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Cothill – Frilford – Garford – Gozzards Ford – Marcham – TUBNEYYour Independent Local Newsheet – www.madnews.co.ukDecember 2009 Vol: 31 No: 12 READ & recycle! free30◄ Marcham School ►raising money forChildren in Needpage 13▲ Guides with new Kneckers page 7◄ Richard Zair and Bernard Higgins cutthe Marcham Remembered cakes atthe launch page 9Marcham WI Waiting for Santa ►page 9DECember1 Tue GARD public meeting, Drayton Village Hall, 57.30pm2 – 19 Cub Post, various locations 73 Thur Midweek Walk, Fleur de Lys Inn, E9Hagbourne, 12.30pm lunch /1.30pm walk4 Fri Christmas Quiz, MSSSC 8pm 75 Sat Northmoor Tree Planting Record Attempt, 15Hill Farm, Little Wittenham, 10am-3pm5-6 Northmoor Craft Fayre, Hill Farm, Little 15Wittenham, 10am-5pm9 Wed Vale Homebuyers’ Day, Wantage Civic Hall, 33-8pm9 Wed Marcham Parish Council Meeting, Duffield 3Place, 7.30pm11 Fri Family Christmas Party, MSSSC, 7.30 – 711pm11 Fri Garford Carol Procession and Supper 3diary11 Fri MP’s Surgery, Grove, 5.30-7pm 512-13 Ex-Servicemen’s Club Christmas Present 5Delivery12 Sat Christmas Fair in aid of Helen and Douglas 15House, Abingdon Guildhall, 11am – 3pm12 Sat Marcham School Christmas Fayre, 2-4pm 1317 Thur Marcham WI, Denman College, 7.30pm 918 Fri Christmas Bingo and Draw, MSSSC, 8.30pm 719 Sat Ex-Servicemen’s Club Christmas Draw 5January3 Sun Christingle Service, All Saints’ Church, 4pm 515-23 Ali Baba, Unicorn Theatre, Abingdon 1522 Fri MP’s Surgery, Faringdon, 5.30-7pm 529 Fri Deadline for School registration form 1331 Sun Deadline for collection of Marcham9Remembered31 Sun Deadline for nominations for MarchamParishioner of the Year3Details of events may change after publication, please check with the relevant organisers before attending events.

Marcham & District NewsDear ReadersCongratulations to Marcham Society forputting on such a fantastic exhibition andpublishing a really interesting book – a littlebit of trumpet self-blowing there but havinghad such close contact with all the authorsover the last 12 months has been a realprivilege. My contribution is dwarfed by theamount of research that everyone put in toidentify faces, names, dates and places andjust choose the pictures. If you think thata couple of names were missed, go to theindex and see how many they got right!2009 was a milestone year for MADNewsand in January, we will be 31, not quite sucha round number, but 341 issues later we arestill going strong thanks to everyone whowrites articles and reports, takes photos,thinks up crosswords clues, collates allthose pages (over 10,000 every month!)and, most importantly, delivers each copyto every door. THANK YOU ALLLastly, everyone at MADNews wishes youall a very happy Christmas and a peacefulNew Year. My new year’s wish is for avillage hall to call our own!Until next timePUBLISHER/EDITORMeriel Lewis8 Orchard Way, MarchamAbingdon OX13 6PPTel: 01865 391725Website: www.madnews.co.ukEmail: editor@madnews.co.ukWe apologise in advance for any errors thatmay creep into this MADNews, or omissionsthat creep out - we don’t do it on purpose!The Editor reserves the right to alter, omit orhold over copy to another issue. The viewsexpressed in the Marcham & District News arenot necessarily those of the editorial team.Advertising Contact the EditordistributorSJudith & Peter Fontaine14 Tower Close, MarchamAbingdon Tel: 01865 391275deadlinesAdvertising: 5pm 15th monthOther copy: 5pm 20th monthexcept for Jan when it is 15th Dec for bothadditional copiesThese are available free from MarchamPost Office or the Editor. Postal copies arealso available – contact the Editor.policePCSO Laura Schmid Tel: 0845 8 505 505county councillorIain BrownJanus, Westcot Lane, Sparsholt, Wantage,Oxon OX12 9PZTel: 01235 751210Email: iainbrownconservatives@yahoo.co.ukdistrict councillorMarcham and ShipponJane Hanna4 Charlton Road, Wantage OX12 8ERTel: 01235 772782Email: janehanna63@googlemail.comFor other councillors go towww.whitehorsedc.gov.uk© Marcham & District News 2009The copying of any part of this publicationwithout written authorisation is not permitted.December 2009Marcham ParishCouncil NewsMeeting 16th Oct – The Anson TrustParish Council members have receivedan invitation from the Anson Trust tomeet with them to go through some of thematters raised at the public meeting and togo through their current workings. As theParish Council members remain impartialand represent the community they cannotand should not do the Trust’s thinking forthem, but they are keen to listen to theTrust’s thoughts on the points made at thepublic meeting. With this in mind, thosemembers, who feel able to participate haveaccepted the invitation, and at the time ofwriting arrangements are being made toorganise a meeting.Public Transport Stagecoach 31The County Council has completed itsreview of the subsidised bus service 31. Thiswas to help provide a Monday to Thursdayevening service. (The day time service andother evening services run commercially.)The County Council has awarded a contractfor one year, so the Marcham service willremain unchanged until December 2011.It is always the case of use it or lose it, soplease use the bus service and justify itscontinued provision otherwise we mightlose the subsidy next year.RH Transport – X15RH Transport which runs the X15 has nowre- installed the stop at the Hyde Farm endof the A415, and regularly stops there aswell as the stop at the war memorial. Seepage 7 for the timetable.Parishioner of the Year AwardFor the past 6 years the Council hasawarded a Parishioner of the Year Award toa local person or persons who have devotedmuch time and energy working withinthe community. There are many peoplewho would be worthy recipients, and theCouncil is now inviting nominations forthe next award. Would anyone who wishesto submit a nomination, please contact theclerk, whose details appear below, sendinga short statement of not more than 200words, as to who he/she wishes to nominateand the reasons why the person shouldreceive the award. The deadline for receiptof nominations is 31st January, 2010.Overhanging trees and shrubsThe Council has received reports thatoverhanging trees and shrubs are causingdifficulties for those who walk along thepaths in the village. The Council wouldappeal for common sense from thoseproperty owners who have shrubs growingover their walls and boundaries, and wouldask that you keep them trimmed back.Thames Valley PoliceMarcham comes within the Rural AbingdonMarcham Parish Council News & Noticesneighbourhood police team area. In a recentneighbourhood update report issued byThames Valley Police it is stated that crimehas remained low in October in the widerarea covered by the team, and specificallywith very little crime in Marcham. Anyincidents that may occur are handled bythe neighbourhood team who can quicklyincrease patrols if necessary.Vale of White Horse District Council- Homebuyers’ Day Wednesday 9thDecember 3.00 p.m. - 8.00 p.m.Do you want help go get on the housingladder. If so go along to Wantage CivicHall to find out about schemes that couldhelp or for more information call 01235520202.The Council wishes everyonea happy ChristmasDate of Next Council Meeting:Wednesday 9 Dec 2009 at 7.30pm. in theresidents’ lounge, Duffield Place.Clerk to the Council: Mrs. L. Martin,90 Howard Cornish Rd, 01865 391833clerk@marchamparishcouncil.gov.ukwww.marchamparishcouncil.gov.ukGARFORDFRIDAY 11 DECEMBER, 2009.Annual Christmas CarolProcession through the villagefollowed by a Christmas Supperin Garford Village Hall.See Flyers and Village NoticeBoard for details.Holiday Waste CollectionsPlease ensure your rubbish bagsaren’t left vulnerable to animal and/orbird attack.Normal DayWill be…Fri 25 Dec Tue 29 DecMon 28 Dec Wed 30 DecTue 29 Dec Thur 31 DecWed 30 Dec Mon 4 JanThur 31 Dec Tue 5 JanFri 1 Jan Wed 6 JanMon 4 Jan Thur 7 JanTue 5 Jan Fri 8 JanWed 6 Jan Sat 9 JanThur 7 Jan Mon 11 JanFri 8 Jan Tue 12 JanMon 11 Jan Wed 13 JanTue 12 Jan Thur 14 JanWed 13 Jan Fri 15 JanThur 14 Jan Sat 16 JanFri 15 Jan Mon 18 JanMon 18 Jan Tue 19 JanTue 19 Jan Wed 20 JanWed 20 Jan Thur 21 JanThur 21 Jan Fri 22 JanFri 22 Jan Sat 23 Jan3

Marcham & District NewsTAG go ice skating!This week TAG went iceskating whichwas great fun and enjoyed by all. TAG is achurch based young peoples group open toanyone in the parish in school years 7, 8,and 9. We do a range of activities insideand out, and have occasional thought-provoking sessions onissues that concern young people today. Over the next fewweeks we are making Christmas cakes to raise money tohelp young people in Moldova. For more details, or if you’dlike to join, contact Jill Rowe 07811 165351.MSSSC: Marcham Sports, Scouts & Social ClubThe pavilion & field off Morland RoadAre you looking forward to Christmas? We are, so we’veplanned events most Friday nights in DecemberFriday 4th Dec – A Christmas Quiz8pm for an 8.30 startFriday 11th Dec – Family Christmas Party7.30 till 11pm. £5 per family on the doorFriday 18th Dec – Christmas bingo and Christmas drawBingo starts at 8.30pmWe won’t be open on Fri 25th!Have a happy ChristmasWe look forward to seeing you at the clubFor more info contact Geoff Dix, secretaryon 391577 or geoff.dix@hotmail.comnotes M-F M-S M-S M-S M-S M-F M-SWitney, Market Place ………… 07.10 07.50 10.00 12.00 14.00 16.00 17.05Hardwick Park ………………….. 07.21 07.55 10.10 12.10 14.10 16.10 17.15Standlake, High Street ………… 07.25 08.00 10.13 12.13 14.13 16.13 17.18Newbridge, Rose Revived ……. 07.29 08.05 10.18 12.18 14.18 16.18 17.23Southmoor, Beggar’s Lane .… 07.35 08.11 10.24 12.24 14.24 16.24 17.29Kingston Bagpuize, Hinds Head 07.37 08.15 10.27 12.27 14.27 16.27 17.32Millets Farm, A415 …………….. 07.40 08.20 ↓ ↓ ↓ 16.32 17.37Millets Farm, Centre …………… ↓ ↓ 10.33 12.33 14.33 ↓ ↓Marcham, Main Road …………. 07.45 08.30 10.38 12.38 14.38 16.38 17.43Abingdon, Fairacres ………....... 07.50 08.40 10.43 12.43 14.43 16.43 17.48Abingdon, Stratton Way …….. 07.55 08.55W 10.50 12.50 14.50 16.50 17.54Public transport info lineAbingdon-Southmoor-Witney0871 200 22 33December 2009 notes M-F M-S M-S M-S M-S M-F M-SAbingdon, Stratton Way A1 … 08.00 09.00 10.51 12.51 14.51 17.00 17.55tag, Guides, Cubs, MSSSC & X15Guiding is 100 years old!To start our 100 year celebrations we atMarcham guides have been looking at guidinghistory. We invited women who had been inguiding in the 1930s - 80s to find out howthings had changed and what they enjoyedabout guiding.We borrowed old uniforms and had a fashion show, to seehow it had changed over the years. We thought that someof the old style uniforms were much smarter, but not sopractical as ours. We hope to do lots more activities andto help us to celebrate our centenary, and we are lookingforward to the County International camp next summer.We would like to take this opportunity to thank John, Gilland James Waterhouse for their very generous donationin memory of Sarah. We have used some of it to buykneckers for the unit. Sarah always looked very smart andwas very proud of her uniform. We have also purchased alarge tent for use as a large shelter at camp, and we arevery happy to lend it out to villagers for functions, for adonation. (see cover for photo of the Guides in their newneck gear)Jill RoweMARCHAM CUBSCHRISTMAS POSTBOXAs in previous years the Cubs will be positioning boxes around thevillage for you to post your local Christmas Cards.The boxes will be in position by 2nd December and then willthen be collected and cards delivered on Saturday 19th December.Please feel free to drop a donation for the Cubs into the Post Boxwhen posting your cards.Boxes will be at:• Duffield Place Entrance Hall.• Church Porch• Cafe• Post Office.RH TransportThe Cubs wouldServiceslike to wish you allA Very Merry ChristmasMondays to Saturdaysnotes M-F M-S M-S M-S M-S M-F M-SWitney, Market Place ………… 07.10 07.50 10.00 12.00 14.00 16.00 17.05◄ Friday Hardwick Park Club ………………….. and Pudsey 07.21 07.55 having 10.10fun 12.10and 14.10 raising 16.10 17.15money Standlake, High for Street Children ………… 07.25 in Need 08.00 10.13 12.13 14.13 16.13 17.18Newbridge, Rose Revived ……. 07.29 08.05 10.18 12.18 14.18 16.18 17.23Southmoor, Beggar’s Lane .… 07.35 08.11 10.24 12.24 14.24 16.24 17.29RH Transport X15Kingston Bagpuize, Hinds Head 07.37 08.15 10.27 12.27 14.27 16.27 17.32The X15 will now pick up and drop down at Hyde Farm Nurseries as Millets well Farm, as the A415 Wayside …………….. Cross. 07.40 08.20 ↓ ↓ ↓ 16.32 17.37RH Transport ServicesMillets Farm, Centre X15 …………… ↓ ↓ 10.33 12.33 14.33 ↓ ↓Here is the latest time table from www.rhbuses.com - you may need a magnifier to read this or get a bigger copy from the website!Marcham, MainFrom 2 nd Road …………. 07.45 08.30 10.38 12.38 14.38 16.38 17.43September 2009Abingdon, Fairacres ………....... 07.50 08.40 10.43 12.43 14.43 16.43 17.48Mondays to Mondays Saturdaysto Saturdays Abingdon, Stratton Way Mondays …….. 07.55 08.55W to Saturdays 10.50 12.50 14.50 16.50 17.54Witney-Southmoor-AbingdonWitney-Southmoor-AbingdonAbingdon-Southmoor-Witneynotes M-F M-S M-S M-S M-S M-F M-SAbingdon, Stratton Way A1 … 08.00 09.00 10.51 12.51 14.51 17.00 17.55Abingdon, Wootton Road ……... 08.04 09.04 10.55 12.55 14.55 17.05 17.59Abingdon, Fairacres ………....... 08.11 09.08 10.59 12.59 14.59 17.10 18.03Marcham, Main Road …………. 08.17 09.13 11.06 13.06 15.06 17.16 18.10Millets Farm, A415 …………….. 08.22 09.18 ↓ ↓ ↓ 17.21 18.15Millets Farm, Centre …………… ↓ ↓ 11.13 13.13 15.13 ↓ ↓Kingston Bagpuize, Hinds Head 08.28 09.23 11.16 13.16 15.16 17.26 18.17Southmoor, Beggar’s Lane .… 08.31 09.26 11.19 13.19 15.19 17.29 18.19Newbridge, Rose Revived …….. 08.39 09.31 11.24 13.24 15.24 17.36 18.24Standlake, High Street ………… 08.44 09.36 11.29 13.29 15.29 17.41 18.29Hardwick Park ………………….. 08.47 09.39 11.32 13.32 15.32 17.44 18.32Witney, Hospital ………………... CSt 09.49 11.42 13.42 15.42 17.52 CStWitney, Market Place ………… 08.57 09.52 11.45 13.45 15.45 --R-- --R--Notes: M-F = Mondays to Fridays M-S = Mondays to Saturdays 7W = via Wootton RoadCSt = via Corn Street--R-- = serves this point on requestF

Marcham & District NewsMarcham WIDecember 2009Our Christmas meeting at Denman College will havehome grown entertainment and festive activities as wellas a bring and share buffet supper, bran tub presents andcarols. We will welcome any past members and friendswho may like to join us for the last get together of 2009.Last month our group craft entry for Oxfordshire WIs atBenson gave us a commendable fourth position. Ourdisplay “Waiting for Santa” was very colourful (seecover). Many skills contributed to the entry and thanks goto all who helped with the staging, cookery, needleworkand flower arranging.We entered two teams this year for the annual Drayton quizand were pleased with second and eighth position after anenjoyable evening including supper. Well done and thanksto members and one WI husband who competed on ourbehalf.Seasons greetings to all members of Marcham WI andbest wishes for a healthy 2010.Future EventsDec 1st Winchester Christmas Market andCathedralDec 7th Christmas Songs, Oxford Town HallDec 12th Marcham School Christmas Fairnext meeting7.30pm Thursday 17 DecemberChristmas Extravaganze and Festive FeastHamper raffle and Christmas RaffleBran Tub and CarolsDenman College: Ferris RoomVisitors welcome - £3 voluntary contributionContacts for: Sonia Edwards 01865 391442more information Christine Whild 01865 391270Marcham Society MIDWEEK WalkThursday, December 3rd.This short winter walk will explore some hidden corners betweenthe two Hagbourne villages south of Didcot. We will meet againat the Fleur de Lys Inn (Map Ref SU526883) in East Hagbourneat 12.30 for lunch or 1.30 for the 3½ to 4 mile walk which takes insome of the path along the old Didcot Southampton railway.New walkers are very welcome. Members free, non-members £1.Ring Eric Dunford on 391439 for lifts and details.WI, Marcham Remembered, Walk, Clubs & Crossword AnswersSenior Citizens’ ClubAt out October meeting we had a visit from Sandra Nash of SobellHouse who sold Christmas Cards and Gifts in aid of the cancercharity. Her sales seemed to be very brisk so we trust she did well.Afterwards there was a musical quiz with tunes and questions ona Christmas theme. Our memories didn’t serve us very well and itproved a bit tough for us. We finished with tea and biscuits and avery large raffle.Early November 30 members went on a lunch outing to The LordKitchener Inn at Curbridge and had a very pleasant afternoon,despite the pouring rain.There will be no December meeting. Our next meeting will be onthe 28th January which will be our New Year’s Party and will startat 12.30pm.Christmas Greetings to everyone.Joyce ParryMARCHAM CRICKET CLUBAt the time of writing the O.C.A. A.G.M. is stilla few days away. However, shortly after thisMeeting the Fixtures for the 2010 Season will beavailable and, as usual, it is intended to presentthese in forthcoming issue of the Marcham andDistrict News.Information relating to Marcham CC (including playing for, orumpiring on behalf of the Club) may be obtained from GrahamHill (391415) or Terry Whittaker (391317).CSBSunshine ClubOn our trip to Milton Keynes everyone had a good time butwere tired out when we got back to the coach. We are nowlooking forward to our Christmas dinner at The Crown andThistle in December. We finish for Christmas break on 14thDecember to 7th January.Maureen (Mo) Tidbury, ChairladyHave you collected yours yet?Free copies can be collected using your token from any of thefollowing places where the books will also be on sale at £10.Marcham Post Office9.30-13.30 Mon-FriElwes Roadphone 391746Frilfordphone 391242November Crossword ANSWERSby AlisaAcross:6. Bucolic 8. Otter 10. Toy 11. Plane 12. Snail15. Book launch 16. By 17. In 18. Exhibition22. Wheat 24. Adieu 25. Lee 27. Clasp29. Abigail.Down:1. Lullaby 2. Borneo 3. Tit 4. Go 5. Peril 7. Cod9. Tunic 13. Plaid 14. Tulip 17. Inherit 19. X-rays20. Indigo 21. Shelf 23. Sea 26. Ebb 28. PoMARCHAM REMEMBEREDA village in picturesMarcham SocietymeetingsFrilford Roadphone 391372Garfordphone 391280Cumbers Farm Shop10.00-13.00 Mon-SatThe Farthingsphone 391420Tubneyphone 390483Token valid until 31 January 2010One copy per householdDecember 2009 9

Marcham & District NewsMarcham PlayersOxford Waits concertin aid of MoldovaAlthough in competition with bonfireparties throughout the village, anaudience of over a hundred was treatedto fireworks of another kind in All Saints’Church at the beginning of November.We were transported back to the time of Guy Fawkes and the 17thcentury generally by a performance of the Oxford Waits.The Oxford Waits take their name from a real-life band of citymusicians, known as ‘waits’, who flourished in Oxford during the 17thcentury, the tumultuous era of the English Civil War and Restoration.They treated us to a rollicking musical tour of the period, combiningstory telling and song that at times was hilarious, often bawdy (in thebest possible taste) and always entertaining.The musicians, Edward Fitzgibbon, Charles Spicer, CarolineButler, Ian Giles and led by the incomparable Tim Healy displayedan extraordinary range of talent not only playing period musicalinstruments - fiddle, bagpipes, lute, cittern, pipe and tabor ,shawm,flute and percussion - but offering a well selected variety of balladsand ditties scored and arranged by the players themselves.We were led through the seasons of the year and given an insightinto life in Oxford in the 17th century, both that of the gentry and alsothe more humble folk. Tim Healy’s narration was a masterpiece ofstory telling and brilliantly opened our minds to the goings on in ourlocal area three hundred and fifty years ago.To add to the evening’s pleasures, Joey Maclean and her helpersprovided a delicious spread of refreshments and, to top it all, onceall the book keeping is complete, a goodly donation will be finding itsway to the Moldova Link appeal in due course.Thanks are due to all who played a part in organizing the evening,most notably Dave Hutchinson for his expert co-ordination andplanning, Tina Hill for the idea in the first place, and Joey being herwonderful efficient self.Forth coming eventsSuch was the success and popularity of the last ‘With Great Pleasure’where we shared readings from our favourite childhood books, wewill be having a repeat performance on Friday 5th February, atManor Farm. This will give us a chance to listen to the stories wemissed due to lack of time. Please join us!We would really appreciate people’s thoughts about the future ofMarcham Players. It has been quite a challenge working withouta regular venue and this, together with the increasingly busy liveswe all seem to lead, has constrained some of our activities. A socialevening has been fixed for Friday 15th January to which all who havean interest in the society, friends and members alike, are invited.Please come along and join us for a glass of wine and to offer yourthoughts on how we can ensure the future vitality of the Players.Finally, advance notice of our AGM on Friday 19th February. Wehope as many members as possible will join us on this occasion.Any enquiries about us will be willingly answered by our Secretary,Joey, on 01865 391242 or, Dave Hutchinson on 01865 391964.w w w . m a r c h a m p l a y e r s . c o . u kUnusual VegetablesJust as I was struggling for inspirationfor the next subject to cover in thesearticles, I’ve just had one of those “Aha”moments!Just finished talking to a fellow gardenerthat has lost her enthusiasm for vegetable gardening as she hascultivated the same crops year in, year out, for the last 2 decades.“Try growing some unusual vegetables you’ve never grownbefore” was my response, “Tried ‘em all” she responded with adeep murmuring of resignation in her voice.Sure enough, I did find some she’d never thought of, and off shewent, happy once more. We could all try these old vegetables, notDecember 2009Marcham Players & Gardeningjust to boost our enthusiasm, but to put more variety on our dinnerplates and in our diet.I suggested Corn Salad or Lambs Lettuce, which are harvestedbetween October and February, when home grown salad is hardto come by. Sown in September, it will grown freely in most soils.When harvesting, you remove only a few leave from each plantat a time, as they don’t like being stripped naked, who would inwinter! New leaves will regenerate shortly after, allowing you topick again. In the kitchen you can use the leaves just as you wouldtraditional lettuce leaves and enjoy their distinctly bitter taste.Good King Henry or Poor Man’s Asparagus as I have heard itcalled is another good cropper, as I have mentioned in thesearticles a number of years ago. It is only an unusual vegetablebecause fashions in gardening and cooking have altered over theyears. Even so, this is a vegetable that should be brought back inmy opinion. It comes up each year, so once you have planted itinitially, you’ve got it for life. It grows to 2 ½ feet tall and reallyneeds a sunny site and extremely fertile soil. The seeds are initiallysown in April or May, but don’t expect a huge harvest in the firstseason. Like Rhubarb, it needs a year to settle in before it takes offand rewards you with a scrumptious harvest. When you do pick,again, only pick a few leaves from each plant and then cook asyou would traditional spinach. In the Autumn, cut down all thefoliage to 3 inches above ground level and spread a six inch layerof rotted leaves over the top. The following April/May and June,you can harvest the new shoots as you would Asparagus, and cookthem likewise. From July onwards, allow the shoots to mature intoleaves and then continue cooking as you would Spinach until youcut them down again in the Autumn.How can these 2 vegetables fail to inspire anyoneinto a new found horticultural vigour?Happy Gardening,Stuart MabbuttCould you do something amazing in 2010?It was a warm weekend in May,the weather was kind as 40people started their challengeevent and climbed into the minibuses. These were 40 people,some who had never met before, who were about to take ona very challenging task. Yes they were about to attempt toclimb the 3 highest mountains in the UK. That’s one in Wales,then one in England and finally one in Scotland. They onlyhad 24 hours to complete this feat, but amazingly throughhardwork, teamwork and determination they all JUST did it.This was a team of people raising money for their favouritecharity. So far this team alone have raised nearly £30,000.The 3 Peaks challenge is one of the hardest but mostrewarding challenge events you can take part it and during2009, over 100 people took part in the challenge to supportlocal Oxfordshire charities. Teams came from Helen &Douglas House, Sobell House Hospice, Age Concern,SpecialEffect and Rosy to name a few.If you would like to get a team together or maybe do it onyour own and join in with another team, then please get incontact. Maybe get a group of friends together, your familyor mates from work.You will be fully supported with training walks, guides,insurance and full support from the Event Aid team.If the 3 Peaks is not for you, maybe running a marathon inRome? Maybe a Karting endurance event? Or one of themany challenge walks we organise for local Oxfordshirecharities may be your thing! Whatever you doin 2010, do something amazing for your localcommunity and join in a challenge event.Contact Teresa@eventaid.orgor see our website www.eventaid.org11

Marcham & District NewsNews from Marcham SchoolMarcham School Councillors TakeOn The Pudsey ChallengeThe newly elected school councillors at Marcham Primary againproved themselves equal to the task as they took to organisingfund-raising for Children in Need. They had already opened thenew Foundation Stage classroom with great style and enthusiasmwithin a couple of weeks of being elected and were fabulous hoststo our guests. As a group, they had agreed to do something to raisemoney for Children In Need and on the day they shook bucketsoutside school first thing in the morning to persuade adults tocontribute. Children came in non-school uniform in various shadesof red, yellow and white, as requested. There was also an ArtGallery, where pupils were encouraged to draw Pudsey engagedin a range of activities. We were privileged to see contributionsfeaturing Pudsey with friends and family, Disco Pudsey, Pudseyat the beach and Pudsey the Jedi. These pictures were then sold toparents at the end of the day – some going for a sizeable fee. Thecake stall taking place at the same time attracted a great deal ofattention and every cake was sold.We believe that we have raised approximately £240 for ChildrenIn Need and it was all due to the hard work of the School Councilwho worked well together to set up and run the activities. They didso with minimal adult intervention or interference and, no doubt,were extremely pleased with the result.Well done to Marcham School Councillors.They should be very proud of themselves.Marcham School councillors are:Luke Brown, Eva Macatemy, Edward Porter, Mia Pullen, TeeganRobinson, Ethan Davie, Maisie Eveson-Roberts, Thomas Pinches,Jasmine Ricketts (Secretary), Briony Thomas (Treasurer), GeorgeSharrock (Joint Chair), Lawrence Mizen (Joint Chair).Marcham School Christmas FayreSATURDAY 12TH DECEMBER 2 – 4PMRefreshments, Tombola and RafflePrizes include a Waitrose hamper and£25 Cumbers meat voucherLots of stalls including Cakes, Gifts, Craft activitiesand WI homemade goodies.For more details contact Sarah atmarchamschoolpta@monkeynose.comiN And Out Of SchoolCommunity GovernorMarcham CE Primary School currently has a vacancy for a CommunityGovernor. We are looking for someone who has the desire to make adifference to the lives of the children of Marcham School. This position isavailable to anyone aged 18 or over who lives or works in the Marcham,Frilford or Garford Community and is enthusiastic and committed to thegood governance and continued success of the school. The main roleof the governing body is to help raise the standards and performanceof the school by supporting the work of the headteacher and the staff.Governors will support and, at the same time, challenge headteachersby gathering views, asking questions and deciding what is best for theschool. Governors make important decisions on policies and strategiesand have to stand by their decisions. The governing body is answerableto parents and the wider community. Governors are required to play anactive part in the decision making process of the school, getting involvedin real issues. The role of Governor is tremendously rewarding with thesatisfaction of making a significant contribution to the promotion ofhigh quality teaching, a love of learning and knowing that children willbenefit from your efforts. We are ideally looking for someone who hasno parental responsibility for a child/children presently at the school,in order to broaden our outlook and effectiveness. There are no prerequisiteskills to becoming a governor; you do not even have to haveprevious experience or knowledge of the school. However, the abilityto work as part of a team, a readiness to accept responsibility and theconfidence to ask questions, listen and learn all form part of the role.There are a range of skills that members of the governing body maybe able to bring with them from their experiences at home and in worksuch as financial planning and personnel issues, which will enhance theeffectiveness of the governing body. If you are interested in becominga governor and have what it takes to make a difference, then gettinginvolved and finding out more is easy:• talk to someone who is a governor• find out more by visiting the following websites• http://www.direct.gov.uk/• http://www.governornet.co.uk/• http://www.sgoss.org.uk/home/individuals.htmContact the Headteacher (Viv Hutchinson) at School on 391448 or Chairof Governors (Sarah Leese) on 391137 and they will help you to take thenext steps.MARCHAM SCHOOL PTAThank you to all who came and supported the ladies pampering eveningat Marcham School in October. Everyone enjoyed their treatmentswhich included massage, manicures, pedicures and lots more. It wasa good excuse to chill out with friends and at the same time the PTAraised much needed funds. Thank you also to all of the therapists andstall holders who gave up their time to help.In addition, if anyone would like to help at the Christmas Fayre on Sat12th Dec 2 – 4pm or would like to be involved in any way please contactme. We would love to hear from you.Sarah Mutch Tel 392041 Marchamschoolpta@monkeynose.comMarcham Primary SchoolIf you have young children and would like to register an interest in your child attending Marcham School in the future, please fill in andreturn this form to school by 29th January 2010. This form is not an application to school and does not guarantee a place, but will allowus to plan the future of the school and help with our discussions with the Admissions Team at Oxfordshire County Council.Name of Parent/Guardian:Address:Name of Child Date of Birth Male/femaleDecember 200913

Marcham & District NewsShakespeare Comes toTHE Bear & Ragged StaffAs part of the efforts of the new managementof the Bear and Ragged Staff to place itselffirmly back at the centre of village culturaland social life, on Saturday 6th of February,for possibly the first time, a performance ofShakespeare’s hilarious “Two Gentlemen ofVerona” will be staged right here in Cumnor in the Banquet roomat the rear of the restaurant.How is this possible you may ask? Well, it is possible becauseboth the actors, Denton Chikura and Tonderai Munyevu, bothfrom Zimbabwe, play ALL, yes, ALL fifteen parts! Shakespearepurists may not necessarily agree with all the twists in this slightlyAfricanised version of this famous play, but the performance (inEnglish of course) has been getting excellent reviews as it makesits way around the country.The show was originally staged at the Oval Theatre in Londonand was produced by Arne Pohlmeier, who happens to a friend ofthe Bear’s Landlord, Mark Greenwood. After a bit of arm twistingover lunch and a few drinks at the Bear, Arne agreed to bring histroupe out to Oxford. As Mark says “I went to see a performanceof Two Gentlemen at the Oval, loved it, and immediately thoughtto myself afterwards that we could bring this out to Cumnor. I amso happy the Arne has helped to make this possible”.For more details and reviews of the performance, please visitThe Bear’s website, www.bearandraggedstaff.com . Tickets havebeen priced at £10.00 each. The performance will take placeat 5.30p.m. Dinner will be available afterwards. For theatrebookings and restaurant bookings afterwards please call the Bearat 01865 862329.cHRIStMAS fAIRSat., 12 Dec 2009, 11am-3pmABINGDON GUILDHALL (Roysse Room)Free admission - entrance from Bridge StreetA wonderful opportunity to find something special for Christmas:exclusive gifts (jewellery, silks, felt-work, original artwork and more),handmade Christmas cakes and puddings,special preserves and sweetmeats for the Christmas table.Tea/coffee available -take time out while you decide what to buy.Christmas cards will be on sale - in support ofNorthmoor Trust EventsDECEMBER 09 – JANUARY 10Unless stated otherwise, all eventstake place at Northmoor Trust, HillFarm, Little Wittenham, and bookingis essential: Please call 01865 407 792 or visit our website at www.northmoortrust.co.uk.Weekend 5–6 December, 10am – 5pm:Christmas Craft FayreMeet Santa, enjoy local crafts and gifts, festive goodies, traditionalstories and Christmas trees for sale. Adults £1, Friends free. Nobooking, just turn up!Saturday 5 December, 10am – 3pm:BBC Tree 0 Clock World Tree Planting RecordCome and help set a new world record for the most trees planted inone hour, in multiple locations. World record planting from 11am –12noon, but help us plant a coppice coupe anytime between 10am– 3pm. Just turn up!December 2009Notices & AdvertsAbingdon College & DistrictFilm Society21 weekly screenings • comedy • dramasome old, many new • talks • special eventsFree brochure: Ab 522163 or info@abfilms.org.uk2005-6 winners “best programme of films”(British Federation of Film Societies awards)www.abfilms.org.uk Reg. Charity 292723DLGS NewsNewspaper Delivery ServicesReliable DeliveriesSeven Days A WeekCall Lesley at DLGS News on07876 544070 to place your orderSupport your local village servicesAll aspects of Carpentry & Joineryundertaken by time served quality tradespersons.Supply and fit or fit only;Kitchens, Doors, Built-in wardrobes,Laminate or solid wood flooring, Purpose made Joinery,Replacement stair parts, Loft ladders, All roofing,Loft conversions, Decking, Fencing,UPVC Fascias soffits and windows, Conservatories,Garden storage/Summer houses.10% DISCOUNT WITH THIS ADVERTContact 01865 391110 or 07831 773804, 07885 266965GT CARPENTRY LTD,UNIT 116,GROVE BUSINESS CENTRE GROVE OX12 9FAAli Baba and the Forty Thievesby David SwanUnicorn Theatre, AbingdonEvening Shows at 7:30pm:Friday 15th, Saturday 16th, Thursday21st, Friday 22nd, Saturday 23rd JanuaryMatinees at 2:30pm:Saturday 16th, Sunday 17th, Saturday 23rd JanuaryTickets: £7 (Concessions £6) from The Bookstore, AbingdonPrecinct or Ticketline: 01235524538Get ready for all the spectacle,colour, pizzazz, magic, music,song, dance, cross dressing,terrible puns, booing and hissing,heroic deeds and daring do thatwe can possibly squeeze into anight at the theatre.Get ready for the ADC pantomime.It only happens once every twoyears so don’t miss out on thisjoyous extravaganza!15

Marcham Baptist Church(Packhorse Lane)December 2009Sunday Morning Worshipat 10.30 am(Communion every first Sunday)Our speakers this month include6th December Mr. Tony Houghton of Wantage Baptist Church13th December Rev. Chris Hutt of Abingdon Baptist Church27th December Rev. Brian John of WantageCOME AND JOIN US FOR A CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONon Sunday, December 20th at 10.30 a.m.Traditional Carols and Readingswith Pastor Bory PilgrimFollowed by hot mince pies, tea/coffeein the Church Hall.Everyone welcome“So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee toJudea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to thehouse and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, whowas pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. Whilethey were there, the time came for the baby to be born and she gavebirth to her first-born, a son, and placed him in a manger, becausethere was no room for them in the inn”.Luke 2, v 4-7.For further information on church activities:Contact Mr R Barrett 01865 391356Mr W Dyer 01235 814986Marcham Baptist is affiliated to the Baptist Union of Great Britain

All Saints’ and St. Luke’sParish PageA VERY HAPPY CHRISTMAS everyone!We live in a world where communications are virtuallyinstantaneous – so many of us can’t do without our mobilephones, ‘Blackberries’, pagers and notebooks – instantaccess to family, friends, the internet and a world ofinformation at our fingertips. I am still amazed at thespeed with which e‐mails arrive at destinations across theglobe, and how quickly people respond! Being ‘in touch’ isso much part of our way of life.This Christmas we celebrate the fact that God is alsobrilliant at being ‘in touch’. Jesus came to help usappreciate that God wants to be with us. In fact one of thetitles given to Jesus was Emmanuel – which, as you know,means ‘God with us’. One of the great promises Jesus gaveto his disciples was ‘I will be with you always’!Christians through the centuries celebrate the reality ofGod being ‘in touch’. Jesus gave another promise to hisfollowers ‐ he would send the Holy Spirit, and he would bewith them constantly, so that they / we could be ‘in touch’all the time!Christmas is about real events in real time, with a real Godwho gives the greatest gift of all. Do come and celebratethis amazing event – our Christmas services are outlined onthis page. Let’s celebrate together – a VERY HAPPYCHRISTMAS to you and those you love!With my warmest Christmas greetingsRevd Richard ZairPrayer of the Month:Almighty God,as we prepare with joyto celebrate the gift of the Christ‐child,embrace the earth with your gloryand be for us a living hopein Jesus Christ our Lord.Amen.Christmas services:Dec. 17 th 6.00pm School Carol serviceDec. 20 th 4.00pm GARFORD Carol serviceDec. 20 th 6.00pm Carols by Candlelight atAll Saints’Dec. 24 th 4.00pm Crib ServiceDec. 24 th 11.00pm Midnight Holy CommunionDec. 25 th CHRISTMAS DAY:8.00am Holy Communion10.00am Family Service10.30am GARFORD Holy CommunionDec. 27 th 10.00am Holy Communion (said)January 3 rd :8.00am Holy Communion10.00am Service of the Word10.30am GARFORD Holy Communion4.00pm CHRISTINGLE serviceYou are welcome at all our servicesOther notable dates:Men’s Breakfast – Saturday 5 th DecemberSt. Luke’s Holy Communion – Sun. 6 th DecemberChristmas Village Café – Wednesday 16 thLast Friday Club (for primary age children) beforeChristmas Friday 11thParish people:We welcome in Baptism:Thomas Bowyer on 1 st NovemberWe celebrated the Marriage ofJoanne Simmons and Adeniyi Oshibote on14 NovemberContactsRev. Richard Zair 391319/07939 239179 r_zair@yahoo.co.uk Youth & Children Minister Jill Rowe 07811 165351/390885Churchwardens James Allan 391373 Chris Nutman 01235 521698 Church Admin. Janey Cumber 391327www.marcham‐with‐garford.org.uk