Upton Village

South Oxfordshire

September Events at Earth Trust

Please find below some information about our events in September. As always, more information can be found on our website www.earthtrust.org.uk.  All events take place at the Earth Trust, Little Wittenham, OX14 4QZ unless otherwise stated.

Discover and Play – Friday 2nd September, 10am-12pm

Forest School for the under-5s. Join the Earth Trust for a morning of play and discovery in our woodlands. Forest School offers hands on learning experiences in a natural environment. £4 suggested donation per child, accompanying adult(s) free. No need to book.

Scything for Improvers – Sunday 4th September, 9.30am-4pm

Scything is the traditional way to tackle long grass and tall weeds. Develop your technique during this one-day workshop with Clive Leeke. £50; booking essential: 01865 407792.

Fantastic Foraging – Sunday 4th September, 10am-2pm

This month’s Sunday drop-in is all about foraging for food. Find out what’s growing around the Earth Trust Centre and learn what yummy things you can cook with it. £4 suggested donation per child, accompanying adult(s) free. No need to book.

Wetland Wildlife Walk – Sunday 25th September, 9.30am-11am

Enjoy a guided walk around Thrupp Lake (OX10 3NG) with local ecologist Ben Carpenter and find out about some of the wetland wildlife that lives there. £5 adult, £2 child; booking essential: 01865 407792.

Foraging Walk – Sunday 25th September, 11am-3pm

Discover the autumn bounty around the Earth Trust Centre and nature reserve and use what you find to create something delicious. £15; booking essential: 01865 407792.

August Adventures at Earth Trust

All events listed below take place at the Earth Trust, Little Wittenham, OX14 4QZ unless otherwise stated. More information is available by visiting our website www.earthtrust.org.uk

Sling Walk – Monday 1st August, 10am-11.30am

Bring your baby for a ramble around our nature reserve. A great opportunity for you both to get our in the fresh air and enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of the countryside with other local parents. £4 suggested donation per child, accompanying adult(s) free. No need to book.

Wildlife Wednesday at Mowbray Fields – Wednesday 3rd August, 2pm-4pm

Our roving Wildlife Wednesday visits a different Earth Trust community nature reserve during each school holiday. This summer, come out and play at Mowbray Fields, Didcot (OX11 8SS); learn about local wildlife and have lots of outdoor fun! £2 suggested donation per child, accompanying adult(s) free; no need to book.

Clumps Club – Thursday 4th and Friday 5th August, 9am-5pm

School holiday club for 12-14yr olds. Join us on Thursday for a Survival and Bushcraft adventure and/or be a Wildlife Warden for the day on Friday. £30 per child per day; booking essential: 01865 407792.

Pond Dipping – Sunday 7th August, 10am-2pm

Join us to discover what’s living in our pond during this month’s Earth Trust Sunday Drop-in. Use a net to get a closer look and then be inspired to create a clay creature. £4 suggested donation per child, accompanying adult(s) free. No need to book.

Woodland Adventure – Wednesday 10th August, 10am-12pm

An expedition for 5-8 year olds. Use your detective skills to discover the Earth Trust’s woodland, where we’ll explore, build and play. £4 suggested donation per child, accompanying adult(s) free. No need to book.

Discover and Play – Friday 12th August, 10am-12pm

Forest School for the under-5s. Join the Earth Trust for a morning of play and discovery in our woodlands. Forest School offers hands on learning experiences in a natural environment. £4 suggested donation per child, accompanying adult(s) free. No need to book.

Meteor Shower Walk – Friday 12th August, 9pm-11pm

Enjoy a starlit walk on the Wittenham Clumps before settling down to watch the Perseid meteor shower. Bring a flask of hot chocolate! Suitable for adults and older children. £5 adult, £2 child; booking essential: 01865 407792.

Sling Walk – Monday 15th August, 10am-11.30am

Bring your baby for a ramble around our nature reserve. A great opportunity for you both to get our in the fresh air and enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of the countryside with other local parents. £4 suggested donation per child, accompanying adult(s) free. No need to book.

Wildlife Wednesday at Wallingford Castle Meadows – Wednesday 17th August, 2pm-4pm

Our roving Wildlife Wednesday visits a different Earth Trust community nature reserve during each school holiday. This summer, come out and play at Wallingford Castle Meadows (OX10 8DL); learn about local wildlife and have lots of outdoor fun! £2 suggested donation per child, accompanying adult(s) free; no need to book.

Woodland Adventure – Wednesday 24th August, 10am-12pm

An expedition for 5-8 year olds. Use your detective skills to discover the Earth Trust’s woodland, where we’ll explore, build and play. £4 suggested donation per child, accompanying adult(s) free. No need to book.

Family Bushcraft – Friday 26th August, 10am-4pm

Bring the whole family and go wild in the great outdoors! Explore the woods, make shelters and learn how to light a fire and use a knife safely. £20 adult, £15 child; booking essential: 01865 407792.

 

 

Welcome News for Our Bus Service

Following the withdrawal of bus subsidies by Oxfordshire County Council, representatives of the local villages have joined together to form the Downland Villages Transport Group to work with the bus companies to retain as much service as possible. We are pleased to announce that Thames Travel will continue a Monday to Friday service on the 94 route and that there will be a twice daily service also serving the Astons and the Mortons, made possible by the transfer of the school run to the scheduled bus. There will be some increase in fares and the bus service will operate on a trial basis for one year starting on 24th July.

Thames travel has released the new 94/94A timetable, please click on this link Bus Timetable

The 94 will serve the Hagbournes, Blewbury and Upton and will run roughly hourly from early morning until the evening from Monday to Friday. During term time a 94A service will run once in the morning and once in the afternoon; in addition to serving the 94 villages. It will also serve the Astons and the Mortons. The longer term future depends on the economic viability of the service, so more users are needed!

The Downland Villages Transport Group is grateful to everyone who has provided input on bus services over the past few months and for the support of our County Councillors. You’ve said clearly that keeping bus services is important for the life of our villages. Your input has helped us to argue for our transport needs and to begin to work out some new options where services have been cut, while the new timetable will not be perfect for everyone. Thames Travel have listened to our suggestions and responded where they can. It is a trial- we need to ensure adequate use, as it’s fairly close –cut thing for them on a commercial basis.

*A key factor that made Thames Travel feel it was “worth giving it a go” on the 94/94A was that “you (our villages) were really passionate about keeping the service”

* The key financial replacements for the lost subsidies were, as we knew, school funding and some development funding.

A real effort has been made to try and serve our commuters. If it fits in with your schedule please give it a try.

As and when more information becomes available, we’ll keep you informed.

Jesse West

 

 

 

 

July Activities at Earth Trust

Moth Night – Saturday 2nd July, 9pm-11pm

Join us in the Earth Trust arboretum for an evening of moth trapping with Marc Botham. Suitable for adults and older children; younger children will enjoy tomorrow’s Marvellous Moths drop-in session. £5 adult, £2 child; booking essential: 01865 407792.

Marvellous Moths – Sunday 3rd July, 10am-2pm

Drop in to the Earth Trust Centre and find out all about marvellous, magnificent moths! We’ll be taking a look at what was caught in the live moth traps the night before. £4 suggested donation per child, accompanying adult(s) free. No need to book.

Botanical Illustration – Sunday 10th July, 10am-4pm

Learn some invaluable tips and techniques from RHS Gold Award winning botanical illustrator Romilly Swann. For beginners/intermediates. £30; booking essential: 01865 407792.

Discover and Play – Friday 22nd July, 10am-12pm

Forest School for the under-5s. Join the Earth Trust for a morning of play and discovery in our woodlands. Forest School offers hands on learning experiences in a natural environment. £4 suggested donation per child, accompanying adult(s) free. No need to book.

Clumps Club – Monday 25th – Friday 29th July, 9am-5pm

Wild adventures for 7-11yr olds! A different activity each day (see website for details), including wild survival and nature detectives; join us for one or all five. Look out for Clumps Club for 12-14yr olds coming up in August. £30 per child per day, book all 5 and get 1 day FREE; booking essential: 01865 407792.

Summer Fruit Tree Pruning – Sunday 31st July, 10am-4pm

Learn how to maximise your fruit crop with expert Andy Howard. Includes theoretical and practical application in the Earth Trust’s orchard. £30; booking essential: 01865 407792.

Natural Dyeing – Sunday 10th July, 10am-4pm

Join us at the Earth Trust Centre to discover the wide range of plants that can produce dye and learn how to extract and fix colour. £30; booking essential: 01865 407792.

 

All events take place at the Earth Trust, Little Wittenham, OX14 4QZ unless otherwise stated. Summer Holiday activities continue in August, full details are online.

Plenty more Summer Holiday activities coming up in August, please see our website for details: www.earthtrust.org.uk/whatson.

Lucy Benyon

June Events at the Earth Trust

All events take place at the Earth Trust, Little Wittenham, OX14 4QZ unless otherwise stated.

Public Exhibition: Improving visitor facilities at the Earth Trust Centre

Wednesday 1st June – Tuesday 7th June, times vary

Would you like to find out about plans to improve visitor facilities here at the Earth Trust Centre? Drop in to this informal exhibition (rescheduled from April); please check website for opening times and further information.

Woodland Adventure – Wednesday 1st June, 10am-12pm

An expedition for 5-8 year olds. Use your detective skills to discover the Earth Trust’s woodland, where we’ll explore, build and play. £4 suggested donation per child, accompanying adult(s) free. No need to book.

Wildlife Wednesday at Thrupp Lake – Wednesday 1st June, 2pm-4pm

Our roving Wildlife Wednesdays visit a different Earth Trust community nature reserve during each school holiday. This half term, come out and play at Thrupp Lake (OX14 3NG); learn about local wildlife and have lots of outdoor fun! £2 suggested donation per child, accompanying adult(s) free; no need to book.

Sling Walk – Thursday 2nd June, 10am-11.30am

Bring your baby for a ramble around our nature reserve. A great opportunity for you both to get our in the fresh air and enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of the countryside with other local parents. £4 suggested donation per child, accompanying adult(s) free. No need to book.

Discover and Play – Friday 3rd June, 10am-12pm

Forest School for the under-5s. Join the Earth Trust for a morning of play and discovery in our woodlands. Forest School offers hands on learning experiences in a natural environment. £4 suggested donation per child, accompanying adult(s) free. No need to book.

Summer Birds at Thrupp Lake – Sunday 5th June, 10am-12pm

Local expert Ben Carpenter leads a morning stroll around the lake (OX14 3NG). Discover more about the birds you can see there over the summer. £5 adult, £2 child, booking essential: 01865 407792.

Summer Picnic – Sunday 5th June, 11am-4pm

Love local food at the Earth Trust summer festival! Bring your own picnic, or pick up some tasty local treats, and join in some traditional summer games. £5 adult, £2 child, £12 family.

Basket Weaving – Wednesday 15th June, 6pm-8pm

Make a simple Catalan style basket out of willow with local weaver Christine Brewster. Suitable for beginners and those with some experience; bring secateurs if you have them. £25; booking essential: 01865 407792.

Archaeology Night – Thursday 30th June, 6pm-9pm

Hear all about the University of Oxford’s latest research projects in the area. Free (donations welcome) but please book: 01865 407792.

As always, more information can be found on our website www.earthtrust.org.uk.

Lucy Benyon

Communications Officer

Earth Trust, Little Wittenham, Oxfordshire, OX14 4QZ

Direct Line: 01865 409406

Office No.: 01865 407792

lucy.benyon@earthtrust.org.uk

Minutes of Extraordinary Meeting 4 May 2016

UPTON PARISH COUNCIL

Minutes of the Extraordinary Meeting of Upton Parish Council

Upton Village Hall, Wednesday 4th May 2016 at 8.00 pm

PRESENT:  Dr R Lott (Chairman), Mr S Norman, Mr R Traynor, Mrs K Fletcher, Ms K Marshall, Mrs A Hoy (Clerk) and 40 members of the public

1. Apologies for Absence – Mr S Fraser

2. Declarations of Interest
Members are asked to declare any personal interest and the nature of that interest which they may have in any items under consideration at this meeting.  None received

3. Public Forum:  The meeting was closed to allow the public’s views on the planning applications under consideration to be heard. The previous planning application histories and objections were reviewed. Dwellings on this site had previously been refused, in 2002, 2003 and 2011 (withdrawn). The Chairman read out part of the applicant’s statement which mentioned that the application was in accordance with the National Planning Policy Framework and Planning Policy for Traveller Sites published in August 2015, that sufficient provision for Travellers should be made by local authorities, and that there was currently a need for thirteen such plots, three required immediately, within the Vale area.  However it was pointed out that the same documents state that local planning authorities should strictly limit new traveller site development in open countryside and should make use of brownfield sites or untidy or derelict land.  It also stated that there should be adequate schools, shops and other community facilities within reasonable walking distance, and such a site should not place undue pressure on local infrastructure, or be located in an area subject to flooding.  Inaccuracies in the application were also discussed, including the claim that the site is located outside the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It was also pointed out that the application states the site had been identified by the Vale as “suitable for traveller sites”, but no evidence was supplied to support this claim.

Comments from the floor were universally against the application, citing the fact that the area in question IS inside the AONB and as such only developments that enhanced and conserved the natural beauty of the site should be approved.  Vehicular access onto the A417 was also considered to be of major concern, given the poor visibility when turning onto the Lynch Way. It was also noted that the site was within an area previously identified as at risk of flooding. Concerns were raised regarding the use of a Septic tank and where its content would end up in the event of a flood. Additionally it was pointed out that the site was outside the built up area of the village and would have no services within a practical walking distance. It was also pointed out the access to public transport was likely to disappear with the withdrawal of public subsidies.

The Chairman stated that although the applicant had stated that there was urgent need for at least 3 pitches, it was not clear at this stage whether this need had already been met by other sites and that this would be a line of enquiry.  He considered the application at odds with saved policies set out in the Local Plan 2011, proposed policies set out in the Local Plan 2031, the National Planning Policy Framework 2012, and the Planning Policy for Traveller Sites 2015. He pointed out that the NPPF took precedence over the Local Plan 2031 while it was still to be approved by central government.

Many parishioners were worried that if this application was granted, Traveller “activities” might spill out to the adjoining site behind the George & Dragon and the Lynch Way. A precedent might also be set that could see a further application for Traveller pitches on the adjoining site behind the George & Dragon. It was noted that Mr Wells had just been granted planning permission to convert this area from agricultural to equestrian use.

Much concern was voiced about the existing dangers of the A417 through Upton and the dangers that accessing this site would entail, given the very poor visibility on the bend.

Several people thought a Planning Consultant should be employed to fight the application.  The Chairman responded that it might be premature to incur such costs and that a consultant could be engaged if it looked as though the decision might go to committee. It was recommended that everyone present should make their views known on the Vale website before the closing date of 18th May.  The Chairman promised to circulate his notes on the relevant policy documents and  the editor of Upton News promised to publicise the matter and circulate to the mailing list.  The Chairman stated that were the planning officer to recommend Approval but sufficient objections were received, the matter had to go to the full Planning Committee, so it was important for everyone to voice their feelings.  Public Forum was then closed and the meeting reconvened.

4. Planning Application:
P16/V0885/FUL – Development work at Maslina, Reading Road; replacement dwelling, garaging and landscaping.  The plans were discussed and a vote to FULLY SUPPORT the application was carried.  Clerk to advise the Vale.

P16/V0553/FUL – Land adjacent and rear of George & Dragon; Proposed traveller site with provision for three individual plots with hard standing and individual parking, sharing amenity space and bin storage areas.  The Council voted unanimously to OBJECT to the application for the following reasons:

The application is within North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and within Flood Zone 3 contrary to paragraph 115 of the NPPF, saved policy NE6 of the Local Plan 2011, Core Policy 27 of the Local Plan 2031, and Policy B Paragraph 13, Point g) of the Planning Policy for Traveller Sites.

In addition the site does not meet all the requirement set out in saved policy H22 of the Local Plan 2011 nor Policy H of the Planning Policy for Traveller Sites. It was not clear that there was any current need.

Accessing the site would require a dangerous manoeuvre across (known to be) fast moving traffic on a blind bend.

The Clerk was requested to advise the Vale accordingly and query with Cllr Janet Shelley why the site was supposedly considered suitable for a Travellers’ site.

 

Appendix A – Schedule of payments

Description Amount
UVHAT Hall Hire, Q2 30.00
TOTAL 30.00

Angela Hoy, Clerk
Tel:  01235 851726
7th May 2016

New Stamps at Blewbury P.O.

The Queen Elizabeth 90th birthday stamps will be on sale very shortly, they are far better than the last so called “special” stamps! We have ordered extra’s!

Much as we would love to work overtime, we don’t get paid for any time worked over our allotted 30 hours a week, so please remember when you rush in at 5 minutes to closing time, for us to process your parcels etc, that we are cashing up and dispatching all our paperwork, or attempting to clean the floor!

We will be closed on Monday 2nd May and Monday 30th May, as they are bank holidays, allowances & benefitswill be  paid on the Friday,  if your usual pay day is Monday,  Advance warning that we are also closed on Saturdays 6th  (VPA garden visit) & 11th June (family fun day on Tickers Folly)

It must be heading towards summer, the ice cream is here!

Love from Karen & Angela

May Events at the Earth Trust

All events take place at the Earth Trust, Little Wittenham, OX14 4QZ unless otherwise stated.

Brilliant Bees – Sunday 1st May, 10am-2pm

This month’s Sunday Drop-in is all about bees! Bees are pollinators which means they’re really important for growing all sorts of food. Give them a helping hand by making a bee hotel or diner to take home for your garden and bee inspired to create some wild art. £4 suggested donation per child, accompanying adult(s) free.

Dawn Chorus Walk – Sunday 8th May, 4.30am-6.30am

Set your alarm clock and join us to listen to the birds celebrating the season on the Wittenham Clumps. Learn more about identifying birdsong with Ben Carpenter. £5 adult, £2 child; booking essential: 01865 407792.

Bats at Wallingford Castle Meadows – Sunday 8th May, 8.15pm-10p

Local expert Dominic Lamb will lead a walk at dusk to find out more about the wonderful winged mammals, including how to recognise different species using a bat detector. £5 adult, £2 child; booking essential: 01865 407792.

Sensory Walk – Sunday 15th May, 2pm-4pm

Escape the stresses and strains of everyday life and immerse yourself in a hands-on nature sensory experience, including identifying birdsong, silent walking and photography, and blindfolded tasting. With Stuart ‘The Wildman’ Mabbott and photographer William Mankelow. Bring your own camera. £12; booking essential: 01865 407792.

As always, more information can be found on our website www.earthtrust.org.uk.

Coming up at Cornerstone

Cornerstone’s summer season is now in full swing.  Here’s a taster of what’s coming up this month.

Cake making gets messy in Curious, on Sunday 22 May.  Perfectly timed at just 25 minutes long it’s the ideal introduction to theatre for under-threes; journeying into a playfully imaginative world of very few words, where kitchen meets garden, where dirt is good and where messiness mischievously conjures the perfect birthday surprise.   At the end of each performance ,(choose between 10am, 11.30am and 2pm), childen are invited onto the stage to create their own recipes by digging in moist, soft soil.  This makes the entire event around 45 minutes long.

Comedy strictly for the grown-ups on Saturday 21 May from Richard Herring.  Happy Now? explores what really makes you ‘happy’.  Richard is famed for his concept-led, one person live stand up shows and in this twelfth solo show he examines whether we can ever hope to be, or are meant to be, truly content.

Shakespeare Untold, on Sunday 29 May, is an amusing and clever re-telling of two Shakespeare classics. Suitable for ages 5 and up this family-friendly double bill comes from London’s world-renowned venue, Shakespeare’s Globe.  Romeo Untold retells the story of star-crossed lovers, Romeo and Juliet, through the eyes of the Capulet Ball’s party planner.  While Titus Untold retells Shakespeare’s goriest tragedy, Titus Andronicus, as seen from the kitchen of Tituts’s pie maker.

Unmissable father and daughter folk duo Eliza and Martin Carthy unite for a special evening of music from their new CD ‘Elephant’ on Friday 13 May.  Legendary ballad singer and guitarist Martin has influenced generations of artists including Bob Dylan and Paul Simon.  Eliza has been nominated twice for the Mercury Music Prize and is a multiple award-winner at the BBC Radio Two Folk Awards.

Cornerstone’s annual Open Exhibition this year is on the theme of Pattern.   Running from Tuesday 24 May to Sunday 26 June this exhibition will offer an exciting opportunity to see individual creative interpretations by artists from all ages and backgrounds.  As part of the exhibitiion there will be an artist networking evening on Tuesday 24 May from 6-8pm, which is open to both exhibiting and non-exhibiting artists.  The exhibition is part of Oxfordshire Art Weeks.

Full details of Cornerstone’s summer programme can be found on the website at https://www.cornerstone-arts.org/, where online booking is also available.  Tickets can be purchased in person from the Box Office or by calling 01235 515144.  Closed Monday, open Tuesday to Saturday from 10am-6pm and Sunday from 11am-4pm.

News from your Local Post Office

Royal Mail are putting their prices up on Tuesday 29th March, 1p on both 1st & 2nd class stamps, we have plenty in stock, if you want to save a few pennies. The cost for Europe is going up 5p, to £1.05, while the price for “rest of the world” zones 1 & 2, stays the same. Parcels are going up by 5p, so not too bad really!

We will have “Shakespeare” stamps on sale soon, not very exciting, and some “Notable Britons” too, also not very memorable, and not very notable either! Think the stamp designers need to try harder!

We will be closed on Good Friday & Easter Monday, open on Easter Saturday, 9.30 -12 noon, allowances & benefits paid on the Thursday (if your usual pay day is Friday or Monday”) I am home for Easter, so “key meter” customers can get an emergency top up if needed, 07825 154842.

Blewbury Post Office