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CONTENTS

Editor’s ColumnAnne Fowler writes...

Volume 17 No 10Published byBenson Bulletin News AssociationPrinted byNP Design & Print Ltd, Wallingford : 01491 824827

Letters to the Editor ------------------------------- 2District Council News ----------------------------- 4Parish Council News ------------------------------ 6 Mill Stream Day Centre --------------------------10Friends of Benson Library ----------------------12PCSO Update --------------------------------------14Down the Garden Path ---------------------------16 Church Times -------------------------------------19Bird Spot ------------------------------------------20BEST -----------------------------------------------22RAF Commendation -----------------------------24School News --------------------------------------28 Local Clubs and Societies ----------------------32Classified Ads -------------------------------------36Diary ------------------------------------------------37

email your letters/articles to bb.editor@hotmail.co.ukor deliver/send them to

Benson Parish Hall

Cover PhotographSave Benson Library Poetry Competition

entrants. Photo by kind permission of Tom Stevenson.

Benson Volunteer Helpline

For assistance with travel to/from medical appointments

Office open Mon-Fri 9-11amCall 01491 825992

to ask for help or to volunteer

Lots of things to say here, so here goes:First of all the Friends of Benson Library poetry Competition winners photographed on the front cover. The winners from the different age groups were Sophie Relton, Lillie Marsh and Toby Neville. Well done to all of you, and all the other children who also took part.I received information from Pam Speight that a ‘Thank You’ luncheon was held at the Benson Day Centre on Saturday 21May to commemorate the Benson Volunteer Helpline reaching 20 years of service to the village and surrounding areas. The Benson Volunteer Helpline is a wonderful service which I am sure many people have been grateful for. I assumed that everybody knew what it was until I received a letter last month which seemed to suggest that a grateful user of the service had previously known nothing about it. The Benson Volunteer Helpline is a service which helps to organise transport for people who need to attend medical appointments e.g. visits to hospital, opticians, dentists etc. Who cannot drive themselves and who need a more convenient alternative to public transport and a cheaper alternative to commercial taxis. Petrol costs are paid by the customer. I realise now that the publicity I was including about the Helpline in the Benson Bulletin didn’t really explain what it does, so I have changed it. The Helpline is always looking for volunteer drivers so if you can help, please give them a call.I have also received information from SODC about a public survey on broadband internet coverage (or the lack of it) which I know is a major issue especially in villages surrounding Benson. If you want to let them know what you think, please borrow somebody’s internet connection and find your way to http://domino2.oxfordshire.gov.uk/forms/forms.nsf/frmOxonRuralDigitalInfraStudy?OpenForm

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Letters to the Editor

Dear Anne Fowler,I have come across your very impressive Benson Bulletin whilst looking for information about my cousin Harry Wickens. He was a bee-keeper and mentioned in an article written by Peter Clarke in your March 2009 edition.

Harry was one generation ahead of me, the son of my great aunt Eva and her husband, also Harry Wickens. Harry was no doubt taught much of his bee-keeping by his uncle, my grandfather, Herbert Buck. Unfortunately my grandfather couldn’t teach me love his bees, I was too afraid of them, but as a small girl I did enjoy watching him work the hives in the garden of his farm in Sussex, next door to ours.

I know that Harry died in 1990 but what I do not know is whether he left family in the area, or whether there are people still around who knew him well. It occurred to me that as a long time editor of the Benson Bulletin you might well know the answer and perhaps be able to put me in touch. It’s a long shot, but one worth trying as I would be so interested to know more.Many thanks for listening.With regardsPenny GardinerPlease pass any information to Penny via the BB, I will forward it on. AF

Dear Editor, Is there anyone left or relatives of folk who lived in Benson during WW2 April 1945 who remember a crash on the airfield of a Spitfire in which an Air Officer Commanding was killed? His name was Waghorn. The funeral cortege drove from RAF Benson to Oxford. If so, please contact me:Anne WilliamsCottesbrooke (Old PRU photosection)Benson Road, EwelmeOX10 6HBTel: 01491 826476

Dear Editor.I wonder if the readers of the Benson Bulletin you can help me. I lived in Benson, St Helen’s Way, in 1970. I was a member of Benson Players. I used to frequent a pub on Watlington Road, on the left going out of Benson.Wikipedia tells me there are only two pubs left in the village, three having been sold, and converted to private houses. Does anyone re-maining in the village remember the pubs, as of 1970 and able to suggest which one it was, Many thanks,Derek WrightPlease send any replies via the BB. I will for-ward them to Derek. AF

Ewelme Barn Dance

Saturday 27th August 7pm

Young or old, veteran barn dancer or total novice, you will be warmly welcome at this evening of traditional rural merrymaking, led by local band Tinker’s Ditch. The “barn” will be a spacious marquee on Ewelme Recreation Ground (Cow Common). A Hog Roast (included in the ticket price) will be served during the interval. Beer, wine and soft drinks will be on sale at the bar. Buy your tickets soon to avoid disappointment! All proceeds will be shared between Ewelme Church and Ewelme Cricket Club. Tickets: Adult £12, Child (under 15) £6. Tickets available from Derry’s Den, Ewelme Village Store, Martin Spence (01491 838534) and Andy Climpson (01491 825132).

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District Councillors Report Felix Bloomfield, writes ...

This photograph shows all key signatories of the Armed Forces Community Covenant along with Rt Hon Andrew Robatham MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for the Ministry of Defence Personnel, Welfare and Veterans.

Armed Forces Community CovenantOn 20th June I attended the launch and signing of the Armed Forces Community Covenant at County Hall in Oxford. As Chairman of the District Council I signed the covenant on behalf of South Oxfordshire.A Community Covenant is a voluntary statement of mutual support between a civilian community and its local Armed Forces Community. It is intended to complement the Armed Forces Covenant, which outlines the moral obligation between the Nation, the Government and the Armed Forces, at the local level.The aim of the Community Covenant is to encourage local communities to support the Service community in their area and nurture understanding and awareness amongst the public of issues affecting the Armed Forces community.Benson has a proud and long tradition of community integration with the Service community and vice versa and it is important to carry this forward. It is important that the Service community feel part of the wider community instead of simply being somewhere they live for the term of a posting and that this is not just about serving personnel but, dependents, children and veterans.

General enquiries about the covenant can be sent to; covenant-mailbox@mod.uk

Chairman’s CharitiesI have chosen three charities to support during my term of office and they are;1. The Richard Burns Foundation.2. The Chiltern Centre for Disabled Children. 3. Compassion in World Farming.I will be organising fund raising events around the district to publicise and raise awareness of these charities so, please do come along where possible and give your support. For more information please google the charities.

Council approves order tackling anti-social drinkingSouth Oxfordshire District Council on 16th June approved an order to tackle anti-social drinking in Henley that came into force on 29th June in time for the Regatta. The order is about ensuring people who chose to drink, do so responsibly. The order allows police officers to confiscate alcohol from people behaving in an anti-social way in public areas in the town. If a person refuses to hand over their alcohol they could be fined up to £500. It is a shame that a minority of people can sometimes affect the lives of others in a negative way and I hope this will act as a deterrent.‘We Serve Drinks Not Drunks’ a campaign to promote responsible drinking in South

Continued overleaf....

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Parish Notes

District Councillors Report (Cont.) Felix Bloomfield, writes ...

Oxfordshire, encouraging pubs and clubs to display awareness posters and beer mats. Staff will wear badges to help customers realise they must recognise their limits. This campaign will run alongside the anti-social drinking order.

Fraud investigations recover more than £310,000 from benefit cheats.Benefit fraud investigators have taken successful action against 87 people across Southern Oxfordshire who were found to have claimed money they were not entitled to. Those successfully prosecuted in court received a range of punishments including suspended prison sentences, curfew orders, unpaid work and substantial fines, as well as being ordered to re-pay money that they had wrongly claimed.The simple message is, we will not hesitate to take action against anyone suspected of committing benefit fraud. The honest majority should not pay money to support those cheats who think they can swindle the system. If you suspect that someone is claiming benefits they are not entitled to please contact our benefit fraud line on 0800 1695716 or email fraud@southandvale.gov.uk

Parish Councillors Report Jon Fowler, writes ...

New CouncilFollowing the elections during early May the new Council met for the first time on the 12th May. Bill Pattison was again elected Chairman, Jon Fowler Vice-Chairman, Dave Rushton Chair of Lands and George Craig Chair of Halls.We welcome to the Council Pat Peers, Patricia Bayliss and Rob Jordan.Henley Challenge TriathlonThere is a Triathlon taking place in Henley on the 18th September. Although the cycle race part of the event does not directly route through Benson some roads in our vicinity will be closed meaning that more through traffic than normal will be directed along the A4074 and through the village to pick up the B4009.

Benson School Crossing PatrolWhilst Oxford County Council Highways would not approve a crossing near Benson C. of E. School we have been able to move forward with a school crossing patrol (lollipop person). An applicant has come forward and the school is now seeking funding from Oxfordshire County Council.

Please clear up after your dogThe Parish Council has spent some time discussing the problems of dog fouling, especially in the St Helens play area. It is obviously not pleasant and is a health hazard when dog faeces are left around, particularly where children may be playing, or on Sunnyside when footballers could be at risk. So PLEASE clear up after your dog and use one of the many dog bins provided around the village rather than litter bins. And if you notice anyone not doing this, could you give them a gentle reminder?

Please return borrowed equipment to the Parish HallHave you borrowed any jugs, plates, teaspoons, tables or anything else from the Parish Hall? If so, please return them. The hall is usually open on weekday mornings but you can always phone (01491 825038) beforehand to check.

DO NOT DUMP RUBBISH AT THE ALLOTMENTSOver the last few months a pile of rubbish built up at the Cuckoo Pen allotments. This is being removed and the area will be made into another allotment. So please do not take any more rubbish there. Allotment holders should have individual compost heaps or bins on their own patches so that they can use the compost to nourish their soil. The same could apply to householders who bring in waste. If you don’t want to compost your own waste, get a brown bin from SODC or take it to Oakley Wood.If you’d like extra compost, you may help yourself to some from that which Agrivert kindly provide for us at both sets of allotments off St Helens Avenue.Mrs Sue Cooper (Parish Clerk)

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ANTIQUE & MODERNFURNITURE RESTORATIONTraditional French PolishingSpray Finishing/Colour MatchingStaircases/Doors/Kitchen WorktopsCustom Made WardrobesBookcases and any other units made to fitAny carpentry workundertakenRing James (Chalgrove)Tel: 01865 890436Mob: 07796 966123

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Parish Clerks Day Out Angie Paterson, writes ...

The Oxfordshire Society of Local County Clerks visited Parliament today (20 June) led by Henley Town Clerk, Mike Kennedy. Henley MP, John Howell, had arranged for the party of almost 40 clerks from across the county to visit both Houses of Parliament and have a conducted tour of the Palace of Westminster. After the tour, Witney MP and Prime Minister, David Cameron, hosted the whole party to coffee in the garden of No. 10 Downing Street and was then photographed with the whole group on the steps of No. 10. Local MPs also took the opportunity to be filmed on the steps of No. 10 with their own constituency clerks.John Howell said: “It was a great pleasure to have helped arrange what was a very special day for our parish and town clerks. Our clerks do an excellent job and keep our councils running smoothly. It was a great pleasure to take them to No. 10 and I thank the Prime Minister for making this happen.”

To insert a flier in the BB contact Don Fletcher

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Warborough Fayre Will Partridge, writes ...

ARE YOU GOING TO WARBOROUGH FAYRE?

(With acknowledgement to Simon & Garfunkle)Warborough is holding a summer fayre on the Green South on Saturday 13th August from 1pm to 5.30pm in order to raise money for the St Laurence Hall improvement fund.A major focus will be a Tug o’ War competition and Aunt Sally Knock out.We are fortunate to have sponsorship from Bentley Productions Ltd., the producers of “Midsomer Murders”. Prizes will include the “Midsomer Cup” for winners in each competition.Other attractions will include classic cars, craft stalls, The Chalice Morris dancers from Somerset, juggler, fortune teller, silver band, fair organ, donkeys, pony rides, pig roast and teas. The Six Bells will provide the bar.A Barn Dance will be held from 7.30pm

at the Greet Hall. Dancing to “Mouse & Trousers” band plus Chalice Morris dancers. Bar and ploughman’s supper. Price £12.

For more information or dance tickets contact Will Partridge on 01865 848412 or e mail will_par t r idge_333@hotmail.com

B i n g o N i g h t !Every Tuesday in Benson Parish Hall

Do you enjoy a game of Bingo, if so please come along on Tuesday evenings in the Parish Hall 7.00pm

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Mill Stream Day CentreIan Brown, writes...

Second-Hand Book SaleFirst I must apologise because in the June Benson Bulletin I said that our next Book Sale would be on 1st October. Sorry! it is now to be on Saturday 24th September at the Day Centre from 10am to 4pm. We aim at having about 4000 books, paperbacks at 50p each, or 3 for £1, and hardbacks at £1. Not bad value. All types of books will be available from children’s books to quite serious stuff. Of course if you have books you want to discard, bring them along to the Day Centre before that date; they may be just what somebody is looking for.Incidentally we asked in the last issue for some dry storage for our books and Bric-a-Brac. Thank you for a speedy response.

Benson Outreach Post OfficeBenson Parish Hall Pavilion

Opening Hours:Tuesday 9.30 - 12.30 & 13.00 - 16.00Wednesday 9.30 - 12.30Thursday 9.30 - 12.30

St Helen’s Park BenchBill Pattison, writes...

Shortly before the recent Parish Council election, Ian Leppard, who was then a councillor, suggested that a seat, in the St. Helens play area, would be beneficial, especially for the Anderson family, when they take their daughter, Cara, on her daily walks. The rest of the councillors agreed and arrangements were made for the seat to be installed. The photo shows Cara with her parents, Dee & Mike, taking a break in their stroll. I understand that Cara has now made this detour a requirement of her daily routine and indeed makes it clear to anyone who happens to be accompanying her, that a brief sit down is always acceptable.

AGM This will be held on Thursday 21st July at 8pm in the Day Centre. Would all involved please note the date and come along, have your say, and encourage the hardworking voluntary officers.

Members With the constant movement of current members we nearly always have room for a few more. If you are of retirement age, live in Benson, Ewelme, Roke, Preston Crowmarsh, or Berrick Salome, you are eligible. We meet Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 10.30am till about 2pm (but of course you can come for as much or as little of that time as suits you) with an excellent lunch at 12.30pm, costing only £3.50. You can come for one, two, or all three days in the week. A first “try out” meal is free. Just phone Ian Brown, the Administrator on 01491 834889 for this or any other queries.

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Friends of Benson Library Bridget James, writes ...

The County consultation has begun and, in their latest proposal, OCC have placed Benson in the penultimate group of libraries suggesting that closure would have a minimal impact on OCC’s statutory duty to provide an ‘efficient and comprehensive’ library service.

What does this mean for Benson Library? OCC’s proposal states that ‘all our libraries will be kept open and will receive substantial financial support’. However, whilst OCC now propose to keep Benson and the other 42 librar-ies open, they have to make savings elsewhere – and the savings are not across all libraries in the county.

In essence, they are proposing that Benson Li-brary will:• Be reduced to one third paid staff, resulting in loss of jobs and skills. There will not always be a professional available.• Become a Community Library, as opposed to a Core/Core-Plus Library.

OCC do not offer any comment as to what a Community Library will offer. However, it can be anticipated that your library will feel and be significantly different. The proposal is for a self service system (scanning machines), largely backed up by local volunteers. This is where OCC plan to save the money – by cutting jobs. Meanwhile 22 largely urban orientated librar-ies will remain fully staffed and another 5 only lose 1/3 of their staff. FOBL believes this to be grossly unfair. What can you do?

FOBL encourages you to participate in and re-spond to this consultation (see details below). We strongly suggest that you bear this news-flash in mind when you respond to the key question (# 5) asking whether you ‘Agree’ or ‘Disagree’ with OCC’s proposal for a future library service. If you agree with FOBL that this is unfair – then please tell the county that

you disagree with the proposal. We urge you to please also share this newsflash with fam-ily, friends, neighbours and colleagues and ask them to take the same action. What else is happening?

• The full consultation document can be seen via the FOBL website • Our website will also feature all updates as we have them• FOBL will respond to the proposal on behalf of our members

FOBL needs new members – join now! www.fobl2011.com

Patients travel from all over Oxfordshire for appointments at hospitals and other health providers. Many of these patients use non-emergency transport services - these are not emergency ambulances and may be single driver vehicles or vehicles designed for wheelchair or stretcher access. NHS Oxfordshire is asking for your views on the future of these services. You may have used these services yourself, know someone who uses them or feel that any changes to this service may affect local people. If you would like to find out more about the changes, take part in the consultation or answer the questionnaire you can take a look at what is happening online as follows http://bitly.com/Patienttransport or contact NHS Oxfordshire on 01865 334641 In Oxfordshire the current criteria for patients to be eligible for this service are:• you require continuous oxygen.• you require a stretcher.• you have a disability that prevents you from travelling by private or public transport.• you have a medical condition that may deteriorate if you were to travel by private or public transport.• you are having certain types of on going treatment i.e. chemotherapy, radiology or renal dialysis. These are called “essential” journeys.For further information please contact: Judy McCulloch 01865 334363 judy.mcculloch@oxfordshirepct.nhs.uk

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PCSO Update PCSO Sarah Talbot, writes...

Here is the latest Benson & Berinsfield neighbourhood update from Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) Sarah Talbot and PCSO Rebekah Kent.

Anti-social behaviour (ASB)Incidents of ASB across the Benson and Berinsfield area are still average. We have seen an increase in ASB relating to mini motos and off road bikes. However we have seen a decrease in all other types of ASB across our neighbourhood.Dealing with incidents of ASB is a priority in our neighbourhood; the most common way we can deal with incidents of ASB is by issuing ASB warning letters, acceptable behaviour contracts (ABC’s), anti-social behaviour orders (ASBO’s), Section 27 orders – direction to leave locality, and Section 59 (S59) orders - contracts issued for using a vehicle in an anti-social manner. We currently have a few people on ABC’s and S59’s. These people are closely monitored and breaches of contracts are recorded. We work alongside the ASB team at South Oxfordshire District Council (SODC) and Soha to deal with ASB issues.Incidents of mini motos are recurring in Dorchester, Warborough and Berinsfield, this is an issue we are dealing with across the Wallingford Neighbourhood and several seizures of these bikes have already been carried out. This month we have seen four more individuals receive Section 59 warnings for riding bikes in an anti-social manner. We rely heavily on the community keeping an eye out for these bikes and riders and informing us on their whereabouts.

Parking We are continuing to monitor parking along Blacklands Road and Westfield Road. We are regularly informed of parking issues surrounding the schools on our neighbourhood; in total we cover 21 schools so we spread our time morning and afternoon between these areas. Particular problems occur surrounding

the schools and shop areas. We would like to remind all road users that parking illegally and causing an obstruction carries a fine of £30, or possibly the cost of having your vehicle removed.Out of date tax discs are primarily dealt with via the DVLA however we appreciate receiving information relating to this as more than likely the vehicle may be missing other necessary paperwork i.e. insurance etc.

Have Your Say Meeting DatesUpcoming Have Your Say meetings are:-JulySaturday 2nd July – Outside the Co-op, High Street, Dorchester with crime reduction stand from 1000 – 1200Monday 4th July – Outside Culham Primary School, High Street, Culham 1500 – 1545Wednesday 20th July – Outside Ewelme Primary School, Ewelme 1500 – 1545Thursday 21st July – Outside Benson Primary School, Oxford Road, Benson 1500 – 1545AugustFriday 12th August – Outside Costcutter, Fane Drive, Berinsfield 1800 – 1845Friday 19th August – Outside Clifton Hampden Village store, High Street, Clifton Hampden 1700 – 1730Saturday 20th August – Baldon Feast, Village Green, Marsh Baldon 1600 – 1645Saturday 27th August – Benson High Street with Crime Reduction Stand, 1000 – 1200These meetings are an ideal opportunity for local residents to speak to their local police officers and PCSO’s about any local issues, no appointment is necessary just turn up and speak to your local officers. Further meetings will be publicised locally and on the force website at www.thamesvalley.police.uk

If you want any advice or would like to contact the neighbourhood team you can call us on the police non emergency number 0845 8 505505 or email WallingfordAreaNHPT@thamesvalley.pnn.police.uk. Please note this email address cannot be used to contact Thames Valley Police to report crimes or for any urgent matters. Alternatively you can visit the force website at www.thamesvalley.police.uk to view information on your neighbourhood.

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Computer Repairs, Virus Removal, Computer Lessons for Beginners,Set up Email, Broadband, Wired & Wireless NetworkingCall Russell on –01491 838727 or 07770 934677Email: russell@russit.co.ukhttp://russit.co.uk

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Down the Garden Path Lynn Powell, writes ...

July: Gaps in the flower beds and gaps in the vegetable garden and should you be filling them? Somewhat unhelpfully I can only say that depends on the weather and your energy levels. By the time you read this, we may have a hosepipe ban, but on the other hand we may have floods, not necessarily because of an excess fall of rain, but because the ground is so hard that it runs off rather than soaks in. This year I decided to cheat and made up all sorts of containers both with flowers and with vegetables. The theory is that should 2011 become a normal gardening year, unlikely I would admit, then the containers can go into the gaps and the rest of the plant growth will cover the pots or, if we do get a hosepipe ban, then the pots can go onto the patio for easy watering.One, unexpected side effect of this, has been the early picking of all sorts of goodies, from courgettes, carrots and cabbages to Dahl-ias and Antirrinhums for the flower vases in the house. It has left the greenhouses rather crowded and susceptible to green fly, which with an eviction notice on just about every single plant, once spotted, resulted in my special Lupins being over run with the little green things, as they moved themselves to the next convenient plant. Fortunately a heavy, prolonged downpour mid June sorted out the worst of the problem. That of course brought out the slugs!When some of the ladies of the Garden Club went to visit the gardens at Claydon, the very helpful Head Gardener, who was full of infor-mation, suggested that we purchased Hostas, which were Slug resistant, I thought he was joking. Admittedly the Hostas at Claydon, were complete, but he told us to buy a variety called ‘Sum and Substance’, which has a dark grey leaf. Slugs do not like them. Somewhat disbelieving, I looked it up in the in the RHS book of plants and it does exist and it should do exactly what it says on the pot!Hands up all of you who lost their Penstemons over the winter? I lost most of mine, but ap-parently what I should have done, was to take

cuttings. Usually I manage to keep cuttings in the greenhouse, until about March, when a combination of heat and damp, kills them off. So apparently the trick is to buy a large block of oasis, thoroughly wet it with water, which has had a feed diluted in it, mark it into small-ish squares, put one penstemon cutting per square and leave it damp not wet over winter. Come late spring, you will have excellent root growth, because the oasis will have kept the cutting warm, so just cut up the squares and dig the plant plus oasis into the ground. Gar-den visits are worth their weight in gold, just for the tips!!To all of you who have enquired after the Un-dergardener, he is fine, but he has given up gardening! It is in a fit of pique that he has done this, because he is on phase 2 of the Deep Bed project and it is not going well. Phase 2 is making the pathways between the beds, where the mower or strimmer will not go because it is too narrow. But nothing is straight or symmetrical, because some beds have been dug out by measuring the distance from the hedge and some from the main path. No problem there if the garden was straight and symmetrical, but it is not and never was! Once he has resigned himself to fact that some parts of the paths will be wider than the rest and probably with kinks, everything will look fine. But we are not at that stage as yet! The paths are to be gravel and once completed the Head Gardener is going to plant herbs, which will be a project all in itself, but one I am re-ally looking forward to. At the speed this is not going, that will probably be next year!!Enjoy the rest of the summer.Lynn Powell - on behalf of Benson Garden Club

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Talking BB Jill Parrick, writes ...

Exciting New Audio Service

The BB Committee plan to produce a new audio version of The Benson Bulletin for distribution to blind and partially sighted people in our circulation area with support from Wallingford Talking Newspaper, whose committee has kindly agreed the loan of it’s recording equipment. Commencing in September ‘Talking BB’ will be distributed monthly (10 issues each year) at no cost to recipients.‘Talking BB’ is a splendid opportunity for our magazine to share in the branching out of a facility already begun by Wallingford Talking Newspaper and it is truly exciting to extend our service to Benson and surrounding villages in this affordable and sustainable way.Benson Library has kindly agreed to act as a contact centre for ‘new customers’. So, if you know of anyone who is visually impaired and could benefit from this new free service, please call in at the Library and complete a request slip – Library staff will pass on your contact details to BB and we will be in touch to make arrangements. Current recipients of WTN will receive ‘Talking

Recorded by BB Committee members plus other noble volunteers on to one-piece memory sticks as pictured; playback is via a small speaker device loaned permanently to each recipient. Full instructions will be given on delivery and a suitably located power point is the only requirement.

After listening, the sticks are returned to BB in the freepost wallet provided - ready for us to record the next issue.The Committee and I are very excited at this new project and are sure we shall have much fun (and a few giggles) reading the articles each month. We look forward to hearing from you – and then, just for a change, you can look forward to hearing from us!

BB’ automatically and therefore need do nothing.

Benson Library Opening Hours Monday 2-6pm Tuesday 9-12.30pm 2-5pm Wednesday Closed all day Thursday 2-7pm Friday 9-12.30pm 2-5pmSaturday 9.30-12.30pm

BensonLibrary

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The Church of England Parish of BensonSt Helen’s Church Vicar: Revd John Burrell 01491 832008Churchwardens: Barbara Smart Tel: 01491 837951Gary Jones Tel: 01491 839289email: benson.wardens@btinternet.com

Sunday Services8.30am Holy Communion (BPC)10.00am Parish Eucharist (Common Worship)Sunday School and Creche3rd Sundays - Orchestra & Children in churchFurther Details: www.acny.com (Benson, St Helen, Oxfordshire) For Baptism and Wedding enquiries please contact one of the clergy.

Wallingford Baptist ChurchThames St, WallingfordMinister: Pastor Simon HudsonTel: 01491 839904Email: pastorsimonwbc@ymail.comwww.wallingford.org.uk

Sunday Services at 10.30am & 7.00pmHoly Communion 3rd Sunday each month

Wallingford Methodist ChurchSt Leonards Square, WallingfordMinister: Revd Dr David RankinTel: 01235 813242Email: minister@wallingfordmethodistchurch.orgWebsite: www.wallingfordmethodistchurch.org.uk

Sunday Services at 10.30am & 6.30pmLunch on Tuesdays 12.30pm - 1.30pmFriendship Group alternate Tuesdays 2.30pm‘Tots Time’ Wednesday 9.30am - 11.00am Boys & Girls Brigade Wednesday eveningsCoffee Morning every Thursday 10.30 - 12.00 noon

Church of England Parish of Berrick SalomeSt Helen’s ChurchVicar: The Revd Ian CohenThe Vicarage, 58 Brinkinfield Rd, ChalgroveChurchwardens: Dr. Marian Shaw - 01865 890915

Sunday Services at 11.00am1st Sunday of Month - Family Service2nd Sunday - Holy Communion (BPC)Other Sundays - Family CommunionBaptisms & Weddings to be arranged with the Vicar

Ridgeway Community ChurchThe Ridgeway Christian Centre21b/22 St Mary’s Street, WallingfordElder: Revd Bernard ThompsonTelephone: 01491 834568

Sunday Services10.00am Worship & Ministry at Christian CentreFor all other activities see our websitewww.ridgeway-church.org.uk or telephone 01491 832718

Wallingford Quakers13 Castle Street, WallingfordEnquiries to Warden Tel: 01491 837835

Meeting for WorshipSunday at 10.30am with Children’s Class.Discussion groups during the week.

The Catholic Parish of St BirinusDorchester-on-ThamesPriest: Fr. John Osman, MA., STL.,Bridge House Presbytery1 Bridge End, Dorchester-on-ThamesTelephone: 01865 340417

Holy MassWeekdays 9.30amSat 6.30pm Vigil Mass for SundaySun 9.30am (Berinsfield Church) 11.00am Solemn Mass ConfessionsSat 5.45 - 6.15 or upon requestExposition & Benediction of The Blessed Sacrament: First Sunday of each Month 5-6pmChildren’s Liturgy of the WordSun 9.30am during Berinsfield Mass

All welcome, please contact David Rankin for details

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The Bird SpotTom Stevenson, writes...

So what happened to the summer? That is probably going to look silly when you read it as temperatures are forecast to approach 30 degrees C in the next couple of days. In the last couple of weeks it has been more like April weather with sunshine and showers but my vegetables certainly needed the rain. The rain also came just in time for the Blackbirds and Thrushes who can now feed their young with worms from the grassy areas. I think I read somewhere that worms go down as far as a metre during very dry periods. Mind you my local Blackbirds seem to be thriving on a diet of fruit – an adult and a juvenile have taken over my cherry tree permanently and defend it from all comers. Generally breeding seems to have been very successful with family parties of both great and Blue Tits passing through the garden on a regular basis. I am not too sure about the House Sparrows in my nest box though. There appeared to be just one youngster ready to fledge and then it disappeared but I saw a Carrion Crow on the roof with a smug grin on its face and what looked like a feather sticking out of its beak. Sad - but that’s nature – “red in tooth and claw”. If you haven’t been to one of our open afternoons at the Watercress Beds you are missing a treat. As well as families of various (well three) warblers the flower meadow is looking amazing. We discovered a Bee Orchid recently which was a first for the site. Not only a great find but, on searching around, we discovered another four. The Kingfisher is also spending some time on the beds after an absence of over 8 months. Perhaps not too surprising that it is back as some school children recently had no trouble catching Bullheads, also known as the miller’s thumb and I’m sure the kingfisher is more skilled than the kids.The other wildflower area I have mentioned before, at Millbrook Mead, is also looking good and I have installed a picnic bench so if you fancy taking your sandwiches down there you won’t be disappointed.To complete this ramble many thanks to Peter Abbott who related these two stories to me:

Vick Mitchell told me that as he left the allotments and was driving along St Helens he noticed some Rooks giving a Kite a hard time, suddenly a young (described as three quarters grown) Rook fell out of the sky dead. My guess would be that the Kite had managed to grab it from somewhere and that as its talon’s had gradually penetrated vital organs it had died.

While doing some bird survey work I called into a farm just west of Rotherfield Peppard to see if they had any Swallows breeding; they did. The lady there was quite well informed about the birds she had in the yard and she told me that they always had a Pied Wagtail nesting in the Tractor. No matter where the tractor was in the yard, each year it would find it and set up home and they would have to give up using the tractor for a few weeks. See they do remember!

thomas.stevenson@ntlworld.comTel: 01491 836888Mob: 07773251301

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Monthly Restaurant Theme Evenings Wed 13th of July - Spanish

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Dinner Fri - Sat 6pm – 9.30pm

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Live Music - Sarah’s Soft Jazz Band Sun 10th of July 4pm

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BESTKeith Tibbs, writes...

On May 26th BEST members visited the BBOWT reserve at College Lake, Tring. Although a bit outside our local area, College Lake offers a wide variety of flora, fauna and birdlife. To find out more about what College Lake has to offer go to the BBOWT website at www.bbowt.org.uk. It has a good visitor centre with a small café as well as trails for children to follow. An excellent place for a wildlife family day out. Despite the rain we were able to visit several of the five excellent bird hides overlooking the lake. Although this was not the time of year for migrating birds in numbers, we did see oyster catchers, plovers and plenty of canada geese – they seem to get everywhere these days.

In June we did a nature walk from Millbrook Mead – sporting a fine display of wild flowers at the time of the visit - through Preston Crowmarsh and around the permissive path near Crowmarsh Battle Farm. Taking time to wander through the path was rewarded by sightings of various butterflies, a variety of insects, myriad wildflowers and plants and a surfeit of the invasive “harlequin” ladybirds, whose activities on the nettles showed they are determined to increase their numbers even further! An overhead buzzard provided variety from the usual red kites (and flying pumas from RAF Benson).

Does anyone agree that the seasons seem to be getting out of sequence? April and May (except for the day that BEST visited College Lake) were like summer, while June so far has all the features of springtime weather. By the time you read this, let us hope we are back to summer as an early autumn or winter would not be welcome. Which brings us on to the BEST July meeting at 7.30 pm on Tuesday 12 at the Ewelme Cress Beds Centre. Tom Stevenson and Richard Soulsby will be reporting on the bird and butterfly surveys that they have undertaken locally in recent years. Please put the date in your diary and give one of us below a call if you want more information about

BEST or have information to share about local wildlife.

Contacts for information: Keith Tibbs (Secretary) Tel: 01491 838689 (e-mail keith.tibbs4@ntlworld.com) or Tom Stevenson (Chairman) Tel: 01491 836888 (e-mail thomas.stevenson@ntlworld.com).

CAB - Retirement AgeSue Amultair, writes...

What rights do you have, if you wish to continue to work after reaching 65?The age at which you can be forced to retire from work is to be phased out between April and October this year.Until now, employers have had the right to make you retire at 65, but when the changes come into force, in most jobs you’ll be able to choose when you want to leave work.How the changes affect you will depend on when you’re due to retire:• before 1 October 2011, your employer can still force you to stop work at age 65 if they gave you notice before 5 April • from 6 April 2011, if your employer hasn’t already told you that you have to retire at age 65, they can no longer force you to stop work because of your age, even if you’re going to be 65 before 1 October • after 1 October, employers will not be able to force you to stop work at age 65. They may be able to dismiss you for other reasons, but they will have to justify those reasons. These changes will apply to most workers. However, there may be a few jobs where your employer can make you retire at 65 for a specific reason, for example, where your age could affect your physical or mental ability to do your job. The new rules also mean that an employer cannot refuse to employ you because of your age, if you apply for a job after you’ve reached 65.More information is available at www.directgov.uk. If you’re worried about how the changes will affect you, or think that your employer may be discriminating against you because of your age, you can get advice from your nearest Citizens Advice Bureau or go to www.adviceguide.org.uk for details.

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RAF Benson - CommendationNikki Hamelton, writes...

Flight Sergeant Mark Alden-Court has been presented with the Personal Commendation of the Commander Joint Helicopter Command for his exceptional performance and quick thinking actions during an intense and dangerous mission in Afghanistan during 2010.

In a special ceremony in the Officers’ Mess at RAF Benson on the 24 May, Commander Joint Helicopter Command, Air Vice Marshal Carl Dixon, presented Mark with a certificate honouring his Commendation.Mark is a crewman on a Merlin helicopter with 28 (Army Co-operation) Squadron. During his first tour of Afghanistan, Mark was the rear crewman during a mission to move the Counter Improvised Explosive Device Team within Helmand Province. A routine mission undertaken by the Merlin Force, this task

proved to be anything but routine.Shortly after take-off, a smoke grenade initiated within one of the teams’ day sacks. Realising the inherent danger to the aircraft if the dense smoke continued to fill the cabin, Mark swiftly grabbed the day sack and prepared to jettison it from the aircraft. However, whilst handling the day sack he realised that it contained sensitive electronic counter measures equipment. Rather than severely compromise operational security and potentially endanger the lives of ground troops by throwing the entire day sack from the aircraft, Mark quickly and decisively took action.

Using his knife Mark cut into the bag and removed the dangerous item. Despite the thick plume of smoke he was inhaling and the intense heat burning his hand through his gloves, Mark jettisoned the grenade from the aircraft before the rest of the crew were affected.Despite the intense pressure, not only from the inherent danger of smoke filling the cabin

Commander Joint Helicopter Command, Air Vice Marshal Carl Dixon, presents Flight Sergeant Mark Alden-Court with a certificate honouring his Commendation

but also from the hazardous flying situation at low level over an area of extremely high threat, Mark remained calm throughout and displayed the highest level of professionalism. His quick thinking and decisive actions, disregarding his own personal safety to ensure that operational security was maintained, were made all the more spectacular by his communicating the situation to his fellow crew members throughout the incident.

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Circus Stars at Benson Library

Roll up! Roll Up! Roll Up! The Greatest Show on Earth is about to start. The Circus is coming to Benson library from 9th July until the 17th September. Children across Oxfordshire can become Circus Stars in this summer spectacular – collecting prizes as they read.

To join the circus troupe, collect a holographic membership card and 3D ‘Circus Stars’ stage. By reading and collecting stickers (some scratch-and-sniff), children can help Anan, Frank, Ted, Megan, Ella and Clemmy to create their own Circus Stars show!

Watch out for the interactive website, linking children with top authors and illustrators, giving them a platform to talk about their favourite books and to share reading ideas. Visit www.circus-stars.org.uk to find out more.

Look out for great new books, ‘Circus Stars’ puzzles and activities at the library too!

We are also holding a Rhymetime for the under 5’s on Friday 8th July at 10am so do come and join us for a free, fun-filled half hour! PS. Don’t forget to bring a grown up with you!

We look forward to seeing you soon!

Hilary, Pat and AlisonBenson Library01491 838474

“Roke Elm” by Christine Holmes

One wonders how many BB readers will associate the name of Christine Holmes with “Benson – A Village Through its History”? It was she who made such a major contribution, writing Chapters 2 and 3 of the book, covering the period from pre-history, through the Domesday Book, and up to the start of the

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Tudor period. A New Zealander by birth, she married Keith Holmes and became a Master of Studies in English History with distinction at Oxford University. When invited by Kate Tiller to research Benson, she clearly fell in love with the history of our local area. So much so that in addition to the two chapters, she was moved to write a novel as a result.Roke Elm is a hamlet that unfortunately no longer exists. It was roughly on the Watlington Road end of Tidmarsh Lane near the wood yard.

The story is about a historian, Katherine, who is fascinated by Benson and is looking into its early history. She meets an interesting man, Richard, in a café in the centre of the Benson village who seems to know things which haven’t been recorded in any history book. She becomes rather frightened of what she is getting herself into. This is a story about a love affair between the two characters and about the local history over a long period. Sadly Christine is no longer with us, but her husband Keith has drawn attention to the novel Roke Elm. The Bensington Society has decided to buy some copies for resale, which are to be either available at Derry’s Den, or direct from Fenella Galpin on 837613.We think we can offer a good read about where we walk today. A story which covers our last three centuries.Pat Stevenson & Peter Clarke

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Benson Community Pre-SchoolSarah Vaccari, writes...

As parents we often spend both a fortune and a ridiculous amount of time trying to stimulate our children’s imagination.But having watched our lovely group of two to four year old in recent weeks, I have decided there are only two ingredients you need for the perfect happy toddler recipe – giant cardboard boxes and a great big hole.Thanks to some serious fundraising and educational grants the pre-school has received quite a lot of new equipment in recent months. All of which arrived in rather large cardboard boxes – to the delight of the children. These boxes became “buses”, “castles” and “caves” providing hours of simple fun before they went off to the recycling centre.But “the big hole” has provided even longer-lasting entertainment. What started off as a small patch of dried mud in the pre-school’s garden has become a “Great Escape” style excavation. The children seem fascinated by the ever expanding hole and we parents are beginning to get used to dusting down our children at the end of every session. No doubt the big dig will continue over the summer holidays when the pre-school runs its playscheme. With a great array of fun organised activities – from craft and storytelling to football fun and music with Rosie - the scheme is designed to keep children entertained through the longs weeks of the summer – and help parents keep their sanity. The scheme is aimed at two to five year olds, but siblings from babies to ten year olds are welcome. There’s no need to book, just turn up - the scheme runs on Tuesdays and Thursdays from August 2nd to September 1st. Look out for posters around the village with more details about the scheme coming soon or check out our website www.bensonpreschool.co.ukAs well as the playscheme, summer always means it is time to say goodbye to many of our children, as they move up to primary school. Although this is always a sad moment, the staff can be really proud of the enormous input they have had with this wonderfully confident and happy bunch of children. We wish them all

well at their new schools.As well as some of the children moving on, lovely Sally Harris is leaving after four years. Sally has made a fabulous contribution to our staff team, with her enthusiasm, dedication and wonderful smile. Luckily for those of us with children going up to “Big School” Sally isn’t going too far, as she will now be supervising lunchtime play with Benson School’s early year’s children.

For more information about the pre-school please visit our website www.bensonpreschool.co.uk, email admin@bensonpreschool.org.uk or call 01491 824042 during pre-school hours.

Ickneald Community CollegeRob Cockrem, writes...

I am delighted to confirm that after two full days of interviews and assessments, Mr Mat Hunter received the unanimous support of the Full Governing Body and has consequently been appointed our new Headteacher of Icknield Community College. Mr Hunter has posted more information about himself on our recruitment website (http://www.icknieldheadteacher2011.org.uk/) while Dr Simon Borwick, Vice Chair of Governors and Chairman of the Appointment Panel provides more detail of the selection process itself.I would personally like to thank all involved in what has been, at times, a gruelling, challenging and yet very enjoyable process. As an Appointment Panel, we were all very much aware of acknowledging the feedback provided by our whole school community and at all times were working to find the ‘right’ candidate, not just the ‘best’ candidate, to replace Mr Hudson. Again, thank you to all those who contributed their time, energy and commitment (too many to list out and you know who you are!) to ensure that the process was robust, inclusive and ultimately, such a success.

I truly believe we have found that ‘right’ person in Mr Hunter and, on behalf of all the Governors, staff, students and the Community, welcome him to the school.

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Benson CofE SchoolLinda Neely, writes...

As the academic year draws to a close we have much to celebrate at Benson School. It has been a particularly busy year for us as we strive to build on the work we do for our children, staff and community. We have seen a number of changes, mostly for the good and have enjoyed the challenge of working with new people and projects that have contributed to improving our school on its learning journey.The children have been enthusiastic in their support of Benson Library and were keen to participate in the poetry competition. Congratulations to those pupils who were successful with their entries. We have been busy refurbishing our own school library with new books, courtesy of FOBS, our hard working team of parents who fund raise successfully for the school. As we continue in our efforts to keep Reading alive and vibrant for our children, we also look forward to a long and fruitful association with our local library.For those that know us well, you will not be surprised at our very crowded sports trophy cabinet this year! Our children have really excelled in their sporting achievements, travelling to different venues in and around the county, covering cricket, football, hockey, tag rugby and netball, to name a few – well done everybody who took part. The crowning glory was winning the county netball trophy and representing Oxfordshire at the South region tag rugby finals.On the home front, we have enjoyed not only some delicious school lunches from our new cook, Celia Mainwaring, but also a brand new kitchen to cook the food in! We did, after all manage the transition from our wonderful and original school cook, Mrs Dotchin, to pastures new in 2010. For those wondering about Mrs Dotchin - she still hears Reading every week in the Reception class!I am delighted to report that our new school allotment is now established in Bertie West Field, with many thanks to a small team of willing helpers. The children have enjoyed visiting and working on the allotment during class topic times. Please contact the school

office on 01491 202502 if you would like to help with our new growing initiative - we would be pleased to hear from you. Also if you are available to water the allotment during our summer break please contact the school office.We are still in the process of organising a lollipop patrol person in the village. Initial applications have gone through and I now wait with some expectation, to hear whether our bid has been successful. I would like to thank Jo Grundonner and Dave Rushton for their unwavering support in our work to secure a safe area for our children to cross the road on busy school days.Finally I would like to thank everyone who contributed to the Waitrose community initiative for our Early Years garden, last May. The funding received (£283) will go towards a new wooden playhouse for the children. Every bit of support helps our work at school. As we look forward to the summer holiday ahead, we can also look back on a very positive and happy year at Benson School. If you would like to join our growing band of volunteers and be part of the work we do, please call in at the start of our school year in September to find out more!

Musical Theatre CompanyMarilyn Johnstone, writes...

A Music/Drama Workshop, run by Musical Theatre Company (MTC), for 7 to 13 year olds (Years 3 to 8) will be held at Cranford House School (near Wallingford) from Tuesday 30 August to Thursday 1 September 2011 between 10.00 am and 4.00 pm with a performance to parents/well wishers at 3.00 pm on Thursday 1 September. The cost will be £75.00. We will be making our own scenery and costumes.We will be performing ‘Scheherazade: a thousand and one nights’.

This workshop will be run by Marilyn Johnstone and Jane Powell. Marilyn is co-director of MTC (The Railway Children 2009 and Charlotte’s Web 2010) and Jane holds the position of Music Director at Cranford House School, Oxfordshire. For further details Phone: 01491 839613 Email: marilyn@chilternvilla.baxx.net

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Local Clubs & Societies Clubs Sec: Jill Parrick

Bensington Society

Our meeting on the 27th of May was well attended and our speaker that evening was superb. Without any aids other than a microphone Malcolm Nelson, a retired customs and excise officer held us spellbound with his talk on the methods and implication of drug smuggling. This rather unlikely topic turned out to be extremely interesting, amusing at times and it was clear the Malcolm is a skilled raconteur of wide experience in trapping drug smugglers. Our thanks as ever to those kind members who helped with our usual excellent supper.

On 11th June, members went on a trip to the National Waterways Museum at Stoke Bruerne. The day started by boarding the Indian Chief narrow boat for a trip through the Blissworth tunnel, where we spent a convivial hour underground travelling through the mile and a half of canal tunnel ending at the museum and lock. All agreed it was another excellent outing organised by Paul Booker and we are looking forward to 8th October for a guided tour of the Perimeter Olympic Park in London. Details can be obtained from Paul on 01491 825864.

The Society will meet next on 30th September in the Parish Hall at 7:30pm when our talk will be ‘A Day in the Life of a JP’. Visitors are always very welcome and details are available at www.spanglefish.com/bensingtonsociety or from Sue Brown (Secretary) 01491 837885.

Benson WI

The next W.I. meeting will be on July 20th when we welcome back Barbara George and her entertaining armchair aerobics. This is a light hearted and fun way of keeping fit. There will be a Bring and Buy table that evening.The May raffle was won by Christine Soulsby.The W.I. meet every 3rd Wednesday in the Parish Hall at 7.30pm. There is a varied programme of speakers and outings to suit every taste or just come along for a cup of tea and a chat. Ring Mary on 01491 838748 for more information. We look forward to seeing you. Mary Doney

Benson Trefoil Guild

This year’s trip to Bournemouth saw 6 Benson ladies and 3 friends from other guilds. We all had another holiday of fun and laughter. We stayed in the same hotel, RIVIERA, as last year, where they made us very welcome, the rooms comfortable and the food very good, they remembered us from last year, I cannot think why, so if you are looking for a quiet hotel avoid this one when we are there. We went over to Swanage on the open top bus, the weather was damp and windy, the downstairs was full so up we went wiped the rain of the seats and enjoyed the hour long ride, well what a ride every bit as thrilling as an Alton Tower ride, we huddled down hoods up and braced ourselves. In the local evening news it read “ 9 Blue Smurfs seen on top of local bus”, I think they meant us. Please do not show any photos. We went on the steam train to Corfe no one had the strength to go up to the castle, but we did manage a cream tea, a little disappointed with the scones, not as good as the ones we have at our meetings, still we have to keep our strength up. A lovely morning at Compton Acres beautiful gardens, and a lovely lunch. Christchurch was a nice visit tea and teacakes, the Priory and the river, ice creams and a visit to the Pound shop, well Benson does not have one and this was a first for some of us, hardly a pound was spent so it seems, not for us so back to Harrods. So another holiday is over - how we all enjoyed it, meeting people who stop us as we walk about, they recognize the hoodies and share their stories of other Trefoils how lovely to all belong to the Guiding family. This little break is so good for us all to share good times and the laughter which never stops, we come home ready to face the world again. Thank you my friends what a tonic you all are.Pam Vines (Chairman)PS. There was a mistake in the telephone number in last month’s Bulletin, it should have been 01491 839934.

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Local Clubs & Societies (Cont.)Clubs Sec: Jill Parrick

Email your club news tobb.edtior@hotmail.co.uk

As we are right on your doorstep, why not come and join us this year?

• 4 all weather courts• flood lights• social & match play• coaching for all ages• junior & senior club nights• great value individual & family

For more information & contact details:

We are a friendly club

with excellent facilities!

www.bensontennisclub.co.uk

membership

Benson Tennis Club

Benson Coach Mandy Nall will be running Junior Tennis Camps over the summer holiday, details shown below:Camp 1: Aug 8th - 10th, Mini Red (5-7yrs approx), 9.30-11.30Camp 2: Aug 8th - 10th, Mini Orange (8-10yrs approx), 9.30-12.00Camp 3: Aug 15th - 17th , juniors ( 11 and up....) 9.30-12.30

Each course costs £45 (members) or £55 (non-members), and there will be a maximum of 8 players per group, so if you are interested please apply as soon as possible.

If you would like to put your name down please contact Mandy.nall@talktalk.net, Tel 01491 614298.Liz Bowles

Roke & Benson Brass Band

It’s been a while since I last wrote to the BB and a lot has happened for the band since then.On the 12th September we played at The Waterfront Cafe and collected a fantastic £163 for The Thames Valley and Chiltern Air Ambulance. Thank you to everyone who came along to listen and for giving to such a valuable cause.Over the Christmas period we played at a few events including the Benson Christmas Shopping evening, the community carol singing in the church and our own concert. Each of these events was a huge success with lots of people turning out to support them. We raised a lot of money, which was divided between our 3 chosen charities: Seesaw (for bereaved children), ARMS (local MS charity) and the Haematology unit at the Churchill Hospital, each receiving £200.So far this year we have played at two engagements. The first was at the Home Sweet Home on the day of the Royal Wedding where we tried out some of our new pieces of music including Jupiter and Land of Hope and Glory - perfect for this occasion! The second was on 21st May at Great Haseley for the church fete. Further to all this we recently launched our brand new website – www.rokeandbensonbrassband.org. Here you will find a full list of our engagements for 2011, a contacts page for booking the band and new membership enquiries. You can also read a really interesting history of the band and enjoy some photos of our recent bowls evening and band hall spring clean!As always, we welcome new members to the band of any age or playing ability. The Training Band rehearses on a Tuesday night between 7 and 8pm and the Senior Band on a Friday between 7.30 and 9.30pm. We have our own band room and both tuition and instrument loan are free. If you are interested in joining or simply want to come and find out more about the band we would love to hear from you. Natalie Wyatt (Bandmaster)

Benson Striders

Benson’s newest club the Benson Striders is open for business and looking for members. The Striders is a running group that caters for everyone from those who think they couldn’t run a bath to joggers and more experienced runners. We run in three groups; beginners, intermediates and advanced and are a welcoming bunch. Most of the intermediate and advanced runners were beginners less than six months ago unable to run for more than a minute! With fully qualified and trained group leaders, Benson Striders is a great way to start your fitness campaign for the summer or perhaps improve your current levels of fitness in a fun and social way. We meet every Saturday morning at 8.30am at Benson Parish Hall and whatever your standard, you’ll get a friendly welcome. Running is so much easier when you have supportive people around you encouraging you every step of the way. For more details please email bensonstriders@gmail.com and we look forward to seeing you. Claire Furlong

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EWELME VILLAGE HALL

Available for letting for regularbookings, meetings, children’s

parties etc.REASONABLE RATES

Booking SecretaryAnne Critchley — 01491 834403

As we are right on your doorstep, why not come and join us this year?

• 4 all weather courts• flood lights• social & match play• coaching for all ages• junior & senior club nights• great value individual & family

For more information & contact details:

We are a friendly club

with excellent facilities!

www.bensontennisclub.co.uk

membership

36 BBBB

The Benson Bulletin is published by Benson Bulletin News Association, and delivered free to all households in Benson, RAF Benson, Roke, Rokemarsh, Berrick Salome and Ewelme. All concerned in its production and delivery are volunteers. Material published in The Benson Bul-letin is copyright, but the Editor may grant permission for reproduction upon request. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of information printed in The Benson Bulletin, the Editor and Publishers cannot accept any responsibility for the consequences of any er-rors that may occur. Neither are the opinions published in The Benson Bulletin necessarily those of the Editor or The Benson Bulletin News Association. The Editor is pleased to receive material for publication, but reserves the right to shorten, clarify or reject it at her discretion. Copy may be submitted via e-mail in plain text (or pictures in tiff greyscale format) to bb.editor@hotmail.co.uk, or on floppy disc in DOC or RTF format with enclosed print-out (discs will be returned). Typed and handwritten copy is also acceptable. All photographs will be scanned and returned. Digital photos in .jpg format are preferred. Please supply logos in .tiff format.

Classified Ads.... Tel: 01491 201734

The Benson Bulletinc/o Benson Parish HallSunnysideBenson, Oxon. OX10 6LZ

BBNA Committee Members:-Chairman George Craig 839071Treasurer Kyri Kyriakoudis 839810Secretary Patricia Baylis 826289Advertising Anne Fowler 201734Clubs’ Sec Jill Parrick 838634Distribution Don Fletcher 838577Editor Anne Fowler 201734Asst Editor Tom Stevenson 836888

BB’s DeadlinesCopy: 12th of month previous Advertising: 12th of month previous

Benson Youth HallTable Tennis Fri 8 - 10pmBaby & Toddler Group Thur 1.30 - 3.30pm

Short Mat Bowls Mon 2-4pm/Wed 7-10pmBadminton Mon 8-10pmBingo Tues 7-9pmFloodlit Tennis Thurs 7.00pm

Benson Parish Office: 01491 825038Office hours: Mon, Wed, Thu and Fri 0930 am to 1230 pm

TO HIRE BENSON PARISH or YOUTH HALL

TEL/FAX 01491 825038

Benson Parish Hall

email your news to bb.editor@hotmail.co.uk

About Benson Bulletin bb.editor@hotmail.co.uk Est. 1994

Film and Video Transfer Service to DVD, LP’s & 45 Records to CD at sensible prices. For quote phone 01491 825964 or email jrc@kindofmagic.co.uk

Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning by your local specialists. Wet or dry systems used. Trained, insured & NCCA approved. Quality work at unbeatable rates. Call Grimebusters 01865 726983 / 01235 555533

Everything you need to maintain your carpets & hard floors, domestic & industrial. Call us for free advice. Clean Machine Ltd Wallingford 01491 825600 www.machinesthatclean.com

House and Office Clearance, removals, everything cleared including rubbish. Items of furniture purchased. Licenced. Tel: 01491 572423Mob: 07941 935168

All Rubbish Cleared, garden, plastic, glass, wood, unwanted furniture, anything. Licenced waste carrier. Tel: 01491 572423 Mob: 07941 935168

Lady Gardener available for general garden maintenance, also home cleaning. Reasonable rates. Phone Diana on 07880 691704

Dannys Gardening Services All your garden maintenance. Driveways & patios. Garden clearance. Grass cutting. Professional work at reasonable prices. Reliable & friendly service. Free estimate. Call Danny 01491 837230 or 07887 580 261.

AdvertisingTo advertise in BB contact Anne Fowler on 01491 201734 or bb.editor@hotmail.co.uk

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Local Gardening Service Grass Cutting - Landscaping and driveways. Reliable. Good Rates. No job to big or small. Tel 07887 580261 or 01491 837230.

RH Gardens All types of gardening work undertak-en, no job to small. Hourly rates charged. Tel 01491 651182 or 07975 698913 or email r_h_gardens@btinternet.com

Car Valeting Service call Ian King. Done at your house. Reasonable rates. Tel: 01491 838758