South  Hinksey  Fete        

Sunday  9th  September  proved  to  be  a  brief  island  of  calm,  warm  weather  in  the  midst  of  a  week  of  rain,  and  South  Hinksey  made  the  most  of  it.  The  grass  had  been  mown  and  the  horses  had  moved  out  of  the  field  to  allow  us  access.  By  midday  the  square  of  ground  behind  the  village  hall  looked  thoroughly  festive.    The  (donations)  beer  tent  did  a  roaring  trade,  as  did  the  barbecue,  which  had  particularly  delicious  sausages.    

As  for  the  ice-­‐creams,  well  the  sauces  were  out  of  this  world.    In  case  it  seems  as  if  the  whole  occasion  was  just  about  food,  we  had  lots  of  entertainment,  ranging  from  bouncing  on  the  castle  to  splatting  the  rat  and  naming  the  donkey  -­‐  oh,  and  trying  to  outwit  the  human  fruit  machine.    Children’s  games  occupied  the  centre  of  the  space,  while  the  annual  egg-­‐throwing  contest  moved  over  to  rougher  ground  and  was  won,  for  the  first  time,  by  the  men.    I  haven’t  mentioned  any  names,  because  there  were  so  many.  Thanks  to  everyone  who  ran  a  stall  or  helped  in  other  ways,  not  forgetting  the  setters-­‐up  and  clearers-­‐away.  It  was  a  great  day  and  we  look  forward  to  seeing  you  all  again  next  year.    Date  for  your  diary:  The  2013  fete  will  be  on  the  afternoon  of  Sunday,  September  15th  2013          

SOUTH  HINKSEY  ECHO  

Volume  12,  number  3         September  2012    

www.southhinksey.org  

 Message  from  the  organizers    The  South  Hinksey  fete  made  a  profit  of  about  £150.    We  have  added  to  this  from  the  “cushion”  built  up  in  previous  years  and  have  been  able  to  give  donations  to  Medecins  Sans  Frontieres  and  Vale    

       House,  Botley,  of  £75  each.  This  leaves  a  little  over  £200  in  the  bank  for  next  year’s  expenses.    If  anyone  would  like  to  see  more  precise  figures,  please  contact  Linda  Slater.    

   

South  Hinksey  Parish  Council   Community  Woodland        The  woodland  next  to  Chilswell  Path  is  now  five  years  old,  and  thriving.  Although  still  young,   it   is   hoped   that   it   will   become   a   valuable   community   asset   and   provide   a  place   for   family   and   community   activities,   as  well   as   improving   the  ecology  of   the  area.   The   Parish   Council   has   been   working   with   Prof   Riki   Therivel   from   Oxford  Brookes  University  on  a  development  plan   for   the  woodland.   It   is  planned   that  by  next  spring  there  will  be  two  paths  running  through  the  woodland;  signposts;  and  a  bench  with  a  plaque  to  recognize  the  work  done  by  Clive  Briffett  in  establishing  the  woodland.  All  this,  as  well  as  all  the  maintenance  costs,  is  covered  by  grants  from  the  Forestry   Commission   and   the   Trust   for   Oxfordshire's   Environment.   The   Parish  Council  would   like  to  thank  them,  Riki  Therivel,  Sany  Nahhas  and  Hilary  Briffett   for  their  continued  support.    Footbridge  over  railway        Network  Rail  will  be  replacing  the  footbridge  that  connects  the  Devil's  Backbone  to  Hinksey   Lake   and   Lake   Street.   Their   plan   is   to   replace   the   existing   bridge   with   a  similar,   but   higher,   one.   The   Parish   Council   and   Peter   Rawcliffe   are   working   with  Network  Rail,  the  County  Council  and  other  local  authorities  to  see  if  we  can  achieve  a  new  bridge  with  ramp  access,  to  allow  it  to  be  used  by  people  with  small  children  and  pushchairs,  people  with  wheelchairs  and  poor  mobility,  and  cyclists.  The  work  is  scheduled   to   take   place   between   January   and  March   2013.   This  will  mean   a   time  when  access  to  the  city  via  the  path  is  unavailable.  The  Parish  Council  will  keep  the  parish  updated  on  progress  –  please  see  later  article  for  more  information.  

   Old  Pub  Car  Park    The   Parish   Council   would   like   to   thank   all   those   parishioners   who've   helped   to  maintain   the   Old   Pub   Car   Park   on   Manor   Road.   Unfortunately,   due   to   the   poor  weather  this  summer  there  hasn't  been  much  opportunity  to  use  it,  but  parishioners  are   encouraged   to   use   the   site.   More   information   can   be   found   on   the   parish  website:  www.southhinksey.org  or  from  the  Parish  Clerk  (details  below).      Hinksey  Hill  traffic  issues    The  Council,  and  particularly  Cllr  Liz  LeFevre,  continues  to  campaign  for  safer  roads  along   Hinksey   Hill.   The   anti-­‐skid   surface   at   the   top   of   Hinksey   Hill   is   due   to   be  replaced   in   the   next   financial   year;   the   County   Council   will   be   cutting   back  vegetation  to  provide  a  clear  footway  along  Hinksey  Hill.  They  will  also  be  installing  a  speed   indicator   device   that  will   rotate   around  different   sites   in   the   area.  A   recent  police   report   highlighted   that   the   majority   of   traffic   still   exceeds   the   speed   limit  along   Hinksey   Hill.   The   Parish   Council   is   also   campaigning   for   temporary   speed  cameras.        Website    David  Rawcliffe  recently  redesigned  the  Parish  website  and  the  Parish  Council  would  like  to  thank  him  for  his  hard  work.  Information  about  the  community  and  the  Parish  Council  can  be  found  on  the  site:  www.southhinksey.org.        Finance    The  Council   received   very  positive   reports   from   the  auditors   recently   for   2011/12.  The  Council's  finances  remain  in  a  strong  position  -­‐  the  burial  ground  maintenance  is  now   almost   entirely   funded   through   burial   fees.   Expenditure   is   in   budget   for   this  current  year.  All  the  Council's  financial  information  is  available  to  the  public,  and  you  can  contact  Sheridan  Edward  for  any  details.        Parish  Councillor  Vacancies      Sandra   Bingham   has   resigned   from   the   Council   because   of   increased   work  commitments.  We  would  like  to  thank  her  for  her  contribution.  There  are  now  two  vacancies  on  the  council.  Ideally,  there  should  be  five  members.  Since  Sandra  resigned  there  are  only  three.  Whilst  this  is  legally  enough  to  continue  the  Council  it  is  too  few  in  practice.  If   we   loose   one  more   Councillor,   the   Council   would   cease   to   function,   and   South  Hinksey  would  probably  be  taken  over  by  Kennington.  Please  volunteer,  or  risk  losing  the  Parish  Council  for  good.    

If  you  would   like  any  more   information  about  any  of   the  above,  or    you  would   like  the   Parish   Council   to   tackle   any   other   issues,   please   contact   the   Parish   Clerk,  Sheridan  Edward,  on  07720  052572  or  parishcouncil@southhinksey.org.        

Annual  Cricket  Match  vs  North  Hinksey   It  was  time  for  the  second  annual  cricket  Battle  of  the  Hinkseys.  Those  who  love  cricket,  enjoyed  either  playing  or  watching,  and  those  who  know  little  about  the  game,  enjoyed  relaxing  in  good  company  and  good  weather.      This  year  it  was  our  turn  to  triumph,  though  only  by  a  small  margin.  Those  who  understand  these  things  tell  me  that  our  team  owed  a  great  deal  to  the  captaincy  of  James  Mallinson.  We  would  like  to  thank  Peter  Rawcliffe  for  organising  the  event  and  Maggie  for  organising  the  teas.  Grateful  thanks  are  also  due  to  Rickety  Bridge  Wines  for  so  generously  donating  the  prizes,  and  to  our  MP  Nicola  Blackwood  for  presenting  them.  

 Date  for  your  diary:  The  2013  cricket  match  will  be  at  2pm  on  Sunday,  September  1st.  

   

Wildflowers    The  wildflower  meadow  has  not  been  spectacular  this  year.    This  was  partly  because  of  the  relentless  rain  over  the  summer  and  partly  because  the  grass  was  not  cut  at  the  best  time.  There  were,  however,  some  flowers  there  if  you  knew  where  to  look  for  them.  The  cowslips  are  now  well  established;  red  campion  flowered  early  at  the  far  end  of  the  meadow  by  the  trees;  the  dropwort,  closer  to  the  path,  was  really  striking  later  in  the  year.    We  don't  think  any  plants  have  been  totally  lost,  and  hope  to  see  more  of  them  all  next  spring  and  summer.        

Kennington  Health  Centre    We  are  pleased  to  announce  that  Dr  Katharina  Winkel  and  Dr  Emma  Warren  will  both  be  staying  with  our  practice.    We  hope  that  this  will  enable  the  practice  to  continue  to  provide  a  full  number  of  sessions  each  week  and  that  you  will  get  to  know  these  GPs  and  welcome  them  as  part  of  our  team.   Flu  Clinics  will  run  in  early  October.    If  you  are  over  65  or  have  been  recommended  

for  the  flu  jab  please  contact  the  reception  to  book  your  appointment.   We  are  still  finding  that  40-­‐50  patients  per  week  do  not  turn  up  for  their  appointments.      We  do  understand  that  things  may  change  after  you  have  made  an  appointment.    Please  call  to  cancel  so  that  we  may  offer  these  appointments  to  other  patients.   We  are  often  asked  why  do  GPs  run  late?    There  are  a  number  of  reasons  including  dealing  with  an  emergency  or  a  particularly  complex  consultation  through  to  patients  who  bring  a  "list"  of  matters  to  discuss.    At  the  end  of  such  consultations  the  GP  still  needs  to  write  up  notes.    It  is  not  in  the  best  interest  of  patients  to  "time  watch".    Please  be  patient  while  waiting  and  remember  the  GPs  have  patients’  interests  at  heart  when  they  run  late  -­‐  one  day  it  may  be  you!   We  are  having  a  new  roof  fitted  -­‐  work  will  be  ongoing  until  early  October.    There  may  be  some  noises  from  the  roof  while  you  are  in  the  practice  but  please  be  assured  that  confidentiality  will  be  maintained  while  your  consultation  takes  place.   Dave  Dixon, Practice  Manager  -­‐  Kennington  Health  Centre,  01865  730911    

Saint  Laurence  Church    Numbers  at  the  weekly  services  of  St  Lawrence  Church  have  been  going  down  for  a  number  of  years,  and  particularly  in  the  past  two.  This  is  obviously  a  real  problem  for  a  community  who  gather  regularly  to  worship  almighty  God.    The  Parochial  Church  Council  has  been  discussing  this  over  a  number  of  months  and  has  decided  to  convene  a  meeting  on  Sunday  21st  October  2012  to  discuss  a  way  forward.    Regular  members  of  the  congregation,  those  living  in  the  village  or  on  Hinksey  Hill  as  well  as  the  congregation  from  St  John’s  are  all  invited  to  come.  

4  pm  Tea  and  cake  followed  by  discussion  

5pm  Evensong.    As  the  evenings  draw  in  I  commend  this  familiar  prayer  to  you:  

Lighten  our  darkness  we  beseech  thee,  O  Lord;  and  by  thy  great  mercy  defend  us  from  all  perils  and  dangers  of  this  night;  for  the  love  of  thy  only  son,  our  saviour  Jesus  Christ,  Amen.  

 Please  join  us  on  the  21st.  Fr  James  Wilkinson  Parish  Priest    

The  Proposed  New  Railway  Bridge      

If  you  have  been  following  the  recent  flurry  of  messages  on  Shinfo  you  will  know  that  Network  Rail  are  planning  to  replace  the  footbridge  linking  South  Hinksey  to  Oxford.    The  old  bridge  presented  a  formidable  obstacle  to  cyclists,  buggy-­‐pushers  and  the  less  mobile;  the  new  one  will  be  even  higher.        For  some  time  local  residents  had  been  campaigning  for  ramps  to  ease  access  and  the  campaign  is  gathering  speed.    On  October  13th,  County  Councillor  Arash  Fatemian  was  “ambushed”  at  his  regular  surgery  in  the  Village  Hall  by  a  group  of  villagers  of  all  ages  bringing  bikes  and  buggies  to  make  their  point.    (We  know  that  the  bridge  is  also  important  to  many  of  the  residents  of  the  Hill  who  use  it  as  a  regular  route  into  town,  but  inspiration  for  the  gathering  only  struck  a  couple  of  hours  in  advance!)    Arash  agreed  to  help  by  arranging  a  public  meeting,  and  was  also  able  to  suggest  a  few  more  lines  of  approach  and  provide  names  of  contacts  within  the  Council.    We  are  very  grateful  to  him  for  his  help.    We  are  also  grateful  to  local  representatives  who  signed  the  official  letter  to  the  Minister  for  Transport,  and  to  all  those  who  have  written  individually.    We  will  keep  everyone  posted  via  Shinfo.    

 Upcoming  events  in  South  Hinksey    

   Friday  26th  October  –  Halloween  Party,  5:30  –  8pm,  South  Hinksey  Village  Hall  

 We   have   decided   once   again   to   share   our  Halloween  extravaganza  with   the   children   and   parents   of   Stepping  Stones   Pre-­‐school   in   North   Hinksey.   As   Mock-­‐pubbers   and  villagers   alike,   you   are   most   welcome   to   attend   –   this   is  traditionally  one  of  the  year’s  very  best  events.  There   is   a   small   charge   for   attending,   £2.50   per   child   or   £5  per  family,  which  can  be  paid  on  the  night.  Any  funds  raised  will   be   donated   to   Stepping   Stones   Pre-­‐school.   RSVP  would  be   helpful   in   order   to   get   an   indication   of   numbers:  

aporter@rm.com  or  07876137955  or  32  Manor  Road,  OX1  5AS.      Fancy  dress  for  children  (and  parents  if  feeling  adventurous!)     •   There  will  be  dancing,  party  games  &  a  prize  for  the  best  fancy  dress.     •   Bring  along  a  carved  pumpkin  to  enter  into  our  competition.     •   Nibbles  will  be  available  and  a  donations  bar  will  be  providing  alcohol  

and  soft  drinks.  

     Anyone   that   can   devote   a   small   amount   of   time   to   the   creation   of   a   game,  decorating  of  the  hall,  or  organising  the  food,  would  be  much  appreciated.        Friday  14th  December  -­‐  The  South  Hinksey  Christmas  Party,  from  6:00  pm,  South  Hinksey  Village  Hall        Open  to  all,  and  starting  with  a  visit  from  Santa  himself,  the  music  will  be  supplied  by  our  very  own  locally  grown  talent,  the  ‘Little-­‐Donkey’  House  Band,  who  will  provide  the  perfect  accompaniment  to  a  round  of  carol  singing.  As  the  evening  progresses  and  the  younger  villagers  head  to  bed,  a  top  ranked  DJ  (ahem!)  will  be  spinning  some  flat-­‐ones  allowing  those  who  wish  to  strut  their  funky  stuff.  To  help  soothe  tired  vocal  chords  and  distract  from  aching  limbs  there  will  be  a  donations  bar  with  mulled  wine,  beer,  wine,  soft  drinks.      

Approximate  schedule:  ·∙                  Doors  open  6:00pm  ·∙                  Santa  arrives  6:45pm  ·∙                  Carols  7:15pm  ·∙                  Everything  else  is  when  we  feel  like  it!      To  assess  anticipated  numbers  please  contact  Adrian:  aporter@rm.com,  07876137955,  32  Manor  Road      

Please  bring  your  child  a  labeled  present  for  Santa  to  hand  out.  If  you  are  able  to  bring  a  snack,  please  could  those  on  Manor  Road  bring  something  sweet,  and  everyone  else  please  bring  something  savory.  Volunteers  needed  to  help  decorate  the  hall  on  Thursday  13th  December  (probably)  and  to  help  organize  the  event  both  in  advance  and  on  the  night.      This  is  your  village,  so  spread  the  word  and  once  again  let’s  make  this  year  a  Christmas  to  remember!  

     

Other  local  events    Barack’s  Lane  Community  Garden.   Saturday  20th  October:  Stick  Day       12pm-­‐4pm.  Dozens  of  things  you  can  do  and  make  with  a  simple  pile  of  sticks.        

Saturday  3rd  November  -­‐  Bonfire  night                12pm  –  early  evening.  The  garden’s  annual  bonfire  celebration  with  soup,  lantern-­‐making  &  storytelling.      Saturday  8th  December:  Greenery        12pm-­‐4pm  -­‐  Decorations  for  Christmas  and  other  wintertime  festivals   Regular  events    Kangaroo  Playgroup  –  Wednesdays  weekly  10:30am–1pm.  For  mums,  dads,  other  carers  and  children  who  are  interested  in  or  practising  natural  parenting.  For  further  information  contact  Dai  Griffiths  at  dmgriffiths@brookes.ac.uk.    Nappy  free  baby  group  –  last  Wed  each  month  11am-­‐noon.  Information  available  online  at  www.oxfordnappyfreebaby.co.uk  or  contact  Amber  Hatch  at  amberkhatch@yahoo.co.uk.      

 South  Oxford  Farmers  and  Community  Market  and  Café    Every  Sunday,  9.30  –  12  noon.  South  Oxford  Community  Centre,  Lake  St.  Fruit  and  veg.,  bread,  meat,  eggs,  cakes  and  much  more.  Come  and  support  a  new  community  project.  To  help  or  book  a  stall,  contact:  southoxfordfarmersmarket@gmail.com  

   

News  and  ideas  please!  If  you  have  contribution  for  The  Echo,  or  would  like  to  join  our  team  (especially  if  you  are  from  the  Hill),  we  would  love  to  hear  from  you.      Just  contact  the  editor:  echoeditor@southhinksey.org