December 2012/January 2013 - Watlington Parish Council

Watlington • Pyrton • Shirburn 

December/January 2013 

1

CHRISTMAS 

WREATH MAKING 

WORKSHOPS 

B 

C 

J 

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Contents 

St.Leonards 

p.26-27 

Pyrton p.13 

Methodists 

p.14-15 

Church services 

p.6-7 

News from Registers p.33 

Ministry Team p.5 

Editorial Team 

Editor…Pauline Verbe 

Sub Editor...Ozanna Duffy 

St.Leonard’s Church News 

Val Kearney 

Advertising Manager 

Helen Wiedemann 

Front Cover Designer 

Benji Wiedemann 

Printer Simon Williams 

From the Editor 

Dates for 

your diary 

Advent Service of readings and 

music 4pm Sunday 2nd December 

Christmas childrens services p.28 

Christmas Carol Services p.29 

4 All Services p.19 

Watlington Christmas Fair 1st Dec p.18 

Christmas Tree Festival 

8th-23rd December p.56 

A note about our Cover Page - Our grateful thanks to Emily Cooling for 

allowing us to use a photo of one of her extraordinary and enchanting 

Lanterns featured in the Local schools and community groups’ magical 

Oxford Lantern Parade. We look forward to writing more about Emily, a 

professional Shirburn artist; her creative children’s workshops and much 

more – Her website is: www.kidsarts.co.uk 

THE EDITORIAL TEAM WISH ALL OUR READERS A PEACEFUL 

CHRISTMAS AND A HEALTHY AND HAPPY NEW YEAR 

Date for copy- Feb/March 2013 edition is 8th January 2013 

verbe@btopenworld.com 

ozannad@aol.co.uk 

valkearney@aol.com 

helen.wiedemann@gmail.com 

www.aplusbstudio.com 

create@couturesolutions.co.uk 

01491 614350 

01491 612859 

01491 614543 

01491 614989 

07919 891121 

3

The Minister Writes 

“It’s the lights that get me in the end. The candlelight bouncing off 

the oh-so-carefully polished glasses on the table; the dim amber 

glow from the oven that silhouettes the golden skin of the roasting 

bird; the shimmering string of lanterns I weave through the branches 

of the tree. That, and the carols that float from the radio or those I 

catch as I pass by the open doors of St Saviours.” 

So begins Nigel Slater’s Kitchen Diary entry for Dec 1st. In which 

he paints an evocative picture about the forthcoming season, about what’s to unfold and the 

delights ahead. 

Food is a hugely important part of our Christmas festivities, whether you’re a Goose or Turkey 

fan, even down to the smallest details of the stuffing – we want it to be perfect. That is only 

Human. But I know we have all had those Christmas’ that have been anything but perfect for 

one reason or another – please spare a thought for those that will struggle this Christmas and 

please support local food banks. 

This year I am staying at home, and my parents are coming down for a few days. Being a 

Minister means the traditions long held simply have to change to fit around services etc. And 

that is no bad thing – but it is different. And I have noticed that there is a whole group of my 

friends whose traditions are changing too. No longer are they continuing to do the Christmas 

things that they did as a child. Instead they are creating new traditions, new patterns, and new 

ways of being – as family circumstances change. 

At the Methodist Church in this year, we too have seen some change, amid the celebrations 

of our 200 years of worshipping history. But as we have looked back and celebrated what has 

been, we have been careful also to look forward, and to celebrate what God is unfolding now 

as well. And I would like to thank everyone, for being a part of our celebrations, and especially 

to the Congregation who have worked immensely hard at making it all happen. 

So I want to leave you with a question as you prepare for Christmas – what traditions 

are changing in your life? And what does that say about where you are in your walk with God? 

For in the midst of change the message of a small child who crept into the world 

begins to unfold, but in that birth, came the constancy of the love of God, that is our past, our 

present, and our future hope. May God bless you this Christmas. Adam 

Financial or health problems ? We may be able to help. 

We offer support to residents of the Parish of Watlington 

suffering from financial hardship, sickness or disability. 

Contact us on 01491 613366, or via the Community 

Office at 1 Old School Place, Watlington OX49 5QH, 

or email trustees@watlingtonsupportfund.org.uk 

Registered Charity No. 241730 

www.watlingtonsupportfund.org.uk 

parish_news_36x125_PRESS.indd 1 4 

5/3/12 15:26

England 

Church of 

England 

The Church 

Rector 

of 

England 

MINISTRY TEAM 

MINISTRY TEAM 

The Rector 

MINISTRY TEAM 

Associate Priest 

The Rector 

Associate Priest 

Assistant Associate Priest 

Assistant Associate Priest 

Church Wardens 

Assistant St. Leonard’s 

Priest 


Assistant St. Leonard’s 

Priest 


St. St. Mary’s 

Leonard’s 

St Mary’s Pyrton 

All St Leonards Saints Shirburn 

Watlington 

St Mary’s Pyrton 

The All St Leonards 

Saints Rev Christopher 

Shirburn 

Idris Watlington Evans. The Rectory, 

Hill St Mary’s Road, Pyrton Watlington 

OX49 The All Saints Rev 5AF 

Christopher 

Shirburn 

Idris Evans. The Rectory, 

The Hill Road, Rev Angie Watlington Paterson 

OX49 The Rev 5AF 

Christopher 

Idris Evans. The Rectory, 

The Hill Road, Rev Adam Angie Watlington 

Clayton Paterson 

OX49 5AF 

Canon The Rev Tony Adam Angie Williamson 

Clayton Paterson 

Revd Canon The Rev Lucy Tony Adam Austin 

Williamson 

Clayton 

Mike Revd Canon Gardner 

Lucy Tony Austin 

Williamson 

Val Mike Revd Kearney 

Gardner 

Lucy Austin 

Jenny Val Mike Kearney 

Gardner Lockwood 

How to Contact 

(Day off Monday) 

01491 612494 

c.idris.evans@gmail.com 


01491 612494 

01491 c.idris.evans@gmail.com 

614033 

Angie.paterson@btinternet.com 


01491 612494 

01491 c.idris.evans@gmail.com 

612210 

614033 

adam@ajbc.fsnet.co.uk 


How to Contact 

01491 612210 

614033 612143 



tony_williamson@lineone.net 

01491 07906 612210 

612143 684987 


luciea48@gmail.com 


07906 01491 612111 

612143 

684987 

mike.gardner@pharm.ox.ac.uk 



01491 07906 612111 

684987 614543 




01491 612111 

613240 614543 


Jennifer.lockwood@btinternet.com 


St. St. Mary’s 

Leonard’s 

Jenny Val Kearney 

Lockwood 

01491 613240 614543 


Methodist Church 


St. Mary’s 

Jenny Lockwood 

01491 613240 

Rev’d Adam J Stevenson (Day off Friday) 

Methodist Church 


01865 714163 

adam.stevenson@oxfordmethodists.org.uk 

Rev’d Adam J Stevenson 

(Day off Friday) 

Methodist Church Mr Phil Crockett 

01491 01865 612801 714163 

Littlefield, Christmas 


Common, Rev’d Adam OX49 J Stevenson 4HR 

(Day off Friday) 

Mr Phil Crockett 

01491 01865 612801 714163 

Mrs Littlefield, Ann Caffari 

Christmas 


01844 353732 

16Ashridge, Common, OX49 Chinnor, 

4HR 

OX39 Mr Phil 4JU 

Crockett 

01491 612801 

Mrs Littlefield, Ann Caffari 

Christmas 

01844 353732 

WEDDINGS IN THE METHODIST 16Ashridge, Common, CHURCH 

OX49 Chinnor, 

4HR 

If you wish to be married in OX39 the Methodist 4JU Church, please contact the Revd. Adam Stevenson 

Mrs Ann Caffari 

01844 353732 

WEDDINGS IN THE METHODIST 16Ashridge, CHURCH 

Chinnor, 

If you wish to be married in OX39 the Methodist 4JU 

Church, please contact the Revd. Adam Stevenson 

WEDDINGS IN THE METHODIST CHURCH 

If you wish to be married in the Methodist Church, please contact the Revd. Adam Stevenson 

If you wish to be married in the Methodist Church, 5 

please contact the Revd. Adam Stevenson

Services in St Leonard’s Watlington, St Mary’s Pyrton, The Methodist 

December 2nd (Advent Sunday) 

10.0am Eucharist with Hymns 

St Mary`s Church, Pyrton 

10.0am Sung Eucharist 

St Botolph`s Church, Swyncombe 

11.00am Morning Worship 

The Methodist Church, Watlington 

4.00pm “A Service for The Beginning of Advent” St Leonard’s Church, Watlington 

December 9th (Advent 2) 

8.30am Said Eucharist 


10.0am Eucharist with Baptism 


10.0am Village Service 

St Mary’s Church, Pyrton 


St Leonard`s Church, Watlington 



7.0pm Evening Praise St Leonard`s Church, Watlington 

December 16th (Advent 3) 

10.0am Eucharist with Baptism 



4.00pm Carol Service 



December 20th (Thursday) 

7.00pm TOWN Carol Service 

December 23rd (Advent 4) 

10.0am Mattins 

10.0am Crib Service 

11.0am “4 ALL” - CHRISTINGLE Service 


4.00pm Pub Carol Service 

December 24th (Christmas Eve) 

5.00pm Children’s Carol Service 

11.30pm Midnight Mass 

11.30pm Midnight Mass 





St Botolph’s Church, Swyncombe 

St Nicholas` Church, Britwell Salome 






The Chequers, Watlington 



St Leonard’s Church, Watlington 

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Church, St Botolph’s Swyncombe & St Nicholas’ Britwell Salome 

December 25th (Christmas Day) 


9.30am Eucharist with Carols 





December 30th (Christmas 1) 

10.00am BENEFICE Sung Eucharist 


January 6th (The Epiphany) 

10.0am Eucharist with Hymns 


11.0am Covenant Service JOINT Anglican 

and Methodist Congregations 


St Nicholas Church, Britwell Salome 



St Leonard’s Church, Watlington 







January 13th (Baptism of Christ) 











7.0pm Evening Praise St Leonard`s Church, Watlington 

January 20th (Epiphany 3) 








St Nicholas` Church, Britwell Salome 



January 27th (Epiphany 4) 

10.0am Mattins 




11.0am “4 ALL” - The NEW All Age Service St Leonard`s Church, Watlington 



7.00pm Evening Praise 


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CONGRATULATIONS 

TO STANLEY & SARAH FARR – DIAMOND WEDDING CELEBRATIONS 

On 9th Dec 1952 Stanley Farr and Sarah Buckland were married at St.Leonard’s Church 

and some 60 years later they are still living a mere stones throw from that same church! 

After their marriage they lived in aptly named Love Lane with their next move to Webb’s 

Yard (now situated along the Cuxham Road) where they live comfortably and happily today. 

They have a Son (also named Stanley) and daughter Anita, four Grandchildren and a Great 

Grandson and although not quite sure what celebrations have been planned to mark this 

landmark occasion, I am positive they will enjoy every minute of their special Day. 

We wish Stanley and Sarah many more happy years together. 

Jane Ordish 

Progress of Water Feature 

in Memory of Anna Thomas 

Pete Hemmins responsible for the wonderful gardens at Watlington’s Sanctuary Care Home 

together with his colleague Doug (electrics) first of all constructed the foundations for the 

water feature. This then enabled our good friend and neighbour Paul Mercott to form the 

stone structure which brings us nearing completion of this lovely memorial to Anna Thomas. 

Thank you to everyone who contributed to the collection to make this feature possible and 

especially to Pete, Doug and Paul for all your hardwork in its construction. The Thomas 

family are so grateful to everyone and come Spring they hope to let you all know when the 

official opening will take place. 

Pauline Verbe on behalf of the Thomas family 

8

WATLINGTON SURVEYED IN 

NATIONAL REPORT 

WATLINGTON is amongst the least deprived communities in the country ranking 612th out 

of 12,706 parishes surveyed by the Church Urban Fund. 

According to the report “Pensioner poverty and lone parenthood in Watlington are lower 

than average compared with other parishes in the country. Male life expectancy and 

qualification levels in this parish are higher than average compared with other parishes 

nationally. Child poverty and working age poverty in this parish are among the lowest in the 

country. Female life expectancy in this parish is among the highest nationally”. 

I don’t imagine many of us will be surprised by these findings. Most of us know how 

fortunate we are to live in Watlington. 

However within this encouraging assessment there are statistics that at the very least 

should start us thinking in more depth about the community that we live in. 

For instance the percentage of working age adults (aged 16-74) with no academic, 

vocational or professional qualifications came out at 21%, which is a much higher figure 

than I would have expected. 

Child poverty in Watlington while very small compared with some parishes in the country 

comes out at 6% which reminds us that within our community there are children and 

families that are finding life very tough. 

Watlington is very fortunate in having some excellent organisations and charities that work 

very hard to assist those who are going through difficult times. The Church Urban Fund 

report gives us an opportunity to think again about the needs of Watlington and to give 

thought to whether there are people who are slipping through the net and who are suffering 

in silence behind closed doors. 

The report can also help us to look at other communities in Oxfordshire and throughout the 

country where the problems are substantially greater than they are in Watlington. Child 

poverty rises to a maximum of 65% in the country and people are literally dying a decade 

earlier in some areas than they are in Watlington. 

When our own lives are comfortable, it is easy to forget those whose lives are hard beyond 

our imagination. But are there things that we could be doing to lessen the hardship both 

in Watlington and elsewhere? Are there things that we can do to fulfil the Church Urban 

Fund’s aim of Tackling Poverty Together? 

The Church Urban Fund website: www.cuf.org.uk 

Information about Watlington can be found at: www.cuf.org.uk/270025-0 

Christopher Idris Evans 

9

FILIPINO COMMUNITY CELEBRATE 

SPORTING SUCCESS 

Watlington’s thirty strong Filipino community and friends celebrated a recent sporting 

triumph with a victory party at the Town Hall. 

In their second anniversary year, Watlington’s basketball team “Top Gun” won the 2012 

Filcom Oxford Basketball Tournament. 

Top Gun team members include: Marco Lapuz, Richard Reyes, Resty Ciria, 

Rodel Deocera, Roger Deocadez, Reggie Ramos, Patric Castro. 

The Rector, The Revd Christopher Evans, went to the party to congratulate the team 

players and enjoyed the wonderful hospitality and delicious food of the Filipinos. 

Some Friday’s are a special day for Neil 

and Rita McLaughlan 

Many of you may know Neil and Rita as regulars at the Methodist Church. Rita is one of 

their church’s Friday Lunch Club team who once a month provide a delicious lunch for 

approx. 30 people- which is then followed by an epilogue. 

Rita has also written some delightful devotional booklets for older people. They offer a 

month’s supply of daily readings at a time. The front covers are inviting and the addition 

of large print most helpful. There is a Bible passage in full and then some thoughts by 

Rita for contemplation. 

Neil, around 11.00pm on Friday evenings, you’ll find him in Oxford city center. You might 

ask what is an 83 year old doing out at that time of night? Well, he is a Street Pastor. He 

started as a Street Angel in Watford some years ago and when he moved to Watlington 

he made enquiries and found the Oxford Street Pastors. 

He attended a 12-week evening course and then a Saturday course on ‘Conflict 

Management’ excellently presented by a retired police officer. For 2 years now, he has 

worked in a team of four helping young people often drunk or into drugs, revellers, 

as well as down and outs. He feels concern for 17/18 year olds who go to clubs and 

become very merry. Working in pairs, the Pastors stay with these people until they are 

sober enough to go back into a club, onto a bus or into a taxi or in the case of the young 

girls wait with them until their parents pick them up. With down and outs the shelters are 

full by 11.30pm so they offer aluminium blankets and conversation, if requested. 

The Street Pastors have a professional camaraderie with the police, ambulance service 

and Shelter and their team leader knows all the contacts. Often the police officer 

10

TRAIDCRAFT - Fighting poverty through Trade 

A Traidcraft stall selling Christmas Cards and Delightful small 

handmade Christmas Gifts will be in the High Street on 

Saturday 1st December 

the day of the Watlington Traders Christmas Celebrations 

All Traidcraft good s are available at the Drop In Centre 26B High 

Street Watlington on Monday -Friday mornings. 

11

present, known as a Bronze Sergeant, will call on them to go and stand with someone. 

Neil comments, ‘Frequently we are seen picking up glass from broken bottles – to avoid 

temptation for use as a weapon’. 

‘People do query what the church is doing our there?’ says Neil. ‘and ask why we are 

doing this? I reply it is the work of Christ on the streets. Sometimes people want more 

of an answer so I invite them to take a seat’. Neil says that with a little drink inside them, 

some of them are able to talk more freely about their worries or perplexities and get into 

a deep conversation but will only do this is they ask and offer any prayers if asked for 

that too. However one passer-by, a Catholic, fell to his knees and insisted on giving a 

confession to the group leader. It takes all sorts! 

Because these Pastors are from all walks of life and across the breadth of Christian belief, 

they enjoy meeting others and get to know them without preaching at each other. Neil 

claims that one girl walked out of a nightclub some years ago and disappeared. This was 

the catalyst for his interest. ‘We do get our hands dirty; we are not just sitting in pews! We 

are the practical side of Christianity as well as carrying water bottles, lollipops and flip flops 

as girls can’t walk in high heels and the threat of broken glass.’ 

On one night two chaps were in conversation with Neil and his partner on theological 

arguments near a car. An immaculately, well-dressed, but drunk woman, came out of the 

shadows of a door. The chaps and this lady walked with them back to her club. At some 

point there was a change in attitude from the young men as they became aggressive and 

abusive. He says ‘my partner and I were concerned she didn’t know what she was doing 

and that they might take advantage of her. We stayed with her to protect her until she got 

back to the club’. Unfortunately, she was not allowed back into the club so they continued 

to stay with her until she was sober enough to get home. 

Asked how he’d like to see the Street Pastor service enhanced, he commented an 

opportunity to extend to a Saturday as well, and some cover for Christmas and New Year. 

But it needs enough people to help. There are plenty of opportunities for younger people to 

join in but he thinks they need the qualities of patience, endurance, and ability to be out in 

all weathers, understanding, and commitment as well as the ability to work in mixed aged 

teams. Just a breeze then! 

He does get a break in the middle, but at the end of the night the team meet up, discuss 

any issues and the team leader writes up a report to include their comments. At about 4am 

Neil heads home. 

His last comment is that ‘Sometimes everything happens at once, ‘God’s in charge and 

these people go on to the next link. We are not dealing with people who are the finished 

article, so we don’t want to be the weak link’. 

Ozanna Duffy 

12

News from Pyrton 

As the first frosts of winter are approaching, we are relieved 

and pleased that the Stage 1 repairs on St Mary’s church 

have been completed. All of the external flintwork on the West 

wall has been reset and repointed and the internal wall replastered and painted. Whilst the 

scaffolding has been in place, close examination of the condition of the leaded West window 

showed that it too was in need of restoration, which is taking place as I write. Our thanks go to 

our architect, John Radice, and the contractors, Owlsworth IJP, for their excellent work. Plans 

are now being made for Stage 2 – restoration of the other walls during 2013. 

We are now looking forward to Advent and Christmas. The Carol service takes place on 

Sunday December 16th at the earlier time of 4pm and will be followed by refreshments. The 

ever popular Children’s Candlelit Carols on Christmas Eve will take place at 5pm and Christmas 

Day Eucharist at 10am. 

Improvements at the Village Hall are continuing. New sound insulation panels have been fitted 

to improve the acoustics – the wooden floor had increased the amount of reverberation making 

it difficult for some people to hear clearly. Plans are being made to replace the curtains to 

reduce the reverberation even further. Hope fully this will allow everyone to enjoy functions in 

the Hall. 

After the extremely successful social events this summer and autumn – BBQ, Aunt Sally 

evening, Bingo Night and Harvest supper – plans have been drawn up for the next 12 months. 

There is a Quiz Night on November 2nd, Pub Nights with food on December 7th and February 

1st. We are delighted that the Watlington Band will once again be playing carols in the Village 

Hall on Monday December 17th at 7pm. Mulled wine, mince pies and sausage rolls provided. 

In January, following the success of last year’s Annual Dinner, this year’s will take place on 

Saturday 11th. Tickets cost £15 for a 2 course meal with drinks. Invitations will be sent out 

before Christmas. Places are limited to 54 so please book early – payment with reservation 

please. 

Pyrton PCC and the Village Hall committee wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and Happy 

New Year and look forward to seeing you at some of the events. 

Jenny Lockwood 

13

September was 

a busy month for 

us. First there 

were the Heritage 

Open days, and 

the Ride & Stride 

to raise money for 

historic churches in Oxfordshire. Since 

it was our 200th Anniversary we thought 

it would be appropriate if John Wesley 

could greet people when they visited 

the church, so we produced a full-size 

model of him preaching. We enquired 

as to how tall he was but nobody knew! 

In the end his height was decided by 

the size of the piece of plywood we had 

available! The first group he welcomed 

were from St.Leonard’ s Church, Chrissie 

and Jeremy Bell with friends Hazel & Flis. 

Later our Minister, Rev.Adam Stevenson, 

arrived having cycled from Wesley 

Memorial Church, Oxford visiting a dozen 

churches on the way. 

As a historical note John Wesley preached 

at least twice in Watlington in 1766 and 

1775, well before the present church was 

built in 1812. 

A fortnight later a past minister, Rev. 

Andy Bryer, and his wife Janet came to 

celebrate Harvest Festival with us. Andy 

is now very much in a rural area and 

farming and harvest and the problems of 

rural communities are very real to him. 

Many friends from the other churches in 

his old circuit joined us for the service 

and for the harvest lunch afterwards. As 

usual the centre of our harvest display 

was a cake made and decorated by Pat 

Bird. The cake, our gifts and the gifts from 

News from the Methodists 

Watlington Pre-school go to the Porch 

Steppin’ Stones Centre in Oxford. The 

Centre helps those in need by providing 

meals, advice, training and support and 

these are even more necessary at the 

present time. 

On the last Sunday of November our 

Bicentenary guest preacher will be Mrs. 

Ruby Beech, past Vice-President of the 

Methodist Conference and previously 

Assistant Serjeant at Arms in the House 

of Commons. We start on the run-up to 

Christmas with our Advent Studies on 

4,11 & 18 December. Then we shall be 

welcoming the churches in Watlington 

when they join us for the Watlington Town 

Carol Service at 7.30pm on 20 December. 

Meanwhile we shall be preparing our entry 

for the Christmas Tree Festival, this year’s 

theme “Celebrations & Jubilations” is very 

appropriate for our Bicentenary. 

To finish off our Bicentenary Year we 

shall be welcoming Rev. Peter Hancock, 

Chair of the Northampton District. as our 

guest preacher on 23 December. We 

then look forward to 2013 and welcoming 

St.Leonard’s to our Covenant Service on 

6 January when we renew our covenant 

with God for the coming year. 

Our Lunch Clubs continue at 12.30 on the 

first Friday of each month to which all are 

welcome. As of Sunday 13 January we 

shall hold our services in our Community 

Room while we insulate the ceiling of the 

church and redecorate it: a challenging 

start for 2013 and the third century of our 

church! 

Phil Crockett 

14

Forthcoming Methodist Services 

2 Dec 11am Mrs. Jennifer Thompson 

9 Dec 11am Rev. Adam Stevenson incl. Holy Communion 

16 Dec 11am Mr. Peter Honeyball 

23 Dec 11am Rev. Peter Hancock, Bicentenary Service 

25 Dec 11am Rev. Adam Stevenson, Christmas Day Family Service 

30 Dec 11am Dr. Neville Shepherd 

6 Jan 11am Rev. Adam Stevenson, Covenant Service incl. Holy 

Communion 

13 Jan 11am Mr. Paul Spray 

20 Jan 11am Dr. Julie Todd 

27 Jan 11am Dr. Alan Turner-Smith 

RIDGEWAY 

Venue: The Sports Pavilion, Watlington Recreation Ground 

Date: the 3rd Tuesday of every month 

Time: 2.30pm. 

Tea & biscuits served. 

We welcome all retired and semi-retired visitors who come to our monthly talks and 

encourage you to join us. Membership is £18.50 p.a. which also allows you to participate 

in our Group activities that include Walking, Reading, Outings, Antiques & collectibles, 

Heritage, Patchwork & quilting and our Lunch group 

Non-members can come to our monthly talks by paying £4.00 entrance.. 

For more details contact Jacky Wagstaff 

Email jacky.wagstaff@yahoo.co.uk or phone 01491 613175 

PROGRAMME – 2013 

18th December at 2.30 pm 

Tony Brown will give 

A Victorian Magic Lantern Show to be followed by Christmas drinks and snacks. 

15th January 2013 

Tim Horton will give an illustrated talk about Victorian Watlington its growth and decline, 

a subject close to all our hearts. 

19th February 2013 

Francine Blake will be talking about Crop Circles. How do they get here? Is it aliens or 

tractors? Or something completely different. 

15

“Coming together is a beginning, keeping together is 

progress: working together is success”. Henry Ford 

Once in a while, there is a photo that stops you in your tracks. This picture shows four people who have 

influenced many lives. From left to right: 

Henry Ford (1863-1947) was an engineer with the Edison Illuminating Company in Detroit experimented 

on internal combustion engines By 1908, Henry Ford realised his dream with the production of the 

Model T: reasonably price, reliable and efficient. By 1918, half of all cars in America were Model T’s. 

Ford’s continuous moving conveyor belt and mass production scheme reduced his costs undercutting 

his competitors. Ford’s became the largest automobile manufacturer in the world. By 1925, Ford was 

producing 10,000 every 24 hours and by 1927 he had sold over 15 million Model T’s. 

Thomas Edison His first invention was the ‘tin foil phonograph’ that recorded and reproduced a telephone 

message using a stylus on a tinfoil cylinder, and brought Edison to international fame. In 1913 he 

introduced the Kinetophone. It attempted to synchronize motion pictures with the phonograph cylinder 

sound. 

But Thomas Edison’s greatest challenge was the incandescant electric light. He didn’t invent it, but he 

improved a 50 year-old idea. In 1879, he was able to produce a reliable, long-lasting source of light. He 

made it safe, practical and economic. His vision brought us: light bulbs, fuses, insulating materials, on-off 

switches and once tested, Edison created the electric industry and made his millions. Street lighting and 

power stations followed and by l890 power demand was worldwide. His company Edison General Electric, 

later dropped his name and in1892 became General Electric. 

Warren G Harding was born in Ohio in 1865. As a young man, he brought a nearly bankrupt newspaper, 

the ‘Marion Star’ back to life. His even-handed reporting made him popular with Ohio politicians, important 

businesses and charitable enterprises. Harding went from a seat in the Ohio State Senate, to a US 

Republican senator and then in 1920, he became the 29th President and the first President to ride in a car 

to his inauguration (a Ford of course!). 

Once in office, Harding admitted to his close friends that the job was beyond him. But during his time, 

homes were built, car and radio ownership escalated, businesses offered antiunion drives e.g. paid 

holidays, cheap lunch, pensions - if they left, or did not join, ‘Labor’; and oil markets were secured in Iraq 

and Iran. Ignoring prohibition, Harding’s lifestyle came into question although he was never linked to any 

crooked deals. 

16

In 1923 while touring America, suffered ptomaine poisoning and died from a heart attack. His wife was 

rumoured to have poisoned him to save him from any charges of corruption. Historians regard Harding as 

the worst president. 

Harvey Samuel Firestone born in 1868, in Ohio, started work in a buggy company. It folded, so he set 

up his own business selling rubber tyres. In 1896 he gave a set of rubber tyres to Henry Ford who was 

experimenting with horseless carriages. By 1900, Firestone realised cars were the future and his tyre 

business must grow with it. 

At 31, he founded the Firestone Tire and Rubber Company. He pioneered the manufacture of pneumatic 

tyres for the Ford Model T. and by 1906 his sales reached $1million propelling Firestone to the top of 

the American tyre industry. He developed new treads, promoted the use of trucks for hauling freight and 

lobbied for the construction of vast highway systems. 

In 1926, in protest over the British-held monopoly over production of raw rubber held by Far East rubber 

growers, Firestone started his own rubber plantations in Liberia, West Africa. He was president of the 

Firestone Tire & Rubber Company until 1932, with sales of over $100 million at the time of his death in 

1938. 

Without all four of these men’s visions we might not have had paid holidays, driven to collect the turkey 

hopefully without a puncture or lit up the Christmas tree. 

Seasonal Greetings Ozanna 

NewsWATCH 

The Watlington & Chalgrove 

GP Practice Newsletter 

News from Your Surgeries! 

Email us at: wat.chal@nhs.net Oct 2012 

In the latest full version of our Newsletter the following topics are covered. 

The Patient Survey 2012, Flu Jab Campaign 2012, On-line appointment booking, 

Missed doctors appointments!, The new 111 telephone number, Gluten free products 

prescribing. 

If you would like to find out more about any or all of the above, 

the full version of the newsletter is available on our website at 

www.watlington-surgeries.nhs.uk/patient-group/newsletters 

Alternatively, hard copies are available at the two surgeries and in many local outlets. 

17

Watlington Town Christmas Fair 

1st December 

A great way to kick off the Christmas season festivities 

The Watlington Business Association is pleased to announce that once again we will be 

running the highly popular Watlington Town Christmas Fair. There will be something for 

all the family with stalls along the High Street, sleigh rides, craft fair, music from local 

groups, Calnan’s famous BBQ, community group stalls, and of course, Father Christmas 

will be arriving on his sleigh! New for this year is a fabulous food fair, chuck the turkey 

and pupils from Watlington Primary School and Ickneild College will be performing. 

As in previous years we will be running a Grand prize Draw with some fabulous prizes 

that are worth winning. Look out for tickets that will be posted through your door at the 

beginning of November. Stubs and money can be dropped off at the Post Office. 

Final arrangements are still being made so watch out for further announcements and put 

the date in your diary for what promises to be a great day out, and a chance to get the 

Christmas shopping off to a flying start. And don’t forget to like us on Facebook: www. 

facebook.com/WatlingtonTownChristmasFair 

Anyone wishing to take a stall either on the High Street or in the Craft Fair please contact 

Linda Morriss on 01491 613396 or email: Linda.morriss1@btinternet.com 

CONGRATULATIONS TO BARBARA WILLIAMSON 

Barbara Williamson’s sterling contribution to St Leonard’s Church, Watlington and to 

Watlington itself was recognized at a service at Dorchester Abbey on September 30th. 

The Bishop of Dorchester, The Rt Revd. Colin Fletcher OBE, admitted Barbara into the 

Fellowship of St Birinus. 

Bishop Colin founded the Fellowship in 2009 as a way of acknowledging exceptional 

service at a parochial or benefice or deanery level including outstanding service as a 

church member in the wider community. 

The ceremony took place in the abbey after a wonderful tea reception and a beautiful 

service of Evensong. Barbara and other recipients were then welcomed into the 

Fellowship and presented with certificates by the Bishop. 

Barbara was accompanied at the ceremony by her husband Tony and also by her guests, 

Doreen Hobbs, Janice Measures and myself. We all watched with pleasure as Bishop 

Colin presented Barbara with her certificate. 

Christopher Idris Evans - Rector 

18

WATLINGTON WI 

Have you thought about joining the 21st century WI and if 

not, why not? 

2013 is Watlington’s 80th Anniversary Year 

And we would love to welcome more New Members on Board 

• What do we do? 

• What are our Ideas for getting women’s voices heard? 

• How can we make this Your kind of WI ? 

Why not come along and see what we have to offer? 

Allow us to evolve around your ideas and input 

The WI is made up of young working girls, mothers, professional women, and 

retired ladies from all walks of life, which makes for diversity and covers a broad 

spectrum of interests. Meanwhile, as we come to the end of our varied and 

interesting 2012 programme we are looking forward to our party and would like to 

wish a Happy Christmas to one and all. 

Next Meetings: 

Dec 12th Christmas meeting with carols, finger food and glass of wine 

Jan 9th 2013 Speaker: Joanna Cary 

Work & History of The ACWW (Associated Country Women of the World) -Water 

Project in 3rd world countries 

Venue : Watlington Town Hall 

Date : second Wednesday of the month 

Time: 7.30-9.30pm 

Contact Ronnie Roper: 01491 612675 

Please leave your details on her answaphone so she can return your call. 

What is special about the 

4th Sunday of the month? 

The morning service at st.Leonard’s on the 

4th Sunday of each month is rather different 

from other Sundays. 

How different? 

Why don’t you come and find out? 

11.00am at St. Leonard’s Church on 

Dec 23rd – Christingle 

Jan 27th The NEW ALL AGE service 

19

Adam Clayton in Shropshire 

The bells pealed, the congregation gathered from surrounding parishes and the clergy 

flocked, headed by the Bishop of Lichfield, to celebrate the new Ministry and the 

Licensing and Installation of The Reverend Adam Clayton as Priest-in-Charge of the 

parishes of Myddle, Broughton, Newton and Loppington with Burlton. 

As will be known, Adam has recently left our local Benefice of Icknield to take up his first 

stipendiary post in Shropshire, about a dozen miles from Shrewsbury. The parishes 

within his benefice are about as close as you can get to Wales without actually leaving 

England. A move from one beautiful part of the English countryside to another, albeit, a 

good deal wetter! 

20

The service was held at St Michael and All Angels Church, 

Loppington, a building which pre-dates our St Botolph’s by about 50 years. Amongst 

those gathered were our Rector, Christopher, and three others from Watlington and 

three more from Swyncombe - all there to wish Adam and Jo well in their new domain. 

The Bible Reading was the story of Jesus showing to his disciples how they could 

become “fishers of men” and it was upon this theme that the Bishop of Lichfield based 

his sermon in a straightforward and amusing way. Nobody fluffed their lines and the 

service was a great success. Afterwards, we all trooped to the nearby village hall to 

attack the spread of home-made sandwiches, biscuits and cakes. 

Oxfordshire’s loss is Shropshire’s gain. We wish Adam and his 

family success in their new challenge. 

John Bayford 

21

The Picnic Hamper’s New Cafe 

Christmas Menu 

10th -14th December 12.00pm - 1.30pm 

Homemade Carrot & Coriander Soup 

Homemade Chicken liver pate served with side salad & Melba toast. 

xxxx 

Traditional Roast Turkey served with the trimmings. 

Sliced Roasted Rib of Beef served Yorkshire pudding. 

Cranberry & chestnut Stuffed Mushroom wellington. 

Brussel Spouts Sliced Carrots peas & Roast potatoes & gravy. 

xxxx 

Traditional Christmas pudding with custard 

Homemade lemon Cheesecake with cream. 

£15.95 per person 

22

FUNDRAISING IN MEMORY 

OF PHILLIP BOWDEN 

The death of Phillip Bowden from Watlington on September 

30th 2012 at the age of only 29 has brought it home forcibly that 

cancer is no respecter of age. Cancer is the major cause of 

death in the UK and most people will know someone – perhaps a 

close relative or friend -who is suffering or has suffered from the 

illness. 

Friends and relatives of Phillip 

have been fundraising for Cancer 

Research UK whose vision statement 

is for “leading pioneering, life-saving 

research to bring forward the day 

when all cancers are cured” 

Just a few days after Phillip died. 

Michael Spicer, from Watlington, a 

very good friend of Phillip, raised 

£1000 for Cancer Research UK by doing a sponsored parachute 

jump at Chiltern Park Aerodrome. 

Michael and Dawn, like all of us, have 

other relatives and friends who have 

died or are suffering from cancer. They 

want their fund-raising to be dedicated 

to them as well as to Phillip. They would 

also like to thank the very kind people 

of Watlington and beyond for their 

generosity. 

Then on October 20th Dawn Marriott, Phillip’s sister, together with 

other friends stood outside Watlington Town Hall in fancy dress as 

part of Cancer Research’s Stand Up To Cancer campaign. They 

raised £1400. 

23

Message from PCSO 

Diane Greenwood C9840 

Christmas is a busy time of the year for everyone, including criminals. A large portion of 

crime is opportunist, so this Christmas we are seeking your help to stop thieves in their 

tracks. 

Reduce the risk of your home being burgled by making sure you take some simple and 

inexpensive precautions. Take action now and don’t become a victim of burglary over 

the coming days. 

Anything on view in your car or in your house is a target for thieves and I would like to 

offer the following advice to residents: 

• Keep your car locked whenever it is unoccupied, even when paying for petrol. 

• Don’t leave any valuables including Christmas presents in your vehicle. 

• Make the house looks occupied after dark by leaving a lamp on a timer. 

• Don’t leave Christmas presents where they can be seen though the ground floor 

windows of your house. 

• Ensure that front and back doors and windows are locked when you are out and at 

night. 

• Lock valuable or sentimental jewellery away in a large lockable cabinet or in a safe 

bolted to the wall or floor. 

• When putting out your rubbish, break up and dispose of packaging with care so 

thieves don’t target your house for your new purchases. 

Home security advice leaflets, property marking pens and security labels to go onto 

bicycles are available from your local police station or contact me via email on diane. 

greenwood@thamesvalley.pnn.police.uk or through the parish council 

If you have see any suspicious activity call us on the emergency number 999 or have 

any information to help the police with their inquiries contact the police non emergency 

number 101, if you do not want to talk to the police you can call the Crimestoppers 

charity on 0800 555 111 and remain anonymous. 

24

POP IN CAFE 

Name: 

Venue: 

Pop in Cafe 

Watlington Sports Pavilion 

Shirburn Road, Watlington, OX49 5BZ 

2nd Tuesday every Month. 

13th November & 11th December 

2pm – 4pm 

Shirley Brown, Doreen Hobbs & Beryl Parkinson 

Meet: 

Next meeting: 

Time: 

Contact details: 

Telephone: 07977 605443 

Email: 

popincafe@gmail.com 

Did you know that the Pop-in Cafe has been running for just over a year? We are a 

group of local volunteers who give a few hours of their time to seniors in our community 

irrespective of their ability, to meet and have fun once per month in an afternoon. The 

focus is on fun, laughter and the Feel Good Factor! 

Why not come and join us for tea and cakes and a chat and have some fun and see what 

you think. You can help us to make it what you want. 

You can be a Friend of the Pop-in as we need people to help us fundraise or be a helper. 

There is no charge except for donations. 

Everyone is welcome. Thank You. See you There. 

Watlington Gardening Club 2012/13 

Watlington 

Venue : 

Time : 

Gardening Club 

Watlington Sports Pavillion 

7.45pm 

Our Christmas Social will be on 5 December: 

Christmas Social 

Time to chat and enjoy a glass of mulled wine and nibbles and a quiz. 

There will be a charge for guests. 

Wednesday 2 January : Weather Lore – Fact or Fiction. Speaker: Ian Currie 

As always, we look forward to seeing members, new members and guests. Please get in 

touch with any member of the committee if you need a lift and for more information, please 

contact Cheryl Barnes, 01491 614928. 

25

Churchwarden’s bit 

2013! Where do we fit in? 

Where are we headed? 

Its a funny old world isn’t it, one bunch of folk tell me we are being too new and 

revolutionary......and another will accuse us of being part of the Traditional Church set up! 

Well what to answer? Where is St. Leonards going. 

Our fervent prayer is that wherever we are headed, we are going there together. I 

remember a couple of years ago rather grumpily removing myself from a Matins Service, 

childishly complaining that it wasn’t at all my type of Service! 

A Humbling moment came later during prayer when I strongly felt told that God had 

wanted to send me a special word during the Service. The very one from which I had 

so arrogantly removed myself! Not only that, but that I had hurt folk God loved, who had 

practised hard to give our Lord a special Service of worship. Who was I to judge it? 

Did I ever finally receive that special message? I don’t know. But I do know that I then 

realised that our Lord wants us to enjoy any expression of love and worship for Him. He 

does: so why shouldn’t we. I felt Him tell me that he wanted me to enjoy Heaven and the 

many rooms in His house. That in our future, with Him its much more fulfilling to be able 

to wander around at home, in his home, rather than constrained to just one part of His 

wonderful creation. 

Since then I have shared this with other Christians who have admitted to having a similar 

experience when grumpily removing themselves from a ‘Happy Clappy’ Service. I think 

sometimes our Father feels he can best approach us when we have humbled ourselves to 

a form of worship that spiritually stretches us. When we are stretched....we actually find 

we grow! 

How does this reflect in St. Leonards? Well this year we have started up a Mustard Seeds 

Group, combining practical and spiritual enrichment for Mums and their little ones ( and 

the bouncy castle goes down well). And we also have a monthly 4ALL Service which is a 

fresh expression of our Sunday afternoons Messy Church. 

We are having more bring and share lunches than ever and our coffee and delicious 

cakes (thanks Heather!) after every Service are drawing all together in a true Church 

fellowship. We have found these Services are influencing us all. We are learning as 

26

much from our younger generation, as we hope they are learning from us. 

We are learning that we don’t need a Messy Church Service. Our congregation is full of 

us messy folk. “There but for the Grace of God” is muttered between us all regularly. 

St. Leonards isn’t a place to come to see Christians who have all the answers and are 

smugly living our lives. Most of us aren’t sure how we fit in or where we are headed. But, 

we are learning to trust in God, to lead us there, to lay our hopes, fears and prayers at His 

feet, and love and support each other. 

When we say all are welcome, we mean it. The more the messier....oops, I meant merrier, 

either which way we know that Church isn’t a place where you are judged, just a place 

where you are loved. 

Merry Christmas and do come to see us. 

Val Kearney 

GOOD NEIGHBOUR SCHEME. 

Being a good neighbour comes naturally in a community such as Watlington – but 

remember this is not restricted to the older generation - 

Are you over 18yrs old? 

Young people can equally be a great asset to the community! 

‘Getting to know’ next door is common ground to a lot of us - a friendly gesture of help 

now and again is not regarded as a task but a genuine act of kindness. However not all 

are so fortunate, which is why we are Setting up a “Good Neighbour Scheme” to benefit 

people who need help with simple tasks but don’t know anyone to ask. Things we take for 

granted, which can be a daily challenge for others. 

• Changing a light bulb 

• Doing a weekly supermarket shop 

• Bringing Fruit/veg back from the Undercroft 

• Pruning a rose 

• Taking the dog for a walk when the owner is unwell 

• Collecting a prescription 

• Helping with simple computer problems etc. 

Good Neighbours allow everyone to be independent and not suffer in silence, but it is not 

an every week commitment and there are no driving jobs. What we are trying to do is 

compile a register of volunteers – so anyone in need can ring a central operator who in 

turn contacts a volunteer. 

If you are interested in sharing your kindness and expertise in please ring 01491 614187. 

27

CHRISTMAS SERVICES 

FOR CHILDREN OF ALL AGES 

The much loved Crib Service 

Sunday 23rd December 10.00am 

St. Botolph’s Church Swyncombe 

St. Leonard’s Christingle Service 

11.00am Sunday 23rd December 

You and your family are warmly invited to 

St. Leonard’s Christingle Service with 

refreshments afterwards 

Children’s Candlelit Carol Service 

5.00pm December 24th Christmas 

Eve 

St. Mary’s Church Pyrton 

Family Eucharist with Carols 

Christmass Day 10.30am 

St. Leonard’s Church 

28

Christmas Carol Services 

Throughout the Benefice 

Sunday 16th Dec 6.00pm 

CAROL SERVICE 

St Nicholas Church Britwell Salome 

Thursday 20th Dec 7.00pm 

TOWN CAROL SERVICE 

The Methodist Church Watlington 


CAROL SERVICE 

St. Botolph’s Church Swyncombe 


CAROL SERVICE 

St. Mary’s Church Pyrton 

Sunday 23rd Dec 4.00pm 

PUB CAROL SERVICE 

The Chequers Watlington 

29

RUNNING THE MARATHONS 

Paula and Nick say: 

Nick and I have recently taken part in two 

half Marathons to raise funds for Valley of 

Hope (UK) Charity 

www.valleyofhopecharity.org 

Our first was in May when we ran in 

Helsinki, Finland, my home city. Followed 

by the October run in Henley-on-Thames 

near Watlington (Nick’s hometown). 

Valley of Hope is chaired by Nick’s Dad 

and local Rector, Christopher. We’re really 

excited to be running both for the people of 

Mothibistad, to whose lives your donations 

will be of such direct benefit, and, on a 

personal level, for Nick’s Dad, whose tireless 

efforts in leading Valley of Hope continue to 

bring real hope to people whose lives are 

afflicted by HIV/AIDS. Your donation will make a 

really valuable difference. 

Thank you all for your fantastic level of support! 

Paula Ahvonen & Nick Evans 

www.charitygiving.co.uk/valleyofhope2012b 

Jeremy & Chrissie say: 

We live in Watlington, and our way of helping 

the Valley of Hope Charity to fundraise for 

monthly Grocery parcels has been by running 

the Henley Half Marathon in 2011 and more 

recently the Dublin Marathon on 29th October 

2012, to raise sponsorship money. 

We can at least run, albeit slowly, but some 

of those who benefit from the Valley of Hope 

parcels are too ill to run. It seemed when we 

30

moved outside our comfort zone, and had to just keep going for 5 hours, we would have to 

rely on God, just like many in Mothibistad. Amazingly, we just kept going, and it was God 

who kept us going. We are in our 60’s and we have not run a marathon before. However 

we did it, and it was fun. There were 14,300 runners in all, and there were over 4000 

behind us! The whole route was lined with people cheering us on, reading our names on 

our running tops and shouting “Come on, Jeremy, Come on Chrissie.” There were five 

from Watlington, and one from Cholsey. 

WATLINGTON 

MEMORY CAFE 

Many of those who benefit from the Valley of 

Hope have far bigger challenges than running 

a marathon. They have crises every day, and 

not only do they need God, but they know they 

need God. Many in the richer nations like the 

UK have not had the experience of being poor 

and having to rely on their faith. Faith is having 

an active and living relationship with God. 

Jeremy & Chrissie Bell 

www.charitygiving.co.uk/valleyofhopedublin 

Support local people with dementia and their carers and volunteer at our new friendly 

Memory Café. 

Memory Cafes provide an opportunity for people with dementia and their carers to meet 

informally and receive information & support. 

Volunteers are needed to welcome guests, help plan activities and make & serve 

refreshments. 

The Memory Café is held on the last Tuesday of each month from 10.30 to 12.30 at 

Watlington Sports Pavilion, Shirburn Road, Watlington, OX49 5BZ 

If you are interested or would like to find out more please contact Volunteer Officer, Sara 

Uren on 07713390713 or Dementia Support Worker Gilly Fishleigh on 07889604599. 

Alzheimer’s Society. Registered charity no 296645 A company limited by guarantee and 

registered in England no 2115499. 

Registered office: Devon House, 58 St Katharine’s Way, London E1W 1LB 

31

Do you Need a new direction in your life?? 

Inspirational stories of Watlington People and how their lives took on a different 

direction from the year of their 80th Birthdays!! 

Neil and Rita McLaughlan 

Read about their wonderful work (Pages 10-12) 

Below - ‘excerpts’ from Not one but TWO 

remarkable ‘Gutsy’ Ladies who in their different 

ways embarked on a whole new approach to 

their lives following their 80th Birthdays. 

Eve Diett 

At her book signing on Nov 10th 2012 in 

Watlington Library – DIARY OF A NAAFI GIRL. 

Now 86 this is Eve’s second book – the first ‘Here 

Come the Land Girls’ was published in the year 

of her 80th birthday. Meanwhile, she is well into 

writing her third!! Many congratulations Eve! 

Dorothy Ackerman 

A hands-on former Dinner Lady – has helped 

transform the lives of people in a small village 

5,000 miles away. In her 80th year she made her 

first visit to our Link Parish of Mothibistad on the 

edge of the Kalahari. At 86 embarking on her 9th 

trip with me - this will see the Official Opening 

of the installation of a Wind powered irrigation system for the Garden Project she and I 

helped initiate 5 years ago. Young film-maker Michael Demetriou will be there to record 

this momentous occasion! 

Pauline Verbe 

32

NEWS FROM THE REGISTERS 

Holy Baptism 

We extend all good wishes to the following who were baptised at 

St. Leonard’s Church Watlington 

Archie Patrick Smith and Jenson James Hookey who were baptised on September 16th 

2012 

Joseph William Wood; Paige Nicole Wood and William Robert Wood who were baptised 

on October 18th 2012 

Sophie Maureen Newman who was baptised on October 21st 2012 

St. Mary’s Pyrton 

Emma Tara Sophia Brittain who was baptised on September 16th 2012 

Arthur Francis Holdship who was baptised on October 14th 2012 

WEDDINGS 

Our congratulations to Elizabeth (Zee) Gilmore and Nameer Kanderian who were married 

at St.Mary’s Church, Pyrton on September 22nd 2012 

WEDDINGS AND BAPTISMS IN THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND 

If you wish to arrange a baptism or get married in either St Leonard’s, Watlington or St 

Mary’s, Pyrton please contact The Revd Christopher Evans: 01491 612494 

BAPTSIMS AND WEDDINGS IN THE METHODIST CHURCH 

If you wish to be baptised or married in the Methodist Church, please contact the Revd. 

Adam Stevenson: 01865 714163 e-mail: adam.stevenson@oxfordmethodists.org.uk 

Rest in Peace 

We offer our sympathy and the assurance of our thoughts and prayers to the families and 

friends of the following people who died recently: 

Christopher Gee who died on August 31st 2012 

Margaret Mitchell who died on September 1st 2012 

Phillip Bowden who died on September 30th 2012 

David Wyndham Smith who died on October 7th 2012 

June Knowles who died on 14th October 2012 

Doreen Vincent who died on October 19th 2012 

33

DRAPES DESIGN CO. 

Fabrics by: Colefax and Fowler, Osborne 

& Little, Jane Churchill, Designers Guild, 

Arthur Sanderson, Zoffany, Malabar, 

Andrew Martin, and Nina Campbell. 

Plus: Greengate Upholstery and 

Vaughan Lighting. 

Colefax and Fowler 

PRODUCING FINE CURTAINS & 

FURNISHINGS, UPHOLSTERY & 

LOOSECOVERS, RE-UPHOLSTERY, 

FABRICS, CARPETS, WALLPAPER, 

LIGHTING & PAINTS 

Please call in or phone for more information: 

40 Couching St, Watlington, Oxon ox49 5qq 

Phone: 01491 612273 

Email: designers@drapes.co.uk 

12042_ham_wat_91x122.indd 1 16/10/12 12:43 

MUSTARD SEEDS 

Teresa Jayne Catering 

Local Catering for your 

Special Events 

Weddings & Christenings 

Parties 

Lunches & Teas 

Pig Roasts & BBQ’s 

t: 07770 828339 

e: teresa.mcteague@btinternet.com 

Mums and Toddlers Coffee Morning 

with toddlers snacks 

1st & 3rd Monday of the Month 

St.Leonard’s Church – starts at 9.45am 

Next dates are: 

3rd and the 17th Dec. 

and for January 2013 the 7th and the 

21st. 

Mums/dads/grandparents/friends – 

all are welcome!! 

Contact Val on: 614543 

e-mail: valkearney@aol.com 

Untitled-6 1 5/12/11 10:15:45 

34

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• Replacement Kitchen Doors 

• Worktop & Granite Replacement 

• Electrical / Plumbing / Installation 

• Kitchen Appliances 

• Steam Oven Cooking Demos 

• Over 30 Years Experience 

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Ladies and Gents 

Personalised 

Hair and skincare 

New hair colour range 

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35

Multiple Sclerosis Society 

Henley MS 

Support Group 

The Henley Support Group in association 

with the Berkshire MS Therapy Centre 

has now been running for 2 years. It is 

based at the Brunner Hall, Greys Road, 

Henley, RG9 1QR and is open every 

Thursday from 10.00am until 1.00pm. 

Various services are provided which 

include group therapy sessions, individual 

physiotherapy sessions, footcare and 

informal lunches with the MS Specialist 

Nurse. We are also very pleased to see 

people who just ‘drop in’ for a cup of 

coffee to to find out what it is all about. 

TO PLACE AN 

ADVERT IN THIS 

MAGAZINE 

Which is delivered free – 1,280 houses in 

Watlington, Pyrton & Shirburn areas 

Please contact our Advertising Manager 

for details 

Helen Wiedemann 

01491 614989 

helen.wiedemann@gmail.com 

Examples of SIZES & rates 

⅛ £10 (£6.50 for 3+issues) 

¼ £17 (£13 for 3+ issues) 

½ £30 (£26 for 3+ issues) 

Full £56 (£52 for 3+ issues) 

SPECIAL REDUCTION 

FOR COLOUR 

So – if you have Multiple Sclerosis or are 

a carer for someone with MS, do come 

and see us. You will be very welcome. 

tel: 01628 825773 

e-mail madeline@starames.co.uk 

Chairman Maddie Ames 

www.chinnorwebdesign.co.uk 

Contact during office hours 

Community office 

01491 613867 

36

John Howell MP writes... 

A look back at recent key issues from Westminster and in the constituency 

IN WESTMINSTER 

Over the summer months although parliament does not sit much goes on behind the scenes 

and the work of different Government departments hits the news from time to time. Between 

the summer recess and the break for the conferences of the main political parties Parliament 

sat for a short time. Now that everything is back in full swing we have seen a number of 

Ministerial Statement to the House. Among these perhaps the most notable have been: 

A Statement by the Secretary of State for Local Government on Housing and Planning which 

set out how the Government is planning to tackle the problem of affordable housing, the 

difficulties over delays in the planning system and the Green Belt. With regard to the latter, 

the protections contained in the National Planning Policy Framework remain firmly in place. 

The Statement merely brought forward the possibility of using previously developed land 

within the Green Belt. 

A statement by the Home Secretary on European justice and home affairs powers which set 

out how the Government is withdrawing from the powers in the EU agreement on European 

Justice. 

There were also Statements from the Secretary of State for Transport on the West Coast 

Main Line; the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Scotland on the Referendum on 

independence for Scotland and the Home Secretary on Extradition. 

IN THE CONSTITUENCY 

During the Conference Recess I used the time to undertake another Village Tour around the 

constituency. During the course of the two weeks over we travelled some 350 miles and met 

just over 200 people. There were a number of consistent themes which came up. By far the 

biggest of these was Broadband. Another area which came up frequently was the economy. 

This is particularly relevant in a week which has seen the latest unemployment figures 

issued. Nationally the number of people out of work fell by 50,000 in the three months to 

August. The number of people in employment has not been higher since records began 

in 1971. Whilst not under-estimating the difficulties faced for those who are unemployed, 

overall this is good news. 

For more information, my website is regularly updated and offers information on my work 

both in Westminster and in the constituency. Its address is www.johnhowellmp.com In 

addition, if you would like to subscribe to my free e-newsletter please e mail me at: 

john.howell@oxfordshireconservatives.com 

37

GARDEN MAINTENENCE 

GRASS CUTTING 

LAWNS, PADDOCKS, SPORTS FIELDS 

OVERGROWN AREAS 

TURF CARE 

SCARIFY AIRATE, OVERSEED, FERTILISE 

TOP DRESS, VERTI DRAIN, ROLL 

HEDGE 

TRIMMING, REDUCTION 

REMOVAL, PLANTING 

LANDSCAPING 

PATIOS, DRIVES, FENCING, TURFING 

HEDGE/TREE PLANTING 

Local References 

01491 826925 or 07977 237798 

www.groundworx.org.uk 

2 Mays Cottages, Ewelme 

Aerobics & Pilates 

Watlington Town Hall 

Drop-in classes: 

Aerobics 

Monday 8-9pm 

Tuesday 9.30am – 10.30am 

Pilates 

Thursday 8-9 pm 

Pre-booked Pilates classes 

(spaces available) : 

Monday 6.30-7.30pm 

Thursday 9.15-10.15am, 6.30-7.30pm 

Friday 9.15-10.15am 

For further information please email Katy Riddell 

katyriddell@btinternet.com or call 0770 999 1623 

40

WATLINGTON 

OPEN FOR YOU! 

Opening Hours 

Monday - Friday 0900 - 1730 

Saturday 0900 - 1230 

Use your local Post Office for: 

• Bureau de Change • Car Tax 

• Banking / Moneygram • Mobile Top-Ups 

• Insurance 

• Bill Payments 

And for sending your post! 

Watlington Post Office 

8 High Street, Watlington, OX49 5PS 

01491 614424 watlington-post@btconnect.com 

NEED A 

BARBER? 

Amber’s Barber Shop - 

07929 337015 

Thursday - 

9 – 5.30 visit 

Hair by James 

9 Shirburn Street 

41

BRITWELL SALOME FARM SHOP 

Our own free- range Pork and properly hung 

beef. Lots more local foods including bread, 

milk, cheese and beer. 

01491 612070 

just off the B4009 behind The Goose at Britwell Salome 

BRITWELL Opening hours SALOME 

FARM SHOP 

Tuesday our own free-range - Friday pork 

8.30 and properly a.m. - 6 p.m hung beef 

lots more local foods including 

bread, milk, interesting jars 

Saturday and sweet things 

9 a.m. Tuesday—Friday, 

- 5 p.m. 

8.30 Sunday a.m.—6 p.m. 

9 

Saturday, 

a.m. - 12 

9 a.m.—5 

noon. 

p.m. 

01491 612070 

plenty plenty of parking of parking 

just off the B4009 behind 

The Goose at Britwell Salome 

M. J. GEE 

MARKET GARDENER 

READY NOW 

PANSIES 

POLYS VIOLAS 

VIOLAS PERENNIALS 

PRIMROSES & HERBS 

WINTER BASKETS 

Hyacinth Baskets 

TUBS AND PLANTS 

CYCLAMENS & WALL Cyclamen 

FLOWERS 

COMPOST CABBAGES & CANES 

PERENNIALS & HERBS 

Tel: 01491 612479 

WINDMILL LANDSCAPES 

(Thame based) 

Your Local Landscaping Company 

Established 1989 

Landscaping 

• Grass Cutting 

• Turfing/Seeding 

• Hedge Cutting 

• Fencing – All Types 

• Tree work 

Construction 

• Patios 

• Drives/Paths 

• Gates – Wood/Metal 

• Groundwork 

Tel: 01844 279519 

Freephone: 0800 783 7194 

www.windmill-landscapes.com 

42

01844 354744 

www.chinnorwebdesign.co.uk 

44

ST. LEONARD’S 

CHURCH HALL 

Large hall with ample 

parking 

Available to hire for 

classes, parties,etc 

For details and bookings 

contact 

Judy Keen 01491 612422 

Circle Dancing / 

World Dancing 

in Watlington 

7-9 pm every Tuesday 

No partners necessary - 

Beginners most welcome. 

Enjoy the gentle exercise & the 

fun of learning a dance together. 

Relaxing & therapeutic. 

Tel: Margot Peters 

or phone 0118-984 1559 

e-mail: 

lesmargotdancing@btinternet.com 

45

Watlington & District Nursing Home 

Afraid to talk about care? 

Let us help you 

We know from experience considering 

care options can be overwhelming. This is 

why we get to know you and your family 

and make sure your experience is tailored 

especially to your specific needs. 

With our dedicated teams on hand 24 

hours a day, Watlington & District Nursing 

Home offers the highest standards of care 

for all its residents including those 

needing re-ablement care following a 

hospital stay, nursing, respite, dementia 

and palliative care. 

To discuss your plans for now and the 

future, please call 01491 613400 

www.sanctuary-care.co.uk 

Watlington & District Nursing Home 

Hill Road, Watlington, Oxfordshire OX49 5AE 

Email: care@sanctuary-housing.co.uk 

Sanctuary Care Limited is a subsidiary of Sanctuary Housing Association, an exempt charity 

Dedicated to care 

46

Microsoft textbox, size 8.89cm x 5.83cm (same ALL PLUMBING 

ALL size PLUMBING as previous & HEATING 

HEATING advert.) 

+ GAS FIRE/BOILER NEEDS 

Place your Christmas Orders Now 

Repairs & Installations 

Bottle picture inserted into text box. 

Peter Osborne 

Fine Wines 

Your local family 

run wine merchant, 

established for 

over 30 years 

Worldwide selection 

of exclusive quality 

wines 

LEE BECKETT 

01491 

01491 

614233 

614233 

07773 

07773 

168120 

168120 

Is the man to call for 

Is the man to call for 

No call out 

No charge call out 

charge 

Watcombe Manor Farm, Ingham 

Lane, Watlington OX49 5EB. 

TEL: 01491 612311 

E-mail: info@peterosbornewine.co.uk 

Website: www.peterosbornewine.co.uk 

Opening hours: 

Mon/Fri: 9.30am-6pm-Sat: 9.30am-5pm 

ronnieroper@onetel.com 

47

Samantha Swanson 

07712 052860 

www.arborea.co.uk 

01628 675535 

48

Mail Handling 

Telephone Answering and Call Forwarding 

Meeting Room 

Full Reception Service 

Offices on Flexible Terms 

41, Couching Street, Watlington, Oxfordshire 

01491 613311 

info@chilternbusinesscentre.co.uk 

www.chilternbusinesscentre.co.uk 

“You take care of your business 

We look after your office” 

50

Altom Tree Care Ltd 

For a reliable, professional service 

01844 339833 

07958 759747 altomtree@fsmail.net 

TREE FELLING 

HEIGHT REDUCTIONS 

STUMP GRINDING 

LANDSCAPING - FENCING 

GRASS/HEDGE CUTTING 

PADDOCK MOWING 

MAINTENANCE CONTRACTS 

SEASONED LOGS FOR SALE 

FULLY INSURED 

FREE QUOTATION 

51

JP CARAVANCARE 

Tel. 01844 281042 Mob. 07505 772110 jpcaravancare@live.co.uk 

Mobile Caravan & Motorhome servicing and repair in Oxfordshire &Buckinghamshire 

JP Caravancare is pleased to offer the following Services 

Full Annual Service Habitation Service Chassis Safety Service Damp Testing 

Preventative Damp Oversealing Floor Delamination Repairs General Repairs 

Emergency Call Out Pre Purchase Checks Motor Movers supplied & Fitted Accessories Fitted 

Full Service, Repair and Damp reports are supplied 

We can tailor our services to suit You and remember “We Come To You” 

Devey Tree Care 

Tree Surgery & Garden 

Maintenance Services 

We offer a variety of services for your trees and 

gardens, from hedge cutting to tree removal. 

Fully insured with £5M public liability cover 

All jobs considered and all quotations are free of charge. 

Telephone: 

Call Owain Devey NCH Arb on 

07922736451 01844281101 or 

owain.devey@hotmail.co.uk www.deveytreecare.co.uk 

53

L B Plumbing 

Toilets, taps, showers, 

immersions, leaks, all 

general repairs. 

Free estimates, insured. 

Watlington Youth Club 

Meets at the Sports Pavilion in Shirburn Road every 

Tuesday 7pm to 9pm 

If you are 13 to 18 years old please come and join us to 

play pool; table tennis; darts and table games. Also have 

coffee on us! 

Enquiries Welcome - Call Roger On 613687 for a 

programme 

No callout charge 

Call Lee Brook on 

01491 834484 

07981642688 

54

THE CHEQUERS 

LOVE LANE 

WATLINGTON 

01491 612874 

Traditional Home-cooked Bar Meals 

Lunches: 7 days a week 

Evening Meals: Tuesday – Saturday 

Sunday Roast Lunches 

Monthly Charity Quizzes 

Christmas Menu Available 

Christmas Carol Service 4pm, Sunday 23 rd Dec. 

Boxing Day Lunch 12 noon-3pm Book Now 

www.thechequerswatlington,co,uk 

55

Friends of 

St Leonard’s Church 

Christmas Tree Festival 2012 

Celebrations and Jubilations 

Saturday December 8th to Sunday December 23rd 

2.00 - 5.00 daily 

Grand Opening Saturday December 8th 

Come and see Father Christmas switch on the lights at 

3.00pm and enjoy mulled wine. seasonal refreshments 

and informal carol singing 

Bring your friends and family to see the 36 beautifully 

decorated and highly imaginative Christmas Trees with 

titles ranging from the Diamond Jubilee, the Olympics, 

Mardi Gras , the Chinese New Year, Bonfire Night and 

many, many more joyful celebrations both at home 

and worldwide. 

An uplifting start to Christmas for everyone 

56

December 2012/January 2013 - Watlington Parish Council

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