NEWS SHEET No.34
February 2005
DIAL A RIDE
This is a new transport service which is on a trial basis in South Oxfordshire.
If you are unable to use public transport or find difficulty in doing so, this
might be of interest. Your age and the nature of your disability are irrelevant.
This door to door service is available to all S.O.D.C. residents on Mondays
between 10a.m. and 3.30p.m. Tuesdays to Fridays are available to different areas
and Thursday is allocated to Nettlebed folk. You can travel anywhere between
Henley, Nettlebed and Sonning Common at a cost of £2.00 single or £4.00 return.
If you are likely to avail yourself of this service, you need to register with
them and bookings for journeys can be made up to 7 days in advance. Booking
forms are available at the Post Office, but phone the clerk if you meet with any
problems. To book your journey you should phone 01869 327048 which is the number
for Walter’s Limousines of Bicester. It is a question of use it or lose it – the
popularity of this service will be assessed after one year.
LOCAL POLICE OFFICER
How often have we complained that we never see a policeman?
We are very fortunate as PC Keith Brockington has now been allocated to our area
and neighbouring villages. He is very experienced having assisted at the time of
the miners’ strike and also at Greenham Common. He wishes to work very closely
with us, has attended all of our Council meetings and is working closely with
Malcolm Lewis, our Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator. Like Malcolm, he is anxious
to persuade co-ordinators to volunteer to cover the few remaining areas of the
village which do not have a co-ordinator. He wants everybody to feel free to
contact him with any problems or suggestions relating to police matters, and
unlike many police officers he is even willing to let you have his mobile phone
number. Keith is anxious to meet as many folk as possible and is holding a
series of ‘surgeries’ when you can go along and meet him and raise any matters
of concern. These surgeries are not in the form of a meeting, but an informal
get together. We have booked the Village Club large hall for 7.30p.m. on
Tuesday, March 15th. To Shakespeare fans –‘sorry this is the ides of
March which we have to beware of. Do try to come along even if you have
already met the officer – even if you have no immediate problems to raise, he
would like to meet you. We are so fortunate in having such a dedicated officer
so please try not to miss this gathering.
FARM WALK
The Department of Environment, Food and
Rural Affairs (DEFRA) have arranged a walk which might appeal to you.
Date: SATURDAY, MARCH 12th
Duration: 2.00p.m. – 4.30p.m.
Venue: Woodhouse Farm, Hailey, Nr. Wallingford (Grid ref. SU640 873)
Walk Leader – Mr. Stephen Hart
Distance – 3.3 miles
Come prepared for the weather and possibly muddy paths. –
dogs on leads welcome
Find out about farming, wildlife and enjoy the countryside with breathtaking
views Those of you who have been to the King William pub will realize what a
beautiful area this is. Tea, coffee and biscuits to warm you at the end of the
walk. No need to book- just turn up. For information contact Heather James on
01993 886540 or e-mail
[email protected]
BRICK MAKING IN NETTLEBED
We receive a number of enquiries about the brick making industry which
occurred in Nettlebed
After a great deal of research, Malcolm Lewis has written a fascinating account
of the subject If you are interested and have access to a computer you can read
about it on the Nettlebed website –
www.nettlebed.org.uk.
If you are very anxious to learn about this subject and have no access to a
computer please let the clerk know and she will print a copy for you.
NEW SCHOOL
February 4th 2005 was indeed a red letter day. The long
awaited day when the first turf was actually cut .in preparation for a brand new
school. So many people had given up so many hours of their time in ironing out
all the complex problems which invariably arrive with a large and important
project of this nature. One wonders how on earth the major shopping centres ,
bridges, etc. ever reach the final stages. I know of 4 baby girls who have been
born recently in Nettlebed – what a lovely school will be awaiting them. Coupled
with our wonderful new surgery, they will get a marvellous start in life.
ANNUAL PARISH MEETING
Once again, the Chairman and Parish Councillors invite you to attend the Annual
Parish Meeting. You will be able to hear what the Council has been doing on your
behalf throughout the year., which has been a very busy one, and you will be
able to raise any matters which concern you. The meeting will be held for the
last time in the CHURCH HALL at 8.00p.m. on WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6th
The parking by the Church Hall will be considerably restricted so an alternative e.g. the surgery might be advisable.
CHAIRMAN
In the late 1700’s , many houses consisted of a large room with only one chair.
A long wide board folded down from the wall, and was used for dining. The head
of the household always sat in the chair with the others seated on the floor.
Occasionally a guest, who was usually a man, would be invited to sit in this
chair during a meal To sit in the chair meant that you were important and in
charge. The man sitting in the chair became the chair man. Hence the expression
Chairman or Chairman of the Board.
OTHER RED LETTER DAYS IN NETTLEBED
14.10./1996 ……………Builders start on 8 affordable houses at Elms Way
10/11/1997……………..New shop opens at Post Office
20/3/2003………………Long awaited Pelican crossing arrives
29/11.2004……………..Opening of wonderful new surgery
DATES TO REMEMBER
Tuesday, March 15th. – PC Brockington – 7.30p.m. Village Club
Wednesday, April 6th. – Annual Parish Meeting – 8.00p.m. –Church hall
Saturday, March 12th. – Walk at Hailey
Don’t forget our website at
www.nettlebed.org.uk