Upton Village

South Oxfordshire

Oxford Burglary

This is a message about a burglary.

A property off the Southern Bypass, was broken into at around 22:00. The alarm sounded and somebody was seen moving around in the property.

The offender was seen to make off over fields at the rear. Property dropped in the field included alcohol and an expensive trinket box.

If you saw or heard anything suspicious, please call the police on 08458 505505, and quote U R N 1 3 5 8 of 8/2/06.

Also we have some good news. An offender in custody recently accepted responsibility for approximately twenty historical burglaries in the Hinksey, Cumnor, Appleton, Harwell, Blewbury areas.

Unfortunately there are still offenders looking for an easy opportunity, so remember all your security good practices.

If your require specific security advice you can call 08458 505505, and ask to speak to you local Crime Reduction Manager, who can provide free advice.

Two burglaries in Didcot

This is a message about two burglaries.

In the early hours of Sunday 12th of February, two properties in the Ladygrove area of Didcot, were broken into.

Between 01:00 and 05:00 a property in Cray Court and a property in Beaulieu Mews, were burgled.

There is no clear point of entry. the properties were occupied at the time. Property taken included, wallet, mobile phone, keys and a widescreen television.

These breaks have highlighted a potential method of entry. Modern UPVC doors, that you can lock from the inside by lifting the handle, are vulnerable to being opened by reaching through the letter box, and pulling down the handle using some kind of instrument. If you have this kind of door, do not rely on just lifting the handle, dead lock it too using the key, and then remove the key out of reach.

If you saw or heard anything suspicious, please call the police on 08458 505505, and quote URN 988, and URN 338 of 12/2/06 refer.

The Crime Reduction Advisors, based at Didcot, can give you specific advice should you require it, call them on 08458 505505.

Tom Suttar

20.06.1929 – 16.01.2006

Tom and I have lived in Upton for 42 years and during the time have seen many changes. But one thing never changes, the village camaraderie and neighbourliness. The number of cards and words of sympathy I have received has been quite overwhelming and I thank you all for your tremendous support at this sad time.

Nan

Charles Bernard Aldridge

23.11.1913 – 07.01.2006

As our dad was one of the oldest inhabitants of Upton, Pauline and I thought an epitaph in the Upton News would be appropriate. Charlie, as he was known by most people, was one of three brothers born and brought up in Blewbury. He moved to Upton in May 1939 after his marriage to our mother Grace. He was called up for war service in December 1939 and served in the 8th Army until severe back injuries, sustained in a train crash in Italy, brought him home permanently just before the war ended. Pauline was born in May 1946 and I followed ten years later in March 1956. Dad always had a great love of music and played the cornet regularly in Cholsey Silver Band, often taking part in concerts. He would love to entertain everyone at the slightest opportunity with his enthusiastic harmonica playing, whether people wanted to listen or not!! He was also a member of Blewbury Bellringers at St. Michael’s for many years. Sadly our mother Grace passed away in February 1982, without having the pleasure of seeing her grandchildren grow and develop into the fine young people they have become.

Dad continued to live alone for the rest of his life, taking care of himself and his home with very little supervision. His garden was his pride and joy, all vegetables were grown in regimented rows with labels indicating their whereabouts. He always seemed Charles Bernard Aldridge to grow enough produce to feed the whole village and would send visitors away with huge bags of wonderful goodies!! He was always immaculate in his appearance and was a familiar sight in the village wearing his trilby hat and pulling along his shopping trolley which would be bursting at the seams after his weekly shopping trip to Didcot on the bus.

Unfortunately, after breaking an arm in a very bad fall in March 2005, which required surgery and several weeks in hospital, dad became very reclusive and increasingly frail. Regular care was provided at home, allowing him to retain his independence until he passed away on 7 January.

He was a very dear father to both of us, a kind and affectionate grandfather to Carol, Lynsey, Ben and Felicity, always taking an interest in their lives and delighted by the mischief and antics of his two little greatgrandaughters, Eden and Brooke.

Dad’s funeral took place on 18th January and we were all extremely touched to see so many in attendance. The service was not so much a funeral but a celebration of his life, conducted by Rev. Louise Butler. We would also like to thank everyone for their kind and generous donations to Little Foxes Wildlife Care. Dad lived in the country all his life and would have been delighted to see money being used to help such a worthy cause.

Unity Amos

Upton Burglary

This is a message about a burglary.

A pub in Upton Village was broken into between 19:00 and midnight on Saturday 14th of January.

Offenders gained entry to the rear of the property through an open window, one of three left open. An untidy search was carried out of the residential side of the premise. Property stolen included a cash box and contents.

If you saw or heard anything suspicious, please contact the police on 08458 505505, and quote UR  2 of 15/1/06.

Please ensure that windows are not left insecure, whilst those areas of your property are left unoccupied.

Monica Rowbotham

1909-2005

Dr Monica arrived in Upton a quarter of a century ago: a retired child psychologist of some note. St Mary’s soon discovered that she could play the organ and was a keen Anglican. Many will celebrate her church life. On the PCC she was Deanery Synod representative from 1982-93. From 1984-95 she was a churchwarden, and the church throve under her quiet guidance. Her reading of lessons was spellbinding and her knowledge of Scripture profound. At entertainments in the village hall, Monica would be an enthusiastic thespian: her Albert and the Lion was wonderful and as Lady Bracknell her “A Handbag!” outshone Edith Evans. Her memory of long poems was enviable and her dramatic rendering of The Mermaid had us in fits of laughter. We discovered her ability as a teacher of recorder and piano, and the bond she had with young people. With recorder, viols and keyboard ability, Monica became involved in groups such as the Friday trio, where she played viola da gamba, and playing Bach and Monteverdi’s Arianna with Sine Nomine singers. It has always been rare to find in one person so many talents coupled with a warm heart and a keen mind. She always spared time to discuss the problems of others and the state of the nation. Today, we thank the Good Lord that she was here and celebrate the life of a great lady.

David Dendy
(An abridged eulogy given on 7 July at her funeral)

John Greenfield

Many in the village will remember John and Elizabeth Greenfield who lived here for many years before moving to East Sussex.

Elizabeth’s tapestry remains on the wall in the church, and who could forget the youthful church choir of the ’80s with their striking cassocks and surplices for which she was responsible. Always in support was the delightfully enthusiastic John.

But alas, John died peacefully at St. Michael’s Hospice, Hastings on 10 October 2002 after an illness of four years. For all those who knew him this is very sad news.

John Grimshaw

Audrey Damnjanovic

Audrey Damnjanovic died on 3 December 2000 at the age of 79.

Audrey had been born in Upton, the youngest of three daughters of Ernest and Florence Brown, and lived all her life here. Brought up in the simple way of the day Audrey always retained her contentment with what she had. In 1950 she married Miodrag, (fondly known to the whole community as Koma), a Yugoslav living at Upton Lodge, having previously been a prisoner of war in Germany.

Audrey had a life-long love for St. Mary’s and was awarded a medal when she completed forty years as organist. She took pride in her family both past and present; one of her delights was the fact that her grandfather, Mr. Tyler, had been one of the last shepherds to lead his flock. His crook was later taken by the bishop of Singapore and is now in use at the cathedral there.

Though small in stature Audrey radiated enormous love, not only to her children, Dani and Peter, and all her grandchildren, but to neighbours and friends alike. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.