 238510 Email: piddington.parish.clerk@ googlemail.com Village Hall Bookings - Should you have any questions or interest in booking the village hall please contact our new booking hotline 07926620422 or email [email protected] Village Hall Website - Pop on the WWW and visit our website for all the latest news and calendar of events.

PIDDINGTON

Village Hall For hire at reasonable rates

Parties, Weddings, Clubs, Meetings and Classes Recently refurbished with new seating for up to 100 people, round tables for social functions and multi height trestle tables ideal for children's parties and meetings.

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The Mayor of Bicester’s Charity Band Concert featuring the

Bicester Concert Band Friday 16th March 2012 7.30pm to 9.30pm (Bar opens at 7pm)

St Edburg’s Church, Bicester In support of the Bicester Town Mayor’s charities Tickets £7.50 Concessions & 12-16’s - £5.00 Under 12’s free Tickets available on the night Pre-sales available from: Bicester Town Council, SH Jones, Henry’s of Bicester & Coles Bookstore

For more information and to book

Call anytime: 079266 29422 or email:[email protected]

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For further information please contact Bicester Town Council 01869 252915 or e-mail – [email protected]

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Home cooked meals made locally ly y aand delivered to your door. Inspiring, de delicious el food for people on the go.

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The Village Clinic, Blackthorn

Lee Butler MBAcC, MRCHM, MSc TCM Herbal Med. BSc (Hons) TCM Ac. Acupuncture Chinese Herbal Medicine Massage Tel: 01869 253552 www.thevillageclinic.co.uk

Mobile: 07833 605156 [email protected]

Member of NHS Directory of Acupuncturists, Senior Lecturer in Complementary Therapies

The Plough

Pub Restaurant

The Plough,Ploughley Road, Arncott, Bicester OX25 1NY Telephone: 07957404305 Now taking Christmas Bookings 3 Courses £19.95 (10% off groups of 15 or more and Senior Citizens) Also serving Indian/Kenyan & Exotic Steaks with Draught Beer, Real Ales, Cider, Wine & Cocktails

31.

Pets Corner.

Community.

Our New Puppy I’ve recently been introduced to one of the greatest joys an animal lover can have. We have always owned cats and have loved them all (though the one which hid under the dresser & pooed in the baby capsule was less popular than the others!) We have loved cats because they are independent and aloof yet interactive and entertaining (usually when it suits them). They are happy to give and take affection when time allows but content to sleep on the bed or on top of the fridge until that time arises. However, this picture of feline bliss has recently had a major shake up with the arrival of Bella the Miniature Schnauzer. Bella was born in Kirtlington at 1 o’clock on a Tuesday morning – I remember the time because I was the duty Vet and was talking the owner through the whelping process as “Olive” proceeded to produce her six beautiful pups. The family had been pestering me for a dog for many months but I was amazed at how I too was caught up in the excitement of the puppies as we watched them develop over the coming weeks. Bella has now moved in and I’m amazed how she has fitted in so well. She mostly toilets outside, she sleeps overnight in her crate without a whimper and has spent several days at the Vet Practice enjoying the company of new people and dogs. The cats are still in mild shock but at least they haven’t left home. Already I see glimmers of hope that the cats will tolerate their canine house-mate in time. Whilst it is still early days, we are so pleased that we have finally joined the merry band of dog owners. We also look forward to meeting many of you as we share the pleasure of taking Bella for a walk. Her enthusiastic greeting every morning makes me wonder why we waited so long. Jason Williams

32.

Bicester Vet

FREE Local Eco Event - 'Free yourself from Heating Oil & LPG' If, like many properties in this area, your house is off the mains gas grid, you'll be aware of the growing threat of oil theft, not to mention the rising costs of your bills. Time to do something about it? Come and hear about the benefits of Renewable Energy and find out what would work best for your oil or LPG heated property. Hear from specialists in Air Source Heat Pumps and Biomass Boilers. Reduced bills. Environmentally friendly. No risk of theft. This free event is hosted by one of Oxfordshire's leading renewable energy companies, EnergyMyWay. If you are not on the mains gas grid, this event will help you understand the renewable alternatives to your current heating system. Come to: The Tally Ho, Ambroseden OX25 1NY On: Wednesday 14th March at 7pm Can't come? Contact EnergyMyWay for advice or a free property survey. Call 01865 733230 or email [email protected]

33.

Police Report. Here is the latest Bicester Rural neighbourhood update from WPC Caroline Brown

Good news stories - Males have been arrested or given cautions for all the above drug offences.

Crimes - A generator was stolen from Ambrosden, number plates were stolen from a car in Ambrosden. A stereo was stolen from a parked car in Piddington.

Contact us - If you want any advice or would like to contact the neighbourhood team you can call us on the new police non-emergency number of 101 which came into effect on 14th November 2011, but if your call is an emergency then dial 999.

A window was damaged at a house and nails were found in a car tyre at separate properties in Ambrosden.

You can also contact us via email: Police have checked occupied vehicles in the following villages and found the occupants to be in possession of Cannabis, Blackthorn, Caversfield, Wendlebury and Launton.

[email protected] - please note this email address cannot be used to contact Thames Valley Police to report crimes or for any urgent matters.

Police updates - The Bicester Rural Neighbourhood Team are sending out crime prevention advice packs to all oil distributors in the area which customers will receive when ordering oil. We are working in partnership together with Nolan Oils to deal with this issue.

If you have information about crime or Anti-Social Behaviour in your area but you do not want to speak to the police, please call the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555111.

Officers from the Bicester rural team assisted colleagues on an operation on the Banbury rural area following recent burglaries.

To view information on your neighbourhood team you can visit the force website at: www.thamesvalley.police.uk

During this operation a vehicle was stopped and the occupants arrested on suspicion of going equipped to steal oil; as they had in their possession items that could be used to commit thefts and also cannabis. The team is now under the supervision of PS Nicki Entwistle who has taken over responsibility from PS Bruce Riddell who left us at the beginning of January. PS Entiwistle has worked on the Bicester area for several years and was an officer on the town team before being promoted to sergeant over a year ago and comes with a wealth of knowledge and experience in Neighbourhood Policing. WPC PC Caroline Brown Shaun Sullivan 34.

PCSO Susan Cooper 35.

Coming Soon!! Ambrosden’s SUMMER Festival Weekend June 16th -17th 2012 Saturday 18th

J.M. WALMAN BUTCHERS / DELI

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Quality family butchers incorporating Victor John Catering

Award Winning Sausages, Pig-Roast & BBQ equipment for hire.

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Homemade Pies and Burgers

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Opening Times

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Monday & Wednesday Closed all day

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Tuesday : 8.00am - 5.00pm Thursday/Friday : 8.00am - 5.30pm Saturday : 8.00am - 2.00pm

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Tel: 01869 252619

Mobile: 07593 287284

1 Station Road, Launton, Bicester, Oxon. OX26 5DS

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Flowers in the Church stalls for children and adults

Thomsons

refreshments

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1 – 3.30pm on the Rectory Glebe

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Cakes, Books, B-B-Q, Bric-a-Brac, Teas, Live Music and much more!!

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Fancy Hat competition

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Short Songs of Praise Service 3.30pm

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www.limetreesfarm.co.uk

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Advertisingand

Contacts.

Cost of Advertising (per month). Ad. Size 1/8 1/4

Black & White £7.50 £15.00

Colour £10.00 £20.00

1/2

£30.00

£40.00

Full Page

£60.00

£80.00

Width 66.25 66.25 136.5 66.25 136.5 136.5

Height 46.5 97 46.5 198 97 198

Measurements are in mm - no bleed. All adverts should be submitted as a press quality PDF. Any bitmap images or photographs used within the artwork must have a minimum resolution of 280 dpi. If you don’t have artwork ready we’d be happy to design it for you. For a specially discounted price and a personalised quote please contact us. To advertise in this publication please contact Sandie Stevenson – 01869 321542, [email protected] Advertising Cut Off Ads. received before the 13th of the month will be included in the next months edition. Adverts received after this date will be included in the following edition.

Classified Ads. Classified ads. are FREE! you can have up to 35 words. Space is limited so all entries will be on a first come first printed basis. Repeat ads. must be submitted each month. Remember the cut off date is the 15th of the month.

Free to a good home - Khaki Campbell and Indian Runner ducks and drakes. Also duck houses for sale. Contact Steve on 07879434799

Mamas and Papas Horizon Cot Bed, with mamas and papas mattress. Full instructions are included. Slightly scratched on one side. £125.00 including mattress Call Vicky 07732 533441.

Pine corner TV cabinet with cupboard to store DVD player/ sky box and drawer for DVD storage. £50.00 - Call Vicky 07732 533441

The collection and editorial team. Editor: Rachel Lamont – 01869 321771, [email protected] Asst. Editor: Sandie Stevenson – 01869 321542, [email protected] Village News Collators Ambrosden Sharon Howard Arncott Marion Moore Blackthorn David Wood Merton Roz Box Piddington Chris Howard

01869 247920 01869 253600 01869 321380 01865 331475 01844 237928

[email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

All items for the next magazine should be given to the village collators by the 11th of the month and to the editor by the 13th of each month. Free classified ads should go to Sandie Stevenson by this date also (contact as above.) 38.

39.

D. W Plumbing Mature apprentice plumber. Second year of college. No job too small. Cheaper than your average plumber.

Please call Dave on 07725 748385

WITH OIL PRICES SO HIGH, ISN’T IT TIME YOU FOUND A MORE COST EFFECTIVE HEATING SYSTEM?

R J WAKELIN Painting & Decorating Specialist. Interior / Exterior

Add to that, the inconvenience of having to remember to fill your oil tank and the disruption of tanker deliveries, it really would seem the price you are paying is way over the odds.

Private / Commercial

01869 243264. BW WASP & MOLE CONTROL LOCAL WASP & MOLE PROBLEMS SOLVED.

THE CROWN Charlton-on-Otmoor

Previously there may not have been an alternatve, but Mitsubishi Electric has now introduced a highly efficient, low carbon air source heat pump known as Ecodan which will take away the unpredictability in your annual fuel bills.

Friendly village pub serving cask conditioned ales.

BICESTER OXFORDSHIRE

FOR AN IDEA OF JUST HOW MUCH ECODAN COULD SAVE YOU IN YOUR HOME, VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR COST COMPARISONS

PHONE: 01869 243265 MOBILE: 0797 7850 673

GREENCOURT BOARDING KENNELS AND CATTERY ~ PEOPLE WHO CARE ~ NEW FULL GROOMING SERVICE AVAILABLE Daily walks in the countryside Large heated kennels Individual runs Open all year Fully licensed and insured

Inspections welcome during opening hours: Mon - Sat: 8am to 4.30pm Sundays & Bank holidays: 8am until noon.

Tel: 01869 327810 Website: greencourtdogandcat.co.uk Email: [email protected]

Excellent thai cuisine available every day, except Tuesday. Eat in or take away.

Tel: 01865 331850 To order food: 01865 331010

Solar Ener Energy g

01296 331362

www.ardenhamenergy.co.uk

[email protected]

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Advertise your business or services here ! Reach every home in Ambrosden, Arncott, Merton, Piddington and Blackthorn Robert L. Darvill & Son Plasterers. Tel: 01869 240924 Mob: 07894 816225

circulaton approximately 1100 and growing Contact Sandie on 01869 321542 or see page 42 for details

Brightside Therapies Swedish Massage

Indian Head Massage

Stressed? Overworked? Tense? Headache? A relaxing massage will restore you in mind and body, ready to take on the world again! For an appointment call Steve on 07552 058356 50% discount with this advert - 1 per person [email protected] www.brightsidetherapies.com

Village Fabrics Bicester Blind Centre Ltd. Blinds, Soft Furnishings, Poles Tracks, Upholstery, Curtains, Wallpaper & more Tel: 01869 244877 Fax: 01869 243305 www.village-fabrics.co.uk Churchill Road, Bicester, OX26 4PZ

$OO6FUDS0HWDO:DQWHG²7RS3ULFHV3DLG Cash for Cars – MOT Failures & Insurance Write – Off’s

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Gardens by Bob Massingham Qualified, Experienced and Insured. Passionate about Gardens 07770 723097 [email protected] Private and Commercial work undertaken Patios Fencing Garden Maintenance

[email protected] www.advstudio.co.uk 01869 868111

THREE CORNERS GARAGE

Ambrosden est. 1951

M.O.T and Service Centre Servicing carried out to manufacturer’s specifications. Welding, engine diagnostic, air conditioning, all mechanical work undertaken. Wide selection of premium and economy tyres in stock.

For any of the above services, please contact Alan or Dave on:

01869 320100 For car sales call Steve Welbourne on:

07547 915253

Drive the American Dream! Classic American cars available in Ambrosden /// 01869 601028